Right Livelihood

[Brandon Rhea]

The Jedi Temple was sparse today. War had been declared against the Empire, the clear aggressors in a war they feigned innocence in starting. This was the type of bloodthirsty, winner-takes-all politics that Jhon Cordatus never wanted anything to do with, and yet there was he was, on Coruscant as the interim Chief of State, being the one to announce the declaration of war against the Sith.

Today, his schedule mostly clear in a rare turn of events, he decided to take time out of his light schedule to teach Jedi in the Jedi Temple. They were all assembling in the High Council chamber, the room basking in the glow of the setting Coruscanti sun, and he waited just outside, out of view, for them to arrive.

It would be an interesting class, to be sure. His previous class on the concept of Right Action was wildly successful. Today they would learn of Right Livelihood, and Jhon had an idea or two up his sleeve to help drive home the point.

It's about time I can get back to Jedi business, he said to himself as they all began to assemble.

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((OOC: I'll wait for a few of you to post before officially beginning.))

 

[Empress]

Having found herself following Master Cordatus about as of late, the exotic and rare winged woman, Mistress Baatch had taken a temporary residence in a small chamber across the hall from her long time friend. The room itself was most likely a comfortable dorm for most other species, however her height and wingspan gave lie to it's " open" initial appearance.

Her chamber's size was less of a factor in the end. Skhai had had the bedding and furniture removed, leaving only a small zafu like cushion to sit upon placed closely to the wall. It was there she spent a majority of her days, eyes half closed and focused upon the blank wall for hours on end, pausing only to eat. In her state of nothingness the crimson trussed woman simply sat. Her aim was aimless, her goals in sitting were goalless. The crystavian Master's aim was to simply be.

In her state a forced sensory deprivation could take hold. Sound, scent touch all became highly heightened- even without ever calling upon the force itself to do so. She was reminded at life, reminded how one plods through the day experiencing it in one way, yet this simple act of simply sitting and letting all else fall to the side reminded her at how very little was needed to teach how that notion of day to day life was lacking.

It was the first day in many that she left her chambers- clad in her typical short cut robes of vibrant yellow and deep maroon. Word had come to her of John's decision to hold another lecture, a matter the Crystavian felt was important-more so given current situations.

She had left her chambers early, making her way across the vast system of corridors at a calm pace that conflicted with what her body would natural have fallen into. As she went her eyes rarely shifted from the marbled flooring on which she walked, periodically shifting to meet the eyes of a youngling wondering past her, offering a wide smile as the childrens eyes lit up as they took in the visage of such a unique species. By the time she finally reached the Council Chambers Master Cordatus was already preparing himself elsewhere. Others had not yet arrived, and this was all well for her. She enjoyed the chance to watch others arrive and gauge their dispositions and demeanor.

 

[GABA]

Ebberla was finding herself traveling more than ever these days, but to her fortune, she had not been to Coruscant's Jedi Temple yet. The temple was a marvel of itself, really something architecturally unique to any place in the galaxy. She had spent a good part of her day exploring around and as the day neared to an end she was finally comfortable to where she was going without relying on someone to give her instructions.

She made her way to the Council's chambers, she was early, and even slightly disappointed she wasn't the first one to arrive as her eyes caught the unique of species. She greeted the other woman in the room with a nod of her head.

 

[Syn]

Jade walked in the hallways. She wanted to be early or at least get there and be prompt, her heels were hurting from the constant supervision and as she came into the chamber. Jade looked around and just breathed deep as she stood there. She was first and that meant two things to her.... One she could ask the nice watchdogs on her heels to maybe go away.. Two she could maybe be in a class where no one cared that she had said watchdogs if they stayed. Jade turned her head to look at them and spoke. "So ah since this is going to be oversaw by a master you might want to take a break? "....." "No huh but there is a master or two surely you guys don't think I am going to act up in front of someone who signed off on my probation?" "......" "Well aren't you two the talk of the city. I'll go in my corner now." Jade moved towards the wall and breathed deep blowing a bang out of her face as she made sure her cloak was on properly and the only exposed skin was her face. Her hair was down just framing her head in dark blue hair.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

OOC:

and he waited just outside, out of view, for them to arrive.

