Ain't No Doubt About It

[Aliyah Phoenix]

-Music-​

Tython. She'd barely left the planet since the funeral of Jace, Ven and Evee. And the only times she had were to try and find whatever evidence she could that would point her in the direction of her father's killer. It wasn't a quest for vengeance, not really, but it was a quest to answer some questions. Questions that burned in the back of her mind.

Why did they die? Who killed them? And... why did they have to die? What was so important...

It was like a box of insanity inside her mind. Luckily, she was usually pretty good at keeping herself busy. Usually. Recently, she hadn't been doing the greatest. She was still, and would always be, as Jedi as they came - even though she had some issues with Wyck's little presentation. Not that she disliked the Grandmaster at all, it just seemed a little cliché to have a bunch of honorifics and titles passed out in the middle of a war that had turned genocide. Might as well admit it for what it was - the Jedi were being hunted down and killed, one by one. They temples were falling left and right, and things looked VERY bad. Aliyah would never run, though, unless it was feet first into battle.

...You could say I'm a lot like you, eh?

Her thoughts turned to her father again. And then she pushed him out of her mind again, trying to calm herself down, tapping her hilts gently as she walked. The Tython temple was being rebuilt fairly quickly, and the damage that was done to the hallways was almost gone. She picked up her pace to a light jog, continuing through an arched doorway until she finally found the Temple Library. Her brother (who she'd just recently come to discover existed) usually worked there, archiving and recording information.

"Arhena!" She cried as she entered, her heart warming at the thought of his normally warm replies. But, to her surprise, she found the old room empty, with various holocrons just laying about.

"Arhena?! Hellooooo?!!"

@Nightfall096​

 

[Vollen Shai]

"Is not here, I'm afraid" Vollen answered to Aliyah's call. He came round from a corner nearby, hearing the footsteps tapping against the stone. He recognised her voice, he did not know she was still here on Tython after the funerals. To see her out was a good sign though, he hadn't for a long time, understandable given the circumstances. The Jedi were a group ever prone to loss it seemed, so much time had been spent in mourning for so many that it was easy to forget to keep on going.

Vollen himself had little time for study now, though reflection he'd made time for. He had plenty to think on. And plenty to plan for too, despite the losses the Jedi were a flurry of activity now, redoubling their efforts in the face of their losses. They had to. He had to. It was the only way he was able to keep going too often, turning his mind to new problems, new opportunities. It did no good to hide away in the bosom of the archives, he'd lived that life already as a young man. Now his mind was clearer, for the most part anyhow. He was a Jedi Master, such was his role and fate to keep on when others needed guidance. And he knew well enough how to now.

And so he found himself in the archives now, following up on rumours of ancient temples across the surface of Tython, ready to be rediscovered by the Jedi again. Something new to keep his mind on. That could wait however,

"Clearly a curious one though" he said with a smile, seeing the holocrons littering the room. Such things were often kept much more secure than this, he entered the room past Aliyah, beginning to collect them up. He knew what she must be going through, he wouldn't bring up such things unless she wanted to. For now, he was happy enough to simply talk with a friend.


@Autumn's Firefly

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

She had been ready to start searching the room when, suddenly, a voice called out from behind her. She had been so focused on finding Arhena that she'd barely noticed the familiar aura of Vollen stroll up behind her. His aura wasn't the thing that gave him away initially, though, as Aliyah almost jumped. She hadn't expected somebody else to be in this wing, but she had been looking for company or conversation.

Vollen?

A lot had changed since they'd last seen each other. Too much had changed. in fact. When was the last time she'd seen his face? The first gathering on Tython after it's reclamation? And then again, they hadn't exactly spoken at length. She'd been otherwise busy with various small, Knight things. Nothing compared to a Councilor's job, though, which was another slight shock to her. She remembered when it had been she and Venatus training Vollen and Bri, and now he stood far above her in skill. Not that she was jealous, it suited him, and she was getting tired of the warfare anyways. Leaning back on the desk slightly, she averted her gaze.

...well what am I even supposed to say?

She considered it for a moment, before he made his comment about her brother. He'd left a little while ago on a bunch of missions and errands and hadn't returned yet. That was worrying her, it was one of the reasons she'd come to check. Leaning down to help pick up the holocrons, she gently shook her head. It's not like the boy was a very tidy person, and unlike Ven he was irresponsible and rambunctious when it came to his own safety or duties. Talented, but headstrong. Aliyah had promised his mother she'd look after him, especially after what happened... she felt a certain responsibility in making sure he lived. But she couldn't think about that now, he was probably okay. Right? She managed a weak smile and tried to energize herself through those negative thoughts.

