Nimitz Town

[Testimony Jones]

​

Tython

Nimitz Town. Nothing more than a Supply Depot located on the East Red River and just below the Brown Mountains. The Jedi used it early on in their building routines and it saw a great deal of boats coming up and down the river daily. Now that time has past and it's most just another pit-stop on your way to someplace bigger. The lumber boys keep the Depot in good repair and the fishermen love the spot for relaxing. The River is always busy and the new wooden bridges make running back and forth a breeze. This was the most noticeable part for Testimony Jones. As she had just finished hanging up the wooden Street Signs a moment ago.

"...How does it look from over there Jacen?"

The blonde Apprentice called from atop her ladder. The other brown-haired Apprentice was busy trying to catch fish in the shallow pool with his bare hands.

"Looks fine to me. Now come over here and help me catch these fish. I've almost got one. I swear."

The boy looked rather silly with the large backpack hanging from his shoulders. It was a good head above his neck and hung down below his bottom. Covered in zip-ties and strange accessories. More a pack-mule look than an adventurer really. The blonde girl pouted her lips and sighed,

"Jacen! Your supposed to be helping me. ...Not catching fish and risking the pack to water!"

"Oh shut up! Your scaring all the fish away!"

The boy with the shaggy brown hair persisted and Testimony was left to her own devices. She hung the masterwork sign with care and descended her ladder. Slinging her hammer over her shoulder, brushed off her blue outfit, and squinted against the sun. Just in time to catch another traveler on the road from the city.

"Excuse me!? Excuse me! ...Ahem. Quick question? What do you think of the Street signs? They're new."

She beamed a smile and waved proudly to custom painted wood-work underneath the lamppost.

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

Jaxton had just returned from one of the missions the council had sent him on. It wasn't as grueling as Junction or Centerpoint were, but Jaxton still felt tired, and probably looked a bit haggardly. His Zeltron heritage made him look better than most would in his condition, but he still felt like a wreck. It would be nice to get back to the temple and get some rest and meditation hours in. First however, Jaxton had to stop by the port of Nimitz Town, a small colony that was mainly used as a supply and docking station now that some of the bigger cities had been built.

Jaxton emerged from his shuttle and walked into the town. He preferred to take a nice run to the Temple instead of taking a speeder or boat to help keep himself in shape. He didn't get nearly as many hours to work out as he did when he was a Grav-baller, so he tried to get every little thing in he could. As a Jedi Knight he was nowhere near as vulnerable to the local wildlife as most men were, and he always took different routes to get there so he could explore different avenues and find any old undiscovered Jedi temples or building. Before he could get out of the small city however, he was stopped by a tall blonde woman @[member="Testimony Jones"]

"Excuse me!? Excuse me! ...Ahem. Quick question? What do you think of the Street signs? They're new." He had nearly passed the lady and not heard her as he was still more exhausted than he should be. Jaxton looked up at the street signs and saw some rather new and well-crafted looking signs.

"It looks really nice. Carpenter must have put a good bit of work into it." Jaxton said complimentary. He suspected the woman had made them herself, or at least knew the person who did, because he couldn't have thought of why she would have asked otherwise. "Could be a bit higher though." Jaxton joked and reached up with a hand and touched it.

"Then again, that just seems to be a problem with street signs in general. This one's probably the best in Nimitz town." Jaxton complimented, not wanting to end on a joke that could be perceived as an insult to the craftsmanship.

 

[Testimony Jones]

Jacen came trudging out of the muddy pool and seemed surprised to hear Jaxton's remarks,

"...Probably? Nah. Easily. My mentor crafted those signs himself. I'd say they are the best signs in all of Tython."

He made a smug grin as the pack shuffled on his back. Testimony only rolled her eyes,

"Yes yes. Funny how your Master makes them and I'm the one who has to hang them up? Lazy much."

She waved away the frowning Jacen with ease and returned with a smile for Jaxton,

"...Sorry about that. I'm glad you like them. My, partner, and I. We've just finished hanging them up and down the roads here. Hehe. ...Wait. No no. I know you. Your Knight Ravos. Your one of the Knights who's actually been out fighting the Sith. Yeah. Goodness me. I should have noticed earlier."

She squinted to get a good look at Jaxton's face,

"Are you heading back to the Temple. You look tired. ...Mind if I tag along? I'm heading that way now."

"Huh? Wait a minute Jones. I though we where heading towards Limberly Outpost downstream to drop off the pack to Master Muet?"

"No. Your, going downstream to Limberly Outpost. I'm, going with Knight Ravos. To... Well. Where ever he is going, I suppose?"

"What!? ...But but."

"You snooze. You lose. Bye bye Jacen."

"Ugh! Fine... But tomorrow your carrying the pack. Geeze. Women!"

