The Final Vigil

[Cassanova]

This thread is [OPEN] to all Jedi characters (Sith/Imps, go away!). The thread takes place the evening before the Battle of Coruscant threads begin. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to PM me.

Here is the link to the [OOC] thread for this story.​

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Alliance Intelligence, and the visions of Jedi Masters had foretold the same thing; tomorrow would bring about the Battle of Coruscant. It was late afternoon, the day before the fighting would begin, and the tensions were undeniably high. Such tensions and qualms were the very reason that Juno had spent the time to change into her more traditional Jedi robes, adorning only the lightsaber of her mother, the late Knight Layla Armstrong. Outside, at the temple's landing pad, the Doaba sat proudly as its bays and stores were stocked with whatever supplies, artefacts and information servers would fit. Inside the temple, however, Juno was busy activating the Temple's public announcement system.

Good afternoon, This is Jedi Master Juno Armstrong. I request the presence of all Jedi in the main hall for a brief meeting. While attendance is optional, I would like to see all of you there. Thankyou.

Transmitting the message, Juno sighed heavily, as she gathered her things together and placed them into an Alliance-issue duffle bag, and moved towards the main hall. Pondering what exactly she was about to say...

 

[Rauvinn2800]

"I request the presence of all Jedi in the main hall for a brief meeting. While attendance is optional, I would like to see all of you there. Thank you." Sylent heard the announcement from one of the speakers near his preferred quiet corner on the Temple roof and, with a sigh, strapped on his lightsaber pike, lifted the bag holding his few possessions, and paused to look out at the forest one last time from his high vantage point. It was beautiful here. It had even begun to feel like a new home... And now the Sith were coming to pillage his home once more.

It was both infuriating and humbling, the power the Sith wielded. Though Sylent's being was screaming to stay and fight, to tear at the flesh of the invaders and teach them the meaning of HIS Fury, he had taken an oath. Never would he end the life of any sentient creature until the demonspawn Saqan had been hunted down and brought to a fearsome justice. For now, he would go, and learn to walk in the ways of the Force. He knew, down in his core, that his time was yet to come, and for now he would obey the last command of Grand Master Vainikainen.

Sylent hopped down from his perch and made his quiet way to the main hall. He knew next to no one, but he would come and see, listen and witness. It was the Final Vigil.

 

[Rom]

Alistair sadly walked through the halls of the Jedi Temple on his final night within the place that had become a home to him, his lightsaber clipped into his harness and his flute sheathed across his back. Everywhere he looked the memories of laughter and training and camaraderie threatened to overwhelm him. It was hard not to fall into melancholy; twice now in his short life the places he called home were forcibily ripped from him... And even now when he had the training to defend his home, he couldn't. A bad fall while escaping Tython had twisted his hind paw, and the Kushiban could barely jog without it giving out, let alone engage in battle. It had been decided that he would leave with the other Jedi, whether he wanted too or not.

Running his paw against the smooth marble of the columns rising high towards the arched roof, Alistair released a sigh before deciding to go check his pack for the fifth time; credit stipend, datapad loaded with his training materials, favorite stories, astrogation charts, languages, and scientific journals, blaster with spare cartridges, personal effects and treasures, photos taken with friends and trainers, and clothes to leave his Jedi robes behind until it was safe to don them again.

And then the call came over the loudspeakers and the young Padawan struggled to keep his joyous squeaks contained. Master Armstrong had been out of reach since their return fron Tython, and he wanted to give her his sincerest thanks for arming him and teaching him how to use it. He hobbled off in determination, scooting through the legs of other Jedi as they made their way into the great hall.

If this was to be his last night on Coruscant, it would be spent with his family... The only one he had. His fellow Jedi.

 

[The Kyzer]

Von sat alone in what seemed to be the twentieth in a long line of temporary boarding rooms given to her by the Order. She'd been hoping around the Jedi Temples, first Tython, then bouncing back and forth between the Light of the Force and the Sage Halls, before eventually making her way back to Coruscant, where she'd first joined the Order officially. She checked her little duffel bag again as she wiped away the tears.

The Order had been the only place where Von had felt she'd truly belonged. It was rough, at-first, socializing with other Padawans, but Master Juno had reminded her that they were all together, as one. It was then that Von heard the PA.

"Speak of the bantha," she muttered to herself before drawing in a deep breath to calm her nerves. Picking up her bag and taking it with her, Von stopped short when she saw brave Alistair hobbling through the crowds of busy Jedi and other Temple workers toward the Main Hall for Master Armstrong's meeting. She felt a pang of guilt seeing her friend in pain. If only she'd been better, the Kushiban Jedi might not have been hurt at all. They might have defeated the Sith. They might have not lost Tython. They might have...

