Woes of Leadership

[Vuthari]

Safehouse 4V – NE Quadrant Corridor
Worlport
Ord Mantell

Security was something that Vu’thari never took lightly. Ever since moving to Nar Shaddaa, the lengths that the twi’lek went to in order to ensure the safety of him and those he was responsible for could be considered “extreme”. But this was not an era where Jedi Knights flourished and Jedi Temples were found on every planet. This was a time and place were Jedi were hunted down and killed…mercilessly, doggedly and consistently. Making mistakes in security were to invite the Empire to your front door…but Vu’thari trained his apprentices well. They understood the protocols for travel, communication and other security facets of their lives.

Safehouse 4V was not different. It was simply an empty shell of a building. It had been unoccupied for years—and Vu’thari intended to have it appear that way. However, it had purposes for the group now known as the Jedi Covenant. One of them was to meet trusted contacts. They were working on acquiring more hospitable places, but for the moment, this place would have to do.

To Vu’thari, Commander Hugo Ion was doing a good job with the Galactic Alliance. He really couldn’t see much he could do better to lead his people. Unfortunately for Hugo, he decided to bring five Jedi Masters from across the galaxy into the fold—all with different ideas, all with different mindsets and all with different ideas on how Jedi training under them should be treated. The twi’lek did not envy the position of the duros. But he was doing the best he could, despite the behavior of the five Jedi “Masters”…Vu’thari included himself among those Jedi for failing the Galactic Alliance in many ways.

Fortunately, Hugo had given Vu’thari multiple secure ways to contact him. So once Vu’thari left after the evacuation of Savareen, he, Aysaha and his padawans no longer had any more contact with the Galactic Alliance. Vu’thari made it clear that if he was not wanted, then he would leave. It was made clear his opinion would change nothing…so he left. However, at the very least, he need to speak with Hugo and simply work out logisitics, if he even wanted contact with them. If Hugo wanted to know why he and his apprentices left, he would lay that out for him as well. When Vu’thari sent out a communique requesting Hugo to meet him on Ord Mantell, he really wasn’t sure what the response would be. But in the end, Hugo had always been pragmatic.

Vu’thari heard the door code being pressed, allowing entry into the empty shop. He was glad Hugo was using the code he sent to him, along with the address. To ensure security, the only person who had a code to that door was Vu’thari and Hugo. Of course, that would change following the meeting, but for now, it was just them. It was dark and Vu'thari could not see anything but a silhouette.

Vu’thari led off with a small smile, “There is some beer in the small fresher over there. No seats for us, unfortunately…credits are a little tight at the moment”

Pause. Reaching out, it was not Hugo at all.. The twi'lek forced down the many emotions rising to the surface and said calmly...

“Well, I certainly wasn't expecting you….”

 

[Leah Reach]

Leah was hurting. Since the tribunal of Valentine, since exiling Aurora, since losing A’doleem. She was a whirlpool of emotions. Anguish, fear, worry— all swirling together in a storm that sucked her in. Jedi Master she might be, she was not flawless. She had doubts and regrets. One especially being Vu’thari, the Twi’lek Jedi she came to appreciate and respect, only to lose due to her actions during the trial. Her stubborn attitude led to him leaving on a self-imposed exile, along with a handful of his students, splintering the Jedi and weakening an already crippled Order. Although Valentine rescued the captive Arda Breaux, he too was lost. Disappeared. Only she and Luy were left. Stuck in dire straits, they needed help. She needed Vu’thari.

After speaking privately with Hugo, Leah decided to take his place in meeting the Twi’lek. While Vu’thari had every right to be warned about her arrival, she feared he would change the delivered code or move to another safehouse. After all, they didn’t leave on good terms. There was no telling if the other Jedi still held hard feelings for her, which she couldn’t blame after what was done. But if she wanted to guarantee a discussion, it would have to be a surprise. So, unarmored, dressed in her usual robes and hair pulled over one shoulder, Leah Reach stepped into the confines of the empty shop. She was immediately greeted as Hugo, and immediately felt regret. Before she could correct him, Vu’thari realized who it was. It was time.

