The Living Force

[Alexandra Feanor]

Alexandra adjusted the mask and her robes, careful to make sure no feature showed with the exception of a pair of violet eyes peering through the slits that mimicked eyes in her mask. She had not yet gotten to meet with or speak to [member="Veiere Arenais"], much less seen if those in this order were people she had met in the past and would link her to her past actions. She still was scared of Jedi as a whole but that was ok if she simply hid who she was, something that made her move in the blue robes and cross the short distance left until she would join the others and see what they would be doing here. She had heard something about a lesson when she had arrived at the temple, careful to speak softly and kindly to those she met and never to give more than she wished to receive as far as information went. She wanted to meet with Veiere before she settled in and hearing the thoughts of these students and their master would give her some base knowledge on the order.

Soon though, the voices of the others would reach her ears and she arrived just in time to hear the next line presented by the older master. She had not intended to interrupt their discussion so she was careful to enter without steering attention away from their focus on the line from the Jedi code.

"Ignorance, yet Knowledge?"

Ignorance and knowledge, she enjoyed the question posed by this line, curious as to the thoughts of the others rather than presenting her own take on the line. These were jedi, or at least hopefuls who were training to be fully fledged. She would not know how to become of the same mind as them, not at this point but that did not mean she could not try to understand them. She was going to help and join this order, and while she would probably never understand their code the same way, she could at least attempt it.

She smiled behind the mask, amused she had given her own thoughts on the line without meaning to. One can be ignorant, one can be unable to learn and understand something in the same way as others but it is the knowledge of that ignorance and what she cannot come to understand that still improves her. Of course she probably viewed it in a far different light than them, but she was curious as to if any of them shared that way of thinking in the slightest sense. The... bear seemed to grasp it in a similar way as her, her eyes locked on the creature for a few moments, honestly surprised by its appearance and her hand worked to scratch at the ear of her own hidden companion, the Ashlan wolf hidden in her robes and obscured from sight. The next answer was from a girl who had arrived barely before herself.

She listened to the answer and rested her chin on her hand, the folds of her robes soon obscuring the hand now as she listened from where she sat. Her eyes turning now to the others, curious how they would answer, and if they would answer.

[member="Teynara Jeralyr"] / [member="Calder Icehammer"] / [member="Tashra"] / [member="Aarshlût Muyel"] / [member="Asheda Tyr"] / [member="Karren Trask"]​

 

[Asheda Tyr]

The talk about the second part of the code eluded her grasp, it seemed that she was really out of place here as most of the other padawans knew far more about the force then she did. The way that [member="Tashra"] explained it seemed to be the simplest but lacking something she couldn't quite put her finger one. What [member="Calder Icehammer"] said was indeed wise and meaningful but she didn't quite grasp its connection to that part of the code, before she could ask for a more elaborate explanation another person spoke up.

The woman in question was a new face to her, they were a tall blond and beautiful, with an air off wisdom and calming. Her explication seemed to confuse her even more, thought she respected her view she couldn't understand what she meant by it, the question posed at the end further confused her train of through. For the time being she just decided to keep quite until master [member="Veiere Arenais"] too speak up and give a better explanation.

Taking another look around again at the current student she spotted another new face, though not exactly. The new arrival or perhaps someone she just didn't notice wore a mask covering their face, though nothing about her seemed to be off or dark the fact that they were hiding their face brought an uneasy feeling around. She dismissed it for now, perhaps it was a customary thing or maybe they had suffered a wound of some sort and was hiding it for the benefit of the students.

 

[WolfMortum]

Looking first to Tashra, Veiere wondered if she might elaborate on her remark about the differences between showing wisdom and having knowledge, she was not wrong yet her answer was kept close to heart leaving Veiere to consider if she wasn't by some means still in doubt and not wishing to open herself up too much so soon before the rest of the group. Smiling to her faintly, he dipped his head in a sideways nod, neither giving her confirmation nor denying her answer yet simply acknowledging her contribution before soon looking to Calder Icehammer. The Beorni too was correct in his answer though perhaps Veiere had given too much hint to that aspect of the meaning behind the words; he was glad for this being a group effort, they were all sharing their answers with one another and quite comfortably Veiere could have sat there without offering an explanation of his own. Had he the desire, he could simply prompt the precepts for them to guess at and watch as they were all sharp enough and eager enough to come into their own with so little encouragement from himself. This truly was in his mind one of the most rewarding aspects of living the Jedi Path, watching the future of the Order explore the teachings of the Code with such intrigue and an almost juvenile curiosity.

It was then that his gaze was taken by that of Teynara, she had not been at the conclave prior yet had already been welcomed by some of the Students of the Yutani Order. Complacency and Stagnation, these were words that had come up during the very first conclave Veiere had held under the Galactic Republic's Jedi Order; they were strong words and he had voiced them out of concern that the Republic was collapsing due to in-fighting and a greater emphasis on personal and individual opinions rather than the Order working toward a united front with the others within the Galaxy. Only later, when he had moved to that of Commenor and both the Jedi and the Republic had collapsed in on itself did Veiere realize that despite the prediction eventually coming to pass, he had spoken against his own people without the conveyance of respect, instead coming off as judgmental and biased of what they had become. He had held the best of intentions yet lacked the knowledge to go about trying to encourage such a reform without showing ignorance of his own towards their own people, most especially the Grandmaster then who as complacent as he had appeared, did not justify Veiere's behavior at the time.

