Time To Say Goodbye [SJO]

[Stephanie Swail]

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"The Order of the Silver Jedi is not an Order.​

It is a people.​

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Wherever their people reside, the Order is alive.​

When the galaxy needs them, they will be there.​

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Voss has been their home for decades. Now it is ready for independence.​

The Silver Jedi will aid them in this time of change.​

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It is time to say goodbye to the past,​

but also time to say hello to the future."​

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=163_C5UVU-I​

Stephanie Swail was only a Padawan, but right now, she felt like she was a Master. She felt like she had to step up and help others; reassure those who were worried, show them the way forward, instil confidence and the excitement of what was upon the Silver Jedi Order.

It was time to give the people of Voss their independence.

It was time to give the systems who had supported the Silver Jedi their independence.

It was time for the Silver Jedi Order to move onto new pastures and establish themselves once more as not just overseers of planets, but what they had been founded for. To preserve the Light at all costs. To teach others and learn at the same time. To support the people of the galaxy who needed the forces of good for support in rebuilding their lives or setting up a new Government. To unite the Light.

The operation was in full swing, and there was a lot to do. A grand audience had been called for all those in the temple, and communications sent far and wide to all the fleet and army spread across the system.

Stephanie looked up to the blue sky as she inhaled the fresh air, letting the green blades of grass tease her hand outside the temple and smiled. This was a new chapter for the Silver Jedi, and for the people they had supported for years.

The Padawan nodded to herself and turned around in her Hapan gowns, and walked towards the large doors. The sight of large machines, ships and a real buzz of activity greeted her. The spirit of the Order was alive once more. The people of Voss-ka were also present to help with the proceedings, to be followed up by ministers from the Government offices to make things final and to part in peace.

It was a time for them all to rediscover who and what they could be, and prepare for their relocation to Kashyyyk in a matter of days.

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OOC:​

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This is the Faction thread for us to say goodbye to Voss and the temple as we make our move to Kashyyyk and open up a new chapter for the Silver Jedi Order to embark on.​

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All are welcome to join from the SJO. If you are a Light Side supporter and wish to join, please let us know and join in.​

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Our main story objectives are as follows:​

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1) Assist the people of Voss in preparing for their independence; teach them a final few skills, help them understand the dangers they may face and prepare them.​

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2) Prepare to welcome the Government representatives and participate in final negotiations. ​

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3) Take to the land, sea and air to move out. Provide escort and navigation out of Voss and scout ahead for any dangers or new routes to our new system.​

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4) Bring down the temple. Carefully help deconstruct the Silver Jedi Temple, removing all sacred artifacts and ensuring all our resources are accounted for so no enemies can loot our former home. A monument will be erected in it's place as a sign of thanks.​

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5) Bring your own story in the farewell to Voss - emotional, dramatic, comedic? Whatever you feel, go with it.​

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Enjoy!​

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[member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Valkren Calderon"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]​

@All SJO Members​

 

[WelshGuy]

Yuroic was not pleased with their decision to abandon Voss. But then he was happy about so few things nowadays. Sitting on the edge of his bed in his chambers, old chambers now, Yuroic looked around. He had spent so long in the Temple since their loss on Mirial, so long in this small room. Dressing himself, he stared at the stump of his arm. It was a constant remain of his sacrifice, of his hatred of himself and his failings. His lack of skill saving him from the enemy. Also it held the memory of his lost Master, finding out not long after he confronted Valae about where Arisa was. He had been so angry at her but now he grieved her death, the pain was deep in his heart.

His belongings had been packed and stored on a transport. There was mostly archive notes he had made. Map scans for a lost planet. He was sure that he was close to its discovery. The need for a new kyper crystal was now great as he couldn't construct his lightsaber without one. It was another thing that made him feel less of a Jedi now. He was without a lightsaber and now he wasn't sure where he belonged.

