Log:Jedi: Enhanced Attribute Class pt. 2

Pt.2 of a study of Enhanced Attribute

Location: Chandrila Lighthouse
Participants: Rune, Vega, Qutha Buvu Pah, Zandra naMuriel, Ax, Vhe Tenara, Jax Greystorm

The evening meal had been served, ate, and put away for the night. As promised, Jax had offered his second part of his lecture in using the force to enhance one's natural attributes. Though instead of the Porg Sanctuary, he'd chosen the light house balcony. Here in the sitting area, the class could get a pleasant view of the ocean as the sun hung low in the sky. It had threatened to dip down in the water of the ocean as it does every night. The pinks, oranges, and purples that brings haven't shown up, yet. There are a few small sailboats on the water. A few ocean bird riding the air currents. Their calls from the occasional trumpeting call of a porg upset the seabirds are too close to their territory. There were a few folks on the boardwalk and beach. It looks like one is building a bond fire. The ocean breeze cools and crips.

This is the environment that Jax resides in as he sits on a bench waiting for the others to gather. He appears to be meditating. Those who know Jax, probably figure he's actually naping.

Rune slips out to the balcony with a bright smile on his face, hazel eyes immediately shifting to the view the area affords. He can't help but stand there for a moment and appreciate the scenery, the calm nature the serene setting allows bringing already less distraction than the 'in your face' porg sanctuary. Then again, there are distractions everywhere, beauty being the main culprit here.

The young Jedi moves over to sit on an open bench quietly, not wishing to disturb the meditation, or even sleep, of Jax in his moments before being swarmed by the rest of the class. Instead he takes the remainder of the time he has left to marvel at the view.

Vega had finished up with checking over the ships that had came back in for the Saber squad and headed for the balcony as that was where class was supposed to be. The Echani gives a quiet bow of her head to folks that she knows and shuffles off to find a seat where she won't be in the way. With the change of scenery she'd not have the Porgs to distract her. So this might be a bonus. She folds her hands in her lap and waits for things to start.

Night wasn't his favorite time, evening suns a thing that dredge up anxiety instead of awe. SO in full preparation for nightfall he has his belt of glow lights ready to go and goggles up on his forehead, Qutha slips into the seating area quietly, hands folded up with his sleeves falling over them to cover the fidgeting.

Rune earns a nod as he goes to find himself a spot with a clear view of the sun, settling in and lifting a hand towards Vega when she makes her appearance, offering a polite smile while getting himself settled in.

Zandra was trying to shadow walk into the room, seeing how close she could get to Jax without him seeing her. She might even have managed to do so, outside of the room, but something about the light, the view, and the folks present might possibly distract her. She sort of flickers into sight, but continues to keep moving, not quite aware that she's lost her shadow, so to speak. Ax moved quietly through the halls towards the balcony. He had heard about the class, and while he'd mastered that particular ability a good while back, it never hurt to do a refresher. Not wanting to interrupt, however, the Echani jedi stuck with the shadows and moved quietly as he approached, testing another ability he'd been working at, though hasn't mastered.

Jax eyes open as people draw in. Though he looks at Zandra standing there with a bit of a confused and suprised face for a flicker of a moment. "Welcome everybody. If you would please find your way to find a seat. The class is of course a more relaxed setting of discussion. So if there's something you want to know or take the class in that way please speak up. I would like to start off class with each one of the initiates here telling me how they've feel they've progressed and learned through the last couple of weeks."

Vega is a little bit shy when it comes to talking on her own things, but when it's her turn the black robed jedi gives a bit of a cough and then slides to the edge of her seat, handing unfolding as she does. "I've been working on using the force to help me get out of small spaces." she looks about like a kid who brought a sugar cookie to a baking contest. "Being able to escape easily or get through small spaces is a boon in some situations if we need to get into something or out of something." she states. "But I did get stuck in a drainage pipe." she frowns to that. "It's all for learning though." she nods to that.

"Starting to get the grasp, I think." Qutha adds after others. "It's been beneficial as something to help with some of the little works I've been doing. Still mostly gardening work. But letting the force flow through to make it easier to carry or climb when I've needed has been a boon." nodding to himself and letting his eyes wander in contemplation.

"A couple sprained ankles and a strained shoulder - but that's to be expected I suppose." not questioning it, the Zelosian finally turns his gaze back to Jax. "Probably over extended myself while testing it and all."

Zan blinks as Jax looks right at her, and she blushes. Then she moves to sit atop the balcony rail, perching there gently. "I honestly came by to see if I could assist, Jax," she admits. "I won't say I'm perfect at this, but it is something I am generally pretty good at." She shrugs a bit, and if the sun colours as was previously suggested, it ought to shine wonderfully through her hair. "It's the sort of thing that as you all have suggested can definitely come in handy."

