Private The Little Things Give You Away

[Colette]

Hand tensed up and then released. And then they tensed up again, and then released again. The cycle repeated a few times over and over again as Colette prepared herself to speak. Shame burned under her skin like a poison. It had escaped her for so long that the others might not have been aware of what she needed to say, but it had been known to the NJO leadership and for some reason she had assumed the same of this leadership too.

But this wasn't the NJO, and from the sound of it not everyone might have been aware. She looked at the gathered councilors and let out a slow exhale.

"Thank you for taking the time to be here," she began. "As the invite mentioned, I need to talk about the queen of Eshan, Quinn Varanin."

Where would she begin with this? Her eyes jittered for a moment, the memories carried a weight to them she hadn't expected.

"She's a Sith Lord." Colette ripped the bandaid off. "I know there has been speculation on this, but it's true. Quinn Varanin is a Sith Lord of immense power who played a big part in the battle of Woostri and most likely many other Sith battles after it too."

"She is a master at terror, and equally dangerous with storms. The Sith clearly had some kind of intention for her presence on the planet. Every chance she got, she tried her best to stay out of reach and make sure that the storms around us raged on and empowered her friends."

"It was me and Ko Vuto. We faced off against her and two other combatants that I don't know the names of." Deep breath. "Ultimately however, I failed. Ko was down, and I was stabbed by Quinn to the point where, if my medevac arrived just a few seconds later… I wouldn't be here today."

Eyes closed, deep breath.

"More recently I met Quinn at an event for the Republic where I found out that she either knowingly denies that she is aware of who I am, or she has genuinely forgot. Either way she made it known that she's close with my former padawan, Reina Daival. I don't know to what extent, but I can give it a good guess. Worst case they're lovers, and best case — if there is such a thing — they're just friends."

"I'll try to answer any questions you might have, but I can't promise the answers will make things clear. The memories are… Hazy."

 

[Lily Decoria]

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

Lily listened as Colette stated things that the Echani already knew, from previous conversations with Colette over Quinn as well as things she had observed herself over the years. Lily was not sure if there was going to be much that came from this conversation in her mind, Quinn was now queen of Eshan and Warden within the Mandalorian Empire. Given the relationship between the High Republic and the Mandalorian Empire, there wasn't much that Lily thought that they could do. There was also the fact that Quinn was also, or at least in Lily's mind, assumed to be heir to the Empress. Given the very close relationship Quinn was known to have with the current Empress.

"I am not sure what there is that we can do with this information." Lily stated plainly.

Looking over to Colette, "Quinn is queen to Eshan, a warden within the Mandalorian Empire, that provides her with enough levels of protection that we cannot go simply arrest or remove her titles." There was some sympathy in Lily's eyes since she knew that Colette had once been very close with Reina so hearing things had turned so poorly, it was not going to be easy. "I also believe that she is a good ruler for Eshan as well, it might be strange to say this given the context that she is a Sith Lord. But Quinn prioritises the needs of the Echani over any Sith ties. I do believe her rule there is for the best."

Lily had told herself that she would defend Quinn's rule so long as her family was safe, so long as Eshan had no Sith influence. It was important to have a leader that she could trust for her home and while others might believe her foolish or idiotic for trusting that to Quinn. Currently they held no evidence that Lily was making a bad decision.

"I am sorry to hear about Reina, losing a Padawan is not easy. But you must remember that Reina made her decisions, you cannot place all the guilt and regret on what Reina is doing, or who she is associated with. It might also be for the best to shift focus away from Quinn Varanin as well. As difficult as that might sound, there are new priorities you have and there are other dangers we need to focus on." Lily said, hoping she could offer some comfort to her friend in the moment. Though she feared that Colette might not be so easily swayed from this path.

It had been tense the last time that Lily mentioned dropping the hunt for Quinn.

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: Colette | Lily Decoria​

Lorn shifted in his seat. Every word Colette spoke about her lost Padawan felt like a physical strike against his chest. He could still feel the phantom ache of Acier's fall to the darkness, a wound that refused to scar over. He had been distant lately, drifting through Council business like a ghost, but the mention of a master losing a student snapped his focus back to the present.

He watched Colette's tensed hands and the shame written across her face. He knew that look too well. It was the expression of someone who felt they had failed the Force itself. He looked toward Lily, noting the pragmatism in her voice, then back to the woman who had nearly died at the Sith Queen's hand.

