Open Plot Ajan Kloss When Duty Calls

Nykoria Tallis

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This story is just the beginning (hopefully) of the JEDI GUARDIANS arc. It is open to anyone who might be on Ajan Kloss and in the area at the time. You might stumble upon this meeting by chance, or be there by invitation.


Nykoria Tallis paced back and forth again. By that time, the purple-skinned Jedi lost count how many times she had crossed the room. Probably at least a hundred times. After all, it was just a small meditation room, with nothing but a few cushions and a large wall-sized window. That, and the breathtaking view on the lush green jungle canopy below, gilded by the sunset. However, despite her best efforts, the Zeltron couldn't just force herself in one place and take in the view. Eventually, she'd end up pacing again. 10 minutes until the scheduled time. The 15 minutes that Kori had already spent in the meditation room felt like the longest in her life.

It had been a while since Kori was that anxious. And for good reason. During her stay on Ajan Kloss, she had been leading a rather reclusive life. That's not to say that she hadn't made acquaintances or even friends (she had made both). It's just that she had only been doing what the Council told her to do. And although she had exchanged jokes and pleasantries with those whom the Force had her meet, most of her personal thoughts and aspirations were kept to herself. Until recently, that is.

A few encounters across the galaxy, and the news from Coruscant had an effect on the Zeltron Jedi. For the first time in her life as a Jedi, she wanted to take the initiative. To go on a long-term a mission that she had chosen for herself, that she felt compelled to do. But the mission was daunting, and Nykoria couldn't hope to do it alone. That, and she wasn't sure how the Jedi Council would look at her suggestion. That's why she had decided to approach the few friends she had made first. Having a mission plan and the team willing to undertake that mission could go a long way in securing the support of the Council.

Nykoria looked at the clock. 5 minutes left. A part of her wondered if anyone would come at all. She had contacted a few Jedi she knew, and asked them to bring along their friends as well. When asked what the meeting would be about, the Zeltron would just shrugg and answer: "It's the Sith. We need to so something about them." In 5 minutes, she'd know whether that short sales pitch would work out or not.

Tagging everyone who has expressed interest so far, one way or the other. I hope I haven't missed anyone:

@Reyn, @Charndley, @Six, @Mr. Teatime, @Ginger, @Darth Bonaparte, @christhebarker, @Nefieslab, @Corbeau, @Isen, @Andrewza, @Topher Ridge, @Topher

It's up to you whether you can or want to get involved in this thread. Hopefully, there will be more threads, and anyone interested can get involved one way or the other.

P.S. Also, feel free to bring friends (a random NPC or two) along. That way, Kori will be overwhelmed by the number of participants, just like I was.
 
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Maxims Tionson

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Max felt old more and more these days.

Worst of all, he knew it wasn't because he was actually getting older (though he was) but because the people around him were changing because the Galaxy around them had changed. He didn't like it. He hated to even think of it in those terms because it made him sound like a broken record.

The old man who didn't like change.

He walked into the meeting room silently with a lit cigarette in hand. Max hadn't smoked for several months but he felt the need to do so now as he walked into the room and took a seat to one side. He nodded to Kori to acknowledge her but this was her forum - this was her chance to speak and he wouldn't rob her of it.

Besides - he couldn't very well speak when there wasn't anything to discuss yet.
 

Juniper

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Nara had been invited, of course. She still bore the scars of Ontotho. When Kori said that they needed to do something about the Sith, Nara could think of a couple in particular that definitely needed to be sorted. It wasn't just them, though. Every single one of them there knew how things were changing in the Galaxy. It seemed like the Sith were everywhere, always in the midst of an attack or a scheme. They were losing people. And whilst Nara had grown beyond the urge to shout and scream do something at everyone, she'd support any effort to get out there and do something proactive.

Especially for a friend.

She arrived in the meditation room with a couple of others, who chattered away excitedly. She didn't take a seat, mainly because sitting on the floor with a cushion seemed like a particularly dull form of menial torture, rather than anything comforting or helpful to her channeling the Force. Instead, she leaned back against the wall and looked out at the view. That was worth it, at least. She caught Kori's eye and smiled, giving her a brief wave.

If she says what I think she's going to say, I'm in.

 

Hal Mikko

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Hal Mikko wasn't the greatest Jedi by any metric. In fact, by most measurements, he'd enjoyed a decidedly average career amongst the Order. In the three years since he'd been knighted, he'd been on a few humanitarian aid missions, one or two hostage situations, and... that was about it. And that was only if one didn't include the time where he'd been a terrible master to his padawan learner. Hardly accomplishments worthy of song and praise.

