The Eternal Vigilance (The Maw)

[Mirdala Ad'Goran]

Nervously, she nodded and followed the path that the medic and other Knight had taken towards the bridge.

 

The Knight was already working on the locked-down bridge door when she skidded to a halt beside the waiting medic.

 

Had she had normal vision, she would have easily missed the figure hidden in the dimness against the bulkhead concealed by a dark black cloak.

 

"There!" she exclaimed, grabbing the medic's arm and spinning him around so that he could see the wounded woman.

 

The medic knelt beside the severely injured woman and gently pealed back the cloak to reveal her deep wound that had been temporarily bandaged. The smell churned Elnia's insides and she had to look away.

 

After a matter of minutes, the Knight had managed to cut away the mechanism that had kept the door barred shut and was now working on prying it apart with the aid of the Force.

 

Elnia could see the flickers of the Force pull towards him as he worked on the door. She quickly stepped up and mimicked his actions helping to pull the door apart enough for the two of them to get to the injured woman's Padawan.

 

"What happened here? Was your Master injured in the attack?" she asked the raven-haired girl, surprised at how her own, typical shyness had fallen away when she'd been needed to assist in managing a potential crisis.

 

The Knight ignored the two Padawans and began to work on securing the ship's systems so that they couldn't be used to sabotage things further as well as took over the docking controls from Kyrie.

[Damon]

Their small cargo ship came out of orbit from the planet below and saw clearly the vessel known as The Eternal Vigilance. It had been many years since the white master had seen it and even more years since he had been on it.

 

Once on an entry vector, a signal was sent on the restrictive Jedi channel. It carried his ID that had only just weeks ago been reactivated after his battle on Gala that seemed like years ago even though it was only a few months before. Taking stock he looked at Ariel and noticed her presence in the force. It was there, but not defined at the moment. She has potential, hopefully though, it would be enough.

 

The first request for right to land was not responded to. It was odd, resending the request he was finally granted to land.

“EV, what was the hold up , is something wrong?” Damon was curious what would have taken so long. It was the response that shook him.

 

”There was a slaver vessel that was brought in with two injured Jedi on it. Master Starlisk and others are attending to the matter. Your being given clearance to land in the bay where they.” Damon did not even ask who was on the ship. Touching the force he felt the commotion as he landed the ship. He felt the knights who were securing the ship as well as attending to the people on board.

 

He did not know any of the presences other than Master Starlisk, however something stood out.

 

Once landed he turned to Ariel and the official. “Both of you stay in the ship for the moment. When it is cleared I will call for you to come out. Till then stay here.”

Exiting the ship with his staff in hand Damon walked near the ship and saw a knight observing the clearing of the ship. Walking to his side he felt Starlisk already inside.

 

“Who were the two injured inside, I don’t recognize their signatures?” The knight responded with a startle. “I was told you were docking, but I wasn’t told you were on the ship Master Damon. A padawan named Kryie brought in the ship. Her master is registered as Xae. At the moment Master Starlisk is sweeping the ship while his padwan is helping with securing the bridge and prepping both of the injured for movement. “

 

Two signatures on the ship. They felt similar; they had the fires of the light with in them.

 

Exorcist….

 

So he was not the only one. Others have come in his absence. Too much was going on and not nearly enough time to sort out. At least everything seemed safe for the moment. Touching his communicator he singled for his passengers. “Ariel and Mr. Sollus, please exit the ship. Ariel come to me. Mr.Sollus, an escort will meet you and take you to a quarters while this matter is sorted out.”

 

With a motion two security officials went to the ship to escort Mr. Sollus while Damon waited for Ariel to come to him. For a gathering of masters, things were not as peaceful as one would hope.

[Guest]

So Damon had left Ariel alone with the politician. Fantastic. she thought. That's exactly what I need, someone to judge me. But she wanted to beat him to the punch. Sitting down, she put her aviators on and just store at the man. Her mouth drooping just a little, she could tell the man was a little out of his boundaries. Considering she was probably only two feet away. This game was fun, especially with politicians.

 

But it was all said and done when security forces came to escort the both of them to each of their destinations. The man was going somewhere safe, she heard rumors of infiltrators...and that's where she was going. If she wasn't so distracted or rushed, she would have lit up a cigarette. But for now, she just bundled her hair up in a sloppy bun, and took off her sunglasses. Then there was the Jedi.

 

"Damon, I have no combat experience... Whats the big idea?"

[Damon]

With out looking he spoke as felt that the ship was under Order control.

 

"Your experience or lack there of is why I called you here. We are safe so don't worry as much. I know I told you earlier I would allow you to learn and do things no one else before you or even that only a few could do, well here is lesson one. Unlike most who are learning how to use the force, your going to learn by doing. Your drive to be different, to stand out among the many, it will also help push you in your training." Not once did he glance at Ariel as his attention was mostly focused on the ship making sure his words were not a lie as well as the people on board. This exercise was simple, and a good starting point for one such as her. It should hopefully cater to her own personality and mind. Staring at the ship in front of them he was able to count 15 people on board based upon the presence of each person.

 

"I want you to close your eyes and focus on an image of the ship in front of us. Use that image and try to feel where the people who are still alive would be located. You have to feel for them. It's simple enough. Make the image in your head and feel for where people would be. Tell me how many are on board?"

[Kyrie Eleison]

((OOC: feel free to post us to the medical unit, for the essence of time, as Damon wishes us to arrive there quickly.))

