Open We are Jedi?

[Vinry Forge]

Jedi Temple, Yavin IV​

OOC Note:Open to Jedi ONLY​

It had been an eventful few days, a flurry of attacks, a flurry of Holonet broadcasts, and a shift in the way the Jedi were viewed across the Galaxy. The growing anti-Jedi sentiment had left her worried, not because she was bothered by what people thought of her, but because of the restrictions it might put on the Jedi. If this supposed move to create a Galactic Senate went through, and laws were put in place to restrict where and what the Jedi could do then that would greatly hamper their ability to do good. Bureaucracy and red tape would handicap them much as it had done to the older Jedi Order, beholden to the Republic's every whim. Jedi had no place in politics, that wasn't there role, but more and more it seemed like they were being pulled into that arena. And that had caused more blunders. The kid showing up on the holonet had been the breaking point, one step too far.

For days she had kept it all inside, just a she had started trusting the Council, things had conspired to shatter the trust. So when she spotted a Zabrak woman on the other side of the expansive outdoor hangar, she finally had outlet to vent. Lena Goordayr, Jedi Master, Council-member, and one of the few Jedi she had actually looked up to. And now the target of her ire. She stalked towards her, and the closer she got, the more she realized the Councilor had much to answer for.

"Master Goordayr!" she started well enough, calling her out in a calm voice, but then the Zabrak woman turned to face her and something inside Vinry broke, she had planned to ask for a private meeting, but not anymore. She needed answers, now. "What the hell is going on around here? A Jedi Master goes missing, kidnapped, and no one knows for weeks? The whole Galaxy is up in arms against us, I don't even know if those images the schmuck on the news shared were real or fabricated. Do you see how messed up that is, that I have to even wonder if there's a possibility it might be as bad as it looks? And the kid?!?" That was when the dam broke, her voice echoing what would have been apparent through the Force. "You put the kid on the holonet? He's a kid, who just saw his mother like that, and you put him in front of cameras? For what, to save face? What in the Force were you thinking? Is this who we are, is this what the Jedi Order has become? That's how we deal with the Galaxy turning against us, by using a kid? A kid for Force's sake!!"

At another place, in another time, the Jedi Master might have controlled the situation, but Vinry had just forced them to dry their dirty laundry right out in the open, and a number of Jedi were starting to gather. Whatever happened next, it would happen out in the open.

 

[Lani Tallis]

Galania found herself walking through the temple in her new "everyday attire". The key parts were her sister's oversized leather jacket, M3 stun pistol holstered on the right hip, and a half of Nykoria's split-saber clipped to her belt. To Lani, it was a way of honoring Kori's memory. With every day, the hope to find her sister alive dwindled; although hopeful, Galania was no fool. Her own skills were growing steadily, but it would be a long time before she'd be Jedi Knight and ready to search on her own. Nykoria didn't have that long... Assuming she was even alive.

That was another, more fun factor to Lani's choice of gear. While a few inches shorter than Kori, the young Zeltron was still occasionally mistaken for the missing Jedi Master. The lightsaber, albeit a tad bit heavier than normal, still felt better than any other; as if it was meant for Lani. So there she was: walking outside the temple towards her own sanctum in the jungle for more training, when her senses caught something unusual. An emotion that felt outlandish there on Yavin. Indignation, and strong one at that.

Curious, Galania stopped to listen to the outburst of a Human Jedi at a Zabrak. "The missing Jedi Master" hit a nerve, but Lani knew better than to voice her concern or step into the "discussion"—or rather, loud and angry public bashing—just yet. For the moment, she just observed.

 

[Rupert]

The old bones that comprised of Rupert had just settled down enough for the old timer to hit his fourth nap of the day. These were crucial, he had a strict beauty sleep regimen and he was intent to stick to it. At least, that was until the yelling started, yelling amplified by the Force. Old eyes opened slowly followed by a low huff. "Oh dear, that's going to take a bit." he eased himself from his recliner, he didn't have a bed, and paused his stories, but not before squinting at the holo. "Doctor Picard has another evil twin? This is getting out of hand, now there are three of them."

