Open Yavin IV Wake Up from Your Dreams

[Lani Tallis]

For a while, it seemed like the Jedi Order had seen nothing but failure. A barely successful rescue mission at Sullust coincided with a devastating attack on the Jedi Temple on Ajan Kloss and the death of Grandmaster Oota Boan and one of the Councillors. The next big move of the Sith was the invasion of Denon, which led to the deaths of Councillor Max Tionson and Knight Talak Rand, who were both among the most prominent members of the Order. But then something changed. The invasion of Byblos was repelled by the joint forces of planetary defenses, the Jedi, and the Sector Rangers. For the first time in a while, the Jedi had a reason to rejoice.

Compared to the events of that magnitude, the misadventure of one Padawan and her friend on Ajan Kloss was nothing to write home about. For some reason, they had ventured to the sacked and abandoned Jedi Temple and were ambushed by the Sith. Both survived the ordeal and were taken back to the Jedi Temple. The Twi'lek recovered quickly—physically at least—whereas the Zeltron's injuries proved more permanent.

Although the body recovered, the Padawan remained comatose for reasons that even the Jedi healers couldn't fully explain. Out cold and in the bacta, Lani missed Denon and the grim fate of Max Tionson broadcast over the HoloNet. She also missed Byblos and the news of a repelled Sith attack. Weeks passed, months even. It seemed like the young Zeltron could end up forever asleep. It seemed like whatever happened on Ajan Kloss, it left the mark on Galania Tallis.

But then, one day, her vitals changed, surprising even the seasoned Jedi healers who checked up on her bacta tank from time to time. Taken into the medical ward, Galania would eventually wake up before any visitors were allowed. A week of observations, and the healers deemed the young Zeltron ready to get out of bed and walk around the ward. At the same time, visits were also allowed. Although it remained to be seen whether Padawan Galania Tallis would be getting any visitors.

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel's return from her self-imposed exile had been met with tragedy after tragedy. She found her two closest friends within the Order gone, Nara departing willingly and Nykoria vanished and very possibly dead. Max Tionson, who she had revered greatly as a teacher, and whom she had even owed her life was dead. It all made her long awaited ascension to the rank of master ring quite hollow. She could only think about how things might have been different had she not run and hid for her own sake. Could she have prevented any of it? Or would she just be dead as well?

Another surprise was hearing that Nykoria's younger sister Galania had discovered her Force sensitivity and joined the Jedi. This would have been a joyous occasion, had she too not been nearly killed by the onslaught of the Sith. The moment Izel heard of her presence and situation she went to see the girl while she was still in the bacta tank, offering to help the healers however she could. Unfortunately there wasn't much any of them could do at that point but wait to see if the Zeltron recovered on her own. Izel had only met her once, but still believed to have a certain duty to look after her, seeing as her elder sister was nowhere to be found.

She kept constant tabs on the recovering Padawan, visiting whenever she could manage it. After returning from her last mission she had heard Lani had finally awoken, and dropped everything so she could visit. The Jedi would enter the medical ward cautiously, she felt no small amount of guilt for not being there to protect her friend's sister when she needed it. "Galania?" She asked quietly, half because she didn't want to disturb any of the other patients, and half because she dreaded what the Zeltron's reaction to her presence might be.

@Catbert

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drastus had taken the death of Master Tionson hard. And even long after his recovery from Denon, the death of his practically 'alternate' Master had left him deep in depression. His friends were either comatose or in hiding and he had now failed a second Master. He would still train, but the once bright spot of light within him and slowly given way to darkness. He avoided Master Indy and Felix like the plague, unable to face them for his failures. He had spiraled so far that on the day he felt like leaving the Order, he felt a tug within the Force.

It gave him pause in the forest, he had moved out to the old hangout for complete seclusion. It would be days after she woke up, but he had distanced himself so far from the Force that it would take him that long to sense her presence. "Lani..?" he'd say aloud, voice just above a whisper, before he darted for the temple. He skimmed past every person that lay between him and her and even hurdled a pair of younglings in the hall.

