New Je’daii Order Temple Padawan Kesh Rebuild

REBUILDING THE JE'DAII ORDER

"series of one shots about rebuilding the nine great temples of Tython."

Padawan Kesh: The Je'daii Academy

IC: Temple Master Terrogate

160 ABY: Padawan Kesh, Tython.

~\*~

"Every Journeyer will encounter different dangers. Many will find their travels treacherous and troubling. And there are inevitably some who will not survive. But to exist in smooth balance within the Force, one must first confront its sharp edges."

―Nordia Gral, first Je'daii Temple Master of Padawan Kesh, 36,019 BBY.

~\*~

“This can’t be right?” said the Cathar out loud as he looked at the data from the probe droid displayed on his Datapad. The Grand Master had sent him to rebuild several Je’daii temples on Tython for the New Je’daii order and so far the progress was steady and as expected for the most part. The Bothan Master builder Yeg Sunar was well underway with the Martial arts temple ‘Stav Kesh’ on the Ice Giant range with the help of a workforce from Cathar resembling a small army in number. And the Keshiri metal workers also were well in control of the Forge Temple ‘Vur Tepe’ rebuild. Terrogate had set his sites on his third rebuild project ‘Padawan Kesh’ The Je'daii Academy, having needed to travel back to Batorine for a brief period had sent out a probe droid resembling an old Imperial model that the Grand Master had found to survey the site before making the journey himself.

The only problem was, the temple site which Terrogate had expected to have found in literal ruins among the Masara mountainside where the Temple was said to be located had not shown up as ruins at all. The site was intact, and its condition was good. Really good.. “Too good”. The Cathar thinks to himself, this can mean only one thing. Someone or something was or at least had been until very recently, living at the Academy Temple.

Terrogate presses his comlink and contacts his betrothed the GrandMaster Bathor, updating her of the situation and his suspicions. Together they agree that Terrogate takes his droid SH3-1LA and personally inspect the site, and if possible, to make negotiations with the inhabitants if any exist. He is to make it clear that the Je’daii are back and will be claiming the site. By force if necessary, but to also offer them a place in the order should they warrant one.

And so, the next day Terrogate once more leaves his family's home on Batorine aboard his ship ROAR-1. With his 4meter tall, 4-tonne jet black custom security droid Sheila strapped safely in the cargo hold. They will reclaim the Academy Temple, one way or another.

~\*~

A standard week later Terrogate stands on the Tython Continent of Masara, at the foot of the mountain where the Je'daii Academy of Padawan Kesh was located. He looks upwards into the mountain pass and sees the very peak of the temple sticking out between the rocks above.

The Je'daii Academy was not particularly easy to come by unless you already knew where to look. And luckily for him, Mab had given him coordinates as well what lore she had been able to find on it. Nestled into position within a small mountain range and then added to that its stone structure made of the surrounding rocks, made it extremely difficult to spot from the air.

Forgoing all of that, however, there was very little keeping an individual from walking up to the Temple, provided they didn't mind a little physical activity. Set high upon a cut in the platform in the rock it was still reasonably difficult to access on foot for more than a few people at once, and in places where railings have not been installed, it was somewhat perilous.

Terrogate had landed his ship several kilometres away and SH3-1LA had accompanied him on foot to the temple site, but they walked out in the open as to be seen. He did not want to seem threatening, but nor did he want to start any possible negotiations with suspicion or more mistrust than would already be naturally present when a stranger calls.

Terrogate closes his eyes and raises his hands, pushing out with his feeling.. searching for signs of life.. for a moment there was nothing but the non-sentient beasts in the surrounding area that he could sense in the force. But then it hits him and the Cathar opens his eyes.. “Their.” He says to the droid lowering his hands to his sides. “I felt them. Up there, in the temple. At least 20 beings” he says and he climbs onto Sheila’s back, securing his footing on the metal pegs positioned into the enormous (\*Silverback Gorilla) looking droids lower back. “Well let's go pay them a visit shall we Sheila..”

