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

[Sienna]

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

Sienna tilted her head at the Knight's question.

"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."

She stepped forward. Though it was hidden beneath multiple layers of shawls and fabrics, she stood with only one arm. The other she'd lost on Coruscant.

"The exact people who abandoned us when we needed them most?" She asked. Her tone was harsher than she intended, but the betrayal still lingered like the phantom pain of her lost arm.

"I have not seen them lift so much as a finger since the Core was lost. They abandoned the Alliance--the Order. Why would we go to them, Jedi who prefer ballrooms over a battlefield? Do you intend to dance the Imperials to death?"

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Alexandra's arrival had been a silent one, moving as she did around her own home and temple so easily as she avoided the eyes of her children or her husband. She preferred to watch, to observe after all these years and even her duties now within the Alliance's Senate left her to do that often. Of course, with certain things changing after the last senate meeting, she knew she would get fewer chances to be among the Jedi, so she instead chose this moment to be present. It was during the most recent conversation, as Starlin Rand made his comments that Alexandra had phased through the wall and stood to watch over the words being spoken.

She muted her presence, letting the force flow through her and weaving it to somewhat hide she had arrived. Not in any attempt to spy on the other Jedi, after all she was still physically visible and would simple have appeared to arrive without saying a word. The Silvered Robes she wore as well doing nothing to hide her but again that was not her intent. She had simply chosen this arrival out of pure instinct, another fact as she weaved the Force through her and used Phase to step through walls such as she did simply because it was what she had done for decades.

The words from Kylass Starhaven stood out to her, more than that of Aether of the Iron Order 's had simply because they targeted something that she herself had wondered. What was it that Kyric might suggest as terms for the Lightsworn. She had been given information on the group, their martial focus that Alexandra found commendable and quite interesting, though she could not share their fervor to rid the galaxy of any who did not follow the light.

She in some ways did find herself failing in that regard, but she also believed there was more to the force than such a simple black and white view. Her dear daughter had taught her a great deal about the force, in seeing the young woman grow and in seeing how the Dark had consumed her soul. Yet even now Alexandra could still bring softness from that child she loved so dearly.

It continued to poke at the very curiosity she had for the force, the scientific mind she retained even after the decades of meditation under the branches of her Nexus.

Shelving those thoughts for now though, she focused on the conversation. As Sienna spoke in retort to the comments from Rand. It made her wonder what the others might say, what Corazona von Ascania might approach the congregation with in retort, or if Katarine Ryiah and Jand Talo might speak next? Of course, that young padawan Arlow Vex had also offered their own voice already and it brought her pause in thinking what they might say.

All these things left her wanting to hear more, and left her to turn her gaze towards Starlin once more. She stared into him, letting the force move and twist, reaching out and feeling the mood of the room. For all those there they would find any hint of frustration, of annoyance or even righteous anger to bleed away. It was being stolen, funneled away from them and to Alexandra as she moved to sit and simply listen. She was taking from the room any hint of hostility or conflict, to the best of her ability and letting it fall onto her shoulders so that the Jedi might focus on a better future. It was better this way, after all, such conflict would only drive a wedge between those with the intention that was sorely needed from her peers.

Defense of those in need and who could not fight for themselves was the important thing, and the less roadblocks to secure such defenders, the better.

 

[Kyric]

Kyric left the other chairs open for those like Mykel and Cora—more tactful and competent negotiators than he. The kiffar preferred a spot that directly represented his position as an active member of both parties. Transparency mattered here. If he didn't take special care to ensure it, the accusations would come-a-knocking.

Kylass Starhaven's introduction probably wouldn't help. The title of Sword carried great weight to both the Lightsworn and the New Jedi Order. Once carried by Kyric's father—the founder of the New Jedi—and later Bernard of Arca, one of many to denounce the New Jedi Order two years ago, the title had found its way to Kyric in the wake of Bernard's sacrifice aboard the Sepulchre. It was abundantly clear the Lightsworn held firm to his decision, but the Son of Ryv knew better than to make such assumptions about the others gathered about.

Thankfully, Jand began the discussion proper. Upon reading his file within what remained of the Archives, Kyric wouldn't of expected the nagai to so easily handle the introductions. In hindsight, Kyric should've known better. Jand reminded him of Inosuke in many ways. A man of few words who exuded great confidence; tried and tested in the field of battle. Exactly what one envisioned when thinking of the legendary Jedi Guardians of old.

Perhaps emboldened by Kyric's support, Arlow didn't hold back. The freshly minted Padawan spoke with the vigor of one who knew the weight of loss. She spoke the truth. Buried by the trials and tribulations of the galaxy, it was easy to forget the blessing granted to those who still drew breath. The opportunity to bring about change stood before each and every one of the Jedi, and those lost to that endless struggle deserved the basic respect of acknowledging that fact.

Kyric nodded in agreement and remained silent. There would be time later to speak on the subject.

Aether's words carried wisdom, and his questions were not without merit. The map Kyric presented at the Midnight Council held an incomplete web of locations—mostly enclaves—that served as safe points for the Jedi operating throughout the Core. A proper list promised greater strength and efficiency, but he lacked an answer to that question. So much of the New Jedi Order's data had been erased during the attack on Coruscant, leaving the Order blind and stumbling in the dark.

This demanded amendment.

Before Kyric could engage the matter further, the Devil's Advocate himself stepped into the mix. Unfortunately, others challenged him in the blink of an eye. Kyric watched the conversation shift rapidly as Kylass met the Jedi Knight's challenge with an outward display of power.

“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.”

Kyric winced at the declaration. Once he may have questioned if his father felt the same pressure when called by the title, but the young Karis knew better now.

What came next was not the suggested arbitration, but an outpouring of pain by another member of the New Jedi Order. Sienna's words carried with them a feeling of lost, shared by many who remained behind within the New Jedi Order. Those who departed were comrades once. They stood side-by-side in the great battle against injustice, yet they had disappeared, leaving many behind upon the Alliance's defeat at Coruscant.

What right did Kyric have to expect anything else from those who still stood by the New Jedi Order? Did they not deserve the chance to grieve? To heal?

Kyric cleared his throat.

