Pax Republica - User contributions [en]

The White Wolf's Call

2026-07-08T00:16:19Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-05-03
|Cast of Characters=159, 418, 261, 143, 444, 459, 321
|pretty=yes
|Location=Outer Rim - Tenoo
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I... see," Thaarin says in response to Cayde's comment about it being dangerous to put pressure on Xera. His brow furrow. "It doesn't have to be a total invasion," he says, "what if you just intimidated her? She's already afraid of you." Cayde might not really get to reply, though, as they've arrived at Zetha and now Navi's room. He knocks politely before opening the door a crack. "I've come to fetch my belongings," he says, "sorry for the intrusion but this shouldn't take long." -- Meanwhile, the Mandalorians would be continuing the task at hand -- hewing away the organic debris so that they can make a path to the lab. Volken, Caine, and Reza had forged ahead, leaving Er'gi and Jorn in the rear to work clean up duty clearing away whatever debris they'd cut down. It's tedious work, and that feeling Jorn had had earlier about being watched hadn't gone away at all. In fact, it's stronger than ever, looming, but still, there's no further signs of other beings or creatures out here tracking them. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn is there to take care of the debris in the back. This is efficient despite what kind of time it could take. Although his attention is up, curious if that beast will somehow show itself. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi gently releases Zetha from her hug, but has no time to do more before Thaarin and Cayde arrive in what was formerly Thaarin's room. "No need to apologize, Thaarin," she replies softly. "Take as long as you need. It's not like this wasn't sprung on us both out of nowhere." The last is delivered in a wry tone. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns pensively at the idea. Didn't he already try that? But Thaarin has turned attention elsewhere for now... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Or by someone who seems to think they have power to do whatever the kriff they feel like when, really, they ought to just remove the stick from their ass." Zetha comments shortly after Navi releases her from that hug. "I mean if she doesn't want someone in their room, fine, but why do they get to then demand another person move in? If I were you, I'd go sleep somewhere else. Like in Cayde's room." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Jorn will feel a slight breeze on him. Er'gi doesn't seem to notice, he's still picking a tree Volken had flattened. But the green armored Mandalorian will feel it acutely. There's a shift in the dark saber, and if he looks up to a ridge just east of them, he'll see the white loth wolf again. But ever so briefly. He'll blink, and the loth wolf will be gone, like a specter. "Thank you," Thaarin says to Navi with a fond smile. He then begins to pack his duffel, glancing over at Cayde to see if the young padawan will help. He frowns at Zetha. "Xera isn't so easy to push around. It's the captain's decision, and he's on her payroll. She's the purse strings for the entire colonial initiative. Overstep, and our supply line is severed. Yes, she's funding that, too." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "He's right. She's already threatened to do that, too," Navi adds, sighing wearily. "Not publicly. It was just in front of me. But I've no doubt she meant it. I don't think she considered that the settlers at Aklyrr Bend could just move to Kublop Springs, or that Republic disaster relief is already active on-world from the monsoon. I also plan on having a word with the Chancellor and the Jedi Council about what's going on with the colony initiative once we get to Coruscant. Something's got to be done about her." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face. "Maybe someone should cut off -her- supply line..." Is muttered under her breath and then shakes her head. "In all truth, sorry it happened really. To the both of you. I wouldn't really wish her presence on anyone..." Offering this much more before she glances between the three in the cabin. "Anyway, like Navi said, take your time. It's not us rushing you out the door." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn looks upward and spots the loth again. <Heads up. Being watched. The beast again. It's gone, but I saw it> if anyone looks his way he'll nod toward the now empty area. <It was only there for a second.> This will have Jorn keep his guard up. He just needs to figure out where this thing will be next. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' For her part, Reza has fully joined in the Mandalorians in clearing the trail. Whatever the Jedi reputation might be, this particular Knight plainly doesn't mind it and might even enjoy it. Of course, it helps being three meters tall and a quarter a ton in weight. Her thick brown skin is very much in evidence, as she's dispensed with sleeves for the presumably hot, hard work. Lifting trees and stones, she focuses mostly on big and bulk, leaving the smaller Mandalorians to handle what's more easily sized for them. Right when that Loth Wolf shows up, the Dowutin pauses and tilts her head, as if hearing something. By the time she looks in the direction where it appeared, it's no doubt gone. But she confirms she noticed ''something'' when her deep, powerful voice calls out to the Mandalorians she's traveling with. "Keep your eyes up," Reza says. "There's something here. Something following us. ..." Her head slowly swivels. "One near. A few others, a bit more distant. Could be native animals. Making as much noise as we are, that usually scares off indigenous life. But there's no telling for sure that's true of everything on this planet." "Keep your weapons handy, in case they ambush. I'll give you as much warning as I can if they make a mmove." With that message imparted, Reza resumes the heavy physical work of trail blazing. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     But Xera wasn't the -only- source of funds, was she? Cayde wonders this but doesn't say anything. He goes to pick up the rest of Thaarin's things, nodding in quiet greeting toward Zetha. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi looks up, and around. "What? Jorn, are you sure..." He sighs. "I've been keeping my eyes peeled this whole time and I haven't seen a damn thing." He still seems spooked. The Baron, who had been wandering ahead a bit silently, finally speaks. "Perhaps," he says, "but you know, the clone wasn't the only thing in that lab..." Reza will feel the shapes of the creatures following them moving again, keeping up, but out of sight, still. She'll observer something curious - their presence seems to blink in and out of the Force like bioluminescence at night. And their shape in the Force is acute. These creatures, beasts, whatever they might be - must be Force sensitive. She might be mulling this new fact over when she'll notice that her commlink pings. There's a message from Rykard there, timestamp dating to right before they'd left for Coruscant - she might have missed it earlier, what with all the work they'd been doing since this afternoon. Or perhaps the message had been delayed in sending, signal in the Gorge could be spotty at times. -- "I know," Thaarin says softly, brushing a stray strand of hair away from Navi's face. "Thank you, I hope you're on good terms with the Chancellor. But something tells me that dimming the publicity of the trial isn't the only scheme she's working on. She must have friends in high places, ones who can intervene if the Republic shows their hand. Perhaps that's another reason why she wanted you out." The Chiss man's gaze swivels to Zetha, a brow arched. "Do you have something particularly personal against her?" he says, "or is.. something else, bothering you?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "She wanted me out because I'm trained in telepathy. I think she's afraid of what I might overhear, so to speak," Navi says matter-of-factly. "I learned quite a lot while she was throwing me out, so she's too late on at least a few things, but it leaves me wondering just what she's afraid of me discovering." She pouts faintly at Zetha's remark regarding Xera's presence. "That's not her /whole/ personality... just, well, /most/ of it." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Yes. I'm sure, Er'gi. The only part of me that's insane is some of the company I keep. And even that is just -sometimes-." Jorn keeps moving with the group as he tries to stay sharp while clearing debris along the way. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Aside from the fact that she's made me feel like gutter trash? Or that she's manipulating people I care about? No. Nothing personal against her at all." Zetha quips this back towards Thaarin and gives him a little smile. Course, Navi speaks up, but at this point Zetha's fine with moving on from the topic of Xera Graff. "I wouldn't say bothered is the right word. More like worried. I'm worried about some other things. Nothing you need to bother your pretty head with." Aiming that towards Thaarin before her gaze shifts to Cayde. "How're you holding up?" 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' Reza continues her efforts. Her senses remain open and inquring, searching for life in all of its forms. Force Sensitive creatures are unusual to say the least and it's no surprise they take up much of her attention. A quick glance at the Mandalorians shows they're all largely focused on the actual work of continuing their route. Even the Baron, apparently. Deeming the situation...not safe, perhaps, but stable, Reza intends to return her full attention to the presences just beyond sight. Until her commlink pings. At which point she checks the message, notes the delay between when it was sent and when she noticed it, and sighs bemusedly at herself. "A Jedi must be mindful of the present," she chides herself as she attempts to retrieve the message. What does Rykard have to say? 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods at Zetha. [I am well] he signs, although it is a little bit difficult while holding some of Thaarin's bags. But with the help of the Force, it at least works, sort of. A brow is arched toward Navi ever slightly at her comment about Xera. Honestly, he doesn't really understand why the Sephi defends that woman even the -slightest- bit. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Indeed," Er'gi comments, arching a brow. "You're still engaged to that Solstice dala, aren't you? Har'chaak! A right mess, if you ask me. More trouble than she's worth," he says, shaking his head. When Reza comments about creatures following, he grumbles. "Now why the hell would they be following us? Surely, if there was something they wanted, they would have attacked by now..." he trails off, reaching for his weapon. The message is marked as urgent. Well, that's unfortunate she'd missed it. But the message contains troubling news regarding the doctor on staff at the colony here, Dr. Soren Cassias. He'd gone missing, and they'd very little in the way of where he might be. Regardless, the elder Jedi Master is imploring her to search for him. -- "And I will continue your duty," he says to Navi, "whatever she's hiding, I'll find it out. Perhaps I'll even enlist some help," He says, glancing over at Cayde once again. Then he looks to Zetha, eyes narrowing slightly. "We've already had this discussion," he says, "If there's something that warrants concern, then you should tell me, because I will worry, despite your instruction." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "I don't know if I am. Recent events have me questioning, a lot," Jorn will say honestly. Jorn hasn't forgotten the night and day different between her last few bits of treatment, and the treatment before. Plus her mother also sending someone wanting to be attached to him, or at least express as much. He's not sure if that warmth is a similar tactic. "But I won't lie that I kept her company before everything went to Hell," this is his way of acknowleding some of his questions are questionable.This is him acknowledging the past instead of burrying it. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thanks, Thaarin. I'm sure she'll be more pleasant toward you than me, and I'm also sure you know not to fall for it," Navi adds, drawing her feet up onto the bunk and wrapping her arms around her legs, resting her chin on her knees. She smirks just a bit as Thaarin glances at Cayde. "I wouldn't ever ask Cayde to share sleeping space with her, for the sake of his sanity. But can you just imagine the fit she'd throw if he was rooming with her? We'd probably have to lock her in one of the lifepods until she got over her hysterics." She looks to Zetha sympathetically. "I'll /try/ not to worry about you. I just can't guarantee the results of it." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde hovers a moment, listening to the conversation for a few seconds more, then decides to just go ahead and take Thaarin's luggage over to his new lodgings. Maybe even check on Xera's state of mind. Just a check. Then maybe he could ask Master about Thaarin's request. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches Thaarin for another moment before looking to Cayde first. "I'm glad you're doing well." She offers to the young padawan before her attention back to Thaarin. "Like the rest of us I'm worried about Soren. But something I don't think any of you know is that I've been hoping to try and use the vast network that Coruscant might have to see if I can find my parents. And I'm terrified what I might find...or what I'll do depending on what I do find out..." Then she glances to Navi and shakes her head. "You all have so much more important things to worry about than me...my stuff is trivial...and doesn't really affect anyone else. Sometimes makes it hard to share any bit of it openly...especially since the only person who really knows much about my folks is Cayde...but mostly because he helped me remember them." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Eh," Er'gi grunts. "You plan on telling her ... that?" But Jorn might not get a chance to answer. There's that thin rustling sound again. But this time, it's much nearer. He'll be able to see the glint of multiple pairs of lupine eyes not even five meters away, lurking behind some bushes off the left of the path they'd started to clear. Er'gi reaches for his gun, with a grunt. "Har'chaak! If only I'd brought my strills!" He fires into the bushes, and then the glowing eyes vanish. "What? Where'd they go..." -- Well, Xera's in her room, that's for sure, in a pensive state of mind. If he wants to know anything else, he'll have to get closer. Thaarin's expression softens. "I'll talk to him and Rykard. Perhaps the Council will be willing to lend a hand. You deserve to know the truth, at the very least." Then he shoulders his duffel and moves out to the hallway, to follow Cayde. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "He's right. It can be a terrible burden, not knowing who your family are. If I can help at all, I will," Navi says gently to Zetha, hugging her just as gently as she watches Thaarin leave; she'd seen Cayde leave a moment before, but felt no need to call attention to it. If Cayde had wanted his departure to be noticed, he would've spoken up at the time. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "I need t--" Jorn's words are cut off mid-reply. Then Er'Gi, FINALLY, sees the creature. "This is what I've seen," Jorn just states it matter of factly. Then he looks around a bit. "I don't know if they're looking for violence. They've had many advantages and opportunities." and that's what stands out to him. The fact that they haven't when they should have. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha just rolls her eyes as Thaarin departs. Asking for information and then leaving for something better to do. Still, she accepts the hug from Navi. "It's not just that..." The Twi'lek begins. "Cayde helped me find some hidden memories. It wasn't my parents who abandoned me on Teeno...it was a slaver. My...parents are...were...slaves. During a stop on Teeno the slaver left me behind so I wouldn't become trouble. But Teeno doesn't have a lot in the way of resources to check. It was Soren's idea to see what I could find out when we got to Coruscant..." She takes a breath. "And he was supposed to be here to help. But instead I got ten thousand credits and a goodbye." Then she offers Navi a smile - a little more geunuine this time - "Well. You should settle in..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde makes note of Xera's mood, and just begins to go about putting Thaarin's bags on one of the shelves near the now vacated bed. He doesn't try to prod further, but watches for any changes once she notices he's in here. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi doesn't settle down. He still points the gun in the bushes where the multiple pairs of glowing eyes had been just moments ago. "You don't know that," he says sharply to the other Mandalorian. "You don't know hunting like I do, vod. They're stalking us, waiting for the best moment to strike. They won't, as long as we're together." He finally lowers his gun. "We need to catch up with the others," He says, "they might change their minds and decide to risk the odds." He starts down the path again, hurrying along while gathering debris. But Jorn will notice that the path ahead descends into thick fog. Would he still be able to see Er'gi if the fog got any thicker? -- Thaarin notices when Zetha rolls her eyes as he departs. He doesn't comment, though. Instead, he hurries to his room, where Cayde is. Xera's guard immediately comes up when Cayde starts putting Thaarin's belongings on the bed. "What are you doing in here?" she snaps. "He's just helping me," Thaarin says, entering and placing his duffel on the bed. "Cayde, let's give Xera some privacy. We can talk in the kitchenette." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I probably should, yes," Navi agrees softly. She quietly stands and begins putting her things away. "Was Cayde able to help you learn anything about the slavers who had your parents? I know it's been a long time, but if you can find them, you may be able to find where they sold your parents, and the people they sold them to. Unlike most slavers, masters run the gamut of personalities. Hopefully your family was sold to a kind master," she observes. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' <Fog. This isn't good. We should tighten formation.> Jorn tries to get the group to somehow get close to each other. To maintain a tight formation. Er'gi is spooked talking about hunting, stalking, like he doesn't have some of the same lessons himself. His gaze looks around the group to see who may already be in the fog. This is not good! 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Yeah. That's kinda the purpose of going to Coruscant. I can do all that figuring out a lot better there....or so Soren thought. I remember their names, but not the name of the slaver. But I think their names might be enough? I don't know..." Zetha offers this as she settles back in bed and picks up her datapad. "I do hope they had a good life even after losing me...and it helped me understand why they wouldn't come looking. They couldn't..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde was about to explain that he was just helping Thaarin move, since she had asked for a new roommate. But the man beats him to the bunch so he just nods and follows the Chiss man out. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Har'chaak!" Er'gi says from somewhere nearby, ahead in the gloom. "I stopped walking but I can't actually see you, or anyone else anymore," he says. "Jorn? Jorn?!" Indeed, the situation isn't ideal. Even though Jorn has probably stopped altogether or slowed his advancement, the fog is thickening, and spreading. He'll barely be able to make out Er'gi ahead of him, now. -- The tall blue skinned man smiles at Cayde. "We're going to have to work on your testimony a bit more. But later. Zetha mentioned you'd helped her remember her parents. Coruscant will have a plethora of resources, I'm certain, regarding tracking particular persons down, but do you think it would be possible for the Jedi to help, as well?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Let's hope so. Even the data stores on Coruscant don't have every name of every sentient in the galaxy, but there isn't a more complete list anywhere. If the Force is with you, we should find something useful there," Navi observes, finishing with most of her unpacking. Hanging her medical satchel, with its cargo of weapons, over a hook on the outside edge of her bunk, she takes her datapad from her duffel and lies down on the bunk, drawing the covers up to her neck. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn walks into the fog and clears his mind. Pulling out the blade, he focuses then, "Vrr Arrrr," the blade comes to life with a roar. Even when it's focused and held in the wisest of hands, the thing growls when it comes to life. Jorn has to admit, to him it sounds better than the elegance of a light saber.Holding the blade close, he takes a cautious step forward knowing this is one of the times someone has to go through. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I'd appreciate it if you could help me. I wouldn't even know where to begin. Or how..." Zetha offers this and then takes a slow breath. Her datapad contains notes about what she might be testifying on but - again - someone who was supposed to help her with it isn't here. The only connection she has includes the drill that she witnessed a few things on. So she's making sure she keeps those facts straight at least. Still, she's not sure what more to talk about so thus falls a silence between the two new roommates. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares at the floor briefly when the court testimony is mentioned. He isn't exactly looking forward to that, no.     But he shrugs at the mention of the Jedi helping Zetha find her parents. [Maybe...ask master] he signs. That'd be the first person to go to. [But good place to start] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Perhaps it's the fact that Jorn can now no longer see Er'gi. Perhaps it's because he'd take out the saber. Maybe it's a combination of both. Regardless, all of a sudden, three loth wolves materialize out of seemingly nowhere, emerging from the fog and beginning to circle Jorn, growling softly. Their gaze is pinned on the saber. Then, one of them lunges, aiming to bite Jorn's wrist! -- "Thanks," Thaarin says, patting Cayde on the shoulder. "I'll see about that." He's about to go look for Rykard when the ship suddenly lurches. "Sorry about that, folks," Jahni announces over the ship's intercom. "We're stopping to top up on coaxium. The leak drained our reserve. Should be able to get a decent signal, though, if there's any need for communication." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi instinctively grabs the edges of her bunk with both hands as the ship lurches without warning. "What in-..." she murmurs, only to be informed by the intercom that the ship is stopping to refill the coaxium tank. "Hope they took care of the leak... or take care of it before we lift off again," she muses. She looks at Zetha. "Are you okay?" she asks worriedly. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' There's a lunge, but Jorn focuses, taking a step back doing a side slash toward the creature. Just trying to keep himself focuse clear. His mind only focused on the wolves that could be out there. They work in packs and so he expects more than one. Trying to keep himself open to this. For once, the blade probably feels lighter because there's not 1,000,000 thoughts in his head. It's down to four parts of a simple thought: Find the wolf. Strike the wolf. Don't get eaten by the wolf. Survive. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a grab for the edges of her bunk as well and when the captain comes over with that message, she's actually out of bed and heading for the door. "I'm fine...but all we did was contain the leak. If it begins to leak again that'll be bad. I'm going to go see if I can fix the leak before we refill the tank..." And then without another word she's heading out the door and jogging towards the engine room before someone can do something stupid. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods, and then the ship lurches. He manages to keep his balance without grabbing anything. Jedi physical training, and all!     As Zetha starts down toward the engine room, he follows her. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Jorn will hear a cry from Er'gi, but then the sound is suddenly cut off. Well, that doesn't bode well. However, Jorn will have problems of his own. The wolves don't actually seem that interested in ... eating him? They're not going for his neck. Instead, they are snapping at the saber...? The one that attacked him is swiped across the snout by the saber, creating a superficial cauterized cut. It howls, and then the strangest thing happens. It seems to disappear into the ground. Jorn won't have much time to think on it, though. The other two loth wolves renew their attacks, but they don't go for his wrist this time. They aim for his heels. Thaarin notices Zetha heading for the hyperdrive reactor chamber with Cayde in tow and jogs after them. "Zetha, wait! What are you doing? You need to wait for us to actually land before trying to do any work on the leak! It's too dangerous...!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Do you see me actually opening the chamber to do any work? If we land and they decide to begin refilling the tank before the leak is fixed we'll be cooked... best to have someone there to tell them not to be idiots about it is all." Zetha offers this back to Thaarin as she stops at the engine room. "I wasn't born yesterday and it's a good thing the leak was even noticed in the first place. I'm also not fragile...I do this type of stuff for a -living-, remember?" Then she looks to Cayde and smiles. "Anything to not work on our testimonies, right?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn sees them going for the saber. Strange. He'll worry about that factoid later. When the one snaps at the heel, Jorn steps back while sweeping downard. Trying to make contact with the beast as he keeps going. Then he just takes another stance knowing one is still out there. He just focuses like the last two. Waiting, keeping every sense sharp. Everything in the mind just focuses on that very small and simple chain of thoughts. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Hearing Thaarin yelling, Navi sits up in bed. "That sounds bad," she murmurs, kicking off the covers and hurrying into the corridor, half-forgetting that she's still in just her tank top and underwear. She's halfway to the engine room when she hears Zetha's reply to Thaarin. "So it's not an emergency after all?" she calls toward the engine room, slowing to a walk. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde glances back toward Thaarin as he protests Zetha attempting to repair the drive. He taps the Chiss man on the should to get his attention. [I help her] he assures the man. It had worked out quite nicely last time, hadn't it? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The three loth wolves are warded off, but not completely. They linger in the shadows, their glowing eyes peering out from the brush. And then, out of nowhere, the white loth wolf emerges. From the ground. She's a little bigger than the others, but still small, for an actual Loth wolf. She stares directly at Jorn, seeming to look into his soul. And then there's that odd, mild compulsion again. But this time it's not follow. It's Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Sleep... -- "Then why are you running towards the hyperdrive chamber?" Thaarin asks. "There's no need to rush. We land, you fix the leak, and then we'll top up on coaxium." He waves a hand dismissively at Cayde. "No need to be reckless and endanger yourselves needlessly. We'll land, and that way the risk of an explosion will be drastically reduced." He turns to Navi. "No emergency. As long as Zetha and Cayde don't attempt to do anything to the hyperdrive reactor chamber before we land." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Oh. That's good, then. I know Zetha won't do anything stupid with an engine. As long as Cayde listens to her, everything should be fine," Navi says, shrugging slightly. "If anybody needs me, I'll be in my room. Possibly napping or getting dressed." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I didn't ask any of y'all to come running after me. I just wanted to get into the engine room. What if we land and they just started to fill the coaxium? It leaks, no one knows it leaked again, and then we're all dead. What if I just wanted to run? So running to the engine room seemed like the thing to do because of current events." Zetha offers this back to Thaarin, hands on her hips while facing the Chiss man and everything! "Running isn't reckless and I haven't done anything else -except- run to the engine room. You're like ten steps ahead of where you need to be..." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Heeey! What's goin' on back there?" Volken's deep voice rumbles through the area, carrying with it the resonance associated with his size so much so Reza would be forgiven for mistaking the sound from coming from one of her own. But is indeed him, the giant Mandalorian walking back up the path with the remains of a tree slung across one of his massive shoulders and his helmeted head swivelling back and forth as he looks towards Reza and Caine and then past them in search of Jorn and Er'gi. <<What's yer status...>> he rumbles, soundng off towards Er'gi. <<Not stil nervous areyou vod? We gotta get some more bulk on your bones. Make you blaster proof. Like me.>> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Ugh, the testimonies...     Cayde bites back a sigh and just shrugs instead at Zetha's comment.     But then Thaarin keeps insisting they should wait. Okay then. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Everything starts to go hazy for a moment. It would be nice to sleep. To sleep and just forget about everything. To forget about the betrayal. To forget about Revara. Just all of it. So easy to let it all drift into the back as darkness takes him. Jorn feels himself for a moment, but the weight of the blade in his hand causes something to stir. Jorn's grip tightens on the blade and he lets out a cry, as if yelling the sleep away. Holding the blade up, he focuses again. Just waithing for the creature to strike. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Volken will receive no response. Well, the hulking Mandalorian mammoth might find that somewhat concerning. When the seconds stretch into minutes, and there's still no response, and no clear visible sign of the other mammoth man either, Volken might start to wonder if something had happened to him. Jorn manages to escape the mild compulsion. But while he's busy trying to fight it off, the beautiful white Lothwolf makes her move. She leaps forward, agile, full of grace. But she doesn't go for his wrist, or his neck. No, her jaw locks onto his beskar pauldron, and all of a sudden, Jorn will get this out of body sensation. His surroundings suddenly fade to a navy blackness, and even the ground seems to disappear. However, this experience is brief. He'll feel solid, mossy ground beneath his body and wet air around him. The fog is gone. After a moment, he'll get a sense that he's probably still in the Gorge, the environment is telling. But he is not where he had been moments ago. His commlink is all static, and the white wolf is nowhere to be seen. And neither are his comrades. -- "Get some good rest," Thaarin says to Navi. Then he frowns. "That's not going to happen," he says, almost interrupting her. "I'm ten steps ahead of where I need to be? You just made up a problem that isn't going to exist. No one is going to be doing any refueling until the leak is fixed, the captain will make sure of that," he says. Then his brow furrows even more. "Are you mad at me??" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Hey Er'gi - you're not still sore about that bicep measurin' and arm-wrestlin' match are you? C'mon vod. That's not like you!" chides Volken. Er'gi kept complaiing that Volken hadn't been himself so the big man figures he'd give the other bruiser some ribbing. "Er'gi?" he rumbles, quieting a bit when there's no answer. <<Jorn??? Volken drops the tree to the ground and then begins immediately marching back up the path and into the fog. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Yorn slices down, but the wolf goes high. It feels like teeth bite into his skin, but then the beast takes out his soul. For a moment Jorn swears his floating somewhere else feeling it all go. Seconds later he lets out a gasp as he feels the body kick back in. "The Hell." Coms are static, "Great," he grumbles and tries to move forward. Just pushing through it all. Keeping the dark saber up he starts to move just using as a light sword and a means to defend. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's eyes narrow as Thaarin lays into her first about the issue in the engine room, but it's that last question that really sets her off. "Mad at you? Yes, I'm mad at you. I'm mad at Soren. I'm mad that I have to be going to a trial I really don't feel like I need to be a part of. And before you go off on another tangent at me, I'm mad at -you- because you'll stand there and ask what's bothering me and then when I say it you walk away. That's how you've always treated me. You'll stand in the hallway and talk to Navi. You'll have conversations with Cayde. Me? It's almost like unless we're at each other's throats about something I'm not worth the trouble. So yeah. I'm mad at you. Honestly, I'm kinda just mad in general at this point. And terrified. And a whole other bundle of emotions I can't even name because I can't really place them. But either treat me like the friend you claim you want to be with me or stop bothering all together, alright? And for kriff's sake let me focus on ONE THING that has NOTHING to do with all the shit currently running through my head so maybe -maybe- I can give my brain a bit of a break. Please." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde once again finds himself an observer to a...heated conversation, as Thaarin and Zetha start arguing like a married couple. It may look awkward, but it's not really awkward to him, as he's grown so accustomed to it. He glances over toward the engine room, then glances between the two of them. Maybe, he was just concerned she'd get hurt. But the padawan wouldn't let that happen now would he?     And now Zetha goes on a tirade. Still, he wishes he were that good at talking about his feelings. He puts a hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her down. Maybe she'll find leads about her parents on Coruscant. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Chiss man's eyes burn a shade of scarlet Zetha will have never seen before. He stands just a tiny bit taller, but the movement is subtle, and unconscious. If looks could kill, Zetha would be ash. "So is that how you wish to treat me, then? Berate me, for actively problem solving one of -your- pressing issues? I went to go speak with the Jedi on your behalf, so that the chances you find out anything at all about your parents would be greatly increased," he says in quiet anger. His chin lifts ever so slightly. "I can never do right by you, can I? I leave you alone, and you demand my attention. I attempt to assist you, and you accuse me of discarding you at exactly the wrong moment. If you're so damned independent, then why didn't you just say so? I would have left you alone the moment I set foot outside the scrapyard for the first time." He isn't yelling, he'd never yelled, ever, even if Zetha might like to tell herself that he has. His body language isn't even aggressive. But it's obvious, he's furious. He turns on his heel to leave, silently, his aura stiff and brooding. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha should probably just let Thaarin walk away, cool down, get over it...but that's not really how she's ever done things. In fact, she'll reach out to gently grab Thaarin by the arm to try and keep him from walking away. "You asked...what am I supposed to do? Lie? Or were you more looking for me to avoid the question altogether? And you didn't tell me anything. You had asked me a question, I answered, and then you walked away. It's really hard to know you're singing a different tune when you don't change the lyrics..." Then she sort of remembers herself and she pulls her hand away. "I'm sorry you're angry...but I'm not apologizing for what I said or how I feel. A lot has happened in the little time we've been on this ship and all I'm doing is dropping pieces of my heart that keep falling when I try to pick up the other bits. You want to walk away, fine...hell, maybe it's for the best..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He lets her, but she'll be able to feel that there's some resistance there. His brows remain furrowed, and his expression mostly unreadable as he studies her intently. "When have I ever done less than what's best for your well being, even if you couldn't differentiate what you needed from what you wanted, at times?" he asks. He lets that question hang in the air for a moment, then jerks his hand away. "Collect yourself, Zetha. You're not making any damn sense and you know it. Then come find me, when you're ready to give an actual apology." He starts walking away, then. Now that they've dropped out of hyperspace, her commlink is blinking with a thousand and one unread messages. Likely all from Crane and her mother. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' There's a narrowing of eyes as he walks away and Zetha takes a moment before huffing out a breath. She can't really reply to Thaarin as he's sulking off and she's not going to be apologizing anytime soon so the distraction of her commlink is a welcomed one. Though she'll turn and walk into the engine room to find a spot in a corner where she can sit and read through the messages... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' There are a lot messages from both Crane and mother, indeed. They're just the typical 'I miss you', 'Take care of yourself!', 'Tell me when you see this' kinds of messages. But then there's one that might catch her eye. It's from the Baron. |I know. I think we may be able to find him. I have a few ideas. Call me when you can.| 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' A moment is taken to message Crane <<Hey love. We're stopping off for a refill so I have a moment outside hyperspace. I miss you. I love you.>> and then to Wiis <<Hi mom. I'm fine. I miss you. How're you? How's Twozee? Take care of yourself.>> Then she stares at the message from the Baron, takes a slow breath, and uses the opportunity to actually give him a call. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The moment she starts pinging the Baron, another text transmission will come in from Crane, <Call me? <333> Maybe she's considering hanging up to actually call Crane, but then the Baron actually answers. "Hello, Zetha." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Hi Caine. You...left a pretty cryptic message. What do you know and who are you finding? And why are you telling me since I'm no where near a position to be able to help?" She offers this, though a part of her does want to tell the Baron she'll call him back so she can talk to Crane. Maybe this call will be short and sweet. Ish. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "My dear, you know precisely who I'm talking about. No doubt, by now, his absence has consumed your mind." "He was at the Temple, wasn't he? I was conscious when he looked into my temporary hab shelter. Just barely, but I was able hear some of your conversation. Not enough to immediately recognize anyone, but later, it all made sense. Who else would ask you to give me medical attention?" He chuckles softly. "I beg to differ. I'm expected to find a man I've never formally met and know next to nothing about. How shall I know a lead, if I see one?" There's a slight pause, and then he continues. "I know what I'm about to ask you to do might be particularly difficult, given the timing and the circumstances. But I do your need your insight, if we're to be given the best chances of actually finding him." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I don't recall asking you to find anyone for me..." Zetha almost hisses into the commlink before she gives a sigh. "Look, I'm not going to let you toy with me. Get to the point or leave me alone..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He doesn't seem bothered by the acidity of her tone. "You saved me," he says tenderly, his voice barely audible. "A Mandalorian does not forget, vor entye." "Now," he continues softly. "would you like for me to look for the doctor? There were a great many things in the laboratory that someone like him may have been interested in. But I don't know him like you do." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I..." Zetha stops herself. Soren doesn't want to be found, but people want to find him. Cayde mentioned giving up. Zetha hasn't...she just... "Yes. But I don't know much. He didn't tell me anything practically. Just took the way in you provided and left...but I...I think he was looking for a cure. For a woman. Someone he cares for deeply." She'll try hard not to go into much further detail than that. "What does that mean? Vor In-Tie...I don't speak Mando'a..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron says nothing while Zetha sorts herself. Instead, he just watches her attentively, his true expression masked by his beskar helmet. "I understand," he says, "It's what I would have done -- well, it's what I did. I didn't want to be found. Unfortunately, that didn't work out very well for me." "Tell me," he says, "do you know if the doctor was married? Or had siblings? Parents?" He pauses. "I don't mean to pry. But what I'm trying to do here is form some kind of profile. This will help me identify leads, or form logical conclusions based on what little we do know of him, that may in turn, with a bit of luck, help us find him and understand why it is he left the way he did." "The Arkanians were experimenting with and on a wide variety of creatures, both large and small. And when I say small, I mean that some of them were... microscopic. Amoebas, paramecia, euglena, bacteria, and even viruses of all sorts. They were hoping to make some kind breakthrough within the medical field, by pushing the boundaries of what most medical professionals and researchers would consider... safe." He chuckles softly again, seeming charmed. "It's literal definition is 'I accept a debt.' But culturally, it has more weight. When someone saves your life, you are traditionally bound to them until you can repay the favor in some way. But many Mandalorians choose to swear fealty to those they owed their lives to, allowing themselves to take on a life debt." "Would you ... like to learn Mando'a?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I've learned recently from a credible source that the doctor is, indeed, married. And his wife...is sick. The going theory is that he wanted into the lab to...help her? Save her? Details get fuzzy." Zetha offers and then watches him for a moment longer. "If you're referring to that moment in the temple...that wasn't anything special. A shit job at stitching at best." If he considers anything else she's done as her saving him...she's not even aware of it that way. "And you're just considering repaying whatever favor you feel you owe, right? I mean, there'd have been a bigger conversation if you were taking on a life debt or something....right?" Then she smiles, actually smiles, and nods a little. "Actually, I think I would...like to learn Mando'a...." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "..." The Baron pauses pensively. His expression is obscured, but his body language doesn't bode well. That might cause Zetha some anxiety. "How desperate would you wager he is?" he asks suddenly. This may cause Zetha to feel a vague sense of foreboding. The Baron suddenly laughs. He seems very amused by her comment. "Are you asking me to marry you?" Another chuckle. "Forgive me. But to answer your question, no, actually. At that point those conversations would have happened, long ago, as Mandalorians often become betrothed after being asked if they're deciding to commit to a life debt. Well, given that the answer is 'yes,' and the relational context makes sense. It's a very old fashioned way to propose, actually. Used primarily during what you would have known as the Old Republic, and now it isn't as common, but many romantics are very fond of the tradition." The Baron then holds up his hands and makes a series of somewhat complex hand gestures. "That's 'You are family,' in Mando'a sign," he says softly, "Cayde knows it." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "With the way he was acting...I would say pretty kriffing desperate..." Zetha offers to the Baron after a moment. "The way he was talking...I would almost wager you're not going to find him alive...if you find him at all..." Then the laughter comes, and after that the long explanation to what a life debt actually means. Zetha's cheek go very purple and then she shakes her head some. "I...you know that's not..." She stammers and then tries to compose herself. "Seems like a slightly outdated way of doing things..." She offers this much more and then watches his hands as they move, trying to keep up with them. "I might have to practice with Cayde. Anyway. I have another call I should make while I have the time before we jump back into hyperspace...." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, I'd assume he's an intelligent man and knows the risks of venturing into the Gorge alone. It's an extremely dangerous place, even for three Mandalorians and a Jedi," he says. "But what he doesn't know is what lies ahead. I just remembered something the Arkanians told me just before they disappeared. One of the stated reasons why they'd not yet achieved the results they were hoping for is because they were lacking a willing test subject. They couldn't just kidnap anyone from the colony or Kublop, too much stress was a factor they weren't willing to introduce in their experiments." "I fear that if he does not succumb to the dangers of the Gorge, and somehow manages to survive the ordeal... he may come back irreparably changed." He laughs softly again, and leans forward, studying Zetha even more intently. "Do I?" he says, his tone bordering on sultry. There's another pause. "Listen, I know that of late, fate hasn't been kind to you and your time on Tenoo has been tumultuous, to say the least. I know how that feels. My time here has been memorable in the worst way, too. But that time I met you at the gravball club and you let me kiss you in the moonlight ... that was happiest moment I'd had in a long time, and it was certainly the most beautiful I'd had since having arrived on Tenoo." "... alright, then. I.. won't take any more of your time. But if anything regarding the doctor comes up, I'll let you know as soon as I can." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Soren's wife is sick...was sick...I don't know if she's still alive. I'm almost certain that's what was taking him to the lab...was her. I don't know if that will help and if anyone asks...you didn't hear that from me." Zetha offers this to the Baron and then she flushes. "Yes well...please do keep in touch. I'll speak to you soon." Then she ends the call with the Baron and takes a few breaths. Her next call, should she manage to make it, goes to Crane. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron listens intently, perhaps too intently. He nods, leaning towards her a little just before she hangs up. Zetha probably shouldn't think about that too deeply. Crane answers halfway through the first page. He seems excited to see her. "Zetha!" he says. "How is everything so far?" Meanwhile, they might all be wondering why they're not planetside yet. No updates from the cockpit... yet, anyway. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Truthfully? Things are pretty awful...but I think they'll be getting okayish soon..." Zetha offers to Crane. She's sitting in a corner of the engine room so she's not disturbing anyone with her calls. "How are you? I miss you...I really..really wish I wasn't on this ship right now." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Small ships like this were never great for Cayde. Or really, any close quarters. Especially with all of these tumultuous emotions about. At least they are planning a pit stop, but why haven't they landed yet? They've been orbiting the station for hours by now. Or at least it felt like it.     At some point, Cayde comes down into the engine room where Zetha is on the holocall with Crane, standing there awkwardly for a second or two before turning to leave and head back up to the cockpit to see what the hold up was. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh," Crane says compassionately, "what happened?" "I'm sorry," he says when she says she wishes she weren't on the ship. "I'm sure you'll feel better about it once you get to Coruscant?" he offers. "I hope everyone else is doing alright." At that moment Cayde enters, and then leaves after a couple of awkward seconds of silence. Crane tries to wave to him briefly, but is ignored. Yvon and Jahni are discussing something in Ugnaught when Cayde arrives. They don't notice him, but they're still in their respective spots - Yvon at the navigator console, and Jahni at the helm. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Well. Someone thought it would be a really funny idea to put me and Thaarin in the same room. And I maybe pushed his buttons a little too much..." Zetha begins and then she offers a few details on the few times the two have argued. "And then Xera decided she didn't want Navi in her room anymore and demanded Navi switch rooms with Thaarin. So now Thaarin's mad at me, Navi's my new roommate, and I really don't like being on a small ship with all this shit going on..." Did she notice Cayde enter and leave? Probably not. Which she may feel guilty about later. "How are you? How are things back home? Has Wiis gone crazy yet?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde approaches and stands there for a moment, waiting to see if they will notice him, but if not, he approaches and taps Jahni on the shoulder, trying to get the Ugnaught's attention. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Crane listens to her, listening patiently. "Well, at least Navi's a good roommate, right?" When she mentions Thaarin being mad at her, he pauses. "Well, why don't you just apologize to him?" he says. A beat. "Unless.. it's more complicated than that. Sorry. I just want you to feel better." "Everything's okay, I guess. I haven't spoken to Wiis. I think she's fine, though. Listen, I hope you won't be mad at me for this, but I told Volken to go look for the doctor. He said he would keep an eye out for him..." "No," Jahni says, immediately waving dismissively at Cayde. "Questions are -not- permitted right now. Go sit down and be patient. Yes, we will land. That's all." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I will. Apologize I mean. After I give him some time to cool down." Zetha offers this and then shrugs. Of course it's more complicated but she's saving that conversation for being face to face physically with Crane. "I'm not mad. Caine's got a hunch about how to find Soren too. I was just talking to him...cause he messaged me to call him while we were in hyperspace and I was calling him right when you asked me to call you... I don't really like being popular... when I come back to Teeno I just wanna live in the junkyard and be with you. That's all..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [But when...] Cayde signs, but they probably aren't even looking at him. He sighs, his gaze wandering over to the controls. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You were?" Crane says, blinking. A flicker of uncertainty crosses his expression but then disappears. "Oh, well, that's good. What did he say? Volken and Caine aren't exactly on speaking terms so it might be best if I tell Volken myself." "It's just a few weeks right? I'm sure the time will pass quickly." Well Jahni isn't anymore, but Yvon is making shooing motions at him. "You're not allowed in here," the Ugnaught navigator tells him, "until further notice." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha frowns as she spies that flicker in his expression and then takes a slow breath. "He said something about the Arkanians not being able to just kidnap anyone to do their experiments on. They'd need someone more like a willing participant or who might not trace back to anyone...and I know that Soren's married...and his wife is very sick..." Putting two and two together shouldn't be hard. "Crane...there's something else I haven't been able to tell you..." And this is where Zetha very likely hits the nuclear option on her life. She explains to Crane what happened in the Jedi temple, what Caine had discussed with her and how she had every intention to tell him - Crane - but then everything else happened so fast and then she was off to Coruscant. "But I can't hold it all in...it's part of why I'm so miserable..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     When Yvon starts to shoo him, Cayde frowns. What was going on here? Why wouldn't they tell him? But it was so hard to focus, with how many loud minds were around every corner on this ship.     [Why] he asks then, refusing to leave. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Crane listens to her intentionally. He seems to be scrutinizing her every body movement, every facial expression as she speaks. "What?" he says, brows furrowing mildly, "you know that could be really bad. This is concerning, and I don't know what to do." There's a pregnant pause. "I really have no idea. I'm sorry." "I still love you. But maybe you should tell Cayde?" "You're not driving the damn ship!" Jahni suddenly interjects. "Yes, I saw you looking at the controls. Get out of here! The answer is no. Now, git!' 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I love you, too." Which surprises Zetha because she really thought that was going to go so south so quickly. "I think Cayde knows? Wait. Which part am I telling Cayde? The part about the Baron?" She's been flipping through a few subjects and apparently can't keep up with herself. "Honestly I feel like I should check on Cayde soon. I want to see how he's doing. And I need to apologize to Thaarin. And I really want to come home. I miss you. I love you." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Why do we not land yet] Cayde asks, an exasperated breath escaping him. He didn't even say he wanted to fly the ship yet!     He really needs a break... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' But he doesn't look her in the eyes when she reciprocates. "Everything," he finally says, "he's going to know anyway, and he helped you before with your parents, didn't he? Besides, he deserves to know what might happen to the doctor, too." "I'm going to go now," he says quietly, "I... I think Coruscant and your time away will be good for you. Message me when you get there, okay?" And then the line goes dead. "There is a problem with the shields," Jahni explains, looking annoyed. "They're not at full power, for some reason. Technical glitch, probably. We're trying to decide whether it would be safe to penetrate the atmosphere with our shields at 85 percent." Yvon then starts saying something in Ugnaught, and their heated conversation continues. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' When the line goes dead before Zetha can respond there's a pang in her chest that doesn't feel good. She'll send a message to Cayde. <<Come to the engine room? I've got ration bars.>> And then she sets her commlink to the side. Time away isn't good. It's horrible and dumb and she just wants to go home. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Finally, Jahni explains to him what is going on. Why had that been so difficult? Cayde sighs deeply. [Fine...] he signs, then his commlink goes off. He looks down at it, then starts to head down to the engine room. That had been the next plan anyway, to attempt to calm Zetha down, since a lot of the...chaos...was coming from her. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Funny that Cayde should be looking at his commlink. He'll realize that he has a lot of unread messages. Some of them are really old, ones he hasn't read from months ago. But there are lot of recent messages too, from Crane, Vons, and yes, also the Baron. Oh yes, and Zetha's is there too. He'll be just outside the engine room when Rykard and Thaarin approach. "Ah yes, Cayde. Where's Zetha?" Rykard says to the young padawan. "Thaarin and I were just speaking about the situation regarding her parents, and we are thinking of reaching out to the Council on her behalf." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is just sitting in the engine room, with her backpack, waiting on Cayde. Not realizing she's about to be in the audience of one who currently is mad at her and another who barely knows her. Plus Cayde who wants to calm her down. Like that's going to happen... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde glances at some of the messages, but he doesn't really read them all. There's just too many, anyway. Besides, Vons seems to be very angry with him, as usual.     [Engine room] he signs in reply to his master's question. [Good she is pleased] he remarks when they seem to be on board with asking the Council for help on her behalf. Then he heads down into the engine room and approaches the Twi'lek girl, carefully attempting to extend his mind into hers just a little, with what is hopefully a reassuring and calming presence. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Ah, perfect," Rykard says, and follows his young padawan into the engine room. Thaarin seems mildly exasperated. "Cayde, what did I tell you about present and simple future tense? They're not interchangeable... I thought you would have remembered..." And then all three of them have arrived. Thaarin's expression is unreadable. Is he still mad at her? Probably, but he's not showing it right now. "Zetha," Rykard says, folding his hands into opposing sleeves sagely, "I hear you are hoping to learn more about your parents while on Coruscant?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha looks up and over, and while it may take a few times, something seems to settle in her mind until she sees that Cayde is accompanied by two other people. She's not apologizing to Thaarin at this particular moment. She also won't tell Cayde about the Baron and Soren. Instead she focuses on Rykard and the question he presents her. "Yes, that's right...I figured I may have enough information I could find out where they are...if they are anywhere..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns at Thaarin. [I remember] he insists. But that is all the explanation given.     It...took a few tries. And the padawan has a slight headache now but at least it eventually worked. Somewhat.     He looks to his master once Rykard begins to broach the topic of Zetha's parents. Oh, yes good news. She would be happy about this right? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin's brow arches slightly in skepticism at Cayde but he doesn't say anything when Cayde insists he remembered. "I see. Thaarin told me as much, and the Council has connections to people and organizations that may be willing to help," the elder Jedi Master says to Zetha. "I've a few matters to bring up with them, but Cayde will represent your interests to them at a separate time while we're on Coruscant," he says, nodding at Cayde. Wait did that mean Cayde would be presenting to the Council... by himself? This might be unwelcome news for the young padawan. The ship then suddenly lurches. It would seem their navigator and pilot have either figured out the shield problem or decided it's fine to enter the atmosphere. "Ah," Rykard says, "we're going planetside, it seems. I must oversee our landing and reception. I'll see you all soon," he continues with a nod, and then exits the engine room. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     It definitely makes him nervous, but it doesn't come as a surprise to Cayde. His master just wants him to learn, that's all...anyway how else will he do that? Still...he gulps and tries to push down that rising knot in his stomach, and nods instead.     Then it seems that the Ugnaughts have finally come to some kind of agreement about the shields or figured a way to fix them. He looks back to Zetha. [We find your parents] he signs, patting her on the shoulder. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks as Rykard drops the news that Cayde will be representing her interests with the Council. Like the Jedi Council? That's a new one. Then the ship lurks and Rykard is leaving. He seems to do that a lot. Drop bombs and walk away. There's a silent moment that passes before she stands. "If you're not comfortable doing that, Cayde, please don't feel obligated to. I could likely manage figuring things out on my own." She offers before looking over to Thaarin. "Thaarin. I'm sorry. Really I am. And we'll keep it at that, because I really would like us to manage being friends. And Cayde...I need to tell you some things...if you have a moment to listen." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You're not surprised," Thaarin says to Cayde, "because you knew you had that coming. Perhaps if you were better at putting simple future tense versus present into practice, Rykard wouldn't have thought to put you through such an exercise." He sighs, then his expression softens. "Look, it's alright. I'll go with you, and I'll help you draw up a script." It's more homework on top of writing his testimony for court, but well, this is all going to help him get better, right? He looks to Zetha with an almost imperceptible nod. "Apology accepted," he says, "but Cayde does need this. And you need to accept that you don't always have to be so independent," he continues, his tone softer now. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs, shaking his head when Zetha says he doesn't have to do this. No, he does need to. [Is right] he signs, looking over to Thaarin. There is a subtle [...okay] when the Chiss man offers to help him with yet more homework. He wasn't even close to being done with the court testimony.     He nods when Zetha says she has something to tell him. [I can listen] he replies. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' At least the wording was independent and not selfish. Zetha blinks and then gives a nod of her head. "You're right. I...I would appreciate it...and you're likely the best for making the case. If you need anything from me let me know." No argument, no talking back. She sounds sad though, despite the calm Cayde made her feel. Calm is one thing, sad is another. She's just not...spiraling. Which is probably also a good thing. So, Zetha spills everything. From what happened with the Baron Caine at the Jedi Temple, the last time she saw Soren, how what Cayde told her regarding Soren can likely change how Soren is found. That Crane asked Volken to keep an eye out for Soren but Caine is also going to look for Soren and she even includes how she told Crane...everything...and how that call ended. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin is about to exit, but then he thinks better of it and decides to stay, since Zetha hadn't asked him to leave. So instead, he turns slowly and seats himself on a conveniently protruding cooling pipe, legs crossed, arms folded. His brows furrow slightly, but he doesn't comment. Not yet, anyway. He looks to Cayde expectantly. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde studies her expression, searching her mind carefully. Why was she sad? [Are you okay] he asks, even though he knows she isn't, but he was looking for the whys.     He listens to Zetha's story, nodding every so often. He'd suspected it had something to do with his mother. But it was encouraging to know he wasn't the only one who hadn't given up on Soren. [We find him] he signs. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "No. I'm not okay." Zetha says to Cayde first. "I believe we'll find him too..." This is offered next and then she glances over to Thaarin who has helped himself to sitting on a pipe. "Anyway. We'll probably be needing to work on the leak soon so..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "..." Thaarin watches Zetha, and then looks over at Cayde. The padawan isn't the greatest at comforting and Zetha always defaults to closed book, so that goes over about as well as he'd expected it would. "We'll find him," Thaarin reassures Zetha, "but I'd warn you to be careful. None of the Mandalorians can be trusted. They've lied and manipulated before, and so far there isn't much evidence to form an argument for as to why they wouldn't, again." Then there's a slight bump, and the hiss of the gangplank being let down. "But for now, yes, there's a leak to fix. I'll go check with the captain to make sure everything's shut off so you can begin work," he says to Zetha. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [If they help then they help] Cayde points out when Thaarin warns the Mandalorians can't be trusted.     But now it seems they have finally landed, and the padawan is very much eager for a break from being cramped in that ship with everyone so he quickly turns to head toward the docks. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The crew aboard the ship heading to Coruscant will finally find themselves planetside, with a few DUM series droids supposedly on their way to put the ship's fuel tanks at 100 percent. Zetha would have likely been tasked with finding a local vendor who could sell them some coaxium for a reasonable price, after fixing the leak in the hyperdrive reaction chamber. And well, Cayde probably didn't even get to receive any instruction from Rykard - he'd skipped the ship as soon as they'd landed in the port. Navi will probably find herself roused from her nap by the bump that had occurred when they'd set down. Meanwhile, Jorn will find himself alone somewhere wet and damp. The lothwolf he'd seen earlier having vanished, he'll probably have come to a realization that he is not, in fact, dead. Just lost. Measuring from how far up the tree tops appear from where he is, he'll likely be able to gauge that somehow he'd ended up deeper in the Gorge. The fog is thick here, too, and the saber, at his side, seems to be in an uneasy mood. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn pushes himself deeper into the Gorge. Breathing low, keeping himself low. He'll try to look toward the ground try to find one of a few things. Either a trail by the beast that struck him, or a common traveled path. That's the hope at least. As he looks about, one hand stays near the dark saber. The other slowly takes a feel at inventory. Particularly looking over his person for one the communicators that isn't his. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Jostled awake by the ship's landing, Navi rises and takes a few minutes in the refresher, particularly in its ionic shower, to make herself presentable, before changing into fresh clothes. "This feels a little odd after so long," she murmurs, belting shut her Brotherhood robe that had lain unused in the bottom of her duffel for over a year. She makes her way to the cockpit to speak to the Ugnaught brothers. "Nice landing. What planet are we on?" she asks politely. "How long will we be on-world?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha will depart from the ship and make her way to where some of the vendors are. She'll look for someone who might be the best to speak with, keeping in mind that some races are a bit more hard than others to bargain with. Never the less, she'll make sure she finds the best price and walks up to one of the vendors in order to srike up a conversation about what they need. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     As soon as the ship touches down, Cayde will hurry out into the port, eager for a break from such close quarters. He'll look for anywhere not terribly crowded, probably a rooftop away from the center of town. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, Jorn didn't drop the comms unit, so that's good. There's no visible trail left by the lothwolves, which is odd, given that the vegetation is so dense, any creature or being passing through it would have at least broken some leaves. How strange. There's no path down here, either. Where Jorn is, it would seem no man has gone before. Up ahead he'll espy a glade. With the fog and all, he'll barely be able to make out what looks like the silhouette of a makeshift camp. "Cerea," their pilot grunts. "Probably less than twenty four hours. If you wanna stretch your legs, hurry up about it. We ain't trying to stay here a long time." Thaarin hurries after Zetha. "Wait," he tells her, "you're not to spend your own money on the coaxium," he says, then hands her a credit chip. "We'll bill the Republic." He looks mildly distracted, though, and concerned. "... did you happen to see which way Cayde went?" Unfortunately for Cayde, they've actually stopped at trade hub. It's busy, crowded, and kind of stinky. He'll have to travel pretty far to get away from ... everyone. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thanks for the heads-up. I won't wander too far from the ship," Navi replies, offering them a wave over her shoulder as she moves to disembark. The area around the spaceport seems to be very busy, so she takes a firm hold on her medic's satchel and starts walking, getting a look at the market and taking in the lay of the land. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn contemplates a few things as he pushes forward. He doesn't stop -at- the glade. Just a little ways behind it. Honestly, Jorn suspect something big to be residing in the water. So, close enough to be defensive about it, without getting eaten by surprise. Yet, far enough to observe from a distance. He'll pull out the brother's communicator and determine if this thing has a signal blocker. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     If Cayde has to go a bit far, then he will. He slips into an alley and then climb up onto the roof, then Force leap across them until he's reached a quieter residential sector of the town. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha takes the credit chip from Thaarin. "Sounds good." She notes his distraction and his other question. "Sorry. Didn't see Cayde. Wasn't really paying attention either to be honest. He's probably somewhere not so crowded." Then she pockets the chip and turns to leave. "Hope you find him." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi will espy Taryn and Xera walking arm in arm at the market. Taryn is wearing a bland expression, but Xera seems pleased. This could be a bad omen, or perhaps a helpful one -- she'd been heads down planning -something- when Navi had been kicked unceremoniously from the room. The two of them are headed a ritzy looking bar brimming full of aristocrats, bureacrats, perhaps even autocrats. It's the kind of place that charges fifty credits for a glass of water in a chalice carved from fire rubies from Lothal, and it doesn't look like the kind of place someone like Xera would take Taryn to for a date - there's no couples, only serious faced individuals wearing suits talking quietly over expensive bottles of Chandrilan wine. So far, nothing in the water. So far, anyway. Once Jorn's closer to the glade, he'll be able to see a few more details. It might have been a camp, once upon a time. It's definitely in shambles now - and Jorn will even notice that there's the barest remnants of what looks like bodies lying under the trees. Nothing remains, really, but some of their armor and belongings glint in the fog. There's also something else in the run down campsite - it's too foggy to make out details, but there's another glint there - more metal, neatly assembled in a pile. Thaarin sighs, sounding tired. "Yes, thank you," he says, "Let me know if you see him." He then looks around, searching for any route towards an area that's not densely populated. Cayde will find himself in a gated community. The people who lived here must have been rich - there's pools, hedge mazes, fancy gazebos. From his vantage point, he'll be able to see there's some kind of private gathering of maybe five to seven happening in someone's backyard. They're serving Core World food - the kind Cayde probably hasn't eaten in.. well, probably over a year. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     The food is tempting, yes. But, it wouldn't be polite to just barge in to a private gathering or try to steal any food. Anyway, this area was at least quieter and much less crowded, so he will be content to settle himself in one of those gazebos and continue working on preparing his court testimony, or his notes for the presentation to the Council about Zetha's parents if he gets bored of that. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "An up-market business bar that practically charges you for the air you breathe? Clearly you're not on a date... oh-ho-/hooooo/! Shady business dealings on a random repair stop? Why Xera, you loth-tigress, you!" Navi murmurs dramatically and sarcastically, watching Taryn and Xera approach the decidedly overpriced bar. She pauses for a moment, then follows them inside at a discreet distance. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha isn't really in the mood to deal with Thaarin or the search for Cayde since she's trying to get coaxium for the ship. So she'll leave Thaarin to search for Cayde and head over to where she spies a few several junkyards within the market. These are sort of out of the way areas closer to the shipyard than not and again her eyes scan for someone who might seem worth bargaining with. All while sending a message to Crane to check in on him and see if he's okay. If he decides to reply at all. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn thinks of how he is on the defensive right now. Something in him snaps a little bit. Nothing destructive. Not like before, but he definitely wnats to change tactics on one situation. Turning on the communicator, Jorn will record a message. Letting the communicator capture his helmet, he'll speak in Mandoa. <"You really should check what the Baron has been up to for the last three to nine months. And you thought my false sins were bad. You'd be really surprised what interesting company will shed to light on someone else's actual sins."> Then to make his point he attaches the previous video he made. The one with himself and the Baron's brother. The ransom video. It's a sign that he's heard some interesting things. Also, that despite a lot of -really- good efforts, he's still very much alive. From there, Jorn will set up the head to every Mandalorian head on Mandoa, Revara, and a few of the people under Duke save from the Baron. The Baron made Jorn's life chaotic. It's time a favor is returned ten-fold. Similarly, some people may see a change in Jorn. The things he's done to survive. To shed light on the truths a full planet's worth of people Jorn's eyes narrow over the lack of signal. He'll save the message, power down the communicator. There's mental notes to check the signal later, when he's on a different spot on the planet. After the thing is powered down, his attention goes to the gleaming bits of armor. That wrecked campsite and everything thing else. Quietly, Jorn will work his way -around- the glade trying to stay silent. Knowing something probably caused the armor to be here rather than to still be on someone's back. And so, he moves quietly toward the remains this way. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Cayde will probably have just started either his testimony or the script for when he has to present about Zetha's parents, when it will become apparent to him that one of the rich party goers, a massive Dowutin, the biggest he's likely ever seen in his life, is walking distractedly towards the pool, unknowingly. He seems somewhat stressed, and is talking to someone via a communicator, not paying attention to where he's going... Navi will be met with some resistance. Once she's inside, the hostess will approach her. "Do you have a reservation?" she asks, looking Navi over in a rather judgmental fashion. "Also, there's a dress code here. Formal only." No response from Crane. That will probably increase the bad feeling she has in her gut, but at least Zetha has a different task to focus on... for now. There's an alleyway full of junk traders just up ahead - likely she'll find something reasonable there. However, the lobby at the first place she stops at is rather full. Jorn might be relieved to notice that the remains are remains because of time. These fellows, whoever they might have been, must have died a very long time ago -- there's not even a corpse left, just rusted armor, and personal affections that look like they might have dated back to the old Republic. That tiny pile of metal glinting in the fog, he'll be able to now identify as a pile of light sabers. Those too, look ancient. Suddenly, he'll get another sense of wrongness. The saber didn't like being here. There's no way to explain it, but Jorn is familiar with these feelings by now. The sabers, though clearly ancient, must have been moved recently. They look too clean to have just been sitting here for decades, perhaps centuries. And Jorn will notice that some of the detritus here had been disturbed, recently. By something quadrupedal. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' A busy lobby means high demand. High demand could mean higher prices. So Zetha will actually move down the alley to find somewhere that has less people. Perhaps a place that looks almost ready to shut down - that could make a person willing to do a deal. The fact that Crane doesn't respond does sort of hit her in the gut, but she's managing focusing on her task at hand and when she finds an empty yard she'll walk in to see if she can find someone working there. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi takes a donations can from her satchel and holds it in front of her expectantly. "I'm not a customer, Ma'am... I am Navi, a Novice of the Shining Brotherhood. We are a charitable organization dedicated to doing good works for the less fortunate, as per the will of the Living Force. I was wondering if you or your manager would be interested in making a donation? We accept hard currency and credits, and all donations can be deducted from your taxes," she says politely. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn sees the rusted out armor. The age of it, plus the age of the rust stains. The gleaming metal objects are there and he senses the blade. Part of him wants to take a light saber, but he refrains. Just in case though, he will grab the darksaber. The blade growls as it comes to life again. That black blade jutting forward as he wields it. Slowly, he tries to back off a little bit. His mind clear, despite all the uncertainty. He's thinking more on survival and nothing else. The blade is a bit lighter compared to those first uses still. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh, that large Dowutin is going to fall into the pool. Or might come close to doing so, and that would surely spoil the party. Cayde moves over to the doorway of the gazebo and peers out, watching the man as he paces back and forth. If he comes too close to the pool, he'll reach out with the Force ever so gently, and hold him back just enough to prevent a fall into the water... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' No one at the desk, but Zetha will see that there's a singular woman there, sitting in the lobby alone. Something about her will immediately strike Zetha as extremely familiar. Blonde hair, blue eyes, fair skin. She doesn't look terribly well, either. Her arms look too skinny to be considered healthy, and her face is paler than the rest of her. Dark circles have formed under her eyes, and she looks utterly fragile. She's all alone, and seems tired and sad. The hostess seems wholly unimpressed. "We've already done up our taxes for this year," she says, "all the deductions our manager is getting this year, well he'll be receiving. We're not going to redo just for you. Now, if you don't have a reservation or proper attire, please be going. This establishment doesn't take walk ins or charity cases." Navi will be able to see that Xera and Taryn are being taken to be seated at a balcony on the upper floors, though. Perhaps she can find a way to watch from outside. The temptation is great, indeed. There's some kind of raw compulsion that Jorn won't be able to explain, coming from those sabers. It's not immense, but Jorn will at least find it hard to look away. But then he'll be presented with a new problem - the lothwolves! They're back. And they don't seem happy. "AAAH!" The Dowutin yells loudly. Cayde prevents him, alright. Now, startled, he slips, falling onto his back. The communicator slips from his fingers. Sploosh! It lands in the pool. Several others look up, brows furrowed. One of them spots Cayde. "Hey! What are you doing here?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn figures that the lightsabers, really tempting they are, may be an illusion. Seeing the wolves here reinforces that thought a little bit. He holds himself still. Just waiting for one to lunch so he can sidestep and strike at one. Just trying to cut them down. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I see. Thank you for your time, Ma'am. And just in case you want to donate in time for next year's taxes, I will leave you one of our cards. Please make sure that your manager receives it, so we may continue our good works," Navi replies, bowing and passing over a business card before departing. She crosses the street and watches for Xera and Taryn to appear on their balcony, looking around for convenient rooftops or other locations where she could eavesdrop without being seen. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches the woman sitting in the lobby alone and tilts her head to one side while her lekku twitch. "Uhm... excuse me? Do...do you work here? And perhaps more importantly...are you alright?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs when the communicator falls into the water. He really tried to catch it, but it just happened so fast. Still, he does his best to pull it out of the water quickly. Maybe that way, it wouldn't be completely unsalvageable. It flies into his hand, and he tries to shake the water out of it before handing it back to the massive Dowutin man. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' And lunge they do. It's never for his neck, or leg, or any part of him that might actually significantly cripple him. They always go for his wrist, the one attached to the hand carrying the saber. There's three of them, the largest one goes for the wrist carrying the saber, while the others trying to grab his other limb and pin him down. He'll be able to see the beautiful white one, in the distance. She watches, and there's an anxious look about her... Navi will find a tree overhanging the brook that runs past the balcony where Xera and Taryn are seated. They've sat down, but it's clear they're waiting for someone. Navi will have to crawl along a branch carefully and quietly to get near enough to get a good view of things... The woman is startled when Zetha addresses her. "Oh!" she says, "Ah.. no. I'm sorry. I'm just waiting. My ship needs a part that isn't carried by most manufacturers and repair shops anymore. You ... could go ahead of me, if the staff show." When Zetha asks her if she's alright, she looks away. "Well, I-- I suppose I could be better, but I could also be worse." She coughs violently. "Sorry.." The Dowutin man actually looks ... frightened? Comical, since he's almost four heads taller than Cayde and twice as wide. "Who...who are you!" he says, "And what do you want?" As if he thought Cayde had come here to hunt him down, or something. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "That feels like the story of my life only when I say shit like that people seem to only want to make me talk more." Zetha offers, looking around a moment and then shaking her head. "My ask is simple...but if the staff aren't around...I may have to look elsewhere...and if you're in dire need..." Zetha tilts her head then, looking around the shop a moment. "What -are- you needing anyway?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn sees that one going for the wrist. He side steps, which may cause the other two to miss. He strikes out with the blade knowing he connects. Although, he can't tell how bad the wolf got it right away. At least he knows there's mulptiple out there. He breathesout, focusing. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares expectantly up at the Dowutin, waiting for him to take the communicator back, but when he doesn't, the padawan will simply set it down on a table nearby.     Sensing the man's fear, he resists the urge to use the Force to try to calm him and instead just holds up his hands placatingly. [I am Padawan Alexis] he signs. [I want nothing...not from you] he answers, then he starts to go back into the gazebo. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Nice tree. I'll have to be careful not to fall in that brook, though," Navi muses, beginning her stealthy climb. The climbing isn't so hard, thanks to her long years of training and exercises, but keeping quiet is the real trick. Fortunately, she knows a few tricks for keeping quiet. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh..." the woman says unassumingly. "I'm sorry." She drops her gaze. "I... well, I'm not sure actually. The ship I'm flying is just one of many my husband owns. I didn't want to take anything flashy, so I took the oldest one he owns, as I'm not trying to draw attention. Normally I never leave home, except to make extended visits to the hospital. If anyone saw I was leaving the planet, my husband would practically be mobbed in the streets. Honestly? I was hoping to describe my problem and then perhaps the scrapper might know what I need." His blade connects and one of them howls, falling to the side. After a moment, it gets up again but disappears, into the ground, seeming to vanish into thin air. The other two are still circling Jorn though, a feral look in their eyes. They seem laser focused on the dark saber... Then suddenly, they both strike simultaneously! Soon, another will join Taryn and Xera at the table. Navi will recognize her. Veena! That Nautolan woman who worked for Black. What is -she- doing here? Still, the Dowutin neither responds nor takes the communicator. He seems overwhelmed and stares blankly into space, his expression unreadable. The party host seems aggravated. "If you're not here for him, then what the hell are you doing here? This is a private gathering, and this is -my- house!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Well..." Zetha looks around again and then back to the woman. "I'm actually a scrapper back on my home world, Teeno. I'm traveling with some people to Coruscant but we had to land here and fix a leak. So...if you tell me what the issue is...since there's no one else around. I could probably help fix your problem." Then the Twi'lek offers a hand to the woman. "I'm Zetha." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh...Cayde hadn't thought about this being private property. [...sorry] he signs, then exits the gazebo and hefts himself over the fence. He'll just stay out here, then.     So he'll head over toward a small park nearby. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Veena... you shouldn't be here. And yet here you are," Navi murmurs. She reaches out with the Force, trying to get a peek into the rather crooked Nautolan's head, recalling her stint on Tenoo as Mondrian's (M) partner. Unpleasant days. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn tries to strike and turn trying to protect the darksaber. However, in the strike, that misses, it causes Jorn to expose himself in other ways. He may have the dark saber, but there's about to be a lot of pain. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Nice to meet you, Zetha," she says, with a weak smile. "Well, there's a rattling sound coming from the shield generator. I'm not sure what it is, but something's either broken, stuck in there, or both." Then she pauses. "You'll have to tell me what your rates are. I haven't been out and about enough these days to know what people are charging hourly these days." Another wracking cough. "Excuse me." A pause. "Did you say you're headed from Tenoo? Why, I was just going there. I've... got family there." Her shoulders droop. But the party host isn't about to just let Cayde walk away, apparently. He chases after the young padawan. "Now wait just a minute! You never stated your business! No one just trespasses for no reason at all!" Navi will sense that she's wary and suspicious of Xera and Taryn. Not to mention rather displeased. She knows Mondrian (M) is missing (or dead), and she's quite unhappy about this. "I need answers, not proposition," she snaps at Xera. "What happened during the monsoon?" Jorn will find himself being dragged downward by one of the lothwolves, while the other tries again, to go for the wrist with the dark saber, and make him let go of it. They might have nearly succeeded, but Jorn will hear the sound of flapping wings, and espy a massive corvid, with red eyes and purple iridescent wings swoop down and grab one of the sabers from that pile he'd seen earlier. The lothwolves are immediately distracted, howling and then running off in the direction of the massive corvid. The green armored Mandalorian will be left alone to nurse his wounds... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stops and turns around when the party host whose property he'd apparently trespassed on actually chases him down.     [Nothing] he signs. [Just for quiet] Hopefully, that's enough of an explanation. Just for good measure, his gaze moves over toward the park where he'd been headed, and he nods toward it. [I go there now] he continues. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks and then nods her head. "Yeah. We'll be heading back once we are done with our business on Coruscant..." She smiles a little and then looks around again. "If you'll let me a moment to go find -someone- I can buy this coaxium from...I can likely spare a moment to figure out what's wrong with your ship. Might not even have to buy a part if it's something I can likely fix. And...don't worry about money...if you have family on Teeno. I'm happy to help you get back on your journey there..." Then she gets curious. "Teeno's not that populated. Who's your family?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I guess Mondrian's not the only one who wants to find out what happened to that guy," Navi murmurs. "Can't see how Xera would know that, though. I thought she was in Aklyrr Bend the whole time." She stretches out with her feelings once more, this time poking into Xera's thoughts. This is not without some regret on her part; there had been a time when she had done her very best to avoid peeking into Xera's thoughts, but those days are over. Now the tall redhead seems to be a much-dreaded enemy, which is even more regretful in Navi's eyes. "Just what's so special about that crooked Dug? And why does she want him as much off the hook as possible?" she muses under her breath. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn tries his best to work on the wound. He doesn't try to go after the sabers. He's trying to put pressure on the bleeding and stop because that will create a trail when he moves. And so, he's doing whatever he can. Then he has an idea. If the bleeding won't stop, there's an alternative way to do it. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The party host doesn't seem entirely satisfied. That Dowutin Cayde had tripped earlier unintentionally is watching from a distance, looking very unnerved. "You came to gathering to get some... peace and quiet?" the party host says, looking skeptical. Thankfully, it would appear that Thaarin has finally found him. "My apologies," He says to the party host, "my younger brother a bit different socially. Please excuse him." The woman shakes her head. "No," she says,"I've plenty of credits to spare, it's only right that I should pay you for your services, please." Her shoulder droops, when Zetha asks about her family. "I've a sister there. She's very sick. Perhaps sicker than me." She laughs, but it's a sad sound. "Well, I don't know how much time either of us have, and it seemed urgent." Jorn might be preoccupied with thinking about his wounds when he'll suddenly notice the white lothwolf approach. She's watching the dark saber, but doesn't try to attack Jorn. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Seeing the bleeding stop, Jorn turns and pauses to see the wolf. Jorn just focuses and waits for the wolf to attack. He likes to play defensively with this. Plus, the wound may cause other matters, but he doesn't have time to worry about that. He figures there's at least one more out there. And so, he waits to see what this next wolf will do. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Alright fine, we can come up with a price once I'm done looking at your ship. After I find the coaxium..." Then, Zetha seems to realize something. "Wait..." Finally putting the pieces together. "Would the name Cayde mean anything to you?" Asking this gently, and moving to sit down but keeping a sort of distance just in case. She'll actually send a message to Thaarin. <<Hey. I know you're looking for Cayde, but I might need your help in the junkyard alley. Can you meet me there? I think I've just met Cayde's aunt...>> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Not to gathering] Cayde replies, shaking his head. [Away from port] he adds, hoping that will tell enough of the story.[Not to spy...not to steal] he quickly insists, trying to reassure the man.      Then Thaarin finally arrives and hopefully alleviates the matter by pretending they're brothers even though they look nothing alike. Well there was adoption, he supposed. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi continues to hide in her tree and listen in on the trio's conversation. "Sure is funny how they all knew to be here. Was this stop always on our itinerary?" she murmurs under her breath. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The white wolf circles Jorn, still watching the Dark saber. There's something different about her - she seems more in control than the other wolves, who appeared to just go utterly feral at the sight of the saber. She, however, seems to not be able to make up her mind about it. Finally, she lunges, but the attempt is half-hearted, Jorn will be able to tell. The woman seems taken aback. "You know him? Oh, that's right, I heard he was sent to Tenoo... I wasn't able to write. I was too sick, then. But Gia wanted to see him off. Unfortunately, there was that whole business with her ex-fiance. We all had to grieve." Then she hesitates. "How is he?" she asks anxiously. "Is he alright? Eating well? Sleeping well? Staying out of trouble?" <> He replies. <<It might take us a little bit. Send me your coordinates>> The party host seems satisfied. He finally retreats, looking annoyed. Thaarin turns to Cayde. "I think your aunt is here," he says. Xera seems annoyed. "I don't know," she says, "but we're looking into it, I promise. I'll get you answers, but this trial can't go all over the holonet. You have connections, Kurrnak knows the judicials and the district attorney. Surely, we can arrange to only have him charged with petty crimes." Meanwhile, Volken may have spent a good half an hour look for Jorn and Er'gi. The two of them seemed to have up and disappeared into thin air, but naturally, the Baron couldn't have cared less. Reza was likely out here looking too, but they'd split at some point. Now, Volken's alone, surrounded by fog, somewhere in the Gorge without any signal. Well, at least he's alive. That's good, at least, right? 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn senses the half hearted attempt, the conflicting and he tries not to get his blade as deep as he goes. Enough to show the wolf that he's holding back, but he will get mean if she tries again. Basically, to beat into submission, but not to end outright. Not like the others that tried to do that to him. Jorn wants to make a point here. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I do. He and I are friends. And...he's actually here. With us." Zetha says this and then sends Thaarin the coordinates to where she is. "He eats occasionally, has had a few bouts with not being able to eat foods cause of his allergies. I think he sleeps alright...and as for trouble. There's been some incidents but nothing that we've been able to overcome." She offers this much more and then takes a slow breath. "Is Gia his mother? I met her once. What happened to her ex-fiance?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches as the disgruntled property owner finally backs off; relief is visible on his features for a moment before he gives Thaarin an apologetic look. [I stopped a person from falling in water...but tripped...] he shakes his head, sighing. These things always seemed to happen.     Then his...aunt is here? A brow goes up. [Aunt...] 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' He doesn't exactly have the tools for this. He's down a vambrace. Just lighting everything on fire is probably a bad idea and simply trying to knock trees over when he's no idea where he's going is likely to just leave him moving in circles with added obstacles in the way. So he has tos imply keep back tracking while also calling out over his comm every now and then. Volken's comm chatter gets increasingly obnoxious and annoying as time progresses though. He's resorted to singing now. He's actually got a decent voice - which means he disguises it by signing badly on purpose. Eventually he stops to get his bearings gain and then rumbles into the comm: <<Caine! Be useful, dammit. Have you seen -anything- unusual? I thought I heard Er'gi say something about wolves that aren't supposed to be on this planet. Could this be somethin' those cloners did?>> 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'll bet you don't have a clue what happened to him," Navi murmurs, watching Xera closely, still probing her thoughts. "Nobody seems to know, so why would you?" She has mixed feelings about Weniscio getting off light. He deserves much worse, but there is a risk of Peeka's poor, abused father being dragged down with him. And she still isn't quite sure why Xera wants the Dug off the hook. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf is cut. She whines, and a razor thin drip of blood dribbles down her moon white fur, staining it. She limps, and then lies down. But now, she watches Jorn, not the saber, crying softly. Her blue eyes are contemplative. She seems scared, of perhaps both Jorn and the saber. And yet. She can't seem to leave, either. It's like there's some strange instinct that she carries, that won't let her let the saber out of her sight. The woman gasps. "Oh he is?" she looks around. "Where is he?" The woman then seems somewhat troubled by Zetha's answer, but doesn't comment. "Oh no. Gianka is his cousin, my daughter. Did he never tell you? Well... the long and short of it is, he was trouble, of the criminal sort. I... I don't actually know what happened to him. I thought he was sent to jail, but -- my husband says he can't find record of him in incarceration facilities." Thaarin shakes his head. "Nevermind that. Let's go, you shouldn't have wandered this far. Zetha wants to meet us." He then ushers Cayde along, nodding. "It would seem so." Caine's reply is extremely delayed. But that shouldn't surprise Volken. <<No, except your singing. I'd advise against drawing attention to yourself, Volken. The cloners have meddled with a number of organisms, large, small, -and- sentient. They might be caged, they might be free. I wouldn't take any chances if I were you.>> 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn sighs and puts the saber away. Turning off the blade. Letting it wink out. Speaking to the saber, the force, the wolf and himself, "I'm going to try and do this peacefully. I mean you no harm right now. Meet me half way," Jorn will look around trying to find something to maybe treat the wolf's wound. Trying to show that he's not the threat at the moment. The motions slow, deliberate so the wolf doesn't feel threatened or spooked by his motions. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Cayde spends a lot of time helping others. He...doesn't really talk about himself. I mean...I know a few bits...but not a whole lot about his family." Zetha offers this first. "He's with another friend of ours. They're coming this way. Once they get here I'm going to go find someone to buy the coaxium we need for the ship and then take a look at yours. I don't think we're in a rush to leave the planet...so I'll have the time." Something seems a bit...Zetha can't put her finger on it really...but she has a sense that things are going to get a -lot- more complicated once she returns to Teeno. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [I need break from crowds] Cayde tries to explain. But he finally nods and follows Thaarin. [Which aunt] he asks. He wasn't even sure he knew he had an aunt somewhere... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' <<So what am I supposed to do to find them, di'kut? Do you have any suggestions?">> Volken's voice responds sharply and without much kindness as Caine -finally- deigns to respond, <> He continues trudging forward but begins slowly charging his energized knuckle-dusters. <<We'd at least have heard them if they'd fallen or gotten ambushed. If we're being jammed we'd be able to tell so...what's going on here...?? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Get me answers first," Veena snarls at Xera. "Listen, I don't like you. I don't like the way you run the colony, and I don't like that Mondrian is likely dead and you've no idea how it happened. There was a Mandalorian involved, so where is she? Why hasn't anyone found her? It's been over a month. Black can make anything happen, but trust me when I say, if you don't get us the answers we want, you'll regret you ever asked us to do anything for you." Xera seems disappointed, and perhaps a little bit afraid, as Veena gets up to leave. Taryn sighs. "Well, that went as well as it it could have." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Trying to bind the wound as best he can, he looks at the Wolf. "I am not your enemy. I will end a fight, but I'm not looking to start one, okay?" he says softly to the creature just moving slowly. "You need to heal. Come back stronger for whatever your purpose is, will you be okay?" he asks as if the wolf can talk to him. Then he will slowly try to retreat. Going back to find his way out. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Which is why you don't deal with corrupt RepSec agents with crappy impulse control. Geez... /I/ could've told you /that/," Navi murmurs under her breath. She reaches out via her telepathy to probe into Taryn San Tekka's mind, looking for motivations and intentions regarding this meeting. "I wonder how much you /really/ know about Xera's agenda, Milord San Tekka..." she muses, almost silently. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' At first, the white loth wolf snarls and pulls away from Jorn slightly. But after a moment, she allows him to bind her wounds. Her fur is the softest Jorn will have ever touched. She watches him anxiously, but makes no further attempts to get away from him, or attack him. When he finally gets up to leave, she follows him, limping. But this time, there's no malice. Just curiosity, and perhaps some trepidation. <<Mm, no, actually>> he says, with a damned amount of apathy. << Do we really need him, anyway>> Volken will find any answers as he continues trudging along. However, what he will find, is a small knapsack lying on the ground. It looks like it has been dropped recently, but definitely doesn't look like something any of the Mandalorians or Reza would own. Thaarin shrugs. "I... don't know. I didn't know you had one." He stops walking suddenly. "Jedi aren't allowed to see their family, are they?" Taryn truly doesn't seem to know, really. Other than he's not very excited for the rest of his family to hear about what had happened with the Dug, either. Xera comments on this, scowling at Taryn. "Oh please. You could try harder, you know. You should. The San Tekka's reputation is as much on the line as the Grafs is. Really, you should be more concerned." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Seeing the limp, Jorn looks back at the wolf. "Tell you what." Jorn will look to see if he has any rations or anything like that. Whatever he finds, he breaks off and underhand tosses a piece toward the wolf. "I mean you no harm. I'm looking for way out of here. I want to survive to see tomorrow. You can join me, or not," he'll break off another piece then toss that, too. Then he will wait and take a few steps forward unsure if he has a companion now. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stops walking, too. Oh, he didn't know? Where was this coming from?     He nods solemnly at the question. [But only if not obstacles] he tries to clarify. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "And what about your reputations for dealing within the law, I wonder? How understanding would the Chancellor be if he knew dodgy cloning experiments were going on, and being covered up?" Navi muses silently. "The recruiting was bad enough, but this is definitely in murky territory." For the moment she maintains her telepathic surveillance of Taryn, though she doubts she'll find out anything more at this point. He seems honest to her. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' <<"You ever heard of words like, I dunno, friendshiup? Loyalty? Bonds? Yer just like Ellari Zin. Quick to drop someone the minute you don't think they're worth anything to you. Never thinkin' about the future and what it might mean to have ties. Folk to back you up cause of loyalty and not fear. Who won't stab you in the back. Folk like Thaelin and Jorn and Er'gi.>> Volken leans over to examine the item before him and frowns mildly,brow furrowing in concentreation as he searchs it for any clues or signs of who might own this. <> Volken grimaces and then looks up once again, searching around him for signs of the owner of the bag. <<What's going on 'ere...>> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh, that's a shame," The woman says, "but I suppose I'm not surprised. From what I heard from Gianka, he seems to like to avoid all social interaction of any kind! But perhaps she was being dramatic when she said that." "Thank you," she says warmly to Zetha, "I'll make sure to pay you as well. Don't leave before I do," she says. "I've.. never met him, though I've heard plenty about him. I hope it's alright if he sees me. I know how it is with the Jedi." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I think it can help to find something in common with him. I do know he likes to spend time alone. I think that's just the Jedi in him. All that meditating they have to do and stuff..." Zetha offers, because it's a mostly true thought and it's not her place to spread all the things that are Cayde's Dilemmas. "You're welcome. I'll give you a fair price, too, especially if it's an easy fix..." Never met him and then Zetha remembers something. "I mean, he maybe told me once that he's not allowed to see family? But I think that was more not seeing people that could like...mess with his emotions? Cause Jedi are supposed to be like...neutral minded and shit. Or something." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The white lothwolf hastens her limping pace to reach the piece of ration bar Jorn throws her. She eats it, and when a second one is tossed, she eats that as well. Her tail starts to wag, and she tilts her head to one side, studying Jorn. He'll get a sense in the Force, a question, the very same one he's asking. She isn't leaving, clearly, but seems to want to know if she can really trust Jorn. Thaarin arches a brow at Cayde, "Cayde, what did I tell you about skipping words? The thought isn't complete if you don't give context," he chides the young padawan. "Now, tell me whether or not you can see your aunt, and why." Taryn doesn't reply to Xera, but they both get up and start to head out of the fancy establishment. Xera seems disappointed, and Taryn also seems unhappy about the way things had turned out. He seems to think it might be worth it to ally with Xera in this matter, but exclude to any unscrupulousness she'd planned. And yet, that seems like a dangerous path to tread and he's aware of it. The Baron again, does not respond for a long time. And then he finally replies with. <<Oh, were you saying something? I shut off my comms>> There's no owner -- or if there is one, he or she isn't around anymore. If Volken studies it, he'll find it's full of unused syringes and test tubes. Some of them are broken - the small knapsack had clearly been stepped on by someone or something. But who would just leave this here like this, in the middle of the Gorge? "I'm sure you will. You've been so kind," the woman says, and then coughs again. She seems sad when she says Cayde likes to spend time alone. "That can't be good for someone his age," she says, "He needs to get out, and see the world, meet new people. I wish I did when I was that age." Her expression crumples, and she sighs. "If only I could turn back time..." "Oh..." she sighs. "well, maybe it's for the best that I don't see him, then." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs, pausing as he tries to dredge up the right words. [...Not allowed to visit family...but not require to avoid active] he finally signs. [Happen to be passing on street...in shop...in public...happen to need help...and only I can help...not wrong to help] he continues, nodding. See, that was better, wasn't it? 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi sighs quietly under her breath. "You two need to get your priorities straight. Helping a criminal get off easy won't help you any," she murmurs, beginning to shimmy down the tree to return to the ship. "At least I got to stretch my legs and learn something useful." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "And what do you mean by 'avoid active'," Thaarin presses Cayde. The Chiss man knows, obviously. But he's trying to make Cayde speak more clearly. "I want you to string that into a proper sentence," he instructs the young padawan as they walk, "One that isn't just a fragmented run on." Meanwhile, as Navi starts to make her way down the tree, she might want to pause her efforts! She'll see that Veena's suddenly appeared, right under the tree. She must have been looking for an out of the way spot -- she's pulling out her commlink now, and looking around furtively. Hopefully she doesn't spot Navi! As Zetha and the blond, frail woman are talking, someone suddenly shows up at the desk. The leggy, amphibious alien looks at the two of them with a bored expression. "Can I help either one of you?" he asks, his tone matching his demeanor. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi freezes, not daring to move a muscle. She's seen reptilians freeze in place in just this manner, but she's never needed to do so in just that manner until now. Fortunately, she's a quick study, and that just might be enough... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha glances to the alien who suddenly shows up at the desk and she smiles. "I just need to know if you have coaxium available and how much you would need to fill the Jedi Shuttle with a full supply." She offers to him and then glances back to the frail woman. She offers a kind smile because she knows that she'll have to hold up her promise if she can secure this coaxium supply. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns, thinking, as they start walking again toward the more crowded marketplace. Ugh, he doesn't really -want- to go back there. Didn't he just explain some examples of what he means?     There is a long pause and he finally comes up with: [I can see her...I do not have to avoid it...but not very often.] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thankfully, Navi's quick thinking and acting save her from getting spotted by Veena. She's making a private call, no holoimage, the audio feed tuned to a headset she's wearing. Navi probably won't be surprised, and will likely give her a good guess about who she's calling. "No answers - yet. She says they've got someone on it, but still have no idea if Mondrian is actually dead, or where that Mandalorian woman went after." A pause. "Of course not. I didn't offer to do anything for her until she had a lead." The amphibious looking alien swivels over to a monitor and types on it lazily. "You're in luck," he says, "Supplies are low this week. Something about a trade blockade happening on one of the routes our main supplier in the Outer Rim likes to use. "Sixteen thousand credits." The frail blonde woman seems surprised. "That's awfully high..." she says quietly, to no one in particular. "That's better," Thaarin encourages. He then leads them away from the crowded marketplace, down an alleyway that's an alternate route. Soon, they're standing right in front of the scrap house Zetha's at. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi makes sure that she has a firm grip on the branch of the tree, and that at least one of her sandaled feet is securely braced against the joint where the branch splits off from the trunk. This is the last place and time where she would want to have to take a firmer hold or re-brace her feet. 'So, someone wants a corrupt deal in exchange for Mondrian's life, or a Mandalorian woman who maybe killed him? Figures. Once a corrupt skank, always a corrupt skank,' she thinks, scowling at the thought. 'And I'd sure love to know who she's talking to.' Even before the thought is completed, she reaches out with the Force, her telepathy stretching into Veena's mind... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha furrows her brows and her lekku twitch a bit. "We ran into a bit of trouble with our coaxium containment while traveling to Courscant where we're doing some very important business. I understand supplies are low, but if you could do the Republic a favor and lower the price a bit, it won't be forgotten." She offers, putting on her Serious Business Face(tm) while haggling. Having no idea Thaarin and Cayde have entered the building. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     It's certainly a relief that he doesn't have to pass through the marketplace, at least. Cayde spots Zetha trying to haggle with the coaxium vendor, and a woman with her, noting that the price was rather high.     Maybe the salesman needs a little bit of a nudge. A suggestion, that he didn't always need to take -full- advantage of the high demand and low supply. Especially when it came to Republic business. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi might not even need the Force, really. If her guess was Black before she even attempted to look into Veena's mind, well, she'll find herself correct. But really, who else would she be talking to? A couple of leaves float down from the branch Navi is gripping tightly. They flutter gracefully down, and brush Veena's lekku. Navi might fear the Nautolan woman will look up, but she doesn't. Instead, she frowns. "I gotta go," she says, and hangs up, then starts walking away. It'll be clear to Navi that Veena wants to know what happened to Mondrian (M), and not just because it's her work assignment. She has a personal stake in this, too, they'd been friends. And she has a mind to put that Mandalorian woman in her grave if Mondrian (M) is in fact, dead. "Okay, well, first you gotta tell me how much you actually need? Like," The alien says, "is the thing completely empty? 'Cos the price isn't linear, and if you just want enough to get to Coruscant, it'll probably be half that." "I'll cover it," the blonde woman says, "if it's a service to the Republic, well, then, consider this a donation." She glances at Zetha. "ACK!" The amphibious alien suddenly says, upon Cayde's interference. "I-I feel weird..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' 'Friends, huh? At least they weren't making out in his office, or something like,' Navi thinks, suppressing a shudder. The thought of the corrupt and boorish Mondrian (M) putting his hands and lips on anyone is a thought she can absolutely live without! She waits until Veena is at least halfway down the block before shimmying down the tree. "Time to find the others. They very much need to know what's up," she murmurs, starting back toward the ship. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I do believe we are completely empty and a full tank would be appreciated.." Zetha is saying this before the blonde woman speaks up and offers to pay for it as a donation to the Republic. She then glances to Thaarin with a noticeable question in her eyes because this certainly is NOT her call to make when it comes to allowing such a thing. Especially considering she's just here to bargain and make a deal. The Republic was footing the bill. "In my professional opinion a full tank would do us good, but if the supply is limited then getting to Coruscant where we could likely re-fill for cheaper might be beneficial..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs and withdraws quickly, when the salesman doesn't seem to respond positively to the influence. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi may or may not be surprised to find that only Master Rykard and Mondrian (F) are on the ship currently. Everyone else seems to have busied themselves elsewhere. Regardless, Rykard notices Navi enter and approaches. "You seem troubled," he says, "What is it?" "You can bill a full chamber of coaxium to my husband, Forzod Burkenn." She smiles, albeit weakly. "He's the Nakadian Senator. If this sort of matter is prohibited, well he'll sort it. I'll... I'll let him know." She looks at Zetha, and then to Thaarin. "Please," she says, "I'd like to do this for you all." The amphibious alien seems to have completely zoned out of the conversation. He's holding his temples in his hands, and staring at the wall, mumbling incomprehensibly. But then the blonde woman notices Cayde standing there. Her eyes light up. "You must be Cayde," she says, "I...I'm so sorry we never got to meet. But my daughter Gianka, whom you've met, and my husband didn't think it would be good for me to leave the hospital at the time." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi doesn't waste time on pleasantries. "Master, was this stop on our itinerary all along, or was it a true emergency stop?" she asks, her eyes earnest. "I'm asking because I just saw Veena, Agent Mondrian's (M) corrupt partner, meeting with Xera Graf and Taryn San Tekka. Apparently she also works for Agent Black, and she's looking into whatever happened to Mondrian (M). Not only that, but she's apparently agreed to help Xera keep Weniscio's trial on the down-low and try to get him convicted on minor charges only... but only if Xera gets her the answers she's after. Taryn seems to have allied with Xera in this, but only loosely. He's just not the kind to stick with a corrupt bargain." She looks to Mondrian (F), impulsively hugging her. "I'm sorry if that sounded bad. I'm sure you know that your brother was difficult to get along with. Veena was equally so. And if this was a real emergency stop, how was Veena able to be here just in time to meet with Xera? Maybe our random coaxium leak wasn't so random." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde turns his attention toward the woman when she notices him, her excitement at meeting him visible. Yes...he could already tell they had a connection, and that this must be the 'aunt' Thaarin had been talking about. Gianka's mother, it seemed. Well, she was a bit of a character. But he nods and bows politely. [What is your name] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Thaarin." Zetha says trying to get the Chiss man's attention. "It's sixteen thousand credits and there's a generous offer on the table for us to bill it to the Nakadian Senator..." She reiterates and then motions. "I don't think I'm in the position to allow such a thing...and I also reiterate...a full tank will allow us to get to Coruscant and back again." Then she looks to the other woman. "Also, I've promised to look at her ship to see what's rattling around. That shouldn't take long, though..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, yes, it was emergency," Mondrian (F) says, frowning and wiggling out of Navi's embrace, "but..." her expression grows contemplative. "Xera has been thinking about this since before we left for Coruscant, hasn't she? Maybe you're right, maybe it wasn't an accident." Another pensive silence. "Well, there's no concern to be had. Yet, anyway. We want answers as much as Veena does, but there are none yet and thus far, Veena has done nothing yet to indicate criminal intent. When we get to Coruscant, that may change. But for now, we'll just keep an eye on both of them," Rykard suddenly injects calmly. Navi might be about to respond, but then, Yvon appears, looking slightly indignant. "Where's that Twi'lek girl? The refuel's been done for over an hour now, wasn't she supposed to find us some coaxium??" the Ugnaught complains to no one in particular. "Dahlea," she says. She smiles. "You look so much like her," she says, reaching out to touch Cayde's cheek. She seems emotional. "It... should be fine," Thaarin says, glancing at Zetha. But his brows are furrowed. "That should all be fine," he says eventually, with more finality. "The Republic thanks you," he says to the woman with a faint smile and a bow. But there's something bothering him, obviously. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde allows her to touch him, although he doesn't love it. He's not a baby any more.     [A pleasure to meet you Dahlea] he signs, spelling out her somewhat long name slowly. A slight frown. [Are you alright] She seemed weak, and a hospital stay had been mentioned, anyway. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Then it's done then." Zetha turns to the alien behind the counter. "Please refuel the Jedi Shuttle fully with coaxium." She isn't sure HOW to bill a Senator with the charges but hopefully it's not that difficult and can be done. Quickly. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "That's all I needed to know. Thanks, Mondrian," Navi replies. "Veena was sent back to Coruscant for professional misconduct. Before that, she was partnered with your brother, and they worked practically in lockstep trying to control much of the running of the colony, for reasons that have never been clear to me. Most likely she's been driving a desk at Republic Security HQ since then. It would be a colossal and very interesting coincidence if she just happened to be on-world and available to meet with Xera within minutes of her getting off of the shuttle." "You're right, Master. I don't believe Veena's committed any crime. /Yet/. But bargaining with the outcome of a criminal trial, even if she's just the errand girl, is dodgy business at best. She works for Black, and he doesn't play by the rules," Navi continues. "If he's dealing with Xera, he's getting /something/ out of it. All the more reason to go by your strategy of watching and listening." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, I'm as well as I can be," Dahlea says, giving Cayde a weak smile. "But enough about me, tell me about yourself. Zetha tells me you've been having trouble eating, and with allergies?" She then turns to the amphibious alien (who has now just recovered his composure), and hands him a credit chip. Thaarin is watching their interaction with scrutiny, but then motions for Zetha to follow him outside. He has something to say that she won't like, she'll be able to tell. "Right," Mondrian (F) says to Navi. "I'm going to look into it. In the meantime, you and Rykard should probably go find Cayde and everyone else. Our pilot and navigator want to try to get us out of here early, if possible." Rykard's brows furrow. "I never met Black," he says, seeming concerned. "I only know of him, vaguely, from Cayde. That was before I returned. However, this conversation is best had with Cayde and the others present." He starts for the gangplank, to search for the others. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches over everything for a moment but when Thaarin motions for her to follow him outside she frowns. It's with a bit of reluctance, but she follows him out anyway preparing for the earfull she's likely about to get. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thanks, Mondrian. Good luck, and may the Force be with you," Navi replies earnestly. "Oh, and have Xera and Taryn returned to the ship yet?" She pauses long enough to hear the answer, then hurries after Master Rykard as he leaves the shuttle. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns at the salesman, waiting to see if he will recover. There is a bit of relief when he finally does and looks back to Dahlea. Eating and allergies, what? Who told her about those already?     He shakes his head. [I am okay] he insists. [I can eat] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Once they're outside, Thaarin turns to Zetha. "Did Cayde ever tell you, about his familial ties to ... the former Chancellor?" He glances back at the scrap house, then back to Zetha. "Dahlea seems well intentioned. But her husband, Senator Burkenn, was involved in the scandal that got Chancellor Rie impeached." "I may not know much about the Republic itself, but when I took over for Syralana, the former Communcations director, I was required to read every report made since the founding of Akylrr Bend. Rie was very heavy handed in Tenoo Initiative." % "No," Rykard says, "not yet. But I'm sure they will. Regardless, that will be Mondrian's concern. Come. Let us find Cayde. I must know more about Black." "You can?" Dahlea says, "why, what do you eat? I heard you became a number of times. Are you sure you're doing alright?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks and then shakes her head. "I didn't know anything about that... Cayde's only really ever mentioned his parents when trying to, like, help me feel better. I know nothing about his family ties or any sort of...scandals. Dahlea was just talking about how she was going to Teeno and mentioned Cayde's mother and I put two and two together... I... I wasn't trying to start anything." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Maybe we should look for them, too," Navi muses. "As for Black, he holds a relatively high-ranking position in the Republic Security Forces, and tends toward unorthodox investigative techniques. Unorthodox to the point of sometimes walking on the law, and on sentients' rights. He once set up an interrogation via telepathy of an official neck-deep in the attempted impeachment of the Supreme Chancellor, and Cayde and I were the instruments of the interrogation. It was... brutal. If he's involved, he's after someone. Just maybe it's Xera... or the Marauders. No telling which." She hurries after Master Rykard, keeping pace with a little effort. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs, a bit of a huff and an exasperated sound. He can see where Gianka got her overprotectiveness from.     [Yes I am fine now....everyone can be ill in time] he insists. [I can eat what need to eat] he tries to explain.     The padawan considers what he might do or say to get her off of this topic. Oh, maybe she'd like to see some of his drawings. He takes out a datapad and shows her one he'd done of a waterfall near Aklyrr just before they'd left for the trial proceedings. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Of course he didn't," Thaarin says, "I should have known that," he says, shaking his head. Thaarin waves dismissively. "It's alright, none of this could be helped," he says, "but you did agree to help her, didn't you? All I'm saying is that although she may seem well intentioned, she's unfortunately tied to a person embroiled in a scandal. So I'd be careful if I were you." He gets that distant, thinking on his face again. "This is all starting to make too much sense and I don't like it. I wonder how much Cayde knew..." "Attempted impeachment?" Rykard says, "Well you know that Rie was impeached, anyway. On the grounds of abuse of federal funds, and misconduct. Hmmm," the older Jedi Master muses. "This is all very interesting. You don't think it could be linked, could it?" He then reaches out to Cayde via the Force. <Cayde, where are you?> Well, she's easily distracted at least. "You drew these? Oh, Cayde, they're so beautiful! I'm so glad to see you're enjoying yourself in your free time. What else do you do, when you're not training? Surely, you have friends that you spend time with when you're not preoccupied with your duties...?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha frowns a bit more deeply. "She mentioned she was going to Teeno and wound up with ship trouble so she landed here. The other shop was insanely busy so I came to this one hoping I could bargain a bit better with someone who wasn't as busy..." Then she glances back into the shop and shakes her head. "I'll be careful...I was just trying to be helpful. One of these days I might learn that tends to always bite me in the ass..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I won't rule it out. We already know the recruitment for the Tenoo Colony Initiative was very suspect, and it only came near its goals because of Xera's efforts at recruiting unvetted candidates. I'm absolutely sure that's why we wound up with so many criminal types in Aklyrr Bend. I'd bet my lightsaber on it," Navi replies, nodding. "The Chancellor was absolutely sure Cayde and I would agree to join the Initiative, and seemed startled when we turned it down flat... well, we did at first. Granted, we went anyway, but not for his reasons. I was worried that innocent people would suffer if Cayde and I didn't go along, and I'm thinking I was right." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Thank you] Cayde signs, after putting the datapad away. [Study] he signs when she asks what else he does when he's not training. Honestly, it was true. Come to think of it, he didn't usually find himself with much 'leisure' time. There was always more to work on whenever he wasn't training.     Then his master is calling to him. << With Zetha near coaxium merchant >> he replies. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Did she say why?" Thaarin says, arching a brow at Zetha. Then he shakes his head and waves dismissively. "Nevermind that. I have reason to believe that Cayde is likely an in law of sorts to the former Chancellor. Connected by way of marriage, not blood. And it is even more probable, that because of said connection, Cayde was one of Rie's favorites. It's unlikely that had anything to do with his impeachment, however..." he trails off. "Coruscant might be an interesting political scene. And helping Burkenn's wife will likely entrench you in it. I'm not saying by any means that you shouldn't help her. You should. But tread carefully." He pauses, chuckling softly. "It's not a bad thing, Zetha. In fact, it's admirable. And I doubt anything monumental will transpire due to this one small act of kindness. Besides, Cayde will likely appreciate it, too." "Hmm," Rykard says, his brows furrowing again. "I see. I'll have to look into the matter more. But for now, we can head to the scrap house on just north of here. I believe that's where Cayde and the others are." He then hurries along, and soon, Zetha and Thaarin will spot Navi and Rykard approaching. Dahlea gives Cayde an inquisitive look. "You don't go out and socialize much, do you? Do you have friends, at least?" Meanwhile, Volken, will find that the small knapsack he'd uncovered on the ground, filled with empty vials and test tubes of sorts, is not too far off from what looks like a trail someone had left. They're not alone out here, it would seem... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha was about to answer when Thaarin dismisses the question he just asked, which leaves her saying nothing at all. Then he gives her his opinion on the matter and she shrugs her shoulders. "I do find it a little odd that I somehow keep meeting his family. But I doubt I'll get swept up into anything. I have my personal business on Coruscant, attending the trial, and then I plan to be nothing more than a hermit until we're leaving for Teeno." In that whole she already wants to be back with her Hap's biscuits and Crane and Wiis' nagging. "Anyway, I should...let Dahlea know I can take a look at her ship now...since we'll likely be ready to go as soon as the coaxium is finished fueling.." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Just remember, we can't really prove any of it yet. Not in court, anyway. One more reason to look deeper into it," Navi advises softly, staying at Master Rykard's heel. As Zetha and Thaarin come into sight, Navi raises her hand and waves to them. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' No Jorn. No Er'gi. Their Jedi minder is nowhere to be seen and Caine is - of course - no help. <<No you didn't mute me.>> he counters. <<Cause if you did you wouldn't have bothered to say you'd muted me and ask if I'd said anything.>> Honestly, Caine's going to have to do better than that. IF he was truly ignoring Volken, he'd just do it. <<Besides somethin is goig on. YOu better stay on comm in case something happens to you.>> With that, he starts following the trail. He has not forgotten the missing doctor. He was asked to keep an eye out for him after all and now..signs of someone with some interest or expertise in matters of biology is around. Can't just be pure chance. <<Stand by..>> he rumbles into his comm link. Caine may very well have muted him at this point but...can't say that he didn't bring up the odd happenings to him, now can he? 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde's gaze falls at the comment that he doesn't go out and socialize much. Well, he never really did. He just never found it very interesting or enriching, since people mostly ignored him on such outings, so he usually would end up an observer to whatever conversation they were having. But he nods when she asks if he at least has friends.     There is a gentle, subtle push into her mind, an attempt to just touch it. It wasn't every day he got to meet someone whose mind might flow more easily through the Force to him. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, you never know," Thaarin jokes, "you could hermit all you like, but what will you do if someone comes looking for you?" "I suppose it took me a moment to realize that she must have been headed to Tenoo because of her sister. The doctor must have reached out to her. But the question remains, does she know? And if she doesn't, who will tell her?" Maybe this was his way of saying that she should. But then he follows his question with another question, "...is it too hopeful to think Cayde has already told her..." But then, Navi and Rykard are arriving. He looks up when Navi waves to him, and he inclines his head politely in greeting. "I'm sorry, are Yvon and Jahni impatient? Zetha purchased the coaxium, but by chance or fate, somehow, Cayde's aunt is here. I'm sure they'll understand the delay." Dahlea doesn't resist. The feeling doesn't seem unfamiliar to her. "It's alright," she says to Cayde. "I'm just afraid of you being lonely. Your mother... after Soren left, I think that's all she knew. Loneliness." The Baron doesn't respond. Maybe he really did mute Volken. Volken shouldn't be surprised if he has. The trail leads to an area that has definitely been camped in recently. There's a smoldered fire pit, and the grass is flattened on the opposite side of the firepit. Someone had been here, not too long ago. But it kind of looks like they left in a hurry - they'd left a glowrod, and the pit is still smoking a little. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "That really depends on who would actually come looking for me, if anyone." Zetha remarks back and then listens to what Thaarin says after. "Tell her what? That her sister may or may not be part of some theoretical medical experiment and could potentially already be dead?" This is said before she notices Navi and Rykard approaching them but Thaarin explains a few things which renders Zetha pretty much further speechless. To the point that she turns on her heals and heads back to let Dahlea know she's got minimal time so should probably look at her ship now unless she's fine leaving it to the alian behind the counter. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' No he supposes he's not surprised even if he finds it stupid. But there is more important things than Caine's ego. Volken takes a moment to fully examine the site with his gaze. Sweeping it this way and that in search of any signs that may give more clues as to the identity of the person who was at this camp. That whoever was here left in a hurry isn't lost on him either. <<Jorn? Er'gi?>> he tries, one more time on the comm link and then just grunts, expecting silence, "Damn." Finally he stats off in a hurry into the path, intent on following after whoever took off. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yes. But they'll have to wait on Xera and Taryn to get back, too, so... /well, there's that/," Navi replies to Thaarin. "Wait... Cayde has an /aunt/ on-world? Given his family members on Coruscant, I may want to meet her. Also, I've got some potentially important information you need to hear before we go back to the ship. Make sure you let the others know," she adds, before proceeding to tell him all about her misadventures near the posh bar. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well, Cayde kind of -is- lonely, to be honest. But he tries not to show her that. About his mother, he just nods sadly. <> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin's gaze follows Zetha, but then he looks back to Navi and listens to her carefully. He frowns, and motions for both her and Rykard to follow them into the scrap house. "You mean, you think Xera was the one to cause the coaxium leak?" he says, brows furrowing slightly. "Believe me, I didn't know about his aunt either. But Cayde isn't exactly the kind to go around telling people about himself. We all know that." "Look," Dahlea says, "I know it's probably really hard for you. But both me and your mother don't want you to grow up the way we did, always feeling lonely in a crowd. Please, go out and try to make some good friends. People you know will gladly spend time with you, anytime." And then Zetha comes back in. She smiles at the Twi'lek girl and hands her a storage cask, filled with enough coaxium for their trip to Coruscant and back. "The fellow behind the desk brought it over," she says, "This should be more than enough to last you for a good while." The path gets fainter and fainter as Volken follows it. But then again, Volken will find himself heading very deep into the Gorge. Here, the way is narrow, and there are tons of ledges that don't look like they could support his massive form. It's foggy and dark down here too, and he'll see shadows darting to and fro every so often... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Thanks..." Zetha offers as she carefully takes the storage cask. "I should get this to the ship so they can top off. Uhm. I can still also take a look at your ship real quick. Something rattling around tells me it might very well be that something just came loose and that's a simple fix, really..." She offers this and smiles. "But we're being looked for by other members of the party so it might be wise for me to look at it in a now or never sort of way... sorry..." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Well he's not about to sit here and go tumbling down into the darkness over this. Goign back to the camp becomes an option to him. He still isn't sure of what's goign on and his mind is begining to calculate a number of different reasons why simply abandoning this affair isn't out of the question. At the same time he can't simply leave Er'gi and Jorn to this insanity. So...threaten it is. "Alright. I see you.." rumbles Volken . A crackle of energy resounds as he clenches his fists and activates his energized knuckle dusters while his undamaged vambrace begins ramping up the charges on its repulsor gauntlet. "Come out. Show yourself and let's....talk." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Whether she created it herself or got someone else to do it, I'm sure she's behind it," replies Navi, following Thaarin into the scrap house. "I've met others of Cayde's family, and they're good people. The only bad egg among them is a former fiance, and he's in prison." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh no!" Dahlea says, "I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were on a tight time schedule... if you really have to go, perhaps don't wait for me..." She gets up, but with some effort. She coughs again, violently. "...ah, excuse me. My ship is at the shop down the street." She starts making her way towards the exit of the scrap house. "Prison..." Thaarin muses, looking pensive. But he doesn't further comment. By now, they would have met Zetha and Dahlea at the egress to the scrap house lobby. "I'm sorry," Dahlea laments to Navi, "am in your way? I'm a little slow. Any kind of cardio can be difficult for me at times..." There's a rustle, and then the sound of a branch breaking behind Volken. The massive Mandalorian might be about to whirl around and attack whatever emerges, but he may be rather unpleasantly surprised to find that it's just the Baron. "Put that -away-," he growls, "it's just me, and I'm not in a fighting mood. Yes, I saw the makeshift camp that had been abandoned recently after I came to investigate what trouble you might possibly make left to your own devices." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Believe me, Ma'am, it's no trouble," Navi replies gently to Dahlea. "You wouldn't happen to be Cayde's aunt, would you? Thaarin mentioned meeting such an aunt. I'm Navi, and Cayde and I are friends, just so you know how I know, and why I asked." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha heads out of the scrap house as well. "I'm taking the coaxium to the ship..." She announces to everyone and then shifts to make her way to said shuttle to drop off the coaxium. Perhaps even making a bee-line for it. Carefully. Volatile cargo in tow after all. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Oh so -now- yer invested. The team-up everybody's been waitin' t'see... Tth." Volken puts his arms down and de-activates the charges on his knuckle dusters. "Alright. Fine. So...yer smarter than me yeah? So...whddya think? There's some missing doctor I'm supposed t'keep an eye out for... And obviously Er'gi couldn't have come this way. The tracks aren't big enough fer him. Still no Jorn or the JEdi." He gestures forward, "Footings not stable up ahead. ANy o'this fmailiar to you?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [I do try] Cayde tells Dahlea, when she encourages him to find people to spend time with. Then it's almost time to leave again, although he finds himself not very eager to get back on the cramped ship. He'll wait until everything has been topped off.     He watches Dahlea head back to her ship, then starts following her. Maybe he could help with the repairs, if Zetha was busy with the coaxium top-up. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh, actually," she says, "I am, you must all be friends of his...?" Thaarin then apologizes for not having introduced himself earlier and tells her his name. Then he gestures to Navi. "Navi is co-deputy of the Republic colony, Aklyrr Bend. She shares that title with Cayde." "Oh, how wonderful," she says, as they walk towards the shop where her ship is. She then coughs. "The shop where my ship is, is very busy. They said they wouldn't even be able to take a look at it for at least another couple of days," she says, "but they said I could leave it here for the time being. I figured I might be able to self repair if I got the right part from the scrap yard..." Thaarin watches Zetha leave with some concern. "If you'll excuse me," he says. "If you need anything, let me know," He tells Navi, Rykard and Cayde. Then he follows Zetha. "What's wrong?" he asks. "Did you change your mind?" As the group proceeds towards the shop, Rykard pulls Cayde aside. "What do you remember about the time you worked for Black?" The elder Jedi asks. "Yes," The Baron says haughtily. "This is the path a solo traveler trying to traverse the Gorge would take if they wanted to head for the lab," he says. "The risk of falling and dying here is greater, but at least the danger of being detected by ... unkind wildlife is diminished." He then continues along the narrow path downward. Volken will find it difficult to follow him. The path is clearly not made for someone with a girth his size. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "The coaxium isn't going to deliver itself...I was just going to take it to the ship and come back..." Zetha offers to Thaarin gently as he falls in step aside her. "Unless you want to deliver it and I can go look at her ship. I don't much care...but both things need to happen and you all seemed to be conversing about something important. I didn't want to interrupt." She continues walking. "And stop asking me what's wrong. I refuse to give you an answer to that question ever again because it makes you insufferable for hours after." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "This isn't worth me riskin' falling to my death over and it's not worth you goin' alone to get ambushed by yerself so just waittasec. Let's go back and check the camp out. I wanna know what else is in that satchel. It oculd e the doctor or it coudl be one of their goons but either way just walkin' up to the labs alone without figurin' out what happened to Jorn, Er'gi and our babysitter aint a good idea..." Volken's got no incentive or interests in trying to move along a path likely to give way under him so he's not even goign to try. He takes a few steps backwards, starting to look back to the camp. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yes, Ma'am, that's true," Navi replies. "But you mentioned something about your ability to get around. I am a Novice of the Shining Brotherhood and a Force healer. Perhaps I can help you?" she offers. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh, that man only known as 'Black', which Cayde is certain is not really his name. He shrugs. [What about it] he asks. [He let me access his information] he continues, recalling how he has been given permission to access some kind of data vault. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin holds out a hand. "I can take it," he says, "You're not an errand girl, Zetha, and I'm not above this task. Just because a conversation is important doesn't immediately mean you shouldn't be there, or shouldn't interrupt. In fact, the opposite is true." Then he steps closer to her, and she'll be able to feel his body heat emanating from him like a radiator. He fixes her with his penetrating, scarlet gaze. "Then would you rather me never cease to stop asking? As I said before, I will always care for you. And if you meant what you said about us being friends, then you'll have to stop shutting me out at some point." "Fine," The Baron says, "go look. But I doubt you'll find anything useful there. The doctor was there, but he isn't anymore. He would have come down this way, not back up." Then he shrugs. "She's not -my- babysitter. And Jorn and Er'gi are -your- concern, not mine." He then continues downward, but Volken will be able to see a pretty stable and clear path back up to the campsite. "Is--Is that real?" Dahlea says, "I've only heard stories, never seen it for myself. I'd assumed it was just something parents tell their children to instill a sense of imagination and wonder." Rykard frowns, seeming concerned. "And what did he have you do?" he says to Cayde. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Aren't you the one that came to us needin' help solving the mess -you- started?" notes Volken before the Baron can get far away, "Plus yer gonna need us if you wanna go see Kass. You need somebody to vouch for you bein' cooperative and not a total di'kut. Not doin' good so far..." But he turns to leave Caine to go ahead if he so chooses. Volken won't be sliding down the side of a gorge over this nonsense. Plus if he does find something of value - no need to share it with Caine now. So back to the camp he goes and once there he begis to reach for the knapsack to take a look, searching for any possible clues such as notes left behind or markings on any of the vials. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "This is less shutting you out and me not wanting -another- argument. So can I say that not everything is okay but we can talk about it later? When we're not delivering coaxium and fixing ships?" Because Zetha -does- want him as a friend and since she's no longer aiming to yell him into oblivion just talking sounds like it could do her some good right now. Either way, she hands over the coaxium carefully and then nods. "I'll see you on the ship in a bit, Thaarin..." Before turning to meet Dahlea and company. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Find information about colony founding] Cayde replies. A brow goes up slightly at his master. [He has contact you] he asks. Why the suddenly questions about the man, he wonders. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "It's completely real, Ma'am. Maybe I can't move things around with my mind like Cayde and prove it to your eyes, but I can try to heal you, even a little, if you'll let me," Navi replies earnestly. "You need only hold still for a moment and let me place my hands on your shoulders... and if the Force is with us, you should feel better..." Even as she speaks, she reaches into the Force and begins to manipulate the flow of it through Dahlea's body, and the flow between herself and the older woman, encouraging damaged tissues to knit and heal... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron doesn't respond. Instead, he vanishes from sight as he descends deeper into the Gorge. But that probably won't surprise Volken at all. There are lots of markings on the vials. Numbers, mostly, but there doesn't seem to be any logic or meaning to them. At the bottom of the satche, there's a datapad. There doesn't seem to be anything on it, except for a single text document, that looks like it's only half written. If Volken opens it, he'll see that it seems to be a will of sorts, but is isn't finished. Maybe Zetha will be surprised when Thaarin replies calmly and cordially, "Of course." He inclines his head politely and then starts heading back towards the ship. "Well, I don't see why not," she says. After Navi is finished, Dahlea smiles. "I feel... so much better," she says, "like I've received almost all my strength back. Maybe it won't last forever, but I'll certainly take advantage of it now." She quickens her pace. "The shop is just up ahead." "No," Rykard says, "But Navi had some choice words about him. Was there anything else he had you do?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I've done what I can. Perhaps you should tell me about your condition," Navi suggests gently. "If I know what I'm dealing with, I may be able to find a way to improve your condition over time. I have hopes of being back on Coruscant for good in a few months, and I'd welcome the opportunity to help the family of a friend who has suffered so much for his Order." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha isn't sure what she expected but calm and collected certainly wasn't it. However, it actually felt...like a breakthrough of sorts. Maybe they'll be okay as friends afterall. None the less, she returns to meet Dahlea and company as they walk along. "Cayde. I might need some help depending on what's wrong... think you can give me a hand?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns pensively, thinking. Oh, yeah. There was that strange meditation room. Had it been an experiment? [Meditation experiment...with flooded room] he recalls. [And Navi]     Then Zetha is asking for potential assistance, and he nods quickly to her. [I can move the items] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You're certainly welcome to try," Dahlea says, "thank you so much. It may be more trouble than it's worth, though. You'd have to talk to the medical professionals I've seen on Coruscant and I'd have to dig up all my medical records for you to look at. It's not a simple thing, and there's no known cure. Just.. ways to make quality of life a little better until I finally pass. Really, I'm lucky to have lived this long." She offers Navi a small and grateful smile. Then she shifts her gaze towards a repair shop just across the street. "Ah yes! There's where my ship is being kept." She turns to Zetha, who's just caught up. "Oh perfect timing! It's just inside. The Cereans at the desk should be able to tell you where they've parked it for the time being." Rykard looks troubled. "...what?" But then Cayde is summoned for a task by Zetha. He does not further press the issue, for now. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The white lothwolf rushes for the piece of ration bar Jorn throws her, whining softly in pain as the extra effort has strained the wound. His attempts to feed her are successful, and he'll soon be able to tell that he's lifted her spirits some. As Jorn goes along, so does she, but at a safe distance. She isn't leaving, clearly, but seems to want to know if she can really trust Jorn. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shifts to follow Dahlea towards her ship with a Cayde following, apparently. She's hoping for a quick fix and then getting back to the ship so they can continue their way to Coruscant - hopefully because Thaarin has successfully delivered the coaxium. Though she does give Cayde a side glance and signs to him <Are you okay?> 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will feed the animal as much of the ration bar as he can. Just making sure she's okay. He will keep moving. He -might- break into a second one. However, he doesn't want to harm himself in the process. Still, he will keep moving. Although, if someone tries to go after her, he might be quick to defend. Empathy works in mysterious ways, even if he's the reason why she's limping. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If that's all I could do, it would be enough, Ma'am. May the Force be with you," Navi replies gently, just before Dahlea leaves with Cayde and Zetha. "I hope the repairs aren't too long or severe. The Ugnaughts are already eager to leave," she observes softly, moving to join Master Rykard. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde arches a brow at his master momentarily. What what? Was he confused? Or shocked?     He follows Zetha, nodding at her signed question. [What about you] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Cereans at the desk notice Cayde and Zetha approaching. "Can we help you?" one of them asks. "How kind!" Dahlea says, and then seats herself in a chair in the lobby. Rykard doesn't say anything to Cayde's questioning look. Instead, he addresses Navi. "It won't be the end of the galaxy if we take a bit longer," he says, "the trials are still due to happen several days after we're scheduled to arrive. It'll be alright." There's a pause. "Cayde mentioned something about a meditation experiment with a flooded room. What was that all about?" Meanwhile, the white lothwolf seems to be warming up to Jorn more and more. Still, the obsession with the dark saber remains. She watches it with laser focus anytime he takes it out, or turns his attention towards it. She does not attempt to attack him anymore, though. At some point, the gap between them closes a little. He'll be able to sense an inquisitive air about her. She wants to know why. But why what, exactly, will remain a mystery for now. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's reply comes a moment later. <Not really. Just ready to leave.> To Cayde before they approach the desk and she gives a little smile to the Cereans behind the counter. "Yes. I believe you have this lady's ship docked in your yard but you're a bit behind getting it looked at. I was hoping we might take a look and see if we can repair it and get it off your hands. Free up that spot as it were." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn just presses forward having lost all of those in the fog. Seeing the gap closing the mandalorian will speak, "You can stay as long as you want. The food on me will run out. Then you make a choice, follow me and I will make it a point to get you more. Part and maybe I'll see you again," Jorn won't be hurt either way. Also, he highly doubts the wolf can understand him. Honestly, Jorn would think these are somehow force ghosts? Memories from the woods? Something like that until two others bit him pretty good. That dispelled previous thoughts. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well at least Zetha was honest.     Cayde squeezes her shoulder slightly, attempting to soothe any anxieties she may be having. Maybe she'll find her parents or at least a lead on where they may be on Coruscant. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I remember using that flooded chamber and Cayde's telepathy to interrogate Vlaven. I still have second thoughts about it. The water was only a few inches deep, so there was no danger of drowning, at least, even if the hem of my robe got wet," Navi replies to Master Rykard. "That chamber seemed to amplify the effects of our telepathy. I'm not sure what else it might have been capable of." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Cereans, for whatever reason, seem sort of suspicious or skeptical of her request. However, they don't comment on it. They glance over at Dahlea and nod. "Head towards the back. You won't miss it. Civilian class Skyhopper, modified. It's an old thing, probably dates back to the old Republic." He nods in the direction Zetha should start heading. Maybe she does, maybe she doesn't. Perhaps it's coincidence that she comes nearer to him when he says that she can stay as long as she wants, but that the food will run out eventually. She limps over to him, and sits on his feet. Then she tugs on his sleeve, as if beckoning him to sit. "Tell me more about Vlaven," Rykard says, "Do you know where he is now?" The elder Master seems worried. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn feels that tug on his glove. Looking around, he'll remove some brush to give himself space to sit down. His attention focused on her. "What is it?" hea sks if the animal will somehow answer him. As a precaution, he will keep his hand close to the blade. Because this could be a trap afterall. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha relaxes a little when there's no real push back to her going and looking at the ship. She'll head in the direction that the Cereans motioned for her to go and then glances to Cayde with a grin. "This should be quick...hopefully..." Then after a beat. "Sorry I kind of blabbed on you. She was talking about going to Teeno to see her sister and I put two and two together. I really should stop doing that." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde listens to the description, noting that the Cereans seem somewhat skeptical of their request. Well, it probably wasn't that normal. Maybe? But anyway he just follows Zetha to the shipyard.     [It is ok...I like to know about it] he replies, then starts searching the yard for the ship in question. [I can make it fast] he adds confidently, when she notes she hopes this will be quick. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Vlaven was a high-ranking government official who was close to the former Chancellor. He was using everyone around him to gain more power and wealth, until he was finally caught. Perhaps he even wanted to be Chancellor himself. Right now, he is in prison for his crimes," Navi replies. "I'm not sure he's still sane. Then again, it's possible he never was. But I suspect he's even less so now." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Lothwolf regards Jorn with wide blue eyes. She blinks slowly, and tilts her head to one side, wagging her tail once. Then she lies down, looks up at him and whines softly. He'll feel that odd compulsion again, to sleep. It's resistible, but now it seems clear what she wants. Why, though, will still remain a mystery for now. Well, the Cereans are right. The ship is unmistakable. It's old -old-, not like any of the other shuttles or freighters Zetha would have seen in her day. It's tucked in a corner, covered with a sandy tarp. Rykard's brows furrow even deeper. "What do you mean, he's even less so now? He's in prison, but where exactly? Did they tell you?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I don't know where he was imprisoned. I doubt many do," Navi replies softly. "As for his sanity, he was already psychotic. After the interrogation, he may be more so, and his grip on what is real and what is not may be less secure." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Oh wow... I didn't expect this...I mean I wasn't sure what I was expecting but it wasn't this..." Zetha says as she and Cayde approach the shuttle. "Part of me has to wonder how it survived flying through the galaxy at all..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well they'd said 'old Republic' old. That really -was- old. Cayde continues to follow Zetha, then makes his way toward the ancient ship, going to at least peek under that dusty tarp. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will stand up, just shaking off the sensation. "No," he rises up and shakes things off. "I need to find the others. Sooner I do that, the sooner I can get off the planet. You can join me or not," he says firmly starting to move forward again. Just pushing onward as he looks about trying to see if the others are still about. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard's expression darkens, in a way that Navi may realize means he's very concerned. "This does not bode well," he murmurs, perhaps to her, perhaps to himself. He gets up. "I must speak with Cayde about this," he says. "But I'll wait until he returns." Once inside, Zetha may be surprised to see the ship is in relatively good shape for being this old. It had been maintained, obviously. But likely the problem she's trying to diagnose will be in the back, near the fuel tanks. The white lothwolf then suddenly gets up and barks, running in front of Jorn. She then whines, and licks her wound. Then she sits in front of him, and barks again, as if imploring him to wait. She then sniffs in his pocket for another ration bar, perhaps. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' The right hand stays close to the blade then he looks for antoher ration bar. He'll find one, toss out half. His attention focused on the wolf seeing if they would go for it. Everything focused on on the wolf and keeping the ear opens for others. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "She said she heard something rattling around. I'm thinking something just got knocked loose and it's an easy fix..." Zetha offers to Cayde as she boards the ship in order to take a look within the engine room. She moves around to where the fuel tanks are, though she might need to turn the ship on to hear the rattling noise. "Thanks for coming to help by the by. Though I don't think Rykard appreciate it much..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "That room reminded me of the meditation chambers in the Jedi Temple, but it was in the CSF building, and newly built. There was even a central booth that was soundproofed," Navi continues softly. "Agent Black may have even said it was built for Cayde's use, but he is known to be manipulative. He looked humanoid, but he didn't /feel/ humanoid through the Force. I hope that makes any sense." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The white lothwolf devours the ration bar again. Then she tugs on Jorns sleeve again. This time, the message she's trying to convey is clearer. Just a little bit, she's saying. Then she lies down, and stares at Jorn with those wide blue eyes. She does seem genuinely to want to help Jorn. But for some reason, she's not ready to get moving again. Perhaps the wound he'd inflicted on her is worse that it seems? The engine room isn't hard to find, and neither are the fuel tanks. It won't take long for Zetha to get to where she needs to be, and do what she needs to do. "For Cayde's use? Specifically Cayde?" Rykard's brows furrow. "Do you have any idea whether they're still contact these days or not?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi shakes her head. "I don't believe so. Not since we left for Tenoo, and maybe not before then." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods. Yes, rattling sounds like a loose part! [Loose part can be fixed quick] he signs, and follows Zetha toward the engine room. Upon arriving, he starts searching the area, looking for anything that looks loose when it should be snug. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will lay down for a moment. He is a little reluctant to sleep. His eyes close and then they open up slowly. Breathing slowly as he looks up at the sky. Curious what is going to happen next. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is quick to realize what it is. "Just as I actually suspected...there's a piece of junk that's gotten into the fuel shaft..." She says this much and then pulls it out before closing the hatch door. "Good to stop and make sure, but definitely glad it was something simple. And I really don't want to charge her for junk removal..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Hmm," Rykard muses quietly. "Well, he may not have said anything about it. I'll ask him once he returns." Then he gets up to greet and introduce himself to Dahlea, who's waiting patiently for Zetha and Cayde to return. Unfortunately, Cayde won't really find anything. Whatever had rattled loose must have been in the fuel shaft itself. But it's not a problem, Zetha's able to make quick work of it. Soon, the two of them are likely headed back towards the lobby. Perhaps Jorn falls asleep. Perhaps he doesn't. Perhaps he won't even know himself really what happened, because the next thing he'll know is that he's on the floor of the Jedi Temple, looking up at scaffolding in the archives. The lothwolf is nearby, drinking and frolicking in the fountain not even two meters from him. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha finds Dahlea pretty much where they left her. "Well. It was fairly quick and easy. You had some junk that wound up falling into the fuel shaft. It's been removed and otherwise for how old the shuttle looks it's in really good shape. In my professional opinion you're good to go..." She smiles and then looks to the others but she doesn't say much else. She's definitely not going to mention being paid for simple junk removal. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Sitting up, Jorn is jarred by this temple. Pulling out the blade, it roars to life. His gaze looks around for a moment before he flicks the switch. The blade goes away, but he will keep the weapon out just in case. "How?" he asks knowing the Jedi have tricks. Although, he will pull out the other communicator and do a quick signal check. Just seeing if maybe this improved anything. It's doubtful. "Anyone there?" he will call out. He expects his voice to carry as if it bounces around in a canyon. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi nods to Master Rykard, falling silent for the moment and falling in behind him as he approaches Dahlea. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde wanders around the engine room for several minutes, but granted he is not quite as familiar with starship engineering as Zetha. But apparently, it was just a piece of junk in the fuel shaft, no Force manipulation needed. So he'll just shrug and follow Zetha back out to the lobby. [Nothing else] he asks the Twi'lek once she has pulled the piece of trash free. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "So fast! And to know she was a friend to Cayde," Dahlea says, clearly delighted. "Ah, I'm not carrying very many credits on me. But..." She unclips the necklace she's wearing and hands it to Zetha. "That should cover it." She then turns to the rest of the group, smiling. "Thank you all so much for helping me, and for making me feel less alone on this foreign planet." She touches Navi on the shoulder lightly, "I don't know that we'll cross paths again," she says, "but here's the contact information for the doctor on Coruscant I sometimes see." She hands the Sephi girl a small data card. To Cayde, she says, "It was so nice to see you," she says, "I don't know if I'll ever see you again, but... Force willing..." she seems to grow emotional. Jorn's expectations meet reality. There's no one here, and his voice will bounce off the walls of the empty Temple. The lothwolf comes up to him, and licks his hand. When he checks his communicator, he will be surprised to find that somehow, in this exact spot, there is signal. And the message he'd intended to send earlier? Well, it's gone out. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thank you so much, Dahlea. And if the Force wills that we shall cross paths again, I will welcome that glad meeting. May the Force be with you," Navi says gently, with a small but warm smile for the older woman, as she accepts the data card. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' He'll keep the other communicator open expecting some responses. Jorn expects some kind of response. Enough to tell him that the hornet's nest has been kicked. After a few moments, he'll kill the communicator signal. "Alright. Let's look around then,' he'll start to explore the seemingly empty temple just looking over everything. Trying to keep his attention toward anything that looks like writing or pictographs. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha accepts the necklace graciously, but it's definitely not something she's just going to put around her neck so it can stick out like a sore thumb. So she'll unzip one of her many pockets and drops the necklace in there before zipping it back up. "Right then. It was nice meeting you as well, and I'm glad I could help. Be well." Then she turns and - for hopefully the final time - Zetha attempts to go back to the shuttle. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde bows politely toward Dahlea. [Thank you and good to meet you] he signs, but as she begins to grow emotional, he reaches out and tries to soothe any grief she may be feeling at their parting. He will...try to have more friends. And spend time with them, too. Well he has been working on it, anyway! It's better than before, certainly. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Thank you all," Dahlea says to them, getting up with some effort. "And may the Force be with every one of you, as well. We were lucky to cross paths," she says, bowing. Then she embraces Cayde. "I'll tell your mother you said hello," she says, "Do try to go out and socialize. It'll broaden your horizons at the very least." Then she releases him, and starts to head for her ship. Once they're all on their way back to the Jedi shuttle, Rykard will pull Cayde aside. "Have you spoken with Black at all, lately? And did he tell you where Vlaven was sent to prison?" He'll get a reply from the Duke. <We're coming> is all he says. But he doesn't specify who 'we' is. The lothwolf trots after Jorn, tongue out. She seems to be in a good mood. Her pace eventually outstrips Jorn's, and soon, it will be clear to Jorn that she's heading straight for... somewhere. Oh, she's turning left towards a staircase leading downwards that definitely hadn't been renovated yet.... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn just keep looking about the place knowing this will lead to something. Where? What? Who? he's not sure about any of those answers. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' First thing Zetha's going to do as soon as she gets back onto the ship is go look for a blue-skinned Chiss man who apparently jinxed her in all the wrong ways. He wants to be her friend and worry about her? Fine. He can help share some of her burdens. One being the necklace she figures she shouldn't be caught dead or alive with because then people will wonder how SHE got it. She's read those holo-novels. They -never- end up well! Though she does pause for a moment to pull out her communicator and sends one more message out to Crane. <<We're about to leave so we'll be jumping back into hyperspace. I wanted to take a minute and tell you I love you. I'll message you from Coruscant.>> Then she'll send Wiis, <<About to be back in hyperspace. Message again when at Coruscant. Don't give Twozee much trouble.>> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde accepts the embrace, even gently returns it as well, patting her on the back. Then he heads back toward the ship, where his master pulls him aside and once again asks him about Agent Black. He shakes his head had on both counts. Well, he hadn't really asked about where Vlaven was being held...but the thought of that brings back a very deep sinking feeling that fills him with dread. He hadn't intended for that to happen to the man, in spite of all the wrongs he'd committed. The padawan turns away, and starts to hurry ahead toward the cabin. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' No response from Crane, again. There's a text transmission from Wiis, it's just two hearts. Not super unusual, but also not terribly common either. And when Zetha reaches the ship, she'll spot Thaarin right away. He's in the doorway to her and Navi's room, leaning against the frame, as if waiting for her. "Is now a good time to talk?" he asks, smiling slightly, arms folded. "Cayde...!" Rykard's brows furrow when the young padawan hurries away towards the ship. He starts after him, but then seems to think better of it. He instead goes to look for Navi, hoping she might be able to shed more light on Cayde's reaction. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi trails behind the others as they head back toward the ship. "Master? Is something the matter?" she asks, seeing Rykard approaching with some urgency in his gait. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I suppose now is as good a time as any..." Zetha offers and motions while opening the door to her room. She'll settle on the edge of her bed as well, slipping the necklace she got from Dahlea out of her pocket and places it on the bed. "So...where do you want to start?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard turns to Navi, nodding very slowly. "I asked Cayde about Agent Black, and where they're currently keeping Vlaven. He seemed ... troubled by the topic. Any idea why? Can you tell me more details about what happened with Vlaven?" Thaarin stays in the doorway, that slight smile unwavering. "Well, you tell me. I'm here to listen," he says, "not force an agenda. What do -you- want to start with?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face, looking at her commlink briefly to see the message from Wiis and notice there isn't one from Crane which causes her to frown. "I'd prefer it if you ask me questions, Thaarin. Otherwise, I don't know where to start and my brain is already going in a hundred different directions..." Then she looks to the necklace. "Also, you need to take that away from me. It screams rich person territory and I don't want to be caught dead or alive with something an ailing senator's wife gifted me for removing junk from her ship. Literally." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'll try to remember more, but it's been a long time since then," Navi replies softly, lowering her voice so they won't be overheard. "Have you ever seen Cayde's ability to construct a sort of haven in his or someone else's mind? Like a tranquil garden at the Temple?" she asks. "Well, he was using that trick on Vlaven, only it was a luxurious bedroom, and the only other occupant was a psychic puppet of Vlaven's lover. I believe she worked for the Grafs. Cayde was using the puppet to try to get Vlaven to admit to things we knew he had done, but couldn't prove." "During the process, Vlaven's grip on what was real and what wasn't fractured severely, mostly due to the conduct of Cayde's psychic puppet. He kept almost seeing through the illusion, only to have it reinforced and batter down his defenses again and again. It had to have taken a terrible toll on his mind. That's all I can really remember," she concludes. "I don't think Cayde meant to do him harm, but in the end he was harmed anyway. And I don't think he realized until it was too late how much Agent Black was using him." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde makes his way back onto the ship, retreating to his cabin. He'll probably have to eventually explain the details to his master, one way or another...although he truly doesn't like dwelling upon it, so he goes back to studying and working on preparing that testimony. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin chuckles softly coming to sit down next to her on the bed. "Well," he says, leaning forward and studying the necklace, "let's start with the necklace. Who gave it to you? Dahlea? She wasn't carrying hard credits, I assume. Why don't you want to be caught with it? You know she's going to tell everyone about you, anyway." Rykard doesn't say anything in response to Navi right away, but she'll be able to tell by his deeply furrowed brow and the way he immediately gathers his robes and sweeps towards their ship at a quick pace that what she'd told him and bothered him greatly. "When we get to Coruscant," he says to Navi, "no, wait. You should start now, before we return to hyperspace. Send out a message to Black, to the CSF, even any bureaucrats you may know in the Core Worlds connected to the Republic. We need to find where Vlaven is being kept." Meanwhile, Volken will find himself alone, at the campsite he'd found prior, looking at the remnants of the belongings of whoever had stayed here recently. The datapad he's recovered has some kind of will on it. It's not finished, and is .... editable?? Volken could write his own name in, if he wanted to... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "That's a short list, Master... mostly it's the chief of the CSF and Agent Black himself. Mondrian (F) is aboard the ship and may not know anything, and the Chancellor has been deposed. It's possible that Senator Burkenn and Gianka may be able to help, but last I heard, they were as much in the dark about his location as we are," Navi replies. "I'll do what I can, and hope the Force is with us." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Yeah. Dahlea. I mean...I don't know really. I get this feeling that if people see me with some fancy jewlery they'll wonder how I got it. Or if I stole it. And not to be cruel...but what if she dies? I suddenly have her necklace? They'll pin me for murder." Zetha offers. Definitely the workings of a mind that's read one too many holo-novels. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' If he's in 'goblin mode' he would consider doing that. Volken can be a bit of a chaos goblin from time to time. But he's in Ogre mode now. His two comrades are missing, Caine is out there doing who knows what, and he can't raise contact with anyone, not even their Jedi minder. So jokes are not on his mind. Especially being alone. There's nobody to laugh or try and get him to stop. That's half the fun. But he does look over it more closely, scanning the datapad to see who wrote the will and if its contents will let him glean who it's -intended- for. The rest of the items he begins bagging back up, intending on affixing to his belt when finished and puting the datapad back into it once he's done looking it over. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard nods slowly. "The Force is always with us Navi," The master says, "but what you do with that, is entirely up to you. Indeed, do what you can. We'll see what happens after." And with that, he goes to look for Cayde. < We must speak> he tells the young padawan from afar. Thaarin seems amused. "I hardly think that either of those things would be the case," he says, holding out a hand for the necklace. "It's less about how she paid you, and the fact that you did anything for her at all. The galaxy will know, and you may be sought out by the Senator himself. And you know how high ranking politicians are. They leave indelible marks on the trajectory of your life." The will does appear to have been written by the doctor. And by the looks of it, the man had enough wealth to probably buy at least two whole planets. There's a line or two in there about Cayde, and someone else Volken would have never heard of. Kuyvar, another Knight within the Order. There's a couple of other family members listed there as well. A sister in law, and a niece, who both Nakadia. Perhaps this will be news for Volken. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I also don't have any use for fancy jewlery, Thaarin. Some lonely outer world junkyard worker with one piece of fancy stuff?" Zetha offers this before picking up the necklace and places it in Thaarin's hand. "You make it seem like good things will happen if my name is in the mouth of some Senator, but then you've also implied that this particular Senator's not really a good person...so is it really that beneficial to me?" Then she sighs and shakes her head. "Crane's mad at me too, I think. Though he mentioned that he's asked Volken to keep an eye out for Soren while they search for the labratory...or at least I think they're still searching for it. Wiis seems to be doing fine on her own, which is a good thing. I think. She messaged me hearts. I don't know how I feel about her texting me hearts." Then a very rare actual smile comes across Zetha's face. "I've had a couple days to let things mellow out in my brain. So. I don't know what much else there is to talk about." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Take care, Master," Navi says as Master Rykard parts company with her. Upon reaching the ship, she sends off text messages to Black, the chief, Burkenn, and Gianka via her datapad, requesting assistance finding Vlaven's present location. That done, she goes to see whether Xera and Taryn have returned to the ship, then returns to her quarters. "Oh... sorry. I can come back if I'm interrupting," she says softly as she realizes Zetha and Thaarin are already there and deep in conversation. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Much of it is news. Volken has had limited interactions with the Doctor. He can count on one hand how many times they've spoken and once was extremely long ago. That the Doctor has a connection, perhaps some sort of mentorship, to Cayde is something he had some understanding off but everything else mostly goes over his head. Except for how much wealth the man has. That's hard to miss. There's not much he can do with this info however but holding onto it seems wise so he ends up putting the datapad away for now and then activating his commlink. <<You better have your common, Caine.... Looks like this -is- the doctor that went missing and folk have been looking for. He's been out here the whole time. Dunno if he got lost but he seems to think he' was done for. He mighta been dragged off against his will. You see anything??? 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh, here it comes. Cayde sighs and puts away his work for now. <...yes master> he replies, and waits for the elder Jedi to arrive. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well," Thaarin says, arching a brow slightly at Zetha, "I wasn't, I was saying you ought to be careful. Bureaucrats are different breed, Zetha. It might be beneficial, it might be detrimental. Either way, I think hiding is going to be hard. I'll do what I can, but I can't make any promises." He holds the necklace up and then suddenly, comes around behind her and fastens it around her neck. "Are you sure you don't want to keep it? It looks wonderful on you. And your mother, well you know she has an eye for expensive things." "That's alright," he says to Zetha, "I'm glad Wiis seems to miss you dearly, at least, and I hope the others find the doctor. What happened with your boyfriend?" Navi won't get any immediate responses from anyone, but she probably wasn't expecting to, anyway. When she arrives at her quarters, Thaarin looks up, and shakes his head. "No, that's alright. Say, Zetha and I both have some concerns about Senator Burkenn. I don't know much about him, what about you? You've spent a considerable amount on Coruscant, haven't you?" Volken will get zero response from the Baron. Maybe he's ignoring him, maybe signal down here is terrible. Perhaps both. Either way, he won't have much time to dwell on it. There's a crashing sound in the underbrush nearby. And arrive the elder Jedi does. He comes in, and sits down across from Cayde. <You must tell me everything> he says. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Any number of those possiblities could be viable. It's unlikley that if Caine was in real trouble he'd just ignore Volken and call for help and the Baron wasn't involved in the hunt for the doctor to begin with. , But, indeed he doesn't have the time or inclination to focus on it as his attention is caught by the crashing sound. He secures the datapad and other contents and then turns and tsrts towards the source of the crashing sound while beginning to charge his vambraces and weapons up. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Senator Burkenn? I didn't deal with him very much, but he seemed like a good and honorable person. Kind of rare among politicians," Navi replies to Thaarin, moving to take a seat on her bunk. "He has a pretty ward named Gianka. She has a noticeable resemblance to Cayde. The only worrying thing about her is that she was pretty attached to a creep named Vlaven that used to be a politician on Coruscant. He used to be her fiance, but I'm hoping she's given up carrying that torch." "By the way, that necklace suits you really well, Zetha. That's the one Dahlea gave you, isn't it?" she asks, giving the Twi'lek tech an approving look. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I...kinda had a moment of mental collapse and told him everything. Stuff that happened with the Baron on Teeno. The conversation slash arguments you and I had... just. Everything." Which then makes Zetha wonder if she even told Thaarin what happened with Caine. Somewhere between all that the necklace was placed on Zetha and she makes a sort of face. "Wiis'll probably either want to sell it or...I don't know..." When Navi gives her opinion on the Senator she nods her head. "I bet by the time we get to Coruscant he'll know about what I did to help his wife. Which makes me think I won't actually get a peaceful day on the planet." That last bits a joke. Sort of. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde looks up at his master, sighing. Well, here it goes. He's not going to try to come up with words, it was just too complicated. But he'll attempt to replay the memories and project them into his master's consciousness. Of how Black had wanted to force Vlaven to confess to his crimes, and how the man had been involved with some woman who worked for the Graf family. He'd created... a version of her to coax it out of him... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, the good news is that it isn't anything hell bent on attacking Volken. But the bad news is that although the friendly face is Er'gi, he does not look well. The crashing sound had been him falling face first into the dirt upon Volken approaching him. And if Volken goes to inspect the other behemoth or rouse him, he will not respond. "Really?" Thaarin says, "I heard he was involved in the scandal that got the former Chancellor deposed." He frowns at the mention of Vlaven. "So, what happened to him, then?" "Well that's good," Thaarin reassures Zetha. "Transparency and good communication are vital to lasting relationship," he says. When Navi comments that it looks on her, he says. "Well, you can try. I think you should keep it." <And now> Rykard says, the concern in his demeanor growing. <where is he? What ever happened to that version of his lover> 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I hadn't heard much about that," Navi replies to Thaarin. "I guess we'll see when we get to Coruscant. If anyone was doing anything to sabotage the Chancellor or pursuing a corrupt deal, I thought it would be Vlaven. He's the right kind of sleaze. Last I heard, he was incarcerated, but I don't know where." She stands and moves to sit next to Zetha, hugging her gently from the side. "You've really had a rough go of it, haven't you?" she asks sympathetically. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Another sigh long, drawn-out sigh escapes Cayde and he stares at the floor for a moment before looking back up at his master. <> he answers, to both of those questions. Rykard can easily tell he is rather distraught about it. He hadn't intended it to turn out that way. 'Black' had been very pleased, of course... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Er'gi!" Volken swiftly moves into action to begin attempting to rouse the other Mandalorian but, once that fails, he turns towards trying to both examine him to search for any signs of wounds, missing beskar, blaster marks or anything that could give a hint as to exactly what has felled the other giant. Attempting to move him without more information would just make matters worse though he does at hte last try and make sure he's not laying in a position that would absolutely cause further injury to him. "C'mon Er'gi. You're at least fifty percent as tough as me. C'mon! Wake up!" The large Mandalorian does a quick glance over the brush to see form wht directio Er'gi may have come from. He's so large that, especially in this condition, tracking how he got here shouldn't be difficult. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha takes a breath and nods her head. "That's one way to put it." Then she grins towards Thaarin. "It'd be really nice if most the men in my life stopped having crushes on me..." If they really are friends, and she's making a joke about it, maybe he'll take it as one from now on. "In all seriousness though...I think things are settling down. If the Baron manages to leave Teeno, Crane and I don't break up and this one stays my friend...the rest'll just settle. The last thing I'm anxious about is whatever may come of me finding anything out about my parents." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You didn't? Oh, well, I supposed it was one of many reports buried in the archives back at the comms center back on Tenoo," Thaarin says to Navi. He frowns when she says she doesn't know where he got sent. "Hm, don't you find that a bit suspicious?" He asks Navi. Thaarin just rolls his eyes with a slight smirk when she says that it'd be nice if most of the men in her life would stop having crushes on her, "If only," he denotes with a bit of sarcasm. If the joke had hurt him, well, Zetha will never ever, know. Rykard's expression intensifies. <Why not?> There's a pause. <You know then. That this concerns me greatly. We must try to find out what happened to Vlaven> There does not appear to be any kind of injury to Er'gi, it's odd. He has all his armor, it's just the glass on his visor that's cracked and missing a few pieces of glass. He's so limp, though, and upon further inspection, pale, almost greenish. Volken will find the path Er'gi had trodden leads downward, deeper into the fog, into the areas with less stable footing... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' When friends are in need, tradition goes out of the window. Not that all of the Mandalorians are all as strict as one another. Volken can't recall if he's ever seen Jorn without his helmet but he has seen Er'gi ... so he goes to remove the helmet so he can get a better look at him, to ensure he's still breathing He takes note of the direction he came from but leaving Er'gi alone and vulnerable to investigate that direction just yet is simply out of the question until he's sure he's stable. So to that end he moves to lift the other Mandalorian and bring him back towards the camp where there's more open room - and then afterwards to take the helmet so he can get a better look. It looks like going back for that satchel may pay off after all. Hopefully there's something inside that will help. "Got yourself poisoned or sometin' else. Dammit.... And you were so damn nervous about the place. I guess you're gonna go about blamin' me for this..." he grumbles, trying to rile himself up enough to stay focused and not panic. "One more thing to crush Caine's skull over I guess." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I find it very suspicious. But at the time we had no opportunity to pursue the matter, no thanks to the Tenoo Colony Initiative," Navi replies softly to Thaarin. "It distressed me to leave Gianka with no idea of where he was. She was very enamoured of him, even if he didn't deserve her devotion. The man was a master manipulator who seemed to truly love no one except himself." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde shrugs...Black wouldn't tell him. He couldn't remember if he'd pressed the man for the information or not. But he nods when Rykard insists that they must find out where he was being held. << Yes master...and then what >> he asks. What would they do, after finding him? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha smirks and then shakes her head a little. Letting the two of them talk for a momnent, she looks down at her commlink and then actually shifts to set it aside. Not really sure what more to say in the moment, she keeps quiet, but does trace her fingers over the necklace she's now wearing. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi's face looks similar to the pallor of his skin. Greenish, and deathly white. He looks dead, but he does have a pulse. Just barely. Unfortunately, all the vials in the satchel are empty. This can't be good... No current solution is presenting itself, but one thing's for sure - they can't stay in the Gorge. Staying meant Er'gi would perish. No, they had to get back to the Temple, and maybe from there, he'd be able to contact someone who could help. "Well," Thaarin comments, "I just think it is odd that they would keep where he was incarcerated a secret. Did they have something to hide about his fate? Why wouldn't they want the public to know that he's put away somewhere known and secure, where he couldn't trouble anyone else?" He smiles a little when he notices Zetha tracing the necklace. "You've some credits, right? You'll have to get something to go with it." <I'm going to help you. We'll undo whatever fate befell him, and your conscious can be relieved of this burden> He then goes to embrace Cayde. <It's going to be alright> 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "That's because it /is/ odd. It doesn't make sense. Either someone wanted him away from the public eye to ensure he wasn't assassinated, or they were covering for his escape," Navi observes softly. "Or there's another reason I just haven't thought of yet." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Leave Er'gi to his fate and track back the way he came to try and find the culprit or back track to try and get out of the gorge with him in the current conditions. Neither are good options. The one is obvious of course. Volken isn't going to abandon another Mandalorian, let alone a friend. The option of returning to the temple is easier said then done given the conditions in the Gorge but with no vials of use in the satchel ... there really is little choice unless he wants to play make-believe and pretend he has the ability to search the plants of the gorge for a natural remedy. So back track it is. He returns the helmet to its proper place and makes sure it's secure - and thena fter strapping the satchel back to his waist, he reaches down and attempts to sling up Er'gi's massive form onto his shoulder so he can attempt the long march back.     Good thing Volken is Volken. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks and then shakes her head. "I wouldn't know the first thing about finding something to go with this..." She offers gently and then sighs. "Anyway...uhm...that's all I got I think." Which is spoken around their other conversation which Zetha isn't involved in at all. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde accepts the embrace, although he has his doubts on whether it will be that easy. No, he's pretty sure it will not be that easy...or if it's even possible.     Still...<< Thank you, Master...>> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Either way," he says, "I don't think it's our concern. If he's escaped, I'm sure the Republic will have eyes on it soon if they don't already do. In fact," he says, glancing over at Zetha. "It may be best to play ignorant," he tells the Twi'lek girl. "If the Senator does end up meeting you somehow, he has no reason to think you'd know anything about that." He gives Zetha a faint smile. "Navi and I will help you. Anyway, do you feel better?" <Don't be afraid, Cayde> His master says, releasing him from the embrace. <The Force is always with us. Now, I must go speak with the Ughnaughts briefly. We'll leave Cerea soon> And then he gets up and goes out. It may suddenly occur to Cayde, though, that since Black had given him access to that massive data vault, there might be some clues about Zetha's parents in it. In fact, The young padawan may remember that he'd also given him limited remote access. Maybe he could start looking even now... The weight isn't a problem, obviously. But after Volken hoists Er'gi onto his shoulders, he'll notice a strange little dust cloud of bioluminescent green-blue powder fall from the crevices in his left pauldron. And it smells very bad, and makes Volken gag and cough. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Honestly I'll feel a lot better when I get some sign I didn't blow up my relationship with Crane." Zetha says gently. "But otherwise yeah. I'm better." Though she'll reach behind her neck to unclasp the necklace and pools it into her hand. "I should find a place to keep this safe..." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Well that's...not good. If that little caused this much of a reaction and Er'gi stumbled into a large cloud of this or was hit with it deliberately then that explains much. Volken is forced to pause their exodus in order to recover and sets Er'gi down. He had searched the armor and body for signs of anything unusual but with that amount caught between the seals of his armor it's reasonable that he missed it. But now he does a more careful check in order to find any other surprises. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Right...Black did give him access to some kind of database. Maybe there's even information about where Vlaven was taken there. Black had said something about not intending to hide anything from him.     The padawan pulls out a datapad and that access card he'd been given, and starts searching. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi gently squeezes Zetha's hand. "We will," she says, backing up Thaarin's claim. "That's a promise. Anyway, I doubt Senator Burkenn would harm anyone, let alone allies of the Jedi." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin inclines his head in a polite nod. "You've nothing to worry about," he says, "until we get to Coruscant. And then once we arrive there, we'll see what we can do regarding information about your parents... and everything else." And then there's Jahni over the intercom saying, "Everyone seat themselves in their quarters. We're taking off." Thaarin then gets up. "Well, this was nice, but it looks like I'll have to see you both later," he says. Then he politely bows and heads out into the hallway. Thankfully, Volken won't find anymore surprises. But the strange powder has left his throat feeling scratchy, and ... a little lightheaded. It's not terrible, but comparing how he'd felt a few minutes ago versus now is... definitely different. And now the morning fog is settling back in. They'd been here all night, and now dawn is breaking, providing a little light, but less visibility with the mist creeping in... Cayde will find a few things. Vlaven had been kept in the Lower Levels for some time, where, exactly, will remain redacted. After that, he'd been taken off world by a cargo hauling company Cayde would have never heard of before. There does also seem to be some really limited information on Zetha's parents as well, but he can't view it remotely, and the files are labeled with a tag that says "PROFILE INCOMPLETE" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Well there's little use to being an enhanced freak of nature if you don't put it to use for as large as Er'gi is - Volken isn't actually human in the traditional sense. So time to put those modifications forced on him and his enormous size to the test. He re-shoulders Er'gi and then begins to retrace their steps backwards into the morning mist. Once he finds the trail they'd cleared the rest should be straight forward. It's just making sure he doesn't collapse between then and now. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha leans her head back against the headboard or wall whichever it is and then side eyes Navi. "Well. Here we go again...let's hope the route to Coruscant is smooth riding..." She offers the Sephi woman and then gives a shake of her head. "Did we just agree to go clothes shopping together on Coruscant?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde starts digging into this hauling company, and where they may have taken Vlaven. At least what system. He'll have to look for more information about Zetha's parents once they arrive on Coruscant, it seems. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Take care, Thaarin," Navi says softly as Thaarin takes his leave. As the door closes behind the Chiss, Navi hugs Zetha tightly, hoping to reassure her. "Maybe? But look on the bright side... we actually have money, thanks to the doctor's generosity, and I've heard shopping is fun," she advises, smiling. "Us girls, a fistful of credits, and the shopping district sounds novel and relaxing to me." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The going is easy enough. Well, up until a point. Volken will reach a point where somehow, a massive vine has overgrown the path and covered it completely. And this vine? It's covered in tiny little blue flowers which are covered in that weird, bioluminescent powder that had fallen out of the crevice of Er'gi's pauldron. Volken might also notice that there are lot of dead animals around the the vine as well, their bodies pallid and covered in the powder. The vine also seems to stretch... for a really long time. Volken's gonna have to try to go around it, or burn it all, but that could be risky, given that there's a lot of detritus left over from the monsoon, and when they had been trail blazing earlier. Cayde probably won't like that there seems to be very little information on this hauling company. They operated in the Outer Rim, but there's no routes documented. All of the files on them have that same tag, "PROFILE INCOMPLETE." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "How'd that get there..." They'd cleared the path. This isn't right. And the number of dead animals - while a tell tale sign - is also odd. If they should know to avoid this thing if it was just part of the common flora down here. Either way, going up to it for a closer look is out of the question. He takes a moment to unshoulder Er'gi and then turns him sideways to examine his jetpack. Volken never did obtain one himself. He never tried. If Er'gi was struck by a larger dosage of the powder he likely would have tried to fire the pack off to try and escape .. and just crashed back down. Either way it's too valuable to leave unused so he puts it on and resets the straps to accomodate his own girth. It flying the both of them out is probably out of the question but it might provide a boost to a big jump if it comes to it. He then charges up his repulsor gauntlet. It was made to mimic the damned telekinesis of the Jedi's Force pushes so that may be handy as well. All last resort options though. For now he'll just try circumventing the vines by just going around it and once he's re-shouldered Er'gi he begins doing just that. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs deeply. Of course...     He'll just have to do more digging once he's arrived back on Coruscant and hope more data will be available by accessing it locally. With that, he goes back to working on that testimony. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Volken will find himself wandering quite far from the original path, and with the fog settling in, he may soon find himself lost, next to a jungle of poisonous vines. He may start to wonder, how in the galaxy had this plant grown so large, so fast?? How much longer, before he found a point at which he could start heading upward. Er'gi's breaths are slowing. That's not a good sign. But up ahead, he will see another still form lying on the ground near the vines. And silhouetted against the fog are two approaching figures, with gleaming, garnish masks. Marauders. The ship will then lurch slightly for everyone. They're leaving Cerea now, and probably fifteen to twenty minutes from hyperspace. Cayde had best settle in and start working on the testimony - soon, he'll have nothing else to work on... 
}}

