TFC: A Desperate Refuge

[Bruce Guleya]

Bardotta Orbit
(Cinematic Theme!)
​

It was time for action to be had among the gathered. With the conclusion of the conversation on Brightome each of the assembled Jedis had their own mission and tasks to carry out. A lot of work was needed to get done, and they didn’t have a lot of time to do it. With Fennex, Marina, and Ralaa away on their own mission on Jedha; Bruce had gathered his small cell of Jedi Younglings with some additional knights, a cell of a some 50 members were joining him. The 50 were split among two separate shuttles, one with Bruce and one without. There was a few more that agreed to follow the Bardottan councillor but they had been told to seek shelter somewhere else for a short period of time until ordered otherwise. Bruce had a plan but he could not risk too big of a group not yet; but their time was coming. A smaller group would go unnoticed, that’s was the common belief.

As such, Bruce Guleya, the Caretaker of First Knowledge was on his way to a planet he’d not been to in nearly 20 years. A planet that gave birth and gave rise to the Bardottan, who fostered and shaped him as a child, who frowned upon his decision to leave it behind. It was home, so long ago, but it had always connected with him. Bardotta. Home of the bardottan people, home of the few people who Bruce had trusted explicitly and who he believed would be his final saving grace and a beacon of hope for himself. He was going to visit the Order he had left behind, the original order to the Caretaker, long before his time as a Jedi. The Dagoyan Order. A group of force sensitive bardottan who were revered as masters and those who had significant pull in bardottan politics, specifically with the royal throne. The Dagoyan had a very different view of the Force than the Jedi, it was the root of Bruce’s belief and the constant driving force behind how he carried himself. Bruce had attempted tirelessly to try and marry the two beliefs, the Jedi believed in the Light, the Sith believed in the Dark, but the Dagoyan believed in pure balance and harmony - unity. While the Dagoyan Mystics didn’t exactly have perfect control over their gift, given they didn’t train to perfect and use them as tools like the Jedi and Sith did, but they had a basic understanding and control - which was all the younglings really needed. They needed control, self-disciple and understanding of the energies that flows through them. They needed the practical foundation before they could really delve into the mysteries. The Dagoyan could do that - help them understand. This would be a new breed of Jedi, a new direction for the New Jedi Order... at least that was his hope.

Bruce knew however, it wouldn’t be the easiest of tasks to do - but he needed to do it. If he could convince the Masters to accept the Younglings - if only briefly - into their folds, Bruce could go ahead and try and find a permanent solution for the ones he’d been charged with - and he had a direction in which he could go. One thing was certain with the Daogyans, they were often viewed as Seers and could see glimpse of the many possibilities of the future. One of the abilities that fueled the ever advancing curiosity and thirst for knowledge, was the ability to be lead to mysteries - an innate ability Bruce carried, even know it called to him and it had done so much stronger in the recent days than previously. He had a lead on a new home, and he would set out for it as soon as he could help the younglings and help them settle down; this would be the only way he could take a few moments to himself to seek clarity. He knew, thee only chance was to talk to his former masters to help explain the situation; he felt good but he knew they wouldn’t just immediately accept his pleas.

“This is Bruce Guleya to Bardotta Control. I have urgent business with the Dagoyan Masters. A plea. Do you read?” Bruce opened the Comm to the planet down below. His name had meaning, though he wasn’t a member of the Dagoyan Order currently, he had been when he was young - spending a decade with the Masters. His name would be known amongst his people, and though he wasn’t known on a galactic scale - Bardotta would know of his position within the Jedi Order; he was Bardottan after all.... and his family might have also extended his fame.

Speaking of such, he had contacted his family prior to arrival to help announce his request. He suspected his family would come through. They were respected enough in the trading industry - and their status was not easily forgotten as they lived on the water; a sign of prestige amongst his people.

“Master Bruce, where are we going?” A young Jedi asked him expectantly.

“We are going to a pretty planet, Micha. A planet that has many just like me, it is where I grew up. It is my home.” Bruce replied to the young Jedi.

“Are they all nice like you, Master Bruce?”

Bruce chuckled. The curious mind of a child always made him happy, “No Micha. They’re much nicer!”

“Is that possible?” the young Jedi genuinely asked the Bardottan pilot.

Bruce would have replied, but just as he was about to speak a lead light indicated that his transmission had been received and control was about to contact him with the newly established channel open.

Spoiler: OOC; Requires a DM

Ask, no PvP, Death/Capture disable. Requiring a DM to play the NPCs I'll be talking with - anyone who's interested give me a PM or Discord and I'll give you the details. Free credits haha!

