Bygones

[Austin Wolfe]

theme

Once again, they were here. It seemed that in the past few weeks Jedi Masters Austin Wolfe and Galahad Vult had returned to Brighthome several times, now that it was the de facto headquarters of the Order now that they had been scattered. Though Grandmaster Wyck had offered the Jedi two options — to either fight or prepare for future generations of Jedi — the doctor and former Temple Guard had chosen to do both. Previously, the two Jedi Masters were visiting a run-down station that was holding valuable lightsaber parts that were requisitioned by Brighthome. Managing to retrieve the parts without resorting to any violence or bloodshed, they and Knight Marina Giulestei had dropped them off and had parted ways for the time being. Then flying to Jedha, they had acquired plenty of excellent quality Kyber crystals that would hopefully be useful for many Jedi in the years to come. For now, Austin and Galahad were back in the Azarael on Brighthome again, further planning what they needed to complete the Deep Stone Crypt.

Austin scrolled through some numbers on a datapad which also displayed plans for the wall of a room to be built in the sanctuary. "Along here is where we shall keep the parts. Now that we have delivered plenty, I am sure that the ones we have personally ordered will be available. Although I am unsure what Lucian plans to do with them," he commented, aware that the Jedi Knight was also hard at work to ensure the Order's survival. "Perhaps you should come with us this time, Tennant, to help us bring the crates to the Azarael." Though the medical droid was not in the room at present, the sudden whir of parts and electronics echoed through the ships's corridors as 10-NT approached, having clearly heard the doctor.

"I disapprove of being seen as little more than a cargo lifter — but yes, I shall assist you nonetheless," he replied, coming to a stop as he towered over the two seated Jedi. Looking back to his datapad, Austin pushed aside more information until he came to a second screen that displayed plans for a separate wall that was filled with small hexagonal gaps. "We had not thought to ask for those Memory Crystals last time we were here, though I am sure they are more bountiful than lightsaber parts." Standing up and straightening his field medic robes, he nodded towards Galahad and Tennant. "Well then, shall we be off? Once we are finished here, I believe that once we make it back to Ellora the excavation of Felwinter Peak shall be complete."

@Shalken​

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[Led Crow]

-Theme-​

"Master. Master."

His head poking out of the doorway, a gentle smile crossed his features at the sight he beheld. Austin Wolfe, Galahad Vult and one he did not recognize stood just ahead of him. The young Knight felt slightly out of place among his peers, being that he was trained by his own kind rather than the Order itself, his own induction process being... out of place, he supposed.

Guarding two venerable Jedi wasn't his purpose here however, but rather he found himself guarding saber crystals. A task set for him by those he accompanied, and a task for himself. Something to do, in plain terms. As the Jedi Master straightened his medical robes, Led found his hand gently tapping the pommel of his hammer, named after some mystical relic of a bygone era. His tutor had insisted, however, and he obeyed; Dane was not idly denied.

"I am... eager to be going too. I'm not familiar with the specifics, but I am familiar with... well, the two of you??"

Gently peering at one of the hexagonal gaps, his smile disappeared slightly. He had no idea how to even approach the Masters of the Order, let alone talk to people some considered war heroes. Crow among them, he most definitely idealized the two of them, and hoped to learn some small insight from this journey.

@Shalken @Vosrik

 

[Galahad Vult]

Galahad sat across from the doctor, inspecting the plans that Austin held and nodding in acknowledgement. The ex-temple guard was also pleased to know that several other Jedi were also taking measures to ensure the survival of the Order, and both Masters had been glad to assist in their efforts when things had gone awry. After they had found the cause of their delivery’s hold-up and managed to safely obtain all the lightsaber parts without bloodshed, they were now ready to pick up their order from Brighthome’s workshop. Austin raised his concerns about not having requested everything they needed on their last visit, but it was likely they would not have any trouble in obtaining them regardless. ”In these dark times of war, weapon supplies are in far more demand than recording devices,” Galahad observed, also confident that Brighthome would be well-supplied.

Rising to leave with the doctor and the medical droid, Galahad glanced down to the bottom of the Azarael’s boarding ramp to see the face of another Jedi gazing up patiently into the medical ship’s interior. ”Ah, I see more help has arrived,” Master Vult remarked as he made his way off the spacecraft, deftly utilizing his staff to steady his exit. Seeing his ‘father’ suddenly leave, Felwinter dashed from his resting place on the ship’s floor to the muscular Jedi’s side. Spying the strange newcomer, the now dog-sized Arkanian Dragon flared its nostrils at Led, discerning the man’s scent while staring directly at him with his icy blue gaze. ”He is a friend, Felwinter,” Galahad assured, relaying his message mentally to the white-scaled reptile as well. He found that the beast was very quick to learn, and while it obviously could not fully understand Basic, the Jedi Master discovered that he was very responsive to telepathic messages that relayed feelings and images to help convey his meaning. Snorting in satisfaction, Felwinter regarded the Knight with less intensity.

