TFC: Flashlights in the Dark

Bruce Guleya

Jedi Knight
SWRP Writer
Joined
Mar 19, 2018
Messages
295
Reaction score
123
asteroid_landscape_by_cachaloteart-d6ic28l.jpg

Location Unknown, Grid L-11
(Cinematic Music)

Bruce still had the adventure with Master Zeerda lingering on his mind, they had been successful but the sadness still gripped the bardottan as he came to the realizations that the chances of seeing his friend once again, live and well, may never come. This was how the galaxy was now, as it crumbled beneath the weight of the finale. In truth, the two hadn’t been the best of friends and did everything and anything together, but it didn’t matter. The short times and the few times they’d worked together still had an impact - Fenn was his friend and that was not something the Caretaker would ever surrender; for it is the bounds of friendship and love, and not only the Force that links everyone and everything together. It was the very thing that shaped and molded each individual and would have resonating impacts going forward. Through he said goodbye, it truly wasn’t. The memories and the experience would always remain with the bardottan as he aged forward.

But it wasn’t time to dwell on it forever, they had tasks at hand and this was turning out the be the one task Bruce had wanted to follow through with for sometime, ever since he had discovered it’s existence buried deep within the heavy tomes and shelves that spanned the Jedi Order. Right now Bruce sat alone in the cockpit of his ship, he had to surrender his own personal small craft when he had taken the journey with the younglings. Attempting to put so many in the back of a small fighter would be impossible, so he had to settle for a larger but still nimble personal shuttle - stacked with supplies to last him quite sometime if he were to remain alone.

It wasn’t long ago, he had made contact with Marina and had met up with her in preparation of this one journey into the mysteries of the galaxy. He sat in his shuttle, eyes out of the viewport as he looked over the expansive asteroid field before him - one that had stretched far. Many years it had been abandoned and not a soul thought to explore it because some had tried and they’d come up damaged if not lost. The paths were unpredictable and it’d take some serious concentration to clear the field... or that is the belief Bruce had. But Bruce was an explorer and a scholar at heart and he wasn’t afraid to put it on the line in pursuit of discoveries that would prove endless and boundless if chased. This was something that made the Jedi who they were - pursuit of knowledge.

The shuttle casually drifted along the outskirts of the field as Bruce stared into it absentmindedly. He had been strung up on his thoughts, the tickled his mind, echoing their meanings and their collections to him. Everything had lead closer to this moment and if he could pull this adventure off, he may very well prove to be well ahead of the game.

@Nightfall096

Ask thread between Marina (Nightfall096) and Bruce (Zigara)
Death/Capture Disable.
 

Marina Giulestei

Character
SWRP Writer
Joined
Aug 23, 2018
Messages
63
Reaction score
42

Marina had become pretty deft at flying the ship she had brought with her when she joined the Jedi. While of course no personal items were generally allowed, a ship was a little different, and helped the Jedi keep their fleet expanding without having to provide ships for more recruits. So she’d kept it, ‘Homeward Bound’ it was called, ironic perhaps, she doubted she’d return there again. A small rock flying past cut her out of her daydream though.

This place was dangerous, and it was dangerous right now. Why she came, gosh, sometimes she had to wonder at herself. But Master Guleya has a way with words at times, and somehow... anyway. Her mind needed to kick into gear. If it didn’t she was dead. And her ship wasn’t exactly top of the line. Not really mid range. Perhaps it was best not to think about it. Point was, it wasn’t built for an asteroid field. And neither was she, if something went wrong. But there was a secret buried within it, one Bruce was determined to find. She damn well hoped they found it quick,

“Any idea on which way we’re headed or are we flying blind?” She chatted into her comm as they came to the edge,

“Just, you know, thought I’d check in” she said with a smile, hopefully Bruce sensed it. No use keeping the mood dark when their chances were already so worrying. No. Here was another chance to show the galaxy the Jedi wouldn’t go down so easily. To make sure the future could fight when they couldn’t. This was the thing that might help the revolution of the future. And she’d want to know she’d done her part.

@Zigara
 

Bruce Guleya

Jedi Knight
SWRP Writer
Joined
Mar 19, 2018
Messages
295
Reaction score
123
His attention was easily taken away from his daydream when he heard the familiar sound of the comm click in the cockpit. He smiled to himself as he acknowledge the hail he had received. "Hello Marina, thank you for coming. How was Hoth?"

