Keeping the Peace

[Austin Wolfe]

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"Knights Kane and Tynian," Austin began. Though the Jedi Master was not with the two Knights personally, he spoke to the two men through a holocall. They were approaching one of the two villages that were part of their assignment. "While many of these more primitive settlements on Ifrane live in harmony, these two neighbouring towns do not. They have been fighting for many years, constantly at odds and having disputes over trade and territory."

The blue holoprojection of the doctor flickered as he himself was elsewhere on the planet on a mission with Galahad. "From what we know, one of these two settlements is far more aggressive than the other. Mediate between the elders of each village and come to an agreement. I sense that one or both may use this meeting as an opportunity to launch another attack — if this does happen, end it before a true war breaks out." Austin stopped walking for a moment to look directly at the two Knights. "I am counting on you both to do this with as little bloodshed as possible. We do not want another incident similar to Jakku, where the Order has an extremely negative presence there."

"May the Force be with you, Jedi."

@Nastalle @One For Sorrow​

 

[Tynian]

Tynian sat in the speeder with his father Kane, after listening to the details of their mission.
The landscape was pleasant with rolling green hills, large fruitful trees and the sky had a deep red hue to it.

Tynian could see why people enjoyed living here... but they weren’t there for a vacation. They were there to mediate peace between a very long rivalry of two villages.

He looked at Kane and grinned. “So any ideas on how to nicely tell them to knock it off?”

@One For Sorrow @Vosrik

 

[Kane]

Kane looked out over the landscape as they went along, stroking his beard thoughtfully the whole time they listened to their mission. This was going to be very different from their usual tasks, especially considering the consequences of failure.

"Well my boy, delicately for one."

He chuckled.

"I think we should begin by speaking to the leaders of both sides, find out their grievances and attempt to broker a truce without them ever having to speak to eachother. Until the time comes to sign a treaty amd make nice that is."

 

[Tynian]

Tynian nodded. He watched the landscape go by and a thought cane to him. He hadn’t had a chance to talk to Kane since his trial for Master and wanted to know what the older Jedi thought.
“I’m sure you’ve heard about my trial. So what did you think?”

He knew Kane would be honest with him... and brutally honest at times. So he waited for his father to respond.

@One For Sorrow @Vosrik

 

[Kane]

"Well my boy, I understand both sides of it. I know you are eager to advance and teach, but that eagerness may well be your downfall. I didn't attempt to gain the rank of master until I was sixty five and I STILL was not ready for it. Just remember, like I have, you can still teach and pass on your skills and knowledge as a knight. People only call me master out of respect, not title."

He chuckled a little at that last bit, not sure when his peers started deciding to call him master. And fondly aware of the title Aliyah had given him :"Knight Hardass"

"Do I think the council of mastery made the right descision? I cannot say. The force guided them to their verdict for a reason. However Master Zeerda could have been a touch more delicate with the delivery."

The old Crusader smiled and patted his son on the back.

"Best not to dwell too much on it my boy. Take it as it is, let it grow you as a person. And next time we will both become masters."

He chuckled a little, keeping things a little light at the end of his talk. It was a hard situation to navigate.

After a few minutes Kane gave Tynian another pat.

"Anyway lad, think you are ready for a political mission? I'll admit I am far more comfortable at lighsaber point."

He chuckled again, this time nervously. Not something Tynian would be used to seeing for sure.

@Vosrik @Nastalle

 

[Tynian]

Tynian listened to his father and nodded when appropriate. He now knew that he still had a lot to learn before becoming a master... and in actuality it was good that he didn’t get accepted. The council and Kane were right... it wasn’t his time.

“Well I will just have to keep training and learning everything I can.”

Then as Kane asked him about the mission they were on now, Tynian looked at him and gave a sly grin. “Are
you nervous master?” He only called him that now when he was being very sarcastic. He also knew Kane would take it as such... so Tynian kept it up a bit longer.
“If you really want, I could do all the talking so you don’t get too tongue tied?”

 

[Kane]

"Learning is never finished son. Even the Grand Master of our entire order can learn more."

Something Kane's own master had told him many moons ago, perhaps one of the most true ringing statements he had ever heard.

He then threw his head back and laughed at Tynian's jabs, this was often his favourite part of a mission. The part when they got to just talk before the hard stuff.

"Be careful what you wish for, my apprentice."

He chuckled, using the same sly tone as his son. He remembered fondly the times when he would make Tynian take the lead on missions during his training, not a teaching method that was used often.

Eventually the landing pad they were on route to appeared not too far from them, with an escort waiting to meet them. From here it looked like some form of dignitary and a small group of guards, which made sense really. That was pretty standard practice almost anywhere.

"Just remember to be respectful. And above all, neutral. We don't want to give either side the impression that we favour the other."

Sixty five years in the Jedi Order and this was Kane's first political mission, it felt strange to be so old and just doing something for the first time. But like he had told Tynian, learning is never done.

