Reforming and Integrating

[Tobias Dracks]

Today was yet another interesting day, many within the Senate were still wary of the Jedi Enclave within the Republic. The Doves were pro-Jedi, and so were the Hawks, but his group of independent centralist were not satisfied with their role. There was always a worry that the Jedi would turn into a force that could turn on the government, and one Jedi was worth a legion of Republic Troopers. The only way to ease his faction members was to bring a vote to the Senate under strict confidentiality. After a short vote, he was surprised about the end result.

Approved and given the funding as well as the tools to get the operation started, Tobias was now ready to meet the individuals that would take on the operation.

The Republic Sentinel Knights Order, a kind of Force User group that served directly under the Senate and Judicial Branches. There a total of three individuals that showed promise to lead one of the strike groups. The room had some of the lower members, students that were Force Users but did not sign onto the Jedi Order. Instead they were willing to use their powers to serve the Republic as a whole as tools and not a religious order.

The three individuals were brought in, two were in cuffs and escorted by Force Users in Grey Senate Guards Armor. The middle one was a man named [member="Alex StormWolf"], a skilled and proven knight that had yet to join a force order. Tobias was interested in this man, but the other two were force users that were arrested for theft and the other was manslaughter. Republic Law stated they would be handed over the Jedi Order, but now Tobias wanted them here to speak to.

"Afternoon, I am Vice Chancellor Tobias Drakes, I would like to speak to you all about a possible opportunity." Tobias stayed seated in his desk and offered the three seats in his office.

 

[Alex StormWolf]

Tatooine, a day earlier...

Alex StormWolf knew of Tobias Dracks by reputation only, having seen various holonews reports on the more recent developments in galactic politics. Needless to say, Alex had done a bit of a double take when representatives from the Vice Chancellor's office had discretely traveled all the way to Tatooine, made inquiries in Mos Eisley and located him.

"Whatever it is, I didn't do it," Alex had said, half-jokingly, halfway wondering if one of his recent adventures had broken some obscure section of some planetary law somewhere.

"Nothing of the sort," replied the VC's representatives, "we're simply asking that you come with us peacefully. Vice Chancellor Dracks has a rather interesting proposition for you."

And so, Alex StormWolf had traveled to wherever the VC's representatives were taking him. They were insistent that Alex temporarily relinquish control of his YT-1300 Shadow Runner to the pilot they had brought along, and Alex remain in his quarters for the duration of the trip. Alex chafed a bit at not having control over his own personal vessel, but the VC's reps had made it clear that certain security measures had to be followed and that he could either cooperate or they'd take him to the VC in Force nullifying restraints.

----------------------------------------------------

The next day...

Alex was escorted into the room between two force users who were in cuffs, being watched closely by other Force users whom he assumed were guards of some sort.

"Afternoon, I am Vice Chancellor Tobias Drakes, I would like to speak to you all about a possible opportunity."

Alex took the seat offered to him by Tobias, glancing to his right and his left as he noticed the other two being escorted to their seats by the guards.

"Well, your representatives were very persuasive in getting me here, Vice Chancellor," Alex said. "So what exactly is this 'possible opportunity'?"

[member="Tobias Dracks"]

 

[Tobias Dracks]

It seemed the one he figured was not into the small talk, [member="Alex StormWolf"] was one who wanted it straight up. Something the VC would come to enjoy from the young man. Tobias only opened his desk to bring out a Data-Tablet that he started to work on.

"Alex StormWolf, even our Republic Intelligence Service were not able to get a complete background on you," He looked up form the tablet. "However, I am more interested in your work on Iridonia, the death of those Monsters were a great deed done to the people that were plagued by that darkness and yet, our records show you have not joined any of the Religious or Militant Force User Organizations on our records."

Tobias laid down the Data-Tablet and slid it across the desk, in it would give the details of the Republic Knights. A special organization that existed really in the shadows, each operator would be given the freedom to do as they wish. However, they were scouts, rangers, spies, and even saboteurs if the need arose. They worked for the Republic Senate, could do anything that they wanted and even travel to the far reaches of the galaxy to fight in the arenas of the First Order if they wished. Though if they were called on by the Senate, they would answer and complete the mission assigned.

