Enemy mine – the CHAOS cut

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus was pleased they were talking about the Force again without sailing too close to dangerous waters.

“I tend to be active all day,” she explained. "A morning run and meditation before first light. Then the gym, lessons, Faalo’s Cadences, saber techniques, the Library and then bed. Unless I’m on a mission then that’s what I do every day. The beauty of having to teach Padawans, Younglings and even Knights is that you get to practice so much automatically.”

When he mentioned the book, her eyebrows raised. “Would it surprise you to learn I’ve already read it? I have always believed that you don’t have to be a killer to catch one, but it helps if you understand them. I apologise for the crude analogy, but unlike many Jedi, I read all I can about the Sith. The work of Darth Bane and the era between his reign and Order 66 is most enlightening. Every lesson we ever wanted to learn is there to see but we are blind to it.”

“So, the gym?” She punched up a code on the computer and requested some appropriate attire for working out. Then she looked at Avreet. "You should order some even if you just create the illusion, right?”

[member="Dux Pontus"]

 

[Darth Veles]

The new information concerning Corvus' interest in books written by Sith certainly surprised him, but pleasantly so. It was not often Avreet encountered someone who shared his interest in books and he would have hardly imagined the person to be a Jedi. Maybe it showed progress in the Jedi Order? More tolerance towards different opinions? Most Jedi wanted to wipe the Sith out, exterminate them, and in doing so destroy all of their works and teaching because of a foolish belief that would somehow stop more Sith from being born. A completely insane concept, if successful, would have only resulted in Dark Jedi replacing the Sith, a variant that was vastly worse for everyone. While not every Sith was as sane and reasonable as the Mon Cal and his friends, they still followed some sort of code and principles. Dark Jedi had nothing of the sort. As such, Avreet sincerely hoped the Jedi would start reading more Sith books instead of burning them. If nothing else, it definitely showed their intolerance and hatred towards other groups of Force users.

Unfortunately, the young Sith Lord never had a good chance to get his webbed hands on a book written by a Jedi except for a few biographies. Perhaps the Jedi did not feel like sharing their ideas and knowledge, which was indicated by their massive libraries not many could access. Perhaps not. It hardly mattered now, Avreet found himself wanting to discuss the nature of the Sith with Corvus. Not their opinions on the ongoing conflict, but on the history. Before doing that though, he nodded to her question about a different attire and picked some clothes more fit for working out.

"Since you know much about our history," Avreet started after confirming the order, "Perhaps you have noticed how the Sith have evolved over the years? First nothing but simple brutes, they have advanced and became civilized beings with colurful and rich culture... and now they started devolving. It is a shame! I hope it won't last..."

Avreet vanished and Kana appeared in his place, making her way out of the room. "I don't want Sith to become those insane and unreasonable fools of old!"

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

"I know of the species of course. Natives of Korriban and Ziost. And they were enslaved by Dark Jedi who had left the Order, who wanted to use the Dark-side of the Force. And over time the practice of using the Dark-side is what became known as Sith. And I have read of the eternal struggles."

"I would never choose to read a Sith holocron for personal gain but I'm not sure it is right to destroy it either. We should learn of the Sith's approach and find a way to combat it." She smiled. "This is like you telling me how to defeat the Jedi. But I trust you know my heart is true in what I am saying. I am here to play my part in bringing balance to the Force. That is my simple goal."

"But as to your last point, what has history shown us other than we repeat everything in cycles. Only the timescale changes. Jedi wax, Jedi wane, Sith wax, Sith wane. So shall it ever be."

[member="Dux Pontus"]

 

[Darth Veles]

"Isn't that the problem?" Avreet questioned the Jedi's words, "This mindset. You understand and acknowledge the endless war between Jedi and Sith will never end. It costs billions of lives of poor people who have nothing to do with with our teachings and are involuntarily dragged in the middle of the conflict, only to be slaughtered. What is worse, everyone seems to have accepted it; nobody strives for a diplomatic solution which holds the potential of significantly less bloodshed and most importantly, a permanent end of this insanity. The war between Sith and Jedi is pointless and brings nothing but pain and suffering. Why is everyone so apathetic to it? Why do both sides wish to complete annihilate the other without giving them any option to surrender?" spoke the Sith Lord as he left the room, heading towards the turbolift, the projection of Kana nodding at both slaves and offering them a friendly smile, something unknown to those men. Calling the turbolift with a simple press of a button, the Mon Cal continued to share his opinion.