 

Within the presence of another Exorcist, you will feel more at home than you will with your spouse. Only others of our Order truly understand the constant battle that runs through our very soul. No other sect within the Jedi Order has such a dangerous battle as we do, for we deal with the darkness hand-to-hand, soul-to-soul. We are a family. We are one.

 

The metallic plating was stained crimson with the blood of the dead, killed by Kyrie, in defense of her life. With a trembling hand, she moved the scorched and gutted body a slaver out of the navigational station, and watched as the man tumbled lifeless to the blemished steel tiles. A wave of emotion rolled through her, shaking her to the core. With her black-gloved hand, Kyrie rolled his head to the side, and looked into his motionless eyes. She would remember his face the rest of her life. She had extinguished hundreds of lives in the arenas of Nar Shadda, before she had become a Jedi, and it had never felt like what she was experiencing now.

 

Meditation and peace, in the face of death. You did what you had to, to defend your own life, and the life of your master. From now on, you must focus upon protecting those that cannot protect themselves, no matter the cost. Through the purity of The Force, the Dark Side will be purged. It is part of being an Exorcist. We cannot spare the time to disarm at every turn, or negotiate every situation, where action is more prudent. Every Sith that escapes justice, due to our lack of will to end their life... Every innocent they murder is on our heads from that point on. You fight for the Light.

 

At that moment, Kyrie’s heart began to beat with strength once more. Self doubt was deadly on a battlefield. With her spare hand, she brushed a fallen braid of her raven hair from concealing her vision, and pushed it behind one of her ears. Standing once more, she reached out with The Force and felt the presence of the Jedi as they entered The Felucia, and began to spread out, responding to her signal. She quickly yielded the helm to the autopilot, and began to sing the song of strength, to bolster herself through The Force. As she felt the presence of two Jedi outside the door, one of whom she had felt on Tython, she added to their action of The Force, by pushing against the door. A voice, from a young woman, who wore bindings across her eyes.

 

“What happened here? Was your Master injured in the attack?"

 

Kyrie’s emerald eyes sparkled, with the reflection of sparking monitors and flickering luma-panels, the light mixing with the internal flames of pure white, to give off an aura of battle-strength. Her brow was damp with perspiration, her body pouring out sweat, spurred on by the adrenaline still flooding her veins. Simply put, she looked fresh from the battle, the blood of the fallen staining her tunic and pale skin, like a painter had flicked his brush over a blank canvas. With broken basic, Kyrie responded.

 

“S-slavers... T-t-tried to d-disable us-s-s. I r-retook t-the s-s-ship. M-m-master w-wounded at-t Gala.”

[Mirdala Ad'Goran]

Elnia didn't miss the self-sure nature evident in the Padawan. For a moment, she wondered how she would have managed if put in Kyrie's place. Could she have gotten Onderin out and fought off those that had turned against them?

 

"A medic is seeing to your Master. Master Onderin and a team are clearing the ship. I was sent to help get you safely over to the Eternal Vigilance." 

 

Behind her the other Knight waived them forward.

 

As the two of them stepped through the ruined door way, a quiet moan from the wounded Knight signaled that she was beginning to regain consciousness.

 

The medic glanced down at her before readying a medication vial and administering it, deciding it wouldn't be good for his patient to come to while in transit, lest she risk further injury to herself. "Let's get her to Master Organa. We're lucky that she's on board," he remarked as he secured her to the hover sled that had been "recovered" from the ship's medical ward. 

 

Luckily the trip was uneventfully quiet as they returned to the adjoining shuttle. 

 

Signaling the rest of the sweeping party to their departure and successful recovery of the two injured Jedi, they detached from the Falucia and docked with EV.

 

The medic was met by a waiting team who whisked the red-headed woman off to treat her injuries. She walked with the other Padawan towards the infirmary as well. Her counterpart's ailments were less life-threatening than her master's had been, but it was still a good idea to have her checked out as well, to make sure there weren't any other less-than-obvious injuries. 

 

Finally, Elnia worked up enough courage to ask, "What happened on Gala?", her tone delicate.

__________

 

The girl's master was taken to a trauma ward in the facility and a page was sent out for the Jedi healer. Her aid was needed before time ran out for the young woman. 

[Darex Trevelian]

They had talked for a while, but the night was already waning fast, and it wasn't long before all three had turned in. In the morning, Darex rose early. Today was going to be a busy day. The Council was due in, and they would have to have some serious discussions as to where the Order was going. He showered and dressed in a clean set of brown robes, making sure his appearance was neat and orderly. By then, Darla was up, and the whole family enjoyed breakfast together. The twins were just starting on solid foods, and it took several last minute applications of the Force to avoid getting mashed up bananas and peas all over himself.

 

When breakfast was finished, he kissed the top of Darla's head. "I'll be available today if you need a break," he said. "I'd be more than willing to drop by and take one of the kids with me to my meetings. My comm will be on."

 

Darex then headed out into the rest of the ship. He had been kept in the loop as to the goings-on in the station, and so his first stop was the medical bay. Two young women were there, one injured and the other not, and Darex learned that the young lady's master had been taken to the trauma ward. He was sure that Skye would have her patched up in no time.

 

He saw that the girls were having a conversation, and he didn't want to interrupt, so he stood back, waiting until they acknowledged him before coming closer.

[Guest]

She closed her eyes. Concentrating and opening her mind she called out to this new power she apparently had. Trying to feel the ship was a whole new realm for her. But she could see it. Ariel could feel people in the ship. Biting her lip she tried harder. This was all new to her and she didn't want to fail. Feeling heartbeats on the ship she tried to count them. This proved to be too much as she felt the ship slip away, and so did the heart beats. Trying again for a minute, she couldn't re-establish the previous connection.

