The Council Chamber

[sparrow]

She wanted to protest. Surely there were many more qualified teachers in the Temple than herself. But she held her tongue. All the members of the council were wise master. They must have had good reasons. "I will accept the wishes of the Council and take on a padawan," she said, kneeling. "Is there a particular student that Master Beleren has in mind?"

[Jace]

Jace thought for a moment, usually he would have let the knight go search on her own, but he happened to have someone in mind this time.

"Master Gaius's padawan, Eaite Nayrus, is now masterless after the loss of Gaius. I encountered him on Ilum, I think you may find a place to start with him.

I think that will be all knight Therin, May the Force be with you" He said serenely.

Jace had also sensed another presence outside the chamber, that had entered just a few moments after Knight Therin. This person didn't seem to be a Force user either, which narrowed down the possibilities of who it was. Most likely someone from the heirarchy of the Republic.

"You may enter" He said loud enough so that the guest could hear.

[starwarsgirl008]

Ty was often known for having a great attitude, and she wasn't about to let her reputation down. Gracefully wlaking into the chamber, she stood at the center, all eyes looking down to her.

"In case you havn't heard, I was recently elected Minister of Defense. That means that I have a big say in the position and duties of the armmed forces." she really didn't want to be there, but knew it was unavoidable.

"As much as I hate to admit it, the Jedi play a great role in the army of the republic, and know much about the condition of the Galaxy. I simply wish to know what you know about where the enemies ofthe Republic stand."

[Jace]

Jace watched as the Minister for Defense walked into the council chamber. The were no love lost between Politicians or Aristocrats and Jedi. Most Bureaucrats in the Republic had only their own personal interest in mind. Jace had always held them in contempt, but he suppressed a retort to the obvious quip and calmed himself.

"Firstly Minister, the Jedi are not part of the army of the Republic..we are keepers of the peace, not the Republics soldiers. Our duty is to protecting the Republic.

Secondly, we only know as much as you would know. The Sith Empire has shown unusual activity, possibly for hostile actions. They have been quietly amassing resources and annexing planets.There is a growing darkness in the galaxy, but it is shrouded, for the darkside clouds all.

This is all that is clear at this point. Is there anything else we can help you with Minister?"

The Jedi had their own network of information, but so did the Republic intelligence. They were on the brink of chaos in the galaxy, but still they did not know for sure. There is no Ignorance, there is knowledge...Jace wished they had some more about this growing darkness.

[starwarsgirl008]

"And so the Jedi prove useless yet again." Ty mumbled to herself. This is not was she was hoping to find, and she was not about to let it stand.

"I know you hide thingd from me, and if I do find proof there will be consequences. I suggest you get me the information I want. I will be back, soon!" Ty seemed to fall upon anger, lashing at the Jedi. She barely knew anything of the Order. Whether they could even get her information. But she did know one thing, there was something out there that she could use, somwthing powerful, and she could use the Jedi to get it.

With this in mind, Ty left the chambers, heading back to her quarters in the Republic offices.

[starwarsgirl008]

Ty Lee Jing again found herself stormming into the council chamber. This time she did not wait for herself to be called in, but rather busted through the doors, in a storm of confidence.

A thin smirk curved her red lips. Today, she again had powdered her face with whit make-up. She wore a thin black shirt, and tight leather pance. She had placed a black-hooded cloak on her back, tied to her kneck with two strings.

Ignoring the fact that she may have upset the Jedi Council, Ty began to speak. "I assume you did not take my offer to find information for me. Very well. After all, I never have trusted a Jedi to do actual work." she let out a silent laugh in her head, causing her smirk to form into an evil grin.

"I just like to let you know that I am leaving for a while" Ty informed the council. "I thought someone should know, and the Republic offices seem to be either empty or busy, so I came to tell you." Ty's grin fell back.

"It seems I have recieved a contact about something big, and I do not intend on letting this opportunity leave my grip." Ty turned from the council.

"I do not want anyone taking over my work while I am gone. Do you understand?" her voice was crisp, and seemed to chop the air.

