Familiar

[Vollen Shai]

Theme
​

The new Jedi Temple on Tython, Mahara Kesh as it once was called, was an imposing sight. It was the first time Vollen had appeared inside its walls, a first for many of the Jedi who now found themselves stationed there.

But a new space and new surroundings breezed past him like the ocean winds that surrounded their new home. He came now to return before the Council, and indeed the feeling was a familiar one, though albeit with far more nerves now than he had ever felt on their first meeting. So much had occurred again, it seemed the galaxy would never let the Jedi simply rest. He knew that it would always be so. But at times like these, he could only wish it weren't.

He brought with him a recording of the happenings of Jedha, as well as the Senate decisions he had remained present for during his stay on Coruscant at the Grandmasters request. Especially the request of Senator Todan, his journey to Manaan would be of interest to the Council. But he somehow expected that such things may not be relevant just yet, at least, not as part of this meeting.

No, he knew what today was. He was ready for it, he hoped.

And so, as he rode the elevator to the High Council chamber, he breathed deeply, centreing himself as he had done when first appearing before the Council, and entered the chambers.


@Malon @Wit @Loco

 

[Wyck]

The Jedi High Council chambers, and, indeed, the temple that sat within, were a testament to how far the Jedi Order had come in the short time Wyck had been its Grand Master. The Jedi Order finally had a permanent home. A headquarters. And, far above their heads, in orbit around the planet, was the first ships of a new Jedi fleet. The recovery was by no means complete, but, it was a start. Progress. And Wyck was pleased with what had been done. But now was hardly the time to reflect upon such things.

The Jedi Council was convening for a number of reasons. The first order of business, that day, was deciding whether or not Master Vollen Shai would be accepted into the ranks of the High Council. And there were a lot of factors to that alone. His assistance to the Republic during the Alderaan investigation, his mission to Maanan, but especially that business on Jedha. All of it needed to be accounted for. All of it needed to be answered.

Later, Master Bruce would be appearing before the Council to aid Wyck in giving their report about the Skyward Sword and the Jedi who had betrayed them and killed Master Sige. The Grand Master still couldn't believe that Spencer Ward was behind that betrayal. It was almost too much to bear. But bear it, he would. He crossed his hands over his lap and waited for Master Shai, their first order of business, to appear in their chambers. It was a beautiful day outside. The ocean shimmered beyond the chamber windows, and the Council was now in session.

"Much have we to cover today, my friends," Wyck said. "I declare this meeting of the High Council to be in session. First, deal with the matter of Master Vollen Shai's ascension to the Jedi Council, we will." He turned and looked from Jon to Thalia to Rhem. "Which of you would like to begin?" @Wit @Loco @Nightfall096 @Zigara

 

[Jon Atreides]

Jon had almost been late for the meeting, his first Council meeting since being appointed to the High Council. That would have definitely been a great way to kick things off, but luckily the lobotomy obsessed droid had reminded him of the meeting. Not because he wanted to make sure Jon got there on time, but because he didn't want to miss the opportunity to offer his services if anyone needed to be punished. Jon hadn't had the energy to explain to the droid that this wasn't that kind of meeting.

The reason he had almost been late was because he had lost track of time exploring the temple, having just arrived here the previous day and never having set foot in it ever before in his life. That had been a recurring event lately, visiting temples he had never before seen, and he saw it as the good thing that it was. The Jedi were finally rebuilding after the fragmentation caused by the Hundred Year War, things were finally beginning to look up once more.

But while he was glad of all the ongoings in the Order of late, there was still a great deal to be worried about elsewhere in the Galaxy, and Master Wyck's invitation to begin reminded him of them. "I have something to discuss before we begin, or rather to get the ball rolling." He wasn't really sure how to broach the subject, but he had kept to himself since his encounter with the Empress over Jedha and this was when he had to speak up. "While returning the Sith prisoner over Jedha, I had the opportunity to speak to the Empress and the Dark Lord. She.." He paused as he caught Vollen's eye, letting out a sigh before continuing. "She claimed to have taken insult at your words, and that was why she carried out her bombardment." He turned to glance at the Grandmaster before continuing, knowing that he had known the two former Jedi well and had probably cared for them a great deal at one point of time.

