A new Appearance. {Open}

Jazen frowned as he made his way towards the Temple's grand library. And he wasn't alone. Keeping pace beside him was probably the most unusual Jedi; Carlando the Hutt. Jazen still wondered how a species that could barely slither along the floor could become a Jedi. If Carlando was forced to fight, Jazen worried how he would avoid being killed. Still, Carlando probably showed the side of the Jedi that made them different from their Sith counterparts. Carlando spent most of his day learning all he could from the Archieves instead of training with the lightsaber; if you wanted to know something, Carlando would probably know it. And despite appearances, Carlando could be a formidable foe with his massive body, including that muscular tail of his.

As they made their way towards the library, Jazen sighed. Jazen had been on the way to the library to read up on the other languages he was learning when Carlando had come across his path. Since they were both headed there, Jazen had fallen into step with him, seeing an opportunity to learn Huttese right from the source. Somewhere along the line, Jazen had started trying to teach Carlando some Twi'leki in exchange and now they were having a small argument about how to say certain things. He repeated the phrase he had just spoken, then explained what it meant and how to pronounce it right.

"Alright, the phrase I just said is a basic greetings in Twi'leki. You just have to watch the pronunciation of the words or you might accidentally say something with a different meaning. Not the funnest thing when in a conversation with another."

Jazen was about to continue when he noticed a youngling in the classroom they were passing, squatting on his haunches while observing his lightsaber. The youngling was a Nautolan, an especially interesting race to look upon. Jazen admitted he hadn't seen this particular youngling before, but that wasn't uncommon. Holding up in the library didn't help that matter. Seeing a chance to meet another person, Jazen switched direction, indicating the youngling with a nod of his head.

(Hope you don't mind me jumping in lads. )

Reè Kota, Jedi Master. Reè Kota, High Councilwoman. And what does this mean? Honor. Courage. Justice. And the oath to protect it at all costs. Reè opens her eyes and looks back out on the skyline of Coruscant. She can see senatorial offices and flats, restaurants and clubs- the posh surroundings of the Coruscanti upper classes. Yet she knows that just under the surface of the beautiful exterior lies the ugly- pain, suffering, hate, killing...everything that people's baser instincts drive them to. Even Reè has felt the pull of some of these things. All people have- even if they say they haven't.

Reè located these feelings within herself, wherever they might be, and stored them away, shoving them into an abyss within herself. Maybe an abyss wasn't the right word. She let the darkness ease out of her, scrubbing it away and replacing it with peace.

Peace was something Reè had lost over the past few years. She instinctually turned away from the memories, turning her attention back to the window. But then she let those go, too. Again. They bled out of her, as she gathered peace to herself. Finally, she opened her eyes again, taking a deep breath. Without a doubt, the memories were difficult to face. But she could learn from them, not repeat the mistakes that were embodied in the memories.

She turned from the window and began to slowly walk. She passed several other Jedi, all of whom bowed to her. She responded with an absent nod of the head, but only half her mind was on the greetings. The other half was focused on other things- her writing, her training, her teaching...

Just then, she noticed one of her pupils- a promising, if unusual, youngling. He was a Hutling named Carlando, and he was currently accompanying another youngling. Reè saw them turn aside and go into a classroom. Curious, Reè followed them to the door. Another youngling was in the middle of the room, staring at his saber. Reè, interested in the outcome of the meeting, settled into a comfortable pose and waited to see what would happen.

(OOC: The more the merrier)

Curious devices these .... I must remember to look up the exact operational specifications of the Lightsaber in the archives .... Lessons were pretty basic..... Art would ponder, turning the tube over in his hand. This was the solace he lived for. Time to think and stretch his mind, rather then be forced to play the class clown for everybody. However he would be distracted by the sense of curiosity and friendliness reaching his sensitive tendrils upon his head.

Looking up he would see two individuals looking into the room. One a Human boy, and a padawan by the looks of the braid of hair. The other, a Hutt. Perculiar indeed. All this reaching his sight in a single moment, he would jump up off the floor and bow to his visitors.

