Private 902 ABY | NJO Council Meeting

[Valery Noble]

902 ABY | Jedi Council

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

The Council Chambers were currently silent. Outside, the ever-busy heart of Coruscant hummed with life, but within these walls, the only sounds were the faint rustle of robes and the occasional shift of a chair. The air was heavy — not just with the weight of the war, but with the decisions that had to be made. Valery sat in her designated seat, the chair offering little comfort as her gaze swept across those gathered. Some had arrived early, already settled with hands folded, their expressions unreadable. Others had only just entered.

For all their differences in age, experience, and philosophy, one thing bound them together: the Jedi Order stood at a crossroads. And it was up to them to choose the right path forward. Valery exhaled slowly, then spoke, her voice steady but firm, "Thank you all for gathering." Her gaze flicked across the room, pausing on each member in turn. "We have much to discuss, and not a moment to waste."

She leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on the arms of her chair.

"The war has shifted. The battle of Woostri was a heavy loss. The Sith Order grows bolder, their movements more calculated. We need to understand why. We need to decide how to counter them." A pause. Then she continued, her tone sharper now, more deliberate. "The Hapan crisis has only just reached a new phase, one hopefully more peaceful. But their world is still somewhat divided."

Her fingers curled slightly against the armrests as she drew in another breath.

"And then, there is the Core. The Dark Empire is weakening, its grip slipping under constant pressure. That should be good news — but instability breeds danger. If they collapse or are forced to retreat, who knows what chaos they will cause on their way out." Valery let that hang in the air for a moment before her gaze settled back on the Council as a whole.

"We cannot sit idle. We must act, and we must do so with wisdom. We need a strategy—one that doesn't just react to the chaos, but shapes the future we hope to see."

Her fiery eyes locked onto the group. "So let's begin." Her gaze turned to Amani, "Perhaps, by discussing the Hapan Crisis."

Amani Serys Kahlil Noble Zark San Tekka Jonyna Si Ran Serys Corazona von Ascania ​

 

[Jonyna Si]

TAG: Valery Noble Kahlil Noble Zark San Tekka Amani Serys Corazona von Ascania Ran Serys

Jonyna's day had been a long one. Being one of the council members just arriving, she looked ragged. Not nearly the cheerful, upbeat woman she normally was.

Hapes had been a mess.

Woostri a bigger one.

She needed a nap, at least. She wondered where Jenn was at this hour. Probably drilling her men, she figured. What she would do to be in the Reaper's jacuzzi right now with her, letting the siren whisper sweet nothing's into her cathar ears.

For now though, her face turned to a determined, if tired expression.

"The Dawn of Hope has been shifted from Jedha to the Hapian cluster, as best I can. We've been trying to avoid another incident, but it's not exactly been easy to maneuver the Service Corps around political red tape. I've been dealing with rescue teams reporting getting shot at on the daily. Until the Crisis is over, we'll probably be dealing with that a lot."

Jonyna had kept her distance with Hapes, for exactly this reason. She couldn't stand politics getting in the way of heroism. Of helping people. It was moments like this that she remembered Giran, and all the tales he had told her of the jedi during the Republic, and how often she shot back at him with quips of 'Well, I wouldn't let the senators get in my way. Heroes don't let politicians get in their way', but now all she felt was a lament that she probably would've gotten kicked out of the order pretty quick.

Thank Sylvar Val was more understanding...

 

[Amani Serys]

Valery Noble - Jonyna Si - Kahlil Noble - Zark San Tekka - Corazona von Ascania - Ran Serys​

Much was happening in the galaxy as of late. The Council was summoned to convene once again.

Amani sat quiet in her seat, arriving earlier than most, her hands laced together and her countenance deep in thought. When Valery finally broke the silence to begin the meeting in earnest, it wasn't long before she cast her eyes on the Chief Healer. Hapes was the most pressing matter, and one that directly involved a member of the Order.

