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Post by Gabe© on Jul 29, 2006 17:44:14 GMT -5
A flash of Cronau Radiation flashed high above the Forest Moon of Endor, bringing out a stylish and expensive light transport that reflected the system's star with a golden hue. The ship paused as orders were given from a passenger to the pilot, then the twin sublight engines flared and the ship began its approach.
Ten minutes later, the ship crossed over the gathering of Jedi before landing half a kilometer away in a clearing. The ramp lowered and a young man and a young woman stepped out, their eyes popping at the verdant life surrounding them. It was vastly different from Tatooine, their homeworld.
"Hope we don't get eaten by something.." the young man muttered. He jerked when the young woman elbowed him in the rib.
"I doubt anything can be worse than a Krayt Dragon," she said with a tense smile.
Two figures followed the man and woman out. The first was the shorter, but also patently non-human, despite having human features. Long black hair, crystalline and alien violet eyes, and the flawless mix of male and female facial features. This was Clouded Spirit, a Force Shaman, as they were once called long ago. Clouded Spirit wore a roughly made robe of dried plants, lending it a dark green-grey color. An off-white staff that rose up to his color bone was the only thing he carried. There was a power that arose from it that spoke of long hours using it for reasons unknown.
"We'll stay here," the young man, Jakob, muttered. He had wanted to leave the shaman and the warrior-priestess, but his girlfriend Melindra, had said otherwise. She nodded silently to Clouded Spirit. They prepared to return to the ship to wait when Clouded Spirit spoke in his feminine melodic voice that made a poem out of every word.
"My thanks to you both. You shall be rewarded for your friendship to one such as I." He turned to Sthe warrior-priestess, Shanji, and left the two. The shaman's speed was amazing for his 5'9" height, his legs eating the distance despite taking a rather patient pace to the Jedi gathering.
"Keep your eyes open," he said softly to Shanji. "These are some of the most powerful sentients in the galaxy. Best be on your guard at all times."
The distance to the gathering quickly closed.
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Post by Charlotte on Jul 30, 2006 14:04:42 GMT -5
"Creepy little guy is right," Sadhric said when there was a pause. "How can we decide what shape we're to hold, when we don't even know how we mean to act?"
He wasn't seated with the Jedi, but had been loitering around beyond the ring of them, listening to it all without bothering to hide it. Now he was leaning one shoulder against a tree, arms folded across his chest, watching the lot of Jedi before him.
He wore a crooked smile--his use of the word 'we' had been completely deliberate, and designed to startle. Strange and ironic as it was, he'd once been informed that, by virtue of some assistance he'd given, he had some flimsy title in the Jedi Order that meant nothing, but was standing nonetheless. On a whim, he'd decided to exploit it.
Murra had been the reason for his coming. She'd allowed him to get close enough to her to apply his skills in repairing her body, in mending her (for what it had been worth), and he had always been a little astonished when people trusted him enough for that, and tended to nurture gratitude for it--if very privately. So he had not expected to give a damn about what the Jedi moaned about around the fire, or even to listen at all as they spoke in complete sentences about redundant issues. Haughty types annoyed him, and whole gatherings of haughty types drove him off, but from the very beginning he'd found that this discussion had interested him.
No ruling body.
The Mechanic had gone white as a sheet as soon as Caedmon had spat the idea out.
No ruling body.
He could see....
"But that's not the only core issue," he went on, apparently not the slightest bit bothered by the fact that he was basically just butting in. "You all need to consider those factors that have brought about the downfall of the Order in the past--and I don't mean individual assholes like Palpatine. I mean attitudes. Attitudes that have limited the Jedi as much as they have defined them. Powerful beings who practice isolation as a matter of course may build grand things together, but those things will crumble easily when the isolation cracks and the universe pours in--as it inevitably must. Powerful as you may be, the universe is moreso. Entropy is moreso.
"The hope of the Order and of all things lies in diversity on as many levels as can be managed. Diversity breeds flexibility, adaptability. That's what you need. As individuals, adaptability has existed as a matter of survival--but often at the cost of the ideals of the Order. Do you disagree? --Or the reverse has been true: the ideals of the Order persist, but at the cost of adaptability.
"Because you are not diverse. ... Oh, I see many species here, genders, ages. But as an Order, you are not defined by your species, your gender, your age. You are defined by one trait only: you are sensitive to the Force in a way that others are not. And in that, you are perfectly uniform. In that, there is no diversity in you, in any structure that you might create, and that is where your flaw is."
