Generations Apart

[Tyl Ro]

Ossus, Jedi Academy, Medical facilities​

"Please be sure to take this exactly once every eight hours. The infection will dissipate in a few days time. Return next week for reexamination or before if your condition worsens." A long, three-fingered hand stretched out. There, a bottle sat in the pasty grey palm, quite small by comparison. The bottle was halfway filled with even smaller capsules of an antibiotic. Tentatively, the bottle was grabbed by a much tinier hand. Sheepishly, the youngling pulled the bottle to herself and shyly looked up at Tyl.

Tyl's eyes closed as she smiled, an incredibly human gesture she had picked up over her tenure living with them. Her hand that had once offered the pill bottle gently found itself patting the head and ruffling the hair of the human girl seated, legs dangling awkwardly off the side of the gurney. The Jedi physician sat next to the child, but even so, the Kaminoan's long neck was far and above the eye level of the girl. But Tyl, even though she looked so alien to these children when they first came to her clinic, always did her best to be nonthreatening and kind. "And please remember to stay away from the hylo sweets in the future. A Devaronian can digest them, but Humans cannot."

The little girl nodded a few times under Tyl's hand, a blush growing on the youngling's cheeks. The Healer removed her hand from the girl's frizzy hair and the child shot off the bed like a sublight engine. The girl stopped in her tracks at the door though she had just remembered something she had forgotten. Turning on her toes, the youngling, feet pointing in at each other and struggling to make eye contact with the Jedi Knight, finally spoke. "Thank you," the little girl managed before she darted off again, not waiting for a response from the elder Jedi.

After several months, Tyl was finally settling in with her duties at the Academy. More and more she had interactions with others. She spent most of her time volunteering in the medsuite, especially helping with the youngest of the Jedi. Still, her stints at the Temple always seemed to happen in spurts before she found herself on some shuttle to some world where she was volunteering to help in whatever capacity she could. In some ways, the Jedi Healer surprised herself. She had never felt the wanderlust that others have related to her. Being among the stars, out in space, held no more or less wonder for her than many of the worlds she had journeyed. Instead, it was her lack of knowledge of the universe where she found herself that propelled her out to learn as much as she could. And if she could offer her assistance along the way to serve that selfish to desire of understanding, than all the better.

A light began to flicker on a console nearby while Tyl was tidying the suite. Though she held no appointment book, the injuries and ailments that children could incur at any moment held no end to their spontaneity. She kept everything in check, especially considering the space was shared by so many others who might need to know exactly where a rare salve would be at a moment's notice.

Tyl gracefully glided over the tile floor to the source of the notification. A two-dimensional screen burned into existence on a previously blank space. The text was miniscule so Tyl seated herself down to read the message which was addressed specifically to her. She scanned through the document, deciphering its contents more and more intently as the letter progressed. Tyl looked it over twice, making sure she understood all of the details before connecting her comm with the Academy's coordinators.

A few moments later, the Kaminoan got up and left the suite, dimming the lights behind her. She walked with purpose into the midday sun, direct on her way to see Grandmaster [member="Corvus Raaf"].

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus sat where she usually did when she wasn’t taking a lesson or filling in paperwork. She was in the Meditation Pavilion and was deep in meditation.

And as was her way, she was perfecting a new variation — Rising Meditation. She could feel her sense of the Force increase and was aware, even in this state, that her body had risen from the ground.

Around her small items floated and even rotated around her. She was finding this variation particularly useful during her Battle Meditation. She was able to get beyond the reflexive, ‘thinking’ mind into a deeper state of relaxation and awareness.

Given her recent encounter on Ord Mirit, she was also using it to enhance her emotional control over herself. The Pavilion was especially constructed to lessen outside disturbances which became muted and were easier to shut out to provide a more conducive atmosphere for deep meditation.

But even in this state and with the advantages of the building, she sensed the approach of a Jedi Knight and simply knew that were coming to meet her.

[member="Tyl Ro"]

 

[Tyl Ro]

Disturbing the meditation of another Jedi was typically considered rather improper. Meditation was a ritual, an act that required total concentration, and the slightest of interruptions could ruin the routine. And yet, at the Academy, where so many Jedi came and went, it was a more common occurrence than Tyl had ever before experienced. The Order she had grown up with was small, and finding time to shut one's self off from the galaxy and calm the mind, body and spirit was not a difficult thing to do. Of course, the veteran generations were always more courteous with their intrusions, and the youngest nearly always learned a lesson on decorum. But, nevertheless, to knowingly disrupt the meditation of another Jedi required a certain amount of care.