"I'm gon' try to be concise here, but forgive me if I ain't. I'm lackin' in my father's aptitude for speakin', I'm afraid." He took a moment to look over those gathered beneath the shaded sky above.

"My time with the New Jedi Order has been one of solitude. Our former Grandmaster tasked me with seekin' out and providin' information to our shared cause. I've traveled and built connections with many different Jedi in the hopes of endin' the threat of Solipsis once and fer all. In that time, I stood beside the Lightsworn. They denounced the New Jedi Order and demanded more from its leaders. And quite frankly, I don't blame Masters Henna and Inosuke Ashina fer that. Even if ya'll ignore the fall o' the Core to the Empire, the Sith Order have risen anew and have brought many under their heel.

"My time beside the Order of Shiraya upon Naboo has opened my eyes to the dangers of those untouched by the Dark Side's corruption. The Black Sun Syndicate are runnin' rampant through the south, like a damned nexu on the hunt. There are too many threats fer any one Order to answer. This ain't news to anyone, but I've seen it firsthand. Hell," Kyric slowly shifted his remaining hand from beneath his cloak, revealing a patchwork of scars crisscrossing his skin. "I've felt it.

"I've always believed the Jedi are meant to be a beacon to those trapped beneath the tyrant's boot. When Noble and the rest of her cohorts departed the Alliance to continue this battle on their terms, I wasn't mad at em. Hell, it ain't all that different from the Lightsworn's departure from the New Jedi Order years ago. If yer fightin', yer fightin'. And based on reports comin' out of Kattada, they haven't given up the fight. But neither have the Lightsworn. It was their efforts on Balmorra that brought information on the Empire's superweapon to light. Masters Starhaven, Henna and Inosuke Ashina, and Bernard came to the Alliance's aid on Arkania.

"This Hidden Path ya' speak of Rand, is that who came to Kattada's defense? Why are so many within the New Jedi Order and Order of Shiraya left in the dark on their activities? Yer expectin' us to extend a hand? Ikuma Ashina has already moved to bridge the gap, yet we're none the wiser on their operations. I'm not fer sayin' yer wrong, but its clear to me you ain't here to help smooth tensions between our two Orders, so why are ya here? To denounce past mistakes? If so..." Kyric motioned to the gaping hole in the wall a dozen paces from the table. "Don't let the door hit ya on the way out."

Kyric turned away from Starlin and looked between Henna and Jand. "We ain't askin fer much here, Master Ashina. The New Jedi Order is gon' fight with or without the support of the Lightsworn. It's all we can do. We're just askin' to be a part of yer fight, too. What would ya ask of us to make that happen?"

---

Tags: Henna Ashina | Kylass Starhaven | Kito | Starlin Rand | Jand Talo | Arlow Vex | Aether of the Iron Order | Katarine Ryiah | Corazona von Ascania | Ariana du Couteau | Silya Thrast | Mykel Dawson

 

[Thelar Grayson]

ABANDONED ENCLAVE

Dentaal ⋆ Core Worlds
_______________________________________________________________________​

He wasn't expecting whiplash when slipping into the meeting with Heinrich, when hearing the voice of the critic, but after the last time, he supposed he shouldn't have been surprised: the Lightsworn, much like his own people, seemed to always put a foul taste in someone's mouth. Seemed necessity wasn't enough for everyone, but blessed be when the challenge was met. He wasn't certain he would have had the patience, at this point in time.

Thelar turned his flat gaze towards his most trusted mentor, his advisor, his uncle, with his mouth set into a firm line, yet chose to say nothing, and flicked back to Kyric when he spoke to ongoing efforts to bridge that very divide. Recent months had seen the young Grayson driven from his rightful home on Ruusan by the surge of criminality, to the lands of his ancestors in the far reaches — Ession, where the Ashlan Temple and burial site of his father resided — and it was wearying. The Planeshift had made that all the more difficult, but that too was easing.

He knew he should be thankful for his wholeness, his life, for they were not guaranteed, and have faith. There were greater demons to contend with, and that was what they were all meant to be here for, in the end.

_______________________________________________________________________

⋆ Heinrich Faust & all ⋆ ​

 

[Jand Talo]

Jand had felt that his words had run too long. He had fallen into the habit of Jedi, fallen into the eloquence and grandstanding as many did, and felt that his point may have been missed... or, at the very least, misunderstood as proposition by the Lightsworn.

"Kylass Starhaven, you seem to be under the impression that Kyric Karis speaks for us all," Jand said with a low tone, as he looked specifically to Kylass. "He does not; there are several of us. Nor has the position of Sword been appointed. A measure of understanding is required, before your Masters can fully decide on whether our New Jedi Order is suitable to be allies, and our goal is to provide that - you would not go into battle with a blade's untested edge.

"So, I ask that you calm yourself and cease purposeless displays of Force use for attention."

Jand turned to Lady Ashina, and spoke clearly, to avoid confusion or claims of sophistry and proselytizing:

"The previous New Jedi Order was rigid, politically entangled, and often restrained in its use of power by the Galactic Alliance. Our New Jedi Order will emphasize adaptability, combat readiness, and direct action in defense of others, alongside assisting the Alliance as we decide. Our Jedi will be trained to engage in battle in specialized formations of varying sizes, that lightsabers and the Force are tools for active defense, and a greater emphasis will be placed on tactics, pragmatism and leadership - the latter, if needed."

The Nagai looked to Kyric, then back to the Lightsworn:

"In short, the New Jedi Order will now blend the ideals of guardianship and peacekeeping with the focus of warriors forged in constant conflict. If there is a combat line that needs reinforcing, we will reinforce it; if there is a threat in a battle that needs ending, we will end it; and if you feel our methods provide an opportunity to work together, we will do just that.

"Allies in battle; allies against the dark side, Sith or Imperial or otherwise."

Jand motioned to Kyric, as he looked to the Lightsworn:

"So to follow with my companion, Kyric Karis', query... what might you require of us?"

The New Jedi Order would fight on, regardless; but together they were stronger, possibility awaited...