He lowered his voice a little. "What you need," he said, looking perfectly intent and serious now, "is someone with standing among you who is not the same thing you are. For perspective. For the sake of a voice different than your own, speaking with authority among you. You need someone whose eyes see the same way that most eyes in the galaxy see. Should you form a governing body of any kind, any number, you need this."
He shrugged a little and appeared to relax again. Softly he said, as if he were surprised at himself: "I'm prepared to volunteer for such a role."
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Post by Rich on Jul 30, 2006 22:29:10 GMT -5
-:For a long moment Caedmon was staring at the direction two new-comers whose ship had just arrived. Atleast one of them was very different from those gathered here.
Caedmon had met a few of the various force users in the galaxy, each of them had their own feel, opposed to the way a Jedi felt... How so? It was too vague to describe the differences, just the feel that seemed to resonate from within him.
As Sadhric began to speak, Caedmon's brows furrowed. He considered Sadhric a friend. And himself atleast a friend of Sadhric's, and so, even more so than when the other Jedi had talked, he felt a bit of resentment build up within him. Just small amount, as if he truly had been betrayed.
And then, it fled, and he could feel the strike of terror that crossed Sadhric at the nature of Caedmon's request.
And then he moved on, he spelt out his ideas, the need for diversity. The fact that Jedi Vanguards should be included in a council.... that the Jedi needed an idea as to how they would act before they formed a shape.
Adaptivity was the biggest concern.
He couldn't speak for the others. For him it was a precarious balance between personal ethics and ideas, over survival. When his life was on the line, he still managed to do what he felt was right, whether it worked out or not.
"I agree, if it is to be a council, the more varied the perspectives the better.... "
What is it you're looking to do Sadhric? What is your motive here? Once more... just once more
"And you indeed have a more varied point of view..."
I just hope you took something from Altar... something valuable...
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Post by Lissa on Jul 31, 2006 12:28:18 GMT -5
Murra Tekal:[/i]
Again, Murra spoke. This time not having stood from where she sat in the shadows of the fire. She was comfortable here, surrounded by friends, living amongst Family. This was part of the balance she had set out so long ago to find. To achieve within her own life.
"You always seem to know what to say, Sadhric, to get a mind wondering at just how much they don't understand about a particular situation. So, what I am wondering is this: with the diversity you can bring to the Order, what can this diversity to aid us in finding a balance with the Galaxy around us? You are right, we are flawed within ourselves. We are far too much the same in our differences and that could kill us. We do need help, there is wisdom within that insight."
She let her eyes move across the faces of those present. The Mechanic of ages ago would not have dreamed of putting himself this close to something that scared him, or that he didn't agree with-- something that he didn't understand-- or whatever his reasons for loathing the Jedi had been. She had never gotten a clear enough look into his mind to know that for sure.
"What makes you the best candidate for the job? Make your reasons good, my friend, we are -all- listening..." She was having a bit of fun with him. It was one of the few moments she found herself willing to jest in front of the gathered group of Jedi.
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Post by Charlotte on Jul 31, 2006 12:47:05 GMT -5
Sadhric burst out laughing. The grin that was left when the fit had passed was full of self-mockery, or maybe just mockery in general. "I never said I thought I was the best candidate; I just said I was willing to volunteer." He made a tight gesture with one hand, indicating the gathered Jedi. "You haven't even decided what you want yet."
Despite his amusement, there was something odd in his expression. It had been lurking there since the moment he'd said he'd be willing to work with them, and it wasn't an element that was normally part of his make up. It resembled pure bewilderment.
He was still leaning a shoulder against the tree, so his shrug was lopsided. "Make that choice before you skewer me."
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Post by Lissa on Jul 31, 2006 13:03:33 GMT -5
Jeryndi had sat still throughout, every now and again coughing... Right now, he sat hunched over. He'd curled his legs up underneath himself and had begun to stare into the fire. He listened intently to everything that had been said... A smile had played across his lips as Sadhric had actually volunteered. He'd remained silent, though, and kept his smartass remarks to himself even as Murra spoke... and then Sadhric had responded. Now, he could not hold back.
"The weird guy has a point...The opinions of outsiders, commoners, would be highly valued..." he says softly. But his tone became playful as his gaze settled on Sadhric.
