Faction The First Step is Always the Hardest [Lightsworn & New Jedi Order]

[Spirit of the Dawn]

War ravages the Core Worlds in the aftermath of the Deep Core’s fall to the Galactic Empire. The Galactic Alliance struggles in the months following their defeat at Coruscant. The Senate bickers on how best to face this returned threat, while many veteran Jedi have abandoned the New Jedi Order to fight a different kind of war. Those who remained stare down the length of a crimson saber with few options, and even fewer allies.

Drawn to war like a moth to the flame, the Lightsworn continue their fight against the Empire. Their success at Balmorra and support of the Alliance at Arkania has led Jedi Knight Kyric Karis to believe there is potential to bury the hatchet and move forward in the war not as rival Jedi Orders, but allies within the light. Such opportunities will not come easy. Years of animosity promise many hurdles as the representatives of the Sworn Host descend on Dentaal to an abandoned enclave once used by the New Jedi Order.

Jedi Master Henna Ashina and Knight Kylass Starhaven have listened to Master Zark San Tekka’s urgings. They arrive under the cover of nightfall to meet with the remnants of the New Jedi. Awaiting them, Knights Jand Talo and Kyric Karis prepare for the coming negotiations. Members of both Orders wait patiently for the talks to begin as the fate of the galaxy very well may rest on their shoulders…

---

Henna Ashina | Kylass Starhaven | Zark San Tekka | Jand Talo | Kyric​

 

[Henna Ashina]

The Lightsworn's ship had placed down in the rolling fields below the hidden enclave, and they had finished the journey on foot. Atrisian finery had been traded for robes of ivory and gold - the same garb Henna would have donned as a councillor of the New Jedi Order. As they emerged upon the edge of the plateau, the seer paused, allowing her allies to catch up. Golden eyes found the stars above. Wisps of clouds floated by, dampening their light, before passing again. An omen, if there ever was one.

"Speak true," The master urged the other Lightsworn. "But do not let anger taint our cause."

It was a reminder for herself as much as the others. History was not such an easy thing for a scholar to overlook - despite the differences the recent crisis had set upon her former brethren - but they had a greater purpose here. The Sith thrived with the Jedi's division, picking them apart before they could resist. It was well past time for the beacons that lit the core to hear their call. They could take the Jedi Lord's demands back to the Senate for discussion.

With her warning, Henna pressed onwards to greet what remained of a once great order.

Kyric | Jand Talo | Kylass Starhaven​

 

[Jand Talo]

Diplomacy; it had always been something Jand struggled with. For a Nagai, it was simpler, with a duel being more definitive and final. Still, the larger galaxy had expectations and methods, which had to be followed. The Jedi, perhaps, even more so. And being part of the New Jedi Order delegation made sense, given the state of the order, and how many Masters had left to pursue other paths. Now considered senior, Jand had never considered he would be in any such position of importance, he was a weapon forged, plain and simple... still, as with life, he wouldn't shirk from his responsibility.

"The Lightsworn will arrive soon," Jand said, as he looked over the plateau. He was dressed simply, in Jedi Robes. Brown and tan. "Remember that we have bigger wrongs to right, larger obstacles than disagreements."

For all the squabbling or disagreement that could happen, all of it would amount to nothing if the galaxy was left to burn. The evil that moved across sectors, like a poison, could not remain unchecked; the light had waned too long, spread or facing too many directions, ineffective against the wave of darkness. It was time to work at refocusing that light.

Jand remained still and silent, aware of those around him, but focused on the presences of those that approached.

The dark side cannot continue to spread. It has gone too far already.

Henna Ashina | Kylass Starhaven | Zark San Tekka | Kyric​

 

[Ichika Masudo]

Ichika arrived, after spending time in the quiet of her family home, thinking over what came next for her with the loss of the deep core entire, and assessing for herself the idea of the Lightsworn who gathered on the same world. Whose ways she could, to a degree, comprehend without endorsing them wholesale. Necessity was what it was.

