Trials of Mastery: Jubba

[Austin Wolfe]

The Trials of Mastery are an ancient tradition of the Jedi Order, used at various times throughout history. The betrayals of the Hundred Years Darkness and the Rise of the First Sith have pushed the Jedi into action, and the Trials are once again returned to their place of sacred importance in the Order. Jedi Knights face great challenges every day, and when they believed they are ready, they must stand and be judged harshly by their would-be peers, ensuring that only the greatest Knights are entrusted with the title of Master.


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Once again, another Knight had put their name forward to be tested by the Trials of Mastery. It was heartening to see many maturing as Jedi — regardless of whether they were granted the rank of Master or not. This was the second Trial that Austin himself would be chairing, having been given more responsibilities as a Master to oversee the growth of their Knights. The windows, usually propped wide open to allow the wind and sunlight to pour in, were mostly shut today as a fierce storm was brewing. Gusts buffeted the walls of the Council chambers, with the sound of waves crashing roughly against the rocks far below.

Observing Jubba as he entered the chambers and stood (sat?) before the Masters, Austin bowed his head as the Trials began. "Knight Jubba. It is well-known that you and Knight Grug were...very close. It has come to our knowledge, which you likely know as well, that Grug has passed away in battle."

Letting his words sit for a moment, Austin leaned forward in his chair and clasped his hands together. "How has this loss affected you?" Remembering the events of the Conclave that happened not too long ago, the doctor added, "You may speak in whichever language you feel most comfortable answering in. We have translators with us." Looking out at his fellow Masters and Councillors, he nodded to them as he had provided handheld translators before the Trial began.

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[Jubba the Mutt]

Jubba made his way in front of the council of Masters who would then decide his fate and whether the larger than life Jedi was worthy of taking up the rank of Master himself. Jubba had taken great care to groom and clean, lest he leaves a lingering reminder of his presence within the chambers after leaving. Taking a moment to respectfully acknowledge the Masters around him, Jubba began to contemplate how he would answer the first question in Huttese.

"Grug is and forever will be my friend, our friendship was built upon the fact that our mutual kind was usually not associated with the Jedi or its values. We came together as opposites, Grug represented the strength of the order while I preferred the non-violent path if it could be helped."

"The news of his death did bring me to tears, I mourn for Grug as we all do but I find peace with his sacrifice ultimately saving a younger Jedi's life. It was his decision to aid the Republic in their fight against the Cartel, even if the cost was to be his own life. I am a pacifist by virtue of my upbringing if anything this loss encourages me to continue on this path even if it is a lonely one."

Grug had often taken Jubba on adventures across the galaxy and on more than one occasion they would break out into scuffles. The thought of not seeing his friend again did pain him but Jubba was determined to show that this emotion was under his control.

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[Bruce Guleya]

"Knight Jubba could you please tell this council why it is you've chosen to be a pacifist and why you've decided to maintain this stance in all your years. For, the Jedi code nor it's tenants demand that of it's membership." The Caretaker spoke casually, "The fact is, that was your choice and while it's an admirable one, especially in these dark times, it isn't required. So what prompted thie choice and why is it you still hold true to this belief?"

Bruce knew he sort of repeated himself, but he wanted to reiterate the exact questions he was asking.

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Spoiler: OOC

Just reposting Vollen's post. He's dead. Can't have ghosts talking to us, we might be a little crazy.

 

[Jubba the Mutt]

This question regarded something that Jubba was quite passionate about and thus his answer was not something that needed to be deliberated on for a long time.

"Thank you, Master Bruce, my preference is pacifism although I understand that there will be times that require me to take up a weapon to defend our values. There are obvious physical limitations that prevent me from engaging in combat as the other Masters assembled here." Jubba let loose a little belly laugh at the thought of himself bouncing around in a duel like Wyck.

"Growing up I was the victim of the abuses of a family who saw my pacifism as weakness and something they could exploit for personal gain. In truth, my father and older brother considered that violence was the answer to everything and frequently used it against both his family and those he worked with. In standing up to my family to protect those who were too scared to raise their voice, I was banished from the family and almost lost my life for it. It was only through my known non-violence and diplomacy was I able to negotiate another path for my would-be killers."

