From The Ashes, A Phoenix Will Rise (Tef's Farewell)

[Jaxton Ravos]

@[member="Inigo Montoya"] @A’dele
OOC:I’ve got no problem continuing RPing in the past if y’all two would like to continue.

Then

Jaxton saw the padawan offer to give his shoulder to lean on, but politely refused. “My back is burned.” Jaxton said, telling the man that putting arm around his back wouldn’t help. “I caught the tail end of a missile launcher. Explosions aren’t that good for the skin it seems.” He said jokingly, almost as a defense mechanism. As he arrived at the Medbay he sat on a bed, almost collapsing but making sure not to land on his back. He had learned the hard way laying down was too painful to maintain. “So why the lack of emotion?” He asked the Zabrak woman, curious as to her beliefs.

Now

Jaxton was surprised he had gotten up as early as he did. After all the past two days he had binged on glitterstim, he felt like he had gone through two kilos. Hell, he was surprised he had gotten up at all. Still, he had a duty to do. Jaxton took a shower, downed a few cups of caf and got dressed, electing to wear a suit instead of traditional Jedi Robes. If the funeral was being broadcasted he couldn’t be seen as a Jedi. Electing to leave his lightsaber in his quarters Jaxton joined a transport full of Jedi and other established dignitaries on the way to the funeral. His transport didn’t get cleared for direct docking at the funeral, and he wasn’t going to trouble Master Wraith or Vondiranach about it. As he sat in the transport he gathered looks from all across the transport, first glances for his size, and then second glances by Jedi, trying to figure out if he was the man who had fought with the late Teferi.

“Are you the one who fought with the Grandmaster?” a Jedi youngling finally walked up and asked. The boy was no taller then Teferi was, and had a glimmer in his eyes, the glimmer of innocence. He hoped the boy couldn’t see the glitterstim presence in eyes over the contacts he wore to hide the fact.

“Yes.” Jaxton admitted. He could feel sadness and curiosity from the boy’s emotions, both through the Force and with his Zeltron telekinesis. “He fought valiantly, but was taken from us.” Jaxton said. There was silence for a moment, but it was soon broken as a young rodiese padawan girl came up to him.

“Why didn’t you save him?” The girl asked in a way that was not accusatory, but child-like and confused. Jaxton swelled up a bit then found the strength to answer.

“I tried, but I wasn’t fast enough . . . I wasn’t strong enough.” He said admittedly and reluctantly, images and memories of Junction resurfacing. He remembered the scorched buildings, the wrecked capitol in which he fought. He remembered the smell of burning flesh, the sizzle his body made when he was struck by Force Lightning. He remembered feeling the heavy aura of the darkside, blanketing the planet like a fog, only partially broken by the small instances of light around the planet. But most of all, he remembered the feeling of a beacon of light in the Force being extinguished as if it were a candle in the wind, and Jaxton being unable to stop it.

Then came another youngling, this and older Chevin, perhaps even a padawan. He came and stared at Jaxton. “So it’s your fault he’s dead.” The young Chevin said accusatorily. Jaxton didn’t need to be a Jedi or a Zeltron to feel the sadness and anger in his voice. He wondered if the boy’s anger was at him or merely at the loss. In the end Jaxton thought it didn’t matter. He was mad, and that was it.

Jaxton rose his head, finally looking directly at someone for the first time in the flight. The boy’s eyes spoke anger, sorrow, loss. A tear fell down Jaxton’s face as he looked at the Chevin. “Yes.” He answered not putting up any denial, reasons or excuses. The Chevin seemed satisfied, or perhaps disheartened by Jaxton’s words. All of the other’s in the transport were quiet the rest of the ride. He could feel the mixed feelings of the passengers in the Force. Some felt anger at him, some felt sorry for him, and all felt sadness. All in all, it was a terrible environment for a Zeltron. Their emotions fed into him, only magnifying Jaxton’s guilt.

The transport landed, and Jaxton went to his zone, was scanned and authorized, then went to his waiting zone. He was supposed to speak a few words about the Grandmaster’s valiance and death at Junction. He wasn’t sure if he could do it, give justice to the man who had served the Jedi for the past five centuries. But he decided he would try, and give the best speech he could.

