6th Transmission, Stopping to smell the Kibo...[Video/Action]

[thefinaljedi]

[Luke Skywalker has had an eventful few weeks, what with Anakin arriving, and breaking the news to his father about his rather dark future, not to mention the New Feather cycle. He'd patrolled the woods for newcomers, and spent many afternoons introducing himself to and attempting to help New Feathers get adjusted to life in Luceti. Not to mention the recent the blank...day from the last weekend.

That was beginning to be a common theme, blank days in his memory, and it was starting to be more than mildly disconcerting. Luke was genuinely starting to get angry at having his mind wiped by the Malnosso. To alleviate some of this, Luke decided that today would probably be an excellent day for exercise, and perhaps finding someone to train with. He'd talked to some people in the past about working on Jedi philosophy, martial training, and even meditative practice but due to the New Feather cycle, Anakin, and the confusion regarding the attack on the Battle Dome things had just not worked out.

He sends out a message to the village in Video form during the morning, before stepping outside to begin his own practice]

Good morning Luceti. I trust this morning finds you all well. I have a bit of a request. I would like to find someone to help me train today. Its been a while since I've had anyone to spar with, and equally as long since I've had an exercise partner. If anyone is interested, please contact me. I will be around Community House Five, so if you'd prefer, please stop by.

Moreover, if anyone is interested, I feel like today is a fine day for a hike and would love company.

[After his morning, he heads about his business in the village, stopping by the shops to pick up a few odds and ends like nutrient bars, a travelling pack, and some canteens.

Following this, he begins to make preparations for a rather lengthy hike, planning on heading out into the woods and just walking until he feels like its time to turn around. Why? Because he knows that he needs to relax and take time to smell the Kibo. Even if there aren't any Kibo flowers here. All the little things are starting to build up, and he can ill afford a tantrum of his own, having just prevented Anakin's explosion the previous week.

Its a fine spring day, and he does hope that someone will join him on his walk]

(OOC: Feel free to grab Luke pretty much anywhere. In the morning, in town, over the journal, before his hike, out on his walk, or really whatever you want.)

Comments

[Action]

[thefinaljedi]

I don't really know. But they do work it seems.

[He powers it on, and taps in a few commands, conjuring up a copy of the Praxeum's training hall on Yavin IV. Stone walls, a few meditation pillows, and a rack of wooden staves, as well as a table covered in small, metal tubes]

[Action]

[geniustheveil]

[Mercury lets the surroundings take her attention from the questions.]

This is where you used to train back home? A simulation of it?

[Action]

[thefinaljedi]

It isn't where I trained, no. Its where I teach, though. Admittedly, the cushions for meditation here are probably significantly more comfortable. Is there a place you'd like to begin?

[Action]

[geniustheveil]

I came here to train with you at your request. Whatever you prefer is fine. It will be good practice to try something unfamiliar.

[Action]

[thefinaljedi]

Then, why don't we try these. [He walks over and picks up a pair of the long, metal tubes. She should know what they are, having seen Luke's own lightsaber during Valentine's, and their mission. Walking back he offers her one]

This one should suit you, its coloration is the same as the crystal I gave you a while ago. Please, test the weight and see what you think.

[Action]

[geniustheveil]

I've never used one before, so please be patient with me.

[Despite the disclaimer, her grip is firm as she tests it with a few practice strokes.]

It seems to suit me.

[Action]

[thefinaljedi]

Of course. Its not much different from a sword, though there are some rather unique tricks with it. It may feel a bit light, which is good given your small frame.

Do you know any forms, from your world with your sword?

[Action]

[geniustheveil]

Yes, but to learn a new weapon, I'd be interested in learning how to manage it for itself. Surely it has its own use and movements?

[Action]

[thefinaljedi]

Alright. Well, thats something we can start with, if you feel comfortable handling it. Why don't you try a few simple strikes that you know? I'd like you to familiarize yourself with the balance.

