Proving Oneself

Tulos

We The North
SWRP Writer
Joined
May 24, 2016
Messages
624
Reaction score
328
In the Jedi Archives on Dantooine, silence was cut only be the occasional yawn of those seeking the knowledge that was contained in her many shelves. Time slowly slipped by as each of these individuals continued to dig deeper and deeper into the mysteries they yearned to study, the sun dipping below the horizon in a wondrous display of orange and red against the planet’s cloudless skyline as it was visible through the windows placed along the far wall of the grand room. Most of the people present were simple Padawan’s searching to further their education in the path of the ancient Order, others hunting for specific information to alleviate confusion they had been feeling on a certain subject. Fewer still were those who were merely looking to retain the history of the galaxy. Zephiis was one of these few. The Kel Dor sat on the second floor overlooking a balcony down to the main level as he scanned through the information on the screen before him. At this moment, his studies were of an ancient Jedi prophecy; The Chosen One. The particular article of his attention was a personal journal entry written a thousand years ago by an old Jedi Master.

“The Prophecy remains unclear. Our ancestors state that one day, an individual will be born to complete the greatest task anyone could ever perform; returning true balance to the Force in such a way that we have never seen. It’s message is clear, but the meaning behind it is not. What is ‘true’ balance to the Force? My colleagues have always implied that this would mean the devastation and ultimate end to the tyranny of darkness, but without the dark, there is no balance. Only the light. Could this in fact mean that the Chosen One will bring about the dark ages? I can’t accept this method of thinking either, as it completely counters the previous ideology. Perhaps balance will be an eventual merging of the dark and the light. When both sides of the Force are no longer distinguishable, will the galaxy finally receive the rest it so rightfully deserves?”


Zephiis leaned back against the back rest of his chair, rubbing his fingers along his jaw as he contemplated the ancient Master’s written words. During his time with the Sith, he had read of a similar prophecy referencing a being they knew as the Sith’ari. The perfect being. Could both the Jedi and the Sith be speaking of the same prophecy? Quite plausible in his mind, as the Sith did have the ancient Jedi to thank for their creation thousands of years ago. As the Kel Dor began to lean forward to continue reading the article, he was interrupted by the gentle touch of the librarian’s hand on his shoulder.

“Jedi Zephiis, your being summoned to the Audience chambers, dear,” the aging Miralukan woman said softly. While her eyes remained covered by clothe and a smile existed on her face, the redeemed Sith could feel the uneasiness the woman exuded as she approached him. This had proven to be a very common sensation Zephiis felt of those in his presence. It was only a few weeks since his induction into the Order itself, while primarily serving in the ranks of the Jedi Army against his past brethren. Most of his new colleagues were still unsure if he could be trusted, more in particular the youngest of the Order who’s opinion of the Sith had grown to be strongly negative. After all, the last few years of their training had been in preparation for facing the force of darkness on the front lines. The Jedi preached forgiveness and serenity, but those involved in the Army were not your average servant of the light. They were darker, in a sense. While they remained true to the majority of the Order’s preachings, certain aspects of their primary guidelines were no longer followed due to their new-found freedom.

“Thank you, ma’am. I will report to the chambers at once,” Zephiis replied, placing his own hand atop of the woman’s and slowly removing it from his shoulder. He stood, leaning down to the computer he had been researching on before placing a book mark on his article so he could return to it at a later time, and began to make his way to the archive entrance. From there, no one spoke to the Kel Dor. Watchful eyes followed his movements through the library and out into the Temple corridors, observing his every movement as though they expected some sort of treacherous act of betrayal. In time, they would learn to accept his presence so he did not let it sway him. He would earn his place in these halls. He was not the first Sith to return to the light and he would no doubt be far from the last. These feelings of unease would be fleeting and temporary, of this he was sure.

Upon entering the audience chambers, the Jedi knelt down before the holoemitter.

“I have arrived, Masters. What is it you wish of me?” he said clearly, never taking his eyes from the ground below him. The emitter came to life, revealing four individuals of varying species.

