Ask What a Jedi got to do

[Wayson Hanson]

Wayson was a young man, with little in terms of connection and reach. So like his father, Wayson would have to try and build his own bridges. The only problem for the Jedi was that half the galaxy either hated the Jedi or heavily disliked them, the other half seemed to be only mildly willing to work with them. During a time when the Sith have currently an ongoing genocide and bombarded a world indiscriminately. Yet somehow they are still being seen as equally responsible as the Jedi for this conflict. Something that made no sense to the Jedi.

So that was why he decided to reach out to the Senator of Kashyyyk, which to his surprise actually agreed to talk. Perhaps the Jedi still did have some allies in the galaxy. Because first impressions were so important he kicked himself for not trying to fly out to Kashyyyk personally, but there was just too much to do and so while he was flying he had to just be content with a holo call. How much would that cost him for the distance? Hopefully not too much since Wayson doesn't really have that much steady income anyways.

Dressing in the old fashion Jedi robes of the ancient Republic, Wayson figured this was a proper look for a meeting between a Senator and Jedi. At least give him an air of professionalism and dignity that comes with his role. An image of a young missing tooth kid staring up at him with the same green eyes he stared back made him chuckle to himself. How did he become a mystical monk when he was such a normal kid back in the day?

Shaking off the old memories Wayson turned on the holocommunicator and sat at the ship's conference table. He kept his hands together in front of him while the communicator attempted to connect the Jedi to the senator. Once the holoprojector turned on, Wayson would straighten his back and speak with a cool neutral tone.

"Hello Senator, I am Jedi Wayson, I am hoping not to take too much of your time." Wayson kept his face indifferent hoping for positive interaction.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl saw the light on his desk begin flashing, indicating yet another incoming holocall. The aged Wookiee rubbed his temples; he'd spent much of the day staring at various humanoids as they were projected in sharp blue light, and his eyes were tired. However, there was no rest for the weary as the seemingly insurmountable task of overseeing Kashyyyk's revival never stopped.

The Wookiee did his best to banish his fatigue, knowing that he had to present himself as professionally as possible regardless of how tired he actually was. Besides, this was no ordinary holocall; a Jedi had contacted his office to arrange a meeting, and Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl was not one to say no to the Order. The call was accepted after what he judged as a "normal" waiting period of three-and-a-half rings, and a Jedi Knight blinked into view.

The holoprojector did not transmit details very well, but Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl still did his best to examine the Jedi Knight that had called. He was early in life, by human standards, with a countenance that reminded the Wookiee of a holomovie star; carelessly handsome, yet well-groomed. The Senator also noticed that Wayson was dressed in old fashioned Jedi robes, dating back before the Empire. If the intention was to make a good first impression on someone who had lived through those days, it was successful.

"Master Jedi, the honor is mine. I always have time to speak with the Order. What can I do for you today?" Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl asked through his miniature protocol droid, T-8R.

@Richie B.

 

[Wayson Hanson]

Wayson could not see well the physical social cues of the Wookiee, but he felt Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl a sense of tiredness from the man that now appeared in his holoprojector. Still hearing from droid voice speak in basic to him made the young Jedi feel bad, he really will need to start taking courses to learn as many languages as possible if he was going to be a diplomat. A task for later.

He smiled hearing the terms of respect in the droid's words hoping that they reflected the Wookiee's real words instead of the droid's personal taste. Which for diplomats speaking through protocol droids can do sometimes. Still, it was time for the important questions and to learn.

"I am heartened to learn that the Jedi still have friends in important places. I wished to speak with you to learn what your opinion is in the Galaxy's current opinion on the Jedi and how we may best work to fix it. I am trying to get into the political ring and hoping to learn where my efforts can reap the best results." Wayson knew that the fate of the galaxy was being decided in the halls of the Senate and between those with the power of words. Something that he will need to learn if he wanted to save the galaxy from the mistakes he sees being made.

"I understand this to be a broad question but I know the Jedi have lost the galaxy's faith recently and seek a way to rebuild the trust the galaxy once had with us. So I am looking to see who I can communicate with to build agreements and friendship to help in the war effort." Wayson knew that since the Jedi were removed from the Galactic Senate has allowed for the Sith to divide the Galaxy against the Jedi.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl stroked his chin as the Knight questioned him; a two-part query, but closely related. Wayson was asking for his opinion on how the galaxy perceived the Jedi; but judging by the Jedi's second question, the man already suspected or knew the answer.

