Cousins (Open to Imperial Knights & Jedi Exiles)

[Dmitri]

Predator-class Star Destroyer Excalibur exited out of hyperspace near a Mon Calamari ship, the Harrowing. From a distance, a third party may have seen this as a bad sign. Mon Calamari ships and Star Destroyers together usually meant combat against each other, as holovids of Galactic Civil War holodramas went. However, neither ship fired on each other. In fact, neither showed signs of hostility.

The Star Destroyer had indeed been once an Imperial ship, but after a raid on the Yaga Shipyard, the Imperial Knights had claimed it for themselves. The Excalibur carried the Imperial Knights' leader, Knight-Commander Bellatrix La Rouge, along with several other Imperial Knights.

Rouge was most intrigued by the communication. Apparently, Matsu Ike had discovered the wisties there were actually working for the Imperial Knights, and had asked to meet with Rouge. Other wisties had eavesdropped on gossip about how a Padawan had been exiled and as a result the Padawan, her master, and her master's students, had left the Jedi Order. Rouge sighed; the Jedi were so quick to lose Jedi generally of their own fault, from Grandmaster Beric Karusan to Battlemaster Augustus Primus Leonus to Aiysha Remy to now these guys. Rouge had deduced that these Jedi exiles were either hoping for help or to join them. She would soon find out.

"I wonder how this will go," purred Rouge.

 

[Syn]

Matsu stood on the bridge of the Harrowing and saw the Excalibur. She spoke quickly and moved with a smile on her face. She had left the order not for anything else then an injustice and others followed. It was a boon to say the least the ones who stayed she didn't fault. As she came to the shuttle Matsu spoke into a comlink "Permission to come aboard Knight Commander?" Matsu was fully dressed in her master robes over the black leathers with her original lightsaber visible on her hip. An imperial kngihts saber from her adoptive mother and for now she was most interested in learning more about her if they could tell her.

 

[Dmitri]

A communication was being sent by the Harrowing, Barrel had reported. Rouge gave permission to have the transmission accepted. Matsu requested to be allowed on board.

"Permission granted," accepted Rouge. As the transmission ended, Rouge gave orders to the crew. "The Excalibur is moving from Threat Level 1 to Threat Level 2. Our 'guests' will be boarding soon. Stay on guard. I doubt they will try anything, but we will be prepared." She faced Barrel. "Send two squads to escort them into the ballroom." Barrel nodded in acknowledgement.

Normally, Star Destroyers didn't have ballrooms but the ship had been commissioned by Grand Moff Ein Morgenroete, the late master of the Yaga Shipyards, as part of a power play more than to defend the Yaga system. The ballroom was designed to be able to hold parties, but the floor could be risen to be transformed into an audience chamber for presentation, or how the Imperial Knights had mainly been using it, a strategy room and classroom.

Rouge left Barrel in charge of the bridge as she and another Imperial Knight headed for the hangar to greet their guests.

OOC: Anyone's free to claim the accompanying IK spot.

 

[Syn]

Matsu gave a nod and boarded her shuttle, anyone was free to come with her and bring only their lightsabers or training sabers. As the shuttle came across Matsu stood and breathed deeply to keep herself calm while they came into the Excalibur and she opened the door coming out and giving a bow to the ones there and she looked up at Rouge. "Knight Commander thank you for having me."

 

[DeathToll]

Zsaekriel was strangely quiet, arms folded even as he walk close behind his trusted Knight-Commander; only nodding to her earlier comment. Though La Rouge and he were not the closest of friends, as Jedi might define it, they were both very focused individuals; and in instances like this, since the day of the last Knight-Commander's funeral, Zsaekriel almost assumed a bodyguard's stance and gaze.

Many things might be on his mind, if he let his thoughts wildly take hold of his purpose here. He had come to a few mixed conclusions, however. But there was no denying that their own base was growing, while others even in their allies were fleeting. This was, overall, quite a welcome occurance in Zsaekriel's eyes; yet he had just as many assumptions as he did questions, more than likely to hold back every bit and continue to exersice control where such opinions were trivial in aiding their cause.

Coming to welcome occasions where he might where his original crimson armor, days where he might remember the old times, Zsaekriel was completely outfitted in red; his long white hair tied back into a high and tight ponytail. His dozens of small facial scars might catch some initial attention, though he did not expect it to matter to a Jedi Master who had likely been trained to not pay much attention to physical difference; or at least speak of it. His yellow eyes were beaming as bright and piercing as always, cropped by his dark gray skin. He carried a look of bias and clear cut answers worked into every tendon, be it in regards to physical fitness or the meaning of life. He knew who he was, but also posessed the trained quality to withold those beliefs from conversation. Here, he thought it best to secure the situation by empowering it as a supporter, both behind Knight-Commander La Rouge and before their guest.

 

[Dmitri]

"Welcome to the Excalibur, Jedi Master Matsu Ike," greeted Rouge.

Rouge knew Matsu through reputation. Matsu had trained many students, and it appeared that many had come with her.

Rouge snapped her fingers. Four guards approached.

