The Brush Fire Wars (Book 2)

[Akirapryde]

New Visions
Jedi Temple
Coruscant

The Jedi Temple had stood for thousands of years. Its tall white spires once stood for peace and harmony, now they have become a staggering symbol of the corruption that has infested the Temple down to its very core. Now this place of peace has become a target of great debate that is raging across the galaxy. No one can truly decide which side was actually responsible for starting a war that has engulf hundreds of worlds. Compared to wars of past, the Jedi Civil War is small in respects to others. However it has become one of the most intense wars ever fought. Both sides have called in allies and supporters to gain an upper hand in the war. These efforts have only gone to magnify the causalities.

Throughout the Great Halls and corridors of the Jedi Temple, there has always been constant activity as youngling, Padawan, Jedi and/or Antarian Rangers moved through their daily activities. Now with the Jedi Civil War in full swing, the armed guards of the Antarian Rangers and Hunters have become a normal sight throughout the Temple. Once a place of learning and knowledge, the Temple has become something so much worse then anyone could have imagined.

Grand Master Tra Vae, the leader of the Jedi Order, slowly walked through the temple with a grim look about his face. He walked past a small group of younglings and paused to watch them play near a garden. He knew ever corner of the temple and every Jedi that resided here. No one has felt the affects of the war more closer then him. He hated the fact that the other side had hid their intentions for so long. So many missed chances at peace, and now he was stuck with a war no one wanted. He leaned against a wall and sighed as he watched the younglings play with each other. He alone was responsible for what they were going to inherit. He felt like he had not only failed the Order to lead them in to the future. He felt like he had failed these younglings at safe guarding their future. He noticed the three Antarian Rangers and their Hunter on guard within the Garden. Even the happiness of the younglings gentle play are dashed by the reality of the Civil War. He frowned deeply, 'How could I have let things become so out of control' he thought.

He got up off the wall and started walking once more. Like many Jedi, he was raised in a temple. Coming from humble beginnings, he did not enjoy most of the privileges of other younglings or Padawans. He remembered his life as a youngling and then later as a Padawan. Everything was such a struggle for him. Always being the underdog made him work harder then most and through these efforts he gained respect from other Jedi. He even remembered Master Losh as a teacher then later as a close friend. Their friendship had always been rocked by differences of opinions. Master Losh had always been the kind of friend that a person could turn to no matter what problems were between them. Tra Vae had always trusted Master Losh and his wisdom. Tra Vae frowned once more as he remembered their last truly heated debate. All of Tra Vae's hard work had finally been rewarded with a great honor. He had been named as Grand Master of the Jedi Order.

It was the zenith of Tra Vae's career and he had expected Master Losh to be proud of his hard work. However, Master Losh was far from proud or impressed. He advised Tra Vae against the appointment and warned him that this was not what it appeared to be. That he was becoming a pawn in a great plot to destroy the Jedi. 'Had he foresaw the civil war?' Tra Vae thought as he walked 'The events that lead to this war were not even considered back then. How could he have foreseen the war?' Tra Vae was so happy at the nomination, his whole life he wanted to serve the Order and this was the single most important thing to him. The words of such a close friend cut deep like a knife. The two had argued over the issue for hours. Tra Vae never considered that the reason why Losh was so determined was because he was trying to save his friend.

Back then things seemed so much different then they are now. He had worked so hard to gain supporters and allies in the Order. He was not had been the most powerful Jedi within the Order, nor was he the most wealthy of Jedi. He was, however, without a doubt the most connected, then and now. Now his friend was gone and he never had a chance to even apologize for the hateful words he had said on that fateful night. Tra Vae had accused Losh of being jealous of his success and hateful of his new found friends and authority. 'Oh I was so wrong. I failed myself.' He thought as he continued walking down the allies of his memory.

Master Tra Vae was not sure how he had ended up in the very room of that fight so many years ago. But there he stood right where he was standing that night. Looking down he was standing in the very place he stood back then. He remembered how there was a raging storm just on the other side of the window. Closing his eyes and Tra Vae could see the two Jedi Masters entangled in their fight. Drawing on the force for the first time to see the fight from a third person point of view. How things seemed so clear now through the force, Losh was not jealous. Losh was only looking out for the friend he cared so much about. Tra Vae could see this now. How much of a fool he had been back then. Blinded by greed and pride, Tra Vae had truly acted like fool. Even after that fight Losh had still been there for him. “You were right. I should have never taken this position. I am sorry my friend.” he said in sadness. There Grand Master Tra Vae stood in the center of the room in silence. He was the most powerful Jedi in the Galaxy yet helpless to his own flaws. In that moment, it dawned on him how he could make things right.

He pulled out his comlink, “Biggs, I need to see you at once.” he said then gave Biggs the location where to meet him. Once Biggs confirmed the order, Tra Vae walked over to the window and looked out over the darkness of the Coruscant. “There is simply too much darkness to see beyond the clouds.” he said thinking of his last attempt at fareseeing. It was only partially successful. He had seen the war raging around him and the deaths of thousands of Jedi. He looked down at his own hands, “Their blood is on my hands” he said. “I have to make this right” he added silently. He looked back over the city and thought even deeper of his long lost friend.