"Knowledge is an incredibly vital part of our growth as individuals, both Jedi and otherwise..." He began to respond, his gaze shifting to that of Alexandra Feanor, the masked figure who held herself in a way that Veiere found peculiar though it did not stop his train of thought nor take his focus away from his students for long. "We train our bodies and our minds, we seek information to work the brain and seek to become wise that we might follow down this path to the best of our ability. During our time, we never cease to learn even when you're as old as I am..." He dipped his gaze, throwing them all a lop-sided smirk and lifting his hand while looking a little amused, gesturing for them not to comment on the matter but emphasis the rhetorical joke at his own expense. "And yet at the same time there are limitations that we must respect, knowing when certain information can drive us down the wrong path, compromising our integrity. It is one thing to have your ideals challenged...-To that I encourage as you continue on, yet there are some things that are best left alone and you must know when to acknowledge those moments and to steer clear of potentially misleading information. For those of you who are not following, let me give you this example..." and a serious example it was to be; not a subject to be taken lightly at all.

"...There are many abilities that have been taught throughout the years and by this point you will all have heard of the 'Dark Side' of the Force, what is often referencing the manifestation of darkness within those that seek to use the Force for their own purposes. At this stage of your training, to begin to study such a way would be ill-advised and not something I would condone you doing so until you're all of a much greater understanding both of the Path you are following and of the Force that binds us all. Students have tried to do such things in the past, those who were not wise enough to restrain themselves and ensure their minds were clear of negativity, were affected so...-Thus in your learnings, students...-Ignorance of the risks in the acquisition of knowledge for the right and wrong reasons is too a steep learning curve and of crucial importance. Do not seek to run before you can walk and always keep your feet moving down the righteous path. That of service to those around you and that of faith that in the things you do, you adhere to the Jedi Code and the Will of the Force..." his ability to talk could often be considered long winded indeed though he left the students to consider these thoughts, silence taking to the air around them for a short while while Veiere sought to gauge whether they understood what he was saying and more importantly if they too sought to challenge his own perception of the second Precept.

"Interesting indeed. Perhaps if there are no questions thus far, someone might recall the third Precept that follows...?".

[member="Calder Icehammer"] | [member="Asheda Tyr"] | [member="Cambria Zadira"] | [member="Gabriella Rhayne"] | [member="Karren Trask"] | [member="Thom Arden"] | [member="Tashra"] | [member="Dane Teraan"] | [member="Alexandra Feanor"] | [member="Teynara Jeralyr"]​

 

[Viviana]

"Passion, yet Serenity." Calder spoke up again, but this time rather than continue he glanced around the group. "I.. Do not think I understand this one." He stated before falling completely silent. Truth be told, if he knew all of the Jedi code or at least understood it he wouldn't need this lesson. It was refreshing to have something new to learn more than just the opinions of others. Eagerly he continued to glance around, curious on what exactly the third Precept could mean.

[member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Asheda Tyr"] [member="Alexandra Feanor"] [member="Cambria Zadira"] @Bagriella Rhayne [member="Karren Trask"] [member="Thom Arden"] [member="Tashra"] [member="Dane Teraan"] [member="Teynara Jeralyr"]

 

[Aarshlût Muyel]

Ignorance, yet knowledge. Aarshlût already had an opinion in mind for that portion of the code as during his words Master had basically given the answer away whether he had realized it or not. There was a sharp glint in Aarshlût’s eyes as he smiled the scars that adorned his face stretching as well making what was an innocent smile appear menacing. The ignorance portion was to acknowledge that no matter how old one was, that no matter how wise one believed themselves to be there were always things out there that they didn’t know or could comprehend. Much like his own people when they had marched across the galaxy setting it alight. They were a people that could not be comprehended by the Jedi nor the galaxy at large when they’d arrived. It was ones’ duty to acknowledge they were still ignorant of things, but also in their mandate to continue learning.

Aarshlût did not have time to voice this opinion as before he did newcomers had entered the chamber offering their own opinions on the line of the code. One was human, dressed in clothes that were in Aarshlût’s opinion far too ostentatious for what they had arrived for. Was she more so trying to show her higher station in life than the others? Did she wish to just make a good impression on all those gathered? What were the goals of this woman? It was still a mystery to Aarshlût how humans operated at times, their thought processes and rituals at times confounded the Vong. How could they function at times, how did the governments manage to sustain themselves with the amount of infighting and manipulations. Shaking his head dismissing the thoughts that continued to plague his mind Aarshlût focused back on his fellow students and Veiere.

