The Journey Ahead

The floor was now open to the council, and so they spoke. The Jedi was sure that most opinions would not change, but undoubtedly some would. Once again his mind drifted to the thought that the fate of many would be decided here, today, in this room. It may seem conceited to believe that so few could affect so many, but Jace was not ignorant to the Jedi or their influence.

The Grandmaster turned to look towards the elderly Mon Calamari as he began the discussion. As he had assumed, Master Ackbar stuck to his original position yet he was surprised by the Jedi's suggestion. The movement of younglings to Tython at this stage. Jace had of course hoped to use the temple on Tython to better train younglings but lately it seemed more a strategic location than anything. Located in the deep core, not easily accessible. Yes, it was a good fallback locale for the Jedi if they were to ever need it. Jace could still not bring himself to agree with the Master's proposal.

Rhissai was the next to put forward her opinion. Jace studied her closely and was surprised at what he saw. Here was a woman who was compassionate yet so sure of herself. A Jedi who could make tough decisions on the spot without hesitation. True leaders must have such a quality. Yet here she was, seemingly struggle with this decision before her. It was of course the toughest any of them had to face but three weeks ago she had been much confident. Indeed her words reflected what Jace saw.

Next to speak was one of the few people who Jace had ever recognized as a true friend. Sadly, he had a growing feeling of detachment between them. Vreem had made his view clear on the matter of this war. A view which disturbed Jace. The Jedi listened to his friend carefully, to truly understand his reasoning. Vreem's argument of course made sense, but this wasn't a matter of just logic, but also morals. Just as Jace had expected, Vreem once again proposed moving to war.

It was the next speaker who surprised Jace the most though. He had expected Master Gera to support what she had said weeks before. Instead she advocated just as Vreem had for involving themselves in the war to end it quickly. He had worried slightly about her due to her new status on the council and then being thrown into such tough decisions. Yet she didn't seem to follow anyone but herself, and the fact that she had changed her opinion meant she had truly pondered the dilemma in front of them. Jace waited until the rest of the council had spoken before addressing what had been said.

"Master Ackbar. Every master here will agree with you that the safety of our younglings is paramount. Yet just as Master Took stated, Coruscant is extremely well guarded.While we may or may not be going to war, what we do will have some influence on the Republic. The Jedi may not go to war but that doesn't mean we will retreat either. Should the situation proceed to such a level where there are direct threats to the Temple and its inhabitants, then we shall take steps to move them to Tython.

I, just as you all, have pondered the same question for these last three weeks. Now I have listened to all your opinions on how the Jedi should proceed in this time of chaos. I have come to the conclusion that the Jedi will not be going to war, at least for the time being. We must help the Republic in other ways and hold our ideals and oaths close. Continue with the preparations we have discussed over the weeks, but war is not on the Jedi, not yet.

Due to the possibility of war and losses, it has been decreed that Knights and Masters may have two padawans if they are deemed fit. Master Ackbar, as the head teacher, I hope you will convey this message to the Order. There will be change in the Order during this time of war, of that we are all certain. The question is how much and which direction..."

Jace had spoken his part, and it had not been easy. He couldn't be sure if he was right or wrong, only time could tell such things. The discussion was not closed though, for he had left room for any other opinions or issues. Though he was the Grandmaster, the council made decisions has a whole, not just by one person. He cast a glance towards his friends Vreem and Rhissai, wondering what was going on in their minds.

With each exchange between the Jedi Masters of the High Council there was a growing air of tension that reverberated upon the flesh of Vreem Took. He could feel it almost as strongly as the pulsing beat of the Force in their small discussion chamber. The subject was a stifling one and it caused many of them some physical discomfort as well as mental. The pro-war suggestions and belief that some of them were spouting was certainly not helping to counter the rising agitation. He had been somewhat surprised at Master Gera’s words, usually when one of the Council had decided upon something, getting them to change their opinion was as challenging as moving the whole of Coruscant with one’s mind. It gave some insight into the open mind she possessed, a gift that would see her become a great member of the High Council, at least in Vreem’s opinion.

However, all his thoughts regarding the latest addition to their ranks were washed away as he caught sight of Jace rising to his feet. Vreem was uncertain about his friend; the rank he now held bore a lot of responsibilities and expectation. No doubt the mind that had once been so bright, clear and shining was now dulled by the affairs of his position. Vreem could see the difference in his movements, the added weight of his steps revealed the cloaked burden that was strung upon his back. With the ferocity of the past few weeks there was little Vreem could do for his friend, and right now there was no time for him to be lingering upon anything but the matter of war.