Now she was here on Dentaal, curious as to how these negotiations would go. Keen to keep an ear to them, get a sense of it all in the ways that she knew well. She fell into place amongst the small number present from the New Jedi Order, robed as she always had been, peering out over that plateau, herself, with a pair of blades lashed to her side that were as keen to do what they were made for.

"The Lightsworn will arrive soon," Jand said, as he looked over the plateau. He was dressed simply, in Jedi Robes. Brown and tan. "Remember that we have bigger wrongs to right, larger obstacles than disagreements."

“You will find no disagreement on that,” direct, though awfully quiet, “from me.”

She of all people could set aside her grievances, if she had any. It was her way to seek to understand, to see the way through, around, over. To listen, first, to resolve, however possible.

It was the only way to stem the tide of darkness. They could not do this, alone.

Henna Ashina ✿ Jand Talo ✿ Kylass Starhaven ✿ Kyric ✿ Zark San Tekka​

 

[Kito]

Belonging was hard. She had been the youngest in her clan, the one often forgotten. Her chores were always simple, quickly done, never praised. Even when she was brought in by her former Master, praise and home had only been a blink of an eye. Even when doing what felt right, it was wrong.

Kito wrinkled her nose as she tried not to think about what led up to this point. She had finally found a group of people that welcomed her, that didn't turn their nose up at her thoughts or her past. Still, it didn't feel entirely like home — she still often found herself foolishly missing her Master, his stories of great conquests and how bright Ashla shone upon the galaxy.

All she had left of home was the blade at her side. Its weight grew with her penance, but it reminded her why she endured.

Traveling at night had become something she had grown used to. It was the easiest way to move, especially in territories where even whispering the word Jedi brought death. Too often, the young Shaper had irritated the wrong person or caught the attention of someone looking for an easy target. At least now, as she looked at her companions, she didn't have to worry about being alone.

Kito hung towards the back of the small group. Everyone felt too far for her to begin building a semblance of a bond. Perhaps it was because she had grown accustomed to being alone. People almost felt foreign to her.

Fingers played along the curved hilt of the odachi, her arm resting while still prepared to draw the blade.

Looking up, Kito took in the night sky, the pale moon stirring memories that caught her breath. Her nose wrinkled again, suppressing her curious imagination.

Her thoughts were thankfully interrupted by the woman at their lead. Kito turned her eyes toward her, letting them linger as she instructed them. The New Jedi Order — they had once been a name of renown. But every legacy had its downfall, and they were witnessing the remnants trying to reignite the fire.

Kito had her opinions, most of them shaped by others. But her curiosity remained open. She wanted to have faith.

Faith was all they had now, standing together in the shadow of darkness.

---

//: Henna Ashina //: Jand Talo //: Kylass Starhaven //: Kyric //: Zark San Tekka //: Ichika Masudo //:​

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Location: Hidden Enclave
Objective: Discover the Fate of the New Jedi Order
Tags: Open


The galaxy had changed while Katarine was deep undercover.

In her absence, the Galactic Empire had risen like a storm, seizing vast swaths of the Core Worlds in a matter of months. The Holonet buzzed with fear and speculation, rumors that many leaders of the New Jedi Order were dead, missing, or worse: defectors who had abandoned the Galactic Alliance in its time of need.

Katarine knew better. She'd worked alongside the Hidden Path, seen with her own eyes that many Jedi had simply gone underground. They were alive. Scattered, yes. In hiding, certainly. But not lost. Not yet.

Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that the galaxy was sliding into darkness and she had no idea where she belonged in it anymore.

The moment news of the Empire's surge reached her, she'd dropped her cover and left her assignment behind without a second thought. There was no more time for shadows. The fight was at the surface now.

Now, her shuttle touched down with a soft hiss of hydraulics. The loading ramp extended, and the Jedi Master descended with steady purpose. Her robes fluttered in the light breeze, though her hood remained up, casting shadows across her face and concealing most of her two-toned hair.

Her deep green eyes scanned the scene before her, searching for the gathering.

And for the answers she'd been chasing ever since the galaxy fell apart.

