Hello and Goodbye Dear Savareen

[Vuthari]

Galactic Alliance Base
Savareen

The blue waters of the ocean could be seen in the distance. The twi’lek stared out serenely across the vista. Coming directly from the Tribunal, the whole ordeal had been taxing to the Jedi Master. In fact, the entire month had been horrid in every way. It seemed nearly a year ago when a duros stepped into his shop in Nar Shaddaa, pleading with him to join the Galactic Alliance and four other Jedi Masters on this journey of hope and freedom. He thought then that the effort was hopeless and it was doomed…to fail. In many ways, the twi’lek wished he would have listened to his old self and told Hugo “no thanks”…but he didn’t.

He did not know Valentine well enough, but he did know he shirked responsibility in order to ignite his lightsaber…twice. Aurora, now without the Force itself, punished arbitrarily because of her abandoning her Padawan to the Sith…which led to this evacuation. Luy, who had an idealistic view of the galaxy, hoping that all the ugliness would somehow disappear and to ignore the horrid scars that had been wrought on them—he was living in a galaxy that did not exist and Vu’thari lost a great deal of respect for him in those chambers. Everything was not flowery and sing-song…the scars were real. And Leah…their supposed leader, the one he admired for her spirit became the one that wrecked him the most with her actions in that Council chamber. She gave Vu’thari hope that they could form this Jedi Order and be good examples for the padawans…but they weren’t. As a group, they had failed all the padawans and failed the entire Galactic Alliance. Vu’thari did not count himself as an exception. He could have done more and didn’t. Now it was simple…he needed time to think and meditate. He would do that elsewhere with his Padawans and decide where to go from there. If that meant forming a Jedi Order on his own…a real Jedi Order, then he would. But now was not the time to think on such things…they had to evacuate the base where it all began: Savareen.

It was a flurry of activity as Galactic Alliance personnel busied themselves with the details of burning classified material, loading supplies onto ships, coordinating rendezvous points and leaving little at all for the Empire to learn anything about their operations here when they arrived.

A rebel soldier walked up to the twi’lek and inquired, “Master Vu’thari, we all almost done sanitizing all the classified material and are underway on loading the supplies. Where are we taking them?”

I hate the title Master…especially these days.

The Jedi Master looked over and gave the soldier a weak smile, “Just Vu’thari, please. I have given all the pilots their coordinates. There are several different places the supplies are going. Each place has a need of the particular supplies being loaded. Thanks for the update, Sergeant.”

The young soldier saluted and went back to work. There was a lot of work to be done. His padawans were right in the middle of this effort, getting the area ready to vacate in record time. Speed and thoroughness…these were the words of the day.

@EmilyHuene

OOC: This thread is open to all Galactic Alliance who have a reason to be on Savareen during the evacuation.

 

[Diocletian Solus]

Two Navir-class Mandalorian corvettes appeared out of hyperspace just inside the Savareen sector. This was one of the spikes in the famed Kessell Run and prone to traffic. As the two corvettes appeared in system, they immediately launched several support shuttles and fighters. Their course was a direct route to the planet of Savareen, a blue planet near the sector’s core. They were not moving to interdict the shipping in the area and bore the colors and markings of House Solus, one of the Mandalorian great houses.

On the bridge of one of the corvettes, the flagship which was called the Alexandra, Field Marshall Diocletian Solus stood with his hands on his hips. He regarded the blue planet below, looking much like an ant hill that had been kicked over. Ships came and went from the planet in a bevy of activity, apparently the evacuation of the planet had started. Raz had asked the members of House Solus to provide what assistance they could to the evacuation effort and this small flotilla had been what he could piece together on short notice.

As he watched, he saw the havoc that a decision could cause. The rebels had broken one of the golden rules of combat and left a man behind. Well a woman in this case, and by leaving her behind they had all of their OPSEC or operational security completely blown. They did not know what information had been revealed by the captured rebel, but they could not afford to take any chances. A full-scale evacuation of all the rebel sites had been ordered. The calls had come almost back to back, Raz calling to order him to the Savareen sector to assist in any way he could, and then the call from Jedi Master Vu’thari who asked him to do the same.

Dio nodded to the Mandalorian sitting at the communications station and a channel was opened with the Rebel forces on Savareen. “This is Field Marshall Diocletian Solus of the Armed Forces of Mandalor. This task force is tasked to assist with the Global Alliance evacuation of this planet. I come on behalf of Mand’alor Raz Solus and will assist in any way I can. I am here to liaison with Jedi Master Vu’thari, I will wait here until given further instructions as to how we can best assist you.”

Diocletian nodded to the communications operator and the channel was disconnected. He knew that there would be a delay before he could expect a response. Opening a channel to the other ships in his task force he said, “All ships, remain on station and guard the hyperspace route until further notice. Any ship with a Sith transponder is to be fired upon. For Mand’alor.”

@Mithias

 

[Ayasha Waya]

The chain reaction that the actions of one individual had caused was unlike anything Ayasha had ever witnessed. Her mind immediately returned to her first lesson with Vu'thari. He had asked her what would happen should she ignite a lightsaber at any given place within the galaxy. “This is what happens...” the Knight's voice touched the twi'lek's ears gently as she sidled up beside him. She stared out across the expansive ocean for a long moment before shifting her golden gaze to rest upon the Jedi Master's face.

“You asked me long ago what would happen if a Jedi ignited a lightsaber somewhere in the galaxy...” her eyes held steady on his gaze for a long moment before wandering back to the scene of serenity before them. “You were right,” she added with a hint of sadness lingering upon the tones of her voice. Ayasha had had a front row seat to the level of darkness that made its home across the galaxy. Of course Vu'thari had been right, and now there was a living example of that very lesson.

The raven haired woman sighed as thoughts of every sort filled her mind. She hated playing the game of “what if's” and found that worrying about the future gave way to anxiety that could easily shift into a state of fear. She pushed the scenarios from her mind and breathed in the peace of the Force in its place. Just then, a rebel soldier approached Vu'thari and the pair exchanged an update about the progress they were making.

The Knight retrieved her comlink from her belt and lifted it to her lips. “Ashlyna and Torin, I'm down at the water's edge if you two finish and are looking for me,” she relayed the message to her padawans before returning the device to its place at her waist. Ayasha felt badly that things had gone sideways just after taking the pair as her students. They had spent a few days on Tatooine exploring the basics of the Force and getting to know one another better, then word of mass evacuations came to the Jedi and then they were on the move again.

Upon arriving on Savareen, the trio began to aid in the process of packing up artifacts and documents important to their cause. Ayasha had been pulled away by a soldier to answer a few questions regarding a seemingly endless cache of documents and she left her padawans to packing. On her way back to the students, she had noticed the twi'lek standing alone on the beach and changed course to steal a moment with him.

