The Light Shall Rise Again

[Wyck]

Weeks had gone by, but the work was finally done. Thanks to Imani's efforts, the Jedi Temple on Tython had been restored to its former glory. For the first time in decades, fresh banners hung from its domelike rooftops. Lights appeared in its windows, and Jedi were once again strolling its yards and gardens. It was a bittersweet victory, in light of what had recently happened on Jedha, but a victory nonetheless. And Jedi Master Wyck was not about to let the light of hope die out.

In the courtyards of the Tythonian temple, he called together what Jedi he could. But this conclave was not to mourn the dead or to deepen the division in the Order. It was to heal. If Tython could heal after decades in darkness, so could the Jedi Order. The pieces could be glued back together. The light could rise again. And the Jedi Order could stand together, stronger than ever before. The old Jedi Master resolved to be the glue that finally made that dream a reality. After nearly two centuries of reluctance, he knew what the Force wanted of him; and he would rise to meet that destiny.

To the Jedi assembled, he said, "For too long, allowed a century of darkness to keep us divided, we have. The consequences of that decision have led us to this moment. Many of the ones we cared about, gone they are — consumed by the dark side of the Force." He purposely allowed himself to think of the faces of the ones he had lost. Nora, Vin, Alias, Kal, Evalyn, Cregan... This was as much for them, for the memory of them, as it was for the rest of the Jedi Order. "But have to be this way, it does not. It is in the darkest of times that the light shines brightest. Come, the moment has, for all of us to come together and rebuild, as we have our sacred temple." His verdant face became stern and he stamped the concrete with his wooden cane. "Right the wrongs of a century ago, we shall. And, with our lights burning together, finally lift the shroud of the dark side from our friends and fro this galaxy, we will."

The speech was nice. Not his best work, but it conveyed his message purely. He recognized what the price of failure would be. The entire galaxy would fall into darkness. Into slavery. For his sake, and for those he cared about, and for the Jedi Order, whose current generation he had practically raised, and for the galaxy at large, he could not allow that. "Typically, this is done by a vote of the Jedi Council." He shook his head. "But, if to defeat the Sith, we are, united, we must be. In this decision, and every decision thereafter. Do their duty, must every Jedi. Only together can we vanquish the evil that is consuming our galaxy. So, ask humbly of all of you, I do, to elect me the Grand Master of the Jedi Order." Wyck smile sagely out at the assembled Jedi. "Lead you to that moment, I shall."

---​

OOC Note: Open only to Jedi. This thread is combat, capture, and death disabled. Jedi characters are asked to voice their support (or lack thereof) for this proposal, and to celebrate the recent completion of the Tython temple :)

 

[Albert Penumbris]

Despite being Wyck's pupil, Albert knew that he would have supported the man regardless to become the Grandmaster. They had only recently returned from their Trial of Skill, where they had fought a hologram of the Sith Lord Leviticus in a combat that had almost claimed them both. The wound on his chest was still healing, yet thanks to his Master he would find no loss of ability, just a scar. That was something he could bear easily. What he had gained was...Well, he didn't fully understand it all yet, but he knew that it was finally the path to where he needed to be. He had finally connected with the Force in a way more than he had ever done before, especially not as a simple tool. He had trusted in it fully, given himself over to it, and through his sacrifice in that fight he had allowed Wyck to achieve the victory that would have otherwise been denied them had he done any less.

Monocle flashing in the sunlight, he dropped to a knee in a bow at the foot of his Master. His pale blond hair shimmered in the same light, flowing in the slight breeze. He was more in tune with the Force than ever before, yet he didn't need that to know what he needed to do now. "I cast my vote for your ascension to Grandmaster. This will only inspire me to redouble my efforts to be worthy of being your pupil." He said what he needed, knowing that monologuing was something he didn't need to do. It wasn't HIS event, after all, it was Master Wyck's time in the spotlight. He would stand afterwards and take his place to the side, allowing others to speak as needed. He felt hope, just like when he had felt Master Wexler pass away. He would honor the Shistavanen's memory and his Master as well, as long as he still had the strength to do so.

 

[Jon Atreides]

Jon Atreides, Jedi Master. That still felt weird to him, even though weeks had passed since his facing the Council he still hadn't really processed everything that had transpired that day. The Masters had given him a lot of think about, their questions had been a tougher trial than any he had faced before and he knew he had learnt a great many things that day. All he had to do now was figure out just what that was.

But in his new position as a Jedi Master, he was here to support Master Wyck. He couldn't help but think that Wyck's decision to take him along to Coruscant for the Senate hearing that had ultimately started the chain of events leading to the signing of the NAP had played a big role in where Jon had ended up this day. The trust the Master had placed in letting him meet with the Senators he could not meet had open his eyes to a lot of the suffering in the Galaxy and pushed him to do more, to be more. He had a lot to thank the little Jedi Master for, but he wasn't here to return any favors. No, he was here because it was the right thing to do, it was what the Jedi needed. What the Galaxy needed. And if his gut was right, what the Force wanted.

