Working for it

[Loske Treicolt]

On Weapon Ultimate​

Above Sisio ​

About a month ago ​

Mood​

When the Sith Lord [member="Credius Nargath"] sent tendrils of electric hatred spiralling toward the entry point that the Huntsmen, a Jedi Master and pilot had used to enter the control room, Loske was knocked backward with white hot lightning encircling her. That, paired with the over saturated evil of the weapon they were aboard and the mere presence of [member="Darth Carnifex"] triggering some reticent memory that didn’t belong to her was too much. She lost what she felt was consciousness.

Agonized by the attack, she was pushed out of the picture while the huntsmen dove forward to assist [member="Cedric Grayson"] in contending with the Sith that was blocking admission to the control room. The technicians had also begun to arm themselves, firing with the group of stealth warriors.

On her back, Loske twitched while the electric current ran it’s course. Her vision blackened by the overwhelming sensation of lost control. Synapses within her fired. Cells exploded and bloated, overheating and fighting with one another. A suppressed energy within her core began to warm at an alarmingly accelerated rate. Something that rose within her belly and radiated outward from phalanges to toes. Something fresh and powerful while being immensely painful.

The internal reaction was only something she felt, externally, she just looked like a blonde pilot writhing on the ground in pain. A memory snapped into action, imbuing muscle memory that didn’t belong to her. Training that had happened to someone far more qualified. The dancing static modified from a current-driven charge, to something her body craved and consumed. Absorbed. The corpse of the pilot started to harness the glow as her own. The body realized this was not a foreign pain, it was one that had been harnessed before. Not by her, but by the donors of her construction. Masters of former who controlled their reactions, and exploded with a divine expulsion.

And that’s what happened within the control room of the Weapon Ultima.

​

New Mood​

​

Those in the control room could not only see, but feel the intense manifestation of every light fibre in the girl’s accessible chemistry. Parts of her were still gated, suppressed from being touched due to the evil that conflicted any desire The Force had for her.

The glow permeated from her body with a blast that sent technicians flying, even perhaps some of her compatriots.

Without knowing how it happened, Loske had gone from flat on her back to standing and breathing heavily from the excitement. Her blue eyes alight with glee, a wicked grin splashed across her face as the clone embodied Force Light.

“Kark yes!” She boasted, beaming in the direction of an incoming horde of darkness born creatures that had been tipped off to the heroes presence in the control room. Now she could join the fight like she was meant to, and the incoming oppression would feel nothing but a wildly hot, blue, vortex of light streamlining in their direction and sweeping them off their feet.

​

Present Day​

Ruusan​

Mood​

[member="Cedric Grayson"] had accepted Loske as his Padawan Learner far before either of them knew what that would mean. When she’d first come to Ruusan, just over a month ago, all she’d been able to do was establish a mental communication with Cedric. After the aggressions aboard the super weapon, it was clear much more was at stake than a kindred conversation. They’d shared a look of surprise on the weapon and that was about it. After having to escape pod off the thing, and Loske had been picked up by some random smuggler, it was a whole trek to get back and reacquainted.

But the time was now, and Loske and Frank were once again subject to the Jedi Master’s hospitality and knowledge.

For the first time...ever...Loske felt closer to the complete picture she’d been painted to become.

 

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The galaxy drowned in a sea of blood, and Cedric could only watch from afar as it choked. Ruusan was a refuge, for the moment at least. With the Sith war machine on the rise once again, he suspected it was only a matter of time before they reached the hallowed world.

The Jedi were likely to be extinct. The legacy had to be secured.

Thus it was that the Sons of Ession had been dispatched to assist the legions of the Silver Jedi. The padawans were put on quicker paths, most being ferried away to farflung worlds in hopes of seeding them with Jedi influence.

For now, Cedric remained on Ruusan, the Graywall castle having been mostly emptied of all occupants. A small garrison and the civilian population remained, save for the Archlord and his new apprentice.

For now, the chaos was managed. There was still time to teach.

