Star Wars Birth of a Shadow: Futures Dawn

STAR WARS
Birth of a Shadow Trilogy
A Futures Dawn.
(Written by Owen and Stinrab)

http://209.91.130.12/starwars/OpeningCrawl-stinrab.gif

And just in case you can't see it -->

It is the fourth millennia of the Grand Republic in an age of peace and prosperity. New worlds are being greeted into the Republic with open arms.

Diplomats have arrived on the planet of Tirawa to oversee final preparations for entry of the Hirth Alliance, a small group of systems near the border of Republic space.

But not everyone agrees with the Republic's policies and rules. A group of Tirawan Rebels are set to destroy the peace, which the Republic has been trying to keep....

[This story has already been laid out and, for the most part, been written. Please do not post to add to the story.]

*********
Space
Black as the night.

Black as the human soul

In the midst of the turning gases, the greedy black holes and the simple asteroids lied a man-made construction. There it sat, hanging like a mynock above the small planet of Tirawa, braving the environment of nothingness.

It was Alpha Station.

Its two huge Command bulks clung together through a series of see-through space walkways and wires. Shaped like warped rectangles, the command bulks housed a large number of varying venues. Not only was it for shipping purposes, but for social purposes as well. It could accommodate thousands of ships with its plethora of docking bays and re-fueling stations.

Each day thousands of ships rocketed through here. Many with trade intentions, others with more sinister purposes. Located near the Frebastrian space-ways, it was an ideal place for a business. It was a place for old spacers to spin a yarn. A place to recharge a space vessel?s rockets lines. A place of relaxation. A place of tranquillity.
But that was not the case, not on today?s lunar cycle

Piercing through space like ticks through silk came a fleet of small, one-man starfighters. Even the most dim-witted Gundark knew that their intentions were not for the common good. Their sleek metal bodies streaked ahead towards the station, the twin rockets holding the ships together blared with heat and intensity. Shaped like arrow-heads, and just as dangerous, they headed forward, preparing for battle.
Ion cannons firing rapidly, the Rebel Star Fighters began their mission.

Alpha Station rocked vigorously as the blasts hit its pristine grey hull, peeling metal strips off like a Wardol with a Jufi fruit. The inhabitants of the station were sprayed with a mixture of metal fragments and plexi-glass as they ran for cover. Some injured. Some dying. All wondering the same inevitable question.

Why?

Some of the quick ones had already blasted out of the doomed station in their respective space vessels. Many of which, not wanting a fight, flew as quickly as they could to the nearest space lane. The enemy fighters knew they would give away the situation any chance they got, so destroying the fleeing ships was not an option- it was a part of the mission.

So far the Rebel fighters had had minimal resistance- just as expected. But they all knew that the Tirawian fleet would arrive soon- just as expected.

?Tungo Leader reporting in. Aim for the main power outlet,? came the nasal voice of the starfighters? leader.

?But won?t that alert Tirawa?s attention? Afterall there is a status indicator in Senator Flirt?el?s residence,? the voice of Tungo Six reverberated through the comms of the other fighters.

?Attention is inevitable,? Tungo?s Leader explained roughly as he let go a volley of blaster bolts onto Alpha?s Migration Control Centre, ?Remember the main aim: Disable?. No matter what the cost.?

?Copy that.?

Two Fighters rolled into flanking position beside Tungo Leader, holding close to him like a child with a Ramiji toy. The three moved forward, sweeping elegantly underneath and through the cables and walkways between the two command bulks, straight towards the main power outlet in its centre. Sleekly they moved, ducking and weaving as they went. The three brave fighters moved onwards into the belly

 

[[I'd just like to point out that this story is stuck in the nether regions of the old forum, so we're just going to start rebuilding it here.]]

The cold sea wind whipped across the young gazing eyes looking out across the waters to the horizon beyond, where the bright orange sun was setting behind a vast army of spires and tall towers. An army that had been slowly advancing for centuries, year by year inching it?s way forward to conquer the frontiers of the seas and beyond. The bright globe of light retreating slowly away gave its last light to the tiny specs on the horizon that were the only other sign of civilisation to be seen.
Those young eyes peered deep put across the waters to those silhouetted shapes that were barely visible to the naked eye. But these eyes could see more than most, more than just the thin spire tops and tall sleek towers. They could see grand beautiful buildings, large vehicles gliding across the clear air and sometimes when the light was right vast arrays of tall dazzling windows. At times those eyes could see small figures going about their business, seeming like an army of ants.

Even from this distance it was a marvellous sight to behold, deemed to be one of the wonders of the Republic. It was the largest of the Great Cities of the planet of Courscant. Countless numbers of wondrous buildings whose architecture alone drew millions of visitors from every corner of the Republic. It was a cultural epicentre, the jewel in the Republics crown, bring together the greatest artist, scholars, philosophers and species of every kind.
It was the dream of many to live in one of the Great Cities, where it is said dreams can come true. But these eyes had to be content to gaze from afar, so close but not close enough.

