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Author Topic: Schisms: The Vhal'Dan Civil War  (Read 77457 times)
Karmack
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« Reply #75 on: April 19, 2018, 01:44:21 PM »

I find it interesting that both Anson and Kazic use different forms of precognition techniques.  Anson's flow walking and Kazic...  I can never remember the term, but it reminds me of ley lines...

But my point: they both look into and try to interpret a future that is fluid and unsettled.  And while its clearer with Anson both men are guilty of setting up their own self-fulfilling prophecies. 

Perhaps the reason for Kazic's death-bed confession?
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TheDutchman
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« Reply #76 on: April 19, 2018, 04:00:58 PM »

I find it interesting that both Anson and Kazic use different forms of precognition techniques.  Anson's flow walking and Kazic...  I can never remember the term, but it reminds me of ley lines...

But my point: they both look into and try to interpret a future that is fluid and unsettled.  And while its clearer with Anson both men are guilty of setting up their own self-fulfilling prophecies. 

Perhaps the reason for Kazic's death-bed confession?
The daen nosi my friend  Wink

Actually, you've hit on a very subtle thread I've been including in this and how such precognition is a double-edged sword.  And you've hit on another point for Kazic's confession...but I don't want to ruin the surprise  Grin

I can only echo Karm, a very poignant moment of two galaxy weary soldiers...they both fought, killed, made a lot of mistakes...yet somehow both know they will make many more.  Yet Kazic interaction with Ansosn was the most interesting, we was right, completely right, yet completely wrong at the same time...this is the painful irony at the heart of this story encapsulated.


Valens warning (prophecy?) about great men falling - “We must be careful not to join them…” might've been better suited to Anson at this point. Faced with Kazics admission he sees it as a trick and tries to look ahead again - As Yoda cautioned always looking to the future, never on where he was and what he was doing.
 
SO TRUE^^
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Taegin Roan
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« Reply #77 on: April 20, 2018, 05:42:01 AM »

Wow, that was awesome. Backlit by the Southern Lights, Valens and Kazic talk. That is all. It was cool to see Valens like this. Almost a different side than we have ever seen before. But like LSG said, his talk with Anson was the most interesting, and not only that, but what Anson does with it. I'm scared for Galtea and the Vhal'Dan, but we know they survive. One thing that I really like is how you are explaining why Kazic would have Anson's saber when he first meats Zearic, and what his connection to the saber is. It isn't just something to remember him by, it is an object that has a deep meaning to Kazic, and there is some emotions attached to it. We got a sense of it in that interlude, but that was all. It is good to see it getting fleshed out.
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« Reply #78 on: April 20, 2018, 05:54:46 PM »

I feel that I would be remiss unless I gave proper credit: LSG deserves writing credit as he wrote a fair bit of this chapter, which I've included almost verbatim.  So, this is dedicated to LSG  Wink
**************************************************


Chapter 11: Beyond the Pale

The week had passed quickly.  Surprisingly—or perhaps not, given that Ari wanted to take with her the possessions accumulated over four years—there was quite a bit to pack and store for the voyage with her People.  And while she’d almost finished, she still needed to get some of her things from Jorol and Tsarvung’s home.  

But before she left, she stopped Saani and Kazic, an eager expression upon her face.

Ari held out both hands; in each were two small marbles…to call them black was an understatement…their nature was misty to Kazic's infravision, the edges not fully defined.  Blue sparks of energy flickered from each of Ari’s fingers and onto each marble in turn…her fingers moved with rapid grace performing operations and changes that were too complex and quick for Kazic to follow…yet he could feel the basic premise of what was occurring…it was some kind of Force based programming.

“Here,” she handed one to him and one to Saani,

“What is it?” Saani inquired slightly shocked at the weight of the small sphere.

“It’s a…” Kiraea tickled at the back of Ari’s mind in the beat between words she argued with the older women about what she could and couldn’t tell them…of course Ari would do what Kiraea said, she was a Guardian, but she was still allowed to argue her case.
 
“A communications device…you have to…you have to delve the one in your hand a little…its like a genetic imprinting in the force...then I do the same to these two and we swap.”

“A personally coded Peer to Peer comms device that uses the Force,” Kazic determined as Ari nodded already sensing his understanding before he spoke…while still beyond his ability to comprehend fully he had a reasonable idea of the underlying theory, somewhat like a holocron, Force telepathy and a quantum entanglement network combined in a way he couldn’t fathom without years of study…or a direct implantation of the knowledge as Ari must've received from Valens or Kiraea.

“That way we can stay in contact no matter how far away we are.”

“How does it work?” Sanni inquired as she gently pressed her mind into the unnervingly…hungry was the only word she could use to describe it…sphere.

“I…can’t tell you…” her aqua eyes looking down in disappointment.  “Kiraea says only People are allowed to know…she didn’t want me to give you them at all…but Jarys said it was alright.”

Kazic’s eyes darted up looking around the room, unable to trust his ability to sense Ari's peoples presence...he had expected there would be more of them somewhere...Valens was too cunning not to have backups and several extraction options.

“Jarys? Is Jarys…here?”

“Oh…” Ari looked around uncomfortably, both Saani and Kazic could sense she didn’t like keeping her Peoples secrets from them but her culture left her no option.
“He’s…busy in the city…they weren’t sure I was safe here...or you'd let me go…he’ll take the bombs they brought away…”

Saani’s eye widened at the thought of what contingencies Ari’s people may have unleashed had they tried to keep Ari from them…Kazic though concerned couldn’t help a wry smile.  …So much for your security screenings and orbital traffic controls Anson…

Sensing their disquiet Ari offered something positive.  “But things are changing…Valens says the Guardian system is not well adapted to our new environment…so when I get back Kiraea and Jarys are going to teach me all the Guardians ways…we’ll all be the same now….”  She reached out taking the spheres they had delved and giving them hers in return.

“Maybe one day things will change even more and I’ll be able to show you how these work…”

As Ari’s voice trailed off, she looked up to Saani and Kazic.  Seeing their love for her, she quickly wrapped her arms around them, all three holding one another in a tight embrace.

