Ask Looking Forward

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Hera sat quietly on a little wooden bench outside of a small inn. The Ithorians revered nature and being one with the environment of their planet, so it was only natural that their villages reflected their beliefs. When Hera brought Koemi and Leon back to Ithor, she sent her Padawan away back to the temple and took Koemi to the little village outside of the temple's grounds. After a pro bono -Hera had paid- time for rest, she waited outside to see if Koemi was still interested in going to see the Jedi temple and, possibly, joining the Jedi Order.

But Hera's hopes were not high. She had not made the most positive impression of the Jedi upon Koemi, having killed two terrorists right before her very eyes. Hera cursed herself for her lack of tact and not thinking to simply disarm the terrorists. At that moment, knowing the weapons they had and the concentration of civilians around them, Hera instinctively chose the option that would cause the least collateral damage. But that option still carried with it the weight of taking two lives, two people whom she did not, and now could never, know.

Her lightsabers, strapped to her back, weighed heavily on her. Even heavier than the green armor she wore nearly everywhere she went. In the interim, a whirlwind of events had occurred for the former knight. She had been made a Jedi councilmember, and now she had the authority to do nearly anything she wanted. In a greater sense though, she now was a face of representation for the entire Jedi order. If she did not carry herself in a manner befitting her station, she would reflect badly on more than just herself.

It was these solemn thoughts that Hera found herself drowning in. If Koemi so wished, she could probably get away with sneaking away from Hera without the Jedi ever knowing.

@Tulos

 

[Koemi]

If you would have told Koemi a week ago that her life would be turned upside down in the course of a single afternoon, she would have laughed in your face. Nothing ever became of poor little orphan children like her, not unless they etched out their own destiny through work, sweat and perseverance. Fate and fortune were in fact such a foreign concept to the young girl that it was hard for her to comprehend that she had even wound on Ithor to begin with. Time ticked away with each passing moment and sooner or later, her presence on the jungle world would become a topic of recompense. A favor that needed to be repaid. Nothing was free, after all.

At first, her thoughts did not dwell on what came next but rather on what she had witnessed. The shockwave of the initial explosion. The screams of man, woman and child as they fled in terror. The waves of heat that battered her pale skin as they were thrown from the fires. The orange blades that seared through two men. Simultaneously. In the blink of an eye. If she had blinked, she very well could have missed the whole ordeal. And she wished she did. Instead she had spent the first couple nights at the inn laying in bed, unable to shake the lifeless faces from her mind’s eye.

Yet Ithor, with all its beautiful nature and serenity, was a great boon for those who required recovery from traumatic situations and Koemi was no different than all the rest in that regard. Certainly she had lived her life amongst towering skyscrapers and metal streets, an environment far more suitable to her day to day life, but the calming chirps of birds and insects hidden away amongst the alien trees was soothing beyond expectation. Solitary walks amongst the manicured trails helped ease the young girl’s mind.

Preparing to depart on another such walk, Koemi stepped from the inn and into the sunlight with a deep breath of clean air. By now, she almost missed the smell of contaminants and exhaust but she’d enjoy this while it lasted. Down the stairs, down the path to the left and…

”Hera?” Koemi stammered as she spotted the Jedi waiting on the bench. Right. Amidst all the turmoil of their encounter on Chandrila, the younger girl had sort of forced the purrghil in the room from her mind. The very reason why she had been brought here in the first place. Considering the Jedi Councillor had been the one to front the credits for her stay, she knew she at least owed her as much as a conversation so sheepish steps carried her until she stood a respectable distance from the seated Jedi.

”Jedi always live on boring worlds like this one?” she asked softly, forcing a smirk. ”I suppose when you spend all your time fighting terrorists and saving babies from burning buildings, quiet is nice for your downtime,”

@Black Noise​

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Hera jolted a bit when Koemi spoke, surprised by her presence but smiling to welcome her. While Koemi spoke softly, the Jedi councilwoman stood, stretched, and responded kindly, "Most Jedi do! It's a peaceful planet, very in tune with nature, and good for centering yourself within the Force. I don't live here, personally. I find myself moving around so much that I don't have a permanent residence. That being said, I am the exception, not the rule."

Looking out towards the village, Hera gestured for Koemi to follow her and began walking. The village they moved through had a sizeable population of Ithorians, but they were not the majority here. Being so close to the temple, the village was mostly populated by religious travelers and merchant opportunists looking to make money off the travelers. The Ithorians, thankfully, kept most of that in line.

As they made their way in the direction of the temple, Hera attempted to pick Koemi's brain. "Tell me, why did you accompany me to this world? Certainly, I know you wanted a change of scenery from Chandrila, but was that your only reason? I must assume, and forgive me if this is too forward, that you do not have the best relationship with your family if you're moving through the galaxy alone."

