NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Maybe we could tie this in with the PM Whitfield thread, I’d love to come to the SW galaxy and be another student, if Coreworlds and Evil Woody Thoughts don’t mind me joining their open RP.

Vykk Dreygo, a 2nd Year Cadet at the Imperial Academy in Manhattan Prime woke up abruptly, woken once more by strange, vivid dreams. This one involved himself, looking much older than his 20 years, wielding a glowing sword against a shadowy enemy. Another figure fought beside him, a friend, though not someone he remembered ever meeting

He struggled to understand the meaning of these visions – they seemed too vivid and real for dreams, and yet made no sense. Was he seeing his future? How could he have the ability to do that? And whatever sort of fate could turn the youthful officer cadet into such a graceful and deadly warrior?

It had all started a few weeks ago; first Vykk has started to get glimpses of things yet to occur, then a strange kind of intuition that scared him a bit. His new instincts gave him an uncanny ability to understand the feelings of those he met, he almost seemed to know what they would do and say before they thought it. His reflexes had increased, augmented by a strange 6th sense that whispered in the air to him and spoke without words in his mind. Then the dreams and visions had started. This was the most powerful one so far.

Waking up, he heard for the first time, words forming in his mind, a voice saying “Welcome Vykk. Ever have we spoken, yet only now have you begun to listen”

Startled Vykk sat up. What was happening to him? Was he going insane? Like many others on Earth, Vykk was a fan of Star Wars, a great hit in Manhattan Prime, and he was slowly seeing the similarities to the power of the mystical Jedi Knights. But even thinking of that was stupid for such a practical young man as Vykk, the Jedi were fictional – he had never heard of anyone else in his galaxy having that power, and the existence of other galaxies, with different laws, was strictly theoretical.

Not knowing anyone he could turn to, Vykk desperately decided to appeal to the Jedi Knights, if such people existed, to help him control this power, and find peace. Concentrating hard he projected his thoughts out into space, explaining who and where he was, the nature of his situation, and that he was looking for a kind, patient and skilled master to instruct him in the ways of the Force, to take him on as a willing apprentice.

Tommorow he would apply for extended leave from the Academy, he was no use in his current condition. He enjoyed his studies and had been looking forward to serving in the Imperial Armed Forces, the military of Manhattan Prime until his life was thrown into chaos by these surfacing powers. An intelligent and eager student, Vykk was known to his friends for his kindness, loyalty, and the aura of calm confidence that seemed to surround him, thought he was sometimes prone to arrogance and overconfidence – not unlike some Jedi in that respect.

Tall and thin, with sandy brown hair, and youthful, ruggedly handsome features, Vykk sat down again on his bed, concentrating his full attention on sending out his call for aid.

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Jedi Academy, Jurai....

It was Master Harry Blayden (Qui-Gon with shorter hair) who picked up the Force Message, though it was faint. Headmaster of the Jedi Academy and member of the Council, he is the consummate Jedi Master, having trained in the ways of the Force for many decades. Now, he senses yet another prospective student from Earth who wishes to train in the ways of the Force. He smiles. 'Something about that Lucas does seem to increase Force sensitivity. Maybe it's the holofilms.'

He decided to take the trip himself, sending notes to his assistant headmaster that he would be leaving for a day or so to pick up a couple of prospective students. That done, he headed tot he hangar bay and started up a small shuttle that seats four plus two crew and flew out of the hangar bay and into space.

It was a short jump to the Cordian Wormhole that connects the GFFA with the Milky Way. The Wormhole was ringed with hypermatter generators to keep it stable and powerful defense installations, just in case. Once Blayden entered the wormhole, the hyperdrive kicked in again and took him through the void between the galaxies and an hour later, the Jedi Master was on the other side. The rest of the trip to Earth took several hours and then the Jedi Master reverted to realspace outside the orbit of the moon and reached out into the Force to find the student out of billions...

Vykk felt a gentle touch on his mind – was it the Voice again, the Force?
“Okay, I’m listening” he sent, and then thought again. Whenever the Force, or whatever it was had spoken to him, It had a broad anonymity that was at once gentle and subtle and as complex as hearing the voice of a whole galaxy, as if the entire universe was speaking to him. This touch was different, more personal, more direct and focused. A person.

