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(Coruscant, Jedi Temple Archives)

There is more knowledge here than anywhere else in the galaxy.

The Jedi Archives was a vast hidden treasure trove of knowledge going back thousands of years. They held records on some of the most historic, and benign events within the known galaxy. The archives records themselves were holographic data-pads. Entire volumes of books contained within in a single slip of crystal. Each shelf contained hundreds, while each column contained hundreds of thousands. While some of the more sacred texts were Jedi Holocrons. Square shaped devices made, and designed by Force-Users. One must be a student of the light side of the Force to even open them. Each one contained an almost living echo of the author.

Within the Archive was the rotunda, a giant nexus point with a holographic round table of sorts. The ceiling stretched to very heavens of the Jedi Temple as natural light filtered in from the windows above. While the distant sounds of people whispering, reading, and moving quietly through the library could be heard here. The doorways in and out of the archive were towering archways. Allowing those within the rotunda to see the entire archive from this point. On the holographic round table was an interface allowing seekers of knowledge to narrow down their search between the different halls.

The First Hall, often referred to as the main entrance to the archive. Was kept behind hand carved wooden doors depicting the history of the Jedi Order. Contained on the shelves of the hall were the diaries, journals, philosophical manuscripts, and personal holographic viewings of over a billion recorded Jedi. Entire holo-theatre projections and viewing booths could be found here. With the right credentials, and permission from the head archivist. One could watch entire missions from the first person perspective of the Jedi tasked with the mission.

The Second Hall which ran perpendicular to the first, and third halls. The entire construction of the archive was like the criss cross pattern of a compass. This hall contained data pertaining to the mathematical, and engineering sciences. How to understand, and construct engines capable of hyperspace travel. Along with a full list, and designs of government buildings. Every building within Coruscant could be found in that library. At least the legal ones. While those with higher clearance would find every legal manufactures design of weapons.

The Third Hall which ran directly opposite of the First Hall. The hall was filled with information on the geography and culture of every known planet in the Galactic Republic. It included star maps of interstellar and planetary regions, and detailed analyses on specific civilizations. The Exploration Corps of the Jedi often contributed to this section, adding new planetary details as worlds were discovered beyond the Republic's reach. Though recently the Jensaarai had added to it as well. Regretfully this area was under inspection due the realization that a Jedi Master may or may not have erased information from it. (The Kamino System.)

The Fourth Hall, running on the same plane as the second, was also split into two smaller wings; each dedicated to zoological research relating information on every known species of flora and fauna in the galaxy. Despite its lackluster description one could find all sorts of interesting creatures in these records. Several species had even been discovered that could naturally control the Force, or repel it. Genetic splicers across the galaxy would salivate to be in this hall.

The Chief librarian quarters housed the staff of the archive hall. They held a twenty four hour crew that supported the archive. While this room also supported briefing chambers for Jedi who were traveling to known star systems. What cultures, people, floral, and fauna they would discover there. Along with possible diplomatic situations one may encounter.

Then placed between each hall were study sections. Entire tables, desks, and even private rooms contained within. Allowed researches to stay there in private company. While many Jedi of the Knowledge Corp would spend entire days without food, or sleep to find the answer to the archive they were looking for. All in all the Jedi Archive was a technological marvel. But, there was actually another hall that only a few knew of.

The Fifth Hall, which was hidden behind Chief Librarian quarters. A holographic library shelf was kept full of records. If one pulled out a certain set of data-pads in the right order. Then pushed them all in at the same time with multiple people or with Force Push. That section would slide back, then to off to the side to reveal a hallway. The door would only stay open for less than a minute before it would close again. Down the hallway one would eventually enter a hall filled with Sith Holocrons, and Sith artifacts.

The Sith Holocrons were designed the shape of a pyramid. Each etched with Sith ancient script, and oozing dark side energy. One must use the dark side of the Force to even open one. Just like the Jedi Holocrons, the Sith retained an echo of the original Sith that crafted it. They came in a variety of sizes, color schemes, and made from many different materials. But all of them were infused with the dark side of the Force.