So when Hal was made aware of this pitch concerning more direct methods of combatting the Sith, the young Knight leapt at the opportunity. Though he made sure to restrain himself from actively courting violence, he couldn't help but feel excited about the chance to finally take action. To enact real, tangible change on the galaxy. And it would provide a crucible by which he could test himself, and through such adversity, learn more than any amount of idle meditation could offer. Such was the nature of meaningful introspection.

As he entered the room, he nodded a brief hello towards the grizzled Jedi Master, and offered the Zeltron a wordless smile of support. Then, with a cautious optimism, Hal leaned back against a nearby wall and waited, his blue eyes watching the pink Knight expectantly.
 

Izel Thral

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"It's the Sith. We need to so something about them." That was all Kori had said on the matter, but it was easy for Izel to piece together what she meant. They had all experienced the growing darkness in the galaxy, the resurgence of the Sith. Some of them had faced the rising evil head on. Some had died doing so. And more and more it was feeling like the Council had no interest in responding.

When Izel entered the chamber, she did so alone. Her apprentice Isen had been present when Kori made her offer, and the Vratix had not forbid him from coming. She hadn't encouraged him either. This was a serious matter, meeting beneath the nose of their superiors. She had no intention of forcing the young Kiffar to do something that might get him into trouble. She hadn't even told him whether or not she herself would be coming. If he was going to partake in whatever this was, it would be of his own volition.

The Vratix Knight was completely silent as she slipped into the room, taking a moment to see who was already there. She had expected Nara's presence after the recent business on Ontotho and Nar Shaddaa. And Onderon. My, they had seen more than their fair share of the dark side recently hadn't they? She was pleased to see Maxims as well. A Master could lend great legitimacy to their cause, if they could convince him to join it. The other human she didn't recognize, some Knight she assumed. It didn't really matter to her, any ally would be welcome here.

She nodded to each of those she knew politely before moving into her own spot quietly. And waited. With everyone just standing around the silence was quickly becoming quite uncomfortable. Izel's antennae twitched as she looked around a bit more, hopeful that someone would speak up. Perhaps Kori was just waiting for others to get there, but that didn't make the silence any more bearable. Finally the Vratix cleared her throat awkwardly before turning to the one Jedi in the room she hadn't previously met and introduced herself.

"Uh, Izel Thral, a pleasure to meet you." She said to Hal, and extended a hand for a shake. Her voice was still fairly quiet, as though she didn't want to disturb the others.
 

Udilor Hesph

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A gathering was what came of growing restlessness around the temple. The galaxy was filling with darkness and the Jedi were starting to feel like they needed to do more to fix it. Such feelings were natural and Udilor was almost certain he shared them. Whether or not he would agree with the methods presented would be another story altogether.

The Givin floated through the temple like a ghost. He had heard murmurs of this meeting and decided he would attend. Udi found himself considering those present carefully as he silently entered the meeting room. No one here was really a friend nor did he think a single one of them could name him. As far as naming others, he only knew a few by reputation and gossip. His entrance coincided well with the Vratix Jedi introducing herself to one of the others. Udi knew neither of them and simply stood quietly to allow them to speak.

It is better to remain silent, and let others think you a fool, than to speak and remove any doubt. Udilor could almost hear his old master reciting in his head. It was unlikely they would think this random Jedi entering the room was a fool, but he'd rather not bring notice to himself either way. If he disagreed with what was said he would simply leave and let the actions speak for him.

 

Jago Haaldin

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So this was Ajan Kloss, the home of the current incarnation of the Jedi. The temple before him stood like a beacon of hope in the jungle surrounding it, not just for the galaxy but for his own people. It'd taken a few different ships and working numerous odd jobs, but here he was, standing at the edge for what could be the real first steps in rebuilding the Matukai.

He stepped into the temple and marveled at all the people gathered. They all went about their business, a whirlwind of activity. As to be expected from the order after all. After a moment the thought suddenly struck him...what the hell was his plan here. He'd now done the hard part of getting to Ajan Kloss but he hadn't really planned for what he would need to do after that. So he wandered the temple for a bit and pondered what to do.

As he walked the halls he saw many beings give him curious glances, but he paid them no mind lost in thought. "Ugh Jago you idiot, what'd you think you get here and they'd just start throwing solutions at you," he questioned out load. He then noticed it was much more quite. He looked around and found that he was in a nearly empty hallway, with doors lining either side. He took a closer look and saw that they were meditation rooms. No wonder it was quite then. He kept walking a bit and smile jumped to his face as he saw a girl walk into one of the rooms down the hall. It was Nara! It looked like his luck was turning around now, well at least it was a face he recognized. She would probably know who he needed to speak to to get the ball rolling.