Henna Ashina | Kylass Starhaven | Kyric | Ichika Masudo | Kito | Katarine Ryiah | Silya Thrast
Ariana du Couteau | Mykel Dawson | Arlow Vex | Corazona von Ascania | Aether of the Iron Order
Starlin Rand | Sienna | Alexandra Feanor​

 

[Ichika Masudo]

Seeing Corazona in such a state as she was brought a slight frown to Masudo's face, but that she was living mattered more; healers were so precious in number, most of the time. When the Lightsworn joined them at the table, she tipped her own head in greeting, and found her place only after they had been seated, offering a faint smile.

While Jand began to address the Lightsworn — Master Henna, in particular, whom she had already met — Ichika was surprised minutely by the many words that came out of the Nagai, only to recall quite well that he could and did when it mattered to him, and so it also seemed, in times such as this. How much more would she learn of him, and others that had gained a distance from her in the handful of years past, as their paths dispersed them? As knighthoods had sent them along.

Discoveries and questions for other times.

But what surprised her more wasn't the ill-informed accusations, or even the grieved retort from one of their younger members: no, she was accustomed to the varying mental states of the Jedi, and ministering to them. That in the now, such feelings were normal, and to some degree expected. She had been no master of herself at that early point in her path, and took the first loss and betrayal she experienced as a padawan, by being terrified into seclusion over the anger she felt.

What did cause her pale brows to creep upward towards her equally colourless hairline, however, was how one of the Lightsworn chose to take the matter into her own hands, with a display of power... though the extent of her surprise was a brief glance flicked to the rumbling tabletop. There were better ways.

When Kyric began to speak to that end and urge the proceedings in their intended direction, and Jand followed up with his own corrections, her arms unfolded, and one hand fell to drape at the wrist over the end of the pair of tsuka there, wrapped in silken cyan cord and extending from her sheathed blades, while the other hand and forearm settled on the table — the silent, rosé sentinel she was, here, blue eyes, empathic sense, and keen mind in the state of observation.

Hopefully, the discussions would stay the expected course from this point, and she would not need to add to Alexandra's ministrations.

———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–———–

Aether of the Iron Order ✿ Alexandra Feanor ✿ Ariana du Couteau ✿ Arlow Vex ✿ Corazona von Ascania
Henna Ashina ✿ Jand Talo ✿ Katarine Ryiah ✿ Kito ✿ Kylass Starhaven
Kyric ✿ Mykel Dawson ✿ Sienna ✿ Starlin Rand​

 

[Corin Kaze]

He was no better than those that abandoned the Jedi Order, Corin thought of himself with a deepening frown. It may well have been a long-time coming, though it did little to ease the grief. Seeing familiar faces, he could not help but think he would be standing on the other side of this meeting had he of known what would become of the Jedi.

Corin let a glance meet the Arkanian Jedi, speaking in that persistent glum voice, "Calm yourself, Kylass."

Of that dissenting voice, it was challenged enough. Corin need not add to the piling frustrations, even then knowing it was not quite his place. He was undeserving of the right to lead with criticism of his own on that particular topic. Everyone would choose which path to tread, and that decision had been theirs.

Though with the question posed, he looked to master Henna and awaited the Lightsworn's voice to make their intentions known.

Kylass Starhaven

 

[Henna Ashina]

There was a wisdom in silence. Stoic and guarded, Henna listened to Jand's initial introduction. It was encouraging, at the very least, to hear that their reckoning would be a time for rekindling the flame that had sustained their order from its inception, but had begun to wane after Exegol. On his heels followed Arlow, and the prudence that flowed from the mouth of one so young evoked a ghost of a smile from Henna. Interjection of discussion of the Hidden Path quickly crushed that ounce of joy, and some flicker of irritation ran through the master.

Kylass had the right of it - this was war. Every moment was valuable. Whilst the Lightsworn had already sent an Ashina to seek out those who had departed the core, it made little difference to Henna whether the New Jedi would do the same. They could not be blamed if they chose not too, but their internal bickering made no difference to her, and was frankly, a waste of time. Stardust and Tython remained the crusader's priorities. With Kyric and Jand finally reigning back in the conversation, the master's eyes moved squarely back to the New Jedi, ready to make demands of them.

"We claimed the title of the Sword of the Jedi when we founded our order." Henna began, starting with what had already been put forth. "It is a symbol of hope, an honor, one that transcends generations. The mantle goes to whom we determine. Similarly, the Shield was always meant to be called by seership and the will of the force. The New Jedi's circle of seers ignored my counsel and sought to name a Zambrano as our last. I reject the notion. When another is ready and the force reveals them, we will take that title, too."

No longer would they suffer false idols. Both honoraries were invaluable in their ability to unite and divide the Jedi. As far as Henna was concerned, the name Karis was synonymous with Sword. Kyric would build upon the foundation his father had laid with his life's blood. She had seen it. In thought of the future, Henna moved to her next point.

"As I'm sure you are all aware by this point, the Empire is building a superweapon. We mean to destroy it, and fight our way to Tython after, as our ancestors did Ruusan. We will hold guardianship over our birthplace. The planets freed along our path will be given the chance to be taken into our fold. Atrisia has already embraced Jedi Lordship. This stands to pit us against the Senate when they realize our intentions. I'm certain the politicians will not be thrilled when they understand the implications. Where will you stand, lodged between the pair of us?"

It was not a question she expected an immediate answer to. The idea that the New Jedi could separate so easily from the laws the Alliance had placed upon the order was not an idea that Henna shared with Jand. Born together, growing together, warring together - the two bodies were grossly intertwined, and the Senate had abused that relationship to ensure their Jedi were properly tethered and policed. Now, the Lightsworn meant to reclaim the same armor they had shed millennia ago to please another government.

"Most important, perhaps, is the basic assurance that we can trust you enough to fight alongside you. While I understand you are not your predecessors, I need promises that you will not make the same mistakes as they did, allowing a place for darkness in your halls. The slightest trace of corruption festers. We already saw the Alliance use dark rituals on Arkania. The Emperor's right hand was one of our own, ushered into Bogan’s embrace by these very actions." A frown manifested with the mention of Rhis Fisto. There was still much to make right. "No sith spawn. No compromising with forces of darkness. If you are to redeem someone, they face accountability for their crimes against the light."

For Jedi, those should have been given - but history proved otherwise.

 

[Starlin Rand]

Starlin turned to the guy in the mask and shrugged. "I'm not on any side."

