With the last remains of the Sedition fleet now having surrendered, Vala and Arvon turn their attention to the Star Forge, the ancient battle station serving as the enemy's base of operations.
At this moment, Vala is on the bridge of her flagship, the Endurance. With her are Jek and Aja, and they are speaking to a hologram of Arvon.
"Now that the enemy fleet has been taken care of, we should turn our attention to that station. If the Sedition is using it as a base, then there's no telling what they have on board." Vala says.
"Agreed. I've already sent in stealth probes to scan for life signs, and look for any kind of internal defenses. We need to know what we're dealing with before we send in any troops." Arvon says.
"We should also patrol the surrounding systems and look for any Sedition holdouts." Vala says.
"We'll do that once we've secured the station." Arvon says.
"Speaking of the Star Forge, what are we going to do with it?" Aja asks.
"If it's of use to us, I intend to claim it, along with all of Sedition space, for the Alliance." Arvon says.
"We'll have to tread carefully. The Jedi Council will no doubt object to us having a presence on a Sith world." Vala says.
"We won't be on the planet though." Aja says.
"It won't matter to some of the masters. They will try to use this against me somehow. They see me as a maverick with too much political influence, and will take any opportunity they can to undermine me." Arvon says.
"You're a hero! They should be thanking you!" Aja says.
"It's… not that simple, Aja. Remember what I told you about the corruption of the Old Republic and the Old Jedi Order?" Vala asks.
"Yeah. Most of the senators were out for their own personal gain." Aja answers.
"Some of the Jedi Council were in on it too. Peddling favors for influence. There are signs to suggest… it's happening again." Arvon says.
"The Jedi Council? I mean... Master Vok's a meatbag, but the rest of them seem alright." Aja says. Vala chuckles and shakes her head.
"Meatbag, huh? You've been hanging out with Vala too much." Arvon says.
"Actually, Vok is a meatbag. It's a scientifically proven fact." Vala says.
"That's why you programmed U5 to call him that." Arvon says.
"Of course, now he calls everyone meatbag." Jek says.
"Nothing wrong with a little humor every now and then." Vala says. Arvon chuckles.
"Same old Vala. Now, if you'll excuse me for a moment. We're getting data back from the stealth probes. Stand by to receive." Arvon says.
"I copy. Jek…" Vala says.
"On it." Jek says. He walks away from the holotable, and approaches a nearby console.
"Vala, I'll be back shortly." Arvon says. Vala nods, and Arvon does so in return. Then, his hologram disappears, leaving Vala and Aja alone at the holotable.
"Is there really corruption in the Jedi Council?" Aja asks.
"I… don't know. But… there are political agendas. Sometimes… it gets nasty. That's part of the reason why my grandmother retired. The order's become too political, too entrenched in the establishment." Vala answers.
"An establishment she helped create." Aja says.
"Yes. My grandfather helped with that too. He was our first chancellor. He led the senate. My grandmother led the Jedi. They worked together in harmony, and the Alliance was on the right track to build something new. Something better than what came before. However, over the years… things changed." Vala says.
"Because your grandfather wasn't in charge anymore." Aja says.
"That's right. The Articles of Alliance limited him to two terms. Once he left office, the senate seemed to lose common sense almost overnight." Vala says.
"Is it really that bad?" Aja asks.
"I don't know if i'd go so far to say it's bad, but… it's not ideal. The senate could be more efficient, more helpful to the galaxy at large." Vala answers.
"I guess it's better than not having a senate at all." Aja says.
"True." Vala says.
"So… I've heard chatter… about Master Arvon possibly leaving the order. Is that true?" Aja asks.
I see gossip gets around. But there is always some degree of truth in rumors. I trust Aja enough that I think it's time she knew. Vala thinks.
"He is… considering it." Vala says.
"What... about you? Are you leaving too?" Aja asks.
"No, Aja. I'm not leaving. I have told Arvon that I will not leave the order, even if he does." Vala answers.
"But… you two…" Aja says.
"I know. We love each other, but… we also respect each other. Arvon will do what he feels is right, and I'll accept it. I will not leave the Jedi Order, and Arvon has accepted that. The order has its flaws, but it's done so much good, and I want to be a part of that. On top of that, if I were to quit, I would disappoint many people. Most importantly, I would disappoint you." Vala says.
"You wouldn't disappoint me. I wouldn't like it if you left, but I'd understand. I'd accept it, because I respect you." Aja says. Vala smiles.
"I'm not going anywhere. I mean it. You're stuck with me." Vala says. Aja smiles, and Vala puts a hand on her shoulder.
One day soon, you'll complete the trials, and you'll join the ranks of the Jedi Knights. Things will change, but I'll still be here for you. Always. Vala thinks.
A few minutes later, Arvon's hologram returns. Jek has now rejoined Vala and Aja at the holotable.
"So, what did the probes find out?" Vala asks.
"Nothing but the Knights of Ren, and a lot of droids. Looks like the Sedition crew is dead." Arvon answers.
"Dead? How?" Vala asks.
"See for yourself." Arvon says.
Arvon's hologram vanishes, and is replaced by the image of a Knight of Ren killing two Sedition officers.
"The Knights of Ren killed their own people?" Jek asks.
"They're darksiders, Jek. They don't care about anyone but themselves." Vala answers.
"Still… it looks like they were the ones in charge of this rebellion. Why go to all this trouble to start a war if it was all for nothing?" Jek asks.
"We don't know for certain if the Knights of Ren were actually in charge of the Sedition. We haven't encountered any of them in battle before, and we didn't even know the order still existed until today." Arvon answers.
"They could be working for an outside party." Vala says.
"Outside party? Who? The syndicates? Black Dawn?" Jek asks.
"It could be Black Dawn. You guys have history with them." Aja answers.
"We need to board the station and find out what's going on here. Vala, prepare a full strike team, and put your ships in blockade formation." Arvon says.
"Understood." Vala says.
"There's something… off here. You feel it, don't you?" Arvon asks.
"Yes. A disturbance in the force. It could just be the residual dark side energy from the station." Vala answers.
"I hope you're right. See you on the Star Forge." Arvon says.
"May the force be with you." Vala says.
"You too." Arvon says. He nods, then his hologram vanishes.
"Alright… Jek move our ships into blockade formation and have the hangar crew prep the gunships." Vala says.
"Got it." Jek says.
"Aja… " Vala says.
"Right. I'll get my squadron ready." Aja says.
"Actually, I want you with me. We'll be going into a strange place, facing who knows what. I figured you'd want to be a part of it." Vala says.
"Thanks." Aja says.
"Anytime. Now, unless you want to stay in that flight suit, I suggest you get changed and meet me at the Eagle in ten minutes." Vala says.
"Right. See you in a few." Aja says. The girl runs out of the bridge.
"You know… I could come with you." Jek says.
"I need you here. At least, for now." Vala says.
"Okay, but just give the word. Any fight, any time, I'll be there." Jek says.
"Thanks, Jek." Vala says.