As Orsus Acerbis watched the sun make its exit from the day, a gust of wind ripped at his long cloak, desperately trying to free it from the shoulders of the young man. Despite the strong gust trying to push him down, and the sand that it kicked up blowing into his face, he remained still, watching the horizon. As if realising the futility of its desire, the gust of wind died down to a whisper, blowing through the long grasses. As Orsus Acerbis stood and watched, he heard a sound in the distance behind him. He remained facing the sea watching the sunset, but all his other senses were searching out behind him. Again, he heard a noise, this time closer. There was definitely something, or someone, behind him.

He listened as it advanced closer and closer, hearing its footsteps on the grassy sand dunes. He mentally prepared himself, but remained still and statuesque.
The figure drew up closer, weapon in hand, on the seemingly unaware prey. As he came to within striking distance, the attacker held out his staff weapon. As he did so, one end of the rough metallic pole seemed to grow naturally and extended to twice the length of the other end. Coming up to the still Orsus, he drew his weapon behind his head to bring it down in a sweeping blow and went for the kill.

But Orsus was well aware of the attack, and as his assailant brought his weapon down onto Orsus' head, the young sun gazer moved swiftly into action. Pulling out his own weapon, extending either end to half a meter in length, he dropped to one knee, moving his weapon behind his head to take the attacking blow. The two weapons remained locked together for a short instant, as if stuck in an eternal moment in time.

Pleased by the fact that he was still alive and that he had managed to out wit his foe yet again, he pushed the weapon bearing down on him away, and rolled forward out onto the sandy surface of the small beach below. He turned quickly on his heels to meet his opponent's gaze.

"You can't keep running like this Orsus," the young aggressor spoke up. As he did so, he extended the smaller end of his weapon to match the length of the end, which he had just used to attack the young man now standing on the beach. He stood up on the grassy hill of sand, waiting for Orsus to do the same so they could continue their duel.
But instead, O

 

[originally posted by stinrab]

Orsus Acerbis and Wark Astro trudged along, steel capped boots dragging slowly through the soft sand of the beach. The two friends struggled their way cautiously through small thickets sticking out of the smooth sand as they moved at a steady pace over the seemingly endless sea of dunes.

All of their mock battles ended like this; each congratulating the other on their improvements and then total silence on the long walk home. Orsus knew Wark hated this, but he enjoyed it as a time of reflection.
As Wark gently hummed to himself, Orsus knew he was gathering up the strength to say something to him. He always hummed when he was nervous- a habit that Orsus had noted. But he knew the last thing on his friends? mind was the mock battle. It was elsewhere.

?Master Oca-Po is worried about you, Orsus,? Wark blurted out, finally breaking the awkward silence between the two. He then softly added, ?So am I.?

Orsus stopped his walking, placing his hands firmly on his hips and moving his gaze once more to the horizon. The Coruscant sky got more beautiful as the day grew nearer to a close. Even the jagged outlines of the ever-expanding city didn?t bother him. The fresh ocean breeze gently lapped his cloak and filled his nostrils with brilliant
sensations. He could never understand what the big fuss about the city was personally- the wild bush was more like home. In fact, Orsus couldn?t remember the last time he?d journeyed into Coruscant?s Duracrete jungle.

Even as he looked at it now, on the other side of the brilliant green ocean, Orsus thought it paled in comparison to the natural world of Shalah Island.

Orsus wondered if his parents lived in the city, looking out at the same sunset he was. Or even if they were still alive. He was orphaned at birth. Luckily he was found and adopted into the Ochpu Jedi-Liu Order. Orsus knew they adopted him out of sympathy but he feigned ignorance for their satisfaction. He was honoured enough to be part of the Order where, usually, only sons and daughters of the well respected could enter.

The Ochpu Jedi-Liu Order was based solely on the religion of the ?force of others?. For centuries, special people were able to tap into a hidden energy of which origins baffled scientists. Only in the last millenium was a religion constructed for those who wish to acquire knowledge of the force and its teachings. Tapping into the secret power not only made you ?one with the universe? it also helped you learn more about yourself and others around you.

Wark sidled up next to his friend, following his gaze to the horizon; he squinted desperately wondering if Orsus could see something he couldn?t. He always felt like a womprat standing next to him- Wark was short and dark skinned with black beady eyes while Orsus was tall, lean and had a shock of blonde hair that hung in a loose bob around his skull. Wark felt the wind moving gently through the maze of his spiked brown hair, running a nervous hand through it- another habit he?d picked up which Orsus had noted.

?He shouldn?t be worried,? Orsus spoke, his voice calm. He knew Wark always envied his constant serenity- something his friend had yet to achieve. ?He should place his worries on those new hatchlings of his. A few of them wandered into the Och-lu temple and were almost squashed by Karhn?s tail.?

Wark chuckled to himself; Karhn CliffSkimmers? spiked tail constantly got in the way of things- in fact it had caused more damage than any other thing in the order. The Och-lu temple had suffered most from the Shivraw?s long appendage as it was one of the most ancient and sacred of all the temples, and, hence, the most fragile.

?But still, you distance yourself too much from the rest of the Learners,? Wark continued, crosses his arms underneath his brown robe, ?Its almost as if you are on a different planet entirely.?

