[Pre-TFS] Letting the adults talk

[Richie B.]

Three years ago
​

The war between the exiles and Jedi have been raging for years, Jon didn't quiet take part in the actual battle's but at least Dulas allowed Jon to be near the war room where the other knights and masters talked. Jon just stood outside walking back and forth, the usual Jedi robes were on Jon, and he didn't have a lightsaber yet, but he did carry a vibroblade on his side. It wasn't much but it was the only weapon he could have right now. The number of Jedi here were more then he had ever seen really, but still it didn't go past 40 Jedi it seemed, which kind of shock the young knight. If the Jedi were having such a hard time in this war why would Dulas ask Jon to join now? Was Jon only to become a weapon in this war, but why would Dulas then make sure Jon never saw real combat? There was plenty of questions that needed to be asked but Jon didn't want to talk about it with his master. Being only 16 years old, his body betrayed him, this was going to be the peak or at least close to it when his emotions would be the hardest to control.

Still Jon had plenty of time to mediate both on serious questions and to better keep his fear in check, he never been in a real battle with a exile before. What would it be like? Would Jon be force to kill someone? Jon had lived his entire life wanting to make sure no live was taken by his hand. And now that choice might just be taken away from him, because of this war. That being said from the Jedi teachings doesn't war go against what they are suppose to do, Jon just couldn't understand how these people can continue to protect everyone after taking a life. But Jon could also see how heavy this war is on those people. These Jedi who have been fighting for years have that look of stress, and worry which gave Jon a source of wisdom that he was sure these Jedi didn't mean to give. War only breed pain, and sadly these Jedi were suppose to be the gate keepers for that pain.

Still Jon sat across from the door, legs crossed eye's closed his hands lay open on his knees. Waiting for his master to get out and for them to be sent to their next mission.

@Invictus @Tolboe

 

[Tolboe]

Kol was meeting his old master outside the building. He was running a bit late. Master Saxo Dayn was already at the entrance, tapping his foot with his arms crossed across his chest – impatient as he was, when things didn't go exactly as agreed upon. It had been some four months since they had last talked, and Saxo couldn't keep the scowl going for long when Kol finally came closer – it turned into a friendly smile as he greeted him with open arms.

"Kol Tulsi!", Saxo exclaimed, "Look at you, growing more and more wrinkles every time we meet!"
"Strange coming from you, old man – What is that I see? Gray streaks in your hair?" Kol responded with a short laugh.​

The two Jedi entered the building and went to the elevator, as Saxo commented on Kol's punctuality – or lack there of.

Most of the way up in the elevator, Kol couldn't stop wondering wether or not Korang Ar would be there – he hadn't seen her in years. He knew better than to ask his old master about her. Saxo was a relatively easy man to anger, and he never approved of Kol's and Korang's feelings towards each other, but promised not to mention it, instead lecturing a younger Kol about the Jedi Code – they were young when they met each other, Saxo couldn't blame anyone for showing interest in another person as long as they didn't act on it.

As if sensing Kol's thoughts were elsewhere, Saxo asked him how he was doing.

"I'm holding up, Master – it's gotten a lot better... Thank you for asking", he responded, followed by a short silence.
"As I told you, time mends all wounds... Have you thought about taking a young one under your wing, my friend?"​

Kol shot his friend a quick look.

"No, Master! I, uh... Haven't... Not yet." He said hesitantly.​

Saxo nodded, lowering his gaze to the floor, "Alright Kol... Alright," he said in an almost whispering voice, "I'm sorry for asking you again..."

The sudden stop of the elevator made the hilts of their lightsabers clink on their belts. Kol never really liked elevators, closed deathtraps flying up and down with impressive speed – he was happy to finally be able to exit the metal box on rails.
Kol Tulsi and Saxo Dayn walked briskly towards the doors of the war room, ready to receive their next briefing and assignments.

 

[Richie B.]

Jon had kept his eyes closed until he heard the elevator opened up, listening to two knight's walking towards the door to the war room. The young Padawan had gotten up and looked at the two older man walking to the door. Jon could feel the somewhat weight of these two walking before him. Jon didn't really have a understanding of what they had gone though but from everything Dulas his master has told him, there was some idea in his head.