"I repeat her words not to put blame on anyone's shoulder's, no-one is at fault but the Empress herself. But it brings up the question, how will you face what happened no Jedha? I ask because I had to face my own feelings of guilt over having caused what happened on Jedha, and that guilt can be a heavy burden to carry. Do you hold yourself responsible, Master Shai?" Jon didn't ask anything more, because of the part he himself had played in the lead up to the events on Jedha Jon didn't believe it was in his place to pass judgement on whether Vollen could have handled the situation better, but he wondered if Vollen thought himself responsible in any way.

@Malon @Loco @Nightfall096 @Zigara

 

[Vollen Shai]

“I hold myself a fool, Councillor. A court may not find me guilty for what happened on Jedha, but I cannot say I do not feel it myself” he began, his voice remaining calm. He had worried ever since that day that he had failed, he believed he had anyhow. This seemed a confirmation,

“My words to the Sith Empress I recorded. If you wish to listen to my words yourselves you are able to. I know wherein my fault lies” Vollen laid proffered a dataslate from his hands and offered it to Master Atreides. They Council could do with it what they liked, thereon would be recorded all the words he had spoken to Andraste that day. He stepped back, taking a long, calming breath before continuing. This was a reckoning to be sure, and there was only so much to say in his defence,

"I could explain the reasoning my mind gave at the time, what I hoped would happen against what did. But that is not the core of your question I feel. I know..." he began again, pausing as he did, finding the words in his mouth that he had rehearsed long before this day came,

"I know that, for any failings though I might have wrought, any lives I might have caused to be lost, there is only onwards for myself. Still a student, after all this time, learning again from his mistakes" He mused as he replied. He had tried, in the days since, to better himself, uncertain if he truly had failed others that day. It was the only way he knew how to respond. To move, onto the next crisis, and the next, and the next, taking what he could from those before. Borne perhaps from a life on the move, or an inability to confront such things head on, he wasn't sure. But if the latter were true, then today he would have to confront them no matter what,

"I am not responsible for the Empress' response. But I am responsible for my words. And I am responsible to make what amends I can either way" he concluded, dropping his eyes to the ground. He knew not what the council would offer in response, whether they would think him deserving of one after hearing such things.


@Wit @Malon @Loco @Zigara

 

[Wyck]

Wyck gnawed on the inside of his jaw. The tension in the room was palpable, and perhaps that was justified, given the subject matter, but Vollen had given a good response. The Grand Master of the Jedi Order grunted, folded his hands over his lap, and glanced sideways at the Jedi Master standing before them.

"Wrong, your words were not," Wyck confessed. They all knew it. The Empress had shown how unstable she was if an off comment was all she needed to murder innocents en mass, but, still, admonishment needed to be rendered. "But, when lives are on the line, not important who it is that is right. A warped sense of right and wrong, Alais has." He was perhaps the only Jedi who still used her original name. And she had particularly earned it this day. Alais may have grown in power and changed her name, but she was still the same little girl he had known back then: impulsive to a fault and thoughtless when it came to the consequences of her actions. "And fanatically do her followers carry out her orders. It is likely that she still would have killed Jedi that day, but know that for certain, we do not. That is why always careful must we be, with our words and our actions."

