Sorry for the ping! Made some brief changes, not entirely happy with it but makes more sense for what I have planned. Enjoy!

Wake: Book 1

Rolling Out the Red Carpet

Chapter 2

The room given to Jaune is quite honestly better than any other Jaune has ever lived in. His room at the Temple on Coruscant was a small room in Cin Drallig's own modest Master-Padawan suite, while his room on board the Republic Cruiser High Favor had been a spartan officer's quarters that he shared with Serra.

The thought of Serra strikes him like a blow to the gut, and he chokes on his last memory of her. A reaching hand, so close-

He shakes the pain away, wiping moisture from his eyes. He sits seiza on the ground in front of his bed, a plush and comfortable mattress with a thick blanket and smooth sheets. Before him lay the tabards of his tunic, repaired and replicated at his request. Apparently Jedi on this moon did not wear any formal or traditional garb aside from a dress uniform that Initiates and Padawans were required to don for classes and social functions, but not much else.

The idea is quite alien to him, and as he runs his hands through his long blond hair he ponders what the sense in cutting it off would be. He'd always hated having short hair, it never seems to do precisely what he wants it to do and he settles in leaving it long with his Padawan braid hanging from his right temple.

he weaves the long golden strands into his Padawan braid, tying it off with several colored beads. The most prominent of the beads was a burgundy one on the end denoting his rank as a senior Padawan. Master Drallig has been unavailable for the field promotion, but Jaune has been content to receive it from Serra.

He finishes with the braid, dons his tabards and stands. His Chrono reads 1143 hours, just 17 minutes before his scheduled session with the Remnant Council.

Remnant, Ozpin had explained, is a single star system with six planets. While only three of the six are habitable, five of the planets boasts moons with settlements, and four a Jedi Enclave as well. Vacuo, the closest planet to the Remnant star, is a desert world with a large textile and mineral export. It's moon, Shade, houses the Shade Enclave.

Then came Vale with Beacon and Patch, Mistral with Haven and it's Temple and a waystation called Argus, and Mantle- a gas giant with a floating city that mined Tibanna gas- Atlas City and its Jedi Praxeum.

Last, another gas giant called Menagerie and it's moon of Kuo Kuana. Apparently even though it sat straight between Vacuo and Mistral, the planet was poor and not populated enough to merit another Jedi installation there.

The history of the dense, isolated system was incredibly detailed for one that only went back a hundred years. Apparently, shortly before what would be the Ruusan Reformation, the Jedi of a large ship called the Intrepid Comet had crash landed on the world while fleeing a Sith Fleet. With no way to contact Coruscant and no way to manufacture a hyperdrive, the knowledge of interstellar travel had disappeared entirely.

Each planet had divided into their own government, and the Jedi agreed to remain separate for the purpose of maintaining both neutrality and autonomy. This meant that while they could mediate disputes and negotiate on behalf of others, they would be entirely unable to intervene during times of inter-planetary conflict.

Jaune shakes his head in derision for allowing himself to get distracted by the new information, and leaves the room, Serra's lightsaber attached to his belt.

The Beacon Enclave is a large half-dome hewn from a light grey stone that reminds Jaune desperately of the Temple on Coruscant, and it houses approximately four to five hundred Jedi at any one time. Directly adjacent is Beacon Academy's facilities, several buildings that act as the training and living quarters for both Jedi Padawans and members of the Jedi Service Corps.

Jaune smiles sadly as he remembers his own upbringing at the Temple, running around with his clan and later with Serra.

He makes his way to the northwest curve of the half-dome, where a white spire rises above the rest of the Enclave. He makes his way to the turbolift and rides it all the way to the top of the spire.

The Beacon Council chambers are- not that any in the Remnant system could know it- a clear replica of the chambers on Coruscant. Twelve seats surround a circular floor and the turbolift leads any and all entrants directly to the center of the room. Instead of intimidated, the room puts Jaune at ease. He and his Master had been coming to this room- sorry, the Council chambers on Coruscant- since Jaune was 12 years old.

Had.

Surrounding him are four Jedi Masters, and in the remaining twelve seats are holograms of the other Jedi Council members from across the system.

