The Incredible Machine

[Sebastian Nadav]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] ~ [member="Aika Kawakami"] ~ [member="Xander Carrick"] ~ [member="Connor Harrison"] ~ [member="Kei Amadis"] ~ [member="Nima Tann"] ~ [member="Coci Heavenshield"]
Sorry y'all. Coci suggested that I ping the council characters when I put this thread up. Basically I talked about how to introduce my character Sebastian (Master transfer from another site) to the Silver Jedi in a way that wasn't either too contrived or awkward. We agreed that having him appear before the Council as a whole was the best option. Gives everyone a chance to get to know Sebastian (and by proxy me) before you turn a Master level character lose to go interact with other characters in the faction and beyond.

Also I spent like ten min trying to think of a title and couldn't...so I went with something random instead. Deal with it.

---

JEDI TEMPLE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
VOSS 9:45AM LOCAL TIME
Master Sebastian Nadav
&
The Jedi Council
Mid-morning light, oddly yellow even at its brightest, streamed through the broad windows of the room the Jedi on Voss had dedicated to house their leaders. The light danced off the metal embellishments on the back of the high-backed chairs arranged in around the outside of the circular chamber, casting shimmering, almost liquid reflections of silver and gold across the body of the man who stood easily, patient and calm and at peace, within the center of the circle of chairs. He marveled, once again, at the astonishing beauty of Voss and her architecture; since arriving on the world, he had seen many things that struck him as oddly beautiful. Maybe it was the quality of light, or the Light Side being so strongly concentrated on this world, the man couldn't say.

He simply stood there. The silence, standing before the Jedi Council, none of those things bothered him. It was the first time that he had stood before the Jedi Council in many, many years. For many years his position was that of those around him, seated in quiet contemplation waiting to hear the words of the one who had come before them...but those were years long past. It was only recently that he had taken up his rank and lightsaber in the service of the galaxy once again. For years he had lived quietly with his partner on a small world in the southern arm of the galaxy; he had been happy, content and at peace with the decision he had made to leave the Jedi Order. However, when the Force grants a being unnatural long life, there was always a reason. When he first heard the rumors of strange happenings thought to be caused by the Force he had felt that his time of peace was coming to an end. When he felt the lives of billions simply vanish into nothingness, in his anguish felt, no, he knew that it was time for him to don his former titles and position and return to service of the Light and the Galaxy.

"I am Sebastian Nadav," he said, breaking the long silence at last, his youthful features brightening as he smiled slightly. "Forty standard years ago, I served the galaxy as a Jedi Master," His presence, though restrained and controlled just then, still burnt as brazenly as it ever had in the mind's eye. He met the eyes of his peers as he thought about what he would say next.

"I had thought my service complete back then," he continued slowly, "I was no longer needed to serve, to bear the weight of leadership. I and the Council of that time knew that the generations we had spent eighty years raising were ready to take up the mantle of leadership and carry on. I resigned my position and declined active service to the Jedi Order. After nearly a century of being Jedi, I was ready, at long last, to drop that title and live out the rest of my days with my husband quietly and in peace.

"However, it would seem that the Force had a reason when it willed me unnaturally long life," he smiled grimly. "When I felt the billions of lives simply vanish--when I heard the rumors of the Force behaving strangely and hearing how the galaxy was slowly tearing itself apart, I knew that my time of rest had come to an end.

"I could feel the Force pulling at me, calling me back and I answered. Without question or hesitation."

He fell silent, giving the Council a moment to process what he had said and to gather their thoughts before he continued with his story

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Sebastian Nadav"]​

​

Before them stood a Master of the Force. Someone they had never met before this day, someone they had not heard of till this day and yet the sense of the light side of the force pulsed through the whole chamber centering around the man. He is not hiding, nothing. He stands before them open and honest, the way a Jedi should be, something most of the Jedi in the galaxy fail to do.

It had been some time since the galaxy had experienced the event, the upheavel of the force and the destruction of parts of the galaxy at large. The disappearance of millions of people, still unfound and never would be mostly likely would perish within a void that none of us could open, not unless the force wills it. And yet this event had taught the galaxy nothing, within a short space of time, every thing and everyone went back to as if nothing had happened, forgotten are those people.. but not by Coci, she will remain forever with the image of her beloved Corellia burned in her mind, destroyed. Regardless of what the ruling government will try to do, it will never be the same, and moreover can never be since it's peoples are dead save those lucky enough to have survived through sheer resilience.