Wyck had more to say, but he refrained. Instead, he simply added, "Time to reflect, you require. And, perhaps, send you to Alderaan, we will." He glanced to the other Masters for their input, then back at Master Shai. "Help to diffuse the situation there, you can. A good lesson, it will teach, about the importance of words when lives are at stake—yes." He let silence resume for a moment. Then, with another sigh, he looked back to his fellow Council members. "More to say, has anyone? If not, move to a vote, we shall." @Loco @Nightfall096 @Wit @Zigara

 

[Rem Shivaaga]

"Aye," Councilor Shivaaga grumbled through his rebreather. This was a touchy subject, but it was important one given the precarious situation the order was in. They couldn't afford wasteful grandstanding like Master Shai had engaged in, intentionally or not. Every word when engaging with the Empress and her sycophants had to be carefully considered when lives were on the line, as they so often were. In his current condition, still barely recovered, Rem had spent much time in consult with other masters, and buried in holocrons about the Exiles and the Darkside. He'd specifically sought the insight of those who knew Alais before she became Andraste, like Master Zeerda. It had given him some insight into the sudden rise of the Sith Empire.

"Diplomats first, right?" He asked rhetorically, breathing heavily, "Master Wyck may be right... You're words may have been correct, factual, cuttingly true, whatever... But they were poorly chosen..." Rem coughed hackingly into his hand, bloodshot eyes locked on Vollen, "With all respect to the Grandmaster, make no mistake- in all likelihood, you hastened the destruction of Jedha and the deaths of hundreds with poorly chosen words... The Empress may have laid waste there anyway, but... your provocation means we'll never know... As a Jedi Master... As one seeking a seat on this Council," He jabbed a clawed finger for emphasis, "...Your mistakes affect the lives of thousands, millions even... Do not make them lightly."

Rem sat back in his chair, cane held tightly in front of him. Having said his piece, he kept his eyes on Vollen. They were nearly prepared to pass judgement on him, and the display on Jedha would surely play its part...

 

[Vollen Shai]

Master Shivaaga spoke aloud everything that played on Vollen's mind. Everything he knew in his heart. There could be no excuses, not on his part. He kept his eyes with Master Shivaaga as the councillor locked eyes with him. Facing him was facing a judgement in full alone. Rem was one he held the greatest respect for, his words cut. They had to, for they were right,

“I assure you there is no lightness for what part I may have played, likely played. Even now you are right, my mistakes affect many more than myself. It was a lesson I had hoped I had learnt, and one I certainly have now” he offered in reply, a confirmation of his earlier remarks. Though it would not be hard to see the regret in his character, the shame. He knew he deserved the words spoken to him now, and perhaps ones that would be spoken soon,

“No matter the outcome today, I remain dedicated to this galaxy and this Order, Jedha only confirmed that to me further, despite my failings there” Vollen was sincere in that at least. For so long he had hoped that these Exiles, Sith, could be spoken to like any other. He’d learnt atleast the character of this Empire that hunted them. And not a moment too soon. Some time ago he might have been disappointed to not be accepted onto the council. He no longer felt that.

All that mattered was carrying on what good he could do. Perhaps Alderaan, as Master Wyck suggested, might be a start to that. Hopefully the Council could sense that in his words, bearing, and heart.

For now he merely held the gaze of the Masters befor him, and awaited their advice and judgement.


@Malon @Loco @Wit @Zigara

 

[Thalia Corliss]

Thalia Corliss would be the last Jedi Master to speak on behalf of the Jedi Council. She was more brash than Shivagaa and infinitely more blunt than the Grand Master. It was something she had become known for during her years of service to the Jedi Order.

"Yes, I certainly hope you have learned it," she said a bit harsher than she intended. But she didn't back down. "Never forget that you survived to 'learn a lesson,' while others paid the price for that lesson to be taught. The ultimate price. And while we are to rejoice for those who become one with the Force, it is hard for me to rejoice when so many Jedi — and innocent bystanders, I might add — so needlessly become one with it."

She chanced a glance at Wyck. The Grand Master was more forgiving than she. He ascribed Vollen's failure to a deficiency in the Council, who, he claimed, had done little to truly instruct the younger generation about what it truly meant to be a Jedi. Instead, the Council had focused on churning out new Knights to fight back the oppression in the dark side. And perhaps he was right on that front; but this was a matter of common sense, in her mind, not one of Jedi training or preparedness.