Shaking her head at this line of thoughts, Von took strength from Alistair's determined steps. However, ashamed at her own failures, Von quietly followed the small Jedi warrior through the crowds, tears welling up again in her downcast eyes.

 

[Kiro]

A gloved hand gently clasped the furry shoulder of Padawan Alistair. "Leaving home is never easy, my Padawan." The Imperial accent was a dead give-away as to the identity of the speaker. There was only one Jedi Knight with an Imperial accent, nevermind the more local dialect of Raxus Prime, and the ever so faint glottal undertones of Bastion. However, as Alistair turned to face his Master, the Kushiban would certainly note that her usual black attire had been replaced with something far more sinister. The armour of an Imperial Urban Stormtrooper. The very same that would soon be descending upon Coruscant. The armour sported the markings of the 103rd Brigade, the two crossed swords of tricopper.

"But do not grieve. The Temple might fall. Coruscant might be the lair of darkness once more. But the Jedi, all that made this temple what it is today, will live on. Hidden, concealed, but alive. In you. In Jedi like Masters Armstrong and Daw. In every Jedi that avoids capture and death at the hands of the Sith." The Imperial Jedi, smiles down at her small, fuzzy, Padawan. Knight Haas hardly seemed to feel the same grief as the others gathered in the main hall of the Coruscanti temple. But then, as evidenced by her... distinctive clothing, Kiro had never been a very normal Jedi.

 

[Wit]

Kain stepped into the main hall of the Jedi Temple with a heavy heart. He knew what was coming, his father, Moridin, Master Haas, the other Jedi, they had all sensed it and the news had trickled down to the younglings and padawans like him as well. He could sense the calm and muted anticipation in the vast chamber. Some would say it was the calm before the storm, but he shouldn't really have expected anything else, these were Jedi, even in the face of the coming disaster they did not loose their composure and run around in panic like untrained cattle.

Locating his Master within the gathered Jedi, he made his way to her and came to a stop besides her and Alistair, her other padawan. He had first met the Kushiban Jedi on a lonely planet a long way from Coruscant, but despite being apprenticed to the same master their interaction since then had been very less, he wished now it had not been so, the Force only when or if they would meet again. "Master Haas, Alistair, I'm not late, am I?"

 

[Gaja]

Theme​

In his chambers a muscular Corellian was making some final preparations for the difficult times ahead. He knew that this was probably the last day he'd be setting foot in this temple. Inside the New Jedi Order he was a member of the Jedi Council, and carried the title of Battle Master which signified that he was considered the foremost duelist among the Jedi of this generation. He was also the only member of the Council around at this point. With the Grand Master arrested just days ago and the Sage Master somewhere in space withdrawing from current events he was the senior most Jedi inside the Temple on the planet of Coruscant. His name was a rather well known one at this point, Guhoo Armstrong. The twin brother of Juno Armstrong.

As the man put the bag in the hands of his protocol droid his blond hair moved from left to right as he took slow measured steps outside the chamber. This was it, the great conflict of their time. And he was at the fore front of it. Along with being the Battle Master Guhoo was also the Supreme Commander of the Galactic Alliance Armed Forces, or Defense Forces, depending on whom you talked to. Either way as the planetary defenses were in place the only thing remaining was to wait. Wait for the radars to pick up on the Empire arriving along with the Mandalorians...

Wearing a black body suit under his traditional Jedi Master robe the man smirked and released a short sigh through his nose as he heard his younger sister call for the meeting of the Jedi. Probably the last in a while...

Thinking back to his time as a youngling on Corellia, to his move to Tython, training as the padawan of Mira Albion, getting help from the previous Kel'dor Battle Master in constructing his first lightsaber, meeting the Crystavian Jedi Master on the grounds of Coruscant, going to the Daedalus for the first time and his adventure there. Meeting Darix Talohn, the previous Battle Master, Kiro Haas, Teynara, Amilthi.

Juno visiting him at the hospital after he escaped Dxun, his promotion to Jedi Knight, his first battle in the war. He also remembered the sad times, like the time when he found out about Skhai Baatch dying along with her padawan. Jhon Cordatus, Kara Valki... His promotion to Master and Jedi Councilor. There were so many other adventures and tales that deserved mention but the tall Councilor didn't have time to go through them all really. He simply saw the ground around him as his blue eyes searched the mass for his own padawan. Jungle-girl Tali as he liked to describe her was a fascinating creature to the Corellian, far different than any person he had ever met, and he had the honor of training her. Though in all honesty he trained a number of people, Marcus, Morgan and Narrah to a certain extent.