Kylass Starhaven started growling about sophistry and proselytization, but she didn't address him directly, so he didn't respond. Sienna stepped forward, the most direct and aggressive of the challengers to come. Starlin sighed, more weary than annoyed. "The Lightsworn made all the same tired old arguments back when they were pushing for reformation. I think you know better. You just like feeling superior to the people who stepped in to defend the galaxy after the Order of your forefathers had all but collapsed. A few of the old heads retired to farmsteads, raising families while the galaxy continued to burn around them. So, let the one who is without sin cast the first stone."

He glanced at Kyric , who asked him why he was here. "Two things. One, I was at the Lightsworn rally on Atrisia a few years back. I recognize your face. You hold dual membership with the NJO and the Lightsworn. You've presented this as a reconciliation, a chance to bury the hatchet between enclaves. But the people here representing the NJO aren't even the ones the Lightsworn insulted in the first place.

"Second," he shook his head, "Actions speak louder than words. You say you've tried to work with the Hidden Path, but they haven't been receptive to you. Probably because you keep insisting that they aren't doing anything to stop the Sith. Well, they're fighting at Kattada while you're here 'reconciling' with your buddies." He couldn't help but laugh a bit at the absurdity of it all, even if it was a broken, sour laugh.

"I'm willing to offer myself as an arbiter between the NJO and the HP. I'm a neutral party. I had my issues with Valery Noble's run as Grandmaster same as I did with Ryv Karis' time as the Sword. I don't believe the Jedi Order should be a pendulum constantly swinging back and forth between two extremes, nor should it be fractured into rival sects. I want balance and unity, and I hope you do too." Some of the people here might not be interested, but hey, you can't win 'em all. If he got even one person to rethink this my Jedi better than your Jedi bullshit, he would count it as a victory.

He remembered when Ryv and his compatriots used to rage about the "old guard" they were going to overthrow. Well, now they had become the thing they once sought to destroy. They were the old guard. Why let history repeat itself, with this new generation making the same mistakes, when there was still time to intervene?

Aether of the Iron Order Henna Ashina Ichika Masudo Jand Talo Corin Kaze Alexandra Feanor Kito Katarine Ryiah Ariana du Couteau Mykel Dawson Arlow Vex Corazona von Ascania​

 

[Corin Kaze]

Mere years ago seemed to be another lifetime now, and the Corin from then was all things brash and hasty. He remembered being quick to voice unkind opinions to those undeserving of ridicule, or taking too much pride in sparring other students. To hear this, then, Corin might have spat venom and demanded some kind of challenge. Now, less so. He sighed with a heave to his chest, buried in thick robes of the Jedi.

"The Hidden Path cavorts with Sith in dancing halls," there was a nothingness to his gaze, oddly coloured as those eyes were. "To us of the Lightsworn, an alliance with them is not tenable. This matter today concerns the Jedi Order, not the Hidden Path."

Starlin claimed to be on no particular side, making Corin uncertain as to whether this man was of the New Jedi Order or not. He glanced to Jand for a moment, as if to ask who the man belonged to.

"If you have nothing to add on the topic at hand, leave." A hand unfurled from sleeves of his robes, wafting towards the door.

Starlin Rand - Jand Talo - Aether of the Iron Order - Henna Ashina - Ichika Masudo - Alexandra Feanor - Kito - Katarine Ryiah - Ariana du Couteau - Mykel Dawson - Arlow Vex - Corazona von Ascania

 

[Arlow Vex]

Arlow felt her heart sink in her chest. The meeting was descending into the very thing she feared. Squabbles over titles. Deepening divisions. Heightened emotions getting in the way of thinking of the people.


She’d felt some small inkling of hope when
Henna Ashina had spoken. Though her Master Kyric and Jand Talo had not spoken in complete harmony, they had outlined the state of the Galaxy and their intentions towards it in stark and irrefutable language. For that, she respected them deeply.

Master Ashina’s revelations had been grim indeed. However, she countered the news of impending doom with a plan of attack. One that, much to Arlow’s relief, included liberating the people of the Core. Though she had never, ever, considered the concept of Jedi Lordship in the past, she could see its merit in times of war in which the Galaxy was steeped in Darkness, and planets needed a Jedi upon them who could act as a shield against the insidious creeping of evil. While she knew well she would never accept such a position herself, nor would she even want to, Arlow could see herself standing as an ally beside such a proactive Order as the Lightsworn. If they would carve a path of light back to the Core, she would follow, helping free, rescue, and resituate the inhabitants of the worlds newly rescued from Imperial clutches.

But Arlow well knew it was not her place to speak. Grievances she knew nothing of ran deep. These Jedi deserved a chance to be able to work through and release these negative emotions. While here was not the time or place, it was what they had chosen to do, and Arlow would respect their autonomy. So, she simply sat. Waited. Listened. And hoped beyond all hope that the illustrious denizens gathered here could work through their conflict and turn their brilliant minds towards identifying and building solutions rather than highlighting more and more problems.

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Alexandra continued her silent observation, watching as Kyric and Jand Talo gave their own words to the matter. Addressed the failings of the Hidden Path as well as the actions of the Lightsworn. Her eyes studying them and wondering if they spoke for people like Corazona von Ascania who had not addressed the most recent round of conversation. The information was a curious thing, made her wonder if there would be opportunity for a greater union of the Jedi Orders in order to stand against the Sith as a whole.

It could be a grand Army of Light just as it had been when Veino Garn had been at her side with much of the Order during the fall of the Galactic Republic and the time when the Rebel Alliance had operated. She was curious about what Veino might even be doing these days, curious if he might be getting into trouble or if time had finally caught up with him.

Those thoughts were banished for now though, focusing in on Jand speaking with Authority over the course of the Jedi Order while Kyric held his ground regarding the perseverance of the Jedi Order against the Dark. These were ideals that she could support without a need to think further, but they were not without fault which the Lightsworn Master quickly spoke on.

First, came the topic of Titles and the mention of a Zambrano. The first she found to be little use, as her own thoughts on the titles of the Order was simple.

They meant nothing.

Beyond the title of Grandmaster, authority through a title was only as much as the Order itself allowed. Fighting over a title did nothing but create disunity when the enemy was as strong as ever.

