Let the Pages Turn [Invite.]

[Jiang Winters]

[Please PM me for information on how to participate. Thank you. Note that the ship is currently in high orbit over Coruscant, at the heart of one of the defense fleets.]

The ready room aboard the Alliance Carrier, the Reliant, very rarely saw guests. Used mostly for military conferences and meetings among the ship's commanding officer and his subordinates, the room held no internal security, no audio recorders. Optical sensors kept watch, but for this meeting they too had been disabled. Secrecy was, for the moment, important.

The rectangular room was dominated by a long black durasteel table, with a holographic display embedded in its center. Reinforced seats lined its gleaming edges, while a model of the Reliant hung on the wall, along with dozens of banners, rewards, and commendations. It was clear that the room held great value to the ship and her crew. The situation was interesting indeed for its use to be granted to the few who were invited to meet aboard her.

Daisuke was one of the very first to arrive, being brought to the ship via a GA courier shuttle. Clad from head to toe in his Archangel, his custom battle suit, with more than a little dust and a few pockmarks and blast marks marring the armor, it was quite clear the call to the meeting had come as a surprise to him.

He strode into the ready room and made his way to the table's farthest end. The entire right hand side of the table faced a glasteel window that looked out across the stars; he sat down on the specially reinforced chair that'd been provided for him at the head of the table and removed his helmet, balancing it on his knee.

"Well. This should be interesting," he remarked, drumming his fingers upon the table and biding his time 'till the others arrived.

 

[Phil]

The Avenger IV had arrived inside the hangar bay of The Reliant, inside were two Jedi Knights and... well, more like one Jedi Knight and one Gray Jedi Knight. Andre Mulluns left the seat of his ship, wearing his traditional long coat outfit with fedora as he started towards the boarding ramp. As always, both his Enforcers and Lightsabers remained holstered inside or under his coat.

"Sure you're not coming?"

Andre asked Predor Logath who was sitting in one of the seats.

"I will come if necessary. I approve of none of this, but know sometimes things must change. You go ahead."

"If you insist."

Andre said, turning to leave The Avenger. He already gained permission to land inside, and sure enough he may have to present his credentials to show he was for real. Once out of the hangar after proving he was a Jedi or sort he went down a hall he was directed to where others would meet. When he entered on in, he saw that someone was already here, no doubt the one who had sent him and Predor the messages. He went to the right side of the table and took a seat there without saying a word.

 

[Syn]

Matsu slowly walked as she entered the ship. The Harlequin had been cleared and she was entering leaving her padawans on the ship. She wore her black jedi knight robes with the custom kimono style underneath covered in floral designs and she held her parasol on her shoulder closed. She didn't know who sent the message but she had come to listen. Slowly when she entered the room Matsu noted the other jedi and the armored one who seemed to be in charge. Slowly Matsu stood there and bowed running a hand over the sheath she had, the blade was special and now she liked having it next to her lightsaber and training saber.

 

[Aluminum Falcon]

A dull thud resounded in the hanger as the magnetic landing clamps of the courier ship Talon Rann had found transport on arrived at the Reliant. The boarding ramp descended and reached the cold floor, and the Jedi Knight followed downward shortly after. He attire was usual, maroon Jedi robes and his double bladed lightsaber strapped to his back. Once he reached the hanger floor and stepped away from the ship, the boarding ramp retracted back into the ship, and the small transport lifted off for departure.

Finding his way through the ship, Talon made his way to the ready room where the others would be waiting. He entered, taking note of the three already in the room. All of them sat in solemn silence. Talon simply nodded as he entered, and took a seat at the table. The seriousness of the situation could be felt in the very air of the room. As he sat, his thoughts wondered as he and the other two occupants silently awaited the arrival of others.

 

[DeathToll]

The pilot powered down the small transport, as Tris place a palm softly onto his shoulder. He turned away, to leave the welcomed ship in good hands as he make his path towards the others. He was cleared, as others were, to attend this meeting of the utmost seriousness. He stepped down the ramp and followed his feet through the corridors, finally reaching the rectangular room. Though, when he looked in at the others already there, he too felt no desire to lighten the mood. He nodded generically, then stepped to an open seat and join them among the table.