The brown-haired boy through his hands into the air and retreated down towards the docks. He could catch the ferry with the fishermen when it arrived. Testimony was busy helping Jaxton.

"So? Where to? ...I'm anxious to elsewhere. Can I carry anything for you? Sorry. Don't meet many heroes. Hehe."

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

Jaxton laughed as the two padawans heckled one another. It seemed light-hearted, and it made Jaxton feel good that there were still people who acted and felt light-hearted.

"Thanks, but I'm fine carrying my things."Jaxton began conversation with the lady, his manners preventing him from letting her help him out. It wasn't like he couldn't carry it, he was just a little more tired than usual coming home. "I'm actually going to the Temple. Doesn't really matter how I get there, because I like to get a good hike in, and it's always pleasant scenery. You're free to join if you like." Normally he'd caution the woman to make sure she had a saber, but she seemed experienced enough on Tython to know what she was doing.

"Wait you know me?" Jaxton asked the woman as he continued into the forest. What had he done to get any recognition? "I'm no hero, I'm just doing my duty." Jaxton replied honestly. When he was a Grav-ball player he played because he was built for it, and when he became a Jedi he realized he was built to fight and protect people as well. It was an easy transition for him, and Jaxton didn't have to think about why he did what he did, he just did it. If anything he felt he wasn't as strong as he should be, especially after Junction . . . "What have you heard about me?" Jaxton asked curiously, wondering why his name specifically would be something padawans told stories about.

 

[Testimony Jones]

"Walk and talk then? ...After all. The white-stone road leads around and about. So, we'll catch a ride on the lumber truck when it passes."

She shrugged and motioned Jaxton to follow her across the bridge and down the cobblestone path. It was not the road of the Weary Man? But common enough to be of no hurry.

"And pardon me for saying so? But... Well. You are a man that any woman is not likely to forget."

She smirked and pointed to his skin. His stature. His walk. ...Well. Everything really. Perhaps the Zeltron had forgotten he was, him. She continued,

"You fought along the Grandmaster during his last battle. You've been off-world and worked with the Coruscant Republic. Indeed. There are many experiences that we Padawans only hear tales of. Never again to be participated with. ...So. Yes. I've heard of you. The Giant who can run as fast as the wind itself. ...It's. Quite a picture you know. Hehe."

She was playful with her words. Regal in her walk. She held her shoulders like a man and was generous with her eyes. Testimony knew no fear as they walked down the white-stone road. For she was in the company of friends.

"But what brings you the Temple today? Another grand adventure that we students will hear songs of, one day? I should greatly hope so? Being a student can be... Well. Patience is not my virtue. Let's just say. Hehe."

She shrugged and the shade from the trees cooled her skin. It was a pleasant trek indeed.

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

Jaxton reluctantly turned his path when the woman motioned for him to follow her on the stone covered path. He probably didn't need to be adventuring about, but it didn't stop him from wanting to be out there. He blushed slightly as the woman spoke of him and motioned to his frame. He had become accustomed to receiving such compliments as a Grav-ball player, but something about it coming from a Jedi and being about him being a Jedi made it different. Luckily the human would not be able to tell with his naturally red skin.

Then she began to speak of his fighting along the Grandmaster at Junction. He was surprised that anyone spoke favorably of his time there, but it made him feel a bit better. If the Jedi did not blame Jaxton for Teferi's death, perhaps one day he wouldn't blame himself either. As she continued she did seem to speak of him in a heroic fashion. He wondered if all the padawans talked about the battles and adventures of knights and masters. Her playful tone and benevolent eyes denoted an innocence Jaxton had about the galaxy a mere few months ago. It was refreshing to hear someone talk talk that way, a reminder of what and who he fought for.

She asked him what he was doing on Tython, and if he was off to have some great adventure. The woman certainly could dream. "I just came back from a scouting mission. Really just here for some R&R until I get assigned somewhere again. It's always nice to be back home." Jaxton said, catching himself call Tython 'home'. He never thought anywhere but Corellia would be a place like that for him, but here he was. "And there's nothing wrong with being a student. There's fun stuff to learn, you get to stay around the same people and make some friends, there's no long freighter rides or running for days off of a few power bars." Jaxton said and described the benefits of being able to stay at Tython.

"And being a padawan doesn't always mean you have to stay at home. I was only a padawan when I fought at Junction. I'm sure a regal woman like yourself will get sent somewhere." Jaxton said in a cheerful tone. The woman was a bit taller than average, with shining white hair and had a sort of 'light' about her. Jaxton wondered if this was her innocence or his own perceptions of her. Perhaps he was giving in to the flattery a bit too much, and he didn't even know her name . . . Jaxton would have to fix both of these issues.

