Google Docs Link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18ym-mx2gboXQYx9WkABpVeAVn8WrlZ85yKnPFW5U9Qg/edit?usp=sharing

Alternative Textual Submission is as follows:
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Meditation

It is the gateway to one’s inner self, the Force, and also higher planes. Such simple in appearance, yet so complex in it’s hidden workings. The potential benefits goes without saying, both in embracing the light, and mastering the dark.

Preparation

Practicing daily, for five minutes at a time if need be, but it must be done everyday when possible. Timing is also an important factor in daily practice, often before bed, or even immediately after. Immediately after rest is often preferred, so that fatigue will not impede focus. Once a habit is made, however, of daily routine, it is when the increased time spent under meditation should occur. From the minimum of five minutes to perhaps ten, and onward till you find yourself lost for hours at a time when it is available. However, after spending much time developing the inner techniques and focus to expedite the steps necessary in meditation, often times the lost hours becomes minutes once again. The mind is a muscle, and possesses the capabilities of muscle memory just as the body does. When exposed to a routine, even in meditation, it can efficiently repeat the steps, allowing the practitioner to delve into a deeper mastery in a shorter period.

Along with time, space too follows the same procedure. Areticus often would conceal himself in complete darkness, silence, and solitude. Little things, such as a small light, footsteps, or sensing others would cause a distraction that would only lead to a frustrating end. These mundane and semantic distractions however, fade both in daily routine and alternative available circumstances. When one develops the mental muscle memory, distractions fade, and one could eventually achieve the same results in any location. Often times practitioners would test this discipline with attempts of meditation under a cold waterfall, near a dangerous ledge, or with the howling wind of a raging storm.

Although all one needs is the self, there is one object that has made Areticus’ initial practice more efficient. It was difficult to obtain, but upon acquiring a singing bowl made of seven distinct metals, he would utilize the vibrational frequency it resonated. This frequency was met with the frequency of his mind causing a sync meditative state. He has no use for them now, but will often play them for students in need it’s aid.

Last but most certainly not least is poise. Often the cross-legged, back straightened, with hands gesture accordingly is the preferred position instructed by masters. Areticus abided by this at first, but learned, just as it is with timing and spacing, that these are but aids for the beginning adept. He has often done so by simply resting his eyes in a chair, or lying down. He has heard of the great elders achieving meditative states during motion in conscious activity, with some in more extreme circumstances as combat. As extravagant as that would be, Areticus remained skeptic to its validity. For now, he selects his posture given the circumstances he finds himself in, always preferred with the seated posture that was initially instructed. Although unecessary, it is a display that is familiar, and sends incomers a message as to not disturb him.

Instigation

First Areticus begins relaxes his body. If need be, the aid of a calming bath or changing into a more comfortable attire allows for easier relaxation. The entirety of his body needs to achieve a heavy state of relaxed, however this cannot be done all at once. There is a seven step process, beginning from the bottom and up, that he must perform before his meditative trance can be achieved. Often times a slight itch, chill, or ache from the body can damper the mind. This relaxation instigation minimizes the distractions of the physical body and allows the mind to begin it’s trance.

He begins focusing on the base of his spine, the root of instinct in his body, until it is still and stable. Next he moves along to just below the naval, where sacral and hormonal functions are depressed. He then moves to make his stomach, just above the naval, still and null. This is where he can alleviate the distractions from his stomach, be it for wanting of food or unsettled from too much. Afterwards he moves to a more complicated center, the heart. He focuses on relaxing in this area in two fronts, both in the cardiovascular system by becoming mindful of his breathing, and sorting out any current emotional duress that may impede him. Once the heart is at peace, the throat, which governs his physical self expressionary tone and communication is relaxed. One of the most important aspects of the body is the mind, especially to an academic as Areticus. From the throat he moves to the center of his forehead, which puts the mind into a waving trance. He goes beyond more than emptying his thoughts, but rather hypnotizing himself in memory, cognitive function, and focus. The final step, is to relax his connection to the Force. There is no certain body position that is a conduit, for the Force resides and penetrated through the body. It is taught however, to allow the crown just above the head to represent the Force connection symbolically. Once all has achieved the relaxation instigation, the meditative paths open it’s way to Areticus.

