Zwischenzug

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion, meanwhile, had retired to the Grandmaster's Office, in which only one other person had sat before him. He didn't care much for the room in general; too formal and sterile for his liking. Sometimes he'd find himself day-dreaming of his time as a Jedi Knight and the adventures he'd embark upon. Oh, he'd seen his share of adventures since his masterhood to be sure, but part of him wished for a more simple time. Then he'd notice the ring on his finger and every notion of wanting to turn back time was immediately washed away. He loved his family above all else and would never trade it for anything in the world.

At the end of the mastercrafted desk stood a small holo-bust of [member="Iella E'ron"] in her primes as fearless leader of the Silvers. Her face was etched in confidence, inspiring only the best in the men and women who had the privilege of serving the Order under her command. He'd had the privilege, even though he'd never really considered himself a Silver until only a few years back, not long before she died. He was their Levantine liaison, an ambassador of sorts. Now he had succeeded her - a daunting task if there ever was one.

He sighed deeply, then pushed himself off the desk and stepped towards the door. Coci didn't deserve his scorn, and neither did Connor. They were both doing what they felt was right, and he'd failed to show trust and support. This wasn't him. As he opened the door, however, he laid eyes on his wife. "Coci..." he uttered in brief shock. After regaining his composure, Thurion stepped aside. "Please, come in."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Syala Daivik"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

​

She sat on the end of the bed in their personal quarters, just looking at the opposing wall. She took in a deep breath out of frustration she exhaled it with force. Coci had not done anything bad or unjust but the problem that plagued her is personal, very personal and none of them will ever know of it having not experienced such as thing as killing 'yourself'. And she hoped they never would.

Coci is a Jedi Shadow, a Silver Shadow and as such more aggressive than any of the rest, even the Republic Shadows would struggle with what Coci and Connor had to do over their cause of work. It is odd but the most likely person to understand her now resented her and Thurion, the two people that love him the most. However he needs to go once more and find his heart, that is what is lost in Connor Harrison, it is cold and dead. His mind lacking the reason to see it and viewing those around him that care as lower than he, he has grown arrogant. Not a good trait in a Jedi.

It is time to find Thurion, probably not enough time had passed for him to cool off, but she simply could not leave Voss without seeing him before she goes. She had to try and tell him, to make him understand her need to do this. There is much she needs to contemplate, what she had done, and her future within the Silver Order.

Pushing off the bed, Coci left their quarters and made her way to Thurion's office. Standing outside the door she sucked in her breath and hit the communication panel to herald her arrival. She would wait for him to permit her.

She did not have to wait long, Thurion had sensed her and the door opened. She gave a weak smile but could not meet his gaze for now as she entered. As the door closed behind her she turned to face him.

"I am sorry", she said, her throat tight with emotion.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

His brows furrowed at her apology, and he stepped towards her until she was close enough for him to embrace. One hand settled against her lower back, the other behind her head as he pressed her against him. "I'm sorry, too," he whispered. "I shouldn't have snapped at you. You've done nothing wrong, Coci." His chin rested atop her shoulder. "This whole Connor situation has me in a foul mood, regrettably. Neither of you is to blame for the way you feel."

He pulled away slightly from their close embrace only to plant his lips upon hers. "I love you, now and beyond this life."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Syala Daivik"]​

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She let out a breath she realised she had held, as Thurion took her in his arms. Coci closed her eyes and pressed against her only love resting her head on his upper chest. For the moment, she only wanted to hold him, as this place as she has always felt is the safest place in the galaxy, his arms. Words that had been spoken forgotten instantly and drifted away like dried leaves on the wind never to return. It is this, this love that life is worth living, the trials and victories all for this moment. She loves him so very much.

"The situation with Connor has us all on edge, because we care", she said not wanting to pull back, but at least now she could look into his face. Only now did she smile, and upon hearing his words, his wedding vows a tear gathered in her eye and rolled with joy down her cheek. "Now, and beyond this life", she repeated softly.

Her gaze dropped, as she fussed with his robes, a habit it seems with her, as they are in no need of it. "Thurion my love, I must go and I need to tell you why". she looked back up finding his eyes.

"I would have told you before this, but... it just got pushed back. When Connor and I went to rescue Serena we found her in a lab. We met with resistance and had to fight our way out, but Serena had discovered something and showed us before we got out. The Sith had been cloning .. we came across containers with incomplete subjects and one .. one of them was a clone of me. Laying there not quite complete but covered in Sith markings", her emotions welled up.

"I was looking at myself a Sith", she could only just speak. "She and the other clones had to be .. disposed off as well as the lab. I could not ask Connor to do it, to kill the clone of me, that would have been too much. So .. I did".

"We worked out that the Sith must have obtained my DNA from Coruscant, after they had taken the planet. When I was with the Republic .. there was record of it there".

