Pax Republica - User contributions [en]

It Would Be a Club

2026-09-12T05:29:20Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-07-28
|Cast of Characters=159, 261
|pretty=yes
|Location=Coruscant - Federal District
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' As soon as Navi and Thaarin leave Zetha's suite, the tall blue skinned man turns to the young Sephi girl and says, "If that Black fellow resurfaces, I want you to notify me and Rykard, immediately." He then pauses, then continues with, "I'll be available via comms - but I do need to review both Zetha and Cayde's testimonies. I'll see you," he says, then turns to leave. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "All right. Take care, Thaarin. If you need to review my testimony again, I'll make it available to you," Navi replies. She had the advantage of having finished hers before they landed on Coruscant, which is starting to feel more and more like a very wise precaution. She turns toward her room, sighing. "Now for that long hydroshower... it's barely afternoon, and I'd swear it's late evening," she murmurs. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' As Navi is heading towards her room, she'll espy Taryn on the far end of the hallway. He hasn't seen her yet, but the way he's walking at a quick page with furrowed brows to... somewhere, might give Navi the heads up that he isn't just taking a leisurely stroll around the Alisandre. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi frowns faintly as she sees Taryn walking at such a pace. "Wonder what's got him in a mood..?" she murmurs, and decides to follow him. Which she does, keeping as quiet as she can while walking normally. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi's footsteps are quiet enough that Taryn doesn't notice. He continues down the hallway, all the way to the lift. The young Sephi girl will be able to see that he's going down the second floor... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Second floor, huh..?" Navi murmurs, and detours for the stairs. "Time for some impromptu cardio." She takes the stairs as quickly as she safely can, knowing Taryn will be out of the turbolift by the time she gets there... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' And he is, indeed out of the lift by the time she arrives. He's standing behind a pillar, peering down at the courtyard. Navi will be able to see who he's spying on - the stunning and wicked Xera Graf. She's sitting at a table down there, looking, for the moment, unpreoccupied. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi finds another pillar, out of Taryn's line of sight, but with a clear line of sight to Xera. Not without some regret, she quietly takes down her twintails and combs them loose with her fingers, to make her silhouette less distinctive, tucking her pigtail clasps into her pockets. Then she settles in to watch The Xera Graf Show... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She seems serene, just journaling on a datapad. And just for the briefest of moments, it's easy to forget that she's a ruthless woman who bragged constantly about being the Tenoo colony's pocketbook... But then, a well dressed Mon Calamari strolls into the courtyard, and waves at Xera. The woman then smiles and gets up, her sweetness disingenuous but convincing. They exit the hotel, and Taryn, still not having seen Navi, goes to follow discreetly as well... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Now who might you be?" Navi murmurs, watching the Mon Calamari. The sight of Xera's smile makes her heart skip a beat, just like it always does, and she has to force herself to remember that this woman may be eyebrows-deep in a terrible criminal conspiracy spanning at least one star system. She hurries to follow the pair, and the one following them, once more trying to move quickly but discreetly. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Oh, no. They're getting into a luxury taxi, that's now heading away from the Alisandre. Navi will have to think quickly if she wants to follow. Taryn seems to have disappeared for the time being as well... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Frell..!" She should have considered the possibility that they would take a taxi or some other transportation! Navi hastily looks around for a way to follow them... ...and spies another taxi coming along. Lifting her arm, she steps closer to the traffic lanes and cries, "Ta-XIIIIIIII!!!" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The taxi is whizzing past, but the driver happens to see Navi at the very last moment, and screeches to a halt in front of her. A cranky looking Gran leans out. "Where to?" he grunts. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi clambers inside, pointing at the departing luxe cab. "Follow that taxicab," she says as she shuts the door and fastens her seatbelt. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Gran gives Navi a suspicious look. "...Jedi business?" he says, as he starts to pull away from the Alisandre. "You better hope they're not going far - I don't like to get involved in things for regular fare..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Jedi business. And I'll make sure you get a nice bonus. Just make sure they don't see you trailing them," Navi replies, watching the taxi through the windshield. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Hn," the Gran grunts reluctantly, and obeys the young Sephi girl. He pulls into the fast moving traffic heading for downtown Coruscant, tailing the taxi Xera's in from a safe distance. Navi won't be at all surprised when they eventually both arrive at an upscale looking nightclub... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Can you drop me off about a block past them?" Navi asks, sorting through her credit pouch. She makes sure to pay the cranky Gran double what's on the taximeter, and a generous tip, once they're parked. A nightclub... this might take a little ingenuity, Navi thinks. Her colonial clothing would stand out like a beacon in there... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Gran pulls up about a block away from the nightclub and then the door pops open. "Good luck," he says dryly. "... You're gonna need it." And then he drives off. The young Sephi girl wouldn't be wrong - everyone going into the nightclub is dressed formally... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "It /would/ be a club..." Navi grumbles, eyeing the queue outside in frustration. She has to step aside as a human female in a waitress's uniform and a civilian jacket hurries past, headed for the rear of the club. And then she watches the waitress jogging to the rear entrance, an idea coming to her... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The alleyway where the rear entrance is dimly lit, and smells awful. But it's lit enough that Navi won't have a hard time keeping the waitress in her sights. She slips in through a creaky back door that closes too slowly... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi slips in behind her, needing only to give the door a subtle nudge with her shoulder to clear it before it closes... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' But the subtle nudge makes the creaky door even noisier than it normally is! The waitress who slipped in before her suddenly stops, and then turns around slowly. ".... hello?!" Navi will have to be quick if she doesn't want the girl to see her! 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi hastily slips through a side doorway, barely in time to avoid the waitress's startled look. She holds as still as she possibly can until the girl leaves. Only then does she begin her cautious search for a disguise. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's going to take some poking around. Most of the boxes are filled with party decor, some of it tasteful, some of it... not so tasteful. The rest are filled with dinnerware that doesn't look like it's been used in decades. But finally she'll come upon a closet with uniforms. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi looks through a sizeable storeroom, riffling through boxes and containers and occasionally blushing at some of the considerably less tasteful party decorations she finds. It's a little while before she finally comes across a closet that holds waitstaff uniforms. She sorts through the outfits, selecting articles that fit her size and measurements. Only when she has a full uniform gathered does she finally undress and put on her disguise. Once she's properly dressed, at least for a waitress, she carefully hides her clothes and gear in a box on top of the closet. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, now it's time to make her way out to the dance floor, where everyone is drinking and indulging their hedonistic desires. Hopefully she doesn't get too much unwanted attention. The music drowns out any other noise she might hear and rattles her chest -- but at least from where she is, she'll have a good vantage point from which to search for Xera. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi filches a tray from a stack beside the kitchen door and steps into the club proper, finding herself on the edge of a dance floor. She begins to circulate about the floor, trying to walk confidently, as if she belongs here, while still avoiding the patrons moving around, whether to the rhythm of the music, or just from place to place. She's quietly grateful for her Jedi and Brotherhood balance and athletic training; it saves her from more than one accidental collision. Now all she needs to do is find Xera Graf... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's crowded and there are a lot of sweaty bodies in here. A few people catcall her, but it's loud enough to just ignore it completely without it seeming odd. After several minutes of searching, she'll see the elusive Xera Graf and her Mon Calamari friend slipping into a larger crowd on one of the balconies above her. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Okay, there you are..." Navi murmurs, moving to find a way up onto the balconies. She doubts she'll be able to hear anything the two are saying over the music, but maybe there will be something to see as much as hear. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' But once Navi gets up there, she'll find that she's lost them. They must have been trying to keep a low profile. All around Navi, the club's patrons dance, drink, make lust to each other. Xera had to be here somewhere - there's private rooms lining the hallway. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Bother... that woman sure knows how to disappear," Navi murmurs, and begins to check on the private rooms along the hallway. Maybe there's a way to see inside without being seen... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Indeed. There are windows, but they're frosted glass. However, some of the doors do have windows on them, that aren't frosted. They're very small, and won't give Navi much of a look into the room, but at least she'll be able to glimpse the material and color of the satin dress Xera had been wearing earlier. Hopefully no one else in this club is wearing that same dress. But knowing Xera, it's probably custom made so the odds of that are very low... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "There you are..." Navi murmurs, spying a familiar satin dress through one of the tiny door windows. But satin dresses aren't that uncommon. She must be sure... Reaching into the Force, she begins to make small adjustments to its flow between herself and the woman in satin, to peek into her surface thoughts. "Gotcha, Xera," she whispers triumphantly. It's a shame she can't hear a thing from outside the room, though... and not just because no one can hear anything over the pounding music. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She'll be able to ascertain it's her, alright, but not much else. She's meeting with that Mon Calamari, and he's from some jury counsel organization. But Navi won't be able to discern much else. If only she could find a way in or listen in without them knowing... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "No way I'm getting in there without being seen," Navi muses. Noticing a security camera bubble, she decides to search for the security office and its banks of monitors. It seems likely that there is a camera and mic inside the privacy booths just for the sake of security. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' For whatever reason, the security guard isn't in the room with all the camera feeds. She'll be able to slip in easily. But, the audio isn't on by default. She'll have to figure out how to turn it on... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Wonder why nobody's home..." Navi murmurs, sneaking into the security office monitor room. Once inside, she finds the wall of monitors, but doesn't find any sound feeds active. "There's got to be a way to make these mics work," she murmurs, studying the console before her. For a minute or two she can only stare at it, but then her hand accidentally brushes a button, and an instant later a mic is activated, sending someone's conversation right into the speakers. Looking at the console displays after touching the button again, she discovers buttons for each camera and its related mic. It's the work of a moment or two to find Xera's private room, and another to touch her button and the sound button. She smirks faintly and leans back in the chair to listen to the conversation. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Unfortunately, the meeting Xera's hosting with the Mon Calamari appears to be at an end. Yet, at least Navi will be able to see what they're doing just before the Mon Calamari leaves. Xera is paying him -- in cold hard credits, and no small sum either, from the looks of it. It's a full briefcase. "That should be twenty thousand," Xera's saying. "I suppose you could count it now, if you want. But that's a risk that you might regret taking." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi leans forward to catch the last of the meeting. "Maybe I'd better stay put until they actually leave the room," she murmurs, well aware that any little bit of info might be important. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "It's fine," The Mon Calamari says, taking the briefcase. "I shouldn't tarry. Well, this has been productive. I'll... not be seeing you, ever again." And he gets up and goes out of the room, disappearing into the thronging crowd outside in the hallway. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "And are you leaving too, Xera?" Navi murmurs. "Or have you got another appointment?" She lingers over the console, eyes on the camera feed, to see the answer to her question. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It doesn't look like she does. Shortly after the Mon Calamari leaves, Xera gathers herself and exits the room as well, heading for the exit of the posh nightclub. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi turns off the mic and leaves the security office. "I wonder just who that Mon Cal is," she murmurs, looking for the well-dressed alien as she makes her way back toward the kitchen. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She won't find him, but on her way out, she'll see him hail a taxi, heading straight for the Federal District. Wherever he lived or worked, it was probably near the Alisandre Hotel, and that's telling. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Sure is funny what you can find out during a trip to a rowdy club," Navi muses as she hails a taxicab back to the Alisandre. She quietly wonders if Cayde's many unauthorized solo excursions ever go this well, at least for a moment or two. "Maybe once," she decides, as she climbs into her taxicab. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She might be surprised to find it's the same Gran who'd taken her earlier. "Long time no see," he grunts. "Looks like you were successful... at least to a degree, since you're alive." And with that, he starts heading back towards the Alisandre. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yeah. You don't have to follow anyone this time, so no bonus. Sorry. But I still tip well," Navi replies as she straps herself in. "Alisandre Hotel, please." 
}}

A Mind Adventure

2026-09-03T06:12:47Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-09-03
|Cast of Characters=143, 444
|pretty=yes
|Location=Federal District - Coruscant - Alisandre Hotel
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     After all of that trouble, Cayde had finally managed to find Senator Grindle's office. Only to find that he wasn't there. At first, he was going to hang around and wait until the Dowutin returned, assuming he would do so at some point today. But as you know, patience isn't the padawan's strong suit. Besides, maybe another time later once everyone had -mostly- forgotten that little Senate session incident would be better, anyway.     So after about half an hour of snooping about the office, he'd just slipped out a window and headed back to the Alisandre to look for Zetha. He'd promised to help her with finding more about her parents in her memories of the distant past--without Agent Black, this time. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Meanwhile, Zetha had left the Alisandre for a moment with every intention to go with Thaarin and Navi for another mission of Find Cayde. Only, when the two mention going to the CSF to put out a bulletin and potentially bringing Black into the mix, the Twi'lek does a fantastic job of dismissing herself from the moment. She turns back and returns to the Alisandre, walking back into the lobby with every intention of going back to her room. Only when she walks back into the lobby and makes way for the elevator she stops dead in her tracks when she spies the young Padawan. How? How did they miss him? Either way she heaves a sigh and walks over to him, making sure to approach him from the side at least so he can catch her in his periphreal at least. "Cayde? Where have you been? Thaarin's out looking for you right now..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well Cayde had been headed up toward Zetha's room, when the Twi'lek herself appears in the lobby near the elevator. Perfect, it was just who he was looking for.     He arches a brow at the mention of Thaarin having gone out to look for him. [Well I am here] he signs, the nods toward the elevator. [To your room] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha glances back towards the exit of the Alisandre and then shrugs. Let them deal with it. She looks back to Cayde and nods. "Yeah. Let's go..." Then she walks with Cayde to the elevator that goes right up to her room. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches as she glances toward the exit and shrugs. And doesn't contact anyone, or scold him or act annoyed. This he can live with.     Up the elevator and back to her room they'll go. The padawan will turn to her once they're inside, peering into her gaze for a moment. [When you are ready...can you find the ship again] he asks. [From last time] 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "What if I'm not ready?" Zetha says as she goes to sit on the edge of her bed. "I don't get why he needs to know about the ship. He made it seem like I was some curious child who got into things...but I just don't see it. What if I can't give him what he wants to know?" She takes a slow breath then and shakes her head. "I mean, I don't mind trying, I just...I don't know if I have those kinds of memories..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde shrugs. [Then...wherever you want to go] he signs, then goes to join her on the edge of the bed. [When you are ready...not rush] he emphasizes that part again. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I don't mind trying...I guess..." Zetha offers as she holds her hand out for Cayde. "I just...can't promise anything. You might just get more visions of a very boring childhood..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [We can explore other...if you want] Cayde offers, nodding. [Anywhere...start where comfortable] he suggests. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "We could also talk about your testimony Thaarin's been onto you about writing..." Zetha offers and gives a smirk. "Alright. I'll try to start somewhere...we were at a point of my, like, I was a baby right? Maybe I can try to start a little older..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods. Oh, yes, an idea has occurred to him. He takes out the datapad with what he has written thus far, and shows it to her. And then, he just puts it in her lap. It's...well...it looks like maybe someone half his age wrote it.     [Need to rephrase] he signs, pointing at it. [You know the story] 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks, then she picks up the datapad and looks at it. "I know...the story with the drill. The Chada Fan what came and got that bit and installed it which caused the drill to overheat and explode. I don't know anything else..." She says this much but then she gives a little smirk. "You want me to write it for you? I'll do it. But I may need to ask you some questions..." She sets the datapad aside. "And we don't tell Thaarin. I can probably write it fairly quickly...and maybe even make it so it doesn't seem like I wrote it. Could say I helped you with it if he gets suspicious about it." Then she shrugs. "So, trip down memory lane in exchange for a written testimony, eh?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods again. Yes, that would be good, though it's not like it was some kind of transaction. Just friends helping friends.     He points to his head and then to hers. [I tell you] he signs. [If okay]     Then he offers a hand, you know, for the usual contact that makes this a bit easier. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha nods and then places her hand into his own. "Fair enough." She offers gently and then takes a slow breath. "Alright. Let's do this..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     First things first, Zetha find herself seeing everything from that entire ordeal from Cayde's perspective--actually, she may be surprised that it isn't -too- different from her own. The drill, the explosion, the marauders, that rowdy crowd in the end. Though, that part is a bit chaotic and possibly difficult to sort through. He also has a lot of negative emotions toward Xera...he thinks she has -something- to do with this. And she's a big part of the reason Navi has found herself getting shut out of his mind more and more often. Whatever the Sephi sees in the woman, he doesn't trust it at all! 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches the whole ordeal, and the chaos that ensued from it. When she feels the negative feelings from Cayde towards Xera she almost voices how she agrees with those feelings whole heartedly. She's only met Xera once - technically - and the woman rubbed her the wrong way. "Set up from the beginning. Have someone find a drill piece that is not the best thing to use...the piece was known for overheating...and cause...this." It's something that sort of clicks in her mind as she watches it all. "This had to be really scary up close and personal..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods. This time it is a projection. < It is poison...she should be removed >     Yeah, it was scary. Telepathy is a scary thing to live with, if he's being honest. Which is why there is nothing in the galaxy he fears more than himself.     Zetha will start to see the room shift around her, the walls fading into a bright blue sky above Coruscant. Suddenly they are sitting in that same beautiful rooftop garden she'd seen before. He moves over to one of the low walls that surround it, sitting down on it. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha moves over to the wall and sits down next to him. "This does seem to be a happy place for you. Which I guess it would be...above and away from all those minds." She offers this and then looks around. "I don't know if I want to remember my childhood...but I know it would probably help find my parents. Though a part of me wonders if it's worth it...and why I'm obsessing over it now and not any time before." She shrugs then. "Shame life can't always be lived in a rooftop garden..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     < It is happy because of you > Cayde tells her, moving closer to her as she sits down next to him. he tells her,     < It is okay...if not want to find parents...happy with life...but if you want it, I will help you > 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha nods, then draws one knee up to rest her chin against it. "That's the thing though. I want to find them. Or...find out what happened to them. It's not their fault I was left behind...and if I could find them.." She shrugs. "I thought it could be as easy as running their names through some database. Wouldn't there be records of them?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     < Probably > Cayde replies, nodding. < Need Black for that > But she doesn't like Black, so...     < But find ship name, maybe find manifest...flight record > That could be a lead, right? < Maybe you remember > 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face when he mentions Black. "Maybe I could tolerate Black if he didn't come at me so...weirdly. Like if I go to him and ask. But also...could try to remember the ship name..." She says and then shakes her head. "Sorry. I'm completely off track of what you wanted to help me with. But...I appreciate you trying at least." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     < Go back to ship memory, find name...that is a lead > Cayde replies, nodding. < Maybe other important detail...lead to where they go later? > 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's eyes shift around as the memory settles into place around them, the walls of the ship coming into focus piece by piece. "This..." She murmurs, looking down at the metal beneath her feet before glancing toward the narrow corridor ahead. "I know this." The low hum of the engines seems to vibrate through everything, familiar in a way that makes her expression tighten. Her gaze catches on the faded gold lettering above a nearby bulkhead and she stares at it for a long moment. "The Gilded Fang..." She says softly. "That's the name. I remember seeing it there. I think I used to look at it all the time." She takes a few slow steps forward, almost hesitant to touch anything despite knowing none of it is really there. "It's smaller than I remember." Zetha glances toward him and then back to the corridor as another fragment shifts into place. "Or...I was smaller, I guess." Her hand lifts toward the wall without quite touching it. "My father told me what the words said. I didn't know how to read yet." Her brows pull together as she looks farther down the passage. "I think our room was this way. Or the kitchens..." She pauses, visibly frustrated with herself. "It's all kind of mixed together." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     < Ship name...that is a good lead > Cayde encourages, taking some time to examine the memory himself. The gold lettering, the noise of the engines. He follows her gaze toward the room, or perhaps the kitchen. But he also turns the opposite way as well. < Did you go to the bridge? > he asks. Because that might have more leads, and possibly even better ones at that. Like a hyperlane course, or planned routes. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha slows when the corridor shifts around them, her attention catching on a small terminal built into the wall near the cargo bay. "No...never the bridge..." She says, moving towards the terminal. "I wasn't supposed to touch this." Which, naturally, seems to be exactly why the younger version of her had. The screen flickers alive beneath small fingers, rows of names, numbers and locations spilling across it. Zetha stares at the memory, brow furrowing. "I didn't know what any of this meant. I just knew some of the symbols." Then she shakes her head. "We were always in the lower parts of the ship...so getting up to the bridge would have been near impossible..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Hm, well that part doesn't surprise Cayde. But it didn't hurt to check. < Okay, not surprise... > He examines the terminal, doing his best to commit all those names, numbers, and locations to memory as best he can. < Who tell you not touch > he asks. Had they said why? He starts trying to look for -that- memory, perhaps they might learn something useful from it. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's expression pinches a little at the question as the memory shifts again, less like she is searching for it and more like the ship is deciding what to show them next. "My father, I think..." She says quietly, watching the smaller version of herself hover near the terminal. "Or maybe both of them. They were always telling me not to touch things." There is the faintest twitch at the corner of her mouth before it fades. "Not because they were hiding anything from me. More because I was seven and apparently had no sense of self preservation." She moves a little closer to the terminal, eyes narrowing as another piece begins to surface. "I think he said the terminals were watched. That if I pressed the wrong thing, someone upstairs would know." Her gaze drops to the younger Zetha's hands as they move hesitantly over the controls anyway. "But I remember him using this one once. Maybe that's why I knew how to wake it up." She pauses, then looks toward Cayde. "I don't think I understood what was on it. I just knew there were places...and numbers...and sometimes I saw the same ones next to my parents." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods, watching Little Zetha with her hands on the terminal. < Did they know...did something ever happen > he wonders, still examining the screen, but this time, he's looking for her parents' names in particular...to see what locations and numbers they had associated with them. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches the younger version of herself at the terminal for a moment longer before her attention shifts back to Cayde. "I don't know..." She says, voice quieter now. "Maybe." The memory around them seems to blur at the edges before settling again, the screen sharpening enough for the entries to become clearer. Her eyes move with his as he searches, catching on two records that feel familiar even before she understands why. "There..." She murmurs. "Those are them." The names are not there, only identification numbers beside Twi'lek classifications, work assignments, and a string of previous stops. Zetha's brow furrows as she leans closer. "Ryloth...Nar Shaddaa..." She reads slowly, then pauses when another entry appears beneath them. "Dantooine." Her gaze shifts across the line before catching on a smaller notation beside it. "Route amended..." She says, almost under her breath. Then her eyes find the added stop. Tenoo. Zetha goes very still. "That wasn't supposed to be there." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Ryloth, Nar Shaddaa, Dantooine...Tenoo. Wait.     < What do you mean > Cayde asks, frowning at the entries. < Tenoo where they left you.... right? > Or did she mean that route hadn't been authorized? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "No...like..." Zetha peers harder at the screen. "I think I understand this better now. They weren't originally supposed to go to Tenoo at all...they added it in." She takes a step back and then sighs. "I...I don't want to remember anything else right now. Ship name. A route they took...I..." She looks back towards Cayde with a pained smile. "I think that's enough for this time around, yeah?" It hurts. Because now it made sense. They never went to Tenoo. So the trip was made special. Just for her. To leave her behind. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods, and in the blink of an eye, the memory disappears and they're back in the Alisandre, on the bed, hand in hand.     < They didn't want that life for you. >     The life of a slave. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "No. They didn't. But that just makes wanting to know what happened to them more important. If they're still alive...I can show them that I made a life for myself." Zetha offers and then looks over to the datapad next to her. "Should probably let Black know that we know more information now...maybe he can do something with it." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''      Cayde nods again, then picks up the datapad again and hands it to her. < You can write it now? > 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha nods her head. "Yeah. I can write it now." Which she'll work on doing, letting Cayde read over parts to ensure she gets things right. Tweaking it here and there. 