?I wish,? Orsus said softly, his eyes moving from the horizon to his squat friend.

The Learners were the lowest level in the Order. Only the most talented and promising students were picked to join, others who d

 

Wow, I'm impressed! Great story, and very cool opening scroll.

Just a note: How do you exactly write a story between two people? Does one write, and the other improve upon or something?

 

I do all the work and stinrab just sits there saying "riiight".

Basically it went like this, stinky came up with the idea of doing this (inspired by Forces of Deception I believe) and then we just stared coming up with ideas, i.e. when it should be set, what it should be about etc. Then I put it into a brief outline for all three stories, stinky naturally loved it , and it just sort of gets passed back an forth until we're both happy. Then a more detailed outline is written for this one, so we know what will happen in each post, and that's basically how we do it. Although I must approve all of stinky's posts.

 

Orsus walked in to the small room and sat down on his bed. Wark and Karhn remained by the door. Orsus' room was a bit too cramped for Karhn's liking; he could hardly even get his large frame through the small door.
"Youz ah better noz keep day Masterz waiting," Karhn said, his raspy voice breaking a momentary silence.

"What do you think they want to see you about," Wark put in hesitantly, after seeing no response from his friend.

Orsus slowly looked around the small room. For all his life it had been his sanctuary, his own little part of the universe. The walls echoed with memories of years past, he just had to sit, close his eyes and listen to the history! Whenever he needed to do some thinking, he would come here, where he knew he could be alone with his thoughts.

"I don?t know?" he finally spoke up.

Only once before had he been summoned to come before all six of the Masters of the Temples, and that was not a pleasant experience.
Although they were the kindest and wisest beings Orsus, or even the Republic, had ever known, they were keepers of peace and justice and they knew how to deal with those who did not play by the rules. Orsus had learned this by mistakes he had made when he was younger, not realising that rules were not made to be broken.

"?but I'm not going to find out by sitting here," he continued.

He removed his battle armour from underneath his long cloak and placed his staff handle on a small shelf. After dusting down his clothes, he put on some long robes and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.

The three of them walked down a long corridor, near the centre of the largest of the Temples of the islands. As they walked, the only sound was that of Karhn's tail as it scrapped along the stony floor. The sound echoed throughout the darkening passageway.
The torches that would light the corridor had yet to be lit and the only light came from outside. As they went to turn down another corridor, at the end of which was where the Masters could be found, they were greeted and halted by a tall figure in dark robes. He was Erall Scor, a Protector of the Order, and one who rarely left the central planet of the Republic.

"Good evening gentlemen," he said softly. "I'm afraid you shall have to wait here," he went on, turning to Wark and Karhn.

He held their gaze for a moment to make sure they understood and then he turned to Orsus.

"You may continue Learner Acerbis."

Orsus nodded in acknowledgement and then turned to look at his two friends. Karhn's forked tongue shot out for a quick moment as if smelling the air, and Wark simply smiled.

Orsus then turned and continued on towards the wooden doors at the end of the corridor. When he reached them, he held up his fist to knock on the hard wood door? but he hesitated. For a moment he was uncertain what to do, should he knock? After a moment of indecision he brought his hand down to the handle and pushed the door open and walked inside.

He walked into a dark room. The only light came from the last of the sunlight, reflecting off the clouds, through a small opening in the roof and a dying fire in the middle of the room. The fire had smouldered to a warm glow and had filled the room with smoke, which was escaping out the hole in the roof. He peered deep into the darkness to see if he could make out anything else, but the almost extinguished light from above and the glow of the fire were not enough to help even these eyes.

He stood silently and did not move around for fear of walking on something, or somebody. With his eyes rendered useless, he tried to determine what he could about the room. It was as silent as he was and he only smell was that of the smoke filled air. But there was something else. He sensed that he was not alone in this room. Perhaps the Masters were here after all.

As he waited, he slowly noticed that the fire began to burn with greater intensity. A flame sparked up, it's unpredictable dance shining more light on its surroundings. As the fire grew, the presence of six figures sitting around the flickering light was exposed.

 

Heh, stinky sounds like a typical NSWer.

Love the story, btw. Keep updating it.

 

It was unusually quiet as Orsus crossed from the large temple to the small dormitory buildings, a short walk away. The only sounds were that of the wind flapping at his robes and his soft footsteps on the grassy track. He paused for a moment in the darkness and looked around.
Wark and Karhn were not in the corridor when Orsus had left the Masters, in fact there was no one to be seen or heard. It made him feel uneasy. Despite its vast size, you couldn't go far in the temple without hearing some sort of activity. It was the one place where everyone on the islands would come to unwind for the day. It was a place, not only for learning and meditation, but also for telling ancient tales from the Republic and to sing songs with friends and masters alike. It was a symbol of the ideals of the Republic, it was a place were different races could come together and interact and share their cultures in peace.

But when Orsus had left the Masters in the dark room he was greeted by a wall of silence, the only sign of activity being the flickering light of the small torches that lined the stone walls. The light of their warm glow barely reaching the floor below as Orsus walked on, half in a daze of confusion.

