If you love something, let it go when the time is right.
Separatist Knight
Chapter 1
"The Republic is not what it once was. It was formed millenniums ago by those who wanted to unite the galaxy under a governing body where the voice of the people could be heard. It suffered through countless wars, nearly collapsing several times. During its last breaking point, it was reorganized into the government we have lived under for a thousand years. Sadly, I see it is once again on a point of total collapse. Not from threats beyond its borders, but from within.
"The system is corrupt. The luxurious Core Words are privileged by attention and policy from the Galactic Senate while those within the inner and outer rim systems suffer. Whether it's piracy, poverty, plagues, slavery, or a multitude of ignored internal affairs, thousands of worlds that provide the rest of the galaxy with exports barely have enough to survive on their own while the Republic does absolutely nothing. Sure, matters are brought to the Senate, but how much debating occurs before something is done? And by the time decisions are made, is the matter not often solved without the Republic? When Queen Amidala of Naboo came for assistance when the Trade Federation blockaded her world, she called on the Senate for help. She didn't get this help. Instead, her Senator used Naboo's plight to force a vote against the Chancellor, and the Republic was too consumed by their costly election to address the illegal occupation. She was left with no choice but to take matters into her own hands. Her people starved, while the Senate debated on procedures and protocols. This is just one of many examples of how little good the Republic has done for the galaxy.
"We were reminded, of course, by the Naboo Blockade how mega-corporations have been allowed too much free will to do whatever they wish. Viceroy Gurney, leader of the Trade Federation, and orchestrator of the blockade underwent four trials in the Supreme Courts, yet retains all the power he had before the incident. This shows just how much wealthy enterprises such as the Trade Federation are far more privileged than those systems that are less wealthy, yet have been around far longer, and have shown far greater loyalty to the Republic.
"Many senators refuse to take such matters seriously. Either placing the blame on others without the power to stand up for themselves or shoving it off and allowing other less important matters to take priority. Why do they do this? Why allow Corporations to defy the very laws they helped pass and defy the interests of their constituents? It is simple: many are profiting from this corruption, and are simultaneously in league with the criminals that make up the galaxy's underworld.
"There are representatives of worlds across the galaxy who aren't corrupt, and who understand the need for change. Yet they are from systems outside the Republic's rich core which have led them to be overlooked by the Senate no matter how much they plea. It sickens me to see such disdain for any world no matter where they are in the galaxy. It saddens me that noble voices like Mini Bonteri of Onderon, Alto Stratus of Jabiim, or even Bec Lawise of Mileva are unable to achieve their aims because of the failing, stagnant, bureaucratic machine on Coruscant.
"I have petitioned the Jedi Order to take matters into its own hands and put a stop to the Senate's corruption. Though again, like the senators from the Outer Rim are in the Senate, my voice is ignored by the Council. They believe everything is how it should be and that problems will be fixed through time and mediation.
"Well, I'm done meditating. It is why I can no longer sit by and watch this catastrophe continue, to accept this charade of democracy. If neither the Senate nor even the Jedi Council will do something, then I shall. As I did eight years ago when I resigned from the Jedi Order, I disavow my full allegiance to the Galactic Republic. It is time to start again, to form a new government dedicated to restoring and maintaining true peace, freedom, and justice to this beleaguered Galaxy.
"I call upon all within the galaxy no matter who you are, or where you come from to join me in creating a new, better future. One where corporations do not rule the people, but instead the people rule themselves. Together we shall build a safe and prosperous society, to allow young generations to grow up in a galaxy where justice isn't a dream but reality; and the current generations can rest knowing their children's future is secure. Where voices of all ages, species and classes can be heard from the highest or lowest points on any mountain.
"I stand before you, as a fellow galactic citizen and as the reluctant Head of State of my homeworld of Serenno. I am joined by the elected government of Raxus including its long-time representative Senator Singh and Prime Minister Sahure. Together the governments of our worlds call on the citizens of the galaxy to stand up for what is right and to join us in this revolution. Together, we can build a better, more democratic galaxy.
"The future is in our hands. Don't let it slip away as the Republic has done. Forge a future worthy of yourself."
Those were the words said by Count Dooku of Serenno, formerly a Jedi Master of the Jedi Order, during the Raxus Address three months ago on the world of name. Since then, many star systems had denounced the Republic to join Dooku's Confederacy of Independent Systems. It was creating panic in the Senate, and the Jedi Order was concerned about what this separatist movement would mean for the entire galaxy.