"The force be with you both. Were you needing this room? I wasn't doing anything important if you wanted it"[/b] Art would say, leaning a hand back behind his head and scratching nervously at one of his tendrils before positioning it over his shoulder. As he did so he would see a taller robed woman in behind the Human boy, in the corridor.

Talk about the place to be!

"Also! My name is Art Dou, pleased to meet you both! Are you ... with that woman behind you?"[/b] Art would start enthusiastically, and drift his gaze over the two as he questioned them about the woman.

"Are you sure that's the right pronunciation? Maybe I'm wrong, but from what I've read, I think you just called my mother a yellow Acklay."

Carlando was a 'book slug'. He knew little of practical use for the languages he knew. Days spent poring over datapads and holobooks gave you nothing compared to learning that language out there 'in the field.'

Ever since that meeting with the grand master, Carlando had considered Jazen a friend, along with Ekerin. They had developed a rapport with each other, and the blue-all-over gastropod was quick to help the human Padawan.

In his earlier years, Carlando had developed a complex that led him to be nervous around his equals but confident and outspoken with higher-ranked Jedi. Whether it had been Ekerin or Jazen or the meeting with the grand master, he wasn't particularly sure, but that complex had gone away. He now was amiable to all, eager and willing to share his knowledge.

So when he saw the Nautolan youngling, he nodded, and offered a friendly smile. "No, no, myself and Jazen were just..." he hesitated, glancing at his Padawan friend, "Discussing the finer points of Twi'leki. If you wanted solitude, we'll be on our way. Right, Jazen?"

Jazen's eyes shifted from the the youngling in the room to Carlando, then to the woman that Art had indicated. Jazen eyed the woman for a moment, then had to force his jaw not to drop. This woman was Ree Kota. A Jedi Master and member of the Council. In short, one of the most respected Jedi of this era. Jazen spun to face her, indicating with a subtle push of the Force that Carlando should do so as well. Rude as it was, it would have been ruder to ignore her presence as well. Or so Locke had taught him. Another little push of the Force told Art to follow suit. Jazen bowed his head slightly in respect, then turned his attention back to Art. Surely a Master of her standing could wait a moment.

Looking at Carlando, Jazen simply shrugged. True, he had been heading towards the library and if Art so wished it, they would continue on towards their original destination. However, from the way he offered the room to them without a second's hesitation, told Jazen that wasn't likely to happen. This left Jazen with a dilemma. With the situation presented to him, numerous paths opened up before him. They could continue on to the library, leaving Art to his musings or with Master Kota. Art could join them on their trip to the library, to partake in their language studies. Maybe Master Kota could join them as well, allowing them to take advantage of her many years of wisdom. Or they could remain here, allowing their meeting to guide them down the path most suited. Jazen groaned inside thinking about all this; this kind of thinking was more Carlando's specialty. Give Jazen a situation in the heat of battle and he could think of something based off what he could gather. Social meetings, on the other hand, tended to stall him. Side effect of being a loner much of his temple life he supposed. Well, might as well go with what worked before.

"Well, if that's what he wants. Or perhaps you'd like to join us? I'd be pleased to learn about Nautolan's as a culture, if that was possible. And maybe, Master Kota would join us as well."

Jazen turned so that he half faced Kota, half faced Carlando and Art. Now, it was up to them to guide which way this meeting went. Jazen had laid the foundation and they would build the bridge.

Art would feel a subtle push in the force as the others turned to bow to the woman. He would do the same, taking the nudge as an indicator to follow suit. At this he would become a bit nervous, in the presence of someone so powerful. He could feel an aura of peace emanting from her, and complacency with the universe met his tendrils. It was awe inspiring to sense. The complex chemicals involved in such a state of emotion was particularly pleasing to Art. In truth, not all Nautolans found the same emotions pleasing to their senses. Some preferred to feel fear rather then joy or compassion. Art preferred tranquility in its most pure form. He would relax and stretch his face out accepting the sense from her fully.