"Trevor and Noah here were put to death this morning and their next of kin were informed of their demise for crimes against the Republic." The two who were cuffed, dropped their little acts of fearlessness and a presence of uncertainty came over them. On paper they were now ghost. "Sir Gregory and Sir Arty are previous Imperial Knights of the Fel Empire, they were trained by some of the best in what they do, mostly just killing without question."

Tobias then looked back at Alex, "However, none of them have actually faced the Dark Side of the Force, and I would like to offer you a job that give your the freedom you had before, but now the credits and the tech to support your ambitions," He paused to cross his fingers and look into the mans eyes, "So, will you join this new organization?"

 

[Alex StormWolf]

Alex couldn't stop the hint of a smile from forming on his face as the Vice Chancellor informed him that Republic Intelligence Service couldn't even get a complete profile on him. It did surprise him however that they were able to find out that he had been part of the effort to rid Iridonia of Sith spawn. Not many people were even aware that he had left Tatooine to answer the call for help. Picking up the Data-Tablet that the Vice Chancellor slid across the desk towards him, Alex read through the details of Tobias' ambitious project. Alex had to hand it to the Vice Chancellor, he'd put together a very compelling argument for the need of the sort of organization he was proposing. More to the point, the Vice Chancellor had apparently figured out that Alex wasn't the sort to turn down a challenging opportunity such as the one that was being presented.

"Vice Chancellor," Alex answered, meeting his gaze, "you've made a very compelling argument for the need of the organization you're proposing, and it seems to me that you and your staff really did their homework if you were able to find out the few things about my background that you did. You've got yourself a deal. I'd be honored to join, Sir. I do have just a few small conditions that I'd like fulfilled, however. First, I'd like my ship back. Secondly, can I find out where in the galaxy we are precisely? Third, just so you're aware, Sir, I may need to make a few equipment acquisitions using sources that some might find objectionable to the ideals of the Republic. Fourth, if I'm leaving Tatooine to come to work for you, I would like suitable housing arrangements. Don't get me wrong, I suppose Tatooine has its bright spots, but by the Force am I getting tired of only seeing sand, rock, and scruffy spacers in Mos Eisley every single day!"

[member="Tobias Dracks"]

 

[Tobias Dracks]

Tobias only stayed quite while [member="Alex StormWolf"] spoke of his counter proposition. It was easy enough, joining the Republic Knights was something that was needed to keep the Jedi in check as well as bringing Dark and Rouge Jedi to justice in the greater galaxy. It reminded him like the Wardens of the Skies of the old legends. Though this time they would be centralized, funded, and powered by the New Republic Central Government.

After a few seconds the man nodded, "We are on Carida, Capital of the New Republic along the Parlemian Trade Route, Galactic East from Coruscant," He unfolded his hands and leaned back, "As for your request, all will be granted, the Armory of the New Republic and funding will be available to continue whatever you deem will keep the Core Worlds Secure." He opened another draw and slide another datapad to the man. This one however, had a full inventory list to the Republic Armory list. "However, your offical armor will be with those," he pointed at the grey armor the other force users were using, "Outside the Senate Building or Official Gatherings, your may wear whatever you wish, but I wish to keep your identities secrete from the greater galaxy, Force Users under the command of the Senate could cause a lot of threats to your lives."

 

[Alex StormWolf]

Alex glanced at the armor worn by the Senate Guards. On one hand, it seemed a bit overly dramatic, but after pulling up the listing in the Armory directory, he realized it would be a vast improvement over the light armor he usually wore under his signature trench coat. A brief glance through the rest of the directory caused Alex to let out a low whistle of astonishment. He now had access to equipment that he could only dream about on Tatooine.

"So as long as I'm inside the Senate building or attending official gatherings, I'm expected to be in uniform. Understood," Alex acknowledged. "Carida. Hmm. It used to be a training center for Imperial Stormtroopers during the Galactic Civil War over 800 years ago, if I'm recalling my history correctly."