 

"Ugh! I counted seven, but there are more on the ship. I couldn't concentrate on both the ship and then the heartbeats within." She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair.

[Skye Organa]

Skye left the young family so that they could all retire for the night. It seemed like no time at all had gone before her alarm went off. She finished her morning routine and was just leaving her quarters for the infirmary when she received word that she was needed in surgery. I-Nine and Flitter met her at the door, giving her the stats of the injured Knight as she grabbed a set of green scrubs and headed into the sterilisation unit. As she stepped out, the orderly was waiting, letting her know that they had cleaned up the patient as much as they could under the circumstances of her injuries.

 

The first thing that hit Skye as she stepped into the operating room was the burnt flesh and ozone scent consistent with lightsaber burns. No matter how the medical staff tried to clean up a patient, that was one smell that she could detect even minutely. As she looked upon the young auburn haired woman on the table, Flitter hovered at head height, bringing up Xae's vital signs. I-Nine appeared at her side with a tray containing her equipment. Both droids knew from experience exactly what the Master Healer needed - that's what made the trio such a good team. "Okay Xae, first things first, I need to have a look then repair the damage caused by the lightsaber blade and finally close the wound. Hmm lightsaber wounds are notoriously tricky with how they cauterise... I'll just have a look here and see where I should begin..." Skye had a habit of talking to her patients even though they were sedated.

 

Drawing on the Force, Skye closed her eyes, knowing she would be able to detect what she needed to with both the Force and her other abilities rather than ordinary sight alone. Surrounding herself with white healing light, Skye began to follow the path the saber had taken, making note of what she would have to painstakingly repair. Time stood still as the Healer firstly examined and then began the repair of the Jedi Knight's body. As she worked, I-Nine made sure that the blood transfusion went smoothly while Flitter monitored Xae's vitals.

 

---

 

Eyes slowly fluttered open as Skye came out of her healing trance. Several hours had passed since she had begun her work on Xae. During that time the Healers hands had been guided by the Force, each nerve, each capillary rejoined painstakingly. The Master Healer glanced up at Flitter's display, her eyes taking in the steady vital signs of her patient. For the moment her job was done though she would remain on call just in case she missed something. Once Xae regained consciousness Skye would ask her the details regarding the battle in case there had been something she had missed. Once she'd had time to recover from performing this procedure she would check out Xae's padawan...

 

(ooc: I apologise about my post - I'm rusty If you need me to do anything else just let me know.)

[Onderin Starlisk]

Onderin Starlisk quickly took in the tactical situation aboard the ship with a quick glance through the Force. After so many battlegrounds and experience with Battle Meditation, such appraisals came nearly automatically to him. He set off down the hallway by himself, parting from the Knights who had come with him, telling them to stay together. He would be fine on his own, as he was more than capable of handling himself against the small group of cuthroats and vagabonds that were still inhabiting this corvette. He had switched off the compassion and empathy that characterized him when he was teaching a padawan and became the hardened man who had ordered too many men to their deaths and was determined that there would be no more.

 

It didn't take him long to come across a nest of them, aware of what was going on and thus prepared. It was a group of four, and one of them had set up a portable blaster cannon. Onderin knew this before he came within their line of sight, and so as he spun around the corner, viridian lightsaber blazing, he was already reaching out with the Force and tipping the barrel of the weapon up toward the ceiling. It fired anyway, blasting a crater as its operator was caught off-guard. The other three opened up with blaster pistols and rifles, but Onderin's trained Shien was more than up to the task of catching the incoming bolts and sending them back. Indeed, even before he reached striking range two of the slavers had gone down, slain by their own weapons.

 

The last two started to panic as he got close, but realized they had nowhere to run, trapped on their vessel in hostile territory. They elected to stay and fight it out, and Onderin brought them down with a quick double-slash, dutifully ending lives in the name of peace. The act of killing in personal combat was scarring the first few times it happened, but Onderin was a person with the power to take them consistently, his talents with the Force giving him an extreme edge against the rabble of the galaxy, and it was his responsibility to use that in defense of others. He had hardened himself to the sensation that was akin to tearing apart one's soul and fought passively.

 

Even in this state, he could feel the bright presence of the exorcist, Damon, as he boarded. A couple minutes later, the work of the other Knights had made sure that the slaver threat on board was ended.

 

His task complete, Onderin headed back to the hangar and soon was crossing back over to the Vigilance, his padawan, and the injured Jedi that had been aboard.

[Damon]

It was start. Then again the method he was using was not exactly standard . It was forcing her to learn to use the force by means of doing instead of explanation. It worked for now, and hopefully it will work for a long time to come. Her number was off, but close enough.

 

"Your number is off, but its close enough. The fact that your could sense them is a start enough. After this whole event is finished I'll explain what you just did and how. In the mean time, its time for me to glad hand with the other Jedi masters. For now, and I do apologize for the home work, go to the archives here on the ship. Familiarize yourself with the history of the order and the force. To not be all boredom though, explore. Discover the ship in a means you deem. You won't be allowed access to the more sensitive parts of the ship, but enough of it. I will find you once what is required of me is done."

 

Damon stepped forward from Ariel hoping she would take some initiative. He started her on the path she walked, it was up to her to start running on it. The same was true for the Exorcist.

 

Onderin had returned from the ship and passing by clearly on his way to the medbay where the two Exorcist had been taken. Extending a quick greeting Damon followed in toe as they made way to see on the status of the injured Jedi.