 

[The Storyteller]

"Master Guleya."

The response was smooth, cultured, and even as it broke the silence. The com buzzed ever so slightly from interference but it was hardly worth noting at this time. There was no video for the message so they would have to actually land to meet the owner of said voice.

"We have been expecting you, although..." there was a light pause before the voice continued, "We did not expect for you to bring guests."

Despite what might have been read into the words, there was no change in tone and no indication that the owner of the voice particularly cared if Bruce was bringing 'guests' as it said. There was no tone to the voice at all if one were looking for one - just a calm and smooth acceptance if you really looked hard enough and really, truly, needed to see something behind the words.

It wasn't a method to hide behind either - it just was.

"Proceed to the landing pad delta - I shall meet you there. And Master Guleya?"

There was a small pause.

"Welcome home."

@Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce listened patiently and respectfully, he kept himself in check but in truth he was starting to overflow with a sea of emotion - even someone as stoic as Bruce had become, he still a person - an individual. It had been a long time since he had seen or even heard from another of his species, save for his own family. But this was not accidental, he had been done intentionally - Bruce wanted to keep the war, the Jedi, the Sith all as far away from his home as he could. The safest approach to that was not to visit and to carry on; but there was a time when that decision was pushed and he had almost returned.

During his later days he had considered returning home to serve as an advisor to the ruling class of the planet - or establish a place of learning to call home. But of course, he decided against it all - as tough as it was. Even now he was feeling a bit reluctant and silly for issuing his request... but he needed somewhere he could trust. Somewhere he knew would serve as a powerful safe haven, and he could think of no better. He was a single man now, one fish in a vast pond. He couldn't do this alone, everyone had their limits even though they put on a show, or if they were 'that good' there was always limits.

But to hear the voices, to be within a arms length away from returning to his former life; it was incredible. It was a feeling he hadn't experienced in some time. He quivered with the anticipation of this meeting and he knew his people well. There was no need to read into the statements, but he wasn't particularly sure who he was talking to - it had been so long.

"Thank you control. Sorry about the surprise. Proceeding to landing pad Delta. Thank you for agreeing, I will speak with you soon, Guleya out." Bruce closed the channel was he had confirmed the transmission had been received. "Please buckle in everyone. We'll be entering the atmosphere soon." Bruce activated the auto-navigation for landing procedures and gently gripped the controls. The system would land itself, but it wasn't perfect, sometimes the sentient input was required.

The planet came closer and closer into view as the shuttle was wrapped with the clouds now as they streaked through the atmosphere heading toward the designated landing pad. He would have taken the time to admire the beauty and familiarity of the planet below had he not been trying to ensure that his precious cargo would remain intact - although he did find himself drifting but he quickly addressed it on approach.

@Nefieslab

 

[The Storyteller]

The ship came down without incident, although it was shadowed by planetary defence forces in fighters as it broke the cloud barrier, though these were as much to help guide the ship to the correct landing pad as they were prepared to gun them down should this turn out to be some kind of a trap. If Bruce expected a large gathering at the landing then he would be sorely disappointed, considering there was only one person at the landing pad.

The same person who had accepted the call and bade them land here.

The person in question was Master Onsby Enforo, a user of the Force of some level of skill but actually something of an elected official here on the planet.

Not unlike a senator, the people of the capital city had decided that his was the voice that would speak to Bruce Guleya and ascertain what his intentions were and, if they aligned with what he had been allowed by their people, how much assistance they would offer to him.

Master Onsby would step closer to Bruce once he disembarked and hold out a hand to him.

"Again, I welcome you home, Bruce Guleya."

There was a small pause before he added.

"Shall the younglings join us or shall we discuss this in private?"

@Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce was fully aware of the fighter escorts, this was nothing unique to the Bardottan at all, not even a special case. This was a common guidance that many in the galaxy followed with; it was simple and practical. He was not the slightest bit worried. When the shuttle came down and touched the surface the ship rocked and a muffled thud followed by a quick hiss of the burners shutting down and the engines winding down. Bruce undid his seat-belt before turning his chair around and exiting the cockpit.

A familiar human, sandy blonde hair rushed up to him, the youngling from before - not more than 10 years old. "Master Bruce! Are we here?" the young boy asked, "Is it safe?"

Bruce chuckled at the question and the eager mind, "Of course it is Micha, of course. We are here indeed."

"Can I come and meet more of you?!"

Bruce shook his head, "Not yet Micha. Not yet. I need to speak with someone first, you be a big boy and protect the ship - okay?" Bruce ruffled the little boy's hair.

"But..."

"No buts young man, you're not a knight yet." A warm smile on the bardottan's face.

