Ask Among Starlight

[Jonas Syl]

Starlight Beacon.

Jonas had originally not been thrilled about the move from one space station to another, but when he saw Starlight Beacon, he knew this was no ordinary space station. Brighthome had been small and cramped, but this new space station was sprawling. He still would prefer the more traditional Jedi Temples on planets, but this was impressive all the same.

He had woken up early and taught a class of younglings in the gardens but now just sat in front of a small bubbling pond. He knew he would spend most of his time here in the gardens when he could. When you closed your eyes and felt around you, you could almost forget you were in space for a time.

Jonas had brought a book with him and taken to reclining back in the grass, holding the book above his head while he read. He flipped the page as he continued.

He sensed someone approaching, glancing up from his book as the newcomer approached.

@Marianne

 

[Caeli Veridia]

Striding through the corridors of Starlight Beacon, Caeli Veridia felt as if she had entered an elaborate puzzle, a Jedi Padawan lost in the vast, sprawling layout of this new, immense space station. The metallic halls, their shining surfaces marked with intricate symbols of the Force, twisted and turned in bewildering patterns. Her feet echoed in the silence, each step amplifying her sense of disorientation.

In her hands, she held a holographic map, shimmering in a kaleidoscope of colors. As she squinted at the convoluted floor plan, it seemed to rotate on its own volition, tumbling and twirling in a dizzying dance. Was this hallway the correct one or was she walking in circles? It was a three-dimensional puzzle that, at the moment, seemed beyond her analytical prowess.

So engrossed was she in the puzzle that she failed to notice the wall protruding from the corridor, colliding with it and losing her balance. With a soft grunt, she found herself sitting on the cold, smooth floor, a wave of embarrassment washing over her. Her cheeks flushed a shade of crimson as she hurriedly scrambled back to her feet, brushing the dust off her Padawan robes.

Feeling a ripple in the Force, she glanced up to notice a Jedi Knight reclining in the gardens nearby. A stranger in this vast station, she thought, a potential guide in this confusing place. The blush of shame was still fresh on her face, but she swallowed her pride, stepping forward with a sheepish smile.

"Excuse me, sir," she began, her voice carrying the cautious hesitance of a Padawan out of her depth. "I'm Caeli Veridia... I was wondering if you could help me find my way around. It's a little... daunting, to say the least."

@Raydo

 

[Jonas Syl]

The young Jedi was clearly lost, but sometimes being lost wasn't a bad thing, so he didn't immediately offer her help. Instead, he turned back to his book for the moment. He heard her clatter the ground a moment later. It certainly wasn't her day.

He peered from behind his book when she finally called out to him. "Hello." he said in a warm tone. He sat up, and as she introduced herself. "It's alright. This station is new for everyone and quite daunting.." he continued. "Well, Caeli, My name is Jonas, and I would absolutely love to help you out." he finished, tucking his book into a robe pocket and pushing himself up to his feet.

"Where are you trying to go?" he asked. He certainly wasn't an expert at navigating the station yet either, but he was confident they could figure it out together.

@Marianne

 

[Caeli Veridia]

A bubble of excitement welled within Caeli as she took in the vastness of Starlight Beacon once again. Even in her disorientation, the space station's grandeur didn't fail to evoke a sense of awe. The technological marvel was surely a fortress against the threats that lurked in the shadows of the galaxy – the Sith and the Imperial Knight. Amidst her admiration, the quiet assurance of safety gave her comfort, and for a moment, she forgot her embarrassment.

A flush of gratitude warmed her cheeks as Jonas extended his help. The kindness in his voice was a soothing balm over her mortified pride. "Thank you, Jonas. That's... that's very kind of you," she replied, relief tinging her words.

"I was supposed to report to 'Flight Simulator C'," she added, her voice a notch quieter. "I tried finding it in the hangar, but they sent me away rather... abruptly." A note of embarrassment slipped back into her tone, and she quickly looked away, choosing to let silence speak for her past mishaps.

