Don't Look Back

[Taygeta Lightkeeper]

Don't Look Back (Boston)

It all happened so fast. Just a day after her doctoral graduation from Theed University, Dr. Taygeta Lightkeeper, a young twenty-two year old molecular biologist, had been attacked by someone who had been stalking her ever since she impulsively studied a blood sample from her own body. Curiosity, a virtue in the field of science, had gotten her into trouble. The discovery that she possessed an abundance of little organelles in her cells called midichlorians, well over five-thousand five-hundred per cell, seemed to be the reason behind it all. She had a feeling her stalker was involved in some Force-sect that wanted her talents in their ranks and she talked about it on the holonet, mostly out of fear, seeking someone or somewhere to turn to for help.

This seemed to have been her saving grace, however, as the offhanded discussion had unexpected results. A Jedi by the name of [member="Coci Heavenshield"] arrived right when the girl was cornered in the corridor to the school's lab. There was a quick and brief fight Taygeta barely remembered any details of and the next thing she knew, she was in Hyperspace, parsecs away from her native Naboo.

Taygeta was reasonably scared and uneasy, still trying to make sense of everything. She sat down on the ship, her head down with her spectacles pushed up under her sandy-blonde hair. She was still dressed as she was at the time: a loose fitting tunic in an indigo-blue, soft white yoga-pants, a lab-coat, and white flat sandals. Her only possessions were her comm, her ID and a handful of credits, and her datapad. Fortunately, at least, her brand new sheepskin came in electronic format and was on said datapad. If she couldn't go home, then it should get her a job somewhere safer.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Not usually one to enter into the holonet, and certainly not in a social context, Coci had taken a curious look mainly to see what the kids are up to these days. She has a young family, a girl and a boy now entering their teenage years, and so she in trying to keep up with their pace, had decided to keep a finger on the pulse of social media. It was in one of the conversation rooms she happened upon a girl scared about someone taking too much interest in her. This alone was a lesson of this holonet, how young people can get into trouble without asking for it, simply by being there and friendly. Coci had assured the young girl, Taygeta that she would come find her and see if she could investigate this stalker.

Coci arrived just in time to stop an attack by this person, a sith knight that had wormed his way into her life in a sense, and had decided it was time to ‘take his prize’. Not wanting to place the young girl in any more danger then already, Coci soon had the knight on his way, short one arm. The only problem was, sith come in many and this knight most likely had been sent by a master and so Taygeta was known and a target.

The Sting reached orbit over Naboo and without must need to delay, Coci pushed the ship into hyperspace. Once on their way, she turned to girl sitting confused, uncertain and scared. “That was a close call”. A smile graced her lips, hoping to ease the young girl somewhat. “I will take you Voss, the Silver Sanctum where you can stay in sanctuary until such time as it is safe for you to leave. Or, if you like us a lot you can stay. I sense the force is strong in you, untouched and raw yet powerful”.

“Let me introduce myself properly. I am Coci Heavenshield, Jedi Master of the Silver Jedi, and will arrive to the Silver Temple by the evening”, no need for the full array of rank.

​

[member="Taygeta Lightkeeper"]​

 

[Taygeta Lightkeeper]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

Taygeta looked up, her glasses dropping back onto her nose. She'd push them back into their proper place. They weren't terribly large ones, rather subtle and framed her face well, and certainly paired well with the lab coat for a very studious look. The girl looked to the Jedi. Oddly, she wasn't afraid of her and knew why she was taking her away from Naboo. "All this because of a simple blood test.... I can't believe I didn't know new entries in the analysis computer could be tracked. Hell, at this point, I think it might be bugged for the purpose of finding people like me." she said, and then considered every other piece of medical equipment in any physician's office or lab in her hometown.

Taygeta's mother was a pediatrician and her office used the university's lab for children's blood work. Now that she had a chance to think about it, she grew very concerned for the many children who saw Dr Pleione Lightkeeper, M.D. It was then that her intuition kicked in. "My mother's patients... what if what I suspect is true? Anytime blood work is done on kids for routine physicals, the very ones who want me could also turn their sights upon them and for the same purpose. I don't want to be associated with Dark Siders and if they start preying upon children... what then?" she asked, voicing her fears.

She knew about the Jedi and generally had a positive opinion of them, considering her own world has had a long history of their heroics. The current regime didn't agree with such an opinion, but that didn't stop people in general from feeling they way they did. "I'm Dr. Taygeta Lightkeeper. I'm a Ph.D. molecular biologist.... and up until recently, I was ignorant of my own potential." she said. As an afterthought, she thought to ask the important questions, "Is there a biolab I can work for in the meantime? And if I have the potential to be a Jedi, what is it really all about?"

