Open Coruscant Midnight Stroll

[Talak Rand]

It was no surprise that the Jedi wanted to take the girl back to the Jedi. He supposed it was no different than him wanting to take her back to the Sith Eternal. Not that he was going to reveal who he was or why he was here.

No, I don't have people, so training her here works just fine for me, he said. Oh, this was going to be interesting, and he didn't trust the Jedi as far as he could throw her. No doubt, one of these days she would double cross him and bring a horde of Jedi with her. But then, something told him that wasn't her plan.

The Force is the energy that binds everything together. It pushes the cycle of the galaxy forward, he said. It was clear from what she'd said that the girl didn't really know much beyond its ability to move a ball around. He also knew that the Jedi would have very different views about the role of the Force than he did.

 

[Kaala Vel]

"Then why isn't everyone able to use the Force?" The Force binds everything together, yes; but because that was so, why couldn't everyone feel a connection to the Force? She was having a hard time imagining what it would be like to not feel the Force working around her, and she would hardly consider herself 'in tune.' The few times she really felt connected to the Force she had been focusing so hard it would be impossible not to.

"Also, if you uh, don't mind me asking: are you a Jedi too?" He said he didn't have a people, but that didn't make sense. Was he just so in tune with the Force he learned all on his own? Or were the Jedi so big that there was no way they could all know each other? Maybe he just meant he had no family; no obligation to be anywhere. If so...she supposed she didn't have a people either.

That kinda sucks.

 

[Ember Blaze]

This man was so reluctant to give out any information about himself or where he was from. Ember still didn’t even know his name. And now she was supposed to train Kaala with him. ‘This is off to a wonderful start.’ Ember thought, sighing.

“I am not sure anyone really has an answer for that. From what I’ve been taught, there is a theory that a micro-organism is responsible for our force powers. I prefer to believe that the Force chooses who to give it’s gifts to.” Ember said, smiling, glad to help Kaala.

Kaala’s next question surprised her. Was this man a Jedi? Ember didn’t think so, given the aura he was giving off. But she couldn’t be 100% sure. “I’m not sure he is Kaala.” Emebr said softly, before turning to the man. Ember tried her best to keep the accusation from her voice, saying to the man “Am I wrong?”

“Listen” Ember said, shaking her head slightly. “The Force brought us here for a reason, and I think that reason is Kaala. If you really want to train her with me, we are going to need to work together, and preferably be able to be honest with each other.” She said, a slight hint of irritation creeping into her voice.

How could she train Kaala with this man if he was doing everything he could to hide who he is? Ember did not have a good feeling about this.

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak listened not just with his ears, but with his feelings. The impressions given off with the Force were far more interesting. Her voice may not have been accusing, but the inflections within her were. The canvas of her soul was made up of much white that was so typical of what he imagined a Jedi would be, but then there were flashes of purples and greens. Emotions of frustration and annoyance.

No, I'm not. And I daresay that my views of the Force diverge a great deal from our Jedi friend, he said honestly and motioning toward Ember. in contrast, he didn't seem at all perturbed by their situation.

My mentor taught me all about the Force, though, he said also honestly. He was answering as many questions honestly as he could, but there were some things that were outside his purview to reveal. He certainly wasn't going to risk everyone else just to satisfy the curiosity of this Jedi.

Not everyone can use the Force, he affirmed to the girl. The Force chooses certain people. Wielding the Force is a serious matter, though. It requires great sacrifice, he said.

He didn't break his gaze as Ember mentioned that they should be honest with each other. He didn't seem to be particularly phased by her underlying accusation, though. For a moment he said nothing, and then decided to ask her a question.

Do you like being a Jedi?

 

[Kaala Vel]

If he wasn't a Jedi, what else was there to be? Perhaps she'd been too close minded to assume the Jedi were the only organized group of Force-users. Who was his mentor then?

"Sacrifice?" Kaala repeated that word to herself. What sacrifice? The teen couldn't imagine what that could mean, but she could easily think of things she would sacrifice for the Force. School, for one. Life on this trash can of a planet, another.