With so many changes happening all at once on a personal and a galactic level, Ayasha felt as though she had not talked with Vu'thari in some time. Granted, they communicated while apart...but it was not the same as seeing one another. “We have quite a bunch on our hands, it seems,” she smiled warmly as her thoughts moved to the padawans in their care. Their 'family' had grown and was now a collective of mismatched rebels from across the galaxy. In spite of the predicament the Alliance and the Jedi now found themselves in, this was certainly a silver lining.

The Knight could feel the weight of responsibility that hung heavy upon Vu'thari's shoulders. She looked up at him and studied his face. How she missed his smile...it had been some time since it pulled at his lips. Ayasha wanted so badly to fix that, to restore happiness to the twi'lek once again...but smiles and pleasantries were luxuries they could scarcely afford at the present time. “I'll have your back, every step of this difficult journey,” the woman said warmly with deep sincerity present in her eyes. She lifted a hand and placed it upon the Jedi Master's arm, allowing a wave of peace and tranquility to flow through her and into him. The empath had a way with such things and the action was her natural reaction to times of trouble.

“I promise,” she added quietly before her hand slipped down his arm and returned to her side. She wanted nothing more than to pull the twi'lek into an embrace and help him forget everything that was happening. Though they had a responsibility to their calling and a duty to the greater good, Ayasha held tightly to the promises they had made to one another. She honored Vu'thari and her love for him however, by continuing to focus on her role as a Jedi Knight and the tasks she had been charged with. Perhaps now more than ever, it was critical that the pair continue to keep the greater good at the forefront of their minds. Even in spite of their Force Bond, a moment of weakness could cripple the already fragile state that the Jedi were currently facing.

Ayasha's eyes returned to the placid scene before them once again. “Maybe someday...we'll be in a place like this...and things will be different,” the woman's words gently slipped into Vu'thari's mind. She knew that dreams were perhaps a foolish thing to hold onto, but she hoped for a future like that with him. It was one of many things that pushed the Knight to fight for peace across the galaxy as one day, that same peace could be theirs.


@Mithias
@Algarus
@ZtheInquisitor

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

Ashlyna had just finished loading up a create of power cells onto the supply when she heard Ayasha's voice on her comlink.
“Ashlyna and Torin, I'm down at the water's edge if you two finish and are looking for me,”
She motioned to a loading crew and watched as they began to load it on a grav cart. She took the comlink and replied back. "Alright, I just finished here." She stepped away from the nearly empty storage room and began to make her way towards her master. It was strange being back here. Maybe it was from the training, or maybe it was the situation at hand. Either way there was something in the air, a tension she supposed. She could already tell that the base personnel were stressed out of their minds, but Ayasha's change in behavior was troubling her. The Jedi Knight wasn't as jovial as she had once been, being far more serious in her tone and stance. Given that they were having to evacuate all of their holdings, it did certainly seem like things were dire. And yet Ashlyna didn't regret being here. If anything she was glad to be here. She felt needed for the first time in a long time. She wasn't quite sure about the other padawan that Ayasha had taken on, but she didn't see a reason to doubt her master now. She wondered what would come next, where would they go now? This kind of reminded her of her pirating days. It was exciting. She only hoped everyone would make it through this. Ashlyna spotted Ayasha and Vu'Thari down by the water, but didn't approach. She would wait for Torin, then proceed. She didn't want to bother them, there was probably a reason they came out here to begin with. Ashlyna looked to the water and sighed. It wasn't too long ago that Ayasha had recruited her from this world, and now here they were back again. She hoped that this time it'd be for good. She had enough of the damn sand. Especially after having just gotten back from Tatooine.

 

[Kae'Leigh Tameris]

Finally, after all this time doing weird jobs for the Galactic Alliance Kae'Leigh Tameris would finally get to go to Savareen and see the rebel base. Only to pack it up and leave it. Wait....they were doing what? Kae'Leigh was beside herself as she was told that the base was being moved and that they were going to help get things where they needed to be. She couldn't believe it. Could she not get a break? Life in the Galactic Alliance was not at all what she was hoping it would be.

But then again, Kae'Leigh had to remind herself that joining the Galactic Alliance wasn't her real goal. Regimes change and so do the people who lead them. And even if the rebel alliance fell and died out like a burning flame it didn't mean she would lose her true intentions. Kae'Leigh was here in support of her master and mentor Vu'thari. She'd come to learn how to be a Jedi so she could help people. Alliance or otherwise. She just had to remember that. Base or no base, she'd be there for those who needed her.

Once she was able of course. She was nowhere near skilled enough to fight anyone, but she was getting better at her lightsaber training. Vu'thari had temporarily given Kae'Leigh a green lightsaber to use for her training. It had been his grandfathers and meant a lot to the Twi'lek. Kae'Leigh understood the value and promised to take good care of it until the time came for her to build her own saber. One day. She already had part of the materials needed from the Life Tree. She just needed a crystal.

And her shame only got worse. The other Padawans she was training with had excelled so much. Her closest friend -which really wasn't a way of saying good friend, just closest- Ayasha Waya, was now a mentor herself to a pair of Padawan. Kae'Leigh was embarrassed. She was feeling ever doubtful of her own abilities and sending quite a pall on everyone's mood. It wouldn't take long for the other Jedi to sense that something was wrong with Kae'Leigh; they wouldn't even had to read her mind to know it. Kae'Leigh was jealous of them. Here she was with powers just like them, but she hadn't had a single chance to really sit down and learn how to use them. She tried to remind herself it was because she'd been so caught up in doing missions for the Galactic Alliance as a slicer and hacker, but the truth of it was she felt insignificant compared to all those around her.

Kae'Leigh stopped for a moment to peer down to the blue water. She couldn't get over how beautiful the water was. It reminded her of her own skin and for the smallest moment she felt like maybe she too was that beautiful. She'd never doubted her looks before, especially since she knew how often men liked to hit on her. And how often she returned the charm to steal their wallets. Still, she was already feeling down herself and that had a way of spiraling everything downward.

Since they were in a place of warm weather and beaches, Kae'Leigh had the thought of wearing something nice. She had matched today's outfit with a purple color scheme that would draw attention to her blue skin. Her top was a strapless bikini top though at this rate there wouldn't be any need to go swimming. Over that was a long sleeve jacket that cut off after the elbow, while also ending at her midriff. Kae'Leigh found she liked to pick outfits that showed that part of her body off. Men -and women too she supposed- liked to see her sides and her curves. Her pants were the baggy compared to the tighter materials she liked to wear but that was because she expected sand to start blowing everywhere. She'd been to Tatooine. She knew what it was like.

Around her waste was her normal utility belt which doubled as an equipment pouch she liked to wear when working on her ship, or someone else's. It was also hooked to a hip pouch that carried an R-5 blaster pistol in the leather holster. The saber which Vu'thari let her borrow was for the first time being worn in open public on that belt. She hadn't felt comfortable taking it off and leaving it behind. Plus, she liked to show off the fact she was a Jedi too. Even if she didn't feel like one. If only the climate could make her sorrow go away.