Wearing a similar outfit to his usual, he was well pressed and creased all over. Mostly looking a light brown or white with varying trim, Tris was dressed appropriately; formally and humbly, he would not stand out. His lightsaber would not dangle, the Jedi Knight's single hilt was fascened tightly to his side. His unshaven face would give second thought, as well as unkept hair; though his clean looks would compensate for this.

There was plenty of time to overthink this situation on route to the 'Reliant', but the times called for attention. Having recieved the invite, Tris knew what had to be done and he would pledge his support. Underneath the neck of his robes, the metal chains of his half-brother's ungifted necklace rubbed against his skin. He'd keep it close to remind him of what must be done.

 

[GABA]

Ebberla landed her small vessel in the hanger, it wasn't her own ship, she was only using it on a loan. The knight had an idea of what was going to happen at this meeting, but as she learned, nothing seemed as it is. Ebberla walked down the halls, curious to her surroundings, but making sure she was paying attention to them as she located the correct meeting room. The door slid open and she entered, recognizing a select of those she had seen visiting from the temples, but two, she only could guess was whom she received the invite, and the other, well, she would have to snoop around eventually.

She took her seat.

 

[Prancing Yawn]

The low hum of Cat's Whitecloak fighter quickly died down as it quickly landed in the hangar bay of the Reliant. He had been invited by an anonymous Master for a meeting regarding the replacement of the current Council. It was a big deal - and Cat had taken all the time he needed to consider it. He was eager to hear the opinions of the other Knights gathered there, and he would likely have his own to share.

After being directed to the meeting room, he took a seat and looked at everybody's faces. A few of them he had met, the others he had no idea who they were. But they all had similar ideas as him.

And that was what was important.

 

[Jacques]

'I'm...I'm a Padawan? Why in the hell am I...why am I going to...why was I even invited?! I don't know what I'm going to say, I don't know what I'm going to do. I...What's going on? Something about replacing the members of the Council? That's...I never would have thought something like this would happen...' Even Arek knew his current state of mind was a complete mess. Not only was he invited to something he probably shouldn't have been, but the issue was so big he...

'No! I...shouldn't think about it! Maybe these need a Diplomat, maybe they need a Negotiator. Lord knows there are so few of those floating around the Order nowadays they could only find me...' That was the best the young Tusken could come up with in his mind. Truly, he should have been a Knight by now. He was out of his teens, he had a lightsaber, he had experience...but something was stopping him from taking those trials. Was it excitement? Nervousness? The latter, Arek was able to decide easily.

He wore his traditional clothing; Tusken garbs, face and all covered. However, like usual, he also had his brown Jedi robe draped completely over the Tusken clothing. The robe was much bigger than he, dragging on the floor as he walked. Along with that, the arms of the robe draped down several inches past his hands, and the robe's hood completely engulfed his face, leaving nothing but a black abyss look to it. That was just the way the padawan liked it.

Arek, like usual, got lost on his way there. He preferred to just wander around until he found what he was looking for, which turned out to be about a five minute walk from where he started, a a half hour walk from where he ended up. Sighing at his own stupidity, the robed Tusken entered the room. Nobody he recognized, but he could tell that none of them were Padawans. Growing nervous, a migraine thrust itself into the rest of his problems at the moment, using the force to mask his pain from everybody, including himself.

The diplomatic Jedi took a seat, breathing a little heavier than he wanted to.

 

[Arm514ve]

Kelly stepped off the shuttle she got on that was ferrying personnel to the Reliant. She was intregued by this notion of asking the curent council members to step down since they had been well not that effective of leaders. She flagged an officer to direct her to the Ready Room. She thanked the officer and continued to the room. when she arrived she looked around at all that were gathered she recognized three of the Jedi that were there, the rest were complete strangers. she took a position in the corner opting not to sit down at the table in-case this was some elaborate trap she wasn't going to be caught unprepared. Was she being paranoid, yes but these types of meetings usually were traps besides she was just there to hear them out she wasn't going to agree to anything she thought was wrong.