"I am saddened to think that such devastation experience by us all is the cause of your return to the fold. Although you are no longer within the arms of the Jedi Order, the Silver Jedi have gained from this, in the sense that one truly blessed with the force has returned to serve. Jedi never retire, never really find peace of body mind and spirit, our gentle souls would never permit it, our sense of justice and what is right would never permit it, and the force that has blessed you with the strength to wield it's power would never permit it".

Coci stood up and walked over to the man, "I am Master Coci Heavenshield, Master of the Silver Order. Welcome home". Coci moved back to allow the council members to greet the new master of the Silver Jedi.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Aika Kawakami"] | [member="Xander Carrick"] | [member="Kei Amadis"] | [member="Nima Tann"]​

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

It wasn't every day that the council was approached by a non-Silver, much less a Jedi Master. Things had been quiet on Voss and the rest of Silver-protected space ever since the attack on Dac, with the Will of the Force having returned to its intended purpose in a secret location known only to a select few, including him and [member="Coci Heavenshield"]. He didn't mind, though - far from it! He was able to spend time with his family, finish up some carpentry long overdue and be a father to his children.

While Nina and little Théo would often stay on Voss with them whenever buisness called him and Coci away from their home on Tabaqui, it was apparent to him that the toddler did not enjoy having to remain in the confines of the daycare within the Silver Temple. No, he was far happier back in Himmelskald where he could roam free-ish. Their moment of quietness was about to come to an end, however, what with both Nina and Théo about to commence their Jedi training in the coming months.

Undeniably lost in his own thoughts as the man finished his introductory speech, he snapped awake at the sound of Coci rising from her chair and addressed their newest member. Her getting up prompted him to soon do the same, hands clasped together at his front. "We are all honoured to see such a veteran Jedi join our ranks, Master Nadav. I am Grandmaster Thurion Heavenshield." He bowed, beaming a smile at [member="Sebastian Nadav"]. "Out of curiosity: How come you sought us out rather than return to Republic space? You've been in the service of the Jedi Order for decades."

[member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Nima Tann"] | [member="Xander Carrick"] | [member="Kei Amadis"] | [member="Aika Kawakami"]​

 

[Nima Tann]

Today was an exciting day, as she was sitting with her fellow Order members on a Council matter. She's been informed by the Grandmaster himself this morning, giving a briefing about what will the Council meeting be about. He didn't give the details, as the man they were supposed to welcome to the Temple didn't give so much information, but now listening him, she was excited for another Master joining them, and he was experienced, listening to his story. The Grandmaster and his wife already welcomed him to the Temple but it was a democracy here, so if the majority was okay, they would take him to the Temple. She didn't see any abnormalities and lies in his story, so why not, she thought.

"Welcome to the Silver Jedi, Master Nadav. This is Nima Tann, Knight of the Order." She was pretty curious herself about the question Grandmaster asked, why didn't he return to the Republic but came to them, well, patience was a key. They would learn it sooner or later. "With your experience, I am sure that you will be a great asset to Silver Jedi." The words were sincere, so to say, the Silver Jedi needed some new blood, and experienced members. As Connor said once before, the old ones go, and the news fill their spots. No matter how it sounded sad, it was the truth.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Kei Amadis"] [member="Xander Carrick"] [member="Aika Kawakami"] [member="Sebastian Nadav"]

 

[Sebastian Nadav]

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Kei Amadis"] [member="Xander Carrick"] [member="Aika Kawakami"] [member="Nima Tann"]

"Master Heavenshield," he said, turning to the woman who had spoken first. She had commanded his instant respect as cool wisdom flowed from her like the waterfalls of Theed. "The truth you speak is undeniable. We can never retire, not truly, but that does not mean that we cannot hope for a time of peace in our lives--and if we cannot hope then what do we have? For a time I had found it, with my husband and our family and it was wonderful." His thoughts drifted back to that time...he missed Andreas terribly, more than he could ever put in words but; as Coci had said, the Force would never permit him to truly fade. Not while he still drew breath.

