The Tide of Change 2, Rated R [WIP]

[Neosakid]

COMING SOON

Working on a rough draft of the Prologue

[Neosakid]

ROUGH DRAFT OF PROLOGUE

Prologue:

Throughout the history of the universe there has been only one constant: change. Everything is changing. The universe expands; stars are born and eventually die; from their death creation of new systems are started. Species evolve, flourish, and eventually die out. Change is the standard even in a galaxy far, far away.

The Jedi know this more than others. One principle that is taught is that the future is always in motion, nothing is set. The force connects all living things, guides them on their path, whether you are force sensitive or blind to it, it makes no difference. All living things, sentient or not, are within it. The Force, thought, at least in this galaxy, is seemingly is never at peace. Wars throughout the ages disrupt it, tears at it, and sometimes creates rifts. Tens of thousands of generations ago, the first force-sensitive beings became aware of it. They strived to gain its knowledge and learn more about the universe around them. With knowledge comes power, and with power there is always corruption, because not all force-sensitive beings are good natured. Thus was born two factions Jedi and Cast-out.

Centuries before the first Fallen Jedi, even before the Jedi had a name, there were battles fought for the ultimate power in the Force. Through this a coalition of force-sensitive people created the Order. The Jedi learned to use the force for good, in what they called the Light Side. At first they lived to seek knowledge in the force, striving to learn anything at all that would aid them and others. It took many centuries for them to master the force and use it to help other societies.

The Cast-out later being the Sith, used what they called the Dark Side. Some historians believe that it started with one Fallen Jedi that created the rift and the eventual wars between the Sith and the Jedi. Yet, from the very beginning there were differences in opinion on how to use the force, and if we were capable enough to use it. The dissenters were cast out from the majority of force-sensitive beings, they were ignored and dismissed from the greater society. Conflict arose from these people and from this the lightsaber, the ultimate symbol of both Jedi and Sith was created. It wasn’t until that one fateful fallen Jedi was exiled that Sith as we know today were born, and even then it took centuries. The Sith are a force of great evil. They seek power through any means, and believe they are superior because they command the force. Anyone who disagrees is destroyed.

But not all Fallen Jedi claim to be Sith. Some fall out because of disillusionment; unsatisfied with the order. Some, like Willie, exile themselves after traumatic experiences. It is these that the Jedi should never forget, and sadly, usually do. In the case of Willie, the galaxy would have been lost. Without his tutelage the Jedi would have been completely destroyed, wiped asunder by the new Sith scourge. Even with his death his memory and his teachings live on in Grand Master Jedi Cab and they live on in his apprentice, Margis Peaio…

----------------------------------------------------

Ten years have past since the Dark Lady JayCee was last seen. Master Cab, through many trying years, has helped slowly rebuild the Jedi Order. Though the Galactic Government checks in on the Jedi from time to time, Supreme Chancellor Berdo has given free reign to Grand Jedi Master Cab in the instruction of new apprentices, current Jedi and the search for more pupils.

Master Cab, with the help of Mogulus, Electron and Super, have taken the handful of Jedi and turned out dozens of Knights. Although the order is still recovering, this burgeoning force wears the burden of hope of an entire galaxy. The Jedi have relocated to the peaceful world of Naboo, once utterly destroyed by the ancient Galactic Empire, now a peaceful tranquil world, full of life.

With the opening of the new Academy, Master Cab has kept his word to the fallen Willie. He has taken up the sword of the Jedi and embraced the Force as a whole not a part of it. The new Jedi were the most powerful the aging Master had ever trained. Still, the academy was missing someone. If it not for the rebuilding process he would have already been in search for the long lost apprentice of Willie.

During the long rebuilding process and the training of new Jedi, Cab searched for Willie’s killer, JayCee. The path to finding this Sith was as cold as Hoth. Here and there over the past decades outbreaks of violence in systems would spark and disappear just ask quickly. Whenever a Jedi was sent to investigate, dark premonitions in the force would reside in these locations, but still they would find nothing. The trail was barren and the Jedi had nothing.

So ten years later Master Cab assigns his brightest apprentice, Neoma, just gifted with Knighthood. She is a bright star within the force and has a unique talent in finding roads where others see dead ends.

