The Gathering

[Pinda Solthar]

Shmi stood in the primary conference room on the upper deck of her Jedi Training Cruiser recently this has been the place of her operations. The Academy network had fallen slightly silent with the Jedi split and fighting a war in numerous places at once. But her plan was to build an outpost that could aid the Jedi in the fight against the One Sith and a new evil that has sprouted up. However, given the situation she has two students in her care.

[member="Caleb Brolen"] was already her apprentice, but his training had come to a halt briefly due to other situations separating them for numerous amounts of time. Then there was her new student, [member="Kitani Corandel"] whom she had come across during her time traveling. Seeing much in their future she decided to not waste time. Today they both would be participating in The Gathering, to find lightsaber crystals. She was aware that Caleb had his, but there was a chance he would find another, one more unique that he could add to his current saber.

She called them both to the conference room to brief them both on the situation. She was expecting them any moment now.

 

[Kitani Corandel]

Kitani picked up her pace as she scurried down the halls of the Jedi temple.It has been an every day thing to see the young Padawan always in hurry. She always appeared to be doing something; of course it was wise to have their mind occupied so who knew how long this would last until it bites her in her behind. She had received a message from Jedi Master Labooda, Her new Jedi master that would replace her fallen one. It was still a scar deep fresh within, but as a Jedi she must press on. She slowly comes to a halt before the tall sliding doors that would lead into the conference room; She reaches over to click on the button and would wait to be let in.

She keeps a straight face as she walks insides and glances over towards her Master. Giving her deep bow out of respect, she parts her lips to speak

"Master Labooda, i got here as soon as i got your message. Although the message was vauge; Is something wrong? "
Always thinking the worst had happened.

She aswell looked around to see if the other padawan had arrived.


[member="Shmi Labooda"]

 

[Caleb Brolen]

I walked into the temple reading my Holo-message [member="Shmi Labooda"] sent me expecting me to meet her. I had not seen my Master in months due to different missions and the war. I also heard through the grape vine that she was issued another padawan for training. I had not met her nor do I know what they look like other than the fact that she is a woman. I entered the temple and made my way to one of the hangers where Master Labooda kept her ship docked. As I found my way inside I saw someone else and Shmi talking. I decided to not interrupt their conversation and approach them both.

 

[Pinda Solthar]

She turned around when she felt another person enter the room. The hum of the ship covered the sound, but there was that feeling that a person would get when the hair on the back of their neck stood up when another presence was felt. She assumed it to be one of her apprentices, but she didn't know which; surprising for a seer right, but she didn't utilize her abilities for such petty task. That would defeat the purpose.

"Kitani, glad you were able to join me today. Nothing is wrong, please come in." she said smiling, and motioning for her student to enter the room. "I wanted to brief you on a slight mission that will jump start all the rest of your training." she said with a smirk, and she moved herself around a large Holoprojector in the center of the room. On the other side of the table were buttons that allowed her to switch between images.

As she did, she noticed Caleb walking in, she nodded and hoped he would be joining them.

"Were participating in the gathering. Were going to Dantooine to retrieve crystals. Caleb i'm aware you have your lightsaber already, but you jay find something else there..." she said hinting to something, possibly. "Kitani, its vital we get you constructing your lightsaber as soon as possible. Given the current state of the galaxy...there will be a need."

She looked to them both, holding back the rest of her words from then on.

"Once we leave...we won't be returning back to the temple. Training will be done here on this ship, constructed for such. And you'll be out in the field. I want you guys to be ready. Prepare yourself, board up, and we'll be setting out soon." she said nodding.

[member="Caleb Brolen"] | [member="Kitani Corandel"]

 

[Kitani Corandel]

Kitani could only repeat the words in her mind. "The Gathering " She relayed over and over. It was something she was aware that all padawans from a young age would be apart of to make their lightsabers. Unfortunately her late master did not deemed it right for her to get her lightsaber at the time. She stares at the images being shown on the holo projector; the planet it self was unknown to Kitani and that it self made her weary. She put these thoughts as well as many others to the side and would focus on the conversation at hand. She did notice Caleb, the other padawan, walking in. She would guess pleasantries were an order once she was given a chance.

Labooda's vague words of there being a need for her to be battle ready did strike her as odd but then again she just ran into a sith on Curruscant. Once all was said she would reply

" Ill get my things then Master Labooda, I do hope i can survive the gathering.." She said the last part with a bit of doubt.

