| Logs |
2003 February 06
| These Shattered Stars |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
General Info
 |
| Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs |
Chapter Six, Part Two
It is the next day. At least, the chrono on the wall says it's the next day. There are no windows in the suites to tell, and even if there were, the moon is just that: a moon that doesn't have the same concept of night and day as a planet would. Nevertheless, the refuge seems to go by a standard day, or close to it, so there should be no problems for the four to acclimate.
Their sleep was unspectacular, as if whatever forces have been guiding them this far, and the Awatea sabers as well, were taking this chance to rest as well. The morning ablutions -- visits to the fresher, meditations, exercises -- being done, the thought of food strikes the group, as some rather tasty scents make their way through the corridors outside. Freyja heads for breakfast with her friends, looking around with fascination as she follows Vakkal following his nose.
The corridors are livelier now in the day than they were the evening before. Many persons -- a surprising number -- are walking here and there. Only some of them are from the company of Grey Jedi who accompanied Paladin Diana here -- and not all of the rest appear to be in the simple robes or tunics of the Silver Path.
If appearances of dress, stance, and "feel" in the Force are any indicators, there is a startling representation of many, many Force traditions from across the galaxy here. Apparently it is not only their own presence here that the Silver Path would like to keep hidden from the Templars. There's also a variety of divergent Jedi and (much more numerous) various non-Jedi traditions. There are not only Greysider but also Lightsider and even Darksider traditions present -- and some not even nearly so readily identifiable.
The communal hall is easily found; after a short time the smells from it are perceptible even to the non-olfactory-oriented members of the group. It is a wide, crescent-shaped room. Along the outer curve is a narrow window presenting a dramatic view of the cold, barren, rocky surface of the moon, with Zhar rising over its horizon.
The back wall has a simple cooking area, manned mostly by Silver Path novices. A few Force-refugees seem to assist as well, including one flamboyantly and colorfully-dressed Camaasi who has an unusual sense in the Force, and whose cooking style is equally flamboyant. Breakfast thin-cakes of several types fly and do somersaults over his head, landing neatly in the cook pans.
Freyja's eyes widen -- a Camaasi! She wonders if the Golden Dancer is ever nostalgic about meeting with one of her own race, so her memnii are not lost to her people.
It appears to be the start of the morning meal period. A wide table in the center seems to be for the Silver Path, in customary monastic seating arrangements, while the periphery of the room is occupied by an increasing number of visitors and other refugees. The atmosphere is somewhat quiet, out of respect for the monastic traditions of their hosts, but until the Silver Path cenobites actually arrive, there is some conversation.
Freyja looks around, wondering where to sit. She'd ordinarily sit near Valsha, except the girl seems to be quite happy now, and not feel the need for reassurance. Freyja smiles to herself -- that's a very good thing. So... where to sit... anyone interesting in view?
There is a wide variety of people present, even if the room isn't filled with people -- and almost all of them are awakened to the Force. A glance around shows only a sampling of people. Towards one end are three members of Diana's Grey Company, including the Duros whom Freyja spotted as being distinctly Lightsider. The rest of the company apparently has either already broken fast, or has yet to do so.
A small group -- a wizened-looking being and a trio of somewhat younger beings -- are in dark, matching, crude robes over clothing that would not be out of place anywhere in the Republic's low-income regions. While they look pleasant enough, something in their aura makes the two Jedi feel discomfited. It isn't a particular flavor -- neither Darksider nor Lightsider nor anything in-between -- but an odd sort of disconnection. They are present in the Force, but it feels... distant, detached. It is extremely hard to grasp, since neither of them have felt it before.
Another group which catches the group's attention is a pair in regular civilian work attire, accompanied by a near-Human who appears to have indigo scaling. What differentiates them is they have differing senses in the Force. The near-Human seems to have a sense in the Force closer to Gray than anything else, while the two others have a sense that is more... green?
In another corner, a being in a dark green, hooded longcoat sits with his back towards the two. At the same table, in a better position to view the room, sits Argent. He glances over to the group and grins, giving a nod and a half-salute before turning his attention back to the being, talking with it quietly.
Freyja looks around thoughtfully, then murmurs quietly in the minds of her friends, Fhazil, Vakkal, what, er... 'flavor' of Force do those four over there give you? I'm getting a weird, sort of, um... 'detached' feeling? Never felt that before...? A moment later she adds, Wonder if Green-coat there with Argent is Caul... She blinks a second later, and her friends can feel her faintly startled thought, ...green...?!
Zero hms. "That's new..."
