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Post by Cachot Maître on Oct 4, 2009 13:07:16 GMT -5
EVERYTHING'S GOT A MORAL, IF ONLY YOU CAN FIND IT. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - She sighed, then nudged Manu.
"Come on, we need to get you to the Council. But, before that..." She guided Manu over to one of the benches in the hanger. "I envy you, you know that? If I was thrown into a situation like this, and, I was, a long time ago, I would be breaking down right now, gaining a few years from all the stress." She smiled, then leaned back on the bench to pop a few muscles in her back.
"You've earned plenty of answers, and, I'm sure you have plenty of questions. Before we go to the Council of Elders, I want you to feel... aware." She then waved a hand at the hanger, then pointed at the exit. "This, is the main hanger of the capital city, Verumi. A couple of miles away, you'll find the temple. It's not massive, but, it's nice. Lord Avaniel says that during the Second Force War, he and a small handful of Hopeful's, Disciples, Knights, and Lords all fled here, to escape the impending doom pf the Sith."
She sighed, then tugged at her lightsaber. "This, is a lightsaber. It used to be pretty common during the Force Wars, but, it's rarely mentioned now. It's the weapon of the Sith, the Shield of the Jedi, and the tool of the Jensaarai. We don't believe in attacking without a reason. We don't protect the Galaxy by flashing our sabers around. We use our lightsabers as a tool to fulfill our own agendas. Most of the time, their just. Others, not so just."
She then unclipped the saber, and lifted it into the air via the Force. "What I'm doing now is something akin to Telekinesis. Through use of the Force, I can move objects through concentration, among other things. There are many applications of the Force, and the Sith practice in the darkest. The Jedi, the Light. We Jensaarai, however, see the Force, simply as the Force. No Light or Dark Sides, simply the Force. We believe that every Hopeful has the potential to do whatever he wants with his abilities. We cannot force someone against their will. We also believe that through our teachings, and by giving them freedom, they will make the better choice. We are not evil, but, nor are we wholly good."
She let her saber fall into her palm, then clipped it back into her belt. "Another thing. The Empire has no idea we even exist. There may be some Sith that know about us, but, think of us as extinct. The Jensaarai was an old, and powerful order, founded after the First Force War. The first Saarai-Kaar was said to be a wise, and powerful man. Lord Avaniel trained directly under him. The reason why we've remained hidden from the Empire, though, is because this planet is very remote. Hardly even the veteran explorers have seen this planet. We keep a close eye on the Empire, from the inside and out. So, when we learned that a Brother was captured, well, we had to act. If the Empire finds out about us, we'll be slaughtered, all for nothing."
She rose from the bench, then took a few steps towards the exit. "There's another reason why Sato is so important, but, that's another story for another day. You'll learn when you're ready. Speaking of ready, I'm sure the Council of Elders is ready for us."
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Post by ippo on Oct 4, 2009 19:09:11 GMT -5
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF STUPID THINGS IN LARGE NUMBERS. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A hand rubbed a grizzled jaw, the man grumbling in thought as Suzu explained herself. Things were making a bit more sense now. So this girl is part of some secret order from ages ago. He did his best to try and keep up on his history, so it was a bit of a surprise that he hadn't heard much of this group until now. Amazing. That also explains why those Stormtroopers wanted her so badly and why his home got blown up for it: this girl was not just one of those Force Sensitives, but also, if they knew about her, one of the order she swore to protect. He stood himself up as he beckoned her over. As he followed behind, Manu was quick to point out an important point.
"Nice place, nice gear and nice tricks," he plainly complimented her as they shuffled along. "You'll forgive me if I'm a little slower than most. I've spent my years in the middle of the Dune Sea with little contact. I can understand most of this stuff, except for that little telekinesis trick you did earlier and your explanation on each side of the Force." He hrmed.
"That said, what is the Force?"
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Post by Cachot Maître on Oct 4, 2009 19:39:38 GMT -5
EVERYTHING'S GOT A MORAL, IF ONLY YOU CAN FIND IT. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - She blinked, and nearly stopped to stare long and hard at Manu, but, kept herself in check and kept on walking.