She'd catch a glance of Vu'thari and Ayasha, and some lone agent probably reporting to him, down below. She wished she was over there with them. Talking. Just being around them like things used to be. But had they ever been....that great? Right now she didn't think so. She still felt slightly ostracized from the group. She'd joined in at a weird place. Training she was always the weakest. She felt like a burden. Then she remembered she had things to do. Speed and thoroughness. "Get moving, Kae'Leigh," she'd tell herself and head back inside for another box.

Although Kae'Leigh had come in her own Mynock series freighter there really wasn't a lot of room to pack things in. She had most of the common areas stored up with her own boxes and things of her life before she was a Jedi Padawan. She did have a lot of smuggling holes though and that was always a plus. It's why she'd chosen a Mynock way back when and not something else. Not that she did much smuggling with it. She should have just bought a simple single-seat spacecraft since all she did was use the thing to go from A to B.

"We shouldn't have much more, Johhny," Kae'Leigh would say to the KLT astromech droid when she got back to the ship with another box. Johhny had actually belonged to her former gang and when she stopped in to pay them a little visit she well....took Johhny with her. She was sure the boss wouldn't mind. If he found out it was her after all. Which he wouldn't. Kae'Leigh was too good at covering her tracks for that.

 

[Torin Crow]

Torin was everything but excited, in fact, he was nervous. More than usual of course, he had spent numerous time training on Tatooine, secluded from everything except that of him and his Master, Jedi Knight Ayasha Waya, and not the only one he was with as he was a second padawan next to the woman known as Ashlyna Talmount, the two barely knew each other, but had the same feelings when entering into Jedi Training, and of course formed a natural bond. He had spent the few days he had been on Tatooine learning what he could of the Jedi from his Master, already finding himself a keen thirst for knowledge on the ways of the Force.

As far as his training went, he had not found a Kyber Crystal or even built a Lightsaber just yet, but with the help of Ayasha he had managed to focus, and feel the Force. To feel Light and Darkness, He even begun to lift things, even though it was a struggle to maintain focus.

Now here he was, taking his first steps to be apart of the Rebellion, although not entirely something he suspected. Especially to find that the world the Rebellion was on, was now, unfortunately, being evacuated. No doubt because of the unveiling of the Jedi's existence, and that put a threat to the very hope of both the Rebellion, and the Jedi. The Sith would no doubt carry a new sense of purpose in hunting them, and that was what had worried the young man most, and even he started to form dangerous ideas that he had not shared with his Master. He thought of why the Jedi and Sith needed to kill each other, if there was a chance for peace to be made rather than fight the Sith. He dare not question it, given the fact that he thought himself perhaps stupid for coming up with such foolish ideas.

He recited the Jedi Code to himself, in the middle of meditation within his own room, having finished helping Rebels unload cargo. Thinking that he had some time to quiet his mind, he sighed in relief, until he heard his comlink of his very Master. Her voice sounding urgent wishing for both himself and Ashlyna to come down to the Water Front. Letting out a sigh of frustration as to when he could find time to catch up on his lessons. He approached from his room, walking along the path that led down to the Waterfront, spotting both Ashlyna giving her a slight smile as he approached, before being led to Ayasha and a Twi'lek Jedi from the looks of it.

@Ayasha Waya
@Ashlyna Talmount
@Vuthari

 

[Vuthari]

Galactic Alliance Base
Savareen

It was progressing well. Word of the Mandalorian corvettes provided support as the supply ships left the planet was reassuring—especially with Dio in command. Vu’thari listened to Ayasha as she came up next to him, spoke about their lessons from the past on revealing yourself as a Jedi. He looked over to her and nodded with a weak smile. It had been a long week for the twi’lek and he was physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted.

“I'll have your back, every step of this difficult journey. I promise”

She knew him well. Vu’thari felt her touch his arm and the natural empath shared a measure of calmness with her gesture. He looked over with a sincere smile, “I know…thank you.”

As her last thought entered his mind, he smiled at Ayasha and nodded to her subtly. It was a desirable scenario, indeed…

The Jedi Master could sense the presence of another strand: Kaylee. Looking over his shoulder, he saw her walking off to the side, going to retrieve another box to load up . Reaching out, he could feel the emotions pouring off of her. Calling her over, Vu’thari said, “Kaylee, come here and join us…”

His thoughts reached out to her in a soft voice…

***Kaylee, still your mind. You have a place among us. Come here and meet the others…***

A young woman was walking up to them from the east side of the loading area. Moments later, a young man walked up from the west side of the area. Vu’thari looked to each of them as they seemed hesitant to approach, calling out, he said, “You must be Ashlyna and Torin. Ayasha speaks highly of you. Thank you for helping out here. I am Vu’thari…”

Pause. A sigh.

“Jedi Master Vu’thari. I am glad to meet you both—I wish it could have been under better circumstances.”

Looking over and seeing Kaylee as she approached, he introduced her, “And this is my Padawan, Kaylee. Kaylee, this is Torin and Ashlyna, both students of Ayasha…”

Another rebel soldier came up to the twi’lek, seeming confused on whether to salute or what. Vu’thari saved the man from any confusion by addressing him, “What do you need Corporal?”

The soldier handed the Jedi Master a card and answered, “Umm sir, Master Vu’thari. I have the direct channel to the Mandalorian fleet commander, Field Marshal Diolcetian Solus.”

Nodding, Vu’thari replied, “Perfect. Thank you.”

The soldier was about to salute and decided to just ignore all decorum and go back to work. A small smile crept to the twi’lek’s face.



@EmilyHuene
@Wolf
@Algarus
@ZtheInquisitor
@Critas

 

[Ayasha Waya]

Ayasha smiled in return as Vu'thari gave her a knowing nod. These were difficult times for everyone, but watching the Jedi Master attempt to balance his emotions over several matters which his opinion was taken into consideration had been difficult for the Knight. They had shared lengthy conversations regarding the events that had unfolded in the Council Chambers on Al'doleem and though she did not have the authority to weigh in on them officially, the twi'lek knew where she stood on the issues and that was right beside him. How she wished that these matters did not rest so heavily upon his shoulders, but that was a caveat within the title he bore.

The raven haired woman felt the life signatures of her padawans slip into the Force around her as they came near, but stopped several meters away. Her eyes shifted from Vu'thari's face to those of the young man and woman now in her charge. She smiled warmly and motioned for them to join the pair down by the water. The Knight then noticed Kae'Leigh standing near the pair, but set back just a ways. There was a storm of emotions swirling within the padawan and Ayasha allowed a warm wave of peace to move from her depths through the Force to the blue skinned female.