Fhazil and Vakkal are extremely casual as they glance over. Not sure, really, Fhazil replies. Detached? I've never felt that sort of feeling in the Force before. It's a little... weird-feeling. Vakkal has no idea either, though to the 'green' comment he notes, Possibly a group whose view of the Force is tied very, very closely to nature and life. The Living Force taken to the next step, perhaps. They feel much like some of my people who have only recently become awakened and still have strong ties to Khar Velos.
Freyja gives Vakkal a puzzled glance, But the Force is life and nature. How could it be otherwise? She pauses, considering, then amends confusedly, Or at least it is for Lightsiders, as far as I know. Um... do I feel at all 'green' to you guys?
Zero says, "Not that I've noticed."
Vakkal replies, The Force, as Jedi and Sith see it, is everyone and everything, living as well as not. It's All. This seems to be a focus of their own tradition on the life-aspects of the Force, what some Jedi have called the Living Force, specifically the forces of nature and the natural world with regards to the growth of plants and animals and how sentient beings fit in with that paradigm.
Fhazil provides as well, Sounds a bit like a couple of Force traditions from pre-space flight Corellia. I did some reading, at Lord Ghang's suggestion. Derived from worshippers of nature.
Freyja murmurs aloud in fascination, "Huh." She pushes her fiery gold bangs back, considering... then grins, Wonder if those detached-feeling folks are the mischief-Force users... what were they called... She's guessing the foursome would qualify as Darksiders from the relaxed reactions of Vakkal and Fhazil. She considers... lack of understanding is the first step towards fear, and one should always face one's fears squarely. She smiles, heading for the foursome, "Let's see if they'll let us sit with them, shall we?" She adds, "Savalli Kho, I think it was?"
Fhazil and Vakkal pose no objections, though they note that neither of them has ever met a member of the Savalli priesthood, and wouldn't be able to tell how one 'felt' in the Force. Freyja grins over her shoulder at them, Me either, but let's see if we can find out! She'll politely ask the wizened older man, "May we sit here?"
The older man looks up, smiling kindly to Freyja, though she can see his eyes flick from one person in the group to another. "Of course, child," he says, in a voice not entirely unlike Roakkana's. The species is unfamiliar; he appears to have an extra joint in his arms and legs that allows lateral rotation, giving a very unusual look to his gestures. "You must be recently arrived here."
Freyja nods politely, "Hai, master." She gestures, introducing her friends and herself, then can't resist a faintly curious, inquiring look at the entirety of the group.
The four appear to be a cross-section of Republic species. Two are near Human and the same species; one is Aqualish, and the fourth is Gungan. The master identifies himself as Epopt Hurno Ghor of Had Abbadon. "If you do not mind me saying," he says, as the others seat themselves, "it is unusual to find a Jedi here, even with the arrival of Paladin Diana's company. 'Tis even more unusual to find a Jedi traveling with a Gray and a pair of Darksiders. How did you come by this lonely little refuge?"
Meanwhile, from the cooking area they can hear the Camaasi shout, "No, no, no, no! You put the apricots on before flipping the thin-cake -- it's much more fun that way! Well... yes, fun whether you succeed in flipping the whole thing in one go or not, don't you agree...?"
Freyja blinks, then giggles at the Camaasi's exuberance! She smiles at the older man, "We wish to become a triat, Epopt." She hesitates, then grins, "So... if you do not mind my asking either, are you Savalli Kho? -or from another tradition?" She makes a cheerful mental note to herself -- go talk to the Camaasi later! Zero nods politely as he sits down.
The Epopt's eye-ridges rise slightly -- he appears to be near Human enough for that gesture. "A triat? I am not familiar with that term." He glances at his students -- 'minervals' is the term he used -- but all of them shake their heads. "What is a triat, child? Oh... no, we are not of the Savalli priesthood. We are, perhaps amongst the last outside the Deep Core, of the Valsar."
Freyja thinks, trying to recall the term Valsar. Zero blinks. "Shattered Force." He swallows. No wonder they're making him so edgy.
Freyja brightens, "Oh! That's right... I should have remembered that." She looks puzzled, "The last? Oh, outside the Deep Core, got it." She smiles, adding, "A triat. Um... well, to be perfectly honest we're not entirely sure ourselves, and we're hoping the Presbyter can teach us more. All we know for sure is it requires three -- a Light, a Dark, and a Gray."
Ghor inclines his head with a bit of amusement to Zero. "So it is called by some, yes. We prefer to consider it a continuum of potential links." He listens curiously to Freyja. "Fascinating. I had not been aware of anything which would require three so disparate Force-aware persons."
Freyja nods politely, then curiously asks, "How did you come here, if I may inquire? Are you seeking new, um, minervals?"