[member="Shmi Labooda"] [member="Caleb Brolen"]

 

[Caleb Brolen]

I couldn't say that I wasn't surprised by what Master Labooda said and I feel like Kitani was in the same boat as me. This does give me my chance to build my new double-bladed lightsaber I have been practicing in for the last few months. I wasn't a master in it but my skills were improving none the less. So I nodded and said "Yes Master I will get my things at once and meet you both here". I then turned to Kitani and said "Hey it's not about surviving the gathering...it's about finding yourself, but I guess you will see when we get there". I turned and headed towards my quarters.

[member="Kitani Corandel"] [member="Shmi Labooda"]

 

[Pinda Solthar]

OOC: Apologies for my absence. I'm gonna try and do better

She let go a deep sigh, her mind was heavy, but she quickly readjusted herself so her students wouldn't see the worry on her figure. She quickly put out a smirk and followed them out of the conference room. They would gather their things and return to the ship, this would be the last time they all set foot in this temple...it saddened her that the times were such and the Jedi spread entirely too thin. Though she felt her next course of action would be plasuible and the right thing to do.

However, not having a stable training regime could inhibit her learners as much as it could help them, and she worried for their growth as well. [member="Caleb Brolen"] was a little more experienced than [member="Kitani Corandel"] so it could play out either way really.

However, this wouldn't be something the Jedi Master could just foresee...she needed to let things play out, at least for right now. She remained on the bridge of the ship while her students gathered their things. They would leave as soon as possible.

 

[Kitani Corandel]

The female was once again found rushing through the halls of the temple making her way to the landing bay. The words of the more experience padawan did continue to run through her head

<Finding myself? >

These were perilous times and she understood that. She picked up her pace dodging people as best as she could. She manage to pick up the stares of other Jedi in the area. She had equipped herself with a blue backpack filled with the needed things or rather things she thought she would need, she had yet to transcend a stage where she did not have a need for these things. She makes her way towards the elevator which almost closed in on her but she manages to slip through on the side. The people already in side just lets out a gasp as they stare at Kitani.

'Sorry, sorry! " She exclaims letting out a bow

She quickly turns around and clicks the button to transport her down to the landing bay and on to meet her master. It was a quick ride and she would finally step off and would look into the distance. Seeing her master already there in front of the ship, she would make her way. Upon getting closer, she would bow.

" Master, i'm ready to part " She softly says

Who knew what would come her way.


[member="Shmi Labooda"] [member="Caleb Brolen"]

 

[Caleb Brolen]

I calmly walked to to my quarters but as I did I took time to think of the situation. As much as Senate would like us to believe more people are coming to the truth faster than expected...we can't win another war with the Sith. Jedi and Sith have clashed for eons to the point were they have almost destroyed each other but like always the dark side gets the upper hand. Master Labooda is preparing us for the for the war to end all others in the galaxy but she can't do it here.

I made it to my room and opened my closet. Inside I had a pack full of supplies and gear needed just in case. It was supposed to be used in case Sith attacked the temple and I had to flee but I guess it will be used for other circumstances. I gathered a few more things and made my way threw the temple back into the hanger where I saw [member="Kitani Corandel"] and [member="Shmi Labooda"] standing. I stepped onto the ramp of the ship and said "I am ready Master...lets depart".

 

[Pinda Solthar]

She nodded, and she was the last to board following the others with the ramp closing behind her. The droids that made up the crew had already had everything set up for take off, and once the ramp closed behind her their ship sprung to life and exited the hangar. She wanted the others to be aware of the situation fully, because they were doing more than just participating in the gathering. She gave the others enough time to settle but then she wanted to meet with them once again before they landed on Dantooine.

HALF HOUR TILL DANTOOINE

when they arrived in the conference room once again she would began to speak, "There is also another task at hand. Not only are you finding your lightsaber crystals, but we are also scouting out Dantooine since the planet fell under the reign of a dark cult that sprouted up recently." she said clearing her throat slightly.

"The One Sith have had the Republic and Jedi Order busy that other factions have sprouted up and assumed power. The academy was a prominent training location for the Jedi Academy, We have to scout out the enclave and see what this cult might be up to. If things go well, combat should be avoided all together." she said as they ran into some turbulence.