"I am of the same mind as Knight Decoria," Lorn finally spoke. His voice was raspy. "It is good to know who and what we are up against. Understanding the threat is the first step toward eliminating it."

He leaned forward, his eyes searching Colette's. "But what are you proposing? That we petition the Mandalorian Empire for the extradition of this Warden? We have to be realistic about the political landscape. Knowing the Mand'alor and his people, I don't believe they will hold the same thoughts on this Sith Lord that we might."

He glanced at Lily, acknowledging the messy reality of her homeworld's leadership. To the Jedi, Quinn was a monster; to Eshan, she was a protector. It was a friction that didn't have an easy solution.

Lorn let out a quiet sigh. "If she is as powerful as you say, and as well-protected as Lily suggests, a direct confrontation isn't just difficult. It might be impossible without starting a war we aren't ready to fight."

 

[Sela Basran]

SHIRAYA'S SANCTUARY
MASTER BASRAN'S QUARTERS
​

Sela's mind cast back to a conversation she had had with her former apprentice Delphis Argoli earlier that year. It had been about the nature of politics, and how, in his view, Jedi ought to eschew them. Sela had refuted the idea on the basic principle that everything was politics, because politics was about how people interacted day to day.

How naive she had been -- and how wise was her former apprentice -- before she had been invited to sit on this Council.

"I am uneasy with the notion that connections and influence ought to shield one from the consequences of their actions," Sela said in her typical, almost-quiet, almost-conversational tone. "With that being said, my closest, most literal reading of the Shirayan Code does not obligate us one way or another, but it commands that we stand in defense of life, as sword and shield. The Sith are nothing if not dealers in death. That would seem to require us to take some action, if only as a shield, when this woman is in our jurisdiction."

What that would look like was anyone's guess. A Jedi babysitter following Quinn around so as to prevent her from harming anyone seemed ridiculous in the extreme, and it did not solve the root of the problem. If there was to be no accountability for Quinn because of the people she knew and was connected to, it made no difference whether she was minding her own business walking the charming artisan markets of Theed or butchering a school bus full of younglings. If she was untouchable, she was untouchable.

Sela regarded Knight Decoria curiously. Her suggestion that a Sith Lord was not something to be endured but was 'for the best' alarmed the Jedi Master. "Troubling," she murmured, apropos of nothing. "Most troubling. And if this Varanin woman is at Republic events, where she might cross paths with other Jedi, who is to say what influence she might have over your... less experienced members." She frowned thoughtfully, tapping the edge of her ubiquitous lens -- the one that looked like a monocle -- against her chin.

"Quartermaster," she said suddenly, eyes snapping to the younger Jedi intently. "Do we know how much of this the High Republic is aware? Political realities being what they are, we may be unable to intercede directly. But if the Republic knows of her... predilictions, shall we say ...it would be illuminating to see just who continues to interact with her -- and how -- when they are in possession of the full set of facts." Just as illuminating as it was for the Jedi Council to see where its members stood on the topic.

Colette | Lorn Reingard | Lily Decoria​

 

[Romi Jade]

---​

She had been mostly still through most of the exchange, gaze lowered slightly toward the floor, but not unfocused, but distant in that particular way that suggested she was assembling something mentally rather than reacting to it. Colette's account, Lily's response, Lorn's caution, Sela's unease, they all settled into place...as variables.

She shared some of Sela's perspective too, at best it made no sense for her to be about freely. And she found Lily's advocacy slightly unusual.

When she finally looked up, her expression hadn't changed. "Before we move further," she said, voice even, "I'd just like to clarify the timeline a bit more if we can."

Her gaze shifted briefly, from Colette, then to Lily, then the rest of the chamber. "When did Quinn Varanin first give the impression of being a Sith, or otherwise raise that level of concern, and who was aware of it at the time?"

The question was placed, but not pressed.

"Given Colette's account, which I have no reason but to consider highly credible, what elements have we been able to independently confirm, and where are we still relying on inference?"

She wanted to separate certainty levels so they didn't run the risk of making sloppy decisions.

A small pause.

"Because how we define the problem will determine what options are available to us."

"There's been an assumption that any meaningful response would require direct confrontation… or escalation into conflict with the Mandalorian Empire." Her eyes lifted again. "I'm not sure that's an entirely complete assessment. If Quinn Varanin is operating within Republic space, attending public functions, maintaining proximity to Jedi personnel, and those within the senate.... then the question isn't only whether we can act against her directly."

A beat.

