Logged October 12, 2001
Logged by Ashton
Titled:  Realizations 
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Characters: 
Ashton 
Rruka 
Colma 
Jorna (NPC'd by Ashton)
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Courtyard -- Jedi Praxeum Coruscant
    This vast courtyard is where much of the daily life of the Jedi can be 
observed. A park-like area near the bridge is often used as a study area, and 
the open areas in that park are teaming with life as students and teachers 
alike take part in sports and athletic activities, honing the body. At each 
corner of the square compound is a tower that is easily 200 stories high. 
Paths criss-cross the entire compound and run the perimeter, from tower to 
tower. At the north end of the compound is a large hill constructed of many 
different types and sizes of boulders.
    In the center of the courtyard is the largest tower, rising another 100 
stories above the other towers in the complex. The doublewide, ornate doors 
to this tower are always open. Unlike the other towers, this one has a wide 
section near the top that removes the tapered look the other towers have. 
Above this bulge is where the Jedi Council Chamber is located.

Ashton emerges from the Council towers, dressed again in his street clothes. 
One begins to wonder if he ever wears robes anymore. The Knight casts a short 
glance around the courtyard just outside the entrance to the tower.

Rruka is up in his tree. Some things just don't change. However the acolyte's 
thoughts are a mixture of serious and silly, of memories and confusion.

Colma crosses the bridge slowly remembering how strangely his friend Rruka 
was acting when last he saw him. None of the people he'd spoken to could 
give him any straight answers about him. Like what had happened and if it 
was possible for his memories to return. And perhaps most importantly how 
that could be done. He doesn't yet see the recognizable figures of Ashton 
or Rruka but surely he will.

Emerging from the Council tower behind Ashton is a massive beast of a 
creature that appears to be a cross between a bear and rhinoceros. The 
Tchuukthai Jedi Master looks as though might walk on all fours, but walks 
somewhat gracefully on his two hind legs. The Master stands easily 3 meters 
tall and weighs several hundred kilograms. Ashton pauses as he senses the 
Master's approach from behind. He turns and bows his head respectfully as 
the Master approaches.

Rruka can't help but notice the large master. Fascination fills him and he 
moves around in the tree so he can see the creature better. A smile spreads 
across the feline's mouth.

Colma spots Rruka in the tree again and had begun to walk towards it until 
he noticed what had caught his friend's attention. Ashton whom Colma has met, 
but another creature causes Colma to pause in his step. Even without knowing 
who the creature is Colma knows he must be someone very important and 
respected.

Ashton nods his head slowly several times as he listens to the rumble of the 
Jedi Master. His head is tilted back to look up at the Tchuukthai creature, 
but even at that angle, his head is slightly bowed. The two's conversation 
cannot be heard from where Rruka or Colma are, but when Ashton turns and 
points towards where Rruka is, it's clear they both know where the Acolyte 
is. Nodding, the master drops to all fours and begins walking towards Rruka 
with Ashton by his side.

Rruka trills in the tree and moves to the edge of the branch where he can 
see Ashton and the Master. He smiles and bows his head low putting his palm 
to his forehead and offering the hand forward in a Trianii greeting. He 
remains silent though, allowing those two to come closer.

Colma watches the pair of Ashton and the other creature move towards his 
friend. He doesn't move from his place for whatever reason. At the moment, 
he is between the bridge and tree slightly closer to the tree but probably 
out of hearing distance, even with his heightened sense of feline hearing. 
He doesn't wish to interrupt whatever is about to happen, but as thoughts 
run through his head its clear at least to him, that he does wish to know 
what is going on.

"Rruka, come down..." Ashton says as the pair near the tree. The Tchuukthai 
Master leans back on his rear haunches slightly as he looks up to where the 
Trianni is. Only then does he rumble something to Ashton, who turns to notice 
Colma nearby. "Yes Master," Ashton says quietly. "He is the one I spoke of 
some months ago." Knowing the master's intentions, Ashton lifts a hand to 
Colma, gesturing him over.