“Vu’thari.” She answered and inched ever closer but maintained a safe distance so as not to alert the Jedi. Through the Force, she made her intentions clear as day, that she had not come to fight. Hands clasped, her fingers weaved between each other, nervous. “Long time, no see.” She offered a reassuring smile, hoping the other Jedi would not escalate things. The last thing she wanted was to leave on the wrong footing with the one person that might save the Jedi. So, she would keep her space, stay in her lane, remain the rebel ambassador she was. “I’m sorry to intrude, and I’m sorry to surprise you, but we need to talk. Please.” Her eyes were pleading. Anyone would see she was desperate, and Vu’thari wouldn’t need the Force to know it.

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Safehouse 4V – NE Quadrant Corridor
Worlport
Ord Mantell

Emotions. It was what his grandfather shut off completely to stay the Jedi Master he was. In that way, he was an anomaly. Vu’thari was not like him. Humans, twi’leks, and many other species in the galaxy had feelings and this is what part of what made them sentient. In truth, Vu’thari couldn’t imagine any Jedi not having to deal with emotions and not seeking ways to deal with him. Those heavy emotions were the purview of the Sith and it could be a slippery slope…

Leah was a creature of emotion…just like him. He understood the actions she took in the Alliance Council chambers months ago, but the implications had worried him greatly. But he did understand. In truth, the twi’lek was not sure he would ever see her again. There was no anger, no feelings of betrayal or any of those negative feelings towards Leah at all. What happened in those council chambers was months ago. In fact, Vu’thari was pleased to see the woman.

“Think nothing of it. I am pleased to see you…”

Nothing was off. There was no unease. What he sensed is what he saw: a friend, a Jedi Master who was broken, standing in front of him. She wanted to talk. Looking at her with his one good eye in the dim light, he said quietly, “No beer and no chair to offer you. I am really not much of a host…”

Dressed in black and gray leathers that had the feel of a spacer more than a Jedi, Vu’thari managed a small smile which slowly dissipated and was replaced by a look of concern. He replied with sincerity, “Are you alright, Leah?”

@Deviant

 

[Leah Reach]

“Pleased to see me?” She echoed his words, unbelieving. Almost tempted to laugh. Was Vu’thari serious? As she eyed him, Leah knew he meant every word, but she struggled to accept it. “The last we spoke, Vu’thari, I told you that you could leave with Aurora and I wouldn’t so much as bat an eye.” She admitted a soft chuckle, not as a joke to him but to herself. She had done some dumb and terrible things, none of which deserved the quick, unexpected forgiveness shared by the other Jedi. Leah wanted him to thrash out at her. She wanted him to say something more, give her a piece of his mind. She didn’t expect such compassion, and sympathy, out of the same Jedi she insulted and dissed before the Council. How could he be so kind, after everything?

She raised her arms and shrugged. No bother dragging through pleasantries. She imagined he wanted to know why she was here and what she wanted to say. “Well, I was wrong. About everything.” She smiled, rolled her eyes, still a mess of emotions. One couldn’t tell whether she was about to laugh or cry. Maybe both. “The Order is ruins. The Alliance is on the brink.” She drew a deep breath. “Half of our bases are gone. We’re on the run from the Empire. The Council is split. I can’t find Aurora. Valentine’s disappeared. Luy has done little to help. Mandalorian sentiment for the cause is fading. I can’t even keep my own students in line.” Her hands clasped together nervously.

“I don’t know what to do, Vu’thari.” An anguished sigh escaped her lips. “Everything we’ve built is falling apart and I think it’s my fault. I know it’s my fault.” She crossed her arms over her chest, feeling too vulnerable but struggling to stop. “My husband— he always dreamed about a real Jedi Order. Like the old days. Before the Sith.” Another hopeless shrug. “I’ve done everything I can but it’s amounted to nothing.” She held back tears. “You were right, back on Al’doleem. If Eli was here, if he saw what’s happened, I— I don’t think…” Her voice cracked. How far she had fallen. From a composed rebel ambassador, chin high, ready to discuss with Vu’thari, and now? Just some broken thing. A widow, a lone Jedi crushed under the weight of the galaxy on her shoulders.

