Open Plot Ajan Kloss Don't Feed the Doubts

[Nykoria Tallis]

Nykoria deemed the recent meeting a success. A number of the younger Jedi shared her sentiment and were eager to embark on a mission to stop the Sith threat. But some people wondered if the Zeltron's initiative would have the backing of the Jedi Council. Kori was somewhat hesitant to approach them, but she knew she had to. That's why she had chosen the middle ground. She would approach one of the members of the Council: Jedi Master @Oren Zapan.

As the Force would have it, he was the Jedi who trained both @Nara Allam (one of the staunchest supporters of Kori's idea) and @Fiach Dubh (the more reserved and cautious Knight, who'd rather hear what the Jedi Council had to say). Nykoria herself had briefly met Master Zapan on Yavin IV. The man had left a very positive impression on her, even though their meeting had been cut somewhat short.

Still the Zeltron had arrived to the arranged meeting spot in the temple courtyard in advance. Although the previous meeting had gone well, she was still nervous, rehearsing the various angles on how she wanted to present her ideas. She even offered a few of the Jedi from the meeting to come with her. Whether they would arrive was anyone's guess; there was still more than enough time. But for now Kori stood alone, mumbling to herself: "I'd like to go on a mission against the Sith... No, I'd like to seek permission from the Council to take a few Jedi for a long term... No, that doesn't sound right."

The Zeltron sighed, seeing a couple of other Knights walking in the distance. The last thing she needed was letting anyone see her doubting herself. So she forced a smile onto her face and waved to the Jedi. In the meantime, she continued to rehearse in her head. Hopefully, she'd come up with something by the time the others arrive.

@TWD26
@Corbeau, @Charndley (if you'd like to participate)
Any other Jedi are welcome too

 

[Oren Zapan]

​

So much had passed since Oren had departed for a journey of self exploration into the force. The Jedi Master had at one point felt the weight of the galaxy upon his shoulders, and it seemed everything was pinned to him to be the right person at the right time, always. But, that wasn't the case--it never had been. Oren was simply one of the many endless amount of life that made up the living force, and that this journey this life and its challenges were not only on his shoulders.

He had watched a generation of Jedi grow, some from his own instructions, others from a distance, but all the same--the Jedi had proved themselves to the galaxy. Confidence within his students, within the order had risen, and it seemed things had finally begun to take shape once more, and the galaxy were going to need their help now, more than other.

Oren sat within the ranks of the Council chambers, contemplating and meditation on the presence, feeling the life across the planet that called to him, the fabrics of the cosmic force radiating from each action, feeding the energy of the state of the galaxy itself. There was so much to be seen, so much to do--and finally he understood what must be done.

tag: @Catbert

 

[Juniper]

Nara had wondered whether to come. She'd planned to leave Ajan Kloss as quickly as she'd arrived but Kori had made her intentions clear. She was going to ask the Council for their permission. Their input. Their blessing. Whatever it was that the council gave.

And that meant Master Oren.

It'd been a very long time, it seemed like. Long enough for Nara to start doubting things herself, long enough that her presence there would only be a hinderance to Kori's aim. This was about securing the Council's support, not some awkward reunion. But in the end, friendship won. She watched Kori stand there, muttering. Going over her lines.

Nara approached carefully, trying not to let Kori hear her. Not until she was close enough.

"Haaaaaving trouble?" she asked quietly, smirking by her side. She snickered slightly as she stepped back. Kori was usually super confident, with one-liners ready to match even the most quippy and clever of foe. She supposed it was different when facing someone you might consider a superior.

Not everyone gets as in-your-face as you do, Nara.

"Be honest. Be clear. Be direct." That was the only thing that Nara could think to offer, really. "State your case and lay out why you think it'll help. Prevention is better than the cure." That's what made the most sense to her anyway. "He'll listen. He might not agree with us, but he'll listen and advise all the same. And you don't need me, or anyone else, there to make your case." Truthfully, if her Master was the same man that'd practically raised her, Nara doubted he'd approve.

She patted Kori on the back, smiling at her.

"You got this, Kori."