The White Wolf's Call

2026-07-08T00:15:42Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-05-03 |Cast of Characters=159, 418, 261, 143, 444, 459, 321 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I... see," Thaarin says in response to Cayde's comment about it being dangerous to put pressure on Xera. His brow furrow. "It doesn't have to be a total invasion," he says, "what if you just intimidated her? She's already afraid of you." Cayde might not really get to reply, though, as they've a..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-05-03
|Cast of Characters=159, 418, 261, 143, 444, 459, 321
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I... see," Thaarin says in response to Cayde's comment about it being dangerous to put pressure on Xera. His brow furrow. "It doesn't have to be a total invasion," he says, "what if you just intimidated her? She's already afraid of you." Cayde might not really get to reply, though, as they've arrived at Zetha and now Navi's room. He knocks politely before opening the door a crack. "I've come to fetch my belongings," he says, "sorry for the intrusion but this shouldn't take long." -- Meanwhile, the Mandalorians would be continuing the task at hand -- hewing away the organic debris so that they can make a path to the lab. Volken, Caine, and Reza had forged ahead, leaving Er'gi and Jorn in the rear to work clean up duty clearing away whatever debris they'd cut down. It's tedious work, and that feeling Jorn had had earlier about being watched hadn't gone away at all. In fact, it's stronger than ever, looming, but still, there's no further signs of other beings or creatures out here tracking them. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn is there to take care of the debris in the back. This is efficient despite what kind of time it could take. Although his attention is up, curious if that beast will somehow show itself. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi gently releases Zetha from her hug, but has no time to do more before Thaarin and Cayde arrive in what was formerly Thaarin's room. "No need to apologize, Thaarin," she replies softly. "Take as long as you need. It's not like this wasn't sprung on us both out of nowhere." The last is delivered in a wry tone. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns pensively at the idea. Didn't he already try that? But Thaarin has turned attention elsewhere for now... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Or by someone who seems to think they have power to do whatever the kriff they feel like when, really, they ought to just remove the stick from their ass." Zetha comments shortly after Navi releases her from that hug. "I mean if she doesn't want someone in their room, fine, but why do they get to then demand another person move in? If I were you, I'd go sleep somewhere else. Like in Cayde's room." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Jorn will feel a slight breeze on him. Er'gi doesn't seem to notice, he's still picking a tree Volken had flattened. But the green armored Mandalorian will feel it acutely. There's a shift in the dark saber, and if he looks up to a ridge just east of them, he'll see the white loth wolf again. But ever so briefly. He'll blink, and the loth wolf will be gone, like a specter. "Thank you," Thaarin says to Navi with a fond smile. He then begins to pack his duffel, glancing over at Cayde to see if the young padawan will help. He frowns at Zetha. "Xera isn't so easy to push around. It's the captain's decision, and he's on her payroll. She's the purse strings for the entire colonial initiative. Overstep, and our supply line is severed. Yes, she's funding that, too." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "He's right. She's already threatened to do that, too," Navi adds, sighing wearily. "Not publicly. It was just in front of me. But I've no doubt she meant it. I don't think she considered that the settlers at Aklyrr Bend could just move to Kublop Springs, or that Republic disaster relief is already active on-world from the monsoon. I also plan on having a word with the Chancellor and the Jedi Council about what's going on with the colony initiative once we get to Coruscant. Something's got to be done about her." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face. "Maybe someone should cut off -her- supply line..." Is muttered under her breath and then shakes her head. "In all truth, sorry it happened really. To the both of you. I wouldn't really wish her presence on anyone..." Offering this much more before she glances between the three in the cabin. "Anyway, like Navi said, take your time. It's not us rushing you out the door." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn looks upward and spots the loth again. <Heads up. Being watched. The beast again. It's gone, but I saw it> if anyone looks his way he'll nod toward the now empty area. <It was only there for a second.> This will have Jorn keep his guard up. He just needs to figure out where this thing will be next. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' For her part, Reza has fully joined in the Mandalorians in clearing the trail. Whatever the Jedi reputation might be, this particular Knight plainly doesn't mind it and might even enjoy it. Of course, it helps being three meters tall and a quarter a ton in weight. Her thick brown skin is very much in evidence, as she's dispensed with sleeves for the presumably hot, hard work. Lifting trees and stones, she focuses mostly on big and bulk, leaving the smaller Mandalorians to handle what's more easily sized for them. Right when that Loth Wolf shows up, the Dowutin pauses and tilts her head, as if hearing something. By the time she looks in the direction where it appeared, it's no doubt gone. But she confirms she noticed ''something'' when her deep, powerful voice calls out to the Mandalorians she's traveling with. "Keep your eyes up," Reza says. "There's something here. Something following us. ..." Her head slowly swivels. "One near. A few others, a bit more distant. Could be native animals. Making as much noise as we are, that usually scares off indigenous life. But there's no telling for sure that's true of everything on this planet." "Keep your weapons handy, in case they ambush. I'll give you as much warning as I can if they make a mmove." With that message imparted, Reza resumes the heavy physical work of trail blazing. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     But Xera wasn't the -only- source of funds, was she? Cayde wonders this but doesn't say anything. He goes to pick up the rest of Thaarin's things, nodding in quiet greeting toward Zetha. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi looks up, and around. "What? Jorn, are you sure..." He sighs. "I've been keeping my eyes peeled this whole time and I haven't seen a damn thing." He still seems spooked. The Baron, who had been wandering ahead a bit silently, finally speaks. "Perhaps," he says, "but you know, the clone wasn't the only thing in that lab..." Reza will feel the shapes of the creatures following them moving again, keeping up, but out of sight, still. She'll observer something curious - their presence seems to blink in and out of the Force like bioluminescence at night. And their shape in the Force is acute. These creatures, beasts, whatever they might be - must be Force sensitive. She might be mulling this new fact over when she'll notice that her commlink pings. There's a message from Rykard there, timestamp dating to right before they'd left for Coruscant - she might have missed it earlier, what with all the work they'd been doing since this afternoon. Or perhaps the message had been delayed in sending, signal in the Gorge could be spotty at times. -- "I know," Thaarin says softly, brushing a stray strand of hair away from Navi's face. "Thank you, I hope you're on good terms with the Chancellor. But something tells me that dimming the publicity of the trial isn't the only scheme she's working on. She must have friends in high places, ones who can intervene if the Republic shows their hand. Perhaps that's another reason why she wanted you out." The Chiss man's gaze swivels to Zetha, a brow arched. "Do you have something particularly personal against her?" he says, "or is.. something else, bothering you?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "She wanted me out because I'm trained in telepathy. I think she's afraid of what I might overhear, so to speak," Navi says matter-of-factly. "I learned quite a lot while she was throwing me out, so she's too late on at least a few things, but it leaves me wondering just what she's afraid of me discovering." She pouts faintly at Zetha's remark regarding Xera's presence. "That's not her /whole/ personality... just, well, /most/ of it." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Yes. I'm sure, Er'gi. The only part of me that's insane is some of the company I keep. And even that is just -sometimes-." Jorn keeps moving with the group as he tries to stay sharp while clearing debris along the way. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Aside from the fact that she's made me feel like gutter trash? Or that she's manipulating people I care about? No. Nothing personal against her at all." Zetha quips this back towards Thaarin and gives him a little smile. Course, Navi speaks up, but at this point Zetha's fine with moving on from the topic of Xera Graff. "I wouldn't say bothered is the right word. More like worried. I'm worried about some other things. Nothing you need to bother your pretty head with." Aiming that towards Thaarin before her gaze shifts to Cayde. "How're you holding up?" 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' Reza continues her efforts. Her senses remain open and inquring, searching for life in all of its forms. Force Sensitive creatures are unusual to say the least and it's no surprise they take up much of her attention. A quick glance at the Mandalorians shows they're all largely focused on the actual work of continuing their route. Even the Baron, apparently. Deeming the situation...not safe, perhaps, but stable, Reza intends to return her full attention to the presences just beyond sight. Until her commlink pings. At which point she checks the message, notes the delay between when it was sent and when she noticed it, and sighs bemusedly at herself. "A Jedi must be mindful of the present," she chides herself as she attempts to retrieve the message. What does Rykard have to say? 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods at Zetha. [I am well] he signs, although it is a little bit difficult while holding some of Thaarin's bags. But with the help of the Force, it at least works, sort of. A brow is arched toward Navi ever slightly at her comment about Xera. Honestly, he doesn't really understand why the Sephi defends that woman even the -slightest- bit. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Indeed," Er'gi comments, arching a brow. "You're still engaged to that Solstice dala, aren't you? Har'chaak! A right mess, if you ask me. More trouble than she's worth," he says, shaking his head. When Reza comments about creatures following, he grumbles. "Now why the hell would they be following us? Surely, if there was something they wanted, they would have attacked by now..." he trails off, reaching for his weapon. The message is marked as urgent. Well, that's unfortunate she'd missed it. But the message contains troubling news regarding the doctor on staff at the colony here, Dr. Soren Cassias. He'd gone missing, and they'd very little in the way of where he might be. Regardless, the elder Jedi Master is imploring her to search for him. -- "And I will continue your duty," he says to Navi, "whatever she's hiding, I'll find it out. Perhaps I'll even enlist some help," He says, glancing over at Cayde once again. Then he looks to Zetha, eyes narrowing slightly. "We've already had this discussion," he says, "If there's something that warrants concern, then you should tell me, because I will worry, despite your instruction." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "I don't know if I am. Recent events have me questioning, a lot," Jorn will say honestly. Jorn hasn't forgotten the night and day different between her last few bits of treatment, and the treatment before. Plus her mother also sending someone wanting to be attached to him, or at least express as much. He's not sure if that warmth is a similar tactic. "But I won't lie that I kept her company before everything went to Hell," this is his way of acknowleding some of his questions are questionable.This is him acknowledging the past instead of burrying it. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thanks, Thaarin. I'm sure she'll be more pleasant toward you than me, and I'm also sure you know not to fall for it," Navi adds, drawing her feet up onto the bunk and wrapping her arms around her legs, resting her chin on her knees. She smirks just a bit as Thaarin glances at Cayde. "I wouldn't ever ask Cayde to share sleeping space with her, for the sake of his sanity. But can you just imagine the fit she'd throw if he was rooming with her? We'd probably have to lock her in one of the lifepods until she got over her hysterics." She looks to Zetha sympathetically. "I'll /try/ not to worry about you. I just can't guarantee the results of it." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde hovers a moment, listening to the conversation for a few seconds more, then decides to just go ahead and take Thaarin's luggage over to his new lodgings. Maybe even check on Xera's state of mind. Just a check. Then maybe he could ask Master about Thaarin's request. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches Thaarin for another moment before looking to Cayde first. "I'm glad you're doing well." She offers to the young padawan before her attention back to Thaarin. "Like the rest of us I'm worried about Soren. But something I don't think any of you know is that I've been hoping to try and use the vast network that Coruscant might have to see if I can find my parents. And I'm terrified what I might find...or what I'll do depending on what I do find out..." Then she glances to Navi and shakes her head. "You all have so much more important things to worry about than me...my stuff is trivial...and doesn't really affect anyone else. Sometimes makes it hard to share any bit of it openly...especially since the only person who really knows much about my folks is Cayde...but mostly because he helped me remember them." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Eh," Er'gi grunts. "You plan on telling her ... that?" But Jorn might not get a chance to answer. There's that thin rustling sound again. But this time, it's much nearer. He'll be able to see the glint of multiple pairs of lupine eyes not even five meters away, lurking behind some bushes off the left of the path they'd started to clear. Er'gi reaches for his gun, with a grunt. "Har'chaak! If only I'd brought my strills!" He fires into the bushes, and then the glowing eyes vanish. "What? Where'd they go..." -- Well, Xera's in her room, that's for sure, in a pensive state of mind. If he wants to know anything else, he'll have to get closer. Thaarin's expression softens. "I'll talk to him and Rykard. Perhaps the Council will be willing to lend a hand. You deserve to know the truth, at the very least." Then he shoulders his duffel and moves out to the hallway, to follow Cayde. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "He's right. It can be a terrible burden, not knowing who your family are. If I can help at all, I will," Navi says gently to Zetha, hugging her just as gently as she watches Thaarin leave; she'd seen Cayde leave a moment before, but felt no need to call attention to it. If Cayde had wanted his departure to be noticed, he would've spoken up at the time. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "I need t--" Jorn's words are cut off mid-reply. Then Er'Gi, FINALLY, sees the creature. "This is what I've seen," Jorn just states it matter of factly. Then he looks around a bit. "I don't know if they're looking for violence. They've had many advantages and opportunities." and that's what stands out to him. The fact that they haven't when they should have. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha just rolls her eyes as Thaarin departs. Asking for information and then leaving for something better to do. Still, she accepts the hug from Navi. "It's not just that..." The Twi'lek begins. "Cayde helped me find some hidden memories. It wasn't my parents who abandoned me on Teeno...it was a slaver. My...parents are...were...slaves. During a stop on Teeno the slaver left me behind so I wouldn't become trouble. But Teeno doesn't have a lot in the way of resources to check. It was Soren's idea to see what I could find out when we got to Coruscant..." She takes a breath. "And he was supposed to be here to help. But instead I got ten thousand credits and a goodbye." Then she offers Navi a smile - a little more geunuine this time - "Well. You should settle in..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde makes note of Xera's mood, and just begins to go about putting Thaarin's bags on one of the shelves near the now vacated bed. He doesn't try to prod further, but watches for any changes once she notices he's in here. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi doesn't settle down. He still points the gun in the bushes where the multiple pairs of glowing eyes had been just moments ago. "You don't know that," he says sharply to the other Mandalorian. "You don't know hunting like I do, vod. They're stalking us, waiting for the best moment to strike. They won't, as long as we're together." He finally lowers his gun. "We need to catch up with the others," He says, "they might change their minds and decide to risk the odds." He starts down the path again, hurrying along while gathering debris. But Jorn will notice that the path ahead descends into thick fog. Would he still be able to see Er'gi if the fog got any thicker? -- Thaarin notices when Zetha rolls her eyes as he departs. He doesn't comment, though. Instead, he hurries to his room, where Cayde is. Xera's guard immediately comes up when Cayde starts putting Thaarin's belongings on the bed. "What are you doing in here?" she snaps. "He's just helping me," Thaarin says, entering and placing his duffel on the bed. "Cayde, let's give Xera some privacy. We can talk in the kitchenette." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I probably should, yes," Navi agrees softly. She quietly stands and begins putting her things away. "Was Cayde able to help you learn anything about the slavers who had your parents? I know it's been a long time, but if you can find them, you may be able to find where they sold your parents, and the people they sold them to. Unlike most slavers, masters run the gamut of personalities. Hopefully your family was sold to a kind master," she observes. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' <Fog. This isn't good. We should tighten formation.> Jorn tries to get the group to somehow get close to each other. To maintain a tight formation. Er'gi is spooked talking about hunting, stalking, like he doesn't have some of the same lessons himself. His gaze looks around the group to see who may already be in the fog. This is not good! 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Yeah. That's kinda the purpose of going to Coruscant. I can do all that figuring out a lot better there....or so Soren thought. I remember their names, but not the name of the slaver. But I think their names might be enough? I don't know..." Zetha offers this as she settles back in bed and picks up her datapad. "I do hope they had a good life even after losing me...and it helped me understand why they wouldn't come looking. They couldn't..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde was about to explain that he was just helping Thaarin move, since she had asked for a new roommate. But the man beats him to the bunch so he just nods and follows the Chiss man out. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Har'chaak!" Er'gi says from somewhere nearby, ahead in the gloom. "I stopped walking but I can't actually see you, or anyone else anymore," he says. "Jorn? Jorn?!" Indeed, the situation isn't ideal. Even though Jorn has probably stopped altogether or slowed his advancement, the fog is thickening, and spreading. He'll barely be able to make out Er'gi ahead of him, now. -- The tall blue skinned man smiles at Cayde. "We're going to have to work on your testimony a bit more. But later. Zetha mentioned you'd helped her remember her parents. Coruscant will have a plethora of resources, I'm certain, regarding tracking particular persons down, but do you think it would be possible for the Jedi to help, as well?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Let's hope so. Even the data stores on Coruscant don't have every name of every sentient in the galaxy, but there isn't a more complete list anywhere. If the Force is with you, we should find something useful there," Navi observes, finishing with most of her unpacking. Hanging her medical satchel, with its cargo of weapons, over a hook on the outside edge of her bunk, she takes her datapad from her duffel and lies down on the bunk, drawing the covers up to her neck. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn walks into the fog and clears his mind. Pulling out the blade, he focuses then, "Vrr Arrrr," the blade comes to life with a roar. Even when it's focused and held in the wisest of hands, the thing growls when it comes to life. Jorn has to admit, to him it sounds better than the elegance of a light saber.Holding the blade close, he takes a cautious step forward knowing this is one of the times someone has to go through. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I'd appreciate it if you could help me. I wouldn't even know where to begin. Or how..." Zetha offers this and then takes a slow breath. Her datapad contains notes about what she might be testifying on but - again - someone who was supposed to help her with it isn't here. The only connection she has includes the drill that she witnessed a few things on. So she's making sure she keeps those facts straight at least. Still, she's not sure what more to talk about so thus falls a silence between the two new roommates. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares at the floor briefly when the court testimony is mentioned. He isn't exactly looking forward to that, no.     But he shrugs at the mention of the Jedi helping Zetha find her parents. [Maybe...ask master] he signs. That'd be the first person to go to. [But good place to start] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Perhaps it's the fact that Jorn can now no longer see Er'gi. Perhaps it's because he'd take out the saber. Maybe it's a combination of both. Regardless, all of a sudden, three loth wolves materialize out of seemingly nowhere, emerging from the fog and beginning to circle Jorn, growling softly. Their gaze is pinned on the saber. Then, one of them lunges, aiming to bite Jorn's wrist! -- "Thanks," Thaarin says, patting Cayde on the shoulder. "I'll see about that." He's about to go look for Rykard when the ship suddenly lurches. "Sorry about that, folks," Jahni announces over the ship's intercom. "We're stopping to top up on coaxium. The leak drained our reserve. Should be able to get a decent signal, though, if there's any need for communication." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi instinctively grabs the edges of her bunk with both hands as the ship lurches without warning. "What in-..." she murmurs, only to be informed by the intercom that the ship is stopping to refill the coaxium tank. "Hope they took care of the leak... or take care of it before we lift off again," she muses. She looks at Zetha. "Are you okay?" she asks worriedly. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' There's a lunge, but Jorn focuses, taking a step back doing a side slash toward the creature. Just trying to keep himself focuse clear. His mind only focused on the wolves that could be out there. They work in packs and so he expects more than one. Trying to keep himself open to this. For once, the blade probably feels lighter because there's not 1,000,000 thoughts in his head. It's down to four parts of a simple thought: Find the wolf. Strike the wolf. Don't get eaten by the wolf. Survive. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a grab for the edges of her bunk as well and when the captain comes over with that message, she's actually out of bed and heading for the door. "I'm fine...but all we did was contain the leak. If it begins to leak again that'll be bad. I'm going to go see if I can fix the leak before we refill the tank..." And then without another word she's heading out the door and jogging towards the engine room before someone can do something stupid. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods, and then the ship lurches. He manages to keep his balance without grabbing anything. Jedi physical training, and all!     As Zetha starts down toward the engine room, he follows her. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Jorn will hear a cry from Er'gi, but then the sound is suddenly cut off. Well, that doesn't bode well. However, Jorn will have problems of his own. The wolves don't actually seem that interested in ... eating him? They're not going for his neck. Instead, they are snapping at the saber...? The one that attacked him is swiped across the snout by the saber, creating a superficial cauterized cut. It howls, and then the strangest thing happens. It seems to disappear into the ground. Jorn won't have much time to think on it, though. The other two loth wolves renew their attacks, but they don't go for his wrist this time. They aim for his heels. Thaarin notices Zetha heading for the hyperdrive reactor chamber with Cayde in tow and jogs after them. "Zetha, wait! What are you doing? You need to wait for us to actually land before trying to do any work on the leak! It's too dangerous...!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Do you see me actually opening the chamber to do any work? If we land and they decide to begin refilling the tank before the leak is fixed we'll be cooked... best to have someone there to tell them not to be idiots about it is all." Zetha offers this back to Thaarin as she stops at the engine room. "I wasn't born yesterday and it's a good thing the leak was even noticed in the first place. I'm also not fragile...I do this type of stuff for a -living-, remember?" Then she looks to Cayde and smiles. "Anything to not work on our testimonies, right?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn sees them going for the saber. Strange. He'll worry about that factoid later. When the one snaps at the heel, Jorn steps back while sweeping downard. Trying to make contact with the beast as he keeps going. Then he just takes another stance knowing one is still out there. He just focuses like the last two. Waiting, keeping every sense sharp. Everything in the mind just focuses on that very small and simple chain of thoughts. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Hearing Thaarin yelling, Navi sits up in bed. "That sounds bad," she murmurs, kicking off the covers and hurrying into the corridor, half-forgetting that she's still in just her tank top and underwear. She's halfway to the engine room when she hears Zetha's reply to Thaarin. "So it's not an emergency after all?" she calls toward the engine room, slowing to a walk. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde glances back toward Thaarin as he protests Zetha attempting to repair the drive. He taps the Chiss man on the should to get his attention. [I help her] he assures the man. It had worked out quite nicely last time, hadn't it? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The three loth wolves are warded off, but not completely. They linger in the shadows, their glowing eyes peering out from the brush. And then, out of nowhere, the white loth wolf emerges. From the ground. She's a little bigger than the others, but still small, for an actual Loth wolf. She stares directly at Jorn, seeming to look into his soul. And then there's that odd, mild compulsion again. But this time it's not follow. It's Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Sleep... -- "Then why are you running towards the hyperdrive chamber?" Thaarin asks. "There's no need to rush. We land, you fix the leak, and then we'll top up on coaxium." He waves a hand dismissively at Cayde. "No need to be reckless and endanger yourselves needlessly. We'll land, and that way the risk of an explosion will be drastically reduced." He turns to Navi. "No emergency. As long as Zetha and Cayde don't attempt to do anything to the hyperdrive reactor chamber before we land." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Oh. That's good, then. I know Zetha won't do anything stupid with an engine. As long as Cayde listens to her, everything should be fine," Navi says, shrugging slightly. "If anybody needs me, I'll be in my room. Possibly napping or getting dressed." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I didn't ask any of y'all to come running after me. I just wanted to get into the engine room. What if we land and they just started to fill the coaxium? It leaks, no one knows it leaked again, and then we're all dead. What if I just wanted to run? So running to the engine room seemed like the thing to do because of current events." Zetha offers this back to Thaarin, hands on her hips while facing the Chiss man and everything! "Running isn't reckless and I haven't done anything else -except- run to the engine room. You're like ten steps ahead of where you need to be..." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Heeey! What's goin' on back there?" Volken's deep voice rumbles through the area, carrying with it the resonance associated with his size so much so Reza would be forgiven for mistaking the sound from coming from one of her own. But is indeed him, the giant Mandalorian walking back up the path with the remains of a tree slung across one of his massive shoulders and his helmeted head swivelling back and forth as he looks towards Reza and Caine and then past them in search of Jorn and Er'gi. <<What's yer status...>> he rumbles, soundng off towards Er'gi. <<Not stil nervous areyou vod? We gotta get some more bulk on your bones. Make you blaster proof. Like me.>> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Ugh, the testimonies...     Cayde bites back a sigh and just shrugs instead at Zetha's comment.     But then Thaarin keeps insisting they should wait. Okay then. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Everything starts to go hazy for a moment. It would be nice to sleep. To sleep and just forget about everything. To forget about the betrayal. To forget about Revara. Just all of it. So easy to let it all drift into the back as darkness takes him. Jorn feels himself for a moment, but the weight of the blade in his hand causes something to stir. Jorn's grip tightens on the blade and he lets out a cry, as if yelling the sleep away. Holding the blade up, he focuses again. Just waithing for the creature to strike. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Volken will receive no response. Well, the hulking Mandalorian mammoth might find that somewhat concerning. When the seconds stretch into minutes, and there's still no response, and no clear visible sign of the other mammoth man either, Volken might start to wonder if something had happened to him. Jorn manages to escape the mild compulsion. But while he's busy trying to fight it off, the beautiful white Lothwolf makes her move. She leaps forward, agile, full of grace. But she doesn't go for his wrist, or his neck. No, her jaw locks onto his beskar pauldron, and all of a sudden, Jorn will get this out of body sensation. His surroundings suddenly fade to a navy blackness, and even the ground seems to disappear. However, this experience is brief. He'll feel solid, mossy ground beneath his body and wet air around him. The fog is gone. After a moment, he'll get a sense that he's probably still in the Gorge, the environment is telling. But he is not where he had been moments ago. His commlink is all static, and the white wolf is nowhere to be seen. And neither are his comrades. -- "Get some good rest," Thaarin says to Navi. Then he frowns. "That's not going to happen," he says, almost interrupting her. "I'm ten steps ahead of where I need to be? You just made up a problem that isn't going to exist. No one is going to be doing any refueling until the leak is fixed, the captain will make sure of that," he says. Then his brow furrows even more. "Are you mad at me??" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Hey Er'gi - you're not still sore about that bicep measurin' and arm-wrestlin' match are you? C'mon vod. That's not like you!" chides Volken. Er'gi kept complaiing that Volken hadn't been himself so the big man figures he'd give the other bruiser some ribbing. "Er'gi?" he rumbles, quieting a bit when there's no answer. <<Jorn??? Volken drops the tree to the ground and then begins immediately marching back up the path and into the fog. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Yorn slices down, but the wolf goes high. It feels like teeth bite into his skin, but then the beast takes out his soul. For a moment Jorn swears his floating somewhere else feeling it all go. Seconds later he lets out a gasp as he feels the body kick back in. "The Hell." Coms are static, "Great," he grumbles and tries to move forward. Just pushing through it all. Keeping the dark saber up he starts to move just using as a light sword and a means to defend. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's eyes narrow as Thaarin lays into her first about the issue in the engine room, but it's that last question that really sets her off. "Mad at you? Yes, I'm mad at you. I'm mad at Soren. I'm mad that I have to be going to a trial I really don't feel like I need to be a part of. And before you go off on another tangent at me, I'm mad at -you- because you'll stand there and ask what's bothering me and then when I say it you walk away. That's how you've always treated me. You'll stand in the hallway and talk to Navi. You'll have conversations with Cayde. Me? It's almost like unless we're at each other's throats about something I'm not worth the trouble. So yeah. I'm mad at you. Honestly, I'm kinda just mad in general at this point. And terrified. And a whole other bundle of emotions I can't even name because I can't really place them. But either treat me like the friend you claim you want to be with me or stop bothering all together, alright? And for kriff's sake let me focus on ONE THING that has NOTHING to do with all the shit currently running through my head so maybe -maybe- I can give my brain a bit of a break. Please." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde once again finds himself an observer to a...heated conversation, as Thaarin and Zetha start arguing like a married couple. It may look awkward, but it's not really awkward to him, as he's grown so accustomed to it. He glances over toward the engine room, then glances between the two of them. Maybe, he was just concerned she'd get hurt. But the padawan wouldn't let that happen now would he?     And now Zetha goes on a tirade. Still, he wishes he were that good at talking about his feelings. He puts a hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her down. Maybe she'll find leads about her parents on Coruscant. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Chiss man's eyes burn a shade of scarlet Zetha will have never seen before. He stands just a tiny bit taller, but the movement is subtle, and unconscious. If looks could kill, Zetha would be ash. "So is that how you wish to treat me, then? Berate me, for actively problem solving one of -your- pressing issues? I went to go speak with the Jedi on your behalf, so that the chances you find out anything at all about your parents would be greatly increased," he says in quiet anger. His chin lifts ever so slightly. "I can never do right by you, can I? I leave you alone, and you demand my attention. I attempt to assist you, and you accuse me of discarding you at exactly the wrong moment. If you're so damned independent, then why didn't you just say so? I would have left you alone the moment I set foot outside the scrapyard for the first time." He isn't yelling, he'd never yelled, ever, even if Zetha might like to tell herself that he has. His body language isn't even aggressive. But it's obvious, he's furious. He turns on his heel to leave, silently, his aura stiff and brooding. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha should probably just let Thaarin walk away, cool down, get over it...but that's not really how she's ever done things. In fact, she'll reach out to gently grab Thaarin by the arm to try and keep him from walking away. "You asked...what am I supposed to do? Lie? Or were you more looking for me to avoid the question altogether? And you didn't tell me anything. You had asked me a question, I answered, and then you walked away. It's really hard to know you're singing a different tune when you don't change the lyrics..." Then she sort of remembers herself and she pulls her hand away. "I'm sorry you're angry...but I'm not apologizing for what I said or how I feel. A lot has happened in the little time we've been on this ship and all I'm doing is dropping pieces of my heart that keep falling when I try to pick up the other bits. You want to walk away, fine...hell, maybe it's for the best..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He lets her, but she'll be able to feel that there's some resistance there. His brows remain furrowed, and his expression mostly unreadable as he studies her intently. "When have I ever done less than what's best for your well being, even if you couldn't differentiate what you needed from what you wanted, at times?" he asks. He lets that question hang in the air for a moment, then jerks his hand away. "Collect yourself, Zetha. You're not making any damn sense and you know it. Then come find me, when you're ready to give an actual apology." He starts walking away, then. Now that they've dropped out of hyperspace, her commlink is blinking with a thousand and one unread messages. Likely all from Crane and her mother. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' There's a narrowing of eyes as he walks away and Zetha takes a moment before huffing out a breath. She can't really reply to Thaarin as he's sulking off and she's not going to be apologizing anytime soon so the distraction of her commlink is a welcomed one. Though she'll turn and walk into the engine room to find a spot in a corner where she can sit and read through the messages... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' There are a lot messages from both Crane and mother, indeed. They're just the typical 'I miss you', 'Take care of yourself!', 'Tell me when you see this' kinds of messages. But then there's one that might catch her eye. It's from the Baron. |I know. I think we may be able to find him. I have a few ideas. Call me when you can.| 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' A moment is taken to message Crane <<Hey love. We're stopping off for a refill so I have a moment outside hyperspace. I miss you. I love you.>> and then to Wiis <<Hi mom. I'm fine. I miss you. How're you? How's Twozee? Take care of yourself.>> Then she stares at the message from the Baron, takes a slow breath, and uses the opportunity to actually give him a call. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The moment she starts pinging the Baron, another text transmission will come in from Crane, <Call me? <333> Maybe she's considering hanging up to actually call Crane, but then the Baron actually answers. "Hello, Zetha." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Hi Caine. You...left a pretty cryptic message. What do you know and who are you finding? And why are you telling me since I'm no where near a position to be able to help?" She offers this, though a part of her does want to tell the Baron she'll call him back so she can talk to Crane. Maybe this call will be short and sweet. Ish. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "My dear, you know precisely who I'm talking about. No doubt, by now, his absence has consumed your mind." "He was at the Temple, wasn't he? I was conscious when he looked into my temporary hab shelter. Just barely, but I was able hear some of your conversation. Not enough to immediately recognize anyone, but later, it all made sense. Who else would ask you to give me medical attention?" He chuckles softly. "I beg to differ. I'm expected to find a man I've never formally met and know next to nothing about. How shall I know a lead, if I see one?" There's a slight pause, and then he continues. "I know what I'm about to ask you to do might be particularly difficult, given the timing and the circumstances. But I do your need your insight, if we're to be given the best chances of actually finding him." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I don't recall asking you to find anyone for me..." Zetha almost hisses into the commlink before she gives a sigh. "Look, I'm not going to let you toy with me. Get to the point or leave me alone..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He doesn't seem bothered by the acidity of her tone. "You saved me," he says tenderly, his voice barely audible. "A Mandalorian does not forget, vor entye." "Now," he continues softly. "would you like for me to look for the doctor? There were a great many things in the laboratory that someone like him may have been interested in. But I don't know him like you do." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I..." Zetha stops herself. Soren doesn't want to be found, but people want to find him. Cayde mentioned giving up. Zetha hasn't...she just... "Yes. But I don't know much. He didn't tell me anything practically. Just took the way in you provided and left...but I...I think he was looking for a cure. For a woman. Someone he cares for deeply." She'll try hard not to go into much further detail than that. "What does that mean? Vor In-Tie...I don't speak Mando'a..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron says nothing while Zetha sorts herself. Instead, he just watches her attentively, his true expression masked by his beskar helmet. "I understand," he says, "It's what I would have done -- well, it's what I did. I didn't want to be found. Unfortunately, that didn't work out very well for me." "Tell me," he says, "do you know if the doctor was married? Or had siblings? Parents?" He pauses. "I don't mean to pry. But what I'm trying to do here is form some kind of profile. This will help me identify leads, or form logical conclusions based on what little we do know of him, that may in turn, with a bit of luck, help us find him and understand why it is he left the way he did." "The Arkanians were experimenting with and on a wide variety of creatures, both large and small. And when I say small, I mean that some of them were... microscopic. Amoebas, paramecia, euglena, bacteria, and even viruses of all sorts. They were hoping to make some kind breakthrough within the medical field, by pushing the boundaries of what most medical professionals and researchers would consider... safe." He chuckles softly again, seeming charmed. "It's literal definition is 'I accept a debt.' But culturally, it has more weight. When someone saves your life, you are traditionally bound to them until you can repay the favor in some way. But many Mandalorians choose to swear fealty to those they owed their lives to, allowing themselves to take on a life debt." "Would you ... like to learn Mando'a?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I've learned recently from a credible source that the doctor is, indeed, married. And his wife...is sick. The going theory is that he wanted into the lab to...help her? Save her? Details get fuzzy." Zetha offers and then watches him for a moment longer. "If you're referring to that moment in the temple...that wasn't anything special. A shit job at stitching at best." If he considers anything else she's done as her saving him...she's not even aware of it that way. "And you're just considering repaying whatever favor you feel you owe, right? I mean, there'd have been a bigger conversation if you were taking on a life debt or something....right?" Then she smiles, actually smiles, and nods a little. "Actually, I think I would...like to learn Mando'a...." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "..." The Baron pauses pensively. His expression is obscured, but his body language doesn't bode well. That might cause Zetha some anxiety. "How desperate would you wager he is?" he asks suddenly. This may cause Zetha to feel a vague sense of foreboding. The Baron suddenly laughs. He seems very amused by her comment. "Are you asking me to marry you?" Another chuckle. "Forgive me. But to answer your question, no, actually. At that point those conversations would have happened, long ago, as Mandalorians often become betrothed after being asked if they're deciding to commit to a life debt. Well, given that the answer is 'yes,' and the relational context makes sense. It's a very old fashioned way to propose, actually. Used primarily during what you would have known as the Old Republic, and now it isn't as common, but many romantics are very fond of the tradition." The Baron then holds up his hands and makes a series of somewhat complex hand gestures. "That's 'You are family,' in Mando'a sign," he says softly, "Cayde knows it." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "With the way he was acting...I would say pretty kriffing desperate..." Zetha offers to the Baron after a moment. "The way he was talking...I would almost wager you're not going to find him alive...if you find him at all..." Then the laughter comes, and after that the long explanation to what a life debt actually means. Zetha's cheek go very purple and then she shakes her head some. "I...you know that's not..." She stammers and then tries to compose herself. "Seems like a slightly outdated way of doing things..." She offers this much more and then watches his hands as they move, trying to keep up with them. "I might have to practice with Cayde. Anyway. I have another call I should make while I have the time before we jump back into hyperspace...." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, I'd assume he's an intelligent man and knows the risks of venturing into the Gorge alone. It's an extremely dangerous place, even for three Mandalorians and a Jedi," he says. "But what he doesn't know is what lies ahead. I just remembered something the Arkanians told me just before they disappeared. One of the stated reasons why they'd not yet achieved the results they were hoping for is because they were lacking a willing test subject. They couldn't just kidnap anyone from the colony or Kublop, too much stress was a factor they weren't willing to introduce in their experiments." "I fear that if he does not succumb to the dangers of the Gorge, and somehow manages to survive the ordeal... he may come back irreparably changed." He laughs softly again, and leans forward, studying Zetha even more intently. "Do I?" he says, his tone bordering on sultry. There's another pause. "Listen, I know that of late, fate hasn't been kind to you and your time on Tenoo has been tumultuous, to say the least. I know how that feels. My time here has been memorable in the worst way, too. But that time I met you at the gravball club and you let me kiss you in the moonlight ... that was happiest moment I'd had in a long time, and it was certainly the most beautiful I'd had since having arrived on Tenoo." "... alright, then. I.. won't take any more of your time. But if anything regarding the doctor comes up, I'll let you know as soon as I can." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Soren's wife is sick...was sick...I don't know if she's still alive. I'm almost certain that's what was taking him to the lab...was her. I don't know if that will help and if anyone asks...you didn't hear that from me." Zetha offers this to the Baron and then she flushes. "Yes well...please do keep in touch. I'll speak to you soon." Then she ends the call with the Baron and takes a few breaths. Her next call, should she manage to make it, goes to Crane. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron listens intently, perhaps too intently. He nods, leaning towards her a little just before she hangs up. Zetha probably shouldn't think about that too deeply. Crane answers halfway through the first page. He seems excited to see her. "Zetha!" he says. "How is everything so far?" Meanwhile, they might all be wondering why they're not planetside yet. No updates from the cockpit... yet, anyway. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Truthfully? Things are pretty awful...but I think they'll be getting okayish soon..." Zetha offers to Crane. She's sitting in a corner of the engine room so she's not disturbing anyone with her calls. "How are you? I miss you...I really..really wish I wasn't on this ship right now." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Small ships like this were never great for Cayde. Or really, any close quarters. Especially with all of these tumultuous emotions about. At least they are planning a pit stop, but why haven't they landed yet? They've been orbiting the station for hours by now. Or at least it felt like it.     At some point, Cayde comes down into the engine room where Zetha is on the holocall with Crane, standing there awkwardly for a second or two before turning to leave and head back up to the cockpit to see what the hold up was. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh," Crane says compassionately, "what happened?" "I'm sorry," he says when she says she wishes she weren't on the ship. "I'm sure you'll feel better about it once you get to Coruscant?" he offers. "I hope everyone else is doing alright." At that moment Cayde enters, and then leaves after a couple of awkward seconds of silence. Crane tries to wave to him briefly, but is ignored. Yvon and Jahni are discussing something in Ugnaught when Cayde arrives. They don't notice him, but they're still in their respective spots - Yvon at the navigator console, and Jahni at the helm. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Well. Someone thought it would be a really funny idea to put me and Thaarin in the same room. And I maybe pushed his buttons a little too much..." Zetha begins and then she offers a few details on the few times the two have argued. "And then Xera decided she didn't want Navi in her room anymore and demanded Navi switch rooms with Thaarin. So now Thaarin's mad at me, Navi's my new roommate, and I really don't like being on a small ship with all this shit going on..." Did she notice Cayde enter and leave? Probably not. Which she may feel guilty about later. "How are you? How are things back home? Has Wiis gone crazy yet?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde approaches and stands there for a moment, waiting to see if they will notice him, but if not, he approaches and taps Jahni on the shoulder, trying to get the Ugnaught's attention. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Crane listens to her, listening patiently. "Well, at least Navi's a good roommate, right?" When she mentions Thaarin being mad at her, he pauses. "Well, why don't you just apologize to him?" he says. A beat. "Unless.. it's more complicated than that. Sorry. I just want you to feel better." "Everything's okay, I guess. I haven't spoken to Wiis. I think she's fine, though. Listen, I hope you won't be mad at me for this, but I told Volken to go look for the doctor. He said he would keep an eye out for him..." "No," Jahni says, immediately waving dismissively at Cayde. "Questions are -not- permitted right now. Go sit down and be patient. Yes, we will land. That's all." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I will. Apologize I mean. After I give him some time to cool down." Zetha offers this and then shrugs. Of course it's more complicated but she's saving that conversation for being face to face physically with Crane. "I'm not mad. Caine's got a hunch about how to find Soren too. I was just talking to him...cause he messaged me to call him while we were in hyperspace and I was calling him right when you asked me to call you... I don't really like being popular... when I come back to Teeno I just wanna live in the junkyard and be with you. That's all..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [But when...] Cayde signs, but they probably aren't even looking at him. He sighs, his gaze wandering over to the controls. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You were?" Crane says, blinking. A flicker of uncertainty crosses his expression but then disappears. "Oh, well, that's good. What did he say? Volken and Caine aren't exactly on speaking terms so it might be best if I tell Volken myself." "It's just a few weeks right? I'm sure the time will pass quickly." Well Jahni isn't anymore, but Yvon is making shooing motions at him. "You're not allowed in here," the Ugnaught navigator tells him, "until further notice." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha frowns as she spies that flicker in his expression and then takes a slow breath. "He said something about the Arkanians not being able to just kidnap anyone to do their experiments on. They'd need someone more like a willing participant or who might not trace back to anyone...and I know that Soren's married...and his wife is very sick..." Putting two and two together shouldn't be hard. "Crane...there's something else I haven't been able to tell you..." And this is where Zetha very likely hits the nuclear option on her life. She explains to Crane what happened in the Jedi temple, what Caine had discussed with her and how she had every intention to tell him - Crane - but then everything else happened so fast and then she was off to Coruscant. "But I can't hold it all in...it's part of why I'm so miserable..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     When Yvon starts to shoo him, Cayde frowns. What was going on here? Why wouldn't they tell him? But it was so hard to focus, with how many loud minds were around every corner on this ship.     [Why] he asks then, refusing to leave. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Crane listens to her intentionally. He seems to be scrutinizing her every body movement, every facial expression as she speaks. "What?" he says, brows furrowing mildly, "you know that could be really bad. This is concerning, and I don't know what to do." There's a pregnant pause. "I really have no idea. I'm sorry." "I still love you. But maybe you should tell Cayde?" "You're not driving the damn ship!" Jahni suddenly interjects. "Yes, I saw you looking at the controls. Get out of here! The answer is no. Now, git!' 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I love you, too." Which surprises Zetha because she really thought that was going to go so south so quickly. "I think Cayde knows? Wait. Which part am I telling Cayde? The part about the Baron?" She's been flipping through a few subjects and apparently can't keep up with herself. "Honestly I feel like I should check on Cayde soon. I want to see how he's doing. And I need to apologize to Thaarin. And I really want to come home. I miss you. I love you." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Why do we not land yet] Cayde asks, an exasperated breath escaping him. He didn't even say he wanted to fly the ship yet!     He really needs a break... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' But he doesn't look her in the eyes when she reciprocates. "Everything," he finally says, "he's going to know anyway, and he helped you before with your parents, didn't he? Besides, he deserves to know what might happen to the doctor, too." "I'm going to go now," he says quietly, "I... I think Coruscant and your time away will be good for you. Message me when you get there, okay?" And then the line goes dead. "There is a problem with the shields," Jahni explains, looking annoyed. "They're not at full power, for some reason. Technical glitch, probably. We're trying to decide whether it would be safe to penetrate the atmosphere with our shields at 85 percent." Yvon then starts saying something in Ugnaught, and their heated conversation continues. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' When the line goes dead before Zetha can respond there's a pang in her chest that doesn't feel good. She'll send a message to Cayde. <<Come to the engine room? I've got ration bars.>> And then she sets her commlink to the side. Time away isn't good. It's horrible and dumb and she just wants to go home. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Finally, Jahni explains to him what is going on. Why had that been so difficult? Cayde sighs deeply. [Fine...] he signs, then his commlink goes off. He looks down at it, then starts to head down to the engine room. That had been the next plan anyway, to attempt to calm Zetha down, since a lot of the...chaos...was coming from her. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Funny that Cayde should be looking at his commlink. He'll realize that he has a lot of unread messages. Some of them are really old, ones he hasn't read from months ago. But there are lot of recent messages too, from Crane, Vons, and yes, also the Baron. Oh yes, and Zetha's is there too. He'll be just outside the engine room when Rykard and Thaarin approach. "Ah yes, Cayde. Where's Zetha?" Rykard says to the young padawan. "Thaarin and I were just speaking about the situation regarding her parents, and we are thinking of reaching out to the Council on her behalf." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is just sitting in the engine room, with her backpack, waiting on Cayde. Not realizing she's about to be in the audience of one who currently is mad at her and another who barely knows her. Plus Cayde who wants to calm her down. Like that's going to happen... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde glances at some of the messages, but he doesn't really read them all. There's just too many, anyway. Besides, Vons seems to be very angry with him, as usual.     [Engine room] he signs in reply to his master's question. [Good she is pleased] he remarks when they seem to be on board with asking the Council for help on her behalf. Then he heads down into the engine room and approaches the Twi'lek girl, carefully attempting to extend his mind into hers just a little, with what is hopefully a reassuring and calming presence. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Ah, perfect," Rykard says, and follows his young padawan into the engine room. Thaarin seems mildly exasperated. "Cayde, what did I tell you about present and simple future tense? They're not interchangeable... I thought you would have remembered..." And then all three of them have arrived. Thaarin's expression is unreadable. Is he still mad at her? Probably, but he's not showing it right now. "Zetha," Rykard says, folding his hands into opposing sleeves sagely, "I hear you are hoping to learn more about your parents while on Coruscant?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha looks up and over, and while it may take a few times, something seems to settle in her mind until she sees that Cayde is accompanied by two other people. She's not apologizing to Thaarin at this particular moment. She also won't tell Cayde about the Baron and Soren. Instead she focuses on Rykard and the question he presents her. "Yes, that's right...I figured I may have enough information I could find out where they are...if they are anywhere..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns at Thaarin. [I remember] he insists. But that is all the explanation given.     It...took a few tries. And the padawan has a slight headache now but at least it eventually worked. Somewhat.     He looks to his master once Rykard begins to broach the topic of Zetha's parents. Oh, yes good news. She would be happy about this right? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin's brow arches slightly in skepticism at Cayde but he doesn't say anything when Cayde insists he remembered. "I see. Thaarin told me as much, and the Council has connections to people and organizations that may be willing to help," the elder Jedi Master says to Zetha. "I've a few matters to bring up with them, but Cayde will represent your interests to them at a separate time while we're on Coruscant," he says, nodding at Cayde. Wait did that mean Cayde would be presenting to the Council... by himself? This might be unwelcome news for the young padawan. The ship then suddenly lurches. It would seem their navigator and pilot have either figured out the shield problem or decided it's fine to enter the atmosphere. "Ah," Rykard says, "we're going planetside, it seems. I must oversee our landing and reception. I'll see you all soon," he continues with a nod, and then exits the engine room. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     It definitely makes him nervous, but it doesn't come as a surprise to Cayde. His master just wants him to learn, that's all...anyway how else will he do that? Still...he gulps and tries to push down that rising knot in his stomach, and nods instead.     Then it seems that the Ugnaughts have finally come to some kind of agreement about the shields or figured a way to fix them. He looks back to Zetha. [We find your parents] he signs, patting her on the shoulder. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks as Rykard drops the news that Cayde will be representing her interests with the Council. Like the Jedi Council? That's a new one. Then the ship lurks and Rykard is leaving. He seems to do that a lot. Drop bombs and walk away. There's a silent moment that passes before she stands. "If you're not comfortable doing that, Cayde, please don't feel obligated to. I could likely manage figuring things out on my own." She offers before looking over to Thaarin. "Thaarin. I'm sorry. Really I am. And we'll keep it at that, because I really would like us to manage being friends. And Cayde...I need to tell you some things...if you have a moment to listen." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You're not surprised," Thaarin says to Cayde, "because you knew you had that coming. Perhaps if you were better at putting simple future tense versus present into practice, Rykard wouldn't have thought to put you through such an exercise." He sighs, then his expression softens. "Look, it's alright. I'll go with you, and I'll help you draw up a script." It's more homework on top of writing his testimony for court, but well, this is all going to help him get better, right? He looks to Zetha with an almost imperceptible nod. "Apology accepted," he says, "but Cayde does need this. And you need to accept that you don't always have to be so independent," he continues, his tone softer now. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs, shaking his head when Zetha says he doesn't have to do this. No, he does need to. [Is right] he signs, looking over to Thaarin. There is a subtle [...okay] when the Chiss man offers to help him with yet more homework. He wasn't even close to being done with the court testimony.     He nods when Zetha says she has something to tell him. [I can listen] he replies. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' At least the wording was independent and not selfish. Zetha blinks and then gives a nod of her head. "You're right. I...I would appreciate it...and you're likely the best for making the case. If you need anything from me let me know." No argument, no talking back. She sounds sad though, despite the calm Cayde made her feel. Calm is one thing, sad is another. She's just not...spiraling. Which is probably also a good thing. So, Zetha spills everything. From what happened with the Baron Caine at the Jedi Temple, the last time she saw Soren, how what Cayde told her regarding Soren can likely change how Soren is found. That Crane asked Volken to keep an eye out for Soren but Caine is also going to look for Soren and she even includes how she told Crane...everything...and how that call ended. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin is about to exit, but then he thinks better of it and decides to stay, since Zetha hadn't asked him to leave. So instead, he turns slowly and seats himself on a conveniently protruding cooling pipe, legs crossed, arms folded. His brows furrow slightly, but he doesn't comment. Not yet, anyway. He looks to Cayde expectantly. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde studies her expression, searching her mind carefully. Why was she sad? [Are you okay] he asks, even though he knows she isn't, but he was looking for the whys.     He listens to Zetha's story, nodding every so often. He'd suspected it had something to do with his mother. But it was encouraging to know he wasn't the only one who hadn't given up on Soren. [We find him] he signs. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "No. I'm not okay." Zetha says to Cayde first. "I believe we'll find him too..." This is offered next and then she glances over to Thaarin who has helped himself to sitting on a pipe. "Anyway. We'll probably be needing to work on the leak soon so..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "..." Thaarin watches Zetha, and then looks over at Cayde. The padawan isn't the greatest at comforting and Zetha always defaults to closed book, so that goes over about as well as he'd expected it would. "We'll find him," Thaarin reassures Zetha, "but I'd warn you to be careful. None of the Mandalorians can be trusted. They've lied and manipulated before, and so far there isn't much evidence to form an argument for as to why they wouldn't, again." Then there's a slight bump, and the hiss of the gangplank being let down. "But for now, yes, there's a leak to fix. I'll go check with the captain to make sure everything's shut off so you can begin work," he says to Zetha. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [If they help then they help] Cayde points out when Thaarin warns the Mandalorians can't be trusted.     But now it seems they have finally landed, and the padawan is very much eager for a break from being cramped in that ship with everyone so he quickly turns to head toward the docks. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The crew aboard the ship heading to Coruscant will finally find themselves planetside, with a few DUM series droids supposedly on their way to put the ship's fuel tanks at 100 percent. Zetha would have likely been tasked with finding a local vendor who could sell them some coaxium for a reasonable price, after fixing the leak in the hyperdrive reaction chamber. And well, Cayde probably didn't even get to receive any instruction from Rykard - he'd skipped the ship as soon as they'd landed in the port. Navi will probably find herself roused from her nap by the bump that had occurred when they'd set down. Meanwhile, Jorn will find himself alone somewhere wet and damp. The lothwolf he'd seen earlier having vanished, he'll probably have come to a realization that he is not, in fact, dead. Just lost. Measuring from how far up the tree tops appear from where he is, he'll likely be able to gauge that somehow he'd ended up deeper in the Gorge. The fog is thick here, too, and the saber, at his side, seems to be in an uneasy mood. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn pushes himself deeper into the Gorge. Breathing low, keeping himself low. He'll try to look toward the ground try to find one of a few things. Either a trail by the beast that struck him, or a common traveled path. That's the hope at least. As he looks about, one hand stays near the dark saber. The other slowly takes a feel at inventory. Particularly looking over his person for one the communicators that isn't his. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Jostled awake by the ship's landing, Navi rises and takes a few minutes in the refresher, particularly in its ionic shower, to make herself presentable, before changing into fresh clothes. "This feels a little odd after so long," she murmurs, belting shut her Brotherhood robe that had lain unused in the bottom of her duffel for over a year. She makes her way to the cockpit to speak to the Ugnaught brothers. "Nice landing. What planet are we on?" she asks politely. "How long will we be on-world?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha will depart from the ship and make her way to where some of the vendors are. She'll look for someone who might be the best to speak with, keeping in mind that some races are a bit more hard than others to bargain with. Never the less, she'll make sure she finds the best price and walks up to one of the vendors in order to srike up a conversation about what they need. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     As soon as the ship touches down, Cayde will hurry out into the port, eager for a break from such close quarters. He'll look for anywhere not terribly crowded, probably a rooftop away from the center of town. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, Jorn didn't drop the comms unit, so that's good. There's no visible trail left by the lothwolves, which is odd, given that the vegetation is so dense, any creature or being passing through it would have at least broken some leaves. How strange. There's no path down here, either. Where Jorn is, it would seem no man has gone before. Up ahead he'll espy a glade. With the fog and all, he'll barely be able to make out what looks like the silhouette of a makeshift camp. "Cerea," their pilot grunts. "Probably less than twenty four hours. If you wanna stretch your legs, hurry up about it. We ain't trying to stay here a long time." Thaarin hurries after Zetha. "Wait," he tells her, "you're not to spend your own money on the coaxium," he says, then hands her a credit chip. "We'll bill the Republic." He looks mildly distracted, though, and concerned. "... did you happen to see which way Cayde went?" Unfortunately for Cayde, they've actually stopped at trade hub. It's busy, crowded, and kind of stinky. He'll have to travel pretty far to get away from ... everyone. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thanks for the heads-up. I won't wander too far from the ship," Navi replies, offering them a wave over her shoulder as she moves to disembark. The area around the spaceport seems to be very busy, so she takes a firm hold on her medic's satchel and starts walking, getting a look at the market and taking in the lay of the land. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn contemplates a few things as he pushes forward. He doesn't stop -at- the glade. Just a little ways behind it. Honestly, Jorn suspect something big to be residing in the water. So, close enough to be defensive about it, without getting eaten by surprise. Yet, far enough to observe from a distance. He'll pull out the brother's communicator and determine if this thing has a signal blocker. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     If Cayde has to go a bit far, then he will. He slips into an alley and then climb up onto the roof, then Force leap across them until he's reached a quieter residential sector of the town. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha takes the credit chip from Thaarin. "Sounds good." She notes his distraction and his other question. "Sorry. Didn't see Cayde. Wasn't really paying attention either to be honest. He's probably somewhere not so crowded." Then she pockets the chip and turns to leave. "Hope you find him." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi will espy Taryn and Xera walking arm in arm at the market. Taryn is wearing a bland expression, but Xera seems pleased. This could be a bad omen, or perhaps a helpful one -- she'd been heads down planning -something- when Navi had been kicked unceremoniously from the room. The two of them are headed a ritzy looking bar brimming full of aristocrats, bureacrats, perhaps even autocrats. It's the kind of place that charges fifty credits for a glass of water in a chalice carved from fire rubies from Lothal, and it doesn't look like the kind of place someone like Xera would take Taryn to for a date - there's no couples, only serious faced individuals wearing suits talking quietly over expensive bottles of Chandrilan wine. So far, nothing in the water. So far, anyway. Once Jorn's closer to the glade, he'll be able to see a few more details. It might have been a camp, once upon a time. It's definitely in shambles now - and Jorn will even notice that there's the barest remnants of what looks like bodies lying under the trees. Nothing remains, really, but some of their armor and belongings glint in the fog. There's also something else in the run down campsite - it's too foggy to make out details, but there's another glint there - more metal, neatly assembled in a pile. Thaarin sighs, sounding tired. "Yes, thank you," he says, "Let me know if you see him." He then looks around, searching for any route towards an area that's not densely populated. Cayde will find himself in a gated community. The people who lived here must have been rich - there's pools, hedge mazes, fancy gazebos. From his vantage point, he'll be able to see there's some kind of private gathering of maybe five to seven happening in someone's backyard. They're serving Core World food - the kind Cayde probably hasn't eaten in.. well, probably over a year. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     The food is tempting, yes. But, it wouldn't be polite to just barge in to a private gathering or try to steal any food. Anyway, this area was at least quieter and much less crowded, so he will be content to settle himself in one of those gazebos and continue working on preparing his court testimony, or his notes for the presentation to the Council about Zetha's parents if he gets bored of that. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "An up-market business bar that practically charges you for the air you breathe? Clearly you're not on a date... oh-ho-/hooooo/! Shady business dealings on a random repair stop? Why Xera, you loth-tigress, you!" Navi murmurs dramatically and sarcastically, watching Taryn and Xera approach the decidedly overpriced bar. She pauses for a moment, then follows them inside at a discreet distance. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha isn't really in the mood to deal with Thaarin or the search for Cayde since she's trying to get coaxium for the ship. So she'll leave Thaarin to search for Cayde and head over to where she spies a few several junkyards within the market. These are sort of out of the way areas closer to the shipyard than not and again her eyes scan for someone who might seem worth bargaining with. All while sending a message to Crane to check in on him and see if he's okay. If he decides to reply at all. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn thinks of how he is on the defensive right now. Something in him snaps a little bit. Nothing destructive. Not like before, but he definitely wnats to change tactics on one situation. Turning on the communicator, Jorn will record a message. Letting the communicator capture his helmet, he'll speak in Mandoa. <"You really should check what the Baron has been up to for the last three to nine months. And you thought my false sins were bad. You'd be really surprised what interesting company will shed to light on someone else's actual sins."> Then to make his point he attaches the previous video he made. The one with himself and the Baron's brother. The ransom video. It's a sign that he's heard some interesting things. Also, that despite a lot of -really- good efforts, he's still very much alive. From there, Jorn will set up the head to every Mandalorian head on Mandoa, Revara, and a few of the people under Duke save from the Baron. The Baron made Jorn's life chaotic. It's time a favor is returned ten-fold. Similarly, some people may see a change in Jorn. The things he's done to survive. To shed light on the truths a full planet's worth of people Jorn's eyes narrow over the lack of signal. He'll save the message, power down the communicator. There's mental notes to check the signal later, when he's on a different spot on the planet. After the thing is powered down, his attention goes to the gleaming bits of armor. That wrecked campsite and everything thing else. Quietly, Jorn will work his way -around- the glade trying to stay silent. Knowing something probably caused the armor to be here rather than to still be on someone's back. And so, he moves quietly toward the remains this way. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Cayde will probably have just started either his testimony or the script for when he has to present about Zetha's parents, when it will become apparent to him that one of the rich party goers, a massive Dowutin, the biggest he's likely ever seen in his life, is walking distractedly towards the pool, unknowingly. He seems somewhat stressed, and is talking to someone via a communicator, not paying attention to where he's going... Navi will be met with some resistance. Once she's inside, the hostess will approach her. "Do you have a reservation?" she asks, looking Navi over in a rather judgmental fashion. "Also, there's a dress code here. Formal only." No response from Crane. That will probably increase the bad feeling she has in her gut, but at least Zetha has a different task to focus on... for now. There's an alleyway full of junk traders just up ahead - likely she'll find something reasonable there. However, the lobby at the first place she stops at is rather full. Jorn might be relieved to notice that the remains are remains because of time. These fellows, whoever they might have been, must have died a very long time ago -- there's not even a corpse left, just rusted armor, and personal affections that look like they might have dated back to the old Republic. That tiny pile of metal glinting in the fog, he'll be able to now identify as a pile of light sabers. Those too, look ancient. Suddenly, he'll get another sense of wrongness. The saber didn't like being here. There's no way to explain it, but Jorn is familiar with these feelings by now. The sabers, though clearly ancient, must have been moved recently. They look too clean to have just been sitting here for decades, perhaps centuries. And Jorn will notice that some of the detritus here had been disturbed, recently. By something quadrupedal. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' A busy lobby means high demand. High demand could mean higher prices. So Zetha will actually move down the alley to find somewhere that has less people. Perhaps a place that looks almost ready to shut down - that could make a person willing to do a deal. The fact that Crane doesn't respond does sort of hit her in the gut, but she's managing focusing on her task at hand and when she finds an empty yard she'll walk in to see if she can find someone working there. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi takes a donations can from her satchel and holds it in front of her expectantly. "I'm not a customer, Ma'am... I am Navi, a Novice of the Shining Brotherhood. We are a charitable organization dedicated to doing good works for the less fortunate, as per the will of the Living Force. I was wondering if you or your manager would be interested in making a donation? We accept hard currency and credits, and all donations can be deducted from your taxes," she says politely. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn sees the rusted out armor. The age of it, plus the age of the rust stains. The gleaming metal objects are there and he senses the blade. Part of him wants to take a light saber, but he refrains. Just in case though, he will grab the darksaber. The blade growls as it comes to life again. That black blade jutting forward as he wields it. Slowly, he tries to back off a little bit. His mind clear, despite all the uncertainty. He's thinking more on survival and nothing else. The blade is a bit lighter compared to those first uses still. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh, that large Dowutin is going to fall into the pool. Or might come close to doing so, and that would surely spoil the party. Cayde moves over to the doorway of the gazebo and peers out, watching the man as he paces back and forth. If he comes too close to the pool, he'll reach out with the Force ever so gently, and hold him back just enough to prevent a fall into the water... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' No one at the desk, but Zetha will see that there's a singular woman there, sitting in the lobby alone. Something about her will immediately strike Zetha as extremely familiar. Blonde hair, blue eyes, fair skin. She doesn't look terribly well, either. Her arms look too skinny to be considered healthy, and her face is paler than the rest of her. Dark circles have formed under her eyes, and she looks utterly fragile. She's all alone, and seems tired and sad. The hostess seems wholly unimpressed. "We've already done up our taxes for this year," she says, "all the deductions our manager is getting this year, well he'll be receiving. We're not going to redo just for you. Now, if you don't have a reservation or proper attire, please be going. This establishment doesn't take walk ins or charity cases." Navi will be able to see that Xera and Taryn are being taken to be seated at a balcony on the upper floors, though. Perhaps she can find a way to watch from outside. The temptation is great, indeed. There's some kind of raw compulsion that Jorn won't be able to explain, coming from those sabers. It's not immense, but Jorn will at least find it hard to look away. But then he'll be presented with a new problem - the lothwolves! They're back. And they don't seem happy. "AAAH!" The Dowutin yells loudly. Cayde prevents him, alright. Now, startled, he slips, falling onto his back. The communicator slips from his fingers. Sploosh! It lands in the pool. Several others look up, brows furrowed. One of them spots Cayde. "Hey! What are you doing here?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn figures that the lightsabers, really tempting they are, may be an illusion. Seeing the wolves here reinforces that thought a little bit. He holds himself still. Just waiting for one to lunch so he can sidestep and strike at one. Just trying to cut them down. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I see. Thank you for your time, Ma'am. And just in case you want to donate in time for next year's taxes, I will leave you one of our cards. Please make sure that your manager receives it, so we may continue our good works," Navi replies, bowing and passing over a business card before departing. She crosses the street and watches for Xera and Taryn to appear on their balcony, looking around for convenient rooftops or other locations where she could eavesdrop without being seen. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches the woman sitting in the lobby alone and tilts her head to one side while her lekku twitch. "Uhm... excuse me? Do...do you work here? And perhaps more importantly...are you alright?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs when the communicator falls into the water. He really tried to catch it, but it just happened so fast. Still, he does his best to pull it out of the water quickly. Maybe that way, it wouldn't be completely unsalvageable. It flies into his hand, and he tries to shake the water out of it before handing it back to the massive Dowutin man. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' And lunge they do. It's never for his neck, or leg, or any part of him that might actually significantly cripple him. They always go for his wrist, the one attached to the hand carrying the saber. There's three of them, the largest one goes for the wrist carrying the saber, while the others trying to grab his other limb and pin him down. He'll be able to see the beautiful white one, in the distance. She watches, and there's an anxious look about her... Navi will find a tree overhanging the brook that runs past the balcony where Xera and Taryn are seated. They've sat down, but it's clear they're waiting for someone. Navi will have to crawl along a branch carefully and quietly to get near enough to get a good view of things... The woman is startled when Zetha addresses her. "Oh!" she says, "Ah.. no. I'm sorry. I'm just waiting. My ship needs a part that isn't carried by most manufacturers and repair shops anymore. You ... could go ahead of me, if the staff show." When Zetha asks her if she's alright, she looks away. "Well, I-- I suppose I could be better, but I could also be worse." She coughs violently. "Sorry.." The Dowutin man actually looks ... frightened? Comical, since he's almost four heads taller than Cayde and twice as wide. "Who...who are you!" he says, "And what do you want?" As if he thought Cayde had come here to hunt him down, or something. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "That feels like the story of my life only when I say shit like that people seem to only want to make me talk more." Zetha offers, looking around a moment and then shaking her head. "My ask is simple...but if the staff aren't around...I may have to look elsewhere...and if you're in dire need..." Zetha tilts her head then, looking around the shop a moment. "What -are- you needing anyway?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn sees that one going for the wrist. He side steps, which may cause the other two to miss. He strikes out with the blade knowing he connects. Although, he can't tell how bad the wolf got it right away. At least he knows there's mulptiple out there. He breathesout, focusing. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares expectantly up at the Dowutin, waiting for him to take the communicator back, but when he doesn't, the padawan will simply set it down on a table nearby.     Sensing the man's fear, he resists the urge to use the Force to try to calm him and instead just holds up his hands placatingly. [I am Padawan Alexis] he signs. [I want nothing...not from you] he answers, then he starts to go back into the gazebo. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Nice tree. I'll have to be careful not to fall in that brook, though," Navi muses, beginning her stealthy climb. The climbing isn't so hard, thanks to her long years of training and exercises, but keeping quiet is the real trick. Fortunately, she knows a few tricks for keeping quiet. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh..." the woman says unassumingly. "I'm sorry." She drops her gaze. "I... well, I'm not sure actually. The ship I'm flying is just one of many my husband owns. I didn't want to take anything flashy, so I took the oldest one he owns, as I'm not trying to draw attention. Normally I never leave home, except to make extended visits to the hospital. If anyone saw I was leaving the planet, my husband would practically be mobbed in the streets. Honestly? I was hoping to describe my problem and then perhaps the scrapper might know what I need." His blade connects and one of them howls, falling to the side. After a moment, it gets up again but disappears, into the ground, seeming to vanish into thin air. The other two are still circling Jorn though, a feral look in their eyes. They seem laser focused on the dark saber... Then suddenly, they both strike simultaneously! Soon, another will join Taryn and Xera at the table. Navi will recognize her. Veena! That Nautolan woman who worked for Black. What is -she- doing here? Still, the Dowutin neither responds nor takes the communicator. He seems overwhelmed and stares blankly into space, his expression unreadable. The party host seems aggravated. "If you're not here for him, then what the hell are you doing here? This is a private gathering, and this is -my- house!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Well..." Zetha looks around again and then back to the woman. "I'm actually a scrapper back on my home world, Teeno. I'm traveling with some people to Coruscant but we had to land here and fix a leak. So...if you tell me what the issue is...since there's no one else around. I could probably help fix your problem." Then the Twi'lek offers a hand to the woman. "I'm Zetha." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh...Cayde hadn't thought about this being private property. [...sorry] he signs, then exits the gazebo and hefts himself over the fence. He'll just stay out here, then.     So he'll head over toward a small park nearby. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Veena... you shouldn't be here. And yet here you are," Navi murmurs. She reaches out with the Force, trying to get a peek into the rather crooked Nautolan's head, recalling her stint on Tenoo as Mondrian's (M) partner. Unpleasant days. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn tries to strike and turn trying to protect the darksaber. However, in the strike, that misses, it causes Jorn to expose himself in other ways. He may have the dark saber, but there's about to be a lot of pain. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Nice to meet you, Zetha," she says, with a weak smile. "Well, there's a rattling sound coming from the shield generator. I'm not sure what it is, but something's either broken, stuck in there, or both." Then she pauses. "You'll have to tell me what your rates are. I haven't been out and about enough these days to know what people are charging hourly these days." Another wracking cough. "Excuse me." A pause. "Did you say you're headed from Tenoo? Why, I was just going there. I've... got family there." Her shoulders droop. But the party host isn't about to just let Cayde walk away, apparently. He chases after the young padawan. "Now wait just a minute! You never stated your business! No one just trespasses for no reason at all!" Navi will sense that she's wary and suspicious of Xera and Taryn. Not to mention rather displeased. She knows Mondrian (M) is missing (or dead), and she's quite unhappy about this. "I need answers, not proposition," she snaps at Xera. "What happened during the monsoon?" Jorn will find himself being dragged downward by one of the lothwolves, while the other tries again, to go for the wrist with the dark saber, and make him let go of it. They might have nearly succeeded, but Jorn will hear the sound of flapping wings, and espy a massive corvid, with red eyes and purple iridescent wings swoop down and grab one of the sabers from that pile he'd seen earlier. The lothwolves are immediately distracted, howling and then running off in the direction of the massive corvid. The green armored Mandalorian will be left alone to nurse his wounds... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stops and turns around when the party host whose property he'd apparently trespassed on actually chases him down.     [Nothing] he signs. [Just for quiet] Hopefully, that's enough of an explanation. Just for good measure, his gaze moves over toward the park where he'd been headed, and he nods toward it. [I go there now] he continues. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks and then nods her head. "Yeah. We'll be heading back once we are done with our business on Coruscant..." She smiles a little and then looks around again. "If you'll let me a moment to go find -someone- I can buy this coaxium from...I can likely spare a moment to figure out what's wrong with your ship. Might not even have to buy a part if it's something I can likely fix. And...don't worry about money...if you have family on Teeno. I'm happy to help you get back on your journey there..." Then she gets curious. "Teeno's not that populated. Who's your family?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I guess Mondrian's not the only one who wants to find out what happened to that guy," Navi murmurs. "Can't see how Xera would know that, though. I thought she was in Aklyrr Bend the whole time." She stretches out with her feelings once more, this time poking into Xera's thoughts. This is not without some regret on her part; there had been a time when she had done her very best to avoid peeking into Xera's thoughts, but those days are over. Now the tall redhead seems to be a much-dreaded enemy, which is even more regretful in Navi's eyes. "Just what's so special about that crooked Dug? And why does she want him as much off the hook as possible?" she muses under her breath. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn tries his best to work on the wound. He doesn't try to go after the sabers. He's trying to put pressure on the bleeding and stop because that will create a trail when he moves. And so, he's doing whatever he can. Then he has an idea. If the bleeding won't stop, there's an alternative way to do it. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The party host doesn't seem entirely satisfied. That Dowutin Cayde had tripped earlier unintentionally is watching from a distance, looking very unnerved. "You came to gathering to get some... peace and quiet?" the party host says, looking skeptical. Thankfully, it would appear that Thaarin has finally found him. "My apologies," He says to the party host, "my younger brother a bit different socially. Please excuse him." The woman shakes her head. "No," she says,"I've plenty of credits to spare, it's only right that I should pay you for your services, please." Her shoulder droops, when Zetha asks about her family. "I've a sister there. She's very sick. Perhaps sicker than me." She laughs, but it's a sad sound. "Well, I don't know how much time either of us have, and it seemed urgent." Jorn might be preoccupied with thinking about his wounds when he'll suddenly notice the white lothwolf approach. She's watching the dark saber, but doesn't try to attack Jorn. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Seeing the bleeding stop, Jorn turns and pauses to see the wolf. Jorn just focuses and waits for the wolf to attack. He likes to play defensively with this. Plus, the wound may cause other matters, but he doesn't have time to worry about that. He figures there's at least one more out there. And so, he waits to see what this next wolf will do. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Alright fine, we can come up with a price once I'm done looking at your ship. After I find the coaxium..." Then, Zetha seems to realize something. "Wait..." Finally putting the pieces together. "Would the name Cayde mean anything to you?" Asking this gently, and moving to sit down but keeping a sort of distance just in case. She'll actually send a message to Thaarin. <<Hey. I know you're looking for Cayde, but I might need your help in the junkyard alley. Can you meet me there? I think I've just met Cayde's aunt...>> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Not to gathering] Cayde replies, shaking his head. [Away from port] he adds, hoping that will tell enough of the story.[Not to spy...not to steal] he quickly insists, trying to reassure the man.      Then Thaarin finally arrives and hopefully alleviates the matter by pretending they're brothers even though they look nothing alike. Well there was adoption, he supposed. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi continues to hide in her tree and listen in on the trio's conversation. "Sure is funny how they all knew to be here. Was this stop always on our itinerary?" she murmurs under her breath. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The white wolf circles Jorn, still watching the Dark saber. There's something different about her - she seems more in control than the other wolves, who appeared to just go utterly feral at the sight of the saber. She, however, seems to not be able to make up her mind about it. Finally, she lunges, but the attempt is half-hearted, Jorn will be able to tell. The woman seems taken aback. "You know him? Oh, that's right, I heard he was sent to Tenoo... I wasn't able to write. I was too sick, then. But Gia wanted to see him off. Unfortunately, there was that whole business with her ex-fiance. We all had to grieve." Then she hesitates. "How is he?" she asks anxiously. "Is he alright? Eating well? Sleeping well? Staying out of trouble?" <> He replies. <<It might take us a little bit. Send me your coordinates>> The party host seems satisfied. He finally retreats, looking annoyed. Thaarin turns to Cayde. "I think your aunt is here," he says. Xera seems annoyed. "I don't know," she says, "but we're looking into it, I promise. I'll get you answers, but this trial can't go all over the holonet. You have connections, Kurrnak knows the judicials and the district attorney. Surely, we can arrange to only have him charged with petty crimes." Meanwhile, Volken may have spent a good half an hour look for Jorn and Er'gi. The two of them seemed to have up and disappeared into thin air, but naturally, the Baron couldn't have cared less. Reza was likely out here looking too, but they'd split at some point. Now, Volken's alone, surrounded by fog, somewhere in the Gorge without any signal. Well, at least he's alive. That's good, at least, right? 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn senses the half hearted attempt, the conflicting and he tries not to get his blade as deep as he goes. Enough to show the wolf that he's holding back, but he will get mean if she tries again. Basically, to beat into submission, but not to end outright. Not like the others that tried to do that to him. Jorn wants to make a point here. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I do. He and I are friends. And...he's actually here. With us." Zetha says this and then sends Thaarin the coordinates to where she is. "He eats occasionally, has had a few bouts with not being able to eat foods cause of his allergies. I think he sleeps alright...and as for trouble. There's been some incidents but nothing that we've been able to overcome." She offers this much more and then takes a slow breath. "Is Gia his mother? I met her once. What happened to her ex-fiance?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches as the disgruntled property owner finally backs off; relief is visible on his features for a moment before he gives Thaarin an apologetic look. [I stopped a person from falling in water...but tripped...] he shakes his head, sighing. These things always seemed to happen.     Then his...aunt is here? A brow goes up. [Aunt...] 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' He doesn't exactly have the tools for this. He's down a vambrace. Just lighting everything on fire is probably a bad idea and simply trying to knock trees over when he's no idea where he's going is likely to just leave him moving in circles with added obstacles in the way. So he has tos imply keep back tracking while also calling out over his comm every now and then. Volken's comm chatter gets increasingly obnoxious and annoying as time progresses though. He's resorted to singing now. He's actually got a decent voice - which means he disguises it by signing badly on purpose. Eventually he stops to get his bearings gain and then rumbles into the comm: <<Caine! Be useful, dammit. Have you seen -anything- unusual? I thought I heard Er'gi say something about wolves that aren't supposed to be on this planet. Could this be somethin' those cloners did?>> 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'll bet you don't have a clue what happened to him," Navi murmurs, watching Xera closely, still probing her thoughts. "Nobody seems to know, so why would you?" She has mixed feelings about Weniscio getting off light. He deserves much worse, but there is a risk of Peeka's poor, abused father being dragged down with him. And she still isn't quite sure why Xera wants the Dug off the hook. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf is cut. She whines, and a razor thin drip of blood dribbles down her moon white fur, staining it. She limps, and then lies down. But now, she watches Jorn, not the saber, crying softly. Her blue eyes are contemplative. She seems scared, of perhaps both Jorn and the saber. And yet. She can't seem to leave, either. It's like there's some strange instinct that she carries, that won't let her let the saber out of her sight. The woman gasps. "Oh he is?" she looks around. "Where is he?" The woman then seems somewhat troubled by Zetha's answer, but doesn't comment. "Oh no. Gianka is his cousin, my daughter. Did he never tell you? Well... the long and short of it is, he was trouble, of the criminal sort. I... I don't actually know what happened to him. I thought he was sent to jail, but -- my husband says he can't find record of him in incarceration facilities." Thaarin shakes his head. "Nevermind that. Let's go, you shouldn't have wandered this far. Zetha wants to meet us." He then ushers Cayde along, nodding. "It would seem so." Caine's reply is extremely delayed. But that shouldn't surprise Volken. <<No, except your singing. I'd advise against drawing attention to yourself, Volken. The cloners have meddled with a number of organisms, large, small, -and- sentient. They might be caged, they might be free. I wouldn't take any chances if I were you.>> 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn sighs and puts the saber away. Turning off the blade. Letting it wink out. Speaking to the saber, the force, the wolf and himself, "I'm going to try and do this peacefully. I mean you no harm right now. Meet me half way," Jorn will look around trying to find something to maybe treat the wolf's wound. Trying to show that he's not the threat at the moment. The motions slow, deliberate so the wolf doesn't feel threatened or spooked by his motions. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Cayde spends a lot of time helping others. He...doesn't really talk about himself. I mean...I know a few bits...but not a whole lot about his family." Zetha offers this first. "He's with another friend of ours. They're coming this way. Once they get here I'm going to go find someone to buy the coaxium we need for the ship and then take a look at yours. I don't think we're in a rush to leave the planet...so I'll have the time." Something seems a bit...Zetha can't put her finger on it really...but she has a sense that things are going to get a -lot- more complicated once she returns to Teeno. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [I need break from crowds] Cayde tries to explain. But he finally nods and follows Thaarin. [Which aunt] he asks. He wasn't even sure he knew he had an aunt somewhere... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' <<So what am I supposed to do to find them, di'kut? Do you have any suggestions?">> Volken's voice responds sharply and without much kindness as Caine -finally- deigns to respond, <> He continues trudging forward but begins slowly charging his energized knuckle-dusters. <<We'd at least have heard them if they'd fallen or gotten ambushed. If we're being jammed we'd be able to tell so...what's going on here...?? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Get me answers first," Veena snarls at Xera. "Listen, I don't like you. I don't like the way you run the colony, and I don't like that Mondrian is likely dead and you've no idea how it happened. There was a Mandalorian involved, so where is she? Why hasn't anyone found her? It's been over a month. Black can make anything happen, but trust me when I say, if you don't get us the answers we want, you'll regret you ever asked us to do anything for you." Xera seems disappointed, and perhaps a little bit afraid, as Veena gets up to leave. Taryn sighs. "Well, that went as well as it it could have." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Trying to bind the wound as best he can, he looks at the Wolf. "I am not your enemy. I will end a fight, but I'm not looking to start one, okay?" he says softly to the creature just moving slowly. "You need to heal. Come back stronger for whatever your purpose is, will you be okay?" he asks as if the wolf can talk to him. Then he will slowly try to retreat. Going back to find his way out. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Which is why you don't deal with corrupt RepSec agents with crappy impulse control. Geez... /I/ could've told you /that/," Navi murmurs under her breath. She reaches out via her telepathy to probe into Taryn San Tekka's mind, looking for motivations and intentions regarding this meeting. "I wonder how much you /really/ know about Xera's agenda, Milord San Tekka..." she muses, almost silently. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' At first, the white loth wolf snarls and pulls away from Jorn slightly. But after a moment, she allows him to bind her wounds. Her fur is the softest Jorn will have ever touched. She watches him anxiously, but makes no further attempts to get away from him, or attack him. When he finally gets up to leave, she follows him, limping. But this time, there's no malice. Just curiosity, and perhaps some trepidation. <<Mm, no, actually>> he says, with a damned amount of apathy. << Do we really need him, anyway>> Volken will find any answers as he continues trudging along. However, what he will find, is a small knapsack lying on the ground. It looks like it has been dropped recently, but definitely doesn't look like something any of the Mandalorians or Reza would own. Thaarin shrugs. "I... don't know. I didn't know you had one." He stops walking suddenly. "Jedi aren't allowed to see their family, are they?" Taryn truly doesn't seem to know, really. Other than he's not very excited for the rest of his family to hear about what had happened with the Dug, either. Xera comments on this, scowling at Taryn. "Oh please. You could try harder, you know. You should. The San Tekka's reputation is as much on the line as the Grafs is. Really, you should be more concerned." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Seeing the limp, Jorn looks back at the wolf. "Tell you what." Jorn will look to see if he has any rations or anything like that. Whatever he finds, he breaks off and underhand tosses a piece toward the wolf. "I mean you no harm. I'm looking for way out of here. I want to survive to see tomorrow. You can join me, or not," he'll break off another piece then toss that, too. Then he will wait and take a few steps forward unsure if he has a companion now. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stops walking, too. Oh, he didn't know? Where was this coming from?     He nods solemnly at the question. [But only if not obstacles] he tries to clarify. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "And what about your reputations for dealing within the law, I wonder? How understanding would the Chancellor be if he knew dodgy cloning experiments were going on, and being covered up?" Navi muses silently. "The recruiting was bad enough, but this is definitely in murky territory." For the moment she maintains her telepathic surveillance of Taryn, though she doubts she'll find out anything more at this point. He seems honest to her. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' <<"You ever heard of words like, I dunno, friendshiup? Loyalty? Bonds? Yer just like Ellari Zin. Quick to drop someone the minute you don't think they're worth anything to you. Never thinkin' about the future and what it might mean to have ties. Folk to back you up cause of loyalty and not fear. Who won't stab you in the back. Folk like Thaelin and Jorn and Er'gi.>> Volken leans over to examine the item before him and frowns mildly,brow furrowing in concentreation as he searchs it for any clues or signs of who might own this. <> Volken grimaces and then looks up once again, searching around him for signs of the owner of the bag. <<What's going on 'ere...>> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh, that's a shame," The woman says, "but I suppose I'm not surprised. From what I heard from Gianka, he seems to like to avoid all social interaction of any kind! But perhaps she was being dramatic when she said that." "Thank you," she says warmly to Zetha, "I'll make sure to pay you as well. Don't leave before I do," she says. "I've.. never met him, though I've heard plenty about him. I hope it's alright if he sees me. I know how it is with the Jedi." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I think it can help to find something in common with him. I do know he likes to spend time alone. I think that's just the Jedi in him. All that meditating they have to do and stuff..." Zetha offers, because it's a mostly true thought and it's not her place to spread all the things that are Cayde's Dilemmas. "You're welcome. I'll give you a fair price, too, especially if it's an easy fix..." Never met him and then Zetha remembers something. "I mean, he maybe told me once that he's not allowed to see family? But I think that was more not seeing people that could like...mess with his emotions? Cause Jedi are supposed to be like...neutral minded and shit. Or something." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The white lothwolf hastens her limping pace to reach the piece of ration bar Jorn throws her. She eats it, and when a second one is tossed, she eats that as well. Her tail starts to wag, and she tilts her head to one side, studying Jorn. He'll get a sense in the Force, a question, the very same one he's asking. She isn't leaving, clearly, but seems to want to know if she can really trust Jorn. Thaarin arches a brow at Cayde, "Cayde, what did I tell you about skipping words? The thought isn't complete if you don't give context," he chides the young padawan. "Now, tell me whether or not you can see your aunt, and why." Taryn doesn't reply to Xera, but they both get up and start to head out of the fancy establishment. Xera seems disappointed, and Taryn also seems unhappy about the way things had turned out. He seems to think it might be worth it to ally with Xera in this matter, but exclude to any unscrupulousness she'd planned. And yet, that seems like a dangerous path to tread and he's aware of it. The Baron again, does not respond for a long time. And then he finally replies with. <<Oh, were you saying something? I shut off my comms>> There's no owner -- or if there is one, he or she isn't around anymore. If Volken studies it, he'll find it's full of unused syringes and test tubes. Some of them are broken - the small knapsack had clearly been stepped on by someone or something. But who would just leave this here like this, in the middle of the Gorge? "I'm sure you will. You've been so kind," the woman says, and then coughs again. She seems sad when she says Cayde likes to spend time alone. "That can't be good for someone his age," she says, "He needs to get out, and see the world, meet new people. I wish I did when I was that age." Her expression crumples, and she sighs. "If only I could turn back time..." "Oh..." she sighs. "well, maybe it's for the best that I don't see him, then." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs, pausing as he tries to dredge up the right words. [...Not allowed to visit family...but not require to avoid active] he finally signs. [Happen to be passing on street...in shop...in public...happen to need help...and only I can help...not wrong to help] he continues, nodding. See, that was better, wasn't it? 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi sighs quietly under her breath. "You two need to get your priorities straight. Helping a criminal get off easy won't help you any," she murmurs, beginning to shimmy down the tree to return to the ship. "At least I got to stretch my legs and learn something useful." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "And what do you mean by 'avoid active'," Thaarin presses Cayde. The Chiss man knows, obviously. But he's trying to make Cayde speak more clearly. "I want you to string that into a proper sentence," he instructs the young padawan as they walk, "One that isn't just a fragmented run on." Meanwhile, as Navi starts to make her way down the tree, she might want to pause her efforts! She'll see that Veena's suddenly appeared, right under the tree. She must have been looking for an out of the way spot -- she's pulling out her commlink now, and looking around furtively. Hopefully she doesn't spot Navi! As Zetha and the blond, frail woman are talking, someone suddenly shows up at the desk. The leggy, amphibious alien looks at the two of them with a bored expression. "Can I help either one of you?" he asks, his tone matching his demeanor. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi freezes, not daring to move a muscle. She's seen reptilians freeze in place in just this manner, but she's never needed to do so in just that manner until now. Fortunately, she's a quick study, and that just might be enough... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha glances to the alien who suddenly shows up at the desk and she smiles. "I just need to know if you have coaxium available and how much you would need to fill the Jedi Shuttle with a full supply." She offers to him and then glances back to the frail woman. She offers a kind smile because she knows that she'll have to hold up her promise if she can secure this coaxium supply. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns, thinking, as they start walking again toward the more crowded marketplace. Ugh, he doesn't really -want- to go back there. Didn't he just explain some examples of what he means?     There is a long pause and he finally comes up with: [I can see her...I do not have to avoid it...but not very often.] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thankfully, Navi's quick thinking and acting save her from getting spotted by Veena. She's making a private call, no holoimage, the audio feed tuned to a headset she's wearing. Navi probably won't be surprised, and will likely give her a good guess about who she's calling. "No answers - yet. She says they've got someone on it, but still have no idea if Mondrian is actually dead, or where that Mandalorian woman went after." A pause. "Of course not. I didn't offer to do anything for her until she had a lead." The amphibious looking alien swivels over to a monitor and types on it lazily. "You're in luck," he says, "Supplies are low this week. Something about a trade blockade happening on one of the routes our main supplier in the Outer Rim likes to use. "Sixteen thousand credits." The frail blonde woman seems surprised. "That's awfully high..." she says quietly, to no one in particular. "That's better," Thaarin encourages. He then leads them away from the crowded marketplace, down an alleyway that's an alternate route. Soon, they're standing right in front of the scrap house Zetha's at. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi makes sure that she has a firm grip on the branch of the tree, and that at least one of her sandaled feet is securely braced against the joint where the branch splits off from the trunk. This is the last place and time where she would want to have to take a firmer hold or re-brace her feet. 'So, someone wants a corrupt deal in exchange for Mondrian's life, or a Mandalorian woman who maybe killed him? Figures. Once a corrupt skank, always a corrupt skank,' she thinks, scowling at the thought. 'And I'd sure love to know who she's talking to.' Even before the thought is completed, she reaches out with the Force, her telepathy stretching into Veena's mind... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha furrows her brows and her lekku twitch a bit. "We ran into a bit of trouble with our coaxium containment while traveling to Courscant where we're doing some very important business. I understand supplies are low, but if you could do the Republic a favor and lower the price a bit, it won't be forgotten." She offers, putting on her Serious Business Face(tm) while haggling. Having no idea Thaarin and Cayde have entered the building. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     It's certainly a relief that he doesn't have to pass through the marketplace, at least. Cayde spots Zetha trying to haggle with the coaxium vendor, and a woman with her, noting that the price was rather high.     Maybe the salesman needs a little bit of a nudge. A suggestion, that he didn't always need to take -full- advantage of the high demand and low supply. Especially when it came to Republic business. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi might not even need the Force, really. If her guess was Black before she even attempted to look into Veena's mind, well, she'll find herself correct. But really, who else would she be talking to? A couple of leaves float down from the branch Navi is gripping tightly. They flutter gracefully down, and brush Veena's lekku. Navi might fear the Nautolan woman will look up, but she doesn't. Instead, she frowns. "I gotta go," she says, and hangs up, then starts walking away. It'll be clear to Navi that Veena wants to know what happened to Mondrian (M), and not just because it's her work assignment. She has a personal stake in this, too, they'd been friends. And she has a mind to put that Mandalorian woman in her grave if Mondrian (M) is in fact, dead. "Okay, well, first you gotta tell me how much you actually need? Like," The alien says, "is the thing completely empty? 'Cos the price isn't linear, and if you just want enough to get to Coruscant, it'll probably be half that." "I'll cover it," the blonde woman says, "if it's a service to the Republic, well, then, consider this a donation." She glances at Zetha. "ACK!" The amphibious alien suddenly says, upon Cayde's interference. "I-I feel weird..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' 'Friends, huh? At least they weren't making out in his office, or something like,' Navi thinks, suppressing a shudder. The thought of the corrupt and boorish Mondrian (M) putting his hands and lips on anyone is a thought she can absolutely live without! She waits until Veena is at least halfway down the block before shimmying down the tree. "Time to find the others. They very much need to know what's up," she murmurs, starting back toward the ship. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I do believe we are completely empty and a full tank would be appreciated.." Zetha is saying this before the blonde woman speaks up and offers to pay for it as a donation to the Republic. She then glances to Thaarin with a noticeable question in her eyes because this certainly is NOT her call to make when it comes to allowing such a thing. Especially considering she's just here to bargain and make a deal. The Republic was footing the bill. "In my professional opinion a full tank would do us good, but if the supply is limited then getting to Coruscant where we could likely re-fill for cheaper might be beneficial..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs and withdraws quickly, when the salesman doesn't seem to respond positively to the influence. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi may or may not be surprised to find that only Master Rykard and Mondrian (F) are on the ship currently. Everyone else seems to have busied themselves elsewhere. Regardless, Rykard notices Navi enter and approaches. "You seem troubled," he says, "What is it?" "You can bill a full chamber of coaxium to my husband, Forzod Burkenn." She smiles, albeit weakly. "He's the Nakadian Senator. If this sort of matter is prohibited, well he'll sort it. I'll... I'll let him know." She looks at Zetha, and then to Thaarin. "Please," she says, "I'd like to do this for you all." The amphibious alien seems to have completely zoned out of the conversation. He's holding his temples in his hands, and staring at the wall, mumbling incomprehensibly. But then the blonde woman notices Cayde standing there. Her eyes light up. "You must be Cayde," she says, "I...I'm so sorry we never got to meet. But my daughter Gianka, whom you've met, and my husband didn't think it would be good for me to leave the hospital at the time." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi doesn't waste time on pleasantries. "Master, was this stop on our itinerary all along, or was it a true emergency stop?" she asks, her eyes earnest. "I'm asking because I just saw Veena, Agent Mondrian's (M) corrupt partner, meeting with Xera Graf and Taryn San Tekka. Apparently she also works for Agent Black, and she's looking into whatever happened to Mondrian (M). Not only that, but she's apparently agreed to help Xera keep Weniscio's trial on the down-low and try to get him convicted on minor charges only... but only if Xera gets her the answers she's after. Taryn seems to have allied with Xera in this, but only loosely. He's just not the kind to stick with a corrupt bargain." She looks to Mondrian (F), impulsively hugging her. "I'm sorry if that sounded bad. I'm sure you know that your brother was difficult to get along with. Veena was equally so. And if this was a real emergency stop, how was Veena able to be here just in time to meet with Xera? Maybe our random coaxium leak wasn't so random." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde turns his attention toward the woman when she notices him, her excitement at meeting him visible. Yes...he could already tell they had a connection, and that this must be the 'aunt' Thaarin had been talking about. Gianka's mother, it seemed. Well, she was a bit of a character. But he nods and bows politely. [What is your name] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Thaarin." Zetha says trying to get the Chiss man's attention. "It's sixteen thousand credits and there's a generous offer on the table for us to bill it to the Nakadian Senator..." She reiterates and then motions. "I don't think I'm in the position to allow such a thing...and I also reiterate...a full tank will allow us to get to Coruscant and back again." Then she looks to the other woman. "Also, I've promised to look at her ship to see what's rattling around. That shouldn't take long, though..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, yes, it was emergency," Mondrian (F) says, frowning and wiggling out of Navi's embrace, "but..." her expression grows contemplative. "Xera has been thinking about this since before we left for Coruscant, hasn't she? Maybe you're right, maybe it wasn't an accident." Another pensive silence. "Well, there's no concern to be had. Yet, anyway. We want answers as much as Veena does, but there are none yet and thus far, Veena has done nothing yet to indicate criminal intent. When we get to Coruscant, that may change. But for now, we'll just keep an eye on both of them," Rykard suddenly injects calmly. Navi might be about to respond, but then, Yvon appears, looking slightly indignant. "Where's that Twi'lek girl? The refuel's been done for over an hour now, wasn't she supposed to find us some coaxium??" the Ugnaught complains to no one in particular. "Dahlea," she says. She smiles. "You look so much like her," she says, reaching out to touch Cayde's cheek. She seems emotional. "It... should be fine," Thaarin says, glancing at Zetha. But his brows are furrowed. "That should all be fine," he says eventually, with more finality. "The Republic thanks you," he says to the woman with a faint smile and a bow. But there's something bothering him, obviously. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde allows her to touch him, although he doesn't love it. He's not a baby any more.     [A pleasure to meet you Dahlea] he signs, spelling out her somewhat long name slowly. A slight frown. [Are you alright] She seemed weak, and a hospital stay had been mentioned, anyway. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Then it's done then." Zetha turns to the alien behind the counter. "Please refuel the Jedi Shuttle fully with coaxium." She isn't sure HOW to bill a Senator with the charges but hopefully it's not that difficult and can be done. Quickly. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "That's all I needed to know. Thanks, Mondrian," Navi replies. "Veena was sent back to Coruscant for professional misconduct. Before that, she was partnered with your brother, and they worked practically in lockstep trying to control much of the running of the colony, for reasons that have never been clear to me. Most likely she's been driving a desk at Republic Security HQ since then. It would be a colossal and very interesting coincidence if she just happened to be on-world and available to meet with Xera within minutes of her getting off of the shuttle." "You're right, Master. I don't believe Veena's committed any crime. /Yet/. But bargaining with the outcome of a criminal trial, even if she's just the errand girl, is dodgy business at best. She works for Black, and he doesn't play by the rules," Navi continues. "If he's dealing with Xera, he's getting /something/ out of it. All the more reason to go by your strategy of watching and listening." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, I'm as well as I can be," Dahlea says, giving Cayde a weak smile. "But enough about me, tell me about yourself. Zetha tells me you've been having trouble eating, and with allergies?" She then turns to the amphibious alien (who has now just recovered his composure), and hands him a credit chip. Thaarin is watching their interaction with scrutiny, but then motions for Zetha to follow him outside. He has something to say that she won't like, she'll be able to tell. "Right," Mondrian (F) says to Navi. "I'm going to look into it. In the meantime, you and Rykard should probably go find Cayde and everyone else. Our pilot and navigator want to try to get us out of here early, if possible." Rykard's brows furrow. "I never met Black," he says, seeming concerned. "I only know of him, vaguely, from Cayde. That was before I returned. However, this conversation is best had with Cayde and the others present." He starts for the gangplank, to search for the others. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches over everything for a moment but when Thaarin motions for her to follow him outside she frowns. It's with a bit of reluctance, but she follows him out anyway preparing for the earfull she's likely about to get. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thanks, Mondrian. Good luck, and may the Force be with you," Navi replies earnestly. "Oh, and have Xera and Taryn returned to the ship yet?" She pauses long enough to hear the answer, then hurries after Master Rykard as he leaves the shuttle. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns at the salesman, waiting to see if he will recover. There is a bit of relief when he finally does and looks back to Dahlea. Eating and allergies, what? Who told her about those already?     He shakes his head. [I am okay] he insists. [I can eat] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Once they're outside, Thaarin turns to Zetha. "Did Cayde ever tell you, about his familial ties to ... the former Chancellor?" He glances back at the scrap house, then back to Zetha. "Dahlea seems well intentioned. But her husband, Senator Burkenn, was involved in the scandal that got Chancellor Rie impeached." "I may not know much about the Republic itself, but when I took over for Syralana, the former Communcations director, I was required to read every report made since the founding of Akylrr Bend. Rie was very heavy handed in Tenoo Initiative." % "No," Rykard says, "not yet. But I'm sure they will. Regardless, that will be Mondrian's concern. Come. Let us find Cayde. I must know more about Black." "You can?" Dahlea says, "why, what do you eat? I heard you became a number of times. Are you sure you're doing alright?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks and then shakes her head. "I didn't know anything about that... Cayde's only really ever mentioned his parents when trying to, like, help me feel better. I know nothing about his family ties or any sort of...scandals. Dahlea was just talking about how she was going to Teeno and mentioned Cayde's mother and I put two and two together... I... I wasn't trying to start anything." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Maybe we should look for them, too," Navi muses. "As for Black, he holds a relatively high-ranking position in the Republic Security Forces, and tends toward unorthodox investigative techniques. Unorthodox to the point of sometimes walking on the law, and on sentients' rights. He once set up an interrogation via telepathy of an official neck-deep in the attempted impeachment of the Supreme Chancellor, and Cayde and I were the instruments of the interrogation. It was... brutal. If he's involved, he's after someone. Just maybe it's Xera... or the Marauders. No telling which." She hurries after Master Rykard, keeping pace with a little effort. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs, a bit of a huff and an exasperated sound. He can see where Gianka got her overprotectiveness from.     [Yes I am fine now....everyone can be ill in time] he insists. [I can eat what need to eat] he tries to explain.     The padawan considers what he might do or say to get her off of this topic. Oh, maybe she'd like to see some of his drawings. He takes out a datapad and shows her one he'd done of a waterfall near Aklyrr just before they'd left for the trial proceedings. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Of course he didn't," Thaarin says, "I should have known that," he says, shaking his head. Thaarin waves dismissively. "It's alright, none of this could be helped," he says, "but you did agree to help her, didn't you? All I'm saying is that although she may seem well intentioned, she's unfortunately tied to a person embroiled in a scandal. So I'd be careful if I were you." He gets that distant, thinking on his face again. "This is all starting to make too much sense and I don't like it. I wonder how much Cayde knew..." "Attempted impeachment?" Rykard says, "Well you know that Rie was impeached, anyway. On the grounds of abuse of federal funds, and misconduct. Hmmm," the older Jedi Master muses. "This is all very interesting. You don't think it could be linked, could it?" He then reaches out to Cayde via the Force. <Cayde, where are you?> Well, she's easily distracted at least. "You drew these? Oh, Cayde, they're so beautiful! I'm so glad to see you're enjoying yourself in your free time. What else do you do, when you're not training? Surely, you have friends that you spend time with when you're not preoccupied with your duties...?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha frowns a bit more deeply. "She mentioned she was going to Teeno and wound up with ship trouble so she landed here. The other shop was insanely busy so I came to this one hoping I could bargain a bit better with someone who wasn't as busy..." Then she glances back into the shop and shakes her head. "I'll be careful...I was just trying to be helpful. One of these days I might learn that tends to always bite me in the ass..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I won't rule it out. We already know the recruitment for the Tenoo Colony Initiative was very suspect, and it only came near its goals because of Xera's efforts at recruiting unvetted candidates. I'm absolutely sure that's why we wound up with so many criminal types in Aklyrr Bend. I'd bet my lightsaber on it," Navi replies, nodding. "The Chancellor was absolutely sure Cayde and I would agree to join the Initiative, and seemed startled when we turned it down flat... well, we did at first. Granted, we went anyway, but not for his reasons. I was worried that innocent people would suffer if Cayde and I didn't go along, and I'm thinking I was right." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Thank you] Cayde signs, after putting the datapad away. [Study] he signs when she asks what else he does when he's not training. Honestly, it was true. Come to think of it, he didn't usually find himself with much 'leisure' time. There was always more to work on whenever he wasn't training.     Then his master is calling to him. << With Zetha near coaxium merchant >> he replies. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Did she say why?" Thaarin says, arching a brow at Zetha. Then he shakes his head and waves dismissively. "Nevermind that. I have reason to believe that Cayde is likely an in law of sorts to the former Chancellor. Connected by way of marriage, not blood. And it is even more probable, that because of said connection, Cayde was one of Rie's favorites. It's unlikely that had anything to do with his impeachment, however..." he trails off. "Coruscant might be an interesting political scene. And helping Burkenn's wife will likely entrench you in it. I'm not saying by any means that you shouldn't help her. You should. But tread carefully." He pauses, chuckling softly. "It's not a bad thing, Zetha. In fact, it's admirable. And I doubt anything monumental will transpire due to this one small act of kindness. Besides, Cayde will likely appreciate it, too." "Hmm," Rykard says, his brows furrowing again. "I see. I'll have to look into the matter more. But for now, we can head to the scrap house on just north of here. I believe that's where Cayde and the others are." He then hurries along, and soon, Zetha and Thaarin will spot Navi and Rykard approaching. Dahlea gives Cayde an inquisitive look. "You don't go out and socialize much, do you? Do you have friends, at least?" Meanwhile, Volken, will find that the small knapsack he'd uncovered on the ground, filled with empty vials and test tubes of sorts, is not too far off from what looks like a trail someone had left. They're not alone out here, it would seem... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha was about to answer when Thaarin dismisses the question he just asked, which leaves her saying nothing at all. Then he gives her his opinion on the matter and she shrugs her shoulders. "I do find it a little odd that I somehow keep meeting his family. But I doubt I'll get swept up into anything. I have my personal business on Coruscant, attending the trial, and then I plan to be nothing more than a hermit until we're leaving for Teeno." In that whole she already wants to be back with her Hap's biscuits and Crane and Wiis' nagging. "Anyway, I should...let Dahlea know I can take a look at her ship now...since we'll likely be ready to go as soon as the coaxium is finished fueling.." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Just remember, we can't really prove any of it yet. Not in court, anyway. One more reason to look deeper into it," Navi advises softly, staying at Master Rykard's heel. As Zetha and Thaarin come into sight, Navi raises her hand and waves to them. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' No Jorn. No Er'gi. Their Jedi minder is nowhere to be seen and Caine is - of course - no help. <<No you didn't mute me.>> he counters. <<Cause if you did you wouldn't have bothered to say you'd muted me and ask if I'd said anything.>> Honestly, Caine's going to have to do better than that. IF he was truly ignoring Volken, he'd just do it. <<Besides somethin is goig on. YOu better stay on comm in case something happens to you.>> With that, he starts following the trail. He has not forgotten the missing doctor. He was asked to keep an eye out for him after all and now..signs of someone with some interest or expertise in matters of biology is around. Can't just be pure chance. <<Stand by..>> he rumbles into his comm link. Caine may very well have muted him at this point but...can't say that he didn't bring up the odd happenings to him, now can he? 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde's gaze falls at the comment that he doesn't go out and socialize much. Well, he never really did. He just never found it very interesting or enriching, since people mostly ignored him on such outings, so he usually would end up an observer to whatever conversation they were having. But he nods when she asks if he at least has friends.     There is a gentle, subtle push into her mind, an attempt to just touch it. It wasn't every day he got to meet someone whose mind might flow more easily through the Force to him. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, you never know," Thaarin jokes, "you could hermit all you like, but what will you do if someone comes looking for you?" "I suppose it took me a moment to realize that she must have been headed to Tenoo because of her sister. The doctor must have reached out to her. But the question remains, does she know? And if she doesn't, who will tell her?" Maybe this was his way of saying that she should. But then he follows his question with another question, "...is it too hopeful to think Cayde has already told her..." But then, Navi and Rykard are arriving. He looks up when Navi waves to him, and he inclines his head politely in greeting. "I'm sorry, are Yvon and Jahni impatient? Zetha purchased the coaxium, but by chance or fate, somehow, Cayde's aunt is here. I'm sure they'll understand the delay." Dahlea doesn't resist. The feeling doesn't seem unfamiliar to her. "It's alright," she says to Cayde. "I'm just afraid of you being lonely. Your mother... after Soren left, I think that's all she knew. Loneliness." The Baron doesn't respond. Maybe he really did mute Volken. Volken shouldn't be surprised if he has. The trail leads to an area that has definitely been camped in recently. There's a smoldered fire pit, and the grass is flattened on the opposite side of the firepit. Someone had been here, not too long ago. But it kind of looks like they left in a hurry - they'd left a glowrod, and the pit is still smoking a little. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "That really depends on who would actually come looking for me, if anyone." Zetha remarks back and then listens to what Thaarin says after. "Tell her what? That her sister may or may not be part of some theoretical medical experiment and could potentially already be dead?" This is said before she notices Navi and Rykard approaching them but Thaarin explains a few things which renders Zetha pretty much further speechless. To the point that she turns on her heals and heads back to let Dahlea know she's got minimal time so should probably look at her ship now unless she's fine leaving it to the alian behind the counter. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' No he supposes he's not surprised even if he finds it stupid. But there is more important things than Caine's ego. Volken takes a moment to fully examine the site with his gaze. Sweeping it this way and that in search of any signs that may give more clues as to the identity of the person who was at this camp. That whoever was here left in a hurry isn't lost on him either. <<Jorn? Er'gi?>> he tries, one more time on the comm link and then just grunts, expecting silence, "Damn." Finally he stats off in a hurry into the path, intent on following after whoever took off. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yes. But they'll have to wait on Xera and Taryn to get back, too, so... /well, there's that/," Navi replies to Thaarin. "Wait... Cayde has an /aunt/ on-world? Given his family members on Coruscant, I may want to meet her. Also, I've got some potentially important information you need to hear before we go back to the ship. Make sure you let the others know," she adds, before proceeding to tell him all about her misadventures near the posh bar. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well, Cayde kind of -is- lonely, to be honest. But he tries not to show her that. About his mother, he just nods sadly. <> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin's gaze follows Zetha, but then he looks back to Navi and listens to her carefully. He frowns, and motions for both her and Rykard to follow them into the scrap house. "You mean, you think Xera was the one to cause the coaxium leak?" he says, brows furrowing slightly. "Believe me, I didn't know about his aunt either. But Cayde isn't exactly the kind to go around telling people about himself. We all know that." "Look," Dahlea says, "I know it's probably really hard for you. But both me and your mother don't want you to grow up the way we did, always feeling lonely in a crowd. Please, go out and try to make some good friends. People you know will gladly spend time with you, anytime." And then Zetha comes back in. She smiles at the Twi'lek girl and hands her a storage cask, filled with enough coaxium for their trip to Coruscant and back. "The fellow behind the desk brought it over," she says, "This should be more than enough to last you for a good while." The path gets fainter and fainter as Volken follows it. But then again, Volken will find himself heading very deep into the Gorge. Here, the way is narrow, and there are tons of ledges that don't look like they could support his massive form. It's foggy and dark down here too, and he'll see shadows darting to and fro every so often... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Thanks..." Zetha offers as she carefully takes the storage cask. "I should get this to the ship so they can top off. Uhm. I can still also take a look at your ship real quick. Something rattling around tells me it might very well be that something just came loose and that's a simple fix, really..." She offers this and smiles. "But we're being looked for by other members of the party so it might be wise for me to look at it in a now or never sort of way... sorry..." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Well he's not about to sit here and go tumbling down into the darkness over this. Goign back to the camp becomes an option to him. He still isn't sure of what's goign on and his mind is begining to calculate a number of different reasons why simply abandoning this affair isn't out of the question. At the same time he can't simply leave Er'gi and Jorn to this insanity. So...threaten it is. "Alright. I see you.." rumbles Volken . A crackle of energy resounds as he clenches his fists and activates his energized knuckle dusters while his undamaged vambrace begins ramping up the charges on its repulsor gauntlet. "Come out. Show yourself and let's....talk." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Whether she created it herself or got someone else to do it, I'm sure she's behind it," replies Navi, following Thaarin into the scrap house. "I've met others of Cayde's family, and they're good people. The only bad egg among them is a former fiance, and he's in prison." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh no!" Dahlea says, "I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were on a tight time schedule... if you really have to go, perhaps don't wait for me..." She gets up, but with some effort. She coughs again, violently. "...ah, excuse me. My ship is at the shop down the street." She starts making her way towards the exit of the scrap house. "Prison..." Thaarin muses, looking pensive. But he doesn't further comment. By now, they would have met Zetha and Dahlea at the egress to the scrap house lobby. "I'm sorry," Dahlea laments to Navi, "am in your way? I'm a little slow. Any kind of cardio can be difficult for me at times..." There's a rustle, and then the sound of a branch breaking behind Volken. The massive Mandalorian might be about to whirl around and attack whatever emerges, but he may be rather unpleasantly surprised to find that it's just the Baron. "Put that -away-," he growls, "it's just me, and I'm not in a fighting mood. Yes, I saw the makeshift camp that had been abandoned recently after I came to investigate what trouble you might possibly make left to your own devices." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Believe me, Ma'am, it's no trouble," Navi replies gently to Dahlea. "You wouldn't happen to be Cayde's aunt, would you? Thaarin mentioned meeting such an aunt. I'm Navi, and Cayde and I are friends, just so you know how I know, and why I asked." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha heads out of the scrap house as well. "I'm taking the coaxium to the ship..." She announces to everyone and then shifts to make her way to said shuttle to drop off the coaxium. Perhaps even making a bee-line for it. Carefully. Volatile cargo in tow after all. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Oh so -now- yer invested. The team-up everybody's been waitin' t'see... Tth." Volken puts his arms down and de-activates the charges on his knuckle dusters. "Alright. Fine. So...yer smarter than me yeah? So...whddya think? There's some missing doctor I'm supposed t'keep an eye out for... And obviously Er'gi couldn't have come this way. The tracks aren't big enough fer him. Still no Jorn or the JEdi." He gestures forward, "Footings not stable up ahead. ANy o'this fmailiar to you?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [I do try] Cayde tells Dahlea, when she encourages him to find people to spend time with. Then it's almost time to leave again, although he finds himself not very eager to get back on the cramped ship. He'll wait until everything has been topped off.     He watches Dahlea head back to her ship, then starts following her. Maybe he could help with the repairs, if Zetha was busy with the coaxium top-up. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh, actually," she says, "I am, you must all be friends of his...?" Thaarin then apologizes for not having introduced himself earlier and tells her his name. Then he gestures to Navi. "Navi is co-deputy of the Republic colony, Aklyrr Bend. She shares that title with Cayde." "Oh, how wonderful," she says, as they walk towards the shop where her ship is. She then coughs. "The shop where my ship is, is very busy. They said they wouldn't even be able to take a look at it for at least another couple of days," she says, "but they said I could leave it here for the time being. I figured I might be able to self repair if I got the right part from the scrap yard..." Thaarin watches Zetha leave with some concern. "If you'll excuse me," he says. "If you need anything, let me know," He tells Navi, Rykard and Cayde. Then he follows Zetha. "What's wrong?" he asks. "Did you change your mind?" As the group proceeds towards the shop, Rykard pulls Cayde aside. "What do you remember about the time you worked for Black?" The elder Jedi asks. "Yes," The Baron says haughtily. "This is the path a solo traveler trying to traverse the Gorge would take if they wanted to head for the lab," he says. "The risk of falling and dying here is greater, but at least the danger of being detected by ... unkind wildlife is diminished." He then continues along the narrow path downward. Volken will find it difficult to follow him. The path is clearly not made for someone with a girth his size. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "The coaxium isn't going to deliver itself...I was just going to take it to the ship and come back..." Zetha offers to Thaarin gently as he falls in step aside her. "Unless you want to deliver it and I can go look at her ship. I don't much care...but both things need to happen and you all seemed to be conversing about something important. I didn't want to interrupt." She continues walking. "And stop asking me what's wrong. I refuse to give you an answer to that question ever again because it makes you insufferable for hours after." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "This isn't worth me riskin' falling to my death over and it's not worth you goin' alone to get ambushed by yerself so just waittasec. Let's go back and check the camp out. I wanna know what else is in that satchel. It oculd e the doctor or it coudl be one of their goons but either way just walkin' up to the labs alone without figurin' out what happened to Jorn, Er'gi and our babysitter aint a good idea..." Volken's got no incentive or interests in trying to move along a path likely to give way under him so he's not even goign to try. He takes a few steps backwards, starting to look back to the camp. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yes, Ma'am, that's true," Navi replies. "But you mentioned something about your ability to get around. I am a Novice of the Shining Brotherhood and a Force healer. Perhaps I can help you?" she offers. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh, that man only known as 'Black', which Cayde is certain is not really his name. He shrugs. [What about it] he asks. [He let me access his information] he continues, recalling how he has been given permission to access some kind of data vault. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin holds out a hand. "I can take it," he says, "You're not an errand girl, Zetha, and I'm not above this task. Just because a conversation is important doesn't immediately mean you shouldn't be there, or shouldn't interrupt. In fact, the opposite is true." Then he steps closer to her, and she'll be able to feel his body heat emanating from him like a radiator. He fixes her with his penetrating, scarlet gaze. "Then would you rather me never cease to stop asking? As I said before, I will always care for you. And if you meant what you said about us being friends, then you'll have to stop shutting me out at some point." "Fine," The Baron says, "go look. But I doubt you'll find anything useful there. The doctor was there, but he isn't anymore. He would have come down this way, not back up." Then he shrugs. "She's not -my- babysitter. And Jorn and Er'gi are -your- concern, not mine." He then continues downward, but Volken will be able to see a pretty stable and clear path back up to the campsite. "Is--Is that real?" Dahlea says, "I've only heard stories, never seen it for myself. I'd assumed it was just something parents tell their children to instill a sense of imagination and wonder." Rykard frowns, seeming concerned. "And what did he have you do?" he says to Cayde. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Aren't you the one that came to us needin' help solving the mess -you- started?" notes Volken before the Baron can get far away, "Plus yer gonna need us if you wanna go see Kass. You need somebody to vouch for you bein' cooperative and not a total di'kut. Not doin' good so far..." But he turns to leave Caine to go ahead if he so chooses. Volken won't be sliding down the side of a gorge over this nonsense. Plus if he does find something of value - no need to share it with Caine now. So back to the camp he goes and once there he begis to reach for the knapsack to take a look, searching for any possible clues such as notes left behind or markings on any of the vials. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "This is less shutting you out and me not wanting -another- argument. So can I say that not everything is okay but we can talk about it later? When we're not delivering coaxium and fixing ships?" Because Zetha -does- want him as a friend and since she's no longer aiming to yell him into oblivion just talking sounds like it could do her some good right now. Either way, she hands over the coaxium carefully and then nods. "I'll see you on the ship in a bit, Thaarin..." Before turning to meet Dahlea and company. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Find information about colony founding] Cayde replies. A brow goes up slightly at his master. [He has contact you] he asks. Why the suddenly questions about the man, he wonders. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "It's completely real, Ma'am. Maybe I can't move things around with my mind like Cayde and prove it to your eyes, but I can try to heal you, even a little, if you'll let me," Navi replies earnestly. "You need only hold still for a moment and let me place my hands on your shoulders... and if the Force is with us, you should feel better..." Even as she speaks, she reaches into the Force and begins to manipulate the flow of it through Dahlea's body, and the flow between herself and the older woman, encouraging damaged tissues to knit and heal... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron doesn't respond. Instead, he vanishes from sight as he descends deeper into the Gorge. But that probably won't surprise Volken at all. There are lots of markings on the vials. Numbers, mostly, but there doesn't seem to be any logic or meaning to them. At the bottom of the satche, there's a datapad. There doesn't seem to be anything on it, except for a single text document, that looks like it's only half written. If Volken opens it, he'll see that it seems to be a will of sorts, but is isn't finished. Maybe Zetha will be surprised when Thaarin replies calmly and cordially, "Of course." He inclines his head politely and then starts heading back towards the ship. "Well, I don't see why not," she says. After Navi is finished, Dahlea smiles. "I feel... so much better," she says, "like I've received almost all my strength back. Maybe it won't last forever, but I'll certainly take advantage of it now." She quickens her pace. "The shop is just up ahead." "No," Rykard says, "But Navi had some choice words about him. Was there anything else he had you do?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I've done what I can. Perhaps you should tell me about your condition," Navi suggests gently. "If I know what I'm dealing with, I may be able to find a way to improve your condition over time. I have hopes of being back on Coruscant for good in a few months, and I'd welcome the opportunity to help the family of a friend who has suffered so much for his Order." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha isn't sure what she expected but calm and collected certainly wasn't it. However, it actually felt...like a breakthrough of sorts. Maybe they'll be okay as friends afterall. None the less, she returns to meet Dahlea and company as they walk along. "Cayde. I might need some help depending on what's wrong... think you can give me a hand?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns pensively, thinking. Oh, yeah. There was that strange meditation room. Had it been an experiment? [Meditation experiment...with flooded room] he recalls. [And Navi]     Then Zetha is asking for potential assistance, and he nods quickly to her. [I can move the items] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You're certainly welcome to try," Dahlea says, "thank you so much. It may be more trouble than it's worth, though. You'd have to talk to the medical professionals I've seen on Coruscant and I'd have to dig up all my medical records for you to look at. It's not a simple thing, and there's no known cure. Just.. ways to make quality of life a little better until I finally pass. Really, I'm lucky to have lived this long." She offers Navi a small and grateful smile. Then she shifts her gaze towards a repair shop just across the street. "Ah yes! There's where my ship is being kept." She turns to Zetha, who's just caught up. "Oh perfect timing! It's just inside. The Cereans at the desk should be able to tell you where they've parked it for the time being." Rykard looks troubled. "...what?" But then Cayde is summoned for a task by Zetha. He does not further press the issue, for now. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The white lothwolf rushes for the piece of ration bar Jorn throws her, whining softly in pain as the extra effort has strained the wound. His attempts to feed her are successful, and he'll soon be able to tell that he's lifted her spirits some. As Jorn goes along, so does she, but at a safe distance. She isn't leaving, clearly, but seems to want to know if she can really trust Jorn. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shifts to follow Dahlea towards her ship with a Cayde following, apparently. She's hoping for a quick fix and then getting back to the ship so they can continue their way to Coruscant - hopefully because Thaarin has successfully delivered the coaxium. Though she does give Cayde a side glance and signs to him <Are you okay?> 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will feed the animal as much of the ration bar as he can. Just making sure she's okay. He will keep moving. He -might- break into a second one. However, he doesn't want to harm himself in the process. Still, he will keep moving. Although, if someone tries to go after her, he might be quick to defend. Empathy works in mysterious ways, even if he's the reason why she's limping. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If that's all I could do, it would be enough, Ma'am. May the Force be with you," Navi replies gently, just before Dahlea leaves with Cayde and Zetha. "I hope the repairs aren't too long or severe. The Ugnaughts are already eager to leave," she observes softly, moving to join Master Rykard. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde arches a brow at his master momentarily. What what? Was he confused? Or shocked?     He follows Zetha, nodding at her signed question. [What about you] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Cereans at the desk notice Cayde and Zetha approaching. "Can we help you?" one of them asks. "How kind!" Dahlea says, and then seats herself in a chair in the lobby. Rykard doesn't say anything to Cayde's questioning look. Instead, he addresses Navi. "It won't be the end of the galaxy if we take a bit longer," he says, "the trials are still due to happen several days after we're scheduled to arrive. It'll be alright." There's a pause. "Cayde mentioned something about a meditation experiment with a flooded room. What was that all about?" Meanwhile, the white lothwolf seems to be warming up to Jorn more and more. Still, the obsession with the dark saber remains. She watches it with laser focus anytime he takes it out, or turns his attention towards it. She does not attempt to attack him anymore, though. At some point, the gap between them closes a little. He'll be able to sense an inquisitive air about her. She wants to know why. But why what, exactly, will remain a mystery for now. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's reply comes a moment later. <Not really. Just ready to leave.> To Cayde before they approach the desk and she gives a little smile to the Cereans behind the counter. "Yes. I believe you have this lady's ship docked in your yard but you're a bit behind getting it looked at. I was hoping we might take a look and see if we can repair it and get it off your hands. Free up that spot as it were." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn just presses forward having lost all of those in the fog. Seeing the gap closing the mandalorian will speak, "You can stay as long as you want. The food on me will run out. Then you make a choice, follow me and I will make it a point to get you more. Part and maybe I'll see you again," Jorn won't be hurt either way. Also, he highly doubts the wolf can understand him. Honestly, Jorn would think these are somehow force ghosts? Memories from the woods? Something like that until two others bit him pretty good. That dispelled previous thoughts. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well at least Zetha was honest.     Cayde squeezes her shoulder slightly, attempting to soothe any anxieties she may be having. Maybe she'll find her parents or at least a lead on where they may be on Coruscant. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I remember using that flooded chamber and Cayde's telepathy to interrogate Vlaven. I still have second thoughts about it. The water was only a few inches deep, so there was no danger of drowning, at least, even if the hem of my robe got wet," Navi replies to Master Rykard. "That chamber seemed to amplify the effects of our telepathy. I'm not sure what else it might have been capable of." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Cereans, for whatever reason, seem sort of suspicious or skeptical of her request. However, they don't comment on it. They glance over at Dahlea and nod. "Head towards the back. You won't miss it. Civilian class Skyhopper, modified. It's an old thing, probably dates back to the old Republic." He nods in the direction Zetha should start heading. Maybe she does, maybe she doesn't. Perhaps it's coincidence that she comes nearer to him when he says that she can stay as long as she wants, but that the food will run out eventually. She limps over to him, and sits on his feet. Then she tugs on his sleeve, as if beckoning him to sit. "Tell me more about Vlaven," Rykard says, "Do you know where he is now?" The elder Master seems worried. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn feels that tug on his glove. Looking around, he'll remove some brush to give himself space to sit down. His attention focused on her. "What is it?" hea sks if the animal will somehow answer him. As a precaution, he will keep his hand close to the blade. Because this could be a trap afterall. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha relaxes a little when there's no real push back to her going and looking at the ship. She'll head in the direction that the Cereans motioned for her to go and then glances to Cayde with a grin. "This should be quick...hopefully..." Then after a beat. "Sorry I kind of blabbed on you. She was talking about going to Teeno to see her sister and I put two and two together. I really should stop doing that." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde listens to the description, noting that the Cereans seem somewhat skeptical of their request. Well, it probably wasn't that normal. Maybe? But anyway he just follows Zetha to the shipyard.     [It is ok...I like to know about it] he replies, then starts searching the yard for the ship in question. [I can make it fast] he adds confidently, when she notes she hopes this will be quick. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Vlaven was a high-ranking government official who was close to the former Chancellor. He was using everyone around him to gain more power and wealth, until he was finally caught. Perhaps he even wanted to be Chancellor himself. Right now, he is in prison for his crimes," Navi replies. "I'm not sure he's still sane. Then again, it's possible he never was. But I suspect he's even less so now." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Lothwolf regards Jorn with wide blue eyes. She blinks slowly, and tilts her head to one side, wagging her tail once. Then she lies down, looks up at him and whines softly. He'll feel that odd compulsion again, to sleep. It's resistible, but now it seems clear what she wants. Why, though, will still remain a mystery for now. Well, the Cereans are right. The ship is unmistakable. It's old -old-, not like any of the other shuttles or freighters Zetha would have seen in her day. It's tucked in a corner, covered with a sandy tarp. Rykard's brows furrow even deeper. "What do you mean, he's even less so now? He's in prison, but where exactly? Did they tell you?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I don't know where he was imprisoned. I doubt many do," Navi replies softly. "As for his sanity, he was already psychotic. After the interrogation, he may be more so, and his grip on what is real and what is not may be less secure." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Oh wow... I didn't expect this...I mean I wasn't sure what I was expecting but it wasn't this..." Zetha says as she and Cayde approach the shuttle. "Part of me has to wonder how it survived flying through the galaxy at all..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well they'd said 'old Republic' old. That really -was- old. Cayde continues to follow Zetha, then makes his way toward the ancient ship, going to at least peek under that dusty tarp. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will stand up, just shaking off the sensation. "No," he rises up and shakes things off. "I need to find the others. Sooner I do that, the sooner I can get off the planet. You can join me or not," he says firmly starting to move forward again. Just pushing onward as he looks about trying to see if the others are still about. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard's expression darkens, in a way that Navi may realize means he's very concerned. "This does not bode well," he murmurs, perhaps to her, perhaps to himself. He gets up. "I must speak with Cayde about this," he says. "But I'll wait until he returns." Once inside, Zetha may be surprised to see the ship is in relatively good shape for being this old. It had been maintained, obviously. But likely the problem she's trying to diagnose will be in the back, near the fuel tanks. The white lothwolf then suddenly gets up and barks, running in front of Jorn. She then whines, and licks her wound. Then she sits in front of him, and barks again, as if imploring him to wait. She then sniffs in his pocket for another ration bar, perhaps. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' The right hand stays close to the blade then he looks for antoher ration bar. He'll find one, toss out half. His attention focused on the wolf seeing if they would go for it. Everything focused on on the wolf and keeping the ear opens for others. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "She said she heard something rattling around. I'm thinking something just got knocked loose and it's an easy fix..." Zetha offers to Cayde as she boards the ship in order to take a look within the engine room. She moves around to where the fuel tanks are, though she might need to turn the ship on to hear the rattling noise. "Thanks for coming to help by the by. Though I don't think Rykard appreciate it much..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "That room reminded me of the meditation chambers in the Jedi Temple, but it was in the CSF building, and newly built. There was even a central booth that was soundproofed," Navi continues softly. "Agent Black may have even said it was built for Cayde's use, but he is known to be manipulative. He looked humanoid, but he didn't /feel/ humanoid through the Force. I hope that makes any sense." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The white lothwolf devours the ration bar again. Then she tugs on Jorns sleeve again. This time, the message she's trying to convey is clearer. Just a little bit, she's saying. Then she lies down, and stares at Jorn with those wide blue eyes. She does seem genuinely to want to help Jorn. But for some reason, she's not ready to get moving again. Perhaps the wound he'd inflicted on her is worse that it seems? The engine room isn't hard to find, and neither are the fuel tanks. It won't take long for Zetha to get to where she needs to be, and do what she needs to do. "For Cayde's use? Specifically Cayde?" Rykard's brows furrow. "Do you have any idea whether they're still contact these days or not?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi shakes her head. "I don't believe so. Not since we left for Tenoo, and maybe not before then." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods. Yes, rattling sounds like a loose part! [Loose part can be fixed quick] he signs, and follows Zetha toward the engine room. Upon arriving, he starts searching the area, looking for anything that looks loose when it should be snug. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will lay down for a moment. He is a little reluctant to sleep. His eyes close and then they open up slowly. Breathing slowly as he looks up at the sky. Curious what is going to happen next. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is quick to realize what it is. "Just as I actually suspected...there's a piece of junk that's gotten into the fuel shaft..." She says this much and then pulls it out before closing the hatch door. "Good to stop and make sure, but definitely glad it was something simple. And I really don't want to charge her for junk removal..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Hmm," Rykard muses quietly. "Well, he may not have said anything about it. I'll ask him once he returns." Then he gets up to greet and introduce himself to Dahlea, who's waiting patiently for Zetha and Cayde to return. Unfortunately, Cayde won't really find anything. Whatever had rattled loose must have been in the fuel shaft itself. But it's not a problem, Zetha's able to make quick work of it. Soon, the two of them are likely headed back towards the lobby. Perhaps Jorn falls asleep. Perhaps he doesn't. Perhaps he won't even know himself really what happened, because the next thing he'll know is that he's on the floor of the Jedi Temple, looking up at scaffolding in the archives. The lothwolf is nearby, drinking and frolicking in the fountain not even two meters from him. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha finds Dahlea pretty much where they left her. "Well. It was fairly quick and easy. You had some junk that wound up falling into the fuel shaft. It's been removed and otherwise for how old the shuttle looks it's in really good shape. In my professional opinion you're good to go..." She smiles and then looks to the others but she doesn't say much else. She's definitely not going to mention being paid for simple junk removal. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Sitting up, Jorn is jarred by this temple. Pulling out the blade, it roars to life. His gaze looks around for a moment before he flicks the switch. The blade goes away, but he will keep the weapon out just in case. "How?" he asks knowing the Jedi have tricks. Although, he will pull out the other communicator and do a quick signal check. Just seeing if maybe this improved anything. It's doubtful. "Anyone there?" he will call out. He expects his voice to carry as if it bounces around in a canyon. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi nods to Master Rykard, falling silent for the moment and falling in behind him as he approaches Dahlea. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde wanders around the engine room for several minutes, but granted he is not quite as familiar with starship engineering as Zetha. But apparently, it was just a piece of junk in the fuel shaft, no Force manipulation needed. So he'll just shrug and follow Zetha back out to the lobby. [Nothing else] he asks the Twi'lek once she has pulled the piece of trash free. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "So fast! And to know she was a friend to Cayde," Dahlea says, clearly delighted. "Ah, I'm not carrying very many credits on me. But..." She unclips the necklace she's wearing and hands it to Zetha. "That should cover it." She then turns to the rest of the group, smiling. "Thank you all so much for helping me, and for making me feel less alone on this foreign planet." She touches Navi on the shoulder lightly, "I don't know that we'll cross paths again," she says, "but here's the contact information for the doctor on Coruscant I sometimes see." She hands the Sephi girl a small data card. To Cayde, she says, "It was so nice to see you," she says, "I don't know if I'll ever see you again, but... Force willing..." she seems to grow emotional. Jorn's expectations meet reality. There's no one here, and his voice will bounce off the walls of the empty Temple. The lothwolf comes up to him, and licks his hand. When he checks his communicator, he will be surprised to find that somehow, in this exact spot, there is signal. And the message he'd intended to send earlier? Well, it's gone out. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thank you so much, Dahlea. And if the Force wills that we shall cross paths again, I will welcome that glad meeting. May the Force be with you," Navi says gently, with a small but warm smile for the older woman, as she accepts the data card. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' He'll keep the other communicator open expecting some responses. Jorn expects some kind of response. Enough to tell him that the hornet's nest has been kicked. After a few moments, he'll kill the communicator signal. "Alright. Let's look around then,' he'll start to explore the seemingly empty temple just looking over everything. Trying to keep his attention toward anything that looks like writing or pictographs. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha accepts the necklace graciously, but it's definitely not something she's just going to put around her neck so it can stick out like a sore thumb. So she'll unzip one of her many pockets and drops the necklace in there before zipping it back up. "Right then. It was nice meeting you as well, and I'm glad I could help. Be well." Then she turns and - for hopefully the final time - Zetha attempts to go back to the shuttle. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde bows politely toward Dahlea. [Thank you and good to meet you] he signs, but as she begins to grow emotional, he reaches out and tries to soothe any grief she may be feeling at their parting. He will...try to have more friends. And spend time with them, too. Well he has been working on it, anyway! It's better than before, certainly. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Thank you all," Dahlea says to them, getting up with some effort. "And may the Force be with every one of you, as well. We were lucky to cross paths," she says, bowing. Then she embraces Cayde. "I'll tell your mother you said hello," she says, "Do try to go out and socialize. It'll broaden your horizons at the very least." Then she releases him, and starts to head for her ship. Once they're all on their way back to the Jedi shuttle, Rykard will pull Cayde aside. "Have you spoken with Black at all, lately? And did he tell you where Vlaven was sent to prison?" He'll get a reply from the Duke. <We're coming> is all he says. But he doesn't specify who 'we' is. The lothwolf trots after Jorn, tongue out. She seems to be in a good mood. Her pace eventually outstrips Jorn's, and soon, it will be clear to Jorn that she's heading straight for... somewhere. Oh, she's turning left towards a staircase leading downwards that definitely hadn't been renovated yet.... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn just keep looking about the place knowing this will lead to something. Where? What? Who? he's not sure about any of those answers. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' First thing Zetha's going to do as soon as she gets back onto the ship is go look for a blue-skinned Chiss man who apparently jinxed her in all the wrong ways. He wants to be her friend and worry about her? Fine. He can help share some of her burdens. One being the necklace she figures she shouldn't be caught dead or alive with because then people will wonder how SHE got it. She's read those holo-novels. They -never- end up well! Though she does pause for a moment to pull out her communicator and sends one more message out to Crane. <<We're about to leave so we'll be jumping back into hyperspace. I wanted to take a minute and tell you I love you. I'll message you from Coruscant.>> Then she'll send Wiis, <<About to be back in hyperspace. Message again when at Coruscant. Don't give Twozee much trouble.>> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde accepts the embrace, even gently returns it as well, patting her on the back. Then he heads back toward the ship, where his master pulls him aside and once again asks him about Agent Black. He shakes his head had on both counts. Well, he hadn't really asked about where Vlaven was being held...but the thought of that brings back a very deep sinking feeling that fills him with dread. He hadn't intended for that to happen to the man, in spite of all the wrongs he'd committed. The padawan turns away, and starts to hurry ahead toward the cabin. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' No response from Crane, again. There's a text transmission from Wiis, it's just two hearts. Not super unusual, but also not terribly common either. And when Zetha reaches the ship, she'll spot Thaarin right away. He's in the doorway to her and Navi's room, leaning against the frame, as if waiting for her. "Is now a good time to talk?" he asks, smiling slightly, arms folded. "Cayde...!" Rykard's brows furrow when the young padawan hurries away towards the ship. He starts after him, but then seems to think better of it. He instead goes to look for Navi, hoping she might be able to shed more light on Cayde's reaction. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi trails behind the others as they head back toward the ship. "Master? Is something the matter?" she asks, seeing Rykard approaching with some urgency in his gait. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I suppose now is as good a time as any..." Zetha offers and motions while opening the door to her room. She'll settle on the edge of her bed as well, slipping the necklace she got from Dahlea out of her pocket and places it on the bed. "So...where do you want to start?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard turns to Navi, nodding very slowly. "I asked Cayde about Agent Black, and where they're currently keeping Vlaven. He seemed ... troubled by the topic. Any idea why? Can you tell me more details about what happened with Vlaven?" Thaarin stays in the doorway, that slight smile unwavering. "Well, you tell me. I'm here to listen," he says, "not force an agenda. What do -you- want to start with?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face, looking at her commlink briefly to see the message from Wiis and notice there isn't one from Crane which causes her to frown. "I'd prefer it if you ask me questions, Thaarin. Otherwise, I don't know where to start and my brain is already going in a hundred different directions..." Then she looks to the necklace. "Also, you need to take that away from me. It screams rich person territory and I don't want to be caught dead or alive with something an ailing senator's wife gifted me for removing junk from her ship. Literally." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'll try to remember more, but it's been a long time since then," Navi replies softly, lowering her voice so they won't be overheard. "Have you ever seen Cayde's ability to construct a sort of haven in his or someone else's mind? Like a tranquil garden at the Temple?" she asks. "Well, he was using that trick on Vlaven, only it was a luxurious bedroom, and the only other occupant was a psychic puppet of Vlaven's lover. I believe she worked for the Grafs. Cayde was using the puppet to try to get Vlaven to admit to things we knew he had done, but couldn't prove." "During the process, Vlaven's grip on what was real and what wasn't fractured severely, mostly due to the conduct of Cayde's psychic puppet. He kept almost seeing through the illusion, only to have it reinforced and batter down his defenses again and again. It had to have taken a terrible toll on his mind. That's all I can really remember," she concludes. "I don't think Cayde meant to do him harm, but in the end he was harmed anyway. And I don't think he realized until it was too late how much Agent Black was using him." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde makes his way back onto the ship, retreating to his cabin. He'll probably have to eventually explain the details to his master, one way or another...although he truly doesn't like dwelling upon it, so he goes back to studying and working on preparing that testimony. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin chuckles softly coming to sit down next to her on the bed. "Well," he says, leaning forward and studying the necklace, "let's start with the necklace. Who gave it to you? Dahlea? She wasn't carrying hard credits, I assume. Why don't you want to be caught with it? You know she's going to tell everyone about you, anyway." Rykard doesn't say anything in response to Navi right away, but she'll be able to tell by his deeply furrowed brow and the way he immediately gathers his robes and sweeps towards their ship at a quick pace that what she'd told him and bothered him greatly. "When we get to Coruscant," he says to Navi, "no, wait. You should start now, before we return to hyperspace. Send out a message to Black, to the CSF, even any bureaucrats you may know in the Core Worlds connected to the Republic. We need to find where Vlaven is being kept." Meanwhile, Volken will find himself alone, at the campsite he'd found prior, looking at the remnants of the belongings of whoever had stayed here recently. The datapad he's recovered has some kind of will on it. It's not finished, and is .... editable?? Volken could write his own name in, if he wanted to... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "That's a short list, Master... mostly it's the chief of the CSF and Agent Black himself. Mondrian (F) is aboard the ship and may not know anything, and the Chancellor has been deposed. It's possible that Senator Burkenn and Gianka may be able to help, but last I heard, they were as much in the dark about his location as we are," Navi replies. "I'll do what I can, and hope the Force is with us." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Yeah. Dahlea. I mean...I don't know really. I get this feeling that if people see me with some fancy jewlery they'll wonder how I got it. Or if I stole it. And not to be cruel...but what if she dies? I suddenly have her necklace? They'll pin me for murder." Zetha offers. Definitely the workings of a mind that's read one too many holo-novels. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' If he's in 'goblin mode' he would consider doing that. Volken can be a bit of a chaos goblin from time to time. But he's in Ogre mode now. His two comrades are missing, Caine is out there doing who knows what, and he can't raise contact with anyone, not even their Jedi minder. So jokes are not on his mind. Especially being alone. There's nobody to laugh or try and get him to stop. That's half the fun. But he does look over it more closely, scanning the datapad to see who wrote the will and if its contents will let him glean who it's -intended- for. The rest of the items he begins bagging back up, intending on affixing to his belt when finished and puting the datapad back into it once he's done looking it over. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard nods slowly. "The Force is always with us Navi," The master says, "but what you do with that, is entirely up to you. Indeed, do what you can. We'll see what happens after." And with that, he goes to look for Cayde. < We must speak> he tells the young padawan from afar. Thaarin seems amused. "I hardly think that either of those things would be the case," he says, holding out a hand for the necklace. "It's less about how she paid you, and the fact that you did anything for her at all. The galaxy will know, and you may be sought out by the Senator himself. And you know how high ranking politicians are. They leave indelible marks on the trajectory of your life." The will does appear to have been written by the doctor. And by the looks of it, the man had enough wealth to probably buy at least two whole planets. There's a line or two in there about Cayde, and someone else Volken would have never heard of. Kuyvar, another Knight within the Order. There's a couple of other family members listed there as well. A sister in law, and a niece, who both Nakadia. Perhaps this will be news for Volken. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I also don't have any use for fancy jewlery, Thaarin. Some lonely outer world junkyard worker with one piece of fancy stuff?" Zetha offers this before picking up the necklace and places it in Thaarin's hand. "You make it seem like good things will happen if my name is in the mouth of some Senator, but then you've also implied that this particular Senator's not really a good person...so is it really that beneficial to me?" Then she sighs and shakes her head. "Crane's mad at me too, I think. Though he mentioned that he's asked Volken to keep an eye out for Soren while they search for the labratory...or at least I think they're still searching for it. Wiis seems to be doing fine on her own, which is a good thing. I think. She messaged me hearts. I don't know how I feel about her texting me hearts." Then a very rare actual smile comes across Zetha's face. "I've had a couple days to let things mellow out in my brain. So. I don't know what much else there is to talk about." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Take care, Master," Navi says as Master Rykard parts company with her. Upon reaching the ship, she sends off text messages to Black, the chief, Burkenn, and Gianka via her datapad, requesting assistance finding Vlaven's present location. That done, she goes to see whether Xera and Taryn have returned to the ship, then returns to her quarters. "Oh... sorry. I can come back if I'm interrupting," she says softly as she realizes Zetha and Thaarin are already there and deep in conversation. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Much of it is news. Volken has had limited interactions with the Doctor. He can count on one hand how many times they've spoken and once was extremely long ago. That the Doctor has a connection, perhaps some sort of mentorship, to Cayde is something he had some understanding off but everything else mostly goes over his head. Except for how much wealth the man has. That's hard to miss. There's not much he can do with this info however but holding onto it seems wise so he ends up putting the datapad away for now and then activating his commlink. <<You better have your common, Caine.... Looks like this -is- the doctor that went missing and folk have been looking for. He's been out here the whole time. Dunno if he got lost but he seems to think he' was done for. He mighta been dragged off against his will. You see anything??? 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh, here it comes. Cayde sighs and puts away his work for now. <...yes master> he replies, and waits for the elder Jedi to arrive. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well," Thaarin says, arching a brow slightly at Zetha, "I wasn't, I was saying you ought to be careful. Bureaucrats are different breed, Zetha. It might be beneficial, it might be detrimental. Either way, I think hiding is going to be hard. I'll do what I can, but I can't make any promises." He holds the necklace up and then suddenly, comes around behind her and fastens it around her neck. "Are you sure you don't want to keep it? It looks wonderful on you. And your mother, well you know she has an eye for expensive things." "That's alright," he says to Zetha, "I'm glad Wiis seems to miss you dearly, at least, and I hope the others find the doctor. What happened with your boyfriend?" Navi won't get any immediate responses from anyone, but she probably wasn't expecting to, anyway. When she arrives at her quarters, Thaarin looks up, and shakes his head. "No, that's alright. Say, Zetha and I both have some concerns about Senator Burkenn. I don't know much about him, what about you? You've spent a considerable amount on Coruscant, haven't you?" Volken will get zero response from the Baron. Maybe he's ignoring him, maybe signal down here is terrible. Perhaps both. Either way, he won't have much time to dwell on it. There's a crashing sound in the underbrush nearby. And arrive the elder Jedi does. He comes in, and sits down across from Cayde. <You must tell me everything> he says. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Any number of those possiblities could be viable. It's unlikley that if Caine was in real trouble he'd just ignore Volken and call for help and the Baron wasn't involved in the hunt for the doctor to begin with. , But, indeed he doesn't have the time or inclination to focus on it as his attention is caught by the crashing sound. He secures the datapad and other contents and then turns and tsrts towards the source of the crashing sound while beginning to charge his vambraces and weapons up. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Senator Burkenn? I didn't deal with him very much, but he seemed like a good and honorable person. Kind of rare among politicians," Navi replies to Thaarin, moving to take a seat on her bunk. "He has a pretty ward named Gianka. She has a noticeable resemblance to Cayde. The only worrying thing about her is that she was pretty attached to a creep named Vlaven that used to be a politician on Coruscant. He used to be her fiance, but I'm hoping she's given up carrying that torch." "By the way, that necklace suits you really well, Zetha. That's the one Dahlea gave you, isn't it?" she asks, giving the Twi'lek tech an approving look. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I...kinda had a moment of mental collapse and told him everything. Stuff that happened with the Baron on Teeno. The conversation slash arguments you and I had... just. Everything." Which then makes Zetha wonder if she even told Thaarin what happened with Caine. Somewhere between all that the necklace was placed on Zetha and she makes a sort of face. "Wiis'll probably either want to sell it or...I don't know..." When Navi gives her opinion on the Senator she nods her head. "I bet by the time we get to Coruscant he'll know about what I did to help his wife. Which makes me think I won't actually get a peaceful day on the planet." That last bits a joke. Sort of. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde looks up at his master, sighing. Well, here it goes. He's not going to try to come up with words, it was just too complicated. But he'll attempt to replay the memories and project them into his master's consciousness. Of how Black had wanted to force Vlaven to confess to his crimes, and how the man had been involved with some woman who worked for the Graf family. He'd created... a version of her to coax it out of him... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, the good news is that it isn't anything hell bent on attacking Volken. But the bad news is that although the friendly face is Er'gi, he does not look well. The crashing sound had been him falling face first into the dirt upon Volken approaching him. And if Volken goes to inspect the other behemoth or rouse him, he will not respond. "Really?" Thaarin says, "I heard he was involved in the scandal that got the former Chancellor deposed." He frowns at the mention of Vlaven. "So, what happened to him, then?" "Well that's good," Thaarin reassures Zetha. "Transparency and good communication are vital to lasting relationship," he says. When Navi comments that it looks on her, he says. "Well, you can try. I think you should keep it." <And now> Rykard says, the concern in his demeanor growing. <where is he? What ever happened to that version of his lover> 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I hadn't heard much about that," Navi replies to Thaarin. "I guess we'll see when we get to Coruscant. If anyone was doing anything to sabotage the Chancellor or pursuing a corrupt deal, I thought it would be Vlaven. He's the right kind of sleaze. Last I heard, he was incarcerated, but I don't know where." She stands and moves to sit next to Zetha, hugging her gently from the side. "You've really had a rough go of it, haven't you?" she asks sympathetically. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Another sigh long, drawn-out sigh escapes Cayde and he stares at the floor for a moment before looking back up at his master. <> he answers, to both of those questions. Rykard can easily tell he is rather distraught about it. He hadn't intended it to turn out that way. 'Black' had been very pleased, of course... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Er'gi!" Volken swiftly moves into action to begin attempting to rouse the other Mandalorian but, once that fails, he turns towards trying to both examine him to search for any signs of wounds, missing beskar, blaster marks or anything that could give a hint as to exactly what has felled the other giant. Attempting to move him without more information would just make matters worse though he does at hte last try and make sure he's not laying in a position that would absolutely cause further injury to him. "C'mon Er'gi. You're at least fifty percent as tough as me. C'mon! Wake up!" The large Mandalorian does a quick glance over the brush to see form wht directio Er'gi may have come from. He's so large that, especially in this condition, tracking how he got here shouldn't be difficult. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha takes a breath and nods her head. "That's one way to put it." Then she grins towards Thaarin. "It'd be really nice if most the men in my life stopped having crushes on me..." If they really are friends, and she's making a joke about it, maybe he'll take it as one from now on. "In all seriousness though...I think things are settling down. If the Baron manages to leave Teeno, Crane and I don't break up and this one stays my friend...the rest'll just settle. The last thing I'm anxious about is whatever may come of me finding anything out about my parents." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You didn't? Oh, well, I supposed it was one of many reports buried in the archives back at the comms center back on Tenoo," Thaarin says to Navi. He frowns when she says she doesn't know where he got sent. "Hm, don't you find that a bit suspicious?" He asks Navi. Thaarin just rolls his eyes with a slight smirk when she says that it'd be nice if most of the men in her life would stop having crushes on her, "If only," he denotes with a bit of sarcasm. If the joke had hurt him, well, Zetha will never ever, know. Rykard's expression intensifies. <Why not?> There's a pause. <You know then. That this concerns me greatly. We must try to find out what happened to Vlaven> There does not appear to be any kind of injury to Er'gi, it's odd. He has all his armor, it's just the glass on his visor that's cracked and missing a few pieces of glass. He's so limp, though, and upon further inspection, pale, almost greenish. Volken will find the path Er'gi had trodden leads downward, deeper into the fog, into the areas with less stable footing... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' When friends are in need, tradition goes out of the window. Not that all of the Mandalorians are all as strict as one another. Volken can't recall if he's ever seen Jorn without his helmet but he has seen Er'gi ... so he goes to remove the helmet so he can get a better look at him, to ensure he's still breathing He takes note of the direction he came from but leaving Er'gi alone and vulnerable to investigate that direction just yet is simply out of the question until he's sure he's stable. So to that end he moves to lift the other Mandalorian and bring him back towards the camp where there's more open room - and then afterwards to take the helmet so he can get a better look. It looks like going back for that satchel may pay off after all. Hopefully there's something inside that will help. "Got yourself poisoned or sometin' else. Dammit.... And you were so damn nervous about the place. I guess you're gonna go about blamin' me for this..." he grumbles, trying to rile himself up enough to stay focused and not panic. "One more thing to crush Caine's skull over I guess." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I find it very suspicious. But at the time we had no opportunity to pursue the matter, no thanks to the Tenoo Colony Initiative," Navi replies softly to Thaarin. "It distressed me to leave Gianka with no idea of where he was. She was very enamoured of him, even if he didn't deserve her devotion. The man was a master manipulator who seemed to truly love no one except himself." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde shrugs...Black wouldn't tell him. He couldn't remember if he'd pressed the man for the information or not. But he nods when Rykard insists that they must find out where he was being held. << Yes master...and then what >> he asks. What would they do, after finding him? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha smirks and then shakes her head a little. Letting the two of them talk for a momnent, she looks down at her commlink and then actually shifts to set it aside. Not really sure what more to say in the moment, she keeps quiet, but does trace her fingers over the necklace she's now wearing. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi's face looks similar to the pallor of his skin. Greenish, and deathly white. He looks dead, but he does have a pulse. Just barely. Unfortunately, all the vials in the satchel are empty. This can't be good... No current solution is presenting itself, but one thing's for sure - they can't stay in the Gorge. Staying meant Er'gi would perish. No, they had to get back to the Temple, and maybe from there, he'd be able to contact someone who could help. "Well," Thaarin comments, "I just think it is odd that they would keep where he was incarcerated a secret. Did they have something to hide about his fate? Why wouldn't they want the public to know that he's put away somewhere known and secure, where he couldn't trouble anyone else?" He smiles a little when he notices Zetha tracing the necklace. "You've some credits, right? You'll have to get something to go with it." <I'm going to help you. We'll undo whatever fate befell him, and your conscious can be relieved of this burden> He then goes to embrace Cayde. <It's going to be alright> 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "That's because it /is/ odd. It doesn't make sense. Either someone wanted him away from the public eye to ensure he wasn't assassinated, or they were covering for his escape," Navi observes softly. "Or there's another reason I just haven't thought of yet." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Leave Er'gi to his fate and track back the way he came to try and find the culprit or back track to try and get out of the gorge with him in the current conditions. Neither are good options. The one is obvious of course. Volken isn't going to abandon another Mandalorian, let alone a friend. The option of returning to the temple is easier said then done given the conditions in the Gorge but with no vials of use in the satchel ... there really is little choice unless he wants to play make-believe and pretend he has the ability to search the plants of the gorge for a natural remedy. So back track it is. He returns the helmet to its proper place and makes sure it's secure - and thena fter strapping the satchel back to his waist, he reaches down and attempts to sling up Er'gi's massive form onto his shoulder so he can attempt the long march back.     Good thing Volken is Volken. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks and then shakes her head. "I wouldn't know the first thing about finding something to go with this..." She offers gently and then sighs. "Anyway...uhm...that's all I got I think." Which is spoken around their other conversation which Zetha isn't involved in at all. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde accepts the embrace, although he has his doubts on whether it will be that easy. No, he's pretty sure it will not be that easy...or if it's even possible.     Still...<< Thank you, Master...>> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Either way," he says, "I don't think it's our concern. If he's escaped, I'm sure the Republic will have eyes on it soon if they don't already do. In fact," he says, glancing over at Zetha. "It may be best to play ignorant," he tells the Twi'lek girl. "If the Senator does end up meeting you somehow, he has no reason to think you'd know anything about that." He gives Zetha a faint smile. "Navi and I will help you. Anyway, do you feel better?" <Don't be afraid, Cayde> His master says, releasing him from the embrace. <The Force is always with us. Now, I must go speak with the Ughnaughts briefly. We'll leave Cerea soon> And then he gets up and goes out. It may suddenly occur to Cayde, though, that since Black had given him access to that massive data vault, there might be some clues about Zetha's parents in it. In fact, The young padawan may remember that he'd also given him limited remote access. Maybe he could start looking even now... The weight isn't a problem, obviously. But after Volken hoists Er'gi onto his shoulders, he'll notice a strange little dust cloud of bioluminescent green-blue powder fall from the crevices in his left pauldron. And it smells very bad, and makes Volken gag and cough. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Honestly I'll feel a lot better when I get some sign I didn't blow up my relationship with Crane." Zetha says gently. "But otherwise yeah. I'm better." Though she'll reach behind her neck to unclasp the necklace and pools it into her hand. "I should find a place to keep this safe..." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Well that's...not good. If that little caused this much of a reaction and Er'gi stumbled into a large cloud of this or was hit with it deliberately then that explains much. Volken is forced to pause their exodus in order to recover and sets Er'gi down. He had searched the armor and body for signs of anything unusual but with that amount caught between the seals of his armor it's reasonable that he missed it. But now he does a more careful check in order to find any other surprises. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Right...Black did give him access to some kind of database. Maybe there's even information about where Vlaven was taken there. Black had said something about not intending to hide anything from him.     The padawan pulls out a datapad and that access card he'd been given, and starts searching. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi gently squeezes Zetha's hand. "We will," she says, backing up Thaarin's claim. "That's a promise. Anyway, I doubt Senator Burkenn would harm anyone, let alone allies of the Jedi." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin inclines his head in a polite nod. "You've nothing to worry about," he says, "until we get to Coruscant. And then once we arrive there, we'll see what we can do regarding information about your parents... and everything else." And then there's Jahni over the intercom saying, "Everyone seat themselves in their quarters. We're taking off." Thaarin then gets up. "Well, this was nice, but it looks like I'll have to see you both later," he says. Then he politely bows and heads out into the hallway. Thankfully, Volken won't find anymore surprises. But the strange powder has left his throat feeling scratchy, and ... a little lightheaded. It's not terrible, but comparing how he'd felt a few minutes ago versus now is... definitely different. And now the morning fog is settling back in. They'd been here all night, and now dawn is breaking, providing a little light, but less visibility with the mist creeping in... Cayde will find a few things. Vlaven had been kept in the Lower Levels for some time, where, exactly, will remain redacted. After that, he'd been taken off world by a cargo hauling company Cayde would have never heard of before. There does also seem to be some really limited information on Zetha's parents as well, but he can't view it remotely, and the files are labeled with a tag that says "PROFILE INCOMPLETE" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Well there's little use to being an enhanced freak of nature if you don't put it to use for as large as Er'gi is - Volken isn't actually human in the traditional sense. So time to put those modifications forced on him and his enormous size to the test. He re-shoulders Er'gi and then begins to retrace their steps backwards into the morning mist. Once he finds the trail they'd cleared the rest should be straight forward. It's just making sure he doesn't collapse between then and now. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha leans her head back against the headboard or wall whichever it is and then side eyes Navi. "Well. Here we go again...let's hope the route to Coruscant is smooth riding..." She offers the Sephi woman and then gives a shake of her head. "Did we just agree to go clothes shopping together on Coruscant?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde starts digging into this hauling company, and where they may have taken Vlaven. At least what system. He'll have to look for more information about Zetha's parents once they arrive on Coruscant, it seems. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Take care, Thaarin," Navi says softly as Thaarin takes his leave. As the door closes behind the Chiss, Navi hugs Zetha tightly, hoping to reassure her. "Maybe? But look on the bright side... we actually have money, thanks to the doctor's generosity, and I've heard shopping is fun," she advises, smiling. "Us girls, a fistful of credits, and the shopping district sounds novel and relaxing to me." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The going is easy enough. Well, up until a point. Volken will reach a point where somehow, a massive vine has overgrown the path and covered it completely. And this vine? It's covered in tiny little blue flowers which are covered in that weird, bioluminescent powder that had fallen out of the crevice of Er'gi's pauldron. Volken might also notice that there are lot of dead animals around the the vine as well, their bodies pallid and covered in the powder. The vine also seems to stretch... for a really long time. Volken's gonna have to try to go around it, or burn it all, but that could be risky, given that there's a lot of detritus left over from the monsoon, and when they had been trail blazing earlier. Cayde probably won't like that there seems to be very little information on this hauling company. They operated in the Outer Rim, but there's no routes documented. All of the files on them have that same tag, "PROFILE INCOMPLETE." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "How'd that get there..." They'd cleared the path. This isn't right. And the number of dead animals - while a tell tale sign - is also odd. If they should know to avoid this thing if it was just part of the common flora down here. Either way, going up to it for a closer look is out of the question. He takes a moment to unshoulder Er'gi and then turns him sideways to examine his jetpack. Volken never did obtain one himself. He never tried. If Er'gi was struck by a larger dosage of the powder he likely would have tried to fire the pack off to try and escape .. and just crashed back down. Either way it's too valuable to leave unused so he puts it on and resets the straps to accomodate his own girth. It flying the both of them out is probably out of the question but it might provide a boost to a big jump if it comes to it. He then charges up his repulsor gauntlet. It was made to mimic the damned telekinesis of the Jedi's Force pushes so that may be handy as well. All last resort options though. For now he'll just try circumventing the vines by just going around it and once he's re-shouldered Er'gi he begins doing just that. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs deeply. Of course...     He'll just have to do more digging once he's arrived back on Coruscant and hope more data will be available by accessing it locally. With that, he goes back to working on that testimony. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Volken will find himself wandering quite far from the original path, and with the fog settling in, he may soon find himself lost, next to a jungle of poisonous vines. He may start to wonder, how in the galaxy had this plant grown so large, so fast?? How much longer, before he found a point at which he could start heading upward. Er'gi's breaths are slowing. That's not a good sign. But up ahead, he will see another still form lying on the ground near the vines. And silhouetted against the fog are two approaching figures, with gleaming, garnish masks. Marauders. The ship will then lurch slightly for everyone. They're leaving Cerea now, and probably fifteen to twenty minutes from hyperspace. Cayde had best settle in and start working on the testimony - soon, he'll have nothing else to work on... 
}}

