Call to (Re)Action

[Alysanne Drast]

Jedi Temple, Jedha​

It felt weird to be back, after all this time, to the closest thing to a home that she should have had. But it didn't feel like home, not anymore. She had been gone or far too long, and a great deal had happened since then. The boys were her home now, where ever they were would be her home. But there was a familiarity to Jedha that she could not deny. She felt safe here, safe in a way she hadn't in a very long time.

Stepping into the main courtyard, she waited. She hadn't returned quietly from her self imposed exile, she had set things in motion that many might not approve off. She was here to face the consequences of those actions, and convince everyone of the necessity of it. She wasn't sure how difficult it would be, she had been gone for so long that she didn't know what to expect from the Jedi, or the other rebels. She simply has no idea how they would react.

That did bring her down a little. The fact that she felt like such an outsider in the very she most belonged. Almost everyone she had known was gone. Aurora and Valentine had vanished, some even said they might be dead. The entire Council, the first teachers she had known, were all gone. Even Grey had left, gone doing Force knows what. What saddened her more than their disappearances was that she had no idea whether or not she would ever get to see them again. She was a Jedi Master now, shouldn't that have given her some power that would tell her with certainty what had happened to her friends? At least if she knew then she would have closure.

But there was no point dwelling on the past. They were gone, but she was still here. All she could do was honor their memories and make sure their legacy lived on. Make sure their dreams lived on.

"May the Force be with you my friends," she muttered as she sensed others nearby, approaching, "where ever you are."

[OOC: Open to all Jedi and Rebels.]

 

[Kyi Wavestrider]

It was rehabilitating to be back on Jedha again, back on the Jedi Temple - his second childhood home. Kyi felt as if it had been years since he last stepped foot here, all the assignments and missions had taken its toll on the young Knight. He actually laughed to himself when he reminisced on how he was so eager to get out and explore the galaxy instead of being stuck meditating when he was younger but now, the nineteen-year-old was extremely grateful to just get a minute to himself and block out the noise of the outside galaxy and this devastating war.

The Knight felt an overwhelming sense of calmness being around other members of the Jedi Order, it was great. He observed the Knights and Masters roaming about the courtyard, conversing with each other in their robes, probably having a deep-seated discussion about the Force or something - he saw the Youngling and younger Padawans goofing around and having fun with each other, he smiled, their innocence was a pleasure to witness after experiencing the horrors of the galaxy.

Kyi pretty much recognised everyone at the Temple, from all his years of training here, although he spotted some new faces - probably newly inducted Younglings while he was gone, the more the merrier. However, he did notice someone else in the courtyard, she wasn't an Initiate - she had the robes and lightsaber to prove it but he had never seen her before. As he looked closer, he could sense what felt like sadness. The Knight debated whether to approach her or not.

@Wit

 

[Davis Jan]

Davis had heard she was here, but where? He was dressed in his flight suit, his hair still moist from sweat and bearing his helmet's imprint. The engines of the SP-2 Stardancer he'd piloted to Jedha were still near overheating as he finally set eyes on her. "Star One? Eh-" he stopped abruptly, "-Master Drast?" he asked, shyly, for he hadn't met many Jedi Masters before and the last time he'd seen her was.. years ago.

Suddenly he got the feeling that he had rushed over there on the basis of a foolish fantasy. She was a Jedi too. Why would she see things different? "We're-" his voice died in uncertainty as he noticed other Jedi in the corner of his eyes. Was this all there was left? A group of monastic Force users? "-I mean, the Galactic Alliance-" he tried to straighten his resolve by rolling his shoulders back and standing to his full 177 centimeters. "-we're losing." The decision to take back Tython made no real strategic sense to Davis. It was a planet sentimental to the Jedi Order, but for the Galactic Alliance, with a Republic being so close and the Empire already in retreat.. losing shouldn't even be possible. Star Squadron had been chasing pirates instead of leading an effort to eradicate the Imperials from the worlds they so carelessly deserted.

What they needed was one of the big names. Greybok, Drast, Ion.. whomever was left to lead a proper assault on the Empire. When Davis heard that Commander Drast, Star One, was seen again for the first time in years..