Jon hadn't needed Wyck's words, on some level he had already known what was coming, already knew what he had to do. As Albert stepped up in support of Master Wyck, Jon thought back on his first encounter with the Arkaninan Jedi, almost seemed like ages ago now. But he had helped Jon out of a tight spot, and much like Wyck Jon was thankful to him as well. It was fitting in a way then that the two were now Master and Apprentice, a reestablishment of a long lost tradition that the Jedi probably needed more than they knew. And that was what Wyck offered, a unique opportunity to blend the old with the new to take the Jedi forward.

Stepping up besides Albert, a smile still on his lips, Jon spoke up, loud enough for those gathered to hear. "What little strength I might have is yours to call," with a glance towards Albert, Jon pulled out his lightsaber and twirled the unlit blade in his hand so that it was pointing downwards as it burst into life. With a wink to Wyck he dropped to a knee as he slammed his blade into the ground, "you have my blade!"

@Malon @Insalius

 

[Vollen Shai]

"And my shield!" Vollen called in reply to Jon with a smile. This was a good day for the Order, he could feel it even now. As soon as the Master had stood to speak, Vollen had been ready to support him. Though even as he did, he realised how little time they had spent together personally. That should have to be rectified, though there would be time enough for that. Much work would have to be done on Tython and across the galaxy, just as Wyck had said. There would no doubt be time in there for the pair to speak properly, as Jedi should. Though even in their interactions, Vollen had always known the Jedi Master to be just, kind, patient. A true Jedi, truer than most in the Order, himself included he did not doubt. And as Masters they had a duty to be that sort of symbol. The remaining members of the Jedi council all acted as those in some way, and Vollen looked up to them all in different ways. With Master Wyck offering himself now, he knew the Master did not take on such a role lightly.

His certainty was only confirmed by those he now stood alongside. Master Atreides, the latest to join their ranks, Vollen had spent much more time with. While he had not been on the Council, he had known what his vote there would have been. It was good to see it reflected in the mans new station, and in the mans demeanor. Though he was still as gung-ho as ever it seemed. Today though he'd join that enthusiasm, this was to be the start of something good.

And Albert, Vollen had stood with him at Ossus as the Sith had sacked the library, taking with them the last of the Jedi's presence on that world. And now he stood alnogside him on a planet where they'd reclaimed their old home. A loss for a gain it seemed, the fortunes of all ebbed and flowed, the force moving in ways beyond even which the Jedi or the Sith could see. Today it felt strong, joyous, powerful. Perhaps it was just the presence of so many Jedi here, perhaps it was the planet. Perhaps it was something more.

For now, he nodded at and laughed with those beside him, and looked to Master Wyck.

This was a good day to be a Jedi.


@Malon @Insalius @Wit

 

[Grug]

Grug did not really dive into politics of the order. His nose took him to stop trouble and find truffles. There was little he thought of who could lead the order. That said, he liked the little Jedi Master. The Gamorrean Jedi heard people offering up their services symbolically towards the new potential Grand Master of the order. He panicked briefly as he was unsure what weapon to offer. Rifle? Blade? Axe? Yeah that seemed unique. Grug gave a big grunt as he spoke up as well.

"And me axe!" His voice was deep and he raised his choppa up in the air.

It was basically an axe. Grug forgot the official name for it so axe seemed fitting. The Gamorrean was unsure if this change would mean anything, but he supported this little one and his many attempts to fight evil. That was easy to support considering Grug's recent activity doing much the same.

 

[Fennex Zeerda]

Fennex did all he could not to groan and stick his lightsaber through his own gut, killing himself in shameful embarrassment. My blade? My Shield? My Axe? What kind of trashy holo-dramas were these kids watching? The Jedi were such a dramatic bunch it hurt his good senses. But, maybe... just maybe... this was an occasion that called for it. Wyck had been here since the beginning, seen this whole era coming to a head first hand. All of it. He was one of the few Jedi Fennex knew from those days who was still alive. He'd led or cultivated a number of efforts since ascending to the council, and he was well respected among Knights and Masters both.

Fennex didn't always like him. They'd spent years as pseudo-rivals and had serious disagreements along the way, especially since the trial of Alais. The old toad was stubborn and set in his ways, conservative and dogmatic even in his views... but more often than not, he was also right, Fennex had been forced to admit. When it came to a being a good Jedi, there was no one in the order more reliable and insightful than Master Wyck. The Order could do far worse, Fennex knew.

"Aye." That was the only word needed. Fennex nodded his snout, ears twitching as he placed his paws in his lap, perched on a rock in the courtyard, surrounded by his brothers and sisters.

 

[Telunaris]

There was a time where Telunaris stood in a crowd, among many of his brethren. Back then, under a burning sun in the sand-swallowed grounds of the great Temple of Jedha, an event had come to pass that was so akin to what the Deucalian Jedi Knight was seeing now. Back then, the morale of the Jedi was at such a lower place. Defeat had come upon defeat, as Exiles became Sith and Jedi fell to the demons within themselves. Now, they stood on the ancestral world of their kind. Restored, vibrant and luminous. Hope was alive, like the beating of a heart. The Order's resolve was made steadfast and their purpose redefined. But even through all the refinement and progress the Jedi had made, some things still remained as echoes of things that had come before.