"Through the last couple of weeks? Well, I've definitely gotten better at channeling the force inside the cockpit of my Aethersprite," Ax says, emerging from the shadows and taking a spot against the railing. Hanging from his side is a toddler's sippy cup with a bright pink lid and a magnet glued to the bottom. Inside is a dark amber liquid. No matter how he seems to move, nothing spills out, a miracle of engineering for sure. "And, I think because of that, I've learned how to sense threats a little better, as I've been spending more time with a clearer mind."

"Jax listens carefully as the learners talk of what they've been doing." He nods, "Very interesting. Yes, please be careful in your training. It's good to push one self but it should be in controlled environments. A drain pipe? Please tell me, you had your droid or somebody nearby to get help in case of an emergency. There is a force technique for that. It does seem a bit advance, I could teach you some mundane escape skills. I'm sure Zandra and Ax can too." Jax nods, "Please help Zandra. You too if you like Ax. If you would please share with the class anything you feel they should know about this technique. It sounds if they're beginning to grasp it."

Vhe has been shuffling away leftovers and picking a few bites here and there when no one was looking. But now finally having made her way up she steps to the side and takes up a position at the back. She lowers to take a seat and uses the wall as a back rest for now as a soft sigh escapes her and the woman with her brilliant scarf covered hair smiles, enjoying the environment as Jax begins his lesson.

She lets her hands rest on her knees as she tilts her head back, rolling her shoulders to help alleviate the day's strain and tension.

Speaking of distractions, apparently the falling sun and the rising colors were enough to pull Rune's attention away from the conversation for a bit of time. Snapping around when he realizes he missed his turn to speak, a blush coats his cheeks and he opens his mouth to blurt out his discoveries. "I uh... I have been able to use my connection with the Force to better assist those in need." He motions to Ax, "Whether that is in space in a cockpit or on ground in rescuing lost children. It has been quite beneficial to have the extra ability at times when needed. The Force is a mysterious thing I have barely been able to scratch the surface of understanding."

That last bit is what's known as an understatement. Though Rune is much more versed in feeling the flow of the Force through many things, he still struggles in working with it when he desires. Many times it seems he tries to push it to work for him instead of communing with it and allowing it to work with him... that's probably the problem but his 'do it now' attitude tends to demand the former.

"There's merit in placing yourself outside of a fully controlled environment. The will to succeed because you don't know if you'll be ok if you mess up." Qutha offers, resting his hands on his knees. "It's like back on the orchard. You can't always have someone right with you during your first real harvests. There's to much to do, to have a sitter." head ticking to the side.

"I think I didn't listen to instructions quite as I should, since I ended up face in the dirt with a dislocated shoulder. Pop and mother worried, but not mad. It happens..." reaching up to scratch at his goatee some, "So it wasn't fully controlled... but there was enough just in case. If we're fully confident that there is always a safety catch we can't trust ourselves, our instincts, or what the force is telling us."

Zan smiles at Jax. "It's your class, my friend," she says simply. She's not taking over or anything, but here to listen, learn and provide support. She smiles as Vhe comes in, and seems to have recovered from slipping out of the shadows she thought she was hiding in. "I think we all have a lot to learn from and about the Force," she says easily. "It'll be some time before any of us are really experts, though that isn't going to stop me from trying." She rests her hands on the rail, keeping herself balanced. "The sense of danger can indeed assist us in our efforts," she agrees softly. "But a controlled environment need not be perfectly controlled as Qutha says. When we run through the obstacle courses, they are somewhat controlled, and we should always make sure someone knows we are doing so, in case of accidents. Training is something that we should do, most definitely."

Ax gives a nod to Jax, then looks to the other students as they discuss their experiences and understandings. "I may be an initiate in the order, but I've been around the block for quite a while. One might say that I have a lot to learn about being a Jedi, but manipulating the force is something I'm actually rather adept at."

"The ability to increase your reflexes or your strength, to be able to think faster or even be more charismatic. Maybe you simply need to hold your breath longer to get through a room of noxious fumes, all these things can be accomplished through what Jax is trying to teach you, and should become second nature." Ax adds. "I can assure you, every time I'm in the cockpit of a ship, I take a moment to center myself and use the force to enhance my reflexes. It definitely gives me an edge in a dogfight. It was one of the first skills I learned to master, and it's become such second nature to me that it has just become instinct. You'll hopefully learn to do the same. Just nobody tell my wife that I use it to understand her when she starts talking about physics."

