Ask Plot Finding Old Ground

[Oren Zapan]

Oren had spent so much time searching for the Sith and helping the Rangers that he had barely time to do any reflection or continuation of his training as a Jedi. Even if one was a Master there was still so much to learn and to find, and he would never be done learning. He had taken on a new apprentice, the young @Fiach Dubh who had an inquisitive mind to make it far in the Jedi, but still needed to continue to learn more and experience what it meant to be a Jedi.

The Jedi Master had learned about rumors of an old wayshrine on Kinyen, that two Jedi were planning on investigating, but it seemed that the rumors about it all had died just as quick as they came. Needless if they existed or not, it would be good for both Oren and Fiach to travel the stars and to visit a planet together, if a shrine truly existed there then it would be a good chance for the two of them to develop their own relationship and to build something that would be a lasting landmark of their legacy as Jedi. His hands sat on the controls of his BD-510 Courier as he slowly eased his ship out of lightspeed--R2-H5 chirped quietly in the background as the large planet came into view.

"Do you know anything about the planet Kinyen?" The Jedi Master would ask with a raised brow.

tag: @Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Of course, asking Fiach what she knew on a subject was a license for the young Padawan to recite chapter and verse everything she had read...and invariably she had read pretty much everything there was to read.

"OK," she started, "I'll start with the most commonly known facts. It is predominantly an agriworld and is located in an area of space known as the Corellian Trade Spine - which starts at Corellia and ends past Terminus. It is the homeworld of the Gran and was formerly a member of the Galactic Republic."

"The most notable farming settlement is the Kemalo Farming Cluster, which produces produce for many planets in the galaxy. One piece of trivia I read was that it is home to a species known as the Houjix which are used for one of the holographic pieces in the game dejarik. They are sometimes taken as pets - but this is apparently conjecture."

"The planet is considered beautiful and is rare in that it has almost no natural predators."

She paused before continuing. "That is all I managed to learn before we set off, and I don't believe I missed anything important."

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

The Jedi Master couldn't help, but smile at the girl's dedicated response. He should have known by now that she never gave simple answers, everything was literal and precise. He'd feel Nash's crystal against his chest and it made him wonder how she would have handled such direct answers all the time--Force knows that Oren used to be somewhat similar to Fiach, I miss you, but I'll see again one day.

He'd take a deep breath as he peered back towards the girl as he broke through the atmosphere, "Did you read all of that in the library?" He'd chuckle, "Must not have been the funnest material, but that's good information to know." Their courier would skim through the air as they approached a small village. "How often do you think the history books and real life intersect..or do you think there is often more to the galaxy than what can be found in books?" He'd ask with a gentle tone, curious as to what her response would be.

tag: @Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Their relationship as Padawan and Master was still in its infancy — and Fiach’s understanding of Master Oren Zapan was hindered by her lack of social skills. But some things permeated even the young Padawan’s difficulties with inference. Her training with her new Master was not just about how to use a lightsaber or how to perform a Force Push. In fact, that was the minority of their training — as she was quite capable of learning such things back at the Temple, when her Master was on a mission.

No, she was sure she was aware that he was training her in an entirely different sphere. And if she could put it into words, she would describe it as ‘How to be a Jedi.’ Or maybe, ‘How to be a better Jedi.’ He was constantly quizzing her to check her understanding of situations and scenarios and she was beginning to not only appreciate why, but become prepared for these probes into her thoughts, approach and insight.

“I did,” she replied, her ever-present smile in place. “But then that doesn’t surprise you, does it? And information gained is rarely entertaining but it is useful and valid. And, since I have been working with you, formed my first port of call when approaching a mission.” She did not elaborate on what her second might be, but instead answered his question.

“History is a useful source of data, but it can be misleading, even false. It is written by the victors and so can be biased. In fact, we are taught to expect it to be so. Which is why I look to cross-reference anything that can be considered a dubious fact. That won’t guarantee its validity, but it helps. And every story has at least two sides to it. And it is likely that at least one of them isn’t written down anywhere. I am sure the Rebel Alliance would have testified to that.”

“With the Force, I have a better feel for what’s true or not, and that cannot be gleaned from a book. But I’d rather have some information than none to go into a situation with.”