Were there others like him then, other ‘Jedi’ that were real people and not works of fiction? Still feeling like he was going insane, Vykk tried again to project his thoughts – “I’m Vykk Dreygo, and I need guidance. I need to know what’s happening to me, and how to control it. If you’re out there, please, help me”

OOC: There is a small wood on the outskirts of the Military Academy campus that would be good for an unobserved landing, assuming your ship isn’t too large. You’ll have no trouble fooling our Modern tech Radar of course. Manhattan Prime has only launched one manned space mission so far, and though we have encountered other spare-faring nations, we have never been visited by any.

Feel free to make any comments on my posts by the way – I’m quite new to this, so I’d appreciate any advice. I also have MSN messenger if you want to discuss any RPs on there – let me know and I’ll TG my addy to you

'Ah, there you are, my friend.' Master Blayden sensed the cry, which seems to come from the United States' Manhatten area (If it's different, lemme know). He didn't know that there was an actual nation within a nation, judging by the radio feeds he was getting, but considering what the Earth is, he shouldn't be surprised. He pressed a button on the dashboard that cloaked the shuttle from the military radars and set down at a clearing near what appears to be a military academy.

'So our young Force-sensitive appears to be a soldier here.' The Jedi Master thought as he walked out of the shuttle after changing to more Earthly clothing. Then he detected the boy's message. (He's late 50s, so a twentysomething would be not much more than a boy in his eyes.)

“I’m Vykk Dreygo, and I need guidance. I need to know what’s happening to me, and how to control it. If you’re out there, please, help me.”

Harry decided to send a reply. 'I am here, young friend. I have come to help. Where shall we meet?'

The other Jedi spoke again, offering words of comfort and understanding for Vykk’s termoaled thoughts.

Feeling grateful and eager to meet the Jedi, Vykk replied again, and it seemed a lot easier to him this time:

“Thank you for coming. There is a forest around the edge of the Academy campus, and by the tallest oak tree there is a clearing that looks out to a small lake. My officer cadet lectures have finished for the day, I can meet you there in 5 minutes”

Vykk changed out of his cadet’s uniform into a t-shirt, jacket and jeans, and set off for the clearing, one of his favourite places to go to think and reflect because of its peaceful views, and most importantly, its quiet surroundings. He had never seen anyone else near there, so it was unlikely his meeting with the Jedi Master would be disturbed. Looking forward to finding some answers and peace soon, and quite excited at meeting an actual Jedi, the cadet broke into a run.

OOC: Close enough. Vykk in Manhattan City, the capital of my nation Manhattan Prime. It isn’t the actual New York, but it’s named after it, sort of colony style.

It didn't take long for the Jedi Master to find the tallest oak tree and the lake, and he ended up being there before the young soldier arrived. As the soldier jogged up, he could see a long beard 50ish man in a martial arts uniform.

"Hello, Vykk. I am Jedi Master Harry Blayden, Headmaster of our Jedi Academy. It's quite a peaceful place here."

The kind-hearted cadet regarded the other man, and found himself instantly trusting him. He had a longish beard, short well-kept hair and noble, leonine features. He seemed at once kindly and understanding, but bristling with an aura of majesty and power.

“Thank you again for coming to see me Master Blayden. Yes, I agree. I come here to think sometimes, at the end of the day. As you know, my name is Vykk Dreygo, and recently I’ve been experiencing nightmares, and ‘visions’ of some kind. They’ve begun to take over my life, and their power scares me a little. I need to know what is happened to me, and how I can control these new senses and feelings I get. There is an Academy for Jedi? Is it near Earth?”

"There is indeed a Jedi Academy, a trip of several hours via hyperdrive, and as for these nightmares and visions, would you care to share them?" The Master suspects definite Force Sensitivity here, but he needs to make sure.

“Well, they started happening a few weeks ago, just creeping on and then increasing in strength as weeks passed. They are sort of like very vivid dreams, but they seem too real for dreams – a lot involve myself, but a lot older, talking to people and I have never met and in combat. It’s like… seeing myself in the future.

I never see who I am fighting, they are shadowy, but there is always another man fighting alongside me. He keeps his cloak up, so I cannot see his face, but I know he is no-one I have ever met – we both seem to be wielding glowing swords of some kind, which made me think of a Jedi’s weapon.

There have been some visions and senses whilst I am awake too; I seem to sometimes know what will happen, or what people will say to me before they say it, as if I have some very advanced sense of empathy with them. I’ve noticed my reflexes improving slightly, and once I have heard a strange voice in my mind, a voice that speaks without words. It told me it had always been speaking to me, but I had only just started to listen. It all makes no sense Master, and it scares me a little. Do you know what is happening to me?” Vykk explaining, his tone of voice clearly showing his frustration and confusion with what is happening to him.