"Instead of studying Sith materials to learn how to fight them, perhaps you should learn how to understand them?" he shrugged, "As a wise man once said, do I not destroy my enemies by making them my friends? That should be your way of thinking!" Raising his hand, one of his webbed claws gently tappen on Corvus' forehead. "You make no attempts to offer Sith something better than the One Sith. They can either fight for their place to live, or they can surrender to the Republic and get executed or converted to your religion. There is no other option for them! The Republic is intolerant and those who leave the One Sith have no motivation to join the Republic even if they wanted!" The turbolift arrived, Avreet fell silent as he felt two lifeforms inside, the door leading in opened and out came a pair of women. Kana spared them one glance before getting inside the cabin, going further in to let Corvus have her personal space.

"The One Sith have, I have to say, a better system. Join them and you can keep your religion. You can follow whatever code you want, you can believe what you want. You can follow the Jedi Code and use the Light Side exclusively and nobody cares. Do not take my words as criticism though; more like a suggestion of how to make the Republic something better. More appealing." And with that, he stopped talking, giving the Jedi Knight the opportunity.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus nodded. His words were valid but in her eyes this was bigger than the Jedi Order and the Sith. This was the Galactic Republic and the Sith Order. Two vast empires at war.

"I do what I can and shall continue to do so. Education is key to me. I can influence Jedi and see how far that brings us closer to a resolution." She wanted to add all the things she couldn't do but refrained. He was right and she needed to be more positive. Plan for success and only then plan for failure.

Corvus worked her way around the gym. She started on the treadmill and entered into a state of Moving Meditation, able to run safely whilst connecting deeply with the Force. Five miles later she grabbed a drink and headed for the weight machines. She focused on exercises that worked her upper body, further helping her chosen unarmed fighting discipline of Steel Hands.

[member="Dux Pontus"]

 

[Darth Veles]

On their way to the gym, the two have stopped to pick their ordered clothing. It came off as little weird that Kana took apparel positively suited for men, but no questions were asked. After changing and getting in the gym, naturally taking his lightsabers, the Mon Calamari did the same thing as Corvus, that is running on the treadmill. To make it harder for himself, he continued to maintain the projection of Kana. This was a very effective way to properly practice several things as once and test his stamina. Moving at quick pace while manipulating the light around himself through the Force was a challenging task, a proof of his mastery over light and sound. This would have ruined anyone else in just a few minutes, but not this Sith Lord! Augmented muscles in his body worked tirelessly and it seemed his stamina was truly infinite. Even after Corvus went to another way of perfecting her boy, Avreet continued running, letting out soft breaths. Many Force users, his former student included, often underestimated the importance of stamina and could not even sprint up 8 floors without breaking sweat. For Avreet though, his body presented a machine that had to keep working without a pause, without exhaustion. Only then one could use the Force to its full potential, as weak bodies simply could not effectively burn all that energy the Force required of them.

More minutes passed until the Mon Calamari finally stopped, letting go of the illusion. Taking deep breaths, he focused on the Force, his mind growing stronger with his body. With his eyes shut for several seconds, he swiftly analyzed the cost of Force cloak when combined with the exercise. Much to his pleasure, he discovered to be more than capable of supplying the technique with energy. Assassins had to know how to conserve their energy. From time to time, the Sith Lord worried he had forgotten how to do that due to his cybernetically enhanced body that pushed his strength, speed and stamina far beyond natural limits.

Without saying a word, he opened his eyes and turned in the direction of the Jedi Knight. "Do you know a strong Jedi healer, Corvus?" he asked and rotated around, proceeding to take off his top, not to show off his muscles but to reveal the tattoo that covered his back, clearly displaying a design of the Sith. "This is the Dark Mark of the One Sith... all receive it upon becoming a Knight," the amphibious Sith Lord explained, "Mine has been created by the Eye of the Dark Lord herself. It is the only thing that identifies me as a member of the One Sith... so I want to get rid of it as I do not wish to be associated with them anymore. Unfortunately, I do not believe the tattoo can be removed by ordinary means," his face betrayed nothing, yet his voice showed signs of frustration. "It grows with my power. I need a Jedi healer to look at that... do you know of any that would help me?"

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus was taking the change of appearance by Avreet for granted now. But every now and then she'd turn to speak to her friend and remember it was actually the former Sith. When she saw his tattoo, she felt slightly revulsed. Not the design itself but what it stood for.

