Open Jedha Counting on Kyber

[Wynne]

"One of the first tasks that a padawan undertakes is to search for their kyber crystal."

"Sounds great. Where are they, then?"

"All over the Galaxy, young one, though finding safe sources grows rarer and rarer with each passing day. Perhaps Christophsis, or Jedha, would be the best place for you."

"Jedha. Okay, I'll shuttle over there as soon as I-"

"No no, you should not go alone. I am sure that, in time, a Master or Knight can accompany you and several of the other youngsters to-"

"I'm twenty. I'm pretty sure I'm capable enough to get a shuttle somewhere and grab a crystal. I don't need a babysitter."

* * *
​

Wynne stepped off the shuttle, mixed in with the huddle of other travellers. Nothing particularly stood out about her, save the scar, and certainly nothing that screamed 'I have snuck out from the Jedi Order to do something.' She could have sat on her ass and waited for someone to take a break from meditation and take her there... or she could be pro-active and do something.

Wynne always did prefer begging for forgiveness over asking for permission.

Dressed simply in muted, baggy clothes, she strode through the dusty streets, trying to keep her senses aware. She hadn't bothered to read anything, duh, but from what she'd gathered talking to the other Jedi, they'd said she'd feel the crystal attempting to find her. That she'd sense it when the moment was right and all was ready. Wynne stood in the street and closed her eyes, trying to sense as best as she could. Trying to reach out and feel the crystal that was no doubt calling her name right now.

The only thing she felt was that she was a total tool, stood in the middle of a street. She sensed judgement from the people around her, wondering what in the hell she was doing. Neither of these things were anything close to a kyber crystal. The only thing they gave her was frustration and a definite blush that was creeping up onto her cheeks.

"Okay. Play hard to get. I don't care," Wynne muttered, caring deeply. She decided that a new strategy was in order, one that involved less standing awkwardly around town. In her head, she congratulated herself on the intricate and devious subtleties of her plan as she walked up to a few people hanging by a stall.

"Hey, you guys seen some weird crystal caves around here?"

 

[Jade Hart]

"What do you want with the crystal caves? Not anyone is allowed to go there. The Academy would not approve. Do you even have permission?" asked a woman, who had approached Wynne from behind. She had brown hair neatly combed and greased back. Long fingernails, pink and polished. Dressed up in formal khakis and bleached white shirt, tucked in, stiff collar, sleeves rolled up. She was wearing black boxy spectacles made from stainless steel which she adjusted so they rested on the tip of her nose. She gave Wynne an annoyed look and checked her watch, like she was late for some boardroom meeting. A lightsaber hung from a hilt on her belt.

 

[Zakrym La]

The Force was a living thing, she spoke to those that knew how to listen to her subtle whispers and read the intricate tapestry she eternally wove. Zak's former Master had taught him to not only hear her silent songs and discern her designs but to feel the her gentle tuggings in his life. Zak never second guessed the Will of the Force, and so when she called him to Jedha, he simply obeyed.

During his travels, Zak had heard several spacer rumors regarding several new sources of Kyber being found in deep mine shafts within the core of Jedha. These rumors usually ended in nothing but dead ends, however thanks to the urgings of the Force herself, Zak had a feeling there was much more to these tales. And so, Zak's beliefs were reinforced with every spacer's tale he heard between Thyferra and Jedha until he finally arrived at moon itself. He landed his Courier within a small port of a mining town, gave the foreman over the spaceport an extra credit chip to forget the ship he had seen, and then Zak headed out of the town at towards one of the rumored mines.

Dressed in his Jedi Wanderer's Robe, both of Zak's lightsabers were concealed between it's folds. To those not sensitive to the Force, he would appear like any other traveler in the crowd. However, those that could tap into the endless wellspring of the Living Force would feel him like a radiant beacon floating in it's fathomless expanse. It wouldn't be through the Force that Zak would stumble across the Padawan Wynne and the Exile Jade Hart, it would be through their conversation. At the mention of the Academy Zak would pause in his travel, he would stop and let Jade finish her statement before speaking himself.