Art would grin at the Human boy with pleasure at his offer to join them. He had not really become friendly with other Padawans, keeping to his clique of youngling friends. Now was time to expand his horizons and do what the adults called - networking. The hutt .... boy he guessed, had offered to leave him to his ponderings whilst they continued on.

Deciding it was best to socialise and make connections, and at hearing the Master may join them he took a step closer to the two and nodded with a smile, indicating he would indeed like to join them.

"I'm suprised how little is known about Nautolan culture outside of Glee Anselm ... our home world. I don't know a great deal, I was taken at the age of 2. But there are some memories I have. Theres lots of underwater facilities and lots of underwater residences, given teh small landmass. So yeah ... we can breathe underwater! Uhhhh ..... The music .... I'm not sure if you have heard our music. It's absolutely beautiful ....." [/b] Art would begin as they turned to leave the classroom.

Reè watched the meeting with a quiet amusement. Young innocence. The one youngling pointed her out however, and Reè briefly sensed a slight awkwardness enter the atmosphere. It was gone a moment later however, and Reè nodded to the younglings, acknowledging their token of respect. She noted a Padawan's braid on the head of the boy accompanying Carlando. So he wasn't a youngling. She wondered who his master was; she couldn't place him in the webbed structure of padawan-teacher relationships.

However, the boy was impetuous. He threw himself into plan-making with gusto...and invited her to accompany them. With a tiny smile, Reè stepped forward. "If you are bound for the archives, I was headed there myself. I would be delighted to join you." she looked at them, guaging their reactions.

They all seemed mature for their ages: or rather, well-learned. They had reacted to her presence well, certainly. Even the impetuous one had managed to not do anything incredibly improper. She waited.

Carlando looked over at the Nautolan youngling as he too turned towards the classroom door. He was correct. Outside of Glee Anselm, next to nothing was known about Nautolan culture, save for their music. Music that he quite enjoyed.

Music was another interest of the blue Hutt. He took any chance he could to indulge in it, though for the life of him he could not understand music in which the vocalists seemed to be actively trying to destroy their vocal cords. He himself preferred the rare variety of music that he referred to as 'Crystal music': notes created by gently striking crystals. In his mind, that music brought images of caves full of glowing crystals.

At the thought of crystals, one of his stubby blue arms reached for the dual-phase training saber clipped to the belt strapped around is upper body. Carlando, like most younglings, often entertained thoughts of constructing a weapon of his very own. Given his physical limitations, Carlando had long ago decided that a lightpike would be his weapon of choice. Perhaps it too would be dual-phase. In his mind's eye, he visualized the blade. Icy-blue, like his eyes, though he also envisioned it to swirl, like a biting blizzard.

He shook the thoughts from his head, centering himself in reality. "Art is right. I have heard some music made by Nautolans, and while I admit I cannot appreciate the pauses the way they were intended to be, I find it to be very soothing, though I admit it is not my favorite."

He looked at Reé, and nodded politely. "Master Kota. If you were looking for something in particular in the archives, I would be more than happy to assist you."

Jazen waited calmly for the others to speak their mind, especially the youngling Art. He was quite well mannered for one of his age but then again, it was how all the Jedi were brought up. Most of them, Jazen included, added little things along the way, allowing a completely unique personality to take fold. Part of him wondered what kind of personality would develop from Art. Part of him wondered what path.....what was he doing? He was thinking like a Knight considering the future of his Padawan. Jazen shook his head slightly, forcing those thoughts to slip away. He needed to stop hanging around Locke so much; the older Jedi was starting to rub off on him.

Turning his thoughts instead to Art and Carlando's discussion, Jazen settled for a moment, letting them speak over the matter before they continued onto the studies. Truthfully, Jazen knew next to nothing about Nautolans aside from their appearance. He knew they came from a water world, that their species was aquatic based and that their language had been developed to talk underwater, making it almost impossible for ground based species to learn. Still, he'd settle for culture if that's what was open to him. It could come in handy if he ever had to handle a situation involving a Nautolan or Nautolans, or had to visit their homeworld. As Carlando liked to say, knowledge was the greatest weapon a Jedi could obtain. Jazen tended to agree. He motioned to let one of the others take the lead before following into pace with them.