"It's whether we're accounting for her presence at all. And if we don't....well that's not neutrality. That's negligence. And how would that make us look? Sure we can't arrest her… so there's nothing else at all that can be done?

"To Master Sela's point, even further, surely we can come up with some measures to put in place to monitor her interactions, or to limit potential influence."

Romi leaned back slightly, crossing her leg over the other, not disengaging, but settling.

---

Colette | Sela Basran | Lorn Reingard | Lily Decoria​

 

[Colette]

Romi Jade Sela Basran Lorn Reingard Lily Decoria

Colette offered Lily a gentle smile once she voiced her worry that Colette should let go of Quinn. In reality she had, but the council still needed to be aware and discuss this. It wasn't meant to be a conversation on how to take her down — at least not yet — as much as it was meant to put everyone on equal grounds and awareness.

But intent and reality were not always the same. She was about to explain herself to Lorn but gently shook her head to answer his question once others started to interject. Each question piled kept her quiet as she listened to the others. They were all very valid questions.

"I agree with Lorn that the political aspect of it makes action a minefield." Colette looked at the man with a nod before she turned towards Master Basran. "And I believe the Republic is aware to some extent. I know that the chancellor has interacted with Quinn for a fact. She was there moments after I confronted Quinn at their fundraising gala. Although, it was mostly just pleasantries from what I could tell. Nothing solid to go on there."

"And no, I have no idea for how long Quinn has been a Sith in public. The real question is if we can monitor her. There's no getting around that she's a foreign, diplomatic entity from the Mandalorian Empire, and that beyond that the Republic has religious freedom."

"As long as Quinn, or any Sith for that matter, is acting within the laws of the Republic — there's little we as Jedi can do. And overstepping that line because we think we're right isn't an option."

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Colette Romi Jade Lorn Reingard Lily Decoria Sela Basran

"This is a grave matter."

Master San Tekka's voice sounded robotic emerging from the Temple Guard mask he wore. Eye lenses glowed like burning embers when the old man ceased his meditations. Blank cortosis betrayed nothing of his thoughts.

"Diplomatic immunity for a powerful Sith Lord troubles me and yet provoking the mandalorians would be unwise. I fought costly territorial wars against their predecessors. If she is clever, then Varanin is counting on that protection."

His hand clenched into a fist. Zark knew he could not let emotion cloud his judgment, so with some effort he relaxed. Memories of too many old battles threatened to upset the Jedi's focus.

"She will move against us," he sounded confident, "It is in their nature. If a trained Sith gains political favor with the Senate then the damage she can wreak might outweigh the cost of confronting her now."

Some of the Jedi on this Council he knew. Others who trained far from the Core Worlds only by reputation. His own history was a long record of both remarkable victories and costly failures. Master Zark's war against the darkside would never end.

 

[Lorn Reingard]

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

Lorn shifted again, his gaze dropping to the floor for a heartbeat before he looked back at the gathered Council. The room was heavy with talk of surveillance, political fallout, and inevitable war. He felt the familiar weight of dread, but it was tempered by a stubborn spark of hope he hadn't yet managed to kill. He had seen the best of people turn, and he had spent years wondering if the reverse was possible.

"Have we tried speaking with her?" Lorn interjected. He felt the weight of several stares, but he didn't shrink away. "I know many here have a history with her that isn't easy to look past. But we all have history we might not be proud of. We cannot simply assume the worst path is the only one left."

He straightened his posture, trying to find a solid footing in the conversation. "It is unrealistic to monitor her every move or track everyone she speaks to in Republic space. That kind of oversight is a drain we can't afford, and it invites the very conflict we're trying to avoid... I have seen her in the presence of my own Padawan. At the time, I had no idea who she was. I never sensed any malicious intent from her at those Republic events."

Lorn cleared his throat, his voice steady despite the skepticism he felt radiating from the others. He thought of Acier Moonbound and the darkness that had swallowed him. If there was even a fraction of a chance to pull someone back, wasn't that their duty?

"She has sought shelter away from the Sith, first under the Black Sun and now as a Warden. What if we simply talk to her? Not all who have felt the embrace of the dark are lost forever." He looked at Colette, then Sela. "At least, I have to believe that's still true. If we treat her like an enemy before she acts like one, we might just be making the choice for her."

 

[Vodet]

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to play nice, or that he was a contrarian, but as Waybinder, Vodet focused his efforts to the wayseekers and outlying enclaves that feed into, and pull from the Jedi Order. That meant that his opinions were going to differ from someone like Zark, and that was fine. Eventually the Council would always come to a conclusion that worked for all, and the Will of the Force. Galactic politics tended to not always include the Wayseekers, but here, Vodet was different.

