Peace Sells(Open)

[Jerek]

Instead of sitting cross-legged like the others, Jarael sat on his knees, the toes of his boots folded and his body wait resting on his heels. He rested his hands on his knees. He closed his eyes. His braid fell to the side of his face, brushing his cheek slightly. He slowed his breathing, felt the one emotion he fought so many times rear its ugly head and fought it back, toward the floor.

The memory of leaving his parents behind. He wressled it to the floor, flushed it out of his body. Then, he was at peace. He was concentrating on that inner peace instead of the painful memory of his mother, his father. He was in a dream like state. It felt as if he was floating, floating through the Force itself.

[Kay]

“Ah, if only you didn’t guard your lessons so tenaciously Master Took… but your credit is misdirected as I am simply an observer; it’s Master Beleren who’s been teaching the younglings,” Eris responded, giving a light bow of respect in Beleren’s direction before adding, more to herself than Vreem this time, “And perhaps myself too… I find his techniques quite interesting.” Honestly, she found it oddly refreshing that two such capable masters occupied seats in the council during such uncertain times. And, speaking of which, she sensed Vreem having a little to say concerning those matters…

It was a moment Eris had been dreading ever since her joining the Council; hoping to be one of those members who were lucky enough to serve their time without incident. And yet, the urgency in Took’s tone coupled with the signs they’d been receiving up until then was almost evidence enough. “There are no coincidences,” the Master thought to herself cynically. It was at that point she noticed Vreem’s failing smile and offered her own, hopefully, reassuring one.

“Come now Master Vreem, no time for frowns; it’s time to save the galaxy,” Eris remarked playfully in just as quiet a tone; a sly smile tugging at the corners of her lips. And with that, she gave a casual stretch before politely excusing herself with a short bow of the head, “Now, if you’ll excuse me honourable Masters, I feel a bit of rest is in order before our next meet. And welcome back Master Took; you were sorely missed in the council.” Of course, Eris was bending the truth a tad concerning her need for rest; the subtle, yet growing, aches she was beginning to feel a warning that her pain-killers were subsiding.

Before leaving, the master offered a respectful bow to the class, largely impressed by what she’d seen so far. If it wasn’t a show of ability, it was one of growing wisdom. It was unfortunate she couldn’t stay longer really.

[.:Falcon:.]

Tal listened with half an ear to the Masters' conversation. The rest of her mind was focused on her inner self- the peace, and the ever-fainter darkness. She took one last deep breath, and slowly brought herself back to the present. She opened her eyes, feeling refreshed. There were still nagging thoughts at the back of her mind, but these she systematically flushed.

[Jace]

Jace watched with a smile on his face, as the students seemed to be really progressing with the exercise. He watched, well he felt, as all the tension and troubling thoughts seemed to leave each of the younglings. He could instantly feel their inner peace, and with that peace they could achieve so much.

He felt a pang of a presence earlier, and that presence finally revealed himself. He was happy to see that it was Master Took who had braved Korriban with him. He had left Vreem on Korriban as per his wishes, he knew he wasn't dead, but he still worried.

"Oh the students wouldn't let me teach them if you were around Vreem, your a legend" He responded to Vreem's quip.

The seriousness behind Vreem's smile was not lost on Jace, he knew things troubled him. He could tell the Grand Mistress noticed also, but those were things left for the council. He bowed to Eris as she dismissed herself,and then turned to Vreem.

"So Vreem, I am enjoying teaching and may continue in the future, but this is your class after all...would you like to take over the lesson now?"

Jace did not mind handing over the class to Master Vreem at all, for he was an expert in the area of education. It was out of respect that he offered the class back to Vreem. He noticed the younglings also seemed to be quite interested in the return of their teacher.

[Vreem Took]

Trying to comply with Master Eris’ support Vreem once again struggled to return a smile to his face. The scar on his check twitched a few times before eventually Vreem was able to cast out his doubt and remember his place. Here he stood in front of a class of younglings; his cheery disposition once again came into play. As she left, a revitalising smile dawned upon Vreem’s fresh and youthful features. With a near-human race such as his Vreem could often confuse people with his age and rank. He was forty years old and a Master on the Council. Yet at the same time he looked as though he were in his mid-twenties, a new a vigourous Knight in the Order, eager to make his impression upon the universe. The soft and wrinkle-free features of his skin did not help dispel any confusion. It was when one looked into his eyes, through the thin layers of glimmering hazel and into the depths of his being. The age and experience he held within them was enough to rectify his position in the Order.

