Private Light and Shadows

[Connel Vanagor]

TITLE
LOCATION
LOCATION

[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

Every Day Gear Omega Squad

• 
  
  • Gear/Armor
    • Mask
    • Right Gauntlet
    • Left Gauntlet
  • Nano-Tech Armor (For Emergencies)
  • Headset Microphone Comm-Link
  • Mobile "Bodycam" Datapad
  • Lightblaster (Percipience - hidden in ship for emergency)
  • Shortsabers (“Night” and “Day”)
  • Throwing Lightknives
  • Force Blinding Flashbangs
  .
• Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel

Michael Angellus was walking with Aileni Ifor Xeraic around the Hidden Alliance Base. What they had been talking about at this point is irrelevant now as the young Angellus had someone to introduce him to. They had become fairly good friends over a short time, and it was really just them catching up at this point. However, a part of their conversation led him to this.

Walking into a training room, he could have sworn he knew who was in here, but all he could see was a lone individual in a dark brown and gray hooded tunic. The figure was sitting in a lotus position with his back to them.

Sorry, brother. I thought I knew who was in here, but I was wrong.

The figure turned toward them, it was Connel. I’m here.

With that veil dropped, the “rest” did as well and suddenly everything they had seen changed. Buster was in the corner, playing with one of his toys as there was another in the room. Cartri Keswoll , Connel’s Padawan. Sure, there were others who were learning from him, but Cartri has shown the most discipline. The Shadow busily waved for the two of them to come in as he rolled to his feet fluidly.

Alieni Ifor Xeriac, this is Jedi Knight Connel Vanagor… Connel Vanagor… this is my friend Alieni Ifor Xeriac.

Connel stood silently for a moment and sized the young boy up. You’re the one… A curious thought as he waved his hand. Allow me to explain… the way I meditate is through weapon katas… anyway during one yesterday… I had a vision of a young Padawan meeting Michael here and coming to me.

Michael was blown away, but he noticed his chrono going off. Frak… I have duty…

He’ll be okay here, if he wishes to stick around. Are you okay with this Cartri?

TAGS • ARE • OPEN
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​

 

[Aileni Ifor Xeraic]

Attire: Large brown hoodie, grey shirt
Equipment: Dathomiri Energy Bow, practice saber
Tag: Connel Vanagor | Cartri Keswoll

Aileni had been following Michael, taking in the views and getting a better understanding of the Hidden Path and their buildings. Something that Aileni always did was make notes of where he could escape and the various pathways that could be afforded to him in making sure he could escape. While there was some trust held towards the Hidden Path since Michael seemed involved with them, Aileni was always suspicious and distrustful towards those who were not family. Even then, he always made sure to be alert.

Looking into the dark room, Aileni seemed unfazed by it all. As the veil fell down, the young Padawan took in the ways that it faded and the truth was brought to the surface. "Interesting. Force Illusion." Aileni spoke, his mind already recognising the ability and there seemed to be some understandings in how it worked. Though this was the first time he had encountered the power being from what he could recall. When Connel mentioned that he was the one from some vision Aileni shrugged. "Who knows, perhaps that was of another Padawan. Visions can be tricky to interpret."

He had learned of many Nightsisters who struggled to parse the veil of visions that afflicted them, showing half truths and misleading information.

"I'm happy to stick around, seems there is certainly a lot that I can learn from being around here." Aileni stated, giving a bow of his head to Connel, Cartri and to Buster. He then looked over to Michael, "let you know how it goes later on." Giving a grin as some excite built within the young Jedi Padawan.

 

[Connel Vanagor]

SHADOW CONVERSATION
HIDDEN ALLIANCE BASE
TRAINING ROOM

Every Day Gear Omega Squad

• 
  
  • Gear/Armor
    • Mask
    • Right Gauntlet
    • Left Gauntlet
  • Nano-Tech Armor (For Emergencies)
  • Headset Microphone Comm-Link
  • Mobile "Bodycam" Datapad
  • Lightblaster (Percipience - hidden in ship for emergency)
  • Shortsabers (“Night” and “Day”)
  • Throwing Lightknives
  • Force Blinding Flashbangs
  .
• Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel

[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

He didn’t expand on his knowledge of visions, Aileni was already proving to be sharp, so this would be a good conversation, regardless. Connel then gave Cartri Keswoll a chance to speak up and Michael the chance to leave for his duty shift gracefully.

