Ask Questions That Need Answering

[Zathria]

Zathria was silent as she lashed back out against what Zathria had said. The spikes of emotion did make it even easier for Zathria to discern her intentions and feelings. She wore her emotions on her sleeve, evidently.

Zathria listened to her talking about redeeming the Sith, and... well, that was probably a topic better handle by her master. Or rather, whoever her next master would be. It wasn't that Sith couldn't be redeemed, but it was a topic frankly beyond a Padawan and perhaps even beyond Zathria's own abilities as a Knight. Such a topic was dangerous.

Zathria's fingers tapped several times against her thigh as she thought, mulling over what she had heard. There were things she had become convinced of and things she was still uncertain about. Ultimately, it would come to the Council what to do with her.

Would you like something to drink? she asked, rising from her seat to retrieve something for herself from the bag on the floor.

All I have is meiloorun juice, she said, pulling out a can for herself and offering one to the other woman.

Tell me about your experience with healing, she said, her tone slightly different now. Healing was what Zathria actually loved. More than fighting the Sith or investigating the Jedi. It was why she had spent so much time away from the Order for a time setting up the Mercy Ships operations.

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Despite being able to contain her emotions again, this inner unrest wasn't fading. The tension was still running high inside this very room and the air was simply thick with uncertainty. It did feel a bit better now that Hailee had it all gotten of her chest, but the justicar simply didn't seem reassured.

Obviously, her whole story wasn't one to be shared casually, but Hailee had constantly reflected on everything that had happened and mediated daily, so that she was in peace with what had been. Her beliefs weren't broken and she had shared nothing but the truth. It was upon her, or the Council to make something out of it.

What did surprise her, was that the knight was not commenting on what she had outlined, but that she was offering her a drink. That was what made Hailee suspicious now. She slightly raised a brow as the woman offered her the can, but she finally took it with a hint of hesitation. "Yes please...thank you". Not that she didn't like Meiloorun juice...it was just that she had expected a reaction.

She opened the can and took a sip of the sweet juice before her emerald gaze flicked up to Zathria again. She hadn't commented on the question Hailee had posed last, but she did seem interested in her skills. "When my master first started training me, he soon figured out that I seemed to possess an aptitude for healing. I appreciate it very much and I've always experienced it as something very fulfilling. Mending what is broken, ending the suffering, being able to help people and even take away their pain is what truly makes me happy..." her voice softly trailed off as a faint, yet warm smile crossed her lips. "Do you have much experience with healing?" she wondered, her natural curiosity returning now that they were moving to a much more pleasant topic for once.

@Phoenix

 

[Zathria]

Zathria took a large gulp of her juice before setting it down. She listened to Hailee's answer about what she'd done with healing before nodding herself.

I spent quite a bit of time as a healer before coming to the Justicars. I still enjoy it when I can, she said. Sometimes she felt like it was a dying specialty... everyone in the Jedi was just so... lost.

So you healed the Sith? she asked. She'd done the same before on Sullust, but she'd done so in a far different setting and context than the Padawan.

You may be surprised to find I've done the same, she said. After we liberated Sullust, Sith and their soldiers came rolling through our aid station. We patched everyone up, she said.

Still, she waited to hear the answer regarding what had occurred in those healing sessions with the Sith.

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

And all of a sudden, everything was different. Within a few seconds, the whole atmosphere inside this very room had changed and she was no longer getting interrogated for apparent crimes she hadn't committed.

They didn't have to argue about whether or not she had made mistakes, but at least it now felt like she was not getting closer to a hasty conviction. She still couldn't fully believe that the evidence had made them believe she might have even been involved in what happened on Yavin, but looking back, she couldn't deny that some incidents looked suspicious...so she was actually grateful for having been able to explain herself, even though she had no clue about what they would make out of this.

Still, they had changed the subject for now and since she liked talking about healing as well, she was relived that they were approaching something far more lighter now. "Oh...that's lovely" she replied softly, before she curiosly tilted her head. "Are you happier with the Justicars now though?". It somehow sounded like she loved healing more, so she actually wondered why she had switched positions.