"Hello masters." Jon would say before they walk into the door, bowing to them, it was the right thing to do when you see your peers and those with more experience and wisdom then yourself.

Though he knew the war meeting was more important Jon was a bit anxious to at least talk with one of them before they went in. Not that they would probably care about a really young knight, but if they would stop, Jon was hoping to know what their experiences in the war has been like. His master had only given vague descriptions of what battle is like. It was a bit overwhelming but maybe Dulas simply wished to scary Jon from participating in these battles. It made Jon feel that his master didn't believe in his ability but also that he cared which did make Jon a bit conflicted.

Still he would lift his head and just wait to see them go into the war room after which if they don't speak with him would make Jon continue to sit down with his legs crossed. But if one or both stayed, Jon would have a hard time not showing the large smile and attempt a conversation about the questions in his head.

@Tolboe @Invictus

 

[Tolboe]

The two Jedi got closer and closer to the door – the hallway was certainly longer than it appeared, or was this just in Kol's head? The thought, no the possibility, of Korang being there made him... Anxious? Nervous? Excited? He couldn't really put a finger on it. Saxo's previous question didn't help.

"Hello masters." it sounded from the young knight, bowing near the door. He seemed... Curious, to Kol.

Kol's palms got warm, sweaty almost. The young knight was around the same age as... He was. Kol shook the thought out of his head. It wasn't him. It had been six months since... No, the thought was too much for Kol still.

"Go ahead, friend. I am already running late – what harm would a little more do?" Kol said to Saxo. A small smile appeared on Saxo's lips, he knew why.
"Sure, Kol," he nodded, as he entered the room – and bowed his head to the young Padawan in passing.

Kol bowed fully for the young man. "Greetings young one. I'm Kol Tulsi, and not a master yet – what's on your mind friend?"

@Richie B. @Invictus

 

[Richie B.]

Jon watched as the two older knights separated while one went into the meeting as the other stayed out with him. Which Jon appreciated so he nodded to the other knight who joined the war room, while he faced the man that stayed with him. Apparently this man was called Kol Tulsi, though Jon was a bit surprised to see the older knight bow to him. It did made Jon smile though seeing that the older man seem to respect him.

"Hello Kol, I was just wondering how goes the war?" Jon wasn't quiet sure how we wanted to go about asking these sort of questions but he put his hands in front of him, his right hand grabbing his left wrist while he looked at the older knight.

Jon had helped heal those hurt in the battles with their exile brothers and sisters. So he knew how some of the Jedi felt about this war, but he never really had the chance for a open discussion about it with anyone really. Still Jon didn't hope to bother his older ally with questions that might cause heartache. The young knight waited to hear a response before trying to ask any other questions.

@Tolboe @Invictus

 

[Tolboe]

As the young man asked Kol, how the war was going, he was taken aback by the direct question. It was appreciated though; he never liked dancing around a subject.

"The war has been hard on both us and them, kid. I have a feeling the war will end soon enough, it cannot go on forever... At least I hope not..." Kol said, almost sighing, before he continued with a more serious tone; "War is not as heroic as it's often portrayed... But I sense, you know this. Yet, I am certain we will emerge victorious – we must – the Force will always seek to be in balance!" Kol continued, trying to make his response seem more hopeful than it may have been – in truth, he had no idea how it would end. How could he? Everything could change in moments; every plan, every tactic, every strategic maneuver could mean the difference between victory and defeat. All he could really do, was hope and trust in the Force.

"Speaking of which, I should really get through those doors, friend. May the Force be with you, young one." He said, as he bowed once more to the knight, excusing himself.

@Richie B. @Invictus

 

[Vulcan]

Standing around the war room charting table with several other Jedi Knights and Masters, Raynn was awaiting the arrival of the last two Jedi to be attending the meeting. He listened as the others chattered amongst themselves before the briefing could begin. Raynn and the others had been summoned for security assignments and other minor objectives to help The Order finish the war swiftly.

The door slid open as Raynn "saw" a new force signature entering the room. This form of seeing was more of a guiding sense which allowed him a form of sight other people would not comprehend. As is natural by his race of Miraluka he senses his surroundings and sensed the new force signature as a familiar and friendly entity.