"...Hey, Vollen. Yea, curious is the word. Long time, no see. How's council life?"

@Nightfall096​

 

[Vollen Shai]

Aliyah was troubled, that much was clear. He had expected her to be so anyhow. The last time he'd truly faced loss like that he'd kept himself confined to the temple. That she was up and about was good to see, even as she put on a brave face as she said hello,

"Oh no, I'm not on the council yet, I still have to go before them one last time" he offered her a grin in reply

"Then they can decide my fate. Either way, there is always plenty to be done, I've kept myself more than busy" he let out with a small laugh, though not without his own pang of regret. Not all such things had been successes.

He could feel her emotions through the force, confusion, frustration, all these things rushing together inside of her. That she held together so well was remarkable. Anytime he had come across her, or Venatus, during their travels had always been a pleasant one. They caught up so infrequently it was a reunion of sorts to find her here. If only it were under happier circumstances,

"And how are you, Aliyah?" he offered softly, pensively. He wanted to ask more, share his sympathy, support, but whether it was needed he didn't know. They had seen eachother at the funeral, their had been enough grief gathered that day for the Jedi for a long, long time. Whether it was time to open that wound again... he was trying to tread carefully. Aliyah was his friend, one he'd had for a long time now. Finding her now was fortuitous, and welcome. Both could probably do with talking to someone, properly.


@Autumn's Firefly

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

"Oh? I thought you were on the council. But hey, good luck, I hope you succeed.

You're one of the only people I feel deserves it."

For a moment, Aliyah actually smiled back. A completely normal smile, something that hadn't showed up in a while. It disappeared instantly as her heart turned cold. She felt a sudden and shocking sensation blast across her body, causing her to fall to one knee and cry out in pain. Her mind exploded into a series of panicked thoughts, trying to find out what was happening - and then it was gone. It was gone.

The force bond was gone.

She fell against a wall in tears. She'd come here to find her brother, and Aliyah guessed the Force had a really twisted sense of humor that she'd feel him die in his own library. Arhena had been a child! There was nothing in her mind that could justify that, and this time she knew for certain who was to blame. This wasn't how she wanted people to see her, this isn't what she wanted to be feeling again... but to her surprise, she felt nothing. Nothing at all. All that rage and anger and frustration that overcame her a few seconds ago was gone, and she was completely numb. Aliyah stopped suddenly, her eyes becoming glassy and distant. A cold, burning fire light in both eyes, a pallid blue. There was no spark in that fire, it barely gave off a glow and was as cold as death. Her face was expressionless as the tears evaporated and stopped coming.

Alright, Kathry... (@TheMorrigan ). I'll take up your offer.

"...I'm...They'll never harm another Jedi.

We have a captured Sith. My sister. I think it's time we make a deal."

@Nightfall096​

 

[Vollen Shai]

A smile returned, Vollen was glad to see it, if only for a moment. Aliyah had been through a lot in her time, and little time it was at that. The latest news was only one in a string of events that he knew about, and there was likely more besides, they didn't see eachother often enough to know the intricacies of their lives. Few people ever could, even outside of the Jedi where relationships of a more personal sort were common. Few people ever knew eachother in a way that they hoped, or needed to at times. But, she was still his friend, that much was clear. And while she flattered him now, he had to laugh. There many deserving in the Order, but he was touched nonetheless.

And then she collapsed.

"Aliyah!"

Vollen flew down to her in a moment, steadying her as she fell with a cry. Whatever came over her was terrible and sudden, he didn't need the force to know that much. But the force shared something else instead, like a life just near him had been cut off, a tether that flew away in a moment. And yet, there was no one else in this quiet corner of the library. Something else was at play here. It was clear on her face, as her eyes seemed to change and hum with a faint light, a half-light of uncommon colour and pallid life.