Jubba thought upon the matter for a few moments while reliving the long forgotten past. While ones past could shape who they had been, it did not have to dictate who they could become but rather serve as a catalyst for change or in Jubba's case solidify their beliefs.

"To answer the second part of your question Master Bruce, I hold that violence is never the only solution and should only be considered when absolutely necessary. I am of course in a much better position to protect others now then when I left home one hundred years ago but it has become my personal interpretation of the type of Jedi that I wish to be."

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[Bruce Guleya]

For once during all of the trials he had overseen, Bruce chuckled in the hall. "Aye, Jubba - you are quite the large lad." The Caretaker was being friendly, he had seen Jubba fight some time ago and he vaguely remember it - at the time he couldn't laugh about it, but these days he certainly could. The laugh and the reaction was strictly because of the story he'd implied with his belly laugh.

And soon the expression returned to the neutral unremarkable version of himself, "One hundred years old you say? In that century you have seen a great number of things no doubt. Experienced quite a lot - you've got a claim so few of us can make on this council; for our oldest is shy of half your lifetime. So Knight Jubba, I've got two more questions that are completely related to your age; one which will be easy to answer and one that might take you a moment."

Bruce leaned forward in his chair watching the Hutt before him, probing him with the Force gently to monitor his responses that could not be seen by the naked eye. "Many of our leaders are far younger then you, how does that make you feel? Having such younglings giving you orders and directing you and the Order?"

Bruce would allow the Hutt to answer the simple question before he would proceed to the second question, a question he personally thought might take a little thinking on the Knight's part. "A century of experience. I want you to take a moment and reflect. You have told this council you were a victim of abuse, but I want you to look beyond that - unless you feel it relevant in this answer. Of that century of experience, recall a time you had suffered a great loss - for yourself, for others or for both - tell us of that time and how you dealt with the loss and what you have learned from that incident."

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Spoiler: Tags, sorry forgot

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[Jubba the Mutt]

Jubba adjusted his clothing while listening intently to the Jedi Master who was addressing him. A smile creased his face as Master Bruce joked with him before getting to the more serious line of questioning that he was to answer.

"It was not long after my one hundred and eighty-fifth birth year was I granted my knighthood which may sound strange for some species, although Grand Master Wyck is only a few years younger, for a Hutt this is still quite young as my kind can live for a thousand years if we are lucky, Master Bruce."

The first question was relatively straightforward and the answer likewise. "Age should not define a Jedi nor their competency but rather what they say and the wisdom behind it, or as you mention, order. I would not call into question the directions of a younger Jedi simply for the difference in age but only if I saw merit in raising such concerns."

The second more in-depth question gave pause to the larger than life Jedi as he took a moment to consider how to phrase the answer correctly.

"I have lost friends, mentors and family but through the discovering the force and adhereing to the Jedi teachings, I found my path forward but my greatest loss would be the time where I came close to losing my faith in the Jedi Order itself. It was a struggle to find acceptance in the Jedi Order before Illum, there was a war going on and I was told that my kind was unwelcome and would never be able to advance despite other contributions that I could make if I didn't fight. Of course, I didn't know at the time I was speaking with a future exile but the damage had already been done.

A short pause between statements gave Jubba a few moments to collect his thoughts and breath.

My friend and mentor Dovat Navux did not return from a mission one day leaving a young inexperienced and hurting Hutt to slip in between the cracks of the system and for a short decade it felt that I would be forced to leave the institution that I had held so dearly for so long and instead take my own path. In this time without guidance and direction, my emotions were not held in check and instead festered into doubts and frustration which only served to strike a wedge between myself and the Jedi teachings as I no longer felt that I met the standards of a perfect Jedi.

A personal dark time, a byproduct of the time where he had been rather isolated and not involved in the war itself.