Vu'thari beckoned her to come join them as Ayasha's padawans made their way closer to the pair. “You must be Ashlyna and Torin. Ayasha speaks highly of you. Thank you for helping out here. I am Vu'thari...” the Jedi Master introduced himself, reluctantly adding in his proper title after the fact. The Knight shot him a reassuring smile. He had quietly discredited himself on several occasions, but the woman believed in his abilities and in his training. It was only because of his wisdom that Ayasha was able to now bear the title of Jedi Knight with confidence.

As Kae'Leigh slowly approached the group, Vu'thari introduced her to the others. Ayasha smiled warmly at the twi'lek before her attention was drawn to another soldier now bringing information to the Jedi Master. He told the pink skinned alien of his direct channel to the Mandalorian fleet commander, Field Marshal Diocletian Solus, whom the Jedi knew as Dio. “Perfect. Thank you,” Vu'thari replied as the soldier awkwardly departed with an almost salute.

“We have made quick progress of the packing process. It would appear as though everything is now being loaded into the ships and being transported off world,” Ayasha said in flat tones. She was disappointed to know that her time on Savareen had been so short. Aside from the present moment, her only other encounter had been meeting Ashlyna, as brief as that was. The Knight stopped her mind from wandering once again to the future and the circumstances that may or may not unfold as a result of a few choices made by a few individuals.

Ayasha shook her head as if shaking the thoughts from her mind as she set her golden gaze upon the faces of her students. “Both of you have proven to be a great help today. I am proud of you for stepping up and stepping into the gap to aid the Alliance in these evacuation efforts, especially so soon after beginning your training,” she said with deep sincerity in her voice. The Knight's eyes moved past her students as she watched several soldiers rallying a group around a mound of boxes. She absently shook her head, still unable to wrap her mind around the domino effect that had been set off by the actions of one. It was a lesson she would be sure to emphasize time and again to her own students in hopes that they would learn from a first hand experienceof these events.


@Mithias
@Algarus
@ZtheInquisitor
@EmilyHuene
@Critas

 

[Kae'Leigh Tameris]

Kae'Leigh nearly tripped over her own feet as she felt the sudden voice in her head. It was Vu'thari's, telling her to calm her mind. He'd apparently called out to her, but she didn't hear him since she'd been so wrapped up in her own thoughts. She shook her head, not quite getting used to the fact people could just talk to one another merely by thinking it. Such a weird thing. Kae'Leigh would then look down to see Vu'thari and Ayasha, and then two more people she didn't know. Oh and an Alliance agent too coming over toward them. She had a feeling she should probably join in on this little powwow so she would set the box down near the ramp of her ship.

"I'll be back in a few, Johnny. Don't get lost ok?"

Her astromech would replay a message in binary and she smiled then began to Force jump down the ledge of the cliffside she was on. It was a new skill she had picked up, one of the few things she could do. Augmenting her muscles to make herself stronger. That was an easier stretch for her than lifting something without touching it. With this Force ability, it felt like she was giving herself a boost of adrenaline or something. It made sense, and it worked because of that clarity.

By the time she made it over Vu'thari had already introduced himself to the other two around him. Kae'Leigh could just tell they were Force sensitive, like her. They had this sort of aura about them she couldn't quite explain. But her gut was never wrong and she knew that was because the Force was giving her those ideas. She accepted the notion even though she still didn't understand how this whole Force thing worked. Being a Jedi took a lot on faith. Something the factual and realist Twi'lek didn't have very much of.

Vu'thari would then address Kae'Leigh and introduce her to Torin and Ashlyna, the famed Padawans of Ayasha. Kae'Leigh had heard her Padawan peer had been granted the level of Knight, but she hadn't quite expected her to take on Padawans of her own so soon. She was shocked when she heard the news. Sure, she was jealous. Why wouldn't she be. Ayasha was a natural. She deserved to be a Jedi far more than Kae'Leigh did. She was proud of her friend. But she supposed this meant they would have no time for one another now. That was the cost of war after all wasn't it?

"Kae'Leigh Tameris," she would give a slight bow of her head to the new Padawan. "But Kaylee is fine."

She had made sure to emphasize her name in the Twi'lek native tongue of Ryl, then repeated it with a more Basic inflection. She -if you could believe it- didn't speak a word of her own people, just her name. She never had any parents to teach her; they'd abandoned her as a child on Nar Shaddaa. The only memory Kae'Leigh had of her mother was telling her that this was for the best and she'd be safer now this way. For the longest time Kae'Leigh suspected it was because of her race that her parents were hunted down and then likely sold as slaves. And they'd left her on the cold rainy streets in hope she wouldn't be found. But now, Kae'Leigh was beginning to think it was because she was a Force sensitive that they'd tried to protect her.

As she introduced herself the agent would come and give Vu'thari a message from Dio. Kae'Leigh had met the Mandalorian a few times in his garage. She hadn't yet gotten to open up to him, but at least he knew she and Vu'thari were Jedi now. No more secrets. It was hard for her to trust people. Really hard. She'd spent her whole life looking over her shoulder and maybe that's why it was so hard for her to make friends now. She tried to be cheerful, but some people just didn't see it that way.

Her eyes would then drift over to Ayasha who seemed to be radiating with position energy. A smile came to Kae'Leigh's face and she'd bow her head to her as well, "Congratulations on finding your own Padawan, Ayasha. You must be so proud. I know I am. For you I mean."

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

Ashlyna nodded to Torin as he joined beside her, waiting for Ayasha and Vu'Thari to finish their talk. "You doing alright Torin? I have a feeling we aren't even close to being done with the work here." She commented, trying to get some sort of feel for her fellow padawan, even returning his smile with one of her own. Ashlyna watched as her master and...her master's master(?) turned towards her and Torin. She saw the Twi'lek jedi master, and couldn't help but notice the scar over his eye. She wondered what exactly had happened to him. It looked painful. She shoved the thought to the side as he began to speak.“You must be Ashlyna and Torin. Ayasha speaks highly of you. Thank you for helping out here. I am Vu'thari...” Ashlyna gave a small respectful bow, or at least tried. She was working on this whole respect custom still. She heard him sigh and speak again, introducing himself once more: “Jedi Master Vu’thari. I am glad to meet you both—I wish it could have been under better circumstances.” She was curious about that, there was almost reluctance in that voice. But the padawan was at no place to judge, there was alot going on that she didn't full understand.

"I think we all do Master Vu'thari. Personally I'm just sick of getting sand in my boots." The brunette smirked and tapped the side of her heel with her boot. "Nice to finally meet you though." Ashlyna couldn't stand this feeling in the air. No one had died right? They were just moving. Maybe she was just being insensitive or naive, but they were still alive and well. And that was good enough for her. Ashlyna watched the young soldier sprint up to the Twi'lek and give some sort of report. Ashlyna wasn't listening, her eyes were focused on Ayasha. It was concerning to see that cheerful demeanor blend into this stoic serious woman. Once they were in private, Ashlyna would have to ask about it. “We have made quick progress of the packing process. It would appear as though everything is now being loaded into the ships and being transported off world,”
Maybe they would be finished up here soon after all. Ashlyna thought. Meeting Ayasha was probably the only good memory of this place she had. Everything else was just...well about as memorable of this dustbin of a world.