Thanks for bringing him to me, Michael.

Once Michael left, Connel waved the young boy in. He seemed suspicious, but that was probably from his upbringing. Not unexpected, or problematic really. Come on in, make yourself comfortable.

Walking in and dropping into a Lotus position, he watched the boy. So tell about yourself. What interests you, what doesn’t? All you speak of will remain here, so feel free to speak openly.

TAGS • ARE • OPEN
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​

 

[Cartri Keswoll]

Location: Hidden alliance base
Objective: Listen to Connel and the new kid
Tag: Connel Vanagor / Aileni Ifor Xeraic

For a while now, Cartri had been steadily training to become a Padawan. Physically, he didn't have much trouble; he was already in good shape for his age thanks to his time with Darkwire. Still, learning to fight with a sword was harder than he'd expected. If it were up to him, his fists would remain his weapon of choice, but it seemed they'd have to take a backseat to a lightsaber.

Leaning against the wall, Cartri glanced up from Buster as the door slid open. The boy who entered was the one Connel had asked to see. Apparently, the master had experienced a vision, one that showed the two of them meeting right here, in this very room. The idea still amazed Cartri; the Force and all its strange mysteries were something he was only beginning to grasp. And if he was honest, he expected plenty more weirdness on his path to becoming a Jedi.

"Of course, Master. No objections from me."

He nodded briefly to Aileni before walking over to sit beside Connel, crossing his legs with a small, knowing smirk.

"Well, that depends. If he's got a crush on someone in the Order, I can't promise I'll keep quiet about it."

 

[Aileni Ifor Xeraic]

Attire: Large brown hoodie, grey shirt
Equipment: Dathomiri Energy Bow, practice saber
Tag: Connel Vanagor | Cartri Keswoll

Aileni listened, though he made no moves to make himself more comfortable. His body was trained to be constantly ready for something. Ready to launch into action. His arms crossed and he thought about what there was to share on his thoughts, his desires. Then Cartri spoke and mentioned crushes. Aileni tilted his head, puzzled. While he knew of crushes and that they were a thing that people experienced, from what he knew on Dathomir at least, the women would just select a male as a mate and that was it. There were not crushes or prolonged courtships. It was weird to think that those things were more common with the Jedi.

"No crushes... No time." Aileni stated plainly, he was not deceiving or attempting to hide his crushes, there just wasn't time nor a desire to find the time. "I am training to be a Jedi Shadow, I am from Dathomir and my mother is Dreidi Xeraic." Aileni stated, figuring that covered all the major points in his life. "Not found anything that disinterests me, though I also find myself naturally talented in a lot of ways as well." Another plain statement, Aileni was there to humble brag. He was there to see what could be considered new or exciting for him.

Looking over the other two Jedi, "what about you two then?" Aileni was curious to know more about the people in the room with him than he was in sharing stuff about himself. He was still new and young, learning about himself. Aileni wanted to see what trained Jedi Shadows were like. How they train and work in comparison to how other styles of Jedi are. Especially since he hadn't met any Jedi Shadows within the High Republic so this was a good chance.

 

[Connel Vanagor]

SHADOW CONVERSATION
HIDDEN ALLIANCE BASE
TRAINING ROOM

Every Day Gear Omega Squad

• 
  
  • Gear/Armor
    • Mask
    • Right Gauntlet
    • Left Gauntlet
  • Nano-Tech Armor (For Emergencies)
  • Headset Microphone Comm-Link
  • Mobile "Bodycam" Datapad
  • Lightblaster (Percipience - hidden in ship for emergency)
  • Shortsabers (“Night” and “Day”)
  • Throwing Lightknives
  • Force Blinding Flashbangs
  .
• Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel

[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

Succinct. Direct. Efficient. Thus was the life of a Shadow, he was already well on his way. However he could relax, but would have to do so on his own time. As Cartri gave his, ever so eloquent observation, Connel admittedly wanted to admonish him, but it was funny and he just rolled his eyes.

