Tales of Tenric's Training: IX

Part V

Now that he had the benefit of hindsight Tenric regretted the teasing tone he had used. His whole body ached from the many places his Master had struck in order to ‘teach’ him. Set for training mode his Master’s saber was only marginally more powerful than his blue training blade, but that was little comfort. Each time he had dropped his guard or been too slow in recovery his master had nailed him with his sun-colored blade. Most of the exchanges had gone something like slash - block - thrust - parry - counter attack - riposte followed by a loud ‘Yeow!’ and the taunting words “Are you learning my Padawan?” or sometimes the much simpler, “No pain-no gain, my padawan.”

It was much worse than sparring with tool handles and sticks. Those weapons left bruises and calluses. The training saber, however, not only left Tenric bruised but twitchy with frayed nerves from the jolting. Even now, laying in bed the next morning, stray muscles would twitch randomly or send phantom pain messages to his brain. He groaned as he realized that he had to get up and ready himself for more of the same today.

“Tenric, if you don’t come and eat soon I’ll wrap it all up and have you take it to Dale.” Teased his Gam’Ma.

Sitting up, Tenric pulled his worn tunic over his head and shuffled out to the table.

“Well mornin’ there m’little Kindler. Glad to sees ya’s still ‘live.” She said as she winked at him.

“Am I really Gam’Ma?” he replied with feigned surprise as he sat down gingerly.

She came and sat with him, the smell of her ever-present cup of tea reviving him somewhat. She looked at him proudly. Tenric knew she had given his Master a tongue lashing last night over his bruises and felt better knowing she had avenged him at least a little. As he hungrily wolfed down his food he noticed a gleam in his Gam’Ma’s eye.

“Wha’s up Gam’Ma?” he managed, his mouth full.

“Now I dun taught ya more manners than that!” she said with a broad smile.

With a gulp of cool water he washed down the last of his food. “Sorry Gam’Ma.”
Still smiling at him she glanced over at the chair by the window. It was the one she always sat in to watch his comings and goings. Following her gaze Tenric saw a small bundle on the seat.

“For you m’little Kindler.” She said, “An’ it’s ‘bout time too!”

Tenric stared wide-eyed at it until he realized she was waiting for him to go over and unwrap it. His aches and bruises forgotten, he went over to the chair and looked down at the ovoid bundle. There was the faint and unmistakable smell of leather in the area.

“Well I ain’t getting any younger ya know!” she called out in a laughing tone.

Her jibe broke his paralysis and he scooped up the bundle. It felt both firm and giving in his arms. Brining it to the table he unwrapped it and felt his heart leap for joy. There before him was a hand-tooled, double-banded, leather belt. There was one pouch hanging on the side with a curious symbol inscribed on the flap.

“I styled it after his belt ya know. I just added a bit of my own touch to it.” She offered.

“I – I can’t believe it!” He exclaimed. “My own Jedi belt!” He practically danced as he fumbled with the unfamiliar rear clasp.

“Seein’ as how he finally got around to letting you have a real blade I figured you should have somethin’ ta wear it on.” She said with that gleam in her eye.

“Does he know?” Tenric asked, suddenly concerned that his Master might disapprove for some reason.

“Sure does.” She replied. “He even gave me that old clasp thing for you to hang your saber on. Told me where ta put it too.”

Wide-eyed once more Tenric looked down at the side of the belt and saw the clasp affixed in just the right spot. Suddenly remembering, he dashed to his bedside and retrieved the saber that he’d left on the floor. When he had rejoined his Gam’Ma he clipped it to the belt and stood tall for her inspection. She smiled at him and tousled his hair.

“You’ll make a wonderful Jedi m’little Kindler.” She beamed at him. “Why I’ll bet ya even outshine tha stars someday.”

He threw his arms around her and hugged her as tightly as he dared. “Thank you Gam’Ma!” he choked out amidst his joyful tears.

“Now get along now.” She said as she held him at arms length and looked him over. “He’s waitin’ for ya in your clearing.”
Tenric headed off to meet his Master with visions of soaring among the stars as a Jedi filling his mind. Today he felt like more than a Padawan, more even than a Jedi. Today he felt like a man.

Tales of Tenric's Training: VIII

Part VIII

…The close call with Dale made Tenric focus more on his surroundings. The last thing he needed was Dale snooping around while he was training. His Master had been quite forceful in asserting that if his training was discovered it would stop right then and there…forever. There was an edge in his Master’s voice when he spoke of the future. Something he saw or sensed filled him with foreboding and made him secretive about everything. Tenric couldn’t see far ahead yet, or far behind for that matter. He had learned to interpret the Force currents enough to anticipate things a few hours both ways, and sometimes as much as a day. He knew it would be a long time before he could cast his gaze as far abroad as his Master did.

Realizing his thoughts were drifting off again Tenric stopped and used the centering exercise he had learned from his meditation lessons. He was almost immediately struck with the impression of his Master’s impatience. He was close to the pond now and could sense his Master up ahead. He paused long enough to be sure his Master wasn’t angry then continued to the clearing. As he drew nearer the questions began once more running through his mind. Proximity had lent them enough imminence to intrude upon his calm once more.

“So kind of you to join me, Padawan.” His Master purred with a slight bow.

“I ran into Dale on the way and was delayed.” Tenric offered.

“Yes. I know.” Came the unconcerned reply.

“I had to nudge him a little so he wouldn’t follow me.” Tenric confessed.

“I trust you were discreet. Do not worry.” Again not sounding worried.

“Yes Master, Very. He chose to avoid the drudgery of learning to make a fishing pole and decided my Gam’Ma’s mornin’ cakes were the better choice.” Tenric explained.

“On most mornings I would agree with him.” His Master smiled, “but not this morning.” He leaned over behind the log to pick something up. Then he turned and handed Tenric a rough but serviceable looking fishing pole and line. “We’ll catch dinner later.” Then, when Tenric looked shocked, he offered; “I had some free time while I waited for you.”

“But how did you….” Tenric stammered, then thought better of it and finished, “never mind, I don’t need to know.”

“A wise Jedi it is who knows when a line of inquiry leads to an unneeded answer.” His Master teased.

Tenric just made a face in reply. He was eager to begin today’s lesson, but his Master seemed different today. He couldn’t quite place it, but….