The movement and the shuffle was slow, but soon the aged Morellian was on his feet, a pair of Wooks (humanely harvested wookie fur slippers) one his feet. Heading to the door, he would exit out into the hall. Luckily, he didn't have to roam far, as his room was close to the hangars. It was a personal request so he didn't have to walk far to get to the nature. Arriving on the scene, he'd find Young Master Forge was yelling at Young Master Goordayr. He bore on his fresh new robes, the blue/gray argyle that bore the 'Pajama Clan' patch. Then he could have sworn he saw young Master Tallis, looking younger. The mystery of the Zeltrons would never cease in surprising the old timer.

With a shallow huff, he shuffled his slippers to the sides of the now-arguing Masters. he could feel the tension in the air, unfortunately he would have to do some work before disarming the anger with a quick pun. "Young Master Forge, I understand your anger, but this aggression should be saved for behind closed doors.. Or even a long overdue forum. Please pull your emotions into check. There are many places here capable of hosting such an event, the hangar, is not one of them. Especially if it interrupts daily operations."

@Wit @Catbert

 

[Hannibal Grayza]

It sure was loud today. Hannibal had just recently returned, stepping down the ramp of his ship with a cigarra perched between his lips, when he heard the yelling across the hangar. His brows furrowed, already feeling another headache coming on. Just absolutely fantastic.

The woman doing the yelling was at least getting her point across, but based on the person she was doing the yelling at Vinry had the wrong person. A pair of fingers rubbed against his temples and then he made his way across the room, able to keep the waves of emotion from slamming into him but not quite keeping the annoyance out of his expression.

The young Jedi Councilor planted himself somewhere being Lena, who had raised her hands for peace and was opening her mouth to respond to the torrent of misaimed anger. Hannibal spoke first.

"Hey, Yelly, you've got the wrong Jedi," he said, placing a hand on Lena's shoulder. "Lena had no part in the decision, and also is far too much of a stand up Jedi and all around excellent person to put Crix on the holonet." Was there salt in his voice? Yes, yes there was salt. Seeing Crix on the holonet, planted there face in full view by someone Hannibal had trusted and clearly struggling with recent memories, had made him just a little grumpy. Naturally the person who'd done it hadn't shown up since, which was a shame. Hannibal had spent a good amount of time coming up with a few very choice words for the older Jedi.

"As for Kori going missing, I'm setting somethin' about that up. Turns out a Padawan with her at the time sat on that information- and Kori's lightsabers- literally for weeks without tellin' anyone until that one," he pointed toward Lani, "happened to notice. He frowned, looking around for the padawan in question, but the Togruta didn't seem to be there at the moment. Hannibal's foul mood turned next against Rupert, whose attempts at diplomacy only reminded him of the kark the Old Jedi Order was known for.

"And you, uh. Old guy- I'm Hans, by the way, dunno who you are- A formal event isn't needed to air a grievance. We're not the Senate, and some people could use a little public shaming once in a while. Our mistakes aren't great secrets." Hannibal looked over the old guy in question for a moment. "Nice slippers, by the way." A genuine compliment. He even had his own pair of bunny slippers he often wore on his ship. Very comfortable.

"But speaking of the jackass who put Crix, my Padawan who was placed ever so delicately face-first on the holonet, for all to see, behind my back and against any reasonable set of morals or sound judgement," Emerald eyes turned to look at Lena then, his fingers tensing slightly against the woman's shoulder. Hannibal was smiling, but it was probably more scary than his usual breezy grins. At his core he was fairly peaceful as usual, the actual emotions he was feeling about things filtered through years of Jedi training, but they were genuine and reflected clearly in his words and expression.

"You wouldn't happen to know where Oren Zapan is, would you? We need to have a talk, he and I."

@Wit @Catbert @Rhogar @TWD26

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drast was busy strolling Jitter, the Jedi version of some social app the rest of the galaxy used. It was the only openly approved (and Council oversighted) social app allowed to the Padawans. Granted, they all broke it. Anyway, several Padawans that Drast would never know the name of, if not for the momentary glance at the name tied to the account were posting a live video of Master Renfry as well as Hanz going in on other Masters.

Springing to his feet, he pulled on his vest, buttoned the fully opened shirt until the top three were the only ones left unbuttoned, then raced towards the door. He would pause momentarily, long enough to grab a foldable chair, a cooler, a gallon of Preef Tracks ice cream, several spoons, some other snacks, some 'tisane' in a Leti bottle, and ice before zooming back out the door. Drast would zoom on up as other Knights and even some lesser Padawans voiced their concerns and dismay.

