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Post by Rich on Jul 24, 2006 16:23:06 GMT -5
The bright orange flames licked at the heavens in such a way that they seemed to call for some long forgotten Deity to grant attention.
In steed of that Deity, the fire called forth mystics, magicians and crazed warrior priests called Jedi. For ten thousand plus generations the Jedi had been the protectors of truth, justice and peace.
This generation of Jedi saw themselves struggling against an enemy that was misguided, lost and all too much a too sentient version of themselves.
Not everyone survived the encounter. And thats an understatement.. To one Jedi Master, Caedmon Cato, the goal was to make sure others survived.
That the Jedi survived.
Dark brown eyes sat atop a log, staring at wide circle he had carefully laid out. It would easily accommodate all the Jedi that had shown up.
All the Jedi that slowly but surely would feel his beck and call. He called with the Force, echoing outwards and was unsurprised that Even at t this late hour, on this dark night, that the children arrived first.
Among those who arrived, there were faces of people he didn't know, Jedi that had come out of the wood works. Force sensitives that had made a decision somewhere along the line that kept them from Dathomir, and now with the galaxy in utter chaos, drew them here.
When they all arrived he stood...
"I'm sure you're all wondering why I called you here... " He spoke quietly, yet his voice echoed outwards with resounding strength
"I thank you for coming, and even more so, for being patient with me, even when you hadn't a clue what for...
All that have arrived..."
A mild amount compared to the Jedi numbers of old...
"Are all that will arrive. So to the point, straight to it. The galaxy has changed, it has shifted in a way that none of us, even those with the greatest of vision couldn't foresee this outcome....
For too long we have gone unchanged. Even Master Luke Skywalker kept the Jedi Order as much like that of old as possible.
Here and now, we stand at a great cross-roads... We can either Rebuild the Jedi Order just as Master Skywalker and the Jedi of old had it... or we can try for a change that will help preserve our ways for ten thousand Milena more.
I propose that we do away with the order part of the Jedi Order... That is to say, we leave the Jedi Order without any governing body. No council. No leader. Each Jedi led only by the force, towards tasks that the Force brings to each of us....
It is my belief, that this way will teach us all more about the force and how it pertains to each of us, that it will create a generation of able bodied leaders... and keep the Jedi free from Allegiances to any government.....
There you have it...shall we discuss it?"
Caedmon was aware that this might not go well, especially after Jeryndi's reaction to Caedmon's proposal
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Post by Davion Matrix on Jul 24, 2006 22:17:34 GMT -5
The Iktotchi Jedi had no time to ditch his battle armor, yet he feared he would need it again. He sat among the rest of the gathered Jedi, allowing enough time fore Caedmon to voice the steps of the future. It gave him enough time to allow the thought to sink in. Then he stood, addressing the rest of the Jedi before him.
“We’re no better than the Jedi that lived before us.” Those yellow orbs glanced around the assembled group.
“We still need a Council. Even the smartest and wisest of the Jedi sought counsel and advice. I’m not envisioning a hierarchy; only a gathering of knowledge and wisdom to pass down for future generations of the Jedi.”
And with that, he sat back down again, swallowing hard. He wasn’t expecting to step on any toes during this dispute. All reactions and opinions appeared to be welcome. And he had no problem voicing his.
He glanced around at his other comrades, awaiting further responses.
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Post by Jedi Master Kabraka on Jul 24, 2006 23:09:04 GMT -5
Jedi Master Kabraka stepped forward, the orange firelight spilling over his silvery white fur, reflecting points of light like tiny gems buried in his fur. It gave him an august appearance, as well as a glow that seemed to stem from the very light of life itself.
It had been just a few days ago when Master Cato had proposed this idea to him. He had been taken aback to have such a thing proposed, at first not quite grasping what the Master was driving at, but with such a simple explaination now, he more intuitively grasped what he was driving at.
It had also furthered his surprise to find that this proposal had stemmed from one of his own teachings and concepts a year or more ago, at a similar gathering on Dantooine, on its open plains as the Jedi Order began to regain its bearings.
"My fellow sentients," the Jedi Master began softly, his words and meaning carried on the currents of the Force, lending understanding to his words and even beyond... "I know that Master Cato has deliberated long about such a thing. I must confess that I see wisdom in his advice. Consider, a moving target is harder to hit, and a group without a central focus is even more so. Consider this though, without a central gathering... such a group lacks the solidarity and support to act as a whole when need be.
