TFC: The Curtain Falls

[Bruce Guleya]

Grid L-11, Base "Dubbed Eclipse"
(Music for Cinematics)
​

It was done. Everything was coming up, a new step had been taken and the systems were alive and well - Bruce was surprised but he shouldn’t have been, this place was mostly well kept and the future potential was without a doubt obvious. He looked around excited, the biggest smile crossing his features, he couldn’t remember the last time he had been so happy - so excited. They’d done it, really they had done it. The foundation as now here and they could go forward, a huge milestone for the Caretaker and his companion - no the whole Jedi Order even if the battle had began elsewhere. This would prove to be a victory in itself and you’d think the Caretaker could breathe a breath of fresh air - a sigh of relief, but he couldn't. He wasn’t done yet, there was still more to happen, one final step to close this chapter before he could move onto the next chapter of his life.

This location was safe, but wasn’t completely secured; at least not yet. That would take a little while before he could truly accomplish that - but it wouldn’t take much. With the station alive and well and teeming with potential Force energies beneath the crust - Bruce had a moment of inspiration. Now might be the time for him to advance his role with everything that had transpired. Without saying a word, the Bardottan made his way over to a pack he had brought with him a small thing he had guarded closely and wouldn’t talk about the contents of this entire time. But with this development, now would be the time.

“Can you feel it?” Bruce waved his hand around the area, “It’s alive. It flows.” The smile never broke, never faded as he spoke. “It’s magnificent.”

As he collected the pack he brought it to the center of the room, lowering himself down he sat on his legs as if taking up a prayer position. Carefully he opened the pack and began cautiously removing the items within the pack. Small crystals, small mechanisms and many small and precise objects - to any Jedi it would be apparent. The components of a holocron.

The Caretaker of First Knowledge, Bruce Guleya was choosing this moment and this location to craft a holocron - a thing that would take time and efforts to do. While he could do it alone, and needed to do it alone, he wanted Marina to observe and to sort of act as a guardian due to the immense amount of focus that would be required. Although that was his plan, he hadn’t revealed that to the Jedi Knight.

@Nightfall096

Spoiler: OOC

Ask between Marina (Nightfall096) and Bruce (Zigara) - a continuation of Flashlights in the Dark
Death/Capture Disable

 

[Marina Giulestei]

With the facility back online Marina could breathe again. She and Master Guleya has survived their trek into the cores most dangerous region, and that meant they’d be able to begin setting this place up as a sanctuary, somewhere the Jedi could be safe again right under the noses of the Republic and the Empire.

She hoped so anyhow.

She had to though, how else was she to accept hiding away? There wasn’t a war to fight, though there would be holdouts, just like them. No, it wasn’t the time for rebellion now, perhaps that would come later, likely beyond her lifetime. But she could do what was necessary to prepare for it, and that meant there was work to be done all over again. Though now, now they’d both earnt a moment of respite.

Wandering from her current position to Bruce, she found him sequestered in the centre of a room, goods laid out across the floor. Materials, crystals, to create something. Not a lightsaber, nor a holo-log, this was something... grander,

“Master we could...” Marina began as she passsed through the doorway, though she paused upon recognising the components. This moment was a little more auspicious than she had expected,

“Take your time Bruce” she offered instead with a smile, her voice softer,

“I’ll be here if you need me” she took a step back and learn herself against the back wall, next to the door. She could begin to feel the hum of the force coming into the room, emanating from the materials at hand, from Bruce’s presence and intent. Whatever was about to happen, she would be here to witness it.

@Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce gathered his things and laid them out. He took up a meditative position before all of the objects and took a deep breath; he looked back at his friend. "This... might be a while, I cannot say for certain. There are a few things to address... I have left them on the datapad, simple tasks really. Please do what you can, but watch over here." He wasn't ignoring her, not the start of her sentence - he knew she had something on her mind, but his mind was focused and he needed to be selfish for a moment. All this time he always put others before him, but the task at hand would require his full attention. Grand Master Wyck and taken a couple of days and drained his reserves in order to craft his own. Master Zeerda had to take time, but how long he did not know. Bruce knew it would take time.