            <<<<< >>>>>

“You know that you are always welcome in our house, Ari.”  Jorol and Tsarvung warmly hugged Ari in turn, their three children—all teenagers now—behind them.  Syrena and D’arial were still apprenticed as teidowans, although D’arial was to take her Gray Trials in the forthcoming month.  And as luck would have it, Arnis was on holiday from his anthropology school, visiting home for the first time in the season.

All of them had grown up around each other and considered Ari their favorite “cousin.”  As such, her leaving was particularly emotional for their family.  And for Ari; aside from Saani and Kazic, Jorol and Tsar had been a second home that she had grown to love.  And to aspire to: theirs was a family that Ari thought of as perfect.  And after Saani and Kazic, they were the people she loved most.

As the day wore long, the shadows of dusk began to appear.  Knowing that Valens wanted to disembark tonight, Ari made her final goodbyes, exiting Jorol and Tsar’s apartments ahead of Kazic and Saani, bittersweet tears still upon her cheeks while she put one foot in front of the other, lost in thought.

It was how she found herself surrounded by almost a dozen Vhal’Dan sentinels, their distinct gray, white, and gold armor gleaming in the light of the setting sun.  Quickly recalling herself, she drew in the aether, her senses flooding with stimuli as she slowly backed towards Saani and Kazic, standing beside them.  

Arrayed in a semicircle, the Vhal’Dan sentinels stood tall within the large courtyard.  As specialists in Galtean Home Security, the sentinels were typically armed to the teeth: all carried a saberstaff, multiple sabers, vibroknives, a variety of grenades, and more than one was armed with a thermal detonator.  Their presence meant that a powerful Force-user was to be apprehended as an “enemy of the state.”

One of the sentinels stepped forward, his saberstaff in hand but not ignited.  “Aresaea K’aval?  Come with us at once.”  

“What is the meaning of this?”  Kazic’s voice boomed, challenging the sentinels, faceless under the armored masks of their station.  He stepped in front of Ari as Saani did likewise, the two Speakers standing shoulder-to-shoulder in their armor, an atmosphere of menace and power radiating off of them even though they were empty-handed.  “On what charges?  Under whose authority?”  Despite the commanding tone in Kazic’s voice, the sentinels did not back down.

“Mine.”

The sentinels parted, revealing Anson wearing his full tactical armor.  The Arbiter walked forward, saber hilt in hand, his eyes unwavering as he stared at Ari.  “This girl is a spy against the Vhal’Dan.”  Standing only a meter away, Anson turned his eyes from Saani and Kazic and back.  “I have foreseen calamity being visited upon the Vhal’Dan and know that this girl is involved.  She has never sworn the Oaths, she is not a Vhal’Dan, she isn’t even human!  And you both…invited her to live among us.”  As Anson shook his head, his brown hair swayed slightly, the calm, cool breeze of the wind incongruous with the heated atmosphere of tension that pervaded the entire courtyard.  “No.  She’s coming with us.”  He reached a hand towards Ari.

Faster than thought, Kazic’s hand shot up, clamping down upon Anson’s forearm in a vice-like grip.  His face remained expressionless but the intensity of his eyes belied his anger.  “Not human…like you, Anson?”  Kazic intoned deliberately.  “The hell she is.  You will not touch her.”  With that, all sentinels ignited their saberstaves, the yellow blades casting an unnatural pall upon all.  Saani, Kazic, and Anson still stood empty-handed, Anson even breaking out in a slowly spreading smile.  No one moved for a moment.  The setting sun had turned the sky a dark-violet purple, like a bruise underneath the skin.

And then five of the sentinels rushed the two Speakers.  A second before they were within arms length, all five flew backwards as if caught in a tempest gust, smashing them against (and through) the old courtyard walls.  Saani and Kazic ignited their sabers almost in unison, standing side-by-side, Anson and the remaining seven sentinels moving to flank the two.

Suddenly, Anson and his sentinels went down to their knees, all limbs frozen as if the air had hardened into ferrocrete.  Although only Anson’s eyes were visible, Kazic imagined that all of those belonging to the sentinels were likewise fervently looking around, bulging from heads that were locked in place.  And in the middle stood a figure that had begun to radiate purple electricity, lightning beginning to arc from her hands and legs, arms and torso.

Ari stood, eyes half-lidded, in the midst of the courtyard, near the wall that was broken from the sentinels that had crashed through it.  She no longer looked like a young woman; she looked like a force of nature.  Cascading from her fingers, her feet, her eyes, lightning forked outward, a cloud of fire beginning to form around her.  Her pupils and irises were no longer visible and her clenched teeth seemed to glow, indeed her entire body looked as if it had ignited.

“You see now Kazic!  This is what you’ve brought amongst the Vhal’Dan!”  Anson’s head did not need to move in order for him to witness Ari’s transformation.

Anson’s words penetrated Ari’s state, her aqua eyes blinking, focus returning as her head made brief turns to either side, uncertain as to what had precisely occurred.  She went from appearing like an avatar of light to what she was: a frightened, hunted young woman.  “…S…Saani?”  Ari’s head swiveled searching for the Twi’lek woman.  And as Saani moved to join Ari where she stood, a pair of armored arms suddenly encircled the young woman in a crushing bear hug.

One of the sentinels that had flown through the wall had recovered.  And while he had lost his saberstaff and shoto, he still had a thermal detonator on his belt.  And as he grabbed Ari, in one of his hands he held and activated the device, arming the “dead-man’s switch.”

“Back off, both of you!”  He yelled at Saani and Kazic, then directing his shouts at his prisoner.  “Don’t move girl!  You know what this is, what it can do.  One false move, and I’ll vaporize your parents and this entire courtyard…”  Even hidden by his mask, the tone of his voice sounded angry, dangerous.

Ari heard it, all of that and more.  She knew that this man was threatening her family.  Kazic…her teacher.  And Saani…

Saani.  Her mother.

