Year: 22 BBY
Location: Jedi Archives, Coruscant
Caleb Dume has made his way to the Jedi Archives, the Jedi Order's repository of knowledge on Coruscant, rumoured to hold the sum total of all galactic knowledge. The Council of First Knowledge oversees the Jedi Archives, with Master Jocasta Nu as the Chief Librarian. The Archives house incredible amounts of data, which are stored electronically and holographically, making them very possibly the single largest source of information in the galaxy.
The Archives can also be used to search for specific members of the Order. Files, or profiles, are kept on each member, regardless of whether they are alive, deceased, or have left the order. These files include colon-labelled information giving the person's name, age, species, home planet, and clan. Similar profiles are kept of known criminals, making studies for more dangerous missions all the more informative. Besides standard data tapes and holocrons, the Archives contains holocrons capable of storing phenomenal amounts of data. These are housed in a vault prohibited to non-Jedi
It is here in the Jedi Archives that Jedi of nearly all ages come to learn new information, whether it be for personal curiosity, studying for tests, or preparing for assignments. And Caleb is very interested in doing so. His punishment has been going on for months now, with a Jedi Knight coming to oversee his meditation each day. Mace Windu was a stickler for the rules, and since he didn't like Caleb, he ensured that his punishment was carried out. Caleb felt that the Jedi Master was driven by jealousy above all else. But he didn't bother himself with the man, as he had other things to do.
He arrives at the Jedi Archives and moves along the countless columns of electronic books. He feels someone looking at him and turns. The Chief Librarian, Jocasta Nu, has spotted him and smiles. She approaches him.
"Caleb Dume, how nice to see you in the Archives for once. Are you giving the lightsaber some rest?" she asks.
"I am being punished, Master Nu. I'm not allowed to practice my lightsaber for a few moon cycles," Caleb answers.
"Is that so? Why don't you tell me about it?" the old woman asks.
So Caleb and Jocasta sit down at a table and start to talk. Caleb tells Jocasta Nu all that had happened during his mission to Rugosa. He tells her how they were surprised by the Banking Clan's frigates and how Master Yoda made his way to the moon, managing to convince the Captain to return and take the fight to them. He explained how he infiltrated the frigate and took control, allowing the clones to board and subsequently destroy the second frigate. Jocasta listens to the entire story and nods her head in agreement.
"I see. And what do you think? Was your action careless?"
"I understand how it may come across like that. However, I have already tried to explain this to the High Council. I don't know what it is, but in any given fighting or battle situation, I get a clear path in my mind, which allows me to see the best course of action. It was for this reason that I knew how to take over the frigate and complete the mission," Caleb explains.
"Hmm... I see. Very interesting. I think the most obvious answer to this is that the Force is telling you how you should proceed," Jocasta muses.
"I think so too. But if that is the case, why was my action considered wrong? We are taught to listen to the will of the Force and act upon it. I feel that it was correct."
"Ah, but there is a difference between listening to the will of the Force and simply knowing something. Nothing is set in stone, Caleb. You may have been captured on the frigate, or worse, killed. What the council didn't like was that you didn't follow the command and acted impulsively in their eyes. It is essential to be patient," Jocasta says.
"She is right, Youngling. You should listen to Master Nu's words."
The two turn around, seeing an old Krevaaki Jedi Master standing there with a walking stick.
"Oh, Master Baas, how nice of you to visit the Archives after such a long time," Jocasta Nu says.
"I'm sorry, Jocasta, you know how busy I am."
"Yes, always looking for knowledge and preserving it. Say, wouldn't you like to teach the Youngling something about patience?" Jocasta suggests.
"Hmm..."
Master Baas looks at Caleb for a while. Then he nods and sits down next to Caleb.
"Tell me, what do you know of the Jedi Code?" Master Baas asks.
"Well..."