“And an open mind,” she added.

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

"You would be correct," the Master pondered on her words for a moment as he brought the ship to a landing point, "Though a negative experience we personally feel can cloud our perceptions about the reality of a situation or thing, that is why like you said, we must have an open mind about any situation that we find ourselves in. We must realize that our status as Jedi means we are privileged to different experiences than the normal person..it's important to keep this in mind."

The ship would land with a gentle thud, and the master would quickly be on his feet, his mechanical hand running gently against R2's faded dome. "You're coming with us friend," he'd peer back towards his apprentice as he stepped into the old town, a few of the Gand peering towards them with curious eyes.

"Do you know anything about wayshrines?"

tag: @Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

As the ship landed, Fiach got to her feet. She glanced down at the droid that had accompanied them. She was familiar with them, and back on Klatooine, she regularly was required to patch one up. Once she had been taken into the Order, she'd seen and worked with plenty, but unlike so many, did not consider having one of her own. Maybe it was her way of ensuring she didn't even count a droid as an attachment? The concept of one as a friend was not one she currently understood, but was working on it.

"Wayshrines are, as I understand it, small Temples. Often unmanned, they are stopping off points for Jedi in an area that does not have a Temple or Enclave. Somewhere to rest and maybe collect supplies. They are rumoured to be dotted all over the galaxy but the Empire destroyed most if not all that were widely known to exist."

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

R2-H5 hummed quietly behind the two of them, his old wheels zooming as his chassis raddled and clanked with the divots and cracks along the trail. The Droid was his former master's droid and it was rumored that the droid had fought in the Rebel Alliance, but Oren was never really sure if that was true or not. His old green and white frame had seen years of experience, there was so much knowledge within his little frame.

"You'd be correct, they are small abodes, that provide refuge for Jedi along their travels. They also serve as places of education for the local population and can be small enough to provide aide to the poor and the weak. As we expand our efforts we will need to continue to rebuild these, to make beacons of light that can be felt across the galaxy."

His hands would shift into his black robes, as he walked, "They will also have another purpose, and one that I would like to work with you on.." The two of them would slowly walk through the small town and towards the highlands that lead to where the supposed shrine was. "The Order has fallen several times throughout history..this we know for fact, and if we are truthful with ourselves, it may very well happen again..We need to build places for Jedi to fall back to, hidden teachings that can teach the next generation if you and I are gone..the legacy of the Jedi must continue..I think small shrines like this will help that..Do you agree?"

tag: @Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach wondered why R2 units were still so popular, given the challenge of them managing difficult terrain. Yes, their capabilities were hardly surpassed by more modern droids, but she wondered how much damage the little R2 unit was sustaining every time it hit a divot. But she kept her counsel, knowing that for many, a droid was more than a machine. She may not understand it, but she at least recognised it.

She nodded as she listened, this was her usual way of letting the seeking know she was paying attention. She was pleased to learn a new fact — that the wayshrines served as schools too — and not just for Jedi.

“In many ways,” she shared, doing her best to talk beyond facts — an area she knew she had to develop, “they are symbols. Of hope I mean. That we are coming back and will once again serve the populations we once protected.”

“And as for them being some form of bolt-hole, that makes a lot of sense. Of course, we would need to be sure that what we leave cannot fall into the wrong hands. A map of locations left that anyone with nefarious intentions could not discover and destroy. They would also need to be warded so only someone who used the Force for good could access them. Is that possible? I have heard that Holocrons can work that way, but I have never seen one and wonder, practically, how it might work.”

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

Oren peered towards Fiach, watching her peer towards the astromech droid. She was always so observant and so careful about things, always contemplating the reason why people did the things he did, and that thought brought a smile to his face. The two of them would tread along the green incline that lead towards where the supposed wayshrine once existed.

The Jedi Master wasn't quite positive on the location, but he knew that he'd feel a semblance of the light if they eventually reached it. "We can't leave critical information laying everywhere, but...during my investigations into a puzzle piece I found on Ifrane, we could scatter clues across the galaxy.." He thought about the journey he had embarked upon, and the wisdom such a practice provided.

