Illuminate the Night

[Master Maverick]

​

Deep in the never-ending forests of the planet, two hours trek from any settlement, the Jedi made their stop. It was here that the Sage Master of the Jedi Order halted those Jedi which followed diligently. Some, she knew, did not do so willingly. Some did so out of fear, others out of ignorance.

It was a rather large gathering, but only a fraction of the totality of the Order. This was both a blessing, but could very well be an omen. Of course not all remaining Jedi were on Coruscant waiting for the end. However, there was no way she could know how many, and even less of who would survive.

Total defeat.

That's what it felt like. The Jedi had been swallowed up in the murky blackness of the Force. That which they served so passionately had seemingly turned on them. It was a crushing blow after so many. Ashara wondered how she was still standing sometimes. Her mind had gone blank aboard her gunship, simply unable to comprehend what was happening around her.

The galaxy was crumbling around them.

Innocents slaughtered. Trillions upon trillions displaced. So much fear. So much hate. So much chaos. She would not use evil. Not anymore. She had come to the conclusion that she did not know what evil was. She had never truly experienced it. Soon, all of them would.

Betrayal.

The Alliance had betrayed them. But one of a series of crushing defeats the Jedi would face. It all happened so quickly, a cascading tumble from which there seemed no turning back. It was nice to know that nothing was set in stone, but believing it was another matter entirely. The Jedi, now more than ever, were alone. They had proven more than able to fend for themselves on their own. However, it had been a millennium since they had to do so. They would have to learn quickly. Or die.

Darkness.

The thick canopy swallowed up the remaining light from the star as it set over the horizon. The planet turned without regard to the fate of the Jedi. It made her remember that the Force was so much more than the Order. Despite this, it made her realize that, because they served the Force, rather than controlled it, they would persist for all eternity. Only the death of the Force would see the total annihilation of the Jedi. Then, too, would the Sith meet their end.

A rock, a small ledge was taken by the Sage Master. Rather than jumping, utilizing the Force to perch herself atop the altar in but a moment, she chose to climb. Using her muscles, her bones, sweat and blood to traverse the rough stone that pierced her skin, pricked her hands and knees and feet. The Force would guide her to the right path, but she would take it alone. The struggle of the Jedi was eternal, and this was an example of just that. Even so, she wanted to clear her mind before making the announcement to the gathering before her. A conclave of sorts, it would be the last time so many Jedi were gathered in one place at one time. Their faces would sorely be missed, their cheer, their curiosity.

This was an end. One end in a long line of endings. A new beginning would take its place and they would know peace once more. Until that time, the Order would struggle as it had those thousand years ago. It was nothing unknown to the Jedi.

Once atop, on her stage, she rose her hands to ask for silence. "Jedi!" Her voice was swallowed up in the trees, in the branches and the leaves, the vines and the moss and the lichen. The rocks and the bushed. It was a hollow sound that would reach their ears. One of emptiness and...

"That is what we are. Remember this!" There was a pause for effect, but also to make sure all were paying attention.

"Remember that the Force is always with you!" Her eyes scanned the crowd. Some were growing unease while others watched in awe, desperately anxious to hear what she had to say. What would happen now.

"Remember that the Jedi, this Order, does not require a place. We are more than a Temple. More than a planet. We are servants, vassals of the Force. More than that, we are guardians of peace and freedom and justice!" Such meaningless words now. They seemed childish to her. They seemed a desperate plea to hold on to something, anything, in order to keep this together. To do something to not watch it all fall apart in pieces before her eyes.

"The Grand Master has called for exile of the Order." She was disappointed in the announcement. Which was unusual considering she was going to exile herself regardless of the Grand Master's orders. She'd wait for the whispers, the yells, the screams, the cries to cease before explaining. "And the Galactic Alliance has disowned us." She wasn't going to tell them what really happened to him. This was all too much to take in already. No need to add to the pain.

