the knights vow

Uriel paced around the room. The eastern rim council had accomodated him well enough, but he could tell they were still aprehensive about the prospect of war.

He had breifed the masters when he first arrived, but had spoken with them rarely since then. He had spent far more time with the knights who had volunteered to take assignments with the military. Knights from coruscant were still coming in regularly. Most of the jedi had been recalled from the field and there was no shortage of volunteers for front line assignments. Many knights were eager to defend the order and avenge those slain at coruscant, Mon cal, and ossus

The knights in this room were some of the most skilled he had met since arriving at taris.

One by one, the knights ignited their sabers. the dimly lit room was soon glowing with the multiple colors wielded by each warrior.

Uriel ignited his blade and approached the group. All eyes were on him.

"My friends, you are the elite chosen of the Jedi Order. You are the greatest warriors the galaxy has to offer. A galaxy you are sworn to protect. Now, there is a grave threat to to that galaxy. A Dark power is emerging. It threatens to destroy not only the people, but the worlds themselves. We have seen the depths of their blind hate. We know what they are willing to do. There is no room for negotiations with these beings. There is no chance for compromise or coexistence. We must track them down, wherever they hide. Whether on the front lines, or in the darkest corners of the galaxy, we must face them.

So i ask you now, will you face the enemy, in any form it takes?"

The knights put their sabers forward and responded in unison: "We will."

"Will you fight them wherever they hide?"

"We will."

"And will you continue to fight against any odds?"

"We will"

Uriel put his blade forward as well, and the knights brought their blades together, producing a bright glow in the center of the room.

"Knights of the Republic, the galaxy is calling for aid. Will you answer?"

"We will."

After the knights made their vow, Uriel gave them their individual assignments. These warriors would track Sith across the galaxy, across the Republic and beyond, routing out infiltrators, terrorists, and leaders and killing or capturing them. It was the Sith's turn to be hunted.

Now that Uriel knew the Republic had a defense against the enemy in the shadows, he could focus on facing them in the light. The Illuminator and Strike Force Kilo were just beyond orbit. The strike group was even more powerful than the reinforced defense fleet. If the Sith attempted to take Taris, or any other world on the Rim for that matter, Stirke Force Kilo would give them more than they bargained for.

And an attack on Taris was likely. After the battle at Mon Calamari, the Republic needed new shipyards. The business interests on Taris had jumped at the chance, and new shipyards were already under construction. The remnants of the Mon Cal companies were setting up shop with the new construction corporations, bringing their coveted designs with them. If the Sith wanted to deal a lasting blow to the Republic, they would have to strike here, and if they struck here, the force of the two fleets would crush them.