So when the Kaminoan approached the Pavillion, she made sure that, despite the concern and urgency she felt, the aura about her radiated with serenity.

Entering the chamber, she saw the Grandmaster floating above the stone floor. Small objects floated as well, some moving, some stationary. Tyl thought better of immediately speaking out, and instead chose to lower herself to the ground, crossing her legs and taking a meditation pose of her own, though it was less of a meditation and more just a quieting of her mind. The Jedi Knight knew that her presence would be felt, and so Tyl found it best to simply wait patiently for the Jedi Master to break her meditation on her own terms.

Of course, it didn't matter how deep the Meditation, the Force tended to let you know when your notice was required and Corvus sensed Knight Tyl Ro's presence and so opened one eye and smiled simultaneously.

She slowly descended to the floor before standing and bowing. "Good morning, I sense this is not a social call. So how may I be of assistance."

The Kaminoan responded in kind, standing and bowing as was a traditional greeting of the Jedi way."Good morning, Grandmaster," the Jedi's long neck rising as she spoke, not quite straightening to her full height. Tyl's voice carried the pleasant, melodious, yet measured tones that were common to her people. But there was a certain gravity behind her words that could not be tuned out.

"My apologies for disturbing your meditation. Your insight is correct. There is a matter that has come to my attention that I felt could not wait. The concern is over the world of Pamorjal." Tyl hesitated for a moment, reaching out, feeling the presences of many others entranced in their own meditation practices throughout the Pavilion. The Healer could feel her thoughts on the matter churning once more, even before she began expounding on the issue. Tyl offered a faint smile. "Perhaps this conversation would be better suited for elsewhere?" Tyl's voice rose with her last word, turning the suggestion into more of a question.

​

Spoiler

With response courtesy of [member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus nodded and thought for a second. "Let's walk and talk and head back to my office. The planet's name is familiar but I have to apologise as I have clearly missed whatever it is that concerns you."

So she headed back towards the Academy at a brisk pace. "And never apologise for disturbing me. I'm here to serve after all."

[member="Tyl Ro"]

 

[Tyl Ro]

Tyl bowed again in response to Grandmaster Raaf as they both turned to leave the meditation chamber and out into the early afternoon sun of Ossus. Many of those who once knew the Kaminoan often regarded her as too polite, and some had even commented on the matter to her. Some viewed it as condescending, others as a paltry façade, and even others as simply being too nice. But for Tyl, her cordial nature was quite genuine. Even when asked to turn it off in order to be more casual, she often found herself forgetting and using her more typical formal gestures and speech. In her mind, she was speaking with the Master of Masters among the Jedi. Respect was due. Tyl was always surprised with the ease that some could slip into laid-back mindsets. She would have to try and remember to conduct herself in a similar way. The Knight would surely be reminded more than once.

"Pamorjal isn't a particularly significant world," Tyl began, her words calm and collected. "There is no strategic importance to it. The planet's major export is a type of tree, the garna tree, which is unique to Pamorjal. The tree is used as a luxury ingredient in many furnishings for some of the wealthiest of galactic society. Currently, the world rests in a neutral part of the Galaxy just outside of Republic territory." Tyl paused again for a moment. "Truthfully I haven't done much research into the place. I only gleaned what information I could from the message I received earlier this morning."

The gardens spread across the grounds of the Temple had lost their dew since that morning. But still, the reflections pools and streams scattered throughout provided a sparkle in the midday sun. Tyl paused a moment as a few younglings ran by, on their way to whatever class or activity was next on their agenda. When one looked out among the young Jedi learning, it was sometimes difficult to imagine the darkness in the galaxy around them.

"That message was routed directly to me," Tyl continued when the children were far enough out of earshot. "I'm not etirely sure why. Someone must have told them about my little excursion to the slums of Nar Shaddaa. I'm surprised that it wasn't intercepted at some junction. It's possible it was, but impossible to know for sure." Tyl realized her mind was wandering out loud and quickly returned to the details. "At any rate, the message came from a faction on Pamorjal detailing their situation. Their planet has become embroiled in a civil war, one that has been brewing for centuries but only recently turned into full-scale conflict. One side is made up of the industrialists who have, over the centuries, turned the planet into a factory for the harvesting of garna trees. The other side is made up of the natives who wish to expel the corporate takeover. The Republic did send negotiators in an attempt to calm the two sides and work out a peaceful solution a few months ago, but they were quickly expelled by both sides. Each claimed their right of independence, not wishing for outside interference, and threatened that any further attempts to send representatives would be seen as an act of hostility."

