Abstract

[Tieru Ocarre]

Hope wraps, and unravels. Hope threads about through the needle, and can be that very needle in the haystack. Sometimes it is bound in a bundle of faith, found in the heap of a man's heart. At times hope is embedded in the notions of a creed, or detailed in a person's genes. Wind can not simply pass by and take hope with it, the foundation is far too solid.

Seeds have been planted all about, leaving all the soils engraved in the beauty of hope. Yet, there are times when darkness appears to bleak for vines to hold tight. Fear trembles all about, and the might of hope whithers as if it's duration had been spent. The mind says hope isn't logical anymore, useful or productive, and it dies.

There is a lot of ways that hope can die, but death always brings something anew. Even as one light is shut off, there is another one that springs to eliminate the darkness. There always must be a balance, and without such even darkness can't survive. Darkness is nothing without the light to call it such, to give it reason.

In the deep of space, where feet aren't found on solid surfaces and the endless web of the natural laws can't be bended without a faithful friend the dark and light wage wars. The end of galaxies, and brightness of stars blast from light years away to find a star-gazer's eyes. Years have been set aside to analyze, observe and conquer the heavens, but so few rest above in the guidelines of hyperspace and lightspeed for long. The life of a spacer calls for more than simply intrigue. The heart must crave the stars, the body addicted to the gravity, and the flesh must love the air of a cockpit.

Space is only for a few.

And...well, very few would expect a Jedi to be one of those few.

A serenity tranquilized the hostility. The holovid buzz lull, the colors faded to black, systems calmed, and the lights slept with the close of the Jedi's eyes. Time dwindled into a lost realm, only to be seen as void and useless. The only sense of time known was found in the distant rhythm of breathe as the man inhaled and exhaled. Every molecule moved slower, edging away at it's job with a leisurely pace that pleased it's boss.

He sat with his legs crossed, eyes closed, face calm and thoughts pointed within for a day. Not a flinch stir him from his seating, and he was content. A near halt had been the only message given to his system, nearly shutting them all down. Only an hour was given as his body returned to it's potency, pumping like adrenaline had found a stream to rush through. The beep of the ship's messages welcomed him back to the galaxy.

Tieru had found his way home.

The young Jedi had been in outcast all too long.

---------------------------

The Coruscant freighter moved smoothly through space. Chambers rumbled with excitement, while the mess hall scuffle with the scooting efforts of astromechs and murmur of hover droids. People conversed about their affairs, while others preferred solitude. The servers dash about, some of flesh, while other's were not, but none dealt with a rude customer yet.

Everyone, even those isolated, seem content in avoiding the spotlight. The large freight carried a calm bunch, and no one was over the top about much of anything. Of course personalities were bound to clash in even the largest of quarters, but the collision was well delayed.

The frequent rude glare, or step on the boot was soon shrug off by the established atmosphere. The ease of such large flights was rare indeed, and no one was ready to ruin it because of some feeble matter. People crowded about for dejarik contest in the lower halls, while others play dart across the room. Alcohol was denied for anyone that wasn't apart of first-class, leaving little room for drunken fights. All the stupor had been side-stepped, and Tieru couldn't be more pleased.

A quick step sent him from his dorm, leading him to a speedy gait down the corridor. All the doors were closed, and not a head peaked out for a nosy gander. The young man was not interested in captivating, or dazzling a crowd - all he wanted was a fast trip to the refresher.

He had to pee.

------------------

The smell of polished floors scented the air. The skewed flare of fresh water, a spiral flush and closed quarters yank at his mind. Times had drastically change, and little place had been made for recollection. Before the destruction rage, and a iron grip forge the galaxy. The coldness of shoulders could be warmed by the heat in those days. Long, long ago when the galaxy was his playground, where he could find adventure at every turn.

Leaned against the door, he stared down as the flush circled downward. It was as if he was sucked into the pull, yanked from his present to be set off into a world better lost in memory. A smile carved away at his lips, pushing the fullness of his chops even farther out. Girls always seemed to like those lips, or so he remembered.

Of course, some saw it a bit differently...

"Close that fat mouth of your's."

The heat baked on his back. Complaints had grown thin, and useless as he had. All the exploring had been ruined by the needless waltz through the sunny backside of Lok. There was no hindrance in the flare that roar from up above, and disdain became a contorted frown on the child's face. Step after step came to the same rocky, sandy grounds that the last gait had seen. The boy's feet had become bored with the repetitiveness, and so had he. Change was necessary, and he hoped a speeder would be blasting pass, with some water in the back.

Under the hanging cloak, thick hide of his garb and sticky underwear rested sweatpaches large enough for a blind Sullustian to see. Instead of looking like a Jedi, he came off more like a Wookie swim champion. The locks that trail over his face were blotched with sweat, clinging to his sticky face only to be tasted by his open mouth. Every breath was a struggle, and though a canteen hung along his back, it was for later.

Later seemed more like...nowish.

"...But I'm thirsty."

The words were gathered together in a rasp, and his tongue pushed with an accent that soften his pronunciation. Truly, the boy had wasted far too much energy for properness, and eloquence. The young Padawan was never fond of complaining, but enough was enough.

Ahead stomped a stark contrast. Behind dragging and hunched over followed the Padawan, while the teacher walked tall, without rest. Sweat couldn't be avoided in such heat, but it wasn't a concern. The woman's body had not lost composure, or stature as she walked the desert plains with dominance. A tight fit gripped her body, a subtlety found in her dark colors as the sun attempted to sway her hue to no avail. In her strength dial a unique beauty that she endlessly personified. The collectedness of her personality sent an aura that her students could feed from.

She knew this all too well, and though her confidence had been waiver before, she was certain to provide a full platter of herself as the Padawan fed behind.

Tieru watched her as she step up the sandy wave. A valley was bedding on the other side, but his view was hinder by his hunching backside. Another glance was sent at his master's back before he pulled at himself to stand as she had. The leap of faith skipped his steps as he extended his back, only to find himself by her side.

Years had passed since he was her height, since he had been first taken under her tutelage. A lot had changed in that time, and his body had become more fit for a man. Although he had room to mature, and potential to fulfill, he was at least taller than her.

He remembered...he liked being taller than Master Kuro.

[Tieru Ocarre]

The blades bang in a dazzling shine, erupting through the black chambers. A blazing glory shimmer from the ignited blades, leaving a little guidance for the eye to find the combatants. Angst stain the air as the blades part, and the distinct colors hung at the opposite ends of the blank room. Against the disquiet fired a tranquility that overwhelm distress, claiming the atmosphere. An aura exploded from the purple-blade wielder, the tool held horizontally as the fighter stalk in the darkness. Across from the darkened figure stood another individual guise in the shadows that only ended at the sparkling blade. The golden blade raised as the shadow figure arc his frame, legs extended and a shaking back leg as he readied himself.

Although a sense of apprehension steam from the golden fighter, his stance could be misleading. Time unravel the lie as seconds were given to the purple strike, piercing through the darkness rapidly. Avoidance became key as the speed of the offensive dealt no hole, the wielders body formed like an arrow without room for any purposeful counter. The golden-blade swung to the side with it's master, the shadows claiming his frame as he leaped over to land where his opponent stood barley a moment before.

Speed suddenly became the main point, as the purple blade suddenly twisted about and flew toward it's foe. The weight of the blade still carried it's owner's palm and dodging became pointless at such close range. A defense was formatted in the golden ray as the blade lifted vertically for the balanced attack. The hooking swing left a splashing sparkle as the ignited swords connected, a flare roaring through the obscure cabin.

The light's blare tore away at the fighter's features, hidden by the dimness. The golden blade neared it's owners face as pressure was applied, allowing the glare to expose details. A braid dangled down, leaking a long the shoulder blade and falling downward, while the rest of his black locks trickled by his brow, ears and the nape of his neck. The crop hairstyle was symbolic, but the purpose was not hidden. Even in the precious slant of his delicate, hazel eyes that left a trail for a button nose by his plump, curved lips couldn't misguide a train eye. He was a Jedi, and the gray garbs that coat him from neck to toe defined his status.

In the glow of his copper orbs danced the purpling fire that cross a long the womans face. A petite, but hardened slant frame her face to a childish jaw line that was spread by an assured smirk. Above her small chin sat the black lips, drawing out her vanilla tone. An accent settled in her soft feminine features, haze by mystique in her eyes and silver mane.

"You seem nervous? Control, I've taught you this before...

So stop looking at me."

---------------------------------

"...Stop looking at me..."

The words echo purr under the choir of conversations. Tieru's eyes dart off to the side, his eyes and ears finally on cord as he sought the speaker. The eloquence of her tone left him in regard, but she was soon forgotten as he found only a flirting Zeltron in sight. Men and women crowded at the high-class counter, and it was normal. The only surprise was his own presence on such grounds.

Many handsome and gorgeous people mingle about, while he was guise in solitude and walked pass. Nobody was interested in the guy sitting by himself. Although a little attention was certain to be thrown his way, the throwing would be from too far to drag anyone over.

So, instead he drew in his notepad. Albeit he had taken most of the flight to leisure, the job he had was for these very moments. A lot of folk saw some importance in artistic pieces...at least of themselves, and he was there to offer his hand. The job paid well, and he always had fun with it when no one requested a piece. The very culture that the high-classed groups meddled in was enough of a source to draw on.

He smiled as the Zeltron's eyes shot his way.

"Oh, an artist. I see..."

[Tieru Ocarre]

The cold room let a chill trickle down his bare back. Off to the side stack a heap of clothes, mostly not his own. The bed under him was ruffled, sheets pulled aside as the temperature commanded the bodies attention. Basically, when it is cold the body needs to warm up, and what is better than some thin bantha hide. All the money of first-class and there isn't room to lose sight of the good cloth.

A smile trickle along the man's smooth lips. Another "so-called" night had passed, and he wasn't in his chambers. One step out of his life, and the former Padawan recognize the contradiction, the foolishness and unique lifestyle he had established.

One moment he was running ink across the pad, the next he was confined to a room with a Zeltron lady that had more spunk and attitude than he was used to. Little words were exchanged, but it was over and he was tired.

She didn't know his name, and he didn't care much to ask. The feelings were mutual, but it made him sad. A lot of time had been wasted thinking about it, and before long his clothes were on and he was gone. Back to lower class, and his chambers to write a bit in his journal...


--------------

Everyday wears a new outfit. Attire in flashy assortments, or possibly a modest ornament guised by the tradition or casual wear. Rarely do people recognize that they are the fashion designers, and allow the day to dress itself.

Normally the style is as jumbled as a toddler's first try at the closet, especially without some mature assistance. Most men and women forget that the true power they wield is not in a blaster, chair or office, but in their heart. From the beating drum, pumping a pulse for all those systems comes a perspective. A perspective that is one person's view, and that person's view alone.

Perception is a tricky matter. The design varies, and remains very individualistic. Some may attempt to spread it along like nuna jam, but people don't have to eat it up. Of course it's often that the meal is hidden in a cake, or something appealing, but the content remains the same. A galaxy can be controlled by perception, leaving more minds working without thought.

That is when it can become quite easy to blast a Snivvan's head off, or stomp the Felucian jungles to strike a small village because of some wild lead. Yet, the negative is always the first thing people list...there is always the other side of the coin.


-----------------


"Almas Academy?"

"Yes, Almas Academy."

"Why there?"

Some call it rude, other's claim it to be odd - but it's all the above. There is an abnormality to silence after a question. Inquire is a desire for an answer, and it is definately wrong to leave a man...or boy's mouth open in search of an explanation.

The annoyance folded his lips back, and patience shoved him back in his seat. Experience had derail any foolery or dispute that boil, she was above his childish affairs. Complaints were only met with more challenges, and a useless query was halted without a hush, just absolute silence. Although the tutelage had advanced his senses, knowledge and understanding - he had fallen into a decadence of impatience. The atrocity was far deeper, for he was once consider one of the more resigned students in his clan.

Tieru's master had worked to dull his edge, and the steady path to true composure was quite closer. The young Padawan had only ask as once out of curiosity, which was very human of him. All the mixing of breeds, creeds, and races in the galaxy didn't leave that humanity in his near-human lost.

Suspicion had rose amongst the Council of misguided information. Records had documented the unwanted youngling as the apprentice of Knol Ven'nari. The nomad of a Jedi was rarely on the Temple grounds, leaving little room for investigation, but all couldn't last for long.

Almas Academy would be refugee for the growing Padawan as he learned under others, with the Council well-informed. The watchful eye of the Jedi High Council would no longer have any merit for curiosity in her teachings. One Padawan was enough by their creed, but as all Padawan and Master relationship...there was a sense of hope in the boy that other's could not instinctively see.

[Tieru Ocarre]

Nostalgia was so strong in the air, it nearly singe Tieru's nose hairs. The journal in his lap, open and on with his hand running across, had been with him for a while. The datapad waste stepped on, crumpled or anything of that sort. After all, it was Padawan's journal. A sense of cleanliness had been inherited by his many teachers, and he hadn't forgot. Even when his lazy mind trigger an act, it always was organized enough for him to avoid the clutter.

An untainted smile latched onto his lips as the air conditioning giving him a sample of the cold space outside. On the initial pages still sat the essays he had wrote long ago when he was part of the Cu Pa Clan. Decades had pass, but the ink still left an inseparable stain deeper than surface of a page. The lovely days of old fiddled with his mind from the memory core, pulling at his ends as he pressed away at the keys.

The Aurebesh spilled over the screen, his hands swaying a long. The holovids uploaded on the old datacard popped up with previews, but were quickly overlook as he scroll through the menus. Satisfaction cast over his eyes as he found the document, written nearly four decades earlier. A lot had change, but he could only hold onto the memory for so long. It was faint, but the colors became more vibrant as he read.

He could remember it.


---------------

The day was a long one.

The morning has presented more strain then his little appendages could handle. All the intensity was imposing, but as always he'd manage - at least that was what the Caretaker said. The Cu Pa clan had taken another exercise in honing their lightsaber skills. Despite the studies in the Jedi Archives, the expanding Zero Form seemed to hold sense, but was hard to grasp.

Despite the logic, the damage of a bad decision seemed incorrigible. A lot had been gain in the strategic learnings, but the basics always loom and ignorance left room for doom. The words were always recited by his classmates, but he kept his tongue in his mouth. Instead of simply say it, he contemplated the matter endlessly. In training sessions with the Masters he delve into his little knowledge of the vastly wise Jedi Order and attempted to expand on his own.

