Caitlyn DeVries

=Description= "You're not going to start crying, are you? I hate it when people cry."

- Caitlyn DeVries

Caitlyn DeVries (0 BBY) Caitlyn is a headstrong, compassionate young girl. Having grown up on the streets of Coruscant an orphan after the death of her parents she has lived her life according to one philosophy; if you don't have the will or the strength to make it on your own then you're better off dead. She's dedicated her life to this credence and it was her strength of will that allowed her to survive the many hardships she's faced.

However, Caitlyn does credit her remarkable endurance partly to her 'gift'. She has always been aware of her connection to the Force since before she could even form words in her mouth. From a young age she came to consciously realize that her seemingly quick reflexes and incredibly good luck were not entirely her own. But, instead of embracing her power she became afraid of it. Not because of its potential use but because of the effect it might have on her.

Caitlyn has always believed that power corrupts and that people with power are inherently evil. This philosophy is partly influenced by stories her mother used to tell her about her ex-husband, Rodrick Sinclair, and partly because of her strong belief that Sinclair was somehow involved in the death of her parents. But other influences may have been involved, such as the Empire's hostile take over of Coruscant and the devestation it wrought.

=Skills=

Force Powers
The most interesting thing about Caitlyn's connection to the Force is that her powers seem to respond only to a need rather than a desire. At times during their training Jedi Master Leidas has noticed that Caitlyn has difficulty controlling her powers (and often with explosive results), but under great duress her mind becomes focused and her power increases immensely. Caitlyn is a survivor, has been surviving all her life by sheer force of will, and because of this she is capable of pushing herself far beyond her normal limits. If pressed hard enough she can summon an unimaginable amount power to her aid, but the effects of controlling so much raw energy can be fatal if its use is prolonged. Additionally, once the power leaves her body she becomes vulnerable, either through extreme exhaustion or by falling into a comatose state.

She has the potential to become a very powerful Jedi which is evident through her brief explosive periods, but because of her general distaste for power and fear of what that power can do she subconsciously limits her abilities. Ironically, though, it is for this very reason that Caitlyn DeVries can be a dangerous and highly unpredictable opponent, both to her enemies and to her allies. It only takes a moment of extreme anger or desperation to unlock her full potential and once unleashed (if even for a short while) there's no telling the kind of collateral damage she could cause.


 * Force Bomb

Caitlyn's 'Force Bomb' is a reactionary technique, originally named by Akain Karna in a vision he had concerning their future. In desperate situations Caitlyn will some times channel a large amount of Force energy into her body then release this energy with explosive force. Generally these explosions are mild and no one is hurt by them, but as Caitlyn grows in power so too does her Force Bomb. The scope and range of these bombs are difficult to determine as their power is constantly fluctuating. She has already used the technique twice during her training, once on Nexus and again on Nar Shaddaa, but these two bombs are insignificant compared to the largest she has yet to release...

Lightsaber Forms
Caitlyn's strengths lie in physical enhancement, calling upon the Force to increase her speed and mobility. This use of the Force fits well with Form IV: Ataru and allows her to virtually surround her opponent and attack him from any angle. However, the aggressive nature of this form and its space requirements leaves her vulnerable, particularly to attacks aimed at her appendages. Not one to limit her expertise to just one style Caitlyn does spend time studying other forms of saber combat, focusing mostly on their strengths and weaknesses. She utilizes this knowledge in her battles, creating a style of saber combat that is entirely her own. It's amatuerish and unpolished, but with time and practice it can be turned into a feasible fighting style.

Weapons

 * Singlebladed Lightsaber

Caitlyn uses a singlebladed Lightsaber crafted similarily to her Master's. Her saber uses a common Mephite Adegan crystal but lacks the same artistic touch, crafted more for combat than for looks.

=History=

Humble Beginnings
"Street kids like me usually never have anyone to depend on but ourselves and we're very distrustful of people with--better standing."

- Caitlyn DeVries

Caitlyn grew up on Coruscant with her parents, Felicia Marik-DeVries and Devlin DeVries, until the age of seven when her parents were murdered. The assassin, sent by Felicia's ex-husband Senator Rodrick Sinclair, brutally slaughtered the couple in front of their seven year old daughter, taking joy in emphasizing every excrutiating detail. Instead of killing her he decided to leave the girl alone in her apartment figuring she was no threat to either him or his employer. In spite of this experience Caitlyn found it difficult to give up, even at such a young age. She lived on her own for several months, scrounging around in dumpsters for food and stealing in order to survive until she joined a gang of street kids. From there she wound up involved in a number of other gangs, moving from circle to circle whenever it suited her needs. Eventually she managed to acquire enough credits (illegitimately, of course) to barter passage off-world and thus began her search for her half-sister.