Truthfully, Hera suspected Koemi of being without any family at all. But that was not exactly the most polite thing to directly ask in a conversation. Hera lacked tact, that was certain, but she wasn't entirely blunt all the time. If anything, what she wanted to do now was make up for earlier rough impressions.

@Tulos

 

[Koemi]

If pressed, Koemi would likely agree with Hera’s attitude towards the concept of never staying in one place for too long. It was something that they perhaps shared in common; wild souls that couldn’t sit still for long. Worlds such as this, as serene and peaceful as they were, were boring. Then again, a touch of boredom here and there wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The next question had certainly caught the younger woman off guard as she was busy taking in the sleepy village, a few paces behind the Jedi Master. She could count on one hand the times that people had expressed any interest in her family or her past. Not that she had any misconceptions or reservations of who she was or where she had come from. It was just something she rarely discussed as it was rarely mentioned.

”Gotta have a relationship for it to be a bad one,” Koemi replied simply, stepping up onto the rocky perimeter of a flower bed, placing one foot in front of the other with the balance of a lothcat whilst both hands remained in her pockets. ”Never knew my mum or my dad, honestly. I tend to think they’re dead and gone. It’s easier to assume that rather than they just had a child they didn’t love or want,”

”And why wouldn’t I come with you?” Koemi added, trying to shift the subject back to the original question. If she was being honest with herself, she made the decision when she was in a state of shock. Hera could have easily asked Koemi for her kidney and she probably would have answered the same. ”Rolling around with a couple of Jedi is better than sleeping in an empty cargo container. If it gives me a soft bed and a warm meal, well… I could do that for a bit,” she finished with a smirk as she leapt back down to the gravel pathway.

@Black Noise​

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Hera felt Koemi's first answer far deeper than she had initially anticipated. A young Hera had thought the exact same way about her own parentage. After all, it was easier to think that her parents were also dead, and not that they just didn't love Hera. Reaching up, Hera wiped away a tear that threatened to streak down her face as she continued to listen to the younger woman.

"I suppose that makes sense. We don't live a life of luxury for the most part, but we aren't destitute. Perhaps, if you wouldn't mind, you'd like to look at our lives a little closer? The Jedi temple isn't too far, and I think today is a quiet day for most. No one would look sideways at me bringing someone new in, so you shouldn't feel like an outsider." By the time Hera started speaking, the pair had left the village and entered the forest.

Following a small dirt path, it was clear that the pair were already heading in the direction of the Jedi Temple. Stone markers, specially grown and manicured trees, and the soft sounds of animals and birds gave away their destination more than any words Hera could say. Though, as they drew closer, another few sounds could also be heard. People talking and laughing. Droids whirling and buzzing. Lightsabers wooshing and swishing.

All normal sounds to Hera, comforting even. But perhaps Koemi's reaction would be a little more apprehensive. Seeking to keep her talking, Hera continued to speak. "We're not all boring monks either, you know. We even have a famous person or two training here! I don't think he's around right now, but Ezra Thorne trains here with a colleague of mine."

@Tulos

 

[Koemi]

If Hera thought the wiped tear was missed by the young Koemi, she was wrong. She had never really gotten that kind of a reaction from her story. After all, she had been raised in a home of her peers. Not a soul within the walls of that orphanage felt remorse for their fellow children. In one way or another, each of their paths were the same. No matter how they had gotten there, they were all alone. It was nice seeing some form of compassion for a chance.

”Do I have much of a choice?” Koemi sheepishly teased as the pair departed the village. While her homeworld of Raxus was by no means a ecumenopolis, her only exposure to such greenery was from the window of a speeder or shuttle. To actually walk amongst trees, buildings and people fading from sight, the sounds of animals scuffling through the foliage. It was an experience that sparked something within and one she would not soon forget. With childlike wonder, she gazed at the beams of sunlight descending through the trees, similar to the neon lasers used in the nightclubs she had seen on the holo only more… beautiful.

Yet the further they walked, sounds of a more familiar nature filled the air. Voices, the whir of machines and droids and… with a more narrowed glance as they rounded some sort of carved stone, she made out the glow of a lightsaber batting back a red blaster bolt from a small hovering sphere. Men, women and children of all species could be seen dotted through the landscape. Yet the serenity was hard to ignore, a warm feeling growing within herself as they slowly approached the Jedi Temple. She could have lost herself in this feeling, her eyes even beginning to close slightly as she basked in its ambience before Hera’s words snapped her back to reality.