He liked to know what was going on, and paid attention as Colette spoke. A Sith Lord on the throne of Eshan. Not always the best idea. Vodet was not a Starchaser and didn’t hold to crusade the Sith merely for their presence, he and his herd understood that there were shades to this all. As the others were saying, that was a lot of protection.

“And she may even have witches, which is a tide we don’t tend to conflict with.” Vodet knew his history. Mandos and the Dathomiri tended to be on friendly or ‘enemy of my enemy’ terms with one another. And a strike against her would be fruitless. But they had other means.

“We can declare our stance, and hope the Senate follows suit?”

The large terrapin looked up at the gathered.

 

[Katherine Holt]

(OOC: Posting with permission given by the OP)
Tags: Colette | Lily Decoria | Lorn Reingard | Sela Basran | Romi Jade | Zark San Tekka | Vodet​

Quinn Varanin.

A person of interest that somehow had gone right over Katherine’s head until recently. She had even been on Woostri when Colette and Ko Vuto had fought her. Albeit, the winged Jedi had been elsewhere, occupied with her own fight at the time. But she had experienced the storms, the power that had been imbuing them. The source however had been an unknown element until fairly recently.

Colette had invited members of the High Republic’s council to get their thoughts on the matter. But she had also asked for Katherine to attend, if only to listen and observe. Another perspective, one the young Noble trusted.

And Katherine did just that, until Lorn spoke up and the redhead felt compelled to speak, shortly so after Master Vodet had.

“My apologies for interrupting, Councilers.” Katherine began, making her presence known to everyone in attendance. The redhead bowed her head to them. “Katherine Holt, Jedi Knight.” An introduction might’ve been unnecessary, but she felt it was the polite thing to do.

“I agree with Knight Reingard.” She continued, pausing for a moment to glance over at the man in question. “If there is to be any action taken, it should only be to talk.” Her eyes lingered to the rest, gauging their reactions. “I know compared to some here, I am young; inexperienced in both being a Jedi and fighting Sith.” Katherine paused, taking a few moments to find the right words.

“There are only a few individuals in the galaxy I’d consider beyond ever being redeemed, or just simply freeing themselves of the Dark Side’s influence.” And Katherine had the unfortunate luck of running into one of them. “Tempting as it can be, as easily as someone can be pulled into its dark depths, I believe anyone can find their way back out.”

“Maybe this is naivety; I’d like to think of it as being hopeful. And I know an argument could be made that a common nature of the Sith is to be deceptive.” Outside of Woostri, the Echani Queen did not feel like a Sith Lord through the Force. Even more so, all you’d have to do is look at the Galactic Republic’s very late history to see the destruction wrought by a deceptive Sith that was successful.

“There is concern in her Warden status within the Mandalorian Empire, alongside her role as Queen of Eshan. And what influence she might be capable of if she remains unimpeded in her attendance within High Republic space.” Katherine paused, taking a deep breath before she got to the end of what she wanted to say.

“But we are Jedi, are we not? The lightsabers we carry are in part symbolic of what we stand for. But they’re also meant to be a last resort, conflict is meant to be the last resort. If it is indeed true that she’s been seeking shelter away from the Sith. Then any potential action should be to meet her halfway, to talk and listen. And to avoid making her feel it's impossible.”

 

[Lily Decoria]

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

The discussion was shifting in more dangerous conversations, while some issued caution and approaching things with a conversational direction, while others were desiring more direct action. "I wish to inform those in this council that anything more than a mere conversation would not just be triggering war with the Mandalorian Empire, we would be forcing the High Republic to face a war on four fronts with no major allies. The Sith Order, the Sith Covenant and the Mandalorian Empire all have close ties with Quinn Varanin. Once the war with those three starts, then we would be see the Iron Covenant attack when they sense blood in the water."

"I am not against polite, respectful conversations and attempts to ascertain what Quinn desires with her visits to High Republic space. But more direct action, any attempts to arrest or detain her. That would lead to the downfall of the High Republic and kill millions." Lily needed to stress that this wasn't just a Sith Lord with political protections, it was more to do with the fact that they were not prepared nor would they be able to handle the consequences of these actions. "And that is if the High Republic stands by our actions. If they realise that we arrested Quinn Varanin and the pending wars they could face, the senate could attempt to disavow us and force the Jedi into exile in order to appease the other factions and prevent their own collapse."

