N'Chun

"The Republic has requested a Jedi mediator on the planet of Tul Trigona," Master Nisi said. "They wish to enter into a temporary alliance with the Republic. Admiral Nonconna of the Stalwart has personally requested you, Maste N'Chun."

N'Chun gave a weary look to the council before him. Vrook, Vandar, Nisi, and Lestin. He could feel the difficulty in her words, but he weathered them all the same.

"The Council is aware of your feelings regarding this conflict, and I believe I speak for the rest of the Council when I say that you are not alone in these qualms. However, the Trigonas Systems relationship has thus far been strained at best with the Republic. An opportunity of this sort, even if it has its genesis in troubling circumstances cannot be ignored."

Nisi's words were soft poetry. N'Chun touched the minds of his colleagues and found only a sense of obligation. At least Brene empathized with his feeling of embarrassment.

"And it is the Council's wish that I go even had Nonconna requested me?"

Vrook spoke up. "The matter would have gone through Coruscant, to be sure, but Dantooine is much closer to Trigonas space. Your history with the Trigonas makes you the only logical choice."

N'Chun bowed low. "I will go then and broker peace but nothing more."

"We do not expect you to do anything else, Master N'Chun," Nisi said.

"While you have been chosen based on your relationship with the Admiral Nonconna and your familiarity with the Trigonas, do not let these cloud your judgement," Master Vrook said. "I sense much unrest in the Trigonas system. The dark side is at play. No matter how small a kernel, it was erupt into its own, as it always does."

"Speak out of turn, Master Vrook does," Master Vandar said. "Difficult to see, the movement of the dark side is. A tense situation, Trigonas. Important that all talks go well, Master N'Chun. Trust you completely, this council does."

"Captain Pott, whom I believe you are already acquainted with, has not gone far," Master Nisi said. "She will be arriving this evening. You will then rendezvous with the Stalwart and proceed to Tul Trigona. Naturally, Padawan Brene is welcome to accompany you."

"I am sure she will relish the opportunity to explore beyond the enclave."

"If you have no further questions, Master N'Chun, you are dismissed."

N'Chun turned to leave, hesitated, and then faced the Council once more. "What news is there of Meetra Surik?

Vrook looked uncomfortably at his fellow masters. None of them spoke, but cast silent glances down to the floor.

"Meetra Surik was killed in a skirmish with the Mandalorians near Suul Trigona," Master Vrook replied. "The battle was lost. As we speak, the Mandalorians are beginning their invasion of Trigonas space."

"Time is of the essence, Master N'Chun." Vandar said. "To the Trigonas System you must go, or risk more deaths like Padawan Surik."

"The Council knows how you grieved for Padawn Surik when she left." Vrook chided. "You must not take this loss personally. You were not responsible for her departure."

N'Chun felt guilt rise like bile in his throat. He struggled not visibly react. "Should I fail to negotiate a treaty, what then?"

"Failure to court the Trigonas systems will spell destruction for the Trigonas Systems." Vrook said. "Oma Trigonas would be a fools and a half not to accept Republic aid, especially with the Mandalorians in his own backyard."

"Perhaps you underestimate the pride of Oma Trigonas," N'Chun responded.

"They are the ones who have called on the Republic, Master N'Chun. However, should Oma be unwilling to cooperate, what happens after is not on your hands." Master Nisi laced her words with warm comfort.

"If Oma is as prideful as you make it seem, Master N'Chun," Master Lestin added, "then it is likely that he is fully aware of the stakes. One who has power is always afraid to lose it."

"And much power, Oma Trigonas wields," Vandar pondered, "Uncertain, the true role Trigonas will play in this conflict is. Always in motion, the Force. Always in motion."

N'Chun bowed. "By your leave, Masters."

"Before you go, Master N'Chun," Vandar said. N'Chun stopped and waited. For as long as he had lived and for as long as he had served the Jedi on Dantooine, Master Vandar had always been a source of knowledge and confidence.

"Yes, Master?"

"To the Trigonas Systems newly appointed Supreme Commander Revan sent young Surik. Curious, what he sees in the system. Perhaps nothing. Perhaps, simply anticipated Mandalorian advances, he did. However, with Revan, no stone left unturned ever is."

N'Chun eyed Master Lestin. With Brene as his apprentice he had developed an insight into Twi'lek body language. The master's lekku betrayed him.

"You taught the boy, Master Lestin? Thoughts?"

"When I began my tutelage of the young Revan, he came to me with an insatiable desire to learn. I could hardly teach at the pace he absorbed knowledge. Once he had his mind set on something, his drive to learn all there was to know about it was remarkable. Often times I had to steer him away from sensitive material. Perhaps there is something in the Trigonas Systems that has piqued the boy's interest."

Vandar gave a nod and low, raspy sigh. "A boy, this Revan no longer is. Powerful he has become in the Force."

"Revan is no more a man as I am a child," Vrook spat. "His impatience and impetuousness will only lead the Republic further into conflict. If Revan is so smart, why then did he not heed the wisdom of the council? By running off to play General, he has opened the floodgates for Jedi across the galaxy. He has led them into ruin. What's worse is that he's made us out to be fools content to sit in our enclaves while he's out saving the galaxy."

"We all share your sentiments, Master Vrook," Master Nisi said. "But none here would argue that Revan is not powerful, and what he may lack in wisdom, he makes up for in courage and the hope he brings to the Republic. With his mind, the Republic has seen victories no one thought possible."

"And at what cost?" Vrooks temper rose with each word. "Whole enclaves have been left barren by his twisted proselytizing. With each Jedi he throws at the Mandalorians, our numbers thin. He will split this order in two before it is all over."

"If it is Revan's fate to forsake the order and remove himself from our company to further the stability of the Republic then that is his fate, but it is the fate he will have chosen." Master Nisi imposed on the old man with her words. Vrook backed down, slumping low into his chair and rubbing his forehead.

"Master N'Chun, do not let Revan or Surik impare your ability to navigate this treaty. A swift negotiation will bring peace of mind to both the Republic and to the people of the Trigonas Systems. Go now, and speak with your padawan, who has been standing with her ear to the door since you arrived."

"I will do so. I will contact you as soon as I am onboard with Captain Pott." N'Chun gave a second bow.

Vrook rose from his slump. The anger had passed and all the color had drained from his wrinkled face. "Master N'Chun," he said, "may the Force be with you."

"And may the Force be with you all," N'Chun replied.