 

[Silya Thrast]

ABANDONED ENCLAVE
DENTAAL

Silya glanced sidelong at Kito, as the Shaper peered up at the stars - she was one of the very few around Silya’s own age amongst the Sworn Host, and one she didn’t know well (well, she could say that about everyone) - and when her nose wrinkled, the half-Echani wondered why that was.

But only for a moment. She could only guess. Speculate. And that tended to be a waste of time. And now was no time for such questions.

Besides, Master Henna’s urging drew her attention, and was taken on, telling her that she should mind how she spoke. She had no personal misgivings, as far removed as she’d been until recent: largely, she knew only what she had been schooled to believe since she was a child, between the views of her mother, which were rather short and distinct, and that of her former master, who tended towards a more positive outlook of individual Jedi. Not the Jedi as a whole.

And it was an imperial outlook, nonetheless, that informed her views of the Sith, more than anything else, and bringing more people to that cause of whittling them away was a worthy venture despite the history she’d only just begun to be made aware of.

More allies were a necessity in the face of this vile darkness. She was somewhere between eager and cautious about confronting its dark practitioners. She'd, of course, never met one before, and fingers brushed over the hilt at her side, with that thought.

There was only one meeting they'd get.

Henna Ashina • Jand Talo • Katarine Ryiah
Kito • Kylass Starhaven • Kyric • Zark San Tekka​

 

[Ariana du Couteau]

Ariana du Couteau
Outfit

Ariana breathed in smoothly, purging her anxiety from her mind as her hands rested firmly behind her back. She moved forward with careful, graceful steps, the standard of movement for any Tetan noble worth their salt. Ariana was plenty thankful for her own shrewd decision to practice weeks in advance, and it paid off in keeping her confident.

In her opinion, the key to the discussions would no doubt boil down to influence. It was a strange phenomenon that could upset the balance in any conflict. Masters could sway Knights and Padawans to one belief or another; words spoken softly could break apart relationships once thought secure, while harsh words could spark even greater conflict among those who sought peace.

Ariana continued walking alongside the rest of the Lightsworn, her resolve fixed on the path ahead and walked with determination. The only concern she held deep within was her own influence, and she hoped she would face its consequences with equal confidence. Lest I fall into arrogance. But as long as I keep myself open to others, I shouldn’t worry too much on that front.

Her hands had been wrapped in the traditional manner for any sparring match, even her cybernetic hand, and Ariana had hoped it would help calm her nerves. The ideal scenario, in her mind, was that all the Jedi might once again form into a single fist of shining light and smash through the darkness threatening to swallow the Core, and the galaxy, completely.
​

|| Kito | Henna Ashina | Ichika Masudo | Jand Talo | Silya Thrast | Katarine Ryiah ||​

 

[Mykel Dawson]

Robes

While the dysfunction of the Federal government had soured many a Jedi, Mykel chose to remain with the New Jedi Order and the Galactic Alliance. When the chips were down, this was precisely when the GA needed the Jedi the most. As the Watchman of Coruscul, he would endure all hardships foreign and domestic until his world was freed from the grip of the Imperials.

"The Lightsworn will arrive soon," Jand said, as he looked over the plateau. He was dressed simply, in Jedi Robes. Brown and tan. "Remember that we have bigger wrongs to right, larger obstacles than disagreements."

"Perfect is the enemy of progress," Mykel heartily agreed as he stood with Knight Talo and the NJO contingent. "Our collective efforts against evil will keep faltering if we continue to undermine each other. I hope we will all finally reach the same page this time around."

Never much of an ideologue, hailing from an alternate enclave of his own, he was certainly open to working more closely with the Lightsworn and other Jedi outside of the Order. They seemed like decent folk, and they were motivated and competent. That was enough for him, but he also knew that still may not be enough for others.

For his part, the Consular would do what he could to help smooth over any wrinkles for the sake of the greater good.