Jago saw 2 others enter before he arrived at the door Nara had used. Odd, but maybe the Jedi liked to meditate in groups. The Nautolan just shrugged and entered the room behind them and waved as he saw Nara. "Hey bud! Found my way heerrrreee. Oh...hey other....Jedi people...." Jago simply trailed off as he noticed the others gathered, some that looked excited and others that looked more somber. "Sooo....yeah.." He quickly ducked down and slid into a spot next to Nara. "Ummm so what's going on?"

@Bauren @Reyn @Ginger @Catbert @Nefieslab @Charndley
 

Eisa Wex

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Once again the Rim Hopper had sat down in the small clearing in the forested mishmash of the Jedi temple grounds, ships still seemed to be scattered in various nooks and crannies wherever there was space - still reminiscent of the days when the planet used to be key strong hold for the resistance during the final years of the fight against the First Order... or was it the Final Order? Not that the pilot could really care, it was all in the past now and the only remnant that she could see of those days was the fact that there was still that long dormant transport had not moved in all the years since she had left the Order, still covered in netting and perhaps a little bit more moss.

Stepping out the ship, the fiery haired spacer took a cautionary look around the training grounds and meditation spot belonging to the Zeltron Jedi, keeping a sharp eye out for those pesky remote droids that had attacked her on one the more recent visits to the Jedi temple world. Her hand moving down to the side of her hip to gently pat against the hilt of her lightsaber, more out of precaution in case the remotes decided to ambush her - figuring that it would be best to be better equipped this time around without having to rely on a broken branch for defence against the stun bolts. Turning her attention back to the ship, she took a moment to hope for the love of the Force Curse would take the bribe that she offered for the little buzz droid to be on her best behaviour and stay on the ship, crime lords and war lords she could live with pissing off, but the Jedi Order.... No that was the one side of the Galaxy that she didn't want to fall on the wrong side of.

Taking a deep breath, as she continued to survey her surroundings before allowing a sigh of relief to escape her lips, sensing that those annoying remotes were no where to be seen or felt. Her gaze moving over towards the structure that was the Jedi Temple and her former home, her lips pursing in thought and contemplation over the reaction yet alone the reception she would receive, if any from the Order on her return and walking through the halls of the temple. Most of the previous times she had set foot on the world, she was often greeted by Kori or one of the temple guards who approached her in response to the outdated landing codes she would always present as her credentials - but then again given those times that it just transpired that she was off loading some supplies or recovered Jedi texts she had acquired during her misadventures they probably might have gotten used to her infrequent visits.

As she walked towards and into the confines of the Jedi temple, one thing was clear for certain, she stood out like a sore thumb. The Padawans that she passed all looked to wear the typical Jedi attire, all clean, neat and presentable - Eisa on the other hand was dressed in what was her usual attire of a crop top, sleeveless jacket and combat leggings, complimented with various tattoos visible on her exposed skin and the more prominent bright industrial yellow cybernetic augmentations. The only indicator that she was a Jedi of some sorts, but for all she knew it probably made her look equally as much as a Sith, was the lightsaber that hung from belt wrapped around the hilt.

It was strange walking through the halls she once grew up in, not mo much as the looks that Padawans cautiously shot her as she walked past them towards or in the vague direction of where she recalled the meditation chamber to be. Then again she would be surprised if she did find it without getting lost, most of her later years within the Order was being summoned to the Masters' chambers for some lecture or the other over her impulsiveness - Coupled with the last year of her time within the order being spent mostly in the infirmary recovering from and undergoing countless procedures to graft the cybernetic augmentations that adorned her body following the incident on Telos that had put the nail in the coffin for Eisa's tenure as a Padawan.

Making her way to the meditation chamber, keeping an open eye out for the slightest glimpse of the Duros Jedi . That was perhaps the one prospect she was hesitant on encountering again, was another lecture from her Former mentor Master Har. She was here after all because Kori had sent and invite and a request for her assistance on some matter, and well it was not something the fiery haired spacer would ignore, the Zeltron Jedi Knight had been perhaps the only Jedi she had encountered during her travels - and on some cases did help her get out a spot of bother. Finding her way into the meeting, Eisa stepped through the threshold of the large chamber and moved over off the the side, finding a nice empty spot on the wall to lean back against and observe what the Zeltron Jedi and the rest of the Order had to say.
 
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Fiach Dubh

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Many saw Ajan Kloss as a second home. Fiach was almost in that camp – except she couldn’t rightfully say that the planet she’d been raised on, Klatooine, was a first home. And despite spending more time on the jungle moon (and yes, she had done the calculations – this was Fiach after all) than anywhere else since joining the Order, she felt more like a nomad. In part because it felt right somehow – not to become attached to any place or any person for that matter.