“Today shall mark your rising to a new level in your training.” His Master interrupted his thoughts. “You have learned the rough use of the Force, as well as some of the finer points of control. You have mastered the basic exercises and disciplines needed in order to build upon. You have gained the vision necessary to pursue the deeper things of the Force and you have learned to use the Force to anticipate events.” Here he paused and reached into his tunic, leaving his hand there. “Before now we have sparred and drilled using branches and tool handles. I have taught you basic stances, attacks, defenses, and combinations.”

Here Tenric winced a little as he recalled his usual failure to recover quickly enough after the low-end combinations. His Master paused, casting a judging gaze upon him. Then he withdrew his hand from his tunic. In it was a long cylindrical tube with a few grips and buttons on it. Tenric’s heart leapt at the sight of it for it was not his Master’s Light saber. He held his breath and watched in wide-eyed awe as his Master approached him and offered him the hilt with a solemn gesture.

“From now on, my Padawan you shall learn in earnest.” He said as he retreated a few paces. “Let your awareness flow into the hilt and then find its place in the currents around you.” Came the instruction.

Tenric took a few moments to calm himself before reaching downward into the hilt with the Force. When he did so he sensed a unity and oneness in the hilt that was surprising. He had much difficulty telling one component from another and only the power cell and focusing crystal stood out much at all. His Master had told him tales of how Jedi Knights created their sabers, and how they used the Force to activate and enable the separate components to function in ways that would otherwise be impossible. Until now he had thought them just bedtime stories.

“You now know why the Jedi and his light saber are so closely tied.” His Master intoned. “Follow the Force through the hilt and you will sense the echoes of the one who constructed it.”

It took Tenric a moment or two to realize he was actually expected to do it. He focused on finding himself in the currents around him and then on finding the hilt in his hands. As he looked outward and saw the ripples made by the hilt a face took shape before him. It was an older face. It wore a beard and long hair gone partly grey. There was a prominent nose and a twinkle in the eyes. Tenric realized he was looking at the face of the Jedi who had made this hilt…. The face of his Master’s Teacher!

“My Padawan, I gladly give to you the training saber my Master constructed in order to teach me. It is a practice saber and will not do more than singe your clothing and hair a bit…and sting mightily. It is a real blade though and fighting with it will feel no different than with your own one day.”

Tenric took a deep breath and thumbed the activation plate. Immediately a rich blue blade emerged and there was a satisfying ‘snap-hiss’ followed by a thrumming hum as the hilt began to vibrate and shake in his hands. He could feel the immense energy surging through the hilt and was surprised to feel no weight from the blade. He realized it would take a lot of concentration to wield the blade and swung it a few times to test its balance. Deactivated the hilt had definitely been pommel heavy. The vibrating effect, however, seemed to lend the hilt a slight forward balance, as if the tip of the hilt were slightly heavier than the pommel.
With an ear splitting smile Tenric took a ready stance, cocked his head slightly to the side, and said; “Come and teach me, my Master.”

Tales of Tenric's Training: VII

Part VII

A million things raced through Tenric’s head as he made for the clearing and the fishing log. What was the surprise? How would the lesson start? What would it be like? Would he do well? Would today be the day he remembered to keep his guard up after the low-end combination? His mind filled with such questions Tenric was unaware of the other’s presence until it was too late. Rounding a bend in the path he all but collided with his friend Dale.

“Hey! What the Hutt?” Dale blurted in surprise as Tenric almost ran him down. In order to avoid a collision both boys had jumped to one side and now stood on opposite sides of the path facing each other.

“Dale! Oh, man I’m sorry. I didn’t sen...hear you coming.”

“Where you off to in such a hurry? I was gonna stop by and see if your Gam’Ma was making those mornin’ cakes we like so much.”

“Uh, yeah, actually she did this morning.” Dale answered at a loss as to how to get out of what was coming. “If you hurry you can catch her before she clears everything up. She knows you love those cakes and will probably save a couple for you.”

“You think!” Dale responded excitedly. Then, eyeing Tenric suspiciously, he added; “You’re up to somethin’ Tenric, I can smell it.”

Tenric knew he’d have to give Dale a good answer for why he was racing through the forest this early in the morning. Though a few years older, Dale was his comrade-in-arms, which meant they usually got into trouble together. Reaching out with the Force Tenric added a slight nudge behind his reply, hoping it would be enough to get Dale to accept his answer and not push it. He knew if Dale wasn’t satisfied not even the Force could keep him from finding out what was going on.

“My uncle is waiting for me by the pond. He’s going to teach me how to make my own pole and line and then help me catch dinner. He says there is a huge Lurker-Fish in there waiting to be caught.” Tenric felt bad about lying to his friend and using the Force like this, but his Jedi training was a strict secret and had to remain so.

“Sounds like fun.” Dale responded in a non-committal tone; “Maybe I can join you…after I say good morning to your Gam’Ma.” He finished, obviously thinking more of the mornin’ cakes than the prospect of fishing. He wasn’t quite patient enough to enjoy it much.

“I’ll tell you all about it later.” Tenric called out as he started off again. Dale had bought the fishing reply and wouldn’t go near the pond ‘til at least lunchtime. That way he would hope to avoid all that waiting and teaching stuff and just get in on the catching.

“Sure thing!” Dale called out after Tenric. He turned and started off toward Tenric’s place hoping there were indeed a few ‘cakes left for him. Fishing was boring and he didn’t see the fun in learning how to make your own pole. Tenric seemed awfully excited about it too. For a moment Dale grew suspicious again, but the lingering Force-suggestion was just strong enough to make him decide to ask Tenric later…after all he was hungry and Gam’Ma would be clearing up real soon. His mind made up Dale trotted off thinking of butter and syrup and how to get the right combination of each…

Tenric's training: VI

PART VI

He was gonna be in trouble and he knew it. Today was the day his Master began instructing him in Force-Assisted Saber dueling and he was so excited he had been unable to sleep at all last night. Well to be honest he had gotten some sleep…about an hour of it; and he had just been awakened from that to come out to breakfast.

‘Great!’ he thought, ‘I’ll need every ounce of the Force I can muster just to be my old, slow self today.’

“Tenric?” his Grandmother called, “Come’n out to breakfast, honey!”