"Can't say I've really ever heard the kind of music you two are speaking of. Or in general, minus the stuff that comes in over the Holo-net sometimes. But let's not waste time standing here. If we are all bound for the same destination, then let us converse as we walk.

And Carlando, I'm sure Master Kota knows better than we do where everything in that library resides. Then again, I'm never sure about that when your involved. You've shown me once or twice that you can pull a trick out of the giant behind of yours. But anyway, what shall we talk about? Our first topic or start a new one?"

Master Kota, a Jedi on the High Council. He recognized the name as soon as the human boy, Jazen had said it. It was good to put a face to the name. Art would draw his gaze from the impressive woman back to Jazen as he explained his lack of knowledge of Nautolans. This was not suprising as little information left Glee to protect the Nautolans, mainly from the perils of unwanted visitors, but as well as politics.

At his bequest, the group would turn down the hall in the direction of the archives. Along the way he thought he may as well take advantage of the Jedi Master before them. "Master Kota ...? Art would ask tentatively of the Jedi, "I was wondering earlier about this situation with the Sith Empire .... Why haven't the Jedi given aid to the republic in fighting their empire? From my understanding .... aren't we sworn enemies ... The Jedi and the Sith?[/b]

Upon her answer he would ask another question. " Master Kota .... I know you are busy with your council duties, but could you perhaps .....[/b] He would pause and briefly think to himself Just do it you wimp! " Would you consider taking up another padawan Master Kota?[/b] Art would ask of her nervously, haven worked up the courage to ask her.

I'll need to find SOMEONE at some stage. It doesn't hurt to ask ... does it? But what if she thinks I'm too pushy and aggressive? Then she wouldn't want a thing to do with me. argh. What have I gotten myself into The Nautolan would anxiously think to himself, shrinking to the back of the group as nerves engulfed him.

They were chatty. Reè watched the younglings and the padawan interact as she fell into step next to them. The Huttling looked at her and offered to...well. She raised an eyebrow and was about to say something, but the padawan interjected, telling Carlando that she most likely knew the archives. Correct. Reè looked over at the Huttling and quietly said- "I believe I know my way around the Archives quite well, Carlando. Are you interested in becoming a librarian someday?" she asked archly. It would be a good profession for the youngling, she thought- he would stay in the Temple, where he seemed most comfortable, would be able to spend time in the Archives...

She turned her attention to the padawan. She still couldn't place him. "Who is your master, young one?" she asked him.

Just then, the last youngling spoke up a bit timidly, asking a question about the pacifistic nature of the Jedi relating to the current fiasco with the Sith Empire. Reè wondered briefly how the boy had learned about that- then remembered her own childhood, where the walls had ears, and the younglings were friends with all of them. Yes, yes. Blissful, easy childhood.

"We Jedi are pacifists, young one." Reè began. "We do not fight unless we must. The current battle is military, not Force-related. We have no place in it." Not everyone agrees. she remembered. Some Jedi thought they should fight with the Republic. Of course, some Jedi also thought the Sith (the Force-users) were back. Not likely, Reè believed. Of course, there had been suspicious, alarming pockets of darkness in the Force lately. She turned her mind away from that as the youngling spoke again, this time even more timidly.

He asked if she would consider taking on another padawan. Reè sensed the turmoil and fear in his thoughts. He was nervous, scared of her reaction. She maintained a steady pace, trying not to show her own inner upheaval. The boy didn't know. Of course not. She let the Force cleanse her, free her of her doubt and worry, lift her above it, put it all into perspective. She looked down at the Nautolan, who had drifted to the back of the group, behind her. He was still nervous, and she could sense his feelings of regret, then his justifications...