Eyes in the Gorge

2026-07-08T00:13:51Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-04-26
|Cast of Characters=159, 418, 444, 261, 143, 321, 459
|pretty=yes
|Location=Tenoo - Outer Rim
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's been a couple of days, since the leadership of Aklyrr Bend had left to go to Coruscant for the trial of the Dug, Weniscio. So far, those aboard the Jedi shuttle heading for the Core Worlds have had a relatively uneventful trip. Aside from a minor leak in coaxium chamber (which had been swiftly dealt with), the trip so far has been... relatively boring. They've probably all sat down at some point to start preparing their testimonies. There's no study - only a rather cramped kitchen space with a couple of chairs, and that's it. So most of the group is forced to sit on their bunks in their rooms, editing their statements. Navi might be doing just this when Xera approaches her, her face pale with barely constrained rage. "I can't focus with you in here," she snaps. "Your presence enrages me, and I've had enough." That look of rage then seems to cool to a simmer. "I want you to pack your things and tell Thaarin he'll be staying in my room, now." -- Meanwhile, back on Tenoo, Er'gi, Jorn, and presumably Volken have resumed their work cutting a path to the laboratory in the Gorge. The Baron has resurfaced, at least, and appears to have joined their effort, though none of them may be very pleased to see that upon arriving, he's not alone. The marauder, Zealot, is with him. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn groans a little bit as he keeps working at the pathway. "We're not even a quarter of the way. Do we have a faster water?" he asks before moving on to the next task. He is all for somehow working smarter and not harder given how much more is left to do. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's been keeping to herself for the last couple days since the first night being found and removed from the engine room. She's happy with sitting in her bunk either working on her testimony or reading a holonovel. Figuring if she keeps her head down and her mouth shut the trip will still be long but she'll stay out of trouble as best as possible. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi, who had been lying on her bunk as she worked on her testimony, sits up slowly. She'd covered herself with the blanket, which falls into her lap, revealing that she's in her underwear and a tank top undershirt. "I must admit, this is the first time I've ever been told that my presence enrages anyone. It's an interesting feeling," she muses softly. "I'd prefer not to change, dear Xera. I enjoy your presence, and this is the closest we've been in months. But if you're this upset, I'll look into it. I think I would have to speak to the captain about the sleeping assignments before making any changes," she adds gently, setting aside her datapad. "It is, after all, his ship, and his authority is uppermost while we're aboard. Give me a few moments to dress and I'll go speak to him." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde had been sleeping in the engine room too, for a bit. But Thaarin kept protesting at anyone sleeping down there, so he finally returned to his room.     The testimony...well, that was the challenging part he hadn't wanted to think about. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "It's hardly been forty eight hours," The Baron reminds Jorn. "And the Gorge is treacherous, in more ways than one. We should consider ourselves lucky to have had no trouble so far." He pushes past the green Mandalorian, the masked marauder in tow. This so called hired muscle lets his gaze rest silently on Jorn for longer than what's comfortable as he passes him. Er'gi catches up to Jorn, panting. "This place is cursed, I swear," he says to the other, "and I don't like that marauder hanging around. He's trouble, I just know it." As for Reza, well, she's been left to babysit these Mandalorians. Rykard had left her with instructions to make sure they didn't leave her sight for too long, ever. Their moods changed 'like the wind, a southern gentle breeze one moment and then a northwesterly gale the next." Things have been ... okay, thus far. They hadn't started trying to fight each other. Yet. Zetha might find herself slightly wounded by the fact that Thaarin hadn't been very present since he'd found her in the engine room. But the truth is, he's been in Cayde's room for ninety percent of the time they'd been in hyperspace, trying to get Cayde to start writing his testimony. He hadn't left the padawan alone since he'd found him in the engine room. "Did you start a draft, like I suggested?" he says, suddenly appearing in the doorway to Cayde's room, unexpectedly. That look of rage boils over again. Xera seems to angry for words. There's something she needs to do. She's not sure what, but this trial couldn't get put all over the holonet. It would make her look bad. She huffs and goes over to the intercom. "Captain," she says icily. "Navi's changing quarters. She'll be staying where Thaarin's sleeping, they'll be switching. Now, if you'd not like to have forty five percent shaved off your hourly rate, I suggest you allow this reassignment." "... right, then," Jahni, the Ugnaught pilot replies, gruffly and reluctantly. Xera gives Navi a pointed look. "Now then," she says softly. "Get out." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Yes, but that's time we're still losing." Jorn points. He is thinking of the time lost just to get further along in this adventure. Too many planets spinning in the atmopshere for Jorn's taste. All of them representing plans, threats, or problems they have to deal with. Less planets would always be a better thing. "Why do you think that?" Jorn asks Er'Gi. That's a genuine question. There's obviously some lore Jorn is missing. Then the extra comment just causes a silent smikr to pull at the corner of his lip beheind the helmet. Oh, he agrees with that. Just nothing gets vocalized. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods. Yes, he has indeed started a draft, a while ago...it's just...well.     He hands Thaarin a datapad. The draft consists of three complete sentences. Okay, at least they are complete sentences, right? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Actually, Zetha's somewhat relieved that she's had the room mostly to herself. The less awkward conversations the better and she's perfectly fine with that. Reaching out to others isn't working either because of hyperspace travel so she's truly just keeping to herself. Totally oblivious to the fact that her roommate situation is likely about to change. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I much prefer your smile. But I won't deny that you're lovely when you're angry, dear Xera," Navi observes, a hint of a smile on her lips as she listens to the intercom call. Once the call is terminated, she shrugs. "Do you mind if I dress first?" she asks, her little smile lingering. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Heavy footfalls announce the return of Volken from somewhere further along the path... what looks to be an entire tree tucked under one of his massive arms. He's still missing soee of his beskar given the drunken state he'd rushed here in beforehand ...but at least he's still here and didn't just go wandering off on his own or go back to sleep in his room. He tosses the uprooted foilage off to the side and then turns to begin returning to the path to continue his work. As per usual, the mammoth Mandalorian is still seemingly in a bad mood... Especially given the previous conversations. The presence of The Baron doesn't seem to bother him one way or another. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' For her part, being planetside with Mandalorians is...an experience. She hasn't spent much time with Mandalorians historically. Given the contentious history between the Jedi Order and their people, that wasn't all that surprising. Still, this is an opportunity to build a bridge. Possibly literally, depending on how this forest pans out. Much like Volken, Reza hasn't spent a lot of time talking. She's more prone to action in this case. Although the kind of action depends a lot on what she encounters. Simple brush and branches, she just walks through. Tall and wide as she is, her profile can smash down foliage into a surface others can walk behind. Larger obstacles like fallen logs might get lifted and tossed aside through sheer arm strength. Truly large obstacles may receive the lightsaber treatment, for a Jedi's sword is and always has been a tool as much as a weapon of self defense. Of course, if the climate's prone to easily catching fire, Use of the Force seems unnecessary at this juncture. Still, the Living Force is usually very accessible on a world with planet and animal life. It remains at hand, another tool for reaching their destination. Volken's almost as large as she is, and he might even be stronger. There's some natural common ground she might build upon with him. For now, though, she just works silently next to him. Establish herself as someone strong and useful first before trying to build a rapport. At least, that'd worked with the laborers she'd met while rebuilding an old Jedi temple in years past... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "And you're complaining, because...?" The Baron says sourly, "If you think we're losing time, then -do- something about it. Stop talking, and work harder." Then he pushes ahead, and out of sight. Well that can't be a good sign. Er'gi stares at Jorn. "Why -wouldn't- you think that??" he asks. "You were there when the boy collapsed, for seemingly no reason. And then his master was very concerned. Sure, you might have wounded him very slightly, but not enough to incapacitate him for fifteen entire minutes. You've got the saber, too. Doesn't it feel different here? Volken's acting off, too, and the Baron disappears for hours and then reappears with hired muscle? I don't like it, vod, I don't like it." Jorn may start to see a point in Er'gi's words. He'll be reminded that saber is more alive than it ever had been here, its mood ebbing and flowing. He might be pondering it all when suddenly, he'll hear a thin rustle in the bushes far below them. A shadow flickers. But maybe it's just a trick of light? Dusk is starting to fall, after all. Reza will likely notice it too. But she might be more concerned with the fact that the Baron and his hired muscle have gone out of her line of sight, and it's getting dark... -- Thaarin looks down at the datapad and shakes his head. He sighs. "Cayde, this isn't even fifty words," he says, sounding somewhat tired. "I'll make some suggestions," he says, "And then you'll correct it, alright?" he says to the young padawan, taking the datapad and going out into the hallway, intending to return to his own quarters. Zetha will be able to hear his footsteps in the hall. Xera laughs. But it isn't pleasant. It's a bitter, terrible laugh, one that will grate Navi's ears. "You foolish, deluded girl. You think I have even a mote of affection for you? I don't. I never did, and I never will. You were useful for a time, and now you've outlived your usefulness. And I do mind, actually." She suddenly goes over to whatever Navi has stored her belongings in, grabs it, and throws it out into the hallway. Zetha, Cayde, and anyone else still in their rooms will hear the loud clunk of something heavy-ish being thrown. "I hate you. There's nothing desirable about you. I hope you know that." Xera doesn't seem to know what it is she is going to do, yet. But she is in a mood, and knows that whatever she does try to do, Navi cannot be witness to it. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs and stares at the floor. He'd expected that response. But it was a start, wasn't it? He nods anyway, and watches as Thaarin leaves with the datapad.     His gaze goes out to the hallway when Navi's bag gets thrown. He can tell Xera is enraged. It's quite potent. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The hired muscle has not escaped Volken's attention even if he hasn't interacted with them or paid the Baron much mind..openly. As he mvoes off along with his 'help', the biggest Mandalorian straightens up from his last bit of movement and then looks over towards Jorn and the nervous Er'gi. He then tracks his attetnion towards their Dowutin minder to study her. And she isn't wrong. Volken has been paying her considerable attention as well. The helmet does alot to mask where he's looking and why - but she could possibly feel his attention on her through The Living Force. The mans emotional unique in its own way amongst those gathered. Eventually he dusts his hands off and makes good on said interest by moving closer towards the Dowutin. "...They left you to babysit us..." rumbles his deep voice through the mufled transmitters of his helmet. "Looks like you lost one of the kids and his gang of friends... Maybe we should go take a look..." As for how he's acting? Er'gi may very well see it as 'off'. He's been 'off' since the monsoon and the immediate aftermath...but his anger has at least simmered down to a dull smouldering. Switching to Man'doa, he rumbles into his helms communicator, <<Our Baron's got some new friends. Maybe we should remind them all that there's nothin' as good as the ol'classics.>> towards Er'gi and Jorn. That ...is more like the not 'off' Volken... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Blushing slightly, Navi quietly stands and retrieves her duffel bag from the corridor, setting it down on her bunk. Unzipping the top seam, she begins calmly packing her datapad, medic's satchel and weapons. Retrieving her backpack from her locker, she tucks a few extra articles of clothing and toiletries into it. "Thank you for confirming my suspicions of the last six months or so, dear Xera," she says quietly, and far too calmly for a young woman who should be devastated by Xera's pronouncement, as she continues packing. "If I should someday discover that you've overstated your feelings of anger and revulsion, I may have a bit of forgiveness left for you. But I doubt that's going to happen. You've told me many times just who and what you are, and I believe you." Finishing, she shoulders her backpack and duffel. "Also, you've assumed that I'll be humiliated by walking across this ship half-naked. You're wrong. Considering the evils I've faced in my lifetime, why would being undressed bother me? Farewell, sweet Xera." With that, she turns to leave. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' The Baron and his hired muscle may be out of sight. But not necessarily out of mind. Even as Reza continues to blaze trail in her own way (or simply widen the path the Baron and his men took ahead), she concentrates on their presence in the Force. Mandalorian or not, beskar or not, all living things are contained in the Force and the Force is of all living things. She's laid eyes on the man already. It shouldn't be too difficult to keep another kind of 'eye' on him as he proceeds ahead. The serious conversation between Er'gi and Jorn, for whatever amount she's able to overhear, raises a differnet point. Emotions seem to run hot here. The Baron's impatience, Er'gi's emphatic concern, Volken's silent determination. Is there something else here reinforcing those feelings? It could be coincidence. But then, like luck, coincidence is usually an aspect of the will of the Force. Her concentration, however, is interrupted when the enormous Mandalorian man who has apparently been looking at her for a while speaks up. "Thank you," Reza says in response to Volken's suggestion. Her horned chin dips low as her head nods in acknowledgement. "I don't want anyone lost or separated out here if we can avoid it. Let's see what we can turn up together then." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha hears Thaarin's footsteps just before the crashing of something in the hall. She's not going to be bothered by it which may seem heartless, but she's stuck her nose in far too many affairs over the last several months - what's one less going to harm? She'll continue working on her datapad and let whatever is going on outside her room - hopefully - stay there. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn gives a nod to Volken. "I don't disagree," he gives that simple answer to everything. Although, most will think he's talking about the babysitting. Then he will look back to REza. "Er'gi. Credit for your thoughts," he says just trying to remain calm for a moment. Just happy to focus on others for the briefest of moments. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi shakes his head at Jorn. "Let's just keep moving," he says, "better try to make as much progress as possible before it gets too dark to be out here." He then lumbers after Reza and Volken, with a sigh. But Jorn may find that calm he's working so hard to keep right now abruptly become even harder to come by. The saber thrashes in the Force. The feeling, once again, is hard to pinpoint with words. But he'll suddenly feel off. Something's off. Maybe Er'gi's right.. << Volken, not with the Jedi here. They're not acquainted with The Way. If you can find a way to distract her, then by all means..>> Er'gi responds to the mammoth Mandalorian. Meanwhile, Reza and Volken will find the Baron leaning against a tree, looking utterly spent. The marauder who had been with him just a few moments ago, Zealot, is gone. When they approach, the Baron immediately straightens, and appears to regain his composure. Not exactly the hardest thing to do, since it is getting dark and he's wearing his helmet. However, Reza will immediately be able feel in the Force that he is overwhelmingly unwell. And yet, somehow, he stands tall and speaks clearly to her, as if nothing at all is wrong. "Knight Orvenk," he says calmly, "may I have word, privately?" -- Navi's calmness seems to enrage Xera even more. "Forgiveness for me?! Why, you're the one who should be begging for forgiveness from -me-!" And then she slams the door shut behind Navi after she goes out. Thaarin has reached his quarters and has just opened the door when Navi appears in the hallway, in her underwear, her belongings thrown on the floor. He immediately rushes to her side, a hand resting gently on her upper arm . "Navi, what happened?" he asks, concerned. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn's hand goes toward the blade, as if to comfort the blade. However, his senses are up as he is expecting something to go awry here. Speaking in the coms, in Mandoa, <"Guard up. Something's not right."> He focuses again. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' <<When'd you start gettin' all cautious on me, Er'gi? .. Or at least more cautious than usual. Fine... I wanna find out more about her deal anyway...>> Volken's rough voice rumbles out in Man'doa, audible to the dowutin knight even if the language may not be understood. He sounds annoyed at least. He follows behind her, lagging a few paces and content to do so as he answers his fellow Mandalorians and then he takes a few long strides to close the distance and to walk a half pace behind her while looking about in search for signs of Caine. Whatever is bothering the others seems to have missed targetting him so for the moment he simply remains quiet, gathering his thoughts before finally speaking up: "Not that I'm tryin' distract you..." Which isn't exactly the best lead in. Er'gi probably groans if he overhears that. "...But how much did they actually tell you about what's goin' on or did they just dump you with this job whiel they went off to cushy Coruscant?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi smiles faintly up at Thaarin. "Just a messy little breakup. I'll be fine. But can you escort me to your cabin? I'll explain everything there. I'm sorry to say that Her Highness wants you rooming with her, and she's just evicted me." 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' Reza frowns at the palpable mistrust in the air. If she's the cause, well, it wouldn't be the first time people unused to seeing Jedi reacted poorly at the sight of one. Same with the Dowutin, actually, any number of sentient species found someone as big as her overwhelming. But what's going on here is something else. Volken actually addressing her deserves a response, though. Preferably before she speaks with the obviously unwell Baron. Reza turns to regard the immense, massively muscled man so close by. She's not intimidated, exactly, but it's so unusual to meet anyone near her size who isn't a Dwortin too. It's a little unfamiliar, at least. Still, she puts on an outgoing, friendly smile and projects calm and serenity from her presence in the Force. "There is no ignorance, there is knowledge," she says, plainly quoting something, and doing so a bit playfully. "If you're concerned, why don't you tell me what it is you think I should know? Whatever it is you think they haven't told me. But perhaps...tell me in a moment? The Baron has asked for a word, after all." Returning to the tall, proud Baron, Reza acknowledges his request with a simple nod. "Of course, Baron. Why don't we step over here beside these trees?" She gestures towards a likely spot and, if it meets with his approval, she joins him in moving to the edge of visibility. Enough distance for a private conversation while hopefully not being entirely out of sight of the rest of the party. While she walks, she reaches into a pouch that hangs on her utility belt and fishes out a ration bar. It's a bit big by human standards, or whatever the Baron is, but it's nutitrious, dense in calories and reasonably tolerable to a wide spectrum of species' tastebuds. As soon as they stop moving, she doesn't offer it, she doesn't ask him if he wants it, she just presses it into his hand while asking "Now, how can I be of help, Baron?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' And then Jorn will catch sight of something his eyes will have never before laid eyes on. A white Lothwolf... silhouetted against the rising moon. It's singly the most majestic looking canine he may have ever seen in his life. But what is it doing here, all the way out on Tenoo? The Loth wolf, of course, is native to Lothal, which is light years away. But then, in a blink, it's gone. It's left him with a feeling, though. Nothing urgent, or utterly compelling, but there's a sensation in his gut. Follow. Follow. Follow. << Since you started acting pretty damn unlike yourself >> Er'gi says. He does groan when he immediately leads in with 'not to distract you.' But he doesn't try to intervene, for the time being. The Baron complies, and when she presses the ration bar into his hands, he seems confused and overwhelmed. But he immediately responds with, "I'm not hungry." It's a lie, obviously, but a pathological one. Like he'd trained his whole life to say the words he thought everyone wanted to hear, instead of the truth, and now it's just unwitting. He clears his throat, then, averting his gaze briefly before turning back to her. "You've more than enough hands to get the task here done in a week or so," he says, "I'd like to go into the town. My brother is there, being rehabilitated, and I wish to visit him privately, for at least a couple of weeks." It's another lie. This one is much less pathological, but she'll be able to tell it stems from fear. Not fear of what she, or any of the other Mandalorians would do to him, though.... What he's asking, though, is definitely outside of the scope Rykard had laid out for her. And the fact that he's lying certainly doesn't make his request look unsuspicious. -- "Oh... Navi," he says, placing an affectionate arm around her waist. "I'm so sorry. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you. Come. I'll help you get settled, at least." He then escorts her to where Zetha's holed up, an arm still around her waist. However, as soon as he appears in the doorway, he removes his arm. "Zetha, I've news... " Then he pings Cayde. << I'm moving rooms. We'd best work on your testimony in your quarters, not mine, now >> 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha glances up for a brief moment when Thaarin enters the room, her lekku twitching just a bit when the Chiss man mentions something about having news. She also regards Navi with a glance. A hundred thoughts flit through her mind in that brief moment but she shoves most of them down. Some of them linger for her to sit on for a time. She resolves to only say two things. "Hey Navi." And then, "What is it, Thaarin?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken had deliberately avoided addressing Caine when he approached him and the jedi and when she yields to his request to speak privately he just falls quiet. To pursue them both would just complicate matters and she seemed willing to hear what he had to say prior so no sense in making that an impossiblity by having him try to throttle Caine right infront of her. Somewhat counter productive. As to the unease and feeilnss plauging the others...he seems fine and remains oblivious to them though he does switch his comm back on to rumble back to Er'gi and Jorn: <<And how exactly am I -not- actin' like myself....? You want some broken bodies? I"m tryin' to give you some broken bodies. Kinda hard now though. He's got her attention. I guess my distraction wasn't distractin' enough. What's your status, Jorn?>> 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' <<"Got eyes on a Lothwolf.">> Jorn will read off his location compared to others. Try to give them an idea of where to look. Jorn's hand is ready to go for the blade as he waits to see how this will go down. He's tense and trying not to stray his focus. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde had gone back to reading some texts he'd brought with him from the archives, but then he'd gotten up to wander into the kitchen and look for some ration bars when Thaarin's message comes through. He looks at it, then helps himself to a couple of those bars before heading back to his bunk. But it seems Thaarin isn't there yet. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "You're a saint, Thaarin. Thank you," Navi says softly, letting him put his arm around her and escort her to his quarters. When she sees Zetha, she offers a fingertip wave and a small, wry smile. "Hi, Zetha. Thaarin and I are switching berths, at Xera Graf's insistence. She doesn't want a Force-User capable of reading minds in her company during this trip. I'm awfully sorry for the inconvenience," she says, sincerely. "If you'll give me a moment, I'll at least put some pants on. She didn't give me time to dress before she threw me out." 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' Reza looks sympathetically at the Baron. Even without seeing his face, she can feel what he isn't showing. There's a lot going on here. And while she's inclined to be compassionate where possible, she has her orders. And there's no compassion in letting a deeply stressed, weak, vulnerable man run off on his own for weeks. "Baron," her low voice rumbles, not unkindly. "We do have hands here. But we could use yours. We need yours in particular. You have experience. Perspective. And you have brothers right here whose lives may depend on that. As your life may depend on them, depending on what we find out there." "Once we find who we're looking for, I'll help you find your way to visting your brother myself. If he's in rehabilitation, he'll still be there." She smiles kindly. "I urge you to stay with us for now, Baron. We need you. And we'll get you to him as soon as we can. Now, the rest of our party is waiting on us." She ignores his 'not hungry' remark and simply refuses to take the ration bar back, instead gesturing towards the other Mandalorians with one hand while the other gently clasps his shoulder in a display of affirmation and support. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' << Eyes on a... Lothwolf? Vod, are you dini'la? Those things only live on Lothal...>> The other mammoth swings his head around, looking for this so called loth wolf. << Jorn I don't see a damn thing. Curse this place! I knew in my bones it wasn't right. Maybe we should just turn in for the night...>> He looks back up towards where the Temple is. << Volken, you know you haven't been yourself, you've been damn moody and drunk as hell the past couple of days. Don't deny it, vod. Jorn's seeing things, and yesterday... well the boy was having some kind of episode. His master got really concerned. And then they just disappeared off world for Coruscant, without explaining anything. Har'chaak! You know the boy. Have you ever seen him like that? Catatonic and all...>> "No, I--" he says, a hint of desperation creeping into his tone. When she refuses to take the ration bar back, he seems awash in his emotions, that very thin thread tying his sanity together nearly snapping. "It's a private matter," he says, "and urgent. I should go now, he's been wanting to see me for months now. Look, I could even bring you something back from town. You must have fancies, surely, even as a Jedi? And you must be denied them all the time. What do you like? Exotic wines? Fine dining? Sweets? I could--" -- "Right," Thaarin says to Zetha. "I'm sorry for the switch up, but we need to maintain Xera's demands, for now. She's more trouble than she's worth," he says with a sigh. But when Navi says something about her not wanting mind readers about, his brows immediately furrow. "Wait," he says, reaching for Navi's arm. "We should talk about this," he says, "Now." And if she lets him, he'll pull her out to the hallway, while she's still in her underwear. The door swings closed, but not all the way closed. Zetha will still be able to hear their conversation, faintly, and see them through the crack. << Cayde >> Thaarin messages again. << You forgot to respond -- again. Anyway, there's a matter regarding Xera >> He then turns back to Navi, taking both her hands in his. He says softly. "Tell me more about what happened?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh...right.     << sorry >> Cayde finally responds back to Thaarin. but that is all the message says for now. He's just sitting on his bunk now, digging into those ration bars. After a few moments, though:     << What about Xera >> 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Xera Graf. It's not the first time that name has crossed Zetha's path and not the first time it's been Thaarin caught in the crossfire. This time it has a lot less meaning to it, though, and there's nothing in those violet eyes to say otherwise. She does glance to Thaarin, briefly, to perhaps gauge his response to the entire bit. Though she doesn't really get a word in otherwise before Thaarin's pulling Navi back into the hallway. So she sighs and goes back to her datapad. And really even if she can hear, she'll likely decide it better to just filter the conversation out. Pay very little attention. "Should have just stayed on Teeno..." Is muttered aloud to herself though. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Eep!" Navi squeaks as Thaarin tugs her out into the corridor. She'd left her duffel on the floor of the new room, but she hadn't had the chance to take off her backpack; she's still wearing it. "Thaarin, wait..!" she protests softly. "I understand this is urgent. But I'd rather not subject the rest of the ship's company to the sight of so much of my skin?" She straightens her undershirt and briefs, blushing faintly, then begins. "Long story short, she came storming into our shared cabin in a frothing rage and demanded I switch berths with you. Normally I keep my telepathy to myself, but these last few weeks I've been looking into her head more. I no longer feel that I can trust her, and I'm sure she's got interests counter to ours on Tenoo," she says softly. "Something about Weniscio's trial has got her nervous. She wants it to attract as little attention as possible." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' <<Er'gi, relax! You're letting this place get to yer nerves vod. I know you're worried. But you gotta relax... Now our heads might be full o'rocks half the time but Jorn's reliable. If he saw somethin' he saw somethin'. Calm down.. Let me go interrupt whatever's goin' on with Caine and our new Jedi friend... And as for the rest of what y'said to me...we'll talk about it later - but yeah - I seen the boy out of sorts before. A long time back on Jedha.. Was left vulnerable to attac when the temple there was gettin' raided. It's got somethin' to do with his mind powers. They're strong but flawed. Not eaisly controlled like some of the others. For right now just stay focused...>> Volken's deep voice rumbles with calm but firm and determined measure, as if Er'gi's panic and Jorn's words sobered him up suddenly. He clicks the comm off and then starts moving in the direction of Reza and Caine, determined to step in on that conversation now that things seem to be getting mighty unusual in his forsaken gorge. "Hey. Kids. No privacy allowed when we're all possibly about t'die or whatever." he calls out while drawing closer to the spot they moved to in order to speak. "There's trouble." 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' So, the Baron's sanity seems plainly tied to escaping this mission. Reza's not unsympathetic. Even with the attempt to bribe her. Plainly the Baron doesn't know the Jedi all that well. Or maybe his sanity is so stretched that he's fumbling for anything that might get him what he wants. If only there was any way to be sure that getting what he wants won't undermine the mission or potentially bring harm to them or others. Since they're still speaking privately, Knight Orvenk drops her voice to a near whisper. "Baron, we have our orders. If this private matter were this urgent, why did you come instead of going right to him? What's really going on here? Talk to me, Baron. I'll help you if I can." She radiates calm, sympathy and warmth. Yet her muscles subtly tense, readying for action. A man this close to the edge might react unpredictably. Hopefully she can anticipate him and stop him from doing anything stupid. Right until Volken approaches. Reza takes a step back and pivots to face the incoming Mandalorian mountain, though her awareness remains focused on the Baron and whatever that unpredictable emotional state might goad him to do. "What kind of trouble?" she calls out in Volken's direction. To the Baron, more quietly, Reza adds "Can we count on you?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn replies firmly on the matter. <We've seen what we thought were deadmen walk. We're currently annoyed by one.> He does point this out for a moment. he says firmly againa s he just keeps a look out for the lone Lothal. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' << After everything that's happened to us in the past forty eight hours, how can I blamed?? I've never seen the boy like that before... and the fact that Jorn's usually the one soundest of mind is what worries me the most! He was talking to the saber yesterday, Volken! Talking to it like a pet! >> A pause. << Sorry Jorn. But have you considered that talking to -objects- isn't exactly something sane people do. But har'chaak! You're right. I hate that you're right. This place! I swear...>> Jorn might not even be listening anymore. The thin rustling comes again, and this time, more shadows below. They disappear as soon as they appear, though. The Baron doesn't say anything for a moment. Then he says, "Jorn destroyed my jetpack. And Rykard has most certainly let the constabulary and transit security know that I am not to board. So I didn't force it. See? I was peaceful, and collaborative, and didn't provoke anyone! Surely, that deserves grace, a little loosening of these 'orders!'" His temperament changes. He's angry now, but there's other feelings mixed in as well. "This is cruel," he growls, "and you know it! Keeping me hostage like this, preventing me from seeing my own flesh and blood! This is exactly how a Jedi -wouldn't- behave. You're a sick woman, you--!" But Reza will be able to tell this another one of his pathological lies. He doesn't mean any of it, it's all a bluff, to what end, who knows. This behavior is so ingrained in him, he performs it without thinking. And when she asks him if he's in or out, he doesn't respond, but he does follow her. -- Thaarin chuckles softly in a playful and coquettish manner. He pulls her nearer, looking around. "Don't be absurd, it's just me. And I certainly don't mind." But then he listens to what she has to say about Xera. "I don't think any of us could have ever trusted her, Navi. She's wicked, that one. She's trying to hide something, that's for sure. But it will no longer be your burden. I'll look into it, I promise." He then leans over and kisses her cheek. Afterwards, he reaches for the door, pushing it open once more. "You ought to start getting settled," he says to Navi, "I'll be back shortly to pack up pack up the rest of my belongings and move to the other room." Then he goes looking for Cayde. Now, all this had been privy to Zetha, especially the flirty bits. Perhaps she'd tuned it out, but they'd been close enough to the door to make ignoring it completely sort of hard. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well it seems this time Thaarin was the one who didn't answer the message.     Oh, well. Cayde can be found sitting on his bunk, with another datapad with those texts from the archive and two ration bar wrappers crumpled up--one on the bed and one on the floor. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thaarin, there's more... she knows at least something about the Arkanians and their cloning experiments," Navi adds softly. "Unless it's stealing genetic samples for clones, the Arkanians haven't yet broken any laws we know about, and likewise neither has Xera. But she doesn't seem to care what they do, as long as their work turns a profit, now or later. Please bring the others up to speed when you see them. They need to know about this." She returns to Zetha's room and unzips her duffel. "Sorry to be such a bother. Give me a moment and I'll get myself properly dressed," she says contritely to the Twi'lek girl. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Jorn destroyed your jetpack because you tried to leave, claiming you wanted to go see Kass, without even asking and after we had agreed to deal with this gorge. He destroyed it bccause you can't be trusted and now you'e pulled aside our new Jedi friend b'fore anyone has had a chance to fully brief her to try and manipulate her into letting you leave. You've had days and days and days to go see Kass. From the moment you apppeared at the Cantina to now we've told you where he was and why and you haven't bothered. Now you suddenly wanna go leaving now after havin' brought this other men with you." scoffs Volken as he picks up on Caine's rising outburst. To his credit he keeps some distnace however and then turns to answer the Dowutin now. "Jorn claims he saw a type of animal that shouldn' even be here on this planet. Jorn's level headed and smart. He's not the type of guy to just go seein' things. Our other Mandalorian is gettin' spooked and Er'gi's only twenty percent smaller than me. He's not the type to get spooked. Somethin's goin' on here in this place and we shoudl stick together, not seperate..." rHe then reaches up to his commlink once again. <<The Dark Saber's wierd and made by a Jedi and Mandalorian. I dunno how those things work but if it's not 'just' an object, Er'gi. You know this. You two group up and come towards where I'm at with Caine and the Jedi Knight.. Now..>> If Er'gi wants Volken back to normal. Well looks liek danger is sharpening him up again. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha ignores it the best she can because to react would raise questions and just make certain things worse. Besides, Thaarin's been a flirt since Zetha's met him and while Navi may be considerate to others who don't know her well on the ship - she's never been one truly upset for lacking clothing at times. It's not but a short moment after the thought that Navi comes back in and tends to her duffel. "No skin off my back, Navi. Whatever works best for everyone." She offers, barely looking up from her datapad. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' The Baron's behavior is concerning. And apparently duplicitous. Not a great many people try lying to a Jedi about anything, much less spinning a web of lies and doubling down when their deception doesn't appear to be working. Reza reflects on her diplomatic missions, where she often had to discern truth from half-truth. Most of those she'd encountered had never tried anything as blatant as this. And why her? If the Baron was going to try to deceive anyone, why not try his own? ...Or did those here already know him, have prior history with him, perhaps have experience with his deceptions already? Was she merely the latest mark? Be that as it may, Volken's arrival was fortiutious. Reza waves the Baron on, trusting and hoping that he'll eat that ration bar when there's an opportune moment. Surely food will help him regulate himself a bit better. Later, she'll have to have a word with one of these Mandalorians about the Baron. Seemingly unmoved by the Baron's pleas, the Jedi follows Volken towards whatever trouble he wanted their help with. Conveniently, the big man's not quiet and his remarks fill in a bit of the missing blanks in this encounter. Indeed, much as she suspected. He'd had opportunity to see this brother. Clearly another agenda was in play here. "What kind of animal?" she asks Volken, and then Jorn directly. "What occurred? Where did you see it?" The rest of the advice, about sticking together, is both logical and obvious. This Jedi Knight needs no persuasion to favor that approach too. The difference now is that the Baron may be less an asset and more a potential suspect who may well have a trick up his sleeve. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Leaves rustle, Jorn doesn't whip around. He just notes the sounds. How they touch at the edges. He'll pull out the blade and not ignite it. Whispering very low, "This is me trusting you." Then he just listens for what the blade tells him. Focusing on that sensation around him rather than anything. Even trying to block out the world for this moment. He breathes out and just focuses. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The strange thing about it is, because the lie is pathological, he has no awareness of it. If she dared ask him why he'd lied so blatantly, he would simply say, 'I didn't!' and he wouldn't be lying, to his knowledge. Reza will know this. What to do about it, however, is another matter. He seems to be a raging gale of conflicting emotions, some distinguishable, others blurred into an unrecognizable vagueness. However, when Volken arrives and announces his perspective on their conversation, rage will peak and suddenly, a gun is being pressed into Volken's neck. "I should end you," he snarls, "you disgusting waste of--!" The fulcrum of his anger stems from an apparent breach of privacy. Somehow, it upset him greatly that Volken had listened to them without either of them giving permission. << Hn >> Er'gi grumbles, <> he says. "Let's go," he says to Jorn, and starts heading down towards where Volken, Reza, and Caine are. The rustling stops, but Jorn will still have a feeling deep down that he's being followed, though there's no evidence of it, yet. The saber is still. Too still. Like it's trying to be quiet, too. -- Thaarin nods as Navi elaborates. "I'll write up a private report," he says to her as he departs. Then he goes and finds Cayde on his bunk, and glancing at the wrappers, frowns disapprovingly. "Have you been working on lengthening your testimony, at all?" he asks the young padawan. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "You are as much of a saint as Thaarin, in your own way," Navi tells Zetha gently. "If it doesn't bother you, I won't worry about it." She begins to unpack some of her things and store them in the wall locker reserved for her use, carefully unpacking Thaarin's belongings and setting them carefully on the bunk. "Are you all right, Zetha? I've been meaning to check on you for a while, but I never seem to get the chance," she adds softly. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' The blade doesn't sense nothing yet. Then he will just put it back in it's spot. "I believe ya," he says low. A second later goes for a gun with the other hand, just in case. <What's your position?> he says to Volken. <Stun the Baron. Better used to us alive.> Jorn speaks in Man'doa because he does want the conversation to be somewhat private. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "It was a-- Then theres' a gun to his neck. Volken is oddly silent at first. The vambrace containing his repulsor gauntlet is the one he's equipped with at present but he keeps his mammoth arm at his sides as he tilts his head down slightly to look at The Baron. "Yer not exactly mkaing a good case for yourself here.." he rumbles, seemingly waiting half a second before attempting anything. There's a nine foot tall Jedi Knight standing right next to them ater all. Needless to say he offers Jorn and Er'gi no response. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Well considering Thaarin's about as saintly as a busted reactor cell..." Zetha quips before she gets the chance to think her words through. That causes her to wince and then she sets her datapad aside. She watches the Sethi woman for a moment before she gives a shrug that Navi may or may not see. "I don't know how to answer that question considering a lot of things. I'm here. That's about all anyone is going to get from me right now." Less a father figure, a friendship on the rocks, a boyfriend too far away and a mother who's upside down about which man Zetha should be with. "How are you holding up?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [I waited for suggestions] Cayde replies, after shrugging and setting the datapad with the books down. He noticed the frown at the discarded wrappers, and they seem to pick themselves up and deposit themselves into the waste vactube. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' These responses. This behavior. It's so strange, disjointed, unpredictable. The emotions still aren't cohering, making sense. It's almost as if the Mandalorian is of two minds about what's going on. One part not communicating to the other part? Brain damage possibly? Some kind of...mental conditioning? Was this an accident or something done to the man? Or chosen by the man? The vaguest memory of old Jedi Shadow spy methods came to mind. Something about...no, it was too long ago. Perhaps a trance would recall it or a query sent to the Jedi Temple on Courscant. Either way, they had a mission to do and no time to wait for queries or trances. The mystery of the Baron could wait a bit longer. Besides, the Force had a way of bringing secrets to the surface, sooner or later. Well, until the Baron draws a gun on his fellow Mandalorian. Reza's reaction is instantenous. She draws and ignites her lightsaber in one fluid motion, the brilliant emerald blade humming ominiously as her wrist angles, the weapon dipping in the Baron's direction. Ready. "Put the gun down," Reza urges the Mandalorian, her tone gentle and soft for a woman of her size. "Volken's right," she adds. "How does this help anyone, including yourself? You really think you'll make it to find one brother if you shoot another on the way? This isn't how I understood Mandalorian honor to be. Show me what it is by putting the gun away, Baron. While you can." Her tone remains soothing, pleasant, the trained tones of someone who is used to talking angry people down. But her presence is unmistakable, looming over the much smaller man, and that lightsaber of hers is a fair bit larger in every dimension. She looks perfectly ready to use it if he decides to do something stupid. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The gun stays pressed there, for a few moments. He looks over at Reza, but his gaze isn't on her saber. He's maintaining rigid eye contact - though his helmet obscures his expression. He's not intimidated, and he'd barely listened to a word she'd said. So it'll be a mystery why he relents suddenly, and puts the gun away. He turns on his heel, huffing, his velvet lined cape swishing pridefully. "We're wasting time," he says, his tone hard. He then starts to descend into the Gorge, his stride tainted by the faintest of limps. Reza will be reminded that he is injured, after all. Er'gi had just started to reach for his own weapon, when the Baron had stood down. He glances to Jorn. "This is madness," he whispers, "we really should go back..." But he makes no move to return, since it seems that Volken and the Jedi want to keep pressing forward. That feeling Jorn has that something is watching him doesn't go away. But so far, they haven't been jumped. Yet, anyway. It won't be long before Reza and the others catch up to the Baron - he hadn't strayed far. Reza may be surprised to find that the Baron is actually eating the ration bar she'd given him, watching the moon from atop a tree that had been split open by the storm. When she approaches, he looks to her, his expression as soft as the springloaded chestnut curls framing his freckled face. "Thank you," he says, almost inaudibly. No lies detected there. -- "Fine," Thaarin says, folding his arms and leaning against the wall. "I've some news about Xera. She's trying to smooth things over regarding the trial. And Navi suspects she's got her hands dirty with the Arkanians. I wonder, if you or Rykard put some pressure on her, if she'd fold." But Cayde will know that what Thaarin is suggesting is dangerous. He doesn't know about Vlaven... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken watches as the Baron takes his leave. He says nothing and simply stands there, partially illuminated by the glow of Reza's ignited saber. He then finally looks towards her. "Remind me t'debrief you since the Jedi obviously didn't give you all the facts... But ....you've got at least one thing confirmed. And that's that Baron Caine Von'egel is crazy..." As Er'gi and Jorn draw near as well he mutters, "We sure that this one aint the clone...? Then again he's always been a nutcase. We wouldn't even be in this mess if he wasns't.." He reaches out to give Er'gi a reassuring clap onto the other large Mando's shoulder and he gives Jorn a glance before fianlly turning away to start forward. "Maybe you should ask -her- to train you with the Dark Saber instead of Cayde." he notes with a thumb towards the Dowutin knight. He then falls silent and contineus forward. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns as Thaarin insinuates maybe Xera knows something about the Arkanians. But...he is reluctant to attempt that again. As much he dislikes Xera, he wouldn't wish Vlaven's fate on anyone else.     [Master can...maybe...] he signs, averting his gaze momentarily. He doesn't trust himself with this. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "The original was insane. Makes clone madness harder to tell," Jorn just replies in a mixture of bitterness and cheeriness. Like, it's amusing and disheartening in the same swallow. "They're both our problem, sadly." Jorn will nod toward the new player on the field. "Jorn," he introduces himself. "This is Er'gi." He'll gesture to Er'gi. "Keep your guard up, that beast hasn't gone away, but no more visual contact," Jorn says, somewhat relieved that people are calling him sane. Finally. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Believe me, I know... he's a hedonist and a shameless flirt, that's for sure. But his heart's in the right place, overall, and he's always been there for us when we needed his help. Well, almost always, anyway," Navi replies with a wry smile, sitting down on her bunk. "There are days I think he has his own agenda, but I don't know anything concrete about that. So I'm just keeping my eyes on him and seeing what develops. I doubt it'll ever come to anything." "Me? I'm okay. My feelings are a little tangled up, but that's nothing I can't deal with. After this long, I'm used to it," she adds softly. "I'm a little more worried about you. We don't exactly know each other well, but there are times I worry about you. The last few months have been an awful mess for the people of Tenoo, and I'm sure you've felt it, too." 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' Reza intently attends to the Baron's feelings, all of her physical attention focused on if she needs to try cutting his weapon or his hand in half to disarm him, and all of her mental attention on reading his emotional state for first warning that he plans to pull the trigger. She can tell he's not moved by her words. Which makes his sudden standing down all the more inexplicable. It's superficially the outcome she wants. No, it is the best outcome for the moment. Volken wasn't shot. The mission can proceed. But it doesn't actually answer anything. There's something very wrong with the Baron. An impression that's only confirmed when she follows him and finds him eating the ration bar while thanking her for it. Reza doesn't verbally answer his gratitude, because he seems strangely self-conscious about the other Mandalorians perceiving him as needing anything. Instead, she simply inclines her head in a nod, confirming she heard him and appreciates it. Reza would normally offer a smile, to reassure the man, to continue to try building a rapport with him. But at this point she's wondering if there's actually two personalities in his head. Or some occupying presence perhaps? Or... Volken's observation as to the Baron's sanity also gets a nod. To the very large Mandalorian, the Dowutin Jedi says "I'd like to know how he came to be, if you know the story." She makes no comment on the Darksaber and training. A question for another time, when they aren't in unfamiliar terrain with untrustworthy allies. "I'm watching," Reza replies to Jorn's status report. "Shout if you see it again." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha knows. Or at least, she knows what Thaarin told her so long ago. The reason why she's been helping him fix up a ship at the junkyard. 'I never show my emotions' .. 'I want what you cant give me' ... are phrases that are going to live in her head for a long time. Longer still depending on how conversations go when she's back on Teeno. Still, she forces a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes - these days they rarely do. "Teeno will survive. It always does. The people who live there are a lot more resilient than they maybe let on..." She offers. "And you don't need to worry about me, Navi. I'm fine." She's not. It likely won't take a mind reader to know that. But she's back to burying everything again because she has no where to put it right now. No one she can trust it with. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' For whatever reason, he seems to realize that she noticed and is immensely appreciative. There's a sudden, very strong and impulsive desire to embrace her, but he suppresses it expertly and donning his helmet again, gets off the split log and continues down into the Gorge wordlessly, not sparing a glance at Reza and the others. "I've no idea, honestly," Er'gi tells Volken when he asks if they're sure he's not the clone. "Jorn's right. It's a terrible thing to say, but clearly, he did quite a fine job at cloning himself..." He nods at Reza when Jorn introduces him. "Well met," he says. He looks around when Jorn says that the beast hasn't gone. He seems on edge. "Say, how friendly is this place at night... something tells me it isn't very..." he says uneasily. Reza would have been given instructions about instructing Jorn, as well. Rykard had let her know that she could offer advice occasionally, if she wanted to. But training Jorn was specifically a task for Cayde, and Reza should give a report to the young padawan on Jorn's progress when he returned, but Jorn was not to know anything about what she thought of his progress, if he made any. -- Thaarin frowns. "Maybe? Why the hesitation?" He then motions for Cayde to follow him back towards the rooms. "Come. You can help me pack my things and move to the other room, then we can discuss your testimony." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Dangerous] Cayde answers, getting up to follow Thaarin to his room to help him gather up his things. [Master can do it] he repeats, this time looking a bit more assured of it. Yes, Rykard had much more experience than him. Much more control. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I had that feeling about Tenoo. Or at least about Kublop Springs," Navi replies gently. But she watches Zetha for a long moment as the Twi'lek claims she's fine. And then she stands and moves to sit down on Zetha's bunk, hugging her gently. "Maybe you really are fine," she whispers. "But if you need me, I won't turn you away." She smiles faintly. "Besides, we're roomies now. I'll be super easy to find." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha smiles as Navi agrees with her about Tenoo - or at least - Kublop Springs. She also knows she's being watched and there are literally a handful of people that Zetha has never been able to truly lie to and get away with it. Navi's one of them. So she's not surprised when Navi is suddenly sitting on her bunk and giving her a hug - which she returns. And it takes everything for Zetha to not break right there. She refuses to do so, however. "I might take you up on that. Or I might just need to get back to Tenoo...either way. Thanks Navi.." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "You're always welcome, Zetha," Navi whispers, hugging Zetha just a bit tighter. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Er'gi your biceps are the size o'Jorn's legs vod. Why're you so -nervous-. Just shoot whatever is a problem or sit on it!" Volken's patience as Er'gi's nervousness seems to be at an end especially given his attempt at re-assuring the third mammoth present failed. "It's just some dank gorge and if there's something down there I think four Mandalorian's and a Jedi can -probably- power through it!" His flash of temper is only brief as he then changes gears and muses, "Caine's been nutty for as long as I"ve seen him and known of him yes. he's fearless but also prone to stupid decisions due to the lack of fear. Obessive and determined--to the point that he takes suicidal risks and actions - and brazen and bold - to the point that he makes decisions and risks like repeatedly stealing the Dark Saber and framin' Jorn for it just to try and win the heart of a woman that doesn't want 'im and potentially sparkin' civil war. Kass on the other hand is his complete opposite. Cowardly despite bein' a Mandalorian. Honorless to the point he takes hostages. Untrustworthy despite his skills as an armorer. Twins. Total opposites. Both problems and di'kuts." Volken turns to keep moving less Caine get too far ahead. "Now we're sittin' here huntin' cloners over research Caine had no business doin' - hoping they don't clone some monster Mandalorian-Jedi hybrid. All because of him. I'm gettin' mad just talkin' about it again." 
}}

Eyes in the Gorge

2026-07-08T00:13:34Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-04-26 |Cast of Characters=159, 418, 444, 261, 143, 321, 459 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's been a couple of days, since the leadership of Aklyrr Bend had left to go to Coruscant for the trial of the Dug, Weniscio. So far, those aboard the Jedi shuttle heading for the Core Worlds have had a relatively uneventful trip. Aside from a minor leak in coaxium chamber (which had been swiftly dealt..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-04-26
|Cast of Characters=159, 418, 444, 261, 143, 321, 459
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's been a couple of days, since the leadership of Aklyrr Bend had left to go to Coruscant for the trial of the Dug, Weniscio. So far, those aboard the Jedi shuttle heading for the Core Worlds have had a relatively uneventful trip. Aside from a minor leak in coaxium chamber (which had been swiftly dealt with), the trip so far has been... relatively boring. They've probably all sat down at some point to start preparing their testimonies. There's no study - only a rather cramped kitchen space with a couple of chairs, and that's it. So most of the group is forced to sit on their bunks in their rooms, editing their statements. Navi might be doing just this when Xera approaches her, her face pale with barely constrained rage. "I can't focus with you in here," she snaps. "Your presence enrages me, and I've had enough." That look of rage then seems to cool to a simmer. "I want you to pack your things and tell Thaarin he'll be staying in my room, now." -- Meanwhile, back on Tenoo, Er'gi, Jorn, and presumably Volken have resumed their work cutting a path to the laboratory in the Gorge. The Baron has resurfaced, at least, and appears to have joined their effort, though none of them may be very pleased to see that upon arriving, he's not alone. The marauder, Zealot, is with him. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn groans a little bit as he keeps working at the pathway. "We're not even a quarter of the way. Do we have a faster water?" he asks before moving on to the next task. He is all for somehow working smarter and not harder given how much more is left to do. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's been keeping to herself for the last couple days since the first night being found and removed from the engine room. She's happy with sitting in her bunk either working on her testimony or reading a holonovel. Figuring if she keeps her head down and her mouth shut the trip will still be long but she'll stay out of trouble as best as possible. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi, who had been lying on her bunk as she worked on her testimony, sits up slowly. She'd covered herself with the blanket, which falls into her lap, revealing that she's in her underwear and a tank top undershirt. "I must admit, this is the first time I've ever been told that my presence enrages anyone. It's an interesting feeling," she muses softly. "I'd prefer not to change, dear Xera. I enjoy your presence, and this is the closest we've been in months. But if you're this upset, I'll look into it. I think I would have to speak to the captain about the sleeping assignments before making any changes," she adds gently, setting aside her datapad. "It is, after all, his ship, and his authority is uppermost while we're aboard. Give me a few moments to dress and I'll go speak to him." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde had been sleeping in the engine room too, for a bit. But Thaarin kept protesting at anyone sleeping down there, so he finally returned to his room.     The testimony...well, that was the challenging part he hadn't wanted to think about. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "It's hardly been forty eight hours," The Baron reminds Jorn. "And the Gorge is treacherous, in more ways than one. We should consider ourselves lucky to have had no trouble so far." He pushes past the green Mandalorian, the masked marauder in tow. This so called hired muscle lets his gaze rest silently on Jorn for longer than what's comfortable as he passes him. Er'gi catches up to Jorn, panting. "This place is cursed, I swear," he says to the other, "and I don't like that marauder hanging around. He's trouble, I just know it." As for Reza, well, she's been left to babysit these Mandalorians. Rykard had left her with instructions to make sure they didn't leave her sight for too long, ever. Their moods changed 'like the wind, a southern gentle breeze one moment and then a northwesterly gale the next." Things have been ... okay, thus far. They hadn't started trying to fight each other. Yet. Zetha might find herself slightly wounded by the fact that Thaarin hadn't been very present since he'd found her in the engine room. But the truth is, he's been in Cayde's room for ninety percent of the time they'd been in hyperspace, trying to get Cayde to start writing his testimony. He hadn't left the padawan alone since he'd found him in the engine room. "Did you start a draft, like I suggested?" he says, suddenly appearing in the doorway to Cayde's room, unexpectedly. That look of rage boils over again. Xera seems to angry for words. There's something she needs to do. She's not sure what, but this trial couldn't get put all over the holonet. It would make her look bad. She huffs and goes over to the intercom. "Captain," she says icily. "Navi's changing quarters. She'll be staying where Thaarin's sleeping, they'll be switching. Now, if you'd not like to have forty five percent shaved off your hourly rate, I suggest you allow this reassignment." "... right, then," Jahni, the Ugnaught pilot replies, gruffly and reluctantly. Xera gives Navi a pointed look. "Now then," she says softly. "Get out." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Yes, but that's time we're still losing." Jorn points. He is thinking of the time lost just to get further along in this adventure. Too many planets spinning in the atmopshere for Jorn's taste. All of them representing plans, threats, or problems they have to deal with. Less planets would always be a better thing. "Why do you think that?" Jorn asks Er'Gi. That's a genuine question. There's obviously some lore Jorn is missing. Then the extra comment just causes a silent smikr to pull at the corner of his lip beheind the helmet. Oh, he agrees with that. Just nothing gets vocalized. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods. Yes, he has indeed started a draft, a while ago...it's just...well.     He hands Thaarin a datapad. The draft consists of three complete sentences. Okay, at least they are complete sentences, right? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Actually, Zetha's somewhat relieved that she's had the room mostly to herself. The less awkward conversations the better and she's perfectly fine with that. Reaching out to others isn't working either because of hyperspace travel so she's truly just keeping to herself. Totally oblivious to the fact that her roommate situation is likely about to change. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I much prefer your smile. But I won't deny that you're lovely when you're angry, dear Xera," Navi observes, a hint of a smile on her lips as she listens to the intercom call. Once the call is terminated, she shrugs. "Do you mind if I dress first?" she asks, her little smile lingering. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Heavy footfalls announce the return of Volken from somewhere further along the path... what looks to be an entire tree tucked under one of his massive arms. He's still missing soee of his beskar given the drunken state he'd rushed here in beforehand ...but at least he's still here and didn't just go wandering off on his own or go back to sleep in his room. He tosses the uprooted foilage off to the side and then turns to begin returning to the path to continue his work. As per usual, the mammoth Mandalorian is still seemingly in a bad mood... Especially given the previous conversations. The presence of The Baron doesn't seem to bother him one way or another. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' For her part, being planetside with Mandalorians is...an experience. She hasn't spent much time with Mandalorians historically. Given the contentious history between the Jedi Order and their people, that wasn't all that surprising. Still, this is an opportunity to build a bridge. Possibly literally, depending on how this forest pans out. Much like Volken, Reza hasn't spent a lot of time talking. She's more prone to action in this case. Although the kind of action depends a lot on what she encounters. Simple brush and branches, she just walks through. Tall and wide as she is, her profile can smash down foliage into a surface others can walk behind. Larger obstacles like fallen logs might get lifted and tossed aside through sheer arm strength. Truly large obstacles may receive the lightsaber treatment, for a Jedi's sword is and always has been a tool as much as a weapon of self defense. Of course, if the climate's prone to easily catching fire, Use of the Force seems unnecessary at this juncture. Still, the Living Force is usually very accessible on a world with planet and animal life. It remains at hand, another tool for reaching their destination. Volken's almost as large as she is, and he might even be stronger. There's some natural common ground she might build upon with him. For now, though, she just works silently next to him. Establish herself as someone strong and useful first before trying to build a rapport. At least, that'd worked with the laborers she'd met while rebuilding an old Jedi temple in years past... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "And you're complaining, because...?" The Baron says sourly, "If you think we're losing time, then -do- something about it. Stop talking, and work harder." Then he pushes ahead, and out of sight. Well that can't be a good sign. Er'gi stares at Jorn. "Why -wouldn't- you think that??" he asks. "You were there when the boy collapsed, for seemingly no reason. And then his master was very concerned. Sure, you might have wounded him very slightly, but not enough to incapacitate him for fifteen entire minutes. You've got the saber, too. Doesn't it feel different here? Volken's acting off, too, and the Baron disappears for hours and then reappears with hired muscle? I don't like it, vod, I don't like it." Jorn may start to see a point in Er'gi's words. He'll be reminded that saber is more alive than it ever had been here, its mood ebbing and flowing. He might be pondering it all when suddenly, he'll hear a thin rustle in the bushes far below them. A shadow flickers. But maybe it's just a trick of light? Dusk is starting to fall, after all. Reza will likely notice it too. But she might be more concerned with the fact that the Baron and his hired muscle have gone out of her line of sight, and it's getting dark... -- Thaarin looks down at the datapad and shakes his head. He sighs. "Cayde, this isn't even fifty words," he says, sounding somewhat tired. "I'll make some suggestions," he says, "And then you'll correct it, alright?" he says to the young padawan, taking the datapad and going out into the hallway, intending to return to his own quarters. Zetha will be able to hear his footsteps in the hall. Xera laughs. But it isn't pleasant. It's a bitter, terrible laugh, one that will grate Navi's ears. "You foolish, deluded girl. You think I have even a mote of affection for you? I don't. I never did, and I never will. You were useful for a time, and now you've outlived your usefulness. And I do mind, actually." She suddenly goes over to whatever Navi has stored her belongings in, grabs it, and throws it out into the hallway. Zetha, Cayde, and anyone else still in their rooms will hear the loud clunk of something heavy-ish being thrown. "I hate you. There's nothing desirable about you. I hope you know that." Xera doesn't seem to know what it is she is going to do, yet. But she is in a mood, and knows that whatever she does try to do, Navi cannot be witness to it. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs and stares at the floor. He'd expected that response. But it was a start, wasn't it? He nods anyway, and watches as Thaarin leaves with the datapad.     His gaze goes out to the hallway when Navi's bag gets thrown. He can tell Xera is enraged. It's quite potent. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The hired muscle has not escaped Volken's attention even if he hasn't interacted with them or paid the Baron much mind..openly. As he mvoes off along with his 'help', the biggest Mandalorian straightens up from his last bit of movement and then looks over towards Jorn and the nervous Er'gi. He then tracks his attetnion towards their Dowutin minder to study her. And she isn't wrong. Volken has been paying her considerable attention as well. The helmet does alot to mask where he's looking and why - but she could possibly feel his attention on her through The Living Force. The mans emotional unique in its own way amongst those gathered. Eventually he dusts his hands off and makes good on said interest by moving closer towards the Dowutin. "...They left you to babysit us..." rumbles his deep voice through the mufled transmitters of his helmet. "Looks like you lost one of the kids and his gang of friends... Maybe we should go take a look..." As for how he's acting? Er'gi may very well see it as 'off'. He's been 'off' since the monsoon and the immediate aftermath...but his anger has at least simmered down to a dull smouldering. Switching to Man'doa, he rumbles into his helms communicator, <<Our Baron's got some new friends. Maybe we should remind them all that there's nothin' as good as the ol'classics.>> towards Er'gi and Jorn. That ...is more like the not 'off' Volken... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Blushing slightly, Navi quietly stands and retrieves her duffel bag from the corridor, setting it down on her bunk. Unzipping the top seam, she begins calmly packing her datapad, medic's satchel and weapons. Retrieving her backpack from her locker, she tucks a few extra articles of clothing and toiletries into it. "Thank you for confirming my suspicions of the last six months or so, dear Xera," she says quietly, and far too calmly for a young woman who should be devastated by Xera's pronouncement, as she continues packing. "If I should someday discover that you've overstated your feelings of anger and revulsion, I may have a bit of forgiveness left for you. But I doubt that's going to happen. You've told me many times just who and what you are, and I believe you." Finishing, she shoulders her backpack and duffel. "Also, you've assumed that I'll be humiliated by walking across this ship half-naked. You're wrong. Considering the evils I've faced in my lifetime, why would being undressed bother me? Farewell, sweet Xera." With that, she turns to leave. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' The Baron and his hired muscle may be out of sight. But not necessarily out of mind. Even as Reza continues to blaze trail in her own way (or simply widen the path the Baron and his men took ahead), she concentrates on their presence in the Force. Mandalorian or not, beskar or not, all living things are contained in the Force and the Force is of all living things. She's laid eyes on the man already. It shouldn't be too difficult to keep another kind of 'eye' on him as he proceeds ahead. The serious conversation between Er'gi and Jorn, for whatever amount she's able to overhear, raises a differnet point. Emotions seem to run hot here. The Baron's impatience, Er'gi's emphatic concern, Volken's silent determination. Is there something else here reinforcing those feelings? It could be coincidence. But then, like luck, coincidence is usually an aspect of the will of the Force. Her concentration, however, is interrupted when the enormous Mandalorian man who has apparently been looking at her for a while speaks up. "Thank you," Reza says in response to Volken's suggestion. Her horned chin dips low as her head nods in acknowledgement. "I don't want anyone lost or separated out here if we can avoid it. Let's see what we can turn up together then." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha hears Thaarin's footsteps just before the crashing of something in the hall. She's not going to be bothered by it which may seem heartless, but she's stuck her nose in far too many affairs over the last several months - what's one less going to harm? She'll continue working on her datapad and let whatever is going on outside her room - hopefully - stay there. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn gives a nod to Volken. "I don't disagree," he gives that simple answer to everything. Although, most will think he's talking about the babysitting. Then he will look back to REza. "Er'gi. Credit for your thoughts," he says just trying to remain calm for a moment. Just happy to focus on others for the briefest of moments. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi shakes his head at Jorn. "Let's just keep moving," he says, "better try to make as much progress as possible before it gets too dark to be out here." He then lumbers after Reza and Volken, with a sigh. But Jorn may find that calm he's working so hard to keep right now abruptly become even harder to come by. The saber thrashes in the Force. The feeling, once again, is hard to pinpoint with words. But he'll suddenly feel off. Something's off. Maybe Er'gi's right.. << Volken, not with the Jedi here. They're not acquainted with The Way. If you can find a way to distract her, then by all means..>> Er'gi responds to the mammoth Mandalorian. Meanwhile, Reza and Volken will find the Baron leaning against a tree, looking utterly spent. The marauder who had been with him just a few moments ago, Zealot, is gone. When they approach, the Baron immediately straightens, and appears to regain his composure. Not exactly the hardest thing to do, since it is getting dark and he's wearing his helmet. However, Reza will immediately be able feel in the Force that he is overwhelmingly unwell. And yet, somehow, he stands tall and speaks clearly to her, as if nothing at all is wrong. "Knight Orvenk," he says calmly, "may I have word, privately?" -- Navi's calmness seems to enrage Xera even more. "Forgiveness for me?! Why, you're the one who should be begging for forgiveness from -me-!" And then she slams the door shut behind Navi after she goes out. Thaarin has reached his quarters and has just opened the door when Navi appears in the hallway, in her underwear, her belongings thrown on the floor. He immediately rushes to her side, a hand resting gently on her upper arm . "Navi, what happened?" he asks, concerned. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn's hand goes toward the blade, as if to comfort the blade. However, his senses are up as he is expecting something to go awry here. Speaking in the coms, in Mandoa, <"Guard up. Something's not right."> He focuses again. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' <<When'd you start gettin' all cautious on me, Er'gi? .. Or at least more cautious than usual. Fine... I wanna find out more about her deal anyway...>> Volken's rough voice rumbles out in Man'doa, audible to the dowutin knight even if the language may not be understood. He sounds annoyed at least. He follows behind her, lagging a few paces and content to do so as he answers his fellow Mandalorians and then he takes a few long strides to close the distance and to walk a half pace behind her while looking about in search for signs of Caine. Whatever is bothering the others seems to have missed targetting him so for the moment he simply remains quiet, gathering his thoughts before finally speaking up: "Not that I'm tryin' distract you..." Which isn't exactly the best lead in. Er'gi probably groans if he overhears that. "...But how much did they actually tell you about what's goin' on or did they just dump you with this job whiel they went off to cushy Coruscant?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi smiles faintly up at Thaarin. "Just a messy little breakup. I'll be fine. But can you escort me to your cabin? I'll explain everything there. I'm sorry to say that Her Highness wants you rooming with her, and she's just evicted me." 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' Reza frowns at the palpable mistrust in the air. If she's the cause, well, it wouldn't be the first time people unused to seeing Jedi reacted poorly at the sight of one. Same with the Dowutin, actually, any number of sentient species found someone as big as her overwhelming. But what's going on here is something else. Volken actually addressing her deserves a response, though. Preferably before she speaks with the obviously unwell Baron. Reza turns to regard the immense, massively muscled man so close by. She's not intimidated, exactly, but it's so unusual to meet anyone near her size who isn't a Dwortin too. It's a little unfamiliar, at least. Still, she puts on an outgoing, friendly smile and projects calm and serenity from her presence in the Force. "There is no ignorance, there is knowledge," she says, plainly quoting something, and doing so a bit playfully. "If you're concerned, why don't you tell me what it is you think I should know? Whatever it is you think they haven't told me. But perhaps...tell me in a moment? The Baron has asked for a word, after all." Returning to the tall, proud Baron, Reza acknowledges his request with a simple nod. "Of course, Baron. Why don't we step over here beside these trees?" She gestures towards a likely spot and, if it meets with his approval, she joins him in moving to the edge of visibility. Enough distance for a private conversation while hopefully not being entirely out of sight of the rest of the party. While she walks, she reaches into a pouch that hangs on her utility belt and fishes out a ration bar. It's a bit big by human standards, or whatever the Baron is, but it's nutitrious, dense in calories and reasonably tolerable to a wide spectrum of species' tastebuds. As soon as they stop moving, she doesn't offer it, she doesn't ask him if he wants it, she just presses it into his hand while asking "Now, how can I be of help, Baron?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' And then Jorn will catch sight of something his eyes will have never before laid eyes on. A white Lothwolf... silhouetted against the rising moon. It's singly the most majestic looking canine he may have ever seen in his life. But what is it doing here, all the way out on Tenoo? The Loth wolf, of course, is native to Lothal, which is light years away. But then, in a blink, it's gone. It's left him with a feeling, though. Nothing urgent, or utterly compelling, but there's a sensation in his gut. Follow. Follow. Follow. << Since you started acting pretty damn unlike yourself >> Er'gi says. He does groan when he immediately leads in with 'not to distract you.' But he doesn't try to intervene, for the time being. The Baron complies, and when she presses the ration bar into his hands, he seems confused and overwhelmed. But he immediately responds with, "I'm not hungry." It's a lie, obviously, but a pathological one. Like he'd trained his whole life to say the words he thought everyone wanted to hear, instead of the truth, and now it's just unwitting. He clears his throat, then, averting his gaze briefly before turning back to her. "You've more than enough hands to get the task here done in a week or so," he says, "I'd like to go into the town. My brother is there, being rehabilitated, and I wish to visit him privately, for at least a couple of weeks." It's another lie. This one is much less pathological, but she'll be able to tell it stems from fear. Not fear of what she, or any of the other Mandalorians would do to him, though.... What he's asking, though, is definitely outside of the scope Rykard had laid out for her. And the fact that he's lying certainly doesn't make his request look unsuspicious. -- "Oh... Navi," he says, placing an affectionate arm around her waist. "I'm so sorry. Please let me know if there's anything I can do for you. Come. I'll help you get settled, at least." He then escorts her to where Zetha's holed up, an arm still around her waist. However, as soon as he appears in the doorway, he removes his arm. "Zetha, I've news... " Then he pings Cayde. << I'm moving rooms. We'd best work on your testimony in your quarters, not mine, now >> 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha glances up for a brief moment when Thaarin enters the room, her lekku twitching just a bit when the Chiss man mentions something about having news. She also regards Navi with a glance. A hundred thoughts flit through her mind in that brief moment but she shoves most of them down. Some of them linger for her to sit on for a time. She resolves to only say two things. "Hey Navi." And then, "What is it, Thaarin?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken had deliberately avoided addressing Caine when he approached him and the jedi and when she yields to his request to speak privately he just falls quiet. To pursue them both would just complicate matters and she seemed willing to hear what he had to say prior so no sense in making that an impossiblity by having him try to throttle Caine right infront of her. Somewhat counter productive. As to the unease and feeilnss plauging the others...he seems fine and remains oblivious to them though he does switch his comm back on to rumble back to Er'gi and Jorn: <<And how exactly am I -not- actin' like myself....? You want some broken bodies? I"m tryin' to give you some broken bodies. Kinda hard now though. He's got her attention. I guess my distraction wasn't distractin' enough. What's your status, Jorn?>> 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' <<"Got eyes on a Lothwolf.">> Jorn will read off his location compared to others. Try to give them an idea of where to look. Jorn's hand is ready to go for the blade as he waits to see how this will go down. He's tense and trying not to stray his focus. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde had gone back to reading some texts he'd brought with him from the archives, but then he'd gotten up to wander into the kitchen and look for some ration bars when Thaarin's message comes through. He looks at it, then helps himself to a couple of those bars before heading back to his bunk. But it seems Thaarin isn't there yet. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "You're a saint, Thaarin. Thank you," Navi says softly, letting him put his arm around her and escort her to his quarters. When she sees Zetha, she offers a fingertip wave and a small, wry smile. "Hi, Zetha. Thaarin and I are switching berths, at Xera Graf's insistence. She doesn't want a Force-User capable of reading minds in her company during this trip. I'm awfully sorry for the inconvenience," she says, sincerely. "If you'll give me a moment, I'll at least put some pants on. She didn't give me time to dress before she threw me out." 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' Reza looks sympathetically at the Baron. Even without seeing his face, she can feel what he isn't showing. There's a lot going on here. And while she's inclined to be compassionate where possible, she has her orders. And there's no compassion in letting a deeply stressed, weak, vulnerable man run off on his own for weeks. "Baron," her low voice rumbles, not unkindly. "We do have hands here. But we could use yours. We need yours in particular. You have experience. Perspective. And you have brothers right here whose lives may depend on that. As your life may depend on them, depending on what we find out there." "Once we find who we're looking for, I'll help you find your way to visting your brother myself. If he's in rehabilitation, he'll still be there." She smiles kindly. "I urge you to stay with us for now, Baron. We need you. And we'll get you to him as soon as we can. Now, the rest of our party is waiting on us." She ignores his 'not hungry' remark and simply refuses to take the ration bar back, instead gesturing towards the other Mandalorians with one hand while the other gently clasps his shoulder in a display of affirmation and support. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' << Eyes on a... Lothwolf? Vod, are you dini'la? Those things only live on Lothal...>> The other mammoth swings his head around, looking for this so called loth wolf. << Jorn I don't see a damn thing. Curse this place! I knew in my bones it wasn't right. Maybe we should just turn in for the night...>> He looks back up towards where the Temple is. << Volken, you know you haven't been yourself, you've been damn moody and drunk as hell the past couple of days. Don't deny it, vod. Jorn's seeing things, and yesterday... well the boy was having some kind of episode. His master got really concerned. And then they just disappeared off world for Coruscant, without explaining anything. Har'chaak! You know the boy. Have you ever seen him like that? Catatonic and all...>> "No, I--" he says, a hint of desperation creeping into his tone. When she refuses to take the ration bar back, he seems awash in his emotions, that very thin thread tying his sanity together nearly snapping. "It's a private matter," he says, "and urgent. I should go now, he's been wanting to see me for months now. Look, I could even bring you something back from town. You must have fancies, surely, even as a Jedi? And you must be denied them all the time. What do you like? Exotic wines? Fine dining? Sweets? I could--" -- "Right," Thaarin says to Zetha. "I'm sorry for the switch up, but we need to maintain Xera's demands, for now. She's more trouble than she's worth," he says with a sigh. But when Navi says something about her not wanting mind readers about, his brows immediately furrow. "Wait," he says, reaching for Navi's arm. "We should talk about this," he says, "Now." And if she lets him, he'll pull her out to the hallway, while she's still in her underwear. The door swings closed, but not all the way closed. Zetha will still be able to hear their conversation, faintly, and see them through the crack. << Cayde >> Thaarin messages again. << You forgot to respond -- again. Anyway, there's a matter regarding Xera >> He then turns back to Navi, taking both her hands in his. He says softly. "Tell me more about what happened?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh...right.     << sorry >> Cayde finally responds back to Thaarin. but that is all the message says for now. He's just sitting on his bunk now, digging into those ration bars. After a few moments, though:     << What about Xera >> 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Xera Graf. It's not the first time that name has crossed Zetha's path and not the first time it's been Thaarin caught in the crossfire. This time it has a lot less meaning to it, though, and there's nothing in those violet eyes to say otherwise. She does glance to Thaarin, briefly, to perhaps gauge his response to the entire bit. Though she doesn't really get a word in otherwise before Thaarin's pulling Navi back into the hallway. So she sighs and goes back to her datapad. And really even if she can hear, she'll likely decide it better to just filter the conversation out. Pay very little attention. "Should have just stayed on Teeno..." Is muttered aloud to herself though. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Eep!" Navi squeaks as Thaarin tugs her out into the corridor. She'd left her duffel on the floor of the new room, but she hadn't had the chance to take off her backpack; she's still wearing it. "Thaarin, wait..!" she protests softly. "I understand this is urgent. But I'd rather not subject the rest of the ship's company to the sight of so much of my skin?" She straightens her undershirt and briefs, blushing faintly, then begins. "Long story short, she came storming into our shared cabin in a frothing rage and demanded I switch berths with you. Normally I keep my telepathy to myself, but these last few weeks I've been looking into her head more. I no longer feel that I can trust her, and I'm sure she's got interests counter to ours on Tenoo," she says softly. "Something about Weniscio's trial has got her nervous. She wants it to attract as little attention as possible." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' <<Er'gi, relax! You're letting this place get to yer nerves vod. I know you're worried. But you gotta relax... Now our heads might be full o'rocks half the time but Jorn's reliable. If he saw somethin' he saw somethin'. Calm down.. Let me go interrupt whatever's goin' on with Caine and our new Jedi friend... And as for the rest of what y'said to me...we'll talk about it later - but yeah - I seen the boy out of sorts before. A long time back on Jedha.. Was left vulnerable to attac when the temple there was gettin' raided. It's got somethin' to do with his mind powers. They're strong but flawed. Not eaisly controlled like some of the others. For right now just stay focused...>> Volken's deep voice rumbles with calm but firm and determined measure, as if Er'gi's panic and Jorn's words sobered him up suddenly. He clicks the comm off and then starts moving in the direction of Reza and Caine, determined to step in on that conversation now that things seem to be getting mighty unusual in his forsaken gorge. "Hey. Kids. No privacy allowed when we're all possibly about t'die or whatever." he calls out while drawing closer to the spot they moved to in order to speak. "There's trouble." 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' So, the Baron's sanity seems plainly tied to escaping this mission. Reza's not unsympathetic. Even with the attempt to bribe her. Plainly the Baron doesn't know the Jedi all that well. Or maybe his sanity is so stretched that he's fumbling for anything that might get him what he wants. If only there was any way to be sure that getting what he wants won't undermine the mission or potentially bring harm to them or others. Since they're still speaking privately, Knight Orvenk drops her voice to a near whisper. "Baron, we have our orders. If this private matter were this urgent, why did you come instead of going right to him? What's really going on here? Talk to me, Baron. I'll help you if I can." She radiates calm, sympathy and warmth. Yet her muscles subtly tense, readying for action. A man this close to the edge might react unpredictably. Hopefully she can anticipate him and stop him from doing anything stupid. Right until Volken approaches. Reza takes a step back and pivots to face the incoming Mandalorian mountain, though her awareness remains focused on the Baron and whatever that unpredictable emotional state might goad him to do. "What kind of trouble?" she calls out in Volken's direction. To the Baron, more quietly, Reza adds "Can we count on you?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn replies firmly on the matter. <We've seen what we thought were deadmen walk. We're currently annoyed by one.> He does point this out for a moment. he says firmly againa s he just keeps a look out for the lone Lothal. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' << After everything that's happened to us in the past forty eight hours, how can I blamed?? I've never seen the boy like that before... and the fact that Jorn's usually the one soundest of mind is what worries me the most! He was talking to the saber yesterday, Volken! Talking to it like a pet! >> A pause. << Sorry Jorn. But have you considered that talking to -objects- isn't exactly something sane people do. But har'chaak! You're right. I hate that you're right. This place! I swear...>> Jorn might not even be listening anymore. The thin rustling comes again, and this time, more shadows below. They disappear as soon as they appear, though. The Baron doesn't say anything for a moment. Then he says, "Jorn destroyed my jetpack. And Rykard has most certainly let the constabulary and transit security know that I am not to board. So I didn't force it. See? I was peaceful, and collaborative, and didn't provoke anyone! Surely, that deserves grace, a little loosening of these 'orders!'" His temperament changes. He's angry now, but there's other feelings mixed in as well. "This is cruel," he growls, "and you know it! Keeping me hostage like this, preventing me from seeing my own flesh and blood! This is exactly how a Jedi -wouldn't- behave. You're a sick woman, you--!" But Reza will be able to tell this another one of his pathological lies. He doesn't mean any of it, it's all a bluff, to what end, who knows. This behavior is so ingrained in him, he performs it without thinking. And when she asks him if he's in or out, he doesn't respond, but he does follow her. -- Thaarin chuckles softly in a playful and coquettish manner. He pulls her nearer, looking around. "Don't be absurd, it's just me. And I certainly don't mind." But then he listens to what she has to say about Xera. "I don't think any of us could have ever trusted her, Navi. She's wicked, that one. She's trying to hide something, that's for sure. But it will no longer be your burden. I'll look into it, I promise." He then leans over and kisses her cheek. Afterwards, he reaches for the door, pushing it open once more. "You ought to start getting settled," he says to Navi, "I'll be back shortly to pack up pack up the rest of my belongings and move to the other room." Then he goes looking for Cayde. Now, all this had been privy to Zetha, especially the flirty bits. Perhaps she'd tuned it out, but they'd been close enough to the door to make ignoring it completely sort of hard. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well it seems this time Thaarin was the one who didn't answer the message.     Oh, well. Cayde can be found sitting on his bunk, with another datapad with those texts from the archive and two ration bar wrappers crumpled up--one on the bed and one on the floor. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thaarin, there's more... she knows at least something about the Arkanians and their cloning experiments," Navi adds softly. "Unless it's stealing genetic samples for clones, the Arkanians haven't yet broken any laws we know about, and likewise neither has Xera. But she doesn't seem to care what they do, as long as their work turns a profit, now or later. Please bring the others up to speed when you see them. They need to know about this." She returns to Zetha's room and unzips her duffel. "Sorry to be such a bother. Give me a moment and I'll get myself properly dressed," she says contritely to the Twi'lek girl. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Jorn destroyed your jetpack because you tried to leave, claiming you wanted to go see Kass, without even asking and after we had agreed to deal with this gorge. He destroyed it bccause you can't be trusted and now you'e pulled aside our new Jedi friend b'fore anyone has had a chance to fully brief her to try and manipulate her into letting you leave. You've had days and days and days to go see Kass. From the moment you apppeared at the Cantina to now we've told you where he was and why and you haven't bothered. Now you suddenly wanna go leaving now after havin' brought this other men with you." scoffs Volken as he picks up on Caine's rising outburst. To his credit he keeps some distnace however and then turns to answer the Dowutin now. "Jorn claims he saw a type of animal that shouldn' even be here on this planet. Jorn's level headed and smart. He's not the type of guy to just go seein' things. Our other Mandalorian is gettin' spooked and Er'gi's only twenty percent smaller than me. He's not the type to get spooked. Somethin's goin' on here in this place and we shoudl stick together, not seperate..." rHe then reaches up to his commlink once again. <<The Dark Saber's wierd and made by a Jedi and Mandalorian. I dunno how those things work but if it's not 'just' an object, Er'gi. You know this. You two group up and come towards where I'm at with Caine and the Jedi Knight.. Now..>> If Er'gi wants Volken back to normal. Well looks liek danger is sharpening him up again. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha ignores it the best she can because to react would raise questions and just make certain things worse. Besides, Thaarin's been a flirt since Zetha's met him and while Navi may be considerate to others who don't know her well on the ship - she's never been one truly upset for lacking clothing at times. It's not but a short moment after the thought that Navi comes back in and tends to her duffel. "No skin off my back, Navi. Whatever works best for everyone." She offers, barely looking up from her datapad. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' The Baron's behavior is concerning. And apparently duplicitous. Not a great many people try lying to a Jedi about anything, much less spinning a web of lies and doubling down when their deception doesn't appear to be working. Reza reflects on her diplomatic missions, where she often had to discern truth from half-truth. Most of those she'd encountered had never tried anything as blatant as this. And why her? If the Baron was going to try to deceive anyone, why not try his own? ...Or did those here already know him, have prior history with him, perhaps have experience with his deceptions already? Was she merely the latest mark? Be that as it may, Volken's arrival was fortiutious. Reza waves the Baron on, trusting and hoping that he'll eat that ration bar when there's an opportune moment. Surely food will help him regulate himself a bit better. Later, she'll have to have a word with one of these Mandalorians about the Baron. Seemingly unmoved by the Baron's pleas, the Jedi follows Volken towards whatever trouble he wanted their help with. Conveniently, the big man's not quiet and his remarks fill in a bit of the missing blanks in this encounter. Indeed, much as she suspected. He'd had opportunity to see this brother. Clearly another agenda was in play here. "What kind of animal?" she asks Volken, and then Jorn directly. "What occurred? Where did you see it?" The rest of the advice, about sticking together, is both logical and obvious. This Jedi Knight needs no persuasion to favor that approach too. The difference now is that the Baron may be less an asset and more a potential suspect who may well have a trick up his sleeve. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Leaves rustle, Jorn doesn't whip around. He just notes the sounds. How they touch at the edges. He'll pull out the blade and not ignite it. Whispering very low, "This is me trusting you." Then he just listens for what the blade tells him. Focusing on that sensation around him rather than anything. Even trying to block out the world for this moment. He breathes out and just focuses. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The strange thing about it is, because the lie is pathological, he has no awareness of it. If she dared ask him why he'd lied so blatantly, he would simply say, 'I didn't!' and he wouldn't be lying, to his knowledge. Reza will know this. What to do about it, however, is another matter. He seems to be a raging gale of conflicting emotions, some distinguishable, others blurred into an unrecognizable vagueness. However, when Volken arrives and announces his perspective on their conversation, rage will peak and suddenly, a gun is being pressed into Volken's neck. "I should end you," he snarls, "you disgusting waste of--!" The fulcrum of his anger stems from an apparent breach of privacy. Somehow, it upset him greatly that Volken had listened to them without either of them giving permission. << Hn >> Er'gi grumbles, <> he says. "Let's go," he says to Jorn, and starts heading down towards where Volken, Reza, and Caine are. The rustling stops, but Jorn will still have a feeling deep down that he's being followed, though there's no evidence of it, yet. The saber is still. Too still. Like it's trying to be quiet, too. -- Thaarin nods as Navi elaborates. "I'll write up a private report," he says to her as he departs. Then he goes and finds Cayde on his bunk, and glancing at the wrappers, frowns disapprovingly. "Have you been working on lengthening your testimony, at all?" he asks the young padawan. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "You are as much of a saint as Thaarin, in your own way," Navi tells Zetha gently. "If it doesn't bother you, I won't worry about it." She begins to unpack some of her things and store them in the wall locker reserved for her use, carefully unpacking Thaarin's belongings and setting them carefully on the bunk. "Are you all right, Zetha? I've been meaning to check on you for a while, but I never seem to get the chance," she adds softly. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' The blade doesn't sense nothing yet. Then he will just put it back in it's spot. "I believe ya," he says low. A second later goes for a gun with the other hand, just in case. <What's your position?> he says to Volken. <Stun the Baron. Better used to us alive.> Jorn speaks in Man'doa because he does want the conversation to be somewhat private. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "It was a-- Then theres' a gun to his neck. Volken is oddly silent at first. The vambrace containing his repulsor gauntlet is the one he's equipped with at present but he keeps his mammoth arm at his sides as he tilts his head down slightly to look at The Baron. "Yer not exactly mkaing a good case for yourself here.." he rumbles, seemingly waiting half a second before attempting anything. There's a nine foot tall Jedi Knight standing right next to them ater all. Needless to say he offers Jorn and Er'gi no response. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Well considering Thaarin's about as saintly as a busted reactor cell..." Zetha quips before she gets the chance to think her words through. That causes her to wince and then she sets her datapad aside. She watches the Sethi woman for a moment before she gives a shrug that Navi may or may not see. "I don't know how to answer that question considering a lot of things. I'm here. That's about all anyone is going to get from me right now." Less a father figure, a friendship on the rocks, a boyfriend too far away and a mother who's upside down about which man Zetha should be with. "How are you holding up?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [I waited for suggestions] Cayde replies, after shrugging and setting the datapad with the books down. He noticed the frown at the discarded wrappers, and they seem to pick themselves up and deposit themselves into the waste vactube. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' These responses. This behavior. It's so strange, disjointed, unpredictable. The emotions still aren't cohering, making sense. It's almost as if the Mandalorian is of two minds about what's going on. One part not communicating to the other part? Brain damage possibly? Some kind of...mental conditioning? Was this an accident or something done to the man? Or chosen by the man? The vaguest memory of old Jedi Shadow spy methods came to mind. Something about...no, it was too long ago. Perhaps a trance would recall it or a query sent to the Jedi Temple on Courscant. Either way, they had a mission to do and no time to wait for queries or trances. The mystery of the Baron could wait a bit longer. Besides, the Force had a way of bringing secrets to the surface, sooner or later. Well, until the Baron draws a gun on his fellow Mandalorian. Reza's reaction is instantenous. She draws and ignites her lightsaber in one fluid motion, the brilliant emerald blade humming ominiously as her wrist angles, the weapon dipping in the Baron's direction. Ready. "Put the gun down," Reza urges the Mandalorian, her tone gentle and soft for a woman of her size. "Volken's right," she adds. "How does this help anyone, including yourself? You really think you'll make it to find one brother if you shoot another on the way? This isn't how I understood Mandalorian honor to be. Show me what it is by putting the gun away, Baron. While you can." Her tone remains soothing, pleasant, the trained tones of someone who is used to talking angry people down. But her presence is unmistakable, looming over the much smaller man, and that lightsaber of hers is a fair bit larger in every dimension. She looks perfectly ready to use it if he decides to do something stupid. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The gun stays pressed there, for a few moments. He looks over at Reza, but his gaze isn't on her saber. He's maintaining rigid eye contact - though his helmet obscures his expression. He's not intimidated, and he'd barely listened to a word she'd said. So it'll be a mystery why he relents suddenly, and puts the gun away. He turns on his heel, huffing, his velvet lined cape swishing pridefully. "We're wasting time," he says, his tone hard. He then starts to descend into the Gorge, his stride tainted by the faintest of limps. Reza will be reminded that he is injured, after all. Er'gi had just started to reach for his own weapon, when the Baron had stood down. He glances to Jorn. "This is madness," he whispers, "we really should go back..." But he makes no move to return, since it seems that Volken and the Jedi want to keep pressing forward. That feeling Jorn has that something is watching him doesn't go away. But so far, they haven't been jumped. Yet, anyway. It won't be long before Reza and the others catch up to the Baron - he hadn't strayed far. Reza may be surprised to find that the Baron is actually eating the ration bar she'd given him, watching the moon from atop a tree that had been split open by the storm. When she approaches, he looks to her, his expression as soft as the springloaded chestnut curls framing his freckled face. "Thank you," he says, almost inaudibly. No lies detected there. -- "Fine," Thaarin says, folding his arms and leaning against the wall. "I've some news about Xera. She's trying to smooth things over regarding the trial. And Navi suspects she's got her hands dirty with the Arkanians. I wonder, if you or Rykard put some pressure on her, if she'd fold." But Cayde will know that what Thaarin is suggesting is dangerous. He doesn't know about Vlaven... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken watches as the Baron takes his leave. He says nothing and simply stands there, partially illuminated by the glow of Reza's ignited saber. He then finally looks towards her. "Remind me t'debrief you since the Jedi obviously didn't give you all the facts... But ....you've got at least one thing confirmed. And that's that Baron Caine Von'egel is crazy..." As Er'gi and Jorn draw near as well he mutters, "We sure that this one aint the clone...? Then again he's always been a nutcase. We wouldn't even be in this mess if he wasns't.." He reaches out to give Er'gi a reassuring clap onto the other large Mando's shoulder and he gives Jorn a glance before fianlly turning away to start forward. "Maybe you should ask -her- to train you with the Dark Saber instead of Cayde." he notes with a thumb towards the Dowutin knight. He then falls silent and contineus forward. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns as Thaarin insinuates maybe Xera knows something about the Arkanians. But...he is reluctant to attempt that again. As much he dislikes Xera, he wouldn't wish Vlaven's fate on anyone else.     [Master can...maybe...] he signs, averting his gaze momentarily. He doesn't trust himself with this. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "The original was insane. Makes clone madness harder to tell," Jorn just replies in a mixture of bitterness and cheeriness. Like, it's amusing and disheartening in the same swallow. "They're both our problem, sadly." Jorn will nod toward the new player on the field. "Jorn," he introduces himself. "This is Er'gi." He'll gesture to Er'gi. "Keep your guard up, that beast hasn't gone away, but no more visual contact," Jorn says, somewhat relieved that people are calling him sane. Finally. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Believe me, I know... he's a hedonist and a shameless flirt, that's for sure. But his heart's in the right place, overall, and he's always been there for us when we needed his help. Well, almost always, anyway," Navi replies with a wry smile, sitting down on her bunk. "There are days I think he has his own agenda, but I don't know anything concrete about that. So I'm just keeping my eyes on him and seeing what develops. I doubt it'll ever come to anything." "Me? I'm okay. My feelings are a little tangled up, but that's nothing I can't deal with. After this long, I'm used to it," she adds softly. "I'm a little more worried about you. We don't exactly know each other well, but there are times I worry about you. The last few months have been an awful mess for the people of Tenoo, and I'm sure you've felt it, too." 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' Reza intently attends to the Baron's feelings, all of her physical attention focused on if she needs to try cutting his weapon or his hand in half to disarm him, and all of her mental attention on reading his emotional state for first warning that he plans to pull the trigger. She can tell he's not moved by her words. Which makes his sudden standing down all the more inexplicable. It's superficially the outcome she wants. No, it is the best outcome for the moment. Volken wasn't shot. The mission can proceed. But it doesn't actually answer anything. There's something very wrong with the Baron. An impression that's only confirmed when she follows him and finds him eating the ration bar while thanking her for it. Reza doesn't verbally answer his gratitude, because he seems strangely self-conscious about the other Mandalorians perceiving him as needing anything. Instead, she simply inclines her head in a nod, confirming she heard him and appreciates it. Reza would normally offer a smile, to reassure the man, to continue to try building a rapport with him. But at this point she's wondering if there's actually two personalities in his head. Or some occupying presence perhaps? Or... Volken's observation as to the Baron's sanity also gets a nod. To the very large Mandalorian, the Dowutin Jedi says "I'd like to know how he came to be, if you know the story." She makes no comment on the Darksaber and training. A question for another time, when they aren't in unfamiliar terrain with untrustworthy allies. "I'm watching," Reza replies to Jorn's status report. "Shout if you see it again." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha knows. Or at least, she knows what Thaarin told her so long ago. The reason why she's been helping him fix up a ship at the junkyard. 'I never show my emotions' .. 'I want what you cant give me' ... are phrases that are going to live in her head for a long time. Longer still depending on how conversations go when she's back on Teeno. Still, she forces a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes - these days they rarely do. "Teeno will survive. It always does. The people who live there are a lot more resilient than they maybe let on..." She offers. "And you don't need to worry about me, Navi. I'm fine." She's not. It likely won't take a mind reader to know that. But she's back to burying everything again because she has no where to put it right now. No one she can trust it with. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' For whatever reason, he seems to realize that she noticed and is immensely appreciative. There's a sudden, very strong and impulsive desire to embrace her, but he suppresses it expertly and donning his helmet again, gets off the split log and continues down into the Gorge wordlessly, not sparing a glance at Reza and the others. "I've no idea, honestly," Er'gi tells Volken when he asks if they're sure he's not the clone. "Jorn's right. It's a terrible thing to say, but clearly, he did quite a fine job at cloning himself..." He nods at Reza when Jorn introduces him. "Well met," he says. He looks around when Jorn says that the beast hasn't gone. He seems on edge. "Say, how friendly is this place at night... something tells me it isn't very..." he says uneasily. Reza would have been given instructions about instructing Jorn, as well. Rykard had let her know that she could offer advice occasionally, if she wanted to. But training Jorn was specifically a task for Cayde, and Reza should give a report to the young padawan on Jorn's progress when he returned, but Jorn was not to know anything about what she thought of his progress, if he made any. -- Thaarin frowns. "Maybe? Why the hesitation?" He then motions for Cayde to follow him back towards the rooms. "Come. You can help me pack my things and move to the other room, then we can discuss your testimony." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Dangerous] Cayde answers, getting up to follow Thaarin to his room to help him gather up his things. [Master can do it] he repeats, this time looking a bit more assured of it. Yes, Rykard had much more experience than him. Much more control. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I had that feeling about Tenoo. Or at least about Kublop Springs," Navi replies gently. But she watches Zetha for a long moment as the Twi'lek claims she's fine. And then she stands and moves to sit down on Zetha's bunk, hugging her gently. "Maybe you really are fine," she whispers. "But if you need me, I won't turn you away." She smiles faintly. "Besides, we're roomies now. I'll be super easy to find." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha smiles as Navi agrees with her about Tenoo - or at least - Kublop Springs. She also knows she's being watched and there are literally a handful of people that Zetha has never been able to truly lie to and get away with it. Navi's one of them. So she's not surprised when Navi is suddenly sitting on her bunk and giving her a hug - which she returns. And it takes everything for Zetha to not break right there. She refuses to do so, however. "I might take you up on that. Or I might just need to get back to Tenoo...either way. Thanks Navi.." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "You're always welcome, Zetha," Navi whispers, hugging Zetha just a bit tighter. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Er'gi your biceps are the size o'Jorn's legs vod. Why're you so -nervous-. Just shoot whatever is a problem or sit on it!" Volken's patience as Er'gi's nervousness seems to be at an end especially given his attempt at re-assuring the third mammoth present failed. "It's just some dank gorge and if there's something down there I think four Mandalorian's and a Jedi can -probably- power through it!" His flash of temper is only brief as he then changes gears and muses, "Caine's been nutty for as long as I"ve seen him and known of him yes. he's fearless but also prone to stupid decisions due to the lack of fear. Obessive and determined--to the point that he takes suicidal risks and actions - and brazen and bold - to the point that he makes decisions and risks like repeatedly stealing the Dark Saber and framin' Jorn for it just to try and win the heart of a woman that doesn't want 'im and potentially sparkin' civil war. Kass on the other hand is his complete opposite. Cowardly despite bein' a Mandalorian. Honorless to the point he takes hostages. Untrustworthy despite his skills as an armorer. Twins. Total opposites. Both problems and di'kuts." Volken turns to keep moving less Caine get too far ahead. "Now we're sittin' here huntin' cloners over research Caine had no business doin' - hoping they don't clone some monster Mandalorian-Jedi hybrid. All because of him. I'm gettin' mad just talkin' about it again." 
}}

Journey Between Worlds

2026-07-07T23:57:41Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-04-22 |Cast of Characters=159, 444, 143 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Zetha will find the engine room, cold, lonely, and pretty dark. Which is maybe what she prefers at the moment. It's been several hours since she's left the room she was assigned to, and relocated herself down here. No one's come looking for her, so that could be viewed as good... or bad. :'''{{..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-04-22
|Cast of Characters=159, 444, 143
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Zetha will find the engine room, cold, lonely, and pretty dark. Which is maybe what she prefers at the moment. It's been several hours since she's left the room she was assigned to, and relocated herself down here. No one's come looking for her, so that could be viewed as good... or bad. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha digs into her backpack to find one of her ration bars to unwrap and take a bite. She doesn't mind the cold, or the dark. The loneliness might begin to bother her at some point but at least for the moment it's giving her mind time to settle. She's not sure what to think, or how to feel, or what to even say to certain people at this point. And she likely won't be able to avoid Thaarin forever - but damn the man for doing this to her. Not that she isn't partly to blame. Stupid feelings and being made to deal with them. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She might be rueing her situation and her damned feelings when she'll hear an almost imperceptible hissing sound coming from the reactor chamber. It's all the way at the end of the dim corridor... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Lekku twitch at the sound that is almost missed if one isn't sitting in the dark and otherwise quiet room. It draws her attention enough that she unzips a pocket to pull out her flashlight and then moves to stand, beaming the light in the direction the sound is coming from. Hissing is never really a -good- sign in a reactor chamber... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The hallway to the reactor chamber is really dim, and the reactor chamber itself is even dimmer. When she gets there, she'll find it kind of... unorthodox. It looks like it had been designed for someone who probably had eight foot long tentacles .... or, didn't need to reach anything because they could just levitate themselves up to wherever they needed to reach. No handles, either. Well, isn't that something. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Why do people have to make things so complicated? What if something goes wrong and...well. The Jedi -do- have the Force...but it takes more than the mystical lifting of things to put them into place! Never the less, Zetha will continue to look around to see if she can spot the source of the hissing. Or maybe she'll get injured trying... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Zetha will find herself having to step over varying pieces of machinery in here, as well as monkey her way across the left side of the room to make her way closer to the hissing sound. Thankfully, she does not trip or fall. As she nears it, she'll be able tell that the sound -must- be coming from one of the reactor chambers... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "And me without my actual tools..." Zetha mutters to herself and then positions herself in a way she can safely open the reactor chamber - just to take a peak. Maybe it's just a small stowaway that they can keep until they get to Coruscant. Of course it could be an all powerful reactor monster about to eat her face. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The hissing sound is patterned and sounds mechanical, and as she gets nearer, she'll probably be relieved to see that unless the monster or stowaway is really, really small, there's no one there. But she'll need to angle herself closer in order to actually see what's causing the hissing sound - it's pretty dark in here. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Okay so shift this way, twist that way...angle the flashlight juuuust right and then peer into the reactor chamber in the general direction of that hissing sound. The flashlight goes into the mouth to stay held while she also searches a pockett or two with her free hand for her mini-tools she always keeps on her. Because a junkyard scrapper is like a walking swiss army knife. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' But when she sees the problem, she'll realize she's probably not going to be able to do this with the tools she has on hand. There's a leak in the hyperdrive reaction chamber, a very small one but Zetha will be able to tell that it's been leaking for some time because the coaxium has leaked onto the reactor chamber floor. Now, even going near it is risky - coaxium is highly volatile and if it gets too close to the main reactor chamber, down here is going to go ka-boom... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha closes the chamber as gently as she opened it while trying to consider what to do next. Telling someone would be a good thing and then likely either helping fix it or strongly suggesting they get it fixed before taking off from Coruscant. Though that means leaving the safety of the engine room. She untwists herself from her hanging not-hanging position and then shifts to walk back over to her backpack. Maybe it will be alright. Maybe. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She'll be interrupted, though, as soon as she gets out of the reactor chamber room. Guess who she bumps into? Yes, of course. Thaarin. "Zetha," he says with mild surprise. "What are you doing down here?" The faint hissing sound can be heard again. "It's not safe down here," he chastises. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "What's it look like I'm doing down here?" Zetha asks, then she scoffs. "No where is safe for me according to several people... but I make a living around engines and such...so honestly this feels like home." She pushes past him then so she can return to her backpack. "What are -you- doing here? Shouldn't you be afraid of getting your hands dirty?" Then, as luck would have it, there might be an incoming Cayde. This is really turning into a party....she's just not sure if it's a good one. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde has been looking for Zetha now, in the case Soren's message to her might have anything at all in the way of leads.     Being away from the gorge is a relief, at least. Anyway since the Twi'lek isn't in her room or anywhere else, he doesn't need the Force to figure he's down here somewhere in engineering. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You made that up," Thaarin says, pushing past Zetha and into the reactor chamber. But he stops when he sees the layout of the reactor chamber. "Dammit," he mutters. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "There's also an issue in one of the reactor cores. It's leaking. Not badly...but it will very likely need to get looked at by the time we get to Coruscant..." Zetha offers to the Chiis man. "I could try to fix it... but in the middle of flight it's probably not the best idea...from what I've managed to study anyway..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde wanders into the reactor room to find Zetha and Thaarin conversing. He notices the leak on the floor, and the concern about it.     The padawan approaches, but just sort of stands there, waiting for someone to look at him, or something... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I know that," Thaarin says, his tone mildly irritated. "We need to patch it," he says to Zetha. "That leak is one step away from an explosion that will drop us unexpectedly out of hyperspace. Which could get us all killed," he says, starting for the hyperdrive reactor. Then he notices Cayde, "Oh, perfect. This room was clearly designed for you," He says, "will you make your way back there and contain the leak with this?" He hands Cayde a strange multifaceted container that looks to have an airlock on every seam. "Just place it over the leak and it should conform to the outside of the chamber and the floor. Please be careful... coaxium is highly volatile." Zetha probably won't find the container foreign looking though - it's a device commonly used to contain small leaks midflight. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha glowers and then shakes her head. "I know -that-... don't treat me like an idiot cause I will surely prove to you time and again that I am not." Her lekku twitch in mild irritation but she watches as Thaarin addresses Cayde who gets her attention a moment later. "Shouldn't be too bad, really. The leaks not too bad just yet. I just noticed it was hissing and came to investigate. While also claiming the engine room as my home for the next two weeks." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well Cayde is already taking initiative. In fact, before Thaarin even handed him the device, he had begun to gather the coaxium that has leaked out into a neat little spherical orb that just...floats there, the liquid rippling across its surface.     When that device gets handed to him, he doesn't touch it but starts to float, too. And then move over toward the crack in the reactor. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I never said that," Thaarin snaps at Zetha. "Don't assume. What I meant, is your communication skills could use improvement." He watches with satisfaction and mild admiration as the device seals over the crack with a quiet hiss. Carbon gas clouds the now sealed off compartment, obscuring the leak from view. Thaarin then hands Cayde a small container to deposit the coaxium into. "Thank you," he says to the padawan softly. Then his attention is back on Zetha. "You're not staying down here. It's not safe. If that container breaks and the coaxium reaches the main reactor, you'll be ashes before anyone can get down here. If you don't want to be near me, then just say so. I'll move." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "-My- communication skills? Oh that's kriffing rich coming from you, sir." Zetha snaps right back at Thaarin and then watches with her own bit of admiration and respect as Cayde handles the leak with care and precision. Yeah. This is definitely a Jedi ship. "I don't mind being near you so long as you can quit snapping my lekku off every five minutes. Maybe actually have a conversation with me that doesn't begin and end with you berating me and then running away from your feelings - and me - at the end of it all. We -need- to have a talk, Thaarin, and I -want- to be near you. Thick headed as you're being right now..." Then he own attention turns to Cayde. "And for the record. I'm not giving up on Soren. I'm following his wishes." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches them argue with a concerned gaze, but there isn't exactly room for him to try to intervene, at least without any kind of mental intrusion. The orb of coaxium sails gently into the container so that Thaarin can seal it off.     He nods when Zetha tells him she isn't giving up on Soren. [Thank you] he signs. [What did the message say] he asks. [...any clue] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His eyes narrow. "I initiated an apology, and asked for your forgiveness. I said all that you requested of me, including why I did what I did, how I felt and even told you what I want. You still could not give it. Instead, you're still making baseless assumptions." He seals the container once the coaxium is in it, shaking his head. "If you don't want to forgive me, then fine. I'll live with it, and there's nothing to discuss if it's true." He turns to leave. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's lekku twitch as she watches Cayde for a moment and then shakes her head. "No. He pretty much just told me not to be angry, that he did what he thought was best, and he wishes me well. And all I know from beforehand...is that he was going to the lab. He had Caine's biometrics so he could gain access without a key card. And that he wasn't intending on returning after." She offers this gently to the Padawan before her attention goes back to Thaarin. "You're right. You did apologize, and I do forgive you. I don't want you to move out of the room, and I'll come back in a little bit. But you didn't tell me what you wanted. Not really. If you're still in the room when I return...I'd like to talk. Civily." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns, listening. The lab...but...suddenly something occurs to him.     [...he told you...when] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin's expression softens. "I would have thought you'd already known," he says quietly. "That I'd made it abundantly clear that if I could be Crane..." He sighs. "But there's no use speculating about what could have been. I'm not, I'm not going to try to be, and that's not open for debate." Then he pockets the container with the coaxium and disappears back down the dim corridor leading out of the reactor chamber. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' It's here that Zetha realizes her mistake and it's not one that she can easily take back. "Cayde. Forget it. Okay? Soren's gone...and we need to respect that...not go off chasing after his ghost..." When Thaarin speaks she pauses to listen but he's gone before she can reply. Her face goes through a few stages and lands on...a mixture of things. But then she shakes her head and looks back to Cayde once more. "It doesn't matter when...it just matters that it happened...." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Wait, but she -just- said she wasn't giving up on him.     Cayde frowns. [So...you do give up then] he signs, his expression falling. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face then. "You didn't sense him on Teeno...where is he supposed to be? He left just before you and the others arrived...he took what I gave him, had me stitch Caine up and that was it. He was gone...I don't -want- to give up on him..." In fact, she's signing some of those words as if to emphasize their meaning to her. "But with no leads...where do we start? How? Any ideas?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde arches a brow at her. He might be strong in the powers of the mind, but not -so- strong that they encompass an entire -planet-. [If lab then still on Tenoo] he points out. [If lab then lead] he additionally points out.     [...want to cure the beloved woman] he adds finally. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Beloved woman? You mean...Soren is trying to cure someone he cares about? In the lab?" Zetha tries to piece together what Cayde is saying. "Aren't the Mandos also looking for the lab? Do you think they may find him there then?" She pauses for a moment and then sighs. "If he's there, and alive...what if he doesn't want to be found?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods. [Maybe only way...] he signs to the bit regarding this being about someone he cares for. [Maybe they find him yes...] Or at least evidence of his presence, anyway. Hopefully.     He shrugs at the question of whether Soren wants to be found. Honestly, the doctor probably -doesn't- want to be found. But it doesn't matter. [Find him...even if not wanted] 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "It hurts, you know? That's why I reacted the way I did. Almost because I didn't know how to react. I feel like he abandoned us. All of us. All at pivotal moments where he's more wanted than not." Zetha says this much and then shakes her head. "We'll find him. Or someone will. Maybe I can reach out to Volken. Or even Crane..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Now that was more like it, right?     Well yes, he did abandon everyone...     Cayde reaches out and pats her on the shoulder. [Soren broken man] he signs. Well that was the best way he could put it. [Mistakes in life...penitence is never enough]     [Find him and show him...he matters...needed more]     A brief pause. Then, [He is married] he signs, nodding. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "How are you holding up anyway? With all this and now we're off to Coruscant?" Zetha asks almost as if suddenly aware Cayde may have feelings too. "Wait. He's -married-?" That's a shocker. Then, other thoughts come into play and Zetha frowns. "Also, sorry about earlier. Between me and Thaarin...you...shouldn't have had to see that. Or hear it...I guess..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Yes of course Cayde has feelings. He's just not very good at showing or expressing them. [Okay...want to break from Tenoo] he tells her. Which is true, at least. [Force is too strong in valley]     He nods when she asks if Soren is truly married. [Yes married...to my mother] he admits. [Mother dying...ill for long time] he signs, averting his gaze momentarily. [Feel her life fading in the Force...slow but certain] 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Wait wait wait...your mother? The same woman Navi and I rescued from the hotel and took to the hospital? Was he married to her before then? Is that what was taking up his time for so long?" Zetha asks this, completely in shock. Like she really cannot believe it. It does, however, begin to put a lot of things into perspective. And Soren didn't know she knew Cayde's mother was on the planet. "That's....I don't know what to say...." And so she doesn't say anything. But this sure does make her current issues look real small in comparison. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods again. [Yes marry for years before...marry on Nakadia...home on Nakadia] he tells her, beginning to open up more about this as it seemed to give her some new understanding of this.     [Desperate to save her] he adds in conclusion. [Lab only way] 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "So he went to the lab to save your mother. And likely that was always why he wanted to get to the lab. The things with the Arkanians a distant concern but..." Zetha says this and then stops before shaking her head. "Emotions are so complicated. Maybe that's one thing the Jedi get right. To not have strong attachments. Isn't that one of the rules?" Then she sighs and looks away. "Sorry. That was crass. And rude. I'm not really okay right now and words are just....I'm not thinking before I say things." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Attachment lead to strong emotion and give in to emotion] Cayde replies, nodding. It was especially important for him, and those gifted in the Powers of the Mind.     [You think Jedi wrong about many things] he asks. [But Order not for everyone] 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I think the Jedi have a few misguided concepts I guess...but in the long run....you all try to maintain order. Which is good." Zetha says this much. "In some moments I know I've spoken ill about them, but it was more knee jerk reactions than truth. I respect you all...even if I don't really show it." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Thank you] Cayde signs, nodding.     Then he looks around the reactor room, before looking back to her. [You sleep here now] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I was going to. Someone thought it would be real funny to put me and Thaarin in a room together. And the jerk went and got all emotional on me. It's...complicated...but..." Zetha sighs. "I figured him having the room alone would be best and I really could sleep here just fine....I sleep in a junkyard for kriff's sake..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods again. [Me too] then climbs up onto a mostly flat surface above the hyperdrive chambers. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I should still go talk to him..." Zetha offers. "Do you need a ration stick? I have a few..." She offers this much... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde peers down at her. [Thaarin want to love you] he signs. He doesn't even need the Force to know that. The padawan actually looks kind of excited at the offer of a ration stick. He nods quickly and accepts the food. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha moves to her bag to grab the ration stick, she actually grabs a couple, and then brings them back over to hand to Cayde. "I know he does. I want to love him too. But I also love Crane..." She frowns. "You were trying to tell me something the other day. Will you tell me now?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde eagerly accepts the ration bars, pocketing one and beginning to open the other, but he pauses to sign back to her question, arching a brow at her. [When other day...what about] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "When you followed me after I ran with Caine...to the junkyard. You were going to tell me something...you sort of did. You said the marauder wasn't going to hurt me...and you seemed so certain about it. Then you got cut off..." Zetha offers. "It's just always felt like there was something more you wanted to say and never did. I could be wrong though." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs. [Words not enough...told you in mind] he reminds her. [I can show again...if you wanted] he offers, then starts into that ration bar. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "If you don't mind?" Zetha asks. Tilting her head just so. "My mind is a terrible place sometimes...I might have missed the mark." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods and holds out a hand, and if she'll take it, she'll witness the same somewhat disorienting vision consisting of...flowers, and a boat, followed by a crowded spaceport with a Tholothian woman cradling a young child and singing some sort of lullaby. A Tholothian boy is standing a short distance away, watching curiously. Though, he looks familiar--he could have been 'Crane' when he was much younger. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha will take his hand and then sees the vision. Flowers. Boat. The crowded spaceport. The woman and child. The young boy watching from afair. "Yeah. I remember this. I thought you were just trying to show me something gentle? Like a memory?" Though instead of the vision being stripped away she lets it continue if it will. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     It doesn't. The vision fades then, it seems that's all Cayde was trying to tell her, as he withdraws his hand then. [That is what I tell you...best way I can tell you] he signs. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha just stands there for a moment and then she nods. "Thank you." A smile offered then. "I should go talk to Thaarin...if he'll talk to me. Let you sleep. See you soon?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [He will talk] Cayde assures her, nodding. He doesn't say much else though, as he busies with himself with that ration bar. 
}}

The Doctor's Farewell

2026-07-07T23:51:59Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-04-19
|Cast of Characters=159, 444, 261, 143, 418, 321
|pretty=yes
|Location= Tenoo - Outer Rim
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The morning has arrived. The small group gathered at the Jedi Temple - Zetha, along with the rest of the Aklyrr Bend's leadership excluding Reza (Cayde, Master Rykard, Navi, Taryn San Tekka, Xera Graf, and Thaarin) have arisen at the crack of dawn to ready themselves to board a small transport which will take them back to Coruscant. For some, this return the Core Worlds may be welcome. While others may dread the trip ahead, or wish they didn't have to leave at all. There's a few who've come to see them off - Wiis, and of course, Crane. The two Ugnaughts - Yvon and Jahni, argue over maintenance checks while the droids begin hauling all the luggage aboard the transport. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Mandalorians would have learned of Master Rykard and the others leaving for Coruscant for some time - and heard that the instruction for them is to stay at the Temple, and continue helping to clear a path to the laboratory that the Baron had spoken of previously. And yet, these past couple of days the Baron seems to have become masterful at being unseen for the majority of the time they've been here at the Temple. Now, whether the Mandalorians would come to see the Jedi off to Coruscant, is a question that remains to be answered, for now... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I'll message you when we get there. Don't miss me too much. And for kriff's sake, don't let Two-zee go into any frenzies while I'm gone. He should work well enough and not need much until I'm back." Zetha says this to Wiis before she glances to Crane. "Please look over my mom. Even if she doesn't quite like you, I'm sure she'll appreciate the company nonetheless..." This much said to Crane, of course. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi keeps looking worriedly to the south in spite of herself. Knowing Mal is out there and being turtured weighs heavily on her mind and heart, even if she knows there's nothing she can do to help her. Literally every move she can think of ends in disaster, and serves only to strengthen the Dark Side presence. "Never thought I'd be /reluctant/ to leave here..." she murmurs. "This feels like leaving a task undone... or a sick or wounded person untreated." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde is equally worried as Navi, although it's not as obvious for his part.     Anyway, what was the point? He hadn't been able to find her. Attempting to wander through the gorge with no tangible leads was bound to be a fruitless effort.     And then, there was the possibility that the visions were just that--visions. An attempt to lure him into a trap.     Part of him is relieved to return to Coruscant, at least for a bit. And at least to get away from the Vergence... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will tap into the local communication network. "Any sign of Volken or our guest of honor?" he asks then will try to figure out what they'll do on this planet while everyone else goes to Coruscant. A place so bloated on wealth and governance, it makes Jorn's skin crawl. To him the planet is like staring at one fat, ugly bug crawling around. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You better," Wiis threatens, shaking a finger at her. "And you better not spend too much there, either. You know we don't exactly have credits to spare," she warns the Twi'lek girl. "It'll be fine! Dotti's is around the corner, you know. Just because you think she uses the cheapest lubricant on the market these days doesn't mean she can't do a fine job at everything else! I don't need looking after! You just take care of yourself, eat well and don't go out partying at night." Then she turns to leave, muttering something in Zabraki that Zetha won't be able to hear. Crane nods. "I will," he says, watching Wiis leave, "hopefully she doesn't force me to leave her alone.." Rykard looks to Navi and Cayde, "I know you are both worried, and for good reason," he says, "however, we cannot leave the matter in Coruscant unattended. This trip won't be too long, I hope, and we should be back before the end of the month." He then nods to the transport. "Come," he says, "the rest of the cargo will be loaded soon, and we'll be leaving shortly after." He starts heading up the gangplank. No such luck finding Volken, unfortunately. But Jorn won't remain alone for long, soon, Er'gi arrives. "Any word from Volken yet? I haven't seen him or the Baron at all in the past forty eight hours." He leans over the comms console. "I heard Master Rykard left some detailed instructions for us and the other Jedi while they're away." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If the Force is with us. Our last trip was a lot longer than expected. It would be worth it if we could find out something on Coruscant that would give us a greater advantage when we return and deal with whatever's taken Mal," Navi replies to Master Rykard, turning to follow him. Like the last trip, she has only a backpack and a duffel bag in the way of luggage. "Did you bring the lightsaber? I've a feeling the Council might be interested in such a find," she asks. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Yes master] Cayde signs, and simply follows his master up the walkway into the ship, stowing his equally light luggage into a storage compartment. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "That's what I'm waiting to finding out," Jorn tells Er'gi. He tries another radio hail just to see if anyone has seen him. His attention stays on the bigger guy for a moment before turning back. Just trying again to see if he locates anyone. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face and then shakes her head. It's very likely she has credits from a few sources - not just Wiis - but the Zabrak doesn't need to know that. There's a look to Crane again before she shrugs her shoulders. "She probably will though. The first time or two. I'm hoping she warms up to you..." Then she reaches to take Crane's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't miss me too much, okay?" There's a glance given and she takes in a breath before letting it out slowly. "I should probably head aboard. I love you." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "The Force is always with us," Rykard says to Navi sagely, "and I certainly hope so. I'm due for a briefing with the Council regarding all matters, which include the sith saber. I've carefully stored it. You and Cayde should avoid the cargo bag when possible," he tells her and Cayde. Again no luck. No Volken, No Baron. Where are they? Er'gi sighs. "Look, the work for carving out a path to the laboratory has to continue. We have the coordinates -- hopefully the two of them will eventually join. Hopefully." "I'll try my best," Crane offers, then hugs her. "Goodbye my love. Safe travels. I'll hear from you once you get to Coruscant?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "You will. I promise." Zetha offers this after returning the hug and then she smiles before pulling away - as much as she'd rather just stay. But she has a trial to attend regardless of who is with her. "And if you happen to see Soren...let me know?" This much more is said before she waits for Crane's response and then turns to head to the ship to board. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'll make sure to stay away from it, Master. Being close to it once was enough," Navi replies, nodding. "It's a shame we can't purge the Dark Side taint from it. It otherwise looked to be a fine weapon. Maybe the Council can do something with it." She glances at Xera Graf as the taller woman goes aboard, tearing her eyes away from her with some reluctance. "This may be a long trip..." she murmurs. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' A very drunk Volken finally responds over the local comms. <<Ah...alright. I'm here. I"m awake. What's happening?>> There's a clanking sound of somethings being knocked over. The sound of heavy beskar crashing to a floor and a shattering glass then a rumbling belch. Finally.. <<I'm on my way. I"m comin'. .. You're not dead are you?>> 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' There's a pause. <You're drunk. Aren't you?> Jorn responds. Then off coms he responds back to Er'gi. "He's drunk," Jorn says to the other Mando. He looks to him. "We're going to have a drunken big guy to contend with." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His brows furrow, and he nods. "I suppose it's too late too tell Navi about the Baron being unwell," he says, "I also haven't seen him at all since you mentioned him last night," he tells Zetha. "But if I see Soren, I'll definitely let you know." He gives her hand a final squeeze before turning to leave. "Thank you, Navi," The elder Master Jedi says. "And it is a shame indeed. There are specialists who may be able to purify it - but until then it will be stored in the Bogan Collection." Rykard's gaze sweeps the cockpit, taking attendance of all who are aboard already... and he who isn't. He frowns slightly. "Where's the doctor?" Just as Rykard asks, a familiar Mikkian girl comes up the gangplank. Her eyes are tearstained and bloodshot, and she's carrying a medium sized parcel. "You were just asking about him, weren't you?" Luli says, wiping her eyes. "Har'chaak," Er'gi mutters under his breath when Jorn tells him Volken's drunk. Er'gi then comms Volken, "Vod where have you been? Please tell me you haven't been drinking yourself into a stupor for the past 48 hours. That's Kass level di'kut." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn is quiet as he waits for an explanation. He wants to hear everything about where Volken had been. What type of hole the man lost himself in before coming back in this stupor. He wonders if death sticks are involved. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' There is a long stretch of silence. Then. <<The difference between me and Kass is that I'm not Kass. So ne'johaa. And while yer at it.>> A long string of curses in Man'doa continue, alternating between Jorn and Er'gi. Then. <<Alright I'm better now.. I'll be there in a few minutes.>> True to his word, Volken can soon be seen, lumbering in and missing one of his vambraces..moving at a lumbering rocky sway. At least his helmet is on, hiding what is undoubtly a very haggard looking expression. "...What're we doing now?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde had finished stowing his things and was making his way up to the bridge when his master asks about Dr. Cassias. Yes, the doctor was supposed to be along. But where was he?     The padawan frowns, focusing and attempting to search for Cassias' presence in the Force. Was he anywhere nearby at all? 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I always get concerned when she's been crying," Navi observes softly as Luli, who has clearly been crying, comes aboard with a parcel in hand. "Are you all right?" she asks the girl gently. "Master Rykard was concerned because the doctor hadn't arrived aboard yet. May I take that package for you?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sees Luli and stills. "Luli? Luli no..." She approaches the girl but stops just before reaching her. "What happened?" Because she could likely guess, but she doesn't want to guess. Looking up towards the Jedi present before glancing back to the doctor's right hand. Navi's already offered to take the package so she just...stands there. For the moment. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi glances at Jorn, then over at Volken with a heavy sigh. "Vod, atiniir! Look at yourself, you don't even have your beskar'gam in order. We're supposed to be out by now, carving a path to the laboratory. We started yesterday, you weren't there. Instead, it looks like you were batnor, half conscious." He pauses. "You're not alright, are you?" Before Volken can answer, the Baron suddenly appears. -He- looks put together, at least. However, unlike Volken, there's not really any obvious reason as to why he hadn't been seen at all. "Well, good luck to you all," he says casually, "I'll be off now. I'm going back up to Kublop, to see my brother privately. I'll be back in ... a couple of weeks." So he's leaving them to take care of -his- problem. The other Mandalorians probably won't be surprised. But they likely aren't pleased, either. Cayde will search will produce... nothing. The doctor isn't anywhere nearby. And that's saying something. He'd have felt him, if he was at Kublop, or in Aklyrr, or at the Temple. But instead, there's just emptiness. Luli nods at Navi, "Yes, there's something here for you," she says, opening the parcel and producing a small satchel full of credits attached to a small datastick. Seems she's not the only one receiving a gift though, she hands a similar set to Cayde and Zetha, as well. "He left these for you. And before you ask, I don't know. I have some guesses but they're probably not very good, or helpful in any way. Good luck, all," she says, teary eyed, "Safe... safe travels to Coruscant... I should head back to the hospital." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's jaw tightens as she takes the satchel handed to her from Luli. She doesn't ask questions, and she isn't going to say anything because she made a promise not to. Instead she looks up and around. "How long is the trip and where am I sleeping?" Having not really ever been on a ship that she can remember aside from that one memory Cayde pulled from her, she's a bit lost in this moment. But if anyone had to guess, she's likely going to hibernate as best she can all the way to Coruscant. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi accepts the satchel with some surprise. "The doctor is very generous," she observes, very softly. "Please thank him for me the next time you see him." She hugs Luli gently, unable to overlook the Mikkian girl's distress. "What's wrong?" she asks gently. "Is there any way I can help? Even if it's just lending you a shoulder for a few minutes?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken just sort of stares. At least one assumes he's staring. His helmet being on means his eyes can't be seen. He may have just closed them and dozed off. But the Baron's arrival does cause him to swivel his head, turning his massive neck slightly to look at him. He just stares again. ONce more the helmet does the work of masking his face but...noticably...his body language doesn't shift to an aggressive or annoyed posture. He just looks away and rumbles dismissively, "Let 'im go then." A great way to answer that - he's not alright without saying he's not alright. Volken, passing up a chance to grill into The Baron. Perhaps Jorn will take up the role. As for Er'gi's other comment and Jorn's prior explanation: "Well I"m here now and since I"m two of -you- and five of -him- ... we should get this done now..." He grumbles and starts shuffling forward. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns even more deeply. Well, that wasn't good. Where could the doctor have gone and why? If he wasn't off planet, then what else could he be searching for?     Anyway, he takes the parcels and begins to open them. At the very least, whatever message the doctor might have left might be the only lead they'd have in finding him. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn doesn't say anything right away. Just a sudden draw then hitting Baron's jetpack. After the shot, "Are you?" he'll ask and then keep the blaster out just in case. He's a man of few words. And he trusts Baron even less. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "The trip should take approximately 16 days," Rykard says, though his demeanor seems somewhat distracted. Cayde will be able to tell that he too is searching for the doctor in the Force but also cannot find him. His brows furrow even more with worry. "We... cannot wait for him," he says, "Come, everyone. Your cabin assignments will be posted on the doors in the hallway to the passenger lounge." Navi's response only seems to upset Luli more. "Thank you so much," she says to Navi, though her sobs are renewed. "But you have to go, and I have a job I need to do. I'll... I'll be okay. I think." And then she's off the ship. Inside the satchel, Cayde, Navi and Zetha will discover ten thousand credits. The datastick has to be plugged into a port, so if they want to read what's on it, they'll have to find a console. "You... dare!!" The Baron hisses, when Jorn shoots his jetpack. He stumbles a bit. "You would keep me from aliit?" He goes to take out his gun, but then suddenly drops it and starts sprinting for the refreshers. Well, it looks like Volken isn't the only one who isn't okay. Er'gi seems speechless. "What's going on.." He glances over at Jorn, puzzled. Then he starts after Volken, reaching over to try to give the other mammoth a gentle tug. "Vod," he says, "You're not yourself. You haven't been, not since the monsoon. What's with you?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi lets Luli go, staring after her. "The poor thing... the doctor's apparent absence has really upset her," she says softly, carefully opening the satchel. The credits are noted with wide eyes, but the datastick is what gets the majority of her attention. Taking her old datapad from her medical satchel, she slips the datastick into the device's port in an attempt to read it. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken does a double take. Both at Jorn just...taking the first shot like that and then especially as the Baron just starts springint off without even firing back. He's literally momentarily speechless before finally just shaking his head. "It's only a matter of time before he betrays us.." he notes with surprising soberness, "Might as well let 'im get around to it sooner rather than later so we can bury him in the ground but...nice shot." When Er'gi tugs on him, he stops his movements and turns to look at the other Mando .. and then just looks away. "I've got a lot on m'mind." he admits. "..I wonder what's goin' on with Thaelin and where Ellari is. I didn't intend to get caught up inall this nonsense and now I"m knee deep in it..." After a pause he rumbles, "Maybe that's only some of it. I dunno. Let's just get this over with." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "It'd be a useless wait anyhow..." Zetha mutters under her breath and then moves along further into the ship. She's quite intent on passing everyone, finding her quarters and heading straight there. Though it will likely not take a mind reader to know that she's in distress, fighting back all the emotions that want to pour out. She'll leave that to herself unless they've been paired up into rooms or something - which likely depends on the size of the ship and all that. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "I don't trust him," Jorn says very matter of factly. "I expect the betrayal sooner than later." As if concurring with Volken. Then he nods once, "Thank you." It's not often Volken gives a compliment either. Jorn does acknowledge it. "Shall we work on the task at hand?" he asks openly to the group knowing that they can at least do something useful instead of waiting to get stabbed int he back. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde hurries away from the group, Luli and Zetha's emotions are making it hard to focus. And he needs to focus. He glances at his master, exchanging a knowing look with him. The doctor wasn't here.     The padawan heads toward the bridge and slots the stick into the comms array, aiming to read its contents. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' There's a message there for her, a note of sorts, for Navi. << First of all, I wanted to say sorry. For the person I've been, and the person I am now. I haven't always treated you well, Navi. And life has been far from fair to you, and I'm not one to take pity, or place blame, but I will say this about you: You are brave, and you have persevered. And you will keep on, despite everything. I'm grateful to you. For the patience you've shown towards Cayde, and everyone else. I don't know what I would have done without you. I know that when you come back from Coruscant, there'll be a massive load of work waiting for you because of me. And I'm sorry for that. I wish I could have known you longer.>> Navi may have just finished reading the note from the doctor when Taryn San Tekka and Xera come into the room with their day bags. Her roommates for the next sixteen days, apparently. Er'gi frowns. "Thaelin's -worried-, Volken. About you, about Kass, about Caine. His father's out of the hospital, but is partially lame. I wish it weren't so, but it is what it is. I told him events lately and he asked about your well being, vod. Now I'm not the only one thinking you haven't been yourself, that's all you have to say about why?" Er'gi seems disappointed. "Who cares about Ellari," he grumbles, "she's aruetyc, and probably back on Mandalore, having given very little thought to us since she left." Then he nods at Jorn with a sigh. "You're right. Let's just get going. Might as well take our minds off of ... well, everything lately." Then he starts heading for the exit of the Temple. Zetha's note from the doctor will read as follows. <<Zetha, if you're reading this already, you're probably angry with me. Please don't be. Please know that I had to do this, I had to leave, that I had to risk never seeing you again. I know you looked up to me, and I tried to be a good role model but I failed. You mean more to me than I can explain with words. I never had children of my own, not really, but somehow, you helped fill that hole. And maybe that was for the best, I care too much, and that's the problem. There's not much else to say. You're doing to do fine without me.>> She might be about to throw the datapad across room, or start crying again, or both, when Thaarin suddenly comes in. His brows go up slightly. "Oh," is all he says. Cayde's note is even shorter. << I'm sorry, Cayde. I tried. I love you. And it's entirely possible that I will soon be the only one in this galaxy to love you as much as I do. I hope you know that.>> 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Ellari is very important." Jorn says standing up to Ellari. He looks at Er'gi. "She's good for Volken. Even if he won't admit it," and then he will focus on the task at hand. Doesn't say more about that. Just knows that Volken and Ellari are tethered somehow. That's enoughf or him. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' The datapad isn't being thrown across the room but those tears come hard and fast. She'd take seeing Soren over the credits he left her. And how dare he tell her not to be angry with him? She's /furious/...and there's nowhere to put it right now. No ship to gut or appliance to rip apart and put back together. There's no running to the treetops or to Hap's to bury her emotions in biscuits and blue milk. She barely hears the door open as her mind rages. It's only when there's movement that her eyes, tear-filled and red, land on Thaarin and that, somehow, makes her even more angry. "What the kriff do YOU want?!" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "You've been int ouch with Thaelin and yer only just -now- tellin' me?" Volken pulls back from Er'gi, seemingly dipping back into that terrible temper of his again ...but he pushes it back down as if coming to terms with a few simple facts. One being that he could have reached out to Thaelin himself and...simply hasn't. "Ugh.. I was tryin' to -avoid- contact with Mandalore...because of the whole Dark Saber thing! I didn't want them tryin' to track us down here! That was part of whole point of finding -that- di'kut! To keep it from leaking out that we were hidin' out on this forsaken rock of a planet!" Sighing he grumbles, "I guess it doesn't matter anymore. ANd yes! That's all I have to say. I"m tired o'bein' analyzed and prodded! FIrst that Jedi and then that kid from Jedha and now -you-!" He then just -stares- at Jorn. This time you practically can feel his eyes bugging out. "The woman abandoned me to die in a flooding tunnel and then almost died herself! She didn't even have the ability to do what she did and come out lookin' good! She is not -good for me.0" With that, he whirls away and stomps off. Yes, his version of a -whirl-. Even Volken can be overly petty and dramatic and he stomps ahead on the path, looking for somethign to rip apart to continue clearing it. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi wanders slowly to her quarters as she reads the note from the doctor. The apology moves her deeply, and only the hint of a meditation trance keeps her from quiet tears. She finds her bunk and has barely finished stowing her backpack and duffel in her locker when her roommates arrive... "Xera. Taryn. Welcome," she says softly, with a faint smile. "I know you are both used to a higher class of people than me sharing your accomodations, but I hope we will all have a pleasant journey, nevertheless." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns at the note. But...that didn't tell him anything! He sighs, wondering if any of the others had anything else useful.     So he gets up and starts heading back toward the passenger cabin, to find Thaarin standing in the doorway to Zetha's room. He comes up alongside the the man, glancing over at Zetha. [What did it say...anything to find him] he signs. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin's brows only furrow very mildly, and he says quietly, "Nothing, my name was posted outside the door." His expression softens. "I'm sorry. I heard about the doctor," he says, "I know you two were close." There's a slight pause. "If... you want me to go, well, that's alright. I'll give you the space you need." But then Cayde suddenly arrives, very unceremoniously. "Cayde," He says gently. "Let's not bother Zetha right now, hm?" "Well of course I've been in touch with him the entire reason Kass and I even came to Tenoo was because of him! Did you forget? We were chasing the cortosis and then somehow, through damned chance, Caine ended up being here as well." "Besides, why does it matter? First of all, Thaelin would never betray you like that, secondly, he isn't an adike nor is he ignorant! He would never reach out in a way that would jeopardize us. Why would you think that about him?" When Volken says he doesn't like being analyzed, Er'gi might have had something to say, but then Jorn is saying that Ellari is important, and good for him even if he won't admit it. He arches a brow. "Oh, is she?" he says, "... well, I had no idea." Jorn, at that moment, may then notice that the 'boy from Jedha' that Volken had so kindly mentioned has been quietly trailing them. "Ah, I'm.. I'm sorry, I wanted a word with Volken. Is he..." He trails off, watching the mammoth Mandalorian storm off, looking for something to rip in half. "He's not alright, is he?" Xera doesn't dignify Navi with a response. Instead, instead she just glares daggers at Navi and goes about unpacking. The young Sephi girl might notice that Avi's not with her. That's probably a relief, for Navi, at least. Taryn nods at Navi, but frowns at Xera's response. He comes over to Navi. "So what's -really- going on with you two?" he asks quietly. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Don't listen to Jorn! Even -if- I had half a mind to try and wrangle Ellari - it sure aint in my mind now. The whole 'She abandoned me to die' problem??" snaps Volken towards both Er'gi and Jorn without turning around. He then sighs and finally glances ove rhis shoulder at Er'gi, "I"m sorry vod. I hadn't forgotten and I"d never think that of Thaelin. But considering his mother ... we can't assume that she doesn't try and snoop on his communications either... But yeah I know... I coulda just reached out to him myself to..." The rest of his words die on his lips as he sees Crane's arrival. He grumbles and turns towards him to start approaching. "Yeah, I"m here. WHat is it?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "A romantic quarrel has left us estranged. I hope we can mend things before we get to Coruscant, but I doubt I can change her mind," Navi replies softly to Taryn, doing her best to ignore Xera's glares after noting the first one and shrugging and looking away. "Whatever else happens, I shall try to be pleasant company during the trip. I apologize in advance to you both if I carelessly spend most of my time in our quarters wearing little more than my undergarments. I keep my clothes and myself as clean as conditions aboard allow, and I hope that I am not so unattractive as to offend your eyes or sensibilities. I can spend most of my time in my bunk if you would rather not see so much of me," she adds, with a faint blush and without a hint of irony. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha glowers even more at that. The thought of having to spend the next two weeks or so in the same room as Thaarin doesn't really sit well with Zetha. Almost like it forces them to talk and she's not in the mood to go through all that right now. Then, before she can say anything, Cayde is coming in and asking her what her message said. About if there were clues to find him. "We aren't finding him, Cayde. There's no point in trying. Or if we do find him, wherever he is, it'll likely just be his corpse...." She offers before letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry...I wasn't supposed to say anything but....I suppose it doesn't matter now does it? Or if there's any inkling of a chance he's survived whatever it was he was doing...he's likely also gone from Teeno. Who knows. I don't. All I know is he had the guts to say goodbye, the jackass..." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "You two have been helping each other out so often. I know there's history, but there's something else, too," then Jorn will shut the hell up about it. The Mandalorian just focusing. "Let's get this task done or else we'll be further behind than we already are," and he tries to focus on the task at hand. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' -HISTORY-" bellows Volken, "The first time I met her she -got me arrested- and put into a Republic prison!" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde hadn't noticed that Zetha had been crying until just now. He glances at Thaarin, then back to Zetha as she seems to be hopeless. But there had to be something...     [You give up] he observes, sighing. He lingers there a moment, then decides not to push the issue. Instead, he turns away and start toward Navi's room. At least this time, he bothers to knock. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi makes no comment, but he folds his arms and surveys Volken a big differently now. "Well, I suppose -that- explains things. Why didn't you just say so earlier?" He glances at Jorn when he mentions 'history'. "I see...say, Jorn, how about that Zeltron fellow? He was trying to track Ellari down. Maybe he's had some luck." But he too, also decides that will be all he says on the subject. For now. The young Disciple approaches meekly. "I know I shouldn't ask," he begins, "but I have to. Surely you know by now, about the doctor being missing?" As for the task at hand, Jorn, Er'gi and eventually Volken, too will have their work cut out for them. The Gorge looms ahead of them, the path they're supposed to carve already marked out for them on varying branches and forest detritus ahead of them. "Romantic?" Taryn says, arching a brow. Xera looks annoyed by their conversation, and sweeps out of the room, looking disgusted. After she's gone, Taryn continues. "I doubt it. That woman doesn't know how to love anyone except herself. She's just using you. You know that, right?" Then he shrugs. "Well, I certainly don't mind." He smirks. "Anyway, now that she's gone," he says, "I thought I'd ask you about her attache, Avi. I'm very suspicious of her." But Navi may not get to answer, as Cayde suddenly knocks at that moment. Thaarin doesn't say anything to Zetha right away. Instead, he listens to what she has to say for the time being. Once Cayde has gone, Thaarin stands in the doorway, not daring to actually come in. "Is there anything I can do for you?" he says softly. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Don't know. Need to talk to Ellari about that more," Jorn does need to be updated on a few things. He needs to get some more informationa bout this Zeltroni. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Sure, Thaarin. You can swap places with Crane so she could have at least one person on this ship who she can cry into the shoulder of. Course, Cayde's statement doesn't do Zetha any favors and in fact just makes her stop and shift to sit on a bed. Then she looks quickly to make sure there is more than one bed in this room. For a longer moment she's silent and then she just shakes her head. "No. I want the impossible. At least right now." She offers this and then looks towards Thaarin. "He..." Then she stops. Everything is going to sound selfish so she just stops herself. "Nevermind. Just...you might as well settle in..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yes, Sir. I share your suspicions that she is using me, but my heart isn't so rational. Love is long on sentiment, but very short on good sense," Navi replies softly to Taryn, glancing after Xera, then back to him. "As for Avi, I know rather little about her. But she is loyal to Xera, or at least craves her approval, and is also a very unpleasant person." Cayde's knock distracts her, and she rises from her bunk and moves to the door, toggling it open. "Cayde? What's going on?" she asks, mildly concerned. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I -said- don't pay any attention to Jorn. He'd misunderstand the meanin' of something even if they forced fed straight to his brqain! Don't go jumping to conclusions." snaps Volken back at Er'gi and then shoots Jorn another glare right through his helmet. "You two are like gossipin' women in a Tatooine market!" With that said, he turns towards Crane now, "No we didn't know about the doctor. Did you see something happen?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns as he approaches the door, 'overhearing' the conversation about Xera. And that was why...     The door opens. [The doctor message...anything to find him with] he signs, then holds up the data stick that had been left for him. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi shakes her head. "No, nothing. Just a heartfelt apology. I can show it to you, but unless you know something I don't and can read between the lines somehow, I doubt you'll find anything helpful," she replies sadly. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin smiles mildly at Zetha, seeming slightly relieved and entering the room, places his day duffel on the small shelf in the back of the room. He then sits down on the bed across from Zetha. "Did I ever tell you, about how it is I came to be on Tenoo?" he asks softly. "Well, you ought to work on lengthening your sense, then," Taryn scoffs. "You're playing a dangerous game, and I bet you know it. We'll talk later about Avi." He then retreats to his own bunk. "Right," Er'gi says to Volken, wandering off a bit to go cut down some trees. He scoffs at Jorn's comment. "Good luck getting in touch with her. Volken's right, we're dead to her." "I think everyone who went to Coruscant just found out. Zetha told me last night... he's missing." The young Disciple's expression becomes pained. "I know you don't really care about him, and I don't blame you and I wouldn't expect you to. And I definitely can't pay you, or give you anything that would matter to you, so I'm sorry in advance for even asking. But Zetha's really upset. They were really close, you know. Like father-daughter close. And I hate thinking about the fact that I'll be sitting here unable to do anything, while she's probably going to spend half of the nights she's away from home, crying and alone in a room somewhere, without any kind of foreseeable solution to the problem." He pauses. "You can decline, too," he says softly, "I won't hold it against you--" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "What about those useless republic officers? Whats her name and waht's his name. Thaaerin. They're so busy gettin' in our way and acting superior to us why aren't they doing their jobs and finding the guy?" Volken doesn't seem inclined to make a move one way or another just yet, instead putting a hand to one of the trees in the way and turning to look over his shoulder to see what Jorn and Er'gi say. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi calls up the message on her datapad and passes the device to Cayde. "I hope it helps somehow. But I doubt it will," she tells him sadly. "You'd win that bet, most likely. I may grow too used to playing dangerous games. I've been doing it ever since I got to Tenoo, and every time one clears up, another drops in to replace it," she says quietly to Taryn. "Xera seems to care for nothing beyond power and profit. That's a very large part of who she is. But I have seen signs that she does care for me, even if she hides it well. Whatever else happens, I'll be extra careful in all my dealings with her, and with colony business." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's re-reading the note from the datastick when Thaarin sets his duffel on the shelf and moves to sit on the bed across from her. She barely gives him a glance, but her head tilts like she's listening to him regardless. "Wasn't it something to do with military things and you got abandoned or something?" She could probably recall better if her mind was fully in the room but it's not. It won't be. "Is that really something you want to talk about or are you trying to take my mind off the bantha in the room? Because I'm going to be honest with you...I don't....really think that's going to work right now..." Zetha offers that much more to Thaarin before setting her datapad aside and then she sighs. "Appreciate you trying though... sorry I snapped at you a minute ago..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods and accepts the datapad, reading the message with a frown. Nope, nothing there either. He sighs. And especially at that 'thanks for your patience with Cayde' bit. Right...     He hands the datapad back to her once he's finished reading the message. [Thank you]     He stares at her when she mentions there are 'signs' Xera cares for her. [She does not care] he tells her frankly. [Only deceit] Then he turns to find his own room. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "They were on the ship headed to Coruscant," Crane says to Volken. "The Jedi, and everyone in leadership from Aklyrr Bend went," he says. "There's the local constabulary. But I don't know if they're equipped to handle such a matter, nor do I know if they'd even want to get involved. Aklyrr and Kublop are both small," he says, "if the doctor were at either of those places, someone would know. And since he's not, that leaves only one other place - the vast, unexplored frontier of Tenoo. The Gorge is part of that, and you're going there, aren't you? You could look. If you want to." He sighs when he peers over at Jorn and Er'gi to see what they have to say. "I'm not asking them, Volken. I'm asking -you-. Because whatever you decide, they'll follow. You know that, right?" Another pause, and then more timidly and softly. "Look, I know that you're upset about Ellari. You expected that she'd be more supportive, but she wasn't, and that hurt you. I know how that feels and I'm sorry. But it's not a crime to be sad, nor is it to not default to anger. I understand that having people care about you like this might not be normal for you and might feel... well, uncomfortable. But I think it's a good kind of uncomfortable." "You'd better," Taryn says, "Otherwise, your head might end up on a pike. Well, not literally. But perhaps figuratively. Cayde's right, you know." Thaarin leans against the headboard of the small bed she's sitting on. He makes a face, looking pensive. "...well, both, maybe?" "Look, I'm sorry I brushed you off earlier. I did receive your text transmission, and I'm sorry I didn't reply. Things have been chaotic, as per usual. What I wanted to say is that I'd been advised not to be too close to you. There was wisdom in that, but it came off as harsh." Cayde will find Rykard and Mondrian settling in once he returns to the room. They both look up when he comes in. "Did you find anything?" Rykard asks. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs, slumping his shoulders a bit. [No master] he signs, shaking his head. It's clear the doctor doesn't want to be found. But why? Had something been eating at him? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha hears that explanation and just shakes her head. Then she waves a hand as if dismissing it altogether. "It's fine." Is all she says and then she shifts to grab her datapad, her commlink, the satchel of credits that she has no idea where to put, and stands. "I'm....going to go wander. Maybe find an airlock to jump out of." Then she looks at the satchel in her hand before she turns and moves as if to leave the room. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "You're both probably right. I've never been a hundred percent sure she /does/ care. That's always eluded me," Navi admits, sighing heavily. "Maybe I'm a fool for believing she cares." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Everybody keeps bringin' Ellari up like I"m fallin' to pieces about it. Of course I'm mad but that doesn't mean I need a therapy session. She's just one problem on a pile of many..." Shaking his head, Volken then insists, "And no I -don't- know that they'll just follow me. I'm not their leader, boy. We're in this together... I wouldn't try and make them do something they didn't want to do...." He grumbles and thenf inally, in frustration, slams a fist into the side of the tree he was by. "Haar'chak!!" He swears, letting out his pent up anger and frustration. "The Jedi just take off and leave us to this mess but then they tie our hands when we try and get things done... Now this..." After a second he finally grunts, "You can come along if you want. I'll keep an eye out for the doctor but our priority is getting to the Arkanians. Got it?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard's expression softens. "It's alright," he says to Cayde. "We'll find him. I'm going to contact the Council and see if they can dispatch more Jedi to Tenoo to look for him while we're away. The Force is always with us," he says sagely. Thaarin gets up and immediately reaches to place a gentle but firm hand around Zetha's wrist. "It's not," he says, fixing her with that irresistible scarlet gaze. "My shit behavior shouldn't be dismissed, or excused," he says frankly. "You can talk to me, Zetha. About whatever you like. I know there's some unresolved matters between us, but we should discuss them on your terms. It's not like there's going to be much to do in the next couple of weeks, anyway." "You are," Taryn says, "and I've a feeling that Avi, even though she seems as irritating and harmless as an infantile tanglevine snake, might store more potent venom than she appears to." "But they will," Crane encourages. "And that's why they do. Because you've never made them do anything they didn't want to. And they trust you never would." He shudders when Volken strikes a tree. It splinters, and collapses. When the dust settles, he says, "I know the timing is bad," he says, "if the Jedi could be here right now to help they would. But they have a duty to the colony, too." When he grunts and invites him along, he has this look on his face that Volken might really dislike. Its the kind that Rykard had warned him about -- the one that says that he thinks of Volken as a hero. "...!" He bows, almost reverent like. "Volken, thank you... you have no idea what this means to me..." "I'll try to be around as much as possible. But the other Disciples are expecting me to help with the reconstruction of the Convent." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "But harmless is the /last/ word I would use to describe Avi," Navi protests softly. "She's one of the most vicious and petty people I've ever met that wasn't on a Wanted poster, and I think she would do /anything/ to gain and keep Xera's approval." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha yanks her hand away from Thaarin's grip and the look in her violet eyes is everything and nothing all at once. "It's not like I was perfect either. You were right anyway. You couldn't give me what I wanted. I couldn't be who you needed. It just wasn't meant to be no matter how hard people tried to push us together." She offers this and then she takes a breath. "I'm not dismissing your shit behavior. I'm accepting that it happened and it's in the past and there's nothing we can do to change that. I can't change who told you what when it comes to me and believe it or not I got told to leave you alone also." By the same person who's now left her with nothing but 10,000 credits and a couple empty apologies - but still. "So whatever you think is unresolved between us, consider it resolved. We're not even really friends, you know? We're just two people who happened to pass each other at random intervals - mostly at the best and worst times. Kind of like now. So. We can leave it at that." Then he mentions there won't be much to do in the next couple weeks and hints that they might be spending a lot more time together. "Two weeks isn't going to fix what several months couldn't, Thaarin. And you don't have to feel obligated to talk to me just because we got put into the same room, okay?" She'll then try to turn and leave again, hopefully at least making it to the door this time. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken's not having it. As Thaelin and Er'gi well know, it takes time to wear down these particular walls. Crane isn't there yet. If anything it's just a reminder of the things that's bothering him. "Don't make me regret it." is his brusque response. If simply denying the words of others isn't doing it, simply being mean might. But it's not like he's running Crane off either. Instead he turns over to the splintered tree and reaches down to try and heft up the broken trunk to try and move it out of the way. It might haev been impressive but.. Er'gi's probably got the right approach here. "Let's just...get this over with.." he grumbles. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde does seem at least a little bit encouraged by Rykard's words, though he still looks worried. [Why did he leave...] he signs, wondering it himself. [Anyone with idea] he asks. Maybe it had something to do with his mother... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, that's obvious," Taryn says. "That's what's dangerous. I don't know where she draws the line. Maybe there isn't one. Either way, watch your back." Thaarin frowns a little when she jerks her hand away, actually looking hurt for a microsecond. "I don't want you to accept it, Zetha. I want your forgiveness. I need your forgiveness in order to move on and not be plagued by the sins of my past. Because the truth of the matter is, I will always care about you, I'll always want to be your friend, regardless of how you feel about me." "You saying it's resolved doesn't make matters resolved. The time frame doesn't matter. It could be two days, two weeks, several months. It didn't happen because we didn't make it happen. We could have had this matter put to bed in forty eight hours but I didn't initiate, and like always, you suppressed how you felt and decided to forget about it. And I'm sorry for that. I'm apologizing for all of that." "You have to ask yourself, Zetha, if you even think the advice given to you is valid anymore in light of what just happened. Because personally for myself, I'm not sure what I was advised is even advisable anymore. He never promised he wouldn't leave, but he knew that you expected he wouldn't." "I-I won't!" Crane doesn't seem disappointed at all. Instead, he seems ecstatic. "Thank you, Volken. I might not ever be able to repay you... but I'll find some way to make it up to you... I promise..." Mondrian watches Cayde carefully. "You knew him best," she says to him. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I'll remember that and hold you to it." remarks Volken with a glance over his shoulder back to Crane. He then moves to rejoin Er'gi so that the two can continue working on clearing the path. "I guess that's it for Caine for now as well. Oh well...here we go.." he rumbles 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I suspect she's more ruthless than Xera, and that she doesn't bother with drawing lines. I've seen hints of how low she would go," Navi replies quietly. "I've had plenty of practice at watching my back since arriving on Tenoo. I'm sure I'll get plenty more before this is all done." Standing, she opens her locker and shrugs off her jacket, hanging it up with more care than would seem to be due such a humble garment. "I think I'm going to try to steal a nap while things are quiet and safe. Please pardon my undressing. If you'd rather wait in the corridor until I'm in bed, I'll do my best to be quick." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Nope. Not even a step before Thaarin's speaking a lot of words at her and she pauses to listen. It's a lot in a small span of time that it takes for him to speak and she's not even sure which part of it to focus on first. "Stop it!" Is the first thing she can think to say before turning to face Thaarin again. "Suppress my feelings? I didn't even get the time of day to sort out my feelings. Every time they tried to figure out where they were you were running off again to whatever other business you had to attend to that was always more important than me. The one time when I thought maybe we had a chance to sort anything out and the first thing that happens because you took me to that snooty...stupid gravclub place that I didn't want to go to to begin with...and you were off to talk to someone else. Because of course the other person gets your attention before I ever did. So yeah, I suppressed my feelings because I couldn't tell if they were genuine or just something that was being put in my head by other people. Or me hanging on to hoping that something would eventually come of it regardless of what it was. And then you had the audacity to act hurt when you found out I was seeing someone. I've been paying for even thinking that I could open up any part of me to you since then. A moment that I still don't know was ruined or a happy accident when that jerk of a Mandalorian took me out of the club and kissed me..." "You want my forgiveness? Is that it? Fine, Thaarin. I forgive you. Okay? You're absolved of any sin or wrongdoing with me. From the times you ignored me to the times you rejected me to the times you abandoned me. It's all forgiven. But if you want my friendship it's going to take a lot more than your pretty words and your gentle tone to get that from me now. So unless you actually have the time to make the effort then don't even bother. I'm done trusting people who pull me close just to shove me away like I don't matter. One person has never done that. One. And I had to leave him behind on Teeno so I could go appear at some stupid trial that wasn't even my idea to begin with. So think really long and hard about it, because batting those crimson eyes at me and trying to make me think twice about anything at this point isn't going to get you far. Even friendships are commitements and up to this point your ability to give any form of commitment to me in any capacity has been shit." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns again. He still hasn't seen the message Soren gave to Zetha. Who had Soren spoken to last, before disappearing?     Then he shakes his head. [He did not speak to me] he signs. [Need to find out who...where...when] As in the who, where, and when of the last time he was seen by...anyone at all. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Did the young Tholothian man even hear him? He's quickly heading back up the path towards the Temple, fervor in his step. Maybe he's planning some kind of surprise for Volken... "-Act- hurt?" Suddenly he doesn't look mild and collected anymore. His scarlet eyes flash, and his expression hardens into one of glacial ice. It's kind of terrifying. "There was -never- any acting. I was upset by that. And I don't care if you find that upsetting, or selfish. It probably is, but it's what I felt because I liked you, and I still like you, even more than I did before. Is that cruel, then? Is it illogical, to feel regret over what could have been? Over a what if that I gave up because at the time, I didn't want to make time so I didn't, and now I do, but it's too late?" "And this is what, an attempt to make me feel worse? To punish me for my wrongdoings? Fine, I'll accept that. I deserve it. But don't you dare accuse me of pushing you away because I thought you didn't matter. That is not true, I can't halt what I feel for you any more than one can push water up a hill, feelings be damned. I did it because I thought that was what was best for us at the time. I was wrong, and I apologized, but if you can't actually accept it then don't tell me you are." "How's that for commitment? You'll never make me not care, Zetha. You'll never get rid of me when push comes to shove, if I had to risk getting myself killed in order to extract you from a dangerous or fatal situation, I would. And I would do it gladly." He then turns to leave. "We'll find a way," Rykard encourages Cayde. "But calm yourself first, Padawan. Let your mind be one with the Force, first. Then you'll know what to do." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Really," Taryn says dryly. "well, perhaps you're right. Good, then. I wouldn't want our deputy out of sorts due to carelessness.." "Hmph," the San Tekka says, "I've got a bit of reading to do, so I'll do just fine here." But maybe he wants to peek at Navi in her underwear! 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "The kriff did you want me to do?! Wait forever!? Do you know how kriffing -scary- it is to tell someone you love them, when you do, but you also have feelings for someone else?! Is that what you want to hear? How every time I went to go work on the shuttle I'd hope you were there to drop another wrench on my head? How my heart still flutters when I see you walk into a room or walk into the room myself you're already in? You're fine to feel regret if you can accept the fact that I feel guilty each and every time I see you, or think of you or even hear your name. How I wish each time I got a message I prayed it was from you to meet you somewhere so we could finally talk. Now we get a chance to talk and we're....at each others throats....and what a kriffing time to be such." Zetha says this, sounding more and more defeated, but she's not going to stop him from walking out the door. "I'm not asking you to not care, Thaarin...but why don't we stop dancing around the past and you tell me what you want. From me. Right now." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "All right, but now I don't know whether to hope that I don't distract you too much, or that you're not too disappointed in the spectacle of a Sephi girl taking her clothes off," Navi observes impishly, in spite of a faint blush, as she continues to undress. If he wants a peek at Navi in her underwear, he might be disappointed; even if she weren't wearing an undershirt, her undergarments are rather modest undyed cor-cotton. And while she is indeed a lovely young woman, he gets little time to appreciate this; she's in bed and covered up less than a minute after putting her discarded clothes away, with only her blonde hair and twintails showing above the covers. "Happy reading, Taryn," she says softly. "Please wake me when dinnertime comes." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I didn't want you to do anything, Zetha," Thaarin says, his tone razor sharp. "You say that, but -I- would know," he says, "don't you realize? Why do you think I've never said anything to you until now? If you know that feeling, then you must know what it's like, to bare your soul to another with absolute certainty that they will reject you?" "You know me. You know this is atypical for me, it is atypical in Chiss culture. We do not discuss our raw feelings plainly like this. It is considered a sign of weakness, something to be exploited." "There were so many times I stopped by the scrapyard, to work on that damned vessel, and I heard your voice, and your footsteps returning. How I longed to go out and greet you affectionately! But that wasn't allowed, it wasn't advisable. To do that would have taken me down an inappropriate path, you were in someone else's arms. Similarly, I've read every single one of your messages but I could never reply. Words on a screen could not do what I felt justice without crossing a boundary. I wanted to be honest, but I couldn't. So I opted to say nothing at all." "You can't give me what I want, Zetha. Because you're already giving it to someone else." And then he does actually leave, passing into the darker outer hallway like a blue shadow. Taryn is indeed, a bit disappointed. He'd never say it, of course, but he is. "Certainly..." he says distractedly, opening his holobook. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches him leave after dropping all the emotions on her and if her heart could break any further it would likely shatter. She looks back into the room they're going to be sharing for sixteen days. Sixteeen. Days. She won't torture him like that. Or herself for that matter. So she turns and grabs her own backpack from under the bed and shoves the small satchel of credits into it before shouldering it and heading for the door. Ships like this one are big but they aren't hard to work out where things are. Zetha'll make quick work to find her way into the engine room, then a spot where she can just drop her backpack, and herself, and curl up with the engine roaring right next to her. Thaarin can keep the room with his prissy ass self and his stupid emotions and his audacity. She can spend sixteen days here, eating the rations in her bag and making sure the engine runs smooth as butter. It won't stop the tears as they come, but they'll be lost in the roar that will eventually help her fall asleep. 
}}