Jand Talo Kito Henna Ashina Ichika Masudo Silya Thrast Katarine Ryiah

 

[Arlow Vex]

Arlow was nervous. She had spent the pre-dawn hours puttering around the once-abandoned enclave attempting to make the shell of the formerly thriving outpost appear somewhat presentable for their esteemed guests. She absolutely refused to see her actions as some sort of metaphor for the state of the New Jedi Order as a whole, or a prediction for the outcome of their ultimate fate.

She well knew her new Master cared little for the outward appearance of things. He was a man of action. They would forge bonds with the Lightsworn through the strength of their convictions and the merit of their ideas alone, not because the venue at which the talks were held was visually impressive. All the same, Arlow worked to eliminate cobwebs, dust, and broken refuse. She shined windows, and arranged seating. Deep down she knew it was all useless when it came to impacting what would occur when the Lightsworn arrived, but… frankly, at the moment, it was the only thing Arlow could control…

She was a fresh Padawan attending a meeting of titans. From her research, she knew many Lightsworn had been present at the event that had caused Kyric to draw her admiration. If things had gone another way, would she be counted amongst their numbers? Ah, but it didn’t do to dwell on the endless road of “what if”. She had made her choice, and tied her fate to that of a man she was learning had fingers in more pots every day. He, too, had a dream. One of unifying the banners of the Light into a Coalition that could stand tall side by side and turn back the surging tide of the Dark.

So, just as he had promised her, Arlow would help her Master achieve his dream. Even if all she could do was brew a fresh batch of caff, or make sure there were enough chairs at the table. Maybe, just maybe, her little nothings would put the mood of the arriving Lightsworn over the edge of pleasant, making them more receptive to hearing the Jedi’s words and the true meaning of the intent behind them. It was all she could hope for, in the end. But Arlow did have it. Hope. Hope that this meeting would be the beginning of forging a new era of friendship and cooperation across the Light-aligned Force Orders of the Galaxy.

 

[Kylass Starhaven]

The scent of verdant green and worn stone blew across Kylass Starhaven’s face as she walked down the gangplank of the Sworn Hosts’ transport starship. A crisp evening wind had carried the smells to her and played around the edges of her dark grey jedi cloak; making the wide sleeves flutter and her drawn hood balloon. The Force ebbed in that wind too and it caressed Kylass’ spirit with the foreign nostalgia of a once vibrant Jedi Enclave into her own memories.

It hung in the air as the Force’s currents swayed in eddies of influencing sensations between her thoughts. When they subsided the absence of any signs of occupancy quickly filled the silence the Force left behind. This place, once alive in the Force, in the work of the Light Side, was now a hollow ruin. Perhaps it was portent? A prophecy whispered in the Force, forewarning Kylass that such ruins would become more and more commonplace across the galaxy, lest they fail.

“The bells of the Xiwangu Temple echo with the warning that all things are impermanent,” Kylass whispered to herself, reciting an old esoteric Atrisian poem her Master once puzzlingly taught her. “The blossoms of the Uneti Tree teach us through their hues that what flourishes must fade. The proud, do not prevail for long, but vanish like a spring night’s dream. In time, the mighty too, succumb and become dust before the wind.”

Nothing can last forever in the face of time and the Force. Kylass was coming to bear witness to that subtext from the poem more and more. Although she appeared not much past her middle thirties, as a long-lived Arkanian, she had already lived fifty-four. She had seen so much already; the Galactic Alliance assailed on all sides by Darkness, the fraying of cooperation between the Senate and the New Jedi Order, the Order’s slow decay and fracture, and the death of her own Master as disillusioned outcasts, out alone, fighting the Dark. Since then she had found a home, her Master’s home in Atrisia, and there she found the Sworn Host. Kylass looked about herself and watched the other Lightsworn Jedi follow Lady Henna across the field to the Enclave ruins. She smiled.

“Perhaps it needn’t be so,” said Kylass to herself.

Kylass clasped her hands behind her back and followed. She strode right behind the two youngest members of the Lightsworn, Kito and Silya Thrast . Kylass levelled her silvery white eyes on the backs of their heads and watched them as they looked about the Enclave’s ruins, studying their surroundings, and searching themselves in preparation for the meeting. ‘There, Master Hijikata,’ Kylass’ thoughts spoke to her long gone Master’s memory. ‘There before me are the next blossoms to bloom on the Unneti Tree and be rustled by my dust as I am carried by the winds of the Force.’ Kylass drew in a long breath and increased her pace, taking long strides so that she appeared between the two young Lightsworn.