Instead of delivering out the next line of the code Veiere had instead offered it for his students to give it and their own interpretations. Sitting back and looking at the others Aarshlût wasn’t surprised at all to see it was Calder giving the next line. Out of those gathered Aarshlût regarded the Berni as second in wisdom to Veiere. “Wouldn’t thisss be in line with emotionssss, yet peace? We must realize that we all are filled with these emotionsss, yet we must not let them control usss or our judgementssss.”

[member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Calder Icehammer"] [member="Tashra"] [member="Karren Trask"] [member="Asheda Tyr"] [member="Gabriella Rhayne"] [member="Alexandra Feanor"] @Teynara Jeralyr

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Alexandra wanted to hear a bit more but her interest got the better of her as she spoke from behind the mask that covered her face. Her hands moved to rest in her lap and she straightened up from where she sat, letting her voice come out in the same soft tone she preferred when being around others in this kind of setting.

"If I might provide my own interpretation. Emotions, yet peace. Everyone here I am certain is susceptible to the emotions that are advised against by the older masters that had inhabited the centuries before you. Those warnings are there for a reason and that is why a different version of the code advises for one to shun the emotions that hold them. But you chose this one for a reason and if I might say you speak this whole time with moderation in mind. You intend to hold a discussion in which you suggest we understand, confront and acknowledge emotions, yet do not let them control actions. Instead a stable mind should act aside from those emotions."

She looked directly at [member="Veiere Arenais"], waiting for any hint as to what his intent was with the use of this code. She knew few Jedi that would suggest moderation in their actions and the use of the code, even if they did turn into hypocrites at some point by breaking certain strict tenants while keeping to others. Veiere did not seem like such, given his explanation given for the last line. He seemed like someone who had thought long about what the codes meant and had developed his own interpretation or was passing on the interpretation of the one who came before him.

Either one was fine with Alex, who's hand messed with the fabric of her robes, waiting for other answers or even for the man to continue the explanation he might have had planned for the line. She was interested in ever one of the members here, from the bear like creature, to what she was certain was a Vong. The two alone was an interesting group but then there was the others who all seemed to vary significantly in their appearance or apparent experience. This was a group she wanted to get to know.

[member="Teynara Jeralyr"] / [member="Calder Icehammer"] / [member="Tashra"] / [member="Aarshlût Muyel"] / [member="Asheda Tyr"] / [member="Karren Trask"]​

 

[Tashra]

When she listened to the other talk about the second sentence and absorbed it she felt lost when the third one came about. Passion yet serenity was something she could't wrap her brain around and decided to exercise wisdom and instead of chiming in on some point she was clueless about, learn from what the others had to say about it.

[member="Alexandra Feanor"] [member="Aarshlût Muyel"] [member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Asheda Tyr"] [member="Teynara Jeralyr"] [member="Karren Trask"]

 

[Cambria Zadira]

Cambria Zadira arrived late as there had been a matter to handle back at the temple before attending the group training session in the sanctuary of the serene mountain setting the Yutan wilderness provided those of the Jedi Order.

The Twi'lek Knight walked into the shelter cut into the mountain with a river and falls nearby dressed in her modified Jedi robes. She without fanfare took a seat quickly and quietly amongst her fellow Jedi gathered of various ages, species, and ranks. Master [member="Veiere Arenais"] was leading a discussion on the meaning of the Jedi Code. She listened thoughtfully to those giving their interpretation. It certainly was an important topic to talk about; one could argue from a certain point of view the most important as control over emotion was the first step to mastery of the Light side.

"The third line of the Jedi Code refers to the inner calm of a Jedi in my view. Passions, like emotions, impact a Jedi or any sentient being for that matter. Much like the first line, passions should be accepted for what they are, but not allowed to control ones actions or decisions. Clarity of mind should be a paramount goal to find peace and serenity. Passions and emotions should not take precedence over duty, and the Force. This is why it is important to meditate to find one's center in the Force. Meditating helps to calm a Jedi so they may work through these feelings, sometimes very intense in nature, to remove them though not to purge or ignore them, but to simply separate these sentiments whether good or bad from a Jedi's duty, and the Force itself," the Rutian Twi'lek offered with her native accent prominent as words were spoken softly.

"When lives, or even the fate of the galaxy are at stake, a servant of the Light must have a clear mind to find the best judgement and course ahead," Bri added sagely as her golden eyes gazed around the group.

[member="Tashra"] [member="Alexandra Feanor"] [member="Aarshlût Muyel"] [member="Calder Icehammer"] [member="Asheda Tyr"] [member="Karren Trask"]

 

[Asheda Tyr]

When knight [member="Cambria Zadira"] arrived she felt that things would start making more sence, though only knowing her for a little bit longer then the other Jedu presentm she felt that the way she explained thing was much easier to understand. Though that was not to say master [member="Veiere Arenais"] was not a good teacher, and other padawans/knight like [member="Calder Icehammer"] and [member="Alexandra Feanor"] carried wise words as well.

She under stood her perception on the third line in the code, mediation and keeping emotion in check and finding ones inner peace and keeping a level head when making decision or when trying to be one with the force. This part of the coded seemed to be more easily accepted and straight forward then the first two, but the again keeping ones emotion in check and staying calm was something she had a good amount of practices with. "I would have to say i agree with knight Zabria and her interpretation of what that section of the code means".

