Ill tidings (Council only)

[Will]

He strode back and forth throughout the council chamber. His hand brushed against the varnished hardwood of the round table, feeling every swirl of its grain even through the glossy coating.

Beric Kanasur stopped pacing, turning instead to the huge window showing off its panoramic view of Tython's great forests, verdant life spreading as far as his grey eyes could see.

This meeting of the council would be different. Normally, it was a simple affair, going over the training progress, construction and other clerical details, but this time, the Sagemaster had contacted him with...disturbing news. He had gathered the council to Tython, the seat of the Jedi Headquarters since time immemorial.

He expected the council forthwith, some coming from outposts far from the deep core to attend this momentous meeting of the council. While normally, discussion via hologram was acceptable, in this case, the whole council needed to be here.

Dark times indeed were upon them.

 

[Kit]

Augustus Primus Leonus was quick to arrive. He took his duty on the council very seriously. What better way to defend the light than to help direct it's course. As such, he pursued any duty ferociously, and responded to summons instantly.

Of course, it helped that he only had to travel from The Will of the Force, which hung in orbit above the Temple, locked for now in a gentle orbit of Tython.

Striding at some pace into the council chambers, his intricately detailed grey and red robes swished and wafted behind him, accompanying the heavy footfalls of a man used to just slightly less gravity.

Pausing only to bow to the Grandmaster, Augustus took his seat with little ceremony, practically falling into it. Wiping the faintest sheen of sweat from his forehead, he watched the Grandmaster pacing.

He could only imagine the pressures of having the whole order rely on you, having to guide and protect each one. It was hard enough guiding the training of each Padawan, and monitoring the Knights. Augustus did not envy his friend the mountain of duty that he had to bear.

There would be a time and place to talk with his friend. For now he simply waited for the others in silence.

 

[Brand]

Galak's bare feet slapped rhythmically over the stone floors of the Temple. His lightsaber hilt bounced reassuringly against his thigh as he strode quickly through a corridor on the personal quarters level. Upon reaching the turbolift he stepped inside, feeling a small chill run up his back at the cold metal.

"Council chambers," he spoke, his deep voice projecting clearly through the lift. The elevator shot straight upwards, and Galak watched with a veiled interest as the outside environment of Tython distorted as he flew quickly.

An emergency meeting of the Council had been called, along with all five sitting members being called to Tython to take part in person. Galak had arrived on a shuttle bound from Coruscant only an hour ago before reporting directly to the Council chambers. This meeting appeared to be of a grave importance, and as the representative to the Galactic Alliance Galak had a feeling that this news would harbor bad tidings for both factions.

The doors opened with a mechanical 'woosh' and Galak stepped outside, barely making out the hulking form of Master Leonus entering the chambers. Galak quickened his pace, his deep blue Senatorial robes that doubled as his Jedi garb billowing out behind him. His dress was rather simple, a tunic with the New Jedi Order's crest emblazoned upon it covering his broad chest.

Galak slipped inside the Council chambers, taking in with a moment's glance the pacing Grand Master and the Battlemaster sprawled in his chair. Galak snapped off a crisp yet quick bow to the Grand Master and inclined his head in respect to Augustus while moving to his chair. He sat for a moment, upright and rather regal looking, before shedding his Senatorial robes and draping them over the back of his Councilor's chair. He let his posture fall, allowing himself to grow more comfortable. He watched the troubled looking Grand Master with a sad eye while waiting patiently for the rest of the Council to assemble.

 

[Denzein]

There was a palpable aura of urgency to the Lore Master's confident stride from his chambers deep in the archives. Those that saw him knew the look on his face well and kept their distance, not wishing to distract him from something that was plainly important. He swept up a flight of stairs, brown cloak billowing as he took them three at a time.

As he walked he pondered the topic they would be discussing today. The summons had been rushed, he was assuming it was not to talk about training. He decided it would be best to predict the worst case scenario, as that way he would be ready to deal with the news as soon as it came and get on with rectifying the problem. The worst case scenario was probably going to be news about the Sith, or perhaps that the Alliance had formally declared war on all Jedi. Lecchamemnon knew which of the two his money was on.

The Sith... How many times had they risen from the ashes of annihilation to threaten the very existence of the Jedi? There had been three Jedi purges to date certainly, but Lecchamemnon knew that it did not take attempted genocide to pose a threat to this most mighty of religions. There are more insidious ways of destroying your enemies than simply destroying them...

He put his thoughts on hold. He wasn't even sure it was the Sith yet, and it did not do to dwell on those most corrupted beings for too long, even for he who was most knowledgeable in their ways. The session was the place for this, not just outside it.