Unlike the Jedi of old, the current Order did not have the luxury of the public's trust, nor were they widely celebrated as heroes in the galaxy. Thanks to some very public missteps- and, in the Wookiee's opinion, a media machine that pounced on whatever perceived scandal they could blow out of proportion- the Jedi's image had taken blow after blow in recent years. There were those, like Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl himself, who publicly supported the Jedi Order, but there was no question that the galaxy was more dangerous for the Jedi than perhaps any time since the Galactic Empire.

"I will not insult your intelligence by claiming that the galaxy is as receptive to the Order as it once was" the Senator of Kashyyyk said. The New Republic had, after all, banned Jedi from its space. "But there are opportunities to rebuild the Jedi's image. Unfortunately, the public perceives the Jedi almost as a part of the Free World's Alliance" - a ridiculous statement, as far as the Wookiee was concerned - "so I would suggest trying to focus your diplomatic efforts and missions elsewhere. Remind the galaxy that the Jedi serve the galaxy as a whole, not just the FWA."

Now it was the Wookiee's turn to ask a question. "Why are you interested in politics? The Jedi are peacekeepers, yes, but the Jedi I have known in my life have rarely enjoyed the political scene."

@Richie B.

 

[Wayson Hanson]

Wayson remained stoic when he heard the Senator's responses. He figured as much just based on what he had seen off the Holonet of the recent weeks. Still, it was important he checked with others to ensure he wasn't just perceiving something with a bias. Now at least he knew his opinion was corrected, despite what some would say about a politician if they were willing to tell you what you don't want to hear that was good enough to know they would be far more honest than most.

Which earned some respect from Wayson.

Still, now he needed to learn who would be most willing to help the Jedi or build bridges with them. Many worlds see the Jedi as the same as the Sith as foolish and clearly factually incorrect as the recent actions committed by the Sith proved. When he was hit with the question it gave the Jedi some pause. Something that he expected but one he knew needed a good answer. One maybe he was still formulating but one he was going to answer regardless.

"That is a good question. I know most Jedi are disinterested in the politics of the Galaxy. Maybe it is because most of my life I lived as an average citizen that I understand the importance of politics. The Galaxy moves and changes with the men and women that speak for millions in those senate hearings and calls. If the Jedi wish to serve this galaxy we must not neglect one of the chief areas which affect those people we claim to serve." Wayson spoke with a calm voice hinting at nothing of his true feelings about how those with power gain and use it to affect the masses.

In truth, Wayson wanted to be able to focus his life on exploration and learning but if he needs to enter this dark and gray world then so be it. Maybe Wayson will learn to enjoy the jabs of words as he does seeing new worlds but for now, he had to be pragmatic.

"I am sure most Jedi feel actions are what we are best at but I feel our powers of empathy and expression should never be ignored. I can't say I will enjoy the political scene but I doubt I will be broken by it. Mind if I ask another question?" Wayson needed to know the relationships between the factions and what could be used and what must be watched out for.

"The Independent Systems Consortium, what is your opinion of them? I understand they have a close relationship with the Sith but does it feel that there is any way to separate them or is that a road with a clear block in it." Wayson was confident that this ISC government would be a roadblock but if it could somehow be turned into an ally then all the better for it.

What was concerning was that the ISC government would work with the Sith while they commit such great crimes as the burning of Kashyyyk, and the other war crimes they have committed only recently.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl felt comfortable letting his countenance fall in the presence of this Jedi at the mention of the ISC. A mroe tactful man might've called them "opportunistic".

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl called things like he saw them.

"The ISC have only contributed to the current state of the galaxy" the Wookiee groused; he had a captive audience, and this was one of the subjects that he was the most passionate about. "First they fan the flames of anti-Jedi sentiment, and then they undercut our resistance efforts against the Sith by removing sanctions as soon as it became unpopular. Their 'neutrality' has only served to embolden the Sith, and they are quick to take offense and to hold a grudge. No doubt you are aware that they no longer operate within FWA space? Apparently we hurt their feelings too much!" The Senator was on a roll now, his voice rising in pitch and volume; the stresses of the past several years breaking through. "As if they and the New Republic are not contributing to a greater evil by being bystanders to the genocides that the Sith have caused!" A hairy fist slammed down on a table that, if it had not been wrought of Wroshyr wood, would show the dents of similar expressions of anger from other recent galactic events.