"We are to disperse into the Outer Rim to hide and survive!" She had waited until it had calmed down a bit before she said this, simply because she knew there would be some uproar from some of the Jedi present. "You are still to perform the duty of a Jedi! We must keep out of sight, however. Our survival depends on the knowledge you posses within your minds. Without that we are lost." She knew that many would think her selfish for even suggesting such a thing. However, it was very much the opposite. Weathering this storm took much more effort, much more courage, strength and sacrifice than offering oneself up as a martyr for honor, for pride.

"Any are more than welcome to continue fighting in the war effort. As Sage Master, however, my duty is to preserve and protect the knowledge of this Order. As such, I will be accepting this order and going to the dark corners of the galaxy. For any who wish to travel with me, speak with me. Otherwise, please leave and do so with haste. Tell none where you are going and do not stop until you reach your destination."

This was the conclusion of her speech; a pause and the traditional farewell for all Jedi, "The Force is with you all." The sadness was now tangible in her voice and she'd watch as they dispersed, after a time of course. They needed to absorb this revelation before they'd even think of moving their feet.

 

[Dmitri]

The Jedi were in tatters, pieces. Yet united. The Sith could try all they want, but the Jedi would remain strong, even in spirit. Unfortunately, at the current time, that was all the Jedi was strong in. The outcome of the war was obvious. The Sith would win, at least temporarily. He had heard of the Sigur's proclamation before most of the people present.

He felt sorry for many of the Jedi present. He had been with Ashara Vashee since they fled from Empress Teta. He had seen the carnage in the Sith's wake. The damage done as they escaped the Sith invasion force. And now they were taking refuge temporarily in a jungle far away. Ashara was right. They needed to hide. The Order needed to hide. While the Light of the Force and CRADLE could probably house the entire Jedi Order, it wasn't a good idea to have everyone all in one place. The Imperial Knights learned that the hard way.

As Ashara finished her speech, the Nautolan decided to pitch in a little himself. "These are dark times. But we will prevail. Remember it is darkest before the dawn. The Sith will not last forever. Light shall triumph darkness. It may not be now, but it will happen. Never lose sight of hope. Never lose sight of the Light Side and the teachings of the Jedi Order.

"I know that many of you are tired. You may not know what to do. Many of you may wish to think a while before you make a decision. Prince Cane Es Cade, the Senator of Empress Teta, entrusted with us CRADLE. We can take on passengers. You may stay however long you wish, or leave whenever you wish. Just remember: Stay safe. Many people think of our Sage Master Ashara Vashee and the Grandmaster and the Jedi Council when they think of the Jedi. But they are not the Jedi. We all are. The Jedi Order comprises of everyone, and we must work together if we wish to survive and defeat the Sith. Some of you may wish to leave and for that I say may the Force be with you. We all will need it." Nodding his head, the Nautolan backed away a bit.

 

[Crackerjack Bohemian]

The humidity made his feet sink into the soft earth. It reminded him of his time hunting the Saq tribe all those years ago, half his life ago, actually. His jacket fell upon his thighs, the bottom still tucked into his trousers for the sake of convenience. Sweat filled the fabric as it ran down his body. Of course, he could have stopped his use of Tapas, but that required knowing the technique and mindfully stopping its use. Like usual, the Force flowed into him to keep his body temperature higher than others if only because of his childhood and adolesence within the arctic of an untouched planet. The scar on his right breast looked purple in the absence of light and the tattoo on his shoulder seemed like a void into his body. The large Epicanthix stood above most others and, thus, held his place in the back of the large group.

Murmurs were quickly sucked away into the forest around them and into the ground which they trudged through. Some had difficulty keeping their balance and strength. Ked didn't hesitate to help them back up and support them. He even took the liberty of placing a small girl and boy on his shoulders while holding the hands of two other children who were a bit older. He never spoke to them or looked them in the eye for their destination was yet to be upon them. They weren't afforded the liberty to remain dry as his sweat began to soak into their clothes and onto them as well. Surprisingly, he never wavered or stumbled upon the soft earth the Sage Master lead them through. They clung tightly onto him, so he felt obligated to remain strong and unmoving for those not strong enough themselves. This was, of course, what the Jedi were expected to do.

