The Council Chamber

[Cavalry King]

It was rare that Atu Soka would be in the council chamber personally. He was usually off somewhere training or studying or helping on his home planet. Today, however, he had returned from his stay on his home planet and wished to be caught up on affairs from the other council members. The old Weapon Master sensed a presence he had not felt in some time, something to his delight but he also sensed fear. It was not strong perhaps nerves. He was not sure why she was visiting the council but he looked forward to seeing the lone padawan again.

He looked on with curiosity as she entered. She had matured, she had the look of intelligence and maturity, albiet slightly nervous. Perhaps she was to become a knight, he wondered to himself. He usually would have waited for a more senior member to speak first but he took special interest in this matter and decided to speak, "Padawan Zalq. What brings you before the council?"

He was neutral and direct in his questioning, he usually wasn't one for pleasantries and was known for being rather brief. However, against his norm, he had allowed his hair to grow a few centimeters, it was still short enough for the color of his head to be visible but he usually kept it bald.

[Meh, this looks like a good place to get started again]

[Mara]

(((You could probably also join in on a mission, as I alluded to in my post in "Fighting" and in my PMs to you.... but Council is cool, too. )))



Xierra folded her hands in front of her, pushing her clawed fingered hands into the sleeves of her brown Jedi cloak. She forced herself to put in a front of serenity, as if this was any ordinary meeting, that she was used to coming here to the Council of Masters. However, she knew it was not the case. The previous time she had come here, it was to be told about Master Revisc's plans for her and how he felt she was ready for the Trials. It was a very bittersweet and heartwrenching meeting.

This one seemed to contain all the pieces to be just as emotional, but for different reasons. The young Falleen took a deep breath, calming herself even more so and wrapping the Force around herself tighter. She needed all her strength to continue on here.

Finally, she glanced around the room, her eyes resting on all the seated Masters before turning back to Master Soka, who had spoken to her. "Master Beleren told me to report here. For review of my Trials." Xierra nodded her head in the direction of the mentioned Jedi Master.

[Jace]

Jace watched as the padawan entered the council chamber and moved to the center. Jace waited and then finally sat forward and began to speak.

"Xierra, it has been deemed that upon completion of your new lightsaber, you will have passed the trials. So fellow Masters if you please get into position"

Jace waited for the masters to stand up, forming a circle around Xierra. Then in unison they all ignited their lightsabers, bathing Jace in an orange hue.

"We are all Jedi. The Force speaks through us. Through our actions, the Force proclaims itself and what is real. Today we are here to acknowledge what the Force has proclaimed." Jace intoned in his hardened yet unwavering voice.

"Step forward, Padawan." Jace waited for her to do so then proceeded "Xierra Zalq, by the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, I dub thee, Jedi.." With a flick of wrist he cut her padawan braid off. "Knight of the Republic." he continued.

Jace then took a step back and intoned."Take up your lightsaber,Xierra Zalq, Jedi Knight. And may the Force be with you."

Jace had knighted many padawans before, but it didn't change the weight of the ceremony. The moving from padawan to Knight was a very momentous occasion for any Jedi.

[Cavalry King]

Soka nodded and followed the ritual, apparently the other knew of her purpose and were ready for the ceremony. He smiled and contemplated the weight of another Jedi Knight of the order. He thought she would do well as a Jedi Knight, and serve the order with dignity. He breathed deeply as she moved to claim her saber and officially become a knight. "May the Force be with you" he said with a nod.

[Meh short but to conclude my presence here.]

[Mara]

Xierra could have sworn that all the Masters in the room could hear her heart pounding. She felt like it was trying to come out of her chest, so hard and loud it was beating around inside of her. The moment was finally here, the moment she had waited over ten years for. She had no regrets about her life, her training, of her mistakes as a youngling. Her only sadness was that Master Revisc could not be here to observe her, but she was sure that he was around, in the Force surrounding her. She wouldn't think of it any other way.

In her nervousness, she went completely still as the Masters surrounded her with their lightsabers and forced herself to listen to what Master Beleren was saying. But she also pulled onto her thoughts of her old Master, using his vision to bring her comfort. He was here with her in her heart and in the Force in this room. Xierra felt him almost pushing her as she finally stepped forward to stand in front of Master Beleren.