Extending a hand to the newcomer, Galahad greeted, ”Thank you for assisting us today, Knight Crow. I know the details given you were sparse, but it was necessary given the situation,” the bearded Jedi reassured. ”Our mission is one of great secrecy, and as such we cannot relay the exact specifics of our work. Rest assured, however, that today you are helping the Order weather the storm that is to come.”

With that, Galahad summoned to their side a large hovering platform resting nearby in the hangar to assist them with transporting their supplies. Though the Jedi could easily lift the crates with the Force, carrying them thus throughout half of Brighthome would simply be tiresome and impractical. With the hovercart in tow, the group would then head off towards the station’s workshops for their first stop.

@Vosrik @Aurius​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

Having finished glancing briefly over their plans, Austin shut off the datapad and decided to leave it behind on the ship. He had no need of it in the temple-station of Brighthome. "They are indeed," he replied solemnly to Galahad. "Though we find ourselves in need of both." Following the former Temple Guard out to the hangar bay of the station, he was also pleased to see that Knight Led Crow had arrived to help them. The two Jedi Masters had sent a message on their trip back, asking for some assistance with the cargo they would be collecting. The doctor had to step aside, however, as the large form of Felwinter pushed him aside to reach Galahad. Austin chuckled in shock and incredulity, shaking his head in amusement nonetheless. That Arkanian Dragon was becoming more feisty by the day and worryingly larger too.

Stepping off the ramp as Galahad firmly shook the hand of the Knight, the doctor stretched out his own to do the same. His fellow Master informed Led as much as he needed to know to be able to assist them, and with that the three Jedi along with Felwinter and Tennant set off through the station. They were indeed a curious group and drew the gaze of many Jedi as they approached the workshop, their first destination aboard Brighthome. Upon entering, they were greeted by the same droid who they spoke to some time ago. "Welcome back, Masters. At first, I was worried that we would be unable to provide you with the parts — that is, of course, until you and Knight Marina delivered our missing shipment."

Robotically motioning to the side, he continued, "This way, please. We have the crates ready for you now." With that, the droid led them to a storage compartment that contained the two crates as requisitioned earlier. "You have our thanks," Austin began, though he was stopped by the upheld hand of the workshop droid. "Oh! No, Master Wolfe — you have ours. May the Force be with you," he finished, strutting back to the workshop and leaving the group alone. "I believe this was the easiest stop," the doctor commented, observing the sealed metal boxes before them. "We may need to have those next pieces crafted to our needs."

@Shalken @Aurius​

 

[Led Crow]

-Theme-​

"Forgive me master, we need only the Force. Chairetismoí, lígo, Felwinter"

Led didn't even flinch as the Arkanian Dragon went to pounce. He was going to reach out and greet the one that threatened him with a huge smile painted on his face. His hand left the hammer and outstretched, but Master Vult's command caused the creature to heel. What an interesting pairing. In his youth, Salem was a close friend of his, Dane's war-mount. His heart hurt when he thought of his old master, but he pushed the feeling aside by placing three fingers over his heart and pushing outwards. Such thoughts did not befit a Jedi. Accepting the handshake, Led looked the Master directly in his crystal blue eyes, matching his own purple, which seemed to waver and become a cat's momentarily.

Standing aside, he allowed them to enter before he himself.

"Of the necessity I have no doubts. Thank you for having me."

The droid that approached wasn't of much significance in Led's mind, not because he did not care for it, but because the droid was already addressing Master Wolfe. Continuing down into the workshop, a small childhood wonder entered his mind. He'd never made his own lightsaber. Not yet, at least. If this was the easiest stop, then Crow was in a better mood than ever. Nothing like some smooth sailing from here to their destination!

