Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos

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Order of things

Tython

The temple was quiet today and Charlie only heard the sound of her shoes hitting the loose gravel that surrounded the place. Temples were interesting to her, the definition was mostly for places of worship, but here she learned to fight. The pound of her heart resonated through out her body, it was a good feeling along with the wind against her damp face. The run only lasted a few moments longer and Charlie made her way to the courtyard where she was greeted by the other masters. Whispers echoed as she walked through the courtyard. She knew Masters from the other temples were coming to the temple, usually when that happened it meant someone would be going with them.

Grabbing a towel, she wiped her face clean from her sweat. Small talk was made as Charlie wasn’t one to talk much in general. Hands pulled away the thin fabric from her slender frame as she looked at some messages that came on her comm while she was away. A hand continued to dab the towel on her face to dry the sweat. Lunch was needed, but she was curious when she watched a ship land nearby. It meant the other masters where here.

[member="Jyoti Nooran"]
 
Tython.

Jyoti had never ventured to the planet before, but she could certainly feel its immense presence in the Force as she guided Vulpix along in real time through the blackhole saturated space of the Deep Core. Astrogation came easier to her as she could use the world like a beacon, zooming through the Deep Core in record time. She did in minutes and hours what normally took days or weeks for others by normal means.

Finally, she was there, slipping out from hyperspace to the marvelous vista of a beautiful garden world.

She was far from alone in orbit, though, the space busy with GADF warships. Tython had been a recent hotspot of activity, an ongoing anti-insurgency campaign against Vahla cultists, which had culminated in a clash with the Sith Empire. Given the significance of the system to both the Jedi and the Sith, she fully expected future conflicts for control.

Right after reversion, a controller hailed her for credentials, while the Vulpix was already squawking all the codes to identify it as a Silver vessel. She was cleared and given directions to her final destination on the surface. Her descent took her through a large mountain range, with the (main) Tython temple at its center. In comparison to the NJO and SJO temples, it was a fairly small complex with a rustic appearance, less like a fortress and more like a true monastery.

She was giddy, excitement rising as she was face to face with a piece of history.

She landed on one of the empty pads, stretched, and then wasted no time venturing outside her ships for the courtyard. As Tython was still classed as a war zone, she had arrived in her Shadow Armor in place of her usual attire of white robes. It made her stand out, looking more akin to one of the GADF marines patrolling the grounds.

There was no one waiting for her in the courtyard, so she started wandering, looking for a friendly face to point her in the direction of the local Jedi council.

[member="Charlie"]
 
A parade of masters entered the courtyard, Charlie made eye contact with everyone, but none looked interesting enough for her to bother talking to. It seemed like this visit from the Masters was going to end up being the same as the last. Charlie sighed softly and grabbed the small knapsack and slung it over her shoulder after stuffing the towel into it. Walking through the courtyard she avoided the Masters and kept her head down, and used the end of her tank top to wipe her face a final time. Stopping, she looked down at the shirt frowning. The shirt wasn’t looking nice and was sweaty from the run, so she paused for a moment and removed the shirt and shoved it into her back as well.

Some of the temple guard looked at her and frowned, she was breaking some of the rules the temple had set in place. They followed some of the ancient tradition, but Charlie could care less. The old rules did nothing to protect them, all it did was shelter their minds and eventually make them easy targets. While Charlie moved through the small crowd, a woman in black moved through seemingly lost or something. Stopping, the padawan tilted her head and sensed a strong feeling about the woman. She was unmistakably one of the Masters, but none any of the usual ones that frequented the Temple searching for padawans.

Slowly moving towards the woman, she felt like it as time to actually talk to one of these Force Masters. The knapsack slung over her shoulder and stopped near [member="Jyoti Nooran"] , “Are you looking for someone?”
 
After a bit of aimless wandering, help revealed itself in the form of a sweat-drenched woman in exercise gear. She looked young, anywhere between her 20s and 30s. Though it was always hard to place a Force User's exact age, kept youthful well into their years by a strong connection to the Force. At first glance, before the stranger spoke, she couldn't help the word cute from echoing through her mind.

She shook away such immodest thoughts as the woman addressed her with a single question.

