The Rebel Faction

Luke sat, as well shaking his head, both at the stubborness of Gash and, perhaps, his own stubborness. The Jedi Master sighed.

"Spying in itself is not of the Jedi Code, that is deception. And knowing that they plan to attack still does not clear us of our obligation not to take this battle to them; when Jedi do something like that, it is so easy for us to take it one step too far.

"Greed, the desire for power sets in, and attacks become conquest, conquest becomes oppression. Jedi do not attack. That is the Jedi Code. We are defenders, protectors. Not aggressors, not ever."

He was late, he'd just gotten the word to be there and now he knew that Gash would not be pleased. Fearsons could not hear what was going on inside, but he skid on his heels just as he entered, his PeFauna scattering to position.

"Sorry I'm late," he said, hoping he did not interrupt too much, but the glowers from everyone in the room gave him little hope.

Leia turned to look Luke in the eye.

"What is our first pledge? To protect the weak and innocent from harm, or to protect ourselves? To do as Gash suggests is protecting others, preventing harm from coming to them. To do as you suggest is to be fending only for ourselves. Sometimes the ultimate sacrifice has to be made by a few... to save many. Where are your boundaries of allegiance and honor, Luke?"

Her gaze swept out to meet everyone else's.

"Where are your boundaries, yourself, or those you are sworn to protect?"

Now her attention centered on Gash, the characteristic fire flashed in her eyes.

"I'm not saying I agree with or support you, I personally would need more time to think about it. But I don't disagree with or oppose you either."

Leia simply cut off, leaving her part at that.

Gash nodded slowly to Organa.

"Your willingness to listen is admirable, though in this case useless without action."

Gash sighed, replacing his hood back onto his head calmly. Perhaps, just perhaps, it was better this way... yes, it was. Luke was Gash's opposite, and Organa was the neutral party; but there was no room for neutrality.

"Right now, Organa Solo, it is unfortunate, but we have different goals. I am impressed by your neutrality, but this is something which I believe desparately needs to be done. There are two sides to this; there always is. I will part ways, now, with the Jedi Order- in peace and friendship- and do what I feel is right. I do not wish to drag anyone unwillingly into conflict."

Gash offered his hand to Organa, who took it and shook it firmly, Gash offered her a small smile, and turned to leave. He seemed to reconsider, and turned his head back.

"I am quite sure we will meet again, Organa Solo, but for now, I fear I cannot brook interference by anyone, including yourself. Your interference comes of benevolence, but it is no different. This way, neither of us will prevent the wishes of the other; both of us will benefit."

Gash turned his head to face the exit, hood still hiding his bright white hair, he raised his voice and spoke so the auditorium could hear.

"I will leave, in one hour, for Yavin 4, the place of the first Jedi Academy. If any of you feel you wish to join my path of assault on the dark forces at work in the Prophecies, you may find me within the next sixty standard minutes at the Marauder Corvette, the Hermes.

"To those who join me, I thank you in advance. To those who do not, I bid you a fond farewell; I am forever in your debt for taking in a frightened, disgruntled Sith and allowing him to be one of you."

And with that, Gash Jiren strode from the Jedi Council room.

Though Kahn believed a course of action (not necissarily an attack) was called for, he was unsure if he was ready to leave...but then, the time to care only about himself had passed. It was time now, to decide which side to take and stay with.

"I stand by the Council, so long as we do something about this."

He left the room as well, silently.