The fingers on Vreem’s right hand twitched in anticipation, coupled with the accumulated stress of the last few months, and although he would try and do his best to hide it, the Jedi Master had succumbed to an uneasy sense of nausea. His sleepless eyes were bound to the rhythmic steps of the Grand Master and the worn voice held all of Vreem’s cautious attention. He could feel the air grow heavy, the pressure mounting. There was no doubt in his mind that this was the moment it would all come down to.

It was a positive start, but all too quickly Vreem felt the world beneath him slowly slip away as he fell helplessly into despair. ‘The Jedi will not be going to war’, Vreem heard them clearly, but his ears almost screamed to reject them. It was a painful and defining moment, as he heard the words crawl through his ears like lecherous insects his emotions began to rise. He heard the line repeated over and over within his head, it pierced his heart, rattled his brittle bones and shattered his soul. For a moment he felt like nothing but an empty shell of a being, and then there was a surge of emotions. The shock he had been administered had distracted the Jedi’s attention from keeping his feelings in check. Vreem called upon his teachings, almost bitterly, as he began to suppress the crying of his heart.

Vreem managed to clear his head rather rapidly; he was in a rush to step back onto the floor again, before anyone else could get there first. He thrust himself forward; his form was filled with intent, purpose and confidence. He reached the centre of the chamber and looked around the room for a moment, piercing the gaze of each of his peers for a few seconds; the look upon his face was a merger of both a frown and a scowl. Although he had managed to suppress the brunt of his emotions there were still some feelings that remained, as there should be with all Jedi. To cut emotions out completely would mean they would no longer care about anyone or anything within the Galaxy. And that was far from the problem for Vreem Took.

“We are all Jedi. We have served this Order for many years, following instructions, giving them and in later years we have been debating upon the very instructions that should be given. In the past, we have all seen the path necessary for the Jedi to take. Holding a position on this Council is no easy matter, especially when we are presented with a subject such as this, one which has not been debated in thses chambers for hundreds of years. I understand that an executive decision must be made but… but I feel as though I can not comply with it.” Vreem struggled with his thoughts and words towards the end, as he avoided making eye contact with Jace.

“Each Jedi is unique. We all interpret the code differently; formulate our own opinions and ideas which, for some more than others, may not conform to the popular belief. Whilst Master Beleren and the majority of this Council have decided that action now is too rash and hasty, I do not see it as such. I see it as an opportunity, an opportunity to stop the bloodshed before it can truly begin. These battles so far have been but a precursor to war. No doubt the number of battles on the Outer Rim will grow in number, and with them come a crippling despair. The Mandalorians have brought a fire down upon this Galaxy and this Order before; they are warriors, the kind that live and breathe in the blood of their enemies. During the Mandalorian Wars millions of innocent people were slaughtered for menial reasons and the same is likely to happen again. The Sith Empire grows with confidence, they offer financial support to those planets on the Outer Rim who are suffering from the mistakes of older generations, planets wrapped in panic are seduced by the Empire and soon their governments and people will be bowing to self-interested masters, their planets will be turned into factories made to fuel the war effort. All their people will know is extortion and war.”

“Somewhere in the shadows of space there is a darkness looming and biding its time, masked comfortably and able to strike at the Republic and reach in as deep as the Supreme Chancellor. War is here my friends, and though you may wish to wait for a time to better analyse the situation, you will bring nothing but more suffering upon the Galaxy you have all sworn to protect. I can not sit by and simply go along with the decision that has been made. You may think my mind is clouded and my heart consumed, but I see clearly what needs to be done. Inaction will lead to no good and so we must act to protect the people and their Republic. Whilst this Council and its charge will not answer the Republic’s call, I shall.” He drew to an earth wrenching silence as he looked once more into the eyes of his peers. He held within his gaze the fiery look of determination. Not anger or resentment, only a calm and clear knowledge of what he wanted to accomplish.

“I do not act on behalf of myself, I act for the code that I believe in and I act, above all else, to prevent as much suffering as I possibly can. The Force tells me that this is what I am meant to do and I am sure many others within the ranks of the Order will feel the same. I know that I alone can bring about little change and so I will willingly walk alongside anyone else who may wish to join me on this struggle. Knights, Padawans and Masters will know of my intentions and they will be welcomed by the Republic. I have not forsaken the code, I am still a Jedi and I will do what is required of me, but I will answer the cry for help that has come before us, even if this Council will not.” His eyes rested upon Jace for a moment. He realised what this would mean, the link between them that had been growing weaker would be torn apart by his own two hands. He was sad, but he understood that it was necessary.