"What is the Force? It's the essence that binds us together. It holds the Galaxy together, and grants us Force Sensitives power to do extraordinary things. Everyone has their own definition of the Force. To Kine, the Force represents his lost family, and his honor. To Remis, the Force is what gives us all of life's mysteries, so that he can solve them. To me, however, I just believe that the Force is some cosmic energy, far beyond our understanding. You can't pin it down to just one thing, as it is ALL things."
She led Manu to a massive gate, which opened as she placed her hand on the console next to it. Behind the blast doors, a long, dark hallway, made from stone and reinforced with beskar, led them to another set of doors, slightly smaller than the previous ones. Suzu nodded to one of the men standing guard, and the doors opened, revealing a field of trimmed, green grass. It was a very different sight compared to Tatooine. So full of life, so peaceful, so serene.
Past the rolling green hills and fields, sat a temple, ancient in design. Banners of multiple colors were hanged along it, and massive windows gave a view to those inside. A third set of blast doors forced them to stop. Suzu rested her hand on the console, then turned to Manu with a smile. "Welcome to the Jensaarai Temple."
The door opened, and she stepped inside, into the main room, where Jensaarai of all ranks and titles stood in small to large groups, talking and laughing about all sorts of different things. Remis was having a heated discussion with a Chiss Knight, while Kinezumi was yelling at a man who could easily be mistake for a stone wall, from his expression and calm aura. Saber in hand, Kine flailed his arms around while spit flew out of his mouth. The wall of a man simply shook his head, then walked away with Kine following close behind, obviously angry.
Suzu tugged on Manu's sleeve, then led him towards an elevator, which they took up to the Council of Elders. "Since you're new here, I'll go over some of the basic rules of formality. Always address a Council member as Elder, never Lord or Lady. Also, only speak when spoken to. Do those two things, and you should be just fine."
The elevator doors opened, and Suzu led them to, once again, another set of doors, which she gently knocked on.
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Post by ippo on Oct 4, 2009 19:51:55 GMT -5
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF STUPID THINGS IN LARGE NUMBERS. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Green.
Green.
It's all green.
For a moment after Manu took his first steps onto the grasslands, he stopped for a moment, eyes lost on the horizon. He turned down to his feet, looking at the green grass underneath him. His knees gave, dropping him to the ground as he ran his hands over the turf. His hands dug into the soil. It was soft and brown, nothing at all like the tough orange of the Dune Sea.
This was fascinating.
There's time to oogle grass later. There was a meeting to get to. He pulled himself up, dusting his knees and hands as he followed behind Suzu. The blast doors opened, and he shuffled inside.
Just like at Mos Espa, he was hit by a wall of colors and sounds. This time, though, it felt distinctly different. It felt, well, regal and refined. Nothing like the surliness and sneakiness of the folks in the Tatooine cantinas. There was certainly an energy to it, but instead of visceral and potent, it felt...man, what's the word? Heightened? Who knows?
"I'll make no guarantees," Manu seemed to joke as he slid into the repulsorlift behind Suzu. "But I'll see what I can do."
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Post by Cachot Maître on Oct 4, 2009 20:07:49 GMT -5
EVERYTHING'S GOT A MORAL, IF ONLY YOU CAN FIND IT. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - No response, yet the doors slid open.
Suzu led Manu into the Council of Elders. The only light was in the middle of the room, leaving everything else pitch black. Once in the center, the lights flickered on, revealing the six Elders of the Jensaarai, three on one side, three on the other. One seat was empty. The middle seat. The seat of the Saarai-Kaar.
Suzu looked at each of them as she spoke. "Oh, wise Council, I bring before you, Manu Nomarin, a Force Sensitive from the planet of Tatooine. He has been a Moisture Farmer his whole life, until he saved my from the Force Recovery Squad, and the Orbital Demolition Strike. Now, he has nothing to his name. I would like to give him a new home, here, with the Jensaarai, as a Hopeful of this Order."
She stepped back, behind Manu, and the Elders remained silent, shifting their gaze from Suzu to the former Moisture Farmer.
"What say you, Manu?" The Elder speaking was an Ithorian, seated two to the left of the Saarai-Kaar's place.