After he cut her braid and made her new title official, she bowed her head slightly, partly in deference to his status and partially to hide the emotions running all over her face. With her head down, she stared at the long braid, as long as the rest of her wavy hair that hung all around her face as she kept her head down. Xierra didn't even want to think how the Master had cut out only the braid and not left a mark on any of her other hair.

Fully recovered of her emotions and after taking a deep breath, Xierra straightened herself and plucked the shiny black hilt off her belt, the light from the lit lightsabers glancing off the markings she had carved into it with the Force. She held it outward and pressed the activation switch, her pale green blade joining in with the rainbow of colors already in the room.

As the rest of the Masters retook their places, Xierra let go of her button, the blade disappearing back into the hilt. She nodded to the Jedi assembling, not needing to thank them with any words. Her gratefulness could be felt thrumming through the Force. Returning her lightsaber to her belt, she departed the Council chambers.


[to Estrogen Overload...]

[Dire Wolf]

((Just lookin' to post as Rhiss, and I figured that I should have her officially enter the council chamber.))

Jedi Master Rhissai'arckan closed her eyes tightly as she stood on the turbo lift that made its ascent up to the chamber that housed the highest Council of the Jedi Order. The Aphithiri woman had only just returned from a mission a few hours prior to that particular moment, and make no mistake her body was weary... even though her mind was not. With a deep inhale she called the Force to revitalize flesh, soon enough a maelstrom of warmth swirled around the woman. After but a few moments Rhissai opened herself up to this storm, giving a content and happy sigh as it rushed into the pores of her skin. This was only be a temporary solution to a problem that could only be solved two ways; Sleep or Meditation.

The soft hiss that was made from the turbo-lift doors opening caught the woman's attention, she was now but a few foot falls away from entering the fabled chamber of the Jedi Order's High Council. The beings that sat before her were easily some of the most powerful in the galaxy... and she was one of them. Not that she thought that way, that would be arrogance. It was more of a little factoid that flashed across her mind for a second than anything else.

"Greetings, fellow council members"

Rhissai walked with a special kind of predatory grace that was often times seen in the more feline races of the galaxy. Every single movement she made was prescise, thought out, and near perfectly executed. To one that did not know better the Jedi Master may have looked like she was prowling for her next meal. A little smirk pursed her lips at the musing; that couldn't be further from the truth. Rhiss was by far one of the most benevolent people that one could come across in their life. Not only was she a Jedi Master, but she had a vow to never kill another sentient (unless absolutely necessary) on her shoulders. The Aphithiri woman prowled over to the plush chair that had supported her weight for nearly a year and slowly sat down.

With a slight sigh of both comfort and boredom she prepared herself for proceedings of the day.

[Jace]

An interesting person had entered the room;a presence unmistakable. He did not need to look up to see the long flowing hair, or the piercing green eyes. Her appearance could be quite intimidating,especially with the addition of her tattoos. Of course to those who knew her, she was a woman of kind heart.

It wasn't until she sat down, that Jace finally looked up from his meditation. He had not seen the Aphithiri woman for some time since she embarked on her last mission. He studied her closely but not overtly as a normal person would do. He could tell that she was weary, probably coming here straight after returning from her mission.It was expected, as was her calm state of mind, which Jace was not surprised to find.

"Greetings Master Rhissai, how went the mission?"

He figured some part of her wished that her mission wasn't over. In their friendship formed years ago, they were both people who didn't enjoy sitting around for hours at a time. In all honesty, he was hoping to get some free time so they could catch up. It had been quite awhile since they had a chance to properly converse. Rhissai was one of Jace's rare and oldest companions in the Order, though she was nearly 15 years older than him.

The first thing she is probably going to do, is draw her lightsaber, and want to spar he thought ruefully.

[Keilara]

Keilara paused outside the door of the council chambers and took a breath. This was the first appearance she had made before the council since the death of her Master and the swirling of emotions caused by her memories was making her light-headed. She let out the breath she’d just taken and took another, almost turning to leave.

No... To give in to my fear, that would be more frightening and more dangerous than going in there and seeing how best they would like to handle these loose ends of mine.

Taking one more deep breath, Keilara placed a hand on the door and quietly pushed it open taking a step inside. Slipping into the room, she took a look at look at who she would have to speak before almost turning and running once again. She gave herself a mental smack at that thought, no more running.

She watched silently from the shadows as Master Beleren greeted a woman she had never seen before. Her shoulders slumped slightly. It appeared now was maybe not the best time to bother the council with her trivial matters.

