Interlude I: Recuperation and Training

(Room of a Thousand Fountains, Jedi Temple, Jedi Temple District, Coruscant, Coruscant System, Coruscant Subsector, Corusca Subsector, Core Worlds)

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It was positively exhausting, the entire discussion with the council of what he'd discovered took like two days. It was only after all was said and done, that Kellian realised how glad he was to have gotten it done. He didn't tell them everything of course, since he did believe that some things should stay buried. But according to Master Neema, Kellian should see some more action before the next week is out. This meant he had time on his hands, time which he should spend recuperating, yes, but also time that he could use to continue furthering his training. Kellian had no plans on engaging in a strenuous Lightsaber Duel, but practice would help him, as would meditation. Which is why Kellian was in the Room of a Thousand Fountains.

He liked this room because it helped him concentrate and it served as a good backdrop for his training, picking up his favoured Lightsaber. Kellian doesn't activate it, he just holds it, focusing on the crystal in the saber. The Crystal was specifically attuned to him, and it wasn't an Adegan Lightsaber Crystal. When Kellian first brushed up against the Dark Side, he didn't feel worthy of that Crystal anymore and locked it away. He had subsequently gone months without a working Lightsaber.

One might say it was dangerous and irresponsible to do a thing like that, but Kellian was a practitioner of the Bakuuni, Echani, and Teräs Käs martial arts, not to mention a very skilled user of Telekinesis and the Force in general. Eventually, he found a Lightsaber Crystal that worked for him, a Rubat. A Rubat Crystal had the effect of sharpening the appearance and definition of the Blade, helping him strike with and track the blade more easily as well as being able to attack faster, and with a Focusing Lens crafted from a Firkrann Crystal, that blade was also given an electrical charge, making it lethal to any and all droids...and cyborgs he supposed, which also meant it affected him and every clone under his command.

Nevertheless, he hadn't come here for Lightsaber practice, he'd come here for some Echani Martial Arts and luckily since he was a master in the art he didn't have to strip down for it. Having said that though he did shrug off his robes, and having ditched his armour he was wearing nothing waist up. He still adhered to some of the tenets of the Echani Arts at least. As he went through the motions, he once again felt a nostalgic wave pass over him. EchanI Martial Arts bore similarities to Karate, of which Kellian in his last life had the privilege of being a second-degree brown belt. Kellian was a master in three forms of Martial Arts in his Life, namely the Echani Martial Arts, the Bakuuni Hand, and Teräs Käs. The Bakuuni Hand was like a hybrid of Judo, Karate and Savate, while Teräs Käs was a hybridized form comprised of Krav Maga, Shaolin Boxing, Judo, and Brazilian Ju-Jitsu. His last lifes father was a master BJJ fighter, and Kellian despite being a second-degree brown belt Karate practitioner was also trained in BJJ, Krav Maga, Judo and Shaolin Boxing, though his knowledge in BJJ didn't match his actual ranking as he had only had so many hours of which he could dedicate towards training and thus focused on Shaolin, Krav Maga, and Judo after reaching the level of Karate he had.

Shaking off his nostalgia, Kellian enters the stances and begins going through the motions, opening himself up to the Cosmic Force as he does so. It is difficult without a partner, but Kellian has no real equal save perhaps Masters Shaak Ti, Windu, and Secura. He'd taught his master the Echani Arts in gratitude for his tutelage. It was worth noting however that, Masters Ti and Secura were already knowledgeable in it, so he had performed an exchange with them, teaching them Bakuuni Hand and Teräs Käs in exchange for helping him further his skills and understanding of Echani Martial Arts.

''M-master Ordo?'' A small voice says, breaking his concentration and causing his heightened connection to the Cosmic Force to waiver.

''Ah, Youngling Katooni. How may I help you?'' Kellian asks the young Tholothian.

''You asked us what form of Lightsaber Combat other than Form II Makashi and Form V Shien and Djem So worked well for a Curved-Hilt Lightsaber. I believe I have the answer you were seeking.'' Says Katooni, fidgeting nervously.

''Oh? Tell me then.'' Kellian asks intrigued, having not expected an answer, least of all so quickly.

''Master Yoda knows all Six forms of Lightsaber Combat, but the one he favours most appears to be Form IV Ataru.'' Says Katooni.

''Congratulations Padawan, you guessed correctly. As a reward for correctly guessing, you may use this in the eventual creation of your Lightsaber.'' Says Kellian, feeling as though he's found the potential Padawan he was searching for.

''What is this?'' Katooni says, apparently not noticing he called her Padawan.

''This is a special Focusing Lens. As you are aware, I am the Jedi Order's foremost Lightsaber Smith. I received that distinction by converting Lightsaber Crystals into Focusing Lenses and rediscovering how to create Force-Imbued Blades. This particular lens was crafted from a Firkrann Crystal. I use one myself, because the Firkrann Crystal applies an electrical charge to any blade, making it immeasurably useful against Droids and Cyborgs. I'll be paying close attention to you in the future Katooni, do your best.'' Kellian tells her, patting her shoulder before dressing and leaving the Room of a Thousand Fountains to speak to Master Yoda.

