Taking the plunge (Kayin Tendaji)

[Mike]

Kayin Tendaji

"Why are we at war with the Hutts Kayin?" The little youngling's question brought a sad smile to Kayin's face. He was sitting on a flat stone in the Temple Gardens. It was a beautiful place, and Kayin often meditated there, alone or with friends, when he needed to set his mind at ease. He often felt that the spirits of at least one great Jedi Master must call this place home, for it even seemed especially easy to reach out to the Force in this place.

The Gardens were entirely indoor, but at first glance this did not seem to be the case. Its high and well-lit ceiling was colored in pale pastels to give the impression of an Ossun sunrise, and the walls curved to seamlessly join the ceiling. There was a small pool of crystal clear water, at the edge of which sat Kayin and Glen. Large flat stones dotted the grass and shrub covered floor to be used as seats. A tastefully designed fountain gurgled constantly in the background, feeding the pool. Unobtrusive exits lead to the mess hall, the Temple's Hangers, and a wing of dormitories for older students.

Today Kayin was there not for himself, but for the alien sitting at his side. The little Jedi Hopeful was no more than five or six years old, but Kayin had noticed the way he picked dispiritedly at his food at the evening mess. He'd invited him to the Gardens hoping that he'd tell him what was weighing on his mind. Kayin only learned his name, Glen, that day, but he had a modest reputation of being a kind ear and tutor to Younglings, who found his fur-covered hands and body and gentle personality comforting.

"Not everyone in the galaxy is as wise as the Jedi I guess." he said, turning his gaze to the pool at their feet. "The Hutts are more interested in riches than in helping others. That's why we gotta stop them." Kayin knew this to be true, having spent the last few years hearing about the devastation the war had caused. If only the Hutts were willing to open negotiations, the galaxy might be spared from the conflict.

He looked back at the youngling, who's little mind was struggling with the concept of beings who cared only about themselves, who might one day be called upon to fight the Hutt empire, and who would certainly in his life see terrible deeds committed. Kayin promised himself then that he'd do everything in his power to end the war before Glen was made to fight in it, and put one comforting arm around his shoulders.

 

[Jiang Winters]

As much as Jamall wanted to, he couldn't bring himself to step in and interrupt the younger Cathar whom he was supposed to be training. The male, Kayin, seemed to have a way with children, and he was bringing some much-needed relief to a youngling it seemed; as such, the Knight was hesitant to pop in and say, 'Hello, I'm going to be training you now'. Instead, the Cathar hung back, tail swaying idly as he watched and waited from a distance.

After giving it a couple minutes, he slowly padded up from behind Kayin and cleared his throat. "Kayin Tendaji?" he asked softly. "I'm Jamall Mohatu, I'll be your trainer."

 

[Mike]

After a moment's reflection spent with Glen, Kayin was distracted by a voice behind him. Hearing that the words were addressed to him, he turned to look over his shoulder. Kayin took in Jamall's words and appearance together, and the result made his heart rate climb noticeably. How fitting that his Master were to show up even as he vowed to put an end to the war.

Jamall was a tall Cathar, like Kayin himself. In a galaxy with so many peoples, finding your own species was sometimes a rare gift. Kayin thanked the Force that he was lucky enough to be trained by own of his own. Jamall's face was kind, but it also bore the haunted hint of friends lost that was common on the faces of seasoned Jedi. If he were not excited at the prospect of beginning true life as a Jedi, Kayin would have been sobered by the realization that one day he too would have to carry that burden.

"Why don't you head back to the mess little Jedi." he said, removing his arm from Glen's shoulder. "I'm sure there's still some muja fruit left from desert." Glen nodded, seemingly a bit more hungry after his contemplation with Kayin in the gardens, and hopped down to head back to the mess hall. Kayin stood and turned to face Jamall, reaching out to the Force for calm. This was a day he had been looking forward to for years, and he wanted to make a good impression.

"Master Mohatu," he said, tucking each hand into the opposite sleeve and bowing respectfully. "It's an honor to finally be chosen to become a Padawan." Kayin's formal facade cracked and the eager Jedi hopeful began to shine through. "I've heard of you. You found the Order when you were about my age! You're one of the best examples of why training a Jedi from adulthood is no more dangerous than raising them as children!"