"Forgive me if I am speaking out of turn, Master," she inclined her head to Wyck, then turned back to Vollen. "But I would like to ask a rather pointed question of Master Shai, if I might. You stand before us seeking a spot on this Council. That means you will have to make decisions, like the one before us now, daily. If you were seated next to us now — knowing what we know about the situation, and given your own answers — how would you counsel us to vote?" She paused a moment and allowed the weight of what she was asking to sink in. "Would you tell us to seat you to this Council or would you advise an alternative path?"

With her piece said, Master Corliss reclined back into her seat, folded her arms across her chest, and waited for an answer. @Nightfall096 @Loco @Wit @Zigara

 

[Vollen Shai]

Vollen should have perhaps expected such a question, been ready for it. But even as Master Corliss posed it to him he had to pause. He sought a seat on the Jedi Council, before even Jedha he had sought to serve in such a role. He was a different man then, and his peers viewed him differently certainly than they did now, in light of all that had occurred. He could not ask them to otherwise, this appointment would be now, these questions were asked now, to Master Vollen Shai. Him. With a deep breathe, he replied,

"I would want some proof that that lesson, one that came at such a high price, had been learnt. it is Easy enough to say the right things, but that counts for little, given how easily one might say the wrong things as well. If, in the aftermath their actions didn't speak of a marked change and betterment, then it is unlikely I would add them to the council" he reasoned out. It only felt right, appearing on a number of trials of mastery now he knew such words to be true, it was important in how he judged others. Only fair then, he applied such a standard to himself,

"In light of that, it would appear I have served the Order much in the same way I did before the tragedy, with no change evident. It is for that reason, I would advice against Vollen Shai's appointment" as he spoke the words he breathed a sigh of relief. It was an acceptance to himself that, no matter the will of the Council, he would still be here. When he first appeared before the Council he did so in the hope of providing a symbol for others to rally with, as he had to others. Now, he advised against himself for the same reason. It almost made him smile. Almost.

But for now his mind was clear, and he awaited the response of the Council.


@Malon @Loco @Wit @Zigara

 

[Wyck]

Wyck nodded his head. He resisted the urge to smile. Vollen Shai, he could sense, was sincere. He was humble, even in failure, and that was why he was deserving. But the Grand Master did not reveal his opinion. Instead, he said, "A teachable moment, this is. No longer splintered, are we. When one of us fails, we all fail. A single Jedi's actions reflect the entire Order. And, when one of us falls short, take responsibility, all of us must." He knew Thalia Corliss would not like that answer, but it was the truth. It was the way of the Jedi. "But let us speak no more of failure. Heard enough, we all have, and other matters have we to discuss."

He nodded first to Vollen Shai. "Thank you, Master Shai." Then, he turned to the rest of his Council. "On the first order of business — Master Vollen Shai's petition to join the Council — how vote you?" He pointed at them with his cane. "A simple 'yay' or 'nay' vote will do. The last vote, I shall have." @Nightfall096 @Loco @Wit @Zigara

 

[Rem Shivaaga]

Shivaaga eyed Vollen up and down, gauging him a final time with his expression hidden behind the jagged metal respirator. He wondered how he and Corliss, and Master Wyck even, would judge the younger Masters in different circumstances. If the Order was not in such dire straits, if the council was full, if there were no Sith or Exiles or what-have-you... Would anyone here now have sat a council 300 years ago? What would the old Masters think of the current crop of Jedi? It was something Rem thought of often, but as he looked at Jedi Master Vollen Shai, he returned to the conclusion he had come to several time before- it didn't matter. The Jedi Order was what it was now, and who sat on its council mattered here and now. And with that though in mind, Rem made his decision.

