Nexus Libria

Part 4 – The Apostle

 

Raavik was led to the very center of the Nexus. To the very center of the Undead Graveyard. To the center of a point of concentration within the Force. There was an apartment of sorts. Bedding, kitchen, training area, a living space.

“Is it to your liking?” The Voice asked. 

“Very sparse.” Raavik answered.

“It is meant to be more of a retreat than that of an actual living area. You are to come back here when the Nexus goes quiet again and maintain the flocks.”

Raavik wandered around the space for a time and he felt more and more strength pass through and around him the longer he stayed. He made his way around to a pedestal that was in front of a double door entrance. There sat, underneath a layer of dust, was a lightsaber. 

Raavik was drawn to the item. The smooth handle had a deceptively rough grip. The weight was light, he clicked it on, the tell-tell sound wooshed out, and the weight increased. 

“The Lightsaber of the Apostle.” The Voice said. “Protection is required from those Jedi that follow the Light or the Dark. They fear that the Apostle may follow the opposing creed.”

Raavik turned off the saber and placed it back where he found it. “How many have come before me?

“There have been many gray Jedi. Although there have only been thirteen Apostles of the Nexus. And though they have all died in time, they lived a long, long time. For the Nexus follows them wherever they go.”

“So what do I have to do to sign my pledge of service to you?” Raavik asked. His fingers played over the Lightsaber once again. 

“You must spend some time here, to begin with. The Nexus will imbue you with power and make you strong with the Force.” 

A wall opened on the farside of the training area, revealing three unique holocrons. The one on the right was red, the one on the left was blue, and the one on the top shelf in the middle was gray. 

“Those are the three holocrons of the Force that can teach you about the different ways of the Force.”

Another panel opened up beneath the three to reveal thirteen gray holocrons. 

“And these are the records and lives of the thirteen that came before you. Once you use all sixteen of these holocrons you will have a greater understanding of what the Force is and know how to correctly use and manifest it.”

Raavik walked over to the wall and reached out and plucked the top most gray holocron and began his training.

 

Raavik returned to civilization aboard Father’s Yacht. He had been out of the Nexus after six months of training, reading and getting more in touch with the Voice of the Nexus. 

Raavik had gotten pretty good at moving objects with his mind, as well as dedicating force behind them. His was well enough that he could get by, But these few things were trounced by the knowledge that he had gleam from the three holocrons as well as the wisdom from his predecessors. 

Raavik thought that it would have been a good idea to return to his friend the senator and sell off his new routes to the unknown regions. The senator had died though, from natural causes. His estate still active, offered Raavik the same price for that safe paths that he had found.

There was something to be said about wandering around on the streets of Coruscant. He gained attention from different beings that seemed to need something for nothing. However, with this new life route he was pursuing, a Balance must be struck.

Raavik was eating lunch in a street market when he was approached by a pair of unique humans.

“These are Jedi.” The Voice said. “They permeate with the Light side of the Force. They may sense my presence near you.”

The Jedi were both human. One led the other. A master and his disciple, both clad in brown robes, both had a lightsaber attach to their belts.

“Greeting Traveler,” The master began as he waved his hand in greeting to Raavik. In was in this wave that Raavik felt the Force try and play over his mind, as if he was trying to gain information of who he was. The presence of the Nexus denied his use from gaining anything. As he noticed that his use of the Force failed, he seemed to try talking.

“Can I ask for your name?”

“Why would you ask for my name?”

“Because in a conversation I find that knowing a name would be easier than to address them by a moniker.”

“Raavik Yaan. And you are?”

“Haas Benthor, I am a Jedi  knight, this is my Padawan, Keely Aros.” Haas was middle aged, perhaps in his forties. He felt content enough to sit across from Raavik. Keely was a different matter, she was a young girl, late teens, she had an aura of distrust about her where she seemed to distrust anyone.

“Tell me, Raavik, have you ever been beyond the outer rim?”

“What an odd thing to ask upon our first meeting.”

“Is it? I only ask because I sense that you are strong in the Force. I could sense you as you approached the planet. I waited until you came into a public place to approach you. And when I tried to sense you an opposing denied me that, so that is why I ask.”

“Yes, I have been beyond the outer rim. I am a hyperspace explorer by trade. I seek new routes that people can safely go down. It is extremely hazardous and one never knows the danger that one can find. I suppose you know something of that being a Jedi.”

Haas looked back at Keely and she went off in search of a street vendor selling drinks.

“There are dangerous properties beyond the veil of the known, and plenty of dangers within the Republic. Would your life not be better if you were to stay within easy reach of rescue?”