“Both of you have proven to be a great help today. I am proud of you for stepping up and stepping into the gap to aid the Alliance in these evacuation efforts, especially so soon after beginning your training,” Ashlyna smiled a little harder now. "I mean, you've done so much for me up til now Ayasha. It's the least I can do. Need to prove I'm not totally useless." Ashlyna now noticed a young Twi'lek woman had joined the four and introduced herself. "Kae'Leigh Tameris, but Kaylee is fine." Kaylee said meekly, introducing herself. Ashlyna nodded to the other woman. "Ashlyna Talmount." The former pirate said, and crossed her arms across her chest, watching as the Twil'lek exchanged pleasantries with Ayasha. Ashlyna looked to Torin and whispered. "I hope the next planet isn't a desert. There have got to be some nice planets out there no one has staked yet."

 

[Vuthari]

Galactic Alliance Base
Savareen

Looking around at the Jedi surrounding him, the Jedi Master suddenly looked tired and troubled. Prax had just gotten done helping with sorting weapons and walked up with a solemn nod. Vu’thari nodded back with a weak smile. With his good eye, he looked up at the Jedi around him. Ayasha, Kae’Leigh, Prax, Torin, and Ashlyna…he held their gaze for many moments. After a small sigh, he spoke in a quiet voice, “After this evacuation, I will no longer be a part of the Galactic Alliance. I made it clear that I would go into exile because I could not in good conscience stand by and watch arbitrary rulings and summary judgment of two Jedi Masters…”

He could see the looks of shock and surprise, along with the need for more information. The twi’lek continued to look at them and kept speaking…

“The Alliance Council is not a council where ideas are shared and it is not a council where input is wanted. It currently serves as the voice of military commanders and one Jedi Master that do not understand that Jedi are not common soldiers…this will bring the Jedi to ruin.”

Pause.

“But these are my observations from the Council meeting I just came from. Everyone has their own perspective. There was a time when I did not believe in this cause. I thought the whole idea hopeless…but when I see all of you, I have hope for the Jedi.”

With a sigh and a weak smile, he looked at each of them, his students and Ayasha’s students. He informed them softly, “Along this road of exile I have chosen, I intend to start a Jedi Academy that treats Jedi like Jedi. But this road will be dangerous, it will be without the support of the Galactic Alliance, and it may completely fail. It is the path I feel like I have to take for the Jedi to persevere…however…”

Silence. He looked at each of them.

“You do not have to walk this path with me. You are welcome to stay with the Galactic Alliance. I know they would love to have each and every one of you. I foresee each of you becoming great Jedi Knights one day. But I do hope you will stay with me on this journey. If this is not the path you wish to take, you are welcome to rendezvous at one of the other cells across the galaxy. Me? I am going to Ord Mantell and then from there I am going to begin the task of building a home for the Jedi…”

@EmilyHuene
@Wolf
@Algarus
@ZtheInquisitor
@Critas

 

[Ayasha Waya]

Perhaps it was her wisdom or insight as a Jedi Knight...or perhaps because of the Force Bond that she shared with Vu'thari, Ayasha was hardly surprised at the bombshell he just dropped on the group. As they stood together near the water, the woman nodded while listening to the Jedi Master speak. She was proud of him for following his convictions and her heart swelled as she listened to him speak.

Several points that the twi'lek made had been things that he and Ayasha had been discussing. It was true, the Jedi were not soldiers. They had been treated as such since the inception of the Alliance. While the Knight agreed with the overall goal of working together for the greater good, she did not agree with generals and commanders interfering in Jedi issues.

The revelation of the events that had transpired within the council chambers after nearly everyone had been dismissed was disappointing at best. Ayasha, who had waited for Vu'thari nearby, had felt the intense surge within the Force as it was stripped from Aurora. Though she was unaware at the time that such an action had occurred, she was shocked when the twi'lek had laid everything out on the table for her to digest.

To say that she had seen the writing on the wall days ago was an understatement. This was something that Vu'thari had been pondering and the time was right for change. As he went on to describe the Council and the volatile atmosphere within where ideas and input were not wanted, Ayasha's heart sank. It had become the unfortunate truth of an organization that was charged with protecting the defenseless, giving strength to the weak, and freeing slaves. She shook her head as he continued speaking, then her eyes moved to the faces of her students.

Silence fell between the members of the group. Vu'thari spoke of the hope that he felt as he looked at each of them. Ayasha too felt this same hope. Her padawans were the reason that she knew the Jedi had a future. Each of them were bright and gifted in their own ways and would indeed make great Knights someday. “I intend to start a Jedi Academy that treats Jedi like Jedi. But this road will be dangerous,” he continued, adding that it would be without the support of the Galactic Alliance. “It is the path I feel like I have to take for the Jedi to persevere...” Ayasha nodded, her heart fully with Vu'thari.

There was another pause and silence filled the space between them once again. The Jedi Master's emerald eye met each of their gazes as he informed Ayasha and the padawans of their value to the Order. He gave them each the option of following on this new path or continuing their journey within the fold of the Galactic Alliance. “Me? I am going to Ord Mantell and then from there I am going to begin the task of building a home for the Jedi...” Vu'thari became quiet but the silence was short lived as Ayasha placed a hand upon his shoulder and smiled warmly at the twi'lek beside her.

“I am with you,” she said out loud with conviction. “...Come what may...” those words touched the Jedi Master's mind and his alone as she relayed them via telepathy. Indeed, Ayasha would stand beside Vu'thari come hell or high water. She could see no sense in staying with an ineffective order with broken policies and an oligarchical mentality. “There will yet be justice in this galaxy because of our efforts and for that, I cannot walk away.”

@Mithias
@Critas
@Algarus
@EmilyHuene
@ZtheInquisitor

 

[Diocletian Solus]

Diocletian stood on the bridge of the Navir-class Corvette Alexandra. It was the flag ship for his small armada of ships that he had brought to assist in the evacuation of the planet Savareen. He was becoming impatient for a reply from Vu’thari but he knew that the Jedi Master was more than likely very busy with the evacuation protocols. But then another possibility came into his mind, that his business partner may not want to speak on an open channel. Could there be an issue with the evacuation?

Dio moved to the communications station and tapped the technician there on the shoulder and motioned for him to move. The tech did as he was ordered and Dio slid into the seat. He brought up the communications array and punched in a secure line on a separate channel. It was a line that he knew Vu’thari would answer as they had set it up years ago in case one of them ever got snatched by the Hutts on Nar Shaddaa. A few taps on the display and a green light on the console let the Field Marshall know that his line was open and secure.