"Hello," she greeted with a small nod of respect. "Actually, I am. I'm here to speak with the Tython Jedi council. I am Jyoti Nooran from the Silver Order."

[member="Charlie"]
 
Blinking quickly out of surprise, Charlie didn't expect the woman to be looking for anyone besides a Padawan. Hope sank as the young woman had finally found an interesting looking Master who didn't come looking for a student. She did her best to hide the disappointment from the Master. Slender fingers moved through the tousled brunette hair as she tried to think of what the council would be up to at this time. At this time of day they could either be with their own students or having one of those meetings where they discuss and nothing really gets resolved.

Lucky her, she had gotten to sit in on one of them to help take notes, but she struggled without having a snack break and ended up dozing off through most of the meeting. Was safe to say the K’paur girl would never be a council member if she could help it.

Right she needed to introduce herself to the Master, yes manners the council had scolded her about this before. “Nice to meet you Master Nooran. I'm Charlie, I'm a Padawan here. I can show you to the council chambers if you want?”

A slight bow of her head to show respect to the woman in dark armor. As she stood straight again, she flicked her head to brush the bangs from her eyes. Which seemed to look over the Master carefully, the armor was interesting she wondered if she was part of a certain sect of the Jedi. Finding herself feeling slightly awkward, Charlie turned and started to head towards the chamber for the council. [member="Jyoti Nooran"]
 
She couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment as she revealed her purpose at the temple. One being in the very shoes of the Padawan, she could easily guess she was wishing for a master.

Not today, I'm afraid.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Charlie. Feel free to call me Jyoti."

The woman didn't look too far off from her age, and she was never much into titles, so she looked to dispatch with honorifics right away. For her, respect came not from fancy words, but from actions. The body never lied.

Quietly, she followed Charlie up the stairs and through the temple, taking in all the sights of the interior. It was like stepping back in time, observing ancient refurbished structures. If she wasn't on business then, she would have loved to take her time touring the whole temple snapping photos. Maybe later.

As they came to the entrance of the council chambers, Jyoti gave smiled and gave a pat to Charlie on the shoulder in gratitude.

"You've been a big help, thanks. I might need it again sometime. I'll be here for the month if you have time to entertain a Silver."

She wasn't quite sure why she made such a request from Charlie, ignorant of the workings of the Jedi Order on Tython. Maybe she felt just a twinge of sympathy before, knowing what it felt like waiting for a master of her own.

[member="Charlie"]
 
It didn’t take long for them to arrive to the council. She didn’t know what more to think about this encounter. As much as Charlie wanted to try and convince this woman to take her along she knew it was a long shot. Still there was some hope and Charlie decided to cling to it. Before she left, Jyoti patted her on the shoulder. The master was going to be there for a month, for what, Charlie didn’t know. Still, it gave her a month to try and convince the woman to take her off Tython.

Nodding, Charlie bowed slightly to Jyoti. “I’ll be glad to. I know a lot of about this place…I’ve been here almost my entire life.” The doors to the council opened and Charlie took this as her moment to leave. Stepping backwards, she almost fell but caught herself. A couple of nervous chuckles escaped her lips as she put her hands in her pockets.

“Oh, Um. If you can’t find me in the courtyard…my room is in the Padawan dorms – 124.” Was she talking too much? Why would the Jedi want to use a Padawan over a Master? Either way, she continued. “Don’t be a stranger Mast—Jyoti!” The girl turned on her heels and ran back towards her dorm. For the first time she wanted to leave this place and there was a possibility. She had a month to show Jyoti that she was worth taking with her.

[member="Jyoti Nooran"]
 
Charlie ran off before Jyoti could say anything more. She just chuckled and waved. Later then.

Her meeting with the Tython Council was brief, really just her introducing herself and giving them an outline of her plans for the month. Exploring the system, while also collecting any paranormal items that may remain at the time of the Sith's and Vahla's occupation of Tython.

The council offered to provide her a guide for her travels, but she declined, telling them how she had already connected with a Padawan just before meeting with them. She got directions from the council for the dorms, then she was off.

Following the conclusion of her meeting, she returned to the courtyard to find Charlie, but then turned to the dorms when she didn't catch sight of the Padawan.

