For the Order and the Republic

Invasion

grandmasteryoda:

knightobiwan:

mastermacewindu:

Mace Windu was not accustomed to having his authority questioned— especially not by a Knight so young. Obi-Wan was a good Jedi, but had more of his Master’s defiance in him than was healthy. It did nothing to endear him to the Master of the Order.

When Obi-Wan made his desires known, one of Windu’s stern eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You want us to foster the enemy here within our own walls out of some hope that she can be changed? Remember what is at stake here, Kenobi. You saw for yourself on Naboo the lengths the Sith will go to in order to bring down the Republic from the inside out. We don’t have the luxury of that risk.”

Obi-Wan scowled and pushed the Master’s lightsaber away from the fallen Sith, disengaging his own once they were both safely away. “We are not executioners, Master Windu. Sith though she may be, she is also a scared and deeply wounded girl desperately in need of our help. The Code dictates that we render aid to the helpless.” His tone grew fervent as he gestured toward Ventress’ fallen, injured body. “What is she if not helpless?”

Yoda watched them argue, his hand still on Ventress’s head.  “Right, young Kenobi is,” the Grand Master spoke softly in his gravelly voice.  “Stand down, you will Master Windu.  Killers, we are not.  If slay her we do, no better than Sith we are.”  He put a small green finger under his bottom lip, his ears twitching backwards a little as he thought, obviously disturbed.

“Detain her for now, we will.  Decide her fate today we will not.  More pressing matters, we have.  Gravely injured Qui-Gon’s apprentice was.  Get the power back, we must.”

Mace’s displeasure was apparent on his face. Though he was among the very best of the Jedi, he could occasionally be haughty, and that side of him bled through now. Still, he wouldn’t refuse a direct order from Yoda, even were the numbers in his favor.

Bowing his head to Yoda, he turned to address Obi-Wan again. “Master Yoda is right. We have too much to deal with right now to worry about her. As such, I am placing her under your care. Take her to the healing ward. Ensure she remains heavily sedated until power is restored and we can properly contain her. Once order has been restored to the Temple, the Council will discuss the fate of the Sith.” Windu paused, giving Obi-Wan a look full of warning as he pointed a finger toward the fallen Ventress. “Do not let her slip through your fingers again, Kenobi. You’re responsible for her.”

(Source: asajjventress)

Invasion

knightobiwan:

mastermacewindu:

grandmasteryoda:

Yoda would not have chosen to hurt the girl so badly, but Master Windu’s actions were hardly an over-reaction.  Ventress’s aura had stung, like a hurt animal.  She was barely even a sentient being anymore.  She was a prisoner to her hate and fear and now that Yoda saw her, he did pity her.

He hobbled over to her fallen form and put a hand on her bare head, checking for damage.  There was nothing too serious.  He sat next to her in the rubble and shook his head a little.  It was terribly sad, a talented young life gone to such ruin.

Windu approached the fallen Sith and ignited his lightsaber, the distinct purple color bathing the dark hallway in an eerie light. “Now we end this threat,” he said gravely. 

Ventress was too dangerous to be left alive. She was a threat to the Order and the Republic, and Windu would personally ensure that she, like Darth Maul, was neutralized. With a flourish, he raised his lightsaber and brought it down toward Ventress’ exposed neck.

It took him a moment to realize the meaning of Mace’s words, but he reacted immediately. As the purple lightsaber perched over the prone form of the Sith, Obi-Wan once again powered up his weapon and blocked the blow before it came down.

“Not this one,” he said to the Master, his gaze level. “She can be saved.” He hesitated, knowing he was taking a risk by challenging Mace Windu like this, but he had no choice but to proceed. “I want her confined in the detention block. We’re equipped to rehabilitate her kind, and I want to try.”

Mace Windu was not accustomed to having his authority questioned— especially not by a Knight so young. Obi-Wan was a good Jedi, but had more of his Master’s defiance in him than was healthy. It did nothing to endear him to the Master of the Order.

When Obi-Wan made his desires known, one of Windu’s stern eyebrows shot up in surprise. “You want us to foster the enemy here within our own walls out of some hope that she can be changed? Remember what is at stake here, Kenobi. You saw for yourself on Naboo the lengths the Sith will go to in order to bring down the Republic from the inside out. We don’t have the luxury of that risk.”

(Source: asajjventress)

Invasion

grandmasteryoda:

asajjventress:

mastermacewindu:

She never reached her destination.

Kenobi was poised and ready to receive her attack, but just as she lunged toward him Mace Windu and Yoda rounded the corner, led by Obi-Wan’s apprentice, Nusialia Undar. Mace lashed out with a powerful surge in the Force and sent her reeling backward away from the Knight, into a wall hard enough that it would— at the very least— incapacitate her. It was brutal, but she was Sith. She’d receive no mercy from him. 