His cloak was his only comfort, torn and well worn, it wasn't pretty but it reminded him of the tough trials he had previously faced. Yuroic stepped outside, he still held onto his crutch, limping with pain still echoing from his legs. He wandered down the many halls and looked around. He knew that he would miss the planet. Kashyyyk was likely to be a pleasant planet to live on, however, he felt home on Voss since he had joined the Order. He moved to the Jedi Archives. Unable to help move anything in his condition, he could oversee the moving of their history, their knowledge. Yuroic was a big nerd when it came to learning the history of the Jedi, even the study of Sith and other Force Users. His old fighting style was similar to Exar Kun due to his reading, however, Yuroic was clearly not as talented.

 

[Viathae Qarmast]

It was a long ride for the Silvers for her, but Viathae felt like she had learned everything she could from them. It was as if it was yesterday that she was a member of the Silver Order, but now she was pretty much on her way into becoming the future of the Mandalorians. Her first lightsaber, everything, was here in Voss. Voss was a home to her, and she considered it her true home, unlike Wayland. She didn't had time to properly say goodbye to her first master, Clyde Lawrence, whom taught her everything about the force, and even taught her about some wars and co-operations that the Jedi and Mandalorians that worked together for a common goal.

But now, the Silvers were breaking apart as a faction within this perilous galaxy. The peaceful bubble that was once here, will soon vanish.

With a few aid workers with her, she donned on her Traditional Jedi Robes, rather than her Mandalorian armour for this occasion. She knew this was the time that she can no longer rely on the Silvers anymore for assisting in building a new Mandalorian nation for her people to prosper. No, she had to carry on this burden once the temple is down. Viathae knew that this shall be the dawn of a New Mandalore, and she will ensure that the dreams of Dutchess Satine Kyrze is seen as reality. From here, neutrality shall be seen as the pathway to peace.

 

[Jsc]

Was this a joke?

Jess didn't know much about politics but she had to stop and think here for a second. Wait a minute? I mean, Matthews figured it was the job of the Silver Faction to defend their own free worlds from the threat of the Darkside. Now, after Mirial? I guess the free worlds that made up Silver Space had started to doubt their own protectors. She could hear their voices in her head already. Can you defend us against the Darkside, oh Silvers? Can you keep our trade routes safe, oh Antarian Rangers? Mmm. We're not so sure anymore. Yes. It's like all her Non-Force Sensitive friends were saying: Hey Jedi. We'd like you to leave. Oh yes. We'd like to fight the good fight without you from now on. Take your baggage and your high white horse, and go. Please. We, the free worlds that you once claimed to protect, we'll take it from here.

Jessica was devastated.

This didn't feel like hope. It felt like failure. No. It felt like running away.

* * * * *​

​

​Voss
Independent Space


Jess spent most of the day packing up her belongings in the Temple. It wasn't that she had much. It was that she was dragging her feet. Saying too many goodbyes and touching familiar things for the last time will do that to you. Parting ways with Voss was more difficult than she had imagined.

"Matthews? Yo. You ready to go?"

"Yes Trent. I'll be right there. Just finishing up with the boxes now."

"Cool cool. See you down at the ship."

Jess sighed and picked up another box. Carrying it over to the droid nearer the door. Handing it off to the metal servant and watching the robot carry it down the hall. Welp... That was everything. The last box. I suppose now all she had left to do was get the lights and call it a day.

She turned back to her empty office and touched a light finger to the light switch before taking her leave,

"Goodbye old friend. I hope we meet again."

*click*

* * * * *​

They wouldn't. The Temple was already set for demolition. A memorial would take it's place. A monument to what could have been. Something Jess had plenty of time to think about as her ship lifted off for Kashyyyk. The words of a bard echoing softly in her harshly hanging head. Alas my prince.