"However, personal happiness is something we can enjoy but never, ever, hold above our service to the lives who trust us to shoulder for them the burden of conflict. The Force grants us empathy in vast amounts, we alone can feel, as surely as we know ourselves what the galaxy is feeling. If there is conflict, we must bear the burden of feeling those lives extinguished." he spoke with absolute certainty, turning toward the Grandmaster. "I chose not to return to the Jedi Order because they have changed from what they once were. Every day I hear of the harsh action and cold judgment of a Jedi Knight. That is not the Order I helped to build.

"Compassion, forgiveness, understanding and insight born of conviction in the fundamental tenants and ideals of our beliefs shaped my teachings," Sebastian spoke with authority but not arrogance. "To think that callous action and judgment have replaced those teachings in the time I left the Order was too much for me. I could not return to them and remain Jedi.

"I had heard of a different sect of Jedi, the Silver Jedi, who remembered that there are evils beyond the atrocities of war. That they remembered what it meant to be guardians of peace in the truest sense of the phrase. Civil liberties, the right to freedom of will are what bring peace to the people who we guard. So I sought you out," Sebastian grinned. "It was no easy task, you have hidden yourselves very well. I am happy that I was not mislead by what I had heard."

He turned to the young woman, the Knight who had earned the right to sit on the Council as an equal, "It is a very great honor to be welcomed so freely into the Silver Order."

 

[Aika Kawakami]

Yet another face come to join, and another mind to explore in the coming days.

Aika sat back herself, silent as she watched the others somewhat gleefully welcome the newcomer. One who had traveled through the veil of space to reach the Silver Jedi. To such a thing was eye opening, to say the least. So unaware that the reach of the SJO had expanded so far, the thought that one would seek them out, simply to join them, never truly crossed her mind. This could be seen as a joyous occasion, and would be by most. For herself, it was nothing more than a momentary distraction from the mundane.

Left leg crossing over her right, left arm draped across her lap as the right posted upon the arm of the chair, allowing her head to lean over and rest upon it. "I fail to see the reason for welcoming such an unknown. He has hardly been here a day, and yet you've all but rolled out the red carpet for him. I neither see, nor sense anything from this one that deserves such a warm reception. Many have stood before us. So tell me.." Her eyes squinted slightly, lips curving just slightly into a miniscule grin. "what makes you any different from them?"

[member="Sebastian Nadav"] [member="Nima Tann"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Kei Amadis"] [member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Sebastian Nadav]

So they weren't all as welcoming as the first three to have spoken; that was good. It had been wonderful to be welcomed with open arms, but to face no suspicion had been strange. Sebastian turned to the woman who had spoken, regarded her somewhat predatory smile and casual posture. She felt colder, more distant than the others but she was also right.

"I'm glad you asked," Sebastian said smoothly. "To speak of myself in such plain terms is arrogant at best and narcissistic at worst, but I suppose it is needed," Sebastian's gaze hardened as he spoke. "The distinction lies in my understanding of the differences between zealotry and conviction, between service and favor and between empathy and sympathy."

He turned away, eyes wandering from person to person as he spoke. "It is lack of understanding of those distinctions that cause uncertainty within Orders of Jedi. To fall to zealotry removes compassion for the sake of a greater ideal. To consider actions as a Jedi to be a favor to the galaxy rather than simple service, that breeds arrogance. To sympathize rather than empathize with the people we serve blinds us to the will of the Force, as sympathy is something we feel, rather than feeling what they feel and working from there."

[member="Nima Tann"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Kei Amadis"] [member="Xander Carrick"] [member="Aika Kawakami"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Sebastian Nadav"] | [member="Aika Kawakami"] | [member="Nima Tann"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Kei Amadis"] | [member="Xander Carrick"]​

​

Ah the ever incredulous and blunt Master Kawakami spoke, and as Master Nadav replied Coci smiled. She had to wonder if any of his words would give Aika pause to think, she doubted it. The woman's mind closed as always, guarded against anyone that might sense her true thoughts which only made Coci more and more wary of her. Yes it is best to keep this woman close.

"Master Kawakami, I do believe that Master Nadav has spoken well on the dangers of such things as the growing arrogance within the Orders, we would do well to be vigilant to ensure this form of culture is not present or nurtured within the Silver Jedi .. don't you think?".

Turing back to Master Nadav, "You spoke of your husband, may I ask if he will be joining you here on Voss? your family would be more than welcome to take up residence within our quarters here in the Temple. But you may prefer to find a home else where".