He shakes his head. "Nay, not out this far. We had been traveling beyond the Deep Core, trying to grasp the situation with the war against the Sith, when unfortunately we came to the attention of a Jedi Knight. An adept of the Silver Path, after a long and rather grueling interview, gave us the knowledge of how to find this refuge. And so we came here rather than back to the Deep Core, as they suspected we would."
Freyja says, "Ah, I understand." She considers a moment, then curiously asks, "Do you know the name of the Knight? And, um... what is your perspective on the war?"
He shakes his head. "We never did find out, fortunately. We managed to remain somewhat ahead of them. I suspect they were a former member of the Brightstar Company, which is why they took such an interest in us."
"As for the war... while we are of the Deep Core, and a society the Jedi have labeled as 'heretical' and Darksider, we are still citizens of the Republic. We watch the war with grave misgivings and concern. We are still uncertain as to whether we should come forward before the Sith are upon the edge of the Deep Core. Before then we would be concerned the Jedi would fight us as readily as the Sith." He gives a faintly unsettling grin. "Our history with the Jedi is not what one would call 'amicable.'"
Freyja nods quietly, "Hai, this is so. I do not know if it helps, but I am sorry it was so."
Ghor bows his head. "Thank you for your consideration, Jedi Freyja," he says with a smile.
Freyja will chat a bit, then collect orders from her friends and head for the cooking tables. She intends to break her fast with pleasure, asking for the thin-cakes with apricots, please? -because she can't resist finding out what it is exuberant Camaasi enjoy cooking most!
As it turns out, it is the Camaasi who is a Savalli Kho, who delights in the utter chaos he causes in the cooking area but which somehow produces a very good repast -- and a weary but happy cooking staff. He says with a toothy smile, as he serves Freyja, "Through chaos Zhurlos achieved the Divine Water and brought it to us mortals; perhaps fortunately, I've only the skill to make breakfast, which is more filling. I sense the memnii of the Camaasi about you, dear, but you aren't nearly as fluffy. Whyfor is that, if I can ask?"
Freyja laughs delightedly, her eyes bright, and can't resist teasing gently in return, "Ah... my parents were human, and also not very fluffy?"
The Kho laughs. "Oh, well said! Such excellent wisdom; I shall have to sneak that into a book sometime! But in seriousness, which I assure you is but a passing insanity, why do you have the sense of memnii about you, please?"
Freyja giggles, then obligingly produces the lightsaber handle, "It's because of Kourakani here."
The Camaasi's eyes widen a bit. "Trulies?" he asks, bending over to peer at the lightsaber. He appears to be sniffing, though whether just for effect, it's hard to tell. "Ah, indeed... ancient, ancient memnii. But in a nonliving thing, even of such exquisite design?"
Freyja hesitates, then says slowly, "It's... not living in the usual sense, neh. But hai, she put her memnii here, and it's how she talks to me."
The Camaasi's ears twitch. "Incredible!" he says, straightening. "Who was she? And perhaps more immediately, who are you? I am Kho Rhoj Nii of Camaas, pleased to meet another walking in the Shadowlands!"
Freyja grins, "Uhm... well, I hight Padawan Freyja, and," she waves an arm to indicate her friends waiting at the table, "over there is my brother Padawan Zero Satau, and Vakkal is my huskarl, and that's Journeyman Fhazil Taas. I'm afraid I only know her as the Golden Dancer, though -- Kourakani." She politely salutes him, Balmorran style, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kho Rhoj -- I've always wanted to talk to a Savalli Kho!" She looks hopeful, "Maybe sometime later?" then adds, "And if by Shadowlands you mean this location, then hai, it's been quite fascinating so far!"
Rhoj Nii bobs his head. "That would be fine, Padawan Freyja; I would very much like that! And, no, actually, by 'Shadowlands' we of the Savalli faith mean the waking world; the physical, mortal world. Though admittedly, here we are comfortably deeper in shadow than we would be elsewhere."
"Oh!" Freyja considers that, then smiles, "I understand... that's a rather nicely poetic way to put it, too. I'd love to chat later, and thank you, Kho Rhoj; I'd appreciate greatly being able to learn more about all the different Force user schools."
Zero for his part goes about eating quietly. He ponders silently that since undertaking a 'higher purpose,' the overall quality of his diet has increased dramatically. He wonders what connection there is. Regardless, it sure beats starting your day with a slider.
Zero's current eating companions -- the Valsar -- are polite and quiet also, for the time being more interested in sustaining the body. While not strictly monastic, possessed of a slightly more casual degree of formality than their hosts, there is a distinct underlying sense of order and discipline beneath.