So much had happened since Al’doleem. Too much. She brawled with Raz, clashed with Luy. Her nightmares intensified. Her shaken faith in the Light allowed the spirit of a Nightsister to possess her body, and while she was rescued by her students and several others, it only confirmed how unfit she was to be a Jedi Master. She needed Vu’thari, desperately, to save the Order, or even the Alliance, before she brought it to ruin.

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Safehouse 4V – NE Quadrant Corridor
Worlport
Ord Mantell

The twi’lek watched her carefully as she spoke. These were words of sincerity and desperation. She truly did seem at her wit’s end. Knowing the weight placed on her shoulders, he could understand her guilt in the Galactic Alliance and the Jedi Order going the way it had been going. It was also as Vu’thari had suspected—nothing had been done to Leah for her actions in the Alliance Council Chamber. No one on that Council had the courage to tell her that what she did was wrong and then act on it. While Vu’thari had done just that, resigning himself that the Alliance Council was flawed and not a Council at all that would lead them into ruin, he had left the Galactic Alliance at a most inopportune time. Three of the five Jedi Masters left with no certainty that any of them would return. With just Luy there with her, he understood the pressure she was feeling. But Vu’thari had chosen to preserve the Jedi and train them to fight the Sith. He had given his apprentices the choice to go with him or stay with the Galactic Alliance…most all of them left with him.

The Jedi Order within the Galactic Alliance had numerous faults that were hard for the twi’lek to ignore, thus why he and the others had left. First, it had not been run like a Jedi Council, it had been Leah’s law. This was a Council structure that was not a council at all. Second, Jedi were allowed to be treated like a ‘rank and file’ soldier, even Jedi Masters, but this could not be the case. While Vu’thari certainly did not think they deserved preferential treatment, they did have very specific needs, specifically additional training to combat the dark side within themselves. Finally, Vu’thari had a very different mindset on the elevation of Jedi Knights and was worried that some of the Jedi Knights were not ready and desperately needed to undergo the Jedi Knight trials of old. He was quite sure that some of the Jedi Knights that had been elevated since Ayasha were ready, but some were not. The last thing Vu’thari could imagine was to be placed in a position to train the next generation of Jedi Knights and Jedi Council watered down the training for the sake of speed and desperation…that too, would lead them down a path of failure.

But Vu'thari told the Alliance Council that if this was going to be how things were going to be run, they could count him among the exiled. When Leah and Hugo said he free to go with them--he did, leaving with all the ramifications that went with it...

While those things were in the back of his mind listening to Leah, she still had not told him why she was here. His eyes cast down for a few moments to allow Leah to recover from her emotion speaking of her late husband. He had said those words to her in the Council Chambers. While he meant every word, it was truly hurtful what he said, whether she deserved it or not…

Looking back up, he said quietly, “What are you asking me to do, Leah?”

@Deviant

 

[Leah Reach]

Leah paused. Her plea and her cry for help was heard, and she was grateful to know Vu’thari was listening, but she realized she was overstepping her bounds. The Jedi Master had already exhibited her imbalance in the Force and conflicting emotions. While her words told the other Jedi everything he needed to know, her body language, every twitch in her finger, the desperation in her eyes, painted another picture. With a deep breath, hoping to calm herself, Leah answered, “I am unfit to be a Jedi Master. Unable to lead the Order. Too weak to protect the ones I’ve come to care for, even love.” Arms still crossed, her nails dug into her skin, anxious. “You were right, Vu’thari. I cannot lead the Council. I cannot even be part of it. Not anymore. Not after everything that’s happened.”

“But you can.” Her heartbroken gaze looked up to the other Jedi, locking eyes with his own. Leah made one step forward, filling with hope. A hope that Vu’thari might listen, and accept, what she had to offer. “The Jedi need you. I need you.” She chalked up a hopeful smile. “You were among the youngest of us, yet you’ve become the strongest. You were a mechanic plucked out of Nar Shaddaa, and now you are a Jedi Master, leading some of the most promising students in the Force. You know what to do and how to do it. You know how to lead. And you know what I’m asking of you. Begging.” She looked away now, struggling to maintain eye contact. Leah was too hurt, too ashamed, to bother. But she wasn’t too ashamed to ask. “I need you back. On the Council. Leading more than just your students, but guiding the whole Jedi Order.”