As he shut out the world, there was nothing more to say to Marina. He may have even seemed a bit like a prude, but it couldn't be helped. She would understand, she would have to understand - and forgive him. He began the focus needed, there was no going back now. The delicate procedure had begun. Of course, Marina would be allowed to observe as much or as little as she wished, he would not scoff her for that. She'd be fine, there was enough food stored on his ship as well as here at the facility. Enough to survive for a few weeks anyway, it was just the two of them after all.

The Force flew through the Bardottan, through the components bit by bit, imbuing them with the mystical energies of the Force. It wasn't all that impressive on the outside, but inside was where the real journey happened. Each intricate component needed to be installed in a specific way, even the slightest miscalculation could destroy the work in progress. Much like the construction of a lightsaber there we precision requirements; but unlike a lightsaber, a Holocron could not be forged by hand, it required precise control of the Force to assemble the parts.

Each crystal Bruce summoned to his control was a journey and a fight at the same time. He poured himself into the crystals, his knowledge, his likeness, his personality, and his memories. Like kyber crystals, it was a battle, but unlike the Sith who needed to bleed the crystals, Bruce needed to talk with the crystals and make them a part of him. The conversations were lengthy and the trials matched the conversations. Though the kyber crystals did not hate him and were happy to be a part of him, Bruce would still need to face a few of his darkest fears and experiences. It was all part of the unique aspect of this holocron, it was like the holocron wanted to ensure that its creator could maintain the control - to prove worthy as it was expected of the future pupils of the holocron.

He was at peace and so was the base. Marina could easily see that, feel that.

It would take him one week to complete the holocron.
One week of intense and continuous concentration.

@Nightfall096

 

[Marina Giulestei]

"Of course" she left him with a simple nod, and let the door fall closed behind her. Such a task was not something she could undertake, what wisdom she had to impart still she didn't really know. She'd spent time already, adding to and completing the work of her former Master. Not a holocron by any means, but something someone might learn from one day. Perhaps here would be safe enough to even allow students, somewhere the Jedi Order might linger on within even as the galaxy weathered the storm of the Sith Empire.

Though whether she would be ready to become an instructor. Kriff, her mind balked at the thought. But still, she couldn't be certain of where she would go in all of this. Perhaps... no. She needed time to think it over. But from they way Master Guleya spoke it seemed she would have plenty of it on her hands for now, what better way to pass it than deciding her future? Force, it sounded so grandiose when she thought of it like that.

Work. A focus, for now.

That was what she needed. And apparently there was still more to take care of. She shouldn't have been surprised, the place was bare bones for now, only just breathable. Plenty more to make this station into a base, let alone a home. Wandering over to the datapad, she whistled while she began, an old Sahminian song she knew from the Revolution. Kept her nerves down. She'd sing it more than once.

* * *
​

After the first evening she had nearly walked back to the room, to check on Bruce. It had been some time, though she had never been present for the creation of a holoron before now. But as she approached the room she felt the familiar pattern of the force emanating from the room, focused toward its centre. He was still there. She left him then, in peace. Instead she moved their ships from their current docks to somewhere closer, began unloading what additional supplies the two of them had brought. Not much furniture, Eclipse remained somewhat sparse for now. But she was learning her way around it for now.

* * *
​

By the third day, Marina had to admit she had some concerns, though still, if she went to check she felt it, knew he was fine. That was all the comfort she had for now. Whether she could have entered she left undiscovered. His concentration was of the utmost, she knew that most, she didn't want to risk breaking it, losing the work.

Instead she'd busied herself, programming the stations IFF signals, clarifying security measures. Despite their hidden location, she'd learnt one could never be too careful, and she wasn't dropping that just now. What of the stations amenities and creature comforts she'd begun to set up, making the main room into a living space, as much as she could anyhow. She'd brought the small plant from her ship aboard, a Binjarahan, 'The Nomads Vine', a native from Sahmina. Her parents had passed it to her when she'd left the planet. I don't think any of them at the time expected it would be the last time they'd see eachother. But now, that seemed more and more likely to be the case.