Drast would see ol'Rupert and shot the old man a finger gun, who shot it right back, gods he loved that guy. If anyone bothered to look, he was by far the most prepared to enjoy the show. Strutting on up to Lani, he would hold the chair in one hand and pop it open mid-step before setting it down and dropping down into the seat. Oh this would be good. "Hey Beautiful, what'd I miss so far?" he asked, stealing a glance at the Zeltron as he lounged. He would then pop the cooler a bit to pull free the Leti bottle and take a sip through a straw. Nothing better than watching drama amongst his peers. Though, if Oren did show up, he had some food to launch at the Master. Crix would be avenged.

@Wit @Catbert @Mr. Teatime @TWD26 @OtherMe

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak had taken a brief hiatus from Jedi duties since Sullust, and no one needed to know what had happened during that time. He didn't regret meeting with Max, and for the first time in the years since joining the Jedi, he thought he might have actually taken the first step toward becoming an actual Jedi.

But he still needed to return to the Jedi properly. He'd landed on Yavin and barely disembarked the ship when he came across the yelling match taking place in the hangar area.

Vinry was yelling at a Councilor, an elderly Jedi he didn't recognize was chastising her, and Hannibal showed up to call out Oren. Talak's attention immediately centered on Hannibal. Something seemed different about him, but what exactly it was, Talak wasn't sure.

The next thing that passed through his mind was what Hannibal was saying. Talak had left several very angry messages on Oren's comm after seeing Crix placed on holonet as well. Were the Jedi really this dysfunctional right now? Yes, they were, and Talak was in no position to judge, he'd certainly contributed to the idiocy.

And on top of it all, there was a captured Jedi, too. The hits just kept coming.

Is Crix safe? he asked. He trusted Hannibal completely, but now there was an entire galaxy of Sith out to get Crix. That was his first priority, whether it should have been or not.

At this rate, they were going to lose galactic support any day, and they needed to fix it. That sort of thing had never been his specialty, but it was a very looming threat right now. Talak had seen the holonet broadcasts from the Jedi, that Thorne guy, and the FWA. Anti-Force user sentiment was growing every day, and he could see why.

But it was all just a symptom of the real problem, wasn't it? They needed to get their own internal conflicts fixed. Perhaps a genuine forum was what the Jedi needed.

We need to get our own internals figured out and we need to do it yesterday, he said. He spoke not just of others, but of himself as well, but just because he'd caused problems didn't mean he was going to cut himself any slack either.

@Wit @Rhogar @Catbert @Mr. Teatime @TWD26 @Nefieslab

 

[Indy Sati]

This was exactly why she avoided internal politics.

She could hear the yelling all the way down from the hangar hold, and she had to sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose to keep the headache at bay. For the last few weeks, she had done a deep dive into the Zeffo temple and their use of the Force; she had also begun tentative research into the Dathomiri witches, especially with the last time she was on that planet. Something about what she was told about Ajan Kloss piqued her curiosity. And the most recent jaunt with Elias to Dantooine; her side still burned with the cut from the spear, and she hadn't had a chance to shower yet.

However, hearing Vinry yelling at the Council Master was a surprise. Was venting frustration a way to solve internal problems? And then...

Hans.

It had been a long time, it felt like, since the last time she saw the Jedi Master. She paused, and for a moment, surprise flickered in golden eyes at how... open he was.

What had been going on since the last time she was here? And speaking of trouble...

She frowned, crossing the distance to stand behind Drastus, hands on her hips. Her voice was low, eyes narrowed. "What you 'missed' isn't a spectator show," she replied. "Also hello. Yes. I'm doing wonderfully. Good to hear trouble's never left you behind."

But there was Talak as well; she offered the man a brief nod, exhaustion pulling at her features. "I couldn't agree more. But doing it out in the open in public space," glancing at the two Padawans making themselves cozy to 'spectate', "isn't the way to do it. Not in this manner. Shall we?"

She would turn her head towards one of the speaking chambers, to give the grievances of Vinry a chance to air, as well as those interested. She had seen the broadcasts as well... and there were better ways to handle these situations than in a screaming match. They had to learn from their past, it was true. But she had some issues with how the Jedi was run as well.

It was time to talk.

