Private The Trial of Nida Perl

[Nida Perl]

THE TRIAL OF NIDA PERL​

Aboard The Oasis | Kattada

Masters Presiding: Coren Starchaser | Romi Jade | Celeste Rigel | Thurion Heavenshield | Zark San Tekka | Jend-Ro Quill

Audience/Observers: Kyra Perl | Thirdas Heavenshield | Kat Decoria | Cadere | Sakadi Marathi Sinvala | Okkeus Dainlei | Lilia Arma | Subject 73 Red | Beltran Rarr | Amani Serys | Auteme | Dagon Kaze or Zef Halo idk | Audren Sykes | Tom Kovack | Aaran Tafo | Cotan Sar'andor | Zaavik Perl | Sorry if I forgot anyone!


In the days following Korriban, Nida had been stripped of nearly everything that made her who she was. Her rank within any sort of Force order had evaporated, and her own life was pushed to the brink before being pulled back from the edge. Her siblings had been scarce enough to make her wonder if she still had a family. Only Thirdas remained stalwart by Nida’s side during her recovery, but she was worthy of neither his love nor his forgiveness.

Standing in the center of the platform, Nida could not yet bring herself to meet the gaze of so many eyes around her. A modest, plain robe hung from her waifish form in compliment of the simple bindings circling her wrists. The collar fastened around her neck diminished her ability to commune with the Force, but she could still feel the presence of the Masters in the room. The ones who would preside over her fate—leaving Nida to feel like nothing more than a flea in both ability and character.

Her most poignant accessory was the shame that she wore in on sag of her shoulders and in every gentle slope of her face. While her decision to join the Sith may not have been entirely her own, she had to take responsibility for her actions. She had hurt people. Betrayed those she had sworn to care for and protect. Was there a greater sin for a Jedi? Ever demure, the former Padawan had silently turned herself over to the Tide of Light after she’d physically recovered from her ordeal.

Perhaps she would never be blessed with a second chance, but a sliver of Nida hoped that the Masters would see something in her that could be repaired. Despite losing some of her deadlier urges after the Force Light assault, she didn’t trust herself. Every binding, every safeguard and watchful eye was a necessary measure. She would have to learn to dispel whatever darkness lingered within her, if allowed the chance.

Perhaps the pendulum would swing the other way, which was not hard to consider given the divide among the galaxy’s Jedi orders. Nida tried to smother her genuine terror at the concept of facing execution. Did the Jedi do that sort of thing? But if it was decided…

Her fingers fidgeted, hands clasping and unclasping awkwardly around the ties at her wrists as she waited for the trial to begin. The young Zeltron couldn’t help but feel as though she were teetering on the edge of a cliff.

-

OOC | I intend for this to be a pretty chill thread in terms of posting. Presiding Masters, feel free to begin the deliberation as you see fit. Observers, feel free to…observe. Once we feel the time is right, the sentencing will be made. Post when/if you can, no pressure to post if you’re tagged (I understand there’s like, twelve invasions going on). Derail and I’ll write a vague status update about you.

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[Coren Starchaser]

Jedi Master and Warrior. That was what he was. An explorer. But with what was occurring today? He was surprised that he was the one she came to. Well, not him particularly, but his little group. The Tide of Light was not really an off shoot of the Jedi but more a part of all of the Jedi, a mobile enclave looking out for the best the Jedi could be. When Nida Perl had showed up she was taken into the brig and held under armed guard and Coren was alerted. This was common practice for all prisoners, though Sith typically received extra treatment but with everything going on in the galaxy and just who she was, Coren merely moved his office closer to the brig for the time being.

He had things he needed to consider. The Perl clan was almost an extended family for him. In its own… weird way. One of the Perls was half Starchaser, after all, but Yula and Nida, well, he’d been around with them a lot, the flak he got from Joza was always memorable when one of her girls ended up in a battlefield where he was. He hated what he had to do, but processes needed to be followed and he didn’t have the time to deal with it right away, though her time in the brig would be minimal, as he awaited the other Masters, from various Orders and Enclaves. If Coren called, he knew most would arrive.

As for his ‘office’ it was merely a meditation chamber, with the Starchaser Holocron and a few other odds and ends he was using to meditate. The guards knew to keep their mind on the light, to keep the area… filled with a dim light. He was watching her, tracing her thoughts, trying to slip into her mind unnoticed. Despite his own rankings and position in the galaxy, Coren Starchaser had to pull council from someone, and that ended up being Davik Starchaser, or at least the part of Davik Starchaser that was in the holocron.

But it was from that holocron that made Coren call the Masters. If Nida was truly reformed, she would be able to answer for what she had done.

And now, he stood before the Masters and the Trialed, wearing white and gold, the robes of a Jedi Grandmaster, around his waist was a sash of navy and forest, representing the depths of space and the sea, and his home of Corellia. On his waist was the golden bladed lightsaber, crafted when he attained Grandmaster of the Silvers, the seastone and electrum plating matching the robes he now wore.

The Force around him was wound tight, but his face, for the slightest of moments as he began speaking showed a bit of pain. “Nida Perl, you stand before Masters of the Jedi on trial. You have come to us on your own accord and we will allow you to speak of the situation. But the Masters here may request more information, and you are held by your oath, however broken, as a Jedi, and in the best interest of yourself, to answer truthfully. Please, speak of the situations that have occurred that has brought you from the Jedi and before us today.”