Inner Self

Through the path of the Inner Self, Areticus becomes self aware of himself physically, mentally, and spiritually. He reviews over the different areas and aspects of himself, which of his seven aspects is out of balance, or perhaps consciously increasing one or decreasing the other. These seven aspects are given many names, the nomenclature adopted by Areticus and his instructor however is “Chakras”. This technique takes practice even after the self training it took to get here, it allows for manipulation of his whole being. Perhaps, given his circumstances, he would decrease his acclamation for charismatic communication and working with others, as he relaxed from the throat, by refocusing the inner self from there to understanding and ingesting new experiences, represented physically when relaxing his stomach. Another example to be to alter his affinity with his emotions, and recenter on the ability to use the force; from the heart to the crown; a Jedi technique. Or perhaps, in order to find himself versatile and at peace with himself, a balancing of all aspects takes place. It is this path of the inner self through meditation that Areticus can decide who he wants to be.

The Force

Through path of the Force, Areticus attains adherence to both the Living Force and the Unifying Force. This practice is the most taught and common of force users. When tapping into the Living Force, Areticus becomes mindful of force reliant consciousness. All beings that the Force moves through, both living and dead. When tapping into the Unifying Force, each time Areticus would find himself lost in the grand metaphysical connection that hinges all of reality together. It is read that visions of the past and future can be obtained through attunement in the Unifying Force, a feat Areticus hopes to achieve. It is through this path of meditation that Areticus becomes more familiar with the Force.

Higher Planes

It is said, through rare holocrons and ancient tomes, that there is a meditative practice which allows one to separate the consciousness from the body and roam in a plane beyond the physical. Validation of this plane’s existence is put into question by those who have heard of it, with the only evidence revealed through experience of practitioners. This requires an adjustment of a very particular frequency when relaxing the mind. This frequency will make the body cold, swing energies throughout all seven aspects, and create a violent and radical vibrational sensation. Once you swallow that fear, and let yourself go to the vibrational sensations, it is said that the consciousness drifts away in a shell befitting the plane that overlaps it, and reveals to one an expansive universe with much more to learn. It is through this path of meditation that Areticus attempts to explore what possibilities lie beyond.

Reflection

In the wake of one’s journey through meditation, reflection is a vital part in progression. Although Areticus favors his sharp memory, taking record of his experiences and lessons learned from them safeguards those lessons for later review. Often times if he thinks one meditative experience was identical to another he had before in the past, he would find the recorded archive and include it in his reflection in order to avoid repeating the same mistakes going forward. In addition, seeking guidance through his experiences from more experiences practitioners and masters offer insight and wisdom to better himself when exercising meditation. If perhaps a problem cannot be solved through self reflection, a guide in either the physical, and sometimes in a Higher Plane, can illuminate the issue from experiences of their own. It is because of this that Areticus reminds himself to be humble in the presence of those who possess more experience, and absorb as much knowledge as he can from their judgement and teachings.

Songs

Preparation: Mercy in Darkness by Two Steps From Hell

Instigation: 7 Chakras Magical Chants by Meditative Mind (Choose Any)

Inner Self: Release My Heart by Ivan Torrent

The Force: The Force Theme by John Williams

Higher Planes: Dawn of Discovery by Brand X Music

Reflection: Sorcerer’s Secret by Brand X Music

526 words

The song 'Turbo Killer' by Carpenter Brut, found here officially on their channel. It reflects the wild shift between feel power and triumphant. Even the doubt and worry the moment he thinks, or discovers, his opponent in whatever battle.. could possibly kill or capture Ondur. I hope i understood and followed correctly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wy9r2qeouiQ

Ondur's been standing in one spot staring at a projection of his home planet for twelve hours. This is not out of desperation. Though he would enjoy a visit for the first time in a long while. It is his main form of meditation lately. The lessons of struggle and backstabbing, the bond of those few you trust until you toss them away. Those are channeled inside Ondur for everything. Especially meditation and focusing on Number One, himself. Nerve shredding moments where indecision would give your killer, your opponent, your enemy of whatever total victory.

