Stand Strong Through the Storm, Rebels

[Arda Breaux]

"Think of your words, all of you." Arda spoke, "Think of your words and your actions and your inaction." she emphasized as she looked to where Alys once stood and now absent, and then back to the Rebel who seemed to have also disappeared some time ago after a mission to Nubia. "The meeting with the Manda'lor was an offer to continue to broker peace between us, until then we have remained neutral. I had offered the GA to join them, to fight along side, but he believed that would not be necessary, we needed to prove ourselves, it was then I had vision, the Force showed me the future, the darkness that still eats away at the galaxy and us, the Jedi, the Mandalorians are at its mercy...we are rats that he will drive back into extinction." explained the Grandmaster, uncertain of what her Rebels and members of the Alliance wanted in validating this recent war call from the Mandalore.

"Peace, Teran, does mean we do everything before flying into violence, but Peace for a Jedi is not just a term for war." she looked back to her Jedi Knights and Padawans, "Will you be able to live in peace with yourself if we, the Jedi, decided to fall back into hiding? To allow ourselves to be hunted as we did five centuries prior where the Masters at the time decided to abandoned the galaxy? To leave everyone here to fight the darkness that still exists alone?" she rhetorically asked, "Sometimes it will require to pick up our sabers and fight for what we believe is right, to stand, yes, in courage as we face the fear that spreads through the galaxy. It does not mean we no longer serve the people, service has many facets." She looked around the room.

"What do you think the Mandalor's genocide of the Jedi mean for the Republic? Even after one of ours declared us Jedi as their Knights for their Republic. What do you think his hunt will mean for all the worlds that we have grown close to over the years? We do not just abandon our allies." Arda shook her head, "The Manda'lor may not believe in the Force or the dark side, but I felt it, it surrounded his words, his hatred for us and it will tear him apart as much as anyone who is able to sense the Force. He has made his decision and now I am looking to make ours. If the Jedi are alone in this fight, then we may have to hide once more, alone we cannot survive. I cannot justify to put younglings or the rest of you in harms way if this is something you do not want to do." Her voice grew quiet and uncertain.

 

[Hugo Ion]

Hugo stood by with Shii and Zex Vric watching everything play out. He was silent, absorbing everything being said. It is true the Sith Empire was gone and that the Mandalorians have risen to become the dominant power. When Arda finally explained what had happened he shook his head.

Somehow Hugo wasn’t completely surprised now he remembered how provoking Leandros was. Who seemed like he wanted to fight everyone who wasn’t wearing beskar armor. The genocide against his people by the Sith seemed to have made his stance even worse.

Looking down at the ground for a moment the rebel veteran remembered the short lived coalition between them and the Mandalorians. It had been filled with promise. Together they overthrow Imperial rule in Hutt Space but in the end the two sides were too different from each other to maintain it permanently.

He will always remain indebted for their assistance in the A’doleem rearguard action. It was there they bleed together but it had cost the previous Manda’lor a close kin of hers.

The warrior crusaders mistrusted force users in general anyway and they felt like they were being used by the rebels as meat shields when that wasn’t the intention at all. In fact it was mostly rebels who died in that engagement including one of his closest friends. Shutting both eyes and squeezing his hands into fists, Hugo remembered them with great guilt.

Perhaps if I had been more aggressive earlier when I was Commander this could have been avoided. Or they would have found another reason to abandon the coalition anyway. Guess we’ve never know.

Suddenly he felt a hand grasping his right arm. Knowing who it was he whispered to Shii. “Thank you Shii I needed that.”

When Alys suddenly appeared and made her own speech Hugo looked up and raised an eyebrow. Wasn’t this the same Jedi master who went before the newly born Republic without anyone’s knowledge beforehand and publicly offered to let her bethern join them?

The same Jedi who shortly afterward preached that the Jedi must stop hiding in the shadows. Now she proclaiming they should do the opposite in order to fight the Sith. Not to mention completely disregarding the fact that Manda’lor had declared war on the Jedi and the force itself.

