Ask Seeding Flowers

[Quin Leonkri]

The freighter hissed as it settled gently on a landing pad at the edge of the refugee camp on Balamak. It was stuffed with crates of food, water, and medical supplies for the relief effort, and Quin was eager to start the distribution. There was a camp full of Wookies who needed their help, and after everything they’d been through, Quin was more than ready to do what he could to help rebuild all they had lost.

It was his duty, as a Jedi.

The thought that normally reassured him only caused him to waver now. He couldn’t get the image of children being strapped to the outside of a ship out of his mind. He still couldn’t believe that it had been Jedi who had come up with the idea. But as he stood up from the co-pilot’s seat, he pushed the thought away. Whatever had happened in the past, however recent, he had to focus on helping the Wookies. And right now, that meant getting them the supplies they needed, regardless of how they might feel about him and Master Solus.

“I’m going to start unloading the supplies, bring the medical supplies over to the hospital.” Quin was just about to head out as the door of the cockpit opened, before he suddenly remembered that the Jedi knight was technically the one in charge here. His cheeks turning slightly red in embarrassment, he glanced at Ruus’all.

“If… that’s okay with you, master?”

@Charles

 

[Ruus’all Solus]

Kashyyyk was an utter shit show, and it gripped Ruus'all's being with guilt. He could've been there to stop those two idiots who called themselves Jedi from doing anymore damage that was already caused. Now, more than ever probably, the Jedi Order was relentlessly hated upon by the rest of the galaxy. Which wasn't good. It was hard enough fending against the Sith. If things kept going the way they were...the Jedi would be put in another corner with the shadow of Order 66 cast by those who wanted the Jedi out of the way.

But, there was no time to think about stuff like that right now. Especially with a Padawan. Ruus'all composed himself and took a deep breath. He was the King of Chill! He better start acting like it. The poor kid wasn't feeling alright about Kashyyyk either- and who wouldn't be? Ruus'all could sense Quin's minor distress like a little ripple in a pond. Maybe some words of encouragement would do the trick.

"Alright, kid- Quin, was it? El numero uno; Don't call me Master. It makes me feel old. I'm not old, heheh. Call me, Ruus, or if you have a cool nickname, I'm all about those." Ruus'all didn't want this kid to be too uptight for this mission. "Number two; If you've got a good idea, go with it. You're practicing to be a Knight, right? Be independent and make decisions for yourself, because one day, you might need to make crucial decision that could potentially save the lives of others. Pretty cool, right?" The Mando-Jedi was not your stereotypical Jedi Knight, and he wanted to make sure Quin knew that he was as low key as he sounded. "And number three...I've got nothing. Let's get to work!"

Using the Force, Ruus'all carried several crates filled with medical supplies out of the hatch behind him as he walked towards the hospital. "Remember, Quin, if you're calm and relaxed, everyone else will be, too. This may not be a war, but it'll teach you how to keep your cool in high stress situations."

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

Quin let out an inward sigh of relief. It was his first time doing a mission like this without his master, which was a little daunting in of itself, but he was more than glad to be with a knight who seemed so easygoing. Although he would still do his best, it was good to know that there wouldn’t be someone breathing down his back the entire time.

“Yes, mas- Ruus.” Quin smiled, catching himself just in time. Ruus’all’s advice about being calm and relaxed had been reassuring, and he did his best to keep himself that way. The Padawan followed him into the cargo hold, and as the ramp lowered, Quin loaded a hovercart with as many boxes as he could before taking the handle and pulling it down the ramp. Ruus’all, on the other hand, was carrying them with the Force, and Quin looked forward to the day when he would be strong enough to do something like that.

The pair of Jedi had soon arrived at the hospital. The inside was as busy as it could be, with nearly every bed occupied and nurses hurrying around to as many patients as they could. But it only took a few seconds for one of them to stop and notice the Jedi who had entered the building, and Quin could feel the utter relief washing off the man in waves.