"I think I'm willing to sacrifice to learn," mummered to herself. Did Ember think it was worth it? Kaala listened to see how she would respond to the stranger's question.

@ActualRaptors

 

[Ember Blaze]

'Not a Jedi, but taught by someone' Ember thought. 'At least it's a start.' Ember followed up the man's statement by saying "He is right Kaala, there is a lot of responsibility in using the Force. As a Jedi, it is my responsibility to use the Force to help others. There will be days where you'll have to choose what to sacrifice to uphold the responsibility." Ember listened to Kaala as she said she was willing to make the sacrifice. Gently Ember said, "That is very good Kaala."

Before Ember could say more, the man was speaking again. It was clear that he understood the underlying accusation Ember had made of him, despite her best attempt at hiding it. His intense stare sent a chill running down Ember's back. He did ask a good question, one Ember often asked of herself. "There are days I don't, and others that I love being a Jedi. It can be a very hard life, and there are times the burdens of being a Jedi are almost too much to bear." She said honestly.

Ember watched for the man's reaction, though he was hard to read. Ember reached her hand behind her head and scratched an itch, thinking of how to phrase her next sentence. "To me, being a Jedi is the embodiment of my desire to do good, to help those in need, and to stand up for others when no one else will. At the end of the day, I am just a person. I have my struggles and my triumphs, I have loved and I have felt loss." Ember finally said.

Ember felt the silence fill the space around the small group. Quietly she said, "I wonder how different you are I truly are." Ember fixed her gaze once again on the man, wondering how he would respond.

@Phoenix @lizziie

 

[Talak Rand]

The Jedi were an interesting people, so far as Talak could tell. He knew that the Sith Eternal considered them misguided - and Talak himself felt the same way - but he also wondered if they weren't a necessity. The balance in the universe. While he focused on the ebb and flow of the whole galaxy, the Jedi focused on the individual.

In many ways, the role of the Jedi was far easier in that regard. They didn't have to do horrible atrocities in order to improve the galaxy. He was the sin-eater. The person who took on the evils of the galaxy so that it could flourish. He wondered if either of them really knew what it meant to make a sacrifice like that. It was easy to say, but it tortured the soul to do it.

How different were the two? Perhaps in some ways they were very similar, but he also knew that their philosophies were massively opposed to one another.

I'm sure we're philosophically opposed, but as human beings... he shrugged. It was difficult to say.

Jedi hold life sacred, he said, pausing to let her correct him if he was mistaken. What do Jedi teach about life after death? Becoming one with the Force? he asked.

 

[Ember Blaze]

Ember listened to the man, trying to understand him more, despite his cryptic and brief answers. 'No answers, and only more questions. I think its time I try a different approach.' Ember thought, wondering when her patience and training would reach their limit.

She nodded, before answering "Death is not the end, as we are all eternal with the force. Death is not something to fear, nor is what happens after." Internally, Ember recited part of the Jedi code 'Death, yet the force.'

Ember looked at the man for a second, before saying "I have answered your questions, I think you should enlighten us on your view of the Force. What makes our philosophies so different?" She wasn't sure she would get an answer from this enigmatic man, but she knew she had to try. If Ember was ever to train Kaala with him, she would need to know more about his understanding of the Force. 'This is really not going to end well.' she thought, unsure of how Kaala could possibly receive training at this rate.

 

[Kaala Vel]

She said she'd been willing to sacrifice to learn, but at this rate she'd rather sacrifice listening to them go back and forth to get to them teaching her. The man was an enigma and Ember was an open book. They really were opposites, and it excited Kaala. Opposites met a wider view for her. She loved learning about two sides of the same coin.

"What did you say your name was?" Kaala added in addition to Ember's question. She couldn't remember if he'd given his name or not.