Sixty years ago a young disfigured and injured Jedi Knight named Reeve Rethera found themselves a casualty of war, they were a beacon of light and hope in a time of darkness for myself. Her physical limitations prevented her from fighting which was all that she had ever known in the Order but she did not let that pull her down and contribute in many other ways. I saw within her the type of Jedi that I always hoped to become and her courage to continue despite the odds against her gave me the motivation and drive to overcome my emotions and take control of them.

Reflecting deeply, Jubba now answered the final leg of Master Bruce's question.

The lesson that I have learned was simply that there is no such thing as a perfect Jedi, we are all prone to mistakes and flaws that tempt us away from the light but it is within us all to find and hold onto our values and beliefs and push ourselves to be accountable for them."

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[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce listened closely to the Jedi Knight, the Knight had his attention during the talk, the Knight deserved his complete attention; it was respect and courtesy. As always, there was no true indication of Bruce's approval or disapproval of the answer. He did ask an extensive question - and he could hear his good friend Fennex groaning and the long talk - but of course Fennex wouldn't do it for real... or at least he didn't think what he heard was real. Needless to say, Bruce would have smirked had this not been a formal meeting.

The story proved to be enlightening, at least for the Caretaker for sure. Though these were always a formal proceeding and not time to get to know each individual in the long run, Bruce always made an effort to learn a little something beyond are they Master material or not. This was his Order after all, the membership meant a great deal to the caretaker. He was started to get a solid picture of what was next. Bruce recalled a few other trials and a few other incident that had occurred in the recent time, which made the bardottan generate yet another question for the Hutt. This one, to Bruce was a key question.

"One of the biggest and murkiest topic for those outside of the Jedi Order is a topic so easily misread; and understandably so for those not aware of the inner workings of a Jedi Knight or Jedi Master or even a youngling. The topic I speak of is attachment, Jubba. You and Grug, if I recall correctly have had a long history - good friends; as you've already told us in response to Mater Wolfe's earlier statement, as such I am not going to ask about him - but once again, we are truly sorry for your loss. The Order is smaller without him." Bruce offered a reassuring smile before he continued with the question, "What is your stance on attachments? Relationships, physical property, and more. This is not a question in regards to a specific attachment or if you have attachments or had attachments. This question is addressing it as a whole. Your understanding of attachment, why their good or bad, as an example. I'm not asking for a list, just your general attitude and understandings on it... I'm sorry if that sounded winded."

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[Jubba the Mutt]

Jubba licked his drying lips while listening to the follow-up question from Master Bruce regarding attachments. He had read the Jedi tenants back to front probably a million times by now but the question wasn't whether he knew what they said but rather what his understanding of it and the Hutt's own stance which made it an interesting question.

"Attachments are dangerous for Jedi for the simple reason that they create a dependence upon something which is not the light side of the force. Dependencies create opportunities to act on instinct and emotional responses as opposed to completing a logical assessment of the situation and acting appropriately, in essence, it creates a conflict of interest and thus clouds one's judgment."

Jedi could not help developing bonds with those they worked with often, such bonds were naturally dangerous as the bond deepened thus also the opportunity for emotion to come to play and interfere with a Jedi's thoughtful response. The Jedi were mostly sentient people after all and not robotic machines that would always be devoid of emotions.

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[Austin Wolfe]

Master Wolfe listened as Councillor Guleya asked Jubba multiple questions. As with the rest of the Council, Austin simply heard the questions and kept his thoughts to himself. This form of neutrality could often come off as a negative response — but the Knights knew this and were prepared for their Trial. Leaning forward once the room had fallen silent, the doctor raised his voice again to ask another question of the Hutt. "Knight Jubba, though during these Trials we look for ways in which you have proven yourself, and thus worthy of the rank of Master."

Looking intently at Jubba, Austin continued, "Tell us in which ways you think you should not be granted such a title — though we are Jedi, none of us are perfect. Recognizing our flaws allows us to overcome them."

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[Jubba the Mutt]

Jubba sat quietly for a few moments to consider the question that was posed to him by Master Wolfe, a most intriguing one indeed as the Hutt had many flaws as most did. Did any of his flaws prohibit him from attaining the rank and honor of Master? time would tell.