 

[Jend-Ro Quill]

Feth, but this was a lot of people. If less were at stake, Quill would have walked by now.

"Excuse me, Grandmaster," Quill said politely but firmly. " Nida Perl is no possible threat and the case against her us far from clear. Leaving her bound is prejudicial. It serves no purpose but public shaming."

He gestured. The Force-dampening collar and the wrist restraints both disengaged from Nida and floated to his hands. He'd made things like this for the Jedi himself - but this was neither the time nor the place for shackles.

"Go ahead, Nida."


Coren Starchaser

 

[Thirdas Heavenshield]

The weeks the two had spent together during her recovery on Midvinter was one of the happiest times he'd ever experienced. His Nida was back in his life, and she was herself again. After everything the estranged lovers had gone through, and after risking everything to bring her back from the Sith, Thirdas had felt the couple deserved to spend an eternity together without having to worry about what would come next.

Ever looming in the distance, however, was the damn trial. Nida had insisted that she give herself up to the Jedi after what she'd done, in spite of his reluctance to accept potentially losing her all over again. However, in the wise words of his father; to truly love someone is to learn to let them go.

But she damn sure wasn't going to stand trial without him being present to support her.

He was forced to stand aside and let Nida face the council of hand-picked Jedi Masters on her own, one of whom was his own father appearing over holo-call. Despite him not being trained in the use of the Force, he hoped his presence would at least provide her with some small comfort.

He was itching for the chance to testify, as it was he and Kyra Perl who best knew the details of Nida's fall and subsequent rescue by their hand.

Who were these people to judge her for actions not of her own will? His teeth clenched just thinking about everyone passing judgement on her without knowing the how's and why's.

Watching her cuffs come off her offered some relief; as if he too was unshackled. When they'd seized her and put her in bonds, he wanted nothing more than to punch them into oblivion, but was made to stand by and watch them take her in. The last thing Nida wanted was to incite violence.

Coren Starchaser | Jend-Ro Quill ​

 

[Cadere]

Cas felt... completely out of place being here, he was a man of action and this? This was the farthest from. Honestly, the true reason he was at this trial was because of the name 'Perl', which made Cas wonder if this would be his chance to see Yula again seeing as he recently fell smitten with the Zeltron - even if he wasn't fully aware of it.

Sitting amongst the crowd of observers, the Jedi Knight glanced around frantically wondering if he knew anyone else here or at least spot Yula. So far, nothing. At the very least it'd be interesting to see where this goes, though he hoped that this trial would have a positive outcome... that being Nida's punishment wasn't over the top. Cas was a firm believer that redemption was possible in anyone and the fact that Nida was able to come back spoke volumes of her character, as far as he was aware.

Fidgeting in his seat slightly, Cas also began tapping his foot against the ground much to the annoyance of the stern looking Trandoshan next to him who had just given him the side-eye. Scratching at his temple cluelessly, he was so distracted with people watching he hadn't realised the trial had actually started, glancing over to an empty seat on the other side next to him, the Kiffar let out an audible groan. Now he really had to make conversation with the Trandoshan. With his eyes focused on the trial, Cas leaned closer to the Trandoshan "Twenty credits says she goes free." he whispered "See, look, she's halfway there." Cas quietly quipped as he watched Nida released from her cuffs.

Coren Starchaser Jend-Ro Quill Thirdas Heavenshield

 

[Celeste Rigel]

Celeste sat uneasy in her chair, her dark eyes focused on Nida Perl . The healer's gaze was no less gentle than usual, but today it did carry a certain sternness – a mother's sternness, one might say.

She'd known Nida for some years now, the two of them had worked together in the Halls of Healing. Though she'd not gotten to know the young woman on much of a personal level, she'd observed Nida's professionalism and kind bedside manner. She was a skilled healer, someone with quite a lot of potential. And so, Celeste had been shocked when she first heard that Nida had fallen.

It was quite a heartbreaking thing – especially to see the toll it had taken on Kyra Perl . Though the spirited girl had kept her at an arm's length, Celeste had watched Kyra change, no doubt suffering from her own version of darkness. However, her step-daughter had been determined to bring her sister home, and Celeste was proud that she'd accomplished her task. With any hope, the two sisters could carry on now – together.

Glancing for a moment towards Coren Starchaser as he began to speak, she folded her hands in her lap and prepared to listen. And as Master Quill removed the shackles, even Celeste found herself exhaling the breath she'd been holding in.

It was true, Coren was all jokes about magma cells. However, Celeste – and many others – knew how he felt about the Sith. He'd be fair, she knew... but perhaps she was here to balance him out.

For the time, there was only one question in her mind – why?

Celeste would wait for Nida – and those that came to testify – to recount the events.

 

[Cotan Sar'andor]

Just how many Perls were there in the galaxy? Sometimes it seemed like everywhere he looked, he was running into another one. Or a Zambrano. It was starting to get a bit ridiculous. Finding one of them on trial, though...

Well, experience with some of the others made that seem just a bit less ridiculous.

