Private The Little Things Give You Away

[Colette]

Zark San Tekka Lorn Reingard Lily Decoria Vodet Katherine Holt Romi Jade Sela Basran

"I agree, my presence might aggravate more than it would help." Colette frowned and listened as Lily and Lorn had their back and forth.

Her tongue found her teeth, jaw tensed for a moment as Lorn explained himself. She tried to list people she knew who would be good fits to send, and while there were some — they were not people she wanted to send. Not that it was really her decision anymore.

Zark spoke, Colette listened.

"Arguably, if Carnifex showed signs of genuine remorse and willingness to change. Problem being, he isn't." She sighed. Last time she had felt this knot in her stomach she'd made the wrong move and lost someone she cared for. Rather than risk a second personal failure she simply remained quiet.

 

[Vodet]

Vodet was tired. Sith always came into the larger governments and performed sabotage. Some came under the pretense of peace, others came under an alias. The end result was the same. It was why he preferred to deal with and serve the Wayseekers and the Enclaves. But he sat on the Council and it was tied to the Republic at a degree. And he was going to provide his weather eye on situations. The Jedi here, the Council, and the ones gathered did sacrifice a lot for the cause.

“Balance, yes, but there needs to be a thought made for what happens if we are too lax.” War was always inevitable in this galaxy. People could strike production plants because of some false sense of slight. It was why the turtle never cared to learn the language of flowers that humans had. Just another way to accidentally insult one another. Was Eshan problematic? Sometimes. Were the people good? Mostly.

As he was spoken about, and to, by Master San Tekka, Vodet merely nodded. Delay and acceptance may be seen as surrender. It may also be seen as the Jedi are in fact, weak, as many people did believe. He didn’t believe any were weak here. But they still needed to account for how things were, and not how they could be.

He reminisced on the turtle shell casing of his lightsaber, a trinket, and reminder, that sometimes family bonds can become devastating, and sometimes lines needed to be drawn. For him? It was realizing the Jedi were helping the Scar Worlds and the Yinchorri prejudice was incorrect and downright harmful.

There had been 7 Yinchorri saved that day, but it could have been 8.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Shirayan Temple
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Arwr Da, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Colette | Lorn Reingard | Romi Jade | Sela Basran | Zark San Tekka | Vodet | Katherine Holt

"You are claiming she is a Sith Lord from Colette's determination, but we have not been providing any evidence of her standing within the Sith Order. While she might be a powerful Sith, she could be a Sith Knight, a Dark Jedi who is merely aligned with the Sith. No evidence has been brought forward to state what her status and position within the Sith Order is. So, making the comparisons to Carnifex is not fair for the situation that we face right now." Lily stated, while she had her own suspicions that Quinn was a Sith Lord, and one that was well liked and highly proficient in the Force, it was mere suspicions. Nothing she could provide concrete evidence on.

"It is accusations and potential falsehoods like this, that I believe my presence is required. Too many on this council are believing the worst in a person we know nothing besides the facts that she is a queen and warden of a current ally to the High Republic and has some form of Sith ties." Lily was not going to merely allow the council to head into a meeting with a false understanding or accusations that could then make them look ridiculous or frame the council in a poor light. There had to be a level of understanding and grace in how a meeting was handled. All there was know was some Sith ties.

Looking to the members of the council, "if the council votes for me not to attend I shall be forced to respect it. However, I will state now that I believe this to be an error. Yes, I am Echani and yes, she is a beloved ruler of my people. However, what I have said and what I am trying to convince the council is appropriate course of action is not merely in favour for Quinn Varanin." Lily gave a pause and a deep sigh, "if this is not handled delicately, it could cause the Jedi Order to end up in exile, or potentially lead to the death of billions. I wish to prevent that."

"Others might believe that it is farfetched and that war is inevitable. But I am hoping that we can at least limit the number of enemies we face at a time." Lily leaned back in her seat, she did not hold out much hope that her words would be convincing to ensure she attended the meeting but she was attempting her best.

 

[Sela Basran]

SHIRAYA'S SANCTUARY

​

Sela observed the conversation as objectively as she could.

She was troubled by Knight Decoria's passion. Not because passion in itself was problematic, though there were some orders that argued it was. But there was something in Lily's demeanor that unsettled Sela. Where did her priorities truly lie? Was she speaking from concern for the Jedi Order, or the High Republic -- or Eshan, or something more personal? It was impossible to tell in this moment. It was possible that Decoria herself didn't know for sure.