@Nastalle @Vosrik

 

[Tynian]

Tynian nodded. He understood the importance of staying neutral in situations like this. As the shuttle landed, the Jedi exited and walked toward the escort. As they neared, the guards all stiffened like they were ready for things to go badly... but the Jedi kept their faces and movements calm.
The dignitary gave a slight bow of his head to both Jedi. "We welcome you...Jeedi. May your visit here be helpful and beneficial to us."
Tynian was going to allow Kane to conduct the introduction as he was the senior ranking Jedi, but the "us" remark didn't go unnoticed by the young Jedi.

The dignitary beckoned them to follow him. "If you would come with us, we will take you to our Chieftan, he is most eager to meet you."

@One For Sorrow @Vosrik

 

[Kane]

Kane listened to the dignitary after bowing back, also noting the tone that was used.

"The hope is to be bemeficial to all."

He said flatly, saving the introductions for the chieftain.

They walked in silence until reaching the chieftan's hut, where within he sat on a large chair on a raised dais. Kane bowed immediaty, long and low before standing up straight backed.

"Hail great chieftan. I am Knight Kane, this is my son Knight Tynian. We are here to mediate and reach an agreement that is beneficial to all parties involved."

Introductions completed he clasped his hands in front of himself respectfully and awaited a response.

@Nastalle

 

[Tynian]

As they were led to the chieftain’s “hut”. It was actually more like a mansion by tribal standards, with a wall surrounding it, guards posted everywhere and intricately carved statues that lined the walkway up to the entrance. The two Jedi were escorted through the main gate, into the huge house and guided to a large meeting room. It had a very large and ornate wooden table in the center of the room and matching chairs surrounding the table.

The escort now stiffly and then left the Jedi in the room alone.
About ten minutes later, the chieftain came in with his entourage trailing behind him.
He was short by commanded respect from his personality alone... his eyes were sharp and his movements deliberate.
As he sat at the head of the table, he motioned for the Jedi to sit down as well. A protocol droid was brought in to translate in case there was any problems with understanding each other.

The droid said as they all were seated. “His highness Bokt’ Kinte buds you welcome and is expecting a swift end to this...problem.”

Tynian waited for Kane to do the introductions and begin the conversation. He would jump in as soon as Kane gave him permission to do so.

 

[Kane]

"Greetings and thanks Highness. I am Kane, this is my son Tynian. We too hope to reach a swift conclusion to the problems going on here. One that benefits all involved."

Kane remained respectful, hands clasped in front of him on the table as he spoke.

Knowing that Tynian was more familiar with tribal goings on, the old Crusader -who had only ever known the Jedi- thought it best to let his son do some of the talking.

The floor is yours my boy, you came from a tribe where as I was raised by the order. I daresay you are the more qualified one here.

He projected to Tynian, not taking his eyes off the Chieftan

 

[Tynian]

Tynian took a half step forward with his hands out and palms up, indicating there was no ill-intent from him toward the Chieftain.
He had learned this as a child when approaching his own chief. It was from the outsiders point of view, a sign of respect as well as one of peace.

The Cheiftain gave a light bow of his head indicating he recognized the Jedi and would allow him to speak. “It seems you know a bit about our ways Jeedi.”

Tynian then folded his hands in front of him. “As a child I grew up on the plains of Ossus, as a tribesman of the Silver Moon. I may not know all of your ways, but I do know that some respects remain the same as time and space allows, your highness.”

The chieftain leaned forward in his chair. “You know our ways, which is commendable. But the others... they seek to abolish the old ways and not respect their elders... nor their traditions.”

Ahh Tynian projected to Kane, Now we come to the heart of the matter..so just follow my lead Father.

“Your highness.” Tynian replied. “I may be versed in the old ways, but my father may not be. He didn’t grow up in tradition, except when he became a Jedi. So could you please relate to us what your concerns are about what is going on?”

The chieftain sat back and thought for a moment. “Some of our kin have left the old ways and have embraced new ways. Such as newer technology, powered weapons... and intermingling with other species. We forbid it all. We want you to convince them that they are wrong.”

Tynian contacted his father, Father, I don’t sense this is about the tech... I think this is about their bloodline. They don’t want their younglings mixing with other species... it would be beneath them to do so. Any suggestions would be helpful.

@One For Sorrow

 

[Kane]

Kane nodded along as the Chieftan spoke, though he did not agree with the issues he did understand. There were similar arguments amongst the Jedi, the biggest of those of course being the inception of the Exiles. And the galaxy knew how that had worked out.

This situation is fare more delicate than we first imagined, we must proceed with caution. he projected back.

"We understand your concerns, it can be...difficult when differences such as this arise."

The old Crusader could tell that this man was not someone who he could just tell what to do, though that was his knee-jerk reaction.

"I realize that change might not always be what you want, and as an elder myself I understand what it is like when the younger generations stray from age-old beliefs. However it is important to remember that the unity of your people should be above all else."

He paused for a moment, politely holding his hands in a "hear me out" gesture before continuing.

