Remembrance Classed

[Jsc]

Eshan Drive Yard, The Vithrasi Nebula
Republic Space

They called it Remembrance Class. The MC180 Command Ship. Two thousand meters long. 19,000 crew. Unlimited firepower. All Republic captial ship. Sam couldn't help but wonder where they found they time to build such a monster. It was the largest classification of vessel the Republic Navy fleeted. Indeed, there were less than a dozen of them even seaworthy at any one time. Maybe less than that too. How did the Echani engineers do it?

The Jedi Inspection Commitee had arrived by shuttle. Straight from Ossus Academy. Rear Admiral Keys had requested their presence just for this occasion and was said to be onboard already. The Battle Meditation Chamber had just been completed at the heart of the ship and someone was needed to test it. And that someone, meant a Jedi.

"Amazing. How close to completion is it Commander?" Sam asked of the tall bearded human male who shared their shuttle's lavish seating arrangment. Talk about first class.

"Nearly sixty percent, I'd say. You can tell because they build the ship's in sectional compartments and then piece them together like a giant puzzle. This vessel is completely assembled. Meaning they will be working on the insides by now."

Sam nodded and leaned over again to peer out the window. They were only ten minutes out from landing at the Drive Yards. Still plenty of time to view the scenery. Plenty of time to gawk over such a massive ship.

"Wow."

The Navy Commander brushed off his uniform and turned to the Shuttles other Jedi occupant. He smiled and waved towards the glass, Out towards the largest ship that Samantha Jhovna had ever seen.

"Well Magi? All that time in your galactic library and I'll still bet you've never seen one of those before? Heh. Eh?"

___

[member="Ayden Quell"]

 

[Ayden Quell]

The young cadet referred to as Magi, clad in the immaculate Republic Naval uniform, played a sly smirk on her thin, pretty lips. "Can't say I have, Commander. What are the specs?"

"Well…" The Commander drawled out in his southern-like accent. He was a heavy, tall, and stout older gentleman, the spitting image of a Naval Commander. He took a deep breath as he prepared for the military-style rigamarole he was about to run through. "This captial vessel is outfitted with-"

As the two Military officials shared their love for all things space cruisers, Ayden stood staring out the starboard window, in complete and utter awe. He had never been to a Shipyard before, had never even considered being at one, the thought simply never having crossed his mind. When he was offered to be part of the Jedi Inspection Committee, spearheaded by Jedi Knight Sam Jhovna, he accepted without hesitation. It felt like he was just at the Ossus Academy, talking about the inspection, and now… now he had just been dropped twenty thousand leagues under the sea.

Bright lights and large durasteel ships and structures floated across the expanse of space, like a school of fish fluttering across the ocean. There were large ships and small ships, red-painted ships and blue-painted ships. One only had to imagine what would be in the shipyard, and they'd pretty much hit the mark. This place had everything.

Eventually the shuttle landed at its intended destination, and the voice of the Commander roused Ayden from his musing. "We've arrived. Let's escort you inside. Admiral Keys is adamant about time efficiency."

The looming shadow of the monstrous gray hull swept beneath the group, as Ayden and Master Jhovna were escorted off the shuttle. Metal support beams twisted high in the air and glowed vibrantly against the back-drop of space. The durasteel, tirmantium, alusteel, and transparisteel all glistened with life, daring anyone who happened to cast a glance at the ship to come and have a peek.

Ayden realized the ship was even more massive than he thought. In fact, it wasn't a vehicle, it was like a city. Military personnel swept to and fro, the energy around the construction of the ship was palpable. Talk about a novel experience. It was humbling, yet a clear indication of the might of the Republic; a symbol of both technological innovation and the capability of mankind's achievements.

"Come along now," The Commander beckoned.

The MC180 Command Ship was larger than life, and as they entered the massive capital ship, it appeared to swallow them whole.

[member="Sam Jhovna"]

 

[Jsc]

As they walked along the large robust corridors Sam turned to her companion for the journey. She didn't know this Jedi very well yet and now was an excellent time to make new friends,

"Padawan Quell yes? My my. Thank you for accompanying me on this little outing of ours. I do so dislike traveling alone these days."

