Private Temple Encounters

[Gil Horn]

Location: Coruscant | Jedi Temple
Tags: Kuhbee

"The Youngling has arrived Jedi Horn."

Gil opened his eyes, blinking against the light drifting into the meditation chamber. It was a small room, large enough for two of the round cushioned seats the Jedi tended to use for their private meditation. There were dozens of rooms just like this one in the Jedi Temple, but Gil had made a special request to secure this one. Rather than the plain metallic walls that covered most of the temple, this chamber had natural wood worked into its design, and even a small tree planted in the center of the room in a small alcove carved in the shaped of the New Jedi Orders crest.

Looking up, Gil nodded his head to the protocol droid, watching it step out of the open door back into the hallway. Gil rose to his feet, rolling his stiff neck a few times to work out the soreness from the extended meditation. It was rare that he was able to return to Coruscant, and the ability to meditate in the heart of the New Jedi Order, to sense the presence of every other Jedi and the Will of the Force, often led Gil to hours long meditation. Contemplation and consideration, and finding the inner peace that he sought.

But that was not the reason he had returned to Coruscant this time.

Word had reached him of a Wookie Youngling in the Order. The Jedi were a welcoming people, but many Knights and Masters were hesitant to take on a Wookie as a Padawan. They were known to be strong headed and stubborn, and a select few could not grasp Shyriiwook as a language. That alone was not the reason Gil had asked to speak with the Youngling. He had taken his time to speak with Kuhbee's instructors, learned what he could about their background, and even reached out to the Elders on Kashyyyk to try and gather a better picture of the young Wookie. Only once he had the complete picture did he decide to speak with Kuhbee. A ship had been dispatched, and now, the meeting was finally at hand.

Folding his hands behind his back, slipping them inside the billowing sleeves of his robes, Gil calmed his mind. Let the Will of the Force be done.

 

[Kuhbee]

TAG: Gil Horn

The city wide planet of Coruscant was so different than anything Kuhbee had ever experienced. As a cub he'd roamed the forests of his native planet Kashyyyk, enjoying nature and the trees. When he had ended up in captivity it had been on a backwater planet that was still considered rural. His time at the New Corv Jedi Temple was even surrounded by trees and nature. But this planet was a different type of jungle. The concrete kind that looked foreboding a ruthless to the young Wookie. He had been sad to learn his old master was leaving but she'd left instructions and a letter explaining that it was too dangerous to take Kuhbee with her. He wished her well and was glad that he had found a new master so quickly. He knew a lot of Jedi were not really willing to take on a Wookie as a padawan.

He entered the Jedi Temple and a droid lead him to the room he was desired in. A man was standing in the room and Kuhbee assumed this must be Gil Horn. The young padawan spoke in his native tongue.

[Master Horn, it is nice to meet you. I was asked to meet with you today.]

 

[Gil Horn]

Location: Coruscant | Jedi Temple
Tags: Kuhbee

Gil bowed his head to Kuhbee as the Wookie entered. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the droid standing at the door. The droid hesitated, its head tilting to the side slightly. "Jedi Horn, I am well versed in Shyriiwook, it might be helpful for me to remain for translation."

Gil turned to look at the droid, one eyebrow raised. "That will not be required, thank you." Gil waited for the droid to leave the room, the door sliding shut behind him before looking back to Kuhbee. Gesturing towards the two padded disks in the room, Gil sat down, crossing his legs on one while waiting for Kuhbee to take the other.

Gil let a smile rest on his face. "I am pleased to meet you as well, Kuhbee. I apologize for not being able to offer proper greeting in Shyriiwook, but despite my best efforts it was never a language I was able to speak, much to my Masters chagrin." Nodding his head, Gil rested his hands on his knees before continuing.

"I did wish to meet with you. I understand that your former teacher and time on New Corv has come to an end, at least for now. It is difficult to find a Master, a comrade to stand beside and learn from through the trials and tribulations of the galaxy. It is a struggle for most when they set out to join the Jedi, but as I understand it, it was more difficult for you than most. The struggles you endured would have broken many other Younglings, yet you endured. Your actions, your strength and the recommendation of your Elders all let me know that one day you will be a great Jedi."

He paused for a moment, glancing momentarily out the window. "Many people think Wookies are not the best suited to be Jedi. Quick to anger and head strong." A new smile came to Gil's face. "I was much the same when I first came to the temple, a rebellious Corellian street rat, and it was thanks to my Master, Ohognh, a Wookie like yourself that I found my place in the Order. She was the wisest and kindest Jedi I have ever known, and I work to continue her legacy every day."

Gil turned to look back at Kuhbee. "If you would have me, I would offer myself as your teacher."

