The tiniest flicker leads the way

[Rianna Organa]

The changes which had taken place over the last few months within Clan Ordo had changed the perspectives of many. It was now known that even the closest of bonds could be questioned by the unknown. The spirit which had occupied [member="Ordo"] for the many months had created much havoc within the mandalorian ranks. The death toll was very high, the number of those that had been mutilated was nearly have of the death toll. It was all she and Briika could do to keep up with finding efficient ways to help all of the vod.

Rianna herself had taken a step back focusing more on the research into new medicines, and into a new prosthetic. She had gone out and recruited many that were not mandalorian but had the compassion to help no matter what the species. Today she toured through another facility looking at their advances but something more also brought her here.

The force that connects all beings seemed to draw her here and why she did not know yet. Whether there was a who, or a what to find she only knew in time it would be revealed to her, till then she would be alert, listen, and be mindful.


@Ian Milan

 

[Jon Burke]

[SIZE=14.3999996185303px][member="Rianna be Ar'klim"][/SIZE]


Ian sat at a rarely occupied seat – his desk – in the research division of the biotech firm that gave him the opportunity to explore the galaxy. He thought back on some of his assignments; some of the specimens he’d brought back; the blood he’d paid for some of them; and the most recent price paid.

Serendipity, the Xenobotanist of Felucia – Ian had the distinct impression she had collected a part of him rather than the specimens she’d helped him collect. And he was pretty sure he didn’t mind. Except she was on Felucia and he no longer had a reason to be.

He turned on the recording of the obscure language he was learning for his next assignment. He filled himself with the force and began his ritual learning technique – using the force to comprehend and speak – or at least mimic – the sounds he was hearing. He’d gone through the process three times and was frustrated to acknowledge he wasn’t making any progress. His mind was definitely elsewhere.

He turned the player off, pushed his chair back and looked out the window. After a moment he closed his eyes remembering with a satisfied smirk his shock when she stripped down in front of him to put on her wet suit. Ian was trained in the basics of the force, his training interrupted by what he considered a family tragedy. He could recognize a person’s force presence and he remembered Seren’s untrained presence vividly. He relaxed and allowed the force to move through him. He was not skilled enough to use Farsight at the distance of Felucia, but, he allowed himself to quest outwards anyway, searching… hoping for just a glimpse.

 

[Rianna Organa]

[member="Ian Milàn"]

Rianna stopped a presence within the force that she was not familiar with. She tilted her head and allowed the force to guide her each step seem to wind through halls and passed many doors until she could feel it stronger than before behind another door.

Cautiously she knocked, and then without permission she entered looking to the young man standing there, "Excuse I seem to be lost, can you help me?" She wanted his company a way to access what she had been feeling. Was he force trained already? where was his training?

But why did his ability seem shaded, clouded what was he within the force? This she had to know, so, she would use her little ruse.

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Rianna be Ar'klim"]


Ian was shocked from his reverie by a knock on the door followed by it opening and a lady unknown to him stepping inside.

"Excuse I seem to be lost, can you help me?"

Hearing this he relaxed and smiled; standing and stepping nearer as he replied, “Of course! I’d be happy to help. This building can be very confusing. What department were you trying to locate?”

Ian was glad for a distraction from where his mind had been wandering prior to the interruption. A short walk guiding this lady to her destination would be a pleasant break.

“Oh, excuse my manners… too much time in the field talking to plants I suppose… I am Ian Milàn with the investigational medicines specimen collection department.”

 

[Rianna Organa]

His manner she excused without a word but with a single little nod, "I am Rianna Ar'klim and I'm looking for the prosthetic division." She smiled slightly at him, "I am an herbalist and use many in my healing activities have you found anything new in the way of medicinal herbs?"

She was glad that she had something she could possibly talk to him about, possibly to find out more about why she was drawn to his door. What could she do right now to test him, to find out if he was strong within the force, his presence was strong but was his skill, and the ability to keep a clear head. yes many things made up being a Jedi. She reached out with all her senses to find Ian's place and investigate carefully.

[member="Ian Milàn"]

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Rianna be Ar'klim"]


She really was lost if she was looking for the prosthetics division. It was in an entirely different section, so much so Ian had to look at a diagram to be sure himself where to guide her.