There was a time she wished to return to Sahmina. Now it was only one of the dozens of options that ran in her head for her future. Maybe that little reminder of home would be enough, perhaps she could make it thrive here, bring a little home to this faraway rock.

A garden. One day. Another option to consider.

Judging from Master Guleya's progress though, she had more time to mull it over yet.

* * *​

Dawn. The Seventh day.

She'd set up all she could. Marina was surprised how comfortable she'd been able to make the place feel. How clarified her thoughts had become. The only thing she wondered on now was Master Guleya. Hopefully he would emerge soon.

@Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

It took him one week to complete this master work.


Bruce had started to return to reality as the station built up around him. The air in the base had changed, there was a renewed sense within these walls as the Holocron finally clicked together and gently landed on the ground, the small cubed object with a few intricacies to make it physically unique. The Holocron sealed itself together with a bright flash and rush of insight. It wasn't exactly a cube but it sure was close to it. It would be up for debate if Marina knew what had happened, but she wouldn't have to take long to figure it out - as Bruce opened his eyes.


The bardottan was drenched in sweat, his robes appearing if he'd just submerged himself in water moments ago. Bruce wiped his brow as the familiar surroundings came into clarity, he had spent one week in this chamber, in his mind, on some forgotten world. His previous vocation, a healer, granted him the ability to be able to survive that one week with little to no nourishment. In truth, he could have taken breaks like some of his colleagues but he didn't want to chance it, he thought what he had done may have been a first, not to mention the secrets in which he had learned from his position. He held the small cube in his hand as he gawked at the work. The walls had a swirling light twisted and twinkled within the clear glass.


“I...I… did it?” He could scarcely believe it.


Bruce stowed his new prized possession away in his soaked robes and dragged himself out of the room. He was done, exhausted, burned, he used the wall as much as possible to support him but he couldn't prevent the slump he'd experience. A tumble to his knees here and there but he kept himself up and when he had to take a knee, he did it with the support of the wall. He felt old, he felt like he'd aged 10 years as he stumbled through, and naturally he'd burned much weight. It was totally worth every moment.


As he made his way through the halls and the living areas, he was so zonked he made no recognition of what his companion had done with the place to make it more appealing, he didn't even know exactly how long he'd been in that room, the sweat would glisten with the artificial lighting in the halls. He didn't even know where he was going, he was on autopilot. His goal was simple, and it wasn't to find his companion, it was to get to the control center, it seemed like a good idea - at least to him. Eventually he'd run into her, somewhere may even have been at the hub, but all he did when he saw her was smile faintly and spoke but a whisper.


“Done.” He breathed before finally giving into the wear and tear and meeting the cold floor with his face. He'd need some time to recover, despite the legends and myths, Jedi were not invincible.

It would take him one week to recover enough.
Accelerated, but time nonetheless.


****


The Caretaker stood among the command hub as he overlooked the vast stretch of the fields surrounding him. It was one week and he was feeling better, two weeks and they were on track. The task was complete and the phase would move on.


“I'm sorry, I didn't properly thank you. For everything. The place looks great and I really appreciate your help and support as I got over everything.” The bardottan stated. He was very happy and there was a sincerity in his appreciation. He truly believed she made a world of difference in having this be realized. He had trusted her implicitly by placing himself in the deepest of trances to craft the Holocron; because in truth if she wanted to she could have struck him down with little difficulty as he was powerless to defend himself.


“I think it's almost time, there is one further task I need to do with you before we continue.” Bruce started. “One of the first things that must get done is to learn how to suppress the signature of the Force of this area. You likely already know the basics, but I will teach you to expand that application. A couple of days I think and you'll understand. Okay?” he smiled hopefully. He'd wait for her to reply before continuing.


“Once that is done we can continue, I have placed a small group of younglings in care of some people I trust most deeply. Further to this there has also been another group of younglings on standby - hidden in the galaxy. We must collect the ones I have left with my people, and signal the secondary crafts.” Bruce began to explain to Marina. “If I give you their location, could you please guide the craft here while I go and get the ones I have entrusted?”

The Caretaker turned his attention to the Knight expectantly.