 

[Jorn Mair]

@[member="Darron Wraith"]

Jorn waited for the Mandalore to leave He extended his own gloved hand at the Grandmaster and introduced himself. "Im Rally Master Jorn Mair. I have come to pay my respects for a man who gave his life in the aid of the Mando'ade cause." When he shook the mans hand he felt sore from the battle and his knee was in great pain from the lightsaber to his knee. he would walk with a limp for while until he would get it fixed on Courscant.

"I know that it is not a time of celebration, but I believe that you will be a great Grandmaster. For now I do not believe we will need help from the Republic or the Jedi Order. You have given us much expecting little in return, and we are great full for that." Jorn force a smile onto his face. It may have been crude but he meant well. "if you will excuse me, I will continue to do what I came here for and be out of your hair." Jorn wasnt going to leave just yet, he didnt know if the Grand master wanted something from him. And he had a slight plan that he would ask of a Jedi. He would rather not bother With asking the grand master because he would have alot of new responsibilities. he would have to talk to a Jedi Knight. That is If he could find one.

 

[Darron Wraith]

Darron managed a curt nod to the Mandalore, while also quickly waving towards the Supreme Commander as he made his way to where the ceremony would be held. The GrandMaster quickly shook the hand of the Mandalorian before him, who introduced himself as Jorn Mair. Releasing his hand, Darron quickly addressed him, while starting to head towards his men. "A pleasure to meet you Jorn, thank you for coming to pay your respects to Master Efreet. I know he would have been honored by your presence. If you'll excuse me." He wasn't being rude, it was just a simple fact that as the leader of the Jedi now, the new Grand Master had very little time to socialize. In fact the past two days had been the loneliest days he had experienced in quite some time. Where it not for him having to issue orders via the Holo-net he would have had absolutely zero human interaction. It truly is lonely at the top...

After a few more moments of shaking hands and meeting with officials he had never seen, Darron had had his fill.

Most of the dignitaries he talked to, where men he had seen on missions. Their corrupt, backroom dealings bothered the Jedi, but he showed no sign of it. There would be a day to address that, but that day was not today. No, the ceremony for today would simply be about paying respects to the great former GrandMaster, and putting him to rest finally. Blue eyes found the new memorial statue, and a small smile broke over his face as he saw the majority of the well wishers heading inside to take their seats. Guess it's getting close to the time to get this thing started, he said to himself. Adjusting his robes as he made his way up the steps, he couldn't help but notice the massive Zeltron, Jaxton. I'll speak to him in a moment, he doesn't seem any better than the other day when I last saw him.

As he made his way down the hall, a certain figure caught his eye, and suddenly he remembered just how distant he had been. I've got to fix this.

In stride he placed his durasteel hand in her open one, and pulled her from the rather bland looking conversation she was having. "Sorry, I'll bring her back in a few minutes." He flashed a grin and the woman dignitary smiled and waved them off. Still holding their hand as they slowly made their way to the ceremony, in front of everyone he didn't release his grip. In fact he drew a little closer so she could feel that he hadn't forgotten about her. "I've missed you...and I know I have been distant. This promotion hasn't been the easiest thing to accept, I am a warrior by nature. Leading the entire Order wasn't exactly in the cards for me, or so I had always assumed." He hoped Rosa would understand as they slowly made their way to Jaxton, but he was still out of ear shot.

 

[Rosa Gunn]

Rosa almost always found herself talking to politicians, it was like she was a magnet. They seemed to be drawn to her. A familiar face among the Jedi, someone to answer their questions. The conversation she had been drawn into was beyond dull, it was painful and despite the soft smile on her features Rosa's patience with the woman was beginning to fail.

"You must come back the SIAC, Rosa. That business with your parent was awful but we need you."

"The Committee has been functioning perfectly fine without me. I have chosen a different path." she watched as Darron approached not hearing the woman's response, a true smile appearing on her face as he took her hand and pulled her away. She winced slightly but her happiness about being close to him again quickly brushed the pain aside. She was surprised at his openness in front of all these people, it was almost as if he had forgotten they had agreed discretion.

Rosa did not care, though, she looked up at him and smiled, giving his durasteel hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's alright Darron." she said softly "I was worried about you. I know this isn't easy for you but you can't shut me out like you have been." Another guest was waving at her and Rosa inclined her head in greeting before making Darron stop and facing him completely "Share your burdens with me, don't carry them alone. Promise me?" she longed to tiptoe and kiss him but she resisted the urge.

