Another Newcomer

[MoreThanSane]

Crinlin Syphex hummed softly to himself as he leaned up against a stack of heavy durasteel crates in the Temple's hangar bay, watching as one of the Order's sleek shuttles came to rest gently on its landing struts. There was a hiss as the craft dispelled various gasses the names of which Crinlin hadn't the slightest inkling. His field was law, not starship mechanics.

The Padawan was--quite predictably--dressed in his customary formal suit and tie, fiery red hair impeccably styled. He tapped absently on his datapad, ignoring the hustle and bustle of the hangar techs as they went about their business.

He'd accepted this new responsibility with great appreciation. So much time at the Temple, even with the near-limitless information present in the Archives, was conducive to little besides boredom. He considered himself a patient man, but enough was enough. He was desperate for any break in the monotony of training and learning. If that break came in the form of showing new initiates around the Temple, then he would gladly take it.

As the shuttle's ramp lowered Crinlin tucked the datapad into his jacket's inner pocket and strolled to its base. The ship was no doubt carrying more than just his assigned initiate, but half of that would surely be cargo, and the majority of others most likely Galactic Alliance employees assigned to assist in Temple maintenance or some such activity.

He was right, and as the men and women began streaming down the ramp he searched for any sign of the woman he'd be hosting. A Miralukan, if he remembered correctly. Shouldn't be too hard to find, he thought.

She wasn't. As the purple-haired alien came walking down the ramp he smiled. "Miss Nordin?"

 

[Holiday]

Holiday turned her head in the direction of the person who had called her name. She had assumed that the temple had been informed of​

her arrival, and this man dispatched to greet her when she exited the shuttle. She returned an equally pleasant smile at her new acquaintance, approaching him and bowing slightly to him. It was a wonderful break to have someone be polite and pleasant, unlike the Imperials who had occupied her home.

"That would be me," she said as she straightened herself, tucking her front braids of her behind her shoulders. "It's a pleasure to meet​

you. My name is Holiday. If it suits you better, however, you may call me Holly," she said. She turned her head and let her Force sight stray around her new environment. She could feel the Force everywhere in this place, even on her way here, and she could tell that there were few people here who were not attuned with the Force. It was more than she had ever experienced in the Luka Sene back on Alpheridies, and she felt that this was the correct choice to make. Not many Miralukan people left Alpheridies anymore, but she knew that they would need all the help they could get if they ever wanted to be back under the control of the Galactic Alliance. She remembered her rudeness and looked back over at Crinlin saying, "I apologize, and you are?"

 

[MoreThanSane]

"Crinlin Syphex," he said, returning the bow and flashing a smile. "Former Defense Attorney-turned Jedi Padawan. It's an absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance as well, Holly." He watched the woman--quite an attractive woman, he noted--as she took in her surroundings, no doubt in that strange Miralukan fashion. He couldn't imagine actually seeing things through the Force. It was quite an interesting concept. Well, he thought, perhaps one day I'll learn the technique myself.

"I've been assigned to introduce you to the Temple and perhaps even some fellow Jedi, and get you settled in one of the empty rooms. Have you any baggage, my dear?"

 

[Holiday]

"The pleasure is all mine," she said, continuing to smile warmly. She wanted to return his kindliness to her, knowing that such a trait was​

hard to come across anymore. As he inquired about if she had any baggage, she shook her head solemnly. "Only the clothes on my back and the items in my pockets," she admitted. Her departure from Alpheridies had been rather hasty, and she had wanted to travel light in order to stay ahead of the Imperials that would surely come after her. She knew she was safe now, she knew that no one could navigate their way here to Tython unless they were Force sensitive. There was just no possible way to make it through the asteroid field surrounding the planet, not to mention she was far into Galactic Alliance territory now. There was no way that the Imperials would dare pursue her, no matter how badly they wanted her.

"I would love a tour, and to maybe meet some of my future classmates," said Holly as she snapped back to reality from her daydream.​

She hoped that she wasn't appearing rude to her new acquaintance, Crinlin. "As you show me around, I suppose we could get to know one another. You said you were a former Defense Attorney? How peculiar! What made you desire to become a Jedi, Mr. Syphex?" she questioned. It was in her custom to address people she had just met by a title unless she was directed to do otherwise; a habit that she hadn't been able to break.

 

[MoreThanSane]

He smiled and held up a hand. "Crinlin, please. Or Crin, if you'd prefer. And we most certainly will." He beckoned her follow as he began walking toward the entrance to the Temple halls. "I was indeed an attorney; a rather good one, if you believe my public relations team." He winked, eyelid momentarily concealing a deep grey eye.