"We could provide riddles, messages hidden within messages that only those with a clear mind would be able to follow, it could take them across the stars and eventually they could find the true location..if our Order collapses." He would explain as he cast his hands out as he walked, "I believe that the right one will find the calling eventually, and when they follow it..they will find my...holocron."

It was an idea that he was toying around with for sometime, he still had much to learn, but he knew that the Jedi of today would need their stories chronicled for the next generation, and the things and mistakes he had learned would be chronicled so that the next generation would not repeat the same mistakes he may have. "Holocrons can only be opened by those attuned to the lightside of the force..this is true."

He would pause as he peered over the cliff, a small smile forming on his lips. "It's peaceful here, a cool air and tranquility surrounds this highlands and the villages that dot the distant greens. This is why I am a Jedi, to preserve the tranquility of life for as many people as I possibly can. I aim to serve the spirits and the burdens that had been laid upon me by my master, by Galen, and by my beloved Nashyr.." He'd peer back towards his apprentice, "Why are you a Jedi?"

tag: @Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach listened, both dutifully and because she was learning — which was always a huge positive for her. The concept of clues really appealed to her logical mind and it was all she could do to stop herself hypothesising as to the types of tests and puzzles that could be left — that only a Jedi, or someone of a similar persuasion could follow.

The mention of not just a holocron but her Master’s one. And she deduced he meant one of his own creation, as opposed to one he had found. Her ind was immediately full of new questions and she bit her lip to stop then tumbling unbidden from her tongue.

She nodded at the mention that her assertion that only a light-sider could open a Jedi holocron and she hoped he would continue to talk on the subject, but to her disappointment, he changed the subject. But she was nothing if not patient and would wait for a time to re-open the conversation.

The subject returned to a familiar one, and she knew her training was continuing, albeit in a less than conventional way for many. But she understood the intentions and philosophy of a would-be Jedi were more important than their skills.

She paused for reflection. She rarely dived in with an answer as she always wanted to be as honest and transparent as possible with her responses. “My path to become a Jedi is in part because I have a connection to the Force, which was discovered by a Jedi.” Fiach considered herself a Padawan and as such, not a Jedi yet. That title, in her mind, was attained when you became a Knight. “Next, I wish to use that gift for good. Not necessarily what I see as good, although that is part. But a greater good as determined by society as a whole. To represent those without a voice. To protect those that are weak. To liberate those that are oppressed.” These words clearly came from the heart — the sincerity of her tone said so. “And to ensure what we know now is passed down to the next generation. That is why I aspire to become a Jedi. Not the best Jedi ever, but the best Jedi I can be.”

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

His Padawan made him think as much as he probably did her. In a way her questions and ideas challenged him to build his own philosophy, one that would allow the Jedi to prosper and adapt to the galaxy. There were a few core moral beliefs they required, but the Jedi would need to adapt like all living organisms if they wished to survive and Oren saw this. He would motion his student to keep following.

The two of them would traverse up a set of hobbled steps that lead towards the top of what appeared to be a mountain, but it was peaceful, only the chirping of small birds could be heard in the distance, it seemed his apprentice was correct in her statements on the ship, all life seemed to be at a perfect peace here.

"Your reasons for wanting to be a Jedi are strong," he'd say with a smile, "Looking to do what is right, to serve the greater good of the galaxy is admirable and a core tenant of the Jedi. But, sometimes standing for the good would require that you go against the public, your friends, and maybe one day even me..I believe that often, the right thing to do is the most challenging, and would often gain you no praise or applause. Everyone sees good as heroics, but I don't see it as that way. Let me ask you, what would you do if the public's idea of good was something very much against the Jedi Code...the answer would be obvious on what the ethical thing would be, but I suppose the more important question is the grey..the times when there is logical sides to both decisions, no clear cut good nor bad...what do you do then?" He enjoyed these little lessons while they walked, he hoped she did as well.

tag: @Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach enjoyed their conversations. For that was how she viewed them. Yes, she learned — but then she looked at every opportunity to develop her knowledge. Instead she categorised them. All learning was good, but some was passive and somewhat dry — albeit vaild. But books and data pads could not interact with you the way her Master did. And for that reason they were so much more wonderful.