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

 

[Jessica Med-Beq]

Objective: Negotiate the transition of power
Location: Voss-ka

Moving elsewhere was a bitter move, but since there was another region of the galaxy that needed the Jedi more than Voss did, she had to play along with the rest of the Council's wishes. As with Bimmisaari and Chandaar, she was, once again, called in to deal with the local regimes. So not only competent Jedi in command were uncommon, Jedi that could actually deal with local regimes were just as uncommon. But the Voss Mystics weren't one's everyday local regime. They were first-rate prophets, and probably could see their departure coming from country miles away. So she came to the Tower of Prophecy, the seat of the planetary government, to hold a meeting pertaining to the transition of power over the location. In a sense, the Silver Jedi administration was much more lean than most governing bodies that actually operated armed forces with any competence. Because the scope of the Silver Jedi's administration covered two areas (technically three, but taxation for defense purposes was usually under the purview of trade) she hoped it would proceed smoothly. Once she has arrived in front of the Prophets:

"Welcome, esteemed prophets. I am Master Med-Beq, member of the Silver Jedi Council; in these times where the Silver Jedi are needed elsewhere, we would like to ensure that we are leaving Voss behind in good terms"

"What are your plans?" the lead Prophet asked.

"While we would like to move the main temple to Kashyyyk, alongside its contents, we would also like to build a monument dedicated to Jedi history, where the names of all the brave SJ personnel that worked tirelessly to make this corner of the galaxy a better place, so that their contributions could be honored"

"Who's going to fund that?" the Prophets' treasurer asked.

"Because we will soon be establishing in another region that needs us more, we are downsizing the garrison we station here, and any savings could, in part, be allocated to this monument"

 

[Douglas Starwind]

Doug was unsure of what to really think about the decision to leave... It almost reminded him of when he first began his journey towards becoming a Jedi some years ago. He left Tatooine behind for a greater purpose in his life. Now it felt like he was abandoning his home again... He had grown rather accustomed to Voss, but he also knew things were growing rather troubled for the Silver Jedi Order from what he had been hearing. Perhaps it was in their best interest to try and regroup elsewhere... He heard that the members were going to a "Kashyyyk"... They had a destination, but that didn't mean the farewell didn't hurt.

The Padawan was standing outside of the Temple, his specific pair of Jedi Robes of a silvery white and black color scheme donned as per usual. He rested his hands on his hips and pondered over the situation. The Temple was being prepared to be brought down and many important objects and the belongings of the members being moved out. Things certainly looked busy with these preparations... What else could he do here, though? He had already had his few belongings in the Temple taken care of for the big move so now he was just left to his thoughts...

He wondered how his Master and some of the others from his circle of Padawans were doing... There was a feeling of sorrow and unease in the air. He sighed and simply waited, slowly gazing up at the blue sky above him.

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae stood in the middle of her office, arms crossed gently. Slowly, she turned about to let her eyes roam the room one last time. This space had always been a warm and inviting place, cozy even. However, today it looked quite empty and sad. All of her personal items had been packed away, leaving only a few pieces of furniture that was due to be removed. And though she had told herself a thousand times that she wouldn’t cry today… she already knew that she wouldn’t be able to keep that promise. Sucking in a breath, she felt the tears welling up, and she let them drop without resistance.

Moving over to her desk, the very same one that had been used by Grandmasters past, she let her palm rest atop the wooden surface. How Valae wished that she could glean their wisdom, even just a little bit. Turning her eyes down to the desk, she couldn’t help but wonder what they would think of their decision to leave Voss. It was a topic that had weighed on Valae’s shoulders for months; it was an option that had been present in the back of her mind. There had had been part of her that wished it hadn’t come to this, but there was also a part of her that looked to the future with a great amount of hope.

They had done good here on Voss, it was time to bring the light to other worlds.

Of course, no matter the good intentions… it didn’t make this an easy task. Not at all. Valae was confident that the Voss would be ready to take control of the land once held by the Silver Jedi. The Jedi and the Voss had worked side-by-side during their years here, and it would be sad to see the partnership come to an end. It would be much the same for the other worlds in their influence. The Silver Jedi would not simply abandon these planets; they would do whatever was necessary to leave on good terms.

So far, the transition seemed to be going well. Valae hoped that she had not failed in her task as Grandmaster; she only wanted the best for the Order. Still, she couldn’t deny the doubts that had cast a shadow over her in recent weeks. It was always a battle of confidence for the Jedi healer. Would her people hate her for taking them away from Voss? Would they follow to Kashyyyk? These were questions that she had stayed awake pondering late into the nighttime hours. And now, the time had come.