The two continue to sit in the Jedi Archives for hours. The old Jedi Master instructs Caleb on the virtue of patience and its importance. But Caleb tells him that he wasn't impatient at all and waited for the perfect moment when he struck. He explains everything to Master Baas as well, and the old man understands that Caleb is right. The only problem was that he acted without anyone being aware of it. The Clone Captain was not enough; he should have told Jedi Master Yoda about it, at least. And if that didn't work, call the Jedi Council. But Caleb disagrees with this statement.
As time passes, Master Baas finds himself talking with Caleb about all kinds of things, and they even begin to philosophise about how the Jedi Code could be improved somewhat. The old man smiles, realising that he is enjoying himself and that there is no danger in Caleb ever falling to the Dark Side. He is a warrior, but he holds the Jedi teachings in his heart, even though he has problems with some fundamental aspects of them. So, after hours of them conversing with one another, Master Baas decides to spend more time with the Youngling to teach him and keep him on the correct path. It would be his way of teaching his own Padawan. However, not officially.
"I enjoyed myself, Caleb. Since you are still on your 'punishment', what would you think if I asked you to meet me here again tomorrow?"
"I would be delighted, Master Baas. I also enjoyed talking to you a lot. I am interested in what else you know about the Jedi Order's history," Caleb answers.
"Good. Then we shall meet her again tomorrow."
.
Bodo Baas, a male Krevaaki, is a descendant of the renowned Jedi Master Vodo-Siosk Baas. Trained in the Jedi arts by a master who had lived since around 1000 BBY, Baas rose through the ranks and became a Jedi Master himself. By approximately 600 BBY, he was part of a group of Jedi stationed in the Adega system, dedicated not only to service but also to preserving Jedi history and teachings for future generations.
In time, Baas inherited the Tedryn Holocron - a powerful repository of Jedi knowledge that had once belonged to his ancestor, Vodo-Siosk. Over the centuries, the holocron had accumulated an overwhelming amount of data, rendering it challenging to navigate. To remedy this, Baas meticulously reorganised its contents and added his own insights, including accounts of Vodo-Siosk's death and the rise and fall of the Sith Lord Darth Ruin. He also recorded his personality into the device, becoming its primary gatekeeper—an interactive holographic guide that not only dispensed the holocron's wisdom but also reflected Baas's demeanour and judgment. Those seeking access to the teachings of other Jedi within the holocron had to demonstrate a higher level of understanding.
Among Baas's possessions was a distinctive belt, which would eventually be passed down through the Jedi Order. In 580 BBY, following years of preparation, Baas joined a diplomatic envoy sent to the planet Yanibar to initiate dialogue with the Zeison Sha, a Force sect known for their fierce independence and skill with telekinesis and their unique discblade weapon. The mission faced challenges from the outset, as the Zeison Sha opposed the Jedi practice of separating children from their families. They agreed to meet only after the Jedi promised not to approach their young, and even then, the meeting was strained.
During their visit, Baas observed a training session and engaged Zeison Sha in a thoughtful discussion about the dangers of extreme self-reliance, which could potentially lead to the dark side. While the Zeison Sha acknowledged the risk, they defended their approach as largely positive. Ultimately, they refused to align with the Jedi, and the delegation departed without securing an alliance.
Soon afterwards, Baas was involved in another diplomatic effort—this time with the Matukai, a sect known for blending physical discipline with Force training. After learning that a Matukai warrior, Mendor Typhoons, had repelled a pirate attack near Ord Radama, Baas arranged a meeting in orbit of the planet. Though Baas attempted to persuade Typhoons to join forces, the Matukai master remained unconvinced, favouring his own methods over Jedi teachings. Recognising their independence, Baas recommended that the Jedi allow the Matukai to operate autonomously, provided they remained free of the dark side.
.
Caleb began meeting with Master Baas and learned from the old Jedi. He saw this as a way to learn what he didn't know, what the Order was unwilling to teach. Baas grew to like the Youngling more and more and started to teach him in earnest, forgetting his initial reason for doing it. Caleb was so open to new information and interested in all things, not only concerned with lightsaber forms or Force techniques, or increasing his power.