 

[Aika Kawakami]

Motionless and silent she remained as the words made their way into her ears. Her gaze shifted toward Coci, even before she began to speak. Running her eyes over the woman over and over. It wasn't her words that interested her, specifically. More so, it was the way she worded them. The tone, the inflection upon the question... It was more than obvious of an underlying meaning. Still, she made no expressive movement. Rather than that, Aika simply closed her eyes, feign grin instantly disappearing as the remainder of her remain still.

"My, my.. I'm surprised we haven't broken a sweat, considering all of the hot air that seemed to just appear. Lets not forget, it is the same arrogance you speak of that has caused the Jedi to fall multiple times before. It's the same every time, and history always repeats. You would do well to learn such history, both Coci and your beast of a mate.After all, it is arrogance that always seems to blind Jedi, and I sense such a thing is quite prevalent right under your nose. As for you, our newest arrival, you are simply ignorant. You speak of service and sympathy.. But what will you do when those you protect inevitably turn on you? Raise your blade against them, forsaking your oath as a Jedi? Or allow yourself to brought down like an animal in the wilds? You may save your answers. I neither need, not desire them."

Her eyes reopened once more, panning across the room at each individual within. "But, this is neither the time nor the place for such a topic. And I sense that my words and opinions are neither wanted, nor encouraged. Either way, you are welcome to stay among us, if you do so choose." Once more her lisp curled, grin more sharper than before as her eyes narrowed.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Sebastian Nadav"] [member="Nima Tann"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Xander Carrick"] [member="Kei Amadis"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Taking notice of the little bout between Coci and Aika, Thurion calmly stepped in. "Alright, ladies, break it up. You both offer valid points, but they do not necessarily concern just this individual standing before us. The same could be said about anyone in this very room - about anyone in the Order. And when the time comes," he spoke while turning to Aika, still sat comfortably in her chair. "We will act as Jedi. For that is what we are."

He stepped further towards [member="Sebastian Nadav"]. "Forgive Master Kawakami. She's... We have lost many friends, lately. Masters E'ron and Ru were both like sisters to her, to all of us." He hung his head in remembrance ever-so-slightly. "But let us not speak of the dead, but rather honour them with our actions," he then said, reaching out to place both hands on either shoulder. "Consider this place your home, Sebastian. Should you wish anything, my door's always open." He chuckled. "Literally - I barely ever close it!"

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Aika Kawakami"] | [member="Nima Tann"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Kei Amadis"] | [member="Xander Carrick"]​

 

[Connor Harrison]

Spoiler

OOC: Sorry for the absence - LOA now over and back to 100% from tomorrow!

While nobody knew where he was, this wasn't his usual type of running away to scold himself - Connor had informed others he was well, but had remained out of communication directly. To say he had choices and directions to take was an understatement, but he was doing better.

The call had come from the Council, and thanks to the holo-projector he had been able to see and hear all the events before him and knew he had to at least let them know he was present in holo-form at least.

Standing before his E-wing with a peaceful wind and terrain behind him, the projection illuminate his body and projected it to the other members of the Council while he spoke.

This is Connor Harrison, my apologies for my absence. Master Nadav, my greetings to you. I assure you I am here and taking note of all of you. I wish you the best with the Silver Jedi, I am sure you will find your place that much is clear. We are not all angels ourselves, present company very much included, and so I know you will find your way here.

Nadav was an interesting sort, that much was clear, and speaking to quell the typical bluntness of Master Kawakami couldn't have been better timed.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Aika Kawakami"] | [member="Nima Tann"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Kei Amadis"] | [member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Sebastian Nadav]

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Aika Kawakami"] | [member="Nima Tann"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Kei Amadis"] | [member="Xander Carrick"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

"Master Kawakami, there is no better time or place for this discussion," Sebastian said, voice hard and eyes sorrowful. "To say such things, about what I would do when those I protect inevitably turn on me, to judge me as ignorant when I speak more clearly and with more conviction than you about the ideals and tenants of the code--the code that I have built my entire identity around for one hundred and forty-seven years, is insulting not only to me, but to everyone else in this chamber. To suggest based on a sense of loss and betrayal, that your peers are arrogant and I ignorant, makes you less than Jedi, Master Kawakami."