“Rise, Jedi Ikur. We do not require such acknowledgment,” spoke the first, a Nautolan male, as he waved his hand dismissively.

“Indeed. We have called you here as we have a special assignment. You know of the war you have now sworn to fight in against your past brethren. And you know of the importance in remaining a step ahead of them,” A second human Jedi said boldly, leaning forward in the chair she sat in.

“Of course, Masters. What is it you wish of me?” Zephiis responded, now standing on his feet with his hands folded before him.

“A blatant path within Republic space has always proven to be a bit of a weak spot in our defense, if you will. The Perlemian trade route, running from the world of Roche in our democratic government territory leads directly to Columex, a Sith occupied world. Lying in between them in neutral space is a series of inhabited planets, the first in the enemy line of fire being Centares. We require action in swaying the planet to allow us to establish an outlook operation in preparation of a potential Sith attack along this route.” The Nautolan leaned back in his seat as he finished speaking.

“Unfortunately, simple negotiations has proven to be ineffective at swaying the planetary government in the Republic’s favor. They believe that if they remain unaligned with us, that they may be able to avoid Sith attention. You know of what occurred on Saleucami. Ithor has suffered a similar fate. Such a key world as Centares must be made to realize that they are not free from danger. No one is safe against your old Order.” A male Twi’lek continued. Zephiis nodded slightly as he watched the flickering hologram.

“You wish me to travel to Centares and resume negotiations, Masters?” the Kel Dor inquired.

“Essentially, but it has become quite apparent that a simple diplomatic emissary will not resolve our issues. Instead, we are going to send you to meet with the government leaders. Discover if there is already a Sith presence that they are denying, and if there is not, then we want you to see if there is some way you could convince them to see the error in choosing to neglect our offer of aide. Should they have an issue on the world that they cannot resolve, assist them. Show them that we mean nothing but the intention on preserving their world and way of life,” the final Master spoke.

“Very well, Masters. Am I to undertake this task alone?”

“Most definitely not. We have a new Padawan in our ranks that we will be meeting with shortly who will be coming to your aide. She has become a renowned combat enthusiast within the Jedi Order and should prove to be a valuable asset to you on this mission,” the human female added. Zephiis bowed deeply to the Jedi before turning to leave, when he was interrupted by the Jedi’s cool voice once more. “And Zephiis,” she said before pausing, allowing the Kel Dor to turn back and face the hologram. “If there are Sith on the planet, do not engage them. Your redemption is still too fresh on your mind. We aren’t prepared to allow you to return to your old Masters and a direct confrontation with the Sith may prove to be the variable that sways your heart. May the Force be with you,”

@Asha
 
  • Like
Reactions: TAC

Asha2

New Member
SWRP Writer
Joined
Nov 30, 2016
Messages
40
Reaction score
8
Asha Wroth had arrived on Dantooine just a standard week prior and already she felt something different in the atmosphere. Where Tython was akin to the soothing ripples of a calm river, Dantooine was edgier and tense. It was like Tython kept itself in a state of isolated peace, ignoring the woes of the galaxy and assuming that the Sith Brotherhood's reach would not extend into the core worlds. Dantooine was different. They embraced the conflict and took it serious, a sentiment Ash could agree with.

There were few opportunities for the young Padawan to make friends since her arrival. From the moment she stepped off the transport shuttle they had assigned her to assist the Jedi Knights and Masters in the Temple's Halls of Healing. At first she that she was going to tend to injuries, possibly even advise or oversee the recovery of injured soldiers, but instead the Masters thought her skills were more suited to recording their inventory over and over again. Beyond her more mundane duties, she got the impression that her peers didn't trust her. She was no fool into believing people could look pass her appearance or species, but she thought the members of the Army of Light would be more professional and less swayed by bigotry.

She had been reviewing the datapad containing the week's shipment of medical supplies when the familiar presence of her overseer prodded at the back of her mind. Turning before she could be addressed, Asha offered a respectful nod towards the Bothan healer, "Master Nolric, how may I assist you?"

He must have not been surprised by her acute awareness for he replied promptly, his husky tone hard and rigid, "You have been summoned to the Audience Chambers," before briskly turning on his heels and walking away.