“[acknowledged] yes Master Terrogate, as you wish.” Says the large black droid as she starts making her way up the rocky mountain pass. Her specialty destined servo motors and actuators allowed her to move like a gorilla but the basis of the servo modelling was derived from a Lifting droid blueprint so her strength was incredible, perfect for climbing.

~\*~

In no time the pair had made their way up to the Temples entrance and Terrogate dismounts his droid taking a moment to gather his surroundings.

To the left was a vast array of solar collectors and water pumps and to the right was a square paved open-air training ground. Nothing fancy, just a large square paved pad with a carved out circle in the middle about ten meters around.

But in front of the two, was the huge building of Padawan Kesh Temple. Massive and grand, constructed from huge stone blocks cut from the mountain surrounding it. It had a square main structure with two large rectangular towers on its back two points. Two smaller circular towers were positioned at its front. The rooftops of the main structure and the larger towers were adorned with bronzium-clad cupolas and spires. The rooftop of the main building was lined with worn and weather-beaten banners and flags of the Jedi.

“Time to see if anyone's home..” said the Cathar Temple Master and started walking forwards towards the entrance with his droid closely following behind, the ground gently thudding under her weight. They had not gotten more than a dozen steps when the doors of Padawan Kesh began to open before them, revealing the outline of 5 robed, humanoid looking beings.

Terrogate stops in his Tracks and lightly touches his sabre attached to his belt. “No need for that friend,” said one of the figures, a man.. And then one of them stepped forwards from the group. “We will not cause you harm unless you have come looking for trouble.” said that same voice.

“I am not here to cause trouble. Only to talk. My Name is Terrogate, and who may I ask are you?” said Terrogate. “My name is Bal Darsten, Temple Master,” the man said as he removed his hood revealing a middle-aged human male with a grey beard, blue eyes and ahead of long grey hair pulled back into a ponytail. The other 4 also removed their hoods revealing a Zabrak female in her 30’s, a pair of Blue skinned Twi'lek males Terrogate picked to be in their late teens and an elderly human female easily into her 60’s or 70’s with stark white hair and heavy scarring on her face and neck. None appeared to be armed, at least they were not carrying weapons outside of their robes. Terrogate was cautious though and kept his wits about him.

“Come, let's go inside, and we can talk like civilized beings. But I must ask that your droid and your weapon stay outside.” Bal Darsten said motioning to SH3-1LA. “Of course,” said the Cathar and nodded to Sheila who replied “[acknowledged] I will wait here for your return Master Terrogate.” in her robotic female voice and stopped moving forwards, her head swivelling and blue neon eyes looking around, surveying the surrounding landscape. Terrogate then placed his lightsaber on a rock near to the entrance. “Oh, and if anyone touches this.. Kill them,” he added. “[acknowledged]” the hulking security around Sheila responds. He then followed the 5 beings into the Temple, the door closing behind them.

“You may leave us,” Master Bal Darsten said to the others as they entered the Temple, within moments Terrogate was walking through Academy Temple alone with the human.

“I know why you have come..” said the man as they walked, “Our scouts have sent word to me that strangers have come to Tython, and are restoring the sacred Jedi temples” They are led by a golden armed Iktotchi and two other sorcerers, both of great power in the force. And they are accompanied also by a brutish Cathar..” he said looking to Terrogate, his gaze meeting the warriors. “I would assume that is you.?”  “That’s right,” said Terrogate. “I must say I was shocked to see the temple occupied, and in such good condition.” Continued the Warrior. Terrogate felt his mind attempting to be probed, the intensity of the Masters force powers pressing against his mental defences. Terrogate doesn't resist for long, he lets the master inside... Seeing his past, his intentions, his goals...

The Master's eyes widen... “SITH!” he exclaims out loud quickly putting his hand under his robes in where Terrogate assumes was his weapon. Terrogate raises his hands as fast as possible using his augmentation of speed reaching out and pulling the hidden lightsaber from the Masters’ belt with Telekinesis pulling it into his grasp before the Master can take hold of it. With less than a thought, Terrogate ignites the blue blade and after sending a burst of Force lightning into the Master weakening him and dropping him to his knees, Terrogate then holds the blade of the weapon against Bal Darstens neck.

