The Crownless

[Brandon Rhea]

*The Wanderer had traveled for nearly two years searching for the hidden Jedi base. He had made contacts and searched for information dealers, but it took far longer than he expected. However, after his searching was complete, he stepped off of a transport and made his way towards the base. He had been a man alone for far too long and he longed to make a difference and help the people of the Republic restore what was truly theirs. Though it required him to sacrifice everything he held dear, it was for the right cause. He finally understood that.

He was enamored fairly quickly by the features of the planet. Its remote location certainly accounted for its pleasant environment. Though it was much cleaner, it reminded him almost of the city of Iziz on Onderon. Everyone was friendly, got along and peace was maintained. As he stopped just outside of the School of Hidden Wisdom, he noticed the nearby mountain range. It greatly reminded him of his homeworld, though to him it was comparing apples and oranges.

As he approached the gates, he bowed his head to the soldiers and Jedi Knights standing in front of it in a respectful manner, hoping to let them know that he had come in peace. He had his blade at his side, though hopefully they would not see him as a threat. His head was covered enough by his hood where they would not be able to see him, so at least that gave him some sense of comfort.

Looking up at the great school, though keeping his head in the shadows of his hood, he could tell that its beauty was a close rival of his own home. While his home had become somewhat modernized, the school appeared to be relatively ancient in design, looking as if it had once been a castle or another form of a fortress. One large, lone spire stood higher than most buildings in the city and it was obviously where he found find the Jedi Council and, if lucky, the Jedi Grandmaster. As he brought his gaze down back towards the gate guards, he finally spoke, his voice disguised.*

“I must speak with the Jedi Council immediately. This is a matter of great importance.”

 

[david]

*Carith Korso, being one of the few Knights standing outside addressed the weary travler. Carith was in his usual Jedi attire, brown cloak and standard issue robes and boots. He peared around making sure no one followed him here. Approaching with extreme caution he acknowladged the strange man.*

"May I ask your business?"

*Carith could sense no immediate danger, though still cautious he knew he couldn't take him just walking up into the school like that. Especailly with what had been going on latley. Nothing was as it seems anymore, the Sith had grown to strong and smart to pull a stunt like this but Carith was still weary of it.*

((Ok if i post yes? You can delete if you were expecting someone else to..))

 

[Cyril Khan]

There was not a better place for meditation than Baltimn, or so were the thoughts of the Telekinesis Master. This was his preferred home of the Jedi; it was here that he trained his own student in the ways of the Jedi. He had journeyed to all the locations Order members would call home, but he never felt as much in peace as he did here. In his room he sat in serene meditation. Only the worn mat on which he meditated was the only possession in the room. Lovely plants surrounded him, and they released a greatly peaceful aura. He would not have it any other way than to be surrounded by life while in his daily meditation.

A figure approached the School. It was not a calling of the Force within the master’s head but a clear vibration. In his meditative state he did not have to rely on his bare feet to feel vibration connected to the solid ground. He could see the tiniest bug disturb the air causing a minor vibration. This figure at the School’s entrance was felt as clear as a glistening glass gem. Something seem familiar about the man, but he could not tell all features just by their vibrations. All wonders would have to be answer by the eye’s telling.

The telekinesis master rose to his feet. His meditation telekinesis sense vanished, and he returned to the reliance of his feet. As he stepped out of his quarters, he regarded the foolishness of relying on his eyes. Sight and hearing were a fool’s judgment. The mind sees and hears, but both senses could be fooled. Everyday the master found his new version of sight to become more dependable than any other. The amplified vibrations of the world around him became a thing he could trust; he valued this over ear and eye. He found himself near the entrance to the School by only navigating instinctually through his telekinetic sense. His eyes realized this and stole back the right to vision.