Just want to remind you that you can't see me yet. I'm outside the chamber, out of view of all of you, not in the chamber.

I'll delete this post once we get going. Carry on with your intros!

 

[Thorn]

So this was the temple he had never knew about. To think that Aer'kyl lived on Coruscant for so long, and knew nothing about this place. It was truly amazing. He walked the halls, trying to find the high council room.

I should have asked where it was... I just didn't think this place would be this big.

Deciding it better, he found a fellow Jedi and asked for directions. No point wasting time looking, when he could be late if he didn't ask. Following the other Jedi's directions, he reached the chamber. He noticed he was the sixth person in the room. Was he really late or something?

 

[HunterOrdo]

Traven brushed his hands across the grassy floor of the Room of a Thousand Fountains. He knew a class was beginning soon that he was supposed to be at. The Master teaching it was the same who had taken temporarily control of the entire Republic.

That had caused quite a stir, he remembered. Even in the temple people were whispering of the Jedi attempting to take control of the Republic. Traven brushed all of those off as Jedi would not do that, but after seeing some of the 'Jedi' in the temple. He was no longer sure.

He was anxious about all of this not sure if he really wanted to see the Jedi that was not commanding the entire Republic. He.. did not want to lose hope in more Jedi then he already did. He had thought he would leave the class entirely but his Master, and his fellow padawan were going, so he felt obligated to go.

Slowly he stood from the soft grass and made his way through the hallways of the temples. There was nothing really different about the temple today. Younglings walking to their classes, initiates wandering the halls, Knights that had come in to do.. whatever it was that knights do, and the Masters who taught classes.

He paused outside the door to the room.. he did not really want to go in yet, so he stood by it and waited for his Master to arrive.

 

[Jacques]

As usual, Arek had absolutely no idea where he was going. Apparently it was the High Council chamber? Or just a chamber. One of the two, his mind had really been off task lately. What intrigued the padawan most was that the class was led by the Interim Chief of State.

'Is it Interim?' The robed Tusken thought to himself, stroking the facial wrappings where his chin was covered, obviously in thought, 'I think it is...it's only temporary, right? Hell, now I have to know...'

Moving slowly, the Jedi continued his smorgasbord of thoughts. The main theme of said smorgasbord was mostly what had recently happened in the Senate over the past few days. Though they'd been days, Arek felt as though it'd been years. War was something that people didn't just simply...overlook. People murmured about the Jedi trying to take over the Senate or some bantha**** such as that, well, at least the conspiracy theorists he knew had.

To Arek, it was all nonsense. It was a political move that was not only necessary, but it was obvious that Cordatus wasn't exactly in love with the position. The padawan couldn't blame the man, as not only were they hard shoes to fill, but they were quickly becoming combat boots. Combat boots with a secret compartment for vibroblades and hold out blasters, as well as an eternity's-length of shoelace.

The young man's thoughts were brought to an abrupt halt when he caught sight of many Jedi flocking...well, somewhere. Honestly, Arek didn't even live on Coruscant anymore, and when he did he knew his way to the Archives...and back to his room. That was about it.

Personally, he didn't like the idea of the 'initiate' title. Though that was mainly due to the fact that he hadn't had a master in over two years and was stuck having to deal with that name, almost as if he were five years old again, just entering the Order.

Feeling around his body to make sure none of his Tusken clothing were visible underneath his incredibly large Jedi robes that he wore, hood extended up over his head as well, the Jedi padawan entered the room. The Council chambers were extravagant, at least in Arek's eyes, especially when basking in Coruscant's sunlight...but he had no time for that today. It was time to learn some philosophy.