I love you.

 

[Darron Wraith]

"Sharing a burden isn't easy, when it's something this encompassing Rosa. Every decision I make from this point forward affects everyone, and the ramifications could lead to consequences I can't fathom." They continued to slowly walk towards Jaxton, and the GrandMaster refused to let go of her hand. The rules were changing in the Order, and he would be the first to set an example to be followed. No longer would love be something to be ashamed of, the emotion in it's truest form would be recognized and allowed. He wouldn't have made it this far, or endured as he had without her in his life. To not recognize her contribution to him, and helping shape the man he was, would be a betrayal he could never consider. He stared deep into her blue eyes for a moment as he replied in kind to her, I love you too.

"I can promise to try and do better, I am far from perfect. You know this better than most. I can only give my word to try and talk more, but there will be days when you have to force the words out of my mouth." Their steps were in perfect sync as they made their way down the hall, hundreds of eyes upon the pair. He would feel their feelings through the Force, and he knew the questions would come. Later though thankfully, they will learn of the restructuring of the Order in a matter of days. He buried the thought, looking forward would be reserved for tomorrow. This day was a look back, and a celebration of the man who had brought the present to fruition.

Without you Teferi, none of us would be here to live in this moment.

Darron fell silent and paused in his tracks as they came upon the Zeltron Knight, Jaxton Ravos. "Hang on just a moment, Rosa." The GrandMaster released her grip as he went to shake his hand and pulled him in close. The next words that left his mouth were a whisper, but loud enough that Rosa could hear him.

"Thank you for what you did, and thank you for being a good example to all Jedi. That being said, you need to knock your addiction. Also, the cat will come out of the proverbial bag about you being a Jedi Knight. You need to choose a path soon Knight Ravos, you've been blessed to have a chance at greatness for two callings. I'm afraid you can't pick and choose duty to suit a schedule for sports entertainment." He released the Zeltron before placing his hand back into Rosa's as he made his way to the gardens where the ceremony would be had, motioning for all around to follow suit. As he lead Rosa to her seat, he waved to a few younglings before releasing his grip and heading to the podium. I'll see you after this beautiful.

It was about to start.

 

[Nadi Maarow]

Naadi had taken her seat, farther back, but still fairly front-ward. Surprisingly, she was one of the few non-humanoids, but Naadi supposed that spoke to the ubiquitous over-abundant common-ness of humans to begin with.

Noticing that Darron apparently waved at her, Naadi waved a paw back and smiled at the new Grandmaster..... And then noticed that there were some younglings seated around her as well. She could understand the confusion.... After all, she had been a padawan for only a month.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

@[member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""]Jaxton Ravos @[member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member="A'dele"]
[I'm good either way]

Then:

Making sure that the bigger man was comfortable lying down on his stomach, Inigo assessed the damaged back. Spraying disinfectant on his hands, he took a sterile scissors and began removing any remaining clothing and possible shrapnel from the affected area. Then he took a big glob of burn medication and gingerly applied it to the burned flesh, before placing a cooling solution and a thick wad of synthi skin to speed along the healing process. All this he did in silence, concentrating at the task at hand, not because he was rude but rather he didn't want to miss a single step which could lead to infection for the patient.

Now:

Rubbing his eyes gently, Inigo finished his third cup of caf before setting the glass down in the sink. The Medlab saw a lot of patients over the last few days, many with traumatic and sometimes life threatening injuries. It stretched his capabilities as a healer and a Jedi but Inigo always tried to do his best, although sometimes it wasn't enough.

Wearing a simple brown padawan robes, he left his cell to join the others in paying respects to the Grandmaster.

 

[Adele Adonai]

@[member="Jaxton Ravos"] @[member="Inigo Montoya"]
{ I'm down!}

Then:

Quietly, while Inigo carefully applied the bacta over Jaxton back, A'dele made use of the time to go over the Zeltron's vitals. She did not react to his joke; her expression still remain the perfect picture of cordial passiveness. Rubbing her hands together, standing just across Inigo, A'dele quietly meditated before calling upon the Force. Both palms began to lightly glow a golden hue. Then, hovering them over Jaxton's other side, she sent that light pulsing warmth over his flank. Through the Force she felt every nerve, sinew, vein, and bone that lay under her palms. A fine concentration took her then, her brow lightly furled as she did so.