“This Cathar is stronger in the force than I thought, I've never seen lightning as this summoned. What chance do we have if he is the weakest of them” Bal Darsten thinks to himself. He had been a fool to underestimate him, allow him entry, and now he would pay with his life.  “Cut me down Sith.. It matters not.” says the human master. “I represent the New Je’daii order Master Bal Darsten..” Terrogate says in a deep growl, turning off the blade and dropping it to the floor next to where the human was kneeled. “I am no Sith.” Terrogate says with a hint of spite as he takes a step back allowing the Master to get some room to breath, but the knight is still on his guard, ready to fight and to kill if he must. He still had no idea who these people were, but he knew the blue energy sword, and that was the hallmark of a Jedi.

“Who are you people?.. Who are you really?” he says to Master Bal Darsten narrowing his eyes. The human male raises his head to look at Terrogate, locking the gaze of the green-eyed Cathar and sighs before he speaks. “We are the descendants,” he says, not even attempting to move for the lightsaber. “It's better that I start from the beginning,” he says.

Over the next what seemed like hours Terrogate listens to the tale of The Descendants. Centuries ago the Jedi had come to Tython looking to re-establish a presence on their ancestral home once more and had settled firstly here in Padawan Kesh, restoring the ancient Temple in full but they had found that the Tho Yor had long since left without a trace. The date has been lost but at some stage, the Jedi had received orders to leave the planet but many refused to leave. Master Ho’Dar, a powerful Jedi seer had a vision on the eve of the Jedi’s departure from the plant. One of death, hundreds and thousands of Jedi perishing in a war lasting decades. The Galaxy brought to ruin and darkness once more. The Council denied this as a legitimate vision of note, wrote it off as an impossible future. But there were many who believed. And so it was, close to 200 Jedi of all ages, species and ranks were left behind as the bulk of the Jedi forces on Tython then returned to the stars. Taking with them the starships and the majority of the knowledge that had been gathered in their time here. Communications to a Jedi outpost on planet Kalimahr worked for a while but then abruptly, for no reason at all, just stopped. And they were cut off from the rest of the Galaxy.

“Now we number less than 30..” says Master Bal Darsten. Hanging his head, his words heavy with regret. “For generations the master's had ventured out, looking for others, for anything.. But there is nothing. Nothing but ruins and Tython and death. And now here we are, with each generation the Masters die off before passing on all their knowledge. With each generation we see less force adept children born. We have now just nine force-sensitive among us. And only the two masters that have passed the trials.” Terrogate assuming the five that had shown themselves on his arrival were the main, then the others children?. That would make sense to keep them hidden from a stranger. “Trials” the Cathar mutters questioningly under his breath. “What chance do our children have? Does my son Galmar have?? Or his children? We have no way to leave. No way to grow.. It's as if the planet itself sees us as a virus and attacks us with storms and beasts when we used to hold ritual meditations on the light which are now banned... I fear the worst for us..” says the grey-haired master. His voice was sad, his words heavy..

Terrogate reaches down with his hand offering it to Master Bal Darsten who now picks up his weapon. “Well it seems perhaps we have an opportunity to help each other.” the Cathar says as the grey-haired Jedi takes his hand and Terrogate pulls him to his feet then begins walking once more, not waiting for the master who quickly catches up to him. “What do you mean \*’ help each other’?” says the Master.

Terrogate stops then turns and faces him. “I will be blunt,” says the Cathar. The Jedi, as they were at least, are gone. The vision… It was real.” Master Bal Darstens eyes widen. “But the Je’daii, the ones who first inhabited Tython, brought here by the Tho Yor almost forty thousand years ago have now returned. We are here to reclaim the planet for good.” Terrogate says.