Quickly pulling on his sparse tunic and breeches Tenric hurried out. He loved a good breakfast and no one made it better than his Gam’Ma. Upon reaching the kitchen area he stopped and looked around somewhat confusedly. His Master was always here before him, but he was nowhere in sight.

“Oh, don’t youz worry m’little Kindler.” She said, “He’s already had his n’gone ahead. Said he had something ta do ‘fore youz started today.” She finished with a gleam in her eye that, combined with her pet name for him, told Tenric she knew more than she was saying, and might be convinced to tell.

As he ate he considered how to ask her for more information. If she indeed had more to tell then either his Master had given her instructions on what to say, depending on his questions, or she would be deciding on her own how to answer. He hoped his Master had left instructions since that would be the easier way to get the information. His Grandmother was devilishly hard to figure out when she had a secret.

“Not like m’little Kindler to be so quiet.” She prompted him, “ ‘Specially on such an impo’tant day.” She finished with a smile.

“Well, I am kinda curious as to why he left so early.” Tenric admitted, opting for the honest, humble approach. “But I’m sure he would have told me if he wanted me to know.”

“Oh now don’t be playin’ that ol’ game with me.” She chided him, “Gam’Ma knows its eatin’ you faster than youz eaten ya food.” Again she smiled.

So much for that approach he thought. Still she did seem to want to tell him so he decided to keep the honest part and ditch the humble.

“Gam’Ma please tell me!” he said with as much enthusiasm as his tired voice could muster.

“Now wha’ makes youz think I have som’tin to tell?” She openly teased him.

“Gam’Ma!” was all he could think to say.

“Oh, youz ‘re no fun this mornin’.” She told him, pouting a little. “Ya shoulda slept some more.”

“I know, but its all just too exciting.” He offered.

“Well I’ll tell youz two things.” She began, “First he says you are to meet him at the root of the lesson after breakfast. Second is that I knows he has a surprise planned for ya.” She finished with a wink.

“Hmmm.” He thought out loud, “what kind of surprise?”

“Oh, I can’t tell ya that, ‘sides I know he wants ta be the one to tell you.”

Tenric knew his grandmother well enough to recognize that she meant what she said, so he’d have to wait on that part. The first part however seemed not too difficult to figure out. ‘The root of the lesson’ was a bit cryptic, but the words root and lesson did remind him of something. After a moment he had it.

“Ah! He wants to meet in the clearing by the fishing log.” He said, “I wonder what the surprise is?”

His grandmother just tilted her head and smiled. “Now your ol’ Gam’Ma ain’t that far gone ya know. I said he wants to be the one to tell you. No sense tryin’ ta get it outta me.”

Tenric just smiled an apology and cleared his place at the table. He had eaten only half of what he really wanted, but getting to the clearing was more important to him right now.

“Bye! See you later!” he called out over his shoulder as he ran off for the clearing."

Tales of Tenric's Training: IV

“Yes, but I still don’t….” Tenric cut his reply short as he realized that the boulder’s shadow, which fell between he and his Master, was in the wrong position. His Master just stood and waited for it. He knew his Padawan would figure it out on his own, he always did. It took a few moments for Tenric to do the math based on the shadow. When he did get it he whistled loudly and leaned against the rock.

“You mean I was sitting there for almost three hours!” He exclaimed while rubbing his cramped leg.

“I have been here nearly an hour myself.” His Master replied, “I was beginning to worry that you might not be able to find your way back. It has happened a few times. Thankfully, though you seemed not to have strayed too far.”

“Not find my way back?” The thought sent a chill through him.

“Tenric. It was unwise of you to make such an attempt without my guidance. Curiosity is a key element in all learning, but so is discipline.” Then seeing the stricken look on his Padawan’s face he continued more softly, “Besides, it is important for us old folk to at least feel needed.”

The quiet jest in his Master’s voice calmed Tenric. He had been horrified at the thought of being lost in the Currents and not able to get back, not be himself anymore.

“Couldn’t you have helped me get back?” he asked in a slightly hurt tone.

“I was about to do just that, when you pulled that odd little maneuver and fell off the rock.” His Master replied in an amused tone. Tenric acknowledged the jab by screwing his mouth sideways and giving a ‘humph”.

“All living things are connected in the Force.” His Master intoned using his formal ‘teaching voice’. “All things have a place, a purpose, a balance.” He gestured to indicate they should sit upon the rock.

They sat. Tenric knew this was the beginning of today’s lesson so he stilled his mind and focused on burning what he was taught into his mind. He wanted to be able to go over it tonight as he did with all the lessons he felt were of special importance.

“You have chosen your place of meditation well Tenric. I wonder, though, if you understand the why behind it yet.”

“It felt right Master. I followed whisperings in the Force that led me here, and when I arrived I knew this was the place.”

His Master nodded at this. “You show remarkable promise my Padawan. Now close your eyes and let me show you the ‘why’.”

Tenric obeyed and shut his eyes, instinctually calming his mind, and centering himself as he had been taught to do. Then he felt the slightest pressure in his mind, had the merest glimmer of danger-sense from the Force. He let go of it and pictured himself as a leaf floating on the water.

Tales of Tenric's Training: V

“Heed my voice now Padawan.” Came the formal tone. “You must know your place, your purpose, and your balancing point in the Force before you can step safely into the vastness of it all.” His Master spoke now in a whisper, but Tenric heard him clearly in his mind.

“Many long Millennia ago there were those who knew and understood the currents in the Force. They were neither Sith nor Jedi, but held to the Light. It may even be that their influence began the Jedi on their monastic path. One of my old masters discovered their teachings and taught me. We devoted ourselves to learning their ways. They lived symbiotically with all life and understood how the ripples interacted. They also knew how to become one with the Force and yet retain their essence. Of all things I may teach you, these will be the most useful to you in the time to come.”

Here he paused for a moment to allow Tenric to re-center himself for he had sensed his padawan’s rising excitement.

“You have felt the connections these last few days and sensed the currents as you found your way here. Now you must remain at the center of calm I have shown you how to find, this time however you must open your eyes while doing so.”

