Ael Jade
The Jedi Order - Corellian Jedi Academy
Posts: 1,544 
Affiliation: Corellian Jedi Order
|
Post by Ael Jade on Mar 21, 2014 17:03:31 GMT -8
Finally she shrugged, letting the matter slide. Of more importance was Gavin's run-in with Sinistra before arriving on Coruscant. He'd already stated he was part of no Order, and he seemed to have no ostensible loyalties, answering to no one except himself. Earlier he had mentioned meeting Sinistra on Kashyyyk.
Her chin lifted just slightly as one eyebrow quirked into an arch for a moment. "Indeed they are different, and I think that ultimately this difference may just make Sinistra that much more of a threat."
For now she didn't clarify that, letting it stand on its own as she shifted gears back to what he'd said before.
"So, Sinistra let you go then? Why is that?"
Jade wasn't threatening him, but at the same time, she intended to keep an eye on him for awhile, at least during the beginning of his residence on Coruscant.
|
|
Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Gavin Phoenix on Mar 21, 2014 17:54:11 GMT -8
*Gavin raised an eyebrow when she asked about Sinistra. Let him go? Then question was confusing in Gavin's mind. He was no prisoner of her's, nor was he an apprentice that needed to always follow a master. True enough he was learning the ways of the Sith, but even Electrix knew that he was no Acolyte and even wondered what he could teach him. He was capable of coming and going as any did. He felt he had no obligation to always remain on Kuat. Did Sinistra know that he had gone to Coruscant, and more specifically, the Jedi Temple? No, but neither was it her business. She had her secrets and agendas just as he did.
Tilting his head, he let his arms cross slowly before his chest. His eyes focused on her as the piercing gaze almost made his eyes seem to glow. His steps were slow as he stepped to the side, almost starting to circle her. His presence that had remained in an odd neutral stance, darkened just slightly.*
"Let me go? What do you mean by that? Sinistra reached out to many places seeking aid in battle. At that time, I had no place to call home. She opened her home to me, and I fought willing in that battle. I stayed until word of the Empire had spread. At that point, I intended to leave. I was not going to continue to live on her hospitality. I had nothing to offer the Empire. I was not a leader of troops, nor was I a Sith to teach newcomers and apprentices. I'm not political, nor am I good with business. I am a warrior, simple as that. When I went to thank her before leaving, she continued to offer her home to me, allowing me to call it my home. And so, I began learning the ways of the Sith. Will I become one? I will not. I am a seeker of knowledge, desiring to better understand the Force and how it exists in the galaxy. One view alone it not enough to formulate such thoughts. Why did I leave? Because I could. I do not see why I should seek permission from any to leave a planet and go out into the galaxy."
*He let his eyes focus on hers for a moment longer before turning his back to her.* "I serve the Empire, not as a willing follower, but service for the gift that I've been given. I will take on the jobs that the Empire gives me, provided that they fall in my moral judgement. Will I fight the Empire's enemies? I will, provided they are enemies that need to be fought. If she asked me to fight the Jedi without cause other than to strike first or to follow the tradition of Jedi versus Sith, then she would not have my blade. I am a seeker of knowledge and a warrior. I fight that which needs to be fought and I protect that which needs to be protected. Is such purpose generalized? Yes, but it is all I have until I reestablish a focused purpose for myself."
*He turned his head slightly as if trying to look back to her before looking ahead. His arms fell from his chest and moved to behind his back. They rested side by side, as if submitting to an arrest.* "I understand if you do not trust me, especially in light of this new information. If you wish me to leave, I shall without question. If you feel the need to imprison me, I will not fight. I simply have come to learn, as I've said before. But it is you who must desire the next move for this is your home, your friends and family, your life that may be put on the line should I be lying." *His voice was calm, not a single hint of fear or nervousness. He took in a silent breath and released it slowly, awaiting her response.*
|
|
Ael Jade
The Jedi Order - Corellian Jedi Academy
Posts: 1,544
Affiliation: Corellian Jedi Order
|
Post by Ael Jade on Mar 23, 2014 10:29:16 GMT -8
A younger Jedi would have moved to match Gavin's predatory circling, but Jade was no young Jedi. She'd been raised a warrior, and only later as an adult been trained in the ways of the Jedi. She knew where he was, and his next step almost before he took it. With the darkening of his mood, her left hand hovered inches from the burned hilt of the lightsaber on her left hip. But, she did not move further towards it. Green eyes were narrowed to glowing slits as he once again circled back into her field of vision. An unnaturally calm voice replied to him when he paused for breath.
"It was a question that needed to be asked, but your attitude, Gavin Phoenix, speaks much more than your words."
"As appealing as it is to imagine one's self a discrete individual, influenced by none, affected by none, serving only one's self as one sees fit---such a thing is not realistic in practice. We influence those around us, as those around us in turn influence us. Life is a journey, the universe, the Force a cohesive whole. We all have parts to play, roles to fill. Your words seem to reflect the petty selfishness of a child, unconcerned with the needs of others, though this may be far from your intent."