A small frown pulled at the corners of her mouth. Perhaps she would remain here for a just a few more minutes…

 

[Sky'ito Yumi]

Sukai slowly climbed the steps of the temple, more than willing to help with the acquisition of its valuable artefact for site keeping preventing the Sith from pillaging the place, as well as record her own copies for personal use, if allowed. She had not been part of the order for long, a few months at best, never having been properly indoctrinated into its ranks formally, but it was still sad that they had to leave, even if it made sense. Though part of her wanted to stay and fight, against a war hungry factions like the Sith, and their wiliness to carry out the most horrendous acts to achieve their skewed view of peace, it would only bring disaster to all that they held close.

Climbing further up the stair Sukai noticed a familiar figure, a blond-haired man, with an aura of the light side, cladded in those fancy robes of his. ‘Starwind… such a flamboyant name… though a nice person’ It would probably be a while until she interacted with the Silver Jedi again after this event, the dissolving of its home allowing time for her to get back onto family matters. As such it would be nice to chat with someone before her long leave, even if said someone though she was rather shady. “Hello there Douglas, pondering something are you”?

[member="Douglas Starwind"]

 

[WelshGuy]

Once Yuroic reached the Archives, he watched as he saw people stumble around, unsure how to pack the records away. There had never been a plan to leave Voss before, no one thought what was going to happen to the records. Yuroic sighed, he needed to take charge of the situation. Tapping his stick on the ground loudly, drawing attention to himself, Yuroic stared at everyone in the room with cool gaze.

"Today we are leaving Voss, we need to take our records with us. We cannot leave any knowledge or secrets behind, the Sith are likely going to attempt to raid the Temple after we leave. Searching for secrets so they can gain an advantage. That won't happen. So we need to start with our most important records. Anything linked to training, such as Force Powers or Lightsaber techinques. Needs to be stored in holocrons and packed.

Also, any secrets or strategies that SJO have, such as invasion techniques or vehicle designs, those need to be packed. So split into two groups and get started. Be careful with them as well. Can't afford to damage any of these, some are irreplaceable!" Yuroic loudly ordered to the room. People shifted, unsure whether or not to obey him. Before anyone objected to his commad, Yuroic slammed his stick on the ground. "Go!"

That made them shift into motion. Carefully storing the crucial Jedi knowledge.

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

The Orchard of Peace was in full bloom, the soft peach flowers on display swaying on a gentle breeze sending their wonderful aroma through the air. The living force was always strong here, alive with the trees themselves and the many various insect life that called it home. The Orchard had been planted by Master Maya Carrick, in honour of Grand Master Iella E’ron when she was alive, and both would wander the rows of trees, drinking in the peacefulness of the place, and the calm.

It had been a long time since Coci had walked along the rows of trees, now so much more mature and heavy with history of their own. How many Jedi had they given tranquillity to over the years? How many had they listened too as they walked and talked? Hundreds probably. But this Jedi Master walked among them in silence now.

Not far away from here, the Silver Temple grace the manicured lawns, beautiful marble steps of white leading up to the main entrance which would lead Jedi and visitors into the vast room adorned with the large blue crystal, force imbued to protect all those that reside within it. Now the Temple was being dismantled, and much of it already removed and en-route to their new home.

Coci was not worried by this, it was the people of Voss that concerned her the most. They had governed themselves well enough over the years, and enjoyed the peace that their presence had afforded them, but what of the future? With the Jedi gone ..

That path is now one that the force could only answer, destiny now stood before them as well as the Silver Jedi. The Silver Jedi had to do this, she understood their predicament well enough and Coci knew the leadership of the Order had not taken this decision lightly. It fact it was probably the hardest thing Val and her council would have endured.

However, this was goodbye. Not only to Voss and her peoples but, Coci was here to say goodbye to the Silver Jedi. She would not be going with them, her destiny lay elsewhere ...