@Mr. Teatime @Catbert @Phoenix @Wit @TWD26 @Nefieslab @Rhogar

 

[The Gatekeeper]

The worst thing about hearing raised voices in the Jedi Temple was that there was usually a very good reason for them to be raised. Most of the people within the Order were rather calm by default so when voices were raised it was for a good reason. Lena had spent many years surrounded by the Jedi and she knew that the only time they ever, truly, became passionate enough to angrily question each other was when things were looking to be darkening.

She turned to face the Knight who had called out to her, Vinry Forge, and listened as she seemed to just break a little. There was only so much control a Jedi could display and she did not hold it against the Knight for her control cracking over this issue in particular. Before she could really gather her thoughts on the matter half the Temple seemed to be alerted to the issues being raised.

Reaching out, she placed a hand against the side of Hannibal's head. As a healer of many years, she could tell by the subtle facial tension that he was beginning to have another headache. He was an exemplary healer himself but Grayza did like to make things difficult for himself from time to time. Using a light touch of the Force, she took away some of the growing pain.

"Master Grayza, Knight Forge - if you would like to follow me into the discussion chamber, as Master Sati suggests, we may continue this discussion in a civilized manner."

Her tone was rather... frosty, the calm demeanor of a ward matron who was unaccustomed to her patients making a fuss. And not one to tolerate it either. Striding into the discussion chamber not too far away, she gestured for the Jedi to be seated though she knew that some would refuse to be so.

"Now that we are not airing our grievances with one another in the middle of the halls I feel as though I must ask..." she eyed Vinry and Hannibal at that part, "... am I here to just listen? Or to provide solutions?"

She looked to the other Jedi as she said this as well, eyeing those who had been summoned by the shouting.

"I have my own opinions on the... holonet fiasco with the poor young man, you can be assured of that. But are we going to stand here shouting at each other about how bad things are, throwing blame where it may well be deserved - or are we going to be constructive and come up with solutions?" she gestured to Hannibal, "Now is a time for solutions to be aired. Two members of the Council stand here and we can affect change! So I ask you all here - what solutions do you offer?"

Lena had no patience for those who would complain loudly and offer no potential solutions... but equally she was becoming frustrated with seeing more and more young Jedi arriving under her care within the medical wards of the Temple. All of them having rushed out into the Galaxy with little in the way of direction. Her Master, the Grandmaster, was gone and with him went the last semblance of direction the Order had. She had been itching for a chance to chart a course but Council meetings were few and far in between - this could be what she needed to push forward despite any issues others within the Council might have.

@Mr. Teatime @Catbert @Phoenix @Wit @Rhogar @Killa Ree @TWD26

 

[Crix Aran]

Crix often got the feeling that people within the Temple looked at him... differently. He was hesitant to say the precise emotion he felt from some of the less guarded because he had been so desperately hoping that he was wrong. That they didn't look at him like he was the perfect mixture between scared kid and a naive moron.

Those who believed he had been bullied into filming that scene for the holonet... and those who believed he'd had the idea in the first place. The truth was, as often was, a mixture of the two. He had been asked and he realized later that he had been asked while in a very emotionally compromised place but he had thought it might have been a good idea at the time.

Dr Altair and he had discussed that that might have come from the 'emotionally compromised state' but he couldn't stand there and honestly say he'd been forced into doing anything. At the time, in the moment, he had just wanted to try and do something, anything, to help.

He had followed the sound of shouting and he was kind of regretting that he had.

Kark.

Of course they were having a meeting and, of course, his karking message was one of the main points. Shraking hells if they looked at him with all that pity again... deep breaths. Deep breaths, like Hans and Dr Altair had said...

He walked into the same hall as the others, stepping past Vinry and Indy and Drastus and Talak and Hans and some old man to do it. Crix clamped down on his senses with the Force, shutting down the instinctive desire to connect to them via the Force. He... didn't really want to see the emotions and memories he connected to them if this was going to turn into a big thing.

Without speaking he wandered over to one of the stone benches at the side of the room, knees up to his chest as he rested his hands together atop them in front of his face.

"... heard my name getting yelled." he explained with an attempt at a smirk at the other Council member, the medical one he'd only kind of heard of before, "So... this is my first Jedi pow-wow... how do they normally go?"

@Mr. Teatime @Catbert @Phoenix @Wit @Rhogar @Killa Ree

 

[Maxims Tionson]

"If someone makes the surprise announcement that I'm to be joining the Council and calls that a solution?"