She kept pace with the Jedi Master as they headed towards either a large hill or a small mountain and enjoyed the tranquility and the calmness of their situation. Often missions were fraught with tension but — to date — this was not one of those occasions.

So, she listened to his feedback on her thoughts and knew a new challenge would be thrown her way. And so it transpired.

“I do the right thing because it is the right thing, and not for reward or accolades. That seems to me to be the Jedi way also. And I accept that doing the right thing is not always popular and so I am comfortable with sticking to my principles against anyone who wishes me to do otherwise. If my heart is true and in tune with the Force, I am making the right decisions I believe.”

“But where I am less sure, is when it comes to our role. The galaxy does not exist to live our Code. We live to serve democracy. To follow the laws of each planet as prescribed. I despise slavery, but cannot arrest everyone on a planet where slavery is legal just because of my beliefs. Which is why I rely on logic, my heart and the Force. If there is balance, I am surely making the right decision. If not, I would first seek advice from someone more learned than I. And then I would see if their approach is right using the same methodology.”

“In truth, this is a philosophical argument at present, but I am sure that one day it will be tested. And I shall be ready for it. Do you have any generic advice that might help when that time comes?”

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

The two of them would walk along the trail, Oren listening to his student speak about doing the right thing, even when others would reject her for it. He believed she would in time live up to those words, but it was quite difficult to say when one would find them in such a position to do the right thing, talk was cheap--it was a mixture of actions that truly carried ones philosophy into reality. "We serve the freedom of choice," he would correct the young apprentice.

"We aren't a government sponsored soldier, though the Jedi were at one point," he'd say as they came across a winding bridge, pausing as he peered out over the swaying bridge--his eye peering towards the damage and the drop below. This will need repaired, he thought to himself. "Though I suppose with the bloodshed on Coruscant, and the death of Nashyr.." He paused as he thought of his love, her blue crystal was clearly visible around his neck, but he held no pain, just a happy memory, "And Saul, that the Jedi and the Free Worlds have come together to fight together. But, we mustn't forget the past mistakes of the Jedi, we are not a Republic's grunt force nor should we serve as the enforcers of their law."

He would peer out towards distant mountains, taking in the warm cloudy day with a smile, "We as Jedi aim to live a life among the people, taking care of them and being one with the communities we find ourselves in. A Jedi's life is about friendship, but also duty and reflection, while we aren't the Jedi of old, we still sacrifice much of our own satisfaction for the betterment of all the galaxy. If we tied ourselves to a government we could find ourselves eventually serving an Empire itself. Does that make sense?"

Oren contemplated her question for a moment, "You will be tested, you will have to face the darkness that lingers even inside of you, that lingers in all of us. Even the brightest life casts a shadow, this is part of the balance. A Jedi is not without fear, but they learn to master their own fears and their challenges, to face on evil with courage. Just know that when that time comes that you will have my teachings, my spirit with you, and the spirit of all the Jedi past and present living within you." He'd turn to face her. "Thousands of Jedi live inside of you now, and eventually one day your own spirit, your own teachings and ideas will create echoes to a future generation, but also the ones around you--like me."
tag: @Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach’s nose wrinkled, a sure sign something said was bothering her. “If we serve the freedom of choice, that would logically extend to the freedom to be a Sith, or follow the Sith. Or to enslave, or be lawless…or any number of other scenarios. When does an individual’s choice — that might be to the detriment of the many — get taken out of their hands? If ever?” The nose wrinkle was now replaced by a frown.

“For I agree, being a puppet is a bad place to be, but there is a danger that otherwise we become lawmaker, judge, jury and executioner. Who becomes our check? Who can then rightly say that we don’t take the law into our own hands? This is something the Sith are looking to exploit I believe and will continue to do so, casting us as a rogue element who answer only to ourselves. Which is a situation that never ends well.”

“I am not saying this from a point of having a better answer, but to better understand the choices we have, and make. And how to inform and join the debate on our future. The return of the Sith means a pivotal point in our existence as I see it. I have read the history books which,” she offered a wry smile, “serve a purpose sometimes. They afford us the chance to see past failings and avoid repetition.”