“You know,” said Kylass, continuing. “Once, my Master took me to an important meeting between the New Jedi Order and those Jedi who had left to found their own Orders out in the galaxy. I was just a Padawan back then, and it was a high privilege to be admitted into their council.”

Kylass then took a larger step and walked right past the two to catch up with Lady Henna Ashina . “Of course,” she said, turning her head over her shoulder to look back at Kito and Silya. “I got bored and fell asleep,” said Kylass with a sly grin. “I’m sure you two will fare far better than me.”

With that moment of levity to loosen the nerves of everyone, Kylass nodded at them both, and turned to face what was to come. She walked up to Lady Henna and matched her pace to march along with her to meet their combined fates.​

---

TAGS: Arlow Vex | Mykel Dawson | Ariana du Couteau | Katarine Ryiah | Ichika Masudo | Jand Talo​

 

[Kyric]

Nearby where Arlow prepared a table for the negotiating parties, Kyric stood atop the remnants of a once proud astrolabe. Its silvery sheen had diminished into a litany of pock marks and coppery rust since the temple's roof collapsed inward years ago. Echoes of past Jedi gathered in the corner of his eye. Though the vision replayed what he knew to be hundreds, if not thousands, of lessons by those who studied within these halls, the kiffar couldn't help but feel like these specters of the past were watching him.

His gaze shifted away from Arlow to the star-studded night sky. Tiny blips Kyric knew to be Lightsworn Ships appeared over the planet from hyperspace, then began a slow descent to the coordinates he provided a few days prior.

Not far from his position, Jand spoke words Kyric silently agreed with. Any Jedi worth their salt lamented the fast-growing shadow stretching across the Core Worlds. The foundation of strength the New Jedi Order once held crumbled away from them with each passing day. No longer did the Senate stand by their side. Dozens of the Orders greatest names vanished into the far reaches of space, while others departed to seek safety in place of war. Times were changing rapidly, and hope alone wouldn't win the day.

Kyric dropped down from the astrolabe at the sight of Master Ashina's approach. Though not all of the delegation were familiar to the kiffar, Henna had played many roles within his life. Mentor, teacher, and in his most trying times upon Atrisia, mother. The devotion showed to him by Clan Ashina was immeasurable, and for it, Kyric swore his blade to their cause a dozen times over. And in this era of great chaos, he believed with every fiber of his being the great rift between these orders would doom their great crusade if not mended.

"They're here," Kyric called out to the New Jedi stationed within the ruins. "Arlow," he approached his Padawan and placed his good hand on her shoulder, squeezing faintly. "Thank ya' fer yer hard work preparin' fer this. Remain nearby. Listen closely. And most importantly—follow yer instincts. No Jedi is without a voice among our kinfolk."

As the Lightsworn entered into the ruined hall, Kyric stepped behind the central chair on their side of the table. He graciously pulled it aside and bowed to Henna. The movement was distinctly Atrisian, telling of his time within the Hirata Estate.

"Lady Ashina, yer light eclipses even the stars above. It is always an honor to bask in yer warmth." Kyric stepped aside and offered the very same bow to the rest of the Sworn Host's delegation. "Thank y'all fer comin'. And of course—thanks fer draggin' my butt off the Sepulchre."

---

Tags: Henna Ashina | Kylass Starhaven | Kito | Arlow Vex | Jand Talo | Katarine Ryiah | Mykel Dawson | Ariana du Couteau | Silya Thrast

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora lingered beside Jand and Ichika, her slight form seeming even more diminished in the hoverchair. She was a physical manifestation of what had gone wrong, her capabilities stunted by the force wound lingering in her chest.

"I attended their Midnight Council after the fall of Coruscant," she rasped slowly. "They are….an intense bunch. Intense, but sincere.”