He spoke to the chamber one final time. “I hold no grudge against any of you and I hope all of you can feel the same way towards me. But I seek to stop the Sith Empire from spreading across this galaxy like a plague and I also seek to force the darker presence to reveal their hand. The invitation to join the Republic is open to us all, I hope that some of you will decide for yourselves what the best course of action may be and that you follow up on it, even if it means going against the decision made here today. May the Force be with us all.” Vreem finished with a peaceful bow and then made his way briskly out of the High Council chambers; he had much ahead of him.

It honestly didn't surprise the woman that the council didn't agree with her and Master Ackbar, though that did not mean she felt any less strongly about it. While it was obvious that she was fairly indecisive about the prospect of the Jedi riding out to combat the Sith war machine, she was not about the idea to move the younglings. Tython, while undoubtedly less protected and away from the Core, was known to few other than the Jedi. While it did not have nearly as much manpower as Coruscant, it had the power of secrecy. Which, while upheld, is stronger than the strongest army that any man can muster.

But she was not so immature as to bring up the topic after it had already been decided upon. There was a time for everything, including her passion, and right then was not the time for it.

It was the words of the newest member of the council, Master Gera, that surprised her. It was rare that a member of the High Council had a change in opinion, though it seemed that the notion was prevalent in this gathering. She herself was so sure of the answer weeks before, yet now at the precipice of war was she unsure of what action to take. It was so frustrating! There was never a time in the woman's collected memory that she had been indecisive, never once in sixty years. Yet, at the very moment that her indecisive nature was needed... it was nonexistant.

The green eyed woman thought further, and thought hard. Especially on the words of Master Gera, the short and armless woman was full of wisdom it seemed... and her words cut through the cloud that had set over Rhissai's mind like a blade. A short war was better than a long one. A short war meant less lives lost. A long war meant millions.... billions... perhaps trillions of lives consumed by its fires. Suddenly, the answer became quite obvious in Rhissai's mind, and it was to ride out and meet the Sith with White Fang gleaming in her hand.

"I have come to the conclusion that the Jedi will not be going to war."

"What? You have come to the decision that the Jedi will not be going to war? Then what is the purpose of this gathering? Why waste the time?" The woman almost said... almost. She was wiser than that. Instead she kept the streak of anger that had welled up within her mind behind thick barriers, the likes that one couldn't get through unless they were trying. Hard. All that could be felt from the woman was a sterile coldness as she moved to stand up to address the Council.

Vreem stood before she had a chance to stand.

At first she believed that the man was preparing to support Master Beleren's words... but was relieved when she was wrong. Very wrong. She made a decision, after seeing him leave the council. He was going to defy the council and meet the Sith Empire... and she sure as chaos wouldn't allow him to do it alone.

Rhissai'arckan quickly stood up, much in the fashion of Master Took, and prowled over to the center of the chambers. Her stride held a certain kind of predatory grace that was reminiscent of one of the myriads of feline race's in the galaxy. That long black mane wagged back and forth as she shifted her piercing green gaze about the ten other occupants of the room, preparing to speak.

"Ask yourselves, you ten, are you not each members of the Republic? We make our home here, in the heart of the ancient government that has stood for over twenty thousand years. They protect us in our home, and in turn expect us to protect their citizens from enemies, domestic and foreign. In other words the relationship between them and us is one of a symbiotic nature." The woman took a breath, her eyes still surveying the council, "when we do our job. Right now they are in need, and are under assault from a foreign enemy... one that threatens to subjugate the outer rim... and seeks far more than that."

"You all may do as you wish, but as for me," her eyes set on Jace, her long time friend. Their relationship would become strained... that was for sure, it saddened her to no end. "I choose to answer the Republic's call. To help it in its time of need, to help sustain the symbiotic nature of our relationship with them. That is not my only reason, however, but they are far too many to name."

She turned to them, the ten, just as she was about to leave. It was always the final comment. This one was not in basic, no, she would baffle the temple translators work to learn its true meaning. She would use an odd dialect of Aphithiri, one that the Jedi did not know. "Nssis'al'hu'tuun bah'no'choi'ha vessar'na'adder'gri al'galax." The tone was graceful, near angellic... though its tone belied the meaning.

With that, she left.

