Beyond the beginning of the journey

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel sent a quick message to Lynn. “We've been given a mission. Meet me in the hangar, at my ship. Pack for a long journey.”

Sorel and Lynn had spent the last two months at the Temple. The Jedi Master had declined a few missions as either not productive enough or too dangerous. A first mission should be memorable – but not life-threatening. Instead she had worked with Lynn on ensuring the basics were well honed, ahead of some more significant development, which Sorel knew her apprentice was now ready for.

Being a Jedi was constant work. A life of dedication, energy, and patience. And Jedi never stopped learning. But after endless training exercises, Sorel knew that even the most enthusiastic learner needed a break. A change of pace.

Earlier that morning, Sorel had been awoken by an urgent request. Hurrying to the briefing room, she’d been given a summary of the situation.

Two planets in the same system – outside of Silver Order space – were on the brink of war. One accused the other of sabotage, which was odd, as the two planets had never been engaged in war of any kind. But tensions had been brewing and if the dispute grew to more than just words and posturing, it could trigger a chain reaction, disrupting the whole cluster.

A delicate situation for sure. Diplomats had been expelled. Both sides claim to be holding spies. And it was not the sort of mission that Sorel would typically be asked to intervene in. Her skills in diplomacy were not her strongest suit. But as she walked to the hangar – and to her ship – she pondered the assignment. She suspected she was chosen not to broker a peace, but to find out the true nature of the dispute. And detective work was more her forte.

Finally Sorel reached the hangar and headed over to her ship. It was an old VCX-100 light freighter – but it was heavily modified. Externally it looked its age. Internally it was as new as any ship in the fleet. For Sorel, landing in a ship that looked less than impressive was an advantage. It did not draw unwanted attention.

Originally made by the Corellian Engineering Corporation, it sported a nose turret gunner station underneath the cockpit section, with a dedicated gunner seat, and a 360-degree dorsal laser cannon turret mid-ships. The ship had a crew section at the front half, with two of the four main cargo holds making up the forward corners of the ship.

It was equipped with both port and starboard docking rings and if there was no nose gunner available, the pilot could operate the nose turret from the cockpit. Additionally, the dorsal turret could be operated from the cockpit by an astromech droid. Behind the cockpit was the crew's quarters, consisting of four private rooms.

It had engines which were baffled, energy dampeners, and static jammers to make it hard to detect. These features and over a hundred upgrades to the its stealth systems allowed it to mimic solar fluctuations or cosmic radiation on many sensors.

And it was also home to two droids. Kaytoo was Sorel’s astromech droid, and old K-2 model that she relied upon to get her out of many sticky situations. And K, an old KH assassin droid she found posing as a protocol droid with a restraining bolt to inhibit its natural tendencies. She removed that restraint, which was necessary to ensure it helped her escape a horde of zombies and they’ve formed an oddly symbiotic relationship ever since.

[member="Lynn Corerunner"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

It was early, Lynn didn't like early. As her droid, R9D2 went off telling her there was a message for her she grabbed a shoe and threw it at her drid for waking her. She was then embraced by a cold sensation that became more and more cold to the point of unbearable. She flipped out of bed as she realized Arnine was blasting her with a fire extincteur. "KARK! I AM UP!" She lay on the ground, a headache beginning to set in from her rude awakening. She sat up grasping her head, "Now what are we going to do if there is a fire? You just wasted all of it being a jerk." Arnine beeped back at her, "Easy for you to say, you don't even sleep." A few more beeps, "That doesn't count as sleep. Ugh, what is so important." Arnine casted a hologram on the floor of her Master, “We've been given a mission. Meet me in the hangar, at my ship. Pack for a long journey.” Lynn jumped up, suddenly feeling better awake, "Arnine, why didn't you say we had a mission sooner?!" Arnine beeped a responses that roughly translated to, "Nerfherder."