And this was one such scene; Wyck, before the Jedi, acting only with their united support. Telunaris had counted it as a privilege to have been there, as Wyck had ascended to the Council. And after that, Wyck rose to lead the Council proper as the Master of the Order. Now, the time that many had expected, even waited for, had finally come, as the supercentenarian Jedi finally came into the role of Grand Master.

"You carry the fate of us all, elder one", Telunaris said, kneeling in a similar manner to Jon, albeit without the use of his lightsaber. It was clear that all the Jedi present were of one mind in this, united in voice and in whom they have chosen to lead them. "If this is indeed the will of the Force, the Order will see it done."

 

[Jubba the Mutt]

Jubba stood comfortably next to his friend Grug to hear the younger Master give his speech to the crowd of eager Jedi. The Jedi had been without a strong leader for some time and he hoped that this next one would be in a better position to do something about the terrible state of the Jedi pantry. Master Wyck was the perfect candidate for reforming the battered Jedi Order and turning it from the torn order of old and defining it for the future in what would likely become a long and deadly struggle against the Sith.

Although Jubba had never formally met the little green ham, his deeds were well known across the galaxy and was perhaps the wisest and most calm among the Jedi. Certainly, if there was a Jedi to emulate it would be Wyck and therefore who better for the head of the kitchen position of Grand Master?

"Jubba excited for quick Wyck to be Grand Master Chef, yes."

 

[Imani Sage]

“For too long, allowed a century of darkness to keep us divided, we have.”

Imani Sage had most of her belongings slung over her shoulder, which wasn’t much. She lost her lightsaber during the reclamation of Tython. She hardly wore anything but her Jedi robes or her traditional regalia. The young woman was virtually a nomad. As a Jedi Sentinel, she was able to go from world to world with ease, offering aid where it was needed most. Now as a Jedi Master, she was no different. Though this time was different. Imani was not hopping from one planet to the next over the span of several weeks. She was going somewhere far and for sometime. All for reasons that clung to her heart and chewed at her mind.

“Right the wrongs of a century ago, we shall.”

She was leaving to save the planet of Ifrane after news of an invasion by the Zyggerian Slave Empire. Under the threat of slavery and bondage, Imani had no other choice but to depart immediately. Regardless of the dire situation facing the Order, regardless of what the Jedi thought. In particular, Master Wyck. She appealed to him for his help but he could not provide. Too busy with the operation on Tanaab, with brokering an alliance beside the Republic, with leading the Order after the bombing at Jedha. So as he left to right the wrongs of the Sith and the war, she was determined to leave to right the wrongs of her people, Ifrane. No matter the cost.

“Do their duty, must every Jedi.”

She paused as she neared her ship. Ahead, in the distance, Imani could spot Wyck address the gathering of the Order. He was asking them to appoint him as the Grandmaster. A serious request, but one welcomed by the Jedi. She did not expect otherwise anyway. He deserved the position more than anyone else. His devotion to the Order spanned a century and would continue until the end of his days. Yet Imani was neither proud nor upset. But she was in pain. Deep down, she realized now that Wyck stood in a position that could grant her the help she desperately needed. All the same, she knew he wouldn’t give it. The Order was his life, not Imani. That was hurt the most.

For a moment, she could have sworn their eyes locked one last time, but she didn’t dwell on the thought. Imani turned away and boarded her personal ship. With the muffled hum of its engine and her hands on the controls, she was soon sailing past the atmosphere, leaving the temple behind.

“Lead you to that moment, I shall.”

Her fingers clasped around a single lever. She sighed, prayed, hoped. Nothing happened. Not until Imani glanced over her shoulder and looked on the small orb that was Tython. Its white clouds, seas of green and blue. There was no telling if that final glance of the planet would be her last. Yet she moved on. She forged through her emotions. With a push of her hand, the lever snapped down and Imani Sage lurched into hyperspace. Off to her homeworld, her people, her family.

@Malon

 

[Wyck]

Their Force-bond was strong, his and Imani's. He could sense her anguish, even here, on the surface of Tython. He couldn't sense where she was, or where she was going, but he knew that her anguish was a result of their chat several days prior. Would she ignore his advice? Would she go to Ifrane despite all that she had learned? Knowing her, yes. Always headstrong, that one has been, he thought. May the Force be with you, Imani Sage. Wherever you are.

Sensing his former Padawan learner reignited the fire in Wyck. He had come to ask the permission of the Order to be enacted as their Grand Master. They had responded overwhelmingly. But just words and a vote were not what the Jedi Order needed. They had done that before, and again and again. Conclave after conclave, talk, vote, repeat. But now was not the time for talk or debate, or really even voting. Now was the time for commitment. Now was the time for action. His words to Imani days earlier trickled back to him: only a united and strong Jedi Order could beat back the growing darkness.