Over the course of Tyl's briefing, they had come to arrive at the Grandmaster's office. Tyl chose to stand, her hands clasped behind her at the small of her back. She took a deep breath before continuing. "A third party, the ones who sent the request, gradually grew as part of the society of Pamorjal. A group whose members consist of those who broke the barrier of the two sides. They fell in love, had children, their children had children. Their numbers and society grew. Unfortunately, their choice is seen as a transgression to both the corporations and the native people of Pamorjal. This third group has been treated as second-class citizens throughout their history together."

Tyl shook her head. "Now that war has broken out, the third group hoped that it could take a neutral stance in the conflict. Instead they are being forcibly conscripted into one or the other side. They aren't given the same care as a pure native nor as the army created by the corporations. Their lands are the first to be burned or bombarded or battled upon by the ground forces of either side." The Kaminoan looked directly into the Grandmaster's eyes. "They asked me if I would lend my skills as a Healer in order to keep their people alive during these harsh times. They know that one person alone would not be enough for everyone. But it would be better than no one at all."

[member="Corvus Raaf"]​

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus listened intently and nodded where was appropriate. Tyl received her full and undivided attention.

Corvus bowed as a matter of reflex as a group of Younglings ran past, clearly keen to run about in the midday sun before afternoon lessons began. When she was a Youngling back on Corellia, she spent every spare minute in the library and were it not for practical assignments would have had the palest skin of any Jedi back then.

An then Tyl reached the crux of the matter and Corvus had to stop her mind musing over what she heard and instead hear the full recount before thinking the matter through.

Once they reached her office and given Tyl’s decision not to sit, Corvus perched herself on the edge of her desk rather than take a seat.

As was often the case, the most pertinent facts always came at the end. An underclass, the weak the Jedi were sworn to protect.

The Republic had become involved and had failed to broker a peace. She wondered how welcome Jedi would be if they picked up the mantle of negotiators. Not by the residents of Pamorjl – but by the Senate. Of late she had felt they saw the Jedi as a tool to use, as opposed to their rightful place – a conscience of the Republic and a loyal servant to ensure they didn’t just do things right – but did the right things. The Jedi Code hadn’t been thrown together quickly. Unlike the Senate that still debated the rights and wrongs of Acts they’d passed only a year before, the Jedi Code had lasted millennia – because it was sound.

There was a reason that many issues reached the Council for a decision. It was because there was often no right answer. No cut and dried solution. Often it was the calling of the better of two bad options.

For as much as Corvus had never gambled in her life, she would bet that a request for medical aid would develop into more than that. It was…inevitable. It was the way of the galaxy.

Corvus nodded. “Of course you should go. I presume you didn’t ask me because you wanted my opinion but rather conformation it would be OK. And you’re right. One person is not enough. So I think it prudent I came with you.”

“I have training as a healer you know, so don’t worry, I’m quite competent. So tell me, when do we leave?”

[member="Tyl Ro"]

 

[Tyl Ro]

Not often one to be taken aback, the surprise was still evident on Tyl's face. The question of whether the Kaminoan Jedi should go was an intricate one. Not only would they be invading hostile territory, a territory that had actively threatened any approaching vessel, but they would also going against the political agendas of all involved parties in power. The issue was not a matter of could they act. To help a people in need, Tyl could betray orders if she felt her convictions on the matter were strong enough, whatever her repercussions for disobedience may be. The issue was a matter of should they act.

In the end, she supposed there wasn't really a good answer. Perhaps Grandmaster Raaf had determined the same. But nevertheless, Tyl was surprised that the head of the Jedi Order would volunteer herself for such a dangerous operation. Between the brief moment of silence between the words of the two women, Tyl thought back to Tulin Hydoci, the de facto Grandmaster aboard the Haven. It had been a different time, but the Mirialan Master had treated every situation with no less gusto. Are these the traits that bring others the desire to follow an example? Is this why some are destined to be leaders?

