Separation of Church and State

[Valx Raizod]

"Master's, I have come before you all today to lay out some pressing issues on my mind of late. After having witnessed the crumbling of the Sith Empire, I have looked out across the galaxy. The Republic has become power hungry. We have been dominating planets as well as invading them. Take a look around. In my humble opinion, this is not the Jedi way. I implore you to leave the Republic," The padawan spoke boldly.

In truth, these had been on his mind, and he had been trying for sometime to get an audience with the Council, "In another instance, look back to the Clone Wars. We are not generals, we are peacekeepers," He pulled out his guard shotos, "this is a tool...not a weapon. By backing the Republic, we are only encouraging such activity!"

@[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] @[member="Rianna Organa"] @[member="Kiskla Grayson"] @[member="Selena Halcyon"] @[member="Carn Dista"] @[member="Phylis Alince"] @[member="Tricia"] @[member="Iella E`ron"] @[member="Syn"] @[member="Matsu Ike"] @[member="Avy Valla"] @[member="Karen Roberts"] @[member="Daella Apparine"] @[member="Diana Moridena"] @[member="Marcello Matteo"] @[member="Arumi Zy"] @[member="Leori Sheltrak"] @[member="Josiah Denko"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Josh listened with a straight face at this lunatic's "suggestion". He tried and tried to look at this from a serious angle, but couldn't. The Republic's "warmongering" times had ended, as evidenced by the peace with the Fringe that he had personally started with Ashin. This guy, a Padawan of all things, was a looney obviously. And thus, he started laughing. He had never burst out laughing during a Council meeting before. Of course, this had been the most ridiculous thing he'd seen.

"Alright.... Kiddo, dominions are a part of major factions. If they didn't do them, they'd leave ourselves open. Invasions, we've ended those for now. I know because I went to Ashin personally to end this war with the Fringe. As for leaving the Republic... No. That would make us no better then the ones who abandoned us to go to some grey or dark jedi faction that claims to be superior to the original"

"We are peacekeepers, even if some of us have forgotten that, that is the Jedi's responsibility to fix. That is something we are doing. With the Republic not at war, there is no need for us to go to war. There is no need for us to be "generals" because there is no war to fight. You're behind on the times, my friend"

He shook his head and patted the head of the dragon on his shoulder, who coo'd and fell asleep on his shoulder. He had been incredibly vocal about the Jedi's war-friendly actions during the Republic's wars, but that had come to an end already. This man was late to the party. And suggesting leaving the Republic was a stupid possibility, especially coming from a Padawan. He didn't want to be as harsh as he was, but this was a situation that merited it.

@[member="Valx Raizod"]

 

[Kira Talith]

Kira, in all her five feet flat glory, stood next to the Padawan to give him her full support. Her well worn cloak hung by her shoulders, her face, oddly serious for the well known prankster knight of the order. It was an expression few rarely ever got to see, for Kira's interests have been always to make the younglings and the younger padawans laugh, and not feel alone --- just like she did when she first arrived from the orphanage.

"I am here to stand by Padawan Raizod, and give my full support to this proposal." she said following @[member="Valx Raizod"] 's statement.

"We are the Jedi Order -- the Protector's and defenders of the Galaxy... not the military might of the Republic." she continued, her head raised with a purpose.

"In my year in the Omega Protectorate as an undercover investigator for the Order, I have fought side by side with mercenaries and Omegans who have desired to protect the civilians from the Bando Gora threat. Yet I return to report my findings only to see that the Jedi Order has turned into a military iron fist for the Republic."

"This is not the Order that I grew up in. That took me in and taught me the Jedi Code. We are the protectors and defenders of the Galaxy..." she gave a pause, as if to build suspense.

"We are not the iron fist of a seemingly new Empire under the name of the Republic."

She then narrowed her gaze at @[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] 's use of the words ' Dominions are part of major factions'.

"Forgive me, Master Dragonsflame... if the use of such words are a bit odd to take in. That these... dominions?" that was such a .. property gaining term more suited for the Republic. " You call them.. are warranted? If so, I would wonder just how apt and prepared you are to lead us."