Hmm. Precognition, Empathy, maybe slight telepathy. Plus that vision of a Jedi alongside him. The Force never lies, and it hasn't here...

"You see things before they occur. You have visions of things yet to come. Those are definitely Jedi traits." Master Blayden said to Vykk. Then he smiled. "You are about to step into a larger world, my friend. Are you ready?"

“You know what’s happening to me, don’t you Master Blayden? You think that the voice I heard was the Force speaking to me, and as for what is happening to me, that is some kind of Jedi powers manifesting themselves in me?

If that is true, then I would like very much to come with you, and learn how to be a Jedi. If the little I know is true, then the Jedi stand for the same things I do; protecting the weak, upholding freedom and democracy. I joined the military so I could serve my country, and defend those who could not defend themselves. I feel I could learn a lot more, and help right wrongs on a larger scale if I came with you.

I will resign my commission if you feel it’s necessary, or if not I will apply for extended leave and get the few things I need from my room. Either way, I will commit myself whole-heartedly to your teachings.”

OCC: How do you think the training would progress, would Vykk be assigned to a single Master, or would he learn at the Academy as a whole for a while? Does Master Blayden currently have an apprentice, if not than I know a very eager, idealistic, smart young man in need of guidance.

“You know what’s happening to me, don’t you Master Blayden? You think that the voice I heard was the Force speaking to me, and as for what is happening to me, that is some kind of Jedi powers manifesting themselves in me?

If that is true, then I would like very much to come with you, and learn how to be a Jedi. If the little I know is true, then the Jedi stand for the same things I do; protecting the weak, upholding freedom and democracy. I joined the military so I could serve my country, and defend those who could not defend themselves. I feel I could learn a lot more, and help right wrongs on a larger scale if I came with you.
"I know exactly what is happening, my friend. You are growing stronger in the Force, and you are now at the point when training would be most beneficial. If you would come with me to my shuttle, I can take you to our Academy."

I will resign my commission if you feel it’s necessary, or if not I will apply for extended leave and get the few things I need from my room. Either way, I will commit myself whole-heartedly to your teachings.”
"No, it won't be necessary to resign your commision, as some Jedi have chosen a military career."

OCC: How do you think the training would progress, would Vykk be assigned to a single Master, or would he learn at the Academy as a whole for a while? Does Master Blayden currently have an apprentice, if not than I know a very eager, idealistic, smart young man in need of guidance.
OOC: If he were a teenager, he would be assigned to a team with two other students and a Master after a training session of about 6 months (longer if necessary). As it is, I think a year of training is worthwhile.

A few minutes later, Vykk was making his case to the Academy Commandant, an imposing figure of a man.

“If it’s psychological help you need Cadet, we have some very fine psychologists here.” the Commandant said.

“I don’t think that would do any good sir” Vykk answered, “I still feel I need to go away for a while, to find myself” It was hard to explain any more than that. I’m leaving to become a Jedi sir – even in his head the words sounded outlandish.

“I’m sorry Cadet Dreygo, but your request is denied”

Surprised, Vykk made a quick decision. “Then I resign my commission” he said, throwing his Cadet’s rank pips and Browning High Power handgun on the desk.

“You cannot!” the commandant thundered, “you signed up to serve, you cannot go back on that contract now!”

“I’m leaving now sir, my heart is set on this and my mind is made up. I’m leaving, and you cannot stop me”

“Go then. But never return. Manhattan Prime is closed to you, you have officially gone AWOL, and so are exiled from Manhattan for as long as you should leave. I’m sorry Cadet, but you give me no choice”

Angry, upset and hurt, Vykk ran to his room, grabbed a few things – pictures of his home and family, posters of his favourite music groups, a few books and CDs, and a change of clothes, and threw them into a bag.

It was a measure of the faith and trust he had in the Jedi Master, that Vykk had chosen a man he barely knew over his home. However, he reasoned, there had really been no choice at all for him; he had no idea he would be exiled for leaving the military. What was the alternative – staying here and being plagued by nightmare he didn’t understand? The Jedi were all he had now.

Speaking without words, he could feel the Jedi Master sending feelings of comfort and reassurance through the Force. Slowly, Vykk felt his anger seep away, and he approached the clearing, his thoughts and feelings easy to read – Vykk was too honest and open with his feelings to try and conceal them.

Master Blayden looked concerned, and sympathic as Vykk quickly explained, trying not to focus on the sadness he felt, less strong now, but still potent.

