First stop

[Sorel Crieff]

Since the Republic lost Ossus and she arrived to find the place empty and desolate, she’d been searching. For answers and for her destiny. She’d head the Silver Jedi were now overseeing Ossus. And that the Jedi Order was looking to merge with the New Jedi Order. Neither felt comfortable for her to sign up to right now. She needed time to reflect, to choose wisely and not rush into a decision she would see as long term.

For this reason she’d been hopping between Temples and Academies, meeting folks there and doing her best to understand what they stood for. How closely they followed the Code and which governments they aligned themselves to. It could take a week, or a year. Or even a lifetime, but she would be as patient as she could – she owed her old Master that much at least.

So she’d hauled her old ship to a site that she knew to be one that once was home to the B'omarr Order. They were monks who had their brains surgically removed and placed in jars containing nutrient fluid. Whenever they wanted to move, the bottled-brains used spider-like droid walkers. Some of their temples were taken over by smugglers, who turned them into their personal retreats - Jabba’s Palace on Tatooine being the most famous. But now it was home to the Silver Order and she was to meet someone from that Order here. And she hoped it wasn’t the fabled jungle rancor.

Her old VCX-100 landed in the hangar and once she powered down, she headed to the rear of the ship and, punching a button, lowered the exit ramp. She stepped forwards and took in the view, whilst waiting for her host to greet her.

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

The world of Vaynai had seen much and with the silver jedi there well it had been able to expand. Moving into the old academy that Domino had built for gifted children and working it into a public school all of the ones there could do. The planet all over things while she was working with Sato and their holographic specialists to make a light show for all of the ones there. SLowly Matsu looked at the temple bringing her attention to a few of the things as they were working on the things with some of the padawans around all of them. THey had a power generator to make the small hologram larger before she backed up. "And now it should." She flipped it as the large display of the jedi standing and showing how to do some of the meditations with slow movements were there. THe small group of padawans applauding while a few more were coming down from the large temple on the cliffs to get in lessons. Why waste learning how to use skills like tapas and breath control ion the beach.

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel waited patiently. At least for a couple of minutes. She was sure she was expected but didn’t have a name for the person that was due to meet her. So after a short wait, she decided to move. She exited the hangar and headed towards the main building, following the noise of Younglings and Padawans that seemed to sound the same at any Academy.

She heard the sound of applause punctuate the general chatter and so decided to head in that direction – her threadbare Jedi robes flapping in the breeze as she walked.

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu continued to work with the padawans showing them the holograms while she turned back to look at them with the excitement from the younger ones. THe school was a great place to work on some of the thing before she turned feeling someone and looked over them. "ENjoy the show, we will use it for announcements at the school when the students are in attendance." The padawans might get the temple but what was the point of being on a world with a school if you weren't going to try and help them out. She offered a smile. "Now that took a little longer and I have neglected my duties. IS one of you the padawan I was set too meet here?"

 

[Sorel Crieff]

As Sorel approached the group of Jedi, one stood head and shoulders above them – and quite literally in many cases. But it was her aura that particularly drew the young girl to her. And when she spoke, she simply confirmed what Sorel had been thinking.

She bowed formally, her robes were old and faded, sporting a hole or two that had been darned to the best of Sorel’s abilities – but she was dressed neatly and her manners impeccable. “Master, it is I that I believe you were to meet. I am Sorel Crieff, a Padawan. Formerly of the Jedi Order. Currently…” she paused, clearly unsure how to continue the speech. “I am still a Jedi, the Code is still my compass, but I am not formally part of any Order. Which is in part why I’m here. For wisdom, guidance, training and to do anything I can to help.”

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu looked at her with a smile and bowed. That was a problem she had found with a couple others they seemed to find purpose in the order but the orders were very different in how they did things. From the new, to the old to the je'daii that crop up randomly and then disappear, the silvers and upstart orders people make. She had found many of those and in the end all followed or wanted to follow the same code. "Well the code is what matters, what order you are from is less important." She said it with a smile on her face here on the beach they could be doing many things. "Though the groups with me have some of the coolest toys."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel appreciated the Jedi Master's honesty but was a little off-guard with just how candid she was. "I never thought of Jedi having toys," she said, a smile on her lips. "But I have seen the Sith with plenty, and there is nothing in the Code that prohibits them, is there?" It wasn't a question but rather a statement. "So any learning I can glean whilst I am your guest would be greatly appreciated and if there is anythin you need of me, please just ask."