Several years ago, the Lightsworn had made their opinion on what had become of the New Jedi Order clear. Now, much of the latter had scattered to the stars. The headcount on Ilum had been dismal, and Arkania had rendered her little more than a shadow of what she'd been.

"Despite past grievances," her gaze flicked to Mykel, her tone somber in agreement, "we won't survive without some sort of unified effort."

She looked on, ever watchful, as Kyric took the lead in introductions. Cora simply dipped her head and silent greeting.

Henna Ashina Kylass Starhaven Kito Arlow Vex Jand Talo Ichika Masudo Katarine Ryiah Mykel Dawson Ariana du Couteau Silya Thrast Kyric

 

[Jand Talo]

Familiar faces, familiar presences, it was a relief - of sorts - to have those Jand knew from so many years ago present.

He nodded to Daisy; she was a silent pillar of support, though it felt an age since last they spoke.

He looked to Mykel, offering another nod:

"I understand the sentiment," Jand said simply. "We can only hope, it seems."

Meanwhile, Arlow Vex had been busy preparing the space. It looked improved and the effort was not lost. Kyric was also nearby, observing, and called out that the Lightsworn had arrived. The blinking dots of light approached, growing, eventuating into starships that landed. The procession got closer; the meeting was all but ready to begin in earnest.

Corazona spoke, her voice soft, her state within the hoverchair almost distressing to Jand.

"I believe I am capable of dealing with intensity, Corazona," Jand said with a glance to the other Jedi. He almost smirked. "But thank you for the words. This is important, for all of us, not just those here."

Kyric offered Lady Ashina a seat, though Jand waited for all the visiting delegation to sit before he found his own spot.

"I am Jand Talo," the Nagai said as he looked between those gathered, before he focused on Lady Ashina. "The New Jedi Order extends both welcome and gratitude for your agreeing to convene. It goes without saying that previous interactions have been strained. Yet, we seek to move beyond that in such trying times as these."

Jand shifted in the seat, as he maintained eye contact. He wasn't nervous... just... more prone to action.

"Our Jedi Order has been diminished. I am certain you know why. We have been blamed for much of the shortcomings of the Galactic Alliance, our efforts seemingly below expectations to the Defense Forces of our allies, and our position within their structure all but made redundant. Aside from that, many of our number have sought their own paths, away from the New Jedi Order, for better or worse. We also lack resources, have lost many important Jedi locations and sites, and have essentially become a shadow of our former selves.

"However, this is not a bid to seek pity or share our woes..."

The Nagai grunted to himself before he raised his chin a little higher.

"No. Instead, this has become a chance for the New Jedi Order to reevaluate and restructure, to refocus on what is most important, and - most critically - to return to combating the dark side in all its forms, at every opportunity. For a long while, under the Alliance, we found we had become reactive. Our goal is to be more proactive. And we seek to do it alongside all warriors who serve the light, who want justice, who want to protect the innocent."

Jand leaned forward in the seat, arms propped on the table, as he spoke more directly to Lady Ashina.

"The Sith move throughout the galaxy. The splintering of the Jedi has helped their boldness. The light has fixated too much on everywhere all at once, rather than a spotlight on the darkest parts. And that is what we propose to do, as the New Jedi Order steps back from the Alliance to the extent that we are not beholden by their military protocols or diplomatic expectations... we are returning to what our Order once was. A force of good against evil, a Sword of light against the dark--"

Jand raised his eyebrows, expression sincere but also curious.

"--and when we begin taking the fight to the Sith, in our more condensed and battle-hardened numbers, we would like to charge alongside you. And you alongside us. The light unified against the dark, before it's too late, striking where most needed."

That had been the most Jand had spoken in a long while. He didn't expect immediate answers; there were things to consider for the guests, specifics they likely needed, but he hoped that it had at least opened the prospect of these Jedi forces beginning to work together. With the Sith and dark side like a poison in the galaxy, perhaps this was the cure...

We will see.