“Thank the stars you two are here,” the man said as he approached, wiping the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. “We’ll need those supplies in the back, quickly. There are many in need of them.” He sniffed, looking at Ruus’all and then at Quin. “Do either of you have medical experience? There’s a girl who has some minor injuries, burns mostly, with a fractured arm. Most of our doctors have been helping the patients in more serious conditions, and we haven’t gotten to her yet. Once you drop off your supplies, would you be up for it?”

@Charles

 

[Ruus’all Solus]

Quin seemed to ease up a little just in time as the two walked in on a saddening chaos. Doctors were rushing everywhere to tons of furry injured patients. After gently and neatly setting down the medical supplies, a man had approached the two asking for a simple favor. The Mando-Jedi gave a quick nod of his head in acknowledgement, "Where is she? I can help with the burns, but I'm not experienced enough to mend broken bones yet." Ruus'all said earnestly before nudging Quin with his elbow.

"See? I'm still learning the ropes, too." Ruus chuckled before following the doctor to where a little Wookiee had been set down on a comfortable hospital bed. Her wounds were nothing compared to the fear and immense sadness that echoed from the little one. It was official. Ruus'all Solus' heart was broken, and all he could do about it was sigh and get to work.

"Hey there, sport!" Ruus greeted the little she-Wookiee calmly. The Mando-Jedi had taken his helmet off to reassure her that he was just another human. Not a terrorist Mandalorian or a merciless stormtrooper. He was Ruus'all Solus. A Jedi Knight. "You must be one tough son-of-gun, aren't yuh?" He complimented. The little Wookiee slowly nodded her head in agreement, making it quite obvious that she was in pain, if you couldn't tell already.

"Can you be tough for me just one more time? It'll take a short while. You'll feel much better, I promise." He outstretched a hand as an offer to hold her own. Tentatively, the little one took it and squeezed tight. That was when Ruus'all closed his eyes and reached out to tug at the powers the Light Side of the Force had offered him. He felt the life force of the Wookiee and he could feel and see his own. Slowly and steadily, Ruus began to transfer bits of his life energy to the little one, patching her burned tissue and mending her surface wounds. He even did his best to fix the bruises on her arm so it would be in a little less pain.

"There you go. Feel better?" The little Wookiee had been shutting her eyes closed during the whole process, and her reaction when she finally opened them was priceless. She growled and roared with surprise and glee that her burned wounds had healed and even managed to give Ruus'all a one armed hug as a thank you. "Woah! Woah! Steady, now. You've got to rest and relax some. I don't want your arm getting any worse, alright? A really nice doctor guy will show up and put it in a cast for you." Ruus'all chuckled. The Wookiee gave a quicker and surer nod than the first one she had given, which made the Mando-Jedi feel even better about the situation.

I love my job...

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

Fear and sorrow. He’d felt them before, himself and from others, but never so strongly from a child. The pain in her eyes was something he never wished to see again in anyone, least of all from a little girl. So, Quin did his best to send out waves of calm with the Force as Ruus’all worked on her injuries. Soon, she seemed better both physically and mentally, and Quin couldn’t help a smile forming on his face when he saw the transformation.

“That’s right! As a matter of fact, I can help you with that cast right now. It’ll be temporary, but it’ll last until a doctor gets here. That way you won’t have to worry about your arm,” he said, giving her a grin as he knelt down in front of the bed. The medical supplies the two Jedi had brought in had more than enough materials for a small cast, and soon enough the little Wookie had one tied tightly around her arm.

Looking down at her new cast, the Wookie flashed a toothy grin back at him and gave a little roar of happiness. He had no doubt that it meant ‘thank you’, and that little exchange meant more to him than any extravagant gift his parents could give.

“You know, I think we make a good team,” he said to Ruus’all with a smile as he got back up to his feet. But before he could add anything more, the doctor from earlier had come back with an apologetic look on his face.