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Kellian found Master Yoda at the Jedi Temple's Roof Gardens, observing several Younglings converse.

''Master Ordo, something to say do you?'' Yoda asks without taking his eyes off of the Younglings.

''I believe I've identified a youngling I'd like to take as a Padawan in the future. After their Clan's gathering has been completed I would like to take the Tholothian Katooni as my latest Padawan. She remembered what I had asked of her and her group and was the only one who came to give me an answer. I'd like to be there for her Gathering Master.'' Says Kellian.

''Arranged, this could be, but other duties you have.'' Says Yoda.

''I'll make time, truthfully I'd hoped to take on the Wookie Gungi, but I have a special feeling about Katooni. At any rate Master, I've taken up your time longer than I needed, I should get back to it.'' Says Kellian as he departs Master Yoda's company after bowing respectfully to the wizened old master. Kellian had a couple of other things he had to do, which is why he was headed to the Jedi Archives. There was something he wished to do and he needed Master Nu's help.

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(POV Shift: Kento Marek)

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Kento was in the Jedi Temple on a small break from the frontlines, he'd been assigned to the Special Operations Brigade since Geonosis and was glad to serve under his old Master once more. Master Kellian wasn't the easiest Jedi Master, but he was a great teacher. It did take him a little while to get over the fact he was learning from a Human Jedi younger than him, but Master Kellian had proven himself to Kento.

This is why Kento had been able to flourish under Master Kellian's tutelage, through his Master Kento had learned a great deal and had been initiated into the Bakuuni Hand, a prestigious order of Force-using Martial Artists. But Kento hadn't come to the temple to remember that, he'd come to do some research. He'd encountered a strange species he'd never encountered before. A species with Regeneration abilities like one wouldn't believe. So he was hoping to search the archives for species with similar rates of regeneration hoping to find out how to be better prepared next time.

''Well, this is a surprise. Didn't expect to see you here, Kento.'' Says a voice, and Kento turns his head to greet his old Master.

''Master Kellian, it's been months since we last saw each other in person. How have you been?'' Kento says, greeting his former master with a strong clasping of forearms as befits fellow members of the Bakuuni Hand.

''I've been well, Kento, but then I suppose that is slightly above average given the current state of the galaxy overall. What brings you to the temple?'' Kellian asks his old apprentice.

''I encountered a new enemy, regenerative powers like you wouldn't believe.'' Says Kento, as his Master leads him to the Archives. ''Do you know of any such species?'' Kento questions.

''Only a small handful of races fit that bill, and I suspect I know which race it likely is. Let us speak to Madame Nu, I have my own business with her, but this takes precedence.'' Master Kellian informs him.

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(POV Shift: Kellian Ordo)

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When he encountered his old Student, Kellian had hoped he'd be able to share a few mugs of ne'tra gal with his former Padawan he chose to settle for helping his former student discover what the enemy he'd fought was. And given the point in the timeline they were in and what Kento said Kellian suspected he'd encountered a Gen'dai.

And given there were only two Gen'dai who made sense given the place in the timeline, that meant either Rayvis or Durge were the encountered ones and since Rayvis was supposed to still be in lock-up until the great Jedi Purge that left Durge and well…shit.

''Madame Nu? I trust you remember my former Padawan, Jedi Knight Kento Marek?'' Kellian asks the Chief Jedi Archivist and one of the leading members of the Council of First Knowledge.

''I do, you often sent him to me for Archival duty, as I recall.'' Madame Nu replies.

''I couldn't appreciate it at the time, but I am grateful for it Lady Jocasta, trust me on that.'' Kento replies.

''What can I do for you both?'' Madame Nu asks them both.

''I recently encountered a strange enemy, I came here hoping to search the archives for more information on their race when I ran into Master Ordo, he says he believes he knows what I encountered.'' Says Kento.

''And if I'm right, we need to Convene both the High Council and the First Knowledge Council. We should also send a message to Master Rancisis, I know he's encountered individuals who've faced the creature I suspect Kento faced before. Madame Nu, please gather every bit of Data our archives have on the species: Gen'dai.'' Says Kellian as Jocasta Nu widens her eyes a fraction.

''You suspect a Gen'dai?'' Asks Nu.

''I do, it's the only species with regenerative powers like what Kento described to me, and I'm hoping I'm wrong. There is another matter I have to discuss with you Lady Jocasta, but this takes precedence. Considering my matter is a relatively minor one, I can search for it myself, I just need the help of one of your assistants.'' Says Kellian as he nods towards Kento.

''Follow me, Knight Marek.'' Jocasta says.

