Star Wars: The Sith Resurrection Part IV: Alliances Divided

[JediMaster12]

Tonatius was not moved by the flirting. The girls who studied with the Water Benders tried the same thing. He was still polite though and replied, "There is much that the Republic lost of Avalon. When the Empire formed, she withdrew but still protected those that believed in freedom and democracy."

[Alkonium]

Kalla noticed the lack of reaction from Tonatius and thought about it, as well as his cryptic response to her earlier question. "You're not interested in girls, are you? Don't worry, it won't bother me. Both my father and I are bisexual. Actually, I might be a little bit disappointed, because you seem like my type of guy." She decided to ask.

[JediMaster12]

Tonatius raised his brow at the girl's declaration. He had heard of a love between warrior women that was more than sisterhood so it was nothing new. To have it revealed so openly was something else. It was no one's business unless they wanted to know. That was the way of things and apparently this girl didn't understand that personal feelings did not enter when duty came first. He responded, "A warrior knows their place when they are called to duty." He then cocked his head. The Light Ones were speaking to him, telling him something.

 

Matton wallowed in the cockpit until they reached Avalon. The last few hours had been... nothing. Jun-la hadn't uttered a thing but apparently there was much laughter coming from the main hold. He refused to admit to himself that it was a bout of jealousy and pride prevented him from going to her. Her brother noticed and had joined him saying, "Well looks like your friend is settling in nicely."

Matton grunted.

Tulre grinned. It wasn't the first time a man fell for his sister but to fall so hard was something different. He replied to the grunt, "Sis has never gone for a man but you are the first that she insists on fighting to the death." He saw that Matton wasn't moved so he continued, "You really think she is interested in your friend? Bah she is being diplomatic." He then left Matton to think about what he said. His sister was leading an interesting dance.

 

Jun-la was talking to Gieph to learn more about the unit that she was trying to bring back to duty. She asked, "So what kinds of missions did you guys do?"

[Alkonium]

(I just realised we've been RPing together for more than two years. Amazing how time flies, isn't it?)

Kalla began to think about the differences between life on the Outer Rim and life in the Core. She was a year older than Tonatius, yet his culture considered him an adult, while hers considered her a teenager. Tonatius probably kept to women or maybe men of his own species, while Kalla was open to dating both genders and any species. He was likely an experienced warrior, though she was still an apprentice. Speaking of which, Reyvan was probably waiting for her at the Temple. "Just remembered, I have to go meet my uncle at the Jedi Temple, goodbye for now." She told Tonatius before she left the apartment.

 

"I was the leader of Commando Unit Beta, also known as Beta Squad. We got the job done when a battalion couldn't. And before you ask, no, I'm not a composite clone. Some of us soldiers were created the old fashioned way." Gieph replied. "Typically what we did was get sent deep behind enemy lines, destroy what we could that was key to their defenses or their attack plan, while sending back what tactical data we could to the main troops."

[JediMaster12]

Jun-la grinned and replied, "So a special ops type? Any Jedi in the group?"

 

Tonatius heard what was being said and said, "Perhaps a pair towards the Temple is better than one. Sometimes darkness takes advantage in numbers." He didn't mention that it was an excuse to leave and find Master Komad.

 

(Two years? LOL)

[Alkonium]

"Each commando squad works under the watchful eyes of a Jedi Knight or Master and sometimes their apprentice. We were assigned to Jedi Master Kalla Vel, and her apprentice, Komad Kaltas. Kalla was known as the Mandalorian Jedi, partially because of how she wore both Jedi robes and Mandalorian armour. Komad was pretty nice too, though I think he might have had a bit of a crush on me." Gieph replied.

 

"Sure, though I don't think anyone would try anything in this part of Coruscant. Plus, the Temple isn't really that far away. Besides, we'd have to take an airtaxi. My dad took one speeder when he left for the Senate, and my mom took the other when she left for the Temple earlier." Kalla replied.