Before the sentinel even knew what was happening to him, he was gripped in unbreakable tethers of the Force, crushing muscle, tendon, and bone.  His hand was bound in a solid cube of air, his fingers unable to move an iota even if he had wanted to do so.  And with speed born from her anger within the aether, Ari…propelled the man away from her.  As he was standing at her back, he flew towards Jorol and Tsarvung’s apartments, hitting the front door.  But so vehement was her rage, the furious reaction of her emotions translated directly to force.  The door crumpled against the onslaught of the sentinel’s body, the resulting collision also breaking every bone in this body and rupturing several organs.  Inertia carried the body through the bottom floor of the apartments, collapsing several walls.  The entire building complex shook as a result, everyone in the courtyard momentarily stunned by the violence of the still-shaking structure.

Ari was about to run in when she was grabbed by Kazic and Saani, the two Speakers pulling her to the ground.  Ari was about to shout at the Anzati Master, her confusion matched by her concern for the family inside, her anger still hot, raw, and causing her to lash out.

Then the thermal detonator exploded.

The primary shock wave pulverized the first, second, and third floors of the apartments.  The ensuing fireball that engulfed the residence tore through the already weakened structure, igniting multiple fires as furniture caught ablaze.  One of the sentinels that had not taken cover was thrown bodily from the courtyard, landing out of sight.  Finally, the entire building collapsed in upon itself, producing an expanding cloud of detritus, soot, and metal dust.

Everyone in the courtyard stared wide-eyed, mouths agape.  In a flurry of motion, Kazic, Saani, and Anson ran towards the destroyed building, searching for any sign of life.  The sentinels—those that were still conscious—were attempting to contact Fire- and Civil-Services.  Meanwhile, a crowd was beginning to congregate in front of the courtyard.  

Lips quivering, Ari sank to her knees, tears flowing, her face a mask of desperation, abject horror, and grief.  Her open mouth was wide in a silent scream that impotently keened against the backdrop of ruination.  Putting her fists against either side of her head, she slowly began to sway back and forth, her eyes crushed shut against the hellish tableau of her extended family’s devastated home.

“Ari…Ari!  ARI!!”  Saani’s hands and voice were consoling, her firm but gentle embrace a salve against the terror that threatened to overwhelm her.  “This is NOT your fault!  Do you hear me?  NOT YOUR FAULT!”  She felt Saani’s hands caress her face.  “Dear One…I’m here…I’m here…”  And while part of her was grateful, another part felt numb…numb for fear that she would become inundated with anguish.

“Saani!  SAANI!  Please come help me, I’ve found D’arial!”  Kazic held the small, dusky skinned teidowan in his arms, blood covering the young woman.  Her left arm was bent the wrong way and the jagged bone of her femur was protruding from her leg.  But she was breathing.

“Help me!”  Anson shouted at the sentinels as he half-dragged, half-carried Jorol from the wreckage of the upstairs bedrooms.  The dark maenowan was missing his right leg below the knee and he was bleeding profusely from several lacerations, two severe.  As a temporary triage was set up in the courtyard, several emergency personnel began to arrive.  The night had turned completely black, further accentuating the fires that continued to consume the apartments.

And as the night wore on, more and more people came to help, putting out fires, offering an extra pair of hands, or providing a blanket, food, water.  But they found no more survivors.

            <<<<< >>>>>

“And you—unilaterally—made this decision, Anson?”  Arkady’s blue eyes could have been ice for all of the warmth that they held.  The small Kage’s stance was rigid and he seemed to loom taller than the Arbiter despite being 10 centimeters shorter.

“…Yes, Kage.  I am responsible.”  Anson’s jaw was clenched, the muscles in his jowls rippling.  He still was covered in soot and dust and he had a look of distress on his face.  “I…I did not intend for anything like what happened to occur… I… I’m sorry.”  He lowered his eyes.  “…It…it was my fault.”

Besides him, Kazic glared at the Arbiter, his own face the worse for wear as he’d come straight to the Kage’s Offices from the wreckage site.  And despite the look he gave, he was silent.

Arkady never so much as blinked.  “Yes, it is.  Anson D’Aklon, you are arrested.  You are hereby formally stripped of title and office.  You will stand trial for the deaths of twelve people, the destruction of property, and breaching the peace.”  Arkady spoke to the sentinels behind Anson.  “Bailiffs, escort the prisoner to his cell.”  And as he was led away, Anson left silently, grief and remorse evident upon his face.

Arkady did not move; he turned his head, addressing Kazic.  “First Speaker Kazic Ovarug, you are to assume the station and duties of Arbiter until such a time that a formal election can be conducted.  This appointment is immediate and done on my authority, under the Vhal’Dan Articles of Impeachment.”  As the room cleared of everyone, leaving only Kazic and the Kage, Arkady’s shoulders slightly but visibly sank a few centimeters, his voice relaxing somewhat.  “Kazic…Anson will answer for what he’s done.  I promise you.”

The taller Anzat looked down at his Kage and nodded, opening his mouth to speak…but no words came forth.  Arkady put his hand on his friend’s shoulder.  “…I am so sorry my friend.  I didn’t know Tsarvung like you nor his children but… Please accept my condolences.”  Kazic put his hand upon Arkady’s, briefly nodding again before moving to walk from the Kage’s Offices.  But once he got into the doorway, he stopped, talking over his shoulder.

“…Thank you, Arkady.  But it’s to Jorol that you should offer them… Tonight he lost not only his husband but his son and daughter as well…”  Kazic thought of Arnis and Syrena and how they had had their entire lives in front of them… “At least it looks as though D’arial is going to pull through…”  He whispered the last, remembering the tears on her dark face as she called for her fathers, Jorol’s broken body racked with sobbing as he repeated the names of his lost husband and children.  …Damn you Anson…

And he still had to deal with the situation at home…

            <<<<< >>>>>

“…No Dear One, Kazic is right.  It’s best if you go with your People like you’d planned.”  Saani’s patient voice was as soothing as the gentle rubbing of her hands upon Ari’s shoulders.  Ari’s forlorn face turned towards the Twi’lek womans, her aqua eyes watery as she stared into Saani’s purple irises.

“…But…I…I want to help…I want…for Jorol…and D’arial…for them to be…I want to…”  Her voice trailed off as she began to cry anew, her quiet tears rolling down her cheeks.