She was indeed surpised that she admitted healing Sith as well, although for Hailee there was generally nothing wrong with that. Quite the contrary, the Jedi cared about all from of life, and she had hadn't made any differences for the Sith back then either. "Yes...I've healed my enemy after having been the one who wounded him in the first place. I fought him on Onderon and won, he ended up being stunned by a stun bolt from another Jedi, but I couldn't leave him on the battlefield so..wounded. Especially because I was the reason for that. The Sith were losing and I was afraid someone would...perhaps even kill him" -who knew what some resistance soldiers were up to-"So I carried him over to a shuttle and patched him up...He was...grateful and I began to see the human in him, not the Sith. It didn't make a difference for me. I know we should all be careful when it comes to the Sith, because they can obviously be dangerous, but I had to protect this life as well".

@Phoenix

 

[Zathria]

Zathria listened to the final encounter out on Onderon, taking some more notes as she did before sipping her drink again. She hadn't immediately answered Hailee's question about being a Justicar because it was a bit more complicated than that.

Not really, she answered honestly. She missed being a healer. She liked it. There was a certain excitement to being a Justicar as well, and there was actually more in common between the two than might have been readily identifiable to most.

But the Order is in desperate need of change and realignment. I serve the Force, not only myself, and this is where the Force has called me, she said. The Jedi's life was about sacrifice and service, not the easy way or the path of greatest enjoyment. Someday if she lived long enough, she would return to healing, but not yet.

I'll have my report finished for the Council by the end of the day tomorrow. In the meantime, you'll be confined to quarters here on station until they pass judgment, she said. At the end of the day, Zathria was an investigator and occasionally offered suggestion and insight, but she was not the one to truly pass judgment on anyone. Critical redundancy.

Before we go our separate ways is there anything else you feel I should know? she asked.

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

It soon turned out that Hailee had been right with her assumption, but she really appreciated the justicar's honesty. Zathria seemed like a very honest woman in general and now she even proved how dutifully she was. "I understand. It definitely seems like you're serving well though".

Being a Jedi wasn't about following your passion, it was about serving, like she said. And while she was definitely unrelentless in her pursuits, she had treated Hailee with honesty and fairness, which was something the padawan appreciated very much. And yes, the point about realignment was true, too. There was a lot happening within the Order and Yavin had been terrible...so they couldn't be careful enough after all.

She curtly nodded when she explained the further proceeding, and while she wasn't exactly thrilled about being confined, she obviously accepted the decision so far. There was a queasy feeling in her stomach which was triggered by all that uncertainty, but she knew she just had to wait.

And so she would wait. "No...but thank you for your honesty and...patience. I know that I was close to being misled in my past, but my beliefs are now stronger than ever. There is only one answer. The light is the answer and the Jedi have brought me peace. My master had started to show me the way and I'll never stop following it. Like I said: There's so much I still want to learn and I hope that those chances will not get taken away from me...I want to serve the Order...and I'm sorry for all the times I've overlooked the rules", her voice softly trailed off as she glanced at the knight one last time. Again, her words were nothing but the truth, but she was starting to get nervous about the judgement that would be passed. If the knight didn't say another thing, Hailee would move towards her quarters and mediate for now. She still had to wait for hours and more hours, but the Force would calm her at least to some extent.

@Phoenix

 

[Zathria]

---​

It had taken a large portion of the day to write up the report that she had passed on to Councilor Vanloa. The time of judgment had been set and Zathria had appeared outside the chamber in which the judgment would be passed.

When the time came, she entered along with Hailee (@LadyRen) who was escorted by a duo of temple guards. For her part, she could sense Hailee's nerves, but she also knew that it was an unavoidable part of this. Zathria took no joy in this part of the job - or indeed in most of what she did as a Justicar - but it was a critical part of protecting the Order.

Councilor Vanloa, she said, bowing slightly as she addressed the woman (@Logan). She hadn't met the Councilor before in person, but this was a memorable place and time for it.

Justicar Knight Zathria At'Arel. I conducted the investigation and compiled the report submitted for your review. I have come today to provide clarification or insight as required, she said, before stepping aside, available but otherwise silent for the proceedings.