She placed her head upon her head, and stepped toward the door. She paused for a brief minute, giving the council a chance to reply...

[Jace]

Jace watched once again as the bureaucrat entered the room, he could see the contempt radiating from her. Jace did not like these politicians and bureaucrats, they were almost an anti-thesis to the Jedi. They only cared about themselves, they wallow in their own self-conceit.

"The Jedi have no interesting in 'taking over' your work. In fact the reason you came to inform us of your trip is still a mystery to this council."

Jace stopped there, for he realized he was letting his own feelings towards these bureaucrats get to him. He paused for a moment, and a wave of peace flowed over him.

"Be careful Minister, May the Force be with you"

From the sounds of it, it was possible she was about to be doing something dangerous. All he could do at this point was wish her luck and go on about his own business. The Order had enough to deal with let alone Ministers running around on their own personal agendas.

[TheRedChair]

Garyn coughed into his gloved hand as he entered the elevator. His cloak was worn and aged and his hood covered up his once youthful eyes. He removed his gloves and tucked them into his belt, just as the elevator reached the Council level in mere seconds. It was an impressive feat and Garyn had not seen such speed in transit in a good year.

He left the elevator and proceeded down the corridor, to a set of double doors which were slightly ajar. He heard a sharp, irate voice pummeling the council within, and his eyes grew wide with chagrin as he heard this woman chew the council out. One of the councillors responded, at first betraying annoyance at the intrusion but quickly resuming a more dignified tone. Garyn stepped aside, watching the traffic of Coruscant zoom about through a massive pane of glass not far from him. He would let this woman issue her word, and then announce his return to the Jedi Council.

[starwarsgirl008]

Ty seemed to have "skimmed" the words of the Jedi. She only payed attention to what she wanted to hear, which was nothing the Jedi said. She did not turn around, but intended on being rude to teach the Jedi a lesson.

"Hmmmph!" she mumbled to herself. It seemed as though the word came out as a half-laugh, half-statement. Then she began to walk forward.

She went through the doors, paying no attention to the new Jedi that had arrived. Once she was safely down the hallway she whispered to herself, "Phase one- complete!"

[TheRedChair]

The woman seemed satisfied by her actions as she stormed out of the Council Chamber, Garyn pardoning himself as she walked brusquely by. He watched as she went and smiled, slightly entertained, but knew it wasn't his place to judge anyone-- Council or minister.

He walked into the Council Chamber, looking at the jedi present and smiling austerely.

"Greetings," he said. I am High Councillor Caligar and I have returned. How may I be of service to the Order?"

[Grawn]

{From Tool of the Jedi}

Never had such a return to the Jedi Temple felt so right to Erfies as he walked down the hallway towards the Council Chamber. On his hip, bouncing gentley was his newly crafted lightsaber and with it a new sense of confidence to the newly instated Jedi. It wasnt the blade itself but more the deed in crafting it, it showed that Erfies Ianie had not lost himself to the Force in anyway. Those years of hardship were a thing of the past and now he was back to protect the Republic.

There was only one thing left to do. Since his reinstatement he had been on a sort of leash, placed on him by the ever wise Council. He knew there reasoning, it was rather far fetched for a returning Jedi that had little to no contact with the Orders teaching in such a long time to be ready to serve as they once had. But Erfies felt he was ready. He was ready to be a Jedi again, in title and mindset.

As he reached the doors to the Chambers, he slowed and opened them gently. Entering the room, he gazed upon the men and women of the Council.

"Greetings, esteemed members of the Council. I, Erfies Ianie, have returned from my journey on Ilum. I wish to consult with you on my full instatement as a Guardian so that i may move about freely and i wish to dispel any doubts in your minds about my return", he said loudly, not to loudly to be obnoxious but to bring attention to himself. His blue eyes scanned the room as several eyes fell upon him, some in interest, some with eyebrows arched in questioning. Erfies only gave a warm smile as he bowed and then waited for a response.

