La Clandestine Absinthe [Invite]

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

It seemed that clandestine conferences were her thing, these days.

As The Order was still rebuilding under the watchful (or not so watchful) eye of Serena Halcyon, so was the Council of Reconciliation. Traditionally, this council was made up of over a quarter of the high council but for now, it was…her. Just her.
Which suited her just fine, because Kiskla's curiosity often pushed boundaries that others weren't interested in crossing. (It also suited her just fine, because it meant that this cavernous, and beautiful room was all hers to deal with. Buahaha.) Again, though, boundaries didn't seem to be an issue these days. And that's why there were murmurs that had tickled the blonde's figurative ears and had instigated her thirst to know the answer to the pivotal question; why.

There were so many people, mostly Padawans of late, that had diverted from The Order; alienating themselves from the Jedi and their code. The dark side was seductive, granted, but it was also cold and vicious. But all this defection meant that the Jedi were exposing their weaknesses, and there was much fault to be found in their present doctrine. Easily, the councillor could reach out to those that had strayed as of late, but there would be little use. They were inexperienced, unused to The Order and it's whims. Easily manipulated and targeted by exterior factions with licentious and lustrous promises of glory and whatever else appealed to the recent deflections. No, Kiskla preferred to direct the query to those that could perhaps be more able to provide a more sound response. One she could take, nurture, and develop into a solution.

But reaching those would be..most difficult indeed.

There were two options for those that she wanted to reach; defection, or death. And after many conversations (all very vague and enigmatic so as not to drop a scent to her ultimatum) and nights spent in the Jedi Archives she found that most were the former; although for some she had no more backing than rumours. But rumours were better than giving up her pursuits.
Random bits of calculated data accumulated to a variety of forwarding addresses. Each sent to their respective, designated coordinates and former Grandmaster of the order. She'd met one in her time; although his whereabouts now were as unknown as the rest of them; business as usual, she'd treat him like the rest.

Now, before sending the message, Kiskla was faced with the dilemma of terms. Were they all on good terms? Should each know about the other's presence? Should she address it to them all at once? Would that be offensive? Would they come?

Kiskla finally decided that if they had been pinnacles at one time, their pride would not withhold their presence.

Wistfulness at it's best.

She addressed and sent the invitations to them in the order of their reign. @[Member="Je'gan Olra'en"], @[member="Darron Wraith"] and @[member="Ben Watts"]. The holo would display the her, in traditional robes, her visage exposed, unassuming, confident and earnest. Kiskla selected the private channel that redirected to each personal channel of the former Grandmasters of the Jedi Order and recorded her message;

"Greetings,
My name is Kiskla Grayson, current Jedi Master and Councillor of Reconciliation of The Order.
I'm reaching out to you to share your story. It's been quite some time since your voice was heard, and I'd like to hear your expressions. If you choose to respond to this request, I will be looking forward to meeting you on Kiffu.
And don't worry, this part of Protectorate space will not question your presence."

The end of her transmission ended with her typical smirk, but it was warmer than usual. Only because she wanted these people to come to her; which was unusual considering her personality was usually quite guarded.
There would be no questions to their presence on the planet in that sector of space because she controlled it, and her people were wrapped around her little finger. But their knowing she was the planet's princess wasn't necessary -- it would merely be a point of interest. Asking them into Republic controlled space, without knowing their alleigances at this point of time would be foolhardy. Here, she could protect them -- or herself should the need be.

 

[Ben Watts]

"Greetings,
My name is Kiskla Grayson, current Jedi Master and Councillor of Reconciliation of The Order.
I'm reaching out to you to share your story. It's been quite some time since your voice was heard, and I'd like to hear your expressions. If you choose to respond to this request, I will be looking forward to meeting you on Kiffu.
And don't worry, this part of Protectorate space will not question your presence."

