Judgement Aftermath

[Devrim Wolfe]

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Standing out in the courtyard of Al'doleem, Devrim waited by the ancient tree until the tribunal had concluded. Well, at least where it used to be. Now, it was simply a stump from where Asha had cut it down purely by accident some time ago. The Rebel Commander smiled as he though back to that day...how long had it truly been? Indeed, it felt like it had been only yesterday that Leah's first five Padawans had crafted their first lightsabers in this very place. Since then, Devrim had spent more time than he could remember in the Deep Stone Crypt, pouring over the wealth of information and teachings that were left behind and preserved in the memory crystals. It was a strange process — unlocking the memories within was disorienting, as it made Devrim feel as though he was actually there learning with Masters Galahad and Austin. It was a vastly more effective way to train than the dark-haired man had ever experienced — it was as though the skills and knowledge was being imbued directly into his mind.

Though Devrim could celebrate in the progress that he and the other Padawans achieved in leaps and bounds, the Jedi could not bring himself to do so. With the whirlwind of events that had happened recently, things were set in motion that could not be undone. The attacks on Corellia and Nar Shaddaa. The HoloNet disabled in the Imperial Hutta. The Jedi, revealed. Dammit, Valentine, Devrim thought, pursing his lips. He should have come to the Council. Of course, the Commander and others had seen the Jedi Master leaving the tribunal with incredible haste and unbreakable determination. For now, all he had were questions with no answers.

He began circling the stump of the ancient tree, his feet brushing aside dead twigs and leaves. In a sense, the Alliance was much like this tree. Built up, strong, spreading its branches to greater heights. Commander Ion had led the rebels with focus and purpose, allowing them to grow more than Devrim could have thought possible. But in one fell swoop, it had been cut down.

Extracting the hardcover book from his side, the Jedi cracked open its pages and breathed in the smells from its pages. Somehow, it still carried the mesmerizing aroma of fresh pine from a faraway world. His eyes drifted to a new chapter, which he read with reverence and deep thought. A particular passage caught his gaze, which he murmured aloud. "Jedi must search their feelings so as to not perform vile acts of cruelty. With such perils and stumbling blocks, shall we then altogether cast aside the manipulation of the elements? Certainly not! I say to you, it is through constant vigilance and a well-disciplined mind that one may wield such with power and serenity."

His rich baritone fell silent, and Devrim pulled his attention away from Caladglær. He heard footsteps, and felt a familiar presence. His Master was approaching.

@Deviant​

 

[Leah Reach]

Leah brushed her fingers against the spine of the book. Thin and old, paved and bound in leather. Each corner was cracked and dry with age. On the back, the brown coloring of the cover had rusted and faded away. The Jedi Master pulled at the edge carefully. She was not afraid to tear the cover from its weak binding. She was afraid to see what was inside. Her eyes fell onto a faint scrawl on the first page as it declared the original owner: Eli Reach, her husband. Her heart ached. She thumbed through the journal, every page wrinkled and delicate between her right hand. She immersed herself into the book, reading old entries, ideas or notes. All the words, each scribble of ink, pained her to see. Why was she tormenting herself so?

The Jedi Master shut the book before she was too carried away. It made an exhausted huff, like a padded door coming to a close, locking away painful thoughts. Leah would have never read the book unless she needed to, but today, she couldn’t resist it. By order of the Alliance Commander, the Old Temple was evacuating. While she was appointed to oversee the efforts, she needed to take her own belongings and other records collected by the Order. By her husband. They were among the only possessions she kept of him since his death, only because the tragedy on Dantooine buried the rest. That journal was one of the only items left of him. Seeing it again made her hurt, but she knew she could not allow her sentiment to consume her. An evacuation was in order.

Leah slid the book into her bag and left her empty quarters. She walked the halls, knowing it may be the last time she ever saw them, and into the main courtyard. To her surprise, Devrim Wolfe circled around the stump of the only tree in the monastery. His focus was fixed on a book in his hand and he read the words aloud. They stung. What Leah had done earlier, what she did to Aurora, was something done out of impulse and driven by emotion. It was a vile act of cruelty. That was what Vu’thari believed, it was how Luy saw it, and it was what she started to believe too. She bit her lip and hid away those dark thoughts. She revealed her presence in the Force, having hid it during her arrival from the temple. Leah had wanted to gather her things without interruption.