Rather blunt by mosts standards but beating around the bush was such a bore.

[Jace]

He noticed the entrance of a Council member who had been absent for quite some time. Each of the members nodded their head, as a form of welcome to the newly returned Master.

"Welcome Master Caligar, your old seat awaits you, it is good to have you back"

Jace watched then as a familiar face entered the room, he nodded and then sat forward.

"Erfies Ianie, months ago you were placed under the eye of a former council member. Taking into account the recommendation from Master Gaius and my personal interactions with you in Ilum, the council has made its decision. You have proven yourself worthy and are once again a Knight of the Order.

Unless there is anything else, you may go and May the Force be with you."

Jace was happy to see that some were returning to the Order. Many had lost their way, and maybe do not find their way back on the path of light. There were some who did, and they were the ones who tended to become strong from their experiences.

[Grawn]

With a bow of respect to Master Beleren, Erfies departed the Council Chambers beyond satisfied. The old Erfies would have gone to drink on such an occasion but that Erfies was gone. A part of his past he had escaped and he thanked the Force he did. He pondered hunting after his son but shoke his head.

That wasnt the Jedi way.

Darkness was on the horizon, with it the Jedi Guardian was sure his son...if still alive and full of the dark side like his vision had warned him, they would meet eventually.

However it was what he would do, when and if they met.

Not even Erfies could surmise.

(OOC: Thanks Jace, and keep building those pylons, dem damn zerglings keep destroyin em >_> WE NEEDZ MOAR PROTON CANNONS!!!!)

[Aertan]

Nervously shuffling in his boots, Aertan opened the door to the council chamber, slowly moving into the room. While this meeting was necessary, Aertan was never good at speaking to the higher members of the Order. Before moving to the centre of the room, the young Jedi took a deep breath, calming himself of his nervousness, and then stepped into the centre of the floor.

He took a respectful bow towards the council, specifically Master Beleren. "Thank you for allowing me to have an audience."

Aertan didn't want to make himself seem eager, so he waited for a response. However, he simply felt he needed to continue, instead of standing about like a fool.

"Masters, it has been two months since Master Keikodi... Passed away. Since then, no new master has been assigned to me, and I know I do not have much longer to find one before I cease to walk the path of a Jedi." Pause. No answer, again. "I do not wish to be subjected simply to a life of work in the archives. I know that is something selfish to say to you, but I could not live every day of my life practically stuck in books or whatnot, as I know that is not what I was born to do."

Breathing in deeply, knowning the scorns he would earn from say this, Aertan stuttered slightly before continuing. "I wish to join the knights and masters on their assignments. I am confident that I would not be a hinderence to them, and I feel that I would still learn out in the field. Anything to keep myself from being trapped in the archives forever."

There was one other solution Aertan had at the back of his mind, but threatening officially leave the Temple was not something that he wished to suggest at this time.

[Duros]

Duros walked with even steps as he approached the council chambers, he never did enjoy begin at the scrutiny of his Jedi Superiors, also he couldn't shield his thoughts and emotions from the collective power of the council as he could with other Jedi not as strong with the force. Every time he stood before them he felt like a naked child, so vulnerable and powerless.

He pushed open the council chambers doors, he had sent word of his coming. He was here in order to pressure the council to think about the threats to the Republic more seriously. As he walked to the center of the room he let the force wash over his mind as waves wash over the soft sand of thousands of planets. He felt slightly undermined by the power of the council around him and a small spark of doubt in his own interpretation of the situation sparked up for a second before begin swallowed by his connection to the force. It had been through the force he had seen this situation and the force itself, was unmatched in knowledge.

He was confident.

Duros stood in the center of the almost complete circle of Jedi Masters, his right hand hidden in his left sleeve and his left in his right, causing his arms to be crossed. When no-one indicated that he should speak he took the responsibility upon himself to start the "Argument".