She was a strong one however, suddenly recuperating. Vollen recognised the feeling in the force, that sudden loss and connection. A force bond. He involuntarily reached for Cala's crystal that hung from his neck. She was still with him, in some way she was still there. Some days it was as if she was at his side. Others quieter, and they were more and more frequent now. If the pain he experienced was anything like Aliyah's now, he knew what she was going through. But, her words seemed to suggest that they had responded in a very different way,

"Those words don't sound like those of a Jedi, Aliyah" he said softly. the words were harsh, but he didn't mean them as censure, but as caution,

"I don't know what deal you have in mind Aliyah but please, do not act in haste, or hate, grief, or bravado. Having made all such mistakes I promise you they bring only more pain. And not only on yourself" the lessons of Jedha, of his failures on Alderaan, he was learning them now. Well enough to know when he feared others might make the same mistakes. And he couldn't let that happen.

He would not wish that burden on anyone.

@Autumn's Firefly

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

"I do not act in hate, Vollen. I'm not like that. Kathry... she offered a solution once. I didn't believe her then. I do now.

It isn't vengeance. But..."

Her eyes glossed over his as he caught and braced her. She wouldn't do this for selfish reasons. But if that monster wasn't stopped he'd kill everyone in his path until there was nothing left. Kathry, no matter how twisted, had offered to help her take Kravos down for what he did to Venatus. The security footage from Manaan was enough to convince her that the days of playing it safe were over. She'd face the Dark Lord alone, if that's what it took, knowing while he lived the Order would never be free. No Jedi would ever be safe. If Arhena died, it meant he refused to answer, but that didn't mean they were safe. Tython was no longer safe. That took a moment to kick in, and her face visibly saddened as she realized what it meant. They didn't have a stronghold anymore, the people most willing to fight were dead and gone.

"How much becomes too much? This is my too much... I'm feeling things... I didn't even know I could feel."

She was still passive, not letting her emotions show. Aliyah would have felt a lot of things, but truthfully she wasn't letting herself feel anything at all. Emotions were not a good thing to be feeling at a time like this, she needed to act on cold logic. Before it broke her completely, and she well and truly lost control. Talking to Vollen was a nice reminder of how things were... but given her conflicted emotions in the past, she didn't know what to do. She was tired, she was upset, she felt alone, and the only family that had accepted her was dead. Both of them, killed by the same man, in the span of a week. The fact she was still standing and not absolutely losing herself to tears and pain was hard enough. It was a thin veil, though, and if pushed it would break and the floodgates would probably open again. All the girl wanted was an ending to this pain and burning desire to do something about it.

"...I really don't... have anything else anymore. They're all gone. My family is gone."

@Nightfall096​

 

[Vollen Shai]

Vollen looked at Aliyah with sympathy. She was right, he didn't sense a hate from her, but she was unbalanced, that much was clear no matter what. And understandably so, that was no mark against her, but they were both Jedi, a role Vollen was gaining a deeper understanding for, and one he'd try to live even now,

"Aliyah, Aliyah. I know..." he wasn't used to giving comfort, but he had lived part of her struggle, "I know it's hard, that it's, all too much but... their lives are in the Force now, they're still here, bound to us just as they were before. Don't forget that, don't despair of that. The Jedi Order is family for everyone in it, and its still here for you" and he meant every word. He hadn't seen his own family in a long time, if they were even still out there to see. They might even be part of the Judicial forces now for all he knew. He hoped they were. Or retired on some quiet little core planet, or colony. They'd never been close, but, he wanted them to be okay.

He'd lost enough.

"Feeling things is how were meant to be Aliyah. Even Jedi feel, despite what people think" again, from personal experience he knew that,

"But don't let it define you. Let them come out and then move through you, and out of you. The galaxy needs us" Vollen offered again, trying to keep her focus beyond herself, and her pain. He was here to listen though.


@Autumn's Firefly

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

"I know... I know they're still here... but they're not here...

The Temple... it wasn't your fault. I can't say that. I was right beside Dad when he decided to go and I didn't do anything to stop him. I... And Jace..."

She knew he had his own issues, and it was selfish of her to only address her losses. It wasn't Vollen's fault whatsoever what happened to that temple, and to see that Andraste's words were affecting him this much... that was exactly what that witch wanted. But even as she tried to use her own experience to comfort him, and in a way change the subject. And there it was again. Just a poke and the firewalls were gone, her eyes brimming with tears again. She regretted not going with Venatus, even though she knew it would've ended in her death... but maybe she could've done something. Whatever possibilities that had existed between her and Jace had died that day too, not even twenty four hours after their return from Zeltros. And Arhena... a seventeen year old kid... one she'd promised his mother to protect...

