42 BBY
Location : Jedi Temple - High Council Chamber
Time : (morning)
Three days pasted after the dispute between Zell and the other younglings, and word of it has spread a bit throughout the temple. Wishing to put an end to this disturbance before it starts effecting morale, the High council convened to review this matter, personally.
Normally something as trivial as a minor conflict between initiates would be matter that a small panel of chosen jedi masters would be tasked with investigating the matter and make an appropriate judgment regarding the involved parties.
But seeing as this particular case since it involves not only physical fighting, but thief of training equipment, the discovery of long time hostility within a youngling clan, and the fact that several of the involved participates ending up with though not severe, but not minor injuries either, this could not be handled lightly.
Inside the high council chamber all the council members were assembled.
"Now that we are all present and have had a few days to thoroughly read the reports on the issue at. Thoughts?"
Depa Billaba stated opening the discussion for the meeting, as she was picked to investigate the case on behalf of the whole council.
"I believe the best course of action is obvious, is it not? We clearly can not let such actions from our members to be treated lightly, especially from the younger ones. All four the involved initiates should be punished"
"What would you propose, Master Mundi?"
Adi Gallia asked to Ki Adi Mundi.
"I suggest that they be placed in confined isolation for two weeks, followed by restricted movement and activity restriction, along with close supervision for a month. They must serve as an example to the rest of the younglings so that such behavior never happen again"
"Hmm, a tad severe wouldn't you say Master Mundi. Their actions do mandate a disciplinary response from us, but I feel your suggestion may be a bit harsh"
Plo Koon said countering Mundi's idea.
"I must respectfully disagree Master Koon. A strong stance must be used now, so that these younglings uncontrolled aggression can be curved. If not delt with now while they are still just children its possible such habits could take root deep within them and leave them vulnerable to the dark side as they mature"
"Plus, after questioning the whole Convor clan it seems that this is not the first incident of such happenings occurring in regards to two particular younglings. Such hostility appears to have be present for quite sometime. So it may be best that we don't act soft heartly on this"
Mace Windu spoke reinforcing Mundi's point.
Silence fell over the room as the members contemplated Mundi's words.
"This is true. While there have not been an altercation to such a degree as this most recent one. There have multiple cases of harassment been younglings Mooncrest and Bordolly. Perhaps its time we do take more decisive action, to put an end the animosity between them"
Yarael Poof added
As more members voiced their opinions, Plo Koon remained firm in his belief that gentle guidance and care was the best way to handle this. Rather than relying on hard punishments.
"Perhaps. But if we are to strong in our handling of the situation than we could in up doing more harm then good"
"But coddling them will do no good. In fact it will harm their growth, Its best they learn now while their still young that their actions have consequences. As such I wish to state my support for master Mundi's proposal"
Hearing the Master of the order's support for the punishment several like minded members of council also voiced their approval and it seemed a decision would some be made. But just before the choice was made official a voice spoke up.
"Hold a moment friends"
All eyes fell on the Lannik jedi master
"Yes master Piell?"
Asked Eeth Koth
Curious to hear whether his opinion would be for or against Mundi's idea.
"I feel that we should consider possible giving youngling Mooncrest a lighter punishment"
Surprised looks appeared on all of the councilors faces.
They had anticipated words of either condonement or condemnation, as that had been the running topic up to this point. But instead Piell wished to discuss reducing Zell's punishment.
"Please allow me to explain"
Seeing the looks the other were giving him Evan Piell know he had to give an explanation.
"We have all read the reports of the fight, correct? While the details are still a bit inconclusive I think we can all agree that ultimately Mooncrest was simply defending himself, can we not. I for one can not in good conscience condone disciplining him equally when he was clearly a victim defending himself"
Jedi master Evan Piell was a veteran of the order, and as such had a always been a more of an honor aligned jedi than some of his fellow councilmen. As such, when it appeared that Zell would receive the same treatment as the other initiates despite being the injured party, Piell felt its was his duty to speak up on his behalf.
"Master Piell speaks true, it sets a bad precedent, if we severely punishment Mooncrest for self defense"
Yaddle who up until now had refrained from speaking agreed with Evan Piell.
She had only interacted with the Zell a few time, but even from those few encounters she felt confident that she understood his character well enough to determine that it wasn't one that would be the starting aggressor in something like this.
"But we have conflicting testimony that says other wise, claiming that Zell Mooncrest was the aggrieved side in this. Initiate Bordolly claims states that he and his friends were the ones assaulted, that mooncrest suddenly became aggressive and started a fight"
Yarael Poof rebutted
"So it would seem that one of them is lying about who started the altercation first, the question is only who?"
Depa Billaba stated the hard fact with a hurt look that sadly one of the orders younglings were blatantly lying to them.