Ari had thought that in joining Valens, perhaps she was taking an extended vacation.  Now, especially in light of the tragedy that had befallen Jorol’s family, she was loathe to leave any of them.  But Kazic knew…even though she was in NO way responsible for what had happened, there were already whispers suggesting such, championing Anson, and questioning the Kage’s decision to incarcerate the former Arbiter.  Ari would be safer with her People, away from Galtea.  …Damn you Anson… He thought not for the first time tonight.

“Ari, Dear One, we know that you want to help—Maker knows that we love you for it—but you must go with Valens, with Kiraea, with your People.  They also need you, just as much if not more than we do.”  He fondly ran his hand through her long red hair.  “Thanks to you, we can always speak to one another with your gift…” He indicated the small orb upon the table in the front Atrium.  “…and will be right here whenever you need us.”  Kazic’s eyes looked kind, transported back all those years when he’d first met her at Yavin 4.  “Know this Dear One: you are our daughter, Saani’s and mine.  You will always have family here.”  Bowing, he gently kissed her upon the top of her head, quickly followed by Saani’s own kisses.

By the time Ari had given her final hugs and goodbyes, the Galtean sunrise was beginning to alight the western horizon.  But it was a false dawn, at least for Kazic.  He knew that the events of the previous evening would act as the harbinger of the coming conflict, the underlying tensions finally given a face, an issue for people to polarize to either side.  For that, he was grateful that Ari would be spared.

But for the Vhal’Dan, he knew that it would tear the Order asunder.
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Karmack
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« Reply #79 on: April 20, 2018, 06:40:34 PM »

Well...   That wasn't how I saw that one going down. 

I am still more than a little worried about Aethan involvement, but I think I am starting to see a clearer pathway now.  This is not going to be pretty...
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« Reply #80 on: April 20, 2018, 11:28:02 PM »

Well I only wrote the first section, so the next part was completely new to me...and Wow...once again we see the irony that is built so brilliantly into this entire series at at play...Ari is a danger - crippling the entire squad - Anson is RIGHT ...yet he is also terribly terribly wrong and creating a self fulfilling prophecy of destruction... and the worst of it...the people it hurts the most are the very one he is trying to protect...but at least he shows contrition after the fact - still its a dangerous time, even more so that before...that explosion i fear was simply the first flash...barely a firecracker compared to what may come.
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« Reply #81 on: April 24, 2018, 07:58:02 PM »



Chapter 12: Entropy

****************************************
Vhal’Dan Congress
Baransu no Kage: Arkady Cyne
 Arbiter: Kazic Ovarug
  Council of Balance:
  1st: Saani K’aval
  2nd: Pytir Danisen
  3rd: J’Nessah Raanh
  4th: Corvus Watashi
  5th: Auryn Kerosin’e
  6th: Sarith Tovar
  7th: Ryshhk K’rrmerii
****************************************
 “For the next order of business, I turn to podium over to the Arbiter.”  Arkady’s gruff voice rang through the Hall of Balance, a hushed tone coming over the entire crowd.  Whether it was from awe, respect, or disapproval, Kazic couldn’t decide.  But neither did he particularly care; he’d been officially confirmed as Arbiter, if by the narrowest of margins.  Regardless, he would fulfill the duties of the office to the best of his ability.  Which for right now meant…

“Kage.  Council members.  My fellow Gray Jedi.  During the past four years, my predecessor worked tirelessly to safeguard the Vhal’Dan, often times to the detriment of some personal freedoms.  You are all very aware of my position against such infringements and will not digress further except to say this: we need to reinstitute those liberties which have been categorically contravened in the pursuit of defense.  I also propose that the Vhal’Dan keep the protective measures in place that do not impugn upon our freedoms.  I call a vote for Congress.”  He was almost certain that his proposal had nothing to do with the appearance of the daen nosi, not after what they’d learned from Valens…

Kazic sat, some scattered applause coming from the audience within the Hall—it was an open session—but his submissions were met with tepid reactions and, mostly, silence.  That scared him more than just a little, given what it implied.  …They’ve gotten too used to sacrificing freedoms for safety…or…they really do believe the rumors concerning Ari and her People… Still, for all of his trepidation, Kazic’s face remained impassive.  Although with the daen nosi twisting across his peripheral vision, he almost wanted to scratch at his eyes…

“The Arbiter has recalled the initiative for the suspension of liberties and the reinstitution of said freedoms.  Speakers: cast your vote.”  Even as Arkady spoke, Kazic could tell which way six of the seven Speakers would vote.  But the Seventh Speaker…

Kazic did not know Ryshhk K’rrmerii, the rare Wookie Gray Master, except by reputation.  Fearless both within battle as well as politics, Master Ryshhk K’rrmerii had kept his own counsel in almost all of the major decisions of the last four years.  And although there were whispers that he was in Anson’s camp—well, “former”—the Wookie had not stood to be counted with any particular faction, which was extremely odd given the Order’s current proclivities to polarize virtually everyone.  …Well, I guess that I’ll just find out alongside everyone else…

Recalling himself to the present, Kazic saw that all votes had been cast and tallied.  He turned his eyes towards the short Kage, Arkady’s face unreadable.  Arkady quietly intoned.  “For repeal: Arbiter Kazic Ovarug, 1st Speaker Saani K’aval, 4th Speaker Corvus Watashi, 6th Speaker Sarith Tovar.  Against: 2nd Speaker Pytir Danisen, 3rd Speaker J’Nessah Raanh, 5th Speaker Auryn Kerosin’e, 7th Speaker Ryshhk K’rrmerii.”  Admittedly, Sarith’s vote surprised Kazic; she’d been in Anson’s camp almost exclusively since viewing the holofeed from the Night of Madness on Coruscant.  He was glad that she’d switched, especially now that Speaker Ryshhk’s allegiance had become apparent.  Still, the result was a tie…which, thankfully meant…

“I, Kage Arkady Cyne, shall cast the deciding vote.  I vote for repeal.  The Vhal’Dan will make the necessary preparations that the Arbiter has proposed; please see to it, Speakers.”  The silence from the audience was palpable.  Kazic knew that even Gray Masters would be reticent in openly speaking against—much less defying—the Kage…but it was clear that the decision was not the most popular… And still the daen nosi distracted the Anzati Master.

