Open Plot Ajan Kloss When Duty Calls

[Fiach Dubh]

Fiach was invariably true to her word. She asked questions so that she might learn, not because she liked the sound of her own voice. And nor was her mind closed to the answers. She was genuinely unsure of the correct course of action. On one hand, she believed that all should follow their own path – even Jedi, or maybe especially Jedi. But an individual’s course is just that – for the Jedi themselves. The role of the Council was uppermost in her mind and she still did not know if those assembled would seek formal approval – and what they would do if it was not forthcoming. Or if it was for that case.

Fiach looked around the room. Many seem to have made their minds up quickly. Perhaps the arguments were compelling for them, or maybe – as had been hinted at – they came with their mind’s made up. Either way, people were making a decision and so she felt at odds, not truly siding either way. But the meeting appeared to be coming to a close and Fiach had more questions than had been resolved and so decided to wait, to speak to Nykoria directly – and maybe limit her questions to one at a time rather than overload the Jedi Knight with her reservations.

@Catbert

 

[Isen Ramm]

Izel Thral's padawan had snuck in some time ago, listening to the arguments back and forth. He was late...not a terrible surprise. But, his lack of flair and quiet nature allowed him to sneak in mostly unnoticed, and he weaved his way through the crowd until he was situated just behind and to the left of his mentor. As he listened, he gave no emotion, no sense of siding one way or other. His eyes drifted to this one speaking and then to that one. He neither nodded nor dissented with his body language. A Jedi he didn't know lifted their brow to him as if trying to read his opinion on the matter. Isen shrugged, smirked slightly, and whispered, "I'm just a padawan. I'll side with my master, whatever it may be. I don't get paid to have opinions." He thought he caught the faintest of twitches of his master's antennae both as he sat behind her and as he spoke.

Again, he went back to listening to the arguments on both sides, letting them sink. After Izel Thral's last comments, he leaned forward and spoke to her with the intention of nobody else hearing, "The situation will not resolve itself. I can't imagine that it will. Am I wrong to assume that the situation will get worse if we don't act? Eventually, we'll get dragged into this one way or another, won't we, Master?" He lowered his voice as another person began to speak. "Pragmatically, wouldn't it be wiser to join the fray on our terms instead of being forced to at some future date?"

@Reyn

 

[Nykoria Tallis]

It seemed that the meeting had largely served its purpose. People were starting to leave; some had stated their intentions to help, while others remained unconvinced. Despite some minor bumps in the road, the Zeltron felt elated that her idea had found so much traction among the fellow Jedi, let alone someone outside the Order. With Nara volunteering to find a ship, the prospect of doing something about the Sith threat was closer than ever.

To top it off, she had found some of the staunchest supporters. @Izel Thral, @Nara Allam, and @Hal Mikko were quick to step into the discussion and advocate the idea. And let's not forget @Weiss Zano, who had the courage to be the first to support Nykoria's idea; before it was even obvious how it would be perceived by the others. @Eisa Wex and @Jago Haaldin—people from outside the Order—had traveled far just to attend, and offered their help.

Master @Hannibal Grayza, despite some reservations, was apparently in Kori's camp too. The Zeltron thought the same of @Isen Ramm, @Ilukai Koa and @Brienna Lanaamer. @Maxims Tionson was wary of Kori's position, but remained a friend, and a person to turn to in the time of need. @Fiach Dubh was still on the fence, and @Udilor Hesph seemed to be firmly against it. But regardless what they spoke, they were still Jedi. And Jedi stand together, no matter what. Kori couldn't envision Max standing in her way or trying to stop her.

Either way, the Zeltron had got what she called the meeting for. "Well... I guess this is it. Now that I know what you all think on the matter, I can approach the Council and see if they authorize this mission. I think I know whom I can contact," She gave the people who remained in the room a warm smile. "Fair warning, it'll probably be a long one. And the preparations will take a while. Some supplies; an appropriate ship..." Kori talked about it as if the Council's permission has already been secured. "Guess we've got some work cut out for us. But anyway, unless there are any more questions, I guess the meeting is adjourned. I'll let you know once there is any news."

Nykoria cast a brief glance through the window; the sun had almost set, and night was steadily making its way towards the Temple. She would remain in the room for a while longer, if anyone wanted to talk to her. It felt like at least some of the people had unanswered questions. But otherwise, Kori's mind was made up. She would actively oppose the Sith. And she wouldn't be the only one.

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel had been so engrossed in the debate that she hadn't even taken notice of her Padawan slipping into the room. So much so that she actually jumped a bit in surprise when he leaned in from behind to speak to her. The Vratix glanced over her shoulder at her apprentice as he spoke. She was glad he had decided to come along after all, and gladder still that they seemed to be of the same mind when it came to the topic of the Sith. It made sense though, he had witnessed first hand what they were capable of on Nar Shaddaa.