[member="Tashra"]
[member="Aarshlût Muyel"]

 

[Teynara Jeralyr]

What [member="Cambria Zadira"] had stated was true enough: there was a need to seek clear judgment in times of stress, to push emotions to one side and act as rationally as possible. Still, despite that understanding, Teynara couldn't help but think of it as an over-simplification. After all, evolution has taught us that both physical and psychological properties remain from one generation to the next only if they are useful. Sentient beings wouldn't have evolved into empathic and emotional beings if there was no survival value or similar benefit to it: so to suggest that one might simply push them to one side seemed, to her, wrong.

And then what of the Sith? True, she didn't know much about them, beyond the quiet misgivings and whispered words that she caught in the hallways, but one thing she was aware was that they wielded the Force in the full grip of their emotions, and though this ran contrary to the Jedi Code, they nonetheless controlled vast swaths of territory, and exercised as much, if not more, power than the Jedi were able to. How do we reconcile this? How can we believe our philosophy sufficient when our counterparts are able to do as they choose without relying upon our codes? It was a thought that had irked her on several occasions, but never moreso than now. Not a question to be asked outloud, however. Discretion was a valuable trait, in her book, and the others would be disturbed by the thought.

"Surely, when we speak of passions, we don't simply talk about deeper emotions, but also obsessions, and the things we cling to without realising it, but that form the core of our psyche?", she said softly, brushing a stray strand of her long blonde hair away from her forehead, tucking it carefully behind one ear, to keep it out of her way. "The Jedi who spends twelve hours a day practising with their lightsaber is caught in a passion, as is the Healer who works until they drop to see that their patients are in one piece, or the Council Master who spends half their time engaging in paperwork, because the Order demands it."

It was something her parents had always warned her of in the past: indulge your hobbies and passions, but never let them become controlling. If you only ever focused on a single thing, you would blind yourself to opportunity and possibilities beyond that, to your detriment. Admittedly, that applied more to your personal life than to something like the Jedi, or so she suspected, rather doubting that her parents' wisdom was necessarily applicable to something as complex as the Jedi Way, but it felt worth mentioning.

"Objectivity is often our goal, yes?", she asked, somewhat rhetorically - there was plenty of knowledge contained within the Archives on the topic, and many texts had suggested that the ideal Jedi was one who could put aside all personal concerns, and seek an objective solution to any problem, as the best outcome for all involved. "Perhaps if we're caught up in our passions, such a thing isn't easy to see, because we're only focused on ourselves or that one task in the moment, and not looking beyond it for other considerations." She shrugged slightly. "If you love vanilla ice cream, you never think to look beyond it to all the other flavours you might like. And yet one of those could be just as, if not more, delicious."

No doubt she was wrong, and if so, hopefully one of the masters would correct her, but it seemed like a reasonable thought to offer, at least for now.

| [member="Veiere Arenais"] | [member="Calder Icehammer"] | [member="Asheda Tyr"] | [member="Cambria Zadira"] | [member="Gabriella Rhayne"] | [member="Karren Trask"] | [member="Thom Arden"] | [member="Tashra"] | [member="Dane Teraan"] |​

 

[WolfMortum]

"Consider this..." Veiere spoke up soon after that of [member="Teynara Jeralyr"] and the others, smiling as he looked among the group, "It is a passion of mine to follow in the path that many Jedi have set before me, to serve the Force as our Order has done for generations. If I had not held this passion in life then my drive would not have brought me on this far. I would not be here today seeking to teach you all in the ways that I have been taught, nor be nearly so invested in the things that I strive to do, were I not to have the passion enough for this direction that I seek to walk". Veiere had undergone a wealth of strife in the recent years, facing numerous attacks against the Silver Jedi Order, the former Republic and those of the Commenori people. He and his wife [member="Lady Kay"] had been threatened time and time again, so much easier would it have been to give in to his emotions and neglecting the first precept to take his anger out on those responsible for their many struggles and yet he remained passionately following the Jedi Path, passionate in learning to further discover the mysteries of the Force and passionate about remaining a man of integrity as best as he could manage. Without such a strong intent to live the life he walked, things would look far different today.

"Passion is a natural part of our lives, it motivates us to rise above our expectations and succeed in our goals and objectives. It's also true that these passions can overcome our better judgement and these goals of ours become obsessions as Teynara has suggested. It is a similar line to 'Emotion, yet peace' yet extends beyond our immediate consciousness and sentient emotions, encompassing our livelihood, the direction in which we hope to serve and speaking of the care that is required as we seek to complete our training as Jedi and then bring about service to the people and the consequences our actions could bring if left unchecked". As Jedi, they would be required to analyze their own motives in every day that they stood outside of the Temple walls or the confines of the Orders grounds, meeting with the rest of society and representing the Jedi Order. Always mindful of themselves and the ripple effect that came from their behaviors and decisions, like casting a stone into the water and the waves of effect that flowed around the point of impact were much the same as how they would come to affect the lives of others and in turn find themselves being received by the people, for better or for worse. Their morale and their choices in this path would dictate just how difficult their training would become; never easy yet far more complicated for those whom held themselves in arrogance and self-righteousness.

