The GrandMaster's Office

[Darron Wraith]

Tython

He quickly sat the dark brown robe on the rack as he turned on all the lights in the spacious office, the morning sun of Tython greeting him as he opened the blinds covering the massive window. Books were quickly adjusted on the bare shelves, and a few stray holocrons glowed on their shelf. The first belonged to Je'gan Olraen, Jedi Master and friend to Darron Wraith. The second belonged to the former GrandMaster, Teferi Efreet. On the shelf next to them rested various relics from missions past, as well as tokens of appreciation. On the wall across were maps of all known galaxies, and above the door was the Jedi code. The smooth marble floor had a few rugs near the spacious desk that was very neatly organized, and a couch and table in the far corner served as a rest area.

The sunlight started to seep in at the floor, and it's light caught the glimmer of several lightsabers on a rack. Over two dozen of them rested there, all from opponents of the past. They where not there as trophies, but as symbols of respect for those no longer living. A lightsaber was the ultimate embodiment of who a Force-user was, and to discard them would be sacrosanct to everything a Jedi was. So they rested on the rack, a testament to who they were. Even if they where all made by Dark Jedi, and Sith, they still required respect. Underneath was a dresser for spare robes, and beside that was the case where his breastplate and greaves rested for when he needed to put them on. Simply clothed in his brown tunic and brown pants, the only ornament to his outfit was the glove covering his prosthetic hand and forearm and the two electrum plated lightsabers on his waist.

As he made his way to sit at his desk, Darron moved some of his long blonde hair out of his face and pulled up his holo-viewer. On the docket for the day where several meetings, and there were messages to be read from Republic command and the Chancellor. I can look at those later, he mused. After looking through everything, the GrandMaster turned to the three sabers sitting on a separate stand on his desk and he adjusted them slightly. The first was his former best friend, Rolf Sergeo's. The second had belonged to his father, and they would rest forever there as tokens of respect to the two men who had helped him, the third belong to Teferi Efreet, and was a reminder of who came before him. A beep let him know someone wanted to come in, and he quickly hit a button to speak to his secretary. "Why yes go ahead and send them in."

Darron adjusted the small pin he now wore on a necklace that signified his rank, and he waited for the first meeting of the day...

 

[Davin Jusik]

Davin strode into the Darron's new office with a large smile on his face, this was a joyous occasion after all, one of the few Jedi he would trust to lead had gotten promoted to GrandMaster of the entire Jedi Order. Of course he was going to congratulate him! Davin wore his dress green's with all of his various medals, ribbons, and badges. On his hip was a standard issue blaster pistol and in his boot a large combat knife.

"Hello GrandMster, congratulations on your promotion! Moving up in the world ey?" He said with a large grin.

 

[Darron Wraith]

"Hey there Major Jusik, I hope you are finding your stay on Tython wonderful."

Darron rose to his feet and instead of saluting, bowing, or anything formal. He instead walked up, grabbed his forearm with his hand, and hugged him with the other. A true warrior's handshake to show the utmost respect to the Major who served the Republic. "It's good to see you again Davin, I haven't seen you since the funeral, well that and at Onderon in the aftermath." The Jedi Master grew silent for a moment as he pulled away and went back to his seat, motioning for Davin to do the same on the other side of the desk. Covering the distance within two steps, he quickly fell back into his seat and looked at the Major for a few moments before speaking again. "You know, you would think I'd be happy about all of this." The GrandMaster motioned to his office and to the view that they had of Tython.

"In reality, I just don't know if I'm ready for it all honestly. I spent my years training as a warrior, learning how to be a solider on campaigns with the Republic military. I mastered combat techniques most Jedi are too afraid to touch, hell the form of lightsaber combat I use is so rare...I'm the only one who uses it. My old job used to be hunting down bad guys, and stopping them by myself." He spun in his chair to look out at the sun as it rose some more, taking in it's beauty while taking a small calming breath. "Yet here I am slightly nervous over being the face of the Order, even if people say I"ve been viewed as such for a while now. I do find it funny though, I do enough good twenty years ago to get a statue when everyone thinks I'm dead. I get frozen, come back, and I'm instantly made head Jedi."

Effortlessly spinning back to face the Major, Darron finally asked him a question. "So enough about me, what's been going on with you? Is this just a personal visit or is there business to be discussed...and please don't bring up what you saw in that bar." The GrandMaster was of course referencing the night he and Rosa finally gave into their feelings.

 

[Davin Jusik]

"Personal, just happened to be in the neighborhood and wanted to personally congratulate you on your new position." Davin said with a grin, he'd appreciated the handshake, only soldiers shook each others hands like that. The sun beamed in and reflected off of his holo watch, causing him to glance at the time. He frowned slightly.

