Trials of Mastery: Austin Wolfe

[Vollen Shai]

The Trials of Mastery are an ancient tradition of the Jedi Order, used at various times throughout history. The betrayals of the Hundred Years Darkness and the Rise of the First Sith have pushed the Jedi into action, and the Trials are once again returned to their place of sacred importance in the Order. Jedi Knights face great challenges every day, and when they believed they are ready, they must stand and be judged harshly by their would-be peers, ensuring that only the greatest Knights are entrusted with the title of Master.


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As Vollen took his seat in the Council chamber high above the rushing waters of Tythons southern ocean, he had to smile. Though not all candidates were successful, though not all candidates were suited to it, the fact that so many Jedi of late had brought themselves before the Council's scrutiny did fill him with some hope in these dark days. Hope that the Jedi that remained were still dedicated to the Order, to the Light, to doing right. And that was a reminder that was all too needed, even for him. Perhaps especially so.

Today then, he took inspiration from a trial he recently sat on and opened the windows to the fresh ocean air. The salty air and cool chill lightened the place, as sunlight streamed in alongside in the clear middle of the day. Beautiful days were not a rarity on Tython, but he loved them nonetheless.

But, not too much time could be taken. There was a trial to do, for Knight Austin Wolfe. Or Dr Austin Wolfe, both felt appropriate. Though which he identified with more would certainly be a consideration he was sure, as the Knight entered the chambers,

"Austin Wolfe, we've not had a chance to properly meet. Though as I'm sure you know today will involve us getting to know you in a very particular way anyhow" he offered politely. He had heard of the good doctor, and hopefully no matter how the trial went they would have a chance to work together at some point. For now though, his mind was back on the task at hand,

"We know though, that for some time you were... estranged from the Order. A question for yourself, and for the Order then as a whole. What must change to ensure we don't lose more in the same way?"

Vollen knew not the particulars of the why Austin had left, nor why he had come back. There was scope for many answers now and he was interested to see where Wolfe would take it. For now though, he sat with his hands crossed, and reached out with the force, ready for the candidates answer.

Spoiler: OOC

@Vosrik @Loco @Zigara @Plebometer

And we're off! Austin will respond and then we'll go from there, good luck everyone :D

 

[Austin Wolfe]

theme​

As the fresh breeze filled the Council chamber, Austin breathed in the salty ocean air and smiled back at Master Vollen Shai. He looked around to the rest of the Masters present. Though he had, of course, heard of them all, the healer had only personally met Master Jinlo Halan. Austin's mind drifted briefly back to the day Jedha was besieged by the Sith, and how both Jedi had tended to the survivors at the waystation of Vrogas Vas. They had restored many that day, allowing the Knights and younglings to travel to Tython, now cleansed. He bowed, collectively, to them all after Vollen addressed him. "Greetings, Masters. It is a pleasure to stand here before you all."

It was then that Master Shai put forth the first question of the Trial. He referenced the time after the Tragedy of Ilum, during which Austin had lost his elder sister and had confined himself to the infirmary of Jedha. Frowning in contemplation, Austin solemnly nodded his head in acknowledgement. "Indeed, the loss of my sister was...at the time, unbearable for myself. I was deluded in thinking her death was the fault of the Order — that they sent her to her doom, merely a pawn to fight their battles. My disillusionment with the Order was halted only by my faith in the Force. I would not leave the Order, but instead kept myself restricted to my healing work." He paused, tugging calmly at the cuffs of his field medic robes. "It was only until nearly a year ago, a Knight named Galahad Vult with equal strength of faith in the Order as I had in the Will of the Force, planted the seeds in my mind that eventually renewed my convictions. Reflecting on my folly, I have come to realize that it was greatly due to my attachment to my sister that led me astray. Her death fostered resentment within me — something that I was only able to be free of by letting go of that attachment and her death."

