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(4.2) An uneasy Peace!
An uneasy Peace!
Galactic Senate Building
Coruscant
It has been a long and hard month and a half ago since one of the most horrific attacks in Galactic history was carried out by the Azgardian 5th fleet on the world of Neeshana. The deaths of hundreds of millions caused an out cry for peace was heard throughout the Republic. Slowly the few voices that had been calling for peace since the beginning of the war turned in to a roaring thunder that could no longer be denied. Within days of the last fireball erupting on Neeshana, a hasty ceasefire was worked out and signed by the major combatants. This ceasefire opened the door for talks between the delegations of the waring factions. Their goal was simple, they sought a lasting end of the Jedi Civil War. During the past four years, what started in the shadows between rival Temples, exploded in to one of the most bloody wars the Republic had seen in centuries. The war burned so brightly and spread so fast that it consumed hundreds of worlds before its end was in sight.
Even while talks were taking place, the hope for peace was still threaten on all sides. Rouge commanders would attempt to test fate time and time again by lunching attacks during the ceasefire. Each time, these short skirmishes never lasted very long nor did the leadership of the involved factions allowed them to spread and cause the outbreak of full scale warfare once more. Those rouge Commanders were quickly arrested and in some more extreme cases, shot on the spot. However these skirmishes did show the deeper devisions between the Jedi Factions that still festered. It was the Rebel Jedi Factions who suffered the most from these Rouge Commanders as their loose alliances started to crumble in the face of staggering losses and without sound strong leadership to guide them through this stage of the war. Many of the faction leaders felt that the Rebel Jedi lost all hopes of winning with the death of their beloved leader, Bevurn'Age. The alliances simply fell apart without her unifying factor. However, her death gave rise to even more deeper hate. The more extremists factions of the Rebel Jedi laid blame for the current situation and Bevurn'Age's murder on the Temple at Neeshana and their council. From the ashes of Oulaven came rumors of a extremists group recruiting members from the remaining loyal Rebel Jedi.
Despite all that has happened during the month and a half, the ceasefire did hold. It was a monumental effort on all sides to ensure the talks moved forward despite the obstacles. There were times when talks fell apart all together and threats of returning to war. However, after weeks of negotiations and heated debates, an official end to the war was finally drafted. As more prominent names started to show up taking center stage during the photo ops and interviews with the media, these names became the face of the Peace. However, behind the scenes, three of the most important names to the official end to the Jedi Civil War will for ever be recorded in Republic History. Those names are, Warlord Raynar Heartman, the young freshman Twi'lek Senator named Nabrina, and lastly, Jedi Knight and scholar Visst Dassek. Jedi Knight Dassek played a key role in the negotiations and became an official medium between the different Jedi Factions. It was Jedi Knight Dassek, who came up with the idea to allow each faction to sign separately. This allowed for each faction to have a say in the peace as well as preventing lesser factions of feeling left out during signing.
As the hours count down to the moment the signing of the official peace accords draws near, hordes of ships arrive in Coruscant space. During any other time, this would trigger a military response. However, the fleets that protected Coruscant remained at their patrol points. With security tighter then it has ever been before on Coruscant, the delegations from the Rebel Jedi factions started to land at the Senate building. Light up so brightly that it could be seen from orbit, the delegations landed to Honor Guards from the six major factions of the war. Those being the Coruscant Temple, The Republic, The Neeshana Temple, The Korriban Temple, The Oulaven Temple and lastly the CSA. Even the normal security force of the Senate had been replaced by this multi faction honor guard. The only faction missing was the Azgards, and this was by design.
Due to the nature of the war crimes trial that has engulfed the Azgard leadership it was believed that it be best to leave them out of the Honor Guard detail. If being excluded from the Honor Guard detail was taken as a insult by the Azgards, their leadership made no show of it. Instead, the Azgardians showed nothing but over whelming support for the Peace Accords. However, in the media, images of their Leader, Warlord Raynar sitting before a panel judges while his personal honor and reputation got dragged through the mud did inspire many protests back on Azgard. Despite what many Azgardians have called the worse witch hunt in Republic History, the Leadership of Azgard has kept these events from affecting the Peace Accords.