 

[Jory Daveth]

There's always some ceremony to these things.

Jory Daveth hung back and stayed to the edge of the courtyard, behind the other Jedi that had begun to gather. His arms were folded into the billowing sleeves of his Jedi robes and he watched the proceedings with a tight-lipped stare that wouldn't betray his inward thoughts. It wasn't long ago that gatherings like these would have been held in some hidden bunker or temple basement. Even on Jedha, for members of the Jedi Order to be standing in a public courtyard, discussing their business, spoke volumes about how far the galaxy had come.

And yet, Jory thought, it has so much further to come.

His thoughts lingered on the fate of the Core Worlds, which was currently up in the air. The idea of the United Protectorate had always left a bad taste in his mouth. After all, what good could come out of a wedding between the Sith and the Mandalorians? But, with so many senators preparing to cast their votes, Jory couldn't help but wonder with what dye they might cast the galaxy. Would they finally vote to bring about true peace, or would something even darker than the Sith Empire hatch out of that egg? Difficult to say. The future was always in motion.

You dwell too much on the future, he warned himself. The future is not ours to control. All we can influence is the here and now.

His eyes went to Master Drast. Jory had heard of her. There probably wasn't a Jedi in the Order who hand't. A tainted bloodline gave birth to a still-bright light. Jory had often wondered what it felt like to bear the burden of that name. The name of the Sith Lord who had set about the events leading to this very moment. He imagined it was unbearable at times, though he sensed she thought nothing of it. But one of the rebels in the assembly—the stocky, bearded man some ways in front of him—certainly thought something of it. His thoughts were brimming with hope at the mere mention of her name. He wondered if she deserved it.

Jory relaxed and let his his feelings stretch out into the Force. There had to be some reason that Master Drast had gathered them here to this courtyard on Jedha. Given recent galactic events, her words held the potential to be earth-shattering for both the Order and the rebellion, and he was keen to hear her out—or at least to see whom else her summons would draw out. @Wit

 

[Omnis Waszylla]

Omnis had never been to Jedha before, the young man thinking that perhaps none of his family had, either. There was a presence to this planet, something that resonated with him deep to his core. He had always felt the Force around him but here...It was truly everywhere, so strong, and when he arrived by where the others were gathering he couldn't help but close his eyes and reach out. He was still learning to control himself, though as a Padawan he had managed to increase his control beyond what he had been able to do even just a few years ago. To that end he was silent as the others spoke, yet he felt that he had to be here. He wanted to help others, had believed in the Galactic Alliance and it's ideals, so there was no question of his loyalties. If he and his alter-ego Potencia were needed, he would be there. Opening his eyes he watched the others with a friendly gaze. These were comrades, truer than he had ever had in his life, and they had only but to ask of him anything and he would do his best for them.

 

[Arda Breaux]

Even at the head of the Galactic Alliance and ensuring the network of Rebel forces strung throughout the galaxy were journeying in the right direction, the Grandmaster made sure to find time to return to the Jedi temples and help guide the youngest of the order on the path of a Jedi. For them, one day the idea of being extinct will only be a distant memory, the Sith were now falling back into the shadows, the dark crevasses that may not even accept them for very long. The dark side had its own agenda and though Arda pondered on the meaning for the shift in the galaxy, those currently that surrounded her kept her in the present. The moment where it was most important to ensure they were ready for the toughest challenges they would ever need to face.

"Listen..." she spoke softly to the small group of learners, many of them were no older than ten standard years, some found in passing by other Jedi or those who were born to families who had taken up arms in the rebellion. She could feel the light trickle from each of them, the subtle beginnings of their journey of forever learning to master themselves. "The Force is there...it always will be, can you hear it? Feel it? Warmth in coldness, light in darkness, the collective wisdom in times of doubt." the woman explained as she observed the students. There was one who seemed to struggle with his own discipline and suddenly blurted out.

"LOOK! There's the Jedi Master who was on the holonet!"

