From Whatever Source It Comes

[Blue]

The times were troubling. Almost more so than any other time in his life that Moho could remember, and the old Grand Master could recall many a tumultuous time during his career as a member of the Order. The Jedi were in no great shape, there was no denying this fact. Their numbers were depleted by the war, and he doubted that the same could be said of the Sith. Only about half of the seats of the High Council currently had occupants, as they were still only just getting around to assigning new Council members. Of those coming to meet with him today, one had only recently joined. A Council meeting was, obviously, the only answer that Moho could think of to the looming dread that hung over the galaxy. Another war, so soon. Could the Order survive another? The Prell was not so sure. When this conflict came, they could not afford to either stand back from it or throw themselves into it, as they had the last time. Plans needed to be set out now, while they still had what precious little time was left to debate them. Moho sat in the Council Chambers in his usual seat, his hoverchair powered down behind him, amber eyes staring unseeing into space as he pondered. The revelations that the Supreme Chancellor had revealed to him a few days previously wore heavy on his old shoulders. So many futures are so dark, now. Dark... or gone. The sound of the Chamber door opening broke through Moho's dark reverie, causing him to look up to see who had arrived. The tall, muscular frame of Master Daraan Narnir filled the space as he ducked his head to avoid knocking his montrals against the top of the door frame, casting a casual glance around the seemingly empty room before his eyes settled on the broad form of the Prell. "Master Moho," Master Narnir said in greeting with a nod, his deep voice echoing slightly through the round chamber. The massive Togruta strode over to his seat and lowered himself onto it, his unignited lightsaber pike clicking on the floor as he paced forward. He settled into his seat, the weapon leaned casually against his side within easy reach. "Are we the first to arrive, then?" he queried. A frown appeared on his face as Moho smiled at the question. "Not quite, Master Narnir," the old Jedi replied. A moment later, a small voice also responded. "Been here some time. Did not want to disturb Grand Master's meditations." Though the Weapon Master covered it well, Moho was able to discern the flinch in Narnir's bearing at the sound of the other Jedi in the room that he had failed to notice. Not surprising, really. Master Sess Soz is well accomplished in the arts of not being noticed. The Sullustan, no longer concealing his presence, was revealed to be sitting quietly in his own chair with his hands folded neatly in his lap, and nodded politely to Master Narnir. The larger Jedi cleared his throat before speaking once more. "I am sure that the others of this Council will show up soon; your summons made no secret as to the urgency of this meeting," Narnir continued. "Most of us. Two at least were unable to get here in person at such short notice. Masters Reu and Ziee have contacted me to say that they will be joining us via holo at the appointed time... which should be a few minutes from now. Master Erastothene will arrive here shortly." "And what of the Battlemaster?" Narnir pressed. "She will be here, Master Narnir. In what capacity I am not certain yet, but she is aware of this meeting and will be with us soon, whether it is in person or over holocommunication." The massive Togruta lounged back in his chair, fingers playing idly with the engravings on his lightsaber pike's shaft. "While we wait, Grand Master, could you provide those who came early to class with a preview, perhaps? Of what this meeting will be about?" "War," came the quiet voice of Master Soz, his large, black eyes watching the whole room closely despite its apparent emptiness. Moho nodded in confirmation, and Narnir leaned forward intently. "We are going back to war, then?" the Togruta asked intensely. That fire that so worried the Grand Master was back in Narnir's eyes, an eagerness for combat that should have no place in a Jedi's heart. "We shall discuss this matter in further detail once this Council meeting is convened," Moho said calmly. While his gentle voice held no heat, there was a firmness to it that closed the matter so completely that even the Weapon Master could not oppose it. Narnir bowed his head in apology to the older Jedi, then closed his eyes in meditation while they waited. Silence seeped back into the Council Chamber once more as the three Masters contemplated the potential chaos that was to come.

[Fromikeable]

”... simply isn’t safe for this line of study, Master Erastothenes. I can appreciate the need to include younger members of the Order, but their safety is at risk at this time.”

”I understand completely. Replacing them may be no simple task, however. Masters Toldi and Higoforth are not due to contact from their expedition for at least another day.”

”We shall wait as must. The artifacts aren’t going anywhere, though I would prefer to depart before the storm season begins.”

”I shall stress the need as politely as possible then.” Smiling at the small holoprojector in his hands, Taas’s eyes didn’t waver as he walked the halls of the temple at a brisk pace. His presence acted as his periphery as he spoke to the tiny holographic depiction of the Rodian Jedi Master, her sights set slightly upwards at him.

