The Holo Journal Of Eisa Swan

[Eisa Swan]

The Holo Journal

of Eisa Swan

So you've managed to stumble upon my Holo journal, first things first what have you done to Ditto! These logs are stored on an encrypted memory core to begin with, if you've found this contained within a Memory crystal or a Holocron and I've been too lazy to update this message then forget what I just said....

I am Eisa Swan, Jedi Master. Within this Holo-log, you will find my collected thoughts and observations gathered over the years of service within the new Jedi Order and the Galactic Alliance behind the Rebellion against the tyrannical rule of the Sith Empire.

The path of a Force wielder and a Jedi whilst it can be rewarding, it is a difficult path to walk. There will be hardships that you will face, and many of your decisions and actions will result in the suffering of others, whether it was your intention or not! I am not recording these thoughts to provide you with a moral compass, Kriff I'm hardly the shining example for rest of the Jedi Order.

I'm not going to cover the basic elements of the Force. As the various teachings contained in the Archives would be a greater wealth of information. Though I'm sure if you are able to track down Master Luy, you'll find that he can explain the mystery of the Force in a far clearer way that I ever could.

But this Holo-log will cover the areas that the ancient Jedi teachings fall short, particularly when it boils down to dealing with Abominations or fighting in the middle of a battle field. Remember that the teachings of the Ancient Jedi Order was drafted during an era of peace, not in one of open rebellion.

 

[Eisa Swan]

Entry One

The Jedi Order

I'm sure if you ask anyone about the Jedi of old, many would tell you about the Ancient Jedi Order were once the guardians of peace throughout the Galaxy; they defended and protected all life who were unable to defend themselves, brought stabilty to world's shaken by disaster and brought hope to where it had once been lost. Many will also say that the Jedi never openly attack, only defend. This was the life of a Jedi so many years ago, long before the Rise of the Sith Empire. A reality that I for one would only dream of, but our time is not that of Galactic peace where the only threats were from the likes of criminals and slavers who would seek to exploit the less fortunate for their own gain.

We unfortunately, live in a time of open rebellion against the Sith Empire. A reality that I have found that the teachings of the Ancient Jedi had not truly accounted for, then again who could have imagined all those centuries ago that servants of the Darkside would have such a grasp over the Galaxy. I'd wager that my words here would no doubt get me a swift chewing out by the other Masters. But I would say that when you are living in an era like this, you can not bring or preserve Peace throughout the Galaxy, unless you are prepared to wage war.

The Jedi code would also look to instil the morals of the Order, whilst they emphasize self improvement, knowledge and wisdom, selfless service to those who need it and acts of mercy and charity. All of them wonderful traits to have, they come with the suggestion that you cannot achieve enlightenment of your self, without purity of thought and detachment from your emotions. Now many Masters will denounce emotions for being the root cause of mortal suffering; they believe fear, anger and love are the cause for all conflict and suffering in the Galaxy.

Whilst to a degree this is true, your emotions can have an effect on your decisions. You should not be completely devoid of your emotions, some masters would train younglings to be completely free of emotions from a young age. This is not right! That youngling will either just become an emotionless husk, completely lacking in empathy for the suffering of others. Or they will undoubtedly fall to the Darkside, because can guarantee as soon as they suffer the great blinding pain of loosing those they have grown up with their entire life, they will be so overwhelmed by emotions that they will not be able to cope.

My advice, live your life with emotion. Experience all the joys, pleasures, fears and pain that this verse has to offer you. Fall in love and have your heart broken, take part in the creation of life. These are all natural aspects of life and likely where you will find the Force at its purest form. Just take note of how you feel, so you know what the warning signs are, particularly with anger! Find out what is the best way for you to channel and focus your mind whilst you are feeling these emotions. And, remember at times of conflict or when rational thought is required, do not let your emotions guide your actions, clear heads and trust in the Force will guide you true, the impulses of your emotions will likely cause great harm

 

[Eisa Swan]

Entry Two

The Bendu

Found on the planet of #REDACTED#, the Bendu is a Force Sensitive entity of immeasurable strength. Towering in its form and recognisable by it's deep booming voice, paired with a set of brilliant white eyes bare the wise insight of ancient knowledge. The Bendu doesn't appear to show allegiance to either the Lightside or the Darkside of the Force, rather he or it represents the balance that lies between the two elements of the living Force.