Rruka nods and leaps down from the tree landing easily. He bows again toward 
Ashton and The master. Another shy smile graces his face, "Hi...hi there..." 
He is clearly in awe of the creature.

Colma is surprised to see himself called into the presence of Ashton and the 
unknown creature. Despite his surprise, he quickly makes his way over to them. 
Smiling at Rruka as he arrives he then gives a respectful nod to both Ashton 
and the unknown. However he does not speak.

"Rruka, this is Master Jorna," Ashton says in way of introduction, gesturing 
toward the massive creature. He smiles at Rruka's reaction to the being, 
nodding his head slightly. "Master Jorna is one of the trio of Jedi Masters 
that lead the Council. He's been interested in meeting you." Stepping to one 
side, Ashton looks over to Jorna as the Tchuukthai steps forward gingerly. 
"Aaccolyyyte," Jorna rumbles deeply. "Ashton hhaaaass tolldd me offf yourr 
wouunndds." The Tchuukthai lifts a forearm up to point at Rruka's head. 
"Howww iss yourrr minddd?" Since Colma has just arrived, it is just now 
that Ashton nods again to 
Colma.

Rruka carefully breathes and again bows to Jorna before standing more 
straight and assuming a more comfortable stance used when being addressed 
for a possible long conversation with a master. It seems some things are 
remembered, "My head hurts sometimes sir. But if you ask for whether I 
remember things. I don't. And it doesn't bother me for some reason. I guess 
cause I'm comfortable. Whenever I try focusing too much on things I seem to 
space out. Poor Colma was upset when I did it earlier. I didn't mean to.

Colma places a paw on Rruka's shoulder. Telling him without words that it 
is all right. He speaks only a few words. "I worry about you, Rruka." When 
he stops his face seems to show a bit of confusion at the fact his friend 
does not feel like a part of him is missing, that he finds comfort in his 
lack of memory.

Ashton smiles at Colma - a knowing smile and at the same time confused. 
Whatever his confusion, it was something only known to the Knight. "As do 
we all." The knight stands to one side, staying out of the Master's way.

Jorna nods his massive head slowly, a deep rumbling coming from him. Almost 
a growl. He drops down to all fours. "Whyy doo youuu thiiink it doess nottt 
botherr youuu, Rrukkaa? Perhappss youuu arre shieeldinng sommethingg?"

Rruka frowns a little, "I...I...I am not sure..." He lowers his head as if 
remembering something bad. "I...I feel happy until I try remembering too 
much...and then I feel fear...and fear is bad."

Colma leaves his paw on his friends shoulder hoping it is some comfort. 
But he has stepped almost behind Rruka not wanting to be too much of a 
distraction. In his worry he misses Ashton's smile but his words are 
enough. Yes that he cared about Rruka too was a large comfort.

"Buttt yourr fearr iss nott of the otherrr thinggs, itt iss fearr of the 
trutthh. Aandd thaatt iss emraaciing ignorrance. Iggnorrancce iss not off 
the Forrce. The Code, Rrukkaa. Rememberr thhe Code."

To Jorna's right, Ashton nods sagely. "There is no ignorance, there is 
knowledge..." the Knight intones, as if to reinforce the Master's words.

Rruka says, "There is no emotion...there is peace." He goes through the 
entire code and nods finally; "There is the force."

Rruka glances up at Jorna and Ashton and then the tenseness melts away 
from the little feline and he just stares in Jorna's direction.

Colma hears the Jedi's code for the first time. 'Strange set of rules.' 
he thinks to himself at first, but as he thinks more on the matter he sees 
that they aren't so strange...for Jedi. He seems relieved that his friend 
remembers this code, until he realizes they might have re-taught it to him 
since his return from the hospital. Never could tell what was happening 
with these Jedi. Its just good that one Jedi isn't here, that one knight 
bothered Colma for some reason.

Ashton nods with a slight smile as Rruka intones the Code with respect. 
He doesn't say anything further. It wasn't his place. It was obvious that 
the Knight considered the Master before him to be a very great Jedi and he 
hangs on the Master's words and teachings as much as many Acolytes listen 
to the Knight when /he/ is teaching. The Knight looks over to Colma for a 
moment, lifting an eyebrow slightly.