"I know of many Jedi healers. One that help out? I will ask discretely. Are you aware it is laced with any special Sith magic or is it simply linked to the Force?"

[member="Dux Pontus"]

 

[Darth Veles]

Avreet frowned, his large head turning to look at Corvus. Many healers? He had encountered exactly one in his entire life, and that was a Dark Jedi who went rogue. Did that mean most healers remained in the safety of their Temple? A perfectly reasonable move in the times of war when the Jedi logically could not let their healers fight on the front lines against experienced Sith. This made Avreet wonder what kind of combat training Jedi Healers actually received.

Putting his top back on, along with a smiling expression, he tilted his head to the right, both large eyes studying the female Jedi as he thought of an answer, remembering the day when Darth Veles was born quite clearly. It happened such a long time ago and Veles no longer existed, at least not for Avreet, but all memories remained.

"I am no expert on Sith magick," he admitted, ashamed of his lack of knowledge concerning the arcane since his old Master was a powerful Sith Witch, "The Dark Side itself poured out of her fingertips and touched my body, creating the Mark. I am not sure if anything special is involved in its creation, except the Force of course. It grows on its own as I gain more power, it changes its shape... almost like a living creature under my skin... and yet it is not alive, it is a tattoo created by the Dark Side. Maybe it could be removed by the Light Side?" the Sith said in his smooth and deep voice, wondering aloud.

"Thank you. Once our way part, do not hesitate to contact me if you need something concerning the Sith. I am still unsure if I'll be able to face the One Sith, but I'll do my best to help the Republic. Maybe," a hopeful smile appeared, "Maybe the Republic will see what a Sith really is and learn to distinguish between Sith and Dark Jedi. Of course, that is probably just wishful thinking. There is too much hate in the Republic, all of it directed against all those who use the Dark Side."

"And if you find a healer tolerant enough to help a Sith, let me know as well. In return, I will tell you something about Sith agents in the Republic." This she undoubtedly found interesting.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus listened and felt the inner turmoil. The Republic and the Jedi would not tolerate Sith. That wasn't to say there weren't Sith in the Republic, but they tended to be covert. And as much as the Jedi would benefit from knowledge of the Sith, once Avreet was unveiled, the politicians would take over and it would be out of Jedi hands.

But what about an informer? "I have one possibility to consider. What if I could get you help with the tattoo in exchange for knowledge? It would involve red tape - but if the prospect appeals, I can certainly start the process with the GrandMaster."

[member="Dux Pontus"]

 

[Darth Veles]

That... certainly was something to consider. Walking over to a bench press, he sat on it, looking at the young Jedi, thinking of the offer. It tempted him in a way similar to the Dark Side, and yet he did not know whether to accept or not. The One Sith had to be stopped, but despite that, he wanted the Sith as a whole to contine existing. Offering too much knowledge to his enemies put every Sith in danger. Not just the one Sith; his friends too. He certainly did not want to endanger them and possibly exterminate the Sith, leaving just him, rotting alive in some dark cell. Much like the decision to leave the One Sith, this one also presented two vastly different paths. Once he picked one, he could not walk the other. The removal of the tattoo was not worth it; for that, he'd be willing to reveal one Sith agent within the Republic. After giving her a signal to escape, of course; he did not want to be responsible for death of his own agent.

"Can you be more specific, please?" he asked, puzzled look spreading over his face, "I need to know more before making a decision."

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus could sense Avreet's unease and understood it. She could offer no guarantees but that was no good for someone that could be potentially placing their life in her hands.

"I'll stick to facts and what I know. I know we always seek Sith agents. I know that information is valuable. I will ask the GrandMaster if - in return for this one piece of information we would allow a healer to help remove this tattoo. It would be at a place that was mutually agreed, to protect your anonymity. I would be present too - as you know me and it would provide an assurance that the healer was safe. And that would be that. Afterwards we'd all go our separate ways. Is that more helpful?"

As she spoke she started to work on the punchbag. She held back as she didn't want to break it. Instead she worked on her speed and pulled the punches. Steel hands was so named for a reason!

