The next day, walking down a temple hallway Zell was groining, rubbing his shoulder and abdomen that were both tingling with a numbing pain.
"Damn, even though they were only stun rounds they still pack a wallop. I guess in the future I should tone down my training a little bit. Putting myself in the infirmary would be counter productive to all the effort I'm putting in"
During his training the previous day in his free period, Zell, wanting to practice his lightsaber skills, tried to face the level 3 training program which was normally recommended only for more experienced initiates, some of whom were just shy of take their padawan trails.
As a consequence of his choose, Zell ended up being struck by two stun rounds that he could still feel the lingering pain from.
One, being in to his right shoulder and the other in the left side of his mid section. A while the effected areas had no real injuries, they still had a stinging sensation, which Zell found annoying.
But luckily for him a silver lining come from this, because of his minor injury yesterday he was given a reprieve from the noon physical training. Giving plenty of time to rest and recover. Hence why he was able to move quite naturally today.
Currently Zell was on his way to place on the temple he had meaning to visit for quite a while.
After walking a bit farther he reached his destination. In front of him stood a large door, that served as the entrance to one of several of the Jedi temples repair centers. Small satellite facilities of the order's Technical department.
The technical department was a division of the order to focused on handling all the tech repairing, creating and maintaining related craft in the temple. As well as seeing to the many utility needs of the temple. As Zell entered pass the door what came into sight were the workings various machines and workstations. All being manned by dozen upon dozen of jedis who specialized in technical skills and civilian technicians who were employed by the order.
Moving through the repair center, which had a layout that looked similar to a small factory, he constantly look in all directions, amazed by all that he was seeing. Marveled by all the mechanical work being do. On one table he saw people repairing a malfunctioning astromech droid.
On another desk he watched two technicians fiercely debating on details about improvements to a hologram projector they were building.
And in a far corner Zel even saw several training droids hooking up to a large computer, which he could only assumed meant they were receiving some form of software or programming update.
'Truly this place is a perfect example of every technicians, engineers, mechanics and tinkerers paradise. And this is just a small detachment facility, I can only wonder what the main Tech center is like'
The Tech center was more or less the main headquarter of the the order's Technical department. So it would be fair to assume that it held the Order's most advance and secret technological items and tools. Things that could prove very useful for Zell, but are sadly out of reach for since he's just an initiate. And obviously such a place would off-limits to him.
'A pity, but I can at least make do with this place for now'
Thought the Tech center was off the table, Zell had hoped this repair center may be more accommodating to his purposes. But this wasn't a guarantee by any means. There's a good chance he'd be asked to leave at any moment. So before that happens he began searching for a curtain someone who could possible aid him.
After walking around the floor for a bit, Zell found the person he was looking for. At a large low to the ground workbench was a well known Aleena Jedi master. Who was in deep focus repairing a broken motherboard, using tools that caused sparks to fly. He was the current leader of the technical Division.
Master Kazdan Paratus.
********
"Pardon me master Paratus"
Zell walked up to Kazdan wanting to get his attention.
(Silence)
"Um, hello---master Paratus"
Seeing that Paratus hadn't heard his first greeting Zell attempted a second time to get the master's attention, with the results getting the same reply as the first, no answer.
Seeing that Paratus's mind solely focused on his work, Zell who was about to try again stopped just when he was about to utter another word.
'I shouldn't bother him and pull him from his work. After all I just showed up here unannounced and without an appointment or permission. And honestly there's a good chances initiates are allowed in this part of the temple. So best that I just wait near by till he's done'
After pondering on how It'd probably be a bad idea to interrupt the Aleena master, Zell would find and take a seat on a nearby wall and simply watched as the master worked.
An hour pasted before Kazdan exhale a sigh of completion while putting his tools down and remove his goggles.
Turning around he would notice Zell to the side watching him.
"My goodness! what are you doing here youngling? With all these active heavy machines in use, this is no place for you. It too dangerous"
Kazdan walked over to Zell with concern on his face and curiosity in his voice as he asked why the young initiate was here. Zell rose to his feet and bowed to Kazdan.
"Hello, its nice to meet you master Paratus. I'm initiate Zell Mooncrest. I'm here because I was hoping to get permission from you to use technical divisions facilities and tools."
Kazdan: "!?--Use the facilities and tools? Why ask such a thing young one?"
"Um well, I have done a lot of research in the archives, related to mechanics, repairing and maintains. But I currently lack any real experience using what I've learned. To improve I think I need hands on practice"
Kazdan was surprised at what he was hearing from the young initiate.
Firstly, at how polite and well spoke the child before him was speaking. Showing he had a level maturity that was clearly beyond his age. Secondly, he was shocked that a child Zell's age had an interest in technology.
Such an uncommon sight gave Kazdan pause.
Kazdan, rubbing his chin ponder over the request.
In truth part of him wanted to say yes. Seeing a strong bright spirit of dedication to understand tech in Zell, reminded Kazdan of his own days as a youngling. And he wanting to nurture that spirit and see it grow.