Well, I’m Connel Vanagor, son to the late Caltin… and Chrysothemis. You know my cousin Michael, who says you are an exceptional pilot by the way.

Rolling back and landing on his feet into a standing position, Connel pulled a weapon into his hand. Trained as a Guardian, and a Weapon Master, through a combination of training with Special Forces and a crash course in other methods I walk the path of a Shadow. I have several cybernetic implants through circumstances that enhance a lot of my physical skills.

A lot more than he normally speaks about, but might as well and try to make the Dathomiri more comfortable. You’re among friends here.

TAGS • ARE • OPEN
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​

 

[Cartri Keswoll]

Location: Hidden alliance base
Objective: Listen to Connel and the new kid
Tag: Connel Vanagor / Aileni Ifor Xeraic

Cartri flashed a small, knowing smirk at the thought that Aileni was too busy to even think about having a crush. They all said that, of course, but he wasn't about to pry into something that personal. Instead, he listened respectfully as she spoke about her training.

A Jedi Shadow, huh? He didn't know much about them, only that his own master was one. Maybe one day he'd pick his brain about it, see if it was a path that suited him.

"The name's Cartri. Cartri Deesa," he said, rubbing the back of his head. "My official surname is Keswoll, but that's a name I was forced to carry from a time long past."

He gave a faint chuckle before continuing. "Not too long ago, I was part of a group called Darkwire, a hacking collective on Denon that fought against the corporations exploiting innocent people. They're still around, though a lot more low profile these days…" He trailed off, well aware of why that was, given their past reputation as a terrorist organization that nearly blew up Valery Noble on a train.

"Nowadays, I'm training to become a Jedi," he added with a grin, glancing up at the towering figure beside him. "The big guy next to me is my master. We only started not long ago, but with his guidance, I'm excited to see what I can do with the gift I've been given."

When he was younger, Cartri had always seen the Force as a curse, something that fueled his anger and violence. But now, with the right guidance, maybe he could finally learn to turn it into something good.

 

[Aileni Ifor Xeraic]

Attire: Large brown hoodie, grey shirt
Equipment: Dathomiri Energy Bow, practice saber
Tag: Connel Vanagor | Cartri Keswoll

Nodding his head, "Connel and Cartri." Aileni was making a mental note of the names and it was clear that Cartri was someone who came from a tough background. Connel seemed to have gone through a lot to get him where he was currently. It was strange, Aileni didn't think the idea of cybernetic enhancements to become a Shadow would have been a thing. Since it made a person more prone to Mechu Deru, more so a Jedi than a Sith, given the power was one that was meant to be Dark Side in nature. Though, from his readings, several Jedi had taken to learning the power so it was anyone's guess to say who could and couldn't use the powers.

A former member of a hacking group based on Denon, that was certainly an interesting backstory, "perhaps you can teach me a thing or two. Not much to really hack on Dathomir... At least technology wise, plenty of things to hack with a weapon I guess." Aileni chuckled, there was definitely going to be a bit of a learning curve when it came to hacking into technology but Aileni knew that was going to be needed for his pursuit of becoming a Jedi Shadow. This was a galaxy heavily reliant on technology.

Aileni nodded his head, "friends? Sure." There wasn't quite the belief in his voice on that. Friends was not always something he considered to be important. Allies and alliances with others were important, he knew that. But friends, they were tough since trust was needed and Aileni knew he could not surrender his trust to others easily. "What kinds of training do Shadows get up to then?" Aileni had figured that Cartri was learning from Connel to become a Jedi Shadow.

It would be interesting to learn what training they did, something he could practice between his other studies.