Scrolling through the Armory directory once more, Alex saw a few items that looked promising. He felt like a bit like the proverbial kid who'd been handed the keys to a candy store.

"Alright, so what's the protocol for requisition of equipment?"

[member="Tobias Dracks"]

 

[Tobias Dracks]

Tobias only looked through the terminal in front of him, he was typing out the orders for [member="Alex StormWolf"]. His first mission would be a long and easy one should happen.

"That would be correct, the Carida Academy is currently acting as the National Academy for both Political and Military leadership," He read over his work so far on the terminal, "Though the Stormtrooper section of the school is being remolded to train Special Forces and Marine Raiders, in case your wondering you also have Level 2 Security Clearance, about the same of a senator so your free to ask any question you would like."

He continued through the orders transcript as the man asked his other questions. Armory request was usuaraly done through the Senate Guard Quartermaster. That would not work for this team, though the offical name and mission of the Republic Knights were clear, their names and faces were best kept behind closed doors. He finally looked up from behind his terminal.

"You can sent request to me and I will get you the equipment, the Data-Tablet there has been programmed with a Secure Communications Link to my personal Data-Tablet, as for what I can get you, lets just say tanks and battlecruisers will need to have a reason for their need."

 

[Alex StormWolf]

Alex had to chuckle at the Vice Chancellor's comment about needing a good reason to be ordering tanks and battlecruisers.

"Well, Sir, you don't need to worry about me starting up a tank corps or battlecruiser fleet anytime soon. I think that sort of thing would best be reserved for extremely dire circumstances."

Alex noticed the Vice Chancellor busily typing on the terminal in front of him.

''Hang on Alex, here it comes,' Alex thought to himself. 'Something tells me this is going to get real interesting soon.'

[member="Tobias Dracks"]

 

[Tobias Dracks]

He was glad to see that [member="Alex StormWolf"] could take a joke without thinking the Vice Chancellor was attempting to make fun of him. Some Jedi were just oblivious to his attempts and the one Sith he meet was not in a mood for jokes. It was a good one too, he was gonna ask how it was hanging while the Dark Force Users was hanging in a SIS cell. Nevertheless he finished his project.

"Glad you have a sense of humor," He tapped on his terminal and passed it to the Data-Terminal, "You should have gotten your first mission, under the authority of the New Republic Senate, we give you the Rank of Republic Knight Master as well as access to all files on the Jedi Order and contact to the Republic Strategic Intelligence Services, your first mission will to meet with the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order and see if his intentions with the Republic are purely peaceful, your men also have a warrant to search the Jedi Academy, Praxium and any other locations that are owned by the Jedi."

He sighed a little, "I have meet the women, but the Senate wants to make sure the Jedi will not bring us into a war that we are not prepared for, they want an impartial member of the Republic Knights to take a look into their accounts and report back to us about your findings and your opinions on the matter."

The Vice Chancellor was visibly unhappy with this development, but more then half the senate had lived through the attack of the Sith Empire. That was caused by a militant force group poking the Sith Empire and them finally breaking the Alliance from within. However, sending elite government Force Users to investigate the Jedi was a little bit of overkill. It would get the new Master the ability to meet with Grandmaster [member="Alexandra Feanor"] of the Jedi Enclave. Though he was sure the Grandmaster would not be happy about the Government using Force Users as private investigators.

 

[Alex StormWolf]

Alex looked over the orders that were transmitted to his data pad from the Vice Chancellor's terminal. Enclosed were copies of all the Senate authorization and clearances Alex would need to carry out his missions. He could sense Tobias' reservations, which he shared as well. Alex could see the Senate's reasoning, but sending in Jedi to investigate other Jedi really did seem a bit much.

"Sir, with all due respect, this is really going to ruffle more than a few feathers," he said, glancing up from the orders to meet Tobias' gaze. "Are you absolutely certain this the only way that this can be handled? Couldn't we ask the Jedi Order to testify before the Senate to answer whatever concerns the senators have?"