It was clear there was another question on her mind, and so it came as no surprise when she came out with it. "What is happening with the Jedi? The history books paint a picture of unity. Was it always like this? I wish to be a Jedi, no more and no less. But not a warrior. I shall fight when it is necessary of course, but only when necessary. Is that so wrong in this current climate?" She stopped as abruptly as she started. Her cheeks were not coloured, she was clearly not embarrassed by her outburst.

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

"The sith have plenty of things and sometimes the jedi could use such things." She had been working on a couple of things and synthetic healing crystal that mimiced the effects of their rare healing crystals of fire... that was never a bad thing or lightside necklaces to protect from darkside abilities. Matsu had her sigil on her neck and they had been working on upgrading the shield amulet. "The jedi order faced a difference of opinions, some wanted to fight, some wanted to have power, others sought to be left alone. There is a great deal that happened but it has divided the orders with others just leaving to avoid the drama. Some like me prefer to teach and try to find new applications of the force."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel listened intently. “I understand Master, yet I do not. The words you speak are true to me, yet I cannot put them all into my mind and make sense of them. Perhaps I am making things too simple? Or maybe too complicated? Or maybe I simply lack the wisdom of my elders. You see, we are all Jedi are we not? And we all follow the same Code. We have been taught that some things are set in stone and others less fixed. Like marriage and having more than one Padawan or even the age a Padawan can be taken. On these matters, we have some degree of choice, based upon the needs of the Order.”

She seemed assured as she spoke – perhaps because she was speaking from the heart, with no care as to how her words sounded. They represented the truth as she saw it, and there was no opinion or bias to share. “No Jedi should want to fight. We defend and protect, never attack. Fighting is necessary, some of the time, and should not be run away from. But that is not the same as running into battle, surely Master? And no Jedi should want power. We seek to serve, not to rule. That is part of the Code. And we have a duty not to be left alone, surely? We are guardians of peace. We protect the weak and do what is for the good of the galaxy. Teaching and enhancing our learning is part of that, I understand, but simply going away? Unless the Force speaks to an individual, surely that is wrong?”

She looked to the Master for guidance and for wisdom.

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

"You speak truth and wisdom that many others have voiced over the years." Matsu looked at her and moved to stand next to the padawan while leading along the paths for the beach. "Jedi can fight and attack but it is complicated. Attacking without being wreckless is dangerous and saying we fighting solely in defense dangerous. There are plenty of things that a jedi would have need to attack first rather then wait and we have encountered many of them now with the sith threat is such large numbers. Some jedi seek power because they started to feel the allure but also saw politicians working towards goals for themselves. It is the age old question of what happens with power when it can be used for good, they saw what they believed was their views more helpful ad so sought to spread the power they had. Inside of the jedi this came as different circles where you could see masters fast tracking their padawans and ones who agreed with them to fill the council so the votes went their ways or playing politics and not getting involved in helping people while the others were out for hostile take overs. It is a dangerous time for everyone and the jedi are no exception." She was looking at her now a little while on the beach. "And few jedi are immune to it, every one has been touched by these times and near all orders of the jedi have different motives for following the code. Me I prefer knowledge and research. Crafting lightsabers for jedi or working to create force items that can benefit them."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Many had said she was wise beyond her years. But that didn’t stop her confusion or sense of lack of purpose. Once more she listened and was evidently taking everything in before formulating a response, a clear sign she was giving her full attention to the Jedi Master and not thinking up questions as she was being spoken to. Finally, sure the Master had concluded, she spoke once more.

“Life is complicated. The Code, for all its simplicity, is complicated. So I appreciate your honesty and time. And who knows, in time I may need your wisdom in crafting a saber. I currently use my former Master’s but it is a sentimental situation that I know I should end. I’m sure the Force will tell me when the time is right.”

“But back to my reason for being here. Are there any classes I could join now, to help me develop? Or anything you might be able to teach me?”

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

"Well there are a couple of classes we have. There is a breath control and force body in the grotto here. You can work for holding your breath for longer periods of time. Sato is using holograms and droids to provide ways to practice with ionize skills as well as detecting electronic signatures for some of the jedi." She had a grin on her face, as some of the other things there. "The paddocks we have have a couple creatures for practicing beast friendship and taming. Ways to exercise the for energies within you." They had a few more while she was looking at the things before she moved. "And then there is always the chance to board the botany bay and work with some of the force sensitive creatures and plants we have found."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel was surprised and confused in equal measures. There was too much choice. Her former Master was hands-on and she accompanied him on missions rather than undertake formal training. She knew how to handle a saber – but not to any great ability. And she knew how to Sense with the Force and connect with her Master telepathically. And she could move things, but that was about it. The lessons mentioned certainly represented a step up for her.