Having given some backstory and self-reflection, Austin then continued to answer Vollen's initial question. "I have seen many as of late torn asunder from the deaths of those closest to them. I do not necessarily think that change is needed — but perhaps vigilance and greater discipline must be fostered in our Order. As Jedi, we serve not only the Order but all living things, and therefore we must put our own desires, wishes, and our very selves behind us. I fear that many among us have forgotten this — causing strife, anger, and bitterness within our midst."

Feeling as though he answered the question well, the doctor clasped his hands behind his back and awaited the Masters' replies. His mind still dwelled on the subject he only briefly touched on, not wanting to drone on to those who certainly already understood these things. Austin breathed calmly as words from Caladglær, hanging from his side, resounded in his mind.
⋮⋮ ...And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. The Force is with me always, for I am a Jedi. ⋮⋮

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[Jinlo Halan]

A warm smile crossed the raven haired Master's features as Austin greeted the assembled council members with a respectful collective bow. Jinlo had worked closely with the Jedi Knight on Vrogas Vas, following the destruction of the Jedha temple at then hands of the Sith Empire. He was a capable healer, that much she knew not just through their shared time together but through the numerous patients that had fallen into his care. But atop of that he was a capable Jedi Knight. Her attention soon turned away from the Knight as her gaze turned towards her holo pad, as the discussion around her started to gradually be transcribed into text that acted as her ears.

The raven haired Masters lips pursing in thought as she read the discussion as it took place around her. She had an understanding as to the circumstances that had surrounded Austin's somewhat reclusive withdrawal into the Halls of Healing, but the unfortunate specifics were not made clear until they were just aired. Her eyes narrowing slightly as he spoke about the lives that had been drastically affected or brought short as a result of the numerous events and fates that would befall those around him. There was little denying that for those like Austin, herself and even the Bardottan Master beside her, who were noted healers within the Order the sanctity and preservation of life often had a heavier weighting when it came to death.

Looking up from her holopad, the raven haired master's vibrant ice blue eyes meeting Austin's gaze as her lips pursed in thought. He had raised a fair point in respect to better preparing those in the Order for the prospect of facing death. "Knight Wolfe, whilst Many of the Jedi appreciate that there ultimately is no death, there is only the Force. From the guiding tenants of the Jedi" Jinlo spoke kindly towards the Knight. "Many in the Order may have forgotten this, but many may not be equipped or prepared to encounter, especially for our younger members who have only just started to take their first steps as a Knight and have not experienced death first hand for themselves. How would you based on your own experiences suggest we better educate our younger members on how to deal with such eventualities?" she continued, posing the Healer the opportunity to see how sharing his own experiences, might benefit those who would look to him for council on such matters. The raven haired master knew all to well the crushing depths of dispair that Death can bring to an unprepared mind, having witnessed her parents deaths at a young age, almost a decade before she had became a Jedi. She had lived through such turmoil herself and knew the effects it had, but for those in the Order who come from different back grounds their only knowledge of death would be but academic, which put them at risk the most.

 

[Austin Wolfe]

Next of the Masters to speak was Jinlo Halan, and Austin turned to face the unforgettably ice-blue eyes that looked upon him. At her opening statement, the Knight nodded his head in solemn agreement. This especially was something he had to truly understand to come to terms with the death of his sister and many other Jedi who had passed from the world of the living. In a sense, those who had become one with the Force were still with them today. If nothing else, this should give them great hope and peace.

Except for the sound of crashing waves in the distance, silence fell on the room as Austin deliberated carefully on the question. After a few moments to himself and thoughtfully scratching the black stubble around his chin, the doctor once again clasped his hands behind his back as he replied with his clear, firm voice. "I believe the answer is twofold. Firstly, I would repeat my initial thoughts — in that our young Knights must be taught of the dangers of attachments. I fear that all other efforts would be in vain if we did not address the root of this grave issue. It is our duty as Jedi to serve a higher purpose, something much greater than ourselves. Though at the time an attachment — whether it be to a teacher, friend, or lover — may seem either prudent or enjoyable, it will only foster emotions within that would be exponentially difficult to maintain. This, as we know well and have seen time and time again, can only lead to the Dark Side."

