Bruce Terry
Member
Posts: 42
Affiliation: The Jedi Order
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Post by Bruce Terry on Aug 18, 2017 20:40:24 GMT -8
The Lambda-class shuttle descended into the Safe Haven's hangar, its occupants afterward collecting their belongings and disembarking. Master Bruce Terry was greeted by Safe Haven personnel, who welcomed him back and asked about his stay on Felucia. Bruce could only give the answer that it was mostly business, which was completely accurate; he hadn't traveled there for a vacation, after all. But he was pleased to know that Belkadan had remained untouched, not a target of the Knights of Ren. No, they had made other targets...
Bruce was a patient man, but these acts by Jacob were irredeemable.
He led Janie and Hssan to their quarters and parted ways with them before heading back outside, at the back of the Academy. He sat on the ground at the peak of the overlook, beneath the shade of the large tree that grew there, and surveyed the paradoxical tranquility of the lake below. War was upon the galaxy... the Jedi and the Alliance were fighting back... For a moment, Bruce wondered why he even returned here. This was his post, he reminded himself, and he gladly accepted the role, but he almost felt useless here. Belkadan was uninteresting, un-strategic, unenticing. No one would want it... which was exactly why it was perfect for a safe haven.
But Bruce hoped they never had to use it.
Janie and Hssan had seemed hesitant to return to Belkadan from Felucia, having been enjoying themselves in the change of scenery and even making new friends. Bruce would have left them, but ultimately they had decided to return "home." They seemed fond of the Master, and he hadn't realized that he'd already taken them under his wing. In that sense, they were one bright spot in the string of sour events that had unfolded lately. The past was unchangeable, and Bruce was not one to dwell on it, only learn from it. He only hoped Joey and young Maggy would take that advice to heart as well...
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Aerandir Calmcacil
The Jedi Order
Posts: 1,731
Affiliation: The Jedi Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Aerandir Calmcacil on Oct 14, 2017 12:58:49 GMT -8
"Now I understand everything," *Bruce commented as he looked upon the ever-whitening crystal in Aerandir's palm.
The two of them stood beneath the large tree that cast shade upon the overlook, situated high above the lesser lake just behind the Safe Haven of Belkadan. Aerandir nodded, leaving his palm raised as his eyes took in the view.* "Far as I figure it, it's our best shot at standing against the darkness of the First Order, the Knights of Ren... and whatever the Sith are planning."
*Bruce put a hand on his shoulder.* "You're putting too much of a burden on yourself. You don't have to do this alone."
*Aerandir shook his head, otherwise still unmoving.* "Of course not. But we need all the help we can get."
*The older Jedi was silent for a moment. He opened his mouth to speak then immediately shut it to look away towards the rear entrance of the building.
Sensing it too, Aerandir said,* "They're fine. There's nothing I'm saying that's private information."
*Bruce nodded, deciding not to shoo off the eavesdropping Lorrdian girl and Farghul boy and instead asking,* "How long have you been doing this?"
"At least a year." *He finally turned to face his old Master fully.* "Ever since this conflict began, ironically." *He gestured with his palm, continuing,* "Found it in the Dantooine caverns. Didn't really think much of it at the time other than something told me to grab it. So I did. Then I took it to Ilum, where I asked what the significance was." *He chuckled suddenly.* "Although I actually accidentally figured it out myself."
"Something about you indeed felt different," *Bruce replied. He then smiled.* "In a good way though. Calmer... and stronger."
*Aerandir nodded.* "It's the meditations. Taking more of Ashla into it and myself, and through the crystal... ... At Ossus, I held a smiletrooper who almost killed Mina at the end of my saber and I let him go."
*This actually seemed to surprise Bruce, whose eyebrows flickered upwards before he smiled.* "I don't think anyone—Jedi, Sith, or otherwise—would have faulted you for taking their life to preserve your own... but in rising above, you may have saved more lives."
"Or damned others," *he retorted.* "However, I can't say I didn't think it was the right thing to do. Still can't. Honestly I still think about that moment... You know me. Had this happened months ago, he would have drawn his last breath in that moment."