The door hissed open with a minimum of fuss and Lecchamemnon entered, nodding his greeting to the two Councillors already present and bowing slightly towards Kanasur. He crossed the room in silence, took his chair and looked around at the trio questioningly. Once the Sage Master arrived they could begin, but it had always been Lecchamemnon's way to question. It came with the territory.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

These were dark times. Not since the days of Darth Krayt did the Alliance have to worry about the Empire or the Jedi about resurgent Sith. Galactic peace had been achieved and sustained for over eight centuries, and that would soon crash down all around them.

Jhon knew that all too well. Any Jedi could say that the Sith had returned, that their empire was preparing for war, and that the Alliance and the Jedi would have to face an enemy they long believed would never have to be faced again. With Chiss and Mandalorian movements suggesting that they too were preparing to join the conflict, this would be the first true galactic war in a thousand years.

Yet Jhon could see things most others could not. Not only was he often witness to the currents in time, showing him visions through the Force of possibilities to come, he could often see the present, knowing things that others did not. The present he saw days earlier, one that forced him to withdraw and meditate to discover what it was he had seen, was the most urgent matter for this High Council Meeting.

The Sage Master quietly stepped through the door, keeping his head down, his eyes almost completely closed, as he remained ever-mindful of what he had seen, trying to find more answers than he already had. He took his seat at the table, remaining in such a trance as he waited for the Grand Master to begin.

 

[Will]

Beric turned from the window as the final member of the council entered the chamber. His own robe was thrown over the back of his chair. He nodded to each of his councillors in turn, before seating himself, his fingers making a steeple.

''Council.''

''We have received some disturbing news, courtesy of Sagemaster Cordatus.'' His gravelly voice was almost a growl as he came to the crux of the meeting.

''The Sith. There seem to be some new developments in regards to their foul deeds and twisted 'Emperor'''


He motioned to the Sagemaster, indicating for him to recount what he had told Beric earlier.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

Jhon nodded as the Grand Master spoke. Every word, every thought that he knew was going through the minds of his fellow Councilors, resonated with him. His job, above all else, was to feel, to sense, to know. Without that his role as the Council’s interpreter was nothing. He knew what they were thinking, sometimes even before they thought it.

“Yes, Grand Master, thank you,” Jhon said, breaking away from his trance and leaning his arms forward on the table.

He paused for a moment, looking at each of the Jedi sitting around the table, sensing their thoughts and worries about the Sith so he could say what he needed to say in just the right manner. The words spoken in these chambers, a room illuminated with the light from the large windows and blessed with the backdrop of the sprawling rivers and mountains beyond the spires that lined the temple grounds, could mean the difference between Right Action and an unwise course.

There was no such thing as too cautious. No Jedi, not even the wisest of them all who sat around him, was impervious to the allure of the dark path that poked and prodded at the souls of all beings. That, above all else, was his most important function as a member of the High Council, to keep the Councilors on the right path through his own sage advice and guidance as Sage Master.

“One week ago,” Jhon began, his voice quiet, a reflection of the somber news he was to deliver, “I received a vision. This is not an unusual occurrence for me, as you know, but this was different. What I saw was dark, darker than anything I’ve seen since I first saw that the Sith had taken over the Empire.”

The Sage Master paused, allowing a moment for that revelation to sink in, “This Council has been surprised for nine long years at the lack of direct Imperial action against the Alliance. For nine years, an empire of Sith has sat in space, building their forces and waiting for the opportune time to strike. Never before has a Sith empire waited this long to strike after being revealed to the galaxy.

“That time will soon be gone,” he told them. “After a week of meditating, it is my determination that, sometime recently, the Sith Empress Darth Aevum was killed by her apprentice, Darth Judicar—the new Dark Lord and Emperor. He is far more bloodthirsty and aggressive than the eternally patient Aevum was, and I believe the war we’ve all know has become coming...is now imminent.”

Jhon turned to the Prime Envoy, continuing, “If it is the judgment of this Council that my vision is credible, Congress must informed. I do not want to see a war break out for the first time in nearly a millennium, but if we must fight then we must be prepared. The Alliance must be prepared, and my vision needs to be confirmed with investigative proof from within our ranks and Alliance intelligence operatives. I defer to the Prime Envoy and the Battle Master on such judgments.”

 

[Brand]

Galak's face turned slightly as the Sage Master revealed his vision to the entirety of the High Council. A new Emperor, and one bent on destruction and death was a threat that could not be ignored by the Order or the Alliance.