It was unlike the small man to speak so harshly, but, if the Silver Order were true in their intent to welcome him then they would also welcome his comments as an equal. He could not think of a better place or time to have this conversation. If the Silver Order so openly placed their respect in a woman who was clearly guided by self-centered ideals then perhaps he had been wrong to come here; perhaps he had been wrong to return to service at all.

"Never once have the people I protected turned on me," he said. "Never once have I protected them in such a way that makes them reliant on my own power. We exist to protect and to serve, but we do not exist to absolve people of consequences to their own thoughtless action. If we use our power to safeguard them completely, even once, then they would see it as a betrayal if we fail to do it a second time, or a third; it is that perception of failure that would cause them to rise up against us.

"For example, if a community built their homes in a flood plain and needed our assistance to survive, I would be there. I could do a number of things. I could use the Force to hold the flood at bay, to redirect it away so that the village isn't touched. I could evacuate the village and let it be destroyed by the flood but save every life," Sebastian gave Master Kawakami a piercing stare. "I would do neither of those things. Solutions like that present a remedy to only the immediate problem of the flood, not to changing things for the future; which is where they would see it as a betrayal, should I not be there when another flood happened, that I either saved them all--marginalizing the impact of loss of life--at the cost of their village, or that I saved everything--making them dependent on my power.

"No, what I would do is help them to fortify their community against the impending flood. I would be there to help organize the construction of barriers and levy's, to assist in moving those who are too young, ill or frail to a place where they would not be harmed. I would let them experience the consequences of choosing to settle in such a foolish location, but not without helping them through the flood. By acting in this way I put the power to protect themselves, to think for themselves and to come to the realization that they should relocate in their hands.

"Once the flood is over and they are faced with either choosing to rebuild or to relocate, having suffered both material losses and the inevitable loss of some--but not many--village members, they would be thankful for the assistance and guidance that a Jedi provided. Our power should never be used as the primary solution to anything, it should be used only to assist and make sure that independence and choices around any issue remain in the hands of those directly involved. That is where the key difference lies," Sebastian said. "and why I have never had the misfortune of a population or group I have assisted rise up against me."

He turned to the Council at large. "I am compelled to ask," he said, "if the sentiments brought to the table echo those of the Silver Order as a whole, at heart? It saddens me to say, that after such a warm welcome, that I would turn away should the repercussions of loss and anger be allowed to echo down through the Order from its guiding council."

 

[Connor Harrison]

Drawing a hand across his brow gently, the usual culprits rocking the boat as usual, Connor had valued his time on Chroma Zed, and it was time to return a better, more confident Jedi and one to lead; not simply follow.

Master Nadav, to be honest, the Silver Jedi is not operating as it used to. At present, resources are stretched and we have suffered great losses both personally and professionally. Relationships are taught and the battle against the tyrants sometimes seem meagre compared to the battles between ourselves at times.

He held up a finger, as if he was dictating.

But, rest assured, once I am back on Voss, things will change. I’ve suffered similar…emotional weaknesses that you hint at, but to me it does nothing but make us who we are and what we want to be, so don’t change for anyone. Especially her, his hand waved towards Aika’s figure via the projection, – Master Kawakami and I need to have a chat on my return I think anyway.

Connor folded his arms.

Imperfections run rife in every Order, Light and Dark. We will not turn you away from standing with us, but I will not hesitate to ensure you are cast out if you turn against us. I’ve spent too long in the shadows watching others take what we try to build and look down on those who may have different opinions. I know we all stand unified in one goal, and the sooner we learn to appreciate each other and what we can all bring to the Silver Jedi, then the stronger we will be.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Aika Kawakami"] | [member="Nima Tann"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Kei Amadis"] | [member="Xander Carrick"] | [member="Sebastian Nadav"]

 

[Nima Tann]

"Let's not be so hasty about this, as the Jedi Council we need to be the voices of reason, that's true. But Master Nadav, Master Aika has some good points too. But has her own way of saying things. Master Nadav, let's think about Order 66. The worst thing that have happened to the Jedi kind. And the Jedi were killed by their trusty commanders, the ones they would give their life for. Even though they didn't want it, they had to obey the order. One day, if another Order 66 happens and the ones you swore to protect turn on you, what would you do? I think that's what she meant. And I am ignoring the fact that you've insulted one of our Council members that the Silver Jedi put their trust." She was direct, to the point, but also as her nature she meant to be as sincere and not-offensive as she could.