She heard his question, but the answer was of no importance. Some may call her a pillar of ice, regarding her aloof attitude offputting. It appeared that A'dele didn't mind it so. None the less, every indication gave that the Zeltron, being what he was, would not simply take silence as an answer. So she gave him an answer that would hopefully sate him.

"There is no emotion, there is peace," came her reply, almost like a mantra.


Now:

Dressed in her typical Voss Mystic robes, the young Iridonian stood quietly at the rear of the chamber. A'dele didn't mingle well, but that was fine. She would stay here and give her respects quietly and without any disturbance to others. There were far more appropriate individuals who would surely speak kind words about the late Grand Master. For the moment, she would pay her respects in relative solitude and quiet.

 

[Cody Walkins]

"Ready! Aim! Fire!

The crack of 21 blaster rifles echoed off the gloomy scenery of Tython on this grave day in the history of the Jedi. Cody had never met the Jedi Grandmaster before his death, but he understood that the little green alien had done many great things for the Republic, and for that he had gained Cody's respect. That's why he volunteered for the extra duty that meant he needed to ship out to Tython with his dress uniform and give the master a salute of blaster fire, one that would ring out and let the galaxy know that one of its great lights had been extinguished. Cody was sure to make every snap in his movements tight and every slight flinch in unison with the rest of the rifle team, who all returned the favor with great precision.

"Ready!" the rifle lead yelled, his voice carrying to the heavens as each man brought his rifle into a slanted position across their chest. Their movements were so synced and perfect that the those droid makers at Baktoid Industries would cry with envy at the perfection. "Aim!" the command came, each officer bringing his weapon to meet the gaze of the angels who were weeping for all of living kind. "Fire!" the unison was instrumental, the crack of every blaster creating a grave symphony that would act as the internal song of the Grandmasters final solitude. Even as black as the dress uniforms were, they were still not matched with the sadness and despair that this day deserved. Nothing could be black enough to symbolize the tears and moans of the weary who mourned today, not just a friend to them, but a friend to all of the Republic.

And as the line of riflemen dispersed, Cody was stricken with a sadness brought about by the absolute solemn atmosphere of the planet. He hated himself for it, for he knew that it was no true sadness like that felt by all the others, no this was a sadness he felt out of guilt. He felt no true despair over the loss of this Jedi, he could not feel anymore, his work had seen to that. How can one be an officer of law and justice and still be able to feel for strangers he had not met to the point where he would cry for them? It was impossible, if he had felt despair over every beaten mother, raped child or dead stranger he would have never been able to carry on with his life...still, today he felt guilty for not feeling the same gloom as the rest of the attendants...

 

[Jorn Mair]

Jorn stood in the back as he watch the Ceremony of the green man Teferi. The gunshots went off in rounds to show for the mans death in the field of battle or to show that he was part of the Republic. He looked around to see other Jedi and Other Republic members who were Decked out in armor or in ceremonial garments. He was gald that they took death highly rather than the Mando culture where they said "Mph' Hes dead, Lets drink in his honor!" TO him He would like people to take the time to think of who he was and what he did while he was alive. He wondered how he would die.

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

@[member="Darron Wraith"] @[member="Inigo Montoya"] @A'dele

Then:

Jaxton marveled at how quickly the two healers went to work. Jaxton had decided it was good that he had caved and gone to the medbay sooner rather than later. And at least he had some interesting conservation. He was pleased that the healers did not elect to ask him what had happened, how Teferi had died, what he did in the battle, or any of those questions he wasn't ready to answer. Instead they mere did there business and tried to help. Jaxton thought the Zabrak woman's policy was interesting. He knew the old Code of course, but he didn't know any still talked about it outside of history classes.

"There is no ignorance, there is knowledge." Jaxton replied back to A'dele. "Everyone's heard the old code, but I wasn't aware of people following it since . . . Luke Skywalker formed a new Jedi Order." Jaxton replied, trying to remember which Grandmaster it was that rebuilt the Order after the Clone Wars. "What about you Inigo, what do you believe about the old Code and emotions? I don't think I'd be half the Jedi I am if I didn't have the passion I did." Jaxton brought the padawan healer into the conversation, not wanting to be exclusionary.