As he stood on the grassy track, he looked back to the tall building looming high above him. Not a single light could be seen through any of its windows. It was like a motionless guardian silently watching the land around it. Its silhouetted form not giving away any clue to what lay inside. As Orsus turned back to the track, a biting cold breeze snapped at his face, sending a shiver down his spine. As the gusting winds howled in the cold night sky, it threw sand from the beach in all directions as if in a frenzied dance of choreographed chaos.

Orsus tired to shield his eyes from the unpredictable winds and the sand it carried, but any attempt was in vain. The sand blasted his young face, as he struggled to progress against the increasing might of the gale. He stopped for a moment, unable to find the power in his legs to progress. He dropped to the ground and covered his face with the hood of his cloak. The winds had been building all day, but he had never expected it to get this strong, or build so quickly.

The winds blew harder, determined to push him over, but he would not give way. He looked up for a quick moment and saw that his target was in sight, the wind banging its front door open and closed in a attempt to tear it away from its frame. Building up enough strength, he made the final dash towards the dormitory, coming up to the wildly flapping door. Watching its violent motion, he grabbed the door by the handle and closed it after him as he moved inside.
The wooden corridor was clam and a relative paradise compared to the storm brewing outside. He brushed away the grains of sand from his face as he made his way down to his room, where he could finally relax after the long day.

He sat down on his bed as he entered his room, closing his eyes, trying to clear his mind of all the questions he had for himself, to forget all the things he had heard and seen in the day. He was exhausted and wanted to sleep. His duel with Wark had lasted most of the latter part of the afternoon and had taken a lot out of him.
As he sat there silently, his mind began to drift away forgetting all his problems.

As his mind drifted, he saw himself standing on a long road surrounded by big trees and small ones alike. Light was peering down through the treetops above onto the road, which stretched out for what seemed like miles. As he began to walk, he noticed that he was a young boy, innocent and without a care in the world, only concerned with walking down this road.

As he progressed, he noticed that there was a tall man in long brown robes standing a bit down the road. The two studied each other for a while from where they were standing, both just silently looking on. Then the tall man turned and walked on down the road, the young Orsus following but keeping his distance. After a while, Orsus had noticed that the man had come to a fork in the r

 

This is a neat story, the early days of the Republic and the Jedi. Great job here guys! Keep it up.

 

"I had another one," Orsus said, standing beside the open door to his room, staring inside.
"Another one? Orsus you must tell someone," Wark replied, the concerned tone of his voice echoing the look on this face.

Orsus turned his back on the door to face his friend. "I told you, didn't I," he said, trying to force a smile, to lighten the mood.

"And a great help I've been! At least tell Master Oca-Po, he can help."

"There is no need to worry him," Orsus said as he started to pace down the corridor. "Besides they are only dreams."

"Nightmares!" Wark insisted. "Recurring nightmares!"

"I would hardly call three or four times recurring."

Wark knew his friend was trying to dismiss the matter out of hand, to remain his cool headed, controlled, self.
"I would," Wark replied, feeling the need to press the matter.

Orsus stopped his slow pacing and turned to face Wark, regretting he had ever brought it up.
"So perhaps they are recurring, but what is that supposed to mean then, huh. I never saw images like that as a child. They are just dreams? or whatever you want to call them, they are of no importance, so lets just forget about it."

"You shouldn't dismiss it so easily," Wark pressed, not willing to forget.
Orsus said nothing, hoping Wark would take the hint and drop the whole subject.

"Perhaps you shouldn't look at it so literally. I doubt you have ever or will ever see images like those that you described, but maybe it is something else. The representation of a fear of something, perhaps," Wark went on.

"Fear? Fear of what?"

"I don't know? a fear of leaving maybe."

"I had them before I even knew about that, besides I'm not 'afraid' to leave?" Orsus trailed off, wondering if he could even believe his own words. He began to pace up and down again.

"So you are not going them?"

Orsus paused for a moment and looked as if he was going to speak, but he hesitated, the indecision clear on his face. He resumed his slow pacing.

"I need time," he said finally. "I need more time to think this through. Choices like this can not be rushed."

But the time he desired was the one thing he did not have.

 

Great story and cool graphic. Keep it up!

 

Master Lucis Doctrina stood tall, his commanding presence clear to all around. Even the raging winds took flight, out over the sea, as if not tempting fate against a being of such power.
It was the dead of night, the solitary moon in the sky giving little light to push back the darkness. Torches and small bonfires had been lit to give some light. Most were near the temples, but a few were dotted along the paths and near the small wooden docks, below the hill on which Master Doctrina stood.
A few moments before, Wark had arrived at the docks to prepare a small hover vehicle for transport over to the city. Having already prepped the craft, he sat uneasily on one of the small seats, fiddling with the controls, trying desperately to make himself look busy. Aware of the figure standing on the hill above, he forced himself not to look up and stare, but the urge overcame his control. He could not see much in the way of detail, but the mere sight of that figure was enough for him.