The female Jedi was, as a rule, soft-spoken, rarely raising her voice. It was generally her eyes, cold or aflame that would reveal emotion. She was capable of making herself heard, and when she did so, those who were familiar with her listened. Whether they accepted what she said or not, they listened and decided for themselves as individuals capable of asserting reason and logic to arrive at a conclusion.
As he turned his back to her, the ghost of a smile flashed unseen across her lips, never once reaching her eyes. She made no move to intercept him.
"Claiming such a neutrality and disjointedness from all others, placing one's self in the ultimate position of power and determination---it was under this guise that some weeks ago an organization calling itself GALSAF attempted a takeover of a Jedi Praxeum, treating Jedi in a most disturbing fashion, not understanding why the Jedi and the Republic were displeased with this, as GALSAF itself had participated in a siege against that Praxeum on the side of the Mandalorians attacking it."
There was a passing flicker in her voice, something that might have easily been missed before she inquired, "Do you see now why those who claim neutrality void of any allegiance or accountability, might be treated with wariness and caution? It is the enemy who poses as a friend, that is more dangerous than the enemy itself."
She spoke with the ghost of a pain long since felt most keenly, personal experience at the hand of just such a one over half a century earlier.
"Akire Phoenix understood this."
Jade turned, hand falling from her lightsaber as she reached up and shifted her outer robe on her shoulders, moving past him further into the Temple itself.
"I have made no such demands or intimations, Gavin Phoenix, but the Jedi Order is treading a dangerous path, as usual. You must be aware of this. And you must understand it. There is knowledge here if you wish to seek it."
|
|
Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Gavin Phoenix on Mar 23, 2014 11:37:06 GMT -8
*Gavin listened intently upon her words, not once speaking until she had finished. He kept his back to her so that his emotions would not be revealed. His presence once again became neutral as it was before. His eyes watered as his memories played in his mind as she spoke of being unaffected or influenced by anyone, he knew this well enough not to be true in himself. He might appear as such, but nothing could be so far from the truth. Everything he learned and did was in ways to handle the hardships of his life. He had loved, learning from their beliefs and feelings, and as such from friends me made amongst the orders he fought with. It was all these things that helped him form his own beliefs.
The things that influenced him the most, though, was not teachings, but the losses of so many. His wife, both of his daughters, two lovers, and an apprentice. He had also lost in his early life both his birth and adoptive parents, all the losses aside from two had been forced to see. It was this, despite his training with the Dark Jedi to harness and control his emotions, that broke him. His darkness had taken over, becoming an entity of itself and trapping himself within his ow mind. He had, thanks to his apprentice, been freed from the darkness, though the encounter had somehow actually split them into two bodies. When Gavin fought himself he trapped the darkness in a blade through alchemy, his only use of it, but in turn sealed off all his power and disconnected himself from the Force. And so, for fifty years he wandered his home alone.*
"The is no road, no simple highway between the dawn and dark of night. And if you go, no one may follow, for that path is for your steps alone."
*He new he had his part to play, but he didn't know what it was. How many times had he been brought back from death? Each time he had not been given a clear sense of mind as to what he needed to do. He thought that he was meant to rebuild and unite the Shadows. But in the end, he was the only one left who held that power. And as being the last, he no longer used his abilities, seeing, that in the end, the Shadows didn't exist at all. Perhaps it was better that way. To be disconnected from the galaxy, to choose who lived and died based on balance only took its toll. He had already been broken once. To bear the pain and loss of so many more, no amount of training and understanding could save one's soul from shattering.
Perhaps his words were childish and selfish, but he felt so far from the truth. He knew there was a part to play, though it was unclear to him. And he never felt himself to be in an ultimate position of power and determination. Despite what he showed, despite desiring to become stronger, the have greater knowledge and power, he no longer felt his power was worth anything. He was one man, attempting to find a place in the galaxy, though he required to be cut from any ties until the proper knowledge was gained. He knew that he could easily be swept away if he stood alone. He kept this at the front of his mind, that despite any power he held, as one man, any group could rid him from existence. he had accepted this and lived with this knowledge, using it to keep himself in check.*
"I have always understood the dangers and the worry that would be caused from a man bearing no connection to any order. I know the unrest it brings when an enemy poses as a friend. They work their way inside and tear you apart from within." *It was the case with his master when he was with the Jedi. He also knew it when Raziel, his best friend, had took his wife and daughter, training his daughter and torturing his wife, causing her death.* "It is one of the greatest forms of destruction one can face, as it destroys from inside the heart."
*Gavin winced at the mention of Akire. He had faced his own hardships, greater than most, but Akire had faced her share as well. So much hurt and fear from the past. It was something no one could ever escape.*
"I am lost, Jade. I have been without a purpose for so long. I have lost much, and have died, only to be returned to this plane a few times, the reason and power that did such outside my understanding. I've been ready to return to the Force and rejoin my family, but have been unable to do so. I have been both an agent of Chaos and bringer of light. But despite all I do, the influence I bring always brings death. My daughters, my wife, my apprentice all died in battle that simply came for me. Despite what I've taught, to regret nothing and to fear less, I've grown more in fear and regret over all that has happened. That is why I've been in exile, unconnected to any order. I hope that the memory of me in this galaxy would fade so that none would die from my actions." *His words had become soft and was filled with sadness.* "I've returned to the galaxy, hoping that my past would be nothing more than a memory within myself so that I could start anew. But I don't know where to beginning. I have my own beliefs, built through training with many others, but I know not the path to take. This is why I desire knowledge from all. This way, I can see with my own eyes the truth of everything, and from that, choose my path correctly. I could not join the Jedi against the Sith simply knowing their view of the Sith. It goes for any order, any way of life. I want true, honest reasons to my choices. *He shook his head as he ran a hand across his face.* "Despite what you see in front of you, my attitude, my calm demeanor, his nothing but a shell. I am broken. And until I can put myself back together, I am unable to truly help or serve anyone. This is why I wish to learn. To find out how I can help this galaxy."