She nodded to him once, trying to reassure him. "I have given thought to the matter." she said noncomitally. "You are bold, young one, to approach a master on this subject." she said, looking down at him with a neutral expression. "Why?" she fired the question at him in a quiet voice, the gravity behind it apparent. She was not angry or upset- rather, she appeared merely curious in a serious sort of way.

(If this post seems half-baked and crappy..it's because at the time of typing this, it's 4 hours and 18 minutes before I leave for 'vacation.' xD; So excuse it. )

When Rée asked Carlando if he would be interested in becoming a librarian, the Hutt could not help but chuckle. He had long since decided that overseeing the Archives was clearly the path for him.He scratched the white stubble under one of his chins as his mind drifted off into a possible future.

Jedi Master Carlando the Hutt. The stubble had grown into a long white beard, but his eyes were sharp as ever, also having grown a deep look to them. He envisioned himself passing on the knowledge to other wide-eyed and curious younglings, though even he didn't see many more Hutts in the Order. The lightsaber pike he carried had a metal handle that was dark as space, with a rich crimson-colored wood section on it that he held. The blade was, as he had envisioned several times before, icy blue that swirled, no doubt an 'unstable' crystal like those he had read about.

Again, he shook the vision from his head, focusing on the here and now. He addressed Rée. "Master Kota..I have thought of little else. Datapads. Holobooks. Artifacts. They are what I hold dear to my heart. The Force has a path for each of us. We all play some role in changing the path the great river that is history. Mine is making sure that we always look back, even if it is painful to do so. To forget our history is to forget ourself. So...err...yes."

Just then, a Duros youngling, still a few years away from being considered for Padawan status, ran up to Carlando. "Mr. Blue Hutt! One of the other younglings took out a whole bunch of datapads and put them back in the wrong places! The librarian said to find you! Please come and help!"

Carlando looked at the three he had been conversing with, gave an apologetic shrug, then followed the Duros off to the archives to assist.

Jazen remained completely silent as the other three went about their conversation. He could have chirped in on the various topics, but seeing as most of it was personal stuff, he kept his tongue firmly trenched. If he was asked a question directly, then he would answer. Or if he felt that by adding in his input he could help further along one of these ideas. Besides, just because he couldn't speak yet didn't mean he couldn't think. And there was much within this group's idle chat to think about.

First and foremost was Art's request of Master Kota. To say the least, it made Jazen almost drop his mouth in surprise. His words may have been stuttered and spoken with a nervous tongue, but to ask a highly respected Jedi Master if they would consider taking another Padawan took guts. And from someone six or seven years his junior to boot. Jazen gave the kid points for that. True, he may not have asked directly if she would consider taking him, but it was pretty much implied. A sudden surge in the Force made Jazen glance at Kota, but it was gone by the time his head shifted to face her. He was curious about it, but kept his questions for later.

The discussion about the current state of the Jedi was one Jazen had heard often, usually from members not directly involved in the matters or too young to understand them. The vast majority of the Jedi had chosen to follow their traditional path, to remain only defenders when there was someone before them who needed defending. They would protect, they would guide. But they would never initiate hostilities themselves. It was this side of the Jedi that Jazen believed in, wanted to follow. But the times didn't allow for such a peaceful train of thought. By acting only in response to attacks, the Jedi often were too late to be of any real help. The enemy was either firmly entrenched by the time the request for help was answered, or long gone, having already accomplished their task. This is why the Blades had come into existence.

The Blades, a group of Jedi who had grown tired of watching people suffer because they had to react only when attacked first. This group of Jedi, led by the powerful Jedi Vreem Took, had decided enough was enough. They would go where the other Jedi had vowed not to, to strike first against their enemies. Sometimes they were the first onto the field but most of the time they were just there when they were needed, not later when it was already over. Locke had joined up with the Blades and like the loyal padawan he was, Jazen had followed him onto that field. Already had he been thrown into the throes of chaos, once at Rhen Var and then in various missions after. He considered himself lucky that he could even visit the temple so he could continue to train and learn.