Lynn went to the rest room and hopped in the shower quickly followed by brushing her teeth and putting on her combat armor. She then strapped on her gun holsters and her two void blasters and then her robe over that. She packed more clothing and essentials. She began to leave, "Oh! She said turning and using the Force to bring her two lightsabers and putting them to her hips. Her mothers was on her right and Badmother was on her left. She made her way through the temple with her things and Arnine behind her. Once arriving at the hanger she immediately knew which ship belonged to Master Crieff, the old looking one. She boarded the ship and was pleasantly surprised by the modifications.

She packed her stuff in a closet and hung up her robe by the door before closing it behind her and reporting to the cockpit. The early morning was washing over her again and she flopped in the cockpit. She was still new around her Master, but they had spent so much time around each other so far she felt comfortable around her now and felt like she could be herself. Not that she wasn't herself before, she just felt less nervous and insecure. She sighed as her body hit the chair, "I just don't understand why people insist on doing things early. It isn't like the planet revolves at the same time we do, we could easily leave at night and still end up there in the morning." She was just tired and needed to say it, after a few moments passed, "So, what is the mission Master?"


[member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel had spent half the night reviewing information about the planets and their history, and was frankly no closer than identifying a motive or a suspect. Her datapad held information about the planets’ corporate histories, and while their success as a peaceful corner of the galaxy was admirable, it had been dry research. Sorel had not been able to get any sense of what the locals were like as individuals.

She looked up as Lynn entered the cockpit and gave an awkward half-bow from her seated position. “Good morning,” she said – her voice a little weary from the limited amount of sleep she’d had. Although a rest might have been a sensible plan, Sorel was impatient to leave. She enjoyed action and the sooner they arrived, the quicker they could sense what was going on.

“It’s routine, which is often the time to worry. My concern is that there is no obvious first lead. The situation is this – two planets, typically peaceful allies and now they are in some sort of cold war. Each side is blaming the other of espionage. There appears to be evidence that something is going on – but who and why? That’s where we come in.”

At that point, a K2-unit bleeped and entered the cockpit. “No, we don’t need any help right now.” The K2 unit bleeped mournfully. “But once we get underway you can take over.” The K2 unit seemed to perk up and gave a jubilant whistle. Sorel looked at Lynn and gave her that knowing wink. “Do you have any droids?”

[member="Lynn Corerunner"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

Lynn began prepping the ship for taking off and sent the message to get a clear for take off. While she waited she listened to her Master speak about the mission before she added to it. "Could there be a third party manipulating the events? Maybe someone who benefits to a war between the two planets." She gave it some thought, before she leaned over and turned behind her, "Arnine, you can come in here." Behind the K2 unit came an R9 unit that followed Lynn around most of the time. Up until now, they had only been training which was not fitting for a droid to come to so this would be their first time meeting. Arnine looked at the K2 unit and beeped a sarcastic response, "Arnine, be nice."


[member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel listened and was pleased that Lynn was thinking. Too often a Jedi thought the answer to every question was the Force. In truth, a Jedi had the same five senses as everyone else and also a brain. These were frequently under-used in Sorel’s experience.

“Yes, a third-party is quite possible. An avenue of investigation might well be to ask, who benefits from a civil war? Another planet? An arms manufacturer? An extremist within the government or someone who wishes to access government? There are many possibilities and you are right to consider them. The challenge is how wide to cast your net – given it impacts on the time taken to arrive at a potential solution.”

Sorel smiled as the R9 unit entered the cockpit. “Welcome aboard,” she said. “I need to introduce you to Kay sometime. He’s...unique…” She paused, as if thinking of something else to say to add to the conversation. Clearly at a loss for words, she simply repeated. “Yes…unique.”