“I know, I know— it’s a lot to ask. Almost too much. But you’re the only one who I believe can do it.” Hands clasped together, she squeezed, hesitant. “Master Luy is wise, and it would be wise to listen to him, but he is no leader. He knows many things, but he doesn’t know when to take action.” She didn’t want to bash the other Jedi like this, behind his back, but she had already voiced her concerns to the Council and to him. Luy understood her feelings on the matter. “But you do, Vu’thari. When I made a mistake, you did something about it. You stood by your heart and mind and refused to give in. Your presence in the Force is unmistakable, but I realize now it takes the strength and will of the mind to be a leader. And you can be that leader.”

“Maybe not now, but in time, if you might only forgive me, I know you can do great things with the Jedi. All you need is the freedom to do it, and I’m offering you that now.” She reached out a hand. “Please.”

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Safehouse 4V – NE Quadrant Corridor
Worlport
Ord Mantell

The twi’lek could not believe the words coming out of Leah’s mouth.

She is leaving?

Vu’thari was just now beginning to realize just how heavily her actions were weighing on her. It was also becoming more and more clear to the Jedi Master that the two of them were the only ones who truly understood the implications of the actions taken in the Council chambers…and unfortunately, the implications for them both. She was pleading with him to come back the Galactic Alliance and the Jedi Order, but she would not be a part of it. This part was the even more surprising than her words about him returning…

His mind was racing, considering the possible outcomes and implications of both him returning and Leah leaving, the people affected by both: his students, Ayasha’s students, and Leah’s students. Some of the younger Jedi would never understand why he left the Jedi Order. Their thoughts would be naïve in the vein of “traitor” or “coward”, of which, he was neither. But this would simply be something that would have to be overcome should he return…Greybok and Hugo would still have to be considered in this equation with the dynamics of the Alliance Council and the Jedi Council.

There were so many variables and the future of such a thing was unclear. There was a part of him that screamed for him to walk away from Leah’s plea. But the next generation of Jedi were counting on them and so far, the five Masters had done a pretty thorough job of failing them. The twi’lek knew this could not go on. If Leah was leaving, then it would be just Luy. While Luy was a wise Jedi who Vu’thari respected, his inaction in times where action was needed would be detrimental to the Jedi Order. He could not stomach them coming so far, as ugly as the steps had been, and then it all come crashing down. This…he could not let happen. Too many Jedi depended on them and he could not allow any more failures to bring the Jedi Order any lower. Before, his mindset on the Alliance Council was that if I cannot save it, then leave it. Now, he was beginning to see it a bit differently: save it at all costs. It would not be easy…

She spoke of Vu’thari forgiving her and his coming back to the Order in a leadership role. Continually, he had to force down his own emotions on the matter. He thought of Ayasha, knowing her opinions of the Jedi Order—he was not sure if she would come with him if he returned. While this sickened him to think of this outcome, she had to find her own path, just like he did...

Looking at Leah, he could sense her agony. He now realized just how much pressure was put on her, but there was more there. Her despair went deeper than what Vu’thari could sense. Taking a deep breath and calming his emotions the best he could, he replied softly, “I am quite sure any return on my part will not be well received by some, but I will do it. I will return and see the Jedi Order take the path it needs to take to thrive…”

As Leah extended her hand, Vu’thari took her small hand in both of his and said quietly, “I do forgive you, Leah. Please know that…and I am sorry for leaving you. I did not know the depth of your hurt...and Eli would indeed be proud of what you have built.”

His heart ached for her, but also worried about her, “Where will you go? You know you are needed on the Jedi Council with us—your students need you as well. None of us are perfect, Leah. We have all made mistakes that weigh on us heavily…”

@Deviant

 

[Leah Reach]

“Forget what they might say, because they don’t understand. The Jedi hangs by a string. They need someone to guide them, and while I cannot be that someone, you can.” She said, and she was right. There were those that considered the Jedi Covenant to be seditious and a return to be almost scandalous, but desperate times called for desperate measures. They didn’t know that Aurora and Valentine may never return. They didn’t know Leah was leaving. While they could look to Master Luy, she wouldn’t dare trust the survival of the Jedi in his hands. On the other hand, Vu’thari far eclipsed the other Master in terms of strength and will. He respected the ideals of the Order, and Leah knew he would, perhaps, one day, make a fine Grandmaster.