[Jace]

He had noticed another presence approaching the chamber slowly after Rhissai had. Moments later, he saw the young girl, standing and waiting to be addressed. He smiled slightly, sensing her apprehension, and anxiety. It wasn't unusual, even older Jedi still became anxious in the presence of the council. They were twelve of the most powerful and wise Jedi of the Order, it could be somewhat intimidating.

"Why have you come before the Council,young one?" He asked in a light tone, as he sat forward on his chair.

He made sure that he didn't sound too intimidating, as he was told he did. Jace was still relatively young in the path of education. His coldness of his Shadow trials still hadn't thawed completely, nor would they ever. Yet he had found a new path in teaching, and he was enjoying it.

[Keilara]

Keilara started as Master Beleren spoke. Her eyes darted around the council chamber to see if there was another person she missed and they widened when she realized he must have been speaking to her.

Don’t panic, don’t panic, don’t panic...
She mentally slapped herself as she started to hyperventilate.
This is not the time, do what you came in here to do already...

Straightening her shoulders and pulling strength and peace from the force she stepped forward and cleared her throat.

”I wondered if I might address the council on the matter of completing my training and becoming a Jedi Sentinel? Since the...loss...of my Master, Oona Lasek, the completion of my trials and training has been on hold. With the councils’ permission I would like to continue... Beginning with starting and completing my lightsaber...”

A blush crept onto her cheeks as she stood before the council and wondered if her choice of wording had been the best. She had been hesitant to speak formally since the loss of her Master, as yet unsure if the blame for the Adumar incident did not rest with her. She knew she had a tendency to be abrasive without knowing it.

Nothing to do for it now. Master Oona always said, once the words were spoken you cannot take them back. Now I just have to wait and see what they say.

[Vreem Took]

Vreem sat in his chair; it felt different ever since he’d returned to the Council. He hadn’t liked to be there very much since then and often found himself at quite a discomfort during the debates between Council members. He had chosen to avoid those discussions he could whether it be with a leave of absence or the simple solution of silence. No doubt he would return to his normal level of input soon but there was still so much to get used to.

There was a respectful bow of his head as Master Rhissai took her seat amongst them. In truth he had never really spoke to her, nor many of the other Masters, outside the Council Chambers. Jace and Eris had been the only two he dared to converse with as he didn’t know how all of the other members would take him. In truth she had been admitted to the Council around the same time that he had, although he knew, despite her appearance, that she had much more experience than he. For a little while he had thought that she was Epicanthix like himself, but she came from a line which was even rarer than his own amongst the Order, Aphithiri, a race which he knew almost nothing about.

Before any of the friendly exchanges could comfortably take place, they were quickly presented with a padawan. She seemed as though she was late in her training, odd that she would be here without her Master, he had though, but that was quickly explained. Master Oona Vreem thought with a twinge of sadness, he had known the Master of which this padawan spoke, she had chosen the way of the diplomat, much like Vreem had and maintained quite the track record from her meetings, time and time again she proved that words could overcome rage and pointless violence. Her loss had been disheartening for Vreem, diplomats as skilful as she were rarely seen, even in the Order. No doubt this padawan had been hit by her loss much harder than he had.

Slipping out of that protective cocoon of silence Vreem had enclosed himself in; he was the one to address Keilara. “The Trials are meant to test all that you have learned during your time as a youngling and padawan, they will be the most dangerous tasks you have faced so far. Perhaps before we throw you into them, it would be a good idea to round off your training. Now, finding a Master might prove challenging given your age and experience, most prefer to take on younglings. If you would like, I would be able to oversee the construction of your lightsaber and conclude your training in preparation for the Trials. Is this be acceptable to you young one? Or would you like to try and find a different Master to finish your training?”

Vreem wouldn’t mind this opportunity. He had been gone too long from these walls and the lessons that went on within, he did not know if he was ready to start teaching, after so long they had no doubt found somebody else to be the primary instructor. If it was on an individual basis then the Master felt as though he would be a lot more comfortable with performing the task that was required of him, being a guide. He awaited the Padawan’s response.

[Keilara]

Eventually, as silence fell after her words, Keilara’s eyes dropped. Her cheeks were burning with embarrassment and she tried to summon up the courage to dismiss herself and apologize for wasting the council’s time when someone spoke.