[member="Lynn Corerunner"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

Lynn listened to her Master, but also reached into her bag and pulled out her old datapad. Powering it on she began searching about the two planets seeking if there were any known connections or dealing that could help them. She perked up, "I'd love to meet Kay sometime." Smiling, she went back to her research, but was not finding a single thing to help in this. She powered down the datapad, and they were given the code to leave the hanger. Excitement began to fill Lynn as they were beginning to leave on her first real mission, "Master, I'll just follow your lead and let you know if I observe something out of place." She thought this the best course of action. She may have been wise beyond her years, but her wisdom told her that if they got into a problem, Lynn was not skilled enough to handle it alone. Her Master was who she should aim to mimic and learn from so following closely in her foot steps was the best course of action.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel nodded her agreement with Lynn’s appraisal of the mission and supressed a smile at the thought that anyone would like to meet Kay. But who knew, Sorel managed him just fine – but then he respected her as some sort of Master, indebted because she delivered him from a life as a protocol droid.

Regardless, she took the ship out of the atmosphere and once the bright dots that represented stars had morphed into streaks of light before they entered hyperspace, she relaxed once more.

“I have something to show you,” she offered and headed back to the main meeting room on the ship. It wasn’t precisely spacious but it had a few small tables and seats.

Sorel took one of the seats and indicated that Lynn should follow suit. Then Sorel took a small draw-string pouch from a compartment on her belt. Inside it were a few small pieces of jewellery. They radiated the dark side of the Force, albeit they were very low level.

Sorel placed one on the table and returned the rest to her black velvet bag.

Then the Jedi closed her eyes before reopening them and Lynn would be able to tell she was deeply connected to the Force. Then Sorel moved her left hand closer to the ring and held it a few centimetres from it.

Next, her hand glowed and then white light coalesced around her fingers – with a condensed intensity of the Force. Sorel’s eyes were on the ring and soon wisps of the white light drifted from her fingers and closed the gap to the jewellery at the centre of the desk.

Once the white light touched it, the ring jumped as if stung and abruptly the white light vanished. Sorel withdrew her hand and contemplated the ring. Now it no longer radiated any dark-sided aura.

“Force Light,” Sorel said, smiling softly. “A most useful ability and this is one way it can be used. Do you have any questions before you begin to learn the technique?”

[member="Lynn Corerunner"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

Lynn nodded when her Master chestered for her to follow and she silently followed. As she walked, Arnine followed Lynn into the next area. Lynn took the seat she was offered, but as she felt the presence of the Dark Side, her heart jumped. What was she about to be shown? She watched in curiosity as she watched her Master handle a dark side amulet. She could feel the air change and the light side begin building up and over powering the feeling of the Dark Side. Her eyes began to squint as the Light came out of her Master's hands wanting to look away, but her interest kept her focus.

Once done her ears buzzed with the mention of Force Light. She knew exactly what it was, but all her research said this was one of the hardest things to learn. Once finished, Lynn took the amulet looking at it in amazement. How was the presence she felt from it now completely gone? This power was more than she could imagine, but, "Master, I can barely do more than telekinesis. This is more advanced then I am, how am I supposed to do this?" She handed the amulet back to Master. She felt weird, both excited and nervous about this.


[member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Sorel Crieff]

“Do or do not.” It was a common Jedi mantra and one that Sorel often used. “A lack of trust in your own abilities is also a lack of trust in the Force. And it therefore always leads to failure.”

“Force Light – like most abilities – is a spectrum technique. What a Padawan can do and what a Master can do are not always the same. I can use it with precision. I can choose to damage, destroy or just drive out the dark. Maybe you will initially only be able to damage. To hurt a Sith with it, or push some of the darkness our of an imbued artefact. But it is a start and with time and practice you can and will develop your power and control.”

Sorel fished in the bag and drew out another amulet. It was similarly tainted to the last one. “Small steps mean progress. First you must meditate deeply. Then focus on the Force, allow it to enter your body. Then focus on directing it to one spot – typically your hand.”

Sorel plopped the amulet on the table between them and sat back.

[member="Lynn Corerunner"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

Lynn blushed at her Master's response, a bit embarrassed in her doubt of herself. "I will do my best Master." She took the amulet given to her and winced. She did not like the Dark Side presence. She didn't want to be near this, but her Master and her were Shadows now, she needed to get use to it. Her eyes peered at the amulet, studying it with her icy blue eyes. It was a simple amulet, but it was the unseen that she was studying. Once she felt she understood it she set it back on the table and closed her eyes to meditate on the Force.