And the lesson was over as the innate impulsiveness of children overtook their senses with curiosity as they jumped to their feet, seeing many beginning to gather in the courtyard as they approached their long lost sister of the Alliance. Arda was no exception; when she had seen the broadcast she felt stunned to see the woman alive, after all it had been sometime she had been missing. However, Arda could tell she had not changed as she declared the Jedi to aide in the formation of a Republic and though there were more diplomatic matters that needed to be handled before the Jedi became a personal army, the Grandmaster was delighted to see Alysanne. The Grandmaster approached slowly, letting others who also wished to greet the woman to have their turn first, as Arda knew, there was much work to be done, and she would have much of Alysanne in her company.

 

[Alysanne Drast]

She recognized the scruffy looking man, spotting him before he noticed her, a small smile drawing her lips up at the appearance of a familiar face. The fact that he seemed just as she remembered was also oddly reassuring. So much had changed, a lot of it for the worse, so it was good to see that some things were still the same.

She stepped forward and rested a hand on his shoulder, reassuring, calming, smile still on her lips. "It is good to see you Davis Jan, it has been way too long." Her eyes were beginning to be drawn beyond him, where she had started to sense other presences approaching. "It is darkest before dawn, we will get through this much like everything else. We just need to trust in the Force, and each other." She was surprised with how easily the words had come to her, words that she would have once hoped to hear from someone like Leah or Aurora. Maybe she was finally beginning to show hints of that wisdom that came with being a Jedi master. She nodded to the young man standing nearby, seemingly on the edge about approaching and moved towards the approaching Grandmaster.

Her eyes fell on others as she walked, Knight Daveth, a man she had heard of but had little interaction with, and Omnis, another acquaintance from the past, from happier times. She greeted them both with a smile and a nod, but continued walking till she came to a stop a few feet from the recently arrived Grandmaster and the younglings she had been shepherding. The young ones swarmed her, overloading her with questions and comments. A few years ago this would have overwhelmed her, but she was a mother now, and better prepared to deal with the eager excitement of the younglings. She humored them for a while, finding genuine joy in speaking with them, and almost felt a pang of sorrow when they were headed away by some trainers and led back to their studies. Leaving her face to face with Arda, with the Grandmaster.

"Grandmaster," she said with a respectful bow, "forgive the extended leave of absence, but I have returned. But you already knew that," A playful smile appeared on her lips as she realized that Arda, like most of Galaxy, would have probably already seen recordings of the senate session and known about her return, and sensed as much in the Force. She might be a Jedi Master now, and a mother, but she was also still the girl she had been all those years ago. "I suppose I didn't make things easy for you with the manner of my return, did I?" She wasn't blind to the logistical and political mess that would come from her declaration of support, but it was the right thing to do. She was sure of that.

She faced the Grandmaster before turning back to glance over the other gathered Jedi. "The time has come for a change. We can no longer continue as we are. The Jedi aren't rulers," she looked at hte Grandmaster as she said the words, "we aren't soldiers," her eyes fell on Omins, and a few others she spotted in garb befitting soldiers and pilots, "we aren't many of the things that we had to become out of necessity. It limits us, draws us away from what we should be, what we need to be." She turned back to the Grandmaster, "I see it affect you as well, how often have you been drawn into inaction because of the duties that weigh you down? How many times has the Force whispered you to act but your hands were tied down with the shackles of leadership? Look at where we are, what have we accomplished in the years that have passed? We are exactly where we were all those years ago, and I don't expect that to change any time soon."

She turned to face Davis, the consummate rebel, for what she wanted would effect not Jedi, but the rebellion as well. "The Galaxy is changing. The Sith have abandoned their Empire, we are witnessing the birth of a new Republic, and for once the Galaxy neither thinks us dead nor wants us dead. Jedi and rebel alike, we have earned the goodwill of many." She stepped back a few steps and looked around, catching the eyes and everyone gathered there, "We too much change, adapt to a new Galaxy. The Republic can be what we have been fighting for all these years. A just and democratic government. We have the opportunity to be part of something great, something good. This is what the Rebellion was supposed to achieve. This is what the Jedi fought for." SHe turned back to face the Gradmaster. "We will be teachers, guides, healers, protectors. Whatever the Force needs us to be. And I can tell you right now with the certainty that what we are right now is definitely not it."