Henna Ashina | Kylass Starhaven | Kyric | Ichika Masudo | Kito | Katarine Ryiah
Silya Thrast | Ariana du Couteau | Mykel Dawson | Arlow Vex | Corazona von Ascania​

 

[Arlow Vex]

Arlow stood in awe of what was happening around her. It was almost something out of a fairy tale, a Conclave of Force-warriors standing together and pledging their swords to justice and turning back the dark. But, though young, Arlow also saw the truth of it. There were grudges, relationships, betrayals, and slights between the Orders that had festered, and the path to harmony would not be altogether smooth. However, there was something in her heart she felt called to verbalize.

“I… beg pardon for speaking out of turn, but I feel I must remind this august body of something before we begin negotiations in full. We are the lucky ones. We are the ones who have escaped, who have made it out of the Imperial chains that have fallen upon the Core. While we talk of collaboration, consolidation, and other logistical details, there are countless trillions caught under the yoke of the Dark. As… as someone who experienced being trapped in darkness in a more literal sense, I think it is important to remember for whom we fight. Not for glory, or for theology, but for the living, breathing beings who are counting on us to deliver their liberation. We are Light-users all: the last, best hope for the Galaxy. Wherever we go, we do not walk alone. There are… there are those waiting in the wings for us to simply bring the Light, and they can rally to our cause.”

Suddenly self-conscious, Arlow looked down at her armored boots.

“So, I guess what I’m saying is, while we can throw around pretty words all we want, what matters is putting them to action and helping those who need us most, where they need us most.”

 

[Aether of the Iron Order]

AX-01 Vanguard Mark I
Jedi Securitron Model Parts
[Aether's Build]

Weapons : Training lightsaber x 6 | Hot 'n' Heavy Compensator - War Maul

Aether was an imposing figure of a droid dressed in golden-white garb of a temple guard.

"Words are noble, and the Light is bright; but let us not blind ourselves with it. Unity spoken aloud will shatter quickly if our old wounds remain untended, and even the greatest cause may be undone from within.

Understanding and communion upon common ground is not for courtesy, but for necessity.

Does any here hold a complete list of our enclaves, both lost and living? The names of those who yet endure, and their present strength? Such knowledge will reveal our strengths and our weaknesses, and show where our efforts can best be applied."

 

[Starlin Rand]

"Do you plan on doing this with the Hidden Path as well?"

Starlin's voice came from just beyond the edge of the crowd. He stood alone, hands in his pockets, watching and listening.

"You know, the Nobles? Vanagor? Heavenshield? All the people whose seats you've taken, who are fighting the Imps in the Core as we speak?" he continued. "They're the ones who you really ought to be trying to mend broken bridges with, not the Lightsworn."

Kyric Jand Talo Arlow Vex Corazona von Ascania Kylass Starhaven Mykel Dawson Ariana du Couteau Silya Thrast Katarine Ryiah Kito Ichika Masudo Henna Ashina Aether of the Iron Order​

 

[Aether of the Iron Order]

"Tell me, to what banner of allegiance do you hold aloft? Already the threads of power weave themselves into this conversation, carrying with them the worry of dominion rather than deliverance.

If unity is to be forged, it cannot be upon suspicion and scorekeeping, but upon necessity, or else we repeat the same ruin writ across centuries."

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Tags: Everyone (mobile won’t let me tag)


As discussions broke out Katarine remained quiet, but questions swirled within her mind. What did ‘stepping back’ from the Alliance mean? So far there was talk of fighting the Sith but what of the Imperials in the core?

Then there was the mention of The Hidden Parh. Hadn’t those Jedi been the ones that chose to leave the Allaince? As far as Katarine knew that group had not been forced out, they had left by their own will, but when she had asked Path members about the situation nobody seemed able to explain it.

So far this meeting was causing more questions than answers but she knew her duties as an investigator kept her out of the center of things. Right now she had to trust that her fellows would answer these questions, especially because there wasn’t a single person here today that Katarine actually knew. She was isolated from her peers, and at times the isolation was a cage she didn’t know how to break free from.

