The Weight of the Blade

The Weight of the Blade
Date of Scene:	17 July 2025
Location:	Jedha
Synopsis:	Jorn seeks wisdom from Master Trassa Volk. But not everyone agrees.
Cast of Characters:	159, 418, Ellari Zin, Volken Mons

---

Athena (159) has posed:
As Volken and Ellari argue heatedly, the two younglings watch them, fascinated, while Master Volk tries not to look too exhausted.

Five minutes later, they've arrived at the Temple - a couple droids exit and come down the steps. "Good evening," they greet the group cordially. "Shall we take your belongings and stow them in the cargo check in? You may access it any time, however, the rooms you will be staying are on the fourth floor of the Temple. Is this acceptable?"

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Evening," and then he looks toward the others. "Mandalorians view weapons as part of their religion," and he's unsure if they will hand them over. "And I've been dealing with problems for too long. Allow me this kindness," he has no desire to fight. Going without the gun makes him feel more vulnerable than before. It's one of the few defenses he has, even if it isn't used too often these days. That's why the weapons matter to Jorn.

"You have my word I have no desire to use them against anyone on this planet," his voice raw, honest because it's one of the few plays left. Jorn doesn't want to let go unless absolutely necessary. That's why he plays one of his final chips at this game.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "That won't be necessary." Ellari quips to the droid, shaking her head. "We will not be staying long. Just take us to the meeting rooms, wherever Master Volk will be speaking to us."

Athena (159) has posed:
"It is against Temple protocol to bring weapons or store weapons in the areas in and around the Temple designated as sanctuary, unless you are member of the Convocation or assigned as a security detail by the Guardians of the Whill," the droid says to Jorn, "Please, allow to take your weapons to the armory --"

But Master Volk waves them off. "They have my permission. I will be supervising them for a majority of the time," he says, and glances at Ellari, "and we will take as much time as necessary to sort this, whether that's a few days, or a few hours. Come," he says, heading up the steps towards the Temple, "younglings, Mandalorians... I've some hot tea in my office."

Volken Mons has posed:
"I already told you we can't rush them. They won't cave to that. Stop worrying about it Ellari. We've got time. "

Volkens' words are brusque and direct but he doesnt add to much else to that aside from saying. "If necessary one of us can always end up headnidg back to stall for abit...but honestly I think they're hands are busy with post-wedding stuff. The only -real- risk we got is if Lady Solstice makes a move and rallies folk to try and hunt for Jorn which -is- possible given all the contact he kept havin' with Revara..."

That said he waves it off. They're here now. FOrtunantely he didn't have to chime in on the matter of their weapons but now's the time to settle all of this.

"Caine's not gonna challenge Jorn fo something he doesn't want and has no respect for and Jorn's already got the dang thing so convincing Caine to do another duel is pointless. Put that outta yer head. THe whole reason we came was for the footage and data recovery. Trainin' is stupid as well. We want a reason fer Jorn to give up the Saber so that a legitimate duel can happen for it that'll satisfy everyone. The -only- reason folk are mad is because of -how- he got it and that he's stuck with it. IF it's proven it was a trick and that he didn't actually claim it then that solves that problem. Period."

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Thank you," Jorn's voice continues to hold that raw honesty when speaking to Master Volk. He smiles briefly under the helmet. It's a small victory and an extremely large measure of peace.

Then volken's plan comes forward. "I think the rules were violated the second it got taken," Jorn thinks an actual duel would be best. Somehow exposing the truth would help. To him that's what matters. He feels the legitimacy of the blade became questionable long before it wound up in his hands. "They will probably only accept matters until there's blood shed, and lots of it." He remembers his last "Duel." Jorn didn't want to kill. That's why he only dis-armed them.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Hmph." Ellari folds her arms, lowering her voice a bit when Volken keeps telling her not to rush anything. "I don't like it here. I don't trust the Republic, and especially not any affiliated authority. You saw how -they- were the ones who started a fight with -us-. That's not a good sign. The less we tarry here, the better."

    She nods at Jorn. "Exactly. The footage won't matter unless and until blood is shed. That is the Way, and it has always been the Way. You don't understand Volken, because you have not lived on Mandalore much of your life. For that I don't fault you. But in this case, I have the 'real world' experience." she argues, as she continues to follow the Kel Dor Jedi into the Temple.

Athena (159) has posed:
"Mr. Volken," The Rodian youngling pipes up unexpectedly, "But what if you're wrong? What if they're still mad after finding out the truth? And if Jorn's not gonna have it, then who's gonna have it? You?"

Master Volk inclines his head politely at Jorn when he thanks him. He leads them all towards a lift. "The youngling brings up a good point," the Kel Dor muses, "even if you show them the footage, will they believe it, or will they simply decide to believe whatever they -want- to believe about it?"

then his tone hardens slightly. "You know that I will not willingly help you shed blood, especially not innocent blood. The question remains then -- what have you come here, for? It seems that you cannot even agree on this matter among yourselves."