*He didn't turn, but watched as she walked past. He took a deep breath before following behind her.* "I do wish to seek it."
|
|
Ael Jade
The Jedi Order - Corellian Jedi Academy
Posts: 1,544
Affiliation: Corellian Jedi Order
|
Post by Ael Jade on Mar 26, 2014 14:48:18 GMT -8
"Ah, but you see, Gavin Phoenix, you are connected to an Order, to a faction, by your own words. Only moments ago you said that you serve the Empire, in addition to owing Sinistra a debt." She held up a hand to forestall an interruption. "I am aware that in the next breath you claimed autonomy as you are the final arbiter of your actions. This is a laudable sentiment, but one that historically tends to fail in the face of pragmatic reality."
Jade spoke quietly, aware that he could hear her, but not broadcasting their conversation to the Jedi around them, although the usual impressions could be gathered simply from observing. No one is truly emotionless for this is to deny humanity and sentience, in essence to deny something vital to 'being.' Complete freedom from the influence of emotion was something that belonged to droids. As an exile from her homeworld, she was fully aware that one who owes debts, is in essence, one who is owned. It was simply a matter of time until those debts were called in. This was why, over half a century she had built up for herself a reputation of personal independence. Only a few people, those who were very close to her, caught a glimpse of her deeper personality.
"Having lost much, in light of your own confessions, you understand why personnel records and assignments are off limits to you. Your access to the Temple will be monitored. If this is too much for you, you are free to leave and follow the leading of the Force elsewhere."
Most Jedi would already have escorted him from the premises or placed him under an armed guard based upon his aura and admissions. As she herself had suffered much loss, though she was not about to go into this with a stranger, she was willing to give him a chance. The Jedi Master was not going to be reckless in doing so as many lives were at stake.
She wondered if perhaps he was suffering from clinical schizophrenia brought on by trauma and psychological torment. If he had 'died' once before, then was Sith alchemy the reason he was alive today? Undoubtedly time would tell.
|
|
Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Gavin Phoenix on Mar 26, 2014 15:31:41 GMT -8
*Gavin said nothing as she spoke of being connected. True, he had said that he served the Empire, though to a degree. But whether he followed very few orders or all of them, he was held as part of that order. He gave her that. But there was more to it than he would share further. While the Jedi would be more willing to allow one to study and gain knowledge from them, it wasn't the case in all orders and factions. He desired the truth behind the Sith, their knowledge and power and philosophy. He had to show some form of commitment to receive what he desired. Even if he looked to learn from a single Sith outside of an order, there would have to be a commitment. When he gained what he needed from them and anything else from other sources, he would make his choice as to where he would truly connect himself to, if any.
Gavin nodded as she continued on. He had expected as much from the beginning and based on all he had said, to be allowed to still get access to their knowledge was something he was thankful for. Even if he was to have a guard on him at all times, he would accept it. The only part he'd be edgy to would be giving up his weapons. Being without a weapon didn't bother him as much as allowing another to hold his sabers. If there was any possession he truly had, it was them. He had a love for crafting weapons and the bond that went into it. Each weapon was a work of art to him. To add more of a reason was that two of the sabers were mementos, a saber belonging to each of his daughters. But he would give them up if necessary. *
"Truth be told, I expected to be sent away. I expect any other Jedi would have done as such. In light of that, I am grateful that you are trusting me as much as you are. Thank you. As for personnel records and assignment, while I do understand them being off limits to me, I have no desire for such information. As I am not a Jedi, assignments have nothing to do with me, and as long as one is living, I'd prefer to understand a person personally. All I desire is to understand the history and remember the philosophy and mission of the Jedi." *As he thought further, he wondered another thing.* "Access to such knowledge is restricted to me and I will be monitored. Certainly that also includes restricted access to certain locations as well. What locations are off limits?"
|
|
Ael Jade
The Jedi Order - Corellian Jedi Academy
Posts: 1,544
Affiliation: Corellian Jedi Order
|
Post by Ael Jade on Mar 28, 2014 14:30:21 GMT -8
Jade considered this. She wondered why he carried so many lightsabers as in essence it diminished the bond between one's self and one's primary weapon. And how many could he really use at once in a fight? Given the state of affairs between Jedi, Sith, and the Republic at the present, she felt that insisting upon his disarmament was reasonable, even though deep in her soul she realized that it was not something he would be happy with.
"I recommend you deposit your lightsabers in one of the secured vaults here until such time as you are ready to leave or until you have proven your stance with regard to the Jedi Order."
