Faction Do as I say not as I do.... Who let Damian teach? Paddie 101. (SJC)

[Damian Starchaser]

There wasn’t a lot of opportunity for Damian to do his normal chicanery in recent days. Things had heated up in the galaxy and there wasn’t much use for Damian's troublemaking on the front lines. Lines, plural. That was never a good sign, but was all too common in the current galaxy. Still there was an urge that Damian should be doing something in this moment, anything.

That is to say anything but what he was doing. Currently lounging at the base of a heavily wooded mountain sipping at a chemically non offensive drink under a parasol atop of a skiff while waiting for his padawan charges. Uncle Coren had a way of talking him into things, mostly by simply asking, and he found himself once more ready to teach a class.

To his left a grill was smoking atop a skiff the sweet smell of barbeque wafting its savory scent out into the wilderness. On the ground was a tarp with rucksacks laid each with a chronometer next to them along with a scale and a pile of rocks. It wasn’t the most high tech solution to the problem but it was effective.

The sun wasn’t high yet, but the heat was already causing sweat to form on Damian’s skin making his shirt stick to his body uncomfortably. The forecast was for heat, a lot of it, which served Damians purposes well enough, an oppressive heat wave was exactly what he wanted, he needed the group of padawans to be tired and at their limits when his training started.

Looking up the mountain Damian sighed. He had climbed it himself the other day and managed good time but was practically gleeful that he’d be taking the barbeque up on a skiff instead of running up to the plateau’d peak himself. The air was thinner up there and it was hard to breath, more stress for the padawans, but then again the point was to push them beyond their natural limits into the preternatural state that Jedi could enter.

All that was left was for the class to arrive. That was… if anyone actually showed. Damian had his doubts. By his own estimation he really was a poor teacher.

 

[Ura Iolar]

Ura walked up he mountain, singing a little Lervon tune her dad had taught her when she was young. Of course to anyone else it probable sounded like whispery growling or something like that, but to her it was singing. Though it was hiding the fact that she was tired by the time she reached the top. Yes, a Lervon being tired when they didn't even have muscles probably sounded off, but she was. It was more how much her body had moved climbing it. Like when someone got exhausted after moving something with the Force. What was the point of having the class all the way up here anyway?

Ura looked around at anyone else nearby as she got before seeing there.... Wait.... Was this a class or a barbeque? A quizzical look could be seen in her eyes as she walked up. "Um.... Am I in the right place?" While her voice was emotionless, the Force the Lervon gave off carried the nervousness she had.

Damian Starchaser

 

[Darcy Delan]

Darcy tugged at her top, fanning herself in the heat. Who's bright idea was having a class outside in the middle of a heatwave? A class that was outside, off deep in the forests, at the base of some forsaken mountain? Darcy had a hard time deciding what was more oppressive, the sun or the endless tangle of trees, standing taller than tall above her.

Think cool thoughts. Icy drinks. Cold showers. Snowfall and gentle breezes.

That might've been enough if the sun wasn't beating down on the back of her neck, turning it redder and redder. With every step, her muscles felt that little bit more tired and her backpack felt just a little heavier. All the things in there rustling around, poking and nudging at here back in entirely new, interesting and annoying ways.

Finally, she smelt something on the air. Was that... food? Food! Darcy picked up the pace and pushed through some more of the trees and bushes and wildlife, her shoes trampling in the muck and dirt. She grunted as she tripped over a root, stumbling into the clearing. The clearing where she could see an older guy drinking something that looked delicious, and one of the padawans she recognised from the Silver Rest.

She stood up a bit more and brushed herself off. Her hair was sticking to her face, pale skin gleaming with sweat. Her top clung to her as she tugged at it, darkened around the neckline and chest from the heat. Her eyes flicked from his drink to the grill.

"Hey," she said neutrally, looking at both of the others. "Are uh... you gonna eat that?" she asked, pointing at something delicious-looking on the grill.

Damian Starchaser Ura Iolar

 

[Subject 648 Slipknot]

Ura Iolar Damian Starchaser Darcy Delan

Of course the class would be at the top of a mountain. Why wouldn't it? It wasn't like anything in the Jedi was easy, or even mildly normal. No, it always had to be the top of a mountain or the bottom of a ravine or something else that would burn Slip out. He was really hating their teacher right now, he was probably having a good laugh at their expense.