But the point of the preamble was that Fiach had not made a particular effort to be here, she was teaching anyway and so responded to the somewhat simple request to join what she presumed would be a discussion by attending. Would her Padawan be here? She could not tell. She firmly believed it was each member’s right to walk their own path – so she would support him whatever decision he made. For she suspected it was going to be one of those meetings, where you stood on one side of a line.

She entered the room and nodded acknowledgement to the Jedi she knew and smiled and nodded to those she did not. Looking around, she decided to take up a spot next to a wall. As she waited, she smoothed down the hem of her tunic and fiddled with her cloak before relaxing and remaining still. So many thoughts were going through her head now (forty-eight to be precise) but she pushed them away and centred herself in the Force, waiting to hear what was going to be said with an open mind.
 

Weiss Zano

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Weiss Zano walked the hallway before the meditation room that the meeting was scheduled to take place in. Called together by a Jedi named Nykoria whom he had only had the opportunity to encounter during the attack on the Ranger HQ on Coruscant, where she gave her heart out in the all out chaos of the situation. The fact that the 'details' of this meeting consisted of a scarce 'We have to do something about the Sith' Weiss was quite confident about his thoughts regarding what the nature of this meeting was going to be.

If he was right Nykoria was trying to get the like minded Jedi to take action in more proactive approach against the rising Sith threat, it simply had to be that, both her words regarding the meeting and her actions on Coruscant only led Weiss to that conclusion and he was quite pleased with that. Disregarding the boy's natural talent for combat situations and battlefield engagement he also saw that the Sith cannot remain an unchecked threat and that the Jedi cannot remain a reactive force in this conflict.

Making his way inside the meditation chamber the tall white haired human looked upon the many who had gathered there and gave a slight bow of his head in a manner of greeting. He had recognized a number of the Jedi present,the Vratix Izel Thral, Nara, Fiach Dubh.. all of them that had accompanied him on the mission regarding the cult on Onderon, even the Nautolan that they had met there was here.
Though out of all the people present he was certainly the closest to Master Max, a man whom he had been appointed to follow on several missions already. Weiss made his way towards Max and greeted him with a slight bow and a smile ''Master Max.'' before taking a seat next to the man.

''I am certainly curious about your viewpoints regarding the apparent issue of the meeting.''
 

Ilukai Koa

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Ilukai had scarcely been able to keep up with the galaxies events, often away in the Outer Rim exploring it could often be days or weeks until she was in range of a Holonet signal or Order communiques.

Since returning to Ajan Kloss however, that was quickly changing. It was as if a lifetimes worth of events had happened in an instant, so many things to take in and adjust to. The continued existence of an order like the Jedi was proof enough that the galaxy never settled, but the idea of things falling away again was never something to be savoured.

And in her mind, she did not know what to do.

As the years had drifted past and the last great war fell into memory, she had fed on that optimism, spurred on by leaving her homeworld and seeing the galaxy at large. She was ready to see all of it, know every point and everything that had happened there. Dreams of uncharted worlds, new places, people, finding those things that had been lost, especially lost to the Jedi, that was to be her life.

How easily some things changed. For without that plan so obviously the right one now, she felt adrift, unsure of where it went now, hat the right response was.

Today she meant to hear what everyone else was planning in the face of it all.
 

Nykoria Tallis

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In a few minutes, the situation went from "It's about time now. Is anyone going to show?" to "Wow, I wasn't planning for that many!" There was still a minute or two until the scheduled beginning of the meeting. But a large number of people had already gathered. For a Zeltron sensitive to emotions, their anticipation was palpable; and it reflected on Nykoria as well. Waiting a couple of minutes longer in silence felt wrong. Anyone else who'd arrive later would just miss a small part of the introduction.

With a first to her mouth, the Zeltron turned to the gathered Jedi and cleared her throat. "Uhmmm, hello. Thank you all for coming here," Kori's brown eyes cast a quick glance at the people who gathered in the room. Some of them were friends who had her back in a tight spot. Others had crossed paths with her, briefly. And there were those whom Nykoria didn't recognize at all. Apparently, "Come and bring your friends" had worked wonders.

"You all know why I asked you to come here," Kori continued. That much was true; but what else was she supposed to say? How could she tackle a problem as large and fundamental as the Sith? Sure, she had plans, but she needed to lead up to them somehow. Kriff it, Kori, you used to be a superstar back in your crowd on Coruscant. Just start with something and go with the flow. Another glance at the crowd, and a few supportive smiles made all the difference.