The weeks followed the days, and eventually, the time for Caleb's punishment had passed, but he didn't care about it anymore; he was far too focused on finding out more from Master Baas. As the Clone Wars raged in the galaxy and the Jedi's demise drew ever closer, the ancient Jedi Master Bodo Baas and the Youngling Caleb Dume focused on their learning and teaching, without bothering about anything else.
"Say, Caleb, what was it that you initially wanted to find when you arrived at the Archives months ago?" Master Baas asks, realising they had lost themselves.
"I wanted to find out more about the lightsaber Form VI. I had a peculiar moment when I was on the Separatist freighter, and I thought I used Form IV at the same time, even for just a moment. I know that Niman has a rather mediocre reputation, but I think it has considerable potential. I enjoy the fact that I can use the Force in tandem with the lightsaber and think that there is a lot of potential to be found."
"Hmm, you think you combined Form IV with VI... interesting. As for your opinion on Niman, you are correct. I think it's time for you to learn about something. I am the keeper of the Tedryn Holocron, a holocron containing the knowledge of thousands of years of Jedi history. Come, let me show you," Baas says and leads Caleb out of the Jedi Archives and to his quarters.
Master Baas takes out the Tedryn Holocron and shows it to Caleb.
"This has been passed down from my ancestor, and it is my job to organise the information it holds. As for your question about Niman, allow me to tell you about some powerful Niman practitioners, who didn't just see it as a quick way to pass the lightsaber tests, but to take the lightsaber form to a higher level," Baas says and activates the holocron.
[The story of Revan is a long one, and to tell you all of it now would be too much. However, allow me to provide a brief summary. Revan—known variously as the Revanchist, Darth Revan, the Butcher of Worlds, and later the Prodigal Knight—was a legendary Human Jedi and Sith whose actions shaped the galaxy during the Mandalorian Wars and the Jedi Civil War.
Born around 3994 BBY in the Outer Rim, Revan was trained by several Jedi Masters and became a charismatic Knight, known for his strong will and sharp intellect. Alongside his close friend Alek (later Darth Malak), he defied the Jedi Council by leading the Revanchist movement to fight in the Mandalorian Wars. Donning the mask of a fallen Mandalorian, Revan rose to Supreme Commander of the Republic military.
After defeating Mandalore the Ultimate at Malachor V, Revan and Malak followed a dark influence into the Unknown Regions, where they discovered a hidden Sith Empire and were turned by its Emperor. Sent back as agents of the Sith, they broke free from their master's control, took the titles Darth Revan and Darth Malak, and launched a campaign against the Republic using the ancient Star Forge.
Betrayed by Malak during battle, Revan was captured by Jedi Knight Bastila Shan, who helped restore his mind and formed a bond with him. Given a new identity, Revan slowly rediscovered his past while retraining as a Jedi. He ultimately confronted and redeemed Bastila, defeated Malak aboard the Star Forge, and was honoured as the Prodigal Knight.
Marrying Shan, Revan lived in peace until his memories of the Sith threat resurfaced. He left to confront the Sith Emperor but was captured and held prisoner for centuries. Rescued by Meetra Surik and Lord Scourge, Revan failed to defeat the Emperor and was imprisoned again—his mind fractured by years of torment.
Though his body died, a dark fragment of Revan endured. This shadow of his former self raised a cult, the Order of Revan, and attempted to force the Sith Emperor into a physical form to destroy him. The Republic and Empire united to stop him, and with help from the light side of Revan's spirit, the dark Revan was defeated. The two halves finally reconciled, allowing Revan to become one with the Force.]
[So, after this introduction, let us get deeper into why I told you about Revan. Revan was an exceptional combatant, renowned for his prowess with a lightsaber and his mastery of battlefield tactics. His skill in deflecting and redirecting enemy blaster fire was second to none, amplified by his innate gift of precognition, which allowed him to anticipate and counter attacks with uncanny precision. Agile and acrobatic, Revan frequently enhanced his physical movements through the Force, making him a formidable and unpredictable opponent in close quarters. Revan is a practitioner of Niman, so this should tell you that the form is not weak.