@Catbert

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach was – without any shadow of a doubt – what could be described as ‘old school’ Jedi. Having arrived at the Order with no understanding of what the Force was, beyond something she’d heard about in fairy tales, she’d absorbed as much knowledge as she could in as short a timeframe as possible. Much came from the teachers and both of her Masters – but the majority came from research. Some was considered canon by the Jedi and the rest was patchy at best and so she looked for recollections and stories that corroborated each other.

What she failed to understand from her research was how alike were the Jedi Orders of the past and the current incarnation. Even the well-documented reports showed how the Order had either evolved over the millennia, had changed to meet circumstances or had been rebuilt following periods of inactivity. Which is where she saw the current manifestation. And given she liked facts over opinions, she sought definitive answers to questions. Initially she thought the Masters at the Temple were simply inscrutable – refusing to answer simple direct questions – but of late she’d realised they were simply finding their way, when no clear blueprint was available to follow. Not that this deterred her from wanting clarity, even if that lucidity was a simple, we don’t know.’

Hence her reservations at the recent meeting. What did the Council think? Not that she was wedded to their guidance. If she agreed, so well and good – but if not, she would logically have to make the decision if the Order was the place for her.

But regardless, she knew she had to stop imagining this was the same Jedi Order frequented by Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda – this was a different time and perhaps called for different measures. Which was why she was pleased that Kori had called the meeting to help her understand – and the addition of her Master plus Nara, a Jedi she had spent a lot of time with, was entirely positive.

She hadn’t seen Oren since her Knighting Ceremony but he was – and would always be – her Master and his opinion, member of the Council or not, was invaluable to her. For she wouldn’t be a Knight of the Order right now were it not for his guidance and teaching.

So, she smoothed down the hem of her Jedi robes as she entered the chamber, pleased she was not the last to arrive (which she never liked as it made her feel she was late) – and realised she felt slightly on edge (for no apparent reason). So she exhaled and closed her eyes momentarily and connected with the Force before joining her Master with a small bow.

Fiach had perfected three different bows. The first was barely a nod, used to greet people she knew well and in a semi-formal setting. She typically used it with fellow Jedi who were Knights or Padawans, or if it was when she saw someone in passing and stopped for a chat. The second was a deeper bow and used for more formal meetings where she felt it was important to show respect. She often used this when greeting a Jedi Master. The third was a deep bow and used when meeting dignitaries or a Jedi for the first time. She also reserved it for when she had to deliver bad news. Fiach had chosen the middle option for today.

@Catbert @TWD26 @Charndley

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

Kori shuddered out of surprise as she heard a familiar voice and a teasing remark behind her back. Nara. Of course, she had got too preoccupied with her speeches, so she gave the Knight a chance to creep up on her unnoticed. The Zeltron exhaled loudly through her nose; only after pulling a confident smirk on her face did she turn to her friend. "...Nah, just rehearsing. Prevention is better than the cure, yeah. That's the shortest way to put it."

The Zeltron listened to what Nara had to say, before beckoning her towards the Temple with a nod: "Oh, I'll make my case. It's just better when it's not me alone who does that. You know, like at the previous meeting where you and Izel had my back." That was something that the Zeltron didn't want to relive. An onslaught of questions, doubts, reservations from all sides... Except for the few people who just announced they'd stand by Kori and even defended her point. Hopefully, this wasn't going to be as big of a meeting. And the purple-skinned alien wanted to walk out of it with the blessing of a Jedi Master and Council member. "Shall we?" It was up to Nara if she wanted to tag along and enter the Council chambers with Kori.

Inside, she'd find Master Zapan, who was already joined by Fiach Dubh. "Master Zapan... Knight Dubh..." Bowing to both Jedi—in a manner somewhere inbetween Fiach's first and second bow—Nykoria decided to take the initiative. "Thank you for granting this audience," the Zeltron was now talking to the Jedi Master exclusively, as Fiach was already aware what it was about. "There is a matter that requires the guidance of the Jedi Council."