Deep inside he misses the constant darkness and connection to the Dark Side itself there. The chance to be alone with IT, the very power in and around him. Ondur is going to return and Force a lot of relaxation on the petty squabbling idiots. Those with the Force can join him and the Brotherhood or they become one with it.

So here he stands, standing being a position of power. He reminds himself that his strength is a nit and some lice compared to others..

But it is his own. Perhaps he could take a planet all his own, and reshape it in the image of Umbara. Only better, more beautiful, with a Ruling class.. Just him of course. No war even! Except the thrashing inside his heart and soul. This was usually part of the routine, the piece of the plan where he sits and deactivates all light source. Of course he can see fine, well, fine compared to a blind human fumbling around. Then there is to come his favorite meditation.

Here now, is the beautiful practice he called: Go in your head and spread the darkness. Even smear the damn power all over the place. Remembering what his failings were and imagine triumphant laughter. his or is it the Dark Side itself that had been laughing each time he set this stuff in motion? Bringing to life the days where he was weak in the Force but still had to beat the life out of children, rival children, and sometimes it fully involved beating out their life entirely.

As he trained away from the Dark Brotherhood, there were time he had to hunt down fools. He had to chase and kill escapees. Sometime slaves and other times other Force users. The focus always grew strongest when he thinks about the many times he feigned that he would let them go. The surprise that blew out their face when he demonstrated that he had lied; That was fun. It wasn't cruel. It was Umbara.

Then he would like to focus on the family. Not his. But those that had many come and trained. They varied with power in society. They often varied highly with their access to the Force. Testing his manipulation and how he envisioned the fates of his cohort. He especially enjoyed bringing a younger student to hunt the rogue escapees. It taught them what happened if you try. And sometime he saw weakness in his little helper and chose to report of the tragic loss of such potential, especially if the students he executed were friends or family to his rivals. Ondur did have a petty streak. At least more than now. Of course he wasn't a wanton psychopath. Ondur was trained by the Academy's own Krypteia. Weed out the Weak, There Go The Paperwork Left For The Weak. It was their creed. It was his tool.

His meditations focused on the heart pumping, muscle aching, triumph over someone or something that was in your way. Accident or no, it was the end of that.

This had been unbelievable. The events at Nancora had been so awful they had robbed him of restful sleep. The Brotherhood was in an odd state of flux as the full effects of Rath Oligard and the Collective were realized. The galaxy was already a harder place to deal with now. He feared for his wife, for his daughter, and his Clan. Then Sanguinius came to his office and asked him to volunteer to provide some additional training. What did Bentre have to pass onto the others that had not been learned through blood, sweat, tears and misery?

It was his lot as Proconsul. He realized that people expected him to be the leader, not the loner on the edge of the Clan. He kept putting up the face of being the good and friendly man- though far friendlier than good- and did the service due to his position. Yet he found himself in a very odd conundrum. The more knowledge he imparted to the others, the greater the chances they would find themselves in situations that would put them into mortal danger. Still, if he did not teach them, there was an increased chance they would be caught unaware, or be left incapable of liberating themselves from the cold embrace of death. To die was to be one with the Force, but for many like the Warhost of the Clan death remained the grandest mystery.

Ultimately, the philosophical questions did not matter. The Consul had made his desires no. Which meant that, for now, Bentre Stahoes acted as his left hand. It was to this end that he had directed the sizable crowd into the depths of the Sadowan temple. Humans and aliens, men and women, soldier and Clanmates- they had all come to the Sith for instruction. The hallway stretched before them, a large door awaiting them at it's far end. The Proconsul smiled to himself as he motioned for his retinue.