He had played the message more than a few times as he made his way to the planet, still unsure of if it was a good idea, but none the less making the trip. The idea of maybe seeing Darron and Je'Gan again was too much fun for him to pass up. His recent reveal to Jax, Seroth, Rosa, and Boolon was still fresh in his mind and the decision to join their little.... group had been an easy one. While he was no longer a Jedi he still believed in the code and wished to continue living the way he always had.

He was still not used to it, though, as he had been a Jedi since he was born. His father, a Jedi before him, had left him no other choice than to be a Jedi. If he was still alive he would love the way the Republic and its Jedi had shifted from his much more pacifist order. He used the term pacifist lightly, it was him who had ordered the strike of Metalorn, the event that had triggered what would become the normal for the Jedi now. Strange, he had exiled himself for his one aggressive action and now they were repeatedly invading and actively hunting the Sith. Ruining however many lives it cost to win their "war".

Sitting on a bench outside of the meeting place, he reached into his pocket, and he looked upon the address to make sure it was the right place. He let out a sigh as he looked upon the building and wondered if he should step in there. He had kept his presence hidden for so long and now he was going to speak with someone he had only known through other people? He did not want it out there that he was active and now working with the Silent Conclave. He meant to keep his presence concealed and now he was going to have to rely on Kiskla to keep that a secret. If word begin to spread that he had not only abandoned the Jedi but was now going against their every action he was sure someone would take action eventually.

Standing up he ignored his inner monologue and made his way into the building anyways. He had come this far what was the point of turning and leaving now? Besides, maybe this would help clear the air, maybe she would understand where he was coming from and discover exactly why he had left. He still supported the idea of the Jedi he just did not support their actions as of late. He had been witness to the aftermath, first hand, of what they were doing to worlds. Invading, fighting, and destroying the homes that so many people held dear all in the name of "liberation". A term they used very, very, loosely. It seemed like in their eyes every single planet needed liberation. He knew the truth, he used to sign off on the orders, it was all about gaining territory so that they could get closer to the Sith.

Walking in, he was met with people who he could only guess where to escort him, that wouldn't be needed. Waving his hand before they could even get to him he made it seem as if he was never there. To them he would be somewhat of a glitch in the matrix, a memory that seemed foggy, maybe it had been a dream. They would stand there confused for a moment, share a glance, and then shrug their shoulders as if nothing happened all while he made his way through the building unnoticed. He had become rather good at what he called "loud stealth." Essentially, he used the force to confused anyone who looked in his direction, making it easier for him to continue on as nothing more than a random passerby.

"Councillor Grayson?" He said as he made his way into the room rather quietly. He assumed she would have been expecting him with someone else, maybe she thought he was rogue and hated Jedi now, who knew. Probably not, if she expected anything negative out of this he guessed he would have had a much more difficult time getting to her. "Sorry about the escorts in advance, don't want too many people know I exist anymore, I am coming here on the understanding that YOU want to know why I left the Order and not to speak on public record. I hope that doesn't hinder anything you may have had in mind."

@[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Kiskla had been waiting rather anxiously for the first arrival, whomever it may be. She didn't know if they would come in intervals, or all at once. Out of respect for them, she hadn't set a time frame -- because this wasn't about her, this was about them and the betterment of The Jedi Order. Of course, if the time stretched to something heinous like a month, she'd assume they weren't coming and that they were rude for not messaging her back.
She had been meditating, calming herself and preparing for the investment in the conversations that were to come; so when @[member="Ben Watts"] entered into the cavernous room, on the perimeter of Kiffu's capital city, she was rather surprised. Pleasantly so. She turned to be further surprised by his solo introduction, but his explanation offered her the solace necessary and she could easily respect his wishes.

"Of course." She nodded, masking her elation that he had actually responded so promptly to her correspondence. "Not at all, in fact, reaching out to you was on the stilts of rumours." She gestured to a seating area that was more than accommodating for the two present -- again, she had been prepared for all the former Grandmasters to respond to her message. She also arranged for the meeting to be on the city's outskirts in case they weren't on such…agreeable terms as she would have assumed. "Many think you're dead." Kiskla explained, taking a seat and folding the fabric of her outwear over her lap, "I can keep it that way." That sounded sinister.