"And please, I insist, I'm no great hero or adventurer, just a friend. Call me Jaxton." Jaxton introduced himself and extended a firm handshake.

 

[Testimony Jones]

"My name is Testimony. Hehe. Nice to meet you Jaxton."

Her handshake was firm and calloused. The complete opposite of her youthful and radiant features. Her arm was strong, like unto her jaw. This was not a timid woman. But rather, an amazon. A warrior. Yet, keen to emphasis her charisma over her strength.

"Forgive me for repeating tales of heroics. But every student dreams of one day accomplishing great things. Of being accepted. ...Growing up. You know. Feeling like what your doing really matters. Feeling like your making a difference."

She paused as they passed another sign,

"Not just... Hanging up lampposts near the Outer Roads. You know?"

It wasn't a sad comment or a pitiable one. She felt pride. It was there in her words. But it wasn't the Galaxy. It wasn't her entrance into 'The Big Picture'. It felt more like preparation. Another lesson for the real acts that were to come.

"But listen to me talk. Hehe. You'd think I'm complaining. No. Only... Anxious to join the heroes. Erm... I mean. Anxious to join the Galaxy."

She smiled and placed her hands behind her back. It was a happy slip of the tongue.

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

As Jaxton shook Testimony's hand, she noted the firmness with which she shook, much more akin to a man or a warrior than the pleasant, happy woman he was spending his walk with. The woman callouses indicated she was a hard worker, at the very least. He would not be surprised if she had opted to use the sword and not the lightsaber.

"Forgive me for repeating tales of heroics. But every student dreams of one day accomplishing great things. Of being accepted. ...Growing up. You know. Feeling like what your doing really matters. Feeling like your making a difference."

She said and Jaxton chuckled a little to himself, not trying to be disrespectful but finding her words amusing. Tales of Heroics. He remembered being impatient like that. Now that he was out there and one of the men the Jedi used in fights he wasn't sure if he should have plunged in so quickly.

Testimony spoke of hanging her street signs, and wishing to get out into the galaxy and explore, be amongst heroes, and Jaxton couldn't help but admire her dreams and outlooks.As she finished speaking, Jaxton noticed a small nerfberger stand on the path, perhaps a marker that they were about a quarter's way from the temple. His stomach began to protest at the smell, as Jaxton hadn't had a good meal hot meal since he began the ride home.

"Why don't we stop and get some lunch Test, may I call you Test?" Jaxton asked as he realized he had given her a nickname without her permission. He went to the burger stand and ducked under the rain cover to order. "A triple with everything." He said, and the man furiously began grilling some nerf meat. Jaxton then walked over to a small bench and sat down waiting for his order, his large frame taking up nearly half of the bench meant for three or four people.

"You know I wouldn't recommend this to most, but if you want to get out you could always volunteer for the Jedi Militant. I could try to pull a few strings and get you assigned one place or another." Jaxton said in a subtle, unapproaching manner. He presented the option, but he did not push one course of action or the other. "Of course, I'd have to see what you can do before I'd recommend you into a dangerous organization like that."

 

[Testimony Jones]

She ordered a single and sat down,

"Normally I would jump at such an opportunity. Sadly, I couldn't leave Jacen behind. Nor the rest of my class. We are all latecomers from diverse places and we tend to stick together. It's the bond between students. We push forward together."

She smiled at that thought. Testimony wouldn't leave her friends behind. Not for a thousand Knighthoods.

"And... Most people call me Jones. Just. Jones. ...I find that Testimony is a bit long for the common tongue. For most Core Worlders, anyway."

The woman shrugged. This wasn't the Leliana Temple anymore. Out here, a name was just a name.

"But thank you for the offer. I plan on joining the Militant at the first opportunity. If it wasn't for Jacen and Courtney, that is. Those two boys couldn't win a fight if their lives depended on it. ...I plan to help change that. Hehe."

She bit her lower lip playfully and waved away the comment,

"What about you Knight Ravos? Any sidekicks for you out there?"

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

Jaxton caught himself a little jealous of her friendship. Jaxton had a met a couple other young Jedi when he was a padawan, Rosa and Teynara coming to mind, but he had never really connected with any of them before he was knighted. Not to say he didn't like them, but there were simply other things going on. And what with Rosa being preoccupied with supporting the new Grandmaster, Teynara being a dedicated healer, and Jaxon being sent around from place to place with the Militant he couldn't really sit down and chat with anybody. A "bond between students", that would be nice.

Jaxton found it interesting that she went by her last name, a decidedly more masculine 'Jones' as opposed to Testimony or some abbreviation. He wondered where exactly the name Testimony came from, but decided not to pry. Jaxton wasn't going to make a big deal out of her name unless she did. Two other names arised in their conversation, Jacen and Courtney, both male apparently, and from poor fighters from Testimony's perspective. After speaking of her desire to improve their martial skills Jaxton's name came up, but Testimony opted for his more formal title of Knight Ravos. Though Jaxton had been a knight for a while now, it still made him stuffy when someone referred to him as such.