"How about we discuss how this relationship with the Republic has turned this Jedi Order into a mass of militarized Jedi for the Republic... instead of mainly focusing on our roots as ambassadors of peace.... when the majority of the Jedi have now become worse than mercenaries in their actions."

 

[Valx Raizod]

Valx shook his head, "You think I'm crazy! Look around! We are not a military!"

He pinched the bridge of his nose and looked away. This unexpected guest had concurred with him. So he wasn't the only person who thought things were going wrong. Valx stared blankly at @[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"].

"Master, you don't think I don't realize that we are at relative "peace?" We may not need generals now, but who's to say we won't have another mishap such as the Clone Wars?" His tone grew bolder and louder, "Another Jedi Purge!!! You can't be sure!!!"

He looked to @[member="Kira Liadain"], "If not from me, than from her. Please."

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

@[member="Kira Liadain"]

"They're warranted everywhere. The Republic does them, Omega does them, Fringe does them, Fel does them, it goes on and on... It's not like the Republic are the only people taking planets. The problem is, you choose to ignore the other factions doing it, and only care that the Republic does it"

"Look. The peace thing with the Jedi. It's being handled. We've met before on this. I was personally involved in telling the Grandmaster that we are getting too war friendly in this situation. We know about the issue, Valx. And it will be handled"

"What I find laughable is your suggestion to leave the Republic. The problem is, if we do... Then what? We'd have to go back to Tython, and that's if the Republic, who owns Tython lets us. And even if they do... That's that, we have no help from the Republic if the Sith or any other faction decides to invade Tython. If we lose Tython, guess what? We're done. Bye bye. D. O. N. E. That's why I'm looking at you like you grew a 2nd and 3rd set of eyes, Padawan"

 

[Soeht]

Daella stared blankly at the Padawan. She attended the meeting via holocomm.

When there was a moment of silence, Daella took the opportunity to say, "I don't understand why this is brought to us."

Turning to @[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"], "I don't even understand some of what you say."

Turning back to @[member="Kira Liadain"] and @[member="Valx Raizod"], Daella told them, "The Service Corp on Ossus is very busy right now - as it has been since liberating the planet. I must return to planning the logistics of an exploration team into the Tingel Arm as well as securing the delivery of resources for the refugees on the planet. The Republic has graciously donated the resources for these endeavors."

Glancing back at Josh again, Daella concluded with, "Forgive me. There are more important issues for the Jedi to deal with than unfounded misconceptions. I'll take my leave."

And then, Daella's hologram disappeared.

 

[Kira Talith]

@[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

Kira blinked at @[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] "So, if other governments are doing so... then you are justifying doing the same?" came her question. That seemed a pretty far fetched answer.

"Do you not listen to yourself, Master Dragonsflame? At the terminology you are using? 'Taking planets'?" she seemed quite amused at this, that the interm Grandmaster of all people, was saying such words.

"Is there something wrong with simply being the Jedi Order? With simply doing good will. With giving aid to those who need it? Why do we need to be a part of aggressive expansion?" came her series of questions.

"You ask what will we do?" she took a step forward, "Let us discuss the numbers of Jedi in the last twenty operations involving aggressive expansion... over seventy-five percent of the personnel involved... are Jedi."

"We are not a weak Order, Master Dragonsflame. We have the numbers to protect what we need to protect. And if the Republic so needed aid, there is no reason why we would not rise to defend her... but to say that a simple life on Tython is being weak..... well makes one wonder."

 

[Sarge Potteiger]

Sarge wasn't a member of the Council. He would likely never be - that didn't mean he wasn't going to show up when things got good. He wasn't quite sure how he thought this was going to be 'good'... but he was here. May as well suffer it out. Eyes the color of the void peered out from underneath a near-porcelain mask, regarding @[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] with something akin to mirth.

"Dominions? Major Factions? Invasions have been halted? On one hand, you shoot yourself in the foot. On the other, you're using terms that make no sense. We - that is to say the Republic - are a government. The Jedi are a monastic order therein. The Confederacy is a government. The Sith too, were a government. There are no 'major factions' here; only governments.