 

[Kuhbee]

TAG: Gil Horn

Kuhbee was excited to hear about another Wookie Jedi. He knew they were really rare and that was why his tribe had sent him forward to train. There was a lot riding on the youngling but he didn't feel as afraid as he had before. Mostly he was excited to start training again and learn more about his new master. He wondered if Master Horn could understand Shyriiwook because the droid was dismissed.

[Master Horn I would be honored to be trained by you. I have never heard of Ohognh but she is probably well known in my tribe. I sadly haven't been back there for a while and missed a lot of stories.]

He smiled which frankly looked terrifying on a Wookie but Kuhbee was a gentle soul and always meant his actions in peace.

 

[Gil Horn]

Location: Coruscant | Jedi Temple
Tags: Kuhbee

Gil bowed his head, rising to his feet. "I am pleased to hear it, Kuhbee. I know that together we will accomplish great things, and help many people across the galaxy." Gil believed it too. He could sense the potential and connection to the Force within the Wookie. There would be many struggles ahead, but in time, Kuhbee would become a great member of the New Jedi Order.

Gil waved his hand, using the Force to open the door of the meditation chamber. "I know the journey here was long. You are free to use the rest of the day as you see fit, but if you have any questions for me now would be the best time to ask. We will begin your training in earnest tomorrow."

 

[Kuhbee]

TAG: Gil Horn


Kuhbee was excited and didn't think he'd be able to rest, but he also knew that part of being a padawan was trusting that their master knew what was best. He had no questions so he bid Master Horn good day and the droid showed him to his dormitory. It was a small room but it had a cot and a light and really that was all the Wookie needed. He surprisingly was able to get a little rest and planned to wander to the library the next few days and start reading. He'd been immersed in books at the New Corv Temple and found it relaxing.


He woke early the next day and wondered where he would find Master Horn today. He left his dormitory and practically skipped from excitement. He was starting training again! It was a thrilling moment.

 

[Gil Horn]

Location: Coruscant | Jedi Temple
Tags: Kuhbee

The training room Gil had secured for them today was one of the larger obstacle course chambers. A terminal set in a podium at the center of the room would allow Gil to control various platforms, pillars and other objects in rapidly changing setting, providing the best training experience that Gil knew while at the temple.

He planned to take it a step further.

When Kuhbee arrived, Gil inclined his head to the young Wookiee. “Good morning Kuhbee. I hope you slept well, because today is going to be the start of a rigorous training regime. To give you the best education I can, and prepare you for your time as a Jedi, I need to gauge where you are currently at in person with your talent and abilities. Today, we will start with your physical abilities, and tomorrow we will work on your Force abilities.”

As Gil spoke, he activated commands on the terminal in front of him, and large section of the training rooms floor retracted, and several platforms began to float up, held in the air by suspension devices. They began to float up and down at irregular intervals, and several of the platforms began to pivot on their access, going from horizontal to vertical before returning to horizontal once more.

“Wookiees have superior physical capabilities than most other species in the galaxy,” Gil said, looking at Kuhbee, “so we will start you off at the advanced level.”

 

[Kuhbee]

TAG: Gil Horn


When Kuhbee entered the room he was surprised to see floating platforms and moving floors. He had never seen a room like this one before. The cubs eyes went wide as he took it all in. Master Horn explained that Wookies were already very physically capable species so this was an advanced set.

[I will do my best Master Horn]

The goal seemed to be to make it all the way through the course. The start was easy enough as he climbed up onto the first pillar, using his claws to gain leverage. The Wookie honor system meant they only used their claws to climb and as soon as hew as on footing he retracted his claws into his fury paws once more. He then took a running start and leapt onto the next platform. It started to move as soon as he touched it, bobbing up and down but this was nothing more than a springy tree branch to the youngling. His youth was full of time in the trees and Kuhbee felt fine above the ground. He used the momentum of the platform to hurl himself to the next, a thin platform he had to cross carefully so as not to fall off, but again one that reminded him of the narrow branches back home.


When he got to the platforms that kept switching between vertical and horizontal that was the first true trouble he had. He had to time it right and the first time he missed and had to slide to a stop so he did not fall off. It didn't seem to be moving in any type of pattern and that made it difficult to predict when he should walk across it. He closed his eyes, and could see the platform in his mind. Maybe he could try and feel his way across. He started slowly, placing his foot gingerly forward and moving. The floor started to break apart and all the tiles moved separately but with his eyes closed it was like he knew which tile would raise to meet his foot. The mistake he made was opening his eyes and that was his downfall. It bucked him off and he landed on a net below.

He rolled off and came back to the Jedi Master.