[JediMaster12]

"Yes that is understandable," Jun-la replied. "Tell me did an Avalonian walk amongst you?" Her curiousity was in part to make sure that Geiph was familiar in part with Avalonian law and customs. It was part of presenting her case to her Aunt at Tyan-yu.

 

"A good warrior should know that any location could be used as a weapon. If a warrior is friendly with nature, he is a part of nature and his mind body and spirit are one," Tonatius replied. He led the way out and looked for the nearest air taxi. He he hailed it and looked around as if expecting something to pop out. He was the last to get in but his hand never left the hilt of his sword.

 

High above a shadow watched from above. He was amused at the alert and stoic nature of the runt compared to the girl who was wondering why her companion was being uptight. Traditions didn't die in those who were honor bound to serve their causes. Rather they were like a wound and they festered sometimes spreading to those it touches. Still it wouldn't be a waste of effort to persuade a youth such as that to see his point of view.

[Alkonium]

"No, but when we were not on duty, we mostly walked amongst them. At least, until one mission that didn't exactly go as planned, and my entire squad was killed except for me, while I simply lost my legs. I was sent back to Coruscant for treatment, but I didn't get these shoddy cybernetic legs until after the war was over." Gieph replied.

 

"Well, I'm not exactly much of a warrior yet. I haven't even been a Jedi apprentice that long. My parents would know what you mean, though. They're both Jedi Masters, and they grew up during the war with the Sith." Kalla replied. "Don't take this the wrong way, but the Core is a bit more civilised than the Outer Rim."

 

Inside the speeder Kalla asked Tonatius another question. "When I told you about my father and I being bisexual, did you at least know about my father already? It's actually part of why he's been so concerned with this recent turn of events." She asked him.

[JediMaster12]

Jun-la though a moment. Her father had mentioned one who lost a part of himself. He mentioned the name, yet this person didn't know. It was puzzling and Jun-la searched for the right question to ask. She said, "You were the only one? Do you remember how that happened?"

 

"Actually some of our colonies in the Outer Rim are more civilized than the Core," Tonatius countered not looking at Kalla but at the air traffic. He avoided the question of sexuality completely though he had known for a long time. He said, "As the histories go, our people taught those on the Outer Rim, Mid Rim and the Core. Time and power changes things. As for warriors, you are not one unless you let it become one with you and your heart."

[Alkonium]

(Just wondering, are Avalonians a subspecies of humans, or a different race altogether?)

"At least you have only one history to believe. When you've got the blood of three different species in your veins, it gets a bit complicated on what to believe. I'm half Rodian, and only a quarter Human and a quarter Twi'lek, should I favour the Rodian viewpoint, because I'm mostly Rodian? My family name is Human, should I favour the Human viewpoint? At the same time, I can't forget about the Twi'lek viewpoint, especially since I've got these." Kalla replied, lifting her right lekku with her very Rodian hand for emphasis.

 

"The other members of the the squad were busy trying to force this blast door open and I was accessing this terminal on the other side of the room in order to get more intel on the facility we had infiltrated. However, there was a hole in the ceiling, from which some zealous Stormtrooper decided to throw a thermal detonator at the door. It killed the other members of my squad, but I was only knocked back and my legs were burned beyond use. Fortunately, it also blew the door open, and the regular troops were waiting for us on the other side." Gieph explained.

[JediMaster12]

((They look like Elves with pointy ears and they do have a slender and regal gait))

 

"Point of view, a precious commodity," Tonatius replied, "Many of the truths we cling to, depend greatly on our own point of view. If you trust what you know then that is truth." It was an honest answer. He understood because he was half Avalonian. In the eyes of his people he was Avalonian. It didn't matter if he had blood of Human in his veins.

 

Jun-la thought a bit. What her father didn't tell her or her brother she pestered the archives manager at the military ministry. Her father brought back one survivor with legs burnt beyond repair. He also had a scar that could barely be seen on his left brow. She asked, "How did you get out?"

[Alkonium]

(I know this basically says that Komad had met Andros long before Part III, but it still works, right?