Slip had made it to the top of the mountain fairly easily, mountains were one of the few places Slip could excel in. He had been created and trained in the genetic labs in the mountains. He had trained in every environment, but his lab being positioned in a mountain range meant that he spent more time in the mountains than anything. Plus, being a supersoldier did help just a tad.

The shadow man sat nearby, on a rock, staring down the mountain. He didn't seem tired, but that was because he didn't exist. Stupid hallucination and not having to do any work.

Slip watched as a familiar pile of sand made its way to the top of the mountain, then asked if this was the right place. He had been asking himself the same question when he arrived, but he assumed it was because of the Jedi Master sitting at the top. "I sure hope it is, Ura. Otherwise I've been sitting up here for the past 15 minutes on the wrong mountain." He told her. He had actually managed to remember her name, thankfully. It wasn't easy to forget a sentient pile of sand with as much nervousness as she gave off. She had almost as much anxiety as Slip had. Keyword there was almost. But she still had a lot of anxiety she was giving off right now, and it was seriously affecting Slip.

"So, uh... Does anyone know when the others are getting here?" Slip asked, shifting nervously.

 

[Caden Evesa]

Damian Starchaser was going to be the death of him.

Caden wasn't sure if that meant he was literally going to kill him, or if the man's stupid ideas would kill him, but either way he was sure that Damian would be responsible for it. The man was just full of stupid ideas, extremely stupid ideas.

Like climbing a mountain, that was stupid.

Yet it seemed to be Damian's trick. Caden thought back to the time the older Starchaser had decided to teach Form II lightsaber combat by having Caden climb a similar mountain before just absolutely unleashing the form on the boy and expecting him to learn as he defended.

It worked, Caden couldn't dispute that. It was just highly unorthodox.

Kashyyyk was becoming a home to Caden again. He'd been back on the planet roughly a week and in that time had gone through combat training with Damian and slept in the forests. He'd returned to The Silver Rest and taken part in some sort of social training and team building and now was learning from Damian again.

He had kind of missed being a Jedi in a way, but the grind that it took out of him wasn't something he had missed. He quite liked how stress free the life of Mandalorian training was. Get up, work out, fight someone, do something else and go back to bed at like noon.

That was the K Kaine Australis approach anyway.

The smell of food cooking was instantly confusing, Damian wasn't normally the type of person to give out free food before putting Padawan's through the meat grinder. Caden knew Damian too well, knew to expect a challenge as he scaled his way up towards the makeshift base camp.

A group of people had beaten him.

Looking at the group that had gathered, he could tell he wasn't exactly late, but he wasn't exactly early either. He used to be an absolute madman about being on time for things, arriving early if possible. He had really relaxed since spending time among the Mandalorians, they tended to do things on their times.

"So, this is the group. I don't think I've met any of you, so this is awkward"

Damian Starchaser | Ura Iolar | Darcy Delan | Subject 648 Slipknot

 

[Mathieu Brion]

Tags: Damian Starchaser | Ura Iolar | Darcy Delan | Subject 648 Slipknot | Caden Evesa

Heavy armour was not needed, right? It was always hard to tell when training was with a new Master, for they all had so different techniques. Mathieu remembered his time with Jedi Master Kei Westbrook rather well and knew that there were several occasions where heavy armour might have come in handy. But with the heat that the day brought, he would rather arrive underprepared, for it was hot.

Wandering through the forest, the Padawan remembered some chatter in the temple corridors. Apparently, a few students weren't to keen at meeting by the base of the mountain. His mind drifted, wondering if some of the students had actually followed through on their ideas of climbing it first or not. Ultimately, it was not very important for him because he was set on going to the base of it. It tended to be the more safer option, for sometimes, plans could change and important information could be given early on.

His thoughts wouldn't be drifting for long, however. Soon, a most wonderful aroma hit him. The large Morellian took a deep breath to get as much of a whiff of it as possible. Food - being someone who used plenty of energy over the day, Mathieu was also one with a great appetite. And from what he could tell, it might be sated once he arrived. Picking up the pace, he entered a small jog. The expression "can't wait" had never been more true.