 

"It has been to long Onderin. I was my pleasantries could be more formal, but has happen to the Jedi on board, and who are they? I was not aware other Exorcist had risen with in the order?

[Guest]

Ariel said goodbye to her new teacher, then went to work. She loved to read. But mostly about fan-fiction about Darth Vader and the Emperor having a torrid relationship, thus Vader's turn to the Sith. A gay Sith Lord and his Master.... That was where the money was. This text though was drool and boring. It had to be done though. She opened up The first little bit of text.

 

Not thirty seconds later her head was on her hands, barely awake.

[Onderin Starlisk]

"Master Damon, it's been too long," Onderin replied when the exorcist approached him. It had been years since they had last encountered each other, but Onderin had known Damon from back in the days of the Rebel Alliance. He believed that Damon had once held the rank of Commander in those days of enormous fleets before the Empire had been forced to acknowledge them as a legitimate government. It reminded Onderin more than anything of how relatively peaceful things were now, even on the tail end of clearing a ship of slavers. Since then, they had both become Jedi Masters, and now here they were again, this time not as officers but as members of the Jedi Council.

 

"Both Jedi had injuries, and were taken to the med bay," he answered. "I believe Master Organa is seeing to them." There wasn't another Jedi in the Order that would help them recover more quickly than Skye would. Although Onderin had had surprisingly little contact with the other Master, her reputation as a healer was well-known. It reminded him yet again how he needed to spend more time among the other Masters, to get to know their strengths and indeed to be able to lean on their wisdom in troubled times. By separating himself from the Order for so long, he had in many ways kept himself from continuing to learn about the Force except from what he could gather on his own. In short, it wasn't the same. Although the Force was the best instructor, it took the insights of others to really explore new things.

 

The Jedi Master hadn't stopped walking toward the medbay, and when Damon fell into step with him, they quickly traversed the remaining distance. "I must admit, I'm not the person to ask about exorcists in the Order..."

 

When they arrived, he found Elnia in quiet conversation with Eleison and Skye hovering over the other Jedi, whom Onderin had recently met on Tython. He reached out to her in the Force and was glad to feel that she was stable. He approached Skye. "Is there anything I can do to help?" he asked.

[Damon]

In the med bay his questions were answered. As Skye worked on each of them, he could tell that they were what they were. so many questions were in his own mind but that would have to wait. while assisting would come if desired, he did not jump to it. The master healer worked in her own ways and he was not going to interfere when so much had to be done.

 

while he waited for Skye to ask for help if needed, he spoke to master Starlisk. it had been very long since he had talk to him.

 

A sight into the past. He was facing off against Slicer and Aryian. Their battle raged before it shifted scene. Over the trees his view changed. it turned to another battle where a sith fought with another jedi ... An Exorcist? It was the young girl before him who was less injured. She was in Gala.

 

Coming back from his.vision he spoke aloud.

"It seems that those injuries occurred at Gala. The young one, the padawan, she was in combat there like many of us were. The force protected and guided her to survival. The order has changed greatly since I was considered myself a member of it." With a heavy sigh he took in the whole room. It left him feeling aged.

 

"Master Starlisk, even though we wish to help, I believe we might be more of use gathering at the council chambers. We were called for a council meeting, and I think its time to attend.

[Damon]

(3 day legal double post......)

 

Damon left the med bay asking a medical droid to inform the Exorcist in the room to seek him out after they were healed. A masters meeting was due to start and he did not wish to be late. He had never been to one as a master and as it stands, his vision still haunted him. That sight seemed closer than it should, and while not a matter for alarm, it was enough for concern. Hopefully the council could lay his worries to rest.

 

Those worries were far from exhausted it seemed. After spending a considerable amount of time recruiting Ariel, cleansing the Jedi grounds, and seeing to the intake of the Jedi in the med bay, he thought for sure he would be late. Upon his entrance to the room though, only silence and emptiness was encountered. Not a single master was present in the flesh or in holo. It was not only shocking but appalling. The signal was sent out. The message was clear. A meeting was to be held, yet no meeting was happening. Anger was the beginning of the path to the dark side, but even he had his limits.

 

Approaching the terminal he entered his identification number giving him access to the broadcast channels. He sent his message to all the temples across the stars on a secure and protected channel making it sure it would only be heard by those who it was intended for. He had not called this meeting, but he was about to start it, with or with out the Grand Masters present. His message was simple.

 

A meeting of the council was called and has yet to start. I, Damon, Master Jedi and Exorcist, call all masters of appropriate rank to respond via holo and attend. We have many things to discuss and if the force is right, we do not have much time to work on them. Respond immediately.

 

His message sent, he took a place in the center of the room as he waited for the holos to turn on and the other masters, some he had never met, to make contact.

 

((I know we have alot going on, but damn it people, let the Skye heal, Xae an Kryie recover, and lets get this boat moving.))

[Dashel Illioni]

Dashel's bracer chimed with a message from Master Damon even as he was descending the ramp from the GlassTiger]. He smiled at the Master's message before keying his own response, "Master Damon, this is Master Dashel; currently I am descending the boarding ramp of my ship and will soon join the council in chambers."

 

He closed the channel, finished descending down the ramp and proceeded directly to the council chamber, found a seat and waited for the other Jedi Masters to join them, either in person or via hologram.