The darkness surrounded them and filled the air. There was a lack of fear from this, but the fear of uncertainty and war was much more the focus of those around him. It was clear that war was not a natural occurrence throughout the galaxy. These Jedi were, of course, keepers of peace. This peace was often associated with passivity and delegation. But when those two failed, action was required and it was clear the Jedi were not known for such immediate and efficient action.

He watched as the Sage Master crawled up a rocky ledge. She looked like a red and white spider stretched across the short cliff and struggling to make it to the top. She looked weak and frail, her clothing muddy and torn. But this weakness was not only physical but also emotional. From his short conversation with her prior to their landing on Cularin, she was stressed and anxious, if only slightly. She kept a front, a convincing one at that. But this face wasn't for her, it seemed. No, it was for the younger ones and those new to the Order and those easily influenced by words. Of course, he probably didn't entirely understand what she was talking about. What were they, the forest, the darkness?

The children clinging to him dug their fingers into him, threatening to scratch and possibly puncture his skin if it wasn't as tough. Some of them argued amongst each other as she revealed what their situation currently was. He chose to remain silent, but none directed their conversations toward the large man. It seemed they saw him more as a structure than a Jedi at this time. It mattered little since he already knew much of what was occurring throughout the galaxy and was preparing his own exile as she stated everyone's exile.

Her words were lyrical, but hollow, much like the sound her voice made as it traveled through the darkness. Of course they were true, but it's almost like she held a distrust for them. Of course, he wasn't the most reliable source of understanding Basic, but it's what he could feel after directly interacting with her beforehand.

Another had added a piece to the speech, though he didn't care much for the philosophical depiction of the Light and the Dark. Of course, this was because he didn't share the same views of the Force as anyone else. Still, he was a Jedi because he followed principle, much like the rest of them. It just seemed more like avoidance of reality and dipping into hope. He believed hope to be a more useless emotion as it was based on luck. He would bring about his own peace and harmony through action rather than "hoping." Perhaps his idea of "hope" wasn't entirely sound.

After the initial ado settled and they began to converse with each other about supposed plans and actions to be taken, Ked began to walk through the crowd with the children still upon him and clinging to his hands. These children were now silent and in awe of what their reality was. Certainly they had homes to return to. Hopefully all documents of their existence had been taken from the archives like he was ordered to do on Empress Teta.

"Master Vashee," he bellowed over the humming roar of the Jedi around them, "Still have coordinates?" he asked. Perhaps this was too quick for her, but he wanted to make sure she had the information he'd given her back on her flagship. Swift and uncertain action was sometimes better than slow and calculated action. This was such the time, Ked believed, and he expressed this belief by immediately approaching the Sage.

 

[Tin-Solaire of Astora]

Tel walked mechanically, his large frame earning him a bit of room in the crowd of padwans, only staying close to piper. Where others murmured and whispered to one another, Tel simply moved. He was not of the world, he was focused on what was around him. Not in the direct sense, but in the spiritual sense. The galactic upheaval was electrifying, it was every where, and it was so real, Tel swore, in the odd moments, he could taste it. As he walked he allowed his hood to rest over the majority of his face, watching the feet in front of him as a way to not stumble. His head was filled with many thoughts, none of them were of the path. Fear, anger, sorrow, and even eagerness. That is what scared him the most, the tiny twinge of excitement that would some times shock through his veins at the thought of actually fighting, of winning, it was un-imaginable.