@AfroBandit20 @Ecclessey @Malon @Insalius @GABA

 

[Jory Daveth]

Jory sensed a ripple of accusation in Master Drast's words and followed them to their source: the Grand Master of the Jedi Order. The maneuver was done with some finesse, but wouldn't be lost on anyone who had spent time around politicians and diplomats. Were this a holo-drama, he might have snorted. Here was a Jedi Master who had been gone for some time accusing another Jedi Master of inaction, all while calling for the Jedi Order to lay down its lightsabers and resume their centuries-old role as teachers and sages. Easier done now, with the Sith on the decline and a new Republic on the horizon, but less easily done in the past when the Jedi religion was a breath away from extinction. He wondered how many of them thought of that.

"Forgive me the intrusions, Masters," he said. His voice was low and soothing. It wasn't the best-suited for speaking across courtyards, so he stepped towards the center where he could be heard better. "But I cannot help but note the irony of dismissing the Jedi as soldiers in one breath and accusing them of inaction in another. Are we to fight, or are we not? And, if not, then for what reason do we have our Younglings build lightsabers?" His stony gaze went, for the moment, to Master Drast. "The Jedi Order has just come back from the brink of extinction. It might not have stricken the death blow that collapsed the Sith Empire—the Mandalorians are to be thanked for that—but to deny this as nothing short of a monumental accomplishment would be a grave disservice to all the Jedi who died to ensure that we can stand here, in this open courtyard, and have this discussion. We would do well to remember that—to remember them—whatever the outcome of this gathering."

As he stepped back to allow the two women to resume their discussion, folding his arms back into the sleeves of his robes, Jory couldn't help but wonder what Master Reach would have said at this gathering. Would she have been proud of how far the Jedi Order had come? Would she share Master Drast's concerns? He too was concerned about the future of the Jedi Order now that the Sith were the ones on the brink of extinction and a universe of possibilities were open before them. But that was the future and this was the now. His old master had once said that to try to control the future, to manipulate its outcomes, was a path to the dark side. He would have to try to keep that lesson in view even as it grew clearer that the Order itself was turning its eyes to the future.

@AfroBandit20 @Ecclessey @Wit @Insalius @GABAdactyl

 

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

Jedha. The last time she had been on this planet she called home, was months ago. The Knightess had traveled far and wide, to represent the Living Force and the Galactic Alliance in many matters. She had worked in the shadows to provide the Order a foothold on Alderaan, to teach the younger members of their order out in the field and most importantly of all, to defend those who couldn't defend themselves. Not once had she been given a chance to return to Jedha. And now she finally returned to her home, the Knightess was thrown right in another dilemma.

The actions of Master Drast had not gone unnoticed to her. In fact, it was her very appearance that made the Sephi return to the Temple. As she set foot on the courtyard, the Knightess realized she wasn't the only one who wanted to hear what the Jedi Master had to say.

Sakadi arrived just in time, as her gaze immediately fell upon the master approaching the leader of their Order. The leader of the Galactic Alliance. The Sephi came to a stop right beside an acquaintance of her; the young man who recently received his promotion to Knight (@AfroBandit20). She folded her hands as she stood next to the young Knight, her eyes narrowing as she listened to what the Master had to say. She partly agreed with the opinion of the Master. It was true that they had to change, that they had achieved little these last few years, with Tython being the prime example. But was a democratic government something worth fighting for? Was it truly what they had fought for all this time?

She firmly believed that the allegiance of the Jedi Order was to the Light side of the Force. Not necessarily to the people or any form of government, be it democratic or not. It was necessary for the Order to maintain it's neutrality once they would finally be given the freedom to do so. But the Jedi Order shouldn't be a crutch for the republic. And she feared that the path this Master had set them upon was exactly the path that would lead them to become just that.

The Sephi turned to the young Knight beside her, as her telepathic voice would send ripples through the Force, once again carrying a message for him. "What is your opinion on all of this?" she asked him, her voice echoing through his mind with a genuinely curious tone.

@AfroBandit20 @Ecclessey @Wit @Insalius @GABAdactyl @Malon

 

[Hugo Ion]

It had taken him some time but Hugo Ion managed to finally arrive. Shii was busy some trade with local merchants back in the market while he went on to the Temple. The forty something year old Duros had been separated from the Alliance and his comrades for far too long.