His outburst more or less completed, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl paused a moment to catch his breath, remembering his doctor's advice not to let himself get too excited about things. Breathe in... breathe out... He continued in a more controlled voice.

"The ISC and the New Republic seem unwilling to admit that what the Sith are doing is wrong. I wish you the best of luck... or the Force, if you try to convince them otherwise. The Sith would have to militarily provoke the ISC for them to ever enter the war, and the Empire is wise enough not to do that."

@Richie B.

 

[Wayson Hanson]

The Jedi could almost feel the emotional change in the Wookiee with the mention of ISC, which hinted to him how frustrated the work is dealing with others that are willing to smile and shake hands with monsters. It really hit him how sickening that someone could simply ignore burning worlds and genocide if it means they could continue living life next to the monsters. Maybe it was just him and the Jedi teachings that brings him to act more than the average person.

Even hearing how the Wookiee wraps the New Republic into the blame truly hit the Jedi. Then even these pillars of the galaxy would be useful unless war is brought to their doors. Wayson would never want that for anyone but how else could he convince people that just benefitted from the ignore evil philosophy?

"Thank you, Senator. I hope the Force is with us all." Wayson says with the first hint of a smile on his face in the entire conversation.

"I have been hearing that the ISC has become the strongest of the three powers in the Galactic senate. How true is this? Is there any concern that they will ever side with the Sith?" Despite Wayson hoping that would never happen, he needed to prepare, his voice didn't reveal how frightening that situation made Wayson but it was clear this war will touch all regardless of their own wants.

Finally, a small idea appeared in his head. One that might get some push back by others.

"Tell me, Senator. We see that the galaxy is willing to accept Sith's rule over worlds. What of the Jedi? Could you see the same treatment for Jedi that become elected rulers of worlds?" Wayson spoke softly weighing each world as soon as he says it. Understand that this would be a massive departure from how the Jedi have been handling things over the past few decades.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Even as Wayson asked the question, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl was already shaking his head. "The ISC won't side with the Sith" he said, firmly. They might aid the Sith by refusing to take sides in the conflict, but the ISC had little reason to align themselves too closely with mass murderers given how careful they'd been with their public image. "But as for their military strength? They're almost equals with the Sith." The ISC had announced the launching of several new superships not long ago, which had surprised the Wookiee; it wasn't as if the ISC was anywhere near going to war.

The conversation, however, shifted back to the topic of the Jedi taking political positions. The Wookiee stroked his chin again, reclining slightly in his seat as he considered the proposition. Was Wayson here to ask for his endorsement when running for office?

"I suppose that Jedi could become elected representatives of planets" he said, choosing his words carefully. "One of the reasons that the Jedi were removed from the Galactic Senate was because the Order is not a political body." The Jedi had held a voice in the Galactic Republic's senate, during the Clone Wars, but even that had been honorary rather than based upon an elected position. "I should warn you that nobody who enters into politics emerges unscathed." The Wookiee had had his fair share of scandals since taking office, and few in his social circle could say otherwise. "Are you certain that this is a wise step for the Jedi Order?"

@Richie B.

 

[Wayson Hanson]

Wayson thought this path of political it was a road of many pitfalls and traps that could ensnare him but one that was necessary. The Jedi were getting pushed around and they need to assume control for a while until the Sith could be dealt it. The danger for the core of the Jedi was real, and so was the danger the Galaxy was in. How could the Jedi not take more extreme measures? Maybe that was the wrong way to think and that is how the Sith started. Could Wayson resist the temptation of power?

Maybe not, Wayson isn't perfect but does that mean he shouldn't try? These are questions that Wayson would have to ask of himself. There was still so much for him to decide but there wasn't too much time. If someone like the Senator was unsure if this was wise maybe Wayson would need to think about the process and refine it. Still, that would be a discussion for maybe a Jedi Master to understand what his path can be.

"I can't promise that we can emerge unscathed but aren't we already bruised? While I would never wish to change the Jedi order to become something we aren't meant to be the fate of the Galaxy will always matter more than us Jedi. As servants of both the people and the Force, our duty is to the people, and if we must sacrifice ourselves then so be it." Wayson spoke with full confidence knowing that despite his own limitations he like all true Jedi was willing to give their life for others even if it means they also have to go past what Jedi are known to do. He will never allow himself to fall so far as to act like a Sith it was the one thing Wayson could never see him doing.