"Padawan Arc, I am glad you could join us." Ozpin greets him, and it occurs to Jaune that perhaps his earlier comparison of Ozpin to Yoda is not unfounded as the Master continues.

"Allow me to introduce Masters Glynda Goodwitch, Peter Port, and Bartholomew Oobleck of the Valean Council." Ozpin gestures to the three other present Masters, a younger Blonde woman, A rotund older man with a well groomed mustache, and a thin man with thick glasses that made it difficult for Jaune to see his eyes. In turn, Ozpin also introduced the Masters of the Atlas Council: James Ironwood, Arthur Watts and Jaques Schnee; The Masters of Mistral: Leonardo Lionheart and Doryn Thee; as well as the Masters of Vacuo: Theodore, Xanthe Rumpole, and Rowena Sunnybrook.

After each Council member is introduced, Ozpin smiles reassuringly and continues:

"And as you know, my name is Ozpin. I am the current head of the Order in Remnant as well as Grandmaster." He settles further into his seat. "Why don't you introduce yourself?"

Jaune understands that it is more of a direction than a question, but also that refusing to do so would be rude. "My name is Jaune Arc. Senior Padawan." He tacks on awkwardly as he represses the urge to stand stiffly attention and proclaim his rank as Commander of the 118th Sunshine Battalion.

This however, seems to be as much of a mistake as the other option, as the Mustachioed Jaques Schnee scoffs derisively in a manner Jaune considers distinctly un-Jedi-like.

"Senior Padawan, ha!" The man slaps a hand softly against his knee, and Jaune wonders how precisely Jaques was ever given a seat on the Jedi Council- "The boy is clearly lying, about this and the whole Coruscant business."

"I agree with Jaques," Master Watts speaks. "This boy is far too young to be a Senior Padawan. It is my recommendation that the boy be reprimanded and-"

"Enough, the both of you." Ironwood speaks for the first time, stepping to Jaune's defense. "Welcome to the Remnant System, Padawan Arc."

The rest of the Council welcomes him in suit, and Ironwood's dismissal seems not to upset the other two Atlesians, so Jaune turns his attention completely to the younger Master.

Ironwood is focused entirely on Jaune, eyes locked unerringly to his own. "You are afraid." He says after a long silence, and Jaune recoils slightly.

There is a rush of debate as the other two Atlesians begin bickering and spouting I-told-you-so's, but Jaune is still locked with Ironwood's piercing gaze.

He even felt calmer for it, as if Master Drallig or Master Windu were gently reprimanding him for his mistakes and asking simply that he do better.

So Jaune does. He draws his fear in, lets the Force suffuse him, and responds to Ironwood.

"I am, Master."

This seems to silence the bickering Council members, and Jaune is struck by just how unprepared the Jedi of this system are for the military juggernaut that is the new Galactic Empire.

"What is it that you fear?" Oobleck, who has been silent until now, asks.

Jaune waits a beat, observing each Master in turn before answering. "I am afraid for the fate of us all."

"A heavy weight for one so young," Master Port comments. "What tidings from Coruscant?"

What tidings? A sea of blaster-fire flashes in Jaune's mind, the corpses of Jedi Padawans litter the stone at his feet, his Master and sister Padawan lay lifeless in his arms and the man asks what tidings-

A nudge, a small tendril of thought in the Force reaches out as if to gently grasp his shoulder, and Jaune opens eyes he hadn't realized he'd closed. He immediately locks gazes with the stern Glynda Goodwitch, contrasted brightly by the soft concern that flits behind her eyes and the comfort she has offered him through the Force. Jaune draws himself up, and shifts his gaze to meet Ozpin's.

"The Temple on Coruscant has been destroyed," He says plainly.

This news seems not to shock the Council, who have only recently been told by a young Padawan that the Coruscant Temple wasn't just some myth or legend. They do however begin bickering again.

This time, Jaune makes to leave. This whole thing, crashlanding here, placing hope in these people who claimed to be Jedi, it was all a mistake. They were less disciplined, less experienced and canny than the Masters of his youth, and those had perished to the Empire. To the Sith.

"Wait, Padawan." This time it is Ozpin who has spoken. "We have more to discuss. Please, wait."