"Relax, kid, you'll be fine," he muttered under his breath, looking over at where Nida was uncomfortably shuffling and fidgeting. "You've got five of the most forgiving Jedi Masters passing judgement on you, and then a Coren." He did find it a bit odd, though, having Coren, Romi, Celeste, and Thurion presiding, though; from what he'd pieced together of the various dynamics going on between all of the above, their families, and the Perl family, it almost seemed a bit of a conflict of interest. Not that it was easy to avoid such things, either, given that Jedi were but a small subset of the galaxy.

He turned, glancing over to Auteme , who was sitting next to him. "What do you think's gonna happen, deputy?" he asked, a sly smirk playing across his face. "At least it's not on our station this time, so if things go bad we don't have to risk getting spat at when people get told to leave."

 

[Auteme]

Cotan Sar'andor | @all a y'all​

"I'm not..." Auteme sighed and resigned herself to the title of deputy. Despite the thorough disappointment in herself for somehow being drawn into the Judges of the Outer Rim (though she'd never actually done her 'duties' outside of one instance), her mind was far more occupied with the trial unfolding before her.

She didn't know why she was here; it wasn't as if she knew Nida well. They were half-friends, as they'd only really got acquainted a little while before Auteme had decided to head to Peace and support the unified Jedi Order, then the New Jedi. When she visited the Silver Rest there were no shortage of times when they'd pass each other in the halls and say hi. Still, whoever that girl had been -- that sweet, kind healer -- something had changed.

What would drive a Jedi to become a Sith? There were tales of the classic repression of emotions and how damaging that could be to some, along with attachments and other 'sins'. But Nida had fought the Sith before and there was no doubt she knew how terrible some could be. So why? Auteme worried, as ever, where her questions might lead; she asked them nonetheless.

"I don't know," she said, casting a glance to Cotan. "I mean -- I don't want her punished, or imprisoned, if she shows she's willing to change. I trust the Masters enough to know what's best to do."

Her gaze wandered to the front, focusing for a brief moment on Thurion. Maybe not always the 'right' decision, but a decision nonetheless, one with thought and care and understanding. She trusted Jend-Ro, she trusted Celeste, she trusted Coren.

Today, it was Nida she was worried about.

 

[Cotan Sar'andor]

"Is it not still imprisonment if she's kept under watch and escort all the time, even if they're hidden from her? Or if she's confined to temple spaces, never going elsewhere, until they're absolutely sure she's clear?"

He raised an eyebrow at the young woman, letting the question sit for a moment. "Not uncommon sentences passed in circumstances like these. While it might not leave her in a cell, well, silk sheets and fluffy pillows don't make it not imprisonment. A comfortable existence doesn't make it not a punishment." Always on the lookout for teachable moments with these kids; By the Force, I think I'm turning into my master.

Leaning back in his chair, he glanced across the room, his gaze lingering on Thirdas Heavenshield for a moment. He'd never met the younger Heavenshield—he barely even knew the elder, even—but the worry pouring off of the man was noticeable, even if it had abetted slightly with the removal of Nida's shackles. It just tied back to his thoughts of conflicts of interest, bias, and the like; the Perls were connected to everybody. Some in good ways, some in bad.

If Cotan was worried about anything, it was that—in an attempt to avoid letting any bias they might hold cloud their judgement—the masters presiding over the trial would swing too far in the opposite direction, and be just a little too harsh.

"A well-to-do young Padawan drops everything and turns to the Sith for no apparent reason, only to be knocked down and brought back in another fight on another planet...strange times." He swung his gaze back over the others, settling with another side-eyed glance towards Auteme as he lifted one hand, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Well, Auteme , if you were in her place, if you had done the sorts of things she did, what do you think would make for a proper sentence? And is it one you'd be content to serve?"

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Family.

It had been something on his mind of late. Ever since his trials on Korriban. Ever since his broken body had been pulled from the Temple of Sacrifice by Jedi crusaders and in so doing rescued him from the Dark Lord's clutches at great mortal cost. They had not just given him new life. Ancient records recently uncovered on Ossus had given him a name as well. Never before had the Jedi Master cause to struggle with such...attachment to his origins. Now he was confronted with connection to a very real, very old lineage.

"Master San Tekka? Your presence is requested."

Master San Tekka. That was going to take some getting used to.

He wore an understated black tunic of fine Core World fabric. A gift from his saviors in the New Jedi Order, one he believed suited him far better than formal robes despite its subtly ostentatious flair. A Jedi's lightsaber was never far from hand, but Zark kept the crossguard hilt tucked away and out of sight. There would be no need today for any displays of force...or so he hoped. He knew the Perl name of course by reputation but had never met Joza or her daughters. That sense of objectivity was part of why he believed he had been selected for such a responsibility.

“Nida Perl, you stand before Masters of the Jedi on trial. You have come to us on your own accord and we will allow you to speak of the situation..."

She was just a child.

Zark had not truly been expecting that. He must have been only a few years older than her on the day of his Knighthood, but it was hard for him now to imagine ever being so young. He allowed Master Starchaser to speak. No, Grandmaster Starchaser. Another thing to get used to. At least their friendship was one constant in a galaxy which had otherwise moved on. Not everyone viewed a fallen comrade's miraculous return from Sith capture without suspicion. Master San Tekka had been evaluated by Jedi healers and interrogators both, but Coren's insistence that he was who he claimed to be must have carried significant weight.