It was time to become that Jedi Order. He stepped forward and spoke:

"One hundred and five standard years ago, stand on these steps as a Jedi Knight, I did, hours before twelve fallen Jedi led an invasion of the Republic, starting a war that led us all here, to this day and this moment," Wyck's old voice was as strong as his memory of the event. It had been so long ago, yet the memory of it was so vivid: the last moments of peace before a century of darkness. "For centuries, a bright light of peace and justice, the Jedi Order was for the galaxy, and, in those centuries, protect the galaxy from the threat of the dark side we did. But that Jedi Order, shattered by betrayal, it was — by twelve Jedi, followed by hundreds more, who began as friends and morphed into enemies."

It dawned on him, yet again, that, to many of these Jedi, everything he was saying was ancient history. It was decades before their time, even for the oldest among them. Yet, Wyck had known many of those fallen Jedi. They had been teachers, friends, rivals, and students. Every one of them had been tempted away from the light by the darkness, by the quick and easy path. And so the teachers and students learned forbidden knowledge, while friends and rivals became enemies. Now, it was happening again.

"One of the last relics of the Jedi Order of that era, I am." Wyck almost chuckled at that admission of age. Old relic didn't even begin to describe what he was. "The Jedi Order of this era, smaller, it is, and paler is its light than the one that guided the galaxy's light a century ago... but dedicated, I am, to building it back up. And growing, we have been." He paused and momentarily stretched out to the Force. Ah, there it was. Distant, an echo from way out in the Deep Core, but he could feel it out there. A great shadow. The Sith Empire, and Alias Drast at its head. "In not so different a place, do we find ourselves, than that Jedi Order of old."

"Like them, turned on us, our brethren have. But they have evolved and become a different enemy. The Sith. So, now, evolve too, we must." Wyck stamped his little cane and swept his gaze across the gathered Jedi. "For too long, splinted into sects, the Jedi Order has been. We have worked against each other, following our own hearts and ambitions to reach different dreams." He shook his head and stamped his cane again. "Beautiful, such diversity should be, but impractical it has become. Disagree, good beings can. The folly of this division, that is. By each following one's own heart and motivation, different conclusions will they reach, and each can believe that only their conclusion is right. Hmph."

He had seen this too many times. He remembered years ago one of the last discussions he had with Kal Vox about the direction and nature of the Force. He remembered the words Alais Drast had spoken at her trial. He remember what Vin had told him the last time he saw her alive. And, most importantly, he remembered his and Imani's argument in his hut just several days prior. Each had been following their heart. Each thought they did what was right. And look where it had brought them? Andraste turned, Kal turned, Vin likely dead, and Imani... oh, Imani. He hoped that she was alright with all his might.

"When at odds with each other, we are, at odds with the Force we become," Wyck asserted. This speech was becoming larger than he had intended, but they needed to hear it. "And when at odds with the Force we are, ineffective we become. Unable to preform our duties to the galaxy and to each other, we become. Today, that all ends. Reorganized, our Jedi Order will be, and stand strong and united, we will against the growing darkness." Now came the hard part. The part that was going to turn some off. Oh well, it was necessary. "Rethink your commitment to the Jedi Order, my challenge to you is. If you cannot place the good of the Order—the good of each other, and the galaxy we serve—above all else and follow the direction we are setting, then leave. If other duties or loyalties you have come before your commitment as a Jedi, then leave. If you cannot be a Jedi first, then ask you not to be a Jedi at all, I am."

He paused a moment. Enough to let his heavy words set in, and enough to let the murmur pass through the crowd assembled. Then, he finished with, "But to those of you who can make the commitment. To those of you who are ready to stand with me, and with each other, to be a light in the darkness: the time now, it is." He stamped his cane one last time, harder than before, and enough to cause an echo in the courtyard. "Destroy the Sith, we must. On this, the fate of the galaxy—of trillions of lives—all depends."

 

[Vollen Shai]

As others chimes in their support around him Vollen couldn’t help but note the little figure of Master Fennex perched behind him and his companions. The foolishness of their dialogue aside those in the crowd brimmed with enthusiasm and support. The Jedi Order was not merely a shared philosophy but a brotherhood, one built in real experience, in the force. He could tell the master was less than impressed by some of their excess, perhaps understandably. The smile from his face softening somewhat he approached Fennex (@Loco),

“Master Fennex please forgive our enthusiasm” he offered quietly, not wishing to interrupt the others. They had made a sight, he had to admit. That the Master offered a more tempered agreement probably spoke better of him than it did of them,

“Surely it’s better to lift their spirits somehow, even if it means looking the fool” he offered with a wry smile to his peer. They had spoke little personally before now. Another circumstance he had to change at some point. But for now this was as good an introduction as any. In the moment now, back by their old home and with smiles on faces, it was a good chance to reignite the ailing Order, especially given the circumstances they had so recently befallen on Jedha, and Ossus. Here they could forget at least, and for Vollen if that meant letting go of his own worries to spur others, here he would. It wasn’t a lie to them, not quite. He would never deny the things they faced. And even as Master Wyck continued to speak neither did he, all knew that they were backed into a corner. That darkness rose in the east. But there still might be victory, they could work for that. And that meant bringing them all together, both as an Order and as a brotherhood. And brothers played, something the Jedi could not forget even in these dark hours.