Master Jorna rises slightly from his posture on all fours. The massive 
creature lifts a foreclaw towards Rruka's head, his slate gray eyes on the 
Trianni the whole time. "A goood Jedii ffindds thhe truuth aand lleaarns 
frromm itt. Arre youu rreaddy to bee heaaled annd findd yourr truuth?"

Rruka closes his eyes and nods, "Yes Master Jorna. It is time I stopped 
being a kitten I guess.” Rruka says, "Though it was nice while it lasted...
"Rruka says, "Though it was nice while it lasted."

Colma removes his hand from Rruka's shoulder so he won't be holding him 
back. In addition, he gives him a very light push on the back, affirming 
that it is all right for him to go. Although Colma doesn't know that he 
feels that his friend needs confidence right now. He glances at Ashton 
as Jorna and Rruka prepare for the finding of truth.

Jorna closes his steely eyes for a moment and the area around the group 
of beings seems to swirl in power as the Jedi Master calls upon the Force 
like he has to do on so many occasions in the past. The mammoth being 
becomes the focal point for all three of those near him. He does not reach 
out physically towards Rruka at all, nor does he move, but it feels as if 
he is somehow touching Ashton, Colma and Rruka at the same time. "Calmm 
yourr feearrs, youngg Jedii. Therre iss strengthh inn knowleddgge," the 
Tchuukthai rumbles.

Ashton meanwhile has also closed his eyes partially. For once, instead of 
channeling the Force for the benefit of the Master, he bathes in the Force 
as it emanates from Jorna.

Rruka senses: As the Master closes his eyes, and the Force begins to grow 
in strength around you, a gentle probing can be felt at the back of your 
mind. It does not tingle or hurt, it is just there, and for a moment, 
seems to massage two points along one side of the brain. When the presence 
removes itself, a portion of your mind begins to become more clear, as if 
a fog is lifting."

Rruka smiles as the utter peace and calm of the Master and Force fill him 
and relax him. He opens his eyes again and smiles. Laughter almost bubbles 
in the force soaked air as he thinks for a moment and is able to call 
memories his own again. With knowledge as the master said, fear is calmed. 
It is still there...but it is not like it was. He looks at Colma and nods. 
"I remember again...and seeing you here I thank you since I remember your 
discomfort with those of this order." A smiles breaks across his face and 
he turns to Jorna, "I thank you Master and I hope that this will not hinder 
me from traveling further upon this road of light." Finally he gives Ashton 
a mischievous grin. If only to comfort the knight in knowing that the old 
Rruka isn't gone, though the knight might have been hoping.

Colma feels an odd sensation as he too is enveloped in the peace and calm. 
However unlike Rruka and Ashton this feeling is something he is not used to 
and as always when experiencing the unknown fear and confusion reigns. First 
he thinks that the Jedi are attacking his mind, but he gives that up as he 
senses no pain from this feeling. Not knowing what is going on he becomes 
confused and with his confusion comes a dislike for its cause. In his 
confused state rather then embrace the peace and calm, Colma tries to fight 
it, to reject it. One day he may understand but today he does not and Colma 
does not want to experience something he cannot understand.

As the Force presence begins to fade slightly, and Rruka smiles, Jorna 
opens his eyes and looks long and hard at the Acolyte. As peaceful as the 
Jedi Master seems to be, his very presence would normally frighten many. And 
when he stares so long and hard, even those who are used to him might wonder. 
Finally, his words again rumble from his throat. "Youu seee thhoose tthhings 
thaat musst be aaddressed, Rrukaa. Youu seee thaat youu arre growwingg 
sstrongerr inn the Foorce. Youu see thhat yyoou muust conncentraate onn 
nnew assspects offf youur ttraiining now. Morre ssccholarly purrsuits." 
The Tchuukthai grumbles again, perhaps in satisfaction.