“I have no family really; both my parents died in a car crash 3 year ago, and I have no brothers or sisters. I will miss my home of course, but there is nothing for me here now

I still feel very confused and overwhelmed by all this, but I know that if I go with you, I will find the answers I seek. I want to come with you to the Academy.”

OOC:

Just tying up some loose ends; this means he can never return. If Manhattan Prime was ever attacked, Vykk would obviously want to return and defend his home, and it doesn’t seem very fair on another Modern Tech nation to have a Jedi lead my forces. So this gives him a reason to not be involved. If we become Future Tech somewhere down the line, I may give him a pardon.

Also works nicely from a story point of view; He’s a nice guy, but the Dark Side may eventual tempt him.

OOC: Interesting plot twist. I do love a good one.

IC:
"Very well." Master Blayden nodded. "Come with me."

The Jedi Master led the young ex-cadet to the clearing with the shuttle. As he momentarily decloacked the shuttle and opened the door, he said. "I will be picking up two other students from the United States. You aren't the first Force Sensitive I've found on Earth, nor will you be the last."

"Would you like me to come with you Master?" Vykk asked of the Jedi who was fast becoming a firm confidant. "If not, is there somewhere on the shuttle where I can sleep? I've had a long day, and I haven't been getting much sleep lately"

OCC: Thanks! :) Hopefully we can come up with an interesting way to take that later

"Would you like me to come with you Master?" Vykk asked of the Jedi who was fast becoming a firm confidant. "If not, is there somewhere on the shuttle where I can sleep? I've had a long day, and I haven't been getting much sleep lately"

OCC: Thanks! :) Hopefully we can come up with an interesting way to take that later
OOC: You're welcome.

IC:
"There is a small crew's quarters for sleeping during long trips." Master Blayden said. "You could sleep there while I pick up the other students."

Master Blayden showed him the quarters, which was just forward of the cargo bay. It had rollaway beds and a small fridge for drinks and a pantry for MRE foods. One never leaves home without making contiguencies for emergencies after all.

Vykk quickly found the quarters, throwing his bag into a corner out of the way, before changing for bed. He slipped between the cool, clean sheets, and fell asleep.

OOC: Feel free to go collect the other students now, I’ll probably wake on the flight back to the Academy.

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After collecting two other prospective students, a 13 year old boy from Georgia and a 14 year old girl from Michigan, the Jedi Master left Earth and headed back to the wormhole. In four hours, they broke through the whiteout of hyperspace over Jurai and descended on the planet...

Vykk woke, his head fuzzy with sleep. For a small moment he wondered where he was, and then everything came flowing back to him. He reached for a light in his room, and then reached out tentatively with the Force, probing the ship. He could feel 3 other people on board, and they were all Force-sensitive like themselves, but more than that his untrained abilities could not tell.

Vykk slowly got dressed, and walked towards the ship’s bridge. He was eager to see if they had arrived at the Academy yet, and was looking forward to meeting his fellow students.

"Morning Master" Vykk said, stiffling a yawn as he entered the ship's bridge. He gave a friendly smile to the two teenage initiates, and sat down into an empty seat next to Master Blayden.

Seeing the planet unfurled below them filled Vykk with awe. He had never been into space before, had never seen more than pictures of his own planet from space. This sight was so beautiful, it almost took his breath away. 'I expect this is something I'm going to see a lot' he mused to himself, before addressing his Master.

"Looks like I woke up just in time! Is that the Academy now?"

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"Yes it is, my friend." Master Blayden said, as he set the shuttle down in the hangar bay. "Come, I'll show you three around."

Excitement pulsing through him, Vykk shouldered his small bag, and followed the older Jedi out of the hanger-bay doors, and into a long, well lit corridor. He wondered where they would go first.

"Here are the training rooms." Master Blayden noted, as they passed several large rooms with various species of students working out to become stronger Jedi one day. "The classes will either be held here..."

Then he pointed to a side corridor as they passed by. "or there. Outdoor classes will be met in the Meditation Gardens." He showed them a door that lead outside to the hiking trails and Gardens.

"Next are the dorms and cafetaria." He moved on to yet another section. "Each room is about the size of a college dorm, and you will have a roommate assigned along with the room."

The Cafetaria was almost empty except for a couple students studying. "It's not full right now, but needless to say, it will be when students come in for meals. Next are study rooms and the Auditorium, where plays and special meetings are held."

Some study rooms have holoscreens for news and other programs. Others are simple table-and-chair rooms. The auditorium was a large theatre, build to fit a couple thousand.