 

[Master Maverick]

This might be just the thing to help Ayva relax, while at the same time allowing her to flex the thinking and problem-solving skills in a non-combative setting.

Having been to the High Council chamber a number or time within the last few days, she knew perfectly well where to go. She wasn't sure who else was attending, but would distance herself from anyone she knew. It wouldn't do well to have distractions from thinking independently and not worrying about what others think and making sure you think the same thing.

As reached the chamber, she noticed Traven standing outside the door. No doubt the boy already recognized her. There weren't too many Kaminoans who looked, walked and dressed as she did. She smiled lightly at him, stopping in front of him, a little to the side as she said, "You should go in and meet some people." When she said that, she looked in and saw Aer'kyl standing in the room. Her smile deepened as she added, "On of my Padawans is in there. I think you might get along." She motioned to which one Aer'kyl was before walking into the room.

She looked around with her eyes, her head not moving, as she noticed the collection of Jedi. Her movements looked effortless, as though her feet barely touched the ground. Indeed, she almost floated along. Her dress moved as though she were under water, and her posture was perfect. Immediately her eyes were upon Master Baatch. She was quite beautiful, and they were almost somewhat similar. If only in height that anything else. Ayva had only heard about the Master, and had never had the pleasure of meeting her in person.

She smiled and nodded to Aer'kyl as she made her way towards Skhai. She bowed to the Master, saying, "Master Baatch, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Ayva Starfall." When she rose from her bow, her face was graced with a deep smile. Her voice was calm, cool and peaceful, while being warming at the same time. She almost sang, rather than spoke, and her accent only made her voice more enticing.

Another aspect one would notice is the care she took in choosing her words; she spent a little more time on each word, but it was almost not noticeable. Many would just think she spoke slowly.

She would go on, trying to make conversation with the Crystavian. "Are you going to be aiding in the discussion today?" She knew of the relationship Skhai had with Master Cordatus, and while it was more a rhetorical question, because she could assume the answer, she was curious regardless.

 

[Nevermourn]

It was black, clad in thick fur and armed with malicious claws and menacing fangs. It's eyes were the color of fresh blood oozing from the lifeless body of a hacked innocent, sharp and intent. It's face, though mostly shrouded in the shadow the the large ebon hued hood that was attatched to the long, flowing, just as black cloak, was terribly crooked, and if the hood had been off, one might see the half shredded, alert ears that this canine like humanoid possessed. Beneath the flowing cloak, one might catch a glimpse of polished chainmail, crafted by the finest, glowing with red runes that symbolized power. It was a Shistavanen, nearly two meters tall and atleast four hundred pounds. The canine dwarfed the others in the room, despite it's young age, and from the Shistavanen radianted feelings of unease and nervousness. The canine was easily classified as male, and it was none other then Tsume, the former sith acolyte who had bee pursuaded to join the order by Matsu.

Tsume stood, motionless, along the outskirts of the large room, he had never been here before, besides, he was supposed to be trained on Tython, not Corucant. The only reason he was here was because he had to be. Tsume had been sent on a mission to aprehend a jedi exile known as Tach, but it had been his master, Ayva, who had done the aprehending without so much as unsheathing her blade. Tsume could not help the flooding feeling of uselessness that surged through his body and mind. The only thing he had done was track the criminal down, and he believed that was the only reason he had been invited to come along. He had been here ever since, he didn't know where Ayva was, nor did he care, and she probably didn't care either, or so he thought.

Ever since the former sith had arrived on Tython things have gone wrong. All he ever received were hostile, hateful glares, or those of timid fear. No one approached him, no one talked, they were either scared of him, or genuinly hostile. He had grown irritated by their rejection, was this how jedi acted? Was this how everyone else would act toward him? Would he ever be accepted within the order? Trusted? Nuju seemed to think so.