"The academy likely wouldn't approve, you are correct." He would state in a calm, flat voice as he approached the pair.

Upon getting closer Zak's gaze would flicker between the pair of young women twice before it would turn downwards and lock onto Jade's lightsaber. It would only be then that he truly examined the young girl before he recognized her and at his realization he would let out an exasperated sigh.

"Exile Hart." He greeted the former Padawan in that same sigh, one of his hands began to immediately knead one of his temples. "I assume your mentor is somewhere to be found on planet as well?" He asked, a touch of the mirth he was known for had begun to bleed through the clear stress in his voice.

@Taygood @Charndley

 

[Arctus Friers]

Arctus had been a Padawan of the Jedi Order for a few years now, and yet the man was yet to possess a lightsaber of his own.

He'd learned on Paddy 101 that it was a Padawan's prerogative to construct and own one of those fancy plasma glow rods wielded by both Jedi and Sith, and that one of the first tasks a Padawan must do was to search for their kyber crystal. There was a relationship between a kyber and its eventual wielder, and one of the Masters specifically mentioned that a kyber crystal chooses and calls it's owner. Kind of like a bride choosing her groom? he'd asked. He received a strange look for that remark, but the Jedi Master agreed with the assessment nonetheless.

The attack of the Killiks on Thyferra had come and gone, and so here Arctus was, a groom looking for a bride who would take him. He fought a snicker from escaping him as he stepped off of a shuttle that carried him here on Jedha.

"Hello, new place," the Padawan muttered to himself. He had inquired yet another of the Jedi Masters where he could find a kyber crystal, and Jedha was one of the responses he received. Out of five Masters he'd asked three have given him the name of the Pilgrim Moon. Here he was then, as majority won. Here he wandered the streets, feeling more or less like a complete idiot for not knowing exactly where to look.

Ah, yes. You have the moon but not the exact location of a crystal cave or somethin'. Good job, Arctus!

The Padawan grumbled, lifting one fist to rub at his eyes in exasperation. Warily he opened himself up into the Force, the world before him being briefly bathed in a multitude of colors representing the lives of those within his physical gaze's vicinity. It was a silent call for a crystal that should be calling him instead, and he received no response.

At least not yet, he hoped.

Maybe she's shy? Maybe she's playing hard to get? Or maybe I'm looking in the wrong place? Oh, no–

A flash of aquamarine tugged at the edges of his periphery. He had seen that color on Thyferra, battling a Hive queen alongside hateful scarlet. The calm, cool color belonged to a familiar Jedi – at least that was what Arctus remembered, and the way the Force nudged him to follow the aquamarine trail eased any concern that came to mind. Booted feet carried him further forward, shoulders brushing past passersby. The Padawan let the other colors turn mute, leaving the aquamarine standing out until his eyes caught the sight of a familiar face under a pair of white and blue montrals.

He blinked, and the colors of life juxtaposed by those they represented disappeared from view. Arctus approached the Jedi Councillor, gaze flicking briefly to the two women he was conversing with.

"Zak!" called the Padawan by way of greeting, forgoing the Togruta's title just in case there were unfriendlies lurking within the vicinity. "Fancy seeing you here!"

@Apollyon @Charndley @Taygood

 

[Faen Akatosh]

Sometimes, history tended to repeat itself. Sometimes...

Though the aftermath of Jedha's fate could be seen from space, Faen could see- no, sense -the similarities on Denon. Both planets received relentless assault from Sith forces. Both planets were burdened with great loss that would've torn Faen apart if he had been an inexperienced youngling using psychometry. Yet, even through all the sorrow Jedha had been through, there was still glimmers of hope that took the form of small crystals that could be used for momentous purpose.

Boy noticed the four other Jedi before Faen had. The Knight had been lost in thought, but the familiar bark that came from Boy snapped him back to reality. Though Faen had barely gotten to know the newest Jedi Councilor, he was still glad to see Zakrym La. It looked like they had quite the interesting trio of Padawans to accompany. Though...wasn't one of them exiled? Oh, what was their name... Faen knew the story of what happened on Kashyyyk, but he decided against bringing that up. With the exile, two much older apprentices were present. The Knight found that fairly peculiar, but only smiled and gave a small wave as he introduced himself.