"and finally, are the Council Chambers where you'll recieve missions and summons from the Council, and the teacher's rooms." A couple of teachers were milling around. "Hello, Masters Evans and Senire."

"Master Blayden." They nodded in respect.

"Evans is our History teacher. Senire is one of the Force Studies professors." Blayden explained. Then he reached his office. "Ah, here we are."

His office was large and simple, and yet it has various small animals in tanks. "I was a animal collector when I was a boy. Seems it carries over into this old age." He smiled before going to his desk. "Let's see...ah...huh. There."

"Room assignments and a basic studies class book for each of you. Be sure to have your schedules chosen by two days' time so we can slot you in by the next week. Ok?" Master Blayden asked.

“Yes, thank you Master” Vykk replied, bowing his head respectfully – a salute seemed out of place here.

Vykk scanned down the list of courses offered in the book, and thought hard about what to choose

He had always been interested in history and so he was sure to enjoy learning the history of the Jedi. A course on diplomacy and solving disputes would also come in very useful he felt. Vykk was keen to develop his abilities at sensing things through the Force, communicating without words, and lifting objects with his mind, and of course learning to wield a lightsaber properly was the part of being a Jedi that he most looked forward to learning.

Back at the Academy in Manhattan, Vykk had been an enthusiastic marshal artist, and hoped to continue his unarmed combat studies here, superfluous though they may be to one with the Force as his ally.

This in mind, Vykk tentatively planned out a course schedule in his mind, looking a bit like this:

History of the Jedi Order
Force Sense
Force Telepathy
Force Telekinesis
Basic Swordsmanship
Unarmed Combat
Diplomacy

OOC: Hope these are all acceptable, if not we can change or add more later. Most courses paraphrased from PM Whitfield thread, for inspiration.

Quickly outlining his thoughts to Master Blayden, Vykk asked the Jedi Master if his thoughts on courses would be acceptable.

"Yes, this is quite appropriate for a beginner in the Force." Master Blayden replied. "You may begin classes on Monday."

Considering himself dismissed, Vykk said “Thank you Master”, bowed and left the office. Checking his room assignment he made his way to Room 14A. His new home was very similar to his quarters back home – a standard college dorm room, slightly larger than his military cadet’s one, with a bed, bedside table, desk and futuristic looking computer, a large wooden bookshelf, wardrobe cupboards, and a small ensuite with sink, toilet and shower.

Vykk threw his backpack onto his bed, and spent the next half hour unpacking – putting his single change of clothes and his backpack into the wardrobe, his books and CDs onto his bookshelf and decorating the wall with posters of his favourite Manhattanite bands. Taking out his few pictures of his home and family, Vykk placed a few on the table beside his bed, and some on his desk

Satisfied with the unpacking of the few belongings he thought to bring, Vykk had a quick shower and feeling ravenously hungry, wondered when mealtimes were at the Academy. Damn, I should have remembered to ask he thought, and then remembered the book Master Blayden had given him. Maybe there was something about it in there…

Breakfast are in the morning before Class 1. Lunch is between class 3 and 4, and dinner is after class 6.

Finding the times in the book, and checking the chrono on his desk computer, Vykk realised that it nearly time for dinner – they had arrived quite late, and his lessons did not start until Monday. He set off for the cafeteria, hoping to get to know some of his fellow students a bit, maybe even meet his until-now elusive roommate, who would be using the bed and desk on the other side of the large dorm room, split into two rooms down the middle.

OOC: Let's assume it's Sunday there now, so lessons can start the next day once we have done all the meeting and intros, not to mention eating! ;)

OOC: Alright. Lemme see if I can throw a small apprentice in here...

IC:
In the cafeteria, there was a twelve-year old boy named Brandon. He is the brother of apprentice Jacen Masaki, making him a cousin of the main branch. The brown-haired, brown-eyed kid was sitting with a friend name Tyler who's hair is as sand-colored as the Tatooine desert. Both kids have begun training here, Brandon arriving from the ninja academy on the southern hemisphere and Tyler from a small town to the west.

Vykk entered the cafeteria, and sat himself down at the first table he came to – the one closest to the door. Two younger apprentices were also seated there, and Vykk turned to talk to them.

“Hi, Vykk Dreygo” he said confidently, offering his hand. “I’m kinda new here…”

"I'm Brandon Masaki, and this is my friend Tyler." Brandon smiled, shaking Vykk's hand. "We're a bit new too."

“I just got in today” Vykk explained, “so I don’t really know anyone yet. I haven’t even found out who my roommate is.”

“What do you think of the training here? Are the lessons interesting? Difficult?”