She placed her arms behind her golden gown and smiled as they strolled.

"So tell me? What made you decide to come along? ...I understand this is something of an 'extracurricular' activity for Ossus students. Hehe."

Sam let the other Republic Officers overhear their conversation. Though, their escorts seemed content to ignore their chatter for now. The majesty of this vessel had a way of making even the most seasoned Commander into a school boy again. Happy little tourists all.

[member="Ayden Quell"]​

 

[Ayden Quell]

Ayden nodded his head serendipitously. "It's my pleasure Master Jhovna. Thank you for presenting this opportunity to me." He glanced idly around the massive construct. It felt like he was inside a gargantuan fish, swallowed whole, and trapped inside like the parable character Jonah. Ayden flashed a smile, doing his best to remain stoic out of respect for the many Republic officers that littered around him. "Well, I've never been on a vessel like this before. I've taken shuttles, outfitted with standard hyperdrive units, but not much to boast of in the way of weaponry like this command ship. I've never even been on a freighter vessel. I had many chances to during my younger years, and I often thought about it, leaving Aleen Minor and traversing the stars, but I always figured it wasn't worth running to somewhere if it only meant I was running away from something else. That something else would only prove to catch up to me no matter where I went. You can't outrun yourself."

Ayden paused briefly, flushing crimson. "Sorry, I'm rambling. I saw this as an opportunity to further my Jedi training. If I really am a Jedi, if the Order is where I really belong, then I'll probably spend more time than I'd care to think about in a ship like this, or at least flying to different planets and territories to bring relief and aid to those less fortunate." He broke his gaze from the vessel around him, and his blue-gray eyes rested sideways on Master Jhovna's fabulous golden robe, which made her appear as if she gave off the glow of a sun. "What about you, master? Why did you take on this 'extracurricular activity'?"

[member="Sam Jhovna"]

 

[Jsc]

Sam smiled and turned to look ahead,

"Because I love ships. Hehe."

She giggled to herself at Ayden's eagerness to express himself. Amongst the navy ranks and soldierly classes it was often best to be seen and not heard. Soldier's tend to have a very low esteem for the Jedi, in her experience. Something Sam could understand. Well, after a manner of speaking. It was probably the most real reason why she was here too. The military needed to see the Jedi at their best. And that meant working.

"Commander? This is your first time among these grand halls too, yes?"

The navy man smirked and diverted his gaze back to his guests,

"Something like that. But I'm glad to be aboard and smiling. Even for just a short walk to the lift. Such as it is."

He held out a hand and motioned them into the elevator. Stopping his advance just before entering the lift.

"Enjoy your trip to the bridge Jedi. The Admiral will be awaiting for your arrival. God speed."

Sam gave him a thankful smiling nod and pressed the keypad. It appeared this is where they parted ways. Alas and congrats. Next stop, the bridge.

[member="Ayden Quell"]​

 

[Ayden Quell]

The turbolift chirped its ascent to the bridge, the navigational pane giving off a soft glow in retaliation.

Floor 1... ding.
Floor 2... ding.
Floor 3... ding.
And so on.

And then the Bridge.

A shrill timbre rang from seemingly nowhere, letting its passengers know they had reached their destination. A panoramic scene morphed into view as the doors of the lift diverged to reveal the bridge of the 180 Command ship.

The bridge was eerily quiet, apart from the clicking of keys and the soft voices of officers who echoed commands and replies. It was evident Admiral Keys was here and it was apparent that he was in charge. The officer in charge stood with his back to the elevator, unmistakably lost in some train of thought as he stared out the starbound window. It took him a few moments to turn around at the sound of the turbolift, a clear indication of his dignity, that he would rush for no-one, not even Jedi.

When he did turn, his face was as hard and cold as durasteel. There was no light that burned beneath his blue eyes, no vitality of life, only a simple understanding that he had commanded, and lost, many men. Because of this fact, his gaze was penetrating, and it made Ayden Quell gulp inaudibly. Although his face contained little in terms of physical scars, it wasn't hard to see the psychology cicatrixes that burned beneath the surface, and to Ayden, they seemed ready to burst at any moment.