"For security's sake, I will request you forfeit your weapons while on board until further notice," explained Rouge. Rouge decided caution was best. Remy, whom Knight and herself had met on Hoth, showed a prime example of that even Jedi can be tempted by the Dark Side. Rouge wasn't getting a dark vibe from Matsu like she had from Beric, but caution had to be exercised. Peller had made the mistake of not doing so, and it had cost her her life.

"Once you are ready, we will proceed into the 'hall," concluded Rouge.

 

[Syn]

Matsu bowed to Rouge as she unclipped her lightsaber and presented it to be taken then she slid from her shoulders the fans and gave them as well. Slowly she stood there and showed there were no other weapon on her as she spoke offering another bow. "Please I am no longer a jedi master, merely a traveler wanting shelter from the cold." Matsu kept her eyes on ROuge as she looked up at them both and she was ready to proceed into the 'hall' "So please Knight Commander... Seneschal lead the way."

 

[Fusion]

Lamia had stayed with Matsu for most of their leave from the Order. She was quite surprised that her master and fellow Padawans left the Jedi in protest as well... She spotted Matsu and 2 Imperial Knights, obviously quite important.

Master, is it alright if I come with you? I am the one that caused this whole thing to start in the first place.

 

[Black Noise]

Niasa had her arms folded, she had followed Matsu, yes. Not because she disagreed with the Jedi, but because the Jedi disagreed with Matsu. Truthfully, the Jedi were a place for Niasa to stay and become strong, she did not like them. After all, they had killed her family.

She stood behind Matsu, she was coming on board, she would follow her master. She didn't trust these Imperial Knights, not yet at least. Although, she would be surprised if they trusted her. Looking to the guards who came to take their weapons, Niasa admitted.
"I do not carry a weapon."
Truthfully, Niasa never carried a weapon, she didn't see the need for it. Being a Master of Echani allowed her to avoid using a lightsaber most of the time.

 

[Dmitri]

The Jedi Exiles forfeited their weapons without fuss. It was a good sign, showing the Jedi Exiles were willing to obey the Imperial Knights' security protocols.

"Follow me," ushered Rouge.

Rouge led the way to the ballroom. Security checkpoints had been stationed throughout the path, and all doors not passed through had been locked shut.

The ballroom had been placed in its not elevated state, allowing people to socialize. A few tables had been placed out. By the wall was some food and drinks.

"I apologize that we normally don't have such events, so we don't have much for fancy foods and drinks. Just normal foodstuff and non-alcoholic drinks," informed Rouge. Originally, Grand Moff Ein Morgenroete had loaded the Excalibur with an assortment of wine but after one incident by a drunken Prospect, Rouge had removed most of the wine; what remained was under lock and key.

"All of you are free to socialize as you please," Rouge informed the Jedi Exile. She turned to Matsu. "Matsu Ike, there's a table in the corner where we may speak." Rouge motioned to a round table on the polar opposite of the room.

 

[Syn]

Matsu followed Rouge and looked at the ballroom as she was quite impressed and motioned for Naisa and Lamia to relax and eat. Slowly she walked over towards the table and stood there for the knight commander as she spoke. "I will answer all I can, I don't want any secrets."

 

[Black Noise]

Niasa sat down after Matsu had motioned to her. Her slotted eyes were scanning the room, her infrared vision seeing beyond the walls. She couldn't see anyone directly outside of the walls, which was good. Turning to Lamia, she half smiled and sat down. She turned to the Seneschal, simply examining him. She wasn't relaxing yet, and appeared to be fully on alert.

 

[Dmitri]

Rouge sat down. A droid brought her a glass of water. She had been tempted to order some wine, but that may have seemed too arrogant.

"First, I'd like to hear the story behind this exodus," said Rouge. "I've only heard rumors."

 

[Syn]

Matsu sat down as she looked at Rouge and spoke. "Where to begin? It started with the old Grandmaster Beric when he exiled Kelly Cross. She may not have walked fully in the light but she has never been dark. She is grey and follows the code of Luke Skywalker closely. After Beric and Augustine left the order... At first it seemed fine the new Grandmaster was doing what he could. Then things changed the council seemed more concerned with ego and them being given control of the Alliance wasn't the best. Last time we were accused of trying to take over it was a lie and a purge happened now we actually did it. Then the attack on the Will of the Force and only silence befell the jedi, nothing came of it, nothing happened not even a hint we were preparing for more attacks. We just stood there and turned the other cheek again."

Matsu looked at Rouge as she turned her head to observe the seneschal. "I was with the jedi sent to meet with your men, I didn't know one of us had an agenda and was told to force terms on you. We were jedi we shouldn't have to set terms to help someone and we should not demand something in return. It doesn't matter you had nothing to offer you are servants of the light means your allies regardless of what a piece of paper says. But the council I guess wanted you on a leash so the dangerous Imperial knights who are all action and no meditation could be controlled with a threat to leave you in the cold or better yet refuse the council on a demand and any location of your men is recorded. Would they follow through with such threats I do not know but if they have the ability I suspect they would use it." Matsu breathed in again as she took a sip. "Soon after I was on a mission and I returned to be labeled evil for calling a retreat. Accused of the darkside it didn't hold because those who know me know that I will always follow the light. Then I felt my old master briefly when away and was saddened. I knew she was alive but she had become something else."