"I hope my fellow Council members will understand why I feel I must recuse myself from any decisions made regarding the situation with the Hapans," She glanced at each of them, offering an almost apologetic look, "But I will gladly answer any questions you might have of me regarding what happened that day." She had submitted her eyewitness report almost as soon as she returned to Coruscant, but perhaps some were more interested in hearing from her directly. But until and unless prompted, Amani said nothing more on the matter.

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Valery Noble Kahlil Noble Amani Serys Jonyna Si Corazona von Ascania Ran Serys

Zark sat legs crossed in a lotus position while floating a meter above his council seat. Gleaming ceremonial Temple Guard armor was unmarred by the recent conflicts. A wounded animal could still be dangerous and so the old veteran felt reluctant to leave Coruscant unwatched for long while the Dark Empire remained a potential threat.

Drifting back down into his seat summoned the Council's attention before Zark even broke his customary ominous silence.

"Hapes is of grave concern," the cortosis mask distorted his voice with a mechanical echo, "I trust Master Amani conducted herself within the Code's precepts, but there are many who will interpret Queen Kha'la's death as a calculated coup détat sanctioned by this Council no matter what testimony we provide."

He paused. Cortosis dampened Zark's thoughts so even for a room full of Jedi Masters it was difficult to sense what might be on his mind.

"Growing dysfunction among the Senate," he began again, "Is a symptom of the great shadow spreading across the Alliance's southern borders. Our attention has been divided between threats from without and within. Now it seems we must instruct another generation of Jedi how to survive on the fields of a new crusade."

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Knight von Ascania was seated primly in her chair, ankles crossed and hands folded neatly in her lap.

This particular problem on Hapes mirrored that of Ukatis. Even though she'd borne witness to the terrorism they'd committed, she could feel herself being pulled in a sympathetic direction toward the Crimson Veil. It took a conscious effort to pick apart her own bias in such a complicated situation.

Cora's attention flicked toward Master Serys, something grievously somber in her eyes. Like her, Amani had been present during the murder of Astor Daaray and his fiancé.

Her focus then shifted to Master San Tekka, observing the masked guardian as he hovered clear above his seat.

"The Senate appears poised to throw their support behind Princess Nimaa'ri Daaray. This may represent an opportunity for change. If we're already to be seen as intervening, perhaps the Alliance can broker a more equitable future for all Hapans."

Her expression deepened into something more pensive.

"On Hapes, Jedi turned their blades against one another. If we cannot present a united front, we may face the fracturing of our own Order."

They were walking a fine line. The Alliance - and by extension, the New Jedi Order - were under constant criticism for both overextending their power and not doing enough. Whether or not that was true mattered little. Optics could sway hearts, win support, and lose wars.

Valery Noble Jonyna Si Amani Serys Zark San Tekka Kahlil Noble Ran Serys

 

[Kahlil Noble]

So many terrible things, one after another. Kahlil was still going over datapads, scrolling through as he listened to the others speak. What was their position here? There was no black and white on who was in the right and who was in the wrong. "The Crimson Dawn's mission is not wrong, but their actions certainly were. The same can be said for the Queen's response. For both sides to be pushed to such extremes truly showed how deep of an issue this is to the whole Cluster, how much it truly affects them."

What was the right way to handle it, though? Especially if Jedi were turning their blade on one another?

"Our Order is not and has never been The Jedi Order. No Order should aspire to be, that is what I learned when the Republic's own splintered. The harder you try to make everyone follow, the more people will feel they have to leave and that they can't work with us. We're all different people, even this council. I encourage those who feel they need to walk a different path to do so. That no matter where they walk, they are Jedi and we will work together. That we do not need to fight because our views are different and that we can find compromise and a path to work together. We have failed as a council if the Jedi we serve think that fighting against their fellows is the only path left."

Valery Noble | Zark San Tekka | Corazona von Ascania | Jonyna Si | Amani Serys

 

[Ran Serys]

Ran shifted in her seat as the meeting began. She crossed her legs, adjusted her posture and lorekeeper’s robes, and grasped the arms of her chair. She stayed quiet for a moment and listened while the others began discussing the Hapan Crisis. It was a difficult and complex situation Ran had not been present for, and in her duties as Chief Archivist she had only just begun to parse through the information submitted to the Archives about its events. She hadn’t yet read or even seen Amani’s account of it, if it even existed. Still she trusted her cousin. They were among the last living Seryses in the galaxy, and having known no other family but the Jedi Ran would stand by Amani if no one did. When Amani recused herself from the Hapan portion of conversation, Ran gave the other Mirialan the slightest twitch of a warm and well meaning smile, but kept her face otherwise clear of judgement.