The Doctor's Farewell

2026-07-07T23:51:43Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-04-19 |Cast of Characters=159, 444, 261, 143, 418, 321 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The morning has arrived. The small group gathered at the Jedi Temple - Zetha, along with the rest of the Aklyrr Bend's leadership excluding Reza (Cayde, Master Rykard, Navi, Taryn San Tekka, Xera Graf, and Thaarin) have arisen at the crack of dawn to ready themselves to board a small transport which..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-04-19
|Cast of Characters=159, 444, 261, 143, 418, 321
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The morning has arrived. The small group gathered at the Jedi Temple - Zetha, along with the rest of the Aklyrr Bend's leadership excluding Reza (Cayde, Master Rykard, Navi, Taryn San Tekka, Xera Graf, and Thaarin) have arisen at the crack of dawn to ready themselves to board a small transport which will take them back to Coruscant. For some, this return the Core Worlds may be welcome. While others may dread the trip ahead, or wish they didn't have to leave at all. There's a few who've come to see them off - Wiis, and of course, Crane. The two Ugnaughts - Yvon and Jahni, argue over maintenance checks while the droids begin hauling all the luggage aboard the transport. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Mandalorians would have learned of Master Rykard and the others leaving for Coruscant for some time - and heard that the instruction for them is to stay at the Temple, and continue helping to clear a path to the laboratory that the Baron had spoken of previously. And yet, these past couple of days the Baron seems to have become masterful at being unseen for the majority of the time they've been here at the Temple. Now, whether the Mandalorians would come to see the Jedi off to Coruscant, is a question that remains to be answered, for now... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I'll message you when we get there. Don't miss me too much. And for kriff's sake, don't let Two-zee go into any frenzies while I'm gone. He should work well enough and not need much until I'm back." Zetha says this to Wiis before she glances to Crane. "Please look over my mom. Even if she doesn't quite like you, I'm sure she'll appreciate the company nonetheless..." This much said to Crane, of course. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi keeps looking worriedly to the south in spite of herself. Knowing Mal is out there and being turtured weighs heavily on her mind and heart, even if she knows there's nothing she can do to help her. Literally every move she can think of ends in disaster, and serves only to strengthen the Dark Side presence. "Never thought I'd be /reluctant/ to leave here..." she murmurs. "This feels like leaving a task undone... or a sick or wounded person untreated." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde is equally worried as Navi, although it's not as obvious for his part.     Anyway, what was the point? He hadn't been able to find her. Attempting to wander through the gorge with no tangible leads was bound to be a fruitless effort.     And then, there was the possibility that the visions were just that--visions. An attempt to lure him into a trap.     Part of him is relieved to return to Coruscant, at least for a bit. And at least to get away from the Vergence... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will tap into the local communication network. "Any sign of Volken or our guest of honor?" he asks then will try to figure out what they'll do on this planet while everyone else goes to Coruscant. A place so bloated on wealth and governance, it makes Jorn's skin crawl. To him the planet is like staring at one fat, ugly bug crawling around. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You better," Wiis threatens, shaking a finger at her. "And you better not spend too much there, either. You know we don't exactly have credits to spare," she warns the Twi'lek girl. "It'll be fine! Dotti's is around the corner, you know. Just because you think she uses the cheapest lubricant on the market these days doesn't mean she can't do a fine job at everything else! I don't need looking after! You just take care of yourself, eat well and don't go out partying at night." Then she turns to leave, muttering something in Zabraki that Zetha won't be able to hear. Crane nods. "I will," he says, watching Wiis leave, "hopefully she doesn't force me to leave her alone.." Rykard looks to Navi and Cayde, "I know you are both worried, and for good reason," he says, "however, we cannot leave the matter in Coruscant unattended. This trip won't be too long, I hope, and we should be back before the end of the month." He then nods to the transport. "Come," he says, "the rest of the cargo will be loaded soon, and we'll be leaving shortly after." He starts heading up the gangplank. No such luck finding Volken, unfortunately. But Jorn won't remain alone for long, soon, Er'gi arrives. "Any word from Volken yet? I haven't seen him or the Baron at all in the past forty eight hours." He leans over the comms console. "I heard Master Rykard left some detailed instructions for us and the other Jedi while they're away." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If the Force is with us. Our last trip was a lot longer than expected. It would be worth it if we could find out something on Coruscant that would give us a greater advantage when we return and deal with whatever's taken Mal," Navi replies to Master Rykard, turning to follow him. Like the last trip, she has only a backpack and a duffel bag in the way of luggage. "Did you bring the lightsaber? I've a feeling the Council might be interested in such a find," she asks. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Yes master] Cayde signs, and simply follows his master up the walkway into the ship, stowing his equally light luggage into a storage compartment. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "That's what I'm waiting to finding out," Jorn tells Er'gi. He tries another radio hail just to see if anyone has seen him. His attention stays on the bigger guy for a moment before turning back. Just trying again to see if he locates anyone. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face and then shakes her head. It's very likely she has credits from a few sources - not just Wiis - but the Zabrak doesn't need to know that. There's a look to Crane again before she shrugs her shoulders. "She probably will though. The first time or two. I'm hoping she warms up to you..." Then she reaches to take Crane's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Don't miss me too much, okay?" There's a glance given and she takes in a breath before letting it out slowly. "I should probably head aboard. I love you." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "The Force is always with us," Rykard says to Navi sagely, "and I certainly hope so. I'm due for a briefing with the Council regarding all matters, which include the sith saber. I've carefully stored it. You and Cayde should avoid the cargo bag when possible," he tells her and Cayde. Again no luck. No Volken, No Baron. Where are they? Er'gi sighs. "Look, the work for carving out a path to the laboratory has to continue. We have the coordinates -- hopefully the two of them will eventually join. Hopefully." "I'll try my best," Crane offers, then hugs her. "Goodbye my love. Safe travels. I'll hear from you once you get to Coruscant?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "You will. I promise." Zetha offers this after returning the hug and then she smiles before pulling away - as much as she'd rather just stay. But she has a trial to attend regardless of who is with her. "And if you happen to see Soren...let me know?" This much more is said before she waits for Crane's response and then turns to head to the ship to board. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'll make sure to stay away from it, Master. Being close to it once was enough," Navi replies, nodding. "It's a shame we can't purge the Dark Side taint from it. It otherwise looked to be a fine weapon. Maybe the Council can do something with it." She glances at Xera Graf as the taller woman goes aboard, tearing her eyes away from her with some reluctance. "This may be a long trip..." she murmurs. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' A very drunk Volken finally responds over the local comms. <<Ah...alright. I'm here. I"m awake. What's happening?>> There's a clanking sound of somethings being knocked over. The sound of heavy beskar crashing to a floor and a shattering glass then a rumbling belch. Finally.. <<I'm on my way. I"m comin'. .. You're not dead are you?>> 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' There's a pause. <You're drunk. Aren't you?> Jorn responds. Then off coms he responds back to Er'gi. "He's drunk," Jorn says to the other Mando. He looks to him. "We're going to have a drunken big guy to contend with." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His brows furrow, and he nods. "I suppose it's too late too tell Navi about the Baron being unwell," he says, "I also haven't seen him at all since you mentioned him last night," he tells Zetha. "But if I see Soren, I'll definitely let you know." He gives her hand a final squeeze before turning to leave. "Thank you, Navi," The elder Master Jedi says. "And it is a shame indeed. There are specialists who may be able to purify it - but until then it will be stored in the Bogan Collection." Rykard's gaze sweeps the cockpit, taking attendance of all who are aboard already... and he who isn't. He frowns slightly. "Where's the doctor?" Just as Rykard asks, a familiar Mikkian girl comes up the gangplank. Her eyes are tearstained and bloodshot, and she's carrying a medium sized parcel. "You were just asking about him, weren't you?" Luli says, wiping her eyes. "Har'chaak," Er'gi mutters under his breath when Jorn tells him Volken's drunk. Er'gi then comms Volken, "Vod where have you been? Please tell me you haven't been drinking yourself into a stupor for the past 48 hours. That's Kass level di'kut." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn is quiet as he waits for an explanation. He wants to hear everything about where Volken had been. What type of hole the man lost himself in before coming back in this stupor. He wonders if death sticks are involved. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' There is a long stretch of silence. Then. <<The difference between me and Kass is that I'm not Kass. So ne'johaa. And while yer at it.>> A long string of curses in Man'doa continue, alternating between Jorn and Er'gi. Then. <<Alright I'm better now.. I'll be there in a few minutes.>> True to his word, Volken can soon be seen, lumbering in and missing one of his vambraces..moving at a lumbering rocky sway. At least his helmet is on, hiding what is undoubtly a very haggard looking expression. "...What're we doing now?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde had finished stowing his things and was making his way up to the bridge when his master asks about Dr. Cassias. Yes, the doctor was supposed to be along. But where was he?     The padawan frowns, focusing and attempting to search for Cassias' presence in the Force. Was he anywhere nearby at all? 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I always get concerned when she's been crying," Navi observes softly as Luli, who has clearly been crying, comes aboard with a parcel in hand. "Are you all right?" she asks the girl gently. "Master Rykard was concerned because the doctor hadn't arrived aboard yet. May I take that package for you?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sees Luli and stills. "Luli? Luli no..." She approaches the girl but stops just before reaching her. "What happened?" Because she could likely guess, but she doesn't want to guess. Looking up towards the Jedi present before glancing back to the doctor's right hand. Navi's already offered to take the package so she just...stands there. For the moment. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi glances at Jorn, then over at Volken with a heavy sigh. "Vod, atiniir! Look at yourself, you don't even have your beskar'gam in order. We're supposed to be out by now, carving a path to the laboratory. We started yesterday, you weren't there. Instead, it looks like you were batnor, half conscious." He pauses. "You're not alright, are you?" Before Volken can answer, the Baron suddenly appears. -He- looks put together, at least. However, unlike Volken, there's not really any obvious reason as to why he hadn't been seen at all. "Well, good luck to you all," he says casually, "I'll be off now. I'm going back up to Kublop, to see my brother privately. I'll be back in ... a couple of weeks." So he's leaving them to take care of -his- problem. The other Mandalorians probably won't be surprised. But they likely aren't pleased, either. Cayde will search will produce... nothing. The doctor isn't anywhere nearby. And that's saying something. He'd have felt him, if he was at Kublop, or in Aklyrr, or at the Temple. But instead, there's just emptiness. Luli nods at Navi, "Yes, there's something here for you," she says, opening the parcel and producing a small satchel full of credits attached to a small datastick. Seems she's not the only one receiving a gift though, she hands a similar set to Cayde and Zetha, as well. "He left these for you. And before you ask, I don't know. I have some guesses but they're probably not very good, or helpful in any way. Good luck, all," she says, teary eyed, "Safe... safe travels to Coruscant... I should head back to the hospital." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's jaw tightens as she takes the satchel handed to her from Luli. She doesn't ask questions, and she isn't going to say anything because she made a promise not to. Instead she looks up and around. "How long is the trip and where am I sleeping?" Having not really ever been on a ship that she can remember aside from that one memory Cayde pulled from her, she's a bit lost in this moment. But if anyone had to guess, she's likely going to hibernate as best she can all the way to Coruscant. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi accepts the satchel with some surprise. "The doctor is very generous," she observes, very softly. "Please thank him for me the next time you see him." She hugs Luli gently, unable to overlook the Mikkian girl's distress. "What's wrong?" she asks gently. "Is there any way I can help? Even if it's just lending you a shoulder for a few minutes?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken just sort of stares. At least one assumes he's staring. His helmet being on means his eyes can't be seen. He may have just closed them and dozed off. But the Baron's arrival does cause him to swivel his head, turning his massive neck slightly to look at him. He just stares again. ONce more the helmet does the work of masking his face but...noticably...his body language doesn't shift to an aggressive or annoyed posture. He just looks away and rumbles dismissively, "Let 'im go then." A great way to answer that - he's not alright without saying he's not alright. Volken, passing up a chance to grill into The Baron. Perhaps Jorn will take up the role. As for Er'gi's other comment and Jorn's prior explanation: "Well I"m here now and since I"m two of -you- and five of -him- ... we should get this done now..." He grumbles and starts shuffling forward. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns even more deeply. Well, that wasn't good. Where could the doctor have gone and why? If he wasn't off planet, then what else could he be searching for?     Anyway, he takes the parcels and begins to open them. At the very least, whatever message the doctor might have left might be the only lead they'd have in finding him. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn doesn't say anything right away. Just a sudden draw then hitting Baron's jetpack. After the shot, "Are you?" he'll ask and then keep the blaster out just in case. He's a man of few words. And he trusts Baron even less. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "The trip should take approximately 16 days," Rykard says, though his demeanor seems somewhat distracted. Cayde will be able to tell that he too is searching for the doctor in the Force but also cannot find him. His brows furrow even more with worry. "We... cannot wait for him," he says, "Come, everyone. Your cabin assignments will be posted on the doors in the hallway to the passenger lounge." Navi's response only seems to upset Luli more. "Thank you so much," she says to Navi, though her sobs are renewed. "But you have to go, and I have a job I need to do. I'll... I'll be okay. I think." And then she's off the ship. Inside the satchel, Cayde, Navi and Zetha will discover ten thousand credits. The datastick has to be plugged into a port, so if they want to read what's on it, they'll have to find a console. "You... dare!!" The Baron hisses, when Jorn shoots his jetpack. He stumbles a bit. "You would keep me from aliit?" He goes to take out his gun, but then suddenly drops it and starts sprinting for the refreshers. Well, it looks like Volken isn't the only one who isn't okay. Er'gi seems speechless. "What's going on.." He glances over at Jorn, puzzled. Then he starts after Volken, reaching over to try to give the other mammoth a gentle tug. "Vod," he says, "You're not yourself. You haven't been, not since the monsoon. What's with you?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi lets Luli go, staring after her. "The poor thing... the doctor's apparent absence has really upset her," she says softly, carefully opening the satchel. The credits are noted with wide eyes, but the datastick is what gets the majority of her attention. Taking her old datapad from her medical satchel, she slips the datastick into the device's port in an attempt to read it. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken does a double take. Both at Jorn just...taking the first shot like that and then especially as the Baron just starts springint off without even firing back. He's literally momentarily speechless before finally just shaking his head. "It's only a matter of time before he betrays us.." he notes with surprising soberness, "Might as well let 'im get around to it sooner rather than later so we can bury him in the ground but...nice shot." When Er'gi tugs on him, he stops his movements and turns to look at the other Mando .. and then just looks away. "I've got a lot on m'mind." he admits. "..I wonder what's goin' on with Thaelin and where Ellari is. I didn't intend to get caught up inall this nonsense and now I"m knee deep in it..." After a pause he rumbles, "Maybe that's only some of it. I dunno. Let's just get this over with." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "It'd be a useless wait anyhow..." Zetha mutters under her breath and then moves along further into the ship. She's quite intent on passing everyone, finding her quarters and heading straight there. Though it will likely not take a mind reader to know that she's in distress, fighting back all the emotions that want to pour out. She'll leave that to herself unless they've been paired up into rooms or something - which likely depends on the size of the ship and all that. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "I don't trust him," Jorn says very matter of factly. "I expect the betrayal sooner than later." As if concurring with Volken. Then he nods once, "Thank you." It's not often Volken gives a compliment either. Jorn does acknowledge it. "Shall we work on the task at hand?" he asks openly to the group knowing that they can at least do something useful instead of waiting to get stabbed int he back. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde hurries away from the group, Luli and Zetha's emotions are making it hard to focus. And he needs to focus. He glances at his master, exchanging a knowing look with him. The doctor wasn't here.     The padawan heads toward the bridge and slots the stick into the comms array, aiming to read its contents. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' There's a message there for her, a note of sorts, for Navi. << First of all, I wanted to say sorry. For the person I've been, and the person I am now. I haven't always treated you well, Navi. And life has been far from fair to you, and I'm not one to take pity, or place blame, but I will say this about you: You are brave, and you have persevered. And you will keep on, despite everything. I'm grateful to you. For the patience you've shown towards Cayde, and everyone else. I don't know what I would have done without you. I know that when you come back from Coruscant, there'll be a massive load of work waiting for you because of me. And I'm sorry for that. I wish I could have known you longer.>> Navi may have just finished reading the note from the doctor when Taryn San Tekka and Xera come into the room with their day bags. Her roommates for the next sixteen days, apparently. Er'gi frowns. "Thaelin's -worried-, Volken. About you, about Kass, about Caine. His father's out of the hospital, but is partially lame. I wish it weren't so, but it is what it is. I told him events lately and he asked about your well being, vod. Now I'm not the only one thinking you haven't been yourself, that's all you have to say about why?" Er'gi seems disappointed. "Who cares about Ellari," he grumbles, "she's aruetyc, and probably back on Mandalore, having given very little thought to us since she left." Then he nods at Jorn with a sigh. "You're right. Let's just get going. Might as well take our minds off of ... well, everything lately." Then he starts heading for the exit of the Temple. Zetha's note from the doctor will read as follows. <<Zetha, if you're reading this already, you're probably angry with me. Please don't be. Please know that I had to do this, I had to leave, that I had to risk never seeing you again. I know you looked up to me, and I tried to be a good role model but I failed. You mean more to me than I can explain with words. I never had children of my own, not really, but somehow, you helped fill that hole. And maybe that was for the best, I care too much, and that's the problem. There's not much else to say. You're doing to do fine without me.>> She might be about to throw the datapad across room, or start crying again, or both, when Thaarin suddenly comes in. His brows go up slightly. "Oh," is all he says. Cayde's note is even shorter. << I'm sorry, Cayde. I tried. I love you. And it's entirely possible that I will soon be the only one in this galaxy to love you as much as I do. I hope you know that.>> 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Ellari is very important." Jorn says standing up to Ellari. He looks at Er'gi. "She's good for Volken. Even if he won't admit it," and then he will focus on the task at hand. Doesn't say more about that. Just knows that Volken and Ellari are tethered somehow. That's enoughf or him. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' The datapad isn't being thrown across the room but those tears come hard and fast. She'd take seeing Soren over the credits he left her. And how dare he tell her not to be angry with him? She's /furious/...and there's nowhere to put it right now. No ship to gut or appliance to rip apart and put back together. There's no running to the treetops or to Hap's to bury her emotions in biscuits and blue milk. She barely hears the door open as her mind rages. It's only when there's movement that her eyes, tear-filled and red, land on Thaarin and that, somehow, makes her even more angry. "What the kriff do YOU want?!" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "You've been int ouch with Thaelin and yer only just -now- tellin' me?" Volken pulls back from Er'gi, seemingly dipping back into that terrible temper of his again ...but he pushes it back down as if coming to terms with a few simple facts. One being that he could have reached out to Thaelin himself and...simply hasn't. "Ugh.. I was tryin' to -avoid- contact with Mandalore...because of the whole Dark Saber thing! I didn't want them tryin' to track us down here! That was part of whole point of finding -that- di'kut! To keep it from leaking out that we were hidin' out on this forsaken rock of a planet!" Sighing he grumbles, "I guess it doesn't matter anymore. ANd yes! That's all I have to say. I"m tired o'bein' analyzed and prodded! FIrst that Jedi and then that kid from Jedha and now -you-!" He then just -stares- at Jorn. This time you practically can feel his eyes bugging out. "The woman abandoned me to die in a flooding tunnel and then almost died herself! She didn't even have the ability to do what she did and come out lookin' good! She is not -good for me.0" With that, he whirls away and stomps off. Yes, his version of a -whirl-. Even Volken can be overly petty and dramatic and he stomps ahead on the path, looking for somethign to rip apart to continue clearing it. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi wanders slowly to her quarters as she reads the note from the doctor. The apology moves her deeply, and only the hint of a meditation trance keeps her from quiet tears. She finds her bunk and has barely finished stowing her backpack and duffel in her locker when her roommates arrive... "Xera. Taryn. Welcome," she says softly, with a faint smile. "I know you are both used to a higher class of people than me sharing your accomodations, but I hope we will all have a pleasant journey, nevertheless." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns at the note. But...that didn't tell him anything! He sighs, wondering if any of the others had anything else useful.     So he gets up and starts heading back toward the passenger cabin, to find Thaarin standing in the doorway to Zetha's room. He comes up alongside the the man, glancing over at Zetha. [What did it say...anything to find him] he signs. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin's brows only furrow very mildly, and he says quietly, "Nothing, my name was posted outside the door." His expression softens. "I'm sorry. I heard about the doctor," he says, "I know you two were close." There's a slight pause. "If... you want me to go, well, that's alright. I'll give you the space you need." But then Cayde suddenly arrives, very unceremoniously. "Cayde," He says gently. "Let's not bother Zetha right now, hm?" "Well of course I've been in touch with him the entire reason Kass and I even came to Tenoo was because of him! Did you forget? We were chasing the cortosis and then somehow, through damned chance, Caine ended up being here as well." "Besides, why does it matter? First of all, Thaelin would never betray you like that, secondly, he isn't an adike nor is he ignorant! He would never reach out in a way that would jeopardize us. Why would you think that about him?" When Volken says he doesn't like being analyzed, Er'gi might have had something to say, but then Jorn is saying that Ellari is important, and good for him even if he won't admit it. He arches a brow. "Oh, is she?" he says, "... well, I had no idea." Jorn, at that moment, may then notice that the 'boy from Jedha' that Volken had so kindly mentioned has been quietly trailing them. "Ah, I'm.. I'm sorry, I wanted a word with Volken. Is he..." He trails off, watching the mammoth Mandalorian storm off, looking for something to rip in half. "He's not alright, is he?" Xera doesn't dignify Navi with a response. Instead, instead she just glares daggers at Navi and goes about unpacking. The young Sephi girl might notice that Avi's not with her. That's probably a relief, for Navi, at least. Taryn nods at Navi, but frowns at Xera's response. He comes over to Navi. "So what's -really- going on with you two?" he asks quietly. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Don't listen to Jorn! Even -if- I had half a mind to try and wrangle Ellari - it sure aint in my mind now. The whole 'She abandoned me to die' problem??" snaps Volken towards both Er'gi and Jorn without turning around. He then sighs and finally glances ove rhis shoulder at Er'gi, "I"m sorry vod. I hadn't forgotten and I"d never think that of Thaelin. But considering his mother ... we can't assume that she doesn't try and snoop on his communications either... But yeah I know... I coulda just reached out to him myself to..." The rest of his words die on his lips as he sees Crane's arrival. He grumbles and turns towards him to start approaching. "Yeah, I"m here. WHat is it?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "A romantic quarrel has left us estranged. I hope we can mend things before we get to Coruscant, but I doubt I can change her mind," Navi replies softly to Taryn, doing her best to ignore Xera's glares after noting the first one and shrugging and looking away. "Whatever else happens, I shall try to be pleasant company during the trip. I apologize in advance to you both if I carelessly spend most of my time in our quarters wearing little more than my undergarments. I keep my clothes and myself as clean as conditions aboard allow, and I hope that I am not so unattractive as to offend your eyes or sensibilities. I can spend most of my time in my bunk if you would rather not see so much of me," she adds, with a faint blush and without a hint of irony. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha glowers even more at that. The thought of having to spend the next two weeks or so in the same room as Thaarin doesn't really sit well with Zetha. Almost like it forces them to talk and she's not in the mood to go through all that right now. Then, before she can say anything, Cayde is coming in and asking her what her message said. About if there were clues to find him. "We aren't finding him, Cayde. There's no point in trying. Or if we do find him, wherever he is, it'll likely just be his corpse...." She offers before letting out a sigh. "I'm sorry...I wasn't supposed to say anything but....I suppose it doesn't matter now does it? Or if there's any inkling of a chance he's survived whatever it was he was doing...he's likely also gone from Teeno. Who knows. I don't. All I know is he had the guts to say goodbye, the jackass..." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "You two have been helping each other out so often. I know there's history, but there's something else, too," then Jorn will shut the hell up about it. The Mandalorian just focusing. "Let's get this task done or else we'll be further behind than we already are," and he tries to focus on the task at hand. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' -HISTORY-" bellows Volken, "The first time I met her she -got me arrested- and put into a Republic prison!" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde hadn't noticed that Zetha had been crying until just now. He glances at Thaarin, then back to Zetha as she seems to be hopeless. But there had to be something...     [You give up] he observes, sighing. He lingers there a moment, then decides not to push the issue. Instead, he turns away and start toward Navi's room. At least this time, he bothers to knock. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi makes no comment, but he folds his arms and surveys Volken a big differently now. "Well, I suppose -that- explains things. Why didn't you just say so earlier?" He glances at Jorn when he mentions 'history'. "I see...say, Jorn, how about that Zeltron fellow? He was trying to track Ellari down. Maybe he's had some luck." But he too, also decides that will be all he says on the subject. For now. The young Disciple approaches meekly. "I know I shouldn't ask," he begins, "but I have to. Surely you know by now, about the doctor being missing?" As for the task at hand, Jorn, Er'gi and eventually Volken, too will have their work cut out for them. The Gorge looms ahead of them, the path they're supposed to carve already marked out for them on varying branches and forest detritus ahead of them. "Romantic?" Taryn says, arching a brow. Xera looks annoyed by their conversation, and sweeps out of the room, looking disgusted. After she's gone, Taryn continues. "I doubt it. That woman doesn't know how to love anyone except herself. She's just using you. You know that, right?" Then he shrugs. "Well, I certainly don't mind." He smirks. "Anyway, now that she's gone," he says, "I thought I'd ask you about her attache, Avi. I'm very suspicious of her." But Navi may not get to answer, as Cayde suddenly knocks at that moment. Thaarin doesn't say anything to Zetha right away. Instead, he listens to what she has to say for the time being. Once Cayde has gone, Thaarin stands in the doorway, not daring to actually come in. "Is there anything I can do for you?" he says softly. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Don't know. Need to talk to Ellari about that more," Jorn does need to be updated on a few things. He needs to get some more informationa bout this Zeltroni. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Sure, Thaarin. You can swap places with Crane so she could have at least one person on this ship who she can cry into the shoulder of. Course, Cayde's statement doesn't do Zetha any favors and in fact just makes her stop and shift to sit on a bed. Then she looks quickly to make sure there is more than one bed in this room. For a longer moment she's silent and then she just shakes her head. "No. I want the impossible. At least right now." She offers this and then looks towards Thaarin. "He..." Then she stops. Everything is going to sound selfish so she just stops herself. "Nevermind. Just...you might as well settle in..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yes, Sir. I share your suspicions that she is using me, but my heart isn't so rational. Love is long on sentiment, but very short on good sense," Navi replies softly to Taryn, glancing after Xera, then back to him. "As for Avi, I know rather little about her. But she is loyal to Xera, or at least craves her approval, and is also a very unpleasant person." Cayde's knock distracts her, and she rises from her bunk and moves to the door, toggling it open. "Cayde? What's going on?" she asks, mildly concerned. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I -said- don't pay any attention to Jorn. He'd misunderstand the meanin' of something even if they forced fed straight to his brqain! Don't go jumping to conclusions." snaps Volken back at Er'gi and then shoots Jorn another glare right through his helmet. "You two are like gossipin' women in a Tatooine market!" With that said, he turns towards Crane now, "No we didn't know about the doctor. Did you see something happen?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns as he approaches the door, 'overhearing' the conversation about Xera. And that was why...     The door opens. [The doctor message...anything to find him with] he signs, then holds up the data stick that had been left for him. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi shakes her head. "No, nothing. Just a heartfelt apology. I can show it to you, but unless you know something I don't and can read between the lines somehow, I doubt you'll find anything helpful," she replies sadly. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin smiles mildly at Zetha, seeming slightly relieved and entering the room, places his day duffel on the small shelf in the back of the room. He then sits down on the bed across from Zetha. "Did I ever tell you, about how it is I came to be on Tenoo?" he asks softly. "Well, you ought to work on lengthening your sense, then," Taryn scoffs. "You're playing a dangerous game, and I bet you know it. We'll talk later about Avi." He then retreats to his own bunk. "Right," Er'gi says to Volken, wandering off a bit to go cut down some trees. He scoffs at Jorn's comment. "Good luck getting in touch with her. Volken's right, we're dead to her." "I think everyone who went to Coruscant just found out. Zetha told me last night... he's missing." The young Disciple's expression becomes pained. "I know you don't really care about him, and I don't blame you and I wouldn't expect you to. And I definitely can't pay you, or give you anything that would matter to you, so I'm sorry in advance for even asking. But Zetha's really upset. They were really close, you know. Like father-daughter close. And I hate thinking about the fact that I'll be sitting here unable to do anything, while she's probably going to spend half of the nights she's away from home, crying and alone in a room somewhere, without any kind of foreseeable solution to the problem." He pauses. "You can decline, too," he says softly, "I won't hold it against you--" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "What about those useless republic officers? Whats her name and waht's his name. Thaaerin. They're so busy gettin' in our way and acting superior to us why aren't they doing their jobs and finding the guy?" Volken doesn't seem inclined to make a move one way or another just yet, instead putting a hand to one of the trees in the way and turning to look over his shoulder to see what Jorn and Er'gi say. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi calls up the message on her datapad and passes the device to Cayde. "I hope it helps somehow. But I doubt it will," she tells him sadly. "You'd win that bet, most likely. I may grow too used to playing dangerous games. I've been doing it ever since I got to Tenoo, and every time one clears up, another drops in to replace it," she says quietly to Taryn. "Xera seems to care for nothing beyond power and profit. That's a very large part of who she is. But I have seen signs that she does care for me, even if she hides it well. Whatever else happens, I'll be extra careful in all my dealings with her, and with colony business." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's re-reading the note from the datastick when Thaarin sets his duffel on the shelf and moves to sit on the bed across from her. She barely gives him a glance, but her head tilts like she's listening to him regardless. "Wasn't it something to do with military things and you got abandoned or something?" She could probably recall better if her mind was fully in the room but it's not. It won't be. "Is that really something you want to talk about or are you trying to take my mind off the bantha in the room? Because I'm going to be honest with you...I don't....really think that's going to work right now..." Zetha offers that much more to Thaarin before setting her datapad aside and then she sighs. "Appreciate you trying though... sorry I snapped at you a minute ago..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods and accepts the datapad, reading the message with a frown. Nope, nothing there either. He sighs. And especially at that 'thanks for your patience with Cayde' bit. Right...     He hands the datapad back to her once he's finished reading the message. [Thank you]     He stares at her when she mentions there are 'signs' Xera cares for her. [She does not care] he tells her frankly. [Only deceit] Then he turns to find his own room. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "They were on the ship headed to Coruscant," Crane says to Volken. "The Jedi, and everyone in leadership from Aklyrr Bend went," he says. "There's the local constabulary. But I don't know if they're equipped to handle such a matter, nor do I know if they'd even want to get involved. Aklyrr and Kublop are both small," he says, "if the doctor were at either of those places, someone would know. And since he's not, that leaves only one other place - the vast, unexplored frontier of Tenoo. The Gorge is part of that, and you're going there, aren't you? You could look. If you want to." He sighs when he peers over at Jorn and Er'gi to see what they have to say. "I'm not asking them, Volken. I'm asking -you-. Because whatever you decide, they'll follow. You know that, right?" Another pause, and then more timidly and softly. "Look, I know that you're upset about Ellari. You expected that she'd be more supportive, but she wasn't, and that hurt you. I know how that feels and I'm sorry. But it's not a crime to be sad, nor is it to not default to anger. I understand that having people care about you like this might not be normal for you and might feel... well, uncomfortable. But I think it's a good kind of uncomfortable." "You'd better," Taryn says, "Otherwise, your head might end up on a pike. Well, not literally. But perhaps figuratively. Cayde's right, you know." Thaarin leans against the headboard of the small bed she's sitting on. He makes a face, looking pensive. "...well, both, maybe?" "Look, I'm sorry I brushed you off earlier. I did receive your text transmission, and I'm sorry I didn't reply. Things have been chaotic, as per usual. What I wanted to say is that I'd been advised not to be too close to you. There was wisdom in that, but it came off as harsh." Cayde will find Rykard and Mondrian settling in once he returns to the room. They both look up when he comes in. "Did you find anything?" Rykard asks. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs, slumping his shoulders a bit. [No master] he signs, shaking his head. It's clear the doctor doesn't want to be found. But why? Had something been eating at him? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha hears that explanation and just shakes her head. Then she waves a hand as if dismissing it altogether. "It's fine." Is all she says and then she shifts to grab her datapad, her commlink, the satchel of credits that she has no idea where to put, and stands. "I'm....going to go wander. Maybe find an airlock to jump out of." Then she looks at the satchel in her hand before she turns and moves as if to leave the room. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "You're both probably right. I've never been a hundred percent sure she /does/ care. That's always eluded me," Navi admits, sighing heavily. "Maybe I'm a fool for believing she cares." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Everybody keeps bringin' Ellari up like I"m fallin' to pieces about it. Of course I'm mad but that doesn't mean I need a therapy session. She's just one problem on a pile of many..." Shaking his head, Volken then insists, "And no I -don't- know that they'll just follow me. I'm not their leader, boy. We're in this together... I wouldn't try and make them do something they didn't want to do...." He grumbles and thenf inally, in frustration, slams a fist into the side of the tree he was by. "Haar'chak!!" He swears, letting out his pent up anger and frustration. "The Jedi just take off and leave us to this mess but then they tie our hands when we try and get things done... Now this..." After a second he finally grunts, "You can come along if you want. I'll keep an eye out for the doctor but our priority is getting to the Arkanians. Got it?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard's expression softens. "It's alright," he says to Cayde. "We'll find him. I'm going to contact the Council and see if they can dispatch more Jedi to Tenoo to look for him while we're away. The Force is always with us," he says sagely. Thaarin gets up and immediately reaches to place a gentle but firm hand around Zetha's wrist. "It's not," he says, fixing her with that irresistible scarlet gaze. "My shit behavior shouldn't be dismissed, or excused," he says frankly. "You can talk to me, Zetha. About whatever you like. I know there's some unresolved matters between us, but we should discuss them on your terms. It's not like there's going to be much to do in the next couple of weeks, anyway." "You are," Taryn says, "and I've a feeling that Avi, even though she seems as irritating and harmless as an infantile tanglevine snake, might store more potent venom than she appears to." "But they will," Crane encourages. "And that's why they do. Because you've never made them do anything they didn't want to. And they trust you never would." He shudders when Volken strikes a tree. It splinters, and collapses. When the dust settles, he says, "I know the timing is bad," he says, "if the Jedi could be here right now to help they would. But they have a duty to the colony, too." When he grunts and invites him along, he has this look on his face that Volken might really dislike. Its the kind that Rykard had warned him about -- the one that says that he thinks of Volken as a hero. "...!" He bows, almost reverent like. "Volken, thank you... you have no idea what this means to me..." "I'll try to be around as much as possible. But the other Disciples are expecting me to help with the reconstruction of the Convent." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "But harmless is the /last/ word I would use to describe Avi," Navi protests softly. "She's one of the most vicious and petty people I've ever met that wasn't on a Wanted poster, and I think she would do /anything/ to gain and keep Xera's approval." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha yanks her hand away from Thaarin's grip and the look in her violet eyes is everything and nothing all at once. "It's not like I was perfect either. You were right anyway. You couldn't give me what I wanted. I couldn't be who you needed. It just wasn't meant to be no matter how hard people tried to push us together." She offers this and then she takes a breath. "I'm not dismissing your shit behavior. I'm accepting that it happened and it's in the past and there's nothing we can do to change that. I can't change who told you what when it comes to me and believe it or not I got told to leave you alone also." By the same person who's now left her with nothing but 10,000 credits and a couple empty apologies - but still. "So whatever you think is unresolved between us, consider it resolved. We're not even really friends, you know? We're just two people who happened to pass each other at random intervals - mostly at the best and worst times. Kind of like now. So. We can leave it at that." Then he mentions there won't be much to do in the next couple weeks and hints that they might be spending a lot more time together. "Two weeks isn't going to fix what several months couldn't, Thaarin. And you don't have to feel obligated to talk to me just because we got put into the same room, okay?" She'll then try to turn and leave again, hopefully at least making it to the door this time. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken's not having it. As Thaelin and Er'gi well know, it takes time to wear down these particular walls. Crane isn't there yet. If anything it's just a reminder of the things that's bothering him. "Don't make me regret it." is his brusque response. If simply denying the words of others isn't doing it, simply being mean might. But it's not like he's running Crane off either. Instead he turns over to the splintered tree and reaches down to try and heft up the broken trunk to try and move it out of the way. It might haev been impressive but.. Er'gi's probably got the right approach here. "Let's just...get this over with.." he grumbles. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde does seem at least a little bit encouraged by Rykard's words, though he still looks worried. [Why did he leave...] he signs, wondering it himself. [Anyone with idea] he asks. Maybe it had something to do with his mother... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, that's obvious," Taryn says. "That's what's dangerous. I don't know where she draws the line. Maybe there isn't one. Either way, watch your back." Thaarin frowns a little when she jerks her hand away, actually looking hurt for a microsecond. "I don't want you to accept it, Zetha. I want your forgiveness. I need your forgiveness in order to move on and not be plagued by the sins of my past. Because the truth of the matter is, I will always care about you, I'll always want to be your friend, regardless of how you feel about me." "You saying it's resolved doesn't make matters resolved. The time frame doesn't matter. It could be two days, two weeks, several months. It didn't happen because we didn't make it happen. We could have had this matter put to bed in forty eight hours but I didn't initiate, and like always, you suppressed how you felt and decided to forget about it. And I'm sorry for that. I'm apologizing for all of that." "You have to ask yourself, Zetha, if you even think the advice given to you is valid anymore in light of what just happened. Because personally for myself, I'm not sure what I was advised is even advisable anymore. He never promised he wouldn't leave, but he knew that you expected he wouldn't." "I-I won't!" Crane doesn't seem disappointed at all. Instead, he seems ecstatic. "Thank you, Volken. I might not ever be able to repay you... but I'll find some way to make it up to you... I promise..." Mondrian watches Cayde carefully. "You knew him best," she says to him. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I'll remember that and hold you to it." remarks Volken with a glance over his shoulder back to Crane. He then moves to rejoin Er'gi so that the two can continue working on clearing the path. "I guess that's it for Caine for now as well. Oh well...here we go.." he rumbles 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I suspect she's more ruthless than Xera, and that she doesn't bother with drawing lines. I've seen hints of how low she would go," Navi replies quietly. "I've had plenty of practice at watching my back since arriving on Tenoo. I'm sure I'll get plenty more before this is all done." Standing, she opens her locker and shrugs off her jacket, hanging it up with more care than would seem to be due such a humble garment. "I think I'm going to try to steal a nap while things are quiet and safe. Please pardon my undressing. If you'd rather wait in the corridor until I'm in bed, I'll do my best to be quick." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Nope. Not even a step before Thaarin's speaking a lot of words at her and she pauses to listen. It's a lot in a small span of time that it takes for him to speak and she's not even sure which part of it to focus on first. "Stop it!" Is the first thing she can think to say before turning to face Thaarin again. "Suppress my feelings? I didn't even get the time of day to sort out my feelings. Every time they tried to figure out where they were you were running off again to whatever other business you had to attend to that was always more important than me. The one time when I thought maybe we had a chance to sort anything out and the first thing that happens because you took me to that snooty...stupid gravclub place that I didn't want to go to to begin with...and you were off to talk to someone else. Because of course the other person gets your attention before I ever did. So yeah, I suppressed my feelings because I couldn't tell if they were genuine or just something that was being put in my head by other people. Or me hanging on to hoping that something would eventually come of it regardless of what it was. And then you had the audacity to act hurt when you found out I was seeing someone. I've been paying for even thinking that I could open up any part of me to you since then. A moment that I still don't know was ruined or a happy accident when that jerk of a Mandalorian took me out of the club and kissed me..." "You want my forgiveness? Is that it? Fine, Thaarin. I forgive you. Okay? You're absolved of any sin or wrongdoing with me. From the times you ignored me to the times you rejected me to the times you abandoned me. It's all forgiven. But if you want my friendship it's going to take a lot more than your pretty words and your gentle tone to get that from me now. So unless you actually have the time to make the effort then don't even bother. I'm done trusting people who pull me close just to shove me away like I don't matter. One person has never done that. One. And I had to leave him behind on Teeno so I could go appear at some stupid trial that wasn't even my idea to begin with. So think really long and hard about it, because batting those crimson eyes at me and trying to make me think twice about anything at this point isn't going to get you far. Even friendships are commitements and up to this point your ability to give any form of commitment to me in any capacity has been shit." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns again. He still hasn't seen the message Soren gave to Zetha. Who had Soren spoken to last, before disappearing?     Then he shakes his head. [He did not speak to me] he signs. [Need to find out who...where...when] As in the who, where, and when of the last time he was seen by...anyone at all. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Did the young Tholothian man even hear him? He's quickly heading back up the path towards the Temple, fervor in his step. Maybe he's planning some kind of surprise for Volken... "-Act- hurt?" Suddenly he doesn't look mild and collected anymore. His scarlet eyes flash, and his expression hardens into one of glacial ice. It's kind of terrifying. "There was -never- any acting. I was upset by that. And I don't care if you find that upsetting, or selfish. It probably is, but it's what I felt because I liked you, and I still like you, even more than I did before. Is that cruel, then? Is it illogical, to feel regret over what could have been? Over a what if that I gave up because at the time, I didn't want to make time so I didn't, and now I do, but it's too late?" "And this is what, an attempt to make me feel worse? To punish me for my wrongdoings? Fine, I'll accept that. I deserve it. But don't you dare accuse me of pushing you away because I thought you didn't matter. That is not true, I can't halt what I feel for you any more than one can push water up a hill, feelings be damned. I did it because I thought that was what was best for us at the time. I was wrong, and I apologized, but if you can't actually accept it then don't tell me you are." "How's that for commitment? You'll never make me not care, Zetha. You'll never get rid of me when push comes to shove, if I had to risk getting myself killed in order to extract you from a dangerous or fatal situation, I would. And I would do it gladly." He then turns to leave. "We'll find a way," Rykard encourages Cayde. "But calm yourself first, Padawan. Let your mind be one with the Force, first. Then you'll know what to do." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Really," Taryn says dryly. "well, perhaps you're right. Good, then. I wouldn't want our deputy out of sorts due to carelessness.." "Hmph," the San Tekka says, "I've got a bit of reading to do, so I'll do just fine here." But maybe he wants to peek at Navi in her underwear! 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "The kriff did you want me to do?! Wait forever!? Do you know how kriffing -scary- it is to tell someone you love them, when you do, but you also have feelings for someone else?! Is that what you want to hear? How every time I went to go work on the shuttle I'd hope you were there to drop another wrench on my head? How my heart still flutters when I see you walk into a room or walk into the room myself you're already in? You're fine to feel regret if you can accept the fact that I feel guilty each and every time I see you, or think of you or even hear your name. How I wish each time I got a message I prayed it was from you to meet you somewhere so we could finally talk. Now we get a chance to talk and we're....at each others throats....and what a kriffing time to be such." Zetha says this, sounding more and more defeated, but she's not going to stop him from walking out the door. "I'm not asking you to not care, Thaarin...but why don't we stop dancing around the past and you tell me what you want. From me. Right now." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "All right, but now I don't know whether to hope that I don't distract you too much, or that you're not too disappointed in the spectacle of a Sephi girl taking her clothes off," Navi observes impishly, in spite of a faint blush, as she continues to undress. If he wants a peek at Navi in her underwear, he might be disappointed; even if she weren't wearing an undershirt, her undergarments are rather modest undyed cor-cotton. And while she is indeed a lovely young woman, he gets little time to appreciate this; she's in bed and covered up less than a minute after putting her discarded clothes away, with only her blonde hair and twintails showing above the covers. "Happy reading, Taryn," she says softly. "Please wake me when dinnertime comes." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I didn't want you to do anything, Zetha," Thaarin says, his tone razor sharp. "You say that, but -I- would know," he says, "don't you realize? Why do you think I've never said anything to you until now? If you know that feeling, then you must know what it's like, to bare your soul to another with absolute certainty that they will reject you?" "You know me. You know this is atypical for me, it is atypical in Chiss culture. We do not discuss our raw feelings plainly like this. It is considered a sign of weakness, something to be exploited." "There were so many times I stopped by the scrapyard, to work on that damned vessel, and I heard your voice, and your footsteps returning. How I longed to go out and greet you affectionately! But that wasn't allowed, it wasn't advisable. To do that would have taken me down an inappropriate path, you were in someone else's arms. Similarly, I've read every single one of your messages but I could never reply. Words on a screen could not do what I felt justice without crossing a boundary. I wanted to be honest, but I couldn't. So I opted to say nothing at all." "You can't give me what I want, Zetha. Because you're already giving it to someone else." And then he does actually leave, passing into the darker outer hallway like a blue shadow. Taryn is indeed, a bit disappointed. He'd never say it, of course, but he is. "Certainly..." he says distractedly, opening his holobook. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches him leave after dropping all the emotions on her and if her heart could break any further it would likely shatter. She looks back into the room they're going to be sharing for sixteen days. Sixteeen. Days. She won't torture him like that. Or herself for that matter. So she turns and grabs her own backpack from under the bed and shoves the small satchel of credits into it before shouldering it and heading for the door. Ships like this one are big but they aren't hard to work out where things are. Zetha'll make quick work to find her way into the engine room, then a spot where she can just drop her backpack, and herself, and curl up with the engine roaring right next to her. Thaarin can keep the room with his prissy ass self and his stupid emotions and his audacity. She can spend sixteen days here, eating the rations in her bag and making sure the engine runs smooth as butter. It won't stop the tears as they come, but they'll be lost in the roar that will eventually help her fall asleep. 
}}

The Baron Unmasked

2026-07-07T23:50:08Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-04-15
|Cast of Characters=159, 444
|pretty=yes
|Location=Tenoo - Outer Rim
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron blushes furiously, averting his gaze, instinctively reaching for one of his capes and holding it to his chest, trying to cover himself in embarrassment. But Zetha will start to notice how right she is, as soon as she's made the observation that he doesn't look well. He looks terribly pale, and exhausted, and there's a strange, melancholic look in his eyes when she mentions the hospital. "Have you ever heard of a synthgraft failure," he says softly, "it can occur if the body develops an allergic reaction to the synthskin." He doesn't even look at her, it's almost like he barely recognizes she's there anymore, "Monstrous, isn't it..." Zetha might have a vague memory of one time the doctor had been telling her medical facts she didn't ask to know (this happened more often than Zetha probably liked). Synthskin in and of itself, he'd told her, was indication of a wound so great that the body could not heal. And sometimes, especially among humans, a body might refuse the synthgraft. This could sometimes result in death, and in rare cases where loved ones refused euthanasia, it could be excruciatingly slow and painful. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I've been told of it...I've never actually seen it before though. And for the record...I don't think you look monstrous. I think you look like you're in pain, and a lot of it." Zetha says this much before she stands, slipping her personal slicer back into a pocket. "And I suppose the allergy doesn't have any sort of cure so you're left to suffer the results of it? Can't be a very nice life..." Which puts the journal entry she had read into a little more light, but she's still upset about what he wrote on her. She won't bring it up though, and instead takes a slow breath in. "Anyway. I don't know if anything was taken but I didn't find anything corrupted in what files I managed to read before you got here. So there's that. If you tell me where things go I wouldn't mind helping you clean up in here a bit..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He looks like a porcelain doll, cheeks red but skin deathly white. It's becoming, but in a terrible way. Why isn't he in a hospital? "..." His expression softens. Perhaps he'd been about to say something. But then he suddenly looks like he feels horribly ill, and collapsing to his knees, manages to grab a small wastebasket and vomit into it until yellow bile drips down the side of it. The bending over causes the wound on his back to split open even more. Blood begins spill down his backside, creating a small pool of scarlet liquid on the floor. He seems alarmingly unconcerned or bothered by it. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches only long enough to realize what's about to happen and averts her gaze just in time - though just hearing the sound is enough to make her stomach lurch a little. When she looks back, she sees how that wound on his back has split open and so she has to turn away again. "I'm going to send for help. You cannot keep going like this, Caine." Using the other name she's learned of his, though she has to wonder if that's even his real name. She'll pull out her communicator and puts in an emergency call to the hospital, giving them the location of the Jedi Temple and how someone is suffering from a terrible case of synthskin allergies and needs immediate aid. Then she'll send a message to Soren. <<Didn't get info. Caine showed up. Trying to get him to hospital. Synthskin allergy. Bad too.>> And really, Caine could protest all this, but in the end, what good is it going to do him? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "No..." Caine says quietly, seemingly done vomiting. He wipes his face with a nearby washcloth and moves to flick the communicator out of her hand. He doesn't quite succeed. "It's alright, I'm fine., I've done this for more than a decade, now." He lies down on his cot, elevating his upper body slightly with a couple of pillows. "I have medication." He heaves a sigh. "Unfortunately, the side effects are ... less than ideal." Soren doesn't respond. Where the hell is he? "Nausea, insomnia, chills, anxiety, mood swings, hormonal imbalances... and perhaps worst of all, an ever decreasing probability that I'll become a biological father." He pauses, his expression dimming even more. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Right, because according to you, I had already written you off as a monster and will prey on the soooo many suitors I have until one of them caves and asks to marry me." Zetha offers because she's finally got a stick up her ass enough to say something when he speaks about imbalances, mood swings, and other symptoms. "Can't you do something to, like, ensure you leave a sort of legacy. I'm sure they have programs for that...and at the very least someone could be born with your genetics." She notices Soren doesn't respond, but that has to be on the back burner for a moment. "So I hear tell you've let some people know where this lab is...but there may be an issue with a matter of entry..." She looks at her communicator as she says this, like she's reading something from someone. "Do you need your medication? Is it somewhere here where I could get it for you?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I am a monster," he says quietly, without looking at her. "I took it already," he says in a dazed, melancholy sort of way. He doesn't comment when she says that she's certain they have programs for that. There's a pregnant pause, and then he laughs very softly. "You? Mistress Misfortune? That can't be. You must be happy. Your mother loves you, you have a father figure in the doctor and I'm assuming, a supportive significant other." "The reason why I approached you at the grav-club was because I thought you might understand what it felt like, to be hopelessly lonely while in a sea of people..." "I loved you. That's why it hurt so much." Then his expression becomes unsettlingly blank, as if he'd completely forgotten the world around him. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "You realize that Zabrak woman isn't my mother right? Not really? She found me abandoned here on Teeno when I was a kid. Left behind by slavers who took off with my parents but without me. And she..." Zetha pauses, sighs. "I guess she loves me. She has a hard time showing it though...as for Soren...he's probably as much a father figure as I'll ever really have...but..." Trailing off, she shrugs. "I do know what it's like to feel that way...the grav-club was not the place for me. And I keep feeling like no where on Teeno is anymore. But I digress..." "How can you say you loved me? You barely know anything about me, truly. You may have loved the me you created in your head...but you don't love -me-...you wrote like I had seen you. All of you. And I haven't. Ever." Then she watches him blank out and that gives her pause. Almost like she has to wonder if he really heard anything she just said. So she looks around and at least begins to tidy the mess Soren left behind. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Indeed, she might wonder if he had heard her at all, as he doesn't say anything to her for a bit. But then, while she's starting to tidy up, he finally says, "Well you have now..." in a voice so quiet she might have missed it if she were a step farther away. If she looks over at him, she'll see that tears are flowing freely down his cheeks, wetting the pillow beneath him. "The heart wants what it wants," he continues, "a bit unfortunate, isn't it? What lengths it will go to, in an attempt to repair itself." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "And yet I don't see the monster you claim to be. I see a man who is suffering. In many ways." Zetha offers, putting up a few more bits of strewn items before she does indeed look at him. Seeing those tears. "You're right about one thing. I do have a significant other. It's a newer relationship though, and it's not with the one you would likely think it is. I'm sorry I don't love you back...but there was never really any time....you played things very aloof...and the only bits I knew where mostly fed to me by other people." What she really hates is how she feels like she sounds a lot like Soren. Like he's rubbing off on her in certain ways. "I can't change how I feel or how you feel...but if it's worth anything...I could consider you a friend. If you weren't, you know, actually actively trying to make clones out of Mandos and Jedis...." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You don't understand," he says, "cloning Tarre was never about power or prestige. It was a desperate attempt to bring peace to Mandalore, a society born to breed on violence and civil disorder. It's about unity, about trying a radically different approach towards an age old problem. We haven't known true peace in thousands of years, Zetha. At the current rate things are going, Mandalore will be a desolate world, laid barren by our constant fighting in a few hundred years." He stares at the ceiling and sighs. "I didn't think it would work, anyway," He says softly, "it was more out of impulse than anything else that I tried it, and the likelihood of the clone maturing or even being remotely Force sensitive is extremely low. But then the Arkanians interfered. They'll do things I'm not willing to. And now it's out of hand, and I have no idea what the outcome will be like." He sighs, and sitting up, takes a small syringe out of a box lying on the ground. Then, wiping a few of his tears on his palm, he uses the syringe to draw up the liquid before pressing the button on the syringe that moves the cover over the needle. "I haven't been very fair to you, Zetha," he says, handing her the syringe. "Access to the lab can be granted via my biometrics in lieu of a badge swipe." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha listens and then she sort of lowers her head while looking contemplative. "Maybe Mandalore wasn't yours to try and save alone...but I can appreciate the idea behind it. Your intentions were there...just perhaps gone about in a rather impulsive and construed way..." She offers this much before watching him draw his vitals into a syringe that is then handed to her. Which she takes. Reluctantly. "Thank you, Caine." Is spoken gently. "Would you be alright with me coming by to see you again? Provided I can find you here once I'm done?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He laughs softly again. "Story of my life," he says, and perhaps Zetha will find that relatable. He stares at her for a good long minute or so, his baby blue eyes an ocean of sadness one could drown in. There's a pure, raw longing in his expression, it's not romantic or sexual, instead, it's childlike and innocent. Finally he tears his gaze away, his words grief soaked. "No. You're seeing someone else. I can't -- it's not appropriate." He lies down on the cot again, turning away from her. "You... should go." Her commlink buzzes. Soren's finally pinged her back. << Where are you? >> 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha would fight it, and maybe she'll defy his wishes and come back anyway because she's stubborn like that and he needs a friend. A good, solid friend. Though his words still hurt a little, and as he turns away from her and tells her to go she nods. "As you wish." So she leaves the hab, looking at the message on her commlink and types back, <<Leaving the Baron's hab. I have a way into the lab. Not the card, but his biometrics will work in lieu of it, and I have that. Where shall I meet you?>> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She'll be looking at the message when Soren suddenly appears, right in front of her. She might actually just bump into him, physically. "Zetha...!" He gives her an expectant look. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Oomph...!" Just as Zetha bumps into Soren and she raises a brow. "You expected me harmed? I'm fine. Here." And she places the syringe into Soren's hand. "Take that and get into the lab. Don't ask questions. Just...go...and see this finished." With him here, she's no intention to follow him. Instead, she has a very pressing inner want to see Crane all of a sudden. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Soren frowns when he sees the syringe. He studies it for half a second, then suddenly goes over to the Baron's tent and peers in through the half open flap. "He gave this to you?" he says, very softly, though his tone conveys urgency and concern. He turns to Zetha, and the Twi'lek girl be able to see tears glistening in his eyes. Seems like she has quite the effect on the males tonight! "Look--" He pauses. "I need you to know that I -- I might not ever see you again. And because of that I need you to do this last thing for me. I need you knock him out --" he hands her another syringe with some sedative in it, "stitch him up, and stay with him until he wakes back up or the others arrive back here. I know," he says, "I know you haven't been properly taught to do stitches, but you'll do fine, you've watched me a couple of times, it's good enough." He seems to be getting increasingly emotional. "I'm sorry. I know you want an explanation, but I can't give you one. Someday, maybe you'll understand." Then he turns to leave. "Goodbye Zetha. And good luck." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Wait. What?! No. No no no... You were supposed to go with me to Coruscant.. you're supposed to... what the kriff do you mean I'll never see you again?!" Zetha says that first and then her jaw sets tightly. Stitch up the Baron. Stay with him. And watch this man just walk out of her life with no explanation as to why and no way to process it all while it's happening. "How can I understand what you won't....kriffing explain! What...I..." She grips the syringe with the sedative in her hand tightly and then turns away. Listening to him leave. To his goodbye. Not see you later. Talk soon. A final goodbye. Then she takes a breath and walks back into the Baron's tent. Things will happen - she'll do as Soren asked - all while fighting tears of both sadness and anger. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She'll see him disappear into the dark hallway, and be able to hear his muffled dry sobs as he retreats, maybe forever. The Baron is curled up in a half fetal position on the cot inside the temporary hab shelter. The positioning of his body is aggravating the wound, but he doesn't seem to notice, or care. What he does seem to notice and care about though is that she's visibly distraught. "Oh, Zetha...cyar'ika..." He rolls over with some effort, and reaches a hand up to brush a tear away from her cheek, his expression tender. She'll recognize that look in his eyes. It's the same one Crane had given her, right after he'd told her he loved her. Maybe he had loved her, after all. Maybe he still did. "Do you know why you're beautiful? It's because you're kind..." But then the sedative takes effect and his eyelids flutter shut. Minutes later, she'll hear footsteps in the hallway, and see lights turning on. The other Mandalorians, Navi, and the Jedi, had returned. But there are others, too -- the Disciples from the Convent, and among them, Crane. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is slightly caught off guard when she sees him roll over and feels his hand brush away a tear. Watching his expression and seeing how it's exactly the same one Crane gave her. Her heart twitches even while it breaks and when he drifts off unable to finish his thought she'll almost wish she hadn't given him the sedative so soon. The tears fall freely, being wiped away every so often as she tries her best to make shoddy stitch work of the wound in Caine's back. When she hears the footsteps, she'll finish the stitch work before moving to peek out of the temporary hab and see everyone arriving. Including Crane. She watches him with hope he'll notice her standing there - though she doesn't want to draw much attention either. Regardless of how much she wants to just run over and hug him - knowing he's not good at public affection. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Crane will immediately notice Zetha as soon as she leaves the temporary hab shelter and comes to stand in the dojo. How his eyes light up! They always did, but maybe it'll warm Zetha's heart all the same. He hurries to her side, but immediately seems to know something is wrong. He takes her hand. "Zetha, what is it?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' There's a flutter in her heart when she sees how Crane lights up as he spots her. Watching him hurry to her side, but she knows as soon as he's nearer that he can tell she's in distress. As he takes her hand, she shakes her head, letting a few more tears freely fall as she manages the words "Soren...made a comment he may never see me again...and then said goodbye...." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His brows furrow. "The doctor??" His expression grows more concerned. "Was he here? Why? Zetha, what happened?" But the doctor had made her promise. He'd made her promise that she'd not tell anyone he was here, or that they'd spoken about the lab... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head. "Not here, no. Just recently enough that thinking about it still hurts. And I don't know why. He wouldn't tell me. Said he couldn't tell me but that one day I may understand." Then she glances back behind her to the Baron's tent. "Caine's in a bad way. Synthskin allergy. It doesn't look good. And actually I guess talking to Caine kinda opened up some inner wounds. It's been a crazy few days..." It's not all lies. She did see Soren before and he did run off without explanation. Cropping the story helps her keep a promise or few and still allow herself the emotional roller coaster. "...It's good to see you, love." She finally manages. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "My love, I'm so sorry," he says, embracing her gently. "Do you want me to tell the Jedi to go looking for him?" Somehow, Zetha will know that is exactly what the doctor doesn't want. Why, of course, she'll never know. He wouldn't explain a damn thing. But she knows the doctor well enough to know that he takes keeping secrets very seriously. Especially his own, apparently. He strokes her lekku, giving her a faint smile. "I can't imagine," he says softly. "I'll talk to Navi, I'm sure she can do something for him." He pauses. "You have to go to Coruscant first thing in the morning too, don't you? Ah, the timing is so bad. I wish you didn't have to go." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head. "No. And in truth, please don't tell them anything, actually. It's best kept between you and me. For now." Perhaps until she's certain that whatever fate Soren thinks he's facing actually ends up the way he imagines it. Is it the lab? Everything seems to point to that... "T-tomorrow? Oh for kriff's sake...no one told me!" She sighs and then looks Crane in the eyes. "I don't want to go. Soren was supposed to go with me....but I have to. Key witness and all that..." Though that also means.... "I have to go home and pack..." And then, "Could you not go with me?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh," he says softly, that look of concern still on his face, "Okay. If you say so." "I know, and I'm sorry. But think of it this way -- you're doing a wonderful service to the Republic by helping to administer justice," he says. "Like the heroes of old and now, do," he says with a soft chuckle, attempting to lighten the mood. His indigo eyes turn mournful when she asks him to go with her. "I would, Zetha, I really would, but... the Disciples want me here, to help out with the rebuilding of the Convent." A pause, and he starts ushering her down the hall, towards the archives and away from the the dojo. "In all honesty, the other Disciples don't really like me seeing you all that much. They tolerate it, but you're not of the faith. And that bothers them." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "No. No that makes sense and you should. Stay here and help rebuild. I wish I could too cause I always have after the monsoon seasons... but..." Zetha frowns a little as he ushers her down the hallway a bit - away from the others. When he speaks on how the other Disciples don't like him seeing her and just tolerate it, she actually makes a face. "What so if I don't kneel at an alter and pray to the Force that means I'm not worthy of something? Not everyone worships the Force the same way....they ought not be so closed minded about it..." Then she softens her features a bit. "Gosh there's so much more to tell you but...if it's late and I have to pack and then catch a ship in the morning..." Cause she would tell him about the conversation with the Baron. -That- isn't a secret and something she ought to let him know about just in case. Instead, she suddenly asks, "Does their not liking us being together hinder potentials in the future?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He gives her a sad look. "I wish you could too," he says, "but you're serving a greater cause by going to Coruscant," he says, "and I'm sure there'll be a lot of wonderful things to see there. Hopefully you'll feel like telling me all about it once you're back," he says. He actually looks a bit hurt when she says she doesn't kneel at an altar and pray to the Force. "I mean, we don't do that, and I didn't mean you have to adhere to our faith. It would just be nice if you did," he says, "however, I don't want to force you to do anything. And it certainly doesn't change the way I feel about you." "I suppose I shouldn't keep you from packing," he says softly, taking both her hands in his and squeezing them. But when she asks about hindering potential, he tilts his head to one side and says, "Like what? Getting married?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Of course I'll come back with stories. Won't be much of a trip if I don't. And I'll call...or text...we'll keep in touch. I promise." Zetha offers this with a smile and then when he looks hurt she sort of winces. "Sorry. I know. I'm really ignorant to your faith and I shouldn't judge it. I mean I'm not...opposed to the idea? I just...like I said...I don't know much about it." Then she smiles. "But I'd be willing to learn." When he mentions not keeping her from packing she almost deflates and gives a nod. Though now he's holding both her hands and squeezing them. That makes her heart flutter again. And she's asked another question. "Well. I guess more near future of still seeing each other. Spending time together but... I mean... in the future. At some point. It....could be a possibility?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Yes," he says softly, touching her cheek gently. "We will. I'll still miss you, though." He looks sad for a moment, and then embraces her again. "It's okay," he says, "you could always come by the Convent more after it gets rebuilt. There's a plan to make it bigger, and even turn the place into an educational facility. Not just for faith based learning, but all kinds." His eyes light up. "If we can secure the funding, many of the displaced children in Kublop, and those who stowed away on the vessel that brought the colonists to Tenoo, will have a home and be able to get an education." "Of course not," he says. And then more softly, he says, "I think so. I hope so." If only the doctor were here. He would have been the first person she would have told, probably. But he's not here, and she might not even get to tell him, at all. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' That just makes Zetha smile. Maybe she doesn't have to say anything about Caine so soon. It was a thing, she'll deal with it, and she'll come back and talk to Crane about it like it was just something that happened. Though after a moment she takes a breath. "I'll miss you too. Kinda do already. I cannot wait to see the convent rebuilt and I would love to learn about your faith at least. Have a better understanding of it." Maybe embrace it. Who knows. Zetha could certainly use the structure. Just before she decides to go she actually gives a little smile. "You remember when we first met? I can't believe where we are now. It's surreal and amazing and admittedly kinda scary but in a good way? All at the same time. I'll message you when I'm at Coruscant to let you know I got there safely." She then looks around quick before leaning in to kiss the corner of his lips. Just a quick peck. "I love you, Crane." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His eyes light up when she says she'd love to learn about his faith. "You would?" He seems flattered. "I'll worry too much if you don't," he says, giving her a puppy eyed look. When she kisses him, again, he seems flattered. He always does. Like he doesn't deserve her affection, but is too shy to say that he thinks he doesn't. He kisses her back, briefly. "I love you too, Zetha." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Alright. I should go before I don't go because I don't want to go but I should go because I have a duty to uphold and all that. I'll message." Zetha offers and slowly but reluctantly pulls away from him. "Try not to miss me too much..." She offers and then turns and begins to walk away. Though she does pull out her commlink to send Crane one message. <<uWu>> If only she knew where the lab was...and Soren's already long gone so she couldn't follow him. It will bug her until she learns the truth of it all...but for now...she will likely relent and head home.... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Crane will just send her a bunch of affectionate emojis back. But that's pretty typical of him - normally he sends more emojis than actually text. Zetha will just have to wait, and hope, that Soren's goodbye wasn't final. Only time will tell. Maybe she could use a little bit of that faith Crane had, after all. 
}}

The Baron Unmasked

2026-07-07T23:49:54Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-04-15 |Cast of Characters=159, 444 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron blushes furiously, averting his gaze, instinctively reaching for one of his capes and holding it to his chest, trying to cover himself in embarrassment. But Zetha will start to notice how right she is, as soon as she's made the observation that he doesn't look well. He looks terribly pale, and exhausted, and th..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-04-15
|Cast of Characters=159, 444
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron blushes furiously, averting his gaze, instinctively reaching for one of his capes and holding it to his chest, trying to cover himself in embarrassment. But Zetha will start to notice how right she is, as soon as she's made the observation that he doesn't look well. He looks terribly pale, and exhausted, and there's a strange, melancholic look in his eyes when she mentions the hospital. "Have you ever heard of a synthgraft failure," he says softly, "it can occur if the body develops an allergic reaction to the synthskin." He doesn't even look at her, it's almost like he barely recognizes she's there anymore, "Monstrous, isn't it..." Zetha might have a vague memory of one time the doctor had been telling her medical facts she didn't ask to know (this happened more often than Zetha probably liked). Synthskin in and of itself, he'd told her, was indication of a wound so great that the body could not heal. And sometimes, especially among humans, a body might refuse the synthgraft. This could sometimes result in death, and in rare cases where loved ones refused euthanasia, it could be excruciatingly slow and painful. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I've been told of it...I've never actually seen it before though. And for the record...I don't think you look monstrous. I think you look like you're in pain, and a lot of it." Zetha says this much before she stands, slipping her personal slicer back into a pocket. "And I suppose the allergy doesn't have any sort of cure so you're left to suffer the results of it? Can't be a very nice life..." Which puts the journal entry she had read into a little more light, but she's still upset about what he wrote on her. She won't bring it up though, and instead takes a slow breath in. "Anyway. I don't know if anything was taken but I didn't find anything corrupted in what files I managed to read before you got here. So there's that. If you tell me where things go I wouldn't mind helping you clean up in here a bit..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He looks like a porcelain doll, cheeks red but skin deathly white. It's becoming, but in a terrible way. Why isn't he in a hospital? "..." His expression softens. Perhaps he'd been about to say something. But then he suddenly looks like he feels horribly ill, and collapsing to his knees, manages to grab a small wastebasket and vomit into it until yellow bile drips down the side of it. The bending over causes the wound on his back to split open even more. Blood begins spill down his backside, creating a small pool of scarlet liquid on the floor. He seems alarmingly unconcerned or bothered by it. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches only long enough to realize what's about to happen and averts her gaze just in time - though just hearing the sound is enough to make her stomach lurch a little. When she looks back, she sees how that wound on his back has split open and so she has to turn away again. "I'm going to send for help. You cannot keep going like this, Caine." Using the other name she's learned of his, though she has to wonder if that's even his real name. She'll pull out her communicator and puts in an emergency call to the hospital, giving them the location of the Jedi Temple and how someone is suffering from a terrible case of synthskin allergies and needs immediate aid. Then she'll send a message to Soren. <<Didn't get info. Caine showed up. Trying to get him to hospital. Synthskin allergy. Bad too.>> And really, Caine could protest all this, but in the end, what good is it going to do him? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "No..." Caine says quietly, seemingly done vomiting. He wipes his face with a nearby washcloth and moves to flick the communicator out of her hand. He doesn't quite succeed. "It's alright, I'm fine., I've done this for more than a decade, now." He lies down on his cot, elevating his upper body slightly with a couple of pillows. "I have medication." He heaves a sigh. "Unfortunately, the side effects are ... less than ideal." Soren doesn't respond. Where the hell is he? "Nausea, insomnia, chills, anxiety, mood swings, hormonal imbalances... and perhaps worst of all, an ever decreasing probability that I'll become a biological father." He pauses, his expression dimming even more. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Right, because according to you, I had already written you off as a monster and will prey on the soooo many suitors I have until one of them caves and asks to marry me." Zetha offers because she's finally got a stick up her ass enough to say something when he speaks about imbalances, mood swings, and other symptoms. "Can't you do something to, like, ensure you leave a sort of legacy. I'm sure they have programs for that...and at the very least someone could be born with your genetics." She notices Soren doesn't respond, but that has to be on the back burner for a moment. "So I hear tell you've let some people know where this lab is...but there may be an issue with a matter of entry..." She looks at her communicator as she says this, like she's reading something from someone. "Do you need your medication? Is it somewhere here where I could get it for you?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I am a monster," he says quietly, without looking at her. "I took it already," he says in a dazed, melancholy sort of way. He doesn't comment when she says that she's certain they have programs for that. There's a pregnant pause, and then he laughs very softly. "You? Mistress Misfortune? That can't be. You must be happy. Your mother loves you, you have a father figure in the doctor and I'm assuming, a supportive significant other." "The reason why I approached you at the grav-club was because I thought you might understand what it felt like, to be hopelessly lonely while in a sea of people..." "I loved you. That's why it hurt so much." Then his expression becomes unsettlingly blank, as if he'd completely forgotten the world around him. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "You realize that Zabrak woman isn't my mother right? Not really? She found me abandoned here on Teeno when I was a kid. Left behind by slavers who took off with my parents but without me. And she..." Zetha pauses, sighs. "I guess she loves me. She has a hard time showing it though...as for Soren...he's probably as much a father figure as I'll ever really have...but..." Trailing off, she shrugs. "I do know what it's like to feel that way...the grav-club was not the place for me. And I keep feeling like no where on Teeno is anymore. But I digress..." "How can you say you loved me? You barely know anything about me, truly. You may have loved the me you created in your head...but you don't love -me-...you wrote like I had seen you. All of you. And I haven't. Ever." Then she watches him blank out and that gives her pause. Almost like she has to wonder if he really heard anything she just said. So she looks around and at least begins to tidy the mess Soren left behind. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Indeed, she might wonder if he had heard her at all, as he doesn't say anything to her for a bit. But then, while she's starting to tidy up, he finally says, "Well you have now..." in a voice so quiet she might have missed it if she were a step farther away. If she looks over at him, she'll see that tears are flowing freely down his cheeks, wetting the pillow beneath him. "The heart wants what it wants," he continues, "a bit unfortunate, isn't it? What lengths it will go to, in an attempt to repair itself." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "And yet I don't see the monster you claim to be. I see a man who is suffering. In many ways." Zetha offers, putting up a few more bits of strewn items before she does indeed look at him. Seeing those tears. "You're right about one thing. I do have a significant other. It's a newer relationship though, and it's not with the one you would likely think it is. I'm sorry I don't love you back...but there was never really any time....you played things very aloof...and the only bits I knew where mostly fed to me by other people." What she really hates is how she feels like she sounds a lot like Soren. Like he's rubbing off on her in certain ways. "I can't change how I feel or how you feel...but if it's worth anything...I could consider you a friend. If you weren't, you know, actually actively trying to make clones out of Mandos and Jedis...." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You don't understand," he says, "cloning Tarre was never about power or prestige. It was a desperate attempt to bring peace to Mandalore, a society born to breed on violence and civil disorder. It's about unity, about trying a radically different approach towards an age old problem. We haven't known true peace in thousands of years, Zetha. At the current rate things are going, Mandalore will be a desolate world, laid barren by our constant fighting in a few hundred years." He stares at the ceiling and sighs. "I didn't think it would work, anyway," He says softly, "it was more out of impulse than anything else that I tried it, and the likelihood of the clone maturing or even being remotely Force sensitive is extremely low. But then the Arkanians interfered. They'll do things I'm not willing to. And now it's out of hand, and I have no idea what the outcome will be like." He sighs, and sitting up, takes a small syringe out of a box lying on the ground. Then, wiping a few of his tears on his palm, he uses the syringe to draw up the liquid before pressing the button on the syringe that moves the cover over the needle. "I haven't been very fair to you, Zetha," he says, handing her the syringe. "Access to the lab can be granted via my biometrics in lieu of a badge swipe." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha listens and then she sort of lowers her head while looking contemplative. "Maybe Mandalore wasn't yours to try and save alone...but I can appreciate the idea behind it. Your intentions were there...just perhaps gone about in a rather impulsive and construed way..." She offers this much before watching him draw his vitals into a syringe that is then handed to her. Which she takes. Reluctantly. "Thank you, Caine." Is spoken gently. "Would you be alright with me coming by to see you again? Provided I can find you here once I'm done?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He laughs softly again. "Story of my life," he says, and perhaps Zetha will find that relatable. He stares at her for a good long minute or so, his baby blue eyes an ocean of sadness one could drown in. There's a pure, raw longing in his expression, it's not romantic or sexual, instead, it's childlike and innocent. Finally he tears his gaze away, his words grief soaked. "No. You're seeing someone else. I can't -- it's not appropriate." He lies down on the cot again, turning away from her. "You... should go." Her commlink buzzes. Soren's finally pinged her back. << Where are you? >> 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha would fight it, and maybe she'll defy his wishes and come back anyway because she's stubborn like that and he needs a friend. A good, solid friend. Though his words still hurt a little, and as he turns away from her and tells her to go she nods. "As you wish." So she leaves the hab, looking at the message on her commlink and types back, <<Leaving the Baron's hab. I have a way into the lab. Not the card, but his biometrics will work in lieu of it, and I have that. Where shall I meet you?>> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She'll be looking at the message when Soren suddenly appears, right in front of her. She might actually just bump into him, physically. "Zetha...!" He gives her an expectant look. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Oomph...!" Just as Zetha bumps into Soren and she raises a brow. "You expected me harmed? I'm fine. Here." And she places the syringe into Soren's hand. "Take that and get into the lab. Don't ask questions. Just...go...and see this finished." With him here, she's no intention to follow him. Instead, she has a very pressing inner want to see Crane all of a sudden. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Soren frowns when he sees the syringe. He studies it for half a second, then suddenly goes over to the Baron's tent and peers in through the half open flap. "He gave this to you?" he says, very softly, though his tone conveys urgency and concern. He turns to Zetha, and the Twi'lek girl be able to see tears glistening in his eyes. Seems like she has quite the effect on the males tonight! "Look--" He pauses. "I need you to know that I -- I might not ever see you again. And because of that I need you to do this last thing for me. I need you knock him out --" he hands her another syringe with some sedative in it, "stitch him up, and stay with him until he wakes back up or the others arrive back here. I know," he says, "I know you haven't been properly taught to do stitches, but you'll do fine, you've watched me a couple of times, it's good enough." He seems to be getting increasingly emotional. "I'm sorry. I know you want an explanation, but I can't give you one. Someday, maybe you'll understand." Then he turns to leave. "Goodbye Zetha. And good luck." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Wait. What?! No. No no no... You were supposed to go with me to Coruscant.. you're supposed to... what the kriff do you mean I'll never see you again?!" Zetha says that first and then her jaw sets tightly. Stitch up the Baron. Stay with him. And watch this man just walk out of her life with no explanation as to why and no way to process it all while it's happening. "How can I understand what you won't....kriffing explain! What...I..." She grips the syringe with the sedative in her hand tightly and then turns away. Listening to him leave. To his goodbye. Not see you later. Talk soon. A final goodbye. Then she takes a breath and walks back into the Baron's tent. Things will happen - she'll do as Soren asked - all while fighting tears of both sadness and anger. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She'll see him disappear into the dark hallway, and be able to hear his muffled dry sobs as he retreats, maybe forever. The Baron is curled up in a half fetal position on the cot inside the temporary hab shelter. The positioning of his body is aggravating the wound, but he doesn't seem to notice, or care. What he does seem to notice and care about though is that she's visibly distraught. "Oh, Zetha...cyar'ika..." He rolls over with some effort, and reaches a hand up to brush a tear away from her cheek, his expression tender. She'll recognize that look in his eyes. It's the same one Crane had given her, right after he'd told her he loved her. Maybe he had loved her, after all. Maybe he still did. "Do you know why you're beautiful? It's because you're kind..." But then the sedative takes effect and his eyelids flutter shut. Minutes later, she'll hear footsteps in the hallway, and see lights turning on. The other Mandalorians, Navi, and the Jedi, had returned. But there are others, too -- the Disciples from the Convent, and among them, Crane. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is slightly caught off guard when she sees him roll over and feels his hand brush away a tear. Watching his expression and seeing how it's exactly the same one Crane gave her. Her heart twitches even while it breaks and when he drifts off unable to finish his thought she'll almost wish she hadn't given him the sedative so soon. The tears fall freely, being wiped away every so often as she tries her best to make shoddy stitch work of the wound in Caine's back. When she hears the footsteps, she'll finish the stitch work before moving to peek out of the temporary hab and see everyone arriving. Including Crane. She watches him with hope he'll notice her standing there - though she doesn't want to draw much attention either. Regardless of how much she wants to just run over and hug him - knowing he's not good at public affection. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Crane will immediately notice Zetha as soon as she leaves the temporary hab shelter and comes to stand in the dojo. How his eyes light up! They always did, but maybe it'll warm Zetha's heart all the same. He hurries to her side, but immediately seems to know something is wrong. He takes her hand. "Zetha, what is it?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' There's a flutter in her heart when she sees how Crane lights up as he spots her. Watching him hurry to her side, but she knows as soon as he's nearer that he can tell she's in distress. As he takes her hand, she shakes her head, letting a few more tears freely fall as she manages the words "Soren...made a comment he may never see me again...and then said goodbye...." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His brows furrow. "The doctor??" His expression grows more concerned. "Was he here? Why? Zetha, what happened?" But the doctor had made her promise. He'd made her promise that she'd not tell anyone he was here, or that they'd spoken about the lab... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head. "Not here, no. Just recently enough that thinking about it still hurts. And I don't know why. He wouldn't tell me. Said he couldn't tell me but that one day I may understand." Then she glances back behind her to the Baron's tent. "Caine's in a bad way. Synthskin allergy. It doesn't look good. And actually I guess talking to Caine kinda opened up some inner wounds. It's been a crazy few days..." It's not all lies. She did see Soren before and he did run off without explanation. Cropping the story helps her keep a promise or few and still allow herself the emotional roller coaster. "...It's good to see you, love." She finally manages. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "My love, I'm so sorry," he says, embracing her gently. "Do you want me to tell the Jedi to go looking for him?" Somehow, Zetha will know that is exactly what the doctor doesn't want. Why, of course, she'll never know. He wouldn't explain a damn thing. But she knows the doctor well enough to know that he takes keeping secrets very seriously. Especially his own, apparently. He strokes her lekku, giving her a faint smile. "I can't imagine," he says softly. "I'll talk to Navi, I'm sure she can do something for him." He pauses. "You have to go to Coruscant first thing in the morning too, don't you? Ah, the timing is so bad. I wish you didn't have to go." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head. "No. And in truth, please don't tell them anything, actually. It's best kept between you and me. For now." Perhaps until she's certain that whatever fate Soren thinks he's facing actually ends up the way he imagines it. Is it the lab? Everything seems to point to that... "T-tomorrow? Oh for kriff's sake...no one told me!" She sighs and then looks Crane in the eyes. "I don't want to go. Soren was supposed to go with me....but I have to. Key witness and all that..." Though that also means.... "I have to go home and pack..." And then, "Could you not go with me?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh," he says softly, that look of concern still on his face, "Okay. If you say so." "I know, and I'm sorry. But think of it this way -- you're doing a wonderful service to the Republic by helping to administer justice," he says. "Like the heroes of old and now, do," he says with a soft chuckle, attempting to lighten the mood. His indigo eyes turn mournful when she asks him to go with her. "I would, Zetha, I really would, but... the Disciples want me here, to help out with the rebuilding of the Convent." A pause, and he starts ushering her down the hall, towards the archives and away from the the dojo. "In all honesty, the other Disciples don't really like me seeing you all that much. They tolerate it, but you're not of the faith. And that bothers them." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "No. No that makes sense and you should. Stay here and help rebuild. I wish I could too cause I always have after the monsoon seasons... but..." Zetha frowns a little as he ushers her down the hallway a bit - away from the others. When he speaks on how the other Disciples don't like him seeing her and just tolerate it, she actually makes a face. "What so if I don't kneel at an alter and pray to the Force that means I'm not worthy of something? Not everyone worships the Force the same way....they ought not be so closed minded about it..." Then she softens her features a bit. "Gosh there's so much more to tell you but...if it's late and I have to pack and then catch a ship in the morning..." Cause she would tell him about the conversation with the Baron. -That- isn't a secret and something she ought to let him know about just in case. Instead, she suddenly asks, "Does their not liking us being together hinder potentials in the future?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He gives her a sad look. "I wish you could too," he says, "but you're serving a greater cause by going to Coruscant," he says, "and I'm sure there'll be a lot of wonderful things to see there. Hopefully you'll feel like telling me all about it once you're back," he says. He actually looks a bit hurt when she says she doesn't kneel at an altar and pray to the Force. "I mean, we don't do that, and I didn't mean you have to adhere to our faith. It would just be nice if you did," he says, "however, I don't want to force you to do anything. And it certainly doesn't change the way I feel about you." "I suppose I shouldn't keep you from packing," he says softly, taking both her hands in his and squeezing them. But when she asks about hindering potential, he tilts his head to one side and says, "Like what? Getting married?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Of course I'll come back with stories. Won't be much of a trip if I don't. And I'll call...or text...we'll keep in touch. I promise." Zetha offers this with a smile and then when he looks hurt she sort of winces. "Sorry. I know. I'm really ignorant to your faith and I shouldn't judge it. I mean I'm not...opposed to the idea? I just...like I said...I don't know much about it." Then she smiles. "But I'd be willing to learn." When he mentions not keeping her from packing she almost deflates and gives a nod. Though now he's holding both her hands and squeezing them. That makes her heart flutter again. And she's asked another question. "Well. I guess more near future of still seeing each other. Spending time together but... I mean... in the future. At some point. It....could be a possibility?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Yes," he says softly, touching her cheek gently. "We will. I'll still miss you, though." He looks sad for a moment, and then embraces her again. "It's okay," he says, "you could always come by the Convent more after it gets rebuilt. There's a plan to make it bigger, and even turn the place into an educational facility. Not just for faith based learning, but all kinds." His eyes light up. "If we can secure the funding, many of the displaced children in Kublop, and those who stowed away on the vessel that brought the colonists to Tenoo, will have a home and be able to get an education." "Of course not," he says. And then more softly, he says, "I think so. I hope so." If only the doctor were here. He would have been the first person she would have told, probably. But he's not here, and she might not even get to tell him, at all. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' That just makes Zetha smile. Maybe she doesn't have to say anything about Caine so soon. It was a thing, she'll deal with it, and she'll come back and talk to Crane about it like it was just something that happened. Though after a moment she takes a breath. "I'll miss you too. Kinda do already. I cannot wait to see the convent rebuilt and I would love to learn about your faith at least. Have a better understanding of it." Maybe embrace it. Who knows. Zetha could certainly use the structure. Just before she decides to go she actually gives a little smile. "You remember when we first met? I can't believe where we are now. It's surreal and amazing and admittedly kinda scary but in a good way? All at the same time. I'll message you when I'm at Coruscant to let you know I got there safely." She then looks around quick before leaning in to kiss the corner of his lips. Just a quick peck. "I love you, Crane." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His eyes light up when she says she'd love to learn about his faith. "You would?" He seems flattered. "I'll worry too much if you don't," he says, giving her a puppy eyed look. When she kisses him, again, he seems flattered. He always does. Like he doesn't deserve her affection, but is too shy to say that he thinks he doesn't. He kisses her back, briefly. "I love you too, Zetha." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Alright. I should go before I don't go because I don't want to go but I should go because I have a duty to uphold and all that. I'll message." Zetha offers and slowly but reluctantly pulls away from him. "Try not to miss me too much..." She offers and then turns and begins to walk away. Though she does pull out her commlink to send Crane one message. <<uWu>> If only she knew where the lab was...and Soren's already long gone so she couldn't follow him. It will bug her until she learns the truth of it all...but for now...she will likely relent and head home.... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Crane will just send her a bunch of affectionate emojis back. But that's pretty typical of him - normally he sends more emojis than actually text. Zetha will just have to wait, and hope, that Soren's goodbye wasn't final. Only time will tell. Maybe she could use a little bit of that faith Crane had, after all. 
}}

A Witch's Plea

2026-07-07T23:45:00Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-04-12
|Cast of Characters=159, 261, 143, 444, 418
|pretty=yes
|Location=Tenoo - Outer Rim
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's been a few days since the events at the spaceport, perhaps less than. But much has happened in that time. The Mandalorians (yes, all of them), had been essentially ushered to the Jedi Temple in the Gorge and made to stay there, under a strongly worded recommendation from Rykard, the colony's Marshal. He'd made it known to them that since coordinates to the lab were situated somewhere within the Gorge, the Temple was the best place from which to operate out from (The Baron had distributed the coordinates of the lab to Thaarin, who had made this data available to anyone else who wanted access to it.) Since then, they'd been making decent progress, scouting the Gorge and trying to determine the safest and most efficient path to it, given the monsoon had done quite a number on the Gorge. Several Tenoo trees have fallen, there's detritus strewn in inconvenient places, and new ravines formed where cave ins had occurred. The work of hewing a path through the wilderness is tedious, and risky, but necessary. Navi, who had gone ahead before the Jedi, may have mapped and become familiar with a portion of the Gorge already. She might be several hundred meters down into the valley already -- Rykard, Cayde, Jorn, and Er'gi probably not too far behind her. Now, Jorn may have found the elder Ikkrukki Jedi's observations about the Gorge to be true, already. This place -- he'll be able to feel it in the air. It's not like anywhere he's been before. Everything here feels... more alive, somehow, and the sensation is difficult to describe with words. And the Saber... it is possibly the most alive, inanimate -thing- of all. Its presence is acute. Vibrating, but somehow still at the same time. It's disconcerting. Zetha will have her own troubles. The doctor has gone missing, and his staff seem clueless. Only Luli, with some trepidation, had said to her, "I don't think he's in Kublop. Maybe he went back to Aklyrr." But no one in Aklyrr seems to have seen him, and the only tip she'll receive from a disgruntled Ugnaught there is to check the only other place anyone on Tenoo might be - The Temple. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I hope you brought your waterproof climbing boots, Master. This place is a /mess/. Rockfalls, flooding, and fallen trees. I'm sure you remember how big those trees are," Navi says into her comm earpiece, looking down further into the Gorge from a dozen feet above where the floor should be, perched in the branches of one of the trees that hasn't been blown down. "Better bring extra tools and hands to use them, if you can find them." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde hasn't been having the greatest time down here. But he's also been doing his best not to let anyone know that. He's supposed to have a handle on it...     But for now, he's focused on reaching out with the Force to help move any debris that might be in their way as they attempt to cut a path to the lab. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' So after getting through Kublop and then going to Aklyrr Bend Zetha finally makes her way to the Jedi Temple. Zetha's likely only been near the Jedi temple, but never really inside it. And since the storm it's likely going to be a very trying thing for her to actually get up into the temple. Let alone she's not entirely sure who she's going to run into now that she's here and trying to find a way inside. Safely. Ish. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn isn't sure what to make of -every- Mandalorian here. Honestly, he's torn because he wants to train here. However, time is not on their side either. Then he looks at blade. Vibrating yet not. Jorn will try to focus on the blade. Just do what the young padawan told him. Listen to the blade and how it talks. In that silence, in that weird harmonic, Jorn might be able to hear the blade. That's what he tries to focus on for the moment. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "We'll be careful," the Marshal tells Navi. "Thank you for the warning, though. We've come equipped," he says, "Keep pressing forward. And if you run into any environmental hazards you can't take care of yourself, please let us know." Then he looks over at his padawan, a pensive frown settling onto his expression. Cayde will know that look intimately, without needing the Force. He wants Cayde to Do Something. Now, what that thing is, Cayde will have to discern. It will become known to the padawan, though, that the his Master is thinking, how alike student and pupil were! But he'll also be able to discern that the Something he's supposed to do has everything to do with Jorn. Navi will find herself suddenly walking into a wooded grove with such dense foliage that nearly all light from above is obscured. She'll have to be careful here... Meanwhile, Er'gi creeps closer to Jorn, staring in befuddlement at the Green Mandalorian. The man introspects too much, the larger Mandalorian thinks to himself, but he doesn't say it aloud. Instead, he says, "What... what are you doing? Any idea why the Baron and Volken are late to the scouting party?" Zetha will find that her assumptions about going /up/ to the Temple are wrong. Nope, she's definitely going down. Very down. There's a hiking path cut out ahead of her, complete with mason stairs steep enough to murder someone like Wiis should she attempt to descend them. Good thing the old Zabrak isn't here, her complaining would have been the death of Zetha before she could even reach the first flight of steps. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yes, Master. Watch for the signs I left for you," Navi replies, and keeps moving. She's been using her lightsaber to score arrows into the trees and rocks to indicate where she's going, making for a trail that is very easy to follow. So she has her lightsaber in her hand when she enters the shadowy grove of trees, and instinctively ignites the bluish-white blade to provide a strong light to see by. Then she begins to make her way through the grove with extra care, watching all around her. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Down. Right. And the path is...there. Yeah she certainly would not be cut out for the Jedi life that's for sure. But this is the only lead she has and so she's going to follow it as far as it takes her. Hoping that she's not on some dead end trail - in a sense. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Pocketing the blade. "I don't know. It's concerning." Jorn doesn't like others seeing the blade. Too many people went after him already. The last thing he wants, or needs is another party to join the endless numbers. "I'll try to check in with others." Jorn will try to use short range communication. "Do we have eyes on Volken and the Baron?" he'll ask those that are there on the com signal. "Do we have a scrambler on or do I keep long range off?" he asks. Last thing he wants is to flash his signal to the horde of angry Mandalorians that want him. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde was just busying himself with moving a big dead tree branch, when he caught That Look from his master. And there was never any use trying to dig into the elder Ikkruki's mind to find it, either. He'd tried before.     He glances over at Jorn as Er'gi approaches. Well, maybe, he was supposed to check up on the Mandalorian's progress with the blade. He approaches them...and just stands there waiting for...something. Maybe for Jorn to look up at him. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I will," Master Rykard tells Navi. "Thank you." Navi will find herself edging into almost pitch blackness. There's something about this wooded grove... Navi will be able to feel it in the Force. There's another barely obscured cave in directly to her left-- And then she'll disturb it slightly, and the sound of collapsing detritus will assault her sensitive ears. The young Sephi girl will manage to avoid falling, at least. But down below in the hole that has just opened up, she'll be able to espy the glint of something shiny mired in the mud. Zetha will reach the Temple, eventually. By the time she gets down there, it's dusk and she will barely be able to see a damn thing. The Temple will loom above her, old and hollow. The lights are all off - seems everyone is out. Or... are they? If she squints, she'll be able to see a very dim light coming from one of the windows on the west side of the Temple, where the dojo is. "The Baron said he was going to join us shortly," Rykard replies to Jorn. "But I'm not sure about Volken. I'm certain he'll be along shortly as well." Er'gi notices Cayde arriving, and looks from Cayde, to Jorn, then back to Cayde. He scratches his neck, bemused. "Vod, your, ah, teacher is here..." A pause. "Did you want something, boy?" he asks Cayde. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Gah!" Navi manages to catch hold of a thick tree rootlet before she loses her balance completely, and hastily pulls herself free of the mouth of the nearly-hidden cave. "Geez... this place is worse than an obstacle course," she murmurs. Moving carefully to the edge of the hole, she studies the spot that seemed to want to try to bury her, and sees something odd shining in the gloom down there... "Master? I'm in a thick grove of trees. The foliage is so thick you can barely see daylight at all. I've found the mouth of a small cave, and part of the floor's collapsed. There's a lightsaber down inside the hole it made. Looks very, very old. Maybe Old Republic old," she says into her earpiece. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Why do you need scrambler] Cayde asks when Jorn seems to be...nervous still about being hunted. But by whom? They are far away from Mandalore. But has he seen others around? Do his fears need calmed? What was it... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Unlit temples at the beginning of dusk are really creepy. However, there maybe might be a light somewhere within? So Zetha does the most logical and practical thing ever. She walks inside and sees if she can follow where the light is to see who or what's inside. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' A look goes to Cayde for a moment. "I'm trying to listen to the blade. Understand it better. I can't hear it yet. I feel lit, but can't hear it," Jorn admits, he doesn't sound defeated. Although, he is mildly annoyed by it. "If someone pings my Signal, Cayde. Lots of people would come. I spent what felt like months getting hsot at, caged, bombed at, and everything else," Jorn admits. "I don't want to bring that chaos to anyone else," and then he will look at Er'gi. "We got a bead on Baron, but not Volken." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Don't touch it," Rykard warns Navi, "ancient battles have been fought on this land, dark against light. It might be a dangerous relic. I'm coming to look at it. Stay where you are." The elder Jedi then turns to Cayde with a strict nod. "Attend to your pupil, padawan. I'll be back shortly." And with that, he Force leaps his way down to where Navi is. Zetha might get a bit turned around in the Temple, at first. The lights are all off, and it's creepy as kriff in here when it's dark. She won't be able to see the light that she saw from outside from this vantage point, but as she advances down the long corridor, she'll be able to hear a bit of noise. Scuffling. In the dojo. And when she arrives in the dojo, she'll espy several temporary hab shelters set up around the perimeter of the dojo, just below the mezzanine. One of them is lit. And there's a familiar silhouette outlined inside of it. When Jorn says he feels lit, but can't hear it, he'll suddenly feel a palpable shift from within the blade itself. The sensation is hard to describe, but he'll suddenly feel less connected to the blade, like it had been annoyed by his words! But when Jorn says he doesn't want the chaos to come to anyone else, that indescribable feeling shifts. The blade will burn and tingle, but somehow, it doesn't hurt. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Staying put, Master. I'll be here when you arrive," Navi replies softly into her comm earpiece. She looks for a safe place to sit down to wait. "Um... if it's safe and not an important relic, may I have it?" she asks over the earpiece, in a smaller voice. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will touch the blade. "C'mon. You're fine. Don't do this," Jorn sighs loudly. Then he starts to speak firmly. "I need you to get through this. Do you want to help me?" the words are low as he knows the blade has some kind of sentience. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Lucky for herself, Zetha is used to creepy places in the dark. She's lived with Wiis for years. None the less, when she finally makes her way to where the light is coming from and manages to enter the dojo - she's a bit amazed by what she's found. Survivors from the recent storm that had no where to go? Then she sees the silhouette in one of the habs and after peering for a moment longer determines that it's the person she's been looking for. She moves to approach the hab then, keeping an eye out for anyone else who might jump out at her or something but once she reaches the hab she...knocks? Taps? She makes it known that someone's outside his little shelter. "Ninety nine percent of the time when you run off I at -least- get a message following with apologies. You really do know how to give someone a spook, you know that doc?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [The danger is not here] Cayde signs, assuring Jorn that no one else is coming after him here on Tenoo, at least not for the time being. He watches as the Mandalorian speaks to the blade, and it seems he's having some trouble.     Then he draws his own blade, holding it in front of himself in a defensive position and nods toward Jorn. How far has he come by now? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Of course," Rykard says, "But I must assess it." Soon, the elderly Ikkrukki man arrives in the wooded grove, his landing in the hole soft, swift and silent as a spring breeze against a lompop blossom. He leans down and picks it up, and studying it carefully, finds its switch for the blade. It flickers to life, and blazes ... a blood red. Navi will immediately be able to feel the lure of its darkness, and power in the Force. It's terrible and shocking. Rykard doesn't take very long to observe it. Within seconds, it's been shut off, and reburied. "It must be stored in the Bogan Collection," he huffs. "For now, we will leave it and on our way back to the Temple, I will retrieve it. At first light of dawn tomorrow we'll leave for Coruscant and I will bring it with us to be taken care of there." "Come," he says to Navi, "best we leave this grove immediately and call for the others to take an alternate route around it." When Jorn speaks to the blade, he'll feel its energy shifting, changing shape, sinuous, and dynamic. It will settle at some point, landing on a strange dissonant note in the Force. How to make it behave...! Er'gi stares at Jorn. "Vod...? Who are you talking to?" A pause. "You're not talking to the ... saber, are you?" But when Cayde nears and draws his own blade, Jorn will feel the energy transforming again. He'll feel compelled to do the same, to draw the blade and stand before the padawan. She'll see the silhouette freeze. "... Zetha?" The doctor says, "... Zetha you shouldn't be here. Go back to Kublop. Please." There's a strange desperation in his tone she'll have never heard before... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will feel the change and he nods. Then focuses for a moment, there's a snap-crackle followed by a roar like sound as the black blade comes to life. It starts to crackle a bit. Then he will try to put himself into a defensives tands. Waiting for a moment, the Mandalorian waits for Cayde to take the first swing. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yikes..." Navi whispers as the lightsaber's deep blood red blade ignites, and instantly the pull of the Dark Side strikes her like a splash of dirty water, only a thousand times more corrupting. "Oh, gods... it felt like it was pulling at my very heart," she whispers, after the blade has been extinguished. "I'd no idea such evil was down here. Maybe I should have known better," she continues, moving to follow Master Rykard. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha raises a brow when the doctor seems to begin pleading that she shouldn't be here and should leave. "Soren. People are worried about you. You just up and ran off without a word no one knew where to find you...." But Zetha is as stubborn as she is impulsive. "Why do you let people trust you with their worst troubles but you won't do the same? What's wrong? Why shouldn't I be here? And do remember the longer it takes you to answer, the longer I will remain." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     But Cayde doesn't take the first swing. No, Jorn is supposed to take the first swing. The student always goes first, of course. So he just nods toward the Mandalorian man, and then just remains in the defensive posture, waiting. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn nods and gets into an offensive stance. Then he will go in acting like it'll be a slash, but instead he goes in for a stab. Then he'll move back expecting Cayde to maybe have a counter regardless. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Oh, that familiar heaviness will be palpably felt in Jorn's wrists! But the blade feels alive, and vibrant in his grasp. It's a frightening feeling. There's so much power, it could deal a sweeping blow, or it could miss and cause him to stumble...! But it would appear that Navi and whatever little bit Cayde had taught Jorn has paid off. "It's alright," Rykard says, heading back towards where Cayde and Jorn are sparring. He frowns when he sees Cayde and the Green Mandalorian sparring. "... he should have had him practice basic forms cutting the trees," he mutters, shaking his head. But he does not say this to Cayde. At least, not yet. And then, all of a sudden, in the middle of the mundane, there's a piercing, arrow like cry in the Force. <HELP> This SOS is booming, like a peal of thunder in the Force, impossible to ignore to those with mind powers in the Force. Rykard freezes, suddenly turning pale. "....dammit! The witch...!" There's more scuffling coming from inside the temporary hab shelter, and then the entry flap opens. "Look, I .. I can't answer any of those questions. I'm sorry." He then turns around and retreats into the hab shelter. But now that the flap is open, Zetha will be able to see whose personal hab shelter this must have belonged to. The ...Baron? His armor, and clothing have been spilled on the floor, and it looks like many of the storage compartments have been flung open. Sitting on the bed is what Zetha will immediately recognize as an older version of a slicing device, definitely illegal and often carried by smugglers. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "/Mal.../" Navi says, eyes wide with horror. "Master, that came from someplace roughly south of here. She's too far away to get a clean bearing on. Say the word and I'll be right behind you." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde goes to block the slash, then tries to compensate when Jorn quickly changes shifts strategies. Truthfully, he's distracted in this place. The darksaber thrusts forward, and he has to actually push it back slightly with the Force. Sloppy...     And then...there was that piercing cry. His knees buckle suddenly, and he collapses forward into the ground. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's not taking that for an answer by a long shot and she suddenly walks into the hab after Soren. "What do you mean you can't answer any of those questions?" She's already taken short stock of what she sees inside, up to and including the very illegal slicing device. "...What is this? For goodness sakes I'm beginning to think I can't trust anyone I've met on this planet aside from Wiis and even then she's on thin ice thinking she can dictate my life since it's gone topsy turvy." Course this might be the part where Soren thinks she's seen to much and now she's really in trouble. At the same time, Soren might be in over his head with something and trying to stay afloat on his own. "Soren...please...talk to me." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will move down and offer Cayde a hand. "How bad is it?" he asks Cayde looking to see the wound, the damage and what could possibly treat it. He is trying to undo what has been done. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "No, no," Rykard says, his normally composed demeanor starting to crack. "I have to get back to Cayde...! Oh, no, Cayde..." "Navi you must not go anywhere. I'm going to send for Reza and Thaarin. Whatever you do, do -not- attempt to find her alone. Please... this is too dangerous... we cannot repeat history..." And Navi will know exactly what he means. "Stay here, and fortify your mind in the Force...!" Then he Force leaps out of the grove, doing his best to get back to Cayde as quickly as possible. When he arrives, he'll find Jorn bent over Cayde. He gasps quietly and immediately bends over the young padawan. "It's terrible," he says softly, looking mildly distraught, answering Jorn's question for him. Er'gi casts a nervous glance at Jorn, "Vod... when the Jedi Master looks like that.. Har'chaak...!" Meanwhile, Cayde will be able to sense Malgabar grasping at him desperately through the Force, using her amplified powers of the mind to reach far and wide. She's being tormented, by otherworldly beings, and is in horrible agony. Yet, she remains far enough away that her desperate pleas don't immediately overwhelm him. Soren has this wild look in his eyes that Zetha will have never seen before. He seems to be trying to suppress some kind of horrible distress. He finally turns to her. "If I tell you what I'm doing, I need you promise me that you won't try to stop me, you won't ask anymore questions, and most importantly, you won't tell anyone that any of this happened." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "I only stabbed you a little," Jorn says thinking he didn't outright try murdering Cayde. Soemone may need to tell the non-Jedi that Jedi dealings are afoot. He can hear the strain, but just simply thinks this is Cayde's first time getting cut by a blade. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "If that were coming from anyone else, I might be forced to counter it. But this is where I'm going to prove to you that I trust you implicitly. Tell me. Then no more questions, I won't stop you, and I won't tell a soul. I'll even walk away and leave you to it. I just want to understand this and make sure you're okay. Cause I care about you, damnit, or have we not spent enough time together to make that clear?" Zetha answers, arms lifting to cross over her chest. This is about to get interesting. And maybe after Soren tells her she'll simply go home. She hasn't been back in a bit and Wiis might have some words waiting for her. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I will, Master. May the Force be with you," Navi replies, her tone and eyes troubled. "I hope we didn't cause this by finding this lightsaber. If you need my help, just call for me on the comlink. Or through the Force." She reluctantly takes a seat on part of a fallen tree trunk and tries to draw upon the Force through meditation to calm her mind. But she can sense something of Mal's torment, and of the creatures that are hurting her. "Mal, sweet Mal... please be okay. We never meant to hurt you," she whispers, while trying not to look at the shallow cave entrance where the ancient Dark Side lightsaber rests. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Malgabar? Well, he has mixed feelings toward her. But someone is tormenting her, and that isn't right regardless of anything.     He carefully reaches out toward her presence, attempting to seek out her location, and possibly further details about what exactly is happening. Who or what is causing her suffering?     As he is completely focused on trying to locate Mal, he doesn't respond to Jorn's questions. His eyes are open, but he has that vacant expression on his face as if hi mind is elsewhere. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard does not tell Jorn or Er'gi a damn thing. But the Mandalorians might suspect. He immediately sits down and closes his eyes, legs folded, hovering above the ground several centimeters, one hand on Cayde. <Cayde...! Cayde can you hear me. I'm here. Don't be afraid> Er'gi looks to Jorn, rubbing his neck. "Any idea what's going on?" "I need access to the laboratory," The doctor tells Zetha, continuing his search frantically. "But... dammit! I can't find any kind of badge or keycode, and I'm running out of time." He says, running a hand through his hair. "There's too much to look through. He's got terabytes of data to search through and..." he exhales, deflating, looking visibly distraught now. Both Navi and Cayde will be able to feel that there are great many things that are tormenting Mal. She's locked up somewhere, alone, somewhere cold with very little light, and very little food. She doesn't know how long she's been there, and she fears for her life. But there is an otherworldly being tormenting her. In her desperation to get out of her cell, she'd used her magick to make contact with it -- its conscious stored on a dark side relic buried hundreds of meters below ground, in the Gorge. And now it turns its eye to Cayde. It's aware of Navi, too, but the young Sephi girl will sense that she's a close second on its to-do list... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks, looking to the bed where the very illegal albeit ancient splicer is laying and then back to Soren. "Have you ever considered that...potentially...to avoid using something that could be swiped at any time..." She begins and then moves to pick up the splicer. "He'd just splice his way in each time? Or. And this is just a random thought...just...using...the splicer? Instead of trying to find a piece of plastic that might even still be on his person?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "There is no emotion... there is peace," Navi whispers to herself, struggling to clear her mind in the face of poor Mal's torment. Her only relief, however faint, is the knowledge that Master Rykard insisted she stay here with the relic lightsaber, and that from here she can do nothing to help, at least for the moment. So she tries to prepare herself for a time when she needs to act, and prays she'll recognize her opportunity when it comes and will have the courage to act on it... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Jedi things. The eyes are open, but the mind is somewhere galaxies away," Jorn just respons flaltly. "I don't know if it's a conversation. Something serious. So, we're stuck here until they come back," Jorn doesn't know what exactly is happening right this second. "I could always stab him again." Jorn doesn't think the screaming is from the stabbing this time. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde focuses his efforts toward fortifying against the relic, and attempting to locate Malgabar. Somewhere dark and cold doesn't help much. He needs a -location-, and how to get there from here. He feels his Master's touch, and reaches out to the elder Jedi for help. Together, they could find her. No one should be tormented like that. It would have been better to become one with the Force. If that's what needs to happen, so be it. But they'd have to find her first. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The doctor suddenly stops, a distant look coming over his expression. His gaze then sweeps across the tent floor, observing, lingering on the multiple sets of armor near the entry flap. He looks pensive. Then all of a sudden, he starts heading out of the temporary hab shelter. "If you want to help, use the splicer to search through the rest of the data in his tent," he says, and then suddenly disappears into the darkness that is the dojo beyond. As Navi sits there, meditating, the knowledge that a wicked, powerful and terrible tool just lays beyond her grasp encroaches on the edge of the young Sephi's mind... The elder Jedi touches Cayde's mind in the Force, reassuring the young padawan that he's indeed present and lending his help to the young padawan. But the young padawan will be able to sense that he does not want Malgabar to become one with the Force... The problem is that Malgabar doesn't remember how she got to where she is. She doesn't know where she is. All she knows is her pain, and terror. And the malevolent spirit seems to know that Cayde can be a conduit. A conduit through which he can access many minds, all at once. It suddenly rushes Cayde's defenses, attempting to break free... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "There is no lightsaber... there is peace..." Navi murmurs, then scowls. "There /better/ be no lightsaber messing around in my head in about /three seconds/!" she snaps. "You really need a hobby. Like... counting worms or something..." She tries to go back to her meditation... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well of course if that outcome could be avoided, Cayde agrees that it should be. But given their previous experience with her, it was just a distinct possibility.     When the malevolent presence attempts to rush in, the padawan holds on tighter to his Master, pushing against it, forcing it back down and back where it came from. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches as Soren makes his way out of the temp hab but not before he's telling her that if she wants to help she can finish using the splicer in the room. That ancient thing? If it's Soren's, he either wasn't using it right or it's too old to actually get anything good. So she unzips one of the pockets on her cargo pants and pulls out her own splicer equipped with a few several splicer spikes. Then she'll get to work trying to find any relevant information that can be used to assist the doctor. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Somehow, Navi's able to resist the dark urges projected to her from that damned saber. But she'll start to feel the distant shockwaves in the Force coming from the battle Cayde and Rykard are waging on that terrible thing tormenting Mal. And this is where a fissure starts to form in the connection between Cayde and Rykard. His master is adamantly against Malgabar's unity with the Force. It is not a distinct possibility. It is not a choice. Rykard would rather sacrifice himself. The being seems to know, seems to be able to observe the threads unbinding. And it switches tactics. Instead of resisting Cayde, it allows itself to be pushed back towards its source - Mal. And it begins to torment her again, with renewed vigor, more fiercely than it had before. The young witch screams in agony, her pain, fear, and terror radiating out in the Force, reaching even Navi and multiplying how hard it is to meditate. <HELP HELP> the witch cries <Cayde... please...> she begs. One thing will become abundantly clear. It wants Cayde to defy his Master, to kill Malgabar. A great many things come up. None of them are what the doctor is looking for but Zetha might be surprised at what she does find. The Baron appears to be rather nostalgic and sentimental. There's several videos of him and his family when he was young. He seemed so happy then -- and indescribably adorable. Wide blue eyes, freckles, spring loaded curls. The videos depict a shy boy, crowds made him cry but a stack of books made him smile. Then she'll come across a recent journal entry. |I was meant to be a ghost. Invisible, unknown, unnamed - seeking solace in secluded study and research in order to find modern solutions to current problems. It's the only way I can exist without causing injury to myself or others. And that's what all of this is about. Disappearing. Though I've always been fascinated by genetics and intrigued by what the possibility of cloning could bring about, the main reason why I'd even had a continued interest in the project at all had always been about finding an escape. When the Arkanians sent me a message with word regarding the initial success of the whole endeavor, a plan began to form in my mind. A plan that for once, might bring about a kind of release from the prison I've been living in ever since that fated day the crash happened. Suddenly, the possibility of leaving Mandalore and living in anonymity somewhere on a remote colony world while pursuing my interests within the realm of scientific research, without opening a void, became real. The possibility that my godfather, my brother, my mother, my cousin and all his damned in-laws might retain my presence, without my essence. A stand in, who was familiar with my experiences but unfamiliar with my grief, my rage, my bitterness, my ego. It's cruel, I admit. He would inherit my reputation and all my public sins. But at least he'd have aliit. They might not accept him initially, but in the end, there wouldn't be much of a choice. It might not be what they think they want, but it's what they need, and it's what I need. I can't keep living like this. Everyone and everything is always a disappointment at best and a betrayal of trust at worst, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. I am a monster, after all. Even that Twi'lek girl at the grav-ball club found me disgusting and beastly. I can't even think of her. She's yet another reminder that misfortune is a loyal mistress to the lonely and unlovable, plaguing her suitors over and over again until one of them eventually caves and agrees to take her hand in marriage.| 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde clenches his jaw, trying to steel himself against the relic, whatever it was. But then it retreats--back toward Malgabar. Well, if that's what it wants--he can't kill her if he can't find her anyway so what did it matter? On that, he and his master align, they need to find her first.     <...where are you...> he tries to reach out into her mind again, attempting to pinpoint her location. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi continues to repeat the Jedi Code to herself, focusing her thoughts inward as much as possible. She catches herself rocking back and forth at the hips and stops for a moment, only to fall into this rhythm again after a few minutes. It's getting harder to block out the distant battle with the evil creature, but at least she's managed to mostly block it out, and resist the presence of the lightsaber. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks as she reads that entry and then - well she shuts off whatever she read it from - and then she pauses. Best to not focus on the part about her, but the other bit. Even then it's not what she's looking for. So she continues splicing into files - anywhere she can think of - if she were someone like the Baron where would she hide the code to a secret labratory? She'll likely continue to splice until she's out of spikes or finds what she's looking for. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Cayde will be able to sense the same thing Navi had earlier -- somewhere south of here, but pretty far from their current location. Malgabar is trying to project to Cayde, but the being tormenting her is blurring most of what she's trying to communicate. The poor girl doesn't remember much anyway. And then Rykard is withdrawing, compelling Cayde to do the same. The young padawan will have a harder time than the elder Jedi, obviously. Malgabar's pain and agony is still radiating out in the Force, washing over Cayde in a dark sided cascade of negative energy. He might be able to tune it out to some degree, suppress it to an aching whine in the back of his mind, but the fact remains that she's still close enough to make Cayde feel what she's feeling. <Navi> Master Rykard contacts the young Sephi girl. <We must retreat to the Temple now. I'll fetch the Sith saber, and then once we've returned, we must ready ourselves to leave for Coruscant. I'll brief Reza on everything that's happened> Zetha will be in the middle of splicing more files when the entry flap to the temporary hab shelter suddenly opens and this time, it's not the doctor. It's the Baron. His brows furrow, and he says, "What are you doing here?" Zetha might not find words. He's half clothed, and Zetha will be able to see that most of the skin covering his back and part of his chest isn't his own. It's synthskin. But there's something unnatural looking about it. The synthskin seams are ragged, scarred, textured. It's even green and purple in a few spots. And there's a terrible wound on his back - the synthskin has torn away from his flesh, leaving an oozing gash. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' < Yes, Master. I'll stay here until you arrive, and we'll go back together, > Navi replies telepathically. No way in frell she's leaving that lightsaber alone. It would be a huge oopsie to leave it alone, only for it to be missing when Master Rykard arrived. Tenoo has proven to her more than once that the Force has a sense of humor. And if the Force's sense of humor were a comedian, she has a feeling she wouldn't like him much. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Tailed someone here who I found ransacking this hab. Didn't get a good look at them as once they spotted me they bolted. This old splicer was on the bed so I was making sure nothing was compromised. Wasn't sure who's place this was to be honest." Zetha offers, palming her own splicer to put back into her pocket as she's talking. "You look like you've been on the bad side of someone's fist...or something's blade. Shouldn't you be at the hospital getting looked over?" She's not even wincing or looking away, but instead looks him dead in the eyes as if to prove she's telling the truth. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     'Somewhere south of here' wasn't good enough. This place was huge, and dangerous. What was he to do, just start moving south and wander around until the crushing pain became more intense, then keep moving toward it until it became unbearable?     Cayde struggles to withdraw, and even once he has done so, he still can't fully shut it out. Maybe, if he moved away from it, back toward the Temple....     He struggles back to his feet, and starts putting distance between himself and wherever that presence was... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' <Yes. Thank you, Navi. I don't know what we would do without you> the elder Jedi tells the young Sephi girl. <I'll be there soon> Rykard then helps Cayde to his feet. <Come> he says to his padawan. <We're leaving this place at first light tomorrow> Somewhere, in the distance, south of them, Cayde will still be able to feel Malgabar trying to reach for him. She's being suffocated by that... being, but he can hear her faint and desperate cries for help still. <....please... help... I... I still love you> The Baron blushes furiously, averting his gaze, instinctively reaching for one of his capes and holding it to his chest, trying to cover himself in embarrassment. But Zetha will start to notice how right she is, as soon as she's made the observation that he doesn't look well. He looks terribly pale, and exhausted, and there's a strange, melancholic look in his eyes when she mentions the hospital. "Have you ever heard of a synthgraft failure," he says softly, "it can occur if the body develops an allergic reaction to the synthskin." He doesn't even look at her, it's almost like he barely recognizes she's there anymore, "Monstrous, isn't it..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' <You might want to hurry. This thing keeps trying to convince me to use it. It's surprisingly persuasive for a hunk of metal and crystal, > Navi adds, before settling down into her meditation again. 
}}

A Witch's Plea

2026-07-07T23:44:46Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-04-12 |Cast of Characters=159, 261, 143, 444, 418 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's been a few days since the events at the spaceport, perhaps less than. But much has happened in that time. The Mandalorians (yes, all of them), had been essentially ushered to the Jedi Temple in the Gorge and made to stay there, under a strongly worded recommendation from Rykard, the colony's Marshal...."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-04-12
|Cast of Characters=159, 261, 143, 444, 418
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's been a few days since the events at the spaceport, perhaps less than. But much has happened in that time. The Mandalorians (yes, all of them), had been essentially ushered to the Jedi Temple in the Gorge and made to stay there, under a strongly worded recommendation from Rykard, the colony's Marshal. He'd made it known to them that since coordinates to the lab were situated somewhere within the Gorge, the Temple was the best place from which to operate out from (The Baron had distributed the coordinates of the lab to Thaarin, who had made this data available to anyone else who wanted access to it.) Since then, they'd been making decent progress, scouting the Gorge and trying to determine the safest and most efficient path to it, given the monsoon had done quite a number on the Gorge. Several Tenoo trees have fallen, there's detritus strewn in inconvenient places, and new ravines formed where cave ins had occurred. The work of hewing a path through the wilderness is tedious, and risky, but necessary. Navi, who had gone ahead before the Jedi, may have mapped and become familiar with a portion of the Gorge already. She might be several hundred meters down into the valley already -- Rykard, Cayde, Jorn, and Er'gi probably not too far behind her. Now, Jorn may have found the elder Ikkrukki Jedi's observations about the Gorge to be true, already. This place -- he'll be able to feel it in the air. It's not like anywhere he's been before. Everything here feels... more alive, somehow, and the sensation is difficult to describe with words. And the Saber... it is possibly the most alive, inanimate -thing- of all. Its presence is acute. Vibrating, but somehow still at the same time. It's disconcerting. Zetha will have her own troubles. The doctor has gone missing, and his staff seem clueless. Only Luli, with some trepidation, had said to her, "I don't think he's in Kublop. Maybe he went back to Aklyrr." But no one in Aklyrr seems to have seen him, and the only tip she'll receive from a disgruntled Ugnaught there is to check the only other place anyone on Tenoo might be - The Temple. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I hope you brought your waterproof climbing boots, Master. This place is a /mess/. Rockfalls, flooding, and fallen trees. I'm sure you remember how big those trees are," Navi says into her comm earpiece, looking down further into the Gorge from a dozen feet above where the floor should be, perched in the branches of one of the trees that hasn't been blown down. "Better bring extra tools and hands to use them, if you can find them." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde hasn't been having the greatest time down here. But he's also been doing his best not to let anyone know that. He's supposed to have a handle on it...     But for now, he's focused on reaching out with the Force to help move any debris that might be in their way as they attempt to cut a path to the lab. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' So after getting through Kublop and then going to Aklyrr Bend Zetha finally makes her way to the Jedi Temple. Zetha's likely only been near the Jedi temple, but never really inside it. And since the storm it's likely going to be a very trying thing for her to actually get up into the temple. Let alone she's not entirely sure who she's going to run into now that she's here and trying to find a way inside. Safely. Ish. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn isn't sure what to make of -every- Mandalorian here. Honestly, he's torn because he wants to train here. However, time is not on their side either. Then he looks at blade. Vibrating yet not. Jorn will try to focus on the blade. Just do what the young padawan told him. Listen to the blade and how it talks. In that silence, in that weird harmonic, Jorn might be able to hear the blade. That's what he tries to focus on for the moment. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "We'll be careful," the Marshal tells Navi. "Thank you for the warning, though. We've come equipped," he says, "Keep pressing forward. And if you run into any environmental hazards you can't take care of yourself, please let us know." Then he looks over at his padawan, a pensive frown settling onto his expression. Cayde will know that look intimately, without needing the Force. He wants Cayde to Do Something. Now, what that thing is, Cayde will have to discern. It will become known to the padawan, though, that the his Master is thinking, how alike student and pupil were! But he'll also be able to discern that the Something he's supposed to do has everything to do with Jorn. Navi will find herself suddenly walking into a wooded grove with such dense foliage that nearly all light from above is obscured. She'll have to be careful here... Meanwhile, Er'gi creeps closer to Jorn, staring in befuddlement at the Green Mandalorian. The man introspects too much, the larger Mandalorian thinks to himself, but he doesn't say it aloud. Instead, he says, "What... what are you doing? Any idea why the Baron and Volken are late to the scouting party?" Zetha will find that her assumptions about going /up/ to the Temple are wrong. Nope, she's definitely going down. Very down. There's a hiking path cut out ahead of her, complete with mason stairs steep enough to murder someone like Wiis should she attempt to descend them. Good thing the old Zabrak isn't here, her complaining would have been the death of Zetha before she could even reach the first flight of steps. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yes, Master. Watch for the signs I left for you," Navi replies, and keeps moving. She's been using her lightsaber to score arrows into the trees and rocks to indicate where she's going, making for a trail that is very easy to follow. So she has her lightsaber in her hand when she enters the shadowy grove of trees, and instinctively ignites the bluish-white blade to provide a strong light to see by. Then she begins to make her way through the grove with extra care, watching all around her. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Down. Right. And the path is...there. Yeah she certainly would not be cut out for the Jedi life that's for sure. But this is the only lead she has and so she's going to follow it as far as it takes her. Hoping that she's not on some dead end trail - in a sense. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Pocketing the blade. "I don't know. It's concerning." Jorn doesn't like others seeing the blade. Too many people went after him already. The last thing he wants, or needs is another party to join the endless numbers. "I'll try to check in with others." Jorn will try to use short range communication. "Do we have eyes on Volken and the Baron?" he'll ask those that are there on the com signal. "Do we have a scrambler on or do I keep long range off?" he asks. Last thing he wants is to flash his signal to the horde of angry Mandalorians that want him. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde was just busying himself with moving a big dead tree branch, when he caught That Look from his master. And there was never any use trying to dig into the elder Ikkruki's mind to find it, either. He'd tried before.     He glances over at Jorn as Er'gi approaches. Well, maybe, he was supposed to check up on the Mandalorian's progress with the blade. He approaches them...and just stands there waiting for...something. Maybe for Jorn to look up at him. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I will," Master Rykard tells Navi. "Thank you." Navi will find herself edging into almost pitch blackness. There's something about this wooded grove... Navi will be able to feel it in the Force. There's another barely obscured cave in directly to her left-- And then she'll disturb it slightly, and the sound of collapsing detritus will assault her sensitive ears. The young Sephi girl will manage to avoid falling, at least. But down below in the hole that has just opened up, she'll be able to espy the glint of something shiny mired in the mud. Zetha will reach the Temple, eventually. By the time she gets down there, it's dusk and she will barely be able to see a damn thing. The Temple will loom above her, old and hollow. The lights are all off - seems everyone is out. Or... are they? If she squints, she'll be able to see a very dim light coming from one of the windows on the west side of the Temple, where the dojo is. "The Baron said he was going to join us shortly," Rykard replies to Jorn. "But I'm not sure about Volken. I'm certain he'll be along shortly as well." Er'gi notices Cayde arriving, and looks from Cayde, to Jorn, then back to Cayde. He scratches his neck, bemused. "Vod, your, ah, teacher is here..." A pause. "Did you want something, boy?" he asks Cayde. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Gah!" Navi manages to catch hold of a thick tree rootlet before she loses her balance completely, and hastily pulls herself free of the mouth of the nearly-hidden cave. "Geez... this place is worse than an obstacle course," she murmurs. Moving carefully to the edge of the hole, she studies the spot that seemed to want to try to bury her, and sees something odd shining in the gloom down there... "Master? I'm in a thick grove of trees. The foliage is so thick you can barely see daylight at all. I've found the mouth of a small cave, and part of the floor's collapsed. There's a lightsaber down inside the hole it made. Looks very, very old. Maybe Old Republic old," she says into her earpiece. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Why do you need scrambler] Cayde asks when Jorn seems to be...nervous still about being hunted. But by whom? They are far away from Mandalore. But has he seen others around? Do his fears need calmed? What was it... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Unlit temples at the beginning of dusk are really creepy. However, there maybe might be a light somewhere within? So Zetha does the most logical and practical thing ever. She walks inside and sees if she can follow where the light is to see who or what's inside. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' A look goes to Cayde for a moment. "I'm trying to listen to the blade. Understand it better. I can't hear it yet. I feel lit, but can't hear it," Jorn admits, he doesn't sound defeated. Although, he is mildly annoyed by it. "If someone pings my Signal, Cayde. Lots of people would come. I spent what felt like months getting hsot at, caged, bombed at, and everything else," Jorn admits. "I don't want to bring that chaos to anyone else," and then he will look at Er'gi. "We got a bead on Baron, but not Volken." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Don't touch it," Rykard warns Navi, "ancient battles have been fought on this land, dark against light. It might be a dangerous relic. I'm coming to look at it. Stay where you are." The elder Jedi then turns to Cayde with a strict nod. "Attend to your pupil, padawan. I'll be back shortly." And with that, he Force leaps his way down to where Navi is. Zetha might get a bit turned around in the Temple, at first. The lights are all off, and it's creepy as kriff in here when it's dark. She won't be able to see the light that she saw from outside from this vantage point, but as she advances down the long corridor, she'll be able to hear a bit of noise. Scuffling. In the dojo. And when she arrives in the dojo, she'll espy several temporary hab shelters set up around the perimeter of the dojo, just below the mezzanine. One of them is lit. And there's a familiar silhouette outlined inside of it. When Jorn says he feels lit, but can't hear it, he'll suddenly feel a palpable shift from within the blade itself. The sensation is hard to describe, but he'll suddenly feel less connected to the blade, like it had been annoyed by his words! But when Jorn says he doesn't want the chaos to come to anyone else, that indescribable feeling shifts. The blade will burn and tingle, but somehow, it doesn't hurt. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Staying put, Master. I'll be here when you arrive," Navi replies softly into her comm earpiece. She looks for a safe place to sit down to wait. "Um... if it's safe and not an important relic, may I have it?" she asks over the earpiece, in a smaller voice. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will touch the blade. "C'mon. You're fine. Don't do this," Jorn sighs loudly. Then he starts to speak firmly. "I need you to get through this. Do you want to help me?" the words are low as he knows the blade has some kind of sentience. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Lucky for herself, Zetha is used to creepy places in the dark. She's lived with Wiis for years. None the less, when she finally makes her way to where the light is coming from and manages to enter the dojo - she's a bit amazed by what she's found. Survivors from the recent storm that had no where to go? Then she sees the silhouette in one of the habs and after peering for a moment longer determines that it's the person she's been looking for. She moves to approach the hab then, keeping an eye out for anyone else who might jump out at her or something but once she reaches the hab she...knocks? Taps? She makes it known that someone's outside his little shelter. "Ninety nine percent of the time when you run off I at -least- get a message following with apologies. You really do know how to give someone a spook, you know that doc?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [The danger is not here] Cayde signs, assuring Jorn that no one else is coming after him here on Tenoo, at least not for the time being. He watches as the Mandalorian speaks to the blade, and it seems he's having some trouble.     Then he draws his own blade, holding it in front of himself in a defensive position and nods toward Jorn. How far has he come by now? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Of course," Rykard says, "But I must assess it." Soon, the elderly Ikkrukki man arrives in the wooded grove, his landing in the hole soft, swift and silent as a spring breeze against a lompop blossom. He leans down and picks it up, and studying it carefully, finds its switch for the blade. It flickers to life, and blazes ... a blood red. Navi will immediately be able to feel the lure of its darkness, and power in the Force. It's terrible and shocking. Rykard doesn't take very long to observe it. Within seconds, it's been shut off, and reburied. "It must be stored in the Bogan Collection," he huffs. "For now, we will leave it and on our way back to the Temple, I will retrieve it. At first light of dawn tomorrow we'll leave for Coruscant and I will bring it with us to be taken care of there." "Come," he says to Navi, "best we leave this grove immediately and call for the others to take an alternate route around it." When Jorn speaks to the blade, he'll feel its energy shifting, changing shape, sinuous, and dynamic. It will settle at some point, landing on a strange dissonant note in the Force. How to make it behave...! Er'gi stares at Jorn. "Vod...? Who are you talking to?" A pause. "You're not talking to the ... saber, are you?" But when Cayde nears and draws his own blade, Jorn will feel the energy transforming again. He'll feel compelled to do the same, to draw the blade and stand before the padawan. She'll see the silhouette freeze. "... Zetha?" The doctor says, "... Zetha you shouldn't be here. Go back to Kublop. Please." There's a strange desperation in his tone she'll have never heard before... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will feel the change and he nods. Then focuses for a moment, there's a snap-crackle followed by a roar like sound as the black blade comes to life. It starts to crackle a bit. Then he will try to put himself into a defensives tands. Waiting for a moment, the Mandalorian waits for Cayde to take the first swing. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yikes..." Navi whispers as the lightsaber's deep blood red blade ignites, and instantly the pull of the Dark Side strikes her like a splash of dirty water, only a thousand times more corrupting. "Oh, gods... it felt like it was pulling at my very heart," she whispers, after the blade has been extinguished. "I'd no idea such evil was down here. Maybe I should have known better," she continues, moving to follow Master Rykard. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha raises a brow when the doctor seems to begin pleading that she shouldn't be here and should leave. "Soren. People are worried about you. You just up and ran off without a word no one knew where to find you...." But Zetha is as stubborn as she is impulsive. "Why do you let people trust you with their worst troubles but you won't do the same? What's wrong? Why shouldn't I be here? And do remember the longer it takes you to answer, the longer I will remain." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     But Cayde doesn't take the first swing. No, Jorn is supposed to take the first swing. The student always goes first, of course. So he just nods toward the Mandalorian man, and then just remains in the defensive posture, waiting. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn nods and gets into an offensive stance. Then he will go in acting like it'll be a slash, but instead he goes in for a stab. Then he'll move back expecting Cayde to maybe have a counter regardless. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Oh, that familiar heaviness will be palpably felt in Jorn's wrists! But the blade feels alive, and vibrant in his grasp. It's a frightening feeling. There's so much power, it could deal a sweeping blow, or it could miss and cause him to stumble...! But it would appear that Navi and whatever little bit Cayde had taught Jorn has paid off. "It's alright," Rykard says, heading back towards where Cayde and Jorn are sparring. He frowns when he sees Cayde and the Green Mandalorian sparring. "... he should have had him practice basic forms cutting the trees," he mutters, shaking his head. But he does not say this to Cayde. At least, not yet. And then, all of a sudden, in the middle of the mundane, there's a piercing, arrow like cry in the Force. <HELP> This SOS is booming, like a peal of thunder in the Force, impossible to ignore to those with mind powers in the Force. Rykard freezes, suddenly turning pale. "....dammit! The witch...!" There's more scuffling coming from inside the temporary hab shelter, and then the entry flap opens. "Look, I .. I can't answer any of those questions. I'm sorry." He then turns around and retreats into the hab shelter. But now that the flap is open, Zetha will be able to see whose personal hab shelter this must have belonged to. The ...Baron? His armor, and clothing have been spilled on the floor, and it looks like many of the storage compartments have been flung open. Sitting on the bed is what Zetha will immediately recognize as an older version of a slicing device, definitely illegal and often carried by smugglers. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "/Mal.../" Navi says, eyes wide with horror. "Master, that came from someplace roughly south of here. She's too far away to get a clean bearing on. Say the word and I'll be right behind you." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde goes to block the slash, then tries to compensate when Jorn quickly changes shifts strategies. Truthfully, he's distracted in this place. The darksaber thrusts forward, and he has to actually push it back slightly with the Force. Sloppy...     And then...there was that piercing cry. His knees buckle suddenly, and he collapses forward into the ground. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's not taking that for an answer by a long shot and she suddenly walks into the hab after Soren. "What do you mean you can't answer any of those questions?" She's already taken short stock of what she sees inside, up to and including the very illegal slicing device. "...What is this? For goodness sakes I'm beginning to think I can't trust anyone I've met on this planet aside from Wiis and even then she's on thin ice thinking she can dictate my life since it's gone topsy turvy." Course this might be the part where Soren thinks she's seen to much and now she's really in trouble. At the same time, Soren might be in over his head with something and trying to stay afloat on his own. "Soren...please...talk to me." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will move down and offer Cayde a hand. "How bad is it?" he asks Cayde looking to see the wound, the damage and what could possibly treat it. He is trying to undo what has been done. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "No, no," Rykard says, his normally composed demeanor starting to crack. "I have to get back to Cayde...! Oh, no, Cayde..." "Navi you must not go anywhere. I'm going to send for Reza and Thaarin. Whatever you do, do -not- attempt to find her alone. Please... this is too dangerous... we cannot repeat history..." And Navi will know exactly what he means. "Stay here, and fortify your mind in the Force...!" Then he Force leaps out of the grove, doing his best to get back to Cayde as quickly as possible. When he arrives, he'll find Jorn bent over Cayde. He gasps quietly and immediately bends over the young padawan. "It's terrible," he says softly, looking mildly distraught, answering Jorn's question for him. Er'gi casts a nervous glance at Jorn, "Vod... when the Jedi Master looks like that.. Har'chaak...!" Meanwhile, Cayde will be able to sense Malgabar grasping at him desperately through the Force, using her amplified powers of the mind to reach far and wide. She's being tormented, by otherworldly beings, and is in horrible agony. Yet, she remains far enough away that her desperate pleas don't immediately overwhelm him. Soren has this wild look in his eyes that Zetha will have never seen before. He seems to be trying to suppress some kind of horrible distress. He finally turns to her. "If I tell you what I'm doing, I need you promise me that you won't try to stop me, you won't ask anymore questions, and most importantly, you won't tell anyone that any of this happened." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "I only stabbed you a little," Jorn says thinking he didn't outright try murdering Cayde. Soemone may need to tell the non-Jedi that Jedi dealings are afoot. He can hear the strain, but just simply thinks this is Cayde's first time getting cut by a blade. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "If that were coming from anyone else, I might be forced to counter it. But this is where I'm going to prove to you that I trust you implicitly. Tell me. Then no more questions, I won't stop you, and I won't tell a soul. I'll even walk away and leave you to it. I just want to understand this and make sure you're okay. Cause I care about you, damnit, or have we not spent enough time together to make that clear?" Zetha answers, arms lifting to cross over her chest. This is about to get interesting. And maybe after Soren tells her she'll simply go home. She hasn't been back in a bit and Wiis might have some words waiting for her. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I will, Master. May the Force be with you," Navi replies, her tone and eyes troubled. "I hope we didn't cause this by finding this lightsaber. If you need my help, just call for me on the comlink. Or through the Force." She reluctantly takes a seat on part of a fallen tree trunk and tries to draw upon the Force through meditation to calm her mind. But she can sense something of Mal's torment, and of the creatures that are hurting her. "Mal, sweet Mal... please be okay. We never meant to hurt you," she whispers, while trying not to look at the shallow cave entrance where the ancient Dark Side lightsaber rests. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Malgabar? Well, he has mixed feelings toward her. But someone is tormenting her, and that isn't right regardless of anything.     He carefully reaches out toward her presence, attempting to seek out her location, and possibly further details about what exactly is happening. Who or what is causing her suffering?     As he is completely focused on trying to locate Mal, he doesn't respond to Jorn's questions. His eyes are open, but he has that vacant expression on his face as if hi mind is elsewhere. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard does not tell Jorn or Er'gi a damn thing. But the Mandalorians might suspect. He immediately sits down and closes his eyes, legs folded, hovering above the ground several centimeters, one hand on Cayde. <Cayde...! Cayde can you hear me. I'm here. Don't be afraid> Er'gi looks to Jorn, rubbing his neck. "Any idea what's going on?" "I need access to the laboratory," The doctor tells Zetha, continuing his search frantically. "But... dammit! I can't find any kind of badge or keycode, and I'm running out of time." He says, running a hand through his hair. "There's too much to look through. He's got terabytes of data to search through and..." he exhales, deflating, looking visibly distraught now. Both Navi and Cayde will be able to feel that there are great many things that are tormenting Mal. She's locked up somewhere, alone, somewhere cold with very little light, and very little food. She doesn't know how long she's been there, and she fears for her life. But there is an otherworldly being tormenting her. In her desperation to get out of her cell, she'd used her magick to make contact with it -- its conscious stored on a dark side relic buried hundreds of meters below ground, in the Gorge. And now it turns its eye to Cayde. It's aware of Navi, too, but the young Sephi girl will sense that she's a close second on its to-do list... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks, looking to the bed where the very illegal albeit ancient splicer is laying and then back to Soren. "Have you ever considered that...potentially...to avoid using something that could be swiped at any time..." She begins and then moves to pick up the splicer. "He'd just splice his way in each time? Or. And this is just a random thought...just...using...the splicer? Instead of trying to find a piece of plastic that might even still be on his person?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "There is no emotion... there is peace," Navi whispers to herself, struggling to clear her mind in the face of poor Mal's torment. Her only relief, however faint, is the knowledge that Master Rykard insisted she stay here with the relic lightsaber, and that from here she can do nothing to help, at least for the moment. So she tries to prepare herself for a time when she needs to act, and prays she'll recognize her opportunity when it comes and will have the courage to act on it... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Jedi things. The eyes are open, but the mind is somewhere galaxies away," Jorn just respons flaltly. "I don't know if it's a conversation. Something serious. So, we're stuck here until they come back," Jorn doesn't know what exactly is happening right this second. "I could always stab him again." Jorn doesn't think the screaming is from the stabbing this time. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde focuses his efforts toward fortifying against the relic, and attempting to locate Malgabar. Somewhere dark and cold doesn't help much. He needs a -location-, and how to get there from here. He feels his Master's touch, and reaches out to the elder Jedi for help. Together, they could find her. No one should be tormented like that. It would have been better to become one with the Force. If that's what needs to happen, so be it. But they'd have to find her first. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The doctor suddenly stops, a distant look coming over his expression. His gaze then sweeps across the tent floor, observing, lingering on the multiple sets of armor near the entry flap. He looks pensive. Then all of a sudden, he starts heading out of the temporary hab shelter. "If you want to help, use the splicer to search through the rest of the data in his tent," he says, and then suddenly disappears into the darkness that is the dojo beyond. As Navi sits there, meditating, the knowledge that a wicked, powerful and terrible tool just lays beyond her grasp encroaches on the edge of the young Sephi's mind... The elder Jedi touches Cayde's mind in the Force, reassuring the young padawan that he's indeed present and lending his help to the young padawan. But the young padawan will be able to sense that he does not want Malgabar to become one with the Force... The problem is that Malgabar doesn't remember how she got to where she is. She doesn't know where she is. All she knows is her pain, and terror. And the malevolent spirit seems to know that Cayde can be a conduit. A conduit through which he can access many minds, all at once. It suddenly rushes Cayde's defenses, attempting to break free... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "There is no lightsaber... there is peace..." Navi murmurs, then scowls. "There /better/ be no lightsaber messing around in my head in about /three seconds/!" she snaps. "You really need a hobby. Like... counting worms or something..." She tries to go back to her meditation... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well of course if that outcome could be avoided, Cayde agrees that it should be. But given their previous experience with her, it was just a distinct possibility.     When the malevolent presence attempts to rush in, the padawan holds on tighter to his Master, pushing against it, forcing it back down and back where it came from. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches as Soren makes his way out of the temp hab but not before he's telling her that if she wants to help she can finish using the splicer in the room. That ancient thing? If it's Soren's, he either wasn't using it right or it's too old to actually get anything good. So she unzips one of the pockets on her cargo pants and pulls out her own splicer equipped with a few several splicer spikes. Then she'll get to work trying to find any relevant information that can be used to assist the doctor. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Somehow, Navi's able to resist the dark urges projected to her from that damned saber. But she'll start to feel the distant shockwaves in the Force coming from the battle Cayde and Rykard are waging on that terrible thing tormenting Mal. And this is where a fissure starts to form in the connection between Cayde and Rykard. His master is adamantly against Malgabar's unity with the Force. It is not a distinct possibility. It is not a choice. Rykard would rather sacrifice himself. The being seems to know, seems to be able to observe the threads unbinding. And it switches tactics. Instead of resisting Cayde, it allows itself to be pushed back towards its source - Mal. And it begins to torment her again, with renewed vigor, more fiercely than it had before. The young witch screams in agony, her pain, fear, and terror radiating out in the Force, reaching even Navi and multiplying how hard it is to meditate. <HELP HELP> the witch cries <Cayde... please...> she begs. One thing will become abundantly clear. It wants Cayde to defy his Master, to kill Malgabar. A great many things come up. None of them are what the doctor is looking for but Zetha might be surprised at what she does find. The Baron appears to be rather nostalgic and sentimental. There's several videos of him and his family when he was young. He seemed so happy then -- and indescribably adorable. Wide blue eyes, freckles, spring loaded curls. The videos depict a shy boy, crowds made him cry but a stack of books made him smile. Then she'll come across a recent journal entry. |I was meant to be a ghost. Invisible, unknown, unnamed - seeking solace in secluded study and research in order to find modern solutions to current problems. It's the only way I can exist without causing injury to myself or others. And that's what all of this is about. Disappearing. Though I've always been fascinated by genetics and intrigued by what the possibility of cloning could bring about, the main reason why I'd even had a continued interest in the project at all had always been about finding an escape. When the Arkanians sent me a message with word regarding the initial success of the whole endeavor, a plan began to form in my mind. A plan that for once, might bring about a kind of release from the prison I've been living in ever since that fated day the crash happened. Suddenly, the possibility of leaving Mandalore and living in anonymity somewhere on a remote colony world while pursuing my interests within the realm of scientific research, without opening a void, became real. The possibility that my godfather, my brother, my mother, my cousin and all his damned in-laws might retain my presence, without my essence. A stand in, who was familiar with my experiences but unfamiliar with my grief, my rage, my bitterness, my ego. It's cruel, I admit. He would inherit my reputation and all my public sins. But at least he'd have aliit. They might not accept him initially, but in the end, there wouldn't be much of a choice. It might not be what they think they want, but it's what they need, and it's what I need. I can't keep living like this. Everyone and everything is always a disappointment at best and a betrayal of trust at worst, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. I am a monster, after all. Even that Twi'lek girl at the grav-ball club found me disgusting and beastly. I can't even think of her. She's yet another reminder that misfortune is a loyal mistress to the lonely and unlovable, plaguing her suitors over and over again until one of them eventually caves and agrees to take her hand in marriage.| 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde clenches his jaw, trying to steel himself against the relic, whatever it was. But then it retreats--back toward Malgabar. Well, if that's what it wants--he can't kill her if he can't find her anyway so what did it matter? On that, he and his master align, they need to find her first.     <...where are you...> he tries to reach out into her mind again, attempting to pinpoint her location. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi continues to repeat the Jedi Code to herself, focusing her thoughts inward as much as possible. She catches herself rocking back and forth at the hips and stops for a moment, only to fall into this rhythm again after a few minutes. It's getting harder to block out the distant battle with the evil creature, but at least she's managed to mostly block it out, and resist the presence of the lightsaber. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks as she reads that entry and then - well she shuts off whatever she read it from - and then she pauses. Best to not focus on the part about her, but the other bit. Even then it's not what she's looking for. So she continues splicing into files - anywhere she can think of - if she were someone like the Baron where would she hide the code to a secret labratory? She'll likely continue to splice until she's out of spikes or finds what she's looking for. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Cayde will be able to sense the same thing Navi had earlier -- somewhere south of here, but pretty far from their current location. Malgabar is trying to project to Cayde, but the being tormenting her is blurring most of what she's trying to communicate. The poor girl doesn't remember much anyway. And then Rykard is withdrawing, compelling Cayde to do the same. The young padawan will have a harder time than the elder Jedi, obviously. Malgabar's pain and agony is still radiating out in the Force, washing over Cayde in a dark sided cascade of negative energy. He might be able to tune it out to some degree, suppress it to an aching whine in the back of his mind, but the fact remains that she's still close enough to make Cayde feel what she's feeling. <Navi> Master Rykard contacts the young Sephi girl. <We must retreat to the Temple now. I'll fetch the Sith saber, and then once we've returned, we must ready ourselves to leave for Coruscant. I'll brief Reza on everything that's happened> Zetha will be in the middle of splicing more files when the entry flap to the temporary hab shelter suddenly opens and this time, it's not the doctor. It's the Baron. His brows furrow, and he says, "What are you doing here?" Zetha might not find words. He's half clothed, and Zetha will be able to see that most of the skin covering his back and part of his chest isn't his own. It's synthskin. But there's something unnatural looking about it. The synthskin seams are ragged, scarred, textured. It's even green and purple in a few spots. And there's a terrible wound on his back - the synthskin has torn away from his flesh, leaving an oozing gash. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' < Yes, Master. I'll stay here until you arrive, and we'll go back together, > Navi replies telepathically. No way in frell she's leaving that lightsaber alone. It would be a huge oopsie to leave it alone, only for it to be missing when Master Rykard arrived. Tenoo has proven to her more than once that the Force has a sense of humor. And if the Force's sense of humor were a comedian, she has a feeling she wouldn't like him much. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Tailed someone here who I found ransacking this hab. Didn't get a good look at them as once they spotted me they bolted. This old splicer was on the bed so I was making sure nothing was compromised. Wasn't sure who's place this was to be honest." Zetha offers, palming her own splicer to put back into her pocket as she's talking. "You look like you've been on the bad side of someone's fist...or something's blade. Shouldn't you be at the hospital getting looked over?" She's not even wincing or looking away, but instead looks him dead in the eyes as if to prove she's telling the truth. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     'Somewhere south of here' wasn't good enough. This place was huge, and dangerous. What was he to do, just start moving south and wander around until the crushing pain became more intense, then keep moving toward it until it became unbearable?     Cayde struggles to withdraw, and even once he has done so, he still can't fully shut it out. Maybe, if he moved away from it, back toward the Temple....     He struggles back to his feet, and starts putting distance between himself and wherever that presence was... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' <Yes. Thank you, Navi. I don't know what we would do without you> the elder Jedi tells the young Sephi girl. <I'll be there soon> Rykard then helps Cayde to his feet. <Come> he says to his padawan. <We're leaving this place at first light tomorrow> Somewhere, in the distance, south of them, Cayde will still be able to feel Malgabar trying to reach for him. She's being suffocated by that... being, but he can hear her faint and desperate cries for help still. <....please... help... I... I still love you> The Baron blushes furiously, averting his gaze, instinctively reaching for one of his capes and holding it to his chest, trying to cover himself in embarrassment. But Zetha will start to notice how right she is, as soon as she's made the observation that he doesn't look well. He looks terribly pale, and exhausted, and there's a strange, melancholic look in his eyes when she mentions the hospital. "Have you ever heard of a synthgraft failure," he says softly, "it can occur if the body develops an allergic reaction to the synthskin." He doesn't even look at her, it's almost like he barely recognizes she's there anymore, "Monstrous, isn't it..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' <You might want to hurry. This thing keeps trying to convince me to use it. It's surprisingly persuasive for a hunk of metal and crystal, > Navi adds, before settling down into her meditation again. 
}}

The Vergence of Tenoo

2026-07-07T23:43:43Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-04-05
|Cast of Characters=159, 143, 459, 261, 321
|pretty=yes
|Location=Tenoo - Outer Rim
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' A few hours after Reza had arrived on Tenoo and been introduced to the leadership of the colony, Aklyrr Bend, will find the Dowutin woman in the Jedi Temple in the Gorge. It's a wondrous, mysterious, and perhaps beautifully unnerving place to be -- massive, and likely built thousands of years ago. The restoration on it is going slowly but surely - the dojo is now functional, and the archives are nearing completion. In addition, a stone path with stairs leading back up to the colony had been constructed, making it much easier to access. And yet, when Reza takes it all in, it will be clear to her that there's probably rooms and even entire floors that haven't seen the light of day in decades, or maybe even centuries. This place is ancient, and filled with knowledge, secrets, and relics from the past that have yet to be uncovered. And on top of all this, she'll sense the Force acutely here. The vergence is strongest in the Gorge, and likely a large part of why the trees down here grew so large. The Tenoo trees in general are massive, comparable to wroshyr, but down here... they're something else. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     As amazing as this place is, Cayde is...having a difficult time. Some people struggle with a weak connection to the Force, but he has the opposite problem. Unfortunately this also means everyone -else- who is not trained to resist telepathic intrusion is also having a rather difficult time. Thankfully, not -all- of the visions are nightmarish.     Anyway, the padawan has scurried himself away somewhere accessible that's at least sort of away from everyone else. Some old storage room, maybe... 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' For Reza, this is a welcome respite from the greater galaxy in general and the colony specifically. The big Dowutin woman might stand head and shoulders (and torso) over most people, but those immense shoulders visibly relax as she steps closer to the Jedi Temple. "I've spent many years restoring an old temple on the moon of Ban Hagi," she says, her tone conversational as she walks with Rykard and presumably Cayde on their way along that stone path. Whether the padawan chooses now or a bit from now to split off, Reza's face splits into a smile meant for both of her Jedi companions. "Enough years to appreciate how much work has already gone into this temple." "Enough years to appreciate how much work remains." "So, this temple must be a great deal older than the colony itself. I'm afraid I didn't have much of an opportunity to read up on the history of this world and the history the Jedi Order has with it. How long has it been here? Who used to live here before the colonists came to settle it?" Her questions are likely meant for Rykard if Cayde's planning to take off for his own meditations. If he's projecting enough that his visions are intrusive to those around him, well, easy enough for Reza to understand why he might wish for solitude. She gives his departing form a concerned look before turning back to Rykard and quietly asking "I sense the temple isn't the only thing on this world with a story..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "The Jedi haven't been present on Tenoo in a long time," Rykard says, "This Temple was built thousands of years ago, and probably existed before the Great Sith War. It's been recorded that battles have been fought here, dark against light. Those slain in that effort lie buried here." But then Cayde peels off to go hide... somewhere, and elder Ikkrukki Master's gaze follows him until he's out of sight. He sighs, his brows furrowed with concern. "What? Oh, yes. You're right, sadly. It's not." His expression becomes melancholy for a moment. "He's had trouble his whole life, Reza," he tells the Dowutin woman. "It's part of why you're here. I didn't make any specific requests to Council, but they -know-. They've always known. We needed another Jedi gifted in the powers of the mind." He continues walking, shaking his head. "I'll spare you the details," he says softly. "But none of us had an easy time here. There was an incident. A witch, from Dathomir. She had an attachment to Cayde, an unhealthy one. Things became complicated, violent. I nearly died trying to save Cayde, revealing to me my own attachment to him. After that incident, I retired from being Marshal for a short while to reconnect with Force, and to search and know myself truly. Did I have what it took to be Cayde's Master?" "Eventually, I returned, but there was another incident. He was upset about a matter involving the Mandalorians. He sought solitude in the woods, but became ill, and lost control. A family living on the outskirts of Kublop was affected." <Join us in the archives when you can, padawan> Rykard instructs Cayde. <You must learn control> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde was about halfway to his designated hiding spot when his Master orders him to the archives. He sighs. He knows Master is right. He needs to learn this...     <...yes Master>     Slowly, he reorients his steps, and starts heading toward the archives. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' Reza contemplates Rykard's words, offering no comment for a time. These thoughts and concerns are worth meditating on. The other Jedi's decision to withdraw and reconnect makes perfect sense to her. Is that not what she did? If for different reasons. "So long as there is real commitment," she says at last, choosing her words carefully. "To the Force. To the Order. To the life we are called to. So long as real commitment exists, there's always the prospect of finding balance." "Still. It sounds as if it's been a struggle. I hope I can help with that, Master Rykard. I will help, if help is according to the will of the Force." Slowly, her hairless head shakes as she continues to think. "Dathomir witches. Mandalorians. A troubling turn of events. Solitude can be a great benefit, if sought for the right reasons, but it can also hinder growth and healing if what's really needed is training, fellowship and perspective." "I will try to offer all three. I have faith he has the commitment to make the most of the opportunity." "Is the matter with the family outside of Kublop settled? Is the Mandalorian incident resolved for him personally? Given the spectacle we saw at the spaceport, I rather doubt the Mandalorians themselves are in any way ''settled'', of course. Were any of those I saw part of this other incident, though?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Indeed," Rykard says softly, "Indeed." He folds his hands into his robe sleeves contemplatively, as they continue walking, heading for the archives. "I certainly hope so," he tells Reza. "Solitude can be helpful, after all, I sought it myself - but Cayde's solitude doesn't always expedite his growth. He often seeks it purely out of fear. I hope one day that will no longer be the case." "I have faith, too," he says, "but that faith can be hard to come by, sometimes. We haven't really been put into the ideal circumstances, and that isn't his fault." "Well, as settled as it can be. They continue to see the doctor on a regular basis, for counseling sessions. And the Mandalorian incident... well, I don't know. To some degree. But I don't think he feels settled about it." "Well, they came a while back and didn't leave. The ones making trouble now, were the ones making trouble, then, too." He sighs, as they approach the entryway to the archives. As they approach, Reza will notice a strange young alien man standing by the entryway, preoccupied with the datapad he's looking at. "Ah, yes," Rykard says, "have you met our Director of Communications, Thaarin?" The alien man looks up, upon mention of his name. "You must be the new Jedi sent to Tenoo by the Council," he says, a slight accent she won't be able to place coloring his speech, "welcome." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Rykard, and perhaps Reza as well, will be able to feel the padawan's presence in the archives, although he is not in immediate line of sight.     Truthfully, he's in one of the study rooms in the back with a pile of tomes, trying to bury himself in them to keep himself occupied. Though perhaps his master already knows this. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' What Rykard has to share is very helpful context. Reza does him the courtesy of listening to it all, without interruption. As they approach the entryway to the archives, the Dowutin woman says "We are all solitary. And we are all connected. To be too much of one is to lose balance with the other. And when is not in balance, it makes those less than ideal circumstances that much harder to manage." "He's not alone, though. And neither are you, Master Rykard." She smiles genially and gives him a pat on the back with one oversized hand, careful not to bump him too hard. At the introduction to that strange young alien, Reza's smile widens. "I don't believe we've met, no. I am Reza Orvenk, Jedi Knight. Director of Communications? That must be a busy job, on a colony world like this one." The sense of Cayde is seemingly obvious, shining in the Force as someone like him does, especially in a temple rich with the Force itself. While her face remains engaged in exchanging pleasantries with Thaarin, her attention shifts to contemplate Cayde's Force presence, seeking to understand what he allows himself to share...or perhaps what he's unable to hide. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' <Cayde I want you to come join us> Rykard tells the young padawan. He does not give the young padawan a reason. "You're absolutely right," Rykard says to Reza with a nod, then smiles faintly when she says that neither of them are alone. "Thank you," he says. The strange young alien man nods, his expression unreadable. "Yes, it is," he says, "I'm sorry I wasn't able to meet you at the spaceport. There were matters I had to attend to in Aklyrr," he says. "Well met," he says, bowing slightly to be polite. What's unique about this alien man is she won't be able to see into his mind or feelings at all. She'll barely even be able to sense his presence in the Force. Not only that, but he's some species she would have never seen before. Wavy, dark blue hair and pale blue skin like a Pantoran, but his eyes belong on a Shistavanen, glowing like Sith crystals. He's an extraordinarily handsome fellow though, just tall (though not as tall as she!) and -quite- mysterious. "Come then," Rykard says, "I'll show you the archives. Cayde will be joining us shortly." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     There is not much Cayde can or will hide from a Jedi much more experienced than him. She'll see that he is very focused on reading some books about various saber forms and their relation to the Powers of the Mind, but it's a clear attempt to give himself something else to concentrate on so as not to become lost in a sea of others' minds.     And as Rykard had said, there is fear. Especially in light of recent events that the Ikkruki master had just told her about. The padawan unfortunately feels very alone much of the time, as he always has been for most of his life, even back at the Temple on Coruscant. Not many understand him or even want to attempt to do so. His relationships with the others are...rocky at best, even with other Force sensitives. They're just not like him. Really, his master is the only one he feels safe confiding in.     The nudge from his master has him sighing again, but he puts the books down and starts to head their way anyway. <Yes, Master...> 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' "No apologies needed," Reza says, raising a dismissive palm to emphasize how little his absence is on her mind. "A colony world is always a busy place. You can't be expected to greet every new arrival personally, Jedi or otherwise. If I can be of service or aid to you, Thaarin, please let me know. I am here to serve." His absence of Force presence is a curiosity, one worth looking into later perhaps. As it is, Rykard clearly has no objection to him. And Cayde is near, and the more immediate priority. When the other Jedi invites her to follow, Reza gives the blue-skinned man with glowing red eyes a brief bow of greeting and farewell before turning to follow her fellow Jedi further into the archives. A consideration of Cayde's presence in the Force is revealing. To herself, Reza sighs once, still smiling as they approach. Alienation isn't all that uncommon, especially for those Jedi who were brought to the Temple as Younglings later than others, or those Jedi of a particularly sensitive nature. She had her own difficulties with attachment, once upon a time. Given her size, she's found fitting in hard to do as well. Alienation can come from many sources but alienation is still alienation. As they draw near to Cayde, Reza's own presence is one of calmness, serenity, inner peace. If Cayde's mind ripples the waters around him, Reza's mind is like a breakwater, letting fear and other emotions wash over her and be diminished as they pass through. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Oh, here you are, Master, Knight, Padawan," Navi says as she enters the archives behind Master Rykard, Reza, and Cayde, having come there from a different part of the temple than they had entered through. "You'll be pleased to know that there was very little damage from flooding. The ancient builders really knew their stuff. Almost no water got in." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin nods in farewell to Reza, and then they're headed into the archives. It's clear the archives are still a work in progress but the progress so far looks wonderful. The shelves are all neatly aligned, the ceiling has most of its supports (though there's still scaffolding here and there). In the center is a fountain directly below a skylight, already bubbling quietly. Varying plants from outside have actually snaked their way in through the cracks in the walls, but it gives the place a feeling of being one with nature. "It's not finished yet," Rykard says, "But I'm happy with the progress so far. What do you think?" he says, gesturing around them. When Navi arrives, the elder Master nods, pleased. "Excellent. Thank you, I'm glad to hear. The restoration of the Temple will continue then as planned. Do the construction workers plan to resume work again, tonight?" Reza may be in the middle of taking it all in and about to form an opinion, when she'll notice that one of the Mandalorians is in here. The Baron - the one who'd pointed a knife at the hulking fellow, Volken. He's taken several of the holobooks off the shelf and is studying them. She likely won't be surprised to see him here - of course, the Temple is the best place from which to scout a path to the lab, and he is very much needed and obligated to help with such matters. Not to mention, it's much easier to for the Jedi to keep an eye on them in the Temple. Cayde will also likely run into him on his way over to Reza, Rykard, and Navi. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     It is refreshing to meet someone who doesn't immediately become distressed or avoidant or both upon encountering him. And for a moment, Cayde seems open to both of the elder Jedi, letting them help him bear his many burdens.     However, he instantly clams up again when both Navi and Baron Von'egel appear, although he nods politely toward the two of them. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' For Reza, the sight of the archives under construction brings a full feeling to her chest. It brings to mind her many years laboring to restore a Temple very far away from here. This place is quite a bit grander and likely well beyond the ability of any one single Jedi to fix up by themselves. Still, the resonance the Temple has in the Force is one of peace. And the silent contemplation of seeing this place be fully restored, how it will feel to the Jedi and those who help them to do so, the anticipation of satisfaction, it's a delight to think about. "A great deal has been done," the Jedi Knight says when asked by Rykard. "A great deal remains. This much is always true in life. I think everyone involved has every reason to savor this work, though. I look forward to seeing the completion, however far off that day might be." "My compliments to those who have made it possible," she adds, acknowledging Navi's arrival with a nod and a bit of praise. As for the Mandalorian, few non-Jedi ever seek to make use of Jedi Archives in Reza's experience. However good the Baron's reason for being here is, his presence remains...unexpected. But not unwelcome. Reza's immediate attention is on Cayde. She meets his eyes as soon as she sees him. More than the smile on her face is the feeling she manifests in the Force. Calm. Tranquil. Like that fountain beneath the skylight. Someone who soaks up turmoil and stands unmoved by it, much the way the tall Dowutin might react if physically tackled by a human. Which is to say, not much reaction needed at all. If there's an opportunity to, Reza proceeds forward until she's in a position to stand near Cayde. She doesn't crowd him. She just stands there, present, before turning to face Navi and the Baron and anyone else arriving in the Jedi Archives for a conversation. "A pleasure to see you again, Baron. Deputy Marshal." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi returns Cayde's nod of greeting. "Likewise, Knight Orvenk," she replies softly in acknowledgement. "Master, I believe the construction crew will be continuing the restoration at first light tomorrow. The one I encountered seemed eager to make up for lost time." She pauses at the sight of the Baron, observing him thoughtfully... and warily. She's still making up her mind as to whether he can be trusted. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' As soon as Cayde presents himself and Navi along with the other two Jedi appear, he puts aside the holobook he'd been studying and approaches. /Hello there/ he signs to Cayde. Then he reaches over to give Cayde a friendly side embrace. "Yes," Rykard says to Reza, "and I hope the progress can continue without further interruptions from the weather. We've had enough delays already..." He turns to Navi. "Ah, excellent. I'm glad to hear they're eager. First light it is, then. Thank you for asking them, Navi." When Reza addresses the Baron, he salutes, although it's difficult to tell whether the gesture is sarcastic or genuine - he's wearing his helmet. "A pleasure to see you as well, Reza," he says, forgoing both her title and surname. Perhaps she'll mind, perhaps she won't. "I was perusing the archives, looking to see what kinds of records you all had on Tarre Vizsla." Navi's wary look doesn't go unnoticed, he meets her gaze but doesn't say anything to her. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Fortunantely for them all, Volken of House Mons is here. Here's a hero after all... Therefore his mood looms over the proceedings like an approaching thunderstorm. His bad attitude and displeasusre evident to any Force Sensitive with even the slightest bit of skill in telepathy...and reading body language. There's alot of it to read, from both angles. His helmet is also on which means that a look that can dent the side of a sparship is beign kept contained by his beskar and his visor. It doesnt' do much for his phyhsique though, his enhanced muscularity and hypertrophic body basically pushing out his armor and creaking its straps to the point that he's basically almost impeding his own movement as a result of his primed and ready to explode temper. He does not want to be here and Caien just...handling everything so well and waltzing in as he has despite him being the very source for the chaos they're in is simply continuing to wind him up. <<Are you going to bother to even see about your twin brother? He's gone crazy because of you.>> he growls in Man'doa at Caine before turning his attention to the Jedi. "What exactly are we looking for here and why do I care about it? Is it going to help Jorn with the Dark Saber? That's why Master Volk sent us here from Jedha in the first place and I've gotten nothing but grief and a dwindling account of credits to show for this madness..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde doesn't resist the embrace from the baron, but doesn't really return it, either. His expression is somewhat wary as well. [Baron] he signs in return of the greeting.     And then there's Volken. Who is very obviously disgruntled toward Caine. He resists the urge to attempt to 'calm' the huge Mandalorian's emotions himself. It's rather grating on him.     ...what did Master want him here for, specifically? Or was there anything specific to begin with... 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' At the Baron's informal address, Reza gives no reaction. She's still smiling slightly and radiating a generally contented vibe, more noticeable by Force Sensitives but still the case for those who aren't. "Tarre Vizsla," she repeats, eliciting the name slowly as if tasting it. "I hope your search is fruitful. I confess the name is unknown to me." Volken's presence, once noticed, is impossible not to notice. No one else around here approaches her in size or mass and she's not entirely sure she could take him in an arm-wrestling fight. Nonetheless, his mood ripples the peaceful calm of the Archives and Reza suppresses a sigh, knowing he likely lacks the discipline to rein in such strong negative feelings. His questions concern matters she hasn't been briefed on yet. So, appropriate to let others field them, for now. Her attention she reserves for Cayde. Watching him be embraced by the Baron, watching him react to Volken. Looking to understand the young padawan before coming to any judgement or conclusions. For now, she withholds commenting directly. Reza doesn't need to be the center of a conversation and a lot more can be learned when one is focused on listening rather than what one wants to say. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Your guess is as good as mine, Volk," Navi observes softly. "I'm beginning to wonder if Jorn's training is ever going to get done, or if I'll need to just do it myself. It's been a bumpy last several months. The Jedi on-world have been pushed well past their limits." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron just turns away from Volken. He gestures obscenely at him, though it's meaning is specific to the Mandalorians, so the others won't really understand it's offensiveness. He then turns to Cayde, and signs. /I'm sorry about earlier/ Rykard seems to sense Volken's seething rage. "Calm yourself, Volken of Mons," he says, "Jorn's training will continue. And this particular mission will give him ample opportunity to practice what he's already learned. Cayde will supervise, as was intended, of course." He looks to Navi. "And if you wish to assist, you may. Provided Cayde doesn't mind." "We must find the Arkanians. Whatever they plan to do with the research they stole from the Baron must be stopped. The Temple is in a strategic location for scouting out a path to laboratory the Baron speaks of. The monsoon has left the Gorge nearly untraversable, so a way must be hewn through the organic debris." Rykard seems to be quite aware that Cayde is wondering why he wanted Cayde here, but he's deliberately not telling Cayde. Though Cayde might already have guessed that Rykard didn't think it was helpful for Cayde to sequester himself constantly. "You don't know who Tarre Vizsla is?" he says to Reza. "How curious! He was the last Mand'alor and a famous Jedi Knight. Even my padawan knows him." He chuckles. "Perhaps you two should study together~" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "He created the Dark Saber. The weapon Jorn is carrying and that is the symbol of the true ruler of Mandalore." rumbles Volken, explaining the matter in a matter of fact way for Reza. His deep voice rumbles without any humor in it despite the Master's chuckle at Reza's lack of knowledge. His glower is heavy behind his helmet but he continues: "Jedi, Mandalorian. Practically worshipped in terms of his legacy. Best of both worlds. Or so they say. House Viszla took the Dark Saber from just collecting dust in the hands of you sorcerers and used it to unite Mandalore. Not that it did much for their egos and attitude... Nor did it bring common sense..." His aze levels on Caine as he fnishes speaking. "This Di'kut hatched a scheme -- several schemes - to steal it and framed Jorn for its theft and that's how we've ended up off of Mandalore with prboably an army of hunters looking for us at this point." Then. In Man'doa, <<I -know- what you're doing Caine. Don't take me for a fool that I'm not seeing you trying to weasel your way into the young foundlings good graces because of his powers and because You konw I'm fond of him. Watch. Your. Step.>> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde keeps glancing at the door. He -really- wants to just go back to his usual spot. A headache is beginning to form, and he rubs his temples.     When Caine apologizes, he just fixes the baron with an unreadable expression.     [No you are not] he signs simply. He knows what the man is trying to do, and it doesn't work on a telepath--and definitely not here. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "So the Baron can't be trusted. I'm glad to see my instincts haven't gotten rusty," Navi observes softly, off of Volken's explanation of the Baron's role in events. "Master, may I speak with you in private for a moment?" she asks Master Rykard softly. "It doesn't have to be right now, but it may prove important." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "The Saber was likely best left in the hands of the Jedi," The Baron says, "The Mandalorians were foolish to take it, it was never ours to begin with. We picked a fight over a relic that we thought would bring us peace, but in end, only brought more strife." "Not everything may have turned out favorably, but one must admit the end result was something no one on Mandalore could have arranged for. Jorn is now being trained by the creators of the weapon. Cayde may seem like a young tutor, but the Jedi can perceive things we cannot. If they say the Force deems the supervision fitting, then it must be." "You can choose not to trust me, but the Jedi have already verified the truth of my words. I did not lie about the Arkanians, or my intentions. And without my help, you may never find them." He does not reply to Volken's words to him in Mando'a, but he levels his gaze at the other Mandalorian, his expression hidden by his helmet but his body language clear. He could start another fight with Volken, but he won't. Instead, he touches Cayde on the shoulder. "There's something I'd like to tell you private," he says to the padawan. Rykard looks to Cayde and then nods, showing his approval for both their dismissal. Then he turns to Navi. "We may speak now," he says, walking down an adjacent corridor. "What is on your mind deputy?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Stop trying to posit yourself as a hero Caine. The only reason why we're in this situatio is because of your research and prior thefts. Regardless of what you may think, what happened is ancient history and the Dark Saber belongs on Mandalore. He was Mandalorin -and- Jedi and the last Mand'alor. I don't like that House Vizla took it but it did and it that's that. You alone don't get to decide waht's best or not best for the planet..." The fact that Caine wants to fight him again but just restrains himself isn't lost on him either. <<Dont' forget that embaressing stomping I gave to you infront of -eveybody- at Thaelin's wedding. You're a puppy trying to look brave and big. Stop it...>> That might rile the Baron up but he's done with being nice infront of everyone now. The Baron, Thaerin, Mondrian (F) can bring it or he'll just bring it to them himself as far as he's concerned. "You may have been tellin' the truth but yer motivations and end goal and how you caused this in the first place is why I'm not done with you." he finally adds before unfolding his arms and starting to walk forward finally to move further in and to take another look around.. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde purses his lips, stepping away slightly when Caine touches him again. He might not know Mando'a, but he can easily tell there's bad blood between he and Volken. And he doesn't like that. He turns toward the giant Mandalorian briefly, his expression disapproving.     [Private is here] he replies, turning away from the others. [You know sign] he points out. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi follows Master Rykard into a side corridor, away from the others. "Master, the very first time Cayde was supposed to start training Jorn, he skived off to deal with something else. I don't recall exactly what. The important part is that I had to try to train Jorn instead. I don't know if there have been any more sessions, but that first one sticks with me. I can step up if I'm needed, and Cayde seems steadier than he was back then, but I thought you should know about that, just in case." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Caine ignores Volken this time, turning his full attention to Cayde. /Are you okay/ he signs to the young padawan. /I saw the look on your face earlier, and I saw you looking for an exit. I know you wanted to leave. I know that feeling, it's terrible/ He pauses. /Look, don't worry about the tainted tal between myself and Volken. What happened prior won't happen again. I promise/. And this time Cayde will be able to tell that he means it this time, unlike the apology he'd issued earlier. Volken will soon find himself lost amongst shelves of holobooks about the history of the Jedi. Perhaps they'll interest him, perhaps they won't, but eventually he'll stumble upon that young Tholothian man he'd saved not too long ago. He's studying some old scripts on Force sensitive relics. He looks up when he sees Volken and his indigo eyes light up. "Volken," he says, "the Jedi told me you would be here. How are you liking the archives?" Rykard sighs. "Well, yes, Cayde does have a habit of running off without due reason," he says, "we are all very familiar with this. And it is part of the reason why he must continue to train Jorn, and train him regularly. He must be held accountable for his commitments and more importantly, learn to communicate better. I don't mind you helping, it's welcome, and probably needed. But there will be times when Cayde will have to instruct him one on one, for his own development. This endeavor is as much for Cayde as it is for Jorn." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' They do not interest him. He mostly wanted to get away from the group. That and his memory of the wedding raised another thought in him... Something he'd forgotten that he doesn't want brought up infront of the others. So with Caine not rising to the bait and Cayde clearly displeased as well - Volken opted to move on. Seeing another familiar face does surprise him however and the huge man adjusts his stnace to be stand offish at first...but then seems to finally relent. It's tiring being mad all the time and lately that seems to be all he's had to do. "Reading and listenin' to stuff isn't what I came here for." he finally admits before reaching up to begin removing his helmet. His brutish, lightly bearded, but tired looking face is finally out in the open again. The tangled mass of dark hair he has spilling in a messy mass out of his helmet and resting in thick stands about his tree trunk of a neck and infront of his eyes like some sort of shaggy mammoth or bantha. "...And I'm just about ready to leave since they're so busy being okay with Caien cozyin' up with them. I'm goinna go find Jorn and Er'gi. They aint even thinkin' about checkin' on Kass' crazy ass self. This is bonkers and nonsense. LIke they aint got no sense of honor..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [I am fine...not terrible] Cayde signs. He's definitely -not- fine, though. He watches Caine's assurances to him, but doesn't give much a response other than to simply nod. They still hate each other, and he knows it. He stares off in the direction Navi and his master went for a moment. How many people here thought he was an incompetent child lacking restraint? He can feel it in the Force here...like a crushing weight. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If you need me to assist, I will. But if it's important to Cayde's growth and training, I'd prefer not to get involved unless I'm absolutely needed," Navi replies softly. "As it is, the Mandalorians are growing impatient about Jorn's training, and we still have the Arkanians and their cloning experiments to deal with." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The young Tholothian laughs softly, but it isn't mocking, or cruel. It's compassionate, and kind. "You didn't come for it, but maybe it's what you need?" he says softly. He pulls out one of the chairs besides him and gestures at it, inviting the hulking Mandalorian to sit. "Why is this bothering you so much? Why do you care what they think about him, or you? If you choose not to play his games at all, then how can he win?" He shakes his head, giving Volken a faint smile. "I heard today that the man who'd held me hostage was placed under the care of Dr. Soren Cassias at the rehab center downtown. There's nurses there around the clock, so he's well taken care of, I think. I went there, the other day. To bring him sweets and to see if he would tell me why he took me hostage." He frowns. "He didn't remember me. But that's alright, I didn't remember him very well either." He then reaches up and pushes some of the thick strands of hair out of Volken's eyes. "I think you shouldn't leave." Caine pauses. "You're... lying." he says. Then he takes off his helmet, chestnuts curls springing out like broken coils. "I want to know what you're feeling," he says softly. He kneels, and taking Cayde's hand gently, presses it to one of his temples. "I know," Rykard says, sounding tired. "Thank you. He may need your assistance, sometimes, though. However, he must be willing to accept it. I don't know that he will always want it." "Jorn will have the opportunity to put what he's learned to practical use once the search for a path the laboratory begins in earnest. We must go to Coruscant soon, but Reza will be able to help him practice the basic forms while we're away and put them to good use." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde just stares at Caine with an unreadable expression. This wasn't something that should be done just because. Especially not with someone he barely knows. And especially not here. He was struggling keeping to himself enough to not become lost in the vergence.     He withdraws his hand, frowning slightly. [No...you cannot understand] he signs. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The breach of personal space is ...not well received. Volken reaches up on reflex to grab for the Tholothian's hand once he reaches for his messy hair. He stares at him. Stares back at the hand. Stares back at him again. Stares back at the ham. The message is clear - especially now that his helmet is off and his dour features clear. No touchie. To hsi credit he doesn't try to twist his arm off or break his wrist but clearly the -overt- friendliness is not appreciated. The beheoths tandoffish. "Why are you Force users so bernt on trying to analyze my thinking and feelings..." Releasing the hand he reaches for the back of the chair. Volken doesn't take a seat but not just flatly leaving and laying his hand on the chair seems a midl concession. "As to Kass - Maybe I just want him to be back on his feet so I can break him in half myself for shooting me and taking you hostage. For triggering everything. I tried to give that fool a chance to prove himself and he squandered it - but I also want to know -why-. His twin brother is out there not even seeming to care about the state the guys in or why he ended up the way he did. Between the two, Kass was the weaker one mentally and physically. A comedy of errors that duo." He looks around, "And unless I see something worth my attention here I'm heading out. Finding the cloners and getting Jorn back onto his training is my priority now. Especially with Ellari gone...." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I won't force him to accept my help. My principal concern is that the Mandalorians will grow too impatient and leave before Jorn is ready," Navi replies. "It might be best that you return to Cayde to help him not feel so alone right now. May the Force be with you, Master." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Caine smiles and lets the young padawan withdraw. /Alright then, draw me a picture that describes the way you're feeling/. He takes out a datapad, and going over to a table, sits down at a chair next to it and then beckons for Cayde to come over. He holds out a stylus. The young Tholothian man withdraws his hand, but his expression becomes sorrowful. "I..I wasn't. I'm sorry. I was just trying to understand you. I wanted to tell you, thank you for being vulnerable the other day. It isn't easy, admitting that you've done things you're not proud of." "No!" he says. "Don't ... say that. I -- I don't believe you actually want to do that. And I wouldn't want what happened to me to happen to him. Even if he squandered his second chance and is currently pleading to be let out of rehab, he deserves a third chance." "Volken, you know it's okay to admit that you've been hurt. Like, not physically. Emotionally. There's nothing wrong with that. And maybe this backwater planet doesn't deserve any attention. You're right, there's nothing notable here. But you should know that I've told everyone in town about what you did for me. And many of them love you for it. Including the mayor." "Indeed," Rykard says to Navi. "Your concern is my concern as well. But Force wills what it wills, and light willing, it will all work out." Then he inclines his head. "I'll go see to Cayde now." And he turns to go find his padawan. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken's eyes widen and he just...stares. He looks away, then down and then finally shakes his head. "Listen...dont'.. Dont' do that anymore. I wasns't supposed to take my armor off to protect you. It's not The Way. Er'gi's already a little upset with me about that. Other Mandalorian's wouldn't easily understand. You're just complicating things. I know you may not get it but I've got my own reputation and problems to deal with. Potential clients. Mandalorian's back on Mandalore who think of me a certain way. Just...forget about it, alright? Besides I've been plenty vulnerable before but maybe this isn't the place or people I want to do that with?" He reaches up and puts his helmet back on. A signal that the discussion is over as his face is now muted by the emotionless brutality of the beskar helmet. "Now ... it's time to set a timeline for these folk... I got credits to earh." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares at the datapad, but doesn't take the stylus. Sometimes, he did this with Thaarin. As an exercise. But it was hard. And he isn't sure if he fully trusts the baron. Not that he doesn't know his intentions, but trust is often more than that. Whatever Volken was so upset about, it couldn't be completely baseless...     In any case, most people who tried to relate to him ended up worse off for it, not better.     So he simply takes the datapad and stylus and just writes 'good' on it. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I know," The Tholothian man says, "And you shouldn't have, I didn't want you to, but you did and that can't be changed now." "And that's why I can't," he says to Volken as he starts to leave. "I can't forget about the way you saved me. You wouldn't, either, would you? If it had been the other way around, you'd never forget that person, and you'd never stop telling everyone how miraculous it was, what he did." Then he goes back to the table, and resumes studying the scripts he'd been looking at before. /If there's something else you want me to tell you/ the Baron signs to him. /Just tell me. I'm not going to hide anything from you, we both know that would be a useless endeavor/. But Rykard is returning now, so the Baron gets up to take his leave. 
}}