"The opportunity to join the Jedi came at the most convenient of times. But that's all so very depressing," the merest hint of pain was audible in his voice and presence. "Perhaps we'll discuss that at some other time. How about you, my dear?" he asked as they passed into the halls. The corridor would lead them first to the Temple's center courtyard. He hoped the new initiate would appreciate its beauty. "What's brought you on this journey?"

 

[Holiday]

"Sadly, the war," replied Holiday. "The Imperials and the Sith have taken over my home planet, Alpheridies... they have actually been in​

control for a while, causing a great number of my people to fall to the dark side. Including my own father," she said, though she was not reluctant to admit so. Her time in the Luka Sene, and from how long she had seen the corrupting powers of the dark side, had caused her to know that striking down her father was the best decision she could have made. He would have only spread the taint farther. "I have come here to seek help from the Galactic Alliance and the Jedi, and to become a Jedi myself. Prior to this, I was inducted into the Luka Sene when I was eight. I became a Mentor, and I eventually joined the Sene Seekers." Holiday stopped herself from rambling on any farther, her warm smile turning into an embarrassed grin.

"I'm sorry if you don't understand any of this," she said, putting her hand on the back of her neck. Her braids fell forward and dangled in​

front of the plate covering her eyes. "I know not many people see a Miraluka around anymore. I can explain, if you need me to? If you're interested."

 

[MoreThanSane]

Yet another refugee. They were so many, these days. And as sad as that was, as much as it may affect one's very soul, it was definitely a boon for the Jedi. Their numbers would no doubt be much lower if not for the steady stream of Force-sensitive students trailing in in response to the Imperium's violence. That was the cold reality, like it or not.

"I'm not very familiar with Miralukan society and culture, I'll admit. Though I'm quite interested." He smiled as he noticed her embarrassment. "I always enjoy learning. You said your father gave in? That's most unfortunate. My condolences, of course. But I'm sure you'd rather not speak of that. Tell me of these 'Luka Sene' and 'Sene Seekers.' They're Miralukan organizations, I assume?"

 

[Holiday]

"Simply put, my father was a well respected Administrator of the Luka Sene, which is, as you said, a Miralukan establishment for those​

individuals who are more Force sensitive than the others. They're not forced to join, but they are encouraged to do so," Holiday started. "My father sensed my unnaturally high bond with the Force, so he put me in as soon as I was old enough. I had a relatively normal life after that, until the Empire came..." Holiday stopped mid-sentence for a moment, recalling the day that everything had changed. It wasn't long before she was back to talking again.

"The Imperials and their Sith constantly harassed my people, and especially those of us in the Luka Sene. For the longest time my father​

was able to resist, but two years after I joined the Sene Seekers, which is a group of Miralukan people chosen to hunt down those that fall to the dark side, he himself soon fell. I won't bore you with all of the details, but needless to say he was beyond redemption, and the only thing a Sene Seeker can do when the target is beyond redemption, is kill them. He had become everything he instructed me not to become, and I knew he couldn't be left to live, so I had to strike him down. So here I am, three years later, planning to become a Jedi to take back Alpheridies and make sure what happened to me, doesn't happen to anyone else." Holiday's resolve was stronger than ever in her life, and she knew for a fact that everything she did was for the best. She pondered whether Crinlin would think the same, but she had her doubts.

"Sorry about that," she said. "I was rambling. Do you have more specific questions?"​

 

[MoreThanSane]

"That's quite..." he paused, momentarily thrown off-balance by the woman's openness. "...quite heart-wrenching, honestly." He glanced at her as they walked, a new-found respect rising within him. She must have been a hard woman to be so distanced from that she had suffered. And the determination he not only heard in her voice, but felt in her presence almost frightened him even as it refreshed him.

His lawyer's mind quickly examined the story from all angles, though, and he wondered at the unflinching sense of righteousness he felt within Holiday. She seemed completely sure of herself, and there was no darkness that he could sense. He wondered how one could strike down a family member yet pass untarnished by the Dark side.

An interesting woman, indeed. "Not to worry, I quite enjoyed the lesson. Perhaps we can speak more of it soon?" They were nearing the courtyard. "This, is the Tython Temple's loveliest area. Or so it is to me." He led her outside into the bright sunlight. Jedi and students alike made their way through the area. Some on obvious business, others stopping to regard the plants and flowers, and still others meditating in the sense of peace that emanated as if from the place itself. He smiled and looked to Holiday. "Your thoughts?"

