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Manuk Gagak

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Manuk was still intrigued and – to be perfectly honest – still unsure about the whole thing. Maybe it was because she wanted to believe she’d stumbled across a Force sensitive in much the same way she’d been found that excited her? Regardless, she was still on guard but her focus was on explaining why the woman should reject the Jedi and follow her to the Dark-side. From everything she’d read and seen, it was a no-brainer.

It took a second-take to realise that Fiach was her although the name still resonated with her for some reason. But she pushed that aside for now.

The woman’s next words caught her by surprise and the appearance of a saber simply magnified the feeling.

“Who am I? Who am I?” Her voice started calm but was beginning to rise in volume. “Let’s start with who you are? A big fat liar for a start. Is that the Jedi way? To lie? To deceive? It’s what I have read about you, after all.”

Her own hands had gone to her hips, in an indignant pose, and her cheeks were starting to flush a little – and once, just once, her irises morphed a sulphurous yellow before returning to their natural lilac hue.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Bri noticed a quick reaction in the woman as realization slowly dawned on her. It wasn't entirely surprising to the Jedi that anger was quick to appear following the initial semblance of calm. Her question was less an inquiry and more an accusation. The Jedi way of lying and deceiving? Bri offered a scoff through in her nose in response, nearly smiling. What an outlandish thing to say.

Combined with the lengthy diatribe from earlier, it was clear someone had warped the woman's perspective. Provided a false narrative of misapplied facts and untruths. Bri stood still, starting intently upon the woman. Another flash of yellow.

"Concealing my identity from you is hardly indicative of the ways of the Jedi," Bri started, speaking calmly. "Though I suspect you've only been fed lies from wherever you learned about the Force." For the first time, Bri stopped blocking her connection to the Force. She began reaching out to try and penetrate the woman's feelings.

Again she asked, "Now, who are you?"

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Manuk Gagak

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“Are all Jedi judgemental, or is it just you?” Manuk asked, her frustration growing. “And I must have missed the Holofeed that said that Jedi now rule the galaxy.” The sarcasm was heavy. “Because, from where I’m standing, it feels as though you seem to think I have to be answerable to you. And given you’re the first Jedi I met, I’d say that you are indicative of how Jedi behave. Superiority complex. Deceit. Lies. So, it’s a bit rich to say that I have been fed lies. For I’ll gladly be proven wrong. Starting with, is it true that Jedi have decided that they are the only ones allowed to use the Force and all Darksiders must be eradicated?”

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Bri felt her frustration levels rising as she listened to the Sith complain further. Her words were filled with venomous intent. The Jedi held her hand out in an open manner. "Jedi serve to protect those who cannot protect themselves, to stand as shield against Darkness in the Galaxy." The Jedi moved slowly to her right. "I question anyone who looks to the Dark Side of the Force for answers. It consumes and corrupts," she narrowed her eyes. Sounding more firm, "the Force surrounds everyone, everything. Jedi do not hold a monopoly over it."

The last thing Bri wanted to do was get into an argument with this obtuse woman and her misaligned thoughts. However, there was always the opportunity of bringing someone back into the light. The two thoughts weight upon Bri as she continued to reach out with her connection to the Force, trying to feel the other woman's connection.

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Manuk Gagak

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Manuk listened and her head shook softly at the words she heard.

“You can protect whoever you want – even though it sounds like many neither ask for nor want your protection. And I’d be intrigued by what criteria you measure darkness.”

“And there you go again, questioning anyone who uses the Force in a different way to you. Who gives you that right? Not the Force, for if it did, it would only allow use in a given way. And you know it consumes and corrupts how? Isn’t being the self-appointed champion of a cause that only you believe in somewhat corrupt? And hasn’t following it become consuming? I am not twisting your words, merely playing them back to you.”

“On one hand you admit you have no monopoly, yet you believe you have the right to challenge, and I suspect kill, anyone who is not like you.”

“Oh, you may offer to redeem, as if people not like you are diseased and to be cured. But, if you decide someone cannot be saved – what is your solution?”


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Brienna Lanaamer

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Bri was alarmed that someone could believe so vociferously in thoughts that were so obviously wrong. This woman was off, way off, about what she believed the Jedi were. Part of Bri wanted to try and patiently explain why her assumptions were incorrect, but the other part didn't want to get stuck arguing against an unmovable wall.

