[Open] Reporting for Duty

[Dameon Shikyo]

Being an agent of balance was not as cut and dry as it seemed. To preserve both sides of the force one must practice both sides of the force. This meant killing mercilessly the good or evil of a planet and yet being able to protect it from the more dominant side. Constantly playing the underdog was tiring but a good challenge for the soul. He found himself now walking among the Jedi in the fight against the dark side, granted he was no master but his knowledge of the dark side would prove useful. He had been given the rank of Padawan but him ranks didn’t make the man and cared little about it. He walked through the halls finding it eerie that when he was younger he had been here seeking medical attention from a speeder accident. He had changed a lot since than and a smile formed on his lips.

Dameon was not wearing his mask, as he felt no need to disguise himself. His gray scar clearly visible going from the right side of his neck to the right eye. His droid Waizu following behind him in guard mode but knew there was little need to be guarded. He hadn’t exactly been told whom he was reporting to and was told only to show up and mention his name. Dameon looked around seeing the young jedi running everywhere to make it to the next class, it was much different from Sith training. One particular student had tripped and fell her training saber sliding to his feet. He looked down at the young girl’s saber and pulled it to his hand before helping her to her feet.

“You will be needing this,” he said with a smile handing the young teen her weapon back before turning to the man in front of him.

“Padawan Dameon Shikyo reporting as ordered. Do you know whom I am to report to?” he asked.

 

[Master Maverick]

"No. She is waiting for you in the Archives. You can't miss her." The Knight spoke quickly, obviously in a rush. He was partially breathless and his attention wasn't focused.

Regardless, he had given his message and that was all that was needed. Without waiting for a reply, he turned on his heel and moved to leave the way he had come. Almost at a trot, he walked away as fast as he could, his simple cloak whipping as he rounded a corner, making sure not to hit the group of Jedi that were coming the other way.

Even though, he was vague in his message, it was all that was needed. A Kaminoan would be waiting for the young man at the entrance to the Archives. Almost seven and a half feet tall, her ethereal form would be impossible for anyone to miss her.

 

[Dameon Shikyo]

“Thank you,” was all he had managed to say before the man had pretty much disappeared. Dameon looked back at his droid who simply turned his head waiting; as if Dameon expected more of a reaction. He wasn’t one for bureaucracy and organized groups as large as the Jedi but he knew it must be this way at least for now. He looked up to the top of where the man had once stood and noticed the signs, one of which directed to the archives. He started his walk toward what he would assume to be his new master or at the least someone who could tell him where to go. The man’s response had been quite odd. He didn’t know who he was to report to but pointed him in the direction and even knew the gender of the master.

As he neared the archives he found out the mysterious man had been at least right to some level; she was hard to miss. Kaminoan’s were rare these days or at least Dameon had imagined they were. He walked up to the master and bowed his head down out of formality.

“Padawan Dameon Shikyo reporting,” was all he would say. He didn’t want to seem like a fool if he speculated that she would be his master,

 

[Master Maverick]

The Kaminoan's eyes gazed about, looking out from the Library, at the Jedi walking about their business. From her vantage point it was quite the show; a moving swath of bodies, yet patterned in a way. She was used to it and even more, the Force flowed through this place such that those walked followed the currents. It was an intriguing occurance, but not one that Ayva spent a particular amount of time thinking about.

Only once a young man had made it within 20 feet of her did she notice that his trajectory would put him before her. Thus, she looked at him as he approached, taking in him form, demeanor and his presence through the Force. It was... not conflicted, for he knew who he was and what his purpose was. No, his presence was a; confluence of light and dark. This, not surprisingly, somewhat concerned the Master, but she would learn more in time and determine a course of action appropriately.

A second after Dameon bowed slightly, Ayva nodded in response. His introduction was quite a bit more formal than she was used to, but not overly unexpected. His files had been gained by the Mistress so she knew some of what to expect.

"Welcome, Dameon. Please, follow me," she said in her ethereal voice. Singsong at first listen, it was soft and melodic, with a cooling effect as though her voice was the essence of water. Her hand motioned for him to do so as she turned, her pure white dress, only broken by the 2 thin light green triangles that started at her waist and ended at the hem of the skirt of the dress. A sash cinched her waist, holding 2 lightsabers, the one on her left hip longer than the one on her right.

The sleeves of her simple frock billowed out elegantly, similar to that of the skirt. Each fell as ripples upon water just as her dress flowed as gentle waves upon a lake. One would suspect that her feet never touched the ground, even though she stepped quite clearly. Simply that her stride was so smooth and her steps so light, she didn't bounce like most sentients.

She led him not far from where they had met; a modest sitting area, a few small tables, one of which she sat at. Drifting down from her lofty height, she rested in her seat, crossing her legs and setting her hands, one on top of the other, upon her lap.