"...And I- I- I don't know what I'm going to tell... Marion... I promised I'd- I'd look after him..."

She shook her head through the pain, her voice starting to quiver. No matter what anyone told her, that was her failure. As his eldest sister, she should've been there with him every step of the way until he was back safely. But instead she'd been too busy coping and being secluded that she'd never even noticed him leave. She gave him the codes to her old freighter, even though she promised Marion that she'd make sure he didn't get hurt. She'd failed him. Aliyah could justify that Eivor, Jace and Venatus died protecting people. But her brother was entirely on her. It was more than likely his mother already knew Arhena was gone, if she'd felt it then Mary was most certainly aware. It would crush her, losing a lover and a son in the same week... that sounded like a pain even she'd never felt. But then again, she didn't have kids, and considering her track record maybe that wasn't such a good idea. She inhaled sharply and sighed, calming her voice.

"...the Galaxy needs you. They have no idea what they're asking for, if they want me..."

@Nightfall096​

 

[Vollen Shai]

He could hear the pain in her voice, the guilt, regret. And yet he knew he could only do so much. But he would do what he could to put her mind at ease, though this talk of a captured Sith, and a deal still played on his thoughts. Her words to him were kind, though she absolved him so easily was touching, if not perhaps idealistic. He had made a foolish move, and it had been a failure. She had done nothing of the sort, or so he thought from her words,

"And you cannot hold it your fault for their deaths Aliyah, not if you simply let them go. You can't be by someones side always, even your brothers" those words, brother, father, he knew their relationship. But it was something rare in the Order, such relations discouraged and even disavowed. Grief like this, while natural, was one such reason for it. Though that would not stop him offering her his help,

"No matter what you think there, the galaxy doesn't want you to despair either. I know, I know you want to grieve, to see some justice done for this. But don't let it take you, it's a dangerous path, one that has led many away from the light" he counseled. Perhaps it was obvious to her, but she needed to hear it, he felt. Such deals were worrying, she needed to find something in herself, something postive,

"And I don't want to see you in despair either. I don't think you will follow that path Aliyah, I truly don't. But remember the path you've chosen. There are ways to fight, and stand up again. If I knew Venatus at all then he wouldn't want you throwing yourself into some crusade. There are smarter ways to fight back" Vollen again offered, trying to calm her. Placing his hands on her shoulders he tried to offer her some comfort. No matter what he said, these were her emotions, and she would feel them as she did. He couldn't change that. Just try to channel them into something constructive.

@Autumn's Firefly

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

"...maybe not. But I could have done more."

Aliyah's head shook, as though she was shaking away the pain. Her eyes, while still puffy, started calming down. This wasn't exactly a side of her she showed. The death was sudden and part of her was afraid she'd feel something else, but it also gave her a strange sense of determination. They were in a better place now, but she was still here, and she could still make sure this horrible loss didn't continue. Her eyes flashed downwards and then back up, uncertain. She could feel a flicker of doubt and concern from him.

"There's good in her, Vollen. Otherwise I'd never even consider something like this... Kravos is coming for us, and we'll need to fight him eventually anyways."

Her composure was returning to her as she changed her focus from this crippling pain to address this concern that seemed to be forming between them. Her family had existed before the Order, before any of them had taken the dive into what a Jedi should truly be. The grief she felt was only because of the intense amount of shared knowledge, unity and time spent with the one who'd literally taught her everything she knew. Besides, it's not exactly like the tenants had been followed closely back then, and she was much stronger for the connections she'd shared. Here or there, the lessons Aliyah had learned and taught had been some of the most important in her life. A Jedi could teach you a lot, but her father had taught her how important she was, and that she was no less than anyone else. He'd taught her how to carry on, how to handle grief and stand tall, how to be a good person. And how to do it all without giving up her values in the process. Her mind would never classify that as a downside, and even Kathreveris was better from Venatus' parenting. But she'd get to her in a second.

"...there are smarter ways. And that's what I'm considering. Kravos is their mind, he is their commander and without him they'd collapse under their own power struggles. If Kathry could get us to him, something that she was risking her life to even offer, we'd have an actual chance of taking him down."