Not anymore.

“Is that Caladglær? Fascinating read.” She said, footsteps reaching a quiet halt. An awkward pause followed as she tried to find what more to say. “What are you doing out here, Devrim?”

@Vosrik

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

Frowning as he read, Devrim encountered a strange term he hadn't seen before — Aerokinesis. It was written alongside Pyrokinesis, Cryokinesis, and Electrokinesis, as ways a Force user can master the elements. However, in all of the training that Devrim had undergone, he had never heard the discipline before. Looking closer at the techniques that Saeros described, it appeared to be in fact a variation of Telekinesis that affected the wind. Interesting... he thought, giving the chapter one last look.

He heard the footsteps before seeing or sensing her approach. The intense aura of Leah's connection with the Light never failed to astound Devrim, and once again she seemed to blink into existence upon revealing her presence. He turned, slowly closing the book and cradling it underneath his arm. "Yes, so far it is," the Jedi clad in his black robes replied. Though he was no expert at communicating with others, even he could read Leah's attempt at small talk. Devrim paused for a moment, formulating his response. "What...happened in there? All of us — the Jedi, at least — felt something in the Council chamber. I came out here to calm my mind, but I can't help but feel the urgency surging through Al'doleem." Though Devrim had been present for the first half of the tribunal, he had heard nothing of Arda being captured.

"There's...something else I've been thinking and meditating about," he continued, changing the subject. "I have thoroughly studied and learned all that the Crypt has to offer. I understand too that the needs of the Jedi Order are great." Somewhat uncomfortable in asking, Devrim stood up straighter and clenched Caladglær tighter under his arm. "I'd like to undergo the Trials to become a Knight." He involuntarily held his breath for a moment, unsure of how his Master would react. Was it too soon? He would not be the least bit surprised if she gave a gentle rebuke, and would willingly accept that he needed more time and training.

Nodding his head in a respectful bow, he finished, "I've read about the Trials, and I understand their difficulty. I only wish to serve others and the Order the best I can."

@Deviant​

 

[Leah Reach]

Straight to the point. Her stomach churned. Leah wanted small talk but she should have known Devrim was looking for more than pleasantries. He was looking for answers, most she struggled to give. The Jedi Master should have known that closing Aurora from the Force would send a dangerous ripple across Al’doleem. Everyone gifted with the Force, either outside the Council chambers or in the monastery tucked on the other side of the continent, should have felt it. Leah didn’t expect anyone to question about it. Not until Devrim. Hesitation chained the woman into place, in unwelcome silence. Fortunately, the young man shifted the subject, almost eliciting a sigh of relief out of the Jedi Master. Not that she could forever escape from the truth of what she did.

“The Council needed to handle something. But don’t worry, it’s handled.” She answered, the response shallow and weak. Full of lies. Leah had taken it upon herself to deliver the punishment, without the complete consent of the Jedi Council. They blasted her for it, but what else could she have done? Allowed Aurora to rot in a cell until her dying breath, like the strange man Master Luy imprisoned? Slap her wrist and ignore the fact she had abandoned a girl to her death, forcing the Alliance into the situation they were now stuck in? No. She needed to do something. However, the longer she considered it, the more she realized how drastic it was. How bitter she had become. Her emotions ruled her, and now she was paying for it.

“But that’s good.” She managed a soft smile, trying to break the tension with reassurance and support. “In fact, that’s perfect.” Leah reached out and took his hand. She hid her instability with newfound excitement. Of course, she was genuinely pleased to hear his interest in Knighthood, knowing the Order would need more like him, but that didn’t mean she could escape the dark thoughts looming behind her. At least, not completely. “I know for certain you will make a fine Jedi Knight. Always have. There’s a devotion, a yearning, inside of you that I know will take you far. And whatever steps you take, no matter the journey ahead, know that I will support you all the way. And I’m sure the rest of the Council will too.”