"Oh. They're great. You get to learn lots!" Brandon smiled, pulling a salt shaker to him to dump some on his eggs.

Vykk stared, open-mouthed. Had that shaker just flown to the boy’s hand? He had experienced a few visions and feelings, but Vykk had never seen the Force manifest itself in such an obvious way before.

“Oh, I’ve *got* to learn that!” he said enthusiastically. “Can you show me how?”

"Reach out with your feelings and imagine a hand grabbing and moving the shaker." Keith suggested.

Vykk closed his eyes, the better to concentrate. In his mind’s eye he saw the salt shaker – red with white stripes, a cylinder with a curved top and tiny holes. The Force told him everything about that his eyes could, but nothing extra. The object was not living, and so hadn’t much connection to the Force.

He focused entirely on it, and then slowly imagined a ghostly hand closing around it, and pulling it to his actual hand. He saw lines of attraction connecting his hand and the object, and willed it to himself.

At first the shaker only wobbled a little on the tabletop, but Vykk kept trying, and eventually the pot flew smoothly towards him, where he could catch it deftly without so much as moving his hand.

"Not bad." Brandon smiled. "Not bad at all."

He was finished his breakfast. "I gotta go to class now. See ya!"

Swelled with his success and his first conscience use of the Force, Vykk shouted his goodbyes to the younger apprentice with much elation. His stomach was quick to make its presence known, and Vykk ate heartily, finding the food far superior to the barracks chow he had been used to.

No matter what the cantina did to it, food at the Imperial Military Academy had always managed to have both the taste and texture of cardboard.

His hunger satisfied, Vykk turned in the night, and eagerly looked forward to the start of tomorrow’s lessons.

OOC: Why not have a droid wake people up for class, now that would confuse a MT Jedi!

OOC: That could work. :D

IC:
The next morning, an R2-unit droid rolled down the hallways, spewing out 'Reville' from a horn on top. This particular droid was Rocky, the Masaki Clan's resident astromech.

Vykk woke suddenly to the blaring sound of horns, although it did not escape his notice that he had actually got a good night's sleep last night, being for once unplagued by dreams or visions through the Force.

The young Jedi staggered into the hallway, glancing around for the source of the noise. The R2 unit beeped at him to get his attention, and Vykk turned to face it.

"You're a robot? They have robots here?"

The droid turned his optic sensors at the young Jedi and twittered back affirmatively, then he toodled on down the hallway, resuming his routine morning 'Reville'.

Yes, Virginia, or in this case, Vykk, there are robots here.

Vykk found this revelation a little hard to get used to – sentient robots? Where Vykk came from, used to early 21st century technology, robots built cars on assembly lines or performed other mundane tasks that required little skill.

They certainly didn’t think, or talk, or for that matter, talk back.

The droid continued to play it’s wake up call, and Vykk took the hint, washing, changing and grabbing a quick breakfast in the cafeteria before his 1st lesson begun.

OOC: So, what shall we learn first?

OOC: Force Sense. Must learn to reach out with senses enough so that it's second-nature to you. Should take a few days.

OOC: Good idea

IC: Vykk's Force Sense class was to be held outdoors, in the gardens. (OOC: if you agree) Here, surrounded by hundreds of living things, it would be easier for students to get in touch with the Force.

The day was bright, but not too hot, and Vykk was filled with a sense of peace as he walked through the beautiful and immaculately kept gardens. He passed a store selling supplies, and realised that he lacked any Jedi garb at all. He had even been walking to a lesson in his Academy exercise kit!

Vykk bought himself 2 sets of robes that were fitting for a Jedi Padawan. He changed in the store's small changing room, and admired his reflection. The uniform of the Jedi consisted of comfortable white robes (akin to a Karate Gi), a sturdy brown belt and a flowing brown cloak that wrapped around his shoulders. The cloak could be detached, and came with a hood. The robes were unassuming and humble, yet had their own regalness and majesty.

Realising that the class was to start in just a few moments, Vykk broke into an easy run into a garden courtyard where a few other students were sitting. He joined them.

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OOC: Not every Padawan wears the robes, though. We've gone away from that. A few more weeks and you can pick your own wardrobe.

IC:
Their instructor hasn't immediately arrived, but there was an elf in the gardens, graceful and regal. He wore a long, flowing robe with markings on it, and had an air of...aloofness to him.

http://space.cnc-inside.de/hdr/elrond-kl.jpg

He spotted the students walking to the center of the gardens, ready to learn. The elf smiled. And unlearn what they already know about the Force...

