An overdue start

[Isar Kislo]

[member="Jade Whisperwind"] | [member="Ryan Korr"]

Glacier-blue eyes focused intently on Jade. When she finished, he allowed himself a soft laugh. "The eradication of the Sith? Whisperwind, you're going to learn this lesson on your own eventually, but I'll give you the answers to the test. You can't eradicate the Sith. In truth, they are not a physical entity. It's a way of life, a religion. There will always be someone to keep that way of life alive."

Raising a hand as if to indicate an apology for rambling, Isar responded to the woman's actual questions. Half-turning, Isar motioned to the planet at large, to all the people on the world not currently arrayed around the Temple. "I fight for them." The Zeison Sha's light eyes remained fixed on the horizon, his facial expression somber. "I was created to be a warrior, a safeguard." That statement was more true than Jade would realize in the moment. "You say peace is fleeting. That may be so, but they deserve it, no matter how fleeting. That's why my struggle will never end, and I have accepted that role."

Isar turned his attention back to Jade just as [member="Jorus Merrill"] finished addressing the larger group. "Maintain your ideals to the best of your ability Whisperwind. They will undoubtedly be challenged as time advances. I've seen stronger people than me give it up."

People like the ones Jorus had just mentioned in his own comments. Isar didn't exactly agree that the so-called tip of the spear needed to be considered in this moment. They did a job - many people did a job. Now, they weren't here. The Jedi Master standing beside him being one of the few exceptions. No matter their reasons for moving on, it wasn't what was important, it wasn't what needed to be considered. Their efforts were honored in the simple existence of this Temple, but there had been no great triumph just another step on the path of Jedi.

Their job would never be done and Merrill's words about coming together now were spot on.

 

[Cathul Thuku]

Once Cathul finally arrived at the Jedi Temple, she realized that there are, in fact, numerous attendees, from several Jedi orders: [member="Jorus Merrill"], [member="Jade Whisperwind"], [member="Isar Kislo"], [member="Ryan Korr"], [member="Elmont Block"], [member="Sorel Crieff"], [member="Kaden"], but also [member="Zark"], who served in naval engagements with her: Kaeshana, Skor. Attacking the Temple would be a dangerous proposition for the Rogue One Sith at best, and they will have to contend with multiple Jedi Masters such as herself and Omai, whose speech she missed. But, today wasn't about naval business, so no one would have to refer to her as admiral here. With so many different Jedi, there was a sentiment of unease and, of the gang, she could only recognize Zark, Ryan and [member="Trextan Voidstalker"]. Understandably, while some had the luxury of not having to obey a specific faction, and some of those were not much more than Force-using bounty hunters, others hold positions that make them beholden to the governments they serve, especially true of the Jedi in the military or diplomats. She overheard Isar complaining about "too faction-centric a focus for each Jedi order":

"Unfortunately one centralized order would be too cumbersome to manage, and the same holds true of the Sith, too. Often people feel that decentralized management allows for a better understanding of field needs by management, hence why we have so many enclaves. By all means, we have a temple on Coruscant, but ideally one wants several regions with its own enclaves or temples as we can afford those"

 

[Isar Kislo]

Well. It seemed like everyone was within earshot of his subtle, private words with others today. Swiveling his glacier-blue gaze to [member="Cathul Thuku"], Isar gave the woman a quick appraisal before determining he did not know her either. At least with [member="Jade Whisperwind"], he could tell there was an effort to understand. With the newcomer, well...there was mostly just a lack of understanding.

"Nothing you just said has anything to do with what I was saying." The retort was indeed curt, but Isar really wasn't interested in even attempting to explain out his thoughts once again. He was no member of the New Jedi Order. In fact, he was simply here to pay homage to the realities of the past and the incredible effort so many undertook for this new Temple to even be possible.

Before Isar was drawn into a debate on the merits of multiple enclaves and Temples, which had nothing to do with all sects of Jedi cooperating with each other to fulfill the real needs of the people, Isar turned from those assembled after offering a simple nod of respect to [member="Ryan Korr"]. He would have to approach the man in another time, another place. The Zeison Sha had already lingered here for too long. "Excuse me, everyone."

Isar established a measured pace away from those congregating at the new Temple. He would investigate further when it was less of soiree. As it stood, Isar was rather sure there was plenty he could be doing.

 

[Fen]

Pale eyes the color of falling rain turned to settle on a familiar face. Korr's lips formed some semblance of a smile on his stern features. His erstwhile student spoke and that smile fell away. Ryan nodded once, slowly.