The Vergence of Tenoo

2026-07-07T23:43:26Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-04-05 |Cast of Characters=159, 143, 459, 261, 321 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' A few hours after Reza had arrived on Tenoo and been introduced to the leadership of the colony, Aklyrr Bend, will find the Dowutin woman in the Jedi Temple in the Gorge. It's a wondrous, mysterious, and perhaps beautifully unnerving place to be -- massive, and likely built thousands of years ago. The rest..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-04-05
|Cast of Characters=159, 143, 459, 261, 321
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' A few hours after Reza had arrived on Tenoo and been introduced to the leadership of the colony, Aklyrr Bend, will find the Dowutin woman in the Jedi Temple in the Gorge. It's a wondrous, mysterious, and perhaps beautifully unnerving place to be -- massive, and likely built thousands of years ago. The restoration on it is going slowly but surely - the dojo is now functional, and the archives are nearing completion. In addition, a stone path with stairs leading back up to the colony had been constructed, making it much easier to access. And yet, when Reza takes it all in, it will be clear to her that there's probably rooms and even entire floors that haven't seen the light of day in decades, or maybe even centuries. This place is ancient, and filled with knowledge, secrets, and relics from the past that have yet to be uncovered. And on top of all this, she'll sense the Force acutely here. The vergence is strongest in the Gorge, and likely a large part of why the trees down here grew so large. The Tenoo trees in general are massive, comparable to wroshyr, but down here... they're something else. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     As amazing as this place is, Cayde is...having a difficult time. Some people struggle with a weak connection to the Force, but he has the opposite problem. Unfortunately this also means everyone -else- who is not trained to resist telepathic intrusion is also having a rather difficult time. Thankfully, not -all- of the visions are nightmarish.     Anyway, the padawan has scurried himself away somewhere accessible that's at least sort of away from everyone else. Some old storage room, maybe... 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' For Reza, this is a welcome respite from the greater galaxy in general and the colony specifically. The big Dowutin woman might stand head and shoulders (and torso) over most people, but those immense shoulders visibly relax as she steps closer to the Jedi Temple. "I've spent many years restoring an old temple on the moon of Ban Hagi," she says, her tone conversational as she walks with Rykard and presumably Cayde on their way along that stone path. Whether the padawan chooses now or a bit from now to split off, Reza's face splits into a smile meant for both of her Jedi companions. "Enough years to appreciate how much work has already gone into this temple." "Enough years to appreciate how much work remains." "So, this temple must be a great deal older than the colony itself. I'm afraid I didn't have much of an opportunity to read up on the history of this world and the history the Jedi Order has with it. How long has it been here? Who used to live here before the colonists came to settle it?" Her questions are likely meant for Rykard if Cayde's planning to take off for his own meditations. If he's projecting enough that his visions are intrusive to those around him, well, easy enough for Reza to understand why he might wish for solitude. She gives his departing form a concerned look before turning back to Rykard and quietly asking "I sense the temple isn't the only thing on this world with a story..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "The Jedi haven't been present on Tenoo in a long time," Rykard says, "This Temple was built thousands of years ago, and probably existed before the Great Sith War. It's been recorded that battles have been fought here, dark against light. Those slain in that effort lie buried here." But then Cayde peels off to go hide... somewhere, and elder Ikkrukki Master's gaze follows him until he's out of sight. He sighs, his brows furrowed with concern. "What? Oh, yes. You're right, sadly. It's not." His expression becomes melancholy for a moment. "He's had trouble his whole life, Reza," he tells the Dowutin woman. "It's part of why you're here. I didn't make any specific requests to Council, but they -know-. They've always known. We needed another Jedi gifted in the powers of the mind." He continues walking, shaking his head. "I'll spare you the details," he says softly. "But none of us had an easy time here. There was an incident. A witch, from Dathomir. She had an attachment to Cayde, an unhealthy one. Things became complicated, violent. I nearly died trying to save Cayde, revealing to me my own attachment to him. After that incident, I retired from being Marshal for a short while to reconnect with Force, and to search and know myself truly. Did I have what it took to be Cayde's Master?" "Eventually, I returned, but there was another incident. He was upset about a matter involving the Mandalorians. He sought solitude in the woods, but became ill, and lost control. A family living on the outskirts of Kublop was affected." <Join us in the archives when you can, padawan> Rykard instructs Cayde. <You must learn control> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde was about halfway to his designated hiding spot when his Master orders him to the archives. He sighs. He knows Master is right. He needs to learn this...     <...yes Master>     Slowly, he reorients his steps, and starts heading toward the archives. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' Reza contemplates Rykard's words, offering no comment for a time. These thoughts and concerns are worth meditating on. The other Jedi's decision to withdraw and reconnect makes perfect sense to her. Is that not what she did? If for different reasons. "So long as there is real commitment," she says at last, choosing her words carefully. "To the Force. To the Order. To the life we are called to. So long as real commitment exists, there's always the prospect of finding balance." "Still. It sounds as if it's been a struggle. I hope I can help with that, Master Rykard. I will help, if help is according to the will of the Force." Slowly, her hairless head shakes as she continues to think. "Dathomir witches. Mandalorians. A troubling turn of events. Solitude can be a great benefit, if sought for the right reasons, but it can also hinder growth and healing if what's really needed is training, fellowship and perspective." "I will try to offer all three. I have faith he has the commitment to make the most of the opportunity." "Is the matter with the family outside of Kublop settled? Is the Mandalorian incident resolved for him personally? Given the spectacle we saw at the spaceport, I rather doubt the Mandalorians themselves are in any way ''settled'', of course. Were any of those I saw part of this other incident, though?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Indeed," Rykard says softly, "Indeed." He folds his hands into his robe sleeves contemplatively, as they continue walking, heading for the archives. "I certainly hope so," he tells Reza. "Solitude can be helpful, after all, I sought it myself - but Cayde's solitude doesn't always expedite his growth. He often seeks it purely out of fear. I hope one day that will no longer be the case." "I have faith, too," he says, "but that faith can be hard to come by, sometimes. We haven't really been put into the ideal circumstances, and that isn't his fault." "Well, as settled as it can be. They continue to see the doctor on a regular basis, for counseling sessions. And the Mandalorian incident... well, I don't know. To some degree. But I don't think he feels settled about it." "Well, they came a while back and didn't leave. The ones making trouble now, were the ones making trouble, then, too." He sighs, as they approach the entryway to the archives. As they approach, Reza will notice a strange young alien man standing by the entryway, preoccupied with the datapad he's looking at. "Ah, yes," Rykard says, "have you met our Director of Communications, Thaarin?" The alien man looks up, upon mention of his name. "You must be the new Jedi sent to Tenoo by the Council," he says, a slight accent she won't be able to place coloring his speech, "welcome." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Rykard, and perhaps Reza as well, will be able to feel the padawan's presence in the archives, although he is not in immediate line of sight.     Truthfully, he's in one of the study rooms in the back with a pile of tomes, trying to bury himself in them to keep himself occupied. Though perhaps his master already knows this. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' What Rykard has to share is very helpful context. Reza does him the courtesy of listening to it all, without interruption. As they approach the entryway to the archives, the Dowutin woman says "We are all solitary. And we are all connected. To be too much of one is to lose balance with the other. And when is not in balance, it makes those less than ideal circumstances that much harder to manage." "He's not alone, though. And neither are you, Master Rykard." She smiles genially and gives him a pat on the back with one oversized hand, careful not to bump him too hard. At the introduction to that strange young alien, Reza's smile widens. "I don't believe we've met, no. I am Reza Orvenk, Jedi Knight. Director of Communications? That must be a busy job, on a colony world like this one." The sense of Cayde is seemingly obvious, shining in the Force as someone like him does, especially in a temple rich with the Force itself. While her face remains engaged in exchanging pleasantries with Thaarin, her attention shifts to contemplate Cayde's Force presence, seeking to understand what he allows himself to share...or perhaps what he's unable to hide. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' <Cayde I want you to come join us> Rykard tells the young padawan. He does not give the young padawan a reason. "You're absolutely right," Rykard says to Reza with a nod, then smiles faintly when she says that neither of them are alone. "Thank you," he says. The strange young alien man nods, his expression unreadable. "Yes, it is," he says, "I'm sorry I wasn't able to meet you at the spaceport. There were matters I had to attend to in Aklyrr," he says. "Well met," he says, bowing slightly to be polite. What's unique about this alien man is she won't be able to see into his mind or feelings at all. She'll barely even be able to sense his presence in the Force. Not only that, but he's some species she would have never seen before. Wavy, dark blue hair and pale blue skin like a Pantoran, but his eyes belong on a Shistavanen, glowing like Sith crystals. He's an extraordinarily handsome fellow though, just tall (though not as tall as she!) and -quite- mysterious. "Come then," Rykard says, "I'll show you the archives. Cayde will be joining us shortly." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     There is not much Cayde can or will hide from a Jedi much more experienced than him. She'll see that he is very focused on reading some books about various saber forms and their relation to the Powers of the Mind, but it's a clear attempt to give himself something else to concentrate on so as not to become lost in a sea of others' minds.     And as Rykard had said, there is fear. Especially in light of recent events that the Ikkruki master had just told her about. The padawan unfortunately feels very alone much of the time, as he always has been for most of his life, even back at the Temple on Coruscant. Not many understand him or even want to attempt to do so. His relationships with the others are...rocky at best, even with other Force sensitives. They're just not like him. Really, his master is the only one he feels safe confiding in.     The nudge from his master has him sighing again, but he puts the books down and starts to head their way anyway. <Yes, Master...> 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' "No apologies needed," Reza says, raising a dismissive palm to emphasize how little his absence is on her mind. "A colony world is always a busy place. You can't be expected to greet every new arrival personally, Jedi or otherwise. If I can be of service or aid to you, Thaarin, please let me know. I am here to serve." His absence of Force presence is a curiosity, one worth looking into later perhaps. As it is, Rykard clearly has no objection to him. And Cayde is near, and the more immediate priority. When the other Jedi invites her to follow, Reza gives the blue-skinned man with glowing red eyes a brief bow of greeting and farewell before turning to follow her fellow Jedi further into the archives. A consideration of Cayde's presence in the Force is revealing. To herself, Reza sighs once, still smiling as they approach. Alienation isn't all that uncommon, especially for those Jedi who were brought to the Temple as Younglings later than others, or those Jedi of a particularly sensitive nature. She had her own difficulties with attachment, once upon a time. Given her size, she's found fitting in hard to do as well. Alienation can come from many sources but alienation is still alienation. As they draw near to Cayde, Reza's own presence is one of calmness, serenity, inner peace. If Cayde's mind ripples the waters around him, Reza's mind is like a breakwater, letting fear and other emotions wash over her and be diminished as they pass through. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Oh, here you are, Master, Knight, Padawan," Navi says as she enters the archives behind Master Rykard, Reza, and Cayde, having come there from a different part of the temple than they had entered through. "You'll be pleased to know that there was very little damage from flooding. The ancient builders really knew their stuff. Almost no water got in." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin nods in farewell to Reza, and then they're headed into the archives. It's clear the archives are still a work in progress but the progress so far looks wonderful. The shelves are all neatly aligned, the ceiling has most of its supports (though there's still scaffolding here and there). In the center is a fountain directly below a skylight, already bubbling quietly. Varying plants from outside have actually snaked their way in through the cracks in the walls, but it gives the place a feeling of being one with nature. "It's not finished yet," Rykard says, "But I'm happy with the progress so far. What do you think?" he says, gesturing around them. When Navi arrives, the elder Master nods, pleased. "Excellent. Thank you, I'm glad to hear. The restoration of the Temple will continue then as planned. Do the construction workers plan to resume work again, tonight?" Reza may be in the middle of taking it all in and about to form an opinion, when she'll notice that one of the Mandalorians is in here. The Baron - the one who'd pointed a knife at the hulking fellow, Volken. He's taken several of the holobooks off the shelf and is studying them. She likely won't be surprised to see him here - of course, the Temple is the best place from which to scout a path to the lab, and he is very much needed and obligated to help with such matters. Not to mention, it's much easier to for the Jedi to keep an eye on them in the Temple. Cayde will also likely run into him on his way over to Reza, Rykard, and Navi. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     It is refreshing to meet someone who doesn't immediately become distressed or avoidant or both upon encountering him. And for a moment, Cayde seems open to both of the elder Jedi, letting them help him bear his many burdens.     However, he instantly clams up again when both Navi and Baron Von'egel appear, although he nods politely toward the two of them. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' For Reza, the sight of the archives under construction brings a full feeling to her chest. It brings to mind her many years laboring to restore a Temple very far away from here. This place is quite a bit grander and likely well beyond the ability of any one single Jedi to fix up by themselves. Still, the resonance the Temple has in the Force is one of peace. And the silent contemplation of seeing this place be fully restored, how it will feel to the Jedi and those who help them to do so, the anticipation of satisfaction, it's a delight to think about. "A great deal has been done," the Jedi Knight says when asked by Rykard. "A great deal remains. This much is always true in life. I think everyone involved has every reason to savor this work, though. I look forward to seeing the completion, however far off that day might be." "My compliments to those who have made it possible," she adds, acknowledging Navi's arrival with a nod and a bit of praise. As for the Mandalorian, few non-Jedi ever seek to make use of Jedi Archives in Reza's experience. However good the Baron's reason for being here is, his presence remains...unexpected. But not unwelcome. Reza's immediate attention is on Cayde. She meets his eyes as soon as she sees him. More than the smile on her face is the feeling she manifests in the Force. Calm. Tranquil. Like that fountain beneath the skylight. Someone who soaks up turmoil and stands unmoved by it, much the way the tall Dowutin might react if physically tackled by a human. Which is to say, not much reaction needed at all. If there's an opportunity to, Reza proceeds forward until she's in a position to stand near Cayde. She doesn't crowd him. She just stands there, present, before turning to face Navi and the Baron and anyone else arriving in the Jedi Archives for a conversation. "A pleasure to see you again, Baron. Deputy Marshal." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi returns Cayde's nod of greeting. "Likewise, Knight Orvenk," she replies softly in acknowledgement. "Master, I believe the construction crew will be continuing the restoration at first light tomorrow. The one I encountered seemed eager to make up for lost time." She pauses at the sight of the Baron, observing him thoughtfully... and warily. She's still making up her mind as to whether he can be trusted. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' As soon as Cayde presents himself and Navi along with the other two Jedi appear, he puts aside the holobook he'd been studying and approaches. /Hello there/ he signs to Cayde. Then he reaches over to give Cayde a friendly side embrace. "Yes," Rykard says to Reza, "and I hope the progress can continue without further interruptions from the weather. We've had enough delays already..." He turns to Navi. "Ah, excellent. I'm glad to hear they're eager. First light it is, then. Thank you for asking them, Navi." When Reza addresses the Baron, he salutes, although it's difficult to tell whether the gesture is sarcastic or genuine - he's wearing his helmet. "A pleasure to see you as well, Reza," he says, forgoing both her title and surname. Perhaps she'll mind, perhaps she won't. "I was perusing the archives, looking to see what kinds of records you all had on Tarre Vizsla." Navi's wary look doesn't go unnoticed, he meets her gaze but doesn't say anything to her. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Fortunantely for them all, Volken of House Mons is here. Here's a hero after all... Therefore his mood looms over the proceedings like an approaching thunderstorm. His bad attitude and displeasusre evident to any Force Sensitive with even the slightest bit of skill in telepathy...and reading body language. There's alot of it to read, from both angles. His helmet is also on which means that a look that can dent the side of a sparship is beign kept contained by his beskar and his visor. It doesnt' do much for his phyhsique though, his enhanced muscularity and hypertrophic body basically pushing out his armor and creaking its straps to the point that he's basically almost impeding his own movement as a result of his primed and ready to explode temper. He does not want to be here and Caien just...handling everything so well and waltzing in as he has despite him being the very source for the chaos they're in is simply continuing to wind him up. <<Are you going to bother to even see about your twin brother? He's gone crazy because of you.>> he growls in Man'doa at Caine before turning his attention to the Jedi. "What exactly are we looking for here and why do I care about it? Is it going to help Jorn with the Dark Saber? That's why Master Volk sent us here from Jedha in the first place and I've gotten nothing but grief and a dwindling account of credits to show for this madness..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde doesn't resist the embrace from the baron, but doesn't really return it, either. His expression is somewhat wary as well. [Baron] he signs in return of the greeting.     And then there's Volken. Who is very obviously disgruntled toward Caine. He resists the urge to attempt to 'calm' the huge Mandalorian's emotions himself. It's rather grating on him.     ...what did Master want him here for, specifically? Or was there anything specific to begin with... 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' At the Baron's informal address, Reza gives no reaction. She's still smiling slightly and radiating a generally contented vibe, more noticeable by Force Sensitives but still the case for those who aren't. "Tarre Vizsla," she repeats, eliciting the name slowly as if tasting it. "I hope your search is fruitful. I confess the name is unknown to me." Volken's presence, once noticed, is impossible not to notice. No one else around here approaches her in size or mass and she's not entirely sure she could take him in an arm-wrestling fight. Nonetheless, his mood ripples the peaceful calm of the Archives and Reza suppresses a sigh, knowing he likely lacks the discipline to rein in such strong negative feelings. His questions concern matters she hasn't been briefed on yet. So, appropriate to let others field them, for now. Her attention she reserves for Cayde. Watching him be embraced by the Baron, watching him react to Volken. Looking to understand the young padawan before coming to any judgement or conclusions. For now, she withholds commenting directly. Reza doesn't need to be the center of a conversation and a lot more can be learned when one is focused on listening rather than what one wants to say. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Your guess is as good as mine, Volk," Navi observes softly. "I'm beginning to wonder if Jorn's training is ever going to get done, or if I'll need to just do it myself. It's been a bumpy last several months. The Jedi on-world have been pushed well past their limits." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron just turns away from Volken. He gestures obscenely at him, though it's meaning is specific to the Mandalorians, so the others won't really understand it's offensiveness. He then turns to Cayde, and signs. /I'm sorry about earlier/ Rykard seems to sense Volken's seething rage. "Calm yourself, Volken of Mons," he says, "Jorn's training will continue. And this particular mission will give him ample opportunity to practice what he's already learned. Cayde will supervise, as was intended, of course." He looks to Navi. "And if you wish to assist, you may. Provided Cayde doesn't mind." "We must find the Arkanians. Whatever they plan to do with the research they stole from the Baron must be stopped. The Temple is in a strategic location for scouting out a path to laboratory the Baron speaks of. The monsoon has left the Gorge nearly untraversable, so a way must be hewn through the organic debris." Rykard seems to be quite aware that Cayde is wondering why he wanted Cayde here, but he's deliberately not telling Cayde. Though Cayde might already have guessed that Rykard didn't think it was helpful for Cayde to sequester himself constantly. "You don't know who Tarre Vizsla is?" he says to Reza. "How curious! He was the last Mand'alor and a famous Jedi Knight. Even my padawan knows him." He chuckles. "Perhaps you two should study together~" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "He created the Dark Saber. The weapon Jorn is carrying and that is the symbol of the true ruler of Mandalore." rumbles Volken, explaining the matter in a matter of fact way for Reza. His deep voice rumbles without any humor in it despite the Master's chuckle at Reza's lack of knowledge. His glower is heavy behind his helmet but he continues: "Jedi, Mandalorian. Practically worshipped in terms of his legacy. Best of both worlds. Or so they say. House Viszla took the Dark Saber from just collecting dust in the hands of you sorcerers and used it to unite Mandalore. Not that it did much for their egos and attitude... Nor did it bring common sense..." His aze levels on Caine as he fnishes speaking. "This Di'kut hatched a scheme -- several schemes - to steal it and framed Jorn for its theft and that's how we've ended up off of Mandalore with prboably an army of hunters looking for us at this point." Then. In Man'doa, <<I -know- what you're doing Caine. Don't take me for a fool that I'm not seeing you trying to weasel your way into the young foundlings good graces because of his powers and because You konw I'm fond of him. Watch. Your. Step.>> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde keeps glancing at the door. He -really- wants to just go back to his usual spot. A headache is beginning to form, and he rubs his temples.     When Caine apologizes, he just fixes the baron with an unreadable expression.     [No you are not] he signs simply. He knows what the man is trying to do, and it doesn't work on a telepath--and definitely not here. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "So the Baron can't be trusted. I'm glad to see my instincts haven't gotten rusty," Navi observes softly, off of Volken's explanation of the Baron's role in events. "Master, may I speak with you in private for a moment?" she asks Master Rykard softly. "It doesn't have to be right now, but it may prove important." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "The Saber was likely best left in the hands of the Jedi," The Baron says, "The Mandalorians were foolish to take it, it was never ours to begin with. We picked a fight over a relic that we thought would bring us peace, but in end, only brought more strife." "Not everything may have turned out favorably, but one must admit the end result was something no one on Mandalore could have arranged for. Jorn is now being trained by the creators of the weapon. Cayde may seem like a young tutor, but the Jedi can perceive things we cannot. If they say the Force deems the supervision fitting, then it must be." "You can choose not to trust me, but the Jedi have already verified the truth of my words. I did not lie about the Arkanians, or my intentions. And without my help, you may never find them." He does not reply to Volken's words to him in Mando'a, but he levels his gaze at the other Mandalorian, his expression hidden by his helmet but his body language clear. He could start another fight with Volken, but he won't. Instead, he touches Cayde on the shoulder. "There's something I'd like to tell you private," he says to the padawan. Rykard looks to Cayde and then nods, showing his approval for both their dismissal. Then he turns to Navi. "We may speak now," he says, walking down an adjacent corridor. "What is on your mind deputy?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Stop trying to posit yourself as a hero Caine. The only reason why we're in this situatio is because of your research and prior thefts. Regardless of what you may think, what happened is ancient history and the Dark Saber belongs on Mandalore. He was Mandalorin -and- Jedi and the last Mand'alor. I don't like that House Vizla took it but it did and it that's that. You alone don't get to decide waht's best or not best for the planet..." The fact that Caine wants to fight him again but just restrains himself isn't lost on him either. <<Dont' forget that embaressing stomping I gave to you infront of -eveybody- at Thaelin's wedding. You're a puppy trying to look brave and big. Stop it...>> That might rile the Baron up but he's done with being nice infront of everyone now. The Baron, Thaerin, Mondrian (F) can bring it or he'll just bring it to them himself as far as he's concerned. "You may have been tellin' the truth but yer motivations and end goal and how you caused this in the first place is why I'm not done with you." he finally adds before unfolding his arms and starting to walk forward finally to move further in and to take another look around.. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde purses his lips, stepping away slightly when Caine touches him again. He might not know Mando'a, but he can easily tell there's bad blood between he and Volken. And he doesn't like that. He turns toward the giant Mandalorian briefly, his expression disapproving.     [Private is here] he replies, turning away from the others. [You know sign] he points out. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi follows Master Rykard into a side corridor, away from the others. "Master, the very first time Cayde was supposed to start training Jorn, he skived off to deal with something else. I don't recall exactly what. The important part is that I had to try to train Jorn instead. I don't know if there have been any more sessions, but that first one sticks with me. I can step up if I'm needed, and Cayde seems steadier than he was back then, but I thought you should know about that, just in case." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Caine ignores Volken this time, turning his full attention to Cayde. /Are you okay/ he signs to the young padawan. /I saw the look on your face earlier, and I saw you looking for an exit. I know you wanted to leave. I know that feeling, it's terrible/ He pauses. /Look, don't worry about the tainted tal between myself and Volken. What happened prior won't happen again. I promise/. And this time Cayde will be able to tell that he means it this time, unlike the apology he'd issued earlier. Volken will soon find himself lost amongst shelves of holobooks about the history of the Jedi. Perhaps they'll interest him, perhaps they won't, but eventually he'll stumble upon that young Tholothian man he'd saved not too long ago. He's studying some old scripts on Force sensitive relics. He looks up when he sees Volken and his indigo eyes light up. "Volken," he says, "the Jedi told me you would be here. How are you liking the archives?" Rykard sighs. "Well, yes, Cayde does have a habit of running off without due reason," he says, "we are all very familiar with this. And it is part of the reason why he must continue to train Jorn, and train him regularly. He must be held accountable for his commitments and more importantly, learn to communicate better. I don't mind you helping, it's welcome, and probably needed. But there will be times when Cayde will have to instruct him one on one, for his own development. This endeavor is as much for Cayde as it is for Jorn." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' They do not interest him. He mostly wanted to get away from the group. That and his memory of the wedding raised another thought in him... Something he'd forgotten that he doesn't want brought up infront of the others. So with Caine not rising to the bait and Cayde clearly displeased as well - Volken opted to move on. Seeing another familiar face does surprise him however and the huge man adjusts his stnace to be stand offish at first...but then seems to finally relent. It's tiring being mad all the time and lately that seems to be all he's had to do. "Reading and listenin' to stuff isn't what I came here for." he finally admits before reaching up to begin removing his helmet. His brutish, lightly bearded, but tired looking face is finally out in the open again. The tangled mass of dark hair he has spilling in a messy mass out of his helmet and resting in thick stands about his tree trunk of a neck and infront of his eyes like some sort of shaggy mammoth or bantha. "...And I'm just about ready to leave since they're so busy being okay with Caien cozyin' up with them. I'm goinna go find Jorn and Er'gi. They aint even thinkin' about checkin' on Kass' crazy ass self. This is bonkers and nonsense. LIke they aint got no sense of honor..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [I am fine...not terrible] Cayde signs. He's definitely -not- fine, though. He watches Caine's assurances to him, but doesn't give much a response other than to simply nod. They still hate each other, and he knows it. He stares off in the direction Navi and his master went for a moment. How many people here thought he was an incompetent child lacking restraint? He can feel it in the Force here...like a crushing weight. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If you need me to assist, I will. But if it's important to Cayde's growth and training, I'd prefer not to get involved unless I'm absolutely needed," Navi replies softly. "As it is, the Mandalorians are growing impatient about Jorn's training, and we still have the Arkanians and their cloning experiments to deal with." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The young Tholothian laughs softly, but it isn't mocking, or cruel. It's compassionate, and kind. "You didn't come for it, but maybe it's what you need?" he says softly. He pulls out one of the chairs besides him and gestures at it, inviting the hulking Mandalorian to sit. "Why is this bothering you so much? Why do you care what they think about him, or you? If you choose not to play his games at all, then how can he win?" He shakes his head, giving Volken a faint smile. "I heard today that the man who'd held me hostage was placed under the care of Dr. Soren Cassias at the rehab center downtown. There's nurses there around the clock, so he's well taken care of, I think. I went there, the other day. To bring him sweets and to see if he would tell me why he took me hostage." He frowns. "He didn't remember me. But that's alright, I didn't remember him very well either." He then reaches up and pushes some of the thick strands of hair out of Volken's eyes. "I think you shouldn't leave." Caine pauses. "You're... lying." he says. Then he takes off his helmet, chestnuts curls springing out like broken coils. "I want to know what you're feeling," he says softly. He kneels, and taking Cayde's hand gently, presses it to one of his temples. "I know," Rykard says, sounding tired. "Thank you. He may need your assistance, sometimes, though. However, he must be willing to accept it. I don't know that he will always want it." "Jorn will have the opportunity to put what he's learned to practical use once the search for a path the laboratory begins in earnest. We must go to Coruscant soon, but Reza will be able to help him practice the basic forms while we're away and put them to good use." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde just stares at Caine with an unreadable expression. This wasn't something that should be done just because. Especially not with someone he barely knows. And especially not here. He was struggling keeping to himself enough to not become lost in the vergence.     He withdraws his hand, frowning slightly. [No...you cannot understand] he signs. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The breach of personal space is ...not well received. Volken reaches up on reflex to grab for the Tholothian's hand once he reaches for his messy hair. He stares at him. Stares back at the hand. Stares back at him again. Stares back at the ham. The message is clear - especially now that his helmet is off and his dour features clear. No touchie. To hsi credit he doesn't try to twist his arm off or break his wrist but clearly the -overt- friendliness is not appreciated. The beheoths tandoffish. "Why are you Force users so bernt on trying to analyze my thinking and feelings..." Releasing the hand he reaches for the back of the chair. Volken doesn't take a seat but not just flatly leaving and laying his hand on the chair seems a midl concession. "As to Kass - Maybe I just want him to be back on his feet so I can break him in half myself for shooting me and taking you hostage. For triggering everything. I tried to give that fool a chance to prove himself and he squandered it - but I also want to know -why-. His twin brother is out there not even seeming to care about the state the guys in or why he ended up the way he did. Between the two, Kass was the weaker one mentally and physically. A comedy of errors that duo." He looks around, "And unless I see something worth my attention here I'm heading out. Finding the cloners and getting Jorn back onto his training is my priority now. Especially with Ellari gone...." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I won't force him to accept my help. My principal concern is that the Mandalorians will grow too impatient and leave before Jorn is ready," Navi replies. "It might be best that you return to Cayde to help him not feel so alone right now. May the Force be with you, Master." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Caine smiles and lets the young padawan withdraw. /Alright then, draw me a picture that describes the way you're feeling/. He takes out a datapad, and going over to a table, sits down at a chair next to it and then beckons for Cayde to come over. He holds out a stylus. The young Tholothian man withdraws his hand, but his expression becomes sorrowful. "I..I wasn't. I'm sorry. I was just trying to understand you. I wanted to tell you, thank you for being vulnerable the other day. It isn't easy, admitting that you've done things you're not proud of." "No!" he says. "Don't ... say that. I -- I don't believe you actually want to do that. And I wouldn't want what happened to me to happen to him. Even if he squandered his second chance and is currently pleading to be let out of rehab, he deserves a third chance." "Volken, you know it's okay to admit that you've been hurt. Like, not physically. Emotionally. There's nothing wrong with that. And maybe this backwater planet doesn't deserve any attention. You're right, there's nothing notable here. But you should know that I've told everyone in town about what you did for me. And many of them love you for it. Including the mayor." "Indeed," Rykard says to Navi. "Your concern is my concern as well. But Force wills what it wills, and light willing, it will all work out." Then he inclines his head. "I'll go see to Cayde now." And he turns to go find his padawan. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken's eyes widen and he just...stares. He looks away, then down and then finally shakes his head. "Listen...dont'.. Dont' do that anymore. I wasns't supposed to take my armor off to protect you. It's not The Way. Er'gi's already a little upset with me about that. Other Mandalorian's wouldn't easily understand. You're just complicating things. I know you may not get it but I've got my own reputation and problems to deal with. Potential clients. Mandalorian's back on Mandalore who think of me a certain way. Just...forget about it, alright? Besides I've been plenty vulnerable before but maybe this isn't the place or people I want to do that with?" He reaches up and puts his helmet back on. A signal that the discussion is over as his face is now muted by the emotionless brutality of the beskar helmet. "Now ... it's time to set a timeline for these folk... I got credits to earh." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares at the datapad, but doesn't take the stylus. Sometimes, he did this with Thaarin. As an exercise. But it was hard. And he isn't sure if he fully trusts the baron. Not that he doesn't know his intentions, but trust is often more than that. Whatever Volken was so upset about, it couldn't be completely baseless...     In any case, most people who tried to relate to him ended up worse off for it, not better.     So he simply takes the datapad and stylus and just writes 'good' on it. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I know," The Tholothian man says, "And you shouldn't have, I didn't want you to, but you did and that can't be changed now." "And that's why I can't," he says to Volken as he starts to leave. "I can't forget about the way you saved me. You wouldn't, either, would you? If it had been the other way around, you'd never forget that person, and you'd never stop telling everyone how miraculous it was, what he did." Then he goes back to the table, and resumes studying the scripts he'd been looking at before. /If there's something else you want me to tell you/ the Baron signs to him. /Just tell me. I'm not going to hide anything from you, we both know that would be a useless endeavor/. But Rykard is returning now, so the Baron gets up to take his leave. 
}}

GMing Tips

2026-06-24T04:36:51Z

Andromeda: /* 5. Communicate! */

So you want to run a scene or plot, but are not sure of the best way to go about it? Here are some tips that may help.

=== 1. Plan Plots ===
TPs require planning. Do not try to rush this, regardless of how eager you may be to get it rolling. Think about what you want out of the TP, and what you want players to get out of it. Come up with a sequence of events that won't drag on or leave things hanging for too long, and plan for likely contingencies. When introducing the TP to players, make sure your pitch lines up with your plans, then stick to them as much as you can. That way, players are less likely to start derailing things or unintentionally taking them in a direction you do not want.

=== 2. Be Descriptive ===
When you are the GM, players are depending on you to tell them what's going on in the environment that may pertain to them. Tell them about the things that are relevant to the situation at hand, but leave out superfluous information that has no bearing on the scene or isn't actionable by players.

=== 3. Be Responsive ===
Both ICly and OOCly. Usually when a player does something that is meant to have an impact on their surroundings or on another character, you should respond specifically to that player's action, even if it is to simply say there is no effect. Likewise, if someone asks an OOC question, do your best to answer it in a timely fashion.

=== 4. Be Fair ===
While still respecting the theme and narrative of your story, do the best you can to give each and every player character who invests in your scene a chance to shine in an equally significant way. If that means limiting the number of players involved, then don't be afraid to do so. It is better for a few people to enjoy your plot thoroughly than for too many to join in with some people ending up feeling left out, ignored, or otherwise disappointed. If there is a particular character you want to give special attention to, consider running a one-on-one scene with that player, or informing other players ahead of time about the special role.

=== 5. Communicate! ===
Lastly but perhaps most importantly, communicate in an effective and timely fashion. You will most likely at some point find it difficult to balance all of these guidelines at the same time, especially when players do unexpected things. Of course, this is part of the fun. But it is important that if there is, for example, an unexpected change to your original plan for a plot, you make sure you communicate about the change to everyone involved immediately. Or, if a player or group of players starts pushing in a direction you don't want, clearly and politely inform them that you do not wish for your plot or scene to go there. Additionally, if players are taking actions toward a direction that you know will result in severe IC consequences or consequences they may not want OOCly, warn them.

[[Category:Help]][[Category:Guides]]

Gameplay Etiquette

2026-06-19T17:18:25Z

Andromeda: /* Communication */

Please keep in mind that staff will not be policing these guidelines, nor will anyone be disciplined purely for failing to be "polite enough." However, a little bit of courtesy can go a long way, and if you want people to enjoy playing with you, it's a good idea to make every effort to follow these simple recommendations.

=== Scheduling ===
If you make an appointment with someone or a group of people for a scene, please be courteous. Treat it the same way you would for a call or in-person meeting. If you are unable to make it to the scene, do your best to at least communicate that fact to the scene's organizer or your scene partner(s) as far in advance as possible. In essence, do your best to be reliable. More people will want to play with you if you are.

=== Private Scenes ===
If you want your scene to be private, please create an object to enter and use as a room. Please ask permission from those inside an object before joining a scene that may be occurring within it.
=== Scene Entry ===
It can never hurt to ask for permission to enter a scene that is already in progress first, if permission has not already been given. Additionally, if you are in a scene already in progress, it's always a good idea to ask for permission to invite others to it as well before actually doing so. Both of these habits will help you avoid the risk of causing unwanted disruption.

''' 
'''

On the other hand, please be aware that if your scene is occurring in a public area, no player is required to ask for your permission in order to OOCly observe the RP. If you want a private scene, please create an object to enter and use. It's not fair to others when you basically reserve a public space for a private scene and don't allow anyone else to so much as walk in without your permission. Remember, grid rooms are shared spaces and do not belong to any individual player; therefore they should be treated as such. Bear in mind that a MUSH is essentially a community chat server, not a private IM. Anything you do or say in-game is never in any way guaranteed or even likely to remain confidential, so be sure to use your own discretion.

''' 

If you are given permission to enter the scene, carefully observe what's occurring ICly before posing by checking '''+scene/recall <sceneID#>''' for recent poses. On the flip side of that, if someone just arrived in a room where RP is occurring, please wait for that person to pose before reacting to their presence.

=== Pose Delays ===
If you need to afk unexpectedly, please just take the small amount of time required to let the other scene participants know how long you expect the delay to be if at all possible, so that they can either move on or seek RP elsewhere without being concerned about offending you, or choose to wait for you if they would like, instead of waiting around wondering if you will return soon, much later, or not at all. It could be as simple as "Hey I'm going to idle for about 20min." That way, your scene partner(s) can decide if they would like to skip your turn in the case of multiple people, leave and look for RP elsewhere in the case of a single person, or wait the stated time, then leave/skip your turn if you do not return within that time.

No player is obligated to divulge the reason for any distraction; nor should anyone be pressuring or harassing a player into giving out such information. It is not your business what someone else is doing elsewhere. You have the choice of leaving if you feel they are mistreating you or if you think they have kept you waiting for too long.

Long poses take time, so if you are writing a long one, it is polite to let others know that you are working on it--especially if they're asking or wondering if you're still there. Keep in mind that some players often have a limited amount of time to play; please do your best to respect the fact that they want to get as much out of their RP time as possible.

''' 
'''

===Scene Exit ===
If at all possible, pose out of a scene you are leaving. However, barring that, it's just good manners to OOCly inform other players that you are leaving.

Please keep in mind that unexpected disappearances will most likely lead to the others in the scene coming up with a sensible reason for your character's abrupt absence, and may skip your turn in the initiative queue.

''' 
'''

=== Pose Order ===
Please do your best to pay attention to pose order or initiative queue whenever it is pertinent. Different types of scenes may have different pose order rules--please pay attention to them when they are defined and respect them throughout the scene to the best of your ability. In most situations, it's a good idea to give at least three others a chance to respond to your pose before posing again. If you need to idle or afk for longer than it takes for your turn to come around again, it is polite to tell the others in the scene to skip your turn for a round so that everyone isn't stuck waiting on you when your turn comes.

''' 
'''

=== Meta Posing ===
Please give others something to respond to in your pose. A pose that solely consists of content that is exclusive to your character’s awareness and thus cannot warrant a response from another character is inappropriate. For example, posing your character's inner thoughts is certainly interesting and perfectly fine, but it should be accompanied by some form of outward expression that is visible or could be visible to other characters most of the time. If your character is cloaked or hiding, be especially mindful of giving others something to react to. Remember--if others can't see your character or aren't aware of its presence, they can't readily react to it.

''' 
'''

=== Game Awareness ===
Please do your best to pay attention to the game and to the other players you are interacting with. This includes board posts pertinent to the entire game or to your faction, IC channels, others' poses, and in-game mails. While you are not expected to keep tabs on absolutely everything that is going on at any given time, you are expected to at least have an idea of the current state of affairs in the world and within your character's faction.

We are aware that miscommunication and misunderstanding of others’ poses/posts will happen, but please try to do your best to respond appropriately to other character’s actions. If you are unsure about the meaning of someone else’s pose, please ask for clarification before starting to respond to it. Remember that repeated failure to comprehend others’ poses properly or show a general awareness of the game's setting could look like a lack of interest or willingness to invest your attention in the game. And if you are unwilling to invest your attention, then you are likely better off not participating at all.

While we are happy to answer questions, we also ask that players do as much of their own research as they can. This wiki is here as a resource for a reason. So before you request the time and attention of another player or staff member, please at least attempt to find the answer on your own first. Again, pay close attention to what is going on around you ICly, peruse this wiki for information that is pertinent to you when you can. Don't ask other people what your character should do or how they should respond before you've even read anything or given it any thought yourself. It's your character, therefore it is mainly your job to decide what their actions will be, and it is your job to find out the information you need in order to decide how they would act and what would ICly/OOCly be appropriate. ''You'' are playing your character, and not anyone else. 

=== Communication ===
OOC communication during any scene is incredibly important. Communicate in an effective, respectful, and timely fashion. Do not assume, do not expect people to just "get the hint", and do not wait until someone (including yourself) has become upset or offended. What is obvious to one person is not always obvious to another. If something is making you uncomfortable, or the scene is moving in a direction you don't feel comfortable with or don't want, please speak up immediately. No one should be coerced into playing out something they do not want, and neither should players use this consent rule to avoid the IC consequences of their character's actions. Therefore, communication is essential to resolve the issue among everyone involved, or alert staff to request mediation if desired.

=== Combat ===
Roll mechanics can be fun, however, they can also be abused, taking the fun out of the game. As such, players are expected to adhere to staff's expectations for the usage of the system. Repeated failure to do so may warrant disciplinary action. 
# A maximum of 6 combat actions (1st action + a maximum of 5 extra actions) may be taken each turn, with mutli-action penalties applied for extra actions as appropriate.
# Try to be considerate of others. This is not an MMORPG where the person who gets the most kills and does the most damage is considered the best. If you one or two-shot someone else, that often takes the fun out of the scene.
# When in doubt, ask first. It can never hurt to ask.
# Please do not rage-quit. Remember that not every roll is going to favor you, and be a good sport about it. Don't whine and complain excessively when your character doesn't win, and understand that you will ''not'' win every time. If you must leave a scene for a legitimate reason, then inform your scene partners as soon as you can, and if possible, pose your exit before leaving. This is simply common courtesy, and will go a long way when it comes to gaining the favor of staff and other players.

=== Sharing the Spotlight ===
This is particularly important for scenes with more than 2 or 3 other characters. We understand that everyone wants their character to have a chance to shine. The GM should do their best to give equal opportunity to everyone investing in the scene. It is the players' responsibility to respect this. Don't get upset just because your character doesn't get to be the ''sole'' hero, or doesn't get ''all'' of the attention. Don't try to manipulate the GM or the narrative itself in order to get all the spotlight on your character. If you want to participate in a scene with many other characters, understand that will likely mean you are expected to share the spotlight with them. There may be some exceptions to this, in which case the GM will make all players aware that one character may be given a special role for narrative reasons.

If you don't feel like the sharing the spotlight, don't be afraid to ask staff or another player to run something specifically for your character in an exclusive scene. Remember that there is no shame in asking for that, however there ''is'' shame in trying to steal the spotlight when others should rightfully have a piece of it as well.

[[Category:Help]]
[[Category:Guides]]

Gameplay Etiquette

2026-06-19T17:17:44Z

Andromeda:

Please keep in mind that staff will not be policing these guidelines, nor will anyone be disciplined purely for failing to be "polite enough." However, a little bit of courtesy can go a long way, and if you want people to enjoy playing with you, it's a good idea to make every effort to follow these simple recommendations.

=== Scheduling ===
If you make an appointment with someone or a group of people for a scene, please be courteous. Treat it the same way you would for a call or in-person meeting. If you are unable to make it to the scene, do your best to at least communicate that fact to the scene's organizer or your scene partner(s) as far in advance as possible. In essence, do your best to be reliable. More people will want to play with you if you are.

=== Private Scenes ===
If you want your scene to be private, please create an object to enter and use as a room. Please ask permission from those inside an object before joining a scene that may be occurring within it.
=== Scene Entry ===
It can never hurt to ask for permission to enter a scene that is already in progress first, if permission has not already been given. Additionally, if you are in a scene already in progress, it's always a good idea to ask for permission to invite others to it as well before actually doing so. Both of these habits will help you avoid the risk of causing unwanted disruption.

''' 
'''

On the other hand, please be aware that if your scene is occurring in a public area, no player is required to ask for your permission in order to OOCly observe the RP. If you want a private scene, please create an object to enter and use. It's not fair to others when you basically reserve a public space for a private scene and don't allow anyone else to so much as walk in without your permission. Remember, grid rooms are shared spaces and do not belong to any individual player; therefore they should be treated as such. Bear in mind that a MUSH is essentially a community chat server, not a private IM. Anything you do or say in-game is never in any way guaranteed or even likely to remain confidential, so be sure to use your own discretion.

''' 

If you are given permission to enter the scene, carefully observe what's occurring ICly before posing by checking '''+scene/recall <sceneID#>''' for recent poses. On the flip side of that, if someone just arrived in a room where RP is occurring, please wait for that person to pose before reacting to their presence.

=== Pose Delays ===
If you need to afk unexpectedly, please just take the small amount of time required to let the other scene participants know how long you expect the delay to be if at all possible, so that they can either move on or seek RP elsewhere without being concerned about offending you, or choose to wait for you if they would like, instead of waiting around wondering if you will return soon, much later, or not at all. It could be as simple as "Hey I'm going to idle for about 20min." That way, your scene partner(s) can decide if they would like to skip your turn in the case of multiple people, leave and look for RP elsewhere in the case of a single person, or wait the stated time, then leave/skip your turn if you do not return within that time.

No player is obligated to divulge the reason for any distraction; nor should anyone be pressuring or harassing a player into giving out such information. It is not your business what someone else is doing elsewhere. You have the choice of leaving if you feel they are mistreating you or if you think they have kept you waiting for too long.

Long poses take time, so if you are writing a long one, it is polite to let others know that you are working on it--especially if they're asking or wondering if you're still there. Keep in mind that some players often have a limited amount of time to play; please do your best to respect the fact that they want to get as much out of their RP time as possible.

''' 
'''

===Scene Exit ===
If at all possible, pose out of a scene you are leaving. However, barring that, it's just good manners to OOCly inform other players that you are leaving.

Please keep in mind that unexpected disappearances will most likely lead to the others in the scene coming up with a sensible reason for your character's abrupt absence, and may skip your turn in the initiative queue.

''' 
'''

=== Pose Order ===
Please do your best to pay attention to pose order or initiative queue whenever it is pertinent. Different types of scenes may have different pose order rules--please pay attention to them when they are defined and respect them throughout the scene to the best of your ability. In most situations, it's a good idea to give at least three others a chance to respond to your pose before posing again. If you need to idle or afk for longer than it takes for your turn to come around again, it is polite to tell the others in the scene to skip your turn for a round so that everyone isn't stuck waiting on you when your turn comes.

''' 
'''

=== Meta Posing ===
Please give others something to respond to in your pose. A pose that solely consists of content that is exclusive to your character’s awareness and thus cannot warrant a response from another character is inappropriate. For example, posing your character's inner thoughts is certainly interesting and perfectly fine, but it should be accompanied by some form of outward expression that is visible or could be visible to other characters most of the time. If your character is cloaked or hiding, be especially mindful of giving others something to react to. Remember--if others can't see your character or aren't aware of its presence, they can't readily react to it.

''' 
'''

=== Game Awareness ===
Please do your best to pay attention to the game and to the other players you are interacting with. This includes board posts pertinent to the entire game or to your faction, IC channels, others' poses, and in-game mails. While you are not expected to keep tabs on absolutely everything that is going on at any given time, you are expected to at least have an idea of the current state of affairs in the world and within your character's faction.

We are aware that miscommunication and misunderstanding of others’ poses/posts will happen, but please try to do your best to respond appropriately to other character’s actions. If you are unsure about the meaning of someone else’s pose, please ask for clarification before starting to respond to it. Remember that repeated failure to comprehend others’ poses properly or show a general awareness of the game's setting could look like a lack of interest or willingness to invest your attention in the game. And if you are unwilling to invest your attention, then you are likely better off not participating at all.

While we are happy to answer questions, we also ask that players do as much of their own research as they can. This wiki is here as a resource for a reason. So before you request the time and attention of another player or staff member, please at least attempt to find the answer on your own first. Again, pay close attention to what is going on around you ICly, peruse this wiki for information that is pertinent to you when you can. Don't ask other people what your character should do or how they should respond before you've even read anything or given it any thought yourself. It's your character, therefore it is mainly your job to decide what their actions will be, and it is your job to find out the information you need in order to decide how they would act and what would ICly/OOCly be appropriate. ''You'' are playing your character, and not anyone else. 

=== Communication ===
OOC communication during any scene is incredibly important. Communicate in an effective, respectful, and timely fashion. Do not assume, and do not expect people to just "get the hint". What is obvious to one person is not always obvious to another. If something is making you uncomfortable, or the scene is moving in a direction you don't feel comfortable with or don't want, please speak up immediately. No one should be coerced into playing out something they do not want, and neither should players use this consent rule to avoid the IC consequences of their character's actions. Therefore, communication is essential to resolve the issue among everyone involved, or alert staff to request mediation if desired.

=== Combat ===
Roll mechanics can be fun, however, they can also be abused, taking the fun out of the game. As such, players are expected to adhere to staff's expectations for the usage of the system. Repeated failure to do so may warrant disciplinary action. 
# A maximum of 6 combat actions (1st action + a maximum of 5 extra actions) may be taken each turn, with mutli-action penalties applied for extra actions as appropriate.
# Try to be considerate of others. This is not an MMORPG where the person who gets the most kills and does the most damage is considered the best. If you one or two-shot someone else, that often takes the fun out of the scene.
# When in doubt, ask first. It can never hurt to ask.
# Please do not rage-quit. Remember that not every roll is going to favor you, and be a good sport about it. Don't whine and complain excessively when your character doesn't win, and understand that you will ''not'' win every time. If you must leave a scene for a legitimate reason, then inform your scene partners as soon as you can, and if possible, pose your exit before leaving. This is simply common courtesy, and will go a long way when it comes to gaining the favor of staff and other players.

=== Sharing the Spotlight ===
This is particularly important for scenes with more than 2 or 3 other characters. We understand that everyone wants their character to have a chance to shine. The GM should do their best to give equal opportunity to everyone investing in the scene. It is the players' responsibility to respect this. Don't get upset just because your character doesn't get to be the ''sole'' hero, or doesn't get ''all'' of the attention. Don't try to manipulate the GM or the narrative itself in order to get all the spotlight on your character. If you want to participate in a scene with many other characters, understand that will likely mean you are expected to share the spotlight with them. There may be some exceptions to this, in which case the GM will make all players aware that one character may be given a special role for narrative reasons.

If you don't feel like the sharing the spotlight, don't be afraid to ask staff or another player to run something specifically for your character in an exclusive scene. Remember that there is no shame in asking for that, however there ''is'' shame in trying to steal the spotlight when others should rightfully have a piece of it as well.

[[Category:Help]]
[[Category:Guides]]

A Pointless Fight

2026-06-05T00:19:07Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-03-29
|Cast of Characters=159, 418, 444, 261, 459, 143, 321
|pretty=yes
|Location=Tenoo - Outer Rim
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' When the Baron sheaths his sword and turns to walk away, the elder Ikkrukki Jedi scolds him, "And where do you think you're going?!" The Mandalorian stops, his expression hidden from view from by his helmet. "I was helping," he adds softly. "No, you were -not-," the elder Jedi says sharply. "You should be ashamed of yourself, that rooftop was recently repaired, due to the damages inflicted by the monsoon." The Baron says nothing, instead, stares at the ground idly, arms folded. Meanwhile, Jorn is probably either just waking up from having been knocked unconscious by Er'gi's head, or nursing a headache. Or maybe both. Either way, he probably won't miss it when the other giant Mandalorian stirs awake with a groan. "Sorry about that," he mumbles, "I was a bit drunk and felt an urge to punch something." Rykard then turns to Navi, whatever annoyance he'd been experiencing a moment ago gone from his expression. "Yes, I am sorry about that. We've discovered the Arkanians have likely stolen a large portion of the Baron's research regarding cloning, and disappeared. Some of it included plans to recreate a once dead Force sensitive individual and famous Jedi Knight, Tarre Vizsla. We don't know where they might have gone, but it would seem the Baron may have a lead buried somewhere in the lab in the Gorge." He pauses. "Getting there may prove difficult. I don't know what the terrain down there is like, since the monsoon occurred." Meanwhile, Zetha's likely headed for the hospital, since Soren had told her he had a free moment. When she gets to the lobby, she'll find it pretty empty - it's late. But the Mikkian girl who'd shown her to her room that time she'd gone to visit Crane in the hospital is there, at the receptionist's desk. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn groans and he looks at Er'gi. There's a temptation to shoot him again. Twice this time. "Why?" he says firmly. "Do we know if the Jedi were successful or did their handholding lead to the failure we expected," because Jorn's pulling back some details, but doesn't know how much time happened between the blaster shot and now. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha smiles to the Mikkian girl at the desk. "Hey Luli. I messaged Soren a bit ago and he offered me some time to come and talk to him. Is he back in his office?" Asking her while almost walking right past. But her motions do slow down just in case she needs to be told elsewhere to go. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thanks, Master. And since the Gorge is most likely flooded due to the monsoon rains, we're stuck marking time until the water goes down," Navi observes. "I promised Mondrian I'd catch up with her and go back to Aklyrr Bend. I'll check and see how bad things look in the Gorge while I'm there." She looks at the Baron, scowling. "Also, you need to remember this is a Republic colony, and you and yours are guests. I've been trying to be lenient regarding Mandalorians around here, since you're guests and the Order did want to help you, but every time I turn around and try to talk everyone into giving you a chance, I walk into another brawl or firefight. I"m starting to think Mondrian's right about Mandalorians. Behave yourself and I might decide I'm wrong. Don't, and you answer to Republic law. I'm done." She turns and starts walking toward the tram station. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' It's times like this that Reza realizes she did herself no favors by retreating to Ban Hagi decades ago. The time spent in quiet contemplation, in meditation, in working with her hands was priceless. It's also ill-prepared her for the sudden appearance of Mandalorians, blasters, swords, jetpacks and complete and utter chaos. The Dowutin Jedi simply sighs, pleased that the situation's been (at least briefly) resolved. For her part, she'd drawn her lightsaber from her utility belt but hadn't ignited in time for the action. Now that the action was over, she saw no reason to escalate a situation badly in need of deescalation by activating it now. Instead, the giant-sized Jedi Knight ponderously approaches the scene of the confrontation. Her gaze turns from the Baron to Volken, and then back to the two other Jedi on scene who presumably have a better idea of what's going on than she does. Instead, she simply comes to stand behind them, head and shoulders (and almost waist) over them. Quietly, she speaks to Cayde and Rykard and says "Is this part of why I was called or a separate matter? Are there local peacekeepers to involve?" Mandalorians can be ''tricky''. It doesn't help that she doesn't have much firsthand experience with them either. Either way, she keeps her gaze fixed on both Mandalorians, her expression plainly conveying that continued hostility on either of their parts will result in interference, by someone big enough they can't ignore. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde doesn't add anything to the conversation, but just fixes the baron with a look as hard as his master's. Starting fight for no good reason...well, this was why Tarre had been the reason for the long conflict between Jedi and Mandalorians.     At Reza's question, he just glances toward Rykard again, waiting for his master and marshal to answer. Honestly, he doesn't really know himself. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Why?" Er'gi says, still facedown on the ground. "Why do -you- get the urge to shoot someone who disagrees with you? Who knows, who cares? We're Mandalorian. These things don't warrant explanation." "You're asking the wrong person, vod. I've been out cold for... I don't even know how long. Why don't you ask them yourself? They look done with whatever business they were conducting before." "Well, no," Luli says, "but you know which guest suite he always stays in." She sighs. "He's been here in Kublop more often than not these days. Not sure why...but you can walk up. He's expecting you." "Please do," Rykard urges Navi, "thank you, and we'll join you in Aklyrr soon, I promise." By now, the rest of those who'd come to Kublop to greet Reza are already heading back to the colony. Xera is in the tram car just ahead of them. "What's with the Graf lady," Mondrian (F) says, already having taken a seat on the tram. "She didn't look happy to see you." The Baron watches Navi leave, and then his gaze shifts to Cayde. "Surely you don't agree with your Master...?" he says when the young padawan gives him a hard look. To Reza, Rykard says, "Well, yes, and no," he says, "the townsfolk see us as the peacekeepers. Anyway, it's just one aspect of why you were brought here. The other..." he glances at Cayde briefly. "We'll talk about it, in private, later. I'm sure the Council informed you that your title officially here will be Senior Deputy. And as you know, Navi and Cayde will remain deputies as well, but you will help oversee them, and ... other matters." He looks over at the Mandalorians. "There is a specific thing in mind, actually..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "All right, Master. See you there. I've got my comlink in case anything comes up," Navi replies to Master Rykard, over her shoulder, as she walks to the tram station. She takes a seat beside Mondrian on the tram. "I don't know," she replies softly. "Things have been all kinds of topsy-turvy since the monsoon. At one point months ago, she really wanted my Deputy Marshal's badge, and was pretty unhappy when I refused her offer. Maybe that's what she's upset about." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Ah yes. The guest suite. Zetha nods and offers Luli a smile. "I do. Thanks Luli." Then she's off to make quick work of getting to that suite and knocking on the door before letting herself in. "Thanks for meeting with me... though I have to wonder why you're calendar is so free tonight given everything that has happened recently." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "You were taking a swing. I ended the situation." Jorn says firmly and matter of factly. Then he looks around. Trying to see if there's still a feed of the interrogation scene or not. He's trying to get his bearings still. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' The news that this colony apparently doesn't have a local peacekeeping organization to liaison with is...concerning. And perhaps explains the need and request for Jedi. In the long term, of course, Republic worlds and colonies are expected and eventually required to handle their own peacekeeping. Locals will always be more aware of the unique needs of their populace, living among them and coming from them as they do. But Reza's also made something of a study of history and diplomacy, particularly in connection with the Jedi Order. There've been a handful of cases where long-term peacekeeping by the Jedi Order resulted in a colony or civilization resenting the 'outsider', blemishing the Order's reputation and ability to carry out its operations and obligations. Hopefully, Teeno will move towards at least beginning to implement its own police force and peacekeeping operations in the near future. "I look forward to any insight the two of you can offer," Reza says, her low booming voice deliberately modulated for softness. "It was useful and welcoming to at least meet some of the public figures we'll be interacting with for the duration. I'm confident making and maintaining those good relationships will go a long way towards a peaceful colony." As for the Mandalorians, the 3 meter tall alien's sharp black eyes continues to keep an eye on them. If they're willing to handle their business without shooting up the place, she sees no reason to immediately intervene. But it's obvious the Jedi isn't thrilled with violent confrontations in the spaceport, where either the public or public property is at risk. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [You started fight...] Cayde points out simply to the baron, still frowning. He seems equally as displeased about it as Reza and Rykard. [What not to agree about]     He watches as Graf and San Tekka leave, his gaze following Xera for a few seconds. Well of course she wasn't happy to see another Jedi who could foil all her manipulative schemes. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Moments ago. "If you lot had of simply came to us to -tell- us that instead of rudely walking past us instead of giving us a glance to even say 'Wait just a moment' then none of that probably woulda happened. We're not bein' treated like second class ciitizens here any more." Those were Volkens' words after Cayde revealed that Caine wasn't lying. And honestly - that was good enough for him. What had incensed the Mandalorians was the utter and total disregard and Caine's smugness with no clarity from the Master or the Padawan. From where Volken stood-they should have known better. Basic diplomacy. Granted Mandalorian diplomacy does involve swords, guns and fists but...at least they're polite about it! That literally cools him down. There's still more he wants to know - but - he has to take a second to pull it together after that short brawl with Caine. A brawl he intends to revisit later and properly finish. For now he simply watches the others - studying the Dowutin Jedi as well...but with so much going on he's not quite ready to directly greet her yet. Not to mention his antics with Caine was a way of him saying 'hello' he supposes. Eventually, he rises and finally starts heading towards Er'gi with quickening pace. Time to get some more answers... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will grab Er'gi and tug him up.However, he's not going to undo the binder cuffs. Jorn's just ready to see where this goes. A lot of questions he needs answers to. The Mandalorian in green just waits a little bit to see how things will unfold. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard bows politely to Navi as she leaves. Once Navi has reached the tram and taken a seat next to Mondrian (F), the female CSF officer frowns. "Okay, first of all, that's a serious problem. She shouldn't be making those kinds of demands. Did you tell Rykard? Secondly, I honestly wasn't even talking about that. I saw the way you looked at her." She then averts her gaze. The door slides open, and Zetha will see the Doctor standing in the kitchen, wearing his glasses and carrying a ladle in one hand. There's a datapad with a recipe on it on the counter, but he's not looking at it. One of his wrists is bound up, but he's acting like it isn't bothering him. "Oh," he says, "You're a little early. Well, I was on cleanup duty but they sent me back to hospital before the shift was over." He doesn't say why, but it's kind of obvious. "Okay," Er'gi says, "fine. But could you please uncuff me? I'm not in a punching mood anymore, just so you know." "I didn't touch him," the Baron protests to Cayde. He suddenly looks rather put out, as if his ego had been grievously bruised. He sits down on a nearby bench and flicks a pebble off of it sullenly. Rykard suddenly looks tired at Reza's comment, but doesn't elaborate on his expression. "Yes," he says, "I certainly hope so. There is a constabulary here, but there's only four people employed by it. And with a group of us leaving to go back to Coruscant for a little bit, there will be need for someone to make sure the Mandalorians don't cause further trouble, and to continue supervising the reparations to the Temple in the Gorge --" And then Volken interrupts, and the elder Master turns to look at Volken. "That had nothing to do with withholding information and everything to do with Cayde taking initiative and responsibility." He turns a sharp look to the young padawan, and is perhaps about to say more, but the Baron has stood up and is reaching for his knife again. "Behave yourself," he scolds the Baron, "if you can bare your soul to my padawan, a total stranger, and then elicit a smile from him, it will certainly -not- kill you to put your knife away." He then draws himself up, but remains composed. "And you," he says to Volken. "if you can treat younglings with kindness and compassion, and save two people who can and will owe you nothing from a collapsing building at risk to your own life, then surely, you can walk away from a knife, that even if thrusted, would do you very little harm." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "How can I be early to an appointment we never had?" Zetha asks, looking over the doctor for a moment. Gaze lingering on his wrist. "How did you hurt yourself? Will you be alright?" Obviously so, Zetha, if the man is cooking for himself. So she gives a shake of her head. "...A lot has gone on that I need to talk to you about...so if you don't have time, Soren, I understand..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde's expression toward Caine doesn't change. So, he hadn't said they'd touched. [You started pointless fight] he repeats again, except this time he calls the altercation futile.     At that sharp look, the padawan sighs and looks downcast for a moment. [Sorry master...] he signs. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yeah, about that..." Navi replies, blushing slightly. "Xera and I were dating for a little while. You've probably already noticed, but she's a perfectionist and very demanding. I don't know if that's something that happens to nobility or if she's a special case. Anyway, it was while we were dating that she made me an offer for my badge. Not a bribe to get an officer of the law under her thumb... she wanted the job itself. I think she felt it would give her greater control over the colony than she already has. She wasn't happy when I turned her down." "I still have my feelings for her. I don't know how she feels. She did care about me, once. Maybe she still does." 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' The unusually big Mandalorian, frankly the largest humanism Mandalorian she'd ever heard about much less seen, seems willing to end hostilities for now. As soon as he breaks off, Reza slips her lightsaber back onto her belt. No immediate danger, no point in drawing attention to a Jedi's most elegant form of self-defense. The Dowutin woman looks between Volken to Caine, to Jorn, down to Er'gi. Finally, she clears her throat and speaks up. At her size, her voice ''projects'' and has little difficulty in making sure all involved hear her even over the noise of the spaceport. Tension is clearly rising and there's an opportunity to head conflict off before it starts up again. "Mandalorians," she addresses them as a group. "I am Reza Orvenk. I've been on this planet for a handful of minutes and you've already put yourselves at the top of the list of complications. If you have a dispute, if someone's committed a crime, we are authorized to collect your testimony, investigate and act on those findings. If you intend to spend any amount of time here on Teeno, especially at Kublop Springs, you are most welcome...so long as you don't break Republic law." She smiles a bit then, her affect outgoing and relaxed despite those initially stern words. "Now, my fellow Jedi are already involved, I believe. What do you need to clear the air at this point? Tell me what you're most concerned about. I'm certain there's a resolution that will work for everyone, if we find it together." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "It's against my religion to walk away from a knife bein' pointed at me just like it's against yours to stop dispensing advice when not needed... Besides, he's stabbed me before. I was punishig his lack of imagination." Volken grumbles. Volken grouses. But he is cooling off at least and the meaning behind Rykard's words are not lost on him. They do much to aid in his restraint. He turns his helmed visage towards Caine and just stares in his direction for a few seconds before having his attention pulled towrads the Dowutin Jedi as she speaks and commands their attention with her resonating voice. Between Volken, Er'gi and now here - the people are likely going to start needing to rprotect their ears at some point. "Hn.." he rumbles. He feels his temper rising again but then forcibly calms himself. Of course this would looklike utter -insanity- to a new arrival. It's been utter insanity and tehy've been here. "Right.." he rumbles, "Well I'm sure your fellow sorcerers--I mean uh-Jedi--will fil you in on how naughty we've been since bein' here but I think the trouble's all over with. IIF this di'kut aint lyin' then he aint lyin'.." The last bit has his gaze directed towards Caine again. Volken then crouches down near the other less gigantic Mandalorian. Third tallest present now! "Er'gi! What's your problem vod?" Volken gestures to Jorn. "Just uncuff him. He might just break 'em anyway and then you'd be out of a pair of cuffs..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi sighs. He doesn't protest when Jorn doesn't uncuff him. But when Volken tells Jorn to uncuff him, he mumbles, face still in the dirt while being dragged. "I second that." "Hm?" The doctor says, "oh, well, I just meant you came sooner than I thought you would." When she asks about his wrist, he just says, "Yes," vaguely, and continues stirring whatever it is he's cooking on the stove. It smells good, at least. "That's a bad habit of yours," he points out to Zetha, "Apologizing unnecessarily and assuming the worst possible outcome. Have you tried working on that at all lately? I've mentioned it before, plenty." And he has, but well, Zetha probably had a lot of other things to think about lately. "I wouldn't have invited you here if I didn't have time. Tell me what's on your mind." "...." Mondrian's (F) expression suddenly hardens. "...why," she asks. And then she doesn't wait for Navi to answer. She suddenly gets up and goes over to the window seat across the aisle from Navi, her expression distant. Rykard doesn't say anything to Cayde, but the young padawan will sense in the Force that his Master had already forgiven him. His attention has gone to Volken, and he has this look on his face that Cayde will find -quite- familiar. The elder Ikkrukki approaches Volken slowly, folding his hands into each opposing sleeve, that damnable Jedi calm encompassing every cell in his body. "You're angry with me," he says to Mandalorian. "That's fine, and understandable." "But the Baron is not your worst enemy, Volken. You are." "You are hiding behind a facade, one that won't let you embrace what you've inevitably become, whether you like it or not. A hero." "You scorn our ways, and yet, you would brag about saving Jedi. Now, whether or not the reason given was credits, or perhaps you deemed it convenient to have a Jedi owe you, or because they already did, matters not. What matters is that deep down, you know that even if they ended up a turncoat who decided that they owed you nothing for what you did, you would have chosen that path still. Search yourself, Volken. You know it to be true, because you have already done this." "Choosing peace is never logical, easy, or natural, and heroism requires great self sacrifice. But he who knows pain and regret for sinning against his own conscious and the light side of the force, bears the mark of a man who can be better than his enemy. He will not always choose righteously. But he will be acutely aware of when he does not." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron, Volken's apparent enemy, turns to Reza. He takes off his helmet, revealing bouncy chestnut curls, a charming smile and sapphire blue eyes. He is young, in his late twenties, and seems to reek of nobility. "A pleasure," he says to the Dowutin woman, and bowing, reaches for her hand in an attempt to kiss it. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's face goes pensive for a moment before she shrugs her shoulders. "It's on the list. At least I'm still coming to see you at all." Is then offered before she shifts to flop onto a chair. Or wherever she can find to sit. "Suppose that depends on where you want to start. Like back at the Cantina..." And then Zetha explains how 'Jasper' had actually approached her, and then he was sitting with the Mandalorians. Trying to get them to drink but they wouldn't. Really she recounts everything from the cantina, to grabbing Jasper - or the Baron as she's now learned his identity - and ran off with him to the junkyard. Followed. Cayde and Volken confronting them. Her finally getting a chance to walk away - though not before Thaarin offered to talk to her again soon. Is there breaks? No. Breaths? Yes. But she's spilling everything to him. Including the side bit about Crane, confronting him, still feeling like she's being told half truths. Then she sighs. "Anyway. I'm very likely no longer your in to the labratory. And that might be a good thing. And things are going decently well with Crane all things considered even if I do think he's hiding something from me. And Wiis won't be happy with any of it....but when is she ever happy for me?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh, Cayde knows that look. And of course it's coming -right- after Volken threw that jab about giving advice when it wasn't asked for. Yeah, the big Mandalorian is about to -regret- that, he'd guess--without the Force, even.     He averts his gaze even as the elder Master begins to Lecture a Volken, instead staring off toward the tram station. Yes...yes it was against Jedi religion... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi watches Mondrian (F) move to the window seat, mild confusion in her eyes. But for the moment she makes no move to stop her. Mondrian (F) had asked the question, but hadn't finished it, let alone given her time to answer. Sighing quietly, she sinks into a partial meditative trance. It's a long ride back to Aklyrr Bend, and it's not like either of them will be going anywhere but the tram for several hours. Best to let Mondrian (F) depressurize a little. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken freezes. It's probably a good thing he's got his helmet on though one might wonder, once again, if the pressure of his stare wouldn't crack the visor and distort the unbreakable and unbroachable beskar. And of course the trouble with being so gigantic is that his body language is rather readable as well. His immense tattooed arms visibly tense. His chest swells and his beskar armor creaks as the straps struggle to keep him contained. His ruddy skin reddens further from the very obvious embaressement and emotional turmoil thta's been inflicted on him. He glances towards Er'gi, who he had been about to help rise, and then back towards Jorn...then to Caine and then to the Dowutin and Padawan. Finally he just looks away and starts walking away without another word, heading for another part of the Spaceport to find a seat away from the lot of them. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' Reza doesn't know the biggest Mandalorian but she cautiously judges him 'safe', for the moment. At least, his presence in the Force doesn't suggest immediate danger. "If there's deception here, we'll sort it out," Reza says. "The history between the Mandalorians and the Jedi isn't always a peaceful one. But that doesn't mean the future, this planet's future, yours and mine, can't be better than it's been." The Jedi Knight might have offered more but Rykard's lengthy analysis and offer do a better job than she likely can, especially given they already know each other. The Baron's apparent interest in being cordial merits a pleased smile, even if his apparent interest in kissing her hand is ridiculous to say the least. She obliges however, obviously amused. "The pleasure," she says to the Baron, "Will be no further violence today." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde wasn't looking at them, but Volken is big enough that he definitely heard him trudging away without another word. Yeah, well...Master Rykard had a way with people, certainly. If not, then Volken would surely have had a comeback that had something to do with the unwanted advice comment.     But he slowly turns back around, watching the big man wander off for a few seconds. Then he follows him, going to find him and sit down near to wherever he'd chosen to take a seat. However, he doesn't tap him or wave at him but instead just sits there waiting for Volken to look at him. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The doctor listens intently to all Zetha has to say. He doesn't look at her, but Zetha will just know that he's listening. It's pretty typical of him. "That's alright. Seems the Jedi have it in hand." There's a break. He doesn't say anything for a moment, and his expression is unreadable and distant. He stops stirring the soup for a second, but then after a few seconds, resumes. "Give it time," he says, "eventually, I'm sure he'll have the courage to tell you. And Wiis, I'm sure, will come around. Crane is a kind person." Zetha will be able to tell he's listening but slightly distracted. But by what, she won't be able to tell. Mondrian (F) never finished her question. She stays by the window for about thirty minutes, and then eventually retreats to Navi's side and falls asleep on her shoulder. When they arrive in Aklyrr Bend and the doors of the tram slide open, she'll find a familiar face waiting for her on the other side. Xera Graf. "There's none," the Baron offers cheerfully, "Cayde and his Master made sure of that. And I cooperated willingly, of course." His smile broadens, and he leans against a nearby wall, arms folded. "The Jedi fascinate me," he says, "tell me, what was your life in the Temple like? Do you remember your parents at all?" Cayde will sense Rykard's approval from afar. <Perhaps offer some encouraging words. You two are kindred in experience now> Then he turns to Reza. "Orvenk," he says, "when you have a moment, there's something I'd discuss with you." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I'm sure they do. The Jedi I mean. And if it's all the same...I'm glad they do. I think I was beginning to get a bit over my head. And before you say it, I know. You told me so. I just...wanted to help..." Zetha says this and then tilts her head. "You're right. I suppose all of that is true." He's distracted, so Zetha then offers something else at random. "I should just cut off my lekku and call it a day, see what comes of that in the end..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi lets Mondrian (F) doze on her shoulder after she eventually rejoins her, giving her a brief hug. She returns to her half-trance, only waking when the tram stops. "We're here," she whispers to Mondrian (F), gently shaking her shoulder before rising. "I need to go check on the Gorge, so take care." But when the doors open, she pauses, blinking, then smiling faintly. "Hello, Xera," she says politely, with a bit of warmth to it. "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon. Love your dress." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The doctor suddenly startles when Zetha says something about chopping off a lekku, suddenly knocking the pot of soup. It doesn't totally topple, but some of the hot liquid slips out and lands on his affected wrist. He barely stifles a cry, and drops the spoon on the floor. "...!" "Ah.. sorry about that," he says, "excuse me." And then he retreats, heading to the refreshers. Mondrian (F) stirs, and sits up, frowning when she sees Xera, but doesn't comment. The auburned haired woman frowns at Navi. "I'm disappointed in you," she says to Navi icily, brows furrowed. "I haven't seen you in over a month, and this is how you turn up? I only get to see you when the Republic sends another Jedi lackey?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'm sorry I haven't been by to see you in so long. Between my duties here and helping with the recovery in Kublop Springs, I just haven't had any time for anything but work since the monsoon," Navi says contritely. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sighs as Soren retreats to the refreshers. Standing, she moves into the kitchen area and picks up the spoon from the floor, washes it quickly in the sink and then dries it. She then cleans up the other spots of spilled soup before checking on the soup itself. Though she's not sure precisely what he's making so she doesn't feel like there's much in the way she can do to help finish it up. Instead, she heads to the refreshers and knocks gently on the door. "Soren...I'm sorry...are you alright?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "...." Volken just sits there. Not saying anything. THe moments drag on and then. Finally: "You know your master really gets on my nerves. He's constnatly getting in the way, telling folk waht to do and pryin' into stuff he shouldn't pry into." That seems to be about the extent of it for a moment as he falls quiet again and just sort of stares straight aahead for a few longer moments. Finally he shakes his head and rumbles, "Alright I'm done sulkin'... Let's go back.." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Like what] Cayde signs, referring to the 'stuff he shouldn't pry into'.     Another pause, then another question. [Why does it upset you...is he right] he asks. Though, once Volken says he is done sulking, he does get up. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "It's simply a matter of priorities," Xera says, nearly cutting Navi off. "I thought you wanted to see me! And now look at you. Really, a shame. You really ought to do better. And to think I even expected it." She then turns to leave, her attache, Avi, trailing her. Mondrian (F) watches her go. "What do you see in her?" she asks quietly. "..." There's no response for a few moments. Then, "I'm fine. Just give me a few moments," he says. Five minutes later he comes out of the bathroom. For a second, he looks utterly winded. But then he straightens and beckons for her to sit across from him in the living area. "You were saying...?" Jorn might be finishing up uncuffing Er'gi when he sees the elder Jedi Master approaching. "You wished to receive training," he says to the green armored Mandalorian, "You shall have it. The Temple dojo has been restored. You will stay there, with the other Mandalorians, and our Senior Deputy, Reza Orvenk. Once we return from Coruscant, expect to see at least one or two eight hour training days a week. While we are gone -- study the relic, and explore the archives. But be warned. The Gorge is a vergence. You may be haunted at times." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Sometimes I wonder about that myself," Navi murmurs. "And then I remember some of the times we spent together, and how sweet they were. I'm only sorry there weren't more of them." She looks at Mondrian. "Have you ever been in love?" she asks softly. "I don't know a lot about love, to be honest. It's not something my Jedi Padawan training ever prepared me for." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I just don't like being analyzed vod." Did Volken just call Cayde 'vod'??! Surely he must have taken a hit on the head when crashing through the walls and equipment earlier. "I didn't ask your Master to try and read me like a book and certainly not infront of a crowd that included the likes of Mr. Baron himself...." He stays quiet fo ra second and then finally admits, "I've always done what I wanted to do and what I thought was right. If that makes me...some sorta weirdo Mando compared to the likes of Miss Perfect Ellari or someone who wants to play by The Way like the rest of them....I guess I'm just...not like them...." With that, he turns and starts moving back towards the gathering. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head slowly. "Nothing that was really important or real." She offers. "I cringe at the fact that I even thought to say it." Then she looks back to the kitchen where the soup still bubbles away before looking to Soren once more. "What about you, Soren?" She asks. "Two things really, that I want to know. Have you lied to me about anything in the time we've known each other...and what's got you distracted." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "I did. But I don't think your kind takes kindly to mine," Jorn says honestly. He has seen, heard, received and similar, comments from others. He gives a nod for a moment. "I'm not against it, but I might bring bad things for your temple." Jorn doesn't forget about the burden on him. Then he looks at the elder Jedi. "It's not that I'm not grateful. I'm not sure I have the time to dedicate to it like I want, or should," he knows more should be needed to do what is necessary. The Mandalorian stands there, thinking on it. "Tell me about the gorge?" he asks because the mind is curious about the teachings that could be unlocked while there. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde doesn't know what 'vod' means, truthfully. He has only heard Volken call some of the other Mandalorians that. And that it's certainly not that other word, 'adika' or whatever it was.     [Of course not...no one ask him...even if not like them, maybe it is good] he replies. But then Volken turns away so there is not much more he can say. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Yes," Mondrian (F) says, "In fact, there was a girl I knew in primary. She was .. my first love. But I didn't know it then. I never told her. I don't know where she is now, I thought it was a passing interest, because after that, I dated a lot of boys, none of them men. It didn't work out." There's a pause. "And then..." Her expression grows distant. "Nevermind," she says suddenly, her tone pained. "Nevermind. I don't know anything about love either. Sorry." She gets up to leave. "Don't say that," the doctor says, suddenly sounding agitated. "You came here to talk, so talk." But when she asks about him lying and being distracted he gets up and goes back to the kitchen, absently starting to wash some of the dirty dishes. "Nothing that you need to know about, Zetha." Rykard's brow arches. "More than your own kind doesn't take kindly to you?" he asks Jorn. "I am not concerned about that," he tells Jorn, when he says that he'd bring bad things to their Temple. "My concern is instead about your own ability to weather this trial. You know you cannot return to Mandalore, or anywhere else, bearing that saber and not knowing how to use it." "The Gorge is a unique place where the Force is especially strong. It is not something to be described with words. Rather, it is felt. You will know once you are there. Once upon a time, the soil bore witness to a great war, between the light and dark. The history of it lies buried, but not dead. Remember that." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I did talk! You barely listened! Just gave some half cocked answers about how the Jedi have it handled, and Wiis will come around and Crane is a nice guy." Zetha snaps at him as he gets up and goes back to the kitchen. When he answers, likely, about whatever is bothering him is none of her concern she scoffs. "Right. Thanks. For everything." She stands then and heads for the door. "Knew this was a bad idea when I decided to take the plunge. Good night, Soren." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If you need anything, you know how to get ahold of me," Navi says quietly to Mondrian (F). "Please take care." She watches the other woman leave, then turns and starts toward the Gorge, determined to see just how bad the flooding has been. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "IT's what you Jedi do. Get into peoples heads. I know." responds Volken, "I don't necessarily ask permission tot ake out my guns or punch people so I suppose it makes sense but that doesn't mean I have to like it or not punch back if I"m -really- mad..." That seems to settle it then. Next time Rykard tries to analyze him and tell him the truth-be that as it may-he'll just punch him. This is satisfactory to the Mandalorian so he returns with his long strides back towards the group and just folds his arms and waits. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs. No no, that hadn't been what he'd meant... but it seems to be too late to try to clarify now.     Anyway, since it seems Reza has been well and greeted, he decides to go back to helping with repairs and rations and all until nothing else is needed. Then he'll start preparing for the trip into the gorge to look for the lab. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The doctor gets up, taking off his glasses and rubbing his forehead, sighing. "Zetha, wait. Look, I'm sorry. I just .. for once, I don't actually know what to say. There's so much uncertainty circulating right now, especially with Mandalorians around and causing trouble constantly. I don't want to just offer you a platitude and tell you everything is going to be fine, because if you want my honest opinion, it probably isn't going to be. But I can't prove that it will be, or won't be. I can only tell you what my gut is saying, and it's not encouraging, and it's not what you want to hear or need to hear. I wanted to offer you hope, even if it was just that. No promises, just wishful thinking. Because I don't know what else to tell you right now. Life is unpredictable and relationships are hard, and those two things will always be true. I'm sorry if you were expecting some optimism. But I've run out of it tonight." Then he turns around, running a hand through his hair, that distant look on his face again. Something's wrong, Zetha will be able to tell. He doesn't normally act like this. But just like Crane, he's not saying what it is. He waves a hand dismissively. "I probably shouldn't keep you. It's late." Mondrian (F) watches Navi go, but doesn't follow her. She sighs and turns around to go back to her quarters. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Soren I don't need to be placated. I don't need to be lied to and I don't need optimism." Zetha offers, having stopped at the door and she turns to him then. "In fact. I'm kind of tired of people treating me like I'm some fragile little thing that's going to break if she's not kept a certain way. You don't have to always encourage me, and if you did, then you aren't really helping me figure out what life really has to offer are you? Things do suck. Shit's going to happen. It's going to be bad. But...this isn't me coming to you asking you to tell me this is going to be okay. This is me coming to you telling you what all has happened and how everything is jumbled and I just need someone...anyone...to give it to me straight." She actually moves to step back into the room and takes her seat again. "You don't need to coddle me, you need to help me navigate all the shitty situations and the good situations and help me realize which is which when things get a little muddy...And between being nearly stuck by the Baron, hinted at that Crane hasn't been completely honest with me to the point that I still think he's being dishonest but maybe that doesn't really matter in the end because it's all in the past and I hate the past. It's stupid and painful and I just want to move on. Away from the Jasper Baron Mandalorian Clone thing and into what I'm beginning to truly think - despite everything - might be one of the best things that's happened in all of this." She pauses. Takes a breath. "Cause Crane and I said I love you to each other and that's not a small thing either...albeit somewhat terrifying in it's own right..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Everyone's fragile in their own way," the doctor says, "we all have pressure points, and this wasn't about what you thought you needed, it was about what I personally wanted to provide. I can't give it to you straight. I don't have answers, and I hate that I don't have answers for you. I'm sorry." "The past informs the present," Soren says, "but I'm happy for you. I'm glad you were able to tell each other that you love one another. There isn't anything more important than establishing that connection if you both feel that way. Even if it's frightening." He suddenly looks down at his watch and gets that weird, distant look on his face again. "I have to go," He suddenly says, and without warning, grabs his lab coat and goes out the door. If Zetha hadn't thought anything was wrong a minute ago, she'll know now... 
}}

A Pointless Fight

2026-06-05T00:18:50Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-03-29 |Cast of Characters=159, 418, 444, 261, 459, 143, 321 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' When the Baron sheaths his sword and turns to walk away, the elder Ikkrukki Jedi scolds him, "And where do you think you're going?!" The Mandalorian stops, his expression hidden from view from by his helmet. "I was helping," he adds softly. "No, you were -not-," the elder Jedi says shar..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-03-29
|Cast of Characters=159, 418, 444, 261, 459, 143, 321
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' When the Baron sheaths his sword and turns to walk away, the elder Ikkrukki Jedi scolds him, "And where do you think you're going?!" The Mandalorian stops, his expression hidden from view from by his helmet. "I was helping," he adds softly. "No, you were -not-," the elder Jedi says sharply. "You should be ashamed of yourself, that rooftop was recently repaired, due to the damages inflicted by the monsoon." The Baron says nothing, instead, stares at the ground idly, arms folded. Meanwhile, Jorn is probably either just waking up from having been knocked unconscious by Er'gi's head, or nursing a headache. Or maybe both. Either way, he probably won't miss it when the other giant Mandalorian stirs awake with a groan. "Sorry about that," he mumbles, "I was a bit drunk and felt an urge to punch something." Rykard then turns to Navi, whatever annoyance he'd been experiencing a moment ago gone from his expression. "Yes, I am sorry about that. We've discovered the Arkanians have likely stolen a large portion of the Baron's research regarding cloning, and disappeared. Some of it included plans to recreate a once dead Force sensitive individual and famous Jedi Knight, Tarre Vizsla. We don't know where they might have gone, but it would seem the Baron may have a lead buried somewhere in the lab in the Gorge." He pauses. "Getting there may prove difficult. I don't know what the terrain down there is like, since the monsoon occurred." Meanwhile, Zetha's likely headed for the hospital, since Soren had told her he had a free moment. When she gets to the lobby, she'll find it pretty empty - it's late. But the Mikkian girl who'd shown her to her room that time she'd gone to visit Crane in the hospital is there, at the receptionist's desk. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn groans and he looks at Er'gi. There's a temptation to shoot him again. Twice this time. "Why?" he says firmly. "Do we know if the Jedi were successful or did their handholding lead to the failure we expected," because Jorn's pulling back some details, but doesn't know how much time happened between the blaster shot and now. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha smiles to the Mikkian girl at the desk. "Hey Luli. I messaged Soren a bit ago and he offered me some time to come and talk to him. Is he back in his office?" Asking her while almost walking right past. But her motions do slow down just in case she needs to be told elsewhere to go. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thanks, Master. And since the Gorge is most likely flooded due to the monsoon rains, we're stuck marking time until the water goes down," Navi observes. "I promised Mondrian I'd catch up with her and go back to Aklyrr Bend. I'll check and see how bad things look in the Gorge while I'm there." She looks at the Baron, scowling. "Also, you need to remember this is a Republic colony, and you and yours are guests. I've been trying to be lenient regarding Mandalorians around here, since you're guests and the Order did want to help you, but every time I turn around and try to talk everyone into giving you a chance, I walk into another brawl or firefight. I"m starting to think Mondrian's right about Mandalorians. Behave yourself and I might decide I'm wrong. Don't, and you answer to Republic law. I'm done." She turns and starts walking toward the tram station. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' It's times like this that Reza realizes she did herself no favors by retreating to Ban Hagi decades ago. The time spent in quiet contemplation, in meditation, in working with her hands was priceless. It's also ill-prepared her for the sudden appearance of Mandalorians, blasters, swords, jetpacks and complete and utter chaos. The Dowutin Jedi simply sighs, pleased that the situation's been (at least briefly) resolved. For her part, she'd drawn her lightsaber from her utility belt but hadn't ignited in time for the action. Now that the action was over, she saw no reason to escalate a situation badly in need of deescalation by activating it now. Instead, the giant-sized Jedi Knight ponderously approaches the scene of the confrontation. Her gaze turns from the Baron to Volken, and then back to the two other Jedi on scene who presumably have a better idea of what's going on than she does. Instead, she simply comes to stand behind them, head and shoulders (and almost waist) over them. Quietly, she speaks to Cayde and Rykard and says "Is this part of why I was called or a separate matter? Are there local peacekeepers to involve?" Mandalorians can be ''tricky''. It doesn't help that she doesn't have much firsthand experience with them either. Either way, she keeps her gaze fixed on both Mandalorians, her expression plainly conveying that continued hostility on either of their parts will result in interference, by someone big enough they can't ignore. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde doesn't add anything to the conversation, but just fixes the baron with a look as hard as his master's. Starting fight for no good reason...well, this was why Tarre had been the reason for the long conflict between Jedi and Mandalorians.     At Reza's question, he just glances toward Rykard again, waiting for his master and marshal to answer. Honestly, he doesn't really know himself. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Why?" Er'gi says, still facedown on the ground. "Why do -you- get the urge to shoot someone who disagrees with you? Who knows, who cares? We're Mandalorian. These things don't warrant explanation." "You're asking the wrong person, vod. I've been out cold for... I don't even know how long. Why don't you ask them yourself? They look done with whatever business they were conducting before." "Well, no," Luli says, "but you know which guest suite he always stays in." She sighs. "He's been here in Kublop more often than not these days. Not sure why...but you can walk up. He's expecting you." "Please do," Rykard urges Navi, "thank you, and we'll join you in Aklyrr soon, I promise." By now, the rest of those who'd come to Kublop to greet Reza are already heading back to the colony. Xera is in the tram car just ahead of them. "What's with the Graf lady," Mondrian (F) says, already having taken a seat on the tram. "She didn't look happy to see you." The Baron watches Navi leave, and then his gaze shifts to Cayde. "Surely you don't agree with your Master...?" he says when the young padawan gives him a hard look. To Reza, Rykard says, "Well, yes, and no," he says, "the townsfolk see us as the peacekeepers. Anyway, it's just one aspect of why you were brought here. The other..." he glances at Cayde briefly. "We'll talk about it, in private, later. I'm sure the Council informed you that your title officially here will be Senior Deputy. And as you know, Navi and Cayde will remain deputies as well, but you will help oversee them, and ... other matters." He looks over at the Mandalorians. "There is a specific thing in mind, actually..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "All right, Master. See you there. I've got my comlink in case anything comes up," Navi replies to Master Rykard, over her shoulder, as she walks to the tram station. She takes a seat beside Mondrian on the tram. "I don't know," she replies softly. "Things have been all kinds of topsy-turvy since the monsoon. At one point months ago, she really wanted my Deputy Marshal's badge, and was pretty unhappy when I refused her offer. Maybe that's what she's upset about." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Ah yes. The guest suite. Zetha nods and offers Luli a smile. "I do. Thanks Luli." Then she's off to make quick work of getting to that suite and knocking on the door before letting herself in. "Thanks for meeting with me... though I have to wonder why you're calendar is so free tonight given everything that has happened recently." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "You were taking a swing. I ended the situation." Jorn says firmly and matter of factly. Then he looks around. Trying to see if there's still a feed of the interrogation scene or not. He's trying to get his bearings still. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' The news that this colony apparently doesn't have a local peacekeeping organization to liaison with is...concerning. And perhaps explains the need and request for Jedi. In the long term, of course, Republic worlds and colonies are expected and eventually required to handle their own peacekeeping. Locals will always be more aware of the unique needs of their populace, living among them and coming from them as they do. But Reza's also made something of a study of history and diplomacy, particularly in connection with the Jedi Order. There've been a handful of cases where long-term peacekeeping by the Jedi Order resulted in a colony or civilization resenting the 'outsider', blemishing the Order's reputation and ability to carry out its operations and obligations. Hopefully, Teeno will move towards at least beginning to implement its own police force and peacekeeping operations in the near future. "I look forward to any insight the two of you can offer," Reza says, her low booming voice deliberately modulated for softness. "It was useful and welcoming to at least meet some of the public figures we'll be interacting with for the duration. I'm confident making and maintaining those good relationships will go a long way towards a peaceful colony." As for the Mandalorians, the 3 meter tall alien's sharp black eyes continues to keep an eye on them. If they're willing to handle their business without shooting up the place, she sees no reason to immediately intervene. But it's obvious the Jedi isn't thrilled with violent confrontations in the spaceport, where either the public or public property is at risk. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [You started fight...] Cayde points out simply to the baron, still frowning. He seems equally as displeased about it as Reza and Rykard. [What not to agree about]     He watches as Graf and San Tekka leave, his gaze following Xera for a few seconds. Well of course she wasn't happy to see another Jedi who could foil all her manipulative schemes. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Moments ago. "If you lot had of simply came to us to -tell- us that instead of rudely walking past us instead of giving us a glance to even say 'Wait just a moment' then none of that probably woulda happened. We're not bein' treated like second class ciitizens here any more." Those were Volkens' words after Cayde revealed that Caine wasn't lying. And honestly - that was good enough for him. What had incensed the Mandalorians was the utter and total disregard and Caine's smugness with no clarity from the Master or the Padawan. From where Volken stood-they should have known better. Basic diplomacy. Granted Mandalorian diplomacy does involve swords, guns and fists but...at least they're polite about it! That literally cools him down. There's still more he wants to know - but - he has to take a second to pull it together after that short brawl with Caine. A brawl he intends to revisit later and properly finish. For now he simply watches the others - studying the Dowutin Jedi as well...but with so much going on he's not quite ready to directly greet her yet. Not to mention his antics with Caine was a way of him saying 'hello' he supposes. Eventually, he rises and finally starts heading towards Er'gi with quickening pace. Time to get some more answers... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will grab Er'gi and tug him up.However, he's not going to undo the binder cuffs. Jorn's just ready to see where this goes. A lot of questions he needs answers to. The Mandalorian in green just waits a little bit to see how things will unfold. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard bows politely to Navi as she leaves. Once Navi has reached the tram and taken a seat next to Mondrian (F), the female CSF officer frowns. "Okay, first of all, that's a serious problem. She shouldn't be making those kinds of demands. Did you tell Rykard? Secondly, I honestly wasn't even talking about that. I saw the way you looked at her." She then averts her gaze. The door slides open, and Zetha will see the Doctor standing in the kitchen, wearing his glasses and carrying a ladle in one hand. There's a datapad with a recipe on it on the counter, but he's not looking at it. One of his wrists is bound up, but he's acting like it isn't bothering him. "Oh," he says, "You're a little early. Well, I was on cleanup duty but they sent me back to hospital before the shift was over." He doesn't say why, but it's kind of obvious. "Okay," Er'gi says, "fine. But could you please uncuff me? I'm not in a punching mood anymore, just so you know." "I didn't touch him," the Baron protests to Cayde. He suddenly looks rather put out, as if his ego had been grievously bruised. He sits down on a nearby bench and flicks a pebble off of it sullenly. Rykard suddenly looks tired at Reza's comment, but doesn't elaborate on his expression. "Yes," he says, "I certainly hope so. There is a constabulary here, but there's only four people employed by it. And with a group of us leaving to go back to Coruscant for a little bit, there will be need for someone to make sure the Mandalorians don't cause further trouble, and to continue supervising the reparations to the Temple in the Gorge --" And then Volken interrupts, and the elder Master turns to look at Volken. "That had nothing to do with withholding information and everything to do with Cayde taking initiative and responsibility." He turns a sharp look to the young padawan, and is perhaps about to say more, but the Baron has stood up and is reaching for his knife again. "Behave yourself," he scolds the Baron, "if you can bare your soul to my padawan, a total stranger, and then elicit a smile from him, it will certainly -not- kill you to put your knife away." He then draws himself up, but remains composed. "And you," he says to Volken. "if you can treat younglings with kindness and compassion, and save two people who can and will owe you nothing from a collapsing building at risk to your own life, then surely, you can walk away from a knife, that even if thrusted, would do you very little harm." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "How can I be early to an appointment we never had?" Zetha asks, looking over the doctor for a moment. Gaze lingering on his wrist. "How did you hurt yourself? Will you be alright?" Obviously so, Zetha, if the man is cooking for himself. So she gives a shake of her head. "...A lot has gone on that I need to talk to you about...so if you don't have time, Soren, I understand..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde's expression toward Caine doesn't change. So, he hadn't said they'd touched. [You started pointless fight] he repeats again, except this time he calls the altercation futile.     At that sharp look, the padawan sighs and looks downcast for a moment. [Sorry master...] he signs. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yeah, about that..." Navi replies, blushing slightly. "Xera and I were dating for a little while. You've probably already noticed, but she's a perfectionist and very demanding. I don't know if that's something that happens to nobility or if she's a special case. Anyway, it was while we were dating that she made me an offer for my badge. Not a bribe to get an officer of the law under her thumb... she wanted the job itself. I think she felt it would give her greater control over the colony than she already has. She wasn't happy when I turned her down." "I still have my feelings for her. I don't know how she feels. She did care about me, once. Maybe she still does." 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' The unusually big Mandalorian, frankly the largest humanism Mandalorian she'd ever heard about much less seen, seems willing to end hostilities for now. As soon as he breaks off, Reza slips her lightsaber back onto her belt. No immediate danger, no point in drawing attention to a Jedi's most elegant form of self-defense. The Dowutin woman looks between Volken to Caine, to Jorn, down to Er'gi. Finally, she clears her throat and speaks up. At her size, her voice ''projects'' and has little difficulty in making sure all involved hear her even over the noise of the spaceport. Tension is clearly rising and there's an opportunity to head conflict off before it starts up again. "Mandalorians," she addresses them as a group. "I am Reza Orvenk. I've been on this planet for a handful of minutes and you've already put yourselves at the top of the list of complications. If you have a dispute, if someone's committed a crime, we are authorized to collect your testimony, investigate and act on those findings. If you intend to spend any amount of time here on Teeno, especially at Kublop Springs, you are most welcome...so long as you don't break Republic law." She smiles a bit then, her affect outgoing and relaxed despite those initially stern words. "Now, my fellow Jedi are already involved, I believe. What do you need to clear the air at this point? Tell me what you're most concerned about. I'm certain there's a resolution that will work for everyone, if we find it together." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "It's against my religion to walk away from a knife bein' pointed at me just like it's against yours to stop dispensing advice when not needed... Besides, he's stabbed me before. I was punishig his lack of imagination." Volken grumbles. Volken grouses. But he is cooling off at least and the meaning behind Rykard's words are not lost on him. They do much to aid in his restraint. He turns his helmed visage towards Caine and just stares in his direction for a few seconds before having his attention pulled towrads the Dowutin Jedi as she speaks and commands their attention with her resonating voice. Between Volken, Er'gi and now here - the people are likely going to start needing to rprotect their ears at some point. "Hn.." he rumbles. He feels his temper rising again but then forcibly calms himself. Of course this would looklike utter -insanity- to a new arrival. It's been utter insanity and tehy've been here. "Right.." he rumbles, "Well I'm sure your fellow sorcerers--I mean uh-Jedi--will fil you in on how naughty we've been since bein' here but I think the trouble's all over with. IIF this di'kut aint lyin' then he aint lyin'.." The last bit has his gaze directed towards Caine again. Volken then crouches down near the other less gigantic Mandalorian. Third tallest present now! "Er'gi! What's your problem vod?" Volken gestures to Jorn. "Just uncuff him. He might just break 'em anyway and then you'd be out of a pair of cuffs..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi sighs. He doesn't protest when Jorn doesn't uncuff him. But when Volken tells Jorn to uncuff him, he mumbles, face still in the dirt while being dragged. "I second that." "Hm?" The doctor says, "oh, well, I just meant you came sooner than I thought you would." When she asks about his wrist, he just says, "Yes," vaguely, and continues stirring whatever it is he's cooking on the stove. It smells good, at least. "That's a bad habit of yours," he points out to Zetha, "Apologizing unnecessarily and assuming the worst possible outcome. Have you tried working on that at all lately? I've mentioned it before, plenty." And he has, but well, Zetha probably had a lot of other things to think about lately. "I wouldn't have invited you here if I didn't have time. Tell me what's on your mind." "...." Mondrian's (F) expression suddenly hardens. "...why," she asks. And then she doesn't wait for Navi to answer. She suddenly gets up and goes over to the window seat across the aisle from Navi, her expression distant. Rykard doesn't say anything to Cayde, but the young padawan will sense in the Force that his Master had already forgiven him. His attention has gone to Volken, and he has this look on his face that Cayde will find -quite- familiar. The elder Ikkrukki approaches Volken slowly, folding his hands into each opposing sleeve, that damnable Jedi calm encompassing every cell in his body. "You're angry with me," he says to Mandalorian. "That's fine, and understandable." "But the Baron is not your worst enemy, Volken. You are." "You are hiding behind a facade, one that won't let you embrace what you've inevitably become, whether you like it or not. A hero." "You scorn our ways, and yet, you would brag about saving Jedi. Now, whether or not the reason given was credits, or perhaps you deemed it convenient to have a Jedi owe you, or because they already did, matters not. What matters is that deep down, you know that even if they ended up a turncoat who decided that they owed you nothing for what you did, you would have chosen that path still. Search yourself, Volken. You know it to be true, because you have already done this." "Choosing peace is never logical, easy, or natural, and heroism requires great self sacrifice. But he who knows pain and regret for sinning against his own conscious and the light side of the force, bears the mark of a man who can be better than his enemy. He will not always choose righteously. But he will be acutely aware of when he does not." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron, Volken's apparent enemy, turns to Reza. He takes off his helmet, revealing bouncy chestnut curls, a charming smile and sapphire blue eyes. He is young, in his late twenties, and seems to reek of nobility. "A pleasure," he says to the Dowutin woman, and bowing, reaches for her hand in an attempt to kiss it. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's face goes pensive for a moment before she shrugs her shoulders. "It's on the list. At least I'm still coming to see you at all." Is then offered before she shifts to flop onto a chair. Or wherever she can find to sit. "Suppose that depends on where you want to start. Like back at the Cantina..." And then Zetha explains how 'Jasper' had actually approached her, and then he was sitting with the Mandalorians. Trying to get them to drink but they wouldn't. Really she recounts everything from the cantina, to grabbing Jasper - or the Baron as she's now learned his identity - and ran off with him to the junkyard. Followed. Cayde and Volken confronting them. Her finally getting a chance to walk away - though not before Thaarin offered to talk to her again soon. Is there breaks? No. Breaths? Yes. But she's spilling everything to him. Including the side bit about Crane, confronting him, still feeling like she's being told half truths. Then she sighs. "Anyway. I'm very likely no longer your in to the labratory. And that might be a good thing. And things are going decently well with Crane all things considered even if I do think he's hiding something from me. And Wiis won't be happy with any of it....but when is she ever happy for me?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh, Cayde knows that look. And of course it's coming -right- after Volken threw that jab about giving advice when it wasn't asked for. Yeah, the big Mandalorian is about to -regret- that, he'd guess--without the Force, even.     He averts his gaze even as the elder Master begins to Lecture a Volken, instead staring off toward the tram station. Yes...yes it was against Jedi religion... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi watches Mondrian (F) move to the window seat, mild confusion in her eyes. But for the moment she makes no move to stop her. Mondrian (F) had asked the question, but hadn't finished it, let alone given her time to answer. Sighing quietly, she sinks into a partial meditative trance. It's a long ride back to Aklyrr Bend, and it's not like either of them will be going anywhere but the tram for several hours. Best to let Mondrian (F) depressurize a little. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken freezes. It's probably a good thing he's got his helmet on though one might wonder, once again, if the pressure of his stare wouldn't crack the visor and distort the unbreakable and unbroachable beskar. And of course the trouble with being so gigantic is that his body language is rather readable as well. His immense tattooed arms visibly tense. His chest swells and his beskar armor creaks as the straps struggle to keep him contained. His ruddy skin reddens further from the very obvious embaressement and emotional turmoil thta's been inflicted on him. He glances towards Er'gi, who he had been about to help rise, and then back towards Jorn...then to Caine and then to the Dowutin and Padawan. Finally he just looks away and starts walking away without another word, heading for another part of the Spaceport to find a seat away from the lot of them. 

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:''' Reza doesn't know the biggest Mandalorian but she cautiously judges him 'safe', for the moment. At least, his presence in the Force doesn't suggest immediate danger. "If there's deception here, we'll sort it out," Reza says. "The history between the Mandalorians and the Jedi isn't always a peaceful one. But that doesn't mean the future, this planet's future, yours and mine, can't be better than it's been." The Jedi Knight might have offered more but Rykard's lengthy analysis and offer do a better job than she likely can, especially given they already know each other. The Baron's apparent interest in being cordial merits a pleased smile, even if his apparent interest in kissing her hand is ridiculous to say the least. She obliges however, obviously amused. "The pleasure," she says to the Baron, "Will be no further violence today." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde wasn't looking at them, but Volken is big enough that he definitely heard him trudging away without another word. Yeah, well...Master Rykard had a way with people, certainly. If not, then Volken would surely have had a comeback that had something to do with the unwanted advice comment.     But he slowly turns back around, watching the big man wander off for a few seconds. Then he follows him, going to find him and sit down near to wherever he'd chosen to take a seat. However, he doesn't tap him or wave at him but instead just sits there waiting for Volken to look at him. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The doctor listens intently to all Zetha has to say. He doesn't look at her, but Zetha will just know that he's listening. It's pretty typical of him. "That's alright. Seems the Jedi have it in hand." There's a break. He doesn't say anything for a moment, and his expression is unreadable and distant. He stops stirring the soup for a second, but then after a few seconds, resumes. "Give it time," he says, "eventually, I'm sure he'll have the courage to tell you. And Wiis, I'm sure, will come around. Crane is a kind person." Zetha will be able to tell he's listening but slightly distracted. But by what, she won't be able to tell. Mondrian (F) never finished her question. She stays by the window for about thirty minutes, and then eventually retreats to Navi's side and falls asleep on her shoulder. When they arrive in Aklyrr Bend and the doors of the tram slide open, she'll find a familiar face waiting for her on the other side. Xera Graf. "There's none," the Baron offers cheerfully, "Cayde and his Master made sure of that. And I cooperated willingly, of course." His smile broadens, and he leans against a nearby wall, arms folded. "The Jedi fascinate me," he says, "tell me, what was your life in the Temple like? Do you remember your parents at all?" Cayde will sense Rykard's approval from afar. <Perhaps offer some encouraging words. You two are kindred in experience now> Then he turns to Reza. "Orvenk," he says, "when you have a moment, there's something I'd discuss with you." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I'm sure they do. The Jedi I mean. And if it's all the same...I'm glad they do. I think I was beginning to get a bit over my head. And before you say it, I know. You told me so. I just...wanted to help..." Zetha says this and then tilts her head. "You're right. I suppose all of that is true." He's distracted, so Zetha then offers something else at random. "I should just cut off my lekku and call it a day, see what comes of that in the end..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi lets Mondrian (F) doze on her shoulder after she eventually rejoins her, giving her a brief hug. She returns to her half-trance, only waking when the tram stops. "We're here," she whispers to Mondrian (F), gently shaking her shoulder before rising. "I need to go check on the Gorge, so take care." But when the doors open, she pauses, blinking, then smiling faintly. "Hello, Xera," she says politely, with a bit of warmth to it. "I wasn't expecting to see you so soon. Love your dress." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The doctor suddenly startles when Zetha says something about chopping off a lekku, suddenly knocking the pot of soup. It doesn't totally topple, but some of the hot liquid slips out and lands on his affected wrist. He barely stifles a cry, and drops the spoon on the floor. "...!" "Ah.. sorry about that," he says, "excuse me." And then he retreats, heading to the refreshers. Mondrian (F) stirs, and sits up, frowning when she sees Xera, but doesn't comment. The auburned haired woman frowns at Navi. "I'm disappointed in you," she says to Navi icily, brows furrowed. "I haven't seen you in over a month, and this is how you turn up? I only get to see you when the Republic sends another Jedi lackey?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'm sorry I haven't been by to see you in so long. Between my duties here and helping with the recovery in Kublop Springs, I just haven't had any time for anything but work since the monsoon," Navi says contritely. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sighs as Soren retreats to the refreshers. Standing, she moves into the kitchen area and picks up the spoon from the floor, washes it quickly in the sink and then dries it. She then cleans up the other spots of spilled soup before checking on the soup itself. Though she's not sure precisely what he's making so she doesn't feel like there's much in the way she can do to help finish it up. Instead, she heads to the refreshers and knocks gently on the door. "Soren...I'm sorry...are you alright?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "...." Volken just sits there. Not saying anything. THe moments drag on and then. Finally: "You know your master really gets on my nerves. He's constnatly getting in the way, telling folk waht to do and pryin' into stuff he shouldn't pry into." That seems to be about the extent of it for a moment as he falls quiet again and just sort of stares straight aahead for a few longer moments. Finally he shakes his head and rumbles, "Alright I'm done sulkin'... Let's go back.." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Like what] Cayde signs, referring to the 'stuff he shouldn't pry into'.     Another pause, then another question. [Why does it upset you...is he right] he asks. Though, once Volken says he is done sulking, he does get up. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "It's simply a matter of priorities," Xera says, nearly cutting Navi off. "I thought you wanted to see me! And now look at you. Really, a shame. You really ought to do better. And to think I even expected it." She then turns to leave, her attache, Avi, trailing her. Mondrian (F) watches her go. "What do you see in her?" she asks quietly. "..." There's no response for a few moments. Then, "I'm fine. Just give me a few moments," he says. Five minutes later he comes out of the bathroom. For a second, he looks utterly winded. But then he straightens and beckons for her to sit across from him in the living area. "You were saying...?" Jorn might be finishing up uncuffing Er'gi when he sees the elder Jedi Master approaching. "You wished to receive training," he says to the green armored Mandalorian, "You shall have it. The Temple dojo has been restored. You will stay there, with the other Mandalorians, and our Senior Deputy, Reza Orvenk. Once we return from Coruscant, expect to see at least one or two eight hour training days a week. While we are gone -- study the relic, and explore the archives. But be warned. The Gorge is a vergence. You may be haunted at times." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Sometimes I wonder about that myself," Navi murmurs. "And then I remember some of the times we spent together, and how sweet they were. I'm only sorry there weren't more of them." She looks at Mondrian. "Have you ever been in love?" she asks softly. "I don't know a lot about love, to be honest. It's not something my Jedi Padawan training ever prepared me for." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I just don't like being analyzed vod." Did Volken just call Cayde 'vod'??! Surely he must have taken a hit on the head when crashing through the walls and equipment earlier. "I didn't ask your Master to try and read me like a book and certainly not infront of a crowd that included the likes of Mr. Baron himself...." He stays quiet fo ra second and then finally admits, "I've always done what I wanted to do and what I thought was right. If that makes me...some sorta weirdo Mando compared to the likes of Miss Perfect Ellari or someone who wants to play by The Way like the rest of them....I guess I'm just...not like them...." With that, he turns and starts moving back towards the gathering. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head slowly. "Nothing that was really important or real." She offers. "I cringe at the fact that I even thought to say it." Then she looks back to the kitchen where the soup still bubbles away before looking to Soren once more. "What about you, Soren?" She asks. "Two things really, that I want to know. Have you lied to me about anything in the time we've known each other...and what's got you distracted." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "I did. But I don't think your kind takes kindly to mine," Jorn says honestly. He has seen, heard, received and similar, comments from others. He gives a nod for a moment. "I'm not against it, but I might bring bad things for your temple." Jorn doesn't forget about the burden on him. Then he looks at the elder Jedi. "It's not that I'm not grateful. I'm not sure I have the time to dedicate to it like I want, or should," he knows more should be needed to do what is necessary. The Mandalorian stands there, thinking on it. "Tell me about the gorge?" he asks because the mind is curious about the teachings that could be unlocked while there. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde doesn't know what 'vod' means, truthfully. He has only heard Volken call some of the other Mandalorians that. And that it's certainly not that other word, 'adika' or whatever it was.     [Of course not...no one ask him...even if not like them, maybe it is good] he replies. But then Volken turns away so there is not much more he can say. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Yes," Mondrian (F) says, "In fact, there was a girl I knew in primary. She was .. my first love. But I didn't know it then. I never told her. I don't know where she is now, I thought it was a passing interest, because after that, I dated a lot of boys, none of them men. It didn't work out." There's a pause. "And then..." Her expression grows distant. "Nevermind," she says suddenly, her tone pained. "Nevermind. I don't know anything about love either. Sorry." She gets up to leave. "Don't say that," the doctor says, suddenly sounding agitated. "You came here to talk, so talk." But when she asks about him lying and being distracted he gets up and goes back to the kitchen, absently starting to wash some of the dirty dishes. "Nothing that you need to know about, Zetha." Rykard's brow arches. "More than your own kind doesn't take kindly to you?" he asks Jorn. "I am not concerned about that," he tells Jorn, when he says that he'd bring bad things to their Temple. "My concern is instead about your own ability to weather this trial. You know you cannot return to Mandalore, or anywhere else, bearing that saber and not knowing how to use it." "The Gorge is a unique place where the Force is especially strong. It is not something to be described with words. Rather, it is felt. You will know once you are there. Once upon a time, the soil bore witness to a great war, between the light and dark. The history of it lies buried, but not dead. Remember that." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I did talk! You barely listened! Just gave some half cocked answers about how the Jedi have it handled, and Wiis will come around and Crane is a nice guy." Zetha snaps at him as he gets up and goes back to the kitchen. When he answers, likely, about whatever is bothering him is none of her concern she scoffs. "Right. Thanks. For everything." She stands then and heads for the door. "Knew this was a bad idea when I decided to take the plunge. Good night, Soren." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If you need anything, you know how to get ahold of me," Navi says quietly to Mondrian (F). "Please take care." She watches the other woman leave, then turns and starts toward the Gorge, determined to see just how bad the flooding has been. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "IT's what you Jedi do. Get into peoples heads. I know." responds Volken, "I don't necessarily ask permission tot ake out my guns or punch people so I suppose it makes sense but that doesn't mean I have to like it or not punch back if I"m -really- mad..." That seems to settle it then. Next time Rykard tries to analyze him and tell him the truth-be that as it may-he'll just punch him. This is satisfactory to the Mandalorian so he returns with his long strides back towards the group and just folds his arms and waits. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs. No no, that hadn't been what he'd meant... but it seems to be too late to try to clarify now.     Anyway, since it seems Reza has been well and greeted, he decides to go back to helping with repairs and rations and all until nothing else is needed. Then he'll start preparing for the trip into the gorge to look for the lab. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The doctor gets up, taking off his glasses and rubbing his forehead, sighing. "Zetha, wait. Look, I'm sorry. I just .. for once, I don't actually know what to say. There's so much uncertainty circulating right now, especially with Mandalorians around and causing trouble constantly. I don't want to just offer you a platitude and tell you everything is going to be fine, because if you want my honest opinion, it probably isn't going to be. But I can't prove that it will be, or won't be. I can only tell you what my gut is saying, and it's not encouraging, and it's not what you want to hear or need to hear. I wanted to offer you hope, even if it was just that. No promises, just wishful thinking. Because I don't know what else to tell you right now. Life is unpredictable and relationships are hard, and those two things will always be true. I'm sorry if you were expecting some optimism. But I've run out of it tonight." Then he turns around, running a hand through his hair, that distant look on his face again. Something's wrong, Zetha will be able to tell. He doesn't normally act like this. But just like Crane, he's not saying what it is. He waves a hand dismissively. "I probably shouldn't keep you. It's late." Mondrian (F) watches Navi go, but doesn't follow her. She sighs and turns around to go back to her quarters. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Soren I don't need to be placated. I don't need to be lied to and I don't need optimism." Zetha offers, having stopped at the door and she turns to him then. "In fact. I'm kind of tired of people treating me like I'm some fragile little thing that's going to break if she's not kept a certain way. You don't have to always encourage me, and if you did, then you aren't really helping me figure out what life really has to offer are you? Things do suck. Shit's going to happen. It's going to be bad. But...this isn't me coming to you asking you to tell me this is going to be okay. This is me coming to you telling you what all has happened and how everything is jumbled and I just need someone...anyone...to give it to me straight." She actually moves to step back into the room and takes her seat again. "You don't need to coddle me, you need to help me navigate all the shitty situations and the good situations and help me realize which is which when things get a little muddy...And between being nearly stuck by the Baron, hinted at that Crane hasn't been completely honest with me to the point that I still think he's being dishonest but maybe that doesn't really matter in the end because it's all in the past and I hate the past. It's stupid and painful and I just want to move on. Away from the Jasper Baron Mandalorian Clone thing and into what I'm beginning to truly think - despite everything - might be one of the best things that's happened in all of this." She pauses. Takes a breath. "Cause Crane and I said I love you to each other and that's not a small thing either...albeit somewhat terrifying in it's own right..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Everyone's fragile in their own way," the doctor says, "we all have pressure points, and this wasn't about what you thought you needed, it was about what I personally wanted to provide. I can't give it to you straight. I don't have answers, and I hate that I don't have answers for you. I'm sorry." "The past informs the present," Soren says, "but I'm happy for you. I'm glad you were able to tell each other that you love one another. There isn't anything more important than establishing that connection if you both feel that way. Even if it's frightening." He suddenly looks down at his watch and gets that weird, distant look on his face again. "I have to go," He suddenly says, and without warning, grabs his lab coat and goes out the door. If Zetha hadn't thought anything was wrong a minute ago, she'll know now... 
}}

All This For A Drop of Blood

2026-06-05T00:17:46Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-04-02
|Cast of Characters=159, 261
|pretty=yes
|Location=Outer Rim - Tenoo
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's raining in the Gorge. Not like it had before -- just a light sprinkle, but enough to make that damned fog sweep in again and obscure nearly everything from view. Navi had likely been out scouting, but the weather would make it harder her for her to do anything, really. Dusk is falling anyway, so the young Sephi girl may decide that it's about time to pack it up and head back to the colony. By now, reparations to the Temple had progressed - the dojo had been restored, and the archives were nearly complete as well. Most importantly, a sturdy path with stairs built of adobe and synthetic stone had been constructed, leading from the colony down to the Temple. Navi will need to find her way back to this path - it's the best and safest route back to the colony. But it's dark, and the fog--! She won't be able to see three feet in front of her. Her commlink is pinging. Somehow, she's still getting signal down here... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi draws her retractable staff and extends it to serve as a walking stick, and for testing the ground in the fog. "Swell," she murmurs, strapping on her mini headlamp and switching it on. "This is the perfect kind of weather to pull a Cayde in the dark. Extra care is definitely warranted." Just then her comlink pings. Carefully plucking it from her belt, she checks the screen and answers the call. "Deputy Marshal Navi. Go ahead." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The spot she's stepped on suddenly gives way! She'll have to be quick to avoid slipping downward. It's Xera. "I thought you were stopping by tonight," she says pointedly. The timing is poor, but maybe she'd make it back to the colony before it got too late? 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Oh-!" Navi cries, leaping instinctively forward with the help of her staff as her rear foot slips. Somehow she manages not to fall. Looking back, she looks at where she'd just been. "Close..." "I'm sorry, Xera, but I'm going to be a little late. I was scouting the flooding in the Gorge, and now there's a heavy fog on the ground. I'll be back up top as quick as I can," she replies, as politely as she can while she's still breathing fast from her close call. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It could have been worse ... but it certainly could have been better. There's a bush there just below the ridge she'd slipped on -- not thorny, but the branches far from a soft bath loofah! Her clothing might have torn. That would have been just her luck! "Fine," the woman says, and then ends the transmission. Just as Navi may be about to resume her search for the path back up to the colony, a rope tumbles down to her from above! She'll sense a familiar presence nearby. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi winces at the sight of the bush. "That could've been another Tuesday's wardrobe malfunction," she murmurs. "Thank the Force for my old friend, Mr. Staff." The rope startles her, and she takes a step back with a little gasp. Followed by a sense of a familiar presence... "Looks like I'm gonna owe you again, Mr. Whatever Your Name Is This Week..." she murmurs, giving the rope a good tug to ensure it won't break loose under her weight. If it holds, she starts climbing carefully up the cliff... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Miraculously it does not, and surprise! No wardrobe malfunctions on the way up. Thank the Force. When she reaches the top, she'll see Zealot, wearing his marauder attire. A brief look around will reveal to Navi that she'd been here previously, and she'll remember that the path is nearby, just due west a hundred meters or so. "Navi," he says softly. "Are you alright?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'm good. Thank you for the rope. As usual, your timing was excellent," Navi replies quietly. "What brings you out here in the fog?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi will have already sensed that something was bothering him. He was... afraid. "I just came from the Temple," he says, "Rykard has been gracious to allow the Disciples from the Convent to stay there until it's restored or we find better lodging in town." "You know how it is down here, and I'm sure you can feel it too. The Force is so strong there, and I'm worried about Cayde. Since all the Jedi have decided to temporarily stay there to help with the scouting until it's time to leave for Coruscant, he's been in the Gorge since last night, and he hasn't been very well. And you know what that's like." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "And you're worried it's going to turn into another hallucinogenic house of horrors?" Navi asks softly. "That's a good reason to worry. He should be staying up in Aklyrr Bend, since he has lodgings there and the bulk of his duties as Co-Deputy Marshal are centered there anyway. Has no one thought to suggest he go back to town?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, yes," he says, "I was already experiencing some just now, at the Temple." "It was discussed," he says to Navi, "But Rykard and Reza must stay in the Temple for now. They have to accompany the scouting party. If they send Cayde back alone to Aklyrr Bend or Kublop, he'll be upset. And that's perhaps worse." "Perhaps it will be alright. You'll all leave for Coruscant in a few days, won't you? He just has to stay in control until then." Her commlink bleeps with another text transmission. Xera's asking where she is. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi sighs quietly. "That's asking an awful lot. He's among Jedi, which should make keeping control easier, and yet he's already having trouble, you said? If that's true, he needs to go back to town. And since you won't get anywhere near town in that getup, I guess I'll need to escort him back." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Rykard has already agreed to escort him back to Aklyrr if it gets too bad," he says. Softly, he says, "They're trying to avoid making it seem like he's incapable. That'll make everything worse. I don't know that that's the answer, but if it's not, I don't know what is." Now her commlink is ringing, and buzzing disruptively! Xera's calling her. The woman has no patience, apparently. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'll leave it in Mastery Rykard's hands, then. Half the time Cayde won't listen to me anyway," Navi observes wearily. "Rykard just needs to remind him that he's still a Padawan, and it's not wrong to acknowledge that he's not ready for some challenges yet." And then the comlink starts buzzing /and/ pinging! "I'm sorry, but I've got to take this..." "Deputy Marshal Navi, how can I help you?" she asks politely. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Where the kriff are you?" Xera asks impatiently. "Shouldn't you be back in Aklyrr already? I prepared refreshments, it's rude to let them get cold." "I see you're wanted," he remarks to her, seeming amused. "But I'll be seeing you. I'd like to see you off to Coruscant. I'll miss you, of course." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "My apologies, Xera. I'll be there momentarily. Should I wear something nice?" Navi asks over the comlink, offering Zealot a thumb's-up and a firm nod to his request. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "No, don't bother," she says, "I had Avi bring in the shipment I purchased from Coruscant earlier. I thought you might like some of the pieces. You should try them on at the very least." Navi won't find it difficult to make her way to the path that leads back up to Aklyrr, the fog isn't as bad in this area. Soon, she'll be back at the colony. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thank you, Xera. That's so sweet of you. I'll be there in a few more minutes," Navi replies, ending the call as she walks into the colony proper. One look down at her clothes decides her. "Ick... as soon as I clean up a teense..." She bolts into the ionic shower inside her habsuite, then changes into fresh clothes. Her hair she leaves generally loose, with her forelocks drawn around in back and clasped to keep her heavy pale blonde mane out of her face. A minute later she's at Xera's hab-megasuite. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The door opens immediately, and she'll find herself being greeted by Xera's protocol droid. "Greetings, Deputy," he drones. "Do come in. But please remove your shoes once inside." Then it totters in the living area, and gestures to a velvet couch adjacent to a small parlor table, decked out with a tray of sweets and a pot of tea. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi leaves her shoes just inside the door as bidden, then follows the droid to the couch in her sock feet and takes a seat. "Wow, this looks wonderful. Now I feel doubly guilty for keeping her waiting." Only partly true, but her feelings for Xera are complex. Love lurks at the heart of them, but it's hardly alone. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' A few minutes later, Xera appears. She's dressed like she's going to some kind of gala, but she's clearly not, Tenoo is far too backwater for that. Avi trails her, looking sullen. "There you are," she says to Navi, "you're so late. You know that's a very bad habit of yours," she says, "not showing up on time. Have you tried any of the refreshments yet?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Not yet, Xera... I've only just arrived. Duty keeps a very harsh schedule. With the new Senior Deputy, I'm hopeful that my workload will be lighter," Navi replies, in a mix of contrition and politesse. "You've chosen such a lovely outfit, too. Color me impressed all over again," she adds, choosing one of the sweets and taking a dainty bite. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Thank you," Xera says, but there doesn't seem to be much gratefulness in her tone. Xera watches her take a bite of one of the morsels. "That's a caramelized mini jogan fruit tart," she says to the young Sephi girl. "What do you think?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi finishes chewing, swallowing the bite. "Nice. Sweet, smooth, and just a bit tart," she replies, before popping the rest into her mouth. Swallowing after a moment, she breaks one of the treats in half. "Share one with me?" she offers warmly, offering one half to Xera. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Xera smiles and takes the other half of the tart. It's hard to tell if she's being genuine or not, but she eats it all the same and seems to enjoy it. "Now," she says, "you'll have to see the dresses. There's fifteen of them. I'm sure one of them is your size." She gets up and heads for the master bedroom, beckoning for Avi to follow her. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi eats the other half, remembering her manners. The tarts are delicious, and she hopes Xera's smile is genuine. "Shall I join you?" she asks, as Xera and Avi move to leave the little parlor. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Of course," Xera says, but she doesn't look at Navi. Once in the bedroom, she'll see all the dresses laid out on the bed. They're beautiful... and look terribly expensive. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Oh, my goodness... they're so gorgeous!" Navi cries softly, deeply impressed, moving to study each dress thoughtfully. "And one of them is mine? You're so sweet!" She hadn't missed Xera not looking at her, but she hopes it was just her being in a bit of a rush. She also hopes she doesn't know better... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Xera tilts her head thoughfully, looking at each of the dresses, her expression pensive. "Well," she says after a moment, "There's this one." And she points to a white shimmersilk one that comes with a lace bodice and corset. The back is open, and the top of the dress converges into an open halter neckline that doesn't have a clasp in the back. "I think this one could look good and may fit you," she says, "but it comes as a set, with a necklace. Avi will have to fetch it." Navi will sense ... blood in the very near future. An accident, and a supposedly annoyed Xera. A very small amount of it, on the back of her own neck. But whose it is, she will not be able to discern. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "It's so lovely... I don't think I've ever worn pure white before. Shall I undress?" Navi asks softly. After all, Xera had insisted that she must try the dresses on. "Oh, please be careful," she adds, as the brief vision claims her attention. "Avi, Xera, do be careful. I feel like someone may be about to be cut, or pricked with a pin or clasp..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "The bathroom is over there," Xera instructs. She then hands Navi the dress. "We'll have the necklace once you finish putting it on." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thank you, Xera. I only hope I'm worthy of your generosity," Navi replies softly, accepting the dress and stepping into the refresher booth. It's a large deluxe model, and she's grateful for the extra room as she begins to undress... A few minutes later, she emerges in the dress. "I /think/ it fits, but I've never worn a Core-styled gown before," she admits softly. "Xera, could you be a dear and look it over and see if it fits properly?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh, yes," she says, "that looks like a good fit. Of course, I've never been one to fail when it comes to good taste," she offers proudly. "However..." she peers at the corset. "Well you didn't tighten it at all. No wonder it's sagging a bit," she says, "and Avi has the necklace for you here. Now, sit down. The necklace will have to be clipped to the dress and then fastened. You'll have to hold still. The jewelry is a delicate thing." Navi will notice that Xera's right. It is sagging a little, she likely hadn't noticed because it had only just now started very slowly to droop now that Navi has been standing for longer than three minutes. And of course, the neckline hasn't been fastened, so that isn't helping things. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Oh, dear... I should have known I'd forget something," Navi replies, blushing faintly. "I'll hold still, promise," she adds as she takes a seat, as bidden. She'd forgotten that someone else usually has to lace up a corset, especially if the laces are in back. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Xera will start lacing up the corset. It doesn't... feel nice. She'll feel like she's getting suffocated. But at least it will look good, right? Then Xera starts to clip the necklace in place. The jewels on it are heavy, but the clasp is a tiny needle point that fits into an equally small device with an even smaller hole. "It's a very fine thing," she says, "Avi will you take care of it? Your hands are smaller than mine," she says, and backs away. Navi might have sworn that she heard Avi grumble, but the girl's dress rustles as she moves into place to take over Xera's task. She starts to try to put the clasp into place, but then suddenly!! Navi will feel a sharp and deep pinprick in the back of her neck. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi holds as still as a statue, partly aided by the tightly-laced corset. She actually enters a partial meditation trance to do so. She is indeed as steady as a rock, something that will be obvious to all... "Ow! Avi, please be more careful with that!" she cries as she feels the needle point sink into the back of her neck! 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You twitched, you wicked little brush mouse!" she insults Navi. "If you'd just held still..." Xera huffs, sounding disgusted, "Well she's bleeding now! Clean her up." Avi grumbles, and complies, going over to a drawer and taking out some gauze and alcohol. She wipes the blood away, complaining to herself. Then she places the gauze with the blood on it aside, on the beside table. "Look," she says to Navi in a sour tone, "now you've made a whole mess!" She fetches a small rag, and starts wiping at the chair. It must have dripped. But then Xera starts fussing. "Avi, you can't leave that bloodied gauze there! Take care of it, already..." "My lady, there's a bloodstain on the velvet chair..." "There's the droid for that," Xera says, sounding irritated. "Dammit! Where is that droid...!" She exits the room, calling for the protocol droid who'd greeted Navi earlier. "Don't just sit there," Avi says to Navi icily, "I can't very well clean the chair while you're sitting in it!" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I did /not/ twitch, Avi... I even went into a partial meditation trance to ensure that I /could not/ twitch," Navi retorts, with only minimal heat. She stands, adding, "Really? If you hadn't stuck me with that pin point, there wouldn't /be/ a mess. And didn't Lady Graf say to wait for the droid to clean the chair?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You did twitch, you just hate to admit it," she sneers. "Don't tell me what to do, you're not -her-!" Avi snarls. "Now get -out-. The droid is obviously not here, so who else is going to clean it in the meantime? It can't sit, that will worsen it!" Avi might have been lying about Navi twitching, but she's not lying about the droid, sadly. It does not appear to be anywhere in sight. Xera had gone off to find it, but so far it would seem the lady of the habsuite has been unsuccessful. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "You always were a liar, Avi," Navi replies. "Perhaps out of regret that your name lacked a first letter, to make it legitimate." She leaves the room, looking for Xera and the droid. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Avi doesn't say anything, but she glares at Navi as she leaves. Navi won't find Xera, but she will hear the droid in the hallway where the other bathroom is. But as she walks she will find the dress sagging even more. The necklace hadn't been clipped, so now, when she walks, it slides down a little with every step! Just her luck that she's having a wardrobe malfunction now. At least it isn't in the woods. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi sighs and draws the back of the dress up behind her neck, then turns and goes back to the refresher to slip out of the dress. With the way things are going, she'll wrinkle or tear it. She emerges from the refresher in her underwear, a comfy and modest two-piece set in white cor-cotton. After all, she's going to try on more dresses, most likely. She hopes Xera will understand. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She's probably about to head back down the hallway to Xera's bedroom, when she'll likely be startled by a hand reaching out gently to grasp her wrist from behind! "... Navi!" comes the urgent whisper from shower. It's Thaarin. He's clothed, partially, at least. But he's all wet, and the sleeveless shirt he's wearing is somewhat soaked. So are his trousers. He seems amused. "What happened?" he asks. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thaarin? It's a long story that involves trying on dresses and Avi pricking me deliberately in the back of my neck with a clasp pin and throwing a pathetic fit," Navi replies, blushing faintly. "Sorry to intrude... I'd no idea you were in the shower stall." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He offers her a faint smile. "I heard," he says, "The ventilation shaft that runs from here to the master provides decent but not excellent insight into what's happening in there," he says, "I thought you were Avi and couldn't figure out why in light's name she might leave the master just to dispose of a bloodied gauze. You two have nearly identical gaits." "You're one to talk," he says cheekily, "I'm not the one in my underwear." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Almost identical names, too... I suspect she's just jealous that hers lacks a first letter," Navi muses. She blushes a little more at his cheeky comment. "I didn't see the point of putting all my clothes back on when I'm going to be trying on another dress. There's nothing more or less to it than that." "Anyway, you'd probably better get back to your shower. If Xera sees me talking to you, she's likely to become terribly jealous," she adds gently. "Also, would you say that Avi poked me deliberately with the clasp pin? In your opinion, I mean." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Probably," Thaarin jests, seeming even more amused. "I suppose you're right," he says, "but I don't see any harm in that," he once again adds, mischief in his scarlet eyes. Then his expression grows solemn. "I think it was very deliberate. And odd--" And then there's footsteps. Thaarin's brows furrowed. "That's her..." And then he reaches to tug Navi into the shower stall with him, shutting off the lights. "We should see what she does..." he whispers. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi enters the shower room with him, but not the stall itself, as she has no desire to get soaking wet. But she does tune her ears to the ventilation duct, as Thaarin had done, and this girl has got /ears/... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Stall or not, they're standing very close together, and Navi will suddenly be acutely aware that standing this close to him feels a bit like being too near to a boilerplate. It's uncomfortable, to say in the least. But she can't comment, or make a sound. Because Avi is coming down the hallway, with Xera in tow. "Navi?" Xera calls out. "Where -did- that girl go..." she mutters. "Navi??" But Thaarin puts a finger to his lips, and leans near the barely cracked open shower room door. His body heat nearly roasts her like a nuna hen in an oven. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi holds absolutely still, barely daring to breathe. Whatever comes next might be world-shattering, or it might be nothing at all. Though she does find it interesting that Avi is leading Xera... wasn't she supposed to be cleaning the chair? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Avi comes into the bathroom, sure enough. Xera peers into the bathroom, but then turns around and goes back out, still calling Navi's name. Avi stays though. She reaches into her pocket and takes out the bloody gauze from her pocket, and then reaches into the cupboard to take out a small bottle. What is she doing?? 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi ducks into the shower stall just in time. A mere second later, the bathroom door opens, and Xera peeks in, and Avi comes in. Xera leaves, but Avi stays... Navi probes her surface thoughts, and finds the idea of preserving the gauze with Navi's blood on it in a little bottle. Avi doesn't know the reason why, but she does seem to know that it has to do with the Arkanians... "Don't do it, Avi," Navi says, emerging from the shower stall. "You're getting tangled up in a bigger crime than you can imagine." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' As soon as Navi emerges, Avi shoves the bottle and the gauze into one of her pockets. "Do what?" She looks Navi up and down, and frowns in disgust. "Is this where you've been all this time? You should be ashamed of yourself! Lady Graf has been looking for you!" She glares at her. "You've been a most disrespectful guest. We prepared food, drink, and even gifts for you, and what gratefulness have you shown? You made a mess, and then disappeared without warning. What kind of guest treats her host this way?" Then she turns to leave, looking annoyed. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi grabs Avi's shoulder. "Give me the bottle, Avi. The Arkanians want that blood because they are conducting illegal cloning experiments, and they are very interested in the blood of Force-sensitive sentients. That's why they want my blood." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I've no idea what you're talking about! Let -go- of me!" she screeches, trying to wrest away from Navi. "Lady Graf...!" she calls out. "Navi is -hurting- me!" There's the sound of running footsteps, then. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi pushes Avi into the corridor. "I can /read your mind/, Avi... did you really think you could hide what you were doing from me?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' And then suddenly Xera has appeared. "Navi!" she scolds. "What are you doing to Avi? This is out of hand." She frowns at Navi in her underwear. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "My apologies, Xera, but Avi has become entangled in a terrible crime. She's saved a sample of my blood, which is why she stabbed me with the clasp pin of the necklace. The Arkanian scientists somehow persuaded her to do so. They are conducting illegal cloning experiments, and have been actively trying to get samples of genetic material from Force-sensitives and Mandalorians," Navi explains. "Also, I'm not hurting her. Just keeping her in place." "There is a small bottle in her right-hand skirt pocket, if you could please take it, Xera? Maybe Avi hates me, but I'd rather not see her in such severe trouble as this. If she is willing to surrender the sample and testify against the Arkanians, I may be able to save her from prison." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh," Xera says, looking relieved. "well of course. Avi, give it here. Navi is the Deputy, after all." Avi wipes her eyes angrily, and hands the bottle and the gauze to Xera. "Now don't worry about it at all, I'll have this taken care of." She then turns to leave. Navi will be able to tell that Xera knows about this, but only that. Does she know because Navi just told her, or did she know about it from before? Navi won't be able to tell. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'll need the sample, Xera. It's evidence. This isn't just about a single blonde Deputy Marshal... the Republic Security Bureau is peripherally involved at this point, as is the Jedi Order. As of months ago, the Arkanians have absconded with medical and scientific equipment from this colony... they have deserted their duties to this colony and to the Tenoo Colony Initiative as a whole," Navi explains. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "No, you don't," Xera tells Navi pointedly. "I know all of this. You're forgetting, I'm the coin purse of this project, and therefore pull all the strings. Rykard can say he's Marshal, that doesn't change anything. I'm telling you, -I'm- taking care of it. And I will." "You made a promise to me Navi. That you'd keep my secrets, and in exchange, I'd let you see me whenever you wanted. If you break your promise..." she shakes her head. "I'll never speak to you, ever again." She means it. And she has lots to hide. She knows about the Arkanian's project, perhaps not all the details, and doesn't know where they are currently, but she doesn't care to know. She's willing to support them, as long as they earn her pretty credits. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Xera, you don't want to be involved with these people... they've proven repeatedly that they can't be trusted, and they're engaged in the most illegal and unethical medical research possible under Republic law. It won't matter if you're the purse strings of the colony or not if the Arkanians roll over on you to try to save their cowardly skins. Then my keeping your secrets wouldn't matter a bit," Navi pleads softly, a tear sliding quietly, almost beautifully, down her pale cheek. "I love you, Xera Graf. And I don't want to see you in that kind of trouble. Do the wise thing, the safe thing. Tell us what you know about them, and what they're doing. In return, we can save you from prison, and save your reputation and fortunes. We will catch those Arkanians. That's not even in question. If you cooperate before we do, we can help you. If you don't, the odds against you get a lot worse. Don't go down with those monsters." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Cloning isn't illegal, it's only illegal if cruel and unusual experimentation is involved," Xera says coldly, "And you cannot prove that they are engaging in cruel and unusual experimentation. Why, the clone of that Baron turned out just fine. He didn't harm any civilians, and no one died or was hospitalized because of him. Nor did he have any report of being mistreated at the facility." She dusts her dress off, looking annoyed. "Save their skins?" she says, "Please. If anyone needs saving, it's -them-. They need saving from -me-. Without me, they're nothing, and if I tell them to come back right now and confiscate their allowance, their project will end. That's that." "I assure you, they will come back. When it's time, they will. After all, I could tell them to come this instant and they'd have no choice but to obey. You can't say they've absconded if I'm fully aware they're not in the colony, and am certain they will return when the time is right." "There's no catching to be done, Navi. If I wanted to know where they were, I could. But it's not important. What's important, is that this Initiative succeeds. One of the five main goals was medical research, was it not? A breakthrough, something revolutionary that would change the galaxy forever. And if they need to be away to do that, then so be it." "I don't need your help, Navi. You're the one who so desperately needs me, emotionally, financially, physically. So you're in no position to make any sort of bargain. If I decide this Initiative was a waste of time, I could leave and the colonists here would be stranded. The Republic and the rest of the investors don't have the funding to supply them with what they need to live here. They'd all have to go back to where they came from, and pay their own fare back to whatever dirt poor planet they're from because the Republic's colonial interests budget can't afford that either. Or, they could try to scrape by here. It would be hard, and perhaps some would die over the next winter, but if one can't pay the fare, then what choice is there?" "You're forgetting, Navi. Credits can't buy happiness, but they can buy power, and power is all that matters. Now, if you're not going to cooperate, then get out." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "You've forgotten about taking genetic samples without consent, which is most certainly a crime," Navi says quietly. "And so is using such samples for research." "I told you I love you, and I meant it. But I can't help you with something like this. If only you could see how wrong you are..." she whispers, turning to step back into the shower room. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "A good lawyer can redefine consent," Xera says, "but if it really bothers you so much..." She tosses the gauze and the bottle into the trash in the refreshers. Then she glances down at the dress that Navi had taken off, and examines it before picking it up. There's a very small spot of blood on halter neckline, where it had touched the puncture wound right after Avi had stabbed her. "If you loved me, you'd do what I ask. And you wouldn't leave stains all over my belongings, either," she says. "I haven't even the slightest reason to believe you love me, Navi. You're just infatuated, which is to be expected, but it's pathetic, really. Because the moment I become even mildly inconvenient to that damned conscience of yours, that so called love you have for me evaporates. How two faced of you!" Then, clutching the dress and the necklace to her chest, she sweeps out of the refreshers and back out into the hallway. Thaarin's still there, hiding, spying, or both. "I suppose she's kicking you out," he says to her softly. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If I didn't love you, I wouldn't have tried to protect you," Navi replies quietly. "It's like I said... you can't see how wrong you are. And if I didn't love you, that wouldn't be so hard to say..." Her voice breaks at the last, and she hurries into the shower room and closes the door, sobbing. "She is..." Navi whispers through her tears, as she begins to try to get dressed again. "She doesn't... understand what she's gotten into..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The woman isn't listening. She's gone. Back out into the hallway, straight to her master bedroom. The door to the bedroom closes behind her, and Navi will be able to hear it seal shut. Thaarin helps her get dressed, helping her pull the jacket she usually wears snug around her shoulders. "Perhaps one day she will," he says softly. After she finishes dressing, he embraces her gently. "I know it's hard to not take it personally, but would it comfort you to know she treats me the same way..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Not really. It means she's as manipulative as I feared," Navi replies sadly, returning his embrace. By now she's mostly stopped crying, except for the occasional sniffle. "I do love her, Thaarin. Somewhere, deep down, she loves me, too. I've seen it. She just can't see it for politics and powermongering. I can forgive her for that. But I can't save her." Dressed, she kisses his cheek lightly. "You deserve better than the way she treats you. We both do, I suppose. Is there anything I can do for you?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Then I supposed you have the biggest heart of us all," he says, "no one else could love a woman like her..." When she kisses him on the cheek, he seems mildly charmed. He kisses her forehead, but Navi might get a sense that he had been briefly tempted to kiss her elsewhere. "If you really believe that, then the favor you can do for me is to take a break from her. I will, too, I suppose. She exhausts me. Then perhaps when we're both less tired, a way around her opaque politicking and powermongering will present itself." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I hope so. I'm so tired... I wish I'd never come here. But I've wished that a lot. The Force isn't always kind. But it's always right," Navi replies quietly. "More's the pity." She hugs Thaarin. "Take care, Thaarin. I suspect a break will do you more good than me," she observes, opening the shower room door and entering the hall. "I'm going back to my little cubbyhole tent-thing to get some sleep. Maybe I'll feel better in the morning." She doubts it. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I understand that," Thaarin says softly, "but at least you saw me, and we had some peace and quiet, despite everything that's happened lately. We must learn to find the silver linings in the fog sometimes," he says. When she hugs him, he runs a hand through her hair gently. "Don't say that," he says, "because I suspect you need the break more than I do. But you know that if you ever need anything, I'm here for you. To be a friend, a listening ear, even physical affection if you desire it. It doesn't have to mean anything, and can exist solely to to provide you comfort if you want it. I know you like it." Then he opens the window and starts to climb out of it. "Goodnight, Navi. Rest well... and I'm sure I'll see you soon." 
}}

A Businessman And a Thrill Addict

2026-03-30T03:16:13Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-03-21
|Cast of Characters=240, 455
|pretty=yes
|Location=Lower City - Coruscant
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     The Lower City is dim and rowdy as usual on Coruscanti nights, the streets busy with merchants, thieves, urchins, and other ne'er-do-wells. As is common, Kalregar and some of his crew are drinking and gambling at one of the casinos down here that often attracts the scum and the villainy.     It's a good place to get a few deals, cheat a few of the inexperienced types. Currently, he's sitting at the bar, watching a swoop race on a holopanel near the back wall. A group of rowdy Trandoshans are arguing over bets nearby. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' Raith would usually be down at the swoop races, but she's not in these rounds. So she's found herself down in the casino having passed the merchants and urchins and thieves to get there. Into the casino itself eying the tables where people gamble what little credits they have away hoping to strike it big on just one more round. She'll slide into a seat at the bar with one between herself and Baelin. Eyes drift to the screen as she watches the current race and then scoffs. "Somethin' strong and don't let it go empty..." This said to the barman before eyes go back to the holopanel. "Too far to the left. He's gonna catch his fin on a rock.." Muttered mostly aloud but to herself. 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     The bartender nods. "Comin' right up." the large Devaronian rumbles, going to fetch her a generously sized mug.     Kalregar glances over at her as she comments at the feed on the screen. It seems she has quite the opinion, there.     ...and sure enough, the commentators shout out in excitement when the featured swoop clips the rock and goes spinning out of control, crashing off the side of the track.     "Called it, huh?" Baelin remarks with a chuckle. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "That's his issue. He's always pulling too far to the left..." Raith comments with a glance over to Baelin and a half shrug offered. "Keep telling him to fix it but men are stubborn idiots on their best days." She looks back to the holoscreen to watch the racer being drug from the remains of his speeder. "Now the next race'll be delayed because they're gonna have to clean his heap of junk off the track." She reaches into a pocket and tosses a pack of cigarillos onto the bartop, taking one out to light. "That kinda mess makes me happy I'm not racing that day." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     The bartender finishes dispensing Raith's drink, and slides the mug over to her.     Kalregar laughs again. "Ha, well -thanks-, I guess." he remarks dryly at her jab at men, being a man himself. "You race for yourself, for wealthy sponsors, or a bit of both?" he asks. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "You're welcome." It's said back just as dry while Raith reaches for the mug and takes a long pull. "Well now. That, my friend, depends on the race." She answers almost coyly. "But however I do it. It helps pay the bills and it keeps me happy. Which is a good deal in my book." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Not afraid of losing a limb, eh? Or worse." Kalregar takes a swig of his own drink and turns to her again. "Baelin Kalregar." he introduces himself, and offers a handshake.     "So, you been here a while? Or do you travel?" 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "That means losing." Raith says plainly. "And I don't lose." Another swig of her drink taken while she flicks ashes and takes another drag off that cigarillo. Looking to the hand offered for a heartbeat longer than is courteous before accepting it. "Raith." No last name offered. Perhaps she doesn't have one? "Technically this is home...as odd as that may seem. But I do travel. Gotta keep my name in the circuit somehow..." Another swig of her drink is taken. "And what do you occupy your time with, Baelin?" 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Nice to meet ya, Raith." Kalregar replies, nodding. He doesn't seem to mind her staring at the hand before taking it. "Oh yeah? You've never lost? As in, -ever-? How long've you been at this?"     He shrugs at the question. "Oh, all sorts of different things--but I'm a businessman first and foremost. I buy, I sell, I travel." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "I can't say I've never lost...but at the very least I keep control of my speeder...which is more than I can say for a lot of the others who race." Raith offers this and then shrugs. "Few years now. Long enough to know I love it and not long enough to grow tired of the thrill." Then she grins, flicks ash and smokes more. "Is that so? That kind of talk in this kind of place could make someone wonder just what it is you buy and sell. Traveling must just be a perk of the job." She smirks. "So. What's your best trade right now?" 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Think you'll -ever- grow tired of it?" Kalregar asks out of curiosity.     "Oh, you know--mainly the products and services that are hard to come by, and those tend to be the ones that laws don't like." he replies with a smirk. Yeah, he can say that down here. "You make good money on swoop racing?" 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "No. I think I'll grow too old before I grow tired of it." Raith offers, a hint of a smile teasing at her lips. She listens as he skirts around the answer to her question but she actually gives a nod of what seems to be approval. "You sell to big markets or do you keep some supplies for the little guys?" She downs another good bit of her drink. "I make enough." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "I go wherever the demand is." Kalregar answers. "Sometimes it's one big market. And other times it's a lot of little guys."     That smile is noticed, but it doesn't surprise him. Not down here. "So you ever in the market for any of those things the laws don't like, you let me know. Or if you're up a little bit of adventure. Get off this planet, go somewhere exotic." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' That last bit puts a slightly bigger smirk on Raith's lips and she actually turns more towards Baelin to give him a bit more of her attention. "I may be in the market for something or things that the laws don't like. Laws are for losers anyway." She offers and then finishes the rest of her drink, pushing the mug back in a silent ask for a refill. "I've been to a few places most people might call exotic...but if you think you can top any of them...I'd maybe be interested in what you've got to offer." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Oh yeah? What kinds of things?" Kalregar probes. "Spice? Slaves? Or are you looking for more services than products? Like someone you need to put on ice."     "That depends on the places you think 'most people call exotic'." he replies to that last part. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "Which also depends on what places /you/ think are exotic." Raith dances around that subject first with a smirk that turns into a grin. Then she goes back to the other bit. "I might keep you in mind should I ever need someone put on ice..." She offers. "But spice? Now you really have my attention..." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Ha! I dunno. Canto Bight?" Kalregar offers. He might be a touch drunk. "Yeah, you know--spice technically isn't -always- illegal." he remarks offhandedly. "There are medical uses." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "So exotic - to you - means another place to get drunk and gamble?" Raith asks with humor alighting her eyes for a moment. Then she shrugs. "Yeah. I'm well aware of when it's not illegal...but what I use it for...I can't quite talk my way out of it being...." She pauses, then shrugs again. "Medically necessary." She grabs another cigarillo from the pack and offers the pack to him. "And before you ask, no, I don't use it while racing." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "I guess so." Kalregar answers, laughing. "Just the first thing that came I mind I suppose."     "So what do you use it for then, if not racing? And how much do you need?" he asks. "...well, more importantly, how much are you willing to pay for the good stuff?" 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "I mean, to be fair, I was thinking of some place more like Manaan....but then...I'm usually only ever there for the swoop racing. Something about flying over the water's surface is calming." She pauses, takes a drag off her cigarillo. "Even if it's only for ten seconds." There's a longer pause when he asks what she uses it for and then she smirks. "Meditation." Before she gives him a sort of up and down look and then turns more towards the bar. "In a perfect world you could get me a couple doses of glitterstim and I could make it worth your while. So let's say I've got...five thousand...burning a spice-hole in my pocket. Could you work with that?" 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Flying over the water in a swoop, huh?" Kalregar chuckles, envisioning that. "You really are a thrill addict." he laughs.     "Meditation? Like the Jedi?" That was about the last thing he was expecting her to say. "From a swoop racing adrenaline junkie? You're just full of surprises."     "Okay, 5k, for a couple of glitterstim...hm." he looks pensive a moment, before finally nodding. "Sure, I could make that work. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "The way I see it. If I'm going to be dead in the dirt anyway, might as well have some fun getting there." Raith lets out a soft laugh at that and then tilts her head. "That's probably the least surprising thing about me..." That she meditates, of course. The fact that she's actually got a bit of the Force in her is another tale entirely and not one she spills on a first meeting. "Very well. You bring me a couple doses of glitterstim, I'll give you 5K." Then she's the one actually offering her hand to him. "And if this goes well...you and I might become decent friends, Baelin." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Heh, fair point." Kalregar replies. "Especially since everyone's going to be dead in the dirt eventually anyway, right? Might as well make sure you get to have as many fun times as you can with the one life you've got."     He takes the offered handshake. "Speaking of having fun, I'll get you those glitterstim. Same time, same place--tomorrow." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' Raith looks a bit surprised when he offers that he'll have the glitterstim here. Tomorrow. "I don't know if I should be pleased that you're quick or assume you're out to take advantage of me. But I suppose we'll see. Tomorrow." The pack of cigarillos is placed back into a pocket and then she glances at the holoscreen as the commenters announce the next racer. "Ah. This'll be a good one. She's got some clean moves..." Though this might be a sign that their conversation is over. For now. 
}}

A Businessman And a Thrill Addict

2026-03-30T03:15:59Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-03-21 |Cast of Characters=240, 455 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     The Lower City is dim and rowdy as usual on Coruscanti nights, the streets busy with merchants, thieves, urchins, and other ne'er-do-wells. As is common, Kalregar and some of his crew are drinking and gambling at one of the casinos down here that often attracts the scum and the villainy. &..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-03-21
|Cast of Characters=240, 455
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     The Lower City is dim and rowdy as usual on Coruscanti nights, the streets busy with merchants, thieves, urchins, and other ne'er-do-wells. As is common, Kalregar and some of his crew are drinking and gambling at one of the casinos down here that often attracts the scum and the villainy.     It's a good place to get a few deals, cheat a few of the inexperienced types. Currently, he's sitting at the bar, watching a swoop race on a holopanel near the back wall. A group of rowdy Trandoshans are arguing over bets nearby. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' Raith would usually be down at the swoop races, but she's not in these rounds. So she's found herself down in the casino having passed the merchants and urchins and thieves to get there. Into the casino itself eying the tables where people gamble what little credits they have away hoping to strike it big on just one more round. She'll slide into a seat at the bar with one between herself and Baelin. Eyes drift to the screen as she watches the current race and then scoffs. "Somethin' strong and don't let it go empty..." This said to the barman before eyes go back to the holopanel. "Too far to the left. He's gonna catch his fin on a rock.." Muttered mostly aloud but to herself. 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     The bartender nods. "Comin' right up." the large Devaronian rumbles, going to fetch her a generously sized mug.     Kalregar glances over at her as she comments at the feed on the screen. It seems she has quite the opinion, there.     ...and sure enough, the commentators shout out in excitement when the featured swoop clips the rock and goes spinning out of control, crashing off the side of the track.     "Called it, huh?" Baelin remarks with a chuckle. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "That's his issue. He's always pulling too far to the left..." Raith comments with a glance over to Baelin and a half shrug offered. "Keep telling him to fix it but men are stubborn idiots on their best days." She looks back to the holoscreen to watch the racer being drug from the remains of his speeder. "Now the next race'll be delayed because they're gonna have to clean his heap of junk off the track." She reaches into a pocket and tosses a pack of cigarillos onto the bartop, taking one out to light. "That kinda mess makes me happy I'm not racing that day." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     The bartender finishes dispensing Raith's drink, and slides the mug over to her.     Kalregar laughs again. "Ha, well -thanks-, I guess." he remarks dryly at her jab at men, being a man himself. "You race for yourself, for wealthy sponsors, or a bit of both?" he asks. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "You're welcome." It's said back just as dry while Raith reaches for the mug and takes a long pull. "Well now. That, my friend, depends on the race." She answers almost coyly. "But however I do it. It helps pay the bills and it keeps me happy. Which is a good deal in my book." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Not afraid of losing a limb, eh? Or worse." Kalregar takes a swig of his own drink and turns to her again. "Baelin Kalregar." he introduces himself, and offers a handshake.     "So, you been here a while? Or do you travel?" 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "That means losing." Raith says plainly. "And I don't lose." Another swig of her drink taken while she flicks ashes and takes another drag off that cigarillo. Looking to the hand offered for a heartbeat longer than is courteous before accepting it. "Raith." No last name offered. Perhaps she doesn't have one? "Technically this is home...as odd as that may seem. But I do travel. Gotta keep my name in the circuit somehow..." Another swig of her drink is taken. "And what do you occupy your time with, Baelin?" 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Nice to meet ya, Raith." Kalregar replies, nodding. He doesn't seem to mind her staring at the hand before taking it. "Oh yeah? You've never lost? As in, -ever-? How long've you been at this?"     He shrugs at the question. "Oh, all sorts of different things--but I'm a businessman first and foremost. I buy, I sell, I travel." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "I can't say I've never lost...but at the very least I keep control of my speeder...which is more than I can say for a lot of the others who race." Raith offers this and then shrugs. "Few years now. Long enough to know I love it and not long enough to grow tired of the thrill." Then she grins, flicks ash and smokes more. "Is that so? That kind of talk in this kind of place could make someone wonder just what it is you buy and sell. Traveling must just be a perk of the job." She smirks. "So. What's your best trade right now?" 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Think you'll -ever- grow tired of it?" Kalregar asks out of curiosity.     "Oh, you know--mainly the products and services that are hard to come by, and those tend to be the ones that laws don't like." he replies with a smirk. Yeah, he can say that down here. "You make good money on swoop racing?" 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "No. I think I'll grow too old before I grow tired of it." Raith offers, a hint of a smile teasing at her lips. She listens as he skirts around the answer to her question but she actually gives a nod of what seems to be approval. "You sell to big markets or do you keep some supplies for the little guys?" She downs another good bit of her drink. "I make enough." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "I go wherever the demand is." Kalregar answers. "Sometimes it's one big market. And other times it's a lot of little guys."     That smile is noticed, but it doesn't surprise him. Not down here. "So you ever in the market for any of those things the laws don't like, you let me know. Or if you're up a little bit of adventure. Get off this planet, go somewhere exotic." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' That last bit puts a slightly bigger smirk on Raith's lips and she actually turns more towards Baelin to give him a bit more of her attention. "I may be in the market for something or things that the laws don't like. Laws are for losers anyway." She offers and then finishes the rest of her drink, pushing the mug back in a silent ask for a refill. "I've been to a few places most people might call exotic...but if you think you can top any of them...I'd maybe be interested in what you've got to offer." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Oh yeah? What kinds of things?" Kalregar probes. "Spice? Slaves? Or are you looking for more services than products? Like someone you need to put on ice."     "That depends on the places you think 'most people call exotic'." he replies to that last part. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "Which also depends on what places /you/ think are exotic." Raith dances around that subject first with a smirk that turns into a grin. Then she goes back to the other bit. "I might keep you in mind should I ever need someone put on ice..." She offers. "But spice? Now you really have my attention..." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Ha! I dunno. Canto Bight?" Kalregar offers. He might be a touch drunk. "Yeah, you know--spice technically isn't -always- illegal." he remarks offhandedly. "There are medical uses." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "So exotic - to you - means another place to get drunk and gamble?" Raith asks with humor alighting her eyes for a moment. Then she shrugs. "Yeah. I'm well aware of when it's not illegal...but what I use it for...I can't quite talk my way out of it being...." She pauses, then shrugs again. "Medically necessary." She grabs another cigarillo from the pack and offers the pack to him. "And before you ask, no, I don't use it while racing." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "I guess so." Kalregar answers, laughing. "Just the first thing that came I mind I suppose."     "So what do you use it for then, if not racing? And how much do you need?" he asks. "...well, more importantly, how much are you willing to pay for the good stuff?" 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "I mean, to be fair, I was thinking of some place more like Manaan....but then...I'm usually only ever there for the swoop racing. Something about flying over the water's surface is calming." She pauses, takes a drag off her cigarillo. "Even if it's only for ten seconds." There's a longer pause when he asks what she uses it for and then she smirks. "Meditation." Before she gives him a sort of up and down look and then turns more towards the bar. "In a perfect world you could get me a couple doses of glitterstim and I could make it worth your while. So let's say I've got...five thousand...burning a spice-hole in my pocket. Could you work with that?" 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Flying over the water in a swoop, huh?" Kalregar chuckles, envisioning that. "You really are a thrill addict." he laughs.     "Meditation? Like the Jedi?" That was about the last thing he was expecting her to say. "From a swoop racing adrenaline junkie? You're just full of surprises."     "Okay, 5k, for a couple of glitterstim...hm." he looks pensive a moment, before finally nodding. "Sure, I could make that work. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "The way I see it. If I'm going to be dead in the dirt anyway, might as well have some fun getting there." Raith lets out a soft laugh at that and then tilts her head. "That's probably the least surprising thing about me..." That she meditates, of course. The fact that she's actually got a bit of the Force in her is another tale entirely and not one she spills on a first meeting. "Very well. You bring me a couple doses of glitterstim, I'll give you 5K." Then she's the one actually offering her hand to him. "And if this goes well...you and I might become decent friends, Baelin." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Heh, fair point." Kalregar replies. "Especially since everyone's going to be dead in the dirt eventually anyway, right? Might as well make sure you get to have as many fun times as you can with the one life you've got."     He takes the offered handshake. "Speaking of having fun, I'll get you those glitterstim. Same time, same place--tomorrow." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' Raith looks a bit surprised when he offers that he'll have the glitterstim here. Tomorrow. "I don't know if I should be pleased that you're quick or assume you're out to take advantage of me. But I suppose we'll see. Tomorrow." The pack of cigarillos is placed back into a pocket and then she glances at the holoscreen as the commenters announce the next racer. "Ah. This'll be a good one. She's got some clean moves..." Though this might be a sign that their conversation is over. For now. 
}}

The Good Side of Bad

2026-03-30T03:15:42Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-03-28
|Cast of Characters=455, 240
|pretty=yes
|Location=Lower City - Coruscant
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' Even swoop racers get a whole day off where the tracks are being reset, or they're being given time to refresh their bikes. Raith could be doing that, but instead she's sitting at the bar in the lower level cantina giving love to a mug of brew and a cigarillo. The holoviewer's got some sappy movie playing that not many are paying much attention to. It's good background noise for the most part and blends in with the scattering of gamblers and other conversations the low lifes of Coruscant hold in low volumes. 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     Kalregar had promised two good doses of glitterstim to a swoop racer named Raith, and he plans to make good on that tonight. As promised, he would deliver it to her here, and today.     So he makes his way to the meetup with a small case containing the two vials, spotting the Mirialan and approaching the bar once again. "Two orders of glitterstim, coming right up. The good stuff, I promise." he says, sitting himself down on the stool next to hers and setting the case on the bar in front of them. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' There's a side eye given to the case as he sets it between them and then that gaze shifts to Baelin himself as he sits down next to her. "Well. You passed step one... which was staying good to your word of meeting me here again." She offers and then sets a credit chit on the table to slide in his direction. "I assume you won't be offended if I check the goods myself..." This gains him a grin as she releases the chit and then takes hold of the case to pull closer towards her. 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     Kalregar takes the chit, chuckling. "Step one? Of what? This some kind of test? And what's it for?"     He nods, opening the case to reveal the vials of glitterstim. "Of course." It is what had been agreed upon. Not the cheap diluted stuff, the concentrated stuff. This could probably last a while if stored properly. That is, unless she'd overdose by a vast amount. Which was not all -that- uncommon in some places around the Lower City. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "Isn't everything a type of test?" Raith asks this with her own chuckle while he opens the case to reveal the vials. "Hot damn. This will last me a bit...and it looks like money well spent." She offers this much before glancing back to him. "Also, it's a test of if you were worthy enough to maybe consider doing business with you. On a more regular basis I mean... It's not easy to find someone willing to supply what I'm looking for. A lot of people don't want to touch the glitterstims." She flicks ashes off her cigarillo before taking another drag. "Not really sure why." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "I see." Kalregar replies, nodding. "And is there anything else you would be looking for, besides glitterstim? Or is it just glitterstim?" he asks. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' Raith seems to actually think on his question for a moment, reaching for her mug to take a generous drink. "Swoop bike parts maybe. There's a few things that are only sold on the black market. But my main want is spice. This'll last me a decent time to help keep any edge off..." She gives a little smirk then. "I mean unless you know of anything I might be interested in?" 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Black market bike parts, sure. I know a few guys." Kalregar nods, considering her words.     He arches a brow at her as she smirks a little. "I dunno Raith, I only just met you a day ago. So it's hard to say. But, let me ask you this: where do you see yourself in a few years? Still at the swoop racing game? Climb to the top of it? Higher? And why do you race? Just because it feels good, or is there something else? Something bigger? Deeper?" 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' That kind of catches Raith off guard. All the sudden questions. "A few years? Sweetheart, I don't know where I'm going to be in a few months. I don't even know where I might be next week. In a pile of rubble because my bike went up in flames on me? Making it to the top of the ranks on Tattooine?" She shakes her head and downs the rest of her drink before signaling the barman for another. "Life like mine you don't live by the year. You live by the moment. I mean...I could have had a different life but I was lucky enough to be able to tell them no." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "So just keep doing what you're doing, I take it." Kalregar accepts with a nod. "Well, 's long as it makes you happy, what more can you ask for out of life, I guess." he laughs. "I'll take that to mean you'll just let me know if you ever find yourself longing for something a little unconventional. Or something you can't just buy off the streets." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' A moment is taken to mash out her cigarillo before Raith looks to him again. "Define unconventional..." Because he's keeping her intrigued without really saying much. Which is also a bit annoying as well. 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Oh, you know...things the laws don't like. Things you can't just walk into a shop and buy." Baelin answers, smirking a little.     "So, where else have you raced? Besides here, and Tattoine?" 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "Manaan, Taris and Telos..." Raith offers. "Usually when the money is good or someone's got a good price riding on the race and I can make my own cut." Without thinking about it, she holds her hand out to pull the refilled mug towards her without reaching and then picks it up to take a swig. "And I suppose that all depends on whose laws your bending... but I wouldn't say no to a good time somewhere that isn't a swoop racing world." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     Oh, that's definitely noticed. "Yeah?" Kalregar begins. "And I'm willing to bet -that- gives you at least a bit of an edge over the competition, huh?" he asks, referring to that little Force pull. With that said though, he calls the bartender over and orders a drink for himself. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' Raith would deny it. Would make every excuse in the book. But why? "It really just helps take the edge off...and it's also why I don't use the stims for swoop racing. Can't help what comes naturally..." She takes another sip from her mug and then goes through the motions to light up another cigarillo. "Now you know my little secret. Guess I gotta kill you now..." But she is giving a grin when saying that bit. 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Don't worry," Kalregar says with a grin as the bartender brings his drink over and he takes a swig as well. "Your secret's safe with me." he promises. "Not that it'd disqualify you from anything. Swoop racing's still swoop racing."     "So," A brief and another sip. "The Order never approached your parents or anything? Or you never asked 'em?" 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "That's the job that I said no to. It's always an option for my people and many of us join The Order. It just wasn't in my cards...I was too attached to racing. I loved it the moment I first saw it. So it's not like I'm against The Order, and I believe in the Force..." Raith offers this with a shrug and takes another drink. "What about you... you always been drawn to the smuggler life?" 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     Kalregar nods. "Heh, you've been in love with the swoops for a long time, then." he remarks, knowing the Order likes them rather young. "You probably made the right choice...it's not an easy life. Got a kid with the Order myself." he tells her.     He scoffs slightly at that last question. "I dunno about 'drawn', it just kind of happened. My parents abandoned me when I was nine. Had to fend for myself somehow." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "No, it's not. And of all the things I know about The Order - and especially of the Jedi - there are a few things I enjoy as an adult that I would have had to give up to follow that path. May the Force be with those who can...just wasn't for me." Raith offers. There's a little skirting done then as she says, "Well you seemed to have fended for yourself well enough, but I'm sorry to hear about your parents." Only to then add. "So you have a kid?" 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Yeah from what I can tell there are a -lot- of things you have to give up to follow that path." Kalregar mutters.     "Eh, they were bastards anyway." he remarks about his parents. "Probably did a better job taking care of myself than ever would've. And yeah, I have a few of those. Kids, I mean. Just the one with the Order, though. The rest are..." he shrugs. "Somewhere." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "Ah.. well.. sounds like you deliver a bit more than product around the galaxy then..." Raith remarks with a grin and then drains the rest of her mug and asks the barman for her tab. "Put his drink on my tab too." Is then said before she side eyes him. "Do I get to keep the case or should I just pocket the goods? I'd love to stay and chat more but I have a bed that's calling my name." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "That's right." Kalregar replies, smirking. "I mentioned 'services', didn't I?"     He nods. "Yeah sure, keep the case." he answers, smiling amicably and standing up. "Pleasure doing business, Raith." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' That gives Raith a moment of pause. "You did." Then she smirks. "And now I'm curious how much -those- services would cost someone..." Then she chuckles and slips off her stool. "Keep being interesting, Baelin. I like that about you." Her tab - and his first drink at least - paid for before she turns to leave the cantina. 
}}

The Good Side of Bad

2026-03-30T03:15:29Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-03-28 |Cast of Characters=455, 240 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' Even swoop racers get a whole day off where the tracks are being reset, or they're being given time to refresh their bikes. Raith could be doing that, but instead she's sitting at the bar in the lower level cantina giving love to a mug of brew and a cigarillo. The holoviewer's got some sappy movie playing that not many are paying..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-03-28
|Cast of Characters=455, 240
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' Even swoop racers get a whole day off where the tracks are being reset, or they're being given time to refresh their bikes. Raith could be doing that, but instead she's sitting at the bar in the lower level cantina giving love to a mug of brew and a cigarillo. The holoviewer's got some sappy movie playing that not many are paying much attention to. It's good background noise for the most part and blends in with the scattering of gamblers and other conversations the low lifes of Coruscant hold in low volumes. 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     Kalregar had promised two good doses of glitterstim to a swoop racer named Raith, and he plans to make good on that tonight. As promised, he would deliver it to her here, and today.     So he makes his way to the meetup with a small case containing the two vials, spotting the Mirialan and approaching the bar once again. "Two orders of glitterstim, coming right up. The good stuff, I promise." he says, sitting himself down on the stool next to hers and setting the case on the bar in front of them. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' There's a side eye given to the case as he sets it between them and then that gaze shifts to Baelin himself as he sits down next to her. "Well. You passed step one... which was staying good to your word of meeting me here again." She offers and then sets a credit chit on the table to slide in his direction. "I assume you won't be offended if I check the goods myself..." This gains him a grin as she releases the chit and then takes hold of the case to pull closer towards her. 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     Kalregar takes the chit, chuckling. "Step one? Of what? This some kind of test? And what's it for?"     He nods, opening the case to reveal the vials of glitterstim. "Of course." It is what had been agreed upon. Not the cheap diluted stuff, the concentrated stuff. This could probably last a while if stored properly. That is, unless she'd overdose by a vast amount. Which was not all -that- uncommon in some places around the Lower City. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "Isn't everything a type of test?" Raith asks this with her own chuckle while he opens the case to reveal the vials. "Hot damn. This will last me a bit...and it looks like money well spent." She offers this much before glancing back to him. "Also, it's a test of if you were worthy enough to maybe consider doing business with you. On a more regular basis I mean... It's not easy to find someone willing to supply what I'm looking for. A lot of people don't want to touch the glitterstims." She flicks ashes off her cigarillo before taking another drag. "Not really sure why." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "I see." Kalregar replies, nodding. "And is there anything else you would be looking for, besides glitterstim? Or is it just glitterstim?" he asks. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' Raith seems to actually think on his question for a moment, reaching for her mug to take a generous drink. "Swoop bike parts maybe. There's a few things that are only sold on the black market. But my main want is spice. This'll last me a decent time to help keep any edge off..." She gives a little smirk then. "I mean unless you know of anything I might be interested in?" 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Black market bike parts, sure. I know a few guys." Kalregar nods, considering her words.     He arches a brow at her as she smirks a little. "I dunno Raith, I only just met you a day ago. So it's hard to say. But, let me ask you this: where do you see yourself in a few years? Still at the swoop racing game? Climb to the top of it? Higher? And why do you race? Just because it feels good, or is there something else? Something bigger? Deeper?" 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' That kind of catches Raith off guard. All the sudden questions. "A few years? Sweetheart, I don't know where I'm going to be in a few months. I don't even know where I might be next week. In a pile of rubble because my bike went up in flames on me? Making it to the top of the ranks on Tattooine?" She shakes her head and downs the rest of her drink before signaling the barman for another. "Life like mine you don't live by the year. You live by the moment. I mean...I could have had a different life but I was lucky enough to be able to tell them no." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "So just keep doing what you're doing, I take it." Kalregar accepts with a nod. "Well, 's long as it makes you happy, what more can you ask for out of life, I guess." he laughs. "I'll take that to mean you'll just let me know if you ever find yourself longing for something a little unconventional. Or something you can't just buy off the streets." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' A moment is taken to mash out her cigarillo before Raith looks to him again. "Define unconventional..." Because he's keeping her intrigued without really saying much. Which is also a bit annoying as well. 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Oh, you know...things the laws don't like. Things you can't just walk into a shop and buy." Baelin answers, smirking a little.     "So, where else have you raced? Besides here, and Tattoine?" 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "Manaan, Taris and Telos..." Raith offers. "Usually when the money is good or someone's got a good price riding on the race and I can make my own cut." Without thinking about it, she holds her hand out to pull the refilled mug towards her without reaching and then picks it up to take a swig. "And I suppose that all depends on whose laws your bending... but I wouldn't say no to a good time somewhere that isn't a swoop racing world." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     Oh, that's definitely noticed. "Yeah?" Kalregar begins. "And I'm willing to bet -that- gives you at least a bit of an edge over the competition, huh?" he asks, referring to that little Force pull. With that said though, he calls the bartender over and orders a drink for himself. 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' Raith would deny it. Would make every excuse in the book. But why? "It really just helps take the edge off...and it's also why I don't use the stims for swoop racing. Can't help what comes naturally..." She takes another sip from her mug and then goes through the motions to light up another cigarillo. "Now you know my little secret. Guess I gotta kill you now..." But she is giving a grin when saying that bit. 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Don't worry," Kalregar says with a grin as the bartender brings his drink over and he takes a swig as well. "Your secret's safe with me." he promises. "Not that it'd disqualify you from anything. Swoop racing's still swoop racing."     "So," A brief and another sip. "The Order never approached your parents or anything? Or you never asked 'em?" 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "That's the job that I said no to. It's always an option for my people and many of us join The Order. It just wasn't in my cards...I was too attached to racing. I loved it the moment I first saw it. So it's not like I'm against The Order, and I believe in the Force..." Raith offers this with a shrug and takes another drink. "What about you... you always been drawn to the smuggler life?" 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     Kalregar nods. "Heh, you've been in love with the swoops for a long time, then." he remarks, knowing the Order likes them rather young. "You probably made the right choice...it's not an easy life. Got a kid with the Order myself." he tells her.     He scoffs slightly at that last question. "I dunno about 'drawn', it just kind of happened. My parents abandoned me when I was nine. Had to fend for myself somehow." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "No, it's not. And of all the things I know about The Order - and especially of the Jedi - there are a few things I enjoy as an adult that I would have had to give up to follow that path. May the Force be with those who can...just wasn't for me." Raith offers. There's a little skirting done then as she says, "Well you seemed to have fended for yourself well enough, but I'm sorry to hear about your parents." Only to then add. "So you have a kid?" 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "Yeah from what I can tell there are a -lot- of things you have to give up to follow that path." Kalregar mutters.     "Eh, they were bastards anyway." he remarks about his parents. "Probably did a better job taking care of myself than ever would've. And yeah, I have a few of those. Kids, I mean. Just the one with the Order, though. The rest are..." he shrugs. "Somewhere." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' "Ah.. well.. sounds like you deliver a bit more than product around the galaxy then..." Raith remarks with a grin and then drains the rest of her mug and asks the barman for her tab. "Put his drink on my tab too." Is then said before she side eyes him. "Do I get to keep the case or should I just pocket the goods? I'd love to stay and chat more but I have a bed that's calling my name." 

