Time to Step Up - The Celebration Fortification

[Bruce Guleya]

Jedi Academy, Tython
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The shuttles sailed through the skies of Tython, a welcoming sight for all to be hold. As the shuttles entered the atmosphere the came in to just over the mountain tops of the gorgeous landscapes of the Jedi Homeworld. The pilots had a complete control on each of the shuttles and each of them paths they'd taken to come into the planet. The weather was bright and shining, the winds calm causing no turbulence - it was just simply smooth sailing.

Onboard the shuttle however stood the Jedi Master Guleya, as he rubbed shoulders with the passengers. Unfortunately the shuttles were a bit crowded but it couldn't be helped. It made the travel through hyperspace rather awkward, but there was no dry eyes on the shuttle even now - hours later. Bruce had a heavy heart as well, though a Jedi who was frequently calm and seemed to be less troubled then others, he to was feeling a bit upset; the mission he had just done wasn't completely successful. Dozens had died, in part due to the Jedi Master himself - not acting fast enough or by his own hand. Bruce didn't excel at killing, he was a healer by nature; and the death of children seemed to hang on him as well... all because Bruce had been there once. It was a heavy burden to bare, but he would bare it all the same.

Before him was a young Jedi Knight he had met on this mission. The Jedi Knight had sustained a sever injury to his arm, but Bruce was a gifted healer and was tending to Jedi Knight Gûry Sündr Gantz (@Ero). The Force flowed through the Master's body and into his hand where it wrapped the Knight's injuries tightly and stimulated the natural healing of the body as the Master purged all signs of infection or bacteria from the Kath Hound's vicious bite. As he tended to the wound, he had given the young Jedi Knight a bit of a tongue lashing because of the mission on Vandor-1 but it was a mild case. Bruce had felt the Knight embrace the thrill of combat near the start of it all, he also sensed the apprehension he had suffered before the battle was in full swing; but nonetheless the Master smiled and complimented the Knight for his abilities and thanked him for coming.

"Master Bruce, you need to stop blaming yourself for that incident. It wasn't your fault, it wasn't the Order's fault. Jyk was a bit of a loose cannon and stuck in the old ways. In hindsight I should have seen it." Bruce's Kaleesh friend Nim spoke to the Master as he tended to the wounds.

"I understand you Nim, truly I do friend. But it was still my fault to have set him off - and it 'tis my fault for burying your village."

"Well..." Nim paused, "... that's true, you did bury our home in snow, but it was necessary." The village leader chuckled.

Bruce looked over the knight he was tending to and smiled, healing had been successful. Satisfied Bruce got to his feet and made his way through the crowds toward the cockpit, he took in the familiar sights of Tython's woods before being greeted by the Academy off in the distance. The shuttle gently banked to the left as it made the final approach. "Landing authorization confirmed, welcome home lads. You'll be next to land - tell Master Guleya that the supply shuttles have arrived and we just started unloading the second one. You'll be landing on the pad once it's clear. Welcome home again." The docking officer's voice came over the comm. Bruce could see the supply craft taking off and clearing the pad that they were heading for.

Jedi Master Guleya's shuttle soon touched the ground and the entire shuttle rocked with a loud thud. Overhead the pilot confirmed the landing and the ramp dropped down letting in the fresh air of Tython fill the cabin. Bruce had emerged from the cockpit and made his way through the crowd again toward the back and down the ramp.

"Everyone, it's okay. Come on down." Bruce called to the shuttle, soon the crowds began to funnel out slowly. Nim approached his bardottan friend, "I'm still sorry for it. But the Jedi would be happy to provide you a place to stay - there's a clearing not far away from the academy. Some of our technicians have already started getting the area clear for a new village. We'll be able to protect you here and be able to help you in whatever way we possibly can."

The Kaleesh would have smiled, but it was impossible to be seen. "Bruce, don't be so hard on yourself. Seriously. We're happy to have had you and we were happy to give you and your friend a place to stay, I'm sorry she wasn't here to see this. She was quite the girl! Firey spirit! I really liked her." Nim pat the master on the back, "But I will say - we can help you in some way. We're very skilled and like we had discussed previously, we can probably get this Academy a safer place!" Nim turned his back, "Lucas, get your friends together and help the Jedi better prepare to defend this place - it was a beacon to these fine folks once, and we'll make sure it stays that way going forward!"