“Lady Ar’klim, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he acknowledged with a modest bow. “My last collection assignment was to Felucia. We had heard rumored a Shaman there had a carnivorous plant he was nurturing that was thought to be related to the Reeksa of Iego. We hoped if this was the case that it might have similar anti-viral properties. I managed to secure a single specimen. The botanists are trying to split or reproduce it before we try harvesting any of its roots for testing, so, we are a ways from knowing if the trip was worthwhile or not.”

He opened the door for her and began leading her to the prosthetics division. “I think I can help you find your destination.” He led her down a long corridor back towards a major intersection within the complex. A supply clerk pushing a large cart of supplies began to lose control of the stack, letting it tip over as she turned the corner. Ian unconsciously used a light force push to right the stacks and avoid the spill. The clerk looked confused, unable to understand her good luck as Ian just smiled and passed on by.

“It’s not much further now, Lady Ar’klim,” he assured her.

 

[Rianna Organa]

[member="Ian Milàn"]

She nodded, "pleasure is all mine" she listened as he talked of Felucia, "Keep me posted on what you find out regarding the sample I am always interested in such things, and it takes so long to have them published and I can read them" She smiled warmly it was good to listen to a young mind full of promise and ideas. He seemed very sure of himself, and his skills as a researcher so then this bright spot within the force was because why?

She would be greatful for the company though she did know the way but then he didn't know yet that she had felt drawn to where he was and what he was doing. Rianna felt a small surge in the force and barely caught the movement the slight shift. She looked down covering her mouth did he know he was doing it.

"Ian what just happen back there, did you feel it?" She would need to find out if he knew, and then go from there.

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Rianna be Ar'klim"]


Ian cocked his head to the side and looked at her curiously. Of course he knew what happened; more to the point to him was how did she know?

“Yes, Lady Ar’klim,” he admitted almost contritely. “I was trying to be discrete but I didn’t want her to spill her load of supplies.”

Ian sensed she was really wanting more of an explanation of the how rather than the why. He sighed and volunteered, “It was determined that I am force sensitive to a significant degree when I was three. A jedi knight was assigned to our community on Mustafar primarily to train me, so, I was trained in basic force skills from when I was about 8 until I was 15.”

Ian decided that was all he cared to share about that period of his life unless pressed; but, he was curious why she cared. “Why do you ask,” he inquired casually.

 

[Rianna Organa]

Rianna finally knew why she was here she looked at Ian, "I can sense your use if the force, the highs the lows" they continued to walk if nit a great deal slower as they talked.

"Why did you stop training?" There were so many out there untrained. Some untrainable, others could not contain their emotions but Ian seemed in control ready to learn more but why did he stop at 15. So close to being finished.

[member="Ian Milàn"]

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Rianna be Ar'klim"]


Ian grimaced. It was logical question even if it was exactly the one he hated to answer even to himself.

“My father had to be away a lot for business. The knight and my mother… became involved. She divorced my father and left with him. I decided to remain with my father rather than go with them and continue my training.”

Ian bit his tongue and didn’t say anything about not wanting to have anything to do with jedi ethics; or, in his opinion the lack of them. He had really loved that knight as a mentor and at times almost a second father. That only made the pain of the breakup that much greater.

“I know there’s a lot I could still learn, but, I just haven’t felt comfortable allowing myself to enter into that kind of bond again.”

He hoped that would be all she wanted to know. The memories still hurt when revived and he still didn’t know why she cared.

 

[Rianna Organa]

[member="Ian Milàn"]

[SIZE=12pt]Rianna listened with great concern, she had heard stories such as these before. Yes with the changes within the order many emotional bonds had been formed and at times at the cost of many family units.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“What your mentor did was wrong Ian, he should not have crossed the boundaries of the marriage to have a relationship with your mother. I am sorry that it happened.” She could not change it though, no matter how much she wished she could.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I myself am married, with several adopted children the youngest, [member="Ginnie Ordo"] is 13 and growing up very quickly. My other daughters, [member="Anija Ordo"], [member="Evi Sohl"], [member="Arla Balor"] are all grown, two are married, one even has a son of her own. And I have a son named [member="Aran Ordo"], he currently runs MandalTech for my husband.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]What else could she say to him, she wanted to be open, “I am head of a company called MandalMedical, and my husband is mandalorian.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]He wanted to train, and he had all the abilities she could feel it. “I am a Jedi Master, a healer mostly. I understand that a bond between a padawan and a master is very delicate. It can mean all the difference between success and confidence, and total ruin.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Rianna looked around, “When I was a knight I traveled a great deal with another jedi knight, a male. Who was more the protector to my healer. We in time grew very close, too close perhaps. And one evening I saw him with another female knight, they were kissing. I flew into a jealous rage and my master quarantined me to my quarters for a month while teaching me to handle my emotions.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Rianna smiled, “I am not perfect, I have flaws. But I would like for you to consider training with me, coming into mandalorian space. Work at MandalTech, work here too if it can be arranged. But, let me guide you on the path of the light. I won’t say it will be perfect, but I will always be there for you. Think about it” Rianna took out her card, and handed it to Ian.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“the Force told me to come to this hall to find you, I know how to get to my destination, I just didn’t realize that someone might be tagging along” She smiled.[/SIZE]