Drast would be nearly there when he came to a stop before a mirror. He looked like shit. Gone was the fancy button up and vest. He now wore a baggy shirt and sweatpants, a farcry from his days of dressing to impress. His hair was in no better condition and so he would tie it up to at least hide some of the mess, but there was no helping the facial hair that was now a tad unkempt. His hand would stop as it hovered over his face: the burns from the blast, the dozens of new scars. He was as good as he would ever get.

A little ashamed of his current appearance, he would enter moments after Master Thral did. pausing at the doorway. He went from nervous to heart racing as his gaze fell on Lani. She was awake. The war hadn't mattered to him since Denon.. but this, this did.

@Catbert @Reyn

 

[Lani Tallis]

Even though Lani's eyes were closed, her mind raced relentlessly; just like when she had been comatose. It would be obvious to any keen Jedi that the Zeltron wasn't asleep. On hearing her name, the Galania opened her eyes, showing a glimpse of surprise. A weak smile crawled onto her lips as she saw someone familiar... No, the only familiar Jedi Knight she had ever met before Kori vanished. Izel Thral.

"Aunt Izel?" she addressed the Vratix like years before, during their first meeting on Coruscant, when Galania was all but an adolescent. "You came back..." the comment was a mixture of relief and emotional exhaustion. Before Ajan Kloss, meeting Izel was one of Lani's goals. But all that the Zeltron could produce now was a flicker of happiness. Izel's own guilt could have a part to play in such a reserved reception; or maybe there was something else going on behind those brown eyes and purple face.

Then Lani noticed another visitor in the doorway. A tall, muscular, rumpled man with a scarred face. For a moment, the Zeltron stared at him in confusion; but then something clicked in Lani's mind, and the smile grew wider: "Drast? You're alive!" the previous gloominess was suppressed, and the Zeltron was almost her previous self. She crawled up her bed a little and adjusted the pillow so that she'd be half-sitting instead of lying in bed. "Come in, both of you!"

If somebody looked at Lani now, they'd see almost the same Zeltron as before Ajan Kloss: happy to meet the people she cared about, if only a little exhausted from long idleness.

@Reyn @Rhogar

 

[Izel Thral]

Lani being pleased and not angered to see her came as a great relief to the Vratix, whose aura noticeably brightened immediately upon hearing the Zeltron's words. Before she could reply Lani also alerted her to another visitor. Izel turned to look back at the entrance. Padawan Drahr, she remembered him from Onderon. He had performed excellently then, but he seemed rather disheveled and demoralized now. Of course that was easy to understand after everything that had happened in the last few months. Izel gave the boy a knowing nod in acknowledgement before turning her attention back to Lani.

As the girl bid them forward Izel walked around to one side of the Zeltron's bed, leaving the other spot open for Drast. "I'm glad to see you're alright." The Vratix addressed her softly, still feeling somewhat meek. "And a Jedi as well! Who would have guessed..." She looked over the girl's mostly healed wounds briefly before looking her in the eyes again. "I'm sorry about your sister... And Ajan Kloss and... And everything." She didn't know what quite else to say. She wasn't Lani's master, but she was Kori's best friend. Through her Izel saw Lani almost as like a little sister herself, and she dreaded to think that perhaps some of the blame for all that had happened to the girl was on her for being absent from the Order. Had she been on Ajan Kloss, she definitely would have done everything in her power to protect the Padawan.

@Catbert @Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Leading up to his presence in that room, Drastus had been a swell of emotions, most of them negative. But for the first time in some time, he had something he felt he could look forward too, and that was enough. Enough for him to mask his emotions with Lani, something he hadn't had to do in some time with her being nearly comatose. He would let her feel one thing: his joy at seeing her back amongst the living. And though he could shield his emotions, he knew she would eventually catch on with his physical appearance.

When Master Thral looked back at him, he would return the nod. He had no doubt in his mind that the other Jedi knew of his recent choice in seclusion and downward spirals. He was sure they would avoid him even more now.