Bruce smiled, "Thank you, Nim. Please feel free to ask for help or anything going forward - the Jedi will be happy to help; I would be happy to help as always. You're a good friend." Bruce pat his friend on the shoulder, "Lucas! Can you also speak with our team? Have them change all of the command codes here - you'll need to if you're adding a new wing." Bruce shouted to the technician, who nodded in acknowledgement; and with that Nim left with his people to help build a new settlement.

* * * * * *​

Bruce entered the archives of the Jedi Academy, crews were unloading the metallic crates that were recently delivered. They were stocking and cataloguing all the details they had received. The saurian like Master stood in the entryway with a smile on his face. It had been a tough battle, and although much had been lost - these metal crates full of Jedi Knowledge and Teachings he had liberated from The Ossus Great Library before it's destruction at the hands of the Sith Empire, they were a large victory even though they it seemed like a tiny thing, its symbolize was the greatest achievement. These books and teachings, they signaled - at least to Bruce that the Sith hadn't won and that Ossus was still alive.

Bruce walked into the room, running his left three fingers along the shelves, taking it all in. He picked up a single book now, a book that still remained somewhat charred. He held it in his hands, he ran his free fingers along the cover, although the attack was sometime ago, it was like it was yesterday to the bardottan. He could feel the tears in his eyes as he relived the moment to himself, as he realized that this could have all been lost - and had they not taken steps, would have been lost. He knew he needed to take sometime to himself after all had transpired, but his job wasn't done. He'd need to talk to the council and update them of the situations.

For now, it was time to celebrate. They were restoring much of the achieves! They had saved some many priceless pieces and many would come to enjoy these moments. It was critical and it made the statement that not all was lost! They deserved the peace that had been wrought, if only for awhile. Bruce would return that charred book and make his way to help unloading the crates.

Spoiler: OOC / Open

These is an OPEN Thread for all Jedis. This is a social thread or a reaction thread (or both) depending on what you want to take away from it. Feel free to hop in and contribute to this.
Perhaps you're at the Academy and you see the shuttles landing? The large group of people (of all species) departing and making for the hills? Unloading the crates of Knowledge? Truly the choice is yours.

I'll leave it up for about 24 hours (upwards to the completion of my last thread - which is underway) before I close it off; it's free plot credits hehe.

Tagging those who were in the previous threads as well. Doesn't mean you're here but it's an FYI.
@Ero @Phoenix @Cazar @Fantasy Liver @Faded Truth @Laskt @Xorism @Loco

 

[Gûry Sündr Gantz]

After a minute of admiring the archives, Master Bruce would hear the door open behind him, the entrance filled with the broad body of the young Knight Gûry. He was breathing heavily, his head somewhat light after the evac, the transport, the slight onset of fever, followed by the healing, and then the landing. Pushing through the crowds, he'd wandered the floor in search of Guleya, chasing the slightest rumor of where the Master had gone until he finally came to the archives. His legs wobbled beneath him and his face was red, forehead sweating profusely, but when he spoke, his tone was surprisingly clear and forthright:

"Master Guleya. Sir, you are regarded and well-known in the Order as one of the most centered, calm Masters about. This last venture of ours showed that to be true in ways that would not have been otherwise possible. And, by the, uh...lesson you gave me on the transport, I know we both know that I lack composure amidst crisis. Please, Master, how do I center myself in the Force, that I may not be confident or afraid, but merely dutiful and at peace?"

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The look on his face would give Guleya the impression that this boy knew of what he was speaking. For a moment, there at the end, maybe, he might have just tasted the One. All feeling gone, all worries and wants cast aside for the simple rest of life found only in the harmonious presence in the Force. However, it was clear that it was gone now, and he wanted to know it better in the event that he had to fight again in the future.

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce was oblivious to the sound of the door opening, he was so wrapped up in his own little world and thoughts - little broke through to him, but all it would take is the voice of a young man, a young knight who he had spent some time with on Vandor-1. Bruce turned on his heels toward the Gûry as he screeched to a halt before him, the Knight drenched in sweat and showing obvious signs of recovery; signs of more recovery needed. "Gûry! Settle down lad, come come." Bruce took physical control of the Knight to prevent him from toppling over or overdoing it. The Bardottan took the man over to the nearest seat and sat him down.