"While I'd love to sit here and discuss the burdens of leadership or any other number of interesting topics I've got to get back to the Star Defender befor they leave me on this rock." He said with a slight chuckle.

"I'm sure you've got plenty of other people with more important things to talk about waiting for you anyway." He was about to walk out the ornate door when he remembered something. A spark.

"And on that night." He said with a look back. "I was too drunk to see anyway." He finished with a laugh."

"Have a good day GrandMaster." He shouted back as he walked, putting emphasis on his new title.

 

[Darron Wraith]

The GrandMaster appreciated seeing his old friend, and was sad to see him leave the door.

Before he could get too far, Darron shot up and made it to the hallway and said one last thing to him to where the other Jedi couldn't hear him. "You still owe me that beer Major, and thanks for your discretion." With that he made his way back to his office, and motioned for the next person to follow him in. The thought of Rosa still on his mind, he would have to call her soon. It had been at least a couple of days since they had talked, and he hated to admit he did miss her....badly.

I will have to fix that, he mused.

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

Jaxton saw Davin Jusik leave the Grandmaster's office, then got up and walked himself in. He saw Grandmaster Wraith and bowed slightly, before beginning to speak.

"I want to talk to you about the Jedi being formally recognized as part of the Government. I'm sure you know I signed up to be a part of the Jedi Militant, along with a lot of others. I like what you've done, and I support it, but I think we need to filter some of the signees out. I've looked at some of the guys signing up, and some of them aren't ready. We'll lose people like that.

 

[Darron Wraith]

Darron stood and bowed back and respect before walking over to the window and hoping Jaxton would do the same.

"So you're afraid some people will get hurt, why is that? Not everyone in the military is there for combat reasons, have you considered that? A Jedi Healer is much more adept than a field medic, not all of us have to be titans on the battlefield." Looking up into the Zeltron's eyes, he let his curiosity on the man's words flow into the air, knowing that his senses both in the Force and his natural ones would pick it up. "What would you do to weed out undesirables, and what constitutes this to you Knight Ravos?"

Playing devil's advocate was clearly the strategy here, but he was going to continue to do so to try and see his friend's opinion. "Not all servants of the Force can do what I do, or be blessed with your physical size and potential. Have you gone and visited these people, felt them in the Force?" His questions weren't rude, he was just probing for information.

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

Normally, Jaxton would kick himself for being this casual and frank with the Grandmaster, but Jaxton knew what he needed to say, and he was gonna say it.

"I have. I've stood in the lines, watched the volunteer sheets, talked to people about signing up. And I don't think it's a matter of how strong they are in the Force. No matter how strong you are things are different when someone's trying to kill you. Some of them are strong, some of them have no idea what to expect.. A few of them know what war is, but alot of them don't, a lot of them think just being a Jedi will get them through, or that fighting is what a proper Jedi should do." Jaxton spoke of his research. He had gone to different sign-up stations, both on Coruscant and Tython, he had talked to people as they waited to sign up. Most of the Knights were good, some of the padawans were too, but most weren't.

"I wasn't ready for war as a padawan, and I"m lucky I've been blessed with with the strength and athleticism that I have. I wasn't mentally ready to fight somebody who could use the Force to the death. A lot of those kids out there aren't ready either, and they won't be able to rely on being bigger than everyone they'll fight." Jaxton said, with the concern evident in his voice. "I think we should mentally evaluate every padawan that signs up, and take the ones who aren't ready yet and put them in a training program, with either soldiers who've been in war or Jedi who've fought in war to teach them."

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

A journey to Tython was not something that the Chancellor could afford to take time out to do, but she was keen to speak to the Jedi Grandmaster after their brief meeting at the funeral. Thus, she had a holoprojector ready to contact the Grandmaster.

When the time came she keyed the transmission link and waited for it to connect at the other end....

 

[Darron Wraith]

The beeping sound didn't go unnoticed, but the Chancellor could wait for a few extra moments while he talked to Jaxton.

"I can see where your concerns are coming from Jaxton, and I agree. We will set up screeners okay, will that help?" Darron knew that the Jedi Knight was speaking from a deeply personal place in his heart. Whatever he had experienced on Junction had rocked him to his core and he still wasn't going to let it go despite Darron advising him to. I wish I had been there to experience what you did, to have been there to hold Teferi as he passed and not you brother. He knew the Zeltron's pain, he had felt that plenty of times before after seeing his friends and loved ones cut down.