*Bruce nodded slowly.* "You feel this is because of your meditations, then?"
"I do. I see things with more clarity than ever before. Feel them, too. The Force... I hear it speak to me more clearly than any point in my life. And it's telling me my journey's almost complete."
"It drew you here, then?" *Bruce laughed.* "If it just wanted you to speak with me, a holo would have worked just as easily."
*Aerandir smiled.* "Don't think I don't enjoy your company, Bruce, but yes... I wouldn't have come here personally otherwise."
"I understand." *He backed away, gesturing towards the lake.* "Then I shall leave you to it. If you have need of anything... as far as everyone here's concerned, you're still headmaster of the place."
*Aerandir showed his appreciation only through a smile as he watched him leave; faintly he could hear the conversation he struck up with the children as he reentered the building, asking about the "Grand Master" and his dealings here.
He turned away, facing the lake once more. It was as still as ever, reflective, tranquil... As tranquil as Belkadan had ever been. It had in truth been the perfect world to house the Jedi, despite the turmoil it had faced many years ago during the Yuuzhan Vong War. Even more recently than that, the Plague War had stained the world, and there was the sudden resurgence of the territorial cougars. But every time, the world recovered. Every disruption once more swallowed by peace. The tall trees, green fields, serene lakes... They were eternal.
The crystal lifted into the air. Aerandir felt united with the world around him, his own history melding with the history of the planet. Of all the time spent here, of the time spent cultivating the light and protecting its people... Belkadan was Aerandir's first major step into the galaxy, and the home of many of his initial accomplishments. He owed much to this place; quite possibly, so did the entire Jedi Order. One could not say for certain, as the past never changed... but the past was a key to determining the future, and it was a future free from tyranny that Aerandir foresaw.
And he would give his all to ensure that came to pass.
The crystal fell into his palm once more. He didn't bother to look at it as his fist closed around it; he already knew there were still steps left to complete. Few... but important steps nevertheless. He slipped it into his pocket and turned back towards the Safe Haven, his purpose only increased. He didn't linger on Belkadan for very long, bidding Bruce farewell before returning to the stars...*
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Bruce Terry
Member
Posts: 42
Affiliation: The Jedi Order
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Post by Bruce Terry on May 16, 2018 23:58:45 GMT -8
"You're certain?" Bruce asked the holographic form of Aerandir Calmcacil.
"I am," he replied with a nod.
"Were we not meant to maintain the Safe Haven as a backup location for the Order?" asked another Jedi present.
Aerandir nodded again. "I've got a few reasons. For one, there's little to be gained keeping a small faction retained out there when we need all the Jedi we can to come closer to home."
Bruce raised an eyebrow. "But there's more pressing matters?"
With another nod, Aerandir answered, "Yes. You're vulnerable. I wouldn't be surprised if Soku Ren came investigating at some point, he knew about Belkadan. More pressingly, I've learned that our old Sith friend has somehow cheated death."
Bruce scowled. "You don't mean..."
"I do. I don't know his true name, but he's taken up residence on Clak'dor VII. I've managed to make contact with him through the Force. Looks like our little game isn't over yet."
Bruce processed this information with some disbelief. The Sith who had tormented the fledgling Deralia Jedi, had been rebuffed multiple times, then had set his sights on Belkadan where he and his Imperial splinter group had been at last destroyed. Ambar Calmcacil, former apprentice of the Sith, had personally ended his life. But he had somehow returned from death to continue his cruel games?
"Understood," he said at length with a sigh. "I'll make preparations at once and report our decision to the local government."
"They may not take it well. Belkadan has had a Jedi presence for ten years, even if diminished in the last few. And I fear what may come next for them, considering how close they are to First Order territory. However, we must cut our losses. If the First Order come, they may be spared a cruel fate with a peaceful surrender as well as proof the Jedi have forsaken the world. When all this is over, we'll return to liberate them should the need arise." A small smirk graced Aerandir's lips. "Besides, my experience has taught me very few governments want anything to do with this backwater rock."