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Post by ippo on Oct 4, 2009 20:16:09 GMT -5
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF STUPID THINGS IN LARGE NUMBERS. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Brows furrowed at the grand hall and the proceedings in front of him. His satchel was slung over his back, his nails and kneepads dirty from digging into the soil and grass outside. A council, hm? Not much to say that Suzu didn't already say. He scratched the back of his neck at the question.
"Uhhh..." His lips pursed before he gave an answer. "It...would beat living as a bum on the streets of Mos Eisley?" He shrugged.
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Post by Cachot Maître on Oct 4, 2009 22:07:33 GMT -5
EVERYTHING'S GOT A MORAL, IF ONLY YOU CAN FIND IT. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Suzu fought back an urge to face-palm.
"Very well then. From this day forth, you are now one with the Jensaarai Brotherhood. Welcome to our order, Hopeful Nomarin." The Ithorian raised an ancient hand to Suzu. "You are to watch over him and supervise his training here with the Jensaarai. Think of him as a Disciple, Knight Masaki."
She nodded. "You will, Elder." She then tugged on Manu's sleeve and led him out of the Council as the lights dimmed. Once they entered the elevator, Suzu breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm surprised they didn't yell at me for taking that extended break... I wasn't approved to leave Verumi, yet I did it anyway, looking for Lady Genoce. The Empire found me along the way, and, I ended up on Tatooine."
She rubbed a kink in her shoulder as they stepped out of the elevator, and walked towards the door that Kinezumi and the Jensaarai wall entered. "I'm sure they'll find another time to do that though. Should probably be happy that they didn't now." As she moved her hand back to her side, she brushed against her hair slightly, revealing a thin, yet plainly visible scar on her neck. of course, it would mean nothing to Manu, but, if he thought about it hard enough, he'd notice it was shaped more like a letter, or some sort of symbol, rather than just a basic scar.
Nevertheless, they entered a room that could only be a place where those of the Jensaarai would train in the art of Saber combat. A massive mat spread from one wall to the other, and several groups of Jensaarai fought against each other, some in groups of two versus two, or one versus one. Groups like one versus two or three were more rare, yet, still around.
Near the back, the shouting figure of Kinezumi could be seen, leaping into the air and slamming his saber against the bulkier Jensaarai, who fended him off with a single hand, blocking his attack then pushing him aside like he was a trivial thing, not worth noting.
Kinezumi landed with a roll, then charged towards the bulky Jensaarai, sweeping at his side with a rising diagonal slice, only to have it pushed aside by a similar attack, only in a falling fashion, followed by a hand, open palmed, flying towards his face, only to stop an inch away. However, Kinezumi was sent flying backwards, despite the hand never touching him.
Suzu sighed and shook her head at the fight. "Kine just won't give up..." She looked at Manu, then pointed at the bulky Jedi. "That's Codan Grosh, a Disciple, like Kine. Only, he's smarter, faster, stronger, wiser, and calmer. All in all, he's Kine's rival, but the relationship is one-sided. He's also a pretty rare breed for a Falleen. Way taller than the average, and, bulkier. He resembles a Dashade more than a Falleen, but, he's got that handsome alien-like quality that the Dashade's don't."
The fight continued, with the Falleen Disciple easily batting away Kine's attacks, no matter how fast or strong they may seem. After what seemed like at least a minute of pure clashing, Kinezumi swung his saber in an arc at his rival. Naturally, the Falleen raised his saber to defend, stopping the arc before it could finish. However, Kine disignited his saber at the last second, then instantly ignited it again, slipping past the Falleen's defenses and finishing the arc, slashing through his throat, then coming down and separating his torso from his legs.
Nearly every Jensaarai froze and stared at the two Disciples, then the Falleen rose his hands in defeat, and Kine let out a whoop of joy. Had they been using actual sabers, rather than training sabers, Kinezumi would have proven his sudden skill in Tràkata, utilizing the Pass the Blade maneuver, and bested one of the best saberists of the Disciple's, killing him where he stood.
Suzu appeared dumbstruck, in awe at Kinezumi's sudden growth in skill.
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Post by ippo on Oct 4, 2009 22:25:34 GMT -5
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF STUPID THINGS IN LARGE NUMBERS. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A hand rubbed his mouth at the sight of the scar on her neck, an eyebrow arched. Just file that away in the archives for now. At least Manu was grateful for having a roof over his head now. So this girl was gonna be in charge of him? Well, it helps to show him the ropes, at least.