She was alone again on her walk from the council chambers to the dorms, getting a few stares here and there from residents. An Echani in jet black armor, a curious sight. How all the onlookers would be truly flabbergasted if they knew the truth about Jyoti.

She came upon room 124, then knocked softly on the door.

"Charlie, are you there? It's me, Jyoti."

[member="Charlie"]
 
The evening was already planned. Charlie didn’t have much to do in her room but think and wait for the sun to come back up. When the sun came up it was time for her to eat breakfast and the kitchen was consistently open. During the evening, she couldn’t attack the kitchen so she was stuck starving and trying to keep her mind off her stomach. Tonight though, she was going to devise a plan to prove to Jyoti that even though she didn’t come here for a padawan, she should leave with one. Opening her notebook, she continued to scribble down plans as how to win Jyoti over.

As she happily devised ways to show how clever she was and how athletic she was, she caught herself writing Jyoti’s name several times, in different fonts some looking curly – others blocky. Stopping, Charlie quickly closed the notebook and peered out the window. She wondered if Jyoti got what she wanted out of the Council, permission to do whatever she wanted. The other Jedi in the galaxy tended to forget them out on Tython since there wasn’t much going on here. It was why all the younglings and padawans were always excited to see shuttles.

Time continued to pass and Charlie found herself staring back at her notes and thinking about how cool Jyoti was in her slick armor. The woman had an air of confidence that Charlie had never seen in a Master or a Jedi in general. Sighing softly, she leaned back in her chair and wondered if she should get comfortable, slowly she stood up and started to undo the strings that held on her padawan’s uniform pants. She softly touched her stomach and grinned slightly and wondered what it would feel like if J—

A knock interrupted Charlie’s train of thoughts as she blinked and waited for another knock to make sure that it was her just imagining things along with other things she was imagining. Charlie, are you there? It’s me, Jyoti. What? Charlie blinked and then looked around, was this one of those moments when reality mimics fantasy or was she imagining this perfect moment. Holding up her pants, she walked towards the door and paused. The door opened quickly and Charlie stood there staring with a slight blush along the tip of her nose and cheeks, her shirt askew and her hand holding up her pants as she blinked. “Master Jyoti?” Pausing the door shut again as Charlie realized that this wasn’t the best way to greet the master. Fixing herself, the door opened again and Charlie cleared her throat. “Master Jyoti, wh-what are you doing out this way…uh the padwan dorms? Hi. I’m Charlie.” Cracking the door slightly open, “Uh want to come in?”

[member="Jyoti Nooran"]
 
She could actually feel Charlie on the door, her particular aura still fresh on the Jedi Master's mind. She was sure that Charlie could feel her too, knocking was more of a formality at this point. One wouldn't want to be caught wouldn't want to be caught in an awkward position.

However, it wasn't just Charlie's presence she could feel, but an intense overflow of thoughts and emotions. Affection, passion, lust.

Jyoti.

Her eyes widened a bit, and she felt herself take a half a step back in surprise. It didn't take a rocket scientist to understand what was happening. It was all but confirmed once Charlie swung open the door, clothes barely hanging off her form as she looked like she had just been hit by a tornado, jumbling on her words.

Silver eyes just grew wider as Charlie promptly slammed the door shut. Then her lips twitched as she tried hard to fight back laughter.

It was a losing battle.

When Charlie cracked open her door to address Jyoti again, the Echani had turned to back up against the wall right next to the door, gloved hand balled up over her mouth.

She dropped her hand, took a few breathes to calm herself down, then turned back to face the door and meet Charlie's face with slightly upturned lips.

"Uh, well, I didn't find you in the courtyard, so I thought I'd look for you hear. I wanted to ask if you would be my official guide while on Tython. I could come in if you'll have me."

She didn't want to devastate Charlie just by walking off, so she would play along she hadn't noticed anything like any good prudish Jedi Master should.

[member="Charlie"]
 
Charlie felt her blush deepen as she figured she had made a fool of herself to the Jedi at the door. This was a flaw in her plan and she could see that. There was a safe assumption that she had more time to work on her plan to get Jyoti to like her enough to invite her off Tython, but it seemed no matter what she did she was destined to ruin in some way. The door opened farther and Jyoti was greeted with a humble room. There wasn’t much in the way of equipment or anything extra beyond a small computer, a data pad and a hand-held game device that was seen charging by the twin size bed. Charlie leaned offered the end of the bed as a seat as well as the desk chair.