“Apologies if I’ve interrupted anything,” he began, and at Quin’s shake of his head he went on. “Thank you for helping Sugi, it is much appreciated.” The little Wookie nodded at that, and the doctor gave her a fond smile before turning back to the pair of Jedi. “However, your assistance is needed elsewhere. It’s nearly noon, and our kitchen staff is having a difficult time keeping up with the demand for lunch, let alone distribution around the camp. There are two carts with food trays and water bottles waiting for you in the kitchen, once you get cleaned up. Thank you again, Master Jedi.”

Once the Jedi had voiced their acknowledgement and the doctor left to go back to work, Quin turned back to Sugi.

“Stay strong, little friend. May the Force be with you,” he would say before waiting for Ruus’all to head over to the kitchen.

@Charles

 

[Ruus’all Solus]

Quin was quite the Padawan. He seemed to be handling himself as well as Ruus had been. Watching the apprentice bandage Sugi's arm with ease and a calm composure gave Ruus'all a proud burning feeling in his chest- Or, it was heartburn from the coffee he had before coming to Balamak. Either way, the Jedi Order had a bright future and Quin was going to make one hell of a Knight.

"We are quite the duo, heheh." Ruus agreed with Quin's comment. The Mando-Jedi was kind of a Padawan Daddy, as he seemed to just pick up kids who didn't have masters and give them a little bit of his insight. He currently had two apprentices, but both of them were close to becoming Knights in the Order. So, Ruus'all kept note of the Padawans like Quin just incase someone needed someone to spar with.

"Operation Let The Wookiees Eat, is a go, sir." Ruus said, turning his attention to the doctor. Following Quin into the kitchen, the Mando-Jedi was psyched to show off his mastery of the Force again like he did with the medical crates. "Alright, I'm gonna give you a quick lesson on the Force; Size doesn't matter, but quantity does. These trays are small, but there's a ton of them." Ruus'all began focusing on the food trays and water bottles, and instead of leashing them like a tether, he focused the Force into a bowl. This allowed Ruus'all to carry more trays while sparing himself the concentration demand it would've been if he had tried keeping each leash intact.

"So...focus on a group and on the fact that it's a group. Not the individual objects, but the entirety as a whole." Ruus'all set the trays and water bottles down in an orderly manner. "Give it a shot! And don't be afraid to start small, you don't need to impress me- though, I am easily impressed, heheh." If Quin could master this within a few minutes, this next little task would be a breeze.

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

“Well. That’s definitely true.” Quin blinked, looking at the numerous trays laid out on the table, ready to be loaded onto their respective carts. There were so many of them, and it would take ages for them to be put onto the carts, ready to deliver. It was no wonder that the kitchen staff hadn’t had time to do it, but he couldn’t help wondering how they were supposed to complete the task.

He didn’t have to wait long for a solution, however. In just a few moments, his eyes widened when he saw Ruus’all lift up a whole bunch of trays and water bottles with just the Force, just like he’d done with the boxes.

“Whoa.”

Despite the boxes being heavier, he found this even more impressive— it seemed like it required a lot more focus. Then the Jedi knight asked Quin to try, and his immediate reaction was to shake his head and step back quickly.

“I can’t— I’m going to spill it all,” he fretted, looking nervously in between Ruus’all and the food. The kitchen staff, not to mention the Wookies, would be furious! But how else would they deliver the trays in time for lunch if they didn’t use the Force? Left with no other option, Quin decided to give it a try. He still didn’t feel great about it, though.

“Pleeease work,” he whispered out loud as he tried to do what Ruus’all had said about focusing on the trays and water bottles as a group. Maybe it was best to focus on the latter first— they could be dropped and it wouldn’t harm a thing. A brief plan in mind, Quin imagined an invisible net scooping up all the water bottles on the table, and lo and behold, when he opened his eyes, they were floating in front of him!

“I did it!” he exclaimed excitedly before he consequently lost focus on a couple of them. The bottles at the edge of the “net” dropped to the ground, rolling a bit and coming to a stop soon afterwards. Quin set the rest of them down on the cart, mouthing a quick “oops” before running over to pick them up and put them in their right spots.