"And with no clear defining evidences to prove one way or the other there's nothing that can be done. I'm sorry master Piell but the fairest thing we can do in this situation is judge and treat both sides equally"
Saesee Tiin spoke, voicing his belief that the original idea of equal punishment for all involved party was the only option. Due to a lack of proof.
Thanks to Nelko having carefully planned when and were he would ambush Zell. Clues that would have shined more light onto the case were hard to find.
He had Choosen the training ground of the ancient tree specifically because first its a place Zell frequented often when it was.
And second because for the past few weeks all surveillants cameras in the grounds were offline, due to receiving maintenance and upgrades.
This ideal setting was perfect for Nelko, as it insured that even if by chance they were discovered and stopped in the middle of the act, with no records to say other wise, it would simply be Zell's words vs his own on who was the attacker and who was the victim.
Both master Yaddle and Piell remained silent. While they did not agree with this, without farther proof to support their beliefs neither could continued to speak against this judgment.
The council would debate for several more minutes before coming to a final decision.
Ultimately the idea of Ki Adi Mundi would be acted.
"If no more to discuss, there is than, this meeting of the council, adjourned it is"
Seeing that the main topic had reached a conclusion Yoda moved to end the meeting.
"Forgive me Grandmaster, I actually have one more matter to put forward. Now that a decision has been make regarding the initiates, I too would like to suggest a motion to be considered"
Adi Gallia said.
"This motion, what is, you have?"
Yoda curiously asked Adi Gallia.
"I believe, that in moving forward, perhaps its for the best that Zell moon crest be removed from his clan"
Hearing her statement many on the council exchanged glances at each other. Showing looks shock and confusion.
"Master Gallia such a suggestion goes against generations of tradition, surely you have an explanation behind making such an---- unorthodox idea"
Mace asked with slight dissatisfaction.
Windu had always been a hard traditionalist. So he had much distaste for anything that went against established rules ands traditions of the jedi order. But maybe because the one making the suggestion was a fellow jedi master and council member, who has proven their wisdom and character, like all those who were sitting in this chamber. He was willing to allow her to fully expand on her thought to all present.
"I shall"
Following her words Adi Gallia would go ahead and explain her reasoning to the rest of the high council.
*******************
(Two week Later)
Location: Jedi Temple-Detention Center
Time: Evening
Inside the southwest part of Jedi Temple was the temple's Detention center, a specialized facility used to hold and contain the more insolent members of the order who break the order's rules, ranging from minor to major infractions.
Currently located in one of the detention center's isolation chambers, which were rooms used to hold members for light confinement, sat Zell who at the time was in a meditative sitting position. He was currently facing the solo window of the room, as it shined sunlight down on his form from several feet above.
Two weeks passed since the decision of the council was announced, resulting in him having to serve a month sentence of confinement with limited interactions.
The only times he was allowed to leave his room were when he had lectures and training sessions to attend, after which he was to immediately return to his isolation room, no exceptions. And even during those classes he was closely monitored and followed by several small camera droid. Who's purpose was to watch and track him, to make sure he only went to pre approved locations and no were else.
If he ever deviated from his assigned routine the droids were programed to alert the staff of the detention center, who would then quickly converge on his position and apprehend him.
The confinement room that's currently served as his quarters, consisted of one bed, one window, and a closet, to house a small toilet and compact shower.
Meals were bought to him three times a day as well.
Overall, his basic needs were meet, so Zell had no real reason to complain in regards to his present situation.
While most children his age would be dishearten and depressed from being forcefully separated from kids and having their movement restricted. Zell saw things differently and actually found the last two week quiet enjoyable. Since it gave him a long break from have to deal with the machinations of his clan, and some much needed privacy.
Afterall the youngling clans dormitories were built to have several initiates sleeping in the same room.
The purpose of this was meant to help develop close relationships between clanmates, allowing them to learn socializing skills. But do to his unique relationship with his clan, it had the opposite effect.
So while in confinement, Zell made sure to use the extra time productively. Such as now, using the time to make progress on improving his self mediation techniques.
'Half way done with my punishment. You know part of me wishes they had make the sentence a bit longer, then these peaceful days could continue a bit longer. But--- on the other hand I haven't been able to work on any tech or visit the archives since I've been under survallince. Well, regardless, in another two more weeks, I'll be free. Then hopefully I can get back to my routine'
[[Knock, Knock, Knock]]
As Zell was going through his thoughts, he heard a knocking coming from the door to his room. Snapping him back to reality.
A second later said door slide open. Revealing a familiar figure. Someone that upon recognition caused Zell to become slightly surprised.
"It's good to see that you are doing well young one, its been sometime has it not since we've last spoken to one another"
Hearing the figure speak, Zell's mouth smoothly transition from one of open shock to a small gentle smile.
"Yes, indeed it has, Master Fisto"