The Jedi knew that this in no way diminished his ability to injure and kill those around him. Though, if he truly cared about his weapons, it meant he would not attempt to sneak off to the Sith as he would have to re-acquire them before leaving.
"For now, you are restricted from the padawans' quarters in the residential wing, except in the presence of myself or one of the other Masters here. Obviously some information is restricted. If you do something you are not supposed to, you'll know."
If she thought of something else, she'd inform him of it in time.
"I simply tell you to be careful. The Republic and the Jedi are carefully balanced in a cold war, but not everyone wishes to maintain that balance. There are those who desire a more proactive stance."
No matter how much time passed there would always be warhawks clamoring for blood against those who envisioned a world of peace. Theoretically, Jade herself desired peace, but she understood that in conflict character is forged. There were times when she wondered if the Jedi would lose their sense of purpose if the evil in the galaxy was wiped out.
|
|
Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Gavin Phoenix on Mar 28, 2014 14:54:04 GMT -8
*And so he would be asked to hand over his weapons. If it was required of him to allow him to stay, then so be it.* "And where would these vaults be? I'm sure you'll want to make sure all of them are deposited so that I don't try to hide anything?"
*While he understood the location that restricted, he was surprised that more wasn't off limits to him. But as she said, if he did something he wasn't supposed to, he'd know. With the state of things with the rising Empire, he'd imagine one little mishap could have the whole temple on him. The thought amused him slightly. It was understandable given past history, though he wondered if they would ever see the balance it brought.*
"Isn't it amazing to think that something like the rising of the Empire actually balances things, provided the is a power opposite it to keep things in check? It wasn't true when the Empire first rose under Palpatine. The republic was gone and the Jedi were all but extinct. While the Sith were nowhere near the number they are now, there wasn't any in the beginning to challenge and keep things in order. Provided things don't escalate past this cold war, perhaps things can remain in balance. War is the last thing that anyone wants. I especially hope that the Jedi don't attempt to take action first." *He let off a small sigh.* "Despite the tradition of Jedi versus Sith, to me, for the Jedi to strike first without a true reason to strike taints the light they are meant to uphold."
|
|
Ael Jade
The Jedi Order - Corellian Jedi Academy
Posts: 1,544
Affiliation: Corellian Jedi Order
|
Post by Ael Jade on Apr 1, 2014 11:12:38 GMT -8
Jade shrugged.
"Ideally, yes. There are vaults near the training halls. However, if you do attempt something rash, make no mistake, I doubt even your plethora of lightsabers will be able to save you. The weapon is only as good as the one wielding it."
It was not an overt threat, instead an underlying promise. If he betrayed the Order, he would not regret it for long.
Despite her own beliefs about the Jedi Order, and the fact that they fought defensive wars, she smiled faintly.
"What makes you think that the Jedi Order would care about the opinions of a self-proclaimed rogue working for the Empire? What we are and what we do is not done in order to secure the good opinion of a Gavin Phoenix," she replied dryly. If the Republic declared war, the Jedi would end up fighting. It was currently in the best interests of all to keep the cold war from becoming hot. But history has proven many times over that what is best is not always what happens. The fact that Gavin was setting himself up as the Order's judge irked her for a second, and then she let it slide. For now. If he wished to direct the policy of the Jedi, he should have thrown himself into the Order and worked to be the change that he advocated. However, it was a moot point now. Regardless of Gavin, the Jedi would not be the first to initiate hostilities against the Empire.
|
|
Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Gavin Phoenix on Apr 1, 2014 12:59:27 GMT -8
*Gavin nodded as she made mention of the vaults in the training area. He assumed by her reaction that she wouldn't be accompanying him, but despite that, he knew he was being watched. So it mattered not. And he had no intention of causing anymore of a stir than he already had, though the quick thought of being engaged by the whole temple once again played in his mind. Despite the likelihood of death, it somehow amused him. But he let the thoughts pass from his mind.
Then her words turned towards his to his finally say on the Jedi starting a war. He didn't believe that the Jedi would start it, and should the Republic declare war, then the Jedi would end up fighting. But it wasn't the same as striking first. But his thoughts became amused once again as she viewed him as a judge of the Order. He didn't intend for his words to come across as such, but he didn't press the matter. He could already feel his welcome was pushing itself, the only thing keeping him welcomed is he made no attempt to fight. But he could see even that fading quickly. He decided it was best to go on his way and let her be before he put himself in thew wrong person's shadow.*
"I apologize. I meant nothing against the Jedi. But as you say, my opinions are meaningless in the eyes of the Jedi Order." *He brought his tone to a more formal sound.* "I will going to the training area straight away and deposit my sabers there. Please don't let me keep you. Surely, you have much more important things to attend to."
|
|
Ael Jade
The Jedi Order - Corellian Jedi Academy
Posts: 1,544
Affiliation: Corellian Jedi Order
|
Post by Ael Jade on Apr 2, 2014 14:10:56 GMT -8
Her eyes narrowed as she watched him closely. "Undoubtedly I shall see you in the future," she replied with a nod before turning and heading off deeper into the Temple.