Inwardly, she winced at the memory of her near-collision with the interceptor when she first landed on the station. It was a sobering reminder of why she was to take remedial flight training. But she kept that detail to herself, not ready to share her errors quite yet.

@Raydo

 

[Jonas Syl]

He continued to have a warm expression. She eased slightly but still looked like she might bolt if there were any sudden movements. "To be honest, my book was growing a bit boring." he said, leaning in as if telling some sort of secret. "It seems you have saved me, so perhaps I should thank you." he said with a slight bow.

"You aren't terribly far." he explained as he gestured down the hallway she had come down and started to walk down it. He frowned slightly when she told him how she had been treated. "Well, they should have provided you at least some assistance." he said, making a note to speak with the Jedi in that hangar later.

"Getting in some Flight Sim training, huh?" he said, making conversation as they rounded a corner and continued down a long corridor. "I never was great at flying; something about space just never sat well with me." he admitted. "What are you practicing today?" he asked.

He nodded to those that passed by them, trying to address those by name as best he could. There had been a time when he was a child when it had been much easier to know most of the Jedi; now, with the Order growing, there were always so many new faces around. A wonderful problem, to be sure..

@Marianne

 

[Caeli Veridia]

As they began their journey down the corridor, Caeli felt a sense of relief wash over her. Jonas's words, light-hearted and warm, were a welcome comfort. She was moved by his generosity, trading his solitude for her company. His easy demeanor even coaxed a small smile onto her face.

Hearing his admission about not being a natural at flying made her feel less isolated in her struggle. Here was a Jedi Knight, a successful member of the Order, who hadn't been a prodigy pilot. Maybe there was hope for her yet.

With a cautious chuckle, she slowly admitted her own trials. "I was... well, hoping to focus on the basics. The lift-off... and landing... and everything in between, really," she confessed, her voice a bit sheepish. The thought of taking the controls again sent a nervous flutter through her stomach, but she brushed it aside.

Then, with a twinkle in her eye, she playfully added, "It seems piloting isn't quite my calling. I suppose if all else fails, I can always claim my skills lie in other areas... like navigating maze-like space stations, for example." She glanced around, her smile widening into a grin, as if she had cracked a small victory over her earlier embarrassment.

@Raydo

 

[Jonas Syl]

"Well, perhaps we could practice together." he suggested. "If that isn't too much trouble for you?" he asked. Jonas wouldn't be offended if the Padawan turned him down, but the offer stood regardless.

"Don't forget how you flawlessly bounced off that steel bulkhead..." he quipped back. "See, you have all sorts of talents. No one likes someone who is good at everything," he said, shooting her a grin as he trucked his arms into his robes.

"Here we are!" he said, the door opening up into an open room lined with large flight simulators. Most were starfighter simulators, but there were other more standard ships as well, such as freighters.

"So, which ship are we going to start on?" he asked.

He remembered many hours spent in these simulators. There had been a time he wanted to be an ace pilot so badly. Now, he accepted that he could make it from point A to point B in relative safety.

@Marianne

 

[Caeli Veridia]

Caeli listened to Jonas’s proposition, her mind playing with the idea. Having someone to practice with felt like a comforting prospect. "I think... I'd like that," she admitted, appreciating his kindness.

As they entered the simulator room, her eyes widened in awe. The space was large, with rows of varied flight simulators laid out in a precise formation. The light from the overhead illuminators danced off the sleek machines, making them seem even more impressive. Some simulators resembled the agile starfighters she had seen darting across the starlit void of space, while others mirrored the robust freighters that carried goods and supplies across the galaxy.

"I was instructed to start with a 'Malla-class starfighter'," she shared, a touch of apprehension creeping into her voice. With a deep breath, she strode toward 'Flight Simulator C', her steps resonating in the expansive room. As she arrived at the simulator, she keyed in the appropriate settings for the Malla-class starfighter. The simulator whirred and clicked, coming to life with a soft hum of machinery.

Then, just as she was about to begin, a wave of anxiety washed over her. She froze, the thought of lift-off causing her heart to pound in her chest. Swallowing, she turned to Jonas, vulnerability peeking through her composed exterior.