"The Senate appears poised to throw their support behind Princess Nimaa'ri Daaray. This may represent an opportunity for change. If we're already to be seen as intervening, perhaps the Alliance can broker a more equitable future for all Hapans."

“What if the people feel differently?” Ran asked. “What then?” She let the others speculate as to what. “What comes about when the wants of the Galactic Alliance doesn’t match the wants of Native Hapans?” She continued curiously and hypothetically. She wondered if there was a role the Jedi would have to take in that situation. Ran was in the camp that the Jedi should be peacekeepers, mediators, ambassadors of the force, always the monk first and the warrior second, if at all.

“I don’t mean to sit here and ask hypothetical questions. I only seek to understand how far we as an order are expected to be involved. What is our duty to the Galactic Alliance and the Hapans at this time?” Ran finished and looked at her fellow councilors for answers. She was still getting used to this side of the council chamber.

Tags: Valery Noble Jonyna Si Amani Serys Zark San Tekka Corazona von Ascania Kahlil Noble
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[Valery Noble]

902 ABY | Jedi Council

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery listened intently, her gaze sharp but measured as each member voiced their thoughts. The tension surrounding the Hapan Crisis was palpable, but she had expected that.

Her fiery gaze flicked to Cora first. "The incident on Hapes was deeply troubling, and it will be addressed," she said, her voice even. "But let's not exaggerate the issue. There was one case where two Jedi crossed blades. That does not mean the Order is fracturing. One of the two Jedi is Hapan, too. His stakes are far more personal in this crisis." Her fingers drummed lightly against the arm of her chair. "This matter will be handled in a separate meeting, where those involved can speak for themselves. We'll address it there."

She let that settle for a moment before her focus shifted to Amani. "I've read the reports," she continued, her voice gentler now. "You were forced to act. I know that, and this Council knows that." Her gaze flicked briefly to Zark. "But the greater galaxy will always find ways to twist the truth. Some will see the Queen's death as necessary, others will call it an assassination. The only thing we can control is our response to those accusations."

Valery exhaled, allowing her focus to settle on Ran. The young Mirialan's questions were valid, and they deserved an answer.

"The new Queen, Nimaa'ri Daaray, has vowed to honor the changes her predecessor failed to enact. That includes the Equal Rights Bill. What the Crimson Veil fought for — their core ideals — are not being ignored. If Queen Nimaa'ri stays true to her word, this could be a turning point for Hapes."

She paused, fingers lacing together as she leaned slightly forward. "As Jedi, our duty is not to enforce the will of the Senate. Our loyalty is to the people — their freedom and safety. To life itself. We will aid them however we can, ensuring these new laws are upheld and protecting those who need us." She let her gaze sweep across the Council once more, making it clear that this was the path she intended to take. "This change is hopefully one step in the right direction."

"But if the new Queen does not uphold her promises… then we'll have another problem to solve."

Amani Serys Kahlil Noble Zark San Tekka Jonyna Si Ran Serys Corazona von Ascania
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[Jonyna Si]

TAG: Valery Noble Kahlil Noble Zark San Tekka Ran Serys Corazona von Ascania Amani Serys

"We're not politicians." Jonyna said bluntly. As she was tend to do, she had a point to make. She looked to Ran, one of the newest members of the Council, and nodded. "We should let the senate handle that matter. If the people of Hapes don't feel their new Queen is right, then that's a senate issue, not a jedi issue. We can act as diplomats, but we're not here to enforce any laws. Only keep the peace, and stand up for those who can't. What Amani did was...unfortunate, but necessary in the moment. I've done plenty of things like that in my own time."