”What is your take on the meeting, Taas?”

”Nothing to do with us, I should expect. The researchers have made no great news since the last meeting, to my knowledge.”

”Something among the others then?”

”I should hope not.”

”Shouldn’t we all. I should go find a quieter space to call in from.”

”I will tell them that you are on your way then.” As the holocall flickered out, Taas rounded the corner to the Council chamber and swept through the door. Still preoccupied as he strode across the center of the room, he made an effort to organize himself, sliding holopads into a bag slung across his shoulder as his other hand shuffled the projector, a few small instruments and tools, and even a small sample tile.

”Forgive me for just a moment…” Reaching his chair, Taas’s face squinted as he focused on the last of the busy work, hands dancing as pockets were opened and closed. After a few seconds, he finally sighed in relief, carefully placing the bag beside his chair before turning around and lowering into it. Appearing to enjoy being off his feet for a few seconds, he finally stirred, taking stock of the room.

”Master Narnir, Master Soz, Master Moho.” A nod was given to each with a warm smile. Taas’s busy hands finally came to clasp on his lap, his legs crossing as he sat back.

”I have been speaking to Master Ziee, she should be here in just-” As if on cue, a hologram appeared at the empty chair to Taas’s left, the Rodian woman from before settling into a seat herself.

”Good morning from Keitum II.”

”Quite.” Taking stocks of the seats again, Taas quietly counted to himself. When he came up with five souls, he frowned slightly, checking his math.

”Even with our missing two accounted, we are but seven. I trust it isn’t on today’s agenda, but I do hope we will discuss additional candidates for the unfilled seats in the coming weeks, Master Moho.”

[Neology]

[googlefont="News Cycle"]

”Alright, alright. I’m coming.” Verity muttered at her wristcomm – now chiming almost constantly – as she signed in her cold weather gear. She motioned to the quartermaster that she was ready, burying her impatience deep as the young man began to check every item against its listed condition in the computer. After a moment, he made a stab at conversation. “Hoth, huh? How was it?” ”There were …” Verity hesitated as she searched for the word. ”There were ‘katabatic winds.’ Our shuttle was delayed.” Silence. The quartermaster only nodded in a vague sort of way, then rubbed irritably at the dim touchscreen in front on him as it refused to register his inputs. Verity could see that the surface was grimy from accumulated dust and oil. Her wrist continued to chime, a tinny factory default jingle. It was beginning to reach the end of her patience. ”I am being summoned. Apologies.” “Oh. Must be about ...” He mimed shooting at a distant target with one hand, then supplied explosion noises with his mouth. ”I cannot say. Apologies.” “Well go. This is just bullshit, yeah?” The high council chamber had certain emotional connotations, for her. Wonder and hesitant pride. The impossible, pressing weight of the ideal of it. Tired and travel-worn, today she wouldn’t look as though she had any place here. Verity stood on the threshold a moment as the doors swung inward, blinking in the watery sunlight of an overcast Coruscanti morning. She caught a snatch of conversation, seeming to regard the many empty chairs and finding people to sit in them. Verity found her chair and sank down into with as much decorum as could be managed. ”Interim seats, perhaps. It’s not for a lack of searching, archivist.” There were simply very few candidates – when only master Jedi of impeccable standing and the freedom to accept extra duties could even be considered. She glanced around the room, slowly, beginning to mentally and psychically unpack a bit. ”Apologies for my tardiness. Grandmaster, what is this regarding?”

[Blue]