"Yes, the Force is a powerful ally, and is among one of our greatest tools besides our own spirit and will. In this though, there are times when we may not see all, because we are not unified. However, being led by the Force can lead to other avenues of teaching, and learning. This is something we must embrace, and understand if we want to survive the next decade, not to mention the next century or millenium.
"I agree with both Master Cato and with Tiro. We perhaps should be less centralized, and go in the directions we are lead by the Force. At the same time, a Commune should be formed, so that we can keep in contact with each other, and keep the lines of communicaiton and coordination open. Set broad goals, and help each other, but do so in our own ways.
"For those young ones in the Force who would be tempted by the DarkSide too much, and thus fall to it, we should be wary of, especially when exploring new ways in the Force and new ways of relating to it. However, as Jedi, we should not focus merely on self-sacrifice, but survival, especially if we wish to endure to help those around us that need and desperately want it. And there will be plenty of both.
"The Order should, I believe, become more loose, and be allowed to flow and take the shape of whatever it needs to to meet the demands of those around us."
The Jedi Master paused letting his words sink in, pacing back and forth around the fire, then continued speaking quietly. "There is, of course, a problem to be forseen with anything such as this. That is the personal element. Such a loose association can lead to infighting, and power games. We cannot allow those things to happen. We must be unified as Jedi, though we are apart in what we do. We are still family, within the Force."
He paused, looking at each of them in turn, touching each with his gaze and with a slight essence of the Force, measuring, testing, and encouraging. "What say you?"
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Post by Jedi Adia Estrina on Jul 25, 2006 2:09:27 GMT -5
Adia sat down beside that of her students and took heave to what was being said. True, there were some questions regarding such actions, but then again perhaps they were right. Moving targets were a lot hard to hit, and maybe...just maybe it was time for them to keep a much lower key than normal. "Pay attention young ones...this is something that will affect us all." she said to the four padawans that were beside her. Although the jedi may be going their seperate ways Adia was not about to do that with the ones under her. She was dedicated to teaching them all that she knew in hopes that they would help carry on the torch of being a jedi.
She already knew where she would be teaching the young ones under her. They were the future, and she was going to ensure that they were equipped for the long journey ahead of the, If this meant that they were going to be much more on their own than normal then that meant that it was even the more important that they received the kind of training that they needed in order to survive. They were her main concern, and perhaps her only concern. She watched as the wookie jedi master paced around the fire. This was something too he had considered,and Adia trusted in his wisdom. So if he agreed that this was the right thing then she questioned him not, and went along with the flow.
The other there seemed to feel that there should be a council. He was entitled to feel that way, and the notion of a council being there was not completely eliminated, not to her. However, it seemed that the jedi would be a lot less dependant on such and would be spread out among the universe in a much more sparse manner than normal. Contact would be established just incase another needed ii, but for the most part it would be them developing a much more in depth connection with the force, allowing it to guide their footsteps and influence every decision made.
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Post by Lissa on Jul 25, 2006 13:11:56 GMT -5
((Read these posts to Bobbi over the phone... Here is Murra Tekal's reponse....))
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Murra had located herself among the gathered Jedi, seating herself near her dearest and most beloved comrade. Leiyn, Kabraka, Jeryndi, Lepri, and her own children surrounded her. She sat some ways back from the flames, letting the light dance over her form in shadows and fading glows. The Jedi Master waited until silence had fallen again and then had stood slowly, balancing her weight on both legs before she spoke.
"I have lived within a Galaxy where the Jedi were so widespread that there seemed to be no Order at all. Indeed, in my youth there was no Order to speak of. This caused great discomfort to those who were seeking to learn the ways of the Force. Many turned from the prospect of being a Jedi and took up the colors of those who walked the DarkSides paths." Her voice came softly, and as she continued speaking, Murra made her way into the full light of the circle. As she turned her gaze towards each Jedi present, the firelight took the color of her eyes and turned it into a haunting expression.