The sentiment was not exactly reassuring to Bruce, but he nodded regardless. "I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision."
"Easier than you might think. May the Force be with you all."
"And with you."
The hologram faded and Bruce wasted no time in giving the command to evacuate the Safe Haven. All belongings were packed, all useful equipment was stowed, and all available ships were loaded with goods and passengers alike. Bruce made contact with Belkadan's governor, Marlo Ramstein, and explained the situation to him—but only so far as to say that they were needed at home. The governor was surprisingly understanding and bid them farewell, thanking them for their service and that they would always be welcome on Belkadan.
Bruce hoped that were true.
With preparations completed, Bruce did one final sweep of the Safe Haven, ensuring everything and everyone who needed to be accounted for, were. Coinciding with this was a headcount in the hangar, which wasn't difficult to carry out considering the Safe Haven's small numbers. Once it was confirmed everyone was present, Bruce returned to the hangar, boarding the lead shuttle and giving the command to embark. He didn't look back as the ships headed for space before at last jumping for Felucia.
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Orrick Awaud
The Mandalorian Assembly
Posts: 140 
Affiliation: Clan Awaud
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Post by Orrick Awaud on Jan 21, 2021 9:03:24 GMT -8
Clan Awaud Enclave.
Orrick was seated with his clansmen, listening to several tales that had long been told. But they still served their purpose. It relaxed everyone and they were able to enjoy each others company. Something that was direly needed after the tumultuous events of Telos. While it was disheartening that they lost their home, retreating to rebuild and live another day was much more preferable than being snuffed out. If only he had been present personally, things might have been different. As much as he loved and respected his brother, Henoc, he could been brash and hot-headed at times. Vindictive, even. But, what was done was done. It couldn't be changed now. All the clan could do now was rebuild and start over. And Belkadan was a good place to do just that.
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Orrick Awaud
The Mandalorian Assembly
Posts: 140
Affiliation: Clan Awaud
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Post by Orrick Awaud on Dec 23, 2023 16:00:34 GMT -8
Clan Awaud Enclave.
Business as usual, was the pace around the Enclave. Training of the Foundlings was proceeding as planned, as was training of some of the newer recruits. All in all, life on Belkadan was smooth and peaceful for the members of Clan Awaud. Regular hunting parties were sent to contend with the Red-Crested Cougars, culling them or capturing them to be trained as battle companions. There was also plenty of hunting, fishing and harvesting to be done. Overall, life was quiet and peaceful here. Occasional visits from Assembly members happened, but all in all, it remained quiet and out of the way to most of the galaxy.
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Orrick Awaud
The Mandalorian Assembly
Posts: 140
Affiliation: Clan Awaud
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Post by Orrick Awaud on Feb 7, 2024 16:57:20 GMT -8
Clan Awaud Enclave.
Therin Awaud, a supercommando and security chief for the Enclave, had just returned from Kodeiv, the capital city of the planet. The local law enforcement had requested his help with a few minor security issues. Nothing severe, just how to better train some of their special ops strike teams. Sitting in with the law enforcement captain, Therin came up with a training regiment that would see the officers come to the Enclave and train with the Clan Awaud commandos. Nothing special, just some basics and pointers on how to minimize casualties. And if they should invest in upgrading their basic weaponry any. Normally, the Awaud Enclave wouldn't interfere with local governance or anything of the sort, however, since arriving on Belkedan after being driven from Telos, the Awauds had managed to integrate quite deeply with the locals. Trade in good and services was commonplace now. The smiths and farmers of the Clan were aiding the locals, and even sharing some of their wrangling techniques for the red-crested cougars that were native to the planet. The locals even accepted Clan Awaud as the primary defense against an attack. And given that Clan Awaud had set up the main orbital hub above Belkedan, it just seemed to fit as a mutually beneficial agreement between the Mandalorians and the locals. All in all, the Clan was prosperous here. And given the remoteness of Belkadan, it was an ideal location for the Clan to call home.
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