But as the man joined the other Jedi his face didn't reveal any doubt, but an air of confidence and power. The Battle Master's resolve would not be shaken now, he knew what laid ahead and he knew that this was the calm before the storm... Whether he'd live or die didn't matter, but he was certainly prepared for it. But right now, before he had to leave for the Alliance Command Center he wanted to spend some time with his fellow Jedi. The war was innevitable and would come when it was time, until then he simple... he simply wished to spend time with his brothers and sisters. So with a gentle look in his eyes he walked to the main hall...

 

[Cassanova]

Entering the main hall of the temple, Juno smiled weakly at the sheer number of Jedi who had actually been at the temple. A sea of faces, from every race, from every world, and from every facet of Jedi life, looked back at her expectantly. Juno, at this stage had failed to come to anything meaningful to say about the presence of so many Jedi - most of which had come from their, now destroyed, former homes at the other temples. Juno remembered her first visit to the Jedi Order. It was actually to this very Jedi Temple as a young girl. The space she remembered as vast, open, and seemingly unoccupied now was packed, shoulder-to-shoulder with Jedi Knights.

Juno's presence in the room seemed to instill an awkward, expectant silence upon the convergence. Had she not been expecting it the sheer power in the room, the very presence of so many Jedi burning so brightly in the Force, would have overwhelmed her. Though she, like many Jedi who stood before her took strength from such numbers. With each step forward, the silence became more tangible, more thick with an odd mix of dispassionately defiant fear. She knew it was time for her to address the congregation of Jedi. And it scared the hell out of her.

Knowing that she could not see every member of the Order from her vantage point, Juno clambered up onto the railing of the staircase, using a nearby pillar for support. The very sight of all these Jedi brought a smile to her face, and the beginnings of a tear to her eye. "Fellow Jedi..." her words weren't those of an inspiring weapon master, but as honest as the day she presented a speech at the Alliance Gala so many years ago. Honest, innocent. "Today, nearly our entire Order is in one place. With one purpose. To defend the people of this galaxy. We all know what comes for us tomorrow. The New Sith Imperium and their armies that seek to destroy freedom, peace, and the joy of life itself."

"We have, however, been given an order by the Grandmaster himself. We are to retreat. To fall back from the Core and to leave the Alliance to its fate. Master Vainikainen, however, failed to specify a timeframe on this mandate. Some of us will stay and fight. And others will take the future of our Order, the Padawans, the databanks of the archives, and our sacred artefacts and fall back. Both jobs are equally important..." Juno eyed the crowd softly, as she knew each Jedi was deciding for him or herself what they would do. "Neither duty will be glamorous. Those who fight will face an army unlike we've seen to date. Those who flee will be branded traitors."

After a few moments, Juno motioned to her brother, Guhoo Armstrong who stood amongst the other Jedi in the area, "Battlemaster Guhoo Armstrong will remain behind to fight." Juno never needed to ask him what his plans were. She knew he had decided that days ago. "And I..." Juno choked on her words for a moment, and regathered herself as a tear rolled down her face. "And I will be captaining the Light of the Force into exile in the outer rim."

Juno wiped the tears from her eyes as she looked around the room, "You are the finest beings in the galaxy and I'm deeply honoured to be here with you on this day. Make your decision, and know that whatever you choose. We are one, we are united. We are all Jedi Knights today. The Force is with us all and I look forward to the next time we all meet."

Stepping down from the bannister, Juno slumped down against it, feeling depleted and empty. Her words were true, but she felt horrid for being the one to say them so publicly. The very words that had plagued her mind for months haunted her mind as she stared blankly at the floor; We've lost the war...

 

[Just Matt Now]

Loogo would not miss this opportunity. This was a time for the Jedi, a peaceful time amongst so vicious and relentless times. One that will remind each and every Jedi why they are in this Order, why they are here, and why they choose to be Jedi. Slithering to the Main Hall with his astromech droid, Shorty, Loogo respected that Juno Armstrong would be forward enough as to unite all Jedi.