Tenric waited a few moments to be sure his whole being was calm and centered. He could feel the rock beneath him as an anchor. The rock was his balancing point he realized, the clearing his place, and as he opened his eyes he began to understand his purpose. There before his eyes was more than just the clearing, the trees, and the grass. Ripples and waves moved all around him like heat on a summer afternoon. The waves seemed to flow and respond much, as would those of water. As he watched he could see currents moving through them, each one setting up new ripples or changing ones already there. So amazed was he that after a few moments he lost his anchor and the current, ripples, and waves vanished from view.

“Master, I am sorry.” He began, “I - -I was overwhelmed.”

“As was I the first time.” His Master smiled back. “Now let us practice a bit more shall we?”

So practice they did. As the afternoon wore on Tenric learned to maintain his Force-Vision for longer periods of time. He learned to stand and even walk while his eyes saw what he thought of as two worlds. He began to realize that there were differences between the currents that flowed from the Unifying Force and those of the Living Force. He also came to see why this clearing had seemed right to him. It was a point of resonance in the Force. The boulder acted like a jetty at the beach, calming and separating the waves.

The next day his Master showed him how to follow individual currents or ripples to see where they had originated or were headed. It was by no means easy and left Tenric so exhausted that he slept heavily and without dreams that night. By week’s end he had begun to “surf the Force”, as he called it, by establishing a cadence between his movements and breathing. In this way he was able to stay calm and centered much of the time while going about his daily activities. He was learning to see the Force active around him at all times.

In the second week his Master helped him focus on the smaller ripples caused by thoughts and intentions. Tenric learned to see another’s indecision or conviction and began to learn how Jedi could tell lie from truth. He also learned how he could use the Force to change those ripples in subtle ways. In the third week he began to see colors in the currents. His Master told him that each Jedi was unique and would find his own way to interpret the Force-Vision. Apparently for Tenric the addition of tints and hues to the waves, ripples, and currents were to be his way. The colors were subtle and did not obscure his normal sight, but they were there and he began to learn to interpret them.

It was at month’s end, though, that Tenric got his first taste of Saber dueling the ‘Jedi’ way…..

Tales of Tenric's Training: III

It was a small forest clearing deep in the heart of the Darkwood. Low brush grew in and around the roots of the trees that ringed the open space. Lush grass grew interspersed with moss and lichen, filling the clearing except for the exact center, which held a large boulder. It was made of a dark veined, grayish, rock that was easily fifteen feet around and nearly five high. Clearings such as this were rare in Darkwood, and this one was Tenric’s. Tucked up against the foothills of the A’Roupar Mountains the trees here grew so thick that only the hardiest of ground foliage could survive and the trails were little more than wide spaces between the trunks.

The ground was a combination of spongy moss and detritus that had fallen from the trees above. Many creatures lived in the wood. Most were small, some were predatory, and all could be dangerous. Tenric was not concerned, however, because he had grown up in the area and knew their ways. As long as he merely passed through and made no disturbance they remained unconcerned. Aroused, however, they could be noisy, and harassing, even threatening.

He had found the clearing yesterday while searching for a spot to make his own for meditation. Remembering his Master’s last lesson Tenric had tried to feel the ebb and flow between the Unifying and Living Force. He had walked for what seemed like hours without purpose, following his feet and the faint whisperings he sensed in the Force. He had ended up in this clearing and known immediately it was to be his place. He did not know why, just that it was the right place.

Placing the stout stave that functioned as both his walking stick and practice saber against the boulder he clambered lightly up onto the rock and sat with his back to the mountains. Closing his eyes he cleared his mind by imagining the waters of the pond and then smoothing out the ripples on the surface. It took him a few minutes to succeed and then, thus calmed, he reached out with the Force toward his distant homestead…

“Master.” He called silently, “I have found my place. Can you now find me?”

He was not sure if he had enough control to manage such a message, but an answering wave of amusement told him both message and challenge had, at least, been understood and accepted. Now he had only to wait. His Master’s teaching yesterday had changed his view on meditation and he was quite eager to begin learning more about it. It would, however, be some time before his Master could locate him so Tenric thought it would be interesting to explore his clearing a bit.

Crossing his legs he took a deep breath and let it out slowly, emptying himself as he did so. Then he reached out a hand and touched the rock upon which he sat. He could feel the warmth that the rock had absorbed from the sun along with a sense of both size and age. Apparently the rock was much larger than it appeared, with only the tip exposed. There was the faintest hint of vibration in the rock and Tenric wondered once more about the ripples his Master has spoken of. He tried to go deeper, to the bottom of the rock, but kept getting distracted by faint sensations from all around him. Focusing himself he drew his Force-sense inward until he once more felt the sun’s warmth.

With another deep breath and exhale he pushed himself farther down, or was it out, and became aware of what could only be the root system of the grass in the clearing. The Force, he assumed it was the Living Force, was present in the grass as faint echoes not unlike a chorus of Burble Toads heard from afar. He could feel a connectedness something like he did with the pond yesterday. Here and there he could sense open spots with echoes so faint he was unsure if they were real. Those must be the moss and lichen he realized.

So fascinated was he with this new adventure that he was quite unaware of both the passing of time and the arrival of his Master. An uncomfortable sensation rose in his awareness and Tenric realized his right leg was badly cramped. This had the effect of yanking him out of his trance-like state and back to himself. Just as his self-awareness returned his Force-sense went wild alerting him to an unexpected presence right on top of him!

Tenric’s body jerked convulsively as he tried to do to many things at once. It seemed that opening his eyes, extending the pained leg, calling his stave to him, and hopping off the boulder, away from the presence, into a fighting stance was asking a bit too much from his inexperienced muscles. All he succeeded in actually doing was shooting his leg out and losing his balance on the rock, falling over sideways and hitting the ground somewhat painfully, landing next to his stave.

A heavy sigh told Tenric the intruder was his Master. Turning he saw that resigned but slightly amused expression his Master seemed to direct his way at least once a day. Favoring his cramped leg, he rose and smiled a hello.

“Master! How did you find me so quickly?” he asked.

“Have you been sitting there since you called to me?” His Master asked looking concerned now.

Tales of Tenric's Training: II

©2007 David Bieri (aka: nightguy)
A Lesson Learned: a tale of Tenric’s training (working title)

Part II

They went to the edge of the pond that bordered the clearing and his Master watched as he washed the dirt and mud from his face and hands. When he had finished his Master examined the bruise that was now a deep purple. “I think we shall let you wear that one for awhile, to help you remember.”

