Three Amigos

[Marcus]

Three Amigos
Lobby of Jedi Temple, Tython
Where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came.
@Marcus (Marcus) @Aodán Sidal (Moza) @Niish Kydon (Niishal)​

The temple was busy as usual - many initiates and younger Jedi coming in and out, the councillors going to and from meetings, and the Jedi Knights, the core of the order, milling about and planning and preparing. It was the hub of the Order, although not necessarily the hub of action for the Jedi. Jedi Lord Bau Zo had much of the responsibility of the front of the Jedi on his shoulders, and that did not center around Tython.

In fact, Jedi General Marcus had not been to Tython in quite some time. He had been spending most of his time either out in the field or based out of the outpost on Ilum. Occasionally he would go to Lothal, although recent events might make that more frequent of a need.

The Jedi, in his standard browns, walked confidently across the lobby and found an open spot to wait. He had just finished a conversation with an old friend and he decided to stop for a moment and check for any incoming messages on their communications relays. Nothing at the moment, which was always a good thing. So Marcus sighed and gave a slight grin, awaiting his old friends. Not very often did he get to just simply stand and wait in peace - it was rather nice.

 

[Aodán Sidal]

There had always been an enthralling beauty to the temple on Tython that appealed to Moza in a way very few species could understand. The harmony of the creation of the Jedi and nature was an almost perfect balance with nature tipping the scales slightly. The only way it could have been better is if the Jedi had taken a page from the Ithorian society and left the planet to its own devices and instead remained above it in grand ships much like his people's herd ships. Sadly it was an idea that would never truly bare fruit and Moza was certainly not one to push the subject beyond his natural musings with colleagues and peers. Either way it didn't change the giant creature's love for the planet as he had spent many years on Tython teaching younglings and apprentices that sought out his wisdom, and even when he decided to go out into the galaxy at large Tython was always where he found himself returning. The soothing nature of the planet was often just what Moza needed to rest and recharge before heading off to face whatever the galaxy had to throw at him. Since any mission could likely end up being his last Moza always wanted to have a fresh memory of the serene planet kept tucked away in his thoughts.

On this day Moza had found himself quite surprised to have received a transmission from a friend so often departed from the peaceful planet to carry on important works for the order. Moza knew that with the death of his master Marcus had in some ways used the busy life of a general as a crutch to focus his thoughts. But just as Marcus had been there for his own Master's death to talk him through the pain so to was the Ithorian always there to act the part of companion and confidant to their leader. As such there was very little time wasted by Moza in making his way towards the main grounds of the temple. The great figure of the Ithorian Jedi was rather hard to miss by anyone's standards and this was not necessarily due to the odd shaping of the Ithorian species. No it was quite simply the fact that Moza stood a full head or two over most of his peers. With very few other species naturally reaching the same heights as the plodding Knight he simply stood out in a crowd of non-ithorians. His grey clothing and black robes were also a little different from the very common beige and tan that most of his other peers decided to go with. But Moza found the colors better suited to him as his skin was already a dark-reddish color and the browns didn't compliment him as well as the grey and black. There was also his ambling gait which was also quite well known to many at the temple due to his time teaching here. To wit there were a few reasons for his slow pace, though the more commonly held belief was simply that Ithorians were a slow species. Although Moza had worked hard to overcome his natural dawdling tendencies he fostered the illusion at all times that he was a typical Ithorian in that regard. Not only did it show as a surprise for students and opponents when he suddenly started moving quicker, but it made it easier not to slip up when he was off world on missions. Making his way over to the waiting Marcus his dark eyes gleamed with an unspoken joy. As he drew closer the giant of a creature closed his eyes for a moment and gave a respectful bow towards the general. Even if they were old friends there was still a certain decorum to follow, and Moza was hardly one to break it. As he bowed though it was quickly revealed that he wasn't wearing his translator as the bulky device stood out very clearly along the back of his curved neck. <<Marcus, it is good to see you again old friend.>> Moza offered in his native Ithorian, the stereophonic sound of his voice echoed out from his mouths in greeting. <<What has brought you to our beautiful Tython my friend? It has been quite some time since you have come to set foot on its soil. Not that I am not happy to see you again of course.>> Moza added with a deep and echoing chuckle sounding from the knight at the last little comment.