They were clearly ordered to flee Coruscant, and leave the civilians and Galactic Alliance Military and Navy to fend for themselves. Though this would be a difficult decision for all Jedi. They would need to make their decisions wisely, as most who would stay behind to fight might not be welcomed back to the Order, that is if they survived. The Sluissi already knew his plan of action, and it started off with his obedience to the Grandmasters order. He would ensure the safety of all the Jedi padawans and Knights alike on the Light of the Force. He would make sure that everything is being handled so that the Jedi would not become obliterated completely. Then he would take his masters ship, the Sundance Maiden, and regroup with his master. He would not leave this fight behind, he would not let millions die because he would flee with no attempt to come back at all. With the Sluissi's superior piloting skills, he would be able to return to his master, and help him defend Coruscant.

Listening to Juno's speech, the Sluissi was truly touched. His heart sun deep into his chest and his droid could sense the same. Shorty made no attempt to make a witty remark, obvious even to a droid how dire their situation had become. Though he was shocked to hear that Juno was staying to captain the Light of the Force. Though surprised only because she was such a strong combative warrior, Loogo knew that she was the best for the task.

His attention shifted to her brother, Guhoo Armstrong. Never having met the Battlemaster before, he surely intended to. Though being just branded a Knight, Loogo was somewhat shy to address him.

His touched heart form the Weapon Masters speech left the Sluissi in a strange place. He no longer cared for what others would think of him. Slithering up to Guhoo, standing side by side to him, his shoulder nearly touching his.

"Ssuch a powerful sspeech..."

 

[Emerald Iris]

The masterless padawan had arrived shortly before the speech began, and she stood there listening the entire time, listening to Juno's words, watching the leader before them waver in her emotions, and feeling just as grim in reply.

"We have to run," She spoke to herself while sitting down somewhere off to the side. "Run away to fight another day, and come back with the fury of the storm at our backs."

Sionann began to let her thoughts wander around to what was going to happen, it gave her a very bad and sickly feeling inside, but she knew. She knew she would have to stay behind to help with the evacuation, stay behind to protect anyone that needed to be protected, be among the last out. The Padawan knew she was going to do it, and no order from any knight or master was going to sway it either, it just felt right. That and her ship was here, and fast enough to hopefully leave before it gets too late. All she needed was the Light of the Force's coordinates.

For now, the Padawan sat there, keeping to her thoughts, and listening to the conversations around her, hopefully listening for anything that can be used to her benefit later.

 

[The Kyzer]

Von shook her head in disbelief. Master Juno was LEAVING? That couldn't be right! Von understood the need for someone of authority to lead the massive Jedi ship away from Coruscant, but she never once suspected that it would be the Weapons Master. She was the WEAPONS MASTER! The best of the best in the Order regarding martial warfare. How could she leave?

Von sunk to her knees in despair. Their chances of winning were already near nil, and now they'd been fulling vaped. Tears welled up in her eyes again, this time in frustration. There were so many people on the capital world. So many that needed protection from the evils of the Sith. Their allies were just as vicious; Mandalorian history was riddled in bloody conquests that either completely wiped out a society, or got very close to doing so.

Then Von looked down at the shining little pendant on her collar, signifying her role in the coming battle. She was a Flight Officer in the Galactic Alliance's Rogue Wing. She could not run and hide. She was needed here.

Grimly, Von stood up again, looking around her at all the other Jedi gathered there. Some of them would stay. Some of them would fight.

"I will stay," she stated clearly enough for anyone in her vicinity to hear, "Because that is my duty to the people. Whether or not the Order leaves, I cannot simply abandon these people to the torment of the Sith and their cohorts. I've always been told do or do not, there is no try. Well, I will DOmy best to defend, or die trying."

Turning to leave, Von noticed several random Jedi looking at her in a mix of shock and awe. Here she was, a mere Padawan, standing up to the might of the Sith. How could they in turn leave?

 

[GABA]

The Corellian Master took one last stroll through the halls of the Coruscant temple. She recalled the day she had discovered it was rebuilt, a sense of excitement had overwhelmed her and she had demanded to see it immediately. Having been captured, she had missed its grand opening. The temple was nearly empty, the order of evacuation had been issued and those who decided to leave were already gone, or were still waiting for the appropriate transports to make it out before the Sith and Mandalorians arrived.

The presence of despair had filled the halls, it washed against the woman, attempting to eat away at her own morale. She had once felt it, not too long ago, when she had lost all hope herself. She had given in, believing in doubts, feeding off her own pain and hatred for things she could not control; nearly forgetting everything she had learned, she had gone so far, admired by so many, only to be forgotten due to the actions of the Empress herself. Though cut off, the Force managed to find its way back to her through the actions and words of others; it wasn't until she had encountered Jhon Cordatus on Ord Mantel that she saw a reflection of herself. It was then when she realized she had made a mistake.