"Jedi and Sith wield the Ashla and Bogan. The light and the dark. I'm the one in the middle"

Although the Bendu is an incredibly wise and knowledgeable source of guidance, helping others to overcome their own fears and imbalances though various trials. Do not test the entity's patience! Whilst the Bendu is not quick to anger, yet alone show any form of emotional response. It does not suffer fools gladly, I did find myself on the receiving end of a few... slapped wrists for talking too much after the Bendu had said that I made too much noise.

Word to the wise, pay attention to what the Bendu says.

When I first encountered the Bendu, I was plagued by inner conflict. Stemming from the lives I have taken during my years of service and fighting the battles of the Galactic Alliance, so much so that my inner turmoil disrupted the Force that flowed through and around me. Although my presence disrupted the natural peaceful state of #REDACTED#, something that on reflection did irritate the Force Entity.

The Bendu was able to guide me towards resolving my own inner fears, guilt and personal darkness. Helping my come to terms with who and what I am and my place in the Galaxy at large, allowing me to become at peace with my true self. The Force Entity does this through a series of three personal trials, that test your ability to look upon yourself critically. These three trials, should not be taken lightly! They have the potential to cause potentially life threatening harm, if you are not truly willing to accept these changes.

 

[Eisa Swan]

Entry Three

Dark Side Abominations

If you ever have the misfortune to encounter these foul creatures, take heed to my warning, Do not show mercy or suffer these creatures to live! Abominations are either manifestations of the Dark side's Will or former servants of the Dark side, be them cultists or Sith acolytes, whose will's were not strong enough to prevent the corrupting influence of the Dark side to take over their minds and bodies.

Abominations tend to be encountered on worlds that have been corrupted by the overwhelming presence of the Dark side, especially if there are tainted Force Nexuses present - Ilum would be a prime example of this. So if your duties as a Jedi find's you setting foot upon a corrupted planet, be wary as these foul creatures are likely to be lurking within the shadows. Whilst they are often masked by the clouding presence of the Dark side, if you focus and temper your mind you may feel the presence of Abominations. The best way to describe their presence in the Force is like an intense frost burn, they are cold lifeless voids in the Force.

Abominations come in various forms that often depend on how much of an influence the Dark side has had the original host, whilst this may not be the definitive definition and classification. I have found that there are typically three types of Abomination:

Drones - Are a complete shadow and shell of their former hosts. The Darkside having corrupted the person's form so far beyond recognition that they take on a whole new form, their bodies and limbs mutate into weapon like appendages covered in barbed bone like armour. Their stance and posture resembles that of a wild predatory beast. These types of abominations tend to be the more common and subsequently the weakest and most mindless of three types.

Twisted - Unlike the drones, these forms of Abominations are less common, though they appear to be husks of their former selves. They are characterised by the near sentient traits, rather than the drones that just rush in for the kill, these Abominations are able to adapt and study their prey.

Primes - These are the most dangerous of the three, the early stages of the Dark side's corruption would have only taken hold. Their flesh would only be starting to mutate but their minds if they can be called that, are still highly sentient. Allowing them if they were originally Force Sensitive to call upon the abilities of the Dark side. Remember to never let your guard down, and hold tightly to your own resolve.

 

[Eisa Swan]

Entry Four

The Jedi of War

The Jedi are the guardians and protectors of Peace, but what if there is no peace for the Jedi to protect, what then? Should a Jedi stand idly by as countless lives are forced to suffer under the tyrannical and cruel rule of the Sith Empire? Can the Order sit and watch as the oppressed rise up and rebel against their masters, and hope that they are successful in breaking their own shackles. No, the Jedi are duty bound to protect those who are oppressed, or defenceless.

But the question you should be asking yourself is, should a Jedi be willing to kill in order to bring peace to the Galaxy?