Master Doctrina was aware of those prying eyes, and they were not the only ones. Over by the temples Learners had gathered by the small fires to catch a glimpse of the mysterious seventh Master.

As he stood and looked out over the black horizon, he could hear someone almost struggling to make his or her way up the small hill. He knew instantly who it was.

"Good evening Lucis," Oca-Po's old crackled voice spoke up, calling out towards the other master standing alone on the hill. "He has not shown himself?" he continued, seeing no sign of his young apprentice.

"He will be here." Doctrina said confidently.

The squat and bent form of Master Oca-Po shuffled uneasily as he stood beside his taller friend. He did not share the other's high level of optimism. "I sense much doubt from him."

"You think he will refuse?" Master Doctrina asked, the smallest hint of concern in his voice.

"I do not know. He is prepared and capable, but he may be wary of what lays ahead," Oca-Po replied, unsure how to answer.

"He should be. Space is harsh and there would be much to learn. But as you say he is capable and should overcome any obstacles."

"He may not think so," the older Master said softly. "He may dream of seeing other worlds and meet with other cultures, but there is a difference between dreaming and actually getting there. The real world has caught up with him and this realisation weighs heavily on his shoulders."

"Have faith my friend. The force of others shall guide his thoughts and ease his mind, he will be here, unless it talks with two tongues," Doctrina said, with an expression on his face that could almost pass for a smile as he spoke his last words.

There was a silence for a few long moments. The nights on the islands were no quieter than the days, but as these two Masters of the Order, most powerful in the ways of the Force, stood on the grassy hill overlooking the sea, it seemed that no sound dared to break the silence.

Master Oca-Po, the oldest and considered the wisest of the Masters, seemed uneasy as he stood. His mind churning over endless questions and unknown answers.

"How can we be sure that the way we foresee is the only one?" he spoke at last.

"Be at ease my friend. Your concern is understandable at this time, but we did not take on this matter lightly. We have all contemplated the possibilities and we would not be at this stage otherwise. But there is a time for contemplation and a time for stepping forward. Events do not wait for you to be ready, and now we must take a giant step," the other said, almost expecting the question.

"If we were to stand still, not take that step and let events pass on without us? What if giant steps are not the way?" Oca-Po asked, not really expecting an answer.

"What is troubling you my old friend, you seem full of doubt this night. Do you feel we need to change course after coming so far?"

"We have waited long for this time, I more than most. We have tirelessly searched and patiently waited. But now that the time has come and that the majority of my work in this matter has come to an end, I can no

 

[Hah! Owen, ya hoser, never checks my posts.... he stopped doing that after my posts got better than his (a long time ago) ]

 

Okay, not a story post but I just have to post this.
http://indigo.ie/~owenc/shadow-pos.gif

 

What a chilling graphic!

This story rules.

It also smells of Darth Bane, Maybe?

 

You're about twenty thousand years out there.
I'm not going to give anything about the story away, but it is set about four thousand years after the birth of the Republic (known to be twenty-five thousand years old by the timeline of the films). Darth Bane, I believe, is around at a time one thousand years before the films.

I'm glad you all like the story.

 

Oops. I wasn't sure.
But, I'm sure it will be good.

 

I'm glad to see this story back up. Keep up the good work you two.

 

?Knew you would come,? Doctrina smiled, his brilliant white fangs glowing from underneath his brown hood. As the two made their way down the narrow grass path towards the velvet-like water, Doctrina had posed the statement in that ice cold voice of his.
?I only made the decision scarce moments ago, how could you find out? And so quickly?? Orsus asked back, trying to keep his voice as even as his new Master.

?The force poses many questions, my young padawan,? Doctrina smiled, lifting his strong feet over a raspy vine which had entangled itself amongst the wurish grass. ?It also provides more answers then we could ever possibly understand. No one yet knows what it is exactly- but that isn't important.?

?Padawan?? Orsus asked after a few minutes silence. Never, in all his years of living on the islands whilst learning the way learning the ways of the force, had he ever heard the use of that word before.

?Its an ancient term which means ?to follow?,? Doctrina explained, placing his thumb-claw of each hand underneath his brown belt. ?The library here on the island is the most extensive in the known universe. Everyday we find out more about ourselves, the force and the great origin of what we call ?life?.?

Orsus nodded slowly. There was a great many things he didn?t understand about the universe. He knew that this journey of his might resolve some of these but it was likely to invite more into his mind. Life was like that- a never ending chain of questions.

Kicking at a thicket, Orsus breathed in the cool tangy air. The many brilliant scents of the ocean filled his nostrils. His force senses could never, in his mind, duplicate the beauty of natures? smell. Doctrina was also sniffing the air softly himself, his stubby feline-like nose undulating in a prosperous rhythm.

?About time you guys showed up! I have business to attend to! Lets scoot on board and get out of here,? Wark said softly to Orsus, cheerfully throttling the engine of his hovercraft to a steady ?thrum-thrum?. He sat on the out rim of the boat, his legs dangling freely in the rich blue sea, as the moon reflected its brilliant glow onto his scruffy face. ?Going to pitch my new droid design,? he chirped proudly.