With his attention now back to the thing they called reality he placed his hands on the controllers and powered up his engines as he saw the Jedi Knight come up toward him. A light chuckle would be audible before he began chatting. "Heh. No, we're going into the asteroids and without a second thought about what was happening. Of course I know a thing or two Mari, we are heading in - just follow me through it. Stay close, one wrong move and you're likely to collide." As the engines were brought up to impulse speeds he began to make the slow and precise entrance into the asteroid field. "I could feed you a line like 'Trust in the Force' or 'The Force will guide us' but they'd be not entirely accurate. Deep within this field is a secret held close. I have been spending a bit of time here and there over the last 5 years."

He eased himself through the rocks zipping past him, some looking to come really close and almost impact worthy, at least to the untrained eye. Some tight corners, up and down. "I was actually guided here. This grid was forever nagging me... taunting me... so I came here. I'll be honest, I don't exactly know what's beyond these obstacles... but I have been inching closer and closer and today... well today we're winging it. Diving deep. It'll be fun, yeah?"

It was like controlling a bantha through the precise corridors. He had a hefty shuttle, a shuttle that could easily accommodate a large group of passengers - it is what he had used to take his younglings away from Brighthome and toward Bardotta. It wasn't exactly the most graceful of ships that was a fact. What he was looking for was a simple spec, a glimmer whenever it would come into view. But it wasn't easy and without a doubt, with no mapping of any kind to speak of disaster would quickly ensue. It was risky, he knew it was risky, it was the Deep Core and when the Jedi had a hold it was safer - the Jedi still had control of the Deep Core but it would soon all be consumed now that Tython had fallen. If everything was done correct - this would be a good space. It was curious though, for some reason no one thought to exploit this. The history books he'd found indicated a planet that had been shattered due to some unknown cause - maybe that was why no one thought it'd have anything useful.

@Nightfall096
 

Marina Giulestei

Character
SWRP Writer
Joined
Aug 23, 2018
Messages
63
Reaction score
42

“Brisk” she replied dryly to the masters inquiry about Hoth. Perhaps a little pithy, but oh well, it kept her spirits up at the very least, and given what they were about to do it only seemed fair to try and do so. Sure, she’d follow Master Guleya and she trusted his word, but still. It was an asteroid field, not something she’d ever thought a willing option for herself. But desperate times and all that, aye?

Seemed as if it was,

“Ha, fun, alrighty Master, let’s see how it plays out” she added with a smirk “I won’t fall behind” she finished as their ships began to press onward, weaving closely between the floating shards of rock that hung in the air, others tearing past at great speed. This wasn’t exactly an ideal place to be in, but Kriff, neither was under the thumb of the Sith, and she had no intention of finding all the Jedi in that position either. Rocks were a far kinder enemy, they didn’t want you dead anyhow.

But, much like Bruce, she wasn’t piloting a ship exactly ready for the job, and her freighter lingered a little too long on the turns in Hereford her liking, not when danger flitted so closely by her cockpit.

Weaving below a first rock, she darted left, her ship following her movements as it pulled its weight round the stone. Close calls, every one. And it would be like that until they reached whatever prize Bruce had picked out. For now though she spent her energy keeping on his tail, intent on not losing him. And, as she passed behind one larger asteroid, it seemed like exactly that would be happening,

“Master, position?” She asked into the comm, trying to stay calm, following the direction she thought he’d gone. As soon as she had a new position though she was ready to be on it, and get through this force awful storm.

@Zigara
 

Bruce Guleya

Jedi Knight
SWRP Writer
Joined
Mar 19, 2018
Messages
295
Reaction score
123
When the communication came through Bruce took a glance at the sensor display, "Adjust your heading by... 3 3 9 1. Around the big rock. Once around, you'll understand."

Bruce's attention returned to the forward viewport and as he did that, he found his very target. A larger asteroid, one easily lost within the field if one wasn't looking close enough. And down below, was the makings of a new place he wanted to call home. He could see it without a doubt, a large hub like metallic object - fashioned to match the colours of the bleakness of an asteroid; nestled deep within a crater and brought back to take full advantage of the natural walls summoned by twisting set nature. The records didn't lie to him, the painstaking days of tracking down ever single obscure detailed pieced together like a puzzle. It was home. It was hidden. It was right.

The bardottan had already cleared the rubble and had entered geosynchronous orbit with the target planetoid; he had already made the adjustments and was clearing the orbit as he targeted an abandoned landing pad down below. It wasn't the only pad, but he had selected one of the easier targets that he'd call his own for the moment. With a quick adjustment he pulled the nose up and landed the shuttle with a loud thud - probably not the most graceful of landings, but it'll do. It was eerie as he looked out of the viewport at the abandoned facility before him. Not a sign of life, no lights and a little worn over the years but still appeared to be very much in tact; at least the exterior.