Ebberla reached the hall and stood silently in the back of the crowd of Jedi that had gathered for last words by Jedi Master Juno Armstrong. Though encouraging, her words were solemn and there was a sense of divide amongst her brethren. A divide that would hurt them if they did not respect the decisions of one another.

Her eyes and ears caught one passionate padawan, vowing to stay and fight.

"Do not condemn those whose duty calls them out of the core. Not every Jedi is meant to fight on the front lines of battle, those who are will of course stay, others may believe their calling is elsewhere." Ebberla spoke pulling on the gentle waves of the Force to calm, "Above all, we must listen to the Force; darkness has not just engulfed the core and if we are not careful and chose to fight amongst ourselves as to what is choice is right and wrong then we have allowed the darkness to engulf ourselves."

The Jedi caught the eyes of several who turned their attention, giving her a small of nod of understanding. Ebberla was certain she would never see these faces again.

 

[Snake Eater]

Clint listened to the Jedi Master, it was a scene that reminded him of The Cult, they were ready for the worst. As a killer for his old family, Clint had mixed feelings that made him excited to participate in the battle and made him sad to watch his new friends be sad. After nearly a year in the Jedi as an Initiate, Clint was understanding the duty of the Jedi was for Peace and not for glory; it seemed that the Jedi were ultimately responsible for the recent war and it would continue unless they went away. Although he wanted to leave the system with his fellow Jedi, Clint decided to stay and hold off the soldiers so they can escape and try to make it off the planet later. He thought of how long the war would last, he estimated that the Jedi wouldn't last five years and came to the conclusion he would not join the Sith under any circumstances. Clint's ultimate plan to was reunite the Jedi when he left Coruscant, little did he know he would become one of the hunters.

 

[Rom]

Alistair turned to smile at his master and fellow Padawan, taking heart from their words. Bounding up to young Kain, the Kushiban lightly flicked the Padawan's nose with his lightning bolt shaped tail. " You're not late yet, young one - the shows about to start...and I am glad to see you again, Kain... just do me a favor; don't run off into any dark ruins again." Alistair smiled weakly at the reminder of their misadventure on Malastare before he spotted the downcast Zeltron following after his group. Frowning silently, the Kushiban reached out and patted his paw on his master's knee before hobbling over towards Von, a bright smile lighting up his furry face.

"Hey, Von Raythe! I've been trying to find you since our transports got separated on Tython." The name of the planet caused a slight flash of pain and disappointment to flash across the Kushiban's face. "I wanted to thank you, I couldn't have survived without your help."

All other words were drowned out by the gravity of Juno's speech, and the declaration Von made immediately after. Alistair looked on in shock, his eyes growing wide as Jedi started to argue amongst themselves, about their duty and honor and the needs of the Order as brother and sister separated to form the defense of the Order, or to fight during the fall of Coruscant. The Kushiban felt powerless in the face of the growing animosity; the problem with so many strong-willed beings in one group was that their convictions were nigh-unshakeable. If they felt they had to fight, they would. And if they felt the preservation of the Order was of more importance than fighting a losing battle, than they would retreat. And both sides felt the need to convince and change the other.

Alistair let out a growl of annoyance and leaped into the air, landing on a pillar that had once held a bust of a Jedi Grandmaster from three hundred years ago. He let out a cry, trying to get everyones attention, but his voice was lost in the growing tumult. Grabbing his flute from his back, the Kushiban took a deep breath and sent a shrill tone shrieking through the air, silencing the arguments before they got any fiercer.

"My friends... my brothers and sisters! What are you doing? This may very well be our last night together on the mortal coil... and you spend it arguing the righteousness of your cause? We have been cast out, branded as exiles and traitors. We are no longer a part of the Alliance, as declared by our own Chief of State. But we are Jedi.... in this hour, Knights - all of us. We stand as a bulwark between the innocent, and the evil that would seek to do them harm. And not all of us can stay here to fight the coming battle... the injured, the untrained, those with tasks of great importance. But we will continue to stand against the Sith... just not in the same ways."

The Padawan looked over the crowd, his eyes seeking out his own Master before moving on to face his fellow padawans, the knights, and masters he had learned and trained with.

"This is not a night for an argument, but a night to bid farewell to friends whom you may never see again... but trust in the Force that you will."