Sometimes the most effective way to keep an eye on things was to simply wait and see what happened. However, Gavin Phoenix was under surveillance, even if Jade herself was not with him personally. For now though, she did indeed have other things to be focusing on. She spoke quietly to one of the Sentinels on duty, and moments later he meandered in the direction that Gavin had taken.
|
|
Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Gavin Phoenix on Apr 2, 2014 15:12:38 GMT -8
*Gavin gave her a slight bow of his head.* "I'm sure you will. Good day, Master Jade."
*With his head still bowed, he glanced up and watched as Jade turned and made her way into the temple. When she had gotten far enough, he stood straight and let off a long sigh. This wasn't how he had planned to come to the temple. At first everything was going rather well. Sure she was a bit suspicious, but that was normal of strangers, and the cold war between the Empire and Republic and Jedi and Sith didn't help matters. But once his age came into play, everything began to slowly go downhill. He was glad that she was gone, only for the fact that the tension growing could perhaps be relieved.
He watched her for only a moment more before turning and approaching a terminal. He quickly found the locations of the training rounds and the archive. Once the locations were locked in his head, he made his way into the temple towards the training ground. Gavin was aware that he was being followed. Of course, while keeping at a distance, it didn't seem that the sentinel was trying to hide. It mattered not. It was what he expected and he could tolerate being followed easy enough.*
|
|
Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Gavin Phoenix on Apr 12, 2014 14:29:32 GMT -8
*Gavin made his way down the halls, heading for the main entrance he had come through days earlier. He had no ship of his own, so all he could do for now was find transport off world. From the corner of his eye, he noticed a few students and masters glancing his way. He wasn't surprised. Most of the time he was here, some had looked at him curiously. He did stand out from the crowd. He didn't dress like any Jedi, nor did he appear as any type of political figure. Gavin, however, kept his focus in front of him. His time here was done, for now. He wasn't sure if he'd ever return, and if he did, would he be an enemy, an ally, or just as he was now. It didn't matter. He wasn't one much for thinking on the future. No good came of it. All he needed to focus on was the present.
He made his way out of the Jedi temple, the sunlight pouring down on him. He made his way further down the stairs until he finally stopped. He had made a call for a shuttle to take him from here to further in the city to find a way off planet. As he waited he turned and looked back to the temple, thoughts running through his mind. He wondered what it would have been like for him if he had returned to the Jedi after that battle with his master. True, the order he was with might have been scattered at the time, though that temple is back to its full strength once again. Would he have remained with the Jedi? Chances are that he would have. But that means he would never have known the truth of himself, understood his long life, and found the path that he believed in now. But it always did leave one to wonder where he would be now if he had made a different choice that day.
He shook the thoughts from his head as he looked on, reaching out to feel the presence of all those that resided in the temple. So many believing in what they did, fighting to protect and serve. He truly hoped that war wouldn't break out again. Though he was a warrior, he was tired of war. So much loss and for what? These wars between the Sith and Jedi had become pointless. It was never ending. He hoped Jade was right about the Jedi not attacking first.
His thoughts then shifted to her. She said that they would undoubtedly meet again. But he had not seen her since their parting when he arrived. Probably for the best. The interaction didn't end so well. He just hoped that when they did meet, it wouldn't be as enemies. He gave a sigh as he turned from the temple and waited for his shuttle to arrive.*
|
|
Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Gavin Phoenix on Apr 13, 2014 12:17:36 GMT -8
*After a few minutes of pondering his thoughts, his focus was broken by the sound of the shuttle coming to a stop in front of him. He gave a sigh as he turned to give a final look back to the temple before he made his way onto the shuttle. As he took his seat, it lifted off and headed for a transport station. It didn't take long before he was able to find one to take him back to Kuat. Despite the Republic and the Jedi being here, there were those who made trips to the now Imperial territories. As everything was ready to go, the ship took off and Gavin watched as the ship left the atmosphere and headed int hyperspace.*
|
|
Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Gavin Phoenix on Apr 26, 2014 18:21:36 GMT -8
*Once again, Gavin stepped off the transport shuttle and made his approach towards the temple. His walk, however, was much different. It was stronger, focused, as he walked with a mission. He didn't bother to look around and take in the sights of the temple again. He was preparing himself, his mental focus and the words to speak. He didn't believe this encounter to be an easy one. But he had to come, had to make his choice. Ael Jade, the one he met before when he came here, she was the one he needed to find, for she was the only one here who knew of and anything about him. She was on the High Council as well, which made it even more important that he find her.