As he waited for his counterpart to land her ship he cycled through the various displays scanning for lifeforms or heat signatures or anything to confirm the base's abandonment. After a brief examination he confirmed what he had suspected all along, there was no life and no atmosphere out here. They'd have to be careful if they were going to do this. He knew nothing of what lie ahead, but he was ready to find out once his friend was able to join him. He could hear the sounds of another ship landing nearby, but he couldn't see her.

"Welcome Knight Giulestei. If you check your readings - I couldn't see anything. I couldn't feel anything either. You'll also acknowledge the rather unfortunate thing as well... no atmosphere. I hope your EnviroSuite is prepared. Gravity is minimal, atmosphere is non-excistant. I've know idea what lies beneath. Make sure you're equipped and ready - double check the equipment, take a timeout to gather your things, pay a visit to the refresher, have a meal, or whatever. Far as I can tell... we're safe, for now. Do you copy?"

He suspected she would likely hear him, he wasn't using any long-range communications at this time. Short range was easier to deliver after all.

@Nightfall096
 

Marina Giulestei

Character
SWRP Writer
Joined
Aug 23, 2018
Messages
63
Reaction score
42

“I’m following now” she nodded back at Bruce’s directions. Racing round the asteroid she found herself faced with one even large, though one apparently to which they were headed, if Master Guleyas flying was to be followed. So far then so good though, slow and steady won the race through the field, what would greet them as they touched down she had know idea. Though presumably this was where the councillor had been trying to find himself each time he’d entered this part of the core. Strange then, as if the building was abandoned, or under construction, from so far up she could hardly tell. Though if one didn’t know it was here, or that it was worth seeing, Marian fully expected it was something that could be overlooked for a long, long time.

Perfect.

Coming in for landing alongside, her dinky freighter fell into place nicely. She gazed out the window into the dark of the facility, unsure of where they would be heading from here. What state was it in? Could they simply throw on the lights and set up shop? Bruce’s voice came over the comm, answering some of her questions. Though this was a venture into the unknown for both then, it was good she had time to prepare,

“Copied Master Guleya, good thing I came in a freighter and not a fighter. I’ll suit up and get ready for a bit of a space walk then” she said as she stood up from the controls, some spirit in her voice. As offputting as the place might be, there was something enjoyable about exploring that she wouldn’t deny,

“Ugh, I hate these things” Marian muttered under her breath, away from the comm as she took a look at her spacesuit. Never comfortable nor manoeuvrable, it did one job well and that was it. Too bad for her then she’d need it.

Swapping out her equipment she kept her lightsaber clipped to her suit as she stepped out of the ship. The sooner this place was set up the better. And quietly, she was curious to see what it really was, what, if anything, had happened here. The entrance was silent, just as their scanners had expected, though moving into the first dark hall she activated the torch on her suit to confirm the place was abandoned,

“Absolutely silent” she mused quietly. Whether it would stay that way was another question.

@Zigara
 

Bruce Guleya

Jedi Knight
SWRP Writer
Joined
Mar 19, 2018
Messages
295
Reaction score
123
Bruce nodded to himself in acknowledgement as she returned the comm.

The bardottan got up from his console and headed over to the equipment locker, the unfortunate thing for Bruce was his unique physical appearance, you couldn't just simply walk into a shop and pick up any envirosuit, you needed to have a specially crafted one to accommodate his size and shapes. With some of the humanoid species out there, Bruce cursed himself for not being as universal - but at the same time, he was happy with that as well.

Wiggling his way into his suit he booted it all up and had it run a quick equipment check. All systems were functioning, local sensors were functioning and he had a few hours of oxygen available. Mag boots were functioning and the electronics were golden - like his saber. He advanced toward the back of the ship and secured himself in the airlock allowing the system to pressurize before heading out on to the surface. He slowly made his way over to his partner in this expedition and offered her a wave and a smile. With a gesture they would advance toward what appeared to be the entrance to the facility it was a long walk down the platform and up to the airlock. Once they were in, the door secured behind them but wouldn't depressurize as there was no change in atmosphere; the door was mainly just servicing as a security measure. These doors were on their own independent power supply that could last for decades before dying out - provided they remained ideal for that time.