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

Contemplation was placed on Coci's face, as she regarded the young lady. As she spoke of her mother, and her work as well as her own, it concerned Coci greatly, she suspected the girl was right. "I agree and I think you were not the first". She leaned forward placing both her hands to her forehead rubbing while thinking. "unless your lab has very good database security, it could be sliced and there might be spies within the lab as well. The fact that this Sith reached out to you via social media suggests as much. Once a target is established what better way then to groom them. There would be other means of contact for sure, but this could be one of them".

"We have very good medical facilities on Voss along side the Temple. There are medical doctors as well as Jedi Healers that serve their duty there. And so yes we have labs for you to continue your work. As for your potential as Jedi, that is determined by yourself. We can give you guidance and training in the art of the lightside but your purpose your path is your own. How you develop and form your force use once decided, we can assist. There are many Jedi that will be happy to help train you. Also, healers".

Coci sat back in the pilot seat, "But for now, we can do nothing about the situation on Naboo. We would need to establish that Sith are infiltration the labs firstly and from there we could expose the incursion. Now, rest as best you can, there is food in the galley if you are hungry and a bed in a cargo hold up back".

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[member="Taygeta Lightkeeper"]​

 

[Taygeta Lightkeeper]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

Taygeta would nod. "A healer... I guess Jedi have those. When i got into biology, I had intended to go to medical school like my parents did before me, but I took an interest in genetics and biochemistry. I became a geneticist as a result... but if there's a means why which i can learn how to be a healer and continue my studies, then this mess has a silver lining." she said, not totally realising there was a pun there. Perhaps this girl was Consular material.

"One day, however. I feel I will have to return to Naboo and assist with a liberation movement.... but you're right. Right now, there isn't much that can be done, as much as I want to." she added. "And thank you, Master Heavenshield. I didn't actually think anyone would come or do anything about my situation."

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"There would be no limits placed upon you and your work, if you wish to continue it on Voss and all you would have to do is ask", she smiled at Taygeta. "We pride ourselves on the fact we are blessed with healers in the Silver Temple. Master [member="Maya Whitelight"] is our chief healer and exceptional Jedi and there are others.

"As I stated, your path is your own, if you return to assist the Movement, to help liberate those that are held unjustly you would have our blessing. And I would think, you would have company", she knew that among their ranks many Jedi would be more than willing to help.

"A Jedi, if able, will always answer a cry for help, whether from allies or one". Coci stood up and moved toward the back of the ship. "You drink Caf? I make a mean brew". If Taygeta's preference was for other drinks it was sure to be found in the galley.

​

[member="Taygeta Lightkeeper"]​

 

[Taygeta Lightkeeper]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

Taygeta finally smiled to the Jedi. Then she mentioned caf. "Gods, i LIVE on that stuff! Sleep is forbidden." she said, jokingly. Such was the life of a doctoral student. She giggled a bit at her own sarcastic sense of humour. "Yes, I take caf strong with creamer, if you have it." she added more seriously.

"And, well, I never expected this to happen, so i'm a bit nervous. If Voss is safe, then I guess that's where I should go. You say the Force is strong in me, but I know next to nothing about it apart from the fact that Jedi use it and that it's some sort of energy field that I can't quantify." she said. "However, if I am capable of using it for a good purpose, then I'd like to learn more. And I've never been off of Naboo before, so.... I should admit I'm slightly curious about the lifeforms on Voss."

Taygeta took out her datapad and started poking around the Holonet about Voss. This time, she thought to turn off her location, just in case the device's IP address was logged on Naboo somewhere.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

They entered the galley, and immediately Coci brewed a pot of Caf. She turned to point Taygeta to the small table to take a seat while she prepare the brew. Once done, Coci delivered the tray with Caf to the table and sat down herself. "Please, have some", she said with a smile.

"Voss will be safe for you, it would just about impossible for someone to infiltrate there", not unheard of, of course but it would take a very strong Sith to get past their 'defenses'.

Coci placed some sugar in her own mug and watched the steam roll up from the hot liquid. "I am not really sure I could explain the force either. But on Voss we have the Silver Temple, in which our members live and train to be Jedi. There are many masters there that would be able to help in this, to train you if this is what you desire". The days of taking younglings or others away to be trained are long gone, it is by choice now.

She suspected that Taygeta's interest in the peoples of Voss are more academic but she will find them intriguing when she arrives.

​

[member="Taygeta Lightkeeper"]​

 

[Taygeta Lightkeeper]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

Taygeta picked up a cup of caf and tasted it. ".. OOO! Hot! but good... I haven't had any in hours." she said, her mood noticeably more positive at this point. It was true she was just removed from the only home she knew and from a place she grew to love, her University... a bastion of higher learning and scientific innovation. She knew she'd miss her friends and her family and knew it to be unwise to attempt contact for a little while, even to say that she made it okay. This bothered her deeply, but she overtly knew that it was for the best. She was among Jedi now. It was time to see if the stories of old were still true.