So far, the opinions among higher-ranking Jedi on Kori's initiative had been mixed. Maxims Tionson was seemingly against it, while Hannibal Grayza agreed with some reservations. That left Oren and the other members of the Jedi Council. And since Oren was the one they were talking to first, the opinions of other members might as well depend on his viewpoint, and how he'd present the case to them... If things went that far. That is the reason why Nykoria had been rehearsing her speech and trying to find the best words.

"The Sith attacks have increased recently, all over the galaxy. Coruscant alone had seen at least three of them in less than half a year," the Zeltron brought up her home planet, for that was a place the Sith had shown interest in, and could be one of her first destinations. "Sector rangers and governments alone will have trouble dealing with them. From what I've seen, the Jedi need to step in to stop those attacks."

The Zeltron concluded her speech with the nature of her request: "I wanted to ask the Council's blessing to leave Ajan Kloss for a long-term mission to address that threat. Before coming to you, I shared this idea with a few other Jedi, and they expressed their willingness to take part in such a mission." That was as short as Kori could put it without getting too personal on the matter. Of course, there might be questions; like before, during that large gathering. But at least this time there'd be fewer people.

@TWD26, @Corbeau, @Charndley

 

[Oren Zapan]

​

Oren watched with some interest as the three Jedi made their way into the council chamber, each of them their own size, shapes, and stature. Their signatures in the force burned and radiated, each holding a personality vastly different from the other. He only knew Nykoria slightly, while the other two--his former apprentices, both so different, yet the fire they held for the light burned brightly into each of them. They were his students, and in some aspects his daughters--seeing them now brought a slight feeling of happiness, but the Jedi Master did not show it on his face.

"Tallis, Dubh, and Allam," he'd say with a slight bow of his head. "I received word that you wished to speak to me," he'd say with a slight smile. "So do come and speak your mind, we are your brothers and sisters."

He listened as the Zeltron began her speech, taking it in and studying her words. He was silent for some time as he tapped against his chin. "Yes, it's true that the Sith have become embolden.. More so than before my departure to reflect on the force." He'd say as he turned to each of them, "I'm well aware of the attacks on Coruscant, I was there when Nashyr and Saul perished at the hands of the Dark Council. They're dangerous, and their followers come from all dark corners of the galaxy."

The Jedi Master would lean forward, "The force I have found is moving in a cycle, a spiritual darkness befalls the galaxy, religion dies and darkness grows. The actions of life, the living embodiment of the force, feeds the energy of the cosmic force, creating what we once felt. But, if the darkness controls everything, all life, all of the force will die. This I believe is the balance of the force, the cycle that brings a generation of beings together to bring things back into balance for a time.."

He would lean back into his seat, "For the longest time I considered this, fear gripped me, I didn't believe us to be ready. But, the galaxy showed me that we are the generation, we are the prophecy that must rise to meet this darkness.." The Master would pause, "But it's important that we do not fall into the traps that our predecessors held before us. In speaking with the ancient grand master, I found that they suffered from war--destruction, just as the fabled clone wars and so on. War creates death, destruction, suffering. By going to war we could expose our generations of Jedi to the very darkness we swore to destroy.."

"We are not soldiers, rulers--but members of the living force. We must embody and learn to co-exist with the axioms laid before us. Remember to seek peace with those around you, and to stand strong in the face of adversity and defend life--relish not in the destruction of life."

The master would cross his arms, "Tell me..what is your driving ambitions to accomplish this task? What is your plan--and how will you prevent you and your friends from falling into the same trap that the Jedi Civil war had fallen upon?"

tag: @Catbert @Charndley @Corbeau

tag: @Catbert

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

It must have slipped Kori's memory that Master Zapan was on Coruscant too and witnessed the attacks. Surely he would see how important Jedi involvement would be? The Zeltron's resolve was briefly dulled by the mention of the two Knights who perished doing their duty. A fate that she could very well lead other Jedi to. The fate she Kori herself could be spiraling towards by pursuing her mission. That reminder made the Zeltron's expression more somber.