And to that end, what is a 'dominion'? We have moved into previously Sith occupied territories, intent on a number of things - the freeing of prisoners, the study of lost temples, the research into potentially medically vital plantlife. None of those things warrant a word so martial as 'dominion.'

Which brings me to 'Invasions.' You're a Jedi, and the only time such a word as that should be leaving your mouth is when you're discussing an aggressor nation attacking someone else; someone who potentially doesn't deserve it. The last time the Jedi invaded anywhere was during the Clone Wars, and it was only to see the conflict through to a resolution."

His head shifted, turning to regard both @[member="Valx Raizod"] and @[member="Kira Liadain"] with bored disdain. "As for you two, your impassioned pleas are admirable... although admitting to being a spy... not so much." This time, he rested his attention on Kira. "That's not the point however - if you feel specific Jedi have gone overboard, say so and provide evidence; otherwise you're talking out of your exhaust ports."

A brief shake of his head elicited a rustle of cloth from his hood. "For now, we are acting as peacekeepers. That is what we do. However, we are not here to brand the entire Order a joke for the actions of an apparent few. This sensationalism is pathetic at best. Gather your evidence, bring it before the Council; otherwise you've no reason to be here spouting accusations with little merit or backing. Even your 'seventy-five percent' is a vastly overinflated number; no Jedi goes into the field without numerous squads of Republic soldiers already there. Just the other day above Drongar, we had Republic Navy and Army members who outnumbered the Jedi by nearly a hundred to one. Metalorn? Similar. Your hysteria is disturbing, not for it's truth, but for it's willingness to submit to conspiracy theory."

His eyes shifted towards the hologram of Daella. "I think that makes my point quite clear."

 

[Tricia Kalamack]

Tricia looked at Daella and gave a nod of her head while she spoke. "I suggest you actually look at history child your as informed as an initiate but an initiate has two brain cells to rub together. The Republic and order form a symbiotic relationship and we have served with it doing the same things then as we do now. The difference is your claims are dishonoring those who died or those who fulfill their duties."

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Josh shook his head. He wasn't the Interim Grandmaster, that hadn't been agreed to by the Council, and thus they were all equal in this situation. He was a Councillor just like the others. Sadly, that tended to be misconcepted due to him taking Selena's place in the peace talks, and had personally started and participated in them to begin with.

He searched the words to say, but these guys just seemed more ridiculous the more he thought their words over. He gave a look to the other Councillors as if to say "I've said my piece, you guys go ahead".

His reaction to this guy's words and this whole situation was simple, really.

 

[Valx Raizod]

Valx snarled, his tone growing sarcastic at this Master's mocking, "Gee, Master Dragonsflame, maybe if we respectfully said, 'we are leaving, not declare a war or anything,"' Valx looked at him with pale eyes, "I'm delighted to know that this man is on the Council! I admire your respectful attitude @[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"], you truly are role model," He bowed sarcastically.

"We are not other governments! We are a separate body! We do not belong with the Republic! You area driving this Order into the ground by having people like him," Valx pointed to Master DragonsFlame, "on this Council!"

Valx bowed to @[member="Sarge Potteiger"] and @[member="Tricia"], "I admire your service, Preacher. But your words offend me Elder Tricia. You would insult a padawan just like Master DragonsFlame? You would stoop so low as to act like a child?"

He glared and turned to look at the other council members, "Look around, masters, this is what the Order has become!"

 

[Sarge Potteiger]

"I will admit that I too am perplexed by the hostility displayed by this black haired woman." Sarge shook his head slowly. "As for Master Dragonsflame... I find him to be disappointing as well, but an opinion is just that - an opinion. While I feel that they are certainly not showing the respect a Jedi should show others, I will caution you Padawan that right now you are giving in to your emotions far too much."

Inclining his head, he folded his arms over his chest. "I recommend you do some meditations to find some peace before returning to this debate. Sarcasm and yelling are unbecoming, and hint towards an uncontrolled anger unnecessary in a Jedi."