“Please Jace,” he said with a small bow of his head, “I don’t deserve such words, I simply try and do what I can for those who are in a position I have experience in. And besides, I find it refreshing being around the minds of young ones such as those present.” He finished with a smile and a look towards the class. With Jace’s proposal Vreem immediately raised his hands and shook his head. “Oh no my friend, it would be best for the class if you were to finish this session. A new perspective on things would be good for them. I fear my teachings might seem repetitive after so long.”

Turning back, Vreem quietened his speech once again, “tell me Jace, how is Ryn faring after the events upon Korriban, did he make it, is he well?” Not too long after he had finished, Teima spoke to both her and Master Beleren. He smiled kindly in return with a respectful bow of his head. “Thank you Teima, I thank you for your concern. And I’m glad to see that you are still progressing in your training.” As he finished speaking to the youngling, the thoughts from earlier popped back into his head as he quietly regarded her once again. She was considered young for apprenticeship however he had been the same age when his master had taken him, perhaps that was another calling of the Force.

Not long ago he had spoken to Meira regarding her own thoughts on taking an apprentice, she had felt some small connection to one of his previous younglings, was the feeling he had now one of similarity between Teima and himself? Was it even wise to take on another apprentice, he knew what was to come, would she be safe with him or would he be leading her to her death? This was not something he could not keep to himself, if he was to accept or reject her, perhaps it would be wise to talk to her. After all, she was no idiot, she would be able to understand and comprehend where he was coming from, she would at least have some understanding of the risks.

“Master Beleren,” Vreem started, his tone changing swiftly, “if it is possible, may I ask you to excuse Teima from your lesson so that I can talk to her in private please, providing she would like to accompany me?” He looked at her as he finished, in this relationship he would not drag her along, he would walk by her side.

[Jace]

Jace had a strong feeling that Vreem would refuse his offer for taking over the class, but he felt he needed to ask. The mention of Ryn's name, sent Jace's mind back to Korriban, but he quickly pushed those thoughts away.

"He has a strong will, he somehow managed to survive from his injuries, but he was in bacta for quite awhile. His eyesight was damaged extensively, but he seems to have taken it as just another part of being a jedi."

He paused, his thoughts bent towards that of the Knight who had accompanied him to Korriban. He then was brought out of that thought by Vreem's other request.

"Of course Vreem, by all means Teima may go with you if she pleases" He stated with a understanding face.

Jace then turned back to the rest of the students, and addressed them to continue the lesson.

"So younglings, did you experience what it feels like to just be able to let go of those emotions which cause us so much trouble. Remember this, for I can tell you throughout my years of experience, this could save your life. It not only keeps your mind clear so you can focus on the task at hand, but it could save you from going down the wrong path.

When I was a Shadow, back in the days when I was a knight, I was surrounded by so many dark side influences. The only way I could keep my path clear and stay on it, was to clear my mind, and let the peace and serenity guide me. It may not sound like much, but I am sure each one of you could look back into your past and see a time where you wished you knew this technique.

Remember younglings, Life as a Jedi is to take a path of constant hardship. When you are not training, you are out on a mission or studying or advising. Through these hardships, you are constantly faced with choices, and what you choose will decide which path you will walk. Remember not all choices will be split into right or wrong, light or dark, or good or bad. It will be your task in life, to make sure you look at each choice and to discern which elements of that choice will lead you down the right path."

He paused for a few moments, giving each youngling a time to think on it before continuing.

"Now younglings I want you to listen carefully, I will tell you a story of which I was recently a part of. I want each of you to look at the scenario and tell me what choices you would have made.

Recently I had traveled to a distant planet in the outer rim accompanied by a few other Jedi. We were in a tomb, and outside were at least two dark jedi. One Jedi ran off right away to battle the dark jedi, soon another followed to help him out. Then finally the other member ran off.