}}

A Mind Adventure

2026-09-03T06:12:21Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-09-03 |Cast of Characters=143, 444 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     After all of that trouble, Cayde had finally managed to find Senator Grindle's office. Only to find that he wasn't there. At first, he was going to hang around and wait until the Dowutin returned, assuming he would do so at some point today. But as you know, patience isn't the padawan's strong suit...."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-09-03
|Cast of Characters=143, 444
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     After all of that trouble, Cayde had finally managed to find Senator Grindle's office. Only to find that he wasn't there. At first, he was going to hang around and wait until the Dowutin returned, assuming he would do so at some point today. But as you know, patience isn't the padawan's strong suit. Besides, maybe another time later once everyone had -mostly- forgotten that little Senate session incident would be better, anyway.     So after about half an hour of snooping about the office, he'd just slipped out a window and headed back to the Alisandre to look for Zetha. He'd promised to help her with finding more about her parents in her memories of the distant past--without Agent Black, this time. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Meanwhile, Zetha had left the Alisandre for a moment with every intention to go with Thaarin and Navi for another mission of Find Cayde. Only, when the two mention going to the CSF to put out a bulletin and potentially bringing Black into the mix, the Twi'lek does a fantastic job of dismissing herself from the moment. She turns back and returns to the Alisandre, walking back into the lobby with every intention of going back to her room. Only when she walks back into the lobby and makes way for the elevator she stops dead in her tracks when she spies the young Padawan. How? How did they miss him? Either way she heaves a sigh and walks over to him, making sure to approach him from the side at least so he can catch her in his periphreal at least. "Cayde? Where have you been? Thaarin's out looking for you right now..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well Cayde had been headed up toward Zetha's room, when the Twi'lek herself appears in the lobby near the elevator. Perfect, it was just who he was looking for.     He arches a brow at the mention of Thaarin having gone out to look for him. [Well I am here] he signs, the nods toward the elevator. [To your room] he asks. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha glances back towards the exit of the Alisandre and then shrugs. Let them deal with it. She looks back to Cayde and nods. "Yeah. Let's go..." Then she walks with Cayde to the elevator that goes right up to her room. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches as she glances toward the exit and shrugs. And doesn't contact anyone, or scold him or act annoyed. This he can live with.     Up the elevator and back to her room they'll go. The padawan will turn to her once they're inside, peering into her gaze for a moment. [When you are ready...can you find the ship again] he asks. [From last time] 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "What if I'm not ready?" Zetha says as she goes to sit on the edge of her bed. "I don't get why he needs to know about the ship. He made it seem like I was some curious child who got into things...but I just don't see it. What if I can't give him what he wants to know?" She takes a slow breath then and shakes her head. "I mean, I don't mind trying, I just...I don't know if I have those kinds of memories..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde shrugs. [Then...wherever you want to go] he signs, then goes to join her on the edge of the bed. [When you are ready...not rush] he emphasizes that part again. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I don't mind trying...I guess..." Zetha offers as she holds her hand out for Cayde. "I just...can't promise anything. You might just get more visions of a very boring childhood..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [We can explore other...if you want] Cayde offers, nodding. [Anywhere...start where comfortable] he suggests. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "We could also talk about your testimony Thaarin's been onto you about writing..." Zetha offers and gives a smirk. "Alright. I'll try to start somewhere...we were at a point of my, like, I was a baby right? Maybe I can try to start a little older..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods. Oh, yes, an idea has occurred to him. He takes out the datapad with what he has written thus far, and shows it to her. And then, he just puts it in her lap. It's...well...it looks like maybe someone half his age wrote it.     [Need to rephrase] he signs, pointing at it. [You know the story] 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks, then she picks up the datapad and looks at it. "I know...the story with the drill. The Chada Fan what came and got that bit and installed it which caused the drill to overheat and explode. I don't know anything else..." She says this much but then she gives a little smirk. "You want me to write it for you? I'll do it. But I may need to ask you some questions..." She sets the datapad aside. "And we don't tell Thaarin. I can probably write it fairly quickly...and maybe even make it so it doesn't seem like I wrote it. Could say I helped you with it if he gets suspicious about it." Then she shrugs. "So, trip down memory lane in exchange for a written testimony, eh?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods again. Yes, that would be good, though it's not like it was some kind of transaction. Just friends helping friends.     He points to his head and then to hers. [I tell you] he signs. [If okay]     Then he offers a hand, you know, for the usual contact that makes this a bit easier. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha nods and then places her hand into his own. "Fair enough." She offers gently and then takes a slow breath. "Alright. Let's do this..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     First things first, Zetha find herself seeing everything from that entire ordeal from Cayde's perspective--actually, she may be surprised that it isn't -too- different from her own. The drill, the explosion, the marauders, that rowdy crowd in the end. Though, that part is a bit chaotic and possibly difficult to sort through. He also has a lot of negative emotions toward Xera...he thinks she has -something- to do with this. And she's a big part of the reason Navi has found herself getting shut out of his mind more and more often. Whatever the Sephi sees in the woman, he doesn't trust it at all! 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches the whole ordeal, and the chaos that ensued from it. When she feels the negative feelings from Cayde towards Xera she almost voices how she agrees with those feelings whole heartedly. She's only met Xera once - technically - and the woman rubbed her the wrong way. "Set up from the beginning. Have someone find a drill piece that is not the best thing to use...the piece was known for overheating...and cause...this." It's something that sort of clicks in her mind as she watches it all. "This had to be really scary up close and personal..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods. This time it is a projection. < It is poison...she should be removed >     Yeah, it was scary. Telepathy is a scary thing to live with, if he's being honest. Which is why there is nothing in the galaxy he fears more than himself.     Zetha will start to see the room shift around her, the walls fading into a bright blue sky above Coruscant. Suddenly they are sitting in that same beautiful rooftop garden she'd seen before. He moves over to one of the low walls that surround it, sitting down on it. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha moves over to the wall and sits down next to him. "This does seem to be a happy place for you. Which I guess it would be...above and away from all those minds." She offers this and then looks around. "I don't know if I want to remember my childhood...but I know it would probably help find my parents. Though a part of me wonders if it's worth it...and why I'm obsessing over it now and not any time before." She shrugs then. "Shame life can't always be lived in a rooftop garden..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     < It is happy because of you > Cayde tells her, moving closer to her as she sits down next to him. he tells her,     < It is okay...if not want to find parents...happy with life...but if you want it, I will help you > 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha nods, then draws one knee up to rest her chin against it. "That's the thing though. I want to find them. Or...find out what happened to them. It's not their fault I was left behind...and if I could find them.." She shrugs. "I thought it could be as easy as running their names through some database. Wouldn't there be records of them?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     < Probably > Cayde replies, nodding. < Need Black for that > But she doesn't like Black, so...     < But find ship name, maybe find manifest...flight record > That could be a lead, right? < Maybe you remember > 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face when he mentions Black. "Maybe I could tolerate Black if he didn't come at me so...weirdly. Like if I go to him and ask. But also...could try to remember the ship name..." She says and then shakes her head. "Sorry. I'm completely off track of what you wanted to help me with. But...I appreciate you trying at least." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     < Go back to ship memory, find name...that is a lead > Cayde replies, nodding. < Maybe other important detail...lead to where they go later? > 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's eyes shift around as the memory settles into place around them, the walls of the ship coming into focus piece by piece. "This..." She murmurs, looking down at the metal beneath her feet before glancing toward the narrow corridor ahead. "I know this." The low hum of the engines seems to vibrate through everything, familiar in a way that makes her expression tighten. Her gaze catches on the faded gold lettering above a nearby bulkhead and she stares at it for a long moment. "The Gilded Fang..." She says softly. "That's the name. I remember seeing it there. I think I used to look at it all the time." She takes a few slow steps forward, almost hesitant to touch anything despite knowing none of it is really there. "It's smaller than I remember." Zetha glances toward him and then back to the corridor as another fragment shifts into place. "Or...I was smaller, I guess." Her hand lifts toward the wall without quite touching it. "My father told me what the words said. I didn't know how to read yet." Her brows pull together as she looks farther down the passage. "I think our room was this way. Or the kitchens..." She pauses, visibly frustrated with herself. "It's all kind of mixed together." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     < Ship name...that is a good lead > Cayde encourages, taking some time to examine the memory himself. The gold lettering, the noise of the engines. He follows her gaze toward the room, or perhaps the kitchen. But he also turns the opposite way as well. < Did you go to the bridge? > he asks. Because that might have more leads, and possibly even better ones at that. Like a hyperlane course, or planned routes. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha slows when the corridor shifts around them, her attention catching on a small terminal built into the wall near the cargo bay. "No...never the bridge..." She says, moving towards the terminal. "I wasn't supposed to touch this." Which, naturally, seems to be exactly why the younger version of her had. The screen flickers alive beneath small fingers, rows of names, numbers and locations spilling across it. Zetha stares at the memory, brow furrowing. "I didn't know what any of this meant. I just knew some of the symbols." Then she shakes her head. "We were always in the lower parts of the ship...so getting up to the bridge would have been near impossible..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Hm, well that part doesn't surprise Cayde. But it didn't hurt to check. < Okay, not surprise... > He examines the terminal, doing his best to commit all those names, numbers, and locations to memory as best he can. < Who tell you not touch > he asks. Had they said why? He starts trying to look for -that- memory, perhaps they might learn something useful from it. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's expression pinches a little at the question as the memory shifts again, less like she is searching for it and more like the ship is deciding what to show them next. "My father, I think..." She says quietly, watching the smaller version of herself hover near the terminal. "Or maybe both of them. They were always telling me not to touch things." There is the faintest twitch at the corner of her mouth before it fades. "Not because they were hiding anything from me. More because I was seven and apparently had no sense of self preservation." She moves a little closer to the terminal, eyes narrowing as another piece begins to surface. "I think he said the terminals were watched. That if I pressed the wrong thing, someone upstairs would know." Her gaze drops to the younger Zetha's hands as they move hesitantly over the controls anyway. "But I remember him using this one once. Maybe that's why I knew how to wake it up." She pauses, then looks toward Cayde. "I don't think I understood what was on it. I just knew there were places...and numbers...and sometimes I saw the same ones next to my parents." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods, watching Little Zetha with her hands on the terminal. < Did they know...did something ever happen > he wonders, still examining the screen, but this time, he's looking for her parents' names in particular...to see what locations and numbers they had associated with them. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches the younger version of herself at the terminal for a moment longer before her attention shifts back to Cayde. "I don't know..." She says, voice quieter now. "Maybe." The memory around them seems to blur at the edges before settling again, the screen sharpening enough for the entries to become clearer. Her eyes move with his as he searches, catching on two records that feel familiar even before she understands why. "There..." She murmurs. "Those are them." The names are not there, only identification numbers beside Twi'lek classifications, work assignments, and a string of previous stops. Zetha's brow furrows as she leans closer. "Ryloth...Nar Shaddaa..." She reads slowly, then pauses when another entry appears beneath them. "Dantooine." Her gaze shifts across the line before catching on a smaller notation beside it. "Route amended..." She says, almost under her breath. Then her eyes find the added stop. Tenoo. Zetha goes very still. "That wasn't supposed to be there." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Ryloth, Nar Shaddaa, Dantooine...Tenoo. Wait.     < What do you mean > Cayde asks, frowning at the entries. < Tenoo where they left you.... right? > Or did she mean that route hadn't been authorized? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "No...like..." Zetha peers harder at the screen. "I think I understand this better now. They weren't originally supposed to go to Tenoo at all...they added it in." She takes a step back and then sighs. "I...I don't want to remember anything else right now. Ship name. A route they took...I..." She looks back towards Cayde with a pained smile. "I think that's enough for this time around, yeah?" It hurts. Because now it made sense. They never went to Tenoo. So the trip was made special. Just for her. To leave her behind. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods, and in the blink of an eye, the memory disappears and they're back in the Alisandre, on the bed, hand in hand.     < They didn't want that life for you. >     The life of a slave. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "No. They didn't. But that just makes wanting to know what happened to them more important. If they're still alive...I can show them that I made a life for myself." Zetha offers and then looks over to the datapad next to her. "Should probably let Black know that we know more information now...maybe he can do something with it." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''      Cayde nods again, then picks up the datapad again and hands it to her. < You can write it now? > 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha nods her head. "Yeah. I can write it now." Which she'll work on doing, letting Cayde read over parts to ensure she gets things right. Tweaking it here and there. 
}}

It Would Be a Club

2026-08-21T02:34:56Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-07-28
|Cast of Characters=159, 261
|pretty=yes
|Coruscant - Federal District
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' As soon as Navi and Thaarin leave Zetha's suite, the tall blue skinned man turns to the young Sephi girl and says, "If that Black fellow resurfaces, I want you to notify me and Rykard, immediately." He then pauses, then continues with, "I'll be available via comms - but I do need to review both Zetha and Cayde's testimonies. I'll see you," he says, then turns to leave. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "All right. Take care, Thaarin. If you need to review my testimony again, I'll make it available to you," Navi replies. She had the advantage of having finished hers before they landed on Coruscant, which is starting to feel more and more like a very wise precaution. She turns toward her room, sighing. "Now for that long hydroshower... it's barely afternoon, and I'd swear it's late evening," she murmurs. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' As Navi is heading towards her room, she'll espy Taryn on the far end of the hallway. He hasn't seen her yet, but the way he's walking at a quick page with furrowed brows to... somewhere, might give Navi the heads up that he isn't just taking a leisurely stroll around the Alisandre. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi frowns faintly as she sees Taryn walking at such a pace. "Wonder what's got him in a mood..?" she murmurs, and decides to follow him. Which she does, keeping as quiet as she can while walking normally. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi's footsteps are quiet enough that Taryn doesn't notice. He continues down the hallway, all the way to the lift. The young Sephi girl will be able to see that he's going down the second floor... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Second floor, huh..?" Navi murmurs, and detours for the stairs. "Time for some impromptu cardio." She takes the stairs as quickly as she safely can, knowing Taryn will be out of the turbolift by the time she gets there... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' And he is, indeed out of the lift by the time she arrives. He's standing behind a pillar, peering down at the courtyard. Navi will be able to see who he's spying on - the stunning and wicked Xera Graf. She's sitting at a table down there, looking, for the moment, unpreoccupied. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi finds another pillar, out of Taryn's line of sight, but with a clear line of sight to Xera. Not without some regret, she quietly takes down her twintails and combs them loose with her fingers, to make her silhouette less distinctive, tucking her pigtail clasps into her pockets. Then she settles in to watch The Xera Graf Show... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She seems serene, just journaling on a datapad. And just for the briefest of moments, it's easy to forget that she's a ruthless woman who bragged constantly about being the Tenoo colony's pocketbook... But then, a well dressed Mon Calamari strolls into the courtyard, and waves at Xera. The woman then smiles and gets up, her sweetness disingenuous but convincing. They exit the hotel, and Taryn, still not having seen Navi, goes to follow discreetly as well... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Now who might you be?" Navi murmurs, watching the Mon Calamari. The sight of Xera's smile makes her heart skip a beat, just like it always does, and she has to force herself to remember that this woman may be eyebrows-deep in a terrible criminal conspiracy spanning at least one star system. She hurries to follow the pair, and the one following them, once more trying to move quickly but discreetly. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Oh, no. They're getting into a luxury taxi, that's now heading away from the Alisandre. Navi will have to think quickly if she wants to follow. Taryn seems to have disappeared for the time being as well... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Frell..!" She should have considered the possibility that they would take a taxi or some other transportation! Navi hastily looks around for a way to follow them... ...and spies another taxi coming along. Lifting her arm, she steps closer to the traffic lanes and cries, "Ta-XIIIIIIII!!!" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The taxi is whizzing past, but the driver happens to see Navi at the very last moment, and screeches to a halt in front of her. A cranky looking Gran leans out. "Where to?" he grunts. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi clambers inside, pointing at the departing luxe cab. "Follow that taxicab," she says as she shuts the door and fastens her seatbelt. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Gran gives Navi a suspicious look. "...Jedi business?" he says, as he starts to pull away from the Alisandre. "You better hope they're not going far - I don't like to get involved in things for regular fare..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Jedi business. And I'll make sure you get a nice bonus. Just make sure they don't see you trailing them," Navi replies, watching the taxi through the windshield. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Hn," the Gran grunts reluctantly, and obeys the young Sephi girl. He pulls into the fast moving traffic heading for downtown Coruscant, tailing the taxi Xera's in from a safe distance. Navi won't be at all surprised when they eventually both arrive at an upscale looking nightclub... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Can you drop me off about a block past them?" Navi asks, sorting through her credit pouch. She makes sure to pay the cranky Gran double what's on the taximeter, and a generous tip, once they're parked. A nightclub... this might take a little ingenuity, Navi thinks. Her colonial clothing would stand out like a beacon in there... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Gran pulls up about a block away from the nightclub and then the door pops open. "Good luck," he says dryly. "... You're gonna need it." And then he drives off. The young Sephi girl wouldn't be wrong - everyone going into the nightclub is dressed formally... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "It /would/ be a club..." Navi grumbles, eyeing the queue outside in frustration. She has to step aside as a human female in a waitress's uniform and a civilian jacket hurries past, headed for the rear of the club. And then she watches the waitress jogging to the rear entrance, an idea coming to her... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The alleyway where the rear entrance is dimly lit, and smells awful. But it's lit enough that Navi won't have a hard time keeping the waitress in her sights. She slips in through a creaky back door that closes too slowly... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi slips in behind her, needing only to give the door a subtle nudge with her shoulder to clear it before it closes... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' But the subtle nudge makes the creaky door even noisier than it normally is! The waitress who slipped in before her suddenly stops, and then turns around slowly. ".... hello?!" Navi will have to be quick if she doesn't want the girl to see her! 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi hastily slips through a side doorway, barely in time to avoid the waitress's startled look. She holds as still as she possibly can until the girl leaves. Only then does she begin her cautious search for a disguise. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's going to take some poking around. Most of the boxes are filled with party decor, some of it tasteful, some of it... not so tasteful. The rest are filled with dinnerware that doesn't look like it's been used in decades. But finally she'll come upon a closet with uniforms. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi looks through a sizeable storeroom, riffling through boxes and containers and occasionally blushing at some of the considerably less tasteful party decorations she finds. It's a little while before she finally comes across a closet that holds waitstaff uniforms. She sorts through the outfits, selecting articles that fit her size and measurements. Only when she has a full uniform gathered does she finally undress and put on her disguise. Once she's properly dressed, at least for a waitress, she carefully hides her clothes and gear in a box on top of the closet. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, now it's time to make her way out to the dance floor, where everyone is drinking and indulging their hedonistic desires. Hopefully she doesn't get too much unwanted attention. The music drowns out any other noise she might hear and rattles her chest -- but at least from where she is, she'll have a good vantage point from which to search for Xera. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi filches a tray from a stack beside the kitchen door and steps into the club proper, finding herself on the edge of a dance floor. She begins to circulate about the floor, trying to walk confidently, as if she belongs here, while still avoiding the patrons moving around, whether to the rhythm of the music, or just from place to place. She's quietly grateful for her Jedi and Brotherhood balance and athletic training; it saves her from more than one accidental collision. Now all she needs to do is find Xera Graf... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's crowded and there are a lot of sweaty bodies in here. A few people catcall her, but it's loud enough to just ignore it completely without it seeming odd. After several minutes of searching, she'll see the elusive Xera Graf and her Mon Calamari friend slipping into a larger crowd on one of the balconies above her. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Okay, there you are..." Navi murmurs, moving to find a way up onto the balconies. She doubts she'll be able to hear anything the two are saying over the music, but maybe there will be something to see as much as hear. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' But once Navi gets up there, she'll find that she's lost them. They must have been trying to keep a low profile. All around Navi, the club's patrons dance, drink, make lust to each other. Xera had to be here somewhere - there's private rooms lining the hallway. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Bother... that woman sure knows how to disappear," Navi murmurs, and begins to check on the private rooms along the hallway. Maybe there's a way to see inside without being seen... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Indeed. There are windows, but they're frosted glass. However, some of the doors do have windows on them, that aren't frosted. They're very small, and won't give Navi much of a look into the room, but at least she'll be able to glimpse the material and color of the satin dress Xera had been wearing earlier. Hopefully no one else in this club is wearing that same dress. But knowing Xera, it's probably custom made so the odds of that are very low... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "There you are..." Navi murmurs, spying a familiar satin dress through one of the tiny door windows. But satin dresses aren't that uncommon. She must be sure... Reaching into the Force, she begins to make small adjustments to its flow between herself and the woman in satin, to peek into her surface thoughts. "Gotcha, Xera," she whispers triumphantly. It's a shame she can't hear a thing from outside the room, though... and not just because no one can hear anything over the pounding music. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She'll be able to ascertain it's her, alright, but not much else. She's meeting with that Mon Calamari, and he's from some jury counsel organization. But Navi won't be able to discern much else. If only she could find a way in or listen in without them knowing... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "No way I'm getting in there without being seen," Navi muses. Noticing a security camera bubble, she decides to search for the security office and its banks of monitors. It seems likely that there is a camera and mic inside the privacy booths just for the sake of security. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' For whatever reason, the security guard isn't in the room with all the camera feeds. She'll be able to slip in easily. But, the audio isn't on by default. She'll have to figure out how to turn it on... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Wonder why nobody's home..." Navi murmurs, sneaking into the security office monitor room. Once inside, she finds the wall of monitors, but doesn't find any sound feeds active. "There's got to be a way to make these mics work," she murmurs, studying the console before her. For a minute or two she can only stare at it, but then her hand accidentally brushes a button, and an instant later a mic is activated, sending someone's conversation right into the speakers. Looking at the console displays after touching the button again, she discovers buttons for each camera and its related mic. It's the work of a moment or two to find Xera's private room, and another to touch her button and the sound button. She smirks faintly and leans back in the chair to listen to the conversation. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Unfortunately, the meeting Xera's hosting with the Mon Calamari appears to be at an end. Yet, at least Navi will be able to see what they're doing just before the Mon Calamari leaves. Xera is paying him -- in cold hard credits, and no small sum either, from the looks of it. It's a full briefcase. "That should be twenty thousand," Xera's saying. "I suppose you could count it now, if you want. But that's a risk that you might regret taking." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi leans forward to catch the last of the meeting. "Maybe I'd better stay put until they actually leave the room," she murmurs, well aware that any little bit of info might be important. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "It's fine," The Mon Calamari says, taking the briefcase. "I shouldn't tarry. Well, this has been productive. I'll... not be seeing you, ever again." And he gets up and goes out of the room, disappearing into the thronging crowd outside in the hallway. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "And are you leaving too, Xera?" Navi murmurs. "Or have you got another appointment?" She lingers over the console, eyes on the camera feed, to see the answer to her question. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It doesn't look like she does. Shortly after the Mon Calamari leaves, Xera gathers herself and exits the room as well, heading for the exit of the posh nightclub. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi turns off the mic and leaves the security office. "I wonder just who that Mon Cal is," she murmurs, looking for the well-dressed alien as she makes her way back toward the kitchen. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She won't find him, but on her way out, she'll see him hail a taxi, heading straight for the Federal District. Wherever he lived or worked, it was probably near the Alisandre Hotel, and that's telling. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Sure is funny what you can find out during a trip to a rowdy club," Navi muses as she hails a taxicab back to the Alisandre. She quietly wonders if Cayde's many unauthorized solo excursions ever go this well, at least for a moment or two. "Maybe once," she decides, as she climbs into her taxicab. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She might be surprised to find it's the same Gran who'd taken her earlier. "Long time no see," he grunts. "Looks like you were successful... at least to a degree, since you're alive." And with that, he starts heading back towards the Alisandre. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yeah. You don't have to follow anyone this time, so no bonus. Sorry. But I still tip well," Navi replies as she straps herself in. "Alisandre Hotel, please." 