”Thorne?” she asked, turning her attention back to the Jedi Councillor. Who in the galaxy hadn’t heard of the Consortium President? However, hearing that he had a child at the temple came as a bit of surprise. ”I’m not going to pretend I’m some politics junkie but… isn’t President Thorne very… Well,” she paused, trying to find the right words. ”I don’t get the impression he’s a Jedi fan boy,”

@Black Noise​

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Hera didn't respond to Koemi's first question, catching on to the gentle peace that washed over the young woman. The temple, although on one of the Ithorian's floating cities and not truly on the surface, was still surrounded by greenery. Most of the city was filled with trees, dirt, and wildlife, a simulation of the sacred earth below them. Despite it being nothing more than a finely crafted facade, the temple still held a peace to it that Hera felt was unrivaled in the galaxy.

Then Koemi seemed to come back to herself and speak again. Laughing, Hera shook her head and spoke, "No he's not! I met him, twice actually, and he's the opposite of what I'd call a 'supporter' of the Jedi. But Ezra's different than him, that's for sure. Being here among your peers and people who only want the best for you brings out the best in people." And at that, Hera approached the entrance to the temple.

As the pair came close to the steps, Koemi would clearly see the reactions of every Jedi they passed. Padawans would wave, and Hera would smile and wave back. Knights would stop and bow in greeting, and Hera would nod and move on unless one spoke to her. Kindness exuded from each and every being around them, and Hera's beaming joy only seemed to amplify the emotions in others.

Entering the temple, and faced with the grand hall, Hera would wait a moment for Koemi to take it all in before speaking, "We all have a choice-" She started, finally responding to Koemi's first question, "I won't force you to walk the same path I do, and I won't leave you out in the cold either if this isn't something you want for yourself. You would fit in here, I know that for sure, and you would receive training for the power I can sense inside you."

Looking directly at Koemi, she finished, "But if you decide against this life, I won't abandon you. I have more connections than you might think. Now, I have one more thing to show you-" Beckoning Koemi to follow, Hera headed deeper into the temple.

@Tulos

 

[Thor Wolfe]

The peace that had been established in Ithor was something to be desired. It was the kind of sanctuary that Rath rarely ever found that wasn’t in the cockpit of his own ship. Yet it was here at the temple that Rath found himself being able to connect with the Force. To gain a better understanding of himself, and it was to collect the final piece that Rath needed to complete his lightsaber. The one that was loaned to him had served the padawan well, but the constant pull of whispers emitting from the crystal that he possessed. A durindfire crystal, one of the precious gems that came from Tatooine, and yet despite how valuable it was to those who didn’t know its true worth. Rath could feel the connection between himself and the crystal. If this wasn’t the crystal meant to join hands in the form of a lightsaber, then Rath wouldn’t know what it was.

Within the depths of the temple, in the meditation room where Rath seemingly meditated on his knees and his open hands looked like it was caressing the many parts. At the center of these parts was the durindfire crystal as it hummed with resonating energy. There was no other thought in his mind as Rath simply connected the pieces like a puzzle until it became whole. Through the brief chorus of clicks and hisses; the crystal was inserted into the chamber within the hilt before the haysian smelt plating slid back in place.

With the construction of the lightsaber finished, the hilt gently lowered to his right hand as Rath’s eyes looked upon the hilt, and yet his mind was not there. Instead a series of images in conjunction to form a vision appeared in his mind. It was the very temple he was at, and yet he saw two distinct individuals. One was his master, Hera Albion, and the other while sensitive to the Force he didn’t recognize who they were. They were walking, conversing with each other, and yet their voices were distorted and muffled. Close yet distant, and he couldn’t very well make sense of what the vision was supposed to be showing him. At the very least, Rath has grown stronger in terms of control where he can control the visions enough where he can at least see what the Force is trying to show him. It seems the audio part of it needs to be worked on, but it was progress nonetheless.

There was another with Rath, one of the other Padawans who seemed to struggle controlling the Force through his own body. A rodian boy who was trying in vain when it came to meditation. Or rather, the rodian was impatient, restless. With a clip onto his belt, Rath stowed away his newly constructed lightsaber before he got up to approach the rodian. His steps were light in his approach.

”I’m fairly certain that meditating is not supposed to be a laborious task.” He commented before the rodian’s eyes popped open. Annoyance and frustration evident in both visual wise and emotional on the rodian padawan.

”No poodoo! I’ve been trying and trying to calm down. But I always end up losing the connection!” The padawan exclaimed, and frankly Rath wasn’t going to pretend to know their problems either. The former mercenary would only blink at the sudden outburst, but found it pointless to retort in a similar manner.

”Sometimes it’s better to clear your mind and focus on the Force itself. If that doesn’t work, then maybe it’s because you are conflicted. Something that you must find closure or come to terms with.” Frankly it was the best advice that Rath could give the fellow Padawan without delving further into the rodian’s life. However, these things that Rath listed off were the common cause of not being able to connect to the Force, but honestly it was something that he couldn’t really relate to. The Force was something he always felt, and always seen. Back then Rath didn’t know what it was and simply accepted it as a part of himself.