It's a pleasure talking with you as always, Master Nolric
. She thought as she returned the datapad and made her way towards the chambers. She couldn't ignore the tingling sensation she felt at the pit of her stomach; excitement in anticipation for her first mission off world. If she was fortunate enough and the Force willing, she may even experience battle for the first time where she could utilize her abilities to aid her comrades and truly make a difference in the battle itself.

@TheTulosDynasty
 

Zephiis Ikurr

New Member
SWRP Writer
Joined
Sep 11, 2016
Messages
55
Reaction score
4
“The ship is ready for whenever your prepped to leave, sir,”


The pilot droid turned from standing before Zephiis and returned to the cockpit to await the order. This left the Jedi standing at the bottom of the cargo ramp in silence, folding his arms in one another and looking up to the night sky, now only illuminated by the moon and the thousands of stars that dotted the dark vastness that he would soon travel too. His mind flooded with the thoughts of the potential dangers that this mission could include. Being so close to Sith territory did imply that his old brothers could be present on the surface of Centares, and he wasn’t sure if he was truly prepared for this confrontation. It was unlikely, of course, that should he encounter any dark side users that they would recognize him or know of his previous ties to the Brotherhood, but it was still a prominent thought. The Kel Dor let out a sigh, unfolding his arms to run his hands across the back of his scalp before turning and walking into the shuttle to kneel on the cool metal floor. He cleared his mind and interlocked his fingers as he began to enter a deep meditation to ease his concerns, searching for the serenity he now swore to uphold in his life.

((Short post this time. Still doing courses but I figured I'd get something up so you can have something to write instead of waiting on me lol))
 

Asha2

New Member
SWRP Writer
Joined
Nov 30, 2016
Messages
40
Reaction score
8
Asha arrived at the audience chambers but not before passing a few individuals in the hall along the way. She walked inside and positioned herself in the middle of the room, bowing graciously to her masters. The conversation was brief and to the point, and Asha couldn't help but feel disappointed in the assignment she was given. After departing from the chambers, she made her way to her room and collected some of her essential supplies, excluding the elongated hilt resting on her left hip already.

Adorning a satchel containing her medical supplies she headed towards the hanger where she was supposed meet the Jedi she was supposed to accompany on this mission. Noting the male standing at the bottom of the cargo ramp, she approached and greeted him with a warm smile and a nod.

"Hello there! I assume you are the Jedi I am supposed to assist? I'm Padawan Asha Wroth." she said, her voice warm and welcoming as she offered a hand in greeting.

(short as well and apologies again for the poor post. I'm trying to find my baring. :) )
 

TAC

Active Member
SWRP Writer
Joined
Nov 20, 2012
Messages
4,549
Reaction score
1,093
Tython's Joy swooped down from the soft of clouds of Dantooine, kicking up a small current of warp air and dust as it fluttered down from the sky. Two large eyes peered out from the viewport in the cockpit, too far for those below to clearly make out, but close enough that the pilot could frown at the grassy field below. The ground was soft, and while there were certainly ships larger and more heavier than the HWK, that did not make the pilot any more complacent.

Regardless, after making a careful and tight circle once more over the field, Jedi Knight Dire Tao brought in the Joy down right beside the shuttle that was not lighting up. The Nautolan kept the engines hot, standing up from the pilot's chair with a groan that echoed the same noises his ship made, the blood rushing to his legs as the metal of the ship settled into their place in the slightly different gravity of Dantooine. The ramp of the transport were still a foot above the ground, slowly lowering, as the Nautolan Jedi hopped to the grassy ground.

Zeroing in on the two Jedi standing next to the awaiting Jedi transport, the Nautolan grinned widely. Unlike most of his fellow Jedi the travelling guardian wore nondescript travelers' clothes, leaving his more formal Jedi robes for only the most formal of occasions. For that reason, only his signature within the Force and the lightsaber at his hip would indicate his membership within the renounced and revered Order.

