Master Ulric walked out of the archway and into the large, open air plaza that was situated directly outside the Jedi Temple.  Technically it was not part of the Temple grounds, but much business was done in this location.  Walking down the six steps to reach the plaza, Master Ulric paused for a moment to take in the activity surrounding him.  Beings of all races and sizes moved about in front of the Temple.  Some on business, some passing through, and some to see and gaze at the wonder for the first time. Ulric smiled to himself as he observed what could only be a Camassi family awed by the grandeur of the Temple.  He turned away after a moment, and then headed to someone who was not so awed and inspired by the sight.

Sitting down on a bench across from a solitary figure in the sea of life, Master Ulric remained quiet for a moment before speaking just loud enough to be heard over the background noise of hundrends of conversations and languages all happening at once.

"Jedi Nilar, the council has reached a decision.  We have decided that your period of forced reflection and mourning has completed.  We are returning you to active duty and assigning you to a task that needs investigated immedietly. First, however, I want to make sure you are ok and ready to return.  Is there anything you wish to discuss?"

He sat, arms casually crossed in his lap, and awaited the other's answer.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:02, Tue 18 Nov 2014.

Jax noticed Master Ulric as he walked through the arch. Not that his friends within the Order had pulled away during his leave, but he had definitely felt on the outside. While he wasn't the same as before the incident, I' not sure I'll ever be that Jax again, he felt that he was prepared to get back on the job.


As Ulric sat and spoke, Jax turned to look.

"Thank you for coming Master Ulric, it is good to see you. I am ready to return. While I'm not sure I'll ever forget the hurt that losing Master Pollis has caused, I don't believe I am vulnerable to it, nor likely to succumb to its influence. Also, after having to sit on the side-line so shortly after being promoted to knight, I want to ensure that my development as a Jedi continues."

Master Ulric nodded as he listened to the younger Jedi.

"We are glad to have you back in the Order.  While it was not our intent to make you feel like an outsider, we felt it was good to give you experiences in the real world, and not confined behind the walls of the Temple.  They can tint one's opinion of events and how they weave into the greater picture of the galaxy." He looked around at the large crowd of lifeforms, seeing them moving around the 2 Jedi almost like a river moving around stationary rocks.

"Even here, at the heart of the Republic, you can see that we Jedi are a part of things, and not exempt.  See how the crowd moves around us, not noticing if we move with them.  They go about their daily routines and live how they want to live.  It is important that we allow them that freedom.  Freedom to be who they want. To follow their dreams.  To be free of oppression and control and slavery.  The one who felled your Master is the enemy of those ideas. They seek to rule all through power and fear.  Never forget that.  We are champions of the people, not rulers or controllers."

He looked back at the Jedi and his face had fallen more serious.  "What we do, and what we are, is just a manifestation of The Force.  We seek to do Its will and server the greater good.  But we are not invincible.  We are fallible, and fragile, and susceptible to losing our way.   That is the most important lesson you can learn from this whole ordeal.  That you must keep true to yourself and The Order, no matter what happens.  Only then will you truly be able to resist the darker temptations."

He left those words to sink in for a moment, then stood up and extended his hand out.

"Welcome back to The Order, and to active duty.  We can go inside and discuss your role and your status as a Knight."

He turned then, and started back towards the temple entrance.

Jax nodded as Master Ulric finished his lesson. "Thank you Master, I'd like that very much."

As he walked by Ulric's side at the place designated for a Knight to a Master, he pondered what he had just heard, Even throughout this I never lost faith in the Order. I understand why I was sent away. My problems could have moved me from a champion of the masses to a monster, employing justice as I saw fit, rather than allowing the proper process of society to lead. Perhaps in time I can become more proficeint in my master's ways; those of negotiation and understanding.

Master Ulric continued to talk and discuss the force with Jax as they made their way through the Temple.  Once they reached the turbolifts, a message came through for Master Ulric.  He listened to it, then turned to Jax.