Tenric sighed and hung his head slightly. “Yes Master.”

“Come, my young Padawan, face the water and tell me what you see.”

Tenric wanted to impress his Master so he looked very carefully. “I see fish of many sizes swimming, plants growing from the bottom their fronds swaying as with the current, sediment floating in the water from my washing, and rocks laying upon the bottom.” Then he reached out with the Force and added, “I can sense the life in the pond as it moves and feels, in some way it is all connected.” He finished.

“It is to your credit that you look deeper than the surface Padawan. For this lesson, however, it is the surface I wish you to observe.” His Master’s voice was warm and encouraging. “Tell me what you see there.”

He hid his disappointment at his Master’s apparent disregard for his insight and calmed himself. He pushed down his thoughts about the fruitlessness of watching the water. There was always a good reason for the tasks his Master asked him to do and he knew there was one now as well. He refocused his eyes and watched.

“There are skate-bugs going to and fro on the surface along with other small insects who do not sink into the water, but move upon it.” He began. “There are amphibians swimming along the surface feeding upon the insects as do the fish, and an occasional diver-bird who catches one of the amphibians or fish.” He paused, not sure what else to say.

“Yes. Very good Padawan.” His Master said, “What else do you see?”

He was very much encouraged at this kind word from his Master and bent himself to glean more from what was before him. He was silent for several moments while he watched and thought. “I can see ripples on the water, moving in all directions. Some are caused by the swimmers, some by the divers, some by the fish, while some seem to come from below or are caused by the wind above.” He finished tenuously, not sure if he had sought too hard for something to say.

“You will make a wise Jedi one day my Padawan.” His Master said with a wide smile on his face. “Yes, indeed. Come now and I will teach you about the two arms of the Force, The Unifying Force and the Living Force. It is in understanding them that true mastery begins.”

They moved to the old log usually reserved for fishing and sat with their feet dangling over the water. Tenric was both uneasy and eager. His Master’s tone indicated the sharing of deep knowledge and not just the customary “do this” or “do not do this” that was his usual fare. He was a good student and applied himself diligently to what his Master taught, but up ‘til now it had mostly been physical training or broad teachings about controlling the outward use of the Force. It seemed he had passed some test today and would now begin to learn more of what being a Jedi was really about.

Tenric sat patiently. He knew his Master valued patience above much else. He had often been told that it was the Jedi’s staunchest ally.

“Life is very like the pond and most beings like skate-bugs. Most never really go beyond the surface of it, but skim along unaware of the heights and depths that surround them. They understand only the terror of the unknown.” His Master began. “The Unifying Force is that part which spans the distances of time and space,” he waved his arm upward and out, “like the air above the pond. It surrounds all beings and all things and through it one can gain an understanding of what is happening now, where they are going, and from whence they come. Just as the diver-birds can see their prey and track where they are headed and find their nests by seeing where they have come from.”

“With the Unifying Force a Jedi can look ahead, abroad, and behind. It speaks to us in impressions and visions, sudden realizations and inevitabilities. The Unifying Force brings us peace. It is said that wisdom is to be found within the Unifying Force and the wise Jedi will seek it in meditation.” He paused and gestured out over the water.

“The Living Force is like the water itself. All life directly contacts it and is connected by it; indeed life feeds it and makes it grow like the fish and amphibians that feed on the bugs. It is indeed much as you sensed at the beginning of the lesson.” Here he paused long enough for Tenric to understand that his earlier insight had not gone unnoticed, and for him to realize the nature of the test he had passed.

“Through the Living Force you can gain understanding of why things are they way they are; what influences are at play in a situation, or being. It is with the Living Force that a Jedi can influence those around him and gain knowledge useful for both survival and resolution. Through the Living Force Jedi can heal, touch the minds of beings great and small, and affect things around them.”

Tenric was amazed at how much information his Master was giving him. For the first time many of the lessons he had been made to endure became clear to him. Pieces began falling into place like parts of a puzzle and he could see a picture emerging. His Master sat and watched as this new insight took hold of his pupil. He was, indeed, fiercely proud of Tenric’s progress and sensitivity to the Force. He was waiting now to see what his Padawan would make of this information.

Tenric thought for a few minutes on what he had been told. He knew there was a connection between the two aspects of the Force, there had to be. Each was to be pursued, sought after, and yet both seemed indispensable to the life of a Jedi. His Master had taught him that the Jedi served the will of the Force, but what was that? Which of the two would lead him to that knowledge the Jedi held so dear? He wondered if it was even possible? Was he supposed to realize that?

As he weighed these questions in his mind, each against the other, looking for their merits he found reasons in favor of both. This seemed at odds with what he expected. There should be an obvious path, a balance. His Master had always said that the Force would guide…and then he had it!

“Master!” Tenric exclaimed then, catching himself, continued in a calmer voice. “Is it not the Jedi’s place to stand in the center, between the two arms of the Force, to weigh and balance what the Force shows them and thereby discern the will of the Force? If the Force will guide us then it can do so using either the Unifying or Living Force.” He finished wide-eyed.

“Or through both together,” His Master said with the biggest grin Tenric had ever seen on his face. “The key to a Jedi’s life, to his connection with the Force, is the balance between the two arms. Stray too far toward either side and you will find yourself stepping into darkness.” He finished more somberly. “Now walk with me. It is time we headed back for lunch and I wish to speak to you of how to stay balanced.”

They rose and headed back toward the small hut they shared with Tenric’s grandmother. The walk was pleasant. Tenric listened while his Master explained about the currents in the Force.

“The Force is constantly in a state of flux, shifting and changing, much like the many different ripples you saw upon the water. All living things leave an imprint, or ripple, in the Force, as do all decisions, actions, and events. Each one leaves behind an echo that can be sensed by those in tune to the vibrations, the currents. These currents ebb and flow with the myriad changes of life. Both the Unifying and Living Force produce their own currents and also interact with each other producing new ripples. It is through meditation that a Jedi can learn to discern the differences between the currents and through wisdom that a Jedi learns to interpret them.”

Here Tenric couldn’t repress a sigh, as he found meditation to be difficult and just a bit boring as well. His Master knew this of course.