The thought quite literally polluted his mind. Every snap, ever animal cry, was the sith, stalking them. Tel had nearly drawn his blade twice at the thought of combat, but each time he was quick to steady himself. He had to force himself into the mental state he was in, for fear of of showing his eagerness, for fear of allowing his wants to cloud his judgment of the force. He meditated, and used the march as a way to center himself. He focused on what this truly meant, what would happen to the jedi. This was not a game, this was not him pretending to be a great jedi master, and fighting the evil of the galaxy. This was the black guillotine of darkness crashing down onto the necks of the jedi, of the world they had worked to build. Fears black tendrils had grasped at the edges of his mind, but with fear came anger, and Tel could not allow his already compromised self to become enraged. So he locked it away, and at first, locking it away had given him peace. But with each thundering beat of his heart in his ears, was the slamming of his inner beast, crashing into the prison he had locked it away in.

Tel only came to when the Sage Master began her speech. Tel went from being able to hold himself back, to slight trembles. To the only looker he would seem scared, a problem in an of itself, but in reality he was shaking with rage and eagerness. To leave the fight, to run, to hide, it was not right. They were allowing the sith to rise, to take what was the jedis right! The jedis deserved to rule, their control of the galaxy is what would save them from self destruction, and yet, here they were, showing their bellies to the sith. He watched on as a sort of shuffling took form from the jedi around him. Even Piper was suddenly at the feet of the Sage Master, declaring her journey with her.

Tel had to stop himself from grabbing his chest, she couldn't go... He wouldn't be there, he wouldn't be able to help her, she needed him. Of course she needed him, why else would she say the kind things she had to him? She was like the others, the other members of the order, the other padwans. It had been a trick, he had been foolish, it was not a jedi's place to love, he didn't need her. He didn't even want her, she was below him. He flirtatious nature, sitting with him, probably all as a joke to the others. He had seen the way she laughed with the others, of course she saw him similarly.

He gritted his teeth, and then his face turned to chiseled stone as he stalked off to the edge of the crowd, watching the crowd in front of him bitterly. His dark eyes watched, and his ears listened, he had yet decided what he would do, but he didn't need any one to do it.

 

[Raydo]

Reland didn't know what was going when they set out into the forest. He didn't have any possessions to leave so he began to make his way out to where Jedi were beginning to congregate. A few minutes after that they began to walk deeper into the forest. It didn't look like many knew what was going on. The young padawan would have normally asked someone he felt that this was a time to follow and not question things. He could feel the seriousness in the air. He thought it had something to do with the war with the Sith. He had heard that it was not going good for the Jedi and the Alliance. So he continued to walk in silence. It was very surreal picture as the somber group of Jedi walked through the peaceful forest. The air blew through quietly and there were the songs of birds in the air.

He pushed his way up to the front to walk near where the Sage Master was. He wanted to be near the front for what happened next , though he didn't know what that would be. When they begin to slow and then stop as the Sage Master began to climb a rock to address the whole group. There was complete silence when she began to speak. It was like even the forest stopped its daily routine to listen to her words. Reland struggled to process it all as she said that they would be going into exile. Of course he would follow her. He had no where else to go and had no one else in the galaxy.

As she finished and climbed down older Jedi began talking to her while others said they were going to follow her. Reland didn't feel the need to approach her. So he stood just outside the crowd around her while he listened. He did not know what this would mean for his training but he was more determined than ever to become a Jedi.

 

[Mattoxz]

Markus was still in shock at what had only just recently happened. After being defeated by the Sith in the Temple, he was rescued by Ashara. It was a good thing to, if she had waited any longer, then that Sith girl would of killed him. Injuries still plagued his body though, dealt by the ferocious attacks he had suffered. Not to mention the repeated bursts of lightning that he had to endure. The boy had to ask himself, would someone receive a tiny electric shock if he touched them? It would be worth a laugh in such a dreary environment. Somehow he felt that doing such a thing would not earn a good look from many of the fellow Jedi walking with him, so Markus decided it would be best to *not* test that theory.

The forest they traveled through carried a very mystic feeling to it. If it weren't for the sad reason for being here, the Padawan might of actually been able to enjoy it. The group's walk was a hard one though, and far from pleasant. Some of the younger Jedi were in tears at the loss of the Temple. Markus couldn't blame them, for he felt nothing but sadness in those same thoughts. After some time though, they stopped walking. The Sage Master took her place in front of the group, and spoke to them. Her words hit the boy like a knife, a knife that cut far deeper than any other physical instrument. The Jedi Order was being called into Exile, to be sent away into the Outer Rim. Impossible! It had to be...