He failed...

...Over and over again.

Always he was the one trying it on his own. At times he was almost unreachable and un-teachable. The acts weren't out of pride, but a comfort zone that separation from a mother and Sluis Van had managed to build like a fortress. Yet, when he did listen his talent seem to flourish with supreme excellence. The rapid progression through training course, field work and studies as Master Yoda taught allow him the rare times of shining.

Young minds were precious to the Grand Master, and he had indulge himself in the tutelage of thousands of Younglings for centuries - there was little room for anyone's complaints. The exceptionally keen craft had even been noticed. Although traditionally a Padawan achieved the goal of creating a lightsaber, the young Ocarre had managed without instruction.

The inquisitive response to the fascinating feat only got a subtle answer of a scavenging hunt.

Tieru had absorbed all the knowledge he could, but he wasn't the only one. The Jedi Order was more than a religious cult stuck in a large temple, the place housed some of the most brilliant forces known to existence. Children explore new horizons daily, set to be renown in ways that the mix-breed failed.

He felt inept.

"Worthless..."

The sheepish sneer only was set for his ears. The words were caught in only a murmur as he trickled pass the lot of busy Padawans, Knights and Masters. All around him ran men and women with a niche, while he was denied even a watchful eye from anyone beside Master Yoda. No one cared about his progression, and he had already turned ten. Just outgrowing the clansmen, most of his fellow students were younger.

Everyone else had been picked out of the litter.

Beside...her.

"Wait up!

Aubrie Wyn wasn't in his clan...really, but they were always together. Normally, he didn't mind, but more things were on his mind than some new Force skill learned in the Archives or a compliment paid by another Master. Tieru never got the comments she did, and he preferred to avoid the topic. Anytime she brought it up, he brought something new onto the table almost instantly. At some point, she would have to notice, but she didn't.

A glance back verified the presumption. There she was jogging up from behind, brown water-falling down her face, only to tie some strands a long back. Words had manage to spread rumors that he liked her, but seemed everybody like somebody at this age. Yet, there was very little talk. All that horrible romance was discouraged by the Order, and was quickly placed into perspective before the Temple became like any other public academy out there.

Tieru's gaze hardened as he stare pass her. Even the slightest inkling of softness would leave him open for a run-down. Females were infamous for taking advantage of his sensitivity. Once before one of the older youngling gave him a kiss in exchange for his notes. Tieru never heard from that girl again...but she probably was part of Jedi Service Corp or something - that Aayla Twi'lek girl was pretty cute though.

"So, now you come?" Tieru asked, his words wrapped in sarcasm. "Don't you got some compliments to go get?"

She ignored him.

She was always good for that.

"Are we going to work together on that essay?" The questions Aubrie asked always seemed to be irrelevant to his statement when he was serious. She never regarded him as anything beside a push-over, and he definately was.

"Well...yea."


------------------


The comfort of the bed hug his body as he lay. Somehow the datapad had found itself lifted up as he read the old essay. All the people he recalled were gone, wasted in a war of clones and droids. A web had been spun all too well, and there was little that he had done about it. The trivial joy he smiled on daily always seemed insignificant when alone, when with only himself...

When he was alone all he could think of were the memories. The times when his hand was pasted to a lightsaber hilt, or eyes train to the Jedi Archives. Adventures spiral his life into a tale that touched many others, with mission after mission trailing his masters. The plural of learning styles had shaped no product, it was lost in the Unknown Region...or maybe the lightsaber he handed over through the Right of Denial.

No matter what way he saw it, he had lost out. Faces had been stamped with death in the records, or fugitive, meanwhile he was absolutely forgotten. Not an imprint of his existence as a Jedi could be found except in the memories of those slaves, those politicians or civilians that he walked pass during his life as a Padawan. It hurt to simply remember...instead of live.

Now he was nothing but an old boy. Forty-seven years, and because of his genetics he wasn't much more than a teenage. Truth be told, teenagers are emotional balls of insolence and tears aren't a rarity. So, he cried.

And then, he cried some more. That old jukebox played another song as his watery eyes were wide awake, and head pushed into his pillow. Above stare the ceiling, mocking him in all it's blankness. In many ways his new life seemed to resemble the ceiling.

He had push this rogue lifestyle to the limits, to the ceiling, and he would only be able to go above the top or be finished.

[Tieru Ocarre]

Space really doesn't have days or nights, but the internal clock keeps ticking. Sleep becomes dominant controller, a tyrant of sorts that can't be avoided. Evasion is futile, and wake holds it's dullness that can lull even an energetic child to slumber. Before long the former Padawan was lost in his sheets with a datapad to snuggle with.

Life stir at the door after hours of silence. Space had learned to bring morning to it's voyagers. The lights pour through the halls, and vibrant chatter followed suite. Commands could be heard barked above in a mechanical tone, leaving little room for anything beside a droid as the speaker. A rumble offset the hum of the jukebox as children dash up and down the corridor for play. Confined areas weren't a favorite for kids, that was almost a known fact.

All the sleep needed was given, Tieru was just greedy. The comforting hug of the smooth sheets, silky hold of the mattress and calm air that tickled his nose as he slept provided a charm he could not ignore. Yet, the sounds that rose from life couldn't be ignored either.

Resilience pushed the young man from to his wake. Deja VI settled into his mind as a moment lapse. Only a hand-full of hours before he was in the same seating arrangement, it just wasn't his room. He wondered for a second how that Zeltron gal was doing.

Then, he didn't wonder anymore.

She was fine.

He was fine.

Well, he hoped he was fine. Before he could take a stand, he grabbed up the datapad. Once before he neglected his past, but the journals had left a trail of insight that his intrigue couldn't help to follow. After a quick trip to the refresher the datapad was found in the crook of his arm as he drifted to the mess hall.

A lot was certain to be happening up above. Word had already spread that a gambling game was cooking up during breakfast.

[Tieru Ocarre]

High-class knew him as an artist.

The living quarters saw him as a musician.

But the mess halls. Those mess halls were a hive of mixed existence. A spin of good and bad fester in the dining quarters as the trip went on. Two decades had separated the Jedi Order and the New Order. Two decades, and a whole new generation was raised in the facets of darkness. The good were called rebels, and bad recognized as heroes.

Yet, of course all of it was a matter of perception.

Tieru Ocarre was far from neutral. Division had been driven by the Clone Wars, treading a hatred through the galaxy unforeseen by his youth. The times of advancement were hinder by the warring age, and he was lost in space's unknowns in hopes of growth in decadent times.

The Padawan learner thought he made the right choice, but a full circle had brought him back to the very war he denied. Drape in the old, nearly archaic, clone trooper garb he blended in. Over the sway of two decades he meddled in business that could and could not be placed on a professional resume. Not much had changed since his childhood though, he was still an explorer.

He simply explored new grounds, new fields...new worlds.

The underworld embraced no one, and the solitude was not new. In the depths of unrighteous filth he swam through villainy without heed. Credits weren't his aim, but he garner a bundle in the hunt. Even as the Bounty Hunter Guild was bound in turmoil, Tieru thrive on local scenes throughout the Outer Rim Territories and Inner Rim.

A mask had guise his face, and the old attire only brought nostalgia to his victims as the Galactic Civil War rage over the lands. Soon, his profession switched and he was gone into another world. The bag of tricks only got bigger as his occupations differed. Yet, he never forgot and always was capable of going back...when need be.

Dress to impress, he lost the helmet and watched as the gambling went on. He was like anybody else...but a bit more respected. The wear was old, but it meant something. No one wanted to mess with anyone that had seen the Clone Wars, no matter how young the face was.

[Tieru Ocarre]

The Jewel of Corellia shined like one. Passengers dive into their quarters, mess halls and corridors as the impatience shredded any sense of organization. The bustle rumbled below as the large vessel sled down an invisible slope through the enormous and famed spaceport. Under the feet of every man, woman or child shutter the calming engines. A bark spat out as the surface grew near and the building's structure guise the world beyond the landing bay.


Tall buildings shadow in the distance as night nibbled at the sky. The dark blue already settled off afar as the sunny tide merge with the evening's wave. Stars shimmer a long the heavens, a constellation formed as the closest sun swallow the spotlight. The event was ritual, but the mystique framed created an undeniably amazing portrait. A sight for sore eyes to all, especially those that called Coronet home.


The trip was relatively short, however Tieru Ocarre had felt a lot. Any time alone was another moment of recollection, reformation and retrospect. Life comes at everyone fast, and without the chance to stop to rewind the show could be over before it began. The young Padawan had been taught many lessons in his four decades, yet the most important remain the significance of self-control. He did not always heed such teachings, but it was important nonetheless.


Even as he saw himself crying in his bed, or snug up with a Zeltron, he had lived a little bit more on the flight. It had become sad as he realized the end of the trip was upon them all. Never again would he be given the chance to bump into so many lives. Although the last bump was a bit of a crazy one.


---------------


The gambling had got out of hand.


Alcohol was not for sale in the lower class, but it was no matter. The mix of villainy, scum and turmoil that spilled from any gambit's palm could undo any sober thought. Plus, a few folk had taken the underground route and snook their own personal liquor stash for the ride.


The crowds were in a stupor. Eyes latched onto the sole benefactor without even noticing their foolishness with credits raised to the air. The young entrepreneur had taken advantage of the hostility and manifested a business plan. Quick savvy shortened any chance for competition as he managed the games.


From Pazaak, sabaac, trin sticks and arm-wrestling were the cycling events and the boyish charm of the manager, with a hint of suave, brought in a diverse array of suckers to get his cash. Tieru simply watched as the for-seen trepidation unfolded. The trivial mishaps would soon fester and grow into a problem no security official cared to investigate into before it began.


The gambling was quite public, although illicit. Complaints weren't filed, so no security personnel cared enough to stop it. Some even joined in, seeing fit to place their hands in or credits down on wrestlers. Before a day or two the rough neck was finally exposed.


A crack, blast and fall thudded through the unsuspecting crowd. Tieru was one of the few that watched without awe as the burning sizzle perfume the air at the expenses of the dead boy. The teenager had bit off more than he could swallow with the business venture. Albeit quick on his toes, he couldn't bolt faster than a blaster. One shot storm his chest and the little scum was flying with the mynocks.


Security heard it all, and demands of the affairs called for restraint. The Rodian bad-mouth murderer was soon detained, contain and walked off without an applause. Shock painted the face of most of his fellow passengers, while some simply shook their head in shame. The bartender was one of the many embarrass. Every day the Rodian had leaped in a chair at the counter for a talk, only to end his cruise with a shot to a boy's chest.


It was shameful.


Tieru threw in his two cents too. Before the Rodian could take a run, the former Jedi tripped him up as his pursuit grew near. Three days later the ship saw the lines of hyperspace fade and settled stars shine as Corellian space surrounded the crime scene.


Another interesting story for young Ocarre to tell his grandchildren.




-----------



"All passengers report to Coronet City Spaceport Checkpoint #132."


The robotic message echoed as the ramps extended. They had finally made it.

[Terran Starek]

Checkpoint #131.

The ticketchip LED flashed between his gate number and his flight.

Connecting Shuttle to Naboo.

Terran Starek paused before Checkpoint #131, a small crowd of spacers already congregating in the small gate waiting area. Terran sighed. As much as he enjoyed traveling - and as much as his life necessitated it - he wasn't such a fan of Spaceports. They were simply too crowded for his taste.

In fact, Corellia was about as populated a planet as he would venture to visit these days. It wasn't necessarily because of who he was; rather, he preferred the solitude of the Living Force to the throngs of anxious, busy, frustrated, angry, annoyed, grieving people. Especially in these days.

Still, he'd tracked a relic here. It was a shard from an ancient Jedi sword, only the owner was unaware of its significance. Terran had traded fairly for it - a sackful of credits and a piece of stone from the Arianak Temple on Tatooine. He found himself a peddler of collector's items these recent years, and he'd been enjoying it. Every step of the way had a purpose, and he trusted that the Force lead him in each path.

What am I doing here?

The Jedi took a seat, letting his pack fall limply to the ground. He thumbed the ticketchip over and over in his fingers as he thought about the planet Naboo. This would be a rewarding trip. Not only did he have the opportunity to follow a fairly secure lead, he would also --

FLASH

Terran stood. Something was in the air.

Checkpoint 132.

The Jedi moved toward the incoming flight gate, #132. Rarely did he question the movement of the Force, especially one so bold. He obeyed and made his way through the crowd of passengers exiting a flight from somewhere. They had obviously been on the flight for some time, their weary faces and bodies seeking some sort of physical solace. Then, he spotted the young man.

It was difficult to explain, the influence of the Force. One who was trained in seeing beyond his physical senses could detect the various "energies" of other beings. Some were weak, some were strong, and yet others were . . . brighter, stronger, superior. These were almost always symbolic of one who was connected to the Force - whether trained or untrained.

The man's energy burned brightly. Terran hadn't seen one this strong for some time. He hadn't encountered another like this since Ord Mantell. Another first for the month: Terran was unsure of what to say, how to approach him. Still, something compelled him.

He made his way toward the other, gathering his words. He would have to think of something right to say, something compelling. But what did he want to say? What could he say? Would it matter? He was nearly three meters away.

Force, guide me, the Jedi thought.

It was then that plans were changed.

"Hey - you!" A rough voice called out from behind the other. The man stopped and turned towards the source.

"We're not on the ship anymore." The voice belonged to a large, rather imposing looking human. The man wore dark, scraggly hair with a touch of unshaven facial hair. Terran would have judged him to be a pirate of some source. He was joined by two others - a smaller, Rodian female and a quiet Twi'lek. They appeared to be together. The moved closer to the other, backing him into a corner. The crowd began to disperse, partly due to the sense of danger that just entered the air.

"We don't like the way you tried to interfere with our friend on the ship. He was minding his business, and you should'a been minding yours." The other drew a short vibrodagger from his sleeve. Terran mentally checked for his lightsaber which rested beneath numerous folds in his simple, bulky travel clothes. It was there.

"Now, you're our business." Terran waited. He was only a few meters away, and he understood that this would be a quick finish if he intervened. Instead, he waited to see precisely what the other would do. The Force beckoned him to observe and wait . . .