"First off, what are you doing up so fast? I only just tended to you! You can't be up and gallivanting around, not after those kinds of wounds Knight. You need some time to rest, some time to catch your breath, sir." The Jedi Master gave the young knight a scowl, but he wasn't completely mad with the Knight. "But I can see from your words that you're a determined individual who I won't be able to get rid of so quickly - very well. Let's talk for a moment." The bardottan clasped Gûry's shoulder invitingly, "I appreciate your compliments - but I am no one special; and surely not the ONLY one centered and calm, we're Jedi after all."

To hear the words of a Knight claiming that the Master known as Bruce was widely known and that he was recognized favorably or almost viewed as something or someone special, to have such a reputation, it was still an odd thing to Bruce. He never viewed himself as anything but a bardottan who had found his way into the Jedi Order. But, such as the life he had walked; he couldn't be low profile forever and even though Bruce saw himself as just another person, clearly the Knight saw him as something else and the Master would not be the one to disappoint a Knight. It was sort of his duty to remain as a role model, as a teacher, and it was something he took seriously.

"Knight Gûry Sündr Gantz," Bruce softened his tone as he began to speak. "What happened to you on Vandor-1 is a common occurrence. I can understand your hesitations and your thirst for the moment. It was obvious to me that that was your first real encounter, and despite my projection - I was wavered as well. It wasn't right and it was unacceptable for that man to butcher the children so freely." Bruce sighed, "But to answer your question, it'll be a Jedi answer. To be able to exhibit that calm, to hold that composure, it takes a great deal of concentration and acceptance. When the Jedi accepts the potential outcomes, things become a little more easier to feel and control. Many of the people we face have already made their decisions, they are also not always the nicest of people. Much of what we do is a case of "Me or them" because you better believe that they're thinking the same thing. When you accept what must be done or what maybe the result of indiscretions, you begin a path. A path of true acceptance.

Simply saying "I accept..." is not the answer. You need to feel the answer, the acceptance, within you before you can project it outward. Those are some building blocks. In addition, I always recommend you look to your own memories and thoughts, sure you've got a fond memory? One that is stronger than the rest? Seize it. Work with it." Bruce smiled widely, "It's not easy - but no one ever said being a Jedi was easy.

Now, settle lad. You need to let rest come, it's the safest way to make a full recovery. The Force is a powerful ally, but it doesn't always beat out the conventionals."

@Ero

 

[Galahad Vult]

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"Master Guleya speaks wisely," spoke the former Temple Guard as he stepped out from browsing the archive's shelves, staff in his left hand and Tutaminis: the Ebb and Flow of Energy Itself in the other. He had just recently returned from Prakith, having fought alongside the Grandmaster to cleanse the temple there of the Dark Side abominations that plagued it, and wished to improve his knowledge of energy manipulation. However, the blond Knight put aside his studying to join the two other Jedi, one of which seemed to be in a great deal of physical distress.

He continued, "Oneness with the Force is most easily achieved with a clear mind, unhindered by fatigue or worries. While certainly more difficult to do so in the heat of conflict, it is not impossible." While Galahad knew that he, too, was just a mere Knight of the Order, he wished to impart some of the knowledge that he had gained in his recent journeys with his friend, Austin Wolfe. "A true connection to the Force also lies in a proper understanding of it in conjunction with our duty. As Jedi, we say that we are servants of the Force, but it goes much deeper than that. Because the Force exists in all things, and we serve the will of the Force, it follows that we serve all things. Therein lies the path of the Jedi: true selflessness, and the easier it is to detach oneself from one's personal desires to follow the guidance of the Force, the easier it will be to become one with it. Injustice, greed, malice, fear, rage, pride, the Dark Side — these things corrupt the natural balance, the inherent Light in all things. By bringing justice and compassion without cruelty or hate to the world around us, we return balance to the Force. And so the cycle continues."

Upon finishing, the Knight smiled and bowed politely. "Knight Galahad Vult, at your service."

@Ero @Zigara​

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce smiled at the newcomer, "Please Galahad, you flatter me so. Please, join us." Bruce bowed his head in respect and in return to the bow offered to him. "Gûry, you can accomplish such feats. As we have said, it just requires time. I have been a part of this Order from some time, to do learn this and to be like this wasn't something I could have done overnight, it is not something I could do alone. I had plenty of help, there is never ever a fault with seeking guidance as you have done. Always know, you will never be viewed as lesser if you wish guidance from more than one - for we all have techniques and quite honestly you need to find what works for you. Could be to mimic, it could be something new and unique, or a combination of techniques." Bruce waved his hand around the room, "The articles and knowledge contained within these walls will serve you along this journey. And look as always, look to your brothers and sisters of the Jedi Order."