[member="Dux Pontus"]

 

[Darth Veles]

As the woman spoke, further explaining her proposal, Avreet lied down on the bench and grabbed the bar, sliding along the bench and tucking his feet under the bench, firmly planting them on the floor. Then he finally started pressing the weight up, his arms working automatically and with little effort while his mind focused on what the Jedi Knight said. His own thoughts were soon accompanied by a methodical sound of her fists giving the punchbag a hard time. Avreet's eye swiveled to spy on the Jedi's technique and learn something of her style. It certainly was not his style of unarmed combat, K'tara, a martial arts style focused on speed and damage, delivering fatal attacks swiftly and quietly. Perfect for assassins. After a while of quiet observation, Avreet found some of Corvus' fast movements and the way she held her body similar, resembling Teräs Käsi, a technique he had seen a few times, but never studied himself. As such, he immediately branded the Knight as a practicioner of this style of unarmed combat.

"You must forgive me, but I do not trust your Grandmaster," he finally broke the silence, his voice calm and careful, "Capturing a former Voice of the Dark Lord is too tempting to be passed. It is said Jedi are the greatest liars, and I have no reason to believe otherwise. I apologize, but I do not want to risk spending the rest of my life in prison for the crimes of others. The Republic... and you, Jedi, as well... are ruthless when it comes to Sith or Imperials. I am both of these things, which is enough to get me executed. Huh," he paused, his pace of pressing the weight getting faster.

"Now that I think about it, I believe it to be a bad idea. Even if you manage to remove the tattoo and keep your word by letting me go, I will be trading my agent's life for a bit of comfort. I am afraid I cannot do that."

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus continued to work the punchbag as she listened to Avreet. Were the roles reversed she would have done exactly the same. If it were possible, he'd gone even further up in her estimation.

"I quite understand. But I must take you to task on one thing." She couldn't smile to show her positive viewpoint, under the circumstances so she hoped she softened her voice enough to show there was no animosity. "I hope I have already shared with you my utmost respect for the GrandMaster. Once upon a time, I respected all - just for their titles." She cocked her head to one side. "I guess I still do. But there are people I respect for who they are, not for a title or profession. Kiskla Grayson," she used her given name to further reinforce the message, "Is someone I trust with my life. I would say I would lay down my life for her - but then I'd do that for any Jedi. Any person probably. No, I trust her implicitly. I respect your decision but do not attach any significance of that view based upon her or her office."

"Surely there are people you trust?"

[member="Dux Pontus"]

 

[Darth Veles]

The metal sound of the weight being rhytmically pressed up started to sound like some sort of weird music, especially with Corvus still punching the bag. Avreet's large eyes stared into the white of the ceiling, his body working as a well-oiled machine and repeating the constant movement of lifting the weight up and down, his ears taking in Corvus' words into his head where his mind processed it all, a silent debate happening inside his head, as he found himself unprepared, not sure if he should be more of a Sith or an Imperial. Two different ways of thinking, one based on honour and discipline, the other on power. Avreet Zatarus and Darth Veles both focused on giving their opinion. The Sith part of the Mon Calamari insisted he could trust nobody but himself, and if there was one person he could somewhat trust, it had to be his former Master, Darth Zarrah. The Imperial half agreed on that latter part, but also expressed its opinion that there were many more he trusted; some of his former students, his first apprentice, his friends...

"Indeed there are," he replied, "I trust many people. Lady Zarrah in particular. I have proven to her that Sith can be friends." The thought brought a smile on his face as he remembered the moment; visiting his old Master in her estate shortly after becoming a Knight. The Togruta welcomed him like a son, having her servants prepare a feast while the two Sith talked. It was then that the Sith Witch admitted he had changed her opinion. Not only she trusted him, she thought of him as her dear friend. Needless to say, the feeling was very mutual. "There is nothing I wouldnot do for her, but she is the only being in the galaxy that can make me go against my code. I won't do such a thing for any of my other friends. I will give my life for them without hesitation, but I will not break my mantra. If my code requires it, I will kill them." He let out a sigh, feeling his muscles burn, but it was a pleasant sensation. "I know it sounds cold, but I do not expect you to understand. Once you have some principles, you have to adhere to them. That is why I'm here and not raiding planets with the One Sith. That is why I refuse to join your Order. There is one and only one being I will break my personal code for, and yet it is more than enough. If she told me to go back to the One Sith, I would have done so immediately."

"But do not worry, Knight. She is very reasonable and does not abuse the fact I am willing to do anything for her. Now, about Kiskla Grayson," he quickly changed the topic back before they had a chance of becoming lost in it, "I have encountered your Grand Master on Teta. While it was impossible for me to try and send her to the Void at the time, I have witnessed her power. She truly is quite powerful, huh. But what about her wisdom? Is she a wise woman, or one of those who believe themselves to have consumed all the wisdom of the universe?" he asked.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

It was good that he trusted people. Sometimes Corvus remembered the words of Master Vosra – to trust nothing but the Force. It was wise counsel, but there were individuals who, through word and deed she extended it to.

