Date Line: Jedi Enclave, Coruscant
In a memo released by the Jedi Council, Grand Master Obi-Wan Kenobi announced that trained Jedi Students would be sent to utilize their talents in the various Jedi Service Corps throughout the Galaxy. The Service Corps have traditionally been the recipients of Jedi hopefuls that were unable to meet the rigorous training required, or lacked the mystical prowess to be taken on as a student of a Jedi Knight. In the Service Corps, these special individuals use their knowledge and limited training in the mystical Force to aid in agricultural dilemmas, medical relief, and exploration of the Unknown Regions.
Master Kenobi explained the change in tradition, “The Jedi Order has always mandated service to the Republic first. In the past, this tended towards fulfilling our roles as mediators and peacekeepers. It was decided by the High Council to give our students a broader view of the galaxy at an earlier stage in their training. These padawans [Jedi Students] will someday become Jedi Knights, and will be required to rely on their own knowledge and experiences on a nearly daily basis. If those students have a more varied background, they may consider alternative solutions to tense situations.”
Medical Frigates around the galaxy’s hot zones are already reporting the arrival of Jedi Padawans, and the blighted world of Honoghr has been visited by several Jedi Shuttles recently. The Explorer Corps are expected to start working with the Jedi Order for long range exploration missions later this month.
Many feel that the galaxy can only benefit from this increased work-force from the Jedi Order. Others fear this increased Jedi presence could hurt delicate diplomatic matters. One member of the Medical Corps community, who wished to remain anonymous, says “It’s one thing to have Jedi wash-outs serving with us. They’re well-trained and disciplined, and know how to do the job. But they don’t go relying on the Force to solve their problems. They lack the training in that area, and work on a more standard level with the rest of us. But these trained Jedi, not only are they going to rely on the Force, instead of tried-and-true medical practices, but they’re armed. They carry around those lightsabers of theirs everywhere they go, and are incredibly reluctant to set them aside for any reason. I refuse to let any armed personnel into my medical suite, no matter who they are. They’re also a reminder of the Clone Wars, where the Jedi served at the front lines as very visible leaders. Not everyone out there wants that reminder of the Jedi’s involvement in the war. It’s more trouble than it’s worth, I tell you.”