"Listen, I'll allow what you ask. Be fair, and remember everyone is allowed to choose their own fate." Darron motioned to his prosthetic that was visible without the glove on. He flexed the durasteel servos to show it. "Remember some of those scared Padawans who aren't ready can become something more when push comes to shove. I was once on the diplomats path until circumstances changed me. I know you are hurting my friend, do you want to discuss the real issue?"

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

"The problem's not that they're scared padawans who aren't ready, or that people are making them sign up. The problem is that they aren't scared, and they don't know what fate they're choosing." Jaxton said, not wanting to discuss the other issue the Grandmaster was implying. Though he didn't speak about it, the thoughts still wandered in his mind. Jaxton wasn't fast enough to help Teferi. He wasn't strong enough to fight the Sith Emperor. He ran, and didn't have the courage to stay and fight.

Jaxton sighed after a moment and then turned to the leader of the Jedi. "There shouldn't be another situation like mine on Junction. They need to be prepared before they get out there. None of them should have to be powerless like I was." Jaxton said, hating himself for his weakness as he said it.

 

[Darron Wraith]

"Jaxton, that's the wonderful and horrible thing about experience. It is the greatest thing to have, it can decide any conflict or situation. Yet it must be earned, and earning it is never fun my friend."

Darron turned away from the Knight and walked over towards the lightsaber rack that held many weapons that had been used by Sith, and other Force-using opponents the GrandMaster had faced. "Do you think I was what I am now when I fought against those who's weapons rest here? Fate often chooses our path's for us, and I can see where you are coming from. Which is why I am allowing you to put up a screening process, but there is no training for battle that accurately reflects it." The Jedi placed his hand on the Zeltron's shoulder as he was talking, trying to put calm thoughts in his mind. "You were not powerless, and had you not followed Teferi's orders you would be dead as well."

His prosthetic hand pointed to the three lightsabers on his desk.

"I watched my father and mother murdered by my older brother and they where both Jedi and I was 14, I could have helped but was no match for him. My best friend Rolf Sergeo, died right before my eyes saving my life. You must learn to not berate yourself over what you think you should have done, and instead aspire to be better to prevent history from repeating itself."

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

Jaxton sighed. He wasn't going to get any farther into the Grandmaster. Worse, what he was saying was making sense. Prevent history from repeating itself . . . Jaxton had to get stronger. Maybe that would fix it. And then there was the Grandmaster reciting his experiences. It seemed the man was forged in tragedy. But Jaxton didn't want to go through such a process, he wanted to prevent it. Perhaps one needed to go through such a process in order to learn how to prevent it? Jaxton didn't have a clue.

"Then I'll make sure it never happens again." Jaxton said to the Grandmaster, making his dedication clear. "I'll let you handle your other business Grandmaster. I'm sure you have much to take care of." Jaxton said then walked out of the office. He knew he had interrupted at least one call, and didn't wish to interrupt anymore.

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

Aurelia had waited, getting slightly less patient as time went on. When the Grandmaster finally picked up her call she showed no sign of her frustration though. She smiled into the holoprojector.
"Grandmaster, it is good to talk with you at last. I hope sincerely that you are settling well into your job. My condolences as ever about your predecessor's end. How are you finding things in the Jedi?"

 

[Cody Walkins]

Cody waited outside the Grandmasters office for his meeting. He was wearing his patrol armor, nicknamed the "flesh cage" that covered his entire body aside from his head since he had the helmet in its deactivated position so the entire piece was basically folded into the neck plate. As he sat he saw a rather large man walk out, he had a lightsaber so he was obviously a Jedi. He gave a kind nod as the jedi left, he heard the Grandmaster talking inside his office so he frowned...if the grandmaster didn't hurry Cody might need to leave to get back on patrol in time.

 

[Darron Wraith]

Seeing Jaxton out of the room, Darron barely made it back to his desk in time to answer the beeping holoprojector. Quickly getting seated, he made sure to close the blinds in the room with a wave of the Force as he answered the Supreme Chancellor. He smiled, well as much as he would allow himself to. He knew this call would be about business, and what was going to be said needed to be.

"Thank you Supreme Chancellor, the transition has been smooth, if unexpected. I also want to apologize for making you wait, I was just talking with the man who witnessed my predecessor die. He was having a hard time dealing with the event, and I didn't think it proper to rush him out. Apologies though, I am a punctual man by habit."

Darron took a few moments to grab the holochip he had been preparing ever since he had learned of his promotion. It really was a bunch of ideas he had had for the Jedi ever since he was a Knight, but now that he was in a position of power he had expanded them. Quickly inserting it into the projector, he made sure to hit the send button before continuing.