His arrival on Corucant only made things worse. The angry glares he received on Tython soon turned into intimidating staredowns, and Tsume could not help but feel heavily impatiant and worst of all, rejected. I try my hardest, but it doesnt even matter! Even Ayva hates me! The unease that the Shistavanen felt soon turned to sorrow, then to anger. Maybe I should kill myself and get it over with. He growled to himself, and he was serious, it was something he had constantly thought about now. The other jedi had made it clear, he did not belong here.

So what was he doing in this class? Tsume found himself asking that question, for some odd reason, he simply felt the need to join, like something was tugging him against his will to this class, and despite his doubt, he found himself dragging his feet, but surely making his way into the room. Now others had arrived, he did not dare reach out to them, for fear that they would turn their backs and insult him, for fear they would reject him. Tsume did not wish to be the outcast, but it seemed like the only path he had left, never trusted, never cared about, cast out to try his hardest for a living, only to fail and fall back into the darkness. I don't deserve this, or anything else, im a monster. And the suicidle thoughts returned, and then he noticed Ayva. Why was she here? Why wasnt she off gaining more prestige for herself?

 

[Andreus Makaryk]

Andreus Makaryk was not amused.

He had departed Tython with a bit more than nine hours of reactor fuel for a three and a half hour trip. Admittedly, his E-wing could have held far more than nine hours of reactor fuel, but still, now that he wasn't flying the prestigious routes all the way across the Alliance in capital shuttles anymore, the traffic holds over the congested Coruscant airspace only became that much longer. He had anticipated some delay, but now he was five hours later than he had planned on--and only because he had (rightly) declared a reactor fuel emergency with forty-five minutes of fuel remaining had Andreus finally obtained the kriffing clearance to get down. Andreus was no pilot who frivolously went about declaring emergencies--he had landed at the Coruscanti temple with only sixteen minutes of power remaining. Despite having more than twice the required reserves, he'd come within sixteen minutes of fuel starvation.

Now, he was late. He was not pleased. Not pleased at all...

Andreus had tried to make an appointment with Jhon Cordatus some time ago, to express concern about the Order's apparently lax ethical training guidelines when it came to the use of mind tricks. Or, as he so eloquently dubbed them, mind rape. After all, "mind tricks" fundamentally violated the sentient will of another, just as physical rape violated the physical body of another. Yet, Jedi used such abilities openly, notoriously, brazenly, seemingly without a thought at all to their ethical implications. It was a grave concern for Andreus, as when another padawan named Haloburner Lamb, now a Knight and ironically his Master, had done it to him, it had reminded him all too well of when a Sith had destroyed his mind the first time around. Was the difference between Jedi and Sith really that minimal?

But Jhon had been too busy. He still was.

That was why Andreus had signed up for this class--Jhon might not have the time for individual appointments, but he had apparently found enough time to teach a class session. The course description read vaguely about "Right Livelihood," so the matter would even be relatively on-topic. If Andreus could not express his concerns privately, he would do so during that fleeting moment when he had the Sage Master's ear as a student in his class.

Andreus walked into the Council chambers where the class was to be held, his eyes darting about for Jhon. Had he already missed the class because of all those kriffing traffic holds? He hoped not. He saw an assortment of other Jedi, but not Jhon. He didn't much care about the presence of the other Jedi--he wished only to raise his concerns with the Sage Master himself.