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Amilthi Camlenn]

The past two weeks had been rather a strain on Amilthi's eyes for all the reading she had been doing. She was grateful to Grandmaster Kitra for allowing her to stay and do research in the archives of the order as she pleased, including, indeed, the study of Sith artefacts that nobody appeared to have paid much attention to. Having inspected the collection, Amilthi couldn't say they had been wrong to ignore it, as it contained little that was of much interest to herself or, she imagined, most Jedi. Most of the writing were of either historical character of dealt with Sith magic, which, while perhaps at some point deserving of academic study, was a practice very far removed from the realm of her experiences.

Only two days ago had she learnt that the Silver Jedi Order was about to take a very radical step that would change the fate of many worlds: they were about to leave Voss, and indeed the entire region of space currently under their protection, behind. The archives were to be moved in their entirety before the temple itself would be dismantled.

It must have been a difficult decision to make. Many were bound to feel betrayed by the Jedi, now certain to soon find themselves under the influence of the rapidly expanding Sith Empire. But perhaps a bloody war and its collateral damage would thus be evaded, and that might well be worth it. Amilthi herself did not presume to form an opinion on the matter, and was glad she didn't have to, well aware of the fact that she possessed far too little of the relevant information.

Amilthi had catalogued the artefacts she had investigated and was busy packing them for transport. There appeared to be no person who truly overlooked the contents of the library personally, and the preparations were going on in a rather disorganised fashion. Nobody seemed much bothered by the fact that she, who was not even a member of the order, was taking care of these objects and could easily have abstracted one had she so wished.

Eventually a Jedi unfamiliar to Amilthi appeared in the archives and took charge of directing the efforts into a more concerted form. She put the last pieces into the careful stacking order she had devised to fill the box. At the push of a button on its side, the advanced and practical contraption closed and compressed itself minimally so as not to leave its contents loose. There was a little display and a keyboard below it, which awaited the entry of labelling information.

Amilthi approached the Jedi who had given out directions. "Not exactly essential Jedi knowledge, but you won't want to leave behind Sith artefacts that could fall into the wrong hands, either. I put a catalogue of them inside, but I'm afraid I don't know your procedures..."

[member="Yuroic Xeraic"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

A soft knock on the opened door was all that was heard, followed by footsteps as Thurion appeared in the doorway. Without saying anything, his eyes scanned the office he had once more or less lived in for years on end. It was all empty, save for a few pieces of larger furniture that had yet to be moved or dismantled. Stepping farther into the room, his fingers slid along the surface of the desk he and several others had sat at, pouring endlessly over reports. Part of him did miss the hustle and bustle of being Grandmaster; the constant struggle and difficult decisions to maintain order. He just had to think of his family to remind himself why he and Coci had chosen to step down. It had been the right decision.

Still saying nothing, he moved to stand beside [member="Valae Kitra"] looking out the nearby window. Outside way down below the figure of [member="Coci Heavenshield"] could be made out wandering through the orchards. "She always loved that orchard," he finally broke the silence, speaking softly. "Now it will serve the people of Voss, to bring peace of mind to countless people." He would allow his wife the privacy to say goodbye in her own way for the time being, before eventually joining her for their final farewell.

His head turned sideways to see Val in her somber state. "Hey, kiddo," he whispered with a gentle smile as he raised a hand to wipe away a tear crawling down her cheek. "This is not the end of the world. The Order will follow your lead in settling down on Kashyyyk. There is much good you can do there, it will be a fresh start for everyone."

 

[Stephanie Swail]

"Hey, kid," the Ranger Commander said, "I'll be there on Kashyyyk as much as I was here. We are the Antarian Rangers. Where the Order goes, we go. You can't get rid of me that easily. Remember, the Order is more than just a planet. It's a people. As long as one of you carries that in your heart, then your Order will thrive for generations."

Stephanie let out a warm smile and placed both hands on the arms of her Ranger friend.

”When we get to Kashyyyk, I want to finally talk to you away from being a Ranger. It's about time we got to know the real people who serve. Thank you my friend.”

The Ranger winked and saluted, which Stephanie returned, and she want off to help arrange the escorts to and from Kashyyyk. It really was a slick, carefully planned operation and the mood was both sombre but tinged with hope; and hope was the one that carried them forward.