“Grease Monkey to Sparks, are you there? How goes the evacuation? I am here with what I could scrounge together to assist.” Dio used the two callsigns they had come up with on Nar Shaddaa. Grease Monkey fit him as he was a mechanic in the shop and Sparks for the Twi’lek as he did the electrical work. It made sense to the two of them and that’s all that mattered in this conversation.

He knew it might take the Jedi a few moments to open a channel or that he might be involved in work, so he left the channel open and stood from the chair. The technician resumed his post and Dio spoke to him, “If there is any answer at all on that channel, keep it open and let me know immediately.” The technician nodded to the orders and went back to monitoring his station, leaving Dio to return to the monitors and evaluate the situation.

The Galactic Alliance was moving forward with the evacuation and it was in full swing. The ships were leaving the planet in an orderly fashion and no threats had appeared as yet for the Mandalorian flotilla to handle.

@Mithias
@Wolf
@EmilyHuene
@ZtheInquisitor
@Algarus

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

Ashlyna listened as both the Jedi Master and Ayasha shared with her and the rest of the padawans the dire news. About how the Order was not set on a good course, and so they would be leaving it to do what had to be done. It was an easy choice for Ashlyna to make; go with your friends or stay behind with a group that will more than likely question your loyalties. Yea, she would be seen as an exile, but so what? She had gone most her life being on the fringe, being on the wrong side of things for so damn long, why the blazes would it matter now. Still, she waited until they had finished speaking, wanting to let the other padawans in her company come to their own conclusions before she made a big scene and cut them off mid-speech.

To her this wasn't so much about justice, as about doing the right thing; if she learned anything during, it was that you stick to your friends rather than an organization. Things like the GA had come and gone thousands of times before her time, but friends? Real and true friends? Those were a dime in a dozen. You didn't just let those slip by you, or if you did you were about as bright as a womprat. Both her heart and gut were telling her that she was correct in making this choice; and that almost never happened. So it shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone that the former pirate would side with her master, perhaps Ayasha could have sensed her padawans conviction from the proximity as well. Ashlyna walked forward and took a place beside Ayasha and Vu'thari.

Ashlyna spoke, explaining herself to the gathering before her: "I'm with you guys too. Hell, I haven't been in this place for long, but if they're kick you two to the side, then they can sod right the off. Ayasha, you're the one who brought me into all of this, so technically this is your fault, but hell yea, I'm going with you. Besides, I hear Ord Mantell is nice this time of year."
@Mithias
@Wolf
@EmilyHuene
@ZtheInquisitor
@Critas

 

[Kae'Leigh Tameris]

The younger female Padawan would reply to Vu'thari making a mention she was glad to not be getting sand in her boots. Kae'Leigh smirked at that comment. While she'd never personally been to any of the dust bowl planets, she could imagine their struggle well enough. Sand had a way of getting in everything and appearing well after the fact one left the beach. She'd then reply to Kae'Leigh after she introduced herself to the new Padawan as Ashlyna Talamount. She was only a few years younger than Kae'Leigh, but humans were hard to differentiate to the Twi'lek; they all looked so much alike except for the way they wore their hair tails.

And then Vu'thari dropped a kriffing bombshell on them. Seemingly out of nowhere he up and declared he was leaving the Galactic Alliance. Kae'Leigh gasped loudly and looked around, wondering what was going to happen from him saying that. They were after all on a planet housed by the rebel faction. Was this like.....treason or something? He then explained he was going into exile, of his own volition nonetheless, for something to do with rulings of.....someone. Kae'Leigh couldn't figure out what he was talking about she was so caught up in her daze.

From what she pieced together from his description the council that held the alliance together was in some disagreement. Or rather Vu'thari disagreed with their methods. Yeah that was more accurate. She wasn't surprised though. Not everyone agreed with how things were done. History was filled with people who felt let down and left to do their own thing. Or rebelled. Isn't that what they were doing now?

Kae'Leigh really didn't have much of an opinion over all of this though. It didn't matter who was in charge of the council; they were, so they deserved that respect. They saw the bigger picture didn't they? That's why they were on the council. She'd never talked with any of them though nor did she really know kuch about their rule up until now. She'd only just joined the rebel faction after all. Still, the fact he'd said Jedi are more than soldiers meant something to the blue skinned Twi'lek. Kae'Leigh had a much more romanticized idea of herself as a Jedi. She saw herself like a super hero, saving people and all that. So far she'd only done a few missions for the Galactic Alliance and all of them involved her putting her slicing skills to use, not the other more influential abilities of hers.

And there was still hope for that dream. Vu'thari looked at each of them one by one. Her blue eyes locked on his green ones as he made his way around. He explained although he was leaving the Galactic Alliance, he was not leaving them. His plan was to build an academy for the Jedi. A safe place where they could learn with one another. Kae'Leigh connected with that hope. A place where Jedi could actually learn who they were and how to use the powers given to them. Without the fear of the Sith coming after them. Well, that part wouldn't happen for awhile. But still.

He'd then take another pass around, making sure to give them all his attention while looking them in the eyes. This choice was theirs to make. They could stay with the Galactic Alliance, a place they knew would protect them, or they could follow with Vu'thari and the other Jedi. Kae'Leigh didn't know what to do. She'd joined the Galactic Alliance in hopes of saving people. No, wait. That's why she'g agreed to be a Jedi. The two were synonymous with one another up until this point. Going with Vu'thari she'd have the opportunity to learn the rest of her skills and become the Knight he promised her she'd be one day. But staying with the rebel faction, she could use her other, more practical powers to help the war. She already knew how to be a slicer. How long would it take until she could become a Knight? In all technicality, it would be the smartest choice to stay here, and do what she already knew how to do.

Either way, Vu'thari was going to Ord Mantell. Kae'Leigh knew where that was. And where he was going. He meant to see Dio and the other Mandalorians. She had worked with them in their garage but never done any actual missions with them. She was....kind of afraid to do so because of their gruff and war-prone attitudes. She imaged going off with them would make her feel tinier than she already was. It was a good thing none of them needed a slicer and preferred to just blast their way into wherever they were going.

To no surprise to Kae'Leigh, Ayasha was the first to say she was going with. The blue skinned Twi'lek knew the brown haired Knight's conviction. She was more a Jedi than Kae'Leigh would ever be. She was a true testament to their kind. Kae'Leigh respected her for that. Her Padawan would then chime in with her agreement to joining as well. Kae'Leigh looked from Ayasha to Ashylna and then back to Ayasha. The two looked so much alike she could have sworn they were related. Maybe that was just a human thing she missed out on.

Now there were just two that needed to answer. The male Padawan, and herself. She looked to Vu'thari and looked down at her boots in the sand. What did she want to do? Follow some dream she didn't understand, or stay and do some real work? She knew more than any doubt that the Alliance would see her skills as a slicer and be putting her to work left and right. That much was a no brainer. She didn't think she'd level up at all while in the faction, but she wasn't in this for fame or glory. So long as she had enough credits to support herself that's all she really needed. Though having a little extra coin saved away would be nice in case she ever wanted to splurge on a new ship upgrade.