Taking slow steps to the free side of the bed, he'd kneel beside Lani, one hand resting on the railing of the bed. "I could say the same about you." he would say with one of his trademark grins. Her joy at seeing him was enough to keep his own positive emotions going, though he would definitely allow Master Thral to have her time first with Galania.

 

[Lani Tallis]

For a moment, the meeting was all but idyllic. A smiling Lani, a joyful Drast, and a happy, if only a little conflicted Izel. Yet somehow, the Vratix found a way to darken the mood. Kori, Ajan Kloss, and everything immediately brought back memories. The memories why Lani was there. The memories of what recklessness she had committed. In a moment, the smile faded from the young Zeltron's face almost entirely.

"I'm not a Jedi yet," the reply rang with dead seriousness. "Maybe no Jedi at all." The Zeltron's nose twitched slightly, as she finally dared to say something she had feared saying ever since her arrival to Ajan Kloss. "Nykoria is dead, and I can't do kark about it." The delivery was grim, yet oddly liberating at the same time. It gave closure, no matter how bitter it was.

Lani felt a treacherous lump in the throat and was about to give in. The only thing that delayed it was a sudden thought that flashed across her mind. "Where is Xi?" she added coarsely, trying and failing to conceal the incoming tears. "Is she safe?"

@Reyn @Rhogar

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel immediately regretted her words, seeing the effect it had on Lani. She should have realized now wasn't the time to broach those subjects. The Vratix herself shrank with dismay at the young Zeltron's words. It seemed her experiences had been so thoroughly demoralizing that she was considering giving up on the Jedi altogether. Her statement that Kori was dead however evoked a visceral reaction in the Jedi Master.

"We don't know that." She countered quickly and firmly. Neither of them knew the true fate of Nykoria Tallis. Considering their shared attachment to her, Izel felt certain that her passing would have alerted them through the Force. That was a small, desperate excuse to not give up hope, but Izel still clung to it.

Lani seemed more worried about something else for the moment though, one of her other friends. So for the time being the Vratix remained quiet and sunk into the background, allowing the girl to speak with her fellow Padawan.

@Catbert @Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast didn't always have top tier timing with his remarks, but even he wasn't gonna mention Kloss and he could feel that mood shift. Instinctively, he'd grab her hand, hoping the physical support would balance the emotional. "Hey, hey now. You'll not only get there, but I'm sure your sister is fine."

At her question, there was a warm smile and firm squeeze of her hand. "She's so good right now. Think she's out and about, I haven't been to the temple for a bit. But, what beautiful timing that I get to see ya up and smiling, yeah?"

@Catbert @Reyn

 

[Lani Tallis]

The news of Xiann being alright brought some needed relief. But also meant that Lani was done holding back the tears. One ran down her cheek, and Galania reached to wipe it with her free hand. A wry mixture of a smile and a scowl appeared on her face as she heard the standard reassurances. The ones that she herself had shared once. The same reassurances that Ajan Kloss had wiped from her mind.

How dumb was it to presume that the Sith would leave Nykoria alive? The very same Sith, whose twisted techniques had turned the old home of the Jedi Order into the lifeless and despondent place it was. The very same Sith who launched acts of terror on Ryloth, Coruscant, and elsewhere. To presume that they'd spare Kori was naive at best.

And Drast seemed to believe that there was still a chance for Lani with the Jedi after what she had done. She had brought Xiann along on a foolish and dangerous journey, wrecked a Jedi Order shuttle, run over someone with a bike... Nobody in their right mind would keep her around after that. The Jedi would be wise to boot the young reckless Zeltron and be done with it.

"You both know that most likely ain't true," the voice was on the verge of breaking, even though Galania tried to keep her expression serious. "But I appreciate the thought." she added, wiping her eyes again and turning her gaze from one Jedi to the other.