"Chaos, yet Harmony..."

​

[member="Calder Icehammer"] | [member="Asheda Tyr"] | [member="Cambria Zadira"] | [member="Gabriella Rhayne"] | [member="Karren Trask"] | [member="Thom Arden"] | [member="Tashra"] | [member="Dane Teraan"] | [member="Alexandra Feanor"] | [member="Teynara Jeralyr"]​

 

[Aarshlût Muyel]

This was possibly one of the few instances Aarshlût had witnessed so many humans in one place without the conversation devolving into an argument, he was glad to see his readings had been fact. The Jedi did not let their egos or their own beliefs rule over themselves when it came to discussion, as in a regular debate or conversation about something that is open for interpretation it would have ended with unkind words being said and the anger of one driving them. It was one of the reasons Aarshlût had respected his race, thought them above humans, they knew not to argue about such things, yet only after exploring the galaxy and learning more, studying other species did Aarshlût realize his people were repressed. Not only were they repressed by the Sith, the priests who preached false words to the Yuuzhan Vong, or by the galaxy but also by themselves and their own beliefs. Their acceptance of conformity.

After the circle had completed with only a few not giving input on the speech did Aarshlût nod his head. There was no argument to Master Veiere’s words as the entire circle had touched on different meanings, aspects of the line that he hadn’t taken in. This was a learning experience for all involved, even for Veiere himself. He was learning more about his students, he was learning how they thought, how they acted and what type of people they were. Was that not the meaning of this lesson? Teaching the code could’ve been simply been mentioned in passing and the students sent to meditate on it but here they all were having an in-depth discussion.

“Chaossss, yet harmony…” Stroking a long, sharpened nail across his chin Aarshlût contemplated how best to describe his beliefs on this line of the code. He had come from war, Aarshlût had seen much in his years, he was even older than Veiere, Aarshlût had seen the true chaos that had besieged the galaxy and had even played a part in it. “The galaxy we live in is draped in a sssshroud of chaossss. It encompasses ever part of our galaxy, there are slavers that steal the rightssss of those too weak to defend themselves, there are wars waged every waking moment over a difference in beliefs and millions continue to lose their livessss. Thissss is the chaos we live in.” Spreading his hands and motioning to the environment around them Aarshlût looked out to the forest. “Yet here we are, here we ssssit in harmony, in peace.”

“There will always be chaosss, we can’t ssstop it, yet there will always be places of harmony, of peace. Both inside ourselves and in nature itself.”

[member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Calder Icehammer"] [member="Tashra"] [member="Karren Trask"] [member="Asheda Tyr"] [member="Gabriella Rhayne"] [member="Alexandra Feanor"] [member="Teynara Jeralyr"]

 

[Tashra]

"Master Veiere, does this passage pertain that despite there being chaos around us we, as jedi should remain steadfast and calm against the metaphorical storm around us?" She asked as she raised her hand, biting her lower lip slightly as she wasn't so sure of the answer herself given her lack of any training in the jedi ways. The others seemed to have so much more knowledge in this regard than herself and it filled he with a slight inferiority complex when she sized up herself with the rest of them but in the back of her mind she knew that if she dedicated herself properly to it and learned the lessons by heart she could at least reach their level.
That thought alone allowed her to numb her inferiority complex slightly and but it into the back of her mind though it still sat there, like a dog gnawing at it's cage to get out.

[member="Aarshlût Muyel"] I [member="Veiere Arenais"] I [member="Teynara Jeralyr"] I [member="Asheda Tyr"] I [member="Cambria Zadira"] I [member="Alexandra Feanor"] I [member="Calder Icehammer"] I [member="Karren Trask"]

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Alexandra listened as the older master gave his answer for the question of the code. The answer made her curious, that a jedi would actually acknowledge their passions as a good thing. For her it was rare to even consider that a Jedi could act like the passions they held would be acceptable. It was a welcome bit of knowledge that made her unconciously relax to the meeting of students and master. She had not gotten in any private words with the man so was only going off what she could find in him in public. He had given them the standard warning about one's passions but to not outright condemn them was something she did not think Jedi would do. She wondered if the man worried that people would misunderstand about the lesson, wondered if the Vong would fall to the same trap its others did, or if any of the jedi would not hold back in indulging those passions.

Her hand shifted slightly as she began to listen to the next bit of answers, curious about what they would say this time. First came the Vong, who's voice caught her attention and held her considering his people's actions in the past. She was curious what the creature could even do, knowing a great deal of their kind was not sensitive to the force, or atleast in the same way. He answered with a literally example, contrasting the chaos caused by slavers to their harmony here. But even then there isn't exactly harmony in this place. She could appreciate this place for its own chaos, the fact that the life of this world grew in what ever fashion it could, without order or planning. But the Vong saw this place as harmony.