"Could you... could you give a lift-off demonstration, Master Jonas?" she asked, her voice a mere whisper over the hum of the simulator. Despite the dread pooling in her stomach, she managed a hopeful smile, trying to mask her fear with humor. "I promise to take notes."

@Raydo

 

[Jonas Syl]

He strode casually into the room, awed Padawan in tow. It was an impressive room, to be sure. Such space was impossible in Brighthome, but they weren't quite as limited here.

"Ah," he said with a nod. It was not a very common ship outside of the Jedi Order, but it would be a common enough ship for her to learn on. "A fine ship to practice on." he said as she started punching in the correct settings.

He could sense her anxiety at the whole situation. There was certainly a story there, but he didn't press the matter. "I will certainly demonstrate for you, but I think its best that you try first." he said, pushing her just a little out of her comfort zone now that he was confident she wasn't going to bolt. "I have faith in you." he said with a reassuring smile.

"Remember, A Jedi flies as much with what's in here." he said, pointing to his heart "than here," he said, pointing to his head. "Be mindful of your fear, Padawan. You are safe here, its okay to fail at first." he said, encouraging her to climb into the cockpit.

"I'll be right here," he assured her.

The simulation would load, and her view would be replaced with an accurate representation of the landing bays of this station. Outside the cockpit windows, she would see the wings of the Malla-class starfighter.

"Padawan Veridia, you are clear for takeoff." the droid controller announced. Jonas stood outside the simulator, watching both what she saw and a camera that monitored the inside of the cockpit. He stroked his beard as he watched to see how she would do.

@Marianne

 

[Caeli Veridia]

Taking up Jonas's challenge, Caeli managed a shaky nod. His words were a beacon in her storm of uncertainty. "I... I'll try," she conceded, her voice determined despite the whirlwind of nerves churning inside her.

Guided by this newfound resolution, she slipped into the cockpit of the flight simulator. The myriad of switches, levers, and buttons lay before her, each corresponding to a specific function of the ship. She activated the pre-flight sequence, the hum of the engines seeping into her senses as a comforting lullaby.

The moment of truth arrived. Heart pounding, she initiated the lift-off procedure. The gentle pull on the controls elicited a soft shudder from the simulated starfighter as it ascended. The smooth movement filled her with a sense of accomplishment, her confidence blooming like a flower reaching for the sun.

But the bliss was ephemeral. A jarring beep suddenly filled the cockpit, a pulsating red alarm lighting up the control panel. Within the blink of an eye, the scenario plunged into chaos – flames started licking the wings of the simulated ship, the flicker of the fire growing in intensity.

Suddenly, the blaze wasn't contained to the simulation anymore. The flight simulator burst into flames, the acrid smell of smoke flooding the cockpit. Alarm bells rang in Caeli's mind as the reality of the situation dawned on her.

In a flurry of panic, she disconnected from the simulator, the cockpit door flinging open as she stumbled out, the flames in the simulator crackling angrily. She was shaken, fear-stricken, as a surge of tears threatened to spill from her eyes. She stood there, trembling, confusion and fear battling within her. What just happened? Wasn't this supposed to be safe?

@Raydo

(Rolled a 4/100 for Caeli tries to pilot the flight simulator )

 

[Jonas Syl]

He tucked his arms into his sleeves as she ran through her checklist. Everything appeared good; She slowly lifted into the air above the land pad. She just had to ease forward, but she drifted a little too far to the right and clipped the virtual ship next to her, still on the landing.

She had options, but panic surged in her. She overcorrected and hit something else, causing more flames to appear. A second later, she all but fell out of the cockpit, Jonas moving to catch her if she fell.

"You're okay..You're okay," he said quietly. "It's a simulation, see?" he asked as the fires in the cockpit started to fade, its configuration shifting back to normal. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Its not a bad attempt. You were close," he said.