Finally, it all hit the young boy. The Jedi had lost. The Order had everything stripped from them, and were forced into hiding. It didn't seem real, it couldn't be real! They were the good guys! The ones who were bringing peace and harmony to the galaxy. Now it was being taken away by the Sith relentlessly. What would they do? What would he do?! The Master called for those willing to follow to come along with her into hiding. It seemed like a good option...The only option he had. But how could he just go like that, where could they even go? No doubt it would be some far away remote planet that was only just being met by civilization. Markus was nearly out of medication, what would he do if it just ran out completely?

After the Master's rallying speech was over, the group of Jedi burst into chatter. Some were instantly jumping on board with this proclamation. Him though? Well Markus could barely even open his mouth after the brunt of the information finally hit him. The Padawan made his way outside of the group, and walked a short distance away. Enough to be in view of anyone bothering to look, but enough to be somewhat alone. A small rock sat in the heavily wooded area, it would have to do as a chair. The boy sunk down onto the hard and cold stone. He needed to think, he needed to calm down....He needed a way out of this situation.

 

[Nor'baal]

The Vurk observed as his fellows wandered through the forest, and noted what the sage master said. He had trained with Master Daw in the past, and, whilst not at their level himself, knew how to respect and to approach such high ranking figures. He stepped out from the group of Jedi, and bowed before speaking.

''Master, I know I am but a Padawan, new to the order and to the ways of the force, but I shall pledge myself to this most noble cause, and help in any way that I can.''

Marcus Julantine waited for the response, and sat down on a rock to his left. For the first time in many months he felt at peace, but he knew that such peace would never last...

 

[Master Maverick]

From her perch she watched and listened as Shi-Gel offered a touch more to her rather terse speech. Once he was finished she began her descent as she had her ascent. During this climb she heard the hard accent of a man she had spoken to before ask about coordinates. She made no motion to indicate she had heard him. Indeed, she might have fallen if she did.

It didn't take nearly as long to get down as it had to reach the top. Once on the ground she motioned to the towering man that she had, indeed, heard his query and that she did, in fact, have the coordinates in question. A finger was raised in a "1", signifying to any acculturated citizen of the galaxy that she would be with him shortly as she knew she would be assaulted by the questions and requests of Jedi.

The first was a yell from a distance away. The voice was not recognized and she couldn't quite make out a face in the crowd. Her small stature didn't allow for a good scan of the area. She hoped the female in question would approach her so they might speak of more specifics.

It was then that a Vurk approached her. The first of many, she'd think. There was only a solemn nod that approved his request. "It may not be nearly as noble as you might think," she warned before turning her head up to look at the crowd to see who might approach next.

It was almost a sea of faces, quite difficult to find any one person. Well, that was save for Ked. She waved to him to come to her so they might get started straight away. She didn't want to have to stay here longer than she needed to. It was dangerous enough for a rendezvous to take place despite the battles raging on Coruscant this very moment.

A few moments passed before she remembered the Nautolan that she had traveled here with. Her eyes searched the crowd for the male who had separated himself from the crowd a touch. Bare feet padded the roots and rocks that stuck from the ground over to the Jedi. "Shi-Gel-Hu, I thank you for your kind words." She didn't really think she deserved them, but he didn't need to know that. "Because you knew the Prince better," she began again, not wasting time on niceties, "I will entrust CRADLE to your care. I would highly suggest that the capsules are separated and sent off to random systems or to rest in deep space for the time being."

