hadthehighground | Empatheias IC Inbox

[Obi-Wan rarely missed a presence that was strong in the Force when it arrived. So he already is aware of Bariss' presence. And he has yet to decide how he feels about it. Which is why he hasn't reached out to her himself.

But as she approaches, he knows its her. Doesn't even have to open his eyes as she sits down nearby. He allows a moment of silence, but eventually does acknowledge her.]

You wish to speak to me, Padawan?

[It's not unfriendly. A neutral tone really as he knows full well she could come from any point in time. He will let her say what she wishes.]

[She nods her head, her tone just as empty, neutral. Her eyes remain closed, but there's a ripple in her sense.]

I do, Master Kenobi. [One eye cracks open, the blue a little strained with color. Today has been trying. Today has been a nightmare, really.]

If...I can speak plainly, I'd like to ask you about the future. And if what Anakin Skywalker told me is true.

[No Master, or even a Knight, appended to his name. He's made his position clear, and despite her mixed feelings on him after their encounter she wasn't going to call him a Jedi anymore. Not...when he clearly was not.]

[He can feel her tension. And her words bring pause and eventually a bit of compassion.]

You mean about Ahsoka.

[Its an easy guess, and he can only imagine what Anakin may have said to her. He had great respect for Master Luminara, and knew she did her best to teach Bariss. He wanted to do right by her Padawan in her absence. No matter any personal feelings about what happened in Bariss' future.]

[She shakes her head in the negative.]

I mean about all of it. That I fall into darkness and betray not just Ahsoka, but everyone in the Order.

[Ahsoka Tano is her closest friend, but Ahsoka Tano is one person, and attachments are forbidden. The whole of the Order means more than one Padawan, no matter how close they may be.]

Is that true? Does my resolve fail?

[Blue eyes opened finally to turn towards Barris in a thoughtful but somber silence. Being the bearer of bad news was never easy. But he was getting to be quite the veteran at that.

With a soft sigh he turned his gaze forward again to look out upon the lake.]

You were unhappy with the war, and how the Order was a part of it.

While you may have been somewhat justified in your opinion, you caused considerable damage. Not only tarnishing Ahsoka's reputation, and the Jedi who did not stand with her. But Anakin lost his Padawan as a result. She left the Order.

[That had been a difficult time, and Obi-Wan held his own regrets as well.]

... Though in hindsight that decision likely saved her life.

I...see.

[Barriss's eyes remained downcast, unsettled as she was, but she'd heard about the Clones, and the future of the Order. And other things.]

I don't know how I could have gotten to that point, Master Kenobi, but...as you can probably tell, it has not happened for me yet. I'm still a padawan, and a pacifist. I'm...just a healer.

[She works her jaw a little, trying to steady herself, because there's really only one answer to this. She's worked out the details with her myriad of conversations. Putting together information has always come naturally to her.]

I've gathered that shortly after...that...the Order is destroyed by the Clones, operating under Chancellor Palpatine, who presumably was tied to the Sith Lord that Master Yoda has been seeking out. That's why Ahsoka was spared. Because she wasn't there.

[She's silent for a long moment, but her sense gathers resolve.]

I...suppose I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't. If I stay here, Ahsoka will probably die. If I leave, then I'll do damage to the Order.

I know, and I don't hold any decisions you have not yet made against you.

[To do so would mean he would also have to condemn Anakin as Leia has. Something that Obi-Wan was not willing to do. He deserved a chance to do better here, as does Barriss and anyone else for that matter.]

That's right, though it is Palpatine himself who is the Sith Lord. Who orchestrated the entire war and the fall of the Jedi.

[For now, he avoids Anakin's part in all that mess.]

The way time works here is uncertain. Events that are the future for some, are the past for others. No one knows if we can change things or if we should. Whether our presence here has any effect on our worlds at all. Regardless, whether we come or go is not our choice to make. People vanish as quickly as they arrive. It's best to be mindful of that.

I did not think you would. Not after having seen Anakin.

[That's another thing she'd picked up on. Anakin had done something far worse, and she could feel that in his aura.]

I appreciate that, though. I'm...not that person. And I won't become that person, if I have the chance to prevent that.

[Looking over at him again, she purses her lips. Palpatine as a Sith Lord. That was troubling, but...]

I've read about that, as well. I am also aware of research into portals here to move us offworlder's home.

And more than that, I do not believe the Force would have deposited any of us here without a reason. To learn, to change, to balance, something. It cannot be a coincidence.

You do well to think that, Padawan. I have come to that same conclusion. We have been given a unique opportunity, in some ways a second chance.

[It was the only explanation he could really think of aside from helping this world of course. It could only be the bidding of the Force.]

But you will find yourself challenged here. Everything you've believe will be tested. In this place you must embrace and use your emotions. It is a difficult balance for a Jedi.

The Jedi still have emotions, despite what they may say.

[That isn't really the issue but it is a difference of philosophy between Luminara and himself, so it feels wise to point out. She's aware, keenly, of what he's saying though.]

I will do my best to keep that lesson in mind though, Master Kenobi. I'm...well, you'll find me to be a quiet person, and I shall try not to trouble you or your apprentice.

