There was an idea

[Hugo Ion]

Rebel Warship, Outer Rim
​

Commander Hugo Ion sat alone at a metal desk in his personal quarters, reviewing the latest reports coming from the rest of the Alliance. They were making progress on some fronts but needed improvement elsewhere. At least we’re moving forward. He told himself silently.

Then seconds later the intercom came to life with his personal aide’s voice. “Sir, your guest is here.” Nodding in appreciation Ion replied. “Alright Dyur send him in and make sure we’re not disturbed.” Once acknowledged by the Sullustan on the other line, Hugo put on his jacket over the undershirt and sat up from the desk.

This rotation he will be meeting with Vu’thari. The Al’doleem tribunal and its aftermath even now hung over the Duros’ mind. Hugo sighed heavily, wishing how he could’ve done better back then. The past can not be changed, but the future still had a chance.

While he had issues with Vu’thari leaving the Alliance with his followers, the resistance leader knew they needed them to return into the fold. Still he knew there will be plenty of rebels and Jedi who will not be pleased to welcome back the self-exiles. They will not be rewarded for leaving but be allowed to reunite with us, nonetheless. The Commander intended to make that clear while at the same time hoping the trust between him and the Twi’lek can be reforged.

“The force is with, and I’m one with the Force.” He murmured, waiting for the door at the other end to open.

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Rebel Warship
Somewhere in the Outer Rim

It had been months since the twi’lek had set foot on a rebel warship. He was still amazed at the speed in which the Galactic Alliance got their feet under them. While Commander Ion had been ready to provide him with his own warship, he had left the organization before such a thing could occur. As he strode through the passageways towards Hugo’s office, there were whispers from crewman as they saw him make his way Forward on the ship. Some had looks of wonderment, some gave grim nods and others had small scowls on their face—this was just a sampling of what his return would be like. But the Jedi Master was not here to win over hearts, he was here with purpose and clear direction. At this point, it mattered little what others thought of him and his decision to undergo a self-imposed exile. Vu’thari was asked by Leah, a fellow Master and a friend, to come back and help the struggling Jedi Order…so that is what he was going to do, no matter the opposition.

As Vu’thari reached Hugo’s office, he activated the blast door and walked into the Commander’s office. He was told to go on in, so thankfully Hugo was there waiting and not otherwise busy. The blast door closed behind him. The twi’lek was calm and his mind was at ease as the room fell into silence. His one good eye met the duros’ own. Managing a small smile, the twi’lek began, “A corner office…not a bad piece of real estate.”

For a brief moment, his eyes looked out of the viewport situated behind the Commander’s desk, watching the many Alliance ships before his eyes returned to Hugo’s own. It had been months seen they had spoken.

With sincerity, the twi'lek asked, “How are you holding up, Hugo?”

@Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

Once the blast door opened, Hugo immediately saw it was Vu’thari. Having served with the red Twi’lek for sometime the commander knew him from anywhere. The Duros nodded as the self-exiled Jedi entered and commented about the quarters. “It’s not a Corellian hotel but works for me.” Hugo replied back.

The alliance commander then looked out at the viewport with Vu’thari. The sight of the rebel ships together reminded him of their progress, and it filled the blue humanoid with pride. Of course there is still so much to do. Ion returned back to focusing on the crimison tail head. Once asked about how he been doing the resistance leader let out a weary chuckle and confessed.

“Could be better and could be worse. So what about you Vu’thari?”

Hugo briefly looked down at the floor before back to the former shop mechanic and gestured to an empty chair in front of his desk. “Please take a seat. We have much to discuss.” Saying all that in a more somber tone Hugo returned to his own chair and sat down.

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Rebel Warship
Somewhere in the Outer Rim

Hugo sounded tired. Vu’thari couldn’t imagine the stress and information the duros had to work through on a daily basis. He asked how Vu’thari was doing.

“I am doing well enough. Training Jedi on Ord Mantell.”

The Alliance Commander asked him to take a seat and the twi’lek obliged him. The duros indicated that they had much to discuss. Vu’thari thought that was putting it lightly. As he began, the Jedi Master leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and his fingers interlocked in from of him. His one good eye searched out the duros’ and said, “Much indeed…"

After a moment of pause, he began, “Hugo, I know I put you in a bind with my absence and those of my students. It certainly was not my intent to cause duress or strain on the Galactic Alliance. However, it did…and for that, I am truly sorry.”