"Here, have a seat," he said, gesturing to the stairs leading to the simulator cockpit. He pulled out a water canteen and passed it to her, giving her a moment to calm her nerves. "You clipped the ship next to you and then overcorrected." he finally offered an explanation. "The worst thing you can do in an emergency is overcorrect. You just need to feel it and make small adjustments," he said.

Jonas sat there with her for however long she needed to calm down, he was in no rush. "You want to try again?" he would ask a few minutes later. "Just feel this one, listen to the Force guide you." he suggested.

@Marianne

 

[Caeli Veridia]

Jonas's soothing words acted as the balm Caeli needed. She inhaled deeply, dispelling the fear that clung to her. "Just a simulation, not real," she murmured to herself, a mantra that helped tether her to reality. The terrifying flicker of flames had disappeared, replaced by the calming hum of the idle simulator. Its illusion had been daunting, but the actuality, the serenity of reality, reassured her.

As Jonas explained her errors, she listened intently, replaying the scenario in her mind. "I see... I reacted too quickly, didn't I?" she admitted aloud, the echoes of her own voice bringing clarity. Fear had overridden her actions, her control had been too harsh. But acknowledging her mistake felt like the first step to mastering her fear.

With newfound resolve, she gave a firm nod, "I want to try again." Clambering back into the simulator, she took a moment to familiarize herself with the controls again. This time, it felt less like a test and more like a challenge she could conquer.

The moment she initiated lift-off was transformative. The simulated ship obeyed her commands with graceful obedience. She found herself caught in a steady ascent, the simulated sky welcoming her with open arms. She couldn't help the triumphant grin that spread on her face. "I did it, Jonas!" she exclaimed, the joy evident in her voice. The thrill of flying felt exhilarating, an experience that was slowly etching itself into her being.

Eyes glancing at the commlink in the simulator, she established a connection with Jonas. "I've done it, I've achieved lift-off," she reported, a proud inflection in her voice. "What do I do next,?" she asked eagerly, her tone reflecting a newfound confidence and determination.

@Raydo

(Rolled a 58/100 this time!)

 

[Jonas Syl]

He sat with the Padawan as she calmed herself again. He was patient; he understood it was no small task to overcome one's fear. In many ways, he hoped that would be the lesson of the day, not piloting. He smiled when she said she wanted to try again.

"That is great." he said with a proud smile. He watched, somewhat nervous himself now. He wanted her to succeed. "Feel, don't think" he said to himself as she started to run through pre-flight checks.

"Padawan Veridia, you are clear for takeoff." the simulated droid repeated again. Jonas watched as she slowly but with control took off and started skyward. Jonas beamed with pride. "I see that, Padawan. Excellent!" he said, praising her.

"Let's run through some flight drills. Take the ship into space, I will load in a series of checkpoints you will need to fly through. Don't worry about speed this time around, just familiarize yourself with the feel." he said, punching several commands into the simulator.

@Marianne

 

[Caeli Veridia]

Caeli found herself stepping into an unknown territory as Jonas introduced her to flight drills. As she ascended further into the simulated space, his words echoed in her mind. "Don't worry about speed," she repeated softly to herself, steadying her nerves.

She maneuvered the Malla-class starfighter toward the first checkpoint, her grip firm on the controls. As she tried to execute a simple bank turn, she chose to move cautiously slow, as if testing the waters. However, her careful approach was nearly her downfall; the lack of speed was jeopardizing her balance.

As the simulated ship veered too slow into the turn, she could sense the inertia pulling at her, threatening to throw her off course. The stars in the simulation swirled in her vision, a maelstrom of light that blared her failure. It was a precarious dance with the gravitational forces, and she was losing.

Caeli bit her lip, fear threatening to well up again. But this time, she took a deep breath, focusing on what Jonas had told her. "Feel, don't think," she murmured. Her heartbeat sounded loud in the quiet of the simulator cockpit, but she was starting to understand what it meant to listen to the Force. She was not a master pilot yet, but she was a Jedi, and she was learning. "It's okay...I'm still in control," she assured herself, preparing to attempt the maneuver again.