Also, how comparable are Avaonians to the Dunedain of Lord of the Rings?)

"As I said before, the regular troops were waiting for us on the other side. Your father, along with Kalla Vel and her apprentice, spotted me, and carried me back to the infirmary." Gieph told her. "After that, Master Vel was tasked with command over Gamma squad, which passed to her former apprentice Komad when she died."

 

"There is subjective truth and there is objective truth." Kalla replied. She knew that belief was important, but what you could see came before what you could believe. "I think I can see the Temple from here." She added.

[JediMaster12]

(Yes it does fit. Remember Andros was born around the same time as Luke Skywalker so he's seen alot)

 

"I see," Jun-la replied, "My father rarely speaks of those days. It has to do with some being that you wished to forget. One of those battles ended in my mother's death." She then glanced at a monitor and saw that they were about to land at Avalon. She said, "We're here. Do you know proper greetings?"

 

Tonatius nodded and looked at the temple. He had been there once when his father thought that he was studying on Aztlan, the water world. It was the first and only time he deceived his father and he righted the wrong by telling him. He said, "History has been etched in deep within the Temple walls."

[Alkonium]

"And this Temple's not even a century old. The original temple was destroyed when the planet was turned into a jungle world by the Yuuzhan Vong. When the Galactic Alliance reclaimed Coruscant, this temple was built over the ruins of the old one. Though, it's not like this one hasn't had its share of attacks. Forty years ago, the Sith attempted to kill all the Jedi in the Temple, and nearly succeeded. The only survivors were Kalla Vel, for whom I was named, Ben Skywalker, Grand Master of the order, and my grandmother." Kalla pointed out. "Sorry, I read a lot of history."

 

"It's been a while, can you give me a bit of a refresher?" Gieph asked. He remembered vaguely what they were, but it had been twenty-two years since he had last been on Avalon.

 

Having picked his son up from the apartment, Komad turned his speeder towards the temple. "So who's that guy I saw Kalla with earlier? I asked her about it, but she must have been meditating or something." Andros asked his father. "His name is Tonatius Iazoki. He thinks that the people who killed that Senator might be after me next, but it's nothing to worry about. I determined that they've left Coruscant." Komad replied.

[JediMaster12]

"History is what you learn from though sometimes there are instance where it is forgotten," Tonatius replied. He was aware of the history of the Temple. It was just pleasing to hear someone else who knew about such things. "Who is it that you must see?"

 

Jun-la gave an encouraging smile and replied, "Traditionally Avalonians do a kowtow, they kneel and bow. There are exceptions and you can do that. You just give a bow standing up and hands at your side. Let me speak for you. More of politeness. You following me?"

[Alkonium]

"My master, Reyvan Skyrider. He's also my uncle." Kalla told Tonatius. The speeder landed, and Kalla stepped out. "Are you coming, or do you just want to go back to the apartment?" She then asked Tonatius. She didn't know of anything that he would need to do at the Temple, but hoped he'd join her.

 

"Yeah, I follow you, but I don't see why you have to do the talking for me. I didn't bring any alcohol with me, and I've never been too fond of the liquor you have on Avalon. I tried some before. I woke up three days later in a hospital somewhere. Fortunately, nothing too serious happened, and I was able to rejoin my squad soon enough." Gieph replied

[JediMaster12]

"If you ask for yourself, it is considered selfishness. If someone speaks for you, it is a sign that they respect you and worthy of whatever honor is bestowed upon you," Jun-la explained as they walked down the ramp. She tried to ignore the looks that Matton was shooting her way as she made her way to where her father, Jedi Alkéa, and her aunt were waiting.

 

Andros, after finishing training with Alkéa, who appeared much calmer, went to Tyan-yu to greet his daughter. While he had no communication with his children, he knew them and could sense out their thoughts. He came with his sister Padmé and the Governor of Avalon. He watched teh ramp lower and saw whom his daughter brought. He remembered that soldier and how he rescued him from that battle. He walked forward and greeted him, "Captain, it is a pleasure to see you again."