"However... While your insights and opinions vary from our own, Sadhric... Its hardly applicable to the current situation. You've volunteered, but you're about as different from the common man as we are," he says dryly, his smile could be seen even within the darkness from where he sat.
"Still, your opinion is respected-- if not shared-- by many of us here... And while we can't rightfully count you as the 'common' part of a Council, you might come in handy..." Still, his tone was playful, but the point he made was a valid one.
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Post by Lissa on Jul 31, 2006 13:09:33 GMT -5
Murra Tekal:[/i]
She chuckled, hearing Jeryndi pipe up and added his two credits worth into the conversation. The smile had never faded from her lips, and now only grew as she spoke once more.
"Jeryndi makes a valid point there, Sadhric." She would leave it at that for the moment, watching Sadhric as he leaned against the tree. Times had certainly changed things, and-- all things considered-- it was a good change from what she could tell. (Especially if its 'pick on Sadhric' day.)
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Post by Charlotte on Jul 31, 2006 13:28:39 GMT -5
Jeryndi got him to frown. Admittedly, that's not very surprising.
"'Commoners.' Great good gods, just look at the words you use! 'Outsiders, commoners.'" He grimaced as if he was ready to throw up his hands in frustration, and pushed himself off of the tree, lowering his voice in exasperation.
"What the hell are you people? Are you sentients first, or Jedi first? If you're sentients first, among your own varied and spectacular kind in this galaxy, then you're worth something, you may have something of value to contribute, and there are no true 'outsiders' because you're one with the rest of us from the very start. But if you're Jedi first, then on behalf of every 'outsider' you can all go fuck yourselves, because you've made the things that make you different--the things that make you uncommon--into the elements that you respect the most. How about some godsdamned basic empathy? There's nothing 'common' about any sentient creature in the galaxy. Every one of us is a fucking miracle. And you elevate yourselves so fast from that, as if it's possible to be more miraculous than a miracle." He shrugged. "Forget I offered anything. I forget sometimes how essential your snobbery is to your identity."
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Post by Roy on Jul 31, 2006 13:45:23 GMT -5
"The Mechanic is correct..Mostly." The yet unnamed individual spoke up once more, casting a long glance toward Sadhric Tlin, recognizing the man easily. "We cannot separate ourselves from those we strive to protect, or we'll become the 'Outsiders', as he puts it, and will never be trusted. We must remember that we are not above anyone..we merely have an understanding different from most."
He pauses, taking a few steps closer to the fire and the group of Jedi huddled around it. His features become evident, but his identity would still be unknown. A shorter, slim man in his mid 20s, spiked blonde hair, thin-rimmed glasses, and a simple white tunic that has seen better days. He seemed no more a Jedi than Tlin himself, but his presense in the Force was undeniable.
"Perhaps we should take a moment of quiet contemplation with the Force to try and find our purpose, both individually, and as a whole."
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Post by Lissa on Jul 31, 2006 14:25:46 GMT -5
Jeryndi stared at Sadhric incredulously. Had he not changed since Elom, not changed at all since his Master had disappeared and had been thought to be dead, he'd probably have jumped to his feet and walked over to stare Sadhric right in the eyes despite their obvious difference in height. He'd probably have done something rash, like slap, pinch, or maybe even spit on Sadhric. He'd never done that in the past because of his intense respect for his Master, fear of being rebuked by his Master, and the fact that Sadhric could be very intimidating and didn't give two shits to care whether or not he'd smack a teenage boy upside the head for being disrespectful... But... he'd found in past experiences, that was not the way to deal with The Mechanic.
He waited till the stranger had finished talking, still not quite relenting to let his response go. Though he should have.
"That's not what I meant and I think you know that," he says softly, calmly. "You know enough of us, Sadhric, you ought to know that's not what I meant." He coughed one more time, then shook his head.
Many things had gone through his head in the few seconds that it'd taken Sadhric to finish talking. Like-- 'That's not what I meant, Dumbass.' and-- 'For someone who's entirely too smart for his own good, you just don't get it, do you?' ...And-- 'fuck me, but maybe -you- ought to be the one to fuck yourself'.... Yea, his sarcasm had been about to get the better of him... It was not, as it might've been suspected, his tiredness or lack of energy that neglected an energetic response. When he got riled up, damnit, he got riled up. It didn't matter about a lack of energy. And Sadhric had just rubbed him the wrong way.
