Looking Forward

[Wit]

Shade Order Enclave
Thyferra

A cool, gentle breeze had been blowing all morning, clouds floating idly through the sky, the smell of blossoming flowers in the air. It was the finest weather they had had in months, as if the weather gods themselves were in a favorable mood. Kalen Navarr smiled as he stepped out from the enclave complex into the courtyard, which had already been prepared for the coming conclave. Nodding to the knights and padawans who were setting up the last few chairs around a small elevated podium, Kalen made his way not towards the podium but further ahead to a small small rising in the ground towards the edge of the courtyard that offered an unobstructed view of the surrounding area.

Standing at that elevated location he peered into the distance, his gaze resting at nothing in particular, his mind lost in thoughts. Today of all days, a day when they paid respect to his predecessor, he couldn't help but think back about the day he first entered these walls under the guidance of his old master. It had been Grandmaster Quentell Xall who had brought him to the Order, guided him as he took his first steps among the Shades. He remembered that day well, the heavy rain that had been falling, how the moisture and warmth had weighed down on him them. How drastically different today was from that day; the clear skies, the cool breeze, and above all the absence of Master Xall's guiding hand.

While he was lost in thought, others had slowly started to approach, the seats started to fill up. Shaking his head, he turned around to face the Enclave as the members of the Shade Order slowly emerged. He pushed the past away, for today was not just about the past. War had broken out once more, the peace that has lasted for four years was no more. He had felt the approach of this new threat to peace for some time now, as had many others. It was time the Shades decided what course they would take in the war.​

 

[Zen]

Sho'Flo to, stood waiting in a lone room paused in his thoughts, The guilt was on him. For letting his Old Master go his own. He sighed and spoke."If only Quen, New the risks, I COULD HAVE STOPPED HIM." A tear dropped from his eyes for a second time. He sighed, and made his way towards where the New Grandmaster will explain to Us the future events.

Upon entering the room which was empty at the minute he took his place on a random unofficial sit, and sat down on the chair, his long Shade Robes on him. The Guilt still on him. But yet he manged to subdue that out of his facts before it could get any worst into his pitifully life. As he waited for the Grandmaster to make his way here.

 

[D.C.]

Another Shade, still a Padawan, stepped onto the courtyard. He'd not been here for a long time, and the moment he stepped onto the courtyard the other Shades stared at him again. It made him feel uncomfortable, and he knew why they stared at him; his clothes.

He wore a hat; a red scarf; a plain white t-shirt; worn grey pants; dark-brown leather boots; and a belt with at each side a revolver. He looked like an outlaw from down-south, and his thick southern Corellian accent made that image complete. He didn't look like a Shade at all. He didn't even wear the traditional robes.

Dustin walked over to the seats and sat down somewhere. The only one here he knew was Grandmaster Kalen Navarr. He didn't see his own master Astraia yet, but he figured she'd show up soon enough. He looked back to Kalen and wondered what the Grandmaster was going to say. He also heard something about a memorial for the former Grandmaster; Quentell Xall. Dustin'd spent some time in the archives, reading up on the former Grandmasters. While most of them had simply left, Quentell Xall had died in combat. A sad story, but true. It didn't hurt Dustin though, for he never had met the former Grandmaster.

The gunslinger leaned back in his chair and waited for the ceremony to begin.

 

[Zen]

Sho'Flo, got up from the chair. And made his way towards where every was supposed to be. The Council Member, And Quen's Former Right hand Man was, now amiss, Sho'Flo had never had strong feeling for anyone. Expect his Former Grandmaster, Master Quen. He entered the Halls, And sat down on the opposite side of where Grandmaster Kalen sat. He bowed his head and spoke."Evening, Grandmaster, And Little Padawan. It's pleasure to me you young one."this time he was speaking to Dustin. Sitting down as he quietly waited for the rest to come. Yet he wondered where in the world was Cain.

 

[Emma Lou]

Astraia was not too far behind her padawan. She had been waiting for someone to arrive and now that they had it was time to go to the memorial. Astraia walked in, followed by a taller woman who looked about 40 years old. The woman was far older than 40 though and it was the Sephi blood that kept her young. The woman was Aleyn Julius. Mother to Astraia, former Grandmaster, and master to Quentell Xall when he had first joined the order. Aleyn would not have missed this memorial for him.