 

[Empress]

Skhai turned her gaze from the windows overlooking the sprawling city planet at the sound of her name. Flitting her crystalline wings and brushing several rogue strands of hair from her heavily decorated yet gently featured face she turned and nodded in a courtly manner. a warm smile upon her full lips, the glow of warmth and agelessness behind her oddly hued eyes.
" I'm afraid I don't get out much anymore" the Crystavian master stated, her tones light. " My primary focus is...not one that leads to much travel "

This was a truth she often felt momentary lapses of guilt. In a difficult time one would expect a old Master of the order, and one of the followers of the Sage branch to be taking a more...vocal and more direct inspirational, motivational place in the orders day to day affairs. Mistress Baatch however felt it was her place to maintain or in may ways re-discover many ancient philosophies and ideals, to seek answer-less answers in questions that have no question. To gain a deep knowledge of all things by learning of the self, and promptly loosing the self and all things, and in that simply allow what is to come to her rather than search. It was a very difficult concept to follow for many, explaining it was often harder than not. It was one reason she was drawn to Master Cordatus all those years ago, he too understood her path, and in his own right followed much the same. It was why she gladly offered any and all aid when it came to teaching many of these simple, yet complex lessons. Many of which she herself was raised on, having been established in her species eons ago by a rumored legendary figure in the history of Jedi, and one she herself was rumored to carry ancient blood from. The truth of the matter was simply one to be taken on faith. Records going that far back are rare, and hardly complete. Yet that was then, it was now that Skhai lived, and focused on the rapidly filling chamber.

 

[Master Maverick]

She was truly magnificent to behold, and Ayva listened intently as she spoke. However, there wasn't much to go off of. She wasn't about to probe her as she had just met her.

For only a moment did she think about her not answering her question, as Tsume walked into the Chambers. 3 of her Padawans were here, it was quite a coincidence. She smiled at him warmly as she turned back to Skhai saying with a bow of her head, "If you'd excuse me, I'd like to speak with my Apprentice. It was great meeting you."

She wasn't going to call Tsume over and just assume that Master Baatch would be ok with meeting him. Also, she didn't think Tsume would be very open around another Jedi that he didn't know and would probably think was judging him. She walked over to him, seemingly taking her time but still moving faster than humans would.

"I would like to speak with you after class, if you're up for it." She told him, looking at him in the eyes as she spoke. She would pause for a moment, not really long enough to allow for a response, before she added, "Do not worry about my being here. I shall be in the back observing. Speak your mind and ask as many questions as you can."

She said this because she wanted him to be relaxed and not worry about what she thought on top of everyone else. She had noticed that, though he was rather hot-tempered, he was loyal, almost to a fault. He wanted to please her, even if he didn't admit it. It was this and some other things she wanted to talk with him about after class. Of course, if he was too tired, he could decline, but she would talk to him at some point about everything that has happened recently.

 

[Nevermourn]

Tsume watched as his master excused and detatched herself from the jedi she had been chatting with, walking over in her same, elegant prance that he had come to know. As she spoke, he felt a bit more relaxed, but his nervousness did not ebb. Due to his harsh time on Korriban, the canine accidently mistook the question for an order. "Yes master, I will see you after class." And he dipped his head respectfully.

 

[Dread]

Nothing​

The sound the void makes as you stare. There's naught but the vacuum to see, and be seen by. To some it is madness. To others it is bliss.

Nazar was one if the others. He was Nothing, a child of Alldestroyer.

Today, he choose to join philosophy class mostly because he was curious about Master Jhon Cordatus. He was also quite upset that whoever had attacked the Will was claiming to be children of Alldestroyer. It was frustrating that he couldn't do anything about it. Nazar needed to get his mind off the subject for awhile.

As he entered the classroom he raised his black mask a little, adjusting the straps, leaving the mask on his forehead. He walked to the back of the room and stood directly under the glare of a light.

He'd wait quietly for the class to start.

 

[Kassa]

The young girl who had just graduated the academy by what seemed to be a year ago had made her way to Coruscant just for this class. As a thinker, she found it much more ethical to wait and watch, rather than slice down and cut.

With yet another birthday coming up soon, the girl decided philosophy would be a nice change of pace. The calmness and peace of the Jedi Order should reflect deeply in the wisdom she was about to receive from the Sage Master himself.

Whilst their tutor was hidden from her eyesight, the young girl settled herself among the Padawans, glanced them over, seemed to achieve some form of grace (which was mildly difficult with all of these older, most likely more rigorously trained Padawan), and brought out a crystal to meditated with.