 

[Talak Rand]

He noted that the Jedi's tone seemed to have that slight undertone of accusation again, even if it hadn't been intentional. He had answered all of her questions as well, it wasn't his fault that she hadn't asked as many. Though now she was, and that was interesting. Maybe she's more curious than I thought, he noted.

Talak, he answered Kaala first. It was the simplest answer and the least likely to cause a confrontation. While there were certain things he wouldn't reveal, he wasn't nearly as much of a closed book as they both seemed to think. He just didn't go around volunteering information where questions hadn't been asked.

Now he had the more difficult task of answering the question about his philosophy without this ending in drawn sabers. Although in its own way, that sounded fun too. He hadn't come here to cross blades with a Jedi, but it would certainly be a thrill. Excellent practice for his skills.

The Jedi are too narrowly focused, he said. If we all become one with the Force after we die - eternal beings, I think is the idea of your explanation - then our focus shouldn't be on saving individual people, but shaping the entire galaxy for the better, he said. He paused a moment, thinking about how best to explain what he meant.

The Force put us here to shape and protect the galaxy as a whole, not the individual. Would you sacrifice a planet of people if it meant that the other 3 million star systems would be more prosperous? he asked. He knew - or at least thought he knew - how the Jedi would feel about that. What he wanted to know was how they justified making the lives a quadrillion people more difficult in order to keep 1 billion eternal beings from joining the Force. If one person's death could solve the problems of a million people, when did it become inhumane not to take a life. And how many people would die of crimes and unacceptable living conditions as a result of stagnation? If even 1% of the quadrillion people died from those causes, it would still be a higher loss than the death of one star system.

I wager you wouldn't, he said with a shrug.

 

[Ember Blaze]

"It is nice to meet you Talak." Ember said, giving him a gentle smile. She knew there was truth in his words, buried under the what-ifs.

Ember took a second to herself before responding. Talak was both right, and wrong, and Ember hoped she could get that point across. "I think I would surprise you, assuming it was ever possible to truly know. If I could know with complete surety that sacrificing the one planet would save the rest, then I would make the choice. However, I believe that it is not possible to ever know such things." Ember said, wearily. She knew she would make that sacrifice and that she would be right alongside those she was forced to sacrifice, but just knowing she would do such a thing scared her.

Continuing, Ember said "As a Jedi, I do focus on the individuals. I know that I could save individuals or small groups. It is even possible that my actions may one day save cities and planets. But to shape the entire galaxy? I don't believe that anyone is capable of such things, not truly and most certainly not to the benefit of the entire galaxy."

Ember looked down at Kaala, wondering if she was handling this discussion well. Looking back at Talak, Ember said "If I had to lay down my life to save Kaala's life, or even yours, I would so. We may be eternal in the Force, but we are still living, and our lives are precious and should be protected at any cost. I wonder, how many lives would you need to save in order to sacrifice yourself?"

Ember was beginning to understand the philosophical differences between herself and Talak. It seemed, at its core, that both beliefs wanted to help people. The only difference Ember could currently discern, was the methods in doing so. Ember focused on the individuals, while Talak looked at the bigger picture. She couldn't shake the feeling that these beliefs were the two different sides of the same coin, meant to balance each other out.

@lizziie @Phoenix

 

[Kaala Vel]

The Jedi had been her idols since she was little, but the things he said made a lot of sense. If she had to choose between saving a planet or drastically improving the life of a million other planets, of course she would choose the majority. But to give up her life for others? Kaala bristled at that thought, though was surprised Ember would give up her life for hers. The togruta just couldn't imagine someone meaning so much to her that she'd sacrifice her life for them.

"Is everyone eternal in the Force? Even those who aren't force-sensitive?" She hoped she'd be able to see her mother one day. Her real mother, that is. Her birth mother meant nothing to her.

 

[Talak Rand]

He gave a half-nod, half bow as she said that it was nice to meet him. It had actually been a surprisingly peaceful and interesting interaction thus far.

Talak was genuinely surprised by what the Jedi said. he had assumed that she would be immediately opposed to any idea that he had on the topic. Perhaps he wasn't wrong to be so curious about them after all. He did have to wonder if she was an outlier in the Order, though.