Astraia nodded in respect to the Grandmaster and then a took seat next to Dustin with Aleyn taking the one next to Astraia.

"Dustin, this is my mother, Aleyn Julius. She is very interested in your training here"

Astraia whispered to her padawan with a smile.

 

[D.C.]

When Sho'Flo spoke to Dustin and said that it was a pleasure to meet him, and called him a Little Padawan, Dustin simply tipped his hat and said: 'It's a pleasure to meet you too, Big Master.' He smirked.

A moment later he sensed a familiar presence in the Force. Astraia! He looked to the right and saw his beautiful trainer. Another woman sat down as well, and after Astraia'd introduced her mother to him, he realized that there actually was a former Grandmaster sitting there.

He took off his hat, as a matter of respect, and said: 'Pleased to meet you, ma'am.' He quickly glanced to Astraia and smiled faintly, he remembered the day he first arrived at the enclave and when he said 'ma'am' to Astraia. Oh well, he was just trying to be polite. 'I'm Dustin.'

He put his hat on and sat back in his chair, looking over to Kalen Navarr again. He just felt like he had to say something to Aleyn Julius, but this was not the time and place for introductions...

 

[Wit]

As Kalen walked down towards the gathering, he was greeted by Sho'Flo, a greeting he reciprocated with a smile and a nod. But before he could speak he sensed another presence amongst them, one whose presence surprised him, albeit pleasantly so. He turned around just in time to spot Master Astraia walking towards them, but more than her it was the figure with her that drew his attention; Aleyn Julius, former Grandmaster, master to his master. He was glad that she was here, not only would Master Xall have been glad to know she came today, but her wisdom and experience would be of great benefit in what was to come. He nodded in reply to Astraia's greeting and gave Aleyn a respectful bow of his own.

By that time many had gathered, but a few still remained. So Kalen waited patiently by the podium, giving those gathered some time to catch up with each other and those yet to come some more time to arrive.

 

[Zen]

He smiled at Dustin and spoke."It's great to see people like your self."He said he in a way the young boy reminded him of the Old goof Ball. Quen. The Great storyteller. Aww all the wonders of the world. Two more aura's appeared, This two were unofficially meaning he had not sensed this before. But he did remember. The Former Grandmaster's Face, It was when he was a Knight in the Order that he had remember her. He smiled and bowed both to her and her, lovely Daughter."Long time no see, woman."He greeted her not of an insult but of a funny humor."And evening Fellow Shade Master."He said slowly. Before digging his head into the Table.

 

[Garuga]

Skyla had been called back from her travels. Since Quentell's death four years ago, the young Shade knight had not been back to Thyferra once. Landing her ship down upon the Enclave parking grounds, anyone looking upwards would note two things. One, it was one odd looking ship, and two, they most likely wouldn't know who was manning it. Skyla took a deep breathe as the pincer-like black legs of the ship touched down, turning her eyes upon the enclave itself. Thyferra was unique, and beautiful in it's way. But not compared to the sky, and not compared to the propect of coming upon something new.

Stepping out of the ship, Skyla made her way towards the enclave at her own pace. Wearing what she typically wore, Skyla would look nothing like a force-sensitive and least of all a member of the Shade Order. Looking like a spacer thoroughly, wearing baggy clothing with the odd piece of armouring joined to it. Her neck brace's heads up display was glowing as always, and her music was blasting through her headset at full volume. Having reached the courtyard were everyone was assembled, Skyla realised that she knew none of them. She had not been initially trained by a member of the Shade, and her later master was not here today. Neither was the Neti who had been responsible for introducing her to the Shade present.

Her face was impassive, with no signs of excitement nor boredom. Preferring to stand, Skyla stood some distance away from the podium. Quentell Xall had been fairly humorous during her recruitment, having trusted the Neti enough to let her determine whether Skyla was someone suitable for the Order. Nevertheless, her relationship with the Order itself when those that she had known were not here anymore would have to be determined. For that reason, Skyla had returned. To decide.