Next came the pale creature she had not figured out the species of. She spoke more vaguely and in the mind of them being the harmony, the bulwark against the storm around them. It was curious, and something she had heard before. Jedi were defenders of the peace, calm councilors who could approach situations with ease and without causing worry. Sadly this is not the case in many places, they were not always a harmony like the woman had asked. Jedi caused death and killed just as readily as a sith, using the pretense of a battle to keep their hand from hesitation. Sure, the Jedi were normally far more controlled, but at other times they could be worse than some sith in their pursuit of correcting the chaos caused.

How would their master respond she wondered.

 

[WolfMortum]

"Precisely" Veiere responded with a soft chuckle, "I took it by this meaning too. The Galaxy is a dangerous place for many within galactic Society, there are always dangers that others will be forced to face and in living to help and serve these people, we ourselves will take on that danger so that others might be able to avoid injury and suffering". The life of a Jedi was by no means the easy path, those he sought to walk it were required to act with great self discipline and restraint from personal pursuits, instead putting the lives of others before their own and taking it upon themselves to be the supporting presence in the galaxy that others might be spared from the difficulties that would come their way. "As we grow within our training and learn to harness the powers of the Force that are gifted to us, we open the doors that will see us through to a place where we must choose whether or not to take a stand against injustice and represent the good of the people, or otherwise strike out on our own and in doing so neglect the ideals and moral virtue that I aim to encourage here within the Order with the assistance of those others whom join us".

"The Jedi Order put themselves in front of the blaster that would otherwise be pointed at another, so to speak. In doing this, we voluntarily bring into our own path a good deal of what we refer to it as Chaos or otherwise unpredictability and hostilities often capable of turning violent. As a Jedi Knight however, said individual would have undergone a great deal of training to remain poised and focused on their objective, whatever that entails. I believe that this line refers to balance within the Force, that with darkness in the galaxy, the light remains to even out those odds as it were..." Veiere was a firm believer in the balance of the Force, though others had differed to his perspective in the past, it would be a subject to touch on further down the line during one of their philosophical lessons. For today, the Precepts of the Jedi Code seemed to be taking it's toll well enough. "The Jedi are the counterweight to ensure that darkness and chaos doesn't overrun the galaxy and dismantle the lives and livelihoods of the innocent. That is why it's so important to train ourselves, to give care over self discipline so that our views are not marred and become a detriment to our all encompassing goal of serving the will of the Force, the preservation of life and the natural cycle that flows around all of us".

"If there are no other's wanting to take a shot at this one, we can move on to the final precept. Death, Yet the Force".

[member="Calder Icehammer"] | [member="Asheda Tyr"] | [member="Cambria Zadira"] | [member="Gabriella Rhayne"] | [member="Karren Trask"] | [member="Thom Arden"] | [member="Tashra"] | [member="Dane Teraan"] | [member="Alexandra Feanor"] | [member="Teynara Jeralyr"]​

 

[Asheda Tyr]

Again, she let the other more experience and older members discuss about the code, the chaos yet harmony play deep with her emotion a bit as it kind of struck home with her and the previous life she lived. "Remaining calm and cool not matter the circumstances, even if other conduct themselves differently, provoke you or cause madness, staying in control is your key priority", this part of the code she had experience in and was very willing to abide by it. Besides, actions speak louder than words, and showing the galaxy that Jedi can remain calm during even dire circumstance and stick with what they believe, that would gain trust and lead to helping more people in the long run.

She listened intently to [member="Veiere Arenais"], as he explained the code more in depth, the counter weight analogy being easy to understand as well as an accurate representation, she gave a slight head shake once he asked if anyone else had something to add, eager to get on with the last part of the code. This last section was one that sparked the most interest in the young Togurta, ‘Death, yet the Force’. “The way I interpret this saying master is that even if we die, our selves become one with the force and we cannot really die if we give our self to it, in a sense we become internal, and from what stories I’ve hear some are even able to come back a ghost of sort to aid friends and further Jedi”. It might have been a naive though and wrong but she was excited to share her opinion on this topic, not matter what the real answer was or what other though.

[member="Alexandra Feanor"]
[member="Tashra"]
[member="Aarshlût Muyel"]
[member="Calder Icehammer"]

 

[Teynara Jeralyr]

[member="Asheda Tyr"] had raised something that Teynara had never been aware of and that, quite frankly, rather disturbed her. Death is supposed to be the end to life and consciousness, a measure of finality placed across our every deed. Without that...with this idea that life might persist even after death, was life really as precious as she had always believed? After all, if immortality lies within our grasp, nothing we really do in life matters, because there's always time to correct mistakes, learn new things, to make an impact. That rather disturbed her, but it was something she would have to explore later: now wasn't the time for that discussion.

She'd seen her fair share of death within her short lifetime: such was ever the fate of one who focused upon the healing arts. Her parents had exposed her to that early on, both of them being non-Force-using medical professionals, and her own xenobiological research later on had similarly led her to learn about death and decay: the natural ends to the processes she studied. And, yet, with each death, there is life: we are but sustenance for other organisms, in the end. More than that, it was true, but the physicality of it could not be denied. Death itself had never particularly disturbed her. And yet the idea of life beyond death does? You're getting strange, girl, she admonished herself silently.

