The Arrival

[Lerinku Matni]

Rinku's heart leaped as the shuttle began it's exit out of hyperspace. The young man had never truly become accustomed to space travel and he doubted whether the sensation of space flight would ever not cause his stomach to lurch and growl unhappily. However this thoughts were pushed aside as his mind become aware of the summoning of the Force.

Like a warm wave of water, the Force washed over the Mirialan, causing his sense of discomfort to vanish and leaving his mind at ease. Taking a moment to steady himself, Rinku twisted in his seat to gaze outside the nearest viewport, reveling in the auburn view that presented itself. It took his breath away.

- - - - -

Rinku was meet again by a awe-inspiring sight as he departed down the boarding ramp. Before him stood a mighty temple, a building that reeked with the Force. Never had the Mirialan imagined he would find himself standing in front of a place that screamed tranquility yet here it was.

Stepping aside to let his fellow passengers disembark, the Jedi-to-be, took a moment to take it all in. Around him many beings could be seen making there way in and out of the temple and the surrounding installations. Perhaps one might approach him or perhaps not. Either way Rinku was more than happy to take his time. There was no need to rush now that he was home.

 

[Bellalika]

[member="Lerinku Matn"]

There was a shuttle arriving of new ones and some returning as the zeltron stood there at the ready to welcome them. The teenager more then happy to see them there while she stood in the training tank top and pants in the boots with her lightsabers on her thigh as she ran a hand through her short hair. The scars on her face and her eyes going up to see some of them. "Welcome potentials to the Silver temple. Hope your trip was a fun time."

 

[Lerinku Matni]

Noticing the other Jedi initiates grouping together, Rinku fell in line, his eyes drawing towards the slender Zeltron. The young man felt his cheeks flush as he did his best to avoid glaring at the exposed pink skin resting under the woman's short garments. The shuttles engines hissed and squealed as they began cooling down, covering the group in warm exhaust fumes. Bringing a hand to his mouth, Rinku welcomed the distraction as tears welled up in his eyes, blurring his vision.

Barely audible, the Mirialan was just able to make out the Jedi's welcome.
"Thank you Master Jedi." Rinku said, shouting over the hissing of the nearby shuttle. Before he could finish, the space craft let out a mechanical sigh casting eerie silence that was met with the deafening shout of Rinku as he finished his sentence. His throat closing in embarrassment, Rinku lowered his eyes, not needing the Force to know that all his fellow initiates were staring at him.

[member="Bellalika"]

 

[Bellalika]

[member="Lerinku Matn"]

She was looking at the ones there as they gathered and spoke while the sounds of the engines cooling off came to her with ears picking up them speaking while she motioned for them to follow and she started walking. Her hand pointing them with her while she spoke and walked into the entry way of the temple. "Welcome to Voss and the Silver temple, those who have been here before yoiu know most of the things and for those who haven't been. We have several padawan dorms where you shall b staying, there is a grotto for swimming in the jungle off the training courtyards and here from the landing zones you'll be able to find the mess halls." Looking over them she stretched out with the cybernetics under her flesh scrapping against each other while she looked over some of them. "So any questions?"

 

[Lerinku Matni]

Confidence appeared to radiate from the Zeltron, who directed the attention of the group as she quickly gave what was a rather simple tour. For Rinku, anxiety and fear of the unknown began to grip him as he realised that this was to be his place of residence for the rest of his life. Attempting to hide theses emotions from his peers, he put on a brave face, however unbeknownst to him, his feelings were leaking into the Force, soaking in his aura in his own discomfort.

As he continued with their guide, the sheer size of the Jedi's complex hit home. Not only was the temple included in the vast grounds but so were the training grounds that could be seen in the distance and as the Zeltron had stated, other facilities that were still to be seen. The idea eased his discomfort, knowing that there was still fun to be had exploring, yet he still felt alone and awkward as ever. When the time came for questions, one such query popped into his mind.

"Master, when do we begin our training?" Nervous as he may be, Rinku still remained excited to grasp an understanding of the secrets the Jedi had kept locked away from their fellow Force-users.