A smile spread across his lips as he arrived. From another direction, he saw his friend Caden Evesa arrive. Their relations were a bit odd at the moment, for his friend had not quite seemed to be the same since before his disappearance - but it was something he was confident that they would be able to work out with time. "Reinforcements are here." he joked, sending a friendly smirk to the other new arrival. "But for now, the reinforcements will be checking out that grill"

The Morellian's pace slowed to a quick walk as he made it over to Damian Starchaser and Darcy Delan who both seemed to stand by the grill. His gaze hopped between the two humans and more importantly, the grill. Not having arrived early enough to hear the other Padawan's question on if they were going to eat the food, he asked the same thing "Are you gonna eat that?" A slight smile appeared on his lips as he rubbed his belly "Because... you know, I could sure have a little bit of refueling right about now"

 

[Phalsi Drynchen]

Damian Starchaser Caden Evesa Ura Iolar Darcy Delan Subject 648 Slipknot Mathieu Brion

Phalsi slowly climbed up the mountain, wondering just how sane a choice it was to go chasing after a Starchaser class. Especially when you were already stuck with one as your master. She wasn't huffing and puffing yet, but she was not having a good time regardless.

Who put a class on a mountain?

She shook her head. It was better to not ask questions with this breed of being she surmised. You just ended up running yourself in circles trying to find reason. Either that or being astounded with the, somehow brilliant, logic that went into the effort. She slowly crested the hill, spotting the others and smelling the food.

She looked up the next leg of the journey and back to the food while deciding to avoid that obvious trap. She quietly stepped closer to Ula, but kept a distance away after seeing the rocks on the ground next to what looked like assembled packs. Or tools. It was hard telling.

She dabbed at her forehead with a long sleeve, which did little more than show off the scarf, hat, and pants she also wore. Aside from the sunscreen below that, she was doing her best to avoid the dreaded sunburn. She even made sure a good set of gloves were in her back pockets.

 

[Seva Geroux]

"What a load of rubbish," Seva said as she clung to the side of the mountain. Here, she thought she'd signed up for her first Jedi training class, and now she was climbing up a rocky mountain wall. Dressed in a lacy white dress, fit for an afternoon tea, not for activities like climbing a blasted mountain, and a dainty pair of white flats, which were already scuffed, Seva was NOT amused.

She'd picture a classroom, with desks and a professional Jedi Master at the lead, she'd expected a lecture, and perhaps some homework... not this. Never this. Others had done it, she'd seen them-- she'd watched their forms grow distant as they reached the top. Of course, she could have turned to walk away, but she'd been seen here. Just as she disliked the physical activity required, she also loathed the idea of being the only one not to accomplish it. And so, she pressed on.

If her parents knew what she was doing at this moment, they'd be horrified.

Perhaps that thought alone made it a bit more tolerable. As she reached the top, finally, she waved a slender hand up for help. And with or without assistance, she'd eventually heave herself up to where the others were. The noblewoman was loathe to be seen in such... disarray, strands of hair out of place, the fabric of her dress wrinkled, and beads of sweat on her brow, which she attempted to dab at with the edge of her sleeve.

She ignored the scent of cooking, determined to be stubborn -- how could she eat something that'd just been... made outside? Seva hid the fact that she was ravenous behind a placid expression. Without a word to anyone, she had a seat on the ground and fanned herself with an open palm. She wasn't used to such exertion. Now, how was she supposed to learn anything?

Damian Starchaser , Ura Iolar , Darcy Delan, Caden Evesa , Mathieu Brion , Phalsi Drynchen , Subject 648 Slipknot

 

[Damian Starchaser]

The padawans were gathering. That was a partially pleasant thought. They had come for lessons, which was heartening to a man who dreaded no one showing whenever he had a class. It was also terrifying because it meant he had to teach.

Still there was small joys. As the padawans gathered and asked questions about the barbeque grill behind him he just smiled and sipped his drink until there was nothing left in the glass. Standing up he got an ice cube and plopped it into the glass getting a pitcher and pouring himself another drink.

Standing he let out a high shrill whistle to get everyone's attention. “Alright, listen up.” He called out loudly letting his voice project. “There is a bunch of rucksacks with scales next to them. You are going to stand on the scale so it can get your weight. You are then going to pick up a rucksack and begin putting rocks into it. When you think you got a heavy load you stand back on the scale. The scale will tell you if you need to add more weight or less. The weight is based on a percentage of your body mass. You will continue to pack rocks until the lovely scale below you says that you are good.”

Looking up the mountain he smiled as he turned to the droid at the skiff and gave him a signal. The Barbeque started to ascend into the air moving towards the top of the mountain. “At the top of this mountain there is a full catered social gathering, but first we’ve got to get there. The purpose of the first part of this exercise is to take you to your limits. You are meant to be tired, even exhausted, by the time you get to the top. The air is thinner up there as well so it will be harder to breath. There is a chronometer next to the Rucksacks. It contains navigational data and a beacon so I’ll know where you are. There is also a comlink attached to it with my information inside. If you need me for anything on the ascent you can call and I can help. If you feel like you can’t make it, you call me. Safety first.”