[Tieru Ocarre]

The night hadn't completely taken the sky as of yet, but a darkness eclipsed the shining moment all too soon. In a second of ease, relax and simplicity a turn had been made for the worst. The rough voice only warn him once, while the second sign was spelled in the urgent spread of the crowds. Over a two decade period people had adapted to violence with the Galactic Civil War tearing the known universes apart, while the underworld cook with death as the main ingredient daily. The public and private galaxy had become a battlefield, and people knew how to react.

Learning from the previous mistake, the crowd sway off to the side and trickled toward the checkpoint. Droids could be heard off in the distance chattering a few redundant phrases that repeated endlessly as the lines died. The young, former Padawan could barley train his senses to focus on anything beside the very clear threat.

One foot had been extended, and a life straightened out by arm forces - but this was how he was repaid? Certainly he had dealt in such extremes in his life, but he wasn't as prepared for such a sudden response. Before another collection of thoughts could be string together the shadows swallowed him in the corners and his instincts became foul.

The animalistic trait bore their dastardly ways in his mind as he threaded a needed wardrobe for the oncoming duel. Any defense he had would be necessary for him to remain anonymous, and also victorious. Two decades had passed, and with a lengthy list of cantina bouts, bounties and chicken fights he had no space for fear in his feisty eyes. A sternness set his ground, and the impending danger lost it's steam.


DDoom perfume the air, Tieru just chose to ignore it.

"Yawls business?"

The strong discipline of Jedi training had been waiver, a long with all the little traits taken with the many diplomatic and prestigious voyages across the galactic planes. In replacement of the proper basic instilled by Youngling's sessions, he regained the accent his mother had long ago gift-wrapped on a daily. The undertone of rasp, the exotic twain that softened his "l's" and almost erased an 's' from his words.

Tieru felt at home when he spoke.

"Man, I aint nobody - I mean nobody's business but my own. Now, no disrespect..." A humbleness sled his words into silence as he gaze off to the side. A slight twinge in a lost realm of his mind called at him, but he knew to ignore. The situation at hand was far, faaaaar more important.

And it showed. One swing threw the thin Morganian mix-breed to the ground. A bounce pushed him further into the corner, hunched over as his focus was rattled. An eye cocked up to gander at the offender, but he was late. The next move was oncoming, and deadlier than the last. The shade cast a large shadow below the unruly man's boot as it came down, and death seemed all the more closer.

Normally, a Jedi would be able to make a quick maneuver to avoid or leap in some way out of danger - it's just a little more complicated when scraps of clone armor is laced a long the body. Training had taught Tieru more than the nuances of the Force though. One must always know when and when not to use the special bond a Jedi has with the unseen.

Tieru knew when, and that was now.

"Frag," he murmured. The curse only fell on his ears as his body merge with the Force. An invisible arm extended, and as he was known to do, he tripped that giant of a man. The man was already off balance with the rushed kick, but a sweep by an invisible force worked wonders to make luck seem on Tieru's side instead of something...magical.

The two others were quick to follow, however, leaving young Ocarre with little time for a breather. Jumping to his feet, Tieru grabbed at the fallen foe's utility belt. A quick jerk and pull yanked away a blaster. The control hadn't completely shifted hands, but the momentum was finding it's way to Tieru side.



Despite the evident advantage, the Twi'lek and Rodian girl weren't quick to slow their haste. The duo's blasters were quickly drawn, but Tieru was sure to keep it a one-on-two. A foot was planted on the burly man's chest as he place the deadly end of the pistol toward his face.

"Don't move ya two. I dont want to hurt nobody, now."

[Terran Starek]

"That's quite enough," Terran spoke firmly and loudly, his voice carrying against the durasteel walls of the gate. The Jedi's gait was strong as he approached the brawl, which had just become a stalemate. Not a single finger flinched as the three blasters were trained on their targets. Terran did garner the eyes of the two ruffians, as well as the other - a boy, Terran could now see. Not young, but younger.

"Dwee woppa don duli?" the female Rodian questioned. And who are you? Her eyes darted back and forth from Terran to the other, suspicious of both. The twi'lek remained silent.

"Nobody," Terran replied. "Just a bystander that called security. Stormtroopers should be on their way." Of course he hadn't informed the authorities - the Jedi himself was wanted on a few planets for High Treason and assault. It was a good enough story, however, to attempt to diffuse the situation.

"I think if everyone just walks away from this now, they can get a head start on outrunning the authorities."

[Tieru Ocarre]

The duo were quick to leave. Although the former Jedi's foot was firmly placed on their head man's chest, they were born and would die on their own accord. Any involvement with the law without a heap of blaster power would be senseless, and even two meat-bags recognize that matter

"Carbon flush, why'd you go and do that?" Tieru glanced up, letting the blaster drop in the owner's face. A grumble settled in as the foot sled off, leaving the muscle man for room to flee. A calm grabbed the Padawan as the stranger approached, despite the fact that his words were truly threatening.

"Right when I was having fun?"

A youthful smile was flash, and he ready himself for the dash. If the authority were near, he was certain to head out in a different direction than his enemies. Albeit justice wasn't on either of the four's side, the three would be quite specific on chance they got caught.

[Terran Starek]

"Fun?" The Jedi smiled, cocking his head to the left. "If having two blaster pistols trained on you with a pair of itchy trigger fingers is fun, I don't want to know what you think is boring." The Jedi outstretched a hand toward the younger one, his mouth relaxed and his eyes warm.

"My name is Terran," he spoke. "I'm a friend." If the boy had any idea what he was talking about, he would understand. If not, he would fill him in on the way. The fact was, Terran had spent the better part of the last few years of his life searching desperately for others - others like him. The Jedi Knight had hope; hope that the Force would bring the survivors of the Jedi Purge back together; hope that the Republic would be restored; hope that justice would be done.

This boy was one more link in the chain.

"I'd like to speak to you, if you would accompany me."

[Tieru Ocarre]

The run stopped before it began.

The urgency in the stranger's...no...in the friend's voice had died away for humor. Even as the welcoming phrase ran a breeze through Tieru's ears he could not help but foil his hasty retreat. A halt had been called to his moving feet as he took a moment to listen.

A mannerism had been found in the man that the young Padawan hadn't seen for decades. Yet, in that same mannerism reflected a time where assumption could lead to a foolishness so the Sluis Van native said nothing. Instead, he simply listened. Observed, scrutinized and watched for any nuances as he had done since he was born. The traits were some of his bare, less complex characteristics that even in such abnormal times he could rely on.

"Where are we head off to?"

The twain was quickly replaced, and his youth shown in a more Old Republic Basic accent. A more curl-coil merger touched his tongue as a lax ran a thread through his body. Sluis Van was so far away, but he felt at home.

[Terran Starek]

"Let's take a walk," the Jedi replied as the other joined him. He was smart enough - not staying too close, but not running away. Terran had a calming effect on people. He had studied hard to strengthen his bond with the Living Force, and his words and energy held great power.

"We're safe," he said, reassuringly, sensing the paranoia in the Jedi's posture as his eyes scanned their surroundings. "I was bluffing. Good thing they didn't call me on it, eh?" He smiled. Slowly, they made their way out of the gate and into the main atrium of the Spaceport, rejoining the crowds of spacers as Terran picked a random direction to walk in.

"Where are you coming from?" Terran asked a loaded question, seeing how the other would respond. "And, I didn't get your name."

[Tieru Ocarre]

The clone wear gripped his back as he shifted. The young one's demeanor had alter a bit as the words rolled on. A down-to-earth vibe transcended and Tieru wasn't good to playing ignorant for long. Allowing the man his word, he followed along side as they drifted into the crowds.

Tieru had made it a priority not to overdo his scrutiny. An avoidance of eye-contact and being too drawn or withdrawn in the conversation set him at a casual gait. From a first glance it seemed more like he was alone, blending in with the crowd, but his mind was a net to every sentence.

All the young man could draw up was that this guy was more than he seemed to be.

Yet, all was kept inclusive as his face showed no signs of trouble. A contemplative face could lead to more heavy questions - too heavy for the former Padawan to uphold.

"Name is Tieru. Comin' from Spira. What are you doing here?"

[Terran Starek]

Tieru.

"It's nice to meet you, Tieru." Terran continued their walk as he prepared to answer. "I'm a collector of rare things - relics, books or data, pieces of history. I came here to track a lead on an item I was interested in." As they walked, Terran could sense commotion in a neighboring guard station.

"What keeps you busy?" Terran spoke, eying a few stormtroopers who were studying some sort of hologram at their vid station. He had a feeling somehow that it related to him, and to Tieru. Still, he maintained composure, not wanting to alert Tieru or anyone else.

[Tieru Ocarre]

Habit told Tieru to dig his hands in his pockets, but the armor plates had no room for hand-room. A frown wrinkle his lips as he regarded the useless leggings, hoping soon he could go back to his normal attire. No one was imposed on Corellia...it was Corellia. Everyday a face like his was found amongst the crowd, and with a Stormtrooper on the side it seemed all the more archaic.

Most likely the folks couldn't even remember the origin of the familiar armor style, but no matter. Tieru became all the more fixed on his surroundings and conversation. The present was the only events he could control, so he exercised his power.

"Music."

Matter fact, my nalagron should be coming through over there," he pointed. A device hauled the special loads about. Over some time with different bands he had learned to fold his instruments, and find ways to put it back together.

"I think we should head to a cantina though--doesn't seem...safe. Even with the bluff."

Tieru didn't notice what Terran did, but he felt an uneasiness in the wilds of crowds. People could do whatever they wanted in the hustle and bustle that scowed the famous spaceport.

[Terran Starek]

"I think you're right," the Jedi replied, noting that the great hallway was increasingly become smaller. His eyes began to scan their options as they continued calmly. There was no need to make a scene yet. Terran peered back towards the guard station they had just passed.

It was then that the situation changed.

From the guard station, Terran could see the female Rodian from the previous brawl. She was shouting and pointing in their direction, and the stormtroopers now took note that Terran was looking that way. Three troopers jumped to their feet, pointing at Tieru and beginning to mobilize.

"We have to move." The Jedi pointed ahead as his gait turned to a jog and Tieru followed. Terran could feel their pursuers gaining speed, and he knew it was time for something a little more drastic.

"Halt!" The lead stormtrooper spoke up, commanding the two to stop. Terran ignored the command, eventually coming to a four way intersection in the hallways. He took a hard right, letting Tieru go before him. Then, with a strong arm, he firmly pressed the other's back into the wall as he did with his.

"Hang tight," Terran affirmed Tieru. "We will get out of this." Terran waited, closing his eyes and focusing on the whereabouts of his pursuers. They were almost there. As they neared the corner, Terran prepared himself for what he needed to do. The stormtroopers reached the edge of the corner, preparing to turn it, when the Jedi Knight struck.

"Oooof!" The stormtrooper released a mechanical grunt as Terran swiftly turned the corner and drove a knee into his gut, doubling the soldier over. He followed with a strike form his elbow to the back of the trooper's neck, dropping him to the ground as he went unconscious.

The other two troopers barely had time to come to a stop, one of them drawing a blaster rifle to fire on Terran. Weaving from one opponent to the next, Terran drew on the Force for focus, dodging a blaster bolt and rolling to the opposite side of his attacker. Throwing his arms around him, Terran grabbed the trooper's firing arm, training the blaster bolt on the other soldier. He fired one shot into the other's knee, splintering duraplastic armor as the trooper dropped his rifle and fell to the ground, writhing in pain.

With a swift punch to the helmet, the last trooper dropped to the ground, groaning and holding his head. The bout was strenuous as the Jedi breathed hard, but Terran knew when to keep his lightsaber quiet. This wouldn't be a good place to be identified.

"Tieru," he said between heavy breaths. "We need to get on a shuttle, quick. Any one will do." The Jedi motioned to the gates as the two - now officially outlaws - looked for a way off Corellia.

[Tieru Ocarre]

The speed was rapid. All the motions move with a fluidity that Tieru could barley grasp. Although it wasn't too drastic, it seemed completely controlled, which was beyond...normal. The young Padawan smiled within, while he watched carefully.

Everything around him seemed more clear. All the hallways had been scrutinized during the sudden affairs, and little mystery could be found in the deepest depths of the large facility. If they needed to go anywhere, he would take them there...aslong as it was connected to the four intersections.

Good thing Terran requested something he could give.

In the two decades Tieru hadn't taken a venture to Corellia, and this one was special indeed. Little time had seperated his flight and the ground, and already he had been in two bouts. It was an interesting spectacle indeed, almost reminded him of the old days as a Jedi.

"This way. We'll heading to the Blue Sector."

And with that the Padawan sped off to the right.

[Terran Starek]

"Good idea," Terran spoke as Tieru quickly turned direction. They were in a dizzying maze of aliens and humans alike, twisting through the crowds on their way to the exit. Terran had a little bit of difficulty keeping up with Tieru's bobbing head as they ran, the Jedi meeting shoulders and arms and bumping legs with many other travelers as they navigated the dense crowd.

"Over there!" Two mechanical voices shouted as they were spotted again. Terran kept moving as fast as possible, hoping that Tieru would keep his pace quick as well. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw two stormtroopers clumsily following the outlaws. With rifles drawn and heavy equipment, they were having difficulty keeping up. Terran passed by two stationary baggage carts heaped with luggage.

How fortunate.

As the Jedi passed, he drew on the Force, sending an invisible push to the baggage carts. The slid easily on their hoverlift bases and conveniently moved directly into the path of the two troopers. They crashed into them, knocking over bags and tripping over each other.

The exit was just ahead. Terran continued to follow Tieru's lead, anxious to pour out into the busy streets of the Blue Sector of Coronet City.

[Tieru Ocarre]

The Jedi felt as though he was once again in trials. All the moving reminded his body of old ways. The repeated thump against the ground echo through his bones as he beat his way about the crowd. Little attention was given to anything beside the main focus of escape, but Tieru hadn't lost his senses. A peculiar call beacon from behind as his stranger-turned-friend had taken a step in a realm that Tieru felt was his own.

It had been so long since he had felt that presence...

...at least beside himself.

Despite the surprise, the Jedi remained collective. Escape was the main priority, and with the shuttle boarding nearby there was little room for conversation or being transfixed. Only a second was split before his muscles had changed direction, twisting to the side as the shuttle doors beckon the two for a finale.

"Come on, Terran!" He called loud, almost bordering a shout. Exhilarated by the chase, he could barely temper his voice. The tone remained humorous though. Despite his active life, adventures that spiral so suddenly were a rarity to even his lively lifestyle.