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Rianna be Ar'klim"]


Ian walked along beside her in silence, thinking of all she had said. He needed time to process all the variables involved.

“Lad… umm… Master Ar’klim, I’m overwhelmed. It’s not a decision I can make without some time and deliberation.

He walked a few more paces in silent thought and asked, “How long will you be on Corellia? If I may, I’d like to think on this, but, I will want to reach a decision for the both of us before you depart.”

 

[Rianna Organa]

[member="Ian Milàn"]

"I am here for another few days, perhaps you would care to accompany me as I walk through each area. It would give you a chance to speak with me, find out what my mind is like, what things I have the ability to train you on" She smiled, "See well for lack of better terms see if you like me."

She could feel his hesitation the emotions that he pushed down so low. He had every right to be concerned his trust, even his faith in what he had trusted in before was taken away, and now she stood here offering it again but the memory of that time had left mark upon him that would be difficult to overcome. She wanted to help him heal that rift if trust.

"There are those that think being a Jedi is all about the ability to wave your hand and change the galaxy" She looked around, "Its really more about each person you touch, how you're helping them changes their life. The opportunities to change galaxies doesn't happen very often, but we can change people."

Rianna had led a life devoted to helping others of teaching them how to fish, rather than just feeding them. She wanted to share that ability with someone who could appreciate it, understand it she believes Ian is that person. She had not taken a full time padawan in many years and for her to make this offer showed how much faith she had in his abilities, just from the little he was doing here. His emotions were in check, his demeanor was still calm, and he listened.

These are the skills of great Jedi.

"I really hope you consider my offer, and let me know" She bowed slightly, and began walking away let him think on what it was he truly wanted, and was he willing to make a commitment. She offered him an adventure to learn about the mandalorian culture, and learn to be a Jedi.

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Rianna be Ar'klim"]


Ian appreciated her willingness to let him go and think on the offer; and he would, just at the moment he had a few more questions and a couple of things he wanted her to understand.

“If I may walk along with you a while longer, I’d like to talk with you a bit more to clarify a couple of things in each of our minds.”
He fell into step along side her and wondered where to start. “I guess a couple of things that are important to me are my job and my apartment. I love the opportunities my job provides for me to explore the galaxy more than than simply just seek out new medications – as important as that is. That said, who my employer is isn’t as important as what I do. I have linguistic abilities through the force that makes me ideal for going into remote areas and communicating with the indigenous peoples. I would like to continue that if it is possible.”

“Second, my apartment in Coronet City is very important to me manly because it was left to me by my father when he died. I don’t necessarily have to live there, but, I do want to keep the property. That would mean trips back Corellia from time to time to maintain the place.”

“That’s about me, now about you.”

“You’re head of MandalMedical so I assume you’re Mandalorian or at least are a clan member. Would MandalMedical have need of someone in the field like I’ve been? Where would we be headquartered? Would the Mandalorians accept me… I mean, I’m not much of a warrior type. I..”

He sighed and admitted, “Every question reveals 2 or 3 more hiding beneath it. I don’t think I can ask everything today or this week even. There’s so much more…”

He walked along beside her thoughtfully for a few moments before continuing, “You said the force drew you to find me. There had to be a reason for that. I feel that the force is calling for me to resume my training and has been for some time and I’ve just been ignoring it.”

“I can’t say that I’m not apprehensive Master Ar’Klim, but, if you understand the reasons for my trepidation and are willing to try to train me; I’m willing to be your student.”

 

[Rianna Organa]

Rianna listened to Ian, wanting to ensure that she understood his concerns and she wanted to be able to address them with equal concern that he expressed.