Justicar Report #1230 Sign in

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• Password:********
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  Clearence Verified
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  ACCESS GRANTED
  Suspect Interview Findings

  • • Name: Hailee Lightwood
    • Rank: Jedi Padawan
    • Age: 22
    • Species: Human
    • Initiating Charge: Disregard of Council Mandates
    
    
    
  • Extensive interview discussion was had with Padawan Lightwood after reports of operations within Syndicate space without Jedi Knight supervision. At the start of the interview, Padawan Lightwood was instructed to surrender her lightsaber and comlink at which time said lightsaber was found to contain a bled kyber crystal reported to belong to a Sith Champion with whom Padawan Lightwood developed a romantic relationship. This is the same Champion who previously held Padawan Lightwood in captivity and who released her due to Padawan Lightwood having him "wrapped around my finger."
    
    After the Battle of New Alderaan, Padawan Lightwood fled the planet with this Sith Champion where she spent several months in isolation with said individual.
    
    Following the Battle of Onderon, Padawan Lightwood pulled her unconscious opponent - a Sith - from the battlefield and provided him with healing before allowing the prisoner of war to return to the Empire.
    
    
  • There is no evidence at this time that Padawan Lightwood was involved in the invasion of Yavin IV or that she has intentionally embraced the Dark Side of the Force or the Sith teachings. Nevertheless, suspect's possession of corrupted lightsaber crystal, admission to having performed "actions she regretted" in order to survive Imperial captivity, and admission to extensive manipulation of her captors indicate that this Justicar cannot exclude corruption as yet unidentified even to the suspect herself.
    
    Suspect further admits to violation of Council Mandates on repeated occasions and has demonstrated repeated disregard for the Jedi Order and its teachings. She is further guilty of maintaining a relationship with a Sith Champion for numerous months as well as releasing a Sith POW after the Battle of Onderon.
    
    It should further be noted that although he is not the main subject of this investigation, Padawan Lightwood's master, Jedi Knight Pêro Erval has demonstrated gross neglect of his duties as a teacher and mentor of Padawan Lightwood and should be called to answer before the Jedi High Council for his actions.
    
    

 

[Kaisa Vanloa]

For the first time in awhile, Kaisa had found herself with the potential of a quiet night in her office chambers. She'd poured herself a lowball of dark Corellian whiskey with a single cube of ice and settled into her desk chair before pulling up her email.

And what she found there turned her otherwise neutral expression into a disappointed grimace. Kaisa read through Zathria's report quickly, her eyes moving back and forth across its content like they were devouring each and every word. Once she'd reached the end, Kaisa sighed heavily and rubbed her temples.

Reaching into the top drawer of her desk, the Jedi Councilor retrieved a pair of half-moon glasses and slipped them on. Most of the time Kaisa didn't need her glasses to read, but in this instance she wanted to make sure of every detail contained within the report.

Just as Kaisa finished what liquor had been in her glass and began to pour herself another, the doors of her chamber opened and her gaze was drawn to Zathria first, then fell onto Hailee and the two temple guards who flanked her. With a wave of her hand, Kaisa dismissed the guards without a word.

Padawan Lightwood, Kaisa started, unable to hide the disappointment in her tone or the judgement in her gaze. This report levies serious accusations. They not only showcase an incredible lack of foresight and common sense but, to some degree, the complete and total lack of understanding of what it means to be a member of the Jedi Order.

Kaisa would stand from her seat and walk around her desk, leaning against the front of it as she crossed her arms and continued to stare at Hailee. As far as I am concerned, it would seem the most appropriate action would be to expel you from the Jedi permanently. You are twenty-two years old, Ms. Lightwood. The shade of your rank cannot protect you from everything. Kaisa's eyes narrowed as she looked down her nose at Hailee. It would be clear that Kaisa wasn't making an idle threat. The failures of your Master can only be used to assign so much blame. Your actions are yours to own, and from what I can gather, you refuse to do so.

Kaisa sighed heavily before reaching for the glass on her desk, taking a sip from it as she shrugged in that way people did when they simply didn't know what to say anymore.

Do you have anything to say for yourself?