@Nightfall096​

 

[Vollen Shai]

"I like to believe there is good in all, Aliyah, I sympathise, I really do. And it is a hard line we walk between trying to save our allies, and save ourselves" Vollen paused for a moment in his response, before laughing slightly beneath his breath,

"Or, something like that. If Kathry wants to be redeemed within the light then perhaps your cause is a just one. But..." again he paused, moving around to in front of Aliyah, better to speak to her face to face as he gathered his thoughts on the matter,

"Make sure you know that before letting her know more about the Jedi, or diving deeper into these plans Aliyah. We leave our families behind for a reason. And I swear I don't say that to sound callous. I just want us to be safe, you to be safe. We've all lost so much that anything more... I cannot fathom the toll it would take on us all, further than it already has" those words took him a great deal of time to say, pausing, speaking soft, but he felt he had to. From what he could gather this plan of hers felt deeply dangerous, risky even. He couldn't bare to see another lost after it all, not his friend. And such thoughts on Kravos, perhaps her judgement was correct, but that Kravos had also been the one to take her family from her... it worried him, he had to admit,

"The Dark Lord of the Sith must be stopped, I won't deny that. But few in our Order could face him, by all accounts. Though many are ready to risk their lives to do so. And true, the way they have chosen in one fraught with the infighting and desire for power, but there are many among them strong and determined, as they were when they were among us. I do not think his death would sunder them so much" she was courageous, he gave her that. And so was her sister, if this plan was true, but he wouldn't see their lives lost in something foolish,

"Be careful, Aliyah"

@Autumn's Firefly

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

"...Vollen. I'm not sure switching sides is what she wants. You didn't feel the hatred Kravos' name brought out. I'm a Jedi, I... I'm handling Venatus' death. She's his biological daughter. She wants that Sith dead, and I'm afraid she's going to get herself killed like... Like Arhena did."

Aliyah leaned back against a nearby stand for a moment. She'd pretty much regained her composure, talking about possibilities was something that really helped with grieving. At least, it helped her, distracted her mind and let her do the things she thought they'd want her to do. Not to mention that this seemed like the first real opportunity they've had to impact the war in their favor. Was it true that Kravos' death might get a reaction or response? Yes, yes it was very possible. But they were being hunted as it is, and they might actually think twice before attacking again. Spintir's fall and Jon's death was also on her mind.

"Kathreveris Van Alasdaire may not only be the last pureblood of their species left, she's also the last of Venatus' line. I have to try."

She tapped her foot, and almost started to pace, her face beaming with concentration. If they did nothing, and continued to lose this much ground, their situation wasn't going to improve. The only thing Aliyah could really count on was the Sith's arrogance, they might think the Jedi were too weak to do anything and ease up. If that was the case then this would be the perfect time, when their guards were down. Of course, if they didn't plan on easing up and wanted to fly an entire Starfleet directly above Tython like they did on Jedha... well, as far as she knew, they could. They'd be fighting the Sith on their front doorstep, sitting like nerfs in a barrel. At least this way, they could peg off the one who seemed the most ruthless, a Sith Lord that seemed open to killing everything.

Maybe even a few of his underlings, if they were lucky, the Dark Lord from all reports didn't seem to travel alone very often. She could sense that Vollen was hesitating, and she couldn't really guess why. The target could be mistaken for a personal thing, and in a way it was. But it was more to protect Kathry from herself than to kill Kravos in revenge, because she knew that Kathry wouldn't stop until she completed her goals or died trying. She gently scoffed as he started talking about the Sith Lord. He was giving the man way too much credit. After all, that's all Kravos was, a man who'd sold his soul for his power. They had enough Jedi, enough skill, and more than enough willpower to take him if they worked together.

"Vollen... that's fear talking. Look, Kravos is powerful in the Force. But he's not Vahl. He's not some God, and we need to stop treating him like one. As for duelists? Wyck is more than a match for him, we have the people we need. I know it sounds like I'm grasping at straws here, but this is a chance. A chance to take a major player off the field, even if Kathry can't be trusted she is our captive. She'll tell whatever we need. And then, if it makes you feel more comfortable, let the Council decide.

Do you think I'd ever do something like this alone? We can't go on the offensive openly. We also can't just sit back. They're invading our temples, killing our mentors and our students. Call me crazy, but I'll take on Kravos and anyone who takes his place until they learn to leave us well enough alone."