To himself, he leaves the task of finding Margis Peaio the mysterious apprentice of the late Willie. With him he takes Super, a Jedi Knight on the edge of Mastery who has come into his own as a strong role model for the younger Jedi of the Order.

Mogulus and Electron have grown up and grown together again, now with two young children, they run the Academy teaching apprentices of all ages. They reflect what great Jedi can become or what happens when a Jedi succumbs to their darkest urges. The new crop of Jedi are more talented than ever, but whether they are up to the trials ahead, is yet to be seen…

[Peagis]

Sweetness cant wait for this to get under way!

[Katana]

Ka-bitchin!

[USSArizona]

Looks really great so far Neo.
I hope that you will include me in this one... Ari works good.

[The Jedi Chief]

looks vary good so far

and i hope to be in this one as well as you do vary good work

[SuperGenius]

Sweet!!!!

[Peagis]

so when will you start righting this in all earnest?

[Katana]

Visit his RvB journal, details are there.

[Lady Mogulus]

YAY!!!

I can't wait!

[Neosakid]

Chapter 1

The sound of laughter was a welcome one at the academy. Whether it was of a child’s first successful task of his or her force powers, or a game during their downtime, it always brought a smile to an adult’s face. With a new group of Jedi teaching a new batch of potentials, Mogulus had less practical work for him to too, which left him with administration and a lot of free time. When he wasn’t with his wife, Electron or their two children, Liam and Emily, he came down here where the force-sensitive children learned and played together. A minute among them was like eight hours of restful sleep. All of them were a bundle of energy and warmth in the force.

Mogulus could have given himself up to taking an apprentice, trained one apprentice through the years and get the satisfaction as he or she were finally Knighted. Yet, as he looked around at all the younglings going about their tasks, or playing games that help finesse their skills with the force, he thought of no better role in the galaxy that he would be suited for. Instead of helping mold one mind, he was molding dozens and soon that would change to hundreds as the years progressed.

When he first started coming down to watch the different sessions in the expansive courtyard, or watch the younglings at play, he drew a lot of stares from the children who seemed nervous that such a prestigious Jedi, and the Head Master of the Academy was looking in on them. Now they drew great pleasure in showing him and trying to impress him with the new tricks and abilities. The Masters teaching would sometimes get flustered when most their class was paying attention to him rather then them. As always the young taught the old, and especially now they taught the virtue of patience.

One Bothan child came running up to him so excited that Mogulus had to wave his hand to block one of the rocks that was circling the Bothan’s head. The little girl backed up and cringed, ready for a scolding.

Mogulus chuckled lightly, “Very good Ren, you almost took out a Master with a pebble. Just practice your control, you are doing very well.”

The Bothan girl gave him a toothy grin and went back to join the rest of her class. From her excited body language, no doubt she was telling them how she almost defeated him in a grand duel.

Suddenly arms came around him from behind and wrapped him up in a warm embrace. “You have a knack for sneaking up on me.”

“You always needed me to watch your back.” giggled Electron as she came around and kissed his cheek. “How are our new younglings doing?”

Mogulus looked at the small children throughout the courtyard. “Best that ever have been trained.”

“You say that with all the classes,” she replied lightly slapping him on the shoulder.

He turned around to face her, “Have I ever been wrong?”

Electron scrunched up her face as if she were thinking, “I guess not.” She leaned up and gave him a quick peck on the lips. “Where’s Liam and Emily?” she asked looking around.

“Over with the first year lightsaber classes.” he pointed over to a knot of kids surrounding three Masters.

A sandy haired boy and a long brunette haired girl waved their lightsabers at them. The distraction prompted both to get embarrassing stings from the remotes that they were practicing against. Mogulus mockingly sighed by shrugging his shoulders and looking up at the sky. A bright, clear day on Naboo as always, native birds chirped among the trees and bushes in the courtyard. The Jedi embraced both nature and technology, and the practice grounds emphasized this. Looking back down, Mogulus saw Master Arizona lecturing the two children who were sheepishly grinning.

“They need to learn discipline…” remarked Electron frowning.