:'''{{#var:240|Baelin Kalregar (240)}} has posed:'''     "That's right." Kalregar replies, smirking. "I mentioned 'services', didn't I?"     He nods. "Yeah sure, keep the case." he answers, smiling amicably and standing up. "Pleasure doing business, Raith." 

:'''{{#var:455|Raith (455)}} has posed:''' That gives Raith a moment of pause. "You did." Then she smirks. "And now I'm curious how much -those- services would cost someone..." Then she chuckles and slips off her stool. "Keep being interesting, Baelin. I like that about you." Her tab - and his first drink at least - paid for before she turns to leave the cantina. 
}}

The Coveted Inner Peace

2026-03-21T01:49:06Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-03-17
|Cast of Characters=159, 143
|pretty=yes
|Location=Kublop Springs - Tenoo - Outer Rim
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The baron looks pensive for a moment. "True," he finally says, "But the era in which he reigned was one of peace. The Republic and the Mandalorians were much less enemies back then. It was only the aftermath that ruined the peace Tarre built. And he wouldnt have wanted that war, had he been alive, I'm sure." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde considers Caine's comments. Well, even if that was true, it didn't change the fact that he'd created strife whether he'd wanted it or not. So does this man think that bringing Tarre back would fix everything?     However, he doesn't really say anything more at this point--instead, he simply shrugs and glances over at his master, wondering when the elder Jedi will finish meditating. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You don't believe in it," the Baron comments, "that's fine. It's worth a try. Mandalorians have tried just about everything else to achieve unity and every attempt has failed." Then he smiles. "Alright, tell me, if you think it's inadvisable what would you suggest?" The question doesn't seem derisive. The Baron seems genuinely curious about what Cayde had to say. As for Rykard, he just keeps meditating. The old master isn't finished, it would seem. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Unity within but not without] Cayde replies, meaning perhaps he could unify Mandalore...but then create more strife with the Jedi.     He considers the question, but is rather unsure what to say. Honestly, he doesn't know enough about Mandalorians. [I do not know] he signs. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Look," the Baron says, "if you're caught up on the fact that I'm Mandalorian, don't be. I want a fresh perspective. Current attempts to solve our civil unrest fail because those trying know too much." "Pretend I'm not Mandalorian. Pretend... Pretend I'm a brother that you love very dearly who has unfortunately, hurt you very much. How would you go about reconciliation?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde immediately thinks of Kuv, although he hasn't seen his brother in a while.     But usually...     [I search his mind] he signs. To understand his intentions and emotions. And vice versa. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The barons eyes light up. He seems intrigued. "You have a brother," he observes. "how is this? I thought Jedi are forbidden to have relationships with family and significant others." "well this is more enlightening than I thought. Tell me more about this brother of yours. And what do you do when you search his mind?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde arches a brow at him. He hadn't said he had a brother. [I did not say it] he signs, denying any admission of this. [Right it is forbidden...only just if you were] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The baron smiles. "Perhaps I misunderstood? You said 'I search his mind,' in the present tense, with no indication of the action being hypothetical," he says. "... do you want one?" he inquires. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods. [Yes] he signs. As in, yes he misunderstood. [I mean if him] he attempts to clarify.     At that last question, his gaze wanders off a bit. Partly toward his master, and partly off in the distance before returning to Caine. [I do not know] he answers. [You have a brother] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Now it's Caine's turn to avert his gaze. "Yes," he says very softly, "you know him." A pause. "He was sent to rehab," he says, his brows furrowed. "Mandalorians don't believe in that," he scoffs. Then his expression becomes pained, and bitter. "Don't overthink it," he says, "no need to wish for one. They'll always leave you, and for the worst reasons. Or perhaps for no reason at all." This might remind Cayde of when Kuv left, to continue his training offworld. He'd never come back, and they'd only seen each other once briefly, since then. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Yes, Kuv had left, but Cayde is pretty certain it wasn't his choice. And maybe the Council's decision had been a wise one...though it hadn't been easy.     [Then maybe I will not] he signs, shrugging again. He looks over at Rykard again. What was taking so long, anyway? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard's eyes are still closed. He seems unaware of their conversation. Or is he? But then it will become apparent to Cayde that talking about his brother had triggered some kind of repressed sadness deep within him. And now he's fighting to suppress his grief, lest it overwhelm him. Something about the leaving. It had hurt him very much, even though it had been a long time ago. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares at the floor, pushing his emotions down as best he can, just the way he has always been trained to do. For fear he'll lose control. For fear someone else will get hurt. Like that family on the farmstead.     He pushes his mind to other topics, looking back at the baron finally and trying to determine if he's less frightened now or not. [Are you still afraid] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Yes," the baron says almost immediately. "I've been afraid my whole life," he says in a vulnerable fashion. "Of this. Of feeling too much, forgiving too little, being too angry. Doing something I'll regret in the heat of the moment. Because that already happened and I don't know, I still don't know how to not let that happen again." He runs his hands through his curly locks, anguished. "What do you do? How do Jedi find that damned, coveted inner peace?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde shrugs again. [I do not know... I do not have it] he tells the man. Well it was true. Although it may not appear that way. He's just good at hiding it. Pushing it so far down that it barely shows. [I still need learn] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' For some reason, this seems to comfort the baron greatly. That terrible sinking grief threatening to crush him suddenly lifts. The sensation is palpable in the Force. He laughs softly. "What an un-Jedi like thing to say," he jokes gently, through glassy eyes. "But I think I like that about you, very much." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde pouts slightly, somewhat taking offense at this. [I will become better] he continues, a look of determination cross his features. One day, if and when he ever gets promoted.     Again, he looks over at his master. Maybe Rykard was doing this on purpose... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Of course you will," Caine encourages, "And I believe in you." "I want you to know that the things I said to you just now were very difficult for me to admit. And that it was probably the hardest thing I've done all year, despite the numerous rabbles I've been dragged into. So I wanted to thank you, for helping me to do it. But perhaps you already know that." "Tell me about yourself," he says suddenly, "why, you must get ignored plenty since you can't speak. How do you spend your time? What do you do for leisure?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' No response from Rykard. Maybe his Master -is- doing this on purpose... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares at Master for a moment. Truly, he must be. He wasn't -actually- meditating for this long. This must be a test. Suddenly, he feels rather nervous, and shifts uncomfortably.     [You were...grieved] he tells the Mandalorian. Yes, he had felt that--it had been rather palpable. He arches a brow at the gratitude though. How had he helped? He hadn't even entered the man's mind yet. At least not to a more intentional extent.     Leisure? The padawan hasn't really thought about that in a while. He has spent much of his life just trying to get his gifting under control. Well...he pulls out a datapad and shows the baron a drawing he'd made of town square in Kublop, days before the storm had hit. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Maybe Cayde will never know the answer of how, or why what he'd done had worked. But the young padawan will be able to sense there there's an ease about the man's aura now. Comfort, and a kind of peace, too, that hadn't been there before. The tension had dissolved completely. Instead, he seems to be genuinely enjoying being around Cayde. Which is sort of a foreign feeling. Most people, whenever he approached them either felt mildly fearful, neutral, or that he was owed respect and authority at all times. Or they felt stressed. Actually most of the time people seemed to generally feel stress to varying degrees whenever they saw him or were around him. The baron seems delighted by the image. "That's lovely," he tells Cayde. "I do enjoy the arts greatly. However, I'm quite lacking in that area of expertise. Here, I suppose I'll demonstrate the extent of my ability to be artistic," he says, and then holds his hands up in a certain way in front of light being generated by a small lamp in the dim room they're in. This creates a shadow on the wall, one that looks distinctly like the largest building in the drawing he'd just shown him. Then with a flourish of his hands, he transforms the building into a flower with falling petals, and then a bird. The theatrics of the shadow puppetry, despite their simplicity, are oddly compelling and convincing, to some degree. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches the 'shadow art' with a level of interest. Well he hadn't thought of that before, but it was neat. He could very easily see the familiar shapes in the shadows.     [Very good] he signs, nodding. [Not afraid any more...good] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The baron smiles at Cayde, but doesn't comment about not being afraid anymore. He then uses both hands to create a shadow puppet of a little man with a hat and a cane, walking about in a comically cantankerous fashion. "Let's see you try," he says, "I bet you could outshine my theatrics." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde glances about and begins to pull several pieces of broken scrap metal off of the ground, bringing them together into various shapes in front of the light of the setting sun. A boat, a house, a bird like the one Caine had just done. Then some more complex ones, such as a Vector like the ones back at the Temple. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Holding up his hands again in a particular fashion, Caine recreates the cantankerous little man and makes him part of Cayde's shadow-scape, but this time, making him walk around and take off his hat as if in admiration of the sights around him. The resulting shadow puppetry is a dramatic theatrical display of contrasting shapes against a pale wall, that is both ridiculous and amusing. The baron is pleased. "I haven't done that in so long," he says softly. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches the comical display with amusement, and there is the barest hint of a smile for just a moment. Although it fades quickly, and he studies Caine's expression. [You play it as a child] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The baron returns the smile, a hopeful light flickering in his sapphire eyes. "Yes," he says, laughing quietly. "do you know how I learned it? Our tutors made us learn both Basic and Mando'a sign, and I thought the homework to be a horrible chore. I had to amuse myself somehow, doing the exercises." "And then it just became a form of play, I guess," he says, "Kass and I would make silent shadow theater with just our hands for hours," he says smiling at the the fond memory, "and then my mother would scold us, for taking such a long time to do our homework." "See," he says, repeating the hand gesture that made the little man with the cane, taking off his hat. "This means 'You are family', in Mando'a sign." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Huh... Mando'a sign. It fit, he supposes. But one single for an entire sentence. It must have just been a very important and common saying.     Cayde studies the sign for a moment, and then does his best to mimic it. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron suddenly seems very overcome with emotion. Cayde had guessed right, it would seem. He smiles, tears flowing freely now. "Ah," he says, "I'm sorry. It's just that no one's said that to me for decades... Not like that, anyway." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde studies the man carefully, both his outward appearance and his raging inner emotions. Clearly the saying had a deep meaning for him.     [Sorry...I learn the sign...I only meet you in moments] he tells the baron. [But you have pain...and you are open] Not many were so willing to open up to him so willingly. [Better and safer to search the truth] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Don't apologize," he says, "I think you don't realize I've been a closed door all my life. It took meeting a mind reader to force me to admit anything. It took removing every mechanism I've used to hide for years, to get here." "This has been healing for me. Thank you." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares at him. He barely knows this man. But perhaps he will know him quite well, very soon.     [...you are welcome] he signs. [Happy I have help] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The baron suddenly gets up and embraces Cayde tightly, wordlessly. And behind him, he'll sense Rykard's mind stir a bit. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde finds himself surprised by the sudden embrace. "..."     But he reaches over and pats the baron on the back in return.     ...Oh, well now was Master done meditating? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The baron releases him, and sits down across from Cayde, seeming calm and peace. Rykard finally physically stirs and opens his eyes. "Ah," he says to Cayde, "you've finished meditating," he says to young padawan. "Are you two ready now?" But there's a familiar twinkle in his eyes, one that seems to say that he'd not been as unaware as he'd seemed to be. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde arches a brow at his master. [Perfect time...] he signs. Well the Force works in mysterious ways, doesn't it? But Rykard seems pleased, so perhaps he passed the test... 
}}

The Coveted Inner Peace

2026-03-21T01:48:52Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-03-17 |Cast of Characters=159, 143 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The baron looks pensive for a moment. "True," he finally says, "But the era in which he reigned was one of peace. The Republic and the Mandalorians were much less enemies back then. It was only the aftermath that ruined the peace Tarre built. And he wouldnt have wanted that war, had he been alive, I'm sure." :'''{{#v..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-03-17
|Cast of Characters=159, 143
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The baron looks pensive for a moment. "True," he finally says, "But the era in which he reigned was one of peace. The Republic and the Mandalorians were much less enemies back then. It was only the aftermath that ruined the peace Tarre built. And he wouldnt have wanted that war, had he been alive, I'm sure." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde considers Caine's comments. Well, even if that was true, it didn't change the fact that he'd created strife whether he'd wanted it or not. So does this man think that bringing Tarre back would fix everything?     However, he doesn't really say anything more at this point--instead, he simply shrugs and glances over at his master, wondering when the elder Jedi will finish meditating. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You don't believe in it," the Baron comments, "that's fine. It's worth a try. Mandalorians have tried just about everything else to achieve unity and every attempt has failed." Then he smiles. "Alright, tell me, if you think it's inadvisable what would you suggest?" The question doesn't seem derisive. The Baron seems genuinely curious about what Cayde had to say. As for Rykard, he just keeps meditating. The old master isn't finished, it would seem. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Unity within but not without] Cayde replies, meaning perhaps he could unify Mandalore...but then create more strife with the Jedi.     He considers the question, but is rather unsure what to say. Honestly, he doesn't know enough about Mandalorians. [I do not know] he signs. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Look," the Baron says, "if you're caught up on the fact that I'm Mandalorian, don't be. I want a fresh perspective. Current attempts to solve our civil unrest fail because those trying know too much." "Pretend I'm not Mandalorian. Pretend... Pretend I'm a brother that you love very dearly who has unfortunately, hurt you very much. How would you go about reconciliation?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde immediately thinks of Kuv, although he hasn't seen his brother in a while.     But usually...     [I search his mind] he signs. To understand his intentions and emotions. And vice versa. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The barons eyes light up. He seems intrigued. "You have a brother," he observes. "how is this? I thought Jedi are forbidden to have relationships with family and significant others." "well this is more enlightening than I thought. Tell me more about this brother of yours. And what do you do when you search his mind?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde arches a brow at him. He hadn't said he had a brother. [I did not say it] he signs, denying any admission of this. [Right it is forbidden...only just if you were] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The baron smiles. "Perhaps I misunderstood? You said 'I search his mind,' in the present tense, with no indication of the action being hypothetical," he says. "... do you want one?" he inquires. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods. [Yes] he signs. As in, yes he misunderstood. [I mean if him] he attempts to clarify.     At that last question, his gaze wanders off a bit. Partly toward his master, and partly off in the distance before returning to Caine. [I do not know] he answers. [You have a brother] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Now it's Caine's turn to avert his gaze. "Yes," he says very softly, "you know him." A pause. "He was sent to rehab," he says, his brows furrowed. "Mandalorians don't believe in that," he scoffs. Then his expression becomes pained, and bitter. "Don't overthink it," he says, "no need to wish for one. They'll always leave you, and for the worst reasons. Or perhaps for no reason at all." This might remind Cayde of when Kuv left, to continue his training offworld. He'd never come back, and they'd only seen each other once briefly, since then. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Yes, Kuv had left, but Cayde is pretty certain it wasn't his choice. And maybe the Council's decision had been a wise one...though it hadn't been easy.     [Then maybe I will not] he signs, shrugging again. He looks over at Rykard again. What was taking so long, anyway? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard's eyes are still closed. He seems unaware of their conversation. Or is he? But then it will become apparent to Cayde that talking about his brother had triggered some kind of repressed sadness deep within him. And now he's fighting to suppress his grief, lest it overwhelm him. Something about the leaving. It had hurt him very much, even though it had been a long time ago. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares at the floor, pushing his emotions down as best he can, just the way he has always been trained to do. For fear he'll lose control. For fear someone else will get hurt. Like that family on the farmstead.     He pushes his mind to other topics, looking back at the baron finally and trying to determine if he's less frightened now or not. [Are you still afraid] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Yes," the baron says almost immediately. "I've been afraid my whole life," he says in a vulnerable fashion. "Of this. Of feeling too much, forgiving too little, being too angry. Doing something I'll regret in the heat of the moment. Because that already happened and I don't know, I still don't know how to not let that happen again." He runs his hands through his curly locks, anguished. "What do you do? How do Jedi find that damned, coveted inner peace?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde shrugs again. [I do not know... I do not have it] he tells the man. Well it was true. Although it may not appear that way. He's just good at hiding it. Pushing it so far down that it barely shows. [I still need learn] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' For some reason, this seems to comfort the baron greatly. That terrible sinking grief threatening to crush him suddenly lifts. The sensation is palpable in the Force. He laughs softly. "What an un-Jedi like thing to say," he jokes gently, through glassy eyes. "But I think I like that about you, very much." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde pouts slightly, somewhat taking offense at this. [I will become better] he continues, a look of determination cross his features. One day, if and when he ever gets promoted.     Again, he looks over at his master. Maybe Rykard was doing this on purpose... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Of course you will," Caine encourages, "And I believe in you." "I want you to know that the things I said to you just now were very difficult for me to admit. And that it was probably the hardest thing I've done all year, despite the numerous rabbles I've been dragged into. So I wanted to thank you, for helping me to do it. But perhaps you already know that." "Tell me about yourself," he says suddenly, "why, you must get ignored plenty since you can't speak. How do you spend your time? What do you do for leisure?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' No response from Rykard. Maybe his Master -is- doing this on purpose... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares at Master for a moment. Truly, he must be. He wasn't -actually- meditating for this long. This must be a test. Suddenly, he feels rather nervous, and shifts uncomfortably.     [You were...grieved] he tells the Mandalorian. Yes, he had felt that--it had been rather palpable. He arches a brow at the gratitude though. How had he helped? He hadn't even entered the man's mind yet. At least not to a more intentional extent.     Leisure? The padawan hasn't really thought about that in a while. He has spent much of his life just trying to get his gifting under control. Well...he pulls out a datapad and shows the baron a drawing he'd made of town square in Kublop, days before the storm had hit. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Maybe Cayde will never know the answer of how, or why what he'd done had worked. But the young padawan will be able to sense there there's an ease about the man's aura now. Comfort, and a kind of peace, too, that hadn't been there before. The tension had dissolved completely. Instead, he seems to be genuinely enjoying being around Cayde. Which is sort of a foreign feeling. Most people, whenever he approached them either felt mildly fearful, neutral, or that he was owed respect and authority at all times. Or they felt stressed. Actually most of the time people seemed to generally feel stress to varying degrees whenever they saw him or were around him. The baron seems delighted by the image. "That's lovely," he tells Cayde. "I do enjoy the arts greatly. However, I'm quite lacking in that area of expertise. Here, I suppose I'll demonstrate the extent of my ability to be artistic," he says, and then holds his hands up in a certain way in front of light being generated by a small lamp in the dim room they're in. This creates a shadow on the wall, one that looks distinctly like the largest building in the drawing he'd just shown him. Then with a flourish of his hands, he transforms the building into a flower with falling petals, and then a bird. The theatrics of the shadow puppetry, despite their simplicity, are oddly compelling and convincing, to some degree. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches the 'shadow art' with a level of interest. Well he hadn't thought of that before, but it was neat. He could very easily see the familiar shapes in the shadows.     [Very good] he signs, nodding. [Not afraid any more...good] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The baron smiles at Cayde, but doesn't comment about not being afraid anymore. He then uses both hands to create a shadow puppet of a little man with a hat and a cane, walking about in a comically cantankerous fashion. "Let's see you try," he says, "I bet you could outshine my theatrics." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde glances about and begins to pull several pieces of broken scrap metal off of the ground, bringing them together into various shapes in front of the light of the setting sun. A boat, a house, a bird like the one Caine had just done. Then some more complex ones, such as a Vector like the ones back at the Temple. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Holding up his hands again in a particular fashion, Caine recreates the cantankerous little man and makes him part of Cayde's shadow-scape, but this time, making him walk around and take off his hat as if in admiration of the sights around him. The resulting shadow puppetry is a dramatic theatrical display of contrasting shapes against a pale wall, that is both ridiculous and amusing. The baron is pleased. "I haven't done that in so long," he says softly. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches the comical display with amusement, and there is the barest hint of a smile for just a moment. Although it fades quickly, and he studies Caine's expression. [You play it as a child] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The baron returns the smile, a hopeful light flickering in his sapphire eyes. "Yes," he says, laughing quietly. "do you know how I learned it? Our tutors made us learn both Basic and Mando'a sign, and I thought the homework to be a horrible chore. I had to amuse myself somehow, doing the exercises." "And then it just became a form of play, I guess," he says, "Kass and I would make silent shadow theater with just our hands for hours," he says smiling at the the fond memory, "and then my mother would scold us, for taking such a long time to do our homework." "See," he says, repeating the hand gesture that made the little man with the cane, taking off his hat. "This means 'You are family', in Mando'a sign." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Huh... Mando'a sign. It fit, he supposes. But one single for an entire sentence. It must have just been a very important and common saying.     Cayde studies the sign for a moment, and then does his best to mimic it. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron suddenly seems very overcome with emotion. Cayde had guessed right, it would seem. He smiles, tears flowing freely now. "Ah," he says, "I'm sorry. It's just that no one's said that to me for decades... Not like that, anyway." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde studies the man carefully, both his outward appearance and his raging inner emotions. Clearly the saying had a deep meaning for him.     [Sorry...I learn the sign...I only meet you in moments] he tells the baron. [But you have pain...and you are open] Not many were so willing to open up to him so willingly. [Better and safer to search the truth] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Don't apologize," he says, "I think you don't realize I've been a closed door all my life. It took meeting a mind reader to force me to admit anything. It took removing every mechanism I've used to hide for years, to get here." "This has been healing for me. Thank you." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares at him. He barely knows this man. But perhaps he will know him quite well, very soon.     [...you are welcome] he signs. [Happy I have help] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The baron suddenly gets up and embraces Cayde tightly, wordlessly. And behind him, he'll sense Rykard's mind stir a bit. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde finds himself surprised by the sudden embrace. "..."     But he reaches over and pats the baron on the back in return.     ...Oh, well now was Master done meditating? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The baron releases him, and sits down across from Cayde, seeming calm and peace. Rykard finally physically stirs and opens his eyes. "Ah," he says to Cayde, "you've finished meditating," he says to young padawan. "Are you two ready now?" But there's a familiar twinkle in his eyes, one that seems to say that he'd not been as unaware as he'd seemed to be. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde arches a brow at his master. [Perfect time...] he signs. Well the Force works in mysterious ways, doesn't it? But Rykard seems pleased, so perhaps he passed the test... 
}}

The Duality of Tarre Vizsla

2026-03-21T01:47:29Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-03-01
|Cast of Characters=159, 444, 418, 296, 143, 321, 261
|pretty=yes
|Location=Kublop Springs - Tenoo - Outer Rim
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's been a pretty grueling past few weeks. With the monsoon finally over, Kublop could finally get to rebuilding. The storm had been the worst one in at least a few decades - leaving the town with only a handful of houses still standing, and even fewer public establishments not utterly demolished by the raging elements. The three that are still standing with minor damage happen to be the local cantina, the hospital, and surprisingly, the junkyard (though one could argue, the junkyard was already full of broken parts anyway?) The property inspector's family had taken his death hard, and the local constabulary is doing its due diligence to try understand what all had happened. So far, it had been deduced that there had been some kind of firefight which had caused the cave in that had affected Volken, Crane, and the now dead inspector. The perpetrators? Still a mystery, although Mondrian (M) has been missing ever since the storm had blown over, and Mondrian (F) has been very sullen and withdrawn, all of a sudden. Kass, after having been recovered, had been seen by the medics and deemed a danger to himself and others, as well as suffering from some mild alcohol poisoning. He'd been admitted to a rehab center and despite his numerous pleas to be let out, had been spent the past few weeks there, trying to recuperate. Now, the local cantina had turned into a food bank and community center of sorts, since most other public establishments (the general store included) had been destroyed by the monsoon. Anyone who wanted a drink, food, grocery, or even temporary shelter could be found there. And that might be where both the Mandalorians, Jedi, and their allies find themselves. It's crowded, and there's a line out the door, but at least it isn't raining anymore. This crowd probably isn't where anyone would want to find themselves, but for the Mandalorians, it could bode well. If the clone or Baron hadn't made it back to their Gorge before the monsoon had hit, they'd be here. Where else could they be? There were really only two places in town to get rations these past few weeks, and the hospital restock had ran out this morning and wouldn't be getting anymore until tomorrow night. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is doing as she has done for several monsoons before. She's helping with clean up, making sure hovercarts and other equipment stay maintained while the work happens. It isn't glorious, in fact, it's dirty and rotten - in more ways than one. She had likely gone to at least check in with Wiis, but helping the community get cleaned up and ready for repair work is helping her sort thoughts and stay out of trouble. For the most part. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn is out there with crews. Doing his best to keep a low profile, which may be the opposite of his actions. Sometimes to blend in, you make yourself part of the attention. There are times wallflowers stand out. He banks on that being true. And so, Jorn's out with scouting parties to gain resources. In reality, he's keeping an eye out. Using the guise of helping, which does create a positive side effect, but tries to keep his head peeled for anything interesting, targets, etc. Also, to figure out how bad the mansoon truly hit the planet. Because that will effect their later plans. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari is here, although she probably should be at the hospital, given the injuries she'd sustained against a 'mysterious attacker'. And yeah, -she- knows this was the person responsible for the explosion. And that he'd been a raving madman about some 'sister' or other. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde is definitely not at the cantina. There are far too many people there, all concentrated in one spot, and all stressed and anxious. A recipe for disaster, truly. So instead, he is out with Jorn's scouting party scavenging through remains and potentially looking for anyone who might be alive but trapped or something. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Ellari is alive. That's good. Volkenis refusing to speak to her. That's probably bad. In fact he's pretty much not been speaking to anyone and has been more or less isolating himself since recovering his armor from 'Crane', having his own injuries attended to post Navi's own efforts, and basically has ignored people attempting to reach out ot him most of the time. Considering that hi strength could be quite useful in rebuilding things .. that's probably not very helpful, but perhaps he's fallen into some sort of depression .. meaning that he might not be much good after all. EIther way he rarely appears in public. Until now, when he emerges from where he'd been isolating himself and starts to approach the Cantina. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi had never thought she'd be grateful to Cayde for doing something insane. But thanks to his clearing the giant tree bole from the tressel, the tram has continued to run, and access to Aklyrr Bend has remained open. Which is a good thing, considering how much of Kublop Springs has been flattened by the monster monsoon. Some of the settlers, lacking homes, have been temporarily housed in Aklyrr Bend, and, thanks to having access to the comms array in the newer colony, Republic disaster relief has been quick in coming. Most of the town is still living in tents, though, which likely isn't helping anyone's nerves. It's rather discomfiting to wake up with a local bird perched on your chest, too. Navi has split her time between the two settlements, assisting with search and rescue in Kublop and helping Aklyrr stay peaceful, especially with the temporary residents. She had set up a tent in Kublop that she was sharing (somewhat reluctantly) with Cayde, since the long tram ride made daily commutes exhausting at best. Presently she's in line outside the tavern to receive rations for herself and Cayde. Seeing Volken approaching, she waves to him. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Zetha will be busy helping with the community rebuilding effort, probably barely thinking about much else other than the work in front of her when she'll feel someone tug on her wrist gently. If she turns around, she'll find herself face to face with a cloaked figure. She won't be able to see his face, as its evening, and the area they're in doesn't have very good lighting. Jorn will likely be equally busy when he too, gets approached. Not by a cloaked stranger, but by the Republic private eye, Arsok Vons. He'll tap the green armored Mandalorian on the shoulder to get his attention. He'll notice Cayde here too, but he doesn't say anything to the young padawan - he'll only give him a telltale arched brow, one that the padawan had learned meant 'stay out of my investigation.' As Volken approaches the cantina, he'll be able to see that the young Disciple he'd rescued from the tunnels during the monsoon is out front, handing out hygiene kits and ration packs. When he sees Volken approaching, his eyes light up and he starts making his way over to the mammoth Mandalorian. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Ellari will find herself approached by Er'gi, suddenly. He doesn't seem too happy. "And where've you been all this time? Care to explain why you left Volken in the sewers, to nearly drown?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' The tugged wrist is just barely free from the tossing of debris onto a hovercart when it happens. She turns into the tugging, seeing the cloaked figure with a hidden face, but something in her gut tells her she knows who this is. Still, in case her gut is wrong, she plays it cool. "Yes? Can I help you with something? If you're looking for where the rations and such are being given out that would be at the cantina near the middle of town.." Offering at least that much. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn focuses helping others, but that republic office gets a look. "Officer," he says respectfully and keeps it to that. Just simple, brief and to the point. He figures questions are incoming. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "Do I have to follow him to the end of the line?" Ellari asks grumbles. "There are some members of my own House I wouldn't do that for, and you expect me to do so for him? He was making a rash decision, but I am not strong enough to force him to protect himself." Clearly, since he's volumes larger than her. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde actually avoids looking at Vons, to be honest. It's become abundantly clear to him that the Zeltron doesn't like him. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Given that he's the second biggest person there, its impossible for Volken to miss Er'gi's giant frame go up towards Ellari and equally impossible to miss his body language. He can't hear them but it's clear to him that Er'gi is being confrontational. Volken's helmet is on and so his own expression cannot be read but his body language is neutral to that and he turns away to find a seat on a large crate to rest himself once again. Navi is seen by now so he lifts a gigantic arm upwards and offers her a wave only to pause and lower it as he sees Crane beginning to approach him. "...So you're up and about... Good." he rumbles. "Glad to see you. As soon as the spaceport is cleared and repaired I'll be leaving to head back for work out in the Outer Rim. You're welcome to join if you're looking for a way back to Jedha. There's little for me to worry about doing here anymore." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi can't surrender her place in line without adding at least an hour to her waiting time, but she does watch Volken and "Crane" as they speak. She smiles and waves back as the massive Mandalorian waves in response to her earlier wave, glad to see him for the first time since the monsoon had finally ebbed. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The cloaked figure starts to back away into a narrow, dark alley nearby. He beckons for her to follow. Quietly he says to her, "Yes, actually. You owe me, remember?" Of course, Zetha will recognize the voice. Maybe she'll be filled with dread. "Alright, I'll skip the pleasantries," he says, "you should know what I'm about to ask next," he says, "The female Mandalorian you've been seen with - where is she?" Er'gi grumbles back at her. "So much for loyalty! What are you even doing here, if you only ever planned to be present when it was convenient for you? Unless you've got your own machinations...?" Crane waves and smiles to Navi as well, but follows Volken into the cantina like an akk puppy. "And yourself?" Crane says, suddenly looking the hulking Mandalorian over in a concerned fashion. "You're feeling, better, right?" When he says that he'll be leaving soon, his expression suddenly becomes somewhat disappointed. "Oh," he says, "well, The other Disciples of the Whill have me stationed at the outpost here ... it's destroyed now, so I'm not sure if they'll want me to come back or not. But I'd probably stay if they let me." A pause. "You.. want to leave? What were you here for in the first place?" Moments after Volken and Crane have gone inside, the young Sephi girl will be approached by the cantina owner. "Co-Deputy! I'm so relieved! You're doing alright, I hope?" She holds out a bottle of water and a ration pack, somewhat to the dismay of others behind Navi. "I kinda need a favor. Figured I'd give the handout before I asked..." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "That doesn't narrow things down. You'll have to be more specific. I have a few associates that are female," Jorn says not realizing how smooth, unsmooth, and every other way he doesn't sound. In his mind this is "legally stall mode." "Are you referring to my fiance? She's off world. Dealing with the in-law. Or did you mean my in-law?" Again, these are not lies. "Both are blaster pistols without the safeties. You'll need to describe them in detail, so I know -which- female Mandalorian you mean," he continues just being open and honest. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi steps out of line, accepting the ration pack and the water bottle. "Thank you, and I am well enough. Perhaps I can assist you with handing out the evening's rations while you explain the issue? It's best we not keep these good people waiting any longer than necessary," she advises gently. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha follows, but as soon as his voice grates against her ears, her eyes narrow. "In case you haven't noticed, we're in the middle of a crisis. And last I recall...you managed to escape the hospital without being caught." She shakes her head a little. "I don't have what you're likely wanting from me. It's been a bit hectic here lately. And I don't work on your schedule when my town's in ruin." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken doesn't answer immediately, just sitting there on a crate before finally rumbling, "Mandalorian business. Nothing that'd make sense or is important enough for me to run through all the steps. Needless to say I was here with the others related to some politics back on my homeworld and then we got swept up in all the other stuff happening. Plus there's a fugitive here that we were interested in aprehending but it doesn't matter now. I'm past the point of caring since being reminded of how my people were raised. If anything it's let me know I need to maybe get back to basics." Volken lifts a hand and makes an absent gesture, "Stay here and do what you need o do. I'm just lettin' you konw. Not like I have any ship booked yet. Itll be a minute given the condition of the place. I already got an idea of where to go for work though so it'll be fine." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "-Convenient-?" Ellari scoffs, glaring at Er'gi. He dares insinuate this was about 'convenience'? "I came out here to help Jorn escape from injustice on Mandalore. I went to Jedha, -and then- I came here, to this backwater planet only to be caught in storm and had multiple parties attempt to take my life for no discernible reason. And you call that 'convenience'? I should -gut- you." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches Jorn and Vons' conversation for a moment, but soon loses interest and goes back to helping search through the rubble of the damaged convent. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Look, don't be -difficult-," Vons says, "I know, I know. You Mandalorians have a built a reputation on being difficult, but I'm just saying. You don't have be like the other guys," he says. "I'm not trying to get anyone arrested." A pause, "Alright, fine, I am, but I'm not trying to get -her- arrested specifically. Unless there's reason to arrest her. Which there might but, but my gut says 'probably not' this time. And even if there was, we probably still wouldn't because the Republic would like to avoid starting the Mandalorian Galactic Wars all over again. I just need to ask her a few questions. That's all." The Mandalorian removes his hood, and smiles at her, his sapphire blue eyes glittering in the dim light. "My dear, I'm not angry at you. I wasn't asking for you deliver the items right now. I am, however, offering to assist you in getting them, right now. You won't have to do much, honestly. Just offer your help to the bartender serving drinks at cantina, and make sure a certain glass, or two, doesn't get taken to the washer. I'll take care of the rest. And then, tomorrow, I'll take you to my lab. I promise. What do you think?" "It's okay," Crane reassures Volken softly. "you're upset, aren't you? You know, just because you're not like the rest of the Mandalorians doesn't disqualify you from being one." The young Disciple actually pats Volken's hand gently, then shrugs. "Why don't you stay here for work? The town could use someone like you. I certainly did. I would have died if it hadn't been for you. And while I can't pay you, maybe someone else could, and would." Volken might suddenly remember that Xera is here. And she had, actually, tasked him with something. In regards to Cayde. Well, that's another thing, isn't it? "Oh, yah," the cantina owner says, continuing to hand out some of the rations in the box she's carrying while also giving some to Navi to hand out. "I need some help with the cellar out back. The door's covered with a bunch of debris from the storm! And lots o'folk are coming around now not just for rations but for their valuables. It's been tradition whenever it storms like this that a lot of folk here in Kublop ask me to put up their valuables in the wine casks so they don't get damaged by the flooding. The cellar itself likely flooded, but the empty wine casks are sturdy and can seal up real good so likely no damage done to the valuables. So do ya think you can get to them and open 'em up? Would be nice to make sure those heirlooms get back into the right hands!" There's not much for Cayde to find, just more and more debris. His attention will be diverted anyway, as Luli and doctor suddenly approach. The young Mikkian girl seems disturbed, and Cayde probably won't even need the Force to notice. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh did you?" Er'gi says heatedly, "Or is that just what you've been telling everyone, to save face?" "Gut me? Oh please. You can try." He challenges. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "You're still not specifying which -her-." Jorn points out as the man is being presumptive. He does know a few female mandalorians. "You did not give me a description or anything to work with." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's brows furrow a bit and she looks back to the crowd just across the way before looking back to him. She figures she's all in now either way and even if he gets his hands on some DNA - well - she doesn't have to ensure that it's any particular person's glass right? Something else is on her mind though and she faces him, arms crossing over her chest. "Answer me this first. Are you some high ranking official in the Mandalorian's eyes? A baron, I think, is what I've heard." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Oh he hadn't forgotten about Xera. IN fact that was -exactly- who he was intending on contacting. But he also didn't want to be here. She had a large family. A fortune. Plenty of trouble to get up to. That thing about Cayde though... she probably -would- want him to do that first. But... "I don't want -be- here anymore for one." he says, "I might be inclined to..." One thing about big Mandalorians.. they can be loud. Er'gi is loud. Volken narrows his eyes behind his helmet and then finally sighs and stands, turning to start for the exit of the Cantina and the outside where the other Mandalorians are. "Just a sec." he says towards "Crane". 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If it's a lot of debris, I'm not the best suited to moving it. But I know someone who is, and possibly another person who might be willing to help," Navi replies to the barkeep, as she begins to hand out rations and water bottles. "I'll need to pick up a second set of rations for a co-habitant of mine who has been assisting with the search and rescue efforts, but that can wait until we've got all this stuff passed out." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde was pulling some debris out of a half-shattered convent window, the pieces filtering out of it in almost a single-file line and floating up in front of him. Most of it is just broken shards of building materials, but there seems to be a necklace among them that still has some shine to it. Probably isn't that valuable, but maybe. Couldn't hurt to check.     He looks over to Luli, noting the disturbed expression on her face. [How can I help] he signs to them. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari could have had many words for Er'gi. Like why doesn't he ask Volken? Why would she spin a lie that could be countered by people who are physically here? She isn't stupid. But she has just about had it, after everything.     So without another word, she lunges at the larger Mandalorian and takes a swing at the side of his head! 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You -know-!" the red skinned private investigator grumbles at Jorn. "She's the only female Mandalorian on Tenoo. At least the only one everyone is aware of. Ellari, Ellarin Zin. Where the hell is she? I thought you were supposed to be some kind of ally to the kid, so why aren't you trying to be more helpful?!" "And if I said yes," the baron says, "what would that mean to you? You want to see the lab? You have to help me in this. Discreetly. See you at the cantina." And he turns to leave, but he leaves his hood off. Which doesn't make sense, he'd just asked her to help him discreetly. He makes a show of leaving the alley, and crossing over to wherever Jorn and the group he'd been helping out is. He'll make sure that Jorn sees him. He'll even pause, and stop to make eye contact with the green armored Mandalorian, while he's splitting hairs about 'which female Mandalorian' with the private investigator. Then he'll turn on his heel, swish his cape, and disappear into the thronging crowd of sweaty volunteers, heading in the general direction of the cantina. "Okay," the young Disciple says. "well, I want you to be here. I--" But then the mammoth Mandalorian hears a commotion outside, and gets up to leave. "Oh, perfecto!" the bartender says, "thank ye for your help. It's really appreciated," she says to Navi. "And don't worry about the rations. Take whatever you need." "There's something we need to discuss," the doctor says, "concerning the Arkanians. But it's getting cold out, and you should take a break. Let's head to the cantina. We can talk there, over hot drinks." Ellari manages to land a fist on the left side of Er'gi's head, and he growls, "Or'dinii. I'll crush you like the weakling you are, Vizsla vixen...!" He reaches over to try to grab Ellari by the neck, and that's how Volken will find them. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     But Cayde hesitates when Soren suggests going to the cantina. He glances over in the direction of the long line out the door and even more people milling about outside, and shakes his head. [Not there] he insists. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches as he leaves the alley and then looks down at the ground for a lingering moment. Then, in a moment of mental frustration, she pulls out her comm and types out a message to Soren. <<You know what really sucks about being right but no one will listen to you? Is that you're still right, and everything is about to turn to shit. He's here. The Baron. Jasper. Whatever the kriff you all want to kriffing call him is HERE. And he wants me to help at the cantina and make sure a few specific glasses don't necessarily go to the washer. Hope you read all this because if shit goes south I might just take all of you with me. ~Z.>> That done she huffs a breath and makes her way towards the cantina. Slowly, however. Because she's going to see who all she can clock that's around just in case things actually /do/ go south. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Another day and another time, if Volken had of truly been entertaining any sort of attraction to Ellari - he might have reacted very, very, badly. Right now he might very well be a Sith that's actually piloting Er'gi pschically for how mad he's been. Buuuut...he can't just let them kill each other, no matter how ticked off he is. So.. "HEY! Stop! Er'gi, stop!" Volken rushes in and reaches forward to try and grab and push Er'gi back from Ellari, using his other arm to shove her as well. It's ironic that this is the first time the two mammoths have probably pitted against each other. Given how competitive Mando's can be youd' tink they've at least tried an arm wrestling match or some other contest to pass the time but soo much has been going on, so now they shall see if one can actually restrain the other. "C'mon vod.!" 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     When Er'gi grabs Ellari's neck, she lashes out with a knee to the groin. And then Volken shows up in a rather timely fashion, shoving her away from the other bulky Mandalorian.     "Volken! Why don't you tell this hu'tuun just how long I've been on this journey with you?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' There's a pause, "I don't know where she is at this second, but since you said nothing is official. Nor are you detaining her, give me your data chain. The thing about her, she's private. You want answers, let her come to you. Let her come into territory she thinks is neutral," Jorn says honestly to the investigator. Is the anno yance noted? Yes. Jorn is just used to having that effect on people. Jorn holds his hand out for contact information. "Since, we're being nice here," the inspect did talk about being nice with each other. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Well, don't thank me yet. Wait until after the job's done," Navi advises gently, continuing to hand out rations. "With all this rebuilding, it may take a few days to get to it, but we'll do it. And thank you very kindly for your generosity." She touches her comm earbud. << Cayde, are you there? The lady who runs the cantina that provides our rations when we're in town needs a favor that is right up your alley, >> she says softly into its mic. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Cayde," Soren says gently but firmly, "you can't just keep hoping a problem will go away by avoiding it. Remember, it's about exposure and control. If you want Rykard present, he's around, you can just ask him to accompany us. Besides, I'm not having us talk out here in the the freezing cold and we're definitely not walking to the hospital right now either. It's not better there, anyway." He pauses with a sigh. "It'll be fine," He tells Cayde, "I'll get us a room. Now let's go." Then he looks down at his comm and sees the message from Zetha. Another sigh. "Looks like we're both needed at the cantina anyway," he tells Cayde, "Zetha might have run into some trouble." <Stay calm and keep an eye on him, alright? We're heading to the cantina now> the doctor reassures Zetha. Zetha will see the long line of people wrapping around the block near the cantina. She'll see a few familiar faces on her way there- Thaarin, Master Rykard, the mayor and his son. She won't see the doctor - yet anyway, they must have gone on ahead and reached it before she did. Er'gi resists for a split second, but then relents. He seems rather upset, though, still. "What? You're going to -defend- her? After she abandoned you and the civilians?? Have some honor, vod!" He sighs, exasperated. "What are we even doing here? Where's Jorn, even?" "Oh, okay, well that's so helpful," the Zeltron remarks derisively. Regardless, he hands him a card with his data chain on it. But then, the baron is passing by. "Hey, isn't that..." he squints. "Isn't that the clone that went missing like a month or so ago?" he says, pointing at baron's retreating figure. Of all the people to show up! Very possibly, the man Jorn has been trying to confront! There he is, heading for the cantina. "Of course!" The barkeep tells Navi. "If you need anything, or see anythin' funny, I'll be inside." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Long enough to leave me behind and save your own -skin-?" explodes Volken at Ellari as she makes her demands and it uncaps his fury finally. "You -left- me, Zin. You knew I couldn't make that climb with that mud coming in while also trying to carry two wounded and guide the Inspector. If you'd stayed with us and trusted t'group effort then the Inspector wouldn't be -dead-. Instead you threw the wounded at me and took off on yoru own and all you got to show for it was getting -shot up-." Volken makes a dismissive gesture at her and turns away. "And dont' think I didn't consider your little skirmish might not have had anything to do with the cave in that led to the mans death! If you'd just trusted us then we'd all maybe made out of there without a scratch. But you dont' even have the decency or self awareness enough to even consider if you'd made a msitake--and you're bothered about if Er'gi thinks you've been on this planet long enough! Bic ni skana'din!" ER'gi's complaints were probably lost in the explosive boom that is Volken's deep voice. He just stares at Ellari, not answering anyone else. They probably heard all of that in the Cantina as well. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Oh she's calm alright. And Zetha will stay calm until there's no time for calm any longer. The fact that Jasper has walked towards the cantina has her a little uneasy because as much as she'll be trying to keep an eye on him he'll likely be waiting for her to pass glasses and stuff to him. She does take note of those she sees as she passes but since she's trying to get into the cantina to help and not to jump the line she hopes no one barks at her for trying to cut or anything. Though she will keep an eye out for Soren once inside the cantina. Maybe everyone will be distracted by the Big Scary Mandalorian shouting words at someone. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde hesitates again, watching the doctor for a moment, but finally starts to follow him. He heard Navi's message and sighs. Well, he supposes he'll have to do this. So he starts doing his best to mentally prepare for the inevitable cacophony inside the cantina. Internal -and- external... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi heard Volken quite clearly, as she's not that far away. But she can't leave her post near the door, passing out ration packs and water bottles, since the owner has stepped away. So she keeps working and hopes this doesn't turn into a war or something... 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "Well -excuse me- if I didn't want to follow -you- on a suicide mission!" Ellari explodes back at Volken. "And how dare you blame the inspector's death on me, when it's clear this was your -own- failure! I -tried- to dissuade you, but you wouldn't listen! We are not the Republic police, or the Jedi, or anyone with any such obligations to 'save everyone or die trying' especially in a -Republic- colony! If you had a death wish, there was nothing I could do to sway you from it, as you are many times my size, aren't you? I was -attacked-, not the other way around, so no, the explosion was -not- my fault or my doing!"     She looks about ready to start shooting or swinging again, but instead she just turns on her heel. "I'm -leaving- this accursed backwater planet, since none of you seem to have any gratitude for anything I've done." With that she begins to storm out of the cantina. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn takes the contact info. However,a s he is about to shoot Ellari a message, the words leave the investigator. That causes Jorn to run toward that direction. Oh, he needs to track this one down. Figure out what's going to happen. Jorn's getting a few things ready for apprehension if need be. "I don't think he was allowed to leave with hopsital consent," he will add knowing insticnts are battling. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi stays silent, brooding, as Volken explodes at Ellari. The two of them exchanged heated words, and then Ellari is storming out of the cantina angrily. The young Disciple 'Crane' approaches Volken again, his expression sad. "I-I'm sorry. This is my fault, isn't it? Maybe she's right. You.. you shouldn't have given me your armor so that I could live." He averts his gaze, and Er'gi stares at Volken in disbelief. "You gave him your beskar'gam...vod..." He trails off and then looks away. The Zeltron man opens his mouth to reply to Jorn, but Jorn has already run off, straight for the cantina. He follows, brows furrowed as he hurries after him. Jorn will see him approach the cantina, stopping just a few hundred meters shy of it to pull out his commlink. He's messaging Zetha. <You need to get behind the bar. As luck would have it, they're all here. Now, listen carefully. I'm going to order them a round of drinks, it'll be on me. But when you bring it out, you'll need to make sure they leave some liquid in their cups. Make it bitter, make it too strong, whatever you like. Then, when you clear away the cups, naturally, don't take them to the washer. Put them in something sealed, and bring them with you tomorrow when we go to the lab. Got it?> Once that's done, he puts away his commlink, and without any hesitation, approaches Ellari, Volken, and Er'gi in the front of the cantina. In fact, Ellari might almost run into him. He flashes a charming smile. "Hello there~" he says, "miss me?" He also turns around, to give Jorn a faint smile and a pointed look. Navi, of course, will get to witness this spectacle, since she's out front handing out rations. The doctor, Cayde, and Luli will arrive soon after, but the doctor will instruct them to not get distracted. "We'll worry about that later," he tells Cayde, "let's focus on finding a room for now so we can talk about what happened at the hospital." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha has likely been doing work in the cantina when she needs breaks from tearing stuff down. Just being where she's needed when she's needed while things get all settled. So it won't be a surprise that she's behind the bar - but only just. As that message comes through her commlink, she'll read it, and then send back a quick <<Got it. Whatever you say.>> Then she's flipping over to her messages with Soren, but first she glances up in time to watch as 'Jasper' actually walks up to the other Mandalorians. Then she sends to the doctor, <<He's brazenly walking up to the Mandalorians. Told me what I need to do. I need something I can set glasses into that's sealed...and likely someone'e help after.>> Now she's worried - all of this is getting much too real. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I ddidn't -give- him my beskar, I put my helmet and torso armor on him so he woudln't be crushed when I used my body to blast through several yards of rock that was collapsing on us while the place caved in because of her loosin' a fight over our heads." sneers Volken. He's not having any of this 'Way of Mandalore' nonsenese right now. "If that makes me a heretic to you Er'gi then...." Volken stops himself, suddenly feeling a pang there. He doesn't -want- Er'gi to be upset. He actually -doesn't- want Ellari to be upset either but he also believes she's wholly in the wrong here. "....I don't -know- why we're still here anymore. " he finally admits, "We came here to help Jorn, assuming he'd get some training with the Dark Saber and that's barely happened. It's just been one thing after another. I suppose we wanted to get to the bottom of the whole clone thing but that's just been a nonstop circle. The officers and republic here don't even trust each other and the Jedi are so stuck in their rules and regulations that it gets in the way of any progress." He finally looks at Er'gi firmly, "I'm leaving as soon as I can find passage and you're welcome to come. I've got a gorgeous woman with tons of credits to her name willing to pay me regularly and pay me well but I've ignored that -beacuse- I wanted to help these di'kut's. No more. I'm leaving them to their fates." He puts his helmet back on now and then addresses Crane, "It's not yer fault Kass was insane and you got hurt. It's done. I'm over it." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde purses his lips and clenches his jaw as he enters the crowded cantina, just barely managing to keep himself anchored in the moment. He just keeps his gaze focused on Soren's back, following him through the crowds... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi winces, watching the fireworks between Volken and the female Mandalorian. "That didn't sound good," she murmurs, passing over two more ration packs and two more bottles of water, hoping the barkeep will be back soon. She doesn't mind handing out rations to hungry people, but it's a lot slower with only one person passing things out, and she has a feeling she may need to intervene sometime soon. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     It was a good thing Ellari didn't hear Crane saying that Volken had given his beskar to him earlier, as she is already out of earshot and outside the cantina. But then, Caine just...waltzes up to her with that smug smirk of his. She doesn't care what he wants. For all she knows, he was the one who attacked her with such relentless aggression during the storm. But whether it was him or not, her only answer to that is a blaster bolt aimed at his head. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn hangs backa nd tries to see what's beign said int he conversation. Everything about the contact. Trying to get intel on everything. His attention focused on more of the waht, why and similar questions. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The barkeep and the other employees, of course, don't blink an eye when Zetha comes into the kitchen. Instead, they just smile and wave, and go back to work (of which there is a plenty of right now), totally unsuspecting. Maybe Zetha will feel bad. Or maybe she'll refuse to think about what any of anything means right now, and just focus on the task at hand. The doctor doesn't reply, but she'll espy him ushering Luli and a rather disgruntled looking Cayde into the cantina, towards the back where the private meeting rooms are. He'll spare her a glance, but no more. Er'gi doesn't say anything, he doesn't seem to know what to say. All he does is point at the Baron, who has suddenly materialized in front of the cantina. "Well, don't leave just yet," the Baron says to Volken, "I was going to tell you the truth about the clone. About why I'm here. You've been chasing me for months, well, here I am. Everything you've ever wanted since coming here." And then Ellari shoots him. The blast grazes his cheek, burning a perfectly blackened mark onto his well sculpted cheekbones. He winces, and seems to be in a lot of pain, but is it an act? "I don't want to fight you," he says dramatically, as by now, the entirety of Kublop is watching, enraptured. Nothing interesting had ever really started happening until the Mandos had shown up, and townsfolk couldn't help but drink it up. "I come in peace." He suddenly goes over to Jorn and rests a hand on his shoulder. He squeezes it, perhaps a little too hard. "I know you've toiled, sweated tears and blood to find me. To get an explanation. And I'm going to give you one. I'm going to tell you everything, why I'm here, why I did what I did. It's the least that you deserve." A pause. "Well, you all look like you could use a drink. I'll open a tab, order whatever you like. And then we can talk." Meanwhile, as Navi is continuing to hand out rations and hoping things don't go horribly sideways, she'll spot Mondrian (F) in the line. She looks terrible. Her skin is pale, her lips look blue, and there's dark circles under eyes. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Mondrian? Force help you, you look like /frell/," Navi says softly. "What's happened? Are you all right?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The timing couldn't have been more perfect as he was -just- about to put a comm call out to Xera after seperating from the shell-shocked Er'gi. Making peace with potentially losing one of the last connections to Mandalore there. "Fine.." he rumbles, "..Guess I'm just a hereti--" He stops his words when he hears Caine, sees the blaster shot go off and he turns about to stare in that direction. Fortunately his helmet is on now, staying nice and secure. He says nothing. He doesn't even move. He may -actually- be out of any Dank farrik's to give. But - he doesn't leave. He just glances at Er'gi and then back towards The Baron and also sees Jorn at that point. Finally he rumbles. "Just get to the point. No theatrics. Or I"m out and they can deal with ripping your head off by themselves." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari doesn't attack again, but she just glares daggers at Caine. "-Now- you come clean? Ha! Do you take us as utreekov, hu'tuun? This is all part of some sort of manipulative scehem of yours, and I'm -not- falling for it this time!"     She then storms past him, still intent on leaving. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sort of keeps an eye on where the Mandalorians are, but she also helps out the kitchen/bar as well. If they order, they order. But the way things are just -looking- at the moment, no one is happy to see the Baron and no one is ordering a drink anytime soon. Maybe this idea will fall out from under 'Jaspers' plan. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I'm fine," Mondrian (F) shoots back at Navi, even though it's really clear that she's not. "I'm fine." She repeats. But she won't look Navi in the eye, and the young Sephi girl will have already have heard the reports about her brother being missing. "I've been conducting research," The Baron says, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small medical adhesive and covering the wound on his cheek with it. "That's all I've ever wanted to do, ever since I was young," he continues. "That's why I'm here. Come, let's all get drinks, and I'll tell you more," he glances at Ellari, "if you don't want to, that's your loss." He shrugs, and starts heading inside. Zetha will be able to see him heading for the bar now. Whether the others are in tow... well only time will tell. Meanwhile, The doctor has found a room for himself, Luli, and Cayde. "I think the morticians are up to something," Luli suddenly explains, "something illegal. I don't know what. They broke protocol, and I thought that was very unusual. Maybe credits were involved." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde follows Luli and Soren into a back room, listening to the Mikkian begin to explain what's on her mind.     [Which protocol] he asks. [Which morticians...why credits] 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi places Mondrian's (F) ration pack and water bottle into her hands, then lays her hands against the taller woman's hands, drawing upon the Force to aid her body in healing itself. "You don't /look/ fine. You look like the /opposite/ of fine. Is this about your brother being missing?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "NO" Volken's deep vioce explodes with that fury again. He raises an enormous arm and fires off a single shot towards the ground infront ot the Baron, be it into the outside of the Cantina or no. The repulsor gauntlet explodes dust and debris skywards as the huge Mandalorian seems steps forward, overshdaowing even Er'gi now as if all restraints he's had are being broken. "We are NOT getting rinks. TALK. NOW." He said he's ahd enough and he has had enough. There's been too much circlular logic, running back and forth and people thinking that they can control the flow of this. If the Baron would reveal what this is all about, as far as Vooken is concerned he can do it now, or be crushed - and then he's leaving. "SPEAK." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, I mean for sanitation reasons and to make sure no outside environmental factors affect the autopsy while it's in progress, the morticians are supposed to seal off the mortuary anytime they're performing any kind of work on a dead body," Luli explains. "What I saw was the two of them clearly working on the inspector's body, with the doors wide open." She shakes their head. "They were talking about asking for credits. What for, I'm not sure, but it doesn't bode well," she tells Cayde. The dark circles under Mondrian's (F) eyes fade and her face goes two shades less pale. "Thanks," she murmurs, still refusing to look at Navi. She sighs. "Look. Just don't worry about it. Everything will be a lot less complicated if we just take it at face value. He's missing, or dead, and probably not worth looking, in all honesty." She shrugs, as if trying to pretend none of it mattered. "Alright, that's fine," the Baron says calmly, despite Volken's outburst. He waves a hand dismissively. "-I'm- going to get something to drink, and sit down. If you want answers, you'll at least join me at a table. You see, I'm in a bit of a predicament. Don't worry, it'll be worth six hundred thousand credits for you and whoever decides to help you," he spares a Jorn a fleeting glance, "and whatever admission and information you want regarding the Dark Saber, what I did with it, and why I did it." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Zetha will likely be able to see the Baron talking to Volken and Jorn in the entry way to the cantina. If she's looking for some kind of sign, or signal from him, she'll get none. Volken clearly doesn't want drinks, so... so much for that plan. She might be anxiously waiting for some kind of communication from the Baron when she'll get a tap on her shoulder from the bar owner herself. "Hey uh... how long you stayin' to help tonight? The folks on street clean up said you dipped in the middle of a massive haul. I think they kinda need you back..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is almost of the mind that the Baron is having a difficult time getting people to actually get drinks. When the bar owner taps her on the shoulder she flushes purple in her cheeks and shakes her head. "I got distracted by something else... I'll go help them out again...but listen.." She tries to coyly motion over towards 'Jasper' and crew. "He's going to order some drinks. He'll be expecting me to not let the glasses get washed. I know it's the craziest thing to ask...but can you just set them aside if his friends order anything and I'll come back soon to take care of them? I'll even pay you for the glasses out of my own pockets. We just can't lose this opportunity." Because she trusts the bar owner - they've likely been through a lot together over the years. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "You don't get to walk in here and act like you've got control over this situation. I will BREAK YOU IN HALF." Volken starts forward slowly, hands twitching now and helmet fully on, giving him the look of an approaching tank. "I'm tired. I've nearly drowned. I"ve people I thought I could start to depend on betray my trust betrayed and I've been running all over this forsaken planet trying to find you and deal with you while your insane brother continues to betray any attempts I've given him to prove his worth! You don't just -swagger- in here and then act like you can call the -shots-. -I- call these shots! Stay where you are and explain things -here-! -NOW-. Or I'll tear your head off and I"m leaving!" He waves a hand at the end of all that, though still bearing down. "Credit's are meaningless in the face of personal satisfaction. I've -got- access to mountains of credit if I want to earn it. Now. TALK---NOW-" If Jorn, Er'gi or Ellari don't intervene--Volken will likely be ontop of Caine in a moment. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde listens to what Luli has to say, considering what it might mean. Were they trying to fabricate something about the inspector's death? Was someone paying them to do it? But whatever for?     But he doesn't outwardly respond immediately, simply sitting there with a mildly pensive expression that is fixed on the Mikkian girl. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If that's what you want," Navi says reluctantly to Mondrian (F). "But if you need someone to talk to, or any kind of help besides that, I'm available. Or at least I'll try to be, given the state of this town." She glances over her shoulder at the angry roars coming from the barroom. "That's sounding worse and worse..." she observes softly, then shouts, "Barkeep! Could someone take over ration distribution, please? I might be needed in a moment!" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn is quiet for a moment. He's just listening. Trying really hard not to put his hand on the trigger. Just shoot first, ask questions later. The armored Mandalorian watches. Waiting for more. He will ask a simple question, "Why should we trust you?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The bar owner rubs her head, confused. ".. er, so what's this all about Zetha? You know that guy, he was looking for you that one time, what happened? Are you alright? Are you trouble? Because Wiis isn't gonna like that." Caine doesn't seem bothered by Volken's aggressive demeanor. "Then sit down," he says, sitting down at a table just a few feet away from the other Mandalorian and gesturing. He looks to Jorn. "Because," he says, "I understand." he says to both of them. "I get it. He's my brother, I've had to put up with him my entire life, not just half a year. He's a symptom of a society whose so called backbone is honor but as soon as that honor is perceived as gone, you're thrown to the akk dogs. Mandalore is thriving, for now. We're drowning in disunity, Volken. We're eating chaos for every meal and calling it prosperity. It's pathetic, and you know it. I bet you anything in a few hundred years time, we'll have turned our planet into a gutted hole in the aftermath of our infighting." He sighs. "We're on a doomed trajectory," he says to Volken and Jorn. He sighs. "And that's why what I'm doing here, and the job I'm offering you, is more important than five hundred thousand more credits in your pocket. You see, the planting of the Dark Saber on Jorn wasn't just some hateful act fueled by a thirst for revenge. Yes, I did want revenge, and still despise Jorn for taking the love of my life, but there's more important matters at hand." "He was a distraction. A distraction so I could slip away, to indulge in my research while pretending that I didn't want to admit that I'd put the Dark Saber in Jorn's possession purely out of spite." "I'm going to fix Mandalore. I'm going to fix our political crisis, gut Revara's mother's influence, and level the playing field for both Houses. House Vizsla, despite my allegiance to it, has been in power far too long for it's own good. If I succeed, there will be no more backstabbing, no more foolish duels and bloodshed over ancient relics that by themselves, mean nothing." He suddenly gets up, and goes over to the bar, motioning to Zetha. He then whispers to her. "I need you to turn up the heating in here. Maximum capacity." Then he goes back to his seat across from Jorn and Volken. "You know I'm right. I'm making progress. Good progress. But I've hit a snag with the Arkanians." The doctor frowns at Cayde. "I want you to interrogate them," he says to the young padawan, "but of course, not without Rykard's supervision. Do you think you can do that?" Mondrian doesn't say yes anything. She doesn't say yes, and she doesn't say yes no. Instead, she just stands there, hands in her pocket. Her expression distant. Suddenly, she says to Navi, "Hey do you think, that if there's um, room at the bar, that you'd want to get drinks...? With me. If you don't want to, that's fine. You seem busy anyway. Sorry." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "If I promise I'll tell you after will that be good enough? I'm not in trouble. Not really. I'm helping Doctor Cassias and a few others get down to the bottom of some nefarious things and that one is the root of it. And I'm the catalyst. Also. Please don't tell mom. She'll kill me before anything else does..." Then Zetha looks towards the baron and others. "Now. I'm going to go help haul stuff because I can...and if he asks about me...just tell him I got called to go repair something. He should understand." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Interrogate? As in, search their minds for intentions, memories? Cayde assumes that's what he means, anyway, resisting the urge to see for himself.     The padawan nods. [Okay] he signs. [When...now] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken lays his hands on either side of the table Cain is sitting at. The table resists. The table, then, instantly crumples up. Barely a second after he touches it. It balls up, crushed, breaking, sundering in Volken's grip as he cmopresses it violently in a show of outrage and frustration infront of Caine. When he drops it tot he ground at the Baron's feet, his outrage is clear and only barely tempered by his incredulity at his words: "I've been dragged all over the galaxy, chasing after you and dealing with the Dark Saber nonsense and -now- you show up with an intent on some sort of -noble- scheme? You're -crazy-. You've had all this tiem to just come clean about it and now you want to just pitch some sort of effort to 'fix' Mandalore after all the mayhem and chaos -you- caused? I should -twist- your head off! Thaelin lost his -arm-. over this. The girl you supposedly love -doens't want you-. She tried to run -away- from Mandalore. You better give me something more then some sort of noble quest showing up out of blue!" Volken turns to Jorn and rumbles, "Don't -trust- him." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "You want to create a power vacuum and who would benefit the most? Why such extremes to do this changes?" He looks at the Baron. "Why go through all of us to get to this goal? You've betrayed everything you claim to have stood for," Jorn says curiously. Looking toward Baron with some curiousity in his voice. "I was with Volken long before this conversation, but I'm pretty sure I'm still camped there." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi winces at the sound of cracking, splintering wood from inside the bar. A LOT of cracking, splintering wood. "Mondrian? Any other time, I'd be happy to," she says softly, meaning it. "But going by the noises I'm hearing from inside, I don't know if anyone's getting drinks in there tonight. For the moment, at the very least. Would you settle for a raincheck?" She looks back over her shoulder, to see if anyone's coming to relieve her on ration distribution, even as she continues to do the job she'd been volunteered for... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron doesn't flinch when Volken crushes the table, but he does put on his helmet. "Let me tell you a story," he says, suddenly. "When I was young, I learned about the Dark Saber, as all good little adike do. I'm sure you all did as well." "But you know how Mandalorians are. All the history books talk nearly exclusively about the Dark Saber, and very little about the duality of the man who wielded it. Tarre. Tarre Vizsla." "Both Mandalorian and Jedi. The last and arguably greatest Mand'alor who ever lived, the only Mandalorian Jedi. Of course, our teachers mostly only spoke about how he was a great Mandalorian, and said nearly nothing about his time as a Jedi. They spoke about the justice of the great war, and how after much bloodshed they were able to obtain the relic once more." "I became fascinated. Obsessed. I studied him, endlessly. And I observed our world. Our constant state of civil unrest and political upheaving. And the more I studied him, the more I began to realize that it is not a weapon who makes a man, it is the man who makes the weapon." "When I went into the vault I wasn't just looking to take the saber. I was looking for any possession of Tarre's. I found a few. And with it, trace remnants of his DNA. His possessions had been stored so precisely and perfectly that naturally, it was rather degraded, but not entirely." "And you may be surprised to know, that after running thousands of tests, I've found a path forward. It's possible. Tarre can be recreated. The process has already started, and so far, things look promising." "Now, it doesn't matter whether you believe in my vision, or not. What matters is that the Arkanians have copied all of my research to some external databank, and disappeared. I don't know what they're doing with it. But the worst can be assumed. They're only concerned with two things: Recognition and credits. Now, neither of us may be successful, but there is also the possibility that both of us end up successful. And you both know what that could mean, for Mandalore, perhaps for even the rest of the galaxy. The artificial creation of a Force sensitive being." "Perhaps you don't care about the rest of the galaxy. But there are people you care about, who, if this comes pass, will get caught in the crossfire. Thaelin. Sanza. His father, the Duke. Revara, even, probably. Their heads will be the first to get put on a platter if an uprising occurs." Mondrian (F) suddenly frowns. "I mean, you're not going in there without me," she says, suddenly reaching for her gun to make sure it's there. She then starts heading for the cantina. "We have to go find Rykard first," the doctor says sternly. "And they're not off their shift yet, so probably not this immediate second." But the bar owner had always been a busybody. "Something nefarious? Like what? What's going on?" she pesters the Twi'lek. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sighs and when she explains things, she keeps her voice as low as possible to still be heard clearly. "In it's simplicity... cloning. And that Mando what keeps asking for me? He's got a lab somewhere. Soren, Thaarin and a couple others want me to try and get into the lab. So I've befriended the Mando...loosely...and he keeps making me do tasks to earn his favor to take me to his lab. So this needs to go smoothly... but I can't be in several places at once. And if I don't go help with the hauling their hovercrafts might break and I'll need to fix them. Soooo... can you help me with this one teeny tiny little thing? He orders the drinks, they finish the drinks, you just don't clean the glasses. I'll be back in...what...half an hour at most?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The way Volken turns towards Jorn after he speaks - even with his helmet on - it's clear that he's surprised. His body language showing some shock at something he said. He then seems to relax just a little bit. He turns to look for Er'gi to see if the other Mandalorian mammoth is near. Ellari is apparently long gone. No longer a factor - at least at the moment. He looks back tot he baron, listening. His body language once more becoming stiff. Dangerous. "SO again wer're back to the fact that your'e insane and your insane behavior has possibly triggered something that'll become everyone elses problem. Sounds like -exactly- what I just described about you a second ago.....and what's -worse- you created a problem that will possibly drag The JEdi into the middle of it.... I'm so far not seeing why I still shouldnt' take your head off. Is that why you were cloned? then?" Volken valls silent and then his body leans backwards slightly. "...Let the Jedi decide." he finally says and then looks to Jorn, " We should let the Jedi decide. We'll let Cayde or Navi get into his head and see if he's telling the truth." He looks back to Caine, waiting for his reaction to that. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Spying someone in line with a friendly face, Navi hastily draws her aside for a moment. "Excuse me, but I'm needed inside," she whispers, showing her Deputy Marshal's ID. "I'll give you a double ration if you can take over distributing the rations for me." The young woman is surprised, but agrees readily, and Navi hastily departs with hers and Cayde's rations, hurrying inside after Mondrian. Inside, she doesn't have to look for more than a moment to spot the remains of a table, and then the only person in the bar capable of breaking a table with his bare hands. "I'm getting the feeling that I've walked into the middle of a tense conversation," she says softly to the Mandalorians gathered. "Hi, Volk." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Okay] Cayde nods again, acquiescing to the doctor's stern words. He has determined that, if he at least follows everyone else's recommendations to the letter, if the results are bad, then it would at least be partially their responsibility.     He frowns though, as there is...a disturbance coming from the main dining area of the cantina. Tensions are rising, if not Volken's rage, then the distress of the cantina's patrons and workers is rising quickly. He glances in the direction of the nearest wall of the room that faces the front of the establishment, even if it's just a blank wall. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Zetha," the bar owner says, "That is crazy talk. How'd you hear about any of this? You've been reading too many holobooks, I swear!" The bar owners shakes her head. "Well, whatever favor he wants from you, sure don't look like you managed to git 'er done. And that's probably for the best! The Mandalorians are trouble, and you should steer clear of them. Before I decide to tell Wiis about all of this." She folds her arms. "They didn't even order drinks... feh..." Then she starts walking away. "Fine," the baron admits reluctantly. "I admit it was a wild gamble. An insane one that probably wasn't going to work. And I didn't think it would work, to be honest. But I didn't want it to be for lack of trying, and now, I'm afraid I've become too successful and the Arkanians have decided to use my research for their own purposes. I can't imagine it will amount to anything good. My DNA is there, and so is Tarre's. It's a recipe for disaster." The baron, if he's intrigued or afraid of Volken's suggestion, doesn't voice it. "I suppose," he says dryly in response. Mondrian is right behind Navi, her hand on her holster. Vons suddenly materializes too, he'd been around, watching Jorn. For now, he just observes, brows furrowed, arms folded. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "As if Wiis doesn't already know...parts...of the story..." Zetha offers and then shakes her head. But then the bar owner is walking away and Zetha glances over to Baron and company to see that they still haven't ordered anything. And that the Baron is rambling his head off. Fine. She needs to go help with demolition stuff...like she agreed to do in the beginning. Though she does have to pause for a moment to send a message off to Soren. <<They haven't ordered drinks and I'm needed back with the demolition crew...I don't know what else to do at this point. ~Z.>> Then she continues on her way to leave the Cantina. Secretly. Ish. Perhaps out the back. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "To bounce off of what Volken said, all I'm seeing a is a problem from a situation that's self-inflicted. You want us to fix -your- problem after you caused us a ship-load of problems related to your own," Jorn is more tempted to just pull out a blaster and let loose some shots. "I was taught there are some things worth more than credit. Credit talks, but only so far. What -else- is in it for us? Because right now, I'm not seeing much of anything. And that's -if- we fix this little self inflicted wound of yours," he just stares at the Baron. Jorn is definitely not swayed by any of this. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     'Speak of the devil and he shall appear.' Or should it be 'speak of the Jedi'? Just as Volken mentions that the Jedi should judge and that Cayde should be let loose inside of Caine's mind, the padawan comes out of the back room to see what the commotion was all about. He frowns at the broken table, and glances over at Volken. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Mebee I haven't made myself clear..." Volken's voice becomes more gutteral, less refined, more brutish as he leans in towards Caine. The compressed table is in his hand again - and a spasmign of his enormous arms takes place - visible, tattooed, slightly hairy, vained pillars of muscle bulkig up like bolders under his ruddy flesh. The sinewy movements causing the table to abruptly compressed even further - balling up to the size of a child's ball from what was previously a table large enogh to support a group of people. His helmeted visage loms in closer towards Caine, "If I find out that your'e lying.." he whispers, "...Or that youre trying to trick us... I'll show you -why- I had t'leave Mandalore and what the bodies I left behind looked like before I left..." So yes. Cayde probably senses -that-. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi opts to observe as well, putting out a hand to brush the back of the hand Mondrian has on her holster. Cautioning her not to act rashly. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Hiya Navi." Volken didn't forget she was there. He's still staring right at Caine thoguh, looming over him. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' <I can't really help you at this point, Zetha. You're going to have to find a way to do what he wants, otherwise, you're unlikely to get into that lab. I wish I could help you more. But I'm currently not in a position to, and sometimes, too much handholding can be detrimental> the doctor replies to Zetha. She might be about to send another message to him, but then Crane appears, touching her shoulder gently. "Zetha my love what are you doing out here? It's cold out. Is everything alright?" "What do you want, Jorn? I've given you the answers you've wanted all this time, and I've admitted to everything you wanted me to admit. I said part of my motivation to plant the Dark Saber was out of spite, and that this situation with the Arkanians is my fault. How else should I act? Shall I grovel, and beg for your forgiveness? The entirety of Mandalore is at stake, and Revara, right after her mother is the freshly plowed dirt just below that stake. Any power shift will cause House Solstice to resist. And you know Revara. She'll lick her mother's palm like a strill pup, if that meant her approval." He grunts when Volken looms over him, suddenly deflating. "What -choice- do I have," he says, his tone suddenly weak. "My allies have abandoned me, and my brother is nowhere to be found." There's some trepidation about the Jedi in him, but when Cayde appears, he seems surprised by his youthful appearance. "Is this him?" he says, softly, "I'd heard the stories, but this is an adike..." Mondrian flicks Navi's hand away, but she doesn't unholster her weapon. She seems on guard, though. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Volken. What'a good price on top of the credit?" Jorn asks Volken since they seem to be of the same mind of it all. He looks at the Baron. "We both know if you usurp Mother the wrong way you'd lose Revara," because he remembers when Revara tried to harm him for removing her brother's arm. Well, fore arm. Still. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha reads the message from Soren and just as she's about to go back and do something drastic...Crane appears. "I'm fine. Hold that thought. And wait here..." She doesn't let him respond to that before she's back inside the bar. Did the Mandalorians order drinks? No. Is she going to make drinks anyway? Yes. Something strong. Something she's heard people order before, and then she makes them a bit stronger. The drinks are all placed on a tray, the tray is carried over to the crushed table and she just places the tray with the drinks on the table next to them. "On the house. Drink up." And then she's gone again. Not giving anyone any time to reject, thank, or try to pay her. She tosses one look to the bar owner, gives a wink and then heads out the back again. Well. That is. Unless something or someone actually stops her. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde basically walks in with Volken threatening Caine very visibly, so he doesn't exactly need the Force to see that. He resists the urge to just enter the large Mandalorian's mind again and try to calm him down and instead just watches Caine warily when it appears they'd been talking about him. 'Stories'...great.     He tries to simply tap Volken on the back or arm wherever he can reach to try getting his attention. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "We know where Kass is and he's out of his mind and in desperate condition. Because of you. Yes he has to account for his own actions but you're not somehow innocent of playing a part in his descent into the way he is..." Volken looks towards Jorn and then shakes his head, tone honest as he says, "Not sure. Double?" After a moment he then looks to Navi and then Cayde wen the young Jedi taps him. He just looks back at the Baron, not commenting on his observation of Cayde and then he turns. "This is the guy we've been lookin' for. Not the clone. The real deal. He claims to know about a threat to both Mandalore and possibly the Jedi and others but he's also a liar...and a thief. We want to make sure he's telling the truth and then ...I wanat him locked up until we can decide on what to do about him and his tip. But keep him away from Kass. The Marauders were working for him to." Volken grumbles. He hates having to give 'orders'.... He then turns and calls out, "Er'gi?" looking for the other giant Mandalore ..and though he doesn't call his name out - he starts searching for someone else who has gone conspiciously absent given how in the middle of things he'd been. "Where's that Disciple at? Where's Crane?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' As her hand is brushed aside, Navi gives Mondrian a concerned glance. Then she looks to the Mandalorians. "Sounds like someone to be careful of, speaking as someone who arrived late to this conversation, and probably missed a lot of the really important bits," she says softly. "Obviously nobody's getting locked up in Kublop Springs right now. Mondrian, can you see that this guy's locked up somewhere secure in-system, maybe in Aklyrr Bend or on a neighboring planet, away from Kass, once we're done questioning him?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You know I'd never. Her mother is worse than aruetti to me, but unlike her I'm more interested in pragmatic ways to solve things that don't involve excessive bloodshed and force," He grumbles at Jorn. When Volken says double, Caine sighs exasperatedly and bursts out, tone acidic, "Fine! Fine. One hundred thousand if that's what you want." "Zetha, wait!" Crane runs after her, heading back into the cantina, just as Volken starts to head out, looking for Er'gi and well, him. He almost runs into him, but manages to stop himself before bumping into the Mandalorian behemoth. However, the sudden stop causes him to stumble backwards, and he falls on his backside. He crawls backwards away from Volken, looking afraid and staring at the looming giant. "Sorry! I'm sorry," he says. Just then, Er'gi re materializes, looking like an oversized lost sheep. "Sorry, vod. I tried to tail Ellari, make sure she didn't get into trouble. But I lost her somewhere near the spaceport." "What hell is with you and bowing down to this guy? Like he's never done anything wrong in his entire life and you're just gonna believe everything he says at face value. I don't care if you trust him for no other reason than 'you've got a good feeling about him in the Force.' I don't trust him. I don't trust any of them. And you're not going to change that. I'm not gonna believe anything that 'Volken' guy says unless he can prove that this other guy is the real bad guy, because he's the one who just broke a table and wasn't helping out at all with the rescue and cleanup efforts. This is a light damned mess and I'm not locking anyone up without solid proof that they did anything, other than possibly break into a hospital. Whatever, fine. I'll take him to Aklyrr Bend, but I'm gonna be doing the interrogating. Not you, not Cayde, or Rykard. This is gonna be strictly Republic business from Coruscant this time, no Jedi or Force sensitives involved." Then she takes out her gun and points it at the Baron. "You heard what she said. You're going to Aklyrr Bend with me." The Baron gets up slowly, and starts heading out of the cantina, his gaze going briefly to Zetha. For some reason, Mondrian (F) seems weirdly agitated, moody, and angry without reason. Perhaps Navi will notice. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "I think one and a half times, but we should be allowed to control the power vacuum outcome. I mean, we are only in this mess because of Baron to begin with," Jorn speaks rather firmly on the matter. His gaze goes back to the others around here. "What say the rest of you?" he asks thinking a few people would probably agree with them. Just past run ins with the Baron. Although, Jron thinks some of the jedi may not have opinions on the matter. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "This is -not- strictly a republic matter, you idiot. W're trying to figure out if there's a wider threat at large to us -all-. I'm doine being diplomatic or lettin't his drag on and go back into circles. We take -action-...and if thats a problem - you konw where ot -find- me. Right -here-. Right -now-." It's time, it seems, for the Mandalorians to be feared as such as he wheels on Navi's companion and stares at her. Staring her down. "You will -not- interfere. You will simply keep him from running -off-." Crane gets the barest of glances now. At least he knows where he is. But he then looks back towards Navi, Cayde and Mondrian F. "What we need to find out is the truth behind what he's saying. If there's risk of a powreful sorcery-using clone...a Force using clone-fine-from Mandalore's past possibly about to be called into being. We need to stop it because that same figure was part of a galaxy spanning war a long time ago." He then spares Er'gi a quick head shake, "Just let 'er go." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Easy, Mondrian, Volk... there's been enough violence this last month. Can we just talk this out?" Navi asks gently, stepping partly between the feisty Mondrian (F) and the gigantic Volken. "Wait... did you say /clone/? We've been looking into a pair of dodgy Arkanian scientists who had been doing cloning experiments at the lab at Aklyrr Bend, the one near the Gorge and the Vergence. They've since disappeared, and we stumbled on a hideout and an escape ship that seemed to be theirs," she says. "Maybe we're looking for the same people." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [You are angry...calm yourself] Cayde signs to Volken once the big Mandalorian turns to him. He looks over toward Caine. But then Volken mentions someone from the past being cloned into existence, he frowns. [What is this] he asks. [I ask my master first]     And then Mondrian is making demands. Her emotions are clearly out of control. And he again resists the urge to reach into her mind and attempt to calm her down. Instead he just tries to use the Force fling the blaster out of her hand. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha notices the glance Caine gives her, but she actually ignores it. She's not getting in the way of all that hot mess. Instead, she shifts to go back to where Crane's fallen on his backside and then offers him a hand. "Come on. I should be getting back to help with demolition stuff ... but did you come here looking for me? Is everything okay?" What she really wants at this point is distance between her and the Mandalorians. And to get back to her proper work that she was asked to come out and help with. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh since when did you start caring?!" she yells at Volken. "You run around doing other people's morally grey errands for several thousand credits and then suddenly you're concerned about galactic matters, huh? You think you save one guy and that makes you a Jedi? A hero? Please. You're only doing this because that other guy is offering you 100k credits. Yeah I heard you earlier. You said you don't even want to be here so why don't you lug your giant ass off this planet, mind your own damn business like you wanted to and forget all of this happened?!" She screams at Volken, pointing emphatically. She doesn't seem to even notice when Cayde flicks the gun out of her hand. There's tears in her eyes, and she wipes them away furiously. "No. I'm done. I don't want to talk, I don't want to have to deal with this anymore. I'm over it. When we go back to Coruscant for that Dug's trial, I'm -staying-. Clearly no one here cares about following the law. It's just every kriffing person for themselves." She turns to leave, apparently having completely forgotten about Navi's prior request. It would seem that she's not even really mad at Volken, he just happened to be her focal point. Her emotions are overflowing like a raging river, and hopefully with Volken's frustration combined, Cayde doesn't get overwhelmed. "...everything's fine," Crane says, "the bar owner was talking about you getting into trouble, I was worried. Volken's really upset." He takes her hand. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Well. The bar owner might not be too far off..." Zetha says this, pulling her hand from Crane's own. "Just don't hate me..." Then she turns and shifts to grab Caine by the arm while Volken is screaming and Mondrian (F) is all emotionally compromised to try and yank him away and run off. Caine may have been a bit blindsided by the motion, but somehow Zetha manages to pull him along quick enough that they're soon taking off away from the scene. The Twi'lek has a few little hiding spots - likely from the misspent nature of her youth. They're a bit tucked away that even the monsoon didn't destroy them. "You really owe me now, you realize this, yes?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' When the Republic OFficer literally begins to break down and cry - it becomes clear to even Volken that this isn't just about him, yes. so he says nothing. There's no damage he can do verbally that she's not doing to herself at the moment. The others can deal with trying to stop her if they want. He looks towards Jorn, Navi,. r"Yeah...that's the ones. Experiments? Hmm.... So...maybe Caine -is- onto something.." He does nod in agreement with the final credit assessment though but in the end.. it's mostly just trying to make life hard for Caine. It's starting to become clear that it's something they can't just walk away from be credits involved or no.... And realizes that Caine has wandered off making this whole point moot. "Oh -come on-. I knew I should have throttled him when I saw him. We gotta find him!" He looks to Er'gi for help ahd then turns to start heading out of the bar to take a look around. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Zetha, what the /frell/...?!" Navi cries, as Zetha suddenly takes charge of Caine and runs right out of the cantina, with Caine in tow, if not streaming in the wind behind her. That girl is /fast/ whens he wants to be! "Swell..." she murmurs, picking Mondrian's pistol up from the floor and slipping it through the straps around her medical satchel. "I'd better find Mondrian before she does something rash. See if you can find Zetha and Caine. Please try not to hurt them. You need That Guy alive, and Zetha's impulsive. I have a feeling that there's more going on here than we know about. May the Force be with you." Then she jogs out of the cantina, looking for Mondrian's (F) trail. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Wait, had there been something about a clone? Perhaps all this was indeed connected. Cayde frowns as Zetha grabs Caine and hurries off. Although he doesn't rush off after them, he knows where they're going. He's been in Zetha's head before...for long periods. And she was thinking about where she was going to go. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Indeed, the baron trips and nearly faceplants when Zetha grabs him out of the blue and starts running, quite startled by her sudden maneuver. "Yes, alright, fine," he says, sounding tired and exasperated. "But where are we going?" he whispers urgently. However, he just follows her, letting her take the lead. Er'gi places a hand on Volken's shoulder. "Look, the boy is already going. Let's.. let's him handle this for a bit, please? I.. I think I need a drink." He goes to take a couple pints from the tray that Zetha had brought out, taking one for himself, and the other for Volken, holding it out to the other mammoth. "Hell of a day... dank farrik..." Crane approaches Volken meekly. "You know, she's wrong. I don't think it takes any more than just deciding that you want to be hero in order to become one," he says to Volken. Meanwhile, Navi won't have any trouble finding Mondrian's (F) trail. The other blonde is storming towards the tram station, barely holding her tears back. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I'm not tryin' to be a hero Crane.." counters Volken, pausing in his search for Caine to answer him. "..And I've done some pretty....well...things some folk wouldn't like. That I dont' like. I'm just trying to get by.... Make it to the next day. That's the est I can do.." He gives Crane a long look and then turns nad starts moving as swiftly as he can into the streets after Caine. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde can feel Zetha's desperation as she hurries away. He remembers she wanted to know the truth of everything, and he'd promised her he would tell her but hasn't followed through. He starts off toward the junkyard at a casual pace--well, casual for him, anyway. Which still means 'leisurely' Force leaping across rubble. Maybe he'll even get to the destination before Caine and Zetha do... 
}}

The Duality of Tarre Vizsla

2026-03-21T01:47:07Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-03-01 |Cast of Characters=159, 444, 418, 296, 143, 321, 261 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's been a pretty grueling past few weeks. With the monsoon finally over, Kublop could finally get to rebuilding. The storm had been the worst one in at least a few decades - leaving the town with only a handful of houses still standing, and even fewer public establishments not utterly demolished by the..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-03-01
|Cast of Characters=159, 444, 418, 296, 143, 321, 261
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's been a pretty grueling past few weeks. With the monsoon finally over, Kublop could finally get to rebuilding. The storm had been the worst one in at least a few decades - leaving the town with only a handful of houses still standing, and even fewer public establishments not utterly demolished by the raging elements. The three that are still standing with minor damage happen to be the local cantina, the hospital, and surprisingly, the junkyard (though one could argue, the junkyard was already full of broken parts anyway?) The property inspector's family had taken his death hard, and the local constabulary is doing its due diligence to try understand what all had happened. So far, it had been deduced that there had been some kind of firefight which had caused the cave in that had affected Volken, Crane, and the now dead inspector. The perpetrators? Still a mystery, although Mondrian (M) has been missing ever since the storm had blown over, and Mondrian (F) has been very sullen and withdrawn, all of a sudden. Kass, after having been recovered, had been seen by the medics and deemed a danger to himself and others, as well as suffering from some mild alcohol poisoning. He'd been admitted to a rehab center and despite his numerous pleas to be let out, had been spent the past few weeks there, trying to recuperate. Now, the local cantina had turned into a food bank and community center of sorts, since most other public establishments (the general store included) had been destroyed by the monsoon. Anyone who wanted a drink, food, grocery, or even temporary shelter could be found there. And that might be where both the Mandalorians, Jedi, and their allies find themselves. It's crowded, and there's a line out the door, but at least it isn't raining anymore. This crowd probably isn't where anyone would want to find themselves, but for the Mandalorians, it could bode well. If the clone or Baron hadn't made it back to their Gorge before the monsoon had hit, they'd be here. Where else could they be? There were really only two places in town to get rations these past few weeks, and the hospital restock had ran out this morning and wouldn't be getting anymore until tomorrow night. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is doing as she has done for several monsoons before. She's helping with clean up, making sure hovercarts and other equipment stay maintained while the work happens. It isn't glorious, in fact, it's dirty and rotten - in more ways than one. She had likely gone to at least check in with Wiis, but helping the community get cleaned up and ready for repair work is helping her sort thoughts and stay out of trouble. For the most part. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn is out there with crews. Doing his best to keep a low profile, which may be the opposite of his actions. Sometimes to blend in, you make yourself part of the attention. There are times wallflowers stand out. He banks on that being true. And so, Jorn's out with scouting parties to gain resources. In reality, he's keeping an eye out. Using the guise of helping, which does create a positive side effect, but tries to keep his head peeled for anything interesting, targets, etc. Also, to figure out how bad the mansoon truly hit the planet. Because that will effect their later plans. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari is here, although she probably should be at the hospital, given the injuries she'd sustained against a 'mysterious attacker'. And yeah, -she- knows this was the person responsible for the explosion. And that he'd been a raving madman about some 'sister' or other. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde is definitely not at the cantina. There are far too many people there, all concentrated in one spot, and all stressed and anxious. A recipe for disaster, truly. So instead, he is out with Jorn's scouting party scavenging through remains and potentially looking for anyone who might be alive but trapped or something. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Ellari is alive. That's good. Volkenis refusing to speak to her. That's probably bad. In fact he's pretty much not been speaking to anyone and has been more or less isolating himself since recovering his armor from 'Crane', having his own injuries attended to post Navi's own efforts, and basically has ignored people attempting to reach out ot him most of the time. Considering that hi strength could be quite useful in rebuilding things .. that's probably not very helpful, but perhaps he's fallen into some sort of depression .. meaning that he might not be much good after all. EIther way he rarely appears in public. Until now, when he emerges from where he'd been isolating himself and starts to approach the Cantina. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi had never thought she'd be grateful to Cayde for doing something insane. But thanks to his clearing the giant tree bole from the tressel, the tram has continued to run, and access to Aklyrr Bend has remained open. Which is a good thing, considering how much of Kublop Springs has been flattened by the monster monsoon. Some of the settlers, lacking homes, have been temporarily housed in Aklyrr Bend, and, thanks to having access to the comms array in the newer colony, Republic disaster relief has been quick in coming. Most of the town is still living in tents, though, which likely isn't helping anyone's nerves. It's rather discomfiting to wake up with a local bird perched on your chest, too. Navi has split her time between the two settlements, assisting with search and rescue in Kublop and helping Aklyrr stay peaceful, especially with the temporary residents. She had set up a tent in Kublop that she was sharing (somewhat reluctantly) with Cayde, since the long tram ride made daily commutes exhausting at best. Presently she's in line outside the tavern to receive rations for herself and Cayde. Seeing Volken approaching, she waves to him. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Zetha will be busy helping with the community rebuilding effort, probably barely thinking about much else other than the work in front of her when she'll feel someone tug on her wrist gently. If she turns around, she'll find herself face to face with a cloaked figure. She won't be able to see his face, as its evening, and the area they're in doesn't have very good lighting. Jorn will likely be equally busy when he too, gets approached. Not by a cloaked stranger, but by the Republic private eye, Arsok Vons. He'll tap the green armored Mandalorian on the shoulder to get his attention. He'll notice Cayde here too, but he doesn't say anything to the young padawan - he'll only give him a telltale arched brow, one that the padawan had learned meant 'stay out of my investigation.' As Volken approaches the cantina, he'll be able to see that the young Disciple he'd rescued from the tunnels during the monsoon is out front, handing out hygiene kits and ration packs. When he sees Volken approaching, his eyes light up and he starts making his way over to the mammoth Mandalorian. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Ellari will find herself approached by Er'gi, suddenly. He doesn't seem too happy. "And where've you been all this time? Care to explain why you left Volken in the sewers, to nearly drown?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' The tugged wrist is just barely free from the tossing of debris onto a hovercart when it happens. She turns into the tugging, seeing the cloaked figure with a hidden face, but something in her gut tells her she knows who this is. Still, in case her gut is wrong, she plays it cool. "Yes? Can I help you with something? If you're looking for where the rations and such are being given out that would be at the cantina near the middle of town.." Offering at least that much. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn focuses helping others, but that republic office gets a look. "Officer," he says respectfully and keeps it to that. Just simple, brief and to the point. He figures questions are incoming. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "Do I have to follow him to the end of the line?" Ellari asks grumbles. "There are some members of my own House I wouldn't do that for, and you expect me to do so for him? He was making a rash decision, but I am not strong enough to force him to protect himself." Clearly, since he's volumes larger than her. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde actually avoids looking at Vons, to be honest. It's become abundantly clear to him that the Zeltron doesn't like him. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Given that he's the second biggest person there, its impossible for Volken to miss Er'gi's giant frame go up towards Ellari and equally impossible to miss his body language. He can't hear them but it's clear to him that Er'gi is being confrontational. Volken's helmet is on and so his own expression cannot be read but his body language is neutral to that and he turns away to find a seat on a large crate to rest himself once again. Navi is seen by now so he lifts a gigantic arm upwards and offers her a wave only to pause and lower it as he sees Crane beginning to approach him. "...So you're up and about... Good." he rumbles. "Glad to see you. As soon as the spaceport is cleared and repaired I'll be leaving to head back for work out in the Outer Rim. You're welcome to join if you're looking for a way back to Jedha. There's little for me to worry about doing here anymore." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi can't surrender her place in line without adding at least an hour to her waiting time, but she does watch Volken and "Crane" as they speak. She smiles and waves back as the massive Mandalorian waves in response to her earlier wave, glad to see him for the first time since the monsoon had finally ebbed. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The cloaked figure starts to back away into a narrow, dark alley nearby. He beckons for her to follow. Quietly he says to her, "Yes, actually. You owe me, remember?" Of course, Zetha will recognize the voice. Maybe she'll be filled with dread. "Alright, I'll skip the pleasantries," he says, "you should know what I'm about to ask next," he says, "The female Mandalorian you've been seen with - where is she?" Er'gi grumbles back at her. "So much for loyalty! What are you even doing here, if you only ever planned to be present when it was convenient for you? Unless you've got your own machinations...?" Crane waves and smiles to Navi as well, but follows Volken into the cantina like an akk puppy. "And yourself?" Crane says, suddenly looking the hulking Mandalorian over in a concerned fashion. "You're feeling, better, right?" When he says that he'll be leaving soon, his expression suddenly becomes somewhat disappointed. "Oh," he says, "well, The other Disciples of the Whill have me stationed at the outpost here ... it's destroyed now, so I'm not sure if they'll want me to come back or not. But I'd probably stay if they let me." A pause. "You.. want to leave? What were you here for in the first place?" Moments after Volken and Crane have gone inside, the young Sephi girl will be approached by the cantina owner. "Co-Deputy! I'm so relieved! You're doing alright, I hope?" She holds out a bottle of water and a ration pack, somewhat to the dismay of others behind Navi. "I kinda need a favor. Figured I'd give the handout before I asked..." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "That doesn't narrow things down. You'll have to be more specific. I have a few associates that are female," Jorn says not realizing how smooth, unsmooth, and every other way he doesn't sound. In his mind this is "legally stall mode." "Are you referring to my fiance? She's off world. Dealing with the in-law. Or did you mean my in-law?" Again, these are not lies. "Both are blaster pistols without the safeties. You'll need to describe them in detail, so I know -which- female Mandalorian you mean," he continues just being open and honest. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi steps out of line, accepting the ration pack and the water bottle. "Thank you, and I am well enough. Perhaps I can assist you with handing out the evening's rations while you explain the issue? It's best we not keep these good people waiting any longer than necessary," she advises gently. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha follows, but as soon as his voice grates against her ears, her eyes narrow. "In case you haven't noticed, we're in the middle of a crisis. And last I recall...you managed to escape the hospital without being caught." She shakes her head a little. "I don't have what you're likely wanting from me. It's been a bit hectic here lately. And I don't work on your schedule when my town's in ruin." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken doesn't answer immediately, just sitting there on a crate before finally rumbling, "Mandalorian business. Nothing that'd make sense or is important enough for me to run through all the steps. Needless to say I was here with the others related to some politics back on my homeworld and then we got swept up in all the other stuff happening. Plus there's a fugitive here that we were interested in aprehending but it doesn't matter now. I'm past the point of caring since being reminded of how my people were raised. If anything it's let me know I need to maybe get back to basics." Volken lifts a hand and makes an absent gesture, "Stay here and do what you need o do. I'm just lettin' you konw. Not like I have any ship booked yet. Itll be a minute given the condition of the place. I already got an idea of where to go for work though so it'll be fine." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "-Convenient-?" Ellari scoffs, glaring at Er'gi. He dares insinuate this was about 'convenience'? "I came out here to help Jorn escape from injustice on Mandalore. I went to Jedha, -and then- I came here, to this backwater planet only to be caught in storm and had multiple parties attempt to take my life for no discernible reason. And you call that 'convenience'? I should -gut- you." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches Jorn and Vons' conversation for a moment, but soon loses interest and goes back to helping search through the rubble of the damaged convent. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Look, don't be -difficult-," Vons says, "I know, I know. You Mandalorians have a built a reputation on being difficult, but I'm just saying. You don't have be like the other guys," he says. "I'm not trying to get anyone arrested." A pause, "Alright, fine, I am, but I'm not trying to get -her- arrested specifically. Unless there's reason to arrest her. Which there might but, but my gut says 'probably not' this time. And even if there was, we probably still wouldn't because the Republic would like to avoid starting the Mandalorian Galactic Wars all over again. I just need to ask her a few questions. That's all." The Mandalorian removes his hood, and smiles at her, his sapphire blue eyes glittering in the dim light. "My dear, I'm not angry at you. I wasn't asking for you deliver the items right now. I am, however, offering to assist you in getting them, right now. You won't have to do much, honestly. Just offer your help to the bartender serving drinks at cantina, and make sure a certain glass, or two, doesn't get taken to the washer. I'll take care of the rest. And then, tomorrow, I'll take you to my lab. I promise. What do you think?" "It's okay," Crane reassures Volken softly. "you're upset, aren't you? You know, just because you're not like the rest of the Mandalorians doesn't disqualify you from being one." The young Disciple actually pats Volken's hand gently, then shrugs. "Why don't you stay here for work? The town could use someone like you. I certainly did. I would have died if it hadn't been for you. And while I can't pay you, maybe someone else could, and would." Volken might suddenly remember that Xera is here. And she had, actually, tasked him with something. In regards to Cayde. Well, that's another thing, isn't it? "Oh, yah," the cantina owner says, continuing to hand out some of the rations in the box she's carrying while also giving some to Navi to hand out. "I need some help with the cellar out back. The door's covered with a bunch of debris from the storm! And lots o'folk are coming around now not just for rations but for their valuables. It's been tradition whenever it storms like this that a lot of folk here in Kublop ask me to put up their valuables in the wine casks so they don't get damaged by the flooding. The cellar itself likely flooded, but the empty wine casks are sturdy and can seal up real good so likely no damage done to the valuables. So do ya think you can get to them and open 'em up? Would be nice to make sure those heirlooms get back into the right hands!" There's not much for Cayde to find, just more and more debris. His attention will be diverted anyway, as Luli and doctor suddenly approach. The young Mikkian girl seems disturbed, and Cayde probably won't even need the Force to notice. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh did you?" Er'gi says heatedly, "Or is that just what you've been telling everyone, to save face?" "Gut me? Oh please. You can try." He challenges. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "You're still not specifying which -her-." Jorn points out as the man is being presumptive. He does know a few female mandalorians. "You did not give me a description or anything to work with." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's brows furrow a bit and she looks back to the crowd just across the way before looking back to him. She figures she's all in now either way and even if he gets his hands on some DNA - well - she doesn't have to ensure that it's any particular person's glass right? Something else is on her mind though and she faces him, arms crossing over her chest. "Answer me this first. Are you some high ranking official in the Mandalorian's eyes? A baron, I think, is what I've heard." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Oh he hadn't forgotten about Xera. IN fact that was -exactly- who he was intending on contacting. But he also didn't want to be here. She had a large family. A fortune. Plenty of trouble to get up to. That thing about Cayde though... she probably -would- want him to do that first. But... "I don't want -be- here anymore for one." he says, "I might be inclined to..." One thing about big Mandalorians.. they can be loud. Er'gi is loud. Volken narrows his eyes behind his helmet and then finally sighs and stands, turning to start for the exit of the Cantina and the outside where the other Mandalorians are. "Just a sec." he says towards "Crane". 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If it's a lot of debris, I'm not the best suited to moving it. But I know someone who is, and possibly another person who might be willing to help," Navi replies to the barkeep, as she begins to hand out rations and water bottles. "I'll need to pick up a second set of rations for a co-habitant of mine who has been assisting with the search and rescue efforts, but that can wait until we've got all this stuff passed out." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde was pulling some debris out of a half-shattered convent window, the pieces filtering out of it in almost a single-file line and floating up in front of him. Most of it is just broken shards of building materials, but there seems to be a necklace among them that still has some shine to it. Probably isn't that valuable, but maybe. Couldn't hurt to check.     He looks over to Luli, noting the disturbed expression on her face. [How can I help] he signs to them. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari could have had many words for Er'gi. Like why doesn't he ask Volken? Why would she spin a lie that could be countered by people who are physically here? She isn't stupid. But she has just about had it, after everything.     So without another word, she lunges at the larger Mandalorian and takes a swing at the side of his head! 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You -know-!" the red skinned private investigator grumbles at Jorn. "She's the only female Mandalorian on Tenoo. At least the only one everyone is aware of. Ellari, Ellarin Zin. Where the hell is she? I thought you were supposed to be some kind of ally to the kid, so why aren't you trying to be more helpful?!" "And if I said yes," the baron says, "what would that mean to you? You want to see the lab? You have to help me in this. Discreetly. See you at the cantina." And he turns to leave, but he leaves his hood off. Which doesn't make sense, he'd just asked her to help him discreetly. He makes a show of leaving the alley, and crossing over to wherever Jorn and the group he'd been helping out is. He'll make sure that Jorn sees him. He'll even pause, and stop to make eye contact with the green armored Mandalorian, while he's splitting hairs about 'which female Mandalorian' with the private investigator. Then he'll turn on his heel, swish his cape, and disappear into the thronging crowd of sweaty volunteers, heading in the general direction of the cantina. "Okay," the young Disciple says. "well, I want you to be here. I--" But then the mammoth Mandalorian hears a commotion outside, and gets up to leave. "Oh, perfecto!" the bartender says, "thank ye for your help. It's really appreciated," she says to Navi. "And don't worry about the rations. Take whatever you need." "There's something we need to discuss," the doctor says, "concerning the Arkanians. But it's getting cold out, and you should take a break. Let's head to the cantina. We can talk there, over hot drinks." Ellari manages to land a fist on the left side of Er'gi's head, and he growls, "Or'dinii. I'll crush you like the weakling you are, Vizsla vixen...!" He reaches over to try to grab Ellari by the neck, and that's how Volken will find them. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     But Cayde hesitates when Soren suggests going to the cantina. He glances over in the direction of the long line out the door and even more people milling about outside, and shakes his head. [Not there] he insists. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches as he leaves the alley and then looks down at the ground for a lingering moment. Then, in a moment of mental frustration, she pulls out her comm and types out a message to Soren. <<You know what really sucks about being right but no one will listen to you? Is that you're still right, and everything is about to turn to shit. He's here. The Baron. Jasper. Whatever the kriff you all want to kriffing call him is HERE. And he wants me to help at the cantina and make sure a few specific glasses don't necessarily go to the washer. Hope you read all this because if shit goes south I might just take all of you with me. ~Z.>> That done she huffs a breath and makes her way towards the cantina. Slowly, however. Because she's going to see who all she can clock that's around just in case things actually /do/ go south. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Another day and another time, if Volken had of truly been entertaining any sort of attraction to Ellari - he might have reacted very, very, badly. Right now he might very well be a Sith that's actually piloting Er'gi pschically for how mad he's been. Buuuut...he can't just let them kill each other, no matter how ticked off he is. So.. "HEY! Stop! Er'gi, stop!" Volken rushes in and reaches forward to try and grab and push Er'gi back from Ellari, using his other arm to shove her as well. It's ironic that this is the first time the two mammoths have probably pitted against each other. Given how competitive Mando's can be youd' tink they've at least tried an arm wrestling match or some other contest to pass the time but soo much has been going on, so now they shall see if one can actually restrain the other. "C'mon vod.!" 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     When Er'gi grabs Ellari's neck, she lashes out with a knee to the groin. And then Volken shows up in a rather timely fashion, shoving her away from the other bulky Mandalorian.     "Volken! Why don't you tell this hu'tuun just how long I've been on this journey with you?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' There's a pause, "I don't know where she is at this second, but since you said nothing is official. Nor are you detaining her, give me your data chain. The thing about her, she's private. You want answers, let her come to you. Let her come into territory she thinks is neutral," Jorn says honestly to the investigator. Is the anno yance noted? Yes. Jorn is just used to having that effect on people. Jorn holds his hand out for contact information. "Since, we're being nice here," the inspect did talk about being nice with each other. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Well, don't thank me yet. Wait until after the job's done," Navi advises gently, continuing to hand out rations. "With all this rebuilding, it may take a few days to get to it, but we'll do it. And thank you very kindly for your generosity." She touches her comm earbud. << Cayde, are you there? The lady who runs the cantina that provides our rations when we're in town needs a favor that is right up your alley, >> she says softly into its mic. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Cayde," Soren says gently but firmly, "you can't just keep hoping a problem will go away by avoiding it. Remember, it's about exposure and control. If you want Rykard present, he's around, you can just ask him to accompany us. Besides, I'm not having us talk out here in the the freezing cold and we're definitely not walking to the hospital right now either. It's not better there, anyway." He pauses with a sigh. "It'll be fine," He tells Cayde, "I'll get us a room. Now let's go." Then he looks down at his comm and sees the message from Zetha. Another sigh. "Looks like we're both needed at the cantina anyway," he tells Cayde, "Zetha might have run into some trouble." <Stay calm and keep an eye on him, alright? We're heading to the cantina now> the doctor reassures Zetha. Zetha will see the long line of people wrapping around the block near the cantina. She'll see a few familiar faces on her way there- Thaarin, Master Rykard, the mayor and his son. She won't see the doctor - yet anyway, they must have gone on ahead and reached it before she did. Er'gi resists for a split second, but then relents. He seems rather upset, though, still. "What? You're going to -defend- her? After she abandoned you and the civilians?? Have some honor, vod!" He sighs, exasperated. "What are we even doing here? Where's Jorn, even?" "Oh, okay, well that's so helpful," the Zeltron remarks derisively. Regardless, he hands him a card with his data chain on it. But then, the baron is passing by. "Hey, isn't that..." he squints. "Isn't that the clone that went missing like a month or so ago?" he says, pointing at baron's retreating figure. Of all the people to show up! Very possibly, the man Jorn has been trying to confront! There he is, heading for the cantina. "Of course!" The barkeep tells Navi. "If you need anything, or see anythin' funny, I'll be inside." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Long enough to leave me behind and save your own -skin-?" explodes Volken at Ellari as she makes her demands and it uncaps his fury finally. "You -left- me, Zin. You knew I couldn't make that climb with that mud coming in while also trying to carry two wounded and guide the Inspector. If you'd stayed with us and trusted t'group effort then the Inspector wouldn't be -dead-. Instead you threw the wounded at me and took off on yoru own and all you got to show for it was getting -shot up-." Volken makes a dismissive gesture at her and turns away. "And dont' think I didn't consider your little skirmish might not have had anything to do with the cave in that led to the mans death! If you'd just trusted us then we'd all maybe made out of there without a scratch. But you dont' even have the decency or self awareness enough to even consider if you'd made a msitake--and you're bothered about if Er'gi thinks you've been on this planet long enough! Bic ni skana'din!" ER'gi's complaints were probably lost in the explosive boom that is Volken's deep voice. He just stares at Ellari, not answering anyone else. They probably heard all of that in the Cantina as well. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Oh she's calm alright. And Zetha will stay calm until there's no time for calm any longer. The fact that Jasper has walked towards the cantina has her a little uneasy because as much as she'll be trying to keep an eye on him he'll likely be waiting for her to pass glasses and stuff to him. She does take note of those she sees as she passes but since she's trying to get into the cantina to help and not to jump the line she hopes no one barks at her for trying to cut or anything. Though she will keep an eye out for Soren once inside the cantina. Maybe everyone will be distracted by the Big Scary Mandalorian shouting words at someone. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde hesitates again, watching the doctor for a moment, but finally starts to follow him. He heard Navi's message and sighs. Well, he supposes he'll have to do this. So he starts doing his best to mentally prepare for the inevitable cacophony inside the cantina. Internal -and- external... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi heard Volken quite clearly, as she's not that far away. But she can't leave her post near the door, passing out ration packs and water bottles, since the owner has stepped away. So she keeps working and hopes this doesn't turn into a war or something... 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "Well -excuse me- if I didn't want to follow -you- on a suicide mission!" Ellari explodes back at Volken. "And how dare you blame the inspector's death on me, when it's clear this was your -own- failure! I -tried- to dissuade you, but you wouldn't listen! We are not the Republic police, or the Jedi, or anyone with any such obligations to 'save everyone or die trying' especially in a -Republic- colony! If you had a death wish, there was nothing I could do to sway you from it, as you are many times my size, aren't you? I was -attacked-, not the other way around, so no, the explosion was -not- my fault or my doing!"     She looks about ready to start shooting or swinging again, but instead she just turns on her heel. "I'm -leaving- this accursed backwater planet, since none of you seem to have any gratitude for anything I've done." With that she begins to storm out of the cantina. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn takes the contact info. However,a s he is about to shoot Ellari a message, the words leave the investigator. That causes Jorn to run toward that direction. Oh, he needs to track this one down. Figure out what's going to happen. Jorn's getting a few things ready for apprehension if need be. "I don't think he was allowed to leave with hopsital consent," he will add knowing insticnts are battling. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi stays silent, brooding, as Volken explodes at Ellari. The two of them exchanged heated words, and then Ellari is storming out of the cantina angrily. The young Disciple 'Crane' approaches Volken again, his expression sad. "I-I'm sorry. This is my fault, isn't it? Maybe she's right. You.. you shouldn't have given me your armor so that I could live." He averts his gaze, and Er'gi stares at Volken in disbelief. "You gave him your beskar'gam...vod..." He trails off and then looks away. The Zeltron man opens his mouth to reply to Jorn, but Jorn has already run off, straight for the cantina. He follows, brows furrowed as he hurries after him. Jorn will see him approach the cantina, stopping just a few hundred meters shy of it to pull out his commlink. He's messaging Zetha. <You need to get behind the bar. As luck would have it, they're all here. Now, listen carefully. I'm going to order them a round of drinks, it'll be on me. But when you bring it out, you'll need to make sure they leave some liquid in their cups. Make it bitter, make it too strong, whatever you like. Then, when you clear away the cups, naturally, don't take them to the washer. Put them in something sealed, and bring them with you tomorrow when we go to the lab. Got it?> Once that's done, he puts away his commlink, and without any hesitation, approaches Ellari, Volken, and Er'gi in the front of the cantina. In fact, Ellari might almost run into him. He flashes a charming smile. "Hello there~" he says, "miss me?" He also turns around, to give Jorn a faint smile and a pointed look. Navi, of course, will get to witness this spectacle, since she's out front handing out rations. The doctor, Cayde, and Luli will arrive soon after, but the doctor will instruct them to not get distracted. "We'll worry about that later," he tells Cayde, "let's focus on finding a room for now so we can talk about what happened at the hospital." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha has likely been doing work in the cantina when she needs breaks from tearing stuff down. Just being where she's needed when she's needed while things get all settled. So it won't be a surprise that she's behind the bar - but only just. As that message comes through her commlink, she'll read it, and then send back a quick <<Got it. Whatever you say.>> Then she's flipping over to her messages with Soren, but first she glances up in time to watch as 'Jasper' actually walks up to the other Mandalorians. Then she sends to the doctor, <<He's brazenly walking up to the Mandalorians. Told me what I need to do. I need something I can set glasses into that's sealed...and likely someone'e help after.>> Now she's worried - all of this is getting much too real. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I ddidn't -give- him my beskar, I put my helmet and torso armor on him so he woudln't be crushed when I used my body to blast through several yards of rock that was collapsing on us while the place caved in because of her loosin' a fight over our heads." sneers Volken. He's not having any of this 'Way of Mandalore' nonsenese right now. "If that makes me a heretic to you Er'gi then...." Volken stops himself, suddenly feeling a pang there. He doesn't -want- Er'gi to be upset. He actually -doesn't- want Ellari to be upset either but he also believes she's wholly in the wrong here. "....I don't -know- why we're still here anymore. " he finally admits, "We came here to help Jorn, assuming he'd get some training with the Dark Saber and that's barely happened. It's just been one thing after another. I suppose we wanted to get to the bottom of the whole clone thing but that's just been a nonstop circle. The officers and republic here don't even trust each other and the Jedi are so stuck in their rules and regulations that it gets in the way of any progress." He finally looks at Er'gi firmly, "I'm leaving as soon as I can find passage and you're welcome to come. I've got a gorgeous woman with tons of credits to her name willing to pay me regularly and pay me well but I've ignored that -beacuse- I wanted to help these di'kut's. No more. I'm leaving them to their fates." He puts his helmet back on now and then addresses Crane, "It's not yer fault Kass was insane and you got hurt. It's done. I'm over it." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde purses his lips and clenches his jaw as he enters the crowded cantina, just barely managing to keep himself anchored in the moment. He just keeps his gaze focused on Soren's back, following him through the crowds... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi winces, watching the fireworks between Volken and the female Mandalorian. "That didn't sound good," she murmurs, passing over two more ration packs and two more bottles of water, hoping the barkeep will be back soon. She doesn't mind handing out rations to hungry people, but it's a lot slower with only one person passing things out, and she has a feeling she may need to intervene sometime soon. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     It was a good thing Ellari didn't hear Crane saying that Volken had given his beskar to him earlier, as she is already out of earshot and outside the cantina. But then, Caine just...waltzes up to her with that smug smirk of his. She doesn't care what he wants. For all she knows, he was the one who attacked her with such relentless aggression during the storm. But whether it was him or not, her only answer to that is a blaster bolt aimed at his head. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn hangs backa nd tries to see what's beign said int he conversation. Everything about the contact. Trying to get intel on everything. His attention focused on more of the waht, why and similar questions. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The barkeep and the other employees, of course, don't blink an eye when Zetha comes into the kitchen. Instead, they just smile and wave, and go back to work (of which there is a plenty of right now), totally unsuspecting. Maybe Zetha will feel bad. Or maybe she'll refuse to think about what any of anything means right now, and just focus on the task at hand. The doctor doesn't reply, but she'll espy him ushering Luli and a rather disgruntled looking Cayde into the cantina, towards the back where the private meeting rooms are. He'll spare her a glance, but no more. Er'gi doesn't say anything, he doesn't seem to know what to say. All he does is point at the Baron, who has suddenly materialized in front of the cantina. "Well, don't leave just yet," the Baron says to Volken, "I was going to tell you the truth about the clone. About why I'm here. You've been chasing me for months, well, here I am. Everything you've ever wanted since coming here." And then Ellari shoots him. The blast grazes his cheek, burning a perfectly blackened mark onto his well sculpted cheekbones. He winces, and seems to be in a lot of pain, but is it an act? "I don't want to fight you," he says dramatically, as by now, the entirety of Kublop is watching, enraptured. Nothing interesting had ever really started happening until the Mandos had shown up, and townsfolk couldn't help but drink it up. "I come in peace." He suddenly goes over to Jorn and rests a hand on his shoulder. He squeezes it, perhaps a little too hard. "I know you've toiled, sweated tears and blood to find me. To get an explanation. And I'm going to give you one. I'm going to tell you everything, why I'm here, why I did what I did. It's the least that you deserve." A pause. "Well, you all look like you could use a drink. I'll open a tab, order whatever you like. And then we can talk." Meanwhile, as Navi is continuing to hand out rations and hoping things don't go horribly sideways, she'll spot Mondrian (F) in the line. She looks terrible. Her skin is pale, her lips look blue, and there's dark circles under eyes. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Mondrian? Force help you, you look like /frell/," Navi says softly. "What's happened? Are you all right?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The timing couldn't have been more perfect as he was -just- about to put a comm call out to Xera after seperating from the shell-shocked Er'gi. Making peace with potentially losing one of the last connections to Mandalore there. "Fine.." he rumbles, "..Guess I'm just a hereti--" He stops his words when he hears Caine, sees the blaster shot go off and he turns about to stare in that direction. Fortunately his helmet is on now, staying nice and secure. He says nothing. He doesn't even move. He may -actually- be out of any Dank farrik's to give. But - he doesn't leave. He just glances at Er'gi and then back towards The Baron and also sees Jorn at that point. Finally he rumbles. "Just get to the point. No theatrics. Or I"m out and they can deal with ripping your head off by themselves." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari doesn't attack again, but she just glares daggers at Caine. "-Now- you come clean? Ha! Do you take us as utreekov, hu'tuun? This is all part of some sort of manipulative scehem of yours, and I'm -not- falling for it this time!"     She then storms past him, still intent on leaving. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sort of keeps an eye on where the Mandalorians are, but she also helps out the kitchen/bar as well. If they order, they order. But the way things are just -looking- at the moment, no one is happy to see the Baron and no one is ordering a drink anytime soon. Maybe this idea will fall out from under 'Jaspers' plan. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I'm fine," Mondrian (F) shoots back at Navi, even though it's really clear that she's not. "I'm fine." She repeats. But she won't look Navi in the eye, and the young Sephi girl will have already have heard the reports about her brother being missing. "I've been conducting research," The Baron says, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small medical adhesive and covering the wound on his cheek with it. "That's all I've ever wanted to do, ever since I was young," he continues. "That's why I'm here. Come, let's all get drinks, and I'll tell you more," he glances at Ellari, "if you don't want to, that's your loss." He shrugs, and starts heading inside. Zetha will be able to see him heading for the bar now. Whether the others are in tow... well only time will tell. Meanwhile, The doctor has found a room for himself, Luli, and Cayde. "I think the morticians are up to something," Luli suddenly explains, "something illegal. I don't know what. They broke protocol, and I thought that was very unusual. Maybe credits were involved." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde follows Luli and Soren into a back room, listening to the Mikkian begin to explain what's on her mind.     [Which protocol] he asks. [Which morticians...why credits] 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi places Mondrian's (F) ration pack and water bottle into her hands, then lays her hands against the taller woman's hands, drawing upon the Force to aid her body in healing itself. "You don't /look/ fine. You look like the /opposite/ of fine. Is this about your brother being missing?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "NO" Volken's deep vioce explodes with that fury again. He raises an enormous arm and fires off a single shot towards the ground infront ot the Baron, be it into the outside of the Cantina or no. The repulsor gauntlet explodes dust and debris skywards as the huge Mandalorian seems steps forward, overshdaowing even Er'gi now as if all restraints he's had are being broken. "We are NOT getting rinks. TALK. NOW." He said he's ahd enough and he has had enough. There's been too much circlular logic, running back and forth and people thinking that they can control the flow of this. If the Baron would reveal what this is all about, as far as Vooken is concerned he can do it now, or be crushed - and then he's leaving. "SPEAK." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, I mean for sanitation reasons and to make sure no outside environmental factors affect the autopsy while it's in progress, the morticians are supposed to seal off the mortuary anytime they're performing any kind of work on a dead body," Luli explains. "What I saw was the two of them clearly working on the inspector's body, with the doors wide open." She shakes their head. "They were talking about asking for credits. What for, I'm not sure, but it doesn't bode well," she tells Cayde. The dark circles under Mondrian's (F) eyes fade and her face goes two shades less pale. "Thanks," she murmurs, still refusing to look at Navi. She sighs. "Look. Just don't worry about it. Everything will be a lot less complicated if we just take it at face value. He's missing, or dead, and probably not worth looking, in all honesty." She shrugs, as if trying to pretend none of it mattered. "Alright, that's fine," the Baron says calmly, despite Volken's outburst. He waves a hand dismissively. "-I'm- going to get something to drink, and sit down. If you want answers, you'll at least join me at a table. You see, I'm in a bit of a predicament. Don't worry, it'll be worth six hundred thousand credits for you and whoever decides to help you," he spares a Jorn a fleeting glance, "and whatever admission and information you want regarding the Dark Saber, what I did with it, and why I did it." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Zetha will likely be able to see the Baron talking to Volken and Jorn in the entry way to the cantina. If she's looking for some kind of sign, or signal from him, she'll get none. Volken clearly doesn't want drinks, so... so much for that plan. She might be anxiously waiting for some kind of communication from the Baron when she'll get a tap on her shoulder from the bar owner herself. "Hey uh... how long you stayin' to help tonight? The folks on street clean up said you dipped in the middle of a massive haul. I think they kinda need you back..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is almost of the mind that the Baron is having a difficult time getting people to actually get drinks. When the bar owner taps her on the shoulder she flushes purple in her cheeks and shakes her head. "I got distracted by something else... I'll go help them out again...but listen.." She tries to coyly motion over towards 'Jasper' and crew. "He's going to order some drinks. He'll be expecting me to not let the glasses get washed. I know it's the craziest thing to ask...but can you just set them aside if his friends order anything and I'll come back soon to take care of them? I'll even pay you for the glasses out of my own pockets. We just can't lose this opportunity." Because she trusts the bar owner - they've likely been through a lot together over the years. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "You don't get to walk in here and act like you've got control over this situation. I will BREAK YOU IN HALF." Volken starts forward slowly, hands twitching now and helmet fully on, giving him the look of an approaching tank. "I'm tired. I've nearly drowned. I"ve people I thought I could start to depend on betray my trust betrayed and I've been running all over this forsaken planet trying to find you and deal with you while your insane brother continues to betray any attempts I've given him to prove his worth! You don't just -swagger- in here and then act like you can call the -shots-. -I- call these shots! Stay where you are and explain things -here-! -NOW-. Or I'll tear your head off and I"m leaving!" He waves a hand at the end of all that, though still bearing down. "Credit's are meaningless in the face of personal satisfaction. I've -got- access to mountains of credit if I want to earn it. Now. TALK---NOW-" If Jorn, Er'gi or Ellari don't intervene--Volken will likely be ontop of Caine in a moment. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde listens to what Luli has to say, considering what it might mean. Were they trying to fabricate something about the inspector's death? Was someone paying them to do it? But whatever for?     But he doesn't outwardly respond immediately, simply sitting there with a mildly pensive expression that is fixed on the Mikkian girl. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If that's what you want," Navi says reluctantly to Mondrian (F). "But if you need someone to talk to, or any kind of help besides that, I'm available. Or at least I'll try to be, given the state of this town." She glances over her shoulder at the angry roars coming from the barroom. "That's sounding worse and worse..." she observes softly, then shouts, "Barkeep! Could someone take over ration distribution, please? I might be needed in a moment!" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn is quiet for a moment. He's just listening. Trying really hard not to put his hand on the trigger. Just shoot first, ask questions later. The armored Mandalorian watches. Waiting for more. He will ask a simple question, "Why should we trust you?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The bar owner rubs her head, confused. ".. er, so what's this all about Zetha? You know that guy, he was looking for you that one time, what happened? Are you alright? Are you trouble? Because Wiis isn't gonna like that." Caine doesn't seem bothered by Volken's aggressive demeanor. "Then sit down," he says, sitting down at a table just a few feet away from the other Mandalorian and gesturing. He looks to Jorn. "Because," he says, "I understand." he says to both of them. "I get it. He's my brother, I've had to put up with him my entire life, not just half a year. He's a symptom of a society whose so called backbone is honor but as soon as that honor is perceived as gone, you're thrown to the akk dogs. Mandalore is thriving, for now. We're drowning in disunity, Volken. We're eating chaos for every meal and calling it prosperity. It's pathetic, and you know it. I bet you anything in a few hundred years time, we'll have turned our planet into a gutted hole in the aftermath of our infighting." He sighs. "We're on a doomed trajectory," he says to Volken and Jorn. He sighs. "And that's why what I'm doing here, and the job I'm offering you, is more important than five hundred thousand more credits in your pocket. You see, the planting of the Dark Saber on Jorn wasn't just some hateful act fueled by a thirst for revenge. Yes, I did want revenge, and still despise Jorn for taking the love of my life, but there's more important matters at hand." "He was a distraction. A distraction so I could slip away, to indulge in my research while pretending that I didn't want to admit that I'd put the Dark Saber in Jorn's possession purely out of spite." "I'm going to fix Mandalore. I'm going to fix our political crisis, gut Revara's mother's influence, and level the playing field for both Houses. House Vizsla, despite my allegiance to it, has been in power far too long for it's own good. If I succeed, there will be no more backstabbing, no more foolish duels and bloodshed over ancient relics that by themselves, mean nothing." He suddenly gets up, and goes over to the bar, motioning to Zetha. He then whispers to her. "I need you to turn up the heating in here. Maximum capacity." Then he goes back to his seat across from Jorn and Volken. "You know I'm right. I'm making progress. Good progress. But I've hit a snag with the Arkanians." The doctor frowns at Cayde. "I want you to interrogate them," he says to the young padawan, "but of course, not without Rykard's supervision. Do you think you can do that?" Mondrian doesn't say yes anything. She doesn't say yes, and she doesn't say yes no. Instead, she just stands there, hands in her pocket. Her expression distant. Suddenly, she says to Navi, "Hey do you think, that if there's um, room at the bar, that you'd want to get drinks...? With me. If you don't want to, that's fine. You seem busy anyway. Sorry." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "If I promise I'll tell you after will that be good enough? I'm not in trouble. Not really. I'm helping Doctor Cassias and a few others get down to the bottom of some nefarious things and that one is the root of it. And I'm the catalyst. Also. Please don't tell mom. She'll kill me before anything else does..." Then Zetha looks towards the baron and others. "Now. I'm going to go help haul stuff because I can...and if he asks about me...just tell him I got called to go repair something. He should understand." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Interrogate? As in, search their minds for intentions, memories? Cayde assumes that's what he means, anyway, resisting the urge to see for himself.     The padawan nods. [Okay] he signs. [When...now] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken lays his hands on either side of the table Cain is sitting at. The table resists. The table, then, instantly crumples up. Barely a second after he touches it. It balls up, crushed, breaking, sundering in Volken's grip as he cmopresses it violently in a show of outrage and frustration infront of Caine. When he drops it tot he ground at the Baron's feet, his outrage is clear and only barely tempered by his incredulity at his words: "I've been dragged all over the galaxy, chasing after you and dealing with the Dark Saber nonsense and -now- you show up with an intent on some sort of -noble- scheme? You're -crazy-. You've had all this tiem to just come clean about it and now you want to just pitch some sort of effort to 'fix' Mandalore after all the mayhem and chaos -you- caused? I should -twist- your head off! Thaelin lost his -arm-. over this. The girl you supposedly love -doens't want you-. She tried to run -away- from Mandalore. You better give me something more then some sort of noble quest showing up out of blue!" Volken turns to Jorn and rumbles, "Don't -trust- him." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "You want to create a power vacuum and who would benefit the most? Why such extremes to do this changes?" He looks at the Baron. "Why go through all of us to get to this goal? You've betrayed everything you claim to have stood for," Jorn says curiously. Looking toward Baron with some curiousity in his voice. "I was with Volken long before this conversation, but I'm pretty sure I'm still camped there." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi winces at the sound of cracking, splintering wood from inside the bar. A LOT of cracking, splintering wood. "Mondrian? Any other time, I'd be happy to," she says softly, meaning it. "But going by the noises I'm hearing from inside, I don't know if anyone's getting drinks in there tonight. For the moment, at the very least. Would you settle for a raincheck?" She looks back over her shoulder, to see if anyone's coming to relieve her on ration distribution, even as she continues to do the job she'd been volunteered for... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Baron doesn't flinch when Volken crushes the table, but he does put on his helmet. "Let me tell you a story," he says, suddenly. "When I was young, I learned about the Dark Saber, as all good little adike do. I'm sure you all did as well." "But you know how Mandalorians are. All the history books talk nearly exclusively about the Dark Saber, and very little about the duality of the man who wielded it. Tarre. Tarre Vizsla." "Both Mandalorian and Jedi. The last and arguably greatest Mand'alor who ever lived, the only Mandalorian Jedi. Of course, our teachers mostly only spoke about how he was a great Mandalorian, and said nearly nothing about his time as a Jedi. They spoke about the justice of the great war, and how after much bloodshed they were able to obtain the relic once more." "I became fascinated. Obsessed. I studied him, endlessly. And I observed our world. Our constant state of civil unrest and political upheaving. And the more I studied him, the more I began to realize that it is not a weapon who makes a man, it is the man who makes the weapon." "When I went into the vault I wasn't just looking to take the saber. I was looking for any possession of Tarre's. I found a few. And with it, trace remnants of his DNA. His possessions had been stored so precisely and perfectly that naturally, it was rather degraded, but not entirely." "And you may be surprised to know, that after running thousands of tests, I've found a path forward. It's possible. Tarre can be recreated. The process has already started, and so far, things look promising." "Now, it doesn't matter whether you believe in my vision, or not. What matters is that the Arkanians have copied all of my research to some external databank, and disappeared. I don't know what they're doing with it. But the worst can be assumed. They're only concerned with two things: Recognition and credits. Now, neither of us may be successful, but there is also the possibility that both of us end up successful. And you both know what that could mean, for Mandalore, perhaps for even the rest of the galaxy. The artificial creation of a Force sensitive being." "Perhaps you don't care about the rest of the galaxy. But there are people you care about, who, if this comes pass, will get caught in the crossfire. Thaelin. Sanza. His father, the Duke. Revara, even, probably. Their heads will be the first to get put on a platter if an uprising occurs." Mondrian (F) suddenly frowns. "I mean, you're not going in there without me," she says, suddenly reaching for her gun to make sure it's there. She then starts heading for the cantina. "We have to go find Rykard first," the doctor says sternly. "And they're not off their shift yet, so probably not this immediate second." But the bar owner had always been a busybody. "Something nefarious? Like what? What's going on?" she pesters the Twi'lek. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sighs and when she explains things, she keeps her voice as low as possible to still be heard clearly. "In it's simplicity... cloning. And that Mando what keeps asking for me? He's got a lab somewhere. Soren, Thaarin and a couple others want me to try and get into the lab. So I've befriended the Mando...loosely...and he keeps making me do tasks to earn his favor to take me to his lab. So this needs to go smoothly... but I can't be in several places at once. And if I don't go help with the hauling their hovercrafts might break and I'll need to fix them. Soooo... can you help me with this one teeny tiny little thing? He orders the drinks, they finish the drinks, you just don't clean the glasses. I'll be back in...what...half an hour at most?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The way Volken turns towards Jorn after he speaks - even with his helmet on - it's clear that he's surprised. His body language showing some shock at something he said. He then seems to relax just a little bit. He turns to look for Er'gi to see if the other Mandalorian mammoth is near. Ellari is apparently long gone. No longer a factor - at least at the moment. He looks back tot he baron, listening. His body language once more becoming stiff. Dangerous. "SO again wer're back to the fact that your'e insane and your insane behavior has possibly triggered something that'll become everyone elses problem. Sounds like -exactly- what I just described about you a second ago.....and what's -worse- you created a problem that will possibly drag The JEdi into the middle of it.... I'm so far not seeing why I still shouldnt' take your head off. Is that why you were cloned? then?" Volken valls silent and then his body leans backwards slightly. "...Let the Jedi decide." he finally says and then looks to Jorn, " We should let the Jedi decide. We'll let Cayde or Navi get into his head and see if he's telling the truth." He looks back to Caine, waiting for his reaction to that. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Spying someone in line with a friendly face, Navi hastily draws her aside for a moment. "Excuse me, but I'm needed inside," she whispers, showing her Deputy Marshal's ID. "I'll give you a double ration if you can take over distributing the rations for me." The young woman is surprised, but agrees readily, and Navi hastily departs with hers and Cayde's rations, hurrying inside after Mondrian. Inside, she doesn't have to look for more than a moment to spot the remains of a table, and then the only person in the bar capable of breaking a table with his bare hands. "I'm getting the feeling that I've walked into the middle of a tense conversation," she says softly to the Mandalorians gathered. "Hi, Volk." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Okay] Cayde nods again, acquiescing to the doctor's stern words. He has determined that, if he at least follows everyone else's recommendations to the letter, if the results are bad, then it would at least be partially their responsibility.     He frowns though, as there is...a disturbance coming from the main dining area of the cantina. Tensions are rising, if not Volken's rage, then the distress of the cantina's patrons and workers is rising quickly. He glances in the direction of the nearest wall of the room that faces the front of the establishment, even if it's just a blank wall. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Zetha," the bar owner says, "That is crazy talk. How'd you hear about any of this? You've been reading too many holobooks, I swear!" The bar owners shakes her head. "Well, whatever favor he wants from you, sure don't look like you managed to git 'er done. And that's probably for the best! The Mandalorians are trouble, and you should steer clear of them. Before I decide to tell Wiis about all of this." She folds her arms. "They didn't even order drinks... feh..." Then she starts walking away. "Fine," the baron admits reluctantly. "I admit it was a wild gamble. An insane one that probably wasn't going to work. And I didn't think it would work, to be honest. But I didn't want it to be for lack of trying, and now, I'm afraid I've become too successful and the Arkanians have decided to use my research for their own purposes. I can't imagine it will amount to anything good. My DNA is there, and so is Tarre's. It's a recipe for disaster." The baron, if he's intrigued or afraid of Volken's suggestion, doesn't voice it. "I suppose," he says dryly in response. Mondrian is right behind Navi, her hand on her holster. Vons suddenly materializes too, he'd been around, watching Jorn. For now, he just observes, brows furrowed, arms folded. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "As if Wiis doesn't already know...parts...of the story..." Zetha offers and then shakes her head. But then the bar owner is walking away and Zetha glances over to Baron and company to see that they still haven't ordered anything. And that the Baron is rambling his head off. Fine. She needs to go help with demolition stuff...like she agreed to do in the beginning. Though she does have to pause for a moment to send a message off to Soren. <<They haven't ordered drinks and I'm needed back with the demolition crew...I don't know what else to do at this point. ~Z.>> Then she continues on her way to leave the Cantina. Secretly. Ish. Perhaps out the back. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "To bounce off of what Volken said, all I'm seeing a is a problem from a situation that's self-inflicted. You want us to fix -your- problem after you caused us a ship-load of problems related to your own," Jorn is more tempted to just pull out a blaster and let loose some shots. "I was taught there are some things worth more than credit. Credit talks, but only so far. What -else- is in it for us? Because right now, I'm not seeing much of anything. And that's -if- we fix this little self inflicted wound of yours," he just stares at the Baron. Jorn is definitely not swayed by any of this. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     'Speak of the devil and he shall appear.' Or should it be 'speak of the Jedi'? Just as Volken mentions that the Jedi should judge and that Cayde should be let loose inside of Caine's mind, the padawan comes out of the back room to see what the commotion was all about. He frowns at the broken table, and glances over at Volken. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Mebee I haven't made myself clear..." Volken's voice becomes more gutteral, less refined, more brutish as he leans in towards Caine. The compressed table is in his hand again - and a spasmign of his enormous arms takes place - visible, tattooed, slightly hairy, vained pillars of muscle bulkig up like bolders under his ruddy flesh. The sinewy movements causing the table to abruptly compressed even further - balling up to the size of a child's ball from what was previously a table large enogh to support a group of people. His helmeted visage loms in closer towards Caine, "If I find out that your'e lying.." he whispers, "...Or that youre trying to trick us... I'll show you -why- I had t'leave Mandalore and what the bodies I left behind looked like before I left..." So yes. Cayde probably senses -that-. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi opts to observe as well, putting out a hand to brush the back of the hand Mondrian has on her holster. Cautioning her not to act rashly. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Hiya Navi." Volken didn't forget she was there. He's still staring right at Caine thoguh, looming over him. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' <I can't really help you at this point, Zetha. You're going to have to find a way to do what he wants, otherwise, you're unlikely to get into that lab. I wish I could help you more. But I'm currently not in a position to, and sometimes, too much handholding can be detrimental> the doctor replies to Zetha. She might be about to send another message to him, but then Crane appears, touching her shoulder gently. "Zetha my love what are you doing out here? It's cold out. Is everything alright?" "What do you want, Jorn? I've given you the answers you've wanted all this time, and I've admitted to everything you wanted me to admit. I said part of my motivation to plant the Dark Saber was out of spite, and that this situation with the Arkanians is my fault. How else should I act? Shall I grovel, and beg for your forgiveness? The entirety of Mandalore is at stake, and Revara, right after her mother is the freshly plowed dirt just below that stake. Any power shift will cause House Solstice to resist. And you know Revara. She'll lick her mother's palm like a strill pup, if that meant her approval." He grunts when Volken looms over him, suddenly deflating. "What -choice- do I have," he says, his tone suddenly weak. "My allies have abandoned me, and my brother is nowhere to be found." There's some trepidation about the Jedi in him, but when Cayde appears, he seems surprised by his youthful appearance. "Is this him?" he says, softly, "I'd heard the stories, but this is an adike..." Mondrian flicks Navi's hand away, but she doesn't unholster her weapon. She seems on guard, though. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Volken. What'a good price on top of the credit?" Jorn asks Volken since they seem to be of the same mind of it all. He looks at the Baron. "We both know if you usurp Mother the wrong way you'd lose Revara," because he remembers when Revara tried to harm him for removing her brother's arm. Well, fore arm. Still. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha reads the message from Soren and just as she's about to go back and do something drastic...Crane appears. "I'm fine. Hold that thought. And wait here..." She doesn't let him respond to that before she's back inside the bar. Did the Mandalorians order drinks? No. Is she going to make drinks anyway? Yes. Something strong. Something she's heard people order before, and then she makes them a bit stronger. The drinks are all placed on a tray, the tray is carried over to the crushed table and she just places the tray with the drinks on the table next to them. "On the house. Drink up." And then she's gone again. Not giving anyone any time to reject, thank, or try to pay her. She tosses one look to the bar owner, gives a wink and then heads out the back again. Well. That is. Unless something or someone actually stops her. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde basically walks in with Volken threatening Caine very visibly, so he doesn't exactly need the Force to see that. He resists the urge to just enter the large Mandalorian's mind again and try to calm him down and instead just watches Caine warily when it appears they'd been talking about him. 'Stories'...great.     He tries to simply tap Volken on the back or arm wherever he can reach to try getting his attention. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "We know where Kass is and he's out of his mind and in desperate condition. Because of you. Yes he has to account for his own actions but you're not somehow innocent of playing a part in his descent into the way he is..." Volken looks towards Jorn and then shakes his head, tone honest as he says, "Not sure. Double?" After a moment he then looks to Navi and then Cayde wen the young Jedi taps him. He just looks back at the Baron, not commenting on his observation of Cayde and then he turns. "This is the guy we've been lookin' for. Not the clone. The real deal. He claims to know about a threat to both Mandalore and possibly the Jedi and others but he's also a liar...and a thief. We want to make sure he's telling the truth and then ...I wanat him locked up until we can decide on what to do about him and his tip. But keep him away from Kass. The Marauders were working for him to." Volken grumbles. He hates having to give 'orders'.... He then turns and calls out, "Er'gi?" looking for the other giant Mandalore ..and though he doesn't call his name out - he starts searching for someone else who has gone conspiciously absent given how in the middle of things he'd been. "Where's that Disciple at? Where's Crane?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' As her hand is brushed aside, Navi gives Mondrian a concerned glance. Then she looks to the Mandalorians. "Sounds like someone to be careful of, speaking as someone who arrived late to this conversation, and probably missed a lot of the really important bits," she says softly. "Obviously nobody's getting locked up in Kublop Springs right now. Mondrian, can you see that this guy's locked up somewhere secure in-system, maybe in Aklyrr Bend or on a neighboring planet, away from Kass, once we're done questioning him?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You know I'd never. Her mother is worse than aruetti to me, but unlike her I'm more interested in pragmatic ways to solve things that don't involve excessive bloodshed and force," He grumbles at Jorn. When Volken says double, Caine sighs exasperatedly and bursts out, tone acidic, "Fine! Fine. One hundred thousand if that's what you want." "Zetha, wait!" Crane runs after her, heading back into the cantina, just as Volken starts to head out, looking for Er'gi and well, him. He almost runs into him, but manages to stop himself before bumping into the Mandalorian behemoth. However, the sudden stop causes him to stumble backwards, and he falls on his backside. He crawls backwards away from Volken, looking afraid and staring at the looming giant. "Sorry! I'm sorry," he says. Just then, Er'gi re materializes, looking like an oversized lost sheep. "Sorry, vod. I tried to tail Ellari, make sure she didn't get into trouble. But I lost her somewhere near the spaceport." "What hell is with you and bowing down to this guy? Like he's never done anything wrong in his entire life and you're just gonna believe everything he says at face value. I don't care if you trust him for no other reason than 'you've got a good feeling about him in the Force.' I don't trust him. I don't trust any of them. And you're not going to change that. I'm not gonna believe anything that 'Volken' guy says unless he can prove that this other guy is the real bad guy, because he's the one who just broke a table and wasn't helping out at all with the rescue and cleanup efforts. This is a light damned mess and I'm not locking anyone up without solid proof that they did anything, other than possibly break into a hospital. Whatever, fine. I'll take him to Aklyrr Bend, but I'm gonna be doing the interrogating. Not you, not Cayde, or Rykard. This is gonna be strictly Republic business from Coruscant this time, no Jedi or Force sensitives involved." Then she takes out her gun and points it at the Baron. "You heard what she said. You're going to Aklyrr Bend with me." The Baron gets up slowly, and starts heading out of the cantina, his gaze going briefly to Zetha. For some reason, Mondrian (F) seems weirdly agitated, moody, and angry without reason. Perhaps Navi will notice. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "I think one and a half times, but we should be allowed to control the power vacuum outcome. I mean, we are only in this mess because of Baron to begin with," Jorn speaks rather firmly on the matter. His gaze goes back to the others around here. "What say the rest of you?" he asks thinking a few people would probably agree with them. Just past run ins with the Baron. Although, Jron thinks some of the jedi may not have opinions on the matter. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "This is -not- strictly a republic matter, you idiot. W're trying to figure out if there's a wider threat at large to us -all-. I'm doine being diplomatic or lettin't his drag on and go back into circles. We take -action-...and if thats a problem - you konw where ot -find- me. Right -here-. Right -now-." It's time, it seems, for the Mandalorians to be feared as such as he wheels on Navi's companion and stares at her. Staring her down. "You will -not- interfere. You will simply keep him from running -off-." Crane gets the barest of glances now. At least he knows where he is. But he then looks back towards Navi, Cayde and Mondrian F. "What we need to find out is the truth behind what he's saying. If there's risk of a powreful sorcery-using clone...a Force using clone-fine-from Mandalore's past possibly about to be called into being. We need to stop it because that same figure was part of a galaxy spanning war a long time ago." He then spares Er'gi a quick head shake, "Just let 'er go." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Easy, Mondrian, Volk... there's been enough violence this last month. Can we just talk this out?" Navi asks gently, stepping partly between the feisty Mondrian (F) and the gigantic Volken. "Wait... did you say /clone/? We've been looking into a pair of dodgy Arkanian scientists who had been doing cloning experiments at the lab at Aklyrr Bend, the one near the Gorge and the Vergence. They've since disappeared, and we stumbled on a hideout and an escape ship that seemed to be theirs," she says. "Maybe we're looking for the same people." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [You are angry...calm yourself] Cayde signs to Volken once the big Mandalorian turns to him. He looks over toward Caine. But then Volken mentions someone from the past being cloned into existence, he frowns. [What is this] he asks. [I ask my master first]     And then Mondrian is making demands. Her emotions are clearly out of control. And he again resists the urge to reach into her mind and attempt to calm her down. Instead he just tries to use the Force fling the blaster out of her hand. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha notices the glance Caine gives her, but she actually ignores it. She's not getting in the way of all that hot mess. Instead, she shifts to go back to where Crane's fallen on his backside and then offers him a hand. "Come on. I should be getting back to help with demolition stuff ... but did you come here looking for me? Is everything okay?" What she really wants at this point is distance between her and the Mandalorians. And to get back to her proper work that she was asked to come out and help with. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh since when did you start caring?!" she yells at Volken. "You run around doing other people's morally grey errands for several thousand credits and then suddenly you're concerned about galactic matters, huh? You think you save one guy and that makes you a Jedi? A hero? Please. You're only doing this because that other guy is offering you 100k credits. Yeah I heard you earlier. You said you don't even want to be here so why don't you lug your giant ass off this planet, mind your own damn business like you wanted to and forget all of this happened?!" She screams at Volken, pointing emphatically. She doesn't seem to even notice when Cayde flicks the gun out of her hand. There's tears in her eyes, and she wipes them away furiously. "No. I'm done. I don't want to talk, I don't want to have to deal with this anymore. I'm over it. When we go back to Coruscant for that Dug's trial, I'm -staying-. Clearly no one here cares about following the law. It's just every kriffing person for themselves." She turns to leave, apparently having completely forgotten about Navi's prior request. It would seem that she's not even really mad at Volken, he just happened to be her focal point. Her emotions are overflowing like a raging river, and hopefully with Volken's frustration combined, Cayde doesn't get overwhelmed. "...everything's fine," Crane says, "the bar owner was talking about you getting into trouble, I was worried. Volken's really upset." He takes her hand. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Well. The bar owner might not be too far off..." Zetha says this, pulling her hand from Crane's own. "Just don't hate me..." Then she turns and shifts to grab Caine by the arm while Volken is screaming and Mondrian (F) is all emotionally compromised to try and yank him away and run off. Caine may have been a bit blindsided by the motion, but somehow Zetha manages to pull him along quick enough that they're soon taking off away from the scene. The Twi'lek has a few little hiding spots - likely from the misspent nature of her youth. They're a bit tucked away that even the monsoon didn't destroy them. "You really owe me now, you realize this, yes?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' When the Republic OFficer literally begins to break down and cry - it becomes clear to even Volken that this isn't just about him, yes. so he says nothing. There's no damage he can do verbally that she's not doing to herself at the moment. The others can deal with trying to stop her if they want. He looks towards Jorn, Navi,. r"Yeah...that's the ones. Experiments? Hmm.... So...maybe Caine -is- onto something.." He does nod in agreement with the final credit assessment though but in the end.. it's mostly just trying to make life hard for Caine. It's starting to become clear that it's something they can't just walk away from be credits involved or no.... And realizes that Caine has wandered off making this whole point moot. "Oh -come on-. I knew I should have throttled him when I saw him. We gotta find him!" He looks to Er'gi for help ahd then turns to start heading out of the bar to take a look around. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Zetha, what the /frell/...?!" Navi cries, as Zetha suddenly takes charge of Caine and runs right out of the cantina, with Caine in tow, if not streaming in the wind behind her. That girl is /fast/ whens he wants to be! "Swell..." she murmurs, picking Mondrian's pistol up from the floor and slipping it through the straps around her medical satchel. "I'd better find Mondrian before she does something rash. See if you can find Zetha and Caine. Please try not to hurt them. You need That Guy alive, and Zetha's impulsive. I have a feeling that there's more going on here than we know about. May the Force be with you." Then she jogs out of the cantina, looking for Mondrian's (F) trail. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Wait, had there been something about a clone? Perhaps all this was indeed connected. Cayde frowns as Zetha grabs Caine and hurries off. Although he doesn't rush off after them, he knows where they're going. He's been in Zetha's head before...for long periods. And she was thinking about where she was going to go. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Indeed, the baron trips and nearly faceplants when Zetha grabs him out of the blue and starts running, quite startled by her sudden maneuver. "Yes, alright, fine," he says, sounding tired and exasperated. "But where are we going?" he whispers urgently. However, he just follows her, letting her take the lead. Er'gi places a hand on Volken's shoulder. "Look, the boy is already going. Let's.. let's him handle this for a bit, please? I.. I think I need a drink." He goes to take a couple pints from the tray that Zetha had brought out, taking one for himself, and the other for Volken, holding it out to the other mammoth. "Hell of a day... dank farrik..." Crane approaches Volken meekly. "You know, she's wrong. I don't think it takes any more than just deciding that you want to be hero in order to become one," he says to Volken. Meanwhile, Navi won't have any trouble finding Mondrian's (F) trail. The other blonde is storming towards the tram station, barely holding her tears back. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I'm not tryin' to be a hero Crane.." counters Volken, pausing in his search for Caine to answer him. "..And I've done some pretty....well...things some folk wouldn't like. That I dont' like. I'm just trying to get by.... Make it to the next day. That's the est I can do.." He gives Crane a long look and then turns nad starts moving as swiftly as he can into the streets after Caine. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde can feel Zetha's desperation as she hurries away. He remembers she wanted to know the truth of everything, and he'd promised her he would tell her but hasn't followed through. He starts off toward the junkyard at a casual pace--well, casual for him, anyway. Which still means 'leisurely' Force leaping across rubble. Maybe he'll even get to the destination before Caine and Zetha do... 
}}