Once cleared they entered the main chamber of the central hub. The silence was comforting but also disturbing. That's the thing with space, there is no sound no matter what you do; the only noises coming from behind was the open comm between the two of the them. Bruce could hear each breath Marina took, that also was an oddly comfortable feeling for him - he didn't feel alone and that was a big deal for him. Lately he had been feeling a little more empty then usual, with the Order's collapse there was nothing more he could do but to feel that way. The realization that all of his friends and colleagues he had come to love and enjoy spending time with - would be no more. He was a small fish now and all he had was the warming embrace of the Force. That was how he had been feeling in the recent days, but right now with Marina he felt a little better. He was a social creature, he liked have that sort of physical contact that a sentient being could provide. The Force was so vast but it was empty, there was no corporal being to associate with - this could weigh anyone down. Even Grand Master Wyck would feel that way, he was certain.

As he looked around the room he spotted an elevator shaft, he motioned to Marina. "I don't know if there are any stairs... but the shaft... if we open the door I think we should climb up - surely there is a ladder within? My initial investigations indicated that the command center is at the very top in that cube like station you no doubt saw on the way in? Once we arrive there perhaps we will have a better idea of where everything is? There's no way I am wandering this place blindly." He spoke with purpose, he spoke with focus, he had really buckled down and started working.

They'd have to force the door open. Fortunately for them that wouldn't prove to be too difficult considering the entire base was on low-power mode and everything was easily designed for manual override during these earlier stages of establishment. Of course, all of these fail safes would be address on completion. This place held a secret, a secret known only to Bruce - something he was entitled to given his position and abilities. Bruce knew of this place, but even Wyck was left in the dark. It would have only been revealed when the time was right and things were ready - unfortunately that day never came, until now, it wasn't done - but, by the end of the day it was functional and that was key. They just needed to make it functional.

Bruce offered Marina a line, something to keep them connected for the climb. Something they'd connect to the walls as they climbed as well. With the lack of gravity a fall was not likely going to be a problem - but drifting aimlessly often proved an issue, especially in the bulk of an Environmental suit.

With his line, he entered the shaft and clipped it on. After a small climb, he'd move the line up, and climb. Rinse and repeat, that was the name of the game right now. This was the most direct route he could think of, they had maintenance corridors they could have used, but this was the most direct. Bruce wasn't overly concerned about secrecy, there was a good chance as they advanced through this - Marina would realize he had a very good lay of the land, although contradictory to his earlier statement of wandering around blindly.

Eventually they would arrive nearing what appeared to be the top of the shaft but their progress would be blocked, by the elevator itself. "Open the doors beside you, Marina. We need to get through that door - we can't go up as you can see."

Though the suits were climate controlled, it was damned hot for the bardottan. He hadn't exerted too much force, but the climb was still a bit of work for them - courtesy of their bulky suits; he wasn't sure how Marina was fairing, maybe she was doing way better than him?

@Nightfall096
 

Marina Giulestei

Character
SWRP Writer
Joined
Aug 23, 2018
Messages
63
Reaction score
42

Marina nodded along to Bruce’s guidance as she and him passed through the quiet cabins and hallways. This would be what Brighthome would look like, after the Order abandoned it in favour of secrecy. A shame, the last time she saw it it had been so full of pulsing life, rushing about, unable to be held down. But hopefully she would be able to say that about the Jedi as a whole, even as the winded down their operations and made bids for survival rather than striking out. It was the right decision, one she had been ready for, one she would embrace. Though a part of her wanted to try one last gasp, to see if something could bring fighters out of the woodwork for a real resistance.

As a Jedi she knew better, but as a rebel Marina still hoped. That combination would keep her spirits up even as she lingered on the question of exactly what to do,

“Oh now this isn’t an angle I’m used to” she blurred out as she joined Bruce in the climb up the elevator shaft. Mag boots and safety lines were great tools, but kriff if they didn’t throw off her senses a little bit. That said, also and steady wins the race, and they made it easily to the top of the shaft. As close as they could get anyhow. Nodding at Master Guleyas instructions, she pulled at the door with her free hand, though it’s maglocks remaiend firmly in position for a moment, before she channeled a little bit of strength in the force to her arm, pulling at it again with greater power. This time, a clunk, a screech as the door pushed back into its alcove. Things were becoming harder to open here, they must be getting to the core of the facility, where a higher level of security was maintained. She didn’t imagine they’d get any easier from here on out.