To vanish away now would only prove that helmet crusader right about the Jedi and justify his purge of everything force related.

Before he can even bring it those points out loud to Alys she just left the meeting as quickly as she came. He sighed in disappointment. She was not even defending her own beliefs, whatever they were at the moment.

Subsequently Davis Jan spoke next, accusing the Jedi of using them all for their own benefit and stating the Alliance didn’t achieve anything against the Empire. Upon those words Hugo froze. The veteran briefly shook with strong emotion, taking every fiber of his being not to shout out in anger.

After Kyi, Tycho, Teran and Brent said their own piece, the Grandmaster answered back. Once she was done the Duros rebel stepped forward with Shii nodding with silent approval. Looking around all across the room with hands folded behind his back Hugo then said calmly as possible to Davis Jan.

“Who was it that shut down the Holonet network in Hutt Space paving the way for the Imperials to be overthrown there? Who bleed the most while fighting alongside the Mandos against the Empire on A’doleem that ended in a hard fought draw? Or liberate worlds like Mimban away from the Sith. That was us and our comrades who gave their lives to make it all happen.”

Hugo again focus back on the rest of the assembly. He walked over to and continued on, feeling and looking older than he really was.

“Has the Alliance won many victories in the war or claim vast territory like the Mandalorians have. No I admit we have not. But we have outlasted the Empire. Yes our struggle with the Sith is not done but we need to resolve this Mandalorian threat. I will help defend the Jedi if it comes down to it but if there is a chance to avoid such bloodshed let us consider it first.”

Letting out another heavy sigh he stood next to Arda and said to her.

“Grandmaster I have a suggestion. This time we reach out to the Mandalorians in a public boardcast to cease hostilities before they can begin. While at the same time we prepare our defenses in case they reject the offer of truce. Whatever the outcome no one will dare claim we didn’t try to spare the galaxy from further suffering.”


@GABAdactyl

 

[Karath Gaath]

Verbally, watching as he was from the sidelines of the solemn gathering, Karath Gaath said nothing. Emotionally, to those sensitive to the Force, he was screaming that the Manda'lor's declaration had terrified him. Not merely because it brought to the forefront of every mind present the notion of total war against the full force of Mandalore, a veritable planetary army of warriors who had rendered the hunting of Force-sensitive foes into an art form, but because their leader's choice of words betokened a sentiment far more damning than the threat of conflict.

"He decries us as failures," the young Zabrak spoke up at last, and stepped forward to be seen as well as heard. "Believes we aren't fit to serve the purpose we claim to." At first, the break in his voice was audible; but as he spoke, he seemed to find his nerve. "He presumes to demonise us for hiding away? When the alternative was, what - extinction at Sith hands? The Order's survival in the face of a whole galaxy that has seemed to want it gone has depended on it knowing how to pick its battles when its strength has waned."

His lips curled downward. "Of course, a Mandalorian would call that cowardice, wouldn't they? Better to die on your feet. Hollow words, if you ask me, from the shallow perspective of a people who seem to care only for the next worthy fight. What would this Manda'lor even do with lasting peace if he had it? Would he care a whit for anything or anyone beyond his own borders?"

​

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

Ash damn near tuned out what Alys had to say. The jedi had done that before, and nearly got themselves wiped out in the process. Not to mention the Mandalorians would raise hell trying to find hold outs, and with their record they could probably teach the Sith a thing or two about genocide. No, that wasn't a choice, that was being neglectful at that point, though she could at least fathom where the woman was coming from.