"Master Harrison is right, we are no traditional Jedi. We are Jedi, we are survivors. We don't restrict ourselves with the Code for our destination. But we are still Jedi and our job is to protect the weak and destroy the evil from this world. But to do this, we need to have the strength, the strength to get the Silver Jedi to its shining days, and only way to do is the new members, experienced members such as you, joining our ranks. I know, as people that touched the darkness before, you think of us now that we may be dangerous maybe, but the only think that does is make us know its dangers better. We just don't learn it from the holocrons or the robots, we live in that world. And the fight with darkness is what makes us strong." It wasn't like her right now, maybe the Master inside her was speaking, or at least, she felt like a Master.

"Now, Master Nadav. Will you stay with us for our fight with darkness, either fighting our own demons, or fight the other demons which took our galaxy in their grasp? Will you be the "not so perfect" angel of those people who need us?" Need, maybe the wrong word. But if they had the power to stop the evil from their nests, then they had to do whatever needed to do.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Aika Kawakami"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Sebastian Nadav"] [member="Xander Carrick"]

 

[Coci Heavenshield]

[member="Nima Tann"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Sebastian Nadav"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Aika Kawakami"]​

​

One of the strongest parts of the Silver Jedi, is that the members of the Order have the freedom to deliver their opinions, on anything that concerns them all. This, at times, runs counter to each other and so there are heated discussions which they all come together. But, there is a hint of discord, which Coci has noted and now wonders why.

She strongly suspects that there is an evil at work here, whether intentional or no, the force is telling her to take guard of the Order. Her eyes flittered over to Aika. Another thing that concerned her was the amount of arrogance within some of the council members, they have grown complacent to it in a sense and believe it to be the way of the Jedi. Coci had witnessed this same behaviour within the Jedi Order when she had been a member there, and they had done nothing about it, in fact they had encouraged it. That had changed with the placement of Master Raaf at the helm, which was pleasing indeed.

However, Aika had overstepped her position and had insulted the grand master. This could not be tolerated and so as Master of the Silver Order she would address this.

"Master Kawakami, please apologise to Grand Master Heavenshield for that lack of respect for him and the position of grand master, to refer to him in such a way not only insults him directly, as well as myself, but the entire Order of the Silver Jedi. To insult one is to insult us all".

"Master Nadav, you will find us unconventional as has been stated, and well will have differring opinions in many issues, but is this not how one is to learn? A good strong healthy, respectful debate would always be encouraged. It is one way to seek knowledge outside of the holocrons and libraries. Master Harrison, seeks to find understanding of our common enemy, the darkside. He has made this search of knowledge a lifes work in a sense and he is to be commended for it".

Coci turned to the holoimage of Connor, "Connor I would like to see you as soon as your return to Voss, I would like to speak to you personally on these matters and much more".

"Nima, you have grown much since your training with your master, and have become very wise. I know your master would be very proud of you", she said while resting a hand on her shoulder.

 

[Sebastian Nadav]

Sebastian raised an eyebrow.

There was something odd going on in the chamber. It didn't take a genius to figure that much out but there was more to it than the suffocating tension. He could feel something in the Force and he could feel the echos of the same sensation in Coci and suspected he would feel the same in Connor had the man been present. The Silver Council wasn't dysfunctional, they remained in their dedication to their Order, his Order now too. However, though he felt that they all remained dedicated for different reasons; some altruistic, others less so. It was not too late, not yet.

"It would seem I was mistaken," the Jedi Master said humbly. "Never did I intend to so harshly criticism the Council, it is neither my place nor my desire."

As he spoke, the Force began to move around him. Slowly, gently, trickling like water over the polished stones of a creek it came to him, rushing ever faster to twine about and through his small body. As the Force flowed, drawn to him through conviction in his morals, morals that he knew without question that the Jedi around him shared, it picked up speed. The gentle trickle became a tidal force that ebbed and flowed. The light in the room became brighter, warmer. The golden hue of Voss' sun grew bolder and hope shone brazenly in the chamber. The light side resonated within every being in the room, and for a moment there was rapture. The Force and how it trickled from those who knew it never ceased to amaze Sebastian. As gently as it had come, Sebastian let the Force fade once again.