"Ian, I will not ask you to give up anything. All the things you have here are still yours, I only ask that you take your training seriously and watch that other interests to do deter you from studies."

She smiled thinking, "I have a small home on Tatooine as I love the planet and it does me good to get away. My family, if it still stands, has a home on Alderaan. My home with my husband we live between Mandalore and" she paused, "I can never remember that other planet's name..it's like Obuyatt IV" she looked over, "My memory at times" She shook her head. (It's actually her writers' memory that's drawing a blank)

"You are still who you are now, I only seek to help you find skills that will enhance your abilities to help others" That is often what she though a Jedi was, someone who helps others, not just themselves.

"You can work with me at MandalMedical on the same things you have here, sharing the same research since it would help everyone" So many questions but she understood why this was new to him. "MandalMedical has a program where we go out to the remote areas and communicate, there are clans that are not able to move about as easily. And then there are the worlds which are under Mandalorian protection"

"Yes they will accept you, I'm not a warrior I provide medical treatment. They will accept you, and it would be good for you to interact with some to learn the ways, to ask questions. Learn the language, and if we need to, we'll adopt you. My Jasper loves adopting people this way you will always have a tie to us, and always be welcome."

They were walking along talking steadily Rianna wasn't sure if Ian was excited or apprehensive his questions were quite what she expected.

"Ian Milan, as you think of your questions ask them, and if it something that I cannot answer we will find someone who can answer." Was she making a mistake, she did not think so but there was a lot to overcome with Ian.

Sometimes students of Ian's age were too fixed in their ways to learn, or bend she would have to see what happens.

She stood very still having Ian stop, she looked him in the eyes, "Let it be known on this day, at this hour I Rianna Ar'klim take you Ian Milan as my padawan learner." She put her hand upon his shoulder closing her eyes she wove the force around them and then with a very slight movement she memorized his signature so that she could always find him.

She opened her eyes, "You have a few days to prepare yourself and then we will travel on The Dancing Thranta" She had not told him one thing that she would have to in time, that she was one of the leaders of a rebellion to free Alderaan. But that was a conversation for another time.

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Rianna be Ar'klim"]


Ian listened but also felt as she mentioned the places she called home. Through his natural empathy he detected a reconciled longing when she mentioned Tatooine and he didn’t think it involved her home. When she spoke of Alderaan, he felt an anger that had been honed into resolve. When she mentioned where she and her husband lived, Ian didn’t sense a place as much as a person; as, wherever he was would be home to her. Thought the first two made him mildly curious, the third, demonstrating a commitment and loyalty to her husband truly moved Ian. He was humbled by those impressions and looked forward to learning more about his new Master and her family.

Learning Mandalorian would be interesting. He could get some basics through force-enhanced study of language recordings like he did for some of his assignments, but, Ian couldn’t walk around channeling the force constantly to be able to communicate on Mandalore. He would have to master the language using normal means, study and repetition.

The possibility of being adopted into a Mandalorian clan shocked Ian at first. The more he thought about it; however, the more intrigued he became although he didn’t offer comment. That was definitely an area that would require much discussion.

When Master Ar’klim bound them with the force, it almost took Ian’s breath away. Her effortless control surpassed the best he’d ever seen. It was admittedly a small sample but at the time he had thought Kevin, the knight that trained him as a youth, to be remarkably adept. For the first time, Ian saw the difference between knight and master. What horrified him though was how far below either of them he was in his skills.

A few days to prepare? He was ready to learn now, but, realized patience was to be one of his greatest lessons.

“I’ll be ready, Master.”

 

[Rianna Organa]

Rianna waited beside her ship the Dancing Thranta she had made arrangements and sent word to her associates that she was bringing a new researcher a new student. But it would take time to travel, and her youngest was someone she wanted ian to meet. Her daughter was bright, and full of energy.

But this trip would help her to teach Ian to learn what he knew and to understand his place in the galaxy. How Jedi skills would influence him and others. Her medical skills would help teach. Her healer skills would be an acceptable way to show the use of the herbs he studied.

And there was language. She would begin to teach him mandalorian.

Was he ready? Truly ready. She hoped so.