Now:

Jaxton could feel the Grandmaster's emotions through his natural telepathy. He hid them well in the Force, but Zeltron didn't feel people through the Force, they just felt them. He could feel a sense of duty, a sense of uncertainty, but most of all, he felt love. Probably for the blonde behind him, a Knight like him if he remembered correctly. He wondered what it would feel like to know you had lead an organization of laser sword wielding magic men and protect freedom and democracy, and found his troubles seemed smaller. The Grandmaster was correct of course, in his assessment of Jaxton. He did need to quit spice, and he did need to quit playing Grav-ball, and he would do both . . . eventually. One day he would tell all of Corellia he was a Jedi, and that he was done. He had no idea when though. Jaxton loved playing ball, he loved his planet, he loved the people, but there were so many more important things out there. He was a warrior, and he was going to protect everyone he could.

Boom! Jaxton heard the beginning of the twenty-one gun salute. It was nearly time for the speeches. Jaxton couldn't remember when he was speaking, or how many people were speaking, but he sure Master Wraith tell him when it was time. Jaxton looked down at his notes and what he was going to say, then took the flimsi and shredded it to pieces. He was gonna ad-lib this one, and they were gonna remember him after this.

 

[Rosa Gunn]

Rosa shook her head. "I think you forget what I did for a living before this. I know its nothing in comparison but I am more than capable of taking some of the weight." She smiled no longer concealing her emotions, but suddenly very aware of the eyes upon them "I'll always know when something is bothering you Darron." She didn't need to explain that statement, her empathy alone wold have picked it up but no she was so tied to him in the force she could tell when danger was close to him too.

She allowed him to go to Jaxton a sympathetic smile on her face as Darron spoke to him. So many people had been shattered by Teferi's death, Rosa wished she could support them all. As Darron took her hand again she sent a telepathic message to Jaxton. Don't hesitate to call on me if you need someone to talk to Jaxton. Following Darron to her seat she yearned to hug him but he was away from her before he could. A soft sigh escaped her lips and she bowed her head for a moment before a small hand slipped into hers.

She looked down at the youngling whose face was wet with tears and gave his hand a tight squeeze, before sitting down next to him. She began to emanate soothing emotions, trying to make it as easy as possible for the young ones to cope with, while brushing the tears from the boys face. "Don't cry little one. Gone he may be from this world, but he will always be with us in the force." he nodded bravely as the twenty one gun salute began. A sad silence descended on the masses as they all contemplated their last moments with the former grandmaster.

 

[Darron Wraith]

Making his way onto the massive stage before everyone, he walked up and around the podium. Standing a good three meters above everyone, the body of the former GrandMaster lay on a funeral pyre before him. Blue eyes scanned the assembled masses before him, there were over a thousand people before him. A momentary flash of anxiety hit him as he realized he hadn't prepared a speech, oh well I shall just wing it. The twenty one gun salute rang through the garden, and Darron bowed his head in silence for a moment as everyone else did. Flashes of memories went though his mind, and he watched himself grow up, except it was only the memories that involved Teferi. A smile crossed his face as he remembered the man who had led the Order, had taught him much, and had been a dear friend to him. As he finally looked back up at the crowd, he stood straight up, and didn't rest his hands on the podium anymore.

Instead, he turned his attention to those assembled.

Reaching out with the Force, he could feel their sadness, their respect, and their hope. A few stray sobs could be heard, but silence had fallen completely as everyone waited to hear Darron speak. He was after all the new GrandMaster, but had yet to formally introduce himself as such. Guess this will be the first task of the individual who replaces me one day. I hope they come with notes and a speech prepared, what was I doing with my time? Looking out over the assembled diplomats, military, Mandalorians, and Jedi, Darron couldn't help but hope one day he would be showed as much respect as his predecessor was. "Then do a good job, you must." He could hear the words of Teferi echo in his mind for a moment and he resisted a chuckle before setting forth with his speech.

"Greetings everyone, we all know why we are all here. To pay respect to the man who helped lead this Order out of the darkness that the Gulag Virus placed over the galaxy." He looked over the crowd as he spoke, "today is not a happy day, because it is at it's core a memorial to those we lost. We lost a shining beacon of hope a few days ago at Junction, a great man who embodied everything about the Jedi is no longer among us. His deeds and his actions will live on forever, though his body will not." The Jedi rested his hands on the podium as he paused to look to different parts of the assembled masses.