@Charles

 

[Ruus’all Solus]

Well, this was a pretty great day by Ruus'all's standards. He was fulfilling his duties as a Jedi Knight (and being productive in general) and he was able to teach and guide the next generation! The age gap between Quin and the Mando-Jedi wasn't huge, but it was still noteworthy. Watching him master a Force technique that would benefit Quin and others in the future made Ruus feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

"Woah! Way to go, man!" Ruus helped Quin pick up some of the water bottles and patted the younger Jedi on the back. "Hey, if you practice this for the rest of today, you should have it down and ready to go." Quin's gift with the Force was pretty remarkable, especially for a Padawan. "Let's get these refugees fed. They've probably had a rough couple of days." And with that, Ruus'all got to work, using the Force as a bowl again to carry larger amounts of food trays and water bottles alike.

Ruus went row by row, delivering the food and water to those that didn't have it already. The process was working much faster than whatever was happening before. Now the cooks didn't have to worry about anything being held back. They could prepare the meals at a steady pace so Quin and Ruus could feed the five thousand.

Recently, Ruus had gotten into mixing and making music of his own after Caris destroyed his speakers. Ruus'all had gotten new ones, but the playlist was filled with Ruus'all's own music this time. After the first delivery run was finished, Ruus turned his speakers on, but made sure to keep the volume at a reasonable level so as to not bother any of the patients. Hopefully, the Wookiees would appreciate the songs better than Caris had.

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

“You think so?” Quin looked at the trays and bottles that remained on the table. The carts were only so big, and it would be a lot more efficient if he was able to carry as many as Ruus’all was with the Force in addition to it. Maybe he could give it a try, and see how it went. He grinned when the Jedi knight patted him on the back and decided to give it a try, though he wouldn’t carry as many as Ruus’all was. He was far from being on the level of a knight.

Quin scooped up about a dozen bottles with the Force, concentrating on keeping it a short distance behind him as he went to push the cart, following Ruus’all. As they made their way through the camp, handing food and water to anyone who needed it, Quin found himself starting to enjoy the music playing from Ruus’all’s speakers. He hadn’t been able to listen to it for long back on Kashyyyk, but now that they weren’t under threat from giant spiders, it was actually nice to be able to work to some music.

Soon, Quin had gotten rid of the bottles he’d been carrying with the Force and was left with just a couple of trays on his cart. He hadn’t even realized how much time had passed. Seeing the smiles on the Wookies’ faces and their happiness when they received their meal had brightened his own mood significantly. Even if it was just one meal, he was glad to have made a small positive difference in their lives.

After he gave out the last tray, he turned his cart around to go back to the kitchen and pick up more. On the way, he glanced at Ruus’all, a question he’d been wondering since they’d arrived having popped into his head once more.

“Master Ruus?” He paused, trying to think of a way to phrase it as he continued to walk. “What is it like, being a knight? Do you do stuff like this often?”

@Charles

 

[Ruus’all Solus]

"Yes, I think so." Ruus affirmed the Padawan. He meant it, too. The Force took practice and perseverance to master, and the Mando-Jedi believed Quin could do just that. Bridled ambition could do wonders for anyone- Force sensitive or not.

After Ruus'all had finished passing out food and water, via the Force bowl thingy, he heard the word Master escape from Quin's lips. A kind smile spread across Ruus' face from behind his helmet. Then, his expression shifted into a more contemplative one after Quin asked his question.

What was it like to be a Jedi Knight? Well, it wasn't much different from being a Padawan, if Ruus'all was going to be honest. One of the major differences, however, was the amount of freedoms you had along with and responsibilities that came with the freedom.

But, there was always something to learn as Ruus expressed earlier with his skills as a Force healer. There were still days where Ruus'all had to go to his old master, Russel Monti, for questions, advice, and training. There were days where the Mando-Jedi found himself taking down drug cartels on Coruscant with lovely strangers who weren't Jedi, and then there were days where he participated in Jedi related operations.