But in contrast most of him still felt that the order's Technical division work space was too dangerous for someone of Zell's age to be around. With all the division members and workers being extremely busy handling various assignments and projects, its not like someone would be available to watch him constantly. And Kazdan didn't want to risk a younglings safety so unnecessary.
After a few more moments of silents Kazdan gave his answer.
"I must say little one I'm amazed and pleased to see someone as young as you wish to practice our craft"
Kazdan said with genuine joy.
"But regrettable, I'm afraid Mooncrest you are still not old enough to work here perhaps in a few years we can reconsider things then. There's no need to be in a rush, is there"
Zell would look slightly down at the floor sadden from hearing Kazdan's answer. In the truth Zel know well that the chances of his request being granted were low. Afterall what adult in there right mind would approve a five year old working alongside grown specialists, who frequently use such dangerous equipment.
But still part of him was dejected at not being able to achieve his goal.
He know that Kazdan's words weren't wrong. There was no need for him to push things along so forcefully. Thought the danger he for saw was coming it wasn't immediately on their doorstep. So deciding to take a step back and reevaluate his plans and priorities, Zell conceded to Kazdan.
"I understand Master Paratus. I shall wait patiently till I am old enough"
Saying that Zell turning around and walk towards the exit, but was suddenly stopped by Kazdan.
"Please hold one moment initiate."
He walked over to a nearby workstation and began rummaging through various pieces of tools, items, equipment, and scrap. Placing multiple items in a satchel that was also on the workstation. After Kazdan finished gathering his assortment of items handed the satchel to Zell.
"For you"
"Eehh? for me?"
Zell making a confused sound in response to the Aleena's action
"Of course. Though I cant let you practice here like you asked, I think it would be a shame to let such a vibrant mind be stifled simply do to a matter of age and rules. So as compromise I shall give you a set of basic tools and few small unharmful gadgets you can fix and tinker with. How does that sound"
A bright smile formed on Zell's face as he took the satchel and give a deep bow.
"Thank you very much master Paratus!"
After giving his thanks Zel left the technical division and headed to the Mori clan dormitory so that he could start working on the tech that he gained.
'Excellent. I wasn't able to gain access to the technical workshop, but this should be enough to meet my needs. Now I can finally start my practice in technopathy'
Zell spoke the truth, but no the whole truth when he gave the reason for his visit to Kazdan Paratus. He did want to practice the technical and mechanical knowledge he had been accumulating from all the texts he had been read, so that they could be developed and used as practical skills. In such a heavly tech bases universe like the one they lived in, such skills would prove invaluable in almost any situation. Be it in transportation, medicine, communications, war, etc.
So Zell know he needed them without a question.
But the part that he had omitted was that he also desired to get materials he could use to start practicing the force technique of techopathy on. An ability that would give him a greater control of must forms of technology.
*****
Back inside his clan's dormitory Zel quickly moved to one of the rooms desks. He rummaged through his newly received satchel from Jedi master Kazdan Paratus. First he pulled out and set down a small box.
Opening it he realized it as small repair kit containing quite a few basic tools. Such tools including an arc torch, hydrospanners, laser welders, screwdrivers and so on.
Zell looked pleased at the many items now at his disposal, but a small knot did strike at his mind as he thought.
'Though I truly appreciate the new tools master Paratus gave me, but aren't these high powered tools really safe for a youngling to use without supervise'
He thought to himself, while scratching his head at how Kazdan's actions of giving him such high level tools clearly contradicted the jedi masters concerns of Zell working in the high powered environment of the technical division.
Ultimately Zell would simply chalk it up to Kazdan Paratus being absent minded in the moment, and worry about no longer. Since causing a fuss could result in the tools being taken away, the last thing he wanted. Plus, Zell who had the mental facilities of an adult, would definitely handle them better than actual five year old.
Also, on closer inspection the aforementioned tools were smaller than those used by full grown adults, probably making them less powerful as well. So the chances he would hurt himself using these implements were very low.
Deciding that there was no need to rack his brain over the matter an y further he moved to start working on the assortment of broken gadgets in the satchel he had be given.
The first thing he grabbed was a busted pair of macrobinoculars.
"Alright lets see if this works"
Gathering the force in his hands, he than gently directed it to flow out of himself and into the macrobinoculars in his hand. At first nothing happened and in fact he felt something similar to resistance, but then he tried again. This time the process went and felt smoother, as he felt the flow of the force go out of himself and into the device, then come back into himself.
Like a peaceful circular river.
As Zell gradually preformed this better an image that resembles an extremely blurred layout of the macrobinoculars inner makeup appeared in his mind. And with it a muddled feeling that told him what specific components were broken, worn out, disconnected and other issues it had.
"Okay good, not perfect by a long shot but with some time and practice I think I'll get the hang of this"
Zell said proud of himself at having actually used technomancy on the first try. Albeit a very amateurish and unskilled vision of it. But technomancy none the less.
"Alright now lets get to work!"
Not wanting to lose this momentum he quickly got to work fix the macrobinoculars. As well as the other gadgets in the satchel that were soon to follow.