His brown eyes shifted to the closed door as he could feel someone approaching the room. A presence that Rath was familiar with. It seemed like the brief vision he had was starting to become a precognition. A prediction, but Rath suspected that given the timing it was more like he simply glimpsed through the Force to the current events rather than predict the future. Or at least that was how his rational mind comprehended the situation. The rodian glanced at the new lightsaber at Rath’s belt.

”Oh, you finally got that lightsaber built then?” Rath nodded his head in agreement to the Padawan. Although the rodian slightly tilted his head at the material that Rath used for his lightsaber hilt.

”Why would you use the haysian smelt for it though?” To this Rath raised a brow given that the haysian smelt was a valid choice of metal for lightsaber construction. Combined with the fact that it was a good conductor of electricity; it was essentially to reduce the chance of the internal components from overloading with power if such a thing came to light.

 

[Koemi]

For all this trip to Ithor was worth, seeing the landmark that was the Jedi Temple was beyond anything she had hoped. Never before had she visited a place that soothed the soul so rapidly. Never before had she felt so at peace with not only herself but with her past, memories seeming to melt away at any attempt to recall them. Never before had she been welcomed by all who lived somewhere without so much as the bat of an eye. It felt as though she had belonged here, that she had been brought here for a reason.

That terrified her.

For one who had always been forced to rely on no one but herself, the entire idea of lowering her guard and accepting such a gracious offer seemed impossible. At any point, the whole rug could be pulled from under her feet, so to speak. Hera and these other Jedi may have honeyed words but when someone has lived a life like she has, it took a lot more than sweet syllables to sway her.

As they came upon the grand hall, Koemi was taken aback by it’s design. Wide open, Padawans and Knights dotting the scene as they went about with their business. Vines and trees growing in a manicured fashion, the sun accentuating the dust particles as they floated through the beams of light that came from above. It almost seemed… angelic.

”So what you’re saying is that no matter what I choose, I’m not shaking you that easily. Is that it?” Koemi teased as she looked back at Hera, a sly smirk offered in unison. Part of her did want to accept the offer, to stay here and learn… Well, whatever it is she needed to learn about being a Jedi. She had no idea what that detailed, really. But then again, how long would these good times last? And was she prepared for what the bad times of being a Jedi consisted of? ”The horror,” she added finally, still smirking.

As Hera guided her to this final display, Koemi’s attention fell on what looks to be two young men discussing… Well, she couldn’t hear right away. The younger Rodian boy looked frustrated, as though everything he had been trying to accomplish was met with failure. The other, a slightly older human boy, offered advice.

“... maybe it’s because you’re conflicted. Something that you must find closure or come to terms with,”

Making out that part of the conversation as they strode by, it sparked a question in the young woman.

”What happens to those who don’t meet the cut then?” Koemi asked Hera, her attention hovering on the two Padawan boys. ”I mean, the Jedi have to have standards, right? What if someone doesn’t meet them?” In her words, it wouldn’t be difficult to ascertain she harbored feelings of inadequacy. After all, as she heard the words ‘hasnian smelt’ coming from the two learners, her mind immediately jumped to the value of that particular lightsaber and what she could get for it if she sold it on the street. She was, first and foremost, a scavenger of sorts after all. At face value, she was hardly Jedi material.

@Black Noise @AsenMahawa​

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Hera laughed at Koemi's first statement, nodding as she did so. "Exactly so!" Continuing their walk, the Master could sense the familiar presence of Rath inside the temple. The boy had finally finished his work constructing his lightsaber and Hera could not help the short surge of pride in him that welled up inside her. Waving a hand, the door opened to the two boys and Hera continued through their room.

Their conversation carried on as if the two Jedi were not there yet, and Hera preferred this. It gave Koemi a glimpse into the life and attitudes of other Padawans, a short view into their lives unfiltered by what the Jedi Master might've preferred to show her. Moving past them, and greeting Rath with a smile as she walked, Hera listened to Koemi's question. For a moment, the redhead woman did not answer. Sitting down at a workbench -of sorts- Hera gestured for Koemi to sit beside her.

From her hips, Hera withdrew two lightsabers. One, an ancient doubled-ended weapon, she set aside and out of reach. The other, with a strangely constructed hilt, Hera set close to Koemi and began to disassemble it. As the weapon floated free with aid of the force, rotating and slowly coming apart, the Master began to speak. "Our lives are not easy. They are rewarding, but they will never be easy. For some, this life becomes too hard, or they simply cannot do what is necessary to advance. But we don't just drop those people off at the nearest star if they don't make the cut."