 

[Marcus]

Marcus noticeably warmed when Moza approached, and he grinned as the friend came close and bowed. He would normally dismiss the bow, but it was indeed a proper thing to do. Marcus gave a return bow of his head. "You honor me, friend," able to understand Moza quite clearly after all these years. Marcus could be overly serious at times, and it was evident with his introduction. Even with someone he'd known for so many years, and fought with side by side, and trained with on Lothal. These two and the one Marcus was about to mention knew each other like the backs of their hands.

"Well," he said in reply to the question. "Can't a Jedi come rub elbows with the shiny folk once in a while?" His sarcasm was returning as he grew comfortable with his friend. He followed the rhetorical question with a sly grin. "More seriously though, I am here to call on Niishal... and, as the Force seems to have willed it, perhaps you."

 

[Aodán Sidal]

The golden irises of the Ithorian knight remained quite set upon the human before him as Marcus spoke. In true fashion the first words out of his mouth contained that bravado that had served his friend well for so many years. It was actually quite heartening to witness in the man who was likely burdened in no small way by his duties to the order and of course the galaxy at large. Chuckling once more with that rather unique stereophonic sound Moza was quite quick to reply, <<There is nothing wrong with coming to see the young ones. Although I fear the presence of a general might make them far more shine far more brightly before you leave.>> As if to emphasize his point the Ithorian made a sweeping motion to the side at a small grouping of youths bordering on the edge of their time here on Tython. No doubt they would soon be sent to find masters of their own, and seek to serve in the glorious cause of the Jedi Crusade. <<It is likely best to leave the polishing to the other masters for now so they might shine with more focused intent. Although if rumor is true then you have your own padawan now?>> Moza asked with a little hint of mischief in his dark eyes. Sometimes it was hard to think of Marcus the teacher when he remembered the man through their training and battles. Master Lau and Marcus' Master Brax had been old friends as well, and through their bond the chance meeting of Marcus and Moza was simply inevitable. In that way the force had guided the pair together just as it had lead them to Niishal to form the friendship that had lasted years.

As the tone of the conversation shifted to a more serious one Moza's pleasantries shifted appropriately so as to best consider what Marcus had to say. Raising his arms the ithorian knight slid his hands into the sleeves of his black robe before his chest. His golden irises held Marcus' gaze while a hint of curiosity peeked out from his otherwise accepting glance. <<The force acts in many curious ways. Tell me then, what need do you have of Niishal and myself? Or is it best to wait for him to arrive before going into detail about such matters?>>

 

[Marcus]

Marcus chuckled as he looked around - he'd not ever put much thought into his rank in the Jedi Lord's army. In fact, the Council didn't make it terribly obvious, although Marcus would be a known entity in the Jedi Order regardless. The kids motioned by Moza looked over when he did so, and Marcus just gave a quick nod to the master that was leading them towards class or where ever they were going. "Let's hope my career does not polish these fine pupils," he joked. "Although, as you say, I am taking someone on."

Marcus paused at that last statement... his thoughts obviously went off-planet and his grin swished away at the thought of his former master being slain recently. It did not have a connection to why he was here, at least not directly. "A story for another day, perhaps." Marcus wanted to talk about it, but not right that moment in that lobby and not without Niishal.

The human turned back and looked at Moza with a forced smile. "Still playing with the flowers?"

 

[Aodán Sidal]

Moza's eyes closed briefly as he seemed to give a quick nod of his head when Marcus confirmed that he was actually training someone. It was good to see him setting out in this manner as loss can consume as Moza knew all to well. So having this constructive outlet to focus upon, at least in Moza's mind, would help him keep focused. Opening his eyes once more the ithorian knight glanced off to the side where those students had been. <<To be perfectly honest I have been considering taking a padawan myself. It seems with the rising tension in the galaxy it might be good to have someone carry on my work should the worst happen.>> Moza pondered, thankful that many did not take the time to learn Ithorian proper so he could ponder aloud without having to worry much.

