Mark of the Jedi

[Syn-Kai-Jinn]

This is a story of Syn-Kai-Jinn`s life and path to become a Jedi and how he learned to use the Force along the way.


the story unfolds as Syn-Kai is a small boy who lives with his mother and father on the planet Tatooine .
his father is a Jedi Knight

Syn kai sees his father go to a chest kept in his parents room. In the larger than normal hut in which they live
close to Mos Espa.
mother was tending to her duties of mending clothes and gathering herbs and such for the meal
Syn-Kai was close to his father always a shadow of the man .He was one to tag along with him most of the time.
the Jedi knight didnt mind having his son with him in fact
he loved to show the boy things ,be it places or objects.
he want the boy to have a great knowledge for some day the boy may take the trials and become a Jedi too.
So long as it didnt endanger his life ,these adventures were but time spend between father and son

Syn-Kai knew what his father kept in the chest, it was his prized possession his lightsaber. While he didnt alway carry it with him there was not alot of need
when he was just tending to duties of normal life
He worked as repairman of crafts of all sorts and some droids as well.the pay was good so they lived a comfortable life
Den-Jra was not one to to parade that he was a Jedi.
He prefered to blend in with the denizens of the planet.
He was very much Force sensitive , so he used that as his main ally

Syn-Kai asks " father are you going somewhere ?"
Den-Jra turns to the child "I must tend to some businness for the Alliance ,this time you will have to stay behind I`m afraid my son"
the boy looks to his father with disbelief
in his eyes

Father when will you return ?
the man walks towards the young boy and puts his hand on the boys face and scoops him up from duracrete floor

Den-Jra tells the child "sometime I`m sorry to say,
this mission may take me from you and your mother
quite a bit of time. "
" I cant tell you more at this point. you will know what you need to in a short time. I will be in touch with you and your mother" the two walk from the room into the main living quarters of the adobe hut ,the funishings
were tasteful and relaxed . The colors had a cooling affect , so it took from the heat of the day
but there was a climate control device
Den-Jra looked to the galley area watching Aja crush herbs for the family meal
he said " Syn-Kai is coming with me to prep the ship for my departure"

[Syn-Kai-Jinn]

Aja left the Mortar & Pestle behind and moved from the galley area to the main room. She brushed her hand
a top Syn-Kai`s head and reached out for Den-Jra`s shoulder.
He turned to his wife and embraced her
he said "I am sorry that I must leave ,but you must understand I do this for the good of you and Syn-Kai
also all the beings that empire represses."
a small tear runs down Aja`s cheek and Den-Jra wipes it away.
"I am not leaving yet my dear the ship must be readied for my departure "
"Syn Kai will help me with that so we can spend the afternoon together."
Aja replied "so you will return for this evenings meal.
I am fixing something that i know the two of you like."

[Syn-Kai-Jinn]

Den-Jra and the boy load some supplies onto the skimmer and head for the hanger bay.
Tatooine`s twins suns are just above the horizon line
now . The climate is beginning to warm as they reach the docking port
Den-Jra says to Syn-Kai " You take the two smaller crates ,they are about your size" . with a wink to the boy.The man muckles on to the larger of the cargo .
the two board the craft . it was a modified feighter

Syn-Kai sits cross legged on the hull floor watching
Den-Jra doing some of the prep work.
Syn-Kai hands him a hydrospanner and asks
"father what does it mean to be a Jedi?"
The man sits up from under a panel of wires and switches .
Smiles and looks the boy in the eye "you know some of the things i was showing you about raising pebbles with your mind and focusing ".
Syn-Kai replies" yes"
well those are not just tricks or magic ,my son
it is a natural but mystical presence. An energy field generated by all living things ,it is called the Force !
it can be manipulated to do things that some do not understand .But knowledge of this teaching is what makes a Jedi different from others
There are two sides to this learning a light side and a dark side . the light side is filled knowledge ,peace and serenity. the dark is that of anger ,fear and aggression.
Syn-Kai a true Jedi uses the force for knowledge and defense,never to attack
this is the mark of a Jedi. Do you understand ?
"I believe I do father ."
Den-Jra pats the boy on the head "good " messing his hair with the twist of his hand
Den-Jra says "I would hope you follow in my foot steps,
be weary of the darkside my son it is the path to evil.
it is quick and easy seductive and greedy
the boy looked at his father deeply " is that why you go father , to fight the darkside?
Den-Jra says " well now that would go against what I just told you about attack ,would it not ?
Syn-Kai was perplexed for a moment "well yes I suppose so father ".
truth being my son, there are legion that are looking for the Jedi so they may rid them from the galaxy.
They have attacked my colleagues so I must go to their assistance.