[member="Bellalika"]

 

[Bellalika]

[member="Lerinku Matn"]

Someone after her own heart as she saw the one padawan and stood there tall and ready. "We can begin training once you have your stuff set up. While it might be fun, it is also important to know which dorm your shower is in so you are not running around the temple naked trying to get to your stuff.... Trust me once you are seen streaking through the mess hall cause your were in the wrong dorm no one ever forgets." She was looking at him and... "And we're walking." Motioning to the hall and the two sides. "These are the female dorms on the left, male on the right and droids are at the entrances to ensure there is no going into each others sides. There is another set below and above you while quarters for knights and masters are along the outer layers of the temple." She kept walking though and looked over a few things. "You should all have papers sating which dorm you are in and on which level... if you are confused about which side you are on.... I am certain the medical droids can have you drop your pants and tell you."

 

[Lerinku Matni]

Taking in each and every word, Rinku followed the Jedi Knight as they entered the Temple. The grandeur that was displayed on the building's exterior was increased tenfold on the inside. The grand plaza in the center of the temple provided a welcome and calming sight as the group followed their guide down a side passage towards their quarters.

The Force felt stronger than ever inside the Temple, with the walls appearing to be seething with the mystical energy. Having prior to his arrival, never felt the Force, the whole experience and first impressions of the planet overwhelmed the Mirialan. Here he was supposed to feel at home yet this power that continued to berate him would only further his torment. The jedi would show him to control the flow of the Force, but at the present, Rinku could not wait for their lessons to begin.

Lost in thought, the initiate had not realised how far they had travelled, finding himself in the dormitories. Rustling through his rucksack, Rinku pulled out his papers indicating the room number of his new quarters.

"Thank you very much for the tour Master...? he began, thanking the Jedi Knight who had shown them through the Temple. Stopping mid-sentence, Rinku pondered the Knight's name before discovering that the woman had not introduced herself. Hoping to know at least one person on his first day, the Jedi patiently awaited his superiors name, if they were willing to part with it of course.

[member="Bellalika"]

 

[Bellalika]

[member="Lerinku Matn"]

Looking over all of the ones there as she watched them head to set themselves up. "When you are done for those who want there is food being served and there are some classes. I am leading one class into the caves for exploring and gathering supplies for mining group the Artisans have to make special sabers and hilts. Should you need anything for now I will be in my room." Bellalika was walking and heading towards one of the rooms just off the dorms as she opened it and the teenager went inside leaving the door opened while she sat down and was changing her boots and socks to something a little more sturdy for traveling. She could over look the dorm popping her neck and shoulders.

 

[Lerinku Matni]

Upon hearing the Jedi's request Rinku raced towards his own room. Flicking his keycard past the identification console, the Mirialan entered the small space, taking into account the small mattress and lone desk that decorated his new home. Well it's definitely a lifestyle change, he thought, thinking back to the luxury that once surrounded his life.

Placing his rucksack on the floor, the initiate removed his clothing, instead garbing himself in his new attire which was laid folded on the mattress. Tucking in his tunic and lacing up his boots, Rinku left the dorm and hurried to their guides quarters, eager to begin the exploration of a new planet.

After waiting several minutes, the Mirialan decided it would be better to sit down. Sliding down the wall, he sat cross legged, closing his eyes as he tuned in on the serene quiet of the temple. Here he would wait until more initiates arrived and the Jedi Knight was ready to begin their first task as Jedi.

[member="Bellalika"]

 

[Bellalika]

[member="Lerinku Matni"]

She was waiting and letting them get to work as they got dressed but let herself relax for a few moments while the display on her eyes came up. with a hand going to her saber. She wasn't exactly certain but being able to jack into and observe from the security cameras of the temple before she was heading out to meet the gathered group of padawans with some excitement on her face. She had a new power cell and installed it into her side just under the ribs while she was moving and breathing heading off to meet them. The small tank top hiked up to get access as she worked to fix the seams where the machinery and synthflesh were meeting her regular skin then applying a small gel to seal it so moisture didn't get inside when she arrived. "Alright padawans, are you ready to begin or does anyone have any questions?"