Before a moment could pass his feet were planted inside on the shuttle, and a arm out to lead Terran. Little time was given to the oncoming danger. Finally, satisfied as Terran took his step aboard he watched as the stormtroopers searched about within the facility. Slump over in a seat, he felt the repulsor-lift defy gravity, and levitate. Engines pulse with certainty, and it became clear that the run was over.

A good workout, indeed, and Tieru couldn't help but heave a few heavy breathes. A joyous smile pushed his eyes to the side as it grew from a confident smirk, giving his eyes to the...Jedi.

"Good job back there," he laughed.

Somehow, they made it, and Blue Sector was only a few klicks away.

[Terran Starek]

"The same for you," Terran replied between gasps. They had boarded a basic transit shuttle. This shuttle had a serial number, a pilot (droid or human) and about 65 other passengers on it who had certainly taken note of their last - minute - heart - pounding entrance. They needed to get off here as soon as they could. The LEDs flashed across the front of the shuttle in bright green:

TO BLUE SECTOR

"You managed to get us in the right spot. I'm grateful." Terran smiled, knowing that if they got to the Blue Sector relatively undetected, they could certainly purchase unofficial travel off of Corellia. Of course, their alliance was wearing thin. They could split ways in the Blue Sector and catch opposing flights, or Tieru might make his own break for it. It was time for Terran to give reason as to why they should remain together.

"Tieru, can I ask you a question?" Terran turned to the other, using his sleeve to wipe sweat from his brow. He knew that the boy had certainly felt something different when he looked into his eyes. There was a kind of familiarity there.

"Do you believe in the Force?" It was a dangerous question these days, but one the Jedi needed to ask.

[Tieru Ocarre]

A chuckle dub the moment a little less serious. The question was almost dire, even with the calm of Terran's tone. Tieru almost got lost in his thoughts as he masked it with a slight laugh. One flight. Just one flight had changed his life forever, and he knew it.

It almost felt like he was being taken from Sluis Van again. That one flight from the Outer Rim to Coruscant was so short, but so crazy. It was mind boggling to feel the sensation again, more than four decades later.

After a quick silence, he glance about. No one was looking, so he could do as he pleased. In his bag that he had thrown down when he rushed in was more junk then he could recall. Yet, there was that special datapad that he couldn't forget.

The small journal lifted from the bag, an invisible hand twirling it about above the owner's lap.

"Of course," he chuckled. "Why do you ask?"

[Terran Starek]

Terran watched as the other displayed his skill. Using the Force was no easy task, and it was obvious that Tieru had more than just basic training to float a datapad with that sort of control. The Jedi Knight was impressed, but wanted to know more.

"I see you know more than I may have expected," he replied. "It's good to know that we can dispense with the pleasantries." The Jedi smiled. It was a victory to find someone else in this galaxy with an understanding of the Force. To what extent Tieru knew was to be discovered.

"Tell me, where did you learn of the Force?" The Jedi's eyes narrowed as he listened intently to what Tieru had to say. "Even more, who taught you - an individual, a group, a friend, a parent?"

[Tieru Ocarre]

Known space moved at a human pace. Humans developed the language, the writing, the nature and concepts that all the other races had to follow. Xenophobist developed a dominance in society under the New Order umbrella, while in the older days of the Republic it was guise in the diversity of citizenship and representation. There was no source, or face to validate the equality - simply Emperor Palpatine in his dark garbs.

Tieru always forget his role, despite his human traits.

He was a humanoid...not a human. The skin that aged without the grace of human pace, and did not learn to wrinkle so quickly wasn't considered normal in the Imperial idea of time.

The problem was, he didn't look 46 years old - but he was. Morellian and Morganian was a combination with such longevity that on a human scale he was more adoloscent than adult. Morganians were nearly an ageless creed, while Morellians lasted centuries aging without the gray of hairs until deep into their years. The Galaxy's sense of time really didn't move at the same accord as it did for humans in relation to their brothers in species.

So, he looked young. Tieru could only think about this as he remembered his age...it almost was forgotten in the blizzard of changing times. It took the former Padawan few moments before he could even create an understandable answer. He had to be concise. Few would believe he was as old as he was with a body like his. Humans too much like him to be...alien - but he was.

"Dark Woman was my Master before the Order disbanded. Back when I was in my 20s."

Tieru gave him a genuine smile. At this point the two were only mid-flight before landing in the hard streets of the Blue Sector. They had a little bit more time to talk, and it seemed they were getting somewhere.

[Terran Starek]

A Jedi!

Terran outwardly concealed the excitement that brewed beneath the surface. Another Jedi! It had been years since he'd even encountered another true Jedi, though he'd met some rebel Force-Users along the way. He almost scolded himself for not realizing it at first, but Terran rarely made assumptions. He always investigated with an open mind.

"A Jedi?" He smiled. "I'm pleased to be in the presence of a brother. I am Terran Starek, Jedi Knight." Terran's voice was low, conscious of listening ears. However, he felt no danger in revealing his full identity. He was well known as a book warm and one who enjoyed words and debate in the Temple Library while the Jedi Temple still existed.

"You say you trained as a Jedi in your 20s? Yet you don't strike me as very old. Either your part Morganian or you are bluffing me." Terran chuckled. Though "younger in his own appearance (being Corellian), Terran was 43 years old. Touches of gray licked at the edges of his hair nowadays.

"When the Order was . . . disbanded. . .where were you left in your training?"

[Tieru Ocarre]

"More like I left it - I didn't throw a punch in the Clone Wars."

The irony almost burned his tongue. The clone commander gear that gripped his body came after the days of the Clone Wars, but he laughed inward. There was a lot of questions to be asked, and to answer, leaving little room for too much excitement. They had one flight together, and he didn't want to waste it on yelling like a gossiping school girl.

"And...Morganian? Yea, you got it right knight. So, you got knighted in the war?"

Terran's name even started ringing bells. Talk surrounded most faces of the Jedi Order, not only the Council members and Anakin. Everybody played a hero at least once, leaving little room for strangers amongst the ranks. Tieru had even heard Terran's name as far back as the days as a Youngling, but he could barley remember why. There was far too many faces, far too many adventures, and far too much time wasted without the Jedi code in his life.

[Terran Starek]

"Yes. I was knighted about six months before the Temple was attacked. It came too soon and too sudden for all of us." Terran could sense the tension in Tieru's voice. The boy - rather, man - was carrying something inside that would need time and effort to heal. Perhaps Terran was sent to him for a purpose such as that. "We all have many wounds to heal."

"I believe that in these times, we must stick together, Tieru." Terran turned his full attention to the young Jedi. "I believe that each of us - each Jedi - is a missing link in the chain to bringing back the Order we once served. I believe we are the key to a new peace, and the only hope for so many in this Galaxy."

"This shuttle will land in BLUE SECTOR in 45 seconds. Prepare to land." The voice was cold and mechanical. The pilot was a droid. Chances were, their location was already locked in on by Security Forces.

"Tieru." The Jedi's tone was serious. "Join me. I will finish your training, and together we will strive towards the goal that so many of us have lost hope for."

[Tieru Ocarre]

The shuttle landed.

Everybody was boarding off, and Tieru took a stand. A glance out the window found the public refresher, which kept him at ease. He needed to change, he had been stuck in the same armor for five days. Tieru was more troubled about that then the subject at hand.

A nonchalance wrapped around him like a hug. The smile on his face had said it all, but he wasn't certain. He had to say something...

"You had me at Jedi Knight," he said, sliding pass Terran as he lined up to load off the shuttle. The bag hanging from his hand had all the clothes needed, and credits were far from his mind. The plan was set in his armor - a quick bargain sale would get the archaic model off his hand and his feet back on good grounds.

Stormtroopers were looking for a guy with their old rags on, and he would be just another common-man in the bad lands of Coronet. Nobody would be looking for him...maybe his new Master though.

"I'll be right back, I'm headin to the little boy's room." The Padawan joked. It was weird, all of it had happened so fast and he was so certain. For a moment there he was confused, but he was too insecure to show it. The man that sat beside him was on par with the hundrends...thousands of Jedi that had died in war.

He stood next to him in humility - the Jedi Knight was a prized status. Tieru was simply a Padawan with an attitude that didn't want to fight. For the first time in a long time...he felt weak...he felt like an underling.

He felt like an apprentice.

[Terran Starek]

Terran waited outside of the refresher as Tieru used it. A gamut of emotions run inside of him, though his face remained perfectly calm. He had only had a few months experience training a Jedi.

Oneri.

His mind visited the images of his old padawan, from the moment he first saw her to the look on her face as their shuttle crashed and tumbled into the jungles of Borleias. He loved her as a daughter, and her memory would never leave him. It was time to forge a new set of memories with a new padawan - this one seemingly stronger and more capable than Oneri. He had a sense of humor, a queer way about him that Terran found equally humorous and annoying. It would make for a good relationship.

The evening was not cool on Corellia. It was muggy. Terran took off the outer garments he traveled with - a heavy, woolen robe and - and dumped them discreetly into the large public waste can. The less he looked like himself, the better. As he did so, he noticed a sleek black speeder screech to a halt just beside the shuttle they had departed. Four stormtroopers quickly emerged, rifles drawn, securing a small perimeter. The rest of the passengers were getting off, but were halted as one of the troopers began to move inside.

Tieru emerged, a fresh face in a different set of clothes. Terran was happy to see the bulky armor taken off. It would just slow him down in the end.

"Let's go," Terran said, his head nodding towards the troopers, who were a good thirty meters away. "We don't want to get spotted. We need to find a pilot to get us out of here - and fast."

[Tieru Ocarre]

"The Row, then."

Tieru didn't have the time to haul around the Clone Trooper armor, so he left it behind in a secure spot in the refresher. Blue Sector was a large, infested part of Coronet that many visitors found, aliens nested and scum called home. All the illicit facets of Corellia seemed to find a source in the Blue Sector, and the CorSec didn't seem to hold the grounds in justice as deep rooted as before the Galactic Civil War to even leave an impact.

Blue Sector exemplified the injustice that had touched the galaxy, but the Row was refine. The Row was an open-air shopping mall. The shop was crowded, and offered anything to customers. Anything from food, clothes to antique shops could be found in the trading market. Even the cantina held a polish look in spite of the Blue Sector residence, and it was an unlikely location to sight too many outlaws out and about.

After a series of twist and turns down the street in the bustle of night, they found their way to the Row. Crowds boom with excitement as the fine nightlife struck with glitter and neon. Signs illuminated above nightclubs, cantina and other exotic locations through the strip. The place was large, even compared to the other enormous hot spots on Corellia, and Tieru almost fell into the nostalgia of his young childhood.

A long the many ventures through the galaxy, Corellia was one of the many venues. The Blue Sector was a foreign place, Dark Woman had taken trips there before on righteous means. It was interesting that he and his new master had found their way there too...

Almost a bit dramatic - but he simply smiled.

"Fel Swoop should have somebody that can fly somethin."

The cantina was off to the side, but Tieru eyes were marked on female trader of to the side. She looked interested...he looked interested, but he didn't have the time.

[Terran Starek]

The Cantina was surprisingly clean, he noted. It seemed that Tieru had led them to one of the few locations in the Blue Sector not covered with dirt and blood. Terran walked in first, Tieru trailing behind by about a step and a half.

Patrons dotted the tables and bar of the Fel Swoop. It looked about half full, which wasn't out of the ordinary for this time of night. Terran approached the bar, Tieru again in tow. He was following the Jedi Knight well and keeping a cool and collected head. It was a good sign.

"Two lift-offs, please," Terran said, placing a credit chip on the counter. The bartender - a short, stubby sulstan - took the money and set off to make their drinks. The lift-off was a fairly light beverage, and Terran had every intention of keeping his head cleared.

Force guide me, the Jedi thought. We need a ride off this planet.

As the drinks arrived, Terran took special notice of a middle-aged, plain-clothed woman sitting in the corner alone. She looked . . . purposed. She wore brown trousers and a dark brown tunic with some sort of faded markings on it. What really drew him to her were the gloves and personal arc-welder and wrench that hung on her belt. Those were the tools of a mechanic. The welder was a heavy model made for spacer use. She was probably a pilot.

"There." Terran spoke, nodding to the woman as he sipped his drink. "What do your instincts tell you about her."

[Tieru Ocarre]

The young Padawan leaned against the counter, his eyes tracing the woman. Night hadn't taken a complete toll over the city, so the cantina was a bit calm. The bustle of the crowds allowed for a quick gaze. Impulse told him not to look long, especially since she was middle-aged. Experience folk didn't have the time to fall into anything too leisurely, and had more know-how of any attraction than a simple girl.

The longest of looks could be miscued as something more than an observant eye, and the awkwardness would be too much to top a crazy day.

So, he glanced. One glance, that was enough.

"She doesn't seem to be a citizen. But I dont think she could be so easily trusted either...granted she could get us some flyboy time," he said with a shrug to finish. "But...she looks cheap."

[Terran Starek]

"I agree," the Jedi replied. "I don't think we have any time to waste. Let's go talk to her. Don't be too shy to use you're charm." Terran gave him a smile. He could already see that his new padawan was street savvy, and he had a way with people. This was usually true with musicians and artists.

"Can we have a seat?" Terran addressed the woman, noting that she was scowling up at him.

"Um, no. I'm not in the mood, boys." He reply was crisp as she turned back to her drink.

"No, no, you misunderstand," Terran replied. "We're not interested - I mean, you're very pretty, Miss, but this is a matter of business . . . well, not that kind of business . . . it's of a different nature . . ." The Jedi Knight trailed off. He was never too good at talking to women, even if it was just simple conversation. The woman simply stared at him, her scowl turning into a look of amusement.

Hopefully Tieru would have better luck.

[Tieru Ocarre]

The young Padawan watched with the same mood as his counterpart. Confusion soon became a humorous display, but Tieru was quiet. Already the spoils of apprenticeship were showing themselves. All of it was a bit interesting to say the least, but Terran had provided enough foundation for the young Padawan to interject without doing too much.

"Excuse me," Tieru stepped ahead, his hands drifting to his pocket.

Habit always found away of taking over when he relaxed himself. The snug and warmth of a pocket was like a womb for his hands as he birth a few ideas. All of the small acts provided a show of calm and collection that was necessary for social interaction. Micro to macro translation that Tieru innately grasped.