Jorn (418) has posed:
"I've had enough people whisper to me, tell me the importance of blood shed. I don't like it, but too many people hold it to be true," Jorn just admits openly. He's had at least three conversations from varied people trying to either befriend, kill, or play him, say as much. One did scream it.

"I think a lot of them are too far gone. It's why I was hoping for a confession," he says openly. That's why it's important to him. Words may speak more volumes than a recording.

"I don't want to shed blood. I want to live. I made them angrier because I -didn't- kill someone," he looks at Master Volk. "Volken can speak on it. He saw the same someone long after I did." He knows there's probably a cybernetic limb there now. Maybe a really bad scar due to healing.

Volken Mons has posed:
"Because they're changing the plan without havin' consulted me about it after usin' -my- contacts to get us here.." responds Volken to Master Volk, tone even and dangerous sounding as if he's a simmering volcano now and glaring at the other two the whole time, eyes pinprick like.

"-You- don't trust the Republic but you were quick to out me to them back on Coruscant. Fine. I'll grant there's bad blood but of the three of us here who has had -the most- experience with the 'Jedi'? I'll wait.."

He does indeed wait, letting the moment linger before he cuts in:

"That's right. -ME-! Tha't's why you -asked me about coming here-!"

He gestures at Jorn, "Are you -trying- to become ruler of Mandalore? I thought you wanted to clear your name and -get rid of it-! Not make it harder for someone to take it away and hold onto it! Which is it then? You're acting like someone else has gotten into your ear or somethin'!"

As if the one keeping him in check is the young child, he finally acknowledges her question with just -a look-. One that goes right to Jorn and then to Jorn's eyes and then to where that Dark Saber is.

"Don't. Tempt. Me."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari rolls her eyes at Volken. He was -really- going to bring that up now? "I never said I have more experience with the Jedi, I said I have more experience with Mandalorian politics! My point is that the footage will not matter, if they have their own reasons for wanting to believe one way or another. Which is to say, most will be looking forward to the opportunity to seize glory for themselves and their Houses."

    "And I did not ask you about coming here, I only came here because Master Volk wished to speak to Jorn in person, and wouldn't have it any other way."

Volken Mons has posed:
"Semantics." Interjects Volken with a wav of his hand, "We're here because you brought up my connection with the Jedi and convinced me to help make this connection. My point stands. We need to stick to the plan. I vote for the footage."

He looks towards JOrn and Master Volk.

Being out voted is certainly possible but he can be loud about it.

Athena (159) has posed:
Volk chuckles quietly. "Then perhaps you ought to work for the Jedi, or the Republic? The Antarian Rangers, as well as the RDC, are taking applications right now." His brows furrow. "What sort of confession are you looking for?" he asks Jorn.

Then he sighs when Volken and Ellari lapse into arguing once more. "Settle your differences, please. Then come find me in my office. I've little to no knowledge of this footage that you speak of -- I was only informed of a man falsely accused who needed sanctuary, which the Temple is more than happy to grant." He turns to the younglings. "Younglings, will you keep an eye on them for me? Contact me if there ends up being too much trouble." They nod eagerly, and Volk heads for the lift.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "I was not eager to come here." Ellari points out. Yes, it was a bit more than 'semantics' to her. She sighs, shaking her head. "It's Jorn's decision anyway. He owns the footage, either way." And she begins following Volk into his office.

Volken Mons has posed:
"You were the one that brought up havin' them look at the footage! What'd you think we were gonna do? Mail it to 'em?!" snaps Volken at Ellari. "YOu can't admit when you've played a part in somethin', can you?"

They really are like a married couple aren't they.

He lets them all take the lead but he does move after them. "Jorn.. You -can't stay here-. You think you're gonna just pick up some tips and tricks on wieldin' that thing like someone sent you a tutorial to follow? It takes time to train and learn a new weapon and Ellari's right on this at least. They -will- start hurtin' for you. Khalo Fett chased the saber all the way to Coruscant when Caine stole it before. You don't have the time to just hang around and train here for a few months."

Jorn (418) has posed:
"And for the record. I'm not sure Mandalore would welcome me as a ruler." He chuckles ruefully. "I'm sure that's not what our host would have ever wanted, or wished for," and that makes the idea ten times more tempting for Jorn. "I want to clear my name, but when you have people trying to kill you while screaming their codes at you. The significance to the blade. I know it wouldn't as simple as saying, 'I yield,'" Jorn knows that much and then he looks at the big guy. "No one has gotten in my ear. I've just had people trying to trap me, kill me, or worse, while saying the same rules to me. I know it won't be quick or easy," that's what Jorn knows. In some weird messed up ways, he at least respects the rules.

"Why haven't the two of you married? I've seen couples argues with less passion than you two," there's no hate in his voice, just an honest question.