[member="Kitani Corandel"]
[member="Caleb Brolen"]

 

[Kitani Corandel]

slowly boarded the ship making her way towards one of the rooms. The ship itself was rather impresive to her, seeing that she came from humble start. The fact that they had a ship at their disposal was amazing. The door slides behind her as she removes her backpack from her shoulder and hurls it on the bed. Kitani closes her eyes as she drops down on her knees and slides forward to sit on her back legs; She needed to meditate, to clear her mind from all ill feeling. This was all too much for the young girl to take in but it was now or never, there was a dire need for the Jedi and they are the galaxies final hope.

The ship lifts off smoothly and as planned they would fly off towards Dantooine. The shipping moving about and of course the turbulence every now then would make the young padawan incapable of properly meditating.
<This is all too surreal > She thinks
Shaking her head from that though, she would stand up and attempt to find her Master. This short search led to the conference room where Caleb and her was. It seem to her that there was more briefing to be done. She bows before taking a seat and listen to what her master had to say.

With the new information now processed, she could not help but to feel a strong sense of doubt in her. She worried as to what she would find in herself in the gathering and of course the encountering of the cult was something else. The announcement that their arrival would be soon quickly alerted Kitani, she had to say something before the ship landed.
"Master, I can't help to feel that i'm not ready for the gathering...Caleb did tell me that it's about finding myself but...I'm afra-..." She restrained herself from using that word.

" I'm not sure what ill find..." she attempted to correct herself.


[member="Shmi Labooda"] [member="Caleb Brolen"]

 

[Caleb Brolen]

I was listening to Master Labooda about what we would be doing on Dantooine when Kitani walked in. She seemed nervous when she walked in though understandably so. She was about to embark on the hardest test of her life so far and the pressure that comes with it. I secretly closed my eyes and used my enhanced force sense to measure her aura. It was a little trick I learned from one of my previous Masters that allows me to sense peoples alignment to light and dark.

Katani's aura was a neutral grey of uncertainties but I could see shade of blue which meant she was moving to the lightside of the force. As for the gathering I would let Shmi take over from here. Calming people seemed to be more in her domain.

[member="Kitani Corandel"] [member="Shmi Labooda"]

 

[Pinda Solthar]

Even before her student entered the room she could sense the distress, worried that it might have been something seriously wrong, like an injury she frowned on her face when the young girl came into the room. However, upon the revelation she smiled, one that was warm and welcoming. She approached her and placed a hand that sent calmng waves of energy to the apprentice.

"Kitani...you have nothing to worry about. Come, take a seat." she had no issues with calming her students, some needed that emotional link and she was willing to give it.

"The Gathering is an important part of a Padawans life, and Caleb is correct, you'll be finding much more than your crystal. After this...you'll be on your way to truly becoming a Jedi Knight. Don't stress about it too much...we'll take it one step at a time and I'll be there with you." she said smiling at the girl.

Suddenly her head jotted upwards when there was a hint of turbulence. It seems they had arrived sooner than she thought. "Prepare your things, we'll be leaving unboarding shortly and making the trip by foot."

[member="Kitani Corandel"] | [member="Caleb Brolen"]

 

[Kitani Corandel]

Kitani took the kind words of her master. It was really needed at a time like this and connection would truly help her on her path to Knighthood. Feeling the turbulence yet again, she knew that they nearly reach their destination. Kitani got up and proceeded to head to her room to pick up her things. She met up with the rest of them at exit of the ship. The slides open and she was greeted with lush green pastures of the planet. She slowly walks down the ramp eager to continue and forgetting for the moment the true hardships that will be waiting for her. She did walk off ahead a couple of feet seeing that this was her first time on this planet.

<Wow > She thought

She would await for her orders from Master Shmi.

[member="Shmi Labooda"] [member="Caleb Brolen"]

 

[Caleb Brolen]

I smirked as Master Shmi talked to Kitani about the gathering, it was no joke and it would be the hardest thing in a padawans life. However Shmi was also right about one more thing...that Kitani dosen't have to do it alone. I will try to help as much as I can, when I can, when I need to. I felt the turbulence as we approached the atmosphere of the planet and landed shortly after. I returned to my quarters and grabbed my lightsaber and basic essentials. I then proceeded to make my way to the ramp of the ship. As it lowered I stepped forward to see the lush planet again. It was some time since I had been to Dantoonie and I could not wait to see it again, however I would follow Shmi orders.