"I have survived many years where those who had potential were mislead, misdirected, and endangered by the lack of having Jedi with which they could openly communicate. I do not believe that this would be the correct time to reincite such dangerous ways of life to return to our Family. We have come together, found ourselves for one another, and we have survived. If we dislocate ourselves from our Family, in hopes of finding our paths through the Will of the Force alone, we will only relive the history that we have recently put behind us. I am not opposed to the idea of stretching the Order out across the Galaxy, but I am opposed to dismantling the Order completely.
"Phobos once called me and comrades 'Force Wizards'. Without some semblance of an Order, that is all that we are. Every last one of us needs the other, we cannot survive within this Galaxy without having some place to return to. This place should serve to remind us that we are no better than anyone else out there in the Galaxy. Only that we are as exceptional as anyone could be. We are a Family, a Family with great potential, but as with every Family, we need a home. A place where we rest and recuperate. Without that... who knows where we will end up when we go looking for guidance and support?"
Her words had come without any touch of the Force. Murra had used pure presence, a tone that carried the weight and experience of her years behind it. She understood why Cato felt the way he did. He had a very good reason to propose such a thing. However, without direction of some kind the Jedi would find themselves in a position where they would become vigilanties throughout the Galaxy. That was not something she wanted to see.
She turned and made her way back to her seat. As she did so, Murra reached out, grasping Kabe's shoulder gently as she passed him by. She sat once more, lowering herself quietly into the folding metal chair and stared off into the bonfire... She waited and listened to the world around her.
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Post by annabell on Jul 26, 2006 11:47:11 GMT -5
Anna listened in slight disbelief. Was she actually hearing this? The jedi disbanded? She understood why such steps were being concidered, but that didn't quite stop the chill caused by such thoughts. There was alot to concider in making such a decision. Everyone was making good points, but still, she had to agree with Murra. Future force adepts would not have the wisdom of hindsight of others in the Order and could possibly bring about events that no Jedi would want to see reoccur. Were they willing to risk that? As Murra sat back down, Anna's eyes swept the small crowd, watching for the next speaker to stand. She would wait until everyone had their turn before making her own choice in the matter. She wanted to see if any more valid points were made, before deciding herself.
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Post by Lissa on Jul 26, 2006 12:09:52 GMT -5
Leiyn stood up slowly. Both of her boys stood up with her, holding onto her pantlegs. Both were uncertain around so many people... She took a few steps forward, letting the light illuminate her face and hair, but not much else. She sighed heavily, looking somewhat frustrated.
"I am not a member of the Jedi Order, though I once was... and plan to take up Jedi training again once my boys are old enough..." She shrugged slightly, drumming her fingers impatiently on her upper arm. "I have made many friends among the Jedi since my rescue from Ord Mantell nearly two years ago... I have befriended not only Masters, but Knights and Padawans as well..." She was silent for a moment, then continued.
"I only have one thing to say in reference to the future... 'Think of the children'." She gestures around the circle to the padawans and younglings who had no Masters or Knights to train them personally. "They are the future of the Jedi. The future is here, among us, right now. And not just here, but scattered across the Galaxy... I agree that an unorthodox way of teaching and learning might be best for the Jedi right now. We would learn more and become independent. We would follow our own paths of the Force, not being dished out orders from some branch of government somewhere, somehow... But to disband the Order -entirely-, for me, is a little unrealistic...
"Again, I have to say... Think of the children. There will come a time in the distant future when-- if we choose to disband-- there will be people who may -want- to train to be a Jedi... Also, what Murra said is very true. The Jedi need a common ground. A place to call home to gather, rest, and heal. While its all good and stuff that you each follow our own paths, maintaining our Family is nearly-- or equally-- important.
"The Galaxy is in chaos... This could very well mean smaller wars can erupt among the surviving cultures and planets. I'm sure the Jedi will be blamed for what has happened for a long time to come. However, having a single Jedi to follow his or her own personal allegiances, guided through the Force or not, could lead to be disasterous... We need some sort of common ground. We need to stay in contact with each other. We cannot allow ourselves to grow so distant that we could potentially come into conflict with each other in our individual paths...
"Also, there will be a time when governments will want problems taken care of by the Jedi. While I agree the Jedi can hold no particular allegiances to any form of government, there will be times when the Jedi will need to intervene before it gets to be out-of-control. Perhaps a central place where the Jedi can take commissions and the Knights and Masters can confer on whether to take them or not. I'm not sure if that would work or not... But its just an idea to throw out into the open..." she says softly. Her vehemence was slowly winding down.