"Master Shai..." The Councilor rasped, "As a Master, you've gone through a whole new set of tests just like those of the Knights you've judged in the Trials of Mastery… Don't ever forget that your Trial of Flesh, as a Master, cost no flesh of your own- but that of your brothers and sisters. Remember the lesson you learned, and count yourself lucky that you learned it before you took one of these seats." Rem sat back in his chair as he finished, unsmiling- not that anyone could tell. They were not bestowing some great honor on the young boy, if they all voted yay- in fact, they were burying him with a weight of responsibility that few lately proved able to survive. "I vote aye, to add Master Shai to this council, Grandmaster."

@Malon @Wit @Nightfall096

 

[Thalia Corliss]

Jedi Master Corliss was too stuck in her ways. She was not utterly convinced that elected Shai to the Council would be a good move, but to dissent now would be a purely political move. Shivaaga had voted in favor, and it was quite clear to her where the Grand Master stood.

Sighing, Corliss said, "While I think it is much too early to appoint you to this Council, given your recent behavior, I can see that I am clearly outnumbered. I will vote yay for your addition to this Council, but I am in agreement with the Grand Master's earlier suggestion. You should be sent to Alderaan to oversee Jedi operations throughout the tension there. It would be a valuable lesson."

And, with that, she sat back in her seat. @Nightfall096 @Loco @Wit @Zigara

 

[Wyck]

"I agree," Wyck nodded. "And, with that, we are decided." He gestured to an empty seat. "Take your seat, Master Shai. Join us for the remainder of the session, you shall."

Wyck paused long enough for Shai to be seated, then continued, "The next matter to come before us is some troubling news myself and Master Guleya recovered from the ruins of our temple on Jedha." The Grand Master paused for another painful moment. "Discovered the perpetrator of the Skyward Sword incident, I have..."

He then pressed a button on his armrest that would signal for Master Guleya to enter the Council chambers. The rest of the Council was not going to like the news he had for them. @Zigara @Nightfall096 @Loco @Wit

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Part 2 - "The Skyward Injustice"

The Bardottan Jedi known as Bruce Guleya had been on Tython for awhile now, although he had only arrived at the Jedi Temple, Mahara Kesh for only a few days now; he had taken some time to actually walk the halls but in reality it was a very large temple and he'd need more than a few days to actually enjoy the temple in all it's glory - which he would be getting soon enough, since this was the Temple of Healing he thought it best he make this his home for awhile. Help out the younger generations and provide his skills with the Force in terms of healing. Perhaps that would make a good retirement? But he wasn't planning on retiring anytime soon.

Bruce was on his way up to the council's chambers when he took a moment to step out on a balcony. Resting his hands on the railing he looked out at the vast ocean below him, it gave him a smile. This was a great location for the temple, the main base of operations. It was so much nicer not being surrounded by the vast oceans of sand, the heat of the deserts that the Jedi seemed to grow so fond of. This temperate zone, this ocean, it reminded him a lot of home, he'd grown up around the water, a nice port town on Bardotta. It was refreshing to be sure; he could have stood here all day but he needed to be moving on.

He pried himself away from the balcony and continued to advance onward to the council chamber. Bruce stopped one moment and looked over his shoulder, he was reminded of one of his friends - Fennex. I bet he's not impressed with the wet nature, Bruce thought to himself while he laughed; and now he continued.

Soon Bruce would arrive outside of the council chambers, he knew the session was well underway and as such, Bruce would have to wait until he was summoned. Bruce got down on his knees and closed his eyes while resting peacefully, the best way to wait was to meditate.

Soon enough however, the Jedi Master received a soft tone, the council was ready for him.

Bruce rose to his feet, coming out of his meditative trance. He looked up at the large doors, nodding to himself he walked into the council chambers. There was quite the silence that gripped the room, the tension was high as the bardottan suspected. He casually walked into the center of the room, he held his head high, his body upright. The Master continued to carry an aura of calm, a common occurrence for him, and the Councillors would be able to feel it without much effort. A Jedi remains strong, even if the face of adversity. A Jedi remains at peace, even when the galaxy shows it's villainy. A Jedi remains ready for whatever were to come.