Ventress registered their presence half a heartbeat before she felt the Force swell like a tidal wave and hit her with the same impact. No mercy, no hesitation, and the brief thought crossed her mind -finally someone gets it- before she was not thrown, but smashed into the opposite wall and then through it. Her head exploded into pain, suddenly it hurt to breathe, hurt to think, she was fighting blackness because she would not give up not now not ever she had to have her revenge-

With a massive effort, she staggered to her feet, swayed. The world tilted around her. Her face twisted in one last, defiant snarl…

…Even as she toppled forward, sightless silver eyes finally closing.

Ventress was down.

Yoda would not have chosen to hurt the girl so badly, but Master Windu’s actions were hardly an over-reaction.  Ventress’s aura had stung, like a hurt animal.  She was barely even a sentient being anymore.  She was a prisoner to her hate and fear and now that Yoda saw her, he did pity her.

He hobbled over to her fallen form and put a hand on her bare head, checking for damage.  There was nothing too serious.  He sat next to her in the rubble and shook his head a little.  It was terribly sad, a talented young life gone to such ruin.

Windu approached the fallen Sith and ignited his lightsaber, the distinct purple color bathing the dark hallway in an eerie light. “Now we end this threat,” he said gravely. 

Ventress was too dangerous to be left alive. She was a threat to the Order and the Republic, and Windu would personally ensure that she, like Darth Maul, was neutralized. With a flourish, he raised his lightsaber and brought it down toward Ventress’ exposed neck.

Invasion

asajjventress:

knightobiwan:

He gave her a level look. She was sweating and bloodied and at the end of her rope, and he held every advantage. Even so, this was quite a risk to take with someone as dangerous as her, but he couldn’t live with himself if he didn’t at least try.

There was still good in her. She couldn’t deny it enough times for him to believe her. He knew it, even if she didn’t.

“No,” he said plainly. He would defend himself if she attacked. No less, and no more. 

Her jaw worked for a moment as she looked at him like he suddenly sprouted two extra heads and started dancing like a twilek stripper. No? What the hell did he mean, no??

She knew how to fight. She was prepared to die. But no- she didn’t know how to handle his calm pacifism. No… No confused her. Was it a trick of some kind, a deception? Some sort of plan?

Fuck it. And fuck him. This is stupid and crazy and I am ending it now, one way or another.

“Fine then. If you’re in such a kriffing hurry to die, let me oblidge you,” she growled, flexing her hands much the same way a cat unsheathed it’s claws.

Ventress leaped at him.

She never reached her destination.

Kenobi was poised and ready to receive her attack, but just as she lunged toward him Mace Windu and Yoda rounded the corner, led by Obi-Wan’s apprentice, Nusialia Undar. Mace lashed out with a powerful surge in the Force and sent her reeling backward away from the Knight, into a wall hard enough that it would— at the very least— incapacitate her. It was brutal, but she was Sith. She’d receive no mercy from him. 

High Alert

nusialiaundar:

mastermacewindu:

The Council sessions were long finished for the day when the power to the Temple went out. Immediately, the Masters began conferring via comlink and a shaky plan of action was laid out. Plo Koon headed for the tech center to attempt to get systems back online, while Saesee Tiin was sent to the sublevels of the Temple to check the generators and perform any repairs that were necessary. Eeth Koth, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Shaak Ti, and Adi Gallia were sent to the four quadrants of the Temple to organize teams and investigate the security breach. And Mace Windu and Yoda went together to check on the youngest initiates and ensure their safety.

Yoda tended to the children and Mace offered what little attention he could between coordinating the other members of the Council. He barely noticed when the Padawan entered the room— until he realized she was shaking. Upon closer inspection, she was somewhat worse for wear. Her hair was messy and her robes unkempt, while a sickly bruise was beginning to form on her cheek. As she announced herself he shot a wary look at Yoda, then put his hand on her shoulder and guided her away from the children.

“You found the Sith,” he surmised in a low voice once they were out of earshot. 

It wasn’t until Master Windu’s hand rested on her should that Lia realized she’d been shaking. She didn’t have to be embarrassed by it now; she’d come for a reason. “Yes,” Lia whispered, forcing herself to suppress her distress. “We ran into her just outside of the Archives.”

Her voice started to fade as an alien feeling tugged at her chest. The emotions weren’t her own, and there was only one other they could’ve originated from. Apprehension was the unmistakable brunt of the feeling, but there was more to it. An unsettling calm seemed to shadow it, and even more strange was the shine of warmth. Both feelings contrasted the dread in a confounding way. Without a shadow of a doubt, Lia knew that Obi-Wan had found the Sith. A renegade thought creeped through from the back of her mind, murmuring, Or maybe she found him.