"As a Knight...you're able to really set down the path you want to. I never really felt like a true Jedi until I became a Knight. As a Padawan, you're still trying to learn the basics, but then as a Knight, you're supposed to shape what you were taught into an art of your own so you can pass it on to other Padawans so they can become Knights and do the same as you." Ruus explained, regarding the mention of M-word.

"You get sent wherever you're needed. I wouldn't have been called to Kashyyyk if I were some healer mystic that wasn't proficient in Vaapad- NOT to disparage healer mystics, because they have a place, too. Honestly, I have no idea why I was called here, but the Force works in mysterious ways, and I'm not going to argue with the Council." He chuckled a bit, hoping that was an answer Quin was looking for.

"But, I also get to have some free time. Sometimes I spend it with my lady, sometimes I spend it fighting dragons...sometimes I spend time with my lady while fighting dragons! Or sometimes I work in the forge and make some music. I like to be productive, and my version of relaxing can be a little different for other people."

Was Quin having a hard time with the Order? "Why do you ask, bud?"

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

Quin listened thoughtfully as Ruus’all gave his response. The prospect of becoming a full knight was something he’d frequently thought about, though the amount of weight the title carried was a little daunting to think about. Fortunately, it was a long way off. He was interested in what Ruus’all was saying nonetheless, thinking about his words as he wheeled the cart back into the kitchen to pick up more food. Although, this time it would be delivered to those who were staying in the residential part of the camp.

“That makes sense.” Quin nodded at the bit about why they were sent here, looking at the knight in surprise when he mentioned what he could assume was his specialty. “You know Vaapad? Isn’t that one of the most difficult forms to learn?” He was impressed indeed if Ruus’all was proficient in it, and though Quin had had some basic lightsaber training in the past, he wasn’t that good at it yet. Far from it, in fact.

He smiled as he listened to Ruus’all as he went on about his hobbies, loading up his cart in the meantime. Fighting dragons sounded terrifying, but if he was good at combat and had someone to help him, it might not have been so bad. His version of relaxing was different from Quin’s for sure. And as he finished filling up the cart again and picking another dozen bottles with the Force, he glanced back when Ruus’all asked about him.

“Being a knight… it seems so close, but so far away at the same time,” Quin admitted. “On one hand, it would be cool being a full Jedi, being able to do more for the Order, but on the other… I don’t think I’ll ever be capable enough to deal with all the responsibility.” He scratched his head. “If I make a mistake as a knight… it affects more than just myself. Like what happened on Kashyyyk. Plus, the knights I know, like you, are so good at what they do. Healing, teaching, or being in combat, they make it look so easy. And I’m not good at any of those.” He smiled ruefully before pushing his cart out of the kitchen. “That’s why I asked. I wanted to hear your thoughts.”

@Charles

 

[Ruus’all Solus]

"You'll get there, bud. It'll take some time and practice, but if you really want it, you'll find what you're looking for." Ruus understood that feeling. He was an exceptionally late bloomer, so the road he had to take was much harder than the rest of the Padawans now Knights that became Knights with him. Playing catch up was never fun, but knowing that you finished and accomplished everything you needed to always felt great.

"You're a smart kid, too. I would never worry about you making a decision like those idiots did on Kashyyyk. And don't worry about being like someone else. Be you! That's all you really can do, anyway. Trying to live up to someone isn't worth it, trust me. Live up to what you know you can be." Quin was a cool guy, and Ruus wanted him to understand that. "And a very green, old, wrinkly Jedi Master once said...The greatest teacher, failure is...It's okay to make mistakes. I've made a ton. And I've learned from them and moved on. Don't be afraid to fail- if I was, I would never have been able to use Vaapad. But like I said before, you're a smart kid, and the fact that you don't agree with what the two Jedi did on Kashyyyk, that means you'd never repeat something like that."

Ruus hoped Force Ghost Yoda wouldn't haunt him for the rest of his life for botching the impression, but hopefully Quin got the message. The fear of failure was what turned a lot of Jedi away from the Order. Anakin Skywalker was probably the best example. The Chosen One was so afraid of failing to keep his wife alive that he ended up killing her himself. Yes, the Order had been having a rough time lately, but the Jedi that are willing to move forward and continue to fight for a life worth living, then the galaxy would be in good hands.