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Kellian had the information he needed, and the materials were already on hand. It was just the question of what shape he wanted it to be, a more complex shape would be a more difficult and time-consuming process. But Kellian already knew what shape he wanted, it wouldn't be easy, and likely would consume much of the recovery time he had that could be used for training.

The time had come for Kellian to create his own Jedi Holocron, and he would form it in the shape of a Dodecahedron, however much he'd like to make a pentagonal hexecontahedron, he didn't exactly have months to spend creating a Holocron. Especially since a pentagonal hexecontahedron Holocron would require at least a month and a half for the basic construction. That was his recovery time several times over.

He already knew what he'd put in this Holocron, he'd put the lost Hyperlanes and planetary locations as well as all forms of Lightsaber Combat and several advanced Force Techniques to start with. From there it would grow as the War and Rebellion progressed. More importantly, he'd give his take on relationships and the Jedi Code, given the fact he had had sex many times he knew the guilt that could tear at someone for breaking the rule of no attachments.

Well, he had time, so might as well get started on forming a Jedi Holocron, he didn't have all the time in the galaxy to spend dicking around no did he?

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(POV Shift: Ahsoka Tano)

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Their new orders had come in, they were to resupply on Coruscant and then they are to head towards Bothawui to route a separatist Offensive against the Bothans. Ahsoka had never been to Bothawui, nor had she ever met a Bothan. She'd like to review the Jedi Archives for information on the race and their planet.

And maybe she could check on how Master Ordo's doing? When he touched her mind she felt something different, now that some time had passed she didn't know what else to make of those feelings and emotions.

Maybe she should seek out Master Ti? Her fellow Togruta and Jedi should be able to help her make sense of this hopefully, and even if she didn't know what this feeling was, it would at least hopefully be one less thing that she would have to worry about.

But as much as this has been on her mind, she also has other things to do, such as brush up on Niman and Ataru. She was already quite well-versed in Form IV Ataru, but it never hurt to do a refresher on it. As for studying Form VI Niman? Her master was insistent she start studying it to better prepare her for the likes of Ventress or Grievous. Maybe Master Drallig would be able to give her a quick lesson? And if not there were others.

This was shaping up to be a long war, wasn't it?

How old would she be when it ended? 20? 30? Or would she just be the latest in a very long list of casualties of the Clone Wars? Countless Jedi and even more Clones? It was old news she knew, but it weighed on her she had to admit.

It wasn't a pleasant thought…

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(POV Shift: Seveerin Jade)

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Seveerin was watching Mara play, while Senator Mothma spoke to Senator Amidala. Mara was getting more insistent by the day, especially when she said she could ''feel daddy''. That meant only one thing, Kellian was on the planet and Mara's abilities were growing stronger. Which is why Senator Amidala was here.

''Seveerin? Senator Amidala and I believe we know how to get a message to Mara's father. Jedi General Anakin Skywalker is returning to Coruscant for resupply. Senator Amidala is an old friend of his, if you give your message to her, she can have General Skywalker hand deliver it to Master Ordo.'' Says Mothma.

''You are sure he won't take it to the High Council instead?'' Seveerin asks, knowing what it would mean for her, Kellian, and Mara. Kellian would be in trouble and Mara would be taken from her to become a Jedi and Kellian would be unable to have unsupervised contact with Mara.

''Anakin is an old friend, I've known him since before he joined the Jedi Order, if I ask him to, he won't. But first, why don't you tell me how you and Kellian Ordo met? It would help me make sense of how this whole affair began.'' Senator Amidala asks of her, and Seveerin admits she finds herself liking the Naboo Senator already.

''Where to start…?'' Seveerin says thoughtfully, before turning to face her daughter and smiling. She knows just where to start, the very beginning makes the most sense after all.

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(Author's Note:)

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Just a quick heads up, next chapter will likely be a pretty short one, I'll try to do my best to flesh it out, but you have to remember Clone Wars only was a 25 minutes long program minimum, but we'll see what I can do. As for the interlude and future ones, there will be a fair number of these in the future, kind of like ads on the TV I suppose, but these will serve as a bridge between chapter's with the next Interlude containing the results of Padme and Anakin's discussion and Kellian finding out he's Mara Jade's biological daddy…that'll be fun to write I'll admit.

One final thing is this Story is my primary project right now with Aethan of Cidaris being my side project for this story. Well no actually, it's closer to say that it's my secondary project right now, I do have a side story project but that's another matter entirely.

Goodbye and I wish Y'all a very good New Year and hope to see all of you next time I publish here.

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Special thanks to Cody, Lewis Wilson, Luci alarra, Kunta, Jacob Hixson, Mitchell Howard, David Martinez, and Availon90 for their support on my P-atreon.

The next Chapter is currently available on my relaunched and rebuilt P-atreon, to access simply search the following link, but without the dash between the P and A, Two tiers with the same benefits but different contexts. The chapters on P-atreon will be published when the chapters after them are done and dusted and ready to publish over here on this site.

p-atreon.com/TheRagFromTheCragCorner22