THE ACOLYTE’s Senator Rayencourt Could Have Saved the Jedi From Themselves

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As a seasoned Star Wars fan with decades of immersion into this rich galaxy far, far away, I cannot help but be dismayed by the blind allegiance some hold towards the Jedi Order, as portrayed in this passage. Having witnessed Anakin Skywalker’s tragic downfall and the devastating consequences it brought upon the galaxy, I can’t help but see the parallels between his story and the potential fate of the Jedi Order itself.

During the High Republic Era, I’ve been immersed in the “golden age” of the Jedi Order in Star Wars lore. We all know that this peaceful time is eventually followed by darkness. A hundred years later, the Sith will rise from obscurity, wipe out their ancient enemies, and rule the galaxy. The arrogance of the Jedi during the Clone Wars will contribute to their downfall. But now, through Senator Rayencourt‘s eyes in The Acolyte, I’ve witnessed an alternative path for the Order.

In the first installment of “The Acolyte,” Master Vernestra concealed a shocking secret from the Galactic Senate. She was determined to keep this information hidden, even from the senators who had the right to oversee the Jedi Order. The reason for the secrecy was the gruesome murder of fellow Jedi by an unauthorized user of the Force, mentored by a former Jedi apprentice. Vernestra and her peers did not disclose this alarming situation to their own High Council either, as they are the most esteemed and experienced Masters who communicate directly with the Senate.

Prior to Vernestra’s discovery of the truth concerning Brendok, she engaged in a heated discussion with Senator Rayencourt, who is known for his critical stance towards the Jedi Order. During the recent legislative session, he had advocated for an impartial investigation into the Jedi Order to be initiated by the Galactic Senate. In their intense encounter, Rayencort openly shared his motivations behind his skepticism towards the Jedi.

“He believed the Jedi Order was a vast source of unchecked power disguised as a religion, a misguided group that falsely claims to command the uncontrollable forces within us,” he stated. When Vernestra responded without disputing his previous statements, she clarified, “We don’t control the Force.” However, this wasn’t what he had intended. “Not the Force, but your emotions,” he corrected. “You give off an aura of goodness and self-restraint, but it’s just a matter of time before one of you loses control. And when that happens, who among you will have the strength to prevent the chaos?”

The ominous presence of Anakin Skywalker loomed over the entire situation. Every word of Rayencourt’s warning came true. Anakin would lose control of his emotions, which the Jedi had failed to teach him to master. Unchecked fear, pain, and sadness would overwhelm his good nature, causing him to snap. Once he did, there would be no stopping him. The consequences would be dire: many lives would be lost, the Jedi order would crumble, and darkness would engulf the entire galaxy.

Rayencourt foresaw the unfortunate outcome despite the Senate’s inability to do so. “Most of my fellow senators are unable to envision a galaxy devoid of the Jedi, and I empathize with their perspective,” he explained. “We often look up to our heroes as a means of avoiding confronting harsh realities.” His observation extends beyond those who believe in the Jedi; it applies to the Jedi themselves as well.

Confident in their long-held power, they may overlook the truth directly before them. Instead of safeguarding harmony and fairness for all, they unwisely assume the role of commanders in a hidden conflict orchestrated by a Sith Lord. Blinded by their unwavering faith in their abilities, morality, and valor, they will ultimately succumb to their downfall. Exalted on a pedestal, they’ll fail to scrutinize why they’ve been elevated. From this vantage point, deceptions will seem acceptable. Wars will be rationalized. And a Sith will manipulate the darkness they leave behind.

The Jedi Order’s issues shouldn’t have been hidden, as Rayencourt’s critique could have exposed them. The belief system of the Jedi, with its inherent dangers and galactic implications, could have been subjected to scrutiny. Power, no matter how well-intentioned its wielder, can lead one down a destructive path. Most dangerously, it asks you to suppress your emotions, which are an integral part of human connection. Elevating yourself above others may provide temporary blindness to your own shortcomings, but the longer they remain unaddressed, the more profoundly vulnerable you become.

For many millennia, the Jedi held power, oblivious to the fact that their own flaws were amplifying with each new generation. Over time, they became overextended and the Sith took advantage of this weakness. They orchestrated their rise to power through manipulation of the very Senate that the Jedi had kept in the dark.

As a gamer, I’ve come across Master Vernestra in-game, who unfortunately bends the truth for what she believes is the greater good. She firmly believes that the Jedi Order knows what’s best not only for themselves but also for the entire galaxy. Her intention is to shield us and our Order from intrusive outsiders. However, if only she had been open to accepting some harsh realities herself, maybe she could have achieved her goal without resorting to deceit.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at TopMob who spent decades waiting for Darth Plagueis to show up. You can follow him on Twitter and Bluesky at @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

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2024-07-18 21:33