“You think meditation a waste of time my Padawan.” It was a statement, not a question. “I say to you that the core discipline of a Jedi is meditation. Indeed it is the attitude of meditation that you must cultivate if you hope to remain balanced. Physical training is a type of bodily meditation. Studying is a mental meditation. Why even sleeping could be seen as subconscious meditation…for a Jedi.”

Tenric actually snickered at this last statement, but his Master went on as though he didn’t notice.

“If you ever hope to master the various saber techniques you will need to learn not only to meditate, but to enter a meditative state even while fighting. It is the balance between the Unifying and Living Force that makes a true saber master.” He knew he had Tenric’s attention now, as one of his padawan’s highest hopes was to become a true master of the lightsaber.

“It is the unifying Force that allows a Jedi to see and sense into the future during combat, or other challenges. However, it is the Living Force that flows through a Jedi and enhances his strength, speed, and endurance in order to allow him to take advantage of that knowledge. The Living Force will also fine tune the information imparted by the Unifying Force. Just as the Unifying Force can augment the action of the Living Force.”

He could feel all this sinking into his student like a sponge. Tenric would lay awake tonight rehearsing this day’s lesson over and over until fatigue claimed him.

“All life, my Padawan, is an exercise in symbiosis. The Force is no different. A Jedi who wishes to master the Force must learn to accept this interconnectedness, and learn how to use it. The road is a long and hard one, but the rewards begin even while one is still upon it.”

They continued to the house in silence. Each lost in thoughts of what the future may hold. Tenric was given the afternoon off in order to find his own special place of meditation. His master had promised to show him how to find and recognize the currents beginning in the morning and he was eager to get started.

He did lie awake most of the night…………………..

Tales of Tenric's Training: I

©2007 David Bieri (aka: nightguy)
A Lesson Learned: a tale of Tenric’s training (working title)

Part I

Tenric crashed through the underbrush at the edge of the clearing, breathing heavily. In his right hand was the broken, jagged, end of a stout tree branch and on his left temple there was a darkening bruise. He kept glancing over his shoulder as he ran, looking in vain for signs of pursuit. He cast wildly behind him with the Force trying to both sense and repel his attacker. It was no use, however, for he was still too young and inexperienced to do much more than scare himself with his ineffectiveness.

An exposed tree root caught his foot and sent him sprawling. He jumped to his feet and turned, facing the trees defiantly. A small smile crossed his face as he wiped the dirt away. With difficulty he calmed himself and sought the center his Master had shown him. Sounds of pursuit now came from the trees and he braced himself, gripping the branch as close to the end as possible to extend his reach. It wouldn’t be enough, but that root had given him an idea. He reached out with the Force and moved his hand in a covering motion and the root faded from view.

The brush rustled at the exact spot from which he had emerged and then suddenly parted to reveal…nothing. The area seemed to grow eerily quiet as the brush settled back into place. He could feel the presence of something, but couldn’t see it. There was the faintest of odors on the wind but not enough to help him locate his attacker. He began to get nervous once more. His hasty plan to confront his pursuer now useless since there appeared to be nothing to confront.

Scanning the area, and opening himself as wide as he could to the Force, Tenric prepared for the attack he knew was coming. Suddenly there was a horrendous screech from directly behind him. He whirled and stepped quickly back away from the noise, only to trip once more over the same root. He lost his grip on the branch and it went flying away from him as he fell. He reached out with the Force and called it back, but it simply stopped in mid air and hung there. As his back hit the ground he saw the air over him shimmer slightly and out of the corner of his eye he saw two well-worn boots protruding from the hem of his Master’s robe.

“You are still surprisingly quick footed, my Padawan.” His Master said with a smile, “Quick witted too. Both will serve you well in the time to come.” He finished; referring as he usually did to some future full of foreboding he either could not, or would not explain.

“Not fair!” Tenric spurted as he rose once more.

“Not fair?” his Master chided. “It was you who resorted to illusion first. Do not complain to me of being bested at your own game.” As he finished saying this Tenric’s branch floated slowly back to him.

“But you attacked me without warning!” he complained in return. “You were supposed to be meditating this morning.” He accused.

“Have you still not learned that life very rarely follows the route we have planned for it.” His Master replied. “A Jedi must be always ready, always alert, always attuned to the Force. Otherwise you will fail, whether as ambassador, negotiator, or warrior.” He finished, “Now come and wash up.”

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post length

well.....looking at that last story I think I shall be breaking future posts up into more manageable chunks.

Rogue Padawan

©2005 by D. Bieri (nightguy)
Rogue Padawan (how Tenric met his Master)

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Setting: New Jedi Academy on Yavin4, a few years after it’s founding. (date to be determined)

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They gathered eagerly at the story rock in the clearing. Master Tenric always accompanied his stories with Force Illusions and sounds. It was better than the Holonet!
Today he had promised them the story about how his Master had found him.

They strained their eyes watching the rock. This was part of the game as well. Using eyes, ears, and Force-sense they tried to predict when Master Tenric would appear. He always just appeared sitting on the rock. They never could tell when he entered the clearing or approached his spot…

Suddenly there he was! No one saw him appear. It was as though he had slipped in while everyone was blinking. His Jedi Robes were in the old style, as in the days of the Temple on Coruscant. They were a bit threadbare after decades of service, but that only made him all the more intimidating to the young students. He smiled his big contagious smile and waited for them to quiet down. Taking a deep breath and reaching out with his hands he began the story…

“Hear then the tale of a rogue Padawan and his Master.
A tale not to be found in the Holo-Chrons of either the crumbled Empire or the fledgling New Republic that arose from its ashes. A tale not even to be found in the lost archives of the Jedi Temple.”

Here Master Tenric paused briefly; collecting all of the students’ attention he used the Force to gently nudge them onto the same wavelength. It was never too difficult to do the illusions for his stories. One reason was that the images were real and still reverberated in the currents of the Force. The other reason was that the students wanted to see it all. That made it easy.

“It starts with an ending and ends with a beginning. Such is often the way of The Force; for beginnings and endings each flow one from the other and carry little meaning apart from their dramatic use.
The betrayal of the Jedi by the Clone troopers begins the tale of the Rogue Jedi, but ends that of his Master. The founding of the new Jedi Academy on Yavin4 ends the tale of the Rogue, but begins the one of the Jedi Master he became.
Worry not if such seems confusing to you….all will become clear in time.”