“They all sound so useful Master Ike. It’s difficult to choose which one to work on. I think Ionize would be the one I would consider first. I have a way with electronic devices and so this seems a logical step. But Breath Control comes a close second. What would you choose in my place?”

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu looked at her and there seemed to be an overwhelming thing for a moment. It had some things to do with well this... the jedi in the silver sanctum usually went for one on one but why? She could reach more padawans offering classes and things for them to do then just having them wait as one worked and then another. "I would start with breath control, it is a skill not many think about preferring flashy things. Though ionize is also a way to go on some of the things." She said it with a small grin on her face walking before she was heading through a couple of things. "I usually use the training packs we have developed to teach my students when not taking them on missions. Our ship the Botany Bay is filled with force sensitive creatures and plants to help them meditate."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel smiled. Since she’d found her way back from the Outer Rim, this was the first – and only – Jedi to take any time with her. She’d met fellow Padawans – hopefully current and future friends, but no Knights or Masters had, as yet, given her the time of day.

“I appreciate your time and thoughtfulness. So I’d like to begin with Breath Control. How do I actually start? I mean, do I sign-up? When is the next class?” Her voice was soft and gentle and the gratitude in her tone evident. "I don't want to take up too much of your time."

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

"Worry not, I am a jedi master helping a padawan. There is no time waste in that." She said it while leading the way and teaching breath control was something rather fun in a way. "It is just this way." She was leading the way and going towards the beach then the rocks jutting out from under the academy as it opened into a large cave with a large pool while the sounds echoed. "THis is where we can teach breath control safely. Normally the pool is maybe seven feet deep so you can feel the bottom and it only fills up later at night. The best way to teach breath control is to make you hold your breath after all."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel beamed, she was delighted to be finally learning again. She’d dabbled at using the Force without any supervision but her success had been sporadic and she was worried she might get into bad habits without anyone to correct her.

Matsu reminded her of her old Master. He always had time for her but was invariably called away on missions. Which is why he took her with him on that ill-fated trip to the Outer Rim. So she followed the Jedi Master as she led her to the beach and then into a large cave – which echoed their steps as they entered it.

Sorel looked at the water and after removing her cloak, belt and boots, she started to wade in. Once it was chest high, she looked at Matsu again. “Is there a specific technique I should know about, or will it be instinctive?”

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Looking at the girl she went by the pool and sat on one of the rocks. "yes and no, your ability to breathed and hold a breath can't be taught but the meditation and calmness you want to feel while holding it will be something you need to learn. Calmness and serenity though should be one of the first lessons you were taught as an initiate." The jedi master remained there while motioning. "I'd also recommend changing in less bulky cloths so you do not get weighed down."

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel contemplated Master Ike's words. She walked back out of the water and stripped down to her undergarments. She had no change of clothes - only the old Jedi robes she'd been given back on Ossus all that time ago. And as something of a traditionalist, she would wear nothing else.

Now a lot lighter - given she'd removed clothes that were soaking wet - she re-entered the pool, this time not stopping when the water reached her chest and continued until she was completely submerged. Then she connected with the Force, fighting the conflicting sensations to relax and fight for breath at the same time. It was no good and she kicked upwards, breaking the surface of the water, spluttering as she did so. Her brows were knitted. She did not enjoy failure and without a word to Master Ike, took a deep breath and dropped back below the water line.

This time she connected to the Force and felt her whole body relax, motion seemed to slow, as did the urge to breathe. But she was aware she was thinking about it too much and once more, the need to breathe was overpowering. Again she emerged from the pool. This time she spoke. "I know where I am going wrong. Which means I am improving." And she abruptly sunk once more.

[member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

Matsu was watching her as the padawan went about it and she leaned forward with a nod of her head in agreement. The padawan was getting it and there was no real science or technique to getting it done. You needed to learn how best to contorl your breathing yourself as she brought her legs up and crossed them. Bringing her hands to her knees while she watched the padawan the jedi master mostly was working on bringing her robes over to lay them out and dry them off with some light convection from her hands so they would also be warm and added fluffiness. She had other robes the padawan might like and they were working on special ones with the older ossus robes to try and make them very special for the jedi who wore them. "You are doing very well, it is all in the mind padawan."