Maybe we're more alike than I thought, he said. I am surprised, he confirmed. Somehow, he felt a bit more relaxed - even if ever so slightly - now than he had been before. Of course, he noted the caveat the Jedi added about being unable to know if a death would benefit the galaxy. It was a way out if the situation ever actually presented itself, but Talak let it go. The points to refute it may come at a later time, but now wasn't that time.

There was a part of Talak that couldn't blame the Jedi for what they did. He had to imagine it was far more pleasant to focus on saving everyone than justifying to yourself that mass death was a necessity and that your actions - while appearing harmful - were actually helping.

He wasn't sure if Ember's final words were meant intentionally as a question or simply her own musings in the form of a subtle accusation, but he opted to assume it was the former and not take offense.

I couldn't tell you a number. At whatever point I thought that my death would serve more benefit to the galaxy than what I could do with my life, he said. That was a difficult number to ascertain, but with the impact that a person equipped with the Force could have was enormous, and yes, in his mind the life of a single Force user was far more valuable than the life of one who wasn't.

He looked to Kalaa as she asked her question, and he could feel the sadness and grief radiating off of her in the Force. It was a deep blue, nearly black in the Force. It was clear there was someone she was thinking about in asking the question.

I believe so, he said, though it was difficult to know for sure.

We're all connected to the Force and return to it when we die. In truth, that aspect of the Force is something I'm not as well versed in, but I am quite interested in learning about it, he said.

Perhaps the Jedi have additional teaching on the topic, he said, glancing over at Ember.

 

[Ember Blaze]

There it was, the real difference between them. The scale of those helped by the actions each took. Ember was unable to fault Talak for wanting to help the largest number of people possible, Ember herself was in search of such a method. However, Ember could not simply forsake the individuals in need.

She listened to Talak explain that he was unsure what the number would have to be. Nodding, Ember said "I am glad there is at least some number though." Ember wanted to say more, but Kaala surprised her with a question. Talak answered first, though it appeared he was just as lost on the subject as she was.

"I am sorry Kaala, I do not know for certain. I believe as Talak does, that we are all connected through the Force, even those who are not Force-sensitive." Ember explained, wishing she had better answers. She looked at Talak and said "Unfortunately, I do not know more. Much of what the Jedi knew was lost, and the recovery is still going slow."

Ember sighed and looked up into the night sky. This had been a very long day for her, and she wasn't sure she would be able to explain the mysteries of the Force as well as others in the Order could. "I know that I do not have the answers Kaala, but I know that I can help you find them. There are several in the Jedi Order who I believe may have the answer to your question. Perhaps after Talak and I train you, I can take you to meet them, if that is something you wish." Ember said towards Kaala.

Before Kaala responded, Ember turned towards Talak, and asked "Do you still feel that together, we could train Kaala, given our supposed differences? And, would those you are aligned with even allow it? I confess I do not know if mine will, but I will try." Ember was not eager to go in front of the Council and request permission for this. 'It is worth it for Kaala, since the Force did bring us three together.' Ember thought, wearily.

 

[Kaala Vel]

It seemed that all they knew was uncertainty, and she couldn't help but feel frustrated over the vague answers. These were real-life Jedi, actual Jedi or not, so shouldn't they know? She could hope, regardless, and she hoped her mother was proud of her, wherever she was.

"I don't see how your philosophical differences wouldn't allow you to um, train me," said Kaala. And why would their organizations forbid them to train her? Maybe it would be better to go with one of them. Then she could leave this dump, and forget everyone here. The togruta let out a sharp sigh at the thought. What she wouldn't give to leave...

"And if not, well... Would the Jedi really have the answers? I thought you guys just went around and helped people. What if they don't know anything about after death?"

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak could tell that they were still fishing for information about who he was and where he'd come from, but he wasn't giving the information that they wanted.