After the Storm

2026-03-21T01:45:19Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-02-24
|Cast of Characters=159, 444
|pretty=yes
|Location=Kublop Springs - Tenoo - Outer Rim
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I think he's dying." Zetha will hear the words coming up from the tunnels below through the open trapdoor. Thaarin and the others had gone down there, to see who had been in the tunnels having come from the convent. She'll also be able to see from where she is, Crane's battered and bloodied body from her vantage point. But then everything starts happening, really fast. Navi is healing Volken and Crane, and then the news of the property inspector being dead is being made apparent to everyone. Then, minutes, or maybe seconds later, several EMTs from the hospital arrive through the tunnel network to take Crane away to recuperate at the hospital, and to wrap up the property inspector's body and haul it away to only light knows where. She'll find herself being hurried to the hospital too. Perhaps she'll remember she had a concussion and make sense of it. Perhaps she'll have forgotten. Either way, she'll find a guiding hand on her back and commanding finger pointing her in the direction of the way she should go to get to the hospital. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' It all happens so fast even without the concussion Zetha's head spins. First it's someone might be dying - and with what she saw - it was likely Crane they were speaking of. Now she's being ushured towards the hospital. Whether it's because someone mentioned she needs to be checked out or they know she'll likely be wanting to see Crane once he gets settled - who knows. She's sort of out of it as things try to fall into place around her. And she follows the ushering all the way to the hospital itself. Though she's silent, perhaps just suffering shock. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's all a lot to take in. She'd never properly known the property inspector, but he'd been around for a long time, even before Zetha had been an orphan on the streets of Kublop. She likely hadn't had very many interactions with him, but he had been extra kind to her in all of them. He had a wife, and a child, too. Perhaps it's strange, sad, or both, to see his body being taken away, enclosed in a white sheet, all of his identifying features obscured or flattened. She'll find herself in the hospital lobby, watching them cart Crane away on a medical hover berth, his normally caf colored skin a dull and dark beige. Someone offers her a blanket, and some water. Later, someone vaguely familiar is calling her name. "Zetha? Zetha!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' You can't really mourn who you don't know. Of course Zetha remembers the few interactions with him and her heart tugs but it doesn't quite break. Not for the inspector. But for Crane, seeing him being brought in on that medical hover berth, his skin discolored and knowing he's battered and bruised beneath the sheet - that breaks it. She finds herself soon wrapped in a towel and she just sits - wherever she finds that she can. A little out of it, her mind trying to sort through everything. If only they had been faster. If only the monsoon could have staved off another day.... Then a voice is calling her and she looks up and over, but she's still not speaking. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's the doctor's assistant, Luli. She would have seen the Mikkian around here and there, she normally had a bubbly, vibrant personality. But today her tendrils are drooping and her brows are furrowed even though she's smiling. "Oh, sorry," she says softly, coming to sit down next to Zetha. . "I should call you Miss Rumir. The doctor wanted me to let you know that he wants you to stay at the hospital overnight today. He's busy with other patients but he wanted to personally check in on you later to make sure you were alright." "I.. I think he doesn't have a lot of faith in Force healing." She chuckles softly, then stands up. offering Zetha a hand another weak smile. "I'll show you to your room?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Zetha's fine." The Twi'lek finally speaks, but her voice is soft. Barely above a whisper. "You can call me that." The doctor wants her to stay overnight. Of course he does. But she has people to check on. Crane, Thaarin, Wiis, the Big Scary Man. She can't do all of that from a hospital room. And when Wiis finds out she got hurt? Zetha's not sure she can withstand disappointing the Zabrak any more. Still, she stands, but she doesn't move. "...I want to see Crane first..." It's not really a question or a request. It's a statement. But she'll likely just follow Luli wherever she takes her. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Luli then smiles warmly at her. "You will," she says, "don't worry. This way, please," she says, heading for a stairwell to their left. "We'll have to go down before we go up," she says, "sorry about that, the storm didn't collapse the hospital but it did break some windows in the stairwell to the upper east wing. And the upper west wing stairwell access is in the basement. It'll be a bit of a trek, but we'll get there, I promise," she tells Zetha. "I'm sorry about everything," she says, as they head for the stairwell, "this must have been really hard for you." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I made it out better than others..." Zetha offers, shaking her head some. "I should be going home and checking on Wiis. Seeing if the others got out safely. I can't be confined to a hospital bed. It's not fair..." Still she follows. Because she was told to. Because if she defies doctors order while actually actively hurt - he won't be very happy with her. At least the headache is gone for now. But she's not without her own bruises and the singular gash on the back of her head. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "But the EMTs said after they had a brief look at you that they think you got a concussion," Luli tells her. "The Co Deputy was able to heal you from most of it, but they also said they weren't sure you were fully healed. They didn't have time to give you a full diagnostic. It'd be good to just make sure. Besides, don't you want the doctor to make sure you aren't putting yourself at risk again?" They start descending the stairs. "Anyway," Luli continues, "we already reached out to your mother. She's alright. The mayor and his family stayed to help her with the house and the flooding. They were going to have her spend the night at the guest suite at the mayor's residence, but she refused, so they opted to camp out in the living room at her house to keep an eye on her." Well, of course she'd refused. Wiis probably would have rather been put in an early grave than spend the night at the mayor's house. Perhaps it's welcome news, though. If she was cantankerous enough to refuse sleeping in twelve hundred count sheets from Ghorman, she was well enough to not be worried about. Probably. As they descend, Zetha might notice that the lights are dimmer. And as soon as they reach the basement, it's very dim. And kind of wet. And -really- creepy. It's all cement down here, and it smells like bad science mixed with rotting eggs. It might suddenly occur to her why -- the morgue is down here. "Oh," Luli says with a nervous laugh, "Maybe they didn't fully restore power to the basement yet?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "All I did was bash my head against a metal rooftop. I'm fine. I've had worse." Zetha offers as they continue to walk. "Yes, Navi did ease a headache I had... and I've been fine since..." Of course she's not going to win this battle, and she's not going to refuse what's being ordered for her to do. So she'll stay. Though as they descend into the basement, Zetha begins to grow a little weary. Listening to how her mother protested about staying in the Mayor's house has her pausing to chuckle. Then she has a good look around. It's dim, creepy and wet. "Are you sure my room is down here?" That nervous laugh doesn't sit right with her either. Zetha's heckles get raised. "...What's going on?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh no, of course not," Luli says, "Your room is upstairs, but we have to access the stairwell to get it from here because the other one has broken glass and debris in it. It's uh-- this way," she says, navigating through the dim hallway. Luli herself seems uncomfortable, but it's obvious she's trying not to let it show. As they walk along, Zetha will suddenly hear voices coming from down the hallway. But she won't be able to see anyone from her vantage point. ".... what if... what if we said, 'they're not free'?" "What? Okay, no. That's messed up. You know it." "Oh come on! They wouldn't have access to this stuff if it weren't for us doing our part. We deserve a cut. Seriously.." Luli pauses, frowning, but then just keeps walking, although she quickens her pace. And then suddenly, they're in front of the morgue. The doors to it are wide open, and two morticians are standing there, right inside the morgue, barely a meter away with the berth carrying the dead inspector's body next to them. The sight... is sickening. They've folded down the upper part of the white sheet, revealing the head and torso of his unclothed, deathly pale white body that's still wet from all the rain. His cheeks are sunken in, and in this lighting it looks almost like his body has prematurely started rotting. They've already cut him open, too, it would seem. There's a long silver of a cut running form his clavicle to his belly button. One of them is holding a vial with a piece of soggy, dead tissue coated in half curdled blood. But as soon as Zetha and Luli appear, they quickly cover the body back up with the cloth. "What the kriff are you doing down here!" one of them yells aggressively. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Right. Luli had said that. And Luli's not the type to set up some nefarious trap for Zetha right? Then they continue walking, voices are heard, and Zetha matches Luli's quickened pace. Then the morgue comes into view and what Zetha sees almost makes her sick right there. "What the kriff..." She stammers, shaking her head. "Part of the hospital's a mess. We're trying to get to the other wing...that's all." She offers the truth, tugging her blanket tighter around her shoulders. "I didn't see anything. We're just going to keep going..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Luli hurries along as well, quickening her pace. She then reaches a door at the end of the hallway. "Here, here," she says, her tone nervous. "The stairwell is here." She seems quite unsettled. They start up the stairs in silence, which is uncharacteristic for the usually chatty Mikkian girl... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha follows, matching pace to keep up, but her body is really getting tired. Maybe she's not as well off as she thinks. "Seriously. Don't commit that to memory. If asked, feign ignorance. They shouldn't be working with the doors open anyway..." But what was in that vial and did they pull it from the inspector's body? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "They never do," Luli says, morose. "It's actually against protocol..." she trails off. But then she finally says, "It's okay, don't worry about me, I've seen plenty of dead bodies before. It just comes with the job," she says, "I just thought how unpleasant that must have been for you. Unless you've seen your fair share of dead bodies before..." she laughs nervously again, trying to ease the tense moment with a joke, but maybe it didn't land. It might occur to Zetha that she probably hasn't ever seen a dead body like that before... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "You make a habit of going down to the morgue and watching them work?" Zetha asks, and if she had eyebrows, one would be raised. "Listen. It's okay to admit that that was a bit...gross...and such. Anyway....how about we get me to that room..." Then she grins. "And no. I've never really seen a dead body before...not until today." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh," Luli says, "I'm sorry," she says, "I don't mean to make humor a coping mechanism. The doctor says that a lot of people with emotional and psychological trauma do that..." About four flights of stairs and several left-right-left turns down whitewashed hallways, they arrive. Luli doesn't open the door right away though. Instead, she peers through the narrow window first, then looks over at Zetha with an encouraging smile. "You can go in now," she says softly. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Does it help? If it helps you then why are you apologizing? My coping mechanism is still tossing things into a box, chaining the box and stuffing the box into a hole." The Twi'lek shrugs as they walk. A long way. Untul they're in front of a door. As they pause, she notices that Luli doesn't open the door right away. Instead, there's peering through a window, and then she's told she can go in. Odd, but okay. So she opens the door and lets herself in, prepared to be confined to a bed for the next 12 or so hours. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "No, of course not -- it ..." then she trails off. "I'm just really glad you're seeing the doctor for counseling sessions." She might be surprised to find the Crane is in there, too, actually. There's an extra berth in there as well, pushed up right next to his, effectively forming a queen sized mattress. He looks asleep, and there's an IV for blood transfusion going into his left arm. However, when Zetha comes in, he stirs a little. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "You and a few other people. I suppose myself included. Sometimes." Zetha says and then she smirks, as if somewhere in there was a joke. Either way, she shifts to enter the room. When she sees Crane laying in that bed, another one pushed up beside his own, she skips a breath. Cause there he is, battered and beaten, blood transfusion. Her heart skips but she steps further into the room. As he stirs she stills, but only for a breath, before she's climbing into the bed pushed next to his and reaches her closer hand over to touch against his arm. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, suppressing feelings and using humor as a coping mechanism isn't healthy," she says, "just remember that." She giggles softly when she quickly climbs onto the bed next to Crane. "If you need anything extra, just look in the drawers by the door," she says, and then she dims the lights a little and closes the door. When she touches his arm, his eyelids flutter open. "...Zetha?" he says weakly. He looks a little better than the last time she'd seen him. He's a little less pale, and his skin feels warm, at least. There's a faint scar that bisects the far end of his brow where his head had been split open earlier. And the blood transfusion bag is nearly empty, so that process must have been almost complete. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Thanks Luli, I appreciate it." Zetha offers before the woman dims the lights and leaves the room. When she hears Crane utter her name, she gives his arm a gentle squeeze. "Crane..." She offers. "Thank the Light you're still alive...when I saw you earlier..." She pauses, the words that she needs to say aren't coming. So she just lets her hand rest on his arm for the moment. She also has so many questions, but Crane needs time to regain his strength. So she'll wait. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He seems a bit groggy and out of it for a moment, but after he shakes away the initial sleepiness, his eyes light up. He sits up, with much effort, and rubs her cheek gently with one hand. "Why'd you come after me?" he says, brows furrowing a little. "You could have died." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "You were in trouble... Thaarin said you had been taken hostage. And then with the monsoon... if we hadn't have come..." Zetha offers and then tilts her head into the had on her cheek. "I came because I was worried for you. And I didn't die - as you can see..." But she's in a bed pushed up against his own. Is this because she's here to stay with him or something more concerning? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' This seems to occur to him. His brows furrow even more. "Did you tell them you wanted to stay the night?" he says, "is that why the berth is here?" He pauses. "Are you alright? Did anything happen to you?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "There...may have been an explosion...and Thaarin may have shielded me from the brunt of it but I wound up slamming my head against the metal roof of the convent." Zetha admits. "Nothing too major. I might have a concussion...but I feel fine over all." Then she offers him a soft smile. "Though asking to stay the night might have been a better path to go down..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Exerting a significant amount of effort, he leans forward and attempts to turn her head gently so that he can try to get a look at the back of her head. "What? Did they look at you? Was Navi there? Did she heal you?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "It took a while. We had to get down to the tunnels...and that was a blessing because it's where we found the big scary Mandalorian who had been carrying you. Navi healed me of the headache but that's all she managed. She also healed the big scary man. And you." Zetha explains this further. The gash in the back of her head is a few inches long but not that deep. "Doc wants me to stay over night. He'll come see me in the morning..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His expression softens. "Volken..." Then he frowns when he sees the gash. "It's not bleeding anymore," he says, "but I still think it should be covered. Can you lie down?" he asks. And then he actually gets off the berth, and nearly stumbles face first into the wall. "..." Somehow, he manages to make his way over to the drawers by the door. He opens them, but doesn't appear to have found what he was looking for in them. His brows furrow in bemusement. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face and then shakes her head. "Crane, you should be resting..." She offers gently and then she shifts a little when he falls forward. "Look it's fine. I'm fine. I promise...just...please get back to bed." She offers while he shifts forward and then he's at the drawers. A tilt of her head is given as she watches him. Thinking she may see that bemusement on his face. "What is it?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I thought there would be some bandages in here," he says, "but there's not, just... contraceptives --" But before Zetha can respond to that, the nurse droid in the corner activates. "Good evening, Ezekiah Crane," it drones monotonously, "the hospital patient intranet has notified me that your blood transfusion is complete. Please be seated while I remove the IV." Crane hesitates, but finally complies, sitting back down on the berth. "We need some bandages for Zetha," he tells the droid, "she has a wound on the back on her head." "I can fetch the required medical supplies," the droid replies, "please do not leave this patient room. This is a mandate given by Dr. Soren Cassias." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' There's a blink when Crane mentions whats in the drawer. Was someone out there hoping...surely not! She actually flushes purple. Then the droid activates, but the name said causes Zetha to blink again. Of course she'll wait until Crane is seated and the droid is likely working on either removing ivs or getting bandages. She'll wait a breath and then looks to him with a smile. "Ezekiah?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The implication seems totally lost on Crane. He seems mostly concerned about getting Zetha bandaged up. The droid removes Crane's IV and then exits the room, returning a few moments later with a roll of bandages. It then will proceed to secure a patch of it over the gash on the back of her head if Zetha will allow it, despite Crane's reluctance to let it do the bandaging, not him. He takes her hand gently, leaning against the headboard of mediberth. "Yes," he says softly, "that's my first name. No one really calls me that." His expression softens. "I'm sorry about your injuries. And for making you worry about me." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Why not? It's got a nice sound to it..." Zetha offers while the droid is allowed to banadage her head. When Crane apologizes she waves a hand in the air. "I've suffered worse for less... it's fine." A pause and then a breath. "What happened anyway? Why were you taken hostage? Inside the convent no less..." Figuring the most accurate story will come from the person who experienced it. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He shrugs. "No one has ever known me well enough to feel comfortable using it, I guess," he says. "But if you want to call me that, I don't mind." he says suddenly putting an arm around her waist and pulling her near. He frowns pensively. "I... don't remember, really. I think that Mandalorian went crazy. I'm not sure why. The doctors told me I had a terrible concussion. Thanks to Navi, I'm alright now." He lies down, and tugs her arm, beckoning her to lie down next to him. "I thought I was going to die. And then I thought about you, and I felt terrible that I wouldn't be able to say goodbye, and about how sad you would be." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' The physical contact is a little surprising. At least the frequency of it, but perhaps it's part of that whole settling after a near-death experience. Who knows. "I'd like to call you that if you truly don't mind." A sort of name for him all to herself. That has a bit of a romantic ring to it. "I heard Thaarin talk about someone dying...and then I saw your form. I knew he was talking about you. I know Navi helped and managed to get you away from the edge of death.." She says this much and when he tugs on her arm to get her to lie next to him she doesn't hesitate. Curling up against him as much as he allows. "It ever happens again, and you do die, I'm finding away to bring you back so I can yell at your for dying on me." Of course, that usually ends with killing the person again but - that does against Zetha's pacifism. "In all seriousness...I am very glad you did not die..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I don't," he says, giving her a small smile. He touches her nose softly, and when she curls up against him, he puts his arms around her waist again. "Oh," he says, "interesting. The part where I thought I was going to die was before that. Or was it? I don't remember much," he says. Suddenly, when she playfully threatens to find a way to bring him back so she can yell at him, his expression becomes distant and pensive. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Wasn't there so I'm not sure. In fact, the only thing I ever saw of you was how you looked on the ground in the tunnel..." Zetha offers this gently. Course she's about to maybe say something else when she notices that shift in his demeanor. The look that becomes distant and pensive. "What is it? What's wrong? Is it what I said?" Asking this with a bit of worry behind the words. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His attention suddenly snaps back to her, and he gazes at her fondly, smiling. He traces one of her lekku gently. "No, I just..." he trails off. Then his expression becomes solemn and pensive again. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' That doesn't help the worry to go away and Zetha shifts so that her closer hand can take his. "Well...whatever it is...I'm sure it'll be alright. You can tell me." Course the expression on his face tells her it may not be the best of news. She still offers him a smile, trying to perhaps give him a bit of comfort as he finds the words. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "... I think I'm in love with you," he says after a moment's pause. Then he immediately says, "You... don't have to say it back. I'm sorry if I've overwhelmed you..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' It's almost visible, the relief that exhales out of her when he speaks those words. Of course, she flushes purple in her cheeks and looks away for a moment. "And here I thought I was being crazy..." she starts, "Cause I think I'm in love with you too. I just didn't want to say it too fast...or put you in some awkward position somehow..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He seems both relieved and enamored when she says that she thinks she's in love with him too. "Oh," he says, "I was thinking the same thing." There's a pregnant pause. "Ah.. I'm not sure how this whole 'confessing my love' is supposed to go. Am I supposed to kiss you now? Are you supposed to kiss me?" And now he does seem to be in an awkward position. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I mean, that's how it goes in A World Beyond..." Zetha offers, perhaps in a way to remind him that they both enjoy those type of novels. "Unless you don't want to kiss me. You don't have to do what you don't want to do..." And there's sincerity in her words when she says this, her hand that holds his giving a gentle squeeze. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I do," he says, but he's still hesitating. "I do.." He seems nervous, like for some reason he's not sure she wants him to. "Ah... I'm so bad at this.." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha actually gives a soft smile and then leans in to brush her lips gently against his own. Tender but quick. "I think we're both bad at this. So at least we can be bad at it with each other and that's not so bad in the end." She whispers while watching him a moment. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He doesn't say anything then, but whatever nervousness he had been experiencing seems to dissipate. He kisses her back very intentionally this time, perhaps for longer than he ever had. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' She holds the kiss for that length of time and perhaps a breath longer before gently pulling back. Her eyes meet his own gaze and she smiles, but also feels like she's looking at him for the very first time but with different glasses. "I love you, Ezekiah." No more thinking. Just a confident admission. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "And I love you too, Zetha Rumir," he says softly, tapping her nose again gently. He seems to be getting tired again, though, his arm around her waist is going limp. She might get distracted anyway, there's the muted sound of voices right outside the door of the patient room they're in. She won't be able to tell what they're saying, but she'll be able to recognize the voices. Thaarin and the doctor... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Probably best that Crane goes to sleep, so if he falls into laying down fully she'll at least ease him down and pull the covers over him. Her eyes go to the doors to the room a moment later. Noting the voices but it's all faint gibberish from where she's sitting. So she settles back and waits. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' After a minute or two she'll be able to tell the conversation is... kind of heated. Thaarin doesn't sound very happy. Eventually, the voices hush, which is followed by the sound of footsteps receding into the distance. There's a quiet knock a few seconds later. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' A single eyebrow lofts as she notices the tone of the conversation and then they furrow a bit. Who was upset in this instance? She likely will never know. At the knock, she actually stands up and walks to the door opening it a crack to see who is waiting on the other side. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's Thaarin. He immediately notices that 'Crane' sleeping on the mediberth behind her, and his expression goes from unreadable to concerned. "I'm... sorry, is this a bad time?" Perhaps, but the room she'd been put up in (probably courtesy of the doctor) has a screened balcony and by now, the storm has let up to a light sprinkle and no wind. They could talk out there, without bothering Crane. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I don't think so. Crane's resting and I...I'm not tired. Come on." Zetha offers gently to Thaarin, opening the door a bit more to give him berth to walk in. "I heard they checked on mom and she's safe. Albeit stubborn as a bantha like always." Offering those words while crossing the room to slip onto that screened balcony. Waiting for Thaarin to catch up and perhaps begin to say whatever is on his mind. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He hesitates, but then follows her to the balcony. Once there, he closes the door behind him and leans gently against the screened wall, arms folded. "I know," he says softly, "I stopped by on the way over, "she's fine, the house is just a little wet. She wanted me to check up on you," he says, "although I'm not sure if that was just an excuse." He gives her a faint smile. "How are you feeling? Better, I would hope," he says, "and performed admirably today." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Depends on what you think the excuse was. My credits would be on getting us in a room together..." Zetha says, shaking her head with a soft chuckle. "Me? I'm fine. Shaken a little, I guess...and I'm not sure what you mean by admirably. I barely did anything but bash my head on something..." She looks out over the balcony. "You going to clue me in on what you and Soren were so heatedly whispering about in the hallway?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His scarlet eyes flash in amusement. "Well, I do think someone owes you credits, then..." "If it hadn't been for your quick hands with the welder, we might have all been crushed under a collapsing roof." He moves closer to her, and when she asks about what he and Soren had been talking about in the hallway, he waves a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it," he says. "I hope you didn't resist treatment for your head trauma," he says, "you could have gotten a concussion..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "She doesn't like Crane." Zetha states, likely suddenly. "And apparently no matter what I try to explain to her about you and I she just...doesn't want to hear it. I suppose she'll get over it. One day..." When he tells her to not worry about what he and Soren had been arguing about her purple gaze shifts to eye him for a moment and then there's a light scoff. "Fine. Keep your secrets." She offers. "No one's offered me treatment yet. Except for the droid what bandaged the back of my head. But I won't resist...if it's offered...Not like I'd be able to sneak out of here quietly." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin chuckles softly, but doesn't reply to her statement about Wiis getting over her and Crane one day. "Well, good," he says. "I'd imagine that the doctor will come in and see you later, to make sure you're alright and decide when you can go home." There's a pause. "I know today has likely been a lot for you," he says, "and I just want you to know--" There's another pause. "That you have people who care about you and will be happy to listen to how you feel anytime," he says. He suddenly averts his gaze. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches Thaarin for a good but silent moment or two before she turns her head to look back over the balcony again. "Are you on that list?" She asks gently, perhaps not wanting to hear the answer for fear of what the answer might be. "I'm fine. If you're worried. Today could have ended much differently and it didn't." There's a pause as she takes a steadying breath. "We can always be thankful for that." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He still won't look at her. "I would like to be," he says, quietly. "Yes," he says, "you're right. And I'm not worried. I just wanted to reassure you, that's all." He straightens. "I should go," he says, "the doctor will likely be in shortly to see you." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' When Zetha looks back, noticing he still isn't looking at her, she actually gives another scoff. "I want you to be..." She offers. "But you can't even look at me right now. So what am I supposed to infer from that?" Then, suddenly, he's saying he should go and that earns a shake of his head. "Of course you do. I never do get but a handful of minutes of your time." She turns away from him then. "I'll wait for Soren and then hope to go home. I'd like to check on mom myself." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His expression becomes slightly pained, and his brows furrow. "Nothing. Don't infer anything, don't overthink." "Listen, I would stay. Really, I would. On this rare occasion, I have time to spare. But I can't, and I'm sorry for that. I still want to be your friend and I'll be here for you if you need me, in a limited capacity. Just not right now." And he turns to leave, his expression having gone cold and unreadable again. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Oh if Zetha had something to throw at him she so would. Right at the back of his head. Watching him turn and walk away with that cold expression tugs on her in a way she can't describe. She stays on the balcony after he's gone, leaning on it's railing to just watch the city as the rains continue to come to a stop. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' A few minutes later, there's a quiet knock, and the door cracks open. The doctor lets himself in silently, then says, softly, "Zetha, you awake?" "I want to have a look at your head." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' She's awake, and still on the balcony. Though she might hear the soft knocking and so she goes to the door separating balcony from room and then slips into the room. "I'm awake. My head's fine. You should just let me go home." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Sit down please," he says ignoring her request. "Just because you don't have a concussion anymore isn't an excuse for you to be released prematurely from the hospital. Now let me look at your injury." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "What were you and Thaarin arguing about in the hallway just a moment ago?" Zetha asks, arms folding across her chest. Of course this doesn't stop her from moving to the bed to sit down so that Soren can have a look at her. "I don't understand people sometimes...why does Thaarin claim to want to be my friend but gives me a cold shoulder?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Boundaries," The doctor says vaguely, "why don't you ask him that question yourself?" he says to her. He looks the wound over, and seems satisfied with what the droid has done. He gestures for them to go out onto the balcony so as to not disturb the sleeping Crane, whose rest seems completely unbothered despite multiple people coming in and out of the room. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I can't if he doesn't ever give me a chance to! The minute the conversation gets tense he buckles, goes cold and walks away!" Zetha shouts as soon as they're on the balcony. Once they're out on the balcony she moves back to her position of leaning against the railing. "I take it there's something else you want to talk about with me?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You can ask him another time," the doctor says, "I'm sure you'll see him around." "Just wanted to make sure you know I didn't sign for you to be released until tomorrow morning. So I'm sorry but I won't have you going home to Wiis tonight." Then he shrugs. "I should be asking you the same question, Zetha. Your boyfriend almost died, and you got a concussion. I should hope that by now you don't think putting all of that in a box you'll never reopen again is the healthy default." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "May not be the healthiest option, but it's the one that works for me." Zetha offers before giving a shake of her head. "Whatever you're after in this moment, Soren, you're not going to get it from me. I'm fine." Until she's not, but that's all she's going to say for now. She does pull her comm from her pocket and flips it open to write out a message to Wiis. <<Hey mom. Glad to hear you're doing alright, and still being stubborn. I'll be at the hospital overnight. Just to be safe. See you soon.>> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "It's the lawful option," the doctor says with a shrug. "He's also a client of mine, as well. I can't share details, Zetha. If he won't tell you, well then. I'm sorry. He didn't take my advice." Soren sighs. "I'm not after anything," he says, "except your physical, emotional, and mental well being. Have you really taken time to self reflect on everything that's happened to you in the past twenty four hours? You might feel fine right now, but unprocessed trauma has a habit of rearing its head at inopportune moments. It's called a -trigger-." Perhaps he's being slightly sarcastic. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I haven't even been able to reflect on the last twenty four minutes much less twenty four hours..." Zetha offers this before giving a shake of her head. "So maybe now isn't the right time to have me stop and think on everything that's happened." Then she flips open her comms again and lets out a sigh. The next message is to Thaarin. <<What is it that you won't say to my face? You keep me dangling on the string, Thaarin, pretty soon I might just cut it with my own scissors. Let me know when you're ready to talk.>> That done she sighs and looks out over the balcony again. "It's going to take a lot of effort to clean up this monsoon's mess..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I was just asking about whether you'd made an attempt or not," he says, his tone becoming instructive and paternal, "and it sounds like you haven't. If you haven't made the time yet, you should think about when you can." Thaarin doesn't respond, but at least Wiis replies, and asks her if Thaarin had come by to see her. "It'll happen, in due time," the doctor says, "the Republic has supplied ample funding for the humanitarian effort." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "No. Soon as I got here I was met by Luli who led me to this room. With a stop and a barking at by two people in the morgue cutting open the inspector's body. With the doors open, I might add..." Zetha begins explaining. "When I got to the room Crane stirred awake and was awake enough to talk for a little bit." She further offers that but nothing more. "Then he fell asleep and that's when I heard you and Thaarin arguing in the hallway and now here I am. Cold shouldered by Thaarin and given the fifth degree regarding reflection by you. Now. If you have any insight as to where in all of that I could have put reflection time, please, tell me." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The doctor frowns when she mentions the morticians who'd been working with the doors open. He seems to find that concerning but he doesn't comment on it. "Alright, that's fine," the doctor says calmly, "no need to become defensive. It was just a suggestion, a suggestion to think about when you could take time to do it, not a reprimand for not having done it already. I just don't want 'I haven't had time' to be the excuse for suppressing your trauma indefinitely, that's all." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha closes her eyes, breathes in, holds it for four, and then breathes out again. "Sorry, Soren. I'll make time. I promise." She finally lands on that and gives the doctor a smile. "Probably sometime later this evening when the room is quiet for more than half a minute." She smiles then, looks at her comms to see the message Wiis has left her and groans. She responds in the positive that Thaarin did come by. And that's all she puts. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Good," the doctor says. "And I see you're doing well self regulating your emotions." "Now, I don't want you to think about what I'm going to ask you for the next 48 hours. But after that, take it into consideration." "Has the Baron reached out about a specific time for visiting the lab?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Not yet. But I'm sure the monsoon didn't help any." Zetha offers and then holds up a finger, "Just wanted to say. I won't think about it. I'll be busy self reflecting on other things." She offers this with a smile and then - as if suddenly - her shoulders drop and she lets out a sigh. "I think I want to lie down a while." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The doctor nods. "You're probably right," he says, but he suddenly gets this distant look in his eyes. Zetha will know this look. It always meant he was thinking about something he wasn't going to share. For a doctor who talked constantly about self reflection not suppressing trauma, he certainly seemed like he himself had a lot to hide. "Well, that is what I like to hear," he says, standing up. "You get a good night's rest," he says, "and I'll see you tomorrow morning when you get discharged." A pause. "And about Thaarin." He sighs. "He isn't ill intentioned. He never was. You probably knew that, but I just wanted to make sure you knew. He's a wonderful person with flaws, and I think that you should give him space. That would be the healthiest choice for both of you." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches him as he looks a bit distant but she says nothing. Instead, she nods as he speaks again. "I will. I look forward to getting let go in the morning." Though whether she was -actually- going to leave might yet be known. It may depend on how Crane is doing in the morning also. Still, she walks back into the room and to the bed that was moved against Crane's own. "By the way....and one last thing..." She looks to Soren once more. "If you find out who put contraceptives in one of the drawers of this room...give them a stern talking to please?" She gets into the bed then, not quite snuggling to Crane, but she does gently place her hand over his own. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Really," the doctor says, his tone hard to read. Crane puts an arm around her. Perhaps he's awake, perhaps he's asleep and the movement is instinctual - but by the time Zetha registers it, he's fast asleep again for sure. "Well it isn't unusual for those in a relationship to process grief and trauma together through physical intimacy," the doctor says, "and it never hurts to be prepared if the timing feels right." And before she can further question him about it, he heads for the door of the patient room and goes to exit. 
}}

After the Storm

2026-03-21T01:44:59Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-02-24 |Cast of Characters=159, 444 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I think he's dying." Zetha will hear the words coming up from the tunnels below through the open trapdoor. Thaarin and the others had gone down there, to see who had been in the tunnels having come from the convent. She'll also be able to see from where she is, Crane's battered and bloodied body from her vantage point...."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-02-24
|Cast of Characters=159, 444
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I think he's dying." Zetha will hear the words coming up from the tunnels below through the open trapdoor. Thaarin and the others had gone down there, to see who had been in the tunnels having come from the convent. She'll also be able to see from where she is, Crane's battered and bloodied body from her vantage point. But then everything starts happening, really fast. Navi is healing Volken and Crane, and then the news of the property inspector being dead is being made apparent to everyone. Then, minutes, or maybe seconds later, several EMTs from the hospital arrive through the tunnel network to take Crane away to recuperate at the hospital, and to wrap up the property inspector's body and haul it away to only light knows where. She'll find herself being hurried to the hospital too. Perhaps she'll remember she had a concussion and make sense of it. Perhaps she'll have forgotten. Either way, she'll find a guiding hand on her back and commanding finger pointing her in the direction of the way she should go to get to the hospital. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' It all happens so fast even without the concussion Zetha's head spins. First it's someone might be dying - and with what she saw - it was likely Crane they were speaking of. Now she's being ushured towards the hospital. Whether it's because someone mentioned she needs to be checked out or they know she'll likely be wanting to see Crane once he gets settled - who knows. She's sort of out of it as things try to fall into place around her. And she follows the ushering all the way to the hospital itself. Though she's silent, perhaps just suffering shock. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's all a lot to take in. She'd never properly known the property inspector, but he'd been around for a long time, even before Zetha had been an orphan on the streets of Kublop. She likely hadn't had very many interactions with him, but he had been extra kind to her in all of them. He had a wife, and a child, too. Perhaps it's strange, sad, or both, to see his body being taken away, enclosed in a white sheet, all of his identifying features obscured or flattened. She'll find herself in the hospital lobby, watching them cart Crane away on a medical hover berth, his normally caf colored skin a dull and dark beige. Someone offers her a blanket, and some water. Later, someone vaguely familiar is calling her name. "Zetha? Zetha!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' You can't really mourn who you don't know. Of course Zetha remembers the few interactions with him and her heart tugs but it doesn't quite break. Not for the inspector. But for Crane, seeing him being brought in on that medical hover berth, his skin discolored and knowing he's battered and bruised beneath the sheet - that breaks it. She finds herself soon wrapped in a towel and she just sits - wherever she finds that she can. A little out of it, her mind trying to sort through everything. If only they had been faster. If only the monsoon could have staved off another day.... Then a voice is calling her and she looks up and over, but she's still not speaking. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's the doctor's assistant, Luli. She would have seen the Mikkian around here and there, she normally had a bubbly, vibrant personality. But today her tendrils are drooping and her brows are furrowed even though she's smiling. "Oh, sorry," she says softly, coming to sit down next to Zetha. . "I should call you Miss Rumir. The doctor wanted me to let you know that he wants you to stay at the hospital overnight today. He's busy with other patients but he wanted to personally check in on you later to make sure you were alright." "I.. I think he doesn't have a lot of faith in Force healing." She chuckles softly, then stands up. offering Zetha a hand another weak smile. "I'll show you to your room?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Zetha's fine." The Twi'lek finally speaks, but her voice is soft. Barely above a whisper. "You can call me that." The doctor wants her to stay overnight. Of course he does. But she has people to check on. Crane, Thaarin, Wiis, the Big Scary Man. She can't do all of that from a hospital room. And when Wiis finds out she got hurt? Zetha's not sure she can withstand disappointing the Zabrak any more. Still, she stands, but she doesn't move. "...I want to see Crane first..." It's not really a question or a request. It's a statement. But she'll likely just follow Luli wherever she takes her. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Luli then smiles warmly at her. "You will," she says, "don't worry. This way, please," she says, heading for a stairwell to their left. "We'll have to go down before we go up," she says, "sorry about that, the storm didn't collapse the hospital but it did break some windows in the stairwell to the upper east wing. And the upper west wing stairwell access is in the basement. It'll be a bit of a trek, but we'll get there, I promise," she tells Zetha. "I'm sorry about everything," she says, as they head for the stairwell, "this must have been really hard for you." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I made it out better than others..." Zetha offers, shaking her head some. "I should be going home and checking on Wiis. Seeing if the others got out safely. I can't be confined to a hospital bed. It's not fair..." Still she follows. Because she was told to. Because if she defies doctors order while actually actively hurt - he won't be very happy with her. At least the headache is gone for now. But she's not without her own bruises and the singular gash on the back of her head. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "But the EMTs said after they had a brief look at you that they think you got a concussion," Luli tells her. "The Co Deputy was able to heal you from most of it, but they also said they weren't sure you were fully healed. They didn't have time to give you a full diagnostic. It'd be good to just make sure. Besides, don't you want the doctor to make sure you aren't putting yourself at risk again?" They start descending the stairs. "Anyway," Luli continues, "we already reached out to your mother. She's alright. The mayor and his family stayed to help her with the house and the flooding. They were going to have her spend the night at the guest suite at the mayor's residence, but she refused, so they opted to camp out in the living room at her house to keep an eye on her." Well, of course she'd refused. Wiis probably would have rather been put in an early grave than spend the night at the mayor's house. Perhaps it's welcome news, though. If she was cantankerous enough to refuse sleeping in twelve hundred count sheets from Ghorman, she was well enough to not be worried about. Probably. As they descend, Zetha might notice that the lights are dimmer. And as soon as they reach the basement, it's very dim. And kind of wet. And -really- creepy. It's all cement down here, and it smells like bad science mixed with rotting eggs. It might suddenly occur to her why -- the morgue is down here. "Oh," Luli says with a nervous laugh, "Maybe they didn't fully restore power to the basement yet?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "All I did was bash my head against a metal rooftop. I'm fine. I've had worse." Zetha offers as they continue to walk. "Yes, Navi did ease a headache I had... and I've been fine since..." Of course she's not going to win this battle, and she's not going to refuse what's being ordered for her to do. So she'll stay. Though as they descend into the basement, Zetha begins to grow a little weary. Listening to how her mother protested about staying in the Mayor's house has her pausing to chuckle. Then she has a good look around. It's dim, creepy and wet. "Are you sure my room is down here?" That nervous laugh doesn't sit right with her either. Zetha's heckles get raised. "...What's going on?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh no, of course not," Luli says, "Your room is upstairs, but we have to access the stairwell to get it from here because the other one has broken glass and debris in it. It's uh-- this way," she says, navigating through the dim hallway. Luli herself seems uncomfortable, but it's obvious she's trying not to let it show. As they walk along, Zetha will suddenly hear voices coming from down the hallway. But she won't be able to see anyone from her vantage point. ".... what if... what if we said, 'they're not free'?" "What? Okay, no. That's messed up. You know it." "Oh come on! They wouldn't have access to this stuff if it weren't for us doing our part. We deserve a cut. Seriously.." Luli pauses, frowning, but then just keeps walking, although she quickens her pace. And then suddenly, they're in front of the morgue. The doors to it are wide open, and two morticians are standing there, right inside the morgue, barely a meter away with the berth carrying the dead inspector's body next to them. The sight... is sickening. They've folded down the upper part of the white sheet, revealing the head and torso of his unclothed, deathly pale white body that's still wet from all the rain. His cheeks are sunken in, and in this lighting it looks almost like his body has prematurely started rotting. They've already cut him open, too, it would seem. There's a long silver of a cut running form his clavicle to his belly button. One of them is holding a vial with a piece of soggy, dead tissue coated in half curdled blood. But as soon as Zetha and Luli appear, they quickly cover the body back up with the cloth. "What the kriff are you doing down here!" one of them yells aggressively. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Right. Luli had said that. And Luli's not the type to set up some nefarious trap for Zetha right? Then they continue walking, voices are heard, and Zetha matches Luli's quickened pace. Then the morgue comes into view and what Zetha sees almost makes her sick right there. "What the kriff..." She stammers, shaking her head. "Part of the hospital's a mess. We're trying to get to the other wing...that's all." She offers the truth, tugging her blanket tighter around her shoulders. "I didn't see anything. We're just going to keep going..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Luli hurries along as well, quickening her pace. She then reaches a door at the end of the hallway. "Here, here," she says, her tone nervous. "The stairwell is here." She seems quite unsettled. They start up the stairs in silence, which is uncharacteristic for the usually chatty Mikkian girl... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha follows, matching pace to keep up, but her body is really getting tired. Maybe she's not as well off as she thinks. "Seriously. Don't commit that to memory. If asked, feign ignorance. They shouldn't be working with the doors open anyway..." But what was in that vial and did they pull it from the inspector's body? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "They never do," Luli says, morose. "It's actually against protocol..." she trails off. But then she finally says, "It's okay, don't worry about me, I've seen plenty of dead bodies before. It just comes with the job," she says, "I just thought how unpleasant that must have been for you. Unless you've seen your fair share of dead bodies before..." she laughs nervously again, trying to ease the tense moment with a joke, but maybe it didn't land. It might occur to Zetha that she probably hasn't ever seen a dead body like that before... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "You make a habit of going down to the morgue and watching them work?" Zetha asks, and if she had eyebrows, one would be raised. "Listen. It's okay to admit that that was a bit...gross...and such. Anyway....how about we get me to that room..." Then she grins. "And no. I've never really seen a dead body before...not until today." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh," Luli says, "I'm sorry," she says, "I don't mean to make humor a coping mechanism. The doctor says that a lot of people with emotional and psychological trauma do that..." About four flights of stairs and several left-right-left turns down whitewashed hallways, they arrive. Luli doesn't open the door right away though. Instead, she peers through the narrow window first, then looks over at Zetha with an encouraging smile. "You can go in now," she says softly. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Does it help? If it helps you then why are you apologizing? My coping mechanism is still tossing things into a box, chaining the box and stuffing the box into a hole." The Twi'lek shrugs as they walk. A long way. Untul they're in front of a door. As they pause, she notices that Luli doesn't open the door right away. Instead, there's peering through a window, and then she's told she can go in. Odd, but okay. So she opens the door and lets herself in, prepared to be confined to a bed for the next 12 or so hours. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "No, of course not -- it ..." then she trails off. "I'm just really glad you're seeing the doctor for counseling sessions." She might be surprised to find the Crane is in there, too, actually. There's an extra berth in there as well, pushed up right next to his, effectively forming a queen sized mattress. He looks asleep, and there's an IV for blood transfusion going into his left arm. However, when Zetha comes in, he stirs a little. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "You and a few other people. I suppose myself included. Sometimes." Zetha says and then she smirks, as if somewhere in there was a joke. Either way, she shifts to enter the room. When she sees Crane laying in that bed, another one pushed up beside his own, she skips a breath. Cause there he is, battered and beaten, blood transfusion. Her heart skips but she steps further into the room. As he stirs she stills, but only for a breath, before she's climbing into the bed pushed next to his and reaches her closer hand over to touch against his arm. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, suppressing feelings and using humor as a coping mechanism isn't healthy," she says, "just remember that." She giggles softly when she quickly climbs onto the bed next to Crane. "If you need anything extra, just look in the drawers by the door," she says, and then she dims the lights a little and closes the door. When she touches his arm, his eyelids flutter open. "...Zetha?" he says weakly. He looks a little better than the last time she'd seen him. He's a little less pale, and his skin feels warm, at least. There's a faint scar that bisects the far end of his brow where his head had been split open earlier. And the blood transfusion bag is nearly empty, so that process must have been almost complete. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Thanks Luli, I appreciate it." Zetha offers before the woman dims the lights and leaves the room. When she hears Crane utter her name, she gives his arm a gentle squeeze. "Crane..." She offers. "Thank the Light you're still alive...when I saw you earlier..." She pauses, the words that she needs to say aren't coming. So she just lets her hand rest on his arm for the moment. She also has so many questions, but Crane needs time to regain his strength. So she'll wait. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He seems a bit groggy and out of it for a moment, but after he shakes away the initial sleepiness, his eyes light up. He sits up, with much effort, and rubs her cheek gently with one hand. "Why'd you come after me?" he says, brows furrowing a little. "You could have died." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "You were in trouble... Thaarin said you had been taken hostage. And then with the monsoon... if we hadn't have come..." Zetha offers and then tilts her head into the had on her cheek. "I came because I was worried for you. And I didn't die - as you can see..." But she's in a bed pushed up against his own. Is this because she's here to stay with him or something more concerning? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' This seems to occur to him. His brows furrow even more. "Did you tell them you wanted to stay the night?" he says, "is that why the berth is here?" He pauses. "Are you alright? Did anything happen to you?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "There...may have been an explosion...and Thaarin may have shielded me from the brunt of it but I wound up slamming my head against the metal roof of the convent." Zetha admits. "Nothing too major. I might have a concussion...but I feel fine over all." Then she offers him a soft smile. "Though asking to stay the night might have been a better path to go down..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Exerting a significant amount of effort, he leans forward and attempts to turn her head gently so that he can try to get a look at the back of her head. "What? Did they look at you? Was Navi there? Did she heal you?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "It took a while. We had to get down to the tunnels...and that was a blessing because it's where we found the big scary Mandalorian who had been carrying you. Navi healed me of the headache but that's all she managed. She also healed the big scary man. And you." Zetha explains this further. The gash in the back of her head is a few inches long but not that deep. "Doc wants me to stay over night. He'll come see me in the morning..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His expression softens. "Volken..." Then he frowns when he sees the gash. "It's not bleeding anymore," he says, "but I still think it should be covered. Can you lie down?" he asks. And then he actually gets off the berth, and nearly stumbles face first into the wall. "..." Somehow, he manages to make his way over to the drawers by the door. He opens them, but doesn't appear to have found what he was looking for in them. His brows furrow in bemusement. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face and then shakes her head. "Crane, you should be resting..." She offers gently and then she shifts a little when he falls forward. "Look it's fine. I'm fine. I promise...just...please get back to bed." She offers while he shifts forward and then he's at the drawers. A tilt of her head is given as she watches him. Thinking she may see that bemusement on his face. "What is it?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I thought there would be some bandages in here," he says, "but there's not, just... contraceptives --" But before Zetha can respond to that, the nurse droid in the corner activates. "Good evening, Ezekiah Crane," it drones monotonously, "the hospital patient intranet has notified me that your blood transfusion is complete. Please be seated while I remove the IV." Crane hesitates, but finally complies, sitting back down on the berth. "We need some bandages for Zetha," he tells the droid, "she has a wound on the back on her head." "I can fetch the required medical supplies," the droid replies, "please do not leave this patient room. This is a mandate given by Dr. Soren Cassias." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' There's a blink when Crane mentions whats in the drawer. Was someone out there hoping...surely not! She actually flushes purple. Then the droid activates, but the name said causes Zetha to blink again. Of course she'll wait until Crane is seated and the droid is likely working on either removing ivs or getting bandages. She'll wait a breath and then looks to him with a smile. "Ezekiah?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The implication seems totally lost on Crane. He seems mostly concerned about getting Zetha bandaged up. The droid removes Crane's IV and then exits the room, returning a few moments later with a roll of bandages. It then will proceed to secure a patch of it over the gash on the back of her head if Zetha will allow it, despite Crane's reluctance to let it do the bandaging, not him. He takes her hand gently, leaning against the headboard of mediberth. "Yes," he says softly, "that's my first name. No one really calls me that." His expression softens. "I'm sorry about your injuries. And for making you worry about me." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Why not? It's got a nice sound to it..." Zetha offers while the droid is allowed to banadage her head. When Crane apologizes she waves a hand in the air. "I've suffered worse for less... it's fine." A pause and then a breath. "What happened anyway? Why were you taken hostage? Inside the convent no less..." Figuring the most accurate story will come from the person who experienced it. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He shrugs. "No one has ever known me well enough to feel comfortable using it, I guess," he says. "But if you want to call me that, I don't mind." he says suddenly putting an arm around her waist and pulling her near. He frowns pensively. "I... don't remember, really. I think that Mandalorian went crazy. I'm not sure why. The doctors told me I had a terrible concussion. Thanks to Navi, I'm alright now." He lies down, and tugs her arm, beckoning her to lie down next to him. "I thought I was going to die. And then I thought about you, and I felt terrible that I wouldn't be able to say goodbye, and about how sad you would be." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' The physical contact is a little surprising. At least the frequency of it, but perhaps it's part of that whole settling after a near-death experience. Who knows. "I'd like to call you that if you truly don't mind." A sort of name for him all to herself. That has a bit of a romantic ring to it. "I heard Thaarin talk about someone dying...and then I saw your form. I knew he was talking about you. I know Navi helped and managed to get you away from the edge of death.." She says this much and when he tugs on her arm to get her to lie next to him she doesn't hesitate. Curling up against him as much as he allows. "It ever happens again, and you do die, I'm finding away to bring you back so I can yell at your for dying on me." Of course, that usually ends with killing the person again but - that does against Zetha's pacifism. "In all seriousness...I am very glad you did not die..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I don't," he says, giving her a small smile. He touches her nose softly, and when she curls up against him, he puts his arms around her waist again. "Oh," he says, "interesting. The part where I thought I was going to die was before that. Or was it? I don't remember much," he says. Suddenly, when she playfully threatens to find a way to bring him back so she can yell at him, his expression becomes distant and pensive. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Wasn't there so I'm not sure. In fact, the only thing I ever saw of you was how you looked on the ground in the tunnel..." Zetha offers this gently. Course she's about to maybe say something else when she notices that shift in his demeanor. The look that becomes distant and pensive. "What is it? What's wrong? Is it what I said?" Asking this with a bit of worry behind the words. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His attention suddenly snaps back to her, and he gazes at her fondly, smiling. He traces one of her lekku gently. "No, I just..." he trails off. Then his expression becomes solemn and pensive again. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' That doesn't help the worry to go away and Zetha shifts so that her closer hand can take his. "Well...whatever it is...I'm sure it'll be alright. You can tell me." Course the expression on his face tells her it may not be the best of news. She still offers him a smile, trying to perhaps give him a bit of comfort as he finds the words. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "... I think I'm in love with you," he says after a moment's pause. Then he immediately says, "You... don't have to say it back. I'm sorry if I've overwhelmed you..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' It's almost visible, the relief that exhales out of her when he speaks those words. Of course, she flushes purple in her cheeks and looks away for a moment. "And here I thought I was being crazy..." she starts, "Cause I think I'm in love with you too. I just didn't want to say it too fast...or put you in some awkward position somehow..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He seems both relieved and enamored when she says that she thinks she's in love with him too. "Oh," he says, "I was thinking the same thing." There's a pregnant pause. "Ah.. I'm not sure how this whole 'confessing my love' is supposed to go. Am I supposed to kiss you now? Are you supposed to kiss me?" And now he does seem to be in an awkward position. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I mean, that's how it goes in A World Beyond..." Zetha offers, perhaps in a way to remind him that they both enjoy those type of novels. "Unless you don't want to kiss me. You don't have to do what you don't want to do..." And there's sincerity in her words when she says this, her hand that holds his giving a gentle squeeze. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I do," he says, but he's still hesitating. "I do.." He seems nervous, like for some reason he's not sure she wants him to. "Ah... I'm so bad at this.." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha actually gives a soft smile and then leans in to brush her lips gently against his own. Tender but quick. "I think we're both bad at this. So at least we can be bad at it with each other and that's not so bad in the end." She whispers while watching him a moment. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He doesn't say anything then, but whatever nervousness he had been experiencing seems to dissipate. He kisses her back very intentionally this time, perhaps for longer than he ever had. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' She holds the kiss for that length of time and perhaps a breath longer before gently pulling back. Her eyes meet his own gaze and she smiles, but also feels like she's looking at him for the very first time but with different glasses. "I love you, Ezekiah." No more thinking. Just a confident admission. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "And I love you too, Zetha Rumir," he says softly, tapping her nose again gently. He seems to be getting tired again, though, his arm around her waist is going limp. She might get distracted anyway, there's the muted sound of voices right outside the door of the patient room they're in. She won't be able to tell what they're saying, but she'll be able to recognize the voices. Thaarin and the doctor... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Probably best that Crane goes to sleep, so if he falls into laying down fully she'll at least ease him down and pull the covers over him. Her eyes go to the doors to the room a moment later. Noting the voices but it's all faint gibberish from where she's sitting. So she settles back and waits. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' After a minute or two she'll be able to tell the conversation is... kind of heated. Thaarin doesn't sound very happy. Eventually, the voices hush, which is followed by the sound of footsteps receding into the distance. There's a quiet knock a few seconds later. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' A single eyebrow lofts as she notices the tone of the conversation and then they furrow a bit. Who was upset in this instance? She likely will never know. At the knock, she actually stands up and walks to the door opening it a crack to see who is waiting on the other side. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's Thaarin. He immediately notices that 'Crane' sleeping on the mediberth behind her, and his expression goes from unreadable to concerned. "I'm... sorry, is this a bad time?" Perhaps, but the room she'd been put up in (probably courtesy of the doctor) has a screened balcony and by now, the storm has let up to a light sprinkle and no wind. They could talk out there, without bothering Crane. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I don't think so. Crane's resting and I...I'm not tired. Come on." Zetha offers gently to Thaarin, opening the door a bit more to give him berth to walk in. "I heard they checked on mom and she's safe. Albeit stubborn as a bantha like always." Offering those words while crossing the room to slip onto that screened balcony. Waiting for Thaarin to catch up and perhaps begin to say whatever is on his mind. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He hesitates, but then follows her to the balcony. Once there, he closes the door behind him and leans gently against the screened wall, arms folded. "I know," he says softly, "I stopped by on the way over, "she's fine, the house is just a little wet. She wanted me to check up on you," he says, "although I'm not sure if that was just an excuse." He gives her a faint smile. "How are you feeling? Better, I would hope," he says, "and performed admirably today." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Depends on what you think the excuse was. My credits would be on getting us in a room together..." Zetha says, shaking her head with a soft chuckle. "Me? I'm fine. Shaken a little, I guess...and I'm not sure what you mean by admirably. I barely did anything but bash my head on something..." She looks out over the balcony. "You going to clue me in on what you and Soren were so heatedly whispering about in the hallway?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His scarlet eyes flash in amusement. "Well, I do think someone owes you credits, then..." "If it hadn't been for your quick hands with the welder, we might have all been crushed under a collapsing roof." He moves closer to her, and when she asks about what he and Soren had been talking about in the hallway, he waves a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it," he says. "I hope you didn't resist treatment for your head trauma," he says, "you could have gotten a concussion..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "She doesn't like Crane." Zetha states, likely suddenly. "And apparently no matter what I try to explain to her about you and I she just...doesn't want to hear it. I suppose she'll get over it. One day..." When he tells her to not worry about what he and Soren had been arguing about her purple gaze shifts to eye him for a moment and then there's a light scoff. "Fine. Keep your secrets." She offers. "No one's offered me treatment yet. Except for the droid what bandaged the back of my head. But I won't resist...if it's offered...Not like I'd be able to sneak out of here quietly." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin chuckles softly, but doesn't reply to her statement about Wiis getting over her and Crane one day. "Well, good," he says. "I'd imagine that the doctor will come in and see you later, to make sure you're alright and decide when you can go home." There's a pause. "I know today has likely been a lot for you," he says, "and I just want you to know--" There's another pause. "That you have people who care about you and will be happy to listen to how you feel anytime," he says. He suddenly averts his gaze. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches Thaarin for a good but silent moment or two before she turns her head to look back over the balcony again. "Are you on that list?" She asks gently, perhaps not wanting to hear the answer for fear of what the answer might be. "I'm fine. If you're worried. Today could have ended much differently and it didn't." There's a pause as she takes a steadying breath. "We can always be thankful for that." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He still won't look at her. "I would like to be," he says, quietly. "Yes," he says, "you're right. And I'm not worried. I just wanted to reassure you, that's all." He straightens. "I should go," he says, "the doctor will likely be in shortly to see you." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' When Zetha looks back, noticing he still isn't looking at her, she actually gives another scoff. "I want you to be..." She offers. "But you can't even look at me right now. So what am I supposed to infer from that?" Then, suddenly, he's saying he should go and that earns a shake of his head. "Of course you do. I never do get but a handful of minutes of your time." She turns away from him then. "I'll wait for Soren and then hope to go home. I'd like to check on mom myself." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' His expression becomes slightly pained, and his brows furrow. "Nothing. Don't infer anything, don't overthink." "Listen, I would stay. Really, I would. On this rare occasion, I have time to spare. But I can't, and I'm sorry for that. I still want to be your friend and I'll be here for you if you need me, in a limited capacity. Just not right now." And he turns to leave, his expression having gone cold and unreadable again. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Oh if Zetha had something to throw at him she so would. Right at the back of his head. Watching him turn and walk away with that cold expression tugs on her in a way she can't describe. She stays on the balcony after he's gone, leaning on it's railing to just watch the city as the rains continue to come to a stop. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' A few minutes later, there's a quiet knock, and the door cracks open. The doctor lets himself in silently, then says, softly, "Zetha, you awake?" "I want to have a look at your head." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' She's awake, and still on the balcony. Though she might hear the soft knocking and so she goes to the door separating balcony from room and then slips into the room. "I'm awake. My head's fine. You should just let me go home." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Sit down please," he says ignoring her request. "Just because you don't have a concussion anymore isn't an excuse for you to be released prematurely from the hospital. Now let me look at your injury." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "What were you and Thaarin arguing about in the hallway just a moment ago?" Zetha asks, arms folding across her chest. Of course this doesn't stop her from moving to the bed to sit down so that Soren can have a look at her. "I don't understand people sometimes...why does Thaarin claim to want to be my friend but gives me a cold shoulder?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Boundaries," The doctor says vaguely, "why don't you ask him that question yourself?" he says to her. He looks the wound over, and seems satisfied with what the droid has done. He gestures for them to go out onto the balcony so as to not disturb the sleeping Crane, whose rest seems completely unbothered despite multiple people coming in and out of the room. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I can't if he doesn't ever give me a chance to! The minute the conversation gets tense he buckles, goes cold and walks away!" Zetha shouts as soon as they're on the balcony. Once they're out on the balcony she moves back to her position of leaning against the railing. "I take it there's something else you want to talk about with me?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You can ask him another time," the doctor says, "I'm sure you'll see him around." "Just wanted to make sure you know I didn't sign for you to be released until tomorrow morning. So I'm sorry but I won't have you going home to Wiis tonight." Then he shrugs. "I should be asking you the same question, Zetha. Your boyfriend almost died, and you got a concussion. I should hope that by now you don't think putting all of that in a box you'll never reopen again is the healthy default." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "May not be the healthiest option, but it's the one that works for me." Zetha offers before giving a shake of her head. "Whatever you're after in this moment, Soren, you're not going to get it from me. I'm fine." Until she's not, but that's all she's going to say for now. She does pull her comm from her pocket and flips it open to write out a message to Wiis. <<Hey mom. Glad to hear you're doing alright, and still being stubborn. I'll be at the hospital overnight. Just to be safe. See you soon.>> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "It's the lawful option," the doctor says with a shrug. "He's also a client of mine, as well. I can't share details, Zetha. If he won't tell you, well then. I'm sorry. He didn't take my advice." Soren sighs. "I'm not after anything," he says, "except your physical, emotional, and mental well being. Have you really taken time to self reflect on everything that's happened to you in the past twenty four hours? You might feel fine right now, but unprocessed trauma has a habit of rearing its head at inopportune moments. It's called a -trigger-." Perhaps he's being slightly sarcastic. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I haven't even been able to reflect on the last twenty four minutes much less twenty four hours..." Zetha offers this before giving a shake of her head. "So maybe now isn't the right time to have me stop and think on everything that's happened." Then she flips open her comms again and lets out a sigh. The next message is to Thaarin. <<What is it that you won't say to my face? You keep me dangling on the string, Thaarin, pretty soon I might just cut it with my own scissors. Let me know when you're ready to talk.>> That done she sighs and looks out over the balcony again. "It's going to take a lot of effort to clean up this monsoon's mess..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I was just asking about whether you'd made an attempt or not," he says, his tone becoming instructive and paternal, "and it sounds like you haven't. If you haven't made the time yet, you should think about when you can." Thaarin doesn't respond, but at least Wiis replies, and asks her if Thaarin had come by to see her. "It'll happen, in due time," the doctor says, "the Republic has supplied ample funding for the humanitarian effort." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "No. Soon as I got here I was met by Luli who led me to this room. With a stop and a barking at by two people in the morgue cutting open the inspector's body. With the doors open, I might add..." Zetha begins explaining. "When I got to the room Crane stirred awake and was awake enough to talk for a little bit." She further offers that but nothing more. "Then he fell asleep and that's when I heard you and Thaarin arguing in the hallway and now here I am. Cold shouldered by Thaarin and given the fifth degree regarding reflection by you. Now. If you have any insight as to where in all of that I could have put reflection time, please, tell me." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The doctor frowns when she mentions the morticians who'd been working with the doors open. He seems to find that concerning but he doesn't comment on it. "Alright, that's fine," the doctor says calmly, "no need to become defensive. It was just a suggestion, a suggestion to think about when you could take time to do it, not a reprimand for not having done it already. I just don't want 'I haven't had time' to be the excuse for suppressing your trauma indefinitely, that's all." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha closes her eyes, breathes in, holds it for four, and then breathes out again. "Sorry, Soren. I'll make time. I promise." She finally lands on that and gives the doctor a smile. "Probably sometime later this evening when the room is quiet for more than half a minute." She smiles then, looks at her comms to see the message Wiis has left her and groans. She responds in the positive that Thaarin did come by. And that's all she puts. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Good," the doctor says. "And I see you're doing well self regulating your emotions." "Now, I don't want you to think about what I'm going to ask you for the next 48 hours. But after that, take it into consideration." "Has the Baron reached out about a specific time for visiting the lab?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Not yet. But I'm sure the monsoon didn't help any." Zetha offers and then holds up a finger, "Just wanted to say. I won't think about it. I'll be busy self reflecting on other things." She offers this with a smile and then - as if suddenly - her shoulders drop and she lets out a sigh. "I think I want to lie down a while." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The doctor nods. "You're probably right," he says, but he suddenly gets this distant look in his eyes. Zetha will know this look. It always meant he was thinking about something he wasn't going to share. For a doctor who talked constantly about self reflection not suppressing trauma, he certainly seemed like he himself had a lot to hide. "Well, that is what I like to hear," he says, standing up. "You get a good night's rest," he says, "and I'll see you tomorrow morning when you get discharged." A pause. "And about Thaarin." He sighs. "He isn't ill intentioned. He never was. You probably knew that, but I just wanted to make sure you knew. He's a wonderful person with flaws, and I think that you should give him space. That would be the healthiest choice for both of you." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches him as he looks a bit distant but she says nothing. Instead, she nods as he speaks again. "I will. I look forward to getting let go in the morning." Though whether she was -actually- going to leave might yet be known. It may depend on how Crane is doing in the morning also. Still, she walks back into the room and to the bed that was moved against Crane's own. "By the way....and one last thing..." She looks to Soren once more. "If you find out who put contraceptives in one of the drawers of this room...give them a stern talking to please?" She gets into the bed then, not quite snuggling to Crane, but she does gently place her hand over his own. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Really," the doctor says, his tone hard to read. Crane puts an arm around her. Perhaps he's awake, perhaps he's asleep and the movement is instinctual - but by the time Zetha registers it, he's fast asleep again for sure. "Well it isn't unusual for those in a relationship to process grief and trauma together through physical intimacy," the doctor says, "and it never hurts to be prepared if the timing feels right." And before she can further question him about it, he heads for the door of the patient room and goes to exit. 
}}

Lost in Translation

2026-03-21T01:41:35Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-02-01
|Cast of Characters=159, 143
|pretty=yes
|Location= Aklyrr Bend - Tenoo - Outer Rim
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Shortly after chatting with the mayor about the orphans from Coruscant, Rykard and Cayde head back to Aklyrr for a bit to help with some administrative duties Thaarin had requested assistance with. But before they go to the comms center to meet with the Chiss man, Rykard pulls Cayde aside for a ... talk. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Now what was it this time? Cayde follows his master, already searching for hints of what he might have done wrong -this- time... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard doesn't seem happy. "Why did you say what you said to the stowaways?" the elder Ikkrukki man says, frowning. "The mayor was shocked." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Which part] Cayde asks, sighing. He probably knows which part it was, but this is another question dodging tactic. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard frowns even deeper. "You know which part! Don't try to fool me, Cayde. Answer the question. You know exactly what I mean." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde flops down onto the plain grey seating set up in his master's quarters.     Well he'd said it because he honestly believed they would be better off back on Coruscant. At least in the city, there were more resources and programs available. [...Coruscant better...stowaways are naive and ignorant...maybe tired of same problems but only trade for new problems] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard folds his arms. "And how do you know this?" he asks the young padawan. "Coruscant's poverty rate is one of the highest in the sector, did you know that?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Bigger city...more people...more facilities] Cayde points out. [Few people here or any experts to help]     [But maybe mayor's plan will work] he adds, shrugging. [He can at least try] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I'm not talking about sheer numbers Cayde," Rykard says, "I'm talking percentages. Forty percent of Coruscant's citizens live below the poverty line. The welfare programs there are very hit or miss. Most end up turning many away because they either don't care, or don't have the resources to take in certain people." Rykard waves a hand dismissively at Cayde. "I'm not saying you weren't suggesting that. But we have to represent the Jedi well," he says, "do you understand what I'm saying?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [But we have none here...few better than zero...only if mayor's plan works]     Cayde stares at the floor, his expression downcast suddenly. Well he thought he was. [I thought it was best...] That's the truth, at least. [I am sorry master] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "A new program has higher chances of success if the mayor can get support for it," he says, "and the people of Kublop seem excited for it. The programs on Coruscant don't work well because there's too many people wanting to get into a welfare program that can't support them because most of Coruscant's population doesn't care for charity." Rykard sighs. "I know you meant well," He says, "but it was lost in translation." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde continues to look downcast. Of course it was. It always is, isn't it?     He knew he would be terrible at this job...why had he volunteered for it?     He doesn't say anything else for the moment. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Look," Rykard says, "you're improving. But you still have work to do. The Council wants a report from me about you soon, so I want you to pick back up on your lessons with Thaarin again." He stands, and starts heading for the comms center. "We can talk to him now." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [I am terrible at this] Cayde suddenly points out. To be fair, Rykard probably knew this would happen. There was almost always a teenaged pity-party. It was inevitable these days, anytime anyone criticized.     The padawan does at least start to follow him out, although there is a dragging of feet. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Being terrible at something is not an excuse to not do it," Rykard chides, "you're getting better, and you'll continue to do so if you keep working on it." The comms center is just ahead, and Rykard will wait at the entrance for him since he's dragging his feet 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [I will do it...] Cayde argues, once he finally arrives at the comms center. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Very good then," Rykard says, and steps aside for Cayde to go in first. Thaarin is already at the front, waiting for them. "Marshal," he greets Rykard formally, and then offers Cayde a small smile and a nod. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs heavily, really not fond of the idea of -more- of this and beginning to regret having volunteered in the first place. But he offers a polite bow toward Thaarin anyway. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard first discusses with Thaarin the arrangements for them to go to Coruscant for Weniscio's trial. Looks like the court date had been pushed out so they wouldn't be heading there just yet. Then he gestures at Cayde. "I know you were helping him before," he says, "I understand I took an absence of leave and you became busy with your promotion, but I'd like for you to pick his lessons back up." Thaarin glances at Cayde hesitantly. "Why, of course, Marshal. Shall they be weekly?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods glumly when Thaarin glances at him for some sort of confirmation or assurance of his agreement, or something.     Not that he doesn't like the lessons, but he always feels like this every time he fails at something or says the wrong thing. When the blue man suggests weekly lessons, he just looks over at his master. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Twice a week, if possible," Rykard says. "Now, I'm due for a meeting with the doctor. I'll be back in an hour, in that time you two ought to get some work done and figured out which days are best to meet." He then nods, and heads for the door. "I'll see you later," he says to Cayde as he exits. ", What's wrong?" Thaarin asks Cayde, "I thought you were enjoying the lessons." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches his master leave, then turns to Thaarin.     [Nothing] he signs quickly. [I enjoy them] he tries to clarify, nodding. [But I am no good at this] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin smiles. "I'm sure that won't last for long. Twice a week and you'll be ready to become a senator." "Now let's head back to the hab suite to see if we can't get a lesson or two in before Rykard gets back..." 
}}

Lost in Translation

2026-03-21T01:41:14Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-02-01 |Cast of Characters=159, 143 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Shortly after chatting with the mayor about the orphans from Coruscant, Rykard and Cayde head back to Aklyrr for a bit to help with some administrative duties Thaarin had requested assistance with. But before they go to the comms center to meet with the Chiss man, Rykard pulls Cayde aside for a ... talk. :''..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-02-01
|Cast of Characters=159, 143
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Shortly after chatting with the mayor about the orphans from Coruscant, Rykard and Cayde head back to Aklyrr for a bit to help with some administrative duties Thaarin had requested assistance with. But before they go to the comms center to meet with the Chiss man, Rykard pulls Cayde aside for a ... talk. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Now what was it this time? Cayde follows his master, already searching for hints of what he might have done wrong -this- time... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard doesn't seem happy. "Why did you say what you said to the stowaways?" the elder Ikkrukki man says, frowning. "The mayor was shocked." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Which part] Cayde asks, sighing. He probably knows which part it was, but this is another question dodging tactic. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard frowns even deeper. "You know which part! Don't try to fool me, Cayde. Answer the question. You know exactly what I mean." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde flops down onto the plain grey seating set up in his master's quarters.     Well he'd said it because he honestly believed they would be better off back on Coruscant. At least in the city, there were more resources and programs available. [...Coruscant better...stowaways are naive and ignorant...maybe tired of same problems but only trade for new problems] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard folds his arms. "And how do you know this?" he asks the young padawan. "Coruscant's poverty rate is one of the highest in the sector, did you know that?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Bigger city...more people...more facilities] Cayde points out. [Few people here or any experts to help]     [But maybe mayor's plan will work] he adds, shrugging. [He can at least try] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I'm not talking about sheer numbers Cayde," Rykard says, "I'm talking percentages. Forty percent of Coruscant's citizens live below the poverty line. The welfare programs there are very hit or miss. Most end up turning many away because they either don't care, or don't have the resources to take in certain people." Rykard waves a hand dismissively at Cayde. "I'm not saying you weren't suggesting that. But we have to represent the Jedi well," he says, "do you understand what I'm saying?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [But we have none here...few better than zero...only if mayor's plan works]     Cayde stares at the floor, his expression downcast suddenly. Well he thought he was. [I thought it was best...] That's the truth, at least. [I am sorry master] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "A new program has higher chances of success if the mayor can get support for it," he says, "and the people of Kublop seem excited for it. The programs on Coruscant don't work well because there's too many people wanting to get into a welfare program that can't support them because most of Coruscant's population doesn't care for charity." Rykard sighs. "I know you meant well," He says, "but it was lost in translation." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde continues to look downcast. Of course it was. It always is, isn't it?     He knew he would be terrible at this job...why had he volunteered for it?     He doesn't say anything else for the moment. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Look," Rykard says, "you're improving. But you still have work to do. The Council wants a report from me about you soon, so I want you to pick back up on your lessons with Thaarin again." He stands, and starts heading for the comms center. "We can talk to him now." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [I am terrible at this] Cayde suddenly points out. To be fair, Rykard probably knew this would happen. There was almost always a teenaged pity-party. It was inevitable these days, anytime anyone criticized.     The padawan does at least start to follow him out, although there is a dragging of feet. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Being terrible at something is not an excuse to not do it," Rykard chides, "you're getting better, and you'll continue to do so if you keep working on it." The comms center is just ahead, and Rykard will wait at the entrance for him since he's dragging his feet 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [I will do it...] Cayde argues, once he finally arrives at the comms center. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Very good then," Rykard says, and steps aside for Cayde to go in first. Thaarin is already at the front, waiting for them. "Marshal," he greets Rykard formally, and then offers Cayde a small smile and a nod. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs heavily, really not fond of the idea of -more- of this and beginning to regret having volunteered in the first place. But he offers a polite bow toward Thaarin anyway. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard first discusses with Thaarin the arrangements for them to go to Coruscant for Weniscio's trial. Looks like the court date had been pushed out so they wouldn't be heading there just yet. Then he gestures at Cayde. "I know you were helping him before," he says, "I understand I took an absence of leave and you became busy with your promotion, but I'd like for you to pick his lessons back up." Thaarin glances at Cayde hesitantly. "Why, of course, Marshal. Shall they be weekly?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods glumly when Thaarin glances at him for some sort of confirmation or assurance of his agreement, or something.     Not that he doesn't like the lessons, but he always feels like this every time he fails at something or says the wrong thing. When the blue man suggests weekly lessons, he just looks over at his master. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Twice a week, if possible," Rykard says. "Now, I'm due for a meeting with the doctor. I'll be back in an hour, in that time you two ought to get some work done and figured out which days are best to meet." He then nods, and heads for the door. "I'll see you later," he says to Cayde as he exits. ", What's wrong?" Thaarin asks Cayde, "I thought you were enjoying the lessons." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches his master leave, then turns to Thaarin.     [Nothing] he signs quickly. [I enjoy them] he tries to clarify, nodding. [But I am no good at this] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin smiles. "I'm sure that won't last for long. Twice a week and you'll be ready to become a senator." "Now let's head back to the hab suite to see if we can't get a lesson or two in before Rykard gets back..." 
}}

The Monsoon

2026-03-21T01:34:09Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-01-22
|Cast of Characters=159, 321, 296, 444, 261, 143, 418
|pretty=yes
|Location=Kublop Springs - Tenoo - Outer Rim
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's been exactly a few hours since Volken and perhaps the other Mandalorians as well have left the hospital. Now, whether Volken is brooding in a bar thinking about his next move, or actively on the hunt for the Zealot, the baron, or the clone, he may or may not be surprised when his commlink crackles to life with a voice transmission from Er'gi. This may come as a surprise, as the other hulking Mandalorian had not accompanied Ellari, Volken and Jorn to the hospital upon Kasseady's summon. Where he had been all this time would have been a bit of a mystery... until now. <Volken!> the other Mandalorian says urgently, <Where are you? Haar'chak! I have bad news. Kasseady has betrayed us. He revealed to me while drunk that somehow, he'd made contact with his brother! I tried to chase him down, but he escaped. I need to find him> 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The hospital didn't tgo as planned. There was no rescue to be done. Volken standing up to the Jedi Master's refusal to accomodate them regarding the clone was inconclusive and now he's found himself out at a bar, getting drunk before going to look for Zealot. Naturally being drunk while looking for him will sharpen his senses. When the comm link goes off and he hears Er'gi he frowns lightly at frst. He wasn't exactly pleased that he and Kass had just sort of vanished. But now -this- news. "You're joking, vod. " he responds. "Ergh...I"m going to kill him now. He's betrayed my trust... And what's worse - now Ellari will have something to hold over my head for being right about! Unforgivable! Where are you??" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi tells the other mammoth. <He suspected I knew, Volken. He was acting strange. Then when I tried to ask questions he jumped me, took my commlink and ran off. I gave chase and eventually was able to recover it but he got away and I'm not sure where he went. I'm on the south side of town, not far from the trade plaza. He can't be far. This town is small and I'd know if he went for the spaceport> 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Alright sit tight.." rumbles the giant. He then slowy rises and after a second of getting his mind back together, retrieves his helmet nd starts to make his way out and into the town to head towards Er'gi's location. To say he's displeased is an underestatement and he even keeps his helmet off just so that anyone looking at him and his face can see just how annoyed he is... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Err, hope you're headed back to wherever you're staying," the bartender says, concerned. "No one with a half a dozen pints in them should be going anywhere else..." The weather will start to mirror Volkens mood. A dark grey cloud hangs over Kublop, threatening rain. When Volken arrives at the trade plaza, he'll see Er'gi running towards him. "I've good news and bad news," the other giant tells him. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Being stone cold drunk is the best tiem to fight as far as Volken is concerned. It clears the mind. So he just ignores the bartender after giving him a quick mildly sullen look and grunting something non committal. Er'gi receives only slightly less ire when the behemoth balefully encounters and eyes the other giant. "Alright.." he grunts out . "Let's have it." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well," Er'gi offers. "I've found him. But I'm not the only one." He points down the street, and Volken will be able to see that a couple blocks down, a small to medium sized crowd has gathered in front of the Disciple of Whills convent. Their dismayed whispers are tell tale. "He's holed up in there," the other Mandalorian says. "And there's a couple townsfolk in there. A Disciple, and the local property inspector, employed by the mayor. He's taken them hostage, more or less. The local constabulary is involved now..." If Volken goes closer to investigate he'll see the constables banging on the door of the convent. "Open up in the name of Republic!" one of them shouts. But there's no response. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari had joined Volken at the bar. Honestly, she could really use a drink after getting shot. The Force healing had helped, but she was still sore.     "Who has taken who hostage?" she asks Er'gi. "Kass has taken the mayor hostage?" she scoffs, muttering obscenities in Mando'a. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' He didnt' want Ellari to follow him but at least she isn't rubbing it in his face and she's probably more sober then him..so Volken just emits a grunt as he mutters, "I knew giving that di'kut a chance was a risk but damn... he could have at least gone a littel bit longer before doing this. Why the hell does he have hostages? What'd he do that requires tihs or rather what'd that fool Caine put him up to? This is nosnse. Can't that idiot see his brother is just using him to cause distractions?" Volken shakes his head and then grumbles, "If we just go in and get him it'll get those hostages hurt or worse...." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "No, just a couple of civilians. The townsfolk are concerned, obviously. The mayor's here, and so are couple of the Disciples. I don't know what's going on. He knows I'm after him, and I think he's trying to use them as leverage to keep us away--" The constables are banging on the door again, but still, no response. Nearby, a mother consoles her sobbing child. "My dad is in there!" the child cries. The mother looks up at Volken, her own eyes swollen. "Oh please, do something. My husband can't last in there without medicine for his chronic condition. And the other Disciple, he's so young..." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari rolls her eyes. "Di'kut." she mutters. "Where is that...mind tricks boy? Can't he use whatever sorcery he has to pound some common sense into that hut'uun before he realizes what's happening?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Hmmm? Oh ..Cayde... Wherever he is it's not here and not likely to get here in time. Even if was he's unreliable, not to mention I dont' know how well he is at actually -following- orders if they aren't given by his Jedi peers. He certainly doesn't seem to liten to his partner, Navi... She'd be better to have here but they're both not here so it's no use aching about it..." Turning to Er'gi, Volken rumbles, "YOu should back off. We'll go up there and hear what he's got to say. He can't do -anything- just stuck in there after all. He probably wants out.." That said, Volken just gives the mother and child a long look, not saying anything to either of them. He then put shis helmet back on and turns and starts forward for the building. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Likely went back because of the brewing storm," Er'gi says, "the monsoons can sometimes stall the tram for days." He then nods, and steps back. Upon approaching the building, he'll see the mayor, a couple of Disciples, and the local constables at the front, still trying to get in. One of them looks at Volken disdainfully. "Is this your mess?" he says, brow furrowed, his Coruscanti accent pronounced. "Now now," the mayor interjects. "There's no need for that. Perhaps he can help." One of the Disciples sizes up Volken. "We need to get in. -Quietly-. There's a back door that leads to the communal showers, but we don't have the strength or means necessary to break in without using a blaster or battering ram.." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "Hmph, you can't contact him? I thought he was your friend, or something." Ellari remarks, but then shrugs. "I suppose we'll have to deal with this ourselves, then."     She scoffs at the 'quietly' part. "Ah, of course. Volken, how are your stealth skills?" she asks, smirking. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "No Ic an't contact him nor would I want to .. I just told you why it'd be a bad idea." grunts Volken at Ellari. "I'd call on Navi first. Cayde has issues he needs to resolve...." That said he looks back towards the mayor and the others, considering their words. He then looks back to Ellari. "They don't exist." Volken? Stealth? "But...I can open up any door. So... why don't you distract Kass by talking to him. I'll go to the back with these ones and get the door open..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Suddenly a voice arises from inside the convent. "Volken is that you?" "Don't you dare come in here! I'll -- I'll kill them all!" His voice reeks of desperation and sheer madness. Had he lost his mind? A gasp arises from the crowd and the Mayor pinches his nose bridge with a sigh. The Disciples remain calm, but their brows furrow more deeply. "The backdoor is manual entry. If you can crush the doorknob," she says, "you should be able to get in." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "You are a pathetic excuse for a Mandalorian, Kasseady." Ellari shouts back at him. "What do you want? Come out and fight for it, instead of hiding behind strangers!"     How's that for 'talking'? 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Yup there we go. Talking. Volken clams up at that point and steps away, gesturing for them to lead on to the back of the building and then giving a quick thumbs up to Ellari. Keep talking. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You don't understand, you never did, you don't know what it's like to be me," he babbles. "Leave me the hell alone. Leave me..." his voice then starts to fade, withdrawing deeper into the building. The Disciples show Volken where the back door is. Well, yeah, maybe it won't be a problem. The door is old, and the knob looks... breakable. But can he crush it... quietly? 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari rolls her eyes. "You pitiful crybaby, no one understands that, for -anyone- unless you are a sorcerer like those Jedi or whatever. If you want that then maybe you should go ask one of -them- to be your friend. What is the point of all this? What do you -want-?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The behemoth makes a mock gesture of putting his fingres up to where his lips would be, save for the helm. As if to say 'Shhhhhh'. Once at the back door he lays his hand upo the lock...and begins to squeeze. To be fair he -tries- to be careful. But...he's drunk. The lock wrenches and the door bucklles. There's a bit of a sharp grinding sound before Volken realizes what's happend and releases the door. "....Whoops." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Ellari will receive no response. Probably not a good sign, but what can she do at this point? Volken will be able to look into the convent. He won't be able to see Kass, the lights are all off. But he doesn't seem to be nearby... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' There's not much left to do but just go in. Volken listens, tryign to see if he can hear Kass and his conversation with Ellari. Eventually the whole point of subterfuge is going to just have to be dropped. The door opening was noisy to begin with and trying to ask him to sneak is like tryign to ask two drunk Dowutin to sneak around. Effectively...yeah... him trying to sneak. So he marches in, not exactly bulldozing but moving with some assurance.. At least as much as he can muster considering hsi state. <<Ellari...what's happening>> 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "Dank farrik." Ellari mutters, and then begins attempting to quietly enter through a window by opening it slowly...     <<I'm going in>> she replies to Volken. <> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Outside, the sound of thunder rumbling can be heard. It would probably be pouring rain soon. Volken won't be able to see much, but ahead of him he'll see some movement. A shadow slipping towards a narrow hallway... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' <<Ooooh I love it when you're scary and violent.>> rumbles the decidedly very drunk Volken. He sees the shadow moving and starts heading in that direction. <> Priming his weapons would draw too much additional attention so he keeps them depowered - simply moving forward now in hopes off finding -someone-. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The window creaks, but just barely. The noise it makes isn't enough to draw attention to Ellari, so that's good. As Volken approaches there's a yelp. It's the property inspector. At first he seems frightened, but when he sees that Volken's weapons are depowered, he heaves a sigh of relief and hurries towards him. He looks pale, but at least cognizant of what's going on. "You-- you have to help, please! He's got one of the Disciples--" He points up towards the attic. "Please, for light's sake. I know him, he doesn't deserve this, he's never hurt another soul in his entire life.." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Volken's stealth skills may be non-existent, but it seems the same can't be said of Ellari. She slips in through the window, returning it to its place afterward. <> she replies back to the giant's drunk text, then starts looking for Kasseady. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken makes a general gesture for the property manager, indicating for him to get behind him and head for the back door. He listens carefully, and then proceeds forward in search of a way up towards the attic. At this point he presumes he'll meet up with Ellari in the middle of the place ... or perhaps she may beat him to the upstairs considering the way she entered in. At his stage - there's no other option but to continue forward as carefully as possible though it's ...likely Kass knows they're already in there. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The property inspector nods timidly and weakly and then points down the hall, where a spiral staircase leads to the upper levels of the convent. Then he backs up, slipping in a closet behind Volken, staying out of sight. As Volken makes his way towards the attic, he'll find himself on ceramic tile, and the sound of his massive boots is.. unmistakable. If Kass didn't know he was here before, he does now. Both Ellari and Volken will be able to hear some more shuffling on the upper level, and then another familiar voice calls out weakly, "Volken? Is that you? I--I'm sorry for everything I said earlier. Please --" It's the young Tholothian man, 'Crane'. The one he'd met back on Jedha... Then there's a soft thud, a groan, and the sound of a body hitting the floor. Then Kass yells over the railing. "I told you not to come in here!! If you come up here ... I'll kill him! And then I'll.. I'll burn this place to the ground!" Then they'll be able to hear the sound of a body being hurriedly dragged across the floor. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' He's drunk...but he's not -that- drunk... And this sobers him up quickly. "Kass! This isn't The Way. We don't take hostages and use the weak to protect ourselves! Don't you want to reclaim your honor? What is all of this insanity! DId something get into your head? Come -down- here." If he sees Ellari now, he only gives her a quick glance. It seems their efforts at subterfuge was never meant to work out.. so option number two is becoming more nad more likely. Bust their way in. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "Then you are no Mandalorian." Ellari replies to Kass' likely empty threats. "If you continue disgracing the Way, you will -never- regain your honor. Now, come down here and tell us what you want. Fight us for it, if you must! But only a hu'tunn shields himself with the blood of innocents." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Stay away from me," Kass snarls, "stay -away-..." His tone is ice thin, as if it's about to snap. He seems... mentally unwell, but Volken and Ellari may be left wondering the reason for his crash out. There's more shuffling and movement coming from the attic. If they look up, they'll see that there's not really much space up there. And there's only one way up and down - the staircase. He couldn't escape - but going up there would risk the Disciple's life. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari doesn't reply, simply folding her arms and glaring up at the attic. He can't stay there forever, now can he? "Let's just leave him up there. He'll have to come out at some point." she remarks to Volken. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "If he's that unhinged, don't you think he might kill one of them? Besides, that one guy up there... I can't just let him get messed up by Kass and if something does happen it'll just make it harder for us to do what we're here to do. Everyone will be blaming us.. It'd be better to just go up there or at least find out what he wants.." counters Volken to Ellari. "Th'guys obviously out of his mind. Something's snaped in him and it's probably got to do with Caine..." With that, Volken raises his voice. "Calm -down- Kass. Just tell us what you want! Is this about your Brother? About Caine? We're -trying- to find him but we can't with you acting out like this. Let the folk up there go and we'll take it from there!" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Get -out-," Kass growls, feral. "I told you leave me alone!!" More shuffling, and the sound of retreating footsteps. Outside, they'll hear a crack of thunder, and they may now notice that it's pouring akk dogs and tooka cats out there. The wind is howling around the sides of the building too, and if they look down, they'll notice that there's an inch or two of water on the floor. The convent was on the lower side of town -- and if any flash flooding happening, this area was going to get hit hard. Meanwhile, Cayde, Navi, Rykard, and Mondrian (F) likely on the tram back to the colony now, though the storm is terrible and the few colonists who are also on it seem afraid that the tram might not make it back to Aklyrr Bend... And Zetha's probably back at the scrapyard. If she isn't, she probably should be -- Wiis is trying to get out every single pot and pan trying to stop the leaks in the half finished roof from flooding the house! 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is, indeed, back at the spaceport. She's had enough fun to last her a good day or two before stirring up more trouble. "Why have they not finished the roof yet? This is ridiculous..." She mutters while helping Wiis with getting pots and pans - anything that can hold water really - under the leaks. "Which also makes me wonder when they actually think they'll have everything done..." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "If he was planning on doing that, he would have done it already." Ellari points out. "But if he does, he'll instantly lose his leverage. What benefit does killing them bring him?" she shakes her head. "But if you go up there, he might go on a rampage. Perhaps you can stop him in time, though. If you think you can, I am not stopping you." she tells Volken. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "It's times like this that I wish I'd been trained in Force powers that deal with weather," Navi murmurs, watching the rainfall through the tram car's windows. She's sitting beside Mondrian (F), since the taller woman had wanted company in the wake of her terribe day at the hospital. "Ordinarily I don't have a problem with storms, but this is really something else." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Of course you're not stopping me. Because you're going to help me. This effects you too." counters Volken, "And desperate men don't often think logically. That's the growl of a desperate man with nowhere else to go. Killing a hostage does cause hi tim to lose his leverage but he might think it a good move just to prove he's willing to do it." That said, Volken looks around, noting the water, "We'll have to just risk it. I'll go up. Distract him. You grab the hostages." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Resource shortage!" Wiis shouts over the sound of water hitting the floor and the wind howling outside. "Look, it's the annual monsoon. We're likely gonna have to head up to the attic with some water and rations." Zetha probably won't be surprised by this suggestion, monsoon season happened every year on Tenoo. Sometimes it was just a little flooding, and sometimes... it was like this. But as she's probably heading to go do as Wiis as suggested, there's a loud knock on the door. "Wiis! Wiis are you home?" Mondrian (F) is staring out the window, her brows furrowed. She seems lost in thought, and worried. She barely seems to have heard what Navi said. "Hey, how much longer until we're back at the colony?" she asks. But then all of a sudden, the tram starts to slow down. If Navi looks over, she'll see Rykard coming down their train towards where she and Mondrian are sitting. "There's a downed tree on the bridge up ahead," he says, "And Kublop is in imminent danger of massive flooding," he says. He looks around for Cayde. "They're going to need help - but someone also needs to find a way to escort everyone onboard back to Aklyrr. The driver says he's not sure how long this bridge will hold up under the rain, with the tree weighing it down now." "No!" Kass shouts from somewhere up there in the dark. "I'll -- I'll do it! I'll kill him!" 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari shrugs, glancing up at the door when Kass yells again. "Fine, but if anyone gets killed, that will be on you." She motions toward the ladder. "After you. Mons." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde glances up at his master as the elder Jedi searches for him, and the Ikkrukki may already sense him wondering why they can't just use the Force and potentially lightsabers if necessary to move the tree and remove the risk of the bridge collapsing. Was it close enough to even walk? Or do they need to wait for another transport? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "You get up into the attic and make sure Twozee gets up there with you. I'll be up in a moment." Monsoon season is always something they know about but never seemed prepared for. And then there's someone at the door, that voice familiar and causes Zetha to pause. "What the kriff is the mayor doing here?" And sounding so panicked? Still it'd be absolutely rude to keep the man out in the pouring rain so she goes and opens the door. "Wiis is here, but we're heading up into the attic because the house is flooding...." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Fine and if I win and save the hostages you have to take me out and then tell everyone in Sundari that you did.." With that, Volken steps away from Ellari and crouches down. His armor straps stretch and creak, the beskar itself seeming to struggle against him as he flexes his enormous legs - and then points his vambraces downward to trigger his repulsor gauntlets for the added boost. An instant later and he's lunging upwards straight for the ceiling -- and thus the floor of the attic above them, attempting to burst through right around where he guessed at Kass's general positon given the sound of the feet moving from earlier. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Then it sounds like we need to do something about that tree," Navi says, standing. "Just how big is it, and can we reach it on foot? Lightsabers might be enough to cut it into pieces, and the Force may be able to assist with moving any remaining pieces off of the bridge." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari smirks. "Take you out? What would you like me to do it with? Blaster pistols? A rifle? Or would you prefer a beskar blade?"     Brows go up when he literally blasts through the ceiling. Overkill much? "Well I suppose that's that." she mutters. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard shakes his head solemnly at Navi and Cayde. "It's a Tenoo tree," he says. "There's no way we'd be able to cut it into pieces." He glances to Navi and Cayde. "The colonists will just have to be escorted," he says, "but I just received word that a dam just north of Kublop broke. The town will be flooded soon," he says, "We're going to have to split." The man is soaked, but he isn't by himself. There's a few other Kublop citizens are with him - the property inspector's wife and child, two Disciples, and ... Thaarin??! What's he doing here. "I was on the south side of town visiting the convent. I was going to head back," the mayor said, "but there's no way I'll make it to the manor in this weather. Can we... come in?" He pauses. "There's also something you need to know," he says, and his face suddenly goes pale. There's an anguished cry from Kass, scuffling, another thump, and another soft groan. "Don't you dare come up here Volken! Don't.. don't you dare!!" Volken may notice that there's something dark and sticky dripping down out of the hole he's just made. Is it... blood? 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "You know what I meant!" shouts Volken back at Ellari. But he's also busy exploding through the floor in order to enter the attic. And upo noting the sticky substance ....and what it could be...he sobers up even more and becomes alert rather quickly. "Enough, Kass...what've you done?!" He quickly sweeps his gaze around the attic, expecting Ellari to come up the stairs at any moment while he corners Kass. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari indeed follows him up into the attic, immediately searching for Kass and whomever he has taken prisoner. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [But what about the bridge] Cayde asks. How would they travel between the two settlements if the bridge collapsed? And how much farther was Aklyrr? Surely it wasn't safe to walk through a storm. Maybe they should wait in the train. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Pity. So I guess it's a question of who does the escorting and who goes back to Kublop Springs," Navi replies. "And it wouldn't hurt to know how much farther it is to Whatever Bend, and how we're going to get past the tree." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Yeah of course...please..." Zetha moves out of the way to let them all come in. "It's certainly a bit more dry than out there but..." Not by much, except that's a thought she'll keep in her head. She does allow her gaze to shift to Thaarin but just as quickly she's looking away and letting everyone shuffle inside. It's the last thing the mayor says that has her sort of pausing and looking back to him. "That /I/ should know? Well...I suppose now's a time as any to say it. Once you're settled of course." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The attic is... bigger than it looked from down below. And it's really dark. Volken won't be able to see much, but he will be able to smell the blood on the floor, and hear some faint scuffling near a window across from him. Outside, the window howls, and a lamppost falls over crashing in through the window across from Volken. It flickers several times before going out, but he'll be able to see a clear trail of blood leading towards where he'd heard the scuffling. Rykard is about to reply to Cayde when there's a sickening groan coming from outside. "We'll just have to figure it out," he says, maintaining his Jedi calm, "but right now, the people on this tram are in danger. If it collapses while the tram is still on it..." he shakes his head. "We're about halfway. And I don't have answers to that question. But whatever we are going to do we must decide quickly." He starts headcounting the colonists, but then stops. "Wait, where's Mondrian? She was just here..." He comments with a pensive frown. Indeed, it would seem the forensic analyst has disappeared to only light knows where. "Thank you," the mayor says, stepping aside to allow the prospector's wife and her child in first, and then following. Wiis then appears, having heard the door open, and looks displeased to see the mayor. "What! Zetha, why'd you-- I didn't say you could come in!" she grumbles at the mayor. Apparently she'd disregarded Zetha's ask earlier. The mayor then tries to soothe Wiis nerves by apologizing and asking how she'd been. Thaarin looks to Zetha. "I'm sorry for intruding," he says, "but it's your boyfriend. He was taken hostage by a Mandalorian." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Kass! We don't have -time- for this. There's a storm here! This whole place is gonna get washed away! I"ve had it!" Volken sweeps his gaze over the area, searching for signs of Kass and any clue as to who the blood came from. He doesn't see the hostages yet either but all he can do is keep moving forward through the attic in search of Kass. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha winces as Wiis begins to fuss at her for letting people in. But then the Mayor and the prospector's wife are taking the moment to distract Wiis and Zetha's own attention goes to Thaarin. When he drops the bomb about Crane, she blinks, shakes her head and then stares at him for a moment. "I'm sorry. Did you say Crane has been taken hostage? When? Why?...." She actually goes a little pale in the face before shaking her head again. Not really sure what more to say about it. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     How are they going to get past the tree, indeed. That was one of the questions swirling through Cayde's mind, too. It wasn't safe out in the storm, but it wasn't safe on a train sitting on a damaged bridge either. All of this is because of the fallen tree, so Cayde doesn't understand why an -attempt- to move the tree shouldn't at least be made.     And so soon enough Mondrian (F) isn't the only one who suddenly isn't here. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi sighs quietly. "I'll take them home, then. Cayde, you can come if you..." she begins, only to notice Cayde is also missing. "Swell. I should've seen /that/ coming." "Everyone who's going to Aklyrr Bend, move to the other end of the tram and disembark. Once we find Mondrian (F) and Cayde, we'll get started," she calls to the passengers, starting toward the end of the tram nearest the tree. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' No reply. And then out of nowhere, a shot is fired out of the darkness straight at Volken. It'll land. And probably hurt, but Volken's probably wearing his beskar, so the damage isn't as bad as it could be. Thaarin sighs. "I don't know. But he's trapped in the convent." That was ... really bad news. The south side of town was the lowest part of Kublop. If any flooding happened - it was straight in the path of a mudslide. That had happened before. There had been several casualties, and that hadn't happened in years but... Rykard grumbles when Cayde suddenly vanishes. "I'll go look for Cayde," he says, "see if you can get the rest of the colonists off the tram safely. We can't stay on the bridge much longer." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Well Kass was going to do -something- at some point, Ellari figured. And he does, by firing at Volken. Stupid mistake, no doubt. Clearly not in his right mind.     She whips around and starts moving in the direction the blaster bolt came from at a brisk pace. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde is already outside on the bridge and attempting to reach out with the Force to determine if there are any strategic methods to actually move the tree off of the bridge without furthering damaging it and without having to simply lift it fully into the air. Everything is wet, so that means there has to be less friction and that has to count for something. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Oh yeah. That hurt. He's tough but not immune to pain and his armor and the enhanced durability of his body is there to help. But he still feels that. And it ticks him off. Volken brings his arm around, priming his vambraces and repulsor gauntlets and from this he fires off a powerful blast of kinetic force in the direction of where the shot came from. Ellari will have to just manage the investigation on her own though it's lileley easy to see he's been shot at. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Already on it, Master," Navi replies to Master Rykard. "Everyone follow me, please." In a few moments she reaches the rear door of the tram and climbs down onto the bridge. And sees Cayde, closer to the fallen tree. << Never mind looking, Master... I've found Cayde. He's already on the bridge. Now we just have to find Mondrian. >> she says to the Jedi Master telepathically. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "The convent? Oh no... no no no...in this weather that's not good." And it puts Zetha in a hard spot mentally. But she cannot, in good thought, just run out there and do anything. What is she against the power of nature? "Wait. Being a hostage means something else is happening. Do we know what happened that led to the Mandalorians taking him hostage? What's going on there?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Indeed. There's more scuffling, and then a shout, when Volken opens fire with a blast of kinetic force. The blast seems to have done more than just bruise Kasseady, the walls shake and a rafter is loosened. It comes crashing down and punctures the floor. Suddenly the floor under Volken groans. The floor's integrity suddenly seems... questionable. But at least Kasseady is out in the open now, limping while holding a bloodied and bruised Crane against himself, pressing a knife to his neck. There's a wild look in his blood shot eyes. "Don't come nearer!!" he screams. "D-D-Don't---!" Outside, the storm is raging, and Cayde will have a hard time discerning anything with the wind howling and the rain pouring down. He'll be able to just barely see the outline of the tree --- Rykard was right. It's massive, its radius as wide as a small house. It's partially cracked, stuck on the bridge itself. <<Thank you, Navi. I'll go to him now>> Rykard runs out of the tram, and Force leaps his way towards Cayde. <What are you doing! We don't have time to move that tree> When Navi steps out of the back of the tram, she'll suddenly be able to see the other missing person - Mondrian (F). She's on the track - but she's heading back towards Kublop?? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin gives Zetha a sad look. "No," he says, "I think that Mandalorian has lost his mind," he says quietly. He pauses. "Please don't tell me you're thinking of doing something rash." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well, it's already partially cracked, so it's just a matter of pulling it apart, right? Cayde frowns and focuses on trying to pull the thing apart, and then push it off of the bridge. He doesn't respond to Rykard's calls, pouring all of his effort into it. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "What am I supposed to do? Rush in and put myself in danger as well? As much as every ounce of me wants to go help....I'm not leaving Wiis here. Not to deal with the house nearly flooding all by herself." Zetha says, and she pushes the worry and fear down a bit before shaking her head. "Aside from you being here bearing bad news, it's good to see you again." Sort of. Maybe. She might also just be playing nice. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Fine." Volken lowers his arm and just stares at Kass. His own expression can't be seen due ot his helmet but his body language adjusts as if trying to comply with Kass's demands. "Look if you want to join your brother, just go join him. But you need to let this guy go. Do that and then get out of here already. I know you reached out to Caine. Just go." Someone with a sharp shooter aim might be able to do something about the knife but Volken doesn't have that, nor the necessary weapon handy. He just waits for Kass to make his next move "But you need to decide quickly before this floor gives out." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari glares right into Kass' crazed, bloodshot eyes. "I still don't know what it is you're trying to accomplish. Behaving like a coward and dishonoring the Way only serves to draw our ire and our aggression." She doesn't even continue to threaten, but simply fires at the hand holding knife. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' << I've also found Mondrian... she looks to already be headed back toward Kublop Springs, >> Navi sends to Master Rykard, beckoning to the other colonists to follow her. "Mondrian! If you don't mind slowing down a bit, we're coming with you!" she shouts after the frustrated officer. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' <Cayde!> Rykard calls out telepathically, once again. <You won't be able to move the tree like that. We'll have to widen the crack, so that the colonists can pass through> Cayde's attempts to move the tree with the Force don't amount to much. It's too big. He manages to break off a splinter, but that's all. Thaarin's expression softens too. "It's nice to see you again, too," he says softly, his softness and sentiment genuine. But the moment doesn't last. There's suddenly a sickening crack coming from outside, and Thaarin rushes to the window, frowning. "The dam up north," He says, "it must have broken. The mud from the hills is coming down," He says. He goes to take his jacket (which is soaked), and starts heading for the door. "Stay here," he says to Zetha. "I'm going to see what I can do about the hostages at the convent." Really??? As if he would be able to anything against a mudslide?? Kass is trembling, but the knife in his hand still presses to Crane's neck. He doesn't reply to Volken right away. Crane looks up at Volken, and manages a faint smile. "... you ... came..." Then Kass reaches forward with his other hand, in an attempt to grab Volken's shirt collar. "I - I didn't! He called my room. He called me. But I couldn't reach him in time. He didn't tell me where he was, only ... only that he needed a favor....Listen to me Volken," He says, only slightly loosening his grip on Crane. "We're so close. We're so close. We can find him. He will not leave Kublop without the clone and the clone has no means of going anywhere far. He's--" But then Ellari shoots his hand holding the knife to Crane's neck and he shouts, letting go of the Disciple and stumbling backwards. He trips, and falls through the hole Volken had made earlier. There's a horrible crashing sound, and then silence. <Stay safe, both of you> Rykard tells Navi. Mondrian's expression crumples with guilt when she sees Navi. At least she stops running. She pauses, looking around for a moment. "... where's Rykard and Cayde?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "They're on the bridge. They'll be along soon," Navi replies. "I think Cayde was trying to remove the fallen tree... Force only knows how. It's as big as a house." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "And what are you going to do exactly? Tell the mud to go somewhere else?" Though what Thaarin might do - which is what Zetha would do - is try to talk sense into those at the convent because of the imminent danger. Still, she doesn't exactly tell Thaarin to stop either - as if he would listen to her. So her attention shifts over towards the other three in the house and back to Thaarin. Not sure what else to do or say except go to grab another pot to put under a newer leak. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Wha--" Volken is confused. Once again. The change from kass being unwilling to talk to starting to spill so much information is startling and he's struck silent for a moment as Kass grabs him. He spares Crane a fleeting glance but is forced to stare down at Kass once again. "Listen--" he starts -- only for Ellari to act. He expected her to take the shot. He did not expect Kass to go stumbling back and ismply fall out of the building. A few swear words escape him as he stalks forward to try and peer out of the hole that the other Mandalorian fell through before he spares Crane a quick glance. "Get back towards whre Ellari is...quick." HIs words are brusque but some relief at the poor guy not having his throat slashed is evident in his heavy voice. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari watches Kass fall with satisfaction, holstering her blasters once more. That was rather well deserved.     She was going to ask what kind of favor, but ah well. Falling through the hole would have to do well enough. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well Cayde was already trying to widen the crack, in fact he was trying to widen it so much that the thing would split apart and fall off of the bridge. That was the hope, anyway. And it was also the hope, that Master Rykard and Navi would help him soon.... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "...Thanks... thanks for coming," Mondrian says, turning to head back towards Kublop. "My.. ship has slave rigging on it. I've summoned her. She's a one seater, maybe two. If Rykard and Cayde catch up, they'll have to ride outside, I think. I'll have to pilot very slow anyway. I don't know if she'll make it through the storm, or if the signal will get through enough for her to make it. But I'm gonna keep heading towards Kublop anyway." There's something clearly on Mondrian's mind. Something important, that she's not telling Navi. "I don't know," he says, "but I'm not going to sit around and do nothing while there's at least two people who are about to die." He starts heading for the door, and will leave in the next few seconds if Zetha doesn't do anything to stop him. The mayor watches as Thaarin goes out and Zetha goes to grab another pot for the water leaks. "I'm sorry," he says very softly. "I've hailed the Jedi. But if they can't make it here it time... The convent is going to be completely buried in mud within the next few hours." If he looks down, he'll see Kass lying 2 floors down below. He's unconscious. The floor on the ground level is flooded and damaged, and had caved in places. The property inspector from earlier calls out to Volken. "We've got to get out of here--!" he coughs a wheezing cough. "This whole place is about to flood. But there's no way we're making it back up the incline. The dam --" he coughs again. "it must have broken." Crane nods weakly and tries to crawl back towards Ellari, but his condition is bad. He's really bloody, and can't even stand up. Cayde's attempts widen the crack, and with Rykard's help, they're able to widen it enough for the colonists to hurry through it and get onto the other side, and off the bridge. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' When the Mayor says those words, Zetha looks over to where he and Wiis are standing. Then she makes a decision. "Sorry mom. I'll be back..." And then she's running out the door and moving to catch up with Thaarin. "Well if you think YOU'RE going to play hero while I sit and wait for results... you are sorely mistaken. Don't talk me out of coming with you. Let's just go see what we can do to help..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Mondrian, what's really going on here? Is this about your brother?" Navi asks gently. "Or is it something else?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The thought of just leaving him there crosses his mind. Perhaps a more cutt throat Volken, back during his Canto-Bight and birthday party crashing days might have done so. But he looks too pitiful to just let drown - and he's got information they need. "Right.." he grumbles and then he looks at Ellari and gestures to Crane, "Help him..and then just get out of here..." He doesn't bother to wait to see if she'll comply or not and he just jumps down after Kass, reaching out to grasp for any sort of support structure that remains to help balance his descent as he makes a controlled drop for the man. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Even after the rest of the former train passengers scurry through to the other side off the bridge, Cayde doesn't follow them or move from the spot. Instead, he continues to attempt to concentrate all of his focus onto the parts of the tree that are already cracked onto the bridge, hoping it'll tear just enough to start falling apart and then fall off entirely. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Truth be told, Ellari doesn't care that much for either of them, but it would be a dishonorable thing to simply leave them there to die in such a pathetic fashion. She strides over to Crane, and hoists him up onto her shoulder, then starts heading outside. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Shockingly Thaarin doesn't try to talk Zetha out of it. He smiles at her and offers her his hand. "Then let's go," he says, "I'm certain you don't want to waste any more time, either..." And he pulls her along, heading for the convent, tugging her from awning to awning, so they don't get completely obliterated by the monsoon. Mondrian won't look at Navi. All she says is, "Yes!" And then she pushes forward, against the wind and rain, holding up her slaver remote up high, hoping her ship will find the signal. Volken will find himself in the basement of the convent. It's flooded down here, but less flooded, and less chaotic. But he will need to get Kass out of the water quick if he doesn't want Kass to drown. When Ellari goes to leave the convent, the property inspector runs to block her path to exit. "No!" he cries. "You'll never make it up the incline, and the wind is far too strong even for the jetpacks thrusters. You'll plow into a tree, and besides--" he looks at Crane. "He's off -bad-. I don't think he'd survive the elements." He looks towards where Volken had jumped down. "The safest way is through the tunnels. They were built a long time ago, back in the early days when the Republic thought it'd be better to have the tram run underground. They're probably flooded, but not nearly as flooded and muddy as out there." The wind howls violently again, and there's another sickening crack as suddenly, the windows black out, covered with mud. "We have to hurry," the property inspector whispers urgently, climbing down in the hole where Volken is. As Cayde pushes on the massive tree, there's a groaning sound, as the tree starts to split more. It's not enough, but then suddenly, a bolt of lightning comes down from the sky and strikes the tree. It explodes, and Rykard calls out, <Cayde, look out!> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Lightning suddenly comes down from the sky to finish the job Cayde was already trying to do. Flames erupt everywhere and wood debris goes flying, but the padawan manages to dodge out of the way of some of them and whack the rest away with the Force now that he isn't trying to move a building-sized tree. Of course, now they're stranded out in a dangerous storm with no shelter. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is actually relieved when Thaarin doesn't argue with her but she also makes a mental note that Wiis didn't cry after her either. She'll follow along with Thaarin, keeping a firm grip on his hand while running with him on their way to the convent. There's silence from her, likely while her brain tries to truly catch up with what all is going on. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari eyes the hole where the inspector is going. "And where do the tunnels go, exactly?" she asks, not yet following him and not really believing that she can't just jetpack out of here. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi starts to run after Mondrian (F), but the sudden crack and explosion of the lightning bolt stops her in her tracks instantly. Looking back, she almost screams in horror as fire and burning debris engulfs part of the bridge! "Nooooo!" she cries, whirling to run back toward the bridge, but when the blast clears, she sees Cayde and Master Rykard standing there, unharmed, and almost faints from relief. The tram tracks are clear! Instantly she waves her arm to get the attention of the civilian colonists. "Everybody back to the tram! It might be a risky ride, but it's a lot safer than walking into a disaster area!" she calls to them, waving them back toward the tram. "A lot drier, too..." she murmurs, looking down at her wet clothes and pushing her wet twintails back off of her shoulders. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I'm not a big fan of taking an underground tunnel during a flood, not knowing where we're going or with a quick way above ground. That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. In case you haven't noticed we're weighed down with priceless armor so swimming or getting caught in a tunnel filling with water isn't an option." Volken has shoulder Kass now as he turns. He's limping as well. That earlier blaster shot wasn't an ideal outcome for a situation like this. "We need to go high, not low." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard looks relieved when Cayde manages to leap out of the way just in time. The tree falls down into the foggy abyss below - and the bridge, well, it's damaged but holding up for now. He then looks to Navi and shouts to her above the howling wind and rain, "I'm going to stay with the colonists to make sure the tram gets safely back to Aklyrr Bend," he says, "I can ease the weight of the train on the bridge until it's fully crossed over. Keep an eye on Mondrian as she heads to Kublop," he says, "take Cayde with you." There's a crease in his brow. He seems to know, even though he hadn't been in earshot when Mondrian (F) had said it had to do with her brother. Perhaps it wasn't hard to guess. He was supposed to have been on the tram too, but he hadn't been. The colonists, upon hearing Navi's instruction and Rykard's response, begin to hurry back onto the tram. "Everywhere important in Kublop," the inspector says, "The hospital, the public comms station, the general store, the power plant, the water reservoir, the pier... you get what I mean! The convent is at the bottom of the hill," he says, "we'll never make it back up! The street here is likely piled two stories deep in mud. Going high normally would be the right choice, but not here in Kublop. The tunnels were built to withstand flooding, and has a dam and drainage system all their own. The network was never fully built out because the Republic decided the project had become too expensive. But in years past, when the monsoon comes every year, a family or two managed to be rescued from the lower ends of town because of these tunnels. Now we have to hurry. I don't know how long the dam will last. It might be damaged already. This is one of the worst monsoons we've had in years..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' When Zetha and Thaarin exit the junkyard, they'll nearly be bowled over by the elements. Zetha will barely be able to see or breathe with all the rain and wind pummeling her. Thaarin doesn't let go of her hand, though, at least, and finally, they'll be able to just barely make out the roof of the convent from a distance. Thaarin mutters something in Cheunh. "It's already almost completely buried," he mutters. "We have to get down there, somehow." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' If it was just them - it'd be less an issue. A monster of a Mandalorian. A skilled Mandalorian noble woman. No problem. But they have two wounded - one whom he's got to fight his instincts to just leave Kass to die - and a civilian.. Volken grimaces ..but there really is only one answer isn't it? "You all better be glad you got the Volken that's me and not the Volken that was about a year or two ago.." he grumbles. "Alright, let's move. Forward then. Fast as we can." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari glances a Volken, still not certain about this. Should she really trust these people? It seems counterintuitive. "But if the dam breaks while we're down there...there will be no way out." she points out. "Especially since Volken is injured." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' There's a moment taken to watch, for the heart to drop and stomach to twist. "...Are you sure we should risk it? What if we're already too late... I mean..." The convent is almost buried. If they go into that... "Thaarin I think we should go back...it's not worth risking more lives...including our own." Though she's still clinging to his hand, like he's the only lifeline she might have right now. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I know." calls back Volken, "But if what he said about the mud is correct then we'd just be swept away by it trying to climb up from the outside. We'd be trying to climb up against the mud flow and water." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I will. Good luck, Master," Navi calls back to Master Rykard as the civilians hurry back aboard the tram. "May the Force be with you." "Cayde, come on! We need to catch up with Mondrian before her ship gets here!" she calls to Cayde, waving her arm over her head to get his attention, then jogging after Mondrian (F). 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde walks over the side of the bridge, watching as the rest of the burning trees falls down into the ravine below. Well, that was that. At least now the rest of the citizens had a better chance of getting back to safety.     As Navi begun to call him over, he turns to her and starts to follow. What was this going on with Mondrian (F)? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The inspector nods at Volken's words and starts after the behemoth, beginning to climb down to join him. "There's risks either way!" the inspector cries. "I can't make -you- do anything. But you are -not- taking Crane with you if you want to try flying out there. There's a small chance you might make it to the hospital, which is the most fortified building in town, but the boy will not last. Look at him!" True, he's barely conscious, and seems to barely be clinging to his life. Thaarin's scarlet eyes blaze with brazen certainty. "You can go back," he says to Zetha. "But listen to me. The possibility that you are never seeing Crane again is... high. At this rate, we're probably not even going to recover bodies. We probably are too late." He looks down at the convent again. "But it's not going to be for lack of trying. I'm going to cling to hope, even if the numbers contradict my likelihood of success." He suddenly lets go of her hand and taking out a thin grapple wire that Zetha probably never knew he carried, secures it to the only non downed lamppost nearby and starts to rappel down the mudhill. "May the Force be with you," And Rykard Force leaps away, onto the back of the tram, calling on the Force to lighten the burden of the weight of the tram on the bridge, so that the pilot can start back towards Aklyrr Bend. Mondrian (F) glances at Navi. "My ship has locked onto the slaver signal!" she shouts, "she'll be here... soon!" Cayde and Navi will be able to espy a tiny craft in the distance, making its way towards Mondrian erratically, but towards them nonetheless. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari glances at Volken, and then back down at the hole, then at 'Crane'. She steps over to Volken and begins to dump the disciple on him. He can handle both of them, can't he? "Fine, you take him then."     And with that, she begins to activate her thrusters, aiming to take the high road. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Points out he's wounded in one moment. The next, she doubles his physical work load in getting out of this situation and goes on her own. Volken fumes - but there's no time to try and devote any energy towards snark or even worrying about dealing with her later. If she's going to take her chances that's her choice. "Come on! Lead the way. Hurry!" he calls out to the other man as he shoulders Crane on one shoulder and Kass on the other. "Let's go! Move!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha winces as Thaarin says the reality that they're facing, bringing it to life. Once he begins to repel down the mud mountain, she looks around quickly and finds a few things that she can quick mangle together to fashion a makeshift sled. After a couple breaths, she takes off down the mud mountain herself, praying she survives the fall to get to where they can help people the most. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi hurries up to Mondrian (F), slightly winded by the run. "Cayde will be along in a second or two," she says, watching the small ship approach. "So, why are you going back to Kublop Springs? Is it because of your brother? I noticed he wasn't on the tram, and he was supposed to be," she continues. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde approaches the two women as Mondrian's ship appears. He strains his gaze upward through the rain as it approaches, listening to Navi's questions and resisting the urge to simply enter her mind and find the answers himself. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The inspector nods, and then starts to jog quickly towards a door in the back of the room that they're currently in. Once upon a time, it must have a place of peace, beauty and meditation. There's ornate, circular floor carving on the floor, and several statues in kneeling positions lining the walls. But they've all fallen down or are broken now. The inspector, coughing again, manages to tug the door open, revealing a dark tunnel ahead. There's a good couple of inches of water on the floor in the tunnel, but nothing they wouldn't be able to wade through. "Here, here!" he cries, motioning for Volken to hurry through once he's gone through himself. Crane groans softly. "...what's happening? I don't.. I don't remember anything..." As Thaarin descends the mud hill, the mud becomes slicker, and thicker, and by the time he reaches the bottom the mud is up to his shoulders, and he's barely able to keep himself from getting dogpiled by all the dirt and sludge. He just barely manages to grab onto the branch of a tree in the courtyard of the convent, but his grip on it is slipping. However, Zetha may be able to steer herself in his direction and help him up... if she gets there in time. Mondrian (F) just frowns and avoids Navi's question. "You're going to have to let me sit on your lap," she says as the ship gets nearer. "the ship is a one seater. Cayde is going to have to ride outside." Once the ship lands, Mondrian (F) doesn't waste any time. She tugs on Navi's arm. "Get in!" she rushes the Sephi girl. Ellari will find that the inspector is right. The weather is terrible, and trying to fly with her thrusters is very difficult with the wind and rain. Visibility is terrible too... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Wait, what?" Navi cries, blushing a little. "Geez... ordinarily I'd say to let Cayde ride inside and I'll hang on the outside... but I can see why that might be an issue. Maybe he could sit on your lap instead?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Just stay still and quiet." responds Volken to Crane, "No time to explain." No time to enjoy any of the art either. It's not likeley he'd have paid it much mind anyway. For now he just moves as quickly as he can after the Inspector whilet taking careful note of how high the water is and the sturdiness of the tunnels. Speed is of the essence here. The longer they take and the worse the storm gets the more they risk the dam giving way as they're trying ot escape. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde really wants to fly the ship himself. He doesn't get to fly ships that often. But it's not his ship, so he doesn't insist on anything, just waits for someone to make a decision about who should ride outside. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari didn't expect it to be easy, but this was preferable to navigating tunnels she's never been through with the risk of dams breaking with no way out. She keeps the thruster power low, keeping her altitude just a few feet above the ground as she makes her way toward the port. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's able to maneuver her makeshift sled down well enough. Though she sees Thaarin's grasp on a tree limb and shifts to slide near him so she can grab on and pull him from the muck. "Hang on..." Cause with the mud getting thick the sled's not going terribly fast but likely fast enough still. "Why do you always know what to say to put things in perspective? You're not doing this alone, Thaarin...I won't let you." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Are you kriffing kidding me?! -I'm- piloting. And I'm not sitting on his lap. Now get in! There's no time to argue about this!" She then looks to Cayde. "Get on the wing. I hope you know how to handle yourself." "... thank you," he whispers. There's a pause. "You're... limping. Why are you doing this?" The inspector continues to hurry ahead of them, taking a left once they get to an intersection. "Quick!" he cries, "there's not much time! But the hospital isn't far." As Ellari is attempting to make her way up the hill and towards the port, she might espy Zetha and Thaarin trying to get down to the convent. But she'll soon have other things to worry about. All of a sudden, someone is shooting at her. Someone above her, someone on one of the rooftops! Thaarin doesn't reply right away, he's about to drown in the mud. But as soon as Zetha pulls him up, he's able to stand up on the tree branch and pull Zetha onto it with him. Her mud sled slides away and disappears from sight, but at least they're out of the mud... for now. They do have to stand body to body though -- the branch isn't very wide or long. "Thank you," he says. "But now we have to get onto the roof --" However he's suddenly distracted by the shooting that's suddenly happening in the midst of this storm. "By the light...!" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi sighs irritably. "Sorry, Cayde... I tried," she says apologetically, climbing into the pilot's seat, and hoping the upholstery is waterproof... she's soaked from being out in the rain for so long. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde pouts slightly, disappointed at not getting to pilot, but he climbs onto the wing anyway. Though it is a bit surprising that Navi had suggested he pilot. She usually didn't want to give him the chance to do that kind of thing. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I got shot and I'm carrying two full grown bodies by myself." remarks Volken, "Now stay quiet, alright??" This isn't time for twenty questions. Volken continues moving along, carrying foolish noble and disciple. One on each shoulder. He's got to conserve his strength, especially if things go wrong. Collapse later. Run now. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     A couple of shots glance off of Ellari's armor, but a few more manage to hit her in the seams. She winces in pain at the blaster burns and curses in Mando'a under her breath, then twists around to face the direction the bolts came from. Her visor scans through the rain and hones in on a figure on a rooftop, and she fires straight back at it. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' At least Zetha's got decent balance and pressing herself against Thaarin so they're not about to fall off the branch. She nods her head to him and then looks to the roof and around when he mentions having to manage to get to the roof. Though before she can really get her thoughts straight those shots are heard from the roof of the convent and she tries to see if she can spot who's firing. "The kriff is going on now?!" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, there -is- no upholstery, the seat is metal. Which is good, but also... uncomfortable. Especially when Mondrian sit down on Navi's lap. Her body is warm, at least. And she doesn't waste any time getting the ship into the air. Soon they're off towards Kublop - Cayde will have to utilize every inch of the Force to stay on - the wind is really doing a number on literally everything in its path! Crane obeys and doesn't say anything else after that, but reaches out weakly with one hand touches Volken on the neck almost affectionately. Ellari's shot knocks her assailant flat. The wind and rain won't help with visibility, but for a few seconds the Mandalorian woman may be deceived into thinking she'd taken care of whoever it was... no more shooting, and it's too rainy and dark to tell if they're still around or not. But then she'll notice a red and grey canister tumbling off the side of the rooftop where her assailant once had been. She won't be able to make out the logo on it, but the colors are telltale. Rhydonium. "Nevermind that," Thaarin says, shaking his head, "we're running out of time." He pushes some of the tree branches down to make a bridge onto the roof of the convent and helps Zetha across onto it, before crossing himself. That's when the explosion happens. It's earth shaking and earpiercing and probably nothing like Zetha has ever heard or experienced before. And Ellari? Hopefully she's thrown herself to the ground in time to avoid getting blasted to kingdom come. Down below, the ceiling shakes, and there's a horrible cracking sound. And then its raining rocks. Volken is going to have to try to find cover nearby, otherwise they're all getting pancaked. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi winces as she's suddenly, literally, pressed into the dual role of passenger and seat cushion! "This is more awkward than you know, Mondrian..." she says, blushing faintly. "I hope Cayde is okay..." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Hey! This aint a first date kid. Keep your hands where I can see 'em!" Volken's got time for jokes apparently. "How much further?!" he yells at the Inspector. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari doesn't stick around to see if her attacker is going to get back up again. As soon as he's down, she turns away again and starts flying back toward the port. Unfortunately that meant she didn't even see the barrel falling. The blast knocks her out of the air, and she goes sprawling down into the mudslide below. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde holds onto the wing of the ship as hard as he can, calling on the Force to help offset the pull of gravity and the wind. But then there's an explosion below, and the noise and shockwave distracted him for a second too long. The padawan loses his grip, and begins to plummet through the rain. He reaches out with the Force though, attempting to slow his fall so that he at least won't get splattered... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha tries to help Thaarin as best she can, be it with balancing or trying to pull branches down into that makeshift bridge. Then there's an explosion and shaking and her ears ring like they're bursting from the insdie out. Her immediate knee-jerking response is to let go of branch and Thaarin both to hold her hands over her ears and crouch down but that's likely not the best action when trying to balance on a tree branch while also climbing across a branch bridge. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Mondrian (F) says softly. "I'm sorry," she says, "I hope I'm not hurting you." They're flying along at a pretty quick pace, hence Navi's remark, probably. "I hope so too. He's probably fine. Probably -- " And then there's the sound of the explosion, and the ship jilts as Cayde falls off. "Shit!" Mondrian says. She nosedives the ship to go after Cayde, shifting in the pilot chair uncomfortably. Navi's thigh may be pinched. "Sorry," Crane says. "Sorry--" he jerks his hand away suddenly. Volken won't get a response from the inspector. Up ahead, all he'll be able to see is collapsing rock, and then suddenly there's the sound of rushing water. The dam. It must have broken. Ellari will likely faceplant into the mud covering the street below her. Minutes later, a figure has dragged himself out into the street, limping badly, helmet shattered, armor torn. His left arm dangles uselessly at his side, but his right fist is balled as he approaches Ellari. But first, he'll try to kick her gun out of her hand. When the explosion happens Thaarin leaps forward onto the roof and slams Zetha down onto the rooftop. They'll avoid the brunt of the blast, as they're lying down on the roof and not too close to the rhydonium. But Zetha will feel a wave of heat pass over her, and her skull might hit the metal rooftop. "Zetha!" Thaarin says, "are you alright?!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha feels her skull thud against the metal rooftop just as she feels that wave of heat passing over her. Not to mention the pressue of Thaarin's body against her from slamming her against the rooftop. She seems like she's about to say something but no sound comes from her lips and she winces as she tries to move. Violet eyes shift to meet Thaarin's red gaze and all she manages is a weak shake of her head to try and say she is not alright. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Great. There's literally not much he can do other than to keep moving forward and hope that they'll find what they need in just a few short steps. Out running rushing water is out of the question but if it's near, and they have their head start, they may yet make this. Volken lifts one of his arms as much as he can without dropping either Crane or Kass, and he begins priming his repulsor gauntlets. He might be able to collapse part of the tunnel behind them if the water begins rushing towards them but he needs to wait.. There's always the risk of bringing everything down on their heads. "I said how much further!? We're out of time!" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Not really," Navi replies, still blushing faintly, her voice slightly strained from being used as a seat cushion. "But do you remember how I asked you to dance once, months ago?" She winces at the explosion, and the buffeting of the ship from the blast wave. There's a blur of cloth past the side viewport, and she almost lunges against it, staring wide-eyed. "Cayde, nooo!" she cries, only to be crushed against the seat as Mondrian (F) nosedives after Cayde. Her right thigh in particular is pressed right up against the side of the cockpit, hard enough that she gets that pins-and-needles sensation down her leg... 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari's head is reeling from the explosion, and it takes her a few moments to get her bearings again--just in time to see a ragged figure approaching her, useless arm dangling at his side.     "You dini'la--!" she growls as he attempts to kick her rifle away. Instead, her arm curls away from his foot and she rolls to the side, drawing one of her pistols and firing at him. With that busted helmet, she goes straight for the head. She doesn't care who he is. He attacked her and is hell-bent on killing her for some reason, in spite of the raging storm. Clearly a madman this galaxy could do better without. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Through the blinding rain, it may be difficult if not impossible to spot Cayde, as he's fallen through some trees. Fortunately, they helped break his fall so that the Force didn't have to do as much work as it may have had to otherwise. Still, that didn't mean it didn't hurt...especially since he happened to land with one of his hands twisted awkwardly under his body. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Still, no response from the inspector. In fact, Volken won't even be able to see him anymore? The rocks finally stop falling, but Volken will see that the tunnel is blocked off now, on both ends. And water's leaking in. Very slowly, but leaking in, nonetheless. He could try blasting through, but that might cause another cave that might crush them all. Volken will feel Crane wiggling free, onto the ground. He can't walk, but he's hastily crawling towards something or someone on the ground? Oh no, it's the inspector. He's lying on the ground, bloodied. "By the gods, he's... he's not responding. He's dying. Volken, what do we do? What's happening? How did we get here..." Crane says desperate, the panic in his voice evident. Mondrian takes them down immediately, landing next to Cayde and rushing out of the ship as soon as they land. "Cayde, by the light, are you okay? Let me look at you," She looks to Navi, desperation and fear in her voice. "You need to go find out what that explosion was. Kublop isn't far. Please..." Thaarin's expression becomes grieved. "I shouldn't have let you come with me," He says softly, touching her cheek gently. "Stay up here," he says, "I'm going in." He picks up a nearby rock, heads for the nearest sky light, shatters it, and then slowly lowers himself in. Ellari's first shot grazes the non shattered side of his helmet, but the other sears the left side of his temple, blackening the whole side of his head. The third hits his shoulder, and he cries out in pain, but is relentless. "Don't kriff around with my sister!" he screams, raging. "Don't you touch her!" Then he aims at the fuel tank of her jet thrusters, and fires twice, in an attempt to ignite them. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "I don't know who the hell your sister is! I don't even know who -you- are!" Ellari shouts. The bolts strike the fuel tank, and a leak immediately starts. She scrambles to her feet and immediately disengages the maglocks, before throwing the entire assembly straight at him, aiming to give him a taste of his own medicine.     "All I know is that you're messing with the -wrong- Mandalorian." she growls. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "All right..." Navi groans, levering herself out of the pilot's seat, her right leg feeling stiff and sluggish, at least for the moment as she makes her way to Cayde's side. "I just need to take care of something first..." Laying her hands on Cayde's shoulders, she reaches deep into the Force within him, tweaking its flow and redirecting its energies to knit injuries, take away pain, and heal Cayde's wounds, if there are any. "That should do it. Take good care of Cayde." Rising, she sways on her feet for a moment, between her leg and a moment of weariness, then starts off toward where she'd seen the explosion, limping briefly before her leg began to feel more normal, at which point her gait becomes a more normal jog. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "There's a bad storm happening. A dam may have broke and so we might have water rushing in towards us from...behind I think. We can't go backwards. We need to get through here. We'll suffocate if we just stay here. Or the water will get through or the tunnel will just collapse anyway." Volken pauses to look over the inspector. He could carry the weight of three people but he's only got ...well two arms. And with the Inspector in the condition he's in they certainly don't have too many options here. "I'm gonna need to try and burst through. If youg ot some sorcery handy and are strong enough to use it, now's the time." With that, he sets Kass down and steps forward to inspect the fallen rocks on the way forward, attempting to sus out the best places for him to start to punch through without bringing the rest of the wall ontop of them all. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde gets to his feet, grimacing in pain although he does his best to hide it. But he's holding his left hand with his right, and the two women will see that his wrist is broken. Although he still nods when Mondrian asks if he's all right.     Fortunately, Navi is able to actually make that true. But as soon as that's done, he immediately hurries after Navi in the direction the explosion had been heard. He can take care of himself, thank you! 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thankfully, Navi will be able to make it to Kublop uneventfully (well, aside from all the wind and rain). Mondrian (F) had been close in tow, but by the time she's reached the central plaza, she'll have lost track of both of them. Perhaps it had been intentionally on Mondrian's (F) part, and Cayde, well, he had a habit of disappearing at the wrong place, wrong time. Nonetheless, her comm crackles to life, and she'll find herself being hailed by Thaarin. The signal's patchy, but she'll be able to at least hear a bit of what he's saying. "<--Did you hear? *static* Rykard? There's a *static* near the convent. *static* They're trapped. It's buried..>" Meanwhile, Jorn is probably sheltering somewhere, watching the rain pour down and listening to the wind howl. He might have heard a thing or two about the annual monsoons on Tenoo, and noticed the weather reports streaming in at the local cantinas. He might also be wondering where his tentatives allies are. Or he might not be. Regardless, wherever he is and whatever it is he's thinking about, will be interrupted by the sound of aggressive banging. "Jorn. Jorn! Haar'chak! What are you doing? It's me, Er'gi." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi taps her earpiece, pausing to get her bearings before heading in the general direction of the convent. << Thaarin? It's Navi! Please repeat your message? Also, did you hear an explosion? There may have been one close to you! >> she broadcasts. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn's eyes narrow under helm as he hears the voice. It's not until he receives confirmation from the cameras that this is indeed Vol's brother in arms. The door whever he shelted. "What are you doing out like that?" he asks thinking there probably has to be a reason for it. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha isn't going anywhere. At least not for the foreseeable future and while Thaarin regrets choices and goes to try and find people. Zetha may die, but it's a sacrifice she's apparently willing to make. Unwillingly. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "<Oh thank the light!>" There's a lot more static, and Navi won't catch any of what Thaarin says next, but then there's, "--alright. Zetha's on the roof of the convent. *static* --get past all of it. I'm heading to the general store>" "What are -you- doing in here, sitting on your ass, you di'kut!" the other Mandalorian roars. "You didn't hear? Volken and Ellari are trapped in the basement of the convent and it's almost completely buried in mud." "Kass fled to the convent and took a couple of civilians hostage there. They went in after him, but then the storm started up..." Moments later, Zetha will see Thaarin coming out of the skylight he'd broken earlier. He's shaking his head. "There's no way down," he says, "we have to hope they made it to the tunnels below. Come. We can access them from the general store down the street." The problem is, the street down below is not traversable. They'd have to make their way across rooftops, but some of the leaps from building to building are... ambitious. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' That's when Jorn will start to head off. He'll grab one of the communicators, none of his own. Taking a few messages to Volken and Ellari. Simple messages that read, "Status." And then he waits for guidance by Volken's friend. "Lead the way," as Jorn does not know the way. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' There's slowly sitting up that happens, and Zetha rubs the back of her head. She's likely going to be feeling that one for a couple days now. As she sees Thaarin coming back from where he came there's the lofting of an eyebrow and then she shifts to try and stand up. "You mean the street that we can travel across? How do you propose we get anywhere from where we are now? We're lucky we're even HERE at the moment." She looks around once again and then sighs. "This is the worst I've ever seen it..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' << On the /roof of the convent/? What is she doing on the roof? Is the flooding that bad? >> Navi asks over the comms, picking up her pace. Soon she finds some high ground overlooking the convent. << Okay, now I see why you're up there. I'm going to find some transportation and a rope ladder. Some way to get you two off of that roof! I'll be back as quick as I can! >> She hurries deeper into Kublop Springs. "I need something with some passenger space and repulsorlifts... at this point I'd even deal with that grumpy Bothan!" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I doubt they'll get your messages," Er'gi grunts, following Jorn out. He'll then easily overtake him, and lead the way out in the rain and wind. It's terrible, and Jorn will have a hard time just staying on his feet! But at least Er'gi is hard to miss, and if he walks right behind him, some of the wind and rain will be blocked by his massive form. The two Mandalorians then start heading for the convent. "<The convent is buried>" Thaarin tells Navi. "<Thank you, but please hurry>" Navi will find herself running past the pier. Most of the boats are completely mired in the mud and water, but there's one small hoverboat not 100 percent buried yet, and it has a coil of rope and an anchor stored aboard it. But Navi will have to Force leap her way to it - most of the pier is flooded! "We are lucky," Thaarin says, sitting down on the roof next to Zetha. "Navi's coming. She's going to try to find some rope and something with a repulsorlift. If things go favorably for her, we'll be able to make it to the general store." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi makes her way past the river pier as she heads toward the center of town. Just by chance she spots a hoverboat that isn't flooded or buried completely. << Thaarin, I found a hoverboat that looks intact. I'm going to see if I can reach you from the water, >> she says over the comms. One look at the pier almost changes her mind, however; it's mostly flooded and swaying back and forth from the current. "The pilings look intact... and steady. I guess I just found my way across!" She makes her way to the hoverboat with several impressive, borderline superhuman leaps, eventually landing on the boat's rear passenger deck. Fortunately, the controls at the helm console are clearly labeled. A little work with the control console gets the drain pump working, to get any standing water out of the boat. "Okay... still has power. Now let's get the engine running and see if we're in business," she muses. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Remind me to thank her later..." Zetha says before sloughing some of the water off her arms - as if that's going to help anything. "I just hope everyone is okay. The aftermath will likely be a kriffing nightmare though.." Dealing with the damage, which means likely helping around town doing repairs and the like. Making sure people are alive - at the least - and recover okay. She looks over to Thaarin after a moment. "Doesn't exactly make for the best reunion, does it?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn tries to figure out where to go from his current location to the general area of where the others are. His attention focused on getting there. He knows it'll be like trying to find a piece of plasteel burried in the sands of Tatooine. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "<You did? Perfect!> Thaarin's brows shoot up in relieved surprise, and he looks over at Zetha. "We're in luck. She found a working hoverboat... hopefully she'll be here soon," he says. Thaarin just smiles reassuringly at her and reaches for her hand. "Better than nothing. It's going to be alright," he says soothingly. Navi -is- in luck, it would appear, the Force is shining upon her today. The hoverboat hums to life, and drain pump starts pumping all the excess water out of it. However, it is still a little bit mired, and struggling to free itself from the runny mud below it. A little help from the Force would get it out, and Navi on her way. Er'gi presses on, leading the way. Soon, the convent is in sight, but it's not a welcome one - Er'gi had been right. The entire thing except the roof is buried. "Har'chaak! There's no way we're getting that way..." A gust of wind then nearly blows them both off their feet. "Ehh. Quick, up here," Er'gi says to Jorn, making his way over to a building with a ladder on the side. "I need a minute to think, and if we stay down there we'll be swallowed by the mud in no time." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha lets Thaarin take her hand and she smiles at him as he speaks reassurances. "I really hope you're right, Thaarin..." She offers this much while shifting to pull her knees into her chest, wrapping her other arm around her legs. Trying very hard to not show she's as worried as she is. Fearful of a lot of things. Confused by a couple. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn checks over his person thinking of maybe some kind of cable line. Something that could act as a grapple line. That could be a way to get to the top of the building. Try to avoid all of the mud that would drag him down to the bottom. That's at least where his head is at. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi gives a little whoop of joy as the power comes up and the repulsorlift engine hums to life. The hoverboat wallows slightly, but doesn't move, and she discovers that the sucking mud is miring the boat in place. "Let's hope this works..." she murmurs, reaching deep inside herself and beginning to call upon the Force, tweaking its flow between the water, the mud, the land, and herself... The hoverboar comes free with a sudden surge that almost spills her into the bottom of the boat with a squeal of fright. Once she recovers from the shock, she lets out a louder whoop of joy and turns the hoverboat toward the convent. << Thaarin! I'm headed your way now! I should be there in a minute or two! >> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin doesn't reply to Zetha, but less than a second later, hope glimmers in his eyes. "I can see Navi,"he says, standing, "she's coming." Er'gi is halfway up the building when he, too, spots Navi coming towards the convent from a distance away. "Jorn! Wayii! Someone's coming in a hoverboat." He points at Navi approaching the hoverboat. "We may be saved. Let's see if she can get us somewhere more helpful than here." He then climbs back down, and hurries towards the young Sephi girl, glancing briefly back at Jorn to beckon him to follow. Navi will find herself quickly within sight of the convent, and will just barely be able to see Thaarin standing on top of it, waving at her. The rain has let up a tiny bit, though the wind will make steering the hoverboat a bit difficult. She'll also be able to see Er'gi trying to make his way towards her, nearly getting sucked down by the mud with every step he takes. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Got room for more?" he asks about the hoverboat and Navi. The attention focused on the bare trying to see how many it could fit. What they would need to do to help stay afloat, if anything. His attention just going between the craft and various thoguhts. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Good..." Zetha offers, shifting to try and stand up again. Against the wind, she's at least thankful that the rain has let up some. It's still not going to bode well for the aftermath but in the moment it's at least a little glimmer of something good on the horizon. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Ahoy, on the shore!" Navi calls back to Jorn, recognizing him from the lightsaber lesson. "Yes, we have room! Actually might need your help to save two friends, so if you can jetpack this far, come on! Just be careful not to land too hard in this wind!" She guides the hoverboat in as close to the shore as she dares, turning out just a bit if she feels the hull coming up against mud on the left side, which is the side facing Jorn. << Thaarin? I'm picking up some help! We should be on to assist you two in just another minute! >> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Yes, thank you!" Er'gi says to Navi. "Ah.. Co Deputy Valrennan. I know I haven't always seen eye to eye with the Republic, but your help is most appreciated. Our vod Volken and our other ally, Ellari, is trapped below the convent. We're trying to find a way to them... we Mandalorians are tough, but this weather would wear anyone down." He steps aboard the hoverboat, and it creaks under his weight but doesn't topple. He then steps aside to allow Jorn aboard. Thaarin frowns when Navi says she's picking up help. "<Right. See you soon>" He turns to Zetha. "I have a feeling we're going to have be working alongside the Mandalorians. I don't know anyone else who would be crazy enough to be out and about in this weather..." Meanwhile, down below, Crane nods weakly at Volken, and the other Mandalorian will commence his search for a weak point somewhere in the wall of rocks surrounding them. Crane will do his best to take Volken's advice. He reaches out into the Force, trying to either contact either Navi or Cayde... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will do what is necesary. Just a simpel back pack motion over to the waiting barge. His attention focused on just making it on board. "What he said. We need help assisting our allies," Jorn doesn't want to call them friends. They really haven't had that conversation. Allies feels like an appropriate term. "How bad is it?" he figures that Navi has a better sense of things. That would be an inisght Jorn doesn't have at the moment. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Just...stand back.." Volken sets Kass down, flopping him against one of the walls near the Inspector whom he then leans over to make sure he's not laying face down in a pool of rising water. He utters a few choice words in Man'doa under his breath, muffled even more by his helmet, and then leans in to take a closer look at the rocks. HIs gauntled hands reach out to test the sturdiness of the collapsed stone.. Pushing here, pushing there nad then...eventually he finds what he's looking for. Or so he hopes. "Just....stay clear." he tells Crane before bracing himself. He then hauls back, calling to him every ounce of his genetically modified strength... and he swings, plowing his enormous fist forward for the stone and, hopefully, freedom. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head. "I haven't known much of anything since my last run in with Jasper...which turned into a catastrophe...next thing I know the monsoons here and you're coming telling me Crane was taken hostage." She pauses. "I don't know if you've heard about what happened at the clinic...but not a lot of it was good." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Welcome aboard, Jorn, Er'gi. I wish I could tell you more," Navi replies, guiding the hoverboat a little farther from shore and into the navigation channel, moving toward the convent. "The convent looks like it's been buried under a mudslide, or almost, and Thaarin and Zetha are stranded on the roof. If anyone else is in there, I don't know where they are." She steers closer to shore as they approach the convent. "If I get us any closer, we're likely to run aground. Jorn, can you carry another person while using that jetpack of yours?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi nods. "We'll help you," he says to Navi. "I'm sure Volken is among those you're looking for." Rocks start to crumble beneath Volken's massive strength. He'll be able to feel them raining down upon his head and shoulders, but nothing so massive that he can't ignore. The cave isn't collapsing, at least. He'll start to make good progress - but as he continues punching he'll see that this wall of rock barricading them in is deeper than it looks. "I heard of it," Thaarin says solemnly. "Things will get better, I'm sure. We'll make it through this. Look, Navi's here," He says, gesturing towards the young Sephi girl piloting the hoverboat nearer to them. "I'm going to jump. If you don't feel you can make it --" his lips press into a thin line, as he watches Navi address Jorn. He can't really hear what they're saying, but it isn't hard to guess. He doesn't really like the idea of Jorn helping her, but they don't have a lot of options at the moment. He then takes the leap, landing on the starboard of the hoverboat. It rocks, but doesn't topple. Meanwhile, when Ellari throws her jetpack at her armored attacker, his arms go in front of his face and it clips his elbow. There's less than a second before the jetpack explodes into sparks and shrapnel... 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari does her best to jump away from the thrusters when she throws them, but the shockwave still knocks her over. Hopefully, it knocked -him- harder, though. Still, it takes her a moment to gather her wits and get back up, drawing both of her blaster pistols this time. However, she doesn't try to run. This man was clearly a maniac, and if he wasn't unconscious or dead, he was sure to be after her again.     Besides, a Mandalorian never runs from a fight. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "If they hold on tight," he says openly. It may tkae a little bit of effort. It's harder than it looks to adapt to a second party with a backpack like that. Not impossible. Just harder than most realize. "Who do I need to haul?" he asks openly. Jorn knows that any mando help may not be welcomed with open arms. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde had been following Navi toward the convent, but had lost her in the blinding rain. And many of the buildings were almost wrecked beyond recognition. So he's left with reaching through the Force in search of anyone around town who might need assistance... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' No, no, this won't do. There's some success here, but not enough. He can do better. He has to if they're to get out of here faster. "Mm.." rumbles Volken before gathering his zeal up once again and this time bracing his enormous frame against the ground. He waits, as if building up momentum from some internal engine that he's firing up more and more ... and then he lunges forward, lowering his shoulders and attempting now a tremendous crash to try and plow forward through what remains of the collapsed boulders before him. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi has to grab onto the controls as the boat rocks under Thaarin's landing. "Well, okay... that's one safe aboard. Jorn, do you think you could get Zetha? She shouldn't be any heavier than me," she says. "Thaarin, if you feel up to it, could you take the helm? I know you're a better driver than me." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha would normally attempt to make the jump. She's agile - kinda has to be - because of how she tends to work on things in the junkyard. However, her throbbing head has her listening to reason and she looks at the craft and then to the Mandalorian being spoken to. "I'll take the help if you can manage... I don't think I can make that jump right now..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' When Ellari gains her wits, she'll find herself waist deep in mud. The rain might have let up a little, but the wind hasn't, and the muddy waters are still rising. The man who had been attacking her is nowhere in her immediately line of sight, but that didn't necessarily mean he was dead, or unconscious... Thaarin looks up at Zetha, nodding at Navi's comment and suggestion. He then moves towards the helm of the hoverboat. The explosion from Ellari's jetpack can be heard from where they're standing, although the noise is muted. "We'd better hurry," Thaarin says to Jorn gravely. "Get her, carefully. And then let's head to the general store. The tunnels are accessible from there." Cayde will be able to detect Crane's presence, deep underground. The tunnel network below Kublop! He must have been down there. But getting down there might be hard. More rocks rain down on Volken. But his tremendous crash makes significant progress. He'll be able to tell he's crossed some kind of threshold. It wouldn't be much more after this - he'll be able to see dim streaks of light leaking through the rock barricade. But just as he's about to finish up, he'll heard the disciple calling his name out weakly. "Volken.... Volken! Please..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns, focusing on Amarik's presence and attempting to discern more about his location and situation. Why was he down there, wouldn't it be flooded? Was he alone, was he injured? 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Wait a sec... Thaarin, what are these tunnels, and why do we need to go there?" Navi asks Thaarin. "Are there other sentients trapped in them or something like that?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari curses and fires raises one of her pistols, firing a grappling line attached to it toward the top of the building the rhydonium had been thrown off of. Perhaps she'd be able to find out more about who was so hell-bent on killing her and what 'sister' this was. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "We're almost out!" calls Volken, seeing the way to freedom ahead of them. He turns around, looking back through the dust and the tunnel to look for Crane, Kass and the Inspector. "Come on! Hold it together!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Once on the hoverboat, Zetha finds a spot and sits. "Thank you." She offers this to Jorn before giving a smile to Navi. "Not that this is the best time ever but it's really good to see you, Navi." Offering at least that much before hugging her knees again and resting her forehead against her lap. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Cayde won't be able to find out much, it would appear that Amarik is concussed, very injured, and rather hazy on what was happening, where he was, or what had happened to him. Volken was with him, and another unconscious Mandalorian whose name he didn't know. Somehow, where he is, isn't completely flooded. There's a few inches of water on the ground, but the place isn't submerged. Thaarin looks relieved once Zetha reaches the hoverboat. "Are you alright?" he asks. Then, to Navi, he says, "There's a tunnel network below Kublop. It was an old Republic project that was abandoned, an attempt to build the tram system below ground. However, it became too expensive due to the fact that dams and extensive drainage systems had to be built in order to sustain the railway in case of the annual weather event that often caused massive flooding. In recent years, the citizens of Kublop use it for evacuation in times like these. I think the inspector and Zetha's boyfriend, Crane, are down there, with two other Mandalorians. Well..." he trails off. "If they're alive. That's where they would be." "Then let's not waste another moment," Er'gi says, "we should head to the general store immediately." The mud will suck at Ellari as she pulls herself up. The visibility up higher isn't very good, and the man who had been attacking her still is nowhere to be seen. But then suddenly, on a building with a higher rooftop, she'll hear some movement, above the din of the howling rain. Kass seems fine. Still passed out, but still pretty much in the same condition he'd found him in. The disciple and the inspector, however...are a different story. The rocks that had been falling earlier must have been falling down over where they had been too, and the disciple is lying on the ground in a pool of his own blood, two new gashes on his shoulder and neck. The inspector isn't breathing. "He's...dead," the disciple says of the inspector. There's a pause, as he gathers the strength to speak. He's in really bad shape, probably dying. But he's still conscious, somehow, so maybe there's hope yet. "I want...you to save yourself. And your friend," he says. "And I wanted to say thank you..." he weakly reaches up and presses something into the palm of Volken's hand. It's a soggy white flower. "And good bye." The mammoth Mandalorian will be faced with a choice, now. He could do as the disciple instructed, and continue punching the rocks, and be in the clear in less than ten minutes. He and Kass, with their beskar, would be able to handle the falling rocks just fine. But the disciple, injured and helpless, would be crushed and killed in the process. He could stop. And wait, and pray, and hope, that someone would find them in time. Or... he could give the disciple some of his beskar. But that went against every Mandalorian tradition and way ingrained into him as a child. Not to mention that the falling rocks would then hurt -him-. They wouldn't kill him, but it would certainly hurt. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Of course that might happen. The fact that the falling rocks might cascade backwards hadn't even crossed his mind. They didn't call out right away so he figured everything was fine. He would have stopped but it's too late now. There's no time for regrets or for second guessing. Even if the Insepctor might be dead he's still not leaving the body here. As for Crane? Volken's never been one for tradition. He immediately pulls his helmet off and then promptly slumps it down over Cranes head.. "Shut up." As quickly as possible he starts to unstrap his torso armor, his massive physique seemingly enlarging as he does, as if the beskar does more work holding him in then it does protecting him. "You're going to live." Volken -left- Mandalore because of feuds and politics and traditions that led to his foster fathers death. Lived the life of a mercenary vababond for years. Refused to return home. Was seen as a dog by the pure blooded ones. Tradition be damned. He hurridly works to strap the armor onto Crane, taking care as much as possible to avoid exaggerating the wounds... and then proceeds to reach down to sling Kass over one shoulder, scope Crane up under one arm and The Inspector under the other. "We're leaving." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs. Why was it always like this? Amarik certainly wasn't the sort who couldn't defend himself, so how exactly had he landed himself in this situation? Anyway, he just keeps trying to focus harder on the Tholothian's presence, and make his way toward it, Force leaping his way across rocks, buildings, and other objects to get over the mud. He has no idea where any entrances into the underground are and can only hope he can find a way down there. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Apparently Ellari's attacker has decided not to keep attacking just yet, But now she's stranded without her jetpack. However, this rooftop seems to be not overwhelmed by mud just yet. She heard the noise, so she gets behind cover, in case he tries to renew his hostilities. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head gently but then contradicts it with "I'm fine." A pause. "I'll be fine. I've hurt myself worse. Let's just get to the tunnels so we can find the ones from the convent." Not that she's going to go into any further details than that, and her words are likely a bit muffled since she's talking mostly to her lap. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'm not going to stand in the way of saving lives. Find us a good, solid spot to tie up the boat, away from the mud, and let's head for the general store," Navi replies to Thaaren. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Wh--What are you doing..." Crane protests weakly. "You'll--" But then Volken's helmet goes over his head. If it weren't for their grave circumstances, Volken might find it humorous how tiny the disciple is compared to his beskar. The helmet alone covers both his head and shoulders and the chestplate reaches to his knees. Now, there was just one last thing to do now - give the rocks he'd been pounding a few solid kicks, and then they'd be through. Cayde will eventually find himself where the others are headed - the general store. He'll espy Thaarin piloting the hoverboat, carrying Zetha, Navi, Jorn, and Er'gi. Thaarin is doing as Navi had instructed and piloting it towards an area close to the general store that had something sturdy enough to moor a hoverboat to. Meanwhile, no shots will be fired at Ellari, but a massive pile of debris out of nowhere comes crashing down towards her! 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde wonders why they are headed there but maybe there is something he needs to help with. He leaps over toward the store, looking for a way down into the tunnels. Amarik and Volken had to be down there. It then occurs to him to wonder why Amarik is with Volken and injured, but not yet dead. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi climbs onto the bow of the hoverboat, rope in hand, as the vessel approaches the general store. Half-kneeling there, she ties one end of the rope to a mooring cleat and holds the other ready. "Bring her in nice and steady! Eyes on the terrain, not my bum!" she calls back to Thaarin. The moment the hoverboat comes to a stop, she scrambles down from the bow and secures the vessel to a stoutly-built light pole. "Everybody out! Let's go find those Mandalorians!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha looks up when the boat comes to a stop and then stands up with a bit of a wobble to her stance before walking forward to get off the boat. She'll stay in the back of the group to try and be out of the way. Sort of just there for moral support if it's needed. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin seems amused. "Now, why would you say that?" he teases playfully when Navi instructs him to keep his eyes on the terrain not her bum. Regardless, he steers the hoverboat successfully, albeit with some difficulty towards a massive ceiling rafter that's sticking out of the mud near the general store. "Careful," Thaarin says as everyone starts to disembark,"this area doesn't exactly look like an easy tread..." And he's right. The parking lot in front of the general store is covered in debris and mud. Probably not a problem for Navi, as she can Force leap, but for the others it might prove tricky. When Thaarin notices Cayde heading their way, he waves him down. "Over here," he says to Cayde. "We're probably going to need your help." When it comes time for Zetha to disembark, Thaarin offers her a hand. "Think you can make it inside?" he asks cautiously. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde makes his way over to them as Thaarin waves him down.     He looks them over, relieved to find they seem to be more or less all right. [How do I help] he asks. [Are you going down] 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' There's a moment where Zetha looks to Thaarin and to where they're headed and she wonders if she should bow out. But Crane's in danger let along the other Mandalorians and such. If she didn't try to help, why is she even here? "I think I can make it...I'm certainly going to try no matter what." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi watches Cayde approach as she finishes securing the boat. "Yes, Cayde, we're going into the tunnels," she replies. "There's a chance that some of the sentients that were in the convent were able to escape into them. Did you ever find the source of that explosion we saw earlier?" She waits for Cayde's answer, drawing upon the Force and manipulating its flows between herself and the muddy ground. Then she leaps, covering more than twenty feet to get clear of the debris field in front of the general store. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Your saber," he says, glancing over at the general store, "we're likely going to have to do some... strategic cutting in order to get to the entry to the tunnels below Kublop," he says with a nod. "But don't do anything until I tell you to," he instructs the padawan carefully. Thaarin nods at Zetha. "Let's go, then," He says, "but be careful." He steps out of the hoverboat and motions for her to follow him. Navi will find that getting inside the general store might prove tricky. The front door is completely blocked by debris and mud. And the sign on the front of the store has half collapsed - if she cut through here with her saber, it might cause a landslide of debris off the roof. although it does look like there's probably multiple ways to get in, they just need to look around for a spot where cutting wouldn't cause collapse and masses of sliding debris. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Well, we're not getting in through the front door... you can barely tell this place ever /had/ a front door," Navi observes, beginning to search the area around the building. Within a few minutes she has better luck. "Over here!" she calls from the left side of the building as she unstows her lightsaber. "It looks like we can safely cut our way in through here!" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde follows Navi over to the identified location, drawing his lightsaber and immediately starting to cut through the debris as best he can. So much for waiting for Thaarin to instruct him, of course. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha nods to Thaarin and offers him as confident a smile as she can muster. "After you..." Offering this and she will follow Thaarin's lead, keeping up and steady on her feet as best she can. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin frowns at Navi's reply, looking concerned, watching as she goes around to the left side of the building and finds a better entry way into the general store.  Thaarin arches a brow at Cayde when he unsheathes his saber, as he hadn't told him to use it yet. But he doesn't comment. He makes his way towards the general store, making sure Zetha is close behind him. Navi is successful at cutting away the debris covering the second entry, and soon they're inside. But inside isn't much better than outside. Crushed cans of beans, raw nuna legs falling out of ripped pouches, soggy ration bars, spilt blue milk, and broken glass covers the floor. Not to mention that there's little to no lighting in there. Parts of the ceiling has caved in as well, and there are knocked over shelves everywhere.  "The entry to the tunnels will be in the back," Thaarin says, trying to peer through the doom and gloom. "I know it's not visible from here. But I'm sure it's there." Somehow, despite carrying three people and being injured, Volken will be able to plow through the last of the rock barrier in front of him. A few pebbles will fall onto the gargantuan Mandalorian's shoulders, but he probably won't feel them. When the dust settles, he'll find himself standing in front of a tunnel that's mostly in the clear. Where would it lead him? Who knew, but he couldn't stay, that was for certain. Water is already starting to pool around his ankles. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi keeps her lightsaber lit, to let its bluish-white glare light the immediate area. "Step carefully... there's all kinds of junk all over the floor. Some of it's broken glass." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' If it's pooling around his ankles - it means it'd be near knee high to anyone else so...time to move. That's right. He is injured. He took that shot from Kass earlier. The man is so huge and preternaturally durable that he basically forgot about the blaster wound in the middle of everything else... He'll have to beat Kass within an inch of his life after he makes sure he survives this... "Alright.." he grumbles, dark hair matted to his body now and his trim beard draining water from as his brow furrows. "Let's ...keep going." With that, he starts moving ahead, making his way through the tunnel as quickly as he can. Ah that's right>Ellari abandoned him. He'll have to beat her up as well. That gives him that much more energy to keep moving. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Of course the place is a mess. Cayde sighs and focuses on the obstacles before them, then starts attempting to carefully move everything aside, toward the outer walls in a way that will not cause anything to fall on top of them. A collapsed shelf rights itself, and scoots across the floor toward the wall, whilst broken glass, spilled food and other debris slide away toward the corners of the shopping area. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha just tries to keep pace with Thaarin, watching the ground as they walk since someone said there was debris everywhere. Seeing the state of the convent tugs at her, and she hopes - and perhaps silently prays to the Force - that everyone who was in the convent was able to get to safety. "I hope everyone is okay..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin nods at Navi's instruction, taking care not to step on anything that might puncture his boots, and keeping a close eye on Zetha to make sure that she doesn't either. He gives Zetha a faint smile. "I hope so too. I hope so too..." But this expression expression becomes a bit more somber when Cayde starts moving things around. Somewhere, there's a crash, although nothing immediately falls down on any of them. "Cayde, be careful," he warns the padawan. He then motions to Navi. "I think the entrance is in the warehouse in the back," he says, pointing. They'll just barely be able to make a pair of sliding doors covered in debris. The environment around it looks... precarious. Like if they move or cut anything, the entire building might collapse. "Let me take a closer look." He glances back at Zetha. "I might need your help," he adds. Crane groans weakly, the only conscious being Volken is carrying. "...yes," he says weakly. "I... I believe in you." Soon, Volken will come to an intersection. He's going to have to make a decision about which way to go, but whatever he decides, he should do it fast. The water is rising, still. Two of the tunnels branching out are unlit. The other has some light, but Volken will be able to tell that the ground above has caved in places above the tunnel. It could be risky, but was dark better? 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thanks, Cayde. At least now we can get into the back," Navi observes, stepping into the warehouse area. And stopping, lightsaber foremost, studying the area. "Swell. Looks like it's going to be a lot harder to clear this out than the front. Cayde, don't touch anything yet. It looks like half the roof will fall in if some of this stuff's disturbed." She is able to pick her way closer to the doors, but not to clear them, and holds her lightsaber in a way to allow Thaarin and Zetha to be able to see the area clearly. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Dark had to be it. Even with the armor on, another cave in woudl probably finish off his passengers and Volken would be in no condition to stop i it or deal with it. Without the inspector to guiide them, he has to take a chance and just continue moving. If it was just one of them he could risk running or even find somethihg to try and prop the roof up but right now it's a risk even he's unwilling to take. "Alright, gimme somma that Canto BIght luck.." he grumbles before dipping into one of hte dark tunnels with his passengers. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Too late, Cayde is already trying to move the debris away from the entrance to the tunnels. Well he had already been doing this as they made their way toward the warehouse, and it only seemed a natural extension of that. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Cayde! Navi said don't touch--!" but it's too late, Cayde is shoving things aside, and suddenly, part of the roof is caving in. "Zetha, look out!" Thaarin just barely manages to avoid the falling roof tiles, reaching for Zetha's wrist and attempting to yank her aside as well. Afterwards, he sighs in mild exasperation and makes his way over to where Navi is. He takes out a small environmental scanner and runs it laterally across the wreckage blocking the door. He frowns thoughtfully. "We can make it through," he says, "but it's going to take some precise cutting, at the exact right moment, and fast hands with a welder." He looks to Zetha. "Do you have your tools on you?" Volken will be hit with pitch black, but at least no rocks. The ground here feels soft, and mud will suck at his feet. Is he going the right way? Where were they going anyway? These thoughts must have occurred to Crane. "Where..." he says weakly. "... we going?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Cayde, what the frell are you... /Zetha, look out/!" Navi cries, grabbing for Zetha's hand with her free hand. She can't drop her lightsaber and deprive everyone of the light source, meaning she can't use both hands, so she uses a ballroom dance move she learned once to twirl Zetha up against her, out of the way of falling chunks of roof. "Are you okay?" she asks the Twi'lek, after the partial collapse has stopped. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I don't know!" admits Volken, "The inspector was supposed to guide us tot he hospital but the tunnel that was lit was too unstable. We were lookin' at another cave in. I mighta been alright. You guys owuldnt' have been. So we have to just...trust this is getting us somewhere" That's not much else he can do but keep moving. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     The sudden shouting doesn't help, startling Cayde slightly and causing him to drop some pieces of the roof that almost fall on Zetha. The padawan sighs, and wonders if there is another way down into the tunnels. Maybe another, less destroyed building is connected somewhere. He starts heading back the way they came, through the path he'd already cleared. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Just in the nick of time. The roof collapses and Cayde drops other pieces of it but Zetha is free from the collapse via Thaarin and Navi grabbing and yanking on her. The sudden jostle, however, causes the pain in her head to spike and she winces hard, hands going to hold against the sides of her head for a brief moment. Her stomach flips and there's spots in her vision but she gulps some air and then stands up a bit more. Sort of. "I'm fine...thank you." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "..." Crane doesn't reply, at least not right away. Instead, he hugs Volken's massive arm like a child seeking validation. Volken will be able to see a tiny pinpoint of light at the end of the tunnel, though the mud will continue to suck at his heels. After a moment, Crane finally asks again. "...why? Why... all of this..." Thaarin's hand misses Zetha's wrist, but thankfully, Navi is able to grab her and pull her out of the way. His brows crease with concern when it becomes clear that Zetha is in pain. "Are you sure?" He pauses. "We're going to need someone to weld. Can you do it?" He then calls to Cayde. "Come back here," He says in a commanding tone. "We're going to need you in a minute. This can work. Don't go anywhere." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Huh?" It's a confusing question and Volken would rather focus on keeping his body working then answer something that...really should be obvious. "What...? Why what?" He takes a second to jump to a conclusion and he rumbles, "What, Mandalorian's are supposed to just....let folk die and drown?" Well Ellari kind of -did- didn't she. He fumes...but then: "It's not your fault you got dragged into all of this because of Kass' crazy di'kut behavior. I'm not going to just leave an innocent to die. It's wrong. That's not how I was taught. It's not The Way. It's not what I believe..evne if it was The Way I wouldn't care.... Even if I coulda left Kass...I want to find out why he was acting that way. Why he won't just....-listen- to common sense. Anyway...just hang on." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Being a trained Force healer, Navi is usually pretty good at spotting when someone is hurt. Cupping a hand over one of Zetha's ear cones, she begins to manipulate the flow of the Force between herself and the stricken Twi'lek. She's edging up on exhausted, which may be why she isn't able to cure the head trauma entirely. But she is able to eliminate the accompanying headache, allowing Zetha to work without pain. "Feel better? Let me know if you need any more help," she says softly. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' The relief she feels when Navi works some Force power on her has Zetha standing up a bit taller and she offers a smile. "That's a lot better. Thank you.." She then glances to Thaarin and nods her head. "I promise I'll get checked out as soon as I can...but for now...where do you need me? How can I help?" She sounds better too. Not fully healed, but able to push through it a lot better. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stops and turns around, although he doesn't quite backtrack. He just sort of stands there, watching Navi heal Zetha with an unreadable expression for a moment. Then he simply looks away, and stares at the floor. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Crane doesn't respond right away. But his embrace of Volken's upper arm tightens ever so slightly. "... thank you...." Up ahead, the tiny pinprick of light starts to get bigger. Hopefully, they're headed somewhere drier. Thaarin motions to Cayde as if he were a reluctantly obedient akk dog. "Come over here, I'm going to give very specific instruction," he says to the young padawan, while glancing over at Navi. "I've examined the debris using this scanner and made some calculations." He pulls up a holodisplay of the wreckage he'd scanned, then points to two red diagonal marks on either side of the debris. "It needs to be cut at a thirty five degree angle here, and here," he says. "Simultaneously. Navi and Cayde will have to move in singular motion, and create the cuts at the exact same time. If done correctly, the debris will fall in a precise manner that will wedge it firmly enough to stay stable for at least ninety seconds. Zetha, you must then weld these particular axes--" And he points to three white dots spread out on the holodisplay. "Before the ninety seconds are over. If the operation is a success, then the result will be an archway we can pass through to the warehouse without fearing this building's entire collapse." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Come on, Cayde. It's time for some teamwork," Navi says encouragingly, taking a firmer grip on her lightsaber. << Okay, we'll need to swing at precisely the same time here. Ready? >> she sends to him telepathically. << You say when. >> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde finally comes back, although at Thaarin's instructions, he seems rather apprehensive. That's such a precise angle, how could they expect it to get it exactly right? And at the exact same time? Telepathic synchronization might help, but although his telepathy is potent, it's not always predictable. Navi can feel his uncertainty as she reaches into his mind, and he seems to hesitate. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' << I've seen you handle a lightsaber, Cayde. You can do this, >> Navi replies upon sensing Cayde's uncertainty. << One quick cut and we're done. You might even be able to help direct some of the debris with telekinesis, but I hope that won't be necessary. Ready when you are. >> 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha gives a nod at the points Thaarin shows her where she would need to weld. She actually opens a couple of her pockets to pull out the items she would need to complete this task. Course she'll have to wait for Cayde and Navi to make their cuts and be quick enough after that - which is why her tools in hand is a must. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin nods to Zetha, and then looks to Navi and Cayde. "Look, this is the best way in. If we go back out there, we'll be risking ourselves to the elements. The Mandalorians who were with us left to find a better way in and haven't returned, that's telling." "There's a very small margin for error, but it's enough. I think you and Navi can manage it. There's no other way." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi makes her cut when Cayde gives the word. It's a better than average cut, precise enough to get the job done. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde finally nods and takes a breath, before igniting his lightsaber into the precise location Thaarin had indicated. He maintains his connection to Navi through the Force, to help her sync up with him perfectly. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Lightsabers flash, cut, and then Zetha moves in and takes sauter to flame to weld the spots that Thaarin had pointed out to her. Who needs safety gear when lives are on the line?! Not Zetha. When she's finished she sort of keeps herself still - as if making sure things are as steady as Thaarin calculated they would be. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The operation is a success, despite the odds and the need for exact precision. The debris falls, wedges itself tightly, and the Zetha sauters it. It groans loudly while she welds, but when he's done, it holds. "It worked," Thaarin says, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Let's go," he says, hurrying through the newly created archway, "it's holding for now, but if the storm worsens it might collapse." Soon, he's on the other side, heading for a trapdoor in the back of the warehouse. As for Volken, he'll be able hear very faint footsteps not too far ahead of him and see that the pinprick of light is actually a silver of beam of light, coming in through a cracked trapdoor, the very one Cayde, Navi, Zetha, and Thaarin are headed for. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi makes her way to the trap door. "Thank the Force nothing's fallen on that trapdoor," she observes. "Can someone help me with this?" she asks, taking hold of the edge and starting to lift the trap. "Hello?" she calls through the crack. "Is anyone down here?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Alright..." Volken sets down Crane first and then the Inspector and then he drops Kass roughly to the muddy ground. He checks to see if THe Inspector is breathing or not - but regardless - turns from them both and limps his way over towards the pinprick of light to check it out and test the sturdiness of the structure against his hands. If satisfied...he does the only thing he really -can- do here....and brings a massive fist back to prepare to slam it forward and try and force the thing open or otherwise bust through it! Which is fortunante for Navi that he sees her just before he makes the swing! "Whoa, whoa, whoa!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha moves forward to help Navi open the door after getting over the archway. Then she looks over and gives a gasp. "Big scary man!" She says and then looks around - though it's very likely she can't see anything beyond the hulk's hulking form of hulkiness. "Is anyone else with you?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde is immediately able to sense Volken and Amarik's presence on the other side of the door. Although Amarik is..weakened. He tries to grab Navi by the shoulders and pull her back away, as Volken is ready to swing with those massive fists of his! 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin's eyes widen slightly when he realizes it's Volken down there. "It's them," he murmurs to no one in particular. "Don't," He suddenly instructs Volken through the crack in the trapdoor. "We can open it. The others... how are they?" He then immediately reaches down to help Navi lift the trapdoor up. Volken might almost be blinded by the light, somehow, there's still a battery powered working light source in the warehouse, and after having been in the dark for a long time, it will feel like staring into the sun. Thaarin leans over the edge of the trapdoor, dismay suddenly coming over his expression. "Navi! Quickly...! They don't look well... Zetha, you might want to take a step back..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "The others? Wait. Is Crane with you? Where is he?" Zetha says this before Thaarin gets any more words out. So when he's telling her she might want to take a step back - she does. But the worry is in her eyes as she watches because the way Thaarin was sounding and the words he was saying, they settle in her mind with a mighty weight to them. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Yes... I need help." answers Volkent ot he questions tossed his way. "The Inspector...I'm not sure if he's breathing. Crane, A disciple from...from Jedha and that idiot Kass.. They're all unconscious.. barely alive. I'll explain later..." NOtably, Volken is not in his armor. His mud streaked features exposed. His upper body bearing a soggy and barely together sleeveless tee-shirt and a very obvious blaster wound smouldering on his flank. Well - part of his armor. His legging armor is on but his helmet and his chest piece are basically engufling much of Crane's body. He backs up fro the trap door and turns to make his way back towards where the three are. He finally starts looking tired, as if he simply couldn't allow it until now. He waits as the door is opened and for them to make their way down and he takes a second to actually roll his shoulders and sort out his own battered frame. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Eek!" Navi squeals as she's grabbed and pulled back from the trapdoor by Cayde. Fortunately, Volken doesn't swing that massive fist. Getting to her feet and hastily adjusting her suspenders, which had been dislodged by Cayde's grab, she hurries to look down the trapdoor. "Oh, goodness... you're right about them not looking well. Give me a minute..." She drops through the trapdoor and goes to work. "Volken, can you hold still a moment? You could use some medical attention," she says, reaching for his wrist. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares down through the trapdoor at Volken and the injured people with him. How had this happened? Why was Amarik with him?     This time, he can't help but pry, entering the Tholothian's mind to try to find out what exactly happened and why he's in such critical condition. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin doesn't waste a moment. With surprising agility he climbs down into the tunnels, barely paying any attention to Volken at all. He immediately leans over the inspector and feels for a pulse. His expression becomes ashen and solemn. "We're too late," he says quietly, "he's gone." Then looks to Crane, frowning. He's unconscious too, and bleeding everywhere. "Shit..." he mutters. "Navi, get your ass over here," he says, although he doesn't sound condescending, just desperate and needing to convey a sense of urgency, "I think he's dying." Zetha will be able to hear every word Thaarin is saying, but from where she is, won't be able to see who he's talking about. But does she want to find out...? Cayde will find that the Tholothian man's memory is ... horribly blurry. He's majorly concussed, and can't seem to even remember very many details about how he'd become so injured. There's a memory of someone beskar attacking him, lots of water, falling rocks, and then Volken picking him up, but the order of the memories probably isn't correct. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken emits a slow sigh as the word of the inspector's condition is given. He shakes his head and just sits there for a moment, not speaking or answering any questions right away. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi takes hold of Volken's wrist, manipulating the flow of the Force through him, and between him and herself. The wounds close up and the pain disappears. Releasing his wrist, she hurries to "Crane's" side and kneels next to him, laying her hands on his shoulders. Once more she calls upon the Force and tweaks its flow. Within minutes the wounds close up and the headache and pain disappear, leaving him weary but alive and whole. Rising, she moves to check on the inspector, just to be sure. The odds of saving him don't really exist, but she must be sure she's done all she can. Kneeling beside him, she checks for a pulse and for breathing... and finds none. She looks up at Thaarin and sadly shakes her head. 
}}