[Syn-Kai-Jinn]

when Den-Jra was done telling Syn-Kai of the Jedi
and their way .
He returned to prepping the ship
"Ok Syn-Kai I must run a few tests ."
Den-Jra hit a few switches, pushed a bright red button
on a console, then pulled a T- handle lever back.
The sublight engines coughed and sputtered a few times for a moment , but then cleared out.
wow Den-Jra said "this ship hasn`t run in a few months . There must of been some corrosion on the sublight drive inverter coils .
Tatooine is such a harsh environment .
Well, Syn-Kai its time to shut this down and head back to the hutt .Your mother has dinner done by now .
I cant wait for her stew ."
Aja would make a stew that was a cross between
fire stew and likryt stew. It was her own recipe,
the best of both. Spicey and tasty she served it with Wastril bread
Syn Kai had asked her to make Ryshcate .
Because Den-Jra was going away.

The two returned to the hutt and the aroma was wonderful
Aja turned from the galley area saying "Ah there are my two men in time for dinner "
Syn-Kai smiled ,his mother called him a man as he was
about 11 standard years
"come and sit ,dinner is served "
The warm steam rose from the bowls.The family ate the evening meal and talked more of Den-Jra`s travel and the way of the Jedi
little did Syn-Kai know but his mother was force sensitive
as well. She well knew what Den-Jra was going away to do and was going on in core worlds .
The hunt was on for spieces that were force sensitive .

[Syn-Kai-Jinn]

The next morning Den-Jra spend some time with Syn-Kai . The two walked for a bit and talked of Syn-kai`s future training.Upon returning to the hutt
Den-Jra made his last embrace with Aja stroking her soft hair and holding his arm about her waist .
The two looked deeply into each others eyes.
Aja then said " why do I get the feeling I will not see you return to this home "as her eyes welled up again
Den-Jra told her"Aja ,yes it is a very dangerous mission before me ,I will do my best to pull though,but I will always be with you and Syn-Kai.
The force will be with you both always .
Help teach the boy what I have told you
you have my instructions on the holo device ."
With that he then left out the door
Syn-Kai was playing with some stones and sand
just near the front door opening .
He stood ran to his father and clutched him about his waist.

Den-Jra looked down at the young boy.
He almost quaked having to leave him .
He picked him up face to face and said "be strong my son , know that I love you very much and will be there for you . Now run and see your mother she needs you !"setting him down, they both went their ways
and by some strange fate turned to look at each other at the same moment .
Syn-Kai entering the hutt and Den-Jra the end of the
ally that the hutt was on.
Den-Jra looked down shook his head and muttered something ,then headed for the ship.

walking up the gangway in the c0ckpit.he buckled in and threw the switches pulled the T handle back
the engine fired to life with just a tiny sputter
the ship rose from the dockport leaned starboard made a gentle arc from the landing area &
up into the atmosphere it roared
Syn-Kai and Aja stood in the doorway to watch the tiny glowing trail of Den-Jra ship leave its mark on the Horizon to this Syn-Kai commented " The Mark of the Jedi"

[Syn-Kai-Jinn]

A few standard months had pasted with little contact from Den-Jra . All that was known that he had reached the core worlds and met up with his colleagues
Aja had taking small jobs in town mending cloth for those who could not do that for themselves .
It was late morning almost afternoon when one of the townfolk Ta'Nel came running to Aja in a disturbed manner. "Aja i have a Holodisk from Den-Jra seems one of the Merchant ships captain aquired it on a trade route just this side of Coruscant .He was told to bring it here and seek someone who does repairs at the starport
that it was for Aja Jinn."
Ta'Nel handed Aja the disc and then she bowed to her
saying "I hope all is well with Den-Jra"
Aja nodded as" I myself hope too."
Ta'nel then told Aja "I will leave you to the disc and your duties if you need me you know how to reach me ."