An idea passed through her mind, but she was hesitant to vocalize it. However, now was no time to be bashful or modest. "I would only ask that one fall under my supervision for the time being." Nothing more would be added. Were he to ask why, she would give him some generic answer pertaining to needing a command from which to organize the dispersal and eventual regathering of the Jedi. If she were honest, she'd say she didn't really know. Not yet anyway. So little was known it was as though she were jumping headlong off a cliff into a bottomless abyss.

"Just so you know, I am giving my gunship back to the Galactic Alliance. I no longer deserve it and it can serve them far better than myself. Do you know of a ship I might be able to borrow." Of course it was hardly borrowing, but she was still careful about her choice of words even here. It was unlikely he knew of one that could be at her disposal off the top of her head, but it was worth a shot. She needed a new ship and she would have to get one here. Good thing there were plenty to choose from in the several platform cities on the planet.

It was now that the crowd began to disperse. Some younger Jedi, in the mid-twenties or early thirties, going off mumbling about going to Coruscant. Others, younglings and initiates and elderly Jedi formed groups to leave immediately, shuffling off once more into the forest. Others left alone, going their own way silently into the night. Ashara waited for others to make their decisions and for plans to be made. She didn't even want to know where the others were going. Her own guard was still close by, but dispersed. Their individuals mind's were connected to her own - she knew where each of them was. they were out there to make sure no fights would break out and that all would leave in a timely fashion.

 

[Raydo]

Reland waited for some of the others to start dispersing before walking closer the Sage Master. He still did not say anything but he knew he would follow her. The moment felt bigger than than him and he felt he had nothing to add to this situation. His role right now was to listen and follow. He wasn't afraid of what was to come. This was his life, he was a Jedi now. The road ahead would be difficult, even harder than the life of the Jedi path he thought he was going to take. The Sith would no doubt hunt the Jedi relentlessly now that they had the Jedi on the run. For the order to live it was more important than ever for younger Jedi like Reland to learn as much of the knowledge of the Jedi so that the collective knowledge of the Jedi would not be lost.

He watched the Jedi around him as they began to implement their plans on what they were going to do next. Some would privately go into hiding, some where going in groups, and some where returning to Coruscant to fight. The more he watched the smaller he felt. There was nothing he could but listen and follow.

 

[Dmitri]

To no surprise, verbal rodeo occurred. Some voiced their desire to accompany the Sage Masters. Some preached agreement to what had been said. Others remained quiet.

Ashara eventually made her way to Shi-Gel-Hu, thank him for his words. "I only said what was needed to. I need no thanks." He was taken off guard by Ashara's sudden offer for him to take command of CRADLE. Shi-Gel-Hu didn't really know the prince either. "Me? I..." He cut himself off. He couldn't stop now. He had promised himself to do what could be done to support Sigur Vainkainen and those who supported him, such as Ashara Vashee. The Nautolan ceased his protest and agreed. "I accept this assignment. I will protect the Jedi and the denizens with my life." He nodded at her suggestion. "I'll have Cradles separate and go their separate ways. Indeed, that method will help protect them from being located all at once. I will strive to prevent any, though, from being located." The Sage Master paused before voicing a desire to command one of the Cradles. As Shi-Gel-Hu felt she was more qualified anyways to lead the behemoths, he found no fault in her request. "It shall be done." Glancing at the crowd, he added, "We can discuss which in private quarters. No need to burden these brave souls with business discussions.

Ashara's inquiry about a ship was a harder issue to tackle. "CRADLE has some ships in construction in its factory. Probably wouldn't be too much of an issue to give one to you. I doubt they'd have a problem with it." He paused, thinking. "If you're okay with it, you can have my ship, the Maverick." He raised his hands before the woman could protest. "With me leading CRADLE, I don't need it anymore. Besides... I have some bad memories associated with it." His girlfriend, years ago, Xiaia, had been shot. He had flown to the Errand Khoss Memorial Hospital on Coruscant, but not in time to save her. He had kept the ship in memory of Xiaia, but it was time to let go. "Xiaia would have wanted you to have it. If you're okay with a spiced up smuggler's ship, the Maverick's all yours."