Panic pushed at the placated veneer she wore, and she fought to keep her voice down. “And I know where she is. She’s run into Obi-Wan, I can feel it!”

He gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze and looked her in the eye. “We’ll find her. Remember your lessons, Padawan. You’ve done well, just stay calm.” Straightening, Windu looked toward Yoda in the midst of the younglings. If the Sith was elsewhere, they were safe here. The Grand Master was needed— Mace didn’t want to take any chances by attempting to face her alone.

Moving without urgency through the room, he gave a look to the ancient Master that was full of meaning, then gave a subtle gesture with his head in the direction of the door. His meaning would no doubt be understood.

jedivaeltalis:

mastermacewindu:

Understandable. Ordinarily I would like to think we would have resolved the issue of your reassignment before now. Unfortunately, with recent events being what they have, we’ve had other matters to discuss. Your patience does you credit.

Thank you Master. And I do understand you are all busy. It has been quite…crazy lately.

Unfortunately. But all storms pass in time.

(via jedivaeltalis-deactivated201207)

jedivaeltalis:

mastermacewindu:

jedivaeltalis:

• mastermacewindu started following you

Master Windu. *bows* It is an honor to see you again.

And you, Padawan Talis. I trust your time in the Temple since the passing of your Master has not been too trying?

No, Master. It has not. I am starting to a feel a bit cooped up though.

Understandable. Ordinarily I would like to think we would have resolved the issue of your reassignment before now. Unfortunately, with recent events being what they have, we’ve had other matters to discuss. Your patience does you credit.

(via jedivaeltalis-deactivated201207)

jedivaeltalis:

• mastermacewindu started following you

Master Windu. *bows* It is an honor to see you again.

And you, Padawan Talis. I trust your time in the Temple since the passing of your Master has not been too trying?

(via jedivaeltalis-deactivated201207)

High Alert

nusialiaundar:

After her encounter with the Sith, being idle wasn’t much of an option for Lia. Sitting still in the dark was even more uncomfortable than wandering through it. The former made her feel completely unprotected, like she might as well have been waiting for trouble to find her. The latter, however more eerie, felt like progress. Well, as much as wading through the darkness can feel like progress. She had her senses to guide her, and it made for a small comfort.

Her initial inclination was to find Obi-Wan. Though their bond wasn’t strong, it had been nudging the back of her mind. As she twisted through the Temple, something occurred to her. As much as she wanted him to know she was safe, it could wait, and no one needed to remind her that he could take care of himself. The most important thing that needed to happen now was to notify the Council of the nature of the invasion.

Correcting her couse, she made way for where the younglings would no doubt be gathered. It only made sense that several Masters would be there, and most likely a Council Member or two.

She flinched at every unfamiliar shape she passed, scolding herself silently for not being as familiar with her surroundings as she should’ve been. In every dark corner she saw the Sith’s face, contorted with the same anger that had constantly filled her presence. So much hatred… That one person could contain so much passion amazed Lia, and simultaneously filled her with dread. The last thing she wanted was to face that animosity again, and completely alone. 

What in reality was only minutes, it felt like hours had passed by the time Lia reached the younglings’ chamber. Almost immediately she spotted Mace Windu among a group of older younglings, no doubt easing their anxiety.Maybe broadcasting the Sith’s presence in front of the younglings isn’t the best idea. Lia did her best to mask her own anxious feelings as she walked up to him, softly announcing herself, “Master Windu.”

The Council sessions were long finished for the day when the power to the Temple went out. Immediately, the Masters began conferring via comlink and a shaky plan of action was laid out. Plo Koon headed for the tech center to attempt to get systems back online, while Saesee Tiin was sent to the sublevels of the Temple to check the generators and perform any repairs that were necessary. Eeth Koth, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Shaak Ti, and Adi Gallia were sent to the four quadrants of the Temple to organize teams and investigate the security breach. And Mace Windu and Yoda went together to check on the youngest initiates and ensure their safety.

Yoda tended to the children and Mace offered what little attention he could between coordinating the other members of the Council. He barely noticed when the Padawan entered the room— until he realized she was shaking. Upon closer inspection, she was somewhat worse for wear. Her hair was messy and her robes unkempt, while a sickly bruise was beginning to form on her cheek. As she announced herself he shot a wary look at Yoda, then put his hand on her shoulder and guided her away from the children.

“You found the Sith,” he surmised in a low voice once they were out of earshot. 

Anonymous asked: You're a perfect Mace Windu! Keep it up ;-)

OOC: Thanks! I appreciate it!