Chapter Ten: The Storm Gathers

Malak strode down a darkened corridor of the Jedi Temple. A knot of young Knights stood in an alcove, nearly hidden in the shadows. Malak approached them, smiling inwardly at their apprehensive glances down the corridor. They knew what was at stake, he thought, but they came anyway.

"I'm glad you agreed to see me," he began. "As you may have heard, Revan and I are looking for Jedi to help us. The council has decided not to help the Republic. We feel that this course of action is unwise and unfaithful. Countless millions on worlds throughout the galaxy look to the Jedi Knights for protection and peace. Now, the Jedi are turning away from them. Millions have already perished, and more are dying each day. We're going to offer our help to the Republic, against the wishes of the Council."

One of the young Jedi spoke up, "We know you and Revan, and we have come to respect you both during your short stay here. Why ask us to defy the council, though? Surely the Masters' wisdom is enough?"

"I've heard of you, Iacen. The Force is with you. But is it right for the Council to condemn millions of innocents to certain death merely to wait and see if the Mandalorians will turn towards the Core Worlds? The policy of hesitation is a policy of weakness and cowardice. Come with us, and do what is right. Help the Republic." Malak was a persuasive speaker, with a personality as forceful as Revan's in its own way. Though usually reserved and impassive, Malak could speak with passion and fervor when he wished to, and many of the Knights found themselves swayed by his words, picturing the dead that lay scattered across the galaxy, and the lives that could yet be saved.

Iacen seemed to be the spokesman for this particular group. They looked at each other uncertainly, then Malak could see the resolve harden on their faces. "All right, Malak. We're in."

Many such scenes played out in the Jedi Temple in those days. Revan and Malak secured the assistance of many Jedi, some with careful persuasion, others who already disagreed with the council. Though many joined them, others rebuked them, and the Council soon learned of their doings, and summoned them to account. Night lay over the Galactic City as Revan and Malak once more stood before the Jedi High Council.

Atris was the first to accost them. "What do you two mean by defying the decisions of this Council? Many Jedi have agreed to follow you on this course, even some of the most respected Knights and Masters! It is unwise, and dangerous."

Revan looked calmly at the assembled Masters, then replied, "The Jedi are the guardians of peace and justice. That peace and justice is being threatened, though you won't admit it. We've thought hard about this decision. We are going to protect the innocent."

Another Master spoke, "Be careful, Revan. You may find that you cause more harm to those innocents than the Mandalorians."

Revan and Malak stood silent for a while, pondering these words. At length, Revan said, "We understand. We respect the opinion of the Council, but if we must leave the Order, then we will. We cannot stand by and do nothing."

Atris glared at the two Jedi. "We do not endorse your course of action, but neither will we hinder it. If you leave now, be warned that you will face judgement should you return; you, and all who go with you."

Revan and Malak bowed, turned, and left the Chamber.