Max stepped into the discussion with a cigara between his teeth, as yet unlit. He raised an eyebrow at both Lena and Hannibal before grinning a little bit.

"I respectfully ask them to go kark themselves."

Opening with a joke might not be the best of ideas for such a serious topic of discussion but he wasn't going to regret it. No doubt someone, at some point, would make the point that the Council were undermanned and there was, as yet, no replacement Grandmaster either. Someone might have wanted to push those numbers up in a show of force or strength and Max did not have time for that today.

Sitting down, he lit the cigara with a spark of flame from the Force. Taking a deep pull, he let out a smoke ring after a moment, taking the time to make sure it was actually a decent shape. While he was doing that though, he was reading the room. Both in the social sense and in the Force sense. Some of the people in the room had a lot of passion and reasons to be passionate for sure; Kori's younger sister (and hadn't that been something else to learn) was upset and had every right to be considering the current status on the operation to find her sister.

That being 'unknown to anyone aside from, maybe, the Council'.

Speaking of the Council... Lena felt rather frustrated but Hannibal was the most surprising. He felt raw, as though he was reacting to things with far more meaning, far more strength, than he had been doing before. It reminded him of how Hans had felt in the medical bay after Sullust, when his guard was lower than it ever had been when it was just him, Hans and the bacta bubbling away. Then it had felt like a gesture of trust, of vulnerability shown as a level of trust.

To see it so open? It felt different. It felt as though it was less of a choice. Though Hans was still clearly in control of his mind, it seemed as though something was almost amplifying his emotions or, more accurately he supposed, no longer filtering them. He breathed out slowly.

"We need answers. To the holonet reasoning, to the Kori problem. Once we have those, we have a basis on which to make decisions; we can't start talking solutions until we know the problems. Case in point?" Max gestured to Hannibal with his cigara, "Kori being captive... this is news to me. There was a vague holonet report but how is it that this is the first I'm hearing that a Jedi Master is currently in enemy hands?"

@Mr. Teatime @Rhogar @Wit @Catbert @Killa Ree @Sreeya

 

[Lani Tallis]

Drastus didn't seem to be taking the issue with the seriousness it deserved. "They're discussing Kori," the Zeltron added in a half-hushed voiced; her expression and tone being epitome of seriousness for the moment. Even Drast's comliment and laid-back attitude didn't reflect on Lani this time. And even though Galania's out thoughts remained unvoiced, they were pretty much in line with those of a Pantoran Jedi who had come up to them unnoticed. A reproach of sorts.

As the senior Jedi left for the discussion chambers, Galania's brown eyes glanced at her friends; and then, a few moments later, Lani proceeded to shadow the group. If Nykoria was being discussed, one could bet that Lani would at least be there to listen... Unless told to leave, of course. If Hans said he had a plan about it, the young Zeltron would be eager to listen.

In the room, she'd find a nice quiet corner and lean her back against the stone wall, listening to what other Jedi had to say. The inability to effectively act on her own and investigate Kori's disappearance was gnawing softly on the younger Zeltron. The Jedi sure liked their talks and figuring out what to do... Unless addressed, Galania would remain a silent observer.

 

[Drastus Drahr]

He had only begun to relax when he heard that familiar voice behind him. He smiled broadly, having missed his Master. She had been out and about doing digging things. Popping up to his feet, he'd hug her tightly. "Master Sati. I'm glad you look rather unscathed." as her words caught up to him, he'd grin. "Yeah, I uh.. can't lose my trademark, yeah?" As she sauntered into a room to discuss, he cursed under his breath. Where had she come from? She was like a karking ninja.

His gaze would shift to Lani "Bout time they talk about her disappearance. It's kinda disgusting it took this long." Flicking his chair closed, he'd follow after her and his Master into the room. Luckily for him, her corner was close to Crix, so he didn't have to choose too much. He flicked open the chair again and set it down, deciding to not sit in one of the benches. He would sit and observe the potentially hot dumpster fire that was about to happen.

He just hoped this discussion would actually prove to be effective. Blowing a kiss to Crix, followed by a wink, he leaned close to Lani, giving her hand a squeeze. "Hey.." he'd say low just enough for her to hear. "No matter what.. we'll find her.. We have contacts now.. And I can always dig deep, if need be.. Have hope." he gave her hand another reassuring squeeze before leaning back in his chair. His gaze would follow to where his Master was, focused on how she saw to handle what was going on.