She'd sip at her caf as she listened to Coci speak. "I see. Well, if there is something to be learned that can help me benefit others and leave a positive legacy, then I suppose that's what I want to do. My parents are physicians and I originally meant to become a medical doctor like them, but I was swayed by the sciences of biology and genetics. I am interested in this Healer business you referred to, especially if the Jedi can teach me." she said.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The hot steaming mug sat in front of Coci, equally relishing the smell and flavour of it. Both her hand wrapped around the mug for warmth as space can be cold although the life support is keeping the ship at a nice temperature. "Yes we can teach you that, alongside your research".

"Are you originally from Naboo?", she asked as so many people immigrate through the galaxy. "It is a beautiful place, but there are so many more to see .. all different, all beautiful in their own way". She took a sip of her Caf, regarding the young over the rim of the mug. "I think .. this event, will herald not just much change in your life, but a new life. It will be there for you to take and it is on Voss".

It would not be long before the Sting would enter Sanctum protected space, they would in a safe haven until they enter the atmosphere of Voss. Coci knew about this time, they would be passing Iego's system and turned north.

​

[member="Taygeta Lightkeeper"]​

 

[Taygeta Lightkeeper]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

Taygeta nodded. "Yes. I'm from Naboo. I've lived pretty much my whole life in Theed." she said.

She sipped on her caff further, giving serious thought to what she could do on Voss. She'd then look up to meet Coci's gaze. "What can you tell me about the Jedi? And you said Silver Jedi, so I guess that means you're with the Silver Sanctum Coalition... what are they all about?' she asked.

She figured she'd learn all she could about the people she'd be dealing with, since her life was already in their hands at the moment. Whatever they could do to help her settle in would determine how soon she can start building her own future on Voss.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"We are, primarily, like any other Jedi. We serve to protect those that are in need, like the weak and those that are threatened by others that wish to cause harm. In whatever form that takes". She put down her mug. "There are more then Sith out in the galaxy that threaten the lives of others, seems others forget this and focus on the darksiders. This of course, is important but so is are the others".

Coci considered further, comparing the Silver Jedi to the likes of the Jedi Order. "We are all the same, we all seek to achieve a goal that would bring peace to the galaxy, but I suppose we have differing ideas of how that is done. But that is what makes us all unique just as people are unique. The Silver Sanctum focuses around securing systems that ask for help, we don't interfere with their governments, unless it becomes apparent that a government has become corrupt".

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[member="Taygeta Lightkeeper"]​

 

[Taygeta Lightkeeper]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

Taygeta nodded approvingly. "Much like the Jedi of the olden days... Well, I'm in, Master Heavenshield. I may as well make myself useful if I'm going to be living in another place and I think this is a good way too do that." she said. She'd sip her caf more frequently as it cooled. Coci was right. she DOES make a mean brew.

"What do you do in Jedi, if you mind my asking? What's your story?" she asked her, making conversation while the ship heading to it s destination.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

My story? Coci smiled before pouring a fresh mug of the brew. "That is a long story and .. I am not sure we would have time to finish it before we reach Voss", she jested. "Well I am from Corellia, was born into the House of Sinopi and set to take the throne, for want of a better word. But I decided not to continue with that life, in fact to me it was no life at all. So I left my family and went into military college on Corellia. After that I joined a small group of resistance fighters that would target any injustice in the galaxy. But many of my friends there were killed. So I joined the Army of Light, a small faction that fought against the Sith, it was there I started to train in the use of the force", her actual duty and training Coci would not speak of, as she was there assassin and after which would join the intelligence dept of the Republic.

"However, that group folded and I moved once more to the Galactic Republic. I stay there for many years but like most thing I had to move on. And so found my way to the Silver Jedi. At that time they were the Order of the Silver Jedi but merged with the Levantine Sanctum and so we have our group today" , the rule, never speak of the Silver Shadows which is her actual duty within the Sanctum.

"Presently, I am one of the many leaders of the Sanctum, I have the duty of Master of the Order".

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[member="Taygeta Lightkeeper"]​

 

[Taygeta Lightkeeper]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

Taygeta stared at the woman with wonder. "I see. So, then I'm talking to a big shot." she said with a grin. "I assume Master of the Order is a pretty lofty position. I also assume the One Sith empire is an obvious enemy, but are we at war with anyone?" she asked.

The young scientist was in a data gathering phase at the moment, it seemed. She glanced down at her datapad again, this time looking at a galaxy map. The Techno Union's territory fully surrounded Naboo and the borders of the Silver Sanctum surrounded Voss. "Voss is the capital world, right?' she asked. She also noticed how Sith territory seemed to be penetrating through Republic territory at Contruum. "And this.... this looks precarious. Do we have any relations with the Republic?" she asked.