A group of Azgard warriors calmly walked along the outer corridor of the mighty Senate Building. With less then an hour before the official signing of the Peace Accords, the last of the delegations have already arrived. It was because of a personal request from the Azgard Senator allowed their leader to sit in on the signing. The black armor of the two guards told all that behold them that the Warlord of Azgard was coming. Just a few paces behind the black clad armored guards walked Warlord Rayner. Even though he was personally accused of war crimes, he is still one of the most powerful beings in the entire Republic. His mere presence as he walks through the corridors of the Senate told all that simple fact. Although the Jedi Civil war had taken its toll on the elder leader of Azgard, he still walked tall and proudly with his mighty war hammer held proudly in his right hand. His cloak flowed behind him as he walked showing off his powerful muscular arms. Despite his age, Raynar was still in prime physical condition. His face clear and determined, the horrors that has scared his soul could easily be seen through his eyes. Regardless what anyone might think of him, in his heart, he knows he did what was best for the Republic. Regardless of the personal cost to him and his honor.
“My Lord, the latest reports from homeworld are very promising” explained Dack Heartman. He was the youngest of Warlord Raynar's aides and as such given the mundane tasks of relaying information regarding affairs back home. Dack was brought to Raynar's team as a replacement for Zeck Heartman, who had died after the march on the Coruscant Temple during the battle that followed it. Dack had large shoes to fill and seemed to be up for the task as he continued, “Most importantly, the indoctrination of Captain Ogon is nearing completion. He went before the House's Council of Warriors last night seeking adoption. The battles that night over the adoption have been recorded as some of the most intense in our history. Captain Jorus Heartman of the Integrity had stepped forward to be Captain Ogon's House Father” Dack was explaining till Warlord Raynar interjected.
“I know Jorus, a very good man and able Captain with sound leadership. He will make Ogon a good Father” Warlord said as he nodded. The act of adopting warriors was common on Azgard as each Warrior House tried to ensure they had the best warrior stock to draw from. The act of Adopting of non-Azgardians was much more rare, though it does happen and during these events, they tend to lead to some of the most intense duels over parenthood and rejections battles.
A wave of Raynar's hand allowed for Dack to continue, “Shalla Heartman had stepped forward and won the right in two separate back to back personal combats to serve as Captain Ogon's House Mother. One report sited that Shalla was almost cast out due to her inability to continue. However she refused to pull her challenge and defeated her opponent. And on a more surprising note, Marine Captain Brea Heartman of the 2nd Thor's Hammer battled sixteen other warriors to win the right to serve as Captain Ogon's House Godmother” once more Warlord Raynar interjected
“Shalla was expected, however, Brea Heartman? Now that was a surprise. Ogon must have surely surprised and impressed her to get involved despite her personal disgust for his father. I don't know if I should be happy for him or pity him. Brea will surely make sure that he serves his House with honor and pride. This is for sure. Ogon might have a long painful road ahead of him.” Raynar said with a bit of laughter in his voice.
Once more the Warlord waved his hand and Dack continued, “Colonel Shalo has reported that they are completing phase one of their investigations of the warship called Carissa. He said to make sure I quote him correctly, 'This beautiful warship will unlock so many secrets that our scientist will be working for the next hundred years understanding them all.' He has asked permission to seek the help from other Warrior Houses with reverse engineering the data we have from Carissa.” Dack paused to allow the Warlord to answer.
“Absolutely not. In time, we will share this technology with all the other Houses, but not before we have a chance to understand their full abilities. We must ensure that all this new technology will not be misused. For now, the secrets will remain locked up within our House. Make sure you let Shalo know this is my Order to him. What about the motion to our Council of Warriors regarding our merchant Captains” Raynar asked softly as they turned a corner.
Dack nodded as he brought the information up on his data pad, “While many of the Council of Warriors had first rejected the motion. There was a turning of support thanks to you Sir. Your speech in support of the motion has swayed many of their votes. They are voting on the motion today and it is expected to pass by a wide margin. The sixty eight Captains in question including Captain Jorus will be elevated to the Warrior Caste.”
Raynar nodded, “it's about time. If it was not for their courage in slipping their supply ships behind enemy lines and well ahead of our forces, we would not have been able to move as fast as we did. They allowed our supply lines to remain close to our forces while we over ran the defenders. We owe many of our rapid victories where the enemy was caught completely by surprise to this brave merchant Captains. These acts my friends, are the traits that define the heart of a warrior.”
Dack raised his hand, “Warlord, there is great concern from the Council of Warlords back home. They want to know when you will start to fight these war crime charges. Despite the Council's best efforts to keep the trails as low key as possible, protests are building back home. Public opinion sees the trails as a act of betrayal from the Chancellor's Office. The latest slap in our face was the demand from the Chancellor's Office that Warlord Vincent Mercer be transferred to Coruscant to testify against you. The Council of Warlords has delayed the request based on a typo in the original paperwork. They would like you to know that they can not hold off the request for much longer.”