"Like Sugi, you can't give up after getting burned. You have to walk through the fire sometimes, and maybe it'll hurt like Hell, but once you're finished, you'll be stronger than any Sith Lord or Dark Sider that you come across. There's this legend of a Jedi that had mastered the Light in such a way, they could quench the darkness inside the Sith and save them. So...never stop learning. And never stop failing. Because if you never fail, then you'll never learn."

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

“You mean Master Yoda?” Quin grinned at the impression. He had no idea what the old grandmaster had sounded like, so he couldn’t judge. But it did help him feel a lot better about being a Jedi, and eased his worries at least for the time being.

“Thanks, Ma-” Quin caught himself again. “Ruus.” Gotta remember that. He was so used to calling those above him in rank “master”, and it felt strange referring to Ruus’all by a nickname. Although, like the Jedi knight said, as a learner, failure was what would help him grow. Even with small details like these— who knew, maybe one day he would save himself from accidentally addressing a high-ranking politician the wrong way.

Quin didn’t say anything more as he pushed his cart toward the dining area in the residential part of the camp. This time, the Jedi wouldn’t have to give out the food themselves, as there was already a long line of Wookies there waiting for them in front of two empty tables, one for him and one for Ruus’all.

“Food is coming right up!” Quin said as he pushed his cart of steaming hot trays in front of one, setting his floating bottles down on top as well. “There’s plenty for everyone.” With that, he would start to transfer the food from his cart to the table, letting the Wookies come and go as needed.

@Charles

 

[Ruus’all Solus]

Ruus was glad to see that Quin had taken everything in alright. It was moments like that that reminded the Mando-Jedi of when he was a Padawan. Russel Monti had been an avid mentor, and Ruus hoped to emulate that same passion one day. The galaxy needed more good people like Russel and Quin. The Padawan had taken initiative and started setting aside more dishes for the hungry Wookiees. Today was going great! The Wookiees and doctors alike both seemed to enjoy the two Jedi's assistance.

Aside from all the violently swung glowsticks of death and Froce powers that can stop a starfighter in it's tracks, this was what being a Jedi really meant. Serving the people of the galaxy in anyway you could. Ruus liked that ideal, because then you didn't have to be a Force sensitive, lightsaber wielding being to be a Jedi. All you had to do was spread the love. In Ruus'all's book, that was really all you needed to do to qualify as a Jedi.

"Today is a good day, Quin. Enjoy it while it lasts!" The Knight exclaimed before assisting the Padawan in Operation: Let the Wookiees Eat. All this good smelling food was making the Jedi hungry, too!

@Sicadorito
(OOC: Not sure if you want to keep posting or finish the thread off- I think they did their jobs pretty well lol.)

 

[Quin Leonkri]

“I’m with you on that one.” Quin smiled at Ruus’all before putting his hands behind his back as he watched the Wookies come up and get what was needed, one at a time. As he did, he couldn’t help feeling a little more hopeful for the future of the people of Kashyyyk.

Despite the circumstances, these Wookies had managed to survive and were doing their best to return to a semi-normal life. Sugi had been just one example of how far a little help could go. With beings from all over the galaxy pitching in with the relief efforts, real change could be made.

And he was glad to have been a part of it.

[Exit character]

@Charles

 

[Ruus’all Solus]

What if the entire galaxy could see the resilience of the Wookiees? These giant fur-balls were so damn strong! Ruus'all would argue that Sugi was tougher than almost anyone her age. What happened on Kashyyyk was tragic, but seeing everything that the Mando-Jedi had today was beautiful. In fact, Ruus made a quick note to 'Be more like a Wookiee'.

Imagine what could happen if everyone decided to do what Ruus and Quin had done. Ruus'all was not against fighting for what you believed in, but sometimes peace didn't need to be fought for. Besides, most wars are fought by men and women on both side who would rather be some place else.

[Exit Character/End Thread]

@Sicadorito @LilyNion