She paused. “But the Trials of Knighthood is an ancient tradition, unused for centuries. As I know of, we do not require you to embark on such rigorous practice. These are desperate times. Exceptions have and can be made.” Leah slipped away. “But I understand if this is what you want to do. Like it was in the old days, like it was for your ancestor— Austin Wolfe. I can respect that.” She continued her smile, still uncertain but welcoming the idea. There were several others, such as Alysanne, who chose to take the same path. And perhaps that was for the better. They were in desperate times, but that did always call for desperate measures.

@Vosrik

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

Being a member of the Rebel Intelligence, Devrim had been trained to discern truth from lies. And while his Master's response was certainly no lie, the Jedi Padawan could tell it was no real answer to his question. But whatever had happened, Devrim trusted Leah had done what she believed to be the right thing to do. He had never been given any indication to think otherwise of her, and so he didn't press the issue. Despite being a Rebel Commander, Devrim knew he was not privy to every matter that the Council discussed.

Turning the direction of the discussion to his desire to undergo the Trials, the dark-haired Padawan's spirits were lifted by her response. Leah was more than pleased to hear of his request, and Devrim was eager to prove himself to her and to the Council. He was intrigued to hear that the Trials hadn't been used for centuries — that even Leah hadn't undergone them to ascend to the rank of Master. "I trust your judgement," Devrim replied. "If you believe I am ready, I would willingly meet with the other Masters to be judged by them. I understand Master Austin underwent them, but the Order is different now. From what I can tell, they had no Padawans back then either."

A smirk crept up the side of his face. Perhaps their Trials were so rigorous because of that fact — they needed Knights for the war against the Exiles and the newly-founded Sith Empire. Devrim had already received more training as a Padawan than initiates would 500 years ago. More than anything, Devrim felt ready. "Should I forego the Trials, what would be the next step?"

@Deviant​

 

[Leah Reach]

For Leah, the Trials of Knighthood was an existing practice but a superfluous ritual. The ancient Jedi Order applied its use only because there were so many of them, and therefore a great need to filter through each and every one. They neither experienced the same circumstances the Jedi did now. They never knew what it was like to live on the edge, never knowing if death lurked just around the corner, or if they might as well be the very last of their kind. The remnants of the Jedi needed to forgo the past to weather the future. Her mother understood that need, and Leah became Knight the moment she built and learned to wield her lightsaber. As anyone could tell, from where she now stood and what she had done, it was not a mistake.

She believed Devrim could follow in her footsteps, with proper guidance and experience, both of which he already possessed. She taught him everything he needed to know about the Force, but he went a step further and instructed himself with the archives preserved in the Deep Stone Crypt. New powers, old forms, lost knowledge. Master Wolfe, his ancient ancestor, proved to be a valuable teacher to him and a mentor of equal stature to Leah. Outside the Jedi, Devrim displayed his skill as a warrior, rebel and agent of Rebel Intelligence. Even if the blessing of the Rebel Council was unnecessary, she understood the Alliance Commander would welcome the promotion. They needed more Knights. They needed more men like Devrim in a place of authority and strength.

She nodded. “All you would need to do is stand before the Jedi Council. Answer our questions, give us a taste of what you’re capable of or what you plan to do.” Her hands clasped together. It was much like rising into the position of Jedi Master in the old days, but that title came more naturally. Less of an interrogation and more of an appointment, or so Leah believed. Nobody had ever reached that high. Not that she doubted Devrim could do that in later years, or even months, if he continued on the path he now walked. “For you, it’s nothing. Not like your rigorous indoctrination into, what was it, AIDS? Sorry, the Alliance Internal Division.” She gave a light chuckle. Leah had heard from Aurora of how she sifted through his mind. Thorough perhaps, but dangerous.

“And, when everything is said and done, you are free to do what the old Knights of the Order did. You can train students of your own, lead your own operations, establish new temples.” She managed a smile. “And you won’t have to listen to anymore of my ramblings about the Force.”

@Vosrik

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

Hearing what would be required of him, Devrim nodded with restrained eagerness. The prospect of proving himself to the Jedi Council was not a daunting one to him, but instead a unique opportunity for him to grow and serve the Galaxy better. The dark-haired rebel had, of course, read through the memory crystals and become familiar with the Trials of Mastery of old, but such tests of character were done in front of several members. It was unfortunate the Order numbered so few, and such practices had likely fallen out of favour. But that was part of Devrim's wish to become a Knight — to help restore the Jedi from the edge of extinction.