"Our Code as Jedi teaches us to accept such pain, and not hold on to attachments. I ask all of you to do that, don't hold on to the petty emotions of anger, sadness, and vengeance. Yes the former GrandMaster was struck down in battle, but we as Jedi will not seek blood. Remember all of the good Teferi did, look to these walls, look to the very Republic that stands as a testament to his deeds. Remember his teachings, his mannerisms, let us emulate Master Efreet. We should mourn his loss, but celebrate the life that was, and hope that we can all make such an impact on the galaxy as he did."

Standing back up to his full height, he continued.

"We should aspire to be as much of a Jedi as he was, and I can promise I am trying the same. I know right now the Republic has been dealt a blow in losing one of it's founders, and we Jedi are reeling ourselves. I can promise you this though, the Order will take it's place again. We will not cower after such a loss, because Teferi Efreet lives on in all of us. Just reach into the Force Jedi, for those who can't, like I said earlier. Look at all of the good he accomplished in the many centuries he lived." Darron's tone changed for a moment as he pressed on, growing calmer. "I am his successor, and I promise to try and do my best. I am not the man before me, but I will aspire to do as much good in the galaxy for the time I am here. For those who would test us in this dark time, they will find the Order and the Republic not lacking I can assure you of that."

He paused for a moment, as he motioned for those who wished to speak to form a line by the side of the stage.

"In closing, I would like to say that I loved Teferi Efreet and I will dearly miss him. Just know that I will remember him, and appreciate his time here, not mourn his loss. I ask you all to do the same, and I ask you to do the one thing he would have asked." A smile crept on his lips at his final words. "I ask you all to hope."

With that the new GrandMaster took his seat on the stage and awaited the next speakers, once they finished he would light the funeral pyre.

 

[Inigo Montoya]

@[member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""]Jaxton Ravos @[member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""][member=""]A'dele

Making sure there was enough slack in his application, in case the patient were to move around as he expected he would, he cleaned his hands and wiped them on surgical towel before responding with his answer. "Depends on the situation. Take myself for instance, I usually people during the worst part of their lives, either due to injury or war. It isn't that I don't feel their pain, but how could I do what needs to be done to treat them if I don't curb my emotions. But when all is said and done it doesn't mean I could not come back later, share a song or a story or two to lift the spirits. I never assume to know everything, which is why I am always willing to learn. Sometimes there is a better way and if I open myself to them then perhaps I can become a better man and better Jedi by doing so."

Pausing to scratch his head in embarrassment, he sheepishly looks at his companions and says, "How does the gauze feel? Not to tight I hope. You will require at least a couple of days of bed rest and avoid putting pressure on your back."

 

[Hanna Ike]

Hanna had never spoken with the Grandmaster but now that she was engaged to a master Jedi, and they were part of the government, well she figured she better make her appearance, She was in a black dress, and it was more conservative than her normal wear. She had taken her seat, as the ceremony started. She had of course taken a seat next to Rosa, her best friend and only girlfriend. She was glad there was a seat there. It was an ceremony that she thought befitted any grandmaster. With the new steps she knew that the Jedi were taking a more active role in the military which meant more paperwork... She looked to her stomach still not believing that it was coming to pass... and she hadn't told Rosa yet... Well she wouldn't tell her here, though anyone sensing through the force would notice that there was another life inside of Hanna.

 

[Delila Castillon]

Delila didn't flinch at the 21-gun salute, although she would have likened to. It reminded the young woman of too many military funerals she had attended of fallen comrades, young lives cut short on the battlefield. She tried to attend each one that happened to befall Bravo Company and to her, the act of shooting the guns was one of the most solemn acts performed.

She looked at the Officers performing the salute and frowned, she had never seen them before. Then again, Delila rarely rubbed shoulders with the local authorities unless there was a need to. As in disasters or emergency situations.

Turning her attention back to the funeral as the Jedi Master spoke, Delila remained quiet, listening. She had never met Tef but her presence was one of importance, to show the Republic was there for the Jedi. It was all about alliances....On a more personal level, she did have great respect for anyone who did so much against the Gulag virus that has swept the Galaxy like a fire sweeping through dry bush. At least the fallen Grandmaster had lived a long and fulfilling life for his cause.

 

[Aurelia Saelari]

In the midst of the commemoration, the Chancellor of the Republic herself came to Tython. After all, the Jedi had just lost their leader, and the Jedi were important to the Republic. She hastened to correct her thoughts there; important but not vital.