Then, Hera stopped speaking for a moment. The hilt cracked open to reveal the kyber crystal core. Reaching out, Hera grasped the little glowing rock and held it out to Koemi. "If a Jedi quits, or isn't adequate, they're trained in the life skills to succeed in the greater galaxy, given a small stipend, and taken to wherever in the galaxy they want to go. A clean slate to start life anew with their time here not wasted either. But, once you feel the touch of the Force, it's hard to let it go. In my opinion, if you have the aptitude for being a Jedi, then there's no harm in trying. Right?"

@Tulos @AsenMahawa

 

[Thor Wolfe]

Much like how the vision through the Force showed, Hera was accompanied by another. Whether they were Master and Padawan; Rath was unsure. But given that Koemi lacked the typical braid that Padawans often wore as a symbol of their own status. Rath suspected that either this business was something else or simply a form of initiation. Regardless, it would be rude of him to interrupt their conversation and even more so if he ignored the rodian Padawan that sat beside him.

”It was a gift, and I turned the gift into some use.” Rath’s logic was simple, but he understood that there were other uses for Haysian Smelt given that it was typically used in the form of electronic keys or even splicing into other electronic devices. The rodian tilted his head, but the padawan simply shrugged his shoulders.

”I guess so. Seems like a waste to me. You do realize that even just a couple of pounds of haysian smelt is worth about ten thousand credits right?” By this point Rath took the liberty of sitting next to the rodian as he made no effort to deny the claim. It was a valuable resource after all.

”Naturally, and I’m sure it’ll be worth more in certain forms under the right market. But let’s focus on you for the moment. What is it that’s troubling you?” Granted the dark haired teen didn’t need to be force sensitive to tell that something was bothering the padawan, but if Rath could simply give the rodian a nudge in the right direction then perhaps things will work out.

The rodian fell silent as it slowly lowered its eyes to the floor. There was a mixture of grief and frustration building up within the rodian. Rather than shutting down those emotions, Rath simply waited until the Padawan spoke his piece without interruption.

”It’s… it’s about my parents… I haven’t gotten word from them in months, and I cannot shake off this terrible feeling that some awful fate fell upon them…” The rodian began to say as he was visibly upset. Frankly Rath knew a thing or two about what the padawan was going through. The visions Rath got were more like nightmares and chaotic. Most of them were disturbing enough, but perhaps it was because of these visions that Rath seemingly became numb to the sensations. Which led to him asking a question.

”Do you know where they are?” To this the rodian shifted his dark eyes over to the Padawan. Almost uncertain to answer, but mainly an unspoken question of why Rath was asking. To which the dark haired student shrugged his shoulders.

”It could be nothing, or it could be a warning. All I know is that when the opportunity presents itself then maybe you should investigate the disturbance to ensure the Force was telling the truth or not. I do recommend taking your master or someone equivalent with you for safe measure of course.” Not that he’ll blatantly say that he’ll go with the Padawan as there might be things that come up as life often did. And Rath wasn't the type to go around making promises that he may or may not be able to keep. He was a man of his word so to speak, and doesn’t like the inability to own up to it.

”But… Jedi aren’t allowed to have emotional attachment to family or anything like that. Wouldn’t this violate the code?” The rodian spoke as he was being fearful of abandoning all of the years he spent training to be a Jedi to be for naught. Rath raised a brow, and frankly he wasn’t sure how his master would like the upcoming words from Rath’s mouth.

”Only if you let your emotions take complete control over your mind. Besides, what you seek is answers, and it is the neglect of finding out what happened is gnawing at you. It’s even affecting your meditation which means that it’s hurting you from deep within. Until you come to terms with what happened and find peace within yourself it will keep hurting your focus the longer you push it to the side.” Of course by this point Hera might see it to interject with her own thoughts on the matter. But it was a delicate situation that Rath basically broke it down to simplistic terms. There was a reason why Rath progressed so quickly through his studies to be the Padawan he was today.

The words that left from Rath’s lips made sense as the rodian’s worry and concern began to ease. The more stuck up Jedi would probably discourage Rodian from seeking out what the Force was warning him about, but Rath was never the sort to uphold everything to the letter of a Jedi. He was after all a mercenary first, Jedi second. But of course Rath wasn’t going to go around spreading his true thoughts. Not directly at any rate.

@Black Noise @Tulos

 

[Koemi]

Taking her seat beside Hera, Koemi had finally found herself enveloped in the Jedi Councillor’s words. Not just listening because she had to, because it was the polite thing to do. She listened now because she was intrigued. In Hera’s words, there truly was little to no reason to at least attempt what was being asked of her. If she succeeded, then perhaps she could pursue a path within the Jedi that did not delve into violence. While members of the Order were renowned warriors, everyone in the galaxy had too heard the tales of the great healers, the negotiators, the humanitarians of the Jedi. And if she failed, then perhaps it would open new and different doors.