But his lack of response showed that he was, indeed, learning... However, he apparently hadn't learned enough... For he still had something to say...
"Use those GodsBeDamned brains of yours and think outside of the toolbox," he muttered under his breath. He'd made a pun! ... And without even realizing it. He glanced over at the newcomer, the unknown man that had spoken into the clearing... To no one, he whispered weakly, so low that probably only those next to him would hear, as he lowered his gaze again. "What's this 'we' stuff... You got a mouse in your pocket?"
He dropped his head into his arms, curling up into a ball. He obviously didn't feel well. He didn't want to argue... He was simply tired. He'd known about this proposal that Caedmon was going to make. He felt bad about the response he'd given his Master when he'd been told what the proposal had been... It had been blatantly doubtful and had had more than a touch of biting sarcasm to it.
He heaved a sigh, closing his eyes as he relaxed back down into his seat... And steeled himself against any other comments that might irk him as Sadhric's remarks had.
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Post by Roy on Jul 31, 2006 14:39:47 GMT -5
He glances over to Jeryndi, blinking once at the muttered statement in his direction. "We, as in those of us gathered here in the here and now, boy. Not we as in myself and an imaginary pet."
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Post by Charlotte on Jul 31, 2006 14:49:52 GMT -5
At this point, feeling a little humiliated by his own outburst, Sadhric might have retreated except that Jeryndi had opened his mouth again. But already the moment was dissipating, and it was further deflected by Jeryndi's remark about the man in white, and the man's reply. There was no point in trying to sustain anger that was naturally fading; it would be a waste of energy, and dishonest.
So he bit his tongue.
But he thought privately that Jeryndi had said the words, and whether he acknowledged it or not they were the kinds of words that had been used forever to divide the 'special' people from the 'normal' people. The mere sound of them made Sadhric grit his teeth in the best of times, even when he was feeling most sure-footed, and here... feeling unsure as he did... they had made him open his mouth when he should have stayed silent.
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Post by Lissa on Jul 31, 2006 15:38:02 GMT -5
Jeryndi blinked at the stranger's words. Then smiled.
"Your imaginary pet can help, too." He winced when Leiyn chucked a stone at his head, even though he snatched it out of the air before it could connect.
"Be nice, Jeryndi," she said warningly. Jeryndi rolled his eyes and then looked back to the stranger. His expression was one of open irritation, but he said nothing about what irritated him.
"Sorry, Sir, sometime my sarcasm gets the better of me..." he says softly, bowing his head in respect. He sideglanced at Master Cato, wondering what else might come flying towards his head for his impertinence.
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Post by Rich on Jul 31, 2006 18:40:16 GMT -5
-:Caedmon blinked.
Just blinked. He was just astonished. Absolutely astonished that all this was going down..
His mind reeached outwards, grasping hold of his own flow of the Force, channel it outwards into a heavy flow that reached towards the fire, and then towards the heavens..
And then, the sound of thunder, close and powerful sparked outwards from the crackling flames, causing them to rise in such abundance that even those at the edges of the circle might feel the intensity of its heat. As surely as those in the front did.
"We are sentients first Sadhric. "
Allowing dark brown eyes to move from person to person,
" Our duty is to all life, and despite how we are the same as all of them, we are different. Because it isn't sentient first, or Jedi first... they are one and the same.... and for that, -we- are the outsiders. But they are the lords, and we are commoners..."
His gaze was for a moment forlorn for the things he had given up, for this discussion.
"All here are welcome to share their opinions, I personally value Sadhrics, his insight into the minds of others is extraordinary, I can vouch for that.... and he has a valid point, we don't know what it is we want exactly.... Are we to have a council? Yes or no, debate it shortly, then give a yes or a no accordingly..."
"I'll go first, No."
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Post by Roy on Jul 31, 2006 20:06:09 GMT -5
The stranger had fallen silent once his short discussion with Jeryndi ended, listening in on what was being said, though only partially. His mind was elsewhere, within the Force, trying to foresee the circumstances and results of each possible decision. For a long moment, he didn't say a word, shifting through the possible futures he could find. Finally, he surrendered his answer.
"No. There should be no council. If we stick to the old ways, we shall follow in the same footsteps our former Masters have taken, and fall into the same trap of complacency that has doomed our previous generations. We must change our ways while we still can to avoid such a fate. Rebuilding the Jedi Council of old will only destroy us all."
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