As Bruce approached the center of the room, he looked over each councillor, a smile on his face when he saw Vollen Shai in a council seat, but only for a moment. At the center of the room he once again made eye contact with each and every master, an expression neutral.

Bruce wasn't shy, nor was he afraid of the council. He had worked with all of them on one capacity or another. He had served on the Council of Mastery along side both Master Corliss and Master Shivaaga, though he didn't know them as well as the others.
His eyes met Master Shai, a master he had directly worked with on multiple occasions - both one on one and with a group.
His eyes moved to Master Atreides - Jon; he had been present during his appointment of the tiltle of Master, in fact Bruce was one who had grilled him during the Trials of Mastery. It was nice to see the familiar face, and proud to see Jon on the council - the decision was a right one, and though he had only worked with him once it was still nice.
And finally his eyes met the Grand Master Himself, Wyck. Not only had Bruce worked alongside the master during Trials of Mastery, but he had worked with Wyck directly during the Academy restoration, he had ventured to Corellia on the Grand Master's direction, but more importantly - and the reason he was here now - he had worked with the venerable green Jedi directly, to uncover the most troubling of information.

"Greetings, Masters of the High Council. I hope you are all well this day, though we have troubling information to provide." Bruce started, he kept things professional - he wanted to congratulate Vollen, but now was not the time. "Grand Master Wyck and I traveled to Jedha to search for the truth we had neglected, a truth we should have discovered much longer ago - long before the destruction of Jedha at the hands of the Empress. We regret to inform you, that the perpetrator was one of our own. An individual many of you may have known - much longer than I - one we may not have suspected." As Bruce addressed the council he continued to scan the faces of the councilors, maintain equal eye contact as appropriate for public speaking. Though the news was dire, Master Guleya held steady and when he finished his address his eyes looked to Wyck, giving cue to the Grand Master to continue or to see if the bardottan should continue himself.

@Nightfall096 @Loco @Wit @Malon

 

[Vollen Shai]

Vollen breathed deeply as the Council rendered their verdict. The road to joining the Council had been a much more difficult one then he had initially prepared himself for. That, undoubtedly, was for the best. Despite the success of his appointment he knew as well as the Council did that taking a seat beside them was a responsibility, not a gift. It would be one he should have to rise to. And with the experience of Jedha behind him, one that he knew he should have to take with thought in mind to a larger perspective.

His next actions though would be Alderaan. Much of his career now had been tied to that planet, and while it would be a valuable lesson to send him there, he could not help but be grateful for the opportunity to return there. There was a a great deal of work to be done on Alderaan, and a great deal of people who required, who deserved his help. He would be there then to offer it, at both the Council's request and his own desire. Such would be his next role.

With a bow to the Council, he offered few words,

"Thank you, Masters. I promise to live up to your trust" he spoke softly before taking a seat alongside them as Bruce entered. Bruce was a good friend to him, one he dearly respected. He was surprised he was not on this Council himself, though the information he brought here today would certainly show some things in a new light, and the matter of the Skyward Sword was one Vollen had a great interest in. Had it not been stolen he doubted he would have stood before the Council at all, now though was the time to find out why. Clasping his hands before him, he listened deeply to Bruce's introduction, but as the moment lingered on the name of the one who had done this, his voice filled with a sadness,

"Who?" he asked, softly, as if something was about to be lost once he found out the answer to this question. It was a sombre first note for his time on the Council.


@Zigara @Loco @Malon @Wit

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce shifted his eyes over to Master Shai, it was obvious that the Grand Master had nothing to add and preferred for Bruce to continue instead of he. Bruce recalled the moment he walked out of the armory and met the Grand Master, he recalled the hurt and pain that surrounded someone as deeply respected and almost impervious to anything but the Jedi ways; but that moment showed that even the Grand Master was still a person and that he he could still be vulnerable. It spoke profoundly to the bardottan, and he understood why Wyck was still not prepared for the discovery - it would be up to Bruce to "make it real" if you would.