 

[Lerinku Matni]

It appeared that it wasn't just the young Mirialan who had desired a but of adventure. Rinku had not been sitting down for more than five minutes before more of his fellow jedi arrived, each dressed in a similar fashion in the plain brown robes. Their guide left her quarters not long after and it was then that Rinku noticed the mechanical features of this Jedi. Slightly taken aback, the initiate did his best to avoid displaying his surprise and shook, finding it difficult to take his eyes off the metallic plating and wiring that lined her exposed torso. Forcing hinself to look away as she spoke, the young man waited for a response from one of his fellow students before looking back at Bellalika. He had no questions to ask, instead feeling rather eager to get his first task started.

[member="Bellalika"]

 

[Bellalika]

[member="Lerinku Matni"]

She was looking at the ones who had come to join her class, or something really she was going to lead some of them into the jungle and hope they all survive this time. Last time didn't count that padawan was terrible at directions. "Welcome to the party." She had a smile now though while putting her shirt down tucking it into her pants while she started walking and motioned with her chin for them to follow. "Alright, these will be the jungles of Voss, most will spend the majority of their time here. Most of the skilled masters and knights train. They might not be the most visible but they offer the more diverse range of skills. sometimes you might be able to find the garden but that has been unattended to for quite sometime and only a few work on or try to grow things there. A dangerous effect of a jedi trying to control and bind nature to themselves on this planet. If they are not around things can become disrupted." Bellalika kept on moving and entering the jungle looked at the trees with a look back at the padawans before continuing in using an overgrown path towards the mountains. "There is also several lakes that can be explored and are used for meditation. The locals are quiet and remain in their homes or sometimes in cities on the other side of the planet."

 

[Lerinku Matni]

Following their guide, Rinku was lost for words as the left the temple behind and made their way into the lush Voss jungle. The autumn colours dazzled against the harsh sun, radiating auburn patterns on the jungle floor. Ensuring that he did not lose sight of the group, Rinku picked up the pace, taking his time admiring the lush scenery while making certain that he did not find himself lost in the foreign area. The Mirialan listened intently as the Jedi Knight explained the uses of the surrounding jungle, absorbing the information as he caught sight of stone structures that had obviously been created long before the Silver Jedi's colonisation of the planet. The young Jedi wondered how many other structures existed in the jungle and how many could reveal forgotten secrets of the planets people and history. Putting these thoughts aside, Rinku returned his thoughts to the situation at hand, watching the ground move with each footstep.

As the group journeyed further into the canopy, Rinku opened himself to the Force, finding this technique to be much easier to perform on the Force-enriched planet. Within seconds, the Mirialan was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of life; each individual presence pressed down on him like a small weight as he let out a silent scream. Closing himself off, Rinku found that his vision had been blurred and his head felt heavy. Waiting a moment, colour and focus returned as the Padawan looked around and was welcomed by the eerie silence that was the jungle of Voss. Retracting his force awareness within himself, Rinku hid from auras of the jungle beasts. With the group gone, Rinku found himself lost in foreign and dangerous territory. As fear gripped him, he scurried to a nearby tree, leaning on the harsh bark as the weight of the surrounding creatures receded. Taking a few short breathes, Rinku gathered himself, facing that realisation that he was lost.

[member="Bellalika"]

 

[Bellalika]

[member="Lerinku Matni"]

she was in the middle of explaining the planet and places they were going as some of her attention went to the world... Then she noticed something and turned. Raising an eyebrow at the missing padawan while she motioned them forward and into a section. "I am going to go and find him, all of you stay here together and I'll get back." She gave them a look before moving with her attention on some of the forest reaching out with the force while she was moving to reach and find him. Slowly moving until eventually she was alone and her eyes glowed as she was heading through following the tracks from them and where he wandered off feeling hi within the force as she stopped and crouched looking down at him and speaking. "You alright?"