One Jedi was killed, the other was severely wounded, and the third Jedi battled a powerful foe. I was faced with a choice, to fight and try to help the third jedi, or to take the wounded jedi and leave the third jedi stranded on the planet to fend for his won.

I will tell you which option I chose after, but for now, tell me younglings what choice would you have made. Remember there is no right or wrong, only a different perspective."

It was a tough scenario, he didn't really expect anyone to have a solid answer. The goal of this was for them to understand the nature of the choices they will face as a Jedi.

[Charlie Sharper]

As Tem sat indian style on the training room floor, he looked around to see if any of the other younglings had an answer, and not seeing any glint of hope from them, Tem thought that maybe should venture an answer, but he didn't feel very confident in either response. Tem closed his eyes and pictured the situation in his mind, letting the force guide his thoughts, his thoughts flowing slowly like a river, his mind calm and peaceful as an idea rose to the front of his thoughts.

"Master" Tem spoke up "I believe I would assist the Jedi against the Dark Jedi...Because he is in grave danger in that fight, already one Jedi has fallen, and another injured, I would try and assist the remaining Jedi for they may have more at stake then their life, but they may give in to hate and fall..." Tem said still a bit unsure of his answer, but confident that the Master would see his logic atleast, his fear of failure slightly quelled.

[Feyrin]

Teima was focused more on her own inner thoughts for a while, ignoring as best she could the two Master's conversation until her name was spoken. Her eyes jumped up from the floor and two tentacles on the back of her head straightened up, then jiggled a little. Her eyes swirled in their dark depths, only two times, when she realized that Master Took had asked to see her personally. Upon Master Beleren's answer, she bowed to both Master's, Beleren first, then answered, "Yes, Master, I would be honored to speak with you."

She didn't really know what to do in this situation, but simply turned and walked around the other students, listening intently on her way towards the door to Master Beleren's instructions, so that she could try later, but when she realized it was a question, she stopped mid-step and swiveled her torso around to look backwards at Master Beleren. She answered, without much thought, in an authoritative tone that was much accustomed to her, "I would do neither. I would be the one battling while the others escaped. For then, I would be giving the ultimate sacrifice. Rather than saving one life, I have saved two. Whether the injured is treated in time or not, is another story. But in my decision I have given my own life, if I were to fail, to save two rather than one." She turned again and approached the door, Vreem stepping right in beside her now.

[gusha]

"But what if the one already fighting wanted you to escape? What if he is the stronger of you and is more likely to survive? What if he is your master and is telling you to leave?" Gusha turned to Master Beleran, "Master this is a very hard thing you ask which is why you probably asked it. If I was put in that situation I would probably take the other Jedi and flee. Right now I would be more of liability in battle, but if I can save the other Jedi then I have saved my self and another Jedi from being destroyed. I feel though that if we were ever in such a situation an action would be more clear because we would know the people we are working with and their strengths."

[.:Falcon:.]

Talarian considered the question, her mind roiling over the scenario. It sounded startlingly familar. Too familar. It sounded like...no. She wouldn't go back to Onderon. Not again. She slammed the door to the thoughts as she would a lid after being caught in the cookie jar.

She sternly turned her thoughts back to the scenario Master Beleren had presented. After a moment's consideration, she said- "I believe I would have helped the third Jedi fight the Dark one. There is no guarantee that either he or the wounded Jedi will survive, therefore it is best that I try to save every life I can."

She paused, thinking it over some more, continuing to explore her logic, pounding it against every obstacle she could think of. "On the other hand- is the life of one who would so quickly rush into battle not already forfeit? We see what happened to his companions- they paid dearly for their foolishness. Will he not someday run up against the same obstacle again- this time without the help of friends to aid him?"

This seemed a logical arguement to her, so she quieted and waited.