What would the Jedi offer her? She'd be hunted down more furiously by the Sith. That was obvious enough. But now they wouldn't have the support of the rebels to protect them. Or save them should something go wrong. Apparently that was how this all started, a Padawan had been captured and the council didn't want anything to do with rescuing the girl. It wasn't public knowledge by any means, but the rumors were there. So either way, the rebels would be no help to her as a Jedi. She had a choice then it seemed.

Stay a rebel,

or become a Jedi.

She could not do both. Kae'Leigh realized she still hadn't given an answer. She sighed and would cross her arms over her chest. It was a difficult choice and one that was not meant to be taken lightly. She looked away from them and over the base just up the hill. She saw her ship just one the landing pad and wondered what she would do in either job. Part of her just wanted to say screw it, and pick a third option: go back to doing what you love doing and forget about factions. She made a decent living as a slicer on her own time. She enjoyed the life of crime and the thrill it came with. But she couldn't go back. She knew that. It just wouldn't feel right.

"I....I'm not sure. I'm sorry. I know you hoped I would just hop right on the bandwagon and fly off with you guys. But I have to sit down and really think this through. The Alliance has been good to me so far. They need me. I can be of great use to them. I know you guys might say you need me, but let's be real for a moment. What have I actually done as a Jedi? Nothing. I'm not like you guys. I don't.....What if I'm not meant to be one?"

 

[Torin Crow]

Torin stood in silence, as he was now standing next to his partner, although the two didn't speak much, he tried his best to be friendly. Despite his days training in the Force. He had felt awkward when it came to his peers. That could be said given he worked as a spacer alone for some time. Even when Ashlyna returned his rather nervous smile, as now they were all standing in a group, with their Master, the Twi'lek Jedi they heard so much about Master Vu'thari. He bowed his head and gave a nod of respect. Not saying anything just yet.

He reached out with the Force, his early days' training had been about trying to feel the Force, and when he had been explained what the Force was. He could sense it all, life, death, cold, warmth, light, dark. The entirety of the Force itself. It was so vast to take in, and reaching out he felt a most strange bond between his own Master and Vu'. It wasn't that of Master and Apprentice. Whatever it was, he couldn't exactly put his fingers on it.

Then a Twi'lek Jedi Approached, as what he could assume was a Jedi at the very least. His eyes locked on her, as if she was exotic and very beautiful. But quickly attempted in trying to hide his staring of her. Hearing what Master Vu' had to say. What came next was something of a shock. He had spent months if not years hearing rumors of a Rebellion, and now when he finally was gonna meet such a Rebellion... He comes to find out a Jedi was leaving, and to add to that his own Master was leaving... 'Chit' He thought to himself, and found the situation rather funny.

Vu' explained that it was his decision, and if others wished to join the Rebellion they could choose to do so. Ayasha voiced she would join, as well as the Padawan next to him. He started to burst out laughing, not in a joyful sense, but it seemed how fate always managed to bite him back, when he was searching for something, and now with the irony in place. How could this not be a bad joke of some kind.

They were to establish their own Jedi in a sense. One that stayed true to the Jedi of old. Not as weapons of War, but something for the future, to stand as the peacekeepers they were. If they stayed on the path of being soldiers, their was no going back not if they wanted to build something after, and perhaps it was best to stay and act not in accordance with the Galactic Alliance, but to operate as a separate entity once more. When the laughing fit was done, he managed to speak. "Well isn't this karking lovely. Months of searching for hints and signs of a Rebellion, only to find them and on the same day leave... Well Vu' you sure know how to make first impressions." He sighed quietly to himself shaking his head, as the Twi'lek Jedi voiced how she was conflicted with her decision. Torin didn't have anything to lose, and the only way to go was forward. "Alright fine... Since you led me on a wild goose chase for nothing, and since my master here is leaving. I suppose I'll go with you all besides I don't think the Rebellion would learn that I was the Padawan of the first Jedi Knight that left." He said with now of a more cocky grin. Knowing there was no going back now.

@Kae'Leigh Tameris
@Vuthari
@Ayasha Waya
@Ashlyna Talmount
@Diocletian Solus

 

[Vuthari]

Galactic Alliance Base
Savareen

Vu’thari stood and listened to Ayasha and the Padawans. The Jedi Master swelled with pride at their courage and their convictions. While he expected Ayasha to walk this road with him, he truly did not expect all of her padawans to walk this path as well. It was brave, but also risky. The twi’lek could feel the burden of responsibility levied on his shoulders once again, making sure these padawans trained up safely and away from the claws of the Sith. But it was what he was here for – preserve the Jedi and ensure they rose again, no matter what the Galactic Alliance was doing…and most importantly not how they were doing it.

Ayasha’s voice reached his mind and he gave her a small smile. Her response did not surprise him. Of course, if she had decided to go another way, he would have been crushed. Right now, the Jedi Master needed her more than ever in order to walk this journey they were embarking on. His mindset had changed so much since Commander Hugo Ion walked into his shop almost a year ago, asking him to join the Galactic Alliance. If he had it to do over, he wouldn’t change a thing. Although, he knew he would have been more urgent in their need to be on the same page with all aspects of Jedi—it was a mistake not to press the issue. But he was quite certain, the result would have been the same. It disappointed him greatly. But his view on the galaxy went from ambivalent to invested as far as the Jedi were concerned. After taking on Padawans, it was as if the Force was guiding him to train the next generation of Jedi. He knew Eli Reach and his grandfather would want him walking this road, so here he was. Ayasha, who changed his mind on so many aspects of his life, was right there with him. She spurred his confidence and conviction, as she always had.

With a knowing smile, he said quietly, “Thank you, Ayasha. You will be a great Jedi Master one day soon…”

The twi’lek did not know Ashlyna very well. He could only gain a picture of Ayasha’s padawan from the stories she told him. The Jedi Knight was very open with Vu’thari about each of her students, excited about each of them in their own ways. She was never a loss for words on them and certainly were a source of pride for her. Now, the twi’lek listened to the woman as she spoke. Her response brought a smirk to the Jedi Master’s face. She believed in people, not organizations. How right she was. It was no wonder Ayasha spoke so highly of her—she was fiery and had a sense of humor. Looking over at Ashlyna, he said sincerely with a chuckle, “I am pleased to hear that, Ashlyna. Ord Mantell is indeed nice this time of year…”

Looking over to Torin, this was the one that Ner’Giza informed him about. Weeks ago, he had Ayasha go see to him about joining the Galactic Alliance and becoming a Padawan of Vu’thari’s. But Ayasha took the young man in and began training him. Vu’thari could not have been prouder. Torin was a quiet one from all reports. The Jedi Master listened to the young man and nodded as he spoke. The twi’lek couldn’t help but smile as Torin spoke of how the twi’lek was making an impression breaking from the Galactic Alliance near about the same time he was joining it. There was some resignation to his voice, doing it because of his relationship with Ayasha, but he wanted to make sure. Looking at the young man in a voice that was full of sincerity, the twi’lek inquired, “Torin, make sure this is the road you wish to travel. No one will judge you here if you decide to go another way. This will be a commitment and it will not be easy. Of course, we want you to join us, but do not do so if the Force guides you elsewhere…”