"So anyone know who organized this little meeting?" She asked looking around the room.

 

[Tzeentch]

A silver ship landed lightly in the hanger bay of the ship Reliant. The ramp lowering, Nier descended and immediately headed towards one of the ship's personnel. He had been contacted by a fellow Jedi that bore news and information on the current Council. He highly doubted that he would have actually been able to participate in this meeting had it not been for the timing.

Nodding in thanks, he glanced back at the ship he arrived on; an armed ship able to support a crew of two and three passengers. His friend called it the 'Arch Aegis,' or something along those lines; it also came with another prototype; a droid. Shaking his head, he remembered how his old friend named it the 'Scion ICD (Infantry-Class Droid). He was sure the Amaran was smiling behind that mostly blank face of hers if the small twinkle in her eye was of any indication.

Nodding again, the young and newly Knighted Jedi began his trek to the room in which the meeting would take place. It didn't take him long to find it. He entered the silent room just as a woman's voice emerged; he eyed her from underneath the cloak he bore.

It wasn't often he saw someone with silver hair other than his (surviving) family, but he didn't say a word as he settled in one of the empty seats near the end of the table.

Remaining silent, Nier pulled down his hood, revealing his own silver colored hair and his father's eye-cover, of which covered the same eye that his father had lost during his first war. The young man's cloak was a midnight black, with intricate, silver designs decorating the edges of it. The more noteworthy design however, was of a blade, which seemed to reflect little light from his left shoulder.

Taking a large, eight-foot object wrapped in a torn gray cloth from his back, he set it down gently onto the ground and let it lay against his shoulder. The youth closed his eye, going into a light meditative state that could easily be disrupted.

One couldn't see it due to his cloak, but Nier was moving rather stiffly; he had just recently left Dantooine not one week ago and was still healing, even with the aid of a Bacta tank, from his injuries gained there. He wouldn't show any weakness, even amongst allies if he could help it.

 

[Jiang Winters]

[Note: Not much of a posting order here. We're going to be fast-tracking this just a tad to expedite this process.]

His fellow Jedi arrived, one after another, in a surprisingly rapid stream. Some he recognized instantly, others he struggled to put a a name to, but ultimately he remembered them all. The feline doubted that they knew his name, however; he'd always kept his head down within the Order. He'd always avoided making a name for himself. Things seemed easier that way.

Five more arrived after the one named Tris; excellent. More were responding to the call than had been predicted. The massive feline sat upright in his chair - more a throne, what with all the reinforcements grafted to it - and placed both armored hands on the edge of the table. His ears, wholly black with a rectangular white splotch on the back, perked towards the assembly of Jedi. There were more slated to arrive, but for now, he figured he'd introduce himself and make his purpose known. The timing would be perfect - it'd break the silence that'd settled over the room, and it'd answer the question given by one of the latest arrivals.

"I organized it. I'm sorry there was so little notice given - access to the Reliant was only given for this evening. I didn't have ability to give any of you even a day's warning, and for that I apologize."

He rose to his feet, the titan of a feline resting his fingertips atop the table's surface. "My name is Daisuke Fuyu. You've been called here regarding the... Issues we've experienced with the Jedi Council, in particular our Grandmaster, Prime Envoy, and, to a lesser extent, the Battlemaster. I'd like to think that we've all seen why - they're slow to react, slow to act. Traits our enemies do not share. The Sith are quick and ruthlessly efficient in their response, and firm in their dealings. This gives them the edge - if they bring war to us, and make no mistake they will bring war, then we won't last long against them."

"The messages I sent to you contained a hint of this, so I'm hoping that you came prepared. But, if the encryption used in the messages eliminated that hint, then I apologize for that. My hope is that you've all had at least some time to think about this and how important this is. What is decided here, in this room, could bring the spark of life back to our order, but it will change things for a long, long time."

Dai paused for a moment, fingers curling so that his knuckles were resting upon the table.