Artist and musicians loved girls, it was law.

"What my friend mean is that were certain you can help us." Silence died with a rustle of interest as the spacer's eyes drifted off to the Jedi Knight's underling. The connection hadn't been drawn up yet. The two seemed like friends from afar, that apprentice bond hadn't been created as of yet.

But with events such as these, time would do it's deed in forging a relationship that even the blind could see.

"Your a spacer, right?" He asked, and she nodded. All the intuitions were confirm. Tieru considered it time for concision. Stormtroopers were on their tail, and little time should be wasted with the Empire involved. "Well we don't want to be here anymore, how much do you cost?"

"I'm sure you guys can't afford me," she smirked. The Padawan learner leaned in over the counter, mirroring her sudden arrogant beam.

"Well I'm sure we can."

"It's 4 thousand for a simple ride. Where you guys heading?"

The Padawan died out then, allowing the Master to talk. Terran was still the lead, despite the endeavors.

[Terran Starek]

"We're headed to Antar IV," Terran replied. Now that the pleasantries were over with, he could focus on the business at hand. "It's a short trek from here. Four thousand sounds reasonable enough, if it buys us a quick, quiet departure with no questions asked." The spacer looked at Terran when he spoke, but quickly darted her eyes back to Tieru.

"Your friend always this stiff?" She joked with him. A good sign, to be sure. Terran didn't care if he was the brunt of it, as long as they got off of Corellia to somewhere close and remote. Antar IV was close - one of the many moons that orbited the gassy planet Antar. It was covered in forest and mines. The only patrons were miners and merchants, so the two would be able to slip into nothingness rather quickly.

"Sounds good to me. Antar's only a few hours from here anyway. I'll take my payment now." Her gaze was frozen as she looked at Terran.

"Half now, half when we get there." The Jedi Knight opened his travel pack, dropping two One-thousand worth credit chips onto the table.

"Deal." She stood, extending her hand to Tieru. "The name's Sarna. Let's get going if we're gonna get there in time for bedtime." The Jedi Knight noticed his padawan's propensity for relationship.

[Tieru Ocarre]

A smile and hand was all he could give her. The Padawan was tired, real tired. The Jedi's eyes squeezed as she stood, and he turned slowly to avoid yawning in her face. Tieru's master seem more secure as the pleasantries ended, and he followed suite. He was ready for a nice sleep...or at least a place to sit down

"Blast, I'm ready for bed now."

The three couldn't have left the place faster. As a breeze ran through the Coronet night, darkness swallowed them as they drifted through the streets, Behareh Spaceport and off to the sky.

[Terran Starek]

Terran stood, unbuckling his safety belt as the ship cruised calmly in Hyperspace. It was a small freighter in decent shape, probably no more than ten years old. Though it was modified, he could tell it was Corellian. He noted that it had no weapons beyond what was legal, so part of him believed that it Sarna was a fairly legit spacer.

Part of him didn't buy it.

"Do you have a place to rest, Sarna?" Terran stretched as he spoke. He needed a break.

"This isn't a pleasure yacht," she replied crassly. "There's a small lounge by the refresher. It's got a couch."

"Thank you," the Jedi replied with a smile. He looked at Tieru who looked incredibly tired. He wondered if the boy could use a break. He nodded for the padawan to follow.

"Look, I'll shut the comm off so you can have some privacy," Sarna said. "You're paying for it, right?"

"Thank you again," Terran replied as the two left the cockpit for the lounge.

[Tieru Ocarre]

The Padawan tail, although Tieru didn't feel very Padawan at the moment. Two decades had parted his tutelage, and time had a way of washing away traits. The wine had been tamper by water. Even as his footstep mirror his Master, he felt emotions that kindled instead of rekindled.

Two decades without the Jedi ways to depend on had left the galaxy to shape his manhood. Worldly ways formatted his design, no longer was it Jedi Masters or the Council's wisdom. Tieru could remember the days, but they were only memories - no longer a crutch for growth. Instead of acceptance, Tieru felt almost demeaned by role fit for boy, not a Jedi purge survivor, Bounty Hunter, practiced musician, smuggler, spacer or young man.

The Master hadn't proved himself yet. Every moment the two spent together left Tieru with more doubts, and not just on Terran's position. A return to this life was a change he needed Terran to help with. The doubts grew from that overwhelming hurdle, which he didn't restrain from showing.

He was troubled, and as he sat he was quick to resolve the situation. Not a second was parted as his query lifted him from his tiresome slump.

"Do you think you can do this Terran.

Play Jedi all over again - be my master? Didn't you get use to it...living non-Jedi?"

[Terran Starek]

"There were aspects of life that changed, certainly," Terran responded. He could tell that Tieru was troubled about the shift. It was happening so quickly and it came so abruptly. Terran could see where he had his doubts.

"However, a Jedi is what I am. It was what I was born to be. Every part of my being is devoted to the Jedi Code." Terran was reassuring his padawan of his commitment. The Jedi had spent the better part of two decades searching, watching, waiting for the opportunity to breathe new life into the Jedi Order. There wasn't a chance that he would give up.

"It can be hard, to lose all that you know and recover from it. But our strength is found in the Force." Terran knew the pain of abandonment and the struggle for survival.

"What about you, Tieru? Are you ready for all of this?"

[Tieru Ocarre]

Inclusive and retrospective, the Padawan's head slump as his master spoke. The contemplation painted his face, and he became a portrait of thought. Although he had been tiresome, he was quite awake to himself. Even as his head dropped to look down he felt an abscence. Long ago a braid would flow down with the motion of his head. It had become a trademark of his movement as it had been with so many other Jedi.

The whole, the lost of that braid, the abscence, left him to thinker harder on the subject as Terran spoke. The Jedi Knight so true in his word, and he felt more assured.

"I want to be, but my two decades weren't yours.

I feel like a Youngling again - so lost."

The young Padawan grabbed at his hair, searching for length to begin again. Today, he would chop his hair back to that lost tradition. He would make a full commitment to the Jedi code.

[Terran Starek]

"Tieru," the Jedi's face softened as he did his best to reassure the padawan. "I know this is sudden and I know it's going to be difficult to relearn all that you've lost. The reality is, we have no choice. If I didn't believe you could do this, I wouldn't ask it of you."

"I have something for you." Terran opened his pack, pulling a small, battered datapad out from it. He handed it to Tieru. The datapad was full of hundreds of lost manuals and volumes Terran had uploaded from the Jedi Library. The first was the Jedi Code. The datapad had no "on" button. It was only activated through the Force. "Look through this when you have a chance. For now, I suggest you get some rest. We're both tired."

[Tieru Ocarre]

"Yeah," he said exasperated. Exhausted and without steam to push on, he search for a comfortable spot. The cockpit had another seat, and he knew it'd be best with girl near.

Plus, she might find it funny when he slobbered. One step pushed him off the couch and to the cockpit door. "See ya in the morning..."

Then, he was off to sleep.

[Terran Starek]

Terran laid his head back against the wall. He was tired. Usually, he might take this time to meditate. Now, though, he needed sleep. He closed his eyes, letting the days' happenings scroll through his mind. Much had happened, and it was difficult to take in. He was training a Jedi again - a padawan. Though he had reassured his new apprentice of his confidence, Terran had to find that place once again inside of him - a place of inner strength.

It would start tomorrow morning, at the ruins where he had spent some time. Antar IV was a quiet, sleepy mining planet known for its long periods of light and darkness do to its orbit. They would find it in constant light this time of year. It would be a perfect time to start their training.

With that thought, the Jedi Knight drifted off to sleep.

The Next Morning

His eyes came open as he felt the freighter come out of hyperspace. Engines whirred and buzzed as the spaceship stabilized and slowed. We must be close, Terran thought. He stood, stretching his body and rolling his neck. He ached with the coming of the morning - he wasn't as young as he used to be. Still, the rest had been good.

"It's morning, I assume?" The Jedi spoke cheerfully with a smile as he entered the cockpit. Tieru had a "just waking up" look on his face, while Sarna was already planted in the pilot's seat, looking as awake as before.

"Basically. It's about three hours before sun-up on Antar IV. 'Course, they're in a light period, so there ain't no such thing as sun up or down right now." She gave him the same scowl as she did yesterday. Terran looked to Tieru.

"Did you get any rest?"

[Tieru Ocarre]

Sleep?

Night didn't feel like...night in space. Hyperspace exude an obliviousness that was all too dynamic for real rest. In the cockpit rumbled the calm engine, but the contrast of button chirps left him to rustle in his sleep. Sometime in the midst of his slumber his eyes open, and Sarna was there. She was older...some-what, well his age didn't seem to matter, but he was always interested.

He wasn't the type to have a type.

Light conversation turned into a dull match of pazaak as they waited for the flight end. Periods of breaks ran into quick glances at Terran's gift. The datapad seemed interesting, but he thought it best to reserve the information. Also, he didn't have the attention span to delve any deeper into the Jedi arts without guidance. He had done it all before, but he was new to this "regaining" the lost skill thing.

Beside the mid-night talk, he found a moment to slip back into sleep. The problem of it was that the sleep was a little to close to a time for landing.

"Not long enough," he whisper with a groggy voice.

A tired sigh pushed the air out, and he pushed his aching body to a stand. He was young, it was no matter, but he felt lazy.

"What's next?"

"It's time for landing pretty-boy." Sarna didn't take the time to warn the two. One quick jerk pushed them from their hyperspace exit down to the Antar moon. All the routes of the galaxy had grown less dangerous over the years of experience, and a spacer became savvy in all fields of flight.

Even as the planes kept the polished vessel soaring with what seemed downward, a slight discomfort could be heard at a whimper rustling in Tieru's stomach. The Padawan hadn't taken a bite since his first flight dropped onto Corellia.

A grumble urged his belly to remain at bay, focusing on holding onto something as the ship spiral toward orbit. Soon the three would be on Antar's floor, with more than just eternal sunshine to worry about. Tieru was becoming a Jedi...again.

[Terran Starek]

"Have a seat and buckle up, boys," Sarna commanded. She guided the freighter in expertly as Terran buckled up. The blew through the atmosphere and rocketed towards the surface - the only spaceport on the small moon. It was Inola 1, a mining spaceport with a few amenities.

As they broke through the cloud cover, Antar IV came to life below them. To the south of Inola 1 was a sea, vast and green. The Spaceport was a port city for the locals who piloted waterskiffs called Wavehoppers for trade and transportation. The Antari were a relatively primitive, peaceful sort who preferred to stay planetside instead of travel abroad. The continent they were landing on was the only populated continent on the moon. It could be traversed in a matter of a week by foot, or days with a Wavehopper through the many rivers and tributaries.

Sarna threw the ship into autopilot while they were landing. As they came to the small hangar bay, Terran began to get a strange feeling. Something wasn't right. He closed his eyes and released his mind to scan the area . . . Imperials! Something must have clicked in Sarna as she realized his demeanor had changed. The spacer stood quickly, shoving a blaster pistol into Terran's face.

"I'm sorry, but times are tough." She looked at Tieru, almost sad. Terran received the same cold stare he had gotten before. "Imperials sent out a message. They offered triple the amount of any passage paid by either of these two men for information leading to their whereabouts." She hit a button on her communicator to reveal the hologram of Terran and Tieru from the spaceport on Coronet City.

"You don't have to do this, Sarna," Terran spoke, quietly and calmly. This was not good - not good at all. He had no idea if Tieru was armed, but by the sound of things, there was going to be more than one squad of Stormtroopers to meet them when they landed.

"No, I do." Sarna was stone faced. "I'm sorry, Tieru. In another life, eh?" She looked to the padawn and let out a limp, wounded smile.

It was then that Terran acted.

He threw himself forward, wrenching the pistol from Sarna's hand and driving a thigh into her, sending her to the floor. The spacer grunted as Terran turned to Tieru.

"Find a way to secure her and grab that pistol." Terran reached into the folds of his traveler's garb, deep into a hidden belt against his abdomen. He drew the hilt of Halcyon, his lightsaber, and held it down at his side. "This is not going to be easy, my friend."

[Tieru Ocarre]

Tieru was tired.

He didn't like this kind of crap. A traitor was despised in his circles. The acquaintances, friends and companions he had invested time in were exalted. Placed upon a plateau of untouchable greatness that Tieru had established with simply a hello. The affection of relationship were a sacred concept that's pureness didn't deserve any corruption.

Even as he watched the conversation unfold, and her image unravel he swallow his hate. Not once had he dived back into the Jedi code with a pull of the Force at that special datapad, but he knew what was right. No one could wipe the enforced values of the Jedi Order away with their despicable flaws, and greed.

An avarice mind could find no depth in their folly, and he could only frown. He watched with calculated precision, his mind attuned to the next motion. The eye could study the body to it's deepest essence, every muscle tensing to forebode a move that those unskilled could not for-see. He had not been torn from the bounds of the Force, simply an ace within his own right. The assistance of his Jedi ways weren't always necessary, and two decades had assured that to be true.

Yet, now, wasn't the time for philosophical break-downs. The young Padawan's body dived into the moment, his calling beacon the long-loved mate known as the Force. The artistry that the Force herald were unimaginable, and every time he tapped into their friendship, their bond, he was captivated by the memories of his lost Master. Dark Woman was an advocate of a peculiar control of the Force, teaching him in a way strange to the others.

Anything could be binded, bound, and comforted by the callings of the Force, and as he return to the realm that he so rarely glimpsed in, he felt at home. The control he had was rusty, but not completely lost, and with a slight gesture the pistol was not taken.

Instead, it was crippled by an unseen grip.

The auto-pilot had found them ground, but he didn't feel at ease. Even as his hands stir through the junk in his bag and grabbed his beloved crystal and blaster, he didn't seem at all secure.

"Sarna, you made a bad choice," he said, shaking his head at her. She was disgraced on the ground, without a blaster to defend herself. Nobody was going to kill her, she had already attempted that on her own devious ways. A little of her soul would die if she continued down the path, and it hurt him to dwell on it any longer than the crazy times permitted.

"Well, it's time to get busy then." Tieru could feel the Imperial troopers crowding near the docking bay. He nor Terran would die here. The young Jedi had a lot of training to do, and no bucket head was going to trip him up.

[Terran Starek]

"Stay close to me," Terran directed Tieru as they moved toward the docking door of the ship. He glanced out of the cockpit, spotting at least six Stormtroopers pouring into the hangar bay. There could be more.