He walked into the Temple, stopping just inside. He took a shaky breath as he saw all those moving about. He was as he was the last time, vest, trenchcoat, multiple sabers, but there was more. Most noticeably was the massive katana-like sword that hung on his back and the sack he held over his left shoulder. He stepped back into the shadows, outside the view of others. Any who saw him, he knew would only bring suspicions, but first he reached out seeing if Jade was even still on Coruscant.*
|
|
Alpharius
Member
Posts: 400 
Affiliation: The Rebel Alliance
Traffic Light: Orange
|
Post by Alpharius on Apr 30, 2014 18:01:40 GMT -8
The world of Coruscant had been the place where everything had changed for the Assassin, and that was the truth in many ways. It was here that he had been first introduced to the great masters of the Jedi Council and the immensity of their religious Order thereafter. It was here that the many years spent with his master, training in the Jedi arts, had come to an abrupt end when the world had gone from a pleasant ochre yellow – to a dull skyline cast in gray. Coruscant was the catalyst for the downfall of the former Jedi, as its uncaring heartbeat had seen to the destruction of everything the wayward knight held dear. This world had taken his master’s fatherly affection, and twisted it into a stranger’s embrace; whilst simultaneously setting this paragon of galactic peace and prosperity upon the path from which there is no return. Coruscant had sparked the Assassin’s career, but it held no claim over finally pushing him over the edge. That lay with another world at a different time. Now he had returned to the place where it had all essentially begun, to do what was needed to be done in order for the continuity of galactic harmony; the tensile thin balance between good and evil. To accomplish his task, the assassin had donned the persona of a dead man – whose corpse was never recovered from the killing fields at Yavin IV. Alpharius, bereft of his mask, had become Dominick Tra’lor; a Knight of the Republic and previously listed as missing in action once the Yavin system had been reclaimed by the supposed forces of good. In a galaxy where the clearly defined lines of morality were blurred by misconception and lies, there was no longer such simple concepts of good and evil, merely various shades of grey.
Thus was the train of thought that kept the assassin busy, whilst he began shaping the physical mannerisms of his newest disguise. In keeping with the plethora of battle scars forged onto his secondary skin by the suit he wore underneath the heavy cream coloured robes, the assassin’s gait began to shift from a confident swagger to that of a war weary survivor that had returned home from a long a perilous journey from the Outer Rim. An enforced twitch of his muscles gave Alpharius the appearance of a limp, one that matched the ragged slash on the exterior of his trousers. In his mind, though he compartmentalized the thoughts regarding the hidden truth of the galaxy, he had believed that the false wound he had previously sustained in the battle against the Mandalorians had been deep – thus would not heal correctly until he had time to rest. Another lie made to account for his inability to return to the Jedi Order since the entirety of the Yavinite clan had gone missing or was slain in the line of duty. Adding to the hobbling motions of the assassin, Alpharius leaned heavily upon a gnarled wooden staff that he had recently obtained as he made his way to the surface of the city-world. Thankfully, the look of the walking stick had been carved to appear like an aged tree branch from the surface of some world in the Inner Rim, the swirls and deep trenches within its surface had been masterfully gutted to seem natural – only the keenest of eyes would be able to tell that this staff had been man made rather than pulled from the dampened ground.
When he believed that sufficient enough time had passed, Alpharius – bearing the masque of Dominick, had removed himself from the embrace of Coruscant’s underworld. Bathed with the warmth and light of the planet’s surface, Dominick took a moment to back in the sensations coursing through his damaged form. The burdens of fleeing from the massacre initiated at Yavin IV, seemingly melted as the Jedi Knight had come to the final leg of his journey home. He would no longer bear the weight of rushing towards the heart of the Galaxy and the Order itself, as despite the fact his mission had failed – the objective he sought to accomplish was done so by another’s hand. No longer would he blame himself for the death toll that sparked such an atrocious body count, as in accordance to his views, the devastation wrought upon the galaxy had been returned tenfold to the very peoples that enacted it. The Mandalorian Empire was broken in the skies above Kuat, in what had originally been a combined taskforce of Dark Tide with their Sith Masters, and the Republic standing alongside their Jedi allies. Dominick was finally allowed to smile once again. And so, when the glass shrouded pyramids of the Jedi Temple had come into sight, his battle worn lips curled into a scarred amalgamation of a sheepish grin. This Jedi Knight was alive, and as he still had breath within his lungs, no matter how painful it had become to ensure the continuity of his life, he would live on for those that could not. Through Dominick and the others that had broken through the blockade, the legacy left behind by the masters of the Yavin Praxeum would never be forgotten.
Hobbling across the bridge separating the Temple district and the hallowed grounds themselves, the Jedi knight dared to release an anxious sigh of relief. He had finally reached his destination and accomplished his mission. Now relieved of such a monumental task, the Jedi Knight’s more nefarious objective began to take root. He would re-establish himself within the Order, find the artifact recently brought to the heart of the vaults beneath the embellished Jedi Archives, and ideally withdraw before his manufactured cover was blown by any overly inquisitive servant of Ashla. That was the mission, and as he had formerly been apart of their order under a very different name, discovering his true purpose upon the Republic Capital world would be an extraordinary feat worthy of recognition within the Jedi archives.
|
|
Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
|
Post by Gavin Phoenix on May 1, 2014 16:44:16 GMT -8
*For some time Gavin spent in the shadows of the main entrance, reaching out, seeking Ael Jade. Despite it all, he couldn't feel her. He knew his strength and ability to feel others was strong and he remembered her presence well. It only meant that she was no longer within the temple here. He had no idea where to search for her. There were many academies and citadels throughout the galaxy that housed the Jedi. She could have been on any of them. The search would take time if he was to travel to all of them to find her. It was an ineffective plan. His best option was to find another who might be able to tell him where she was located.