“For if I am to be part of the collective whole that was, is and will be the Jedi, I need also to be true to myself. Am I making sense?”

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

"We can't control the path that someone finds themselves walking down, the Sith are a symptom of an idea, that is inherently organic. The darkside of the force is strong, seductive and grips their being once you walk down such a path. There is no such thing as restricting or vanishing darkness because the choice lives inside of us at all times. We must learn to instruct and guide those who are in trouble, but banishing and destroying the darkside is only a temporary solution, new faces will rise to take the place of the villains and new heroes will rise, ready to fight in what they believe is the greatest war on the fate of the galaxy."

He would begin to walk along the bridge as he considered it all, "The interesting thing is that we know the Sith and the Jedi have been destroyed several times throughout the history of the galaxy, how and why we don't always know, but we understand that it has happened, and yet look at today. The Masked figure has declared the return of the Sith and the Jedi are still standing after being nearly wiped out. We give someone the chance to do what is right, and if they fail we correct it. Not everyone is truly ever gone, but it is learning where one is, is the most difficult problem in such a scenario--and is one that I am still learning myself."

"Inherently the Sith and the Jedi cannot co-exist. The Darkside of the force, while it exists is a perversion of the balance, the Force is not to be used for one's own gain, and to do so means that balance has been tipped away. Sometimes I wonder how many Jedi would truly give up the force, if it would mean the betterment of the galaxy for all--how many of us have grown to depend on it, the privileges it's afforded us..Have you considered it yourself?"

tag: @Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

“One thing that still puzzles me is the whole concept of balance in respect of the Force. We are what is termed Light-sided and the Sith are considered Dark-siders. Logically, the existence of both would equate to balance. If there were just Light-siders, surely this would represent an imbalance? Or have I misunderstood this?”

Fiach walked alongside her Master along the bridge and listened to his wisdom, but remained true to herself in her approach to question what felt either incomplete or lacking in clarity for her admittedly logically wired brain.

“The fact that, despite both sides being apparently wiped out on so many occasions, the fact they return could be seen, in many ways, of the universe, maybe even the Force, seeking to balance things out. The fight between good and evil is a perennial battle that came before Jedi, exists in places where Jedi have never been heard of and may even outlast them.”

“Maybe, just maybe, one cannot exist without the other? One side in existence will always spawn a resurrection of the other? I do not say that from a perspective of wishing it to happen, merely as an observer of history.”

“So, your argument to abandon the Force for the good of the galaxy sounds valid — albeit it would only work if everyone gave up their connection. For just one who ignores this stance would immediately resurrect the imbalance and therefore the need for a counter. Just as it would be utopia to never need laws and police forces, it is a great theory but sadly will probably never happen."

“For me to forego the Force, I would do it in a heartbeat if I believed it would help the galaxy. But at present, I am far from convinced it would make any positive difference and right now it would have a negative impact.”

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

The Knight considered her words as they made their way up a small set of cobbled steps, a large structure that seemed to be overgrown within the hill was watching them, and a tingling feeling of a distant light could be felt faintly through the area. But, talks or an investigation on the status of the temple could wait once they arrived to the top of the base, for now Oren would turn back to finish their questions and discussions.

"It's quite the question, balance..prophecies," he'd say with a chuckle, "I suppose if we knew the answer we'd be the force itself," he knew that was probably not the answer that she wanted, but it was the truth. "The way I feel and the way I've come to interpret things is that the lightside of the force is short for enlightenment, for learning to control and redirect. Those who embody the light understand the living force, death, and the cosmic force. You understand that by controlling the force you are attempting to restrict life itself, the force is life...I believe that the galaxy is in balance when there is no one in the galaxy that uses the force for their own selfish desires, you could have thousand jedi and one sith and there would be imbalance. You remove that one cancer, and balance is restored, but this cycle is constantly moving and flowing and it'll never end I believe."