The twi’lek looked down and back up with resolve as he continued, “I owe you an explanation...I left because my confidence in the Alliance Council was shattered in those Council chambers. I joined the Galactic Alliance with the understanding that my role was that of both a Jedi Master on this Jedi Council and that of a military advisor on the Alliance Council. But this was not the reality of what occurred in those chambers. Instead, it was summary judgment without discussion by one Jedi Master. What Leah did was wrong in many ways, including acting out of emotion. In fact, the Council knew how she went about it was wrong—but nothing was done then...and nothing has been done about it since, as I suspected it wouldn't. The only person in those Council chambers who recognized the folly of Leah’s actions, besides me...was her. If future 'Alliance Council' meetings would follow this pattern, I knew the Galactic Alliance would suffer in the future. My goal is to preserve the Jedi and train them to fight Sith tyranny...that has not changed since I joined the Alliance. It has not changed since you asked me to join this cause.”

Pause.

“But I am not here to dwell on the past. Master Leah Reach is a fine Jedi Master who acknowledged her mistakes. We move on, forgive, grow stronger and wiser as a result...we have to. I have been asked by Leah to help rebuild the broken Jedi Order and rejoin the Galactic Alliance. I am willing to do that, if you will have me…but what happened before cannot be allowed to happen again. How the Jedi Order, Jedi Council and Alliance Council interact have to be defined…”

Another pause as Vu’thari looked across at the veteran Commander. The Jedi Master concluded, “I realize you might not see what occurred in those chambers as enough justification for my leaving…I understand that. I just hope you realize we have all made tremendous mistakes lately that have set us back in what we need to do to save this galaxy…”

@Minuteman75

 

[Hugo Ion]

The commander sat silently with both arms on the desk. He listened as Vu began to speak. Hugo looked to side sadly, remembering that session. In his eyes Aurora was still a coward but what Leah did in respond went too far. It is why the rebel leader did not move to place the former master under arrest but let her go.

Despite not being force sensitive Ion saw the effect of force stripping to another who was. He knew the reason Leah did so out of outrage but looked what it lead to. Yes, Hugo did not believe Vu’thari shouldn’t have left considering the bind it left the Alliance and the other Jedi. But he was no Imperial to force someone to stay at blaster point and what happend at the council chamber had took him completely off guard.

That was in the past. Hugo thought quietly, determined not to let such events play out ever again among the council. Ion let the Twi’lek continue until finished. Clearing his throat the Duros looked up back at Vu’thari.

“You’re right I still don’t see your group’s departure as completely justified considering how it split the Order during such a crucial time.” The rebel leader rubbed the side of the head. “Though believe me I know why you did so but we can’t afford debating about the past. The Sith won’t wait for us to finish pointing fingers at one another.”

Pausing Hugo closed his eyes and confessed. “Vu’thari you and your followers are welcomed back by me but you won’t be on the council at this stage. It’s hard enough for many in the Alliance, rebels and Jedi alike to accept your return right now.” Squeezing the left hand into a determined fist Hugo stared back.

“However, I refuse to let such dissonance grow. We need to rebuild the trust which was shattered on that day. Meaning fight and work side by side once more. We must show the others to move forward by example.”

Vu’thari would see in Ion’s expression the freedom fighter truly wanted a fresh start. That won’t be easy, but Hugo believe it was worth doing.

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Rebel Warship
Somewhere in the Outer Rim

If Hugo was not an honorable soul, Vu’thari would not even entertain coming back to the Galactic Alliance, but the Jedi Master believed in Commander Hugo Ion. He trusted him to make the best decision he could make. What comforted Vu’thari more than anything was that Hugo learned from that Council session and the twi’lek did not foresee him allowing such behavior in the future. The duros spoke of not agreeing with the departure, but understanding it. He also made it clear the “state of affairs” with trust and respect among the rest of the Galactic Alliance. But the twi’lek knew most of them would not understand. They simply did not have the perspective of those on the Alliance Council, so there was no sense in getting emotional in any way with their judgments that would be levied on him and his students. Vu’thari knew he would not let it affect him—it was simply going to be part of the “journey” in rejoining the Galactic Alliance. Hugo also let him know he would no longer have a spot on the Alliance Council or the Jedi Council. The Jedi Master understood their decision in this.

“Thank you for understanding, Commander. It means a lot to me that the Alliance Council has decided to take my students and I back in. I think all of us learned valuable lessons and grew wiser after the mistakes we all made in those Council chambers. Hugo, you have a job to do and I understand the decision for me to not be included on the Alliance Council or the Jedi Council. I will continue to do my part by preserving, preparing, and training Jedi…at least those who wish my guidance. Whatever role you wish me to fill in addition to this, I will do my best…”

@Minuteman75