“They will dear, all Jedi do,” Mogulus’s reply was cut off as a rumble sounded overhead. He looked up as a shuttle roared by toward the landing pads. “That must be Master Cab, he wanted to speak with me after he got back from Coruscant.”

“Well then you mustn’t disappoint him with tardiness.” laughed Electron as she pushed him away.

“I guess someone has to do some work around here,” he replied over his shoulder and quickly exited into a wide hallway.


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The shuttle’s engines were powering down as Mogulus approached. The sleek DX-3400 shuttle was a gift from Supreme Chancellor Berdo, one of many since the ending of the war. The ship was bright silver and gleamed in the sun, oval in design with the cockpit jutting out the front. Next to it was half a squad of tri-wings, the newest star fighter that Incom StarLines (Incom and Tinta merged in the Great Conglomerate War a century previous) was trying to push on the Jedi. Good fighter, Three wings sprouted out from a central frame, the engine manifold on the back and a cockpit on the front. The cockpit was connected with gyros so the three wings would move around the cockpit. While it was an interesting concept for such a small craft, it had yet to be tested in actual combat.

The hiss of the door opening on the shuttle brought his attention back to the reason why he was here. The door slid smoothly to the side to reveal a gray haired man wrapped in a dark brown robe. His grizzled features revealed decades of battles, political debates and hidden wisdom. As he stepped down the small retractable stairs another figure appeared behind him. The Jedi Knight was all smiles, happy to be back at the temple. He carried his robe in his arms and waved toward Mogulus. Super had grown into a fine Jedi Knight and looked the part for the media. Chiseled, lean face, with his chin covered with a trimmed goatee, tall and muscular, he looked like he could take on all the galaxy’s evil in one swipe of his lightsaber.

Master Cab quickly walked over to Mogulus and bowed deeply, in which Mog returned. Super followed suit and Mog returned his bow as well. Cab broke the formality with a smile and they embraced in a warm hug.

“It’s been too long Master Cab,” Mogulus said.

“Indeed, I am sorry to spend so much time away from the academy.” nodded Cab.

Mogulus turned to Super, “And you, grown before my very eyes, my little Suppy has grown up.”


Super shook his head in mock embarrassment, “Aye it has. Master Cab is a slave driver, but I keep up to him in the annoying factor.”

Two seconds after Super was rubbing the back of his where Cab had just smacked him.

Cab just shrugged, “Kids…”

Mogulus’s face became more serious, “Master Cab, you asked me to meet you at the shuttle?”

“No, to my understanding was, “I am something important to tell you upon my return.” replied Cab. “I never specified where you would meet when I, in fact, did return.”

‘He has become a bit senile in his old age.’ thought Mogulus.

‘I may be senile, but I can still read you in the force.” chided Master Cab as he brushed by Mogulus to enter the academy doors.

On heels of the Jedi Master was Super, who’s face was had a knowing smirk growing. Mogulus just sighed, and quickly turned to follow suit. Cab set a brisk pace as they traversed the labyrinth of hallways and corridors within the temple. The academy was set up so only a Jedi, attuned to the force could travel through it without trouble, which made for any attack on it almost foolhardy. Dignitaries such as Grand Chancellor Berdo were taken to an upper wing, which had its own hanger bay.

Mogulus followed the pair through a double door into a small briefing room. They were in the very center of the academy, since there were no windows, the Jedi had holorecorders set up so it gave the allusion that they were not totally enclosed in duracrete infrastructure. Already sitting down around a wood paneled table were several Knights and newly ranked Masters. Closest to him was Jedi Master Doc Legend, the leader of the infamous Wolf Pack. Next to him was Electron, who nodded at him smiling, to her left sat the Jedi Knight Neoma who looked somewhat anxious; across from her sat Jedi Knight Solice Moon, with Super grabbing the middle chair. In the other chair sat Jedi Master Liarg. Cab walked to the far end and Mogulus joined him in sitting down.

Master Cab took time to look at each member of the small informal group and send a silent welcome through the force. It was his way to calm any flustering nerves and set everyone at easy. Once he greeted Mogulus, he began. “Ten years have past since the death of Willie. Ten years and no one in this galaxy is closer to finding the whereabouts of JayCee or to find out if she’s behind these brush fires sprouting EVERYWHERE.”