Wasn’t by choice but still can’t help but feel guilty for my absence. Stop thinking about that Hugo focus on the meeting. The former Alliance commander thought, passing through the entrance. He smiled noting several Jedi younglings lead by a Knight heading to a training session.

Eli Reach my old friend would’ve loved the sight of all this. But the work is not yet done.

With renewed determination Hugo made his way through the hallways until reaching the meeting spot. There was already a crowd of Jedi and some rebels. He stayed back and watched the events unfold.

Looking at both Arda and Alysanne he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride for them. He remembered when they were young members of the struggling Order. Still Hugo grimaced when Alys began to accuse her fellow Jedi master and the current Alliance commander of inaction and spoke of how they must join the Republic.

Crossing both arms over his chest Hugo waited to see how Arda will respond to the statement. I’ll say my pierce after that. The rebel veteran quietly decided.

@AfroBandit20 @Ecclessey @Wit @Insalius @GABAdactyl @Malon

 

[Kyi Wavestrider]

Kyi watched the more experienced members of the Order debate about what the role of the Jedi should be as well as other things. He wasn't sure if he should intervene yet, he may have just been appointed Knight status, but he still had a lot more to learn about the galaxy as a whole. He didn't exactly know what to think of, who he had recently found out was the famous Jedi Master Alyssane Drast's opinion, not yet anyway. All he knew is that he wanted to help people, help those who couldn't help themselves and the Jedi Order did just that, that's all he needed and wanted right now - so he disagreed with her statement on their in activeness.

He noticed an old acquaintance of his, Sakadi approach him and stand next to him, observing all of this as well - it was good to see her again, he hadn't seen her in some months since their last assignment together. Her voice echoed in his head, it was a strange thing to feel again after so long, she had asked him about his opinion on what was transpiring. He kept his gaze on the debating Jedi, crossing his arms, "I don't know Sakadi, what I'm concerned with right now is keeping the defenceless safe. I'm not qualified to debate the philosophy of the purpose of the Jedi." he responded, eyes still un-moving, he was silent for a moment before finally turning to her "How about you?"

@Wit @Ecclessey @Insalius @GABAdactyl @Malon @Powerfullhorus @Minuteman75

 

[Teran Atrix]

Teran's promotion to Jedi Knight had come with additional duties, but luckily he'd evaded having to teach any of the younglings classes. Instead, his return to Jedha had seen him return once again to the books of the library. This time instead of books about the Force or the essence of being a Jedi, it was about lightsaber dueling. Obscure techniques and practices of old school fencers and duelists. It was fascinating to Teran, but it was nothing compared to what was now happening in the courtyard.

A stirring outside drew Teran's attention, and he set his book down before standing and making his way toward the courtyard and leaning against a pillar. Whatever happened here today, Teran was fairly sure that it would have large implications of the Jedi and the wider galaxy. They had all heard about what was going on with the Senators and the sudden appearance of the Jedi Master. Teran still wasn't sure how he felt about her sudden appearance on holonet, but her dramatic appearance at Corellia had been inspiring all those years ago. Sometimes people needed dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy.

For his part, as he stood there with his arms crossed he simply listened. He was surprised that others seemed to do the same. Despite the hushed conversations, few people decided to stand up and blurt out their uninvited opinions as was so common in settings like these. It was a relief to Teran who also remained silent. Listening was often more valuable than speaking.

 

[Arda Breaux]

Alys turned to take notice of the Jedi woman, her bow and smile seemed to contradict her reasoning for being present. She was correct in that she did not make things easy, but that was Alysanne Drast. She did then do something that puzzled the Grandmaster, turning to the other Jedi and few rebels present, calling for them to adapt, to change to a changing galaxy. Arda couldn't help but to hope this was possibly satire because the Order and the GA were much different from years ago, even she couldn't call them the same from even months prior to today. She listed as Alys questioned what was accomplished in the all the years and Arda's brow furrowed in confusion, yet understanding that Alys' absence would have disconnected her to what was happening in the GA.