As the Kage called the session to a close, Kazic was still pondering just which course the Vhal’Dan should next take, given that he no knew that he had an uphill battle with Congress split.  Too many were still loyal to Anson, even now incarcerated as he was…

K’ompo…have you forgotten?”  Saani’s quiet voice sounded from beside his chair.

“…Sorry, Kanp’a.  Too much on my mind.  You’re right; let’s get this over with.”  The tall Anzati stood, falling beside his wife as she began to lead him from the Hall of Balance, hoping that what came next would give clarification for the daen nosi… But before they’d cleared the Council’s Dais, Arkady stepped in front of them.

“Excuse me, Speaker, Arbiter…I need to discuss the newest measure with you both.”  Arkady’s voice was tired, his face even moreso.  He seemed to have aged considerably since the Vhal’Dan had militarized.  Still, his back was ramrod straight, his demeanor absolutely stalwart.  “I know that you both saw and felt the atmosphere within the Hall.  That last measure was passed with the barest of consensus; I happen to know from outside sources that we’ll be lucky to get a plurality for most initiatives and that today’s win was a fluke.”  His blue eyes were tight with concern.

Kazic shook his head.  “I know you’re right; Saani and I were just having that discussion last night.  Arkady, I’ll be more than happy to discuss this tomorrow but tonight I’m afraid that Saani and I have to attend to some business of the most vital importance.”  The look on the Kage’s face mirrored the unasked question that he had but he merely nodded his head after a moment.

“So be it; tomorrow then.  In the meantime, both of you be careful.  I’ve…felt a disturbance within the Force.”  His eyes suddenly lost focus as if remembering.  Slightly shaking his head, he scrutinized both Kazic and Saani before politely bowing to them both in turn.  “Good night, Speaker, Arbiter.”  And with that, he was headed back to the Kage’s Offices.  The daen nosi looped around the Hall, disappearing over the horizon.

Kazic sighed.  “Come, K’ompo, let us finish what it is we need to do…”  Saani’s gentle insistence was a welcome distraction.  Nodding his head, he followed his wife to the exit, headed not to their apartments but rather towards one of the ancient freight elevators that serviced the Underworks of Vhal’Uhladv proper…

            <<<<< >>>>>

Ryshhk was shocked when Second Speaker Pytir Danisen answered the door himself, so much so that his Shyriiwook reverted back to his childhood dialect.  […Speaker!  Most humble apologies; I did not realize that your domicile was so…informal].  He almost immediately recognized his mistake after taking one look at Pytir’s confused face.  He was about to restate his comment with the bastard tongue Shyriiwook that almost all Wookies adopted around humans when a throaty deep yet feminine voice came from behind the human Speaker.

“Pytir, you’ve surprised our fellow Speaker with your…impropriety.”  The owner of the voice came into view, her dark almost black face split in a smile as she looked Ryshhk up and down, as if weighing him.  Whatever she decided, the dark human woman must have decided that she liked what she saw.  “Good evening Master K’rrmerii.  Your presence here is most welcome.  Please don’t mind my consort; he’s just busy planning a coup…”

At first, Ryshhk didn’t know what to make of the scene but then started laughing, a gruff, guttural sound coming from the Wookie’s chest.  [Well met, Speaker J’Nessah Raanh.  I did not expect for any of my…comrades to be able to understand my milk tongue Shyriiwook.  Clearly you have spent some time around Wookies…]?

J’Nessah’s grin deepened.  “Indeed Master K’rrmerii.  You see, I’m originally from Ska Gora.”  Ryshhk growled knowingly.  Ska Gora.  One of the first planets to experience the Great Wookie Emigration and later the Wookie Land Wars millennia ago.  Now: it was a protectorate planet that had thrived under the Second Wookie invasion fleet and a virtual paradise.  “And if I may be so bold Master K’rrmerii, may I offer you some Thikkiian brandy?”

The Wookie Speaker was again taken aback.  He’d not had Thikkiian brandy since he was last on Kashyyyk… The fact that this human woman knew of it—much less its popularity among Wookies—was proof-positive that she was indeed familiar with Wookie culture.  [My profuse thanks, Speaker.  Yes, yes I will gladly accept your offer of Thikkiian brandy].  The dark-skinned Speaker smiled again.

“So formal, Master K’rrmerii.  Please, we are comrades here.  Call me J’Nessah.”  Even as she stepped forward to offer the Wookie a cup, their height disparity was almost…comical: although she was tall for a human, J’Nessah was still over half a meter shorter than Ryshhk.  Closing the door behind him, the dark Speaker led the Wookie into a large room, pleasantly muted yet light and airy.  Appreciatively, Ryshhk noticed that living trees were interwoven with the durasteel framing of the building, creating a unique tableau marrying nature and technology.  There were several others there in attendance already gathered, most talking easily while holding some exotic drink in hand…

“Friends…please welcome Seventh Speaker Master Ryshhk K’rrmerii.  Pytir had approached him last week after Anson’s unfortunate arrest.  He is one of us.”  J’Nessah turned from the crowd to the Wookie.  “Master Ryshhk…allow me to introduce you to the like-minded Jedi of the Vhal’Dan.”  Each name she said, Ryshhk repeated to himself.  But the three that stood out most were those that he’d heard quite a lot about.

Auryn Kerosin’e.  Sarith Tovar.  Messer Subiah Fuqua.

[Excuse me, Maenowan Subiah Fuqua.  But I am an admirer and fellow aficionado of Ancient Massassi lore.  I’ve read almost all of your treatises on the subject.  I am honored to make your acquaintance].  Ryshhk put both of his hands over his heart, bowing to the human in front of him.