"Hello there, Padawans and Councilor La." Boy sat at his side and stayed quiet, as he was trained to do. "Don't mind Boy. His bark is worse than his bite. Unless you're a loth cat." Faen chuckled. "I would assume both would be worse, in that case." There was tension flowing from the group, so hopefully a little joke could lighten the mood. Besides, this was a grand occasion! Faen remembered when he first found his crystal- and it was a day he would never forget. "You two look like you can handle yourselves," Faen inclined his head towards Arctus and Wynne. "You, however, we'll keep an eye on." This was directed towards Jade Heart- That's her name! -but his tone was just as kind as his smile.

@Forsythe Crowholde @Apollyon @Charndley @Taygood

 

[Wynne]

It seemed like her quick solo trip on a crystal hunt had drawn a crowd. What wonderful luck. The small group of people she'd asked didn't seem to know anything, judging by the awkward looks on their faces. The prissy voice behind her seemed to know something, but Wynne felt an overwhelming urge to punch whoever it came from. It was like the screech of a thousand school snitches, amplified and honed to a bitchy edge.

Wynne turned, eyes fixing firmly on the woman who'd walked up to her. "Do you answer every question with three of your own?" she asked, wondering who she was. Her eyes flicked to the saber hilt on her belt, judging her to be another of the Jedi. That was until they were joined by another person, a calm Togruta man clad in a robe. This person she vaguely recognised. He was some kinda big-wig in the Order, it was all anyone was talking about back in the temple. Him and some Fynn or Flynn or whatever, she hadn't been paying attention.

What was his name? C'mon, you can do it. Think. Someone told you, you must've took it in. You weren't just playing games on your datapad.

"Master... Fa, right?" Wynne asked, secretly congratulating herself on her incredible skills of recollection. What exactly he was doing there lingered in her mind, but he revealed that the girl was an Exile, something that she'd never really seen before. Her eyes cast over the younger woman again, with barely concealed judgement. "She doesn't look like much..." she muttered without much subtlety.

They were joined by a couple of other men, who all seemed to know each other. This was all getting very cosy and friendly but it wasn't helping her get this crystal thing, was it?

"Well uh, hello everyone. I just came out here looking for a crystal. I heard talk of some kinda cave somewhere that's supposedly about to burst with weird crystal stuff, but nobody wants to tell me. Or they just want to rant at me." She gave the Exile the side-eye for a half-second. "It's Wynne, by the way. Padawan Wynne." She made a silent wish that nobody would mention her surname.

@Taygood @Apollyon @Forsythe Crowholde @Charles

 

[Jade Hart]

Jade looked at Zakrym, smiling. "That's right. Master Thayd gave me permission to visit this planet, and Master Silex @Reylo4evr is in orbit as I speak." She then turned to Faen Akatosh. "I have been rehabilitated, my soul wiped clean as the force as my witness, as I intend to prove. I was merely questioning this young seedling to make sure she was acting with Academy approval." Her voice was innocent and smooth, her eyes meeting their own, before retreating down to each stranger's belt. A thick wool scarf wrapped around Jade's neck.

Finally, Jade gave a side-of-mouth, smile-smirk to Wynne, like 'settle down little girl and let the big boys talk'. "Amazing. You're just like me when I was your age."

@Charndley @Apollyon @Forsythe Crowholde @Charles

 

[Zakrym La]

Zak smiled at the small gathering of Jedi that had quickly amassed. In his mind it simply showed how involved they were in the galaxy if they all happened to be on the same world at the same time. He would listen to each individual who had amassed in this location in turn, giving them his complete attention before responding in kind.

“Arctus!” Zak responded to the young man as he approached. “It is good to see that you’re well after Thyferra!” He greeted. “What has brought you to Jedha Padawan?” He asked in a kind tone. “In fact,” He began after a sudden realization. “What are the both of you doing here without supervision of a Jedi Knight or Master?” He asked, his gaze flickering between Arctus and Wynne.