"Being a political body might give the Jedi more options with the Republic? If they are willing to accept the Sith as a political body perhaps the Jedi should follow suit. This is all hypothetical talk right now, I simply want to get the expertise of someone wiser and more knowledgeable in this arena to understand my options." Wayson began to remember worlds just outside the major factions that were in need of support and governance.

"Can the Jedi be of any more help to you? I understand your world has suffered greatly and if there is anything you wish to ask of us hope you feel free to ask." He asked hoping to return the favor to the Senator.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl listened to Wayson lay out his arguments for the Jedi holding political office. On one hand, it stood as the Order's best chance to be represented in the Galactic Senate after their undignified removal several sessions ago. The Jedi could have a platform for which to speak against the Sith Empire and any who oppressed their peoples, and with enough influence the rest of the Senate would have to vote to allow them in or risk looking like hypocrites. On the other hand, the idea of the Jedi being a political body felt strange to him, even if they would likely continue to be staunch allies to the FWA.

"What you propose is possible, if you can garner enough support" he finally said, "but I would warn you that such autonomy comes with a price; the Free World's Alliance is likely to make peace if the Jedi become a wholly separate entity. Many planets in the FWA currently view the conflict as someone else's problem." Already, a vocal group in his faction were clamoring for peace with the Sith, unwilling to drag out any further what had been a long, difficult war. "You would still have Kashyyyk's support, of course, but the same could not be said for the rest of the FWA." The Wookiee sighed internally; several of his contemporaries were idiots who did not appreciate all that the Jedi had done for the FWA and the wider galaxy. "But ultimately, this is a decision that the Order must make" he said, acknowledging Wayson's point about their hypothetical conversation. The Jedi Council would have the final say, if things still ran the way Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl remembered.

Wayson's next question was generous on the surface, but the Senator from Kashyyyk doubted that a Knight could make anything in the way of promises for the Order; had Wayson been a member of the Council perhaps there would be something to his offer, but as it was there was little that Kashyyyk could ask for that the Knight could grant. He couldn't say that out loud, of course, and as he mulled the offer an idea popped into his head.

"Thank you for your most generous offer, Master Jedi" the Wookiee said, inclining his head nobly in the direction of the blue hologram. "There is one thing that you may be able to help us with; a high-profile case involving the kidnapping of a young Wookiee named Waffir in the wake of the firebombing." Despite a bounty being posted both for the kidnapper and the Wookiee, nobody had collected the bounty. Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl saw it as a perfect opportunity- to fulfill a promise he'd made to Waffir's family, and for the Jedi to regain the faith of his people following a very public misstep during the evacuations of Kashyyyk.

Spoiler: Bounties

Name: Zeelfort Gauk (NPC)
Wanted: Alive
Bounty: 55,500 credits
Contractor: Free Worlds Alliance
Wanted for: Kidnapping, murder, slavery

• Target is a male Trandoshan, has a small crew
• After the firebombing of Kashyyyk, Zeelfort has use this opportunity to kidnap wookies and sell them into slavary.
• Target's base of operations unknown, frequently carries out raids on Kashyyyk or Alaris Prime.
• Has been known to kill, target is considered armed and dangerous.

Name: Waffir (NPC)
Wanted: Alive
Bounty: 50,000 credits
Contractor: Free Worlds Alliance

• Target is a young male Wookie, child age
• Was kidnapped by Trandoshan slaver Zeelfort Gauk
• Location unknown, speculated to Zeel's base of operations awaitng to be sold on the black market
• Return Waffir home to Kashyyyk

 

[Wayson Hanson]

When he heard that Jedi going into politics might lose their allies in the FWA froze his heart. That would be nearly unacceptable unless the Jedi could claim a massive amount of territory in a short amount of time to balance out such a heavy loss. There was no way for the Jedi to do such a thing so for now he would need to accept the limitation. Even with what few worlds they would get support from in the FWA it would not make sense for the Jedi to ignore such a massive ally even if the FWA was hurting it was still a massive beast.

Wayson was still a singular Jedi and lacking in any support for his more ambitious plans for the Jedi and the galaxy, but for now, he needed to focus on building up his own allies. He wanted to laugh but he remained stoic he needed to remember this was for the galaxy. As for the Senator's request, it was well within his means to handle. He was happy that the Senator did not ask for anything that would be beyond him. Listening to the request Wayson could see how he could use this to help train his Padawan and give them more to do.