@Nightfall

 

[Marina Giulestei]

Hearing the door to Bruce's meditation room slide open came as a sudden surprise to Marina, who on the seventh day, looking over her work on the station, had decided to rest. Though that would change rather suddenly now, seeing the state Master Guleya had fallen into over the course of the week. Anyone else and she would have been amazed they were still alive, but Bruce, Bruce had a way of surprising she'd learnt. Dashing from the living quarters, dropping her book to the floor with a thud, at the doorway she watched as a haggard looking Master gave her a smile, before dropping suddenly to the ground,

"Bruce, Bruce, Bruce!" she called as she dashed over to him, scooping him up in her arms. She placed him down onto one of the recovery beds she'd managed to find. Little more than a cot, but all things considered he probably needed a lie down. And some food. Kriff, so did she.

Time to cook. And time for caf. From all she could tell Bruce was fine physically, but the exhaustion was real. A proper break would do him good. That and some fresh robes.

* * *​

Marina found him looking out of the great expanse of their base, though evidently the Master could sense her presence rather easily. His words though, his words were kind. Not something that should have surprised her from him, but his voice was sincere, heartfelt. She could barely respond to the compliments,

"It was my honour, Master Guleya. It's a fine home here" she said, bowing her head slightly, her voice soft. Though, as Bruce continued, this would not be the end of their story just yet. More tasks to attend to now. Good, she thought, if this was to be their shelter then it should shelter more than just the two of them. And hiding it away more fully could only assist them in their task. She was ready and willing to work on both,

"I'm more than a little curious as to how" she replied to Bruce's first task, a chance then to increase her understanding of the Force, something she had become more and more focused upon these past weeks as it seemed she began to settle into life aboard Eclipse. As to the second, she was more than ready. A part of her expected never to leave the station again, though of course that would have been impossible. It brought a smile to her face to remember that, despite the doom soon to be visited upon them, there was still a galaxy out there, still people.

It'd be good to have some here,

"More than ready, Bruce" she said softly. And she meant it. She was ready to make this place a home. Her home. For a long, long time.

@Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

"Excellent, then let us make haste."

With Marina committed to learning the task at hand, Bruce didn't waste time to explore the ability. He knew she had the basic understandings already, most Jedi did - it was how they'd be able to enter into Sith worlds or at least carry out missions without bringing the ire of the Sith down upon the working members. It was a fairly basic concept, but they'd explain application beyond a single person and encompass multiple people - if not a large group. This is a key survival technique that most Jedi even if they were not here with them, would learn in the coming dark days - maybe not on a large scale, but certainly, hone their application for a single individual. Of course, a task this large would not be accomplished by a single Jedi, in the future they would need to apply such suppressions in rotations, a few users at a time, a small duty to be sure; it would be taught over the next few days of study, even if it was done in small increments - an hour here, a couple hours there, no need to stress about it... besides, doing the same application in small bits he suspected would yield better absorption.

* * * * *

"Excellent. Well done, just hang on a little longer - almost there... PERFECT!" Bruce exclaimed with a smile, "I think you've got it down! Well done!" Bruce clapped playfully. They'd taken the necessary time to get the ability worked out and Marina had certainly exceeded his expectations, she was dedicated just like him and that would mean the world of difference going forward. With that task taken care of, it would be time to make the base a little more lively. In the breaks, they had taken they had plugged away at the systems and arranging potential options for supplies as not to be placed in a predicament. One of the biggest issues Bruce knew they'd be facing would be self-sustainment and supply procurement. Given the secluded nature of the base and it's intended purpose, certain precautions would need to be in place - not to mention, Jedi were without doubt outlaws in this lawless galaxy now.

Bruce gave the Knight a hug in celebration. Over time the two of them had become great friends - but what else would have been expected in such close quarters where you no longer had an abundance of friends or people to talk to? You had to grip those you could and keep them close because at the end of the day, the galaxy was cold and lonely. This in itself would be the first change that the Jedi would have to face, back when they were actually something to talk about, an attachment was proven to be an issue for some, but not to Bruce, no. He had come to the realization that sometimes you had to suspend aspects of that life in order to be better than the foe.