Today was another kind of trial for him as well. His conduct among a tribunal of Masters would reflect his commitment to the Jedi Code. It was the second reason he suspected Coren Starchaser had appointed him. Zark would have to prove that confidence well earned.

"Excuse me, Grandmaster," another of his peers interjected once Coren had finished, "Nida Perl is no possible threat and the case against her is far from clear. Leaving her bound is prejudicial. It serves no purpose but public shaming."

He considered this minor breach in protocol when dealing with potential darkside influence. Perhaps it was best to err on the side of compassion over tradition.

"I have no objection."

Not that Jend-Ro Quill seemed to need his blessing nor any other's on the council for he unchained Nida with a wave of his hand before the words had even left San Tekka's mouth. He stifled an inappropriate expression of bemusement on such a serious occasion. One of the few things Zark knew about Master Quill was that he was from the Outer Reaches. He could already sense it. Pragmatic and to the point like many frontier peacekeepers. Celeste Rigel and Thurion Heavenshield he remembered from Mirial, although the circumstances then necessitated pleasantries remained brief. Of course Romi Jade was infamous in her own way yet their paths had seldom crossed back when the New Jedi Order's numbers were far greater.

Of Nida Perl he knew perhaps least of all. If necessary he would consult pertinent details but Zark believed there was value for at least one of them to hear the young zeltron's story firsthand. In that way he would be free of any influence over his judgment beyond this council, yet Master San Tekka would also need to rely on the others to provide clarity should Nida's version of events not align with historical record.

 

[Aaran Tafo]

Justice was always a funny concept. What it actually meant could change drastically depending on who was in the room, who was dispensing it and who was on the receiving end of things. Crime, justice, punishment. What each of those things were was a highly subjective thing. But regardless of one's opinion on the matter was, one thing was clear.

People were watching this event. It was a spectacle for people to observe. It was not often that such events like this occurred, when someone of such famed lineage was here to be held acountable for their actions. Of course, Aaran was not here to sit in judgement of Nida, he only first heard of her name a short while ago when he agreed to join Auteme in coming here to observe. He had no context to her actions, no record of her specific dealings while with the Sith aside from reports that he had scanned through on the journey here. And to be perfectly honest, he felt very little for the girl personally.

He was more curious as to how the Jedi Masters who were handling the trial itself were going to comport themselves. Would they remain impartial? Considering her heritage, it would be difficult for many people to remain entirely detached from the affair. Especially with how close knit many of these Jedi Masters tended to be.

So he was content to sit, wait and observe. Arms crossed as he rested next to Auteme and her companion Cotan Sar'andor , halfway listening to the conversation between both of them. Deciding he might as well weigh in a small bit, if only for Auteme's sake.

"If one takes some spice and ends up committing a crime. Who's to be held accountable?" He asked, giving his friend an aside glance. His tone steady, not looking to acuse Nida of anything. Merely offering food for thought. "The dealer who pushed it on them? The person who made the choice to take the spice, despite being told before how much it could mess them up? Both? Neither?" A crude analogy, but not an inaccurate one. Nida had been taught of the dangers of the path she decided to walk down. But stepped on it anyway. Of course, there was merit in her choice to return and face judgement from her former peers as well.

But he was not here to render judgement. He lacked the context to decide and the experience in such matters to make any form of punishment fair and just. For now, he was simply here to observe and perhaps make a comment or two. Nothing more.

 

[Kat Decoria]

What had pushed Kat Decoria to the trial of Nida Perl a Zeltron she had never met or had any interaction with? Well seemed that Perl was a name connected to many and she had been friends, quite close, with Kyra Perl at one point in the past. Where they stood now, it was difficult to say since Kat went her own way and Kyra left everyone behind to chase down her sister. It was a goal that Kat understood, something she would have done if her sister had run off and joined the Sith, but it did leave sour taste having to stay behind and not help your friend. Especially when all you are told to do as a Jedi is to help someone no matter what. Kat was dressed in some casual clothes, form fitting jeans and a loose blouse with her cropped leather jacket. Nothing flashy but she didn't want to wear the Jedi robes.

As she stood, Kat looked around, she wasn't near the front but she had a good view of everything that was happening, meant that she had a rough idea of where Kyra was and could see Nida standing before the Masters. She hadn't met most of them, Coren was infamous by reputation, something about extremist against Sith was thrown around at times but in the golden robes, he seemed a little too extra in her mind. The gold robes and saber, seemed like a flashy statement that wasn't needed in her mind. But she supposed that came with being a renowned Grand Master, the other judges weren't as flashy in the clothing and she only really recognised Celeste, who had been a Jedi Healer she learnt from when in the SJC.

Seemed like the Masters were friendly with Nida, that they knew her well or heard of her at least, she could hear others muttering about the trial and how they saw it. Kat figured that Nida surrendered and while she had committed crimes and worked with the Sith actively, something had to explain the turn and reasoning. One issue she had with the trial, these people knew Nida, to some extent and they were friendly with her. If she hadn't been a Perl, or known any of the judges would she be treated the same or is some bias going to force a kinder sentence. No one wanted Nida to suffer or be killed, at least Kat hoped no one did, but showing a bias could be detrimental in the long run in Kat's eyes.