[Dahar Raikanda]

As Dahar's ship exited hyperspace near the secret Jedi base he recieved a comm from Master Damon calling the council meeting to start. Thankfully the Jedi Master had arrived just in time. He landed his small shuttle on the EV. Upon exiting and being greated by the hangar crew he gave specific instructions for the shuttle to be destroyed. The location of Tython must be kept secret at all costs.

 

The Master passed through a few clearance points before finally entering the council chambers. Master Illioni was already there, the two of them being the first arrivals. He bowed to his fellow Master, "Master Dashel, good to see you. I trust the rest of the council is on the way."

[Wookiee Jedi]

A request was sent in to have Jedi Master Kirlocca's holodisplay readied in the Council Chamber by the time the meeting began.

 

((Just a filer post letting people know that Kirlocca won't be there in person.))

[Darex Trevelian]

The two Jedi seemed to be in good hands in Skye's care, so Darex left her to it, only leaving a message that if they wanted to speak to him when they awoke, he'd be available. He headed out of the medbay and saw that several masters were arriving. That was good, since the meeting was scheduled for this morning.

 

He headed to his office to do a few maintenance and bookkeeping tasks, and right as he was about to go down for the council meeting, his comm chirped with a message from Master Damon. He grinned wryly. Even some masters need to still learn patience, he thought.

 

Nevertheless, he picked up his pace and arrived in the council chambers a few minutes later. Masters Damon, Dahar, and Dashel were already there. We should start a club of Jedi Master whose names begin with 'd'. He bowed in greeting to each of them, then took one of the two seats at the side of the room designated for the grandmasters. The seat next to him had a blinking light, indicating that Grandmaster Kirlocca would be joining them by hologram.

 

As he leaned back in his seat, waiting for the rest of the masters--he knew Master Starlisk was on station, and he hoped Master Organa would be able to come--he began to review in his head the things they needed to discuss.

[Onderin Starlisk]

When it looked like Skye had everything under control and Damon was urging him up toward the Council chambers, Onderin nodded. He looked over at Elnia and let her know briefly where he was going to be, and then started to head in the direction that Damon had taken. This would be his first formal Jedi council meeting, he knew, and yet it already felt natural. He was a Jedi Master, and one that was quite used to leadership positions. Unsurprisingly, he had slipped effortlessly into such positions in situations like the Thalassian slaver assault. His reputation could be a blessing when combined with his experience, but he could also struggle with being too well-known and perhaps his stance on matters was a bit predictable. He knew who he was, and so did many others.

 

Presently he was arriving at the council chambers, and he found several Masters already there. Picking a chair at random, he took it and waited for the proceedings to begin.

[Damon]

The room filled slowly with those who were considered among the Jedi to be called master. It was the collection of the collective wisdom of the Order in one room. Even while Skye was in the med bay dealing with the injuries of the others and even with Kirrocla only present in holo form, they had all collected in one spot. A rarity of rarities.

 

The faces in the room with the exception of one he knew. So this was the council that choose the direction of the whole of the Jedi.

 

He was surrounded by all the masters. He did not call the meeting, but he would take its helm. His staff in hand he used it to support himself as he stood before all gathered with in the circle. It was quite possibly the most intense moment of his life.

 

"Greetings my fellow Masters. I apologize Master Dahar, as this is the first time we have met and I have rather had done so under conditions. To everyone else hello for the first time in a long time. The years have been long since I would have considered myself a Master, let alone a Jedi. That changed quickly though as the force lead to me Gala where the Sith laid siege to our home. After that battle I received the message for a summons to the meeting of the Masters. Upon my arrival to this room though no one had showed. I did not call this meeting at first, but after I arrived I took it upon me to rush the urgency of this meeting. Things have changed since I left, and since I have returned. To my knowledge this is the first time in many years since a whole gathering has occurred. I'm sorry if it felt rushed or that I was pushing in a manner that seemed with out reserve."

 

The people looked at him not as just a master, but as an equal. He was no greater or lesser. They had gone far down the path of the Jedi and represented some the highest ideals and abilities one could attain.

 

"That being said, thank you everyone for coming. We are gathered here I believe to discuss what the Order shall do next as the Sith have with drawn from the galaxy to parts unknown as. The former Darklord was defeated. The Sith order was removed from Courrsant and their taint purged from our former temple. An enclave is being built as we speak in memory to all who had served and lived there. The Order is moving forward into a new dawn of peace that has not been seen for some time according to the records I have read since my return."

 

Thinking about the vision he had prior, Damon inhaled and sighed.

 

"What do we plan to do now that we have pushed back the long night and have put ourselves in a means of not only peace, but also quiet from the dark side of the force? If there is some grand plan, I would like to be enlighten of it, because at the moment I do not know where we as an Order are moving?"

[Skye Organa]

Skye glanced up at the holoviewer above Xae's bed, checking on her vital signs again, then nodded to herself as she noted the improvement. With the will of the Force, Xae should awaken before long. I-Nine approached with her with a tray containing her nutrient beverage and a snack to boost her own levels up again having invested so much of herself into Healing her patient. The Healer glanced around, Flitter telling her that other Master's had been and gone while she'd been recovering from working on her patient. She would apologise to Master's Onderin and Damon when she saw them again. She knew she should be at the meeting in person though she couldn't be at two places at once and felt her priority was with her patients right now... she got out her comm unit to send a message to Darex that she would join the meeting once Xae woke up and after she had looked over Kyrie.