Meanwhile, the Master moved on to the bigger picture. Probably too big for the Zeltron's understanding. Kori's perception of balance in the Force, the Force itself, and her place in it was more simplistic. Perhaps that thoughtfulness and consideration of a much bigger picture is what made the difference between a Jedi Master and a Council member. None of the Jedi she had met so far—Masters included—seemed to give it as much thought. But Nykoria was relieved that Oren's considerations had brought him to the right conclusions. And not a moment too soon.

War. They all mention it: Max, Izel, now Oren... Is that really what we're going for? In Kori's mind, it wasn't a full-blown war yet. Not unless the Sith suddenly unleashed a fleet and an army of Dark Siders across the unsuspecting galaxy. Then again, it could be perceived as war on Sith terror... You're arguing terms, Kori. What matters is what we do out there. As it happens, that's exactly what Master Zapan asked. And it's something that Kori had considered before.

"I'm from Coruscant, Master," the Zeltron figured it would be a good idea to get the proverbial cat out of the bag. "I saw what the Sith did there. And not only there. I also saw their actions on other worlds. Corsin. Batuu. Ontotho. I guess every Jedi can name one or two planets infested by them." Kori cast a quick glance at the Knights to see if they could relate to that.

"My ambition..." The Zeltron paused, savoring the word and what it entailed."Is to make the Sith... No, not only the Sith; any other criminal... To make them think twice before they try starting a rampage like the one on Coruscant again." Kori shrugged; she wasn't sure how Master Zapan would perceive her position; but at least she was sincere. "In that regard, a rampaging Sith isn't much different from any other murderer. Except that they use the Force and are more than an average cop or Sector Ranger is bargained for."

Kori wondered how the Master would perceive that thought. "But we, the Jedi, have the ability to defend people from them. There are places that the Sith frequent and launch attacks against more often than anywhere else. Like Coruscant or Batuu. I plan to be there and try to prevent it. Help the people of the Free Worlds and frontier alike. Rally their law enforcers and militias; train them how to defend against such menace. Take part in the defense."

"Unfortunately, the Jedi can't protect everyone in the Galaxy. But I'll be out there and try to help as many as I can. If we could track down the Eternal and his allies, we could even stop them there and then, and prevent the war everyone is talking about." Nykoria finished her speech, looking at the Master intently. The Jedi were known for maintaining inner peace, so the Zeltron didn't hope to read the Master's feelings on the situation with her natural abilities. But she was definitely looking forward to hearing his thoughts on the matter. A lot depended on it.

@TWD26, @Corbeau, @Charndley

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

Admittedly, the Zeltron was too focused on thinking about her plan, rather than about "preventing what could happen if the Jedi lost their way". She hadn't even considered it until the idea was presented for the first time, and Maxims Tionson warned her about something like that. But Kori sensed that there were still some unresovled questions... And remembered that Master Zapan had asked something, and she didn't answer it yet.

"Oh, sorry, I forgot the last part," The Zeltron smiled rather apologetically. "Truth to be told, I don't know what the future holds. Who lives, who dies, and what decisions everyone makes. And if the Masters of old couldn't prevent something like that from happening, I don't presume any solution of mine would work." A genuine shrug followed, before Nykoria continued. "I just know that the Jedi can have a positive effect on the galaxy. And that we have each other to look out for, and to prevent ourselves from acting rashly. That's about it, I guess."

@TWD26, @Corbeau, @Charndley

 

[Juniper]

Nara followed. Of course she did. She didn't really like it but... Stand strong, stand together, right? How could she leave her friend to endure the questioning alone. Especially after the song and dance she'd made about Kori not standing alone. As Kori addressed Oren, she stood a little distance behind, clasping her hands behind her back. Her intention wasn't to contribute much, merely there for moral support.

Master Oren's questions came and Nara appreciated the calm candour. It felt less combative and resistive to her, which also put her on the back foot. Master Oren was always too calm and considerate to fall down to that level, anyways. They were questions that they'd all have to confront on their mission, even before they started trying to combat the Sith presence.

Nara waited until Kori had spoken before she decided to speak. She looked levelly at Master Oren, keeping her voice as level and normal as she could. Thin lips straight, narrow and firm.

See, I'm trying.