In the middle of the six chairs (although she'd only need maximum four, she'd allotted for the potential of travel partners) was a small table with sand and bone china. Even though this was a desert planet, they still had the resources for a relaxing beverage that heated ones insides. "Nothing will go on public record whatsoever. I'm actually," she sat back, now letting her natural grin break the surface and releasing any of her apprehension that tensed her muscles "Quite thankful that you've afforded me an audience." She reached for the largest item on the table, and tipped it to pour out some steaming, scented tea into a handle-less mug. She thought tea was foolish, but she had to admit it did have soothing effects, something that would add to the atmosphere she was trying to create.

"And your request don't hinder my own. I only wanted to hear your story." She wrapped her metaphysical hand around the base of the mug and extended it in Ben's direction for the taking "-If you don't mind."

Full disclosure "I'm trying to find the root of all the whys."

 

[Ben Watts]

Ben nodded his head when she mentioned that many thought he was dead, he had wanted it that way, and in some ways the old Ben Watts was dead. None the less he was still alive and kicking. Making his way over to the cushions she had provided, he pulled his hood back that would stop the force illusion so she would finally be able to gaze upon him and know for sure it was him, and he took a seat. It was nice to be in a room that he could be comfortable in. For a long time now he had not been in a nice place without the fear of someone trying to kill him. As if he wasn't a presumed dead exile, he sat down, and made himself entirely too comfortable while he grabbed the tea and took a few sips.

"Many think I am dead... and I didn't even have a funeral. Tef had a galactic wide honoring!" He smiled and tossed his hand up as he sat his tea down, signifying that he was joking. Apparently his lame humor wasn't dead and there was no sure fire way to know for a fact that it was Ben Watts without a corny joke.

"There isn't much of a story," He started, looking around the room, and wondering if Je'Gan and Darron would make an appearance. "I guess it all starts with Metalorn. The Sith where heading towards us and on the verge of an alliance with the Mandalorians so we had to act quickly. We decided that Metalorn would be the best place to strike. So, we did, and again I was thrust into the middle of a bloody battle. When the Republic wages war, they don't care about collateral damage, as long as they "win". I felt horrible, I am not a man who wages war, I am a guardian to those who cannot fend for themselves. Instead, that day, I was an angel of death who brought destruction to a planet." He paused for a moment and took a sip of his tea, the way he casually told the story might seem shocking, but he was very casual all the time. Even in the face of death his nerves were always at the same level.

"Sure, we fixed the place up, but we couldn't fix the lives of the families we destroyed. I have studied the light side of the force for many years, I am so in tune with it that sometimes I am convinced that I myself have no control over my actions and that it is the force willing me on. When people die on a planet, I feel it.... the fear, pain, sadness, the realization that those were their last moments. Some come to grips with it quickly and they embrace death, others.... well not so much. It wasn't my first war, no, but it was the first one I initiated. Every other time I justified it by saying we were coming to their aid, but not this time, this time I brought it to them. I betrayed everything I stood for and gave in to the pressure of the Republic and the urging of other Jedi. I watched my friends leave my side and I knew that I had let the Jedi down." Shrugging his shoulders he sat the teacup down and leaned backwards on his cushion, putting it behind his head, and laying on his back with his hands behind his head. He was a rather informal fellow, always had been, he liked to get comfortable.

"So I went into exile, meditated, thought about the war on the Sith and whether or not it was worth it. I visited Ossus recently, you know, where they rebuilt a Jedi temple." He chuckled as he thought back to the day. "It bugs me how nonchalant the Jedi are about what they are doing. If you speak to them in private you would have no idea they were waging a galactic war to wipe out an Empire. Me? I took the war to one planet and I still lose sleep over it. So why did I leave?" He propped himself up again and he looked at Kiskla, she was smart, and he did not consider all Jedi to be the way he was describing them. He knew there was still hope among them, and she seemed to be trying to get them back to their roots. "I am not a soldier, I serve the force, and I will not wage war for the Republic."

