Sierra Rien (Training)

[Dr. Kre]

It was quite mysterious. A small note had been delivered to the young, masterless Jedi. It was a simple message, yet she didn't quite understand the meaning of it.

Ossus had been treating Sierra decently so far. It had only been a week, maybe two since she was pulled from her emotional wreckage on Denon. Even so, there were still remnants, and she still had slight feelings from back in the capital. It also didn't help the Jedi Temple on Ossus was a pretty well populated place, and although the feelings and projections of the other students weren't necessariliy negative, they too triggered their own things inside her head. With the way she was still acting, Sierra wasn't surprised that most of the students didn't seem to notice her, or just didn't care to approach her.

The young girl's thoughts once more focused upon her targeted destination. The message had called for a meeting in one of the various training rooms throughout the Temple, and after shyly asking a couple of other students who's intentions were projected about as politely as their advice Sierra found the room she was looking for.

The metal door slid open upon Sierra's command and she stepped into the training room. It seemed deserted when she stepped in. She couldn't find the source of the message, and she couldn't find anyone who was waiting for her. Placing her hands upon her hips momentarily, Sierra determined she would wait for a bit to see who would turn up.

 

[Malz]

To think...he would actually have a padawan. He never asked for one, much less expected one. But lo and behold, he was assigned one, much to his chagrin. Not that he could refuse; it was an excellent opportunity, and he welcomed it, but he just wasn't sure if he was ready. After a bit of meditating (or rather, napping), he decided that it was for the best, and he might as well have fun with it. What's the worst that could happen, right?

His note was simple: "Meet me in the training room, bring snacks <3" After making sure she'd receive the note, he spent time in the library thinking up ways to train someone. He figured he shouldn't use the one Seamus used. He got some info on his new apprentice, and she didn't seem like a fighter type either. Lightsaber training will have to wait.

Finally the time to meet up came. Sierra would walk into an empty room, devoid of any life besides the usual bacteria left over by unsanitary apprentices. Suddenly, a tap on her shoulder. Behind her stood a young boy, no older than maybe 18, wearing blue robes and sporting a big, childish grin. Without even introducing himself, he said, "Wanna play tag?"

 

[Dr. Kre]

Sierra turned around, greeted with blond hair, glasses, a blue robe, and a smile that seemed almost out of place in the girls mind. He looked, if anything, a few years older than herself, and she wondered if this was the man who had sent her the message. Her dark eyes looked into his for a moment. She did her best to use her 'gift' to discover this man's true intentions when he mentioned 'tag.' It was a child's game wasn't it? Perhaps she was jumping to conclusions, but the only thing she could see out of it was a test of agility; and that was only if this person was the one who she was supposed to meet up with. How could she know if this kid wasn't just another student?

"Tag?..." She repeated towards Malz, meanwhile trying her best to use her uncontrolled ability of empathy to discover what his intentions were, of course it didn't seem to do much good for her.

 

[Malz]

The only feelings Seirra would pick up is the urge to have fun. Malz is too random of a guy to pick up clearly. He blinked at her, confused for a moment, "Uh...yeah! Tag! You know...taaaaag. Wait...don't tell me!" His eyes widened and he gasped in horror, "You don't know how to play tag?! What kind of childhood did you have?! That sounds terrible!"

In the blink of an eye, he grabbed her hand and lead her to the center, saying along the way, "Man you are so lucky you ran into me here, how could you go so long without playing a single game of tag?! Alright, listen up, 'cause I'm bored and I want us to have fun! Let's say I'm "it." That means I gotta chase you around until I can touch, or "tag," you. Then you're "it," and you chase me so you can tag me! Then we just repeat! If you want, you can be it first!"

With that, he took a few steps away from her, waiting for her to start the chase. Remembering something, he held up a finger, "Oh yeah! Since there ain't anyone around, and since we're in the training room, let's use any force powers we want, ok? That should make it more fun! ...You uh...do know how to use the force, right?"