Freyja leans forward a bit herself, unwittingly, as she 'looks' closely at the Camaasi, then grins, "I've always been confused as to why the Savalli Kho chose to identify themselves as Darksiders... they always seemed to be more comfortably aligned with Grays with a sense of humor, you know? Or am I just misunderstanding?"
Nii grins, as he likewise leans in closer to Freyja, as if imparting a great secret. "Well, it's kind of like this, Padawan Freyja: the enlightened id is the path we follow. The Trickster God taught us to be quiet in our movements and to make the universe laugh at itself, and it's frelling hard to do both at the same time! Yet somehow we manage -- by stealth, guile, independence, and a sense of humor perhaps best called 'bizarre.' Wibble. Things need to be shaken up from time to time; things need to be kept interesting -- else we all slide into stasis. 'Darkside' seems to apply better to us than any other appellation. Besides," he adds wryly, "back then, 'Greysider' wasn't one of the choices."
Freyja bites her lip, leaning back and feeling faintly bad for her Force lineage's rigidity. Quietly she says, "I'm sorry, Kho Rhoj. I realize it was a very long time ago, but... for what it's worth, I don't think what happened was right."
Nii wave s a hand. "Oh, no no no, Padawan Freyja. No need to be sorry. I don't seem to recall there being one of your description at the Syncretic Assembly, but if there was I'm sure it was someone else. But... thank you for your consideration. The Jedi simply don't grasp the immensity, the enormity of the consequences of their actions were -- they have no idea what kind of parties they were not-invited to."
Freyja blinks -- then giggles in spite of herself. A moment later she's recovered, and smiles, "Maybe someday we can, hai? I'd like that... and I think my friends would too." She loads up her tray with the food for herself and her friends, and heads back to the table, after cheerfully promising to come talk to the Camaasi sometime later. As she hands out plates of food to her friends, she happily says, "The Camaasi's Savalli Kho; isn't that fascinating?"
Shortly after Freyja returns to her seat from her chat with the Savalli Kho, the two sets of doors open; the others in the communal hall grow quiet. "Ah," Ghor says softly, "Our hosts arrive."
Quietly and somewhat solemnly, the thirty or so Silver Path acolytes file in first, fifteen from each door, and occupy either side of the center of the table. An even dozen adepts follow them, then the presbyter and three others enter (presumably high-ranked Silver Path members), who occupy seats at the heads of the table.
"A good morning to you all," the presbyter says. "And to our guests as well; in particular those who have just recently joined us." She indicates the group of four. "Another day dawns, and still our task is not yet done. But we must always remember our task is as much the journey as the destination. And perhaps that destination is somewhat closer." She pauses for a moment, as if considering what more to say, then gestures slightly, and the Silver Path monastics are seated.
"Interesting," Ghor says, again quietly in respect for the near-silently dining monastics. "She seems to have more hope in something than I have seen in her for these past three months."
Freyja looks curiously at the man, "Really, Epopt?" She considers, then adds, "That's a good thing, hai? Er, wait... how long have you been here?"
Ghor smiles a little. "Three months. Yes, I would imagine that it is a good thing. Perhaps related to this 'triat' you mentioned."
Freyja smiles, "That would be nice -- if we brought some hope to our hosts." She adds a little dryly, "Although I find myself even more curious now to learn more!"
"I daresay they need it. The Savalli Kho has been here for a year and admits he's repeatedly failed to bring the Kel Dor equivalent of a smile to the presbyter's face. Of course, the Kho never gives up. With that much energy he could make an unassisted hyperspace jump straight from here to the Core, I imagine."
Freyja giggles, then studies the folk of the Silver Path with interest. She wonders how they all came to be here, and which of them will train the potential triat, and what they feel about the group... she's quietly fascinated, and wishes for a moment she had the time to just talk to everyone here -- the stories alone would be worth it! She'll finish her breakfast, then sit quietly, chatting with whomever will chat with her. She's not sure what the order of go will be from now on, but she's quite willing to let the Silver Path tell her.
As she studies the Silver Path monastics, a few actually do seem to stand out. In particular one Human seems about as tall as Roakkana -- though he is not the tallest and broadest one there -- with a bit of a drawn face and very large hands which would be almost clumsy if not for some slow grace about them. He sits amongst the adepts, his medallion depicting a stylized symbol that appears to be shard-blades crossed over a crescent moon.