With that though she swung herself into the hall and readjusted herself, trying to work out where there next goal lay. An aged sin on the wall seemed to point down the hall toward a command centre, or central hub, something that would help them anyhow,

“This way. Hopefully” Marina noted to Bruce before moving down. Though upon arriving at the door she was less than surprised, and more than a little displeased, to find it locked up tight once again, and any pulling she tried to give it seemed only to threaten the integrity of the door. As would a cut from a lightsaber, and until she knew more she wasn’t ready to risk it. Especially now as she still remained on edge about whether they were really alone,

“I’ll try and find a way in, keep watch for me?” She nodded at Bruce with a smile before rounding the corner to find a smaller entrance along the floor, a hole for engineers and maintenance work on internal systems. It would have to do.

Though cramped, and less than easy to move around in with her bulky suit limiting her options, she managed to crawl back toward the direction of the command centre, coming up with in its shadowed walls. A large manual override smelt he force the doors open,

“Miss me?”

@Zigara
 

Bruce Guleya

Jedi Knight
SWRP Writer
Joined
Mar 19, 2018
Messages
295
Reaction score
123
Bruce opted not to respond to her comment about how it wasn't an angle she was used to. She was quick in her actions to get a move on and when they were faced off with the next obstacle Bruce was prepared to suggest an alternative route but she was quick to realize the decision, and that just made things easier. She was a Jedi Knight after all he would have expected nothing less.

As Marina cracked open the door, he was relieved she didn't think to destroy the integrity of the security systems in place. If Bruce needed anything it was to keep as much of this place intact as ever, the very last thing he needed right now in a place that would potentially be considered his new home was an excessive repair work. Keep it simple and keep it looking pretty, that was the best option. Marina would have been blinded by the torch on his suit when she opened the door - after all, he was looking right at the door. Prior to this though he had been looking around trying to figure out what was what and praying that things would remain smooth - as a Jedi, nothing was certain and you never assume things are certain.

"But of course, couldn't have done this without you." There was truth to that statement, he needed the physical presence of someone or something in these desolate halls that was certain. Now, he didn't know what she had crawled through but he wondered to himself if they would have fit his own body through the systems. But the best thing right now... he didn't have to wonder. What's done was done and they could move on with this expedition. "Did you see anything?" He didn't know what her response would be. He was curious if she had stumbled across anything while heading through the maintenance systems, well anything of note. After she had responded, Bruce would point ahead to indicate that they press on.

It would be nearly impossible to quiet the mag boots as they walked through these hallowed halls, the metal on metal clanking echoing throughout the corridors. "So, how do you feel about what Master Zeerda said? Giving up the saber and giving up everything else?" It was just idle conversation at this point, but he was genuinely curious to see what Marina had to say about it all. Even though he hadn't said it yet, she wasn't going to have to give up any of the Jedi stuff - that was the idea here. A place to secretly train but not actively engage. There was plenty of Jedi secrets that Bruce knew that could keep this place concealed, and he would share that information with her when the time was right; for now, he was just curious as they walked through the halls. "And before you answer, know that you may speak freely."

Through the halls they would go, he'd be sure to check every nook and cranny they passed to ensure they were not going to be ambushed or put at a serious risk. He motioned once more toward the walls before wandering over to them and casually gliding his hand across the surface as he listened to her speak. As she continued to speak, he pulled open one more access hub, and with a motion of his head, he climbed in and through the tightly winding maintenance corridor, and one more ladder before they emerged before another heavy door.

The bardottan gripped one of the doors firmly and added a little Force energies into his muscles before he spoke up one more time. "Grip the other door please, you might need to augment your strength as well."

And on a 1,2,3 count, they pried open the doors and were greeted by banks of terminals, though none were truly powered up. In the center of the room, however, was a layout of the base, a physical layout in the form of paperwork. Without saying a word, however, the Caretaker of First Knowledge approached a terminal just inside the door and placed his hand on the screen. He pushed some of his Force energies into the terminal and was able to get a low power fluctuation, enough to allow him to flip engage the emergency power systems. This would not power the base up or allow them to remove their suits, but it did allow them to not be in the dark anymore as several low lighting systems came alive and the shadows lessened as they were touched by the low light.

With a smile, he went to the center of the room and looked at the prints trying to locate the way to the engineering systems and atmosphere generators. He was now engrossed with the plans.

@Nightfall096

Some how my edit doubled the post. It added the repeat AFTER I had posted and was granted credits. Corrected it! Not sure how that edit did that... Sorry.
 