 

[Wit]

Kalen finally stepped up and gathered his thoughts a he got ready to speak. Most of the members were here now, it was time to begin. "Four years ago, the Shade Order suffered a great loss, one unlike any we had felt in the past. Grandmaster Quentell Xall, a man who was a friend, guide, mentor and much more to not only me, but many of you as well, was killed in combat. It was not the first time a Grandmaster has been succeeded by another, but up till then it had always been due to them giving up leadership of our Order of their own accord, stepping down for one reason or another. But this was the first time that the cause was the death of a Grandmaster." Kalen's gaze passed over the gathering in front of him and settled on a spot somewhere in the distance. "Master Xall's death left many of us in shock, so suddenly loosing one who had guided us through war and peace affected one and all present here in some way or another. We are gathered here today to pay homage to Master Xall, to remember the life he had and the memories he has left with us. To honor and forever respect the man that he was."

He bowed his head in silence and respect as he remembered the man who had been his first guide in the Shade Order. When he looked up again his eyes fell on his brethren gathered in front of him once more. "But today is not just about the past, we have gathered here to look to the future as well. The embers of war have ignited once more and soon its flames will engulf the galaxy. The Hutts and the Bogan pose such a great threat to peace throughout the galaxy that we cannot just sit idly and do nothing. We must do our own part to oppose this threat. So I propose we join our Jedi cousins in this war, fight besides them against this evil. I know we don't see eye to eye with them on some things but we are united in our quest to bring peace and stability to our galaxy. But this is not just my decision to make, it affects us all so we must all have a say in it. I ask you now to speak your minds, my brothers and sisters."

 

[D.C.]

Dustin looked around, but when he saw that nobody was standing up yet, he rose to a stand himself. He was a little bit nervous, especially when all the eyes were set upon him, but he had to do this. He took off his hat, holding it with both hands in front of himself. His blue eyes twinkled and the hilt of his training saber shimmered.

'I am new to the Order,' Dustin said aloud, 'so I'm not sure if I've got the right to speak up... but I'll do so nonetheless. Apologies if I speak out of turn. I haven't known the former Grandmaster, but I've read about him and seen a few holo-recordings of him. He seemed like an honorable man and I regret that I haven't had the chance to meet him. I'm sorry for the loss, and I say this to all of you who miss him...

'As for Grandmaster Kalen Navarr's proposal,' he went on. He pauzed for a few moments, biting his lip and glancing to Astraia real quick. Then he looked back to Kalen, the man who'd brought him to the Shade Order. 'I agree with it. The Dark Side must be stopped. I... I will fight for the Shade Order, and for the greater good of this galaxy. I will try my best and I am willing to give my life for it. My guns... and my blade... are yours, Grandmaster Navarr. I'm with you, all the way. And may Quentell Xall rest in peace.'

He looked around the courtyard and felt slightly nervous. Everyone was looking at him. He hoped they wouldn't mind. He hoped they didn't think he was just a stupid Padawan with a stupid dress-code. Slowly he sat down on his chair with cheeks red as apples.

'That sucked, didn't it?' he whispered to Astraia. Dustin felt a little bit ashamed, but he had to speak. He wanted to be a Shade and so he felt he needed to speak up and show how much he was willing to fight for the Order. He wanted to be part of the family.

 

[Emma Lou]

Astraia reached over and squeezed his hand before letting it go and whispering.

"Brave"

She smiled and gracefully stood up. Aleyn watched her daughter with pride. Astraia smiled at Kalen and then turned to face the rest of the Shade. Some were murmuring and others looked outraged.

"Yes, we were started to get away from the Jedi, but at the time there was not a dark side threat as powerful as the Bogan. I understand where you are coming from and I can feel your anger. We are not going to conform to their ways or become Jedi lovers. We are merely picking a side that suits our needs and wants. I, personally, do not want to live in a galaxy where death reigns and evil is prevalent"

She paused and turned back to Kalen.

"I believe I speak for the Master's Council when I say that we approve of this strategy"

Astraia then sat back down.

 

[Archeleone]

Coron sucked in a deep breath. He was probably the youngest here, and because of that he had stayed relatively silent. But other newcomers were speaking up, and nobody seemed to mind, so maybe his views would be appreciated as well. Even if they were a little rough around the edges, it's the thought that counts.