It was why Leah was so relieved to hear Vu’thari agree. Another weight was lifted from her shoulders. She was scared not only for herself, but for the Jedi, yet with the Twi’lek back in the ropes, she could leave knowing the Order was in good hands. She sighed. “Thank you, Vu’thari. So much.” She tried her best not to cry. He eased her mind in ways he could not even comprehend. Acceptance, forgiveness, compassion. Vu’thari was so much more of a Jedi than Leah thought he was. More than herself. “Thank you.” She echoed in a whisper and leaned forward. They hugged. Her eyes closed. It might be the last time they spoke again, and she savored every moment.

As Leah retreated back, hand still clapsed with his, she eyed him reluctantly. “I know I’m needed. I know I’ve made mistakes. But I need to fix them too. I need to mend what was broken. Valentine must be brought back into the fold, and so does Aurora.” She aimed to find the other remnants of the Jedi. Her intentions were clear. Although, not as clear as one might have thought. For Leah also had a son. The last of her family. A vision, a bond through the Force, revealed he was in the clutches of the Dark Side. Now, she was determined to find him too. To save him. Because, maybe if she did, she might find some peace in her husband’s death. Some atonement for her actions, along with recovering the Master she so foolishly cast out.

“I will do everything in my power to ensure you have your place on the Council, for the sake of the Jedi. But you’re right, I can’t guarantee you will be welcome, but in time, they will realize. They will see you for who you really are— our spark of hope.” She smiled, her fingers slipping away. Their time together was coming to a close.

@Mithias

 

[Vuthari]

Safehouse 4V – NE Quadrant Corridor
Worlport
Ord Mantell

There was more there. But the twi’lek did not want to intrude on her thoughts. What mattered was that her intentions were pure. Because of that, he would just have to trust her and her judgment. The pressure of trying to rebuild a Jedi Order from scratch was immense. It was a big ask for five Jedi with different backgrounds, different histories, different personalities, and different ideas. But from failure came wisdom. He knew for certain that the last five Jedi Masters possessed more wisdom and more insight now than had they made no mistakes at all. The Force was guiding all of them on their individual journeys for a reason...

Leah had a journey in front of her, eyes set on bringing back the two Masters back into the fold and whatever else was unspoken. It was also a time to come to peace with herself as well. Vu’thari understood the need for all of it. Following the Council meeting, Vu'thari had attempted to find Aurora and bring her in with him and his padawans, but she was gone. He hoped Leah would have more success going forward. There was a deep connection between the five Masters that he could not explain, though they barely knew one another in many ways. But the Force had a way of connecting strands between people that may or may not make any sense at all. While Vu’thari had a sense of what his path was, it just now applied to a bigger organization: preserve the ways of the Jedi and train the next generation of Jedi to fight tyranny of the Sith. The Jedi were protectors of the galaxy and he would not allow them to fall into disarray because of the Masters’ mistakes. He could not do this alone--Master Luy was a pillar of wisdom and that had not been forgotten by the twi'lek.

Leah thanked him and stated her intentions. The twi’lek understood. Sensing her emotions, she needed space. She needed time and felt she had to go on the path before her. The best way to show love for his friend was simply to support her. As they embraced, Vu’thari could tell a small bit of her burden was lifted. It truly had weighed on her to be here and bring him back in the fold of the Jedi Order.

During their heartfelt embrace, Vu’thari whispered quietly, “Follow your path unburdened, Leah. I will not let what you have built unhinge…”

As they relaxed their embrace and unfurled their hands, Vu’thari reached into the folds of his tunic and slipped her a datastick, “There are multiple ways to contact me directly on there. If you ask for help, I will drop everything to help you. At the very least, tell me when you arrive to a new star system. I will not question why you are there and it will be held in confidence. But if something happens to you, I can at least have a starting point…”

Pause.

“I will look after your students. You have taught them well.”

With a sincere smile, he added quietly, “You are a good friend and a great Jedi, Leah Reach--never forget that. I hope you find all that you seek out there and when you do, return to us. May the Force Be with You…”

THE END​

@Deviant