[Open] Zenith Locked

[holonethero]

[Anakin has taken his time in reaching out to others, partially because he doesn't really like the idea of communion and partially because of his desire to remain detached, but he knows that isn't feasible. He's heard all of the warnings about the war coming to an end soon, and about the need for action...but committing to that is not something he's willing to do just yet. However he still wants to be of some help, and in a sudden, snap decision he just...does it.

His mental voice falters briefly, almost as though he's thinking better of it, but when he does speak up it's in a confident, clear tone. He's used to public speaking, at least, even if this is a little weird.]

Good afternoon. I have been remiss in introducing myself to the rest of you. My name is Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight and General of the Grand Army of the Galactic Republic. I've recently arrived and I've been slowly taking things in. I have a few questions, and an offer I'd like to put on the table.

[His thoughts slow, and are accompanied by images of a long stone room with a shallow, sandy floor. A training room.]

The offer first. I have trained many men and women in my unit in self-defense, and I've had an apprentice Jedi up until very recently. I've come to understand that many of you come from civilian backgrounds. If you would like to learn how to fight, or you'd like to brush up on things, particularly when it comes to swordsmanship, please seek me out.

[He pauses to let that sink in before going on.]

Secondly, the questions. I'm curious what made you choose Zenith to give your allegiance? And I would also ask what would make you change your mind? I am not intending to question anyone's loyalties or allegiances except possibly my own, I just would like to understand why you've made the choice you did. It may help me frame my own thoughts better.


Thank you for your time and your thoughts.


[His thoughts quiet then, waiting for responses.]

Comments

[diegeticmusic]

Would you take someone who's a total beginner? I barely know how to throw a punch.

[But since she arrived and the war suddenly got very hot between Zenith and Meridian, she thinks this would probably be a good thing to start learning.]

As for Zenith... I think it chose me, more than I chose it. I've been drawn to it from the beginning.

[She sighs.]

I understand Meridian's position, but... in my experience, trying to go backwards, or preserve what was lost, only makes everything worse in the long run.

[holonethero]

I've started with worse. One of my early assignments involved training younglings no older than five or six.

[He, at least, sounds confident in his ability. She's obviously no youngling.

Her reasoning for the choice, in some ways, makes a lot of sense to Anakin. He hadn't felt particularly 'called' but it was certainly his experience that working backwards rarely went well.]

You saying that makes me feel a little better about my own decision. We Jedi are taught to let go of the past, and to look ahead. Preserve what we can, but always focus on the here, not on what was.

[diegeticmusic]

Five or six? ...Well, I guess you can put your kids in karate classes that young...

[So it's probably fine!

Her communion is warm at his conclusion, though, because Grace feels much the same.]

Yeah. I'm... not sure what a Jedi is, but I was taught similar by a really good friend.

[She misses Freddie so much, but trying to bring her back won't accomplish anything.]

I'm glad it makes you feel better. Just, uh... fair warning that not everyone in Zenith thinks about it the same way. And plenty of the Meridians are going to think you're callous.

[holonethero]

[His own is warm right back. There's a kind of genial, easygoingness to his presence. He's happy to find people who agree.]

Jedi are...an order of defenders and guardians. People dedicated to preserving peace and keeping my home safe.

[It's hard to describe it to someone that has no idea. He's never met anyone that didn't know what a Jedi was.]

Meridian can think what they like. I'm not here to impress anyone. I just want to do what I think is right to me. Hopefully others will come around.

[diegeticmusic]

Huh. Guess we're lucky to have you join us, then.

[They could use some defenders and guardians of peace around here.]

I agree with you. I just wish we could do it without fighting, but... I'm afraid that the war will amp up again, the next time we have an Oracle to fight over.

[holonethero]

I'm generally pretty handy to have around.

[Not to toot his own horn, but he's confident he's competent at a lot of things.]

...how often does that happen, usually?

[diegeticmusic]

Heh, well, you better live up to that.

[Not that she doubts him, but still. Big words! Especially for a mortal - no offense.]

Well, there are six Oracles, and I think four of them have woken up? Sooo... at least two more times?

[holonethero]

[He's not bothered. He just radiates confidence right back at her.]

Then we'd best get started with your training, then. Is there a particular way that you think you'd be best able to fight?

[diegeticmusic]

Ah, well, I'm not very big, so... maybe something sneaky? Or ranged? Oh, but I'm pretty sturdy, so I do have that going for me.

[She's hard to kill. It comes with being immortal.]