Jax nods as he listens to people comments and answers. There's a slight wave to Vhe as she joins. He's a bit disappointed Zand doesn't take the class from him. Though as he listens for a moment, "Ax is correct. In most regards, I am not so sure about using it to try to keep up with Kadi. Though I know at one point in my life, I would have jumped on that to understand what she was saying. I really don't want to understand droid brains. But it is also alright to just be you in most moments in your life. Don't become too reliant on this technique. It's alright try to improve yourself through mundane ways too."

Zandra gets a smile from Vhe as the woman remains at the back, watching both Rune and Qutha with interest. Her hand lifts in motion to greet Jax before it settles back to a knee and she sits forward, trying not to rely too much on the wall. It can stand straight on its own.

"There are times your attempts might not...work and in fact hinder you. It is key first and foremost to solidify your connection with the Force. You all are doing so right now, by merely being here. The more sure of yourself that you are and the more in tune with the force the more likely you will be able to form it to your will. When it is in regards to your own body it can be tricky...especially if you are distracted. You must be able to quiet that which is around you."

Vega goes back to being quiet when she's done talking, her hands folding in her lap again and eyes observing the other as they speak. "I've used the power before when we've had other missions. I just wanted to focus on it a little more." she states quietly. "But yes, I had another there with me. I didn't want to get stuck and have anyone find my corpse. That would have been embarrassing." she admits to that. "I will always listen to things to change in my training though." she adds. She had been around the order for awhile, but still had things to learn! "And yes, I don't like relying on the Force too much when I can do it through learning to strengthen myself mundanely." she nods to Jax's words.

Rune nods to his assertion that they should be improving themselves overall rather than just relying on the Force to enhance their abilities. "This is true, always improving oneself is the best way. It is never due to stay stagnant and unchanging. The galaxy does not do this, nor should we." Another nod to Vhe at her statement, that light blush returning to his face at his most recent distraction episode. To be fair though, who could blame him, it was a beautiful sight.

"Advance or fade is the way of everything, it's not an option unless you're dead." brows lifted and a bit of a confused expression seeping into his features." Qutha's lower lip bulges some as his tongue pushes there and one brow drifts back down to make his quizzical look slip to a flat skepticism.

"From my study of the books Rey has introduced us too, the lessons you, Vhe, Aryn and Rey have provided; it would be illogical not to seek how to evolve with any of even the smallest discoveries we make or the new mysteries pointed out by your instruction." head finally tocking in the opposing direction it earlier ticked.

"Granted I'm not yet a year within my learning at the order; but the fundamentals seem clear that to lean one way or the other - reliance on the force and reliance on self are the same as stagnating because we're... Luminous sorts. Everything connects to the force. Everything. To say that anyone on the street, selected at random, has no connection to the force is a falsehood and borders dangerously on arrogance. They may not feel it as we do, but they still connect with it and those who've truly found their center in what they do are the example that should be followed in this training especially." fidgeting again and blowing out a breath that might contain a 'bother' or even a quickly spat 'bother and blow' before he proceeds in kind.

"Knight Greystorm... or do I address you as Master, I apologize if I have that wrong, terribly so... I wonder if maybe some of these lessons, especially with letting the force enhance our capability, might best done... observing what the terribly arrogant might call mundane? Woodworkers who let their instincts guide their hand. Artists who allow the mind beneath their mind to draw the brush along. That is the harmony I think we need to truly be able to use this ability not as second nature, but as our true nature. One being. Not one being blessed by the force. But a being who is flesh and the force at one... The division might be the stumble point."

Blinking rapidly before his cheeks green.

"There are always times when we manage to not connect ourselves with the Force, for whatever reason. I demonstrated such a moment just earlier today, and /not/ on purpose." Okay, she's embarrassed, but it's a concrete example of such a thing. "At least I think I confused Jax, though, so that's something." Her grey eyes gleam with a bit of amusement, and she shrugs a bit. "It's always worth it to work on your mundane skills, and I suspect that we will all learn a bit differently so that what makes one being go 'Aha!' and get the concept might just confuse another." She looks over to Qutha, considering his words, and she says, "It -if that will help you, then by all means. We should use what works, so long as it leads to the light."

Zan quiets for a moment, wher she is, and then she adds, "I have a question for you all though. It has occurred to me that there is something to be said for the possible intimidation factor of seeing a Jedi do something that would usually be considered impossible. I wonder if anyone has perhaps an example where such activity might have helped us in our mission, perhaps even preventing a fight?"

