Jaren

**Jaren** · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 3:53 am Post subject: Jaren

Chapter 1: The Meager and Subservient

I honestly cannot remember my induction into the Jedi Order. But here I am now, on the crux of a job of a lifetime. I cannot yet say what will happen in the future. I am going to become Nadaan's student, the Jedi Master that had his eye on me in the last few months. They say the Force gives answers. He says that the Force flows strongly within me, and that he has not seen a student like me in a long time. I dont know what he sees in me, and the training is difficult. I try not to doubt myself, yet it happens to me daily. However I have passed the trials to become a Padawan, and I am now ordered to apprentice with Nadaan himself. He says I have much to learn. Yet I cannot help but ask myself where I would be standing if I had not joined the Jedi. On one front, I have learned much, yet on another, I feel there is something missing in this road. What truly, does it mean to be a "Jedi"?

"Jaren?"

The busy skies of Courscant flashed before Jaren's eyes as he turned to face Nadaan. He gave a brief smile towards his new master.

"I'm fine."

Nadaan moved over to where his newly acquired Padawan was looking off into the skies. The master-apprentice bond was yet to be formed between the two of them, so Nadaan could not easily sense Jaren's thoughts. The older Jedi frowned, and looked ahead of them. The various air traffic of Courscant flashed in front of them, the skyline of the busy jewel of the galaxy doing its daily routine. There was an awkward silence between the two of them. Finally, after what seemed like an exasperating hour - which was more like a minute - Nadaan spoke.

"I understand this may be new to you, Jaren. But what you are doing is something truly....virtuous. The way of the Jedi is difficult, but the rewards are something.... magnificent."

Jaren's features did not soften at those words. Perhaps it was the odd boundary between them, he did not know. The trials that he had to pass still lay hard on his nerves.

"Right..." Jaren answered, his voice soft. "I hope -"

A sudden bleeping noise was heard, interrupting Jaren's statement. Nadaan flipped open his datapad to see the face of one of their superior's. Nadaan was greeted with a stiff hello.

"Nadaan, Jaren. We have a situation, and we request your assistance. We know that you have recently acquired your Padawan and you should be spending the necessary time with him, but other Jedi teams are not available at the moment. How long can we expect you to depart?"

"We can depart immediately, Senator."

"Excellent. I will upload you the coordinates, and I will brief you on the way there."

Nadaan's hand fell upon Jaren's shoulder.

"I'm sorry. We have to go."

Jaren nodded quietly and the two Jedi turned upon their heels, heading outside. The Senator's voice sounded again from Nadaan's datapad.

"A cantina in Dearic is being held hostage by a group of terrorists on Talis. We need you to rectify the situation peacefully. I hope with your skills Nadaan this will result in no civilian casualties. And of course I trust it will be a great learning experience for your new Padawan."

"Understood Senator. We'll be there as quickly as possible."

**Jaren** · Posted: Sat Aug 09, 2008 12:47 am Post subject:

Transport to Talis went smoothly and without incident. However, that didnt stop Jaren's insides from heating up. Inside, he felt stale and emotionless. Was this what it was like to be a Jedi? Was this what it felt like? It was all a new experience to him; Jaren had rarely been out of the academy in his training, and this was his first time on the field. What would become of him? Would he forget all of his training? These doubts flew through his mind, and his master laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. Nadaan turned to him, his face serene and calm.

"Don't worry, Jaren. You'll be fine. You're strong in the Force." Jaren could feel his master's hand give his shoulder a gentle squeeze, and then fall back down at his side. Jaren let out a muffled sigh, his head turned down. Nadaan always mentioned his talent with the Force, his special connection with it. Jaren always felt some sort of understanding with the Force, as if he could commune with it. In meditations he did surprisingly well; Jaren as a child had trouble with such activities, but as he grew older, his skills with more serene activities grew. Nadaan drew attention to himself again, leaning forward in their seats in the transport, counsel to Jaren in low tones.

"Just remember Jaren; we are Jedi, and we are diplomats as well as protectors. This situation, I hope, we will not have to draw our blades. Drawing your lightsaber is a sign of aggression, and even if I do disagree with the council on such philosophical issues with the Force, I will always stand fast and strong in the fact that we are guardians and peace-keepers, and not, ever, executioners. That is why, even though I may draw upon such views as Potentium, I will never call myself a Gray.

Jaren had heard the term used before, "Gray" yet only heard very little information on the subject. "What exactly is...a Gray Jedi?"

Nadaan tried to respond. "Well..." however, a voice was heard from the front of the ship.

"Sorry to interrupt, but we have ETA in 5."

Nadaans face contorted into a slight grin. "We'll talk about it some other time, after the mission. Right now we need to concentrate at the task at hand." The two Jedi arrived at their destination rather promptly and quickly. The cantina was surrounded by police officials of the New Republic, and a scene was definitly forming. Civilians lined up outside the cantina grounds, watching in suspense of the dangerous situation. There was a definite tension in the air, as Jaren landed onto the grounds. Various Republic police speeders were parked at the site, and a large military vehicle, probably holding a special operations team, lay secluded behind another building nearby. The two Jedi were given by a warm greeting by one of the military officials.

"Its nice to have you here Jedi." the man greeted them, shaking their hands. "You can just call me Grant, and I'm overseeing the situation here. Since we need definite diplomatic and persuasion skills, we could definitely use your help, friends." The decorative uniform of the New Republic officials and personnel bore a stark contrast to the plain robes that Jaren and his master wore. Beside him lay a speaker machine, used to communicate with the hostages.

"Of course." remarked Nadaan, scanning the grounds of the cantina. Jaren could see his master's eyes observing and analyzing the situation. "What is our current status of operations?"

"Terrorists have taken this cantina hostage. Theyre making demands for ransom credits. We have been unable to get any leverage in this situation. Hopefully you can turn the tables around for us, we dont want any casualties, especially with the current political situation in the senate. I have a breakin team standby and are at your command."

Nadaan inhaled deeply; a sign of slight distress swept over his usually calm features. "I hoped it would not have come to this...If we are unable to get any leverage without any further action, then action we must take. Grant, we will have to transfer them the credits. However, you must give us enough time to infiltrate the cantina and rescue the hostages, so you must slow down the transfer. After rescuing the hostages, you can -"

Nadaan's instructions were interuppted when a voice was heard on the speakers.

"We're tired of waiting. Transfer the credits now, or you will have a bloody mess on your hands. And we wouldnt want that, would we? I will give you 2 minutes to get your act together, and then I'm counting down to pull the trigger on these...loyal civilians."