"This, this has been weighing on me. Keeping all these feeling bottled up and now I must go to Monastery and think, meditate on my next step in life. By this I mean my position within the Order". She looked deep into his eyes hoping he would at least understand her motive for wanting to leave for a week. "I don't want to go, but I must. Even a week without you is killing me".

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Thurion ran a hand through his beard, ending in a pondering pose. "A clone?" While admittedly an unexpected twist, he wasn't exactly shocked to learn that the Sith of all people were into that sort of thing. "She wasn't... alive, was she?" He wasn't about to get into that whole debate whether or not clones are people too - he was certain that Coci had already been torn on that very subject for some time, now. He felt like he knew the answer to that question, but again - now wasn't the time.

He nodded, brows furrowed once more. "I understand, Coci." A hand found her cheek for comfort. "I wish I could go with you." Their foreheads touched. "I will keep our family safe while you are gone, my love." Again he held her in close embrace. "Take my strength, Coci. Use it well."

[member="Coci Heavenshield"]​

 

[Baalagor]

If anyone had ever doubted the ability to stun someone as supposedly wise as her into silence, then they would have been proven wrong in that one moment. There wasn't anything to say that would properly return his sentiments, and yet all the words were there right in front of her. It wasn't the physical gift itself that manifested this feeling in her, though it could be attributed to that as well. It was the confidence he instilled in her, the assurances that no matter what happened, he would be there for her, with the reverse just as true. The smooth surface of the pearl in her palm only represented the smallest facet of the truly unexplainable bond that had formed between them. Life and fate both certainly had a funny way with things, and she wasn't one to question something that seemed, for all intents and purposes, to be destiny for them both.

Turning the pearl over in her hand she remained thoughtfully silent, a quietly grateful smile passing briefly across her face. The silence between them felt strained for a moment, words on the cusp of being spoken but none passing over that edge. So after a long moment passed Syala simply hugged him, expressing all of those pent up emotions in that one embrace, releasing him after a few seconds with nothing more than that same calm smile on her face. Never had she been one for the more physical demonstrations of her caring and support, but at this point that was her only way of conveying what couldn't be said. "The only reason I've been able to come so far is because I have you as a Master. I truly believe that you've played the biggest part in my growth as a Jedi and a person. Nothing will change that."

Without speaking she took his hand in her free one, her touch gentle, not wanting to disturb the wounds there. "If there ever is a time to record the ways of the Force and the mind of a Jedi, then I want you there alongside me to help. I'll only take so much credit myself before this all becomes something that you're responsible for as well. You have to understand that I wouldn't be so confident in myself and my abilities without someone like you to help guide me. And for that I'll always be thankful, wherever either of us might be in the galaxy." Once again the pearl played across her fingers, and she decided then that it was something she would keep with her for as long as was possible. It was a physical symbol of what relationship they shared, and she would keep it close to her for the rest of her life.

"You don't have to thank me for anything. I'm only doing what's natural and supporting you in everything you choose to do. It's what I'm supposed to do, as your apprentice and friend. It's not anything that requires thanking for, because it isn't anything special." And it was as simple as that. Everything that she had wanted to say to him had been spoken, and now the silence that hung between them felt weightless, understanding. Things between them, while perhaps not exactly back to normal, had regressed to a time when things were far simpler and there was much less to ponder over in the twisting web that comprised their now intertwined lives. Still, there was a sense of disjointedness, as if a puzzle piece that didn't quite belong had been put in the place of another. But for the moment she would do her best to ignore it, as he seemed to be doing. Enough had been brought to the surface already.

That same smile widened, a bit of spark returning to her grey-blue eyes. "You know, if you keep telling me all of these things I might start to believe you." She paused for a moment. "I wouldn't call myself extraordinarily wise, or all-knowing in any manner. The Force tells me the majority of all that I know, and you're responsible for teaching me the rest of it. I'll accept my duty as a Jedi only if you accept the fact that you've helped me along more than you seem to be aware. There isn't anything I can do that will possibly repay all that you've taught me, nothing that can begin to sum up how much all of this means to me." She glanced to the Temple behind them, looking to Connor himself next. "I can't imagine anything different. And for that I have to say thank you, Connor."

[member="Connor Harrison"], [member="Coci Heavenshield"], [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

All he did was smile softly and let her speak, enjoying being able to give someone something that took an honest appreciation for. And even better he didn't want anything in return. It was just a small trinket that would hopefully benefit her, one day, however she needed it to. As for the hug, it was warm and welcome.

He laid a comforting hand on the back of her head and rested his cheek on the top of her head. She truly was like the younger sister to a protective older brother; if anyone tried to upset her belief in the Force, the Jedi or herself then he would be there to stop them, or hunt them down to stop them, no matter his own belief. But, then, there would be a day when she would find someone and she didn't need Connor...she didn't know it, or would want to hear it, but it was true. It had happened to Coci, and in a way happened with Corvus, and even Nima to an extent. He had let them down once and they had found solace with the Jedi and the Force.