“I would like to offer you and your people a chance Master Bal Darsten, a chance to join us”. Terrogates voice is now very calm, but serious. “Join us, and help us rebuild the order, establish the ways of the Je’daii, the rightful peoples of Tython. Then you and every one of your people will have the chance to leave, or to stay and those who have the force with them may complete their training under our Masters. To complete their journey and become powerful in the force.. But you should note, we are not light or dark side users.. Just as Tython demands balance so do we. You will have to renounce your Jedi faith, and train as we do.” Terrogate pauses for a moment to let what he is offering sink in to the Jedi. “These are my terms. You can join us and have a chance at life. Or you can refuse, and you will die. One way or another.” says Terrogate, careful not to sound overly threatening as they both knew what he meant.

“I will call a meeting tonight and we will discuss this offer of yours Je’daii.” says the human. In the meantime, my son will show you around the rest of the Temple. “You can come out Galmar.” says the Master and a young boy of about ten years old and a single braid of dark brown hair down to his earlobe appears from around the corner. He had been there the whole time Terrogate assumes but had hidden himself inside the force.

“Show our guest around, and then to a living quarter where he may get refreshed.” and then the Jedi bows to Terrogate, and walk off in the other direction. Leaving the boy and the large Cathar to continue the tour, Terrogate makes note of several points of interest to report back to the Grand Master as they walk around the Temple, it seems that despite the mountains surrounding the building much had been cut away back into the rock behind the Temple giving it an ample amount of open spaces behind it. He sees some of the other descendants going about their business, cleaning, studying.. Not many children though mostly we're adults and only a few teens including then Twi’lek twins who were practising their swordplay in the training halls but almost all of them stopped to stare at the large feline stranger, none approached or spoke to him. The Temple itself was well set out, it had some decent upgrades and the remaining Jedi who had occupied the Temple had done a good job maintaining it as they had been left a small army of maintenance and repair droids by the former Jedi after rebuilding the place. Although it would need some minor structural repair works and technological upgrades, which was to be expected after centuries of intense and sometimes violent Tython weather patterns.

The Sunken Gardens: To the back of the structure, situated upon the same plateau as the Temple itself, lies a breathtaking garden that spans almost as much square footage as the ground floor of the Academy, only the shape is considerably more irregular. It derives its name from the fact that in comparison to the main structure the garden itself sits at a slightly lower elevation, with a series of steps leading down to it.

An artificial stream flowed through the middle but no longer, with a wooden bridge arching over top to connect the pathways. The area furthest from the Academy, across the bridge, it was often used for meditative purposes, though a small outcrop features a botanical garden which basks in the sunlight provided by its higher elevation.

The Glass Houses: Similar to the gardens, though found off the eastern wing of the Academy, the Glass Houses provided a way for the young students to learn what it is to grow fresh food, as well as giving them access to fruits and vegetables to fill their pantry and ensure they don't live on purely non-perishables. There are three of them, one which houses fruits, one for vegetables, and a final one for both medicinal and flavour enhancing herbs. Behind the Glass Houses, in a darker patch of the garden, there is a similar setup for fungi.

The Secluded Hangar Bay: Hidden within one of the ridges across from the Academy's main plateau, the Hangar Bay is capable of housing a handful of smaller personal transports, as well as the Je'daii Temples designated larger ships. Starship access to the hangar lies on the other side of the mountain, and access to it is monitored remotely, while access from the hangar to the Academy itself involves a short trip across the ridge on a suspended bridge. Terrogate assumed even once fully occupied and functional as it's intended purpose as an Academy It is rare that the Hangar would see much use, outside of fresh intake, supply runs, and the occasional visit from a Journeyer come to complete a leg of their Great Journey.

The Living Quarters: it was as simple as it sounded, this area of the Academy was dedicated to generic living spaces, from the kitchens and mess halls which see thrice-daily usage, to rec rooms that house all manner of activities for the children to participate in. Holo-vids and games were on hand to be played here during the students' downtime, as well as classic board games such as novacrown. There are plenty of quiet corners for the youngsters to have curled up with a book, or sit and gossip with one another. But with the gradual declining members of the remaining Jedi order, this was now mostly unused or converted to general storage.