She turned to walk across the front of the temple, glancing up the steps to see the figures of young [member="Douglas Starwind"] and [member="Sky'ito Yumi"] to whom she gave a friendly wave. From here she could see the cladding of the temple already coming down. The materials they could use, they would on Kashyyyk. The rest would be broken down and used for infrastructure around Voss-ka if needed. It was a sad sight, but it was also...positive? Right now it was hard to say that.

Beyond the front of the temple, a number of larger ships were high in orbit, moving out from the Voss shipyards, giving a truly awesome sight from down on the ground. Her sight dropped to the edges of the gardens that stretched around the perimeter of the temple itself and saw a familar face. The one who helped found the very grounds they were on - [member="Coci Heavenshield"] herself. She headed straight for her, hopefully not intruding on her time.

”Master Heavenshield?” Stephanie asked quietly, cocking her head a little. ”It's Stephanie Swail, we met a few days ago outside the...in the secret place? Are you ok? I can't help feel this must be hard for you after everything you have experienced in your duty here.”

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

She felt the presence of another as they approached, it was one recently familiar to her. "Beautiful isn't it?", she opened the conversation with a question of the blossoms. Coci turned to find Stephanie move toward her, concern on the young lady's face but there would be little need for it. "I am fine", she offered the young Jedi a bow of respect one Jedi to another. Standing back to full height, she offered a smile yet there was sadness there, how could there not be?

"I remember when Master E'ron turned over the first soil to begin the construction of the Silver Temple, I was there that day .. I had other duties, but it is a day that will remain long in my memory", it was this day she first saw Connor, a young man so unsure of himself, scared and looking to find his place in the world, and the galaxy. Master E'ron had taken him in when others would not.

"There are few of us left that started this place, but now is the time for another generation of Jedi to take control and continue the work that had been started. We say goodbye to a certain past, only to embrace an uncertain future", she walked to Stehpanie now and gently placed her hands on both her shoulders. "Embrace uncertainty with open arms, go with it and become something much greater".

"I would like you to promise me something Stephanie. Take a cutting from the peach tree, nurture it and find a place on your new home to plant it. Watch it grow into some special, with each passing year it will give fruit and new life .. just as you are about to do in the next coming days".

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[member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

The breeze was light and the surrounding noise seemed to fade a little when Stephanie focused solely on what Coci said. She was wise, wiser than many and had seen good times and bad. Yet here she was, facing the future with both optimism and doubt; a healthy balance.

Her hands on her shoulders was somewhat empowering, as if she was passing her strength to the young woman who would work with this "new generation" to create a legacy and an Order like Coci and her husband, and their past friends and allies, had done.

Yet, there was a bittersweet sentiment in her request.

”That soil will run rich in the ground for years to come, after when we are no longer here as beings. The footprint you all left will keep the core of Voss pure, and there will always be the touch of Light on it. But...” she frowned, ”...I will of course take a cutting and plant it for the Jedi, and for you, but...will you not be coming with us....?”

The pang of anxiety opened up inside the young Padawan. Without a Heavenshield, without Coci, how would they cope alone?

”You and Master Thurion will still be with us, won't you?”

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Jessica Med-Beq]

Objective: Negotiate the transition of power
Location: Voss-ka

The size of the armed forces was massive. But even on the move, there were still going to be eight battlecruisers (Tenchu, Vanagandr, Targa of Easter, Judgment, Bahamut, Heavenshield, Ungul, Immobilizer 421), which is still more than what the Sith Empire currently have (4: Blade of Fate, Hammer of Bastion, Technicolor Beat, Udraitor) given that 3 of the enemy battlecruisers were lost on Mirial. And about 200-250 capital ships in total. A far cry from the fleets that used to patrol SJ-land, so dozens, hundreds even, of units were to be decommissioned, such as the aging Bel-Iblises, Noblesses, Centurions and escorts from that era, such as the Peregrines. And also the MC40s and other Mon Calamari ships still floating around. As for ground forces? Many of them will be handed over to the local authorities for the planets they are garrisoned on but not altogether disbanded. Voss would be one of those planets slated to see a reduction of garrison maintenance requirements. However, she began to grow concerned for the Wookiees if the rumors were anything to go by.