Damian had his own rucksack nearby. He grabbed it and picked it up letting its weight settle in on his shoulders. Then he grabbed another one, and another. The weight was oppressive, but with the power afforded to him by the force he was able to bear it and more. “This is not a race, go at your best pace. I suggest running with a buddy or group and keeping pace with them, encourage each other.”

It was comical really, the amount he was carrying, and yet he was hoping the visual would make his point. Their weight was less than his, a percentage of their own bodyweight, but the ability he was showcasing would allow them to do much more. They too could carry bags upon bags of rocks up a hill, and hopefully their imaginations could infer more.

Tapping his own chronometer he looked back at the group making sure he had them all. “Eleven Kilometers to the peak, but the incline isn’t so steep you’ll need to properly climb. A nice little uphill run.”

And with that Damian took a step to start off before stopping and giving a suspicious look back at the group, “Oh and no force powers.” And with that he took off, plodding along the mountain trail toward the peak, starting at a job, switching to a run and then sprint before zooming off with force enhanced speeds.

He expected most would make it to the top in an hour or an hour and a half pushing themselves, and hoped that most would make it. He intended to get to the top closer to thirty minutes, sprinting the entire time, or using the force to enhance his speed to preternatural levels faster still. He had to get the top quickly so he could assist if there was anyone in trouble, still he doubted that people would get into trouble in the first twenty minutes of a jog even with the added weight.

Seva Geroux | Phalsi Drynchen | Mathieu Brion | Caden Evesa | Subject 648 Slipknot | Darcy Delan | Ura Iolar

 

[Starlin Rand]

Feet pounded over the ground, twigs snapping nearby. Starlin Rand skidded to a halt at the edge of the gathering place, one hand reached up to hold his idiosyncratic black cap in place over his dark curls.

"I'm here," he rasped, out of breath and panting. He had run all the way there after realizing he was late.

Well, they were late - he wasn't alone. His companion, a slightly older and taller boy with brown hair and eyes, followed close after him at a jogging pace. Starlin tried to catch his breath, expecting he would have to introduce everyone to the new kid beside him (Long story short, his name was Tom Kovack, and he had just joined the Paddie Pack. Starlin offered to show him around on his first day.), only to realize that today's guest teacher, Damian Starchaser , was already halfway up the mountain, lugging what looked like a bag of rocks. The other Padawans had already been given instructions to follow suit.

He turned to Tom and said, "Well, fooey. Some first day. Sorry."

Tom sighed. "At least we're not any later than we could've been."

Eager to make it up to the newbie, Starlin nudged another of the Padawans. "So what are we doing? Just carrying rocks up there?"

The Padawan graciously gave the two latecomers a summary of their task. Once they were in line waiting to use the scales, Starlin surveyed the camp. He recognized a few of these faces, in particular Phalsi Drynchen from the food fight last week, and Caden Evesa from a seminary he'd attended a couple years ago. He'd heard Caden was going through a rough patch with his former master possibly going through an angsty emo Sith phase, but other than that he had no clue what was going on with him. That green kid Subject 648 Slipknot was there as well, looking like he wanted to beat up the mountain and take its lunch money.

When it was his turn, Starlin climbed on the scale, let it register his weight, then went to grab the rucksack and started filling it with rocks. Given how skinny he was, he didn't think he'd need much. Turned out he'd underestimated himself. Grunting, Starlin clambered off the scale, now encumbered with a very heavy, very hard and lumpy bag slung over his shoulder, and looked to the others.

"Oooof. Anybody need a hiking buddy?" Tom stepped down alongside him with his own bag of stones. "...Or two?"

Seva Geroux Ura Iolar Darcy Delan Mathieu Brion

 

[Ura Iolar]

(OOC note: Was given permission to have Damian make a comment)

Ura looked over, hearing Slipknot and waving. "Oh! Hi Slip. I know. That'd be just our luck...." She looked around and watched the others come before noticing a hand before she slide over to help the person up. Ura's eyes almost seemed to widen as surprise cam off her through the Force. Ura was about to ask about the dress, which even she knew didn't seem like a great option, but she was too nervous to say anything. For all she knew it was a better option.

