Bushido in the black.
08 Feb 2016Jubei Himura
February 7th, 3302Master Hattori thought it would be good for me to record my thoughts and events here in a ship logbook instead of my simple paper journal. Thus, this is my first entry.
I shall focus on my personal code of Bushido. What is 'Bushido'? Bushido translates into 'path of the warrior' in an ancient earth language known as Japanese (a language that is still spoken to this day on many worlds, especially in the lands of Ngun 3 where my Master and his garrison reside). I learned of Bushido while I was an Imperial Slave to my Master, Duke Seijuro Hattori. This very personal code is followed until death, even if it means that one must sacrifice oneself. It is a serious manner of honour.
My code of Bushido is quite simplistic.
1. Never harm the innocent. Non-combatants are to be left in peace. I offer warnings to non-combatant CMDRs so they are clearly made aware that the area is open to direct combat (NRP: PVP). If asked, I will act as escort so they can safely travel through.
2. Pursue the true meaning of the martial way. I will never back out of a fair fight. If I am challenged and I commit to that challenge, there is no going back.
3. Seek to cultivate a spirit of self-denial. The needs of others out-weigh my own needs. No matter the praise, I can always provide more assistance.
4. Never forget the true universal virtue of humility. Through strength learn gentleness; through gentleness strength will prevail. I am not at the summit of the mountain, and so I climb. There is always more I can learn.
5. Observe the rules of courtesy, respect superiors, and refrain from violence. I am a member of the Imperial Navy, The Chapterhouse of Inquisition, Lavigny's Legion, and the Honourable Hattori clan. As such, I will act with dignity and honour.
6. Look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires. There are higher paths than simply looking for credits and fame.
7. Motivation and actions are to be observed, not aesthetics. Do not judge based on race/creed/lifestyle/power. A person's actions and motivation will reveal their character.
I often wonder what other pilots follow a code, or if they have a code. However, even pirates have a code I have discovered. My hope is that the galaxy will eventually find a way to work together under a universal set of ideals. I will not allow myself to think that Bushido should be adapted by everyone, as that would be selfish.
Sometimes it is a difficult path to follow in the black, many distractions and issues seem to temp me from time to time. However, I will not fall to darkness and I will strive to follow the path of Bushido even when it seems like the impossible path.
It is now late, I hope this is what my Master had in mind.