 

[Master Maverick]

Her eyes searched his physique as he hesitated at her order. It was, indeed, an order, albeit masked in a question. There was no way she wanted to deal with keeping track of CRADLE. Yes, that was incredibly selfish of her, but at the same time it was simply the smartest thing to do. Shi-Gel-Hu was not the Sage Master of the broken Order of the Jedi. He was by no means unknown or some average Jedi, but Ashara wanted to keep as little information as possible to herself considering the target she had on her back.

She was glad he didn't put up a fight, though. It would save time and energy. While she wasn't physically tired, she was still exhausted. This whole thing was only starting to get to her, even still.

The offer of a ship was a bit of a surprise - she didn't think he'd have one to offer her. And while the pair didn't know each other hardly at all, she was humored that he cut her off before she could reject the offer. "Well, I appreciate it all the same. I shall take good care of her, I promise you." If only she could say she would see her again. She just couldn't be certain. Not now anyway.

The cover of a spice ship was only all the better - who would think her on such a ship when she had her own personal gunship only hours before? It was perfect.

"I suppose this is where we part ways then." It was clear she was not particularly pleased about this. "It would not do well to hesitate at such a time. I would see you leave now while the opportunity is still available." There was an expectant look in her eyes, a color that wasn't quite there before. When he took the hint and left, at least her presence, she bowed to him. A shallow bow, one a superior would make to one under them, but a bow nonetheless. She had gotten used to the nodding bows that this was quite a gesture from her were one to read her mind. She respected the Nautolan and hope she might see him in the future.

"The Force is with you," she said, bidding him a farewell in her own way.

It was then that she looked around, trying to find a familiar face in the crowd. Ked was still noticeable, but now the sea of faces had thinned.

Reland caught her eye and she motioned for him to approach. He had stayed adn was alone. This told her that he either wasn't sure what to do or that he knew and was staying out of the way before acting upon it. She wanted to confirm this.

"And what is it you wish to do now?" A simple answer that required a seemingly equally simple answer. This answer, however, would dictate the path he would take for an amount of time yet unknown. He would need to choose carefully for he would be virtually stuck with his decision until further notice.

 

[Raydo]

When Master Ashara motioned for him to come over he did so immediately finally hoping he would get some instruction as to what to do next. He was instead met with a question "And what is it you wish to do now?" she asked him. There was no time to peddle around the answer so he replied "I wish to follow you, Master Ashara, if you will have me." there was nothing else to say and he perceived she did not have enough time for a more complex answer, nor did he have one to give.

He knew that none of their paths would be an easy in future. He had only been a Jedi for a few months and it made his head spin that he went from having a semi-normal life on Coruscant to now going into exile in such a short time.

He was not sure what he would do if she could not or would not let him follow. While the crowd was thinning around them there still was a hum of activity as groups of Jedi, young and old alike, formed and began making the preparations to leave. There was no more discussion to be had, there was only action. For many of the Padawans he had met in the last months this maybe the last time he saw them. While not forming any strong relationships with any of them this brought on a small twinge sadness inside of him.

 

[Elijah Brockway]

So. The Order was now in full exile...like what remained of it had done in the first Purge, or the great one, each set beyond any living memory, only the holocrons, the histories able to speak of them.

Cotan's eyes narrowed with the announcement. Defeat. It left a bitter taste in his mouth. Sighing, the Padawan watched as another walked off, almost brooding. He frowned, recognizing his own lack of a plan for how to deal with this news, the need to think, to meditate, to find what path the Force had set for him...

But the future was ever in motion, and that path could change, even with his own actions. He would have to meditate later. For now, though, he would have to start to get to know some people, and he felt that his best opportunity for that would be to speak with one of those who would have similar specific concerns as he did.

And so a few steps brought him next to the other Padawan he'd seen, Markus, and Cotan tapped him on the shoulder.

"Hey," he muttered, by way of greeting. "They're just giving us all the bad news possible today, eh?"

