The Vast Expanse that is Mind

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle led Ezekiel Frost through the large double doors of the specialised area of the Academy called "Control."

The ceiling of this great hall loomed high overhead, cornerstones of richly decorative mouldings looked down on all those who stepped into its solemn rooms.

Lining one side of the room were ancient bound volumes and tomes of wisdom. Some of the information was accessible via holonet, but there was something tangible in reading the penned references by those who had lived and experienced the knowledge of which they had come to draw from.

Estelle spoke softly to Ezekiel, "I hope I can remember where I got the volume from - the one I mentioned to you earlier."

[Ezekiel Frost]

Ezekiel follows the woman into the hall. Remembering his manners, he removes his hat as he follows her lead toward the books. We waits patiently while she searches out the book in question.

He replies in a low voice as well. "I hope so too, ma'am. Anything I can do to help?"

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle moved along the shelves, trying to trigger her memory.

Ezekiel offered to help, but all she needed was to find the right book. The name was escaping her, but she remembered where she had located it a little while ago.

"Ah thats the one!" She pointed to a worn looking volume with a torn edge. Selecting it carefully from the shelf she smiled with success and led Frost over to a small table surrounded by a low lounge chair for comfortable reading.

She flicked through the pages until she found the right place.

"Here" she placed the book in front of Ezekiel.

"Read where it speaks of ALTER MIND and FORCE WILL. (http://www.geocities.com/imperialintelligencehq/Light.html) They are both similar to what you seem to be able to do, but Im afraid I dont find any reference to "the spoken" word having such effect. My guess is it is a unique gift that stems from both of these abilities in some way."

[Ezekiel Frost]

The man places his hat on the table and rests his staff near it. He reads the words several times, attempting to understand what he was actually doing with his voice.

"Hmmm... well, it says here that a Jedi told a couple of Stormtroopers what to do, and they just went and did it. Isn't that about the same thing as what I'm doin'?"

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle thought a moment before replying.

"Well, it would appear so. But, and I could be mistaken, but your persuasion seems to have everybit as much to do with your actual voice that a trick played on a weak mind.


Do you sense that at all?"

[Ezekiel Frost]

He scratches his chin as he thinks.

"Hmm... I'm really don't know. It always feels to me like the power isn't really in my voice, but I can't seem to make anything happen without talkin'. I've tried before, but if I don't say somethin', nothin' happens. You think it's just a mental block or somethin'?"

[Estelle Russard]

It didnt sound like a mental block to Estelle, but more like a gift Ezekiel didnt yet recognise, nor know how to develop.


"I think you should try to be more actively aware of when and how you use this ability. Try to see ways to expand and develop it and in doing so, understand it."

[Ezekiel Frost]

"I will, ma'am... do you have any idea how I could practice this?"

[Estelle Russard]

She really didnt know, but she wanted to offer some sort of guidance as Ezekiel was so earnest.

'I guess like everything, it is a trial and error thing. Taking note of when it is effective, when it is not. Taking note of on who it is effective and who seems impervious or resistant to such a gift.

For instance, Jedi Mind Tricks work on the weak minded, so I should imagine this would be somewhat similar, though maybe not have the same limitations as that.

Also, you should look to your motivation in using it - that it is used and developed for the good only.

All these things must be addressed when learning to use any skill or advantage a person has."

[Ezekiel Frost]

He listens intently to the woman's advice, taking note of everything she says.

"That sounds like a fine idea, ma'am. I'll do that. And don't you worry about how I'll be usin' this ability. I don't want anyone to go through what I did. Thank ya again."

He tips his hat to her and takes up his staff and hat, and heads out to begin practicing.

[Estelle Russard]

She watched as Ezekiel left the great room, and mentally noted to follow his progress closely. She wanted to be able to assist him in any way she could.

She turned back to the volume laying open on the table.

Picking it up, she leant back in her seat and planned to spend a long night in research.

It was time for some study.