Her mother had told her once before that she had a sister and that her name was Isis Sinclair, but even without this information Caitlyn had known she existed. She discovered this through the Force, through the connection they both shared together. She could feel her presence and her pain, but she could not pinpoint her location. Her search for her sister led her to Nexus Station where the trail suddenly grew cold and all trace of her sister disappeared. Emboldened by her determination never to give up Caitlyn made a difficult decision. She traveled to the planet Onderon, the location of the Jedi Temple where she hoped to further develop her awareness of the Force and her connection to her sister...

A Nexus at Nexus Station
"I knew it would be the right thing to do to take you on as my apprentice. It was the same way with Akain. I always believe that if you listen to the Force, it will never mislead you."

- Kalja Leidias

Not long after being accepted into the Jedi Order Caitlyn found herself heading back to a familiar place. She arrived on Onderon just after a Council meeting concerning peace talks with the Empire. Her first impressions with many of the Jedi were quite frankly less than stellar. In spite of that Jedi Master Kalja Sairu Leidias took Caitlyn as her second Padawan learner, a surprising move considering Jedi traditionally only take on one apprentice. However, given the circumstances and the strain placed on the new Jedi Order those traditions have been set aside for the time being.

Immediately afterwards Caitlyn discovered that she would be returning to Nexus Station with Kalja for a meeting that was to take place between the Jedi Order and the Empire. These "peace talks" were a step towards bridging the gap of hostility that for years continued to separate them. Caitlyn had already been to Nexus once before and was a bit nervous about going back. Along the way she kept having premonitions of what awaited her there. These premonitions were little more than a dark feeling in the pit of her stomach, but nevertheless she became increasingly aloof the closer they came to the station. Kalja, who had noticed the change in Caitlyn, confronted her about it. Caitlyn had told her she had a bad feeling about returning to Nexus Station, but the Jedi Master assured her that everything would be alright.

Enemies, Old and New
"You are weak, too weak to face me. Killing you now would be mere child's play."

- Marrek

As it turns out her fears were well founded. Not long after arriving on Nexus she was attacked in the 'fresher by an assassin sent to kill her sister. Acting on instinct she repelled her attacker with a massive energy surge that shattered mirrors, tore the bathroom stalls off their hinges and sent her attacker flying. The assassin soon realized his mistake and disappeared through the same vent that had granted him access.

This was just the first occurence. The second came at the Highwind's Casino when two hitmen opened fire in the crowd. The frenzy they started caused Caitlyn to become separated from the other Padawans, but it didn't take long for Akain Karna to find her. He interposed himself between her and her attackers, but Caitlyn saw there were too many people around for him to use his weapon effectively. Using the Force she knocked over a row of slot machines separating them from the hitmen, then she grabbed Akain by his arm and told him to run. They had almost made it to the exit when they quite literally bumped into Master Jola'Edana who protected them from the hitmen.

Soon after Casino security surrounded them, accusing them of instigating the fight. The Casino's owner, Dorval Trinivii Jian, requested an audience with Caitlyn, to which she reluctantly agreed. As it turns out the Hutt merely wished to contact her sister, Isis Sinclair, and in exchange he would vouch for the Jedi and assure the Tasiv of the station that they had nothing to do with the attack. Dorval was as good as his word, but Caitlyn was left wondering if there were any other conditions he may have left out. Only time would tell.

Just when Caitlyn was beginning to think she'd had enough the group was confronted again, this time on their way back to the Summit. A Dark Jedi by the name of Marek blocked their path and wished to speak with Caitlyn, assuring her that there would be no more attacks. When Caitlyn demanded to know his identity he joined his mind with hers and forced his memories into her brain, revealing himself to be the same man that killed her parents eleven years ago. His work done, Marrek left the group to their own devices, but not before giving Caitlyn a warning. The two of them were destined to meet in battle, but Caitlyn was far too weak to match his skills. She needed to become stronger and when the time was right he would seek her out.

The Love Boat
"Is that what this is about? Jealousy? For your information, Akain, Renato and I don't have anything together. I'm attracted to him, yes, but that doesn't mean we're in love!"