 

Tonatius didn't let his feelings show as he got out of the speeder and followe dbehind Kalla looking very much like a body guard. He said, "Your Master, how is it that he became a Jedi?"

 

Tyrannus was watching Coruscant with a content eye. He had sent someone to watch the dead Jedi's son and he let Komad believe that the danger was over. It was the sort of thing that he liked. Pounce when least expected and show that it wasn't over before joining the forces in the Outer Rim. Soon the wheel will be complete as it should have been four millenia ago.

[Alkonium]

"He's always been a Jedi. Why do you ask?" Kalla was curious as to why Tonatius wanted to know about her uncle. "I highly doubt he's working with the people who killed my dad's old boyfriend, if that's what you're thinking."

 

Komad's speeder landed at the temple, but in a different spot from where the taxi Kalla and Tonatius took parked. They were just being dropped off, and as such, just needed a landing pad to stop at, while he was using his own speeder, and would be parking it in the hangar. Andros had a basic lightsaber training class to be at, and Komad had his own business to take care of.

[JediMaster12]

"It is considered polite to make conversation. One cannot be born a Jedi but each Jedi's trials are unique," Tonatius replied. He noticed Master Komad landing with a boy that looked like him.

 

Matton seemed overjoyed to see an old friend and replied, "I thought I taught you how to stay in shape Master Jedi."

"Apologies. Sabaac, cantinas and juma are not my dish of Alderaanean tea," Andros replied. He then looked at the one he rescued long ago and said, "Soldier, you look like you've changed since I last saw you. How goes it?"

[Alkonium]

"What I mean is, I don't know." Kalla corrected herself. "That's my little brother Andros down there with my dad. He's a few years younger than me, but he's already pretty good with a lightsaber." She added.

 

"Getting better, especially now that I'm here again, though anything's better than drinking the worst liquor in the galaxy back on Nar Shaddaa." Gieph replied, glad to be back on Avalon after so long, though the last time was during the war, and the planet had definitely improved since then.

[JediMaster12]

Tonatius looked at Kalla's younger brother with interest and asked, "Good enough to defend in life and death?"

 

Andros smiled slightly at Gieph. "Well as a treat I managed to secure a bottle of our best ale for later. Perhaps a little matter of 'adjustments' should be taken care of?"

[Alkonium]

"I meant good for his age, not that good. Keep in mind, he's only twelve. I don't think even I'm that good, and I'm sixteen." Kalla replied. "How skilled are you with a lightsaber, anyway?"

 

"Of course. The sooner the better. It'll be nice to have prosthetic legs that actually work." Gieph replied, politely avoiding discussion of Avalonian ale. He still remembered what happened last time he drank some. It might have been the longest hangover he ever had.

[JediMaster12]

Jun-la had been stunned at the manner in which her father greeted Gieph. She was unprepared for the casual friendliness he had with Matton. Still she maintained serenity on her face, she said, "Then we best be on our way."

Andros nodded at his daughter and led the way to the medical wing, his sister and the governor walking beside him and Gieph. He said, "I know old friend that you remember the last time with the ale. Perhaps a vinatge less potent would help."

 

Tonatius looked at the girl. He answered her question, "Father taught me basics and the Water Bender masters continued my training. And you?"

[Alkonium]

"The same basic training that every Padawan gets in the Temple, which is mostly getting used to the weightless blade and swinging it without losing an arm or something, and then I've been getting proper lightsaber combat training from my master, which is mainly Shii-Cho." Kalla replied.

 

"It would. You Avalonians can hold your liquor far better than I can." Gieph told Andros. "Let's get on with it, shall we?"

[JediMaster12]

"I see you never remember your manners Gieph but that is why I like you," Andros replied as he led teh way to the med bay. The doctors were waiting there and nodded to Andros who returned the nod. He then daid, "Just lie down and it'll be over before you know it."

 

"The simplest of the lightsaber forms. No strengths or weaknesses but suffice when none other would do," Tonatius recited from memory.