I'd imagine that many of the Padawans or Knights that might be reading this, would quickly counter the question with the statement that a Jedi's first concern is to preserve life, irregardless of to whom that life holds allegiance. And, I will confess that I agree, life is one of the most sacred gifts that the Force can bestow.

But I would then ask you, what would you do when you are surrounded by the Imperial Troopers, under heavy fire, the lives of those around you being snuffed out indiscriminately. Do you opt for a peaceful solution, do you step out from the trenches and try to engage a foe that is so hell bent on eradicating you in dialogue so that they lower their weapons and surrender?

If your answer is yes, then you perhaps may be a better Jedi than I, but in times like these I would guess that your life as a Jedi would be short lived. Whether you like it or not, if you are part of the Rebellion, you will likely find yourself in the middle of a battle field faced with the prospect that in order to protect those beside you, your lightsaber or your abilities with the Force will be used to Kill.

It is not an easy burden to bare, having blood on your hands. It is one that if your path takes you into the heart of conflict, the lives that you have taken will weigh heavily on your mind. Many within the Order, including yourself may regard you as a monster, or no better than those who are servants to the Darkside. But what you have to remind yourself of, is the simple fact that you are fighting for what you believe in.

After all you cannot reason with a rancor, when your head is in it's mouth.

Hold true to your convictions, do not act out of emotion, and for the love of the Force! Have the courage to face up to your own actions, do not run or hide away from your doubt and guilt. Embrace them, accept the fact that your actions may have taken the lives of those who would continue to benefit from the oppression of others. And perhaps when such a time of Peace is possible, move on from your past and bring some good back into the 'verse.

 

[Eisa Swan]

Entry Five

Kyber Crystals

Whilst it is widely known that Kyber crystals are Force-attuned crystals that grow predominantly in areas where there is a strong tie to the Force, such as nexuses. The Kybers are often a focal point of a Jedi's training, where during the pilgrimage to the Kyber caves, a crystal will call out to the Jedi selecting them as their wielder, from which they will form the very heart of a Jedis closest ally, their Lightsaber.

It has been observed that Kyber crystals exhibited a sort of consciousness that boarders on sentience, and could at times communicate with its wielder through the Force. Many have theorised that this may be due to the Jedi imparting a reflection of their spirit or soul into the Kyber during the Gathering Ceremony, which may be the case, but I have seen on occasions where the Kyber is able to maintain and assert a will of its own.

It was during a session with Padawan Feyre, that I encountered this. The Padawan had came into the Order through unconventional means, if I recall correctly she had pretty much purchased her lightsaber and her Kyber Crystal from antique dealers, as opposed to undertaking the traditional rights of passage. But the Kyber appeared to defy the Padawan, causing her lightsaber to not function, as if the crystal had rejected her.

It turned out that the Kyber had formerly belonged to a Sith, who had fractured the delicate crystal whilst attempting to bleed it. And despite Padawan Feyre being aligned to the light, the crystal would resist the attempts for the young Jedi to bond with it. During an... Unconventional meditative trance between the Padawan and the Kyber. It was revealed that the crystal had achieved a level of sentience and able to take on an astral form of sorts.

What we had learned during the kybers healing and bonding process with the Padawan, was that the Kyber Crystal had a clearer level of sentience than originally believed. Revealing that the relationship ship between Jedi and its Kyber Crystal is one of union rather than that of service. In order for the Kyber to truly lend a Jedi its own strength in the Force, you must be willing to accept and endure the very pain and hardships that the Kyber has felt, as it will undoubtedly have to feel your own everytime you channel the Force through it.

 

[Eisa Swan]

Entry Six

The Dark Side of the Force

Now, well as any of you will know by now. There are two key aspects to the Living Force, The Light Side and the Dark Side, The Light or Ashla for the more traditionally inclined, is the tool of the Jedi and is said to be the Natural state of the Force, built around tranquillity, compassion and selflessness - all of which can allow a Jedi to achieve a sense of harmony with the Force.

The Dark side or Bogan, like the Sith is the direct opposite to the Light Side. It's practitioners are said to draw their power from the basest of our natural emotions, fear, anger, hatred and everything else that your mentor would elect to caution you against. As Grand Master Breaux had wisely said, "The Darkside does not give power for nothing, there is always a catch" This couldn't be truer, whenever you draw upon the Force with such raw emotion, it comes at a cost, be it through physical corruption of your own flesh or the degradation of your mind and being - See Abominations.

