TheSagaContinues

    Berratol had arrived shortly before the others, and upon seeing them the already confusing summons became even more clouded. At least with him and the masters that had gone before it appeared to be Jedi business, but a single solider, and a Wookie that Berratol could only guess was a mercenary, didn't make any sense. At the aid's offer of tea Berratol replied in a warm voice, Some tea would be lovely, Thank you. The group waited in silence for several minutes as they all waited for the water to warm for the tea. Berratol studied them form behind his hood, trying to figure out why him and these two might be summoned. Time only wore on without yielding an answer. However they where apparently summoned by the Jedi Masters he had scene earlier. There knowledge and wisdom was supreme and he would trust there judgement, and wait.
    The sound of a whistling pot came form a galley just off the sitting room, calling the Aid with alacrity to tend to tea making. Standing Berratol removed his hood, his Padawan's braid now clearly visible, and spoke to the solider. Berratol decided it was best to stand on a slight bit of formality, so when he spoke his voice was not the same warmth it was for the sectary but now conveyed purpose and confidence.I am Padawan Berratol of the Jedi Order. I assume you have no more knowledge of why we are here either....? Berratol let the last word hang, a subtitle way of asking after the others man's name, and presumably rank. As the man responded a small hand appeared form beside him with a tea cup. Taking the cup he gave a slight bow to the sectary in thanks not wanting to speak over the other man. Having tasted the tea Berratol was glad to find it needed honey. Holding up his hand, the solider almost stopped talking, Berratol brought a small vile of honey form the tray near the Galley to hang in the air before him. Telekineticly unplugging the vile and tipping it so that it would poor honey into tea he payed complete attention to the solider. The honey poured Berratol replaced the cap and levitated it back to its place setting it down with a quiet chink. Berratol knew he shouldn't show boat, but seeing the man's reaction to seeing the Force being used would give a lot away about how the man viewed the order. Berratol was just glad he had done that trick enough that the concentration it required, which was immense, didn't show on his face anymore.

Berratol made his voice more casual to match the trooper's mood, In addition to parlor tricks we learn to rest quickly, not that I am a fan of these hours. Berratol added a slight chuckle to indicate it was a joke. Berratol was amused that the relatively punny human was having fun with a Wookie. He had fought with wookies before and knew not to get one mad.  When Caleb asked about the other Jedi Berratol responded, The only thing I know of them is that there Masters. Some of the wisest and most powerful people in the galaxy, and they are having a private meeting with the Chancellor. That's why I didn't go in.

Caleb acknowledges the wookiee's nod with one of his own.  Thinking...good thing he didn't to talk as I couldn't understand him anyway.  We could yap about why we are here until we are bluer than a flock of Blelts.  Perhaps the wookiee has the right idea and we just need to relax until called upon.  Caleb thinks to himself if it wasn't for the jedi here he'd sleep in the chair, but what are ya gonna do?  Caleb goes to sit and wait, drinking this cup of caf slower, unless someone else continues/starts conversation.

After forty minutes, the doors to the Chancellor's office slide open with a gentle hiss and two of the Chancellor’s guards emerge. They have the same weary look as the chancellor's assistant: dark, baggy rings under the eyes and long frowns. The pair motion for you to enter and assume their posts on either side of the doorway.


The lights in the office are low, casting long, moody shadows where a number of additional guards are stationed. Your footsteps echo in the large room as you cross the floor. The chancellor, Dorian Janarus, stands with hands clasped at the small of his back to the rest of the room staring into the city. The dark shadows of the city towers loom beyond the glass highlighted by countless twinkling lights. Telltale lines of hover traffic mark the skyline. The Jedi Council members are seated in the center of the room by Janarus’s desk: J’aric Kaedan, Bela Kiwiiks, and Oric Tra’less. They watch you enter but say nothing; brooding expressions spoke leagues for them already.

J’aric Kaedan and Bela Kiwiiks both focus on the young jedi and glance toward one another in obvious irritation.