Ax just shakes his head and smiles. He unhooks the sippy cup from his belt and raising it to his lips. There's a slight gurgling sound and bubbles rise through the amber liquid inside as he takes a sip of the expensive whiskey he stored in there. "Vhe is right as well. When you might need it most, you might fail the necessary concentration required to use force abilities, so don't ever think that you can use the force instead of actual skill and practice. It may supplement your abilities, but you're better off mastering the normal abilities in the first place."

Ax sips from his lucky cup once more before hooking it back on his side, listening to Qutha's little monologue. "That's definitely something to think about. It is my belief that one should focus on many aspects, both related to the force, and the mundane. In my experience, reliance on the force to get through a situation, or even planning on the force allowing you to get through a situation, can quickly lead to failure."

Ax looks to Zan. Maybe he put his cup away too soon. "Well, I've thrown heavy objects with the wave of a hand, which disuaded a group of thugs from attacking. But, at the same time, word got out and I had the First Order banging on the hangar door looking for a rogue Jedi, so being all flashy has its downsides as well. When we're in the fighters though, pulling off maneuvers that a non-force user couldn't possibly do, has proven pretty good at intimidation against pirates and such in the past."

"Please call me Jax. I have not obtained the rank of Master nor am I sure it is appropriate to call me Knight. So Jax, I am." He shrugs, "It is not a wrong way to think of mundane skills and force skills is one. I am not here chastise you or tell you that you're wrong cause you're doing it different than I am. The philosophical side of the force has many paths to the same destination. I am not saying don't challenge yourself or push your knowledge. Just be mindful of what you're doing. We have to be mindful of the seductive side of the darkside. Using Enhanced attribute to help you find your words to help defuse a hostage situation and for you to seem more charismatic. While using it when you see a pretty girl that you want to get to know, I would say perhaps is not the best choice. These are examples." Jax shrugs, "If you feel watching a master craftsman work would be more instructive. I encourage you to go find one, give it a try."

He thinks on Zandra's question, "I've done things once or twice. I've drawn my saber to draw attention to myself and then use it to negotiate a hostage situation."

"There is value in each of our individual approaches to the Force. It is why we are skilled in various different areas when another has a focus elsewhere. You must learn the way that benefits you the most on your path to the light." Vhe smiles at Qutha but gives a nod to Zandra and Ax before she rubs her hands together and spreads her hands.

"We must walk before we can run. I believe it is said, though I do like to run. In regards to the Force, it may be best not to launch oneself too far forward.

She quiets then.

Rune hasn't been in the business of intimidation so, when the question is posed, he simply shakes his head from side to side. He also hasn't been a Jedi for too long either, or experienced in working with the Force in a knowledgeable way, thus he's not able to offer any insight into details with his wisdom. He does listen though, absorbing all this information like a sponge, hazel eyes shifting from person to person as they speak of their experiences and thoughts. And, admittedly, his eyes do stray to the setting sun occasionally... it is quite remarkable.

Vega gives a look to herself, "I think the only time I'm truly intimidating...or close is with my lightsaber, but I don't get it out unless it's needed." she states in her quiet tone. "I agree with baby steps. Most of us are in varying legs of our journey with learning. So we'll all have our own special take on things, but we're learning together at the same time." she smiles to that.

"It wasn't a matter of suggesting the lessons being given were incorrect, but likened to what you've said; also giving perspective that could be worked with." frowning slightly, "It's not engendered as a disrespect to what you've done to instruct. It's an expansion based on lessons you've already given." sitting up a little straighter now, studying Jax steadily and shifting where he sits when the sunlight shifts by cloud or ocean reflection. Like some bloom waving in a breeze.

"I forwarded my idea of a craftsman not as some higher form of experience or expertise but as a suggestion based on your and Rey's teachings." brow ticking slightly, "You both have extoled the virtue of balance and mindfulness. Right now we spend much of our time of examples of those who can actively feel the force - so I made my suggestion as the balance of that. To see similar balance in those who are unaware of the influence." Qutha's expression softening as he silences again.

Zandra looks thoughtful at the answers to her question, but she pauses for a moment there. "I think, Qutha, that we are all in agreement with you," is all she says first. Then a moment later, she says, "Perhaps intimidating is not so good a word choice. I really am suggesting that judicious use of our abilities in a situation where we are trying to defuse a difficult situation might help us to avoid lethal combat." Ax gets a long look, and then a nod. "True that. But they know we are out here now, it's only that they may not know some of us. Yet."

Ax nods to Zan. "Yeah, because of my flashiness, I got a lot of good people killed. The strike upon Corestar spaceport was Kylo Ren's way of saying 'Screw the rogue jedi' where he called down an orbital strike killing thousands just to punish me for being a force user and not joining their ranks," Ax says, once again retrieving his sippy cup. "There's no greater way to learn hubris than to be the reason a true monster attacks innocents."