She took a deep breath and released it gradually... She glanced over at Jeryndi, then over to Kabe, Murra, and eventually settling her eyes on Master Cato. Kefret let go of her leg, running towards the fire, and Leiyn quickly stepped forward to snatch him up before he could reach it.
"I know I'm a little long winded... Heh... Sorry." She pushed both her children back towards her seat and sat down... She looked up at Jeryndi who stood up to full height.
Jeryndi was slow in walking forward. He wasn't feeling too energetic at the moment... But he looked okay, if not a little pale. He stood there in the light of the firelight, biting his lip before speaking.
"It feels wrong..." he stated simply. "Not through the Force, but to me. You have to understand, despite what I've been through, the Jedi Order is the best thing that's ever happened to me... I have to agree that going our individual paths may be... may.. be.. the best thing, but I am not wise enough to go without guidance. I am only a Padawan, though a smartass and quick-witted one." He cast a sideglance to Leiyn, who was stifling a smile and a snicker.
"It comes down to this... If we disband the Order, many things will be lost as well as gained. While it may be re-established again later when the Galaxy has quieted down, that does not help those who need help -now-. This seems like a good thing, both short term and long term if you look at it from certain points of view... But I have to wonder... Who can we tell is strong enough to deal with this kind of change? The Masters are obviously well-enough equipped to deal with the situation... Leiyn said the Padawans are our future. We are always changing, always learning, that is true. But we are human, just the same. Umm... Most of us, anyway... My point being, this is the kind of change that cannot be made overnight. I think the Padawans-- and others-- will need time to adjust. The Padawan who have been here among you for as far back as they can remember... What have they known all their lives? Not just the Jedi, but the Jedi Order. This decision, if it is made, should be a time-wise project... Children, and even adults, can be fragile-hearted things.
"A time of change is definitely upon us... That much is obvious. We can follow our individual paths. We may be officially disbanded, the Jedi Order no longer exists, make a galactic-wide statement on the holonet, I don't care... So long as we keep some form of order within each other, I don't care." He paused, covering his mouth with his hand as he coughed harshly for a long moment. When he spoke again, his voice was weak, but strong-willed and determined...
"Our Family is what helps to make us Jedi. I'm pretty sure every one of us here is pretty damned stubborn about helping, and saving, the ones we care for. We give each other strength. We love each other. We save each other. We teach. We learn. And-- like any decent family-- we argue with each other. With our comrades, with our teachers, with our parents, with our children... We are independent from each other, but we are whole. That is something that absolutely cannot be lost..." He bowed his head to the people gathered around the bonfire and stepped back out of the circle.
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Post by Rich on Jul 26, 2006 15:46:30 GMT -5
-:When Jeryndi had finished, he decided he had to make sure he clarified atleast one point.
"I talk not of disbanding the Jedi. Just the Order. No ruling body over any jedi. That doesn't mean getting rid of the traditions that we have all learned. A Knight will still take a padawan, a Padawan will still become a Knight. Masters will still teach, and give guidance to any that call for it...
No we are not better than those Jedi that have come before us, but we have proven we have learned nothing from their mistakes if we don't change our ways, then we'll be swallowed whole.
From what I can tell, most of you who oppose this, want a place where we can call home... A conclave, or a temple or someplace where we can remain in constant contact if need be.... "
He sighed, rolled his shoulders some and spoke softly still
"But as always, it should be as the majority decides, and as Jedi we will all obey what is decided, its just imperative that we move forward"
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Post by Ang on Jul 26, 2006 16:21:36 GMT -5
Caedmon would see a flash of red fabric just within his peripheral vision, but only he could see it...and he would know who she was. A smirk appeared across rouged lips, and the woman sat herself beside the Jedi Master...
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Post by James on Jul 26, 2006 16:41:21 GMT -5
A younge masterless padawan stood. He had spent most his life with the Jedi and his life and training only consisted of what he was taught in the order. Only 14 his views and wisdom was less then others. But he was a jedi none the less. And his life would be altered by this desicion.