What really hit Ash though, was when Arda asked if they could live with themselves if they went into hiding, and the answer to Ash was a stern no. Leaving all those people to be defenseless against the Mandalorians wasn't something she was willing to do. And while she understood what he was getting at, she knew Mandalorians well enough to know that when they made a decision, they stuck with with it. (@Phoenix )"With all due respect Teran, those men you are speaking of would gun you down the moment they made eyes on that lightsaber on your belt. They lust after those things, see collecting then as a symbol of power. I've seen enough Mandalorians to know. I fear that with the current Mandalore, we can not have peace. Not so early after a declaration." Ash scowled, thinking back to how a Mandalorian had saved her back on Nal Hutta, against the woman who would become Victress of all people. They weren't all bad, clearly not, but they were driven to destroy their enemies. "As much as I would like to work with the Mandalorians to stomp out the Sith, I don't see that as an option. We will need to fight them off to defend the innocent." She looked to Tycho know, seeing as how he was weatheing a front of questions at the moment, but he would have seen a smile come to her face as he had concluded his small speech. They'd have to discuss this later, in private, but it was nice to know they were of the same mind. "General Draykon is correct. When the Mandaloriand begin to attack, that is when we need to step up and let the people know we are there. The Mandaloirans are mighty, but they do not represent the free people of this galaxy, so long as we stand with the people, we will emerge the victory." Though at what cost? Ash was a damn pirate in her past life, not a warrior. The hell did she know of war, or collateral? Not a damn thing really. But what she did know, was all it took for evil to win, was for good people to do nothing. That wasn't a galaxy she okay living in.

What she found herself really agreeing with though, was Hugo's suggestion. That was one way to beat the Mandos, just like what drove the Sith into fragmenting; give them bad PR and see how well people take to them. "I think he has the right idea." Ash gestured to the Duros. "The Mandalorians might not care, but we have a way to end this war. We can show the galaxy that we are willing to lay out arms and work with Mandalore as equals. If he attacks us, the whole galaxy will see them for what they are." Ash hated herself for thinking like this, but it was the only way to pull the rug out from under the Mandalorians, especially after the number they had done to the Sith. What the hell did the jedi code say about smearing the opposition? This certainly didn't feel like typical jedi behavior. @Minuteman75

 

[Eisa Swan]

Standing in silence the Ashen haired Jedi listened to the Grand Master's announcement, confirming what had been previously discussed between the two Jedi Masters as well as providing an overview of the state of affairs that the Galaxy was soon to wake up to the stark reality of. The Mandalorians had proclaimed the Jedi to be their enemies, targeting a single aspect that made up but a part of the Galactic Alliance as a whole - whether it was to cause division within the melting pot of all walks of life who shared the same common ideal.

Pursing her lips in thought, Eisa mused on the weighting of Arda's words for a few moments before her attention was pulled towards the returning Jedi Master Drast, as she spoke out questioning the declaration of the current Mandalore to be the latest champion for the Dark. A curious expression crossed the ashen haired Jedi's features as she continued to listen to Alysanne speak out to the gathering, only to then proclaim her own self imposed exile and departing from the chamber. She couldn't help but be concerned as to the reasoning for the recent return, to only then step out once again from the Order.

Eisa's attention was pulled away from her contemplation, to the discussions that were taking place - notions being aired that this had come about as a consequence of the war that created a power vacuum that the Mandalorians were looking to fill, many advising caution to what the ideologies of the warrior race could bring to the galaxy. Countered by lines of inquiry, questioning whether it was premature to rush to a call of readiness as soon as a threat was broadcasted across the Holonet, followed by the clarification and further explanation by the Grandmaster and further dialogue from the gathered Rebels and Jedi around her. It certainly was becoming an interesting debate.

"Perhaps, the threat of war may well be premature" Eisa spoke out from where she had been quietly observing the proceedings, her emerald gaze panning over those mustered within the conference room. "But we cannot ignore that a threat has been made towards all Force Users, Sith and Jedi alike. Regardless of our intentions and our actions, we are all regarded as one n'the same and with distrust. Whether that is rightly so with the centuries long feud that has waged between the light and dark. To many we are seen as being no different to the other" the ashen haired master continued, before pausing for a moment to recompile her thoughts.