[I almost made it but that one part is tricky]

 

[Gil Horn]

Location: Coruscant | Jedi Temple
Tags: Kuhbee

Gil watched his Padawan throw himself into the obstacle course. He input the last commands into the training program before stepping away from the terminal, folding his arms behind his back as he observed. As he suspected, the young Wookiee excelled at the physical part of the obstacle course. Kuhbee moved with a grace and confidence that Gil himself had lacked at that age. Well, associated age he supposed. The Wookiee lifespan was quite a bit different than human's.

Gil sensed the trouble coming before it happened. As Kuhbee approached the vertical and horizontal platforms/ The natural grace the Padawan had shown with the other platforms, likely a legacy of his time on Kashyyyk, did not play into unpredictable changes. The young Wookiee knew how to handle natural and predictable problems. The unknown was something every Jedi struggled with.

Gil almost took a step forward, a smile on his face as he watched Kuhbee close his eyes as he struggled on the platform. Kuhbee closed his eyes, and he stopped trying, and simply embraced the Force to carry him forward. It lasted for only a moment though before the young Padawan lost that focus, that connection, and fell. Gil resisted the urge to stop his Padawan's fall, arresting the descent. It was a learning moment, and sometimes it was best to let them fall, so that they knew how to pick themselves back up.

The safety net helped, but it was still a good lesson Gil thought.

Gil nodded his head as Kuhbee approached. "Tricky, yes, but you nearly had it figured out on your first try, Kuhbee. You are gifted, and already ahead of many other Padawan's at your stage of training in a purely physical sense. When we do not know something, or something confuses us, the Force will guide us. It is your greatest tool. Even if your body fails, your lightsaber breaks, the Force will always be by your side."

Turning, Gil extended his will through the Force, and activated a new series of commands in the terminal. The platforms began to move once more, this time more rapidly, and jerking from side to side in almost aggressive motions. "Try it again, but this time, keep your eyes closed the whole time. The net will be here to save you, but someday, you might have to leap from building to building in pitch black conditions, or navigate uneven terrain with nothing but your senses while you are focused on other threats. We start now, and build habits that will save you down the line."

 

[Kuhbee]

TAG: Gil Horn

Kuhbee was in awe as his new master spoke of the conditions that he might be training for someday. To someone so young it sounded like an adventure rather than a dangerous scenario. That would wear off in time, as age tended to be the best lesson to those youthful foolish notions. The main part was the Force and how Master Horn said it was always there. Kuhbee had to learn to trust his instincts and not just rely on his own physical strength.

[I will try Master Horn]

He climbed back up to start again and suddenly he felt nervous. How was he supposed to do this with his eyes closed? He closed them at first but felt a rush of anxiety and opened them almost immediately. He glanced over at Master Horn and took a deep breath. In the end he would have to learn to trust his Master and Master Horn did seem like a good Jedi. He closed his eyes again and started forward slowly. As he got to the edge he felt something in his mind, almost like a push that was telling him to jump. He obeyed and launched himself to the next platform, landing smoothly. He grinned, his eyes still closed. He could smell the room a lot easier now that his eyes were closed. He could feel the air coming off the platforms as they moved. In a way it felt like he could 'see' the course. Almost like something in his mind was showing him the way.

His progress was slower than before but when he got to the part he struggled last time he was amazed to see that without his eyes it was easier to navigate. His mind told him where to step and he made it across the bridge, then onto the changing vertical platform. Finally when he reached the end he opened his eyes and howled in victory. He jumped down and joined Master Horn.

[I could see! Even though my eyes were closed... I ... saw things]

 

[Gil Horn]

Location: Coruscant | Jedi Temple
Tags: Kuhbee

Gil nodded his head as Kuhbee moved through the obstacle course once more. He was more confident in his movements as he progressed forward. Kuhbee was learning to rely on the Force in conjuncture with his body, using it to both enhance him, and guide his actions. More practice would see him progress even faster, and with a deeper connection with the Force that comes with time, all of it would become easier.

That was when new things would be added. Develop new techniques and skills on the bedrock of mastered talents.

Gil clapped his hands a few times as Kuhbee approached after finishing the course, the smile playing across his face genuine. “Excellent Kuhbee! That was remarkable improvement for only being your second attempt. Through the Force all things are possible. This is the greatest truth we as Jedi can learn, and once we are at one with that knowledge, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Whatever you choose to be once your training is complete, be it a Guardian, Consular, Shadow or Sentinel, your mastery of the Force will be a bedrock you can always count on.”

Turning around, Gil deactivated the obstacle course with a wave of his hand. The platforms began to descend back into the openings in the floor, and a moment later, a dueling ring began to form around them.