"Well....If its as it should be and the majority decides that kinda feels like a council and order already. I always thought the Order was ment for the name it gives. Order. Not jedi running around like banthas with their heads cut off fallowing the force. Not all of us are that connected with it. I kinda think we need the minds of all our wisest Masters to come together and guide the Order in the right direction. With how Jedi should use their abillities for the galaxy and the good of all."
Thinking for a moment he shuffled his feet a little nervous now.
"A council mean Order. We are human and will make mistakes just like past Jedi. I dont know the future. But it just seems this opens the door for chaos....."
He sets down watching and waiting how they would take his words.
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Post by Ordo Tyr on Jul 26, 2006 20:56:19 GMT -5
From a distance, Cader Nodd scoffed.
"I'm surprised. This would be a simple decision were I a leader amongst the Jedi. If you ask me, your younglings and padawan and even your knights need guidance. The lack of a governing body would send the majority of the younger, rash Jedi across the galaxy sticking their noses in businesses not of their own," he preached in a low tone only the man next to him could hear.
"I didn't ask you."
Ordo Tyr, off in the distance beside his smuggling companion, rested in a lean against a tall oak within eyesight of the grouped Jedi. A lot had changed since the beginning of the Mekhetu ordeal, when he left the Jedi on Bastion for a little soul-searching and self-training. He'd grown several inches taller and gained enough weight to fill out the formerly thin frame. Even his face had changed, hardened by the cruelties he witnessed throughout the galaxy. Stubble on his chin was a sure sign that he was physically becoming a man.
"Besides," he started again with a voice that had deepened over the past several months. "Those younglings, padawan, and knights you spoke of would just as soon leave whether there was a council or order. It's a matter of desire, and what they desire, they'd pursue regardless."
Cader almost scoffed again, but managed to hold it back. "Are you going to voice an opinion?"
Ordo crossed his arms over his chest, covered by a sand-bleached tunic, and shook his head.
"I've been gone too long and left rather abruptly. I would stand on no ground if I voiced my opinion now, especially considering I placed myself away from the group." He looked toward the group with a rather emotionless look on his face. "I need to speak with Master Cato privately."
( So, yeah, Rich. We ought to RP, or PM RP, one or the other is fine for me. )
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Post by Rich on Jul 28, 2006 20:31:05 GMT -5
-:Caedmon took a glance around, keeping his mind open to what they all wanted, he sighed. It seemed like a one sided fight, and one that he was losing.
For a long moment he remained silent, staring at the fire. The vision he had on Altar flashing again and again before his eyes. Standing he motioned to them
"It seems as if the majority would see a governing body installed, a council... Then we in the minority can only hold our opinions, and fully obey what the majority has decided...
So, unless I am mistaken, we are to form a government... a council from what everyone is saying..."
He smiled, dimmly, feeling a thrumming in the back of his ear.
"How shall we decide how many on that council? And who?"
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Post by Ordo Tyr on Jul 28, 2006 21:07:09 GMT -5
Ordo forced himself off the trunk he leaned against and brushed the palm of his hand against the stubble on his chin. A faint grimace followed by a hefty sigh revealed that he had intended on doing something that he wasn't planning on doing, or didn't want to do just yet.
"Good luck," Cader Nodd called as the taller, dark-skinned shell of a man made for the gathering.
Ordo felt odd walking out into the clearing, toward the group of Jedi and the fires that kept them out of the dark. It's almost as though he was arriving late, though anyone who may have sensed him knew he had been there throughout the entire meeting.
"There should be as many on the council as there are Jedi Masters," he called out as he approached the circle.
He'd grown a ton, and simply put, he was built like a brickhouse. Although he was clearly older and more mature in the way he carried himself, his facial features still held a softness befitting a young boy. In that, he wasn't imposing by any means.
"And they should only counsel the knights, who in turn counsel the padawans and sensitives with the experiences they've gone through during years past. I picture an academy-like setting, Master Cato," he spoke loudly, his deep voice carrying itself to the ears of those furthest from him and nearest him alike.
Then he grew silent, awaiting the rebuttals or agreements likely to occur within mere seconds.