Coren Starchaser Jend-Ro Quill Celeste Rigel Romi Jade Thurion Heavenshield Thirdas Heavenshield Zark San Tekka Cadere Cotan Sar'andor Aaran Tafo Auteme @everyone else

 

[Amani Serys]

An air of uncertainty loomed heavy over the proceedings, but it was the hope of all today that the truth would come to light. Amani stayed on the far end of the observers, much more comfortable being out of the way of the day's main attraction. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief that someone else was the center of focus for the Jedi, though it was mixed with a harsh twinge of guilt.

The similarity of their situations was eerie to her. Amani and Nida, both padawans and healers of the Silver Jedi, had fallen to the dark side around the same time. Though their paths diverged from there on, it was easy to empathize with what was now taking place. Unlike Nida, Amani’s investigation was, at least for the moment, still being conducted as a quiet internal affair, given the unique circumstances regarding the mirialan’s fall and subsequent return. Still, it did little to ease her mind.

There had to be more here than meets the eye. The news of Nida's turn was a shock to her as much as anyone, and whatever developments had occurred during Amani's absence were still unclear to her. But she had always held strongly to the belief that anyone could be redeemed. A belief she needed to hold on to now more than ever. After all, if Nida wasn’t capable of a shot at redemption, then how could Amani be either?

Now she just hoped for the best, and entrusted in the wisdom of the gathered masters. There had been more than enough suffering as of late.

Nida Perl - Coren Starchaser - Jend-Ro Quill - Thirdas Heavenshield - Cadere - Celeste Rigel - Cotan Sar'andor - Auteme - Zark San Tekka - Aaran Tafo - Kat Decoria - @a lot of people

 

[Kyra Perl]

Stepping through that door was the hardest thing she had ever done.

Harder than the wars, harder than meditation. Harder than encoding, and healing, and letting go of her right arm. She would rather stand on top of Korriban and bare down its weight twenty times more than look her older sister in the eye today.

She could still see the blood on the knife that had been driven into Thirdas's gut. She could still feel Nida's attempts to slither in and sway her mind. She could still hear the screams of a planet silenced near perfect sync. Billions. She could hear them all. The events of the past six months clung to her, smothering out the air.

When she looked at Nida, she saw it all.

The Jedi Order might find reason to forgive the misteps of her sister today, but Kyra Perl would not.

She came for one reason and one reason only. Answers. She stepped through the trial's doors, her back stiff and her face blank. The vices she was using to cope showed in the state of her eyes. She walked in with nothing short of unapologetic confidence. Who would dare to condemn her when the other stood on the stand. She leaned alone against the furthest wall, one flesh arm crossing over a metal one.

She had lost that arm saving Nida's life that day on Yurb. Now clutched inside of it was a holochip that could save her sister's neck from execution. In the weeks it took for Nida to return from the brink of death, Kyra had been busy.

What makes a Jedi fall so suddenly? The room was about to find out.

 

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

The air was heavy. It didn't take a Jedi's senses to tell that tension hung in the room centered around the platform. And the reason for that tension? The trial of a woman she knew by nothing but name. Perhaps she had seen this Nida Perl stroll through the halls of Silver Rest before. Perhaps not. But unlike her, many Jedi were familiar with this half Zeltron half Epicanthix. Familiar enough to care deeply about the outcome.

Sakadi wove through the crowd outside of the large hexagonal room where the trials were occurring. Several small droids were broadcasting what was happening inside, displaying holographic imagery against the clean white walls of the Oasis. Most of them were Knights, Padawans, troopers and crew, all of them lacking in either rank or close ties to the person to be judged. And others? Well, they hadn't secured a seat in time.

After elegantly passing the last of the onlookers, Sakadi was stopped by the two Jedi who guarded the room, each wearing the traditional white temple guard uniform. The calm lilac eyes of the Master shifted from one to another. A few seconds passed, before one of them finally spoke up. She recognized the alluring accent of Ryloth, but she couldn't tell if the man had a lekku or not. Despite the distinctiveness of some species, the uniform of the temple guards did well in hiding their identities.

"Master Sinvala of the Silver Jedi Order?" She nodded calmly as she tucked a strand of white hair behind her long pointy ear. Upon her confirmation, the two guards took a step aside. "There should still be some seats left." Again the lavender skinned Sephi nodded, grateful that they would let her enter.

Her gaze fell on the woman who stood on the platform first. The holographic imagery outside matched her appearance. She recognized some of the other faces in the room. She knew Jend-Ro Quill , had seen Romi Jade in some scandalous tabloids recently and of course, Cadere was there too. She could smell him from three systems away. Call it a Master's instincts.

Despite their still recent fall out, Sakadi had no reason not to approach him. They were Jedi after all. They were not supposed to harbor grudges.

With lithe movement Sakadi made her way over to the empty seat beside him, just catching his one-sided conversation with the Trandoshan.

"Inappropriate conversation to be having, don't you think?"