The topic of the Zambrano though brought her eyes solely onto Henna. Alexandra herself knew little about the Zambrano in question, but she did know who it was that had been mentioned. She had her own issues with that family, especially with their Scion whom she had recently stood against when the mission to rescue Manu had been interrupted. Carnifex had taken a great deal from her as well, killing her beloved, twisting such wonderful children into his pawns and she had been powerless to stop it. She found only distaste for the thought of Carnifex, of the man who she had served a lifetime ago herself.

And soon, Alexandra's eyes settled ever more intently on Henna Ashina at the words 'Jedi Lordship'. It was not too long ago when she had suggested, even promoted the participation of Jedi in the Alliance's government. Within the GADF and the Senate where they could do the most good, where structure would keep the Jedi from being targetted and accused of seeking to push their values onto the worlds of the alliance as if they were despots.

And then came the part she feared the most from such extremism. Moralistic Justice, to use the Light as a beacon of absolute good that retribution and crusades could use as a banner. Alexandra understood the worry regarding the dark, it was what had torn apart her first family, those students of hers within the Temple of the Grey that had turned to infighting and Krest had been given the chance to murder Minna. She had paid for her lack of vigilance in allowing for the Dark to be given room to crawl into the minds of her students.

Even now she could see the faces of those who had died as a result of her failures.

Yet... for Jedi to speak in that way, to call for a purge and culling of all those who do not believe the same as them. It was dangerous, and her hands moved, extending the spear she used to fight but also as a pole to lean on so that she could stand. The metal striking the ground and creating a sharp sound that echoed for a moment to punctuate her rising from where she had been sitting, her sharp eyes looking towards everyone before she would collapse the spear only once she was standing once more. She placed it onto the back of her belt, the robes being pulled back over it so that she could speak without a weapon in her hand.

"Apologies, I do not wish to interrupt you but I must speak on these matters." She started, her voice soft, letting the force help carry what was barely a whisper to the others in the room. Even now only her right arm moved as she stepped forward to join the congregation properly, her left side still deeply scarred and corrupted by the Dark during the fight within the Nexus under Coruscant's temple.

"I cannot speak on the future of the Order, it is not my place in that regard to do so. But, I must speak, both in defense of the Order but in defense of those we seek to help and protect through our actions. When Valery Noble and the others had left our side, it hurt but we cannot control their decisions or choices. They sought to serve and help others in their own way, a method that those here cannot agree with simply." She paused for the moment, bowing her head towards Starlin Rand who had been seeking to offer a kinder view towards the Hidden Path and its people. Alexandra had hoped to aid the Hidden Path, but things had changed and her efforts could not be so widespread, not when so many needed her focused on those that got left behind.

"But, as Corin Kaze has stated, this topic today should be focused on the future. On our next steps and the steps that the Jedi Order and the Lightsworn can take to curb and stop the enemy from bringing devastation and harm to more people. The steps necessary to spare both those we care about and those we never knew from suffering at the hands of individuals like Darth Solipsis. Which, is why I must address your view for the future, and the idea you have brought forward Henna Ashina ." She turned, settling her gaze back on Henna, studying her and her form continuing to let the Force draw at the emotions of others, to pull to her those more hostile ones, continuing to steal away any that could cause discontent so that the conversation can be understood by all without emotion clouding things.

"Jedi Lordship is dangerous. To view our beliefs as supreme over the ideals and beliefs of trillions is wrong, and while Atrisia may be doing well, your wording betrays the fact of it. You speak that worlds will be given the chance to be 'taken' into your fold. To claim and rule over, to build a dominion by force and to control the countless numbers who will only see it for what it is. Conquest. While I know your intention is Liberation, while I understand that many here feel they have been left helpless or felt they could do more if given the power to do so, how far is too far and how quickly will righteous intentions fall into committing harm no different in scale to the Imperials now." She stopped, coughing as blood fell into her sleeve, holding the right sleeve there as she had strained her body a great deal by speaking just this little bit.

"Please, do not take my words as accusations..." She continued, her voice much weaker now and only the force allowing her words to reach the others in the room. "... I could only fall to my knees and ask with the greatest earnesty that you help in turning back those who seek to do harm. But, given the duties I must fulfill myself, I must be vigilant of when despotism is being offered even if it is given a comforting sound to it. While your words are something I agree with, that the Sithspawn cannot be allowed to infest the halls of worlds, while those who commit great crimes must pay, we must understand that taking the path where Jedi rule over others with such fanaticism will only bring about suffering too. There are better ways, ways in which the Jedi can make that kind of impact without stripping away the rights and choices of the worlds who trust in us."

With that, she stopped, coughing again and stepping back, letting herself withdraw after saying her peace. Her reach clawing out to the force, pulling it to her consciously now and any who could look into the force would see how weakened her being was now. The half of her soul within the body struggling to stay steady and pushing back against the dark corruption crawling deeper into her core. She pushed back against it though, filtered the force into her very being and letting it push down that reaching grasp that had seized onto the half of her within her body still.

She maintained her soft smile though, even as she had found a place to sit once more, not far from the others within this congregation. Her hand resting in her lap while the left continued to hang uselessly, her breathing slow and steady and her eyes returning to simply watching the others. She had spoken, offered the risk that comes with such a path as what Henna had suggested. That what they could do is breed an enemy far more insidious if they sought to become despots in their own right, that their teachings were not compatible with ruling.

Kylass Starhaven Arlow Vex Ichika Masudo

 

[Aether of the Iron Order]

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

Blue photo receptors turned towards Starlin Rand

"This council has not gathered to discuss Valery, nor her Path. Not everything revolves around her shadow. We are here to forge a way forward between the New Jedi Order and the Lightsworn, not to indulge in fire-starting. Your so-called help is self-righteous arrogance masked in pretense. If you have nothing pertinent to the present agenda, then silence will suit you nicely."

It would seem Aether had no interest in babysitting a 'what about my ex' tangent, nor allowing the discussion to be dragged further from its purpose. After all, there was a time and a place, and this council was neither.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Cora smiled to Kylass' gentle gentle greeting, pleased to see a familiar face among the Lightsworn delegation. "And I you, Lady Starhaven. I'm glad to see that you've recovered well." The Arkanian had shed the bacta braces from her legs, which came as a source of relief for the healer. A low, dry chuckle worked its way from her throat. "I do hope that what strength remains will be enough."