"The needs to maintain the garrison of Voss were draining on our budget. Exactly what does the downsizing mean?"

"The savings will be borne mostly out of the navy. Rather than the need to station two battlecruisers and hundreds of escorts, we would only need to pay for the maintenance of maybe one or two destroyers and perhaps 20-30 escorts"

"So keeping the planet low profile would allow us to keep expenses down?"

"You would no longer need to host more than one corps: the current ground garrison of Voss is so large that it can possibly be spread across an entire sector and still be able to do its job just fine"

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Josh was a wanderer, he did missions across Orders and did not call any particular Temple home. But Voss had been a place of sanctuary for him in times of need, and for that, he would miss the planet and the Temple very much. But there was someone that he knew would miss this place more, and that was [member="Valae Kitra"]. He had gotten to know the Grandmaster fairly well as of late while she was still adjusting to her job. He'd had a friendship with her late Master, and former Grandmaster [member="Arisa Yune"] and he'd wanted to help Kitra as much as he could. Now, just as he had in his term, and as Arisa had in hers, it was Valae's turn to deal with a hardship like this. It just seemed to come with the territory. That was why he found himself in the Grandmaster's office, though he could see that he wasn't the only one that'd had this in mind.

It seemed that [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] had already let himself in. Regardless, he decided to gently knock on the door, just to indicate he was there, and softly made his way in, without a word making his way to Valae's side. Her sorrow was far from hidden and even if she did try, it's strength would make it very difficult to not sense.

"Master Heavenshield, Grandmaster Kitra" He would greet curtly, but quietly. His own sorrow at the loss the Silvers were feeling was clear, even in his expression. This was a time... Where it was okay to wear one's heart on their sleeve. He found himself at the side of the group, and admittedly, he didn't know if he had any encouraging words or anything that'd make it all better like Thurion seemed able to do. What could he say? She'd lost her Master, she'd lost the core of the Silvers, everything was falling apart around her. And she hadn't even wanted this job. He didn't know if any words would make that better. Nothing he was capable of saying, anyway...

So he did the one thing he felt he could do. He said nothing, from there. He would instead gently reach out, first placing a hand on her shoulder, trying to reassure her in some silent way, before finally, softly pulling the Grandmaster into a hug. It wasn't something he really did when it came to co-workers, but... He'd like to consider Valae more than a co-worker. Right now, to him... She was a friend who needed it. His high degree of pyrokinetic training had led to his body permanently emitting higher levels of warmth on average, something that made his embrace the equivalent to being hugged by some kind of furry animal. Which was a humorous thing to think about in hindsight.

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae looked up at the sound of a knock, and she was pleased to see the form of her master framed in the doorway. For a moment, there was silence – but the two were close, and there were times when words were simply unnecessary. And Valae had always been the sort that wore her feelings on her sleeve; Thurion would surely know how she felt. Her gaze followed out the window, where Coci could be seen in the Orchard. Valae was very touched that the Heavenshields had come to see them off. After all, both Thurion and Coci had devoted much time to the Order; they had served the Silver Jedi well.

She glanced sidelong at her Master as he spoke, and didn’t protest as he moved to wipe a tear from her cheek. He always knew just what to say. Now that they were leaving, she knew that it likely meant seeing less of her Master and his family. His steady calm and his insightful advice wouldn’t be so readily available.

As Valae stood tearfully before Thurion, it was a bit like their first meeting all over again. In that moment, she was the sad, frightened girl that he had found on Tatooine so many years ago.

“I hope I haven’t ruined everything that you’ve worked so hard to build,” She said finally, and let a sob punctuate her point. “I still remember the first time you brought me here to Voss. I was scared then, too.” She sighed, “I suppose it’s just like that day… I’m moving on to something new.”

Valae embraced Thurion, and buried her face against his sturdy shoulder.