"Ikurr!" he greeted as he approached them, although he had never met the Jedi before. Well, pretty sure I haven't, he mused. The Jedi was good with names, but had little reason to be social with his fellows, and rarely came back to the the temples. He had just happened to be passing through the area, grabbing some supplies, when he had been called back to provide an escort for some fellow Jedi.

"Greetings, fellow Jedi," he said, bowing as he finally came abreast of the other two Jedi. "I am Dire Tao. Apparently one of the Masters needs this shuttle, but I was heading into the Mid-Rim for a few days to follow on a lead, and I was asked to give you a ride." The huge Nautolan indicated over his shoulder. They left out where you're headed, but me and old Joy are headed to Centares."

Beckoning to them without giving them a chance to respond to comment, he headed back towards his ship. "Not to be rude," he said as he lumbered back to the Joy talking over his shoulder, "but we're on a schedule." Standing at the bottom of the ramp, he spun and welcomed them with a wide gesture of his arm. "So. Where you lot headed?"
 

Zephiis Ikurr

New Member
SWRP Writer
Joined
Sep 11, 2016
Messages
55
Reaction score
4
Zephiis opened a single eye as the woman began to move in towards him, quickly followed by the second as he had to confirm what he saw was a reality. An astounding fact, to be sure, as he confirmed the woman was, in fact, a member of the Sith species. While he was no stranger to their existence, running into one on a Jedi world was completely unheard of. Even more surprising was her claim of being the Padawan he was waiting for. As she approached, the Kel Dor slowly rose to his feet to display the appropriate manners of introduction, while being battered from the gust of pressure of a ship coming down towards the landing pad beside their shuttle.

"Hello there! I assume you are the Jedi I am supposed to assist? I'm Padawan Asha Wroth."

As Asha extended her hand, Zephiis slowly took it within his own as he analyzed the woman over. Much to his surprise, he did not sense the typical dark taint that he had become accustomed too associating with members of the species. Her posture and tone displayed confidence, and unless she was a superb actor, she was not a spy. However, upon realizing that he was merely displaying the same prejudice behavior towards the woman as he received himself since joining the Order, he dismissed these thoughts and flashed a smile, though it would be hidden by his breathing apparatus and only evident in the upward turn of the edge of his eyes.

"A pleasure, Padawan. My name is Zephiis. Ikur, for what it's worth. The Master's spoke quite highly of you and your skills with a lightsaber. While I hope it doesn't come down to violence, I can say I'm curious to see such things for myself," He released her hand and swung his arm behind him to motion her to board the shuttle, bowing slightly. "After you, ma'am. I assume the Council has instructed you of our-"

"Ikur!"

Cut short by the sudden interruption, and in slight surprise that he had been referred to by name by someone other than the council members who had allowed him to join the Order, the Kel Dor turned and spotted the source; a seeming Nautolan civilian approaching them.

"Greetings, fellow Jedi. I am Dire Tao. Apparently one of the Masters needs this shuttle, but I was heading into the Mid-Rim for a few days to follow on a lead, and I was asked to give you a ride. They left out where you're headed, but me and old Joy are headed to Centares."

Crossing his arms, the Kel Dor bowed to the apparent Jedi, taking note of the lightsaber clipped to his belt. It was odd to him, to say the least. Never before had he seen a Jedi not wearing the customary robes of the Order, but the Force swirled around the man as any would expect from a protector of the Republic, so he dismissed any concerns of trickery.

"Nice to meet you Tao," Zephiis replied softly, but the Nautolan quickly began to return to his ship, and motioning for them to follow. He glanced over to Asha and shrugged before falling in step to join the Jedi on his vessel.

"The same place as you, conveniently enough," he responded as he boarded the ship. "Might I ask what business you have to tend too on Centares, Dire?"
 

Asha2

New Member
SWRP Writer
Joined
Nov 30, 2016
Messages
40
Reaction score
8
Though Asha sensed her companion's brief sense of uneasiness and suspicion, she didn't let it show. She was all too familiar with the first impression she made. She was a sith by race and it was impossible to expect others to ignore that fact without being given the opportunity to prepare for it. What intrigued Asha more was the conflicting emotion and then realization she also sensed in the man before his composure relaxed and a greeting was offered in return. She pursed her lips in response to the compliment and replied, "I wouldn't say my skills with the blade is that impressive, my former Master made sure of that. If conflict is inevitable, I can better serve you as a medic or support rather than a front line warrior."