Her attention turned to Knight Daveth, a quiet, but humble Knight who seemed to take no attention to himself or accomplishments. He called out Master Drast on her contradictions and Arda nodded to his words. He spoke the truth, in the reality of what was given and what was lost, the GA had accomplished what seemed the impossible all those years ago.

"I sense your energy and excite for the Sith falling into extinction, you and other Jedi wish to push for a final swipe in determining their fate, but that is not the way of the Jedi. If we decide to annihilate what remains of the Sith, does that make us any better than them? It is the way of the dark side for its followers to crumble under their own power, even one of the last Masters centuries ago, Master Wyck, said as such. And it is the way of the dark side to lead us to believe in these dichotomous decisions to determine the fate of others. A temptation we must be mindful about."

She glanced from Alys to the other Jedi and members of the GA seeking rest at the Temple, "Knight Daveth is correct that we must not dismiss what has been accomplished as just Jedi...we cannot forget those who are also part of the Galactic Alliance: fathers, mothers, soldiers, pilots, farmers, miners...a collaboration of galactics who are set on believing what is right. Their actions influence our decisions just as we influence them. Declaring the Jedi as Knights of the Republic without thought to others of the Galactic Alliance and returning to the temple to declare no one has done enough after your extended leave of unknown absence is concerning Master Drast not just for me to you, but for the entirety of the Alliance."

The Grandmaster fell silent for a moment, her thoughts turning as she tried to figure out what Alys was going on about and why a Jedi Master would be so impulsive without consulting those who were leading the GA. "The Galactic Alliance will work with the newly forming Republic, but the Jedi will not abandon those in the Alliance to just serve another entity. This isn't a flip-a-switch process, the autonomy of the Republic needs to be respected. The GA doesn't serve just one or another, we work with all who wish to see an end to the former Empire's corruption. It also does not mean we will turn our guard down either, the dark side is always present, it is patient, and will be back. Its corruption will come in many forms and as Jedi we must be present to warn others about its return."

Arda paused, waiting to see who else would speak.

 

[Eisa Swan]

Leaning back against the chair that had started to feel like it had became an extension of her body, the ashen haired Jedi stretched her arms out to the side with a light yawn. Her eyes panning over her surroundings for a brief moment, tracing over the stacked pile of Jedi texts, scribbled parchment, data pads and the small collection of cups stained with the remnants of Caf that had long since been drained from within. A sigh escaping her lips as finally her gaze set upon the chronometer mounted on the nearby wall, once again time seemed to have slipped past her without realisation. What started as a early morning retreat into the Temples central archives for a quick search on a few reading and research materials had in effect trailed on much longer than planned, hours had crept by and much of the day had now past. At this point the young lings and initiates lessons would have started to come to their conclusion. And for all the time that had passed, all there was to show for it was a handful of parchment notes, and a strange sensation creeping in on the peripherary of the Force. A presence that had a familiarity to it, but was at the same time intangible - like a phantom taste that crossed your tongue that couldn't readily identify it to.

Raising a curious eyebrow at the sensation, Eisa summoned the strength to pull her self out from her seat. Standing with another yawn as her body resisted from being stationary for so long, before reaching down and collecting her effects, a small shimmering emerald green diamond shaped crystal, that had been mounted within a rather worn looking pendant. The ashen haired Jedi regarded the memory crystal for a moment, observing the slight pulsing light that resonated within its core, it wasn't too dissimilar to the way a Kyber would react. Carefully the pendant was hung around the woman's neck, before the small assortment of parchment and her personal holopad was scooped up. Before parting the desk she had commandeered for the day, her gaze set upon the outer tunic of her robes hung over the back of the seat before panning to the rest of the clutter she had left on the desk. "Just a short walk to get some fresh air" the Jedi muttered to herself, and with a slight twist of her fingers the chair slid back under the desk.

Stepping out of the archives, Eisa followed the winding corridors of the temple out towards the closest point of access to the out doors. The light breeze running over the exposed fleash of her heavily scarred arms, was somewhat refreshing after being cooped up in the stuffy confines of the archives for so long. The closer she progressed towards the nearby courtyard the fresher the air got, likewise so did that strange foreign sensation, who ever was at the source of the presence was also drawing near, along with the collective presences of others, many familiar some new. Though it was hardly surprising every time she returned to Jedha there was often a raft of new faces.