The Kushiban slowly brought the flute to his lips as he fell into the warm embrace of the Living Force, the bonds snaking between each and every Jedi in the room seeming to spark and thrum as he poured his will towards them, trying to strengthen those bonds with positive emotion. It had a been a skill he had been researching, some form of Force Empathy, and he was determined to use it to help his fellow Jedi before they would go their separate ways. The melody he played was one that was familiar to him, a small tune that he played in his more somber moments when thinking of home and family. His voice was clear and high, ringing through the halls of the Temple as it had many times over the last two years. The usual words spoke of the people of Kushibah, their simple struggles and bonds of love for one another... he had to make several adjustments.

"Sing me a story of the Guardians of the Stars,
Muddling through, brave and true.
Stubborn as worshyr and tough as old beskar,
Never too showy or grand.
Year after year they persevere,
Now and For always...

Sit by the fire light's glow,
Tell us those old tales we know
Tell of adventure, strange and rare
Never to change, ever to share
Stories we tell will cast their spell,
Now and for always...

Sing me a tale of the bravest of them all,
comrades and guides at my side.
Stouthearted Jedi, never let me fall..
Holding our lives in their hands.
True to the end, no finer friends,
Now and for always...

Sit by the fire light's glow,
Tell us those old tales we know
Tell of adventure, strange and rare
Never to change, ever to share
Stories we tell will cast their spell,
Now and for always...
​

His voice echoed around the hall, a song of hope and courage; of time spent with loved ones and dear friends - and of the unshakeable bond between them all. They may be facing defeat, but they would not go quietly into the night. Their bonds of love and fellowship held them together, even though all the light years of the galaxy may separate them.

They were Jedi... and that was enough.

 

[Darkwasp]

Narrah’s splayed fingers dragged heavily along the hallway walls as she travelled toward her destination. The Lorrdian was not overly attached to this particular temple. Despite being from Coruscant, she had been whisked away to join Larik on Empress Teta when she was inducted into the Order. She was much more distraught when she found that the Sage Temple had been left to Sith devices. Still… There was something about this Temple that, while not always the main temple of the Jedi Council, always stood as a beacon of hope and the symbol of the Jedi Order.

She quietly entered the room; intent on being an observer. Curiosity had peeked within the Lorrdian. There was a request that all Jedi be present in the Main hall, but attendance was optional. What could possible be so important to call upon all of the Jedi in the Temple, yet be so wholly unimportant that their presence was not mandatory. She casually looked around the room at all of the faces that had attended the gather. Upon spotting Loogo, she quickly positioned herself to not be seen by him. Though she liked the Sluissi, he had been a heavy proponent of her leaving Coruscant and joining the group on the Light of the Force. Pulling herself into a corner, Narrah hoped that her lavender hair did not stand out too much. Unlike her usual outfit, wore an unassuming tank top and a pair of workout shorts.

She was actually quite moved by Jedi Master Juno Armstong’s speech. It made sense, and rang true in her heart. It was interesting to see the woman falter. It was obvious that she was tasked with a job that she would prefer not to carry out. Like Narrah, she wanted to stay and fight; but unlike Narrah, her priorities as a Jedi Master were to the Order.

Upon the conclusion of the speech, many began to chatter. Small debates, as to whether it was better to stay of go, broke out. It was almost as if none of them had actually paid attention to the poignant speech that Master Armstrong had given. Narrah sighed briefly; preparing to leave, as she had already been apart of the debate and didn’t look forward to continuing it any further. A smile crept across her face. A small furry Jedi spoke up about the ruckus that was forming amongst the crowd; instead brightening the room with a song. Narrah didn’t know the words, but in support she hummed the melody loudly.

 

[Gaja]

Walking forward Guhoo just stood at the front of the crowd, his muscular frame still showing even behind the modified Jedi robe. Crossing his arms the Corellian looked at his sister as she addressed everyone present. She summed up what laid ahead perfectly. Neither duty will be glamorous. Those who fight will face an army unlike anything we've seen to date. Those who flee will be branded traitors. And while that was the truth of the matter what she said next hit the Battle Master quite hard. Hearing her say that she'd be captaining the Light of the Force out of the core and going in to exile while he fought the idea that this could be the last time they saw each other brought tears to Guhoo's eyes.

They were true siblings, brother and sister not only through the force, but in blood, and he'd be lying if he said that him hearing it didn't sadden him. As the recently Knighted Sluissi approached him however he'd see the Battle Master be serious, his deep blue eyes set on his sister as reactions to her speech followed. Through it all the subtle tears in his eyes and the sorrow that filled it showed how much the blond haired Jedi cared for her. For the last time he shed a tear like that was a long time ago.