Jand spoke, for longer than she'd ever heard. The Nagai warrior was not one to mince words, nor waste breath. Then Knight Rand. The situation escalated from there and Cora blinked as the table before them bent and groaned.

"Most important, perhaps, is the basic assurance that we can trust you enough to fight alongside you. While I understand you are not your predecessors, I need promises that you will not make the same mistakes as they did, allowing a place for darkness in your halls. The slightest trace of corruption festers. We already saw the Alliance use dark rituals on Arkania. The Emperor's right hand was one of our own, ushered into Bogan’s embrace by these very actions." A frown manifested with the mention of Rhis Fisto. There was still much to make right. "No sith spawn. No compromising with forces of darkness. If you are to redeem someone, they face accountability for their crimes against the light."

"While the New Jedi Order has embraced the conditional redemption of darksiders, we currently lack both the infrastructure and manpower to continue to do so in a safe manner," she admitted. A glance to Jand, Ichika and Mykel lingered before the knight's weary gaze settled back over the assembly. The Hidden Path appeared to be a more inflammatory topic than anticipated, and what followed had her wincing as the wound in her chest caused damaged muscles to tighten before they were ready.

"Put aside the Hidden Path for now. Put aside titles. Let us be careful that animosity does not lead us down a-" she paused, lifting her hand to shield her mouth as a momentary coughing fit seized her voice. "-Dark path," she finished with a rasp.

"Above all else, let us not be so inflexible that we cannot put aside our differences in ideology for this dire moment. The Imperials and Sith would very much like to see us fracture further."

Cora leaned back into the headrest of her chair, drawing air slowly into her single functioning lung. Once her breathing steadied, she continued, albeit strained.

"The last time the Lightsworn began to rise, it vanished into the shadows not long after. Just as you need assurance in our dedication to the Light, we need assurance that the Lightsworn will see this through."

There was no malice to her voice, no harsh bite or snide register to her tone. Only fatigue, and a genuine lilt of hope that perhaps some semblance of unity could be achieved before she succumbed to the Force wound gnawing at her in both body and spirit.

Jand Talo Kylass Starhaven Henna Ashina Alexandra Feanor Kyric Starlin Rand Aether of the Iron Order Corin Kaze Ichika Masudo Katarine Ryiah Kito Ariana du Couteau Silya Thrast Thelar Grayson Mykel Dawson Sienna Arlow Vex

 

[Henna Ashina]

Both criticisms were understandable, though that did not mean Henna particularly cared for them. It was the same measure of fickleness that Alexandra showcased when voicing her concerns around the concept of Jedi Lords that had weakened the Jedi over time; though, perhaps, hers was just a byproduct of the generations of lessons instilled by the Ruusan reformations. Follow-up by Cora casted light on the shame they had endured only months after their formation. It was enough to make Henna shift in her seat, rising a little straighter, allowing a measured moment to gather thoughts before answering.

"At our inception, we were but a ghost of what we are now. A few dozen Jedi, a few dozen allies and friends thereof. Every one of our leaders came from this council or the Ashlan Crusade. We were all seasoned and experienced, but not in the way our manpower required of us. Command with numbers and resources required to defeat an Empire is a drastically different thing from the rogue organization we were. We struck too harshly, too quickly. A battle at Dromuund Kaas decimated our numbers." The seer's gaze flickered momentarily to Kyric, then back to the young woman. "We needed time to not only recoup our losses, but to build upon the foundation we had found. Amass funding. Allies. Weapons to put in their hands, and ships to carry them. Learn how to lead with what we have, and learn to use those assets to the best of our abilities."

Their blazing start had, in truth, totally crippled them. Those last two years were hellish. Seldom had she seen her family, either burying her head in one tome or another or deploying to the rim to secure another connection. Now, there was no respite. The heralds of war had sounded.

"And here we stand, ready. Perhaps it is the same hubris to imagine we can reclaim Tython. So be it. We have made our preparations, and there is only one way forward. Whilst we would appreciate your assistance, we fight without, as well."

The seer's gaze shifted, finding the master who had spoken against lordship. The seer noted how painfully frail they both appeared. If they were able to come to some sort of agreement, perhaps she could help with the wounds that still ailed them before her departure.

"I hear your words, and I thank you for the counsel. I do not intend on 'forcing my beliefs' upon populations at large, as you put it. Though we have aligned with many previous Ashlans, their... church was excessive. We only seek to shepherd and guard these worlds from the tyranny they have fallen to. I am not so naive as not to see the dangers possible, but the risk of rule is one we shall gladly bear when put against the danger of inaction. Our histories tell us the reformation that cast us down from Lordship was a necessary movement of the times. So say I, today. In an era where Sith dominate large swaths of the galaxy, I refuse to sit idly by and let these systems befall the same fate time and time again."

 

[Ba’yl Lazan]

His distrust in the New Jedi Order gave him doubt in this summit, and his distrust grew more when listening to the New Jedi. More so when learning of this particular Hidden Path orchestrated by the former Grandmaster and others.

I grow tired of these antics.

“Our time is invaluable and it is wasted by listening to needless babbles,” Ba’yl firmly declared with frustration in his voice, his eyes glaring at Rand and then returning to the host of New Jedi. Perhaps it was not his place to speak out of turn while at the side of his Master, yet nothing productive was being done. “You have seen our determination in fighting against the rise of the Sith and their Galactic Empire. Doubting our promise in this war is the least of your worries. If we are to cooperate, propose ideas and come to a mutual decision.”

“Coalition or not, it won’t stop our mission in rooting out the Darkside and put an end to its practices”

 

[Aether of the Iron Order]

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

"If this is to be a war council, then let us conduct it as such. Three things are required.

Account. What enclaves endure? Which Masters remain? Which allies still stand? We must keep a shared ledger of our holdings without rumor or assumption, but record. This ledger should be kept jointly by both Orders, guarded by trusted archivists, so that we all know who yet breathes, and where our strengths and weaknesses lie.

Assurance. No Sith rites. No dark pacts. No spawn of corruption. Jedi do not walk that path. If unity is to be forged, it must rest on unbreakable ground. Let us form a pact together: no such rites for sith, no bargains in shadow. And if any darksider is to be redeemed, it will not be decided by one Order alone, but by a joint tribunal, so all share in the burden of judgment.