As the conversation continued on the Ithorian noted the pause in Marcus, and he saw how that grin simply faded away. Even though his friend didn't say it aloud Moza was certainly able to guess at what was the core of his pain. So withdrawing his hands from his robes the giant of a man reached out to place a comforting touch upon his shoulder. His voice echoing out from his mouths as he stated <<It is a story I will always be here to listen to. I remember how you were there for me when Master Lau was slain, and I shall certainly be here for you Marcus.>> There was certainly more than one reason why their bond was as strong as it had been. Through good times and bad they had looked out for one another and now was certainly no different. Still when Marcus turned back he could tell the smile wasn't as genuine as the delighted grin from earlier had been. Knowing this though Moza simply let it slide and withdrew his hand to speak once more, <<Yes my work is coming along nicely actually. I still have some contacts in the Ithorian herdships and we have been bouncing ideas back and forth about the re-population of plant life to devastated worlds. It is always a challenge introducing a foreign species to a new environment and there is much to consider before beginning to plot out such an undertaking. But I feel that we are already starting on the right track thanks to Master Lau's research.>>

 

[Niish Kydon]

Niish was delighted to have received a message from Marcus to meet him on Tython. It had been about one year since Niish was offered Professorship at Corscant University, shortly after Marcus' promotion to General, and communications between them had dwindled due to the sheer workload of their respective careers. It was the same with Moza who, last he heard, was still stationed on Tython, so this would be the perfect opportunity to catch up with old comrades. Returning to Tython almost felt like going back in time.

The spaceport was buzzing, he'd never seen it so busy, and as he continued on for the Lobby it was clear that it wasn't just the spaceport that was busy. Spreading his mind through the Force it became clear that the Jedi were ramping up the war effort. Had he become so far removed from the Order and so engrossed in his work that he hadn't even noticed? This thought was disconcerting and put him in great unease as his own emotional state adopted the seemingly frantic nervousness of those around him. Speculation took the place of his unease, truly what was the reason for this meeting?

Niish's smooth gait hastened, and wearing a robe that reached to the floor(pic in profile) it looked as if he was simply floating along like a specter. Entering the lobby he instantly noticed the large Ithorian that could only be Moza, though his back was turned and he wasn't able to see who Moza was talking to. As if wrapped in familiarity, a soft smile warmed his otherwise stoic expression as he stepped closer, it was in this moment a surge of pain clinched the remaining two fingers of his right hand into a fist. Niish had been diagnosed with Phantom Limb Syndrome several months ago and hadn't told anyone about it, not even his mother. He glanced down to his fist contracting harder than his muscles would normally allow, the micro-actuators of the cybernetic Ring and Pinky fingers sputtered and grinded as if responding to the pain. The cybernetics were of his own design and he knew he was very close to burning out another actuator if the phantom pain lasted much longer. He took in a hard breath in attempts to center himself and will the pain away, it was something he'd become quite good at during his tenure, and seconds later it was under control again, for now. Luckily the cybernetics were undamaged as he had left his tools and spare parts on the ship.

The happy anticipation of seeing Marcus and Moza again made it easy to regain composure after the brief PLS episode, Niish continued as if nothing happened and rounded to see that in was indeed Marcus that Moza was talking to. Niish put on the smile he'd practiced most of his life; a nice curl at the corners of his mouth making sure to keep his lips together so as to hide his jagged, flesh rending teeth. But this was only manufactured courtesy that fell away for a more normal Pau'an smile that only true friends could appreciate.

"A noble endeavor, to be sure." Niish interjected having heard the tail end of Moza's dialogue via a naturally heightened Pau'an sense of hearing fortified and amplified through the Force. Niish came to stand at Moza's left and Marcus' right. "My! Have you gotten bigger in your age, or have I shrunk?" he teased Moza in jest before greeting Marcus. "Is that grey I see in your hair, mister General? You're far too young for it. Perhaps you may think about a new hair style?" Said as he ran his hand over his bald scalp. "Bald is all the rage on Utapau, you know." Niish's attempts at humor usually fell flat, even after all this time he still wasn't sure what exactly it was that made something funny, but that didn't stop him from trying regardless of his complete lack of tact.