Jonyna looked over to Amani, with a face of sympathy. "Are you okay, by the way? These past few weeks have been rough on all of us."

 

[Amani Serys]

Valery Noble - Jonyna Si - Corazona von Ascania - Zark San Tekka - Kahlil Noble - Ran Serys​

Amani did seem to ease up some with the words of her fellow council members. Lots of the vocal outcry had been getting to her lately, but she stood fast, entrusting her fate to the words of the Order's leadership above all else. "As well as can be," Amani replied to Jonyna, pinching her brow, "I... stand by my actions that day, as undesirable as they were. And I am grateful to the Council backing me up on this. Dissenting voices have been plenty loud themselves, however, and it has reflected not only on myself but on the Chancellor."

"All the more reason for me to stay away from the political side of Hapes for the remainder of this process. The Jedi have done our part. The rest is up to Alliance procedure."

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Valery Noble Kahlil Noble Amani Serys Jonyna Si Corazona von Ascania Ran Serys

"Whispers reach me of discontent from my contacts in the Outer Rim," the masked guardian admitted with some reluctance, "Frontier Jedi have always possessed an independent streak. Threats to our galaxy can look quite different from their point of view. I do not believe they would turn their sabers against the light."

His faceless visage shifted until black eye slits fell upon the Council's new Chief Archivist. Soft exhalations were distorted by cortosis into a repetitive mechanical sound. No thought escaped from that event horizon yet his presence in the Force was undeniable and somehow Ran could still sense his full attention upon her like an anchor.

"There are rare times when Alliance procedure and the Jedi Code conflict," Master Zark sounded weary, "That is why our duty is to the people, not a government. We must also weigh the terrible consequences if this imperfect Alliance should ever fall and with it the galaxy's shield against Sith conquest and ruin. I have seen Dark Lords driven mad enough by revenge to terrorize the Core Worlds for years while we were still scattered and divided."

At last the weight of his focus passed from mirialan to mirialan. Zark's ceremonial death mask fixed Amani with that same inscrutable stare. At least the Queen of Alderaan was more familiar with his almost theatrical sense of dramatic ritual.

"As Knight Ran will discover, to serve on this Council means attempting to find answers for many questions that have no easy solutions. What unfolded on Hapes was fate, but I do not envy the choice you were forced to make. Queen Kha'la is now one with the Force. May it bring her the peace she could not find in life."

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora's attention drifted to and from each council member as they spoke. This was her first council meeting, and she quietly adjusted her expectations. Every Jedi positioned in the circle outranked her in both age and experience.

"A step in the right direction," she echoed quietly in agreement. "A government's policies and the well being of its citizens are inherently connected. As servants of the people – including the Hapans – is it not our duty to support a government that is more equitable and fair?"

Cora's brow furrowed, trying to parse out where the line was. The room seemed to have conflicting opinions on how far the Jedi were supposed to insert themselves when it came to upholding planetary and Alliance law. With the path she had walked, it was difficult for her to remain entirely impartial.

Her gaze shifted to Jonyna, noting the fatigue in the Cathar's expression. Cora's own eyes softened. "Thank you, Master Si, for coordinating relief efforts in the wake of both Hapes and Woostri. Your humanitarian work is a great strength of the Alliance."

Valery Noble Kahlil Noble Jonyna Si Amani Serys Ran Serys Zark San Tekka

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"With a wave of our hands we could change the destiny of any world we come across for what we deem is the better. There are few who can resist our ability to change minds, fewer who can fight us off if violence is their choice. Our duty isn't to enforce one path or another for Hapan. It's to help them, all of them, find a path of peace together. It is easy to see that the inherent sexism of their government is not a good one, but there will be times where what we think is wrong is in fact not."

If they chose for the people, were they any better than the Sith who sook to rule over everything and everyone? It was a balancing act, and a difficult one to say the least.