"Come on, everybody. We do not normally open these portions of the temple to outsiders, but it has become clear that you need instruction. I cannot guarantee that this will help, but I am going to teach you in the same way that I learned the basics among many skill sets. I hope this will be acceptable." There was feigned joviality in his voice. He could feel the confusion of several. It did not matter, really. Striding forward, Bentre pulled the large doors open. "This is one of our vaults. Normally I personally use this room to store the subjects of experiments." He stressed the last word with a small shrug.

"What?" A voice rose up over the crowd.

"Ah, there are all sorts of things that I like to do. I have been taking part in some studies on mystical arts, their effects on various biological subjects, or ways to create or imitate life. It is all just little things like that." Bentre waved his hand in the air as he strode through the now open doorway. "See, this room is a special vault secured against natural disasters, as well as any number of attacks you could likely imagine. In the past we sometimes kept artifacts in here. This will be your training area."

Stahoes walked over to the wall beside the door, punching keys in a flurry of muscle memory. Several loud clanks, hisses and the grinding of something mechanical in the walls echoed in the sizable room. Heads swiveled and eyes focused on the Battlelord's form as he turned back to face them again. "You see, the fun thing is this. I have to leave you all in this room while I take care of some things. We have lots of training to do today. I hope you will find your way out easily enough. In the corner you will find your tools." Bentre pointed at the far corner, which prompted several of the group to move toward it. The Sith could not keep the laugh from his voice as he spoke again. "Once I close this door the room will lock down. It is up to all of you to figure out a means of escape. Pressure brings out the best and worst in people, after all." As he spoke the last words, Bentre stepped backwards out of the room, pulling the door closed. The sound of locks engaging preceded several muffled cries.

Turning from the door, the man pulled out a commlink, shaking his head before activating it. "Well, the first part of the training has begun, Consul. I have some blaster training exercises and a few other fun things planned. Figured you might like to know. I will leave an order with one of the servants on duty to unlock the room in a few hours. They should have enough air, I think." He mulled over the question for a moment. "I might have to open the vents about halfway through. With any luck, a number of them should pass with flying colors."

As he clicked off the commlink, the Corellian considered the situation. He had been in a similar bind a few years ago. A risk of life and limb pushed people to some amazing highs or crushing lows. He had meant it, the part about with any luck. Experience was the best teacher, and by the gods he was going to give his assigned group all of it they could put up with. Or perhaps, he smiled to himself, a little more.

Remember my apprentices the force surrounds us, penetrates us, and is present all around us. Think of it as if you are a power coupling. With out the electricity that flows through it the coupling is nothing but an unused machine part. But together you can generate enough energy to power a light saber,"said the male human Brotherhood instructor, Mordred Darklighter, to the group of 8 Clan Tarentum apprentices who all stood around with their training lightsabers at the ready.
This was the day they would challenge their teacher to see if they were worthy of receiving their first real lightsaber.
If they failed they would start their training all over."Now which one of you would like to be the first?" Asked Darklighter with an horrid smile on his face.
Tristan raised his hand. "Yes apprentice Rivers?"

"Can we use an form we want?"

The young Instructor chuckled a bit to himself. "By all means, but since most of you are familiar with form I Shii-Cho, I recommend you stay with that form."

going to opposite sides of the training arena Tristan and Darklighter squared off against each other. Tristan could feel the huge dark power of his instructor.
"Could someone this strong have really just graduated from the Shadow Academy only two months ago?"

“I sense your fear apprentice good use it to your advantage."
Darklighter told Tristan.
Tristan turned his attention towards his teacher.
"So apprentice are you going to attack sometime this century?!" Joe said positioning his red lightsaber around until he was standing in a defensive position of form 6.
Both of them were 18 years old and had the same amount of training as each other, but despite this Joe was extremely more powerful than any apprentice at the Shadow Academy even some Masters.This is how he was able to graduate and be assigned as an instructor I in Clan Tarentum so quickly.
Raising his training saber slightly above his head, Tristan readied himself into an offensive position of Shii-Cho.