She was about to inquire more about the mission when a third voice chimed in. Noting the Nautolan, she offered an inquisitive look to Zephiis. She too noted the Nautolan's unorthodox attire but also sensed no deception or ripple on the Force that could hint at the stranger being any sort of thread. Deciding to follow Zephiis lead, she moved behind the Kel Dor and allowed the two Jedi to interact as they apparently changed the ship they were about to board.

(Still getting use to length. I use to RP somewhere where most posts were typically two paragraphs max, but I'll get the hang of it. :) )
 

TAC

Active Member
SWRP Writer
Joined
Nov 20, 2012
Messages
4,549
Reaction score
1,093
"That is quite convenient," the Nautolan responded. He waited for the other two to walk onto the ship, flipping up the ramp behind them. There was that awkward moment where they stood in front of him, unsure of where to go, being unfamiliar with both him and the Joy. "Right on ahead," he welcomed, moving his large frame between the two as he led them to the cockpit. The HWK was pretty spacious, fit the three of them extremely comfortably. The Jedi made himself busy, setting about his work putting the Joy into the sky with great intent. The question Knight Ikur asked hung in the air, but not awkwardly so as Dire set them up into the atmosphere.

"So, your question doesn't have an uncomplicated answer," he responded as they broke the outer atmosphere and the navcomputer made its final re-calculations to take them to Centares. He didn't say more for a second, busy re-checking the calculations before he eased the ship into hyperspace, the stars blurring past them.

"I operate in the Outer Rim for the Jedi, working alone is easier for the more covert and dangerous ops that I run. Often times it involves me not looking or talking like a Jedi. I have a contact on Centares that is a Sith sympathizer, and he is selling me a lead on some antiques." The large Nautolan glanced over at the Knight, his large black eyes unblinking. "If you don't mind, that means I'll boot you off and be done with you. I wouldn't want to compromise my meeting... or get shot because you all troupe around in your robes."

The Nautolan sat back in the Captain's chair, looking into the dazzling spectacle of higher space. "That means you'll need your own ride back, too. Again, you smell like Jedi."

"No offense," he said, flashing a toothy grin that could be seen in the reflection of the viewport.
 

Zephiis Ikurr

New Member
SWRP Writer
Joined
Sep 11, 2016
Messages
55
Reaction score
4
Tao’s words hung in the air of the ship as they hurdled through hyperspace while the Kel Dor allowed himself to resettle in his seat. Though he had only ever faced Jedi in combat and still only just began to adjust to working alongside his life-long foes, hearing the fact that they had covert operatives in their ranks was not surprising. He knew that the Order had proven to be a formidable enemy and that their organization was more than capable of rivalling that of the Brotherhood. What did catch his attention, however, was the mention of the Sith sympathizer that Dire had claimed to be meeting with. If his mission was one issued by the leaders of the Jedi Army, dispatching Zephiis and the Padawan seemed like a second opportunity to investigate this sympathizer that the Nautolan was intended on meeting.

“Of course. My goal is not to interfere with your own interests in the least, my friend,” the Knight stated, though it was a partial lie. With his own objective of searching for a Sith presence that was potentially incorporated into the day to day affairs of the planetary government, Tao’s informant could prove to be an invaluable lead that he could not ignore. Asha and himself would not simply be disappearing after they touched down…

“Though these antiques you mention do spur some curiosity if you’d be willing to indulge me a bit of the specifics,” As he spoke, Zephiis leaned forward and laced his fingers together, keeping his eyes focused on the grinning Nautolan. The Kel Dor returned the grin, then raised his left hand toward’s the young Red Sith at his side. “Besides, young Padawans could always stand a good history lesson”

((Been in a bit of a writing slump. Sorry about the wait guys. I'll get back in my groove soon, I'm sure.))
 
Top