Which would lead the High Republic to be even more vulnerable to corruption and political shifts that could turn them from a democracy into an imperial regime.

"Quinn comes from a line of Eshan rulers, her priority has always been Eshan and the Echani people. Her rulership was something my people wanted, it was not something the Mandalorians enforced upon us, it was not something the Sith dictated." Lily affirmed, there was nothing the fear with Quinn being the Eshan queen and Lily had promised she would help Quinn maintain that title.

Seeing someone enter suddenly into the council room, Lily was surprised. She did not think this was an open meeting or that anyone outside of the council was going to be discussing this. Especially since it could lead to dangerous rumour mongering and miscommunication. "Nothing from Quinn's previous attendance to events suggests anything but a love for balls, dressing up and dance. Her presence in the High Republic since the Black Sun invasion has been lawful and polite. Her actions on Woostri were years ago at this point in time, and during a war between two factions."

Looking back to the other council members, "they should not be considered her entire personality or intentions as a person. I believe that informing the senate that Quinn is a Sith Lord as well as the queen of Eshan is sensible. We must show ourselves open and desiring that important line of communication with them. However, I will stress, we need to be cautious and not assume that our minimal reaction to Quinn is negligence. It is accepting that in the current galactic environment there are some battles not worth the cost of lives we would be putting at risk."

 

[Colette]

It was a grave matter indeed. If Quinn was here to destabilize the Republic it would do them well to keep her under watch. Colette wasn't trying to say they shouldn't. It wasn't until Lorn suggested the most direct response that she actually found herself slowly nodding with a begrudging dip of her head. Direct confrontation about her presence was the most obvious card to pull and yet the most difficult one at the same time.
Well, for Colette at least.

Vodet brought up witches and Colette had to admit that she had no clue what that really entailed. She had read mentions of them, but never seen one for herself as far as she was aware.

Still, she smiled when Katherine spoke up. Her presence had been requested by Colette in case the council would ask for clarification about Woostri, a witness. There hadn't really been any expectations that she would voice her own opinion, but it wasn't exactly unwelcome either. At least not to Colette.

Lily didn't share the same enthusiasm from the look of it. The echani raised good points and pushed on the fact that they actually couldn't act on anything. However, the mention that Woostri didn't indicate anything about who Quinn was now that got to Colette. Her jaw tensed, brows sunk. She would pretend that didn't hurt.

"I brought Katherine to confirm any questions about what happened that day," Colette crossed her arms. "But I see that the conversation moved on from that."

She couldn't help but look at Lily in particularIt wasn't the first time they'd been here. She'd once told Colette about her own worries about acting against a Sith queen. About her mother and grandmother who would become collateral if she helped Colette.

"I agree that we should avoid confrontation and needless loss of lives." She said and uncrossed her arms to put her hands on her hips. "However, I disagree and say that our minimal — or well, non-existent response is negligence. Especially when we have two different Sith Orders who want us dead simply for existing, and at least one of which Quinn is an active member of."

"Supposedly benign or not, her presence is a good reason to be worried. I'll forward our findings on Quinn to the Republic, but what do we do after that?" Colette looked to the other councilors. "The best solution for now, I think, is what Lorn said."

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

 

[Sela Basran]

SHIRAYA'S SANCTUARY
MASTER BASRAN'S QUARTERS
​

Sela listened intently to the testimony provided by Lorn Reingard , Katherine Holt and the advocacy of Lily Decoria . She was not altogether comfortable with the casual nature with which they discussed a Sith Lord. As if her very presence was not a threat to those with whom she interacted, whether she meant it to be or not. But they seemed to have more experience with the individual than Sela did, so the Master paid rapt attention.

"Knight Holt," she said when there was a lull. "Has Varanin given any impression that she is rethinking her position with the Sith? Or is this more of a general admonition that we ought to be open to a Sith seeking redemption?" Sela paused a moment. "Nothing would make me happier than to hear of someone freeing themselves from the bonds of the dark side, but is there any evidence to support that Varanin is seeking that path?"

The Jedi Master folded her arms, tucking her hands into opposing sleeves. "Has her involvement with the Mandalorians been a movement away from the Sith -- seeking shelter from them? If there is evidence of that, I have not heard it. To my view, it is equally likely to be a matter of seeking to expand influence or to build a network to achieve the goal we have all but acquiesced to here: the freedom to move and operate in any space, anywhere, regardless of government, by making it too costly to confront her."