@Reyn @Rhogar

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel just sighed in response to Lani's insistence that her sister must be dead. This clearly wasn't a good time to discuss such matters and she was kicking herself for bringing it up in the first place. The girl needed time to recover, both physically and emotionally. Matters concerning what was to be done about her sibling could come later. Instead she should be using this time to try and cheer the young Zeltron up a bit, maybe restore some of the resolve she had lost. From what Izel remembered of Lani, she had been a spirited girl, not the type to give up easy. She was like her sister in that way.

"Perhaps now isn't the time..." She relented before trying to change the subject, taking a lighter tone to her voice. "I can't believe I wasn't here to see you join the Order. I'm furious with myself really." She looked briefly at Drast. "I see you've become good friends with Padawan Drahr? I'm sure the two of you have gotten up to all sorts of mischief." Though she didn't know much about Drast he had struck her as an incredibly enthusiastic apprentice on Onderon. No doubt he got along very well with the exuberant Zeltron. She looked back to Lani curiously, interested to hear some of those stories. Not to mention it would be a good distraction from the more grim matters that would be filling the back of her mind.

@Catbert @Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

"Truthfully, Lani.. we don't know. And this isn't the time to dwell on such things. We can do that later. But for now, we can take solace in the fact that you and Xiann are here." He'd offer that smile, tinged by the fresh scars to one side of his face. He was trying to bail out the Vratix and maybe keep the mood angled upwards.

He'd then wipe away the tear she didn't get. "Yeah, I guess you could say we're pretty close." He'd say with a wink to Lani and then a grin to Master Thral. "We had some fun on Coruscant. I'm sure she could tell you all about it."

Coruscant. It felt like ages ago since they were there but it couldn't have been any more than a year. It was a much happier, albeit hectic time.

@Catbert @Reyn

 

[Lani Tallis]

An emotionless "Yeah" was all that Galania could muster in reply to Izel and Drastus both. The Zeltron's keen senses for people's emotions never faded, and the attempts to cheer her up were ill-concealed at best. Somehow, Lani felt more grown-up now than Drast or even Izel.

"Yes, Coruscant..." a dreamy smile crossed her lips, before being washed away by a cold expression and pursed lips. "Not too long after I joined the Order, I went there on a mission with a couple of Knights. The mission wasn't anything too big and ultimately didn't make much of a difference. But while on Coruscant, I asked Drastus and Xiann to help me grab some things from Nykoria's apartment and search for clues."

The Zeltron expected how the two would react to the change of topic back to the tune that they had tried to avoid. She caught herself thinking that she might even relish the look on their faces. So to hit it home, Galania added nonchalantly: "Nobody else seemed to care. I think Councillor Grayza was certain she was gone for good, but just spoke about the off chance of her being alive to encourage me."

Realizing that she might've tried too hard, the Zeltron quickly added: "I do appreciate both of you being here and trying your best though. But right now, I'm pretty certain of two things. Kori is more likely to be dead than alive now. And there'll be hell to pay for Ajan Kloss for me." A deep breath with closed eyes followed by the expression going more relaxed: "If they expel me from the Jedi Order, they'll probably do the right thing. Nobody can be prepared for what I saw and felt out there. I definitely would never stand a chance against a Sith."

Realizing something, her gaze shifted to Drastus: "I'll take full blame for whatever happened on Kloss. You did warn us not to go. So, if they do decide to expel me, don't fight it, Drast. Promise me you won't."

@Reyn @Rhogar

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel took note of how close Drast seemed to be to Lani but said nothing. Perhaps they were a little more than just friends. When Lani took a shot by commenting that nobody seemed to care about her sister's disappearance she wouldn't get much reaction out of the Vratix. They were hard to read after all. But her feelings wouldn't be hidden from the Zeltron. She felt the loss just as hard.

"I wish I had been here." She replied in a soft tone. "I would have helped you." The girl let up after that, reasserting that she appreciated they they were trying to cheer her up, but she was still fairly certain Nykoria was dead. She went on to voice her other fears, that the Order would expel her, and that she had no hope of standing up to the Sith even if they didn't. For Izel at least none of these were foregone conclusions.