Her eyes shot up, searching the room to see who was speaking and they settled on a dark haired man a few seats away from Master Beleren. As she listened to his words she felt a small swelling of irritation. She no more wanted a new master than she had wanted Oona to die in the first place. As he finished speaking and his words were absorbed into her brain she became appalled at her own audacity.

I’m lucky they didn’t cast me out when Master Oona died. Be thankful someone wants to oversee my training at all rather than letting me waste away. And he seems nice... I wonder who he is... Knew I should have kept up on who was on the council, I’ve just been so distracted...

She came out of her thoughts to see the council watching her for her answer and flushed a deep red that tinged her ears pink.

“I...I would be honored Master...”

Keilara took a deep breath and calmed herself then started over.

“I would be honored Master. It would probably be good to have someone watching over me through my trials. I know I find myself still often out of sorts with my Masters death and would not want to fall to the dark side."

She quickly looked away, dropping her head. It was painfully true, though she hated to admit it. The extra guidance would be most welcome.

[Vreem Took]

The reactions from the padawan before him were unusual, subtle to the eye as well, but Vreem could see and sense something within her. His first guess would be that she was emotional; the death of one’s master was always a traumatic experience. But then Vreem had the additional bonus of being the one who had killed his master.

It should be a simple task of observing her, seeing what she was capable of and allowing her to talk about the thoughts which plagued her mind and her heart. Of course, he would most likely only get to that stage if he earned her trust, got to know her. It was a position he’d been in before, his observation of Meira was slightly different, some thought she had passed the trials and was worthy whilst some were not so sure, she had cleared up that doubt during their mission on Devaron and they had earned each other’s trust.

Now there was another lost lamb for him to lead. It was saddening that many of the padawans had to witness the death of their master; it pushed the boundaries of their mentality beyond what should be expected for students their age. But death was a part of life, part of the Force and it was a fact every Jedi had to get used to. Often it was hard though, even at his age Vreem doubted he would be entirely unaffected by the death of those he had bonds with inside the Order.

But the apprentice before him would have to overcome much in order to prepare herself for the trials, her shy demeanour, the mixed emotions which he had yet to uncover, all of these would have to dealt with in order to make a Padawan strong enough to become a Jedi Knight.

“I see no reason to put off your training any longer,” Vreem looked around at the assembly in the Council before continuing, “it seems as though there are enough members to gather today’s issues. As there are no major issues on the agenda, why don’t we go now?” Standing up, Vreem bowed his head to his colleagues and excused himself and left, expecting the padawan behind him to follow.

(This leads to: A Meeting In The Garden.)

[starwarsgirl008]

The click of Ty's shoes echoed through the hallway. A somewhat rich, yet impolite, grunt was heard. She was back, and she was obviously not happy.

Ty strolled through the chamber doors in a sort of "I'm here" presence. Her usual smirk was replaced by a glare and a thin frown. She didn't pay attention to anyone, she wanted everyone to pay attention to her.

Ty was one of those people that wanted someone else to take the blame for all of her mistakes. She had recently been involved with some mercenaries, whom had left her behind, deeply insulting her. She felt embarrassed a infuriated over something that simple.

"What kind of system are you running here?" Ty shouted to the Council, "Master!" she added with emphasis.

[Jace]

Most of the council were in meditation, including Jace himself. There had been much to meditate on lately, more than he would have liked. This issue with the possible return of the Sith, was deeply disconcerting. History dictated that it was only a matter of time until there was some sort of galactic conflict. Galactic conflicts meant many battles, many casualties, and a great deal of collateral damage. Jace refused to let the galaxy fall under into shadow.

The Jedi must be strong, I must be strong

He knew that only through unity could they persevere against their dark foe. This unity would not be just within the Jedi but also the Republic. Just as the thought of the Republic came to mind, so did another presence, which was not so reassuring.

This should be....interesting

Jace let out a sigh as the woman entered the room in a rude manner as she always did. Before he even had a chance to greet her, she burst out accusations.

"Please calm down Miss Lee Jing. What is it exactly that brings you here before the council" He stated in a calm and even voice.

He had to strive to be patient with this woman, no matter how rude she was. Jace needed to maintain a positive relationship with the Republic as his predecessors had done. There was too much at stake to be ruined by petty differences.