”It just seems so bizarre,” Koemi began, pausing as the lightsaber hilt was pulled from Hera’s robes and made to spin in the air before her. There was no denying the bewilderment in her blue eyes as she observed what essentially looked like a parlor magic trick, yet amazing all the same. ”- that people are just expected to live these perfect lives. People are bound to fuc-” Another pause, accompanied with blushing red cheeks. ”I mean, make mistakes. Sorry,” she finished sheepishly.

It was then that Hera held out the crystal for Koemi to inspect. She was hesitant at first. After all, if the old saturday morning cartoon holos were telling the truth, a glowing rock was only a great way to find yourself growing a third hand from your forehead. Gently she reached out and plucked the crystal from Hera’s hand and as her fingers touched it’s smooth surface, she immediately noticed how warm it was. Not to the physical touch but rather how it made the rest of her body feel. Almost as though she was entirely awash in the rays from the twin suns of Tatooine.

Whispers… Whispers followed. Koemi’s eyes closed softly as she listened, the rest of the temple fading away. She caught a glimpse of… Wait, was that Hera? Hera… and a group of Padawans, sparring on… Corellia. A young Zabrak boy. Full of life and cheesy jokes. For a moment, Koemi’s lips turned into a smile, almost as though she could hear them. Then… Battles. Carnage. Yavin IV. An overturned attack. This Zabrak was there too. Older now. Wiser. Angrier. But resolute. A beacon for his peers. Then finally, the beacon of light was snuffed out, bringing Koemi back to the here and the now.

”Maybe everything about this situation is bizarre,” Koemi whispered just loudly enough for Hera to hear her as she continued to inspect the crystal pinched between her fingers.

Spoiler

This is not psychometry but rather just the crystal communicating it's past to Koemi. Too many Jedi with that ability atm from my recollection lol

@Black Noise @AsenMahawa​

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Hera did not speak as the conversation carried on between Rath and the Rodian boy, rather, she waited and listened to their conversation for a moment to interject. Thankfully, Koemi granted her the perfect moment to respond in a manner that would not embarrass Rath or the Rodian. Smiling after Koemi spoke, Hera let a little bit more of her personality slip as she responded, "Well of course people are going to fuck," Hera emphasized that last word with a laugh, "And that's not forbidden, not anymore."

Reaching for her own lightsaber, she began to disassemble it with the Force. Its ancient parts clicked and groaned as they came apart, some pieces badly needed repair and Hera intended to begin doing just that. As she worked, she continued speaking, "The holo-movies and some of the older Jedi hold the opinion, wrongfully so, that the Jedi eschew attachments and forbid love. Quite the opposite nowadays, we encourage such things within moderation. It is not love that causes someone to 'make mistakes,' rather, it is allowing your passions to rule and guide your actions."

At that moment, she leaned back and remarked loud enough for the other pair to hear, "Forgive my intrusion, but if you sense a danger to your family or loved ones, notify a master. Let them know I called for an investigation, then accompany them home. Perhaps it is nothing, but it would not be good to ignore your feelings. Especially if something is wrong." Hera did not disagree with what Rath had said previously, and she was proud of him already for the grace with which he held himself in his conversation. If there was anyone who would not disparage him, it was Hera.

Sitting forward, she continued to disassemble her blade. Now, speaking a little quieter, she continued. "Love is a vital feeling, it reminds us that we are alive. To stifle it, shove it down, and pretend it does not exist, is beyond foolish. It is my opinion, and therefore the opinion of the Jedi council, that concealing love and fearing for it caused the downfall of the Jedi Order in the days of the Clone Wars. But I won't argue, this situation is bizarre. We, the Jedi, are bizarre."

A that, Hera held out her own crystal for Koemi to see, but not touch. The little orange thing was quite unlike the crystal from Crix's blade. It contained within it an overwhelming amount of feelings whirling around inside it. Gently, Hera allowed those feelings to seep out and into the room. Visions of love and hate, joy and anger, a small, white-haired woman and a much taller redhead. All these things reflected in the hundreds of years old crystal.

But most importantly, the little thing radiated Joy.

@Tulos @AsenMahawa

 

[Koemi]

To say Koemi was taken aback by Hera’s misinterpretation of her sentence would be a wild understatement. Even hearing the word ‘fuck’ come from Hera’s mouth under such context was jarring. All she could do as the Councillor continuously rambled on about how the Jedi were basically allowed to bump uglies was stare ahead absently, her jaw slightly agape as her blood flooded her cheeks far more than before.

