Philosophy...Code...The Basics

[Negative Blessing]

Finally back on Dantooine, her self appointed home world, Grima took some time to address some of the issues her servants brought up. After delegating to them what she needed accomplished, she turned to her Twi'lek Apprentice. "This is my homeworld. Many Sith wish to live upon Korriban or even Coruscant but I prefer the quiet tranquility of Dantooine and the chaos and conflict of this planet. As you have noticed, the Dark Side is powerful here, but it is raw energy but powerful none the less. Though you may witness the beauty of this planet, it is not without its dangers. We shall spend some time here so you can train and practice and hear my lessons without interruptions. When the time comes, we will begin the quest to construct your first lightsaber."

Grima motions for the Twi'lek to follow her indoors. Grima gives the young girl a tour of her palace explaining each room and what takes place in there. After concluding the tour, Grima takes the girl to what will now be her permanent room during her time as Grima's Apprentice.

"This will be your room while you are Apprenticed to me. I sense you are tired and weary from the space flight. Tonight you will eat a fine meal and rest up both physically and mentally. In the morning, I will begin your training starting with Sith Philosophy and the Sith Code. All Sith should know both. A Sith's power is not in their ability to wield a lightsaber but the definition of their knowledge of history and command of the Force. I have some matters to attend to and you will do what I have instructed you to do. Until the morning Apprentice."

Grima left the girl and returned to her main chambers to discuss some business with the Council of Merchants.

 

[LadyM]

I could feel the energy of the dark side coursing all throughout the planet. As it flowed from every living thing, it began to flow through me and I closed my eyes taking it all in. The planet was beautiful just as she had said but I had yet to see any of these dangers. Then again, I'm not as powerful as Master Volitu is. So in time I would be able to detect or pick up the dangers she spoke of.

I walked with her through her home and found it reflected perfectly with the Sith Master. I noticed several small and large statues and portraits of various Sith Lords and Ladies in the different rooms she showed me. I could see that she not only had servants but loyal servants. I could see they respected her and not feared her and wondered how she was able to dominate them or get them to feel safe around her. Most people I have encountered that were not Sith or Force sensitive, mainly the Imperial soldiers and such, rank of fear.

When we at last reached what would serve as my own room, I bid my Master good night and headed inside. I saw that all my stuff had been brought to my room and I felt safe, sort of. I quickly unpacked my belongings and headed to the banquet hall where I ate not only the best food I ever tasted but a fabulous meal. I returned to my room and sat on the floor losing myself in a deep meditation state.

Once my session was over and my mind relaxed, I went to sleep. In the morning I headed out of my room and found Master Volitu already waiting for me.

 

[Negative Blessing]

"Philosophy and history it is. Sith Philosophy consists of three basic tenants or creeds and the Arauk'kesh which translates to Rite of Ascension. The first creed is Baptism by Fire, the second creed is Empowered by Passion, and the third creed is Code of the Sith. Baptism by Fire is this, Sith believe only the strongest should survive while the weak should be eliminated, ridding the Order of the unworthy to be called Sith. This is the main tenant or creed of the Sith Philosophy in that it encourages the individual to use their passions to acquire their strength...their powers...their victory...and of course, the freedom that will break the shackles that restrain them. So it other words Apprentice, self-preservation and self-reliance are important to your growth. Survival at all costs be that through deceit, treachery, or cut throat tactics. Trust none, kill all that oppose you. Also, always be aware and observant of opportunities that present itself. It is through these opportunities that you can eliminate potential rivals or seize power. If you allow such opportunities to pass you Apprentice, be assured that another will take the opportunity to eliminate you."

Grima lets her words be soaked up by her Apprentice. Most Sith in the Order forget that most important creed and when they find themselves in the clutches of death, then and only then do they see their failures and short comings.

"The second tenant or creed, Empowered by Passion is the fundamental belief that a Sith must come to the understanding that our emotions are the cornerstones of being Sith. One misunderstanding of this that we Sith are enslaved by our emotions but that is not the case. As the True Sith we have full control of our emotions without restraining ourselves, where as the False or Weak Sith allows themselves to be controlled by their emotions. As a Sith, you should always be vigilant and wary. Only those worthy of holding the mantel of Sith is viewed as in perfect control of their emotions, while you draw power from them. Know this my Apprentice, if you allow your emotions to control your actions you are nothing more than a mindless Force user with the ability to call upon the Dark Side, and for that you would be culled. Also, this creed deals with the various lightsaber forms and style, most dealing with your passion and emotions."