He had them all now. He could feel their desire and interest and used it to draw them deeper into the scene.

“Before the ending that was this tale’s beginning a Jedi named Bieda must be spoken of. Bieda was trained at the Temple on Coruscant and studied under the likes of Masters Yoda, and Drallig. He excelled as a student and had a reputation for calm that went far beyond his years. Bieda was befriended by a Jedi Knight named Qui-Gon Jinn and learned much from him. When granted the status of full Jedi Knight he meditated for a week in search of the Force’s will for his service. It was during this week that he received the visions that would guide his actions until his betrayal and death.

The future is never easy to decipher when meditating.

‘Always in motion the future is…’ was Master Yoda’s way of putting it.

Bieda saw the future in his week of searching, but not all of it. He was seeking for his path through it and was confused when what he saw seemed to not involve him at all. Upon finishing his meditations he sought out his former master, for that is indeed how Bieda thought of Qui-Gon. They congratulated each

other on their elevations as Qui-Gon had recently been granted the rank of Master close upon Bieda’s having passed the Trials and becoming a Jedi Knight. They spent some time talking of the living Force and its will. Qui-Gon sensed unease in Bieda and asked after the reason. Bieda told him at length of the visions he’d seen of…

‘…fire and death, darkness and a small boy with no face. War and death were on all sides but the boy played among the trees. There were alien suns and a scorched robe, a ring of stones and an odd opalescent blade.’

They agreed to meditate on the possible meaning of the visions and meet again in a few days time. Qui-Gon advised Bieda not to share these visions with the others, as they were too close to the visions of Seers that the Jedi had come to distrust.

‘Trust the Living Force in who you tell these things to.’ He advised. Bieda told no one else.

Upon their next meeting it was determined that the visions were indeed of the Jedi's future, but that Bieda was not to be a part of it. He was intended by the Force to be elsewhere until they came to pass. The final word of advice Qui-Gon gave him was to ‘…be mindful of the will of the Force and seek the place that the currents you sense converge upon.’ So Bieda took his leave of Coruscant to follow the Force out towards the outer rim and ride the currents of the Force.

Here it is that records of Bieda end. Qui-Gon never again publicly spoke of the padawan he had befriended and let his name slip from remembrance for he was convinced of Bieda's part in some future he could not clearly see.”

Tenric let the image Qui-Gon and Bieda speaking quietly fade slowly as he swirled the edges into passing star systems, slowly centering upon the third planet in a system littered with asteroids…

“So it was, some years later, that Bieda found himself on the little known, and sparsely inhabited planet of SomaIII. Through many adventures, and some misadventures, the currents had led him there. He took rooms in one of the few such establishments available and waited. The intervening years had made of Bieda a Jedi much wiser than his years would lead one to believe. He had spent much time upon the disciplines Qui-Gon had shown him and had learned to hear the whisper of the Force in all things. Finding himself on SomaIII in an out of the way hostel he waited, and he listened.”

“Then one morning a gentle movement in the Force awakened him. Somewhere not far away the currents he had been following pooled and grew still. Bieda followed them into the wooded hillside and found a young boy at play. He watched as the boy hopped to and fro in a clearing as though chasing or being chased. There was no one else around and Bieda wondered what the boy could be playing at so he stepped into the clearing to ask, only to find himself alone. Using the Force Bieda reached out and found the boy hiding up in the tree he had been under when Bieda had entered the clearing. There were no branches within reach of the ground and the boy was quite high up indeed. Bieda sensed the Force around the boy strongly and suddenly knew him to be the one from his vision all those years ago.”

“The boy was quite shy of strangers and it took some coaxing to get him down from the tree and learn that his name was Tenric and that he’d been Sun-Dancing. He was seven standard years old and lived with his grandmother. Tenric told Bieda that it was his morning game to come to the clearing and follow the rays of the sun as they gleamed through gaps in the leaves. Each shift of the wind changed all the places where the sunbeams peeked through to the grass. Tenric would dance with the wind and leaves and keep his feet within the spots on the grass. Bieda was quite impressed, since what Tenric so casually called Sun-Dancing to would tax the concentration and powers of any Jedi, and be beyond many. Bieda congratulated Tenric on his game and remarked on the skill needed to play it. Tenric beamed with pride but confided in hushed tones that he kept his dance a secret from all except his grandmother. She had told him others would not understand and would be afraid. Bieda told Tenric his grandmother was a wise woman and asked to meet her and Tenric happily ran off saying ‘catch me if you can.’

Catching Tenric proved to be a task worthy of the Trials themselves as Bieda quickly learned. The boy darted in and out of the trees and bushes, fell flat or jumped high into the branches, seemed to turn one way but actually went another. Bieda found himself needing to rely on the Force just to keep him in sight. Through it all Bieda sensed from the boy the purest joy and openness he could imagine. Tenric finally stopped at the edge of another clearing in which stood a small shack of very modest design. A small, circular, stone fence surrounded it. Tenric waited for Bieda to catch up and then led him inside to meet his grandmother.

From her Bieda learned that Tenric had always been a bit different. His reflexes were frighteningly quick and he had no fear, only joy. He understood things before you finished explaining them to him and always knew when someone was coming. Bieda then told them of the Force and how it had led him to Tenric. He spoke of the Temple and the Jedi and told of his own training. Tenric sat quietly and listened the whole time. When Bieda had finished Tenric just looked at him, cocked his head to one side, and said, ‘When do we start Master?’ ”

Knowing his story time was at an end Tenric let the image of his youthful face linger a bit and then caused it to morph into his current one.

“So now you know how Bieda came to have a padawan unapproved by, and unknown to, the Jedi Counsel. Out on the Rim Bieda became Master to Tenric and did not report it because he sensed it was the will of the Force.”

With the illusions dispelled the students realized story time was at an end. A few mumbled and complained about wanting to hear more as they always did. Tenric smiled at them and assured them that there would more time for such things later. Right now, he reminded them, it was time to assemble for Master Skywalker’s inspection and teaching. That got the students moving more quickly out of the clearing. They might find Master Tenric captivating and even inspiring, but Master Skywalker was a bona-fide hero of the rebellion as well as founder of the academy.