 

[Austin Wolfe]

theme​

Never before had Austin been in the company of the brightest and wisest in the Order than he did now. Having heard the call that Master Wyck sent out across the stars, Doctor Austin Wolfe answered it from the temple on Vrogas Vas. Having brought what he could of his medical supplies, the doctor had tended to the injured and wounded from the horrific assault on Jedha. As he stood here in the presence of the rest of the Order, it struck Austin that if it were not for his friendship with Knight Galahad Vult, he would likely have not answered the call here on Tython. It was incredible how his worldview and very foundations had been shaken in such a way that his purpose and duty now became clear as day. Truly, the Force worked in marvellous and unexpected ways.

As other Knights and Masters called out their unanimous approval of Master Wyck’s elevation to Grandmaster, Austin had a sudden feeling of hesitation and unease. For so long, he had been a part of the Order but lacked all trust in it. Indeed, in these last few months the doctor had found his faith, but in a way he felt unworthy of putting forth his vote as a Knight of the Order. Most of the Jedi here were well known throughout the halls of every temple, and here Austin stood as a mere doctor who had holed himself up in an infirmary for the better part of a decade. Even so, a spark of hope renewed his spirit, and he quietly stated, ”I will follow your lead, Master Wyck, as long as the Force wills it to be.”

And thus, there was no objection in Wyck’s election to Grand Master of the Jedi Order. The little green one wasted no time to discuss the most pressing matter at hand. As he recounted the days even before the hundred year darkness, Austin could do little but marvel at the perseverance of the Master. Few would be able to live long enough to tell the tale, and even fewer still would be able to have witnessed the downfall of the Jedi and still have hope burning bright. Again it struck the doctor that merely his sister’s death was enough for him to question the Order, and yet here stood one who had withstood the ultimate test of time and patience.

Wyck continued his admonition to the Jedi present before the great halls of the Tython Temple. What the Master suggested was an incredible change to how the Order operated for countless
years. In a way though, it made sense; dissolving the sects removed the imaginary boundaries between Jedi and would allow them to work together better than ever before. As agents of the Light, their duties were the same no matter their sect or personal convictions.

Finally, the newly elected Grand Master put forth a challenge to all who listened to him today. If Wyck had posed this very choice to Austin but a few months earlier, the doctor would have had no other choice but to pack his belongings and set out for his purpose beyond the Jedi Order. But today, he felt as though his faith in the Force and the Jedi had never been stronger. He knew immediately that Galahad, standing beside him, would wholeheartedly stand with the Order until his dying breath. And so Austin decided that he would too, recommitting himself as a servant of the Force. Even as the Sith rose in strength and assaulted the Jedi from every side, now more than ever was the time for action. ”Though our enemy’s Darkness is powerful, our Light is stronger. May the Force be with us all.”

@Shalken​

 

[Vorro Rayden]

Rayden listened to the words of the wise words of the elder Wyck. It was strange to ponder that the Jedi had been around for so long, he was even around to see the aging Jedi as a youngling. The Knight held respect for the man, like those that remained with their small order. He had taken a lot of losses and had nearly fallen to the darkside only a year earlier. But, he was able to hold on and those around him were able to bring him back--they could make a change, and he knew what had to be done.

For the longest time the Knight swore against the destruction of his enemies, to seek only peace. He was afraid, and had let his emotions control him, he didn't want to go back to being the man he was on Illum--so he ran. But, it seemed that no matter how far he went, the force was there to signal that he could not run from his destiny. He was still afraid, afraid of what he could become, but after Ryloth there couldn't be any other way. He was ready, he would defend those that needed it, for the peace and better of the galaxy--though feeling the weight of his old saber clipped to his side was a strange feeling.

Glancing towards the youngling assigned to him, he would turn his attention towards the others, "I've been running for a long time, I was there on Illum. It scared me, and it almost lead me to the darkside. I thought that if we simply attempted towards peace things would work out. But, I saw what they did on Illum, to my friends, and to those poor people on Ryloth. I was a fool, but I know now that I'm ready..and ready to be lead under that of Master Wyck, to protect the innocent and the weak, to protect our future generations," he would pause as he looked towards his young student, "This is going to be a challenging road, one that we must be prepared to give up ourselves. I'm sorry..sorry it took so long for me to realize this." His eyes would shift down towards the ground.

