Lilla nodded as Ar’ekk began the recounting of his story. Kit was precisely what she wanted. Not the sterile factual information a datacron would impart, but a personal journey and a human perspective on a subject that would never be resolved – but deserved as much discussion as time would allow.
Lilla smiled at the device Ar’ekk produced. Rain was hardly the greatest hardship a Jedi would face, but being dry beat being wet every day.
And as he spoke, she compared and contrasted his words and understanding with what she knew of the Jedi Order and Code. But she remained quiet and attentive, not allowing her thoughts to wander – but continued to be focused on her host.
She took the drink readily, the hot liquid compensating for the appalling weather somewhat.
“Many things you have shared resonate with me. Not that I believe that they are different from the Jedi way of life, but rather the same. Does that mean I’m not a typical Jedi, if what you share – to you – feels to set the Je’daii apart?”
Lilla remained silent for a few seconds before continuing, clearly reflecting on thoughts before committing to sharing them. She would come across as measured and analytical – not given to speaking for the sake of it, nor believing everything she said and thought was automatically correct. But she also showed an intuitive side, able to join dots some way apart and share her interpretation of what she heard.
“To me, a Jedi is a peace-keeper. I would never seek a physical solution – unless as a last resort. The concept of a Jedi warrior is, to me, an oxymoron.”
“And I too seek learning and growth. I perceive a Jedi as selfless, a servant – totally lacking in ego. And I agree that I should not be a person that makes political decisions. But maybe there is our first point of divergence. I could no more join the Silver Order, for example, due to the fact that it is an Order and a government. But, at the other end of the scale, to operate entirely independently, makes a Jedi just as political. Free will to intervene or not – to choose sides? That is a political decision, and here I admit to sharing opinion as opposed to fact. Although I believe it is a reality that free choice could pit Jedi versus Jedi on either side of a dispute where there is no clear right or wrong, or where truths are manipulated and some see the deception and some don’t.”
“And almost all of what I have said is, in my estimation, devoid of opinion – or a personal take on anything. Rather it is what the teachings of the Jedi Code have told me.”
“And redemption is not a reserve of the Jedi or Je’daii – and the galaxy is a better place for that fact. What matters not is what anyone has done, but rather what they are doing and what they will do.” She smiled ruefully. “And no, I am not condoning past actions for any individual or government, but I hope you see the sentiment in my view.”
“And what I see are the positives and the clear similarities between our two Orders. Not the same, but neither is the worse for that. If my upbringing has taught me anything, it is tolerance. Being judgemental rarely ends well, for one day the arbiter will, in turn, be judged. Better to be a redeemer, in case one day you need to be saved.”
She smiled again, and a warmth came over her face. “Some say I talk too much. Others say I take myself and my studies too seriously. I can accept both charges – and just hope others understand my enthusiasm comes from a position of wishing to understand and never to weigh and find someone or something wanting.”
“And one thing I learned as a Padawan is to not expect any place to be home. Home is wherever I am and if that is a ship, I shall make peace with that. It is never something to apologise for, or make excuses for – you need to be where you need to be. As you say, balance in all things.”
[member="Arekk"]