Her tone was even; she was not making a judgment, simply offering an analysis. "I do not like to assume the worst of anyone, but I feel no particular compunction about assuming that a Sith Lord is capable of acting as almost every Sith Lord in history has acted. That is not to say we must arrest, detain, or confront her. But we should be on our guard and be sure that we are monitoring those in our care that come into contact with her. The absence of any detection of malevolent intent is not dispositive. Sith are masters of deception, after all, and we need not look too far back into history to see the catastrophic consequences."

"In sum," Sela said, running her monocle along the links of the chain around her neck, making a little ffft-ffft-ffft noise. "My view is this: assuming indifference to the Jedi Order and the High Republic on Quinn Varanin's part is about as supported by the facts available to us as assuming malevolent intent. With that information, I am not comfortable confronting her, but I also am uneasy about letting her come and go as she pleases, unobserved. Certainly we owe it to those in our Order who come into contact with her -- particularly younger, possibly more impressionable members -- warnings and monitoring."

Colette | Vodet | Zark San Tekka | Romi Jade

​

 

[Romi Jade]

---​

The shape of it was becoming clearer. Not the threat, that had been clear the moment Colette spoke. A Sith, embedded. Active. Untouched. That part was simple. It was everything around it that wasn't.

Romi glanced over to Zark San Tekka briefly, conveying her internal thoughts with her face more than anything, they had long rapport with one another, and surely he saw what she saw. And Sela Basran she could tell already their thoughts had converged, and even more so now with her latest commentary. Then her gaze fell, and remained lowered slightly, unfocused to anyone watching, but not absent. She was listening still. Extrapolating.

We can't act.
It's political.
It's complicated.
It's not our place.

They spoke of war as if it were something that could be avoided by restraint alone. As if inaction delayed it. They were going to go to war regardless, whether it was their choice or not.

It was all different phrasing of course, but the same conclusion. A boundary had been drawn. Not around Quinn, but around them.

Lorn's words lingered a moment longer. I never sensed any malicious intent. She considered that -- carefully. Sensing was not certainty, especially when the fog of the darkside grew thicker with the sheer number of dark siders and the powers they were using now, and clearly it was embedded in everything, they were surrounded on all sides with it. But, the absence of intent… was not absence of influence. And proximity, unmonitored, unstructured, was not neutral ground.

Her posture remained composed, unchanged. She was still quiet. And internally she was organizing everyone into categories of trust, as there were elements and variables about this conversation that brought her some alarm.

If the Council could not define a shared framework, that took in account their position as Jedi, and not just in reference to the Republic itself, then anything they chose to do…would come apart under pressure. And they were clearly split on that based on the conversation.

And if that happened...It wouldn't matter whether Quinn acted, or not.

They would already be exposed. Can this group respond effectively when it matters? With their low numbers...she's getting very close to a no.

Though things seemed to be moving towards the least disruptive path, conversation, hope, and restraint...things of the such; she didn't dismiss any of it.

"Whatever method we move forward with, fine." She said, "We've been weighing consequences, the potential political fallout, war scenarios, Quinn's intentions, redemption versus a threat...but we should also consider and account for our code-driven response too. We are a Jedi Order, and we've just gotten information on a Sith Lord, that was corroborated....Quinn Varanin or not, what do we stand for when faced with something like this? What is our doctrine in this situation? As an Order. Given history. Given the context."

A beat.

"What would it matter if we end up in the same scenario anyway…at war...because we failed to plan and act accordingly and quick enough? With a contingency, with a bit of investigation, with a bit of warning. And war will come, regardless, I don't see us preventing that, let alone a multi-front war, given the cards, but I also don't think we should risk entering one unprepared."

"Whatever is decided here as far as going forward, I'd just want us to consider the risks on either side."

---

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

 

[Katherine Holt]

Tags: Colette | Lily Decoria | Lorn Reingard | Sela Basran | Romi Jade | Zark San Tekka | Vodet​

Once she had finished talking, Katherine had stepped back in order to listen to the others. She found herself agreeing with Lily, any action beyond a simple discussion was a potential powder keg for conflict; one that could be avoided. Katherine’s particular concern was whether pushing too much would cause that keg to tip over.

She listened intently as Lily talked about her people and how Quinn had acted as their queen. It was admittedly a topic Katherine wasn’t wholly versed on; but made a mental note to remedy that. The pessimist within her did wonder though, how long would zero Sith involvement last on Eshan? How long before someone with influence over Quinn pushed for it?