 

[Marcus]

Marcus patted Moza's hand as it reached up to comfort Marcus. It was a bond the three of these friends had, and it was soothing to know that it was still as strong as ever. He knew he could rely on them, and he would never shy away from taking them up on their shoulders. But not today, not with the goings-on with the Jedi and the Sith.

Marcus was going to reply to Moza's explanation of work when he spotted Niishal approaching and then joining them. Niish had a grand way of making them both feel warm with his words, even if in most people's view the Pau'an could be more foreboding to look at or converse with. That xenophobia - especially with Niish - was long out of Marcus' mind after all these years.

"White, grey, who cares." Marcus' faked smile from a moment ago grew to genuine. "Showing a little wear and tear is just as much a rage on Ilum." He managed a chortle at the end of that sentence, at which point he looked at Moza who greeted their friend in turn.

 

[Aodán Sidal]

Moza was glad to see the reaction from Marcus even if he didn't say anything in kind. The gesture was more than enough to let the Ithorian know his message was well received, and for Moza that was all that mattered at the moment. So when he withdrew his hand it was with the understanding that Marcus would be fine for now. It allowed him to continue on and change the subject without nearly as much worry pressing upon his mind. Hopefully this would afford Marcus the reprieve he needed to sort himself out, and if not...well they would cross that bridge when they got there.

Thankfully though the third of their trio picked that exact moment to make his presence known to the other two. The welcoming voice of Niishal sounded from behind him and prompted Moza to adjust to see the Pau'an approaching from behind. <<Indeed it is, although there is a war to win we must not neglect our roots.>> Moza sounded in his native tongue as his voice was unable to produce the words for basic without his translator attached. No sooner had he finished speaking would the knight let his dark eyes close and just as before he offered a bow of his head to his other compatriot. <<Niishal it is good to see you again, the finery of university life suits you.>> His eyes opening and those golden irises focused upon his fellow knight as he made the last little remark. The added joke from Niish soon had Moza chuckling once more, the dual sound of his laugh carried some in its richness. <<It could quite possibly be both, but the two of you have been so small to me for so long that I hardly notice any longer.>> Even if one did not understand the language the jovial tone in which Moza spoke was quite apparent to the ear. As the joking continued Moza was quick to add in his own little remark as well, <<Bald has always been the style on Utapau, but why mettle with a good thing?>>

 

[Niish Kydon]

"Oh? Then perhaps I should invest in a postiche next time I'm there." Said with a half chuckle in response to Marcus' comment on Ilum, though he always imagined having hair atop one's head would be quite the nuisance.

Niish met Moza's bow with his own, taking regard of his words. Hearing the Ithorian's joviality was always a pleasant sound, having such acute hearing allowed him to truly appreciate the unique dual-tone of Ithorian voices where most might normally hear a garbled mess of noise. It was uplifting to know Moza was in such good spirits. "Small?" he asked rhetorically "..and my tailor said this robe would make me look taller..." said lamenting the irony, then smiled. "It's a joyous occasion to see you two as well, my good friends."

"So.." stated as attention turned to Marcus. "We never had the opportunity to celebrate your promotion, and before I start calling you General Mor why don't we have a commemorative drink?"

 

[Marcus]

Marcus chuckled at the banter - it was quite a refreshing memory of their years together as Knights, as Jedi. They were still that, but they were obviously working sectors apart these days. "A drink would be good, although I've been keeping things rather pure the last few years. A nice cup of tea would suit me well today." He motioned beyond the lobby area and headed over towards a small market space with food booths and such. Eventually they'd be due at the temple proper - Marcus was due there himself with Lord Bau and General Sihkal, but for now, he had a few moments.