He had seen it coming. His prediction came not from visions. No, it came from something so simple yet undeniably complicated at the same time. He was no mind reader but even he knew the mind of his friend. The ever vigilant and even more stubborn, Vreem. He had seen it coming yet he could have never of guessed the heaviness of his friend's words. Jace wished he could somehow dissuade Vreem from his current path but he knew it was a fruitless pursuit. The Jedi Master watched with a heavy heart as the Jedi, peer, and friend walked out of the chambers.

Sadly, Vreem was not the last person to walk out the same doorway. As soon as Rhissai stood up, he knew that she too had finally made up her mind. She had been hesitant previously but it seemed that the sudden switch in Master Gera's opinion had resulted in resolution for both his friends. While not as stubborn as Vreem, she was highly compassionate. The possible plight of billions was something that he knew she could not ignore.

Thus the weight only increased as Rhissai walked out the same door Vreem had moments ago. There was nothing he could do now, words nor actions would suffice. Jace had advocated unity in the face of this threat. Yet moments ago, the only two people he considered true friends, walked out on him. How could he keep the whole Order together if he could not even keep his two closest friends. Doubt began to gnaw at him, a doubt which he had so adamantly refused to affect him earlier.

The Grandmaster pushed the doubt away as he returned to his seat. They had made their choice, and he and the rest had made theirs. He could only trust in their decision and hope that between the three of them, they could reach the virtuous solution. There were other matters that needed attending. A mission which would throw the chosen Jedi into a pit insurmountable danger....

High Council member Mon’vuuem watched the proceedings of the meeting with what appeared to be an outward detachment. The truth, however, was less simple. Her race had never been known for being overly emotional and she was no exception but that didn’t mean that no feelings existed at all. It was with a heavy heart indeed that she watched two Council members stride from the room.

What was happening to her beloved Order?

So much had happened so quickly that it left even the most centered of minds within the Jedi temple reeling. So much death. So much destruction. Throughout the weeks that had followed Grand Master Eris’s illness, Mon’vuuem had waited and watched silently. She had felt more than seen the inner struggle of some of the other council members and in a few, it had been growing at an alarming rate. Always she had kept silent, listening intently but the change in the council of late held her attention as much as anything that was actually being discussed. It didn’t surprise her then, when she felt the rising frustration in Master Took finally hit its boiling point and spill outward.

Since his return to the Order, Took had struggled inwardly. Mon’vuuem could sense his turmoil though she could not have guessed its source until he spoke about his encounter on Korriban. She had felt it however, long before he had voiced it. Over the course of her Jedi training, she had learned to weave the Force around her like a thin blanket of liquid which she worked endlessly to keep smooth. Her mind caressed the thin veil around her and she felt comfort in caring for it. This simple trick, the weaving of the Force, had been taught to her by her old master. It was an effective tool in many ways. The effort of keeping the web of calm energy around her aided her in keeping her own center and taming any wayward emotions while it projected a sense of serenity around her that could set others at ease. Many times it had come in handy during her diplomatic missions and had earned her a reputation for calming even the most troubled of people.

It had also come in handy in unexpected ways recently. During her brief visits to the old Grand Master, Mon’vuuem had found herself distracted and disturbed by the presence of Master Took. His turmoil stirred and ruffled the energy around her sending subtle warnings of his emotional state. So much mistrust. It didn’t take a Jedi to see that in him. She could sense it when he entered the Council chambers though she could hardly blame him. Around her, Mon’vuuem had registered the doubts of the other Council members as to whether Took had truly come back and could be trusted. This most recent outburst would not help his cause any and that saddened Mon’vuuem more than she would admit. It seemed more and more Jedi of late were teetering precariously between the light and the dark. Too many had fallen and not enough were coming back to the light. It was a shame, in her eyes, that some could not find it worthwhile to lend trust at a time when it was so obviously needed.

If the Jedi could not bring themselves to trust Took, they might as well hand him back to the dark side. The moments after one reaches back for the light were the times when they needed the hand of a friend most.

Finally, after so long in silence, Mon’Vuuem rose languidly from her chair. Her long form towered over most other creatures and it afforded her the ability to cast her deep grey gaze over everyone else gathered without having to turn. “Master Beleren, if I may?” she chimed in the dulcet tones so common among her race. She swept one long fingered hand around the room in a deferential move that was meant to honor those around her. The move gathered a few strange looks as it had been some time since she’d really spoken up on the matters at hand.