}}

It Would Be a Club

2026-08-21T02:34:38Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-07-28 |Cast of Characters=159, 261 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' As soon as Navi and Thaarin leave Zetha's suite, the tall blue skinned man turns to the young Sephi girl and says, "If that Black fellow resurfaces, I want you to notify me and Rykard, immediately." He then pauses, then continues with, "I'll be available via comms - but I do need to review both Zetha and Cayde's testimo..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-07-28
|Cast of Characters=159, 261
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' As soon as Navi and Thaarin leave Zetha's suite, the tall blue skinned man turns to the young Sephi girl and says, "If that Black fellow resurfaces, I want you to notify me and Rykard, immediately." He then pauses, then continues with, "I'll be available via comms - but I do need to review both Zetha and Cayde's testimonies. I'll see you," he says, then turns to leave. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "All right. Take care, Thaarin. If you need to review my testimony again, I'll make it available to you," Navi replies. She had the advantage of having finished hers before they landed on Coruscant, which is starting to feel more and more like a very wise precaution. She turns toward her room, sighing. "Now for that long hydroshower... it's barely afternoon, and I'd swear it's late evening," she murmurs. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' As Navi is heading towards her room, she'll espy Taryn on the far end of the hallway. He hasn't seen her yet, but the way he's walking at a quick page with furrowed brows to... somewhere, might give Navi the heads up that he isn't just taking a leisurely stroll around the Alisandre. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi frowns faintly as she sees Taryn walking at such a pace. "Wonder what's got him in a mood..?" she murmurs, and decides to follow him. Which she does, keeping as quiet as she can while walking normally. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi's footsteps are quiet enough that Taryn doesn't notice. He continues down the hallway, all the way to the lift. The young Sephi girl will be able to see that he's going down the second floor... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Second floor, huh..?" Navi murmurs, and detours for the stairs. "Time for some impromptu cardio." She takes the stairs as quickly as she safely can, knowing Taryn will be out of the turbolift by the time she gets there... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' And he is, indeed out of the lift by the time she arrives. He's standing behind a pillar, peering down at the courtyard. Navi will be able to see who he's spying on - the stunning and wicked Xera Graf. She's sitting at a table down there, looking, for the moment, unpreoccupied. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi finds another pillar, out of Taryn's line of sight, but with a clear line of sight to Xera. Not without some regret, she quietly takes down her twintails and combs them loose with her fingers, to make her silhouette less distinctive, tucking her pigtail clasps into her pockets. Then she settles in to watch The Xera Graf Show... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She seems serene, just journaling on a datapad. And just for the briefest of moments, it's easy to forget that she's a ruthless woman who bragged constantly about being the Tenoo colony's pocketbook... But then, a well dressed Mon Calamari strolls into the courtyard, and waves at Xera. The woman then smiles and gets up, her sweetness disingenuous but convincing. They exit the hotel, and Taryn, still not having seen Navi, goes to follow discreetly as well... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Now who might you be?" Navi murmurs, watching the Mon Calamari. The sight of Xera's smile makes her heart skip a beat, just like it always does, and she has to force herself to remember that this woman may be eyebrows-deep in a terrible criminal conspiracy spanning at least one star system. She hurries to follow the pair, and the one following them, once more trying to move quickly but discreetly. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Oh, no. They're getting into a luxury taxi, that's now heading away from the Alisandre. Navi will have to think quickly if she wants to follow. Taryn seems to have disappeared for the time being as well... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Frell..!" She should have considered the possibility that they would take a taxi or some other transportation! Navi hastily looks around for a way to follow them... ...and spies another taxi coming along. Lifting her arm, she steps closer to the traffic lanes and cries, "Ta-XIIIIIIII!!!" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The taxi is whizzing past, but the driver happens to see Navi at the very last moment, and screeches to a halt in front of her. A cranky looking Gran leans out. "Where to?" he grunts. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi clambers inside, pointing at the departing luxe cab. "Follow that taxicab," she says as she shuts the door and fastens her seatbelt. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Gran gives Navi a suspicious look. "...Jedi business?" he says, as he starts to pull away from the Alisandre. "You better hope they're not going far - I don't like to get involved in things for regular fare..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Jedi business. And I'll make sure you get a nice bonus. Just make sure they don't see you trailing them," Navi replies, watching the taxi through the windshield. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Hn," the Gran grunts reluctantly, and obeys the young Sephi girl. He pulls into the fast moving traffic heading for downtown Coruscant, tailing the taxi Xera's in from a safe distance. Navi won't be at all surprised when they eventually both arrive at an upscale looking nightclub... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Can you drop me off about a block past them?" Navi asks, sorting through her credit pouch. She makes sure to pay the cranky Gran double what's on the taximeter, and a generous tip, once they're parked. A nightclub... this might take a little ingenuity, Navi thinks. Her colonial clothing would stand out like a beacon in there... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Gran pulls up about a block away from the nightclub and then the door pops open. "Good luck," he says dryly. "... You're gonna need it." And then he drives off. The young Sephi girl wouldn't be wrong - everyone going into the nightclub is dressed formally... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "It /would/ be a club..." Navi grumbles, eyeing the queue outside in frustration. She has to step aside as a human female in a waitress's uniform and a civilian jacket hurries past, headed for the rear of the club. And then she watches the waitress jogging to the rear entrance, an idea coming to her... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The alleyway where the rear entrance is dimly lit, and smells awful. But it's lit enough that Navi won't have a hard time keeping the waitress in her sights. She slips in through a creaky back door that closes too slowly... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi slips in behind her, needing only to give the door a subtle nudge with her shoulder to clear it before it closes... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' But the subtle nudge makes the creaky door even noisier than it normally is! The waitress who slipped in before her suddenly stops, and then turns around slowly. ".... hello?!" Navi will have to be quick if she doesn't want the girl to see her! 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi hastily slips through a side doorway, barely in time to avoid the waitress's startled look. She holds as still as she possibly can until the girl leaves. Only then does she begin her cautious search for a disguise. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's going to take some poking around. Most of the boxes are filled with party decor, some of it tasteful, some of it... not so tasteful. The rest are filled with dinnerware that doesn't look like it's been used in decades. But finally she'll come upon a closet with uniforms. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi looks through a sizeable storeroom, riffling through boxes and containers and occasionally blushing at some of the considerably less tasteful party decorations she finds. It's a little while before she finally comes across a closet that holds waitstaff uniforms. She sorts through the outfits, selecting articles that fit her size and measurements. Only when she has a full uniform gathered does she finally undress and put on her disguise. Once she's properly dressed, at least for a waitress, she carefully hides her clothes and gear in a box on top of the closet. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, now it's time to make her way out to the dance floor, where everyone is drinking and indulging their hedonistic desires. Hopefully she doesn't get too much unwanted attention. The music drowns out any other noise she might hear and rattles her chest -- but at least from where she is, she'll have a good vantage point from which to search for Xera. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi filches a tray from a stack beside the kitchen door and steps into the club proper, finding herself on the edge of a dance floor. She begins to circulate about the floor, trying to walk confidently, as if she belongs here, while still avoiding the patrons moving around, whether to the rhythm of the music, or just from place to place. She's quietly grateful for her Jedi and Brotherhood balance and athletic training; it saves her from more than one accidental collision. Now all she needs to do is find Xera Graf... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It's crowded and there are a lot of sweaty bodies in here. A few people catcall her, but it's loud enough to just ignore it completely without it seeming odd. After several minutes of searching, she'll see the elusive Xera Graf and her Mon Calamari friend slipping into a larger crowd on one of the balconies above her. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Okay, there you are..." Navi murmurs, moving to find a way up onto the balconies. She doubts she'll be able to hear anything the two are saying over the music, but maybe there will be something to see as much as hear. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' But once Navi gets up there, she'll find that she's lost them. They must have been trying to keep a low profile. All around Navi, the club's patrons dance, drink, make lust to each other. Xera had to be here somewhere - there's private rooms lining the hallway. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Bother... that woman sure knows how to disappear," Navi murmurs, and begins to check on the private rooms along the hallway. Maybe there's a way to see inside without being seen... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Indeed. There are windows, but they're frosted glass. However, some of the doors do have windows on them, that aren't frosted. They're very small, and won't give Navi much of a look into the room, but at least she'll be able to glimpse the material and color of the satin dress Xera had been wearing earlier. Hopefully no one else in this club is wearing that same dress. But knowing Xera, it's probably custom made so the odds of that are very low... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "There you are..." Navi murmurs, spying a familiar satin dress through one of the tiny door windows. But satin dresses aren't that uncommon. She must be sure... Reaching into the Force, she begins to make small adjustments to its flow between herself and the woman in satin, to peek into her surface thoughts. "Gotcha, Xera," she whispers triumphantly. It's a shame she can't hear a thing from outside the room, though... and not just because no one can hear anything over the pounding music. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She'll be able to ascertain it's her, alright, but not much else. She's meeting with that Mon Calamari, and he's from some jury counsel organization. But Navi won't be able to discern much else. If only she could find a way in or listen in without them knowing... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "No way I'm getting in there without being seen," Navi muses. Noticing a security camera bubble, she decides to search for the security office and its banks of monitors. It seems likely that there is a camera and mic inside the privacy booths just for the sake of security. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' For whatever reason, the security guard isn't in the room with all the camera feeds. She'll be able to slip in easily. But, the audio isn't on by default. She'll have to figure out how to turn it on... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Wonder why nobody's home..." Navi murmurs, sneaking into the security office monitor room. Once inside, she finds the wall of monitors, but doesn't find any sound feeds active. "There's got to be a way to make these mics work," she murmurs, studying the console before her. For a minute or two she can only stare at it, but then her hand accidentally brushes a button, and an instant later a mic is activated, sending someone's conversation right into the speakers. Looking at the console displays after touching the button again, she discovers buttons for each camera and its related mic. It's the work of a moment or two to find Xera's private room, and another to touch her button and the sound button. She smirks faintly and leans back in the chair to listen to the conversation. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Unfortunately, the meeting Xera's hosting with the Mon Calamari appears to be at an end. Yet, at least Navi will be able to see what they're doing just before the Mon Calamari leaves. Xera is paying him -- in cold hard credits, and no small sum either, from the looks of it. It's a full briefcase. "That should be twenty thousand," Xera's saying. "I suppose you could count it now, if you want. But that's a risk that you might regret taking." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi leans forward to catch the last of the meeting. "Maybe I'd better stay put until they actually leave the room," she murmurs, well aware that any little bit of info might be important. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "It's fine," The Mon Calamari says, taking the briefcase. "I shouldn't tarry. Well, this has been productive. I'll... not be seeing you, ever again." And he gets up and goes out of the room, disappearing into the thronging crowd outside in the hallway. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "And are you leaving too, Xera?" Navi murmurs. "Or have you got another appointment?" She lingers over the console, eyes on the camera feed, to see the answer to her question. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' It doesn't look like she does. Shortly after the Mon Calamari leaves, Xera gathers herself and exits the room as well, heading for the exit of the posh nightclub. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi turns off the mic and leaves the security office. "I wonder just who that Mon Cal is," she murmurs, looking for the well-dressed alien as she makes her way back toward the kitchen. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She won't find him, but on her way out, she'll see him hail a taxi, heading straight for the Federal District. Wherever he lived or worked, it was probably near the Alisandre Hotel, and that's telling. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Sure is funny what you can find out during a trip to a rowdy club," Navi muses as she hails a taxicab back to the Alisandre. She quietly wonders if Cayde's many unauthorized solo excursions ever go this well, at least for a moment or two. "Maybe once," she decides, as she climbs into her taxicab. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' She might be surprised to find it's the same Gran who'd taken her earlier. "Long time no see," he grunts. "Looks like you were successful... at least to a degree, since you're alive." And with that, he starts heading back towards the Alisandre. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Yeah. You don't have to follow anyone this time, so no bonus. Sorry. But I still tip well," Navi replies as she straps herself in. "Alisandre Hotel, please." 