"With that resolved, we can move on to the next task, one that should be considered monumental." Bruce continued as he motioned for the woman to follow him back to the central hub. "By now, the rest of them may be wondering what happened to me, we have been away for quite some time and I will admit, though the situation is dire - I've been very happy and appreciative of what was coming together. I am more so excited that I don't have to go it alone anymore, but of course, you need not stay if you wish it. What I have taught you will be useful out there, it can be used to create a void in an area to help secure your place - or if you need to provide sanctuary for a time, there are many applications I assure you. Think about it, if you are not sure." When they returned to the central hub, Bruce had rummaged through his belongings and removed a single datapad which he promptly presented to Marina.

"That will be the rendezvous of the craft I have spoken about previously. When you are clear of the asteroid field, send the signal associated with the datapad. It is designed to create a direct link - no audio or video, simply text. It is heavily encrypted and is designed to blend in with standard background noises in the galaxy, no one should be able to detect it unless you already know about the signal. However, I am not afraid to face the bleak truth, in the time they have been away there is a chance they could have been compromised or the details leaked - but as of right now, no one but you and I are aware of this location. When the signal is received I would like you to camp out... out of sight, out of mind." There was a serious tone in the Caretaker's voice. It was obvious this was a very important task and that he had put plenty of thought into this. Marina would know instantly that there was no joking to be had and it would be critical for her to listen to his words.

"Wait. They will arrive, they should not run away if no one is present. Watch for activity before you make yourself known. It may take them a day or two before they even arrive depending on their exact location, be patient. When you are satisfied, guide them here and help them get set up. Understood?" Bruce waited expectantly.

Bruce would, of course, answer any questions or hear out any concerns of her and do everything he could to respond and to reassure if required. Further to this, he would make his own voyage to those he had entrusted and bring them back unharmed. This was the most critical mission for the both of them, as he had said the chances of compromise was a very real possibility and until they were comfortable at Eclipse, he would be on edge, prepared for anything - and he had expected nothing less from Marina.

* * * * * *

5 Years would pass, and Eclipse was no longer a tiny forgotten location. It was a very real place, with a very real purpose, but the stress was also very real. The Jedi were no more, they were nothing but a scattered band, shattered and fractured across the galaxy. Bruce had maintained very little contact with those he once knew. This was the reality that they would face each and every day, but it was a reality Bruce took on with great pride.

These days, Bruce was not a Jedi Councillor, nor was he a Jedi Master or Knight, he was a father; but not in the traditional sense, no. He was a father, a grandfather to all of the people here, they were his family and like any father, Bruce would protect his family with all of his life and then some. There was no greater joy in life than this.

Much activity had happened since he had arrived here, the facility was now full operational and mostly completely self-sustainable thanks to the biodomes and amenities located on the base. It was also like a small city, with all the people and all the bounds and duties wrapped into people, people had jobs, people had shops, people had fun. It was good to see, especially with all the darkness they had endured. This was only the beginning and he had hoped it would last for some time, it was all he could do. It was scary at first, but today it was the polar opposite.

Eclipse was further developed now. A full-fledged temple had been nestled into the crust of the planet, attached to the core of Eclipse. And over the years, with the help of the others, The former Caretaker of First Knowledge carried out his exacting duty - preservation of knowledge. He had established a near complete archives with all of the information he had retained and secured the best he could before departing the Jedi Order all that time ago. Here on Eclipse, in the darkness of the galaxy, it was like the Jedi never left. Of course though, with the collection of Force Sensitives, Eclipse had its near-extinction moments, but they had increased their efforts to ensure things didn't go south fast. Of course, it also helped that the Sith were still celebrating their win as they had suspected that their greatest foe was now extinct; and the people in Eclipse, well their goal would be to continue that illusion when things started to die down rest assured. The facility had also begun to take shape as a true research centre, but before they could make a major difference, it would take some time and careful planning going forward.

The Bardottan father was in his newly developed quarters, kept within the now functional temple they had constructed and dubbed "The Dusk Temple" in honor of the temples (like the Dawn Temple) that had suffered great losses - as well as the namesake of the system he now called home. He was physically alone right now but he had been peering at a glowing likeness of himself standing before him.