He continued through the entrance and walked towards the gates. There his eye triumphantly gazed on the hooded figure. The vision mocked the telekinetic sight through vibrant color and pinpoint detail, but jealousy did not set in. This conflict of sight did not go noticed by the master. He went forward with his goal to greet the newcomer. He knew this was no active Jedi; he would have recognized the figure, even with his telekinetic vision. Regardless of any uncertainty he approached the gates and bowed to the newcomer. He had come in time to hear the words of the arriver. ”Welcome, sir. I am Council Member Khan. I would be honored to take you before the rest of the council if you request it.” He knew that if this man were a threat, there was no chance he could hide the fact and get out without being captured. He hoped that this man came with peaceful intentions; he did not wish to bring anyone to harm today.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

*The Wanderer nodded his head, ready to face the Jedi Council. It had been some time since he had since Cyril Khan, though obviously Khan did not notice who he was. He placed his hand out, allowing Cyril to lead him to the Jedi Council Chambers. As he stepped in, he stepped into the middle of the chamber and lowered his head further, also covering his face further. He awaited their response.*

 

[david]

*Carith stepped aside as the Council Master Cyril stepped alongside him talking to the man. He nodded to the master and stepped aside.*

"Sorry master..."

*He smiled slightly at the man as he walked past entering, He feared that this was trouble though he thought he need not concren himself in council affairs. He knows nothing of what goes on latley, he hasn't heard from any of them since the last meeting.*

((Sorry for a short post just trying to get out of you guyshair.))

 

[Cailst]

Hayvan watched this stranger walk into the the Jedi council. He figured since Cyril let him in, the stranger was probably a good guy. He did wonder why such a stranger would want to wander into the council area. Since he was curious, he decided to follow him till he stopped or Hayvan himself was stopped.

As he was walking in, he saw Karith Korso out there and walked up to him.

"Hi Karith, you know what's going on?" Hayvan asked with great curiosity.

 

[Jorax]

*Baltimn, a place that Kyle rarely ever visited, but he was here today on a routine to visit all the Jedi Academies to see if he was needed anywhere, and so far, it looked like he wasn't needed at the moment. The Council seemed to move him everywhere like he was the replacement, which made him feel out of place, but that didn't really seem that bad anyways. After all, he was a pain in the a** to the Council anyways.

They called him the rogue Jedi. Kyle liked to think of it as serving the Jedi through his own personified way rather than the standard protocol that most Jedi would serve. Kyle then felt a presence of which he had never felt before. This presence was most odd, and yet it felt very omnipotent. Just like Uric...but different. More serene, like one of those old school Jedi you rarely ever hear about. Kyle then followed the presence to the footsteps of Cyril Khan and a person he had never met before, but he was the one who was radiating this power...this serenity*

 

[david]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(The Inquisitor @ Sep 20 2007, 11:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Hayvan watched this stranger walk into the the Jedi council. He figured since Cyril let him in, the stranger was probably a good guy. He did wonder why such a stranger would want to wander into the council area. Since he was curious, he decided to follow him till he stopped or Hayvan himself was stopped.

As he was walking in, he saw Karith Korso out there and walked up to him.

"Hi Karith, you know what's going on?" Hayvan asked with great curiosity.[/b]

((Carith with a "C" lol))

*Carith turned back to acknowladge the person before him, he dont beleive he had met this person before but obviously a Jedi, and a jedi that knew of him. He bowed his head slightly showing the most respect for his fellow member of the order, he looked back up to him in the eye to address his question.*

"I do not, but it has to be somthing important. I have never seen the council so lightly upon letting random civilians walk up in the council like this...Especailly in this time, time of great caution for our order."

*Carith wasn't sure what would happen though hopefully would soon find out. He turned adjusting his cloak fitting his shoulders perfectly. He wiped his eye of an itch as he peared up into the bitter sky that he once knew as somthing beautiful. Indeed it was but it was strange to think their is so much beyond, so much not seen, some place the Sith are gathering, to engage another planet of innocent civilians.*

 

[Green Ranger]

Ever since the way Uric Kyrtus Kressh had battered down the doors of the Jedi Council, resulting in a near-violent reaction from many Jedi, Tyrn Lightell had changed considerably. In light of such an event occuring, Tyrn had reflected much on what had happened, and how he had been so eager to bring his blade to bear. Luckily, he had not recharged the weapon, and so he had appeared as one unwilling to bear weapons against a stranger. Still, he had noted such mental impulses in his memory, and had worked hard to change his manner.