Truth be told, Padawan Striv Gr'en sympathized with the former Jedi Master. The Republic was corrupt, no debate there. Many throughout the galaxy saw it. Many Jedi within the Order had seen it, especially Dooku, and even members of the Jedi Council saw it. Yet as Dooku had said in his address, no one bothered to do anything about the corruption. That is until now as Count Dooku and a growing handful of systems were working towards building a new government that would fix all that was wrong with the Republic.
While most in the Order saw this as the end of the Republic and the death of democracy, Striv saw otherwise. It was why he, accompanied by his mentor, Jedi Master Coleman Kcaj, stood before the Jedi Council, hoping to convince the Order that things needed to be changed before the galaxy went mad. Though the young apprentice had his doubts that the Council would listen to him, the felt that he should give the leaders of the order he'd grown up under a chance to listen to reason.
As a youngling Striv idolized the Jedi Council. To him, they were the best of the best. The embodiments of good. But in the four years, he'd spent as a padawan, Striv had begun to question the Council's abilities to see matters as they should've. Witnessing first-hand the Republic's failure in maintaining peace in the galaxy, the constant complaints of citizens in their leadership, the increasing need for Jedi assistance, and politicians refusing to do what needed to be done to fix a problem; none of this was anything Striv had remembered from his studies as a youngling. Worse the Jedi Council sat by and allowed a failing senate to continue on the way it was despite the countless protest from people across the galaxy. It didn't make sense.
"Your master has said you wish to speak with us involving the Separatist crisis," Master Windu, second in command of the Jedi Order, spoke in his usual, crisp, straight-to-the-point, tone of voice.
Bowing in respect to the Council Striv spoke. "Masters we must listen to Count Dooku. He has made countless pleas for change because he sees that the galaxy's future needs it. Our inability to listen to him is why he has left us, to form his government, to do what the Republic has neglected to do for years."
Of course, this was met with concerning looks from members throughout the Jedi Council.
"Dooku is a political idealistic whose heart is in the right place, but his mind has wandered over the years," Master Ki-Adi-Mundi explained.
"His actions threaten the Republic," Master Tiin added.
"Divided the galaxy is becoming," Grand Master Yoda agreed. "Soon to follow, chaos will."
"We know you have always idolized the former Master, as many of us here on this very council still do," Master Windu confessed. "Yet he has changed a great deal since leaving the Order, and we cannot let our views on his past self overlook the fact that what he's doing is wrong. Creating a new government will only make matters in the Senate worse than they already are. It will also make it much harder for the Jedi to maintain peace throughout a splintered galaxy. While the system has flaws, we must be there to make sure it is capable of being able to change when the time is right."
Striv cringed as the Council gave the young padawan what felt like the same lecture he'd received countless times whenever he questioned the Order's allegiance to the Republic. It was a corrupt system that represented everything the Jedi were supposed to stand against, yet the traditions of the Order prevented them from seeing beyond the wisdom of its past experiences.
"We need to leave the Republic," the Padawan flatly stated. The members of the Council were shocked by Gr'en's statement, even his own master flinched. Though the young apprentice pressed on.
"The Republic is both corrupt and dying. It no longer follows the principles it was forged under. Most senators don't even care about those principles. Many have betrayed the ideals of a truly democratic government, and by serving these corrupt leaders, the Jedi are traitors too. We must leave and help the Count make things right. To save the galaxy before the failing Republic destroys us all."
Master Windu attempted to stand up from his seat to speak but was held back when Master Yoda held out his walking stick and spoke himself.
"Agree we do young apprentice, that engulfed the senate, corruption has."
"Though that is no reason to abandon what can be saved," Master Koon finished.
"Yet we do nothing to save the Republic," Striv countered. "We sit, we meditate, and we wait for the Senate to pass laws that will instantly fix the system, while nothing gets done. Meanwhile, the Confederacy shows that it understands what democracy and justice are supposed to mean. It has already created laws that have fixed problems the Republic has ignored many times before, such as forbidding corporations from acquiring privileges over member systems within their parliament. They grow stronger every day as more and more systems realize that the time has come to start over.
"Dooku encouraged the Order to leave the Republic many times. It's time we listen. I'm sure the Confederacy will gladly welcome us into their fold, and that we could do much greater good under their parliament than we can right now in the Galactic Senate."