"Do we expect trouble?"
@Shalken @Vosrik

 

[Galahad Vult]

Following along behind Austin and the droid in charge of Brighthome's workshop, Galahad was pleased to see the two crates of parts waiting for them. In fact, he was pleasantly surprised to realize that they were far larger than he initially anticipated. "We shall make good use of these," Galahad remarked as he telekinetically lifted the crates and transferred them onto the hovercart they had brought along. After moving the second crate, he replied to Led's question. "Perhaps, but not dangerous in any sense. Not only do we need a fair number of memory crystals, but we also need to have them chiseled down into a specific shape." Moving to the front of the workshop where the droid had returned, the bearded Jedi approached it. While the Jedi Master did not know much of Brighthome's layout, it was likely that the robot could help them once more. "Do you possibly know where we could find memory crystals? We need a large quantity of them." "Hmm..." the droid replied, grasping a datapad and sifting through the station's storage schematics. "Currently they are kept in Brighthome's archives. Normally acquiring more than two per person is not allowed, but as Masters you are not held to such restrictions." Galahad nodded understandingly. Before they set out, however, he had one final question. "One last thing. Is your workshop capable of modifying the shape of memory crystals?" The machinist droid gazed at him for a few seconds, servo-motors whirring audibly as it calculated. "As long as more than sixty percent of the original gem is intact, then it is possible." Nodding again, Galahad raised a hand in thanks. "In that case, we shall return shortly."

With 10-NT pushing the hovercart behind them, the group then made their way through the hallways down towards the archives. Though nearly every Jedi temple typically has some form of library or place that stores information, the vast majority of the Jedi's advanced knowledge, philosophical writings, and enhanced studies had been lost when the Sith destroyed the Grand Archives on Ossus. Now that the Empire's shadow loomed and threatened the very existence of the Order, Galahad could not help but wonder how much of their valuable teachings would survive the onslaught. Hopefully, if his and Austin's plan succeeded, they would help in preventing such a terrible future. "Knight Crow, what do you believe is required for the survival of the Jedi Order? What must we do to ensure our continued existence, and preserve our memory for generations to come?" A rather sudden question, but one that weighed heavily on many minds in these dark times. Plus, it would help pass the time as they wound their way through Brighthome's polished hallways towards the archives.

@Vosrik @Aurius​

 

[Led Crow]

-Theme-​

"Chmm, endiaférousa erótisi. Not to be the pessimist, but I have heard these things can be quite explosive."

The question caught him off-guard. What could he, a lowly Knight, have to offer to a Jedi Master?! But he would answer the questions to the best of his abilities. Pacing slightly, he cocked his head to the side momentarily, as though glancing towards an unseen entity, an act he prescribed to contacting his ancestors for guidance. In his humble opinion, in times of extreme duress such as these exceptions and mandates had to be created. If the Jedi Order fell, the Galaxy would be in a dire straight line for crisis and disaster without any hope of stopping it. Ones he had considered friends fell around him. Alius Phoenix, who he knew as Aliyah during his training, was butchered like her father. Knight Kane, cut down. All of those brave souls who had found the way to the halls of their fathers.

Taking a long and deep breath inwards, he began. Allowing the Masters to deal with droids, the clankers where never his speciality.

"We must survive by whatever terms are necessary. Surrender isn't even an option anymore. My own tutor suggested I remain in hiding, but I simply could not watch the Galaxy burn around me."
@Shalken @Vosrik

 

[Austin Wolfe]

A chuckle escaped the mouth of the doctor at Galahad's comment. "Not we, perhaps. I hope others do," he replied, moving forward to help lift the crates of lightsaber parts. However, Austin's assistance was unnecessary as his fellow Jedi Master was more than capable of moving the full, heavy crates onto the hovercart. Following Galahad back to the droid overseeing the workshop, he simply listened to the conversation as the former Temple Guard queried about memory crystals. It was true indeed that the two Masters were going to need a lot — they planned on imbuing them with much information on a host of different subjects pertaining to the Order. It would likely take Austin and Galahad a long time to imprint what they wished on the crystals, but they did not plan on doing so until they were back in their secret sanctuary.

"Memory crystals, explosive?" the doctor commented in response. "Not in the slightest. As far as I am aware, their only use is to store memories, words, or teachings. Their only potential danger to a Jedi would be if one were imbued with a particularly traumatic or dark experience that could affect the one using it." He fell silent once again, simply walking with the others and pushing the hovercart while Galahad made conversation with Knight Led. Austin nodded in understanding of the Zabrak's words, formulating a response. "Our Grandmaster did give us the choice of either," he began solemnly. "Galahad and myself do not wish to go into hiding either — though we are doing our best efforts to preserve the remnants of the Order and help establish those who do not wish to fight. However, Master Vult and myself swore an oath to Grandmaster Wyck — we will fight, to our last breath if the Force wills it."

The thoughts of the coming battle on Coruscant came to the doctor's mind, and for once in many years he remembered his family who were likely still living peacefully on the ecumenopolis. It was good that Austin had decided to not attempt contacting them ever since his induction into the Order — he would never want to embroil them in the oncoming doom that the Jedi faced. His family was best left alone for their own safety. Their conversation had brought the trio to the Archives, as Brighthome was not a terribly large Temple to begin with. Approaching the librarian at the central desk among rows upon rows of shelves, Austin quietly cleared his throat and spoke to her. "Greetings. Master Vult and myself are looking to acquire memory crystals."