While other items contained within transparisteel cases. Each of these items were light-sabers, holocrons of Sith Lords. Items of power, history, and Sith Sorcery. Each and every item was carefully tended to by a Beskar alloy general purpose droid who was permanently stationed in the Fifth Sith Hall. Programmed to take expert care of the items, as well as protecting them from outside influence. This droid had an important job, especially now. As the Sith Hall was filled with Jedi Masters.

“I can't believe we were never told of this place, until now.” Jedi Master Pong Krell said with irritation as he ran one of his four hands along a Sith Holocron that hummed at his attention.

“We know now, Krell. That is what matters.” Jedi Master Even Piell said in a rough voice. As he pulled a data pad down and took a seat at a table to start reading.

Jedi Master Pong Krell was a male Besalisk who stood at approximately 7'7” tall, with three black feathered scaled ridges across his head, yellow eyes, and brown pale skin. As a male Besalisk he was born with four arms. He wielded two double bladed light-sabers, one blue, and one green. That could fold in half for easier carrying capacity. He wore a traditional earth tone color pallet Jedi robes. His mastery of the martial path marked him as a Jedi Guardian.

Jedi Master Even Piell was a long-lived male Lannik who stood at approximately 3'9”, with black top knot pony tail. With pink to ruddy brown skin, one good blue eye while the other was scarred over, and big droopy pointed ears to the side. He wore the typical Jedi Master robes with the standard earth tone color scheme. His green standard light-saber marked him as a Jedi Consular. Even Piell had served on the Jedi Council for decades, and had been one of the few survivors on the initial battle of Geonosis.

“Each of us was chosen by the council because of our unique talents. Having access to this archive will help us in our task.” Jedi Master Adi Gallia spoke softly as she pulled down a data pad of her own.

“Unique talents? I think you mean unique history.” Jedi Master Quinlan Vos said with a smirk when Gallia sent him a mild glare.

Jedi Master / Guardian Adi Gallia was a female Tholothian with dark skin, blue eyes, and wore a Tholoth head dress that many species often confused with their hair. She wore the traditional robes of the Jedi. Though she also wore a few cultural pieces from her people. Tholothians were seemingly ageless, near-human like in appearance. She kept a standard light-saber in design with a Guardian blue blade.

Jedi Master / Consular Quinlan Vos, nicknamed Quin by those closest to him, was a Kiffar male who stood at approximately 6'1” with shoulder length black dreaded hair. With brown eyes, tanned skin color, and a yellow cultural stripe mark across his face. Cheek, to cheek, across his nose. He wielded a standard green light-saber. While thanks to his races heritage as a Kiffar. He was able to use a rare ability called Psychometry which allowed him to read the impressions and trace read of information from an item. Because of this ability Vos would often wear clean, non fabric material in hopes that he didn't set off his ability by accident.

“Quin, please be nice.” Jedi Master Aalya Secura said to her old master, who sent her a wink. Aalya rolled her eyes at him and sent an apologetic wave at Gallia who accepted it gracefully.

“I'm very happy to be a part of this new task force, and pleased to be with you all.” Jedi Master Kit Fisto said with a wide smile on his face that was shared with Secura.

Jedi Master / Consular Kit Fisto was a renowned male Nautolan who stood at approximately 6'4” with pure black eyes with no sclera, green skin, and long head tails that went past his shoulders. As a Nautolan he was amphibious with gills along his neck. His extra-sensory head tails gave him a heightened awareness and thanks to the Force that only grew. It made him an excellent martial fighter. Because his peoples unique physiology the Jedi Council would often dispatch him to aquatic worlds. He wore robes that were easily removed so he could dive into water if necessary.

“The feeling is mutual, Master Fisto.” Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn said to his fellow Jedi. Fisto gave Qui-Gon an infectious smile that he could only return.

“So, should the first meeting of the dark side hunters convene?” Qui-Gon asked the room, they all agreed and took a seat.

“Why are there no Jensaarai here? I would think they would be better suited for this task that most?” Krell asked with a curious glance around the table. He folded his lower arms across his chest. While his upper steepled their fingers together.