Mon’vuuem let out a small mournful sounding sigh as the weight of all that had happened hung in her words. “I agree that the Jedi do not wish to go to war. Warmaking does not stop warmaking. If it did, the problems of the republic would have stopped long ago. Sadly, I foresee that we may not have a choice. Whether we desire it or not, war is already upon us. There is, as we have all agreed, a threat growing in the darkness. To assume that we will not be brought into the war is a false assumption though I wish it were any other way. The nature of our enemy is not to be overlooked. If it is indeed the return of the Sith, then the war they wage IS against us. As protectors of the population, our enemies know that the best way to defeat us is to not attack us directly. The direct use of force against one’s enemy is a poor solution to any problem. It is generally employed by small children and large nations. The Sith know this.

“Destruction is not the only weapon of our enemies, Sith or not. Disruption, demoralization, and chaos are their allies and they are sowing them with great care. The attack on the Supreme Chancellor was twofold. A message to the Republic that nowhere is safe and a clever ploy to separate us from our closest ally.”

Mon’vuuem paused to let her words sink in, her dark eyes silently pleading for understanding. “Grand Master, Mygeeto fell and we did noting because the attack was not against us. Mon Calamari fell and we did nothing because the attack was not against us. The Supreme Chancellor was murdered but we did nothing because the attack was not directed AT us,” her words paused and when she spoke again, there was a terrible sadness to them, “when our enemies DO come to our doors, who will we find left to defend US?” Mon’vuuem blinked slowly and took in every member of the room. “I do not believe that direct assault is the way to go though. As I said, direct force is a poor solution to our problems but inaction is worse. Perhaps there is middle ground. An area in which we might move that will allow us to help our allies without fighting directly. Our enemies are moving their pawns, larger powers than themselves, and using the greed and hatred of others to do their work for them. Perhaps we should turn to the more subtle methods that we employ?

"For every large world that the darkness takes, there are those who still hold out hope on those worlds. We must reforge our alliances there. An enemy can only defend themselves on one front at a time, a lesson they are teaching us well. Let us send trusted masters as suggested to the worlds that have been overthrown. The enemy’s weakness is his ambition. They will stretch themselves thin to take what they can. As they believe each world is held securely under their thumb, they will lessen their hold in an attempt to grab more. It is in this time we must reach out to those who will be looking for aid.

“For every gun that is made, every ship that is built, every blaster fired, it is a theft from those that hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed. Our enemy must gain resources to continue their fight. Let us not strike at their face, but rather at their knees. Quiet and subtle must we be, but we cannot remain silent lest we lose more ground than we have the ability to take back.”

Mon’vuuem bowed deeply to the assembled members. “I will, of course, respect the wishes of the Council. Whatever our final decision, we must stay together. Our division is our enemy’s gain. But I do implore that we act in some way. With your permissions, I would like to seek out Master Took and Master Rhissai’arckan. We will need their help and they will need ours. Let us not abandon each other so lightly.”

To say that the discussion troubled the mind of Kaiven Te'Baas would be an understatement. He allowed himself to look inside himself, looking at his past, the effects of the past. He looked on as Vreem began talking about his course of action, and his eyes widened when Rhissai joined him. He sighed, closing his eyes. Every time they closed he could still see the faces infront of him and the bodies on the ground between the trees on Dxun.

He listened to Mon'vuuem intently, smiling behind his metal mask. He was glad that there was atleast one view that he could agree with in the room, although, of course, his opinion did vary slightly. He allowed the Kaminoan to finish speaking before he stood, taking the now open floor.

"The direct effects have been analysed carefully, but we have to consider all the indirect effects of what our actions may be. Is it possible that if we fought, that we could infact take more lives than the Sith Empire and the Mandalorians put together?" He gazed around, looking at all of them momentarily, "What if we ourselves become no better than our opponents, attacking as retaliations for fear? Another question, for those worlds who we may consider in an economic crisis, what if these planets could infact draw what they need from the Sith Empire's strive for arms?" He knew how this could be interpreted, so he continued, justifying himself, "Our role is to protect the people, and sometimes protecting them may mean losing them, but my issue is with who is guiding the Sith Empire."

"If the rise of the Sith Empire is in fact the rise of a new faction of Sith Lords, then we must take action, however, that is still the question. It is a distinct possibility that this man who confronted Master Took was lying. We need to investigate this, as action without justification is pointless, irresponsible and dangerous." Kaiven always found it hard to word what exactly it was that he meant, but he knew he was almost there, "Jedi are defenders, not aggressors. Actively fighting goes against all of our training, trust me, I have seen it. I feel that whilst conflict is inevitable, I don't believe it should be as aggressors." He bowed, before sitting back down in his seat, wrapping his fingers over the ends of the arms.