Tenric watched them scurry off to their meeting with Luke. After they had gone he turned toward the morning sun and closed his eyes. He could feel the warmth of it upon his face and almost, but not quite, feel as though he were in his own clearing in the Darkwood back home. Yes, he thought, it was nice here and the Force was strong on this moon, but it wasn’t home.

A stirring in the Force caught his attention and he opened himself up to it. Colors swirled around him as the ripples resolved themselves into an image of a scorched and torn New Republic flag. Tenric sighed deeply as the image faded. He wondered if Luke felt it too…the coming trouble. It seemed still a way off, and not certain…yet. He felt a brief twinge in his thigh from the saber wound he’d received all those years ago on Dantooine. He laughed to himself then, as he turned back toward the academy.

“I am definitely too young to feel this dang old!” He confessed to the story rock as he passed it on the way out of the clearing.

Soma III's vital statistics

Here is a write up of SomaIII......(subject to revision)
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©2006 by Nightguy

SOMA III

Location: in the Outer-Rim territory near Hutt Space. This binary system with three planets is within the Somantus Asteroid Belt and mostly unknown for this reason.

System information: The Asteroid belt is highly unstable and more of a 'cloud' in reality. The three planets are known as SomaI, II, and III. Only the third is able to support Humaniod life. The other two have atmospheres too thick (I) or too thin (II) and are generally inhospitable. The system’s wealth comes from it’s rich Durelium mines and a small side industry in rare gems (including Adgean).
The area is a Force-Well and filled with a sort of “static” that non-adapted Force Users find very disconcerting. Personal use of the Force is mostly unaffected (though a bit harder than usual), but using the Force to reach out (either to affect outside objects/people or to sense things) is quite difficult to the uninitiated. A skilled Force-User can attain partial adaptation in a few hours (3-7) of dedicated attempts/study. It usually takes a full week to be able to operate at or very near full effectiveness with the Force.

Having no captive Moons the planets of the Soma system rely upon the ever-roiling asteroid cloud for tidal influences and gravitational stability. Once inside the Belt the system still provides some navigational trouble in the way of radiation interference from the binary star (which is bounced of the asteroid belt and echoed back through the system). This makes dead reckoning the most dependable way to fly unless a ship’s systems are properly shielded.

Climate: Temperate/Varied

Terrain: Varied. ( 6 major arid mountain ranges, N/S polar caps, lush forests and grasslands, swamps, 2 desserts, 1 large ocean, 2 smaller landlocked seas, and many uncharted islands). There are 3 continents: 1 settled since the other two are smaller by far and have no durelium deposits that can be affordably mined. Not much is known about the other two continents. The smaller continents are only visited by hunters looking for exotic (usually dangerous) trophies.

Other Characteristics:
· High Gravity world (approx. 1.75x standard).
· Only inhabitable planet in a system of three. Soma I & II being smaller, normal gravity, worlds which are generally unsuitable for humanoid life due to atmospheric conditions. Each does have mining interests in Durelium, which are run from Soma III.
· System is thick with asteroids and other detritus that form a wide belt and make navigation difficult to say the least.

General description:
Soma III is a high gravity, frontier, and mining world. It is comparable in size to Earth (though a bit larger) and has a wide variety of climates as noted above. The main industry centers on Durelium mining (used in the construction of Hyperdrives), which takes place on all three planets and is run from Soma III. There are two mining consortiums on Soma III. The Dure-Light Consortium is the larger, legitimate, operation. It runs mining on Soma III & I. The second consortium is Nal-lium Systems. This, smaller, Hutt run, operation controls mining on Soma II and parts of the Asteroid Belt. Both operations have side enterprises in rare gemstones (including Adegan), which are a by-product of their Durelium mining. There is one spaceport on Soma III (controlled by Dure-Light) and the population is predominantly human (70%) though other races are present and relations tend to be amicable and, largely, non-violent. Most of the non-humans work for Nal-Lium. Humans have been here long enough to adapt and most are thick muscled/boned and rarely top 1.85 meters in height. Due to the nature of the twin-suns in the Somantus system humans, and some other species of inhabitants, have developed the fledgling ability to see into the infrared spectrum. For most this is still on the level of an instinctual ability. Miners and those specially trained are more aware of this ability and have learned to rely upon it. This also means that many of the animal species on SomaIII also have this ability.
There are 8 settlements on Soma III, none of them very large (< 1,200,000 total pop. for all eight). One near each mountain range (where the mines are), one located near the larger of the two landlocked seas (a resort of sorts), and one located on the coast of the ocean (with the forest between it and open grassland).
Elected militia who are backed up by both the Dure-Light security forces and the Hutt enforcers keep local order. Clashes between these two “support” groups are common, but usually non lethal.

The Empire is largely unaware of Soma III due to the Hutts influence there. Dure-Light protects its source location by the use of intermediary distributors and the Hutts just don’t tell anyone. Gem Smuggling is rather common but Durelium smuggling gets everyone after you since it’s their main meal ticket.

Flora & Fauna:
Due to the high gravity most flora and fauna are somewhat squat and wide. There are numerous fruits that are prized by those familiar with them, but haven’t been exploited due to the mining control. The Hutts favor some of the reptiles of the swamps as delicacies.

Notable Geo/Bio-Hazards:
Swamplands are dangerous. Quicksand, along with carnivorous plants and poisonous reptiles make them perilous at best.

Polar regions are extremely unfriendly with extremely low temperatures, ice storms, and rolling “dead zones” where most technology won’t work due to a combination of high Ionization and EM flux. This seems to have something to do with the Binary Star’s radiation and solar flare activity, but has so far eluded dependable prediction.

A few volcanoes exist in the mountain ranges bordering the desert. They occasionally spit and fume a bit but haven’t erupted in the entire time the planet has been colonized (300yrs. Or so) and they seem stable.

The ocean is largely unexplored and most sea traffic is of the recreational variety and within a few miles (5) of shore. There are LARGE fish living in the oceans and they usually stay out far enough to remain unseen by what naval traffic there is. Occasional boiling points arise in the Deep Ocean as well as Whirlpools. They seem to be connected as the one follows the other in the same area.

Grasslands are predominantly home to very large (wide really) grazers akin to Bison who are preyed upon by 800lb. felines with six legs, long tails, and very nasty attitudes.