He took a step from the shadows, then another, then another. While his first appearance here might not have gained much attention, he knew he'd draw much more this time around. It wasn't everyday a Jedi came in with a large, aggressive looking sword hanging from their back. As he walked further in, he could feel the stares upon him, see those who stopped out of the corner of his eyes. But he kept his eyes forward. He wasn't sure where to go, where he could truly find one who'd know the location of the one he sought. He only walked on further into the temple.*
|
|
Ael Jade
The Jedi Order - Corellian Jedi Academy
Posts: 1,544
Affiliation: Corellian Jedi Order
|
Post by Ael Jade on May 2, 2014 13:00:34 GMT -8
Despite the fact that Jade was not within the grand mezzanines of the Temple, she was still within the large edifice. Or more properly, if Gavin consulted the roster at one of the many dataterminals that were open and directly entered a search query for herself, he'd find that right now she was in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Or, more properly, she was on the long balcony outside that ran along one of the edges of the room. She had not blocked her own information from him as she did not consider him a personal threat.
|
|
Alpharius
Member
Posts: 400
Affiliation: The Rebel Alliance
Traffic Light: Orange
|
Post by Alpharius on May 6, 2014 9:55:11 GMT -8
The slow and methodical thud of his walking stick meeting the enameled surface of the marbled staircase was the only sound that the pseudo-Jedi could hear, as the distant thrum of Coruscant’s ceaseless traffic had been muffled by the beryl tinted glass pyramid covering the remnants of the reconstructed Jedi Temple. Dominick didn’t much care for the sub-orbital transit lanes, as he was a man more suited to getting a lay of the land upon his own two feet. One could say, he was more of a traditionalist when it came to exploring new and exciting environments. This had been his first time to the Jedi Temple, and Coruscant thereafter, thus in the time he had to spare before grudgingly returning to the Jedi Order; he felt it was his right to see what this world had in store for him. Though he had started off upon a positive note, trundling about in the marketplaces underneath the duracrete crust of the City-planet, his wounds had started to get the better of him. At first they were nothing but a minor annoyance that could be pushed aside with but a thought, now as his journey to his new home had been prolonged, the dull aches became a rolling tidal throb – sparking the pseudo-Jedi knight to gasp in pain with each act he undertook. Even such a simple deed as climbing the first flight of stairs leading towards the summit capped with four Bronzium statues of the Masters, had caused Dominick to bit down hard upon his lip as the pain threatened to overwhelm his nervous system with the vile sensation.
After several minutes of struggling with the simple act of climbing the stairs, Dominick had finally reached the main entrance of the prestigious Jedi Temple. Breathing hard and with his forehead sheened in a coat of perspiration, the pseudo-Knight had silently thanked whatever gods he held dear for seeing him to his new home in these turbulent times. While it was true that he had only the force to thank, Dominick felt that thanking the conduits within his blood; was somewhat absurd, even for a religiously blind zealot. Knowing that his Journey from here on in was to be easier than the ascension, he had elected to take a moment for his body to collect its second wind, and in so doing take in the sights. As his alter ego had once been a student within these halls, the Assassin had no interest in looking up at the great statues of the four masters, nor the monolithic pylons thereafter, for he had seen them many times before during his residence within the Temple. However, as he had donned the mask of Dominick, the pseudo-Jedi acted as if he had never laid his eyes upon the stone and bronzium cast idols. His sapphire eyes, filled with diminishing flecks of anguish, widened in petulant amazement. The details they had worked into the four statues he currently resided under, was remarkable. Though they were done in pairs and seemed as if they were cast from the same mould, it was still an entertaining sight to behold. His eyes had drifted from that point on, falling upon the engraved stone pylons standing sentinel over the true entrance to the mythical Jedi Temple. An errant feeling of elation fluttered through his veins as he beheld the majesty of the craftsmanship, wondering if he would be able to spend time within the archives learning of whom crafted these wonderful works of art.
Sadly, the Great Temple back upon the terrestrial surface of Yavin IV lacked the embellished ornaments present upon the exterior of this hallowed ground.
Pushing such trivial thoughts from the forefront of his mind, the Jedi Knight roused himself from his momentary respite. Breathing out a reedy sigh of anticipation, Dominick resumed his advance towards the temple’s entrance, letting his crippled gait become more pronounced with every step. He had proceeded in gasping silence underneath the man-made passage beneath the towering monoliths, until a small gathering of Jedi Padawan’s had intercepted his projected route. Each of these cloth clad figures bore the traditional garb of a Jedi, the cream coloured tunic beneath the heavy cloak of chestnut brown fabric, and every single one of them had openly bore their sabres in an authoritative manner. The Assassin had expected that he would be interdicted by the Jedi Gate Master and his Peons before entering into the hallowed halls; however he had not foreseen that the welcoming party would consist of men and women half his age.
“Halt Stranger.”
The Oldest of the group had said, his voice flecked with the faintest traces of suspicion. Alpharius couldn’t blame the boy for the tone of voice he had taken in response to the unscheduled arrival of a fellow brother of their covenant, especially one that the man had not recognized. Had their places been switched, the Assassin would have done the very same; for in these turbulent times even the face of a friend could hide the most deadly of foes. Obeying the young Jedi’s command, Dominick had stumbled forward to stop the forward motions of his broken form. Donning the masque of a friend, the pseudo-Knight felt his lips curl into a warm and welcoming smile.