@Nightfall096​

 

[Vollen Shai]

Vollen listened to her reply, curious, this whole situation seemed very strange to him, one that though Aliyah made a good case for something nagged in him to counsel despite that,

"But that sort of hate is dangerous, it is what the Sith embrace. Trying to harness anothers hate to your own ends is something that... Something that seems worryingly close to embracing it. I'm not saying you will, but the dark side it taints, corrupts, that's why we do such to stay away from it. Being alongside it..." his thoughts were tripping over themselves to come out, not fully formed. Kriff, perhaps he had let his own studies linger these long years, perhaps he could articulate it better then. It would be something to return to, one day at least. It would be ideal, it had always been what he enjoyed, but there was little time for such many of these days. Little time at all,

"Perhaps yes, I give him to much credit, though I think you do the same, believing that he alone is such a pivotal part of this Empire. Of course we cannot sit back, many of us are out and acting as we speak. But whether an... assassination would do what you hope... Knowing their plans, their fleet movements, numbers, construction facilities. These would save lives, and hopefully give us an edge in the long run. For the Dark side the strongest survive, if Kravos dies another would replace him" he added. It was true they were at war, and war needed far more than a lightsaber to survive. The Jedi would need more than that. Knowing better the Sith's strength and intention, building their own, in his mind at least these were needed first. But with a sigh, he would finish,

"But, if you believe you have a plan, then by all means discuss it with the council, confidentially I should add. Such grave actions are ones that require more counsel than I can give" he offered her a smile at the end. It was good to see someone so ready to act, to get out in the galaxy and do. But there were ways to go about that.


@Autumn's Firefly

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

"...being alongside it hasn't had any effect on me so far. Wouldn't be the first time I've fought beside like minded Exiles. On the topic, though, that even hate can be used for something good could show her a better way... that is my goal."

It made sense this was strange. But she was channeling her father so hard it wouldn't surprise her if she started talking in his weird, ye olde speech. He'd been very outspoken about doing everything and anything he could to push the Sith back, and she agreed every step of the way. And even now, with all this grief building up inside her, she needed to do something. Anything. Anything more than sitting around and letting the Galaxy burn around her. That drive and energy and leadership that made people feel like they could go to the ends of any universe and fight even the most terribly unthinkable horrors... that was hers now.

"It wouldn't be an assassination. I'd never do something like that. He'd have a chance to fight. And you can bet your lucky stars he won't be alone."

In a way, it had always been hers, but now it came out freely and openly. The uncertain and timid little girl from Ryloth was gone. A woman had taken her place, and this was the first time the Order ever saw it. Wouldn't be the last time though. She knew what she had to do, she knew that her path would cross with Kravos' again one way or another, Aliyah could feel it. And this time? There would no surprises, no ambushes, no games.

The Empire wanted a slaughter. They'd been getting what they wanted for way too long. She wasn't going to let them take this place too. In all of their certainty and lust for victory, they would come expecting the Order to cower and run. Aliyah was tired of cowering in fear, hiding in plain sight, running away from every Sith with their robes tucked beneath their legs. The effects on the newer Knights were pretty obvious. What could they do, that Master Jon Atreides couldn't? What could they do that Venatus and Jace couldn't? Well. She'd show them. Or, fail horribly and die trying, but at least she would go out showing the Order that there were some things worth fighting for.

"...I've thought about that. Capturing him. He'd never talk. And we can't break him, because we won't, we're better than that. Besides, he's way too dangerous to be left alive even in captivity. Nothing could hold him. Even if we stripped him of the Force, he's a living weapon, and the Empire's best would come for him. And if he escapes? Well then we'd be well and truly screwed.

...What is it?"

@Nightfall096​

 

[Vollen Shai]

Vollen mulled over her words, taking in a breath and finding a seat nearby. He was glad of her eagerness to fight, to do more than most Jedi, but he still wondered over the methods,

"You would seek him out to kill him. Perhaps it would not be assassination but it is not the way of the Jedi, not in such terms. Do think on that, Aliyah. Thousands have been written about the Force and the Jedi, but the simple words ring true still, that's why they stay. There is no passion, there is serenity" the conversation was becoming heated, at least the debate was. He wanted to refocus it somehow,

"If you think of nothing holding him then I don't know how you expect to kill him. But no, that's not what I meant. All the Sith, their very code is dangerous. I did not mean capture him to find out, but perhaps a base, a computer, a shipyard. All would be valuable, if not more so than one man" he mused. And he meant it,

"Wars here for us, and it'll come to the Republic in no time. Having information like that beforehand could give us, any allies we might have, an edge if it begins" his voiced calmed as he continued,

"And hopefully it would be a safer venture too" he said almost resigned. He wasn't sure he could persuade her out of it, but they could not afford to lose more Jedi, not so soon. And while that was what spurred Aliyah to act he feared it would only lead to her own. And that wasn't something he wanted to accept either.