"Secondly," Austin continued confidently, "it would be wise to firmly instill in our young and inexperienced a deeper understanding of the Force to help them bear the loss of one close to them. Our very code states, as Master Halan already soundly expressed, There is no death; there is the Force. Even here, we can reach out and feel our surroundings," Austin gently closed his eyes, feeling not only the presence of the Masters but also further around him. "There is warmth from the sun, the coldness of the ocean...peace and violence in the wind, and there is life." His eyes snapped back open, returning his senses to the room around him. The Knight looked back up at the Masters before him as he finished. "And there is also death that feeds new life. Between all this is balance, the very thing that we strive as Jedi to maintain. If our Knights are to be prepared for the eventuality of loss, then they must also truly understand that death is a natural part of life itself. As Jedi, we indeed seek to preserve and give life to all that we can, but also must accept the Will of the Force when the time has come for those who perish."

Thus feeling as though he answered the second question to the best of his ability, Austin fell silent once more to await further testing. For a moment once again, the only sound that echoed throughout the chamber was the crashing of waves and the distant cry of gulls.

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[Bruce Guleya]

The conversation was something Bruce wasn't immune to. While he hadn't suffered any direct losses - he had been surrounded by death for a long time. Like the Knight before him, he dedicated his time to healing the sick and spending most of his time on the wings, listening to the cries of death and pain. He to was responsible of slaying some he had come in touch with. The discussion was by far familiar to him.


“Knight Wolfe, we appreciate having someone so willing to tend to the helpless as myself and Master Halan - so thank you. As a healer we take an oath, an oath that has us going to extra mile to save the next patient and the next one and the next - it is a cycle we endure. A never ending cycle.” Bruce's tone was neutral, like his expression. “But, as we stray from the comfort and the safety within the halls that we've embraced we are faced with increasingly difficult situations. There will be a time, if you haven't already endured it, that you will be forced to surrender your healing ways for a situation of life or death. What I'm talking about is, to reverse your role and become a death bringer, despite taking that oath.” Bruce's final words seemed to be heavy, grim. He let the statement hang over the room before he would continue.


“Austin, are you prepared for that change? Are your prepared to deal that blow, to be forced to deal with the consequences?” Bruce was uncharacteristically blunt, but he wasn't disrespectful. He of course expected the Knight to say something about trying to avoid being in that situation, because as a healer himself - Bruce would rather work it out without violence and to preserve life, but that wasn't the current reality. It had to be accepted.

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[Austin Wolfe]

The Bardottan raised his voice after Austin had finished answering Master Jinlo Halan's question, and Master Guleya's inquiry certainly held just as much weight. Upon receiving the Councillor's thanks, Austin nodded his head in reply. As the Knight had been trained as both a physician of conventional medicine on Coruscant and a healer of the Jedi on Jedha, Austin had taken separate oaths for each. However, despite the universal acceptance of the Hippocratic Oath, as a Jedi he had known he would have to break it. Indeed, Austin had already needed to end the life of something very recently — in the cleansing of the Exile temple ruins on Prakith.

Formulating his response, the Knight raised his voice once again. "As a Jedi, it is my duty to put others before me. I see the Force in all things, and as a servant of the Force, I am therefore a servant of others. I know well that my role of a healer and protector of life will be reversed — and it is in those times that it is necessary to do so. If I were to hesitate or fail to stop the creations and followers of the Dark Side, allowing them to continue their onslaught, it would be as though I condemned those innocent victims to their doom. In dealing that blow, I may slay few but save innumerable others."

The words of the abomination's King on Prakith returned to Austin's memory. "You Jedi..." it had said, with the voices of a dozen people used in its twisted creation. "What gives you the right to kill us? Some...moral high ground..." Austin did not let the taunts sway him then, and even now its words strengthened his resolve now. "On Prakith, when I with the help of Galahad and Grandmaster Wyck cleansed the ruined Exile temple there, we were met by one who sought to demoralize us. Though I did not relish in taking the lives of those abominations we met that day, it indeed was our solemn duty to do so. The havoc and pain they could have wrought on Prakith was unimaginable — but in ending their lives, we freed their spirits from the grip of the Dark Side. May their souls find peace in the Force."