"And no need to be so formal, Niish," he said as they approached one of the eateries. Typically the Jedi didn't pay for much on Tython, being their homeworld for lack of a better word. But in this part of the spaceport, it was customary to at least tip the civilians and others who worked here. "I'll cover this," he said, as he ordered a fairly simple, smokey, black tea - a favorite of his that was fairly widely available in the galaxy.

After the other two got something he stayed there at one of the nearby tall tables up against a wall. Niish called for the commemorative drink, so he let the tall one do his thing before he went on to his reason for being here.

((OOC: Not the greatest reply, but Niish can do his thing and I'll get into the poop in a bit. ;) ))

 

[Aodán Sidal]

Distance was hardly an issue for those who had seen and been through as much as the three of them. Like any good friendship it was simply second nature to pick things up right where they left off in spite of the length of time spent apart. As such both Marcus and Moza seemed to be quite amenable to the suggestions for a drink. This came with Moza actually casting a curious glance to Marcus at his reply, <<So you have finally come to your senses and joined the purer side?>> The Ithorian teased as he had been one for teas for as long as he had known Marcus, and that had been nearly two decades now. As their plan had been set Moza moved with the others as they left the lobby and made their way to one of the small markets that tended to spring up around the temple.

<<I don't know, I for one prefer the formalities. But maybe I have been with the students too long to not expect them these days.>> Moza mused as they came up towards the eateries. As the others ordered Moza was forced to fumble with his translator and get it set in place. It was a hassle to be sure, but in spite of him coming to these markets so often a woeful few actually took the time to learn Ithorian. As such he was forced to almost always carry the tool about just so he could be understood by the others. Making his way up he ordered, "A cup of Tarine Tea and some Ant-flies." As he finished Moza tried his best to subtly slip a few credits the vendor's way. Even if Marcus was paying he always wanted to give a little extra to the merchants, especially since Ant-flies were not easy to come by on Tython and he wanted to make sure the merchants about kept an eye out for them when they were going for their supplies. With his order made he went to join the others at the table, but not before removing his translator and setting it in a pouch at his hip. <<I truly hate that device. If only more students understood Ithorian then I wouldn't have to lug this thing around as often.>> Moza murmured as best he could while settling in at the table. A feat which was rather difficult for any Ithorian to do simply due to their anatomy.

 

[Niish Kydon]

"If you insist." He gave no qualms about Marcus paying for the drinks. "Which reminds me, I believe I still owe you credits from the last time..." Said matter-of-factly as they trio came upon the kiosk.

After the two had ordered their drinks. "Utapaun Starshine, please."
"We can't serve Grade 4 alcohols, too much of a fire hazard."
"I see. Then some Kashyyykian Firemouth."
"That's illegal on Tython."
"Oh. Yes, of course it is. Then just a glass of Juna Berry infused spring water sprinkled with crushed Saffron Salts."
"Do you have any idea how much credits Saffron Salts co--"
"Hmph, very well! Tarine Tea, spare the Ant-flies."

With drinks in hand the three found a somewhat comfortable spot to sit "Moza, surely you know Ithorese is one of the most difficult languages to learn. What, with the four throats and two mouths. The range of sounds Ithorians can create are eight-fold that of most species." Sip of tea. "Mmph, sorry, that's the Biology Professor speaking."

"As for formalities, I may have to side with Moza on this one. It's nice to put aside titles once in a while, but that title is why people show respect, respect for what it takes to gain said title. And it doesn't just represent the accomplishments of the individual, it pays homage to all those who helped the individual to reach those accomplishments as well as all those who have held that title before you. We all stand on the shoulders of giants, sometimes those giants are younglings, padawans, students, friends and loved ones, for they are the reason we strive. So, with that..." raising his glass for a toast. "..Congratulations, Marcus Mor, on your promotion to General! Here's to the giants."

 

[Marcus]

Marcus couldn't help but keep his smile and chuckle at both Moza's hatred of the translator and Niish's issues with ordering a strong drink. As they all settled at the table with their teas - so much for a barhop - Marcus just made a sly comment. "Some things never change."