Would you...be willing to do me a favor though?

Oh certainly.

[There was no denying that. Despite what some thought, Jedi were feeling people like anyone else. They just... tried to control it. Her reassurances though brought on a faint smile. Though he lifted his brow slightly at her request.]

Certainly. What can I do for you?

I...realize that you have very little reason to trust me. Because of what may happen, and what has happened. And I realize you and I are not the most well acquainted.

[Her eyes turn down a little, a faint frown and a chill wind blowing up off the lake indicators of how uncomfortable she is.]

But your apprentice. Can you tell me where he's staying? So I can avoid that area entirely. Our meeting was...not exactly productive, and I would rather try and head off that as another potential problem. I can feel something in his aura, and I know how emotional he can be, so I think that would be best.

[There was a moment of silence. It would be clear to Barriss that Obi-Wan was troubled. He knew exactly what she was talking about.]

I agree it would be best for you to avoid him. However... I'm afraid I don't know where he's staying at present.

Since he moved from the lake, he's hidden himself somewhere in the city. He hasn't seen it fit to tell me. But... if I learn otherwise, I will let you know.

Edited 2017-02-26 03:08 (UTC)

I'll...keep that in mind.

[And just keep her senses going.]

Thank you for that.

Also, I...do I really want to know what's happened? Why he's like that? What did the Chancellor do?

[Even though it couldn't be heard over the telepathic connection, Obi-Wan heaved a sigh. This wasn't a subject he liked to talk about but Barriss' questioning was understandable.]

Anakin had been close to the Chancellor ever since he came into the Order. A relationship that proved to be more dangerous than I had ever imagined.

He manipulated Anakin, twisted his thinking, and turned him against us.

And the clones too?

[Barriss has never had the same affection for the Clones that Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka have. Since they're an aberration by Mirialan way of thinking, at least.]

[Obi-Wan was getting better at concealing his emotions when he wanted to thanks to his increasing skill with Dunamis. But the mention of the clones brought on a new touch of sadness. This was something he hadn't spoken much of.]

They turned on us, slaughtered many. Though not of their own volition I believe.

My commander, he was a good man, and yet shot me down in an instant. The clones would not have been capable of betrayal without us sensing it.

But I do remember an incident where one trooper gunned down his commanding general. Something about a malfunctioning inhibitor chip. That may have been it. Likely there was more to it than we knew.

[It pained him to think that they possibly could have stopped everything if they had only looked into it further. He had considered Cody a valuable comrade and even a friend. Yet he had tried to take his life. While many other clones had successfully nearly wiped out the rest of the Jedi.]

[Barriss nods, certainty and empathy suffusing her sense, and she has to stop herself from reaching a hand out to him. She holds it out halfway, though. If he feels inclined to seek that comfort.]

The Padawan Ezra Bridger told me about the chips. Told me where they are.

I wonder how I never noticed them before, with all my surgeries...

((OOC: ROFL I was apparently really tired last night. I realized that I had forgotten this was a in person thing and not over the amulet. :V So ignore all that.))

[A few little mushrooms had sprouted around Obi-Wan as a result of the downturn of his mood. However, he noticed her hand. It was a kind gesture, and while he wasn't often inclined to physical contact beyond those he was close to... he accepted the offer. Taking her hand in his, and offering a sad smile.]

Ah, so my suspicions were correct then.

They were well hidden, we didn't even know they were there until that incident.

[Barriss squeezes his hand a little, her hand warm and light, flowing with the Force. If there was one thing she would say about herself, it was that she was empathetic. She could feel emotions, pain, scars, and more so keenly. And he had more than his fair share.]

I should have noticed. With as closely as I work with the Clones health? A chip in the head should stick out.

But I suppose that's something I failed at, too. I've never been good at dealing with Clones.

[There was certainly something comforting about Barriss presence. Something that this Jedi sorely needed now and then. He had seen and been through far too much. More than he deserved.]

While made to serve and fight for the Republic, the Clones had their own unique culture of sorts. They didn't really understand us Jedi, either. It's only natural that not everyone would connect with them. It's no fault of yours, Barriss.

[A sigh, and she repeats on oft quoted phrase from Luminara.]

'A Jedi Healer should strive to understand all those she treats, Barriss'

[Still, the thought of her master makes her brighten a little.]

Are there people from our world who aren't Jedi here? Aside from Senator Organa and his daughter?

[Quoted from her Master no doubt, Obi-Wan couldn't help but chuckle as he knew Anakin had often done the same thing when it came to the things he told him.]

You still have much room to improve and grow, young Padawan. Don't let it discourage you. Master Luminara has taught you well.

[Her question though drew an affirmative nod.]

Oh yes, I've come to know a few of them. Though be warned that there is and have been those who are not Jedi, yet have knowledge of the Force.

[That gets her to straighten up...]

You mean there are Sith here?

[Not just...Anakin?]

Not quite. There is someone here who tends to use the Dark Side, but does not claim to be Sith. He's conflicted and misguided, potentially dangerous but unlikely to do harm.

However, Darth Maul was here briefly as well.

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