In closing, Austin raised his head resolutely toward the Masters. "Yes, I am prepared to make that change and bear the consequences. I would seek for any other option before resorting to violence, but it is inevitable that I will need to deal that blow."

Though, of course, Austin would have expounded much more on how he would avoid taking a life, that was not what the Masters had asked. The Knight wished for his answers to be adequate and complete, but did not want to divulge into discussions that did not pertain to the question at hand. The subject of the Force and the Light Side were an unending source of fascination to Austin — he could discuss it for days on end if he had no restraint.

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[Fennex Zeerda]

Fennex nodded along as Knight Wolfe spoke. Another talker, the Master thought. Councilor Shivaaga really had his work cut out for him instilling a sense of brevity in the Order. In this case, though, hearing a Knight talk his way through things could be immensely useful. Saying too much or too little could be just as revealing as the words of choice themselves. Fen leaned forward in his chair and eyed Austin closely.

"Knight Wolfe," he began, whiskers twitching as he spoke, "Master Shai and Master Halan asked you about how we change the way we teach and prepare young Jedi to face the darkness eating away at the Galaxy, but I wonder... maybe it's not how we teach that needs adjustment- maybe it's what we teach."

Fennex appeared to consider the thought for a few long moment as he phrased the question in his mind. He squinted at the Knight. One ear shook, ruffling his fur, and then finally he continued.

"Tell us one change you would make to the Jedi Code or the application of the Tenants."

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[Austin Wolfe]

Addressed by Master Fennex Zeerda, who up until now had remained silent, Austin turned to face the fox-like Jedi and gave him his undivided attention. Master Zeerda put forward an interesting proposal — in that the Code and the Tenets themselves were possibly insufficient for the Jedi. If this were true, then it would indeed result in the temptation and fall of many to the Dark Side at the fault of none but the Order's teachers. One change, then, was requested of the Knight. Austin stood for a moment, again contemplating the question and deciding how he would answer. It was not long before he was confident in his response.

"Masters, I believe that our Code is wholly sufficient. It perfectly encompasses the philosophy and convictions of our Order, and therefore would need no more additions or changes. Though I know it is the opinion of some that the tenets are outdated, having been instituted over a century ago, I cannot help but realize that no Jedi who has perfectly upheld both the Code and the Tenets has fallen to the Dark Side. Together, they completely encompass our roles as peacekeepers and upholders of life in the Galaxy."

"However, Master Zeerda, you requested me to make one change regardless. If there is anything I would add, it would be an even further admonition that Jedi are to be completely and utterly selfless in all things. We serve the Force and therefore all living things, but not ourselves or our own desires."

Austin knew that in several places already the Tenets described how Jedi were to put others first, but in the Knight's mind it was the single largest stumbling block for many Jedi today. In times of conflict and when making difficult decisions, they were to put themselves and their egos aside and let the Force guide them.

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[Bruce Guleya]

"Knight Wolfe," The bardottan master started, "Our Order is large - our roster that is. There will be plenty of times in which you will carry out missions and tasks with your fellow Jedis - like you may have already done up until this point. As such, if this Council were to task you and choose whom your partner or partners would be, who would you prefer us NOT to pair you with? And why?" Bruce had shifted in his seat and was now leaning forward, indicating an interest. "I know you will likely give us a more neutral answer - but I will advise you right now, that would not be an acceptable answer to this question. But what we will grant you is confidentiality; whoever you say remains within the sanctity of these halls."

Bruce leaned back as the Knight provided any kind of answer. The Master had been very blunt, very neutral in his expression and his tone. But, he was interested nonetheless.