In stead of his own cloak and garments, Tyrn had exchanged these for the more traditional garb of the Jedi Knight, his grey-brown woven robes itching against his skin, though he welcomed the discomfort. His hair, once neatly cropped and well shaven, had now been replaced with longer, shaggier locks of his brown-blonde hair, and the stubble on his chin itched something ferocious. Again, Tyrn welcomed the discomfort, his entire choice of appearance one big lesson in discipline. As he wandered the perimeter of the tower, the Serennian Count noted a small crowd gathering at the entranceway, and decided to look into such a matter. If blades were ignited over another guest...

 

[Cyril Khan]

Right away the master led the newcomer to the council. He navigated through the School of Hidden Wisdom’s various hallways towards the chambers. The entire transition from the gates to the room did not take much time, and so the two were present among the rest of the council in a very short passing.

As the man took the center of the room, Cyril moved to his seat and sat down. Being the Jedi who had brought this unknown male before the council he brought forth the first question. He was wary about how he spoke, because this could be a potential ally, but he could just as easily be a foe. ”Greetings once again, kind sir,” he began in a calm voice. ”Pardon any rudeness, but I must inquire who you are and why you are here.” Something was familiar about this person before him, but he could not place a finger on it. It could be the mind’s deception or a calling of the Force. He breathed slowly as he thought, but showed not outward sign of such inward dealings. He accepted the fact he would learn only the knowledge that was to be given to him; no more and no less.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

*He smiled. Who was he? What a sad and sorry question that had to be asked to the sad and sorry man. Had it been so long that they had already forgotten his subtle mannerisms? Had it been so long that they had already forgotten the sound of his voice, the voice some said they would never forget? It was something he had tried to prepare himself for, though he truly wasn’t in the end. He could only imagine the pain, the suffering and the anger that the Council had felt in the days since they had last seen him. It was a normal occurrence to try to push bad things from memory, and it seemed as if they had done just that. By pulling back his hood, he reminded them.*

“Have you forgotten me already?”

*Ussej’s voice was low, sad. He combed back his long, graying hair with his hands and scratched his graying beard as he thought about what had happened. How had it come to this? He had accepted his fate, he had returned to his home, but the galaxy demanded more of him. Destiny demanded that he return to this spot in this chamber. He had apologized, but it was not enough. One of the only two people he could say he actually cared for had been there when he had tried to make amends. The guilt, the hatred, the pain, the fear and the suffering had all hit him then and it proved to be too much. He wanted it to end, but it couldn’t end. He did the first thing that was asked of him. He destroyed the enemy and he killed the one who he had once called a friend. Though, he still wandered free. It was the worst pain of them all. Though it was why he had returned.

People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. He had known that for some time that he had applied it incorrectly. His return was meant to reverse that and send the violence where it belonged. However, he could not do it on his own. He was an older man now, years older than he had been and sorely out of proper practice. Being over fifty standard years of age hurt his joints and his spirits, though he would do what he needed to do.

He and the Jedi were creatures of very different worlds. However, he believed that they could both work for the same ends. Their efforts could eventually bring about peace, or at least make the inevitable retaliatory war somewhat less destructive than it would be if neither of them acted. Ussej finally looked back up, looked them into the eye as the wanderer he had become: somewhat lost, though not without a purpose.*

“I am here to atone for my sins.”

 

[Astra de Aurora]

Snake had been lightly dozing, er... meditating in her chair when Cyril had arrived with Ussej. She had never spoken to him before, and now she and the rest of the council would. He had helped to hurt the Jedi greatly.