Katherine shook her head slightly. Okay, maybe she was being too pessimistic.

Though her mind did shift to the Republic’s senate. She hadn’t had too many direct interactions with the Alliance’s, but a concern did bubble to the surface. Katherine pondered if telling the senate would be a risk. What if one of the senators did something in response to the news? Albeit, a politician ought to be keenly aware of the political ramifications. But then on the other side, if the Jedi say nothing and the information is discovered still, it wouldn’t exactly paint the Order in a good light.

Or I just don’t stick my nose into that, and leave it to the actual councillors present.

Katherine’s focus shifted as Sela addressed her. “No, as far as I know there have been no indications that she’s rethinking her position. It stems from the reports on her actions during Republic Events and the like. Alongside, as Knight Decoria has pointed out, her actions in keeping Eshan free of Sith influence.” Personally, it was also fueled by a belief too. That should any Sith, or practitioner of the Dark Side of the Force be capable of stepping away, that it should be the first step taken.

After all, the redhead was one herself once upon a time.

As Master Romi talked, Katherine fell back into her thoughts. Her mind wandered if she would’ve ended up in a similar situation back then. She had been a partial-turned Sithspawn that had turned up in Alliance space. If she hadn’t had Kahlil vouching for her…well, the SIA did want to immediately have her locked up; if not outright executed.

Which didn’t happen because she had someone there to talk to, to hear her side of the story and get the facts. And how exactly would I be feeling if I learned these kinds of discussions had been happening without my input?

Katherine frowned at that, her lips thinning to a fine line. The thought did not sit well with her, but ultimately she was making assumptions of someone she hadn’t met.

Letting out a breath, the winged Jedi returned her focus to what was being discussed.

 

[Vodet]

The others knew a thing or two about galactic politics. He wasn’t about to try to lie and say he knew any of it. Vodet was an Enclave chief, and a member of the Council. But it didn’t mean he paid much attention beyond the needs of the younglings in his Enclave and the wayseekers. As the ones that stopped by Kattada were explorers, many provided information on other Force groups, artifacts, and due to Starchaser’s mandate, the movements of the Sith.

He didn’t care for the Sith, even if some of their alchemy and powers were based on the truth of nature. Jedi were unique in that they had such control of their Force powers but allowed people to make their own choices. Sith, on the other hand, kept people in check but allowed their Force powers to move like the storms of the sea, like so many Yinchorri running for the sea at the expense of predators.

The Sith were those predators.

“If she is a member of the Sith, it should be noted and she should be monitored. I’m not certain to High Republic law, but Force law…” He shrugged. “She could become a cancer, may already be one, deep in the bones of this government.” His voice steady.

Frankly, he didn’t care who she was. His kind, his family, fought to protect.

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Tags: @Everyone​

Lorn listened as the room divided itself between the high-stakes dejarik of galactic politics and the rigid requirements of their duty. He felt the friction between Sela's caution and Lily's defensive stance. To Lorn, they were talking in circles around a storm that was already here. He looked at Master Romi, finding a grim resonance in her words.

"The Shirayan Code tells us that where there is discord, we must find balance," Lorn said, his voice cutting through the heavy air. "Balance isn't the absence of struggle. It's the ability to stand firmly in the light while the galaxy tears itself apart. We are debating whether to act, but the Force demands we seek understanding first. If we remain ignorant of her true nature because we are afraid of the political fallout, we have already failed the second tenet of our path."

He turned his attention fully to Romi, nodding slowly. "I agree that war is inevitable. Whether it breaks at the Black Wall or in the Core, the Sith will not stop until they have tried to extinguish us. We aren't preventing a conflict by staying silent, we are only ensuring we enter it blind. We have nothing to lose by speaking with her, but we have everything to lose by watching her from a distance, giving her a babysitter."

Lorn straightened, his expression hardening with a rare flash of command. "We need to stop debating hypotheticals and put a plan together. I propose we send a small delegation to meet with Quinn Varanin. We inform the Republic and the Mandalorian Empire of our intent so there is no shadow of deception. This is a diplomatic inquiry, not an ambush."

He glanced at Lily and then Colette, his eyes softening but firm. "I suggest that the Battlemaster and the Quartermaster abstain from this meeting. Your ties to her are too personal, too loaded with history. To get an honest measure of this Sith Warden, the Council needs eyes that aren't clouded by past trauma or current loyalties. We need to see if there is anything to be gained, or if we are simply verifying the face of our enemy."