"It is very clear," he said in the silence, "that everyone here works toward the same end. We each desire to inspire hope and peace within the beings who live in this galaxy. Perhaps we walk different paths to see that end through, I certainly have over the many years of my life, but my reservations have been proven most incorrect. The Silver Order is, indeed, as I thought it would be."

[member="Nima Tann"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Aika Kawakami"]

 

[Aika Kawakami]

"Such ignorance...It is no wonder Jedi of this age find themselves so quick quickly lured astray. And, as far as the beast is concerned..." Her gaze jetted towards Coci, who had quite easily caught her ire. The way she spoke, the tone of her voice.. It was more than obvious the woman was both talking down to her, and pulling rank simultaneously. One alone was enough to bring a rise from her, but both? It was as if finding the recipe to that inner anger that lived within them all. Yet, as always, she remained so calm,so serene, and so agonizingly in control.

"Apologies are given when more makes a mistake. There is no mistake in speaking a simple truth. If you are awaiting an apology, just know that no such thing is forthcoming. I will not do so for speaking so plainly as I see it. However..." Her legs finally uncrossed, planting firmly on the ground as she rose to her feet, standing at a full posture before clasping her hands at the small of her back.

"Since it is so obvious that I have over stayed my welcome, I shall take my leave." Her paces began, slow and even as she made for the chamber's exit, more than aware that all eyes were watching. Just as she reached the doors, opening before as if giving the woman an easy escape, her voice came to life once more.

"Nima, your mind is riddled with thoughts, jumbled and clouded. Come, child. I shall assist you in clearing your mind. Oh, and Coci.." Her head pivoted just enough to allow her to eyes to catch sight of the woman. "You would do well to watch such a tone. The next time you speak to me in such a manner, I may not take it so lightly." With that, Aika took her exit, the doors sliding shut behind her as if creating a wall between herself and the others.

[member="Sebastian Nadav"] [member="Coci Heavenshield"] [member="Nima Tann"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Connor Harrison]

Even though Connor wasn’t in the room, or on the planet, or even in the system, he could feel the tension in the chambers. Leaning back on his E-wing, the light blue projection of the chamber before him, which in turn transmitted his image to the others, flickered slightly as Aika spoke her mind.

Watching carefully, Connor lowered his lead to focus on the Master. She was starting to show her animosity more and more, and this would be something Connor would take up to end once and for all. There was nothing he could do in the Mid-Rim, except watch her speak, threaten, and leave. He suppressed the curl of a smirk on his lips.

Well. Rest assured, I will speak to Master Kawakami upon my return. Her bark is just as worse as her bite, but if you know how to handle the beast, she’s just as fragile as the rest of us inside.

The last part was a lie, but it was time someone stepped up to confronting her.

[member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Aika Kawakami"] | [member="Nima Tann"] | [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Kei Amadis"] | [member="Xander Carrick"] | [member="Sebastian Nadav"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Just as he was about to defuse the situation himself, Coci spoke up on his behalf. Her less-than-diplomatic side flared up out of concern for her husband, no doubt, but unfortunately someone like Aika would never succumb to authority. Once the two ladies had finished their arguing, he gently touched Coci's arm. "Don't," he said softly coupled with a light shake of his head. "Let her go. Aika's loyalty to the Order is not in question, nor did I take offense. I did not expect to assume the seat of Grandmaster without some opposition." He sighed. "Not everyone can be like the White Dragon." His rough hand found Coci's soft cheek and gave it a caress, then returned his attention to Sebastian.

"Master Nadav, forgive us. These are trying times for all of us, and not only as Jedi but as people too. So much loss across the galaxy at the hands of those who wish nothing but to bring harm to it. To destroy will always be simpler than to rebuild. Such is the nature of things." He turned to the rest of the council. "My friends, thank you for coming. I have nothing else on today's agenda, so please do not let me take up any more of your time." He offered them all a gracious bow.

"Sebastian," he then said, disregarding any and all rank. "Should you need anything, all you have to do is ask. The Council is here to serve the Order and its members, not rule over them like some would have you believe in this day and age. 'There is no ignorance, there is knowledge', I believe the traditional Jedi code states?" He knew the code full well, of course, but he was a devout follower of the New Jedi code, also known as the Skywalker code.

[member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Aika Kawakami"] | [member="Sebastian Nadav"] | [member="Coci Heavenshield"] | [member="Nima Tann"]​