She first began to clear her mind of all distractions. For her, this took a while to focus to become completely clear of knowledge. Once she was calm and centered she began to bring one thought to her mind, the Force. She spent over an hour in meditation, focusing her mind on the light side of the Force and what it meant and what she believed it to be. She then opened her eyes looking at her hands as she could swear they were glowing. She placed both hands over the amulet and focused pushing the light out and into the amulet. At first she felt she was succeeding, she could feel the dark side diminishing and the Light consuming it. Then there was a bright flash and bang and Lynn felt herself thrown back and out of her seat and into some luggage.

Lynn lay on the knocked over luggage and was in a bit of pain, but out of her mouth came a laugh. Her laugh started small, but it kept growing the more she found it funny that she had literally just blown herself out of her seat. She smiled at her Master, "Was that it?" She knew it wasn't, but hoped her Master found it just as funny.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel remained patient. It could take some Padawans years to learn to meditate deeply. In truth, Sorel’s own Padawans tended to get their faster – because for her it was a staple of the Jedi’s toolbox. So many abilities relied upon it for it not to be – at least in her experience.

So the hour that passed was inconsequential. All abilities increased in power and time to access over time, it was a given. What was important early on was success. And Lynn, despite her slight embarrassment, had just been successful.

Sorel’s Jedi sense was tickling whilst her Padawan was drawing on the Force. She was pooling a lot of the Force and whereas it was not dangerous per se, it was a sufficient build-up for Sorel to be wary.

Soon her Padawan’s hands were glowing as the Force had been pooled into them and when she touched the amulet Sorel felt the tension between the two. The volume of power in Lynn’s hands was more than enough, but…and the best analogy Sorel could think of was…it was as if she was trying to pick up a pebble with both hands, and those hands were covered with soap. The task was simple, but the unfamiliarity of the situation was a challenge.

The bang was, to continue the analogy, like the pebble being shot out of her hands at a massive rate. And given science likes equal and opposite reactions, it was Lynn that did the proverbial flying whilst the amulet only metaphorically bounced – its dark side energy almost pushed out but at the last moment it snapped back into the amulet.

Sorel beamed and stood up, offering a hand to help Lynn to her feet. Once she was sure she was OK, she got her to sit and within a minute, Kaytoo had appeared with two hot drinks and some chocolate.

“Sugar is rarely good for you, but after a shock? It’s invaluable,” said Sorel as she snapped a piece off for herself.

Once she’d savoured the flavour, she continued. “Yes, that was it. You were 99% of the way there. If it was a sudden lack of faith, or you tried to take control and ended up wrestling with the light side I don’t know. But a greater level of trust and allowing the light side to do its thing – well that’s usually enough.”

“We can go again or you can pass. Both work.”

[member="Lynn Corerunner"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

Lynn took her Master's hand gratefully, but had a bit of trouble standing as the luggage kept shifting, but she managed to get to a seat. She happily accepted the chocolate and began nibbling on it, feeling it helping her. She listened to her Master's words, unsure that the lack of faith was there, but it was always hardest to see your own flaws. She nodded her response to continue.

After she finished her chocolate she returned to the amulet. Studying it once again she thought of a solution. She had been imagining it as a light that reveals the shadows, but thought of a different method. Closing her eyes again, she began to focus her mind and on the light side. This time she imagined a current flowing into her from the spring that is the Force. This, increasing her understanding of the Force, she opened her eyes after 30 minutes this time and focused on the amulet. Raising her hands over the Amulet she merely let the current flow out of her like a river. The light pierced the amulet and slowly began washing it away piece by piece like the a river smoothing out a new path. Once she felt successful she stopped and felt a headache coming on. She had been successful, but it was a bit much on her to do twice. "Master, is it ok if I go lay down a bit, I am feeling a bit light headed." She took a second piece of chocolate in hopes it would help her too.