"It's the Sith. In the last few months, I've been hearing about nothing but them," she cast a quick glance at Max, who had been the first to arrive. "Admittedly, about Trandoshan and Zygerrian slavers too. But still, the Sith take the first prize." A smirk briefly crossed Kori's lips, but disappeared as she continued her speech. "Many of you must've met them during your missions. I sure met my share. They murdered civilians at a derelict Temple on Ontotho. They tried to incite some sort of uprising on Corsin. Hunted down members of our Order on Batuu." She looked at the gathered crowd, trying to take stock of their own emotions and experiences on the matter. But the Zeltron already knew what to say next, and needed no more boosts of confidence. Old habits died hard indeed.

"But what really got to me was Coruscant," she continued, more resolutely. "First the prison break. Then the train station massacre. And now the Sector Ranger HQ. I don't know about you, but by now, the Sith might feel that they can keep running unpunished and make the first move all the time!" Not too surprisingly, Kori found her own speech to be rather emotional when she got to that part. Perhaps too emotional."Sorry, it's just that... I was born on Coruscant, and whenever I wake up now, my first instinct is to check the news; Force forbid there might have been another attack."

Well, the problem is covered. Now, to the solution, Kori. "I keep wondering... If there were more Jedi out there... On Coruscant, for example. Or if law-enforcement was better trained to counter Force users... Perhaps the Sith wouldn't have dared to do what they did?" The question had been eating at the Zeltron's mind for the better part of the month, and she felt better just asking that outloud, for everyone else to consider. "I don't know the answer to that," she added sincerely.

"But I do know one thing," she added, taking one last look at the people who gathered. "We, the Jedi, are best-suited to do something about it." Ironically, that thought had been instilled in Kori by a Sith she had met on Corsin. Of course, he mentioned it in different context, trying to sway the Zeltron Jedi to support his little putsch. "If we don't, then one day we might wake up in a galaxy ruled by fear and violence again."

That was it. Nykoria had made her case. Now only one thing remained: explain what she was actually planning to do. "I intend to approach the Council and ask them for permission to go on a long-term mission. With the goal of tracking down the Sith, stopping them, or at least hampering them at every turn. Forging alliances with sector governments and law enforcement. Establishing Jedi presence on other worlds, finding and training more Jedi, if need be." Perhaps Kori had taken things too far; but that was how she felt, and she had given in to the flow.

"It's not something any of us can do alone," she added with a quieter, less emotional voice."That's why before even going to the Council, I wanted to see if this could work." She now looked at the crowd expectantly, just as they had been looking at her a few minutes prior. "So, anyone with me?"

Those who want to stand with Kori, can do so now, in their next post. Those who aren't convinced yet can start a discussion. I might be able to slip in posts between your replies next turn.

@Reyn, @Charndley, @Six, @Mr. Teatime, @Ginger, @Darth Bonaparte, @christhebarker, @Nefieslab, @Corbeau, @Isen, @Andrewza, @Topher Ridge, @Topher, @Bauren, @Nightfall
 

Weiss Zano

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He listened to Nyokria delivering the speech and barely restrained himself from nodding to every word the Zeltron Jedi said. It was exactly what he was expecting it to be, exactly what he had hoped. Weiss was eager to do something more proactive regarding the Sith and the state the galaxy seemed to be thumbling towards and so as soon as the Zeltron finished speaking there seemed to be only a moment of silence.... before it was broken by Weiss himself.

The white haired tall Jedi stood up.
''I agree.''
He said, his eyes locked into Nykoria's for a moment before glancing across the room. His rushed reaction being reflective of how he felt about the whole thing and how he wouldn't sit and wait around anymore without something being done directly. His father was great general and Weiss knew that he would have acted in the same way, choosing to do what's right, using your special talents and gifts for the sake of others, as he had a habit of saying. His gaze left Nykoria's eyes and glanced over the other Jedi but mostly around those of his own age group, as if to read their reactions and incite them though the usually stoic expression and eyes of the white haired youth seemed to be ready to fully judge those who would refuse. His eyes however did not meet with the man next to him - Master Max.

Holding a great deal of respect to the man he was still uncertain about how Max would voice his opinions on this whole situation and was worried about his own desires conflicting with that of the man next to him. He spoke up once again.

''It is our duty to do this, not by some government issued order but by the nature itself. We are supposed to help those in need, defend the ones who can't defend themselves and if the need arises even be the voice of reason that would spur the people into action in time before their own demise.'' The last part of the sentence obviously addressing the situation at hand. He had more to say especially regarding those who would disagree with the notion but decided to not say a word and continued standing up in contrast to all the other present
 

Hannibal Grayza

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Another meeting had been called. Hannibal supposed it had been a hot minute since the Jedi had gathered to talk about some horror the Sith had unleashed, so it was probably about due. The young Jedi had stepped into the room shortly before Kori began to speak again and settled himself leaning casually against a wall by Max and Weiss. A cigarra of his own was held between his lips, burning idly as he listened to to the zeltron Jedi speak. His usual smirk was arrayed across his face, but an almost imperceptible narrowing of his eyes made its way into his expression. He could feel the emotion involved in her speech. Previously she had edged in on failing his little standard test back on Quell, and here she was making impassioned speeches. It bore careful watching.