[member="Kitani Corandel"] [member="Shmi Labooda"]

 

[Pinda Solthar]

Dantooine

Shmi wouldn't be too far behind her students, they were probably already awaiting her in the pasture below but she slowly descended the ramp strapping on her lightsaber and throwing her robes over to conceal it. Once she reached the bottom she looked off across the landscape examining the environment itself. To the others she may have seemed disturbed, as if something plagued her mind.

She squinted her eyes, and took a few steps forward, more than likely placing herself just in front of Caleb but a little behind kitani; she was in between them.

"Know that much has happened here...don't allow the illusion in front of you to fool you Padawans...there is a darkness growing..." she said in a low and worried tone. She looked over to Caleb, and then looked forward. She proceeded, possibly now catching up to Kitani...

"Either of you know where the crystal cave is?" she asked, she knew what there answer would be. They wouldn't know but that was the purpose. She allowed them to answer individually before continuing.

"Follow the ripples...they echo across this place. Expand your senses and reach out with your mind. Feel the path resonate through your body."

[member="Caleb Brolen"] | [member="Kitani Corandel"]

 

[Kitani Corandel]

Attempted to break herself from the secular thoughts that clouded her judgement, she was far too in experience to fully feel what her master was talking about and frankly she wanted discern what her master was feeling. She stopped in place feeling her master approaching and with that question, she had no idea where the cave was but she sensed that Master Shmi knew this. The question itself only had one way of answering and that was through the force, her last statement confirm this.

Kitani closed her eyes as she attempted to become one with the force in mind and soul. She attempted to link up with the place and attempt to commune with it. To her it was a long shot especially since she was doubting herself from the start. Recent events made it hard for her to tap into the force and sadly she was keeping this events to herself. She was scarred from inside, a deep wound that hurt her very being and relationship with the force. Attempting to locate the temple was a painful experience as her mind made relapses of her attack on Coruscant and torture, it was an excruciating experience, she gasped at the final image and quickly opened her eyes. She remained silent hoping Caleb had found the temple.

[member="Shmi Labooda"] [member="Caleb Brolen"]

 

[Caleb Brolen]

Master Labooda asked us if we knew where the temple was and any time a Jedi ask another Jedi where something is..well that typically means that they wan't you to use the force. I didn't answer her because I knew that she knew the answer. I first let Kitani try while not letting own the fact that I was watching her. She closed her eyes and then immanently opened them again. I didn't need to be a Jedi to notice that something was wrong though I kept it to myself.

I extended out my arm and closed my eyes. I let the force flow through me...through me senses. I sensed..pockets of force energy in many direction that were very sporadic. I pointed to the most force build up to the east and said "I sense something to east though I don't know if that is the cave or not".

[member="Kitani Corandel"] [member="Shmi Labooda"]

 

[Pinda Solthar]

She looked at her students, moving from right to left as her eyes cut from Kitani and then to Caleb. She saw Caleb asserting himself, and could naturally feel his curiosity moving towards its peak as he began to expand his sense. Kitani, however was a more special case. From the start, Shmi could sense the doubt building...and she initially kept her statements to herself with the hope that Kitani would find the light within herself to get through this process.

Not only was she able to naturally feel her students doubt, she could easily catch her stray thoughts due to her leaving herself vulnerable to such. So thus her vision was more focused on her than on her other apprentice. "Alright, Caleb lead the way...lets see if you were correct." she said nodding for him to lead, she however stayed slightly behind for a few seconds so that she could meet up with Kitani.

She approached her, and placed a welcoming hand on her shoulder, "Share your thoughts with me padawan, I sense your doubt and I know your troubled." Shmi knew already, she was giving her the opportunity to open up so that she could help.

[member="Kitani Corandel"]
[member="Caleb Brolen"]

 

[Kitani Corandel]

Kitani was thankful in Caleb figuring out where their destination was or rather where he thought it was. She wanted to help even more but there was something bothering her and that was the events that transpire many weeks before this, much before she was given a master to train under. Her doubts and fear were sensed by her master and to which she could not hide them from her.

She felt Shmi's hand on her should and would look at her before letting out a small exhale.
" I thought i could ignore it but i don't think i can Master... After encounters with a Sith and a Dark Jedi...I don't think it has been the same "
She says as she looks down towards the ground not wanting to loose sight of Caleb.

[member="Shmi Labooda"] [member="Caleb Brolen"]