Whichever one Jyoti chose, Charlie picked the desk itself. She leaned against it and crossed her arms in front of her chest, not to close herself off, but to provide some sense of security. Strangers made her nervous, Jyoti for some reason didn’t scare her that much. Thinking about the offer, Charlie nodded. “I’d really like to show you around Tython. Like I said earlier I know a lot about the planet – I’ve been here for a really long time…it feels.” Her eyes stared at her feet as she wondered if she had really screwed this up already. Perking up, she remembered the notebook and quickly turned around and grabbed it. She shoved it into the drawer behind her and then returned to leaning against the desk pretending like nothing happened.

“Uh, what are you planning on doing here if you’re not looking for a padawan?” Charlie tilted her head showing genuine curiosity. What did Masters who weren’t looking for more Padawans do on Tython? Arms fell and her hands rested in her lap. There was another concern as she remembered the time, normal people were heading to bed. Charlie knew the others around her were already asleep, why was Master Jyoti here at this hour? Maybe she didn’t have a place to sleep? “Uh Jyoti…” Why did she have to continue to be awkward, but since she was the woman’s guide – she needed to make sure she was taken care of right? “Did the council assign you a place to sleep? I know the hangers are basically shut down right now…unless for emergencies of course…” A knot settled in the pit of her stomach as she beat around the bush to ask the question. Eyes tried to focus anywhere but on the Jedi Master when she asked the following question. “If…If you don’t have a room you’re…” Not only was her face and nose red, but the curve of her ears was too. “You’re more than welcomed to have my bed…if-if you want.” [member="Jyoti Nooran"]
 
Jyoti felt like standing, but out of sense of politeness, she pulled out the chair and settled into it. She crossed her ankles and looked around for a few moments before returning her sights to Charlie. At first glance, the room was Spartan in appearance, not unlike a typical Jedi quarters, but on closer inspection, there were small little things here and there that revealed something about its occupant, like a game console.

Back on Charlie, the woman was all flustered and jitters, hurriedly stuffing away a notebook as she stammered through her words.

All the while, Jyoti nodded along, still smirking as she listened.

"Well this is my first time on Tython. I never had the chance for pilgrimage when I was a Padawan, so I figure better late than never as the Sith and their vassals have finally been cleared out for good."

Maybe not for good, but for now. Tython would always remain a prime stage for conflict between the forces of Light, Dark, and everything in between.

"I actually have a Padawan already. However in the Silver Order, apprentices are allowed a great deal more of autonomy, in keeping with greater expectations and responsibilities. Only do the most green of initiates follow around their masters everywhere."

The question came up about Jyoti's sleeping arrangements, which left Charlie looking especially bashful. Jyoti, ever smiling, struggled with letting out a chuckle. It had been a long time since she had met a Jedi so quaint and awkward, it was amusing.

"I actually wasn't assigned any quarters but I don't plan on staying in the temple anyway. I'll be living out of my ship while I conduct my survey."

Which was something she wanted to discuss with Charlie, the possibility of joining on the Kitsune. Now, it didn't seem quite appropriate after their incident. Humoring Charlie for a quick conversation was one thing, but bunking with her was a whole other thing all together.

[member="Charlie"]
 
There was an odd sensation of relief and also frustration. It seemed her ideal master already had a student which would make sense why she had not come to Tython in search of one. The wind in the sails of the young woman was gone and she was left with the relief that she didn't have to bunk with Jyoti, especially after where her puberty riddled mind had taken her before the Master had knocked on her door. “Oh that's good, I'd hate for one of us to be without a warm bed…”

“You've never been here? It's pretty amazing. Tython resides in perfect balance of the Force. Without balance the planet becomes riddled with force storms and chaos. Tython is the home of the roots of the Jedi and the Sith.” Charlie figured this bit of information was common knowledge to the Jedi Master, she figured she didn't impress at all with her description of the planet. Eyes finally peered over at the Master, first starting at her feet, taking note of her crossed ankles. Then up along her frame till Charlie met her face, she smiled awkwardly not really knowing what to do next.