[He smiles kindly watching her, and picking up his own]

[Action]

[geniustheveil]

[She knows her own weapon well, and the lightsaber is similar enough that she takes the same stance, the same grip. She tries the same testing motions as before, this time glancing at Luke from the corner of her eye.]

[Action]

[thefinaljedi]

Excellent. I see you aren't having trouble adjusting. Now, lets try a fairly basic form. Please follow my movements, and take the same stance.

[Luke brings up his lightsaber into a guarded stance, Form III, Soresu. This was one of the most basic, and while not one of Luke's preferred forms, it was one he felt would serve her.]

[Action]

[geniustheveil]

[She keeps her eye on Luke, so much that it inhibits her movements. She copies them well, and gracefully, but without conviction or force in the practice. Each movement is committed to memory as she watches it performed, to practice further later.]

[Action]

[thefinaljedi]

Very good. Now, try again from memory.

[He stops and waits]

[Action]

[geniustheveil]

[She hadn't watched so closely for nothing, and Mercury repeats the steps, each motion, carefully but with confidence. She does not even pause to suggest hesitation, but carries through with poise.]

[Action]

[thefinaljedi]

Perfect. The name of this form is Soresu, the Way of the Mynock. Its a defensive form used to block blaster shots, and wear down an opponent.

[He walks over to the computer and tacks out a few commands, conjuring a small Remote Droid.]

I'd like you to try and block the droid's shots. He'll be firing small, stinging blaster bolts, nothing more.

[Action]

[waterfell]

[She's done similar maneuvers with her sword, but the lightsaber is slightly thinner; she'll have to adjust for that. This decided, Mercury nods, and takes a readied stance.]

Begin.

[Action]

[thefinaljedi]

[Luke releases the drone, which flies in its pre-programmed course, darting around firing off shots of blue-white energy periodically. Gradually the machine picks up the pace, going from a shot every few seconds to a faster one]

[Action]

[waterfell]

[The first ones are easy for her; the next require concentration. Mercury sinks into a deep focus, and her instincts and reflexes let her catch the shots without too much difficulty still.]

[Action]

[thefinaljedi]

[Luke can't help but grin now. She's doing quite well. The remote training exercise was one of the things that had tripped him up when he first learned, but she'd handling it no problem]

Amazing, Mercury! Far better than my first try at this. So, lets try something more challenging. Normally, a Force-Sensitive person would be told to shut their eyes, but I couldn't ask that of you as you've not got that benefit. So...

[Two more remotes appear, forming a triangle around Mercury.

3...2...1...go!

[Action]

[waterfell]

[She's not Force-Sensitive, and more, while she can feel the Water here, this is not like tracking a youma by it. She keeps her eyes open as Luke said, and has only a moment to assess the new situation before she's moving quickly.

She needs to keep her head. If she can figure out their movements, this will be much easier...]

[Action]

[thefinaljedi]

[The remotes spin around, gyrating in random patterns, snapping off bolts of energy. There isn't really a discernible pattern, but only occasionally actually fire. There is an audible hum before each shot, typical of most blaster weapons.

Any missed deflections were programmed to only sting like a mosquito, nothing more]

[Action]

[waterfell]

[She's good at moving quickly; even without sensing them, she spots the bolts and learns to judge the timing of the noise and the sight quickly. She is stung only a very few times, with little yelps of surprise rather than pain.]

[Action]

[thefinaljedi]

[Luke tacks out a few commands, and the droids fade away, instead transforming into a training droid wielding a lightsaber the color of blood]

Good. For someone without the Force, thats good. With practice you should be quite capable. Now, this droid. I'd like you to try and destroy it using only Soresu. It will be using the lightsaber form Shi-Cho, a more aggressive one.

[Action]

[geniustheveil]

[A more aggressive style. Then while she may be strong defensively, she'll need to become stronger, or she'll only end up pushed back instead of gaining any ground or winning. Mercury nods crisply, and takes her stance again.]

[Action]

[thefinaljedi]

[The droid starts out with several rapid strikes, sweeping his blade in wide, powerful cleaves. It isn't particularly strong, but there is conviction behind each blow]