Three additional chairs opposite the council members sit empty, obviously intended for you. Upon assuming them the heavy silence in the room immediately presses on your from all sides, pregnant and awkward. The chancellor does nothing to dispel it either. For several long minutes he simply stands and observes the dark ambience of the city scape like an ancient king surveying his kingdom.

“I would normally say ‘good morning’, gentlemen...but it hasn’t been.” Janarus eventually sighed and turned from the large transparasteel windows.

“Please, take a seat so we can get right to the point.” He sits down and presses a button. A small holoprojector powers up and a projection of a small system appears above the desk: A binary star system with three small planets and two small gas giants, rings of asteroids circle each of the planets.
 


“This is the Datov system, in the outer rim. It is neutral and has remained outside most of galactic politics so for nearly three centuries. During our struggles with the Sith Empire they’ve kept to themselves and remained under the radar. According to Republic trading records they are also a vested source of exonium.” The Chancellor grabbed his fancy glass of caf and took a long swig. “I spoke to one of the Prime Minister's representative to the Republic early yesterday about rumors of unrest that have spread across the galaxy -Datov, it appears, has been affected as well.”

“Even though the relationship between our governments has been cordial at best, we all know that diplomacy is key. I believe we have an opportunity to induct the Datov system into the Republic. I offered support to try and deal with their civil issues; he gladly welcomed a mission from the Republic to provide aid, and explore finding a solution to the violence plaguing them.”

He pauses for a moment and stares at the highlighted region of space in the outer regions. A groan escaped him and he couldn’t help but rub at his eyes to try and clear away the exhaustion handing over him.

“I was optimistic regarding the possibility of a quiet  diplomatic mission. Leading Datov to join the Republic and share its reserves of exonium, at least until late yesterday afternoon, sounded like it would be a simple matter. When the Jedi Council requested an urgent meeting with me, I brushed them off because I didn’t have the time. However, when they decide to come see me in person about a recent development in the Force, it seems I am forced to listen to their concerns. Such is the way of things, it seems.” He grumbled, casting a nasty glance at the three masters sharing his table. “Now...I am not sure about continuing this vital diplomatic mission. I do not like being unsure about anything, not when i have to deal with the empire constantly hounding our borders and playing havoc in the tall grass.”

J’aric Kaedan cleared his throat after an uncomfortably long pause and quietly begins to speak, “Our watch circles have found a new presence in the force. It is one that we do not recognize.” Oric Tra’less nodded, adding, “This presence has been slowly growing in strength. It has been subtle and difficult to examine in detail. Over several months we’ve learned little, but yesterday morning, one circle was able to identify the best lead we’ve gotten thus far. The Force lead them to the Datov system.”

The Chancellor grumbled something under his breath and took another long swig from his cup.

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Bela Kiwiiks spoke next. “We -The Council- are very worried about this. The sith empire is trouble enough and conflict with them never seems to cease. Dealing with them is necessary because we can predict, with a reasonable sense of certainty, what violence they will throw at us. But with this new presence…Every time it grows, we hear new reports of civil unrest in our own territories. It follows a pattern that, until recently, has been too faint for us to identify.”

“Which leads us to believe that this diplomatic mission may be an extra risk that the Republic simply does not need.” J’aric Kaedan stated.

“However, If this is some new kind of tactic by the Sith we must be prepared. If it isn’t then it represents a grave threat to the Republic. We cannot allow yet another threat spawn as the Empire did. To that end...The Council has insisted on sending extra ‘security’ to accompany the delegates.”

The chancellor tsked and rolled his eyes. He took his time placing the cup down and turning his attention to the new arrivals. “Which leads us to you three.”

Caleb, although being told he was summoned by the chancellor is still quite awe struck by the powerful people talking to him.  At that was really the key, they were talking to him, not at him or through him but talking to him...Caleb was speechless.  He just sits there, opens his mouth to speak, then closes it, not really knowing what to say, hoping their response to what the wookiee said buys him some time to think up something clever.