[member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel knew that Force Light was quiet an advanced technique – but she also thought that Lynn was suitably advanced to pick up the technique – especially given her desire to become a Shadow. Dealing with Sith and dark sided artefacts was something a typically Jedi did only occasionally, despite any public misconception. Refugee missions, diplomatic assignments, dealing with criminals and training took up the typical week.

But a Shadow could spend days, weeks and even months close to dark siders and sithspawn as well as dealing with artefacts of dubious heritage. An ability like Force Light would be seen as a basic requirement, not a nice to have.

But like any tough new ability, it would take its toll on her Padawan initially. Which was, in Sorel’s opinion, even more reason to begin now. This early in her development she had time and space to pick up one of these abilities.

So she watched as Lynn repeated her efforts and this time, she was both quicker and completely effective. But Sorel could also see the toll it had taken.

She nodded when Lynn mentioned lying down and at the same time fished a bangle out of her pocket. “This is a meditation bracelet.” It was not particularly ornate – but then this was Sorel. “It will help with general meditation and in connecting with the Force. It will aid in your recovery when you have exhausted yourself mentally, physically or with accessing the Force.”

“I’ll see you when you’re rested.”

[member="Lynn Corerunner"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

Lynn nibbled her chocolate until she was finished. Her eyes widened as a gift was presented to her. It was indeed simple, but she didn't mind. She placed it on her arm and almost instantly she felt like she was being wrapped in a warm, refreshing blanket. She still needed to lie down, but this helped. "Thank you Master, I believe I agree with you on the importance of meditation. If one is not always seeking closeness, then how can one grow? I'd like to talk more later, thank you for the rest." She stood and bowed a little then left the area to the bunks. Arnine was left with Sorel, he looked around like he was unsure what to do then looked at Sorel and made a long sound that was droid for, "Soooooooo." An expression used to proceed or even replace, 'what now?'

Lynn laid on the bunk and could feel the headache hitting her hard. It was long after her head hit the pillow that she was out. It was months since the hospital and her last real experience with Flow Walking so it was time she do it again, according to the Force. She was taken this time even further back, the Old Republic.

She found herself in a very green forest. It seemed peaceful and serene, but then she heard a clicking sound and turned to see some soldiers in white and red armor. She saw them checking their weapons and preparing for combat, but there was no one around. She was about to become confused when she felt a rumble in the ground that continued to build. She walked to the edge of the cliff they were hiding on and saw destruction on the horizon. Coming from the destruction was an army led by a giant of a man. She ignited her lightsaber and saw the men charge in so she joined them. She went for the closest sith and with a quick flash of her blade she slashed it through him. Though like the time before she was not able to change anything. Her blade passed through like a phantom. She sighed and merely turned off her blade and returned it to her sleeve.

She watched as the soldiers and the sith fought as she walked among them, but unable to do anything. She watched as the soldiers were quickly defeated and lined up for execution. Tears began to run down her face as she watched helplessly. It wasn't until she felt a great presences in the Light that hoped returned. From a ship came a Jedi, the jedi's name was immediately in Lynn's head, "Satele Shan." She had never heard this name before, but looking at her she saw...resemblance. She wondered why they looked so similar. The rest of this story is known.

Lynn awoken from her vision in a cold sweat, unsure how long had passed. She made her way to find her Master and unlike the last time, she remembered her dream. She sat near her Master, "Master Chieff, I remembered it this time." She began telling the story of her flow walking in great detail. Once finished she asked a question, "Who is Satele Shan?"



[member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel smiled as Lynn took the bracelet and she knew from personal experience, how useful the simple bracelet was.

Once Lynn left, Sorel looked at her droid, who seemed momentarily at a loss for something to do. “What now?” she echoed, to ensure she’d understood the question. “Explore. Take a look around the ship. If you see anything that looks like it could be improved, let me or Lynn know. And this is Kaytoo’s home, sort of. So if he gets a little protective, don’t take it personally.”