 

[Arhena Espaa]

If truth was to be told, this was the first time Arhena had ever seen Master Wyck. Or, as he would now be known... Grandmaster Wyck. This was his second adventure out of his little nook and cranny of a library that he'd called home for a very long time. The only problem in his mind was that he'd heard a lot of these speeches before, said by many Jedi over the past few years. Sometimes it was in passing, other times it was serious and led to some grave repercussions. As a librarian, it had also been his job to record the numbers of the dead that had occurred recently, and maybe the new Grandmaster wasn't aware... but the number was staggering. The Jedi victories had dwindled to naught, and most if not all the Knight that had been open and willing to fight were picked apart by Sith forces one by one. Though Arhena, like every kid his age, wanted to jump to Wyck's side and embrace this new direction - he couldn't help but ask himself why this hadn't been done sooner. Still, he smiled and joined in the trumpeting cheers that echoed throughout the halls of Tython. Maybe this was a new beginning after all.

There are so few of us... so few Jedi remaining... is this all that had come?

This was a chance. A chance to do right by his mother, by the father he'd never met, by the siblings who scolded him. They might never hear of what he did, they might never even hear his name uttered. But Arhena would know, and he would remember the names of every fallen Knight, every buried body, every broken soul that this war had wrought. Though he held no torch to the likes of the Jedi Masters, he swore to himself in silence that the Empress would be stopped... no matter the cost. Grandstanding and speeches, history lessons and words of wisdom... he'd heard them all before. It had long since been past the time for words, when their enemy scoffed at mercy and laughed at kindness. The very things that made the Jedi jedi were the reasons the Order had lost so much already. Of course, he knew in his heart that they would win this war, they had to, if they didn't the Galaxy would be helpless against that insane woman's plotting.

I wonder... what would you think of me, right now, Mom? I know you worked with the Jedi for a little while... I know you had your differences with them... And what about you, Dad? Would you approve? Do you even care?

The last thought caused him to look up at the sky for a moment only, before returning his gaze to the assembly. When Wyck asked those who could not devote themselves to the Order to leave, he felt the same fire burn inside of him as he did the day he had fled his home. The same drive, the same power that drove him ever onward to an unknown purpose. He knew maybe one or two people in this assembly, and he barely felt comfortable replying to the diminutive Jedi as he continued down the steps. Instead, he just smiled and nodded calmly, looking around at the Knights and Masters standing together. He could see the light had dimmed from some of their eyes, where the happiness had been was replaced only with the glass of pain and sorrow. There was still deep loss here, but the sheer power of their will and determination caused his hair to stand on end, and a gentle tear to grace his pale eyes. Was this home, now? Where these the people he'd die to protect, or who'd die to protect him? He didn't have the answers. He didn't know what he was doing, or what his purpose was, or how he could manage to live up to half of what a Jedi Knight aspired to be...

But I'll be damned if I don't give it my all. I'm in, Grandmaster, let's do this.

"I'll do what I can. However I can."

 

[Galahad Vult]

For the first time in his life, Knight Vult had arrived on the holy planet of Tython, now purged of the ancient evils that had plagued it for decades. A recent harrowing and humbling encounter on Jedha had left Galahad’s demeanour subdued. Indeed, Vult now lacked the crutches he could once be seen walking with regularly, now wielding a gnarled and spindly cane-like stick to assist him. In spite of this, he could not help but be awestruck at the planet’s serene yet wondrous beauty. However, he was present for far more than just sightseeing — the famed Wyck had summoned everyone from their Order to the planet to a meeting of special importance. Having made his way posthaste, Galahad was shocked to see that his friend Austin had arrived first; it seemed that the once disillusioned doctor was now even more keen than himself to assist the Order. Smiling to himself, Galahad listened intently to what Wyck had brought them all together for.

It was a momentous day for the Jedi indeed, and Wyck brought both inspiring words and a warning of the dangers ahead. It was no lie the Order had been without a Grandmaster for some time now — Galahad knew this well, perhaps even more than many others. His damaged leg permanently marked the day Cadef died, and it was a day the Knight would not soon forget. And yet in spite of the dark times that lay before the Jedi, there was great hope to be had as well. Though Wyck humbly requested that he lead the Order anew, an unorthodox method, but truly Galahad could think of none better equipped to lead them. Indeed, the other Jedi present all thought the same, as many stepped forward to present their arms and pledge their allegiance to the wise elder. ”If by my life or death I can protect you, I will.”

The newly-christened Grandmaster’s first decision was to cast aside the barriers that the Jedi sects created. Perhaps several months ago, Galahad would have been greatly offended by this course of action, as he had great pride in his previous post as temple guard. It seemed fate had other plans for him, and now Vult could do naught but agree. He knew the duty of the Jedi was to the Order, the Force, and the people, not their restricting identities that they held and fought over for naught. And though Wyck gave the hesitant and weary the chance to go their own way, Galahad stood his ground as best a cripple with a weak walking stick could, never more dedicated to the duty at hand. If all the Sith in the galaxy should strike him down, Galahad would only rise again to take the next hit, knowing the blows landed on him and that those he cared about would be spared.