With her eyes, she smiled at the boy for a moment before asking, "How has your time been within the Temple. I hope you have been made comfortable here." Her words were spoken with intent and purpose. She seemed to linger upon each word, each syllable, for longer than might be considered necessary. As well, it was as though she thought of each word before she even uttered a sound, and made sure it came out just right as she spoke them. Whether or not that was true, that she so deliberately spoke, or if it was simply natural for her, would be unknown to anyone but herself.

 

[Dameon Shikyo]

"Welcome, Dameon. Please, follow me," he heard as he lifted his head and looked up to the large majestic Jedi. Sure he was smaller and probably lacked the skills that she possessed but she didn’t feel threatening. He knew this was a somewhat false pretense. He could feel the force flow through her carefully, so she controlled it exceedingly well. He knew by the way that she carried herself that she was trained heavily in light saber combat if not just pure dueling. He himself walked lightly but more for his own purpose, his own form that required pure reaction and control. He walked silently behind her letting her guide the way. He wasn’t the kind of person to waste words at unnecessary moments. The soft metal thuds of his droid followed behind him its eyes closed as it upgraded its knowledge base.

Dameon was dressed far less formal than the master jedi in front of him. He hadn’t been given any type of clothes that Jedi would normally wear, which wasn’t really a bad thing. His attire made him stand out like a poor thief among the wealthy. He made the clothes he wore and as such may not have looked the best after all he was no tailor. It was bulky but comfortable and almost entirely black and a dark shade of blue which gray highlights. He had a ragged cape that draped down behind him to about his waist and a hood that sagged over his head. His gray “scar” that went up his neck and to his right eye was clearly visible and in the light seemed blue from his cloak. All of his clothes looked torn and beaten up but clean none the less.

He looked at the master jedi and sat down across from her placing his hand on the table interlocking his fingers. He had nothing to fear he was neutral so there was no need to be overly cautious, besides his light saber was kept on his right forearm underneath his long sleeves. He had a lot of practice with quickly drawing it to his hand either with the force or small rig he had designed in the clothes to let it fall into his hand.

"How has your time been within the Temple. I hope you have been made comfortable here."

“I have not been here long. So far I have enjoyed the registration process and the wait followed by meeting with you. I understand the bureaucracy but I am eager to get to training and helping the Jedi overcome the Sith,” he stated, he was not one to waste words. The droid beside him seemed completely shut down and gathering knowledge. Dameon looked at the droid and lightly tapped it.

“Waizu, please stop trying to access the Jedi archives remotely. I am sure the Master Jedi here would be more than willing to share any information on herself, with time. I don’t need us seemingly like the bad guys in case you actually manage to crack the security here without my assistance,” he said facing the droid that was now active and looking back at Dameon.

“Sorry master,” said the droid blandly.

“Forgive us. What was your name?”

 

[Master Maverick]

Her light smile persisted through his description and even through his exchange. As well, she kept up the facade in order to mask the fact that she knew he was cautious. Perhaps rightly so, but in such a place she found it unusual that someone needed their guard up. She could feel him sizing her up and she was slightly disconcerted by that, but let it go. He was knew and she had to ease him into their way.

"I do apologize," she started, realizing with some embarrassment that she hadn't yet introduced herself. "I am Ayva Starfall."

Only then did her face flatten. "The Jedi do not exist to rid the galaxy of the Sith, young one, but to defend the peoples of the galaxy from all evils." Her head tilted slightly to emphasize her words physically. "So, then, am I to understand that your reason for being here is simply to combat the Sith?" She left her question at that, not giving any alternatives in order to allow him to think them for himself. He was obviously quite independent enough and didn't need her leading him along.

 

[Dameon Shikyo]

"The Jedi do not exist to rid the galaxy of the Sith, young one, but to defend the peoples of the galaxy from all evils."

“Well of course. I only singled them out as the main source of the dark side’s energy. Sure there is evil everywhere but without some amount of evil there would never be a “good”. So I do understand the need to combat all and protect all from evil of any sort. There is of course a balance to everything. Is it the Jedi’s intentions to keep peace and balance or is it to extinguish all evil so light can prosper? If history has taught us anything utopias never last,” he stated displaying his beliefs as he sort of leaned into the conversation and keeping eye contact.

"So, then, am I to understand that your reason for being here is simply to combat the Sith?"

“If that is what you would like to believe. I am a gray aligned force user as I am sure you have already concluded. I seek what is best for the universe as a whole not the intricacies of an over powering evil or overpowering good. I will do whatever is necessary to maintain balance in the universe,” he explained. He took a short breath looking up at the ceiling for a moment having his real first chance to admire the beauty of the temple. He lowered his hood finding it rude for it to be up when he spoke with a superior. His gray scar if not before was clearly visible, though not an actual scar it was more of a change in his skin.