Bruce reached into his robe and pulled out a small hand-held spherical droid, he looked at it for a second and while he held it he continued, "In addition to what we had discovered, I have taken the liberty of recording our time on Jedha - and the destruction brought by the Empress herself, as proof of her deeds to slaying thousands of innocent lives." Bruce tapped the center of the droid with his thumb and it activated, floating at his shoulder has it projected the images of devastation of the city. "We believe, this recording will show the Republic another side of the Sith. However, the identity of the thief has no bearing on the Republic and it is more of an in-house problem."

Bruce knew he was putting off revealing the identity, he didn't like the idea of a traitor in the midst of the Jedi Order; he didn't want to believe that the Sith could draw such defiance from those who had dedicated their lives to the Light. Although, he didn't consider the turning of, Andraste, Cregan, or Kal... for whatever reason. Bruce had also had a copy of the information - just the logs as Master Wyck did, he took the liberty of creating a copy as a 'just in case' something happened between Jedha and Tython; though doubtful. As he continued to speak, the recording of just the environments was still being presented - from outside the city, inside the city, inside the temple. "On that fateful day when the Skyward Sword had been launched unceremoniously, we have discovered that only one Jedi Master authorized the flight. On that day, Jedi Master Spencer Ward used his codes, mere moments before the bombardment of the hanger." Bruce spoke firm, there was no hesitation, no delay, and no second guessing; he was absolute in his resolve. His eyes went from Vollen to Thalia to Rem to Jon with each word as he spoke the identity. "We have a copy of the logs for your review."

Bruce didn't know Spencer at all, he had heard of the name but never actually met or spoke to the man in question. This revolution didn't overly face the Jedi Master because of that lack of connection between him and Spencer. The issue for Bruce was that it had happened, that is all. That a Master would so willingly surrender him or herself to do this. That was what didn't bode well for the bardottan.

"Unfortunately, we only have logs and we cannot confirm or deny his sole involvement in the event. We do not know if he worked alone or with someone else, and I don't think we can give you the answers as of why this travesty had occurred."

As Bruce finished his final statement, the room went silent as the weight of his words clung to the air and the recording concluded, only sound of the soft whirling of the droid floating in the air and the natural sounds of the temple and it's surroundings filled the chamber. Bruce wanted to give the masters a moment to dwell on their thoughts now that the information had been revealed; he would remain before the council standing tall with his hands clasped in front of him, his gaze gently scanning each of the masters. He was prepared to answer questions, if they had any, in regards to his time on Jedha.

@Nightfall096 @Malon @Wit @Loco

 

[Wyck]

Wyck set to work recounting what he had learned on Jedha. "Jedi Master Spencer Ward, the culprit was. Likely, it is, that had accomplices, he did. A large crew it requires, to pilot a corvette. But I know not whether his accomplices were Jedi or some outside force." The Grand Master sighed and shook his head. "Regardless, presume that he has turned to the dark side and joined the Sith, I do. More evidence will need to be gathered to confirm this."

The Grand Master paused a moment. He had long thought about how to handle Master Ward now that the truth was known. Ordering an assassination wasn't the Jedi way, but there were other alternatives. "With the Council's permission, seek to put a bounty on former Master Ward, I do. Not for his death, but for any information on his whereabouts and for his capture. Murdered Grand Master Sige and dozens of innocent Jedi that day, he did. Stand trial and face judgement for these crimes, he should." @Zigara @Loco @Wit @Nightfall096

 

[Vollen Shai]

Vollen's eyes shifted to the floor as the details of Spencer's betrayal came out. So much was still uncertain though, who he acted with, why he had done so at all. It all felt so off. But one thing was certain though, Master Ward was a Jedi no longer, and the mans face now was not one he'd soon forget. If he saw him he'd want to ask why. Whether he'd get an answer he'd never know unless that day came. At the Grandmaster's suggestion he nodded,

"I have to agree Master. His whereabouts, Spencer himself even, could have much more information that he could tell us. Especially now as the Republic and Hutts go to war" Vollen said, almost resigned. Though he would be determined to see justice brought, there were other matters that weighed heavily on his mind.