 

[Jiang Winters]

A smile flickered into existence upon the feline's lips and he chuckled in response to Kayin's reaction to his presence. "Please, just call me Jamall," he said as he returned his Padawan's bow. He rose back to his full height and perked his ears towards the other Cathar, listening as the younger man spoke. He chuckled softly and let his smile brighten.

"I was sixteen at the time, and I'd been raised a Scholar. I don't know if my example is the best to be used to prove the safety of training Adults to be Jedi, but I guess it's good to know that I've made a bit of a name for myself," he said, chuckling sheepishly after speaking. He folded his arms across his chest, then continued to speak, asking; "Why don't you tell me a bit about yourself, Kayin? I'd like to get to know you before we get to training."

 

[Mike]

"Sure Jamall." he said enthusiastically, grinning himself as he realized that his master wasn't going to insist on ceremony or formality like some of the older, stuffier, Jedi in the order. "Grab a rock." Kayin sat back down on his stone and gestured invitingly. Though he was bursting to know more about his own Master beyond what little gossip got around the Temple, he was more than willing to take the first turn.

"You might think 'cause I'm one of the older learners I'll have more to say than most." he shook his head. "Nah, not really. The Jedi say they found me being raised by Cathar colonists on a planet in the mid rim. I take their word for it. I was too young to really know. I also heard that the world's been taken by the Hutts since then. Lotsa casualties..."

A shadow passed over Kayin's face momentarily, before clearing to reveal fresh determination "That's why I want to get out into the galaxy. I've had a good life here in the Temple, but that's 'cause I'm one of the lucky ones. That little guy I sent back to the mess? He's in for a tough life if the Republic doesn't win this war, and probably a short one too. I'm ready Jamall. I can fight. I can use the Force. You know that if you chose me. Now I guess you know I have a purpose too."

 

[Jiang Winters]

Jamall settled onto a rock and perked his ears attentively. Learning about his padawan was important; it'd help him to know how to train Kayin, what defining moments in his past had shaped his personality, and so on and so forth. He wasn't displeased to find that the younger Cathar had a fairly short story to tell. In fact, he was glad to hear it. His past was blessedly free of complication, unlike Jamall's own history.

As his Padawan's story came to a close, he gave a short nod of his head. "Kinda glad to hear that we're on the same page when it comes to the war," Jamall remarked. He had met far too many Jedi who still believed that trying to lull the Hutts to the negotiating table was the right course. Jamall personally believed that, with all their successes so far, the only way to get the Hutts to negotiate was to give them a bloody nose and make them think twice about fighting the Republic.

"Knowing what you just told me, we're going to try to keep your training mostly combat-focused. With the Order going to war, you'll need to know how to fight more than anything else. From what I can tell, you're already a Jedi at heart, so I think we can safely focus on combat without compromising your training in terms of giving you a moral compass and instilling Jedi values in you and the like. Most of your training is going to be conducted in Armor, though; from what I understand, we may all be getting issued armor soon enough, and I want to be ready for that. So, now that that's out of the way, what have you learned so far?"

 

[Mike]

Kayin's heart swelled hearing his new Master's praise of his spirit. He pumped a mental fist and sat a bit straighter on his rock. It was such a relief to hear that he'd already gained a little respect in Jamall's eyes.

"You sure about that armor thing?" he uncertainly, "I dunno. It doesn't seem like the Jedi way, getting suited up for war. Not-" he hastened to add "that I'm trying to question your judgment. It's just that our robes are part of what makes us Jedi. I think I'd feel as awkward in battle armor as I would carrying a blaster rifle."

Not wanting to say anything that would make it seem as though he disapproved of his Master's idea, which wasn't really his place, Kayin retreated to somewhat more orthodox territory. "I use Form III." He said. "Maybe 'cause I don't wear that armor you were talking about, but anyway, I'm not likely to take a blaster bolt between the eyes. I know Soresu's tough to master 'cause you slip up once, your shield comes down, and you're dead, but you could help me. I can use the Force to make me a better fighter. I'm best with speed, and slowing my perception of time. Lets me keep up my Soresu defense, and stay on the lookout for when the other guy slips up. Then I can nail him."