"Gluttony, pacificism and my limited service of achievement with the Order. It is no secret that my loins require significantly more nourishment than most Jedi.." Jubba casually glanced toward Master Fennex momentarily.

"Beyond simply keeping myself alive I enjoy seeking out the culinary wonders of the galaxy and eating them, perhaps too much for one Jedi Hutt. I understand that we are in a war for our very survival at this point and could understand if my pacifism was not looked upon favorably, as what the Order needs to promote at this time and instead desired warriors to serve as Masters."

The last point was a little sore for Jubba but the question was one of reflection and knowledge that the flaw itself could be overcome.

"I have served the Jedi Order for many years now but in this time there has been few if any major successes that can be attributed to my actions. With Grug, we have completed many missions however things have always fallen through before the completion of the overall campaign and thus, I feel they limit my contribution made. All I have ever wanted was to serve faithfully, having taken my vows seriously as one might but one could find it lackluster I suppose."

Jubba understood that to be refused the rank of Master was not one of shame or dishonor but rather an understanding that he himself was not ready for it. If the council saw this as the best outcome for him then he hoped if nothing else, that they would provide guidance and direction that would assist him in this journey.

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[Fennex Zeerda]

Fennex shifted in his chair and cleared his throat, breaking the silence in the wake of Jubbas answer. He'd only met the Knight briefly before this, but knew of his exploits alongside the late Knight Grug. Fennex was familiar far too familiar with losing close friends to not feel sympathy for the massive Jedi, but for the moment he had a sacred duty to perform for this council and he wouldn't let his feelings color his judgement.

"Knight Jubba, what does being a Master mean to you?" the fox asked simply, using far fewer words than Councilor Guleya to repurpose one of the saurian Masters favorite questions.

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OOC: Sorry for the delay!

 

[Jubba the Mutt]

Jubba's attention shifted toward Master Fennex as the little but powerful Jedi asked but a simple but meaningful question. A Jedi master fulfilled many roles and responsibilities that Jubba had not entirely taken on as a knight himself, a Master would undoubtedly need to recognize this.

"Master Fennex, a Jedi Master is many things. A warrior, a custodian, a defender of the innocent much like Jedi knights are but most importantly they are teachers."

"A Jedi Master is someone who has both proven they are responsible and are capable of taking on responsibilities such as guiding the next generation of Jedi or giving their lives for the greater good if it is called for."

"A Master themselves will never cease learning, but their mastery is recognized none the less."

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[Austin Wolfe]

The Council's questions answered by Jubba to the best of his ability, Austin turned to his fellow Masters and Councillors, nodding solemnly to affirm that now was the time to discuss the outcome. Turning to the Hutt before them, Master Wolfe addressed him once more. "Thank you for your time and answers to us, Knight Jubba. Please allow us a few moments while we deliberate and come to a decision on the matter at hand." As always, two Temple Guards standing by came forward and escorted Jubba from the chamber.

◊ ◊ ◊​

Not too much longer afterward, the doors slid back open and the Knight was allowed before the Council — ready for their final verdict. Austin showed no indication whether Jubba had either passed or failed the Trials, though all would be revealed in time. He watched as the Hutt walked (slid?) before them again, and studied the Knight before speaking.

"Knight Jubba. In your long years in this Order, you have seen much come to pass. Many others may, in fact, judge you simply for your species and their lust for power and wealth. However, today you have shown us quite the opposite."

The time for lack of expressions had now ended, and Austin smiled with assurance. "Today, you are no longer a Knight among us. We grant you the title of Master, Jubba. May your wisdom and perseverance be a guide for all others in our Order."

A note of solemnity returned to the doctor however as he continued. "But a warning we must give to you — that your pacifism does not lead you to inaction. Though your aversion to violence is admirable, the time is upon us where we must also take up arms in service of the Force." In light of the many losses that the Jedi had taken recently, it was prudent that they focus on the Order's survival. "But this day is one for rejoicing, and let us not dwell on such dark thoughts. Go forth, Master Jubba, and may the Force be with you."

Fin​

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