As he passed by the students, he said, "The flowers are bright today, don't you think?"

OOC: Having grown up on Star Wars films, Vykk has quite a traditionalist idea of what a Jedi should look like! At least, at the moment…

IC:

Vykk had noticed the beauty of the Academy gardens on his way to class, though this was not something he would usually notice. He didn’t really know anything about plants, and never used to have much time for them. He felt more at peace with his surroundings here than he ever had before, and guessed this connection was important in helping him learn to feel the Force properly.

His fellow students seemed quite a fixed bunch; males and females, humans, and some who definitely weren’t. The one who had called out to them was also no son of Earth. (OOC: As far as he knows, Earth is the only place Humans come from, like him and the other students picked up with him)

The man walked with an elegant air, and a slow, measured walk. Not a single movement seemed rushed in any way. His ears seemed a little pointed towards the tips and he seemed to glow with some inner light that had nothing to do with the Force.

“They’re beautiful” Vykk replied. “These grounds must have a lot of time spent on them” Trying to put his thoughts into words, Vykk explained how the surroundings made him feel more at one with nature, with life, with the Force.

“Are you the Force Sense instructor? He asked finally, eager to begin his training.

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OOC: Having grown up on Star Wars films, Vykk has quite a traditionalist idea of what a Jedi should look like! At least, at the moment…

IC:

Vykk had noticed the beauty of the Academy gardens on his way to class, though this was not something he would usually notice. He didn’t really know anything about plants, and never used to have much time for them. He felt more at peace with his surroundings here than he ever had before, and guessed this connection was important in helping him learn to feel the Force properly.

His fellow students seemed quite a fixed bunch; males and females, humans, and some who definitely weren’t. The one who had called out to them was also no son of Earth. (OOC: As far as he knows, Earth is the only place Humans come from, like him and the other students picked up with him)

The man walked with an elegant air, and a slow, measured walk. Not a single movement seemed rushed in any way. His ears seemed a little pointed towards the tips and he seemed to glow with some inner light that had nothing to do with the Force.

“They’re beautiful” Vykk replied. “These grounds must have a lot of time spent on them” Trying to put his thoughts into words, Vykk explained how the surroundings made him feel more at one with nature, with life, with the Force.

“Are you the Force Sense instructor? He asked finally, eager to begin his training.
Elendil smiled. "Depends on what you come here to learn. But yes, I am the instructor of the Force Sense class."

"The Force is not something to be taken lightly. It obeys your instructions, but it also guides you on the path you will take. Here, you learn to listen for the whisperings in the wind, the whispers of the Force. Close your eyes, my students," instructed the Grand Master of the Order. "Close them, and reach out into the garden. Feel the grass, the flowers, the air, even the rocks. For all have the Force pass through them. Begin."

Vykk sat crossed-legged on the grass, closed his eyes and opened his mind. He reached out with his rudimentary knowledge of the Force.

He was beginning to get used to ‘seeing’ through the Force, and his officer’s mind immediately grasped the tactical advantage such sight could give him in dark places. Just like before, he could see everything around him as clearly as with his own eyes.

The objects (like the salt-shaker in the kitchen earlier) looked just the same, whilst the living things like the grass, and a passing bird glowed faintly with a bluish light. Vykk assumed this was because the Force was life, and was strong in living things; and the stronger the creature was with the Force, the more their aura glowed. He was in essence seeing their raw power, the strength of their connection to the Force.

Out of curiosity Vykk focused on Master Elendil for a moment, and this seemed to confirm his theory. The Jedi Master’s Force presence was very strong, almost blinding – a powerful luminesance of majesty and power that needed no acknowledgment.

His fellow Force-sensitives were infinitely brighter with Force potential and in their connection to the Force than the birds or flowers, but also a lot less than the Master.

Vykk realised that he wasn’t doing what he was supposed to, and tried to empty his mind of thought and analysis, and just revel in the quiet peace of the gardens. In a way, it was easier to see when he was calm and at peace, and the young Jedi held on to the feeling.

He felt almost overwhelmed suddenly, for all of a sudden he knew everything about that bird – its base feelings of hunger, how much it weighed, what it had last eaten, where it had been, and where it was going – Vykk felt the Force trails linking everything to everything else, and it was as if he was feeling the beating heart of the Universe, pulsing with life. He focused, and the wealth of knowledge became a little less overwhelming.