Once again, Grima allows her words to invade and occupy her Apprentice's mind. Her main lightsaber form, Juyo, deals with such emotions and through her passions she fuels her lightsaber form making her a deadly adversary, and a dominate killing machine with the lightsaber. Though she relies on her knowledge of the Dark Side to dispatch most of her enemies, she still finds pleasure in killing them with her twin blades.

"The third tenant or creed Code of the Sith deals with the mantra we all live by. Though there are many variations of the code. Some use the old ancient code while others use the new Code that has been recently implemented into the Order. As for me, I believe in the old Code and that is what I shall teach you. When you are no longer my Apprentice you can seek out and learn the new Code. Peace is a lie....there is only Passion; through Passion.....I gain Strength; through Strength...I gain Power; through Power....I gain Victory; through Victory...My chains are Broken; The Force Shall Free Me. You should always know and live by this mantra Apprentice."

Grima takes a breath then continues, "Peace is a lie....there is only Passion. The Jedi Order teach that the true meaning of peace is freedom of conflict but in fact it is conflict is the source of growth for an individual and civilizations. This is not only Sith thinking but the way of the galaxy as a whole. Now, it is through our passion that empowers our emotions which lends to our craving for knowledge and power, that creates us into what we are destined to become. It is passion that is our true strength. Through Passion....I gain Strength. As Sith, we have watched the Jedi Order deny their true natures and fear the truth around them or inside them. We see ourselves as the seekers, the challengers of old and stagnant ways. We are in touch with the laws of nature and the galaxy and its passions that keep all creatures, from the most rudimentary to the most evolved sentient. Our mastery of our passions gives us the strength that all Jedi lack. Through Strength...I gain Power. Sith do not believe that victory by any means is desirable. We believe that unless your victory proves your superiority over others, then its only an illusion and only temporary. There are many variations of victory but unless the victory isn't achieved by demonstrating your power was far more superior; then it was never a true victory. As you continue to grow and become more powerful in the Force, you will always have to fight for that power and kill all those who seek to take from you. That is our nature and that is something you should never forget. Through Victory....my chains are broken. The only true meaning of the line '....my chains are broken' references to your restrictions, not just as Sith, but by anyone in the galaxy. Restrictions can be placed upon you by someone else or those you place upon yourself Apprentice; the ultimate goal of any Sith is to free themselves from such and all restrictions, but not in the simplistic meaning of doing whatever you desire. We desire to free ourselves in order to achieve perfection and to fulfill our full and true potential. As a Sith, you will always crave perfect power...perfect strength....and a perfect destiny which will allow you to whatever you want for the most part. That is the victory we seek and it is through such victories we break those chains of restrictions upon ourselves. The Force shall free me. The Force is our protector....our saviour....and it is our guardian. We use the Force...the force does not use us!"

Grima ceases the lecture and allows the air of silence to take hold of the training chamber. The Sith code is not only a mantra or guideline to some, it is the way to being a True Sith. When her Apprentice realizes this, then his time as her Apprentice will be no more.

"Arauk'kesh or Rite of Ascension is one of the oldest traditions in the Sith Order. It deals with a Sith opening challenging a Sith Lord, and it is through this that the Order thrives by strongest of the fittest. When a Sith views himself or herself more powerful than a certain Sith Lord, it is their right and obligation to challenge their superior to prove whether they should hold the mantle of power or have it stripped from them and given to the challenge. This tradition is always a death match. Now a Sith Lord can refuse a challenge if they feel the challenger is beneath them, even if its a Sith Crusader. However, when a Sith Master challenges the Dark lord, they are obligated to accept the challenge less they wish for the other Lords to perceive them as weak. also, this tradition is fought in front of the Dark Council and it is they who pronounce the victor less one of the participants die in the fight."

"Do you understand what I have just preached to you?"