After a relatively short walk, Eisa stepped out into the courtyard. Her eyebrow arching into a curious expression as her emerald gaze fell upon the sight of numerous Jedi and rebels gathered around in the centre of the courtyatd. Something that was often to be expected, however what wasn't expected was the sight of some faces from many a year long since past, Commander Ion and Master Drast. Figures that it would be more than enough of a reason for an gathering to form, not every day that faces who had long since faded to memory would return out of the blue.

Slowly making her way towards the gatherung, the ashen haired Jedi listened as Alyssane addressed the group. Speaking about the change that is starting to fall upon the Galaxy and imploring that the Jedi should no longer rule or fight and settle into a life that possibly the ancient Jedi Oder once knew, to become teachers, healers. All of this coming shortly after what sounded like, the order had done little and accomplished nothing over the years. The bemused expression that lingered over Eisa's features, intensified as a a knight with long dark hair spoke out. So it wasn't just her who seemed to have heard Alyssanes words as a slight against all that the Alliance had fought and died for.

Eisa's gaze sifted over towards the Grand master, Arda. Speaking out with words of caution and reminders of the past failings of the Orders past. As Arda continued to speak, the ashen haired Jedi couldn't help but find a hand subconsciously running along the pot marked and mottled mesh of scars that had disfigured her arms. Reminders of the countless skirmishes that she had found herself within, be it escorting medical supplies on the plains of Sullust or rescuing slaves from imperial camps, or even standing against the ravenous waves of darkside abominations that had descended down on Alderaan under the direction of a Sith. But the thoughts were short lived, as the grand master drew to her conclusion. Eisas lips pursing in thought as her mind looked back the many countless years, long before Arda was even knighted.

"Whilst the recent changes in the 'verse are an extremely welcome one, to know that Peace may soon be upon us" Eisa spoke out as she stepped out from the rear flanks of the gathered crowd. "I would like echo the sentiment that we left with from the gathering on Ifrane a decade ago. We go where the Light is the dimmest, we carry the torches of hope, and to the best of our combined ability protect the justice and peace of all worlds. Be them Alliance, Republic, Mandalorian, even the Imperial worlds that have shattered under the wake of the Empires retreat into the shadows. Whomever needs our collective aid we would be there to help rebuild peace in this Verse. For all of those that seek it, regardless of where their allegiances lay in the past "

 

[Hugo Ion]

There was so much Hugo wanted to say and ask. How could they trust this new Republic?

He had watched the public session of the senate and observed how easily some of those politicians insult his comrades both the living and the dead. Not to mention a few more of them recklessly endanger their worlds for reprisals by publicly declaring their sympathies for the Sith. For a moment he closed his eyes and squeezed both hands into fists thinking.

I wonder how many of those kriffing bastards and their ink profited from bootlicking to the Sith? Like sending countless people including my family to labor camps to die as animals.

Even after all these years those scars of the past felt raw to him. Yet before Hugo could shout out an angry objection the Grandmaster finally spoke up first. When she did the Duros paused and listened carefully to her words. By the end he was humbled by the Grandmaster’s example.

Looking down at his feet for a brief moment Hugo remembered Master Eli Reach who was long dead. Arda reminded the veteran of him a great deal in that moment.

My old friend your life and sacrifice was not in vain.

Looking up and stepping forward Hugo walked to the Grandmaster and her bethern. Making sure to look each Jedi and rebel in the eyes with admiration he finally turned to Arda and said.

“Grandmaster, I can’t speak for everyone else but as for myself you have my full support. Let us finish the task before us together.”

Subsequently the old freedom fighter raised his right arm and saluted his Commander.

 

[Davis Jan]

Davis's hair dried up in the warmth of Jedha and while he listened to the Jedi that had come to discuss..the nature of the Jedi. He was surprised to see Commander Ion fully agreed with the Jedi Grand Master. "But-" Davis started, looking at Hugo (@Minuteman75) with an expression of surprise, "-why would we-" meaning the non-Jedi members of the Galactic Alliance, who were still the majority, "-not push through? I don't care about what some Jedi Master said five-hundred years ago." he felt his cheeks getting hot and his armpits getting moist. "I am not a monk. My fellow rebels are not monks. We want to strike the killing blow. If we don't, then all of this has been for naught."