 

[Connel Vanagor]

SHADOW CONVERSATION
HIDDEN ALLIANCE BASE
TRAINING ROOM

Every Day Gear Omega Squad

• 
  
  • Gear/Armor
    • Mask
    • Right Gauntlet
    • Left Gauntlet
  • Nano-Tech Armor (For Emergencies)
  • Headset Microphone Comm-Link
  • Mobile "Bodycam" Datapad
  • Lightblaster (Percipience - hidden in ship for emergency)
  • Shortsabers (“Night” and “Day”)
  • Throwing Lightknives
  • Force Blinding Flashbangs
  .
• Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel

[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

Connel noticed the look on Aileni’s face when the Shadow mentioned his implants. On one of my earliest missions, I was outclassed by a Sith Lord. When I say “outclassed”, I shouldn’t be here right now. There was more missing from me than intact. All because he had an obsession with my father. The implants are what are basically keeping me alive.

There was still some reticence in the boy’s tone when “friends” were mentioned. While Connel didn’t judge, it sounded like Dathomir was not a very honorable place to live or grow up. It taught him well though, clearly to this point. When the boy asked about what he could learn, Connel noticed that he was looking more at Cartri than him, but he would still speak up. .Well…

Then, out of nowhere, everything in the room changed... again... The entire look changed from “Casual” to “Technical” and “Battle Worn”. In the blink of an eye, Connel, and Cartri were both different looking as well. Both in their full “Omega Squad” gear, as if this is the way they were all along. Apologies for the deception, but you did ask. We work in stealth, so a part of that is Altering the Environment. Then, if Aileni could, he would feel Connel’s aura being stronger and brighter quickly.

We also learn more about cloaking auras, not just masking them. I was working with Cartri on this, if this something you would want to learn?

TAGS • ARE • OPEN
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​

 

[Cartri Keswoll]

Location: Hidden alliance base
Objective: Listen to Connel and the new kid
Tag: Connel Vanagor / Aileni Ifor Xeraic ]

"Hm… maybe I can show you a few things to get you out of a tight situation," Cartri said, folding his arms. "But be warned, this sort of work isn't nearly as easy as it looks. It's a whole different herd of bantha compared to Jedi training." He spoke from experience; it had taken him years to truly get a handle on hacking, let alone the advanced techniques.

"Planets like this aren't suited for it, though. If we ever do dig into that field, I'd have to take you somewhere closer to my old stomping grounds."

For now, though, that would have to sit on the backburner. The young Jedi had other disciplines to master first, such as learning to become a shadow.

As Connel spoke, the world around them shifted, reshaping into a battle scarred environment. Their clothing changed as well, replaced in an instant by the Omega gear they wore on operations.

Cartri gave a brief nod to his master, then turned to the young Jedi, waiting for his answer to the offer of learning more about cloaking one's aura.

 

[Aileni Ifor Xeraic]

Attire: Large brown hoodie, grey shirt
Equipment: Dathomiri Energy Bow, practice saber
Tag: Connel Vanagor | Cartri Keswoll

Nodding his head when Connel explained what happened and what made the cybernetics necessary. It was crazy to think about how dangerously close a person could get to death. How fragile their lives can become. "Hopefully that Sith got their comeuppance eventually." Aileni stated, he knew how dangerous the Sith were, especially when they were obsessed with destroying Jedi and the lives of people. Pushing oppressive and tyrannical rules down the throat of the populace while acting like it was liberation.

Honour was something that did exist on Dathomir. Survival and tradition were priorities. Dathomir was a cruel world where floral were just as dangerous as fauna. But there was loyalty and honour amongst the people, they were always united against threats that came from the outside.

Hearing that Cartri was willing to show Aileni some skills in the future when at a location that was more suitable for such training, "that sounds good to me. Looking forward to seeing what I can learn." Aileni was always keen to figure out what felt new information to learn and not something that gave him deep sensations of deja vu.