[Jerek]

Jarael had heard of this mission. He was sure he knew all the Jedi who went on it. He also knew the one who didn't return. "Master, was the one who died Lon Ka'jaire?" Jarael ahd known this knight. He was a Bothan. "My answer is: I'd be the one fighting, distracting the Dark Jedi while the others escaped, sacrificing my life for the good of the group. as Teima just said." Jarael gripped his knees a little harder.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Master Kil Gorn had entered during the lesson and had found Jace's techniques very effective. They hadn't been used in many Jedi and were similar to his own. He listened intently and watched the padawons answer the questions. He was looking for something in one of them. The Force had led him to this classroom for a reason and he had a idea of what it might be. He wanted to find something from within one of the padawons. What he wasn't sure but he expected he'd know when he saw it.
He watched Jace as well seeing his reactions to his students. He didn't want to interrupt the lesson even though he did have an opinion. He would have never had gone too the tomb with other Jedi. Unwilling to risk their lifes...but had he been in the position he would have been the one fighting as well. He never would leave any Jedi behind to a fate alone with a powerful Dark Jedi. If the wounded Jedi died he'd join the force and ultimately be better off than any of the Jedi who survived. This was the ultimate point that none of the younglings understood.

[Jace]

Jace listened quietly to each answer, giving a slight nod and smile at each response. He was quite happy with what he heard, he got varied responses. As they ascended in the Order, they would realize these same type of opinions are what made every Jedi different.

"Very good young ones, you have all given me impressive answers. Now I shall tell you what I had done, and how it played out, and then we will go in depth with each of your answers."

He paused, these weren't the happiest memories of Jace's life, but he was glad that he could use it to teach the younger generation.

"As I stated earlier, I was faced with a choice. to stay and fight and possibly save another member or to leave which would definitely save one member but possibly doom the other. I left with the injured Jedi and left the other Korriban, for it was his wish. I did not do it out of self-preservation but because I could sense through the force that the other Jedi, Master Took, was not planning on being killed just yet."

He had no regrets anymore about what he did, for he clearly saw his choice by explaining it to the younglings.

"Believe me younglings, I longed to go and battle beside my fellow member, but I had a duty to the other injured Jedi. If I were to leave him to try to have saved Master Vreem, I would have dishonored Master Took and those who had died. You must all look closely in the force, for it will guide you, but it won't make the decision for you.

Teima and Jarael have both said that they would have been the ones who had rushed from the cave to meet in the Dark Jedi in the First place. And yes Lon was the Jedi Knight that fell against his foe. Younglings, being selfless is a noble thing, and so is self sacrifice but never and I mean never be in a hurry to do it. It is quite possible that if those two didn't run out, we would have had a much better plan, and could have avoided confrontation all together. You must weigh the consequences, if you are too hasty to sacrifice yourself, then you may miss other options available to you. I am by no means saying what those two knights did was wrong, but you must understand.

Gusha also stated that you would be able to answer better if you knew the people in the situation. This is of course quite true, you won't truly understand until you are placed in the position. Remember though, sometimes you be fighting alongside complete strangers. You must use the force to guide and clear your mind so you can discern the situation.

Remember, as Jedi, we will be placed in situations that any other person would consider impossible. I am not trying to scare you, but only help in your understand. Ahh look at me, repeating myself, It must be age catching up to me."

He finished his speech with a soft chuckle and waited for a few minutes, to just let everything he said register to each youngling..and himself.

"Now this next exercise is quite possibly harder than the previous one, it might not seem like it, but it can be quite hard.

None of us are perfect, and nor should we ever try to be. Yet we can work on making ourselves better. Being a Jedi involves constant self reflection, so you can improve yourself as a person.

I want each of you to tell us one fault which you believe you have in yourself. It may seem silly, but being able to admit your faults is the start to getting over them. Maybe another in the class has or had the same fault as you. Remember other people, especially fellow Jedi, can help you improve yourself."

This was something that Jace had learned long ago, and it still helped him in his reflection to his day. One cannot strive to be better, until they admit that there is something wrong.

[Vreem Took]

Vreem froze suddenly as Jace posed his question to the class; it was certainly not something he had expected his fellow Master to talk about here. Had Vreem not had time to reflect on his journey back he most likely would not have lingered for this discussion, but he thought it would be worth it. The Jedi Master was certainly interested when Teima stated what she would be doing in this situation, the fact she said she would be near enough in the exact same position he had sent a small shiver down his spine. Was the Force working its mystical ways once again?