"I wish there was time to debate this extensively and come to a solution, but time is a luxury we do not have. Still, we are Jedi - we wouldn't be fulfilling our duties if we did not at least come to some form of agreement, some solution to this that we can all sign off on. To that end, I've created a framework to build out on to handle the three members of the Council who are in question. That framework is thus: We remove the Grandmaster. In his stead, an interim Grandmaster is appointed until a new one can be officially sworn in. The Prime Envoy is also removed from leadership, as is the Battlemaster."

"There's a number of things we could do with them - personally, I am in favor of allowing them to remain on the Council. Battlemaster Augustus is a brilliant man and a fine warrior, to cast him out would be foolhardy. We'll need his expertise when the war comes, and we'll need his guidance in dealing with the dark side. But for now, what's most important is getting effective leadership in place, even if the leaders are only temporary."

Dai paused again, then settled back into his seat. "That's it. That's the gist of it, boys and girls," he stated, his tone becoming informal. "I think we can all agree that the Order needs to be fixed, and this is how we're gonna do it. The details, however... That's up to you. I'm part of the old guard. Shoot, I'm pretty sure I could be her grandfather," he remarked, nodding in Matsu's direction before continuing, "and that's why I want you involved. We're all in this together - Padawans, knights, masters, councilors; we're all Jedi, first and foremost, and if we're going to fix this thing we need to work together. So, what say you all? Are we going to fix this, and if so, how? What ideas do you have? Nothing's off the table yet, but we do have to hurry. Time is of the essence."

 

[Syn]

Matsu looked at the large feline as she removed the parasol from her shoulder and set the tip on the floor. She slightly leaned on it and spoke looking around and noticing Kelly. Matsu offered a smile to her and then turned her attention around the room seeing Arek. "How would such actions be done in the past? Is there a way to do what you propose without dangerous actions?" Matsu moved slowly towards a seat and sat down resting the parasol on the table and see flicked her hair to one side letting it rest in her hands.

 

[Jiang Winters]

"There is a precedent. Once, many, many years ago, in the ages of the Old Republic, one Knight named Weisheng Winters organized something very similar to this. He gathered a signed petition and verdict and, along with another Jedi by name of Aevis Santoro, delivered the verdict. They submitted to the request, and as a result one of the most successful Grandmasters in the history of the Old Republic, Talzea Keldroma, ended up taking charge. That's how I'd like to do it - call a meeting, and hand down the verdict. It won't be up for them to debate, so the moment we reach that stage they'll have to step down."

Daisuke folded his fingers together. "There won't be any danger involved. We're Jedi. We're the guardians of peace and of civilization. We won't... No, scratch that. We can't resort to violent means to accomplish this - if we did, we'd be no better than the Sith. We wouldn't even have the right to call ourselves Jedi anymore. Likewise, those we're trying to boot out cannot resort to violence either or they'd spit in the face of everything they've ever worked to achieve."

 

[Phil]

"I don't see the need for a debate. If they can't see the problems now, then we force them to see it. We aren't the Jedi of the old age anymore. If we have to resort to violence because they act too blind to the truth, we should not shy away from it."

Andre stated in his unfeeling tone, having remained seated with his arms crossed. Having listened to everything said, he knew everyone was here for the one reason alone for the Council to answer for this laziness. All it would require for all of them is to go to the Council chambers and bring this forward to the Council. Though such a thing may result in Exile through such acts of force and possible mutiny. Maybe even a Jedi Civil war should things get too out of hand.


Still inside The Avenger IV, Predor focused in on where the Jedi were talking. While he could not listen in on the exact words, he knew what the meaning of it was and the general mood of it all. These things were never good, though he new the necessity of it in these dark times.

 

[Syn]

Matsu looked at the feline and nodded as she heard Andre and looked up inbdicating the other knight. "If it has been done without violence in the past then we shall do that." Matsu was wondering what Kelly thought of the idea, she had been one of the few to actually be called before them. Her and Cat had simply gotten off. Slowly she also eyed Cat as well and was interested in his opinion. Slowly Matsu thought about it and turned her attention to Andre. "We cannot use violence to solve this, we would be no better then those we fight to protect the galaxy."

 

[Padmé]

Haloburner arrived late, as usual. She made a quick trip to the restroom before making her way inside the meeting room. She had a feeling Arek would be in attendance and wanted to look her absolute best.