Seeing the room shifting once again and feeling the changes within the Force, Aileni let his bright green eyes look around. "Hmmm... Cool. Yeah." Aileni spoke quietly as he was absorbing the idea of being to change the environment around them with the Force. "Makes sense to have a power like this..." Aileni was finding himself in deep thought as he was taking this in, it was strange since he was sure he could feel the deception but was that because he was able to see through it or because he knew it existed in the first place.

"Sure, happy to learn as much as I can." Aileni affirmed, he was here to learn more about becoming a Jedi Shadow and Aileni was going to do as much as he could to learn what it was needed. Develop the powers as much as he could now so when he was older, when he was a Jedi Knight, he could jump straight into the missions.

 

[Connel Vanagor]

SHADOW CONVERSATION
HIDDEN ALLIANCE BASE
TRAINING ROOM

Every Day Gear Omega Squad

• 
  Gear/Armor
  Mask
  Right Gauntlet
  Left Gauntlet
  Nano-Tech Armor (For Emergencies)
  Headset Microphone Comm-Link
  Mobile "Bodycam" Datapad
  Lightblaster (Percipience - hidden in ship for emergency)
  Shortsabers (“Night” and “Day”)
  Throwing Lightknives
  Force Blinding Flashbangs
  .
• Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel

[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

Connel nodded not really wanting to get descriptive, but confirming that it happened, his comeuppance. When we liberated Tython… … before the Empire popped up out of nowhere. I was a VERY different person at that point, not just the cybernetics though, I even got the lightsaber back that he took from me.

Walking around, having just gotten his jumping off point.Cartri is right, in a more generally speaking directive than he thinks. Out there, nothing will go simply. So that is how I teach, it is how I learned. There will be points where you may find yourself mentally asking the question “What does this have to do with… “ or “Will I really need this out there…” I did… then out in the field it will come together. Stopping slightly and cracking his neck, he spoke again.

Alright, first lesson. When you are ready, I want you to focus inward. To proficiently cloak your aura, an IMPORTANT tool in our skillset, I want you to pay attention to yourself and the Force within you. Feel the Force not as something external you manipulate, but as the river you are already a part of. To hide your presence, you must first learn to stop creating ripples in the water. When you are ready, and feel truly attune… start trying to pull the Force inward, and not project it. Focus on it being tighter and smaller in stature. Take all the time you need, but when and if you feel capable… one of the tricks I use is to try and mimic your surroundings, blend into the ambient environment. The breeze, the birds…

TAGS • ARE • OPEN
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​

 

[Cartri Keswoll]

Location: Hidden alliance base
Objective: Listen to Connel and the new kid
Tag: Connel Vanagor / Aileni Ifor Xeraic ]

Cartri smirked. "I'm looking forward to it too. It'll be strange being the teacher for once, but maybe I can show you a thing or two. Who knows, maybe I can even make a street rat out of you yet." His voice carried an unmistakable note of mischief as he shot a quick glance up at his master, as though already plotting something. Yes, there was the hacking he'd promised to teach, but also a few other skills Jedi rarely encouraged. Best not to mention those until he and Aileni had actually tried them.

Listening to Connel again, Cartri shifted, settling into a more comfortable position before following the instructions alongside Aileni. Still, he held back, letting the boy go first. He wanted to watch him attempt the technique, see how quickly he grasped it, how naturally it came to him.

And, in the back of his mind, Cartri wondered whether blending into his surroundings was even possible with hair as bright as his. Ginger hardly lent itself to stealth; it made him stand out like a droid in a cantina, and he knew it all too well.

 

[Aileni Ifor Xeraic]

Attire: Large brown hoodie, grey shirt
Equipment: Dathomiri Energy Bow, practice saber
Tag: Connel Vanagor | Cartri Keswoll

"Sure, I'm open to it." Aileni stated to Cartri, not seeing any issues in learning how to become a street rat. If anything, it would be a handy role to play as a Shadow, especially since it would be very different to how people would think a boy from Dathomir would behave and act.