Eyes roved once they slid into the saber training room. Manu's eyes squinted at the sight of so many bright neon colors in one place. Not as bad as looking into the Tatooine suns, but still. She pointed out Kine and the Falleen, a species he hadn't seen much of back at home. He had to admit, Kine's stubbornness was rather admirable. Wild and untamed, but it's better than nothing. The room had suddenly fallen silent at Kine's surprise takedown.
Most people were awestruck.
Suzu was confused.
Manu shrugged.
Hey, a fake's a fake. He'd probably have done the same thing. What, was this some advanced technique or something? Or does that say something about the kid? Arms folded as eyes roved.
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Post by Cachot Maître on Oct 4, 2009 23:00:59 GMT -5
I'LL BREAK THE SEAL OF THIS CURSE IF I POSSIBLY CAN, FOR FREEDOM OF EVERY MAN. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Kinezumi grabbed Codan's hand and shook it vigorously.
"Ijaaaaaaaa~!!! Tracyn~! Tracinya~!! Tor~!!!"
He stomped his feet and flared his nostrils, then pounded his fist onto his chest, then saluted his bested rival. "Ori'jate, nar dralshy'a." He then gave a grin, and slapped him on the shoulder, then spotted Suzu and Manu. Motioning for Codan to follow, he jogged over to the two.
He grasped Suzu's hand, and knelt before her. To which she fliched at. "As a display for my eternal love for you, I have brought honor to my name by besting this powerful foe. With this victory in mind, I hope to have won your heart at my impressive display of strength and skill." He flailed his arms as he fell onto the ground from a quick backhand to the cheek from Suzu.
Codan stepped forward, and nodded at Suzu, then at Manu. "Miss Suzu. It's been far too long. It pleases me to see you with us once more." He offered a noble bow, to which Kinezumi huffed at as he stood.
EVERYTHING'S GOT A MORAL, IF ONLY YOU CAN FIND IT. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ew. It was touching her hand.
With a quick backhand, she managed to free her hand from the sweaty palms of Kinezumi. She wanted to do nothing but washing her hands now, but, when Codan spoke to her and bowed, the only proper thing to do was reply. "It's wonderful to see you too, Codan." She gave a half-bow, then stepped to the side to introduce him to Manu. "This is our newest Hopeful. Manu Nomarin. I was hoping that you'd be able to help me give him a tour of the temple."
Codan shook his head, but, smiled. "I would love to, but, the Council of Elders has requested for me to join them for a meeting. It shouldn't last too long, so, I may be able to join up with you sometime during the tour."
Suzu frowned at this, but, understood. The Council of Elders was constantly calling Codan in for meetings, even back before she left without permission. "Alright. We'll start with the upper levels first, then work our way down."
I'LL BREAK THE SEAL OF THIS CURSE IF I POSSIBLY CAN, FOR FREEDOM OF EVERY MAN. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Squinting, Kinezumi stared at the exchange between Suzu and Codan.
Just what did the alien have that he didn't?! He proved today that he was better than him, so, why didn't Suzu love him yet?!
"'Ey, I'll come too. There have been a lot of changes to the Temple since you've been gone, Suzu, so, you'll need me to show you around." He flashed a grin at her. "Plus, I know a few utility closets that we--" A fist smacked him upside the head, sending him reclining forward in pain. "Owowowowowowww.."
He looked up to see Suzu leading the way towards the exit already, and he waved and shouted as he ran to Suzu's side.
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Post by ippo on Oct 4, 2009 23:23:51 GMT -5
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF STUPID THINGS IN LARGE NUMBERS. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - An eyebrow arched. This kid...was he on spice? Manu had never seen someone so enthusiastic, especially when getting backhanded in the face. This place was just strange. Then again, he'd learned not to complain much. He's seen stranger. A nod and a wave was offered to Coran as Suzu led him along by the arm to explore the rest of the complex. The kid offered to tag along, to which Manu couldn't complain. As long as she didn't misfire and catch the old farmhand in the teeth, we should be good.
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