Ura would quickly walk back next to Slipknot before listening to Damian. So... they had to lift those packs, based on their weight, and walk up the mountain!? Eleven clicks. Crud.... She listened as he continued, then got something. No Force powers...?

"Um.... Master Starchaser. What about us that can't move without the Force?"

"Your an exception." Ura looked, slowly getting on the scale. She already knew what it would be. About 98 kg. For her size it seemed heavy, but for a Lervon it was pretty normal. She would sigh, starting to fill the bag with rocks before the scale said she was good. Well.... This would be fun. She lifted the heavy pack... only to fall back at first. She wiggled around before seeming to reform and pick it up. She looked at the others, tilting her head.

"A-any-anyone need a partner?"

Damian Starchaser Subject 648 Slipknot Starlin Rand Seva Geroux Phalsi Drynchen Mathieu Brion Caden Evesa Darcy Delan

 

[Caden Evesa]

Caden looked around the group.

There were people that he didn't recognize or know, most of whom he assumed had joined the order while he was still off doing Mandalorian things. It was the only thing that made sense, the only reason that explained all of the knew faces he didn't recognize.

He heard the voice of Mathieu from somewhere behind him and he didn't even bother to look. The fact that Caden hadn't forgiven himself for what had happened to Mathieu was something that would take time to work out, it wasn't something that they would be able to handle in front of a group of people.

Luckily Damian spoke and lifted the awkwardness Caden was feeling. He spoke about the first task that the Padawan's had to complete, how they had to weigh themselves, load up with rocks and climb the mountain that lay in front of them.

It wasn't Caden's first mountain adventure, he'd scaled something similar years ago with Damian, and it had come up a lot during his time in the Mandalorians. Climbing mountains was something he had no real issue with, he knew how exhausting it could be and knew he needed to prepare first.

Damian confirmed that there wouldn't be any climbing, which left Caden to let out a little sigh of relief. It would basically just be a run up the hill. Uphill runs, he was fine with. He could handle those without too much issue, he'd be worn but he'd survive.

Casually, the young Jedi did his turn on the scales, collecting his rocks and his rucksack. He was lucky that he didn't have to queue for a Chronometer, having had one for years. It was something he wore pretty regularly over the years so he was glad he had it.

Uphill runs, he was fine with. He had done running throughout all of his Mandalorian training, he could handle a run. The Mandalorians tended to push you to breaking point, make you run until you couldn't run any longer. He'd probably survive this.

"Anyone wanna go for a run?"

Mathieu Brion | Damian Starchaser | Subject 648 Slipknot | Starlin Rand | Seva Geroux | Phalsi Drynchen | Darcy Delan

 

[Irridia Solensis]

Climbing had been a challenge, but one she’d been up to that morning after spending her night in the water to recharge. Brunette hair was streaked with silver and her cerulean eyes swirled like the ocean depths as a result. Irri’s forearms and hands were still a dark hue of bluish-silver, though it had faded to an almost ombre effect near her elbows.

Gathering her hair up into a loose ponytail, she stood off to one side as she realized how late she’d arrived, the rest of the group beginning the process of pairing up. The rucksacks and scales were mostly spoken for, so she hurried over to one of the last ones as Damian gave the last of his instructions. Muttering under her breath in Olys Corellisi, a few choice curses escaped, which she seriously hoped no one understood...but there were some times when a hyper-rare language and its colorful curses were just the perfect fit.

Irri slid a rucksack onto her shoulders, adjusting the straps before beginning the process of finding the right amount of rock to carry. On finding it, she added an extra rock for good measure and carefully fastened the straps and the clasp at her waist. Not knowing what to precisely expect, she had also brought a bottle of water which clipped to the outside of the bag. Lifting her still-swirling gaze to each of the others in her near vicinity.

She spared a smile and a small wave for Seva and Starlin, the latter of which had also arrived at the same time she had. Mindful of her desire to get to know more people, she took a deep breath and approached Caden.

Nervous as she might have been, Irridia was never one to shy away from a challenge. “A run? Sounds like fun. Think you can keep up?” she asked, unable to suppress her natural Corellian attitude, a smile toying with her lips. She’d likely pay for it, but eh, at least it’d be entertaining.

"I'm Irridia, by the way. But you can call me Irri."