 

Rising from her chair, Skye made her way over towards the two Padawans, inclining her head towards both in greeting before addressing Xae's padawan. "Kyrie, your Master is resting quietly now and should soon awaken. Please come with me to the examination room and I'll check over your injuries." Turning towards Elnia she added, "I apologise for interrupting your conversation though she does need attention too. If you wish and it's okay with your Master, you can stay in the waiting room until we're finished." With those words spoken, the Master Healer guided her patient into the examination cubical and asked, "Right-O, where are we going to start?"

 

 

 

(ooc: sorry I didn't reply earlier... I wish RL would not be filled with so much drama )

[Dahar Raikanda]

Dahar nodded his head in acknowledgement as his fellow Jedi Master introduced himself. Dahar was the newest of the masters although he had his share of responsibility. In truth he was relieved to no longer be responsible for Gala. It had been a privileged to head the academy but it was nice to no longer be tied down.

 

The Jedi Master did indeed have a plan, although not grand it was quite necessary.

 

"My brothers, it is an honor to be amongst your ranks. It has been my privilege to serve the Order and the Force and hope it will continue to be so for many years. The destruction of the Gala academy was indeed a great loss, although it seems a necessary one. I feel partially responsible for how off-guard we were caught, although that is the Sith's specialty.

 

There was a pre-emptive attack by the Sith Master Darth Ares whom I was unable to fight off alone. Fortunately enough Master Ession was present, although his whereabouts are now unknown. During the course of this battle it was made known to me that this Sith Master is the Dark Side of our own Master Aryian Darkfire. After collecting ourselves Master Darkfire appeared to us from the nether-realm of the Force in the council chambers. He instructed us on how to finally vanquish this evil Ares. He must be lured to a place strong in the Light Side and destroyed over a specific lattice of Force crystals.

 

Being the birthplace of the Force, and our sanctuary, I deemed Tython an appropriate location for such an event. I was there before arriving here and set this plan into motion. Deep in the Forest is the lattice, the crystals having already been Force charged and then prayed over by myself.

 

I think, however, it may be best for someone who knew Master Darkfire personally to finish what I started. I also fear, that due to my previous interactions and failures at the hand of Ares, that I may not be best suited for this task." Dahar knew deep inside that if he were to confront Darth Ares again he himself may be tempted by the Dark Side.

 

Dahar waited for the council's response.

[Guest]

Ariel lit a cigarette and continued to read on. It was boring, but if she was going to ride for free, she could do SOME work. What else was she going to do? Go outside and smoke? Might as well read.

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca's body appeared before the Council and others just as the meeting began, however, his sound didn't pick up anything until Damon was finishing his last statement. Dahar made his own appeal, to which Kirlocca felt a need to interject on him.

 

<< You are not responsible for the actions on Gala Dahar. I think it might be the best time to clear the air on a few things. Back when Kitt Fitt was the grandmaster, me and him devised a plan to use him as bait to draw the Sith into a battle there. Once the battle began, i would lead a counter strike to Coruscant to wipe out their temple there. Plans got altered just a bit, and the Force carried out the plan regardless. >>

 

With either a pause or a flicker, Kirlocca shifted awkwardly, as his image had him seated, yet he was actually standing as he moved.

 

<< And I know Darkfire very well. Leave his redemption to me. He is of no threat to the current Jedi Order at the moment. For now, we must instead find a course of action that will push the Sith further back. >> Kirlocca's head turned towards Damon, a subtle glance may have stopped by Onderin for a second, but nothing more than a glance. << I am currently on Coruscant, within the CorSec HQ. They have arrested Geki and Ar-Pharazon, and have custody of a Black Sun Vigo named Delta. I believe that Black Sun might be of great concern if we continue to let them roam without check. With Ar-Pharazon fully sealed away, I may push Geki to see what he knows of the Sith's current whereabouts. But someone should deal with Black Sun. >>

[Darex Trevelian]

Damon certainly didn't waste any time, but Darex was glad he had taken the initiative. This was an important meeting.

 

He stayed quiet as several masters gave their reports, but spoke after his fellow grandmaster had spoken about Black Sun. "I agree with Grandmaster Kirlocca, however, it should be done carefully. Black Sun is notoriously slippery, and they like to hide behind layers of secrecy. Their leader is even more of an enigma, and little is known about him. We need to ensure that we work with as many experts as we can on this, and not move until we can ensure solid action against them. I would like one of you to volunteer to head this investigation."

 

He stroked his goatee. "I was also recently at CoreSec's headquarters. Master Furion of the Sith turned himself in to be handed over to Jedi authority. I spoke with him, but I think he may be going a bit mad himself. He seemed to want to work with us as an Order to destroy the Sith. He believes the Sith Order of today to be rotten, and claims to want to destroy them. Part of this seems to be driven by a prophecy that he believes refers to his daughter. I was prepared to give him the chance to prove himself and bring him before you, Master Damon, but he suddenly took everything back and vanished. I do not know what changed in his mind, but we need to be aware of him. It is possible he realized that he could change the Sith from within instead of destroying them. If so," he grimaced, "his motivation of protecting his daughter will drive him very strongly. He could be a very serious threat to us."

 

He left it at that, wondering what the others would make of the news. Darex himself had a powerful foreboding from the Force about the whole thing.

[Onderin Starlisk]

Onderin decided to add his perspective in. "I was with Darex when we talked to Furion," he said. "I don't believe that the man is very stable, given that he decided to attempt to escape us by force when we were prepared to let him walk away. However, it is my belief that his concern for his daughter is real and it's possible that his plans for the Sith might steer them away from terrorism, which is a benefit for us... because it allows us to fight them on our terms."