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[Austin Wolfe]

The weight of the bardottan's question washed over Austin heavily. This was difficult indeed — it required the Knight to look at all the traits, both good and bad, of his fellow Jedi. As he had spent the majority of his time as a Jedi in the Jedha infirmary, he had only gotten to know others in the Order in the last year. Though Austin could certainly select others that he had heard about but not met (Knight Grug and his renowned aroma came to mind), he decided to narrow his scope.

"Very well, Master Guleya," Austin replied, upon being told not to give a neutral answer. The Knight's mind drifted to the day of Wyck's election to Grandmaster, where a particular Jedi stood out in his mind. "There is a Knight who I would prefer not to embark on an assignment with. The daughter of the deceased Venatus Phoenix, Knight Aliyah." As the words escaped his lips, he exhaled slowly. "Though I have not seen her recently, in response to her father's death Aliyah let her emotions run rampant, heavily impairing her judgement. Should she be as incapable of keeping her emotions in check during a mission, where the fate of entire nations or planets could be at stake, I am unsure if Knight Aliyah would be able to follow the Will of the Force for the good of all living things."

Despite having selected a Jedi and seeming to have fully answered the question, Austin was not quite yet finished. "However," he continued, "in Knight Aliyah's defense — she is full of spirit and possesses a bravery that I have seen in few others in our Order. With the right teaching and direction, she will become a powerful Jedi and excellent leader. She shares the same convictions and strength of heart as her father. Though I would wish for a different partner on a mission, I would be more than willing to mentor and guide Aliyah here on Tython so that she can more fully embrace the Code and its Tenets."

Regardless of the outcome of his Trial of Mastery, Austin then and there decided that he would seek out Aliyah and spend some time with her on Tython. It had been some time indeed since the doctor had seen her last at the funeral of Venatus.

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[Vollen Shai]

Since his initial question Vollen had watched the unfolding dialogue with great interest, the whole discussion beautifully interlocking with the rhythmic sounds of the outside ocean. Truly beautiful days were no rarity on Tython, but this only served to further confirm for him how easy, and simple, such wonder could be to find.

It was in a pleasant, almost meditative calmness then that the discussion seemed to draw to a close. Moments passing with only the sounds of waves before Vollen took a deep breathe, and broke the silence,

“Well then Dr Wolfe, thank you for your time. If you wouldn’t mind waiting outside the chamber while we discuss the matter please” he spoke, nodding to a pair of Temple Guards who would escort him from the room.

It was in then this almost purposive calm, that the Council of Mastery began their discussion.

* * *
​

Sliding doors parting suddenly, Austin would be brought back before the Council, ready now for their final verdict. Their faces betrayed no hint of the outcome reached, and even as Vollen began to speak neither his face nor intonation would offer any clues, not before it was time,

“Austin Wolfe. You came before this Council a new man from the sounds of it, and a new man you have been many times over in your life. Doctor. Knight. Faithless. And now, a returned faithful to our Jedi Order. It is now then that this Council offers to add one more to this” Vollen paused, though the subtle smile that grew on his face no doubt betrayed his intentions,

“Master, Austin Wolfe. Such is the title we grant you today. And a new man for you to be again. While we have no doubt you shall fulfill this post well, this Council hopes to see you continue to enter fully into the fold of the Order as you have been, seek out new things, new opportunities for us. And for yourself, beyond those of your medical skill” the words rolled easily from Vollens tongue, it was always a pleasure to add a new Master to the Order. Though he could feel the gaze of Master Fennex beside him, and the words of Master Shivaaga along with it, prompting one final piece of advice,

“While your suggested addition to the code was well put, Master Fennex would add one of his own that might also do well to have you remember: ‘there are no speeches, there is brevity’” Vollen added with a sly smile, looking to Master Fennex, before turning back to their newly appointed peer, a rather hearty laugh of his own breaking any seriousness that might have remained. This was a happy outcome, and that meant that a little lightness was more than acceptable,

“But no matter what, may the force by with you, Master Wolfe”


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/EndThread (unless Vosrik would like to reply)