"Powerful indeed." Tapping the newly promoted Knight Loogo on the shoulder Guhoo allowed himself a few steps forward towards his sister as certain Jedi proclaimed their thoughts, some wanting to run, other wanting to stay and fight. Master Daw was also present and a Kushiban also jumped in in an attempt to quiet the scared and nervous souls. Meanwhile the Battle Master reached the Weapon Master and in front of the entire Jedi Order that was present Guhoo Armstrong hugged his three minute younger sister, for perhaps the last time. No words needed to be said between them, everything had been said already and all plans were decided, devices exchanged and all that went with it.

Turning towards the present number of Jedi the man didn't smile, instead he showed himself to everyone around him. "Jedi. My brothers and sisters of the Force. Calm yourselves." He looked at the large number of people around him, the vast majority of them force users, while a few Alliance guards were present as were several Navy officers, whose duties were to escort Guhoo and protect him at all costs. Looking at the large group of jedi it was easy to get lost in the sea of the force energy, but it was also easy to get confused and scared in the sea of confusion and uncertainty.

The Battle Master however stood strong. "Fear is a natural thing, found in everyone. Everyone has it in them. For without fear there can be no courage. In just hours we will face the greatest threat of our generation. But take heart, look around you. You are not in this fight alone!" Looking at Juno, Ebberla, Loogo, Kiro, Narrah, Alistair, Kain, Von and the others Guhoo smiled.

"The bond all Jedi share is something the Sith will never understand. So do not let yourselves be confused by the coming battle. It will be a dark and difficult time, but this battle and how you decide to play your part will define each and every one of you. I'm proud and honored to have had the chance to meet some of you, and regret that I've not met all of you... But regardless of that never forget what you learned in these halls, never forget the people and bonds you've made here. For they will last you a life time." Looking at everyone the man who usually avoided the big speeches now found himself giving one, in a way. "It's been an honor and may the Force guard every one of you in these dark times."

 

[Rauvinn2800]

Sylent watched the happenings of the hall from the back of the room, leaning against one of the great carved pillars. He knew few faces and fewer names, but some stood out this night. Master Juno Armstrong spoke well, and he felt he knew her well enough to know it was not something she was comfortable with, however skilled she may be. He tore his gaze from her commanding presence to judge the reactions of the Jedi that filled the room, and was heartened to see the strength of spirit his Order exuded. My Order? Yes. I am truly a Jedi now, having experienced not only the training, but the hopes and fears of this people. Sylent noticed some warriors tighten their grips on their weapons, in anticipation of the coming battle, of course. There were also many Sages and other Jedi that exuded a greater love of contemplating the Force than combat that smiled when they heard that Master Juno was to pilot the Light of the Force, no doubt pleased that the famous Weapons Master would be protecting and guiding them and the treasure of Jedi artifacts they carried to a new home, a new beginning. Sylent, thinking of this, pledged to himself that he would stand by Master Juno while she led, supporting her in whatever way he could, in spite of his humble status as Padawan. The Weapons Master had already taught him much about himself, and he respected her above almost every other Jedi he had met thus far; he owed her his loyalty, and knew that she could use every willing soul in the preservation of an exiled Order of Jedi.

A Padawan spoke. A pendant on her collar marked her as a Flight Officer in the Galactic Alliance's Rogue Wing, and her furious declaration of defending Coruscant to the last established her as a militant and passionate protector of the innocent. Sylent respected that, but was not impressed by her lack of wisdom. To inspire divisions among Jedi, to weaken the unity that had brought them together this evening was far worse than whatever cowardice she was defying. Thus, Sylent was pleased when a Master spoke calming words of understanding in response to the outburst, and further nodded his head in pleased respect to the Padawan Kushiban that silenced the arguing Jedi and played a truly heartwarming melody. When he sang, Sylent almost lost his dignity and joined in, not knowing the words but wanting to add to the music, but stopped himself at the last moment. This one was clearly adept at combining the Force and music for inspiring empathy and harmony, and Sylent would not interfere with this artist. The effects of his work were clear; peace had entered the room and joy was in the eyes of all. Joy not at the impending destruction and fear that would strike Coruscant all too soon, but joy at the love and power of the bonding Force, the light of the Force, the hope of the Force.