The older-looking Jedi librarian's face broke into a wrinkled smile upon recognizing the two Jedi Masters. "You are most welcome here, Masters Wolfe and Vult. As for the crystals, our archives are open to you. This way, please," she requested, beckoning all three Jedi to follow. Taking them to one of the many sections of the archives, the woman entered a passcode and a drawer slid open. "As you are aware, we keep these tightly controlled. Are you requesting them for personal use?" In response, Austin gently shook his head. "No, ma'am. Galahad and myself have a greater need for them — the crystals are for the preservation of the Order itself."

@Shalken @Aurius​

 

[Galahad Vult]

Galahad listened to Led as he voiced his opinion, and what action he would take. "So you will fight, then," Galahad remarked. "Nay, surrender has never even been an option — not in the face of such cruelty and malice. To go into hiding is an unfortunately necessary action...but to surrender would be no less than cowardice." The bearded Jedi remembered well the choice that the Grandmaster had given them all, and though both he and Austin had decided they would wage war against the Sith in their final moments, that would not stop them from taking measures to preserve the Order. All that Galahad hoped was that his work, and possibly his death, would not be in vain.

Upon entering the Archives, the librarian led them directly to where Brighthome's memory crystals were kept. Upon telling her the purpose of their use, she smiled in return, but was not quite yet satisfied with his response. She had heard that response from many other Jedi before, and turned them away all the same. "Of course, Master Wolfe. Now, how many of them will you need?" Galahad leaned close, whispering into her ear the number that the two Jedi Masters had calculated they would need. The librarian's eyes widened in surprise. "That is a very large number, Master Vult, and would deplete our stores significantly. Is this amount absolutely necessary?" Galahad stepped back, his face grim as he nodded. "The very survival of the Jedi Order is at stake; its future existence hangs in the balance." The woman paused for several moments, deep in thought. Finally, she sighed, motioning towards the crystals. "Take what you need, Masters. Whatever it is you plan to do with these, I hope you put them to good work." With that, she stepped away to return to her desk, leaving the three visiting Jedi to their business.

Galahad reached into the open drawer, plucking out several memory crystals one after the other and placing them gently into an extra crate. They were similar in shape to the memory crystal that Saeros had placed in the cover of Caladgær, which still hung by Austin's side. However, unlike the gem on the book, even from a cursory sense these felt empty, like a bag ready to be filled. Holding up the last one, a thought occurred to Galahad. "Perhaps we should have these crystals cut at a later date, one closer to the completion of our project," he suggested to Austin. They had a great deal of work to do yet, and rushing their progress would only give them setbacks.

@Vosrik @Aurius​

 

[Austin Wolfe]

The doctor nodded solemnly in accordance to Galahad's words. In all his years, Austin had never heard of a Jedi surrendering to the Sith Empire — they always fought to the death against those corrupted users of the Force. Against such insurmountable odds though, Wyck was wise in decreeing that the Order should henceforth go underground and pass on their knowledge and teachings in secret. It was more than likely that the Empire would seek to utterly destroy the remnants of the Jedi, just like the Order had attempted to do to the former Exiles years before. In some ways, it was easy to become discouraged and lose hope — but neither Galahad nor Austin would cast aside their faith in the Force.

Thankfully, the librarian did not deny the Jedi Masters access to all the Memory Crystals that they required. He could not help but feel some regret for heavily depleting the stores on Brighthome, but it would be better to use them than for the crystals to collect dust and eventually be destroyed when the Empire inevitably discovered the station's location. "We shall indeed put them to good work. Thank you, ma'am," Austin replied as she returned to her desk at the entrance of the Brighthome archives. Stepping forward to assist his fellow Master, Austin observed that the crystals would easily be able to be cut into the shape they desired. Listening to the former Temple Guard's words, the doctor nodded in agreement. "Yes, I am sure Tennant possesses the equipment necessary to shape these. We will, of course, need to imbue them with a great deal of information as well. It will take us some time," he mused. However, it would undoubtedly be invaluable in the end.

Turning to the Knight who had accompanied them thus far, Austin briefly placed a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you for your assistance, Knight Crow. I believe Galahad and myself can manage from here on — may the Force be with you." With that, both Jedi Masters returned along with Tennant and Felwinter to the Azarael with the crates in tow. Their work was nearly complete, and now only the final details would need to be added upon their return to Ellora.

Fin​

@Shalken @Aurius​