 

[Dr. Kre]

Sierra didn't know what to do before Malz started to explain what tag was and drag her to the middle of the room. Of course she knew what the game was, but she had no time to explain. She almost hoped this wasn't the person she was supposed to meet here. This person was almost too energetic and sporadic for Sierra to handle. By the time she could focus back on the conversation, the only thing she heard was 'Force'.

"Uhhh...No? I just got here." She had a constant curious and confused expression on her face.

 

[Malz]

The man looked utterly unimpressed, "Huuuuuuuuh? What do you mean you don't? Of course you do! Well, okay, maybe if you just got here you don't really know you do. But think about it: You're here, right? You're a Jedi, right? You know things, right? You feel things, right? You sense things, right? A child doesn't know she has to breathe, but that doesn't mean she can't!"

He tapped his foot impatiently while continuing, "What is the Force to you? Is it a tool for battle? A best friend to guide you? A malevolent spirit that won't leave you alone? These are the things you need to discover for yourself as you train. Now, I know I've been asking you question after question, but just bare with me for one more..."

He pointed a finger right at Sierra, put on a stern look, and spoke in his normal voice, "Now are you gonna play the game and learn to use the Force, or are you gonna stand there just anxiously waiting for the feelings to stop pouring into your head?" He smiled again, not his playful smile like last time, but one with gentleness, "I can help you. But you gotta think, and you gotta try. You're it.

 

[Dr. Kre]

Sierra listened intently to Malz as he kept on speaking. What he said had merit, but he seemed to jump to conclusions too fast. She didn't recall saying that she has no effort to try, or had no will to learn. Malz had just asked her a question, and she had answered with a simple 'no.' Another one of his comments itched at her as well. He knew of her 'condition.' That caused Sierra to wonder just how many people here did. It was something she didn't want too many people to notice, she felt it would drive t hem away. All in all, she grinned, looking back at Malz once more.

"I'm ready to try, I never said I wasn't. So who's it?"

 

[Malz]

The Jedi Knight smirked. Now the fun begins. "I know you didn't. I'm just saying it now so I don't have to repeat myself in case you ever do. Though it seems you ain't listening anyway. Told ya twice already, you're it. Unless of course you want me to go first?"

While she's considering what he said, he wondered what she would do. He didn't expect any sort of Force ability; that's far beyond her skills, even with his motivational speech. He'll just have to use her turn as a way of finding out her natural abilities, as well as her desire and dedication.

 

[Dr. Kre]

Sierra took slow steps forward, in Malz's direction. She would approach slowly, and would seize the moment to tag the man in front of her. Her eyes looked around the room for anything that could be used to her advantage in a chase that could ensue. Her sudden 'attack' would be even more effective if she gave the man a distraction while she waited.

"You know...I don't even know who you are, who are you?"

 

[Malz]

So that's how it's going to be. Rather than rushing in all gung-ho, she's taking her time and thinking about the best way to proceed. Unfortunately for her, there's not much to the room at all. From the center, where they are standing, there is nothing but the ground. To one side, there are the usual Jedi Force training tools. Bags to push and pull, balls to pick up through telekinesis, et cetera.

When asked for his name, he smiled and answered, though mindful of every move she made, "Jedi Knight and Healer, Malz Terris. Nice to meetcha'." Despite being the one that's chased, he does not move from his spot. In fact, if she were to tag him, he'd let her. After all, they can have a serious game of tag at any time once she's done training. For now, she just had to be creative.

 

[Dr. Kre]

Sierra continued to approach in a slow manner. She took notice of the balls and bags, if Malz did move, they could be of use in situations. For now she would continue at a steady pace, towards him.

"Pleasure to meet you, Malz Terris. I would introduce myself, but since you seemed to know what happened before I came here, you probably know my name and what not already." She gave a slight smirk and continued walking.

She was now really close to Malz. She was ready to tag him as well. If he didn't move, he would certainly be 'it.'