@Nefieslab @Catbert @Killa Ree @Mr. Teatime @Sreeya @Wit @Phoenix @MyOtherSelf

 

[Rupert]

Rupert would smile as more reason joined the discussion and with it even more level heads. He would offer a warm smile to both Talak and Indy, the former of which he could sense much inner turmoil. He would follow the latter to the doorway of the room and step to the side ushering others through the doorway. A bow of the head would accompany a warm smile at each member that passed.

There was also the feeling of pride in the even younger generation of Jedi, for their desire to be involved. And despite how far they had been pushed back in recent months, this was far from the lowest he had seen the Order plummet. They lost Ajan Kloss, but they were still whole for the most part. A missing Master could be found, the Order could be rebuilt, they were more whole than they realized. And with such thoughts, he would allow a wave of calming to emanate from him and onto the others as they entered the meeting hall.

Once all were inside, he would shuffle on through to the front to find a seat close to where the speakers would be. After all, his hearing wasn't what it used to be. With shaking legs he would take a seat and be prepared to listen.

 

[Indy Sati]

She glanced over to Crix at his arrival. Her features softened for just a moment before the mask of the Master slipped back into place. Youth or not, she wasn't going to gentle her words. What had happened recently was now in the past; as Council Member Lena put it, it was the time of solutions. She glanced at Hans once again; there were questions, questions she ached to ask, but not here, and not in a public place.

She took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders.

Hearing Max, she nodded once, her own voice calm, firm. "I agree, this is also news to me. Unwelcome at that. I have also listened to HoloNews reports of... Pijama Bandits?" she tilted her head, "and other such allegations. It isn't exactly news that Force users are, and have been in the past, viewed with suspicion and hatred."

She glanced at Crix then, golden eyes apologetic. "The way that things have been handled was done with good intent but poor forethought, through no set individual's fault. Pointing fingers isn't the solution." Her lips twitched wryly at the thought of monologuing. "With our losses, the Sith and others want us to withdraw, to scatter and hide. We're a small Order in a big galaxy."

She placed her hands on her hips, glancing at those in the room. "I've had some time away from the order to meditate on what must be done. If we are to thrive, we can't go to politicians and political messages. The Rangers are burdened enough as it is with Sith assaults, and I'm sure a fair share of them hold an anti-Force Sensitive sentiment." Her eyes settled on Hans as she spoke, then, and for a moment, her voice softened slightly.

"We need to expand. Work with struggling planets as we have, but hold our members accountable for where they go and what they do as well. We can't face another loss of a Master, nor another attack like on Ajan Kloss. Master Tionson has been doing work to secure allies," she nodded to him, "and I've heard reports that other Force locations have been found. However... there's also the problem of bands going off alone, untrained and unsupervised." Here, she gave a sideways glance to Drastus. "Therefore we should put emphasis on Force training and focusing on finding other Force Nexuses as well. But we also need a new Council Grand Master and full council." Her eyes settled on Lena's once more. She was calm, her voice level.

"We need to do what we should have done a long time ago. We need to gather together and expand. Each of the members here," she glanced to the room, "has strengths within the Order I believe in. And perhaps my ideas are vague, but I believe in Vinry's sentiment. It's time for action, and a time to acknowledge our losses fully. I'm open to specifics and suggestions."

By the Force. She was tired of rambling herself. It was all well and good to talk, but she hoped this would prompt for action. However, she had to feel a stab of wry humor that she was living up to the Jedi code of 'rambling'.

@Nefieslab @Mr. Teatime @Rhogar @Catbert @Wit @Phoenix

 

[Vinry Forge]

Vinry agreed.

@Nefieslab @Mr. Teatime @Rhogar @Catbert @Phoenix @Killa Ree

 

[Hannibal Grayza]

Oh good, more Jedi were showing up to join the party. Green eyes swept over the gathering people and eventually settled on Talak, who'd asked him a question. Hannibal fixed him with a pointed stare, as if he was looking through him for a moment like when they'd first met under questionable circumstances.

"Yeah, Crix is fine, he- look, there he is," he interrupted himself as Crix passed by and offered him a friendly wave and an apologetic look. Max was also here now, and Indy. Each got another casual wave.