@[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Kiskla simpered at his jab of pathetic partings; mostly his own in reference to not having any acknowledgement. She didn't know about the whole Tef thing, she hadn't been an active member of The Order at that point -- but there was a current Master on the council by the name of Tefka. Was that a reincarnation? What?
When he removed his cloak, it was a man who was worn beneath it. His face looked hardened by his experiences, despite his benevolence. And not much of a story? She hardly doubted that, and her expression evidenced her distrust with a quirked brow and a slight tilt of her head. But she allowed a platform of silence for the ex-Grandmaster's tale. A similar action she would take out of respect for @[member="Je'gan Olra'en"] and @[member="Darron Wraith"]. When he spoke of bringing the war to planets, Kiskla didn't cringe. She herself had been a part of two separate invasions, one, to reclaim Ossus, another to liberate Dac and it's people. She knew another was in the works, and as non-passive as she was, she felt absolutely no desire to get involved. Why? Because it was against Korriban. There was no reason for the Jedi to invade other than to smite the Sith. That wasn't such a bad reason in itself, but by starting a fire in the Sith's home, and driving them out, one had to consider the repercussions of this.
@[member="Ben Watts"]' action to intervene between the Mandalorians and Sith had resulted in the two factions having nothing but animosity between them. As it stood, the Mandalorians had invaded Dromund Kaas; purging the Sith from their comfortable, dark homes.

What Kiskla didn't understand, though, was what had motivated Ben to not separate The Order from The Republic. Was it because all the Jedi could boast were numbers? Under his reign and Je'gan's, her own Apprentice and turned from the fold for fear of his own rejection. Because unlike Ben, he had been conditioned as a soldier who had just found himself in touch with a few more midichlorians than anyone else. But he was still a far more benevolent being than Knight Tracyn Ordo, who was accepted with wide arms. She knew, through research, that Darron had married The Order to The Republic; this was where many Jedi today were becoming uneasy. Grandmaster Halcyon was deaf to these qualms, or rather, chose not to address them. It was true that under her reign that The Order had flourished in terms of activity, but in sense of Jedi being…peacekeepers rather than Jedi? She doubted if any of them had relationships beyond their numbers. Then again, they weren't in the Council of Reconciliation and really had no reason to reach out beyond their comfort zones.

"You served a longer term than Master Olra'en after you." Kiskla observed, "In your time did you notice any unsettlement?" She finally took a sip of her own tea, having been practically breathless at the entirety of his tale; who knows, she could have sippe too loudly and missed a syllable. "Both of you, Master Wraith too, chose to leave rather than taking a stand while in your position." Okay, that might not have been sensitive but Ben seemed like a chill enough dude to take that at face value rather than be offended by her prying.

"Pardon the abrasiveness," she added in for good measure, in case he wasn't as good natured as she had pegged. "But you were in a position of leadership, where people looked up to you. Especially the Jedi of the future. Why not try and realign The Order then?" Maybe the waters weren't warm enough for it. But now, now the Jedi were uncomfortable with being branded as Warlords. Perhaps not all, but a measurable chunk. The thing is, she wasn't looking for a Jedi Civil War. Just alignment and reason and a way to reintroduce the abandoned.

"I'm not a passive person myself," She gestured to their meeting as evidence before continuing. The Master's time was valuable, even if he wasn't actively doing anything with it, so she would try not to take up too much of it "And I don't mind The Order showing their teeth now and then. With purpose. But with all these invasions, liberations, The Order is taking some beatings against the chin." They were too closely aligned with The Republic. Kiskla shrugged "I'm not saying that The Jedi have glass jaw, but it's not as beskar as it used to be."