Before answering Izel looked back to Kori as she spoke once more. The meeting seemed to be wrapping up, and more people were leaving. "I have relatives in the bacta industry back on Thyferra," She offered. "I'll get in contact with them and see if they can provide medical supplies for this operation." With that she would turn to her Padawan to speak to him.

"You are not wrong." She agreed with his assessment. "History tends to repeat itself, and that is especially true for it's more unpleasant parts. Taking the initiative to cripple our foes before they do more damage is in my opinion the wisest course of action, but those arguments raised against us here are not without merit. We walk a dangerous path Padawan. It will test our resolve and loyalty to the Jedi teachings. Death is not all we have to fear in this conflict, there are some outcomes that would be... far more painful." She took a step closer to him. "I need you to understand just how much is at risk. If you follow us along this path, you must take the highest care. Even though we are justified in our response, if we allow our disdain for our enemy, our hateful emotions to overpower us, it will be we who shall present the next great threat bearing down on the galaxy." She put a hand on his shoulder. "I believe you to have great potential Isen. We would be privileged to have you among our ranks when we set out. But I want you to go into this without any illusions. This is not a simple mission, it is a war." She lowered her hand and stepped back giving him some space. "Are you prepared to go to war?"

@Isen

 

[Isen Ramm]

Izel's Padawan nodded, always looking her in the eye. The gravity of the situation was not lost on him, and his master wanted to be very sure that he knew the risks and that the risks were more than just life and limb. The Sith would attack more than your body. They would attack your spirit and your mind. Isen, an astute student of history, read the diaries of Jedi past who encountered the Sith. The attacks on the intangible took longer to heal than the strikes to flesh and bone. Then there was loss. There would certainly be loss. The loss of friends. The loss of relationships. Jedi would almost certainly perish, and Jedi that Isen would consider friends...or possibly...Master...could be among the loss. It would be a burden that Isen knew would be incredibly hard to bear. Some that he call friend and ally today, if history was any indication, could turn to the Dark Side and be an enemy to face to the death tomorrow. All would be worse than the loss of his own life.

Still, Isen felt he was destined for this moment. He felt that the Force had, in large part, created who he was to take on the Sith. He was strong. He was courageous. He was talented and skilled in combat. He could take orders. The fear of death did not paralyze him. He knew he would more than a capable brother in arms should he find battle against he Sith and their allies. If the Force did indeed have a will of it's own, it would seem that the young Padawan Isen Ramm would be purposefully placed to be in combat against the Sith.

"But I want you to go into this without any illusions. This is not a simple mission, it is a war," Master Thrall told him. She had crowded him earlier, speaking very clearly to make sure he understood what was coming. She had backed up at this and as she posed the question. "Are you prepared to go to war?"

Isen's eyes never flinched. He never wavered. In his soul, he felt this was what he was destined to do. Still, the question weighed on him, and he reverted back to the diaries and the memoirs of Jedi long past. He took a deep breath, for once, not reacting too quickly and giving the question thought. "Master, I don't know that anyone who has never seen war can be prepared for it," Isen said. "I only know that I feel as though I should be willing and that I would be an asset. I want to be by your side in these times, Master. And you by mine. As much as we can be."

Isen not prone to emotional responses and reactions, the comment was a rare, but genuine verbal hope.

@Reyn

 

[Izel Thral]

Though Izel couldn't smile it wouldn't be too difficult for her Padawan to read her emotions in that instance. She felt gratitude and pride in her apprentice, and felt honored he seemed to view her as someone worthy of following into such peril. It made her feel as though she must have been doing something right as a teacher. At the same time there was some conflict brewing deep within her. Some small part of her had hoped he would decline, both for his own sake and hers. Despite her confidence in his abilities Izel still feared for Isen's safety. But more than that she feared what she would do if he did die, or worse, fall to the dark side.

It could be said Izel's time with the Jedi had not been what she expected, and while she had grown and tried to better herself she was still plagued by doubt often. Doubt in her own ability and whether or not she was worthy of being a Jedi. She had failed in the past, and if she failed so spectacularly as to lose an apprentice? She didn't think she would be able to go on. But for the time being she put those fears out of her mind. This was a good day, a day for hope of a better future.

"Well said." She finally replied to her Padawan with a soft chitter. "I shall be glad to have you at my side in this, Isen Ramm. A master could not hope for a better apprentice." She took a moment to look at Kori. "Well, it seems we have much work to do. Best we get to it sooner rather than later." She looked back at Isen. "If you have any further questions you should ask Knight Tallis. She is our leader in this operation. I am going to get some rest. Tomorrow we'll start making our own preparations. Good evening Padawan." Izel would give Isen a respectful bow of her head, before turning and saying farewell to her friends and allies as well. She would then leave the chamber. It seemed that one way or another they were going to war with the Sith. It was about time.

/Exit Thread
@Isen @Catbert