"It's a strange statement, Master," she said softly, her eyes flickering towards Veiere, her face reflecting the confusion she had expressed. "Death is the only means by which life can truly be held meaningful, for only with death can there be life: you can't eat a Nerf Burger if a nerf did not die to provide the meat." She offered an elegant shrug of her shoulders, her eyebrows lifting in concert, as if to say 'that was obvious'. "It's the most basic of biological principles: all energy exists inside a closed circuit. The energy that constitutes you will eventually change and provide energy for another living thing. Even your death is but a continuation of a cycle."

All well and good, she noted inwardly, but then why would you bother to incorporate it into a behavioural code that governs the way a Jedi should think and act? Reminding them of such a basic principle wasn't likely to encourage them to protect or preserve life: after all, doing so simply bound it up in a system that had no preference for where that energy existed. The energy within that nerf is as precious and valuable to the Galaxy as the energy bound up inside of me. To resist death and entropy is simply to resist the natural cycle that demands that all eventually give way to newer life. Something told her that wouldn't be a message well-received by the Jedi - and, truthfully, she wasn't sure she liked it, either. It suggests that no single life has any virtue above any other. The cold, logical embrace of a scientific answer. And all such answers have to be considered in their context.

The young woman scowled at the thought - it was difficult to mesh her education as a scientist with the lessons the Jedi were teaching. Spiritual in nature, and often looking beyond the surface, at rules that don't work the same way as scientific laws. It was frustrating, and she knew the Code was looking for something else, something beyond the cold and rational analysis. It must speak to why Jedi act as they do. What else could it be?

"I wonder if it talks less about the reality of death and more about the fear of death," she ventured carefully, her eyes never leaving the Jedi Master's face, looking for changes in his facial microexpressions that might mean she was on track (or wildly off it). "Our deaths are inevitable, but once we have passed, the Force remains, and so does a Jedi's mandate. If we fear dying, and hold back in our efforts because of that fear, we aren't really Jedi. Would that be it?"

Probably not. The blonde didn't feel that she was making a lot of traction with these Jedi principles: the thoughts she'd expressed so far hadn't matched what Master Arenais had observed thereafter, so it was pretty clear that she had a long way to go. Nothing new there, she thought wryly. Probably a good thing being a Jedi is a lifelong commitment, Teynara noted silently. It's going to take me that long to get this all straightened out in my head.

| [member="Veiere Arenais"] | [member="Calder Icehammer"] | [member="Asheda Tyr"] | [member="Cambria Zadira"] | [member="Gabriella Rhayne"] | [member="Karren Trask"] | [member="Thom Arden"] | [member="Tashra"] | [member="Dane Teraan"] |​

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Alexandra heard the words that she always knew well, and then the answers.

Needless to say she was disappointed by the answers, and knew that if she spoke it would likely not be what the man before her was expecting to hear but this idea that one could ignore the fear of dying was silly. She had tried to ignore death, tried to get rid of her fears and hate, she had done so and in return for such stupidity created a being that tormented her every second and would gladly take over if she dropped her guard. The thought caused a laugh to escape her mouth before she could stop it, too late now though for stiffing what she had just done, so she spoke with a clearer and much louder voice than before, any hint of kindness dropping from her and instead talking about the harsh reality of what happens after one dies.

"You can, and will die. Most likely not by old age either in this universe we live in. Perhaps you will die from a betrayal of your friends, or your heart will collapse from a betrayal of the ones you love or serve. You will die and there is no "peaceful existence" for most of you either. Perhaps some of you have seen the Netherworld, been a part of the disaster that had occurred six years ago? I would certainly hope some of you were because that is what waits for you after your death. Those who become force ghost are the lucky few, able to live on in a existence that is only on loan, eventually fading into a hellscape which you will find yourself in. A place where the force is no longer yours to command, and instead you are trapped in an endless battlefield, or a dark abyss, or a river which causes you to relive those moments of your life where your pains found you. Sure, there is but one or two places where relative peace exists..."

She paused, calming her voice as she sighed behind her mask, both hands letting go of the cloth she had held onto.

"Death, yet the force. You will die, your deaths will be certain and likely by the blades carried by the sith or blasters carried by troopers. Maybe you will find that secret to living on in the force after but it is not so simple. And to ignore your fears about death, ignoring your fear about what comes after is childish. You should fear dying, you should understand that fear of what comes after, and you should accept that so that when you do become confronted with it, you do not quack and quiver, like a child who's world has been torn down around them. With that said, seeing death as the only thing that gives life meaning is also wrong. As I am sure you will agree Grandmaster, there is more to life than simply being a part of a cycle, and it is up to us to find where that life leads and make the most of it."

"You are right though, it is not the end of your consciousness or existence. Only the beginning of an endless existence where you can no longer attain higher achievement. You die, you are put into the netherworld like the left over trash of the universe, subject to that hell and wherever the judges choose you to be sent with your only escapes from that hell unnatural resurrection or tethering your spirit to the world and defying the course of the force."