And in truth, Cedric had been more than a little relieved to see Loske had survived the assault on the weapon.

Clad in the simple dark robes of his homeworld, Cedric stood atop the highest parapet of the Graywall. It overlooked vast mountainous landscapes, the air cool yet not at all uncomfortable. Here the Jedi waited, having summoned his padawan to the castle's apex.

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

An exhale relieved itself once she made it to the top of the stairs. The ascension of stones were Frank's worst nightmare and once more, he'd had to find himself something else to do around the castle. So far, he hasn't the biggest fan of this training thing, given there were so many physical levels involved. He supposed he could propel himself around with his little rocket boosters, but Loske had tut tutted the suggestion.

The view was worth the moderate climb.

"Definitely a better perspective than last time we were above a planet, hm?" She didn't really know how to start this conversation off.

They hadn't really talked about what had happened, but it was hard not to acknowledge and the fact that [member="Cedric Grayson"] had invited her back to Ruusan meant that the explosion was probably more of a challenge for the two of them than something worth ignoring. "Thanks again for doing this."

 

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"Indeed," Cedric agreed quietly, his gaze traveling far off into the distance. It was clear from the hazy look in his eye that his thoughts were far away from the material plane, though he did offer her a thin smile when she gave her thanks.

"No thanks required. I'm just happy we got off the weapon alive. That was a bit of a heavy welcome back into the fighting for me," he mused, rolling his shoulder as he turned bodily to face her. The smile he gave her now was genuine.

"How are you feeling?" He asked, brow wrinkling as a gust of cold wind passed over the citadel.

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

"You did marvellously. Saved more than just our little group's life..that whole planet got evacuated and ended up not getting blasted to smithereens largely because of it so..all in all, we're even on the life saving debts." The jab was in reference to the evacuation call she'd beckoned to on Hoth.

She hadn't really seen Cedric smile without another shoe about to drop before. This was a peaceful moment, shared atop a mountain. A moment stolen from a life that she had never foreseen for herself. The natural surroundings, the conversation that was taking place that wasn't preceding a briefing for a suicide mission. This was not a memory about to be made for the Wraith Lieutenant Commander, this was something being written for a new chapter. Nascence.

Slender arms folded and she shrugged, gripping her biceps in response to the cool wind that they were exposed to. How was she feeling?

"Overwhelmed." She admitted.

Her health was in tact. Sure, she'd incurred some scarring and bruises from the excitement of the battle, but the real strain was in the energy that was pulsating in her body even now. Her blood felt alive. Her nausea was at the edge of her tongue constantly. She'd been eating less than she would have liked, mostly because she felt so unbalanced and full with something she couldn't control just yet. And she'd only seen a glimmer of what was baked into her genetics. The apprehension of exposing what else she could do manifested as a fear of self.

Her arms unfolded, and she completed the rest of her thoughts aloud. "I don't know what more there is, but there is more there. I can feel it."

 

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"I only did my duty. You're always quick on the positive reinforcement," there was a hint of good humor to those words. In truth, Cedric had been overjoyed at the Sith's inability to render any more worlds barren. Shattered as they were, the Jedi remnants were still capable of some miracles.

Even still, the reality of things had sobered the Jedi Master. The Sith were prepared for a full scale war, and their defeat would only embolden them further: drive them to even greater savagery. The powder keg had finally gone off.

He halted his mind when he felt it drifting toward such negativity. There was no time for it, and he found himself at peace when he turned his senses outward. There was something serene about Ruusan, and it made it far more easy for Cedric to speak plainly.

"That's normal for a force sensitive with a strong connection. You come from a powerful bloodline, the Force runs through your veins." Cedric explained, "Normally someone would express it as a child, and it would develop slowly along with them as they grew. You're a special case."

He paused, eyes narrowing curiously. "Proper meditation would probably be a good start."

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

She only offered a wink in response to his comment on her optimism. While [member="Cedric Grayson"] suggested her emotional reaction was normal, she curled her fingertips into her palms before shoving them into the pockets of her leather flight jacket with a sink of her shoulders.