My mentor died years ago, and my partner doesn't care. He and I are quite independent of one another, he said, clearly implying that the extent of his "organization" was just the two men. It was the same pair who had appeared elsewhere on Coruscant where a Jedi - or at least Talak thought she was a Jedi - had seen them. It solidified the idea that the extent of the two darksiders was the two of them.

I'm willing to give it a try, he said. He wasn't sure how things would unfold, but he wasn't going to simply walk away and hand the girl over to the Jedi. He still wasn't sure the Jedi were the balance to the Sith Eternal - and by extension a necessity - but he did know that he'd have preferred seeing her take her place in the natural state of the Force than with the Jedi.

 

[Ember Blaze]

The young girl's questions were hard to answer. How could Ember explain the sides of the Force, or what happens after death? Ember knew she owed Kaala the best explanation she could give.

"There is a lot about the Force that we haven't discussed here today. I am a part of what it's called the Light Side of the Force. I suspect Talak is of the Dark Side, forgive me if I am wrong." Ember said to Kaala, hoping she did not offend Talak with her guess. "I do not truly know if the Jedi will have the answers you seek. I can only promise that I will help you find them, and the Jedi would be a good place to start."

Looking at Talak, Ember said "It is good to hear you are not alone, even if you two are independent of each other." Ember was genuine in her statement, she knew what loneliness could do to a person. "If you are willing to try, then so am I. I suspect that asking for forgiveness would be easier than asking for permission." She said, smiling wearily.

Looking towards Kaala again, Ember asked "It appears we are both willing to train you. Do you still wish for us to train you?"

 

[Kaala Vel]

The light side and the dark side. White and black. Yin and yang. Were they akin to opposites, or were they just..different in another way? The togruta was immediately curious, as she'd never heard the Force be described in such a way. It was just...the Force; the living identity Ember said flowed through every being. Which side was she?

"Uh, yeah! I still definitely want you guys to train me!" affirmed the teen. "If, um, that's still okay."

Kaala shot a quick glance toward the sky, trying to discern the time of day. They hadn't been talking for any more than thirty minutes, she imagined. While she had obviously gotten sidetracked from her original goal, she was hardly complaining. Who cared about fruit snacks and dwelling on a shitty day when you could learn amazing things instead? Kaala grinned to herself, looked back at the two adults, then cracked her knuckles in anticipation.

"What first? Should I show you what I can do?" Even if it was a very basic ability, she was excited to show off her "skills" to other Force-users.

 

[Talak Rand]

Kaala was eager, and that was usually a good sign in a student. While he knew he was entering into some strange, unnatural pact with a Jedi, he couldn't help but be intrigued by it. He wasn't intending to pull out now, and he was quite eager to see where it would lead. Not to mention, he had the opportunity to potentially recruit a new apprentice. How had he of all people in the Sith Eternal ended up teaching multiple people?

That's not a bad idea, he said in response to her question about showing what she could do. While there was plenty to teach her that went on behind what she could do, knowing where they stood was prudent.

But it might be beneficial if we went somewhere more private, he said, casting glances up and down the street. Both Ember and he had simply stumbled across this place - even if they were led by the Force - and there was nothing from stopping someone else from doing the same. He'd really prefer not to be caught out in the open teaching about and manipulating the Force.

 

[Ember Blaze]

Ember gave the young girl a gentle smile. It was good she wanted the training. Talak responded before Ember could, and she nodded along at his suggestions.

"I agree. I don't know if it is the same with you Talak, but there are some who do not fully understand the Jedi, or fully trust us." Ember said. She glanced at Kaala, hoping she wasn't put off by this information. Despite being willing to accept such mistrust and misplaced hostility, Ember did not want to subject the others to such things. Ember thought of several places that could work as a temporary training area. While her own rented unit was large enough for such things, she decided on a place that was considerably closer. "I passed an empty building a block away from here. Unless either of you has a more suitable place, I believe it would suit out purposes until we can find better arrangements." She said, looking between Kaala and Talak.