Passing through the solemn crowd she stood back, listening to Darron's speech. It was inspirational for sure, but in her mind at least people needed resolution more than hope. Hope was the tonic of the powerless, and the Chancellor was not one to hope when she could make a difference herself. Still, she would never say such a thing to those here. They had their own rituals and ideas.

When Darron finished Aurelia took a seat near @[member="Hanna Lissiri"]. She was curious to speak to the Grandmaster, and any others who wanted to approach her. For this night she would be available to the people.

 

[Cody Walkins]

"Why is it that i'm always stuck cleaning up aliens shit man." Officer Jigo complained amongst the group of human officers who stood in the back during the Grandmasters speech. They had all listened and were professional during it, but now they were taking the chance to chat while it was presented.

"What do you mean you, I was the one who had to stand by while medical cleaned up that Rodian that got hit by the speeder in 1313 while you ran off in a hurry to pick your own ass." Officer Barringer replied

"I was going to assist the detectives with a Hutt bust, thank you very much Palps." Jingo shot back. Palps was Barringer's nick name on account he was one of the oldest cops on the force and had a face so wrinkled you'd think he just got out of the dryer.

"Oh yeah i'm sure it was a 'Hutt bust' you and the chubs probably confiscated all Droba's hotcakes." Cody laughed. Chubs was the nickname for the detectives, who of no real fault of their own, tended to gain weight due to a life of desk work. And Droba, well Droba was a whole different story involving a Hutt and a bakery front for a crime ring.

"Don't you have an empty apartment to go back to, i'm sure you made yourself dinner before you left." Jingo fired. It was all in good fun, but Cody's love life was a soft spot for him that ranges back to when he was a preteen. Jingo knew it was and it wasn't uncommon for the guys to hit him where it hurts during their friendly scuffles. Luckily it was a good day and the comment hadn't sent Cody into a rage on his friend. Instead, Cody just flipped him the bird and went on listening to his friends bicker.

As the friendly game of tear each others guts out went on, Cody noticed a woman sitting at one of the many chairs set up around the area. "Hey, hey guys hold on. Isn't that the Chancellor?"

His friends stopped and looked in the direction of Cody's gaze "Yeah I think it is." Palps answered first

"Yeah it is, who gives a shit." Jingo replied, his face screwed up into a knot

"What do you mean who gives a shit? It's the Chancellor man, we should get over there and introduce ourselves." Cody urged his fellow officers

"Again, Cody, I ask you....WHO GIVES A FLYING NERF SHIT!" Jingo got progressively closer to Cody's ear as his voice rose

"I have to agree with Droba here." Palps began, earning a few derogatory gestures and remarks from Jingo in return "She is the Chancellor kid, she doesn't care about us. She's a politician, if our own chief is only out to make a buck, you think the high and mighty are gonna be any different?" Cody had been on the force for years, but still he was considered young to the older guys. He was interested in meeting the political figures of the Republic, even though most the veterans could care less about them, aside from their political parties and agendas.

"Yeah dumbass, what you should be looking at is that something a little more…smooth.” Jingo nudged his head towards a female in the corner. She had dark reed hair and she looked to be in her late twenties, a very beautiful woman, one could tell Jingo liked her from his quiet singing “Oh baby, baby, ba-baby, baby.”

Maybe Jingo was right, he was looking at the wrong faces “You know, you’re right Jingo. I think I’m going to go wow here a little,”

“The hell you are, I saw here first.” Jingo complained just as another officer, a female by the name Jose, piped in

“Jingo, your weight might work at charming Dorba the Hutt, but human woman aren’t slugs.” Again bickering began, but Cody wasn’t paying attention to it. Instead he looked at the group with a mockingly confident grin

“Watch and learn from the master” Cody said as he fixed his dress color and began his strode over to the woman. Behind him he heard one last taunt from Jingo

“Yeah sure I will, I’ve been looking for tips on how to repel woman.”

Cody ignored his friend and walked up to @[member="Delila Castillon"] “Excuse me ma’am, I’m Cody Walkins, is it okay if I sit next to you?”

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

OOC:Inigo, I'm gonna wait for Adele to post in the medbay.

