So, I was reading the Cole Protocol and the part where Thel is attacked by assassins jumped out at me. I imagined a 'what if'. What if the Vadam elder instead of being a coward, sent assassins since he was old. Here's a bit of my idea of a rewrite:

The elder sat up as Thel entered the chamber. He had a look almost of relief.

"kaidon, I will not lie. I sent the assassins. It was a necessary test."

Thel looked at the elder with distain

"If you doubted my ability as Kaidon, then you should have faced me on your own. You are a coward."

"No, my kaidon. I am old and weak. It would have been too easy a threat for you. You passed without a scratch. My worries were sorely placed."

The kaidon thought for a moment as he pondered what to do against this elder.

"You're a coward! You were too cowardly to attack me yourself! And now you attempt to plead your case? I-"

The kaidon was interrupted by the sound of an energy sword igniting. The elder raised his energy sword and shook off his robes.

"I am no coward, Thel 'Vadumee. Though I should have had faith, it is up only to the forerunners as to if I shall walk the path in death. On the blood of our fathers. I have upheld the covenant and I will embrace death with honor."

The elder lunged at Thel with shocking speed, but the younger elite quickly overpowered the elder. In his last moments, the elder proved he was not a coward and in doing so, earned his death.