"Respectfully Galania..." She started, regaining some confidence to her tone. "You haven't seen what your sister is capable of. I have. Which is why I won't believe she's dead until I've seen undeniable proof." She looked between the two Padawans. "As for what the future holds for you... I will defend you before the Council if you so desire. I see no reason why you should be cast out just yet. Yes you've made mistakes, in some cases very grave mistakes, but that is something none of us are capable of avoiding altogether. Were the Council so intent on punishing the bold, all of us who took part in the first attack on Sullust would have been expelled." She chittered, finding some humor in that. "Which would include Master Grayza himself. And I would never call that man a hypocrite."

@Catbert @Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast laughed dryly. "Yeah, I'm probably getting expelled too. Master Sati is talking Felix or something. And well, apparently I'm on thin ice with her. Why? Couldn't tell ya. I did everything I could for the Order, then went to Denon. Maybe it's pain at Master Tionsons loss.. I don't know.. or maybe she wished I died and he made it out. He would actually make a difference. Either way, apparently getting blown up by a unibomber and civvies getting killed is my fault. So if it comes to my expulsion, I won't fight it. And if they expel you, Lani.. kriff.. I'll leave with ya. The warmth has left this place, it no longer feels like home."

His gaze shifted to the Master. "But.. I do agree with your thoughts on Master Tallis and beyond that, I fear death would be a release to the Sith.. they like to torment." He hated speaking those words, but he did, and he'd allow his warmth to be felt by Lani as if to ease his words. "Regardless, this is dark talk.. and though there is time for that, it would be best to not dwell."

@Reyn @Catbert

 

[Lani Tallis]

For the first time, the words of the Vratix Jedi had an effect. Be it because of Izel's firmer confidence in them, or because for the first time she offered some actual reasoning. Her speech about the mistakes made sense; so much so, that even the despondent Zeltron saw a flicker of hope. Lani didn't know the Jedi on the Council; she didn't even know Izel too well either. So far, the Order was a mixed bag... Like with most place, really.

Then Drast stepped in, and Lani's thoughts were driven even further away from her own problems. She had heard of the death of Master Tionson, but other details were sketchy. Drast being involved in the battle of Denon was new to her... Even more so was his own attitude to the Jedi in the Order. "Home is what you make of it, Drastus," she slipped in a token hopeful reply, before the next part followed.

Galania hadn't really considered that the Sith could be keeping Nykoria alive for whatever sick torture they could come up with. Needless to say, the thought did not go well with her. "Yes, let's not dwell on that," she replied quickly, her mind elsewhere already. "I uhhhh... Sorry, I need to think."

Realizing how rude it was, the Zeltron once again tried to end the conversation on a somewhat better note: "They're telling me I'll be on my feet soon, but I'll still be around here for a while. If it's not much to ask... Could you bring me something from the library to read? Anything that they give to Padawans would do..." She paused briefly, before concluding with a quieter tone: "Whatever happens, I'll have a lot of catching up to do."

@Reyn @Rhogar

 

[Izel Thral]

Drast's words didn't exactly sit well with Izel. Being reminded of Max's death was an easy way to ruin her mood, and his seeming nonchalance over possible expulsion from the Order wasn't pleasing to hear either. She always hated the idea of people leaving, especially now. They needed strong Jedi more then ever, and to her at least Padawan Drahr showed promise. His comments on Nykoria possibly being tortured however were enough to stoke her ire. That was something they didn't need to be discussing, especially in front of the woman's sister.

