I knew you once before...

[Pinda Solthar]

Since the last Jedi Schism, there had been an influx of confusion amongst the Jedi, and it clouded their judgement. Labooda found herself to be one of those Jedi. This only a secret, or so she thought. In her career as a Jedi she had been one of the first to stand for the ideals of the Order, but after the dealings with Grandmaster Halcyon...she wasn't so sure anymore. She found herself turning more and more of her attention to her duties in the Archives of the Jedi Academy, she had a hope to rebuild the Halls of Knowledge and restore them to their former glory, but there was always that past that clung on to the Republic; that was the Civilization...the one thing that Jedi fought to preserve.

She held no fault to those whom were now of the Levantine and of the Silvers, in fact she applauded them for finding the strength to make a decision that would further their future. Perhaps she was the only one to hold close those wounds of the past. She hadn't left entirely but...it was complicated. She wanted to return entirely with her thoughts no longer in question. She had heard that a new Grandmaster had been issued in...[member="Corvus Raaf"] . She knew her, and it was an excellent choice given the circumstances.

However, what she needed to do was allow herself to let the Force take control. Things would work themselves out in time, and she had to believe that judgement wouldn't come to be passed on her for standing up for her ideals.

She had recently purchased some star maps from [member="Jorus Merrill"] and she had been going through them and plotting out her next course of action. There was much lore lost to the Jedi of today, the Academy could use valuable information such as this. She punched in a few buttons that brought up a screen filled with lines and dots that made up hyperlane routes and different sectors that made up the consummation of the galaxy.

She was deep in her works, taking note of what was there and what wasn't as she continued to update this section of the archives. She truly wasn't expecting anyone around this time.

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus was a Jedi. First, foremost and only. So she served and currently that meant teaching at the Academy, Council meetings, missions and more recently diplomatic conversations. The one thing that got squeezed was the one thing she did most of aged four to fourteen – study. Yes she was a book-worm – in the mould of [member="Phylis Alince"], in many ways her hero, so she did whatever she could to maintain her personal studies.

Which typically meant frequenting the library at unsocial hours – either after her late night or before her early morning run.

Recently she’d been drawn back to the older records. Since taking office, she’d had access to all of the Jedi Holocrons and had spent many hours reviewing them. But there was still something magical about going to a library in person and pulling a file out of the archives and blowing off the dust, wondering how many years had passed since it was last accessed.

Tonight she was looking for more information about the Yuuzhan Vong. Not the splinter group that currently supported the One Sith, but the majority of the species that were peaceful and that had helped them re-terraform Alderan. She wanted to know more about them and their customs – but also how they dealt with their own. The galaxy needed an answer to the seemingly relentless development of Vong biotechnology that was apparently without weakness. If they couldn’t overcome, they might as well wave a little white flag now.

As she neared the section, she sensed someone else there. Someone from the past in truth. Someone she’d spent nowhere near enough time with of late. And when the Force found a way to present you with an opportunity, you took advantage.

Bowing, Corvus straightened and smiled simultaneously. “Master Labooda, I trust I’m not disturbing you?”

[member="Shmi Labooda"]

 

[Pinda Solthar]

"Ahh Grandmaster Raaf..." she said turning her head slightly with her pupils moving to the corner of her eyes to slightly view the figure of her new acquaintance. She stood up, and turned around, her hands came together and interlocked themselves, resting right beneath her abdomen. She leaned over slowly, stopping mid way and then recovering back into her form.

"No, you haven't disturbed me. I was just simply sorting through some new information to be stored in the Archives." her eyes had become slits, forming an upside down U; signified the warmth and content she displayed at the moment.

"Forgive me Master, but was there something I could assist you with?" she said opening her eyes back, and laying them upon the woman in front of her. In truth Corvus inspired her, she was a symbol of the Republic heading in a new direction. She was unlike the grandmasters of the past.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus smiled, “Please, just Corvus. I may be traditional but even I prefer to be called by my given name in conversation.”

“And no, I wasn’t looking for you in particular, I just happened to be catching up on some research – sadly I have less time now than ever, and I was surprised to find anyone here at this hour. And seeing as it was you, I thought it sensible to pop over and say hello.”

Corvus continued to smile. “You see, sometimes we’re all so busy that we don’t have time to stop and talk. No excuses, I’m not saying it’s right – quite the opposite in fact. And that leads to being overlooked or forgotten.”

“There was a recent decision made about promoting a Knight to a Master. A conversation you should have been part of and I apologise for not including you in it. So…first of all it won’t happen again but more importantly, I need you to know that I’m always here. If there is anything you need, that’s what I’m about really. Making stuff happen.”

“So, what is it I can do that will make your life easier? Or perhaps, what is it you’d like to do that you’re not currently doing?”