"I can't claim to speak for the others who have voiced support, but I have no interest in waging a war. I doubt I'd be good at it and I think it'd be endless. I don't want to be a general, commander or soldier. What do I think we should be doing? Similar to what Kori said. Building on our relations with the Free Worlds Alliance, ensuring that they have the training and measures to help combat the Sith. Make it harder for them to do what they want. Reduce their options, force them into different strategies."

"But it's not just that. We could be building intelligence on how these Sith operate. We could be rooting out their cults, their cabals, their resources before they even have a chance to use them properly. And I doubt any of us intend to go lax on our other efforts and duties. We'll still be helping those in need, defending those in danger."

Now came the hard part. History. Nara had some knowledge, like most people in the Galaxy did, of Old Republic. She had some knowledge of what'd happened with the Jedi, the civil wars, the countless purges and genocides and who-knew-what-else. Detailed debate over the failings of the Jedi, however, were more of an Izel thing. And, not for the first time, Nara found herself wishing that Kori had invited their Vratix friend instead of her.

"I won't pretend that I can debate the history of the Order. Nobody here would believe me for a second, you all know me too well. But even I have noticed how quickly our history is deployed as a counter to action. And I do think it's for good reasons," she added quickly, before anyone thought to lecture her too much, "because we do, we should and we can learn from the mistakes and failures of those before us, like those after us will learn from what we do. But we should be learning from history, not living in it. We have come to a point where those who raise concern about events in the Galaxy are countered entirely by repetition of past mistakes. We continue to dwell, relive and internalise those parts of our history and... this is just me talking, I think that it's dangerous. It feels like we're so happy to embrace the mistakes of the Order's past as a comfort blanket, to excuse taking action where we could be helping people."

Boy, she'd done a lot of talking. And she'd even managed to avoid shouting and screaming about it, which was a personal best. She took a breath, feeling the redness on her cheeks. All the attention focused on her.

"Like Kori said, in much better ways than me, we don't know what the future will bring. We don't know how this will go. All we can do is draw on our training, on ourselves and on the Force and hope it leads us down the right path. But I have reached a point where I cannot let fear of what might happen stop me from helping where I know I can."

"With us out there, being more proactive, we can show the people of the Galaxy that we are with them. Not as rulers, or soldiers or whatever, but as protectors. As helpers. As Guardians. We can show them what many people across the Galaxy have forgotten, but what we in this room all know. That wherever someone walks, the Force and the Jedi will be with them."

She let her words hang in the air for a moment, both relieved that she'd finished and mildly embarrassed that she'd spoken with such measured sincerity. The presence of two friends and her Master had an interesting effect on her.

"That is just what I think, anyway. And I'm going to admit that I'm probably wrong about a lot of that."

@Corbeau @TWD26 @Catbert

 

[Oren Zapan]

​

Oren leaned in as he listened to the words of the Zeltron. The whole idea of battling between light and dark, Jedi and Sith, it had been a lifelong question, one that lingered for generations. Oren did not have the answers, as to why this phenomenon occurred. The Symbiosis of life, and the nature of free will to rebel against the axioms of the universe was still out of reach. Oren knew that the Darkness could always return, but why--he did not yet know.

The Force was all of life, nature, through Midichlorians the living force communicated with the world, and all living beings contributed to the fabric that made up the cosmic force--not just the Jedi or the Sith. Nykoria had ambition and energy, that much the Master considered, but was it misguided--perhaps she did not have a full picture of the galaxy?

"I have many feelings about your statements, but I will consider Nara's input first." He'd say as he leaned back in his seat, taking in the words of his former padawan.

She had grown from their first meeting, from the time she crashed his old YT into the swamps of Ajan Kloss. She had fire and the energy and spunk that she carried from then, but it was focused on a singular purpose now, she had goals and ambitions. Her path as a Jedi was now her own, he had taught her all he knew at the time, and it was time to trust the process and the teachings, just as his master had done for him.

"You want to make the Sith think twice about attacking a free world, it's commendable.. But, there is one thing that you are lacking. A Sith does not think rationally, defeating one or two of them--forcing them to retreat--it will not stop them. The Darkside corrupts and fills your mind with one purpose--and that's complete power."