The Monsoon

2026-03-21T01:33:55Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-01-22 |Cast of Characters=159, 321, 296, 444, 261, 143, 418 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's been exactly a few hours since Volken and perhaps the other Mandalorians as well have left the hospital. Now, whether Volken is brooding in a bar thinking about his next move, or actively on the hunt for the Zealot, the baron, or the clone, he may or may not be surprised when his commlink c..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-01-22
|Cast of Characters=159, 321, 296, 444, 261, 143, 418
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's been exactly a few hours since Volken and perhaps the other Mandalorians as well have left the hospital. Now, whether Volken is brooding in a bar thinking about his next move, or actively on the hunt for the Zealot, the baron, or the clone, he may or may not be surprised when his commlink crackles to life with a voice transmission from Er'gi. This may come as a surprise, as the other hulking Mandalorian had not accompanied Ellari, Volken and Jorn to the hospital upon Kasseady's summon. Where he had been all this time would have been a bit of a mystery... until now. <Volken!> the other Mandalorian says urgently, <Where are you? Haar'chak! I have bad news. Kasseady has betrayed us. He revealed to me while drunk that somehow, he'd made contact with his brother! I tried to chase him down, but he escaped. I need to find him> 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The hospital didn't tgo as planned. There was no rescue to be done. Volken standing up to the Jedi Master's refusal to accomodate them regarding the clone was inconclusive and now he's found himself out at a bar, getting drunk before going to look for Zealot. Naturally being drunk while looking for him will sharpen his senses. When the comm link goes off and he hears Er'gi he frowns lightly at frst. He wasn't exactly pleased that he and Kass had just sort of vanished. But now -this- news. "You're joking, vod. " he responds. "Ergh...I"m going to kill him now. He's betrayed my trust... And what's worse - now Ellari will have something to hold over my head for being right about! Unforgivable! Where are you??" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi tells the other mammoth. <He suspected I knew, Volken. He was acting strange. Then when I tried to ask questions he jumped me, took my commlink and ran off. I gave chase and eventually was able to recover it but he got away and I'm not sure where he went. I'm on the south side of town, not far from the trade plaza. He can't be far. This town is small and I'd know if he went for the spaceport> 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Alright sit tight.." rumbles the giant. He then slowy rises and after a second of getting his mind back together, retrieves his helmet nd starts to make his way out and into the town to head towards Er'gi's location. To say he's displeased is an underestatement and he even keeps his helmet off just so that anyone looking at him and his face can see just how annoyed he is... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Err, hope you're headed back to wherever you're staying," the bartender says, concerned. "No one with a half a dozen pints in them should be going anywhere else..." The weather will start to mirror Volkens mood. A dark grey cloud hangs over Kublop, threatening rain. When Volken arrives at the trade plaza, he'll see Er'gi running towards him. "I've good news and bad news," the other giant tells him. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Being stone cold drunk is the best tiem to fight as far as Volken is concerned. It clears the mind. So he just ignores the bartender after giving him a quick mildly sullen look and grunting something non committal. Er'gi receives only slightly less ire when the behemoth balefully encounters and eyes the other giant. "Alright.." he grunts out . "Let's have it." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well," Er'gi offers. "I've found him. But I'm not the only one." He points down the street, and Volken will be able to see that a couple blocks down, a small to medium sized crowd has gathered in front of the Disciple of Whills convent. Their dismayed whispers are tell tale. "He's holed up in there," the other Mandalorian says. "And there's a couple townsfolk in there. A Disciple, and the local property inspector, employed by the mayor. He's taken them hostage, more or less. The local constabulary is involved now..." If Volken goes closer to investigate he'll see the constables banging on the door of the convent. "Open up in the name of Republic!" one of them shouts. But there's no response. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari had joined Volken at the bar. Honestly, she could really use a drink after getting shot. The Force healing had helped, but she was still sore.     "Who has taken who hostage?" she asks Er'gi. "Kass has taken the mayor hostage?" she scoffs, muttering obscenities in Mando'a. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' He didnt' want Ellari to follow him but at least she isn't rubbing it in his face and she's probably more sober then him..so Volken just emits a grunt as he mutters, "I knew giving that di'kut a chance was a risk but damn... he could have at least gone a littel bit longer before doing this. Why the hell does he have hostages? What'd he do that requires tihs or rather what'd that fool Caine put him up to? This is nosnse. Can't that idiot see his brother is just using him to cause distractions?" Volken shakes his head and then grumbles, "If we just go in and get him it'll get those hostages hurt or worse...." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "No, just a couple of civilians. The townsfolk are concerned, obviously. The mayor's here, and so are couple of the Disciples. I don't know what's going on. He knows I'm after him, and I think he's trying to use them as leverage to keep us away--" The constables are banging on the door again, but still, no response. Nearby, a mother consoles her sobbing child. "My dad is in there!" the child cries. The mother looks up at Volken, her own eyes swollen. "Oh please, do something. My husband can't last in there without medicine for his chronic condition. And the other Disciple, he's so young..." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari rolls her eyes. "Di'kut." she mutters. "Where is that...mind tricks boy? Can't he use whatever sorcery he has to pound some common sense into that hut'uun before he realizes what's happening?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Hmmm? Oh ..Cayde... Wherever he is it's not here and not likely to get here in time. Even if was he's unreliable, not to mention I dont' know how well he is at actually -following- orders if they aren't given by his Jedi peers. He certainly doesn't seem to liten to his partner, Navi... She'd be better to have here but they're both not here so it's no use aching about it..." Turning to Er'gi, Volken rumbles, "YOu should back off. We'll go up there and hear what he's got to say. He can't do -anything- just stuck in there after all. He probably wants out.." That said, Volken just gives the mother and child a long look, not saying anything to either of them. He then put shis helmet back on and turns and starts forward for the building. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Likely went back because of the brewing storm," Er'gi says, "the monsoons can sometimes stall the tram for days." He then nods, and steps back. Upon approaching the building, he'll see the mayor, a couple of Disciples, and the local constables at the front, still trying to get in. One of them looks at Volken disdainfully. "Is this your mess?" he says, brow furrowed, his Coruscanti accent pronounced. "Now now," the mayor interjects. "There's no need for that. Perhaps he can help." One of the Disciples sizes up Volken. "We need to get in. -Quietly-. There's a back door that leads to the communal showers, but we don't have the strength or means necessary to break in without using a blaster or battering ram.." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "Hmph, you can't contact him? I thought he was your friend, or something." Ellari remarks, but then shrugs. "I suppose we'll have to deal with this ourselves, then."     She scoffs at the 'quietly' part. "Ah, of course. Volken, how are your stealth skills?" she asks, smirking. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "No Ic an't contact him nor would I want to .. I just told you why it'd be a bad idea." grunts Volken at Ellari. "I'd call on Navi first. Cayde has issues he needs to resolve...." That said he looks back towards the mayor and the others, considering their words. He then looks back to Ellari. "They don't exist." Volken? Stealth? "But...I can open up any door. So... why don't you distract Kass by talking to him. I'll go to the back with these ones and get the door open..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Suddenly a voice arises from inside the convent. "Volken is that you?" "Don't you dare come in here! I'll -- I'll kill them all!" His voice reeks of desperation and sheer madness. Had he lost his mind? A gasp arises from the crowd and the Mayor pinches his nose bridge with a sigh. The Disciples remain calm, but their brows furrow more deeply. "The backdoor is manual entry. If you can crush the doorknob," she says, "you should be able to get in." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "You are a pathetic excuse for a Mandalorian, Kasseady." Ellari shouts back at him. "What do you want? Come out and fight for it, instead of hiding behind strangers!"     How's that for 'talking'? 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Yup there we go. Talking. Volken clams up at that point and steps away, gesturing for them to lead on to the back of the building and then giving a quick thumbs up to Ellari. Keep talking. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "You don't understand, you never did, you don't know what it's like to be me," he babbles. "Leave me the hell alone. Leave me..." his voice then starts to fade, withdrawing deeper into the building. The Disciples show Volken where the back door is. Well, yeah, maybe it won't be a problem. The door is old, and the knob looks... breakable. But can he crush it... quietly? 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari rolls her eyes. "You pitiful crybaby, no one understands that, for -anyone- unless you are a sorcerer like those Jedi or whatever. If you want that then maybe you should go ask one of -them- to be your friend. What is the point of all this? What do you -want-?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The behemoth makes a mock gesture of putting his fingres up to where his lips would be, save for the helm. As if to say 'Shhhhhh'. Once at the back door he lays his hand upo the lock...and begins to squeeze. To be fair he -tries- to be careful. But...he's drunk. The lock wrenches and the door bucklles. There's a bit of a sharp grinding sound before Volken realizes what's happend and releases the door. "....Whoops." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Ellari will receive no response. Probably not a good sign, but what can she do at this point? Volken will be able to look into the convent. He won't be able to see Kass, the lights are all off. But he doesn't seem to be nearby... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' There's not much left to do but just go in. Volken listens, tryign to see if he can hear Kass and his conversation with Ellari. Eventually the whole point of subterfuge is going to just have to be dropped. The door opening was noisy to begin with and trying to ask him to sneak is like tryign to ask two drunk Dowutin to sneak around. Effectively...yeah... him trying to sneak. So he marches in, not exactly bulldozing but moving with some assurance.. At least as much as he can muster considering hsi state. <<Ellari...what's happening>> 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "Dank farrik." Ellari mutters, and then begins attempting to quietly enter through a window by opening it slowly...     <<I'm going in>> she replies to Volken. <> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Outside, the sound of thunder rumbling can be heard. It would probably be pouring rain soon. Volken won't be able to see much, but ahead of him he'll see some movement. A shadow slipping towards a narrow hallway... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' <<Ooooh I love it when you're scary and violent.>> rumbles the decidedly very drunk Volken. He sees the shadow moving and starts heading in that direction. <> Priming his weapons would draw too much additional attention so he keeps them depowered - simply moving forward now in hopes off finding -someone-. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The window creaks, but just barely. The noise it makes isn't enough to draw attention to Ellari, so that's good. As Volken approaches there's a yelp. It's the property inspector. At first he seems frightened, but when he sees that Volken's weapons are depowered, he heaves a sigh of relief and hurries towards him. He looks pale, but at least cognizant of what's going on. "You-- you have to help, please! He's got one of the Disciples--" He points up towards the attic. "Please, for light's sake. I know him, he doesn't deserve this, he's never hurt another soul in his entire life.." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Volken's stealth skills may be non-existent, but it seems the same can't be said of Ellari. She slips in through the window, returning it to its place afterward. <> she replies back to the giant's drunk text, then starts looking for Kasseady. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken makes a general gesture for the property manager, indicating for him to get behind him and head for the back door. He listens carefully, and then proceeds forward in search of a way up towards the attic. At this point he presumes he'll meet up with Ellari in the middle of the place ... or perhaps she may beat him to the upstairs considering the way she entered in. At his stage - there's no other option but to continue forward as carefully as possible though it's ...likely Kass knows they're already in there. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The property inspector nods timidly and weakly and then points down the hall, where a spiral staircase leads to the upper levels of the convent. Then he backs up, slipping in a closet behind Volken, staying out of sight. As Volken makes his way towards the attic, he'll find himself on ceramic tile, and the sound of his massive boots is.. unmistakable. If Kass didn't know he was here before, he does now. Both Ellari and Volken will be able to hear some more shuffling on the upper level, and then another familiar voice calls out weakly, "Volken? Is that you? I--I'm sorry for everything I said earlier. Please --" It's the young Tholothian man, 'Crane'. The one he'd met back on Jedha... Then there's a soft thud, a groan, and the sound of a body hitting the floor. Then Kass yells over the railing. "I told you not to come in here!! If you come up here ... I'll kill him! And then I'll.. I'll burn this place to the ground!" Then they'll be able to hear the sound of a body being hurriedly dragged across the floor. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' He's drunk...but he's not -that- drunk... And this sobers him up quickly. "Kass! This isn't The Way. We don't take hostages and use the weak to protect ourselves! Don't you want to reclaim your honor? What is all of this insanity! DId something get into your head? Come -down- here." If he sees Ellari now, he only gives her a quick glance. It seems their efforts at subterfuge was never meant to work out.. so option number two is becoming more nad more likely. Bust their way in. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "Then you are no Mandalorian." Ellari replies to Kass' likely empty threats. "If you continue disgracing the Way, you will -never- regain your honor. Now, come down here and tell us what you want. Fight us for it, if you must! But only a hu'tunn shields himself with the blood of innocents." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Stay away from me," Kass snarls, "stay -away-..." His tone is ice thin, as if it's about to snap. He seems... mentally unwell, but Volken and Ellari may be left wondering the reason for his crash out. There's more shuffling and movement coming from the attic. If they look up, they'll see that there's not really much space up there. And there's only one way up and down - the staircase. He couldn't escape - but going up there would risk the Disciple's life. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari doesn't reply, simply folding her arms and glaring up at the attic. He can't stay there forever, now can he? "Let's just leave him up there. He'll have to come out at some point." she remarks to Volken. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "If he's that unhinged, don't you think he might kill one of them? Besides, that one guy up there... I can't just let him get messed up by Kass and if something does happen it'll just make it harder for us to do what we're here to do. Everyone will be blaming us.. It'd be better to just go up there or at least find out what he wants.." counters Volken to Ellari. "Th'guys obviously out of his mind. Something's snaped in him and it's probably got to do with Caine..." With that, Volken raises his voice. "Calm -down- Kass. Just tell us what you want! Is this about your Brother? About Caine? We're -trying- to find him but we can't with you acting out like this. Let the folk up there go and we'll take it from there!" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Get -out-," Kass growls, feral. "I told you leave me alone!!" More shuffling, and the sound of retreating footsteps. Outside, they'll hear a crack of thunder, and they may now notice that it's pouring akk dogs and tooka cats out there. The wind is howling around the sides of the building too, and if they look down, they'll notice that there's an inch or two of water on the floor. The convent was on the lower side of town -- and if any flash flooding happening, this area was going to get hit hard. Meanwhile, Cayde, Navi, Rykard, and Mondrian (F) likely on the tram back to the colony now, though the storm is terrible and the few colonists who are also on it seem afraid that the tram might not make it back to Aklyrr Bend... And Zetha's probably back at the scrapyard. If she isn't, she probably should be -- Wiis is trying to get out every single pot and pan trying to stop the leaks in the half finished roof from flooding the house! 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is, indeed, back at the spaceport. She's had enough fun to last her a good day or two before stirring up more trouble. "Why have they not finished the roof yet? This is ridiculous..." She mutters while helping Wiis with getting pots and pans - anything that can hold water really - under the leaks. "Which also makes me wonder when they actually think they'll have everything done..." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "If he was planning on doing that, he would have done it already." Ellari points out. "But if he does, he'll instantly lose his leverage. What benefit does killing them bring him?" she shakes her head. "But if you go up there, he might go on a rampage. Perhaps you can stop him in time, though. If you think you can, I am not stopping you." she tells Volken. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "It's times like this that I wish I'd been trained in Force powers that deal with weather," Navi murmurs, watching the rainfall through the tram car's windows. She's sitting beside Mondrian (F), since the taller woman had wanted company in the wake of her terribe day at the hospital. "Ordinarily I don't have a problem with storms, but this is really something else." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Of course you're not stopping me. Because you're going to help me. This effects you too." counters Volken, "And desperate men don't often think logically. That's the growl of a desperate man with nowhere else to go. Killing a hostage does cause hi tim to lose his leverage but he might think it a good move just to prove he's willing to do it." That said, Volken looks around, noting the water, "We'll have to just risk it. I'll go up. Distract him. You grab the hostages." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Resource shortage!" Wiis shouts over the sound of water hitting the floor and the wind howling outside. "Look, it's the annual monsoon. We're likely gonna have to head up to the attic with some water and rations." Zetha probably won't be surprised by this suggestion, monsoon season happened every year on Tenoo. Sometimes it was just a little flooding, and sometimes... it was like this. But as she's probably heading to go do as Wiis as suggested, there's a loud knock on the door. "Wiis! Wiis are you home?" Mondrian (F) is staring out the window, her brows furrowed. She seems lost in thought, and worried. She barely seems to have heard what Navi said. "Hey, how much longer until we're back at the colony?" she asks. But then all of a sudden, the tram starts to slow down. If Navi looks over, she'll see Rykard coming down their train towards where she and Mondrian are sitting. "There's a downed tree on the bridge up ahead," he says, "And Kublop is in imminent danger of massive flooding," he says. He looks around for Cayde. "They're going to need help - but someone also needs to find a way to escort everyone onboard back to Aklyrr. The driver says he's not sure how long this bridge will hold up under the rain, with the tree weighing it down now." "No!" Kass shouts from somewhere up there in the dark. "I'll -- I'll do it! I'll kill him!" 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari shrugs, glancing up at the door when Kass yells again. "Fine, but if anyone gets killed, that will be on you." She motions toward the ladder. "After you. Mons." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde glances up at his master as the elder Jedi searches for him, and the Ikkrukki may already sense him wondering why they can't just use the Force and potentially lightsabers if necessary to move the tree and remove the risk of the bridge collapsing. Was it close enough to even walk? Or do they need to wait for another transport? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "You get up into the attic and make sure Twozee gets up there with you. I'll be up in a moment." Monsoon season is always something they know about but never seemed prepared for. And then there's someone at the door, that voice familiar and causes Zetha to pause. "What the kriff is the mayor doing here?" And sounding so panicked? Still it'd be absolutely rude to keep the man out in the pouring rain so she goes and opens the door. "Wiis is here, but we're heading up into the attic because the house is flooding...." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Fine and if I win and save the hostages you have to take me out and then tell everyone in Sundari that you did.." With that, Volken steps away from Ellari and crouches down. His armor straps stretch and creak, the beskar itself seeming to struggle against him as he flexes his enormous legs - and then points his vambraces downward to trigger his repulsor gauntlets for the added boost. An instant later and he's lunging upwards straight for the ceiling -- and thus the floor of the attic above them, attempting to burst through right around where he guessed at Kass's general positon given the sound of the feet moving from earlier. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Then it sounds like we need to do something about that tree," Navi says, standing. "Just how big is it, and can we reach it on foot? Lightsabers might be enough to cut it into pieces, and the Force may be able to assist with moving any remaining pieces off of the bridge." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari smirks. "Take you out? What would you like me to do it with? Blaster pistols? A rifle? Or would you prefer a beskar blade?"     Brows go up when he literally blasts through the ceiling. Overkill much? "Well I suppose that's that." she mutters. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard shakes his head solemnly at Navi and Cayde. "It's a Tenoo tree," he says. "There's no way we'd be able to cut it into pieces." He glances to Navi and Cayde. "The colonists will just have to be escorted," he says, "but I just received word that a dam just north of Kublop broke. The town will be flooded soon," he says, "We're going to have to split." The man is soaked, but he isn't by himself. There's a few other Kublop citizens are with him - the property inspector's wife and child, two Disciples, and ... Thaarin??! What's he doing here. "I was on the south side of town visiting the convent. I was going to head back," the mayor said, "but there's no way I'll make it to the manor in this weather. Can we... come in?" He pauses. "There's also something you need to know," he says, and his face suddenly goes pale. There's an anguished cry from Kass, scuffling, another thump, and another soft groan. "Don't you dare come up here Volken! Don't.. don't you dare!!" Volken may notice that there's something dark and sticky dripping down out of the hole he's just made. Is it... blood? 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "You know what I meant!" shouts Volken back at Ellari. But he's also busy exploding through the floor in order to enter the attic. And upo noting the sticky substance ....and what it could be...he sobers up even more and becomes alert rather quickly. "Enough, Kass...what've you done?!" He quickly sweeps his gaze around the attic, expecting Ellari to come up the stairs at any moment while he corners Kass. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari indeed follows him up into the attic, immediately searching for Kass and whomever he has taken prisoner. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [But what about the bridge] Cayde asks. How would they travel between the two settlements if the bridge collapsed? And how much farther was Aklyrr? Surely it wasn't safe to walk through a storm. Maybe they should wait in the train. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Pity. So I guess it's a question of who does the escorting and who goes back to Kublop Springs," Navi replies. "And it wouldn't hurt to know how much farther it is to Whatever Bend, and how we're going to get past the tree." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Yeah of course...please..." Zetha moves out of the way to let them all come in. "It's certainly a bit more dry than out there but..." Not by much, except that's a thought she'll keep in her head. She does allow her gaze to shift to Thaarin but just as quickly she's looking away and letting everyone shuffle inside. It's the last thing the mayor says that has her sort of pausing and looking back to him. "That /I/ should know? Well...I suppose now's a time as any to say it. Once you're settled of course." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The attic is... bigger than it looked from down below. And it's really dark. Volken won't be able to see much, but he will be able to smell the blood on the floor, and hear some faint scuffling near a window across from him. Outside, the window howls, and a lamppost falls over crashing in through the window across from Volken. It flickers several times before going out, but he'll be able to see a clear trail of blood leading towards where he'd heard the scuffling. Rykard is about to reply to Cayde when there's a sickening groan coming from outside. "We'll just have to figure it out," he says, maintaining his Jedi calm, "but right now, the people on this tram are in danger. If it collapses while the tram is still on it..." he shakes his head. "We're about halfway. And I don't have answers to that question. But whatever we are going to do we must decide quickly." He starts headcounting the colonists, but then stops. "Wait, where's Mondrian? She was just here..." He comments with a pensive frown. Indeed, it would seem the forensic analyst has disappeared to only light knows where. "Thank you," the mayor says, stepping aside to allow the prospector's wife and her child in first, and then following. Wiis then appears, having heard the door open, and looks displeased to see the mayor. "What! Zetha, why'd you-- I didn't say you could come in!" she grumbles at the mayor. Apparently she'd disregarded Zetha's ask earlier. The mayor then tries to soothe Wiis nerves by apologizing and asking how she'd been. Thaarin looks to Zetha. "I'm sorry for intruding," he says, "but it's your boyfriend. He was taken hostage by a Mandalorian." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Kass! We don't have -time- for this. There's a storm here! This whole place is gonna get washed away! I"ve had it!" Volken sweeps his gaze over the area, searching for signs of Kass and any clue as to who the blood came from. He doesn't see the hostages yet either but all he can do is keep moving forward through the attic in search of Kass. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha winces as Wiis begins to fuss at her for letting people in. But then the Mayor and the prospector's wife are taking the moment to distract Wiis and Zetha's own attention goes to Thaarin. When he drops the bomb about Crane, she blinks, shakes her head and then stares at him for a moment. "I'm sorry. Did you say Crane has been taken hostage? When? Why?...." She actually goes a little pale in the face before shaking her head again. Not really sure what more to say about it. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     How are they going to get past the tree, indeed. That was one of the questions swirling through Cayde's mind, too. It wasn't safe out in the storm, but it wasn't safe on a train sitting on a damaged bridge either. All of this is because of the fallen tree, so Cayde doesn't understand why an -attempt- to move the tree shouldn't at least be made.     And so soon enough Mondrian (F) isn't the only one who suddenly isn't here. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi sighs quietly. "I'll take them home, then. Cayde, you can come if you..." she begins, only to notice Cayde is also missing. "Swell. I should've seen /that/ coming." "Everyone who's going to Aklyrr Bend, move to the other end of the tram and disembark. Once we find Mondrian (F) and Cayde, we'll get started," she calls to the passengers, starting toward the end of the tram nearest the tree. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' No reply. And then out of nowhere, a shot is fired out of the darkness straight at Volken. It'll land. And probably hurt, but Volken's probably wearing his beskar, so the damage isn't as bad as it could be. Thaarin sighs. "I don't know. But he's trapped in the convent." That was ... really bad news. The south side of town was the lowest part of Kublop. If any flooding happened - it was straight in the path of a mudslide. That had happened before. There had been several casualties, and that hadn't happened in years but... Rykard grumbles when Cayde suddenly vanishes. "I'll go look for Cayde," he says, "see if you can get the rest of the colonists off the tram safely. We can't stay on the bridge much longer." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Well Kass was going to do -something- at some point, Ellari figured. And he does, by firing at Volken. Stupid mistake, no doubt. Clearly not in his right mind.     She whips around and starts moving in the direction the blaster bolt came from at a brisk pace. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde is already outside on the bridge and attempting to reach out with the Force to determine if there are any strategic methods to actually move the tree off of the bridge without furthering damaging it and without having to simply lift it fully into the air. Everything is wet, so that means there has to be less friction and that has to count for something. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Oh yeah. That hurt. He's tough but not immune to pain and his armor and the enhanced durability of his body is there to help. But he still feels that. And it ticks him off. Volken brings his arm around, priming his vambraces and repulsor gauntlets and from this he fires off a powerful blast of kinetic force in the direction of where the shot came from. Ellari will have to just manage the investigation on her own though it's lileley easy to see he's been shot at. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Already on it, Master," Navi replies to Master Rykard. "Everyone follow me, please." In a few moments she reaches the rear door of the tram and climbs down onto the bridge. And sees Cayde, closer to the fallen tree. << Never mind looking, Master... I've found Cayde. He's already on the bridge. Now we just have to find Mondrian. >> she says to the Jedi Master telepathically. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "The convent? Oh no... no no no...in this weather that's not good." And it puts Zetha in a hard spot mentally. But she cannot, in good thought, just run out there and do anything. What is she against the power of nature? "Wait. Being a hostage means something else is happening. Do we know what happened that led to the Mandalorians taking him hostage? What's going on there?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Indeed. There's more scuffling, and then a shout, when Volken opens fire with a blast of kinetic force. The blast seems to have done more than just bruise Kasseady, the walls shake and a rafter is loosened. It comes crashing down and punctures the floor. Suddenly the floor under Volken groans. The floor's integrity suddenly seems... questionable. But at least Kasseady is out in the open now, limping while holding a bloodied and bruised Crane against himself, pressing a knife to his neck. There's a wild look in his blood shot eyes. "Don't come nearer!!" he screams. "D-D-Don't---!" Outside, the storm is raging, and Cayde will have a hard time discerning anything with the wind howling and the rain pouring down. He'll be able to just barely see the outline of the tree --- Rykard was right. It's massive, its radius as wide as a small house. It's partially cracked, stuck on the bridge itself. <<Thank you, Navi. I'll go to him now>> Rykard runs out of the tram, and Force leaps his way towards Cayde. <What are you doing! We don't have time to move that tree> When Navi steps out of the back of the tram, she'll suddenly be able to see the other missing person - Mondrian (F). She's on the track - but she's heading back towards Kublop?? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin gives Zetha a sad look. "No," he says, "I think that Mandalorian has lost his mind," he says quietly. He pauses. "Please don't tell me you're thinking of doing something rash." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well, it's already partially cracked, so it's just a matter of pulling it apart, right? Cayde frowns and focuses on trying to pull the thing apart, and then push it off of the bridge. He doesn't respond to Rykard's calls, pouring all of his effort into it. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "What am I supposed to do? Rush in and put myself in danger as well? As much as every ounce of me wants to go help....I'm not leaving Wiis here. Not to deal with the house nearly flooding all by herself." Zetha says, and she pushes the worry and fear down a bit before shaking her head. "Aside from you being here bearing bad news, it's good to see you again." Sort of. Maybe. She might also just be playing nice. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Fine." Volken lowers his arm and just stares at Kass. His own expression can't be seen due ot his helmet but his body language adjusts as if trying to comply with Kass's demands. "Look if you want to join your brother, just go join him. But you need to let this guy go. Do that and then get out of here already. I know you reached out to Caine. Just go." Someone with a sharp shooter aim might be able to do something about the knife but Volken doesn't have that, nor the necessary weapon handy. He just waits for Kass to make his next move "But you need to decide quickly before this floor gives out." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari glares right into Kass' crazed, bloodshot eyes. "I still don't know what it is you're trying to accomplish. Behaving like a coward and dishonoring the Way only serves to draw our ire and our aggression." She doesn't even continue to threaten, but simply fires at the hand holding knife. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' << I've also found Mondrian... she looks to already be headed back toward Kublop Springs, >> Navi sends to Master Rykard, beckoning to the other colonists to follow her. "Mondrian! If you don't mind slowing down a bit, we're coming with you!" she shouts after the frustrated officer. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' <Cayde!> Rykard calls out telepathically, once again. <You won't be able to move the tree like that. We'll have to widen the crack, so that the colonists can pass through> Cayde's attempts to move the tree with the Force don't amount to much. It's too big. He manages to break off a splinter, but that's all. Thaarin's expression softens too. "It's nice to see you again, too," he says softly, his softness and sentiment genuine. But the moment doesn't last. There's suddenly a sickening crack coming from outside, and Thaarin rushes to the window, frowning. "The dam up north," He says, "it must have broken. The mud from the hills is coming down," He says. He goes to take his jacket (which is soaked), and starts heading for the door. "Stay here," he says to Zetha. "I'm going to see what I can do about the hostages at the convent." Really??? As if he would be able to anything against a mudslide?? Kass is trembling, but the knife in his hand still presses to Crane's neck. He doesn't reply to Volken right away. Crane looks up at Volken, and manages a faint smile. "... you ... came..." Then Kass reaches forward with his other hand, in an attempt to grab Volken's shirt collar. "I - I didn't! He called my room. He called me. But I couldn't reach him in time. He didn't tell me where he was, only ... only that he needed a favor....Listen to me Volken," He says, only slightly loosening his grip on Crane. "We're so close. We're so close. We can find him. He will not leave Kublop without the clone and the clone has no means of going anywhere far. He's--" But then Ellari shoots his hand holding the knife to Crane's neck and he shouts, letting go of the Disciple and stumbling backwards. He trips, and falls through the hole Volken had made earlier. There's a horrible crashing sound, and then silence. <Stay safe, both of you> Rykard tells Navi. Mondrian's expression crumples with guilt when she sees Navi. At least she stops running. She pauses, looking around for a moment. "... where's Rykard and Cayde?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "They're on the bridge. They'll be along soon," Navi replies. "I think Cayde was trying to remove the fallen tree... Force only knows how. It's as big as a house." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "And what are you going to do exactly? Tell the mud to go somewhere else?" Though what Thaarin might do - which is what Zetha would do - is try to talk sense into those at the convent because of the imminent danger. Still, she doesn't exactly tell Thaarin to stop either - as if he would listen to her. So her attention shifts over towards the other three in the house and back to Thaarin. Not sure what else to do or say except go to grab another pot to put under a newer leak. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Wha--" Volken is confused. Once again. The change from kass being unwilling to talk to starting to spill so much information is startling and he's struck silent for a moment as Kass grabs him. He spares Crane a fleeting glance but is forced to stare down at Kass once again. "Listen--" he starts -- only for Ellari to act. He expected her to take the shot. He did not expect Kass to go stumbling back and ismply fall out of the building. A few swear words escape him as he stalks forward to try and peer out of the hole that the other Mandalorian fell through before he spares Crane a quick glance. "Get back towards whre Ellari is...quick." HIs words are brusque but some relief at the poor guy not having his throat slashed is evident in his heavy voice. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari watches Kass fall with satisfaction, holstering her blasters once more. That was rather well deserved.     She was going to ask what kind of favor, but ah well. Falling through the hole would have to do well enough. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well Cayde was already trying to widen the crack, in fact he was trying to widen it so much that the thing would split apart and fall off of the bridge. That was the hope, anyway. And it was also the hope, that Master Rykard and Navi would help him soon.... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "...Thanks... thanks for coming," Mondrian says, turning to head back towards Kublop. "My.. ship has slave rigging on it. I've summoned her. She's a one seater, maybe two. If Rykard and Cayde catch up, they'll have to ride outside, I think. I'll have to pilot very slow anyway. I don't know if she'll make it through the storm, or if the signal will get through enough for her to make it. But I'm gonna keep heading towards Kublop anyway." There's something clearly on Mondrian's mind. Something important, that she's not telling Navi. "I don't know," he says, "but I'm not going to sit around and do nothing while there's at least two people who are about to die." He starts heading for the door, and will leave in the next few seconds if Zetha doesn't do anything to stop him. The mayor watches as Thaarin goes out and Zetha goes to grab another pot for the water leaks. "I'm sorry," he says very softly. "I've hailed the Jedi. But if they can't make it here it time... The convent is going to be completely buried in mud within the next few hours." If he looks down, he'll see Kass lying 2 floors down below. He's unconscious. The floor on the ground level is flooded and damaged, and had caved in places. The property inspector from earlier calls out to Volken. "We've got to get out of here--!" he coughs a wheezing cough. "This whole place is about to flood. But there's no way we're making it back up the incline. The dam --" he coughs again. "it must have broken." Crane nods weakly and tries to crawl back towards Ellari, but his condition is bad. He's really bloody, and can't even stand up. Cayde's attempts widen the crack, and with Rykard's help, they're able to widen it enough for the colonists to hurry through it and get onto the other side, and off the bridge. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' When the Mayor says those words, Zetha looks over to where he and Wiis are standing. Then she makes a decision. "Sorry mom. I'll be back..." And then she's running out the door and moving to catch up with Thaarin. "Well if you think YOU'RE going to play hero while I sit and wait for results... you are sorely mistaken. Don't talk me out of coming with you. Let's just go see what we can do to help..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Mondrian, what's really going on here? Is this about your brother?" Navi asks gently. "Or is it something else?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The thought of just leaving him there crosses his mind. Perhaps a more cutt throat Volken, back during his Canto-Bight and birthday party crashing days might have done so. But he looks too pitiful to just let drown - and he's got information they need. "Right.." he grumbles and then he looks at Ellari and gestures to Crane, "Help him..and then just get out of here..." He doesn't bother to wait to see if she'll comply or not and he just jumps down after Kass, reaching out to grasp for any sort of support structure that remains to help balance his descent as he makes a controlled drop for the man. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Even after the rest of the former train passengers scurry through to the other side off the bridge, Cayde doesn't follow them or move from the spot. Instead, he continues to attempt to concentrate all of his focus onto the parts of the tree that are already cracked onto the bridge, hoping it'll tear just enough to start falling apart and then fall off entirely. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Truth be told, Ellari doesn't care that much for either of them, but it would be a dishonorable thing to simply leave them there to die in such a pathetic fashion. She strides over to Crane, and hoists him up onto her shoulder, then starts heading outside. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Shockingly Thaarin doesn't try to talk Zetha out of it. He smiles at her and offers her his hand. "Then let's go," he says, "I'm certain you don't want to waste any more time, either..." And he pulls her along, heading for the convent, tugging her from awning to awning, so they don't get completely obliterated by the monsoon. Mondrian won't look at Navi. All she says is, "Yes!" And then she pushes forward, against the wind and rain, holding up her slaver remote up high, hoping her ship will find the signal. Volken will find himself in the basement of the convent. It's flooded down here, but less flooded, and less chaotic. But he will need to get Kass out of the water quick if he doesn't want Kass to drown. When Ellari goes to leave the convent, the property inspector runs to block her path to exit. "No!" he cries. "You'll never make it up the incline, and the wind is far too strong even for the jetpacks thrusters. You'll plow into a tree, and besides--" he looks at Crane. "He's off -bad-. I don't think he'd survive the elements." He looks towards where Volken had jumped down. "The safest way is through the tunnels. They were built a long time ago, back in the early days when the Republic thought it'd be better to have the tram run underground. They're probably flooded, but not nearly as flooded and muddy as out there." The wind howls violently again, and there's another sickening crack as suddenly, the windows black out, covered with mud. "We have to hurry," the property inspector whispers urgently, climbing down in the hole where Volken is. As Cayde pushes on the massive tree, there's a groaning sound, as the tree starts to split more. It's not enough, but then suddenly, a bolt of lightning comes down from the sky and strikes the tree. It explodes, and Rykard calls out, <Cayde, look out!> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Lightning suddenly comes down from the sky to finish the job Cayde was already trying to do. Flames erupt everywhere and wood debris goes flying, but the padawan manages to dodge out of the way of some of them and whack the rest away with the Force now that he isn't trying to move a building-sized tree. Of course, now they're stranded out in a dangerous storm with no shelter. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is actually relieved when Thaarin doesn't argue with her but she also makes a mental note that Wiis didn't cry after her either. She'll follow along with Thaarin, keeping a firm grip on his hand while running with him on their way to the convent. There's silence from her, likely while her brain tries to truly catch up with what all is going on. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari eyes the hole where the inspector is going. "And where do the tunnels go, exactly?" she asks, not yet following him and not really believing that she can't just jetpack out of here. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi starts to run after Mondrian (F), but the sudden crack and explosion of the lightning bolt stops her in her tracks instantly. Looking back, she almost screams in horror as fire and burning debris engulfs part of the bridge! "Nooooo!" she cries, whirling to run back toward the bridge, but when the blast clears, she sees Cayde and Master Rykard standing there, unharmed, and almost faints from relief. The tram tracks are clear! Instantly she waves her arm to get the attention of the civilian colonists. "Everybody back to the tram! It might be a risky ride, but it's a lot safer than walking into a disaster area!" she calls to them, waving them back toward the tram. "A lot drier, too..." she murmurs, looking down at her wet clothes and pushing her wet twintails back off of her shoulders. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I'm not a big fan of taking an underground tunnel during a flood, not knowing where we're going or with a quick way above ground. That sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. In case you haven't noticed we're weighed down with priceless armor so swimming or getting caught in a tunnel filling with water isn't an option." Volken has shoulder Kass now as he turns. He's limping as well. That earlier blaster shot wasn't an ideal outcome for a situation like this. "We need to go high, not low." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard looks relieved when Cayde manages to leap out of the way just in time. The tree falls down into the foggy abyss below - and the bridge, well, it's damaged but holding up for now. He then looks to Navi and shouts to her above the howling wind and rain, "I'm going to stay with the colonists to make sure the tram gets safely back to Aklyrr Bend," he says, "I can ease the weight of the train on the bridge until it's fully crossed over. Keep an eye on Mondrian as she heads to Kublop," he says, "take Cayde with you." There's a crease in his brow. He seems to know, even though he hadn't been in earshot when Mondrian (F) had said it had to do with her brother. Perhaps it wasn't hard to guess. He was supposed to have been on the tram too, but he hadn't been. The colonists, upon hearing Navi's instruction and Rykard's response, begin to hurry back onto the tram. "Everywhere important in Kublop," the inspector says, "The hospital, the public comms station, the general store, the power plant, the water reservoir, the pier... you get what I mean! The convent is at the bottom of the hill," he says, "we'll never make it back up! The street here is likely piled two stories deep in mud. Going high normally would be the right choice, but not here in Kublop. The tunnels were built to withstand flooding, and has a dam and drainage system all their own. The network was never fully built out because the Republic decided the project had become too expensive. But in years past, when the monsoon comes every year, a family or two managed to be rescued from the lower ends of town because of these tunnels. Now we have to hurry. I don't know how long the dam will last. It might be damaged already. This is one of the worst monsoons we've had in years..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' When Zetha and Thaarin exit the junkyard, they'll nearly be bowled over by the elements. Zetha will barely be able to see or breathe with all the rain and wind pummeling her. Thaarin doesn't let go of her hand, though, at least, and finally, they'll be able to just barely make out the roof of the convent from a distance. Thaarin mutters something in Cheunh. "It's already almost completely buried," he mutters. "We have to get down there, somehow." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' If it was just them - it'd be less an issue. A monster of a Mandalorian. A skilled Mandalorian noble woman. No problem. But they have two wounded - one whom he's got to fight his instincts to just leave Kass to die - and a civilian.. Volken grimaces ..but there really is only one answer isn't it? "You all better be glad you got the Volken that's me and not the Volken that was about a year or two ago.." he grumbles. "Alright, let's move. Forward then. Fast as we can." 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari glances a Volken, still not certain about this. Should she really trust these people? It seems counterintuitive. "But if the dam breaks while we're down there...there will be no way out." she points out. "Especially since Volken is injured." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' There's a moment taken to watch, for the heart to drop and stomach to twist. "...Are you sure we should risk it? What if we're already too late... I mean..." The convent is almost buried. If they go into that... "Thaarin I think we should go back...it's not worth risking more lives...including our own." Though she's still clinging to his hand, like he's the only lifeline she might have right now. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I know." calls back Volken, "But if what he said about the mud is correct then we'd just be swept away by it trying to climb up from the outside. We'd be trying to climb up against the mud flow and water." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I will. Good luck, Master," Navi calls back to Master Rykard as the civilians hurry back aboard the tram. "May the Force be with you." "Cayde, come on! We need to catch up with Mondrian before her ship gets here!" she calls to Cayde, waving her arm over her head to get his attention, then jogging after Mondrian (F). 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde walks over the side of the bridge, watching as the rest of the burning trees falls down into the ravine below. Well, that was that. At least now the rest of the citizens had a better chance of getting back to safety.     As Navi begun to call him over, he turns to her and starts to follow. What was this going on with Mondrian (F)? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The inspector nods at Volken's words and starts after the behemoth, beginning to climb down to join him. "There's risks either way!" the inspector cries. "I can't make -you- do anything. But you are -not- taking Crane with you if you want to try flying out there. There's a small chance you might make it to the hospital, which is the most fortified building in town, but the boy will not last. Look at him!" True, he's barely conscious, and seems to barely be clinging to his life. Thaarin's scarlet eyes blaze with brazen certainty. "You can go back," he says to Zetha. "But listen to me. The possibility that you are never seeing Crane again is... high. At this rate, we're probably not even going to recover bodies. We probably are too late." He looks down at the convent again. "But it's not going to be for lack of trying. I'm going to cling to hope, even if the numbers contradict my likelihood of success." He suddenly lets go of her hand and taking out a thin grapple wire that Zetha probably never knew he carried, secures it to the only non downed lamppost nearby and starts to rappel down the mudhill. "May the Force be with you," And Rykard Force leaps away, onto the back of the tram, calling on the Force to lighten the burden of the weight of the tram on the bridge, so that the pilot can start back towards Aklyrr Bend. Mondrian (F) glances at Navi. "My ship has locked onto the slaver signal!" she shouts, "she'll be here... soon!" Cayde and Navi will be able to espy a tiny craft in the distance, making its way towards Mondrian erratically, but towards them nonetheless. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari glances at Volken, and then back down at the hole, then at 'Crane'. She steps over to Volken and begins to dump the disciple on him. He can handle both of them, can't he? "Fine, you take him then."     And with that, she begins to activate her thrusters, aiming to take the high road. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Points out he's wounded in one moment. The next, she doubles his physical work load in getting out of this situation and goes on her own. Volken fumes - but there's no time to try and devote any energy towards snark or even worrying about dealing with her later. If she's going to take her chances that's her choice. "Come on! Lead the way. Hurry!" he calls out to the other man as he shoulders Crane on one shoulder and Kass on the other. "Let's go! Move!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha winces as Thaarin says the reality that they're facing, bringing it to life. Once he begins to repel down the mud mountain, she looks around quickly and finds a few things that she can quick mangle together to fashion a makeshift sled. After a couple breaths, she takes off down the mud mountain herself, praying she survives the fall to get to where they can help people the most. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi hurries up to Mondrian (F), slightly winded by the run. "Cayde will be along in a second or two," she says, watching the small ship approach. "So, why are you going back to Kublop Springs? Is it because of your brother? I noticed he wasn't on the tram, and he was supposed to be," she continues. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde approaches the two women as Mondrian's ship appears. He strains his gaze upward through the rain as it approaches, listening to Navi's questions and resisting the urge to simply enter her mind and find the answers himself. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The inspector nods, and then starts to jog quickly towards a door in the back of the room that they're currently in. Once upon a time, it must have a place of peace, beauty and meditation. There's ornate, circular floor carving on the floor, and several statues in kneeling positions lining the walls. But they've all fallen down or are broken now. The inspector, coughing again, manages to tug the door open, revealing a dark tunnel ahead. There's a good couple of inches of water on the floor in the tunnel, but nothing they wouldn't be able to wade through. "Here, here!" he cries, motioning for Volken to hurry through once he's gone through himself. Crane groans softly. "...what's happening? I don't.. I don't remember anything..." As Thaarin descends the mud hill, the mud becomes slicker, and thicker, and by the time he reaches the bottom the mud is up to his shoulders, and he's barely able to keep himself from getting dogpiled by all the dirt and sludge. He just barely manages to grab onto the branch of a tree in the courtyard of the convent, but his grip on it is slipping. However, Zetha may be able to steer herself in his direction and help him up... if she gets there in time. Mondrian (F) just frowns and avoids Navi's question. "You're going to have to let me sit on your lap," she says as the ship gets nearer. "the ship is a one seater. Cayde is going to have to ride outside." Once the ship lands, Mondrian (F) doesn't waste any time. She tugs on Navi's arm. "Get in!" she rushes the Sephi girl. Ellari will find that the inspector is right. The weather is terrible, and trying to fly with her thrusters is very difficult with the wind and rain. Visibility is terrible too... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Wait, what?" Navi cries, blushing a little. "Geez... ordinarily I'd say to let Cayde ride inside and I'll hang on the outside... but I can see why that might be an issue. Maybe he could sit on your lap instead?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Just stay still and quiet." responds Volken to Crane, "No time to explain." No time to enjoy any of the art either. It's not likeley he'd have paid it much mind anyway. For now he just moves as quickly as he can after the Inspector whilet taking careful note of how high the water is and the sturdiness of the tunnels. Speed is of the essence here. The longer they take and the worse the storm gets the more they risk the dam giving way as they're trying ot escape. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde really wants to fly the ship himself. He doesn't get to fly ships that often. But it's not his ship, so he doesn't insist on anything, just waits for someone to make a decision about who should ride outside. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari didn't expect it to be easy, but this was preferable to navigating tunnels she's never been through with the risk of dams breaking with no way out. She keeps the thruster power low, keeping her altitude just a few feet above the ground as she makes her way toward the port. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's able to maneuver her makeshift sled down well enough. Though she sees Thaarin's grasp on a tree limb and shifts to slide near him so she can grab on and pull him from the muck. "Hang on..." Cause with the mud getting thick the sled's not going terribly fast but likely fast enough still. "Why do you always know what to say to put things in perspective? You're not doing this alone, Thaarin...I won't let you." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Are you kriffing kidding me?! -I'm- piloting. And I'm not sitting on his lap. Now get in! There's no time to argue about this!" She then looks to Cayde. "Get on the wing. I hope you know how to handle yourself." "... thank you," he whispers. There's a pause. "You're... limping. Why are you doing this?" The inspector continues to hurry ahead of them, taking a left once they get to an intersection. "Quick!" he cries, "there's not much time! But the hospital isn't far." As Ellari is attempting to make her way up the hill and towards the port, she might espy Zetha and Thaarin trying to get down to the convent. But she'll soon have other things to worry about. All of a sudden, someone is shooting at her. Someone above her, someone on one of the rooftops! Thaarin doesn't reply right away, he's about to drown in the mud. But as soon as Zetha pulls him up, he's able to stand up on the tree branch and pull Zetha onto it with him. Her mud sled slides away and disappears from sight, but at least they're out of the mud... for now. They do have to stand body to body though -- the branch isn't very wide or long. "Thank you," he says. "But now we have to get onto the roof --" However he's suddenly distracted by the shooting that's suddenly happening in the midst of this storm. "By the light...!" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi sighs irritably. "Sorry, Cayde... I tried," she says apologetically, climbing into the pilot's seat, and hoping the upholstery is waterproof... she's soaked from being out in the rain for so long. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde pouts slightly, disappointed at not getting to pilot, but he climbs onto the wing anyway. Though it is a bit surprising that Navi had suggested he pilot. She usually didn't want to give him the chance to do that kind of thing. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I got shot and I'm carrying two full grown bodies by myself." remarks Volken, "Now stay quiet, alright??" This isn't time for twenty questions. Volken continues moving along, carrying foolish noble and disciple. One on each shoulder. He's got to conserve his strength, especially if things go wrong. Collapse later. Run now. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     A couple of shots glance off of Ellari's armor, but a few more manage to hit her in the seams. She winces in pain at the blaster burns and curses in Mando'a under her breath, then twists around to face the direction the bolts came from. Her visor scans through the rain and hones in on a figure on a rooftop, and she fires straight back at it. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' At least Zetha's got decent balance and pressing herself against Thaarin so they're not about to fall off the branch. She nods her head to him and then looks to the roof and around when he mentions having to manage to get to the roof. Though before she can really get her thoughts straight those shots are heard from the roof of the convent and she tries to see if she can spot who's firing. "The kriff is going on now?!" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, there -is- no upholstery, the seat is metal. Which is good, but also... uncomfortable. Especially when Mondrian sit down on Navi's lap. Her body is warm, at least. And she doesn't waste any time getting the ship into the air. Soon they're off towards Kublop - Cayde will have to utilize every inch of the Force to stay on - the wind is really doing a number on literally everything in its path! Crane obeys and doesn't say anything else after that, but reaches out weakly with one hand touches Volken on the neck almost affectionately. Ellari's shot knocks her assailant flat. The wind and rain won't help with visibility, but for a few seconds the Mandalorian woman may be deceived into thinking she'd taken care of whoever it was... no more shooting, and it's too rainy and dark to tell if they're still around or not. But then she'll notice a red and grey canister tumbling off the side of the rooftop where her assailant once had been. She won't be able to make out the logo on it, but the colors are telltale. Rhydonium. "Nevermind that," Thaarin says, shaking his head, "we're running out of time." He pushes some of the tree branches down to make a bridge onto the roof of the convent and helps Zetha across onto it, before crossing himself. That's when the explosion happens. It's earth shaking and earpiercing and probably nothing like Zetha has ever heard or experienced before. And Ellari? Hopefully she's thrown herself to the ground in time to avoid getting blasted to kingdom come. Down below, the ceiling shakes, and there's a horrible cracking sound. And then its raining rocks. Volken is going to have to try to find cover nearby, otherwise they're all getting pancaked. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi winces as she's suddenly, literally, pressed into the dual role of passenger and seat cushion! "This is more awkward than you know, Mondrian..." she says, blushing faintly. "I hope Cayde is okay..." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Hey! This aint a first date kid. Keep your hands where I can see 'em!" Volken's got time for jokes apparently. "How much further?!" he yells at the Inspector. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari doesn't stick around to see if her attacker is going to get back up again. As soon as he's down, she turns away again and starts flying back toward the port. Unfortunately that meant she didn't even see the barrel falling. The blast knocks her out of the air, and she goes sprawling down into the mudslide below. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde holds onto the wing of the ship as hard as he can, calling on the Force to help offset the pull of gravity and the wind. But then there's an explosion below, and the noise and shockwave distracted him for a second too long. The padawan loses his grip, and begins to plummet through the rain. He reaches out with the Force though, attempting to slow his fall so that he at least won't get splattered... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha tries to help Thaarin as best she can, be it with balancing or trying to pull branches down into that makeshift bridge. Then there's an explosion and shaking and her ears ring like they're bursting from the insdie out. Her immediate knee-jerking response is to let go of branch and Thaarin both to hold her hands over her ears and crouch down but that's likely not the best action when trying to balance on a tree branch while also climbing across a branch bridge. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Mondrian (F) says softly. "I'm sorry," she says, "I hope I'm not hurting you." They're flying along at a pretty quick pace, hence Navi's remark, probably. "I hope so too. He's probably fine. Probably -- " And then there's the sound of the explosion, and the ship jilts as Cayde falls off. "Shit!" Mondrian says. She nosedives the ship to go after Cayde, shifting in the pilot chair uncomfortably. Navi's thigh may be pinched. "Sorry," Crane says. "Sorry--" he jerks his hand away suddenly. Volken won't get a response from the inspector. Up ahead, all he'll be able to see is collapsing rock, and then suddenly there's the sound of rushing water. The dam. It must have broken. Ellari will likely faceplant into the mud covering the street below her. Minutes later, a figure has dragged himself out into the street, limping badly, helmet shattered, armor torn. His left arm dangles uselessly at his side, but his right fist is balled as he approaches Ellari. But first, he'll try to kick her gun out of her hand. When the explosion happens Thaarin leaps forward onto the roof and slams Zetha down onto the rooftop. They'll avoid the brunt of the blast, as they're lying down on the roof and not too close to the rhydonium. But Zetha will feel a wave of heat pass over her, and her skull might hit the metal rooftop. "Zetha!" Thaarin says, "are you alright?!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha feels her skull thud against the metal rooftop just as she feels that wave of heat passing over her. Not to mention the pressue of Thaarin's body against her from slamming her against the rooftop. She seems like she's about to say something but no sound comes from her lips and she winces as she tries to move. Violet eyes shift to meet Thaarin's red gaze and all she manages is a weak shake of her head to try and say she is not alright. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Great. There's literally not much he can do other than to keep moving forward and hope that they'll find what they need in just a few short steps. Out running rushing water is out of the question but if it's near, and they have their head start, they may yet make this. Volken lifts one of his arms as much as he can without dropping either Crane or Kass, and he begins priming his repulsor gauntlets. He might be able to collapse part of the tunnel behind them if the water begins rushing towards them but he needs to wait.. There's always the risk of bringing everything down on their heads. "I said how much further!? We're out of time!" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Not really," Navi replies, still blushing faintly, her voice slightly strained from being used as a seat cushion. "But do you remember how I asked you to dance once, months ago?" She winces at the explosion, and the buffeting of the ship from the blast wave. There's a blur of cloth past the side viewport, and she almost lunges against it, staring wide-eyed. "Cayde, nooo!" she cries, only to be crushed against the seat as Mondrian (F) nosedives after Cayde. Her right thigh in particular is pressed right up against the side of the cockpit, hard enough that she gets that pins-and-needles sensation down her leg... 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari's head is reeling from the explosion, and it takes her a few moments to get her bearings again--just in time to see a ragged figure approaching her, useless arm dangling at his side.     "You dini'la--!" she growls as he attempts to kick her rifle away. Instead, her arm curls away from his foot and she rolls to the side, drawing one of her pistols and firing at him. With that busted helmet, she goes straight for the head. She doesn't care who he is. He attacked her and is hell-bent on killing her for some reason, in spite of the raging storm. Clearly a madman this galaxy could do better without. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Through the blinding rain, it may be difficult if not impossible to spot Cayde, as he's fallen through some trees. Fortunately, they helped break his fall so that the Force didn't have to do as much work as it may have had to otherwise. Still, that didn't mean it didn't hurt...especially since he happened to land with one of his hands twisted awkwardly under his body. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Still, no response from the inspector. In fact, Volken won't even be able to see him anymore? The rocks finally stop falling, but Volken will see that the tunnel is blocked off now, on both ends. And water's leaking in. Very slowly, but leaking in, nonetheless. He could try blasting through, but that might cause another cave that might crush them all. Volken will feel Crane wiggling free, onto the ground. He can't walk, but he's hastily crawling towards something or someone on the ground? Oh no, it's the inspector. He's lying on the ground, bloodied. "By the gods, he's... he's not responding. He's dying. Volken, what do we do? What's happening? How did we get here..." Crane says desperate, the panic in his voice evident. Mondrian takes them down immediately, landing next to Cayde and rushing out of the ship as soon as they land. "Cayde, by the light, are you okay? Let me look at you," She looks to Navi, desperation and fear in her voice. "You need to go find out what that explosion was. Kublop isn't far. Please..." Thaarin's expression becomes grieved. "I shouldn't have let you come with me," He says softly, touching her cheek gently. "Stay up here," he says, "I'm going in." He picks up a nearby rock, heads for the nearest sky light, shatters it, and then slowly lowers himself in. Ellari's first shot grazes the non shattered side of his helmet, but the other sears the left side of his temple, blackening the whole side of his head. The third hits his shoulder, and he cries out in pain, but is relentless. "Don't kriff around with my sister!" he screams, raging. "Don't you touch her!" Then he aims at the fuel tank of her jet thrusters, and fires twice, in an attempt to ignite them. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     "I don't know who the hell your sister is! I don't even know who -you- are!" Ellari shouts. The bolts strike the fuel tank, and a leak immediately starts. She scrambles to her feet and immediately disengages the maglocks, before throwing the entire assembly straight at him, aiming to give him a taste of his own medicine.     "All I know is that you're messing with the -wrong- Mandalorian." she growls. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "All right..." Navi groans, levering herself out of the pilot's seat, her right leg feeling stiff and sluggish, at least for the moment as she makes her way to Cayde's side. "I just need to take care of something first..." Laying her hands on Cayde's shoulders, she reaches deep into the Force within him, tweaking its flow and redirecting its energies to knit injuries, take away pain, and heal Cayde's wounds, if there are any. "That should do it. Take good care of Cayde." Rising, she sways on her feet for a moment, between her leg and a moment of weariness, then starts off toward where she'd seen the explosion, limping briefly before her leg began to feel more normal, at which point her gait becomes a more normal jog. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "There's a bad storm happening. A dam may have broke and so we might have water rushing in towards us from...behind I think. We can't go backwards. We need to get through here. We'll suffocate if we just stay here. Or the water will get through or the tunnel will just collapse anyway." Volken pauses to look over the inspector. He could carry the weight of three people but he's only got ...well two arms. And with the Inspector in the condition he's in they certainly don't have too many options here. "I'm gonna need to try and burst through. If youg ot some sorcery handy and are strong enough to use it, now's the time." With that, he sets Kass down and steps forward to inspect the fallen rocks on the way forward, attempting to sus out the best places for him to start to punch through without bringing the rest of the wall ontop of them all. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde gets to his feet, grimacing in pain although he does his best to hide it. But he's holding his left hand with his right, and the two women will see that his wrist is broken. Although he still nods when Mondrian asks if he's all right.     Fortunately, Navi is able to actually make that true. But as soon as that's done, he immediately hurries after Navi in the direction the explosion had been heard. He can take care of himself, thank you! 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thankfully, Navi will be able to make it to Kublop uneventfully (well, aside from all the wind and rain). Mondrian (F) had been close in tow, but by the time she's reached the central plaza, she'll have lost track of both of them. Perhaps it had been intentionally on Mondrian's (F) part, and Cayde, well, he had a habit of disappearing at the wrong place, wrong time. Nonetheless, her comm crackles to life, and she'll find herself being hailed by Thaarin. The signal's patchy, but she'll be able to at least hear a bit of what he's saying. "<--Did you hear? *static* Rykard? There's a *static* near the convent. *static* They're trapped. It's buried..>" Meanwhile, Jorn is probably sheltering somewhere, watching the rain pour down and listening to the wind howl. He might have heard a thing or two about the annual monsoons on Tenoo, and noticed the weather reports streaming in at the local cantinas. He might also be wondering where his tentatives allies are. Or he might not be. Regardless, wherever he is and whatever it is he's thinking about, will be interrupted by the sound of aggressive banging. "Jorn. Jorn! Haar'chak! What are you doing? It's me, Er'gi." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi taps her earpiece, pausing to get her bearings before heading in the general direction of the convent. << Thaarin? It's Navi! Please repeat your message? Also, did you hear an explosion? There may have been one close to you! >> she broadcasts. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn's eyes narrow under helm as he hears the voice. It's not until he receives confirmation from the cameras that this is indeed Vol's brother in arms. The door whever he shelted. "What are you doing out like that?" he asks thinking there probably has to be a reason for it. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha isn't going anywhere. At least not for the foreseeable future and while Thaarin regrets choices and goes to try and find people. Zetha may die, but it's a sacrifice she's apparently willing to make. Unwillingly. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "<Oh thank the light!>" There's a lot more static, and Navi won't catch any of what Thaarin says next, but then there's, "--alright. Zetha's on the roof of the convent. *static* --get past all of it. I'm heading to the general store>" "What are -you- doing in here, sitting on your ass, you di'kut!" the other Mandalorian roars. "You didn't hear? Volken and Ellari are trapped in the basement of the convent and it's almost completely buried in mud." "Kass fled to the convent and took a couple of civilians hostage there. They went in after him, but then the storm started up..." Moments later, Zetha will see Thaarin coming out of the skylight he'd broken earlier. He's shaking his head. "There's no way down," he says, "we have to hope they made it to the tunnels below. Come. We can access them from the general store down the street." The problem is, the street down below is not traversable. They'd have to make their way across rooftops, but some of the leaps from building to building are... ambitious. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' That's when Jorn will start to head off. He'll grab one of the communicators, none of his own. Taking a few messages to Volken and Ellari. Simple messages that read, "Status." And then he waits for guidance by Volken's friend. "Lead the way," as Jorn does not know the way. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' There's slowly sitting up that happens, and Zetha rubs the back of her head. She's likely going to be feeling that one for a couple days now. As she sees Thaarin coming back from where he came there's the lofting of an eyebrow and then she shifts to try and stand up. "You mean the street that we can travel across? How do you propose we get anywhere from where we are now? We're lucky we're even HERE at the moment." She looks around once again and then sighs. "This is the worst I've ever seen it..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' << On the /roof of the convent/? What is she doing on the roof? Is the flooding that bad? >> Navi asks over the comms, picking up her pace. Soon she finds some high ground overlooking the convent. << Okay, now I see why you're up there. I'm going to find some transportation and a rope ladder. Some way to get you two off of that roof! I'll be back as quick as I can! >> She hurries deeper into Kublop Springs. "I need something with some passenger space and repulsorlifts... at this point I'd even deal with that grumpy Bothan!" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I doubt they'll get your messages," Er'gi grunts, following Jorn out. He'll then easily overtake him, and lead the way out in the rain and wind. It's terrible, and Jorn will have a hard time just staying on his feet! But at least Er'gi is hard to miss, and if he walks right behind him, some of the wind and rain will be blocked by his massive form. The two Mandalorians then start heading for the convent. "<The convent is buried>" Thaarin tells Navi. "<Thank you, but please hurry>" Navi will find herself running past the pier. Most of the boats are completely mired in the mud and water, but there's one small hoverboat not 100 percent buried yet, and it has a coil of rope and an anchor stored aboard it. But Navi will have to Force leap her way to it - most of the pier is flooded! "We are lucky," Thaarin says, sitting down on the roof next to Zetha. "Navi's coming. She's going to try to find some rope and something with a repulsorlift. If things go favorably for her, we'll be able to make it to the general store." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi makes her way past the river pier as she heads toward the center of town. Just by chance she spots a hoverboat that isn't flooded or buried completely. << Thaarin, I found a hoverboat that looks intact. I'm going to see if I can reach you from the water, >> she says over the comms. One look at the pier almost changes her mind, however; it's mostly flooded and swaying back and forth from the current. "The pilings look intact... and steady. I guess I just found my way across!" She makes her way to the hoverboat with several impressive, borderline superhuman leaps, eventually landing on the boat's rear passenger deck. Fortunately, the controls at the helm console are clearly labeled. A little work with the control console gets the drain pump working, to get any standing water out of the boat. "Okay... still has power. Now let's get the engine running and see if we're in business," she muses. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Remind me to thank her later..." Zetha says before sloughing some of the water off her arms - as if that's going to help anything. "I just hope everyone is okay. The aftermath will likely be a kriffing nightmare though.." Dealing with the damage, which means likely helping around town doing repairs and the like. Making sure people are alive - at the least - and recover okay. She looks over to Thaarin after a moment. "Doesn't exactly make for the best reunion, does it?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn tries to figure out where to go from his current location to the general area of where the others are. His attention focused on getting there. He knows it'll be like trying to find a piece of plasteel burried in the sands of Tatooine. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "<You did? Perfect!> Thaarin's brows shoot up in relieved surprise, and he looks over at Zetha. "We're in luck. She found a working hoverboat... hopefully she'll be here soon," he says. Thaarin just smiles reassuringly at her and reaches for her hand. "Better than nothing. It's going to be alright," he says soothingly. Navi -is- in luck, it would appear, the Force is shining upon her today. The hoverboat hums to life, and drain pump starts pumping all the excess water out of it. However, it is still a little bit mired, and struggling to free itself from the runny mud below it. A little help from the Force would get it out, and Navi on her way. Er'gi presses on, leading the way. Soon, the convent is in sight, but it's not a welcome one - Er'gi had been right. The entire thing except the roof is buried. "Har'chaak! There's no way we're getting that way..." A gust of wind then nearly blows them both off their feet. "Ehh. Quick, up here," Er'gi says to Jorn, making his way over to a building with a ladder on the side. "I need a minute to think, and if we stay down there we'll be swallowed by the mud in no time." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha lets Thaarin take her hand and she smiles at him as he speaks reassurances. "I really hope you're right, Thaarin..." She offers this much while shifting to pull her knees into her chest, wrapping her other arm around her legs. Trying very hard to not show she's as worried as she is. Fearful of a lot of things. Confused by a couple. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn checks over his person thinking of maybe some kind of cable line. Something that could act as a grapple line. That could be a way to get to the top of the building. Try to avoid all of the mud that would drag him down to the bottom. That's at least where his head is at. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi gives a little whoop of joy as the power comes up and the repulsorlift engine hums to life. The hoverboat wallows slightly, but doesn't move, and she discovers that the sucking mud is miring the boat in place. "Let's hope this works..." she murmurs, reaching deep inside herself and beginning to call upon the Force, tweaking its flow between the water, the mud, the land, and herself... The hoverboar comes free with a sudden surge that almost spills her into the bottom of the boat with a squeal of fright. Once she recovers from the shock, she lets out a louder whoop of joy and turns the hoverboat toward the convent. << Thaarin! I'm headed your way now! I should be there in a minute or two! >> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin doesn't reply to Zetha, but less than a second later, hope glimmers in his eyes. "I can see Navi,"he says, standing, "she's coming." Er'gi is halfway up the building when he, too, spots Navi coming towards the convent from a distance away. "Jorn! Wayii! Someone's coming in a hoverboat." He points at Navi approaching the hoverboat. "We may be saved. Let's see if she can get us somewhere more helpful than here." He then climbs back down, and hurries towards the young Sephi girl, glancing briefly back at Jorn to beckon him to follow. Navi will find herself quickly within sight of the convent, and will just barely be able to see Thaarin standing on top of it, waving at her. The rain has let up a tiny bit, though the wind will make steering the hoverboat a bit difficult. She'll also be able to see Er'gi trying to make his way towards her, nearly getting sucked down by the mud with every step he takes. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Got room for more?" he asks about the hoverboat and Navi. The attention focused on the bare trying to see how many it could fit. What they would need to do to help stay afloat, if anything. His attention just going between the craft and various thoguhts. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Good..." Zetha offers, shifting to try and stand up again. Against the wind, she's at least thankful that the rain has let up some. It's still not going to bode well for the aftermath but in the moment it's at least a little glimmer of something good on the horizon. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Ahoy, on the shore!" Navi calls back to Jorn, recognizing him from the lightsaber lesson. "Yes, we have room! Actually might need your help to save two friends, so if you can jetpack this far, come on! Just be careful not to land too hard in this wind!" She guides the hoverboat in as close to the shore as she dares, turning out just a bit if she feels the hull coming up against mud on the left side, which is the side facing Jorn. << Thaarin? I'm picking up some help! We should be on to assist you two in just another minute! >> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Yes, thank you!" Er'gi says to Navi. "Ah.. Co Deputy Valrennan. I know I haven't always seen eye to eye with the Republic, but your help is most appreciated. Our vod Volken and our other ally, Ellari, is trapped below the convent. We're trying to find a way to them... we Mandalorians are tough, but this weather would wear anyone down." He steps aboard the hoverboat, and it creaks under his weight but doesn't topple. He then steps aside to allow Jorn aboard. Thaarin frowns when Navi says she's picking up help. "<Right. See you soon>" He turns to Zetha. "I have a feeling we're going to have be working alongside the Mandalorians. I don't know anyone else who would be crazy enough to be out and about in this weather..." Meanwhile, down below, Crane nods weakly at Volken, and the other Mandalorian will commence his search for a weak point somewhere in the wall of rocks surrounding them. Crane will do his best to take Volken's advice. He reaches out into the Force, trying to either contact either Navi or Cayde... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will do what is necesary. Just a simpel back pack motion over to the waiting barge. His attention focused on just making it on board. "What he said. We need help assisting our allies," Jorn doesn't want to call them friends. They really haven't had that conversation. Allies feels like an appropriate term. "How bad is it?" he figures that Navi has a better sense of things. That would be an inisght Jorn doesn't have at the moment. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Just...stand back.." Volken sets Kass down, flopping him against one of the walls near the Inspector whom he then leans over to make sure he's not laying face down in a pool of rising water. He utters a few choice words in Man'doa under his breath, muffled even more by his helmet, and then leans in to take a closer look at the rocks. HIs gauntled hands reach out to test the sturdiness of the collapsed stone.. Pushing here, pushing there nad then...eventually he finds what he's looking for. Or so he hopes. "Just....stay clear." he tells Crane before bracing himself. He then hauls back, calling to him every ounce of his genetically modified strength... and he swings, plowing his enormous fist forward for the stone and, hopefully, freedom. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head. "I haven't known much of anything since my last run in with Jasper...which turned into a catastrophe...next thing I know the monsoons here and you're coming telling me Crane was taken hostage." She pauses. "I don't know if you've heard about what happened at the clinic...but not a lot of it was good." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Welcome aboard, Jorn, Er'gi. I wish I could tell you more," Navi replies, guiding the hoverboat a little farther from shore and into the navigation channel, moving toward the convent. "The convent looks like it's been buried under a mudslide, or almost, and Thaarin and Zetha are stranded on the roof. If anyone else is in there, I don't know where they are." She steers closer to shore as they approach the convent. "If I get us any closer, we're likely to run aground. Jorn, can you carry another person while using that jetpack of yours?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi nods. "We'll help you," he says to Navi. "I'm sure Volken is among those you're looking for." Rocks start to crumble beneath Volken's massive strength. He'll be able to feel them raining down upon his head and shoulders, but nothing so massive that he can't ignore. The cave isn't collapsing, at least. He'll start to make good progress - but as he continues punching he'll see that this wall of rock barricading them in is deeper than it looks. "I heard of it," Thaarin says solemnly. "Things will get better, I'm sure. We'll make it through this. Look, Navi's here," He says, gesturing towards the young Sephi girl piloting the hoverboat nearer to them. "I'm going to jump. If you don't feel you can make it --" his lips press into a thin line, as he watches Navi address Jorn. He can't really hear what they're saying, but it isn't hard to guess. He doesn't really like the idea of Jorn helping her, but they don't have a lot of options at the moment. He then takes the leap, landing on the starboard of the hoverboat. It rocks, but doesn't topple. Meanwhile, when Ellari throws her jetpack at her armored attacker, his arms go in front of his face and it clips his elbow. There's less than a second before the jetpack explodes into sparks and shrapnel... 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari does her best to jump away from the thrusters when she throws them, but the shockwave still knocks her over. Hopefully, it knocked -him- harder, though. Still, it takes her a moment to gather her wits and get back up, drawing both of her blaster pistols this time. However, she doesn't try to run. This man was clearly a maniac, and if he wasn't unconscious or dead, he was sure to be after her again.     Besides, a Mandalorian never runs from a fight. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "If they hold on tight," he says openly. It may tkae a little bit of effort. It's harder than it looks to adapt to a second party with a backpack like that. Not impossible. Just harder than most realize. "Who do I need to haul?" he asks openly. Jorn knows that any mando help may not be welcomed with open arms. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde had been following Navi toward the convent, but had lost her in the blinding rain. And many of the buildings were almost wrecked beyond recognition. So he's left with reaching through the Force in search of anyone around town who might need assistance... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' No, no, this won't do. There's some success here, but not enough. He can do better. He has to if they're to get out of here faster. "Mm.." rumbles Volken before gathering his zeal up once again and this time bracing his enormous frame against the ground. He waits, as if building up momentum from some internal engine that he's firing up more and more ... and then he lunges forward, lowering his shoulders and attempting now a tremendous crash to try and plow forward through what remains of the collapsed boulders before him. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi has to grab onto the controls as the boat rocks under Thaarin's landing. "Well, okay... that's one safe aboard. Jorn, do you think you could get Zetha? She shouldn't be any heavier than me," she says. "Thaarin, if you feel up to it, could you take the helm? I know you're a better driver than me." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha would normally attempt to make the jump. She's agile - kinda has to be - because of how she tends to work on things in the junkyard. However, her throbbing head has her listening to reason and she looks at the craft and then to the Mandalorian being spoken to. "I'll take the help if you can manage... I don't think I can make that jump right now..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' When Ellari gains her wits, she'll find herself waist deep in mud. The rain might have let up a little, but the wind hasn't, and the muddy waters are still rising. The man who had been attacking her is nowhere in her immediately line of sight, but that didn't necessarily mean he was dead, or unconscious... Thaarin looks up at Zetha, nodding at Navi's comment and suggestion. He then moves towards the helm of the hoverboat. The explosion from Ellari's jetpack can be heard from where they're standing, although the noise is muted. "We'd better hurry," Thaarin says to Jorn gravely. "Get her, carefully. And then let's head to the general store. The tunnels are accessible from there." Cayde will be able to detect Crane's presence, deep underground. The tunnel network below Kublop! He must have been down there. But getting down there might be hard. More rocks rain down on Volken. But his tremendous crash makes significant progress. He'll be able to tell he's crossed some kind of threshold. It wouldn't be much more after this - he'll be able to see dim streaks of light leaking through the rock barricade. But just as he's about to finish up, he'll heard the disciple calling his name out weakly. "Volken.... Volken! Please..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns, focusing on Amarik's presence and attempting to discern more about his location and situation. Why was he down there, wouldn't it be flooded? Was he alone, was he injured? 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Wait a sec... Thaarin, what are these tunnels, and why do we need to go there?" Navi asks Thaarin. "Are there other sentients trapped in them or something like that?" 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Ellari curses and fires raises one of her pistols, firing a grappling line attached to it toward the top of the building the rhydonium had been thrown off of. Perhaps she'd be able to find out more about who was so hell-bent on killing her and what 'sister' this was. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "We're almost out!" calls Volken, seeing the way to freedom ahead of them. He turns around, looking back through the dust and the tunnel to look for Crane, Kass and the Inspector. "Come on! Hold it together!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Once on the hoverboat, Zetha finds a spot and sits. "Thank you." She offers this to Jorn before giving a smile to Navi. "Not that this is the best time ever but it's really good to see you, Navi." Offering at least that much before hugging her knees again and resting her forehead against her lap. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Cayde won't be able to find out much, it would appear that Amarik is concussed, very injured, and rather hazy on what was happening, where he was, or what had happened to him. Volken was with him, and another unconscious Mandalorian whose name he didn't know. Somehow, where he is, isn't completely flooded. There's a few inches of water on the ground, but the place isn't submerged. Thaarin looks relieved once Zetha reaches the hoverboat. "Are you alright?" he asks. Then, to Navi, he says, "There's a tunnel network below Kublop. It was an old Republic project that was abandoned, an attempt to build the tram system below ground. However, it became too expensive due to the fact that dams and extensive drainage systems had to be built in order to sustain the railway in case of the annual weather event that often caused massive flooding. In recent years, the citizens of Kublop use it for evacuation in times like these. I think the inspector and Zetha's boyfriend, Crane, are down there, with two other Mandalorians. Well..." he trails off. "If they're alive. That's where they would be." "Then let's not waste another moment," Er'gi says, "we should head to the general store immediately." The mud will suck at Ellari as she pulls herself up. The visibility up higher isn't very good, and the man who had been attacking her still is nowhere to be seen. But then suddenly, on a building with a higher rooftop, she'll hear some movement, above the din of the howling rain. Kass seems fine. Still passed out, but still pretty much in the same condition he'd found him in. The disciple and the inspector, however...are a different story. The rocks that had been falling earlier must have been falling down over where they had been too, and the disciple is lying on the ground in a pool of his own blood, two new gashes on his shoulder and neck. The inspector isn't breathing. "He's...dead," the disciple says of the inspector. There's a pause, as he gathers the strength to speak. He's in really bad shape, probably dying. But he's still conscious, somehow, so maybe there's hope yet. "I want...you to save yourself. And your friend," he says. "And I wanted to say thank you..." he weakly reaches up and presses something into the palm of Volken's hand. It's a soggy white flower. "And good bye." The mammoth Mandalorian will be faced with a choice, now. He could do as the disciple instructed, and continue punching the rocks, and be in the clear in less than ten minutes. He and Kass, with their beskar, would be able to handle the falling rocks just fine. But the disciple, injured and helpless, would be crushed and killed in the process. He could stop. And wait, and pray, and hope, that someone would find them in time. Or... he could give the disciple some of his beskar. But that went against every Mandalorian tradition and way ingrained into him as a child. Not to mention that the falling rocks would then hurt -him-. They wouldn't kill him, but it would certainly hurt. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Of course that might happen. The fact that the falling rocks might cascade backwards hadn't even crossed his mind. They didn't call out right away so he figured everything was fine. He would have stopped but it's too late now. There's no time for regrets or for second guessing. Even if the Insepctor might be dead he's still not leaving the body here. As for Crane? Volken's never been one for tradition. He immediately pulls his helmet off and then promptly slumps it down over Cranes head.. "Shut up." As quickly as possible he starts to unstrap his torso armor, his massive physique seemingly enlarging as he does, as if the beskar does more work holding him in then it does protecting him. "You're going to live." Volken -left- Mandalore because of feuds and politics and traditions that led to his foster fathers death. Lived the life of a mercenary vababond for years. Refused to return home. Was seen as a dog by the pure blooded ones. Tradition be damned. He hurridly works to strap the armor onto Crane, taking care as much as possible to avoid exaggerating the wounds... and then proceeds to reach down to sling Kass over one shoulder, scope Crane up under one arm and The Inspector under the other. "We're leaving." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs. Why was it always like this? Amarik certainly wasn't the sort who couldn't defend himself, so how exactly had he landed himself in this situation? Anyway, he just keeps trying to focus harder on the Tholothian's presence, and make his way toward it, Force leaping his way across rocks, buildings, and other objects to get over the mud. He has no idea where any entrances into the underground are and can only hope he can find a way down there. 

:'''{{#var:296|Ellari Zin (296)}} has posed:'''     Apparently Ellari's attacker has decided not to keep attacking just yet, But now she's stranded without her jetpack. However, this rooftop seems to be not overwhelmed by mud just yet. She heard the noise, so she gets behind cover, in case he tries to renew his hostilities. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head gently but then contradicts it with "I'm fine." A pause. "I'll be fine. I've hurt myself worse. Let's just get to the tunnels so we can find the ones from the convent." Not that she's going to go into any further details than that, and her words are likely a bit muffled since she's talking mostly to her lap. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'm not going to stand in the way of saving lives. Find us a good, solid spot to tie up the boat, away from the mud, and let's head for the general store," Navi replies to Thaaren. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Wh--What are you doing..." Crane protests weakly. "You'll--" But then Volken's helmet goes over his head. If it weren't for their grave circumstances, Volken might find it humorous how tiny the disciple is compared to his beskar. The helmet alone covers both his head and shoulders and the chestplate reaches to his knees. Now, there was just one last thing to do now - give the rocks he'd been pounding a few solid kicks, and then they'd be through. Cayde will eventually find himself where the others are headed - the general store. He'll espy Thaarin piloting the hoverboat, carrying Zetha, Navi, Jorn, and Er'gi. Thaarin is doing as Navi had instructed and piloting it towards an area close to the general store that had something sturdy enough to moor a hoverboat to. Meanwhile, no shots will be fired at Ellari, but a massive pile of debris out of nowhere comes crashing down towards her! 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde wonders why they are headed there but maybe there is something he needs to help with. He leaps over toward the store, looking for a way down into the tunnels. Amarik and Volken had to be down there. It then occurs to him to wonder why Amarik is with Volken and injured, but not yet dead. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi climbs onto the bow of the hoverboat, rope in hand, as the vessel approaches the general store. Half-kneeling there, she ties one end of the rope to a mooring cleat and holds the other ready. "Bring her in nice and steady! Eyes on the terrain, not my bum!" she calls back to Thaarin. The moment the hoverboat comes to a stop, she scrambles down from the bow and secures the vessel to a stoutly-built light pole. "Everybody out! Let's go find those Mandalorians!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha looks up when the boat comes to a stop and then stands up with a bit of a wobble to her stance before walking forward to get off the boat. She'll stay in the back of the group to try and be out of the way. Sort of just there for moral support if it's needed. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin seems amused. "Now, why would you say that?" he teases playfully when Navi instructs him to keep his eyes on the terrain not her bum. Regardless, he steers the hoverboat successfully, albeit with some difficulty towards a massive ceiling rafter that's sticking out of the mud near the general store. "Careful," Thaarin says as everyone starts to disembark,"this area doesn't exactly look like an easy tread..." And he's right. The parking lot in front of the general store is covered in debris and mud. Probably not a problem for Navi, as she can Force leap, but for the others it might prove tricky. When Thaarin notices Cayde heading their way, he waves him down. "Over here," he says to Cayde. "We're probably going to need your help." When it comes time for Zetha to disembark, Thaarin offers her a hand. "Think you can make it inside?" he asks cautiously. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde makes his way over to them as Thaarin waves him down.     He looks them over, relieved to find they seem to be more or less all right. [How do I help] he asks. [Are you going down] 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' There's a moment where Zetha looks to Thaarin and to where they're headed and she wonders if she should bow out. But Crane's in danger let along the other Mandalorians and such. If she didn't try to help, why is she even here? "I think I can make it...I'm certainly going to try no matter what." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi watches Cayde approach as she finishes securing the boat. "Yes, Cayde, we're going into the tunnels," she replies. "There's a chance that some of the sentients that were in the convent were able to escape into them. Did you ever find the source of that explosion we saw earlier?" She waits for Cayde's answer, drawing upon the Force and manipulating its flows between herself and the muddy ground. Then she leaps, covering more than twenty feet to get clear of the debris field in front of the general store. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Your saber," he says, glancing over at the general store, "we're likely going to have to do some... strategic cutting in order to get to the entry to the tunnels below Kublop," he says with a nod. "But don't do anything until I tell you to," he instructs the padawan carefully. Thaarin nods at Zetha. "Let's go, then," He says, "but be careful." He steps out of the hoverboat and motions for her to follow him. Navi will find that getting inside the general store might prove tricky. The front door is completely blocked by debris and mud. And the sign on the front of the store has half collapsed - if she cut through here with her saber, it might cause a landslide of debris off the roof. although it does look like there's probably multiple ways to get in, they just need to look around for a spot where cutting wouldn't cause collapse and masses of sliding debris. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Well, we're not getting in through the front door... you can barely tell this place ever /had/ a front door," Navi observes, beginning to search the area around the building. Within a few minutes she has better luck. "Over here!" she calls from the left side of the building as she unstows her lightsaber. "It looks like we can safely cut our way in through here!" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde follows Navi over to the identified location, drawing his lightsaber and immediately starting to cut through the debris as best he can. So much for waiting for Thaarin to instruct him, of course. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha nods to Thaarin and offers him as confident a smile as she can muster. "After you..." Offering this and she will follow Thaarin's lead, keeping up and steady on her feet as best she can. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin frowns at Navi's reply, looking concerned, watching as she goes around to the left side of the building and finds a better entry way into the general store.  Thaarin arches a brow at Cayde when he unsheathes his saber, as he hadn't told him to use it yet. But he doesn't comment. He makes his way towards the general store, making sure Zetha is close behind him. Navi is successful at cutting away the debris covering the second entry, and soon they're inside. But inside isn't much better than outside. Crushed cans of beans, raw nuna legs falling out of ripped pouches, soggy ration bars, spilt blue milk, and broken glass covers the floor. Not to mention that there's little to no lighting in there. Parts of the ceiling has caved in as well, and there are knocked over shelves everywhere.  "The entry to the tunnels will be in the back," Thaarin says, trying to peer through the doom and gloom. "I know it's not visible from here. But I'm sure it's there." Somehow, despite carrying three people and being injured, Volken will be able to plow through the last of the rock barrier in front of him. A few pebbles will fall onto the gargantuan Mandalorian's shoulders, but he probably won't feel them. When the dust settles, he'll find himself standing in front of a tunnel that's mostly in the clear. Where would it lead him? Who knew, but he couldn't stay, that was for certain. Water is already starting to pool around his ankles. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi keeps her lightsaber lit, to let its bluish-white glare light the immediate area. "Step carefully... there's all kinds of junk all over the floor. Some of it's broken glass." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' If it's pooling around his ankles - it means it'd be near knee high to anyone else so...time to move. That's right. He is injured. He took that shot from Kass earlier. The man is so huge and preternaturally durable that he basically forgot about the blaster wound in the middle of everything else... He'll have to beat Kass within an inch of his life after he makes sure he survives this... "Alright.." he grumbles, dark hair matted to his body now and his trim beard draining water from as his brow furrows. "Let's ...keep going." With that, he starts moving ahead, making his way through the tunnel as quickly as he can. Ah that's right>Ellari abandoned him. He'll have to beat her up as well. That gives him that much more energy to keep moving. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Of course the place is a mess. Cayde sighs and focuses on the obstacles before them, then starts attempting to carefully move everything aside, toward the outer walls in a way that will not cause anything to fall on top of them. A collapsed shelf rights itself, and scoots across the floor toward the wall, whilst broken glass, spilled food and other debris slide away toward the corners of the shopping area. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha just tries to keep pace with Thaarin, watching the ground as they walk since someone said there was debris everywhere. Seeing the state of the convent tugs at her, and she hopes - and perhaps silently prays to the Force - that everyone who was in the convent was able to get to safety. "I hope everyone is okay..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin nods at Navi's instruction, taking care not to step on anything that might puncture his boots, and keeping a close eye on Zetha to make sure that she doesn't either. He gives Zetha a faint smile. "I hope so too. I hope so too..." But this expression expression becomes a bit more somber when Cayde starts moving things around. Somewhere, there's a crash, although nothing immediately falls down on any of them. "Cayde, be careful," he warns the padawan. He then motions to Navi. "I think the entrance is in the warehouse in the back," he says, pointing. They'll just barely be able to make a pair of sliding doors covered in debris. The environment around it looks... precarious. Like if they move or cut anything, the entire building might collapse. "Let me take a closer look." He glances back at Zetha. "I might need your help," he adds. Crane groans weakly, the only conscious being Volken is carrying. "...yes," he says weakly. "I... I believe in you." Soon, Volken will come to an intersection. He's going to have to make a decision about which way to go, but whatever he decides, he should do it fast. The water is rising, still. Two of the tunnels branching out are unlit. The other has some light, but Volken will be able to tell that the ground above has caved in places above the tunnel. It could be risky, but was dark better? 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thanks, Cayde. At least now we can get into the back," Navi observes, stepping into the warehouse area. And stopping, lightsaber foremost, studying the area. "Swell. Looks like it's going to be a lot harder to clear this out than the front. Cayde, don't touch anything yet. It looks like half the roof will fall in if some of this stuff's disturbed." She is able to pick her way closer to the doors, but not to clear them, and holds her lightsaber in a way to allow Thaarin and Zetha to be able to see the area clearly. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Dark had to be it. Even with the armor on, another cave in woudl probably finish off his passengers and Volken would be in no condition to stop i it or deal with it. Without the inspector to guiide them, he has to take a chance and just continue moving. If it was just one of them he could risk running or even find somethihg to try and prop the roof up but right now it's a risk even he's unwilling to take. "Alright, gimme somma that Canto BIght luck.." he grumbles before dipping into one of hte dark tunnels with his passengers. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Too late, Cayde is already trying to move the debris away from the entrance to the tunnels. Well he had already been doing this as they made their way toward the warehouse, and it only seemed a natural extension of that. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Cayde! Navi said don't touch--!" but it's too late, Cayde is shoving things aside, and suddenly, part of the roof is caving in. "Zetha, look out!" Thaarin just barely manages to avoid the falling roof tiles, reaching for Zetha's wrist and attempting to yank her aside as well. Afterwards, he sighs in mild exasperation and makes his way over to where Navi is. He takes out a small environmental scanner and runs it laterally across the wreckage blocking the door. He frowns thoughtfully. "We can make it through," he says, "but it's going to take some precise cutting, at the exact right moment, and fast hands with a welder." He looks to Zetha. "Do you have your tools on you?" Volken will be hit with pitch black, but at least no rocks. The ground here feels soft, and mud will suck at his feet. Is he going the right way? Where were they going anyway? These thoughts must have occurred to Crane. "Where..." he says weakly. "... we going?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Cayde, what the frell are you... /Zetha, look out/!" Navi cries, grabbing for Zetha's hand with her free hand. She can't drop her lightsaber and deprive everyone of the light source, meaning she can't use both hands, so she uses a ballroom dance move she learned once to twirl Zetha up against her, out of the way of falling chunks of roof. "Are you okay?" she asks the Twi'lek, after the partial collapse has stopped. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I don't know!" admits Volken, "The inspector was supposed to guide us tot he hospital but the tunnel that was lit was too unstable. We were lookin' at another cave in. I mighta been alright. You guys owuldnt' have been. So we have to just...trust this is getting us somewhere" That's not much else he can do but keep moving. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     The sudden shouting doesn't help, startling Cayde slightly and causing him to drop some pieces of the roof that almost fall on Zetha. The padawan sighs, and wonders if there is another way down into the tunnels. Maybe another, less destroyed building is connected somewhere. He starts heading back the way they came, through the path he'd already cleared. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Just in the nick of time. The roof collapses and Cayde drops other pieces of it but Zetha is free from the collapse via Thaarin and Navi grabbing and yanking on her. The sudden jostle, however, causes the pain in her head to spike and she winces hard, hands going to hold against the sides of her head for a brief moment. Her stomach flips and there's spots in her vision but she gulps some air and then stands up a bit more. Sort of. "I'm fine...thank you." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "..." Crane doesn't reply, at least not right away. Instead, he hugs Volken's massive arm like a child seeking validation. Volken will be able to see a tiny pinpoint of light at the end of the tunnel, though the mud will continue to suck at his heels. After a moment, Crane finally asks again. "...why? Why... all of this..." Thaarin's hand misses Zetha's wrist, but thankfully, Navi is able to grab her and pull her out of the way. His brows crease with concern when it becomes clear that Zetha is in pain. "Are you sure?" He pauses. "We're going to need someone to weld. Can you do it?" He then calls to Cayde. "Come back here," He says in a commanding tone. "We're going to need you in a minute. This can work. Don't go anywhere." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Huh?" It's a confusing question and Volken would rather focus on keeping his body working then answer something that...really should be obvious. "What...? Why what?" He takes a second to jump to a conclusion and he rumbles, "What, Mandalorian's are supposed to just....let folk die and drown?" Well Ellari kind of -did- didn't she. He fumes...but then: "It's not your fault you got dragged into all of this because of Kass' crazy di'kut behavior. I'm not going to just leave an innocent to die. It's wrong. That's not how I was taught. It's not The Way. It's not what I believe..evne if it was The Way I wouldn't care.... Even if I coulda left Kass...I want to find out why he was acting that way. Why he won't just....-listen- to common sense. Anyway...just hang on." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Being a trained Force healer, Navi is usually pretty good at spotting when someone is hurt. Cupping a hand over one of Zetha's ear cones, she begins to manipulate the flow of the Force between herself and the stricken Twi'lek. She's edging up on exhausted, which may be why she isn't able to cure the head trauma entirely. But she is able to eliminate the accompanying headache, allowing Zetha to work without pain. "Feel better? Let me know if you need any more help," she says softly. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' The relief she feels when Navi works some Force power on her has Zetha standing up a bit taller and she offers a smile. "That's a lot better. Thank you.." She then glances to Thaarin and nods her head. "I promise I'll get checked out as soon as I can...but for now...where do you need me? How can I help?" She sounds better too. Not fully healed, but able to push through it a lot better. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stops and turns around, although he doesn't quite backtrack. He just sort of stands there, watching Navi heal Zetha with an unreadable expression for a moment. Then he simply looks away, and stares at the floor. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Crane doesn't respond right away. But his embrace of Volken's upper arm tightens ever so slightly. "... thank you...." Up ahead, the tiny pinprick of light starts to get bigger. Hopefully, they're headed somewhere drier. Thaarin motions to Cayde as if he were a reluctantly obedient akk dog. "Come over here, I'm going to give very specific instruction," he says to the young padawan, while glancing over at Navi. "I've examined the debris using this scanner and made some calculations." He pulls up a holodisplay of the wreckage he'd scanned, then points to two red diagonal marks on either side of the debris. "It needs to be cut at a thirty five degree angle here, and here," he says. "Simultaneously. Navi and Cayde will have to move in singular motion, and create the cuts at the exact same time. If done correctly, the debris will fall in a precise manner that will wedge it firmly enough to stay stable for at least ninety seconds. Zetha, you must then weld these particular axes--" And he points to three white dots spread out on the holodisplay. "Before the ninety seconds are over. If the operation is a success, then the result will be an archway we can pass through to the warehouse without fearing this building's entire collapse." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Come on, Cayde. It's time for some teamwork," Navi says encouragingly, taking a firmer grip on her lightsaber. << Okay, we'll need to swing at precisely the same time here. Ready? >> she sends to him telepathically. << You say when. >> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde finally comes back, although at Thaarin's instructions, he seems rather apprehensive. That's such a precise angle, how could they expect it to get it exactly right? And at the exact same time? Telepathic synchronization might help, but although his telepathy is potent, it's not always predictable. Navi can feel his uncertainty as she reaches into his mind, and he seems to hesitate. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' << I've seen you handle a lightsaber, Cayde. You can do this, >> Navi replies upon sensing Cayde's uncertainty. << One quick cut and we're done. You might even be able to help direct some of the debris with telekinesis, but I hope that won't be necessary. Ready when you are. >> 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha gives a nod at the points Thaarin shows her where she would need to weld. She actually opens a couple of her pockets to pull out the items she would need to complete this task. Course she'll have to wait for Cayde and Navi to make their cuts and be quick enough after that - which is why her tools in hand is a must. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin nods to Zetha, and then looks to Navi and Cayde. "Look, this is the best way in. If we go back out there, we'll be risking ourselves to the elements. The Mandalorians who were with us left to find a better way in and haven't returned, that's telling." "There's a very small margin for error, but it's enough. I think you and Navi can manage it. There's no other way." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi makes her cut when Cayde gives the word. It's a better than average cut, precise enough to get the job done. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde finally nods and takes a breath, before igniting his lightsaber into the precise location Thaarin had indicated. He maintains his connection to Navi through the Force, to help her sync up with him perfectly. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Lightsabers flash, cut, and then Zetha moves in and takes sauter to flame to weld the spots that Thaarin had pointed out to her. Who needs safety gear when lives are on the line?! Not Zetha. When she's finished she sort of keeps herself still - as if making sure things are as steady as Thaarin calculated they would be. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The operation is a success, despite the odds and the need for exact precision. The debris falls, wedges itself tightly, and the Zetha sauters it. It groans loudly while she welds, but when he's done, it holds. "It worked," Thaarin says, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Let's go," he says, hurrying through the newly created archway, "it's holding for now, but if the storm worsens it might collapse." Soon, he's on the other side, heading for a trapdoor in the back of the warehouse. As for Volken, he'll be able hear very faint footsteps not too far ahead of him and see that the pinprick of light is actually a silver of beam of light, coming in through a cracked trapdoor, the very one Cayde, Navi, Zetha, and Thaarin are headed for. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi makes her way to the trap door. "Thank the Force nothing's fallen on that trapdoor," she observes. "Can someone help me with this?" she asks, taking hold of the edge and starting to lift the trap. "Hello?" she calls through the crack. "Is anyone down here?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Alright..." Volken sets down Crane first and then the Inspector and then he drops Kass roughly to the muddy ground. He checks to see if THe Inspector is breathing or not - but regardless - turns from them both and limps his way over towards the pinprick of light to check it out and test the sturdiness of the structure against his hands. If satisfied...he does the only thing he really -can- do here....and brings a massive fist back to prepare to slam it forward and try and force the thing open or otherwise bust through it! Which is fortunante for Navi that he sees her just before he makes the swing! "Whoa, whoa, whoa!" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha moves forward to help Navi open the door after getting over the archway. Then she looks over and gives a gasp. "Big scary man!" She says and then looks around - though it's very likely she can't see anything beyond the hulk's hulking form of hulkiness. "Is anyone else with you?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde is immediately able to sense Volken and Amarik's presence on the other side of the door. Although Amarik is..weakened. He tries to grab Navi by the shoulders and pull her back away, as Volken is ready to swing with those massive fists of his! 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin's eyes widen slightly when he realizes it's Volken down there. "It's them," he murmurs to no one in particular. "Don't," He suddenly instructs Volken through the crack in the trapdoor. "We can open it. The others... how are they?" He then immediately reaches down to help Navi lift the trapdoor up. Volken might almost be blinded by the light, somehow, there's still a battery powered working light source in the warehouse, and after having been in the dark for a long time, it will feel like staring into the sun. Thaarin leans over the edge of the trapdoor, dismay suddenly coming over his expression. "Navi! Quickly...! They don't look well... Zetha, you might want to take a step back..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "The others? Wait. Is Crane with you? Where is he?" Zetha says this before Thaarin gets any more words out. So when he's telling her she might want to take a step back - she does. But the worry is in her eyes as she watches because the way Thaarin was sounding and the words he was saying, they settle in her mind with a mighty weight to them. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Yes... I need help." answers Volkent ot he questions tossed his way. "The Inspector...I'm not sure if he's breathing. Crane, A disciple from...from Jedha and that idiot Kass.. They're all unconscious.. barely alive. I'll explain later..." NOtably, Volken is not in his armor. His mud streaked features exposed. His upper body bearing a soggy and barely together sleeveless tee-shirt and a very obvious blaster wound smouldering on his flank. Well - part of his armor. His legging armor is on but his helmet and his chest piece are basically engufling much of Crane's body. He backs up fro the trap door and turns to make his way back towards where the three are. He finally starts looking tired, as if he simply couldn't allow it until now. He waits as the door is opened and for them to make their way down and he takes a second to actually roll his shoulders and sort out his own battered frame. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Eek!" Navi squeals as she's grabbed and pulled back from the trapdoor by Cayde. Fortunately, Volken doesn't swing that massive fist. Getting to her feet and hastily adjusting her suspenders, which had been dislodged by Cayde's grab, she hurries to look down the trapdoor. "Oh, goodness... you're right about them not looking well. Give me a minute..." She drops through the trapdoor and goes to work. "Volken, can you hold still a moment? You could use some medical attention," she says, reaching for his wrist. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares down through the trapdoor at Volken and the injured people with him. How had this happened? Why was Amarik with him?     This time, he can't help but pry, entering the Tholothian's mind to try to find out what exactly happened and why he's in such critical condition. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin doesn't waste a moment. With surprising agility he climbs down into the tunnels, barely paying any attention to Volken at all. He immediately leans over the inspector and feels for a pulse. His expression becomes ashen and solemn. "We're too late," he says quietly, "he's gone." Then looks to Crane, frowning. He's unconscious too, and bleeding everywhere. "Shit..." he mutters. "Navi, get your ass over here," he says, although he doesn't sound condescending, just desperate and needing to convey a sense of urgency, "I think he's dying." Zetha will be able to hear every word Thaarin is saying, but from where she is, won't be able to see who he's talking about. But does she want to find out...? Cayde will find that the Tholothian man's memory is ... horribly blurry. He's majorly concussed, and can't seem to even remember very many details about how he'd become so injured. There's a memory of someone beskar attacking him, lots of water, falling rocks, and then Volken picking him up, but the order of the memories probably isn't correct. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken emits a slow sigh as the word of the inspector's condition is given. He shakes his head and just sits there for a moment, not speaking or answering any questions right away. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi takes hold of Volken's wrist, manipulating the flow of the Force through him, and between him and herself. The wounds close up and the pain disappears. Releasing his wrist, she hurries to "Crane's" side and kneels next to him, laying her hands on his shoulders. Once more she calls upon the Force and tweaks its flow. Within minutes the wounds close up and the headache and pain disappear, leaving him weary but alive and whole. Rising, she moves to check on the inspector, just to be sure. The odds of saving him don't really exist, but she must be sure she's done all she can. Kneeling beside him, she checks for a pulse and for breathing... and finds none. She looks up at Thaarin and sadly shakes her head. 
}}

Character Creation

2026-03-19T06:56:08Z

Andromeda:

The Character Generation system on Pax Republica should feel familiar to experienced MUSHers who have played on past Star Wars MUSHes, but be easy enough for new players to understand and progress through. We use a variation of the D20 roleplaying system, so if you're unfamiliar we suggest you familiarize yourself with the D20 systems before beginning Character Generation.

== Basic Information ==
Here you will be able to choose your character's species, from the available races, and set your character's basic details like gender, height, weight, hair, eyes, and skin, as well as your in-game description.

It is also important to note that all characters must be at least 16 years of age. Any characters age younger than 16 will be rejected on concept. You can read more about this rule on our [[Policy]] page.

=== Force Sensitivity ===
Any player may create a Force Sensitive character, without it being considered one of their character bonuses. This comes with a few caveats to consider.
*Keep in mind that all living creatures in the Star Wars universe have the Force within them. However, for the purposes of character limits/character generation (see [[Characters & Alternates]]), "Force Sensitive" is defined as a character who possesses Force skills. A character may have Force sensitivity on its sheet but may not possess any Force skills. For example, perhaps a character's connection to the Force simply allows him to be very good at a non-Force skill, such as [[Pilot]] or [[Astrogation]].
*A player may only have 1 Force Sensitive character in active play at once.
*Non-Jedi Force Sensitives are allowed but are restricted, as in they will likely come under heavy scrutiny by staff.
*Characters with Force Sensitivity are not given additional skill or attribute points to use toward Force abilities. These will have to come out of the character's regular attribute or skill point pool.
*[[Miraluka]] who have not chosen to raise any Force skills other than the [[Force Sight]] +2 bonus given by the Force Awareness racial do not count against the limit. Keep in mind, if the Force Sight skill is raised beyond +2, the character will count against the limit.

=== Bonus selection ===
Every character may choose a start-up bonus from the following:

=== Cybernetics ===
This bonus will allow the player to raise any of his character’s Attributes up to 5 points above the maximum for his species. However, for every point raised above the maximum, the character receives a -1 penalty to all Force skills. This penalty will apply to any Force skills the character may attempt to learn in the future as well. For example, raising an Attribute score +1 above the racial maximum using the cybernetics bonus will require the character to spend 2 Skill Points to gain +1 in a Force skill instead of 1 Skill Point.

=== Skill ===
The Skill bonus will grant the character an extra 10 Skill Points to spend on skills in addition to the standard 20.

=== Resources ===
This bonus will grant the 10 Resource Points to spend on the 2 types of assets that follow. Keep in mind that not selecting these bonuses doesn't mean your character doesn't have access to them at all, but rather you should select them if you plan to have them come into play on a regular basis as part of your character's main repertoire and therefore need to be able to roll them.

==== NPC ====
Players will be given 20 points to allocate to the NPC’s Attribute scores should they choose to spend Resource Points on skills/specializations for an NPC. The costs of raising the Attributes will be the same as player characters, but NPCs may not learn Force skills.

==== Vehicle ====
Players may spend points on a vehicle of their choice from a list of vehicles and vehicle mods. Vehicle stats are similar to [[:Category:Attributes|Attribute]] scores and follow the same modifier assignment patterns as normal characters. Ship combat actions are also subject to Multiple Action Penalty rules. See [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ooxxCPiVoUHPB9KGJyIkmEQi8hvb2EyE1a9ZOvDU85s/edit?usp=sharing Vehicles] for a list of available vehicle types, classes, and mods.

== Attributes ==
These represent your character's overall talent, aptitude, and physical ability, and provide a base value for all the skill in their respective trees. All characters are given a total of 20 skill points (30 if you chose the skill bonus) attribute dice, minus the minimums for their selected race, to distribute within the bounds of your character's racial minimum and maximum values. Any Attribute score higher than 19 requires justification. Background is a good place for that, or anywhere in your application submission.

===Skills===

Skills represent your character's trained or learned abilities, and build on the attribute values set in the previous step. All characters are given 20 skill points to spend, and 30 if the skill point bonus is selected. These may be distributed as you like, with the following restrictions:

* No skill may be set more than +3 over its parent Attribute modifier, or to a number >10, whichever is lower. See the [[:Category:Attributes|Attributes]] page for the modifier chart (including [[Traits]] and Racial Traits).
* You must have at least 8 skills visible on your sheet in order to progress to the next step.
* Any skill with more than 5 points allocated requires a justification.

These restrictions are intended to prevent players from unreasonably min/maxing their character sheet, and to give everyone a more well-rounded set of abilities.

==== Specializations ====
Specializations are special skills which represent a character's focus on a certain specific aspect of the parent skill, and can only be used in specific situations. For example, the "Blaster Pistol" specialization points '''and''' "Shoot" skill points will be added when the character is specifically using a blaster pistol. A single skill point is worth 2 specialization points. Specializations may not be leveled up in increments less than 2, and require at least 1 point in the parent skill.

=== Traits ===
Traits are character advantages or flaws which go beyond what skills and attributes can easily define. They allow you to choose quirks, talents, and conditions to further expand and define your character. You can choose as many or as few traits as you want, but they all have a point value; traits which provide an advantage cost points, while those which put your character at a disadvantage refund points.

Choose your traits carefully; while they provide bonuses or penalties to your character rolls, they are intended to add more dimension to your character, and your roleplay. Don't take a trait you don't intend to play. We don't want to see players taking multiple negative traits just so they can also take multiple beneficial traits and then pretend the negative ones don't exist during actual roleplay.

=== Languages ===
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A Clone's Freedom

2026-01-31T01:21:03Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-01-18
|Cast of Characters=159, 143, 261, 444
|pretty=yes
|Location=Kublop Springs - Tenoo - Outer Rim
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Within minutes after Cayde has discovered that the clone has once again disappeared, Rykard goes looking for Cayde to see what they'd been up to while he'd been talking to the Mandalorians. Upon arriving, he frowns, seeing that the clone is gone. "What happened?" he asks Cayde, and Zetha, who had likely arrived at the clone's room shortly after Cayde. "Cayde, you said the baron had been here earlier?" Neither of them may get to reply, though, within seconds of Rykard arriving, the elder of the two Mondrians arrives, his face contorted with rage and worry. "Where's my sister?" he demands, his fists clenched. Wherever Navi might be, she might have glimpsed him running through the hospital, pushing nurse droids and hospital staff aside rudely. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde was looking at that note on the berth that Jasper had left when Rykard enters, frowning pensively at it. Well, he supposed he'd already helped as much as he could.     The padawan nods toward his master, then tries to focus his efforts on locating the baron again. He can't have gone far, right?     That's what he's doing when the elder Mondrian arrives, and thus does not acknowledge the much grumpier officer's presence. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi, in the meantime, is looking for Zetha. The Twi'lek girl's cries for help were good motivation to find her. But her progress is briefly halted by a different noise; the thuds, clatters, protests, and beeps of hospital staff and medical droids being pushed aside by none other than Mondrian The Menace. She pauses, shaking her head slowly, watching him bulldoze his way down the hall. "And to think he wonders why I keep him out of my investigations," she grumbles, before pelting off after Zetha. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha glances to Rykard and then to Cayde before looking back. "Baron? What Baron?" She seems to have a confused look on her face. "There was a Mandalorian named Jasper who found me in Soren's office. Said he wanted to see someone in this room but needed a distraction. I tried to call for help, chased after Jasper when he bolted, and that's when Cayde caught up to me...we followed him here and...." She trails off at this point. Looking to the other man who's demanding to know where his sister is. "This is getting so weird." She looks around again before putting pieces together. "Is Jasper a Baron?" Yes. Ignoring Mondrian (M) for the time being, especially since she doesn't know where his sister is and is more concerned with other issues at the moment. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Indeed, he isn't far, but his presence is quickly fading, heading vaguely in the direction of the outskirts of town. But Rykard is reaching out to him via the Force. <Cayde, answer me. What happened here? Do you know where the clone went?> "I'm not sure," the elder Jedi replies to Mondrian (M). "She left a little while ago. Navi was able to heal her, through the Force. You might want to try asking her." Growling angrily, the other Mondrian storms off, now in search of Navi. "Well," Rykard says to Zetha. "In all likelihood, the man you saw in the doctor's office was the Baron, the host of the clone who was being held in the trauma unit previously. He seems to have been frightened and run off, however." "I think he's a Mandalorian noble, but Cayde would know better..." Navi's pursuit of Zetha will be interrupted by the young Tholothian man who goes by at least three names. "Navi!" He touches her arm gently. <There's something important I need to tell you. About the laboratory> 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi pauses as 'Crane' approaches. "Okay, but I'm looking for Zetha. She seemed to be in trouble not too long ago. Do you know where she is?" she asks. "Talk while we walk," she suggests, walking in the general direction she had been going. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns, concentrating on trying to narrow down the baron's location.      He tells his master, and hands him the note that Jasper had left.     He shakes his head at Zetha. [That is not his name] he tells her. [Not his real name...] 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head, knowing she's in too deep now but a lot of her is screaming that she should get out of all this while she can. "He'll come looking for me. Jasper I mean...to fulfill a promise he made since I did him the favor of distraction. Which wasn't what I was going for...I was hoping someone would be close enough to hear me and catch him quicker." Then she shifts and begins to walk away, but Cayde's hand movements catch her. She laughs, but it's not like haha laughing...more like...realizations and disbelief. "Because of course it's not. That makes more sense...I don't want to know his real name. And if it's all the same to you both...I am not staying a moment more in this hospital." A look to Cayde. "You know how to contact me if I'm needed..." Then she turns and continues to exit stage left, to go downstairs and towards the big hold in the wall exit... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' 'Crane' nods eagerly. "Let's find her together," he says. He looks around furtively then takes Navi's hand as they walk, letting her take the lead. <Did Cayde get my message? Perhaps you have at least a vague idea about where the laboratory is. I still don't know exactly where it is, but I'm hoping that the bird was able to help Cayde get a clearer picture of where it is, and how to get in. Recently, I learned that none of the possible entry points are on a timed schedule. That means Zetha getting in through the baron's graces is our only hope. I've charted a path towards the laboratory that I believe will be safe. You'll be able to use it to follow Zetha from a distance up until a point. After that, I cannot help you. There are zones I'm not familiar with> he projects to her gently. Rykard studies the note carefully frowning. "This behavior seems natural to me," he says, "he fears the other Mandalorians." he sighs. "I know of it," Rykard says to Zetha. "Mondrian told me. I know you're scared, but you need not be. You won't be alone, and we'll take precautions," He reassures her as she starts to leave. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I don't know. I wasn't with him at the time, given his tendency to wander. I was trying to keep an already-out fire between Mondrian and some Mandalorians from flaring back up again," Navi says, scowling a little. "It probably means /another/ crisis... the very dirt from the ground of this rotten planet seems to breed them," the Sethi adds resignedly. "I can't get back to the Core soon enough..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde shifts a bit uneasily. Why did it have to be her, again?     [Maybe he has helped as much he can] he offers, once Rykard comments about the note. [We can find the gate]     Then, he starts following Zetha out. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' With Zetha and Navi practically being on the same path - both going towards the other - when she crosses the Sethi's path and sees Crane with her, she gives a smile. "Finally. More friendly faces..." She offers, shifting enough so that's she's heading towards the pair. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I'm sorry," 'Crane' offers. "I heard you all were going to Coruscant soon?" He pats her arm. <Look, I love you and trust you in this matter. You'll do the right thing, I'm sure. And even if it doesn't turn out well, your good deed will still count towards you.> He squeezes her hand reassuringly. When 'Crane' sees Zetha, he leaves Navi's side and hurries over to her. "Zetha," he says, taking her by the shoulders and squeezing them gently. "I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner," he says, "are you feeling alright now?" Rykard frowns. "The gate...?" He follows Cayde as he exits the room, looking puzzled. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Not yet, but I'm hopeful," Navi replies to 'Crane', in reply to both his spoken and unspoken comments. "Oh, Zetha... there you are. I heard you calling for help earlier and was trying to find you. Looks like Cayde and Master Rykard found you first." She watches 'Crane' move to reassure Zetha, and feels a pang of guilt for mistrusting him. Never mind that she has /very good/ reason for it... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha smiles at Crane as he approaches her. "I'm fine..." She offers, though that's never really a true statement from her. "Pieces are coming together that I don't like. But...I have our way in. Even if what I had hoped when calling for help didn't work out the way I intended...I think I'll still be given access to the laboratory from Jasper. Who I now know what I didn't before, and maybe others knew but didn't tell me...that this Jasper guy is really some Mandalorian Baron?" Which is really all broken pieces of information based on what happened earlier." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Yes the clone showed us] Cayde replies, nodding. Master had seen the same memories he had, right?     He eyes 'Crane' as he squeezes Zetha's shoulders affectionately. So, now they were seeing each other or something? Well, that was a bit awkward. But it didn't bother Amarik, apparently.     Another nod toward Zetha's question. [He has done something] he signs to her. [Volken know more] 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Jasper and that Mandalorian baron are two different people. I can understand the confusion, since I'm not real clear on just who or what this Mandalorian noble's title is, or even if he's a real baron or whatever," Navi adds, to clarify. "But they're different people. The baron has some kind of interest in the clone. Again, not sure what that is." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He gazes at her fondly and then embraces her gently, looking relieved afterwards. "You're really brave for doing this," he says, "and the Jedi are going to accompany you, right?" "Hmm, yes," Rykard says, but Cayde will be able to tell that Rykard is internally criticizing his use of words. He nods at 'Crane's' question. "Yes, we'll accompany her," he says, "and we'll be ready to follow discreetly once she lets us know she's ready to go," he says, looking over at Zetha. "The baron considers the clone his property," Rykard tells Navi, "I can understand his desire to be free." He then motions for the group to follow him out of the hospital. As they're walking, Navi may glimpse Mondrian (F) outside in the hospital garden, still sulking. She still has Navi's jacket too. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thank you for clearing that up, Master," Navi says to Rykard. "Pardon me just a moment." She jogs over to speak to Mondrian (F). "Don't worry about the jacket. Just return it whenever you can. But I thought you'd want to know that your brother's inside the hospital looking for you, stomping and pushing people and droids around. You might want to find him before he plows into an operating theater and creates a PR nightmare for Republic Security." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha returns the gentle embrace from Crane but her expression after is one of confusion. "Wait. Rykard had mentioned the word Baron just a moment ago. That the man I saw in Soren's office -was- the baron, and the host of the clones. Which makes sense because when we found the two clones in the gorge I made a comment that they -looked- like Jasper..." Did no one hear her when she said this? "I am now sorely confused, and I feel like information is being kept from me. Whether by accident or intentionally no longer matters. If someone doesn't give me the whole of it soon then I'll march right up to Big Bad and Scary myself and ask him point blank. No more secrets or run arounds or games. You all seem to know things that I don't and that's going to make it much more dangerous for me in the long run if I am going to be doing anything more for any of you. So out with it. Or I'm walking away until someone decides the stupid little junkyard orphan can hold her own well enough and deserves the full truth." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares at his master, wondering what word he'd used wrongly. Ugh...he sighs. [Slavery is not right or legal] he remarks about the baron considering the clone to be his property.     At Zetha's outburst that she isn't being told everything, he again shifts uncomfortably, glancing at 'Crane'. [It is complicated...you are not stupid] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Mondrian (F) looks up. She gives Navi a contorted expression, one full of confusion, regret, and anxiety. "Sorry," she blurts. "It's just that --" But then before she can finish her sentence, the other Mondrian (M) does barge onto the scene. "What the kriff, Co-Deputy, where have -- dammit! What the hell! There you are!" He narrows his eyes at Navi. "What. Happened. Why did you let her get hurt?" 'Crane' looks genuinely confused. "I.. I don't know, what do you mean?" Rykard nods at Cayde. "You are right," he says to the young padawan. "I wished there was more we could do for the clone," he says, "but at this point, all we can do is hope that the Force is with him, and that the other Mandalorians do not wrongly put him behind bars." Then his brows arch. "You make a compelling point," he says to Zetha. "Perhaps there's more than one clone? Or, the baron has a twin brother..." It is something to consider, but Zetha may not get to comment on it, as she'll notice that suddenly, they're being approached by the local constabulary and the mayor himself, Hedge Niklas. "Ah.. Marshal, and hello to you too, Cayde. I.. have some bad news for you." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi rests a hand sympathetically on Mondrian's (F's) shoulder. She doesn't have the chance to offer any sympathetic words before Mondrian (M) stomps into view in a cloud of bluster. "And I bet you wonder why I don't include you in my investigations," she says, evenly but irritably. "You can calm down, right now, or I'm gone. I've got other business to take care of, and it doesn't begin to include your noise." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's glance shifts to Rykard and she seems to slump a little. "Perhaps. Who knows at this point..." There's not much more she wants to say about the matter as a whole and she might see if she can find Volken herself if he's still on the planet and ask him questions without the Jedi or Republic people around. Since no one is really forthcoming with much more information, the Twi'lek turns to make her leave just as the mayor is approaching the lot. "Any chance I can skip the bad news?" She asks, perhaps cheekily, but with a point of wanting to just bolt for home at this rate. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde shrugs. [I think twin maybe] he conjectures. [Looking the same but is different] he answers as best he can.     When Zetha starts to leave, he touches her shoulder gently to try to get her attention. <Wait...I can show you everything> he offers.     The padawan glances at the mayor. [What is wrong] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I -am- calm!" Mondrian (M) fumes, fists clenched, a vein in his neck bulging like it's going to burst. But beneath the angry lines stretched taut across his expression there's an undercurrent of real concern. "What happened. What happened?!" Mondrian (F) won't look at her brother. She looks upset again. "Oh, hello there, Zetha! Congrats," Niklas says, glancing at 'Crane'. "The bad news isn't for you. How, er, is your mother?" Rykard frowns. "This doesn't come as a surprise to you padawan?" Rykard says. Then he turns his attention to the local constables. They step aside, and Cayde will espy a few familiar faces - Tommy, who is in tears, Peeka, the rascal little teenage Chadra Fan, and then perhaps to his surprise, Binny. There are a couple other teens but Cayde won't recognize them. "We caught them shoplifting from the local grocer," the constabulary says, "and they're from Aklyrr Bend. But we asked Thaarin about their records, and he says admin doesn't have them. Our folk don't know them, so they must have been stowaways." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If that's your definition of calm, you need to get a new dictionary. Stop and consider what this is doing to your blood pressure, okay?" Navi replies, a bit testily. "She got into a confrontation with some Mandalorians inside the hospital, and she and a Mandalorian woman drew pistols and shot each other. That's why she's wearing /my/ jacket... half the front of her uniform above the waist is gone. I healed both her and the Mandalorian woman, and there wasn't any more shooting after. Got it?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' There's a glance given back to Cayde just as Niklas begins to speak. She nods to Cayde, as if accepting his proposal to tell her everything. Seems like right now isn't the time though. "Mom's angry as always. I actually should go check in on her...otherwise I'm bound to get another earful..." Offering this as she looks to Crane. "We'll meet up again soon, I'm sure." And then she politely excuses herself and walks away from the adults and the children who are all teary and upset. Nope. Not touching THAT with a ten foot pole. She will likely make her way to wherever Wiis is staying at the moment. The hotel, wasn't it? 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [I saw them in the gorge] Cayde replies to his master, nodding. He watches Zetha leave, looking a little confused. When would the baron take her to the lab? Again, he questions whether she needed to be involved...it could be rather dangerous.     He turns to the other teens. Stowaways....right. The padawan gives them a long, hard look. [They return to Coruscant with us...and stay] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Mondrian's (M) expression glazes over. "I'm going to find that woman and gut her," he says, with an alarming calm that's uncharacteristic for him. Then without further comment, he turns on his heel and makes a hasty exit. Mondrian (F) is staring at the ground. "..." 'Crane' bids Zetha goodbye and then goes to find Navi and Mondrian (F). He frowns, noticing Mondrian's downcast expression. "Are you guys okay?" he asks innocuously. "Right, so that we can continue doing the same damn thing, in the Lower Levels, except that it doesn't matter there because the Jedi don't care about what happens to the people who live down there," he sneers. He jerks his arm away the local constable who's restraining him. "At least the colonists have plenty of food and shelter. But they won't share with us because it's against the -rules-," he says. "I'm just trying to survive. I was in the system, but I got out because I had to. Those families aren't really family, and don't give a shit about anyone or anything." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "For your sister's sake, I'm going to give you some advice; /don't even think about doing that/. She has some very skilled and powerful friends, and that's before I add that I'm sure she could take you on all by herself. Don't ask for trouble. I don't want your sister to have to bury you," Navi says coldly to Mondrian (M) before he turns to leave. "Her brother's off to do something as ass-stupid as pick a fight with a Mandalorian woman in front of her friends. I'm worried that she'll have to bury his remains," she says to 'Crane'. "I just know I'm going to regret this, but I'm going after the brain donor. Maybe I can at least convince the Mandalorians to set for Stun." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs as Mondrian (M) storms off. He considers trying to enter his mind and dissuade him from doing anything rash, but maybe that would only make matters worse.     He turns back to the stowaways, his expression still unreadable. [I care] he signs, because at least he actually went down there on a regular basis. It wasn't just empty words. [But that is what will happen] They weren't supposed to be here, and that was that. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' 'Crane' sighs. "Good luck," he says, "Seems their best form of persuasion is violence. I would very much not like to see you return black and blue," he says, offering her a flower from a nearby tree. "Or you could just... not," Mondrian (F) says. "You could just let them deal with their own problems, as long as they don't concern us." There's a lengthy pause. "I could... I could use some company. Thanks for letting me use your jacket. But maybe you get it now. I hate that my brother is always like this." "Sure, and have you actually made a difference by going down there all the time? Everything seems pretty much the same to me." Binny sneers at Cayde, but Rykard interjects, "We'll have to look into it," Rykard says to the mayor, "we will not take them back to Coruscant if there's nowhere decent to place them where they will be treated well and can get an education." The mayor pauses. "I mean, yes. In all honesty, I was hoping that they would not be sent back, actually. I'd like for them to stay. I'd meant to talk to you and the co-deputies about my proposition to buy the convent from the Disciples and convert it into a space where both education and religion can co-exist and even collaborate. The education bit would involve a boarding school tailored for towards orphans and transitional youth." Rykard nods. "We'll discuss, but I need to have a chat with the other co-deputies." He then frowns at Cayde. "But before we bring Navi into this, you and I need to have a talk..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi pauses long enough to hug Mondrian (F). "Ordinarily, I'd let things take their course. He's not my favorite person. To be kind. But he's your brother, and letting him get killed just doesn't feel right," she says softly. She accepts the flower from 'Crane'. "I'm not interested in getting beaten up, either. But I've got to do something to keep him from getting killed." She hugs Mondrian (F) for a moment more, though. And maybe another. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh....Cayde listens to the proposition from the mayor, and nods. Right, he'd mentioned that before.     He deflates when Rykard mentions they need to talk with that frown. [Yes master...] he signs, staring at the ground. 
}}

A Clone's Freedom

2026-01-31T01:20:46Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-01-18 |Cast of Characters=159, 143, 261, 444 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Within minutes after Cayde has discovered that the clone has once again disappeared, Rykard goes looking for Cayde to see what they'd been up to while he'd been talking to the Mandalorians. Upon arriving, he frowns, seeing that the clone is gone. "What happened?" he asks Cayde, and Zetha, who had likely arrive..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-01-18
|Cast of Characters=159, 143, 261, 444
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Within minutes after Cayde has discovered that the clone has once again disappeared, Rykard goes looking for Cayde to see what they'd been up to while he'd been talking to the Mandalorians. Upon arriving, he frowns, seeing that the clone is gone. "What happened?" he asks Cayde, and Zetha, who had likely arrived at the clone's room shortly after Cayde. "Cayde, you said the baron had been here earlier?" Neither of them may get to reply, though, within seconds of Rykard arriving, the elder of the two Mondrians arrives, his face contorted with rage and worry. "Where's my sister?" he demands, his fists clenched. Wherever Navi might be, she might have glimpsed him running through the hospital, pushing nurse droids and hospital staff aside rudely. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde was looking at that note on the berth that Jasper had left when Rykard enters, frowning pensively at it. Well, he supposed he'd already helped as much as he could.     The padawan nods toward his master, then tries to focus his efforts on locating the baron again. He can't have gone far, right?     That's what he's doing when the elder Mondrian arrives, and thus does not acknowledge the much grumpier officer's presence. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi, in the meantime, is looking for Zetha. The Twi'lek girl's cries for help were good motivation to find her. But her progress is briefly halted by a different noise; the thuds, clatters, protests, and beeps of hospital staff and medical droids being pushed aside by none other than Mondrian The Menace. She pauses, shaking her head slowly, watching him bulldoze his way down the hall. "And to think he wonders why I keep him out of my investigations," she grumbles, before pelting off after Zetha. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha glances to Rykard and then to Cayde before looking back. "Baron? What Baron?" She seems to have a confused look on her face. "There was a Mandalorian named Jasper who found me in Soren's office. Said he wanted to see someone in this room but needed a distraction. I tried to call for help, chased after Jasper when he bolted, and that's when Cayde caught up to me...we followed him here and...." She trails off at this point. Looking to the other man who's demanding to know where his sister is. "This is getting so weird." She looks around again before putting pieces together. "Is Jasper a Baron?" Yes. Ignoring Mondrian (M) for the time being, especially since she doesn't know where his sister is and is more concerned with other issues at the moment. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Indeed, he isn't far, but his presence is quickly fading, heading vaguely in the direction of the outskirts of town. But Rykard is reaching out to him via the Force. <Cayde, answer me. What happened here? Do you know where the clone went?> "I'm not sure," the elder Jedi replies to Mondrian (M). "She left a little while ago. Navi was able to heal her, through the Force. You might want to try asking her." Growling angrily, the other Mondrian storms off, now in search of Navi. "Well," Rykard says to Zetha. "In all likelihood, the man you saw in the doctor's office was the Baron, the host of the clone who was being held in the trauma unit previously. He seems to have been frightened and run off, however." "I think he's a Mandalorian noble, but Cayde would know better..." Navi's pursuit of Zetha will be interrupted by the young Tholothian man who goes by at least three names. "Navi!" He touches her arm gently. <There's something important I need to tell you. About the laboratory> 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi pauses as 'Crane' approaches. "Okay, but I'm looking for Zetha. She seemed to be in trouble not too long ago. Do you know where she is?" she asks. "Talk while we walk," she suggests, walking in the general direction she had been going. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns, concentrating on trying to narrow down the baron's location.      He tells his master, and hands him the note that Jasper had left.     He shakes his head at Zetha. [That is not his name] he tells her. [Not his real name...] 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head, knowing she's in too deep now but a lot of her is screaming that she should get out of all this while she can. "He'll come looking for me. Jasper I mean...to fulfill a promise he made since I did him the favor of distraction. Which wasn't what I was going for...I was hoping someone would be close enough to hear me and catch him quicker." Then she shifts and begins to walk away, but Cayde's hand movements catch her. She laughs, but it's not like haha laughing...more like...realizations and disbelief. "Because of course it's not. That makes more sense...I don't want to know his real name. And if it's all the same to you both...I am not staying a moment more in this hospital." A look to Cayde. "You know how to contact me if I'm needed..." Then she turns and continues to exit stage left, to go downstairs and towards the big hold in the wall exit... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' 'Crane' nods eagerly. "Let's find her together," he says. He looks around furtively then takes Navi's hand as they walk, letting her take the lead. <Did Cayde get my message? Perhaps you have at least a vague idea about where the laboratory is. I still don't know exactly where it is, but I'm hoping that the bird was able to help Cayde get a clearer picture of where it is, and how to get in. Recently, I learned that none of the possible entry points are on a timed schedule. That means Zetha getting in through the baron's graces is our only hope. I've charted a path towards the laboratory that I believe will be safe. You'll be able to use it to follow Zetha from a distance up until a point. After that, I cannot help you. There are zones I'm not familiar with> he projects to her gently. Rykard studies the note carefully frowning. "This behavior seems natural to me," he says, "he fears the other Mandalorians." he sighs. "I know of it," Rykard says to Zetha. "Mondrian told me. I know you're scared, but you need not be. You won't be alone, and we'll take precautions," He reassures her as she starts to leave. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I don't know. I wasn't with him at the time, given his tendency to wander. I was trying to keep an already-out fire between Mondrian and some Mandalorians from flaring back up again," Navi says, scowling a little. "It probably means /another/ crisis... the very dirt from the ground of this rotten planet seems to breed them," the Sethi adds resignedly. "I can't get back to the Core soon enough..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde shifts a bit uneasily. Why did it have to be her, again?     [Maybe he has helped as much he can] he offers, once Rykard comments about the note. [We can find the gate]     Then, he starts following Zetha out. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' With Zetha and Navi practically being on the same path - both going towards the other - when she crosses the Sethi's path and sees Crane with her, she gives a smile. "Finally. More friendly faces..." She offers, shifting enough so that's she's heading towards the pair. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I'm sorry," 'Crane' offers. "I heard you all were going to Coruscant soon?" He pats her arm. <Look, I love you and trust you in this matter. You'll do the right thing, I'm sure. And even if it doesn't turn out well, your good deed will still count towards you.> He squeezes her hand reassuringly. When 'Crane' sees Zetha, he leaves Navi's side and hurries over to her. "Zetha," he says, taking her by the shoulders and squeezing them gently. "I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner," he says, "are you feeling alright now?" Rykard frowns. "The gate...?" He follows Cayde as he exits the room, looking puzzled. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Not yet, but I'm hopeful," Navi replies to 'Crane', in reply to both his spoken and unspoken comments. "Oh, Zetha... there you are. I heard you calling for help earlier and was trying to find you. Looks like Cayde and Master Rykard found you first." She watches 'Crane' move to reassure Zetha, and feels a pang of guilt for mistrusting him. Never mind that she has /very good/ reason for it... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha smiles at Crane as he approaches her. "I'm fine..." She offers, though that's never really a true statement from her. "Pieces are coming together that I don't like. But...I have our way in. Even if what I had hoped when calling for help didn't work out the way I intended...I think I'll still be given access to the laboratory from Jasper. Who I now know what I didn't before, and maybe others knew but didn't tell me...that this Jasper guy is really some Mandalorian Baron?" Which is really all broken pieces of information based on what happened earlier." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Yes the clone showed us] Cayde replies, nodding. Master had seen the same memories he had, right?     He eyes 'Crane' as he squeezes Zetha's shoulders affectionately. So, now they were seeing each other or something? Well, that was a bit awkward. But it didn't bother Amarik, apparently.     Another nod toward Zetha's question. [He has done something] he signs to her. [Volken know more] 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Jasper and that Mandalorian baron are two different people. I can understand the confusion, since I'm not real clear on just who or what this Mandalorian noble's title is, or even if he's a real baron or whatever," Navi adds, to clarify. "But they're different people. The baron has some kind of interest in the clone. Again, not sure what that is." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' He gazes at her fondly and then embraces her gently, looking relieved afterwards. "You're really brave for doing this," he says, "and the Jedi are going to accompany you, right?" "Hmm, yes," Rykard says, but Cayde will be able to tell that Rykard is internally criticizing his use of words. He nods at 'Crane's' question. "Yes, we'll accompany her," he says, "and we'll be ready to follow discreetly once she lets us know she's ready to go," he says, looking over at Zetha. "The baron considers the clone his property," Rykard tells Navi, "I can understand his desire to be free." He then motions for the group to follow him out of the hospital. As they're walking, Navi may glimpse Mondrian (F) outside in the hospital garden, still sulking. She still has Navi's jacket too. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thank you for clearing that up, Master," Navi says to Rykard. "Pardon me just a moment." She jogs over to speak to Mondrian (F). "Don't worry about the jacket. Just return it whenever you can. But I thought you'd want to know that your brother's inside the hospital looking for you, stomping and pushing people and droids around. You might want to find him before he plows into an operating theater and creates a PR nightmare for Republic Security." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha returns the gentle embrace from Crane but her expression after is one of confusion. "Wait. Rykard had mentioned the word Baron just a moment ago. That the man I saw in Soren's office -was- the baron, and the host of the clones. Which makes sense because when we found the two clones in the gorge I made a comment that they -looked- like Jasper..." Did no one hear her when she said this? "I am now sorely confused, and I feel like information is being kept from me. Whether by accident or intentionally no longer matters. If someone doesn't give me the whole of it soon then I'll march right up to Big Bad and Scary myself and ask him point blank. No more secrets or run arounds or games. You all seem to know things that I don't and that's going to make it much more dangerous for me in the long run if I am going to be doing anything more for any of you. So out with it. Or I'm walking away until someone decides the stupid little junkyard orphan can hold her own well enough and deserves the full truth." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares at his master, wondering what word he'd used wrongly. Ugh...he sighs. [Slavery is not right or legal] he remarks about the baron considering the clone to be his property.     At Zetha's outburst that she isn't being told everything, he again shifts uncomfortably, glancing at 'Crane'. [It is complicated...you are not stupid] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Mondrian (F) looks up. She gives Navi a contorted expression, one full of confusion, regret, and anxiety. "Sorry," she blurts. "It's just that --" But then before she can finish her sentence, the other Mondrian (M) does barge onto the scene. "What the kriff, Co-Deputy, where have -- dammit! What the hell! There you are!" He narrows his eyes at Navi. "What. Happened. Why did you let her get hurt?" 'Crane' looks genuinely confused. "I.. I don't know, what do you mean?" Rykard nods at Cayde. "You are right," he says to the young padawan. "I wished there was more we could do for the clone," he says, "but at this point, all we can do is hope that the Force is with him, and that the other Mandalorians do not wrongly put him behind bars." Then his brows arch. "You make a compelling point," he says to Zetha. "Perhaps there's more than one clone? Or, the baron has a twin brother..." It is something to consider, but Zetha may not get to comment on it, as she'll notice that suddenly, they're being approached by the local constabulary and the mayor himself, Hedge Niklas. "Ah.. Marshal, and hello to you too, Cayde. I.. have some bad news for you." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi rests a hand sympathetically on Mondrian's (F's) shoulder. She doesn't have the chance to offer any sympathetic words before Mondrian (M) stomps into view in a cloud of bluster. "And I bet you wonder why I don't include you in my investigations," she says, evenly but irritably. "You can calm down, right now, or I'm gone. I've got other business to take care of, and it doesn't begin to include your noise." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's glance shifts to Rykard and she seems to slump a little. "Perhaps. Who knows at this point..." There's not much more she wants to say about the matter as a whole and she might see if she can find Volken herself if he's still on the planet and ask him questions without the Jedi or Republic people around. Since no one is really forthcoming with much more information, the Twi'lek turns to make her leave just as the mayor is approaching the lot. "Any chance I can skip the bad news?" She asks, perhaps cheekily, but with a point of wanting to just bolt for home at this rate. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde shrugs. [I think twin maybe] he conjectures. [Looking the same but is different] he answers as best he can.     When Zetha starts to leave, he touches her shoulder gently to try to get her attention. <Wait...I can show you everything> he offers.     The padawan glances at the mayor. [What is wrong] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I -am- calm!" Mondrian (M) fumes, fists clenched, a vein in his neck bulging like it's going to burst. But beneath the angry lines stretched taut across his expression there's an undercurrent of real concern. "What happened. What happened?!" Mondrian (F) won't look at her brother. She looks upset again. "Oh, hello there, Zetha! Congrats," Niklas says, glancing at 'Crane'. "The bad news isn't for you. How, er, is your mother?" Rykard frowns. "This doesn't come as a surprise to you padawan?" Rykard says. Then he turns his attention to the local constables. They step aside, and Cayde will espy a few familiar faces - Tommy, who is in tears, Peeka, the rascal little teenage Chadra Fan, and then perhaps to his surprise, Binny. There are a couple other teens but Cayde won't recognize them. "We caught them shoplifting from the local grocer," the constabulary says, "and they're from Aklyrr Bend. But we asked Thaarin about their records, and he says admin doesn't have them. Our folk don't know them, so they must have been stowaways." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If that's your definition of calm, you need to get a new dictionary. Stop and consider what this is doing to your blood pressure, okay?" Navi replies, a bit testily. "She got into a confrontation with some Mandalorians inside the hospital, and she and a Mandalorian woman drew pistols and shot each other. That's why she's wearing /my/ jacket... half the front of her uniform above the waist is gone. I healed both her and the Mandalorian woman, and there wasn't any more shooting after. Got it?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' There's a glance given back to Cayde just as Niklas begins to speak. She nods to Cayde, as if accepting his proposal to tell her everything. Seems like right now isn't the time though. "Mom's angry as always. I actually should go check in on her...otherwise I'm bound to get another earful..." Offering this as she looks to Crane. "We'll meet up again soon, I'm sure." And then she politely excuses herself and walks away from the adults and the children who are all teary and upset. Nope. Not touching THAT with a ten foot pole. She will likely make her way to wherever Wiis is staying at the moment. The hotel, wasn't it? 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [I saw them in the gorge] Cayde replies to his master, nodding. He watches Zetha leave, looking a little confused. When would the baron take her to the lab? Again, he questions whether she needed to be involved...it could be rather dangerous.     He turns to the other teens. Stowaways....right. The padawan gives them a long, hard look. [They return to Coruscant with us...and stay] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Mondrian's (M) expression glazes over. "I'm going to find that woman and gut her," he says, with an alarming calm that's uncharacteristic for him. Then without further comment, he turns on his heel and makes a hasty exit. Mondrian (F) is staring at the ground. "..." 'Crane' bids Zetha goodbye and then goes to find Navi and Mondrian (F). He frowns, noticing Mondrian's downcast expression. "Are you guys okay?" he asks innocuously. "Right, so that we can continue doing the same damn thing, in the Lower Levels, except that it doesn't matter there because the Jedi don't care about what happens to the people who live down there," he sneers. He jerks his arm away the local constable who's restraining him. "At least the colonists have plenty of food and shelter. But they won't share with us because it's against the -rules-," he says. "I'm just trying to survive. I was in the system, but I got out because I had to. Those families aren't really family, and don't give a shit about anyone or anything." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "For your sister's sake, I'm going to give you some advice; /don't even think about doing that/. She has some very skilled and powerful friends, and that's before I add that I'm sure she could take you on all by herself. Don't ask for trouble. I don't want your sister to have to bury you," Navi says coldly to Mondrian (M) before he turns to leave. "Her brother's off to do something as ass-stupid as pick a fight with a Mandalorian woman in front of her friends. I'm worried that she'll have to bury his remains," she says to 'Crane'. "I just know I'm going to regret this, but I'm going after the brain donor. Maybe I can at least convince the Mandalorians to set for Stun." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs as Mondrian (M) storms off. He considers trying to enter his mind and dissuade him from doing anything rash, but maybe that would only make matters worse.     He turns back to the stowaways, his expression still unreadable. [I care] he signs, because at least he actually went down there on a regular basis. It wasn't just empty words. [But that is what will happen] They weren't supposed to be here, and that was that. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' 'Crane' sighs. "Good luck," he says, "Seems their best form of persuasion is violence. I would very much not like to see you return black and blue," he says, offering her a flower from a nearby tree. "Or you could just... not," Mondrian (F) says. "You could just let them deal with their own problems, as long as they don't concern us." There's a lengthy pause. "I could... I could use some company. Thanks for letting me use your jacket. But maybe you get it now. I hate that my brother is always like this." "Sure, and have you actually made a difference by going down there all the time? Everything seems pretty much the same to me." Binny sneers at Cayde, but Rykard interjects, "We'll have to look into it," Rykard says to the mayor, "we will not take them back to Coruscant if there's nowhere decent to place them where they will be treated well and can get an education." The mayor pauses. "I mean, yes. In all honesty, I was hoping that they would not be sent back, actually. I'd like for them to stay. I'd meant to talk to you and the co-deputies about my proposition to buy the convent from the Disciples and convert it into a space where both education and religion can co-exist and even collaborate. The education bit would involve a boarding school tailored for towards orphans and transitional youth." Rykard nods. "We'll discuss, but I need to have a chat with the other co-deputies." He then frowns at Cayde. "But before we bring Navi into this, you and I need to have a talk..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi pauses long enough to hug Mondrian (F). "Ordinarily, I'd let things take their course. He's not my favorite person. To be kind. But he's your brother, and letting him get killed just doesn't feel right," she says softly. She accepts the flower from 'Crane'. "I'm not interested in getting beaten up, either. But I've got to do something to keep him from getting killed." She hugs Mondrian (F) for a moment more, though. And maybe another. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh....Cayde listens to the proposition from the mayor, and nods. Right, he'd mentioned that before.     He deflates when Rykard mentions they need to talk with that frown. [Yes master...] he signs, staring at the ground. 
}}