His hands would clasp together, "And that is why you are correct, removing the force from ourselves would do much more harm to the galaxy than good. There will always be those who attempt to use power and fear, it's a disease in a way. But, like your body when it recognizes sickness--it fights it. We must be the cells that fight to prevent sickness when we must, but with an understanding that this it's only temporary..Does that make sense?"

tag: @Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach always preferred things to be definitive and was adjusting to life as a Jedi as a consequence. However, her Master’s response was as close to a concrete response as she’d heard in her time with the Order — even if perhaps he did not appreciate the clarity he’d afforded his apprentice.

As they progressed, she almost didn’t notice that the steps they were walking along were coming to an end and they were about to reach a large structure that had almost blended into the hill that surrounded it.

“I understand better now than when I first arrived about the Force and the way that many of the things we seek, believe in and uphold are not written in stone. But others are transparent. How those that follow the Dark-side believe the Force is a tool for them to use. Whereas I have come to believe that we are here to serve the Force, not control it, or bend it to our will, albeit that is clearly possible. Your definition of balance is as close to making complete sense as any I’ve heard. And that is a compliment. So, for as long as Jedi are selfless, their numbers would never impact the balance of the Force. Its will shall be done. But one, just one who seeks to use it for personal gain will throw it into imbalance.”

“And I suspect that our purpose is to be the check in place to keep the Force as close to balanced as possible, given the nature of people and their selfish ways. Not all, of course, but enough in a galaxy of this size to spawn at least one who will ultimately attract followers.”

“We will always have to be vigilant for that reason and…” Her voice trailed off and she looked at the structure ahead as if for the first time.

The Force was now an ever-present for Fiach. She felt it in the plants and animals that were all around them. She felt it in the blades of grass growing beneath their feet and of course she felt it emanating from her Master. But ahead of her, the structure she was now staring at, it was…well, it was standing out from the surroundings like a candle in the dark.

She turned to face her Master. “Can you feel it too?”

@TWD26

 

[Oren Zapan]

Oren walked up the last steps that lead towards the abandoned wayshrine, stopping to look at it all, he was happy that his teachings or ideas had slowly began to run off on the girl, he had ideas and concepts in mind, things that he had learned from years of countless happiness and pain, both light and dark, and deep down he knew that there would always be more to face, and the Jedi needed him more now than they ever had. I carry the burdens of the dead with me, but not out of resentment or anger or some idea that I can bring them back, but out of respect for the legacy they carry, the things they've taught me. I know that you will do the same one day, this is the legacy of the Force...and I fear it not.

The structure was rather large, with a mound like structure that was built over top of the shrine, which had a large pillar type roof poking out the top. The small courtyard was unkept, bricks loose and falling apart and a worn statute of a Jedi lay cut in half in the middle of it all. It was going to need a lot of work, and they would need supplies, but that would eventually come. "The light?" He asked quietly. "Of course, our actions linger everywhere, as faint echoes..that amplify with more that experience such an occurrence. It can occur in both the light and the dark."

He would step forward to examine the structure, making mental notes of the the things that would need to be fixed. "In a vergence of light, one can feel themselves calm and collected, a sense of easyness wash over you..while those places where there is a wound in the force, you will find yourself cold, unsure, and uneasy. Clouds will shroud your mind, leaving you confused and the negativity inside of you will be fed upon. They say that whole planets or star systems can have this feeling, and they can change slowly..through the change of actions...This light is faint here, but we can rebuild it and amplify it..if you think you're ready for such a thing."

tag: @Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach looked at the structure in awe. Yes, she’d seen Jedi structures before — but who knew how many years, decades or even centuries it had been since anyone had set eyes upon this particular wayshrine. For she was now convinced that was what she was looking at.


“I sensed the Darkness on Dxun. It felt disgusting. Like the Force was covered in oil. It was pervasive and cloying and distinctly unpleasant. I would be in danger of underestimating how it could entrap Jedi were I not able to also sense something deeper. Something sinister yet seductive.” She shivered at the memory.


“And…” she paused, for she had never shared what happened the day she crafted her saber. She glanced down at it now and cradled the hilt in her hand. “When I discovered my saber crystals, I faced my fears. Twice in truth and I will admit that I fell short the first time.”


She looked up. “But that was then and now is now. I believe I can contribute, definitely. Am I ready? Only the Force can determine that. But I will do my best, and can promise no less than that.”

@TWD26