"Of all the Jedi gathered here, was your being sensitive to the Force through your own choosing? Being Sensitive to the Force is an aspect of life that we have no say over, much like it would be for those who will be born today, or when we are all but ash and dust" Eisa continued, reflecting on the realisation that long into the years that will come, there will always be those sensitive to the Force. "The Galactic Alliance stood for many purposes, to bring an end to the tyrannical rule of the Sith Empires, to aid the oppressed and bring hope to those who have lost it, All of us whether we are sensitive to the Force or not, had fought, bled and even died together for the causes and ideals that we all share" she added before pausing slightly, her lips pursing in thought.

"Whether the Mandalorians are able to bring the peace and liberation to the wider galaxy that they promise or a darker reality that we are yet to realise, that is for the future to tell. But there is the risk that this crusade will usher in an age of prejudice, where those who are seen to be different are hunted down and disposed of like vermin, innocent men, women and children alike, who are suspected of being Force sensitive would be subject to these witch hunts, just because they are different" she added before trailing off with a slight sigh, grimacing at the thought of what could come to pass. Her mind soon reflecting towards one of her own Padawans, Mavie the fact that when they first met, the young teen was so afraid of her connection to the Force because she had been brought up in an environment of hatred towards Force users. "Whilst perhaps our best path would be to prove that we are not the monsters that we are perceived to be, show that despite our failings, the Jedi and the Galactic Alliance will continue to bring light to those who seek it and pursue a diplomatic solution for peace as best as we can, we also need to be conscious that despite our best efforts we have to be prepared for the worst case eventuality, because it won't just be the Force users that the Mandalorians will hunt, but also those who would disagree with their actions"

 

[Teran Atrix]

Had the Jedi really always been so bloodthirsty? Rushing into battle when other options still existed? Had the Jedi been at war so long that this was all they knew? Teran refused to believe it, but evidence seemed to be to the contrary. He took some hope in the fact that General Ion (@Minuteman75) at least seemed interested in pursuing something other than diving into war and death. It made sense. He had been present when the Mandalorians and the Alliance fought side by side.

A Padawan spoke up to endorse hiding in the shadows and Teran's eyes went wide and he sighed at what he was hearing, not quite able to believe that someone was actually... saying that. He shook his head and decided to ignore it.

He took some solace in the fact that Master Swan at least seemed less inclined to fly into battle without cause. Although he couldn't be certain that she would side against going to war, at least she seemed more wary of it than others.

Master Breaux, wasn't it Master Wyck who said "careful we must be when sensing the future"? Some prophecies are self-fulfilling, and we might still be able to avoid the worst case scenario. Redemption is the way of the Jedi, he said (@Malon @GABAdactyl), growing more emphatic. If the Jedi chose to thrust themselves into war and death without reason, Teran would make sure he had done everything he could to divert it.

I'll act as an envoy personally, if others are too fearful to meet them, he said, glancing for only a passing moment out of reflex toward Ashlyna (@Algarus) who had made it clear that apparently the Mandalorians were insatiably bloodthirsty that they were barely better than unreasoning animals. Very Jedi. If that was who they were - to a point where it couldn't be changed - then either the GA had misjudged the Mandalorians back in the day or were misjudging them now. He knew which one he would bet on.

I'm willing to risk my single life if it has the chance to save the lives of millions that will be torn apart if we rush into war again. All I ask of this Council is time to explore another option. If we rush into this war then the blood of the galaxy will be on our heads as much as the Mandalorians. If that is the case then may the Force have mercy on us all. Prepare to defend yourselves, certainly, but I can't endorse launching our own war yet, he said bluntly. He wouldn't back down from his position, but he hoped that the Jedi weren't truly as bloodthirsty as they sounded. He knew he wasn't going to back down from his path no matter what was said, he only hoped the galaxy wouldn't erupt in violence between now and then.