“The Jensaarai don't have dark side hunters. Plus the Council doesn't wish to advertise this new Jedi Corp or rather old?” Piell replied in his rough voice.

“I know for a fact that the Jensaarai do hunt the Sith. I have spoken to Master Lash about it.” Secura said next, as she sat next to her old master Vos, and her friend Fisto.

“Is this a new Corp? I was under the impression that in the past it was every Jedi's duty to hunt down, and bring dark side users back to the temple?” Gallia asked, she swept her head dress back to free her sight line of everyone.

“It use to be. But times are different, with the Jensaarai in the galaxy as a whole. We can't just arrest any old dark side users. Especially since they use both sides of the Force. Personally I think we should all go train at Venura.” Vos said with a smug grin on his face that was shared by Krell.

“I agree. Unlike the Jedi they wont demand we take up any oath to learn about their ways.” Krell said with a sneer.

“The Jedi do not demand any oath on its practitioners, Krell.” Gallia replied with narrowed eyes.

“No, they just brain wash children. Which is so much better!” Vos said as he leaned back in his chair awaiting reprisal.

“That is not how it works!” Priell shouted as he slammed his fist into the table.

“Masters please, take a breath.” Qui-Gon said in a soothing voice that pulled the attention of the room.

“We are here to discuss how we can make use of the tools, and information contained within this room. Not the philosophies, and traditions of the Jedi.” Qui-Gon suggested towards them all, hoping to steer the conversation back on topic.

“Fair enough, I'll withdraw my comment until later.” Vos said amicably, while Krell did the same. Secura, and Fisto both glanced at their fellow masters in worry.

“Guardian, where are the texts on how to hunt Sith?” Gallia asked as she turned towards the general purpose droid in the room.

“One moment please, Master Adi Gallia.” The droid responded and walked through the hall. Then pulled down one Sith Holocron, and several data pads. The droid carefully placed them down on the table for the Jedi to sort themselves.

“The Holocron presented is of a Sith Lord that used the dark side to hunt other Sith Lords. While the data pads are known practices of dark side powers that can be used against, or used in along side light.” The droid responded, then stood off to the side in wait.

“How are we suppose to open it?” Secura asked as she tried to use the Force to open the holocron. It glowed a crimson light but refused to respond.

“Here let me...” Vos said, then pulled it over and opened it up with ease. A red glow swallowed the room briefly. Then dimmed to a candle light illumination.

“How did you do that?” Secura asked in honest curiosity.

“You have to use the dark side of the Force to open Sith Holocrons, Secura.” Vos replied with a grim face, which only earned him a wide eye surprise from his former pupil.

“It's why the council chose us. Each of us have had a taste of the dark side. We all turned away from it. But it lingers.” Piell replied with a grumble, and Secura looked crestfallen.

This brought another round of questions and answers from the group. Not all of them had tasted the dark side, yet the council assigned them to the group. It was believed that half of the group had touched the dark side while the others were well known for their discipline, and empathy. Everyone would watch everyone. But needless to say this was uncharted territory for most of them. It had been centuries since the last time the Jedi had needed a dedicated team to hunt down Sith practitioners. They could fall back on recorded history. But reading about something, and living it were often two very different things.

They spent several hours that soon stretched into night at the temple. They continued to pour over the available information. Taking turns to move through the known artifacts found in the room. Vos used his psychometry to read the history of each piece and threw up more than once. The Guardian droid didn't say a word, just cleaned up the mess. Then retrieved some refreshments for the Jedi. The longer they stayed in the room the more depressed they felt. Eventually Vos declined reading, or rather touching anything more in the room.

“So what is this?” Krell asked as he held up a mask in his hands.

“That is the mask of Lord Momin, Master Krell.” The Guardian said in its synthesized voice.

Krell looked the mask over in his hands. The mask itself was made for a near-human skull so it wouldn't fit him. He tossed it towards Qui-Gon who caught easily. The mask itself was made from a combination of durasteel, and other rare metals. It had a simple T-shaped visor, and covered the head, jaw, and neck. But kept a space open for the wearers ears. Qui-Gon could hear the faintest whisper coming from the helmet. He pressed it up to his head to listen. But it almost seemed to far away to hear. Qui-Gon looked around the room and noticed everyone was looking at something else. All but Krell who was watching him with interest.