"Um...I guess I'll speak now," he said, swallowing and rising hesitantly to his feet. "Uh, Hi. I'm Coron. I'm new, and I'm not quite done with training yet, but I've been a lot of places and I like to think I know a thing or two about the galaxy." He swallowed again. "Th- The Hutts are strong, and they're backed by the Bogan, who are also strong. I understand the need to support the Jedi, but...no offense to anyone...I suggest we exercise caution when entering this war. We, the Shade Order, are still relatively small compared to the Jedi or the Bogan, so it might be wise to be a little more careful about where we commit our men...and women, of course, he added hastily. "I'm not saying don't go to war, I'm just saying we should be careful."

 

[Zen]

Sho'Flo eyed the female. And shook his head. Before he stood up."Jedi, Bogan. Are both threats. We are the Balance while the Other two are Light and Dark. We take no side, If the order Changed as the Rumors Have been told about the Jedi, Then It is unlikely of them. I Do not approve of this Method, seeing as we are not of many, We are a group and if the time arises when we are struck by the Bogan and the Jedi cannot aid us because of this description Then No I do not Approve for this Method. And I speak on the Behave of the Master's Council."HE paused waiting, before speaking again." I do have another suggestion, we make a Treaty not like an Alliance but a Treaty to simply help, If we get involved, The Hutts, Other Independent factions allied with Hutt's, and the Bogan found out they will reach us and crush us. It's your Chosen, Grandmaster."HE said slowly, He did not approve for one reason, he did not like the idea, Even though he had nothing against the Jedi, He was scared that the order meant fall. Being in the Council did not mean Agreeing to every word or Decision made by the Grandmaster, it was like a Political Party Every Council Member had there own opinions. And not all of them are the same or were.

 

[Wit]

Kalen heard all that was said, taking every suggestion into consideration. After all this was a big step for the Order, but one that Kalen felt that they had to take. There seemed to be divided opinions amongst the members, but he hadn't been expecting unanimous support either. "I can understand why some of you are opposed to this, but we cannot fear of loss hold us back. Yes, we are not as great in number as the Jedi or the Bogan, but we have a responsibility to the Galaxy that we cannot ignore. Every small bit helps and one more lightsaber could tip the balance in favor of our Jedi cousins and the Republic. The Hutts have gathered numerous small Dark-side sects and cults into their ranks, they have formed alliances with them and have strengthened the foes lining up against the Republic. Can we really stand by as the Galaxy falls into chaos and anarchy?"

 

[Zen]

He stood calmly listening before speaking.” We can not, but at the same time if we make a allied nation we put ourselves and innocent youngling in danger to the Bogan, heck, this is not about the Republic or the Hutt, this war begun long ago with The Dark Jedi, And the Old Jedi Order. I will support you My Grandmaster with whatever recourses, bested on my spying I did four years ago. As well as I will take part. But the Republic and Hutt’s is not our war to side with, The Jedi Our Cousins, Do not part take in our methods, All I am suggesting is a Simple Us helping them only for a limited time, This is not our war to burgle in to.” HE said calmly, sitting down, it was a counter argument as well as In his Words he will side and Help.” And what I just said is, I will help. You have my support, Young Wise Grandmaster.” He said slowly.

 

[Samara]

Anner hissed in his place, with his face mostly hidden under a hood with two small holes on the top with two buttons each, for his horns to come out. He was no warrior as to go in the front lines weaving a lightsaber flamboyantly or anything like that. He was not even brave to begin with. Getting involved into a war was something that was not in his plans, nor hardly would be ever. He was not okay with it. He never developed such a close relationship with the grandmaster, to be fair he only had frequent contact with Taa'Sho and now that she was gone he had no master nor reason to stay with the Shade, except to keep a good image and live up to certain responsabilities that he would never place before his own life and well-being.

That didn't mean however, that he was a bad person. He just wasn't hasty to become a name on a wall.

And what after it is done? Suppose the best outcome, the Republic and the Jedi win, will they then just let us be, now that our "common enemy" is gone? -he asked with his usual nice, pleasent voice, loud enough to be heard.