As Jace finished talking about the scenario which had transpired and paused for a few moments, Master Took thought he should chip in, to express his position in the events that occurred. “Remember class, although I sacrificed myself for Master Beleren and Jedi Knight Ryn Sundar, I did not do so with the aim of giving my life. My sacrifice was to stay behind and distract the Dark Jedi; I had all intention of surviving the experience. True I was outnumbered and surrounded but by wanting to sacrifice my life I would have been making a foolish mistake. To throw away one’s life so easily is not as admirable as you might believe, by fighting to survive I managed to escape the planet after a while, I discovered things which will benefit our Order and soon I will be able to return to my duties, helping more people who need it. With the desire to survive I live on to save the lives of many more who, with my death, may not have survived.” Vreem paused for a moment and looked around at the class, perhaps he was going too in depth for them right now, but he felt the point needed to be made, far too many younglings merely sought the glory of living and dying as a Jedi, they needed to understand more. “You must always remember to think beyond the events of the present, to see what effects your actions will have upon the universe, and then you must act accordingly.”

Vreem bowed to the class and turned and bowed to Jace, “I shall see you in the Council Chambers in a little while Master Beleren, there is much to be discussed.” With a bustling smile Vreem turned to the waiting Teima, who had hopefully been thinking upon what he had said, and gestured towards the door which led out of the chamber, “this way please Teima” he said courteously before following her out. It was time he led them to somewhere they could talk in private for a little while.

(We should probably take this to another thread, I’ll get on posting it, will link it here once I’m done.

Edit: link = swrponline2.proboards107.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=jeditemp&thread=3396)

[Charlie Sharper]

Tem slumped a bit upon hearing Master Beleren's words, then his ears perked as the Master posed yet another question to the room, this one was very difficult, but Tem told himself the answer rather quickly.

<I have to many to even name> Tem thought to himself <I will never be a Jedi, not like my father> Tem continued, but then stopped himself. "Master, I have an answer, I lack confidence." <And skill> he thought to himself, but again stopped himself, <That is not true, I will make a fine Jedi someday> He focused on those thoughts and then let the force wash through him like a river, carrying the negative emotions away from him, leaving Tem calm and peaceful with himself.

[gusha]

Gusha listened to Tem vocalize his weakness. He knew that is probably what Tem would say, and Gusha was proud of him for it. He liked Tem and knew his honesty was the best thing for himself and for the order. Gusha knew it was his turn. He spoke up." My weakness master is my size and body type. I am the only Hutt at the Academy. No one knows quite what to do with me, not even me."

[.:Falcon:.]

Talarian thought over the question. It was an interesting question. Finally, she looked up. "My greatest weakness is fear." she remembered the fuzziness everything had been thrown into on Onderon as she let her fear take control. It had been difficult, more difficult to fight and pay attention to what was going on. Yes, that was truly her greatest weakness.

[Jerek]

"My parents," Jarael spoke in a soft voice. "Leaving my parents was and is my greates weakness." He gripped his knees hard, trying to steady himself. THis subject brought back the emotions he had just banished. He attempted to fight them back, taking a few deep breathes, but they would not leace this time.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Kil Gorn heard what he was looking for. The youngling who missed his parents. He felt with the force his name was Jarael. He looked to him and spoke to him through the force,

"And why do you miss them? Why cannot let go youngling?"

Kil Gorn didn't know if the youngling knew who he was but it didn't matter. Kil Gorn was a master of being one with the force and cutting off attachements. He had been looking for something of worth to do for the Order. This boy had some potential but having attachments is far to dangerours even for the strongest of Jedi. He would wait for the younling to respond.

[Jerek]

A message was projected into jarael's mind. He didn't know who did it, but he knew he had to answer their question. He closed his eyes, and began his attempt at following the path it came from with the reply, "Because I am young, and the memory of them is still fresh." He took a gasp of breathe, hoping the message would even arrive. He looekd around, to find that Master Beleron was not the only one in the room.