Sorel took a communicator from her belt and spoke into it. “Kaytoo, our guests have free run of the ship. Be a gracious host and offer them every hospitality and if they have any ideas, please take them on board, OK?”

A soft bleep from the communicator was echoed from one of the corridors off of the seating area, indicating Kaytoo was not so far away. “There, feel free to enjoy yourself.”

Some time later, Sorel was joined in the cockpit by Lynn. She was surprised by her Padawan’s question in one hand but not entirely so. The Force was a mysterious thing after all. Sorel smiled and held up a hand to indicate she would answer the question momentarily.

She returned in a minute or so holding an unassuming Holocron in her hands. "Satele Shan served as the Jedi Order's Grand Master during the Cold War and the renewed conflict with the Sith Empire. She was a descendent of the legendary Jedi Knights Revan and Bastila Shan."

“But I can do better than just describe her history,” and with this she connected with the Holocron and a gatekeeper appeared. A young woman with two ponytails and a saber staff attached to her belt. “This, Lynn, is Master Satele Shan.”

[member="Lynn Corerunner"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

She sat there and listened, curious of the Cold War and unfamiliar with that war. She looked out the cockpit window as the stars streamed by. She turned back as her Master returned with a holocron. As she activated it she saw the same woman from her vision was before her, an exact copy. She leaned forward, "Master Shan, I saw...a vision of a war on Alderaan. I felt like I was actually there, but no one could see me....I have a lot of dreams like this, do you know what they mean?" She wasn't sure the gatekeeper would answer her, but she wanted to try.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Sorel Crieff]

The gatekeeper looked deep in thought. After what must have been a full minute her eyes turned to face Lynn.

“The first question to be answered is the nature of your dreams. Are they merely dreams, created by your subconscious for some reason. Are they a vision from the past? Might they be a vision of a potential future? Or maybe it is the Force telling you that you need to travel to Alderaan to resolve something.”

“Alderaan has historically been a peaceful world. That does not mean the vision does not represent a past battle or a future one. Beyond that, the truth is hard to see. Except, perhaps a call to travel to Alderaan?”

Sorel looked at Lynn and raised an eyebrow. It was Lynn’s vision and therefore it was Lynn’s decision.

[member="Lynn Nantaris"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

She though for a while on the matter. In her memory she had no past in Alderaan, she only knew the planet from her study books. She knew this battle, it was one of a pivotal moment for the Republic that would break into a large, long war.

She was not, however, knowledgeable on who all was there, just that it happened and led to Republic victory. She cleared her throat after a bit, "Master Shan, I do not believe they are dreams or visions. I have had both of those, this feels different. While I can't touch, talk, or do anything, but walk around, it feels real, like I am there. I can feel the wind, the world around me, even the Force presence there. It feels like....I am in the Force itself." She was not sure this was the right description, but it was the best her young mind could come up with to describe it.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

 

[Sorel Crieff]

The gatekeeper paused, clearly deep in thought and reflecting on what Lynn had said. A glance at Sorel would show that she too was thinking the information through.

The gatekeeper answered first. “Then you are most likely to be sharing a memory. This may be through some Force Bond – even if it is an historic event. Perhaps some family link or through a line of Master and Padawan relationships.”

“Or maybe an artefact,” Sorel added. “Something you’ve held or been close to that has forged a link with you and to a Jedi’s memories. It’s not so uncommon. If we can piece together where precisely on Alderaan you were and when, perhaps we can identify whose memories they are. And perhaps that links to somewhere you’ve been, or something you’ve touched.”

[member="Lynn Nantaris"]

 

[Lynn Nantaris]

Lynn though on these words, but she was sure none of this was the case. If it were there would be a connection. So far she had had her visions of Mace Windu, Steele Shan, and a few other random jedi and sith. Before she could chime in the alert they were leaving hyperspace came.

As the exited hyperspace, Lynn could see the two planets and saw nothing out of place. They seemed like two, normal planets, but on the surface war was brewing and they were here to prevent a clashing of powers.

[member="Sorel Crieff"]