Another one of Warlord Raynar's aide spoke up, “My Lord, I just don't understand why you let Chancellor Quee smear your honor like this. Everyone knows that you had nothing to do with the attacks on Neeshana. Why don't you defend yourself in court.” Asked Valin Furey. Valin had been one of Raynar's most trusted advisors and aides during the war. When it was first discussed among the Council of Warlords, that Azgard might be drawn in to the war, nearly a year prior to the war exploding. Valin was able to sit in with the Warlord during those first critical meetings of the Council of Warlords. Valin was there when the Warlord had lost his son on Baklid VI. He was there fighting along side the Warlord during the siege of Oulaven. Valin had marched beside the Warlord up the steps of the Coruscant Temple with the rest of the elite Black Dragons. When other Azgardian Warlords were questioning the wisdom in accepting these claims of war crimes, Valin understood the reasons and still stood proudly by his mentor.
The Warlord didn't look at his young aide, “It doesn't matter at this point. All that matters is that this war must come to an end and that end must happen today. Nothing else matters my friends. Each of you must understand this.” There was a tone in Warlord Raynar's voice that struck a nerve with each of them.
Nodding, Valin replied, “I understand My Lord, I am sure that you are happy that it is almost done with. Within the hour, speeches will be given and then the war will be officially over.” Valin noted the coming signing ceremony in the Grand Convocation Chamber.
Warlord Raynar stopped and slowly turned to the large bay window that overlooked the skyline of Coruscant. The lines of traffic for nearly fifty miles of the building were cleared due to the security of the event. He frowned and shook his head, “no, I am not happy. But it is almost over” he said softly. “The Jedi Civil War will be over once and for all. However, there are much more darker demons we must now face before we can rest.”
Valin nodded, “the coming of the Chaos?”
Raynar nodded, “yes. A darkness that alone not even the might of Azgard could hope to defeat. I have secured the loyalties of over a hundred commanders to form an elite strike force. When Visst calls on Azgard we will be ready for him.”
“Sir, I have a question” Valin stated confused as he tilted his head to the side a bit, “Why not just command the Azgard fleets in to battle. Why seek the independent loyalties of Commanders? You could send the entire might of Azgard against any threat you wish.”
Raynar smiled while he looked out the window as he pondered how to answer that question. It was a simple question that could only be answered in a simple manner. He slowly turned to face Valin. However he spook to his guards, “Leave us. I will rejoin you two at the Senator's repulsor pod” he commanded his guards then turned to the other aides that walked among them, “Go with the guards, we will follow in a moment.” Without saying a word, the two guards and other three aides nodded slowly then turned and left. Raynar watched them leave carefully, then turned his eyes up and down the corridor to ensure they were alone. He nodded as he noticed a pair of Jedi Guards in their cloaks with hoods up down the corridor by a blast door. He knew that they were too far down the corridor to over hear his conversation.
He turned back to Valin, “The reason why my friend, is because I will not be Warlord for long.” It was clear by the confusion on Valin's face that the Warlord had to go in to more detail, “Once we return to Azgard later this week, I mean to step down as Warlord of our people. I will seek the Religious Caste to appoint the next Warlord of our people.” Raynar explained.
Valin's eyes were still wide with shock, “Is this because of what the Chancellor is doing with that witch hunt of a trial. My lord you can and should fight his claims. They are simply wro...”
Raynar raised his hand to silence the young warrior, “Yes and no. By stepping down and accepting full responsibility of what happened on Neeshana, I can spare our people further shame of these trials. Which we both know will continue till Sate has had his fill of his trail.” Raynar turned around once more and looked out the window, “Valin, I am the last of the Free Birth warriors to sit on the Council of Warlords. I am one of the oldest Warriors of our people, a warrior who has seen his last war. The horrors of this war do not sit well with me.” Raynar paused as he looked out the window as if to focus his thoughts, “It is time for a younger generation to lead our people. I want to leave with grace and with the remaining of my honor intact.”
Valin shook his head as he looked down a bit. He hated the idea of Raynar stepping down. Raynar had led Azgard longer than most Warriors had been alive. However, he knew his mentor and respected this choice, “My lord this is a noble choice you are making however there is a flaw in your plan. By stepping down, the Chancellor can have you arrested and imprisoned for those trumped up charges while the trails continue. With out the protection of your position, he will surely strike out at you personally for forcing him to end the war.”