Corazona von Ascania | Zark San Tekka | Valery Noble | Ran Serys | Jonyna Si | Amani Serys

 

[Ran Serys]

Ran's question had been answered, yet still the lines of involvement remained unclear. To be hands off so soon after a Jedi had killed a Hapan Monarch, seemed confusing. To Ran, it seemed to send mixed messages. She wondered if she would have felt different had she been there. She wondered if pouring through the Jedi's accounts of the events would give her the clarity she so desired. She wondered if events like this were why so many across the galaxy viewed the Jedi as mysterious wizards who brought with them an ill omen, while so many others saw the Jedi as mythic heroes who brought safety and peace. From a certain point of view, all could be true. Ran accepted the other's words, and decided to watch and see which of them proved most accurate.

"A government's policies and the well being of its citizens are inherently connected. As servants of the people – including the Hapans – is it not our duty to support a government that is more equitable and fair?"

A valid question, one that Ran was happy to hear. Ran felt it was their duty, considering the Jedi's involvement thus far, but there were still so many caveats that could, in Ran's mind, affect the answer. Would that be seen as interfering or was it the next logical step? And would the Hapans even accept Jedi support at this time? What was the take away from the death of their former ruler, specifically their feelings on the Jedi? The Jedi could be looked at as ambassadors, but in a situation like this were they interventionists? Ran stayed quiet but nodded at her fellow knight. Then Ran turned her gaze to the others. She was curious if they'd be in agreement. She doubted it based on what had already been said.

Tags: Valery Noble Jonyna Si Amani Serys Zark San Tekka Corazona von Ascania Kahlil Noble
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[Valery Noble]

902 ABY | Jedi Council

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery listened carefully, her gaze sweeping over the Council as the discussion continued. She nodded slightly at Cora's words, understanding the intent behind them, but there was a point she still wanted to make.

"I agree that a government's policies and the well-being of its people are inherently connected. But change — true, lasting change — takes time," she said, her voice steady. "If you try to force it to proceed faster than a society is ready for, you'll only meet resistance. And we're not talking about changing the minds of a handful of individuals — this is an entire world, with centuries of culture and tradition ingrained into its people."

She let that sink in for a moment before continuing.

"As Jedi, we are not here to dictate the course of Hapan politics, but we can guide progress in the right direction. Support those who seek equality, ensure their voices are heard, and protect those who would be silenced by the remnants of the old order. It won't happen overnight, and it won't happen without struggle. But if we are patient and steady in our role, we can help make sure that change takes root."

Valery paused, letting a brief silence settle in the chamber as she studied the expressions around her. Then, she shifted slightly in her seat, her hands folding atop the table.

"If there is nothing else concerning the Hapan Crisis, let's continue."

Her fiery gaze sharpened as she leaned forward slightly.

"The war with the Sith Order remains our greatest concern. Their conquest of Woostri was a devastating loss, not just for the Alliance but for all those who lived and fought there. And we all know their advance will stop there. The expectation is that the Sith will continue pressing forward, taking more worlds, consolidating their power."

She let her words settle, glancing between the other Masters before continuing.

"We need to think about how we counter them. Not just in open battle, but in strategy, intelligence, and preparation. Defending our people is our priority, but we cannot afford to always be reacting. We must be proactive. The question is… how?"

Her gaze lingered on the Council, waiting for their thoughts.

Kahlil Noble Amani Serys Zark San Tekka Jonyna Si Ran Serys Corazona von Ascania
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[Jonyna Si]

TAG: Valery Noble Zark San Tekka Corazona von Ascania Amani Serys Ran Serys Kahlil Noble

Jonyna took a moment to think. Her tired expression was suddenly shifted as she struggled for a moment to focus. She definitely needed a cat nap after this.

"...the sith use grand displays of power and strength to fight their wars. Wonder Weapons that shock the battlefield. We need to either be more subtle in our plans, disrupting their displays with subterfuge, or meet them with our own. Show them the light is not one to keel over under the dark."

She paused, pouting. "Or both. Ideally, both. Val, we need to put the Shadows to work. With the SIA. Infiltrate the Sith, disrupt their war machines, and then fight back when the time comes with grand gestures of our own. The Imperials fought conventional wars, now we need to shift towards fighting unconventional ones."

Jonyna sat up a little more straight when saying that last bit. How happy she was to see the fall of the Imperials.

