Obliques: What is to be Done?

"Any story that stirs the hearts of its audience becomes a truth in itself."
Peshosloc, when accused of falsifying history in his 93 Xim-related holo-plays

112th Year of the Five Brothers
11,347 TYA

The injured Jedi awoke from their healing trances shortly after the Dawnchaser dragged their Found Horizon next to Center-point station. It was good timing, because Daneel Kayn was impatient to hear their full story. He was especially, grimly interested to hear what had felled Sohr, one of the Jedi's most unique and respected Masters.

He got what he wanted and was sorry he did. He, Moorai, and Jecca went to the infirmary and listened to Vediah tell her tale as she sat upright on her surgical bed. Her partner added words here and there but was mostly silent; it was clear Koltatha's mind was on the cut-off stub of his right hand, now wrapped in layered bandages.

Vediah completed her story by saying weakly, "We only wanted to help people, and we did. We defused what could have been a colossal war… and this was how they repaid us."

"You used your power to solve their crisis," Moorai said, "but your power frightened them. They were afraid you were a threat to them, so they united to destroy you."

"But we weren't a threat," Vediah choked.

Kayn's heart ached for her. She was so young he could hardly believe she'd been knighted. Then she'd had to suffer the weight of a planetary cold war, and now the death of a Master.

"People will always see threats when they are accustomed to being threats themselves," rasped Koltatha.

"Are you saying they should have never helped Devaron at all?" asked Jecca.

Koltatha nodded, but Vediah ran a hand across her face. "I don't know. We might have saved an entire planet, full of civilians and children and innocent people who knew nothing about us..."

"But was it worth Master Sohr's life?" Kayn sighed. "I'm not ready to answer that question."

As a padawan, he'd assumed that being a knight would answer all questions about what a Jedi should be. As a knight, he'd hoped his doubts would dissolve once he became a Master. Now he was a Master, albeit young for the rank, and he felt more overwhelmed by the universe than ever. Maybe if he'd stayed in the Core things might have made sense, but here in the vast unknown the Force was too elusive.

Moorai gave a wheezy sigh. "Nothing can change Sohr's fate. I've repaired your bodies the best I can, though you should take time to heal. After that, we can set about repairing your ship."

Now they were in the realm of the material, and Kayn felt more comfortable. He gave the newcomers a short summary of his explorations on Centerpoint and explained how they could use its ancient machinery to help repair the Horizon.

"You say this station is not Rakatan in origin," Koltatha tilted his head. "What is it?"

"I don't know," Kayn admitted. "I've studied archives and the remnants of Rakatan technology for years, and this is different. It could be Gree, or something else entirely."

"The universe is full of mysteries," Moorai said. "Our time would be better spent investigating them than policing the galaxy."

That was sure to kick off old arguments for the new audience. Kayn could have tried to stop it, but no, this conversation was bound to happen. So he let it happen.

"What happened at Devaron was awful," Jecca said, "but things are different here. We've joined with the Corellians as equals. Yes, we have special skills but we obey their rules, take their orders, and respect their authority. And we've done good because of it. We saved a ship from pirates right before we rescued you and it was hardly the first time."

"How do you know they won't turn on you?" asked Vediah.

"Because we have a real partnership, and it's been proven. We've been working with the UPSF for a year and they've seen the results."

"The Devaronians saw results too," Moorai pointed out. "Those results frightened them and they became murderous."

"That's tragic, but I refuse to believe it's inevitable," Jecca insisted. "I'm sorry to say this, because we all respected Master Sohr, but he may have made a misstep somewhere."

That only brought Vediah lower. "I was the one who inter-acted with the Devaronians. If anyone could have earned their trust it was me, but I didn't."

Kayn reached out and squeezed her shoulder for meager comfort. He told the room, "I understand the temptation to hide from the rest of the galaxy. It's a dangerous, confusing place. But we're Jedi. We have a duty to use the Force responsibly and that means helping others."

"Even if they repay your help with betrayal?" asked Koltatha bitterly.

"I'm sorry that this happened to you," Jecca said, "but we still have precepts to honor. I heard Sohr speak with some other Masters once. He said that a Jedi is only a Jedi when he or she acts."

"He said that to me too," Vediah whispered.

"Whatever mistakes he may—or may not—have made, he was wise," said Kayn. "I want you to take time, heal, and repair your ship. Don't rush to any decisions. We can direct you to Jedi listening posts deeper in the Core if you want, or you can stay here."

"And do what?" asked Vediah.

"Work for the greater good," Jecca said.

"Until the greater good betrays you," grunted Koltatha.

Moorai held her tongue. The argument fizzled out before it got bitter. Kayn said, "Whatever you choose, I promise we'll support you. The galaxy is huge and dangerous and our work is hard, but Jedi will always be there for each other. Always."

At this alone, everyone nodded agreement.