abraxasnet | @everyone

Aurelius once wrote, "If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment."

My fundamental concern about this wisdom is that it fails to spot the physical root of trauma. People who cannot snap out of their distress also deserve compassion and treatment.

My apologies for the intrusion. Locals informed me about the recent chaos and I found myself concerned and a little hesitant about reaching out. Back home I treat those who approach me for support with their mental health. I had excellent resources there but here I can offer nothing but a listening ear.

I understand some of you might be feeling exposed, stressed and intimidated. To you I offer my own wisdom. If you worry about what lies ahead, you will be the only one who suffers in the end.

To all else, kind regards for listening.

Oh. Reading, isn’t it? This system is entirely new to me. What a brave new world this place is.

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The man of last resort, so to speak. That's a difficult role.

Not if you've been properly trained for it. Negotiations have become something of a specialty of mine.

I suppose everyone has to specialise in something. Though most can fortunately choose their primary subject of interest.

[Training. Yes. He's spotted that.]

Oh, certainly. Though in the Free Cities I've noticed there's something of an expectation one will sign on with the military.

The military? Well, hopefully that doesn't ring any alarm bells.

I've experience from back home, unfortunately, but it is not my preferred method of conflict resolution.

Which begs the question: what is your preferred method?

Diplomacy, of course. Violence is an absolute last resort, if a conflict has reached the point where a military must be called in? Everyone involved has failed.

For what it's worth I happen to agree. But that hardly disavows violence of the notion it can - at the right time and from the right person - be effective.

And that is a large part of why even our most diplomatic members of the order are trained in self defense. No matter our intentions, there will always be someone intent on using violence to see their will done, often to the detriment to those around them.

Then your order is wise. Though I question what kind of diplomatic missionaries practice martial arts.

[Or, indeed, calls itself an order. Sounds a little religious.]

One that has been acting as peacekeepers, mediators, and diplomats for several thousand years. Have you not heard of the Jedi Order?

I have now.

[That would be a no.]

Indeed- forgive me, we are fairly well known where I am from. To go from that to intense obscurity is...it has been an adjustment.

I understand. It's been quite the adjustment for myself. Others as well, I imagine.

Oddly enough, that's not been the most difficult part. Culture shock is something I'm accustomed to processing but...I don't know if there's anyone else quite like me present. I can't feel them, if there are.

Well, most of us remain ignorant to fellow travellers of home until our paths cross in person. Try not to fret about it.

Were there other Jedi, I would feel them. We radiate...energy, or a vibration, I suppose is the best descriptor, and I've not felt the like once my connection to the Force was mended.

[Oh, lovely. Mystical magic and nonsense!]

That sounds complicated. I can only imagine how lonely it could make someone feel.

It is a little like suddenly being in a world where no one speaks your first language. Isolating. The lack of understanding from the locals isn't something I hold against them, but it doesn't precisely help.

No. But you strike me as someone adept at making friends. It might work wonders for you.

That's quite kind of you to say, doctor...?

Crane. Might I have the pleasure of your name?

Of course. I am Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, at your service.

[At your service. Hmm.]

Careful. I might wind up accepting your offer sometime.

[Is that a joke? Maybe.]

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