“Put it on. How often do we get a chance to see what it's like on the inside of a Sith Lord's head.” Krell encouraged Qui-Gon.

Qui-Gon hesitated for a brief moment. A migraine had come to visit and it pushed up against his eyes. He tried to focus on the mask and found it almost inviting. It's cold touch seem to sooth his mind. He flipped his hair back as he reached up to place the helmet on. Some part of his mind warned him not to. But what would it hurt? The Guardian had said of nothing of note about the mask before. Then right as he was about to place it.

'PUT IT DOWN!' -A scream of Force energy crashed into the whole room. A shock wave rippled and shot everyone out of their seats. Especially Qui-Gon who was propelled across the room, the mask dropped onto the floor with a resounding clang.

“What was that!?” Krell shouted as he pulled out his light-sabers, the twin doubled sabers ignited and washed the room in a green and blue glow.

The Guardian droid started to buzz around the room. Replacing the data pads, holocrons, and artifacts into their correct place. Saving the mask for last. Qui-Gon slowly got to his feet as he felt the migraine grow worse by the second. He looked at the mask with almost a yearning that he didn't recognize. But the voice, he knew that voice. But before he could say anything, Archivist Jocasta Nu came running into the room.

“What happened!? The sensors in the Archivist Hall detected an energy surge in this hall.” Jocasta shouted, being one of the head librarians she had full access to this room.

“I need to speak to Lash...” Qui-Gon said as he stumbled out of the room. He was quickly followed by his fellow masters.

“Lash? Why do you need to speak to him?” Gallia asked.

“Because that was his voice that shouted.” Secura replied.

Qui-Gon rushed into the main archive and found the resounding ripple of energy washed across the entire library. Data pads had fallen from shelves, several students looked around in confusion. While the archivist started to restore order. The hidden door slid shut behind the group once they left. Half way through the hall a padawan raced towards Qui-Gon.

“Master Qui-Gon! Master Lash is on the holo-net he demands you contact him immediately.” The padawan said.

It was sight seeing seven Jedi Masters, and one Master Archivist rush through the temple towards the holo communication center. Upon arrival they found Master Yoda speaking to Lash who stood on the holographic table as a projection. The entire room was filled with a pressure found by those familiar with the Force. Lash zeroed in on Qui-Gon, then counted the rest of the group.

“No one put it on, right!?” Lash shot a question at them the moment the door closed behind them.

“No, you stopped me before I placed it on my head.” Qui-Gon replied, and watched in confusion as Lash looked like he wanted to scream at the heavens.

“Why do you even have that thing!?” Lash shouted at the whole room.

“You speak of what item?” Master Yoda asked from his repulsion chair.

“The Mask of Lord Momin. If it wasn't for my connection to Qui-Gon he would have placed the helmet on and Momin would have taken over his body.” Lash shouted at them, and that struck everyone with a shock.

“Life after death is impossible, Master Lash.” Piell replied, though he sounded unsure of himself.

“Wrong! The Sith, and the Jedi figured out how to preserve their minds after death a long time ago. The Sith attached their minds to objects, or places of power. That is why Sith tombs are so elaborate. They act as housing units to the Sith's spirit. While the Jedi can retain their minds after death to become Force Ghosts.” Lash replied in an almost teacher like tone.

“Impossible! I've visited dozens of Sith Temples before, I'm not possessed by a spirit of a Sith Lord.” Vos replied though he looked particularly green with sickness.

“That is because your minds are guarded against intrusion. Momin took a risk and placed his spirit in a mask. Something for more fragile. But once it's placed on an individual they become Momin. My old masters wrote this down before they left the temple centuries ago. Why is there not a warning label on that mask.” Lash said next.

“No such records exist, Master Lash. I assure you I would have recorded it.” Jocasta Nu replied, though she looked like she was fretting about what else was not properly labeled in the Sith Hall. Though she didn't even blink at the fact that Lash knew about it.