@Raydo

 

[Jonas Syl]

He watched as she slowly gained self-confidence. She had her mishaps, but this time she fought down panic and recovered. "Good.." he whispered with an enthusiastic nod.

She continued through the course, certainly not setting any course records, but she had made it. Jonas jumped into the simulator next to her own, his ship materializing a moment later. "You're doing great Caeli." he said.

He entered a few commands into a simulator. An asteroid field appeared in front of both of their ships. "See if you can keep up!" he said, his thrusters firing as he moved into the asteroid field.

Jonas wasn't going terribly fast, but he wanted to continue to challenge her, push her just a little further. He banked around the first asteroid and then dove around another.

@Marianne

 

[Caeli Veridia]

As Jonas challenged her, Caeli was hit by a sudden surge of determination, the pulsing in her veins a testament to her newfound resolve. "Alright, Jonas...let's see," she muttered, feeling the edges of a smile play on her lips. He was not only her mentor in this moment, but also a friendly rival. An amusing thought, indeed.

With a deep breath, she engaged her thrusters, pushing her starfighter forward. She followed Jonas into the looming asteroid field, the rocks appearing as hulking behemoths in the simulation. Her heart pounded in her chest, her eyes locked on his ship as it effortlessly weaved around the obstacles.

Chasing Jonas' tail, Caeli mimicked his moves, banking around an asteroid, diving around another. She felt the sharp pull of the starfighter's inertia, her heart in her throat as she threaded through the space debris. She was not going as fast as Jonas, but she was indeed keeping up, her flying becoming more instinctive with each passing moment.

A sense of exhilaration filled her as she maneuvered through the field, her fear slowly turning into thrill. The satisfaction of overcoming her initial panic, of learning and adapting to something so new was fulfilling. Despite her apprehension, she found herself starting to enjoy the thrill of the flight. The Padawan might yet become a decent pilot.

She grinned at Jonas through the commlink, her eyes gleaming. "Your turn to keep up, Knight!" she announced, revving her engines and veering toward a different, denser path in the asteroid field. Her heart pounded with anticipation as she prepared herself to navigate the more complex course.

@Rayso

 

[Jonas Syl]

Jonas couldn't help but smile in his own simulator cockpit. While their ships were far apart, the simulators were only a few feet away, and he could still sense her through the Force. Growing confidence and even some excitement started to push away the dread from earlier.

She managed to keep up as he weaved over, under, and around various asteroids. After getting over her initial fears, He was impressed at how she naturally took to it.

This continued for several minutes, Caeli matching his every movement before she decided to take the lead. Her ship broke off to a more dense part of the asteroid field. He chuckled warmly into the comm. "Lead the way, Padawan." he said. His thrusters burned as he slammed the throttle to catch back up.

The asteroids were indeed thicker in this part of the situation. The hard she made it on Jonas, the hard she was making it on herself. He waited to see which path she decided to take.

@Marianne

 

[Caeli Veridia]

A jubilant giggle bubbled from Caeli's lips as she heard Jonas' amused response. It fueled her budding confidence, her heart dancing with the rhythm of their playful competition. She felt like she was shedding an old skin of fear and doubt, baring a layer of brave determination underneath.

Her eyes scanned the dense asteroid field ahead, assessing the paths available. She realized that her sudden bravado was making her trail even more challenging, but she didn't let the thought sway her. Her fingers, once trembling, now confidently navigated the ship's controls, as if they had started to remember a dance of their own.

Caeli chose a narrow path, weaving through the hazardous asteroid clusters. She could hear the hum of her starfighter, felt its slight vibrations as she pushed its capabilities, making sharp turns and sudden drops. It was thrilling, a stark contrast to her initial dread, to be in control and leading the way. Her breath hitched as she grazed a simulated asteroid, but she didn't panic, simply correcting her trajectory.

"Keep up, Jonas!" she called out, her voice steady and filled with lively challenge. She found herself not merely surviving the simulator, but truly savoring the flight, her spirit soaring in the vast expanse of the virtual cosmos. Her past fear seemed a distant echo now, overshadowed by the thunderous applause of her present achievement.

@Raydo