One though, was a happy one.

"Bruce" he said, looking up to the Bardottan before him. The Master had become a good friend to him now, and of truer Jedi there were very few. The Master deserved to be recognised, especially his particular skills. He looked over to Grandmaster Wyck, and Councillor Atreides, both seemed to know what he was leading to. With such certainty, he continued,

"Despite my own appointment, this council has grown small in the recent days. Leading the Jedi Order is a burden, a responsibility, but one that must be undertaken" he offered. Perhaps Master Guleya knew what he was getting to, perhaps he didn't but it was time to address it,

"If you were offered a place on this Council, how would you respond?"


@Zigara @Malon @Loco @Wit

 

[Bruce Guleya]

Bruce stood tall and attentive as the Grandmaster spoke his concerns, and his suggestion in regards to Master Ward's choices. There was much to be considered, and without talking to the source it be impossible to pass judgement, you could be here all day debating the potential reasonings but what would it accomplish? Bruce would have second Wyck's decision, but right now he was only just an observer waiting for direction - or his turn to speak up when addressed.


It was when Master Shai spoke his name, did Bruce return to the now. He was being addressed. As he stood tall, he turned his head to meet Master Shai. What would Bruce do? He took a moment to himself, yes he had actually been asked that question - but perhaps it was hypothetical. “Master,” Bruce started, “I would turn my attention to you and tell you that I would only do it as a service and if this council thought it best. If you wanted to place me beside you and the rest of the council, I would only agree if it was a duty and not in recognition for anything I have done. For I am a Jedi and my duty is to serve, I do not need to be rewarded for my deeds.”


Bruce took a breathe, “I had come here to deliver my reports and I had sought to seek a place, should I be allowed. My duty is to the Jedi Order and if I were to be entrusted with the responsibility of leadership, I would respond in kind.” As Bruce stood there he moved his head from councillor to councillor making eye contact. “I would respond by asking the council, their own opinions. For, I have sworn a duty to the Jedi Order and respect and abide by this council. As I said before, I seek no recognition. I am a simple Jedi.”


Bruce was telling the truth. He didn't need a parade, a fanfare, or to be made a big deal about. Bruce joined the order over 20 years ago and never sought fame or glory. He didn't need to be seen as anything but a Jedi, a teacher, a healer, a scholar, a tool for the Light Side of the Force to use in times of need, or to teach when there was no need. Bruce never saw him anything but a Jedi, and when asked how he would respond if he was offered a place on the council; he immediately remember back to when he became a Master. He remember the aftermath, people started to know him and people talked about him. Up until that moment, he was happy in the library, the archives, a forgotten ruin, a healing wing or lost to meditation.


All of that had changed those days. He hadn't ever imagined what would happen next, and right now, though he responded, he was nervous, teetering on speechless. They wouldn't ask that of him, would they? No. This is a trial, just like the Trials of Mastery he had been presided over as of late. It was all hypothetical.

@Malon @Nightfall096 @Wit @Loco

 

[Rem Shivaaga]

Rem watched his newest compatriot spring the question on his moment-ago counterpart with equal parts interest and amusement. There was something about people responding to the unexpected that intrigued him- he seized upon it whenever the opportunity presented itself. He leaned forward in his seat, wheezing as he stared Bruce down.

"Tell us, Master Gulyeya… As a simple Jedi, what would you wish be done about Spencer Ward?"

@Zigara @Malon @Nightfall096