 

[Jiang Winters]

"Fair enough," Jamall replied. "If armor hampers your combat style, then you should avoid using it. I'd suggest you try to at least find lightsaber-resistant bracers, though; we've been having to fight Dark Jedi, and we'll need every advantage we can get when it comes to dueling with them. If you decide you want bracers, ask around for Bahadur. He'll make something to fit you and your fighting style so long as you supply the raw materials."

After speaking, Jamall slid onto his feet and stood. "Come on, let's head to one of the training rooms. I'd like to gauge your combat abilities, and I don't think any of the older Jedi would appreciate it if we made use of the Gardens for that," the Cathar said with a chuckle.

 

[Mike]

Kayin had never really considered using real armor, mostly because, as he'd told Jamall, he didn't think it was part of being a Jedi. Jedi weren't mobile tanks, they were guardians and mediators. Image was important as well. Jedi were supposed to be symbols of justice and the Republic. Bringing armor to the negotiating table, or even to a meeting with those who ask the Jedi for assistance, tends to put a dent in how much the other guy is willing to extend their trust.

He was therefore surprised to find that his Master's suggestion of combat bracers fired up his excitable young mind. Combat bracers that blocked blaster bolts, or even lightsabers! That would give him so many more options in battle! Properly crafted bracers on his arms would be barely noticeable once he adapted to the negligible extra weight. They'd also be invisible beneath his Jedi robes making for a brilliant ace up his sleeves... literally. Maybe he'd even look into shinguards as well.

Happy to take up Jamall's invitation, Kayin rose to his feet. "After you." he said, gesturing to the door that would take the newly bonding Master and Padawan team through the temple to the training ground. "Who's Bahadur? He must be something if he can make armor to stop a lightsaber." Kayin's mind wandered and he mentally pictured a spindly Verpine hunched over a busy toolbench, antennae buzzing buzily as he fiddled with this component or that.

 

[Jiang Winters]

"Bahadur's... Kinda hard to describe, Kayin. You'd have to see him for yourself," Jamall replied with a chuckle, as he pushed on the training room doors and let himself and his Padawan in. "He might be in here; he tends to spend most of his free time in the training room, exercising or honing his skills."

Jamall's prediction was spot-on. As soon as he entered the room, he spotted its sole occupant: A hulking, seven-foot tall Cathar built like a God of War. With thick, muscular limbs and dark fur, with war paint permanently dying his facial fur and his mane cut short and bound back into a tight ponytail, the massive feline known as Bahadur was a terrifying sight... Just not to Jamall, who had taken a fast liking to the older Cathar, who had began to view the younger feline as a sort of sibling.

"Bahadur!" Jamall called out to the older male, who was practicing Telekinesis on a small heap of stones, which were levitating into the air at the moment. The dark-furred Cathar opened one eyelid, his bright green eye flicking over to gaze at Jamall and Kayin. He set down the stones and rose to his full height, planting both paws upon his hips, allowing the sheer strength of his frame -covered only by black pants and a dull blue gi-style shirt with the sleeves torn off- to be displayed as he opened both eyes and regarded Jamall with a curious gaze.

"I'd like you to meet my new Padawan. Kayin, this is Bahadur. Bahadur, this is Kayin," Jamall said, as he padded to a halt some five yards away from the giant of a Cathar. "Greetings, Kayin," Bahadur said simply, as he gave a short bow to the much younger Padawan.

 

[Mike]

Kayin followed curiously, wondering why Jamall was being so evasive on the subject of the mysterious engineer. As the training room's doors opened Kayin was taken aback to see that yet another Cathar awaited him. With a moment's reflection though, he supposed that it was natural that Jamall and Bahadur had been drawn together. Maybe the factor of his race even played a part in Jamall's choice of Kayin for a Padawan.

Then Bahadur rose to his feet and Kayin realized what a true monster he was actually dealing with. Kayin wasn't tall for a Cathar, but neither was he prepared for Bahadur to tower head and shoulders over him. And what shoulders they were! Broad as the side of a gravsled. The small part of his mind that wasn't staring blankly at this legendary frame wondered idly whether such a large body allowed for a higher concentration of Force energy.