@Autumn's Firefly

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

"We defend civilization, as well as the freedoms and liberties of all people. And while he lives, while they live, the Galaxy will have none of those."

She turned to face him fully, for a moment. She hadn't expected him to be so adamantly against this. The Jedi code did in fact say that, and she understood what it meant. It's all and well listening to the Code over all else, but at what cost? Venatus was right. Sometimes, sacrifices must be made for the greater good of the entire Galaxy. And the sacrifice of a single Dark Sider was hardly something she'd consider worth double checking. Kravos had a reputation of butchery, where he walked the ground was soaked red.

"Taking the life of an individual who has embraced the darkside can be considered necessary, for if left alive a darksider is a potential threat to all. Sorry, maybe I'm being a little passionate, but tell me who fits that description better than anyone. And the Sith are well beyond being a potential threat. War has been here for years now, people are being slaughtered by the thousands, more than just Jedi. We're down to our very last strongholds, we're less than half of what we were. The Republic? They've already proven we can't rely on them."

Her voice wasn't frustrated. It sounded more... defeated. She couldn't understand how she and her father had been the only people to see this for what it was. If they sat around on their hands and didn't act in some way to make very drastic changes to the war, they would lose. The Empire had already singled out the Jedi from the Republic, and if anyone thought they'd just allow their only two threats to start working together, they were crazy. The Sith had to be stopped, and taking the head off the snake was the best way to do it. Yes, Kravos was just one man, but he was more than that. He was an ideal of murder and bloodshed that the other Sith looked up to. And they thought he was invincible, she was half convinced he thought he was invincible.

The effects of his death, from a purely military perspective, would rock the Empire to it's core. It would drive the Empress to at least some degree of anguish, and with that anguish came stupid decisions. Stupid decisions made in passion.

Her training was complete, and now she understood. She wasn't Aliyah Coven. She was Aliyah Phoenix. She was Venatus Phoenix. She was Vesta and Arcturus Phoenix. She was the Phoenix. The knowledge of a thousand battles, millions of losses, hundreds of hours stained with blood, they all lived inside her, same way they did her father. Aliyah could finally understand what he meant, there was no changing the way a Sith Lord thought. The younger Sith? Who knows, maybe she could save them from themselves. But Jedi and Sith, as they were now, would never, ever change their ways. There was obviously no peaceful or diplomatic way to end this war, otherwise she would be preaching that option, and since that was the case it was her duty as a Jedi to make sure that darkness didn't fall on this... or any other planet. If she had to do this on her own, whatever, she would.

"I'm not going to sit around and wait for his list of bodies to pile up. Computers don't massacre people. Bases don't burn people alive. Shipyards don't electrocute people to death. If I gave him the offer to surrender he'd snap my neck before I even began talking, and you know it. I'm not going to kill him, I'm going to bring him to justice, and I'm realistic enough to recognize that is exactly what it will take. We can still do all of those things, but we're in the endgame now. We'll keep losing our strongest until we take their strongest down.

My safety doesn't matter. Not when you look at how much will be lost if we lose this fight."

@Nightfall096​

 

[Vollen Shai]

If Aliyah did not expect him to be so against this then he did not expect her to be so tied to this. He took a breath and kept his voice calm, he had no wish to argue. Vollen could tell that, for all her passion and drive she merely wanted to help, to protect those around her. Understandably, given the state of the galaxy, and all that had come to pass in recent times, especially to her,

"I understand, Aliyah I understand why he's a danger, why the Sith are a danger. But if anything then, if they've singled us out we don't need to make ourselves more of a target by doing that, any of us more of a target. If you succeeded true, Kravos would be dead, but the Empress would retaliate, against not only you and Kathry. but against all of us. More so even then now, when their eyes look elsewhere for enemies. I should know..." his voice drifted off at the end, remembering Jedha, and the now confirmation that he had hastened its destruction. Andraste, with even slight annoyance had rained fire on Jedi and innocents, what she might do if the Dark Lord was slain...