 

[Solyan]

The new temple on Tython was a sight to behold - a tangible image of the emerging Jedi Order. They had suffered many losses - seen so much death and sorrow as of late. It brought back to the Feeorin's mind memories of the centuries' long war he had fought within, back when both he and Wyck were considerably younger. Solyan was proud to see his former companion in his current position. Jealousy was a trait of the dark side and had no place within the Jedi Order, but he did not even feel the tinge of such emotion. Wyck was the right Jedi for the job, and Solyan had every confidence in his friend's abilities. Solyan bowed low in front of Wyck, and said in his deep, resonous voice: "You have my support, Master Wyck. May the force be with you my old friend."

He took a few steps back into the crowd to allow others to voice their support as well. He wasn't much for the spotlight, and left his show of support at that. This was Wyck's moment, and he deserved it.

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

Right the wrongs of a century ago, we shall. And, with our lights burning together, finally lift the shroud of the dark side from our friends and fro this galaxy, we will. Right, I'll believe it when I see it. Prove you're a leader. DO SOMETHING. ANYTHING.

For the first time in a very long time, Aliyah was both afraid and very, very angry. This came right on the eve of feeling the life of one of her closest... friends... snuff out. She knew that Jace had been travelling with her father at the time, and though she could still sense him alive she was worried. Terrified. He was in danger, she could sense it, and she knew in her heart he was more than likely dead. The one person who accepted her for who she was, instead of trying to change her Venatus had given her the strength to become the best version of herself she could be. She'd helped him through almost everything, and the two of them had been inseparable for the longest time. She'd only met Jace in recent times, but they'd grown close very fast, and his death hit her harder than a freighter moving at lightspeed. It brought up feelings she didn't even know she was capable of feeling, and deepening sense of resentment towards the ones who had done nothing. That's what this was.

Just another speech. How many times do I have to hear this until something is actually done? How many times has the council spewed out the same drabble, time and time again. I'm a Jedi, yes I am, but if you think for a second I'll get behind you because you decided now was the time to act... you're wrong.

She paced back and forth gently as she heard the speech. She had a responsibility to be here... her father would've wanted her to come. She was hoping to see Jace and Venatus here among the crowds, that all her worries were for nothing and the Force had deceived her. What she found instead was the very same Master who had spoken in the Conclave on Lothal months ago. NOTHING had changed, nothing at all. The Sith had been allowed to march across the Galaxy completely unchallenged, and anyone who went to fight them had no backup, no support. They died as they lived, with honor, but those lives were wasted. Not spent. Even the people she could see around her had dwindled to almost nothingness... there was so few of her peers left. The list of the dead just kept getting higher and higher, while the Order assembled and rebuilt their precious temples. That was what hurt her most of all. That somehow, this place was worth the cost of the thousands of innocent lives that had been lost due to inaction. She agreed with her father, among the last words he might ever say to her had been the most wise she'd ever heard. It was the Jedi's fault this war existed, and it was the Jedi's responsibility alone to defeat the Sith. If Wyck was being honest, if he actually meant to fight, she would be glad. But she didn't believe him, she'd heard this a hundred times before, and she'd probably hear the same excuses again and again and again.

"...We've all been fighting. Jace talked like you. Venatus talked like you. And they killed them over it.

I'm tired of talking. I'm off to go actually do something productive beyond standing around trading wisdom. That doesn't win wars, Grandmaster. It never has."

With that, she tried and failed to collect herself before walking off coldly. She'd get in her freighter, and beeline for the site of Jace's death. She wasn't going to let them desecrate the body, like hell. He'd be buried with the same honors as anyone else, and she'd make sure to kill every single Sith who had a hand in harming him. The Sith WOULD be stopped. And she'd start NOW. Not two minutes from now, not two days from now, at this very instant; from this moment forward. She was the bane of the Sith, and they would find no rest... not from her.

 

[Austin Wolfe]

Throughout the conclave, Austin kept his mind open to the refreshing energies of the like-minded Jedi around him, as well as the Light that naturally emanated from the very planet itself. However, one such individual stood out to the doctor even as other Jedi came forward to renew their allegiances and give their support to the new Grandmaster. Turning his head to ascertain who was in such inner turmoil and conflict, Austin’s eyes rested upon a familiar face. Aliyah Coven, the adopted daughter of Venatus Phoenix, paced restlessly during the speeches and inspirational words. Though he had not known her for long, his first impression was that she was a loyal Jedi, but headstrong. Austin didn’t even need to reach out with his mind to feel the intense emotional distress pouring out of her. She was in a dangerous state of mind.

As others finished speaking their hearts and minds to the gathering of Jedi, Aliyah raised a voice of dissent and spiteful words. She named Jace and Venatus, two Jedi she was clearly close to, who were either close to death or already deceased. Then, to the doctor’s alarm, she declared that she would go out and do something she called “productive”. As she finished her cold, yet emotional speech and turned to leave, Austin caught Aliyah’s arm as she passed by. ”Knight Aliyah,” he addressed her firmly. ”Be mindful of your emotions. I sense great anguish, fear, and hatred within you. These will only lead you down the path to the Dark Side; you know this. You are a loyal Jedi and seek to do what is right and good, but search your true motive. No longer is your crusade against the Sith a righteous one to defend all living things and seeking balance in the Force, but a personal quest for naught but revenge.”