Still, Bahadur was clearly a Jedi, proven by his control of the stones in front of him, and this gave him the courage to speak up in response to the giant's greeting.

"Aah, It's an honor." Kayin said weakly, returning the bow. "You know I gotta say, you're not what I expected when Master Jamall told me I was coming here to meet an engineer." Kayin tried not to stare, but he had the feeling that he was still gaping slightly. He grinned inwardly, knowing that Jamall had probably known the effect Bahadur would have on him, and he mentally resolved to expect the unexpected around his new Master.

 

[Jiang Winters]

Bahadur chuckled. The sound was deep, rumbling, and mirthful; rather befitting of his monstrous frame. "I am no engineer, Kayin," he replied while folding both thick arms across his chest. "Though I am a capable armorer," he added in, before slightly tilting his head and regarding Kayin with a curious expression. "I am curious. You said that I am not what you were expecting. What were you expecting me to be?"

As the mighty -but apparently warm and friendly- Cathar spoke, Jamall placed each hand in his opposite sleeve and took a step back, deciding to stay quiet and watch how his Padawan interacted with Bahadur.

 

[Mike]

Kayin was a very honest being, and often spoke without thinking, saying whatever was on the top of his mind or his deeper thoughts. In this case he didn't see any reason not to relate his expectations of Bahadur. "I thought maybe a Verpine." he said slightly sheepishly, "It's what you'd picture for a tech or a mechanic, though I guess you're more of an armorer like you said."

Kayin was finding himself comfortable in Bahadur's presence. His friendly attitude, as well as his identity as a Jedi and his relationship with Jamall, were more than enough to belay his potentially intimidating form. And anyway, there were few beings in the universe that Kayin did not trust. Jamall had taken a passive role in the conversation, and Kayin took this as an invitation to learn something about both felines. "How do you know my Master? If you don't mind my asking. You probably know him better than I do at this point."

There was a small amount of embarrassment in Kayin's tone. A Master Padawan relationship was supposed to be one of the closest in the galaxy, and the fact that he still had so much to learn about his master spoke to how new and naked their journey still was. He averted his gaze momentarily after speaking, ostentatiously taking in the design of the training room. A useless exercise, as he had been in this very room many times in his time at the Temple.

 

[Jiang Winters]

Bahadur blinked in surprise, then laughed softly and shook his head. "A Verpine, of all beings..." he muttered. His tone and grin indicated that he wasn't offended at all; in fact, he was rather amused by Kayin's honest statement. Furthermore, he found himself appreciating the younger feline's honesty; he was not one to attempt to cover up his own mistakes in conversation or to conceal his own thoughts, and he was glad to discover that Kayin seemed quite truthful and forward about life.

The big Cathar failed to notice Jamall's withdrawal from the conversation, for his attention had shifted entirely to Kayin. His ears perked up and tilted forward towards the young male as a query was posed; one regarding his relations with Jamall. "When I first came to the Temple, I was... To use a slang term, I was 'the odd man out'. I was older than most Knights, yet I was -and am- but a learner. Jamall was among the first to reach out to me and help me to settle into life here at the temple."

He paused a moment, then continued. "Ever since then, he has been a good friend and ally, and he has taught me here and there to help better prepare me for the day when I have a teacher of my own."

 

[Mike]

Kayin was taken aback to hear that Bahadur was actually not even as far along on his Jedi journey than Kayin himself. This took away nothing from Kayin's respect though, as the great Cathar was a clear battle hardened warrior in his own right. He often heard from wise and experienced masters that Jedi must realize that there are many beings in the galaxy who, though they may not have the force, can still defeat them. Underestimating enemies who could not touch the force was a flaw of some proud students, and Kayin had resolved not to make that mistake.

He also felt a new appreciation of his Master. Jamall had a kind spirit, that much was already clear. "Glad you found the Order." he said genially with a smile. "Jamall said you might be able to help me with some armor?" Kayin inquired politely, coming back to the reason they'd come to meet Bahadur. "Nothing really big - just some arm bracers, and maybe a pair of shin guards."