"General Jhovna," the Admiral said in a coarse voice, peremptory in every way. "Thank you for coming."

[member="Sam Jhovna"]

 

[Jsc]

"Admiral Keys. Thank you for having us." Sam smiled and stepped off the lift with a bounding grace, "I am Jedi Knight Sam Jhovna of the Ossus Temple. And this is Jedi Padawan [member="Ayden Quell"] . We look forward to working with you today."

"Splendid. Shall we?"

He was cordial in word but solid in manner. The perfect picture of a loveless career. During the early years of the Republic Sam had known from whence all the Admirality came. Nobles from some far sector, Warlords from the next. It had only been a few years since the Federation of Systems had aligned themselves the Republic. And yet, in that small amount of time the Navy had come together perfectly. New uniforms were donned to hide old alliances and new ships were built to replace their colonial ties. Even the racial tensions seemed an afterthought these days. It did appear the eternal war with Sith Empires had solidified them anew. Gone were the days of the flotilla fleets. Now. There was only the stern and relentless intensity of the Republic Navy.

Something Admiral Noah Keys of Coruscant embodied well.

"Yes. Let's."

Sam smiled as the Admiral motioned them towards a far door. The Meditation Chambers were, like the CDIC rooms, always built nearer the bridge. Command seemed to favor keeping their Mages close to the Staff. For, whatever reason. Sam could only speculate.

Now, Keys had worked with the Jedi before. Sam knew this well. Noah, whilst but a Rear Admiral back on Allied Coruscant, used to liaison with the older Orders for special Intelligence Missions. His specialty was in fact, not ships at all. He was a spook. An Intelligence man. The budget must have been tough if he was working Fleet Duties again. So much for an early retirement after the last Sith Empire broke. All hands on deck.

Sam cleared her throat as the walked through the next doorway,

"Admiral."

"Mm."

"Padawan Quell and I will be happy to inspect the Meditation Chamber, as requested. However, I was hoping I could make another request during our short stay with you?"

"Oh?" He offered blankly.

"Yes. Well. ...Ahem. I was hoping we could sample some of the Tithe Cuisine that I hear your infamous Echani Chefs serve whilst touring on board these vessels. Hehe. Might that be possible?"

Noah stopped and raised his brow. Fascinating,

"Well. You're familiar with our Echani specialties I see. Hmm. ...I can't help but take an interest for a fellow lover of the Tithe Curry. So. ...Yes. I think that would be very possible. Very possible indeed."

His gaze shifted between the two Jedi. Almost smiling. Almost,

"So be it. After your work is completed please return to the bridge. My first officer will escort you down to the officer's diner and you may order what you like. My treat."

Noah raised a finger before Sam could gasp with delight,

"...Now? Shall we continue?"

He spun on his heels and began their dutiful retreat forwards. Sam turned to Ayden and clutched her hands with glee. It was happening! She would finally be able to have a bite of the Tithe's finest. Oh! It was like Christmas on Corellia, all over again. Yes!

 

[Ayden Quell]

Master Jhovna seemed particularly ecstatic. Ayden couldn't help but smile, his crows feet wrinkling by association, at her discernible glee. "Whats Tithe cuisine? And whats so special about it?" he asked curiously. Admiral Keys kept rigidly forward, marching along like it was the only thing he knew how to do, leaving Sam to answer the padawan's inquiry.

Then they were there. "Here it is, General. The meditation chamber. This won't take long, will it?" Admiral Keys's eyes narrowed, hardening his gaze. "Well, you know your orders. I'll be on the bridge in the meantime." He trotted back down the hallway, searching left and right as he went, like he was trying to shake off his own shadow.

Then they were alone in the beauty of the meditation chamber. "Wow," was Ayden's first impression.

The meditation chamber was, for Naval officers, the least impressive room on the ship. It was bare and empty, having no technological marvels, weapons, etc. But for a Jedi, specially one confined to a star ship, it was not without its redeeming qualities. The large, transparisteel window which stood before them was one such quality. It covered both port and starboard sides, which encompassed three quarters of the room, giving a perpetual view of space and stars. The room itself was dimly lit, and its soft glow gave off a gentle whisper to the mind and a gentle touch to the body. Though the room was small, the combined effects of the window and the dim lighting created a particular affect on the sensory organs; it gave the impression to whoever was in the room that they were comfortably floating in space, themselves infinite and eternal like the vast reaches of the 'verse.