 

[Nida Perl]

THE TRIAL OF NIDA PERL
Aboard The Oasis | Kattada
Masters Presiding: Coren Starchaser | Romi Jade | Celeste Rigel | Thurion Heavenshield | Zark San Tekka | Jend-Ro Quill | Tiland Kortun

Audience/Observers: Kyra Perl | Thirdas Heavenshield | Kat Decoria | Cadere | Sakadi Marathi Sinvala | Okkeus Dainlei | Lilia Arma | Subject 73 Red | Beltran Rarr | Amani Serys | Auteme | Dagon Kaze | Audren Sykes | Tom Kovack | Aaran Tafo | Cotan Sar'andor | Zaavik Perl | Sorry if I forgot anyone!

Nida disliked being in the spotlight when something good happened, and right now the anxious Padawan was performing every on-the-spot breathing technique that she could. There were dozens of eyes on her—some scrutinizing, many questioning and withholding judgment until she spoke her piece.

By the Force, I wish that we could skip this part…

But they couldn’t. Nida did not truly expect to walk free, but the impending deliberation had her mind spiraling. Unexpectedly, Master Quill removed her bindings with a wave of his hand, and the Zeltron stared up at him in a moment of open-mouthed shock. After weeks of suppressing her ability in the Force, being able to re-connect with her latent abilities nearly bowled her over. A few deep breaths helped her to settle and adjust to the presence of so many powerful Jedi in such close quarters.

Her stomach was snarled in knots and her throat tight with nerves, and after a few tries, she managed to find her voice.

“On…Yavin. We were on Yavin, to rescue Grandmaster Elise from the Sith. I was undercover, but quickly discovered by a Sith. He…did not harm me, but he did…” Her brows knit, searching for the right word to describe an event she didn’t even fully understand “…something to me. AMCO was his name.” In his life, the man had been equally infamous for pushing the limits of both civilian and Sith science, and his numerous vices. But more than that, he’d been kind to Nida during her time under the Sith Empire. Whether he had genuinely cared for her or not remained to be seen, but the duplicitous nature of many Sith was not lost on her. Swallowing thickly, she cleared her throat and continued.

“After that, all I can remember was letting the darkness in. I was…angry. I lashed out at-at…someone I love, with intent to kill.” She found the strength to flicker her eyes to Thirdas Heavenshield , guilty for finding comfort in him. Comfort she staunchly believed that she did not deserve. “I left Yavin with Adrian.” She murmured quietly, the echo of the chamber carrying her words clearly. “And joined the Sith Empire. I was welcomed with open arms by the man who I soon learned to be my biological father, Darth Carnifex I believed his stories, that I was stolen from my true family at birth by the Jedi.” Her face flared brightly in embarrassment. “I wanted to believe him, and so I did.”

“I tried to help the Sith break Grandmaster Elise. I fought against the Jedi on Myrkr, the Imperials on Bastion, and the Jedi again on Korriban. I’ve hurt people, and shown cruelty to those I care about, because I believed that it was the only path laid out before me. And yet, no matter what I did, I couldn’t make sense of it. I rationalized my actions with lies, in hopes that I would someday understand it all.”

In the moment, her eyes found Kyra’s. There was something foreign about her sister in that moment, but she felt a wave of relief flood over her just the same—Kyra was alive and safe. “I’m sorry Kyra, for trying to break you. For trying to drag you into the darkness with me.” At the time, she’d justified it as love. Love for her sister, to not see her go down the wicked path of the Jedi. How utterly wrong she’d been. “And Thirdas, I’m sorry for all the pain I’ve caused.” Her mournful gaze slid to him next, and though he’d waved off her apologies a thousand times it would never be enough for her. He’d forgiven her, but Kyra hadn’t. She did not expect her sister to, at least not easily.

"Whatever happens to me, know that I love you both more than life itself."

Feeling as though she’d lingered too long on personal matters, Nida turned her attention back to the Masters. “On Korriban, my sister Kyra Perl saved my life. The Force Light within her was strong enough to dispel the darkness, and I recovered on Midvinter under the care of Master Heavenshield.”

That was the gist of her time with the Sith, but another thought had been loitering in the back of her mind. A black ops mission she and several Silver operatives had engaged in, with aims of recovering Thal Mantis . Nida rocked back and forth on the balls of her feet, fumbling with the urge to confess to the murder she’d committed as a Jedi. A senator from the Galactic Alliance who they’d discovered as a slaver. It had been a classified mission that resulted in Tulan Kor 's expulsion from the Silvers, and the pair had met later in a fateful encounter on Bastion.

"Before this all happened, I was taken on an off-the-books mission by an operative who did not divulge all of the details. He asked for our help. I didn't know he was taking justice into his own hands, and he's since been expelled for his behavior. But, it doesn't change the fact that I was involved. I did help him. At one point, we were in danger. I may not have known what I was doing- I only know this man meant to kill a person I loved. I responded on instinct- I saved Thirdas. But I killed the man. I murdered him. He wasn't a good one, but it doesn't change that I traded Thirdas' life for his own."

It had not been pretty, it had not been cathartic, and Nida’s head hung in a shame so deep that it obscured her eyes.

After a few deep exhales, she raised her head once more. She looked haggard and tired, bizarrely aged for one so young.