 

He looked at Kirlocca. "It's quite possible that Black Sun will become a concern, but we need to be careful not to get pulled into fighting a war on two fronts," he warned. "Black Sun has been relatively quiet recently, and I think pulling them into this is a dangerous choice. However, I was impressed by how CoreSec ran things during the assault on the Sith Temple in which I had a part. Some of their members are among the best of the Republic's and Empire's soldiers, leftovers from the war, and even several Mandalorians. They're extremely well positioned right now to ally with us and take decisive action against our enemies, and if that comes to fruition, we might be able to afford fighting Black Sun and the Sith simultaneously. The fact that they recently took Geki and Ar-Pharazon into custody is encouraging."

 

Onderin had no love for the fact that Mandalorians that kept cropping up in CoreSec, but he couldn't deny their effectiveness as soldiers. One of them had actually served the Republic with distinction in the final months of the war.

[Damon]

A stone look laid upon his face. He really had missed much on his side of the galaxy. The expressions of many in this now crowded room seemed to mirror his stoic features. A heavy air had taken place.

 

"Onderin is right in the regard that we can not let us fall into a two sided war. Even the idea of being brought into a war is not a good one. For the moment the Sith are retreated from our sight. This Sith, Furion, is another matter. If he is unstable as you say and even half as powerful as you describe since he was able to escape his holdings, he could become a major threat. That being said he has stated that he wants to destroy the current Sith order. That statement is now flawed as the last Dark Lord is no more. We do not have enough valid information to deem him in a proper category of danger. For now we simply must observe the movements in the force as well as the galaxy around to see what the Sith are planing and where this man Furion fits. "

 

In his mind his vision replayed once more. Furion. It was not Julio and as a result, could not confirm anything more than a guess. Not enough information.

 

"As far the Black Sun goes, I remember their Red Dawn. I'm sure most do as well, but they are silent. If CoreSec has been able to not only capture and hold some of the most wanted men in the galaxy, why do we not ask for their ability here. Let them track down Black Sun and determine if they are truly a threat. If so then we can act as needed. We are guardians of vigilance and protectors, not police or warriors. We are the maintainers of balance and peace."

 

Watching the room he waited for responses and thoughts. This was a large series of choices that were being made. At least they were moving and taking reigns of the Order.

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca was silent as the three men spoke their peace about Black Sun. Yet he knew and understood that all of them missed his subtle hint. So for the sake of his own case, he waited until they had finished to speak up.

 

<< Actually, I meant taking on Black Sun as an ally. I know that very statement brings up some emotions, and maybe even stronger feelings on the subject. But when you look at it, they know the Sith well, maybe even where they're hiding now. Their history has proven that they can be bought to work with anyone for a time. CorSec is fine for handling crimes and local problems. The Sith can and will go outside their bounds. Black Sun can help point us in the right direction. >>

 

Kirlocca did turn his head after he finished talking and looked at Onderin. He used the word Mandalorians in a tone that maybe suggested he held some distain for them. It was understandable, as most Jedi held that position. But Kirlocca and Onderin had worked with Fett and Mirdala, two of which are with CorSec now, during their time fighting against the Empire. But maybe there was something else that popped up. He would have to sit down with the man when he got the chance. But turning his attention back to the crowd at large.

 

<< But maybe that discussion can be dealt with later. For now, we may need to stick to cleaning up common problems, such as slave trades. Speaking of which, I never did get a report from Adenna on her mission. Did anyone else? >>

[Dashel Illioni]

4 days from Harum Kal, approximately 2 weeks earlier

 

Dashel walked up and gently grabbed his Padawans shoulder as Kharjo exited the elder’s yurt. “There is more yet to see here but I think for now we must awaken and deal with the present. I sense urgency in the corporeal world concerning something we must attend to. What it may be, I do not know, but I sense it will have bearing on our ability to know more of your ancestor.”

He immediately sensed disappointment in his Padawan, knowing how much viewing these events meant to the cub, but a Jedi needed to deal with the present above all us and Dashel said as much to Kharjo.

 

To ease the pain that accompanied that bit of wisdom, Dashel said, “We can return to this vision at any given time. You are forbidden from attempting to do so alone and should tell me if it happens to you otherwise but I think that learning about your ancestor, his time and these events is something that the Force has chosen for us to do together. Come now, and let us see what transpires in the corporeal world.”

 

Dashel woke up first, either because of his lessor attachment to the Force given vision or because of his greater power in the force. He awoke to a throbbing headache, dry mouth and the sense that he was moving. He confirmed that motion by simply looking out the porthole of the GrassTiger and seeing the familiar streaks of hyperspace behind the darkened windows.

Then he heaved up the contents of his thankfully empty stomach onto the flooring of what he now recognized as the Med Bay of his ship, the cool blue tiles somehow comforting even with the dim light rendering them nearly black.

 

“Easy Master Dashel,” said Padawan Green’s voice, “Please lie still while I call Knight Maevis here to tend to you. You have been very ill and we have been watching over the two of you for some time now.”

 

Dashel, his body wracked with pain from just the simple motion of rolling over, readily agreed. He listened to the far too loud sound of Padawan Green rising from where she had sat between the twin beds of the med bay and going to an intercom panel where she depressed a key with what sounded like a sledgehammer.

 

“Master Vao, Knight Maevis,” said Green in a low whisper, “Master Dashel is awake and Hopeful Kharjo shows signs of following him. Would you please come to the med bay?”