The pause was brief. Just enough time for Tyl to remove the astonishment from her countenance. "I have not yet made arrangements for departure," Tyl related, her tone no less matter-of-factly musical than before. "I don't have a personal vessel..." She paused just a moment. Tyl's unfamiliarity with the systems in place was still a product of her relative newness. "... and considering the nature of this mission, I assumed that clearance would be required. Either way, my piloting abilities leave something to be desired."

Truthfully, Tyl had spent years trying to garner piloting skills. She had traveled with her Master, her Padawan, the time she spent with Lau, Ena, and Roa, and even shuttle duty aboard the Haven. But attempting to fly stealthily into a combat zone was well outside of the realm of her capabilities. Had Tyl gone alone, she likely would have required the assistance of a pilot to get her to Pamorjal as well as to pick her up for extraction.

"You have my thanks." Tyl bowed deeply then.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]​

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus tapped her chin, clearly mulling over a thought.

Finally she nodded. "I think we need to keep this low key. We can travel in my Jedi Corvette. Big enough to be comfortable and allow us room to breathe but small enough not to attract too much attention."

In Corvus' mind it was simple. She was not political in any way. The weak needed protecting and it wasn't as if the Republic were at war with either side. "I have a few matters to clear up and then we can head off." She checked the time. "I can be ready in...three hours?"

She beamed at Tyl. For as much as she was a scholar, there was nothing as good as doing. Actually helping, rolling her sleeves up and making a difference. Why would it be any other way?

And once Tyl left the room, she made arrangements for food and more importantly, medical supplies to be loaded onto her ship. What they had they would share, there was no other option.

[member="Tyl Ro"]

 

[Tyl Ro]

"In three hours then," Tyl confirmed, the hint of a relieved smile crossing her face.

As Tyl made for her medical suite on Ossus to prepare, her mind wandered. She thought back on how she had become a healer. After all, there had been a time when, as a young Jedi, Tyl had held little interest for other beings. Being a Jedi was a contemplative thing, where one meditated and pondered. Tyl was content to philosophize on her own without interference. At that time, she had looked out at the galaxy and saw war and conflict and aggression. For a Jedi, adding to that discord would be in direct opposition of what a Jedi's purpose was; to pursue peace, order, tranquility. If a Jedi were to lead by example, then emanating those aspects were essential, even if it meant watching the galaxy burn around her.

But then she had been taken in by the galaxy. Her Master had thrust her among the throngs of the suffering. She fought alongside those who fought for their beliefs. She heard the arguments of many sides. There was discord, chaos. The level-headed Tyl had no choice but to adapt.

The Knight's mind meandered over memories: lives she had saved or tried to protect. Her analytical nature cataloged them all away like files in a datapad. There were many. Many more she had been unable to help. She imagined, that after this mission to Pamorjal, that there would be many more files in the library of her mind.

That thought snapped the Jedi out of her walking meditation and she found herself in her office once more. A half-filled pack lay on one of the beds and a group of droids were gathering other medical supplies and placing them on a gravsled. Moments later, Tyl was off towards the docking bay, the automated sled hovering just behind her.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]​

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus spent the first thirty minutes rearranging meetings. Her teaching duties were reassigned and less important meetings delegated to other Jedi Masters. The few that required her presence were postponed until she returned. It only affected two — and neither were vital or urgent.

Then she let a few people know she was travelling and how to contact her.

Finally she packed — light as always. Other than a change of robes, she packed nothing — for she had no personal effects to take. Her Jedi Corvette had essential supplies on it, data pads, that sort of thing, so she required nothing more substantial.

Given she had a spare thirty minutes, she pulled all the data she could on the planet and its people and downloaded to a single datapad for review on the journey. You could not, in Corvus’ experience, ever be over-prepared.

And then she headed for the hangar and saw the figure of Tel ahead and a sled following her — obviously filled with medical supplies. And Corvus mused on her best friend. She refused to call her former for she always believed in redemption — but refused to talk of her. It quite simply hurt too much.

So she followed the healer onto her ship and called out, “I warn you. I have a protocol droid. He was a gift from a Padawan and was re-programmed by my…a fellow Jedi. So if he’s a little abrasive, please pay him no mind.”

“I heard that…Master.”

Corvus smiled. “That’s him. Cornix. I’ll introduce you later.”

[member="Tyl Ro"]