"Ahhh, my old friend. Master Saxo, very nice of you to arrive." Raynn playfully jeered to his old friend.

"I assume Knight Kol be will joining us soon, so we may begin our briefing?"

As the comment was digested almost if on cue the door slid open once more.

"Knight Kol, heh. I will still have to get use to that. It was not long ago that you and I joined the order and began our learning. Now look at you, sorry I ramble. Let us begin. Master if you are ready, I believe we are all in attendance."

 

[Richie B.]

Jon listened to the man's words, hearing the serious tone from the older knight he could tell that it was a very heavy topic for him. And it seemed to be the same for most of the Jedi in the war. Which isn't surprising considering what has been happening, the fighting had been going on for nearly a century and no side seemed ready to give up. But what he said about war not being heroic made sense, and still his hope for the Jedi's win seemed just a bit despite, but Jon hope it didn't mean anything.

"Thank you master, may the force be with you as well." Jon knew the man was not a master but he was a more elder knight which did make it appropriate to do.

Looking inside for a single second Jon saw several masters and knights standing around a charting table, with one older gentleman speaking. It wasn't the most hope inspiring sights but it did show the will to protect and continue going from these Jedi that did bring a spark of hope in him.

@Invictus @Tolboe

 

[Vulcan]

"Good, now that we have all arrived. We all know the war has been long, and we have lost many brothers and sisters both from falling and turning to the exile way, and on the field of battle. I'm here with your final mission. As a means to secure our future I want several of you to form small groups or safe zones for us jedi across the galaxy. Spread yourselves out and wait for others to find you. Your data pad has been updated with details about your assignments. Also maintain comm silence until contacted by other members of The Order. Guarenteeing our ability to continue our work is not destroyed with a single blow. Any questions? None? Okay good, and remember may the force be with you, always." Jedi Master Shrel Du Mahn announced to the small gathering of Knights and Masters.

Rayynn checked his data pad.
Master Dulas
Master Saxo
Knight Kol
Knight Rayynn
Knight Jon
This is your group, you will be serving with them closely for awhile so we stuck those together who seemed fitting. Your mission is to chart a course to Kessel and await for orders. While there blend in and don't cause trouble.
Rayynn examined this info as to understand it. Kessel of all places was interesting but what better place to hide than a planet full of slimy crimelords.
"Well, shall we then gentleman. Surely what ever awaits us on Kessel should be not a problem for this group, you are all formidable in your way and I have worked with you before." Rayynn acknowledged the group of his already forming together as they pathed towards the door. As he joined them in stride he continued.
"What of the young boy, is he ready to take care of others and follow orders by us? I sense his connection is strong and his heart pure but you have had a long exposure to him Dulas."

 

[Tolboe]

After Rayynn had acknowledge the handful of Jedi, Kol turned his attention to Saxo Dayn.
"Kessel, huh? I have never been there – have you, master?" Kol asked his old mentor.
"I have not," he answered, "I have heard that's it full of garbage – of the living kind."

Kol knew all too well, that Saxo didn't think highly of criminals and other lowlives, as some would call them. He shared his master's viewpoint, to a certain degree – yet sometimes, he could swear, that Saxo thought of them as lesser beings.

"I see – good thing we're not being sent there to clean up then... They want us to find a secure location to settle down for the time being." Kol added, just to make sure they were on the same page.
"Indeed, my friend." Saxo said, but then muttered something to himself – it was not very audible, but Kol could have sworn he said something to the effect of "But it wouldn't hurt to remove some of the dirt of the place..."

Master Saxo Dayn had always been sort of extreme – but luckily without falling from grace. He was a formidable Jedi, and a very strong warrior – Kol was certainly happy, that he was on the side of the Light.

The group of Jedi strides towards the doubled doors, where the young knight would certainly still be sitting.

"What of the young boy, is he ready to take care of others and follow orders by us? I sense his connection is strong and his heart pure but you have had a long exposure to him Dulas." Rayynn asked Master Dulas, whom were both walking a bit in front of Kol and Saxo.

@Richie B. @Invictus