As he thought about what being a member of the Blades could mean for his future, a young Duros joined them, squabbling for Carlando's aid. Jazen returned to his senses and gave him a curt nod as he turned to follow the youngling. It occurred to Jazen that they had now gone silent and that Master Kota had asked him a question during the discussion. Turning his head to look into her eyes, he gave a small nod to her before speaking. Being polite his master called it.

"My master you ask? I have been assigned to learn from Master Locke. Uh, Locke Nemsee that is.

And I have a question for you Master Kota, if you will permit it? It's about how you described how a Jedi acts. While it is true that we do not aim to battle unless it is the only option, to say we are pacifists is not entirely true. A pacifist, to my knowledge, will not fight for any reason. The very thought burns them. Jedi fight when the need arises, when protecting the gift of life from being extinguished for example. While it's not always the way we want things to go, events unfold into the outcome sometimes.

Anyway, the question is simple enough. When does not acting unless attacked first become a greater sin than attacking first?"

"Why?" Jedi Master Kota asked of him. He politely regained step just behind her, moving forward slightly to do so. He felt quite stupid and nervous, the reality of his situation hitting him. He, Art, a youngling had asked a High Councilor, Jedi Master Kota, if she would take another padawan, the implication being him. But her question held no anger or confusion. Her voice was soft and he detected the emotion of curiosity and slight empathy towards him through his sensitive tendrils. Taking a moment to gather himself, Art would raise his head to look at the Jedi Master.

" The time draws near that I require a master, Master Kota. Several friends of mine have already been selected. I guess ..... It's time I started making inquiries of my own, lest I be left behind. I know the way of the Jedi dictates that we should have no fear ... but I'm afraid I do slightly. And for that .... I feel guilty.[/b] Art would answer her, slightly more confident, phrasing his words carefully so as not to offend her, or seem too brash. " However, I understand if your answer is no, given your position and responsibilities .... [/b] He would finish up quickly.

Their talk would bring them to a hallway, at the end of which was the large door to the archives. They would draw to a slow walk as Master Kota would answer his question. At which point, Jazen would pipe up in response to a question asked earlier of Master Kota. It was a very good question. Master Kota did describe the Jedi as 'pacifists'. He would await an answer to this question eagerly, contemplating Jazen. For a Padawan, he seems very intelligent and aware of the galaxy. I wonder how long he has been a Padawan ... he look about 16 or so ....

((Meh, I fudged that explanation pretty bad...that's what trying to post about philosophy while in the grip of jet lag will do to you, haha))

Carlando responded to her question with enthusiasm. The answer was an unequivocal yes. Reé smiled gently. "Take heed, young one." she said softly. "The future is uncertain. Never take for granted what you feel is your path now, but instead be ready for the Force to change you if it so wills." Just as soon as she had finished another youngling ran up, stuttering out a message to the Hutt. The Hutt excused himself and hurried off, leaving Reé alone with the youngling and Padawan.

The Nautolan youngling explained himself in a slightly trembling voice. The answer was not unlike that Reé had expected- he had inquired for his own sake. He, like most other younglings, was anxiously awaiting the day he would gain a master and join the ranks of those who would someday be official Jedi. And he was asking for his own sake. It showed several interesting things about the boy. She looked down at him, rearranging her face into a carefully studious, yet neutral, expression. "You are impatient, little one." she said. "Faith in the Force and in its leading is integral to a Jedi's life. Are you afraid that you are not intimate enough with it for a master to find you?" she asked. She ignored his not-so-subtle hinting for an answer. The boy could wait.

They were nearing the archives, but the Padawan had another question. She could sense the questions bubbling in his mind. First, he named his master- Locke Nemsee. Reé could vaguely place him. Then, the boy jumped into his questions. She was surprised at the depth. Nemsee knew his business, obviously- the boy had been taught to think, and to think deep. At his definition of a pacifist, Reé inclined her head. "You are correct, young one. Thank you for catching my error." Despite her status as a Master, Reé was not above acknowledging when she had incorrectly labeled something. But the boy was not done.