Davis didn't care that until recently the Jedi Order was just a few continuing a lost tradition and it has grown to be once again the equal of the Sith. What he cared about was avenging the friends he lost and ensuring that the Sith and their horrible ways would be gone, or at least have their own 500-year absence in which the galaxy could peacefully prosper and while the forming of a Republic was something he agreed with.. that was something between planetary governments and it could take years before the organizational structure stood and it could send an army to Korriban. The Galactic Alliance wasn't the Republic.. they could go now.

 

[Brent Fury Drast]

⌬ THEME ⌬​

"The Jedi? Who the kark are they? You mean those robe wearing priests that allegedly swing around glowy swords. Man...what a bunch of posers!" Brents voice echoed from the back. He had heard a bit from what had been said between everyone. Surprisingly as it may seem, the man could hear pretty well when his own mouth was shut. Of course that was a rare occasion. Few people in the galaxy still even knew who or what the jedi order was. To most every day citizens they were a religion with plentiful members but still just seen as a fanatical cult depending on the audience.

"At least...that's what the rest of the galaxy sees the Jedi Order right now." He waited for someone to object. His whole shtick was bringing up inconvenient truths disguised as jokes. There was a real issue with how the Jedi Order had handled things thus far. Their public relations was as good as dianooga spit at this point. The only reason things had not gone worse for them so far as because their enemies were either too incompitent or the Galactic Alliance had been lucky so far. It was the Galactic Alliance's fault as a whole though. It was not any one person to blame and in that there was some degree of solace. Because Brent believed that they could shake off their bad track record and earn something better in its place, together.

His words were not about what efforts the Jedi and the Rebels here had actually put forth. Perception was a great factor in what they were going to need to overcome. The Galactic Alliance and this new Republic had to appear enticing to everyone they hopped to incorporate in this new galactic order.

Brent had walked forward and past the people that had stayed towards the back of the courtyard. The Drast was not afraid of having the spotlight. This all was to provoke people into discussing this issue and genuinely thinking. It seemed like a casual enough gathering. But revolutions had been started in simple settings before. Brent believed that if they wanted, each and every person here could affect the outcome of the galaxy's fate. Though as he looked around with his cocky grin, deep down he felt that some of their abilities were being wasted by apathy. Brent was lazy, he sat on his butt, drank jet juice in between hyperspace hops and got loader droids to help him move things while he took smoke breaks. But the Knight was focused on putting forth the effort where it mattered and supporting the cause of a better tomorrow. Anybody else not doing that did not earn his ire or anything of that nature. Brent just knew that if they all did not take responsibility for their actions then they would suffer for it.

"I think the point to be made is that we're dope. We just need to make sure the rest of the galaxy knows it and then everything will be okie-dokey after that." A shrug followed the words. It really was that simple in his book. If people wanted to join them then they would. When he stepped past Eisa he swore if hypocrisy and contradiction had a smell it would smell like Eisa. She was like a fruity candy of some kind, and a square one too despite her rebellious aesthetics. She seemed nice enough though.

The Drast turned to nod at everyone giving a look of confidence and support. If they all worked hard he believed they could achieve their dream and make the galaxy better for it. Many Jedi forgot that there were normal people among them. Davis made that clear and Brent smiled at hearing him bring the subject up. Brent had long been just an engineer with a secret for the rebels. Only after a few months among them did someone take notice he was force sensitive and suggest he should pursue a life exploring the Force. Now here he was but still more comfortable among the rebels more often than he was among other Jedi. I hate repeating mistakes. Though I'm sure Arda and the rest of us can overcome that. At his core he had hope for all of them. Even if it was covered in layers of snark and questionable choices. "Oh, hey Aly! Long time no see. Where have you been?"

@GABAdactyl @Wit @Malon @Ecclessey @Minuteman75 @Plebometer @Phoenix @Powerfullhorus @AfroBandit20 @Insalius