The Vahla opened his mouth to speak and found he could barely get the words out through an emotion constricted throat.

"Thank you."

Ryan did not follow the path of a Jedi for glory or recognition, but the simple gratitude of a former pupil meant much. A woman approached, queuing in to the conversation off of Isar's last few words. Korr listened without comment to the ensuing exchange, a clash of ideas between the two that reminded him of all the little squabbles between the Council. They had seemed so heated and divisive then, but in truth, Korr found he missed the times where they had all gathered in one place: Raaf, Grayson, Kian Karr, Kana Truden, and all the others.

Whisperwind fervently advocated the destruction of the Sith. Isar spoke with the tempered outlook of someone who had actually experienced combat.

She reminds me of me.

His lips twitched upward at the thought.

Jorus Merill stepped out from the crowd, and put in his own bit in his outer rim drawl. Ryan nodded along with the rest, then lost himself, staring at sites he had never thought to see again.

 

[RC 212]

[member="Isar Kislo"] [member="Ryan Korr"] [member="Cathul Thuku"]

Jade nodded at Isars words. He was true about the Sith being an ideology. What concerned her most was their resurgence, not their existence so much.

"I would agree and disagree. A few Sith in hiding are not a serious threat to stability, especially not to something as large as the Alliance. But these Knights of Ren types, these Sith Ascendancies rising with their large armies. These are a threat to stability everywhere. I've read the holocrons, watched the holotapes of many battles and struggles. I've even fought a few with the Silvers."

Jade paused, again choosing her words carefully.

"This a great step on the path of the Jedi, but the question remains. What now. What do we do for the sake of our fallen, our wounded and the generations yet to come? Will we stay divided or can all these orders perhaps find a common ground."

 

[Eugen Aker]

Shortly after assuming the position of Grandmaster, Arisa and the rest of the Silver Order had been invited to a commune with her Jedi peers at Coruscant, where the rebuilt temple would soon be reopened.

She happily accepted the invitation, in the hopes that relations between the SJO and NJO would resemble something she may call finally call positive. Both organizations were much stronger working together, as seen during the events of Skor.

So with her Padawan and some of her colleagues, she made the voyage from Voss to Coruscant. Her home planet of Kiribi was right next door, so she would be sure to show her cohorts all around there before their return to the Outer Rim.

They arrived a couple days before the official reopening of the temple, giving the former Coruscant resident ample time to go sightseeing. For her, Coruscant had seemed to have lost some of its luster in the wake of the One Sith's control, but the ecumenopolis was still an impressive sight none the less. She could only imagine what her Padawan thought, natives of the Outer Rim who had never set foot within the Core until now.

Finally, when the day of the grand reopening came, she and the rest of the Silvers would arrive as one. It was a particularly scorching day, but Arisa herself was none too bothered as she wore a silver armband that generated a small osmotic field to regulate the ambient temperature in her immediate vicinity. Those near her may feel like they were being constantly brushed by a cool breeze.

"Here we are," she announced as she took in the sight of the formal entrance, large cascades of wide steps flanked by massive statues of Jedi. Just like how it was when she had taken her first steps here from Plexis as a youngling.

Up over the top of the steps, the glare of the beating sun would soon disappear as she crossed inside under the cover of the rows of monoliths. She had no specific objectives coming here, but she thought it would be nice begin things by touring the restored interior, and see how well her memory worked.

Spoiler

[member="Jorus Merrill"] [member="Jade Whisperwind"] [member="Zark"] [member="Isar Kislo"] [member="Ryan Korr"] [member="Elmont Block"] [member="Trextan Voidstalker"] [member="Sorel Crieff"] [member="Kaden"] [member="Cathul Thuku"] [member="Jairdain"] [member="Valkren Calderon"] [member="Mabbik"] [member="Raven Sorenova"] [member="Jerit Kolomor"] [member="Valae Kitra"] [member="Viathae Qarmast"] [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] [member="Dagos Terrek"]

 

[St0rmSlaSh]

There he was, standing in front of the temple seemed like a dream. Jerit was going to meet other Jedi outside of the Voss temple, and he was all too excited. Jerit knew he was born on Coruscant on the account of a question he asked of where he was from to his deceased parents. Now, being on the planet where Jerit was born, he was overwhelmed but felt closure at the same time.

So this is it.... He said to himself in excitement and nervousness.