In between a few soft cushioned seats on the floor was a rectangular durasteel construct. It was sleek and simple, like the room itself. On top of this was a transparisteel casing, which acted as a protective womb for several Adegan crystals which glowed as Sam and Ayden entered the room.

Ayden turned to Master Jhovna, avidity smothering his face. "What now?"

[member="Sam Jhovna"]

 

[Jsc]

"Now we meditate on the Force."

Sam's glee was swallowed up completely with fascination. Fascination for this ship, for the view outside. Fascination for the pale soft glow that emanated from their passive aura's themselves. This room was magnificent.

The Knightess began a slow soft pacing around the crystals center. There was something she wanted to observe in them. Something she wanted to test.

"Tithe cuisine is an old favorite dish of mine. Of Coruscanti origin. Since the capture of galactic center, it has been one fond memory I have tried desperately to find elsewhere. To seek just a little bit of home amongst the stars."

Sam continued her small circle but held up a hand. As if she could touch the radiance that stemmed from the crystals center.

"Alas. I had thought it but another memory of home that I must simply cast off. Another small tiny something that the Sith had taken from us. ...But now I see it is not so."

She stopped and closed her eyes. Attuning herself the crystals center. To the wise energy that lay beyond.

"Echani specialist are gifted in many fine ways. One way is to build great ships. Another way is to remember all that they have lost. Including? Hehe. A few far flung recipes as well."

Sam opened her eyes and focused on that feeling. That feeling of being home. That feeling she got when she focused on all that she had lost.

"It's just... Chicken curry in coconut sauce. But I haven't tasted something that special in a very long time."

A brilliant spark flashed amongst the crystals lay energies. Almost as if it was smiling. Smiling, like Sam turned to do towards [member="Ayden Quell"] .

"Come." She beckoned, "Close your eyes and attune your spirit to the wavelength of these subtle energies. Feel how the Force is flowing through them. Like an ocean very far away, you can hear the waves crashing against the white sands. ...These crystals are very much alive in the energies of the Force. If you are quiet? You might just hear them singing."

She raised a finger to lips as if to hush even a whisper. Then she waved Ayden closer that his mind might see as she did. Deeper into the Force.

 

[Ayden Quell]

Ayden could sense the poignant sorrow coming from Master Jhovna, if not from her aura, then from her words alone. He felt a kindling of empathy in his chest. "I know the feeling. I was outcasted from Aleen Minor, by my own father. I know what it's like to lose a home." Coruscant was also Ayden's home when the invasion happened, but it didn't hold the same significance to him as that Inner Rim rock did. "At least we have the memories in our mind. Sometimes those are more real."

He lapsed into silence, letting Master Jhovna finish. Then she called on him to attune himself to the Force. Smiling back at the Jedi Knight, he closed his eyes and focused on those memories. Cast across his mind's eye was the image of his mother and it roused a significant soothing in his very soul. His body stretched into the very vastness of space. The young Padawan focused on the crystal, on Master Jhovna, on the memories... all else faded away. The kindling in his chest suddenly roared into a monstrous fire, surging the Force through his core, and allowed him to see deeper in the Force; to see things how they were meant to be seen.

The crystals glowed vibrantly like a lighthouse beckoning its sailors home, on the very sea whose waves crashed against white sand.

[member="Sam Jhovna"]

 

[Jsc]

"These are the memories you and I will leave here as our parting gift. Our signature of completion."

She smiled and opened her bare palm to the crystals. Opening herself completely,

"You see? Attunement is a very personal thing. Some say the crystals choose you. Others, well, they choose to leave a very special part of themselves behind. Hehe."

Sam closed her eyes and let the memories of home pass into the Force. Let the desire free from her mind. Let hope take her far, far away. And then, in an instant, she returned back to earth. A perfectly pickled princess. Zap!