“Greetings friends, have I come to the Temple at a bad time?” Dominick had said - his voice hoary and brusque in comparison to the smooth ebony of his alternate persona. “Or have I come to the temple at the right time, but forgotten to announce my arrival by datacard?”
One of the younger Padawan’s had done what she could to stifle a laugh, though the sound had carried through the skein of her shielded lip, resulting in an awkward chuckle. Not wanting to shed his cheery disguise in order to push the girl for the reason behind her contained outburst, Dominick remained silent whilst his attention drifted from one Apprentice to another. That lingering pause between the two opposing forces was broken as the Oldest Padawan of the group had spoken once more, as he had taken the time to deliberately peruse through the visual buffest the cloaked Assassin had offered him. Dominick had felt the gentle brush of the force, tainted with the petulant aura of the gathering before him; scour the surface of his protected mind. It was a traditional method to see into the heart and soul of the man they sought to investigate, as even though one may speak with honeyed words, the forged intent within the soul was hard to conceal from trained eyes. They had found nothing more than what Alpharius had wanted them to see, as having previous done what these young boys and girls were doing, the Assassin knew what they would be looking for long before they had made the clumsy attempt. As they looked into the dark abyss of his soul forge, they had found nothing more than the strongest of desires to return home, a passionate need to once again be counted as a Jedi Knight, and the ability to find a quiet place in which to recover from the ordeals he had endured.
Nodding his unsaid understanding, the Oldest of the Jedi Padawan’s became more relaxed in the way he stood, whilst his companions began to step away from the pseudo-Jedi knight. They were now enlightened to his purpose, in ways that conventional methods of verbal communication would never effectively convey.
“I take it you’ve found what you were looking for?”
In response the Padawan gave an uneasy smile, as the lingering traces of uncertainty still held firm within the man’s heart.
“I have.” Pausing for a moment to adopt a more relaxed stance, the Padawan continued. “From whence do you hail, Brother?”
Dominick let the minor flutter of relief wash through his system and revealed plainly upon his face. He would hate for the situation to turn sour, as that would result in taking arms against another member of the Jedi Order; something he didn’t want to do regardless of his physical condition.
“I come from the embittered moon of Yavin and the Praxeum there.”
Those words alone had caused the youthful Padawan to step back, the instantaneous shock of surprise bore heavily upon the man’s face. The motion of his beaded braid and the act of drawing back his brow had foretold the assassin of how deep this eye-opening revelation had gone. Apparently there was little news of what happened to those that had managed to survive the initial phases of the Crusade, and it seemed like that was more than enough for the Assassin to take advantage of. He would be able to spin the length of his involvement within the bounds of the Yavin Battle to his leisure, making it seem like he was ordered to withdraw in order to survive the inevitable destruction during the final days of that drawn out and wasteful conflict.
“Were... were you there when the Praxeum fell?”
Dominick nodded, gravely. A moment of silence had occurred, as realization had dawned upon the broken Jedi Knight. This was his opening – his way into the kind and caring embrace of the Jedi Temple.
“I was. And until I saw your reaction, I hoped that others would’ve been able to return. Sadly, it seems the Force had taken their lives far sooner than anyone would’ve liked. At least now they reside within Harmony’s embrace, no longer troubled by the turbulent times that have befallen us.”
Heaving out a lengthy sigh, pregnant with the acid tinged edges of sorrow and the lingering chill of despair, the broken Jedi garnered enough strength to smile warmly.
“If it is not too much to ask, could I have permission to enter the Ziggurat, to meditate and heal?”
The Padawan nodded, before calling over one of his companions to assist their wounded Brother in whatever manner he saw fit. Having another Jedi close to his person when they entered the temple would be an issue, should they see the micronized denticles compromising his suit, his insidious rouse would be revealed. No matter what happened, he could not refute the helping hand of this Jedi Padawan nor could he draw her close as a flesh bound crutch. She would merely act as his guide, to lead him through the familiar halls of his old residency. With a pained bow of thanks, Dominick and his newest travelling Companion headed through the main doors of the temple – and one step closer towards reaching the assigned goal…
|
|
|
|
Post by Jedi Knight Mahir on Jul 10, 2014 20:28:52 GMT -8
Mahir, walked into the grand entry hall and observed the comings and goings of the many beings visiting and leaving the temple today. The bustle was constant and the stream of traffic steady if fluctuating in direction. Looking up, Shihab noticed the arched ceiling was bare, empty and inviting. He took off with out a moments hesitation and rose to the apex of the ceiling, where he found a niche had been carved for avian jedi at some point in the past, or perhaps it was in the original design, but the dust showed it hadn't been used in some time. It was not a small space, but it was a bit of a tight fit for his large frame. He knew his visitor would come today, but he didn't know when, so he'd arrived here an hour before dawn, and resolved to wait until the Golden Tongue, or his representative, arrived. The shape of the room allowed him to hear the sounds made on the floor below with amazing clarity. Shihab settled into a light meditative trance, listening for his name specifically, and generally minimizing hid his bodily functions and resting.
|
|