It seemed Lani didn't care to hear such things either, and now wanted to be left alone to rest. The Vratix perked up a bit as the girl asked for reading material. She had always been the bookish sort herself, and would be happy to help the Padawan along, possibly nudge her back towards the Jedi if her thoughts were starting to wander. "I can help you with that." Izel said as her hands went to her bags. She always kept a number of books on her person. Retrieving two old tomes she would offer them to the Zeltron. "These are two of the first books I picked up when I first started to study the Force. One is a biography of Grandmaster Skywalker's exploits in his younger years. The other is an overview on the Dagoyan Order and it's practices. That one's a bit dry, but it offers an interesting perspective on the Force from outside the viewpoints of the Jedi or Sith." She paused awkwardly for a moment, realizing Lani might have just wanted something to help her keep up with current events. "Uh... At least I think so. If I see anything else in the library that looks interesting I'll grab it."

Whether or not the Zeltron accepted the books Izel would step away after that. It was clear enough Lani still needed some space to complete her recovery, and the Vratix didn't want to crowd her. She looked between the two Padawans. "I think I ought to be going now. I've got a lot of work to do." She looked to Lani first. "If there's anything you need please don't hesitate to call me. I'll be happy to make the time for you. And please try not to worry about Nykoria. The Force is with her, and no matter what has happened it will either lead us to her, or her back to us. Of that I am certain." She would then turn her attention to Drast, looking the boy up and down again. "As for you Padawan Drahr, I would advise that some good hard work is the best way to keep your mind off dark thoughts. If you fear your expulsion and would like to do something to improve your standing in the eyes of the Council, I could use a hand in my duties. Think about it." With that offer made Izel would bow her head respectfully to both the apprentices before leaving the room.

/Exit Thread
@Catbert @Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast held no notion that his nonchalance would be accepted openly and with ease, he was also sure that no matter what happened, the Jedi viewed it as issues with the Padawans, not the Masters. When Lani asked about books, he was almost surprised Master Thral had one on her. Almost. The surprise was that she had two.

He had nothing against reading. The three Masters he had considered family had all encouraged him to read. It was moreso a sore subject to him. Two dead, the other wishing him gone. He hadn't read anything worthwhile since Denon, having instead cloistering.

He also knew his comments on Nykoria wouldn't be readily appreciated, but it was thoughts like those that kept him up at night. And when the Vratix finally addressed him, he'd been lost in his own thoughts. It would take a few seconds for his brain caught up and he nodded to her. "Yes Master, it's why I train daily. I've.. had a troubled mind since Kloss." Great. Another Jedi to point out he was broken. "It had gotten better but.. Denon." He would nod once more. "Yes Master. Though.. it begs the question of how one bad decision undos your standing after a dozen good ones.. and at what point are you just indebted to the Order with the threat of expulsion?" The other thought that kept him up. "I will keep your offer in mind, Master Thral." He'd say with a respectful half bow.

Once Izel left, he'd step closer to Lani's side and remove a holopad, placing it down beside her. "For catching up with news and stuff. Or games." He offered with a smile.

@Catbert

 

[Lani Tallis]

The Jedi's reaction to the mention of books was surprising. The fact that Izel had two on her was a surprise; but not an unpleasant while. Galania accepted both with a faint smile and a nod, letting them rest on the side of the bed next to her. The Jedi Master's confusion was misplaced—those books were exactly what Galania needed. Another shy nod signified that she'd welcome the Vratix bearing more gifts from the library. The fact that she extended an offer of help to Drast as well was also encouraging.

The gift from Drastus was also welcome, even though Galania didn't really have time for games. But the news would be nice. She accepted the holopad with a faint smile, the most genuine of all so far. "Thanks, Drast. It'll come in handy." Then her gaze shifted from the books and the holopad to him: "I'll be back on my feet before you know it." The seriousness of her reply betrayed a certain lack of confidence. "You should really give Izel's words a thought." Making sure that Izel had left the room, Lani added sincerely: "She can be a little bit scary, but she's great if you get to spend some time with her."

Of course, that came from memories years before, back when Lani had lived back on Coruscant with her parents, and Izel had come to Nykoria who was also visiting. Lani didn't know how much "aunt Izel" differed from "Master Thral". But so far, the Zeltron had only seen the former. Lani's smile grew a bit wider: "Don't be a stranger, Drast."

/End thread?
@Reyn @Rhogar