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The thin, bony hand of the aged Jedi Master reaches out, waiting for you to verbally agree and take her hand, sealing this oath. You see the sense in her words; you’ve had those thoughts many times, but you’ve always had a nervous hesitancy when lingering on the idea. Would that level of power corrupt the Jedi? It didn’t seem to before, but the pre-Ruusan Reformation records are so old you can’t be sure of their legitimacy. Even if it doesn’t affect others of the Jedi that follow you, what about yourself? You are able to reflect on your flaws, you like taking control of situations and are somewhat prideful; would this level of power affect you? You have to accept this deal; you will have nothing if you refuse her offer. Your own issues can be dealt with, you know where you falter, and you will be on guard for your slips, and who is to say you would even have a problem?
Stretching out your own hand, you grasp her's and feel a strength there that is disguised by her wizened visage, “Yes, we do, but two things. First, I have met Jedi who would abuse that power, too focused on their self-interest gain. Only trusted Jedi should be able to be part of a council or body that decides such important things. And those who would abuse such a role would harm us all, so we must harshly punish those who would break our covenant of care to the citizenry. Secondly, we will need to include elected representatives in some form or another. We need a way for the citizens to engage in constructive politics, even if in a limited form and effect, so they feel like they are part of the system, and it will give them some power. If we ever make great mistakes, they can act as a way to check our power.”
Master Reela smiles and agrees to your conditions, “That is acceptable, as long as Jedi have the final say. But let’s not get too focused on the details of governance when there is nothing to govern. Situations could change heavily. As long as we agree upon this core tenant, we will work out something more solid when we get closer to our goal.”
You share more words with the temple master; most of it is unimportant and social, trying to understand the other's character. Out of it, you did find something informative and helpful; of the forty-nine Jedi that made up this sect before your arrival, only three are Padawans. The rest are Knights, and there are some Masters. This is because the Council on Coruscant sends them no younglings, the temple has to go out and covertly recruit those that would fit in with the tenants of this branch. With this new long-term goal in mind, they will be more proactive in recruitment and the spread of ideas while still keeping their goals undiscovered.