"Don't do. . .anything to my. . .ship," the spacer uttered, clutching her gut.

"Don't worry - you'll get reimbursed, remember?" The Jedi smiled at her. As they made their way to the door, Terran considered his options. There was probably an escape hatch at the top of the ship for maintenance that they could likely climb out of. A hatch leading them under the ship would do them no good, making them open targets. The best bet was surprise. Stormtroopers were known for their brute tactics, so Terran figured staking out the door would be best.

"Let's hold here." They came to the loading dock. Terran spotted two loading crates. He motioned for Tieru to help him move them into place - a few meters in front and to the left of the dock door. They were placed side by side. "How good of a shot are you? This barricade should last a couple of minutes."

Then, he heard it. It was the familiar sound of plastic explosives being tacked to the outer door. They were going to breach the ship. They weren't wasting time with any other tactics. Instead, they were coming straight in.

"Padawan!" Terran commanded as from a battlefield, allowing his senses to be heightened trying to instill confidence in his apprentice. "Disable whenever possible, but prepare your heart to do what must be done." He could hear the last piece of explosives being tacked onto the door as they troopers prepared to blow it.

Snap - Hiss!

The bright green blade of Halcyon sparked to life as Terran raised the lightsaber into a defense position. He hadn't used it in years, but it was an extension of his arm every now. The idle "hum" of the blade was home, music to his ears.

Force be with us.

[Tieru Ocarre]

The white swarm the doorway, and felt a pain that their stiff shields couldn't defend. In a blur of brown, and a tan orange came a body that pain traced. The force of blows pierce the husk, a dent left as the repetitive fist-full push was only followed by a bellow. Every swing became a mirage of the last, the speed hitting a rhythm that only a modified guitar string could follow. The punches were low to the gut, and before long the trooper slump as the anguish swallow his being.

Tieru twisted his body, dealing an elbow to an unsuspecting victim. The trooper had just taken in his entrance, but he already had been swept to the ground with the force of an elbow and sliding leg.

He wouldn't be up again from the groggy hum that escaped his mask, but Tieru wasn't preoccupied with incoherent sounds. Instead, he forced his mind to focus on dodging. A blast had found it's way between the incoming traffic aimed for the young Padawan. One sweep pushed him off to the side and out of the way, his eyes darting over to his Master.

Terran was amazing...

[Terran Starek]

The Jedi Knight wasted no time as the Stormtroopers poured in through the smoky haze of the explosion. Three stormtroopers broke through first, blaster bolts whizzing into the opened door way. Terran swept the blade of his lightsaber across his body, deflecting one of the bolts right - the opposite direction of his padawan. Another bolt met his backstroke, flying upward to strike the ceiling in a shower of sparks.

Terran focused, moving slowly towards the enemies, trying to land on good blaster bolt back at its attacker. He was rusty, though, and found difficulty in keeping up with the defense. It was time to attack. He rolled forward, towards the last two stormtroopers left standing - Tieru had taken one of them already. Terran was impressed for the second time.

Coming up between the two, Terran whirled his lightsaber in his right hand, slashing downward and chopping the barrel off of one of the blaster rifles. The stormtrooper looked down at his weapon and then looked up just in time to receive a strong elbow from the Jedi Knight, sending his opponent crashing to the floor. Without looking, Terran spun around, throwing his hand forward.

WHOOOOOSH

The Force lifted the other Stormtrooper off of the floor, sending him a meter away and hard into a durasteel wall. Slumping to the floor, the stormtrooper's head drooped as his weapon dropped.

"Tieru! There are more outside." Terran could feel them. "We need to move forward. Be careful and stay close to me." The Jedi moved towards the door as the three soldiers - one of them unconscious - lay on the floor, crippled with pain. He spun his lightsaber in front of him, ready to defend any blaster bolts towards the two as they exited the ship.

[Tieru Ocarre]

The blaster bolts came and went. One flew past his head, bouncing off of his Master's blade. No gap had been created in activity, the fierce and brutality of the Stormtroopers reminiscent of their previous model. Tactics had strung the squad about the ship in a circle. The forged defense was thick, and from glance it seemed to be more than ten white-cover buffoons prepared for battle.

Tieru heard the Master well, but he wouldn't oblige.

Albeit the idea was to remain close, he sped off as soon as the blaster bolt sped his way. He didn't have his age old lightsaber for assistance, and his acrobatics were the only defense he could rely on. A single leap threw him into elevations that allowed for a quick spiral to shift his weight. Gravity crashed down on him as he motioned gracefully through the heaven, spilling his body onto the shock squad leader.

Tieru decided it be best if he advanced on the right, his eyes focused on the six that had surrounded the head of the ship. As he fell to the surface, his feet pressed into the soldier's chest he spun his head about to find the others. Two had dashed to his right, while the remainder would take advantage of their blaster power and fire from long-range.

The odds were still in his favor.

The Force is a powerful ally, one wise man once said, and he knew it to be true. The faithful companion pushed him forth, his body accelerating toward the oncoming foe. The two were soon flailing to the ground as Tieru split the duo. Arms extended, the two were hit with a clothesline and throats clogged with pain. The speed was too rapid for an easy stop, so his feet pushed the surface with a skid as he leaned to catch balance.

Blaster bolts flew pass his frame as he lean, one nearly scathing his knee while he modified his body to a more angular shape. Evasion was the only purposeful strategy for long-range mêlée, and to remain intact he had to advance to shorten the combat. Pushed forward with the strength of his hand, he darted forward at the three survivors.

Red blast spat and spiral past his body as he leaped, duck and juke from side to side in an elegant sequence. He was only a few steps away before he lifted his fist. Soon it'd come down on his adversaries, but he wondered...how was Master Starek doing.

[Terran Starek]

We'll have to talk about obeying orders, Terran thought as Tieru entered combat before the Jedi would have liked him to. Still, the boy faired well. He was an excellent martial combat, Terran could see. Truth be told, he might have been more physically capable than than Terran.

That is, Terran without a lightsaber.

The Jedi dashed forward to the other side of the forces - the one Tieru had not attacked. They had turned their attention to his apprentice, but upon hearing the Jedi approach, they began to refocus. It was too late.

Terran's attention came to a loose rafter above their barricade. His left hand pointed up as his right hand spun his lightsaber, deflecting a blaster bolt away from harm. With a flick of the wrist and an extra measure of concentration, the Jedi reached out into the Force, tugging the rafter down as it crashed on two of the soldiers.

The other one fired another volley of blasts. Terran felt a twinge of fatigue from the Force Push, catching two of the bolts - but missing one. It struck him across his left shoulder (thankfully not his lightsaber arm) and twisted his body backwards.

Unnnnhhhh!

The Jedi Knight groaned in pain, his body absorbing as much of the blast as was possibly. He sidestepped the next shot - this time within striking distance of his foe - and slashed his lightsaber downward, seperating the stormtroopers wrist from the rest of his arm. The wound cauterized and the trooper dropped to his knees.

The Jedi crouched, partially in pain, partially from fatigue. He hadn't been in deadly combat for some time, and it was taking its toll on him. He wasn't as well trained as he once was. He needed practice. Looking over to Tieru's position, he could see that their opposition was thinning.

Tieru, the Jedi reached out into the Force, mentally speaking to his padawan. We need to escape at once and head west, into the forest. It might be best to split up for the moment. Just continue west and I will find you.

[Tieru Ocarre]

He missed the trooper.

Tieru would have blamed Terran's call, but the fault remained his own. Alarm crept along his face as the Stormtrooper leaped back. The two on his target's side parted and aimed their blasters. A half circle had been created around him, the barrels pointed. A panic tremble through the young Padawan's spine as his alert eyes capture the scene. Death had been written into his script all to soon, and he rushed within in search of a strategy guide to erase the print.

Almost a moment late, his head flinch into a duck as the blast echoed. Crimson lines blazed above his head, the bolt's origin to the right and daggering the trooper on the left. One simple mistake had left only two to remain, but the momentum was no longer in his favor. He had no heed his Master's words before, and the danger had blossom so quickly that he couldn't even uproot the weed.

Tieru wasted no time. The Padawan's legs gush with energy as he pivot for new direction. Ripples course a muscular tread through his calf and hamstring as his body pumped the adrenaline required. The request was almost enough, but he managed the rest. A bolt skid his side, yet his adrenaline ignored the wincing pain.

He dash onward, feet pushing him to the west. He hope, he wished that Master Starek would follow. The forest was ahead, and the hangar bay doors were closing behind him. An ultimatum had been created, and the Padawan didn't like it.

He didn't like it one bit - but he ran anyways.

[Terran Starek]

BOOOOOOM

Another hole in the hangar bay was opened by more explosives as another group of stormtroopers poured into the facility. There were at least three - no, four - more. Their opposition was growing, and Terran knew that it was their only chance to escape. They could not be captured.

Run, Tieru, run! Terran thought as he stood, dodging another blaster bolt. His lightsaber hummed as he spun it across his body to deflect yet another blaster shot. He was getting more fatigued by the moment. His eyes darted across the bay as Tieru's figure sipped out. The doors were closing, and Terran needed to get out fast. The count of stormtroopers was overwhelming . . . the Jedi Knight could see nine or so, all scrambling to take position against him. At this point, none of them were pursuing Tieru.

Terran had a plan.

He backed up slowly, continuing to deflect bolts and dodge shots until his back was up against the ship. With a quick jump he was back in Sarna's ship as he fingered the blast door controls, covering the whole the stormtroopers had already made. Terran disengaged his lightsaber.

"Sarna," he spoke rapidly as he made his way into the cockpit. "If you wish to redeem yourself and spare innocent blood, now is the time."

"Pffft. I don't care about you or your kind, Jedi," was the spacer's sarcastic reply.

"Don't do it for me. Do it for Tieru. There are a hundred more Imperials looking for him. And when they find him, they will kill him." Terran looked desperately into the other's eyes, trying to give life to his claim. She paused for a long moment, as Terran heard the stormtroopers slapping new explosives onto the freighter.

"What. . .do you want me to do. I'm not shooting at them." Terran was unaware that this ship even had turrets.

"No, you don't have to. Just take off, bearing west, and fly low over those trees. There is still time to save him." The Jedi smiled inwardly. Thanks be to the Force, he thought.

The engines woke to life as Sarna did as Terran instructed. The freighter started to rise from the ground, blaster bolts echoing off of it's double-durasteel walls. Terran heard a blast as they towered above the hangar, probably where the explosives had been.

"You have turned betrayal into good this day. May the Force be with you, Sarna." The Jedi gave the spacer one last look as he made a break for the docking bay. The blast doors had been completely opened with the explosives, and Terran could see a pair of black and white clad goves holding on to the bottom of the opening.

"Sorry friend, this isn't your lucky ride." Terran stepped on the hands, forcing the trooper to drop to the floor outside the hangar. It was a short fall, and the soldier was still moving. The ship slowly headed west, staying as low as it could over the treeline. This was Terran's opportunity to move. He didn't know where Tieru was, but he would find his padawan.

The Jedi stepped off of the ship, allowing his body to freefall. The ship was only 30 meters or so off the ground as Terran closed his eyes, letting the Force take control. He would land softly - at least, soft enough not to die. The true task was to find Tieru.

[Tieru Ocarre]

The thick, lush forest grass formed a fortress of discretion. The black of his hair blurred from atop under the swaying, tall grass. Daytime was taking a long stand above the lands, and the breeze that ran over laid only a few sounds to regard. A wheeze of the plants could be heard as the wind pushed a long, only to be contrast by the rustle of life. Fatigue had found it's victim, and Tieru speedy retreat diminish into a drag.

Breath after breath heaved out in a painful call for more air. The young Padawan's lungs beckon for an ease. Commands rumble through his system as he attempted to calm his adrenaline and reclaim control. Little response was provided as his hair was captivated by the charming run of the wind; attempting to dash after the endless trek of the breeze across the land only to guise Tieru's eyes.

A halt was necessary, and the newly apprenticed Jedi lurched over with a lost of haste. Danger sent a tickle through his spine, but he ignored the foreboding signal. Tieru took large swigs of the hair, hoping to find the amount required to proceed. The test felt eternal as his heavy breathing increased until he falter to the planet's floor. The formidable grass gulp his frame, leaving him list in the tall vegetation.

Under the push of his breathes came a disappointed frown. Disapproval was spread around his mind as he gave lead to recollection. The change of affairs had been too sudden for him, not only his body. Other than the battle, Sarna had betrayed him. Only moments had passed since his eyes were locked on her, playing games. The despicable treachery had torn his ends, and the stuffing inside was exposed by the open seams. A silent tear sled from his left eye, running a course from his nose bridge to the soil below.

The solitary drop hit the earth between his parted legs. One breath after the other had become eased as he sorted his feelings and thoughts. Peril gather about as he bore his focus from within. Someone, or more than one, was out there - searching, looking, stalking him. Tieru prepared himself. Adrenaline would not drive him in this endeavor. The cost of the previous assault had dealt a deadly withdraw, and though it was only a lost of breath he had been set for another open attack.

In a stand he could catch the world through his senses. Tieru felt the soothe of the Force's presence. The warmth of the omniscient being wrapped around him like a parent's hug. Decorated in grace, his slanted and dark gaze unwrap the world. The nutritious gook that plunge the earth, roots entrance in the soil, swaying emerald, jaded trees and sparkling crystal adorn his eye's reflection. Everything was captured, and his ears address few points. A crunch of footsteps echo through the mud floor, while the heavens jar with a mechanical bird.

He was out there...

But so was someone else....

"Terran," Tieru whispered as his vision slug to the corners of his eyes.

A blaster bolt fled past his leg. The red of the blast sent an impulse of alarm, and he gave no heed. No haste was brought to his legs, they wouldn't respond so readily. Instead, he duck under the grass and crawl. Whoever the man was, he had bad aim.

Probably a Stormtrooper.

[Khaowan Tarbrea]

A fault had been created.

The distraught tarnish the Core Worlds in secret. All things were in secret with the dark curtain of the Empire. Galactic rule require whispers for the public safety. Every little subject wasn't a galactic affair, and the tremendous troubles should not be the concern of everyday people. A pride reside in keeping the folks at bay, unknowing and dedicated. Any fool could divulge every form of information and lead to hysteria, but it took a wise man to pick and choose what should be known.