When the group started to walk into the temple, he followed along but slower than the others. He stood back a bit more to admire this temple that was on his home planet. He was also thinking of the many Jedi he would meet at the temple again and again. He was electrified at the thought of it. He saw his group coming out of view and he did not realize he stopped mid step. He ran up to his peers and joined them...

[member="Arisa Yune"] | [member="Mabbik"] | [member="Jairdain"] | [member="Kaden"] | [member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Raven Sorenova"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Viathae Qarmast"]

 

[WelshGuy]

Coruscant. He had heard that a few times it had been home to the Jedi. However, now it seemed the Jedi were divided but then one could argue that the Sith were too. He didn't care too much on the different factions of Jedi, this was still fairly new to him. Though he did have his lightsabers now, something he was brandishing off his hip. He looked over and saw Jairdain, she had helped with finding the crystal and he ended up finding more than that during their journey. He connected his mind to hers to send a brief hello and alert her to his presence. From there he stood by his Master, the Grand Master, something he was doubly aware of was a significant post. He wanted to ensure that she could be proud of him, during this trip and in general. He also felt the need to impress others due to her ranking, prove himself worthy as her apprentice.

This was entirely not her fault and he knew that if she realised he was training as hard as he was, doing it to impress others she would tell him there was no need. However, at times he could feel others curious as to what made him special to be her Padawan. Yuroic studied the temple when they arrived outside, it was not overly impressive but then Coruscant had that unfortunate effect. Being on the planet, feeling the busy lives of billions of people, for a moment Yuroic felt overwhelmed. He took a moment to compose himself, drawing himself back into the moment. Since opening himself up to emotions and releasing what was once blocked, he found himself on tender hooks.

He followed his Master up the steps as they moved closer to the temple, from there he could feel the power of the Force Users inside. There was already a large amount of strong Jedi within the temple, Yuroic took a deep breath. Socialising was not yet a strong point of his, he had grown in near isolation of others but he had company of those he trusted so he felt calm within himself. It was mere gentle anxiety that had quickly washed over and now faded. He approached his Master, curious was he watched her study the temple.

Have you visited this temple before Master? He did not know much of her past, so curious to learn more.

[member="Arisa Yune"] | [member="Jairdain"] | [member="Kaden"] | [member="Mabbik"] | [member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Jerit Kolomor"] | [member="Raven Sorenova"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Viathae Qarmast"]

 

[Valkren Calderon]

Coruscant was different, that Valkren was sure about. It had been quite some time since the young soldier had previously visited the planet. He had to be eighteen on his first visit, during his initial enlistment in the Galactic Republic's armed forces. Now, years later, he was back. Valk' was also happy to return once more before turning thirty, as he didn't know how much would change on the beautiful planet in the coming years.

However, now he was not a simple private. He returned as a Colonel.

With the newly appointed rank came the abnormal feeling of responsibility. Having only been in command of groups of soldiers reaching not anymore but ten in strength. He wasn't exactly sure how he felt about more lives being on his shoulders, but he would not complain. It had been a long time coming, his promotion, and he wasn't going to shoot down the offer from their newest Grandmaster, Arisa. Not to mention, he had desperately needed the pay increase for his little sister and mother, the remaining members of the Calderon family, and their farmstead on Alderaan.

Lots of new responsibilities and more paperwork than ever made for a difficult transition from the constant adrenaline-rushed filled days on the frontline to desk work. Luckily, Arisa made Valkren a promise he'd be sure to keep. He'd keep the rank, but keep his place on the front line.

Valkren always liked to say, 'you can't lead from the rear of a platoon.' That much was true enough.

Now, here on Coruscant, he was conducting a different type of mission: socializing.

Colonel Calderon brought up the rear of the group, sporting a grey collared shirt with the sleeves rolled neatly to the elbows, so the small section of the much larger portion of scars and tattoos that covered his forearms were visible. Each scar and inking' telling a story, from each major battle Valkren fought in, to the brothers he had lost in combat. The shirt was tucked in to a pair of black combat khakis, which were tucked into his boots. His dirty blonde hair was trimmed short and neat, his facial hair brought much closer to his face, as to show that he prepared for this trip and made sure he looked somewhat decent before he ran into even more Jedi. Despite all of this, and even his casual appearance, a T-600C blaster pistol rested in it's drop-holster on Valkren's right leg.

The young soldier looked up at the temple as the group climbed tedious set of stairs, murmuring to himself as they approached.