As the Jedi Master speaks to Rruka, Ashton's attention is drawn to the 
Council towers where a young padawan emerges with something in her hands. 
The near human young woman approaches the Master and Ashton. Instead of 
offering the contents of her hand to Jorna, she offers it to Ashton who 
accepts it with a nod. Jorna turns and nods to Ashton.

Rruka's attention is partially drawn to Colma and partially to the masters. 
However he knows he must continue to pay attention and that if it got too 
bad Ashton or the Master would take care of it. He nods again "I understand. 
Are there areas you would suggest?"

Colma is even more confused now as the sensation fades and he hears a 
comforting voice. A voice in his head...one that is not his own. His mind 
races through many thoughts. Ranging from his going crazy, to that one 
Knight- Tirol'dyn -having caused whatever is wrong with him. That one never 
liked him, he could not understand that a bounty hunter might befriend a 
target. The only thing he seems sure of is that whatever is going on, is 
something wrong with him, wrong inside of him. As his mind races his body 
stares at the trio with a look of disbelief and as he comes to the 
realization that something is indeed wrong he yells out the word "No!" 
without even having thought of doing so.

Jorna looks up slowly even before Colma's outburst, sensing the growing fear 
and anxiety in the Cathar. He steps to one side, and then forward to come 
closer to him. When his words come, they are smoother and not as throaty as 
they were with Rruka. Perhaps less 'teacherlike' and more like someone with 
a bedside manner. "Youu arre in painn as well, youngg Catharr. I sensse mucch 
confussion inn you. Aand ffeaar... feearr of thhe unnknnown." He returns from 
his partial stand to all fours, looking slightly up to the Cathar. "Pleeasse 
do nott feaar mee, youngg one. I will nott haarm you." Indeed the Tchuukthai 
has assumed a less menacing pose and a peaceful feeling stretches out from 
the Jedi Master.

Ashton looks up almost a good five seconds after Jorna moves, also sensing 
Colma's internal struggle before the shout. But still, the shout catches him 
slightly off guard. He covers both hands over what he has in his hands, 
concealing it from sight.

Rruka frowns, "I'm sorry Colma. I did not mean to scare you. Please forgive 
me. Please...." He starts to back away from them all.

Colma still wants to fight this. For a moment he does, crying out...perhaps 
not even verbally but in his own mind-voice 'What are you doing to me?'. 
Then when he hears Rruka's apology he feels sad for make his friend feel 
that way. His friend did not scare him. Just this new feeling overwhelmed 
him and that caused the fear. As he feels the sadness over what he's done 
to his friend other emotions surface and reveal themselves. The first of 
which is a deep grief stemming from the tragic losses Colma suffered just 
years ago. Next is a deeply felt and very powerful hatred of those who had 
caused his pain. The hatred quickly overshadows the other emotions, even 
his fear.

"Hiss feearr doess nott come frromm youu, Accolyyte Rruuka. Itt commes fromm 
withinn himmself." Jorna turns his head to Rruka to say these words, and the 
nods to Ashton, who approaches the Trianni. Turning his head back to Colma, 
"I wouldd sspeak ttoo youu, iff youu wissh, younng Catharr. I will hellp 
youu quiett thhe vooices, if youu wishh." A pause and then he drops his his 
head for a moment. "Annger andd hatred leaad too thhe darkk side. Youu muust 
controll yourr angerr or itt will consuume youu."

Ashton approaches Rruka, pulling him to one side as Jorna speaks to Colma. 
"Rruka..." he says, removing one hand long enough to grasp one of the 
Trianni's paws and turn it over. He places the contents of his other hand 
onto the flat of the Trianni's paw. "Master Jorna has offered you this... 
to help you complete your lightsaber... to continue your training. It is a 
great gift to receive this from a Master so early in your training." When 
Ashton removes his hand, a beautiful gem is in the Trianni's paw. The very 
gem Rruka would've wanted for his lightsaber.

Rruka's gold eyes almost appear to light up though it is probably the light 
reflecting off his tears. "It is wonderful..." He brings his other paw to 
help cup the gem, "I will always cherish this, though I know I have much 
more to learn before I may bring the lightsaber...and myself to a more 
solidified state."