"I was afraid you'd say that." Loske moaned, evidencing all too readily her naïvety with how relationships with The Force operated. That being said, the last time she'd meditated it had been a near magical experience. She'd seen The Force for what it was to her. A tool, something she could mould. And although she would much prefer something more offensive and combative to test her limits, it was probably wise to get grounded first. Guess that's why he was the teacher, and she the student.

"I'm still wary about what all of this means..what this opens up. Everything was so straight forward before." She pulled her hands from her pocket again, flattening her palms and gesturing out chopping motions against an invisible timeline. "Exist, become a pilot, operate on missions, go into space, survive, come back down, rinse and repeat. My help for people was only useful because of my aerial talent. The whole Force explosion thing on Ultima..opens up more..well, you said it yourself on Metellos. Responsibility. Then I have to think about what it means to be a Jedi, I feel like that's a straight and narrow course, and I'm not straight and narrow, and it's so pensive, you're so pensive, and strict. Can I do that? Do I have to do that?"

As usual, when she was overwhelmed or faced with a nuance that was foreign to her, the youth started to ramble. Maybe Cedric suggested meditation because it was a largely silent activity.

 

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Cedric was keen to let her ramble on as long as she wished, a curious brow raised the entire time. The conversation was a refreshing change of pace - since returning from the weapon, Cedric had been spending all his time organizing the Essonians. He'd not had the time to have a simple, human conversation.

"It's a lot, I know," he replied with a bit of sympathy, "I'll try to put your worries at ease. A Jedi is not so much a staple path anymore. The Order has been shattered too long for that," he paused, brow furrowing. "Be that as it may, there are many Jedi paths, and likely some that suit your particular abilities. We have -- or had a code, but I still follow it. It's all you really need to follow to be a Jedi." Another pause, and then he blinked. "I'm not strict."

His gaze shifted to the ground for a moment in thought, "Well, perhaps I am strict. It's important for a Jedi to a regimen at the very least. Things to keep us centered."

A few seconds of rather awkward silence would follow. "Is there something about what we teach you dislike?"

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

She simpered at his reaction, it hadn't been an attack but more an acknowledgement that [member="Cedric Grayson"] was himself very groomed with regard to how he should show up. He'd told her before he'd been branded as a zealot - perhaps that was a stamp passed on by those that weren't serious enough.

"Uh," she reacted to the question, letting the word whisker stall for some time while she sought a way to defend her stream of consciousness. She couldn't. "I'm going off assumptions, here. Folk tales, so, I don't actually know what you - Jedi - teach. But I'll let you know as soon as something comes up.

Like the code. What's the code?"

 

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Cedric folded his arms over his chest as she spoke, snickering slightly as she admitted to her assumptions. They were honest ones, to be fair. The Jedi were a rarity these days, and knowledge on them had not been common even before that.

"There are two main variations of the Code. Several new variations have been created by Jedi splinter groups of the modern era, like the Silver Jedi, but I subscribe to the first Code. It was the mantra the Jedi Order followed for thousands of years, I feel it has more weight."

"There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no chaos, there is harmony. There is no death, there is the Force." He fell silent, curious as to what she might say.

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

"I feel like I'm not going to like the Silver Jedi." Loske admitted. "I've worked with them a little bit, just due to faction support and political relationships. They're a little...free for all--- but they were basically a splinter group created because my mother was so...unsupportive of working with darksiders and then.." she let her wrist role to indicate there was more to the story. Frank had filled her in on the ride to Ruusan while she was freaking out about Jedi mantas and pedagogical methods. Even just by training she could die. She doubted [member="Cedric Grayson"] would willingly let her perish just be pushing to limits, but uncontrollable circumstances happened! "There just seems to be a lot of them, and creating another Jedi group would be the antithesis to all Jedi should be working together so..I guess..everyone just joins the generic brand. But they're not really doing anything to help the galaxy at large."