"I know I don't have the luxury of time, but going in blind on the blade will kill me. I need to learn -something-," because Jorn wants to know why the blade felt so heavy in his hands. He knows it shouldn't be -that- heavy. That has stood out to him. He thinks there's either a technique to work with it, or maybe a trick to the blade. Maybe it has a hidden switch? Jorn's not sure.

Athena (159) has posed:
But the lift doors close before Ellari can step inside them and follow Volk to his office. Now, whether that was intentional or not, will remain a mystery to Ellari for now.

The younglings giggle when Jorn asks why Ellari and Volken haven't married yet. Then the Rodian youngling peers at Jorn, Ellari, and Volken, curiously. "Did you come here because you wanted Master Volk to mind trick the people who don't believe that you didn't steal it?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "No," Ellari replies to the question, pushing the button to signal the elevator again and waiting for it to arrive. However, she doesn't elaborate further. "Jorn, why don't you go up to Master Volk's office now and let him know your decision. We shouldn't tarry any longer than we need to."

    She doesn't address the comment about being married to Volken.

Volken Mons has posed:
The comment seems to do the impossible - shutting Volken up. He is fuming still but he just rests his hands against his hips now and stands there, glowering and running ideas through his mind. None of them are good and peaceful.

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn is stunned into silence as both parties just seem to be quiet over that question. He resists the urge to call them a cute couple. For now.

"No. I know there's something to the blade. I want to somehow learn it," he doesn't use the word "master" because that's a time consuming endeavor.

Athena (159) has posed:
The younglings seem to take to Jorn immediately. "I know what you're thinking," The Rodian says, "it feels heavy! Well, that's because it's alive. And it can have moods. That's the trick, really."

The lift dings, and the doors open. The younglings crowd inside, and beckon for Volken, Ellari, and Jorn to follow them. "Let's go find Master Volk! His office is on the twenty seventh floor. It's kind of hard to find, but we can show you where it is."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari doesn't say any more, as the conversation seems to have been left at Jorn having the final word. She simply shrugs and enters the elevator with the children.

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Moods?" Jorn looks down at the youngling wanting the answer to this question. Oh, he's intrigue and goes into the elevator with the seemingly quiet crew. "Did you two get married in secret?" Jorn asks wondering if he maybe outed them in this moment.

Athena (159) has posed:
"Yeah!" The Rodian says, "it can be in pain, too. Although that's just something I've heard about from the books. I've never seen it happen. Kyber crystals are generally light sided, so back in the day, the Sith would bleed their sabers to make them red and the crystals evil, instead of good." She looks thoughtful.

"I can't really describe what it feels like to know the mood of your saber. Or someone else's. There's a way to just -know-. Kind of like, if you pick up a scared tooka kitten, you could be blindfolded and still tell that it's afraid. Jedi and Force sensitives have an easier time doing it, but a normal person can do it, too. But it's harder, I think."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari leans against the wall, not really paying attention to the conversation and wondering when they could get off this rock...

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn's all ears when Rodian continues. His attention on the youngling. "How can it feel pain?" he listens to the bleeding of Kyber Cyrstals. It all sounds over the top for him, and he's holding a saber in his possession.

"How do you make a crystal unafraid or happy?" Jorn's head cants as the question comes out.

Volken Mons has posed:
"Stuff you can't do cause you can't read minds or move stuff with 'em." notes Volken, coming up behind them all and finally speaking.

"Somethin' that yer not gonna just get in a half a days stay, Jorn. Unless yer thinkin' about becoming a Jedi and puttin' in a lifetime of work..."

He comes up near Ellari now and looks down at her. He seems to have settled his mood a little more though he's still terse and to the point.

"One of us is going to have to go back to Mandalore and stall for time.... And we still need a plan for what to do when Jorn shows up again with the Dark Saber. If not the footage, which is still stupid I'll add, what then? You can forget the whole dueling Caine option. He's not going to go for it. He doesn't care about the Dark Saber. So what's Plan... C.""

Athena (159) has posed:
"It's alive," the youngling replies again, "remember? The midichlorians inside of it can feel pain. They can scream, too, but only those sensitive in the Force would be able to hear it."

"That's not true!" The Rodian quickly corrects Volken. "One of the greatest blademasters known to the Order now and perhaps for a very long time, does not have telepathy. The Blade of Bardotta just knows the art of the blade really, really well." She considers her own blade for a moment, shrugging. "I dunno how to describe it. It's like having.. a friend. How do you know what makes your friend happy, or unafraid? Well, you just gotta know them. The better you know them, the easier it is to know what they're thinking, even if they don't say a word!"

The lift suddenly dings, and the doors slide open. "We're here!" she says, just as Volken asks about Plan C. "Master Volk's office is this way..." And the two younglings Force leap down the cathedral ceiling'd hallway, flailing their arms happily as they go. "Yippee!"