The ill Master listened to the sound of her voice, amplified beyond bearing but calm considering the turmoil he could sense in her emotions, a turmoil that seemed more directed at Kharjo than at him. He smiled through his pain, understanding that both Kharjo and she felt the same way about each other.

 

The GrassTiger was not a large ship, so both Vao and Maevis arrived fairly quickly. One of them must have decided that the room needed greater illumination, for Dashel heard “lights” and then was immediately blinded by the equivalent of supernova.

 

He strangled a screech in his throat, nearly biting off his tongue in the process. It took a moment, but he calmed himself enough to realize that someone was gently holding him down while someone else applied a cool cloth to his head. A bead of water ran from that cloth to his lips and he lapped at it eagerly.

 

A straw presented itself to his lips and he drank the sweetest nectar he had ever known.

 

“Your eyes will adjust in time,” said Maevis in her most clinical voice, “we have just been keeping the lights low in here for some time.”

 

All too quickly, Dashel finished the water presented to his lips. He opened his eyes to see a very frazzled but glowing Maevis sitting in a chair between him and Kharjo, while to his other side stood Master Vao. A quick glance told him that Padawan Green tended to his Padawan. He smiled at the sight.

 

He attempted to speak but his voice croaked out, the disuse of days rending him nearly voiceless. Clearing his throat allowed him to speak, though his voice was barely above a whisper.

“Padawan Kharjo?”

 

“Fine but for being in a very deep force trance for several days. We have supported the two of you with fluids for that time. You, on the other hand, caught something unknown to the archives. Your through it, but you will need to let your body recover.”

 

Vao surprised him by speaking from the other side of his bed, “Don’t think that this lets you out of our going to the governor’s ball, his daughter and two of her attendants came down with the same symptoms. She will need nearly a month to recover and the ball has been rescheduled accordingly. The two attendants will need even longer to recover, as it seems they carried the infection far longer than you two.”

 

Eternal Vigilance, Earlier

 

Dashel had not just left his ship. He had taken the brief time that elapsed between his landing and being called to the meeting to help with tidying the ship. Vao, Green, and Maevis had taken a shuttle to Coruscant, pleading the need of going shopping together at the boutiques that catered to their tastes. The thought of Maevis outside of hospital scrubs actually piqued his interests, it had been a long while since he had seen her in anything since. Something in his presence must have alerted her to the contents of his thoughts, as Maevis turned to smile at him in a way that let him know that she wanted him curious for the simple reason that whatever her profession, she was still feminine enough to want men interested in her.

Mumbling about the force being less mysterious, Dashel called his Padawan to his side. Once Kharjo joined him, Dashel handed him a datapad with the details of a mission he needed his Padawan to perform while they orbited above Coruscant.

 

“Padawan Kharjo,” said Dashel, “In the senate district of Coruscant is a center dedicated as place where all sentients, regardless of their races history, can meet in peace. You will go there and allow the force to guide you into meeting at least 5 individuals, all from different races, and learn something from them about their culture and exchange ideas about the current events on your respective home planets and the galaxy at large. You will also observe them, both with your eyes and through the force and attempt to see and understand what they are not saying during your discussion. You will go dressed as a Jedi, with your lightsaber and your Padawan braid fully displayed that all may know you are on assignment. Should any sentient ask, all you may say is that you were sent there by your Master. Kala will monitor your presence through the sensors strand in your brand and inform the necessary authorities, myself or Master Vao should you get in over your head.”

He had left his Padawan standing there, reading the mission orders and had just started down the ramp when the call to Council came up on his bracer.

 

Eternal Vigilance, Present

 

“Master Kirlocca,” said Dashel in a voice as cold as a Hoth winter’s night, “my knowledge of Mandolorians may be limited, but I do know that I prefer allying with them or becoming one of them then I do to allying with organizations like Black Sun. It is clear from the Jedi archives that the Mandolorians are more than mercenaries and while there code of ethics differs from ours, it is far closer in many aspects than any portion of what Black Sun has ever demonstrated on more than an individual level.”

He paused a moment to regain his calm before proceeding.

 

“That doesn’t mean that Black Sun cannot be of use to us. We know that historically they have preferred to side with the Sith, tracking the agents of the one may help us find where the other has withdrawn to.”

 

“Doing so will help us prepare for the return of the Sith. We know they will return, they always have and the Jedi need to be prepared. Our knights have become warriors, dedicated to the eradication of the Sith. Even if our ancient enemy is only gone for a short time, those knights closest to the warrior ideal will become restless, disturbed in spirit and vulnerable to the Darkside. These Jedi warriors need trained to our ancient ideals, that of the guardians of the galaxy, responsible for warning the peoples of major threats and encouraging them to deal with those threats in the manner the peoples of the galaxy chose in accordance with the will of the Force.”

 

“We also need more Jedi, of all ranks, for our numbers have been reduced in the constant wars with the Sith. With those greater numbers, we can send more Jedi out into the galaxy, both partnering with those organizations in line with our best ideals and individually, both to seek and destroy problems such as slavery and to bring back the knowledge of what they find.”

Dashel quieted a moment before proceeding to allow his words to sink in.

 

“As to your confrontation with Master Aryian, I for one would prefer that you do not go alone. That is not to say that you should be accompanied directly, but that other Jedi be nearby to lend strength or aid you should that be necessary. It is clear to me that the Darkside clearly lends much strength to this Darth Aries and that any Jedi, no matter how powerful in the Force remains vulnerable.”

With that, Dashel sat back, steepling his fingers before him and withdrawing into silence, monitoring the responses of his fellow masters and waiting to see if he need speak again.