Caden Evesa | Mathieu Brion | Damian Starchaser | Subject 648 Slipknot
Starlin Rand | Seva Geroux | Phalsi Drynchen | Darcy Delan​

 

[Seva Geroux]

Seva eyed Damian Starchaser through a skeptical and narrowed gaze. He looked an awful like someone she'd seen at the Silver Jedi Concord Gala she'd seen, though his complexion was much healthier than the man she remembered. Maybe it was him, maybe he'd just looked dreadful that night. She listened to the instructions, and may have let out an involuntary, "ugh, really?"

They'd just climbed all the way up here to be told that they had to hike more with bags of rocks.

This was going to be dreadful, wasn't it? First she had to step on a scale (rude), then she had to pile bags of rocks, then she had to tackle this terrain... in a dress and nice shoes. Her lips pursed. The young noble felt of a mind to simply storm back down the mountain and leave in a huff. But, she was trying to preserve her dignity as much as possible. After all, there were people she somewhat recognized here -- Starlin Rand , a lad from the meet and greet turned food fight, and Irridia Solensis, a lovely girl she'd had a conversation with there.

Mustering her determination, she stood up and strode over to the scales to began the rather fiddly process of filling her bag. She added rocks, removed some, added some pebbles, added a few more until the blasted scale gave her the green light. She set the bags down momentarily to sort out her ensemble situation. This long dress simply wouldn't do. And as she inspected the hem, she noticed a tear -- she must have snagged it during the climb.

"Of all the things..." she muttered quietly.

Bending down, she grabbed the torn hem and pulled -- ripping the dress to a shorter, yet still respectable-looking, length that fell just below the knee. Well, she supposed that would have to do, and it was an excuse to purchase a new dress. Lifting the rucksack and hefting it onto her shoulders, she held fast to the straps as it made her feel a bit more in control of the situation. Now, to walk... without falling. She'd heard a young man call out about taking a run... thank you, no.

Instead, Seva approached a rather curious being -- Ura Iolar . She didn't stare because that would have been a social faux pas, but she glanced out of the corner of her eyes. "I believe I'll need a partner, if you please. I'm Seva Geroux, pleased to meet you."

Caden Evesa | Mathieu Brion | Subject 648 Slipknot | Phalsi Drynchen | Darcy Delan​

 

[Caden Evesa]

Someone decided to challenge him.

He couldn't say he wasn't excited, his inner Corellian loved the thrill of the challenge, his natural attitude (the one that came with being Corellian) left him with very few options but to accept such a challenge. He expected it to be fun but he expected it to be tiring.

The girl who approached him was a Corellian like he. Corellian's had a good talent for identifying other Corellian's, for locating those who were away from home much like he was. Corellian's were always drawn back home, drawn back to Corellia.

Caden hadn't expected to meet anyone knew, he had expected to keep to himself and just learn whatever Damian was planning to teach them. He had expected to shy away from people and just let Damian do the teaching thing until he learnt things.

Instead, he had to accept a challenge. He was too prideful to not.

His potential new friend introduced herself as Irridia. Caden was almost glad she shortened it to Irri because he was well aware he would either butcher the pronunciation or just forget Irridia. Irri was a lot more memorable and he was aware the whole thing of being a Jedi included remembering people.

"Caden, they call me Caden. We really going to do this? I'll give you one final chance to back out before we begin, because I honestly don't want to feel bad for whooping you"

Irridia Solensis | Mathieu Brion | Damian Starchaser | Subject 648 Slipknot | Starlin Rand | Seva Geroux | Phalsi Drynchen | Darcy Delan

 

[Tom Kovack]

Tom was straining far more under the rocks than Starlin realized. Underdeveloped muscles protested loudly, his back already aching from the added weight. He'd carried his little sister around piggypack before, but she was nowhere near this heavy.

Turning to Starlin, he said, "Maybe it would be better if we split up."

"Huh? Are you sure? We could always just do a group of four." Turning to Phalsi Drynchen , he smirked at her. "Hey girl, you wanna take a walk on the wild side?"

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Tom looked around the group. Most of the people here looked like they already had some degree of experience, or at least they were in decent shape. The one exception to the rule was maybe Seva Geroux , who had arrived in clothes unsuitable for the work they were doing. She tore her dress to allow her greater freedom of movement, then paired off with Ura Iolar . The blue-eyed Irridia Solensis likewise approached Caden Evesa with the suggestion of a race; he mustered up his ego and rose to the challenge.

Who did that leave unpartnered? Tom's gaze was drawn toward Subject 648 Slipknot , though he hesitated for a moment before walking over to the green-haired boy. "Uh, hello. I'm new here. Would you mind if I tagged along with you?"