“While the Force is our greatest ally,” Gil said, turning back to face Kuhbee, “the lightsaber is our greatest tool. While the Force will almost always be the best solution to a problem, there are times the Force may not be available to you. In those circumstances, the lightsaber will be your best asset.”

Gil withdrew his lightsaber from his robes, the silver and black weapon glinting in the light as he helped it up. He pressed the activation stud, and the emerald green blade leapt to life, the snap hiss of its activation electrifying the air around Gil and making the hair on his arms stick up. “The bond you forge with your lightsaber is a special one, Kuhbee. In time, when you craft your own, you will come to understand that bond. For now, we will focus on the basics.” Gil deactivated his lightsaber, putting it to the side and grabbing a training blade from a nearby stand.

Gil gestured for Kuhbee to join him in the dueling circle. “The last thing I want to test today is your blade work, Padawan. We will find which style suits you best, and we will begin on the path of making your a great duelist.”

 

[Kuhbee]

TAG: Gil Horn

Kuhbee was glad that his master was satisfied with his progress and he tried to accept the applause with a cool demeanor, but even he couldn't hide his excitement when Master Horn lit the lightsaber. The padawans eyes were as wide as saucers as he stared at its glow. The true weapon of a Jedi, an elegant blade with such intensity. Kuhbee was practically shivering with excitement.

He took a training saber and ignited it for himself and marveled as the blue blade sprang to life. It was reflected in those dark wide eyes.

[Master Horn I am so excited!] He twirled the blade around clumsily and then roared as it stung him. Clearly he was new to this.

 

[Gil Horn]

Location: Coruscant | Jedi Temple
Tags: Kuhbee

Gil smiled at the young Wookiees enthusiasm as he twirled the training saber. Skill would come in time, but for now, the basics would be the foundation for future development. Igniting his own training saber, Gil moved it back and forth in front of him as he adjusted for the weight and feel of the blade. Each lightsaber was different, even training sabers, and to figure out their internal balance was key.

After getting comfortable with the practice blade, Gil brought it up in a simple guard position. "There are seven main forms of lightsaber combat. Form One, Shii-Cho, is the most basic and rudimentary form. Its origins lay in the time of the ancient Jed'aii Order, when Force Imbued blades were the primary weapon of the day. Shii-Cho focuses on bladesmanship in the broadest of forms. A mixture of decapitating and disarming strikes, and is effective against multiple enemies."

Gil began to demonstrate the movements of Shii-Cho, the training saber humming as it moved through the air. The strikes and cut were straight forward and direct, lacking a certain subtlety that most Jedi tried to embody. "It is from Shii-Cho that all other forms developed. Once you have mastered the basics of this form, we can begin to explore the other forms. Now, repeat after me," Gil said, and began to run through the first movements in the Shii-Cho style.

 

[Kuhbee]

TAG: Gil Horn

The young Wookie pup was a fast learner. He watched as Master Horn demonstrated the movements. After a while he began to follow and quickly realized this weapon was nothing like the pikes and staffs his tribe used. The lightsaber did not have the same weight in the blade so Kuhbee could not rely on brute strength alone to wield it. He squared his shoulders and firmly planted his feet before trying again.

For a long while it was master and apprentice moving as one. Kuhbee was naturally athletic and moved gracefully through the motions. He could feel the Force and knew he had to learn to let it guide him. With every movement he tried to feel the energy around him until it felt like the Force was moving with him, instead of him moving alone. It was almost meditative.

He smiled at his progress and howled in delight.

[Master when do I make my own lightsaber?]

So young. So eager.

 

[Gil Horn]

Location: Coruscant | Jedi Temple
Tags: Kuhbee

Gil deactivated the training saber, clipping it to his waist and waiting for Kuhbee to do the same. Eagerness was expected, but the foundations of safety had to be ingrained early on. The lightsaber was a tool, an extension of the Jedi, not a toy to be waved around when not in use. That was a lesson Kuhbee would learn very quickly with Gil.

"The journey to creating your lightsaber is not a simple one, Kuhbee." Gil turned to the side of the room, using the Force to activate the terminal set in the wall. The lights in the room began to dim, and a holographic representation of the galaxy flickered to life. With a bit more effort, Gil had the image project the galactic borders of all major powers, with the Galactic Alliance glowing a bright vibrant blue in the middle of it all.

"For countless generations," Gil began, walking through the map to tap one of the small white orbs representing a planet, "Ilum was the planet all Jedi would go travel to in order to retrieve a kyber crystals, the power source of a lightsaber. In time, other sources of similar crystals were found, and the ability to create synthetic crystals were pioneered, first by the Sith, but later mastered by the likes of Luke Skywalker in ancient times. The first step in crafting your lightsaber will be determining which path you wish to follow. I am versed in most of the possibilities, so it will be your decision."