Looking over at Kae’Leigh, he could tell her emotions were in turmoil, conflicted by the choice she had in front of her. Recently, she had begun training with Master Luy, who was putting her on the path to Jedi Knight. There was a pang of regret that he had not given the twi’lek more attention in her training, but it could not be helped with the many different ways he was being tugged by the Galactic Alliance. And that, of course, was one of the reasons he did not see eye to eye with what remained of the Alliance Council—they could not see that the fledgling Jedi Order needed a lot more attention. The end result was a mixed message and neglected padawans. It was an unfortunate truth, but one the Jedi Master was seeking to remedy—even if it meant self-imposed exile to see it through.

Watching her, the Jedi Master noted the blue-skinned twi’lek crossing her arms and looking away from the group. When she looked back, she spoke from her heart. The Galactic Alliance was a home to her and she was helping them a great deal with her sought after slicing skills. It saddened Vu’thari to hear those things, but he knew it was the truth. What Vu’thari was thankful for, despite her words, was the path that she had chosen: the path of a Jedi Padawan on her way to becoming a Jedi Knight. Vu’thari just hoped she would be trained properly if it was not him elevating her to that rank…

Vu’thari gave a warm smile to the twi’lek and answered sincerely, “Kae’Leigh, you are meant to be a Jedi. Do not doubt that for an instant. I know Luy is training you where I left off, placing you on the path to Jedi Knight. I want you to complete your training with Master Luy in the Galactic Alliance if that is your desire. Think about this decision on leaving the Galactic Alliance, because it is not an easy one and there may not be a reason in the galaxy to leave them. However, if you feel like you need more training, wish to speak or decide to join us, you know where to find me…”

Reaching into his tunic, the Jedi Master pulled out a carved brylark lightsaber hilt that was ready to be constructed into a lightsaber. He tossed it gently to her and explained, “When you construct your lightsaber, do not forget this gift from the wookies of Kashyyyk. They are one of many reminders that you are on the path you are meant to be on. Travel well and may the Force be with you…”

It was a sad moment for the Jedi Master, but each soul in the galaxy had to follow their own path. Kae’Leigh’s path might be different. He left her to leave and finish her training with Master Luy. Turning to the others, he said quietly, “Well, I guess the ‘covenant’ of Jedi starts its roots here. I am truly ready to walk this path with each of you…”

He left them with a sincere smile and peace in his heart. He added politely, “If you will excuse me a moment…”

Walking over towards the Savareen base by himself, he pulled out his comlink and triggered the frequency to the bridge of the Alexandra. A technician answered the communique and immediately transferred the line directly to Dio. Once confirmed that it was just Dio on the line, the twi’lek began, “Thank you for coming, old friend. Your presence here is invaluable…”

Pause. He thought back to Nar Shaddaa when Dio had felt betrayed by the revelation he was a Jedi and Vu'thari's subsequent guilt...

“I told you on that balcony on Nar Shaddaa that I would not hide anything from you in the spirit of trust and our friendship. I do not want to be the stereotype ‘force-user’ you were bred to hate. Judging others on their own merit was the message…so I hope you judge me accordingly. I want to let you know that I have left the Galactic Alliance. I am afraid what I was hoping to join is not what it turned out to be. I worry for the Jedi within that organization. That is why we have to leave—we have to preserve the Jedi and ensure that we do not fade into the annals, never to return.”

A small sigh as he continued, “Most of the Jedi that Ayasha and I train are coming with us to Ord Mantell. Our presence there will be low-key with the level of secrecy needed on Nar Shaddaa should Imperial agents be afoot in that locale…again, thank you for coming, Dio. I truly mean it.”

@Wolf
@EmilyHuene
@Algarus
@ZtheInquisitor
@Critas

 

[Kae'Leigh Tameris]

And then she was alone in her stance. This other Padawan was now joining them too. All that remained was Kae'Leigh who was so unsure of what to do. She felt awful. Vu'thari would reply to each of them then, giving his praise of their decisions. She wondered if he felt any regret or pain knowing she hadn't jumped onto the bandwagon as easily as the others had. His words said otherwise, but Kae'Leigh wasn't too convinced of the fact.

He explained that she was meant to be a Jedi. She gave him a smile to humor him, and she was -in truth- thankful he said so, but she was still unsure of this future she had in her memory from the vision on Kashyyyk. He then brought up Master Luy's training which made Kae'Leigh go wide eyed for a moment. She hadn't told that to Vu'thari yet. Go figure the two masters would keep in touch. Still....that wasn't something she wanted to bring up so casually. She'd meant to sit him down and justify her reasons for joining his expedition. Now it seemed there was no need.

What he said next though really upset Kae'Leigh; not that she wasn't already in quite a mood. He wanted Master Luy to complete her training. Kae'Leigh was appalled! She had intended to go with Luy on his journey to Ilum simply to find her Kyber crystal. Nothing more. Did Vu'thari think she was going around him in hopes of advancing her training faster? Was Vu'thari....letting her go? Because that's what it felt like. She felt like she was betraying him. And that was the last thing she ever wanted to do. Vu'thari had done so much for her! She owed him everything. None of this would be possible if not for him. She'd still be wasting her life on Nar Shaddaa if he'd never approached her that night at the bar.

Before she could say anything, he'd pull out a piece of brylark wood that Kae'Leigh had recognized as something from the Life Tree; Vu'thari's own blade was crafted as such. He'd toss it to her and she had to catch it with both hands for she didn't expect it when he did so. Her mentor explained she was to use this to craft the saber she would make. And that everything on her journey started with that tree and brought her to this path. Should Kae'Leigh explain she'd already forged most of her saber in her workshop...? Probably not. But this had so much more meaning to her than junkyard parts she'd collected and welded together. Her mind was made up; she'd make a new saber with the brylark.

"Vu'thari..." she said as tears came to her eyes. Looking at the wooden piece in her hand and thinking about the words he'd said really made her choke up. She suddenly bolted forward and wrapped her arms around him tightly. "No one will ever replace you," she'd say into his ear.

Turning around quickly she began to walk off from the others before turning around and giving them all a bow, out of respect. "I'm sorry we had to meet under such circumstances, but I wish you all the best. And that I hope I see you again soon."

Giving them all one last look, her eyes drifting longest on Ayasha, she would give them one final smile and turn away. She headed up to her ship to finish packing her stuff and then made way to leave the system. She'd drop off the boxes at the rendezvous point and then meet up with Master Luy to head to Ilum....

// Exit Thread​