?The free-thinking droid? Thought they already had those,? Doctrina curiously asked, crossing his arms across his powerful chest, ?then again I haven?t gone into the city for quite a few cycles now.?

Doctrina was a powerful creature, Wark decided as the details of his appearance became more defined. His large muscular body was covered in a simple brown robe, tied at the waist with a simple brown belt. Hanging carelessly off a notch was the handle of his staff weapon, its design as rich and intriguing as its owner. Doctrina?s face was covered with black fur, much like the rest of his body. His short black snout glistened in the moonlight as his yellow eyes glared out from beneath his hood. The strength of the force radiated from his very being, almost like he was its source.

Strapping themselves into Warks? latest invention, the trio began the trip towards their destination- the city.

********
Tirawa

Where did it all go wrong?

Senator Flirt?el sighed softly to himself. Bridging his fingers together in front of his face, he yearned for peace again. He remembered the days when the citizens of the capital city of Withra walked down the street, arm in arm, loving every minute of their life.

Now their life was a living hell

The last food drop had been attacked by the rebels and abandoned. The Tirawans now had to only rely on their own trade- something they were never very good at. Which was another reason they had decided the join the Republic- a seemingly great and prosperous idea.

Obviously not to everyone

Flirt?el wasn?t sure what the specific motives of the rebellion was but its main drive was certainly the Republic. Why this group of people hated the supreme governing system in the galaxy with a passion he didn?t understand. The majority of people agreed in a referendum that joining the Republic was the way to move forward.

Small crystal te

 

?Welcome to Republic centre, unregistered vessel,? Came a smooth metallic voice through the Hovercrafts? radio system, ?Please identify yourselves.?
Wark threw his passengers a lop-sided smile, mouthing the words ?this should be fun?. Gently feeding less fuel into its engines, the Hovercraft slowed down as it closed in on the endless city.

?This is vessel Warks? Destiny from the Ochpu Jedi-Liu Temples,? Wark reported, holding his specially modified mouth piece near his lips, ?On business in the Capital spaceport- top priority.?

?Clearance codes please,? The voice reverberated back through the speakers

?What?!?? Wark spat. He turned nervously around to Orsus and then to Doctrina, his face pleading for forgiveness, ?I didn?t know..?

Doctrina held up a paw and Wark stopped immediately. Reaching into his robe, the Force Master pulled out a small silver cylinder. Placing it gently in his hands, Wark grinned in thanks.

Sliding the cylinder into its specific slot, the clearance codes were fed to customs control.

?Always be prepared, my young apprentice,? Doctrina said to Orsus with a smile, ?Even if it means going out of your way to do so. You as well, student Astro.?

Wark nodded, slyly. ?Many thanks, sir.?

Slowly the hovercraft docked with the Coruscant aqueduct, making sure it didn?t graze the surface of its delicate design. Wark had put many months of thought and long hours to make it, and he loved it like it was his child. His brainchild anyway.

?Here we are gentiles,? Wark grinned, hopping off his boat and securing it to the pier. ?Please watch your step.?

Getting up, Orsus stepped off cautiously onto the strong wood of the aqueduct. Stretching out his hand, he helped Doctrina over the satin waters. The three began walking into the city- their destinies in tow.

One destiny was shattered almost immediately.

A humanoid shaped android wobbled precariously on his awkward legs, its bulk supporting a large crate. Moving slowly along the pier, the droid went about taking his cargo to its owner

?Sorry, friend,? Orsus sighed, putting a hand reassuringly on Warks? shoulder as he watched the free-thinking droid he?d been dreaming of smash into a thousand pieces, ?I guess you weren?t the first to think of it.?

Wiping a tear from his face, Wark smiled strongly, ?It doesn?t matter,? he said weakly, masking his feelings terribly, ?It wasn?t my thing.?

?Come on,? Doctrina said cheerfully, trying to soften the mood. Placing a paw gently on Warks? arm he lead him, and Orsus towards the nearest Cab rank.

A drunken, tired rodian stood there, leaning cockily against his taxi-cab. Orsus had been friends with a rodian in the Jedi Order so he immediately identified its species. Pulling a lit cigarri out of his snout, the driver spat something in his native tongue.

Doctrina cocked his head sideways and spoke back to the driver in his language.

So he?s a linguist as well, Orsus smiled to himself. Every minute he learnt more about his new master.

Doctrina finished his banter with the driver and turned back to the two Jedi pupils, ?We can board at once. Price doesn?t seem to be a problem.?

?That?s? strange,? Wark said, cautiously eyeing the rodian. Having grown up in the underbelly of the city he was always wary of strangers. And free gifts.

?Someone has already paid for us,? Orsus broke in, smiling at Doctrina, ?I may not speak another language but I get the jist.?

Doctrina chuckled to himself, a music-like noise flowing from his mouth. The strangest laugh Orsus and Wark had ever heard.

?Well, student Astro, thank you for your co-operation,? Doctrina nodded to the young inventor, ?the force is strong with you. I feel your destiny will bring many rewards.?