Mathieu Brion Darcy Delan Damian Starchaser

 

[Subject 648 Slipknot]

Damian Starchaser Darcy Delan Mathieu Brion Ura Iolar Caden Evesa Seva Geroux Phalsi Drynchen Tom Kovack

Slip watched as the others arrived, a couple of them complaining or muttering something under their breath. One of them was even sorely under dressed, well... More like she was over dressed. Slip sighed at this. Who wore a dress when climbing a mountain. That wouldn't do, that wouldn't do at all. Well, she had to learn at some point that you can't always look fashionable. Slip severely doubted that her clothes would come out of this anymore unscathed. I mean, who wore nice shoes to a mountain? The thought of it horrified Slip.

Then, their teacher started talking, and Slip listened intently.

“There is a bunch of rucksacks with scales next to them. You are going to stand on the scale so it can get your weight. You are then going to pick up a rucksack and begin putting rocks into it. When you think you got a heavy load you stand back on the scale. The scale will tell you if you need to add more weight or less. The weight is based on a percentage of your body mass. You will continue to pack rocks until the lovely scale below you says that you are good.”

Slip got up and walked over to the scale, measuring his weight. Grabbing a rucksack, he started putting rocks into it. Soon, the scale told him to stop putting the rocks in. Slip, of course, continued putting more in. This exercise was to push their limits, and Slip was, of course, more experienced in mountain traversal than the others, so he needed a heavier bag. The scale really wanted him to remove some weight, but Slip just stepped off the scale, carrying the rucksack.

He grabbed it and picked it up letting its weight settle in on his shoulders. Then he grabbed another one, and another. The weight was oppressive, but with the power afforded to him by the force he was able to bear it and more.

Slip smirked at their teacher doing this. "Oh so we're showing off now, huh?" Slip asked jokingly.

"There is a chronometer next to the Rucksacks. It contains navigational data and a beacon so I’ll know where you are."

Slip, of course, had brought his own navigational gear, but he picked it up anyway. Then, he broke open the back, and pulled out the beacon, and inserted it into his own nav gear. Besides, the chronometer Master Starchaser had given them was too bulky for Slip's liking, with his own gear being much nimbler and lighter.

“This is not a race, go at your best pace. I suggest running with a buddy or group and keeping pace with them, encourage each other.”

Slip groaned at this. Partners?! Slip was terrible with people! The others were already pairing up off into their groups. It was about how he expected it to go, with all of the more social people already joining together. That's usually how it went.

Then, someone approached him, another Padawan that had come with a different Padawan who was at the moment flirting with someone.

"Uh, hello. I'm new here. Would you mind if I tagged along with you?"

Slip blinked, surprised by this.

"You... You want to partner with me? Really? Why not with your friend? Or anyone else here? Why specifically me?" Slip asked, showing that he was, as usual, completely inept with any form of social interaction.

"I mean it's cool and all if you want to go with me but... I don't do well with people." Slip admitted.

"I mean... Sure! You can come, if you want to. I'm Slip." Slip introduced himself. "But I'm warning you now, if a large predator attacks us, I only brought the one knife." Slip told him, pulling out a menacingly looking knife. Behind Slip, every so often a twitching, dark figure would suddenly flash for a second before disappearing. Slip wouldn't be able to see the figure, as it was behind him, but anyone looking in his general direction would be able to see it. The shadow man noticed it, however, but choose to ignore it. The shadow man stood up and started walking up the mountain intent on leaving them behind.

"Ready to head out?" Slip asked the boy.

 

[Mathieu Brion]

Tags: Damian Starchaser | Ura Iolar | Darcy Delan | Subject 648 Slipknot | Caden Evesa | Phalsi Drynchen | Seva Geroux | Tom Kovack

The Jedi Master wanted to play with their temptations and seemed to be employing all the tricks that were available to him. It was not hard to figure out as he dropped an ice cube into his water, especially not during a hot day like this one. But it would not be very effective on Mathieu, for his one and only focus was on the barbeque. That was what he truly wanted. A few thoughts went to his friend Caden Evesa whom still didn't seem very talkative. It was worrying but hopefully, time would heal whatever wounds that held them apart.

Listening to what the Starchaser had to say became secondary. Rucksacks, rocks, weighs? What about the food? Why not speak of it after they had eaten? The Padawan looked to Darcy Delan whom he stood next to and then back at the grill with an eager glint in his eyes. He had a slight suspicion that, if anyone was as eager to have a bite as he was, it might be her.