Last edited:

Marina Giulestei

Character
SWRP Writer
Joined
Aug 23, 2018
Messages
63
Reaction score
42

As Bruce asked if she’d seen anything she simply shook her head,

“Quiet so far” she added, though her little venture through the tunnels left little to report. What was more interesting anyhow was the Masters next question, one she paused a moment before answering, drawing in a deep breath,

“There’s, there’s a part of me that wants to follow so many of our friends, to Coruscant. See off what part of the Sith we might before the worst happens, give who I can a chance. That’s the rebel in me” she laughed a little as she said the last part. Though she thought about Sahmina, the rebellion, with surprising regularity, she didn’t think of herself as one anymore. Acknowledging it was... interesting, to say the least. Perhaps she had not grown as much as she had believed,

“That way, even if I passed on... I could believe that tomorrow would be better for what we’d done” it sounded so selfish, so unlike a Jedi, but she felt it still, a little tug in her mind,

“But the rest, the rest knows I’m the person they’re giving a chance to, and if that means putting it aside somehow to ensure that, then that’s just a fitting life, just as valuable a life to live. And that’s the path I’ve taken” she accepted, at the end there. She’d not spoken it to anyone else yet though. It felt good to lay it out. She looked at Bruce with sympathetic eyes. No doubt he felt something similar, and the weight on a councillor was higher than it was on her. It couldn’t be easy,

“A Jedi is a part of me, but I won’t have lost everything by giving it up. Hopefully the force can still guide me anyhow” she finished, ending on a more positive note. More than just force sensitives we’re needed in a galaxy. More than just Jedi. There was nothing wrong with being one with them. It was a hard moment for her to speak, but she’d shared little more with no other member of the Order. He deserved to hear it after the held he’d given her.

Her response had taken some time though, as would any reply from Bruce she imagined, and it covered much of the walk through the corridors as they made their way through the halls and jointly opened the doors, making their way through maintenance corridors to some more central room, filled with layouts. The station was beginning to turn back on. Only the final generator remained. And though she was less familiar with such documents she and Bruce managed to find the location promptly. Floors below, though not too far.

Their work was nearly complete,

“And yourself Master? Does this feel like final business or do you see a future for us yet?” She asked. She thought she had some idea of the answer, the station around her was testament to it. But it was more interesting to hear it from the Bardottan than her own assumptions.

@Zigara
 

Bruce Guleya

Jedi Knight
SWRP Writer
Joined
Mar 19, 2018
Messages
295
Reaction score
123
He listened quietly as she spoke her answer. He could relate to her words and he wasn't the least bit surprised when she returned the question to him. It was something he had already thought about before even being asked the question.

"Sometimes... it is in the air. While this is a final business for me, I do not believe it to be the end of me. I have accepted that Order has ended and it is no longer something we can aspire to fulfill, but instead it is something we can live out. While I am ever the optimist, I am also a realist and won't lie to you or say that everything was going to be alright and we had nothing to worry about - unfortunately, we have plenty to worry about. But we will address it, day by day; but we needn't hang up the sabers as one would believe - we still have a purpose, this I can assure you." Bruce was a little less lectury right now, he had plans - grand designs but he didn't want to go into them all until he himself had a better picture of what to expect.

He looked over the plans now - his oxygen level was still fantastic, they hadn't been here for more than a couple of hours so the suits hadn't been worn out. Each suit contained several hours for this kind of thing, but they would be running out of time and would need to get system functional before too long. He brought Marina's attention to the table before him as he built out a plan.

"Here. A reactor is down below and to the back - it's underground. A natural defense to an orbital strike. Once it is powered up we'll have some breathing room." He moved his finger to another section of the plans. "Over here, however, is the artificial environment systems - also underground. I want you to go there while I go to the reactor - we will go down together but when we enter the subfloors we will have to split up. I will get it running, I just need you to make sure all systems stay green. Simple right?" The bardottan chuckled. "With the low auxiliary running we should at least have some lighting and access to the elevators - but we'll have to 'override' the security systems as we've already done to get here."

@Nightfall096
 

Marina Giulestei

Character
SWRP Writer
Joined
Aug 23, 2018
Messages
63
Reaction score
42

She laughed a little through her nose as Bruce finished his reply to her question. Not in a scoffing way, she hadn't meant it like that, but simply of sympathy, an expression that Bruce was right in what he said. And his little assurance at the end there. He was an assuring presence even without it, it was... cute, to here him specify it. He didn't know how much good he could do just by being there. Just by continuing on. That was why Master Guleya was on the Council, for as long as such a thing would last, and the reason that so much of her mind had been made up to go into hiding rather than take to the final battle.

But enough thoughts for now.