She certainly did not like the aspersions cast on the Quartermaster. Division among the Jedi Council was nothing new, but she had always found those divisions to be rooted in good faith disagreements. This felt like something different from that. Perhaps it was merely the tension of the moment.

Perhaps not.

She cleared her throat cautiously and inclined her head. "Knight Decoria, given your insistence on this matter, I must ask you a question that I find uncomfortable. I am sure others -- including yourself -- may also find it uncomfortable. But I find there is no better way of gauging one's certainty in the principles of a matter."

Sela fiddled with her monocle, dragging it back and forth along the chain as she cast her gaze around the room, her gaze settling on each of her colleagues briefly as she considered the best phrasing of this question. Then: "Are you prepared to stand surety for the Queen of Eshan for the duration of this endeavor? By that I mean not are you absolutely certain, but rather, are you so certain that your position is the correct one that you will accept the consequences of anything she might do in High Republic territory if you are not?" The Jedi Master let the monocle settle against her chest again and folded her hands serenely before her. "There are no wrong answers, Knight Decoria. I will not think less of you regardless of how you answer, I am merely seeking to understand the strength of your certainty."

Her dark gaze settled on the lovely Echani, eyebrows lifting expectantly, but her face and eyes were kind, not accusatory.

Lily Decoria | Colette | Vodet | Zark San Tekka
Katherine Holt | Lorn Reingard | Romi Jade

​

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Shirayan Temple
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Arwr Da, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed)
Tag: Colette | Lorn Reingard | Sela Basran | Romi Jade | Vodet | Zark San Tekka | Katherine Holt

When informed by Sela that there was a question that she might find uncomfortable, that others in the room might also find uncomfortable, Lily braced herself. It was inevitable that her loyalties would be questioned in her mind, while she wasn't there actively defending Quinn, denying the claims of Quinn being a Sith Lord or stating that they should ignore the issue, her cautions were being seen as that. Lily just did not wish to draw unnecessary attention on the High Republic while the state of the galaxy was in a precarious position. There were no allies for the High Republic outside of the Mandalorian Empire, to break that fragile alliance, it was asking to be destroyed.

At least it seemed obvious path in her mind.

Hearing the question, Lily raised an eyebrow, she looked over to Sela, "is this truly the question that you wish to ask of me?" It seemed a ridiculous question in her mind. "I could not ever swear for anyone in this council room to those conditions, it is far too vague and leaving me open to suffering immediate consequences for things I could not know about." It seemed crazy to expect Lily to accept full responsibility for anything that were to happen between Quinn and the High Republic, "that would be like asking the council to accept the consequences of every single Jedi's action, whether part of the Jedi Order or not."

"No, I would not accept full responsibility for any wrongdoing that Quinn Varanin could end up doing in High Republic space, but I also don't expect to be praised and uplifted for any success that might be achieved by having her presence remain within the High Republic either." Lily shook her head, she wasn't sure what was trying to be asked of her in this moment or what Sela was seeking.

Inhaling deeply, she sighed, "I am far more concerned for the billions of lives that could be at risk going into open war with Mandalorian Empire, the Iron Covenant, The Sith Order and the Sith Covenant. That is the risk we face if we mishandle this situation, that is where my primary concern lays. So, if that means we have to tolerate a Sith Lord who is not currently breaking our laws, whose presence in our space we don't really understand the reason for currently. Then I would rather tolerate it for now, and re-evaluate the priority of this issue when either an issue arises. Or we have been able to obtain strong allies who will help us in this fight so we do not feel outnumbered and overwhelmed."

"My concerns were for what is best for the people of the High Republic," Lily stated firmly.

"This information cannot leave the room until the meeting with Quinn has been conducted and we give a public statement to the Order as a united council on the matter. People will jump to conclusions and could escalate things beyond our control if they find this information out before we know how we wish to approach it."

 

[Sela Basran]

​

Sela watched Knight Decoria, her face impassive, serenity without and within the older woman's body. The Knight surely felt strongly about this -- strongly enough to show a surprising level of disrespect and condescension. To do it to another Knight was one thing; Sela didn't care for it when it was directed at Colette and cared for it about as much now, but that was neither here nor there. While it did answer her question about Knight Decoria's confidence level, it raised more questions than it answered. Curious. More interesting to Sela were the motivations behind the emotion, but that was going to have to be a matter for another day. "Thank you, Knight Decoria. Your candor is, I am sure, appreciated."