Accord. How shall we strike? Who commands? Who shields the innocent, and who carries the blade into the dark? Decide it here and now, before the enemy decides it for us in blood. I propose a Joint War Council. Campaign command may alternate; When the Lightsworn lead, the New Jedi stand as deputies; when the New Jedi lead, the Lightsworn do the same with deputies. Strategy belongs to both.

Know this also: the Jedi Order is not a banner, nor a name to be raised in dominion. The Order is what we do. We are guardians, not overlords. Stewardship of worlds may sometimes fall to us in war, but it must be temporary, to hold safe until civilian hands can take it up again. Not to act out of conquest.

I bring an offer: a safe haven for the young and the uninitiated in the ways of war. A temple, secluded, to act as hospice and academy, beyond the enemy's reach. The untested must not be thrown into battle. Let both Orders send their young there, and let it be jointly staffed, so the next generation is not forged as child soldiers, but trained as Jedi.

Finally... let words not drift into endless echo. Let us test our unity. One joint campaign, chosen here and now, to prove we can act as one. If we succeed, it becomes the first stone of greater alliance. If we fail, both Orders still stand apart.

Righteous indignation without patience, and zeal without strategy, lead only to ruin. Resolve must be tempered by discipline and restraint. Strategy, unity, and purpose will decide the galaxy's fate.

I propose Henna Ashina to lead the first campaign. Let her be flanked by two deputies Jand Talo of the New Jedi for discipline, and Kyric for his devotion and bond to both Orders."

 

[Ko Vuto]

Tags: Corazona von Ascania | Jand Talo | Aether of the Iron Order | Kyric | Henna Ashina | Corin Kaze | Starlin Rand | Kylass Starhaven | Katarine Ryiah | Alexandra Feanor | Ichika Masudo | Arlow Vex | Silya Thrast | Thelar Grayson | Mykel Dawson | Kito | Sienna | Ariana du Couteau

“You will know… when you are calm, at peace, passive…”

Ancient words of wisdom flowed through Kel Dor’s consciousness as he listened to what was being said here. He waited and he listened. Hasty snap judgments were a doubled edge sword for those of Dorin. Fully capable of creating as many problems as they solve. The fact that he was no longer whole was a potent enough reminder of that.

Ko’s robes were far from tattered, but certainly lacked the pristiness he often prided himself on with these kinds of gatherings. The longer, looser outer robe he wore caped over his shoulders, the sleeves lacking any arms inside of them.

The Kel Dor had never held much of a grudge against the Lightsworn. If he were to be honest there were elements of the group he envied. He didn’t believe that such sentiments were very widely shared however. To Ko meetings like these were something he had quietly desired for some time. In the past he had expressed his own opinions on where he thought the New Jedi Order could grow. Now it seemed as though it was too late. Many of his concerns have become realized now with the Imperial resurgence.

Ko had never really known war, true war, ones with existential consequences. He’d only really ‘played’ war before. With Sith and Mandalorians where the weight of defeat felt so much smaller in comparison. But to the Kel Dor, Imperials knew war like non other. This was even what he had been taught as a child on Dorin when it was under the governance of the Empire. The same empire that had ground the Sith into dust after a bloody grueling war of attrition. The same Empire his older brother had enlisted and where he wanted to follow in his footsteps.

He’s witnessed draconic armageddon, mandalorian crusades, and clashed with Sith, and now it all felt like child's play in retrospect. But perhaps that was just some twisted sense of Imperial pride that still lingered deep in his soul. The same kind of pride that cost The Vuto Clan so much.

As Kyric began to address the room Ko straightened his posture and focused more on what was happening in the here and now. Remembering to ground himself in the present and not become lost in rumination.

Kyric reminded him that there were other threats beyond just the Empire. That the Jedi, Galactic Alliance and Core were not the things that mattered in the Galaxy. Where groups like the Empire were an open wound, organizations like The Black Sun Syndicate were more like a horrible infection that followed. They were being attacked by every direction and couldn’t handle it alone. If it could be achieved, having multiple allies to handle multiple foes was likely the best thing that could come of this.

However, Ko continued to listen more, hoping to take in the words and sentiments expressed by everyone here. His covered eyes shifted to Cora as she began to speak. Internally Ko felt a pang of guilt towards her for not having been there at Ilum during the head count during the aftermath of Coruscant’s Fall. Believing that he should’ve been there.

When Aether spoke, they did so clearly and concisely in a way that Ko appreciated. The Kel Dor ‘smirked’ under his mask. Or at least what could be considered a smirk with his alien mouth. Being a shard it made sense, community was key in their colonies after all.

“I believe I’ll be seconding many of the sentiments shared here, and I concur with what Aether has expressed. For those of us here to be willing to put our focus towards something more actionable. We can leave squabbles and reluctant promises to our politicians. Everyone here is someone who has already cast aside inaction by being here and present.”

“I can only speak for myself, but I am grateful for every face here. Which may not be a lot in the grand scheme of things. But it’s something.” With everything going on even little things like that could feel big in their own right. Part of Ko was just happy to see some friendly faces again and like minded people. Since he was starting to really miss some of his friends, role models and mentors and it was weighing on him now with time to process things some.

“Think of it. About what this moment could say about us here if we can manage broker actually comradery. When things have become so dire, when we have lost so much. Managing to achieve something that not too long ago seemed so far out of reach, and during which our situations were hardly as desperate or ill fated. Right now, we are standing at a crossroads. Here we have the ability… no, the privilege to make a choice that matters. These kinds of opportunityies that comes every day.” Ko stated, tone growing a bit passionate at the end. The setting and moment started to feel a bit familiar to him. Recalling times during similar meetings where his voice was heard and regarded. But where the things he said matters much in the end. But unlike then, with so many gone now the weight of the responsibility of the NJO has fallen on fewer people. People like Cora, Jand, Himself and others now found themselves in the proverbial driver's seat. Where what they did today had far bigger consequences for tomorrow. He just hoped that his peers also took to heart the gravity of the situation.​

 

[Jand Talo]

Silence was where Jand usually existed. His need to express through conversation had reached a shorthand, as his years spent in persistent battle had negated the need for lengthy discussion or conversation; his had become tactics, strategy and military movements. In some ways, the gathering of Jedi at the ruin felt like a return to his Jedi Temple days, where he was asked to sit and listen to lecturing for hours before debating with other Padawans. And back then, it had been taxing, especially for being a Nagai, and today it was no less so.