[member="Shmi Labooda"]

 

[Pinda Solthar]

The chalactans head tilted upwards, and slowly came back down back to its position. She kept a slight smirk, "Corvus your just as I remember. Though that was much long ago when we were younger. Its good to see you in a position where you'll truly inspire."

"As far as the decision over the recent promotions in rank, don't worry about it. Really, it is not the most troubling thing in the world. But i appreciate the fat that you want me to be involved. Thank you." She said with her smirk transforming into a smile, which was followed by her bowing her head.

"While I appreciate the sentiment, I don't think there is much another could do for me. With me its all about making this decision...and I think I have. The Jedi have comprised my entire life, for me to deny them splitting caused me much pain would do us all an injustice. But, I pledged my life to the Order, and I want to see that through. From here on now, I will be getting more involved Corvus. I want to help.

As far as what I would want to do now, hmm thats eludes me. I don't think I have an answer. But there was something I wanted to speak to you about."

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus listened. “You know me well enough to remember that I was always and shall remain a team player. I took this role because I serve and I see my duties as primarily ensuring we have a strong leadership within the Order. Not a strong GrandMaster or even a strong Council, but a core of good people – who lead. They could be Knights or Padawans, it makes no difference. We can all play our part.”

“For a while there was a little anti-Republic sentiment within the Order but that has turned full circle I feel. Yes, we are peacekeepers. Yes, we need to fight tyranny and evil everywhere, but moreover we need to do our duty. Not chase issues and leave the Republic exposed. A balance is called for I suspect. We need to build even stronger ties with our comrades from other Orders and not neglect the Republic.”

“But that’s enough politics for one day. So tell me, what did you want to speak to me about?”

[member="Shmi Labooda"]

 

[Pinda Solthar]

"A long time ago, as you probably know, Grandmaster Fae Coven had the Jedi Path created to serve as a student manual. That knowledge is but lost to us, as we have yet to come across a copy." she said clearing her throat just a little after. The soft grunt was heard faintly.

"I wished to create another, to serve the same purpose. I was hoping you would be willing to aid in the matter. Between the both of us, and perhaps a few others, we would be able to contribute any information we will feel initiates need to know (IC and OOC wise) Perhaps upon their entrance into the Academies we could provide them with a copy so that they can familiarize themselves on different matters. she said looking at the Master before her.

She had been playing around with the idea for some time, but she thought it could make things easier here and there. Though it was up to Corvus herself whether she thought the idea was adequate.

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus remembered reading about the book before. Issued to all Younglings, it was a blueprint for their career.

Suddenly she was filled with an infectious enthusiasm that she hadn’t felt since the last time she took on a new Padawan (which was often in all fairness).

“First of all, is there value in tracking down an old copy? Just a thought. But regardless, I love the idea of recreating the old manual. I know various Jedi have contributed small aspects that we could use – because if it were all in one place, it would be so much easier for new joiners to the Order to find things and know where to go for stuff.”

Corvus was almost dancing with delight now. “We could let them know about the Academy, how to request a Master, what are the first Abilities they would learn, what the rules on Padawan behaviour are. Why didn’t we do this before.”

“Oh, you’re wonderful, what am amazing idea. Truly, truly awesome!” Finally Corvus calmed down a little. “Which is my way of saying yes, I say we should go ahead.”

[member="Shmi Labooda"]

 

[Pinda Solthar]

"I would assume there could be value found in the original copy. Would certainly help figure out a structure, and simply add on to what has been written already. I will look into it, try and see if I can come across some hints as to the last place some of its writing were documented." she said with a smirk.

She was content with the fact Corvus was willing to help, she would have to admit she had her reservations at first. She didn't know if it was too much to propose, out of her place to propose, or just simply not needed. But she felt it could gravely help the Jedi, which would in turn help the Republic.

"Yes, my thoughts exactly. Guidelines they could follow to assist them, if they so choose. I just think it would relieve some stress off of the Order, Masters are spread thin, and theres always an influx of students who just haven't a clue where to begin. Tracking of of them down could be hard." she said nodding her head.

She smiled, "Great, I should say we first start with assembling a group of knowledgable Masters...this is only a suggestion of course. In the meantime I will be conducting a search to find out anything I can about the original copy."

[member="Corvus Raaf"]

 

[Corvus Raaf]

Corvus nodded enthusiastically. "If you get any hints on the whereabouts, please let me know. I'd love to come along and I know someone else that would love to participate if possible." Yes, [member="Taeli Rae"] was someone who would love to get her hands on a piece of Jedi history.

"In terms of Masters, there are the usual suspects of course and you're right a small working party would be ideal for this. I am so pleased I bumped into you - truly I am. But not just because of your wonderful suggestion, but because I am so pleased we've spoken again. It's been too long and we mustn't let it go so far again between chats."

[member="Shmi Labooda"]