She let her words sit there, knowing it was likely not what the old man wanted to hear but she had been to the Netherworld twice now, had come into contact with death on more than one occasion and succumbed to it once. The body she was in now was a result of the unnatural removal of her being from the netherworld after her death. It was only successful due to who had brought her back and then she was tossed aside by that same being. She had died again and for half a decade she had sat alone in self pity. Now she was back and if they thought Death was simple and there was some golden paradise or some life after death, they were wrong. There was no golden paradise, and any life after death is perverse as her own existence now.

With a sigh she bowed her head to the grand master sitting before them all.

"I apologize for the harsh words."

[member="Teynara Jeralyr"] / [member="Calder Icehammer"] / [member="Tashra"] / [member="Aarshlût Muyel"] / [member="Asheda Tyr"] / [member="Karren Trask"] / [member="Cambria Zadira"]

 

[Aarshlût Muyel]

Death, Yet the force… A topic Aarshlût was incredibly familiar with, one in which that he’d spent many years trying to explain, to comprehend with his original beliefs. Years ago, when numerous force users were snatched from the land of the living and taken to the netherworld it had been his people unaffected, yet those who returned from the great beyond held horrifying tales of what they saw. This however had been an unnatural event, still it shook the faith of the Jedaii Heresy to the very core. The just were meant to return to the force and live in peace, happiness. They would join once again with Yun-Yuuzhan and in that they’d experience their true Elysium. Not through the process of mutilating oneself akin to those who still followed the true path, but due to bringing about a light in the galaxy.

Hands wringing themselves in his lap Aarshlût first looked to Teynara who had given her own views on the statement yet instead of statements they were more like questions. She was still so young, she hadn’t seen the things Aarshlût had, the horrifying images of war, she had yet to be on the battlefield, in the fray, to be truly faced with death. Aarshlût’s grip began to increase till the point where his knuckles were white. While confident in his own beliefs what he said could truly take the conversation off topic or even cause some sort of uproar. Humans were so sensitive and defensive of their beliefs that if one offered something counter many would explode. Even Jedi could be prone to these actions.

Opening his mouth Aarshlût heard the voice of the masked woman who had joined them. Her words on death, and arrival in the Netherworld chilled Aarshlût to his very core. Not one ounce of his own studies into the force had revealed such knowledge of a fate akin to what this woman described fit the jedi. Was she perhaps not always devoted to the light? Had this woman dabbled in the dark. Squinting Aarshlût tried to remember, the days of war. The days he watched millions of his own die in the name of the Sith… He did not know this woman. “There is indeed a land in which there can be torment, where it is a living hell, I’ve heard the tales from those Sith who managed to return from it. Yet this was not a natural occurrence. Those who do whats just, follow the true path! Those who atone for their past misdeeds will be guided into a new life. One beyond this one, where we will once again join with Yun-Yuuzhan!” Looking around and dismissing what condescending looks he would possibly receive Aarshlût continued his voice continually rising taking on the tone he once did during his time apart of the priest caste.

“We cannot expect to fear death, we cannot bend to it, let the possibility stop us from aiding those in need. We are the jedi, brave, steadfast, the light in a galaxy full of darkness. Despite what our past misdeeds we have done one day we will be free to return to the source… To the force as you all call it.” Looking over to the woman who wore the mask Aarshlût raised a pronounced brow. “Perhaps even you have things in your past that you must atone for explaining why you saw what you did in the land beyond?”

[member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Calder Icehammer"] [member="Tashra"] [member="Karren Trask"] [member="Asheda Tyr"] [member="Gabriella Rhayne"] [member="Alexandra Feanor"] [member="Teynara Jeralyr"]

 

[Cambria Zadira]

It was very interesting to hear all the different interpretations. Cambria listened thoughtfully to those that had offered their understandings and of those who did not quite asking questions.

"Chaos itself refers to two things in my minds eye. The first is of the one you've spoken of on the outside. It is one we cannot control, though with a clear mind we can help bring harmony to. The second is the chaos we feel inside ourselves. Inner chaos is that in which is created by emotions and the Dark Side. By using mediation to sort through these emotions one may calm the turbulent seas within themselves, thus bringing harmony to oneself and the Force," the blue-skinned Twi'lek offered, then waited for the next line in the Jedi Code to be discussed; the last.

"Death is the final mastery of the Force. A Jedi must put aside the fear of death and accept that he is but a tool of the Force, a servant to the ultimate power of the galaxy if you will. Death is not the end, but yet another path to take. When a Jedi's time among the living ends, they are enveloped into the Force and become One with it. This is the ultimate destiny of a Jedi, finding one's true harmony with the Force," Bri nodded.

[member="Veiere Arenais"] [member="Calder Icehammer"] [member="Tashra"] [member="Karren Trask"] [member="Asheda Tyr"] [member="Gabriella Rhayne"] [member="Alexandra Feanor"] [member="Teynara Jeralyr"] [member="Aarshlût Muyel"]