“You said you're surveying? Looking for anything in particular? Materials? Pockets of the Force? Tython gets Masters here and there mostly to pick and choose padawans or to meditate. Never heard of someone wanting to survey.” Charlie glanced at her clock and sighed. She had kept the Master longer than the woman wanted to be kept, but she didn't want to tell Jyoti to leave - if this was going to be her only chance to know what it was like to have a Master then she was going to make this month be the best she ever had. Who ever was Jyoti's Padawan...they were lucky and Charlie felt a little but jealous of them. [member="Jyoti Nooran"]
 
"I never had the time," she replied with the shake of her head. "Travel to the Deep Core is usually dangerous, and by the time I had the means to do so, the Core had been taken by the One Sith."

By the way that Charlie was giving her the once over, on top of all the other awkward behavior, it was clear that the Padawan was socially inept. Being cooped up in a temple like she claimed wasn't all that conducive to development.

She made no motion to acknowledge what Charlie's actions, eyes still settled on her face.

"You've never heard of anyone wanting to survey here? Then I suppose Sasori doesn't ring a bell."

She honestly wouldn't be surprised if she stumbled upon some facility or operation set up by the conglomeration. Wherever there was a nexus or ruins, Sasori wasn't far behind.

"I'm really not looking out for anything specific," she fibbed. "I'll just let the Force guide me I suppose."

As she saw Charlie looking down at her watch, she interpreted it as a sign to wrap up their chat.

"Well, I hope I'm not keeping you. I guess I'll call it a night."

She uncrossed her legs and started to rise to leave the room.

[member="Charlie"]
 
Listening to Jyoti was nice, she wondered if the woman did this with her padawans on a daily basis. There were several questions that the young K’paur wanted to ask, but she didn't know if she should. Jyoti was here to do her own work, not tutor a masterless padawan. So instead of asking she nodded taking note at the things the Echani master did reveal.

Before Charlie could ask any further questions, she watched Jyoti began to excuse herself on Charlie's behalf. The Padawan moved quickly to block the door, she couldn't let this opportunity end especially with Jyoti thinking that she was wanting to sleep. Being K’paur she didn't sleep much and her last slumber was recent. Shaking her head, she looked at the Master slightly worried as if she offended her.

“N-no please you don't have to go if you don't want to. We can keep talking. I've never had the chance to talk to a Master like this before.” Socially inept was the Padawan’s middle name. Moving from the door when caught the way she was acting and figured it wasn't the best way to handle things. She leaned against the wall and let her eyes fall to the floor. Charlie spoke in hopes of keeping the conversation moving.

“The One Sith...I remember reading about them, they were quite powerful - they had power over Tython for some time.” Charlie made note of the structures that lingered from the Sith influence, she rarely made venture to them, but she knew where they were. Upon the mention of Sasori, Charlie nodded once again. “Oh I have heard of them, never met anyone from there…” trying to make connections, the Padawan made an assumption. “Do you work for Sasori? Is it a Jedi group?” Honest questions as she realized that not everyone was like her and didn't require sleep. Placing a hand on he face she sighed.

“I’m sorry Master Jyoti, you probably wanted to leave because you're tired...I shouldn't have kept you like this…”

[member="Jyoti Nooran"]
 
Jyoti raised an eyebrow as Charlie quickly moved to block the door, then alternate between begging, questions, and apologies to keep the her around.

This time, Jyoti couldn't help but shake her head as she let out a huff in amusement. There was no longer any question in her mind that the Padawan was socially inept.

"Hey..." started, approaching Charlie and touching her on the shoulder. "You can relax. I just didn't want to overstay my welcome coming to your room this late."

"I don't meant to sound rude, but it doesn't seem like you get many visitors, do you? If you'd like, then you could join me for some hot cocoa on my ship."
 
Blinking, Charlie didn't fully understand the question or the statement from Jyoti. She assumed everyone knew she rarely slept so. Being awake at night was quite normal for her. Though after she let the question about her interactions with others sink in, there was a sudden shift in emotions as she thought about her time at the temple. The touch from the woman placing a hand on her shoulder made her recoil slightly, but she soon relaxed and felt her face flush again.