 

[Lerinku Matni]

His eyes clenched tightly closed, Rinku focuses on maintaining his quiet aura. Having been overwhelmed by his previous practise, the Jedi was unwilling to reenact another similar event. Taking a deep breathe, he dug his hands into the soft dirt, finding a sense of calm in the cool earth. With every passing moment, the Mirialan felt his nerves reach a higher peak; each sound and touch ringing an alarm bell inside his jittery mind. The young man was unsure of how to continue, wondering whether he would ever find the courage to open his eyes and tackle the task of escape that was inevitable.

Panic ensued as he felt an unfamiliar presence probing him. This time the presence was much stronger, finding that he could lift no barriers or hide from this superior force aura. The previous force signatures had felt nothing like this other being. Whether friend or foe, Rinkubwas unwilling to let this being find him so easily. Preparing for a chase, the man opened his eyes to find a blurry figure standing before him. His heart racing, Rinku rubbed his eyes to allow his vision to adjust. The Jedi guide stood before him. Relief flooded through his body, washing away the panic that had ensued before. With his heart still pounding, the Jedi's question could hardly be heard over the thumping in his chest.

"I'm fine, I think. I just need to get back to the temple and rest. Thank you master jedi." He said with a shaky voice. Rising to his feet, he awaited his guides instructions, relieved to know that he was in safe hands.

[member="Bellalika"]

 

[Bellalika]

[member="Lerinku Matni"]

She was looking at him and feeling the force roll off the padawan while she was moving forward a little as she brought her hands out and placed them on his shoulders. "You don't look or feel alright, I have been trying to figure out what is wrong but there are somethings you learn with experience and you padawan are going through soemthing I am not certain what... but I know something about nightmares." She didn't say anything just moved to the side with one arm on him. "Now take a moment to recollect yourself and we'll rejoin the others."

 

[Lerinku Matni]

The Jedi's words carried neither warmth nor compassion, however what they did contain was the blunt form of reason. Rinku knew that his nightmarish ordeal was only amplified by his fear and this would only increase of he allowed it to continue. He could not call himself a Jedi if he was unwilling to connect with the living force. He thought back to his father and the lack of encouragement he had always shown. The man had always been harsh but he had known what was right and always had his son's best interests in the foreground of his mind. The Jedi before him appeared to share this trait and it comforted the young man slightly. It was as if a little piece of home existed on Voss.

"You're right Master. I feel better. Shall we carry on with the exploration?" Following the guide, Rinku joined the group, continuing on their journey, leaving his ordeals behind him.

[member="Bellalika"]

 

[Bellalika]

[member="Lerinku Matni"]

She looked at him and gave a nod. "Yes just I need to change my power cell first." She was there with the group and moved as one of the padawans helped her. She lifted her tank top and sat down leaning against the tree while popping her stomach opened as the cybernetics were there and the second cell was expended while the primary she had replaced earlier still there as she stretched out looking at the others. "You have all been doing well, we'll begin moving towards the caves and valley so you can explore."

 

[Lerinku Matni]

Not fully understanding the woman's meaning, Rinku watched curiously as their guide sat down and revealed the cybernetics within. Stopping himself from gasping, Rinku brought a hand to his mouth as the expended power cell was discarded. Unable to draw his gaze away, the group of Padawans watched with an odd fascination as the woman's insides whirred and hissed as the new power cell began it's charging process. Rinku had heard of and even studied cyborgs but had never met one face to face. Up until this moment he had been unaware of the woman's identity and was overall surprised and fascinated to have meet her on his first day.

Forcing himself to look away, Rinku waited patiently for their guide to finish her rather private task so that they could continue the exploration.

[member="Bellalika"]

 

[Bellalika]

[member="Lerinku Matni"]

She managed to catch the padawan looking at her for a moment while sitting there and she rolled her shoulders with a smile on her face. "So the first time seeing a woman with her insides and bones partially metal or first time seeing a girl half naked?" She said it with a wider grin though seeing the padawan and put her arm down covering her stomach while she motioned the one padawan to help her up and she stood brushing herself off. "I got thrown off a building and halfway down it decided to fall on me."