Though his words showed great passion and dedication, the masters within the chamber weren't convinced.
"Be careful what you say my padawan," Master Kcaj warned his student.
"Yes, listen to your master young one," Master Mundi added in. "In times like these, your words could be considered treasonous."
At this point, Striv should've stepped down and apologized, yet he could not, and would not.
"If it is treason to speak out against a corrupt system that has turned its back on the people it's supposed to serve then I am gladly guilty."
Again, the Council was taken aback by the padawan's comments. Yes, there had been a handful of Jedi who openly questioned the Order's loyalty towards the Republic, but never had any of these twelve Masters seen someone so young speak out like this against the Republic they'd all sworn to preserve. None approved, nor did Gr'en's master.
"Padawan you will not say such things in front of the Jedi Council," Master Kcaj scolded. "I thought I trained you better than this."
It was then that Striv made up a decision he'd been considering for some time. "You have Master. And I have learned a great deal from you and my studies as a youngling growing up in the Jedi Order. Which is why I…" Gr'en paused for a moment, having difficulty saying words that would change his life forever. "Why I must leave the Jedi Order."
For the third time in the short few minutes, all Jedi Masters in the Council chambers were shocked by the padawan's words. Though as before, Striv continued. His thoughts needed to be said out loud.
"I cannot continue to stand by as the Republic's corruption continues to pollute the galaxy, while blinding out precious order from the very light, we hold so dearly. If you cannot leave the Republic despite its failings, then I can no longer serve as Dooku could not when he left eight years ago."
Reaching up to grab the padawan braid that hung over his shoulder, Striv ripped the tied strands of crimson hair away from the rest of his head and flung it to the ground. Turning his back on all thirteen Jedi Masters in the chamber, Striv marched down the halls of the Jedi Temple, making his way toward his living quarters. It was small, yet roomy enough for him. A few potted plants were scattered around the room along with some books. To the far-left corner rested a tiny workbench with spare parts and tools laying on it, and a grey-plated C1 astromech droid, C19-77 to be exact, who stood in the center of the room.
Upon seeing his master enter the room the droid began to beep and whistle as it moved closer to him, asking in its binary language about what had gone down with the Council.
"What would be expected C19," Striv responded, patting his droid on the head. "They refused to listen to reason. I've already announced to them my resignation from the Order."
C19 beeped and chirped in concerning tone, asking his owner if he would still be allowed to serve him even though he was no longer a Jedi
"Of course, you're coming with me. After all, I'm technically the reason you ended up in the Temple in the first place."
C19 started to beep and whistle again, this time making happy sounds as his head began spinning around in circles; which caused Striv to chuckle a little.
"We'll head out in a minute. First, let me pack a few things."
Finding a bag beside his workbench, Striv started walking about his room, packing up a few things like spare clothing, parts, and tools. He left the books because he'd gotten them from the temple library, and he left the plants where they were as he knew they'd been better off being taken to the temple gardens after his departure.
While he packed, the door to his quarters opened up and in came Master Kcaj. Despite having already sensed his mentor's presence before he entered, Striv didn't bother to turn from what he was doing to confront the Jedi Master. Nor did he even acknowledge him.
"You planned this didn't you?" Master Kcaj spoke up.
Striv continued to pack, keeping his back to his, now former, master. "I gave the Order one final chance to listen to reason, but they refused," Striv finally responded.
"Your argument wasn't the most diplomatic."
"Dooku has made too many attempts to persuade the Jedi that they needed to change. Yet we all know how that ended. At this point, if they wouldn't listen now, then they never will."
"I admit things are not what they once were, and the Republic could do better in handling matters. But giving up on something will only make things worse. We must stay by the Republic so that we may fix it."
"But we haven't done anything to do so," Striv countered. "Dooku has at least done something to show change while the Republic continues down the same corrupt path it's been wandering for years. I'm sorry Master, but I can't be a part of it any longer. As a Jedi, I was raised to use my powers to help others to the best of my abilities, but under a corrupt bureaucracy that the Order serves, I cannot do this. It's why I must leave."
Master Kcaj lowered his head and shook it in disappointment. He knew his apprentice had begun to question the Republic during the young boy's time as his padawan; he also knew how much he looked up to Dooku, and many Jedi still did, even though he'd left the Order years ago. But to turn his back on the order he'd lived under his entire life? The Ongree Master never imagined this would happen. Yet at the same time, he had to accept the young man's decision, whether he approved or not.