Wark smiled at that, but held back tears as he turned towards Orsus. The two best friends hugged, crying softly into each others? shoulders. Words weren?t needed to express their emotions- the two vowed silently to themselves to see each other again, somehow.

Pulling apart, Wark gave his friend a weak smile, ?Go on, Ors,? he said, ?You?ll miss your ride.?

As the Taxi pull

 

Uppers!

 

The noise, the crowds, all the overwhelming senses were too much for the young man to comprehend at once. It was all too much, too soon.
He aimlessly swung around, hoping to connect, but only striking the thick air. Off balance and out of mind, he spun to the ground uncontrollably. As his staff hit the ground his hand followed, knuckles skidding across the filthy rough ground, flesh being peeled and ripped back. As he screeched out in agony, the pain seemed to wake him up, snapping him back to the here and now. He forgot about the millions of busy wayward minds, the noise and the gut wrenching smells, and gathered himself, closed his mind and looked up.
His attackers were advancing now once again having been put off by the reckless carousel attack of Orsus. Some had now armed themselves with iron bars that had been lying under old rags, or small rocks, which they hacked out of the side of a decaying building.

As he watched them come forward, focus had once again returned to Orsus' eyes. He pulled up his weapon as the blood of his wound began to trickle onto its hilt from the top of his hand, but the pain now seemed a secondary concern. He got to his feet and stood up tall, taller than he first seemed to those surrounding him. He fully extended the metallic poles of his trusty weapon and readied himself, he knew this was no training fight with Wark and was not a time to show off. Never had he had to engage in a real fight, were he could see the anger in the eyes of his foes, were the outcome would have consequences.

Then it came. Rocks first, as deadly as any missile in the right hands, but even these filthy begging hands could wield them with deadly effect. Orsus was quick into action, staff spinning before him, so fast that it appeared a blur, he deflected each projectile and even managed to return some to its owner just as fast as it was sent. Stone after stone, rock after rock came forward as each one ricocheted off the spinning shield, smashing into the walls, the ground and anything in the way. As quickly as the barrage started, it ceased, as the stones stopped and the advancement momentarily held back.

"There is no need for this, please, I don't want to hurt you," Orsus pleaded.

But his words only seemed to push them into attack. One strange creature let out a cry, that would send even a Carac cave Dragon scurrying for its lair, and jumped forward with a long bar in hand. Small sparks flew as the two weapons met, but one was no match for the other, the strange creature was thrown into the wall as the rusty bar was shoved to the ground.
Orsus had no time to stop and look. Another bar with a dangerous jagged edge was flying towards his head in a swinging arc. As he brought the staff to the back of his head, the two shafts of metal clashed, each scrapping along each others length until they locked together, bringing their owners face to face. They remained still for a short moment, but with hardly enough time to size each other up, the young Padawan pushed his body forwards and towards the ground. As he did so, his right boot came up behind him and met the face of another foe coming up from behind with such force that knocked alien flat on his back and reeling from the pain.
As Orsus pushed forward, he freed his weapon and in a move too fast for his opponent, he swung himself and his staff to meet the street rat square in the back, sending it to the ground, where it belonged.

Orsus took a quick glance of the area and noticed the others were uneasy and hesitant to come forward now. He could see the fear in their eyes, their fear of him.

"This didn't need to happen," he said in an almost apologetic tone.

"Oh but it did," came the harsh tough reply.

A very large and very bulky human now stood before the young man. The others pushed out of the way of his large frame as they caught sight of the weapon in his hand. Long and rusted, but extremely heavy, it had large spikes and blades extruding from either end.
Orsus realised there was going to be no reasoning with these people.

The large bulk of a man lunged forward

 

The precession went on and on, winding down the valley like streets, passing by the citizens of the monstrous city, who laughed and waved and seemed a lot happier now than they had before. As Orsus was carried along, he was confronted with strange images and aliens he could never even imagine, dressed strangely and dancing around in a frantic manner trying to entertain the on looking crowd. These sights and sounds overwhelmed Orsus' senses, making him coil up inside, to hide away, to escape. But he did not want to coil up inside of himself, as there he had to confront that image. The images of that man, lying motionless on the ground, blood trickling down his chest and out his back, dead by his hand. Never before had he taken a life. He remembered the countless times of how he had learned of how all life in this world, this universe, was precious and unique. But now he had taken a life, just so he could preserve his. He failed before he even started, he thought to himself.
As he aimlessly wandered on with the crowd through those long meandering streets, they finally emerged into the open, onto a large plaza, at least two miles wide on either side. There Orsus saw more people than he could possibly imagine gathered together in one place. Never, when looking over at the city from the islands, did he think that so many creatures of all kinds could live together in such a place. The shear volume of people was a sight to behold, even greater than the city surrounding them. The sea of heads and hands swayed with the enchanting music that echoed out across the open plaza.