Zero, for his part, finds his own eye drawn to a female Wookiee who appears of slightly lighter build for her species, with dark russet fur and a somewhat softer demeanor than the incredibly tall Human seated beside her. She and the Human converse quietly with the Presbyter. Zero hmms, and wonders about the higher-ranking Path monks. Odd that a Wookiee would come so far from the jungle just to hide out on this rock. She must be quite powerful.
Freyja studies the Human with fascination, her gaze somehow drawn to him. She wonders if he has something to teach her... she hopes so. She hopes she finds the person who can help Vakkal too, as the Gyndine Jedi Master in the vision mentioned. Maybe they're one and the same? She'll have to ask.
Shortly, both Humans notice a Togruta female discreetly entering the communal hall. She looks somewhat tired, and her lekku and horns show some signs of scarring. What is most surprising, however, is that beneath the sleeveless, open, pale gray robe of the Silver Path she wears a Sedraki-style jacket and floor-length skirt.
Zero blinks. Maishen's master! Freyja brightens, sitting up suddenly at the Togruta's entrance. "Oh! Do you suppose that's her, guys?" She calls out quietly, hopefully, "Sifu Danka?"
The Togruta pauses in going to the Silver Path table, looking over to Freyja's group and blinking a little. She steps over. "I am Danka, formerly sifu. Do I know you, Padawan?" She glances to the others, her eyes lingering a bit and widening slightly as she notices Zero is Sedraki.
Freyja brightens, "It is you! Thank you so very much for what you did on Sedrak -- and Maishen sends her fond greetings!" She rises to politely bow, then offer the tired looking woman her seat. She also remembers to introduce herself and her friends a moment later. Zero too stands and bows politely.
The Togruta blinks, then smiles warmly. "Ah, Maishen. Is she well? When did you speak her?" She politely declines the seat, and greets the others courteously, to Zero with the palms-forward Sedraki customary bow.
Freyja looks to Zero, as the Sedraki, to explain. Zero says, "She was studying on Balmorra, the last I saw her. She's gone on to the Military Academy. She's well... she's going to be a formidable officer, thanks to you, sifu."
Danka inclines her head. "I only showed her what she could do. She did the hard part." She sighs then. "I just hope it was enough. I regret not staying on Sedrak to even remotely complete her training."
Zero says, "You did what you could. Considering the state of the Silver Path is not unlike that of Sedrak -- both of them rebuilding -- that's all anyone could ask."
The Togruta smiles then, banishing her weariness. "Thank you for your words, Zero. I hope I have helped to show Maishen enough that she may make her own decisions." She shakes her head ruefully. "I heard the creatures on Sedrak were finally dealt with. Have you been there of late?"
Freyja murmurs quietly, "Tell her about the Oather Sith lord, too, Zero?" She grins and nods at the woman's comment, "Hai, they're gone now! Poor things."
Danka nods, smiling, "Good, I am glad for that. I did what I could...." She arches a brow. "Sith Lord...?"
Zero nods. "The creatures... were a weapon of an Oath of Fire mistress hiding under Shenlong. It's all been resolved now... fortunately."
Freyja adds politely, "Thank you for dealing with the Oather, Sifu. It made things far, far easier to clean up."
Danka makes a quiet sound. "'Oath of Fire.' Is that why she was so... so...." She fumbles for a word. "...talkative? Oh, you are welcome, Padawan Freyja. I am only sorry I could not get her to reveal how to control the worms before our duel became too heated to attempt subduing her. I am glad that helped, though, and that you did not have to deal with Tavra Soon as well. You were amongst the Jedi who were working on Sedrak, then?"
Freyja nods, "Hai. I think she was talkative because she was both poetic at heart, and utterly sure all Jedi should die." She smiles, "It was her talkativeness in her notes that was the final clue for controlling the worms, in fact."
Zero says, "We came after Maishen told me about the problems there. We cooperated with that company of Jedi." Freyja nods again.
Danka makes a wry sound. "A pity. She seemed that she could be rational if not for that streak of anger which fuelled her. Ah, I see. I am glad it went well, then. I hope you do not think ill of me for fleeing. But with the arrival of the Jedi, any help I could give would have led to either attracting the worms, or revealing myself to them, and as you can see..." She indicates her robes. "That, ah, would not have resulted in anything well."
Freyja nods quietly, "Hai... although unless you ask me not to, I will be pleased to tell Maishen you're fine."
Zero says, "You did the right thing, sifu. Maishen is outside the scrutiny of the Order now, and you are safe."
Danka smiles, "Thank you, both of you. I am glad to hear that, Padawan Zero, and Padawan Freyja, I would be grateful if you would tell her so, the next time you speak with her."
Zero nods, "Of course, sifu. We'll tell her."
[Previous Log] [Index] [Next Log]