“I confess that I may not fully understand what drove me to the Sith, to commit the treason that I did. Perhaps I was a puppet, or perhaps I was really working from a twisted version of my own will. But I…I know that regardless of the reason, I have hurt people. I have betrayed my family, the Jedi, and the galaxy.” The weight of her own words sunk in, heavy on her soul. “Above all, I am sorry for every moment, every act I executed that resulted in hurt or betrayal.”

“I’ve recounted the events as I remembered them, to the best of my ability. I ask not for leniency nor forgiveness, as they are not mine to give. I will accept whatever decision the council sees fit.”

Her voice cracked, finding herself absolutely parched by the end.

“Um…thank you.” She half-squeaked, feeling herself practically shrink in place.

 

[Coren Starchaser]

While the situation was not the best, it was nice to see the gathered Masters. He had trusted, or would be able to trust each of the gathered in turn. It was why he had called upon this group. But they represented something more than the beings he could trust. A look around this room, the Jedi of the galaxy were represented. Himself and Zark and Romi pulled one course of the Jedi way, Quill another, Celeste another, and even Thurion pulled his own path. But as he stood on occasion, he was trying to play the proper role of a Grandmaster, even if he wasn’t of the Silvers or the New Jedi Order, but he was part of both, and he directed the Tide and assisted with the Enclaves. It gave him so many things to consider, than when Jend-Ro released the bindings, he tossed the Scholar a nod and a tight smile.

The hurt in his eyes of who was before them was there, but he was working on masking it. The Force, that he could button up tight, but his own emotions? He hoped Celeste Rigel would be able to tell what was going on, but he was doing his best to remain stoic.

The path of a Jedi was a difficult one, with certain beings, attachment is fine, with others, it was an aspect that created struggle. Coren had several loves in his life, and they had made him a better Jedi, always had. For others, they were something to be protected, and coveted, and that meant using all of one’s abilities. He had an inkling in the past few days being able to trace into Nida Perl that may have been the case. He’d seen it before, it didn’t many anyone less of a Jedi, it just meant they needed assistance.

With all of those gathered to witness the trial, he kept his eyes from making particular contact, obviously, the Masters would get his attention and he did toss a glance to Kyra Perl hoping his daughter and Nida’s sister was fine. The healer Amani Serys was here and he saw her too, she seemed within herself, introspective, but he did not have time for that.

As Nida began, he was listening and reaching out in the Force. She was a Child of the Dark Lord. He had heard of it, and worried about his own children, but they were definitively his. It definitely… affected people. His former apprentice had to deal with her background. But Coren remained quiet as Nida was speaking. With Carnifex involved, Coren didn’t have any doubt that Nida may have been in over her head, truth or falsehoods shared.

When she concluded, he looked around the gathered. “I respectfully request that those not on the Presiding table hold comment. But Masters. You have heard Nida Perl’s story. She was… is… a Child of the Dark Lord. We all know the architect of that, the once Emperor Darth Carnifex . We see that Nida was lost, she was given something that had taken her over. Changed her thought process, made her Sith. Or at least influenced her to the Sith. She had made choices. Some more damning than others, she worked to save the former Grandmaster Elise, she worked to save the son of one of the Masters here. Yes, her choices may have been selfish, but there is an underlying current of protection of life within them.

“I can’t speak for the murder, it is an awful decision to take someone's life, but it was performed in protection of another.” He caught himself, not wanting to bring his own thoughts. “But I open the floor to the Masters. I will hold back my comments and allow you to question Nida.” The accused? Was she that? She was more than that. It was hard to say. "Know this, I do not sense deception in her words."

Romi Jade Jend-Ro Quill Zark San Tekka Thurion Heavenshield

 

[Jend-Ro Quill]

Quill tucked the restraints away and sat back to listen. Memory was a special skill of his: he considered asking Nida to use one of the memory-sharing constructs he'd built, but that overrode the line into self-incrimination - Nida's right to privacy. Coren's read on her truthfulness would do fine.

"The facts we've seen bear out what you've said, and Grandmaster Starchaser knows you well enough to say that you're telling the truth. As you know, Nida, we don't know each other. My first impression of you is a young woman who's had the time to find real remorse. I don't believe you're a threat to yourself or others, though a little more Force Light wouldn't hurt just in case Carnifex still has a hook in there somewhere. Could you use more time to heal, maybe with Ithorian priests of the Mother Jungle or someone like that? Absolutely. A work-service term with them could be appropriate.

"Let's talk about specific crimes. I don't believe you're accountable for the attempted murder of Thirdas Heavenshield - in fact, I think he's here to support you, yes? And I don't especially care about you fighting Imperial stormtroopers or being verbally cruel or playing a supporting role in wartime while under serious Sith influence. I care about the...death you mention. I think we need to hear more about the role you willingly played in that - your state of mind, your initiative, your physical actions." He held up a datapad. "We have the case file, of course - but please, walk us through what happened."