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Post by Jedi Master Kabraka on Jul 29, 2006 9:08:24 GMT -5
Kabe looked over at Cato, seeing and feeling his disappointment. He understood Caedmon's goal. In many ways he agreed with it. Unlike everyone else here, he'd lived though the time of the Old Republic, and then the dark times under the Empire. He knew what the Old Order was like. It had been a monastic group of women and men, stuck up in their high towers, serving obscure agendas. He also knew that in some ways they had become corrupt by their own teachings, becoming too rigid and inflexable to see what was before them, and to completely commune with the Force. He'd seen some of their mistakes, even though he had not been among that old order.
He didn't want that fate to happen again, as they'd become so blinded that they had not seen the knife coming for their back until it was already in them. Then there was the Dawning Hope incident. That had been almost as bad.
He glanced over at Murra. Her own points were solid, and very reasonable .They were things he had thought on, on his own.
Across the clearing, Lepri watched the exchange. She could feel the ripples of turmiol among her fellow Jedi, her friends and extended family. She had listened as Master Cato had said what he would, then others, such as Kabe, and Murra respond. At first she had not known the woman, but with her ever-present presence at the landing site, she knew the venerable woman by sight at least now. She sighed.
She could only hope that somewhere, the joy of being a Jedi, and its attendant duties didn't become chores, once the dust settled.
Merek sat beside Annabell. He'd only landed in the last few hours before the gathering, and only because of quiet insistance through a urge of his gut, that and Kabe had asked him to.
Merek had changed. He'd seen too much, and had too many things on his mind for so long. Faint lines crossed his face from stress and trying to figure out how to stay alive long enough to help the people that needed help .The Dawning Hope incident hadn\t even been the start of it, but once he wsa taking care of over twenty padawans until he could bring them somewhere safe, keeping them away from Enforcers and other dangers lurking out there.
Merek was no longer quite as jovial as he had once been, though he still had a ready smile or comment. Instead, he'd seemed to grow .... wiser, perhaps. It hadn't even been until the meeting had been called that he'd come into the clearing, but now that he was here, he was seated near Leiyn, Jeryndi and Kabe, and of course Murra. Instead of looking at her with a hint of distrust, he gave her a warm smile, as did the others. He was happy to be among friends, whom he finally understood somewhat, and of course he'd come to trust.
Finding Anna here had been a surprise, but certainly nothing to complain about. So now it was that he sat beside her, but the two would keep their greeting to a minimum for now, saving it for later.
They had a lot of catching up to do.
Kabe sighed after a few moments. "If there is to be a council, then it would be good to have many Masters. But, answer me this: How many is enough? How many is too much?" He fell silent for a few moments, the air around him seeming to come alive, crackling and snapping with invisible but strongly felt energy by those that had the ability to feel the Force in some capacity. He looked inward and outward at the same time.
Images flickered by almost too fast to see. Worlds burned, others grew. Chaos reigned, and surged, but as he watched the over all pattern shifted. Slowly the chaos wound down into much more calm and smooth waters, down either path. With the reformation of a council it happened faster, and in some cases Jedi blood was spilled. Down the other road, he saw no Jedi. Then another few roads appeared, where Jedi stood over the galaxy, dominating. Another showed them under the galaxy, it crushing down on them. Another showed the Jedi and the galaxy standing next to each other working together. More possible futures rushed by, but those were the main patterns that stuck out in the Force.
It's your move, a silent voice said to him.
He opened his eyes, banishing the visions with a small nudge of the Force. He looked at them all. "There are many considerations to take in, especially in the reformation of a Council."
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Post by Roy on Jul 29, 2006 9:42:21 GMT -5
A voice that had remained silent finally spoke up. Coming from a smaller man near the rear of their discussion circle, his features were difficult to make out by the lack of light from the fire.
"What must be decided first of all, is what function the Jedi Order is to serve? If not to serve a single government, if not to be involved in the politics, if we are to stay out of all militarily affairs, what does that leave? Outsiders might perceive this order of being nothing more than a group of vigilantes following some hokey religion for guidance."
"How can we project peace if we have no influence with those in power? How can we maintain Order if we ourselves aren't even organized enough to exist as a single, structured unit?"
He paused for a moment.
"There are still several options before us. A council, A single leader, No council, or complete disbanding. Think about what is best for us, for the Force, for the people of the Galaxy, and for our up and coming Padawans and Knights. Only at that point should we proceed."
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