But there sounded like more than trust in Avreet’s voice, and his words. There was also loyalty and…love? Corvus loved no-one. This didn’t striker her as odd and she wasn’t surprised to hear that other people loved – it was just that in her controlled emotional state, love was something she denied herself.

As the subject returned to the GrandMaster, Corvus shook her head as she continued to work the punch-bag, occasionally switching to hit the dummy with her knee. “She is wise enough to know that nobody is as smart as everybody She seeks counsel and rarely, if ever, gives instruction. You leave her feeling that you’ve made the decision. She teases it out of you. I’m sure she guides but that is not part of any trickery. She helps you find the answer rather than supply it.”

Corvus stopped and looked around the room. She still had a lot of energy and so headed back to the treadmill to run again.

“What is your opinion of the current leadership of the Sith?”

[member="Dux Pontus"]

 

[Darth Veles]

The Jedi Grand Master might have been wise, but nobody was wiser than Lady Zarrah in Avreet's opinion. After talking to some many different people of various cultures and beliefs, he still found the Togruta Sith Lady to be the wisest of them all. The Mon Cal realized he was quite biased when he saw her as the perfect woman, but he truly had to encounter someone wiser than the powerful alchemist. The leader of the Jedi, despite her position, surely did not even understand the Sith Code properly; something one would expect from her given she fought against the Sith. If she did not understand her enemies, she stood no chance of defeating them or making peace. Truth to be told, Avreet doubted any Jedi understood the Sith Code properly. They all seemed to get stuck on the first line, interpret it in the most literal of meanings and their use it as a 'proof' that Sith were some sort of monsters. He did not know of any attempt to make something more reasonable out of the Sith mantra. Was it because of the ignorance of the Jedi, or their fanaticism that blinded them so often?

Setting the weight down with a metallic cling, the Mon Cal pulled himself from under the heavy piece of metal, sitting on the bench and looking at the Jedi Knight. One would not even recognize he's been working out; Mon Calamari lacked sweat glands, plus their skin always appeared to be somewhat moist.

"I used to be one of them," the Sith Lord replied with a frown, "The leadership was different. They saw reason. I have no doubt this conflict could have been settled diplomatically if there ever was any attempt from your side. Now it's too late though. If the new leadership tolerates or even orders atrocities, there is no chance of hoping for a peaceful solution. Billions more will die in the coming years just because the few ignorant and intolerant enough to wage war."

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus shook her head. She’d been doing a lot of that recently. When she was young, there was always the hope of peace. Hope that death and famine would become things of the past. Hope that slavery and injustice would end. And like any good Jedi, as she’d grown up she planned for success. And then she planned for failure.

She wasn’t proud that the latter tended to be the most commonly used. But as a Jedi, she never forgot the order the Code stipulated she approached them.

“I will always believe that peace is possible. And I don’t mean the end of the Sith. Now that might sound strange coming from a Jedi, but the Code does not mention them. There is no requirement to end the existence of the Sith. Just to bring about peace. Diplomacy is always the first option and I have to place faith in our politicians do broker a deal.” She fell short of using the word trust. As a group they tended to make good decisions but individually she had limited time for them.

So she continued to pound the treadmill, wondering how long before their ships would be ready. All of this inaction was starting to tire her.

[member="Dux Pontus"]

 

[Darth Veles]

"Peace," Avreet sighed, still sitting on the bench, his eyes following Corvus as she went back to running on a treadmill. Their concepts of peace differed wildly, but Avreet believed the Jedi Knight did not know what it took to bring true, lasting peace. If only Lord Palpatine had managed to destroy Yavin IV or crush the rebel forces on Endor! The galaxy would have been much different now. Better, undoubtedly. "I am certain it can be achieved. I am certain both Jedi and Sith can co-exist and work together. But as I said before, there is the issue with ignorance and understanding. Extermination of the other side is by no means required, yet all sides in this conflict appear to be hell-bent on completely purging their enemies and all trace of their existence. Where was the last time you have seen anyone taking prisoners?" Avreet asked. He certainly did not remember any side doing that, maybe except the One Sith, ironically.