The Jedi would stand from his seat and would begin to idly walk among the council chambers, "They would come and again, what is required is that we keep the peace, protect life as you stated. But, how can be done? Through defense and a conventional war--it would play into their possible plots. To take care of the threat against all of life we must meet this generation's threat of danger."

The Jedi Councilor would turn back to the three Jedi, offering a slight smile. "We must destroy this threat, the Eternal and aide the people of this galaxy, we must do it the Jedi way. We can aide the Free World Alliance, build confidence among their people, teach them as you explained. A Jedi must learn to co-exist within nature, with it's peoples and planets, but we mustn't become the Republic, Generals or Soldiers. We keep the peace, and aide when needed."

The Councilor would turn to peer through the windows, "Soldiers, Droids, Machines--they do not matter in the grand scheme of things. I believe that the Free World Alliance and the others will be a help, but it will ultimately be the Jedi that must learn to defeat the Sith, to bring balance to the force. There is no other way."

The Jedi would turn back to them, "And you're right, we cannot predict the future, but we must be mindful of it, as we are mindful of the past. As a Jedi we must hold ourselves to a higher standard, one of responsibility...For if one of us falls means the galaxy could fall into darkness. The teachings that your masters have provided are guidelines, but they don't define you--your actions do, the things you rise to face, the way you handle adversity. To be a Jedi is truly a simple thing.. It's to accept who you are, your fears, your insecurities, your strengths, your weaknesses, your past, your potential future, and what you face in the present--to be mindful of it all, but to not let it grip you and control you."

"You will face great adversity, dangers, and even death.. You and your friends may know that, but it's different when you see it, when you feel it.. There will be highs and lows, but remember your teachings and the beauty of life. I can't keep you locked away forever, scared that you and your friends will fall to the darkside. I can only give you my blessing and my support--if you need me, you know that I will always be here for you."

tag: @Catbert @Charndley @Corbeau

 

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach was there for the reason she was invariably anywhere…to learn. She wasn’t sitting on the fence due to a lack of conviction, but due to the expectation of strong and compelling arguments that would take her one way or the other. Something needed to tip the balance and she hoped her Master would be the solution. Not that she would blindly follow him of course, but she at least be keen to hear his counsel – and then she could make up her own mind. For she knew she needed to reach a decision one way or the other.

When the others had all spoken, she processed the information and after closing her eyes momentarily, she spoke.

“If I have learned one thing since I have been here, it is that being a Jedi is nothing like working in a repair shop. My life before was binary. I either fixed something or I didn’t. Invariably I did – and I was always driven by a belief there was a way…a single answer to a problem. But here,” she waved a hand expansively, “it is very different. What I once took to be Masters being inscrutable is actually their way of saying the answer is not cut and dried. Yes,” she looked at Oren now, “sometimes they were just being unfathomable, but on the whole they understood the future was not set and often you have to find your way as you progress.”

She looked at Nara now. “And different times call for different measures. History can be a teacher but it is also just a rear-view mirror. All I ever promised when I came here was to become the best Jedi I could be and to ensure that, when I go to bed at night, there is peace and truth between my heart, my head and the Force.”

“Where am I going with this? To do nothing does not sit easy with me, that much is clear. We are not at peace and so I see my part in this is to help to restore that peace. And I see this in two quite separate ways – although I accept they neatly conflate. Equipping people, nations, planets and alliances to defend themselves against the Sith feels entirely right. We cannot be in every place needed all of the time.”

“Secondly, the Sith must be stopped. Here I am less sure on a plan. We, the Jedi, have a great responsibility here but others may choose to stand against them, and I am not sure it is for me to deny them that right. But as I say, as to how we seek to stop them I cannot offer a solution – but I will fully support, with my body and not just my words, any actions that do not oppose my beliefs as a Jedi. Yes, a peaceful solution is the goal – but I am in no way naïve enough to believe that will be the outcome.”

“Ultimately, I will trust in the Force to guide me. Which is, in quite possibly a long-winded way, my explanation of my views on the subject.”