Moho's attention was once more brought to the door of the chamber as Taas walked in, shuffling numerous datapads into his satchel. The old Jedi returned the nod the Arkainian offered to the other Council members with equal warmth. The Grand Master had a lot of time for the Head Librarian; he possessed a craving to learn and the desire for knowledge that Moho himself had. Master Ziee's appearance brought another smile to his broad face, despite the nature of the Council meeting. The Battlemaster's arrival brought the meeting's occupants to nearly complete. Moho nodded as Master Vyshaan spoke in response to the state of the Council. "Quite so. The search has been ongoing, but applicants have either lacked the experience or the desire to join the Council due to ongoing duties elsewhere," the Grand Master confirmed, just as a flickering of lights announced the arrival of the final Master. Lel Reu, the newest addition to their number, smoothed out the folds of their elegant robes and cleared their throat. "I must apologise. With Master Passik's passing, I have been doing my best to fill in temporarily until the new Watchman arrives, but there is a pile of paperwork left undone. I have only just been able to get away. Please, continue," Master Reu explained, inclining their head to the Grand Master. There was a moment of silence as the old Jedi frowned to himself, ordering his thoughts, and heaved a sigh. "The war is about to begin again," the Grand Master said with little preamble, his calm, melodic voice stating the affair as fact. "After the Republic's actions above Nar Shaddaa and regardless of the outcome of the Arbitration on Prazhi, it will, at the latest, take place within half a year to a year. At worst, we will once again be embroiled in interstellar conflict before this month is out. Unlike the beginning of the Pan-Galactic War, we have a little time at least to settle on a course of action for the Order; as such, I have gathered you here to deliberate on what that course of action will take the form of once the Empire and Republic resume hostilities." Moho paused to allow the assembled Masters a moment to gather their thoughts. Master Narnir's grip on his lightsaber pike tightened in anticipation at the thought of the coming war. Master Ziee sighed and shook her head. Master Reu raised a hand to their face and rubbed at their eyes. Master Soz blinked and remained utterly still and quiet. "What is there to debate, Grand Master?" Narnir said, his deep voice echoing around the chamber. "We must take part and defend the Republic. It is our duty to protect it and the people it represents against the threat of the Empire and the Sith. We cannot sit on our hands as we did before while the citizens take the brunt of the conflict!" "You are as forthright as ever, Master Narnir," replied Master Reu, inclining their head towards the Togruta Jedi. "But I suspect that the reason we are having this meeting in the first place is because of the current state of the Order. As I understand it, our numbers are but a fraction of what they were before we joined the Pan-Galactic War in full... as this half empty chamber indicates." Narnir frowned, but did not respond. As eager as he was to get to the front lines of a new conflict, even he could not refute that simple fact. "Indeed. The hard truth is that if our Order throws itself fully into a new war as we did before, we will not survive to see its conclusion," Moho stated. There was such a quiet, dreadful certainty in his tone that there was an audible intake of breath from a few of the other Masters. "You have... seen this?" Master Ziee inquired. That the Grand Master had Force Visions often was no great secret to those in the Order. Moho shook his head, however. "The future, as difficult as it is to unravel under normal circumstances, is even more chaotic now with the threat of war looming before us. No path is certain in the fog. It is just a cold matter of mathematics that, despite my faith in the skills of our brothers and sisters, as the Order stands now our numbers will dwindle to but a handful over the course of the war... in one way or another." "You speak of the Fallen," Master Soz stated. "Yes. During the war, we lost almost as many Jedi to the Dark Side as we did to blaster or blade," Moho continued, gesturing with one of his smaller set of pincers to the Sullustan Jedi. "Most of whom were young people, the future of our Order, who were not fully prepared or experienced enough to deal with the harsh realities of warfare and the reactions that they would feel through the Force because of it."

[Fromikeable]

Taas’s smile faded as Moho laid bare their agenda. That the war was beginning again, Taas might’ve guessed, but to hear it said with such certainty from the Grand Master was telling. It made the thing concrete; a formless wisp of an idea turned to solid stone with a single sentence.

Fire would embroil the galaxy, as it had with the Chorus, as it had with the Sith before, as it had countless times before.

”We mustn’t think that abstention from the hostilities will protect our ranks.” Pressing his fingers together, Taas’s brow raised in a look of exasperation. ”Prior to the previous war, there was no Sith Order to speak of. Now they nearly match us in number, and I suspect that our intention will not be considered by the Empress.” Whether or not the Empire would respect a declaration of Jedi neutrality was immaterial; the Sith Order almost certainly wouldn’t, and the Jedi were likely to be harassed as much as their nemeses’ resources enabled.

”All the more reason.” Master Narnir nodded, pike clinking against the side. ”At least with cooperation with the Republic military, our resources would be bolstered. Troops at our side, the SIS limiting the Sith’s reach…” He motioned an empty hand in a silent “etcetera”.

”And further exposure to the Dark ways.” Raising a hand to bottom lip, Taas’s finger rubbed it absent-mindedly as he glanced at Master Ziee, then looked to Master Soz. ”If we were concerned about the pull of the Dark side before, consider what may occur to our peers should they face the brunt of its might now. What few new Knights we’ve promoted have never tasted combat against Sith Knights, much less Darth Lords.”

”Every encounter is a chance for corruption. The last thing we should be doing is further fueling the Sith ranks.” Master Soz sighed heavily, looking to Verity.

”Do you think our newest Knights could hold their own under an assault, Master Vyshaan? Barring the possibility of being seduced, that is.”