Chapter 6: SEVERING TIES

The journey to Tython was a spectacle in itself. The Jedi Order, in all its glory, moved like a celestial body through the cosmos, a beacon of hope and tranquillity.

As the fleet of ships descended onto the planet, a sense of awe washed over everyone. Tython was a planet teeming with life, a lush paradise that seemed untouched by the ravages of time and conflict.

It was a world of deep green forests, vast oceans, tranquil lakes, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountains. The air was rich with the scent of blooming flowers and the sounds of wildlife. The Force was palpable here, a vibrant energy that seemed to hum in the air and pulse beneath the ground.

-"This is… This is incredible." Master Jocasta Nu murmured as she step out of her ship, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of the new Jedi Temple. Concealed like a mountain by vegetation, It was four times the size of the one on Coruscant, a majestic structure that seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature.

Focusing back on her task, she followed her team in charge of reinstalling the archives in the largest library she had ever seen. And to her shock, she realized that the place was already filled with ancient Jedi knowledge that was waiting to be catalogued.

Revan was there, working tirelessly with his team to update the electrical, water, and ventilation systems. There were still areas that needed to be reclaimed from nature, but the progress was remarkable. When the Jedi Council arrived, they found everyone already hard at work, their faces lit up with smiles and their spirits high. The atmosphere on the planet was invigorating, the strength of the Force so potent that even the youngest of the younglings fell asleep peacefully after their arrival.

The stoic demeanour of the Council members seemed to melt away in the face of Tython's beauty. For the first time in centuries, Yoda felt the Force as he did when he was a youngling. Tears welled up in his eyes, a testament to the overwhelming emotion he felt.

Mace Windu, wearing an uncharacteristic smile, placed a supportive hand on his old master's shoulder. His constant headache, a side effect of his unique gift of seeing shatterpoints, was lessened for the first time in years, to the point of being unnoticeable.

Shaak Ti, a Togruta born in the wild nature of Shili, felt at home already.

In the afternoon, the Council convened with Revan to discuss the next steps. The room was filled with a sense of purpose and determination.

-"We will send a small delegation to the Senate." Revan began, his voice steady and confident.

-"They will announce our departure from the Republic. This will mark a significant shift in the galactic landscape."

Mace Windu nodded, his gaze serious.

-"The galaxy must know of our new role as defenders of peace. We must also provide avenues through which they can reach us for assistance." Plo Koon, his voice muffled slightly by his antiox breath mask, agreed.

-"Simultaneously, we will hold a press conference, broadcasting our relocation to a classified location."

Shaak Ti chimed in, her voice soft yet firm. "The delegation to the Senate will be Master Windu, Master Yoda, and myself. Revan, you believe it's best if you're not seen by the senators yet?"

Revan nodded. "Yes, I will go with Master Gallia and Master Koon to the press conference instead, but I would stay unseen to the holovid. I plan to make sure our transports back is not tracked."

The Council hummed in agreement, too busy basking in the Force-rich atmosphere to offer much verbal input. The Jedi had requested to address the Senate in three standard days, and the press conference had been set at the same time.

They plan to leave Coruscant immediately after to avoid any risk of tracking. An evasive route had been devised for the return, in case they were not fast enough.

As the meeting concluded, a sense of unity and resolve filled the room. The Jedi Order was on a new path, one that promised hope and peace. They were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, together.

The journey to Coruscant was filled with a sense of purpose. The Jedi delegation for the senate, composed of Masters Windu, Yoda, and Shaak Ti, prepared themselves for the task ahead.

Upon their arrival, they were ushered into the grand Senate chamber, a vast circular room filled with representatives from countless star systems. The room fell silent as Master Windu rose to address the assembly.

-"Honorable Senators," Windu began, his voice echoing through the chamber.

-"The Jedi Order has long served the Republic, but we have come to realize that our role has deviated from our original purpose. We have become warriors instead of peacekeepers, entangled in politics instead of focusing on the Force. Therefore, we have decided to cease our affiliation with the Republic and relocate to a classified location."

The Senate chamber erupted in shocked murmurs and exclamations. Windu raised his hand for silence, and the room gradually quieted.

-"This is not a decision we have taken lightly," he continued.

-"But we believe it is necessary for us to refocus on our primary task as peacekeepers and protectors. We will continue to serve the galaxy, but we will do so independently, free from political ties."

Meanwhile, at the press conference site, Master Adi Gallia was addressing the galaxy at large with the silent support of Plo koon and a hidden Revan.

-"The Jedi Order is embarking on a new path," she announced.

-"We are refocusing our efforts on our primary mission as peacekeepers and protectors. We understand that our relocation may cause concern, but we assure you that we will continue to serve the galaxy. Our location will remain classified for our safety, but we have established avenues to call us for help and public accounts for donations."

She paused, her gaze steady as she looked into the camera.

"Anyone in need can call for our help, and we will answer. We ask nothing in return. A donation is not necessary if you cannot. We are the Jedi, and we are here to serve."

The press conference ended amidst a flurry of questions from the reporters, but the Jedi did not linger. They left the old Jedi Temple on Coruscant, boarded their ship, and set course for Tython.

The journey back to Tython was filled with a sense of accomplishment. But the numerous trackers they had to disable was troubling.

The realization of the danger they had been in was sobering. They watched the holo of the press conference, which was being shown in loops.

The galaxy was in shock at the move of the Jedi Order, but already donations were coming in on the public bank account, and pleas for help were being sent as well. This warmed the hearts of all the Jedi on the ship.

They were on the right path.

Meanwhile, in a bunker on Coruscant, Palpatine exploded in rage. He screamed, lightning crackled from his fingertips, killing two of his guards without him even noticing.

When he finally manage to calm his rage down to a simmering level, he pulled his hood over his face to mask his features and activated a holo.

A mysterious man appeared.

-"Gather every bounty hunter and tracker you can find." Palpatine ordered, his voice cold and menacing.

-"I want the Jedi's location found. DO NOT FAIL ME!" The man nodded, his face hidden in the shadows.

-"As you wish, my lord." With that, the holo flickered off, leaving Palpatine alone in the dim light of his bunker.

The Jedi had made their move, and now, it was his turn. The game was far from over.

(To be continued in chapter 7)