She'd listen as she sipped her caff. She remembered her history classes and it occurred to her that history was again repeating itself.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She all but choked on her Caf as Taygeta called her a 'hot shot'. On paper she supposed that was true, but not the reality, at least it was a title Coci did not relish at all. Taygeta was not only inquisitive but intelligent, that much very clear as she peppered Coci with questions. She did not mind of course, the young girl needed to know where and with who she would be residing and what she was about to get herself into. Besides it made for a more interesting trip back home to Voss.

"War never ends, and I don't mean the battles well fight against the Sith. The Silver Jedi fight against all evil which takes on many names and guises .. there is poverty, slavery, criminal activity that oppresses some many people. And so ..". Coci watched Taygeta as she poured over her datapad, the sign of someone most interested in research and knowledge. This girl is going to do good as a Jedi, Coci had the feeling Taygeta would never cease to seek it whether it would be her research as a healer or beyond. "Master of the Order, is I guess second in command, the only person above that position is the grand master, Master [member="Thurion Heavenshield"], my husband".

"Voss is our home, our capital yes. The Silver Temple is located there and soon you will see it", she could not help but smile longing to return to her husband. She sighed at the thought of the Republic, "The Republic is not what is used to be, they have made some very poor choices of late and I do not believe it is viable to align with them further. The Jedi Order that once was powerful with them, is no longer associate with them as strongly as once was and I am not sure of the future for that Order. The Silver Sanctum Coalition does not align with any government, believing that Jedi should never be held to the politics of others and used to fight their wars. How can we as Jedi made decisions to better the good of galaxy when clouded or hand tied because of policy of others. A Jedi should always stand outside the realm of politics".

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[member="Taygeta Lightkeeper"]​

 

[Taygeta Lightkeeper]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

Taygeta listened to Coci as she spoke, occasionally glancing back to the map she was looking at. Something was telling her that there was a special place somewhere. She had no clue yet why, but her attention was on it. There was a long pause after Coci had finished what she was saying. Taygeta, in her mind, was smelling something, figuratively speaking.

"War is a terrible thing. I figure I'd be unrealistic if I made it a goal to be rid of it entirely, but there is always wishful thinking." she commented. Ont he subject of politics, she'd nod, "Perhaps so. It's better to leave the politicking to the politicians. I've read that Jedi often serve as diplomats, however."

Then, when her eyes weren't on the datapad, a dainty finger touched a marker on the map for New Holstice. Some information on the planet materialised, which she skimmed over. A brow lofted over her minimalist spectacles. "And this place... It seems interesting. Dunno why, exactly, but my attention keeps gravitating to it." she admitted openly. She looked up to face Coci.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

"Yes that is correct, there are Jedi Diplomats, but their role is more of a mediator between two parties that are at odds", she left it at that but if this was something Taygeta would find interesting in the future there would be nothing to stop her in the Sanctum if that was her destined path.

Coci craned her neck to look at what had caught Taygeta's attention, New Holstice. "That system was once under the control of the Republic of recent times, and now left to govern itself. What has you interested in this place?".

However, before Taygeta would reply, a message come through from the cockpit. Coci stood up and moved to the control panel on the wall. "Master Heavenshield, welcome home. You are cleared to land at your convenience". Control over Voss had picked up her ships approach.

"Thank you Control I will begin landing as soon as possible". She turned to Taygeta, the girl looked tired still. "Come, lets get back to the cockpit and you will see Voss in all it's glory on approach".

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[member="Taygeta Lightkeeper"]​

 

[Taygeta Lightkeeper]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]

Taygeta answered as she stood up to follow Coci to see Voss on their approach. "I don't know exactly why, but my attention for some reason kept going to it. I wasn't sure if the kind of behaviour had some kind of significance or not. I just, feel like there is something there. It's the best way I can put it."

When she looked out the view-port of the ship, the planet Voss loomed ahead, reminding her a bit of Naboo as seen from orbit. "It's beautiful." she said. She was nervous again now, not exactly knowing what to expect and excited at the same time, as this was going to be her safe haven and the place where she was to begin a new life... the concept of which, itself, was a bit scary due to the aforementioned uncertainty.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

As the Sting approached the star port, the Silver Temple could be seen from a distance on the outskirts of Voss-ka. "Once you have settled into the Temple and have found your feet so to speak, I suggest you to go New Holstice and find out why", she turned with a slight smile. Something the force simply will not let go and it is for a reason, she will learn to trust in it one day and use it to guide her and inform her.

The ship landed and Coci took Taygeta to the shuttle which will transport them to the steps of the Temple. The trip took little as twenty minutes before the double doors presented their welcome with open 'arms'. "Here we are, home".

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[member="Taygeta Lightkeeper"]​