The voice came to him again, faint as a breath of air. “Good…you are learning to listen…”

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Leaning on a tree and folding his arms, the elven Master smiled wistfully as the students began to learn what it truly means to be a Jedi, to know what the Force is all about. They still have much to learn, but they have begun taking the first steps into a larger world.

Vykk continued to listen to the Force, letting it wash over him, attuning himself to it. I think I'm getting the hang of this he 'thought' to Master Elendil after a few more minutes.

The Master nodded then spoke through telepathy. It was time to send them off to their next class. Right. Class is dismissed. You are to continue working on your Force senses until it becomes second nature. You'll know when that time comes.

Feeling satisfied with his progress so far, Vykk left the gardens, his cloak flapping behind him in the light breeze. He decided to grab a bite to eat from the canteen in the break between lessons, and look for the 2 young Jedi he had spoken to earlier. Vykk went first to his room, and folded his spare set of robes neatly into his wardrobe. Feeling quite hot, he also removed his cloak, leaving him only in the short-sleeved Jedi robe. Much better he thought; Jurai was proving to be a good deal more humid than Manhattan.

This done, he made off for the messhall…

OOC: Soz this took so long, been very busy lately.

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OOC: You know, this is kinda getting too long. Why don't we skip time and have Vykk be trained enough to go on missions and stuff like that?

OOC: Sure, ok. Sorry this is a bit rushed, but I haven’t had too much time this week.

IC:

The next year gradually passed, and Vykk’s power and connection to the Force grew daily. His Jedi studies were fascinating to him, and he threw himself wholeheartedly into every class. His powers of Force Sense and Telekinesis – already his strongest to start with – had grown astronomically, and he was now had a lot of experience at using the Force for telepathy. The intense course of Jedi training had made him a powerful and graceful swordsman, deadly at both armed and unarmed combat, and skilled at diplomacy and solving disputes.

The Academy had become a second home to him, and finally now the day of his knighthood had arrived. Finally he would become a full Jedi Knight, and be deemed capable of fulfilling potentially dangerous missions. He had been summoned to the council chambers early in the morning.

Wearing his finest set of robes, Vykk strode confidently to the podium at the front of the room, where Master Blayden stood. The Jedi Master, now someone Vykk trusted above no other, started the small ceremony.

“Do you reject the Dark Side, and all of its forms – anger, hatred, jealousy, spite, fear, arrogance? Will you protect those who cannot protect themselves and stand as a guiding light against evil? Do you pledge yourself wholeheartedly to the life of the Jedi – a life of selflessness, of compassion, of nobility, and for so many of us, of sacrifice to the greater good?”

“I do” Vykk replied solemnly.

“Then recite the code of the Jedi”

Vykk recited from memory the words now firmly implanted in him, projecting his voice to ring loudly around the great room –

“There is no emotion, there is peace
There is no ignorance, there is knowledge
There is no passion, there is serenity
There is no death, there is the Force”

Vykk took the training saber from his belt, and laid it in the Master’s hands, then knelt, like a medieval squire awaiting knighthood. Master Blayden laid the training blade aside, and brought out Vykk’s own lightsaber. Its construction had taken him most of the past few weeks, and was one of the last tests he must pass to become a Jedi knight. He was very proud of it.

Blayden ignited the blade; the gentle blue glow from the blade mingled with the light bouncing of the sleek metal of the hilt. He raised the weapon high, and with a single lightning fast stroke, severed Vykk’s braid. The single thin ponytail, the mark of a Padawan learner, now lay in Vykk’s hands, severed by the Jedi who found him with a blade of his own creation. The symbolism resonated deep within him, the whole ceremony was deep with meaning, and his joy and excitement were not easily contained.

Vykk stood, accepted his blade, and placed it for the first time at his belt. He was now a full Jedi Knight. Everything for the last and easily most intense year of his life had been leading up to this moment, and he didn’t remember ever feeling so overcome with emotion.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img_viewer_framed.php?loc=img216&image=jedibladesblue4gx.jpg&gal=img216/3258/scan00196zf.jpg
Vykk’s Custom Lightsaber

"You are now a Knight of the Jedi Order." Master Blayden said as he completed the ceremony. "In the words of Master Yoda, remember this: 'Completed, your training has. But begins, the real learning does.' The Knight's training never truly ends just because you have been promoted. It goes on until the end of time. And...never forget. May the Force be with you always, young Vykk."

“And with you Master” Vykk replied, as he bowed, and left the chamber.

OOC: Do you plan to put some missions in here, or maybe there is a mission elsewhere I could play a small part in. Either way I’d be happy to brainstorm ideas with you via TG or MSN messenger.