@LadyRen @Phoenix

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Because Hailee had absolutely no clue about what the justicar would write into that report, her nervousity was steadily growing with each and every hour that passed. She spent most of the day meditating and reflecting on the conversation she had had with Knight At'Arel, however she couldn't shake the feeling that the justicar hadn't fully understood what she had outlined or simply hadn't fully believed that.

Hours and hours passed during the next day and at some point Hailee had started pacing in her quarters until Zathria had finally picked her up. She forced herself to breathe calmly while she was led towards the Councilor, but her heart was pounding in her chest. The judgement would finally be passed and she didn't have a good feeling about it, which was exactly what was starting to eat her from the inside.

She approached the Councilor and respectfully inclined her head, however didn't say a word yet, as the woman started speaking anyway. Her words immediately hit her hard and it took Hailee a bit of time to process all the answers she had just received from the Councilor, but that didn't leave her any less speechless.

'The most appropriate action would be to expel you from the Jedi permanently'...

Was this seriously happening? "Honorable Councilor Vanloa..." she began, her quiet voice reflecting the inner shock. She cleared her throat, "I have no idea what is written in that report but I can assure you that I do own my actions. I know exactly what I did wrong and where I haven't followed the Council's Mandate, which is absolutely wrong", she let out a deep side, her emerald eyes widened. "I want to serve the Order...with all that I am. I was believing that Sith could change, but I've learnt that they are unable to do so the hard way. Yes, I've commited the same mistake twice, but that was because my hope was unbroken...I was just trying to preserve life and was even hoping I could change it for the better. I've told the Justicar nothing but the truth and I'm not tainted or whatsoever...I can still heal and all I've ever wanted was to help. I was desperately hoping that the chances of learning more by following the Jedi's teaching wouldn't get taken away from me...", her voice trailed off as the initial shock and disbelief was turning into actual sadness. It was as if the Council had just punched her right into the heart and she really couldn't believe that her journey with the Jedi should be over right here, right now. Despite her misadventures with the Sith, she had done nothing but to help people whereever she was and preserve life and wasn't that exactly what the Jedi wanted?

@Logan @Phoenix

 

[Kaisa Vanloa]

Kaisa remained quiet as Hailee spoke, her long ears twitching every once in awhile as an indication that the Councilor was listening intently even if her face remained stony and aloof. Outward facial expressions were never Kaisa's strong suit.

She'd often been told she had something called "resting bitch face" which while mildly insulting, wasn't entirely inaccurate. She blamed her Wrean heritage for that. After the padawan finished speaking, Kaisa would take another sip of her drink, the ice that had once been there having slowly melted away leaving her with tepid whisky and a grimace pulling at the corners of her mouth.

Nothing is being taken away from you. Being a member of this Order isn't a right you are entitled to. It is something you earn every single day through your actions. Through conscientious effort to uphold the Mandates, to believe in and act as if the teachings actually mean anything to you at all.

Placing her glass on the table, Kaisa folder her arms and gave Hailee a frank expression, just short of throwing her hands in the air because the girl seemed so honed in on the things she'd claimed to do right that she refused to see the things she'd done wrong. The things she as continuing to do, whether she knew it or not.

You know, something interesting about the force when you've studied it for as long as I have, is that it becomes very easy to tell when someone is lying - or in your case, omitting parts of the truth. Kaisa's eyes turned to Zathria for a moment, curious as how the Knight hadn't quite ascertained this on her own. Or if she had, why it hadn't been more explicit in the report.

I think there is more to your relationship with the Sith you released on Onderon. You could have healed them and still taken them in to be held, either as a prisoner or as someone we could redeem. But you released them back into the galaxy when it was clear and obvious they were a danger to others. For force's sake Hailee, they were on Onderon for a reason!

A rare moment of exasperation from Kaisa, who immediately reeled herself back in. A huff of breath from flared nostrils and a heavy sigh, and the Councilor would have regained her composure.

You say you want to learn more by following the Jedi's teachings but I am entirely unsure if you even know what those teachings are in the first place.

Kaisa's eyes narrowed for a moment before her expression would soften, just a touch. Her gaze hung on Hailee for a few tense moments as the silence left after her most previous statement hung in the air between them.

Tell me about the Sith on Onderon, Hailee.