Master Basran's attention turned away from Lily Decoria . "There was some discussion earlier about approaching the Queen of Eshan and the Warden under these terms. I am neutral, as yet, as to what we could hope to accomplish from such a meeting, but that does not mean it ought not be attempted." She steepled her fingers, studying her fingernails briefly as she considered. "Two matters that I feel must be settled before such an overture is made: first, the composition of who will meet with her; second, some conversation with proper channels within the Senate."

She cleared her throat and stood, moving to stand behind her seat, resting her hands lightly on the back. Her bones appreciated the change in posture. "As to the first point, Knight Decoria has already claimed a spot. Does anyone object? And clearly it would be a mistake to send her alone. A Jedi Master should be present -- one unconnected to Varanin's previous entanglements, positive or negative." She turned her head in turn toward Zark San Tekka and Romi Jade and Vodet -- their seniority in the Order made them natural candidates, though she did not know whether they were 'unconnected' to Quinn Varanin. In any event, she would defer to them. She was not necessarily eager to attend the meeting herself, but if it was asked of her, she would. "And I propose the Sword of Shiraya as the third. He has demonstrated an open mind and pragmatic nature."

The Jedi Master then turned to the second point. "As to the authorities in the Republic -- the Queen of Eshan and the Warden enjoys diplomatic immunity, which is a status granted by the Republic, not by the Jedi Order. If we plan to approach her, they must be kept in the loop, I believe the saying is. As this Council's liaison to the Senate, I am pleased to bring this matter to the attention of the Chancellor if we are agreed."

​

 

[Romi Jade]

---​

She hadn't anymore to contribute to the discussion, she sat and pondered over what else had been said up until this point, and she personally found some of it oddly disturbing, enough so that it triggered other internal thoughts; she'd just take a mental note for now...

The currents of the force were murky...and she saw something on the horizon, something coming through the smoke... but she needed time to interpret things further.

She hadn't known how long it been since mentally drifting off, but suddenly the room became audible again...when decisions were to be made on the matter. "For the record, I object to sending Knight Decoria, and I'm not in opposition to sending Master Reingard. However, should those be on whom the majority agrees, then so let it be." She said.

She glanced over to Zark San Tekka , "You take this one my friend, I should stay back and continue my research...of which I need to speak with Master Sela Basran about" She said as she believed she and Zark shared the same perspective on the matter. Whipping her head back around to look upon the others, she stood up "I believe Zark should be the final player."

She also was not eager on attending.

"Also, I agree. I think we should be make furthering our relationship with the Republic a priority, all things considered, we should inform him. And, should you like company with that, I'd like to volunteer to be present for it, should a formal meeting take place, and room opens up."

---

Colette | Katherine Holt | Lorn Reingard | Lily Decoria | Vodet​

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Colette Romi Jade Lorn Reingard Lily Decoria Sela Basran Vodet Katherine Holt

"I do not question Knight Decoria's loyalty to the Jedi."

Zark shifted uncomfortably in his council seat. Now he had no other choice but to confront the Order's battlemaster directly. It was clear they were at odds on this matter. The faceless temple guard mask turned to address Lily at last.

"Your attachments to Eshan could complicate matters, but if you feel in your heart this is your destiny then I will trust the Force has put it there."

Despite her strong objections Decoria had done nothing yet to jeopardize his respect or faith. It was when Romi Jade threw him to the rancors that Master San Tekka stiffened in real surprise. He'd always served the Order best with his blade and despite being one of the most experienced Jedi councilors held no passion for politics. Zark nodded slowly.

"I would be honored to serve if it is the Council's will."

Matters turned to the Senate. Both the chief librarian and mistress of prophecy volunteered to form a delegation. His thoughts turned to numerology. Certain ancient Jedi traditions sometimes interpreted the practice as another way to receive signs from the Force.

"You should take a third councilor with you to the Senate," he glanced between the two remaining symbols of Jedi authority in attendance, "Master Vodet or Knight Noble."

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Colette | Romi Jade | Sela Basran | Lily Decoria | Vodet | Zark San Tekka | Katherine Holt​

The older guardian watched the room carefully as the tension between Lily and the others reached a stalemate. While he still harbored doubts about the wisdom of Lily attending, he recognized that a divided Council was a greater threat than a biased one. If they couldn't trust one another in this chamber, they had no hope of standing against the darkness waiting outside.

"If Knight Decoria feels this strongly about attending, I have no qualms about withdrawing my concerns," Lorn said. He offered Lily a small, conciliatory nod. "We have to move forward as a single body. If the Force has placed this burden on her heart, then we should trust her to carry it with the professionalism her rank demands."