His attention shifted to Connel and listened to the explanation of the most fundamental skills that a Shadow should acquire, the ability to hide one's presence in the Force. It made sense to Aileni and he understood what the ability would be used for. The presence in the Force would make it too easy for enemies or targets to spot a person's presence. So, knowing how to hide that presence, how to diminish it so that one was hidden. Aileni knew that was going to be an ability that held a lot of promise.

Instinctively, Aileni breathed in deeply and closed his eyes. From there, it didn't take long for Aileni's presence to diminish from detection. Moving in a slow, steady pace as it got smaller and smaller. Almost with practiced ease, as if this was a power that Aileni had trained in plenty. His aura as it got smaller also held faint presences of something older, far more powerful that the Padawan was not accessing yet. Potential that went far beyond what Aileni normally displayed.

When Aileni made his presence as small as he could, he opened his eyes and looked over to Connel, "huh. Feels strange hiding the presence. But I also like it. Means that an enemy can underestimate you since they believe they hold the stronger presence in the Force." Aileni mentioned, thinking of ways to use it that were not simply stealth related scenarios.

 

[Connel Vanagor]

SHADOW CONVERSATION
HIDDEN ALLIANCE BASE
TRAINING ROOM

Every Day Gear Omega Squad

• 
  
  • Gear/Armor
    • Mask
    • Right Gauntlet
    • Left Gauntlet
  • Nano-Tech Armor (For Emergencies)
  • Headset Microphone Comm-Link
  • Mobile "Bodycam" Datapad
  • Lightblaster (Percipience - hidden in ship for emergency)
  • Shortsabers (“Night” and “Day”)
  • Throwing Lightknives
  • Force Blinding Flashbangs
  .
• Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel

[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

The kid picked up on it quickly. No real surprise, from what Michael had told Connel, he was a fast learner, not only that his upbringing and environment fostered it. His ability to grasp new concepts quickly was evident in the way he adapted to challenges and absorbed information effortlessly. This natural aptitude, combined with his supportive upbringing, made it clear that he was destined for success in whatever he pursued.

Connel wasn’t done though.

Pulling a training saber into his hand and flourishing it instinctively as he looked the boy over he said simply. Good, now try pulling this out of my hand, while your aura is cloaked. He inwardly smirked.

Remember what I said. There are times out there where you will have to adapt. You will be in over your head, or you will have an issue you really cannot deal with head on. Sometimes if you are racing to find something and someone else is out there, you might have to get out of there without being seen.

Nothing ever goes smoothly.

TAGS • ARE • OPEN
Personal Effects - Omega Squad Loadouts - Shadow Sanctuary - Enterprise​

 

[Cartri Keswoll]

Location: Hidden alliance base
Objective: Listen to Connel and the new kid
Tag: Connel Vanagor / Aileni Ifor Xeraic

Cartri could sense the Padawan's Force aura thinning with each passing second, fading from a bright, unrestrained pulse to a faint, barely perceptible flicker. For a first attempt, the kid was picking it up remarkably fast. It spoke well of him, teachable, attentive, and clearly a quick study.

Opening his eyes, Cartri regarded the young Jedi with a thoughtful gaze. "Not only that," he said, "but your physical presence plays a role too. You rarely need to do anything for an enemy to misjudge you. Right now, you're just a kid in their eyes. They'll think you're easy pickings because they assume strength comes only from size or age."

He tilted his head, recalling bitter lessons earned the hard way. "In my experience, that doesn't mean a damn thing if you know what you're doing. Their overconfidence is the crack you exploit, the thing that makes them falter."

Cartri folded his arms, watching the Padawan with renewed focus as he tested whether he could slip the training saber from Connels hand. His words brought back memories, unwelcome, sharp edged, but familiar. He remembered the times he'd wandered into situations far above his pay grade. Sith assassins trying to kill him on denon rooftops, bounty hunters mistaking him for another target. He'd lived through it, barely, but not without scars, both the kind that healed and the kind that didn't.

The only way he was truly going to learn how to adapt in dire situations was to experience it himself.

Training was only a foundation of what was to come.