 

[Kylass Starhaven]

Entering the ruin of the Enclave’s central hall, Kylass drew down her hood and paced about the ancient space. She rounded the vast wooden table, circular and banded by rusted irons, the elder crest of the Force and the Primeval Jedi had been ornately engraved into its hefty planks. She placed a black gloved hand on the crest and ran her Arkanian four digits across them. Kylass passed from the crest to Kyric as he greeted Lady Henna Ashina . The Arkanian Jedi Knight nodded to him and grinned. ‘What a hallowed place you have chosen, Son of Ryv,’ agreed Kylass. ‘You do well by your moniker…Sword of the Jedi.’ But as Kylass circled the table she saw someone that stretched her grin into a surprised and pleased smile.

“Hello there,” Kylass said, her voice soft and affectionate, as she approached the golden haired Jedi Mystic in her hoverchair. She rested a hand on her shoulder. “My dear Lady Corazona von Ascania . I am very much relieved to see you here among us,” said Kylass. The two had met during the retreat from Arkania, both painfully recovering from their wounds on Thyferra; and there, learning of each other’s scars and pasts. Kylass walked around the hoverchair and sat beside Corazona. Reclining into the high backed wooden chair, Kylass reached over and placed her hand on top of Corazona’s and gave it a small, reassuring, squeeze. She leaned over to her and whispered into her ear.

“I shall have need of your strength once again, Mistress Healer,” said Kylass, using the small pleasantry, in her own usual esoteric way, to remind her she was stronger than the Force Wound she struggled with.

While she sat down with Corazona, many had already begun to speak. None of which were the principal leaders of the congregation of the last of the New Jedi Order. The younger members of the congregation ( Jand Talo , Arlow Vex ) had spoken true enough. The situation in Core, of the Alliance and the Jedi was plain and stark for all to see. But, Kylass had been to many Jedi meetings. This one she had hoped would not sink into the usual pattern. The Jedi were beings of empathetic philosophy and pensive meditation, and their debates could easily fall into the circular routine of debating around the subject - instead of at it. While this meeting was one of diplomatic coordination between the various splintered Jedi, Kylass had wished it was instead treated as what it ought to be, a War Council.

One of the congregation spoke ( Starlin Rand ) out with expectant deference that veered on contempt towards her own Sworn Host. Haughty, proselytizing and accusatory. Kylass closed her eyes and sighed. She had met this sort too. Jedi who had become sophists in their righteousness had a way of eroding any attempt of true conversation, nevermind strategic discussion. Kylass opened her eyes, listening to his demands to abandon the Lightsworn and ally with this Hidden Path. Kylass had been fighting the Empire nonstop, as the Lightsworn also had. She had not heard of this Hidden Path. They must be rather well hidden if none of her own contacts with the Smugglers, Spacers and Wardens of the Sky she held in close confidence had mentioned an allied network of anti-Imperials.

The conversation was getting out of hand. Kylass let the Force enter her body and surge into her other free hand. She raised it high above her head so it could be seen by all, her palm raised high and presented outward, in a silent gesture for silence. Then she lowered her hand so that it lightly touched the table. Force bled from her in a rush and soaked the table’s ancient planks in a rattling, loud growling groan as the plank bent and shuddered. Then the loud crackling noise subsided and gave Kylass the moment of silence she needed.

“War, brothers and sisters,” Kylass bellowed in a deep growl. “We…are…at…WAR…And yet it is the youngest of us who speaks the only wisdom here,” Kylass continued looking towards Arlow. “This is a War Council, we are at war, and some of us instead will demand vanities such as advancements of their cause above others because they have deigned to do what everyone else has already been doing, fighting the Empire,” said Kylass turning her silvery eyes towards Starlin. Kylass drew in a deep breath and looked to Kyric and then at Lady Henna.

“Sword Karis,” said Kylass. “You are the arbiter of this congregation in alliance. I suggest you begin by announcing the terms to this alliance of cooperation, and share with us your thesis on that matter. Before we devolve into sophistry and proselytizing. As the Jedi seem to always suffer from.”

She lifted the hand that had sent the Force through the table and reached out to beckon Kyric take the reigns of the conversation.​

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