As soon as he was done, Reé steepled her fingers together and thought, slowing a bit as she did so to calm her thoughts and assemble her answer. She could guess from where this question had arisen. Locke Nemsee, if she did not miss her guess, had probably joined the Blades- a group of Jedi that were of the opinion that attacking preemptively was wiser than waiting for the problem to fully manifest itself. The movement was led by one of her fellow Councilmembers, Vreem Took. Reé didn't know what to think of them- violence was despicable in her book, and there was always a diplomatic solution. Always.

She applied diplomacy to this situation, and couched her answer in terms that would be easily understood yet were compassionate and soft. "Violence, young one, often arises out of ignorance. Ignorance has no place in the life of a Jedi. Nor does chaos, which is bred by violence and ignorance. These things we know." she paused. "We fight for a cause, and only when called upon to do so. Preemptively attacking another is not part of our beliefs, for it can lead to attacking again before a threat is present- the essence of the actions of those who follow the Dark Side."

She had not yet addressed his main question however, and she moved to it. "Answer me this, Padawan- when would attacking first be acceptable? There we will find the answer to your question." They had reached the doors to the Archives, and Reé stopped to allow the padawan time to answer.

Jazen had to perk an eyebrow at Art in response to his mumblings. His answer to Kota's question, which was why he wished to know if she would consider a student, was exactly what every other youngling thought. Jazen himself remembered having these thoughts four years ago, when the time for him to become a padawan was mere days before the deadline. There was no fear that stemmed from the idea of not being chosen, but there was a growing ball of disappointment edging its way to the surface in those final days. Disappointment in himself and in the Jedi Order. Perhaps there had been a touch of fear after all, fear that he would not be chosen, would have to live out his life doing the menial tasks that all failed Jedi were cursed to do. He shuddered at the thought of being trained for years to become a Jedi, only to be shipped to a planet where the only thing a Jedi did different than others was move things with his or her mind. That sort of lifestyle was simply not for him.

Jazen tilted his head in respect to Kota's thank you, knowing somewhere inside him that the gate switch had been flipped. Being a Council member and a Jedi Master meant Kota probably had a lifetime of experiences and knowledge that Jazen simply did not have. As such, she had probably thought about this very question hundreds of times over the years, answering it each time just to have it come forth yet again; either from a questioning apprentice like himself or from a situation that broke the logic they had put in place. And every time, Kota faced it with the same approach, quelling its power over herself and others. She believed wholeheartedly in her view of the Jedi way and from her answer, she hoped others would as well.

This led Jazen to listen to her short, but intriguing answer to his question. And for the most part, it was true. Jazen had seen several times now during his trips into the city that a bar room brawl was often started over the smallest of things. True, being hyped on illegal drugs and a barrel of hard liquor didn't help the matter, but the idea was the same. A man who has had too much to drink may accidentally stumble into a lady. The lady may think this is because hes trying to try something and reacts accordingly. This in turn leads her man into believing the same thing and thus, a fight is started. This could apply to how wars start as well. One side assumes something of the other and thus, reacts first. In a way, the Blades did take this approach. However, they never really did strike first. They gathered the needed intelligence first and acted to counter based off that. Then again, being part of the Blades only because Locke was in it meant Jazen didn't get much info other than that. Still, it was most often enough.

The rest of her words backed up that initial statement. Chaos was usually quick to follow the actions of ignorance, as his bar room brawl theory proved. He held his tongue at her comment about those actions leading down the path to the Dark Side. He knew that better than anyone. Well, better than anyone else he knew. Too many times had that path opened itself before him. Too many times had he decided to try walking down it, even for a moment. Clearing his head of this thought, he focused instead on the question she used as an answer to his. A question for a question. Oh, how he hated when people did that. Musing over the question, Jazen cast a glance at Art before deciding to answer. In addition, he nudged the library doors with the Force so that they could enter as he spoke.