"I agree that changing the whole culture would be very very wrong, however history can show us how fighting the change too hard can cause even more problems. Now Of course we cannot tell you what to do, please do not take it that way. All I am doing is suggesting that it may be beneficial to bend in some areas. Simply snuffing out the new ways will only lead to resentment and eventually even larger problems."

@Nastalle

 

[Tynian]

The Chieftain listened to Kane and then put his hand to his chin in thought. “I will wait on deciding how to handle this situation until after you’ve had a chance to talk to... them. You may go.” He said with a flip of his hand.

Tynian didn’t show it on his face, but he understood where the chieftain was coming from. He himself grew up in that same type of mentality. And accepting change after you’ve done things for centuries, is very hard to do.

The two Jedi bowed and left the chieftain’s house and headed to where an adequate looking speeder was waiting for them. The chauffeur was instructed to take them wherever they wanted to go. So the other clan’s village was the destination...

Told it would take a couple of hours to get there... the Jedi has a chance to discuss what was going on.
Tynian couldn’t wait for Kane (of course), so he stared the conversation right away. “So what do you think Father?”


@One For Sorrow

 

[Kane]

"I think we definitely have our work cut out for us my boy."

Kane stroked his beard thoughtfully as he spoke, they didn't have much to go on but an idea was forming in his mind.

"We may have to abandon the idea of sorting out the problem with us in the middle earlier, the Chiefs are going to have to talk. We will go and speak to this other Chief, then I think we need to have them meet. Preferably at a neutral location. You and I will then mediate their discussion."

I don't want our driver to overhear the details, he is likely under instruction to report back about our conversation. Once we have them together we can use scare tactics. Remind them that the Empire is out there. Make them work together.

He projected to Tynian before continuing out loud so as not to appear too silent.

"What are your thoughts on the matter my son?"

 

[Tynian]

Tynian thought for a moment, catching on that the driver could possibly be listening to their conversation, and then report everything the Jedi said to the Chieftain. "I think caution is the best policy." I do like the idea of a neutral meeting... depending on if we can persuade this new chieftain to meet.

The trip was fairly quick despite the terrain. The rolling hills turned into more rocky crags, indicating that this opposing clan resided in the hills and mountains rather than dwelling with their plains kin.
The speeder approached the settlement, which was quite different than the previous village. This one had high metallic walls... a huge metal gate... and more advanced housing and the like inside. It seemed this group had fully embraced technology and was using it to its full potential.
Tynian nudged his father and nodded at the top of the walls. There were patrols on top of the wall, all holding blasters. I feel like they are defensively positioning themselves for something...

Their driver stopped just short of the gates, dropping off the Jedi and waiting there for them to return. The two Jedi walked up to the gate, and as it opened, they met by a group of armed soldiers and the chieftain. He was taller and well armed, and much younger than the last chieftain they had previously met. He strode forward right up to the Jedi, he looked right at Kane, as if they were equals. "Welcome Jeedi. You will forgive me if we do not let you inside the compound. I believe we can discuss things here, as there are no secrets among my family and I."
The way he said family resounded in Tynian's mind... Father, I bet this one is the older chieftain's son...


@One For Sorrow

 

[Kane]

Kane bowed to the new Chieftan as he approached, nodding to indicate agreement to stayimg out of the village. Not that he got the feeling that there was any other option.

Perhaps

"Of course, this is your home. We will abide with any arrangements you wish for our discussion."

He made the same gesture of respect Tynian had made when speaking to the first Chieftan.

Or they are priming for an attack and do not wish for us to see.

"I am Knight Kane. This is Knight Tynian, my son. We are here to assist both tribes in reaching a peaceful and mutually beneficial agreement."

Regardless, we need to get the Chiefs together fast.

 

[Tynian]

The Chieftain gave a short grunt and then spat on the ground. "What did the old man say? That we wouldn't meet with him and that we are too young to decide things for ourselves?" He looked back at the group around him. "You go back and tell that prune that we are not going to back down, and we will meet with him anytime and anyplace." The crowd behind him cheered and gave their agreement with applause.

Tynian looked at Kane. Why do I feel we are being fattened up for a kill? At least he is okay with meeting, so that's good.


@One For Sorrow

 

[Kane]

"We thank you for your willingness to meet."

Kane bowed as he spoke, pleased at least with the agreement to meet. If a little concerned.

The meeting is good yes, remain vigilant my son.

"We shall return to the other tribe's Chief and arrange the meeting. Thank you again for your time."

Once back in the speeder they were quickly on their way back to the first tribe.

"So my boy, does this mission make you think of Ossus?"

 

[Tynian]

“Quite a bit Father.” Tynian admitted. “But I don’t remember things being this difficult for the tribe.”

He had to admit that home was in his thoughts more now. Sadly he knew he would never be going back there... there was no home to go back to anymore anyway.
Tynian’s eyes widened and he looked at his father. “I never told you what happened on Ossus only a few weeks ago have I? Weve been so busy, I haven’t had the chance to.”

So Tynian told Kane all that happened between him and the Sith at his old home on Ossus. As he finished his story, he admitted. “I was close to giving into anger. I’m very glad I didn’t though.”