[member="Tobias Dracks"]

 

[Tobias Dracks]

He could tell that the mission was going to be a difficult one for [member="Alex StormWolf"], however, the matter was out of his hands now. The Senate Majority still had reservations about this matter, rumors that some within the Enclave were working to threaten the Sith as well as the First Order. It was bad enough to have the Reps from the Alliance in Exile causing diplomatic problems for them, but some of their own citizens. Tobias even agreed it was too early to piss of the darker nations.

Tobias looked at the man, "The Grandmaster will understand, she knows the worries of the Core Worlds, but is it your previous teachings, and unwillingness to join a Religious Order that the Senate wishes you to investigate, the other Masters of the Republic Knights are previous Alliance Jedi as well as Dark Jedi, you were the only one that had an unbiased opinion of the Order and their teachings," He clasped his hands together tightly, "The Republic is not strong enough to take on any nation at this time, we have our own problems with terrorist activity in the Core Worlds to devote more personal to the Northern Border, if you feel that the Orders teachings are too radical that could drag us into war soon, the please report it to me before the Senate."

 

[Alex StormWolf]

"Personally, Vice Chancellor, I believe all out war may soon be upon us whether we wish it or not," Alex said, shaking his head ruefully. "While I was still on Tatooine, I witnessed a broadcast which was sent out from a faction calling themselves the Commonwealth Systems. Let's just say that their intentions seemed rather hostile. They openly stated that any expansion into the sector adjacent to Nubia would be considered an act of war. I feel they could prove more of a threat to the Republic than the Jedi and the Sith getting into a pissing contest; due to the fact that we don't know anything about their leadership, the size of their military, or who they've made alliances with already. If this Commonwealth views merely being next to another power as cause for war, it makes that entire section of the galaxy a powder keg just waiting to go BOOM!"

Alex paused a moment to let what he said sink in before he continued.

"I'll do my best to help you sort this mess about the Jedi out with the Senate, but as I just said, I think we may have bigger threats to contend with overall."

[member="Tobias Dracks"]

 

[Tobias Dracks]

It was weird for [member="Alex StormWolf"] to bring up the Commonwealth, the Republic SIS had found out that they very active in the area and a real threat, but still too far for major attack. Some terrorist attacks were done by them, but the news spun it off as an attack by Sith Sympathized Terrors, they were able to block any threats and angers with the near by system.

"Republic Strategic Intelligence Services has already got people looking into them," He picked up a cup of Caf on the table and took a sip, "They are an odd bunch in the Core Worlds, but we have enemies everywhere, Coruscant First, Lords of the Light, Children of the Sith, and even this Commonwealth faction, we need to focus on the inner threats before expanding our allies and then looking to take out our threats in the Core," Taking a breath and setting the Caf down on the table again, "The worlds from the Deep Core to the Inner Rim is filled with threats of all kinds and we must make sure the Senate can be united with the Jedi Order before defusing what could blow the legs out from under the Republic."

He knew that the problems of the galaxy, his master had taught him that hope is the only thing that will keep the balance in the galaxy. The Dark Age was started by the fall of the Galactic Alliance, and now the First Order and Sith Empire were dominant here. For the Republic to get back on their feet, they had to rely on one another and that meant building trust. Sending the Republic Knights was not a great move, but he knew the Grandmaster wanted the same dream as him. Bringing the Republic back to the glory it held in the Ancient Era.

 

[Alex StormWolf]

"Glad to hear someone's keeping an eye on them," Alex said with obvious relief in his voice. "Well then, getting back to the matter of building trust, it would probably be wise to inform Grandmaster Feanor through official channels that the Senate will be sending me. And I should probably get started on being fitted for a proper uniform. Actually, Sir, that leads me to another question. Am I to keep my identity hidden from Grandmaster Feanor during the course of this mission? You did say something about keeping the identity of the Knights secret from the greater galaxy."

[member="Tobias Dracks"]