 

[Lily Decoria]

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

Lily wasn't sure if there was going to be more information that Katherine could give than her initial statement. From what Colette stated and from what Katherine had said, it did not seem like the Jedi Knight had any previous interactions with Quinn. So, there was nothing gained from asking if there had been any signs of desiring a new path from the queen of Eshan. Lily did not say anything though since she did not think that continuing the conversation was going to be help much. She was trying to be a voice of caution and providing a larger picture of how things could go awry.

It wasn't that war with the Sith could be avoided or prevented, there was a level of inevitability when it came to fighting the Sith. What Lily was trying to avoid was handing the Sith allies in the form of the Mandalorian Empire. It was one thing to fight the Sith, fighting the Sith with allies who also were willing to attack the High Republic. That was risking the lives of everyone in the High Republic and not something that Lily could just sit and watch being discussed.

However, Lorn voiced his thoughts and pushed more for them to have a discussion with Quinn over any observation and babysitting. It was understandable but Lily was not pleased with the idea that she would be not allowed to attend the conversation. Lily looked to Lorn and sighed, shaking her head, "have I acted or said anything that would indicate that I would not be professional in such a meeting? I was not against having an earnest conversation with her, and I believe that excluding me would be a big mistake."

In part because she was offended at the idea that she would be considered too involved, too biased for such a meeting. It was also how others would perceive her absence as a dereliction of duty. That she was not doing her duty as a council member, especially when people realised that Quinn was a Sith Lord as well. "I do not mind taking a backseat during the discussion, but to be entirely absent during this meeting, that would not be acceptable from my point of view."

 

[Lorn Reingard]

Lily Decoria
​

"Not at all, Knight Decoria," Lorn started. "I believe if the conversation goes the right way, your relationship with the Queen will be invaluable. There is a time for that connection. But I believe we should go into this first meeting without any preconceived notions about the Warden. We need to let those who know little about her develop their own opinions from a blank slate."

He shifted his weight, his voice remaining soft but steady. "I know you will always advocate on her behalf. You should. She is the Queen of your people. But as we try to discover where her interests truly lie, I don't believe it is wise to have an Echani in the room, nor those who have bled by her hand before. The air would be too heavy before the first word is even spoken."

Lorn looked around the circle, offering a small, receding nod to show he wasn't trying to overstep his place. "I am happy for this to be pushed back on. It is only my opinion."

 

[Zark San Tekka]

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

Master San Tekka observed the arrival of Knight Holt and listened to the arguments of his fellow councilors. He waited with a patience Jedi teachings had indoctrinated in him since he was a child. When Lorn made his proposal the old man decided it was time to speak again.

"Would you extend the same courtesies to Darth Carnifex?" he raised a hand to forestall any rebuttals, "Perhaps she is not guilty of Zambrano's heinous crimes, yet if Quinn is a fully trained Sith Lord as she claims then that still makes her incredibly dangerous. She will deceive us."

Memories of old betrayals gathered like storm clouds behind the Jedi Master's white and gold cortosis mask. The burning embers of his gaze fell upon the chief librarian and council seer who seemed most sympathetic to his perspective. More than an ally, the bond he shared with Romi stretched back decades. He feared they were both crusader relics of a bygone age.

"I understand the political reality, but Masters Basran and Jade speak wisdom. We cannot make exceptions. History has taught us the terrible lesson time after time that coexistence with the Sith is not an option."

He wrestled with what to say next. True redemption from the darkside was a rare and inexplicable phenomenon. Zark tried to live by the code but advising a Jedi Council often carried the terrible burden of choosing between repugnant options.

"Meet with the girl. Determine if she truly seeks to escape the darkside and if not ask her intentions. There is much we can learn even from the lies a Sith chooses to tell."

Of all the Jedi assembled, Master Zark avoided looking at Lily. She was the Order's battlemaster and in many ways his superior on strategic matters. He did not need to sense her feelings to know he might be causing a rift between them that would be difficult to overcome. His fist remained clenched in iron resolve. San Tekka could not allow the Sith to achieve total victory because of his weak sentiment.

"Now may not be the time," the gatemaster admitted, "But if we do not act then as Master Vodet and Knight Colette both fear the Republic may face a similar existential war through appeasement instead of provocation. Some might interpret the Jedi's tolerance in defiance of tradition as surrender. We need to know more before determining if and how we should strike back."