- Caitlyn DeVries

Caitlyn and the others, Akain, Renato and Rhyana, returned to the meeting to wait for its conclusion. By this time the Tasiv had beefed up the security around the hall as well as the station. A large number of NET personnel surrounding the meeting hall carrying a myriad of non-lethal and lethal weapons in case any more disturbances occurred involving the Jedi. During a brief recess Jedi Master Kalja Leidias and Grandmaster Daer'Gunn noted the extra security. Concerned that something had happened Kalja had asked her padawans about it. Caitlyn had told her the whole story and fearing for the safety of her apprentices Kalja suggested they might return to the Guardian for the time being.

A shuttle was sent from the Juoi ship to pick them up and Renato Farani, intent on returning to the Sunstrider, accompanied them. Upon landing Caitlyn managed to convince Renato to stay long enough to at least have lunch. Akain had already left the two in search of JSI trainer to help with his combat meditation and Caitlyn didn't want to be alone on a strange ship with strange people. Unfortunately, it was during their lunch that Akain had witnessed Caitlyn holding Renato's hand and had thought the two in love.

Both Caitlyn and Renato had tried to convince him otherwise and succeeded--at least temporarily. Some time after that Caitlyn was psychically attacked by Lyli Var'nio whose intent was to harm her to get to Akain. She told Caitlyn as much before the young Jedi passed out and when she came to both Akain and Renato were staring down at her. Akain had asked her what had happened, but unable to tell him the truth for fear he'd go running off Caitlyn told him she didn't know.

Akain, for his part, believed her and left so that she might get some rest. After he had gone Caitlyn told Renato the truth of what had happened and begged him teach her how to repulse Lyli should she try it again. Being a padawan himself Renato wasn't sure if he could teach her, but nevertheless he came up with a plan. He would try to psychically attack her while Caitlyn tried to defend herself. He hoped that by practicing she'd pick it up on her own and when Lyli attacked again she'd be ready.

The two of them put their plan into action, spending hours trying to get it right. Exhausted and unable to train anymore Renato finally bid her good night and left the room. Sometime before that Akain had returned to his own quarters and had sensed Renato's presence with Caitlyn. Upset that they had appeared to lie to him he was determined to distance himself from them so that they might be together.

That morning Caitlyn went looking for Akain and an argument had broken out between them. Caitlyn learned that Akain had been jealous of Renato and though he tried to say he was happy she'd found someone she could tell he was hurt by it too. Caitlyn, however, assured him that he had nothing to worry about. Yes, she was attracted to Renato and yes Renato did say some nice things to her, but that didn't mean they had a thing for each other. Caitlyn, for her part, was not looking for a relationship at this point in time. She had only one goal; to find out the truth about what happened to her sister, and she wasn't about to let anything distract her from that. Not even love.

Satisfied to know there was nothing going on between Caitly and Renato Akain came out of his funk. The two of them had breakfast together before Caitlyn suggested he might teach her how to fight with a lightsaber. Akain reluctantly agreed and the two of them headed to the training room. After some basic instruction they were soon joined by Daria Nekros, a JSI trainer onboard the Guardian. Unbeknownst to either Caitlyn or Akain Daria had an attraction to Akain Karna and was jealous of the attention he gave to Caitlyn. The young woman seemed either not to notice or simply ignored his love for her which frustrated Daria even more. She challenged Caitlyn to a sparring match and took the opportunity to humiliate her in front of Akain.

This marked the beginning of a rocky relationship between these two women. Caitlyn had no idea why Daria hated her so much, but she could sense the woman was enjoying herself while simultaneously mocking Caitlyn during their sparring match. After being soundly defeated by the more experienced fighter Caitlyn retreated to her quarters feeling a bit humiliated. Daria's actions had made her angry and slipping into her usual pattern Caitlyn sought solace to deal with her emotions.

The Search for Kalja
"To put this as quickly and easily as possible, a group of people, we don't know who they are to be exact, kidnapped Master Leidias from Nexus Station after the Jedi Order and Galactic Empire's meeting."

- Akain Karna

Not long after the duo received a distress call through the Force. Akain was the first to recognize it as Kalja and immediately contacted Sulimurr to get permission to return to the station. Sulimurr, however, had other plans. Realizing that the two Jedi padawans could be more trouble than they're worth she gave them permission to take Kalja's ship, the Swift Light, and go off in search of their master. Before they left she advised they meet up with Kalja's father, Tulsar Leidias, and gave them the information they would need to contact him.