The Halls of Training: Is here that Je'daii Younglings would come to test their mettle. All manner of environments could be simulated within the training rooms, to encourage the use of Sokan. Some even have permanent features such as vast sandpits, boulders, or pools of water. Students, back when there were many, used to be monitored at all times by a member of the Academy faculty to ensure that any injuries sustained are quickly tended to. Now it was more 1 on 1 training with a medical droid on hand.

The Halls of Learning: this was an area dedicated to both solitary and group learning; it was here that classes were held, both those dedicated to general education as well as Je'daii-specific lessons. Attached to these Halls was a small and now poorly stocked library which Terrogate could only imagine when this was an actual ran academy was full to the brim with books and knowledge for the students to grow their awareness of the world and the greater galaxy.

The Halls of Healing: Simply put, this was the Academy's medical bay. It housed much of the basics that could be needed on a daily basis, or in the case of an emergency, though it is not as fully fitted as Mahara Kesh would have been, the Temple of Healing, housed within the Academy are still a handful of medical droids, some were even still operational and ready to assist.

The Dreamscape: With such a formal name it was simply the Dormitories, this area made up the Academy's sleeping quarters, though the areas are separated by gender, and faculty were once housed separately from the students now the remaining descendant occupied the same level and the vast majority of room were empty. Each room typically held one individual, though a few two-man-bunks did exist. Much like the training rooms, an almost tangible image could be projected into these rooms to aid with relaxation and sleep. This included a simulation which will make it feel as though the Je'daii is floating in a vast ocean, lost within space, or lay within a tranquil forest.

The boy also told Terrogate of the trials that he himself had hoped to take one day. Galmar reminded Terrogate of himself as a boy, eager to please his father and always seemed much older than he actually was. The trials it seems was one of the traditions that the Jedi had continued to utilise to train it's force sensitive members.

Ascending into one of the preparation towers to fast and meditate, Journeyers would arrive at the Trials Chamber at dawn and work through a battery of five Trials administered by the Temple Master. The Trials of Skill, Courage, Spirit, Flesh, and Insight were designed to push a Jedi to the edge, forcing them to call upon all aspects of their training. If the Trials were successful, a Jedi was ushered into a chamber to clean themselves and meditate before stepping out onto the promenade on the rooftop of the Temple for a knighting ceremony although as knowledge and skill were lost less and less we're successful in passing the trials. Bal Darsten and Tulla, the old lady Terrogate had met at the gate, the only two still alive who had successfully completed them. And Tulla, having been savagely attacked by a wild rancore had never been the same after. Removing herself from taking any part in training.

~\*~

Later that night, a knock at the door of the guest quarters where Terrogate had been resting. Opening the door Terrogate is now faced to face with the grey-haired Temple Master Bal Darsten and his son Galmar who was standing wide-legged, eyes looking up meeting Terrogates. “The boy shows no fear,” Terrogate thinks, he sees much potential in the youth. The Temple master looks down for a moment to his son and places his hand on the boy's shoulder. Without looking up he speaks. “We accept.. For our children.”  Terrogate smiles and extends his hand in friendship, one that is met with the hand of Master Bal Darsten. “That is good news. I will inform the Grand Master and arrange a visit and bring many supplies, and also I will dispatch a transport ship of Cathar workers from the Stav Kesh to assist in repairs within the fortnight.” Terrogate releases the Master's hand. “Your people will live and prosper Temple Master Bal Darsten, you have made the right choice,” says Terrogate. “I hope so,” says the grey-haired human and then bowing slightly turns and ushering his son along, walks away. Terrogate thinks he saw a hint of optimism in the man's eyes, possibly even slight excitement.. Or was it relief..?

Terrogate then returns into the chamber and closes the door behind him. Removing his personal comlink from his pocket he calls Mab. < “ Hi, Mab.. I'm at Padawan Kesh, we've secured the Temple, as well as some new recruits…..”>