 

[Hugo Ion]

The second part of what Hugo would now call a conference continued on. The middle aged veteran stayed quiet, letting the others speak. Many of them clashing with one another in opinion and some yet finding common ground. Yes it is true he is wary of the Mandalorians given the recent declaration and held lingering resentment toward how Leandros insulted his fellow rebels.

All the same Hugo did not wish to fight Mandalorians for a few reasons. First they were past allies however temporary it was. He still remembered how much the warriors assisted them in one of their darkest hours and how they both took Hutt Space away from the Empire on their own fronts. Second the Duros did not wish for the rest of the galaxy a new round of destruction and chaos be unleashed upon the galaxy.

Beside I hate the idea of the Sith taking advantage of this madness to regroup and rebuilt. Those frakking cultists will do that if we’re too occupied fighting each other. We need to end the Sith threat for this generation at least. He silently concluded.

At the same time of the Mandos still choose to pursue this crusade against the Jedi and other force users(except Sith) he will not abandon his comrades and the innocent to such a bitter fate. Not after everything they sacrificed together.

When Jedi Knight Teran offered himself to be an envoy Hugo nodded, impressed with the young man’s courage. Suppressing a third sigh, General Ion subsequently said.

“I can volunteer myself as well if Knight Artix would have me. Though I highly doubt the Mandalorians will be pleased to see me, especially their leader. Regardless of who goes the childern of Mandalore need to see that we’re serious about reopening negotiations. Not to save ourselves from attack but to spare the galaxy from another new colossal tragedy if nothing else.

Or at least I can have a talk with Knight Artix about what to expect if he chooses to go alone.”

Among the crowd Shii’s mouth dropped in complete shock at what her husband just offered to do. Soon her dark blue eyes narrowed at him. Hugo already had a good guess there they’re going to have a long, long conversation when this assembly is over.

 

[Kyi Wavestrider]

Kyi watched in silence, taking in everything and considering everyone else's opinions. He felt himself agreeing with General Ion (@Minuteman75) in the fact that they should at least try out another method instead of engaging in a full-scale war, truth be told, he didn't want to fight but he would if had to. Kyi watched as Knight Atrix (@Phoenix), an old acquaintance of his that he had encountered on Rhen Var when he was still a Padawan, volunteered to try and renegotiate with the Mandalorians and avoid further bloodshed which he commended - Teran always seemed like an honourable man and he proved it right here.

Finally mustering up the confidence to speak out once more, he took a deep breath and began to say his peace - "Grand Master Breaux" he said engaging in eye contact with the Grand Master, "If it really does come to it. I'll stand with you and fight the Mandalorians. But-" the young Knight now turned his attention to everyone else but focused his gaze on Teran and General Ion in particular "-if there is another way, a more peaceful way to resolve this, then we have to try." he pleaded, he paused for another moment before looking down at his black robes and placing his left palm on his chest.

"My robes are black for a reason. I wear these colours to commemorate everyone that has given their life in this war, to make this galaxy a slightly better place. It'd be a dishonour if this was all in vain." the Knight called out with pride, he returned his gaze to Teran and General Ion once more. "If it's permitted...I'd like to accompany Knight Atrix and General Ion in this renegotiation too." he said, slightly panting from the anxiety of speaking up in front of all of these important figures...he hoped he hadn't just made a huge mistake and signed his death warrant.

 

[Kaj Merrick]

Kaj had once been a Mandalorian, he knew their culture, and bore the same hatred for the Empire like his clan and his people. He bore the scars of their rule upon his face, a face he had hidden from the galaxy since he had run away all those years ago. He was afraid of the galaxy and the hushed whispers of those with the force. He had seen them on Nar Shaddaa, they found him and helped bring him here.

His hatred had gotten him no where, but this rebellion, this idea of freedom, it was something that the aging teen felt was his destined path. To learn from his hate to build something anew. There were others within his people that would see the same way, he knew that. Looking around the crowd he'd listen in awe--the galaxy had brought all of these people from all parts of the galaxy together, to fight for something better; whose to say that the Mandalorians couldn't join them?