 

[Ben Watts]

He never expected anyone to understand why he left the Order as it seemed like he was betraying everything he stood for. Why wouldn't they believe that? What most current Jedi never understood was that Ben had been the one to reunite them. When there was no Jedi Order it was he and Tef who had brought it back from the ashes. Searching the Galaxy for any able bodied force user who believed, even a little bit, in the ideals of the Jedi. It was the wild west back then, no rules, just a group of force users who called themselves Jedi. As the months wore on he eventually became old news when Darron Wraith took over. He had always been opposed to merging with the Republic but the decision was out of his hands.

His idea of what the Jedi should be had been corrupted and there was no salvaging that. After countless wars the Jedi could not just leave the Republic as that would make them enemies. Treaties, pacts, all kinds of policies were set in place to make sure the Jedi could not leave. When he had first been given back the reigns, when he was made Grandmaster, the Republic held a spot on the council. They were nothing more than soldiers who called themselves Jedi to appease the people. It took many months of reform to change even the tiniest of rules, to get a non Jedi off the Jedi council, so how was it he was going to separate them from the Republic that they had served for so long. Not only that but he had just waged war against the Sith, something you could not just turn your back on, and that was what lead him to his decision to leave. The Jedi were no longer Jedi in his eyes, they were Republic military.

"There was , and always will be, unsettlement amongst the Jedi. Half are trying to live by rigid standards set by an Order thousands of years past and the other half believe that they can control their emotions. There is no order amongst the Jedi anymore. Anytime I tried to make any kind of decision it was met with a complaint. When we rebuilt the first Jedi temple on Tython we had to recruit anyone and everyone who would help us. That created some... differences to say the least." He sat back up in his seat and he took another sip of his tea before he continued. He thought back to the beginning and how difficult it had been and then he thought about how things were now. Oh how things had changed.

"I left because I did not feel like I was fit to lead anymore, I did not fit in with the new Jedi, it was time for a change and that is exactly what happened. The change, though, was not something I quite agreed with."

@[member="Kiskla Grayson"]

 

[Kiskla Grayson-Matteo]

Spoiler

Akward timeline is awkward.

"There have been so many reputable Jedi that have left." Kiskla whispered, as if the words were to embarrassing to mention out loud. "I've spoken with a few," she reached out to a coushon on the couch and toyed with a tassle, spinning it around her finger idly "And I've felt the unease among current Jedi."

She tightened her grip on the fabric, feeling the shot of slight pain shoot up her hand and through the once-had been poisoned wound. "I took the situation to The Council and they boasted they were bringing peace throughout The Galaxy, purging darkness from corners. I mean, in perspective that much is true but it's in a manner that offends you, and others. Members of the now vagrant fleet. In fact, even a sith mentioned they were appaulled by The Republic, and further, The Jedi's actions." She released the tassel now and leaned back. The memory of that council meeting was not favoured; many of her fellow Jedi now perceived her as unintelligent and diminutive, when she had been acting as a voice and approaching her peers to express some concerns. Their actions, and her own -- she too had been involved in the liberations, would reap hot coals on The Republic's head when darkness sought it's revenge. Far from the peaceful preservation The Republic stood to serve.

"But you know this. I asked you to come here for your story, and advice should you want to offer it. I don't want to leave The Order, but I don't want to see it badmouthed by those that are among it, or are to be protected by it. I know appearances aren't everything, but in this instance, when reputation and ideals are mostly what we stand for.." she sighed and looked at her hand, small red rings of compressed skin around the fingers that had been toying with the tassel now evidenced. Unfortunately, in her youth, Kiskla was very inexperienced with these kinds of things; to meet such head-butting aversion to a meeting that had called for consensus. They'd immediately put on the defensive, making the whole meeting turn into a beating of a dead horse.

"I don't know what to do." She admitted flatly, for the first time in her life. "Going against the Grandmaster would be foolish and an extremity that can be avoided. She's not so bad, actually involving many Jedi that have otherwise been inactive members of The Order. Any recommendations on how to move forward?"
She grinned "WWBWD?"
@[member="Ben Watts"]