 

[LadyM]

Master Volitu and myself began walking through the different corridors of her palace with no real destination planned. She had decided to instruct me on both the Sith Code and Sith Philosophy as we walked together. I hung on every word she spoke and soaked up the knowledge she was transferring to me, from Master to Apprentice. But something struck me odd when she spoke of the Sith Code. I had learned the fundamentals of the Sith Code but the one my Master was speaking off was the old and ancient code. After listening to that version I found that was the version I too would strive to learn and incorporate into my life.

"Yes I do, Master," I replied through the vibrations of my mechanical voice. I decided to it was time for me to put to rest some of the questions I had been thinking about. "Master, I am confused with our Order's way of doing certain things, mainly, and I understand why the Rule of Two is abolished, but why do we not seek to strengthen ourselves through challenge? Is it not our right as Apprentices to challenge our Masters when the time is right? Or, if you pardon my ignorance Master, is that our survival depends on having a collective to face our enemies as one and not separately?"

I was young but I was inquisitive. I had began to understand one thing early on about Master Volitu, she was not like the other Sith I have met; she was full of answers.

 

[Negative Blessing]

Grima took both satisfaction and delight in knowing her young Apprentice had questions and was eager to learn what answers would come. Only fools never ask questions and when they are looking into the eyes of death do they finally realize they were not as knowledgeable as they thought. Far to many take the quick and easy path instead of taking a step back and questioning why things are the way they are.

"The Rule of Two was a way to preserve the Sith and though it lasted for nearly a thousand years....it was not without its foundation cracks as I assume you are aware. It is your right to challenge me anytime when you feel that you have surpassed all that I have taught you but that is the old ways. This way...the new way is in place to keep the Sith Order thriving. Yes, if the Order falls apart we will be weak but we will not be alone and scattered as much. In knowing others of our Order are still around, it will make it easier for us to unite once more against our enemies. Unlike the old ways, the new way ensures that the teachings from Master to Apprentice survive forever. If you killed me...then yourself died twenty minutes later....my teachings are forever lost. No, when you are no longer my Apprentice it will be your choice to take on an Apprentice yourself and instruct them, using my teachings as a basis for your lessons until you develop your own style."

Turning a corner in the palace the two exit the palace and move out onto the plains themselves, standing in silence for a couple of hours. Grima looks at her Apprentice, breaking the silence, and says, "There are some basic powers I wish to teach you child....and I will give you the option in which order you wish to learn them. They are Telekinesis, the way of moving objects with your mind via the Force. Force Sense, the ability to detect others in the Force and to learn to be alerted to danger. And the last is Art of Movement, the ability to jump great heights, to increase the speed of your movements, and to use the Force to make yourself more agile. Now choose.

 

[LadyM]

I know understood why the ways are the way they are. This was to ensure that the Order would survive if catastrophe was to befall it once again. Now it seems my Master was giving me an option to choose what I wished to learn first. I thought about my options and knew that all three appealed to me but the one that had the most allure for me was learning telekinesis. I had a basic understanding of that ability but I had my struggles. I could move objects but I could not control them or make them go where I desired.

Since I was not in possession of a traditional lightsaber yet, I found that if I could getter a better grasp on telekinesis then I could use objects as a weapon and better defend myself against dangers. So my mind was settled.

"Master, I want to learn more about telekinesis. I feel that I am ages away from the other Acolytes in terms of wielding this power. Without a true weapon," I said glancing down briefly at my training blade, "I feel as though I am defenseless and powerless to protect myself."

I raised my masked face up to make eye contact with Master Volitu. I didn't want her to think I was weak. No, I wanted her to know that I needed her help, her wisdom, and her guidance if I was ever to become a powerful Sith like her.

 

[Negative Blessing]

"You are Sith! A Sith should not feel...think....or perceive themselves as weak or defenseless....ever! If you allow such rubbish to invade your mind then you will surely die at the hands of another Sith," Grima yelled with more than simple anger in her voice. She knew the Twi'lek had been confused possibly ridiculed by the other Acolytes and the teachers themselves. But that will not be tolerated. Grima chose her as her Apprentice and she will not tolerate any of her Apprentices feeling that they are inferior to others.