Bruce continued to the ramp which had descended completely by now; he took a deep breath before climbing down to the landing pad. His nostrils filled deeply with all kinds of familiar scents, the water, the atmosphere, the cooking, the fuel, everything. The Bardottan was overwhelmed with all the flood drowning his senses, it held a special meaning to the Caretaker and his eyes glistened with the tiny tears of happiness. For a moment, he cursed himself deeply for turning his back on his home so long ago - but it was important to him - to his people. It had to be done and he suspected everyone knew that.

At the bottom of the ramp he paused, leaning on the struts of the ship as he took it all in. Bit by bit. And in that moment, he wanted to forget his original intentions and simply go back to this simple life; but that would mean devastation to those he was tasked with keeping safe - and no greater disappointment. So the bardottan had to stand up straight and meet head on; it was now that he had noticed his delegate - Master Onsby, he knew him, perhaps not well but he certainly knew him.

The Former Dagoyan Bruce walked with his head held high as he approached the Master and accepted the hand and the welcoming. There was no expectations to have a huge fanfare about his arrival, around here he wasn't a celebrity and that was perfectly acceptable (and welcoming) to him. For it was his turn to be humbled and not simply be the humbled. With the acceptance of the hand, Bruce included a slight dip to the Master.

"Master Onsby, thank you for the warm welcoming. It has been quite sometime since I've been here - and the sights are just as beautiful and clean as it is known for, and the thing I remember well. How have do you fair, Master? Is your family well? Once again I thank you for granting me the request to speak with you. For this time, I think they best remain on the ship - I can't keep my eye on all of them." Bruce stated with a smile, he would encourage the Master forward to wherever he had reserved for such a meeting, the only thing that stop the Caretaker was a tingle. "Especially that one..." Bruce stated without motion at first but soon he twisted his head around as he observed the small blonde boy. "Micha, what did I say?" Bruce projected sternly; he was met with the youngling scurrying back into the shuttle. "Sorry Master."

"I come seeking a place to call a temporary shelter for my precious cargo." Bruce began, but trailed off.

@Nefieslab

 

[The Storyteller]

Master Onsby Enforo stared at the youngling that had thought to intrude upon the meeting. Bruce had done the correct thing in sending the child back - Onsby was not a man to suffer the foolish impatience of youth. He would much rather see people approach when they had control of themselves and their emotions. The young child had started on the path, he could tell, but he still had a long way to go.

Such was the issue with interrupted training he supposed.

He stared after the child until he was safely back on the shuttle before gesturing for Bruce to follow him as he began to walk down the length of the landing pad towards the city docks.

"Come."

It was not a request or a question.

As they were walking towards the city docks, he spoke quietly, the streets devoid of anyone but the two of them as the entire population of the city waited to see what the outcome here would be.

"We are not blind and deaf to the struggle of your Order or it's recent losses." he admitted to Bruce, "You have my sympathies for any friends you may have lost..."

With losses on such a level it would be hard not to have lost friends.

"And now you come to us, at the changing of the tide, to ask us for a favour." he paused for a moment, "How temporary can this truly be, Bruce? Your Order shall not see another year and we both know this as a simple but brutal truth."

@Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce nodded casually at the mention of the loss of friends, "I have. But that is the cycle, for you cannot have life unless you have death; they work in harmony. We know this to be true, it is the basis of the Dagoyan Order. I have continued to hold the harmony true and I have always refrained from much indulgence. It is not something I need, any vice or any possession was surrendered and such a requirement is imposed on the younger generations... true, they've bent some of what's acceptable, so few are able to obtain true asceticism, like the Dagoyan Masters." Bruce lead with as they walked together. True, he was no master of such a tactic, but he had surrendered much of his belongings and way of life since continuing within the Jedi Order - this was never a challenge to him. So few understood the gains one could find if they surrendered themselves.

But of course the main question on everyone's mind was for how long. The state of the Jedi was no secret and Bruce would never play it any other way. There was truth, and that was what he would give and that is what he held firm on. "The Jedi Order is no more in these final days - instead the Order has fallen to that of a single being... a single purpose. With the Order in ruins the membership scattered all that is left is that they are still Jedi. Jedi is not anything more that a way of life. I will make no efforts to tell you otherwise, Master." Bruce acknowledge the words of the Dagoyan Master without hesitation. "The Order will not survive more than a few days let alone a year. But this is something that has been accepted, this has been something called upon."