Raising his head back up, Master Kcaj saw his apprentice reaching into his cloak to pull out his lightsaber and attempting to hand it over to him.
"This is the weapon of a Jedi. Though now I am no longer one."
Sticking his hand out, Master Kcaj pushed the sabre back towards his apprentice, surprising the young humanoid as a result.
"Keep it. I still sense a strong light in you. Even as you walk down a different path than that of most Jedi, the light is stronger in you now more than ever. You will need this sabre to guide you as you explore yourself. To help maintain your light as you embark on a journey few Jedi of our time have undergone."
Striv was touched by this. "Thank you, master."
"Perhaps I could escort you out of Temple," Master Kcaj offered before adding, "Unless you wish to explore one last time, perhaps say goodbye to some of your fellow brothers and sisters."
Tempting as the offer was, Striv knew what would happen when his friends and fellow padawans, along with the other Jedi inside the Temple found out what he was doing. Like the Council members, many, if not all would be disgusted by his actions, perhaps even accuse him of treason, and at least one that he knew too well would consider his actions to be abandonment.
They'd all look at him in a way that would make Striv regret everything he was doing. Something he couldn't have on his conscious right now. "No. I think it's best if I leave now. Thank you though."
In response, Ongree's four nostrils blew out air in a way that was his species' equivalent of sighing. "Very well. Then let's have one last walk together, as master and apprentice."
Striv of course couldn't refuse such an offer. This wasn't an easy thing he was doing, and while he didn't dare to say goodbye to the rest of his friends, he at least could stand by his mentor one last time. Once Striv had finished packing, he along with Kcaj, and C19-77 strolled through the massive halls of the great Jedi Temple. It was hard to believe that anyone would be willing to leave behind a life where you got to live in such a luxurious place, provided with plenty of food, warm clothes, and comfort. Yet as Striv recalled this wasn't what being a Jedi meant. It was about helping those in need and supporting justice. Something the Republic no longer stood for. As a Jedi, you were expected to make countless sacrifices for the greater good, which was what made Striv feel somewhat better about his choice to leave the Temple, his friends, and the Order itself behind.
As they reached the main entrance to the Jedi Temple, Master Kcaj pulled out something from his belt, placed it into his former apprentice's hand, and closed it afterwards. "Should you decide you wish to rejoin us, I promise you will be welcome back with open arms. Though should your path lead you away from the Confederacy, but not back to the Jedi, it wouldn't hurt to know where you originated from."
Opening it up, Striv saw a small data chip resting in the palm of his hand. He then looked up at his master with a puzzled look on his face.
"I brought you to the Temple from a small farm on a world located on the edges of wild space. The planet had not been known until I discovered it. When I reported this to Chancellor Valorum, he refused to send an emissary to bring the world into the Republic. Said they were swamped enough with trying to maintain the countless systems within the galaxy's more explored borders to investigate an unknown world on the backwater reaches of known space."
It didn't surprise Striv at all. "That's why the Republic is failing. It can't keep its problems at bay, and won't look towards other ideas for solutions."
"Regardless, when I discovered you and after getting permission from your parents, the Council allowed me to take you from your homeworld to Coruscant for Jedi training. Though I reported the world, I never entered the exact coordinates into either Republic records or even the Jedi archives. I felt that perhaps in time the Republic would agree to bring the world into its fold and that hopefully, you would be old enough to help with this. Until that time I thought it would be best for the planet's location to remain a secret. This data chip contains the only record of where your homeworld is and how to get to it. Now I entrust it to you."
Striv felt a great sense of honour. He knew how much it meant to his master to bring new worlds into the Republic's fold. Yet here he was giving his former apprentice the knowledge of an unknown world, despite knowing that he might use this information to assist the Separatist movement while simultaneously harming the Republic in the process. "Thank you, Master," he said, clasping his hands together and bowing one final time to his mentor. "It has been an honour training under you."
The Ongree clasped his own hands and bowed back to his student. "As it has been my honour and privilege to teach you my Padawan. May the Force be with you Striv Gr'en."
"And with you, Coleman Kcaj."
With those final words Striv Gr'en, followed by C19, walked out of the Temple's oversized main doors, down the front stairs, and past the outer pillars, leaving an entire life behind him.
Inspiration for this story came after watching the ninth episode of the Bad Batch, Common Ground.
Special thanks to my brother who helped edit Dooku's speech.