"That....is not exactly an answer. But it's also an answer in its own right I suppose. As for your question, that's a truly unfair way of asking. Then again, its also the most direct I suppose. No one can guess what may lay down the path ahead, what sudden and unexpected events may occur. Choices that have to be made in an instant are the ones that are the hardest, for every second lost results in an even greater chance to failure.

If your looking for an example, I don't exactly have one. I cannot begin to guess a situation where striking first is acceptable. Then again.....perhaps two enemy groups are approaching a planet. Both are there for a reason; one to conquer, one to save. The relief fleet is bigger in size, but lacks the soldiers to hold off the ground invasion if it is allowed to reach the planet. Does the commander of the relief fleet wait until the enemy has already landed most of his troops to being a counter attack? Does he waste his time trying to negotiate with a foe he knows will not? When it comes down to it, I believe that the relief commander will do what must be done. He will strike to ward off the enemy before they can exploit his weakness.

But then, I suppose one could say the enemy fleet's intrusion and subsequent move to attack despite being warned could be seen as the first attack, in which the commander is acting in self defense. Overall, I think there are times when not taking action until something has already occurred is a mistake and there are times when waiting may yield a better answer. I'd rather, if I may, get the jump on the shark before he gets the jump on me, if you catch my meaning. But enough of my pale attempts at trying to match words with a Jedi Master. We came here to learn and I'm sure Art has other things he'd like to ask as well. Am I right?"

Entering the archives he would look about to find no one in sight. He would walk into the middle of the entrance area, and gaze up at the multi-leveled section of the Jedi Temple. The architecture was truly magnificent and of admirable design. Art imagined the entire temple was meant to be awe inspiring, a reminder of how insignificant they all actually were. And the repository of knowledge that lay in this section of the temple alone, without the minds of all the great Jedi that had passed through its halls before. It made Art stop with a neutral look on his face, taking it all in, as though coming to the realisation for the first time. In truth, he had considered it before, but not at this magnitude, it all seemed so real to him all of a sudden. Maybe it was being with others, that he didn't feel he had to dumb himself down with. With Jazen and Master Kota, it was almost expected of him to have an intelligent opinion and contribute. Not that he had really, but it was just a feeling he had.

Listening to Jazen answer Master Kota, he would pause and think upon what he had said. It seemed to make more sense to him now. Not truly, but it was an insight to a much larger issue that seemed to plague the minds of other Jedi. He would then think upon Master Kota's question of him.
"Faith in the Force and in its leading is integral to a Jedi's life. Are you afraid that you are not intimate enough with it for a master to find you?"
Faith in the force ... He had that. Afraid that he was not intimate with it? Not at all, he had only just recently come to a peace within himself, putting aside internal conflicts and deciding upon a path for himself. No longer would be dumb himself down for the amusement of others. No longer would he play the class clown. Now he would strive for knowledge, for truth. Though he would still play pranks, for it was fun. At this thought he gave a little chuckle and schooled his expression, proceeding to answer the Jedi Master.

"Faith in the force is something I have. We all have doubts, but ultimately, we must surrender to its path. That is what I'm afraid of, not that I may not be intimate enough with the force, for that I am sure I am. The force destines us to our futures, and it's that of which I am afraid Master Kota." Art would start slowly, choosing his words as to best express himself. " I know what my heart desires, but what if that is not what the force has predestined for me? It is that of which I am afraid. So I wish .... not to change my destiny.... but I wish to fight for what it is I desire. A Jedi should not lead their life based on their emotions, for it will lead them to passion, which will lead them to the darkside. It is not my emotions that I fight for .... it is how my instincts have guided me. Instincts can be wrong however. A prospect that does not sit well with me ...." He would contemplate on his last words, not choosing them as carefully as his first, hoping he did not run off at the mouth too much. he would look on in earnest to Master Kota, and shooting a curious glance at Jazen.

"Jazen .....May I ask of you when you were a Padawan ... Did you feel this way, or is it just me?" He would ask, seeking confirmation. Seeking some form of attachment to someone else in his uncertainty, his confusion.

[Fixed ^_^]