He listened as Niish gave his wonderful speech. It was nice, thoughtful, and formal. But he was right, some things did need to be recognized. Marcus earned his place, although he was still a rather humble person. He fought many skirmishes and battles alongside these two guys, his former master, and many other Jedi. He skirmished with the new Lord Bau as well. Marcus was an accomplished warrior. He wasn't the most competent bladesman, he wasn't the greatest tactician, but he was a great Knight. And it felt good to clank his teacup with his friends to celebrate that with them.

"Thank you, both of you." Marcus sipped his tea. "It means a lot." He chortled after his sip, acknowledging something. "Of course it means more responsibility, and with the way things are going, more active pursuit of shining a light in the darkness."

Marcus paused, setting his teacup down. The serious nature that Marcus showed in most public settings, with which the two friends would have been quite familiar, came down with a somber face and slightly hushed tones. "Which is why you're here. I need you two." He paused again, giving them each a look. "We need action where the galaxy seems fit to be complacent. Contented traditions will not win the day. Not with the Sith amassing in their own little corner of the galaxy. There is too much at stake to simply stick with what we know. We need to change, realign, and go forth instead of staying in. Lord Bau Zo has the right idea, and the right experience to make that happen."

"And I want you guys with me," concluded Marcus.

 

[Aodán Sidal]

Moza certainly understood the difficulties of the language after spending really any amount of time in the galaxy away from the herdships. But it didn't change the fact that the giant of a creature really hated having to wear the translator all the time. It was a beautiful thing to meet any one non-ithorian who knew the language so he could converse naturally. Alas such gems were few and far between and thus Moza was left to try and teach the language when he could if anyone had been interested in learning. It made him appreciate his friends that much more, especially as they allowed him his moments to complain about the device. <<No I suppose some things truly don't>> Moza responded in kind to Marcus' musing as he relaxed into the seat with the others and listened to Niish as he made his toast. Raising his own glass in kind Moza offered up the Ithorian equivalent of a here here to his friend.

Moza could see how much the brief speech meant to Marcus and yet he still felt the other man was hiding something form them. He wasn't sure what, but knowing Marcus it wouldn't be much longer now. So Moza bide his time and drank his tea while snacking on the Ant-flies. The species wide near biological addiction to the food was rather normal to him at this point, and a major reason he tried to make it worth the shops while to keep them in store. So he enjoyed himself while the predicted shift came in his companion's features, and in recognizing this Moza set his drink down and listened. <<While it is true that the growing presence of the Sith is something to be concerned about I find it difficult to be so eager to jump into active war. The damage to the many ecosystems that will be involved alone should give us reason to tread carefully. After all how many dead worlds have been created in the wars of our order's past? Healing these wounds was my old master's life's work and it is mine as well...>> Moza offered at first and after a brief pause he let his golden gaze fall to his hands and the glass resting within them. <<With these concerns stated it could be equally damaging to let the Sith roam unchecked. You know the core worlds will get involved eventually and from what I understand the boarder worlds are already gearing up for larger engagements. It would be irresponsible for the order to not try and mitigate some of the damage that undoubtedly will happen whether we stay neutral or not.>> Moza's voice faded off once more while his gaze slowly lifted from his glass and back to the human with the two. His eyes flashed with a grim resolve as he gave a quick nod to the General, to his friend, <<I am with you my friend. Until I draw my last breath I will support your cause.>> That was it, he would support Marcus and the cause he believed in. Moza had only known the Lord Bau Zo by reputation and the Ithorian couldn't bring himself to join when the call first went out for a war he was against. But he trained with Marcus, he fought with him, and through good and bad times the two had worked together for many years. Here was a man he trusted, a man he would happily follow, and hopefully through his involvement some of the wounds could be averted. At least that was Moza's hope...

 

[Niish Kydon]

Niish knew from the moment Marcus set down his cup that this meeting was less about celebration. He had tried to keep himself hidden away in Coruscant's biology labs, silently reassuring himself that any inclinations of a coming war were only speculation and hearsay not to be taken seriously. What a fool he'd been, coming to believe in his own lies. Marcus expertly ripped that facade away, forcing Niish to wake to reality. He listened, internally wrestling with the cold, hard truth of the matter: recruiting a Biology teacher likely means the Knights are either desperate or planning to invade, neither option sat well with him.