Aja entered the hutt and proceeded to the holodevice.
Inserted the disc and made sure Syn-Kai was outside playing with some friends as he was earlier.
Den-Jra was projected from the disc as true to life
he spoke of the matters at hand in the core worlds
and what he wanted Aja to do in the event of a mishap on his part . it told that if something took place beyond his control she was the take Syn-Kai and herself to Belsavis. To reach the rift Plawal and seek out the Master Jedi Plett a Ho'din." He will teach Syn-Kai what I could not . You both will be safe there and well cared for I have seen to it. I love you my dear Aja and of course the boy as well , take care of him for me " with that he bowed his head. Then looking up" I have left this with one of my merchant friends. He has tabs on me and will keep you updated via this disc."
the Holo blinked and a heavy set man was next to be viewed "Aja ,Den-Jra has told me much of you and Syn-Kai it is with a deep heart that I must inform you that he has been taken by the empire along with several other Jedi we are planning a breakout but I dont know what the outcome will be . This Tam Jaris end of transmission". The holo was then dead as was Aja's heart she kneeled near the machine with her face in her hands

[Syn-Kai-Jinn]

Aja then took all there possessions and began packing them in crates for transport.
News of this reached Ta`Nel.
Ta`Nel came to the Jinn's Hut to see what was the problem . Aja told her the tale of Den-Jra being captured by the Imperials and Den-Jra`s plan for his family . Ta`Nel was shocked with news and offered to stay with her till she felt the denial was gone .
Aja refused but thanked her anyway. "Syn-Kai and I have a place we must go it was Den-Jra wish, so I will obey my husband "
Ta`Nel 's reply was "if you need any help ,I will do what I can . Aja said " well you can help me move these crates to the starport and I will need a way out of here with no one knowing our destination ".
Ta`Nel told her " well now that I can do for my good friend. There is a ship leaving late two nights from now.
It will be in the dead of the night. It is headed for the Senex Sector .I will see what i can do about getting you to the ninth quadrant". With that Aja nodded a look of thanx , the two began moving crates about the hut
Aja looked up asking "will you see to the sale of my our Hut ? A tear ran from Aja's eye again . Syn Kai came racing in with a toy in his hand " whoosh ,zoom" as he took the craft in his hand and dove it around the room
then he stopped in his tracks. Surprise filled his face
"Mother what is going on ? where are we going ?"
In good time Syn-Kai my son ,lets just say we must depart Tatooine for now

[Syn-Kai-Jinn]

The Vessel landed on one of the pads just outside the rift . It was almost dusk as Aja & Syn-Kai departed from the craft . A mild wind blew across the ice field of the glacier. Aja wrapped her outter robe tight against her
" your father must be mad to take us from a warm haven.
To this deep freeze of an ice ball Syn-Kai, as a shiver became her ."
The Force was with Syn-Kai in the fact that he retorted
"Father must surely have some motive besides safety for bringing us here ,he is a man of reason"
"I never meant to belittle your father Syn-Kai."
her eyes widened not believe what the young child had just spoken & a shiver returned .
this time she was unsure if it was the cold or her husband using the boy to speak though .
Syn-Kai turned from her " mother a Skiff approaches .
workers from the vessel were unloading supplies that were coming to Belsalvis as well as the Jinn`s belongings . The later of which were set aside
The skiff rounded the pad and pulled along side the vessels departure ramp. Two beings came toward the Jinns . "Greetings "said the larger female a Twi'lek with a interesting hue of blue skin "I am Shyla and this is Callista " turning she opened her palm to a young girl of about 15 standard years .
Aja greeted them with a nod of the head , but Syn-Kai
instinctively gave a bow to both .
which was return by the welcoming party
Shyla told the Jinns,Master Plett awaits you .
your belongs will be brought to the rift ,not to worry.
we have been expecting you.
Aja looked puzzled ,"you knew we would be coming ?"
why yes Tam Jaris sent us a holo a few days ago
The four of them boarded the skiff and headed to the warmer valley .
In the Skiff Callista pulled a small creature from a pouch
as her and Syn-Kai were more rearward
Shyla and Aja were engaged in conversation and the young ones were going unnoticed .
"Would you like to hold him Syn-Kai ?"
with bright eyes "Sure ,but of course"
Callista smiled at him and he returned the jesture .
"your kinda unique for a girl, I mean ,none of the ones I knew played with such pets .