Upon entering the room, the blonde realized she was really late. She quickly scanned the room, but only recognized one notable face. She contemplated on taking a seat next to them, but she decided against it and joined the only lady standing in the corner by the door entrance. She made a quick wave to her, followed by a smile and then turned her head in the general direction of the speaker.

A few minutes later the young Padawan whispered, “what in the world am I doing here with all these folks?” after it downed on her that she was in a room full of Jedi Knights! Halo hates being in a class all by herself.

 

[Jacques]

Arek continued to listen to the Knights, and the man who probably COULD have been his grandfather...he didn't know his rank, but he was guessing Master maybe, or close to it if not. Finally he slowed down when somebody suggested violence, he had to step in, "Violence is never a good thing, especially in situations such as these? THE Jedi forming a coup against their leaders? How do you think the Sith would react to that? Not only would it aid our enemies, but it'd only bring about something that is only brought on by violence: War. Civil War between the Jedi is even worse. Hell, sometimes diplomacy leads to war, but at least with the Jedi..." Arek said, shrugging. He paused for a second and then continued, "The Grandmaster and the like will surely understand if they are told, have it explained. They are only at that position for a reason. They are three great Jedi, and should be smart enough to at least understand the circumstances."

 

[Prancing Yawn]

After a few people had spoken their opinions, it seemed to be Cat's turn to talk.

"If this resorts to violence.. I do not see how we are anything more than Sith! Though some of our leaders are incapable, they are still Jedi, as we are. We are all brothers and sisters in this Order. Taking no action at all would be much better than protesting at arms. Matsu is absolutely right. We cannot afford to be a split Order. Both sides would eventually fail without the other, and then who would there be to fight the Sith without the Jedi? History even proves the peaceable method was attempted and was effective, as Daisuke explained.

Our task is straightforward. I doubt a drop of blood would ever -need- to come out of it. What we need to do is crucial to our Order's survival in the war to come - in my opinion - and I hope the people we replace feel the same way."

 

[Phil]

"Some of you are misunderstanding this. If we must resort to violence, then we should not sway from it. It'll be up to the Council themselves on how they react to the truth. If they realize it, then I doubt anyone will need to raise a blade."

Andre spoke, seeing he may not have been as descriptive as he pointed out and went to correct this. His tone and posture remained the same, glancing slightly over to those who addressed his plan. If they had to go and compare themselves to Sith just for using violence, then what was the point of it all? Andre may have followed the code to an extent, but he was not a pacifist by any means. He always prefered action over words, a sign of the old mercenary was still alive in him was something he was still having trouble getting used too in the Jedi once more.

 

[Aluminum Falcon]

Talon made eye contact with Daisuke the entire time he was speaking. It wasn’t in his character to look away or drift off, he was always in the moment, and focused on the situation at hand. This particular situation demanded such focus, and as Daisuke explained, it would take a great amount of patience and care in order to be completed. Nodding slowly in agreement to many of Daisuke’s points, Talon did not speak. He instead waited until he had finished to interject his opinion.

“Your approach to the situation is commendable. I feared your strategy of doing this very much when I came here, but you have chosen to take a peaceful path, and it gains you much respect. I believe just as you do that the current council will not be able to efficiently lead us in the approaching war. Though it pains to say, they must be replaced. All are crucial members of the Order, and each will be needed in the times to come. However, as we can all tell, their apathetic leadership style has disillusioned us all.”, said Talon.

He felt he explained his point well, even if he was simply reiterating what Daisuke had explained. Before Talon had spoken Andre had given his opinion on the situation, which both startled and worried Talon. After giving Andre a silent stare, he responded.

“We must not resort to violence under any circumstances. The fact that you would choose to do so even in the worst circumstances concerns me. I am a warrior, but I will not combat my own kind. We are Jedi, and we must carry ourselves as such.”, he said.

Talon could not help but give Andre a demanding stare as he spoke, he then turned to Daisuke.

“Know this: should this re-orientation of leadership include or result in violence caused by members of this meeting, I will not stand with you.”, he finished.