[starwarsgirl008]

"Well," Ty began, keeping the same attitude she had entered with. "It seems my little trip to Nar Shadda ended with my kidnapping. It seems the ignorant Jedi Council refused to warn me of the dangers on Nar Shadda before I left!" Ty screamed at the Council.

Obviously, it was her idea to go to Nar Shadda, and even if the Jedi had warned her of dangers, she would have gone. And truthfully, Ty was never in any danger, as she chose to join her "kidnappers". Even so, she would not blame herself.

"I sent you messages that you apparently refused to respond to!" Ty added, even though she never actually sent any messages on her trip.

"I have good mind to arrest you!" Ty again screamed at the master.

[Jace]

He made no outward changes in his appearance but he let out a deep inner sigh. It didn't take a Jedi to realize that this woman before him had just lied about half the things she just said. Jace always wondered why people found it so difficult to tell such simple truths. This woman standing before him was spewing lie after lie, and on top of that, in front of the twelve most powerful and wise Jedi of the Order. A few more moments of silence before Jace finally sat forward and spoke.

"Minister if I recall, the last time you stormed in here and informed us of your trip, you refused to mention your destination."

This woman is the minister of defense for the Republic and she doesn't know that Nar Shaada is THE smugglers haven. I wonder if she learned anything of use on her 'trip'

"I am sorry to hear about your kidnapping, if we had received messages someone would have been sent, but we received none. Without knowing your location or having contact prevented us from helping you in any way, Minister."

Jace had a feeling that the woman before him hadn't been kidnapped in the true sense of the word. If she had, she most likely wouldn't be standing here in front of him this very moment. He had kept a calm voice, a level tone, and a stoic face throughout the entire interaction. Though he knew that wouldn't last in an extended conversation.

"Considering these facts, don't you think it is a little premature to talk about arresting anyone?"

[starwarsgirl008]

Ty let out a small giggle. Not as if she were responding to a joke, and not as if an evil scheme had been carried out, but out of pure insanity. Ty wasn't insane, but she had her moments like everyone else. What set her aside was that her "moments" came more often than normal.

"Do you want to know what I think of the Jedi?" Ty asked, her usual grin returning to her face. "I think the Jedi are a pure waste of time, money and power!" she screamed, as if she had the authority to do so.

"You sit on your little chairs all day while someone is being tortured to the point of death, and you just let it happen!" For once, Ty spoke in the well being for another person, yet the statement was used to destroy that of another's. "You call yourself powerful, yet refuse your members of love and anger, the two most powerful emotions in the world."

Ty smile grew. "You are a waste of a powerful mind, Master!" she said, hoping to throw the Jedi into a state of anger.

[starwarsgirl008]

With her last swift words, Ty left the Council to discuss her insults. Ty seemed to be able to locate people's weak points and attack them via words, and she could only hope she did the same to the Jedi Master as she exited the Temple and walked the streets of Coruscant.

[Kella]

Sheera had met little resistance on her way into the Jedi Temple. She had a habit of escaping notice; she was a phantom. The metaphor almost made its way into the literal, for the pale pallor of her skin, the gray sharpness of her eyes, and her deep ebony hair was enough to make her appear more dead than alive. However, she was a Nagai, and such was her nature. As Sheera walked, her gauzy black cloak swirled about her slender form, the light glinting off the clasp which secured it. So much could be told by the simple silver, fashioned into a lunar moth, circumscribed by a four-strand braid. The family seal of the House Lunae. Worn only by its nobles. But this Nagai was far, far from home.

Sheera stepped into the council chambers, her feet clothed by leather shoes which were more like slippers, that made no noise against the floor. The crimson ribbons which crissed and crossed up her calves glistened ever-so-slightly in the light, like wet blood.

Her dagger-eyes struck out from between that fall of hair, the color of a no-moon night. It fell uneven, cut like raven-feathers, just brushing her shoulders. Her features were sharp, yet her bearing silky-smooth. Sheera was a creature full of contradictions. She liked it that way.

Turning eyes upon the presiding master, one by the name of Jace, Sheera curtsied deeply. Yet even this action held a subtle undertone of mocking. She stepped forward, still silent, until she was three yards from the master. A diminutive hand stretched forward, fragile fingers Clutching a simple envelope, still sealed. This pleased Sheera greatly, for she knew precisely what the letter said. And yet the seal was in place.

"A letter for the High Council," she said, voice quiet, just above a whisper. She could speak no louder. But she had no doubt that the Jedi would hear her.