[member="Ian Milàn"]

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Rianna be Ar'klim"]



Ian walked through his apartment to his balcony one last time for he had no idea how long. He looked out over the Coronet City skyline and wished that he had had the opportunity to show that view to Serendipity before he left for Mandalore. One positive however was that Mandalore was, on the galactic scale, only a stone’s throw from Felucia. Perhaps he would have a chance to jump over and visit her again in her jungle.

He sighed and stepped back inside his apartment, making sure the balcony doors were properly secured for his planned extended period away from his home. He double checked the computer settings for environmental control and security and double-clicked to confirm them one last time.

He picked up a small shoulder bag that he kept with him most all the time when away from his apartment. Several duffles of clothes and odds and ends he hated to part with were already downstairs at the hovercab – which had its meter running he reminded himself.

He closed and locked the apartment and hurried down to his waiting ride.

* * * *

Ian had three types of clothes – office clothes, field clothes and casual clothes. He grabbed a dufflebag containing casual clothes and his shoulder bag as his other things were being stowed about Master Ar’klim’s ship and walked towards the front of the ship to meet her and be assigned a berth where he could store his carry ons.

“Master, my other bags are stored and I’m ready for departure. Is there anything I can do to assist you?”

 

[Rianna Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]There were a few places that Rianna needed to travel to from Corellia, The Dancing Thranta was registered as a medical ship and it was. But it was also the personal travel ship of Ordo and Rianna.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Corellia sat at the edge of Protectorate space, and she still needed to cross Republic space to get them into Mandalorian space. She had jumped from Mandalore to Contruum to Hapes to Onderon to Balmorra to Corellia.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]On Hapes she had visited her nephew Theo who was in hiding, and then to Balmorra to see Arianna who was working to find a way to help the refugees of Alderaan. The other planets had clinics, wounded, and refugees of war. Rianna brought them medicines, the return trip she would stop again to bring in the medicines she had been able to secure for each of the planets, and to talk to her family once again.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She had sent word to [member="Briika Detta"], [member="Ordo"], and [member="Ginnie Ordo"] that she was bringing [/SIZE][member="Ian Milàn"][SIZE=12pt] to Mandalore. How long had it been since she had taken a padawan, she needed more fingers to count the years a full time padawan required attention.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Ian however was an adult with an adult lifestyle, what he needed was focus, and training. Rianna reminded herself again to keep her focus. [/SIZE][SIZE=12pt]When she looked over to see Ian walking towards the ship she asked herself again was she sure. The force with all its mystery vibrated with life. Yes, she smiled, she was sure.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She breathed easier he had showed there was a part of her that said he could change his mind it would meant to her that his doubts controlled him but he had not and here he stood.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“No, we are ready for departure and there is a route we must take to get back, along the way we shall discover what you know” She nodded, “Come, let us start our journey” Rianna walked back up the ramp into the ship. She would not ask him if he was sure it would send the wrong message.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“Have you given any thought to the medicinal herbs you’ve been studying, is there any hope of them being a viable alternative to the process medicines?” Let them talk of something they both had an interest in, herbs.[/SIZE]

 

[Jon Burke]

[member="Rianna be Ar'klim"]


Ian replied to her question as he followed her inside the Dancing Thranta.

“That depends on your perspective, Master Ar’klim. If you are a family seeking to care for your loved-ones; or, if you are shaman caring for your tribe, harvesting the anti-viral alkaloid found in the Reeksa root is practical and actually rather easy to extract. On the other, if you are a biopharmaceutical corporation harvesting is not a practical option. We found the Felucian variant of the Reeksa to be smaller and fragile – very difficult to transplant and almost impossible to propagate away from its home environment. We have also been unable to replicate the alkaloid combinations found in the root in the lab. So, basically, we are at a standstill with that project. It appears harvesting is the only way to acquire the roots and there aren’t enough to be useful on Felucia. Even if we could gain access to Iego, it would destroy that world’s reserve of the plant to obtain enough root to treat one developed world of the Blue Shadow virus. Synthesis was the only practical way to mass produce it and so far our efforts have been fruitless.”

Ian followed her quietly a moment before volunteering information about his past and a request.

“Because Mustafar was so hazardous to humans both in thermal dangers and toxins and noxious fumes, Kevin began teaching me force healing and detoxify poison. My knowledge was basic and my actual skill was even less - it was a difficult thing to practice.” He chuckled at the memory and added with a grin, “My mother frowned on self-injury as a means of practicing healing.”

“Anyway, those and related areas are some that I’m very interested in continuing to learn when the time is right.”