“Master Jedi, you are trying to figure out who I am, I have told you my name and profession, is that not enough?”

“Haas, please. I am just trying to keep the people safe from the dangers of beyond what they do not understand.”

“So do you seek understanding?”

“I suppose I do. As should we all.”

Keely came back with three cups of a hot drink. and passed one to each Haas and Raavik and kept one for herself.

“Most appreciated.” Raavik said. As he drank, Haas continued on.

“If understanding the universe is achievable than I think that the Jedi council would have some notion of attaining it.”

“And yet they don’t, do they? They sit high and lofty in the council chambers believing that they are above everyone else. Do you notice them ever leave that place to dwell with those that they seek to protect? Or do they just go out from their hill and seek to maintain stability throughout the galaxy?” 

“What’s wrong with stability? With peace?” 

“Peace cannot be achieved without knowing what chaos is. Light and dark both sides of the Force condemn the other thinking that their path is the right way. All the while those that are not as strong with the Force are supposed to tolerate those with power. The arrogance that you all show is demeaning to the rest of the galaxy.”

“So then, Master Raavik, what do you suggest that we do about it? Should we sell the temple and use the proceeds to heal the sick and feed destitute?” 

“Would that be too far of a stretch? I mean you claim to be warriors for light, why would you deny your own cause to make yourselves higher than those you claim to protect?”

Haas fell silent. Raavik had outwitted the Jedi Knight by turning his own philosophy and all that he had been taught right around on its head.

 

Part 4 – The Apostle – Where They Gather

 

“This fool knows nothing of wisdom, send him back to the Nexus and I shall teach him.” The Voice said telepathically.

“And what of his apprentice?”   

“Keep her for yourself. For you need not go to the vast reasons of the galaxy by yourself, and a different matter of perspective may do the galaxy a massive amount of good. Apprentice, padawan, call her a disciple of the Nexus. Invite them both to the Nexus and then I will have a new place for you to go. He’s about to ask to go with you anyway.”

“Raavik, where did you learn such wisdom?” Haas asked, unaware that he was being watched by the Voice of the Nexus.

“Would you like to see my library? It’s just a quick jaunt to the outside of the system. We can take my ship, and I can have you back here tomorrow.”

“Is there a library on the edge of the system? I was unaware of such a thing.” 

“It is a space station. The Libria Nexus, the greatest library in known space. full of books and holocrons wisdom and power are but a flight away.”

“Master,” Keely spoke up. “This doesn’t feel right. Something is wrong here.”

Haas looked to Keely and broke eye contact with Raavik. She appeared to have tears welling up in her eyes, her pristine jade green eyes. 

“Relax, young one.” Raavik said in a calming voice. “There is nothing to fear. And Haas does not have to come if he does not want to.”

“No, wait!” Haas interjected. “Do not toss away your invitation so lightly.”

“I am not. But if she has misgivings about me then shouldn’t you listen to her?”

Haas thought about that for a second. He really wanted to know more about this Raavik, who he was and where he came from.

“Tell you what,” Raavik started again. “I will be leaving from landing pad 24578. If you would like to join me then meet me there at sundown.” He stood and offered his hand at their parting and left.

Raavik left the courtyard and made his way down a dark alley. He could feel the presence of another that was strong in the force, but this one was dark. With so many life forms on Coruscant, the conflicting powers probably felt his true neutrality as an invading force. 

The darkness of the group felt like nothing more than that of angsting teenagers that couldn’t get the ice cream flavour that they wanted. I mean, seriously, what is so wrong with vanilla? Put hot fudge on it and it turns to chocolate. 

*Ahem* Sorry about that. Where was I? Oh yes, dark Jedi.

It was a group of five that were led by a sixth. The leader approached Raavik and stopped him in the alley.

“Pardon us for a moment of your time, wise one.” His voice was slick with poison. “We saw you talking with the Jedi, and you offered him the chance for great wisdom, and it seemed that might take you up on that. But e seemed less interested in the power that you also offered. Might you make that same offer to us?”

Raavik was silent for a moment as he listened for the Voice of the Nexus. “Bring them along,” It whispered. “The dark side is more susceptible to the power that I offer. Wisdom for the Light, Power for the Dark; We offer both.”

“Then meet me at the landing platform 24578 at sundown and travel with me. Do not pick a fight with any others that come or I promise you that none of you will see the Nexus.” 

The Dark Jedi allowed him to pass and go about his business. He could hear them preparing to go off.