"Damn thing seems like it just gets bigger and bigger.."

He was, however, excited to see just how this would pan out. So much power in one area, so many respected Jedi. Even with his preference being in good ole' fashioned pipehitters, or soldiers, he was honored to come along.




[member="Jorus Merrill"] [member="Jade Whisperwind"] [member="Zark"] [member="Isar Kislo"] [member="Ryan Korr"] [member="Elmont Block"] [member="Trextan Voidstalker"] [member="Sorel Crieff"] [member="Kaden"] [member="Cathul Thuku"] [member="Jairdain"] [member="Valkren Calderon"] [member="Mabbik"] [member="Raven Sorenova"] [member="Jerit Kolomor"] [member="Valae Kitra"] [member="Viathae Qarmast"] [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] [member="Dagos Terrek"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae trailed behind the group of Silver Jedi, her chestnut eyes taking in the sights of Coruscant. A hand reached up and scratched her head, ruffling up her wavy hair. Believe it or not, she’d never made it around to visiting this core world before. Sure, it did make her feel the part of a bumpkin, but it was all so exciting that she didn’t even mind. A content sigh escaped her; the temple really was an impressive sight. But then she realized that the others were now nearing the entrance.

“Oh! Wait up, y’all!” She called out.

Her boots carried her swiftly to catch up with the group, and she settled at the back of the crowd. From this point, she could see all the other Silver Jedi that were present – even if the view was of the back of their heads. Many new members had joined, there were still many that she had not met. It was a good thing; their numbers were steadily on the rise. Valae glanced over at their new Grandmaster, a smile formed on her face, and she offered a friendly nod.

She figured that she would remain with the main group for the most part, but at some point she would make for the famed Halls of Healing. The idea of seeing the Fire Healing Crystals for herself was thrilling indeed. Perhaps someday, the Silver Temple at Voss would have something similar – or so she hoped. It would also be a good opportunity to visit with other healers while she was here, as Valae was still growing into her new role.

[member="Arisa Yune"], [member="Jerit Kolomor"], [member="Yuroic Xeraic"], [member="Valkren Calderon"]

 

[Raven Sorenova]

Raven had been brought along with Arisa from Voss after her introductory and tour of the academy there. It was fairly short notice that Arisa would suddenly want to go to Coruscant and take Raven along with her, and Raven herself was only continuously more and more confused as the time went on. But she had figured no harm would come to it, and if anything, it would be a worthwhile experience, as she now found herself to be Arisa's padawan, even though she still barely had any idea what this position truly meant. It was more so of an impulsive answer, and she hoped that she would ease into the position.

Hopefully she would...

Raven quietly shadowed Arisa, trying to minimize her presence as much as possible as she saw all of these new faces and people. People whom she found herself oddly nervous to be around. But with the purple-ish blue eyes of hers, all she did was observe and listen, somewhat hoping that she wouldn't be noticed, as her nervousness was starting to get the best of her as she began to fidget, and continuously rub the top of her hand.

 

[Kaden]

Amber gaze flicked from statue to statue as Kaden pondered a great many things to do with the Jedi and the Temple, with Coruscant and with the Galaxy. The architecture seemed to evoke thoughtfulness in its viewers, a fitting evocation considering what the temple symbolised. It is said that all tragedies begin with the lack of compassionate thought.

Suddenly, the pureblood became aware of several familiar presences entering the vicinity of the temple grounds. Blinking, his narrowed gaze flicked to the group of Silver Jedi meandering towards the entrance.

Kaden stepped out from the shadow of one of the massive statues to greet them, a slight smile present on his otherwise stoic face. Inwardly, he seemed a little more centered in the presence of something so intrinsically lightsided.

"Arisa," He began, informal as ever. He bowed his head ever so slightly, the epitome of Kaden's displays of respect. "I didn't know you'd planned to come here with half the Order. I would have joined you all beforehand if I knew."

Besides Arisa, he recognised Valae and, of course, Yuroic. Valae was present during the Gathering and Yuroic, well, Yuroic was the closest thing Kaden had to a friend in this Millennium.

"Hello, Pudge," he jested in greeting Yuroic. "First time on Coruscant?"

To the others, Kaden simply offered a curt nod of 'hello'. He wasn't really one for introducing himself.

[member="Raven Sorenova"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] | [member="Jerit Kolomor"] | [member="Arisa Yune"]​

 

[Gabriel Sionoma]

Farmer...craftsman...cook...fighter...sheriff...marshal.