“How did your masters know about the mask?” Krell asked, as he walked towards the holographic projection.

“Because one of them put it on! Once on, it fused to their skin. They had to decapitate their friend to prevent Momin from escaping.” Lash replied in a near growl. “It's crap like this that makes me so aggravated with the Jedi Council. More than likely you all completely dismissed the idea of immortality has a complete lie. Then kept a completely dangerous item in the open. Believing it completely safe.”

“Master Lash please, it was contained within the Sith Hall. Only Masters with the permission of the council have access to that room. It was hardly in the open. While I do agree a warning should have been placed on it. There was no record of any former Master placing it on his head and becoming possessed.” Fisto replied as he tried to ease the tension in the room.

“That doesn't make it better. That just means the council ignored the warning. We should destroy the mask.” Vos said next.

“I agree!” Krell stated.

“Would destroying the mask, also destroy the spirit? Or would it simply roam free?” Qui-Gon asked his friend.

“Not sure, thankfully you have Sith Rituals at your finger tips that will destroy the soul as well. In the Sith Hall at the outer most edge is a Sith Holocron of Darth Nutalion. Nutalion spent half his life as a Sith Lord of a fearsome reputation. Until one day he tried to turn away from the dark. Though he never found his way back. He used the rest of his life destroying the Sith. Find the holocron, learn the ritual, destroy the mask, and Momin's soul.” Lash supplied an answer for the Jedi who breathed a sigh of relief. But once again Lash showed them that he knew far more about the Jedi than many of them were comfortable with.

“We are about to fall off the grid in the next star system. We'll be out of contact. But please, please! Destroy the mask.” Lash implored the group.

“To it personally, I'll see, Master Lash.” Yoda declared, and Lash bowed his head in acceptance.

“Qui-Gon, next time I see you I'm going to make you some armor. So stop putting strange things on your head!” Lash said with a bit of mirth, Qui-Gon gave him an easy smile and nodded reluctantly.

Once the holographic communication close down the invisible pressure in the room let up. Master Yoda sighed softly as he rubbed his head in a stress filled twitch. He glanced around the room at the selected Jedi to create the dark side hunters. Jocasta Nu excused herself as she raced off to find the selected Sith Holocron. While the rest of the group stayed in the room. Eventually Master Mace Windu showed up in the sealed room.

“Master Qui-Gon, how long as Lash had a connection with you?” Windu asked as he zeroed in on the breach of security.

“More than likely he's had the connection with me since we met on Naboo so long ago. He's called out to me more than once, saved me from making a mistake. Or helping with a problem. Its been beneficial.” Qui-Gon admitted and realized that Lash just saved his life, again.

“A positive development most assuredly. But able to see what you were doing, odd that is.” Master Yoda said next, and a few nodded in agreement.

“From what I understand about Master Lash. His mastery over the Force is without question.” Secura said as she crossed her arms in a guarded expression.

“All the more reason we should invite the Jensaarai to aid us in the hunt of the Sith!” Krell said with a triumphant grin. Though he kept his eyes on the holographic projector his mind clearly elsewhere.

“The Jensaarai have no place in Jedi business.” Windu replied with a firm expression.

“But maybe they should.” Vos said. “Think of all we could learn? Master Qui-Gon has reported that the Sith use the Force ability – Force Blank. Not only do none of us know this ability. We can't even start to track it. Lash uses it every single day.”

“I believe we should at least vote on it.” Piell commented, and the rest of the hunters agreed. Windu didn't look happy but swallowed that down.

“Move to destroy the mask first, we must.” Yoda said next.

One by one they left the room until Krell was the last one. He continued to stare at the projector, but it was clear his mind was else where. Krell like so many other Jedi had grown frustrated with the Council, and its archaic dogma. Krell had known Dooku before he left the Order. They had agreed on many things. Perhaps Krell was on the wrong side of this war? Or maybe there was a third option.