"It would be just that exactly Master. Temporary. A few weeks, a month at the very best." The pitch now, Bruce had to address it. "I have but a couple of challenges I must address in these final days, but they are already lined up and require but execution. But I cannot take these children - younglings as we call them - with me, but I cannot leave them to their dooms. They are children, some are early teenagers but they are not troublesome, nor meddlesome. You sense it, you also realize that they are on the right paths but they need further guidance - and it is our... your Order that is ideal for that.

"Bardottan children are raised with this mindset, even those who are of a lower class, we all have a right to understand our culture and our way - it is ingrained in us. These children are no different Master. They need guidance - and they need to be done away be a 'glorious hero' or the romanticism of fighting the 'evil empire' or whatever they wish to call it. All I ask is but a few weeks and that they do not stagnate." Bruce took a moment to pause as he looked the master over for any reactions, after a few moments passed he continued by adding a small detail to his people. "Of course, I have a gift or gifts rather for our people. I have much in terms of data I have accumulated over the years. Noting classified, just a few secrets I found, secrets like the location of ruins, categorized knowledge from my findings, and a few small relics that I have dated back some time and linked to the bardottan across the galaxy." Bruce concluded with a smile.

As an explorer and scholar, that was the biggest prize he could have had. He'd spent years in ancient ruins uncovering secrets he could return to his people. Ranging from simple stories to complex trinkets and dwellings long forgotten. He had collected information that would help the bardottan people - but again, he was sacred in his duties. No information directly related to the Jedi would be available, just as he wouldn't present such knowledge of his home and his people back to the Jedi. Each was separate and more often than not he had withheld some of his findings from the Jedi unless it was of the utmost importance. Bardottan's lived these kind of things, no truer that this day.

"This is the safest and most trustworthy of places I could think of. Which is why I am before you today."

@Nefieslab

 

[The Storyteller]

Indeed, it seemed to Onsby that Bruce had held true to their shared principles rather well and he could appreciate that - he was glad that his old friend had not turned his back on all of their teachings and had, in his own way, rather attempted a synergy between the ways of their order and his own.

It showed a degree of acceptance that most never earned.

Although his old friend was still, it seemed, rather naive about how certain things would work. The future was clouded to all who would view it via the Force but that wasn't needed to see which way the winds were blowing and the tides flowing. He stared at his old friend for a moment.

"You misunderstand me, Bruce, either by accident or decision I know not which." he declared before announcing what he saw as the truth, "Your Order's military might shall perish within the next few days - but the Jedi shall end as well Bruce. The Sith Empire will go to every world and every moon in search of you."

He tilted his head slightly to one side.

"They shall seek to do what your order failed to do to the Exiles and wipe you out."

Onsby stopped where he was.

He didn't continue walking and instead his eyes narrowed in the beginnings of a glare that was likely more powerful a statement than a million cursed words from a human or less composed man.

"You explain the virtuous, the righteousness, of taking in these children and then think to bribe me with data?" He shook his head slightly, "Keep your 'gifts', Bruce Guleya, and know that we shall safeguard these children because it is right - not because of what benefits it can bring."

His calm returned almost immediately as he continued walking again.

"And you shall return for them or shall they make their own way in the galaxy?"

@Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

As Bruce listened to his friend, it didn't take him long to understand where he had went wrong with the statement and to acknowledge where he had tripped. When he had a moment he shook his head side to side, "No. No. No." It was more directed at himself, "That is not my meaning - it is your turn to be misunderstood. Sorry, sorry. This information, not in the slightest is viewed as a bride or anything of that sort. It is a gift, my timing was faulty. Information is something we love and I am always happy to find our links outside of this atmosphere, I had always intended to return some of my findings to the Dagoyan; allow us an chance to further understand our culture. We haven't had to most smooth cultural developments Master. I intend it as that, never payment. I am sorry." The Caretaker quickly bowed his head in shame as he bowed a moment, he had been foolish. He knew this, but the damage had been done, so to speak.

"In my time away," he continued, "I have spent much of the time applying my lessons here on Bardotta with the Dagoyan Masters of our time to the workings of the Jedi - though we didn't always agree - and the reverse, I had done this as a I sought a better and more fuller understanding of the Unifying Force. Of the two I have learned much, and I have brought that knowledge back with me - I have achieved a further enlightened state but the teeder of the balance can remain constant... at least that is what I want to believe." Bruce concluded with a sigh.

The weight was becoming more and more of a burden with each passing moment. With each sentence. He'd been able to keep it together mostly, but now he had nothing to prove and no one to witness and watch over his movements. As the Dagoyan Master explained the meaning of his own words - about the truth of the nature of things, the cracks would begin to form. There was no denying the information and Bruce wasn't going to try and deny such statements for they were truth and he had accepted it long ago, even though right now he had been granted his request for safe passage, it felt like it was done out of reluctance. He could have simply accepted the agreement, but it did not sit well.