"It appears your homecoming will have to be cut short.  An urgent matter was just brought to my attention that concerns you as well.  The other Masters wish to discuss this with me, and I want you there."

He then turned and headed towards his office, walking at a quick pace.

Noticing the urgency in Master Ulric's voice Jax immediately nods his head and says "Lead on, Master. I am at your, and the council's, service."

JAx immediately falls into step behind the master, anxious to learn what awaits him.

Master Ulric walked quickly to the conference room.  Once getting there he walked in and took a seat at the side.  There were 2 other Masters already seated, plus 2 more represented via hologram.  They looked at Jax and one of the physical Masters nodded at him.

"Jedi Nilar, it is good you joined us.  This concerns you and your old master.  It appears the being you saw, the one that lead to Master's death. It appears the possible Sith called Cizbi has been spotted on the planet Gyndine.  This is particularly disturbing since this planet has a long history involving the Sith.  During the Great Sith War there was a major fight that eneded in a victory for the Jedi.  But there were many, many deaths on that planet and there is still a dark presence that remains.  If this Sith is there for a reason, we need to find out why.  And need someone to investigate the possible return of the Sith on planet.  We would like you to travel to the planet with a small team and investigate these rumors."

Master Ulric held out a datapad full of information as the 2 Masters on holocam disappeared.

Hearing that name again brought a quick shiver to Jax. "What will this team look like? I'm glad to have it, that may be the only way to take Cizbi down..."

Master Ulric looked over at the other Jedi, then back at Jax.

"We cannot send a full force on planet due to some strained political ties.  I will not go into all the details, but relations with the planet are not the best right now.  They are getting offers from the Hutts, Trade Guild, the Independent Systems Alliance, and the Sovereignty Movement.  Due to the...." he trails off for a moment and clears his throat "delicate state of the Republic at the moment, we cannot push or force our way on planet. To that end, your force will consist of non-Jedi personnel with one or two "advisors" from the order.  Since you have publicly 'taken leave' of the order for personal reasons, you will be able to act on your own accord. However, I remind you that this is STILL a Jedi mission, if not in name then in spirit.  And we expect you to act as Jedi Knight and uphold our ideals and values.  And one last thing.  This Cizbi, if she is a Sith, is very powerful and deadly.  DO NOT ENGAGE HER.  Contact us immediately and we will then send support.  If we have proof of Sith movement on the planet it will be enough to get you support."

He then handed a data pad over to the Jedi, and looked back up at him.  "Take this down to quartermaster Tan Aleeko.  He will get your supplies ready.  Once you have talked to him contact me and I will give you further details."

He then turned from the Jedi and walked over to sit at the table with the other Jedi Masters.

After receiving the datapad, Jax bowed to the masters, "I understand. No matter how much I'd like to personally bring Cizbi to justice, I'm sure I'd be crushed by her mastery of the Force. I'll go check in with the quartermaster now."


Turning to leave Jax paused at the door, "Thank you again Masters, I won't let you down."


Jax then proceeded to see Tan Aleeko.

The corridors were mostly empty on the way to Aleeko's office.  Strangely, only droids seem to populate this level of the Temple.  It was well below ground and was on a level most Temple residents were unaware.  The air seemed stuffy and stale.  It smelled of old industrial lubricant and burned electronics.

The door to Tan Aleeko's office was closed, and only had a small label indicating it was the correct location.  The hallway outside was empty, and eerily quiet.

Jax walked over to the door and knocked, while he was tempted to put his ear to the door and listen he knew that he risked being caught evesdropping, and in the end, he wasn't likely to learn much.

He called through the door, "Quartermaster Aleeko, it is Jax Nilar, I was told to meet you before my assignment."

In a voice that can barely be heard from the other side of the door: "Knocking?? Seriously?? Like I am going to get up and go over there. Seriously. Entitled Jedi and their special quirks..." Then suddenly louder and dripping with sarcasm:  "Oh do come in, oh Master Jedi.  I am here for your needs and desires and await the glorious task you have prepared for me."

The door lock shows it is opened and can be entered at any time.