Glancing around at the others, she smiled, before settling her gaze on Nykori. “I’m in!”

@TWD26 @Catbert @Charndley

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

Wow, where to begin? Nara joined the conversation to offer her two credits, and... Well, let's just say, bringing her along was no mistake. She was as eloquent as Izel. That day I appreciated Nara from an entirely different angle. Not just a witty sharp-tongued lass who is fun to be around with. Not just a Jedi who could take a surprising amount of beating from an ancient automaton and still save the day. Not just a cool mentor who'd gently nudge you towards a correct answer without making her help too obvious.

She basically put most of my thoughts at the time into words, and probably did it better than I could've done. That day, in my eyes, she spoke as a Jedi I wanted to be. Eager to do her part, a true guardian of the people. By the way, I think it was Nara who coined the term "Guardians" for the first time. With the "the" and the capital "G", I mean. Yeah, during that fateful meeting with Oren. I miss those times. Back when things seemed to me so much simpler than now...

...​

After Nara had made her case, Nykoria watched at Oren intently. For a moment, the Zeltron thought that the Master could see right through her; into the most remote and concealed parts of her soul, into the thoughts that Kori acknowledged, but feared to admit to herself. Whether or not it was the case remained unknown, because Oren didn't share his observations on that matter.

The idea of the Sith not thinking rationally hadn't occurred to Kori. To her, and at that time, the Sith were a bunch of criminals; some of them clever and cunning; others irrational and insane. Either way, they were just more dangerous than most, due to their powers and the willingness to use it, even at the expense of others. That difference of opinions made it all the more surprising to Nykoria when Master Zapan made his next point.

Kori never worded her plans as "Track down and kill the Eternal to stop this madness". She'd go for it, if given the option and a chance to succeed. If that could solve the problem. But she had been afraid to say something like that during any previous meeting. Probably, because she feared to be perceived as a zealot, and to lose the support of other Jedi. And yet, Master Zapan made it clear that the Eternal had to be destroyed. Not redeemed. Not stopped. Or could it be a slip of the tongue or misunderstanding?

Regardless, the fact that a Jedi Master and Council member supposedly agreed with her spoken and unspoken plans made the Zeltron feel elated. An appreciative smile formed on her lips as she continued to listen. Oren warned the Jedi about the dangers they would face. And about not getting entangled with the Republic to the point of becoming a part of it. His last bit of advice was basically "remain true to yourself" and "I'll be there for you". Which was pretty much a reiteration what Master Maxims Tionson had said independently at the previous meeting. Despite the disagreement that day, they parted on friendly terms. Now was a similar case... Except that there seemed to be no disagreement.

"Thank you, Master," Nykoria bowed again, visibly encouraged by the kind words of support. "We'll try our best and will look out for each other," she cast a glance at Nara, who at the time had agreed to join the mission. That left Fiach...

...​

Unlike Nara or Izel, I hadn't worked with Fiach too much until that day. I met her a couple of times, and she seemed kind of... Estranged, I guess. Or maybe it was me. But then I saw how she was repairing a droid. Every detail on her workbench was organized, almost catalogued. Before she'd agree to join the Guardians, she asked a lot of questions and considered almost every possible variable.

If I were to describe Fiach in one word, I'd go with "exemplary, textbook Jedi of old". Alright, that's more than one word, but you get the picture. It took much more effort to convince her than the others.

...​

As Fiach explained her reasons and confirmed her involvement in the mission, Nykoria nodded in turn. "Thank you. I wouldn't ask you to do anything that goes against your heart and who you are. That wouldn't be the Jedi way." With that part hopefully settled, the Zeltron turned to Oren again: "Is there anything else we need to know, Master? Any suggestions on where to start? So far, my plan involved acquiring a vessel and supplies for the mission. And traveling to a few places where Sith had taken action before... I guess I'm asking where you would start with?"

That was the only other thing that Nykoria needed to know. Any practical tip from Oren could go a long way. After that, she was ready to get dismissed and to set out on the actual mission.

@TWD26, @Corbeau, @Charndley