@LadyRen

 

[Zathria]

Zathria wanted to wince slightly under the gaze of the Councilor, sensing clearly that she had failed to catch something that the other woman had. Zathria could have easily blamed it on being a relatively new Justicar, but she wasn't really one to make excuses.

It's okay to make a mistake. It's not okay to make the same mistake twice, she reminded herself. As both a Jedi and a healer, that motto had gotten her through more than her share of difficulties. There was almost no way to make it through life without ever making a mistake, but Zathria was one who was determined not to make the same mistake multiple times.

She noted it down to herself going forward, ensuring she would not fail to uncover the entirety of the truth on her subsequent investigations.

In the meantime, she listened closely to whatever answer that Hailee would give to the Councilor. She suddenly thought to herself that she wasn't the one who had to make these final calls. It was a clear indication to her how far away she was still from being ready to be a Councilor or perhaps even a Master.

@Logan @LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Hailee kept listening to the Councilor, her emerald eyes still, widened in shock while she tried to understand their way of thinking. In their eyes, it sounded like she hadn't even earned the privilege of staying a padawan or in the Order at all, because despite trying hard to stick to everything the Jedi had taught her, she had ignored the rule about Padawans roaming around on their own...and then there was obviously the story with her and the Sith.

She exhaled flatly, her heart loudly pounding in her chest while it seemed like a part of her world was slowly collapsing. The Councilor's words were still harsh and rather merciless in what they expressed, but she did start to understand it. The more she said, the more sense it made, however she still didn't agree on the part about her omitting things. In her eyes, she had shared everything and laid down her whole story to the justicar, yet it still seemed like both women were believing that there was even more to it.

Especially when the Councilor doubted whether she had understood the teachings at all, Hailee was one again speechless and it took her a few moments before he could bring in some order into her slightly distraught thoughts. "I really thought the Sith from Onderon was different. That he wouldn't go around murdering innocent living creatures at all. I sensed that there was good in him, I saw him for the human he was, not the Sith. We spent time as people, nothing else. It's like I said. I couldn't leave him behind wounded and so I healed him...Yes, I did release him, but I didn't even know that the Jedi would take prisoners...I know that padawan Maura brought the other Sith into the hospital and she released him, too...I mean I was in contact with her the whole time. I was thinking I was doing the right thing, too, by giving this Sith another chance...". She had been hopeful, even though it was obvious naïve. But she was still convinced that she did understand for what the Jedi stood. They were Guardians of peace and all living beings, they were trying to preserve life in all forms and that was exactly why Hailee had defended the planet before she had helped the enemy in some way. Also, she had given him another chance. But were they giving her another one to prove herself?

@Logan @Phoenix

 

[Kaisa Vanloa]

I see. Was all Kaisa said after listening to Hailee.

Throughout the padawan's confession, Kaisa hadn't been focusing so much on the actual words that were spoken. More so the manner in which they were, the feeling behind them. With words, it was easy to lie, to talk around and under something. It was much harder to fake the genuine remorse of an actual apology.

At least, Kaisa liked to think she had become adept enough at reading the subtle things about people to know when she was being deceived. With all the padawan had said, Kaisa didn't think Hailee was being disingenuous. But that didn't mean that the girl was going to simply walk out of the chambers without any form of correction.

Kaisa would refrain from considering it an outright punishment. It wasn't, but it also was. Drastic changes were often like that, but sometimes people just needed to trust the process.

You've made mistakes and are willing to admit that, which I always find a commendable trait in a person. Kaisa said, sighing a little at the end closed her eyes and rubbed one of her temples like she was soothing a migraine. But it is clear that your current situation is not adequately providing you with the support you need. I still believe in you, Hailee, but - Kaisa paused for a moment, her lips pursing slightly as she peered down towards Hailee, a look of stern certainty contrasted with still-kind eyes hardening her features.

The line we walk as Jedi is a very fine one. Discipline and experience are what help us walk that line and not be beckoned by the ever present temptations that the darkside bring. Your current Master has clearly given you neither of those things, whether in theory or in practice. More so than anything, in that regard, the Jedi Order has failed you.