@[member="Valx Raizod"]
@[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]
@[member="Tricia"]

 

[Tricia Kalamack]

Tricia looked at the one called Preacher cause no one knew him as Sarge and spoke. "Children I am too old to spare your feelings. The one called Preacher is correct though and that is why I am returning to my duties. The service corp are trying to identify remains with the Republic from one of the emperors death camps. You know those things we protected the galaxy from." Tricia moved following Daella and exited flying off to meet the service corps.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Josh simply smiled at @[member="Valx Raizod"]'s hostility toward him. He would admit that he hadn't addressed this as calmly as he normally would have. But to be frank, he was starting to get tired of ridiculousness. They'd already started work on the issues that had been brought up, why bury the axe further into their back? The man struck him as one who just wanted to cause trouble, and it was something that, while Josh didn't want to believe it was the case, it was becoming more and more apparent the more the man spoke.

He didn't speak, he had said what he had to, and he would give the respect that wasn't being given to him or the rest of the Masters by not responding with sarcasm or insults. He gave a nod to Sarge for recommending the man calm himself, even if he didn't appreciate what he had said about him. Josh didn't hold it against Sarge though, he knew he hadn't addressed this incident as well as he normally did.

 

[Syn]

Syn just looked at the padawan and remained still. "Who are you?" He knew Kira she had fought at Metalorn, he knew Preacher a little and he knew the others while he just put a finger to the bridge of his nose under the sash. "Sometimes I miss the days when jedi actually did more then just bicker. I'm heading back to my ship to assist Carn Dista in securing Korriban. In case dangerous threats return."

 

[Kira Talith]

Through all this, Kira merely stood still, her eyes taking in every movement, every tick, every subtle dance across the bodies and holograms of the council before her.

It was after all, what a Lorrdian did.

Her hand went out to press at @[member="Valx Raizod"] shoulder, in a measure to calm him down and center himself. Getting angry and yelling didn't do this case any good.

Her blue eyes went flicking over to @[member="Sarge Potteiger"] " My status as an investigator was already well recorded and sent up the council, I am not revealing anything new." she stated, adding "As for specific instances, I am more than willing to give a detailed report on actions done by my fellow brethren that undoubtedly, show a lack of restraint when interacting with the locals of the planets within the expansionist locations. Even Master Dragonsflame, as stated by Preacher, is acting in a manner that is not befit of a master -- letting his emotions get the better of him. Berating instead of leading. Instructing."

If anything, Kira among the Masters within this council, remained calm and simply discussed her observings. It was, after all, what she'd been taught to do. That Master Dragonsflame was acting so was something she wanted to bring up. As mentioned by others, this was most stressful, especially for the interim grandmaster.

"So for that matter, you will receive my full report." She gave an incline of her head respectfully.

"However... you cannot deny that this is the very issue that has resulted in the exodus of several Jedi Masters and Knights who are no longer here." she added, for her investigations on the whereabouts of Knight Boolan and Master Ravos as well as others has revealed that this is not simply a matter to be easily brushed aside.

While the masters had begun to turn away, perhaps believing that this was a little matter to be concerned about, Kira contemplated at just what kind of Jedi Order she had returned to.

It certainly wasn't the same one she remembered.

 

[Kaiden Rohn]

@[member="Valx Raizod"] @[member="Sarge Potteiger"] @[member="Kira Liadain"]


Doc stared at the kid, chewing on his bowl of rice and SPACE CHICKEN. He chewed loudly, smacking his gums loudly when everyone was done talking. He was enjoying it, from his little chair. He picked it up slightly, and dragged it pretty much next to Valx, smacking his gums still. The sound of the chair screeching across the floor was something less than pleasant, especially to those near him. He leaned upwards towards Valx, and spoke quietly. Just kidding. He was fake-whispering. Which meant he was talking. Loud enough for everyone to hear.

The Republic's finest certainly didn't act like it.