[Syn-Kai-Jinn]

Callista beamed at Syn-Kai somehow she knew he had a noble heart that meant well .
"What is he?" Syn-Kai asked
"He is a Tailring or sand-dragon,he's very small and just a baby yet. A merchant gave him to me for my menagerie. I am surprised he parted with him ,they are a lucky charm and will eat Mynocks saving the ships hull.
The sand dragon strutted in Syn-Kai's lap as though he knew he was being praised for his kind .
Callista said " looks like he has taken a shine to you Syn-Kai!"
The boy asked "does he have a name ?"
"not yet i just got him day before yesterday , he must be kept warm he`s not accustom to the harsh chill of the upper rift . But in the rift valley he would be fine
the Tailring had Syn-Kai`s finger and was playing with it now
looking up at Callista he asked" menagerie what other creatures have you collected "
You`ll Just have to see for yourself once we get to Master Plett`s compound .
With this the skiff came to a stop near a steep wall in the rift. A staircase was notched into a section of rock. Shyla and Callista departed from the floating platform
Syn-Kai scooped the sand dragon between his inner and outer tunics . Chuckling his tiny claws tickle.
Aja followed the others and ascended the stone crag.
Syn-Kai remarked on the aroma of the flora and it`s brilliance as they made the ascent . Other small creatures scurried from vines and leaves as the group moved onward to the top.
From the summit one could see the warming sun just setting on the horizon .
The Jinn`s would wake in a new place filled with wonders .

[Syn-Kai-Jinn]

Shyla and Callista took the new comers in the compound atop the cliff .
Shyla reported the arrival to a guardian of the complex .
the Twi`lek woman turned to Aja "we will now take you to your living quarters and your belongs will be brought to you shortly. "
The Tailring poked his head from Syn-Kai tunics.
Callista then told Syn-Kai "You Know what ,I think maybe the sand dragon should stay with you ,if your mother doesnt mind "
"Really Callista ,you dont mind ?" the young boy was
almost off the ground at this point
"I look at it this way Syn-Kai you and I will be around each other for a good part of the day & my collection of pets is getting out of hand . So who better to take care of him than you ,think of him as a gift to welcome you here ."the young girl looked at Syn-Kai .
His eyes got large and he came to her and gave her a big hug. I will name him Rek`la what do you think Callista?
Hmmm she said I kinda like it ,got a ring to it .
She then told Syn-Kai that in the morning they would be seeing Master Plett ,that he would begin to train him in the ways of a Jedi .
Really Syn-Kai announced that soon ?
"Yes ,I will train also and a few others here too "
Said Callista " Now come with me and help me feed my
creatures ,we can get something for Rek`la to munch on."
With that the two told Shyla and Aja where they were off to and left .
They had come down a corridor that was inside the cliff.
There were glowpanels here and there.
It was somewhat cave like, but it must have been carved into the cliff side. Then at once the tunnel would open into a chamber like structure and there would be doors to other rooms. Some of the anti- chambers
had furnishing in them ,others may just have a fountain or something of sorts .
They really had not walked far at all when Callista pointed to a door "Thats where I reside "

[Syn-Kai-Jinn]

Callista opened the door & Syn-Kai followed her inside.
The main living quarters were nicely decorated there was a small galley for preparing meals with a spot to dine , also an area to relax with seats and entertainment. Down a narrrow hallway was another room, dimmly lit with a bunk and transparasteel crates mounted into the wall . Inside were assorted creatures.
Callista slid a panel above the crates to reveal the access to the tops of the crates . Below the crates she slid another panel with different feed for each of the creatures .
She pulled something for the Sand Dragon to eat and flipped it to Syn-Kai
Inside one of the crates Syn-kai saw a Crystal Snake
"Hey those are vemonous " Syn-Kai said.
Callista Replied " Yes very, but I use what little force power I know to keep him in check when I handle him or feed him."
"I had him since he was very small and has slowly become accustom to handling , but a bite could prove to be disastrous. One would have to seek Master Plett instantly in that case. "
" oh I see , glad you told me that. I will keep it in mind."said Syn-Kai
Feeding time had ended and Syn-Kai watched as the creatures ate their meals . In all there had to be two dozen crates so he could see why the Sand Dragon would just be another creature to tend after .
though he could tell Callista cared for the tiny Tailring very much so.