Calming her anger down now, Grima says, "Now listen, Apprentice. I chose you because I see great potential in you....do not make me regret my decision in training you. If you do, then death is the least of your worries." The Sith Master motions for her Apprentice to follow her down into the valley were several rocks and stones awaited them.

When they reach the bottom of the valley Grima continues her lesson. "Telekinesis is a power that is powerful when used properly. Parlor tricks such as floating your lightsaber or moving a cup of liquid into range to quench your thirst is both an abuse of power and uncalled for. No power you learn should be taken for granted. Now to the lesson...when you use this power associated with your Force energy, you must envision yourself moving the object and when you do, your mind and the Force will react to it accordingly. You will be able to move smaller and medium size objects now and when you grow in power...moving much bigger objects will be simple and easy. Watch as I demonstrate."

Using the Force, Grima reaches out with her mind grabbing one of the medium stones from off the ground and lifts it into the air. Holding it there for a minute, she adds, "To make the object go where you wish it to...simply envision yourself throwing or hurling it." Grima begins to move the stone around a bit and then throws it at a larger rock cluster, smashing the stone to pieces.

"Also, you can open doors and such with your mind just thinking about it. That is not considered an abuse of power...but being cautious. Soon doing this will be like second nature to you, Apprentice. Now you do it and remember...focus and envision."

 

[LadyM]

I could feel the anger in my Master's voice when she chided me for my poorly choice of words. She was right after all, I was Sith and I needed to expel these thoughts of weakness from my mind less I wished to die quickly or hold myself back from my potential, a potential this Sith Master saw in me. I lowered my masked face acknowledging she was correct for putting me in my place.

I listened attentively while she spoke of and described the nature of Telekinesis. Like all her lessons, she gave me a brief demonstration of how to do it and then it was my turn. I called upon the swirling energies around me filling myself up with the Force and then looked at a medium size stone to use.

Just as Master Volitu said, I began to envision myself lifting the stone with my mind and no sooner did I see it in my mind, I saw with my eyes the stone rise up from the ground. I began to move it about holding it tight with my mind.

Now for the hard part, I threw the stone at the same cluster of rocks my Master did but I only managed to clip the top half of the stones. But it was something I could build on. "I understand now. Envision it. Make it happen," my computerized voiced echoed from behind my mask.

 

[Negative Blessing]

Grima took notice of how well this girl listened to her words and was rewarded by her speech as she watched a medium sized stone rise from the ground and then hurled toward the same rocky formation; but it only managed to hit the upper part of the formation and crash elsewhere.

"Control is key here Apprentice. Don't let your eagerness to please override your ability to produce positive results. Yes....you did what I asked but you missed your target. Before we move onto something different....try it a few more times and this time hit your targets."

Grima turned her gaze back to the stones. Once this girl was able to do this on a whim, they would move to another power to help this girl grow and her powers manifest and grow stronger. Grima did not want to grab this girl by her neck and drag her through her lessons, she needed to learn to shatter her own self imposed chains and the only way to do so was to see that she could do all that was asked of her; and more.

 

[LadyM]

My next several attempts proved to be successful. Each stone I hurled hit my target and the more attempts I made, the easier it became and the more comfortable I was using Telekinesis. I took a deep breath, catching it and allowing for my Force energy to refill itself.

"Master? You said earlier that the more powerful I become over time, I would be able to move much larger objects. Such as?" My curiosity was getting the best of me. I had heard stories or rumours of Sith moving starfighters or large predators from their feet. If that as possible, then I to wished to be able to do something like that.

 

[Negative Blessing]

"Indeed, Apprentice. When you become more powerful you will be able to do things that will seem unnatural to those that do not have the Force or even have seen the Force in action. There is no limitations to what you can move....and the only limitations you face will be that of what you put on yourself. That is your answer, Apprentice."

Grima, moving through the rubble and taking a seat on a massive stone, motioned for her apprentice to join her as she pointed to another larger stone. "The next ability I will teach you is Force Sense, the ability to sense others and read Force signatures. But first....you need to meditate and allow yourself to regain the energy you have spent. When you are ready....we shall begin."