The tall, fat maenowan looked slightly embarrassed.  Thankfully J’Nessah was by their sides within moments.  “Professor Fuqua, Master K’rrmerii is a student of Massassi lore and an ardent fan.”  Within seconds, the maenowan was preening under the attention he was receiving.  After several minutes, a quiet yet deliberate, wet-sounding cough echoed throughout the room, gaining the attention of everyone present.  All eyes turned towards the Mon Calamari that had called for attention.

“Sires, sirras, fellow Grays…I’ve called you all here for the express purpose of the survival of the Vhal’Dan.”  His gurgling voice resounded through the room and, although not particularly tall, Second Speaker Pytir Danisen loomed larger than life, such was the aura of his presence.  He purposely wrapped his webbed hand in a fist, his two thumbs shaking with obvious determination.  “And our best course of action is to secure the freedom of our august director, leader, and one true Arbiter: Anson D’Aklon.”

A collective whisper went through the crowd, one that was not so much full of surprise but rather one full of support.  But one voice—again, not in dissent but rather inquisitive—rose above all.  Unsurprisingly, it belonged to Ryshhk.  [A thousand pardons, Speaker.  But just what is it that you are proposing]?  Turning his fish-like eyes towards the Wookie Master, the Mon Calamari Speaker continued.

“Simple.”  He paused for effect.  “I submit to you all…that we need a new Kage…”

            <<<<< >>>>>

Kazic carefully entered the code, Saani cross checked them for a fifth time—
 
<F83LL1CK_F4CE_DO0M5DAY_L0V3_K1?1>

After the tragedy Ari’s parting had been as swift as Valens was displeased.

“There was a time such an affront would not have gone unpunished…” he had seethed from behind his armoured helm, they had all adopted full armour black as the volcanic glass of the Cthodral Mountains, with one male Kazic assumed—or hoped—was Jarys assigned as Ari’s body guard, no longer trusting just Kazic and Saani to protect her anymore—and not without reason Kazic had to painfully acknowledge—before they departed…. When he had seen the huge Oblivion sword on the man’s back he briefly wondered what would’ve become of the Vhal’Dan Sentinels had they faced THAT trying to arrest Ari.    

“…thank your Gods that time is past.” Valens had finished.

Kazic had done little but stand silently as Valens offered what to him were likely concessions earned by virtue of Ari considering them family, simply thankful he was there to hold Kiraea’s leash as she had paced in a circle around the Anzat.

And so his finger hovered over the “Confirm Code” button on the panel in the under works of the city amidst heavy support columns, Saani holding a glow lamp over their head to dispel the darkness.

He pressed.

The icon swirled in a circle and briefly Kazic worried he had entered it incorrectly until relief flooded from Saani as the [DISENGAGED] message appeared on the crate sized thermo-nuclear device Kazic barely recognized as being of Chiss design.

Only after Ari had left, and Valens was "satisfied no one is following us" had he sent the deactivation codes and explained how to dispel the force illusions covering it.  Still Kazic would never be fully convinced there wasn’t another—or several—left somewhere on the planet.

Exhaling a breath that he didn’t realize that he’d been holding, he finally relaxed himself.  Once again he was reminded of the violence inherent in Ari’s People…but nor could he blame them.  Especially since it was the Vhal’Dan who had perpetrated violence first.  Or at least Anson’s faction; but that ultimately was arguing details.  

Sinking to his knees, Kazic closed his eyes, feeling Saani’s hands upon his broad shoulders.  “Thank you, Kanp’a.  But we’ve spent enough time down here…”

Nodding, Saani helped her husband up, placing a gentle hand upon his gray cheek.  “Agreed K’ompo.  Let’s go home.”

So exhausted was Kazic that he was already half-way home on the lift before he noticed that the daen nosi were still undulating around his peripheral vision, the portent of such guaranteed to keep him awake regardless of how tired he was.

…Damn…
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Karmack
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« Reply #82 on: April 24, 2018, 08:16:02 PM »

uh oh....    So in the end the Aethans end up being a huge, dangerous ... red herring!  ;-)

In all seriousness, I love the development of this.  Things that looked like the solution to the problem, the cause or effect, are all getting jumbled up and reversed.  And in the end, the real problem ends up being ... a Jedi who thinks he can know the future.

Oops.

Dutchman, I am again just overawed by your plotting and attention to detail on this one.  Well done!  I kinda know what happens, but as they say the devil is in the details and I cannot wait for those details to be revealed!

Keep 'em coming! 

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« Reply #83 on: April 25, 2018, 03:42:44 AM »

Nice. This was awesome. I know I've said it before, but I actually really enjoy the politics in SW. And yours are awesome. But not only that, but your work with the Aethans has been incredible. Well done.
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« Reply #84 on: April 25, 2018, 05:29:18 AM »

Partisan politics, factionalism...attempts to ingratiate a new member of the Speakers with a beverage from his home....this is politics done well if terribly disturbing for what it portends. The KAge by using his tie breaker has lost (in the minds of the faction that lost) his neutrality, once the head of state is no longer trusted like that, there is only one way and it ain't up, how long before Anson is declared a political prisoner...and the momentum becomes too strong to stop.
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Kreia: "Does it matter? Of course it does, such titles allow you to break the galaxy into light and dark, categorize it. Perhaps I am neither, and I hold both as what they are, pieces of a whole."

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« Reply #85 on: April 25, 2018, 01:22:23 PM »

Partisan politics, factionalism...attempts to ingratiate a new member of the Speakers with a beverage from his home....this is politics done well if terribly disturbing for what it portends. The KAge by using his tie breaker has lost (in the minds of the faction that lost) his neutrality, once the head of state is no longer trusted like that, there is only one way and it ain't up, how long before Anson is declared a political prisoner...and the momentum becomes too strong to stop.

Exactly.  I've been ruminating some on the political structure of this whole thing, and how polarized it has really become.  I think the council members know that, but they're really unable to do anything about it.

This incident may be one reason the Mak'Tor are not more involved in politics on M'Tzigon...  ;-)
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« Reply #86 on: April 25, 2018, 03:31:42 PM »

You guys are GOOD.  And, of course, right.