Jaxton made his way to the podium to begin to speak. He took his place and could see myriads of emotion in the crowds. Contempt, from the Jedi who thought he should have done something, confusion from the average citizens, who thought Jaxton a ball-player, empathy from the ones who understood his pain. As a Zeltron he soaked it all in, the emotions feeling like a poison to his mind. Jaxton took a deep breath to indicate he was starting and then began his impromptu ‘speech’.

“I’ll be honest with y’all, I had a script, I had a plan, and I had a way I was gonna do this, until about five minutes ago.” Jaxton began, his voice echoing seemingly endlessly around the procession. “I decided that my speech wouldn’t do the old Master justice, and it wouldn’t tell what was really happening. So none of this is rehearsed, and all of it’s just coming from me.” Jaxton said, to prepare them and also excuse himself if he broke down or said the wrong thing.

“Many of you don’t know why Grav-baller from Corellia is speaking at the funeral of a Jedi Grandmaster. These men and women however.” Jaxton said and gestured towards the section the Jedi were sitting. “Know I have every right and reason to be here. You see, around nine months ago I went to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant and discovered that I had the gift of the Force. Since then I have begun a new regiment of training, unlike any I had ever experienced before. Just as I began to call myself a ‘Jedi’ I was called by the Order to aid the Mandalorians fight the Sith at Junction.“Jaxton said to the crowd, almost likening Jedihood to some mystic experience he didn’t really understand.

“While I believed myself to be ready for such an endeavor, in retrospect, I wasn’t really ready for a war like that. I was ordered by The Grandmaster to join him in attempting to take the Capitol. While the Grandmaster fought the Sith Emperor, I fought his Hand. As such I did not get to witness the Grandmaster fight, but I felt both of their powers, titans in the Force, clashing together like titans.” Jaxton continued, attempting to describe what feeling their fight in the Force was like.

“But, as we all know the fight did not end in his favor. He called out to me and told me he needed help, a thought that terrified me, but by the time I had gotten there the Sith Emperor had made his mark.” Jaxton said, as tears began to flow from hi face. “I’ll admit that I was exhausted from my battle, and in a panic. I tried to take the Grandmaster away from the battle, and though he knew he was dying he did everything he could to bolster me. He told me I would be fighting to defend the Galaxy from threats like the Sith. He gave me images of his hope that we would one day ensure peace and freedom for the Galaxy.”

Jaxton paused for a moment, and gathered his thoughts and himself, his emotions running wild and tears flowing unabashedly now. He probably looked like a wreck. He hadn’t planned on showing this much emotion, but he couldn’t stop himself. “And I . . . I believe he was right. I believe we can do it.” Jaxton said, his tone a strange mixture of his confidence in the words and a difficulty to force himself to speak. “I believe that the Republic and the Jedi, if we have the chance and the will to work together, can and will change the galaxy for the better. And because of my belief, and the Grandmaster’s death, I’ve decided I’m going to retire from grav-ball, so that I might fully pursue the study of the Force and commit myself to defending the people.” Jaxton stated, knowing he would have to answer some nasty phone calls from agents, coaches, and other players later.

“In conclusion, I’d like to say while the Jedi Teferi Efreet’s actions on Junction shook me to the core, they also motivated and inspired me. He died upholding the beliefs of the Jedi and of the Republic, and protecting the freedom of men everywhere. I hope that one day I might be as he, unafraid to fight for the freedom and safety of all people. When I will remember Teferi, I will remember his dedication to his service and his people, and I hope all of you will too when you remember this exemplary individual.” Jaxton finished, then went back and took his seat.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

Among the large group of Jedi, Republic soldiers and politicians and Mandalorians stood a sole Omega mercenary, once a Jedi until she had left the Order and never looked back.

She stood a bit further away from the commemoration, looking grim as ever and clad in a black trenchcoat. Attending the funeral had been a spontaneous spur of the moment decision. Her opinion of the Jedi was unchanged. She had no connection with them beyond the fact that the Republic happened to be Omega's biggest contractor. But the Grand Master had died fighting the good fight against Sith thugs, she felt respect for that. Going out in a blaze of glory was how she expected her life to end. You lived, fought, died. Grabbed what fun you could get in the interim.

Nonetheless, with so many high officials there, if the Sith were shrewd a bomb could take out the lot of them, striking a hard blow against their enemies. Or launch an attack on some other world while they were distracted. The Major felt a sudden craving for a smoke and had a look around, spotting Chancellor Saelari.