"I trust your judgement and perceptions of the Force more than any man, Jhon, but Master Kanasur, what is your perception of the vision? If we are to deem this true it is imperative I and Master Leonus dispatch to Coruscant to inform the Chief of State and High Commander to verify with their own intelligence. The implications of this news to the Alliance could be devestating if not delivered soon enough, and I would never place my faith in the patience of a new Dark Lord."

 

[Brandon Rhea]

Jhon nodded in agreement. Darth Aevum may have been a dangerous Dark Lady of the Sith, but over the last nine years she had become one that they were able to unravel and understand. She had infinite patience, waiting only for the most opportune time to strike, but, as Galak wisely stated, they could not simply trust that Judicar would be the same as his former master.

"Should you deem it necessary to help convince the Chief of State and the Congress of what I have told you," Jhon said, "I am willing to render my assistance on Coruscant to speak with them as well."

 

[Brand]

Galak nodded in gratitude. "I am not sure how the Senate will react to our words; they know me and of the Order's truthfulness, but if they are of a brash attitude I will not hesitate to call you to my side. Master Leonus, it is vital you accompany me to help to oversee the preparations not only of our forces, but of the Alliance's military."

 

[Denzein]

Lecchamemnon bowed his head as his suspicions were confirmed. He closed his eyes, lost in thought... It was usually the place of the Lore Master to provide a more conservative opinion, to be the voice of logic that restrains the fist of retribution. This was the traditional stance, yet Lecchamemnon did not take it. He was remembering every time the Jedi had been crippled by the indecisiveness of the Council, every chapter of suffering that had begun thanks to the reservations of leaders too jaded to the notion of necessary conflict. He would not allow this situation to linger and fester into something even more serious by delaying the response to the Sage Master's vision.

His silence was all that was needed. The others knew what it meant well enough, just as they knew he would speak if he felt his input was required. He remained receptive, listening to the other's words and sensing their feelings. Lecchamemnon turned his mind to the Order. The Jedi would need to be prepared for the evils of the Sith when they inevitably encountered them, and as Lore Master that responsibility lay chiefly with Lecchamemnon. He would set to work as soon as he could.

Spoiler: Apologies

...for the probably poor quality of writing here, I'm tired and am watching Episode 2. Don't hate me for it ;D

 

[Brandon Rhea]

Part of Jhon had hoped the Lore Master would speak out, hoping he would urge the Council to restrain themselves and not be so quick to assume it was time to go to war, but that time had come and gone. That time was nine years ago, when the High Council held those reservations, but the cold war of the last decade taught them that no matter how much they negotiated and no matter how much they hoped a war would never again befall the galaxy, it was all but inevitable.

To take a life is to take away part of your own, taught the Eightfold Path. And yet he know that the Jedi did not wage war for war's sake, nor would they launch a crusade of aggression. Indeed, the Sage Master could only assume that they would not fire the first shots of the war, that they would be their to defend when it began. Only once the war began could they justify becoming proactive with the Alliance against the Empire.

This was worthy and Right Conduct. The High Council was a wise one, a group of individuals who understood the consequences of their actions. They would be mindful of their reasoning and know, without doubt, why they were fighting: the preservation of life and civilization.

Only when knowing that were they ready to accept the burdens of war.

 

[Will]

Beric remained silent for a moment as the council deliberated. Sometimes, it was prudent to let them begin forming ideas and solutions on their own, before bringing them together into one plan to suit the order. He leant forward, effectively cutting their planning with a tiny gesture.

''Master Augustus and Master Galak. You will both travel to the Capital world. Prime Envoy, you must inform the Alliance of the Sage Masters vision, Augustus, liase with the Alliance's head of the Military, and begin plans for integrating our order with them.''

Satisfied, he turned to the other two council members.

''Loremaster, I need you to begin looking through the histories we have of the Sith. Glean anything that could be of use to us, should it come to war, and begin to circulate it. If it should come to war, I do not want us to be caught unawares by their tactics. Master Cordatus, I have a question about your vision: Did it pertain as to how this war will begin?''

Beric wanted to be prepared. Every eventuality had to be planned for. Every move pre-parried, with riposte ready. The order would not be swept away due to inactivity.

 

[Kit]

Augustus had listened as the others had spoken, nodding when the Prime Envoy had suggested travelling to the Galactic Alliance to warn them, and in his particular case, to begin the integration of Jedi into the ranks of the military.

Not a word was said of deliberation, or pause for thought. There had been more than enough of that nine years ago, when the Sith had reappeared. A patient Dark Lady had allowed the order time to gather it's strength and resolve.