After Weiss' additional bit of speaking Hannibal stepped away from the wall. He certainly wasn't known for not having his own opinion on things, and he most definitely had one about this.


"I agree with concept. We've done joint actions with the Sector Rangers that went well. I've been working on my own projects to kneecap the Sith as well, so hunting them down and proactively dealing with them as a threat is something I can get behind. That said..." He paused a moment, taking a drag off his cigarra and exhaling a cloud of smoke up into the air. "That said, my concerns lay with the level of involvement with government. More people should know how to handle Sith, for sure. The power and privilege of Jedi means we are duty bound to help others. "

"The galaxy is already ruled by fear and violence, just not by the Sith, and not as badly as it was under the Empire. Jedi are peacekeepers, and warriors when we need to be, but we are not, and should not, be the law. If keeping the peace and defending others means tracking down Sith and dealing with them, with expanding on Ranger or local law enforcement training to handle Force users, you have my support whether or not the Council approves. But if this mission of yours at some point involves joining directly with government or working as formal law enforcement then I am firmly opposed. "
In Hannibal's view, the law was a mutable and circumstantial thing. It was different all across the galaxy, and while it absolutely had its place, it was too easily used for ill means. In particular, the Republic was as corrupt and political as they come, even now.

Hannibal had walked both Nar Shaddaa and the undercities of Coruscant, and hey both stank of misery, fear, and anger. The Jedi should not be bound to such an organization ever again after what happened to the Order during the days of the Old Republic and the rise of the Empire. In the same vein, the Jedi and other Force users should never rule over others, only help and protect them. Acting as law enforcement should be done by one's peers, not by a group of space wizards warrior monks. In Hannibal's view, Jedi doing it was an act of imbalance. Jedi work against Sith, law enforcement deals with common criminals, and the two shouldn't be mixed. Hannibal would happily assist with efforts to take down Sith, but Jedi imposing their will and that of system government on the masses would be unacceptable in his eyes.


"In short, I am with you," he finished, leaning back against the wall and crossing his tattooed arms over his chest. The situation in the galaxy had truly grown more and more chaotic, and the Jedi did need to take direct action. But they would also need to be careful.


@Catbert @Nefieslab @Charndley @Ginger @Reyn @Bauren @Topher Ridge @Topher @Corbeau @Six @Nightfall
 

Izel Thral

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Izel watched as more and more Jedi, and even some seeming non-Jedi entered the chamber. It seemed Kori had been quite busy on this little project of hers. Even Master Grayza showed up as well. He had always been a bit more loose with the rules than others in the Order. Surely if anyone would be on their side he would be.

Kori's speech was exactly what the Vratix expected, and exactly what she wanted to hear. She knew she hadn't been the only one frustrated with the Order's ponderous response to the growing Sith threat, and it felt good to have those feelings vindicated. Privately she held some fears about her own feelings and bias on the matter. After all that had happened to her in the last few months she had a growing, deep rooted contempt for the Sith. She worried that pursuing this cause might exacerbate such dark thoughts. But in the end her sense of duty and justice won out. They needed to be stopped. It was as simple as that.

Weiss was quick to commit himself to the task, and even Master Grayza was quick to throw in as well, though with some ground rules laid out. Getting swept up in the apparent wave of support the Vratix quickly stepped forward next. "I'm with you as well!" She said hastily, then calmed a bit as she looked towards Master Grayza. "And I agree, though I don't think Nykoria meant we should involve ourselves in galactic governments. Surely she only means that we should work with them as far as is necessary to dismantle the Sith threat. Despite these early victories they still seem fairly small. If we act quickly in concert with the Sector Rangers and other law enforcement and military entities we should be able to easily root out and overwhelm our enemies."

Personally Izel did feel that the Jedi should involve themselves more in galactic affairs, so in the future they could preempt such crises rather than simply react to them, but these were debates for another time. The Sith threat was what was real and immediate. All that mattered in the moment was driving them out and restoring peace.
 

Maxims Tionson

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Nefieslab
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Max nodded to Izel when he spotted her and gave Weiss a little smirk. It was nice to see that the young man had latched onto him so well - he was happy about that honestly. He didn't say anything however because he could see that, by now, Kori was anxious to start.

Instead he sat back and listened as Kori spoke... rather a lot.

It seemed she did not subscribe to the belief that less was more, though seldom Jedi did in his experience. What she had to say had some merit he would admit that. Weiss stood up to agree with her but he had been raised by a military family so he expected it. For such a boy it likely made all the sense in the Galaxy.

