Private Dear Weird Jedi Boy

[Quinn Varanin]

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Dear Weird Jedi Boy Aaran Tafo ,

I don't understand why I feel compelled to write to you. Something about Bastion and how you chose not to fight bothers me. I didn't pose a threat, but from every Jedi I met they attacked on sight. Why didn't you fight? What held you back? To be fair I don't know many Jedi - but the ones I do know I've only met on the battlefield. I understand your deep connection to your friends and comrades, but I was taught the Jedi were forgiving - when did the Jedi become so vengeful?

Don't worry how I got your address - just deal with it.

Sincerely,
Cute Princess Echani ​

ty for cool datapad Runi Verin

 

[Aaran Tafo]

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Dear Miss Sisko ,

I did not fight because I try to only ever use violence when it is called for. Attacking a woman simply looking for her lost possessions in the middle of a war zone served no purpose. No meaning. While I understand that your impression of the Jedi maybe be soured. I do try to live by the ideals of my order. I tend to judge others based on their actions, not the trappings they wear. Or what religion they belong to. It is why I offered an open hand over a closed fist.

As for my comrades? I fear pain grips them. Pain of being forced to grow up in a galaxy at war. Pain of losing those close to them. And a burning desire to end the conflict quickly so that more lives can be spared in the long run. A utilitarian practice which I feel does not suit the Jedi. At the moment I am working with others to try and coax them back into something more aligned with the idealised version of what our order could be.

I beg that you do not judge them too harshly. And I apologise for any pain they may have caused you. Hopefully in time, you can see them for what they're trying to be.

Thank you for writing to me. It is a relief to hear that you are alright after Bastion.

Sincerely,
The Weird Jedi Boy ​

Quinn Varanin

 

[Quinn Varanin]

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Dear Weird Jedi Boy
Aaran Tafo ,

Oh wow, you responded. Didn't expect this really, I kind of wrote the last note just to get it off my chest and well Jedi aren't reliable. I'm glad you responded really, so despite my dislike for the Jedi Orders doesn't mean I don't want to talk. It feels like you're just making excuses - we all grew up in the middle of war. Our parents did, our grandparents everyone - there's always a war in this forsaken and cursed galaxy. It doesn't mean you can be a monster and slaughter without care. Do the Jedi that killed at the academy feel any remorse or are we animals to them? Do we not have feelings? Do we not breath the same air as you do?

Doesn't your order teach redemption? Forgiveness? I'm not defending the Sith - after realizing the terror that the Dark Side burns through the galaxy, but from where I'm sitting the Light Side does the same thing. I fully accept the crimes my former comrades have committed, but at least they admit to them instead of cowering behind the false flag of peace. Can you look at them, can you look me in the eye and say what you're doing is better for the galaxy?

Please, don't sour my opinion of you protecting those that would rather cut the throat of a living being for the satisfaction of Justice. See what they're trying to be? I'm sorry Jedi, they're trying to be Sith. This is why the Dark Side will never be eradicated - no matter how hard we try.

I'm glad you're safe too, I would have felt terrible if you would have died.
You're one of the good ones I think and I want to trust you.
I guess the first step is to give you my real name.
It's Quinn.
Maybe you can convince me to give you my last name.

Sincerely,
Cute Princess Echani ​

 

[Aaran Tafo]

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Dear Quinn ,

What a lovely name.

I am making excuses. I ask that you forgive me for that. I am finding it difficult to reconcile the image I have in my mind of my friends against the actions they have performed. War can influence choices yes, but ultimately it is everyone's own decision of what to do with their lives. And the choices my friends have made are disheartening to say the least.

Slowly they are coming around to the realisation of what you stated. That we as Jedi must believe in forgiveness. In redemption. Acting with compassion over a need to bring what we believe to be justice. To be something people can believe in once more. Good and evil can be subjective. Things like compassion, understanding, mercy. They are what we need to consider more. Not meeting violence with escalating force. True, sometimes you must fight for what you believe in. But to do so in such a matter does not befit a Jedi.

It will be an uphill struggle to enact such change. But it is one I will not give up in.

As for the righteousness of our actions? To say that we're doing good in the Galaxy? That is something I will admit I struggle with often. Before the war escalated, I spent most of my time among the people. Fighting off pirates, freeing slaves. Catching dangerous criminals. In times like those I would like to believe I was making a small piece of the Galaxy better. Maybe not on a grand scale. But I like to think I was making things better for the individuals I helped.

When it comes to war. I am gripped constantly by doubt. I take no pleasure in the actions I perform. But when those precious to you are called to fight. What are you to do? A position you may be able to understand.

I doubt I am justified in my actions. Even if the Sith would be a growing threat. Even if they are as awful as we fear. It does not justify stooping to such levels to combat them. It is why I am attempting to shift my focus to teaching the next generation to learn from our mistakes. To defend life and try to heal what is wounded. Instead of simply striking down what they believe to be evil.

I thank you for writing to me and listening to my thoughts. Your critisicm is helpful when it comes to figuring things out. I am always open to hear what others have to say. There need to be more people like to call others out on our hubris and preconceived notions.

I do hope that one day, I become someone worthy of your trust.

Sincerely.
Your Weird Jedi Friend. ​

Quinn Varanin

 

[Quinn Varanin]

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Aaran Tafo

 

[Aaran Tafo]

He pursed his lips as he stared at the screen. Eyes boring into the notification. A despondent sigh escaping him as he slumped against his desk.

He had rambled for far too long. Venting thoughts and opinions to a stranger that he was better off keeping to himself. His feelings were hardly something that he needed to burden Quinn with. Anything he did say to her would only be an excuse. Words could only go so far when it came to convincing someone. He could only let his actions speak for him.

Closing down the terminal on his desk. The Warden of Peace excused himself from his office. Desperate for some air to clear his troubled mind.