"I don't really get to hang out with the same people very much. I just go to one job after another and work with whoever else was assigned with me." Jaxton said as the burger vendor came around with Jaxton and Testimony's orders. "It's nice because you get to meet a bunch of people, but you don't really get a chance to really connect with somebody." He said a bit remorsefully as he unwrapped his burger.

"So tell me a little more about these friends of yours Jones. How'd you meet Courtney and Jacen, what do you do with them besides hang up street signs?" Jaxton said before he opened his mouth and took a significant bite out his already large burger.

 

[Testimony Jones]

She ate politely and licked her fingers with glee. This was an excellent idea after all,

"We all joined the State Order at the same time. Jacen is a boy from Hapes and Courtney is a punk from the Core. They make for a weird pair, but every girl needs her boys. *wink* ...So I've claimed them mine. Courtney thinks it's funny but poor Jacen plays along. I think the women on his planet are very dominant and he's used to the attention. Either way. They came from books and university. Knowing little of battle and caring even less for the sword. ...I think the Jedi to them is just another religion. Still magic. Like for children. ...They don't yet understand just how far it can take you?"

The galaxy was a dark place these days. But isolation and a happy colonial lifestyle can still belong to anyone if they try hard enough. That was Testimonies generation. Her classmates and peers. They were the select few who had escaped war's horrors and been sheltered from the darker genres. And Testimony aimed to keep her boys that way for awhile yet.

"But I do. I know how far and fast the world can spin a Force User. ...So I aim to teach my boys a thing or too before the galaxy sinks it's teeth into them."

She nodded with pride. It felt good to protect others. To offer what help you could. Even it was just to the other young men that surrounded her.

"What about you Jaxton? Do your friends treat you differently now that your a Jedi?"

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

Friends? That was a difficult question for Jaxton. Most of the friends he had from his Grav-ball days he had become detached from, not necessarily because he didn't want to be with them, but because he couldn't be with them anymore. He thought about for a second as he finished his meal.

"Well, kind of. I don't really get to see many guys from before I was a Jedi. They're busy playing ball and I'm busy training padawans and going wherever the council or the military sends me." Jaxton said, as his thoughts turned to his former teammates at the Rouges. "I mean, I'll still call them up every once in a while, and they've pitched in to buy me tickets to every game I can make, but we've just grown . . . distant from each other." Jaxton said and tried to illustrate the odd situation. The only thing he could compare it to was leaving his home for the Corellia Flight Academy, but he wasn't sure if she would get the analogy.

"But, that's okay. I've met a lot of interesting people since I left Corellia, and I know I need to be there, and they know I need to be here too." Jaxton said as he stood up, grabbed his pack for a second, and then lofted it up onto his back.

"And I don't know Jacen or Courtney, but not everyone's built to be out in the Galaxy fighting Sith and stirring up trouble. I know a good many knights who are healers, politicians, teachers, humanitarians, and they're all wonderful people, but they couldn't fight there way out of a bag. It doesn't mean they're not good knights, just different knights." Jaxton said, and began to feel older than he really was. He almost felt as if he'd grown a decade in his past year with the Jedi.

 

[Testimony Jones]

"Maybe you right. Maybe 'Knight' just isn't a very good word to describe non-combatants. Hehe."

She giggled. The Jedi could be so stupid sometimes. Knights without swords. Go figure.

"Anyway. Thanks for the company Jaxton. If you don't mind I need to stay here and chat with the man behind the counter, for a bit."

Testimony stood up and offered a gentle bow.

"Good luck in your travels. I hope you find everything your looking for."

She smirked and waved her goodbyes. Their meeting was destined to be brief. But it spoke volumes for them both. ...I think they both grew up a little too.

"May the Force be with you Knight Ravos. Always."

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

"And my the Force be with you Padawan Jones." Jaxton replied, mimicking her formality of title and good wishes, then began walking towards the Temple and left her to her business.. Testimony was an interesting girl, but was something of a dreamer. He hoped she would get to do her traveling and see the galaxy, but he also hoped she was ready for it. It could be a dangerous world out there.

As he walked off, he thought for a moment on something Testimony said as she left. "Good luck in your travels. I hope you find everything you're looking for.", and it puzzled Jaxton. A couple years ago he would have said he was looking for fulfillment, purpose, but now it was different. He didn't know what he was looking for anymore, except more strength, so he could better protect others. Pursuing nothing but strength . . . such a desire was unhealthy. Jaxton would have to watch himself in the future.