To wit (and to quote Carl von Clausewitz): "War is the continuation of politics by other means."
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« Reply #87 on: April 26, 2018, 12:04:25 AM »




Chapter 13: The Articles of War

Now…
“…and with the yield on this years exports, we’ll be able to increase imports on hyperdrive components from Kal'Shebbol, servo-neuromotors from Karideph, and indigenous granite from M’Tzigon.”  Arkady’s gruff voice resounded through the Hall of Balance, the audience unusually large, even considering the open session.  As Kazic casually scanned the crowd, he guessed that almost all of the Vhal’Dan Jedi on Galtea were in attendance.  Just that fact alone would not bode well…to say nothing of the whispers that he had been hearing about recently.  …Damn… he thought, and not for the first time.  The daen nosi had not disappeared.

Mentally shaking his head, he resumed his focus just as the Kage was finishing things up.  “…final reports concerning the Sons all but confirm that the Black Sun agency has destroyed most of the organization; at worst, the Sons have scattered as a result of the massacres.  Consequently, initial reports seem to suggest that the Hutts have been actively working on annexing the territories formerly under the Sons’ ‘protection.’”  Arkady laid down the datapad.  “This concludes the latest reports from Vhal’Dan Intelligence.”  He took a deliberate breath.  “And without anything more, I formerly call—”

“A moment, Kage.”  Rising to his feet, Second Speaker Pytir Danisen stood, the Mon Cal’s large eyes staring directly at Arkady as he interrupted the small human.  “I must interject these proceedings with a Congressional proposition.”  He remained standing, dramatically hesitating so everyone within the Hall could hear.

…Ah, so this is why the Hall is so full… Kazic’s realization over his earlier reservations hammered home.

Pytir’s presence pervaded the entire Hall, his voice ringing throughout the building.  And if it was quiet before, there was total silence as the Mon Cal Master spoke next.  “I formerly call for a vote of ‘No-confidence’ in Kage Arkady Cyne.”

A collective gasp resounded through the Hall.  Arkady stared at Pytir, not even bothering to hide the look of contempt upon his lined face, his bald-head reflecting the muted light.

And for himself, Pytir’s mouth spread in an ever-widening grin as his proposal sank in to all present…

            <<<<< >>>>>

Then…
“Last night’s measure has shown the delineation across faction lines, Sarith’s vote notwithstanding.  I happen to know that she balked after the forced curfews finally cut into her nighttime proclivities with her clowder-clan.”  Arkady’s throaty guffaws caused him to cough.  After a moment he continued.  “So…I doubt that we’ll get any loyalty from Sarith after last-night’s vote, leaving…”

“…We’re outnumbered.”  Saani finished.  Rubbing her eyes, she then gently tugged on her lekku, hoping to dispense with the headache that she felt.  “I have a bad feeling about this…”

Saani, Arkady, and Kazic were gathered around the table in the Atrium of the Kage’s Suite, the ultramodern décor comfortable and relaxing.  With a wet-bar on one side of the room, the opposite wall was a floor-to-ceiling transparisteel window that looked out from atop the highest point in the center of the city proper.  Spread before them was the sprawling technological urban neighborhoods of the Skyway, a durasteel jungle of mass-transit hyperloops, skyscrapers, and ship berths interspersed along the air-traffic lanes.  But back in the Atrium, the three exhausted tenants sat in various stages of fatigue, cradling glasses holding each person’s favorite liquor.

“Likewise, Kanp’a.”  Kazic stifled a yawn.  “Arkady…there must be something that you can do.  We’re about to find ourselves in a worse predicament despite Anson’s arrest.”  The Anzati Master still felt the anger of Anson’s actions, to say nothing of the fact that he could have been responsible for countless deaths as a result of Ari’s People and their retaliations… “…Dammit…” he said aloud before taking a slow, long drink.  The daen nosi still undulating in his peripheral vision.

“Apropos sentiments, Kazic…but we’re still left with the fact that Pytir will champion Anson’s position, acting as his vanguard to both undermine us as well as go on the offensive.”  Arkady grasped the glass in front of him, drinking down the contents with a single gulp.  Grabbing the bottle of Corellian Whiskey, he first topped of Kazic’s and Saani’s glasses before refilling his own.  This time Arkady slowly drank from the cup, relishing the burning sensation down his throat with each swallow.  “…Maker that’s good; I don’t get home as much as I should but at least I can enjoy some Corellian 24…”  Arkady’s blue eyes lost focus as thoughts of his childhood crept upon him.

His had been a hard life from the start: his entire family had been killed in a land-grab attempt by some of the local robber-barons in the nearby town of Doaba Guerfel, under the guise of “environmental preservation.”  The truth was that they just wanted to annex the Cyne Farm as they’d discovered a large lode of ionite, a primary component in weapons manufacture.  

After the deaths of his parents, three sisters, and four brothers, the robber-barons took then four-year-old Arkady to one of the several orphanages in the Corellian capital of Coronet City where he was housed and trained by the Scion of the Church of Light.  There he became a weapon: learning about poisons, bladed weapons, and the most sophisticated blasters the galaxy could produce.  However, he never forgot about the robber-barons or what they did to his family.

What happened next was ordained by the daen nosi, or so Kazic claimed: the Anzati Master was targeted by the Scion for some presumed trespass which, in reality, was Kazic’s courtship and marriage of Saani.  Arkady was sent to “deal with” the Anzat.  Instead, Kazic recognized the potent Force ability within the teenage Arkady, “convincing” him that the contract against the Anzati Master was a mistake.  First, the three of them dealt with the Scion.

Then, they took care of all of the robber-barons.

When Kazic brought Arkady back to Galtea, the small human progressed by leaps and bounds, soon outstripping almost everyone in terms of raw power and many of Gray Masters in skill.  All the while, Saani, Kazic, and Arkady remained close throughout the years, including the latter’s election to the position of Kage.

“…You know that sooner or later Pytir will call for a vote of ‘No-Confidence.’”  Arkady drank down the remainder of the glass’s contents, refilling it automatically.  “And with that, I believe that he’s got the votes to position himself into the Kage’s office…”  Looking from Saani and to Kazic, Arkady smiled ironically.  “…and Anson will be back as Arbiter as soon as the election cycle is up…”  The small human, shook his head, whispering under his breath, “…this Maker-damned war…”

For a moment, they were all silent.