Silence followed his opening comments. He had nearly shouted, no one expected the briefing to begin this way. Cab calmed himself in the force and turned to Master Legend. “Doc, do you have any updates?”

Doc thought for a moment, looking down at the table while he stroked his chin. He looked up and Cab after a few seconds and shook his head. “I have had the Wolf Pack searching the outer reaches of the galaxies following clues that lead no where and figuring out why random systems suddenly spark civil war or rebellion to the Republic. It’s the same thing every time: nothing. We feel a dark presence but its gone as much as the wind through fingers.”

Super spoke up then, “Do you suspect JayCee?”

Again Doc took a moment to gauge his words carefully, “Always suspicion never any evidence.”

“But you felt some sort of dark presence.” replied Electron.

“Always with war, the force trembles with darkness.” answered Cab quietly.

There was more with that sentence than what was said, most of all that they couldn’t count every dark presence as a sign of JayCee. The Jedi surrounding the table nodded in turn as each one got the meaning behind the Master’s words.

A small holo image of a Rodian Jedi Knight appeared in the center of the table facing Master Cab. “Chancellor Berdo and Admiral Katana are requesting your audience.”

Cab smiled, “Right on time. Patch them through please.”

The screen to the left, behind Doc Legend and Electron, which was showing the dazzling waterfalls next to the academy, flickered then split in two as both images of the Chancellor and the Admiral appeared.

“Thank you for making time for us Chancellor, and you Admiral,” said Master Cab.

“Anything for the Jedi,” replied Katana.

The Chancellor said nothing but simply nodded. He was on his third term, the success of the decade dead war, still backing up his campaigns. “Any updates on JayCee?” he spoke quickly. The Jedi, heroes to the galaxy, were now becoming thorns in the Chancellor’s side. Their constant failure at finding and dealing with the Sith woman was frustrating Berdo as much is it was the Jedi. “Have you found her yet?”

Master Legend took the answer on this one, seeing how he had dealt most with the failures and dead ends in finding JayCee. “The Wolf Pack is still on the case and pursuing many leads on several planets.”

“With all due respect Master Legend,” the Chancellor interrupted scornfully, “your pack has been unsuccessful for the past five years! The repeated failure is undoing to your ‘packs’ reputation.”

Mogulus registered a quick flurry of emotion from Doc before he quelled it. The Chancellor was attacking him unfairly.

Grand Admiral Katana interjected before any argument could start, “It is not the Jedi’s fault with JayCee’s unsuccessful capture or death. The military has also been running its own search with spies on hundreds of worlds and even with our vaster personnel, we still cannot find her.”

This comment seemed to calm Berdo down. At this point Master Cab chose to take control of the meeting again. “I wished for the Chancellor and the Admiral to join us in this meeting because of two things. One, there is a new disturbance in the galaxy. The Kalarba System, which produces a great bulk of military weapons and ships has stopped production.”

“How did you know!?” asked the Chancellor incredulously. “We only found out today.”

The Master continued as if he hadn’t heard him, “Workers have walked off their jobs, civil servants are suddenly rebelling against the government for seemingly no reason, and civilians are asking for the impeachment of the current President.” Cab gazed around at his fellow Jedi. “I have felt a dark presence moving in this system, and if we move quick enough, we can find out who is behind it, or if anything, find a trail or some leads.”

“I can have a squadron of ships put at your disposal Master Jedi,” stated Katana.

“No, we can’t go in there guns blazing. When Doc’s Pack has gone in there before, he has brought his usual group of twenty Jedi. This time we send only a handful in an unmarked supply ship. They land, deliver supplies, and then before takeoff the ship suffers multiple critical system failures. The team, then, is stranded on planet until the ship is repaired. The crew will then be forced to stay and ‘see the sights’.”

“What are a few Jedi going to do on a planet on the brink of war?” asked Berdo derisively.