"I will see to this matter personally Senator. I understand that the planet has begun to heal has your world continue to suffer from slavers?" Wayson asked hoping to hear that at least there was one less thing causing the Wookiees to suffer.

Wayson had understood that there had been some foolish Jedi that caused them to loss some face with the Wookiees and this was the Senators way of trying to rebuild the Jedi's imagine in their eyes. He had to sign internally to avoid showing the frustration Wayson had for some of his well order. So of course Wayson will make sure to do his best, every ally was precious and despite the war Jedi most also focus on the crime and slavers in the galaxy.

"I do appreciate your time Senator. If there comes a time where I have the displeasure of being in the same political world as you I might have to take some paid lessons on how to hold my tongue in those long speeches." Finally Wayson broke and laughed a bit at his own expense. It was hard but the Jedi calmed down and regain his composure except now he bore a smile on his face.

This was him learning and realizing just how deep the pond can be for his plans. One day he will have to jump but for now let him observe and prepare, he will help the galaxy one way or another.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

A glow of satisfaction ignited in Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's chest as the mission was accepted. Not only could it bring good PR for the Jedi on his planet, a step forward in smoothing over the mistakes of the past, but the bounties could help assist the Order financially as well. Several of the Jedi's revenue streams had dried up in the past few years- a combination of planets falling and flagging faith in the Order were to blame- which meant that those who wanted to support the Jedi had to be more creative.

"The capabilities of the Jedi are legendary" he replied, inclining his head as Wayson accepted the mission. "But Zeelfort has remained one step ahead of our best efforts for years now. It is... possible... that he is receiving inside help. This will be a complex operation." The idea that a Wookiee could stoop so low so as to sell out his own kind was difficult to admit, Zeelfort had escaped a well-designed trap too many times for the Senator to rule that out. "My office will send over the details. Thank you for your generous aid, Master Jedi." ((OOC: Mission pack incoming at an appropriate time))

Lest the mood fall too much, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl chuckled at Wayson's admission. "I'm hardly a good example to look to" he admitted, knowing his reputation as a bit of a firebrand. perhaps if he held his tongue more often he could achieve more... "I hope that I haven't dissuaded you too much- the galaxy needs the Jedi more than it cares to admit. Whatever direction you decide to go, you will have my support."

It was an easy a promise as he could make in this age of uncertainty and turmoil. The Jedi had been constant allies against the Sith when even the FWA had been slow to react to the Sith's invasions, so Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl was determined to do right by the organization that had laid down their lives for strangers. "Is there anything else I can help you with at this time? Please know that my door is always open to the Order" he said, perhaps seeking to close the meeting soon. There was much still to be done that day.

@Richie B.

 

[Wayson Hanson]

Wayson internally felt good with the glow that came off the Wookiee with the Force. He knew that the Senator was helping him more than perhaps anyone else in the Senate would at the moment. So Wayson felt the compulsion to help the Senator, and he was sure to transmit the request to the Jedi council when the meeting was done something that Wayson felt was coming soon.

"I will make sure the Council sees to your request as soon as possible." Wayson said knowing ultimately a big operation would without a doubt require their approval.

Something that Wayson was sure he would get.

Wayson had to think carefully about his next few steps, for his goal was the salvation of the Galaxy from the Sith but he must never allow himself to become some twisted by that as to become just a new Sith. So he planned on calling upon a Master, someone maybe with enough wisdom to help to ensure that his next few steps would be the right ones. Maybe even gathering a few other Jedi that is like-minded as him.

"You haven't. The more I learn the more complicated things are but the more I realize that things need the Jedi's guidance. As for your offer, I will most likely be knocking later. But next time I promise I will at least have a gift for you." Wayson said with a small smile. Of course the gift he hoped would be the missing young Wookiee.

Wayson will click off the Holo communicator ending the call and leaving to meditate on what he had learn and talked about.

@SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl inclined his head to Wayson as the Jedi signed off- a gesture of respect that said more than T-8R ever could. "Kashyyyk is grateful for the Jedi's continued aid to our planet and to the wider galaxy" he said, "and we will strive to assist the Order wherever and whenever we can."

After the flickering blue form of the Jedi Knight winked out of existence, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl rubbed his tired eyes. It was well past time for his nap; time to fix that.

/End Thread