J’aric nods sharply at Berratol’s question. “We will get to that Padawan. Patience. We will finish explaining your mission, then you can ask questions.”

The Chancellor smiled, weariness still evident in his amusement, “O no my dear fellows. We don’t want you to be the body guards. You three are the diplomatic mission. We will, of course, provide you with a support team as suited to your suddenly exalted station. We wouldn’t want you to be left without guards...”

Oric interrupted the Chancellor, “What has not been mentioned is the fact that although we are uncomfortable with this mission the Chancellor has already promised his support. We are already bound to support the Datov government.”

Bela cut in, her attitude obviously frayed by the late night. “While some of us feel that this mission is too risky, others feel that it is a risk that the Republic cannot avoid. The risk of being caught unaware by this new presence is just too great. Add in our strained relations with the Sith and the civil uprisings throughout the galaxy….” She trailed off, sure that her message has been received.

The Chancellor glanced at the Jedi, waiting to continue, “The Datov Representative, Soontir Tallon, has his own concerns regarding this mission. He told me in confidence that their system has been plagued by a terrorist organization that has grown increasingly bold over the last couple of years. The group is violent, speciesist, and will not take kindly to any sort of Republic support to the legitimate government. Representative Tallon expressed that the situation is growing beyond their control and they needed assistance. The minority factions that in previous centuries prevented Datov from uniting with the Republic no longer exist and the population is ready to join us.”

He takes another deep swallow of his caf and sighed as the cup emptied. “You are to formalize the negotiations and invite the Prime Minister to Coruscant with you to sign the ascension treaty. Representative Tallon assured me that it will be merely a formality for you. It will be the simplest part of your mission. The next part will not be nearly as easy. You are to provide support for their planned counter terrorist operation. I urge you to provide tactical support only. We cannot be seen to be involved until after Datov has ascended to the Republic. Once Datov is a full Republic member we can then offer full support to suppress the terrorists”

J’aric speaks up slowly as the Chancellor finishes. “Padawan Berratol, you are to investigate any anomalies you feel in the Force. Be cautious. We do not know if this presence is friend or foe only that it is growing in power. You will report your findings directly to us. However you are not in charge of this mission. You are merely an attache. If you prove yourself well on this mission, you will be prepared for your trials.”

The Chancellor looked around the room, thinking. His face expressed concern as he spoke, “I feel like we have forgotten something.” It is unusual for the Chancellor to forget something or to express such concern on his face. Several long minutes pass as he thinks. “O yes. I remember now. The issue regarding who will be the ambassador.” His face grew grim, although his eyes glinted. “Padawan Berratol has already been ruled out by the Masters here. Sergeant Sapan is unfortunately too low of a rank to perform that duty and I cannot on a whim promote him just for this mission." He smiled now and looks directly at Tarchit, “I guess this leaves you in charge. I will ensure that a protocol droid is assigned to your team.”

"You, along with your new partners here are all items of necessity, young man." The chancellor replied. "Were there other choices available at this time then -clearly- they would be going in your place. As it is, we are in a tight situation with holidays, budget negotiations and other issues that are above your pay grade. I think you among the others understand that the Republic has to enter the battle with the army is has, not the army it wants."

"Let me phrase this another way so all of you can understand it." The chancellor pointed to each one of them in turn and explained slowly.

"You, Sargent Sapan, were already up for a deployment and your personal file listed your status as "quick ship" ready. This is your newest Temporary Duty Assignment."

"Ambassador Tarchit, your organization listed you as "available" and you are being paid to be here. That really shouldn't surprise you."

"Mr. Berreatol...sorry, padawan Berreatol. According to the Council, your master volunteered your services for this mission when it came to their attention. Apparently she has other business herself and won't be coming with you but, I'm sure you can thank her for this unique opportunity upon your return. I'm sure he had a good reason..."

The chancellor let that sink in then added. "All relavent information you request will be forward to you upon ship assignment...Any other questions?"