 

[Mattoxz]

Markus was snapped out of his inner gloom by a sudden voice that caught his ear. Nearly jumping off of his perch, the boy looked around at a fellow Padawan that Markus had seen during the group hike. He was not really expecting anyone to try and talk to him, with everyone being more concerned with jumping on ship with the Sage Master's idea. Whoever the other Padawan was though, he sounded just as confused as Markus.

"Hello." He mumbled in return awkwardly. Usually Markus could be sociable with others, but he felt so shaken after the battle that this Padawan was the first he had exchanged words with in what felt like ages. He could only give a nervous laugh in response to other boy's remark on the news. After a short moment, Markus scooted over to the far edge of his seat, freeing up room. "You can sit if you'd like." The Padawan meekly stated, looking back off into the forest. "My name is Markus, it's nice to meet you."

 

[Elijah Brockway]

"I'm Cotan," the Padawan said, nodding. "It's nice to meet you as well." He moved, looking almost like he was going to sit on the rock, but instead sitting cross-legged on the ground, his features drawing into the slightly-vacant expression of one who is focused almost more inwardly than on the world around them.

"So, Markus," Cotan began, "What do you think might be a proper course of action after hearing all of this?" Turning, the Guardian-in-training focused his gaze on the Padawan sitting next to him. "I was thinking about jumping on ship with the Sage Master, myself; the idea has its merits, after all, and it's the only sort of a plan I can think of."

 

[Master Maverick]

"Very well, then." An Ithorian walked up then, almost as a cue he was responding to. Well, not "almost". "You may accompany Yusef to my gunship. We are making a stop on CRADLE before we leave, but we will speak more on that later." Yusef, the Ithorian who had walked over, bowed his head in greeting and waited silently for the human to obey the implicit command. Ashara had more individuals to speak with, after all, and didn't really have the time for questions. That and she wanted to get everyone out of here as soon as possible. The longer they stayed the more danger they were in.

The Kilassin were starting to prowl around near them, but while they were fearsome hunters they were easily startled. A simple activation of a lightsaber would be enough to scare them off. At least if they weren't too hungry.

Her eyes scanned the "clearing". More than three-fourths had already left, but some were still mingling. Her eyes caught those of other Knights and a couple Masters that still remained. She offered a nod of understanding and confirmation upon their leave. Some were clearly unhappy with her, other more sympathetic. Some were filled with fear, others determination.

Chaos did not sit well with Jedi and it seemed that these Jedi, who had spent so much time in Temples studying training were not cut out for handling the stresses. Of course Ashara had little experience herself - was she made that was or was she just being modest? Or was she denying reality just to make it through?

"Ifs" were not to be entertained. Not at this point. She was here now, and that was all that mattered.

One had chosen to join. What about the others?

 

[Raydo]

He gave a slight nod to the Ithorian as he began to follow him. The sense of urgency was growing. If went was as dire of a situation as Master Ashara made it out to be the next few days they would all need to react quickly.

This was not what he had expected when he joined the Order a few months prior but he would accept this new challenge. He had disliked combat and much preferred the academic studies of a Jedi, but it would be necessary for him to begin training more in the areas where he lacked natural affinity towards. The Jedi Order would need every Jedi to have all of the skills and abilities of the Jedi to be able to teach future generations of Jedi in the coming years.

He felt the training lightsaber at his belt. He had been given one of his own just before they had left Empress Teta. He felt foolish carrying it and he felt awkward as him bumped against the outside of leg. If any real danger befell them it would not stop any attackers but he felt he needed carry it. A lightsaber had long since been a symbol for the Jedi for those not in the Order. It now served as a symbol for Reland. A symbol of hope in the ever encroaching darkness. With that he began the walk further into to unknown and he began to rely on the Force to bring him a sense of peace.

 

[Nor'baal]

Marcus did not actually have much to say, and as such he merely turned to stand next to the female sage leader, and faced the others:

''I would strongly urge you all to join this cause, for I feel it is just. Come, help us.'' Implored the Vurk.