The Light Side has the power to preserve and rejuvenate, heal and dampen the pain of the wounded. And the Dark Side has the power to inflict pain, drain the life from those around the wielder. But there is a question that remains when it comes to the use of the Force powers and drawing upon abilities or skills that are inherently deemed to be Dark in nature. Is it the ability that corrupts the wielder, or is it the intent?

When you look at the likes of one of the more prominent of abilities that the Sith use, Force lightning - Many Jedi would see it as a destructive ability, one used to inflict intense pain or even kill those on the receiving end which would often be the intent of its Sith wielder. But there are some within the Order, myself included who have drawn upon the ability to summon lightning through the Force - whilst it is a very controversial ability to wield within the Order due to the stigma that the Sith have created around the ability, even though the manipulation of other elements are permitted. The difference was that on the rare occasion that I had drawn upon the ability, it was to contain and repel a barrage of Force lightning away from causing harm. And on the odd occasion I did use it to jump start the Cygnus after it's batteries ran flat....

But during those occasions, my mind was calm and tempered from emotion, not feeling any anger, fear or any of the other traits of the Dark Side. Which would beg the question, if you were to use the Force to apply pressure upon another living beings body, akin to the documented Dark Side abilities as Force Wound or Choke, not to deprive the person of their life, but to preserve it. Using it as a tourniquet to prevent someone from bleeding out, would the use of a such an ability corrupt you if you were using it with the intent to preserve life?

 

[Eisa Swan]

Entry Seven

Meditation

When you can't recognise the person you see reflected back at you in mirror, then it is time to step back and see when you stopped being yourself!

There will be times in any Jedi's life that they will find themselves, for want of a better term, Lost. Whether they have found themselves standing in middle of a battle field in its dying breaths of a violent skirmish, or more often the case a Jedi has been separated from their peers or the Order for a prolonged period of time on assignment.

Feelings and thoughts of doubt are a common trait within the Jedi ranks, from the humble Padawan to the seasoned Master. Each and everyone of us have faced the moment when our actions catch up with us, when we look into the mirror and do not recognise the person looking back at ourselves.

The Third pillar of the Jedi Path, is self discipline, Without mastery of one self, then many of the Order's scholars would argue, how can one achieve mastery of the Force? Meditation is a paramount aspect of a Jedi's life, and whilst many dedicate their spare waking moments meditating on the Force, the wider 'Verse and current events. Many do fail to look within themselves, which allows for an inner conflict to take root and grow.

Once the seeds of your own conflict have been sowed, it would only be a matter of time until doubt sprouts and spreads throughout your mind. Making you question your choices, your actions and whether you are holding true to the path of the Jedi. Leaving these to fester can have the same effect as calling upon the Force in a moment of passion or weakness, the moment a Force user has their awakening, the Dark side will look for the slightest weakness to allow itself to spread throughout.

The question is, how do you prevent this? Do you shield yourself from the Dark Side further, do what you can to drown out it's tempting whispers? Do you take the time to lock yourself in the meditation chambers and search for a means of purification and realignment by suppressing your doubts and worries? All of these will work in the short term, giving a Jedi the means to recenter and focus themselves, but this is nothing more than just a patch job.

To be free of your worries and doubt, you have to accept them! But the question is how? Simply put it takes courage, many would say that courage is what allows you to control your fears in the shadows of an dangerous situation, or that you are willing to stand up for what you believe in. But true courage, is having the willingness to critically look at oneself, to be a Jedi, and to resit the allure of the Dark Side, you must refuse to allow yourself to be controlled and ruled by your doubts and worries. But not to the point that you remove yourself from them entirely, it is about learning to live with your faults and accepting them.

Remember life is not without pain, the path of a Jedi concerns itself with how we handle that pain, our joys, our confusion or even our triumphs. Life is more than time passing before death, it is the sum and total of all we make of it

 

[Eisa Swan]

Entry Eight

Bacon on Waffles?