"Haha. Ah. ...This has been a good inspection. I do believe this room shall suffice."

She clasped her hands together with a jumping start. Mission complete.

"Well. I think everything is in order here? These crystals are attuned to the aura of the Lightside and plentifully powerful for even the lightest Battle Meditation posture. Ah yes. Fine indeedy. ...Well? Shall we depart then? Hehe. I think our job is finished here for today. Mm."

Sam stopped nearer the door and turned about,

"Oh? Have you any questions before we retire? This, seems an appropriate time to ask. This room is designed to serve as a nexus of our Force Potential. If you have any spiritually minded questions? Now is the time for sharing. Hehe."

[member="Ayden Quell"]​

 

[Ayden Quell]

"Like leaving a cosmic fingerprint. Thats quite interesting. It must be some kind of bond, right? I wonder, can the bond between a Jedi and their crystal ever be broken?" Ayden was rather curious about that aspect and wondered if there were not Jedi out there who had a deeper connection to their crystals than any sentient being. He thought that might be rather relevant for him and laughed inwardly.

Unfortunately, Ayden didn't share Master Jhovna's skill for letting his memories fade away. The image of his mother was still in the background of his thoughts like white noise. And although her presence filled him with tranquility, it also reminded him of his father, and The Congregation and all the other things which evoked great remorse and shame. That white noise threatened to turn into a dreadful cacophony. But these inner workings had an antagonist to face. Master Jhovna's pleasant joy sowed the seeds of a great amity between the two Jedi. It put him in good spirits and helped to remove him from his own little world.

"Spiritually minded questions?" Ayden said by way of mimicry, though he hid such a fact under a deadpan stare. After a brief pause, which was absolutely required for comedic effect, his lips curled in a grin. "Only one, Master Jhovna. Are you ready to chow on some Tithe cuisine?"

[member="Sam Jhovna"]

 

[Jsc]

She gave a knowing smile. Almost pleased to hear that his curiosity remained, comfortably, ...his own,

"Indeed I am. ...Let's. Hehe."

___

The officer's diner was comfortable and quiet. The view from the windows, immaculate. There was even a real wait staff of finely dressed persons to take their order. Wow. Either this was still part of the Inspection Committee's grand treatment, or the Admiral's ate very well indeed. Yum.

Sam sat down at the long table, company enough for several, and folded a napkin into her lap. The menu's presented themselves easily but she couldn't help but stop to look out the window. To think, just yesterday she was sitting in her room alone. Wondering what tomorrow would bring.

"So. What will it be Padawan Quell? ...I. Well. I myself would recommend anything from the curry menu and then the fried noodles. The chicken is excellent though I hear wonderful things about the seafood as well. Just gossip of course. The bulk cruiser's kitchen is far from the spectacle we enjoy today. Hehe. Naturally."

She grabbed a menu and began browsing for herself. This was a privilege reserved only for the best-in-class and she wasn't going to miss it. Sam Jhovna. One Jedi Knight sitting in the Officer's Diner of the largest ship in the fleet. Musing. Hehe.

Now that was flying.

[member="Ayden Quell"]​

 

[Ayden Quell]

Ayden felt completely out of his element. He was a basic proletariat when it came to dining accomodations. The young Padawan was caught gaping around the overwhelming surroundings when Master Jhovna began to speak. She seemed positively rhapsodic.

"Oh uh... well..." Ayden picked up the menu, holding it upside at first. He spun the menu around and gazed intently at it, squinting his eyes as if reading very fine print. After a few moments of mindless meandering, he put the menu back on the table. "I think I'll just order the same thing you do." He smiled mildly, as if trying to cover up his baffled state. It was a thin veil, indeed. "So what will you be ordering?"

[member="Sam Jhovna"]

 

[Jsc]

Sam peeked over the top her menu before retreating again from view. Oh dear. [member="Ayden Quell"] did seem rather out of his element. And he was so human too. Goodness.

She placed the menu on the table,

"Well then. I suppose we'll order two entrees and share. Hehe. Never hurts to be adventurous, you know."