The internal workings of the Empire was engulf in a guise. Adorn in Stormtrooper attire, officer wear and red guardsman cloak, the soldiers of the reformed New Order walk a path pass the eyes of the Imperial regions. Many recognize the abscence of flare, and dedication to control. Fear whither some people's pride into commitment, while others willingly followed the government's orders.

Khaowan was neither.

He was an agent, and the will of the government was under him. The Zabrak, albeit controversial, was the government. The rules he abide by weren't within the dynamics of ISB, or other organizations that were publicly represented and formatted by social representation. Instead, he step behind such footsteps and wipe the markings away. He cleaned up the tracks, and left no lead to the distraught or conclusion of hidden perils that attempted to slit the Empire's wrist.

A coup had tried it's best to fracture the Galactic Empire - it didn't work. Everyone has to be on board for such change. Any change is drastic when done on a Galactic scale, but minuscule alterations were overseen. Truly, the small steps were necessary to take charge, and Khaowan had learned the doctrine long ago.

So, he walk in his wear prepared for a change.

A change of life...

Someone would not be living by the end of today.

The mission was only known to his fellow agents. Privacy was provided, and he moved in solo. Equip with the mandatory armor, he stepped in IntCon trooper plates. The flexible, durable and weightless plates shifted with his body as he swam through the sea of green. A blaster bolt had already been shot, but his foe was hidden.

"You can't run for long."

The hunted Jedi was a menace. The trouble had all started on a flight. One single flight had turned into an unraveling charade of stupidity and foolish courage. The forgotten face of the Jedi Order had stuck his foot out on not any scum - but Imperial Intelligence scum. The undercover agent had been in too deep, and had started to work without consulting his fellow members. Instead of work in the strategic manner, he had been unraveled by the underworld dealings and lost in the villainous behavior.

He had been detain, but not for long. However, the thread had been pulled and with the loose ends still out there he couldn't rest. The scissors were prepared, and the nicely knitted story would remain as it had been told.

All he needed to do now was kill the Jedi.

[Terran Starek]

Trees and bushes were not soft.

The Jedi landed in a heap of greenbushes in the center of a cluster of wild pacca trees. The landing had been less than graceful. Terran lay face down, dirt and leaves stuck between his teeth. He opened his eyes and spit a mouthful of the forest floor back to where it belonged.

The Jedi stood - slowly - his shoulder aching from the blaster bolt he took in the hangar fight, his left knee screaming wtih pain from the fall. He wasn't 100%, but he didn't have time to wait. He closed his eyes and searched his feelings, gaining a sense of his surroundings. His breathing slowed as he gathered the Force around him. Two *blips* struck him. One was obviously Tieru, a bright, strong fire burned like that of a Force user. The other was dimmer, less like a Jedi. However, it was . . . viscious. Terran didn't like it.

He moved to the direction of Tieru, finding his padawan hiding in a clump of twisted branches and brush. He smiled - the boy was ok. That was a good sign, indeed. He approached him as he noticed that he was covering his head. Terran reached out his hand and opened his mouth to say --

FLASH

The green blade of his lightsaber instantly sprang to life, barely intercepting a blaster bolt and sending it burning into the trunk of a nearby tree. The Jedi Knight reacted with breakneck speed, pulling Tieru with him to a safer spot behind a cluster of warped trees.

"What was that!" Terran couldn't pinpoint the source of the shoot, but it wasn't a stormtrooper. He could feel something different. He looked at Tieru to make sure he was ok. "Are you ok?" The green blade hummed in the Jedi's hand as they crouched for cover until they could regroup to move.

[Tieru Ocarre]

The vibrant green splinters the lush, blossom earth. All the exquisite glory of the Jedi's archaic device shimmer through the as the two crouch, and Tieru capture the moment in splendor. Although the young Padawan's body ached, and sore from his endless push, he was calmed by his master's presence. Terran had presented a nurturing nature since the two lives intersected.

The young Jedi could only feel guilty as he recognized his Master's protectiveness, and a reflection of himself accented his faults. Over the days he had done nothing but critique every move, disregard his instruction, and contrast the man's skills.

A chill trickled through his spine as he hunched over behind his protector, a human bulwark set away from the unseen foe. The target had made his location known, but keenness had been presented. Despite the error of accuracy, the shots were identifying well. Every shot aim for injury points, not fatal ends. The enemy was more interested in incapacitate, at least initially. A suppressed aggression flare in every bolt, and Tieru observed clearly withdrawn. The moment had become all the less relevant and urgent with Terran around.
He was thankful.

"I'm fine," he said, denying the kink in his neck. All the strain of his dull body had sent him into a wild crave for a massage. If only that lady didn't betray them, she'd be worthwhile after the return to the ship.

"I feel it going...."

[Khaowan Tarbrea]

"Two?"

The mumble didn't escape the helm. Distraught litter his voice, disdain sweeping the agent's undertones. A flinch parted his body from its attentive stance, blaster clasp in his palm. Despite the assault, it had become apparent that he was outmatched. The initial strike had already sent the message, but suddenly the dynamics of the assassination had turned haywire. Any further scrutiny of the situation would require distance, and the separation necessary wasn't within the battlefield grounds.

The problem had become a wait-and-see.

A meticulous eye placed through the visor, and out along the plains. Although the hunted enemy had been overtaken in combat, the assumption remained that the adversaries were within ability to undo any of his strikes. Any attempt could be unravel; the strikes had twisted into futile game. All too feeble for him to remain, so he retreated.

Khaowan's eyes locked on, but his body movements changed. A quick swipe at his belt pulled at a thermal detonator. A click timed the explosion, with a roll pushing it toward the duo. Every move had been measured, calculated and done in precision as he took the chance to flee. They wouldn't be able to run in his direction if they wanted to live - and he would see another day.

It was another smart move.

And he was just another smart agent.

Soon, he'd meet up with them again - but not today. Today wasn't his day.

[Terran Starek]

"Move!" The Jedi's voice was as close to a scream as possible, but Terran wasn't the screaming type. He grabbed Tieru by the back of his jacket, lurching him in the opposite direction of the familiar and threatening sound of a thermal detonator. Whoever their attacker was, he was not holding anything back.

The Jedi followed his padawan as the two stumbled through the brush, a dizzying maze of low-hanging branches and snarled, snake-like roots. Terran could feel the urgency, pushing harder and harder as Tieru's lithe body ducked in and around and under and out of obstacles. The Jedi Knight had a bit harder time keeping up.

kaaaaaa-BOOOOOOM!

The blast sent debris and energy in all directions, both of the Jedi losing their feet and crashing in heaps to the forest floor. They had escaped the immediate harm of the detonator blast, but had taken a jolt from the shock wave. Terran's ears ached and his wounds throbbed. This just wasn't his best day.

"Are you ok?" Terran realized the irony of asking this question. If he wasn't, he wouldn't be able to respond. The Jedi Knight knew he was ok - he could feel the padawan's presence. On the same token, he sensed that the assailant was fleeing. Though he ached to know more about their skilled pursuer, this was not the time. They were too beat up and tired. The needed to be refreshed. He stood up.

"He - or it - is gone," Terran spoke, making his way towards Tieru. "I think we're clear now. I don't . . . sense anything else." Terran kept himself attuned to the Force, keeping a close watch on their surroundings. He wasn't ready to let his guard down yet.

"We've got a few kilometers to go yet," The Jedi Knight continued, reaching a hand down to help Tieru to his feet. "Are you hurt?"

[Tieru Ocarre]

"Hurt?"

A grimace stabbed the Padawan's face. The features crunch in a ball, lips curved in restrain anguish as his eyes tightened and twitch. Although the blast had done considerable damage, it had only be an addition to the rest of the strain his body had been put through.

A smooth sigh escaped his lungs as the ease of life returned back to his face. Despite the pain he contain his composure, eyes traced off to the side before returning to his Master's with a smile. The olive and vanilla twist of his skin was dusted with dirt and debris, but he had quickly grown to ignore it. In a sense, he almost embraced the foul that had latched itself to his body. A twitch signaled in his mind that he was in a comfort in this...distraught.

All the training that had been reinforced by years with other Master's had found itself with no face-work to keep it at bay. Although Terran was his new Master, he wasn't his only one. Other Jedi had done well to meld, and fold him into a subject of their own design. An'ya Kuro had done the most damage, and it could be found in even the smallest of nuances. The nonchalance in such a troubling situation had fester in his persona since his earliest interaction with his first Master. Darkwoman had dealt helpful blows to his psyche, forcing his boyish charm into a fortress of mystique hidden behind his dangling handsome locks.

Terran would definately be working with a used project. Tieru thought it all too intriguing, and it hit his mind harder than the shockwave from the blast. Especially since the blast was in the behind them now, and finally he could rest.

"I'm fine. Lets go."

[Terran Starek]

Terran sensed a hint of something in his padawan's voice. Maybe it was attitude, maybe it was someone trying to act "tough" when they felt scared, the Jedi Knight wasn't sure. Regardless, he would press the question later. It was time to focus on the task at hand.

"We've got to keep a brisk pace," the Jedi said as he picked up their walk into a light jog. "They're most assuredly searching for us, and Sarna could tell them for sure that we're in this region." Tieru began to follow, and Terran could see that he was truly not injured. The Jedi was relieved.

The wilderness was thick, a dense forest full of tangled trees, roots, and other brush. It wasn't easily crossed, but the two Jedi managed it well. Terran was tired - very tired - and as they came upon a stream, he brought them to a stop.

"Grab a drink," he said between heavy breaths, leaning over the bank of the small, clear stream to cup his hands in it. The cool water was music to his parched lips and tongue, and the Jedi almost laughed as he drank. It felt so good to wet his mouth. He marveled at the simple pleasures in nature.

"You fought well out there, my friend," Terran spoke after a long minute of drinking. He sat down on his haunches, crossing his legs and resting his arms on them. "Tell me about your training with Darkwoman." Terran knew of her - what Jedi hadn't, really. He didn't know her, though, and he was interested to hear what Tieru had to say.

[Tieru Ocarre]

A swoop of his hand, and a quick gulp moisten his dry throat. A few slurps later he was satisfied. Before his Master could drop into his query, he had slump over on the grass. Only moments had bridged the chops of death nearly swallowing the two, and he as tranquil. Every bit of his nature had been nurtured through training. Albeit he was far too casual for a standard Jedi, he had been manufactured through a series of testing sequences, missions and tutelage of unique kind. It was all too fitting when the question of Darkwoman pop into his ears as he plop a seat in the fields.

Young Tieru Ocarre analyzed situations without distress because of his former Master. Years had passed since her touching tone he had become attuned to buzz in his ear. The delicacy of her hardened deeds shaping him like a welder.

"She was very...calculated. Great Master, hard too. Taught me things on big scales - like, everything was a life lesson. Even small things, life lesson."

The words sled from his tongue as he grew withdrawn from the moment. Reality submerge from his eyes, and he gazed into the abyss. Memories flourish from the darkness of his mind, his soul intertwined with the dazzling beauties of his old career as a Padawan. The images blasted with explosions, lights, glare, and endless motion that only reacquainted him with the present.

He returned with a smile, his eyes refocus on Master Starek.

"It's too much to tell, now. Dont we need to get up and...ya know, escape?"

He chuckled. Although none of his Masters would approve, he always thought being a Jedi was fun.

[Terran Starek]

Terran listened carefully as his padawan spoke. He enjoyed their conversation, even though it had been limited even now. Tieru pointed back to the fact that they were "escaping," and the Jedi Knight agreed.

"Yes, we should go." Coming to his feet - his legs sore and aching with exhaustion - the Jedi stretched a bit, allowing his muscles to push the soreness out. He looked ahead, scanning their path. They were much closer now. They'd probably been moving for about an hour to this point - maybe 3 or 4 kilometers. If he remembered correctly, the ruined temple was about 2 kilometers ahead.

They both grunted as their bodies pushed through the wilderness. At this time, their pace was slackened a bit from before due to fatigue. Still, they gathered strength from the Force to press on. Time passed slowly, and the Jedi found his mind wandering. He began to doubt. Could he do this again? Could he train another in the ways of the Force, the ways he hadn't been in full practice of for many years? He had the resources - datapads of information, lightsabers, holocrons. But resources weren't what made a Jedi. It was good training. Heart. Committment.

"Here," Terran spoke as the two stopped at the edge of a the dense woods. The both leaned on their knees, breathing hard. "Just through this treeline -" Terran pointed ahead "-is a canyon with an old rope bridge. Across that canyon and down the hill and we're here." He smiled.

"This bridge . . . well, let's just say it's old. Be careful as we cross it." The Jedi pushed the brush aside as they broke through the trees and to the edge of a vast canyon, hundreds of meters deep. It was roughly fifty or sixty meters wide. A single, solitary rope bridge no wider than a Gungan stretched across it. The bridge was covered in dirt, debris, and what appeared to be blood. Several of the wooden planks were missing, and some of the rope was already fraying.

"After you." The Jedi Knight gave a playful smile and gestured ahead for his padawan to cross.

[Tieru Ocarre]

"It breaks, then it's on you."

A smile granted the comment a lighter intention as Tieru swung his head about to the weak bridge. An old, archaic device, it definately looked it's age. Even as the breeze carried the wilderness in a swoosh, Tieru gazed through his dangling bangs and narrowed down the possibility of any falter. The bridge was a lengthy one, and he may have been agile - but it still wasn't safe.

Observant, and cool, he scrutinized his steps as he began. One foot after another added the necessary commitment for balance and abscence of pressure. Even the slightest move could be regarded as a misstep on such fragile grounds. Tieru didn't feel comfortable, but he was as calm as ever.

Tieru's eyes latch onto his feet, and he was open. Fatigue had grown on him like a fungus, and he almost lost himself as a sound echo from the wilderness behind. Danger settled in the air. Tieru could feel the uneasiness creep in his veins as he breathed more heavily. Haste pressed his feet a long as he pushed across the bridge, anxiety nearly erasing his collectedness.

A small hop sent him at the end, his eyes glancing behind him to the other side. Terran was still there...and although he couldn't see it, it didn't feel right.

"Come on! I got a bad feeling about this."

[Terran Starek]

The Jedi Knight stepped out onto the bridge in agreement, quickly but carefully navigating across the bridge. Tieru was almost to the other side when the Jedi felt the weight of the bridge shift. He could hear the sound of rope straining, the wine of the fibers pulling apart. He was only halfway across, but it was too late.