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn has more questions, a ton now. Unfortunately that's when everything goes "Ding!" Then they're ushered away. Happily. At least it's a direction. When the younglings leave he'll mutter low, "How do I make a weapon happy?" Because honestly, Jorn isn't sure how many other options are left for him and the blade. He'll try this strange and wild idea.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari just rolls her eyes at the children's antics, following them down the hall to the office at a brisk pace. The sooner they could get this figured out, the better.

    "If need be, I can go back and...tell them that Jorn doesn't intend to disappear forever with the blade."

Volken Mons has posed:
"Not exactly th'serene know it alls that are on Coruscant.. I wonder what they do to 'em after they get older." grunts Volken as he watches the kids happily use The Force in a way that, undoubtly, more stately Jedi would push back against.

He then looks to Ellari and Jorn and then starts off after the Younglinsts, though he listens for the other two's responses.
    "Maybe. Or I could go back since I"ve already got at least a few of them willing to at least listen and follow my lead regarding everything but that means one of us will have t'make sure Jorn stays on track and gets out of here quickly.."

Athena (159) has posed:
The children, obviously, reach the end of the hallway long before the Mandalorians do.

Giggling, the brown haired girl with pigtails cries, "Mr Volken! Mr Jorn! You're too slow! Hurry, we don't want Master Volk to drink all the tea without us!"

They then hurry around the corner to the left, then right, then left again. They run quickly and sometimes Force leap, so the Mandalorians will have to pick up the pace to keep up with them.

Sooner rather than later, though, they're in front of Volk's office.

Jorn (418) has posed:
"I mean, I could," Jorn speaks, clearly joking. When he jokes there's no real tonal shift to his voice. It's more like hearing a smirk in his voice that doesn't appear until the very end of the statement.

Jorn notes what Volken says about quick, there's no response. Yet, he doesn't disagree with time still being a luxury they can't afford. Still, he'll run after the younglings since they try to garner his attention. Plus, they're a surprisingly useful source of knowledge. In a world with dwindling allies, he'll take good advice from wherever it appears.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Eager to get out of here, Ellari knocks impatiently on the door.

    "I don't like this place," she mutters.

Athena (159) has posed:
When Jorn turns up as the first person at the door of Master Volk's office, the younglings look up at him in approval. "I hope you like being second place," the one with pigtails says, giggling uncontrollably. She whispers to the Rodian, "Just wait until we tell all the other younglings we got to meet -real- Mandalorians!"

Then, the door slides open, revealing a spacious but modest office with a plain greel-wood desk. Seated in a chair behind the desk, is Master Volk, pouring tea into empty cups sitting neatly in a row on the desk.

He gestures to the velvet chairs in front of the desk. "Please," he says, "make yourselves comfortable."

The younglings retreat to a corner of the room littered with palm sized geometric blocks, amusing themselves by levitating them in playful circles above their heads.

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Better than being last," Jorn replies to the giggling pigtailed youngling. "Don't forget to tell them how scary we are, like that one," he points back toward Ellari's direction.

Jorn nods and lets the kindness die as he approaches. Sitting down in one of the chairs, he will look about the room. Even go for a a cup of tea at some point. Everything about the planet is new. Most importantly, it's peaceful. All the chaos makes peace feel like a precious resource. Something to truly treasure.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari seems to have no interest in making herself comfortable. She just stands there, her arms crossed as Jorn sits down and helps himself to tea. "Well?" she asks impatiently. "Are you going to tell him your decision?"

Athena (159) has posed:
"She's not scary!" the Rodian says, "She's just grumpy." She seems both amused and charmed by Jorn. After playing with the blocks for a bit she leaves her friend's side to come sit on the floor below Jorn's feet.

"First," Master Volk says sagely. "You must tell me yours." he looks at Jorn, now. "Have all of you settled your differences? One of the droids told me Volken had to take a long range holocall, I'm assuming you've spoken with him already."

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Trust me, she's scary," Jorn says before he gets too comfortable. He doesn't remove the helm, just lift it a little. Then he drinks. "I do need some form of training. Time is not on my side, so I cannot stay as long as I like," because Jorn would like to get a little more training than others are comfortable with.

"If I don't know how to properly handle the blade, the results could be grim. I'm not looking to start fights, but I may be forced to finish them. I'd like to keep both of us, alive," Jorn doesn't want to go too far, nor does he want to not have controlt hat it would lead to his demise.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Finally. Ellari just sort of paces back and forth behind where Jorn is sitting, while he explains the plan to Master Volk. Yes, it was true...whether Caine would duel him or not, it was inevitable that -someone- would. And the only Mandalorian way to solve this was for a duel to happen. Either he would win and rightfully keep it, or lose, and it would be relinquished to someone else.

    "Remember...Caine did this to you. Don't allow yourself to be humiliated or killed. It's what he wants."

Athena (159) has posed:
"How come she's so impatient?" The Rodian whispers to Jorn, watching Ellari pace back and forth.