"Darkness is the Sith. Slavery, murder, oppression. It's come in different forms over the centuries in the Galaxy," Bri spoke clearly, with a stern expression on her face. It was true that the current incarnation of the Jedi Order was still working to find its place in the Galaxy. They were not the same Jedi that had fought against the Separatists in the Clone Wars, or served during the time of the High Republic. "I don't think you understand what or who the Jedi are. The history of the Sith and the Dark Side is nothing but ruin and destruction. We question those who choose that path to prevent any more loss in the Galaxy. Can't you see that?"

"The Jedi are not hunters who actively seek out rogue Force users not following what we believe in. We do not look or seek to kill anyone. Far from it. You've made the mistake of jumping to the furthest extreme. Jedi are defensive by nature. protecting those who need help,"


Bri hoped here words were resonating with the woman. However, she suspected that years of studying such a narrow singular point of view would be a difficult wave to fight against.

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Manuk Gagak

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Manuk nodded at the first assertion. The Sith did follow the Darkside, albeit the negativity the woman attached to the fact felt odd, biased somehow. “I for one am no fan of slavery,” she added. “I prefer to have people around me through choice. And the link between Sith and slavery is millennia-old. You need to read more recent history books. And oppression is an interesting term. Who is more enlightened, the benevolent ruler that tolerates criminality through being too benign, or the dictator who rules with an iron fist and eliminates crimes of violence?”

“History is a rear-view mirror,”
she added. “And convenient to hang every negative at the feet of the Sith. And…” she paused for a moment, “once again it comes back to you questioning. Who put you in charge of anything to make such judgements? Have your opinions, by all means. It’s a free galaxy after all. And pursue those that break the law…as long as you have jurisdiction of course. But this is no longer the Republic. You act as vigilantes in truth, no? Taking the law into your own hands. Playing judge, jury and even executioner?”

“I detest the recent killing of innocents on this planet. Mindless thuggery. Do I intervene? No. Why? Because I do not have the authority. And therefore neither do I transgress local laws. How many Jedi can say the same?”

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Bri held a laughing scoff in as the woman instructed the Jedi that she needed to read more recent history books. It would be more funny, if it wasn't so outrageous. Of all of her many studies at the Jedi Temple, history was one of her favorites. The Jedi represented a diverse and lengthy history and while she would be the first to admit there was always more to learn, Bri didn't take kindly to being told that she should study more.

"Convenient to hang every negative at the feet of the Sith?" Bri parroted in return, "Emperor Palpatine was literally a Sith Lord, Darth Sidious; the atrocities of the Empire all return to him. I'm not arguing that the Republics have been perfect, but context in these lessons are absolutely critical."

How could someone actually believe these lies? "You pick a very narrow subset of Jedi to focus upon. By and large, we're peacekeepers, healers and protectors. What's worse, seeing innocents be harmed or killed, or having the ability to stop nefarious acts, but not do anything about it?"

She paused and put her hand down, "For whatever reason, the Force has chosen us through its manifestation. I intend to do good by it. Not follow some measly pursuit of avarice."

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Manuk Gagak

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It appeared to Manuk that both saw the other’s arguments as spurious. Were they both being selective as to their sources of information? Probably. But the young Sith believed she was right (and no doubt the Jedi did too). In part, Manuk believed what she believed as she had started from an agnostic viewpoint. Her knowledge was primarily based upon reference material and facts as she could ascertain them. She suspected the Jedi had been indoctrinated and therefore would never see the situation from Manuk’s perspective.

“Palpatine? Yes, he was a Sith. I’m not going to defend every action, but he brought order to the galaxy. Crime was restricted, primarily, to those that called themselves rebels. And he operated under the nose of the entire Jedi Council. If that doesn’t tell you where power from the Force truly resides, nothing will.”

“But lawlessness existed before and after his reign. And at least under the Republic, you had a mandate to uphold the law. Where does that exist now? You say you’re peacekeepers – yet who asks you to keep the peace? Protectors? Protecting whom, and with what authority?”


“What’s worse, being a vigilante or being law-abiding? Jedi have chosen the former surely?”