“You’ll come visit, won’t you?” She asked, “I’ll come see you on Midvinter, too.”

As she pulled away gently, she saw that [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] had entered her office. Quickly wiping her face, she attempted to pull herself together. She was a bit embarrassed by her display of emotions, but surely he would understand. And then, her fellow master did something she was not expecting -- he hugged her. By now, she had grown to respect the man, he'd been there as an advisor and a friend.

"Thank you for coming, Josh." She said, addressing him informally. "It's good to see you."

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"], [member="Coci Heavenshield"], [member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Douglas Starwind]

Memories... All the training lessons within some of the rooms of the Temple... He knew he was gonna miss this Temple. He didn't wanna feel like the Order was abandoning this place, but the thoughts had crept into his mind regardless... More specifically he himself abandoning a home of sorts. It troubled him slightly, but he tried to reassure himself mentally that he shouldn't be too worried about it.

Doug's train of thoughts had been interrupted when he was approached by someone. He stopped staring at the sky aimlessly and turned his attention to whoever it was, his arms slowly crossing in a loose manner. It was one of the people that had come to Jedi Knight Jairdain's lesson on Force Barriers and Tutaminis. Sukai he believed it was. The girl he recalled wearing a full-on suit with a tie and everything. He did not know her very well, but she did keep a good eye out during that lesson... "Ah... Sukai, was it? You could say that I've been pondering, yes..." He said, a hint of sadness to his voice. He felt uncertain about elaborating on his thoughts more. Sometimes it made him feel a bit... Vulnerable.

He glanced around for a moment and caught the sight of another, [member="Stephanie Swail"], waving towards him and Sukai before heading off to speak with some others he believed. A friendly enough gesture he supposed...

[member="Sky'ito Yumi"]

 

[Valkren Calderon]

The young colonel leaned back in his chair as far as he possibly could, his hands behind his head with his legs stretched out in the office chair. He had been staring at the ceiling of his quarters, just twenty yards from the Ranger barracks themselves, for a good hour or so now.

The rest of the NCOs' quarters were buzzing with commotion as several officers and non-commissioned officers alike were moving quickly to pack up everything they thought vital for their journey to Kashyyyk. As for Valk, he didn't have that much to pack. A black duffle already rested on his bunk a few feet from his position, along with a heavy lockbox for important cargo. Valkren sighed, letting his gaze leave the dull colored ceiling and return to the computer system that was nailed to the desk in front of him.

He hadn't planned on leaving Voss like this.

Valk reached across the desk to switch the holo projector and systems of the computer to 'off,' before leaning back in his chair once more.

"Hey, boss."

Valkren cocked a brow, spinning in his chair enough so he would be able to look over his shoulder at the source of the voice, only to see a familiar ranger. Standing in an almost identical set of BDU's to Valkren's but just with fewer stripes, Sergeant James Plexico stood in his doorway. Plexico was the replacement team leader in his platoon for team two, ever since Forrestor's loss on Mirial. The much younger soldier had handled the sudden promotion rather well, and even in the face of what many feared, seemed to remain solid. A good prospect for another officer.

"All the guys are going to grab some drinks at the base cantina one last time, you in?" One last time? Valkren thought about it, and it would be just what he needed. It's what he'd usually always do after a mission gone sideways, drinking with his teammates. No, not today.

Valkren smiled, shaking his head. "Sorry Plex, gotta' finish packing. I'll see ya'll on the transport though."

The Sergeant only nodded, snapping off a respectful salute, then exited from the colonel's doorway. Valkren spun back toward the inactive computer in front of him, taking another breath.

The room reeked of stale tobacco and cigarettes, as did every room in the barracks compound of Silver bases. Besides the smell, there really wasn't all that much of a mess. Aside from a stack of papers to the left of the computer, and a full ash tray on the right, plus the luggage...As soon as he was gone it would be like no one was ever there.

Calderon reached across the desk once more, this time near the ash tray, grasping at a pack to check the contents. To the colonel's dismay, there were no cigarettes left.

"Course.." He stated, tossing the empty back into the ash tray.

[member="Roona Osmari"]