----

A day later after extensive albeit quick research they found the Sith Holocron of Darth Lord Nutalion. More than half of the holocron was a journal about Nutalion's brutal life as a Sith Lord. But something had happened and he had tried to return to the light side of the Force. The holocron did not go into detail as to why there was a change. But unfortunately the Nutalion never found his way back. So he used what he had learned to hunt other Sith.

One such method was consecration, and destruction of Sith artifacts, and tombs that housed a Sith Lord's spirit. It required several Force infused items, and reagents. But the Jedi Temple had all of these in stock. The mask was taken to a secluded ritual chamber under heavy temple guard. The dark side hunters, and several Jedi Council members were present. They placed the mask in a ritual circle and poured light side energy into the plasma flames created by kyber crystal. A kyber crystal pure in the light side. This would destroy the crystal, but it would destroy the soul as well.

The soul of Sith Lord Momin screamed in agony as the flames consumed him. The Jedi were struck with shock at the sight of the Sith ghost as it lashed out in fear, and anguish as it went on and on about not completing its great work. Until nothing remained of the mask, or soul but ash. Which was supposed be disposed of in the vacuum of space. The eerie silence that persisted well after was at last broken.

“This is as good a time as any. I've decided that I'm leaving the Order.” Pong Krell declared to the whole room.

“Krell you don't have to leave the order. The Jensaarai won't make you take an oath.” Vos replied quickly before anyone else could.

“But the council will forbid me going, isn't that right Master Windu?” Krell asked Windu who looked like he bit into something sour.

“We haven't even voted on allowing the Jensaarai to share their knowledge yet.” Piell said next as looked at Krell in surprise.

“If you leave, don't expect the Order to be waiting here with open arms upon your return.” Windu declared as he took a step forward, his hand hovering above his light-saber to emphasize his point.

“What makes you think I'll be coming back? I'm so tired of all the useless rules, and archaic traditions. We are practicing the same methods today that we did a thousand years ago. We haven't moved on! So convinced we are that this is the height of knowledge. But here! Right now! We just did something that was known to the Jedi thousands of years ago, but was removed from record because it required the knowledge of the Sith. That is moronic!” Krell shouted in fury.

“The Sith is that not answer!” Secura shouted at him.

“I'm not talking about the Sith! I'm talking about knowledge! How can we practice the way of the Jedi and blatantly ignore knowledge that could help us understand the Force better? Because we are terrified we might fail? Fear is the gateway to the dark side. So that means every Jedi in existence are on the knifes edge!” Krell shouted at them all.

“That's enough!” Windu shouted in return and the temple guard came into the room.

“I'm leaving as well.” Qui-Gon said softly, and the whole room froze in shock even Krell.

“I've given it a great deal of thought. I promised I would train Anakin to become a Jedi Knight. I've done that. Then the war started, and I told myself I would stay and fight until it was over. But... I don't have to be a part of the Order to help in the war.” Qui-Gon continued as he looked up at the surprised, and hurt faces of the Jedi around him.

“Qui-Gon, don't do this. We can figure this out...” Gallia replied as she stepped forward to...to do something.

“Been made the choice has, in peace our friends go.” Master Yoda said softly, much to the surprise of the room.

Qui-Gon bowed his head towards Yoda who looked both happy, and sad at the same time. Qui-Gon, Krell, and surprisingly Vos left. As per tradition they handed over their light-sabers as they were Jedi weapons. Each of them went to their rooms and packed up their belongings. Then together met at the front entrance. Aalya Secura was practically latched on to Quinlan Vos in attempt to get him to stay. But eventually Kit Fisto pulled her off. Vos gave one last wink at his old apprentice then left.

The three former Jedi walked down the temple steps and with each step they felt a weight lift from their shoulders. Until their heads were held high, shoulders back, and with their chests sticking out. Then a surprise waited for them. A group of Jensaarai defenders in full kit stood by a transport. One of them stepped forward.

“Master Qui-Gon, Master Vos, Master Krell.” The Jensaarai said with a bow. “We've come to take you to the temple on Venura.”

“How did you know were coming?” Vos asked in confusion. It's not as if the Jedi would publicly announce their departure.

“Master Lash informed us. Shall we?” The Jensaarai replied...

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