Jax listens for a moment, "I wasn't trying to say you were, Qutha. You're journey has taken a turn that I hadn't thought of so I can offer no guidance than go. do see. Let me know if it's a success. I think I've imparted everything I can on this topic to you guys. It sounds like you're applying it. I am proud. So this brings me to my next and final question. Something that encompasses us all and all we do. Are you keeping records of your techniques and what you learn? You're thoughts on the force? You're exploits? These are important things. Well will have to teach the next generation? One day we will be making holocrons. One day somebody might be debating the different applications of the living force from the prospective of Jedi Master Vega, Jedi Master Rune, and Jedi Master Qutha."

That certainly wasn't a thought that had ever occurred to Rune, recording his thoughts and experiences. He'd never been anyone of note to even assume others would want to hear anything he had to say or had done. Thus he looks back to Jax with a surprised expression, his head once again shaking from side to side. "I have not, it was never a thought that I would have something to share." The younger Ysannan nods to the lot of them, a reserved smile just creeping over the corners of his lips. "But I will start."

Vega gives a thoughtful look to the words that are coming from the gathered, "I will start keeping a journal of sorts. Maybe that will help." she states with a nod to the others. Then she fades to the back of the conversation, choosing to be a quiet observer when she does not have more to offer at the moment. She was not a teacher for this skill.

"I see, my apologies for misunderstanding..." a small pad of flimsy sheets drawn from within his robes, "I think lessons in patience, if anyone were daft enough to wonder what thoughts of Old Qutha, will be the chief lesson someone reading about my theories and experiences will get." one side of his mouth lifting to make the small grin he wears lopsided and a bit more playful before the notebook is tucked back into his affects.

"Especially, I suppose, parsing through the agricultural notes, seedling logs, planting times... harvest projections." snickering, "Maybe that will give a few ideas on how to find their way as well."

Zandra quiets now to listen, but at Jax's question, the young Knight's eyes widen. "oh. Jax, you always get the best questions. I - mean, I have some notes, but - " Yeah, even the Knights might not be keeping notes /that good/. "Okay, I'm with the others, I can definitely get to work on that, but it's not something I really thought about, though I do admit I have learned a lot from the notes and thoughts of Jedi from the past. Whether or not I agree with it all." She laughs softly, and pushes herself off the rail, to land on her feet. "All this is making me want to go run an obstacle course for some reason."

"Honestly, I've not exactly kept records. I'm a smuggler by nature, so records aren't something I generally keep accurately, hell they're more than often forged," Ax says. "I thought the means of crafting a holocron were lost, was there a discovery somewhere that we should know about?" Ax asks. He sighs. "It's been years, and mostly my training regiment has been chaotic at best."

Jax shakes his head, "They haven't been Ax. That doesn't mean we won't discover it or figure it out next Datunda. If we never do, that makes our journals all that more important. I won't sit here and say I've kept records or if I keep detailed records now. This is something though we should be considering doing. As we learn from the past, we prepare for the future. It is our task to rebuild the order, if something is lost, we must replace it. Who to say our experiences and our learnings are different than the jedi that came before us?" Jax shrugs at Qutha, "Sure, it wouldn't be the next action holo based around a jedi but we're not supposed to crave adventure. So I'm sure many of the jedi archives were filled with the things you speak of. I'm just asking you to consider keeping records of things you feel should be be recorded."

"You're talking to a farmer, everything I said I feel is worth being recorded." winking as he makes the jest, "I crave peace, either way." shifting his robes some before his hands lift to draw his goggles down over his eyes with a clicking of the starlight systems engaging, to keep him from going blind.

"There's notes on my readings and the lessons given there also, what I've found while exploring the force. That wasn't a joke I just like writing it, rather than typing it... I need to get a droid to review and archive... all in due time, eh?"

Zandra flashes a big grin, and then she bows her head briefly to Jax. "Thank you for the instruction, Jax. Very much appreciated." She takes a breath as she starts to make her way to the edge of the room, reaches for the Force and then seems to vanish.

It seems like the lesson is breaking up, people are leaving and... vanishing, quite literally. "Thank you Jax, for the words and information you have given us. I will continue to work on my understanding of the Force and how it works with and within us." The Initiate smiles to their teacher and moves to stand from the bench, nodding to the rest of the Jedi gathered before he too makes his vanishing act complete. However, he just walks away and back inside... nothing nearly as fancy as Zan.

Ax nods to Jax. "Good point," he says. "I am a man who has very much left to learn. I have a bit I could teach, but I am far from the Jedi Master or even Knight. I'm just a poor schmuck who's got a bit of force talent."