Nida Perl

 

[Audren Sykes]

Location: The Oasis - Orbiting Kattada
Wearing: Jedi robes
Role: Observer

Audren would be the first to reluctantly admit - though only when asked - that he had lost track of the galaxy at large. Some time ago he'd gone into seclusion, and when he'd returned had found that it was more difficult to balance his roles as company owner and Jedi Master. Whereas before he'd errored on the side of the Jedi, now his highest priorities lay elsewhere. The Orders didn't mind; in his absense they'd gone on like they normally did. He was no GrandMaster after all, he'd turned that position down when nominated for the role. Heck, he wasn't even much of a Master, having rarely taught and never formally taken a Padawan. He barely kept up with his own skills these days. Yet even as inattentive as he was the Orders welcomed him when he did make the time, so he did his best to keep his ear to the comms.

When it came to current events though, the more things changed the more they stayed the same. In terms of galactic powers, there was the incessent squabbling between Jedi and Sith; the CIS persisting; new iterations of the Galactic Alliance, Mandalorians, and First Order; and a few new major players scattered here and there. The newest threat was something called the Bryn'asomething out on the galactic south-east. Invaders - he didn't know if they were extragalactic or not - threatening to wipe out life in the galaxy that wasn't theirs. Much as the Yuuzhan Vong had so long ago and who knew how many others. Same old, same old.

One day however, he'd heard news of a Force user under guard by the Jedi. Scuttlebutt had it that she used to be a Jedi and had fallen to the Dark, and there was some debate on her current alignment. It'd happened before and no doubt would again, so his interest waned. At the end though he'd heard a name, and that had once again piqued his attention. Perl. He'd known a Zeltron years ago, Joza Perl. Like most others it wasn't someone he'd stayed in touch with but was enough for him to start digging deeper. As it turned out this was one of her daughters - what was it with people he'd known in the SSC/SJO going out and having kids? First Valae, now Joza. He owed Joza nothing, let alone her child, but he was curious now. The Sephi cleared his schedule - or rescheduled meeting to remote - and headed out to Kattada and to The Oasis, where young Perl was being held.

The Master arrived just in time for the trial as it turned out, and he would be hearing some of the details as they were discussed there. The first thing he noticed was that she'd come to them of her own accord; contrition was important, maybe she was truly on her way to repentance. Certainly one of the Masters conducting the trial thought so - or thought that she was surrounded by enough Force power to obliterate a star system - as the Force-suppression collar and wrist cuffs were released. Come to think of it, he knew several of those presiding over the trial: Thurion Heavenshield best of course, but Coren Starchaser, and was it Zark from the Galactic Alliance days as well? The others observing less so, though there was one who looked much like a younger Thurion and another pink-skinned Zeltron that might be related.

Audren listened impartially to the girl's story as she told it. She deserved nothing else. Maybe it was the concentrated Force power in the room, maybe the girl was empathic, or maybe it was something else entirely, but as she spoke forms took shape in his mind, wisps of images that could have been. Facing a Sith - the name was unfamiliar to him, having been out of the loop for so long - and finding herself in the Dark. Joining the Sith and performing their work, fighting family. It was unlikely that his mental images were anything like what had really taken place, but it was enough for him to piece things together. She ended her bit by proclaiming her sorrow and that she would accept the decision rendered...and not requesting leniency or forgiveness.

Yula was clearly ashamed of what she'd done. The dangerous part - at least from the Sephi's perspective - was that she didn't understand why. A Sith had done something, and without harm she had succumbed to the Dark. Was this something that could be done to any Jedi? Or was it something that only happened to her...and could it happen again? Yet it was not his place to ask, he was here to observe only. No doubt there was more to be revealed by others, and he trusted that those who'd been more deeply involved in the matter had or would obtain more information than this simple recounting could offer.

He was not disappointed. Coren spoke next, proclaiming Yula a 'Child of the Dark Lord'...and the emphasis there made it more than just a blood relation. No doubt something in the Archives, restricted of course. Something to research later. For now, the questioning was still continuing.

 

[Tiland Kortun]

Tiland sat next to Jend-Ro, but not so close that he would crowd the hermit, hands wrapped in the sleeves of his robes, head tilted to one side. He said nothing as the discussion began. Nor did his face reveal any expression. And instead, he contemplated the words, eyes half-closed, and with breathing only a few times every minute, he could almost be asleep.

But as Nida spoke about what happened, his eyes opened and focused on her, sharp and piercing as his mind raced to consider the implications of what she claimed. His fingers interlaced together and he sat straighter.

"I must concur with Master Quill," Tiland finally said, "And just as importantly, what this Sith... Darth Adrian or some such, what he did. Every detail about what you remember of the experience.

He revealed his hands and balanced them. "The Dark Side is capable of instilling acts of compulsion against one's will, and it erodes one's capacity to make decisions and reject them. It is an ability known to be particularly potent amongst my own people. Those without ethical restraints can easily use the Force to override a sentient's mind and bend them to make decisions they would not otherwise. And most importantly, if this Sith had some esoteric technique to force you to the Dark faster than anything we have seen, all Jedi are at risk."

Tiland shifted sideways slowly as if weighing options. "This, I think is the crux of the decision we are faced with. So, please, after answering Master Quill, please explain everything you remember about the experience on the switch." He consulted the notes again. "As well as what exactly is meant by a child of the Dark Lord." He let a small smile flicker across his lips. "I heard capital letters when Master Starchaser mentioned it, and I am wondering what that really means."