"And we could not face them in our current state if they turned their full forces against us" it was true, evne with the efforts of the Order they'd only acquired a few ships, a few troops, it was coming but slowly. Too slowly for any real defense if the Sith chose to attack soon,

"Find us allies Aliyah, find others who want to stand with the light. You're passion is inspiring, use it" he offered with a smile. Her drive was infectious, and though he had his own plans for now he wanted to see her use it somehow,

"Ships, soldiers, alliances, there are many who worry about them, who know the dark side is perverted. Those who remember the Hundred Year Darkness especially. There are a great many options to fight back against the Sith, and I'm certain you're blade will be needed soon"


@Autumn's Firefly

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

...he was right. She hadn't thought about that part, what would happen afterwards if she actually succeeded in killing Kravos. But she wasn't put out at all by that. That just meant she a lot to do before she got to that point, and she was a little weak compared to most Knights right now anyways. She needed time to train, she needed time to prepare, to convince Kathry, to plan for pretty much every way that this idea of taking the Sith Lord down could go wrong. Because, if she'd learnt anything in the last few months, it was that things went wrong very quickly and for no obvious reasons. Andraste was a very petty Empress, that was obvious enough after she leveled Jedha over an insult, and killing one of her inner circle would definitely paint a giant target on her own back, let alone the Orders.

"We can't be afraid to act because of what they might do. If we keep thinking like that, we're not going to get anywhere. But, you have a point. Hey! Look at me. That wasn't your fault."

She stared him directly in the eyes while she said it. He may be stronger in the Force than she was now, but Vollen had better not think for a second she'd lost her intuition. She'd spent years dealing with a guy who specialized in hiding how he felt from the rest of the Galaxy, that little trail off was obvious to her, he still felt guilty. Again, that was exactly what Andraste wanted, she could keep destroying things, killing Jedi, taking temples. And if all she had to do was point at a Jedi and say it was their fault, and completely tear them up inside, that really wasn't a good situation. Maybe she was giving Kravos too much power over her right now, and Aliyah could see why and admit that to herself. She didn't want to hear about somebody else dying to that homicidal psychopath.

"No, really. That witch called you out because she knew it would hurt you. And it is. We can't be having our Jedi Master feeling guilty all the time, it really isn't healthy for you. And it isn't going to help morale, which we don't have much of right now."

But she wouldn't have Vollen feeling the same way. There was enough pain to deal with right now without thinking he was somehow the problem, when he was part of the solution. She nodded slowly as he gave his list of reasons. A small smile lit up her face. It was a forced one, but at least she might be able to convince him that she hadn't gone completely off the rails.

"You're right. We can't fight them like we are now. I can hold of on this, but I really believe that as soon as we start making moves to get allies... we're going to bring the Sith down on us either way. My passion? I don't use it often. I'm not Ven. I can talk to you like this, I know you, I'm comfortable with you. Talking to a bunch of people that don't know me is very different.

I can try. But I really don't even know where to start. The Senate?"

@Nightfall096​

 

[Vollen Shai]

Her call at him snapped him back to attention. It was good to hear, he didn't feel like he was responsible, not wholly, but his role was there. Her support though was most welcome, and when she smiled at him he offered one right back. This did not need to be a conversation of regret, or an argument either. They had known eachother a long time now, they could speak a little more freely than others, and it was good to do so,

"Too right, there's too much to do to wallow, I know that, I do. And there's too much to do to keep focused on one track alone, so you're right, let's think" he offered, perking up. He often did that, when tragedy struck or things went haywire he'd shift his thoughts to the next problem, the next mission, it kept him sane so far. Time now to try again,

"And no Aliyah I'm sure somewhere in you there's a speaker, and leader, this sort of thing is a chance to show that, work on that" he uttered calmly, warmly. Vollen was pleased the conversation seemed to be moving away from before, into something much nicer, and productive,

"The Senate knows the Jedi Order well now, and certainly knows of our war with the Sith. The NAP still ties their hands to act, and indeed despite the good will we've won I doubt they would break it on our behalfs. No Aliyah, beyond the Republic, and to more immediate goals is where our efforts seem to lay. There are many planets with ships, troops, allies that can be found beyond their borders. That's where I'd look" a wry smile filled his face. There were many planets and groups that would make strong allies, or could provide them with ships immediatly that they sorely needed.

The Republic was a giant that slowly roused itself, there would be time to ally themselves there, if need be. Right now they needed something more immediate.


@Autumn's Firefly