“No, I don't have many visitors...you're the first person who has talked to me this long without it having to be a training assignment or wanting something from me.” Charlie did her best not to think about how she felt when she first arrived at the temple. An orphan with barely any recollection of what had happened to her family or where she came from, an odd child that never slept and ate far more than any adult.

Charlie forced a smile and a chuckle as she scratched her cheek gently with her index finger. “You can come to my room at any time Master Jyoti I don't mind. I like seeing you.” The offer for hot cocoa was something new. Blinking with curiosity, Charlie nodded. “I've never had hot cocoa...I want to go to your ship and have hot cocoa...uh can I leave the Temple? Will I get into trouble?”

In the back of her mind she wonder what else hot cocoa could mean, but she was focused on the fact she would get to spend more time with the Master.

[member="Jyoti Nooran"]
 
Jyoti shook her head at Charlie's revelation, feeling bad for the woman. She had been fortunate enough to grow up at the Coruscant temple where she was never in want of company or interesting sights. Now she was curious about just how many other Padawan were in Charlie's position.

It might be time for a field trip...

"You've never had hot cocoa? Well then, you're in for a treat. My corvette is parked right outside the courtyard, and you'll be with me, so it should be fine. If not, then I'll take responsibility for any trouble caused."

She pulled her hand away and looked over at the door.

"I'll give you a minute to get ready. It looked like I had just caught trying to sleep."

[member="Charlie"]
 
Charlie's smile couldn't have gotten any bigger when the woman in her room explained how much of a treat she was in for. This had to have been the best day of her life and Charlie was going to do her best not to be awkward beyond what she already had been. Jyoti made her way towards the door. She was giving the young Padawan some privacy. Though in the fit of her excitement, Charlie quickly undressed not registering the comment at Jyoti catching 'getting ready for sleep’.

Down went the pants and off went the shirt, Charlie quickly changed into something more casual. She had access to some ‘ modernized’ clothing, it wasn't much and usually didn't fit as perfectly as she could have wanted if she knew any better. Pulling out a loose long sleeved shirt and a pair of pants that clung to her better than her training pants she changed into them and ran her fingers quickly through her hair.

The shirt was loose and the pants fit just right, Charlie was comfortable and for the most part had no shame. She was used to having to change like this when she was younger and rooms were shared. Looking towards the master she smiled and waited for her to lead the way.

“I haven't been on a ship since I came to Tython. It was kind of gross and overstuffed...how is a uh…” she tried to recall what Jyoti had called her ship. “Oh a Corvette, how is it different than a transporter?”

[member="Jyoti Nooran"]
 
Her eyes widened, then she looked away while Charlie undressed then and there. She had intended standing in the hall when she had made the comment, but apparently Charlie didn't care much for privacy. She only centered her gaze back on Charlie once the woman had finished changing, thankfully a quick process. Never had she encountered someone just so innocent.

"A corvette?" she repeated, trying not to think about what she had just seen out of the corner of her eye. "They're small capital ships, generally much larger than a typical transport. Mine, Kitsune, is 50 meters, for instance, and can comfortably transport about 24 people. With just me, it's pretty roomy inside - and clean."

"Well, it looks like you're done, let's go check it out."

She motioned for Charlie to follow as she left the room, and started waking back toward the courtyard for her ship outside. Nearly nightfall, the halls were mostly empty as people had began to settle down for the evening.

Outside, Jyoti was treated to a clear starry sky. It was dark out, her gunmetal corvette blending well into the shadows. However, the ship would begin to glow with soft lights as Jyoti approached the ship, wordlessly issuing commands through her wireless implant.

The loading ramp lowered, and then Jyoti looked back as Charlie.

"Here we are, the Kitsune."

She turned back and headed up the ramp, which would lead right into the lounge. Spacious just like she had promised, all the surfaces gleaming from tender care by Jyoti. Ship interiors usually didn't smell all that great with air scrubbing pumping in chemically treated air, but the lounge had a distinct pleasant aroma of lemon and vanilla.

"Would you like to see the cockpit?"

[member="Charlie"]
 

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