Bruce laid out the final parts of their plan now, time for some independent work. She was ready for it, though the abandoned station didn't exactly fill her with confidence no matter how well things were seeming to go for them,

"I'm sure we'll be able to handle it" Marina replied cheerfully, keeping her thoughts positive with it all, before giving a little bow and turning away,

"I'll see you on the other side" she said, as she slipped across to the staircase and began her descent. The map still lingered in her mind enough for her to find her way slowly below, following faded signs and flickering holograms for direction where some power still remained. But it was slow going in her enviro-suit, and as Bruce had said the security systems were giving her no help, forcing open another door to bring her down to the environment systems level, casting her gaze over the dozens of swirches and layouts that remained in the dark. Their coms still worked however, even if the things struggled to send through the stone that separated them,

"You know, ever since Tython, even with my mind healed, there isn't a day goes by where I don't think about it, about what I saw. I lived through two wars, and I'll see a third sooner than I should like, nothing haunts me the way those days did" she chatted idly through the comm. She felt safe sharing with him, and it kept her moving through the facility to not linger on her loneliness.

it wouldn't be long though until Bruce got the power back on,

"Board is green Master" she said, her face lighting up as the board did the same. It seemed they were close to completing their mission. Though Bruce had mentioned about addressing something and well, she was curious to hear it.

@Zigara

Sorry about the delay!
 

Bruce Guleya

Jedi Knight
SWRP Writer
Joined
Mar 19, 2018
Messages
295
Reaction score
123
"Aye. We should, I'm not that decrepit yet."

As Marina left his side, he was left alone for a moment. Left to his thoughts, left to the control room, he looked over the plans one more time trying to absorb it. With Marina well on her way down the path, he breathed a sigh. Some days the weight showed itself to the Master but he would quickly compensate for it. "Soon... Soon..." He wasn't talking to anyone, not even himself, it was just becoming a reality.

Well, there was no sense in dwelling on this for the moment. He gathered his things and checked the status of his suit, he was still good to go for a little while longer. Bruce made his way to his own path he slumped through the halls, constantly looking around his surroundings, thinking of the future - thinking of the present. He climbed down a ladder and descended into the depths while his friend used the elevator when he was a few floors down he now had access to the elevator as he could tell she was progressing well. His comm was mostly static, the white noise of space while he walked the halls - but the static always reminded him that he wasn't alone. The static quickly converted to a voice, as Marina spoke about herself. The Caretaker took some time to consider her words as they flowed.

"Which, believe it, is actually a good thing, Knight Giulestei. The fact that you have been touched by the poison of the Dark Side will actually make you a better Jedi. Will make your actions mean that much more. You know first hand the dangerous, you are part of a select few who have walked that path. It is this experience that will make you stronger, will make you a teacher and role model to those you interact with. Do you understand?"

He was walking alongside the reactor now, his hand gently running across the casings of the power plant; the heart, the life force of the facility here under his fingertips. "Two wars is a lifetime for some. I have experienced the same as you have, though our roots are different and our perspectives of the incidents are varied, I still understand. Take those and push them forward." He now looked over the console before him. The screen - a dull green giving the various readouts of the facility; Bruce entered a few keystrokes and was in the system now, he had to adjust the settings a little bit for distribution but he was gearing up to activate it.

"Stand by."

Headed over to the main panel and began flipping switches, one by one. The first switch flipped with a loud clank, and the distance sounds of a hum could be heard. The second switch, all the same, but the humming grew louder. After a couple more switches the reactor went from a pale blue to a bright blue as the reactor began winding up and hitting its peak output. Bruce was looking over the console and the power distribution where he had to adjust system by system. This facility wasn't as abandoned as he had lead on. He knew of this facility, he was mostly responsible for it as well; however this day wasn't slated to happen now - it was supposed to be a little further in the future, but alas, circumstances forced his hand.

With the final adjustments, he had Marina's confirmation and that made a massive difference. "Good, Mari. Good. There should be another screen down there, keep your suit on but watch that screen. It'll advise when the atmosphere is adequate. Might take a little bit but once its there we'll be able to breathe. Meet me back upstairs, please."

The defenses of the station wouldn't be fully activated yet. Those systems were much more advanced but they'll accomplish that. Satisfied with the power systems he made his way back up to the command centre. The facility was powered - all primary systems were good to go; they had lights, they had elevators, they had doors, and soon they'll have an atmosphere.

* * *

When Bruce arrived back at the control hub, he took his helmet off and it hissed loudly as the artificial environment contained within the suit was broken. Standing in the center of the room with many computers now providing feedback, he opened the blast doors and looked at across the planetoid and the asteroids outside. He allowed himself a smile as he waited for his companion to return.