Because when all you had was a hammer, every problem was a nail.

He waited for his friends to continue to add their two credits before deciding it was best that he let his opinion be known. Standing up from where he had sat, he let his presence in the Force leak out so they would know he wanted to speak. Rather than merely stand he took a step closer and looked Kori in the eyes.

"No."


He eyed her for a second longer before glancing around the room at the people in it.

"What is a Jedi? What is a lightsaber? A warrior and their weapon to be wielded against our foes?"
he shook his head, "We are protectors of the people - the Galaxy of individuals and not the collective. The collective forgets, mistreats and abuses the individual. You would have us become part of that collective, to prop up governments and to militarize. To meet our enemies in battle wherever we see them, to hunt them down to the ends of the Galaxy by whatever means."

He shook his head.

"That isn't what being a Jedi is about. That's what being a soldier, a zealot, is about. What a bigot hating those other than themselves will tell themselves as they lash out, out of fear."
He clicked his tongue, "Out of fear of the 'gains' of the Sith you would have us sell our souls and our bodies into bondage as soldiers. Out of fear of the news. I had hope you would have something more than this."

Max raised his hands and moved to sit back down.

"Prove me wrong, Kori. Because it's on you to do that now - you will be the leader of this motion, this movement, and that means you have to defend it's morality."



@Catbert
 

Udilor Hesph

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It was poor form for any scientist to assume themselves correct before doing the math and the experiment both. In this case, Udilor had done the math that this Jedi gathering would be about emotions and lashing out towards an enemy. The next bit of proving his theory was to actually do the experiment. In this case that meant attending the meeting to eavesdrop on their motives. This experiment had seemed to go exactly as calculated previously. An emotional plea from a the woman who seemed in charge of the gathering followed by equally firm and emotional agreements. Udi was already internally complimenting himself on the prediction being proven. The only unexpected variable was the older Jedi Master speaking up in defiance of the actions.

Prove me wrong. Udi echoed in his own mind as the master said it to Kori. It was exactly what he was here to see: someone prove his hypothesis incorrect. Thus far, he had to firmly agree with Maxims that this was not the Jedi way nor a logical approach to the problem they see at hand.

"Solve for X when 6x + (3x - 5) = 22." The Givin spoke up a moment after Max finished. "I am Udilor. Jedi Knight."

A pause would be given (givin?) in case anyone wanted to answer the question presented quickly before he continued speaking. This would slightly break traditional greeting but in this case he did not have time to decide if they knew the concept of greeting maths nor time to let the ignorant try to solve a math problem, as simple as it might be. His tone was level and bright when he spoke which often contrasted how people would expect a terrifying skeleton like him to sound.

"Our Elder is correct. Often when emotion rules the equation and only the large scale is considered, small variables are forgotten. Who is hurt by the larger action? If we forget to account for the loss of who we are and for the small numbers, our total calculation will be wrought with errors." He said, mostly to Kori herself rather than to the group.

That was it. Udi was not one for speeches or dragging out the point. This was not a grand speech or dramatic display like the master had done, but it would hopefully deliver his view in support.

 

Juniper

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Nara nodded to the others she recognised as they filtered in. Izel and Fiach mostly. Quite a few other Jedi she recognised by sight, as well as both Master Maxims and Master Hannibal. She wasn't much good at reading faces, but one of them seemed more interested in the idea than the other.

Jago appeared at her side, somehow. She blinked a couple of times then offered him a wave, just a little surprised to see him. Guy has a tracker on me, I swear. "Jedi gathering," she explained in a whisper, waiting for Kori to speak. "When things get all serious and we all yell at each other for a while. Usually about some proposal or other. Kori's got a suggestion for us," she said, nodding towards her friend.

Nara listened to Kori's speech. It was along the lines of what she'd been expecting. She knew Kori had a background in law enforcement, but she'd somehow turned out decently despite that. She was articulating what many of them had been feeling for... well, what felt like years. How often had Nara yelled about the same thing when she was a padawan? Even through her nerves, Nara could sense the drive behind it.

Izel was for it. Weiss was for it too. Master Hannibal had... reservations. And Master Maxims? Well...

"No Jedi stands alone," she announced, a little acid in her tone, "and Kori shouldn't need to defend this alone. Nobody here can doubt her commitment to protecting the people of the Galaxy and nobody in this room deserves being compared to a zealot or a bigot." She thought she wasn't going to do this anymore, but being in a room with this many other Jedi was just dredged up bad habits. "Is the answer of our wisest Masters? To let some exaggerated fear of what we may become cow us while the Sith continue to strike? How many more atrocities like Nar Shaddaa, like Coruscant, should we let happen just so we can feel snug and secure in ourselves?"