Unsurprisingly, he let out a gasp as the Jedi Master sent the skiff with the barbeque away. He shot the man a concerned look - for his actions were those of someone belonging to the dark side. Perhaps the temptation from the barbeque was clouding his judgement a little. At any rate, Mathieu did not approve of what was happening. With a shake of the head, he kept listening to the dubious Master as he spoke. It was almost ironic, how he preached about safety and finding partners when he was depriving them barbeque.

To make matters worse, there was not even a clear promise that they would be awarded with getting to eat the barbeque once they got up to the top. Still, the Morellian assumed that the Master's depravity would find its bounds and that he would show them, at least, a sliver of compassion once they got up. He had to, right? After all, he was a Jedi!

It was not long before everyone was starting to get ready. Filling up their bags with stones and starting to chat up potential companions with whom they could make the journey. There was a slight possibility that he might have fixated too much on the food - for now, everyone seemed to have a partner to make the journey with - or, at least so it seemed when he looked at the others talk. Perhaps there was a lesson in this too? To control your temptations. If that was it, he had failed miserably.

With a sigh, Mathieu walked over to the backpacks and started to do as the others did. He only just did what the scale told him to, for he had not properly listened to the instructions when they were told. His eyebrows rose in surprise as he took the backpack on - it was heavy, to say the least. But ultimately, he was confident. Tall, broad-shouldered and well trained, the Morellian had all the right factors going for him. But he was not going to race to the top, instead, he wanted to make up for his previous failures and truly take control of his temptations.

And with that, it was decided. He was going to go last and save his energy for if any of his fellow Padawans needed a hand. He dreaded the possibility of seeing an empty grill once he got up, but this would be worth it. He would be doing something good and hopefully learn a valuable lesson while doing so too.

Looking to his neighbour Darcy Delan he said "I think I'll be taking it easy on this one. Maybe have a nice walk, you know? Catch anyone who needs a helping hand" He produced a friendly smile, welcoming her to join him if she wanted to. Making an educated guess on which pair would be the furthest back, he walked over to Ura Iolar and Seva Geroux - the dress was the main cause for his guess, but if it turned out to be wrong, he wouldn't mind falling back onto whatever group or person was behind them.

"Hi, I hope you won't mind if I hang around with the two of you for a bit? I'm Mathieu"

 

[Tom Kovack]

Subject 648 Slipknot

Tom inclined his head, a smile slowly spreading across his face as Slip nervously babbled a response. He didn't seem bothered in the slightest by the green-haired boy's awkwardness.

"Well, Starlin is supposed to be showing me the ropes, but..." His gaze flicked over his shoulder. Starlin was still trying to sweet-talk Phalsi Drynchen into coming with him. "...He's busy right now. I'd rather not wait around here, and you seem friendly enough. Unless there's something weird about you that I don't know about." He shrugged.

"I mean... Sure! You can come, if you want to. I'm Slip. But I'm warning you now, if a large predator attacks us, I only brought the one knife."

"I'm Tom Kovack," he introduced himself. "Don't worry, I've already got a lightsaber." He cringed slightly. "Although it is an antique... doesn't matter, it still works."

Tom did notice the shadow man already heading up the mountain - it was a little hard not to. But he didn't really react to his presence. "Let's go," he said, already a little out of breath from the exertion of lugging the rocks around. To think they had barely started the trek... he really was in dire need of this kind of physical and mental training.

 

[Phalsi Drynchen]

Darcy Delan Irridia Solensis Seva Geroux Mathieu Brion

She waited for everyone to get their packs settled, taking her turn and finding the pack to be bearable. It was uncomfortable as she adjusted it to the best position it would settle into. Her eyes roamed over the forming groups, noting a challenge being made by one person, and Caden Evesa accepting the challenge. That scene made her shake her head with a snort of laughter.

Ura Iolar had a moment of shifting before she righted herself. Subject 648 Slipknot teamed up with Tom Kovack which left one in the immediate vicinity as she made to head up towards the goal.

Then came Starlin Rand with a one liner. Which made her pause in her tracks and give him a solid lookover. Blinking, she clicked her tongue before she laughed.

"I don't feel like spending more time in a cell. You can walk with me though, and give me a pretty sight to look at." She snarked back with a smile. Nodding towards the inevitable incline they would travel, she trudged that way.