"Begin!" Yelled Darklighter.

Sticking his hand out Darklighter force pushed Tristan back several feet knocking him out of his offensive position. Using the force he managed to reach Tristan with in two strides. Jumping over his head Darklighter attempted to strike him but Tristan managed to barely block Darklighter’s blow aimed for his head.

Landing, Darklighter started attacking him with a series of spins and quick attacks. His Ataru form was having the desired result he wanted, for Tristan could barely keep up with his numerous flips and rolls that were quickly followed with a saber attack.

Dodging a force pull that Tristan aimed at him, Darklighter landed on his feet with his back to Tristan. Swinging around Darklighter tried to slash him across his chest but instead of blocking the attack, Tristan turned his body away from Darklighter’s crimson blade missing his skin by mere inches.

Stabbing forward, he forced Darklighter to jump to his right. Spinning around Tristan swung low attacking where his legs would be once he landed. However Darklighter brought his blade down easily deflecting Tristan’s attack and force pushing him into a nearby Pillar and onto the floor. Flipping himself up Tristan was now forced on the defensive blocking Darklighter’s strong but precise attacks.
Recognizing his teacher’s use of Makashi, Tristan stopped back pedaling and stood his ground responding to Darklighter’s precision with the strong defense of Soresu. Tristan swung his blade down at him from an angle trying to get Darklighter to move away but instead he brought his red blade up meeting Tristan’s training saber about half way through his swing.

Swinging to the left and right quickly, apprentice Tristan barely managed to deflect each of these blows when Darklighter responded by kicking him straight in the chest knocking him to the ground several feet in front of him. Tristan thinking Darklighter would press the advantage rolled to his right swinging his blade in a high arch. Back to his feet, he was surprised to not see Darklighter in front of him but still standing in his same position he was earlier.

"Ahhh!" Darklighter yelled having both of his hands back before reaching out and striking Tristan with a torrent of black force lightning, sending Tristan’s body flying backwards until he hit the wall with a loud thud.

Looking down at his stunned apprentice, Darklighter spotted his training saber laying several feet in front of him. Using the force he attempted to brought the weapon to him ending their duel. In the middle of flying towards him the weapon stopped in mid air with Tristan’s hand reaching out with the force as well.

"This is not over!,"he yelled struggling to over come Darklighter’s telekinesis, which was causing the training saber to flip violently in both directions.

“Yes it is," Darklighter added overwhelming his opponent, realizing Tristan was growing weaker and weaker by the second.

In a surprise twist Tristan let go of the training saber which caused the weapon to violently whip back at Darklighter who with the aid of the force easily caught the weapon. Not waiting around Tristan sprinted forward meeting Darklighter with a crash of yellow and crimson blades.

"You're beginning to look tired,"Darklighter said raising their blades slightly up at an angle.

"Unlike you,"Tristan added breathing hard and realizing Darklighter was holding back the entire fight. He wasn’t even using a quarter of his strength.
Switching off his training saber, Tristan suddenly moved forward not being able to stop his own momentum as Darklighter side stepped his saber coming down. Swinging his lightsaber handle around Darklighter brought it to the back of Tristan’s head, ending the duel.

"Well fought apprentice, now stand down,"said Darklighter with his arms crossed.

Breathing hard, Tristan put away his weapon. "You held back?” Tristan asked his teacher.
“Only because you wouldn’t have lasted 2 seconds if I was really trying to kill you.” Darklighter said, angering Tristan at his own weakness. “Don’t worry you have proven yourself worthy of receiving your first lightsaber apprentice.” Darklighter reassured him. “Thank you master.” With that Tristan bowed and to his seat next to the other apprentices. “So who’s next?” Asked Darklighter.