"BETWEEN YOU AND ME, THESE JEDI TYPES ARE KINDA WEIRD ANYWAY. WHO WEARS BATHROBES TO A FIGHT ANYWAY?" He said, shoveling more food into his mouth, and chewing it loudly. He glanced at everyone, and especially the blonde lady. He raised up his eyebrows. Well, sort of. There was a big scar there that made it hard to do that all the way. It hurt. And it looked like it did. Because it did!

 

[Valx Raizod]

"I...I...don't know what came over me...forgive me," Valx spoke calmly, "if you will not look at facts, look at history. Darth Revan, formerly know as the Revanchist. He was a Jedi, no? Did he not lead Jedi to war on Mandalore? and was it not in this war that he became corrupted, murdering the Mandalorians for their atrocities? Do you not see this is where we are headed? Look at the prime examples of Jedi even now that have fallen and become Sith!"

Valx took a deep breath and began again, "The Jedi could be more effective as a free entity, than remaining with ties to the Republic."

He nodded at @[member="Kira Liadain"] for helping him. The Padawan looked toward @[member="Syn"], "I am but a humble padawan, seeking to make my way through the ranks of the Order. But also preserving the ways of the Jedi by bringing out standing issues such as this to the attention of the Council."

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The leaving of other Jedi Masters who thought this was ridiculous was becoming apparent, and quite frankly, it was obvious to Josh that the Padawan and his mother weren't fans of him hitting them with truth, from the perspective of someone who saw things from the Jedi's point of view, as well as the Republic's, whether he liked it or not. He was passionate about the order and it's best interests, something these two didn't seem to understand. They were free to their own opinions, he just wished they'd use their heads.

He realized now, that him being here was just feeding the trolls, so to speak. They were using him as their sacrificial lamb to make a point. Perhaps they would be cooler if he wasn't there to be their post. Cut off the foundation, and they'd have nothing left.

He looked at his watch. His scheduled training session with his Padawan Zooki was in five minutes. There was no reason for this meeting to take precedence over the learning of his students, nor would he defy their trust just to entertain people.

"I have a training session to attend, my Padawans take priority over people wishing to bicker. Good day, Masters" he said calmly as he got up. Without another word, he walked out. Cooler heads would prevail over screaming and yelling.

 

[Sarge Potteiger]

@[member="Doc"] was promptly ignored by Doc. He existed seemingly to get under the skin of those around him, and while he was loud, that didn't mean he was heard. "Not all of us are privy to everything, Investigator. Some of us are not members of the Council." Still, her words elicited more than a bit of a snort. "It has, because they didn't feel like voicing their opinions. If they felt we would not listen... we cannot force them to change that opinion. If they so desired to leave that they did not wish to affect change, we will not stop them from leaving."

He gave a simple shrug, as even that information was being subjected to a less than rational viewpoint. "It is the nature of the Order through time that members leave feeling it is no longer their home. To hold them up a minority as indicative of the whole falls back under my original response to these accusations. I'm sure the Council looks forward to your report, and I trust that they will handle it with the fairness and impartiality becoming a Jedi Master of the Council. Until that time, however, I request you cease attempting to make a wildfire from a spark."

His attention again returned to @[member="Valx Raizod"]. "Revan is hardly a model of a Jedi. Regardless, history has shown he was seduced by the Sith, although he was addressing a problem the Jedi Council would not. I agree that the Mandalorians needed dealt with - I feel that at times he took too much pleasure in it. Regardless, he's an amazingly... polarizing figure in the annals of Jedi history, especially in that he is just so unique that he is hardly capable of being used as evidence for or against what you feel is occurring. I'm fairly certain that the response the current Council would have to any new Revan would be the same the old Council had."

"The Order as a seperate entity entirely would be in serious trouble. We would be without the needed protection of the Republic and it's militaries - if you feel that we have made enemies, we probably have. We are, for now, apart of the Republic; we are not their attack dogs. We eliminated the Sith, as was the Jedi's duties throughout time. We haven't even had time to demobilize before we are being told we're too militaristic. Change takes time; time requires patience."

@[member="Kira Liadain"]