Private The Trial of Nida Perl

[Jend-Ro Quill]

Quill nodded pensively. "We need better, more consistent solutions for preventing the next Raaf. There was a Jedi sect called the Cloud City Sentinels for a few years - they ran a successful cultist-deprogramming site called Cheelit Valley. The First Order controls that territory now, but I might be able to learn something.

"I think it's critical, though, that we remember the danger of conflicts of interest. Taeli Raaf was fast-tracked and given preferential treatment, trusted too soon and too easily for the Jedi procedures of the time - because her sister was Grandmaster Corvus Raaf. Overnight, if I recall, Taeli went from apparently remorseful Sith to caretaker of a Jedi research site.

"I have no issue with the quality of the judgments you've offered today, Grandmasters," he said to Coren and Thurion. "But we need to strengthen the Jedi culture around conflict of interest, or we'll undermine trust in Jedi justice and our ability to keep our house clean. With all respect, both of you should have recused yourselves today. Let's all make sure this doesn't happen again."

He stood up.

"We've settled on a direction, and I trust this group to work out the details. If you'll excuse me, I need to step out for personal reasons."

He'd only lasted this long because the trial was that important.

 

[Nida Perl]

A slew of emotions steeped in the council chambers. Some were sympathetic—empathetic, even—some angered, some skeptical. Trying to drink them all in at once was dizzying.

Her heart fluttered when Thirdas spoke up on her behalf. He was not the type of man to sit by idly, and she was impressed with the patience he’d exercise until this point. She imagined it was not on him and her family to watch the proceedings, deserved as they may have been. Familial bonds often complicated politics and the law, neither of which Nida was distinctly familiar with. Over his shoulder, she caught a glimpse of Thal Mantis and his smile. She was relieved to see that he was well and horrified that he was here—but above all, he was a reminder that her actions had aided his escape. Whether or not that was a comfort, she did not know.

Kyra snatched Thirdas away as she cast him a grateful, loving gaze. The Padawan had been careful not to divulge the identity of the man she’d slain for fear of dragging another galactic power into this mess, but those in attendance had fit the pieces of the puzzle together on her own.

Imprisonment, then reconciliation.

It was a chance to atone, to fix what was wrong with her. Nida did not feel safe from herself, fearful of the vestiges of dark influence that may still be lurking in her mind. As much as she had wanted to display her sincerity to the council and be believed, the Masters were right to be cautious of ulterior motives. It had happened before, and being too lenient had the potential to be disastrous. Apparently, her situation served as a vector to bring to light endemic issues among the Jedi.

Nida bowed her head before the council and was lead away in silence.

Zark San Tekka | Jend-Ro Quill | Celeste Rigel | Romi Jade | Tiland Kortun | Kyra Perl | Thirdas Heavenshield | Coren Starchaser | Cadere | Sakadi Marathi Sinvala | Amani Serys | Audren Sykes | Beltran Rarr | Auteme | Cotan Sar'andor | Kat Decoria | Aaran Tafo