Raynar nodded, “Yes, I truly think that he will take that very act. And I am actually counting on it. Which is the reason why I have secured the loyalty of those commanders. They each have sworn an oath to respond to Visst's call to arms when it comes. Rather the Council of Warlords answers it or not, Azgard warriors will serve and die for the Republic against the Chaos. The Chancellor may have his drama and Azgard will be spared the shame of it.”
“You are a most clever man, My Lord.” Valin said with pride as he started to see the larger picture. “This is the reason why you refuse to fight these claims?”
Raynar nodded, “Sate is easily distracted. More so by his own plots unfolding. He has personally set in on each of my hearings. While he is there watching my honor being torn down by his own judges, my Long Daggers have been securing loyalties of Republic Marine Commanders. Outside of the Commanders and a few Long Daggers, you are the only one that knows of my plans. And you, my friend, are the only one that knows of my intention to step down as Warlord.” Raynar slowly turned to Valin and stepped closer to him. While placing his hands on Valin's shoulders, “Listen to me carefully my young friend and student. You are not to speak of these things, that we have talked about here to anyone, regardless of reason. When the time is right, all thing hidden will become known. But for now, you must remain silent. This is my ORDER, is this clear.”
Valin felt a sudden surge of pride wash up in to his heart. He smiled and nodded, “You have my word, I shall never divulge your plans, My Lord.”
Raynar smiled and nodded, “Thank you my friend. You have trusted me and I am grateful for your friendship.” Raynar patted the young man on the back, “Go on, I will meet up with you in a bit.” he said then motioned at the lavatory, “I need to use the can, first.”
Valin nodded, “Yes My Lord.” and on that note, Valin turned and walked away as Raynar walked past where they were standing and slipped in to the lavatory.
Down the hall, the pair of Jedi looked at each other from under their hood. One turned and started to walk towards the lavatory but paused after only a few steps. The second hooded Jedi placed its hand on the shoulder of the first. Without turning around, the first Jedi turned and looked over its shoulder at the second. Almost as if some unheard conversation was taking place, the first Jedi nodded and turned its head back at the lavatory door. It pulled out a cloth covered lightsaber and removed the cloth. After placing the cloth away, it took the lightsaber and slid the saber up its right sleeve. Then it took the lightsaber from its hip and did the same thing to it with the left sleeve. Taking a deep breath, it moved for the lavatory calmly. Within moments it reached the door of the lavatory as the second Hood Jedi kept a careful watch. Almost completely silently, the first hooded Jedi opened the door and slipped inside the lavatory.
Warlord Raynar rested his head against the wall above the urinal. This morning had been very taxing on him with the trails that had been going on. “Thor, if there was ever a time to give your strength, I am sure I will need it in the days and weeks to come” he prayed softly as he closed his eyes. 'Soon the Jedi Civil War will be over and we can finally focus on the real threats to our Galaxy' he thought, then added, 'how could I have let it get so badly out of hand.' He had hated the way the war seemed to drag every world that joined it down. It was not just the Republic that suffered but seemingly every world suffered from it. Almost as if there was some greater agenda at work within the war. He shook off the thought as he heard foot steps.
Lifting his head from the wall he saw the source of the noise. He smiled, “ah Senator Reglia, I had been meaning to thank you for your help in making today possible.” he said as he saw the Alderaan Senator.
Senator Reglia nodded as he slowly walked behind Raynar seemingly heading towards the urinal on the other side of Raynar. Reglia took note that Raynar's mighty war-hammer was just within arms reach. Raynar didn't watch the man closely as he turned his head to pick Reglia on the other side of his shoulder. “You know, this day would not have happened if you had not been so helpful.” Raynar was saying then stopped himself in mid sentence. He smelled something on the air right behind him. It was a scent he had smelled before. He probed his memory hard for that scent once more. 'Cherry melons' he thought. Then it dawned on him, 'Baklid VI!' Raynar turned fast and lunged for his war-hammer.
The second hooded Jedi stood guard nearly half way down the corridor to make sure that no one heard or saw anything. Suddenly the sounds of what could only be twin lightsabers activating filled the air right around the door of the lavatory. On that noise, the second Jedi moved closer to the door and drew out its own lightsaber as to stand guard over the door. Their plan was working nearly perfectly. Now if only they could carry out this part of the plan and get out of this area, they would be home free. There was no near the corridor to hear the sounds of combat nor did anyone suspect the Jedi Honor Guards from the Neeshana Temple of any wrong doing. At the moment, everyone was focused else where.
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