"The physical might has fallen. But the hope and the life has not. Ons... I had accepted my fate long ago, a fate you all had tried to prevent. I know this now, but I cannot turn back time, nor can I reverse the decision; not anymore. I have become too powerful to be forgotten and with each passing moment that fate becomes closer and closer. But, the hope and the life, as I said has not fallen. It lives on in me, in you, in those small beings on that shuttle." Bruce paused a moment as he looked back at the way they had come. "You say you accept them, but that is not enough for me. I had set out to explore, to unlock some secrets across the galaxy... they had enabled me to do that. I served a purpose, a purpose that brought no harm to people. But it did cause harm, and the more I remained - the more I became invested. The more I had shifted. My own fault."

Bruce slowly returned his gaze to Onsby before continuing, "Ons... I tried. I tried to make a significant difference as I stayed. I healed. I talked. I understood. But I failed. I couldn't prevent this, and I cannot do this alone. The Jedi Order has disappeared - I will never speak with many again. I am alone. I came here, not just to shelter them... or teach them... I came, because I need help. This is too great anymore, and when I perish they will be stray... vulnerable. Unless I have a support; if only for a moment."

In continuation of the discussion, Bruce shook his head. "I will return. But they will make their own way in the galaxy. But at no time will they be alone. They have one another, and I am hoping, with your help they will have Unification with the galaxy - once that has been achieved..." He tried his best to produce a smile, he was mostly successful. "I need to carry out some tasks, but I am determined not to leave them here... while eventually the Sith will likely come, I would rather keep them as far as possible for as long as possible from you. I will seek a more permanent placement and will be vigilant not only to them, but to us." He had deliberately chose that one word, 'us.' The bardottan people.

@Nefieslab

 

[The Storyteller]

Onsby listened as Bruce explained himself and before the other man was done speaking he understood what had happened and where they had gotten their wires crossed. It seemed that his old friend had not fallen from the truth path as he had been afraid of - it seemed that Bruce was well aware of where he stood in life and that was the best thing for any creature. He held his hands up, palms out, in a gesture of calm.

"Peace, Bruce, I see that I was, perhaps, too sensitive to such things and I apologise for thinking you capable of such a thing." He replied with a small smile, "We both can be foolish but only truly fools if we do not simply move on."

They would move past what had been misunderstood.

Onsby listened but found, for one reason or another, that it was hard to look his old friend in the eye for the moment. It was strange. Onsby himself had mentioned, had brought up, the fact that he believed the Jedi were doomed and yet, seeing Bruce agree on some level? That was what brought it home and made it something that was relevant to the the master. He shook his head slightly,

"What shall come to pass is the result of a million different actions by a million different sentient beings - you could no more prevent this than a single grain of sand could hold back the ocean. You've done well, you've done your best, and that is all that could be asked of you, Bruce." Onsby reassured his old friend quietly, "You have played your role, my friend, and now it is done. The finale shall play out as the Force, as the Galaxy, wills it."

After a moment of silence, Onsby nodded.

"Agreed - we shall teach the children in our ways and we shall hopefully release them back into the Galaxy whole and completed and connected." he placed a hand on Bruce's shoulder, "Make sure that you come back, Bruce. I would not have you die out there in the greater Galaxy. You are home now."

@Zigara

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce nodded in apprecaition and agreement to everything that had been said. There was nothing more he could do for the Jedi Order and he had to accept the cards has they were revealed. What was done is done and it was now time to look to the future, the very reason he brought himself to return home. With the agreement of the Master to harbor his precious cargo and help further develop them, it was a huge personal victory for him and a spark of hope returned.

Each of the younglings onboard his shuttle could benefit from years of training with the Dagoyan Order, but they wouldn't get the years - and they didn't need to the years really. Time was short and Bruce was determined to return back when all was settled, the children would get a few weeks if everything went according to plan, that was what Bruce told himself. But those weeks they spend here, they'd change the group gathered with him and for the better no doubt. With this one worry off of his mind, he could better focus on the upcoming tasks he knew he'd have to undergo.

"My greatest appreciations Master Onsby." Bruce finally declared. "I will remain here for a few days though - help with the organization; I may also considering some my old home. I think it's overdue." Bruce chuckled lightly at that thought. "I will return when I have things prepared and resolved. But, I'll use caution to ensure that I can fulfill that promise."

Bruce offered a bow, and a handshake.

It was done.

They had shelter, if only for the time.
He had his family, if only for the time.
He had a promise, if only for the time.
He was home.

/#End Thread#/

@Nefieslab