 

[Master Maverick]

This perspective Jedi was confident. Such confidence she hadn't seen in quite a while by one so young and new to the Order. However, as he went on, she realized the reason for this and was intrigued, if not slightly concerned, by his views. However, she wasn't here to pass judgement on the young man. Only to welcome him to the Order.

She paused for a moment, thinking of his answers and looking at his now non shrouded face. The mark upon his face was interesting, but nothing she would react negatively to. She had seen her share of scars far worse than that.

However, she was curious. "What do you believe balance to be, then, and how would you go about keeping this equilibrium?" She let his assumption of the meaning of her question, choosing not to correct him. She would allow him to keep such perceptions of herself for the time being.

 

[Dameon Shikyo]

"What do you believe balance to be, then, and how would you go about keeping this equilibrium?"

“What is the idea of balance to anyone? Good and evil cannot exist without one another it is impossible. Too much good creates a feeling of a utopia and while pleasant it does not account for the corruption of people. We saw this in the past, as I am sure you well know. On the other hand absolute evil sparks resentment and rebellions as we also have seen. To maintain balance there would have to be an agreement amongst powers which actually holds up. The issue there is that absolute evil would breach the agreement and absolute good would push the boundaries as it has been proven to do. The only logical way to stop that is for the heads of power to be neutral if not the galaxy. Then and only then would you have true peace,” he stated reviewing each word as it exited his lips making sure it was exactly what he wanted to say.

“I myself, alone cannot hope to accomplish this task but I am hoping people will follow by example and listen to my words. I am simply an agent of neutrality not the solution to the problem,” he said looking down at his hands and back to the master jedi. He could sense the force flowing from her and into him and back but he cared not, maybe by reading his thoughts and intentions she could see him for who he was.

 

[Master Maverick]

His presumptuous and absolutist nature screamed of everything the Jedi preached against. All her time in these halls had made her rather unused to such trains of thought, but she would propose her own views, simply for the sake of conversation at this point.

"Nothing is as absolute as you claim with your definition of 'balance'. Indeed, many believe balance to be many things; the Sith believe it to be focused on power, the Jedi on peace, the Chiss on knowledge and the Mandalorians on honor. Once can not simply assume any one thing means the same to all people. Even I, keeping myself out of the public realm for so long, have seen enough to know this.

"Even more, the balance of the Force itself is something no one can ever hope to comprehend. It is beyond our mortal knowledge and those who claim to know it are either simply liars or truly misguided.

"As you said, utopia does not account for the ability for many to be so easily corrupted. Would that, then, not be a utopia? In my mind, a utopia is where all live in harmony with one another. This has never happened ever in the history of the galaxy in which we live. As well, absolute evil has never truly existed, so to propose that you know the outcomes of either is simply pretentious.

"Never has the galaxy, or even any group of people as a whole been absolute in everything that they do. As well, your notion of peace differs from many you will hear, and none are any more correct than any others. To assume so would make you no better than the Sith you wish to lessen in influence, thus working against yourself.

"Your goals are noble enough, however your means of getting there are misguided. To have such a narrow view of everything blinds you to a far greater truth." Her tone remained kind and calm as she spoke, simply proposing her point of view as to how he came across to her and what his words meant to her. She didn't mean to offend or diminish, simply to widen his understanding if he would allow it.

 

[Dameon Shikyo]

ooc: Sorry got caught up in Easter.

IC:


Dameon sat there patiently as he listened to the master jedi speak. Listening completely to what she was saying and letting it filter into his mind and process it.

“It is beyond our mortal knowledge and those who claim to know it are either simply liars or truly misguided.”

“Maybe through experience and prior knowledge this would be a safe assumption but have we not already learned there are many mysteries to the force we have not yet discovered? If everyone believed balance was impossible and no way to achieve it than many incidents throughout time would have never existed. It is true it works in mysterious ways but look at past sith lords and jedi masters who in all their wisdom help guided balance to rough patches of peace without realizing it. It is true that during the time it happened they didn’t realize it but gaining knowledge but what if they were able too? Do you believe every good action in force is sooner or later balanced out by an evil one and vice versa? When its all said and done perhaps you are correct but for now I believe the light side must come out stronger and that’s why I volunteered,” He stated as he straightened his posture.

“I am a unique asset whether or not you can agree with my personal beliefs. Even as a Padawan I am more experienced than most of the same rank and am simply placed in that category by default, which is fine by me. I am ‘thee’ best hacker, slicer, and technological expert in the universe and I am willing to prove it. I have also developed ways to completely remote hack a computer system by using the force. I am sure with your logic you can understand what that means. Nearly everything these days is run by a computer somewhere and cyber security was previously thought to be so advanced only droids could hack the most complicated of systems, this is not true.”