The young Jedi only turned back away when Lena reached up to alleviate some of his headache, which got her a somewhat wry smile, though he was appreciative in his own way. He followed the other into the discussion chamber with a slightly grumpy expression and had to remind himself to sit in one of the Council chairs instead of skulking off to the back like he used to. It helped that the one with his name on it was different from the others, having refused to sit in one of those stupid hippie dippie curvy things and replaced it with something larger and more comfortable.

Hannibal sank into his chair and turned to address Max's comments about Kori being missing.

"Ain't much of a Jedi group chat, but uh, basically she was supposed to be off talkin' to some corpo type. Apparently she got ambushed by pirates, then the padawan with her didn't tell anyone about any of what happened. I came across it by chance." A frown firmly planted itself on the young Jedi's face and he adjusted how he sat into a half-lounge position he usually chose.

"We need to look for her. I'll be going, probably grab some others." His fingers tip-tapped on the arm of the chair for a moment. Indy had mentioned a few good important points of her own that warranted addressing.

"Elias and I found a temple on Tython. I want to use it for training. It's hidden and deep in the core beyond the reach of the Sith. They'll find Yavin eventually, it used to be an alliance stronghold as is. Anyone with half a brain will check it eventually." Which was part of why he'd stuck around so much compared to Ajan Kloss. Yavin had been used by the Rebel Alliance as a base during the time of the Empire and was hardly a secret. Only the Jedi presence itself was hidden.

"I think the Order also needs a more public location somewhere else so the rest of the galaxy doesn't see us as so stupidly mysterious."

Indy had also mentioned the council and a new Grandmaster. The young Jedi's brows furrowed and he leaned forward a little.

"Yeah, a full council would be nice, we've got three and a half brains workin' here. And a grandmaster to run it? Who, though? D'we have nominations for this stuff?" He glanced at Max who had already said something to the effect of not trying to join the council, so that was out. Hannibal turned to look toward Lena for a moment.

"Speakin' of half a brain. What do we do about Oren? Seriously, does anyone know where he is?"

@Nefieslab @Wit @Rhogar @Catbert @Phoenix @Killa Ree

 

[The Gatekeeper]

Lena was silent as the others spoke and voiced their thoughts, her eyes always watching and scanning for subtleties that joined the words. She had taken a seat in her council chair, eyes displaying visible confusion just for a moment at seeing the custom seat for Hannibal. She had been gone when that was installed and she watched as the man plopped down as if he were inside his own ship. Lena decided she needed to have a few words with him after all this, especially considering the rather overt display of his irritations.

After ideas were pitched, Lena first looked to Max, “We may never know the intricacies behind the Holonet incident,” She sighed as she looked at them all, “Master Zapan has stepped back to search for answers to questions only he knows. He was troubled by the recent events and thought it best to recuse himself. Perhaps it is for the best. We will be here should he ever choose to return.”

She knew it would be a shock to everyone and she expected some stronger reactions than others. Her sharp gaze flicked over to Hannibal specifically, a quiet reminder to control himself considering his earlier choice words.

Lena next looked to Indy, nodding at the woman, “I share your sentiments. Going forward, there needs to be clear and cohesive guidance on how the Order operates. I also agree that we should work on expanding our influence and presence. All of the Holonet paranoia is a clear attempt at dividing and alienating us. We need to remind the galaxy that they are never alone and we will not let fear mongering change who we are. We will always be there where there is a need. As for a grand master..”

She looked pensive for a moment, “This is not a decision we can take lightly. There is far too much turmoil to hastily consider a Grandmaster now, in my opinion, and I would not feel comfortable supporting it. We need to be cautious of filling roles simply for the sake of filling them. Regardless of that, I believe the council is a strong source of direction and guidance for the Order and I would ask all of those on it, and potential candidates, to be much more active in their roles in these trying times."

Lena looked to Hannibal to address him next, “I support your decision to put together a team to find Kori. However, I simply caution against using methods we have seen recently…” She trailed off, eyes flicking briefly towards Talak.

She looked straight ahead for a moment, “The attack on Ajan Kloss was far more grievous than we had originally believed. Several critical holocrons were stolen, including that of Master Oota and also Master Wyck,” Lena sighed as she looked down, “Master Wyck’s holocron contains the knowledge to locations of old Jedi temples. We must apply caution when we consider these locations.”