Kayin also remembered Jamall saying that he'd have to supply some materials to get Bahadur started. However, he didn't have any ideas where to start in this, unless it was to go to an Armour of the Temple. The Order was wealthy, but it was a time or War, and the Order didn't always indulge in Younglings or Padawans who were looking to tinker with some "really neat gear." He assumed though that his Master had brought the idea of armor up with a solution in mind, and stayed silent on the matter, waiting for his input.

 

[Jiang Winters]

"Bracers and shin guards? Simple enough to make. I could craft them easily from the materials I have on-hand," Bahadur replied, after hesitating for a split-second to give himself a moment to recall precisely what resources he had at his disposal. "What are you looking for in terms of armor, Kayin? Perhaps something similar to the bracers and shin-guards of Jamall's battle armor? They will have to be constructed from Ultrachrome-plated reinforced plasteel, with strips of pure Cortosis to defeat lightsabers; it will minimize cost while maximizing weight savings and armor protection."

As Bahadur spoke, one could all but see the gears in his head turning, as concepts for the armor flashed through his mind at lightning pace, as a rough idea for the overall design of the simple armor began to be formed within the confines of his mind.

 

[Mike]

"I know that cortosis alloy is a good choice for armor." Kayin suggested knowledgeably. Lightsaber lore had always fascinated him, and he'd learned their strengths and weaknesses through many hours of study in the Jedi Archives. The only substance he'd been able to find that blocked lightsabers was the recently discovered cortosis. And as everybody knew, if an item did not appear in the Jedi Archives, it could safely be said that the information did not exist anywhere. "It works better than armourweave anyway. I think that's what they use in some vibroblades these days. Our lightsabers can't cut through them. D'you think you could use the same stuff on my bracers?"

Kayin imagined confronting a Dark Jedi, battling bravely but being tested to the limit. Then when all seemed lost he would purposefully take a hit to the arm or leg. He would use the evil Force user's shocked dismay at the failure of his attack to turn the tables on him. Cortosis plating was also somewhat resistant to blaster bolts. He'd just have to be careful of taking a heavy vibrosword blow to that area. For all it's amazing properties, cortosis plating was still very brittle, and would probably shatter easily if struck by enough force.

 

[Jiang Winters]

"I have worked with Cortosis before. It can be done, if you can provide me with refined Cortosis Alloy. I have all the other materials I would need, so I can begin crafting a reinforced chassis for your bracers today. However, I will be unable to finish them until I have enough Cortosis," Bahadur said.

It was at this point that Jamall decided to chip in, saying, "I guess that means we'll be out in the markets looking for some Cortosis, right Kayin?" he queried. This was something he'd hoped to be able to do; having to purchase Cortosis would allow him to put Kayin out in public, where he'd have to deal with hordes of people who were neither Jedi nor force sensitive. It'd allow him to see how keen the Cathar's social skills were, but from what he had seen so far, there was nothing to worry about with Kayin.

 

[Mike]

"I guess so!" Kayin said. His tone was enthusiastic, but slightly cynical. He realized that his master knew that this was coming, and that this journey had been planned out since before he had even met Bahadur. This was not to say that Kayin was opposed to the idea. In fact, he was inwardly chomping at the bit to get out of the Temple and see more of the Galaxy at his Master's side.

"Thanks Bahadur!" he said, extending a friendly hand for the giant feline to shake. "I'll see you again when I've got what we need. Sooner, if we're lucky!" His farewell completed, Kayin glanced at Jamall, waiting for his Master to say his own goodbyes. He wondered where they would find the high-quality cortosis playing that was required for his armor. Modern communications technology made finding almost anything at all possible, but it wasn't always on the same side of the Galaxy as you were.

 

[Jiang Winters]

"Later, Bahadur," Jamall said. The massive Cathar just gave a farewell bow of his head to both his fellow felines, then turned about and padded off to a rack of weights to exercise. "Let's get going, Kayin. We'll had to the Hangar and borrow a speeder to take us to the markets; on the way, you can tell me what you know about the Jedi Code and Tenets."