SNAP!

It happened in an instant. Terran felt his feet leave him instantly as gravity tugged the bridge out from under him. The Jedi's body fell forward - which was fortunate, as his hand reached out and grabbed the nearest strand of broken rope. Unfortunately, as the bridge swung towards the opposite cliff, his chin met firmly with one of the planks. Pain shot through his jaw as he could taste blood in his mouth.

THUMP

The bridge slammed against the rocky bank of the other side, the Jedi Knight's body jolting as the bridge shuddered, planks falling around him. He looked up to see Tieru's feet dangling over the cliff - he had made it and was on solid ground. Terran began to climb his way up to the top of the bridge, taking a look to see planks, rope, and rocks falling hundreds of meters to the valley floor.

His padawan's hand greeted his own, pulling him up the final meter of his climb. "Thank you," he responded, the bridge now lifelessly hanging below them. "We'll have to get creative getting home." He smiled. "Look." The Jedi Knight pointed behind them, where the trees cleared.

There, nestled in a small, grassy valley, was the ruins of Anekk'tarr. Once a major temple of worship for the Anekk - a native, Force Sensitive tribe on Antar IV - it's great golden walls and topaz towers had since seen better days. Though most walls were in ruins, the main narthax of the temple was still mostly in tact, with parts of the roof caved in.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Where once sentient architecture had ruled, nature had taken over. The temple was overrun with growth - trees, brush, and wildflowers. Terran loved this place. He had spent a few years here in hiding, and had a small living place with equipment. He intended Tieru and he to start their training here.

[Terran Starek]

The Jedi Knight stepped out onto the bridge in agreement, quickly but carefully navigating across the bridge. Tieru was almost to the other side when the Jedi felt the weight of the bridge shift. He could hear the sound of rope straining, the wine of the fibers pulling apart. He was only halfway across, but it was too late.

SNAP!

It happened in an instant. Terran felt his feet leave him instantly as gravity tugged the bridge out from under him. The Jedi's body fell forward - which was fortunate, as his hand reached out and grabbed the nearest strand of broken rope. Unfortunately, as the bridge swung towards the opposite cliff, his chin met firmly with one of the planks. Pain shot through his jaw as he could taste blood in his mouth.

THUMP

The bridge slammed against the rocky bank of the other side, the Jedi Knight's body jolting as the bridge shuddered, planks falling around him. He looked up to see Tieru's feet dangling over the cliff - he had made it and was on solid ground. Terran began to climb his way up to the top of the bridge, taking a look to see planks, rope, and rocks falling hundreds of meters to the valley floor.

His padawan's hand greeted his own, pulling him up the final meter of his climb. "Thank you," he responded, the bridge now lifelessly hanging below them. "We'll have to get creative getting home." He smiled. "Look." The Jedi Knight pointed behind them, where the trees cleared.

There, nestled in a small, grassy valley, was the ruins of Anekk'tarr. Once a major temple of worship for the Anekk - a native, Force Sensitive tribe on Antar IV - it's great golden walls and topaz towers had since seen better days. Though most walls were in ruins, the main narthax of the temple was still mostly in tact, with parts of the roof caved in.

"Isn't it beautiful?" Where once sentient architecture had ruled, nature had taken over. The temple was overrun with growth - trees, brush, and wildflowers. Terran loved this place. He had spent a few years here in hiding, and had a small living place with equipment. He intended Tieru and he to start their training here.

[Tieru Ocarre]

"It's interesting..."

Curiosity perched under his eyebrows as he lifted one up. The unique ethnic became more evident as his eyes almost formed slits as he narrowed them in focus. The precision of growth was graceful, and delicate - yet natural. Green and the blossom of flowers flourish in captivating hues that were lush, only to be contrast by the hard colors of the ruins. Growth had overcome the forgotten stronghold. Nature had made it all the more hidden with it's embrace of the mystical temple.

Tieru's eyes gulp the surroundings, while his other senses simply tingle with sensation. Restrain awe struggle in his two dark orbs, hopeful for the changes to come. Instead of respond with excitement, he dulled his adoloscent intrigue and dug his hands through his pocket. A habit had long developed as a response to those non-Jedi ways, managing to portray him as all the more nonchalant in bewildering or wild occurrences.

More or less, it was a defense mechanism.

It was even clear to Tieru; he wasn't ready to completely open to his Master. Darkwoman noticed these things because she had taken him in before no other experience could shape him. Reality hadn't braced the boy when he first cut his hair into the glorified Padawan braid. All he had were the holocrons, datachips and resources of the Jedi Temple to guide him through existence. The familiar memories that warmed his soul when he grew nostalgic about the times before the Jedi Order were plague with only his mother.

The land had once been a prominent point in his memories, but the important landmarks and experiences were flushed out by the endless adventures that he had taken since his initial step into Jedi world.

A sigh slipped out as he glance about, his feet leaving the ground crumpling under his soles at every step. The gander found all the details of his former sighting. All the green had been spoiled, and left to be vibrant color.

"Why are we here, anyways?"

[Terran Starek]

"This is going to be home for a bit," the Jedi Knight responded as the two headed down the path, to the mouth of the narthex. "I've spent time here before. It's secluded, protective, and most importantly- " the Jedi looked at his padawan " -it's strong in the Force." The Temple was a place of Anekk secrets and traditions.

They climbed a small flight of large, crumbling stairs to the opening of the narthex. A great decorated door had once stood here. Now, all of the metal and jewels had been stripped (probably salvaged by merchants and treasure seekers) and all that was left was one side of the rotten wooden doors. Inside, the remaining parts of the walls were covered in ornate drawings, language, pictures, and symbols. Terran loved this place. He felt connected here.

"Now, this may not look like a particularly safe place," Terran begin. It was the first test for his padawan. He was looking to see how acute the other's senses were. "But it is. This was a place of worship for the Anekk, an ancient tribe or Force Users. They were protective against those who would enter her not welcomed. There is a door here, that leads to the inner chambers. It can only be "seen" through the Force."

The door Terran was talking about was an automatic, sliding door hidden within one of the paintings on the far east wall. If one concentrated and sensed in the Force, the painting would almost come to life, animating in the mind of the perceiver. The painting showed a meditating monk with a great, bright sun. The sun would shine brightly, revealing a small button on the monk's hat. That button would open the door.

"Tieru, quiet your thoughts and look with your mind. Feel the Force flowing through you." The Jedi Knight studied his padawan. "Can you see it?"

[Tieru Ocarre]

The Padawan had fought through the Force, but vague boundaries were different. An acute sense, grasp and yank at the Force was a matter of precision and allowance. A simple beacon sent the invisible friend pushing the buddy about with every strategic move signaling for assistance. Although the young Jedi had dove in many facets of the Force, it had always been hard with unknown limits.

The inner chambers were riddle with many possibilities, and becoming so attuned after being so rattle was a bit much. It had always been a custom to disregard the existence about for absolute focus, so he withdrew his vision. The clench of his eyes unleashed the tangible fields about.

A call beckon his lifelong friendship, and the Force hurried to his side. In a moments time his eased by relinquish the inner stress and tranquility melted the minute nuances that could be perceived for uneasiness. The calm of his eyes bore no trouble, pain, or anguish.

The painting lived in his vision as he motion for the entrance.

"I gotcha, I gotcha."

[Terran Starek]

"Excellent," Terran replied, pleased with his padawan's success. It was surprising, considering the fact that they had just been through large amounts of physical and mental trauma. Terran himself was tired and desperately needed rest. He was looking forward to a quiet, non-moving place to sleep. Within the inner chambers, they would find just that.

Tieru reached up and touched the button as one wall of the narthex rumbled. Dust shook from the ancient door as dirt dislodged. It hadn't been opened for a few years, he could tell. The door came to a halt with a large *Clunk* as the Jedi Knight proceeded into it, Tieru following. They entered a dark hallway that lead to a stairwell.

The inner chambers were just as ornate as the outer ones, yet they were preserved. The hallways were fitted with Everlights - powerless, crystal lamps that emitted a soft blue light that lasted for thousands and thousands of years. Terran was used to this light.

"It's just this way," Terran said as they headed down the stairs. They came to a landing that opened into a large room. The room looked like some sort of worship hall. The hall had three hallways leaving it on this floor, and Terran headed towards the left one.

The left wing opened into the temple quarters, where Anekk priests had once lived. There, in the Archpriest's quarters, was a small and humble living space that looked quite a bit more lived in than the rest. It was one of Terran's resting places, a place of solace. He had spent a few years there, studying, learning, and (well) hiding. In one corner was a small mattress for resting. In another was a heap of books and datapads. A bag also lay there, untouched since Terran's last visit.

"This is home for now," Terran said. He looked at Tieru and smiled. "Welcome."

[Tieru Ocarre]

Tieru remembered Terran speak of the place being their new home. Every time the two passed anything, his eyes did well to analyze. From the life of a spacer, without purpose, to a Jedi required a lot of attentiveness. Everything was so different than his ritualistic lifestyle that wasn't bound by society's norms. The change wasn't drastic, but definately...a change.

The lights, the glare, the hallways, the directions, it was all new to him. No other dealings had even spelled a parallel for remembrance, so he kept his eyes open.

Although, he was tired.

A yawn opened his mouth as he reached the quarters, his eyes clenched, but mind open. The bag on the side had intrigue him, but he was certain not to ask so hasty. He gave it a minute...or maybe less, he was too interested to keep it at bay.

"What is that bag doing here?" He asked, ignoring the cordial entrance into the humble abode.

[Terran Starek]

"Ah yes, the bag," Terran broke out of a nostalgic trance as Tieru spoke. He walked toward the corner of the room, grabbing the bag and opening it. There were things inside that Terran wanted his padawan to have. This was as good a time as any.

"For starters, this is for you." The Jedi Knight reached inside, pulling out the long slender hilt of a lightsaber. It was the weapon of his previous padawan. The Jedi had held on to it for an occasion such as this. He tossed the lightsaber to Tieru. "You'll need this. We'll start with it tomorrow."

He rifled around more in the bag coming up with a holocron. He fingered the corners - it was a short holovid of Master Yoda's interpretation of the Jedi Code. Terran had watched it many times before. It was a little piece of home.

"Here. This could be interesting." He tossed the holocron to Tieru, the padawan's hands getting full. Dropping the bag to the floor, he took a look around. "We can drag another rest mattress in here for you. That should do it. We're not going to stay here long."

[Tieru Ocarre]

"Yeah, thats right..."

[Terran Starek]

Terran sensed the fatigue in his padawan, not to mention his own fatigue. It was time to rest. It was late evening anyway, and a good rest would do both he and Tieru good. Tomorrow, they could get to their training. Terran didn't want to waste a minute of time. There was work to be done and they needed to keep focused.

"Well, let's rest. Tomorrow is going to be a big day. We'll need our strength. Here." Terran tossed Tieru one last thing - a small, plastic bag filled with dried meat. It was the only bit of food Terran had left. Tomorrow, they would gather some fruit from the Temple grove.

"Eat up. We'll start bright and early tomorrow." With that, the Jedi Knight nodded to his padawan and looked to his own bed. He was ready for sleep. He needed a chance to meditate, to recover his body from the wounds of today and prepare his mind for training tomorrow. He was excited. And scared. And nervous. And doubtful.

Force be with us, Terran thought as he plopped down on his pad.

[Tieru Ocarre]

Eat...

Come...

Sleep...

Slumber conceded a turbulent flight from reality. The horrid visuals that paraded through people's minds were called nightmares, but a single word couldn't grasp the torment. Tribulations surface on the dreamy plains, scorching the grounds. Outlandish illustration painted from the soul, carrying expressions that would barley tangible.

Every moment the mind's eye strived to decipher the portraits. All the dynamics of dreams were bonded to a world unfamiliar to its night voyagers, where time didn't fall within the laws of the other world. Dreams are a truly internal swim. A drown in self that so few can bare, but at times they become more than a selfish portrait.

Even in the mysterious dimension of dreamland the existence of the Force bear a formidable hand. The masterful perspective carves, engraves, enable and disabled qualities of dreams to qualify for a larger realm. While a child slept, certain images tug at his attention, only for him to crave later.

The seeds were planted in dreams, or sown, providing room for growth in the real world. Even as the young Padawan Tieru Ocarre slept on his uncomfortable mattress, he could feel the friendly call of the Force drawing his interest.



The blast echoed through the dark.


A red beam sparked and darted through the room. From hush to chaos, a careless screech roar from the wall as it was hit with the dangerous shot. The sparkling bolt left a burn a long the wall, but no deeper damage. The intention did not rest on target practice, but a human beings life. Tieru had shifted through the darkness for a matter of seconds, avoiding the seemingly infinite charade of combat.

Over time the intensity had gross a significant amount of blast every second. Beside the usual focus of elusion, he had to remain concentrated on pinpoints a long the walls. The points represented people, and in the familiar occurrence of defense, he would have to display an understanding of security for others above his own. At one point or another he would have to decide between himself, or the pinpoint.

Yet, he had grown wise to the oncoming beams. The shots would come, of course, either hitting him or the pinpoint at that rare occurrence of landing nearby a hot spot. However, the young Padawan had taken into account the landing spots, and the angles necessary for contact with either of the targets.

One acrobatic display propelled him above a blast, his feet hitting the surface in a slide. The graceful landing was overruled by a change of plans. He rolled over to the side, his mind focused on the possibility of failure.

Nearby sat a pinpoint, flourishing from the wall in the symbol of a baby's face. The spot was quite small, and on the lower end of the wall, so he pushed from his roll to above.

A shot scorched behind him, hitting the wall's upper end as he twirl through the air underneath the fatal blaster bolt. In a moment's flash he hit the ground, but went further than the surface law's would permit. The grounds swallowed him deeper…


Deeper…


Deeper…


He was sinking, drowning in the world about him. Shots flared about, hitting him and all the pinpoints as shriek, screams and misery flush the air. Tieru didn't scream at all, instead, he smiled as he sunk lower and lower.

"Aah!" A yelp from his mouth pushed his body upward. Tieru nearly jumped from his mattress, eyes wide and open. The room was subtle in it's lighting, but he disregarded his sight. Familiarity had already become a sense to rely on, even on these new grounds. A quick grab of the lightsaber Terran had gave him set his mission at its start.

Tieru was up and out the door before a second could claim his movements.