“That being said,” She said after a pause, “I also agree that we should remove the veil of mystery from ourselves. It has only begun to do us harm. People fear what they do not understand. We should not be ashamed of who we are, and I believe if we take a more overt approach in helping others and working past any animosities we may face, we will win our allies back. We must teach this to the next generation of Jedi and our padawans."


@Nefieslab @Killa Ree @Phoenix @Catbert @Rhogar @Wit @Mr. Teatime

 

[Drastus Drahr]

When Indy spoke, she had her students full attention and when that quasi judgmental gaze shifted him, he'd respond with one of those patented grins and a finger gun. He told her most things, having decided she had earned that right with him. As Vinry agreed in the most lowkey way possible, he began to zone out once more, ears kinda skimming what the Hanze said although they perked when he once more voiced some disdain towards Oren.

And when Master Lena spoke, that gave him pause. Oren had left the Order? So he stirred the poodoo pot than bounced? That was rather convenient. He could have been way too hard on Master Zapan, but Crix was his buddy and the Hanze was like a wardrobe cousin. So he felt vindicated.

Finally at the end of her thoughts, Drast would look around. He was just a lowly Padawan, but he felt like he had an idea, a decent one. So, he'd sit a little straighter in his lawn chair and raise his hand, unsure of what to do in a forum like this. "Masters, I have an idea, if I may."

 

[Talak Rand]

Talak watched that look in Hannibal's eyes and he recognized it. It was chillingly familiar, and he knew that something was wrong with his friend, though what, he still couldn't tell. The reaction, however, caught him off guard and momentarily stunned the Knight.

Indy gave him a nod and he nodded in return, nodding as well to the elderly man he didn't recognize, before heading over to see Crix. He was glad to see that he was safe, and despite being far from his dad, he still felt some sense of camaraderie and responsibility for him.

You doing okay? he asked as the others started moving into the other room. He waited for a response before heading inside with the rest of the group, waiting for Crix if he opted to come as well. "Jedi pow-wows" were always "fun."

He listened silently to what Lena said once he arrived inside, noting the momentary glare he received. He knew it was well deserved, and he still felt a hint of shame for the fiasco he had caused. One more thing to add to the list. He didn't shift the blame to anyone but himself and he was determined to make up for it.

Still, he heartily agreed with most of what the Councilor said. It was the kind of direction the Jedi seemed to have been lacking, and it was refreshing to hear. On the other hand, the news about the holocrons was not outstanding. One more blow from Ajan Kloss, and it made his chest tighten a bit. His fault.

The news of Oren's departure was a blow as well. Though Talak may not have been very happy with the man, he'd been a prominent member of the Order and his leaving could easily shake Jedi confidence in their own Order.

The mention of the Jedi being more public, however, was critical. Perhaps they should set up a more public location for others to come to the Jedi? Public relations was far from his strong suit, but he was considering suggesting it when one of the Padawan's spoke up and Talak turned to look at him, waiting for him to put forward his idea. @Nefieslab @Killa Ree @Catbert @Rhogar @Wit @Mr. Teatime

 

[Lani Tallis]

Ever since the first meeting, Drastus had always been supportive of Lani. In response, she only cast a glance at his palm and nodded. There was a lot of talking involved. The public image of the Jedi, security, building alliances with individual worlds, "untrained and unsupervised bands going alone"—something that was directed at Drastus, but what Galania took personally—some monk-y stuff about Force Nexuses, and even the Council. All that made Galania wonder if her older sister had been involved in similar discussions when she was around. What would Kori's opinions on the matter even be?

Hans—a Jedi Council member whom Lani had met weeks after coming to the temple for the first time—also expressed a plan to look for Kori. That was something Galania could get behind, but she didn't see fit to interfere. If a Jedi Master, had been taken, Lani alone wouldn't be able to make a difference. But with a Council involved, the odds of finding Nykoria were better.

Apparently, the Order had a lot of other problems on their plate. Another Jedi Master stepping back, whatever happened on Ajan Kloss and Sullust... It explained why the Jedi were getting behind on things. And of all people, Drastus—a mere Padawan—stepped up to offer input. Galania briefly turned her face to her friend, an expression of surprise on her face. But nonetheless, she prepared to hear what he had to say.