”That’s.. That’s not…” she attempted to squeak out, but Hera continued on. Why did she feel like if this continued, she'd get the full 'birds and the bees' spiel? Honestly, this entire topic was causing her to want to lay down and die this very instant. Unfortunately, the powers that be were not forthcoming in granting that desire. Then the invasive thoughts began. Had Hera ever….? Koemi squinted her eyes tight and forced the thought from her mind. She didn’t need to force herself into therapy, Hera would do that on her own if this continued.

”Aaaaanyway,” the younger girl finally interjected with wide eyes as she adjusted her posture to sit perfectly upright, sliding ahead on her seat slightly to prevent making eye contact with the older woman at her side. The crystal was harder to miss as it’s energies radiated around them, only what she felt was vastly different from the crystal she still held in her hand. It had a story of it’s own and the vibrancy it gave off reflected as much.

”So what’s the deal with these things?” she began, desperate to shift the topic of conversation. It didn’t take a scholar to deduce that these two particular crystals were unique from one another, though perhaps if she wasn’t ‘sensitive to such things’ then she’d have missed it. ”-and why do you have two? I thought compensation was supposed to be reserved for the boys?” she quipped quickly. After all, she was fine if she made off-hand remarks but for an older person to do it? Well that was just weird and uncomfortable.

@Black Noise @AsenMahawa​

 

[Thor Wolfe]

As if on queue, Hera spoke her piece which honestly confirmed what Rath was saying to the Padawan. The dark haired teen silently nods in agreement as it was more or less what he anticipated. The rodian shifted his eyes between Rath and Hera almost like he was still unsure what was happening. Or rather questioning if it was really happening. Seeing the padawan like this, Rath hoped that the rodian was able to adjust to the opportunity. In truth he probably won’t have a better option than this, or at least that was Rath’s opinion.

”Yes, of course! Thank you, Master Hera. And… What was your name again?” The rodian questioned Rath as it wasn’t something the dark haired teen was stressed over for. Sure they’ve met and talked a few times before. However neither formally introduced each other until now.

”Rath Nihro.” Not that he’d expect his name to carry weight anywhere. At least, not here or anything under the Jedi’s control. The rodian eagerly nodded his head before shaking hands with Rath.

”My name is Ja’kun, and thank you both for this enlightenment!” With that being said, the padawan hurried off to speak with the other Masters. Leaving Rath to his thoughts as the Padawan felt a shift in the Force. Distant in his mind, yet an image of massive jagged teeth reaching up to a sky dyed red with the Rodian being at the center of a building complex. The surrounding area was blurry and incomprehensible that Rath couldn’t make out what they were. But all Rath knew was that the rodian Padawan was not alone. Whether this was an omen or not Rath couldn’t say for sure, but it certainly felt like the pinnacle of Ja’kun’s path.

Rath wasn’t going to pretend to hear everything that was happening between Hera and the newcomer, but he was able to deduce they were talking about the crystals at least if Koemi’s last words were anything to go by. The dark haired padawan noted the orange crystal that Hera was not too keen in letting the silver haired woman to touch unlike the other crystal.

”The kyber crystals are one of the few things grown naturally where you will feel like you’re actually touching the Force. Each crystal is attuned to the Force in varying degrees and can help focus your connection to the Force. Usually in the form of lightsabers, unless you go back in ancient times where they used the living crystals to forge their swords with the Force.” Rath explained to Koemi albeit he hoped that didn’t steal Hera’s thunder so to speak. Being taught by Hera, spending time in the libraries, and going out through the galaxy for various reasons have opened Rath’s mind to a lot of things. He would stand up to his feet as he approached the pair.

”Or if you just want to simplify it, they're your personal gems that are the vital component for your lightsabers to work.”

@Black Noise @Tulos

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Hera chuckled lightly at Koemi's responses. Had Hera misinterpreted something? Perhaps, but the Jedi Councilwoman was not the brightest lightsaber in regard to social situations. She talked too much, or too little, and never really understood other people. However, she didn't let that stop her from speaking her mind. Pulling her crystal away and reassembling her lightsaber blade, she kept quiet as Rath moved to talk with them.

As Rath finished, Hera nodded, "Yes, they are both a focus for Jedi to use the Force and a vital component of our weapons. I have two because I'm extra special~" Laughing at her own joke, Hera tapped the smaller hilt of hers, "This belonged to another Jedi who is, sadly, no longer with us. Sometimes, blades are buried with their owners, and sometimes they're carried on by others who knew them. While I'd like to say our lives are nothing but quiet adventures on backwater worlds, resolving small disputes and playing the part of monks, it's not the case.

"Our lives are incredibly dangerous, and there are many who wish us dead because they disagree with us religiously. We believe the Force is a tool meant to be studied and used to help people, and others, such as the Sith, believe the Force is a tool to dominate the weak and assert power. We oppose them when we can, sometimes we succeed, and sometimes we fail. But with me on the council, our failures will become fewer and far between, I can promise that."