Kaisa was not so blind as to think that the Order itself was not partially to blame for the trip-ups of Hailee Lightwood. As much as there were bad students, it was prudent to recognize that there were also bad teachers. It would be unfair to assess a student's ability when they were setup for failure from the start.

I'm assigning you to of Jedi Knight Eirik Sunwielder immediately. He's to accompany you on any undertakings where you would represent the Jedi Order. I believe him to capable of helping you where Knight Erval either would and could not. Eirik will keep me informed of your progress. I hope that you understand why this change is being made, and you can trust my judgement on this.

Kaisa paused again, giving Hailee a moment to take in what she had just said. She sighed again, more in disappointment in where they had failed Hailee than the inverse this time.

This will be your last chance, padawan Lightwood. I will inform Knight Sunwielder of his new assignment and he will reach out to you shortly. You are dismissed, but please don't leave Brighthome until he has spoken with you.

With a wave of her hand, Kaisa would open the door to her chambers, indicating Hailee was free to leave. Turning her attention to Zathria for a moment, Kaisa flashed her a small smile of gratitude.

You did well with your report and bringing this to my attention. Thank you, Zathria.

With nothing much left to say, Kaisa would return to her desk chair and pour herself another drink, before shaking her head and getting back to her work. A Councilor's day was never done.

@LadyRen @Phoenix @Painus

 

[Zathria]

Zathria listened in silence as Kaisa delivered her verdict. One more chance, and with a Knight who Zathria knew. Although she didn't know him well, she knew he was strongly dedicated to the Order's principles and wouldn't let any more of this behavior go.

The Councilor turned toward her and thanked her for her work, to which Zathria gave another slight bow.

Of course, Master Vanloa. Thank you for your time, she said as the other woman began to retire.

Best of luck, Hailee, she said, giving a nod in the other woman's direction. She truly hoped that Eirik and his... more fundamentalist views might still do her good. Only time and the Force would tell now.

Probably //Exit

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Hailee still didn't know what to expect, but the feeling inside the pit of her stomach was truly bad. Would they forgive her? Give her another chance? Or would all chances be taken away from her? The Jedi had given her a purpose, a truly good purpose and she was so eager to learn more to help even more people.

She would stay away from the Sith. She had learnt that lesson, but didn't know whether it hadn't already been too late. Perhaps they had giving up hope for her and perhaps she would never walk through the temples again. Yavin was lost, which made it even worse because it had become her home, her safe haven, but would all temples bar their doors in front of her?

She stared up at the Councilor, a thousand thoughts racing in her mind. Her gaze quickly flicked over to the Justicar, remembering each and every word they had exchanged so vividly, but it seemed like the report was definitely not in her favor. She awaited the judgement and the tension in the air was growing and growing, until Master Vanloa finally spoke.

She almost held her breath once the verdict came. She was still believing in her and this meant hope wasn't lost. When she mentioned how the Order had failed her, too, she didn't know what to say at first, so she remained silent for the rest of her reply. There was already an undeniable wave of relief that washed over her, but it took some time until she could fully process the words.

Was this Pêro's fault? Was he to blame for letting her on the long leash? No...while he had been kind, he had actually been a good teacher when it came to the Force and the light side. As he to blame that she wasn't thoroughly warned of the deceptions of the dark side? No...she refused to blame Pêro. He had always been good to her and he would have never wanted that to happen. She had had troubles reaching him, but it had been wrong of Hailee to just roam around on her own afterwards...

She exhaled, the tension in her stiff muscles slowly fading. Knight Sunwielder? She had never heard of him...but it did sound...friendly? Positive? She couldn't fully grasp that she was giving a final chance, but she was overly grateful. "I...I thank you, Master Vanloa. Truly. I will not fail you or the Order again and I'm looking forward to working with Knight Sunwielder". Words couldn't even express her gratitude, but her facial expressions were immediately lightening up. "Thank you...both of you". She respectfully bowed her head, her speechlessness preventing her from saying much more. She would have to talk to Pêro again, but yes, for now she would stay on Brighthome station and wait for the other knight to pick her up. With that she left the room and headed back to her assigned quarters.

@Phoenix @Logan @Painus