Mogulus answered the question for Master Cab, “In the past we’ve been relying on force instead of covert. Even the military uses ships to search for the person or people responsible. Meanwhile those people are able to slip through our fingers, between the cracks and start anew in a different system half way across the galaxy. Stealth is the way to pick up clues and since we can mobilize and get to this planet so much more quickly, we might have a better chance.”

Master Cab nodded at Mogulus and turned back to the two officials, “I am sending Master Doc Legend and three of the best Jedi in his Wolf Pack.” He waited a short moment and looked at Jedi Knight Neoma, “And in addition newly Knighted Neoma will be going with them.”

Neoma looked up at him, eyes full of wonder. “Me?” she asked. She had wondered why she had been called to this meeting with the Masters, even more so when the Chancellor and the Admiral holo’d in.

“A girl!? You are sending a child!?!!?” cried Chancellor Berdo.

“That child,” said Cab evenly, “Is a Jedi Knight and one of my best.” Neoma blushed at the Master as he continued, “She is one of the best trackers I have seen in all my years. She’s a very capable with her lightsaber when it counts and is wise beyond her years.”

The red blush in Neoma’s face was only outmatched by the red of fury in the Chancellor’s. “No matter how good she is, what good is one Jedi when not only your famous Wolf Pack and the entire Republic Military cannot find this one Sith?”

Liarg spoke up, “The force will guide her actions as it guides us all. She will solve this mystery.” Liarg was a Master who watched and listened, preferably unnoticed. Because of this he rarely ever spoke, but when he did, his calm demeanor and powerful presence demanded attention.

The Chancellor looked like he was going to refute what the Master had said but before he could Katana cut him off, “The military is at the disposal of the Jedi, no matter what course they pursue.” This stopped Berdo short of any comment seeing how the military was almost half of his power base over the galaxy. The Admiral was playing him very well.

Berdo knew he was in a hard place and had no choice but to agree, he couldn’t lose the support of the Jedi or his military leader, “I’ll go along with it for now, but I want this issue settled. The Senate is getting voracious with demands that we bring her to justice.”

“Then it is settled,” stated Master Cab. “Mission briefing will be in two days. Doc, inform the three that you are taking on this mission and Neoma I suggest you stick close to Master Legend and learn whatever you can about how he runs his covert operations.”

Master Legend simply nodded but looked pensive about Cab’s decision, Neoma on the other hand looked like she was going to burst with anxiousness. Both the Chancellor and the Admiral bid their farewells and promptly terminated their connections. The Jedi Masters and Knights filed out with one exception, Doc Legend. Master Cab had a feeling that the Master was uneasy with the mission and the addition of a new Knight so he stayed behind with him until everyone had vacated the room.

Doc was looking down at his hands; Cab could sometimes feel spikes of emotion slip through the Master’s barriers. Master Legend looked up at Cab and spoke, “I don’t like this Master…”

Master Cab knew what Legend was referring to but he indulged him, “Don’t like what: the mission or the addition of Neoma to your team?”

“Both…” Doc trailed off, “For one, my team works alone.”

Cab interrupted him there, “Ah, but the Jedi are always stronger together, to cut yourself off from others can weaken you.”

“But a new Knight?” asked Doc, “She’s barely passed her trials, her lightsaber has barely been touched outside of training exercises. Neoma has had no experience with undercover work, and this is one of the most dangerous assignments you have ever given me.”

“Do you doubt her prowess? You helped train her along the way, you’ve seen her power and her skills. She solved the murder of Premiere Ta’ask on Bothuwai single handedly. No one could figure it out and she did within a matter of days and brought his killer to justice.”

“Yes but skills aren’t everything.” replied Doc, “In that instance she hunted down the elusive killer but never had her lightsaber drawn, never got into a scuffle or even a fight with the locals. This mission with have that and more, if our cover is blown we will be fighting for our lives. My team can handle that, we’ve done it numerous times, but she’s green and may crack under the pressure. That could doom the mission.”

“I have every confidence in her Master Legend.” said Master Cab sternly, “I mean no offense but you could use all the help you can get. The Wolf Pack is an irreplaceable asset to the Jedi Order, and its members have proven time and again what makes them so dangerous to criminals and outlaws, but frankly, you have come up short this time.”