"Jedi Masters, it has been brought to my attention, as I am sure it has yours that the Republic has come under enormous threat. The Sith Empire itself begin one of the Major concerns..." Duros spoke with such a charismatic voice, confident in his own abilities, which was needed as he continued to speak. "...I come before you now to say... That the council has failed in its interpretations of this threat..."

Duros paused only for a second, not allowing his words to settle into the council or allow for a spot where they could interrupt him. "Our numbers as Jedi are dwindling, be it through death or falling to the Dark side we are not as strong as he once where, our students are ill trained for the threats that are coming our way and the Jedi Knights are too soft in there approach. Even though we are stretched through our responsibilities to the Republic the Jedi Council seems to deem it fit to send almost five Jedi to protect a Holonet star..."

His words boomed throughout the council chamber, it appeared for a second that he was angry but if the Council saw him through the force they would see this anger become swallowed by the force. "... The council needs to be more active in its defense of the Republic, We are not keepers of the peace as we claim to be, we are keepers of Civilization, because only Civilization can create peace... And when it is threated we must do all within out power to protect it..."

Duros took a deep breath to allow the force to flow back through him, as much as the Council's presence was intimidating he refused to allow it to effect him. A Jedi has no fear, because fear is a path to the Dark Side. " I believe The Jedi Order should be more active in hunting down and destroying the Dark Jedi, We have almost no Jedi Shadows anymore... and the young are not begin trained for the War that will undoubtedly come..."

Duros looked around the room after he had finished speaking, what did he hope to accomplish through this? Perhaps if he himself was given a more active role in the Destruction of the Dark Jedi he would be pleased. He knew one of the Reasons he hadn't been made a Jedi Master despite his age was the fact that he hadn't trained a Padawan, but regardless he felt that despite his Rank as Knight he should place his point of view across to the council. Untimatly he wanted them to re-think the entire situation. His eyes met for a second with Battle master Jace's, upon all of the council he had hoped that he would see his point and champion it within the Council.

Duros had the greatest Respect for Jace and his power through the force, he had Idolized the Jedi through his own training and had been impressed with the storys of the Mans accomplishments. Powerful in both the force and as a Warrior he hoped he could appeal to the old Jedi Shadow and Warrior within him so he would see his point.

Duros stood patiently awaiting the response of the council.

[Jace]

[Ummm btw, the Jedi don't know that the Sith Empire is attacking the Republic if that was what you were referring to. They won't know until the battle is over]


Jace and the rest of the council remained quiet as the Jedi entered the council chambers. The Jedi then began to speak, asserting his plan for the direction which the Order should take. Jace didn't make any visible moments even as the Jedi accused them of failing to perceive the threats to the Republic.

He waited for the Jedi to finish, and then sat forward, indicating to the rest that he was going to speak.

"The Force occasionally chooses to show us what may possibly come to be. The future is always changing, the ability to predict what may occur is extremely risky. We cannot perceive every attack and threat to every person in the galaxy.

The Council is not unaware of what you have mentioned, and we do not deem it necessary to notify you of our every intention. The Council assigns Jedi on missions as we see fit. The fact that you are standing before us, proves to me that you do not truly understand the mechanics behind the council's orders. Once again we have no need to inform you of our reasoning.

There are hundreds of Jedi spread throughout the territories of the Republic. There are Jedi who you do not know of, in places you will never learn of. You are still young, and there is much you still have yet to learn. Not all threats to Republic come from external sources as you seem to be suggesting.

Training the young for war? your line of thought is straying dangerously close to the darkside. We are in fact keepers of the peace, and not soldiers, and have no need to train for war. The training of the Jedi is a sacred tradition which will not be forsaken for a war that may or may not happen. Fighting the Darkside with the Darkside will only lead the destruction of the Jedi.

For all you claim to know, there is little you truly understand. I recommend you reflect on what has been said here. Before you decide which path the Order should take, decide what path you should take.

Unless there is anything else, you may go, May the Force be with you"

Jace couldn't blame the Jedi, for he used to think in much of the same way. His years as a shadow, always skirting the fringes of that darkside. He still believed that the Jedi should be active in the preservation of life, but there must be limits. Training the young ones as soldiers instead of Jedi is something he could never agree to.