"I see, Jorn of Bakura," The Master Jedi says. "You wish to be trained." He levels his gaze at the armored Mandalorian. "How do you suggest I train you? How shall I assess your current level of skill?" His tone is quiet, gentle, and yet severe. The younglings are now silent, watching him like a hawk. Jorn may suddenly realizw now that whether or not he likes it, his training has begun. This was a test of some kind, and how he answered might drastically shape the days ahead.

Jorn (418) has posed:
"I'm -very- aware," Jorn says firmly there. Oh, he has not forgotten that. Plus, it's nice to have everything confirmed. It would be better if everyone else knew, too. Sadly, we can't always get what we want.

"I don't know. I never expected to be in front of a Jedi, let alone in front of one on the Jedi homeworld," he says honestly. "How would you assess one of your pupils? Let's start there," he figures that's a good starting point. Plus, there has to be a reason why, and how, Masters pick their students.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari stops pacing finally, although her arms are still folded. She arches a brow at them, watching and listening as Volk begins the first test...

Athena (159) has posed:
Master Volk chuckles softly. "Jedha is hardly the homeworld of the Jedi," he says to Jorn, "Coruscant, perhaps, could be considered thus. But the very first Temple was founded thousands of years ago, on the world Ahch-To, deep in the Unknown Regions."

"As for assessment of pupils, it depends greatly. All initiates," and he glances at the younglings standing before them now, "must undergo the Initiate Trials, to demonstrate their aptitude for the Masters. Upon successful completion of these trials, they shall be chosen by a Master. Some younglings undergo the Trials more as a formality than anything else - sometimes, the Masters find themselves drawn to particular younglings and have already decided to choose them as a padawan before they take the Trials. On rare occasion, an initiate may gain the rank of Padawan without taking the trials, if they have already endured a hardship the Order has considered worthy and a Master has already decided to take them as padawan when they come of age. Others, however, harbor no connections to any Masters and take the Trials to draw their attention, in hopes that a favored one may choose them."

"Perhaps this sheds light on our current circumstances, Jorn. Do you have a better answer now?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    As Master Volk starts explaining how children are chosen by Masters, Ellari shakes her head. "Listen, none of us are looking to -become- a Jedi. There isn't time for that. All he needs is a few of the basics so that he at least has a fighting chance at surviving a duel and not facing public humiliation. That's all."

Jorn (418) has posed:
"I wish I could go through things properly. Be more well-rounded, but there's a lot of chaos back where we come from. Time may not permit us that chance," Jorn says with a lot of regret in his voice. "In order to stop the chaos, I do need to learn something. It can help. This weapon is a symbol. Most would use it to wield power. Me? I want to right some wrongs, see things go back to something better than they were," while he knows Revara's mother sees herself at the top of the heap, so do a few others, Jorn isn't sure he'd want that. He does know thatsome of these ambitions need to be cut down, figuratively and maybe literally.

Athena (159) has posed:
"I know," The Master says sagely and calmly, "but you are not Jorn. And perhaps you are accustomed to being both seen and heard at all times, but now is good as any other time to consider a change." With a graceful flick of his wrist, he summons a chair to swoop in from behind Ellari gently and force her to sit in it.

"Something," the Master muses, "and what is that something? Jorn, you strike me as a man of action but right now, you are adrift. Find that person you once were, and answer my question. How shall you be trained? How shall you be assessed?"

One of the younglings is jumping up and down, waving her arms. "Mr. Jorn, Mr. Jorn! I have an idea... can I share it..."

Jorn (418) has posed:
"I feel like the world when I arrived it was fractured. A man had a vision for unity that tore us apart more. Unity is a good thing. I'd like to somehow unify the groups than have us torn apart," Jorn isn't sure how to get from point A to B, but tat's what he wants. Jorn's not a tough sell on unity once agreeing to it. And his critical nature comes because to him, the tactis just drove bigger wedges between the families.

"Things are so chaotic and they seem unified in one thing right now. Once that's done, it'll go back to how it was. Maybe worse than that," Jorn believes the in-fighting would just hit new heights when their reason for unifying is no more.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari manages to sidestep the chair before it hits her in the back of the legs, scoffing indignantly. She has to resist the urge to shoot the legs out from under it. "Look, are you going to train him, or not? If not, we will be happy to be on our way." she glances momentarily at Jorn. She's really starting to think this had been an enormous waste of time with every minute that passes.

Athena (159) has posed:
Volk inclines his head almost imperceptibly at Jorn's words. He holds up a hand at Ellari's question. "The Force shows us a way at the time of its choosing. I am but a vessel, as we all are," he says vaguely.

He then turns to the youngling. "Jorn, the youngling has a suggestion for you. Do you wish to hear it?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari rolls her eyes. At this point, she's pretty sure he's just doing this to annoy her on purpose. "What, do you mean to say that you don't know whether you want to train him or not? Either train him or don't."

    She's this close to simply giving up and leaving...

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn can feel Ellari's annoyance. Still, he'll press on, because they have no choice. Plus, he figures this may be a dead end in the eyes of the others. To him, this is valuable.