 

[Malz]

"Of course I know about you. I've seen you around the temple a few times before now, and the feeling I got was always the same. Stress, stress, and more stress. Becoming a Jedi, though amazing, is hardly stressful, and it didn't seem like you had much control of the Force, so I only assumed you were like me. You're affected by the feelings of others. I don't know to what extent though. I figured you're just the kind of girl who is overly affected by people's emotions. If it's something else, don't be afraid to tell me. I'm here to show you the basics so that you can gain control."

Right after that, a low rumble could be heard, and Malz blinked. He patted his stomach, which let loose another rumble. His eyes widened, "THAT'S RIGHT!" Suddenly he was gone. Well, not quite. More like a blur for a brief moment, then he spoke from directly behind her, "Yeah we're gonna have to play tag another time, I'm starving! Bust out the snacks! You...did remember to bring them...right?" He grinned eagerly, like a child waiting for candy.

 

[Dr. Kre]

Sierra just listened as Malz explain. In truth, she was a little frustrated on being figured out so easily, but there was nothing to do about that now. She even admitted it.

"Yes...That's what's been affecting me."

Malz's stomach surprised her, and it was only then that she recalled the part on the note about snacks.

"..Woops." Sierra gave him a wide-eyes, innocent look.

 

[Malz]

Malz stared at her, not moving, facial expression not changing. It was as if he were frozen in time, as if the innocent "Woops" caused all motor function in the knight to cease. Finally after maybe half a minute, he croaked, "You...didn't bring snacks?" He thought it was so simple of an instruction, as well as an obvious one at that. Who trains without snacks?! It's just absurd, not to mention impractical.

He sighed and shook his head, "You're lucky I prepared for such an emergency. In the future though, it's good to remember things like that. Right now it's snacks. Later, it could be something critical to a mission. Ah well, enough of that. Let's eat!" He waved towards the other side of the room, and out came a package of what appeared to be snickerdoodles ((or at least the SW equiv.)). He telekinetically summoned them over, and he plopped down to start gobbling a few up.

With his mouth still full, he muffled out, "Tho...what 'o 'ou know awready? 'Ike, what 'ave you 'een told when you 'ame here?"

 

[Dr. Kre]

"Uhm..." Sierra poked her two index fingers together at Malz's last question.

"Well, I attended a few philosophical classes, but that's about it.." She trailed off before joining Malz in a sitting position and reaching for one of the cookies.

In all honesty, Sierra was surprised at all of Malz's behavior. She didn't know if his quirky personality was like a front he put up, or if it was completely sincere. If it was his true personality, then she wondered how he attained the rank of Jedi Knight. Sure Malz could be incredible wise, and he probably was, but she also assumed Jedi Knights carried a lot more seriousness than what he had showed. Maybe he was just being friendly during their first meeting? Yeah, that could have been it. Either way, he seemed to be a slightly difficult one to read.

 

[Malz]

Malz stared for a moment, then sighed mid-cookie. What were they teaching kids these days? It seemed he'll have to start from scratch. He was hoping that Sierra would have some sort of guidance on her abilities, but perhaps he shouldn't put so much faith in the recruitment process.

He held up five cookies, each having no real significance to what he was about to say. He just wanted to give her food for thought. He handed her each one as he listed off, "Emotion, yet peace. Ignorance, yet knowledge. Passion, yet serenity. Chaos, yet harmony. Death, yet the Force. That is the code of the Jedi, something each and every one of us must follow. Go ahead and tell me what you think each of those statements mean or imply. There's no right or wrong answer, so long as it's one you think for yourself."

((I will be leaving for Disney World tomorrow. I'll still have my laptop with me, though I may be slow in posting.))

 

[Ru the Boatswain]

((Pssst, I can take over if you need for a few days))

 

[Malz]

((Sounds okay to me ^_^))

 

[Ru the Boatswain]

wrap it up then.

 

[Malz]

((Figured you'd just make a new thread and discuss ideas with Sierra. :P You did say for a few days, no need to hurry this part of the training up.))