Dipping her legs behind her, the girl balanced her backside amongst her heels with her knees pointing downward. She glanced at the glowing object, before taking it into full view and concentrating. The crystal she had retrieved and decorated from Cerea was very potent in helping with meditation, just like the other kasha crystals.

By concentrating upon the crystal, the girl seemed to lose herself amongst the crowd, focusing only on the clarity of her mind. If she could achieve this clarity, the incoming lesson should prove much more effective in teaching her something.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

The class was assembled, with all students willing and ready to begin the class. It’d been many weeks since Jhon had last taught a class. The last one was on the principle of Right Action, before he’d been appointed as interim Chief of State, so his current position and the subject of the last class seemed to point towards an important next subject: Right Livelihood. If only he could’ve convinced the Galactic Congress to attend the class...not that he would be judgmental about politicians, of course.

Two of his Congressional guards stepped in front of him, and a young man with an instrument stood behind him. The door to the Council chamber opened and the guards stepped into it, standing in formation before the assembled class.

The guard shouted, “All rise for the entrance of His Excellency, the Chief of State of the Galactic Alliance, Master Jhon Cordatus—the greatest leader of our generation!”

The Sage Master stepped forward into the chamber, and behind him the young man with the instrument began playing the theme of the Chief of State, one that had existed for hundreds of years. The interim leader had an ornate golden robe draped over his shoulders, covering an ancient and expensively designed suit of light royal armor that adorned his chest.

“Welcome, friends!” Jhon said and, with the flick of his wirst, threw the golden robe off of his shoulders and onto the ground. “Yes, it is I, your leader. Are you pleased to see me? For I am very pleased to let you see me.”

 

[Nevermourn]

Oh no, a snotty old rich man. Tsume thought to himself, grumbling something inaudible. Will I ever get a break? Evil glances, murderous threats, suicidle thoughts, dramatic presentations and now what? This? That old man is going to lead this class? Wonderful! The canined let an irritated growl of disbelief ring throughout the chamber, teeth bared with annoyance. Im not picking that robe up for you if thats what this class is about.

Tsume took everything serious these days, not really knowing what was true and what was simply a joke. Everyone seemed to look at him something as if he were slow, he had always decided to ignore this, atleast the exchanged glances would not be those of aggression. Of course it would always go back to their hostile stares. "Holy Crrarr." The Shistavanen frowned angrilly. Is it to late to leave?

 

[Syn]

Jade raised an eyebrow as she saw the others assemble. She worked to avoid them and reamined near the wall until she saw the sage master enter. He was interesting she would give him that and gave a small smirk at his joke... Well she hoped it was a joke. He was one of the council and that meant he decided how long she had to wear her tracker... so best make nice.

 

[Andreus Makaryk]

Andreus Makaryk openly rolled his eyes at Jhon Cordatus' brazen display of opulence. It figured that the politicians on Coruscant gave the young Jedi plenty ample reason to be cynical--so maybe he didn't hate politicians in the same way the Sith defined hate, but he certainly abhorred their inherent tendency towards corruption and pilfering of public tax credits for private personal gain.

He was no diplomat, either. He had a knack for speaking in the most blunt--even offensive--terms possible. Cordatus' audacious display, which Andreus considered an abuse of his position, was certainly no exception.

One gift the padawan did possess, or rather had engineered into him, filled the room with an icy chill--his deep, powerful voice. It dripped with harsh undertones, for the padawan very clearly did not appreciate the apparent corruption of the Sage Master. If Jhon wasn't aware of the young man's reputation for cynicism, he would learn of it now.

"I truly hope the politicians of the Senate have not corrupted you that easily?" Andreus half-inquired, half-accused, oblivious to any possible truth of the matter because he had yet to be trained in reading mood and intent through the Force at all.