“And how can you say the Force chose you? If that argument is valid, the Force also chose those that use the Dark-side. You must accept that – given it’s your own argument.”


“And there you go again, deciding what motives are valid or not. Can you not see the hypocrisy and egotist nature of that statement? Nobody…not anybody, put you in charge of anything. Accept you act to pursue your own ideals and wish to impose them on the galaxy. Which, funnily enough, is a criticism you have of the Sith, no?”

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Well, that was that then. There's no point in trying to argue with someone who thinks that there was any redeeming qualities to the Emperor's rule.

"I'm not going to apologize, and I don't think any Jedi would, for doing the right thing and protecting the innocent where other jurisdictions cannot reach them. You make it sound like Jedi and law enforcement are or should be diametrically opposed to each other. That's simply not true."

It was curious how the woman viewed her connection to the Force. Bri answered the woman's question with a question. "Why do you have a connection to the Force? Why you, specifically? Have you ever wondered that?"

Her last comments were almost laughable, if not sad. "The motives that the Jedi seek to spread are kindness, generosity, cooperation and assistance. How can you say you wouldn't want to aid someone who was either in danger, or just needing a helping hand?"

The Jedi had an idea.

"Take the man on the photo I shared with you earlier. He was murdered," Bri let her statement hang for a moment. "Down here. And the authorities are actively searching for his killer. With your abilities in the Force, would you not have done anything?" The question was leading, and the Jedi had an idea of how the woman would answer. Curious.

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Manuk Gagak

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Manuk wondered how long the conversation would drag on for. She was not about to be convinced her views were wrong, and she suspected the Jedi would not either. In many ways, she wanted to get away from the do-gooder and track down her contact and see if she could finalise the transaction.

“I’m not asking you to apologise,” Manuk responded, unable to help herself from perpetuating the conversation, “I’m just pointing out that you act without jurisdiction and entirely based upon your own beliefs of right and wrong. That’s the definition of a vigilante. Just admit what you are, instead of trying to take the moral high ground as if some divine mandate has been decreed. I might as well declare the Force has told me to take over the galaxy – and proclaim it’s my destiny to protect the masses. You’d laugh in my face – which is what I’m doing my best not to do to you.”

“And for the record, law enforcement is just that – enforcement of the law. Governments, elected by the people, passing regulations and empowering certain individuals to uphold them. Deciding on a whim to visit a planet and interfere without that mandate is in no way law enforcement.”

The Jedi’s next question stopped her for a few moments. Finally she replied, “Who knows? Why are my eyes lilac? That’s just the way I was born. I don’t wonder why my hair is wavy or why I can access the Force. Are you suggesting the Force chose me? That I’m somehow special?” There was a mocking tone to her voice now. Clearly she did not see her gift as something bestowed on her especially. "For it’s not that I don’t want to help those that need help. But, as I say, I appreciate the law. If someone robbed that cantina and in stopping them, I killed them, that would make me a murderer. If the local law enforcement did it, it would be justifiable. There is a difference, no?”

“So, if I sought this man’s killer and harmed him – even accidentally, surely that would make me a criminal. I cannot take a moral stance that says the Force allows me to kill – laws are there for a reason. The Republic used to grant you those powers. Not any longer.”

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Brienna Lanaamer

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It was clear the conversation was going nowhere fast. The woman was intent on focusing on the fact that Jedi had no technical legal jurisdiction when it came to their actions. While technically true, it was an easy excuse to provide when finding a reason not to fulfill a basic fundamental like helping someone in need. The emotions inside the Jedi moved from frustration to pity. Bri felt bad for the woman. Something or someone had done her a great disservice. Lied to her. Manipulated her. Convinced her that following the Dark Side would lead to personal gain. A greater understanding dawned on Bri. If someone like this, affluent and seemingly well off could be swayed, the challenge might be more than I assumed in preventing other across the Galaxy from falling.

New determination welled within her. The woman could mock all she wanted, but Bri was steadfast in her beliefs. "As a matter of fact, I do." Bri looked up at the sky momentarily. "Do you believe it was luck that we met this evening? A mere coincidence of events that led you to approach me?" Bri figured that she knew how the woman would answer once more, but decided to ask the question nonetheless.