Nara stepped forwards from the wall, looking around at the rest of them. "I don't particularly want to be the law. Anyone who knows me here knows my opinion on cop... on Sector Rangers and the like. Master Hannibal is right, it's not our place to be that. But we all know that the Order has been far too reactive when we should be proactive. Prevention is better than the cure."

With that, Nara looked right at Kori.

"I'm with you."


@Catbert
 

Hal Mikko

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Hal glanced up in surprise as the Vratix Knight approached him - not because he'd been stunned by her appearance, but merely because he'd been lost in thought. Gathering himself quickly, Hal smiled at Izel as she introduced herself, and extended a hand in greetings just as she'd done. "Hal Mikko, and the pleasure's all mine Izel." Hal's voice was youthful, and still full of confidence and energy despite his best efforts to remain quiet. He was in the process of opening his mouth to ask a follow-up question when Nykoria took the floor, and promptly decided to remain silent.

Throughout her speech, Hal remained passive despite agreeing with much of what she said, occasionally nodding his head as she spoke. As each Jedi took to the floor subsequently, he found himself growing more and more impassioned by the movement, and words began to form in the back of his mind as he contemplated adding his voice to theirs in support. However, it wasn't until Maxims - one of the two Masters in attendance, spoke his mind that Hal was finally compelled to speak. As the Max spoke, and looked around the room at every Jedi in attendance, Hal found his eyes locking with the Master's one, and in doing so found the courage within himself to speak.

"Forgive me master, I don't presume to lecture you on doctrine, but to be a protector does not imply passivity. A cliff, given enough time, will eventually be broken down by the tides." Hal spoke up after Nara had concluded her speech - one that shared many of the same sentiments that he himself held. He maintained eye contact with Max as he spoke - not out of disrespect, but instead as proof of his conviction. "To take action against the Sith, to fight against an objective evil, is not an act of fear. To continue to be apathetic is to give in to it."

Galvanized now by his own words, Hal stood up from where he'd been leaning and stepped cautiously towards the center of the room. There, where it was in plain view to all in attendance, he rolled up the sleeve of his tunic to reveal a series of numbers that had been branded into his skin - the unmistakable marking of a slave in the spice mines. Though time and medicine had worn it away, the numbers would remain irrevocably etched into his skin for the rest of his life.

"It was that same apathy during the Clone Wars that allowed for Darth Sidious to rise. It was that same apathy that, even as we speak, allows for sapient beings to live as slaves on a dozen different systems." Hal rolled down his sleeve to punctuate the statement, a tinge of frustration entering his voice. "And should we abandon our calling as Knights of the Order and allow the Sith to rise again, it will be because we failed to act. When we allow darkness to survive, we must accept responsibility for when it festers, and I refuse to be responsible for that. Not while we still have time to change things."

Hal might not have known Kori personally, but as he finished his grandstanding and took a final glance towards the Zeltron Jedi, he recognized a kindred spirit, as he did with Izel and Hannibal, Weiss and Nara. Even if their movement was to fail, at least he had met someone who shared his perspective on things. Before he returned back to his place on the wall, he gave one final remark to his assembled peers.

"To do nothing now would be the only true evil. I stand with Kori."

@Nefieslab @Reyn @Catbert
Anyone can feel free to reply, I'm just tagging the people I addressed specifically. in the post.
 

Ilukai Koa

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Ilukai did not spend much time with her fellow Jedi that often, Force, this was probably the most she’d seen in months at this point, not since the funerals for those on Coruscant. And she wasn’t sure if she was enjoying doing so.

The Sith managed to make people bare their emotions without even trying, the subject one that had raised Jedi tempers and flaws too many times in their past, which hopefully everyone here remembered. And yet a dozen other times the Jedi has acted too late, let Sith machinations foment until the point of no return. That’s what happened with the first Sith empire, that’s what happened with the Galactic Empire. And there had been far too many times when the Jedi has met, just like this, to decide what to do. It was a fine, and fraught like they all walked in days like this, and speeches wouldn’t do what was needed,

“Brevity, perhaps, would spare us all a different evil” Ilukai chided lightly. There were a lot of voices today, all clamouring to make their point. She wasn’t above them, but it had been the case for many ages that Jedi did like to talk,

“Direct action against the Sith, of course, That must be done. But tying us to governments? That only made us Generals in the wrong war last time” short and clear, she made her point,

“Save who we can, and lead by example”

Perhaps it was too simple, but overcomplicating this with politics had too often led them astray. The Sith unbalanced the Force, and they were unbalancing the Jedi, or so it felt. They could do this if they stuck to what they knew.

 
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