"If...I may," his voice would crack, "I was...no I am a Mandalorian, and I want to fight for peace for my people and the galaxy." He'd pause as he looked at the room, "There are others like me, those who bore the scars of what the Republica did to our people. I was afraid, but there were those who showed me the way, that this...force, it's a part of the galaxy. There are some that will listen. We just have to find them and show them that there is nothing to be afraid of." The boy would step back into the crowd, hoping that his comments weren't out of line.

 

[Teran Atrix]

Teran felt a sense of relief wash over him that at least some people seemed to be agreeing with him. There was a chance at diverting disaster after all. Teran fully intended to go forward with his plan as it was the only possibility to avoid war, it seemed, but there was a much greater chance of success if he actually had the backing of others.

There was one small hitch though. It's a relief to have some of you here support me. If you place your trust in me, I can assure you I'll do everything within my power to maintain peace, he said honestly. He felt he had a fighting chance - even if the odds were long - of being successful.

I believe I may have a way to set up a meeting with Leandros, but I don't know that I'll be able to bring anyone else, he said. It was probably a stretch to even manage a meeting for himself. Apparently the young Jedi had managed to actually make important contacts. That seemed odd to him, and he sometimes wondered how he'd ended up here.

But I would welcome meetings with anyone who has suggestions for how best to handle the situation. I'm not in this alone, and I wouldn't be representing only my own interests or even just the interests of the Jedi, he said. He looked to both Hugo and Kyi (@Minuteman75 @AfroBandit20) and gave them nods of thanks and affirmation that he would welcome their advice on the situation.

 

[Ashlyna Talmount]

Ash initially found herself being provoked by the knight, but put it aside, wanting to see what else he said, and found herself agreeing with the sentiment. They did need time to prepare a defense, and frankly rushing headlong into war wasn't exactly a smart idea. Ash initially felt that maybe if they showed how hard they were willing to fight, maybe that could bring the Mandalorians around....and yet, it was just a gamble really. Would that really accomplish anything? She didn't know and...frankly the longer the war went on, the greater they risked losing what was important to him. Hearing Hugo speak up, Ash looked over to Tycho, her eyes meeting his, as she was about to do something stupid. She only hoped he would forgive her for this.

"I agree with Knight Teran as well, and will volunteer for helping in his efforts, if it is indeed possible." Ash winced, knowing this wasn't going to go over well with the general, but she had to. That was what being a jedi was all about after all, being willing to die to make room for peace. She looked to Kyi and Hugo with a look of admiration, then to Teran. If there was a chance to keep this thing from boiling into another galactic conflict, then it was worth a try. The people deserved that much.

 

[Arda Breaux]

"Very well, I fear as much as the rest of you the consequences of war and if you hold faith that the Manda'lor may listen to a different voice, the council grants you to proceed with talks." Arda gave an approving nod to Teran. He had come far since his padawan training and now onward to a seasoned Jedi Knight. She hoped to see him achieve Jedi Master in the years to come. However, his voice, his stance, reminded the Grandmaster that she was not alone. Regardless of how much weight she felt on her shoulders, there were certainly others here to share it, Teran and Hugo risking more than just their own lives to meet with the man who wished for the death and destruction of the Jedi Order. There were others, as she knew, Eisa (@Plebometer) was busy strengthening Star Squadron who continued to thwart pirates and warlords, and Brent (@Darasuum) and Omnis (@Insalius) were ready in a moments notice when worlds needed assistance.

"I will begin talks then with the Republic's Senators, I know are still those who have faith within us all." she slowly looked around the room and gave a small nod, "We must be prepared though, Rebels, and I hope our next meeting will hold better news. Meeting is adjourned." she dismissed.

"May the Force be with us."

/END THREAD