Daria Nekros accompanied the two on this journey as well and even before they left the Guardian the tension between Caitlyn and Daria had sky-rocketed. Sensing that something was going on between them Akain insisted that Caitlyn speak to Daria about it. Grudgingly Caitlyn agree and in doing so found out two surprising bits of information. One, Daria was in love with Akain and two, Akain was in love with her. It was only then that she'd realized it, though at first Caitlyn refused to believe it.

She had had--previous experiences in the past that had soured her to the idea of love and Caitlyn didn't want to have that same experience with Akain. As much as she liked him she couldn't love him, that would leave them both vulnerable and she knew it. Caitlyn resolved to put an end to Akain's fantasies as soon as possible, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. Instead of doing what she knew needed to be done she simply hid in her room until the ship had dropped out of hypserspace in orbit around Metalom, the planet where they would be meeting Tulsar.

Big Daddy
"I don't understand, he said he needed to meditate but he's... Training? We don't have time for this. Kalja's in trouble."

- Caitlyn DeVries

Daria, Akain and Caitlyn met Tulsar at the Junker's Cantina, a seedy-looking bar in the middle of Metalom's port district. They informed him of his daughter's disappearance and he agreed to help, if only because Kalja was family. They headed back to the port where Tulsar introduced them to his ship, the Windfall, and to his adopted son, Reave Hevren. The introductions, though, were short as Tulsar wasted little time in figuring out their next move.

As soon as they were on board the ship Tulsar locked himself in the training room and immediately began a vigorous exercise. He referred to it as combat meditation, the only time his connection to the Force was at its strongest. After an impressive display of skill and prowess Tulsar discovered the location of his missing daughter, the planet Nar Shadaa. He ordered the Windfall into the air and gave instructions to his people for how to deal with the Swift Light since the group decided it would be best to only take one ship. As soon as they had broken atmo' Reave had jumped the ship to light-speed.

The Art of War
"Stop allowing yourself to be the weakness. If you don’t want to put that burden on Akain, then learn to fight for yourself. Learn how to protect him instead."

- Tulsar Leidias

Soon after their jump to light speed Akain Karna was granted a vision from Rhyana Torshey's unborn twins. Unbeknownst to him Caitlyn had also witnessed this vision of a possible future and it caused her to become even further withdrawn from him. In the vision she and Akain were married and the both of them had had a child. They were on a picnic of sorts with Rhyana's family and Akain had distanced himself from her to talk secretly with Derek Muir about some impending doom he did not wish to bring upon his family.

When the vision was over Akain had retreated to the showers and Caitlyn was left with a very difficult decision. She had loved and lost before and did not want to experience it again. She told Tulsar as much, divulging to him one of her more closely guarded secrets. Two years ago a boy she had loved died fighting to protect her from some gang bangers and Caitlyn did not wish for Akain to make the same sacrifice. Tulsar's solution to the problem was simple, she should learn to fend for herself. Much to Caitlyn's surprise the Jedi Master gifted to her a lightsaber then agreed to instruct her in its use.

The training had gone on for several hours, Caitlyn pushing herself to learn as much as she could in a short amount of time. When she could push herself no longer Tulsar called a stop to the training. Immediately afterwards Akain reappeared, asking a few questions about a lightsaber style known as Vaapad. Tulsar seemed hesitant to teach it to him but granted the young padawan a chance to prove his worth. And after a vicious duel that ended up with more than a few physical bruises Tulsar had agreed to teach him the style. While he felt the young padawan was not yet ready for the responsibility he recognized that in the times ahead the Jedi would need all the edge they could get.

The Tunnel of Eternal Darkness
"Akain, you dumbass! You need to get treated! Stop being such a jerk! If you die trying to follow us how do you think that'll make me feel?"

- Caitlyn DeVries

Caitlyn's log, star date 17 ABY; Day 15. We are still trapped in the tunnel, please someone help us! Akain keeps staring at me, he--he looks hungry... I think he wants to eat me!

Okay, in all seriousness I'll get around to updating this soon. =P

The War of Darkness
"He doesn't scare me... Much."

- Caitlyn DeVries

Information coming soon...

Revelations
"Her innocence belies a hidden strength. To underestimate Caitlyn DeVries is to welcome death."

- Marrek

Coming eventually...

=Active Threads=
 * The Search for Kalja
 * Nexus at Nexus