 

[Holiday]

"I'm afraid I cannot fully appreciate its true beauty," Holiday admitted to Crinlin somewhat reluctantly. "A Miraluka, being physically blind,​

cannot see and perceive colors the way you do. When I look, all I can see is a world of monotonous shades of grey. The only things that have any distinctions are people, and even then that depends on whether they are Force sensitive or not. After that, it depends on their alignment with the Force. People such as you and I, pure of heart who are intended on becoming a Jedi, are one shade, and evil is another shade. Those who have no alignment at all, or who are not Force sensitive, appear a completely different shade." Holiday stopped herself and laughed dryly, realizing that she was saying was probably incredibly confusing. Sometimes she hated being blind, but she was grateful enough for the fact that the Force allowed her to at least see the world around her at all. "All in all, I don't know what colors are, what they look like. I couldn't tell you the color of your hair, your clothes, nothing."

Holiday stopped herself from droning on more and more.​

"I count my vision at all as a blessing, and I am sorry I cannot fully appreciate the beauty of this place," said Holiday, deciding to say​

nothing more about it unless Crinlin asked.

 

[MoreThanSane]

"Ah, but the beauty is not only visual, my dear." Crinlin waved an arm toward the courtyard in an all-encompassing gesture. "Perhaps you should stop seeing with the Force and begin feeling. The plants, the animals, the insects and the people--they're all alive, they all shine through the Force in vibrant colors." He realized he may be sounding slightly preachy, but he didn't care. One thing that his time as a lawyer had impressed upon him was that what may sound preachy to a general cynic such as himself could be immensely inspiring and practical to others.

"Come," he said as he placed a hand on Holiday's back and moved them further into the courtyard. "I'm sure your instructors will explain matters such as these with much more clarity and precision than I. For now, let's continue the tour, and you can tell me some more about yourself. What is it exactly that you wish to learn from the Jedi, if I may inquire?"

 

[Holiday]

Holiday knew what it was to feel things around her through the Force, but she smiled at Crenlin's words regardless and decided to remain​

quiet. He certainly was insightful, and Holiday respected and appreciated that. She felt like she couldn't have asked for someone better to greet her as she stepped off of that shuttle.

"I'm hoping to find purpose," she explained. "I know that there is more for me than sitting in a meditation room on Alpheridies, watching​

my people succumb to the dark side and be lambs for slaughter. I wish to serve and protect, and hopefully share my knowledge and instill my resolve into those around me. I want to make sure that what happened to my father, what happened to me, and what happened to everyone on Alpheridies doesn't happen again." She thought about her long time being a mentor to others on Alpheridies, and thought it amusing that soon the teacher would be taught. "I also wish to discover more about the Force. I wish to discover all of the wonderful things it is capable of, and use those abilities for good." She looked over at Crenlin, who hadn't quite explained why he had decided to become a Jedi, or what he wished to learn from them. "What about you?"

 

[MoreThanSane]

Crinlin smiled. She was certainly determined. Most certainly.

"Well, my story's a bit hard to tell. Perhaps even awkward." He smiled as they made their way between plants and beings. "Maybe we'll discuss the matter in depth sometime, but for now suffice it to say I was at the end of my rope, and the Jedi gave me a chance at something new." He didn't relish the memory, and doubted he'd be speaking about it openly very soon. Especially not with someone he'd just met.

They ascended the steps toward another hall. The next stop would be the Archives. He was sure Holiday would enjoy the surplus of information available therein.

He decided to change the subject. "Have you ever been to Coruscant? It's rather impressive."

 

[Holiday]

Holiday continued to follow Crinlin as he lead the way, thoroughly enjoying his company. She hoped that they would get to see each​

other more often in the future, and that they would become good friends. She understood his reluctance to speak about his past, and decided not to question about it anymore. He would tell her when he was ready, if he wanted to.

"No, I'm afraid I've never been anywhere else other an Alpheridies," admitted Holiday. She didn't mind admitting it, since originally she had​

intended to live out her days there and follow in the steps of her father. All of that had changed now, though, and she knew she had to leave to become a Jedi. She felt like she was the only one who could save her home and her people now. "Maybe I'll visit one day, but for the time being I'm hoping to find someone to train me further in the ways of the Force, and how to wield a lightsabre. Specifically, I want to learn how to wield two of them at the same time, using the Makashi form," said Holiday confidently. She had always been trained how to duel against one opponent, and felt that Makashi would fit her perfectly, but she was always open to suggestions.

 

[MoreThanSane]

Crinlin raised an eyebrow and threw her a glance. She certainly did know a lot of the Jedi. Perhaps she was more skilled and knowledgeable than he'd previously thought. I wonder what she'll end up teaching me. "We'll have to spend some time sparring together. It's one of the points of my education that I've largely neglected. It sounds like you've had experience, so I'm sure you could show me some techniques."

He decided to like the woman. She was intelligent and, so far, quite considerate. "I haven't really focused much on combat since I've arrived here. Exercise, yes. The Force, yes. But combat is something that really doesn't interest me." He dodged a determined padawan as he strode quickly past. "I prefer to avoid fighting where possible."