Among his most legendary feats was the defeat of Mandalore the Ultimate—the fearsome leader of the Mandalorian clans—in single combat, a victory that shattered the Mandalorian war machine and ended their crusade. On Korriban, he vanquished two massive terentateks alone. During the Jedi Civil War, he carved a path through scores of Dark Jedi and Sith, ultimately defeating his former apprentice, Darth Malak.
Though best known for his lightsaber mastery, Revan was also proficient with ranged weaponry. During his time as a Republic soldier and in the Taris duelling ring, he wielded blasters with deadly efficiency. Even later in life, while undercover as "Avner" on Rekkiad, he demonstrated that those marksmanship skills had not diminished.]
Caleb looks at Master Baas and thinks about what he has heard. He was unaware of Revan. But he is interested in knowing more about him and others who used Niman in combat.
"Are there any others who used Niman, Master Baas?" Caleb asks.
"There are a few, yes, but one among them stands out. Exar Kun."
"Exar Kun? I have also never heard about that person either."
"And for good reason. Exar Kun was a Human male Jedi Knight who fell to the Dark Side, assumed the mantle of Dark Lord of the Sith, and waged a destructive war against the Galactic Republic and Jedi Order during the era of the Old Sith Wars. Kun was apprenticed to the respected Jedi Master Vodo-Siosk Baas, my ancestor, and during his time as a student, he encountered forbidden knowledge of the Sith's history. Extremely confident in his abilities and naturally quick to anger, Kun was filled with a burning curiosity regarding the Sith and soon went on his quest to find out as much as he could.
It is a hard topic for me, especially since it was my ancestor who taught him. However, it is now in the past, and we can only learn from it. I have spent a lot of time with you, Caleb, so I know that you are nothing like Exar Kun. It is also the reason that I have decided to tell you about the holocron, since you are not driven by greed for power.
Exar Kun's brilliance shone brightest in his unparalleled lightsaber mastery, honed through countless training duels with the Cathar warriors Crado and Sylvar on Dantooine. Favouring the balanced and versatile Form VI, Niman Kun also demonstrated notable proficiency with the dual-blade technique of Jar'Kai. Even as a Jedi apprentice, his skill was formidable—so much so that he defeated his own Master, Vodo-Siosk Baas. However, his aggressive style, fueled by a deep-seated inner anger, left my ancestor deeply concerned.
While already a dominant force with a single-bladed lightsaber, Kun's ingenuity pushed him further: he not only crafted but also mastered the use of the double-bladed lightsaber. This weapon was virtually unknown during his era. This innovation, combined with his razor-sharp tactical mind, made him a devastating opponent. Kun wielded the weapon with creative precision, often shifting the length or intensity of one blade mid-combat to catch his foes off guard, baiting them into fatal missteps.
Augmented by his ability to anticipate enemy movements through the Force, Kun became a nearly unstoppable warrior on the battlefield. Still, even with all his power, he recognised the limits of his might, admitting that he could not stand alone against the full strength of the united Jedi Order. And yet, even asking himself that question is a statement to his unbelievable skill and power."
"I see. That is quite impressive for him to go that far. But to betray all that he knows and cares about for it... Don't think that makes sense," Caleb says.
"It doesn't, and I am glad you see it that way."
"So I was right then, Niman is not only the Way of the Scholar or a quick way to pass the trials."
"No, it isn't. It all depends on how dedicated you are to mastering it and your mindset. Niman is sometimes referred to as "The Way of the Stranger" due to its highly adaptive and unpredictable nature. A true master of the style can rapidly switch between the attacks and counters of the first five classical forms, I to V, to gain an advantage over their opponent and throw them off balance. It was also very energy efficient and relied on integrating Force attacks with the blade work. So it all depends on your hard work."
Ideas started to form in Caleb's mind. Both Revan and Exar Kun used Jar'Kai, so two lightsabers or a two-handed lightsaber. Caleb only uses one. He hasn't trained with more than one yet, as he didn't see it necessary, but maybe it was time to add something to his arsenal that was different. Perhaps he could start using the Force more actively. However, to do that, he must train more and grow stronger. So, more training was necessary.