”Wherever I go from here, today, I will not leave you, ok? I promise you.”

Placing both hands on either shoulder, Connor hold Sy gently and looked at her; hope.

”I take great pride knowing I have helped you reach this point, and one day you will do the same for another youngling seeking the patth of a Jedi. The Force will be with you Sy, as I will, in this life and beyond. I'm going to stay around here a while longer, I have few more things left to do.”

The outcome, he didn't say, he just hoped to instil a confidence in her that nothing was ending between them today, or even tomorrow.

”Now, young one, have you no training or meditating you should be doing?”

With a grin, he pulled her close again for a quick hug, and turned with her to walk back up the stairs slowly. Each step bring them both closer to an uncertainty they didn't know where it would take them. Or they didn't want to admit where it was taking them. Apart from each other.


[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Syala Daivik"]​

​

"To be honest I am not sure if she was alive", she began. "I am no scientist, but I did sense something as Connor and I approached the lab, a sense of something familiar but I could grasp it and I am unclear if it was because she was alive or that it was the force warning me. The body was still suspended in liquid in the canister, not complete, unfinished, there was equipment attached ... life support but I don't believe she had been .. animated, if that is the correct term". But Coci is not sure of this and besides was that the point? Had the clone been animated and standing in front of her, Coci knew the outcome, the Sith version of her would have engaged them and either way Coci and Connor would have to have taken her out. Sith alchemy at it's very best.

She closed her eyes as Thurion rested against her forehead, she allowed his strength to fill her, she needed it, she needed him. "On Monastery, there is a group of Monks located at the Fiandeira Monastary in the forests, I will be there if you need to call me back".

Their force bond rippled with emotions and Coci drank it all in. It was not possible to love him more, but she did and their force bond strengthened, he would be able to feel her, she would not reduce it while away, he would know if anything was wrong and when she would be coming home. Her hand reached up and rested on his bearded cheek, her fingers gently caressing his face as she opened her eyes to find his. "You know I have never seen your face without a beard". Knowing full well she probably would never, but it would nice, just once.

Only a moment later she placed her warm lips to his parted them to kiss her love, the moment would never be long enough.

As she ended her kiss, she patted down his robes once more, "I will go and pack".

"I love you, now and beyond this life", she said as she moved away and walked to the door.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Looking to the Temple, taking in the magnificent architecture of the place he called home, Connor spoke again.

”I’m going to pack a few bits together and inform them I wont be back for a while. Not that I think it matters with everything else going on.”

He started into the large lobby, the gleaming water feature before them. Sy followed, and he kept talking as he walked through casually, an unusual air of calm around the place.

”You don’t have to stay with me now you know, I’ll be alright.”


[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Baalagor]

"I don't have to do a lot of things." Those nine words hung in the air for a moment as they walked together, the silence between them no longer quite so tense, though there was an air of uncertainty there Syala knew would be hard-pressed to leave. It was one consequence of the choices that had been made, and they would just have to learn to live with it and make of things the best possible. "I don't have to be a Jedi, and I don't have to be anyone's apprentice. I don't have to be here at all, if I chose not to." That was the simple fact of all of their lives: it all boiled down to personal choices no one else could make. "That's what I don't think many understand. It's all about choice. And I'm here with you now because I want to be. And you're going to have a hard time getting me to leave."

I'll be alright. A phrase he'd told her times before as a way to brush off his own difficulties as nothing important, and a phrase she learned to put little weight to. It wasn't that she didn't trust him, but she knew he had a habit of minimizing his own issues for the sake of others. A habit she saw through clearly. "I'm not implying that you won't be. But I'd like to stay with you now, unless you'd rather be left alone. I think we're deserving of some time together to just talk, after all that's happened. My support is the least I can offer after everything. However, if you'd like to be left to your own devices, I understand perfectly. We all need time to ourselves to think things through. But you don't have to do it alone." There were many things he didn't have to do alone anymore, something he seemed to not quite grasp just yet.

The hints of a more teasing smile played across her lips. "It's a bit late for training or meditating, wouldn't you agree? Of course, I'm always up for a trek down to the lakeside if you are. It's not quite the same without you there." Nothing ever really was, once you adapted to nearly always having another by your side, their presence becoming just as familiar as your own. This was a man she didn't want to lose, no matter the consequences. Regardless of whether he would grow to appreciate his own skill or not, he had impacted her in hundreds of ways, all of them seeming to escape his recognition. "And, wherever you're going, I think it would be wise to take a long-range communicator with you. That way if you ever need to talk, I'm just the press of a button away." On that note she raised an eyebrow. "Or I could just go with you."