Jhovna smiled. Putting new students in such uncomfortable positions. Ugh. What a horrible role-model she must make. Taking important missions simply so you could try the dining car. Attuning crystals without half a thought for the hours-long meditation cycles. Good heavens. How did she make Knight anyways. It was down right scandalous.

"So. While we are waiting for the staff to return, why don't you tell me a little about yourself? I understand you came to the Jedi Order willing. Might there be a story there we can pursue? Hehe."

She shifted in her chair to a much more relaxed side-long position. It was time for small talk.

 

[Ayden Quell]

Frère Jacques, frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous ? Dormez-vous ?

Master Jhovna was probably the worst role model in the entire Jedi Order,
and now Ayden was stuck with her...

How lame.

Except, that was far from the truth. She was a delight and a rather unconventional Jedi. Ayden enjoyed her company very much.

"I'm not quite sure I'd say 'willingly,' you never know with the Force, but it was ultimately my choice to join the Jedi, yes. I was born and raised on Aleen Minor. Since my youth I was a member of a small-time religious cult called 'The Congregation of the Way' and my father happened to be a pastoral leader in the group. They didn't like Force-sensitives much, so you can imagine when they found out I could manipulate the Force, they positively freaked. My own father kicked me out, in fact. I barely had time to pack. Something about 'bringing great shame' upon the Quell name. It was rather ridiculous, but whats a guy to do?"

Ayden shrugged his shoulders and then ran a hand through his thick brown hair. "I had friends on Coruscant, so thats where I went. I had never been to a big city before. In retrospect, it seems a little silly I went to the city, the capital of the Republic, but... Well anyway, there I was, a naive little fool on the most populated, industrial planet. I happened to pass by a recruitment station for the Coruscant Security Force one day. It seemed like the best chance I had at making a living, and hey, if I could "protect the weak and innocent" in the process, why not, right?

And then... well, you know what happened to Coruscant. At the time I was escorted off the planet with a group of senators. Our destination was Ossus, a temporary place we knew would be safe. An emergency war tribunal was called, chaos was everywhere and some sort of normalcy or order needed to be restored. I spoke up, against my better judgement, during the meeting -- I advocated for isolationism, not retaliation. I was hailed as a bigot, a terrorist, you name it. The CSF was in pieces at this point, and some real arrogant son of a blaster, some guy who had just been promoted due to the death of his superiors and felt himself some sort of Force-send stripped me of my rank right then and there.

So there I am on Ossus, no current ties to anything, and I have the potential to use the Force, though, for some reason, it never really occured to me until then. I had no money, no possessions of any kind really. It was one plus one equals two, you know? The Jedi were there, I was there. It just made sense."

Ayden's eyes had wandered throughout the conversation. He was never good at making eye-contact, but when he finished his blue-gray irises flashed on Master Jhovna's face. You know, to make sure she wasn't asleep...

Frère Jacques, frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous ? Dormez-vous ?

"Coruscant was nice when I was on it, though. Thats where you're from, right?" he said by way of conversation, to turn the tables, and ask her about her own past. He knew it might be sensitive territory, so he just waited, looking rather innocent and thoughtful, for her response.

[member="Sam Jhovna"]

 

[Jsc]

She thought about his story. It hadn't been what she had expected. In a way, it humbled her. She'd never faced such dynamic decisions until she was well on her own path. She found herself suddenly conflicted. How could she judge others when everyone else was stronger than her. It just didn't seem right.

Sam coughed and turned to the windows,

"Yes indeed. I was from Coruscant."

No more words came. Her thoughts drifted in and out, but nothing. Nothing tanglible to add. The Sith had smashed her home and the heart of the Republic in one killer blow. ...And there was nothing she could have done to stop it.

"Is that why you want to be a Jedi, Ayden. To protect and serve."

She turned around and set the menu down.

"It's a hard life, you know. Full of sacrifice and selfless service. You don those robes and nobody out there will even remember your name. Are you sure this is how you want to spend the rest of your life? As a Jedi?"

Maybe she was asking him. Maybe she was asking herself. Maybe, deep down, she was too scared right now to even know.