All of these statements were loosely based opinions based on vague observations that Loske was clambering together as she rambled on. She'd probably grow to collect more evidence and stand by them in the future, but that's the place she was in right now.

When she heard the code from human lips for the first time, she stayed her motions. There was something soothing about it, but very strict.

"No emotion? How does that work? You have..a.." she was careful about how she proceeded with this sentence. He'd entrusted the secret of his sister to her, and she didn't want to throw that in his face. "..family."

Obviously something she'd have to wrestle with.

"And no passion? Doesn't that contradict the motive to be impassioned and move to protect people? To feel a sense of empathy for them?"

True to her word, Miss Matson was raising areas of conflict straight out the gate.

 

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Ah, debate.

The smile Cedric gave her was that of a jubilant child that had just been challenged to his favorite sport. The Code was something Cedric had dedicated many years of his life to deciphering, working to break it down to its basest fundamentals to understand its highest intentions. Talking about it was one of his greatest passions.

"I don't like them. They keep the Jedi from rising to old heights," Cedric admitted, but that was all he would say on the matter.

"Many Jedi of the modern age misinterpret the code, believing that no emotion means one feels nothing at all times. That is not the case. It means that we must master the art of setting aside our emotions when we are needed. We must be willing to make the decision that will save the most lives, rather than the one that will make us happy." He paused, "It does not mean that we cannot enjoy life."

He paused once again as he moved on to the second point. "Again, it is no passion when doing your duties. A Jedi is motivated by their need to protect. It is what calls us into service, but we have to set aside our passions when serving and make the rational choice. Passion is a gate that easily leads to the Dark Side - anger in a force sensitive is far quicker, and far more potent. It is like a drug."

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

Loske shifted her weight from foot to foot while the Jedi Master broke down the reality of the statement she'd frowned on. "So both of those points deem those that follow the code as worthy of making the hard decisions. Is that fair? Are Jedi qualified to do that?"

The blonde pilot had never really talked about the gravity of life before. They were either targets on her radar, or passersby simply coexisting in socioeconomic stasis. She used this pause to wander to the edge of the apex, peering over the barrier before testing it with a hip and deciding it was sturdy enough for her to lean against while she stole a glance toward the mountain tops, realizing that it was happening. These serious conversations were only the start of her full understanding and metamorphosis.

She realized then that it was inarguably likely that [member="Cedric Grayson"] himself had made a decision like that at least once in his life. Being as battleworn as he was, it was inevitable. Would she also have to make a choice like that one day? She put her hand to her mouth and folded her arms, looking at the ground for a handful of moments before back up at Cedric.

 

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Most Jedi would have simply said yes. Cedric gave Loske a shrug instead.

"Jedi training is what qualifies us to make such decisions. Is it fair? No, but no source of authority is fair. It is the reality that we live in. We do everything in our power to take actions that serve the people around us, and try to enact positive changes where we cannot directly influence things. If a Jedi starts to fall by the wayside, then they will be judged for their crimes." He shook his head, "We are accountable to the galaxy. Once the people stop asking for Jedi protection, we will stop giving it. Until then, we do what we must."

He slowly walked along the edge of the barriers, a hand sliding over the ceramite as he peered off into the distance. He came to a halt as he spoke to Loske. "It isn't an easy life. You can still walk away if you want."

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

There was a knowing calm to his tone, the words he was imparting were weighty but honest. She supposed it was similar to anything else was doing. Politicians had tutors, warriors had training. Everyone gained knowledge and then wielded it to either their advantage or other's. It seemed the Jedi were in a position for other's. Or had the hubris to think so, and used that as the golden badge to flash on controversial matters.

The Jedi were scarce now as it was, and the galaxy could feel it. The power was in the hands of The Empire and the apathetic to goodness. Money and darkness were drivers of worlds.

She chewed on her lip and paused mid-bite when [member="Cedric Grayson"] gave her the getaway scot free card. There was a selfish desire inside of her to use him to help her. They had an irrefutable bond, something she hadn't experienced with anyone and she was afraid that if she walked away from Cedric, from Ruusan, she'd be walking away from the chance to learn how to master herself. In her mind, she could master her talents and then make a decision on how to use them. That was one thought she did not divulge.