[member="Connor Harrison"], [member="Coci Heavenshield"], [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor knew where he had to go, and he wasn't going to shy away from doing what he believed in for now. He led Sy as she talked up the winding staircase in the lobby and further into the depths of the Temple. Past the meditation chambers and the teaching rooms. Up through a makeshift aquarium, library and living quarters. Up to the Grandmaster's retreat. As he did, Connor pulled out his com and called in a signal he had stored for quick contact ; [member="Taeli Rae"].

”A...Taeli, this is Connor Harrison. Come in please.”

Old habits of wanting to call her Arcanix were hard to stem it seemed. He kept his voice low, a casual tone as he gripped the com, staying a few steps ahead of Sy as he walked. He felt others near, just as expected, but he hoped it wouldn't take longer than it needed to and everyone could carry on with that they had to.

”You stick by me all you need, I won't stop you. Unless I request it as your Master, of course. But I get the feeling I won't be your Master for much longer.”

Giving her a warm grin, it was obvious to Connor that Sy still had much to learn in some ways, but was excelling more than others in most. Her wisdom, teaching and support would certainly benefit others who were new to the wonders of the Force and the mystery of the Jedi. Talking a little more about going for a walk after he had finished here, he was looking forward to returning to the lake where he first started training Sy.

”I think you should wait outside Sy, for both our sakes. I shan't be long, ok? Then we can do something together.”

In minutes, he came to the door that would lead to the Grandmaster. Taking a deep breath, he just wanted this to be quick for all their sakes. Connor wasn't going to make himself the bane of other Jedi when the had their own problems, issues and objectives to focus on. He reached out and knocked four times - rap rap rap rap - on the wooden door.


[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

Taeli had been busy since she had last seen Connor Harrison, running around the Outer Rim and either establishing her company here or there, or going around and helping people that needed it, such as those that had suffered on Kal'shebbol. Shifting her new glasses a bit, she was currently just reading a little bit in the shade of a tree on the world of Erilnar, one of its thousands of lakes splashing lightly nearby.

Looking at her datapad, the window that constantly gave her an update on Connor's location, she could see he was on Voss. She hoped everything was going well with him when her comlink beeped. Setting her book down, she smiled as a certain man's voice issued from it.

”A...Taeli, this is Connor Harrison. Come in please.”

Flicking the transmit button, Taeli replied with, "I'm here Connor, so how's it going?"

Short, sweet, and simple. Nothing too long and it was enough to sate the moonmoths flying around in her stomach from nervousness. She really hoped he wasn't calling about yet another crisis of the soul.

 

[Connor Harrison]

Connor smiled at [member="Syala Daivik"] gently as he waited. The com chimed in his hand, and a familiar voice came through. He turned from the door and brought the com up to speak.

”Not bad, not bad, thank you.”

He hesitated slightly; he wanted to be sure it didn't come across to Sy he was abandoning her. She should know he wasn't as he had given his word to keep her updated on what he was doing, as both a Master and a friend.

”Can you tell me where you are, and are you free over the next day or so? I promised I'd come back so need to make good on my word.”

[member="Taeli Rae"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

Well she was certainly glad he was doing better than he had been recently, he sounded more confident at least. The fact he wanted to hold up to his promise made her smile just that little bit more, to her, it showed he actually did care about her. Well, a little bit anyways, she doubted he was too far down that road yet to reciprocate her feelings.

"I'm on Erilnar, the capital of the Centrality," she answered. "Just relaxing and essentially camping for a bit as I wanted some peace and quiet. I won't be leaving for a bit so yes, I'll be here for the next few days and have nothing but free time on my hands."

 

[Connor Harrison]

Slightly lost as to where she was, Connor looked to the heavens as if trying to rack his brains for her location, but came blank.

”Ok - can you leave your signal up and I'll head over in the next few hours or so. A few things to wrap up first. Thank you, Taeli. I'll see you soon.”

He thumbed off and nodded to himself, holding the com still in his hand with the channel still open.

[member="Taeli Rae"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Connor Harrison"]

"Of course, I'll leave the signal up so you can find me," she said, sighing ever so slightly to herself. Not because he said it would take a bit to reach her, but more because he was like a majority of the galaxy and had forgotten about the Centrality. True, it wasn't a strong galactic power. Heck, after everything that had happened, the Centrality didn't really have a lot of authority over its member worlds. Still, it was the perfect place to re-establish her company and had some very interesting worlds within it.

"I'll be waiting, and it's polite to not leave a girl waiting too long," she said, a teasing tone in her voice. "Hope your trip to Voss proves enlightening."

With that, she left the comlink open so the signal could be tracked, and went back to her book. She smiled to herself as she pondered his reaction to how she knew he was on Voss.