[member="Ayden Quell"]​

 

[Ayden Quell]

Ayden got the impression she didn't want to speak much about her past, hell, she only said six words about it. So, he thought he might as well talk, to compensate for her, and perhaps keep her from whatever troubled her. It was possible the loss of Coruscant had shaken the very foundations of her soul.

Well, in reality, he probably wasn't the best guy to be talking to if that was the case.

"To protect and serve? Honestly no. I feel like thats a rather stock phrase or false slogan. It's the answer people choose when they don't really have one, but its like trying to force two puzzle pieces together when they don't match. I believe the technical term for it is cognitive dissonance. People want to make sense of things, so they rationalize, they justify. Except, nothing makes sense. Where I am and what I am doing now is the cultivation of the decisions I made, the decisions other people made -- such as my father attempting to kick me out or you offering to take me on this inspection -- and some decisions that were entirely random, like my Force-sensitivity. I never asked for it, it just happened. How do you make sense of something like that? You don't, you can't! Yet people will try, try, and try again. And decisions... decisions, decisions, decisions. How do you even make one? If you don't, one will be chosen for you? Well feth, who wants that?"

The words just exploded out of him with no real direction. Its origin was rather murky, but such is the nature of these things.

"Life is hard no matter where you go or what you do. And really, at least a priori of what I've already stated, there is no sacrifice or selfless service becasue there truly is no self. There is just the will of the Force. Everything else, like self or "to protect and serve," is illusion. It serves to satisfy some innate craving. The more and more you try to appease this craving god, the more and more you need. It's like a bottomless pit, and when you realize that, well, you see the futility in it."

Ayden glanced at Master Jhovna with warm blue-gray eyes. "I'm not a Jedi. I'm just a guy trying to figure this poodoo out." He smiled mildly, as if apologizing for his language. "Nobody can be a Jedi. It's an idea. Based on all that, how do you then have a reason for being one? It makes no sense! I don't know... Look, I know I sound crazy, but how else can I explain it?"

[member="Sam Jhovna"]

 

[Jsc]

They say truth has a ring to it. Like, you've heard it before somewhere, long, long ago. A familiarity that moves you. [member="Ayden Quell"] had that ring. And she liked that about him. It was something very real.

"There is great wisdom in great simplicity. So I like to keep it simple."

Again, she turned back to the window to ponder. Taking time more for herself and less for explaining. She needed to feel rather than think right now. Touching her chin she sighed and nodded,

"You must do what you feel is right, of course."

Maybe it wasn't her saying those words though. Maybe they were from someone else. She let that linger in silence for a moment before speaking again. Sometimes the soul needs more time to absorb careful words than the mind does. Sam turned to face him with a somber smile. A great pause to separate them,

"I respect your decision to accompany me today Padawan Quell. You have a great old spirit, though you might not know it. I foresee you becoming a great Jedi one day. Though, your power will lie not with yourself but rather, ...your strength with lie in your ability to help others. To help others succeed. To guide and illuminate their way. ...Yes. Much hope I sense in you. A great strength indeed."

Her eyes found the menu again and she touched it softly. It felt good to say those words. To remember again why she had loved the Jedi who had mentored her.

"Well. I think our waiter is approaching. I should probably order for us. Hehe."

 

[Ayden Quell]

"Sometimes the simpler something is, the harder it becomes to understand," he said in reponse to her first statement.

Ayden's eyes wandered the decadent halls, letting Master Jhovna speak and letting the words of her second statement settle in. He really didn't have a response. There were many things he could say, but none would really matter. Doing what is right for oneself is all one can do.

And then she started barraging him with compliments. Oh, how he loathed compliments. What does one say? Thank you? but then the other person may think you are an arrogant son of a blaster, as if the words you really said were 'I know,' but nobody likes someone who can't take a compliment. Wouldn't that also be somewhat disrespectful? Just to say 'No, you're wrong?' and what if she was right?

But after her third response he saw her smile, a momentary reprieve from whatever tormets her mind had gone through before, and it made him grin jovially. The young Padawan said no words, he merely glanced at her thoughtfully, drinking in her delight. I guess you could say he did what felt right.

Then, as if rousing from a dream, he awoke at the voice of the waiter saying, "What can I get you?"

[member="Sam Jhovna"]