"And what sins would those be, Master Bac? How did you manage to find us?"

The Grandmaster spoke calmly to the Bendu. They wouldn't have another scenario where all the Jedi stood their guard, by God. The Council doors stood open, and Jedi were once again peering in cautiously. If this man did choose to attack for any reason, he would find himself more than outmatched.

Yet, she sensed that he was here for a more peaceful matter. Atoning for his sins? Why would he do this to the Jedi? Was it possible that they would gain yet another ally?

 

[Brandon Rhea]

*He smiled and lowered his head somewhat, unsure as to whether or not the Jedi Grandmaster was being sarcastic or if she truly wanted an honest answer out of him. Either way, he deserved the question. The Jedi deserved an honest answer after what he had done, and he would make them wait no longer for one.*

“The sins of betrayal, of murder, of taking my dear father’s words out of context in such a manner. I do not feel that I need to go on any further, as we all know what happened those years ago.”

*Ussej drew forth the brand Excelsior from its sheath on his belt, and he could immediately see the apprehension and worry that crossed over the faces of the Jedi Master. However, it was not an attack. It was a sign of peace, as he brought the blade into the corner of the chamber and set it down. He did not worry for it, as he knew the Sword of The Skywalker would be safe so long as he could still see it. However, that was not his primary concern at the moment. His primary concern was rectification. As Zios Malachor, the first Bendu High Priest, had said to his people those thousands of years earlier, to err is natural; to rectify that error is glory.*

“Long ago, I stepped into the Council chamber on Coruscant and declared my intention to help you win this war. Khaluq Chan’drane reminded us all that as long as all sides of the alliance, the Jedi, the Bendu and the Shadourians, did not try to impose their ethical, moral and philosophical beliefs onto the others, we would be able to coexist well enough to focus our strengths on defeating the Sith.”

*It had been shortly after his duel with the Dark Lord Viscerus on Thule, the same fight that saw the demise of Arlon Kyjar, that he had heard those words while standing in the Jedi Council chambers. All he knew during the discussion was that it was imperative that the three orders worked together. The Bendu had held strong prejudices against the Jedi, which proved difficult to work around. It wasn’t until after the first battle on Coruscant that he and Kage Tatsujin had decided to launch the crusade the proved to be completely counter-productive to the goals he had originally set out. He could never forgive himself for the rise of the Sith.*

“I myself bear responsibility for breaking this alliance, but I believe I can help you once again. I believe I can help you defeat the Sith and bring order to the galaxy. Let that be our mutual legacy, whatever good that men can do. And I hope that whatever good we can do in the days ahead will live on after us, long past the time we are all dust.”

 

[Astra de Aurora]

"Maybe our alliance wasn't meant to be at that point in time. But perhaps, maybe we weren't meant to succeed against the Sith then. The Jedi grow stronger, Master Bac. We have done wrongs as well, and we try to learn from our mistakes. This time around, the Jedi and the Bendu could work together once more. Peacefully."

I hope, she added to herself. The Jedi was making and remaking so many allies lately. Was it because they truly wanted to lend their support? Or was it because they were setting up the Jedi for another betrayal? Still, they needed as many people as they could if there was to be any hope of fighting the Sith and restoring peace. Her hazel eyes rested on the Sword he had set down. He seemed sincere enough.

"It would honor us all if the Bendu would ally themselves with the Jedi once more. We may have our own views on many things, but we have this in common: We want to push back the Sith. Council members... What are your views on this?"

 

[Cyril Khan]

Cyril listened intently to conversation at hand. He had brought the man here, and he valued the grandmaster’s diplomacy skills above his own. He sat ready to move if the talking transitioned to physical combat. He did not expect one thing, and that was this man to be a Bendu. He had not known much about Ussej Padric Bac III, nor had he seen him in person before, but he had heard of him. He knew that his master had tried to kill this Bendu in the first attack on the Coruscant Temple. He also knew this man was one who destroyed the temple a second time. As his master could return to light, he valued this man could as well. He knew a vote of trust could be hugely damaging if this was another attempt to destroy the Jedi, but it could be very beneficial if the idea of peace was a reality. He weighed his options and decided.