The doctor stared boldly into her eyes, hoping that his words would cause her to truly understand what she was about to do. ”We are Jedi, and our purpose is not to pursue our own wishes and gain. We are led by the Will of the Force, and in doing so we serve all living beings selflessly. Search your feelings, Aliyah, you know this to be true. Venatus taught you this himself. Would he want you to embark on such a reckless path, one that can only lead to the Dark Side?” Though Austin held her arm firmly, he would not continue to hold her back if she struggled to break free. His voice becoming softer, he continued, ”Understand, Aliyah, you would use your strength in the Force out of a desire to do good. But through you, the Dark Side would wield a power too great and terrible to imagine.” Now fully releasing her arm, regardless if she were to continue to walk away, the doctor would finish with one final admonition. ”If you do this, you will become the very thing you seek to destroy.”

@Autumn’s Firefly​

 

[Aliyah Phoenix]

"I'm sorry. I'm happy you've all decided now is the time to do something, I am."

The instant the Doctor said something, she deflated. All the power in her voice from seconds ago was gone, replaced by a gentle timidity. He sounded a lot like they did. Too much like they did. She knew Austin from Jedha, when they had attempted to heal another Knight's legs. By all accounts he seemed to be a good person, if not a little high strung. But a Doctor should know better than to speak to anyone in distress like that, though she realized he was probably just trying to get his point across. She didn't want to argue with anyone, in truth she wanted to be alone. Her mind teemed with possible responses, but she decided to go with the most neutral approach.

"I'm going to get the bodies... I'm bringing them home. I could never be like them, Austin. I'd never be like them..."

She looked back at him with a gentler expression on her face. Her emotions still betrayed her, and of course they were running higher than usual. That's what happens when people you care about die, people you were close to. In this case, the only people who had any inkling of her life story. One of them who had been there since almost day one, jumping in at every occasion to save her. He'd have gone for her body, and he wouldn't have let anyone stop him, that was the way Ven lived. She knew that if she decided to go overboard, there was no coming back, but to assume she had so little control over herself was wrong. She needed time, not a lecture. She needed actions, not words, and though she knew Wyck likely had the grandest of intentions, she was genuinely concerned it was too late. Pushing back the Sith... especially with how powerful they had become... it would be more than a difficult task. It would cost them even more lives, lives they couldn't afford to waste or spend. If Venatus was... gone... then she had his responsibilities now, she had been trained by him to take his place. Frankly she was amazed she didn't collapse, but she was stronger than that. She'd been taught to be stronger than that.

"I... can't be here right now. I came hoping to see them... and they're not here... it's not the same. They collect our lightsabers, and I doubt they're going to be kind with what's left of our...

I may never recover them if I wait. So what would you have me do?"

@Vosrik

 

[Arhena Espaa]

Spoiler: OOC Note

If we need to continue this, we can start a separate thread. Let's not steer this off course.

He had never met the man, nor the Twi'lek that voiced her disapproval. He didn't understand what was going on, but he gathered from the way she was acting and talking that she'd lost someone. He would be lying if he said he hadn't seen this before, he'd seen the same reactions in many people over the loss of a loved one. Especially a loved one that was once close to you, that kind of loss hurts the most. It all came down to the what ifs and had I been there's, and frankly if this girl took off on her own that would be all that occupied her mind. She'd lose herself to grief and find a way to blame herself for a loss that was in no way her fault, and that guilt would start to encompass every other death she failed to stop. It was a negative cycle that only got worse over time, no matter how amazing of a person you were. It turned good men cold, and cruel men colder.

"I can't pretend to understand what you're going through, but he's right. If you leave here like you are now, I don't think you'll come back the same. Besides, if what you say is true and two more Knights are dead, what can you hope to do on your own? You'll die too, and that won't help anyone."

He gently approached the two of them, cautiously nodding and apologizing as he interrupted the conversation. This was hardly the place, there was announcements being made and a deep sense of revelation crashing over the assembled Order. If there was to be a conversation about ethics, or morals, it needed to happen far away from this place. Wyck's speech had been aimed towards improving morale in a time were morale was at an all time low, and the entire Order was pushed to the brink with their backs against the wall. Though the girl was older and more experienced than he was, she was in distress and emotionally hurt, she wouldn't be thinking straight. But he needed to think not only of what effects this might have on her, but all the Jedi around the area. Keeping these private and personal treacherous thoughts inside was dangerous, but she obviously had people she could trust. Still, this was neither the place nor the time to divide that which was being mended.

"What you need to be is surrounded by people who want the best for you. Not left to your own thoughts, you'll destroy yourself. If it's a situation that can't wait, we can talk now. But not here, there's a lot more to this than just the war. Let yourself calm down, relax, and enjoy the company. There will be enough time for being mopey later."