@Nightfall096
 

Marina Giulestei

Character
SWRP Writer
Joined
Aug 23, 2018
Messages
63
Reaction score
42

As they facility slowly filled with air, the shallow hiss of the ventilation system booting up and kicking in, bringing habitability to the station. Marina could only slide her way onto the floor, watching the oxygen count of her suit slowly tick up as the facility came back. She took a moment for herself as she heard Bruce's words end. She'd make her way back to the control room, eventually. For now though she let her thoughts flow freely, playing on Bruce's words.

Letting her faculties run freely, she slipped into a meditative state in the interim, allowing her intuition to feel the facility, the possibilities they'd brought to it now. She could only see so much of the future, it was not a skill she had put much practice into. Perhaps there would be time for that now. Perhaps she would be able to see something that would give her hope. But what was around her did that anyway. It had to, or else, what was the point?

* * *
Bringing her mind back, Marina found her way back up to the control hub, seeking Master Guleya. Similarly her head was bare, the view before her was beautiful, stark, final. They were hidden here, no doubt about it,

"I doubt anyone will look for you on here, Master Guleya" she said, returning his smile as she laid her helmet down. They had a moment now, why not embrace it?

@Zigara
 

Bruce Guleya

Jedi Knight
SWRP Writer
Joined
Mar 19, 2018
Messages
295
Reaction score
123
"That was the goal. A hidden little space in the galaxy to go undisturbed - while I doubt we will be crafting a large revolutionary plan that will forever liberate the galaxy from the tyranny of the Empress, it will provide shelter. This base is named after this system, this system was once known as Eclipse. It is well equipped and was designed as a research facility. Come, now with the lights on I can show you." Bruce was happy and he quickly lead her to the viewports that surrounded the station. From the command hub, you could see all around you - a solid 360-degree view of the base.

"Down below you'll see biodomes. They will allow for the growth of a variety of crops and allow to emulate various environments. Throughout you'll find living spaces and rest places..." He would continue to describe as much of the facility as he could, at least the various functions and to paint a slight description of the potential defenses that had been arranged but not completed just yet. Now, he wouldn't provide the Knight an extensive hands-on tour of the facility, she could do that on her own during the coming days, there was no need to rush it. However at this time he didn't describe his future plans, the planet's crust had already started to be dug in allowing for access to a hanger and it's systems; but the actual temple he had planned as well as the research applications, he would hold off on telling her any of that until a later date.

"I speak truth in that this place was to serve as the Shadow's headquarters, however that purpose had never been truly realized as you can clearly see. But perhaps one day, but I cannot be certain. There is a kyber deposit also located here, nothing as phenomenal as our many sites when we were strong, but they are there nonetheless." Bruce concluded with assurance.

The base was to be something else, a new home. A safe haven and a small training facility, although he suspected that the days coming were not going to be spent learning of combat and how to fight a war but instead would be focused mainly on study, control, contemplation, preservation and peace. The Jedi would be a shadow of its former self, the Caretaker couldn't deny that and wouldn't try and convince himself or others otherwise. If all would work out, they would train people here, keep some of the traditions alive and preserve all of the knowledge and data they'd accumulated so that they never truly disappeared. The Caretaker suspected that he probably had the largest concentration of members in Knightfall and that would effectively make him the Master of the Order... or at least the Jedi Remant. He would not speak of this, for it was never truly officially recognized and he had been only suspecting he was. The small group would learn to live in secrecy and give them a fighting change but a rich background, they'd learn the basics of fighting with traditional weapons instead of lightsabers or direct use of the Force - indirect however might prove beneficial. He suspected any that would be trained here would eventually break free of the base and becoming regular citizens of the galaxy while maintaining their true selves.

This would work in his favor. They could watch the Sith grow and silently keep records or attention to their movements while allowing chances to destroy - not secure - Dark Side relics and knowledge here and there, something to make the Sith's lives not be free of trouble, but it was an art form and would have to be done subtly and occasionally, something that could be easily written off as some disgruntled individuals or people who sympathized with the Jedi but were not true Jedi. Why? Because eventually, the Sith would be so arrogant and pompous that they had wiped the galaxy of the Jedi scum that they would not suspect anything more. Bruce had a few tricks up his sleeve, but above all else, survival and remaining hidden would always remain paramount.

There was only one task left now that would result in the closure of this dark chapter within the Jedi, that final task would be undertaken soon enough and it would exact a powerful toll on the Caretaker, but it was necessary. That next task would be to chronicle his life and knowledge in a small Force device known as the Holocron; and further, soon it would be time to settle in, once and for all.

@Nightfall

// ## END THREAD ## //
 
Top