A smile and a laugh escaped Devrim's lips as Leah mentioned the former name of the Alliance's internal division. "Yes, though I think it's been simplified to Rebel Intelligence. Not as much of a mouthful." For a brief moment, the Jedi's mind wandered to that interrogation he received from Aurora. At the time, Devrim hadn't known she was one of the five remaining Jedi Masters. He had been confident he'd be able to pass any interrogation after his training on the demon moon of Dxun, but nothing could have prepared him for the mental assault. "I'm sure Master Aurora would have few questions to ask that she didn't already know the answer to," Devrim commented with a chuckle, ironically unaware of what had taken place at the Rebel Council.

Listening to Leah continue, the dark-haired Jedi was intrigued. "I would love to see the Crypt turned into a proper Temple and filled with students." As it was, there were few that were ever inside the sanctuary. Devrim would feel sorry for 10-NT, but the droid had been alone for five centuries before. He was probably used to the solitary life by now. "Oh you know I never minded your "ramblings"," Devrim retorted merrily. Since discovering his sensitivity, the subject of the Force had been ceaselessly interesting for the rebel. "Is there anything you would have me do before standing before the Council?" Devrim asked, returning to the subject at hand. His grip on Caladglær had lessened, now that he had relaxed immensely after posing his initial question to Leah.

@Deviant​

 

[Leah Reach]

Leah exchanged the chuckle, stiff and awkward but passable. She hid her guilt better than Aurora hid her taint in the Dark Side, which she had sensed before she closed her from the Force. The rest of the Jedi Council believed she overstepped her bounds, that the punishment was too severe. She shared in that sentiment, remorseful for what she had done, but a part of her knew if she was confronted with the same situation, she would have done it regardless. Why? Aurora had not only betrayed the Order and her trust, but the taint implanted in her spirit by the Sith she faced would have only festered if she remained in prison or exile. Leah had not only momentarily closed her from the Light as retribution, but sympathy. To save her from the Dark, she needed to sacrifice her Light. And only for the time being.

Leah hoped she might return soon, renewed and restored, but how she left without so much a glance scared Master Reach. She went too far. She broke her heart and soul. Although Aurora should have known that reconnecting with the Force required only a matter of discipline, her expressionless face told her she might never come back, and that hurt Leah more than it did anyone else. Every waking moment was a moment she regretted doing what she did. Be that as it may, there was no going back. What was done was done. She needed to accept what happened and move on, even if the others would not. Vu’thari in particular was infuriated. She trusted he would forgive her later. But in another terrible twist of irony, he was leaving now, with a company of his students, perhaps for good.

His loss, in addition to that of Aurora and potentially Valentine, they would need more distinguished Jedi among the Order. Future Masters. While Leah saw Devrim as the perfect Knight, she could easily see him sitting with rest of the Council. At least, what was left of it. For now, it was only Leah and Luy, and although she was perfectly willing to appoint Devrim, she wondered how Luy might react. She understood he was not so pleased with her after the tribunal, but she trusted he could see what she saw in the young man. Leah worried he might stand opposite of her own views over the Trials of Knighthood and apply them to Devrim, but even then, she believed he could prevail. Through his devotion to the Alliance and the Jedi, he passed such trials.

As for what came before and leading up to his selection, Leah had only one thing to say. With one hand on his shoulder, she spared a smile. “Don’t die.” A chuckle passed her lips. Another twist of irony loomed behind those words, for little did she know Devrim would remain with the skeleton crew on Al’doleem to finalize the evacuation and fight the Empire. If she had, Leah would have done whatever it took to make him go with her. When she finished, her hand slipped away. “There are transports leaving Al’doleem. Commander Hugo issued an order to evacuate. Just precaution after the events on Corellia and Nar Shaddaa.” A half-truth. Leah knew the real reason why, but she didn’t want to tell Devrim now. Not so soon.