"I can't." She admitted, "I need to know my place here. I was given these powers to be a weapon, but now that they're activated, I want to make the right choice in how to use them. But first, I have to understand them. If they mean a change of life, then so be it, but I need..your help in that life."

 

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Cedric had expected that answer. Loske had too much fight in her to ignore the call. Whatever Kiskla Greyson was, it seemed her progeny was simply called to altruism. That had been the primary reason why Cedric had sought to take her on as his apprentice.

"Then I'm happy to have you here," he gave her a slight bow of the head. The path he planned to walk would be an unorthodox one, but it was the only way he could see the preservation of the Jedi way with the SIth Empire on the rise. Loske would be caught up in that chaos, and he decided it was only fair that he explain to her his ambitions.

"You'll do good things. You already have - we're in a time of darkness, the empyrean brings forth champions to halt that rise when it grows too powerful. You may very well be one of them," he paused, "I'll do my best to teach you what I know. I also want you to know that I intend to establish an enclave soon, and reinstate my House along with it."

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

"Happy to be here." She countered, righting herself from leaning to evidence her enthusiasm for the future. Loske expected to project her hand for an officiating handshake, but he continued with further statements about champions and power. The words he used were intoxicating. Words that would have wooed the ambitions of her mother, certainly. Loske was more pragmatic, akin to her father. Do what needs to be done for those that need you to do it. Right now, she needed to do this for herself.

She liked the idea that the empyrean as he called it, pulled her from the dirt like a lotus to rise. A piece of coal that with the right amount of pressure would become a diamond.

With his intentions out in the open, Loske's eyes widened for a heartbeat. Reinstate his house? Why was he telling her that? Momentary panic flickered across her face. The blonde had a heart that yearned for family, her own hadn't existed for years, and then when she did discover them, they were pretty much apathetic to her existence. It hurt her, and she sought solitude in friendships with whomever was willing. So while [member="Cedric Grayson"] may have meant simply that the Grayson name would be put to a more studious endeavour, she'd immediately gone the familial route and thought to establish a House there'd need to be two people at the helm of that and a whole ceremonious endeavour. Usually a marriage.

What was happening right now.

"Uh..what..needs to be done to reinstate your House."

 

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Cedric expected that Loske would take little issue with his plans. When she spoke up, he was momentarily surprised, a brow raised. He felt her confusion emanating off of her in waves within the empyrean, and he couldn't help but mirror it.

"I plan to find a colony world for my people to settle, and establish a governate," he explained, peering at her with a hint of concern. "I hope you don't take issue with that. It won't interfere with your training." He explained, waving a hand about to emphasize his words.

He waited in silence, uncertain as to if Loske might be questioning her decision to train or not.

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

"Oh my galaxies," Loske gave way to clutching her chest and a bubble of laughter. [member="Cedric Grayson"]'s explanation was perfectly normal and if she wasn't such a wistful sucker, she would have interpreted it correctly the first time he said it.

"Of course that's what you meant." She tapered her laugh off into a snicker and had to explain her misinterpretation. "Sorry, when people start to talk about their houses and names I immediately think of bloodline being a necessity in that and you..obviously...would need a counterpart to make that happen. I was just..wondering what you angle was with that statement.

I'm, obviously, terrible at angles. Good thing I'm training to be a Jedi and not a journalist."

 

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The Jedi Code taught its adherents many things, but the ability to navigate through social matters properly was not one of them.

Cedric's eyes narrowed for the moment, regarding Loske, before he spoke, "I'm pretty angular myself, some call me a square," he cracked a thin smile, snickering at his own words. "No Loske, I'm afraid there's far more you'll have to accomplish before I let you have my kids. I'm not a commoner after all," He added coolly, his words so neutral only the deftest could pick up the playful sarcasm beneath.

"Shall we start your training?"

[member="Loske Matson"]