With the crates all closed again the two left with Tailring in tow.

[Syn-Kai-Jinn]

The morning came Quickly
The sun beaming down on the rift had warming affect though the dome .
looking out the window of the Jinn`s quarters one could see vine coffee growing in the flats above.
Just outside the window Aja was planting some herbs that Master Plett had given her and tending to the breakfast that was cooking .
A knock came upon the door,"Come in" Aja shouted.
the door swung open and in walked Callista
"Doing some gardening Mrs Jinn ?"
"please call me Aja " replied Mrs. Jinn
"yeah just thought I would get these in the window box as soon as possible. I miss my herb garden on Tatooine."
Callista looked around quizzatively " Is Syn-Kai awake yet?"
Aja repsonded " Yes hon he is in the fresher"
"would you like some breakfast before your outting today?"
Callista said sure .
Aja placed in front of her a bowl that had a blend of cereal and fruit and another bowl with just fruit also a cup filled with blue milk .
The fruit was was spiced in a way Callista had never tasted. Something like a cross between mint and anise
mild but remarkable.
" Mrs Jinn uh I mean Aja, this fruit is like nothing I have ever tasted. the way you spiced it is extraordinary."
Then from behind Callista came Syn-Kai's voice
"it is my fathers recipe " Callista turned ,though she sensed Syn-kai's presents , to see him rubbing his hair with a towel . the Sand dragon hopped into his seat at the table
"Ok Rek`la you can sit with us "as he slid into the seat lifting the tailring to his lap.
"Are you ready for today Syn-Kai"asked Callista
"As ready as I can be Callista" he said with a wink.
the two finished their meals and headed for the surface of the rift

[Syn-Kai-Jinn]

Good Morning Callista , & this must be Syn-Kai-Jinn
I presume " To which Callista replied "Yes Master Plett,
sorry we are later Mrs. Jinn Made sure we had breakfast before we left "
The wise Ho'Din retorted "well now that your belly is nourished , what you say we do the same for the mind."
To which the rest of the young students laughed .
"please take a seat on the ground and I will pass out the training sabers " as he pointed to an area .
"Callista will you help me me before you be seated" he asked .
Master Plett almost seemed to float,than walk.While his legs did move ,he did so with grace
Callista passed the training sabers out .It was the first time Syn-Kai had held such a item . He had see his Fathers but never touched it for he knew the potential.
Master Plett went on about stance what was proper and inproper. How to hold the weapon .
Syn-Kai became glued to him almost in a trance like state .
Weather it was something of the force or his calm ,soothing voice or even a mind trick.
Next the lesson was finished and the training began .
The Ho'Din picked pairs ,as he came to Syn-Kai he ask who he would like to be paired with.
Syn-Kai looked at him puzzled ,then said " Master I do not wish to be special".
The Ho'Din let out a bubbly sound that one would take as a giggle .
"My boy" the Master said " I know Callista is your new friend "
"But I thought you may not wish to engage in saber training with her."
As he glided to the chair " You may yield to her and that would hamper the training ."
With this he sat saying "So be it ." Callista looked at Syn-Kai in a sideway glance .
"take your stances with your partners and ignite your sabers "Master Plett announced .
Syn-Kai positioned his feet and holding the saber outward,he touched it off .
The snap-hiss rang out and the blade appeared from the hilt .
Callista did the same across from him , as did the others .
In all there were six pairs.Three on one side of Master and three on the other.
We began to volley and parry. When the Ho'Din requested "open yourself to the force ,feel it flow and it will guide you"
Callista made a swift fluid move to Syn-Kai`s left knee area .
The youngling was not fast enough to block it and was stung .
He hopped a bit , Master Plett spun a comment to him.
"See boy your mind is clouded with the relative , let it go and see with your inner self. "
Syn-Kai regained his stance and started again .This time he took a second and something did indeed touch him .
In his minds eye he could see it , feel it if you will.
The pair became more in tune block and dodging the vollies and parries.
It came much like a dance, yet not practiced .The moves were fluid, both moved forward and back