Moza's response was axiomatically indicative of his persona, always thinking about long term repercussions of short-sighted actions, certainly the Knights could use that type of mindset to minimize collateral damages. He took another sip in contemplation of what he could contribute, his Makashi and Ataru skills were at their peak and his studies into Magnify Senses has lead to some rather startling discoveries, but beyond that he was no military strategist nor battle-hardened soldier. Perhaps, with the inclusion of Moza who saw the world on a completely different level than most, the General needed perspectives other than his own. Perspective, Niish had that in spades.

"Hmph.." He held the Tarine tea in both hands close to his nose, enjoying the aroma, then spoke in reflection, his words flowing thickly. "My first and only encounter with the Lord Knight was in the Temple southern halls not far from here. It was only in passing but it left an impression. I was rather relaxed in giving a respectful bow as we crossed paths, when he sneezed rather explosively. I didn't have my ear mufflers on, you see, and the halls give such an awful echo. Startled to the core, my entire body shuttered as if being controlled by some otherworldly spasm with no idea of how a physical body functioned. Then I...I...sithspit, I forgot where I was going with that story. In any case, the man has a powerful voice." He brought the cup from his nose to his lips for a sip.

Then realized what he said wasn't anywhere close to an answer. "I have no reservations in taking up arms along side you, Marcus. To echo Moza; until I draw my last breath. But I admit, I had no idea things had gotten this bad, the media coverage on Coruscant is far too censored and the Academy screens my messages as a measure of 'security', so I'm afraid I'm a bit in the dark on what's been going on..." Niish made no reference to the willful ignorance he had previously become comfortable with.

 

[Marcus]

Marcus listened to his friends. They each had a story, and they each had hidden thoughts and feelings that told their conscious minds to smack Marcus around and draw them back into their own studies. Marcus' rather blunt and abrupt announcement would catch anyone off guard, to be honest, so he was not surprised by some of their initial words. Marcus was a fighter, but he was also a lover of peace. It would not be clear this day that deep down he also wanted to be less warlike and more defensive. But his logic and political awareness showed power over his emotions on the issue, as the galaxy did in fact need to fight the Sith in an active sense. It would be immensely negligent and downright stupid to ignore them. One hundred years of no Sith, or at least very rare encounters with them, could be taken as several steps from safety. But their amassing of forces and craft and even systems in the far stretches of the galaxy - confirmed incidents with them in a conflicting manner - brought them several steps towards danger.

Or death.

The General nodded as the two spoke honorably about their intentions to come to Marcus' side. He hoped they would soon realize what Lord Zo and many others saw - the Sith threat was real, and the Republic and the rest of the galaxy would see that threat realized.

"Thank you," he said plainly, and then paused. Their fervor was great, but their kinship greater. "You are true friends, and true allies of the Force."

Marcus picked up the teacup and took another sip. Even after a short discussion, the tea was no longer hot, which meant Marcus would not finish it. "Perhaps we can talk about specifics another time. Perhaps I could convince you to come to Ilum soon - I know you've both been there many times, but there is something I should show you. Many who join the efforts will see it as well, but I invite you as my guests."

Even as he hid his true emotions... fears... aside, there would be another bubble in the Force when he spoke of Ilum. The listening outpost that had been established there, the main docking spot for ships like the Peacekeeper, was a grand testament to the endeavor upon which the Jedi Crusaders would embark. It was a symbol of this new Jedi movement, a wash of Light that would quell the oncoming Shadows.

"It's cold, but it would be a site to see." He grinned, taking that last sip and setting the cup down for good. He knew the three would eventually end up getting into trouble sometime soon. But for now, they could relish in the glory that could be had in the start of an effort like this. The excitement was palpable and would fuel them all. Unfortunately, it would fuel the Sith just as much.

@Aodán Sidal @Niish Kydon