Jaune represses the urge to snap back at the council, and instead says:

"Five months ago there were more than ten thousand Jedi Knights protecting the galaxy," He pauses, catching the breath he hadn't realized he'd lost. "In a single night we were reduced to a handful of survivors. The only others I knew died not long after the initial purge."

"How-" Oobleck gasps, glasses dropped into his lap.

"The Sith."

Master Watts laughs bodily at this. "Indeed. And soon I'll turn into a spirit and haunt Initiates. This boy continues to make a fool of us, and I for one do not intend to stand for it."

"It does seem unlikely that such an occurrence could happen," Master Lionheart says, gently running his fingers along his bearded chin. "The Sith are considered as much of a myth as Coruscant itself. If what he said is true, does his ship boast interstellar capabilities?"

Master Goodwitch shakes her head. "We weren't able to ascertain that. For all that the ship was damaged, the configuration and technology is beyond our engineers. It very well could be capable of interstellar travel, but for the moment we are unable to provide proof."

"Then we are supposed to take this child at his word?"

"Now, now Jaques," Watts smirks. "Surely a Senior Padawan wouldn't lie."

Jaune bristles at this, eyes narrowing at the two Atlesian masters. "Surely a mere Padawan wouldn't be able to deceive tenured Masters, I'm sure you can sense my honesty in the Force."

Watts' own eyes match the shape of Jaune's, sneering disdainfully. "I would watch your tone, child."

"Watts!" Ironwood snaps. "That's quite enough."

"Certainly the boy's attitude is proof enough that this entire proceeding is a farce," Jaques interjects. "The Coruscant Temple is a myth. The Sith are as well. And seeing as we have no clear proof of either, I suggest that the council move on to more relevant matters, or better yet; end for the day."

"I concur."

"Perhaps you are right."

Ozpin sighs. "Very well. This session is concluded."

One by one the Masters disconnect from the holo-call, and it is just Jaune and the four Valean Masters alone in the chamber.

There isn't much more to discuss, but Port approaches and drops a heavy hand onto Jaune's shoulder.

"You've enjoyed the very best of the council today," The older man laughs heartily, though Jaune can tell the effort is somewhat forced. "But I'm sure we'll come to an actionable conclusion soon."

Jaune hopes, desperately that Master Port is right. He truly does.

"Perhaps it is time for you to rest," Ozpin breaks in. "You've only recently recovered from your wounds, and I know I myself am taxed from this exchange."

Jaune gives the Master a discerning look.

It couldn't hurt…

Ruby Rose, Jedi Initiate, dodged the lightning quick draw of a blaster wielded by the notorious outlaw Roman Torchwick. She barreled past the plasma as it arced into a nearby brick wall, and leapt forward to cut the offending weapon in half with her bright blue lightsaber. All this, and she still was caught off guard by the cane the man had pulled out of his coat, and was currently using to deflect her lightsaber. She could see the metal heating up, and her blade was still engaged so she knew it couldn't be cortosis or a similar metal, it must have been some other dense material that her lightsaber would cut through-

Eventually.

She weaved around the cane, surprised as the criminal kept up with her blow-for-blow. She gave chase as he alighted a fire escape to the top of the old brick building, and she dashed up after him. He laughed arrogantly as she dropped into a defensive pose, one she had forgotten the name of.

"Not bad kid. Not bad at all," The Thief swung the cane around, grinning manically. "But unfortunately, this is the end of the road."

At that, a ship rose up from behind the building, repulsorlift engines flaring and sending dust and debris flying. Blaster cannons barked out a sharp retort as the roof of the building was peppered with plasma, and Ruby dodged and deflected skillfully, before-

A red lightsaber flashed into existence the moment the ship's bay doors opened, and Ruby let out an aborted cry as the weapon arced dangerously fast toward her, faster than even she could react.

Before the offending blade could decapitate her, however, a blade of Violet energy descended before her, deflecting the red blade and sending it back to whomever had thrown it. The ship ascended and blasted off into the Valean night.

Glynda Goodwitch sighed, her new charge gushing instantly about the revered Jedi Master.

Notes:

And that's all for tonight! Thank you so much to all those out there who have given this story their time of day, hope to hear from you all soon