[Duros]

Duros hung his head slightly lower as he heard those words repeated again "You are still young". He listened to Master Jace speak, he was happy that it was he that spoke instead of the others. It showed him that the person in the order he looked up too most had rejected his line of thought as wrong and that... He could live with.

"I apologies Masters... as always I will trust in the collective knowledge of the council... As always I will serve you and the Republic as best I can, and as you see fit..."

Duros turned to leave, it was true that what he had said might have been more extreme than what was necessary, training the young for war was perhaps a step to far, the Jedi where not soldiers as a Solider is trained to kill, and despite his own views that the Jedi should be more active in the preservation of life he knew that Jedi should never be trained for the sole purpose of killing.

[Leave]

[Duros]

[Re-Enter]

Perhaps this wasn't the time to ask something of the council, after his outburst recently it was perhaps foolish of him now to ask the Council for something, but never the less the force was strong with him and he was more confident than ever that this was the right decision. He strode towards the council chambers with powerful steps, he had instructed Fredrick to come with him. He was dressed in the simple garbs of the Jedi and felt comfortable within the brown cloak that hung from his shoulders.

Duros pushed open the door to the council chambers again, with Fredrick hopefully behind him. He made his way to the center of the Jedi Masters. He felt there eyes follow him and the Boy across the floor. He again felt like he was begin stripped and his ever emotion and thought where begin watched and recorded. As always he felt like he was standing before the council five years old in order to see if he could be trained.

Duros breathed in deeply allowing the force to wash over him again, he felt for a second that he was on the grassy hills on Dantooine bathing in the late afternoons sunshine. But pressing matters brought him back to the present and he stated his reason for appearing here to the Jedi Council.

"Masters, I come before you now to ask for your permission to take over the training of..." He paused for a brief second to swing his left arm out in a motion to acknowledge the young Jedi standing beside him. "...Fredrick McNeal, His powers of strongly developed for his age and without proper counsel on them soon I fear he will become lost to us... I ask for the councils blessings so I may take him as my Padawan Learner..."

Duros stopped, normally Padawans were not rejected by the council, however here the council had enough reasons to stop Duros from taking over Fredrick's training. To begin with the Boy was old, and by rights should have joined the service corps by now, his strange coming was the most likely reason he was not sent there after his previous masters death. Also Both Duros and Fredrick were not strong in there devotion to the light side of the force. This was expected of Fredrick, but for Duros, who was closer to the age of Master now to be less attuned to the light was worrying. Especially now when Fredrick's powers would make him vulnerable for falling to the Dark side.

[Jace]

Jace watched again as the Jedi Duros entered the council chamber, this time he sensed something different. He also sensed another, which only led him to one conclusion. His suspicions were soon answered as the Jedi requested to take a padawan learner.

"The Council will grant you the rights to take this one on as your padawan learner." Jace said evenly after a few moments of thought.
"May the Force be with you both" he added soon thereafter.

With that he had granted the Jedi permission to train the padawan. It was unusual to ask for permission but some certain cases it had to be done. Younglings lost masters, sometimes masters wanted to train people who were too old or too young.

[Mara]

[....from The First Step is the Hardest]


Xierra stood outside the door leading into the Jedi Council chambers for moments, gathering up her courage. She dearly wished again that her master was still around to see her take this next step. But he had said almost that to her while she was on Ilum. He had given her the insight of which crystal to start her own lightsaber construction with, and he genuinely was very proud of her. At the thought, she had to wipe away a tear. Yes, her master would be proud of her. After over a decade of his teachings, she was about to become a full Knight of the Jedi Order.

The young Falleen smoothed her Jedi robes once more before she gathered up the courage. Taking a deep breath, the door in front of her opened with a wave of her hand. Forcing herself to walk serenely, she moved to the center of the room. Xierra brought a comforting blanket of Force around herself to help stifle her nerves. It was now or never...