"I have much faith that, in good time, you will see a change. You will feel the change. Little by little my friend, you will grow. As always, you may come to me should you need guidance - and I am sure that Knight Vult will be a wealth of knowledge for you. For his statement, and his explanation speak volumes. Meditate on our words and you will see it, I am sure. But I must urge you - you NEED to rest and need to recover. I cannot in good conscious allow you to continue without the proper rest; you have sustained much and experienced much and I WILL be checking in on you to ensure you're recovering exponentially."

@Ero @Shalken

 

[Gûry Sündr Gantz]

With a laugh, Gûry would shake in the chair, nodding in affirmation of the two elder's words. He had known that something like this was going to be said, but it did not lighten the weight that such a prospect laid upon his shoulders. And yet, this weight was not something that he took with any sort of bitterness or reluctance. Rather, he embraced it as one might embrace an old friend, long missed and now returned to them. It seemed this was a comfortable burden. Perhaps the two older Jedi might have noted that his Force Presence, in that very moment, seemed to deepen. Only a little, but enough to be felt clearly as the boy matured, his soul enriching even as he stood with a wide smile to lean on Guleya to be led out of the room and back to the medical area.​

"Thank you both. You two have given me much to ponder going forward, and rest assured these words we have shared will do well in aiding me to shape myself as a Jedi. If this is what comes from being bitten by a Kath Hound, I regret not allowing the mishap to occur sooner in my life."

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce chuckled at the comment given by Gûry. Bruce could feel the young boy understanding and growing from it, he understood the gratefulness that gently clutched to the slightly wounded Jedi Knight as they advanced forward. Bruce had a good feeling about the Knight and was grateful to have met him, "Jedi Knight Gûry Sündr Gantz, you're going to be alright. I know you will do exception things within our Order. As always, feel free to contact me - even if it's just for a chat." The Jedi Master offered the young man a warming and reassuring smile.

Bruce turned his attention back to Galahad and offered him a bow. "Thank you. Now if you'll both excuse me, I've been asked to speak with the Grand Master in regards to an important issue, to what I am not entirely sure. I wish you both well - and my offer extends to you Knight Galahad Vult, feel free to call upon me."

"May the Force be with you, Brothers."

Jedi Master Bruce Guleya had a long day and as much as he would like to rest, he knew it wouldn't happen anytime soon. He would leave the Academy to speak with Grand Master Wyck as requested by the venerable Jedi - the details, the bardottan didn't know but based on the communication it was important and Bruce knew, the rest and relaxtion would have to wait because the Force certainly told him his duty wasn't done and he'd need to be at his best for whatever task the Grand Master had for him. The report would have to wait until this was done.

/#END THREAD#/

@Ero @Shalken

 

[Telunaris]

As much as Telunaris appreciated the temple grounds, the energy, light and life concentrated there, there was just something about the wilds that drew him more than blocks of stone and the presence of technology. In its own way, it was rather ironic; sitting on the air as he psychokinetically levitated himself over the ground, Telunaris had been modifying and realigning his lightsaber. Of course, most would use their hands, and rightly so. The level of finesse and control, not to mention the demand on one's concentration, made his own method of tuning less practical for most, but it just made his connection with his tool and the Force more... intimate. More personal.

Modified with additional focusing crystals for dual-phase functionality, bifurcating cyclical-ignition pulse casing and engraved with Deucalic runes down the hilt, Telunaris had long sought to augment his lightsaber for more practical purposes, but had seldom found the opportunity to do so. But this day was one of peace, one for_peace. As ever screw and plate fastened back into place, telekinetically brought together to once again take the form of a crosshilt blade, Telunaris ignited his weapon. As the indigo blade fired into the air, the glow dimly came through the lids of Telunaris's closed eyes, they opened. The changed were small, subtle, but they were there. Reaching out to take his weapon by the hilt, Telunaris let his legs down and stood from his meditation, twirling his lightsaber once before deactivating it and returning it to his waist.

At the mountainside where he stood, Telunaris saw the descent of shuttles landing and smiled. It had been a long path, a hard one with pains and loss. But the Jedi had achieved much in the recent years. Sacrificed much, and gained in return. But their work was not yet done, and they still had much more to do. Walking toward the mountainside's edge, Telunaris took the step forward and off the side, Force leaping from rock formation to formation until he hit the forest floor. It was time to return, after all. And today... had been a good day.