And now the Battlemaster was pleased to hear not a word of dissent. Where generations of Jedi had sat passively, that time was gone. Now was the time for the Jedi to once more face the Sith in combat; to do their duty.

"Agreed, we cannot treat this development with any less attention than it merits, and we must show the utmost of resolve in so doing."

 

[Denzein]

The Lore Master opened his eyes and nodded briefly to the Grand Master as Beric gave him his instructions. They were sound, in fact they were precisely what Lecchamemnon had in mind himself. It was reassuring that they were both on the same wavelength. The Jedi Order must be prepared in mind, body and soul to fight the Sith, and every member of the upper echelons would be needed to ensure they were.

He took a moment to appraise the other members of the Council. The feelings they were giving off were all appropriate, and exactly what he would expect, given the situation. This was good. Combined they represented every sensible reaction to this revelation, which was precisely what they should do.

Only then could they plan to defeat the Sith.

 

[Brand]

Galak nodded as the Grand Master dolled out orders, delegating responsibilities to the Council members.

"I can have a meeting with the Chief of State arranged upon our arrival back to Coruscant, and a session of Congress organized immediately thereafter. They will not ignore so urgent of a warning from the Council."

"It might also prove beneficial if Master Cordatus was to accompany us if he can spare the time away from Empress Teta. To have him on hand in case his testimony needs to be shared would be more convenient than having him fly in directly from the Teta's temple."

Galak felt that it was a testament to the unity of the Council that their desicison had come swiftly and decisively; their concerns had been aired during the times of tentative peace in the ensuing cold war, but now was the time for action.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

Although he had been asked a direct question, Jhon paused for a moment, focusing his thoughts inward, looking to see if he could find anything that would provide him with the answer that the Grand Master would want. To no surprise, there was nothing, not even a faint whisper of an idea to go on.

As the others finished speaking, Jhon answered the Prime Envoy's request, "I would only be too happy to," he said with a slight nod before turning his gaze to the Grand Master. "Unfortunately I have no knowledge as to when or how the Sith will attack, only that they will. The Jedi and the Alliance must be prepared for anything."

 

[Kit]

"In which case," Augustus took the chance to interject, "I would suggest we travel in The Will. It will allow us to truly impress upon the Galactic Alliance the seriousness with which we view this situation."

Pausing, thinking on the Temple-Ship that hung in orbit far above them, the Battlemaster paused.

"Besides, it would be good to be able to begin training the crew properly, so that they are capable of more than just holding orbit in her."

It was certainly true, that at the moment, the crew were a little inexperienced. Mostly, The Will of the Force had hung quietly in orbit above Tython since it's restoration, the non-Jedi crew were growing restless. Even the Jedi on the bridge were beginning to grow eager for any kind of activity.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

"Unfortunately I must disagree with your suggestion about the vessel," Jhon said, leaning back against his chair. He didn't want anyone to get the impression that the Jedi had become militaristic, least of all the Sith.

He continued, "The Will of the Force is a fine vessel, but the Sith are known to use propaganda against the Jedi to sway worlds to their cause. We must be powerful, but we should not appear overly aggressive or militaristic. The Alliance knows just how capable we are and how serious we have treated this threat for the past decade, so there is no need to show off to our friends."

Jhon paused again, pondering yet another reason. "I'm not the Battle Master, of course, but there is also the added benefit of allowing the Sith to underestimate us. Anything we can do to make them think less of us now becomes an advantage when the war begins. And by taking another vessel to Coruscant, it allows your crew to train more properly elsewhere. The voyage to Coruscant is a short one, and they will only find themselves sitting in orbit there as well."

 

[Denzein]

Lecchamemnon raised his head, roused from his introverted musings by the sound of disagreement. He had been listening in of course, and knew The Will of the Force for what it was: A very potent statement of power and dominance. He was the member of the Jedi with the most experience when it came to the Sith and their ways, and consequently he knew how they would react to the deployment of The Will.

Now he spoke. His voice was quiet and had a strange timbre to it. Something that no-one could ever quite place.

"The Necropolitan Sleeping Angel is a species of arachnid. Ever patient, it brings down prey twenty times its size by feigning weakness, sleep, or even death. Once the prey has probed and investigated and is close enough the Sleeping Angel strikes with its venomous bite, invariably killing its prey," he looked around at the other members of the Council, his eyes staying on the Battle Master a fraction longer than the others. "If we deploy The Will of the Force now we are the prey. If we wait and hide our true strength, we are the spider. Only the spider can defeat the Sith, as the events of the First Jedi Purge and the saga of Luke Skywalker can attest."