Anger appeared and immediately disappeared from Doc’s face. “Master, if you are saying my team is unqual-.”

Cab cut him off quickly. “Pride can be a dangerous thing Doc. I never said your team was unqualified in anyway. Remember what the Admiral said: the whole of the Republic’s military could not find JayCee. Your team has come closer than anyone else, but it’s clear that you need some new blood and a different thinker in your midst, and Neoma is it.”

Doc nodded slowly, “As you wish my Master…”

“Do not judge her so harshly, teach her in the two days you have, and learn from her. Even an old wolf like your self may learn a new trick or two.” chuckled Master Cab.

“While it’s not likely, I will give her a try.” smiled Master Legend.

“Well if there is nothing more to add, I think this meeting is finally adjourned.” replied Master Cab.

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The rest of the Masters and Knights split off in the corridors and went their separate ways. Mogulus, though, asked Super to join him on a walk outside the temple. The maze of corridors opened up into the expansive courtyard, and from there they exited out onto the grasslands of the temple surroundings. The sun was high in the sky with very few clouds in the air. The only sound around them was nature, native birds, the surrounding waterfalls and the gusting cool wind. Both Jedi took one of the many paths that the Jedi created through the thick forests. The force rang clearly and filled them with more warmth than the sun could ever supply.

Mogulus broke the silence as he looked over at the Knight who had grown up to be just as tall as he was, “You have grown into a fine man Super.”

Super smiled at the compliment, “More Master Cab’s doing than my own, but thanks.”

“What has it been? Four, five years?” asked Mogulus.

“Seems like more than that, with all the traveling I’ve done.” replied Super.

“Training goes well I suspect?”

“Sometimes it seems we have more political debates with foreign diplomats than we actually train, but Master Cab says everything trains us for life.”

Mogulus smiled as he remember Cab telling him the same thing once. “And he’s right about that.”

“I suppose…” Super trailed off.

The Knight had a frown on his face, “Something bothers you?”

“No…well yea..” said Super, “Master Cab keeps saying that we are going to hunt for Willie’s apprentice. Yet, every time we start on the trail, someone pulls us back to Coruscant for some more meetings.”

The frustration in the young Knight’s voice was one that Mogulus shared whenever Chancellor Berdo called on Mogulus at the academy. Politics was neither his way, nor the way for most of the Jedi. Yet, someone had to deal with the politicians and it usually fell on him or Master Cab.

“It was so simple in the war, we knew who the enemy was and we fought him, but with politicians we can never be sure who to trust and who not too.”

Mogulus thought about this but decided against arguing on the subject, “There is always hope Super, and now that task from which you and Master Cab originally set out, is now coming to fruition. Cab informed me that you and him will head out in three days to find this apprentice of Willie’s.”

Super’s eyes grew wide, “Really? We’re really going!?”

“Yes, both the Wolf Pack and you leave on the same day, but unlike the Wolf Pack, who has to ride in a beat up trade ship, you and Cab are going to travel on a Mk5 Class Mon Calamar warship, on loan from the Republic Military.”

“Wow, they’re letting us use one of those?” asked Super in awe.

“Yep, but you will be going as an official attaché of the Military to planetary governments, doing advisement work on local defenses, etc. It is on your downtimes that both of you will search for Margis Peaio.”

“We’ll find him!” exclaimed Super excitedly.

“I have no doubt.” laughed Mogulus as he clapped Super on the back.

The trail that they took wound through the forest, past bubbling brooks and eventually back to the academy. Mogulus, who rarely had time for such treats as a walk through the woods felt totally refreshed.

“Well if you excuse me,” said Mogulus, “I have some administrative work for the academy to do. Good luck on your mission.”

“I could say the same for you,” Super said through a side ways grin.

[USSArizona]

I like the way this is starting thus far.
Keep it up Neo!

[Willie]

Great start. This seems much more developed than the last one, no offense. The last story was great, but your style seems more refined now. Can't wait to see where this goes.

[Neosakid]

HEY! i want those 2 cents im broke gimme gimme gimme

[JaggedFel]

Very good. Willie was right, this seems a little more refined