"I'm sending you some documents I have had prepared, they are my response to how I think the Jedi are Supreme Chancellor." Darron paused for a moment as he pulled them up on a screen next to the projector to make sure he didn't miss any points in his remarks. "I'd like to get the Jedi more involved within the Republic, and I would actually like to put ourselves under the jurisdiction of your office, and the Senate. We always were intended to be servants of the people, it is in our code, I would see it in law as well. If you will allow it that is."

Leaning forward a little more into the projector, just so she could see he was being sincere. Darron continued.

"That is if you think you will allow such a thing, my code dictates that I protect all sentient life. That being said, democracy is the best vehicle to do so. So if you will allow it, I would like for the Jedi to become a shield for the Republic, as well as institute checks on our considerable power. We should not be feared by anyone, and I would like those in the government to know that I am willing to back those words up."

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

Aurelia accepted his graceful apology with a nod. "Having seen the horrors of war on Hapes I can understand the effect it has on some," she said graciously. "The loss of Grandmaster Teferi must be a shock to all of your Order, but I am glad to see you are pushing on with the job at hand."

For a moment Aurelia said nothing, as if searching for a trap in Darron's words. She skimmed the files, and she raised one eyebrow quite involuntarily, composed herself. "Your words are what I have longed to hear for the longest time, Master Jedi. While your predecessor was an honourable and noble sort, he was thinking more in terms of the old Jedi for the Old Republic. Much of why the Jedi and that Republic fell was because of a lack of unity and trust. I wholeheartedly accept your ideas, though of course we will need to see more details on how it will be implemented, and so on. However, consider your idea endorsed. The Jedi Order are the greatest shield and weapon the Republic possesses, but they can only be so when they are properly and fully aligned with the Senate and people of the Republic. Thank you for your words."

 

[Darron Wraith]

"Thank you very much Supreme Chancellor, I shall send the document in it's full entirety with the ideas in them expanded upon in greater detail. I thank you for your time, and should you ever need to communicate me please do. I am but a servant to all living beings, as is the rest of the Order I lead. I trust you will help these changes be implemented and I thank you for your time once more. I won't hold you up."

With that, the GrandMaster bowed in respect as the transmission cut out. Knowing he had another guest waiting outside, he pressed the button to notify his secretary he was done.

"Yes GrandMaster?"


"Go ahead and send who is waiting outside in, I'm ready for them."


@cody walkins

 

[Allyson Locke]

The door opened and there wasn’t a man named Cody waiting for the Grand Master, it was someone else. The figure was cloaked and entered the room taking a seat. After a few moments, a delicate hand showing the Jedi that the figure was female emerged and removed the hood. A ponytail and blonde bangs appeared along with a mask that Darron would recognize quite well. Folding her hands in her lap, Sanctuary smiled towards the Grand Master.

“Well, when did you start giving free therapy sessions Grand Master Darron?”

Chuckling softly she crossed her legs and adjusted herself in her seat. The woman was quite close with the Empress and Darron knew this. The woman was interested in speaking to him, not for the Empress of course, but for her own desires. Tilting her head slightly she looked away from him and pondered how she was going to ask him.

“I have a favor to ask of you Grand Master.”

@[member="Darron Wraith"]

 

[Darron Wraith]

As the door opened once more, the Jedi was going over the briefs for a mission to Cato Neimodia when he reached out with the Force. Except when he sent his senses to feel who was entering so he wouldn't have to look up, he felt an absolute lack of anything. It was something he had had felt before, only on the rarest of occasions. Even those who were trained to the absolute highest level of hiding their Force signatures could get lazy. Or the negative space where they would appear to be would still show up. Yet this was something he had only truly experienced before, and it had been on one of the oddest missions of his entire life. The company along would have been worth him remembering it, or even the cold weather. No, Belsavis had opened his eyes to a great many things, and it had helped with ending the threat of Omni. So he knew without even looking up who had entered the room as he heard her boots tread against the floor.

The only question was why she was here.

Looking over the briefs one last time, he closed them out as blue eyes met the woman seated before him.

"My doors are always open for those who need to talk to me, my rank isn't a pedestal. It's a position I was put in to help those, and help lead the Jedi."

Darron idly reached up with one hand, and all the blinds closed. The door behind her locked, from the inside. Not as a means of keeping her in, but keeping others out who could potentially come in. The Jedi GrandMaster himself had no problems with the woman, he could perfectly understand why she had made her choices. She was wandering the galaxy searching for her answers that she needed, he had done the same. Her actions on Belsavis had proven that she wasn't lost despite her searching, and it had earned her his respect. That was why he was keeping her presence a secret on Tython, as it wouldn't please the Republic to know a fugitive was right under his nose.

A smile crossed his face as he considered her for another moment.

"What could you possibly want to learn from me....Spencer?"