 

[Holiday]

Holiday smiled.​

"Being a Sene Seeker, you learn a lot of things that an ordinary Luka Sene member, or any Miraluka for that matter, would know," she​

said. "I only know as much as I do because of my access to the archives we had. I know about lightsabers and the different combat techniques, which we only practiced with vibroblades since we had no access to lightsabers." She took in a deep breath and sighed heavily, realizing how ignorant she was when it came to the Jedi Order. "Before I came here, I didn't even know who or what a Jedi was, or what they did. The council only told me about them when I told them I had decided to leave Alpheridies." Holiday thought back to her time on Alpheridies, thinking that if only they had told her about the Jedi Order sooner...

No. She wouldn't wish things had happened differently. She was the person she was now because of how things transpired, and any​

slight alteration would change her. She didn't want that.

"Do you have training grounds around here?" Holiday asked Crinlin, smiling at him. "I normally hate fighting myself. I believe that most​

situations can be solved with words, but sometimes they can't." Holiday was always one for avoiding bloodshed, especially while she a was a Sene Seeker. She would continue to upload this self-established tradition even as a Jedi when she became one. "When you can't rely on diplomacy, you must rely on your own skills and always be prepared. Am I right?"

 

[MoreThanSane]

"Agreed." Crinlin nodded. "The sparring rooms aren't far. Perhaps I'll show you after we finish at the Archives." They passed several open doors leading to empty rooms, and Crinlin knew they were getting closer. "The amount of information contained within is absolutely magnificent. I'm sure you'll be impressed. Force knows I was. I've actually spent the majority of my time here, to be perfectly honest. It's a wonderful way to learn about the Force and Jedi history and philosophy. A wonderful way."

Doors in front of them hissed open, and Crinlin let Holiday pass ahead of them as they entered the room beyond. "More information is contained here than I've ever seen, and that's quite impressive considering that I've lived in Galactic City--that is, Coruscant--for most of my adult life. If you truly intend to learn while you're here, Holly, this is the place to do it."

 

[Holiday]

Holiday moved past Crinlin into the archives as he gestured, thanking him. As she stepped into the archives, her jaw dropped slightly.​

She looked around at the vast amounts of various information stored in every manner possible. Never before had she seen such an extensive collection of information, not even in the archives of Alpheridies. To this, the Miralukan collection was nothing.

"This is astounding," admitted Holiday, taking a few steps into the archives. A smile creased her lips as she laughed a little bit. She could​

most certainly see herself seeing an abundance of her time here, mostly due to her constant thirst and desire for knowledge. "I imagine in a place as vast as this, I could learn about just about anything I desire..." she said, still somewhat awestruck. She also thought it ironic that Crinlin had brought her here first, as if he knew that she was in a constant pursuit for knowledge. Then again, she had admitted to it, so perhaps it wasn't so ironic. "Saber fighting styles? The Force? Anything?" she asked, turning back to look at Crinlin. If she had eyes, they would be glistening with excitement.

 

[MoreThanSane]

Crinlin chuckled. He had to, for Holly absolutely bled amazement and excitement. "Anything," he nodded. "Tython is home to the largest collection of knowledge that you or I will ever see in our lifetimes, and perhaps ever. Believe me, I've been in the Temple for only a few months, yet I've spent weeks in this place. And I'll tell you, it's certainly," he tapped his temple pointedly, "paid off."

As the Miralukan female glanced eagerly around, Crinlin wondered--characteristically skeptical--if she was simply feigning interest for the sake of politeness. But then he realized he could sense her presence in the Force, and she was most definitely not faking that. He shook his head, knowing he needed to find some way to put down his near-chronic cynicism before it began ruining relationships here at the Temple too.

But those were thoughts for another time. "Perhaps we'll spend time together here, as well. I always enjoy a good research partner, and you seem quite," he paused, regarding her, "interested in the prospect of furthering your knowledge as well."

 

[Holiday]

Holiday turned back to Crinlin and gave him a pleasant smile.​

"I would love to research together with you sometime," she said. "Who knows, perhaps we'll discover something that has never been​

discovered before," she mused. Thought she knew that the prospect of discovering something completely brand new was highly unlikely, she also knew that it was also not impossible. Even if they couldn't discover something new, perhaps they could create something new. Only time would tell, and so she would leave it to its devices.

"I'll certainly have to come back here sometime," she said as she glanced back at the archives. She longed to stay but knew that for​

now she could not, but also knew that the archives were not going anywhere. "For now, I do believe we have a tour to complete. I'm sure there is much more to this temple than one can simply see from the outside. Will I be shown where I'll be staying at by the end of this?" she asked. The notion of where she would be sleeping at hadn't occurred to her before, being too caught up in her excitement of fulfilling her desires to become a Jedi.