What Hera said was something solemn and serious. However, her face did not reflect the gravitas of her words. Hera's face was marked by a wide and joyous smile. Danger and fighting were things Hera could not help but be excited by. Holding out her hand, Hera motioned for Koemi to hand back over the crystal so she might reassemble the second blade. "Well, enough of me talking so much. Tell me Koemi, do you have any questions for me? I'm not judgemental, ask whatever you want, or just say your head is empty if that's the truth."

Again, Hera laughed.

@Tulos @AsenMahawa

 

[Koemi]

As the younger boy moved to join in on the conversation, Koemi offered him a small smile and a nod but in her mind she couldn’t help but deduce from his words that he was entirely committed to the Jedi principles. ”Nerd,” she thought to herself, though her expression did nothing to betray her thoughts. Not that it mattered, Rath seemed like a nice enough young fellow, if not a bit long winded. Still, she was leaving this conversation with more insight than when she had started because of him.

”How long have you been a… Padalan? Padavon? Whatever they’re called,” Koemi asked of Rath. ”Seems like you know your shit,” she added with a smirk.

”Special? Yea, I’d use that term too,” she would joke to Hera, though her smile would fade as the Councillor elaborated on the passing of her friend. She wasn’t familiar with the sensation of losing someone, she never knew anyone long enough to grow a bond that could be shattered like that, but she had witnessed the news being broken to people of someone’s death. It didn’t seem pleasant, a wave of sorrow for Hera hitting her briefly.

She didn’t need to tell Koemi that a Jedi’s life was dangerous, the memory of Chandrila flashing across her mind. But as she explained in vague detail the difference between the Sith and the Jedi, she couldn’t help but wonder why someone wouldn’t utilize these powers for their own benefit. Maybe not to ‘dominate the weak’ as she alluded to but to just ensure that oneself is well off. ”Why did both of you become a Jedi? Voices whispering in your ears telling you to go do good deeds?” she asked, still smirking until her eyes settled on the ever chuckling Master. Suddenly it wasn’t just a jest of good intention; she wouldn’t be surprised if Hera did hear voices telling her lame jokes all the damn time. What the hell made this woman snap like that??

@Black Noise @AsenMahawa​

 

[Hera "The Joyful" Albion]

Hera smiled gently as Koemi spoke, the girl seemed as though she was slowly softening and opening up throughout their conversation. Looking back to the second lightsaber as she reassembled it, Hera thought for but a moment before responding to Koemi's question. "This is the life I was born into, never knew my parents, Jedi raised me, the whole deal. But it's also the life that I want to lead. I don't know if I fit the proper look and feel of a Jedi Councilor when all I want is to be a space wizard protecting the ones closest to me. But that's the truth!"

Hera laughed and put her lightsabers away. Reaching up to her face involuntarily she wiped away tears. 'Why am I crying?' Hera thought through a smile, 'Tears of joy? Something else?' Looking at Koemi, she hiccuped a laugh and spoke, "I'm sorry, I'm losing a b-bit of control of myself." Calming down both her voice and her emotions with a simple mantra, "Breathe Hera, breathe," Hera continued, "I am probably the best indication though that the Jedi aren't perfect, and we don't expect anyone to be. Everyone in the galaxy is just doing the best we can, and since we Jedi have great abilities, we have a great responsibility to use them properly. It's not just about doing good deeds, it's also about not doing evil."

Standing up and clearing her throat, Hera retained full control of her emotions and laid a casual grin across her features. "I do apologize, I will need to move on to other duties now. You are welcome to stay here, Koemi, in fact, I'd encourage you to. But if you think this may not be for you, I won't hold it against you." At that, Hera stepped back. She did not leave yet. The Jedi Councilor wanted to see if Koemi made her decision now or if the young woman desired to wait a little longer.

@Tulos

 

[Koemi]

Rath stood there, motionless. Blanked out. The lights were on but no one was home. Koemi waited a moment for a response but soon realised she’d be waiting for an eternity. ”Right then,” she replied sheepishly, a concerned look on her face as she turned her attention back to Hera.

Seeing Hera, a woman who was renowned for laughter and joy (albeit often at entirely inappropriate times) tear up was heart softening. But perhaps it demonstrated that maybe, just maybe, she and Koemi shared more in common than she had originally believed. Neither of them knew their parents, but Hera had landed here with the Jedi whereas she had been dropped off on the steps of an orphanage. Perhaps if the circumstances were different, she’d have already been on the path to becoming a Jedi. Maybe there was a reason she had been brought here after all.

”Hera, wait,” Koemi called after the Councillor as she began to walk away. Standing from the bench and straightening the creases on her pants, she locked eyes with the older woman with a newfound sense of determination. ”When do I start my classes?”

End Thread?

@Black Noise​