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Manuk Gagak

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Manuk had no idea what the woman was going to say next, and so was a combination of surprised at each turn, yet not amazed that it kept going in a different direction. Were they both guilty of being dogmatic? Were they both keen to justify their position and viewpoint? Probably. Manuk had never met a Jedi and certainly did not expect to spend time explaining her views on the Order – yet here she was.

The next oblique direction the conversation travelled in, once more made her pause. In part because she wanted to be sure she answered truthfully and factually and in part because the notion had never occurred to her.

“I don’t believe in luck,” Manuk said. “It’s a trait of the weak to blame their failings on it. Or to explain away why someone else is more successful.”

“Yes, we met. And a romantic would put that down to fate. Yet how many times have I walked into a room and not met a Jedi? Innumerable. Clearly fate is a fickle thing! If I visit enough places, I’ll meet a Mandalorian, or a rancor. Can I then call it fate? Or is it inevitable given the amount I travel, the places I frequent and the number of Jedi there are in the galaxy?”


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Brienna Lanaamer

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Shocker. Bri was not surprised that the woman claimed to not believe in luck, humorously chalking it up to a trait the weak possessed to explain their failings. What a cheery outlook on things. Her explanation seemed to be an attempt to try and apply a logical explanation to something that could not be. The Jedi had personal experiences which proved the opposite.

There really was not point in continuing any further discussion with someone who was so far removed from hearing any point of reason. Bri had hoped that the woman might have accidentally said something that she shouldn’t have, but it seemed unlikely at this point. Guess I’ll have to look elsewhere. The Jedi surmised an ending to their colloquy.

“It’s very apparent that you and I share quite different opinions and views. I don’t expect to change your mind and I know you don’t want anything from me, but I must warn you that you walk a dangerous path. The Dark Side of the Force does not hold the answers you seek.”

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Manuk Gagak

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Manuk shook her head and her smile became a smirk. “Do all Jedi suppose to know everything, or are you the exception to the rule? Although I agree our views will rarely, if ever, conflate, and I most certainly want nothing from you – I find your warning insulting.”

Her face was passive now. “I walk my path and you walk yours. I don’t tell you you’re wrong, or lecture you on the Code you follow being a chain that constrains you. Yet you feel obliged to deliver a sermon to me. You have no idea if I even have questions, let alone if the Dark side will answer them. I am, I admit, set in my views – through diligent research of all sources. I hope you can say the same, and truly wish that what you share with me is not simply blind dogma.”

“There is an old saying, ‘if you point the finger of blame, be aware that three are pointing right back at you.’ Believe what you believe – for it is, as far as I’m concerned, a free galaxy. And maybe, just maybe, the next time you come across someone you look down upon as misguided and ill-informed, you’ll reserve judgement. They may know as much as you, if not more. Don’t be so assertive in believing you are right all of the time. A Jedi once said that only the Sith deal in absolutes – which is an oxymoron by the way – but from where I’m standing, I see a rigid approach that is as black and white as you can get.”

“I’m not looking to change your mind, as I’ve already said. But if our encounter at least makes you reflect on what you believe, that would be a good thing. Don’t write every Force user that’s not a Jedi off as wicked, or mistaken. Dark-side and Light-side are not the same as good and evil. They’re not the same as right and wrong. Please…think on that.”

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Bri narrowed her eyes as the woman spoke. It remained alarming to her, and she guessed would do so for quite some time, that there was such little capacity for her to want to listen to what she had to say. Granted, Bri had been the one to pull her out of the Cantina, and put her on the spot - but still! It would take someone, or indeed something, with more proverbial weight than the Jedi to make any sort of impact on what were obviously set and held beliefs. The Sith woman could lecture all she wanted about the 'dogma' of the Jedi or the misconception of equating good and evil with the light side and the dark, but it made no difference to the Jedi. She had seen what trust in the Dark side of the Force could do, both to the one using it - and to those around them.

The Jedi was tempted to take another bite at responding, but held her tongue, feeling that she had given enough of her time to what had ended up being a worthless endeavor. She didn't need to have the final say in their conversation.

Nevertheless, she was curious. Curious of what would become of this woman and her pursuit of the Dark Side of the Force. Bri recalled the fake name she had given earlier in their conversation. Perhaps that was somewhere to start? She looked up into the neon-illuminated night sky and sighed, before turning and walking away.

/exit thread

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