Matsu paused for a moment and breathed in again, she hadn't known anything she had felt her old master when she was in hyperspace traveling from Sump to Naboo and knew she was alive after Tanaab. The feeling from Remy wasn't what she had been expecting it was darker and sad but she had kept going. "Later the real point of our tale, Lamia was in a practice spar with a jedi knight and from what I have learned feared for her life in a spar. So she defended herself with electric judgement and he called her a darksider. When he confronted me I explained the difference between emotions and how jedi can use such a power with positive emotions but he was not listening he took it to the grandmaster and council and Lamia was labeled a darksider despite everything she has done. I could not stand for it and said if she was exiled I would follow because I was the one who taught her. It was an easy decision for the grandmaster he had disliked her since the first time he say her and seemed elated to exile her from th jedi. So I followed and most of my padawan came with me. The ones who stayed I cannot fault or blame it is the only life they have known."

"But I am not a fool commander I cannot protect all of them by myself. I was a jedi master and very skilled but I do not think myself all powerful I am a human. I can be broken, killed and beaten same as any and they are padawans my guidance can help and save them at times sure. What they need is a place where they can stay in the light and help the people. The jedi no longer offers that service is has become more of an aristocracy where the Grandmaster and council only care about the ones who lick their boots. It is not the jedi I remember it is not the jedi who protect the galaxy, they barely do that anymore the people suffer and die while they sit in the council chamber and enjoy themselves barely coming down." Matsu stopped herself as she looked at Rouge. "So that is our story, we are giving ourselves to you because wandering is dangerous without a place to call home and now I have no standing with the jedi. But I still have all I got while with them. The Harrowing is a marvel for training force users and its sister ship the Enlightenment is just as useful. I was surprised when your Seneschal didn't go and retrieve it I gave him coordinates."

 

[Dmitri]

Rouge listened to Matsu's tale. Most covered what she had heard. She hadn't realized the exile of Kelly Cross had played a role in the Jedi Master's exodus. Still, Matsu's story seemed credible. The Jedi of late seemed to focus too much on their position. Even though Beric had been offered to remain on the council, he decided to leave the Jedi Order entirely than be on the council without being Grandmaster; Augustus had shown loyalty to Beric over the Jedi Order. This Lecchaememnon seemd to follow this pattern too, unfortunately.

And so the reasons Matsu and her apprentices came to the Imperial Knights was clear. Rouge was not likely to turn them away. Some reeducation and background checks, with some constant observation and security measures in place would be in effect for a while. Hopefully they'd understand. It was not out of insult, but rather to secure safety of her Imperial Knights. Rouge was fine with her own life on the line, but the Imperial Knights could not continue if they were to be crushed.

"I understand," said Rouge finally. "I shall work to make accomodations. However, please realize I will have your people under observation for a while. I cannot risk the lives of my people on merit alone. I hope you'll be understanding.

"It is disheartening to hear about the Jedi this way," said Rouge. "To deal in absoluteness is the way of the Sith. Let us hope Lecchaememnon does not trend the same path Beric and Augustus does."

 

[Syn]

Matsu gave a nod of her head as she listened. She had expected some sort of security for them all afterall it was a rather interesting group to say the least and as she listened about the grandmaster... Matsu's heart sank she didn't know if he was like Beric but she was certain he wasn't much of a jedi. He coveted his position to highly and she spoke. "I understand, we will cooperate in anyway."

 

[Dmitri]

"Excellent," said Rouge. "We can discuss details later. For now, let's not waste this time we've been presented to socialize and get to know each others' groups."

 

[Syn]

"No we should not waste it." Matsu stood up as she moved and spoke. "This knight commander is Lamia Kressh and Naisa. Both are skilled padawans and friends. THe others are still on the ship you will be able to meet with them later I suppose we are all going to the same place."

 

[Fusion]

Lamia waved at the Grandmaster.

Hello. Pleased to meet you, Knight-Commander.

 

[DeathToll]

"Mh... I commend you for your committment to your students."

Zskaekriel was finding it difficult to relate because of his bias, though he managed. He was very quiet because of this, but believed strongly in responsibility. In this he found conflicted conclusions in mind, both seeing the ex-Jedi as deserters and freedom fighters in the same. He is a warrior, and perhaps that makes it easier. Though it did not sink in well when he heard Matsu speak of the Jedi as wanting to keep them on a leash. In fact, there was little more that could be done to hurt the Jedi's image in his perspective. If it weren't for the Knight-Commander, what would have become of these Jedi? More to be swallowed up by the Sith? There were no doubts in this Seneschal's mind.

But still, he could not find it a simple thing to be friendly. He still stood, without his seat. His arms, folded, not only over his chest and armor; but over his heart.