"I'm willing to hear it," the younglines haven't done him wrong yet. So, he's willing to listen to them. "What is it?" he askses the younglings, giving them the floor. Treating them as equals rather than lessers.

Volken Mons has posed:
If you ask Volken --- and you didn't -- they do have a choice. They're just making a bad one.

"Hey, hey! No arguing with my contact. I might need to have to come here again."

His deep voice preceeds his immense frame as he re-enters the room and turns to look over all of those present.

"So what's the plan. Are we supposed to just leave you here while you figure out how to swing that thing around or wait for you to learn it and Mandalorian bounty hunters to come calling or what? You still haven't exactly said what you learning to wield that better and holding onto it is going to actuall do for anyone other then Lady Solstice and Revara."

He reaches out and lays a huge hand onto the chair to stop its movements and then promptly takes a seat into it.

Athena (159) has posed:
Volk does not dignify Ellari with a response. He watches the youngling intently.

"Well, I was just thinking," the Rodian says, "You and Mr. Volken, and your lady friend could come to our saber training class. It's only thirty minutes. After that, Master Volk can know just how bad you are at using the Dark Saber. Then he can help you, or you can go back to Mandalore, if you feel like it's been too long by then."

Master Volk's brow creases pensively, as if a thought had just occurred to him. "This is a wonderful suggestion," he says, "if you and your companions are willing to humor it," the Kel Dor Jedi says.

The chair Volken sits down in creaks. It probably isn't suited to support someone of Volken's mass, but it doesn't break. Well, at least not yet.

Jorn (418) has posed:
"This -is- your contact. And this is their idea. So, it is what it is." Then Volken keeps going, "You missed my words about wanting to complete the idea of unity. We should be unified as a people. People like Lady Solstice will keep us fighting each other," and that's Jorn's idea. Sadly, Volken missed Jorn's honest idea there.

Jorn face deadpans beneath the helm. "Really? How bad I am?" That kind of stings. The innocence of children sometimes comes with a price. They're often unfiltered.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "I already explained to you that he doesn't at least have a -basic- idea of how to wield that thing, neither his physical life nor his reputation is going to survive another inevitable duel, not to mention potentially multiple duels at once. And regardless of what Caine's fate is going to be, -that- is exactly what that di'kutla wanted." she replies to Volken.

    "And if -others- arrive gunning for the Darksaber, making a mess of everywhere they go?" Ellari groans, sighing deeply as she shakes her head at the suggestion. "Whatever...Jorn what you do is your own business. If this decision can't be made now, I'm going back to Sundari."

Volken Mons has posed:
I was talkin' to Ellari." snaps Volken, clearly out of patience with Jorn. "But anyway, hey what's thirty minutes at this point."

He then listens to Ellari and then snaps, "Yer both wrong and barkin' up the wrong tree. We want him to -get rid- of it. That's the point of splicin' that footage. You prove that Caine put the Dark Saber onto his ship and you de legitimate him having it so he -can- drop it allow it to be dueled for the way it was going to be when old man Vizla died. Reset the playing field. -That- was the plan. I aint takin' no for an answer. We're doing that so we dont leave here with JOrn having gotten a ten minute crash course in trying to be better at using something that'd normally take a lifetime to learn.."

Volken waves a hand dismissively, "Him trainin' to use that thing only to just die anyway when he goes back doesn't make a lick of sense. If we have the footage we can actually stall the mobs and confuse 'em and legitimately allow Jorn to get rid of the thing and let htem all sort it out. As long as you've got that thing, Jorn, you can say anything you want here but we all know you're just a pawn to Solstice and Revara. She's a master politician. You think youre gonna unify folk with that thing? The way you got it?"

Volken waves a hand, "We need hard evidence. Not speculative philosphy on unity.

The chair creaks dangerously as he leans forward now to rest his elbows on his knees. His words are firm but he does rather look like a hulking brute rouched down at a little girls tea party considerin his size.

Athena (159) has posed:
The younglings seem eager, despite Jorn not really having given them a solid answer about whether he wants to attend their saber class or not. "Probably really bad," the pigtailed one says, "I was suuuuper bad when I first started training." She takes out hers and hands it to him. "You can use mine for today's class! They'll have an extra one for me to use, anyway. C'mon! It'll be so fun! And we can introduce you and Mr. Volken to our Clan!" She'll grab his arm and tug him along down the hallway, if he allows her to.

"Volken is right," the Kel Dor says, "what is thirty minutes? Surely, you can wait such a short amount of time." His mouth may not be showing but there is a twinkle in his eyes. "You assume so much," he says, "on Mandalore, do they teach warriors only the manner of fighting, and nothing else? Such is not the way of the Jedi..." And he gets up and follows the younglings out of his office.