He stood from his seat, as he surveyed the gathered Jedi. For the first time in a long while, the room felt like it was finally gaining momentum. Two groups were forming, each with a mission that could determine the path of the Order. One would face a potential Sith Lord in her own territory, while the other would navigate the treacherous waters of the Republic Senate.

"So we are in agreement?" Lorn asked, his voice steady. "Master San Tekka, Knight Decoria, and myself will travel to meet with the Queen, should she and the Mandalorians receive us. Meanwhile, Master Basran will use her influence within the Senate to garner an audience with the Chancellor. Master Jade and the others will provide the necessary weight to that meeting."

Lorn smoothed the front of his tunic, his expression somber. He felt the phantom weight of the time he had spent on this Council, watching their influence slowly erode. "It is imperative that we handle both tasks with absolute care. Our standing in the Republic is waning, and we need to course-correct before we find ourselves completely isolated." Much of the blame for that current position lies with those who have served the longest, himself among them.

The Sword turned to Katherine, offering the winged Jedi a genuine, if weary, smile. "Knight Holt, thank you for your input. It was valuable to have your perspective." He made a mental note to find her later; it had been far too long since they had spoken outside of a crisis, and he missed the simple camaraderie of when they had first met.

Looking back at the Council, he gave a final nod. "If there is nothing else, I believe we have our work cut out for us."

 

[Sela Basran]

​

"Your wisdom will be most appreciated, Master Jade," Sela said with a deferential bow of her head. Sela considered the advice to bring along another councilor and she raised her chin in assent. "An excellent piece of advice, Master San Tekka," she said serenely. "I will take volunteers," she added dryly, glancing over at Vodet and Colette wryly.

The council meeting seemed to be breaking up after, with a plan of action in place. That was something, at least. She stretched a little, sighing in relief as her circulation resumed.

"Master San Tekka," she called, raising a hand to catch Zark San Tekka 's attention before he could get to the exit. "May I have a word in private before you depart?" Her voice showed the first bit of strain. It seemed distinctly possible that the head of the Temple Guardians was about to get a ticking off for overstepping Sela Basran's purview.

Master Basran was content to let people think so.

Romi Jade Lorn Reingard Lily Decoria Katherine Holt


​

 

[Colette]

Vodet Lily Decoria Sela Basran Romi Jade Zark San Tekka Lorn Reingard

Colette's brows lifted for a moment. She did her best as a friend of Lily's not to take the fact that she undermined her credibility in favor of someone who had nearly killed her once. The jaw and tongue that pressed against her teeth pressed harder for a moment before she let it go with a slow exhale.

It was just the fact that Quinn had been compared to Carnifex, and that was it. Lily wouldn't have insulted Colette like that. Even if Master Basran seemed to beg the difference. Colette gave her an appreciative nod for defending her before it softened into something that made it clear she could defend herself if she had desired to.

Otherwise she listened. She listened through the tension of Sela's question and the subsequent solution talk.

"I can attend the meeting with the chancellor." Colette sighed. "Like I said, she's aware of me and Quinn. She was there when I confronted her at the chancellor's gala."

"If I go, I will let others do the talking. But I'll be blunt. I am not a diplomat, and I won't pretend to be one either."

 

[Vodet]

There was much to uncover with the secrets ahead. The Jedi should be doing what they can to speak to Quinn, and understand her true motivations. Within his Enclave, and even the network of them, there were not many secrets. Certainly, some Jedi held their skills and meaning close to the chest, but the true goal of a Jedi was to become more than oneself, more than just their enclave, homeworld, or even species. Vodet knew this more than most.

He had misgivings regarding Decoria's attachment to the Queen of Eshan, he wouldn't lie. But perhaps it could open her eyes to the greater challenges and problems in the galaxy. Yinchorri, especially his offshoot, were born from eggs, left on a beach and hurried to the sea. There were challenges right from the start.

Yet for all those challenges, he loved his home and clutchmates. Even to the point of removing one to protect the rest.

"If Knight Decoria can separate Eshan from her position among the Jedi, I feel she brings a wealth of understanding to the table. And I do feel Knight Noble may have some other insight for the Chancellor. However, if there needs to be an alternate, I can attend. I plan to be on Naboo for the foreseeable." But right now? He was foreseeing a peanut butter and jellyfish sandwich.

He was going to have much to ask the currents about. He did not like going in blindly to things, especially when the Council was clouded.