Rruka is still very worried about his friend and tries his best to allow 
comfort though he outwardly keeps his focus on the gem.

Ashton nods, smiling to the Trianni. "I believe it will, Rruka. I believe 
it will." He chances a sidelong glance to Colma and Jorna, then back to 
Rruka. "Why don't you head up to your room. Meditate and focus on the gem. 
Get to know it, for it will become your closest ally when it becomes a part 
of your weapon. If you listen closely, you will hear its voice." It's clearly 
a dismissal, although he knows that Rruka is concerned about his friend.

Colma steps closer to the creature that he still does not know. The other's 
called him Master. Perhaps he is their leader? He isn't sure why he does so, 
for all he knows this creature is responsible for everything that has just 
happened. "You can explain what is happening then?" He asks still not sure 
what has happened himself. Suddenly he is feeling tired, this experience 
has taken a lot out of him. He wants to understand it though, he must 
understand it.

As Ashton walks Rruka towards the residence tower, the Jedi Master focuses 
his attention on the Cathar in front of him. He nods his head slowly. "Butt 
arre youu readdy to know this truth?" He tilts his head slightly as he 
looks up at Colma. "Youu musst be. Yourr hearrt seeeks trutth but youur mind 
fightss it as iff thhat trutth werre yourr enemy." The Tchuukthai's rumbling 
voice fades away for a moment as he watches Colma. "Theese vooicees youu 
heaar. Whhat do they tell you?"

Colma stands wondering about if he is ready for the truth, and if he really 
wants it. What if it truly is his enemy? What then? Could he handle that? 
But as the Master asks about the voices he finds himself answering without 
considering those things. "They are not always there, but when they are like 
today. I heard a voice tell me that I should not be afraid and that no harm 
would come to me. I heard them before as well, when Rruka was hurt the voice 
told me where he was. But even before that on my homeworld I heard them. 
What does that mean? Why do I hear these voices?"

"Theyy arre nott voicces, Colma," Jorna says quietly as he sits back onto his 
haunches, and as he relaxes to talk to the young Cathar, his voice slips into 
the native Cathar language. Amazingly, there are fewer slurrs or grumbles in 
his voice as he speaks in the more eloquent language of the Cathar. "It is 
one voice. You are hearing the will of the Force. It might take on different 
tones as you hear it, but it is always the same. Never insistent - always 
offering direction without cohersion. You recall that the voice is neutral, 
as if it were neither evil nor good. It is what you do with its guidance 
that determines your path." Jorna opens his eyes a bit wider, looking at 
Colma. "You can hear the will of the Force, young Colma. The question is, 
do you attribute it as a fluke or accept it for what it is..."

Colma doesn't receive much clarification from the words. Surprised to hear 
this creature speak in his language, Colma speaks in his native tongue as 
well. He recalls the stories from his youth of great Jedi Cathar, but he 
was no Jedi. "How can I hear the force? I am not a Jedi." Wasn't it only 
Jedi who could hear and use the force? Colma is still very confused but he 
is already less so then before. He still wishes to understand, perhaps more 
so now.

Jorna continues, offering what might be considered a smile. "No, you are 
not a Jedi. But Jedi are merely those trained in understanding the Force. 
They are not born Jedi. They become Jedi by learning to respond to the will 
of the Force and training to use its power as guided by the Force." The 
Tchuukthai pauses, his eyes closing slightly, and then reopening. "I can 
teach you to quiet the voice at will, but if you merely shut the Force out 
of your consciousness, your negative emotions will still draw upon the Force 
... but not neutrally. Those emotions can only lead to the dark side. I can 
help you understand the Force and one day, you may decide to follow the way 
of the Jedi. But you are too old to begin training as an Acolyte. Your 
lessons will have to be learned differently than most Jedi." He waves a 
claw absent-mindedly. "But you do not have to become a Jedi."

Colma nods though he still doesn't quite understand as much as he'd like, 
"The stories I was told when I was young was that older Jedi came and found 
young Jedi to train. Isn't that true?" He pauses trying to avoid making a 
decision on what if anything he wishes to be taught by thinking about the 
last thing the Master said. “You do not have to become a Jedi' "What else 
is there besides Jedi?" And then a word...no a name, that he's only heard 
twice comes to his mind. 'Sith' Could that be something? "What is a Sith?" 
He asks innocently and actually not knowing.