Ellari and Volken will probably be able to tell - he'd made up his mind, already, but for whatever reason, isn't sharing his thoughts just yet.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "I already told you Volken, the footage by itself will not be good enough. He will have to back it up by accepting a challenge and dueling publicly to prove that he is worthy of being believed and not a coward. No one will be 'confused' as you say." Ellari argues. "A bit of training will at least give him a fighting chance. If he doesn't have any, he will -surely be killed."

    As Volk starts to walk away, she tries to pull Jorn away from the child. "He has made up his mind, I can tell. He is not going to train you. But for some idiotic reason, he wishes to not only disappoint us, but also waste our time. Let's go."

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn will nod, "Let's do the thirty minutes, it may be enough,": yes he knows they can't be here too much longer. Still, he will get a fighting chance to make sure there's a ten percent chance at survival instead of five percent. That's the aim anyways.

It's a choice and both may not like it. "I just want peace to come to the planet after my name is cleared. Everyone will still be trying to rip each other's throats out," he knows his death, or handing over the dark saber, doesn't stop the chaos. It just creates a new chapter of it. Jorn just wants the whole thing done with.

Volken Mons has posed:
"That's nonsense! Why would he have to duel to -prove- he doesnt -want it-! He didn't -earn it by combat in the first place-! His claim on it is null. -Thats- why they were gunning for him and rioting!"

Volken's had enough. He stands up roughly, chair tipping over behind him as the group begins to leave the room and he turns to follow after. Fussing all the way:

"Caine stole it before, remmeber? Do you see him running around wiht it and he -is- a trained swordsman. Most of them don't recognize Jorn's possession of it as legit and they won't unless someone backs him up - like maybe Lady Solstice? You guys are playin' into their hands."

He finally stops, not following them all the way into the training area, "You know what? I'm done. I"m goin' back. You two are on yer own. At least Thaelin listens to me. Yeah, somethin' else I did, gettin' the Duke's son to be on our side instead of turnin' all his famlies resources to tryin' to hunt Jorn down after he cut off his damn arm. What am I even botherin' doing this for."

He waves a huge arm in frustration and turns to prepare to leave.

Athena (159) has posed:
"Leaving already?" Master Volk says as both Ellari and Volken declare their intent to exit. "Why, his training has only just begun."

"I may not know the intricacies of Mandalorian politics," the sage Master Jedi says, "but I do know this. The Dark Saber is not only a relic of great power, but as Jorn said, it is a symbol. And just like all great symbols of power that ever were, are, and will be -- it has vast potential to divide, or unite. You have seen it and experienced this, firsthand. The three of you are the unlikeliest of allies, yet, here you are, risking much to gain much, against all odds. Still, you fight amongst yourselves, about which is the best path forward. You fear that Jorn shall be a pawn, or fail to prove his innocence to both your allies and enemies. But you forget that Jorn is his own man. There are ways to disown the label of coward, and to show his worthiness for the blade without violence, or intractable aggression. The fact that he did not seize the blade for himself is a strength in and of itself, for it shows non partisanship. If you think it is not possible, think again. Remember the Jedi were both the masters and creators of such a blade, and remain such, to this day. The saber is not just a weapon to be physically wielded against one's foes, it is a belief system, a way of thinking. Jorn can learn this, if he is willing."

"Don't go!" the Rodian youngling pleads as an afterthought to Volk's monologue. "Mr. Volken, don't you want to meet our clan? They would love to see a real, live Mandalorian..."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "It is not about -what- is trying to prove, but about whether they will believe him -whatever- it is he is trying to say!" Ellari again insists. "You have not lived much of your life in Sundari, do not presume to know more about its politics than I do!" she exclaims, her voice gaining more of edge. Then she finally calms a bit. "You know what? Fine. We'll go back my ship, and see if Varen has made any headway with the footage. We can take it back to Mandalore, and show it to the public. See what their reaction is, and I am telling you right now that you are -wrong-. Like I said, they do -not- want him to be innocent. Only a show of honor in combat is going to have -any- chance of giving him any sort of credibility whatsoever, regardless of whether he's trying to convince them he should keep it or lose it. But, fine. Yes, let's get whatever we can of the footage. Let's show it to them."

    She rolls her eyes when Kel Dor starts monologuing--again. "Don't worry, Jorn has already made it clear that he will stay for your little class. But there is nothing more for me here." And she starts storming off after Volken.

Jorn (418) has posed:
"They want me to be dead and to bring honor back to the blade. That's why I'm training. To bring honor back to the blade so they'll stop questioning me. Then they'll maybe listen," that's where evidence comes into play. "The blade is so ingrained in their culture and they stoked a fire against me, they won't listen to reason. Not without bringing honor to the blade," Jorn just begins to explaina nd he looks back to the toher Mandalorians.

"And I would somehow see you two get the biggest pieces offered before. I know everyone was vying for territory in the beginning. If I had a say, you both would get the biggest pieces simply for being here," this is his roundabout way of saying "Thank you." Plus, him showing appreciation for them being here.

"I want the families to be unified. I always believed in that vision. Adhering to the rules of the blade may bring everyone one step closer to that."