“I suggest you leave with him, or return to the Crypt. I am sure there are other Jedi who might be looking for a place to stay once they clear out. The Crypt, your sanctuary, can be that place.” She shrugged and stepped back. The Jedi Master was very casual about the news of evacuation, but only to avoid the notion of its severity. Leah trusted the young man would agree without further question and depart with the others, as she was now. If he hadn’t more to say, she would take her leave and oversee the evacuation at the Old Temple.

@Vosrik

 

[Devrim Wolfe]

Don't die. There were multitudes of strategies, tactics, and advice that military members gave to their superiors and subordinates. Even veterans needed reminders from time to time, but there was one phrase that resounded stronger than any other.

Don't die.

Devrim shared the same chuckle. He was an experienced warrior, in more ways than one now, but there was always a bigger fish. Everyone's days were numbered. The next thing that Leah said caused Devrim's eyes to furrow. Though she made light of it, the gravity of what an evacuation meant did not go over the Jedi's head. "An evacuation?" It was Dantooine all over again. The dark-haired rebel was not convinced by his Master's reason — that it was simply a precaution. Moving a base of operations like Al'doleem was no simple task. "Have we been compromised?" he asked directly. It was important that he heard the truth. Devrim was the leader of his own rebel cell on Phaeda, and if he needed to evacuate his squad, then he needed to know.

The Padawan could not deny that the Crypt was important to him. It was one of Devrim's dreams to build up the sanctuary to a fully functioning Temple for the Jedi, a place of learning and growth for the Jedi Order. "I'll see what I can do there, but if I'm needed in the defense of the Galactic Alliance..." he paused, straightening and steeling his resolve. "I will do what I must to preserve its existence." The finality in Devrim's voice was unmistakable. Even if it meant conflict and risking his life, he would be loyal to the very end.

Collecting himself, there would be little else to speak of between teacher and student. "Once the evacuations are over, I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon." Turning to face Leah once more before he left, carrying the tome beneath his arm, Devrim said his farewell. "May the Force be with you."

@Deviant​

 

[Leah Reach]

Reluctantly, Leah nodded. “Yes, an evacuation. And yes, we’ve been compromised.” While her bag was slung over her shoulder, her grip on the strap tightened. The Jedi Master didn’t want to think about the whole ordeal all over again, especially about the girl trapped in the heart of Sith territory and the Jedi who left to save her. For all she knew, both were dead, and with Aurora gone, the only one left to blame would be Leah. She could take it. Her reputation mattered little to the ambassador. What hurt her was losing so many Jedi, along with the bases and homes they had struggled so much to build and create. All because of a simple mistake. A single operation. Authorized and designed by herself. Those regrets would stay with her forever, no matter how far she flew from Al’doleem.

Now? To hear Devrim affirm his desire to stay and defend the Old Temple, her heart stopped and she eyed the other man, worried. She was tempted to reach into his mind and determine what he was thinking or if he really planned to remain, but closing Aurora from the Force left her drained, not just of her strength but a desire to use the Force altogether. Doing what she did hurt, and Leah never wanted to do it again. Still, the damage was done. While she couldn’t turn back the clock to change what happened, she could at least do whatever she needed to prevent further tragedy. With her hand, Leah took Devrim’s. “No. You can preserve its existence by preserving your own. You are the best of the Alliance and the Jedi, Devrim. I cannot bear to lose you. Not after everything.”

Unsure if she overstepped, her fingers slipped back, and so did she. “Just don’t. Not just for the Alliance, but for me. Please.” Her gaze was pleading, desperate but hopeful. She trusted it would be enough to convince the young man to evacuate with everyone else and meet with Leah at the designated rendezvous point. If she didn’t see him there, she wouldn’t know what to do. She needed him at her side if she wanted to salvage the Rebellion from the mess it was in now. Needless to say, she would let him go now and trust he listened well. Leah didn’t have time to stay and make sure. There were still evacuations that needed to be handled and overseen. It was time for her to go.

With another reluctant nod, she granted him leave, and her own. “Goodbye then, Devrim.” She tried to smile. “May the Force be with you.” With that, she left. Uncertain of what the future held for either of them. The best she could do was hope.

End Thread.​