Zak had meant to further question the pair of Padawans when Knight Akatosh approached the group. A wave of relief crashed over Zak and he warmly smiled at the man.

“Knight Akatosh,” Zak greeted. “What a coincidence that so many of us are gathered in a single place.” He stated. “I believe these Padawans came due to the rumors of Kyber, the same as me.” He explained to the Seer. “Perhaps we should accompany them on this adventure to ensure their protection?” He asked Faen.

The young woman named Wynne finally spoke. She ALMOST had his name, in fact her response cause Zak to let out a short mirthful bark of laughter.

“Close Padawan.” He replied. “I am Zakrym La, but please just call me Zak, it’s easier to remember.” He stated not only to Wynne but the rest of the gathered Jedi. “No need for formalities or titles.” He explained with a flippant wave of his hand.

His attention would finally return to Jade. His gaze and smile would soften, a sadness crept into his eyes as the young woman spoke. The Jedi had been founded on the principles of hope and redemption, perhaps Jade would prove herself to be worthy of the moniker of Jedi once more.

“Perhaps today is the first step in that long journey Jade.” He replied and offered her a reassuring smile.

After this discourse, Zak would return his attention to the group who had assembled. He did a quick head count before speaking once more.

“If you are a Padawan, you will stick close to Knight Akatosh or myself. If we are attacked by anything within these caverns, you are not to engage. Unless otherwise instructed you are to provide support if capable.” He instructed. “Do you have questions or concerns?” He asked the gathered Jedi.

 

[Arctus Friers]

Arctus' attention was momentarily drawn to the exiled Jedi girl (@Taygood). He offered her a polite smile and did not wait if she would answer with one of her own as he listened to Wynne (@Charndley). A look of pleasant surprise then crossed the Corellian's face, grinning at his fellow Padawan as if to say, "Yeah, me, too!"

Hazel grey eyes met the Councillor's grey-blue, and the grin on Arctus' face was quickly swept away with confusion, then embarrassed realization at being indirectly reminded of the mandates Padawans like himself should be strictly following. Sheepishly the man averted his gaze for a moment, fighting against the urge to cringe at his obvious mistake.

He didn't get the chance to comment on his previous exploits on Thyferra, knowing that it would only further whatever reprimand the Togruta Councillor might have in store for the bearded Padawan. Instead, Arctus offered Zakrym an honest and apologetic smile.

"I, uh, well... yes, I'm here for reasons same as Wynne's," he told Zakrym (@Apollyon), glancing over at his fellow Padawan. "As for the lack of supervision, I have no excuse. I just saw the opportunity to grab a kyber crystal of my own and took off without consulting or asking any Knight or Master available to accompany me. There's a mandate in effect but I ignored it–"

The embarrassed cringe appeared full force this time, and the Corellian lifted one hand to gingerly rub at the back of his neck, looking sheepish.

"I know a simple sorry won't cut it. So if there's any punishment for breaching the mandate, I'm ready for it."

And he meant it. He'd been going out and about while brushing the mandate off, aware that it existed and yet not entirely following it. Arctus was one of the oldest Padawans, and yet he acted like those younger than him and left the Temple on his whims. Not to mention how he took off to deal with his own demons himself...

Still, he listened to Zakrym's instructions, sending a friendly smile down Knight Faen Akatosh's (@Charles) way. Arctus didn't even try to ask questions along the lines of "what if you can't instruct us 'cause reasons?" Instead he nodded as politely as he could and shrugged once.

"No concerns so far," he said. If there was anything living within these caverns, he'd just have to engage either in fistic diplomacy or stand back and watch both Councillor and Knight to deal with them. He an' Wynne were not to engage after all, which sounded kind of stupid in his opinion–

Arctus blinked then shook off thoughts that were not his own. He didn't need the Dark Side toying with his thoughts and emotions. Right now he needed to focus – he'd promised himself he'd work hard to earn a kyber crystal, and eventually his own lightsaber.

He just needed to follow instructions and listen for the crystal's call. Easy as breathing, right?