These were the things he was.

Jedi.

That was the thing he wasn't.

He reminded himself of the words he repeated, the way [member="Avalore Eden"] had confirmed his own beliefs. He carried their purposes, their stewardship and claim for peace, but he held their dogma and forced based beliefs at a distance. At least, that was the case for the more traditional interpretations.

The sun beat down upon those who gathered, though it was no different than the radiating sun that sat high in the Sulon sky. Over fields of wheat and hay, hands soiled and purified by a days hard work. Much like the effort that went into the reconstitution of this temple, effort and vigor seeped from the mortar and stone. It was no small task to clean away the corruption, far harder than washing dirt from calloused palms.

He worked at the black crud beneath his nails, a combination of slag and soil, as he listened to Omai speak. At greater than arms length, he was suddenly taken back by how soft spoken the Grand Marshal was. They shared a commonality in their inability to give rousing speeches.

Hazel eyes slowly scoured his proximity, drifting from each Jedi. Whether they be Galactic Alliance or Silver Jedi, they shared a responsibility for the upkeep of peace. While he couldn't claim their dogmas, he could find his own form of peace in encumbering himself with such righteous burden. If only to cleanse his own soul of the sins of his past, he might chisel away at the affliction of remorse and regret.

Content to wander, he ran a thumb over his eyebrows before taking a scenic route through the outside confines of the temple. Perhaps he would find a way in, a natural progression from his typical meandering tendencies.

[member="Trextan Voidstalker"] | [member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Ryan Korr"] | [member="Jorus Merrill"] | [member="Isar Kislo"] | [member="Cathul Thuku"] | [member="Elmont Block"] | [member="Kaden"] | [member="Jade Whisperwind"] | [member="Zark"] | [member="Raven Sorenova"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] | [member="Jerit Kolomor"]​

 

[Fen]

Eventually, Korr's distant gaze settled upon a cadre of robed figures, distinct from the rest. His brows knit together, darkening, and eyes the pallor of summer rain turned to the burnished glint of drawn steel. Hard and bitterly edged. Ryan tasted bile in his throat.

Silver Jedi.

He had known they were invited, but the sight of them here dug up the old wound. Memory of their betrayal still stang. If only they had not abandoned the Order during the battle, perhaps things would be different. Yet they were not. Korr often wondered how many had died as a result of their cowardice. The answer was always the same: too many.

The Vahla knew somewhere within that he could not lay the blame for everything that had transpired upon the Silvers. But it felt right. It felt right to say that it was due to their weakening of the Jedi Order that disparate elements grew and festered unchecked in the Senate. It felt right to say that they stood by and watched the Republic wither and die, with only pittance for aid. Like offering a burning man a drop of water.

True, he had heard that of late they were reformed, but old enmities died hard. And he'd never heard a word from them acknowledging their folly on Coruscant. To see them here, celebrating a victory the low points of which they had never had to endure seemed wrong.

Ryan pursed his lips, clasped his hands together tightly, and turned away.

 

[Jorus Merrill]

[member="Raven Sorenova"] [member="Valae Kitra"] [member="Valkren Calderon"] [member="Yuroic Xeraic"] [member="Jerit Kolomor"] [member="Arisa Yune"]

Now that he'd said his piece, Jorus shuffled out of the centre of things. With Saggy trundling along in tow, he made his way through the cooler, better-shaded parts of the temple. His goal was to catch up with [member="Kaden"], the aspiring blademaster he'd met on Auratera. He'd spotted Kaden at the courtyard gathering, but feth, the kid had a knack for vanishing. Maybe some Sith Pureblood affinity for shadows.

"Hey, Kaden-" Jorus finished coming around a corner and found himself within spitting distance of an awful lot of Jedi he didn't recognize at first glance. Silvers, at a guess, based on the Force-trinkets some of them wore. He glanced from face to face and settled on one who actually did line up with things he'd seen, in occasional intel reports and Jedi holomessages.

"Hi, folks," he said. "Silvers, right? Welcome to the temple." He gestured down at his threadbare spacer clothes, about as far from Alliance Jedi decorum as you could get. "I'm just visiting myself - I'm Jorus Merrill. You Grandmaster Yune?"

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of [member="Ryan Korr"] frowning. Nothing unusual there: by all accounts, the kid had been fiber-deficient since the fall of Coruscant.