”The past has broken us a part and destroyed the trust in each other,” Cyril spoke in response to the grandmaster’s question. He directed his answer to the Bendu High Priest. ”Trust takes time to restore. I doubt it will come quickly between us, but I believe enough will come to allow us to band together. I agree that an alliance can and should exist between the Jedi and Bendu.”

 

[Brandon Rhea]

*Ussej waved his hand in dismissal of what they were saying, as they had obviously misunderstood what he was saying. They believed that he was attempting to create an ally between the Jedi and the Bendu, though that was not his place. He was no longer the Bendu High Priest and, although he would always consider himself Bendu, he was no longer affiliated with the Bendu Order. If the Bendu were to ally with the Jedi once more, that would be left to Josiah to decide.*

“Master Jedi, you misunderstand me. I have not seen my Bendu brethren in many years, as I left the order on a pilgrimage. Though you have not yet heard this, the Shadourian Order was destroyed in a battle that I led. After that, I left on my pilgrimage at the behest of my grandfather, the Shaman of the Whills. I am here to offer my assistance and no one elses.”

 

[Astra de Aurora]

Snake's face became grim upon hearing of the Shadourians' demise. It was just as well that the Bendu were not allying themselves with the Jedi yet, although if they chose to enter this war on the Sith's side... Well, if that happened the Jedi would always be prepared.

"I see. And what assistance would you bring to the Jedi? Would you be a warrior, and fight on the battlefield, would you help out by more defensive means, or do you have something else in mind?"

How could this one man, one who wasn't a Jedi, truly contribute to the Order? It was easier to let Uric in as he was once a former Jedi and, after rejoining, was currently teaching all Jedi of the Order. There were still many risks that the Jedi could suffer from if Ussej assisted the Jedi. If he was allowed to teach, he could influence the minds of Younglings and Padawans to follow the path of the Bendu, turning them away from the Jedi Code. It was also possible that he could be a spy for the Bendu, but why would they send such an important man on a spy mission. She would trust him, for now at least.

 

[Cyril Khan]

Cyril shook his head as Ussej mentioned he was not here to forge an alliance between them and the Bendu. He could not fathom what else he could effectively along side the Jedi other than be a warrior. The trust he had given to this man faded away more; he could not decide if Ussej was ideally here to be an ally. He could only be present to create more chaos and betray the little trust the Jedi gave to him. He had to be cautious. Uric he could hardly trust when he returned, and he had not outward or inward sign to position against his loyalty. This man was a Bendu, and he had slaughtered many Jedi in the past. What would prove that this man had changed over the years? This Cyril could not find in his mind.

”If you are not to form an alliance, then what is your intent?” Cyril said firmly. If Ussej was here for the good intentions he spoke of, he would not hesitate to mention intentions. The words were blunt and could be considered rude, but if this man expected an allegiance, things such as this should not be left secret.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

*Ussej could sense the hesitation and reluctance in the voices of the Jedi Master. It was completely understandable and he did not mind the bluntness of Khan’s question. After everything Ussej had done, he deserved far more than a rude question. Lucky for him, the Jedi were not planning on arresting him on site. He had a good feeling about the possibility of them letting him help them.*

“I will do whatever you request of me. I can fight or I can advise. But, before I do anything, there are some personal matters that I need to tie up off of this planet.”

 

[Astra de Aurora]

"Very well, but I suggest that you hurry. You know where to find us, and as long as you aren't tracked back here, you are welcome."

Having another fighter was good, especially one with as much expertise as Ussej had. So many people were coming back, could it be a sign that the Republic and the Jedi would triumph in this war? The first of was what surely to be many battles was going to start soon and all would see who had the upperhand.