Jorna's mood darkens noticeably at the mention of the Sith. "Heard of them, 
have you?" He shakes his head with a low grumbling. "The Sith are a species. 
At one time, they were only that, until fallen Jedi found their world and 
subjugated them, becoming gods to the Sith species. These new Sith Lords 
are the embodiment of the dark side of the Force. They seek power and 
authority through anger and hatred. They choose to use the Force for their 
own will, rather than allowing the Force to guide them." He pauses, peering 
at Colma carefully. "You've met one, I take it? A Sith Lord?"

Colma shakes his head. "No, but I've heard the name before. They hurt 
Spectre's Jedi friend, and they hurt Spectre. Both of them had to go to 
the hospital because of Sith, Doctors take good care of them." It is then 
that he remembers where else he had heard of the Sith. That was who had 
Spectre, who the guild handed him to. That was after Colma had failed to 
protect his friend, after the Jedi had failed to protect him. Yes the 
Jedi had not been able to help Spectre, but neither had I. "Tell me more."

Jorna nods as Colma relays the story of Spectre and he senses the guilt the 
Cathar feels about Spectre being turned over to them. "Sppecctre..." Jorna 
says in Basic, and then reverts back to Cathar. "I seem to remember he was 
here at one time, and then left before we could meet him." Jorna sits 
forward, and then rises until he is on all four appendages. "I will teach 
you one thing tonight, and then I must rest. You may come back to see me 
or Knight Quince at any time in the future to learn more, but ... It is 
in your best interest to not speak of this to anyone until you learn to 
control your abilities. The Sith will find you and try to pervert your 
beliefs until you are so entrenched in the dark side that you become a 
slave to their very desires. There are no dark force users considered to 
be Sith if not of the family clans."

As he steps backward, Jorna nods to the Cathar. "In order to learn control, 
you must quiet your mind. Not the voices, but everything in your mind. Find 
a quiet place and shut out the rest of the world. Look inside you for the 
quietest place you can find and focus on that place until your mind clears. 
That is your meditative state. That is where you will find peace."

Colma nods. As tries to find a quiet place his mind opens up more freely. 
Memories old and new, good and bad pass by. His emotions begin to grow more 
powerful, like they had before. This time he wants to try and control them, 
rather then the other way around. His mind comes to a memory of a sunrise, 
the day has just started fresh and nothing has happened yet. The animals 
are all still sleeping, no distractions are present. Colma has found his 
quiet place. He begins focusing on that moment after everything before, 
and before everything after. As he focuses on it his emotions begin to 
fade back no longer in control of him. He has done it. He's taken his 
first step towards control. Still concentrating on his quiet place he 
looks up and says only. "Thank you."

Jorna nods simply at the Cathar. "It is a small step, but an important one. 
You are invited to come see me whenever you want, Colma. No obligations." 
The Tchuukthai bows his head with respect as he backs up another step. "In 
the meantime, you might want to learn more of your lineage. There is a good 
chance that a grandparent or great parent or perhaps even one further back 
than that might have been a Jedi. It would answer many of your questions." 
With another nod, he reverts to Basic. "I bidd youu gooodnightt, young 
Cathar..."

Colma gives the creature a similar bow, "Thank you for showing me." He 
doesn't say whether or not he will be coming back. He doesn't want to 
promise anything when he may change his mind later. "I will try to see 
if any of my grandparents were Jedi." He smiles in appreciation for the 
lesson he has learned today. He says, "Thank you again, and good night." 
Only as he says his goodbye does he realize he doesn't know the creature's 
name.

Even as he turns and walks away, the Master seems to have an inkling of 
what the Cathar just realized. As he moves farther away from the Cathar, 
a single word flashes into Colma's mind, "Jorna..." And then the Master 
is approaching the tower and the doors swing open for him before he 
reaches them.

END OF LOG