Volken Mons has posed:
"Wait."

Volken reaches out to stop Ellari before she gets past him.

The huge man actually paused long enough to listen to the Master Jedi.

But his body language would suggest he doesn't fully agree - or perhaps completely understand .. But he does seem to ponder the words enough to keep him from just storming right off.

A glance is given to the younglings as they plead with him to remain and see the training session..and he finally just sighs and gestures for them to lead on.

"Fine. We'll watch the class. Then go get the footage."

He looks to Jorn as he speaks and just listens. There'sno acknowledgement of the attempt at 'thank you' however. He's still too frustrated ... but then

"This is past honor. That's the problem." He glances to Ellari, "II may not have been in Sundari? But I know dishonor and Mandalorians are capable of it. Several of the power players involved are just that. You can't go expecting the honorless to respond to acts of honor. -That's- the mistake here Tradition? Policy? That ship's sailed. That's -why- we need the footage. To discredit everyone involved and level the playing field. "

Volken turns to start following after the Jedi and Jorn, "You think Er'gi? Thaelin? His wife? Her family? The Armorers and others like them won't be moved and forced to consider what it reveals? Don't discredit them so easily... -Those- are the people we need on our side. Thats why this matters."

He turns awya at this point and decides to follow the younglings, Jorn and Master Volk.

"Thirty minutes."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari stops as Volken's hands pull her back. She doesn't exactly have a choice against him, anyway. She nods at Jorn's words. Surprisingly, for how foolish he has made himself out to be thus far, this rings true. At least to her. "Exactly." she says. "We need -both-. Which is what I have been saying from the beginning. Thaelin's family is one family. One House. We're talking about the entire -planet-. What makes you think the rest of them don't matter even more, given the sheer volume?"

    She grumbles. "Look, Master Volk. Just tell us if Jorn can receive training from the Order or not. Answer me now, or I'm leaving."

Volken Mons has posed:
"Don't give me that. 'We need both' sass now." retorts Volken sharply, "The only reason you're thinking about the footage now is beacuse I'm pushing it so hard. IT wans't even on your mind when we first got here. THe training was. Not long ago you were both saying it was pointless and didn't matter. If Jorn wants to get better at handling it hten whatever but the plan should revolve around broadcasting to everyone what the culprits did and then letting them decide for themselves. -One- family taking up the banner can be enough to cause a cascade effect as well. Dont' be so dismissive of them or the fact that showing the footage will change -other- minds as well."

Volken releases Ellari. He wasn't trying to yank her along just hold her there for a moment.

"Yer not going anywhere without me and I'm going to watch this quick session so just come on."

Athena (159) has posed:
Volk seems pleased and encouraged by what Jorn has to say. "Jorn," he says, "do not forget the words you have said today. They will be important in the days to come. Believe me."

Volk turns to Volken and Ellari. "Know this - if you believe in Jorn's vision of unity as much as he does, you cannot turn away now. If you do, then you've let your enemies divide you, and make you weaker by doing so. You will have lost the battle before it has even begun." He looks directly to Volken, now. "Tell me, if the Dark Saber had, by the will of the Force, landed in someone else's possession, would that relieve you? What do you desire most? To see Mandalore to be the place where all you and those you love and care about can exist peacefully, or for this predicament to be someone else's responsibility?"

He then looks to Ellari. "I believe in Jorn. I believe he could be the change you all need. I hope that you can believe in him, too. He will receive training - as I said before, it has already begun..."

He then turns on his heel and follows the younglings, who have already begun skipping down the hallway towards the courtyard, where the saber training class is supposedly supposed to be held.

Jorn (418) has posed:
Every time Jorn wants to speak a good point comes up. By the time he reaides himself to speak. the Master speaks. "I believe in Jorn." Blink. Blink. Various gears in Jorn's brain burst free from their current position. It takes him a moment to put everything together. By that time, Jorn follows Master Volk toward the training room. He doesn't know what to make of it, but he'll just roll with it at this point.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "You are exaggerating. I didn't say it was completely pointless. I said it wouldn't help on its own and that he will need to back it up with honorable combat." Ellari reminds Volken, even as he lets go of her. But a grow goes up at him when he says she won't be going anywhere without him. "Oh? And what's that supposed to mean? Suddenly so reluctant to be rid of me? You once wanted anything but. Perhaps I've been wrong about you, Volken Mons."

    She seems at least somewhat relieved when Master Volk finally answers her question. "And by whom? Surely not a child." she remarks, glancing at the younglings.

    When Jorn seems to be glitched out or something, she slaps him in the side of the helmet. "You know I actually -wanted- to believe you were smarter than you looked for even a moment. So stop looking like a Shaak caught in a cruiseliner's nav lights."

Volken Mons has posed:
Volken clearly has a different recollection of the order of events but the rest of Ellari's words leaves him momentarily flustered and flabbergasted.

So he just stays quiet with a petulant frown on his face as she walks away.