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Valery Noble Kahlil Noble Amani Serys Jonyna Si Corazona von Ascania Ran Serys

"If the threat to this temple is truly less imminent," Master Zark mused, "Then perhaps it would be wise to jump the Prosperity somewhere close to the Sith frontlines."

Like a gargoyle he listened to Jonyna in perfect stillness. Confused rumors of Imperial unrest had already reached them from Shadows operating behind hostile lines. Their ultimate fate remained uncertain, but it had been weeks since the Alliance's blockade of the Deep Core was last tested. It felt like Coruscant could at last release a breath the entire world had been holding in.

"We tried to fight a conventional war against the Maw," he nodded in agreement with the cathar, "Its cost was unimaginable. This new breed of Sith might be more subtle, but they wield the same blunt instruments. Through slavery and industry they will tear down entire ecosystems just for raw material to use against us. Billions will suffer."

During the Hyperspace War they had tasted defeat after defeat like ash in their mouths. Even some of the Order's greatest Jedi had fallen. The names of conquered Outer Rim worlds rang in his ears like echoes of that devastating conflict.

"On Tython we cut the head off the snake and our enemies never recovered, but our new foe is more like a geonosian hydra. This only ends with their Emperors cast down and the Dark Council in chains. Burn every shrine to their depraved religion we can find. A cultist's faith is a simple thing to break."

It would not be quite that simple. Smaller strike teams of Jedi could pass with far less scrutiny than a GADF battlegroup, but they would still need to find a way to cross the heavily guarded Sith border passages and unnatural storms known as the Blackwall. Far easier said than done.

 

[Amani Serys]

Queen Kha'la is now one with the Force. May it bring her the peace she could not find in life."

Amani nodded solemnly in agreement. Others deliberated over just how much the Jedi should be involved in political entanglements such as these. Whether or not it was their duty to, especially given the involvement they've already had in this particular scenario. Amani did not add any more. There was certainly a role the Jedi had to play in such matters, in ensuring peace and safety for all peoples of the galaxy; But it was a narrow line to toe, and they had to be careful with just how much they put their finger on the scale. What the rest of the council chose to do regarding Hapes was their call to make. Amani only knew that she personally would be stepping back, seeing as further involvement on her part would likely be controversial at best.

The conversation moved on from the Consortium to the Sith War, and how best to continue the fight. There were suggestions of more clandestine operations, and a blunt assessment by Master San Tekka. "Precision attacks against Sith targets would mitigate collateral damage and hit them hardest. Perhaps some unconventional warfare would do us good." Amani concurred, "But louder displays I think are also necessary to balance, lest people fear we are being inactive. Inspire people with hope, own up to the actions we're taking… after we've already taken them, of course."

Valery Noble - Zark San Tekka - Jonyna Si - Ran Serys - Kahlil Noble - Corazona von Ascania​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora listened quietly, intently, her gaze subtly shifting to each council member as they spoke their piece. With the politics of Hapes aside, combating the Sith was something they could agree more easily on - the question was not if, but how.

"The Sith have shown their ability to unite against a common enemy - us - to be greater than their own inner turmoil."

Her time in Sith custody had been marked by venomous whispers. Loyalties shifted, alliances broke, and Lords plotted against one another. It was a familiar tune, grim, and one that the court of Ukatis danced to.

That, and two of their Dark councilors had tried to kill one another in a death match. As she recalled, at least one other assassination attempt happened in the stands.

"They are not infallible. This would be a good chance for the Shadows to slip into the cracks that already exist and widen them into fractures. Weaken them from within. Break their unity."

Her gaze slid to Master San Tekka, eyeing the masked Jedi in vague discomfort. She did not wholly disagree with the points he'd made, but perhaps the aristocrat in her found his delivery rather uncouth.

"Still, I understand that we cannot count on the Sith to cannibalize themselves. I echo using a two pronged approach; covert strikes and loud displays."

Cora shifted her attention to Kahlil, eager to hear the former Sith's take.

Valery Noble Kahlil Noble Ran Serys Amani Serys Zark San Tekka Jonyna Si