"The Jedi Order has faced many tribulations over the years. On more than one occasions they stared the darkness in the eye and always returned with a smile. They are still alive and well, for the Jedi could never truly be wiped out. A Jedi is not a title, nor is it an organization - this I can assure you. The Jedi are simply that, The Jedi. They will always live on inside people, despite if they know it or not. A Jedi is a hope, salvation, law, and kindness, as long as there is a sliver of hope anywhere in the galaxy - the Jedi will be there... watching and waiting. They are the comfort we feel when we no longer know what to expect, they are family and they have proven that time and time again. I laid my life out to them and I was granted one of the most rewarding things in an eternity - but I cannot describe it beyond that. When you have learned that, you will feel it and you will understand exactly what I speak about.

Young learner, this is a tale of tragedy and triumph. This is a tale of knowledge, and the power it gains.
This is the tale of a Jedi, this is the tale of your journey. I will guide you and soon all will be clear...."

The gatekeeper fades slowly as the small cube hummed softly.

@Nightfall

 

[Marina Giulestei]

Days went by as the pair began meditating, expanding the shrouded coverage of the facility, hoping to keep it away from prying eyes. Though between them the force was strong, and soon the technique came to life. Indeed, so did Bruce, the joy he let out she managed the technique was one of the happiest states she’d ever seen the Bardottan Master in, and she couldn’t help but join in, holding him tight as he hugged her, smiling and laughing. They had become much closer in their time on the station, but both had seen so much of the other, indeed, Bruce had been right inside her mind, their was little reason for not sharing now. And that meant they became close much faster than many do. Good thing too, when you’re the only two around. And it helped make her mind up for Bruce’s next question,

“I’ll be here Bruce” Marina replied softly “I don’t need to think about it anymore” it was simple, but it was honest. She’d had so much time now to consider what direction to take her life. Fighting, training, fleeing. Here she had a different option to all of that. A better option. One she could live with.

Not that it seemed her life would be quiet. Bruce had more plans ready and waiting, Eclipse still needed people, parts, supplies. The pair would have their hands full in setting up the place and settling in proper for the long haul. For the rest of their days, she supposed.

And that was alright by her.

* * *
​

The long dark of the Deep Core held no sound, no light, as Marina waited in her freighter, the pinging of her marker beacon the only company she had for now. That was fine though, not often she could simply gaze out beyond the stars without a sense of guilt. Today she had no choice but to wait. And sure enough, the wait was long, as Master Guleya had said, before a transport ship dropped out of hyperspace before her eyes, holding at the edge of the asteroid field. Hailed and confirmed friendly, it was a strange feeling to lead them back to the base she and Bruce had kept to themselves for so long. It was no long a hideaway now, it was their home. And that meant looking at it in a whole new way. Looking at herself in a whole new way. That was almost more frightening than any fight she might have met with the Sith.

* * *
​

“Deep breaths, stretch out with your feelings” Marina led her class of younglings in a guided meditation. It would not be long before some were tic br considered knights themselves, assuming they wished to carry on the tradition. And in an unfriendly galaxy she was uncertain how many of them would. But Eclipse remained either way, flourished in a sense. This was not what Bruce had meant it to be, but it served its purpose now perhaps better than it ever might have.

And Marina herself slipped into the role of teacher more easily than she might have expected. The younglings has found a good place to learn. Between her and Bruce they got the best of both their styles, learnings patience, virtue, and something Marian always reminded them of in these darker times, the importance of play. They couldn’t be sure the younglings would want to remain Jedi, but either way they needed to be fully rounded people, and she sought to ensure they were that much. Not that it was hard. They were good kids after all, she wouldn’t trade them for the world,

“And breathe out, let your minds wander freely” she guided them further. Though she herself opened her eyes, and left them be for a time, pacing across the hallway toward the great viewing window that opened to the base full. Biodomes underway and the Dusk Temple brilliant in it all, they had brought it a long way. Even her Nomads Vine seemed to have found a place here, just as she had.

Marina smiled, her mind drifting away, a deep breath.

She was home. Once and for all.

@Zigara