However, unlike back then, Jand had learned patience from Master Vanagor.

But even I have my limits.

When Ko Vuto, whom Jand was pleased to see alive and well, spoke, it was with a mediator's tone. His words helped temper some of Jand's own before the Nagai planned to speak, so he was thankful for that. Still, there seemed to be a misunderstanding between the gathered Jedi, and before progress could be made, there needed to be some clarification - an understanding.

"Lady Ashina, we are not you, you are not us.

"We will likely never share ideologies or methods in how our Orders function. We do not take lordship of planets, nor do we strive to free singular worlds under claim of birthright. That is not our way. You are free to do as you wish, so long as you do not become that which you fight against. I do not care what you or your crusaders do... unless your actions begin to harm the innocent, or you begin to ignore the wishes of planets that do not want your lordships. Then we will have issue."

Jand kept his voice flat.

"By the same token, it would dishonor the New Jedi to continue attempting to bend over backwards to prove ourselves to you. We have fought our wars, we have battled before you, and we will continue to battle irrespective of being beside you or not. But time is not on our side, and like your inception, we now also seek allies until we can rebuild. And despite taking a near-lethal blow to our Order, we are not sitting back to lick our wounds; instead, we are forging ahead and recognizing the danger in the galaxy.

"I will make this simple: we promise you nothing, save that we will act in the best interests of the light side, and we will do everything we can do to combat the dark side, in all its forms."

The Nagai stood, as he lifted his hood and pulled it up over his head. He looked across the assembled Lightsworn, his gaze lingering on the shard in the armored body.

"If that is acceptable, I say we move ahead with plans for a campaign, as your Jedi shard suggested. If not, we will leave."

Henna Ashina | Kylass Starhaven | Kyric | Ichika Masudo | Kito | Katarine Ryiah | Silya Thrast
Ariana du Couteau | Mykel Dawson | Arlow Vex | Corazona von Ascania | Aether of the Iron Order
Starlin Rand | Sienna | Alexandra Feanor | Ba’yl Lazan | Ko Vuto​

 

[Kylass Starhaven]

“Then let this be a coalition in arms. Rather than an alliance of creeds,” said Kylass as she released her hand from Corazona von Ascania and stood up from her seat. She looked around the table, her silvery glare passing from New Jedi Order to Lightsworn, and past the representative of this Hidden Path she had just learned of. No matter whom, the battleworn Arkanian watched them all. Kylass drew in a deep breath and exhaled it in a soft hiss through her nostrils. “You will not solve any dogmatic divergences or schismatic creeds here,” said Kylass, continuing.

“As I said prior, we are at War,” said Kylass, reaching into her Jedi belt to remove a personal imagecaster. She held the palm-sized disc device in her hand and clicked it on. Placing it on the table she slid it onto the center of the table. From the image caster a ballooned star map of the Deep Core and surrounding Core Worlds swelled into the open space beneath the stars peaking through the collapsed roof. But just as the orbs of the Deep Core worlds were inflated into their holoprojected orbits, a deep red bathed their once azure flickering colors. “And war is won with logistics, strategy, and a chain of command,” continued Kylass, stepping away from the table to begin pacing behind everyone’s chairs in an orbit of her own around the table.

Kylass sent her hands behind her back and bound them together in a knotted fist. “With the fall of Arkania, Champala, and Ord Lithone, the Galactic Alliance could be very well cleaved in two," Kylass spoke on. "One half in the east shall be entirely surrounded by the Galactic Empire and the Mandalorian Empire. The other, the west, shall be left out in the open, turned from one solid bloc into a strewn break of disparate worlds and abruptly returned to the command of their own defenses, which previously had been relinquished to the Alliance as their responsibility."

The Arkanian Lightsworn passed behind the Jedi Droid, Aether of the Iron Order , and nudged her head in an acknowledging nod to him. “Aether is correct in his assessments and proposals. This council must form into a coalition of arms, not as an alliance of Orders, but a military compact between forces…as one Army,” said Kylass. “Each of us, selected to form a Jedi Military Council, armed in determination and armored by our Faith. From which we should endeavour to distribute Joint Task Forces into Imperial Space but also to bolster the defences of the Eastern and Western halves of Galactic Alliance Space.”

Kylass bounded the table and came behind Lady Henna Ashina . “The Lightsworn should be given the West as our Watch. From Atrisia we are poised to spread out in Jedi Seeker or Sentinel Missions to unite the disparate enclaves and outposts into a Bulwark of Light. I have already led a special mission to Anaxes with the Lightsworn Task Force Rogue Lance. We can do much more,” said Kylass. She stepped towards Kyric, Jand and the others around them. “But know this,” Kylass said, her voice grimmer than usual. “We Lightsworn will not tolerate the intrusion on our work against the Darkness. Do not interfere in our domain of Faith and we shall in turn not question yours. Mutual respect on that matter cannot be negotiated.”

Finally Kylass made it back to her seat but did not take it. She rested her hands on the shoulders of her chair and looked up at the star map. “Those are the terms I am proposing, alongside Aether’s Accord,” said Kylass, her tone lightening, becoming more soft, and for once belying her age at fifty-four. “Form a Grand Jedi Army of the Light, counseled in war by the most battle-minded within you as a Jedi Military Council. Then partition Alliance Space into West and Eastern Theaters of Operations, form Joint Task Forces…and begin. The Empire has a Superweapon now. Their Imperial Navy asserts themselves in newly annexed systems and has begun a purge of the Enclaves and Outposts swallowed inside their borders. I have seen it, at Anaxes. Our foe is organized, focused and determined. Let us be as well and meet them in the field.”

Kylass locked eyes with Henna, Jand Talo , Corazona, and Kyric . “You’ve but only say the word, and we can begin in earnest,” said Kylass.​

---

Silya Thrast | Arlow Vex | Kito | Ko Vuto | Ichika Masudo | Corin Kaze​