 

[Master Maverick]

The towering Kaminoan, even in her seat she was still rather tall, shifted at his rebuttal. She felt it was misguided, but it wasn't her place to opine on such a thing. At least not to this man.

However, she would address his tone.

"You need not be so defensive with me, young man." Her tone was still calm, but she was obviously put off by his presumptuous words. "I am well aware of your purpose within our Order and am quite aware that my personal opinion on your beliefs are rather moot. I am also quite aware that you are a Padawan in name only; that this rank was bestowed upon you simply because you lack the experience and wisdom of a Knight. Your skills were never doubted.

"Also, I would have to ask that you not patronize me. I am not a child and am well aware that our electronic security systems are far from perfected. Even so, perfection is impossible, so it would be childish to chase such visions." Her words had hardened at this point, as though a mother chastising her child for talking back.

Finally, she added, "And I do hope that is not a threat. The Council is not a group to make an enemy, and technology is practically useless when put up against the Force." She leaned forward slightly with that, to make sure she was heard clearly.

Sitting back, she paused for a moment before finally answering his largely rhetorical question. "To answer your question, I do not believe that is the truth, that every action is counterbalanced as you proclaim. That is an assumption based on incomplete facts and ever more assumptions.

"It has no basis in fact..." She turned her head to look at a Jedi walking by that she exchanged silent greetings with. "However, I do not believe either of us will ever know the truth. Just as you said, over the millenia that Jedi and Sith have existed, many facts have been determined about the Force. Why, then, would this pattern end simply because more time has passed? Even if the Force is constrained to the galaxy in which we live, then to assume that we know all there is to know about it is arrogance in the highest. As such, to presume that we know all there is about the Force is ever more arrogant, for the Force is the base of all things as well as above it and independent of it."

She paused for a moment, realizing what she had said.

"And even these facts are unknown. So, then, why would you assume that one can know all of the Force when such fundamentals are unknown even to the wisest of Force wielders?"

Then she was finished. At least with discussing that topic. He may have more arguments, but she doubted they were any better thought up than his previous one. Even so, it was time to move the conversation forward, on to more substantial topics.

"What is it you plan to do with the rest of your day, then? Do you have any plans?"

 

[Dameon Shikyo]

Ooc: sorry I never noticed you posted o.o’



"And I do hope that is not a threat. The Council is not a group to make an enemy, and technology is practically useless when put up against the Force."

“I was not implying anything threatening at all. I simply stated I could prove this if you would like perhaps in the field or wherever you deem fit. As for what I am doing the rest of the day I actually have no plans at all. I want to train some point today like I do everyday and meditate later but other than that I have nothing scheduled. Did you have something in mind?” he asked straightening his posture.

He was not entirely sure why she had gotten so defensive all of a sudden. Perhaps it was because he was not a true “jedi” in her mind and because of that she could not trust him. He felt indifferent about it but he was willing to do whatever it took to see the Jedi become successful in the years to come. It questioned his resolve to neutrality but even if he gave in to Jedi beliefs for now he would eventually change back if he lived long enough to see the shift in power.

“What would you have me do, Master?”

 

[Master Maverick]

Relaxing a bit more, she bowed her head simply out of repetition of saying, "Again, I hold no doubt in your abilities. Even so, I would not be one to test you for I myself know little of such things," once again.

After, she was silent for a few moments, gathering her thoughts and otherwise simply calming her mind. She was a bit more on edge lately than she would have liked. However, events as of late had done so and she desperately needed to rest her mind.

"I was planning on meditating for a while, myself, before practicing with my blades. However, I have no suggestions for you. You may wish to contact a Captain and see if you could be of some service or perhaps make your way to the tech room and make yourself acquainted there. You are free to do as you please. However," she started as she floated upwards. It would seem as though strings were pulling her upward rather than her legs pushing her airborne. "I am off to a meditation chamber. You are free to join if you wish."

She paused for a moment, waiting for an answer. However, a verbal one would not be required as she soon enough moved off in the direction of her destination. As she had said, he was free to follow if he wanted.

 

[Dameon Shikyo]

ooc: Sorry for extremely late post. Internet went down.

ic:


Dameon watched the majestic Jedi master leave after offering her invitation. He wondered to himself secretly beyond her ability to read his feelings if he was right. He was, in his mind the path he had chosen was right the question was whether or not to fully immerse himself in the Jedi ideals. If he always knew he would be neutral somewhere in his mind than it would work. After all at the moment he was not helping tip the scales of the force one way or the other. If he wanted to help the light side he needed to 'be' light side. He thought on this for a few moments before standing up and following the master into the meditation room. After all the subject was something he likely needed to meditate upon anyways to find his true answer.