"Your Mandalorian allies have their mouths full of honor, yet they have no problem with gunning down or torturing unarmed and surrendering Sith. Those barbarians even laugh at that!" the Mon Cal shook his head, clearly not approving of the barbaric Mandalorian ways, "And what about your great friend, the Omega Protectorate? I still remember how they attacked Coruscant, claiming they want to liberate the poor citizens. Most of the One Sith forces were liberating Alderaan at the moment, so the poor Protectorate boys and girls did not have many enemies to shoot at. How did they solve it? They started gunning down civilians, of course! Idiots."

"And it gets better!" he gave her a wry smile, "Once they decided to destroy the Imperial Palace with tens of thousands of civilians seeking refuge insude, they started shooting at the evacuation shuttles! Is there anything more cowardly than shooting at lightly armored shuttle filled with dozens of fleeing civilians?" A rhetorical question, obviously.

His clawed finger tapped on the bench. "While it does not excuse the actions of the One Sith by any means, it certainly helps to understand why they act the way they do. All sides constantly give the others more and more reasons to be hated." Of course, Avreet did not mention his own actions on Alderaan where he travelled behind enemy lines to plant explosives in the Republic command centre, which sheltered many civilians and wounded soldiers in the field hospital. It certainly was not an honorable action and he considered the event quite tragic, yet he felt no regret and blamed the Republic for their deaths. It was foolish to bring civilians to the battlefield. If nothing else, he hoped it taught the Republic not to build their hospital right next to the armory filled with ammo and explosives.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus shook her head and the cyclical nature of their discussion. It was no argument but if voices were raised, it could have easily passed for one. Sometimes neither side wanted peace enough to really look for a way to find it. Perhaps this is why they had fought the Sith for millennia?

Both sides wanted peace, but on their terms. Both sides wanted to end the conflict, but wanted to be recognised as the ones in the right. The odds on both putting the past aside and sitting around a table to broker a deal? But that's why she was a Corellian. Huge odds are what excites her. She knew that, deep down, she wanted to be the one to overcome the seemingly impossible chances and bring about peace. No, not true. She would like to be part of it. The limelight she could do without, being part of the team suited her just fine.

But if those that opposed the One Sith from inside couldn't reconcile their differences with the Jedi, what odds the current leadership? And the more she listened, the more she felt the Jedi Avreet talked of were distant from her. The question was, did Avreet have it right and she was the odd one out, or was she more in tune with the Order than he was aware of?

"Am I a typical Jedi Avreet?"

 

[Darth Veles]

That question caught him unprepared. What was he supposed to answer? Typical in what way? What was a typical Jedi these days, anyway? Shrugging, the Sith Lord offered his opinion. "It is impossible for me to say. What is a typical Jedi? The shining hero from fairy tales that teaches children morals? The blood-covered Knight fighting on the front lines? The silent librarian seeking knowledge and answers concerning the Force and its mysteries? The exhausted healer tending to the patients? The inconspicuous archeologist searching for artifacts to uncover? The cloaked Shadow who is definitely not an assassin stalking his target? The warm-hearted diplomat that settles disputes not by sword,but by word? The so-called unorthodox excuse for a Jedi that dabbles with the Dark Side? The traditionalist following the Code to the letter or the one seeking to bend the words?" Another shrug.

"If you mean the most common, that is probably some sort of a warrior with a lightsaber in their hand and a Code on their lips, I suppose you could be? If you mean what I take as a typical Jedi, that is an intolerant weak-willed idiot calling upon the Dark Side whenever things don't go their way, then no. It is unfortunate, but I don't really know that much about you... Please, do not get me wrong!" he raised his webbed hand to prevent her from speaking up, "I am certain you believe in what you say. There is no doubt you want to bring peace... but do you actually realize the impact of your actions?"

"Do you know what you really fight for? Do you know how the galaxy looks like? To me, it often feels many Jedi live in their own world where they are the ultimate force of good, therefore they believe everyone who opposes them to be the ultimate force of evil. Maybe you also live in a fantasy like that? Are you self-aware? Do you ever pause and think about what you're doing? If you place your faith in the Code and the Force, do you completely discard basic moral principles? What guides you when the Code does not offer the answer? What about your conscience? All the people you could have saved, yet they scream in the Void now. Do you seek betterment, or do you shrug it off, excusing your own weakness with the neccessity of sacrifices and the greater good?"

[member="Corvus Raaf"]