“…Wait…Arkady, what did you say?”  Saani’s quiet voice made the two men sit straight up, focusing on the Twi’lek Master.

“…um, ‘Anson will be Arbiter again?’”  But even as Arkady spoke, Saani was shaking her head.

“No, after that.”  The look in Saani’s purple eyes made Kazic start to grin; he knew his wife well enough that she’d had a revelation even if he did not know what it might be.  Maybe it would even have something to do with the longevity of the daen nosi

“…um…‘Maker-damned war?’”  The look on Arkady’s face mirrored the confusion in his voice.

Saani’s blue lips slowly spread in a grin.  “Yes.  War.”  She leaned towards both men.  “After all, it was a war that they’d wanted…”

            <<<<< >>>>>

Now…
Arkady was silent.  Pytir looked smug.  Kazic looked impassive.

Saani wanted to laugh.

“Again, I call for a vote of ‘No—’ Pytir slowly repeated, his voice dripping with arrogance.  He’d even assumed a pedantic stance with his hands gripping the lapels of his robes, eyes slowly rotating as the whispers from the assemblage grew in volume.

“Excuse me, Speaker, but you cannot make that proposal at this time.”  Kazic’s voice cut through Pytir’s, the Anzat’s pronouncement silencing the entire Hall.  Kazic smiled inwardly; he had difficulty keeping it from his mouth.

Pytir unintentionally looked from J’Nessah, to Auryn, to Sarith, and finally, Ryshhk.  “…I have every right, Arbiter, to call such a decree before Congress.”  The Mon Cal’s self-satisfied tone began to creep back into his voice.

“You are in error, Speaker.”  Kazic turned from Pytir to address the entire assemblage.  “‘In times of war, a vote of “No-Confidence” must be shelved until such a time that the conflict is over.’”  As he recited the law, Kazic’s head swiveled from one side of the Hall and back again. …Thank the Maker Saani was able to recall ancient Vhal’Dan regulations… he thought, grateful that his wife and provided the answer that they had so desperately needed.  “Article III, Subsection 1, Corollary 4.”  Kazic’s gaze came to rest on Pytir, staring directly into his large eyes.    “There have been no changes in Vhal’Dan policy against the antagonists that my predecessor named as ‘enemies of the state,’ nor has there been a declaration of cessation of our current war footing, ergo: we are still at war.”  Kazic then added almost as an afterthought.  "And a declaration of cessation must be a supermajority, not a simple majority."

The Mon Cal looked astonished, his consort J’Nessah looked poleaxed.  “…What…what nonsense is this?  That…that’s preposterous!”  But even as the words left his mouth, Pytir saw the defeated look upon J’Nessah’s face.

Kazic held out his hand, a datapad in it.  “Here Speaker, look it up for yourself.  Article III, Subsection 1, Corollary 4.”  Pytir looked at the datapad as if a gundark was hiding underneath it.  After a moment, Kazic took a step forward, firmly placing the datapad into the Second Speaker’s hand, then—after a slight flourish with the sleeves of his robes—the Anzati Master took his chair.  

That seemed to break the spell holding the Mon Calamari Speaker.  Furiously, he stabbed at the datapad, scrolling down to find the appropriate section.  Even as he did so, his large mouth worked wordlessly.  Raising his eyes, Pytir’s head turned, taking in all of his confederates.  Soft murmurs arose from the assemblage as the Mon Cal Master looked on in disbelief.

…Gotcha, you kriffing… Kazic’s curse stopped short, his face falling somewhat.  The daen nosi were still there, surging just out of the corner of his sight.  …What the hell…?  The Anzati Master fought to control his features, his outward appearance unchanged.

“Without anymore business to conduct, I move that we adjourn the session, Kage.”  Kazic’s mouth formed the words by rote, his inner turmoil carefully hidden.

Standing from his seat upon the Council’s Dais, Arkady stood, calling an end to the session.  As soon as the words were from his mouth, the entire assemblage erupted in quiet, frantic discussion.

Kazic joined Saani and Arkady within the semicircle of chairs upon the Dais, trying to hide his concern behind a sincere congratulatory smile.  And while Arkady thanked Saani for her clever solution, Kazic tried hard not to look around like a cornered animal.

“Saani, I cannot thank you enough for providing me this victory!”  Arkady’s gruff voice was triumphant, his firm handshake full of vitality.  Saani nodded her congratulations meanwhile looking out of the corner of her eyes at Kazic, her concern palpable beneath her celebratory smile.  But she could sense it too…

If victory this was…then why were the daen nosi still so persistant?

If Kazic could return to this time and place, he would have shouted, roared, raged against their complacency of the moment.  But he could not, instead convincing himself that everything would work itself out for the best in the end.

And he would forever regret it.
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Lord_S_Gray
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« Reply #88 on: April 26, 2018, 05:38:34 AM »

That was clever, nasty and ultimately self defeating.  Again brilliant irony, they wanted a war-footing, they got it, and because of that Ansons faction (i think we can call them factions safely now!) is hamstrung in their own objectives! That is how you write political twists and irony!
But even so that is no victory, they have been challenged and scraped through on a technicality, if Arkady's position was critical before it is terminal now, i can imagine a lot of people will hate Kazic too for using such a snide strategy to get Arkady out of the vote , he had only deferred the motion not defeated it, and even he can sense he has gained nothing for it...the daen nosi will not be denied!
On a separate note interesting look into Arkady's past even if only small.
Great work Dutchman.
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Kreia: "Does it matter? Of course it does, such titles allow you to break the galaxy into light and dark, categorize it. Perhaps I am neither, and I hold both as what they are, pieces of a whole."

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« Reply #89 on: April 26, 2018, 01:31:44 PM »

Dutchman, I can only echo LSG, that was a great piece of political intrigue!

But in my gut, I hear this voice...  "If it's a war you want, then it's a war you will have.  War to the knives..."

I weep for the Vhal'Dan....
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