As a yearly festival or an attempt to cheer up the locals, the city was putting on an event that would not be forgotten quickly. But it would be forgotten. Although the Republic was prospering, times were hard for the central systems. With the massive growth of the Grand Republic and worlds such as Courscant and Sical, the resources of the central systems has become limited and scarce. With the limitations on size of ships and the time it takes to reach the outlying worlds, supplies are merely trickling through, which leaves virtually everything in massive demand. Rationing had been implemented in the larger urban areas and morale of the locals had been dwindling. In attempts to secure resources, the Senate has been searching for new members, with the ability to help alleviate the problem. New worlds are being welcomed in with open arms, as long as those arms are filled with goods to share.

As they delved into the sea of people, the parade made its way to the centre of the plaza, where a large podium was placed. Surrounding the podium were the Four Guardians of the Republic, massive statues each pointing to one of the four corners of the Republic. Their sleek feminine figures gazing out over the horizon to see the splendour that is the Grand Republic. As symbols of the scale and greatness of the Republic, they were, next to the elite members of the Order, the most recognisable virtue of the Republic.
But Orsus didn't seem to take much notice of the gigantic stone figures looming high above him. In fact he wasn't taking much notice of his surrounds at all anymore. He just let himself be carried along, not caring much where he was been taken.

Locked in his own thoughts, all he could see was that fat man, that foolish fat man, lying there with his face betraying his last feeling before all life left him. Orsus could see the pain the man had suffered in that brief moment with that look on his face. It was pain that Orsus had caused, pain that he was trained to inflict. Trained to help protect the Republic against its enemies, he was told countless times, but was this man really an enemy of the Republic? The images and questions circled in his head over and over again, but it always came back to 'Why?'

As he went along in his almost trance like state, one voice suddenly broke through the barrier he had erected around his mind. Its rough tone cried out across the masses of people towards Orsus.

"Hey?you!" the voice screeched out.

As Orsus was snapped back to

 

Nice.

 

"We have received the votes from Sical and Merral. All that is required in our decision on the matter," Daltuf said as he sat in the tall marble chair, looking over his papers. The middle aged Quell waited patiently for a response from the person siting opposite him, behind the large curved Sicallian marble table. He watched as the rays of light, from the newly rising sun, bounced off the tables smooth surface and fill the room with a warm glow. The morning sky was a tapestry of golden colours which Daltuf had always enjoyed seeing each day. But every once in a while, more often that not nowadays, the wonderful view would be spoiled by the passing of the morning traffic.
"Chancellor?" he called seeing no response.

"Hmm? Oh yes, yes! The vote will take place during this evening's session, add that to the agenda by the way, and if all is well have Yalle add it to the Tariff Bill," Chancellor Langer Nootka finally replied as he scanned over his own papers, spread out in front of him on his large desk.
"Now what's this I hear about the Alderaan visit?" he went on as the thought popped into his head.

"Yes, the High King is planning an event of sorts. A celebration of four thousand years of the unique interaction between the species of the Republic as the King himself put it. I do believe that he has planned it around your schedule, on our third day on the planet, I understand."

"Is there not a way around it? Mel'valor's speeches at these things can be so drawn out, even by his standards," the chancellor sighed as he remembered the last time he was unfortunate enough to be the subject of one of the High King's speeches.

"It doesn't look promising Sir. I believe he is also planning a debate afterwards on the future of the Republic, unadventurously entitled Where will we be another four thousand years from now?. But, I have heard the Empress Kallec will be attending" Daltuf said, expecting to find the chancellor a bit more enthusiastic with that last bit of information.

"Really? Well it would be considered quite rude not to attend after the High King himself has gone through so much trouble on my behalf," the chancellor said, as a smile grew across his face.

Daltuf chuckled to himself as he remembered the last time the Supreme High Chancellor had an encounter with Empress Kallec of the Baltur Cluster. Sifting through his papers with his long pale fingers, he cleared his throat to speak up again.
"On a related note Sir, King Verna of the Hirth Alliance is inquiring if you will be available for the final ceremony for their entry into the Republic."

"What is it with these Kings?" the chancellor said as he tried to jog his memory. "Hirth Alliance, Hirth, hmm? ah yes that lot. Well no, I don't think I shall be attending, not with all that stuff going on. Who else do we have available to attend as a guest of honour?"

"Master Lucis Doctrina of the Ochpu Jedi-Liu Order is already en route, along with a trainee I believe."

"Ah yes, yes, the good Master. I suppose he could look into all that unpleasantness while he is there," the chancellor said as he looked back to his papers.

Daltuf slowly and uneasily looked to his left to see something stir in the shadows as if awakened by the chancellor's slip of words. Every once in a while the leader of the government of the Great Galactic Republic would say the most inappropriate thing at the most inappropriate time, and Daltuf knew it was his job to clean up the mess afterwards as the chancellor seemed oblivious to his fumble.

Protector Vires Militis, Knight of the Chancellor, stood out of the shadows from where he stood quietly throughout the meeting.

"And what unpleasantness might this be?"

Langer Nootka slowly looked up in realisation, at hearing that deep voice.

"Well Vires," the chancellor began slowly, searching for the words that would follow. "It appears that some small rebellious faction have been making a minor nuisance of themselves in one of the systems, nothing important probably."

"Rebellious faction?" Militis pressed.

Nootka looked up at Daltuf with that look of you