He felt Biggs walk in as he heard the door hiss open. He turned to his young padawan. “I have been a fool my young student” he commented plainly. Biggs only stood in silence as Master Tra Vae continued. “This war should have never been allowed to happen. I was a fool to let it reach this point. I am going to set things right” He explained.

Biggs blinked and asked, “What do you mean Master?” Biggs knew his master very well. Well at least he thought he had known his master. This does not sound like the proud and stubborn master that he knew so well.

“Being a Jedi means more then just what you can gain out of it. And being a member of its leadership means that the peace of the Order is our responsibility.” Tra Vae explained, “I had allowed my own pride get between what the Force was warning me about and what I wanted. I let my own greed blot out what I should have seen coming” He said as he knelled down, “I fear that a dark force has taken rout in the Temple and has brought this war to us.”

Biggs started to fear that his Master had found out his own little dark secret. But still he kept his mouth shut as Tra Vae continues, “That dark force was my own pride.” he explained to Biggs. Biggs took much relief from that statement. “I know what I have to do to make things right.” Tra Vae said then got up.

He walked back to the window, “I know Bevurn'Age personally. She is a good person and I know that together we can bring an end to this war. So I am going to give them what they want. I will order all of our forces to break off combat at once. We will take a defensive stance only. Then I will officially step down as Grand Master of the Order.” Tra Vae said with a sense of clarity in his voice. He knew that this would be enough to bring everyone to the negotiation table. Then once everyone was able to reflect on things a lasting peace could be found.

“Master? Who will you nominate as your replacement?” Biggs asked softly. He knew that he had to report this vital information to Orchid as soon as possible but he needed more facts. Facts he knew Orchid would ask about. “Surely that would be Quaad. He has been your longest standing friend and supporter.”

Tra Vae didn't even look away from the window, “No” he said shaking his head, “He is too closely linked to the Republic Military and believes that we can win this war.” Tra Vae said knowing all too well that Quaad would expand the war even more. “No, he is not a good choice to replace me. No, I think the Jedi needs a Grand Master that holds peace in his heart. I will name Master Yoda as my replacement. Master Yoda is the kind of Jedi that will bring calm to the sides and through that calm peace will be found. I am sure of this” He said nodding his head.

Biggs knew that this would not work well for his Mistress' plans. Yoda was well respected on both sides and could bring this war to an end much sooner then she wanted. The war was never meant to be a complete destruction of the Order. That would simply be crazy. No this war was meant to distract the Jedi long enough for Orchid and her mother's plans to be completed. “Master what of the debate in the Senate slated for tomorrow evening. They will be debating about joining our side in the war. With their military added to our ranks, we would be able to force a peace accord on those rebel Jedi” Biggs explained.

Tra Vae turned and nodded. The young Jedi was right. If the Republic joined the war then they could easily win. The cost of such victory would be even higher death tolls on both sides. This was a cost that the Order could not possible bare to pay. No, the Republic must stay out of this war if the Order is to survive it. “You have been like a son to me, Biggs. I know I can trust you. Speak this to no one I command you. Tomorrow evening I shall go to the Senate and speak on behalf of the Jedi. I shall urge them to remain on the side lines. I will convince them that they must not enter this war. I must convince them, we have no choice in this.”

“You are to send a coded message to Master Bevurn'Age tonight, inform her that I need her to return to Coruscant. I know she is close to the Core Worlds so she should be able to return before I am done with the Senate. Ensure that she is given the protection of the Council. I know that the Republic has her listed as a wanted traitor so we must protect her. Tell her I want to meet with her that I wish to meet with her at the Senate Building. Make sure that you explain to her my intentions and that I will need her help. I will use my contacts to make sure that she will be safe within the Senate Building. I will explain to her my plans and ask her to talk to her supporters. Then after this meeting the two of us will return to the Temple and address the entire council. Hopefully the two of us can bring an end to this war tomorrow.

“Inform Master Yoda that I am summoning the entire Council to convene a meeting. Let him know it has to do with the war and it is of the utmost importance that the entire Council is there for it.” he explained his plan then smiled, “I will explain my intentions and name Master Yoda as my replacement before the Council. I know that they will follow Master Yoda.” he said sure of his plan. “My son, together we are going to open up a new chapter in the Order's history. We are going to bring Peace to our fellow Jedi once more.” He said with a smile on his face and a soft hand on Biggs' shoulder. “For now, you must not speak these plans to anyone. I know that there are some within the Council and the Order that might attempt to stop me. Surprise will be our ally, my son” hi said holding his smile of confidence.

Biggs gave a fake smile and nodded, “Yes My Master” he said hating this plan and knew it had to be stopped at all cost. “Thank you for letting me be a part of this historical moment in our history. I will not fail you Master.” he lied perfectly. He knew his Master all too well. Tra Vae was a smart man, but he put too much trust in others. Biggs smiled once more, “Thank you for being like a father to me. I promise I shall not let you down.”

Tra Vae smiled and nodded, “I know you wont.” he said then added, “Now go make sure all things are set. I need to focus on my speech for the Senate and the Council tomorrow.” Tra Vae said as he got back up and turned walking towards the window once more. 'This must work. I can not allow my Jedi to die for my own mistakes anymore.' he thought as he heard Biggs leave the room.