Turning to look at Kuhbee, Gil let a smile play on his face. "So tell me, what kind of crystal do you imagine being in your lightsaber?"

 

[Kuhbee]

TAG: Gil Horn


Kuhbee deactivated his training saber with a slight reluctance. Of course as a young pup he wanted to play with the blade, but he could sense that Master Horn was being serious and did not approve of his foolishness. Kuhbee was so young and eager but he would have to grow and learn to become patient and wise like his master.

The hologram projected and Kuhbee stared at the small orb representing the planet Ilum. He had never been to this planet but he had read about it in the archives. Kuhbee had been trying to keep up with his studies and he had read some about lightsaber crystals but he did not know all the varieties.

[Master Horn I have been reading about lightsaber crystals but I do not know all of the different types yet. But I see.... a crystal like myself. It must be strong but... sometimes I fear my own strength. I've...had to hurt others... and others... have hurt me.... I would want a crystal that could be strong... but safe...]

 

[Gil Horn]

Location: Coruscant | Jedi Temple
Tags: Kuhbee

Gil nodded slowly, listening intently to Kuhbee's words. "Strength and safety... These are not incompatible desires, Kuhbee. In fact, they are often intertwined. A lightsaber is a weapon, yes, but for a Jedi, it is so much more than that. It is a tool for protection, for justice, and for peace. The crystal at its heart should reflect those ideals."

He gestured towards the still-glowing hologram. "There are many paths we could explore. We could seek out a natural kyber crystal, one that resonates with your spirit. Perhaps on Ilum, if you feel drawn to the traditional path. Or, we could explore the creation of a synthetic crystal, carefully crafting it to embody the qualities you seek. Strength, tempered with control. Power, guided by compassion."

Gil paused, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "There are also rarer crystals with unique properties. For instance, the Sorian crystal, known for its defensive capabilities. When struck by an object moving at high speed, it creates a burst of energy, throwing the attacker off balance and giving the wielder a chance to react." He looked at Kuhbee, gauging his interest. "It could be a good fit for someone who values protection and seeks a lightsaber that can aid in defense."

Gil thought for a moment, finally nodding his head. "I can look into the possibilities of finding a Sorian Crystal for you, if you want Kuhbee."

 

[Kuhbee]

TAG: Gil Horn


Kuhbee had never heard of such a crystal before. His wide young eyes were eager as he listened to his master explain how strength could also be for protection.

Was that truly what Kuhbee needed? Did he really know himself? The young cub wanted to race off to Ilum right this second but something else was stiring inside him.

[Master, would it be possible for me to read about the different types and then meditate on the question? I want to make the right decision.]

He frowned as he said these words for they surprised him. His eagerness was being diminished by patience and thought. Was he growing?

 

[Gil Horn]

Tags: Kuhbee

Gil smiled warmly at Kuhbee's thoughtful words, a glint of pride in his green eyes. His Padawan's restraint and introspection were clear signs of growth, and it brought a quiet satisfaction to see the Wookiee cub leaning into the lessons of patience.

"Of course, Kuhbee," Gil said, his voice calm but laced with encouragement. "Taking the time to reflect and understand yourself is not only wise—it's essential. A Jedi's crystal is more than a tool; it's a reflection of who you are and who you strive to be."

He tapped his gloved mechanical hand against his belt in a rhythmic motion, a subtle habit when deep in thought. "I'll send you a collection of files from my personal archive. They include descriptions of various crystals, their properties, and some stories of the Jedi who wielded them. You'll find guidance there."

Gil paused, then added with a small, wry smile, "Meditation doesn't always bring instant clarity, but it's often the path to finding what's already inside you. Trust in the Force, and trust in yourself. When the time comes, you'll know the right choice."

He rested a hand on Kuhbee's shoulder briefly, his tone softening. "You're growing, Padawan. I see it. Don't rush the process. We'll head out when you're ready."

 

[Kuhbee]

TAG: Gil Horn


Kuhbee had spent a great deal of time in the archives doing research on different lightsaber crystals. He had even asked one of the Council members for help. The more he read however the more he questioned which one was right for him. The young padawan became engulfed in decision paralysis. The time dragged on and on and still the young cub could not decide. Finally he returned to Master Horn to admit defeat.

[Master Horn I studied all of the lightsaber crystals but none seem a perfect fit. I think I want a traditional kyber crystal. I am sorry its taken me so long. It was so hard to decide.]