Then, Master Guhoo Armstrong strode to his sister's side and, after embracing her, addressed the hall. "Fear is a natural thing," he said, "found in everyone. Everyone has it in them. For without fear there can be no courage. In just hours we will face the greatest threat of our generation. But take heart, look around you. You are not in this fight alone!" His words were powerful and Sylent started regretting never having met the man before; he was clearly worthy of the title Battle Master, and Sylent was glad this was the man that would greet the Sith upon their landing. They would certainly not enjoy it. "It's been an honor and may the Force guard every one of you in these dark times."

Sylent could not help himself. He roared with every fiber of his being, paying homage to his warlike Cathar ancestors and acknowledging the power of this speaker, this Guhoo Armstrong. He roared to show the spirit of the Jedi, to reflect the righteous wrath of the warriors in the room, and to inspire the more cautious and farseeing thinkers among them. He roared to remind his parents that he was here, in this place, learning and growing and honing his talents for their sake, ready to one day be the warrior that stayed, instead of the strategist that retreated. He roared loudly and it shattered the silence after Master Armstrong had finished his speech, causing everyone in the hall to turn and look at him, he at the back, in a silent question. Then, a few smiled and nodded, understanding what he meant, and Sylent was content with that. "We take two paths: I and some to the stars, others to the front lines. We all follow the will of the Force." Sylent bowed his head, suddenly painfully aware of the fact that he was new and young and no one really, but did not regret what he had done. His tail twitched in embarrassment, but his whiskers twitched in satisfaction. He had said his small piece, and now he stepped back again, ready to finish the Final Vigil.

 

[The Kyzer]

Von stopped mid-stride as she ran through the words of the Jedi Master. It was then that Alistair's first words finally hit her, as if carried through the Force. Tears welled up in eyes once again as she looked back toward the little Kushiban Jedi. As he sang, Von quelled her thoughts, and found an emotion that had plagued her as of late. Anger. It had dominated her past, causing changes Von would not have willingly chosen, and it was about to do so again.

When Alistair's song ended, and Master Guhoo spoke, Von's heart was fully warmed by the camaraderie her fellow Jedi broadcasted. Shamed by her flash of anger, Von spoke again.

"I must stick to my previous decision to stay," she stated as calmly as she could, her anxiety and self-doubt threatening to take her again, "But I was wrong to doubt my fellow Jedi, my family. Where the Force leads me, it may not do so to others. I understand that now. Forgive me for my ignorance."

The old Ewok tribal song played in her mind, the one that they had played when Von was recognized as a tribal member. This was her family now.

 

[Just Matt Now]

Loogo listened to the giddy toon. Alistair was truly a gifted artist as well as Jedi, despite having only met him during a mission or so. Loogo hummed along as the chorus came in the second time, it was difficult to get in a better mood, especially nowadays. Though a gathering such as this placed them all in a better one, they all knew that right here and now, they were safe. Forgetting the looming darkness that was headed their way, this time in a few days, destruction would rain down upon them. Some would flee and some would stay, for those who stayed, less would live. This was the concern that many of them had, the concern for their fellow Jedi, and for the people of Coruscant, and their home.

The speech that Master Guhoo gave was another one to touch their hearts. Loogo was certainly touched by the Armstrongs. He hoped that they both survived, as well as himself, to fight another day. The Jedi would become stronger and stronger, though they would first be destroyed.

The Sluissi noticed a padawan sitting off by herself. He felt sorry for the young one, probably new to the Order itself. It didnt seem like she knew any of these people who had spoken, frankly Loogo knew of most of them but not all. He understood her pain, he also felt something special in her. As if the force was nudging his mind to her. Slithering over to her, his heart hurt to see that she was alone.

"Hello there young one. My name is Loogo Vssil, is everything alright with you?"

 

[Emerald Iris]

She could not raise her voice to echo any of the others who were sharing in her sentiment, deciding to stay her thoughts to herself. However, the Force had a funny way of keeping her from thinking too deeply at times.

"
"Hello there young one. My name is Loogo Vssil, is everything alright with you?" The Sluissi slithered over to the near human causing her ears to twitch at the unique sound of his voice.

"I..I'm fine," Sionann looked up while letting the lie escape her lips, though she deflected by stating. "I heard you were knighted recently, congratulations," Then she flushed a little bit at not stating her name in introduction, and quickly corrected it. "I..I....Sionann Ione, that is me name, pleasure to meet you."

She let an awkward smile leave her lips, but it was hopefully enough to keep the Jedi Knight from prying into what was bugging her. Bad enough her stutter was beginning to rear its ugly head.