}}

Return to Coruscant

2026-08-21T02:30:58Z

Andromeda:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-06-14
|Cast of Characters=159, 418, 261, 444, 143, 321
|pretty=yes
|Location=Coruscant - Federal District
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The moment has arrived. The Jedi shuttle has just dropped out of hyperspace, and they're approaching Coruscant's orbit. For some, this will be the first time seeing Coruscant, ever. For others, it's a welcome sight after having been away for so long. Either way, as the shuttle nears the planet, the massive, teeming ecumenopolis looms in the forward viewport in the bow... "Everyone, stay seated and prepare for landing," the Ugnaught pilot says through the intercom. "We'll be planetside in twenty." Meanwhile, Jorn might be following the white lothwolf into the underbelly of the partially renovated Temple. If he isn't, then the lothwolf is barking, as if summoning him to follow her down a winding staircase that looks potentially unstable. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Looking about the temple as he moves forward following the wolf. "Did you find anything good, girl? Boy?" Jorn asks as he looks bac at the wolf. "I'll have to name you at this rate," he says honestly as he will return his attentions to thet emple. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Be it ever so controversial, there's no place like second home," Navi observes, giving Zetha a grin from across their tiny cabin. "I don't know what I'll be happier to experience... real food or a real bed. Let's hope our part in the trial won't keep us from getting in that shopping trip we were talking about." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is lounging in bed reading a holo-novel when the ship drops out of hyperspace and the message comes across for them to stay seated and prepare for landing. She glances up and over to Navi before putting on a frown. "I don't even know what my part in this trial is aside from giving testimony about the Chadra Fan what came into the junkyard and bought the part that wound up blowing up the drill..." She says this and then looks back down to her datapad. "The food on Teeno's not real?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     For Cayde's part, it's enough of a welcome sight to get away from being cramped in a small ship with...too many other people for weeks. For the past several hours, he's been curled up on his bunk trying to get his court testimony buffed up enough to be presentable at the very least. There probably won't be much time to finish it once he gets planetside... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' When Jorn asks the lothwolf if she'd found anything good, she just barks again, runs to Jorns side and tugs on his pants. Then she rushes ahead down the stairs. They make a lot of noise -- probably not a good sign. But it will be up to Jorn to follow or not. The stairwell isn't lit, but if Jorn peers down it, he'll be able hear the lothwolf barking at the bottom, somewhere down there. He won't be able to see her, though. Volken will recognize one of the marauders immediately upon approach. Zealot -- and the other is female, and likely Shani, but little else can be discerned about her. They're armed and look up, but at least they don't attack once made aware of his presence. Navi and Zetha's conversation might be interrupted when the shuttle suddenly lurches to a stop. The Coruscanti officials are performing their customs checks, and interrogating Jahni. But it's over in a few minutes and soon, they're touching down in the big bustling starport, the biggest Zetha will have ever seen in her life. Cayde will be disrupted by a knock on door of his room. He'll know by process of elimination who it is before he even speaks, because he won't be able to sense his mind in the Force. "Cayde? Let's see that testimony." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I suppose it's real enough... there's just a lot of it that I can't in good conscience call food. At least a quarter of it makes me sick for hours, especially most of the fish," Navi replies, shrugging. "The nicest thing I can say about half the rest is that you can live on it. Your hyperspace mileage may vary." "To tell you the truth, I don't know what my part is, either. We're probably just witnesses," she adds. "So we'll probably be stuck answering questions." "What in..?" The shuttle's sudden halt derails her train of thought, until she remembers how the Core Worlds work. "Oh, right... customs check-in," she murmurs, grimacing faintly and picking up her datapad full of testimony. "Unless Xera's smuggling proton torpedoes in her corset, we should be planetside in twenty minutes or less." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken's not really in a position to say too much to them. He's carrying what's probably five hundred pounds of Mandalorian over his shoulder, in air that is likely becoming more and more toxic by the second. "....I don't suppose...you know the way outta here back towards that temple.." he manages to grunt out, while not even bothering to charge his weapons just yet. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde doesn't even strap in for the landing, and just holds onto the bunk when the ship lurches. When they're finally down and ready to disembark, he gets up from the bed and was headed toward the door when Thaarin knocks.     Right...he'd expected that. He opens the door and holds out the datapad he was working on. The testimony is...better than last week's draft, but still features several places where the wording is rather confusing due to fragmented or run-on sentences. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "The fish at Hap's isn't that bad..." Zetha offers, perhaps mildly offended that someone would say such about the food. Then again, she's never had food from anywhere that wasn't Hap's or some other place on Teeno. So there may be unknown bias there. "That makes me feel more like I just shouldn't be here. I feel like my testimony is going to condemn more than it is going to help..." She offers this just before the ship lurches and then Navi makes a comment about customs. That actually gains a chuckle from the Twi'lek. "I suppose I should be glad I left my own back on Teeno?" Then she grins and looks out the window as the spaceport comes into view. "...I think the spaceport is as big as Kublop Springs alone..." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will actually rush off after the wolf curious about what she found. A blaster is drawn as he looks about. Coming down ready to open fire as he isn't sure what exactly to suspect. Life has gotten very weird lately. And so, he's meeting it with extreme caution. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The marauders don't say anything immediately. They exchange glances, and then the female says without pity, "You won't make it carrying him," she says, "At this point, you've both been exposed to the poison. So you can choose your own life, or his." Then, the two of them reach over and hoist the body that's lying on the ground up onto a hover stretcher that Zealot had opened while the female marauder had been talking to Volken. It's the Baron, and his armor is covered in that strange, bioluminescent powder. Cracked visor, just like Er'gi. "You could come with us," Zealot suddenly offers , and this seems to surprise the female marauder, but she doesn't object. Jorn will find that the vicinity seems safe from imminent attack once he reaches the bottom of the stairs. It's pitch black down here, could use the dark saber to have a look-see, but he'll at least espy the lothwolf's glowing eyes in the dark. She's whining impatiently, but he won't be able to see why. Yet, anyway, it's too dark at the moment. There's a loud hiss, and the gangplank will lower. "Alright everyone, we're home sweet Coruscant. Feel free to wander around, but don't go too far the loader droids should be along shortly to help with all the luggage in the cargo bay," Jahni announces over the intercom. Thaarin pages through the testimony, his expression unreadable. After a few moments, he hands the datapad back to Cayde. "Look... why don't you take a break, and then you can come back and we'll discuss your testimony." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     That 'unreadable' expression said it all. Cayde didn't need to reach into his mind to know Thaarin wasn't exactly pleased with the draft as it was. He sighs and nods--right, a break. Maybe he should head to the CSF HQ and check out that data vault again, see if he can find anything useful about Zetha's parents. Or about that mysterious cargo hauling company. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Reluctantly, Jorn will pull out the blade. The blade blade extends as it growls to life. He brings it close ready to fight defenively if need be. Curious what willl happen next. The man looking around everything as he waits to see how things will devolve. The man's very distrusting of this planet. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Bigger," Navi replies softly. "Coruscant's spaceports compete with Corellia's for the honor of being the second busiest in the galaxy. Kuat's are the busiest, but that's only because they've got a giant military shipyard in orbit. Those yards and the ships they make are too big to land, so they have to be supplied by smaller ships." She stands and picks up her jacket and her medical satchel. "Want to have a quick look around?" she offers. "This place is a shipwatcher's dream. Probably a tech's dream, too." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' That same cracked visor. It's too deliberate. Attacked somehow, likely to try and speed the effect of the poison through exposure. The helmets provide their own levels of protection after all but with the visor cracked it'd be that much easier to do the deed. Volken dips his head low as he looks over Caine and then watches as the Marauders come to his aid. Figures. THey were working for him after all but it's foolish that the Baron got him into this anyway. THey should have stuck together but that wasn't likely to happen. Which leads to: "I'm not abandoning him. I don't do that. Maybe you...folk have the wrong sense of what us Mandalorians are like but not all of us are just out for ourse-lves...." Caine and Ellari are one stock, so far as Volken is concerned. Mandalorians like Jorn and Er'gi or Thaelin...he'll not abandon. "I can carry him I Just need to know what way to go..." he rumbles. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha turns off her holonovel, checks her communicator for any messages that have come through and sends quick ones to both Crane and Wiis. Both of which to simply say she's safely on Coruscant and will reach back out when settled in her hotel room. Then she places datapad in her backpack, and makes sure she has everything. "I wouldn't mind a look around. I only have the backpack anyway...light luggage is best for me." Then she motions for Navi to take the lead. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Jorn will find himself in some kind of circular chamber. There's statues of people he won't recognize set into cavities in the wall, surrounded by pillars. They look like they might have been Jedi from the old Republic. There's four tunnels that branch off from this chamber, and the lothwolf is sitting at the entrance to one that leads downwards. There's cobwebs everywhere, and dark saber somehow seems to thrum brighter than it ever had in this dark, mystical place. "That isn't what I meant," the female interjects. "Eventually you won't be able to because you'll be dead. The poison is slow acting, but if you carry your ... friend, you won't reach the Temple before the poison becomes fatal." She starts to move the hoverberth along, intending to cart the Baron away, but Zealot reaches for her arm and holds her back. He watches Volken intently, seeming to want to know what the behemoth will decide. Clearly, the marauders had some plan for the Baron, otherwise, they'd have left him here. Zealot had made an offer, but Volken will have to decide if it's riskier than chancing it in the Gorge and trying to make it back to the Temple in time. Thaarin watches Cayde leave, his brow furrowing slightly. He watches Cayde go out, but doesn't immediately follow. Instead, he stops on the gangplank, where Zetha and Navi are loitering. "Any idea where the padawan is off to?" he asks them. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I have a bag and a backpack, but they're not heavy. One of the perks of going on the colony initiative was getting proper clothes for the weather and the tasks of building a town," Navi observes, shouldering her backpack and picking up her duffel from under her bunk and heading for the ramp. "My Brotherhood robes were in no way adequate for Tenoo." As she reaches the ramp, she nods to Thaarin. "Hi, Thaarin. No idea. He didn't say a word to us before we landed. I'm guessing he didn't tell you, either?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Clearing out the cobwebs with a few swipes, Jorn pushes forward trying to go into the one of four tunnels that the wolf waited at. He notices the thrum, and just keeps himself focused. Everything just intent on staying alive. Nothing else. Sometimes it's easier to do that when the possibility of harm, or worse, seems very high. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Alright..." says Volken tiredly, "Lead on then..." He could take his chances...but it's clear they are familiar with what's actually going on and he can't very well talk all of that talk about not leaving people behind and then simply leave Caine to ...whatever arrangemente he's got going on with these marauders. "I don't have much choice eh?" he adds at the end though his tone is more restrained. He's not ungrateful but the situation isn't exactly ideal here and he's out of options, especially with the jet-pack lacking fuel. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I do hope we can shop a little. I'd like to also find some things to take home for Wiis and Crane." Zetha offers as the two of them reach the gangplank. When Thaarin greets them and asks about Cayde she shakes her head. "Only other thing I know he was tasked with aside from the trial was something involving the Jedi Council and my parents...but I don't know what all that entails." She offers and then continues to descend to take her first steps onto Coruscant proper. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde heads for the taxi hub at the spaceport, promptly taking one toward the Federal District and making his way to the sublevels of that CSF facility where he'd met Black. The padawan hovers by the side entrance for a bit, looking through his things to make sure he has the access key the man had given him before going inside and taking the elevator down to the vault. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf darts forward, and downwards, into the darkness. This hallway, unlike the first chamber, is devoid of anything interesting. There's a few burnt out lamps on the wall, but that's it. And halfway down the corridor, Jorn will get an uneasy feeling in his stomach. The dark saber crackles and hums, but there doesn't seem to be any change in its demeanor. The lothwolf, however, is plowing ahead. She seems excited. Zealot doesn't answer Volken. Instead, he just starts moving, and the female marauder does likewise. With one hand, he guides the hoverberth, and with the other he carries a blowtorch that burns away the debris blocking their path. The female marauder has flame retardant, putting out the blazes should the dampness of the surrounding bushes not cause the fire to flicker out. And so they carry on this way, heading deeper into the Gorge, away from those cursed vines. Thaarin sighs. "No, of course not," he says, "but if you see him about, do let me know. I've got to inform his master. Are you out to do some shopping?" Everything is as Cayde remembers it. The access key gets him in as per usual, and the console is on once he gets down there. The same access card unlocks the console, and then, he's in. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "We were planning on some shopping, and leaving our stuff at our new lodgings," Navi replies to Thaarin, starting to follow Zetha. "If we see him, I'll give you a comlink call." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' trying to light up a few of the burnt out lamps, Jorn keeps going. Just pushing aside that uneasy feeling. Yes, he's concerend. However, the Mandalorian knows that the wolf seems too eager. Andso, he will keep moving just overly concerned with how this tunnel will end. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha smiles and nods. "Maybe not in that particular order. I'm going to take a good look at the spaceport too." One cannot seem to take Zetha to any port and not have her interested in the yards around. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde makes his way downstairs, and accesses the console easily before begging to search for information about Zetha's parents, and anything concerning Vlaven's whereabouts or the hauling company that had transported him offworld. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lamps don't light. Jorn will find that odd, they've oil in them, but for some reason, they just won't light. Perhaps he ought not to overthink that. Eventually, the corridor ends. It ends in a massive rusted door with a complicated lock that looks like it likely doesn't work anymore. The lothwolf looks to Jorn, then the saber, and then barks. She sits right by the door, expectantly. Her tail wags. The Chiss man smiles slightly, and nods. "Well, have fun," he says, "and be careful. And thank you. I don't want to be losing Cayde to a crowd in this massive place." He won't find much, really. All those profiles still say 'incomplete,' and there's very little outside of what he'd accessed remotely. He'll find single navigation log from five years back that's associated with the hauling company, but there's nothing interesting, informative or leading about it. However, he may remember that Black had told him he could contact him anytime he wanted to, and that he does have the mysterious man's contact information. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Jedi are a lot more common and accepted here, so I doubt you have anything to worry about," Navi advises Thaarin, with a reassuring smile, moving to follow Zetha. "As long as Cayde doesn't draw attention to himself or do something foolish, he should be completely safe." She pauses, and her smile fades into a weary sigh. She covers her eyes with her palm and shakes her head slowly. "I can't /believe/ I just said that with a straight face..." she murmurs. "We'll keep a good eye out for him." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn focuses with the blade then lunges stabbling into the door. Slicing upward and trying to cut through the hinges in the motion. He's not sure if the blade willc ut through this thing like a vibroblade through synth butter, or if there's just layer after layer of thick rust here. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs as there is nothing more than what he'd already seen, which was not much. Black had claimed he wasn't hiding anything, but now the padawan is wondering how true that actually was. But then he recalls that he does have Black's contact information, so he begins to call the man on the holo from the comms system in the vault. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "If it wasn't marginally unethical, I would say we could always put a tracker on Cayde's robes." Zetha comments and then gives a little smirk. "I suppose that's kind of mean to say..." Then she looks between Navi and Thaarin before glancing back to the spaceport proper. "Do we even know where we're being shacked up at?" Meanwhile, Cayde's search yields three results. The most recent being the Rumir's on a manifest as crew of a freighter with last known whereabouts having been on Tatooine. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' There's not really much Volken can do but to follow them. With the poison, it's taking all he has to keep Er'gi aloft and to shuffle after the marauders. He's of no help clearing anything out of the way and sparing any energy to speak would be foolish. So on he goes. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Don't say that," Thaarin says to Navi, "sometimes, I feel the mere thought or notion that Cayde won't get into trouble somehow incites him to get himself mired in predicaments of unfathomable sorts...! Well, anyway. Don't trouble yourself too much. Enjoy the city, and here's where we'll be staying," he says, handing Navi a small card with an address on it. Meanwhile, Black picks up before the first ring can even go off. "Hello Cayde," he says through the commlink, "It's nice to see you're back in town. Even kinder that I was the first person you thought to reach out to," he says. "I see you're making good use of the vault. But I imagine you're calling because you have questions about Vlaven, and one particular Zetha Rumir's parents." Unfortunately, the three results are all Cayde's getting from the vault. The trail seems to go cold as far as information after that. Age must have deteriorated the material the door is made of, because the saber does in fact, cut through the door like butter. There's a horrible screeching sound, and then the massive slab of mortar and metal falls forward, allowing Jorn and the lothwolf access to the room. Unlike the rest of the lower levels, this room is actually... lit. There are many shelves, covered in canvas cloths full of dust. And beyond the shelving seems to a ballroom type area, littered with many stone pedestals that stretch as far back as the eye can see. It's maze like, but that does not seem to deter the loth wolf. She's running for the pedestals, as fast as her limp will allow. They'll carry on like this for a while. It could have been forty five minutes, it could have been several hours. Time seems to blur together - the poison, slow acting but present will gradually start to make Volken feel weaker and weaker. At some point, he'll see a gigantic, oddly shaped ship mired in a bog up ahead. A lone marauder stands guard, but when they approach, he comes to meet them and assist with moving the Baron into the ship. He does not offer to help Volken, though. In fact, he'll give him a few wary glances before hurrying inside himself. But at least the leave the door open and the gangplank down for him. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Out of pure caution, Jorn tries to note everything, but he does not touch any of it. Very much a situation where one looks with their eyes and not with their hands. He's not sure what kind of ancient things may linger. He'll try to note what he can without disturbing any of the natural, or unnatural, order of things about the place. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "One of his former Masters actually suggested something like that once, so maybe it's not /that/ unethical," Navi replies to Zetha, accepting the card from Thaarin and studying it thoughtfully. "But do you really want to have to deal with that pouty look he gets when he thinks we're trying to corral him? I don't." "If only it were that simple, Thaarin... Cayde is something of a trouble magnet. I'm beyond relieved that he's been trying to keep out of trouble more these last few months, but sooner or later he and trouble just have a habit of coming together. Usually noisily," she adds to Thaarin. "Nevertheless, we'll do our best to enjoy ourselves and still keep an eye out for him, just in case." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "If seeing his pouty mouth means not watching trouble horribly explode around him, I think I'd be in favor of the pout if I'm honest. But then, I haven't suffered it as much as those who spend more time with him." Zetha offers this and then she tries to peak at the card Navi was handed. "Anyway, I'm going to wander off. You can follow if you want Navi, but I need to move or I'm going to collapse from excitement. Or something." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well, that was quick. Cayde nods and decides to just enter his messages into the comms console.     << Yes >> is the simple response he sends back. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Well looks like we made it..." rumbles Volken to the unresponsive Er'gi. The way the Marauders are looking at him is to be expected. They're right to be cautious just from a sake of prudency - but in his state all he can truly do is follow them and make his way into the ship. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, Jorn is being careful, but the lothwolf is doing everything but that. She's zooming around the stone pedestals, sniffing most of them until she finds one with a gilded saber in it. She barks, and pushes on it with her front legs. It wobbles, so she pushes on it again, and it wobbles more. But Jorn may find himself thinking, should she really be doing that? It's dark inside the ship - a few lights here and there. Zealot and the female marauder seem to have disappeared from sight, along with the Baron. Volken will find himself in some kind of atrium. Hanging on the wall are a wide of variety of those garish masks, in all shapes and sizes. There's a bench for him to sit on, at least. But he probably won't get much respite -- there's a shadowy figure looming a nearby archway to his left. "... long journey, I see." Thaarin waves dismissively. "He doesn't have to know... anyway, let's save that discussion for later. He hasn't gotten into trouble... yet. Or at least, it doesn't seem like it." Then he bids both Zetha and Navi goodbye and heads back into the shuttle. "Well, I hate to tell you this, but what we have on file is what we have on file." There's a long pause. "But... I could complete the profiles, if you want me to. I also thought it'd be worth mentioning that I could use some help with investigating the potentially criminal background of a certain high ranking politician. I'm down an agent, but you know that already. If you're willing, I'll work on completing whatever profiles you want completed, and then in the meantime, you can do a little fishing. What do you think?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The figure is barely spred a glance as Volken finally unshoulders Er'gi and then sets hi down onto the bench. He leans over to check on the other Mandalorian and then finally slumps down towards a seat himself. "Y'could say that...." he rumbles after a pause, finally addressing the figure and then glancing up to peer in that direction in search of the speaker and his identity. "Is there...some sort of antitdote? What's goin' on down here...? What's that thing?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Take care, Thaarin," Navi says, giving Thaarin a little wave as she follows Zetha. "It's less the pouty face and more the emotional and relationship troubles that go with the pouty face. If we just got that when we kept him alive and safe, I could deal with it. But we get it a lot more than that. I'm just hoping his progress these last six months or so means a lot less of that," she adds. "Now, where shall we go first?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Taking the blade, Jorn inspects it and tries to set it back down. Just trying to be respectful of the blade while trying to see why this wolf wanted the blade so much. That's the strange part about this journey. It's the only thing he touches and it's to make sure she doesn't knock off the blade. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde arches a brow at this response. << You don't know more? >> he asks. If he -had- the information to complete the profile, couldn't he tell it all now?     Anyway, this was the sort of work he'd been hoping to get into, since his...gifts were well suited to it. << ...okay >> 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Not entirely sure, but I really think checking in and dropping stuff off would be best before we hit the shopping district? I think I need to take Coruscant in small doses..." Zetha offers this to Navi with a somewhat nervous chuckle. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well of course there is," The shadowy figure says, then steps into the dim light. A Harch, female by the looks of it, with glowing green eyes. "A side effect of the monsoon destroying the Baron's laboratories, I'd imagine," she says. "I'd have you know," she hisses, "that I don't normally take in strays, and I certainly do not give out medical attention for free." "No," Black replies, "I'm sorry, you may have misunderstood. What I meant, is that I have the means and resources necessary to find out. It will take some time, of course. But you'll be busy in the meantime, anyway. Now, have a look." The console blinks, and there's suddenly a file glowing blue in the top right hand corner of the screen. "That's everything you need to know. I'd suggest starting in the Lower Levels, on 1314, Sector D. It's a hotbed of criminal activity, but nothing you can't handle I'm sure. The next train down there will arrive at platform 9 in about five minutes. It's recommendable that you get started now -- this fellow is involved in that upcoming trial for the Dug from Tenoo. It'd be ideal if we could have the investigation wrapped up with a neat little bow before it even begins, don't you think?" "Oh, and one more thing. I'd like to meet this Zetha Rumir. It will help me with the ... profile completion." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "That's actually a good idea. Coruscant's big and /busy/. Sometimes I forget how overwhelming it can be," Navi says, blushing faintly. "Sounds like our lodgings are the logical first stop. Let's go." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Yeah. My insides are screaming while also trying to feel fascinated and not overwhelmed..." Zetha offers this and then follows Navi's lead. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     << But...you took Vlaven away? >> Cayde asks, finding it hard to believe that Black does not even know where Vlaven was taken.     The padawan copies the file to a personal device and notes the address. Yes of course it was a hotbed of criminal activity, he has been there plenty of times himself. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "So everything's back to Caine's nonsense..." grumbles Volken as he leans his head back. "Well....can we have it then?" No sense in beating around the bush here. "My friend is dying and apparently so am I...and apparently so was Caine I guess so I guess there's some justice out there for his fooolishness...." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi and Zetha probably won't have much trouble finding their lodgings. As soon as they leave the spaceport, a fancy looking shuttle will pull up, escorted by two uniformed CSF guards. They ask if Navi and Zetha are the arriving part from Tenoo for the trial of the Dug, Weniscio. Once that's all been sorted, they're allowed into the taxi and taken straight to the Alisandre Hotel, a massive structure built to house the richest of guests - or so it seemed. There's a lavish fountain out front, hover lights, and an exquisite garden. A gilded cargo droid will present itself upon their arrival, and offer to take their luggage up to their assigned rooms. "Well yes and no," Black continues. "He was here, for a time, under going a sort of rehabilitation. But he wasn't responding very well to it, and Kurrnak wanted him taken somewhere, anywhere, that would reduce the risk of him landing in the public eye. So, naturally, I washed my hands of him and handed him off to some other Outer Rim scientist with a private hauling company who had promised ... results, of some kind. I said that was fine and that I didn't need coordinates or results. They could do as they pleased, Vlaven was proving to be a less and less interesting plaything over time, anyway." "If you're wondering who the scientist was, I don't actually know. I didn't reach out to them personally. I asked some of my contacts to put out a word about Vlaven, and they approached me first. They wanted to keep their identity discreet, in exchange for making Vlaven disappear from Coruscant. I didn't really care at that point, Kurrnak was putting immense pressure on me to have him sent away as soon as possible. But if you want me to do more digging, I can." "You wouldn't by chance happen to know where you, Zetha, and the others are staying for the duration of the trial, would you?" "Not my problem," the Harch hisses. "But yes, I'll be doing what I can to reverse the effects of the poison." Her eyes then narrow. "You will, however, be owing me a favor, once you're recovered." Meanwhile, Jorn's attempts to make sure the gilded saber doesn't fall off the pedestal the lothwolf is knocking may succeed, or they may not. The lothwolf has in fact, applied too much force and the pedestal is now toppling. Perhaps Jorn can catch it in time? 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "We are, sirs. I'm Co-Deputy Marshal Navi, and this is Zetha Rumir," Navi replies politely to the security officers. Once the identifications are sorted out, she boards the shuttle and offers Zetha her hand to join her. Whether Zetha takes it or not, she does her best to keep the slightly overwhelmed Twi'lek grounded, pointing out landmarks through the shuttle's viewports. "Nice place. Canto Bight was almost this nice," she observes softly as they enter the grand hotel lobby. "Please, and thank you," she says warmly to the droid, transferring over her duffel and daypack. She makes sure to keep her medic's satchel, though. She's long since gotten used to expecting the unexpected, even here. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns as Black explains further on what he knows about Vlaven's fate. He sighs...of course the man didn't care. The young Jedi nods at the offer of trying to do more digging. [Yes please] he signs. At the question of where they're staying, he thinks about it and realizes he actually doesn't yet know, so he shrugs. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn panics and he moves his hand, hoping he's quick enough to grab it. Yes, he probably shouldn't touch it. However, instincts and a desire for an antique to not potentially shatter override common senses. And so he's going for the item before his logical side can kick in. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Fine. I"m not in any sort of position to push back or negotiate. Help us." rumbles Volken. He doesn't want to expend too much energy here at this point and arguign about it is the last thing on his mind. "Him first." he rumbles, "He took a worse dose than me." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is overwhelmed upon leaving the spaceport. Spaceports - regardless of size - are familiar territories. Junkyards and repair stations, gritty droids and even grittier people running them. As Navi points out landmarks, she may either look like a kid in a candy shop or a terrified orphan. Maybe even a mixture of both. Once they arrive at the hotel, she's amazed, impressed and terrified of it all at the same time. "Well. Certainly no expense being spared I suppose..." Offered as the two make their way inside. Then as the droid approaches them and offers to take their bags, Zetha holds her backpack tightly for a moment longer before actually releasing it and handing it over. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The cargo droid bleeps affirmative in binary and takes Navi and Zetha's belongings to the lift. The grand hotel lobby looks like something Zetha would have only ever dreamed of or seen in holodramas or novels. Everything's gold, or crystal. And there's another fountain, of course. Even bigger than the one outside. Rykard and Mondrian are there, getting checked in by the secretary at the desk. When he sees Zetha and Navi, he nods in greeting. "Good to see you made it here safely," he says to them, "... have either of you seen Cayde?" Cayde may realize that his commlink is pinging. There's a message from his master. <We're at the Alisandre Hotel. Where are you?> Black replies, "Of course. You and I will be both working hard. You out in the field, and me, behind the scenes. Just like it's supposed to be. Anyway, you'd best get going, the trial won't wait. Oh, and make sure to tell me where you are all staying, when you find out." Jorn will experience a particular surge of malevolence surge through his veins the moment he touches that gilded saber. The feeling is so strong, it's an urge to kill someone, anyone. But then it suddenly dissipates, and Jorn will find himself again, standing in front of the pedestal that had fallen when the lothwolf had pushed on it too hard. It's toppled now, and cracked in half. Another problem presents itself - the toppled pedestal had knocked another over. The crystalline case protecting it has shattered, and the relic inside of it is lying on the floor... a ruby ring. The lothwolf is barking now, nipping at the gilded saber Jorn had instinctually saved. The Harch's mandibles click in satisfaction. She seemed to think Volken would have put up more of a fight regarding asking for a favor. "Hm. Yes. Come then. We'll go to my laboratory." And she turns to leave, expecting Volken to follow. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "No, Master. We didn't see him leave, or where he went," Navi replies, with a soft sigh, reaching for her comlink. "Thaarin was looking for him, too. We promised we'd keep an eye out for him." "Speaking of people to keep an eye out for, do you know if Lady Graf and Lord San Tekka have checked in, or will be staying here?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's desire to reply with dry sarcasm is halted by a thought that it might not be best to offend a Jedi Master. Then Navi answers the question about Cayde so she simply gives a little nod of her head. "Coruscant is intimidating." Is all she comments after that. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken is a man of extreme practicality when an emergency is taking place. He removed his armor to save another and didn't think twice about it. RIght now his priority is 'save Er'gi., save himself' - and then they can haggle out the specifics of the owed favor. As far as he's concerned....the particulars can be sorted after he's sure they're going to live. Having to haul Er'gi again isn't ideal but with the antitode being so close ... he'll do what he must and so he again lifts the other gigantic Mandalorian and then carries him like a sack, following after their benefactor for their lab. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn doesn't put on the ring, but he does pick it up delicately. He'll try to put that and the object in his hand back on the shelf. Yes, the container for them is ruined, but he wants them off the floor. It's him trying to put things back as he left them. That's the plan at least. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods, and disconnects from the call. He starts to leave the basement, and finds his commlink going off. Glancing at it, he notes that he will be staying at the Alisandre. However, he doesn't respond to the message, or contact Black to let him know the answer to his question. Rather, he's contemplating whether he -should- tell his Master where he's going. He probably should. But then Master won't want him to go, or will insist that someone else come along with him. Someone less familiar with the Lower City, no doubt. It would just get in the way of things.     So he simply puts the commlink away, and starts heading for the station platform. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Hm...." Rykard says pensively. His brows furrow and there's a pause. "Well that's alright. I'll speak with Thaarin and then I'll see if I can't go find him myself. Good luck, both of you. I hope you enjoy Coruscant. There's a lovely noodles house just down the street, if you're keen the try it," he recommends, and then starts for the lift. Another message pops up on Cayde's commlink <Good luck. Let me know where the group from Tenoo is staying, soon>. Soon, Cayde will find himself on a train headed back to his old familiar haunts - the Lower Levels of Coruscant. Volken might suddenly find himself in a place that makes him take a stroll down memory lane. The Harch had led them down a hallway, to a large, expansive room that visually fits the stereotypical mad scientist lab. There's test tubes everywhere. White washed walls, fauna from varying planets that look like they're just begging to be put out of their misery. There's a wall lined with cages that look large to hold a sentient being that human sized or smaller. It looks... hauntingly like the place he had been rescued from as a boy.... Picking up the ring seems to transport Jorn into some kind of parallel reality. The room is the same, but darker, and everything looks distorted. He won't be able to hear the lothwolf barking anymore. But somewhere, emanating from some place that seems to be everywhere all at once, is a scream that somehow sounds silent and deafening at the same time. Jorn will feel it -- there's something, someone else here. And him picking up a ring has drawn its attention... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' It's familiar to him, indeed. But Volken doesn't want to think to heavily about that. Yet. Yes, a certain abhorrence wells up inside of him but he can't risk not getting that anttidote for himself and Er'gi and he'd have no idea where to look and what to do on his own. Not to mention the ship is full of marauders who would likely turn against them at the drop of a hat. 'You got some interestin' hobbies..." is all he states on the matter while trying to not linger his gaze for too long on any particular part of ther room. "How..much further?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Please be careful, Master," Navi replies. "We have our comlinks, so please keep us informed." Even as she speaks, she's slipping her comlink earpiece into her ear. She touches the back of Zetha's hand reassuringly with her free hand. "It takes some getting used to, definitely." Touching the transmit button on her earpiece, she says, "Cayde, where are you?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Hearing that deafening scream. The one that sounds silent one second, loud the next just causes Jorn to freeze in place. He closes his eyes and hears the lessons from long ago. <"What do we do when fear sneaks up on us, Boy?"> Jorn hears himself reply. His voice higher, a lot more innocent, <"We push past. We push past fear."> Jorn just hears his reply over and over, before some part of him just tosses the ring onto the shelf. He breathes hard, eyes wide with panick from underneath the helmet. Quietly, he goes down to return the other part knocked over, the other it. Just what he first caught. Keeping that there, Jorn shakily walks past the whole thing. Not wanting to touch that ring, or any other jewelery from this place, again. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Familiar haunts indeed, Cayde often had a nightly habit coming down here looking for trouble. Well--looking problems to -solve-! In fact, he has ridden this very transport line several times. As he waits for his destination stop, he starts studying the intel that Black had given him regarding whatever it was he needed to do down there. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I think this is going to take a bit more than simply getting used to. And I feel that by the time I begin to accept any of it as real and not some sort of fantasy in my head we'll be heading back to Teeno. Or I will be. I guess I shouldn't assume you'd be coming back..." Zetha offers and then watches as Navi reaches out to Cayde so she simply steps forward to the desk to check herself into her pre-acquired room. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Of course I will," Rykard says to Navi has he takes his leave. Navi likely won't be surprised that Cayde doesn't reply to her. When did he, ever? But it's probably not a good sign, that he's not responding, and he's missing. The woman at the desk checking Zetha in glances at her credentials. "Zetha Rumir?" She peers at her through horn rimmed glasses. "Mmkay. Just wanted to let you know, you've been upgraded to the Senatorial Master Suite on the seven thousandth floor. Room service is included. This was a personal request from Senator Burkenn of Nakadia himself." The intel Black has given him is very comprehensive, at least. It gives a couple locations of known hideouts belonging to a particularly deadly gang called the Verpine's Venom. It details their insignia, a record of their criminal activity, and their highest profile members. Several of which had been seen associating with a Dowutin Senator named Draconis Grindle, who had been slated to oversee the hiring of a third party jury counsel for Weniscio's trial... Whatever it is that's noticed Jorn, is coming. He won't be able to see it, but he will be able to feel it. It feels like sweat on the back of his neck. It feels like pure evil, coming to consume. The scream, silent but loud, seeks to overwhelm him. And then, in the middle of it all, he'll see a vision of a girl. She's young, couldn't be older than fourteen. She's crying, curled up somewhere dark, her head in her hands. But then she looks up, staring at Jorn with bloodshot, tear stained eyes. 'Help,' she mouths. '... help me' And then Jorn drops the ring, and it's all over. "I'm not a doctor," the Harch tells Volken frankly. "I'm a toxicologist, a poison expert. And if you mind my hobbies -- well, you're free to leave." She stops walking and motions to a rusted berth with shackles on it. "Put him here," she says. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn looks at the wolf, as if they would have answers. "What the Hell was that?" His mind reels as it starts to catch up to the vision. Breathing out hard and deep. Trying to center himself as he tries processing what exactly happened. "How do I even find her?" Oh. He doesn't like this one bit. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde's commlink keeps going off, but he keeps ignoring it as he's busy perusing the intel Black had given him. He starts looking for as much info as he can about the hideouts, so he'sll know what to expect upon arriving. That's what he'sll be doing until he arrives in the Lower City. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'll be going back. My two years isn't up, and I don't really see this trial lasting months. Besides, we've still got work to do there," Navi replies to Zetha. She steps up to the desk to check in, repeating, "Cayde, where are you?" into her earpiece. She has a feeling she's wasting her time, but she keeps trying. "Wow... that's incredible, Zetha! That's got to be the best room in the house, or close to it. You're sure to be very comfy there," she says, with an encouraging grin to Zetha. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha stares at the woman behind the counter for a good few heartbeats before she shakes her head. Not in refusal, just in a sort of denial. Navi comes to break the moment and the Twi'lek gives a little smile. "The Senator is very kind for arranging such a thing. I should try to convey my thanks at some point I guess. It's only polite." Stunned beyond belief but she finishes the check in process. "Can trials last months? That's a little disheartening... anyway. Back to Teeno then once it's all over. Nothing from Cayde yet?" She'll pull out her own commlink and message Cayde <You know if you keep ignoring everyone they'll send a search party after you. Thaarin and Master Rykard especially....at least let us know you're okay?> 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Right.." Well that looks ominous. "Why the shackles?" He does comply however and lays Er'gi down before stepping back and looking at him, then the rest of the room and then..the toxicologist. "You can have wahtever hobby you want.. Just as long as by 'helpin' Er'gi..and me...you don't turn us into one of them." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Certainly," the woman behind the desk says with a smile, "After what you did for his wife, it only makes sense! The droids have brought all your baggage up to your room," she tells Zetha, "And here's your key card. Don't lose it. Now enjoy your stay!" And she gestures towards the lift. It's all there. The coordinates, detailed descriptions, and several photos of every angle of each hideout. It's everything Cayde needs, to get there, get in, and get whatever information he needs, and hopefully get out quietly. Hopefully. The train suddenly lurches to a stop, and Cayde will find himself a mile or so from the first hideout. The lothwolf is sitting in front of Jorn, that gilded saber he'd put back earlier in between her teeth. She seems happy. She tilts her head to one side and wags her tail, as if to say that the answer is obvious, but of course, she's just a canine who can't speak basic, so what that answer is remains a mystery. "The only promise I'm going to make is that I am going to try. And if that doesn't work... well," she shrugs, and glances at one of the cages Volken had seen earlier. "You're good as dead anyway. This poison isn't like any old cocktail you'll find on the black market. The plant seems to have some kind of defense mechanism that causes the poison to perfectly tailor itself to individual victims. That's why it's slow acting - the poison is mapping out your genome, and actively figuring out a way to deconstruct it piece by piece." She almost looks happy for a moment. "It's very intriguing. Anyway, don't worry about the shackles. They're just there... in case." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Lead the way," Jorn waves a hand thinking the wolf is more force sensitive than he is. And so, Jorn has a strange trust in this beast. That's when he will take a few steps expecting the animal to move. That's the hope at least. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha steps back from the counter with room key in hand and then tucks it into one of the many pockets on her cargo pants. She might just have to get something practical to begin carrying everything in. Also, she wasn't sure what bags would have been taken to her room. She didn't pack much for this trip and is about to go shopping for at least one or two outfits. Something to match a necklace and something practical. Or as practical as one can look on Coruscant. Now it's just waiting for Navi to check in and then deciding what their next destination is going to be. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "You've been handed a once in a lifetime opportunity, Zetha. Go ahead and get settled in, and enjoy it," Navi says to Zetha, smiling. "And if you need help getting unpacked, I'll be just a comlink call away, once I get my room keycard." She turns back to the desk to finish checking in. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Try. Hard." rumbles Volken, tone growing more moinous now as she further expounds on the dire situation and her glibness about it begins to rub him the wrong way. "Cause if a Mandalorian is backed into a corner...and there's no other option but death... they like goin out in a blaze of glory..." Volkens' eyes narrow behind his helmet's visor. One can practically feel it.. "...And nobody wants that..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde gets off the train and starts heading toward the first den belonging to these 'Verpine's Venom' people.     He goes to silence his commlink, noticing Zetha's message. The padawan frowns somewhat indignantly. It hadn't been -that- long! He sighs and she at least gets a response. Although it's just << Yes okay >> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The woman at the desk then continues on and checks Navi in, handing Navi a key card as well as telling her the same things she'd told Zetha. But as Zetha and Navi are headed up, the lift doors open and out steps Master Rykard. He doesn't look happy. "He's not in his room, and he's not back at the ship or at the starport," the elder Ikkrukki Master announces. "That can only mean one thing." And his stride takes him straight for the exit of the hotel. "You can join me, if you like, Navi. But I would understand if you'd just like to rest up here at the hotel..." The commlink dings a little too loudly when Cayde goes to silence it. The young padawan will just barely be able to send off a message to Zetha when suddenly, he'll hear heavy footsteps approaching. "I like favors too much to not try," the Harch says, "but I can tell. There's something -special- about this place that's bothering you," she says, "isn't there?" The lothwolf does not move. She just watches Jorn for a moment, then goes up to his pocket and begins to sniff around for another ration bar. At least she drops the gilded saber on the floor to do this. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Almost as if on some weird cue, Zetha's commlink pings. She glances at it and looks up just as Rykard keeps moving. "Cayde's okay." She offers this. "He...didn't tell me where he was. I simply told him what he could expect by being silent, asked if he was okay and he told me yes, okay." She offers this and then shrugs. "Not that I am telling you to stop whatever..." she motions, "this is. But..." Then she has to wonder why Cayde would answer -her- and not anyone else who may have tried to contact him. "And if it's all the same to you all...I am going to go settle into my room I guess. Let me know when you're ready to go shopping, Navi." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi pockets her keycard and follows Zetha to the turbolift banks, just in time to meet Master Rykard coming out of them. "I had a feeling he'd taken off somewhere," she murmurs, giving Zetha a quick hug. "I have a feeling he's not quite as okay as he says, given his close relationship with trouble. Go ahead and get settled in. I'm going with Master Rykard to find him. Hopefully we won't be gone long." She turns to follow the elderly Master. "Lead the way, Master. If you can get in contact with him telepathically, we might have an easier time finding him," she suggests. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "What is this, an interview? Just get him back on 'is feet." grumbles Volken as he steps away to find something to lean on. Lean on and watch, glowring...but nervous on the inside. Ater a moment, he sighs and tries his comm again. Now that they're not in the gorge maybe there's a chance he can reconnect with the others and if Jorn or their Jedi Minder was also caught by that poison... he needs to know. <<Jorn. Anybody. Answer me...>> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde puts the commlink away and continues toward the coordinates Black had given him, appearing as if unaware of the approaching footfalls. However, he does reach out into the Force, attempting to identify who the footsteps belong to. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Thank you," Rykard says to Navi. He looks relieved, and grateful. "I know this is not how you imagined you'd spend your first night back here in Coruscant. But I'm sure tomorrow you'll have plenty of time to relax..." And he starts heading for platform, intending to head for the Lower Levels. When Zetha arrives in her room, she'll likely be even more shocked by how lavish it is. A king sized bed, with shimmersilk curtains. A plate of food, covered up and warm, waiting for her. At least fifty different varieties of expensive teas, a mini-bar, a caf machine, and ten different bottles of wine. And then there's an envelope, sealed with gold wax, addressed to her specifically. It's sitting on the bed, neatly tucked between the pillows. "There's no signal down here," she says, pulling out a needle that will, once again, remind Volken of his traumatic childhood. That needle and syringe are plunged into Er'gi's arm, and the bright blue liquid in it drains from the capsule, into the other massive Mandalorian's body. Er'gi twitches, and his skin starts to turn a pale shade of blue. Was that 'supposed' to happen? Once the lothwolf finds that there's no ration bar in his pocket (or she just doesn't find it), she'll trot off, and then right before Jorn's eyes, sink through the floor, disappear, and then reappear, right at the base of the steps. It may suddenly occur to Jorn, that that is how the lothwolf had gotten him here. It's how she'd transported him the first time, too. She could go anywhere on this planet, likely. A world of opportunities has opened up for Jorn. He could probably find Volken, and maybe even the girl. He just has to tell the lothwolf to go back to where he'd last seen Volken... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Guards. A couple of Verpine Venom henchmen doing patrols around the perimeter of the hideout. They'd heard the commlink go off and are now coming to investigate, fully armed.... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will see how the wolf teleports. Then he will look at the wolf. "Do you know where the girl went?" Because between a scared girl and a big scary mandalorian, it's very apparent who could handle themself. If the wolf doesn't know, then he would go to the big scary Mandalorian. To him it's a matter of need. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well Cayde might as well start looking for information. He tries reaching more deeply into their minds, in search of anything regarding Senator Grindle. However, he doesn't otherwise move. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' This poison is a bixzarre thing. The fix may be a bixarre thing and whatever ER'gi is going through..he's going to have to as well. So for the moment, Volken just watches. A change in pigmentation ...hopefully temporary...is the least of his worries. But...yeah...ideally it's just temporary. More pressing besides that is the lack of respons eon the comm and the confirmation they can't get a message out. "Dammit..." he grumbles, giving up once that's said. "This gorge is crazy... Shouolda just lit the whole place up from above..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "It's okay, Master. I'm used to it," Navi replies, following Master Rykard and reaching out through the Force, questing for a sense of Cayde's location. It's been a long time since she's used this particular power, but the Force is with her. "I was afraid of this... he's in trouble," she reports. "We'd better pick up our pace." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's mouth just drops as she makes her way into the room. It's a lot. It's almost too much. "All I did was pull a piece of trash out of a ship..." She mutters to herself and then shakes her head. As soon as she notices the scent of food her stomach rumbles but the envelope on the pillow catches her attention first. So she goes to retrieve that before she'll settle at the table where the food is to reveal the meal and whatever the envelope contains at roughly the same time. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh, I know," Rykard says, "I know..." And then he grabs her hand, and Force leaps both of them onto the top of a passing train, one that's making a beeline for Sector D. Navi will need to call on the Force to steady herself as soon as they land, as the train quickly starts to descend. The letter itself looks like it probably cost whatever Wiis' mortgage had been for the entire year. There's a nice message from Senator Burkenn, written in gold ink and signed personally, that thank her for helping his wife and something something he had to repay the favor, and that he'd love to meet her in person and have her meet his daughter Gianka, as well. If she turns it over she'll see that it's not just a note, it's an invitation, to Gianka's 19th birthday party, hosted at some extravagant opera venue in the Federal District. She might be taking this all in when her commlink goes off... They know him. They've seen him several times. In fact, he used to be a member of their gang. But then... But then, suddenly someone is grabbing Cayde by the back of his shirt and hoisting him up into the air. "Look wot I found, boys!!" Cayde will find himself looking into the eyes of a massive Dowut male who's at least nine feet tall. The lothwolf doesn't seem to understand Jorn. She tilts her head to one side curiously for a moment. She does seem to understand that Jorn is trying to tell her something, so she suddenly moves forward and puts her snout under his hand. Jorn will feel the blade's mood shift suddenly again, and he'll experience a strange sensation, that's hard to pinpoint with words. But it's a feeling of connection, a connection to the lothwolf. She's trying to understand what he wants from her. "Hmph," the Harch says, "if you're just going to sit there and disrupt my work with your idle chatter, I'd rather not have you around." She makes a shooing motion. "Just don't wander too far if you value your life. After all, you're going to need a workup too, eventually." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sets the invitation aside and considers heavily whether she wants to attend or not. Attending may require something better than a tank top and cargo pants while looking like she climbs through engines for a living. Then her commlink goes off and she reaches to see who the message is from while also deciding that thinking all this through on an empty stomach is a bad idea. So she begins eating. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Eep!" Navi squeaks as Master Rykard suddenly grabs her hand and drags her through a prodigious, Force-fueled leap onto the roof of a passing train! She has to call on all of her physical training and the Force to steady herself on landing. Falling off of a train moving this fast could be fatal! "Geez, Master... you could at least say, 'Hang on' first," she grumbles, struggling to steady her wobbly legs in the wake of the stunt. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn feels that probing sensation. Then he'll hold the blade. Then he feels a connection to the wolf. Although Jorn will ask general questions like, "Hello?" When they're first connected. This is still as trange sensation, whether it's a human or an animal. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Yer the one that was trying to ask me twenty questions. I"m not goin' anywhere until Er'gi is awake and I know he's fine. And also not blue." Volken's response is curt and to the point. An edge to his voice as well. Try and move him if you dare. "Just get 'im done and then get to work on me and we'll be on our way. I got others who might be in trouble." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Ah, so that's why Grindle had been associating with them. He used to be in their membership. But, why'd he leave? Perhaps it would be worth visiting the Senator's office later.     But then, suddenly a massive male Dowut has grabbed him and dangling him in the air. The first instinct would be to struggle, but then, he thinks better of it. Instead, he continues probing their minds, looking for more information, and also what they plan to do with him. Maybe he'll get a chance to meet someone in leadership. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Zetha might be both happy and dismayed simultaneously to see that she'd received a text from Crane. <hey...u got to Coruscant ok, that's good uvu :) > He isn't calling though, even though they'd both agreed, they'd get on a holocall as soon as she arrived on Coruscant... "I'm sorry!" Rykard says over the sound of the rushing wind, "But there's no time! The other option was hijacking the nearest vehicle!" Well, he was probably right. Navi will sense that Cayde's actually in imminent danger - hopefully by the time her and Master Rykard arrive, it won't be too late! "Look at 'im! Helpless! Haha! Maybe he's worth somethin' tho, looks like a wee Jedi, maybe they'll pay good to get 'im back..." They start dragging him away, towards the permacrete complex that is the Verpine Venom hideout. Unfortunately these guys don't know that much. They've met Grindle before, and known him back in the day but hadn't been close to him. They aren't exactly sure why he left, or if he's actually fully severed ties with the gang or not. Jorn won't really get an answer from the lothwolf. It's just all... feelings, and sensations. She's looking to see what Jorn wants, and mostly ignores his hello. All of a suddenly, she's leaping forward and tugging Jorn's sleeve again. And then, that strange out of body sensation, once more... The Harch doesn't further address Volken. She turns turns around and continues her work, but something may catch Volken's eye. There's a comms console showing a bunch of really old text transmissions logged to it. And one of the contact names showing up under the text transmissions logged there, Volken will recognize. Merrick. Merrick Ren. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The immense man falls silent and just watches with a heavy glowring gaze. But when he sees the text messages he leans up and starts to move towards the console. He was told to go for a walk and move aorund after all. So his curiousity moving him to the comm console shouldn't be that strange. He inclines his head and leans in slowly .. looking to see what he can see of the text messages. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde just lets them take him toward the complex, hoping that someone there will know more than these guys. He also keeps searching for what they plan to do with him once they arrive there. Hopefully, show him to someone with some -rank-. Especially since someone with rank might be pleased with their catch, might give them a reward. A very nice reward.... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha reads the message and then relaxes just a little. Then she'll type out a reply. <Yes. Here. Safe. Call when you can, I have a -story- to tell you. And a room to show you. I love you. <3 > Then she sets her commlink down and decides best to keep eating. Everything else can wait, and she has no idea of the peril her friend is in. So food is good. Food is very good. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I won't second-guess your choice, Master! The sooner we get there, the better for everyone! Especially Cayde!" Navi replies, raising her voice to be heard over the noise of the train. At least it's a hovertrain, levitated by maglev or repulsorlift technology, so the racket could be worse. She steels herself for an all but guaranteed confrontation when they get where they're going. The only thing she knows for sure is that Cayde is in immediate danger, and that's enough to make her worry. A lot. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' The dog leaps forward. Then that sensation comes again. However, he doesn't know what any of this means yet. Also, he's not sure if he's in his body, out, on planet, in the temple or anywhere else. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Zetha will find that just three of the snack sized pastries will make her incredibly full. They're small, but really, really rich. She might patiently await an answer from Crane, but she won't get one until about forty five minutes later. <hey... sorry. Can't right now. Tomorrow?> Zetha might feel that horrible pit in her stomach again, but she'll be distracted by a knock on her door. The train races downward, and eventually, Navi and Master Rykard arrive at the very same platform Cayde had been at earlier. Rykard leaps off the train and hurries towards the complex, discreetly. "This way," he says to Navi, "Hurry." Cayde is dragged away, down, down, down to somewhere dark and wet. There, he's thrown rather violently into the cell while the guards who'd brough him jeer and laugh. Well, not quite how he'd expected things to go. But Cayde will be able to tell that they plan on telling their boss about him, who isn't at the hideout right now. He'll be returning but it might not be until tomorrow afternoon... The messages Volken may peer at are over forty years old. He'll see that the Harch woman had deliberately searched for those old messages. They'll bring back childhood memories Volken probably would have liked to forget. He'd sent her some of his research data, on subjects who had shown significant resistance to certain poisons. And there's... pictures too. He'll recognize the poor souls in them. They'd been there with him, at that terrible, terrible place. After the moment is over, Jorn will find himself lying on the ground again in a bed of wet ferns, staring up at the sky. The lothwolf is licking his hand. They're not very far from that outcropping he'd been on the first time he'd been approached by the lothwolves. It's the last place he'd seen Volken. But, it looks ... different. There's massive green vines covered in weird bioluminescent powder curling around all the trees in this area. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi vaults down from the train's roof and hurries after Master Rykard, resting her hand on the lightsaber clipped to the outside of her medical satchel. She's fully aware that there isn't a second to be lost. Even as she runs, she stretches out with her feelings, aided by the Force, reaching for the Padawan's mind. << Cayde... where are you? Master and I are on our way! >> 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken remains still. Almost perfectly so. A sudden coldness comes over him and his hand twitches slightly as he resits the urge to reach out aqnd crush the console into scrap metal with one huge hand. His body quakes slightly but then seems to re-assert control over itself and he finally turns away to look over to her and the work being done on Er'gi. After a second passes he turns and starts taking slow deliberate steps forward to get closer and see the status of Er'gi now. "Looks like yer hobbies are pretty expansive..." he rumbles as he draws closer to her. "And you got some research to really put things to the test..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha cannot believe that small things could taste so big and fill so quickly. She also is not greedy and so when she feels full, she stops. At the message from Crane, she droops just a little but then replies just as the knock comes to her door. <Tomorrow then. I might be shopping with Navi, just fyi> Then, despite everything that tells her no one should be knocking on her door because no one is here that knows her room, she also has to remember there is staff and it might even be a message about the trial. Or something. So she goes to open the door. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Tomorrow afternoon is noted. Now Cayde waits until they leave, and then checks to see if anyone else is nearby. Did the guards patrol the holding cells? He also checks the lock on the door, to see if he can open it without damaging anything... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' His eyes narrow as he figures they may not be in the right time. Like somehow this beast time travelled. It's why everything looks so different. He'll look around to see if any of the items they used to clear out the brush is ther.e If not, he'll try to push forward trying to move past the powder, not really trusting this place at all. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard ducks behind a broken piece of permacrete jutting out of the ground, watching as several Verpine Venom guards continue their patrol of the area. He tells Navi, He reaches out to the Cayde telepathically, <Cayde, where are you? I told you not to come down here alone!> She may or may not be surprised to see it's Thaarin. He offers her a polite smile and a bow. "I heard you were moved," he says, "this is a nice upgrade. May I come in?" The cell door is a forcefield, one that can only be deactivated by a keycard from the guards. They do patrol the hallway his cell is in, and there's a lot of them so it won't be a problem for Cayde to remove one from one unwitting gangster. However, the issue now is whether he can sneak past them once the field has been shut off... The Harch's eyes narrow. "I told you not to disturb me," she hisses. But then she notices where Volken had been coming from and her eyes narrow with intrigue, "Oh? And what interest would -you- have in whatever Merrick Ren sent me...?" Er'gi is still on the berth, that same pale shade of blue. He doesn't look better, but he also doesn't look worse. The lothwolf yelps and jumps in front of Jorn suddenly. She doesn't seem to want him near the vines. And she's a good tracker, apparently - she'd found the flamethrower they'd used earlier. She drops it at his feet. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "He's telling you more than me, then," Navi whispers to Master Rykard as she slips into cover beside him. "I've tried to talk to him, but he's not answering my telepathic calls." She palms her lightsaber. "Just give the word, Master." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Or, he can force one of them to simply unlock the cell. Cayde will begin to attempt this as one of them is passing by, when his focus is interrupted by Navi and Master Rykard.     Sigh.     Indeed, he doesn't respond to Navi, but but Rykard will at least be able to tell that he's not actually in distress, per se. In fact, he seems a bit...annoyed. Yes, he knows. He knows what he's doing. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha gives as neutral an expression to Thaarin as she can before shifting to step out of the doorway so he can walk in. "Yeah. Apparently news traveled fast and Senator Burkenn arranged to have me upgraded I guess..." Once Thaarin is in the room and the door shuts she'll also say, "Also, I got Cayde to message me. He said he was fine...but Master Rykard and Navi went to go look for him anyway. Not sure if they managed to tell you anything." She pauses a half breath. "How are you? Managed to settle in any yourself?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard grumbles. "He's not telling me much either, I've just become experienced at guessing...!" He peers out from behind the permacrete. "Not yet," he says, then, after a moment, he nods towards a shadow to their left that's been created by a pile of scrap metal. Then he darts towards it, while the guards aren't looking. The guard Cayde had been trying to convince is now wandering away from Cayde. And the rest of the patrol is now too far away. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken has taken some steps around now, looming behind the good scientist as her work continues. He eyes Er'gi with growing unease ..and something more. Building rage. "...Why is he still blue? What're you doing exactly? Tell me. No more flyin' blind..." After a pause he then adds, "As to that data.. Looks t'me like yer conferrin' with a Republic criminal known fer unethical practices. In fact...thought someone collected the bounty on 'im long ago. You busy pickin' up tricks of the trade from him?" His massive hands spasm slightly as he speaks but he just looms behind her. Blessedly, his helmet is still on, hiding the cold expression and the pinprick size of his eyes as he stares down at her and Er'gi. "Whaddya know?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Ugh! Cayde sighs, exasperated. Why won't anyone just trust him? He sits down and folds his arms, waiting for another patrol to approach. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi follows Master Rykard into cover behind the scrap pile. Peeking around the side of it, she spots an unguarded basement window. "Master... I think we can make entry through that basement window. Nobody seems to be hanging around there," she whispers. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "That's ... both good news and bad news, I suppose," Thaarin says, stepping inside to have a look around the room. "But I suppose all we can do right is hope and trust that Rykard and Navi have him handled." He offers her a small, hopeful smile. Then he spots the invitation Burkenn had given her. His expression becomes mildly curious. "What's this?" At least Cayde doesn't have to wait long. A group of three of them are coming now. But this is a bit trickier because if one of them starts to behave strangely, the others might restrain him, or call for backup... "Excellent," Rykard says, "you go first. I'll bring up the rear, and make sure the patrols don't return prematurely..." "The antidote I'm trying takes time to reverse the poison and may have some slightly unpleasant side effects like numbness and tingling." Her multiple eyes narrow. "If his condition starts to deteriorate within the next couple of hours, I'll switch to something else." A pause. "I'll have nothing to do with Merrick now," she hisses, "that was years ago, when we worked together on a few projects. He might have been made into a Republic criminal as well but we both escaped with our skin intact. But he took more than what he was owed, and I'll never forgive him for that." The lothwolf nudges the flamethrower she'd found towards Jorn, tilting her head to one side. It would make clearing the debris faster, certainly. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn snags the flame thrower. "Alright a weapon, but she was in the crystal. Is that a memory? A prison? Something else?" Jorn sighs knowing that the creature wouldn't answer him. Then he eyes that stone. Thinking it requires him to go in there or something similar. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Ah. That. Is both a letter of thanks from the Senator...and an invitation to his daughter's 19th birthday party. At an Opera. So he can both meet me and I can join the celebration." Zetha explains this and then seems to hesitate. "I fear accepting the invitation. Having no idea how to dress for such an occasion... much less how to act. And being in a place filled with no one I know is absolutely terrifying..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi nods firmly to Master Rykard. After waiting a moment to ensure no one is coming, she steals across from the scrap pile to the basement window. Taking a peek to ensure that nobody is inside, she hastily picks out the broken glass with a gloved hand before slipping inside and beckoning to Master Rykard. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde will attempt to affect all three of them at once. One of them to unlock the cell, and other two to simply...look the other way or become distracted by something that isn't actually there in reality. A phantom shadow, or footsteps in a distant corridor. Better go check out that noise! 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf barks and biting the arm with the flamethrower gently, leads him towards the strange vines covered in powdery glow. She then whines, looks at him, then to the vines, then at the flamethrower again and barks once more. Thaarin's eyes light up a little. "Why, don't fear accepting, it's an honor. And even if Senator Burkenn isn't as kind as he seems, it's an opportunity to learn more about him." He chuckles softly. "Navi and I can go with you, I'm sure. You won't be alone." Rykard follows Navi. The two of them will be able to sense Cayde nearby, on the floor just below them. Rykard looks around and finding an abandoned stairwell, motions for Navi to follow him down into it. Unfortunately, Cayde's distraction works a little too well. Two of the guards immediately start running down the hallway away from Cayde towards the stairwell where Navi and Rykard are descending, immediately starting to open fire, without even realizing the two of them are there! Well, at least the third guard comes to unlock Cayde's cell? 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde hurries out of the cell, but makes a note of its location so that he could go back to it should the situation call for that. But for now, he heads in the opposite direction from Navi and his master, going to search for someone with more rank and thus hopefully more information. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn looks over the device slowly, he starts it up. Then slowly begins to work over the vines. Just keeping everything focused on the growth of the plants. His attention focused. Seeing if something strange would happen. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "You say that like invitations don't sometimes arrive with teeth." Zetha says this to Thaarin before shaking her head. "I'll consider it. More so if you and Navi can come with me." Then she looks around the room once more before glancing back to Thaarin. "Remind me when the trial actually starts?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi nods firmly and follows Master Rykard, her lightsaber in her hand and ready for use. That precaution seems very much warranted; a pair of thugs at the bottom of the stairs, barely in sight of herself or the Master, open fire with blasters! She ignites her lightsaber, using the bright bluish-white blade to turn the blaster bolts back toward the thugs... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Cayde's wandering won't get him very far before he runs into another patrol of thugs. Upon seeing him, they shout and immediately open fire upon the young padawan! The vines immediately go up in flames, burning to a crisp quickly. The bioluminescent powder burns a bright purple and releases a noxious odor that Jorn will need to use his helmet to filter out. By the look and smell of it, Jorn will likely guess it's poisonous, and that's why the lothwolf had warned him. Rykard mirrors Navi's reaction, pulling out his saber to deflect the shots. Strangely enough, the shots are going very wide of them, so they won't actually need to deflect very many of them. One of the thugs gets knocked out by a deflected bolt, while the other suddenly seems confused and frightened. He runs off shortly after. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde ends up with a few blaster burns, but instead of drawing his lightsaber, he just Force pushes them out of the way and hurries around a corner to get out of their line of sight. Hopefully it will take them a few moments to recover from getting knocked about. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will have the helmet on, and then he'll lean down. Trying to cover the wolf's nose. Just to cover the things' nose as the fumes go into the air. He'll still aim upward and try to shoot. Aiming for the clouds while trying to keep the wolf safe. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' She said the right things....just in time. Volken forcibly calms himself down and then is left to ponder things carefully. He doesn't know ..well...anything about this antidote. Little about the poison. He can't afford -not- to let her do what she's doing but he can't afford to let anything happen to Er'gi either. Then there's the fact Jorn is still missing. Unfortunantely he's in no condition to go out looking for him and wandering in that poison again. "I want you to give him the same treatment that you're giving Caine. He was taken out by that poison mist as well." Volken rumbles. "Nothing can happen to Er'gi. You undrestand....?" Volken leans forawrd now, looming over her. A certain barely restrained menace in him. "...You make sure Er'gi pulls through and is back to the way he's supposed to be..." IT begins as a threat...but then he adds, "...And I'll show you what Merrick's 'work' can produce..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh, they might," Thaarin says to Zetha, "but you certainly aren't being prohibited from showing up with a set of your own," the Chiss man says with a wink. "Alright, give it a good think. It would be good for you. That's my opinion, anyway." He stands up, continuing to look around. "Four days from now. Do you feel ready? How's your testimony coming along?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I think Cayde's very close by, Master," Navi says as the second thug flees the scene with all possible speed. "Let's find him and get out of this dump." Lightsaber still in hand and humming, she advances into the corridor with Cayde's cell. "Master, can you sense Cayde around here? I remember feeling his presence very close to here." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I believe you just want to see how I'll look all cleaned up and dressed pretty." Zetha chides gently with a grin. "I'll think about it. I'm already thinking about it. I just wasn't sure if I should go at it alone." When the conversation turns to the trial she hesitates. "I don't have much of a testimony...I'm not even sure what my role in all this is. Except to provide the truth of the part that was purchased from the yard is likely what caused the drill to explode.." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf sneezes and whines, but seems otherwise unhurt. The clouds of glowing blue burn violent and then green, and then dissipate, but they take a little bit to completely disappear. Well, this might be a long night for Jorn, there's a lot of vines. But the lothwolf is plowing forward, sniffing the ground, tracking... something. Maybe Volken, maybe the girl. Who knows... The Harch narrows her eyes again. "Alright, then answer me this. You were one of his pets, so where is he now? Surely, you didn't just forget about the fact that he just disappeared, and possibly evaded ... punishment?" "Yes," Rykard says, brows furrowed. "I sense him nearby... he's... blast. He's running from us. We'll just have to try to catch up." He then force leaps into the corridor, hoping Navi will follow. No thugs for now, apparently. Meanwhile, as Cayde rounds a corner he'll find himself face to face with another huge Dowutin. "Alright! That's enough from you!" he says, reaching out to grab Cayde by the back of his robe. "We're taking you to -him-." Well, maybe that's the guy Cayde wants, anyway. "You wouldn't be wrong," Thaarin says with a smirk. "You won't, I assure you. A bit selfishly, I do actually want to attend myself. He's connected to Cayde, and I want to know just what he's all about, especially regarding the whole scandal with the former Chancellor." "That's good enough," Thaarin reassures, "but you should write it all down, at least." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares up at the towering Dowutin. Another one? There weren't many of them around Coruscant to begin with. But why were they all gravitating toward this particular gang?     Anyway, at least this -was- what he'd wanted. So he doesn't struggle, but does try to probe the Dowut's mind, attempting to learn what he can about this 'him'. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha nods and then moves to sit...somewhere. There's a lot of somewheres to sit really. She finds one near where her backpack is and pulls out her datapad. "Admittedly I had thought about asking you to go with me as a friend, and because I trust you to know how to navigate things like this better than I ever could. You just have to promise not to disappear on me five seconds after arriving..." Then she begins typing on the datapad. "Which also means, as always, your timing is impeccable. And annoying." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The way she phrased that question was unusual. "So you knew already?" he asks bluntly. "If so that casts a different meanin' on this..." After a pause--Volken rumbles: "I was a child. Of course I dont' know what happened to him. I was taken in as a foundling and then stuck on Mandalore. I had to 'grow up'. Become Mandalorian. Learn their ways. I was a foundling. Not born into the culture but taught by them. Adopted by a man. A good man. I may look human but I'm not exactly human to begin with. My people have traits similar to the Dowutins. Just not as ugly." Volken turns away now to look at Er'gi. "So obviously I didn't continue lookin' for the guy. Why would I? I was to busy gorwin' up ahnd learning to try to control what his experiments did to me and hurtin' alot of people around me in the process. B y the time I was able to make decisions for myself about where to go, for who, and why - I had last heard he'd been caught - maybe killed. It was out of my hands at that point. The fact he owes you money was the least of my concerns." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Hearing the wolf wine, "Sorry girl. I'm trying. Alright, I gotta give you a name," he pulls the trigger working on some more vines. "Something I can use to confuse people when I call you, too," he says knowing that may be odd, but it could help in a pinch. Yelling out some kind of weapon term, may keep thinking he's pointing out something. In reality, he's calling hairy backup. "I've spent too much time making sure you're walking away from this to let some vine crap put you down," he keeps focused on those vines. "Stay close if you need cover." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' So they drag Cayde away. Up a flight of stairs, down a hallway. It's not going to feel on those blaster burns he'd gotten earlier, but maybe this was all worth it? The Dowutin carrying him doesn't seem to know Grindle personally, but he does know about him leaving the gang, and that it caused a stir amongst the gang members. Eventually, he winds up in a big room in front of yet another massive Dowutin, armed to the teeth. He doesn't look happy to see Cayde. "Who's this?!" he demands as soon as Cayde is brought in. "I promise I won't," Thaarin says, coming to sit down next to her. He rests a hand on her shoulder briefly. "I promise. And if you want me to help you write, I can," he says with a nod. "I'm no fool," the Harch says calmly, "you made yourself clear when you said you'd show me what Merrick's work could produce. I'm very familiar with his work and you look like one of his experiments." She then looms over him. "And yet," she says, "he is still a concern, isn't he?" Then suddenly, like a phantom, Zealot appears. "He lives," the marauder says, "And he might be... here." The lothwolf wags her tail, suddenly halting her search. She barks, and runs back to Jorn's side. Then she tugs on his sleeve again, impatiently. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Wow, -another- one. Cayde is certain there is a connection here, somewhere. He stares at the grumpy mob boss, already attempting to reach into his mind as well in search of more details about Senator Grindle and the upcoming trial. Outwardly though, he just seems to be staring at nothing a vacant look in his eyes. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha doesn't question it mostly because to do so might damage the friendship. She simply smiles. "Good. Then we'll go. I'll ask Navi when I see her later if she wants to attend as well." Saying this and then she looks to her datapad a moment before looking back to Thaarin. "Actually, I wouldn't mind the help. I can write out a rough draft and you can look it over?" Which, she already begins typing even as she suggests such a thing. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' A table dents as Volken's massive fists plunge downward into it and his weight presses down. His body tenses up, his armor straining and the straps creaking against his impossible physique as his anger boils upwards furiously. "All I care about right now is Er'gi. Get him back on his feet!" The moment of rage subsides and he visibly and physically clams down. "...How do you -know- he's here. -Why- would he be here? Is he with the cloners?" Volken then shakes his head furiously. "No, no. I want Er'gi back on his feet and I want out of here and t'find Jorn. This is too much. I'm going to go crazy." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn stops the flames. He looks toward the wolf. "What is it girl?" he asks looking down at the tugging dog. Jorn will follow knowing this dog must be some kind of force sensitive beast or really good at tracking. Getting outside of the temple, he'll focus and turn on the short range communicator the group has been using. <This is Jorn. Volken. Er'gi. Anyone read? over.> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, yes. This grumpy mob boss would appear to actually be related to Grindle. They were brothers. At some point they'd had a falling out, Grindle had left, and this mob boss had been sore about it ever since. When Grindle had left, a large number of their gang had decided to depart as well, vanishing into the Lower Levels, into places he couldn't find. So naturally, he feels bitter. But sometimes... Grindle would leave him credits. Why, remains a mystery. Cayde will be able sense it's complicated, and not at all black and white. But it's deeper than he can perceive, and the mob boss has now grabbed Cayde and is attempting to rag doll him on the ground. "Answer me boy!" He rages. "Perfect," Thaarin says. "I'm sure the two of you can find something proper to wear as well." He offers her another small smile. "Certainly," he says when she asks for help with the draft of her testimony. The Harch doesn't flinch, instead, she looks to Zealot. "How can this be?!" she hisses. "We've surveillance," Zealot says, "nothing concrete. But it's leading." He turns to Volken when asks if he's with the cloners. "Yes." Jorn will find still that the signal's awful. It's unclear whether he'd been successful in sending the message or not, but the lothwolf is leading him towards a small clearing just a few hundred meters to the left. There's a small grove of trees, and in the center of it, is a glowing something, that isn't the vines... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha continues typing on the datapad. It's not going to be eloquent by any means. Just factual and probably with technical Zetha jargon that no one but a handful would understand. She slides the datapad towards Thaarin. "Be gentle. I don't ever write much..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde is thrown onto the ground, the impact sending pain reverberating through his body. But he barely notices it as he is focused on sifting through the Dowut's memories regarding Grindle. And what was this brother's name? Yes, it was complicated, these things were always complicated.     He gets up off the floor slowly, dusting his robes off with his hands before looking up at the angry mob boss. [Angry with your brother] he signs simply. [...or...not angry. Bitter...jealous] Maybe it's just bitterness. [But he helps] he continues, nodding. [Why not follow] he offers. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "-Why- is this all comin' back on -me-." hisses Volken before putting a hand up to his helmet as if to nurse a headache through the beskar. "I need Er'gi on his feet. I need Jorn. What about Caine? He was down from that poison as well wasn't he? Is he alright?" That he had tried to break Zealot in half - and was at one point contracted to take him out is far from his mind right now. Only this rolling chaos and the increasing hue of red he's seeing in his eyes. "He was brilliant. Merrick. If he's with the cloners that can't be good. It means that they could be makin' good on whatever crazy scheme they have. We gotta take 'em out!" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "He's running from us... the /least surprising/ part of this whole side trip," Navi grumbles, leaping after Master Rykard and continuing to follow him. She does deactivate her lightsaber, since it's a lot easier to run with that thing extinguished. "Not far now, Master... and I think somebody might be beating him up. Another Tuesday for Cayde." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn looks about the vines, slowly, carefully. The darkness may have obfuscated his vision or he could be looking in the wrong spot. It's hard to tell. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin laughs softly and briefly, glancing at it briefly. "Well it's certainly nothing like Cayde's draft, which is a good thing." He mulls it over a little bit more, skimming it thoughtfully. "Not bad," he says, brows furrowing pensively, "not bad at all..." Though he starts to make some edits. This just appears to enrage the mob boss. He lets out a feral cry, and points at Cayde. "Kill him!!!" And then the thugs start shooting. "You're right!" Rykard says, "and we -must- hurry!" he Force leaps towards the room where Cayde is being held hostage and just as the thugs start shooting, he knocks the door down with a Force push. "Navi, to me!" "It takes time," Zealot says, and the Harch turns to Volken. "I don't know about the Baron. He's faring worse and there's not much I can do at this point except hope that the medication I gave him to remedy his allergic reaction to the antidote works." "We need a geneticist," Zealot says, and Volken may suddenly realize that even as much as he hates the Baron, if Merrick is involved... they -are- going to need him. There's a small, glowing amulet sitting on a stump in the middle of the small grove. The lothwolf is nudging it with her snout. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Going to the gem, Jorn does try to delcitately pluck this up. Using his gloves to make sure he's careful to touch it. Gems and this place are not normal things. He's afraid of another vision because Jorn's still wrapping his head around the first round. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde finally does draw his lightsaber, the blade crackling into existence and deflecting at least some of those bolts. However, some of them result in a few -more- blaster burns. Well, it seems he will have to pay this Senator Grindle a visit.     Oh, look, Master and Navi have arrived with perfect timing. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "It's just the truth from my perspective. Though I still wonder why it's even needed. Are we trying to clear someone of charges or make the charges stick? I can't remember what this whole thing was for. So much has happened since we first talked about it." Zetha offers while watching him make edits. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Hate is too strong. He finds him a nuisance. Aggravating and he'd enjoy bullying him into the ground but Volken is practical in matters of war and destruction and the more Mandalorians the better. It's just ... can he be trusted. But it's becoming clearer to him now that he's just as much a victim of this as anyone. Caine, for all his insanity, certainly didn't intend to get poisoned by a plant that is increasingly turning out to likely be artifical in origin and the work of these mad scientists. "Unbelievable.." Volken rumbles while stepping away to take a seat. He seems to come to terms with that htey are legitimately trying to help Er'gi so him looming there furiously isn't helping. And he's poisoned as well. "Looks like you all were trapped here by this mess as well..." he concedes. "We can't do much here. There's maybe a guy that can be helpful. A missin' doctor..." He'd been carrying the pack with him this whole time and he brings it out to begin looking through it again. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi has just enough time to register the words, 'Kill him!' as she and Master Rykard burst through the doors of the room. With a burst of speed, she sprints half the length of the room, her lightsaber igniting and coming up into a guard position, and then another, and another, turning back blaster bolts from the Verpine Venom thugs and the Dowutins. "Didn't you ever read that wherever you see one Jedi, there's at least five that you don't see?" she demands of the gang leader. "Now you can either tell us what you want with the Padawan you kidnapped, or we can keep turning your little pals into Navi's Wroshyr-Smoked Thug Bites. Name your flavor!" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Make the charges stick," Thaarin says, that pensive look on his features remaining. "Every criminal has to be tried, and generally, if the government can do its job properly, they'll get put away for life. But, on occasion, things can become complicated and these criminals are sometimes pardoned and allowed to freely roam the galaxy. I've seen it happen before." Rykard immediately assists Navi in deflecting the blaster bolts, but then immediately notices Cayde's here, just in time to find the young padawan incapacitated on the ground. "Navi! He's here, and he's injured. Take him, and make sure he's well when you can. I'll cover you!" And then he goes to leap in front of the attacking thugs. Zealot seems to be frustrated by what little Volken has to offer in the way of clues as to where the doctor is. He examines the pack and the test tubes, then shaking his head, sweeps it up and tosses it aside into a drawer. Then he disappears back into another dark, adjacent hallway. The Harch hisses. "We've -been- trapped here. Our vessel has been grounded in the Gorge for months. But we're survivors, and we always do what we must in order to stay alive." She turns to him. "Now. Lie down. It's your turn now." Well, Jorn will get another vision, but this one feels less attached to reality. It feels like a mindscape of sorts, but not a bad one. <Hello?? Soren...? Is that y-- oh...> the voice of a young female... it's the girl! 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' <"Not Soren. I thought I saw you in the other crystal."> There's a pause as he waits for a response. To the outside world Jorn is probably still. His hand on the saber though, just force of habit. <"Are you trapped here?"> it's a genuine question. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "On it, Master!" Navi hastily scoops Cayde up in both arms, with a strength that might seem surprising for the relatively slender Sethi, and darts back the way they had come. "Now if I can just get someplace quiet and unpolluted with thugs, I can get you back on your feet..." she murmurs, running as fast as she can with a double armload of Padawan. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Okay so what's the crime then? How does this go from the Chadra Fan who bought the drill mechanism from the junkyard under protest that I don't tell anyone to someone being charged with a crime that leads to trial?" Zetha seems genuinely curious or helplessly confused. Likely a bit of both. "I should probably put in the part about you bringing the drill back to the yard so we could reassemble it for further assessment?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Zealot's intense frustration doesn't go unnoticed but it could just be...well..what she just said. Apparently they are less hiding out here and more trapped here. Maybe if you all spent less time on Caine's wild goose chases you wouldn't be trapped.." he grumbles before obliging and laying down on an indicated table to let her get to work. "The doc was clearly leaving in a hurry and headin' further into the gorge. If he'd have stayed and not gone stompin' off I mighta been able to tell 'im something about what I saw before I came across Er'gi..." Either way, Volken just lays down and waits now. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' <Oo-oh. I-It's.. it's you> Jorn will feel the presence draw nearer. <I'm sorry I hurt you!> There's no sound of sobbing, but Jorn will feel it in his soul. It's a piercing feeling. <You're safe here. I promise> But the girl sounds like she's in immense pain. <h-how did you find it> Rykard at least is able to make short work of the thugs. Soon, he's by Navi's side, and they're heading straight back for the platform. "How is he?" he asks the Sephi girl, his tone laced with concern. Thaarin laughs again, softly. "If I explained it all right now, you'd never get your testimony done. And don't worry, I added a note in there about mentioning that." "Hard to refuse a million credits each," the Harch says with a sigh, "even so, some of us have left, to go work for the cloners." As soon as Volken lies down, a syringe full of blue liquid goes into Volken's neck. It doesn't feel good at all. It burns and feels ice cold at the same time. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I don't think he's badly hurt... just in shock. Once we can stop and I can work on him through the Force, I'll have a clearer picture of what's wrong," Navi replies. "Aside from maybe him needing to lose a few pounds, I mean..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha nods. "Very well then. But maybe lets make some time to discuss the specifics as much as I can know and so that I understand what's going on." She looks down to the datapad then back up to Thaarin. "If that's alright I mean. And you have the time." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' There's not much else Volken can do but just lie there. Lie there and think. It's not a good feeling but he wouldn't be ...well ...who he is ...if he wasn't able to take it. He'll suffer but it is what it is. Especiall if the alternative is dying. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Once Navi and Rykard have arrived at the station, Cayde suddenly wakes up to find the Sephi girl carrying him.     Which he definitely has a problem with.     He quickly scrambles out of her grasp and steps away from her before hurrying toward the station platform, even though she hasn't yet seen to his wounds. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Jorn won't be able to see the girl, but there's a strange sensation of her presence drawing nearer. Not physically nearer, but whatever telepathic that's bond that's connecting them has now become just a tiny bit stronger. <I'm.. I am. I'm trapped. But...> There's a feeling of being distressed. <Not here. I don't know ... I don't know where> Thaarin offers Zetha a small and brief smile and nods. "Of course," he says, coming to sit down next to her. "And gain some more common sense," Rykard grumbles at Navi's comment. "Cayde!" He booms as the padawan hurries towards the station platform. "Come back here -now-." Cayde and Navi will then espy a familiar darkly clad figure standing at the platform, waiting, hands clasped behind his back.... Black. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi blinks owlishly at Master Rykard, coming to a stop as he finishes grumbling. "Cayde had common sense?" she asks him guilelessly. And then Cayde squirms out of her grasp and hurries away. "Oh, for... Cayde, just stop, okay? You've got more blaster burns than the backstop at the Republic armed forces blaster range, and they need treating," she calls after him, just a bit frustrated, but not really angry at this point. Then she sees who's waiting for them at the platform. "Be on your guard, Master... that's Agent Black," she whispers. "I doubt we're in any danger from him, but he's a very hard one to trust." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn looks about the place for a few moments. <Tell me something. Anything. Your name. What you last remember. Something about the place you're at. I need more, if I'm to find you.> Jorn's own thoughts just run a mile a minute as he tries to learn something about his new query. Oh, this is going to be quite interesting as he is unsure where this would even lead him. Still, he will try to hear whatever replies may come. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I mean I don't really need all the details. I'm just really confused about how the drill becomes part of this whole ordeal. Like am I proving some sort of nefarious intent?" Zetha asks this after Thaarin sits beside her and she tucks her legs under herself to sit more comfortably. Or whatever counts for comfort for her. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stops in his tracks, not when Rykard or Navi tells him to, but upon seeing Black just waiting there. Well that was unexpected. Did he want something? The padawan just stares at him for a few moments, then turns back toward Navi and his Master. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' There's that feeling of distress again. <Remembering is hard. It's so hard. I'm not sure I even know my own name anymore. <I..I... I've been here a long time, that's all I know. It's dark, there's no sun. I can't remember the last time I even ate...> Thaarin looks amused. "Zetha, it's alright. Don't overthink this. You, in particular don't need to try to prove anything, that's the duty of the defense and prosecutor. Just state the facts, in great detail. You're serving as a witness, so expect to be thoroughly interrogated by the defendant." He picks up the datapad again. When Navi mentions Black, Rykard's expression darkens, but as Cayde approaches, he motions for the padawan to hurry up. "See to his wounds," he says to Navi,"Cayde. Explain yourself." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha gives what can only be described as a dry look to Thaarin. "I'm sorry, have you met me? Hi. I'm Zetha. I overthink everything because choices matter and I've spent the last little bit of my life apparently making a lot of bad ones." Then she cracks a smile, it's not a perfect smile but it at least reaches her eyes. "I get it though. Just say what happened. Answer everything truthfully. And understand that most everything else is out of our hands because in the end the actual choice is up to someone else." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Hold still for a sec," Navi gently instructs Cayde, reaching deep into the Force and adjusting its flow within herself, between herself and Cayde, and finally within Cayde himself, urging the biological processes around the wounds to work faster to heal the burns and knit the damaged skin... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs when his master demands he explain himself. Explaining, it was always so hard. Why did he need to explain himself if he could just -show- it?     There is a pause...a long pause. [...find Vlaven...find witness for trial...find Zetha parents...Criminal group involved] he finally adds, nodding. Yeah, that one. The Verpine Venom. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn listens a little bit. <What is the last thing you remember before getitng there?> Jorn will ask before he knows he needs to pull away. To find where this person could be. He has so many questions now. Simultaneously feeling like he's on an important mission and a fool's errand. Still, the hunter would still try to find her, because who else would? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' At this Thaarin actually laughs, just a little. "And remember," he says, "if the judge and defense are intimidating, well, that's normal for a court of law. Try to be rational, and keep your cool." He then starts to make some more notes on the datapad, his expression becoming pensive. Rykard nods in approval as Navi starts uses the Force heal Cayde's wounds. When Cayde starts to explain himself, Rykard's brows simply furrow in disapproval. Cayde will know this look, all too well. It means 'I know you can do better.' But before Cayde can respond, Black approaches. He salutes Rykard curtly, and then nods at Navi in greeting. "Hello, Master Rykard. I don't think we've formally met. Black, here." He then glances to Navi. "Long time no see, Navi. Doesn't look like Tenoo's been treating you too well... that's a shame." He turns to Cayde. "I came here to personally let you know that I think you did an excellent job down there," he says, "congratulations. Also, I've made a bit of progress on the case regarding Zetha Rumir's parents." <....> The feeling of distress increases. Jorn's head might hurt a little now. <I'm... I don't know. I'm trying very hard to remember. But I'm very bad at that. Very bad...> There's a pause. <Maybe you can tell me about yourself? How you ended up where you are. Maybe it will help me remember ... things....> 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Soooo...I should probably leave my incredible wit and wonderful sarcasm at the door then. That's a shame." Zetha offers this while watching him make a few more notes on the datapad. "How's it coming along anyway?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Next time bring some help along. Going to a gang hideout alone is a fast way to wind up on a missing persons list, even for a Jedi Knight," Navi says softly in the wake of Cayde's explanation. But she has no time to say more, because Black is approaching. "It hasn't exactly been a dream vacation, but I knew it wasn't going to be," she replies to the man in black, shrugging. "So what do you want?" She looks to Master Rykard as Black praises Cayde, arcing one pale eyebrow. "Was he watching the same fight we were?" she asks, semi-incredulously. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn's head hurts as he speaks plainly <"Just a nerf herder that got lost."> The term is derrogatory and it's not far from the truth. He smirks in his mind and tries to break the connection, trying to figure out anything he saw in his mind's eye against things he has see with the actual eyes. It may take a moment. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde deflates at that disapproving look. But, it was just so much!     [Thank you] he signs when Black seems to think he did a great job. Well...he got a lead on Senator Grindle, at least.     He glances at Navi on her comment about bringing help, but doesn't respond otherwise. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin gives her a mild and brief smile. "Yes, sadly," he says, glancing over at her. "Like I said before, not bad. You've a bit of a bad habit of making run-on sentences, but otherwise, it's shaping up decently." "Well, I'm working a case as favor to Cayde," he tells Navi, "but I'm going to need to talk to Zetha herself in order to keep working it," he says, then looks over to Cayde. "I was thinking, I could just accompany you all back to where you're staying, as I'd assume that's where you're all headed? We can even debrief there, if you'd like," he says to Cayde. The connection severs, and suddenly Jorn will find himself back in the small grove, the amulet still in his hand, glowing slightly. The lothwolf is sat to his left, her head tilted to one side, inquisitively. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi nods quietly at Black. "If Zetha's okay with it, I am, too. But Master Rykard is the one you really need to ask, since he's over the vast majority of the party," she says, looking to the elder Jedi Master. "What do you think, Master?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "I don't know where she is," Jorn says to the wolf, almost regretably. "She doesn't remember," Jorn pants out as he knows there's some mental strain on both of their ends. "We need to keep moving. Maybe luck will be on our side," he tries to stand to get going. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face but then she shrugs and reaches to grab something from the table to nibble on while they talk. "Well, run-on sentences aren't the worst and can be fixed. I'm sure I'll have it better put together by the trial." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods at the suggestion, but he also glances toward his master as Navi does. Right, he had been asking earlier about their accommodations. However, he hasn't even been there himself yet, so he doesn't remember exactly which hotel it was. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard's brow furrows. He clearly already has distaste for Black, for obvious reasons. "..." "Very well. Let's go - the Alisandre is in the Federal District." He then starts towards the platform. <Cayde why did you deliberately disobey me> The lothwolf whines quietly and then moves over to the flamethrower again, nudging it with her snout. Indeed, they best get moving, and maybe at some point they'll hit a spot that has signal... Thaarin finishes the edits and hands it to Zetha. "Well, I think that should cover it." If Zetha glances down at it, she'll see it's actually covered in red marks. So much for 'not bad'. Meanwhile, Volken will find the contents of the syringe surging through his veins. Perhaps for the first time in a long time, he'll find it very difficult to move even his pinky finger - whatever the Harch has injected him with has made his limbs burn icy hot and go limp. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Deep down, Jorn hates this moment. It feels like leaving a soldier behind. Like he knows there's a fallen comerade, but he doesn't know where to begin looking. Taking out the flame thrower, he begins to burn away the brush anew. Just pushing onward and trying to ignore the feeling. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Well..." Zetha offers as she looks at the datapad and adjusts her seating position a little bit. "Good thing I didn't ask you to go easy on me. I'll get this fixed up." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi nods to Master Rykard and falls more or less into step beside him toward the platform. She has a bad feeling about this, but what choice is there, really? With the exception of Black, everyone involved is someone she cares about. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' There's not much he can do except think. And hopefully he'll be able to at least continue to do that. Volken is indeed not used to the idea of restraints, let alone restraints he can't just break - but despite peoples view of him...and his own actions have played a role there....he is a man of logic and practicality and if he has to endure this to ensure he, Er'gi and the rest of his 'team' survives then he'll have to endure it. Hopefully he can keep his thoughts from wandering too far, such as back to the confusion and rage about Merrick. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde begins to follow them toward the platform, his lips pressing into a slight pout at his master's question. Oh, he knows what Rykard is talking about, but of course he's just trying to dodge the question. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf sniffs the amulet for a few moments. Then she bounds off to the left, barking loudly. She paws at another patch of vines covered in glowing blue powder. As Jorn approaches, she howls impatiently. Thaarin nods, and stands up. "I'll be back later, I promise," he says, "and I'll have a look at your edits then." He then goes to exit her room. <Cayde> And Rykard won't have to say anymore. The padawan will know what he means. Soon, they're all boarding the platform and headed for the Alisandre Hotel. About an hour later, they're stepping into the lobby of their fancy lodgings. Black goes up the hostess at the counter. "I need to speak with Zetha Rumir," he says, "Police business." He flashes his badge briefly, and looking intimidated, she tells him, immediately. Black then turns to Cayde. "Maybe you should accompany me?" Minutes tick by, hours may even pass. Volken may even drift in and out of consciousness - whatever she'd injected him with has a sedative effect. At some point, he'll wake to pitch blackness and a familiar voice croaking out, "Volken?" It's Er'gi. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn continues and then the wolf bounds off. He almost snarls running after the thing, with the torch in hand. "WHEN WE GET OFF WORLD, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A LONG TALK ABOUT WHO IS THE MASTER," he snarls just bounding after the wolf, thinking the wolf is very intune with the force. However, their lack of communication barrier makes their relationship somewhat difficult at times. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Er'gi..." Voklen is disorientated and in a state of confusio but he has to presume he's alive and that Er'gi is also alive - but the pitch darkness is concerning. "Wha...wha's happening." He starts trying to sit up, to see if hs limbs are back in action and then to see what the current status is. "We're...alive I suppose. Either that or this is one ...bizarre afterlife." It's a joke but things could be much worse. They could be dead. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Maybe I should come along, too," Navi opines softly. "I consider her a friend, and she may need some emotional support." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Of course. See you soon." Zetha says this before settling back in her seat with datapad in her lap and a treat in her hand. Content to spend a little time working on the edits Thaarin laid out for her. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Master Rykard probably already knows why Cayde had run off on his own multiple times when told not to. In fact, he probably has already seen that the padawan had indeed considered telling his master but then decided against it because he -wanted- to handle it on his own. He simply and sincerely believed that he'd had the situation under control. That he knew exactly what he was doing.     When Black suggests he should come along, Cayde nods. Zetha doesn't know the man, after all. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf gives him a bashful, puppy eyed look. But as soon as the vines are burned out of her way, she dashes off again, howling at, apparently nothing. Well, at least he can track her via all the noise she's making! "I...I don't know. I thought....I thought you'd know." Volken will find that his limbs are working at least, and will feel more clear headed than before. He'll still feel rather weak, though. The lights will flick on at that moment, too. And Volken will find he's where he'd been before - lying on that hard berth the Harch had instructed him to lie on before she'd injected him with... only light knows what. Black glances at Navi, and shrugs. "Suit yourself," he says, and then immediately starts heading for the lift, expecting Cayde and Navi to follow. Rykard frowns. <I'm late to meeting the Council because of this> he tells Cayde <But we're going to talk after I'm done> 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' And he will do his best to not injure the wolf if more brush needs to be blown away. Still, he will be in hot pursuit, no pun. Trying to find where the heck the wolf is going. At least she's easy to track right now. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Ugh....maybe they're trustworthy after all. At lesat where mutual survival is involved..." Volken struggles to begin to sit up, moving his enormous body carefuly and then twisting to try and get a look at Er'gi. "Were'...on the Marauders ship. There was..some sorta plant that had grown all over the gorge. Giving off a poisnous fume. The Marauders are strandered here too. Caine's here somewhere. You guys took a big hit fromthe spores. I got hit a litle bit but ...managed to carry you far enough until the Marauders found us. I don't now where Jorn is, or the Jedi. Gotta get a signal to 'em somehow but we're ins ome sorta deadzone....." That was alot of explaining and it wiped him. He takes a second to pull it together and then slowly tries to sit up full, not being one to lay down now. "Gotta find...Jorn. These...cloners. They're workin' with a real bad geneticist.. This whole thing is just...meassier and messier." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi glances at Cayde, then Black, then Master Rykard, before moving to follow Black and, presumably, Cayde. Why must the man in black be so infuriating superior? 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     <Sorry Master> Cayde responds. This apology is about lateness to the Council meeting though, and not really for not listening earlier. He doesn't seem to have any objections about Navi coming, so he just follows them up toward Zetha's room.     While waiting for the elevator, the padawan takes out his commlink and sends the Twi'lek girl a message: <> Hopefully, she's in at the moment. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's in the middle of fixing a sentence that was practically -covered- in red when her communicator beeps. She checks the message, raises a brow, and then frowns. <<That was...fast. I'm up in my room.>> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Jorn might be surprised to find the lothwolf is following the same trail that he, Volken, and Caine had laid out earlier for getting to the laboratory Caine had been working at previously. Well, that's enlightening, at least. Perhaps the girl is... there? "... the marauder's ship?!" Volken will be able to see the gargantuan silhouette of the other Mandalorian somewhere vaguely over where he'd last remembered he'd been. "Right. I think I remember that." There's a pause. "And how would you know?" Er'gi says tentatively, as if afraid of the answer. Not even a second after Zetha gets the message from Cayde, the doorbell for her room rings. If she opens the door, she'll find Black standing there in the hallway, Cayde and Navi right behind him. "Hello there," he says with a brief but casual wave. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sets her datapad down and rises from her seat to go and open the door. Upon seeing the face of a man she does not know at all she's half a mind to shut the door in his face until she spots Cayde and Navi behind him. "Hello." Then she shifts and opens the door a little wider. "Please, come in." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Sorry to disturb you," Navi says as Zetha opens the door and invites them in. "Zetha, this is Agent Black. I'll let him explain why he's here. Cayde might have some input on that, too." She steps into the room behind Cayde and Black. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "How would I know what?" asks Volken tiredly, "..About...the geneticist? I saw his name on a database here and confirmed the info with the marauders. Unless they're just lyin'...Which at this point seems like that'd be a waste of resources and time for everyone involved." Volken peers towards Er'gi now, trying to get a good look at him to see his status. "You were dyin', Er'gi." he rumbles, "Probably only Caine was lookin' as bad. How're you feelin'?" Volken then looks around and tries to just get off of the table he was on and steady himself, "And where is everybody? We're wastin' time sitting here... Gotta find Jorn. If he's out in that mess ..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods in greeting toward Zetha, and follows the others in as she lets them enter. He already did give said input, right? She'd responded to his message, so it's safe to assume she read it. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn just groans deeply and turns on the flame thrower to clear a path toward that facility. Pratically growling beneath the helm, he presses forward just heading toward the facility. There's not quite murder on the mind. The man is just so ready to push forward, get off this planet and go to where the galaxy needs him next. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Zetha might be slightly taken aback and intimidated by the man now allowing himself into her room. He certainly lives up to his name - clad entirely in black, and a face obscured by a wide brimmed hat and a mask fitted with reflective goggles alarmingly similar to the ones the marauders like Zealot wore. His trench coat almost reaches the floor, and the voice modulator his mask is using makes it utterly impossible to tell what species he is, other than the fact that he's probably at least vaguely humanoid. Not only that, but he towers a whole two heads over Zetha. "Thank you," he says, when she invites him in, "You're Zetha Rumir, correct? As Navi mentioned, you may call me Black. I'm with the CSF, and a good friend to Cayde." He gestures at a chair nearby. "Sit down, please." There's a pause, before Er'gi finally says, "Well, what I meant was, what would you know about a geneticist?" Another pause. "Haar'chak! I was...? Well, I've certainly felt better, but I've also certainly felt worse. What about you? I'm going to be honest, I don't think either of us are in any shape yet to do any kind of anything..." Jorn and his lothwolf companion will press forward, until night falls again. At this point, they'll have to make camp again, it's too dark, and the lothwolf seems tired. At least they've cleared their way out of those terrible vines. Up ahead, Jorn will espy a small grotto not far from the edge of a pond surrounded by glowing, airborne insects. It looks as good as any other place to stop... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha takes a breath as everyone enters the room before letting the door shut and then walking inside. She smiles at Navi first. "It's alright. I needed a break from Thaarin's excessive grammar lesson." She offers the other woman before looking to Cayde. She'd say a multitude of things to him, but not in mixed company with someone she doesn't know even if Black mentions they're good friends. That alone feels suspect. "It's good to see you, Cayde. And in one piece." She muses gently before shifting to take a seat as Black indicates for her to do. In her own room. Rude. "Yes, I am Zetha Rumir. Cayde mentioned this might have something to do with my parents?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken tiredly drops his head back to the table. "Yer right. There's no point in pushin' it. Dont' have the gear necessary to get through those plants and there's probably no coming back from a second exposure..." AFter a long pause he just sighs and lays there, not saying anything. Frowning. Pensive. There's no way to get a message to Jorn without getting out of the deadzone. They can't goa nywhere on their own without the help of the Marauders and they have no idea of Caine's status. They're stuck unless he just goes on a tear in some sort of tantrum...which wouldnt' help much. "You didn't know, vod?" he finally rumbles, "...I guess why would you. Others do. I"m a foundling. An ex-republic geneticist was experimenting on me with enhancments. Me and others. My buir took me in after they rescued us during an operation dealing with the pirates the ex-republic guy was waorkin' for. His name was Merrick. Thought he was dead but turns out - years later - he's screwed over the Marauders as well adn who knows how many others." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi takes a seat close to Zetha, glancing at her friend and nodding briefly as she does so. A quiet gesture of support. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns very slightly when Black goes ahead and takes the liberty of saying that he is a 'good friend'. The padawan isn't so sure about that part. But as per usual, the conversation moves on without him so he doesn't get the chance to attempt to mention anything. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' There's a narrow of the eyes as this is starting to feel too familiar. Like a path, or clearing before it. Jorn isn't sure if he should setup camp or burn the whole thing down. Both seem like acceptable options. Everything just feels like the last time he came to a clearing. He can no longer tell if this is one big circle or if something is playing tricks on him. It's why there's a deep seated distrust forming. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well yes. I'm working the case regarding where your parents are now, as a favor to Cayde. He's been an incredible asset to me in the past," he says, "I figured it was about time I paid the favor forward. Anyway. Tell me about yourself, Zetha, and what you -do- know about your parents. You've lived on Tenoo your whole life, correct? Under the care of the Zabrak woman Wiis Fevlok since you were about, oh, 7?" For now, he pays no mind to either Navi or Cayde. There's a very quiet sigh from Er'gi. "I guess fate has a funny sense of humor, vod," he says quietly. "That's terrible news. I'd rush out there too, but my legs feel like an asteroid in a gravity field. Maybe the first step is seeing if these marauders have got any way at all to communicate with anyone outside the Gorge." Jorn is probably in the middle of contemplating his next move when all of a sudden, it starts raining. The lothwolf is eying the grotto, but suspiciously. It seems innocuous enough... for now. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Eyes narrowing, he figures the rain would keep him froing doing much. And so, Jorn will startoget ready for camp. Trying to go to the outskirts of the grotta. The insects aren't trusted. The last grotto gave him an animal, but also saw him get attacked, too. Jorn just tries to set this up quietly and quickly. He'll hunker down and try to find maps of this place. The Mando thining he needs to find a way offworld soon. Also, to figure out where everyone else has been. They were all together until the paths separated them. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks and then looks from Black to Navi and Cayde before back again. "Yes. That's right. Wiis found me when I was abandoned on Tenoo...so I grew up there. Cayde recently helped me unlock some memories. I was abandoned by slavers who owned my parents. Apparently I was too much liability for them..." She explains this but then she regards Black with a bit more of a pointed gaze. "I've only been here for less than a day... how is it you've already taken the case and managed to find that information about me?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I'm honestly not tryin' to think about it Er'gi. I was just a kid...but whatever he did to me stuck. He took whatever was the baseline of my species and just amped it up. I kept growin' didn't stop. You never thought it was wierd when you met me for the first time?" He quiets for a moment and then rumbles, "ANyway...yer right. I can't do anything about it now. I just wanna find Jorn and get off this forsaken planet. The jedi didn't turn out to be no help either. If Jorn wants to stay he can but once this part of the job is finished I'm done..." That said, he shakes his head and looks around, "Course we can't do anything if the Marauders won't cooperate or if Caine dies." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde notices Zetha's unease, which was somewhat expected. Black was sometimes a bit intimidating, which honestly is liability at times. Such as right now. [He is with CSF] he explains to her, nodding. [He will help with your parents location] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf lingers while Jorn starts to set up camp. But after a few minutes, she seems restless. She starts pacing, whining, and staring into the dark abyss of the grotto. She then barks and trots back over to Jorn. She's trying to tell him something again, she has that look in her eyes and her head is tilted to one side. "Mm," Black says, pulling out a datapad and scrolling its contents lazily. "What a cute little thing you are," he comments, "don't you know how people like me work? Navi and Cayde can vouch for me. Anyway, was Cayde able to recover anything from your memories regarding the slavers? And where was this, Tenoo? Or somewhere else in the Outer Rim?" "Vod, I'm sorry to hear that. We'll get him, I promise. Even if we don't get anything else out of this -- at least you'll get retribution. And maybe answers." Er'gi pauses. "Wait, Caine's here too? Where is he..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "He's got a habit of knowing things it doesn't seem like he should know," Navi adds, a bit wryly. "Though I suspect Cayde may have provided him a few tidbits of information out of a desire to help, and he scraped up the rest from other sources." Her eyes, now locked on Zetha's, say, 'You shouldn't really trust this guy'. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Somewhere in this ship. He took a big huff of the same poison that took you out. They found im when they found us both." rumbles Volken. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde listens to the conversation, sighing a little when Black starts talking about him in his presence. Fine, it was kind of normal, but still... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Now," Black says, "why do you say that like it's bad thing? I'm informed, and it's my job to be informed. Not only that, but it's good that Cayde has a desire to help, and contrary to what some -other- folk might believe, I think he's a great help and asset." He turns to the young padawan. "I'm sorry for talking about you like you're not here - that probably happens to you all the time, doesn't it? I won't do it again. Perhaps you'd like to tell us what you know about Zetha's parents first?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Oh yeah. Because I've totally met people like you before..." Zetha quips back before settling back in her seat a bit. At his next question she seems to think. "I mean. The memory I had was from Tenoo... there were a few memories before from the slaver's ship. Zygerrians. But the last bit I remembered was them mentioning Dantooine...then they were gone." Then she adds, "But I remembered their names. My parents I mean. Dra'on, my father, and Tandi, my mother..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods when Black recognizes his slight distaste for being talked about as if not in the room, while he actually is in the room. Had it been that obvious? He hopes not. He hadn't intended to let that on to anyone.     [They belonged to slavers...Zygerrians] he signs, even as Zetha also corroborates that information. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Because the ways you become so informed tend to play games with other sentients' ethical comfort zones," Navi replies without hesitation. "And Cayde's desire to help you may lead him into similar ethically questionable territory. Like the last time you encouraged him to help you. But I also don't see anyone else lining up to help Zetha find out about her parents, so... here we are." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Black nods, listening intently to everything Zetha is saying, the white lenses of his goggles unblinking. His attentiveness is similar to the way Crane always listened actively, and maybe she'll suddenly find herself missing her boyfriend. "Right," Black says, "I had a lead about Dantooine, too, so this is good that both of you are corroborating," he says, nodding at Cayde briefly. When Navi starts talking about the way he plays games, he suddenly stands. "I'm a man who values actual solutions above idle chatter about progress that isn't happening," he says, suddenly starting to make his way towards the bathroom, beckoning for Zetha to follow, "and I won't lie, people tend to come to me when they've exhausted all their other means of problem solving. Kurrnak didn't hire me because he thinks I'm a good man. He hired me because I'm practical, and I get him the results he needs to stay chief of the CSF." He goes over to the massive bath and pulling the curtain aside, turns the faucet on. Zetha might wonder what the hell he's doing, but Navi and Cayde might already get a sense of what he's aiming for here. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Tenoo wasn't going to have much in the way on information and we just got to Coruscant so I wouldn't say I've exhausted all other means of problem solving..." Zetha protests even as she stands to follow him to the bathroom. Though, of course, she's absolutely confused as to why he's leading here there. And turning on the faucet. "What was the lead on Dantooine? Did they ever make it there?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "And as long as those 'actual solutions' don't walk on other sentients' lawful rights, they're not a problem," Navi retorts softly. "But the idea that you have nothing to fear if you aren't guilty is the greatest lie one sentient ever told another." She watches Black begin filling the massive bath and can't quite keep back a faint shudder. "He's doing the water thing again," she says softly to Cayde. "Be ready for trouble." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde doesn't follow him over to the bathroom, but watches him start to fill the bath, sighing. Oh, he knows where this is going. But why won't he just tell them the lead? Supposedly he also had other questions for Zetha? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, isn't that what all of us want to know?" Black says, "you can ask Cayde, I'm not lying. I don't actually know the answer to your question. There's actually very little in the way of where your parents went other than 'they went to Dantooine.' Now that's a whole ass planet, and only light knows if they stayed there or not. Given the fact that they were slaves, I'd reckon not." He looks over at Navi. "Maybe, but you certainly don't have to fear that from -me-. I work for the CSF remember? They're the good guys." "Now, I know what you're thinking. How does this help anyone?" He makes a beckoning motion at Cayde. "I need details about the ship. Fine details. The bulkhead, the cargo bay, even the color of the seat cushions if there were any." "Cayde, I know you're fully capable of managing this. You just have to manifest the same confidence I have. And we have some... safety precautions. Navi's here, and I've got some sedative." He pulls a syringe from his pocket and waves it casually while making his way over to the hotel intercom. "Is this the front desk? Oh, yes. I need every gram of salt you have in this fine establishment. And yes, this is government business." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Even good guys can make tragic mistakes. Just ask the Council," Navi replies, less than convinced. "And are we going wading again? Asking on behalf of a safety precaution." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha just stares for a moment as the tub fills with water and Black prattles on about more information he needs. And that he has a sedative. She looks from Black to Cayde, then Navi and back again. "I'm sorry. Can you actually explain to me what the kriff you're doing and why you're doing it? Nothing else is happening here until you put it in plain terms. And if I don't like them, I reserve the right to tell you to leave." And to cancel the order of salt he just made without actually getting any kind of permission or agreement to turn her bathtub into the ocean. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Somewhere in the darkness, there's a sound like a rusted bench being bent in half. Then there's a clanking sound, and a grunt. Must've been Er'gi sitting up and rolling off the berth. "Can't see a damn thing... Volken, vod, can you follow the sound of my voice? We've got to find the Baron..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde just watches the conversation, putting a hand on Navi's shoulder when she asks about the wading, shaking his head. [I will] he signs, indicating that she doesn't have to join him. He was the one who had offered to help Zetha find her parents, after all. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I dont like this. Hy are th'damn lights off? Er'gi you better check to make sure you'v got all yer beskar." Volken begins doing the same, reaching down to feel for his various armor bits and pieces, especially the vambraces he has on him as his built in weaponry was attached. Ss he does, he rises up and attempts to follow the sound of Er'gi's voice back towards the table he had been on when the antitodte had been prescribed. "If that damn antitdote did anything to us I'm gonna pull this place apart." he warns. Sure he's glad to be alive but he also didn't sign up for any further changes to his body and he certainly didn't volunteer Er'gi for that. "There was a console near where they had you strapped down. Thats where I saw Merrick's name. Maybe there's some control for the lights near there." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi lays a hand gently over Cayde's, looking soberly into his eyes. "I'm a safety precaution, remember?" she asks. "I've got to be there." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Black suddenly raises his hands in mock surrender. "Oh, I'm sorry I wasn't clear," he says, and it's impossible to know whether he's being sincere or not from his tone, but he continues, "we're trying to find your parents. I owe Cayde, and he wanted my help. I hope that clarifies things." He traces the knob on the faucet. "Now, if you'd rather -not- find your parents, well, that's completely fine by me. I'll head down the fire escape, disappear from your life forever and none of this ever has to come up again. But everyone here knows as well as I do, that you'll be walking away from the only chance you're ever going to get for finding your parents." He glances to Cayde and Navi. "That's why he's willing, and even Navi, who clearly has distaste for my methodologies, is stepping up to the plate." "Now. The question remains, do you, or do you not, want to find your parents?" "Haar'chak! I don't have any of my beskar. I don't even have my own weapons... those marauder aruetii!" Volken will also similarly find his vambraces confiscated - but getting up and walking over to Er'gi won't prove to be difficult. Already, he'll find himself feeling more and more like himself. As he approaches the sound of Er'gi's voice, he'll see a dark shape hovering in the dimly lit laboratory. "Yeah... let's try to find it," the other behemoth says. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde's expression hardens at Navi's words, and he rolls his eyes. No he definitely didn't like hearing that. He was supposed to have moved -on- from things like 'safety precautions' by now. And how well ever do that if he never actually -tries- to do things on his own? But he doesn't protest further. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I think she means more specific details about the use of the bathtub, and why you need so much salt," Navi says, slightly pointedly, to Black. "And I restate my original question... am I going to have to go wading again? I don't want to get my clothes wet, so I need to know if I'm going to have to undress for this." Cayde's eyeroll is returned in kind. "Remember what Master Rykard said," she whispers. "Besides, the only time you ever truly outgrow precautions and redundancy is when you become one with the Force." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Listen here you bantha fodder fielding nerf herder..." Zetha glares at Black. "I don't need the sass, or the sarcasm, or the bullshit you're tossing my way right now. I want to know how a tub full of salt water is going to help find my parents. Or get close to finding them. What I don't need is someone who I barely know pussyfooting their way into the questions of my life without said explanations." She folds her arms across her chest then. She's pretty sure this wasn't what Rykard had in mind. Black's obviously not with the Order. "It's a flipping bathtub how deep are you expecting to go? Wading? Someone please make this make sense or you can all just get the hell out of my room." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken says nothing. He's too furious. Even if he's a little on the lighter side of matters concering The Way he's still Mandalorian and this theft is something of a violation and an affront on numerous levels. Too numerous to count. Er'gi's string of curses sums it up pretty well so he simply reaches around when he realizes he's near enough to Er'gi to assess where the monirots were and starts fiddlign with it, pushing for buttons and trying his best to not simply try and crush the thing with his now exposed hands. "ONe thing atta time..." he growls out, tone tight with rage. "We need to see before we do any killin'." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Black doesn't seem at all bothered by Zetha's sharp words. Instead, he chuckles. "Feisty, aren't you?" He waves a hand dismissively. "Well, go on, Cayde. Why don't you explain to her what's going on, since you know the drill." Then he looks to Navi. "You know it as well, of course you'll be getting wet. I'll leave the decision about what you want to do with the clothes you're wearing up to you." -- "Vod..." Er'gi says, his tone tenuous. "You're not well. Step back, let me see what I can do." Er'gi goes to move where Volken is standing, starting to grope for any kind of control that might turn the lights back on. Perhaps he's successful, perhaps he's not - the lights suddenly turn back on, and perched atop one of the many metal shelves in this cursed laboratory, is Zealot. "You want your beskar," he says matter of factly, "and you want to know about Merrick." A pause, and then he leaps down. "Your companion is right. You are not in control of yourself right now." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "This is quite a bit different from the last time you tried something like this," Navi points out irritably to Black. "For one thing, you were using a deliberately-constructed chamber. This is completely improvised." She looks to Zetha, calming herself somewhat. "I think he's trying to improvise some kind of Force resonance chamber, to make telepathy and related uses of the Force stronger and more clear. I'm not a hundred percent sure why the salt is needed, for what it's worth. I think he wants Cayde to navigate deep into your mind to find some of your earliest memories and examine them in great detail, to find any details that might point to where your parents might be." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Give me a break. If I wasns't in control of myself this place would alrady be a twisted hunk o'metal. You folk had -no- right to take our Beskar off. You nkow how important the metal and armor is to us." Volken finally looks around to get a look at ER'gi and then down at himself, perpetually suspicious and looking for signs of any side efforts or signs that they were trying any funny business with them while they were out. "Beskar first. Cain and Jorn second. I ddin't even know Merrick was ..alive...let alone mixed up in all of this...." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Why can't you simply answer it? You always need someone else in the room to speak for you?" Zetha asks this before her attention turns to Navi. "Yes. That makes absolute sense. Dig into the mind of someone who was abandoned nearly two decades ago and find whatever remnants might point to where the ship that left her behind ever wound up going to. By all means..." She leans back against a wall then, obviously very full of sarcasm and very close to the end of her patience. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde just lets Navi explain, after all, she could say it far better than he ever could. But Zetha doesn't seem too keen on it, so he just shrugs. [Only if Zetha wants] he signs. He wouldn't enter an unwilling individual's mind unless there was a good reason. Like a life or death situation, or if he needed to find information from criminals or bad actors. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, I can't very well bring her to the CSF HQ and lead her blindfolded into a room with all the lights off," He says, "I think she'd like that even less," he says with a chuckle, "you're right, it is completely improvised. But it'll work." He looks to Zetha. "Why Zetha my dear, you're absolutely correct. I do, actually. You probably aren't aware, but that is exactly how I work. Kurrnak is always asking me for covert favors. It's why the CSF runs as well as it does. I don't exist according to the public. But that way, Kurrnak can tell the Chancellor that he's keeping Coruscant safe. I've not much of an ego, you see." "Well, it's worked before, right, Cayde?" Then he shrugs, and waves dismissively. "The truth of the matter is -- whoever took your parents really -really- wanted to vanish. And they did. Better than I've seen anyone do it, in my entire life. And that's saying a lot, because you wouldn't believe some of the shit I've seen pulled. But I can find them, because I have strategy, and access to individuals and resources that most PI's don't have access to." He gestures vaguely at Cayde and Navi. "But if you'd rather just not find your parents ... well." He shrugs. "We can stop wasting water." -- "Fair enough," Zealot comments flatly. He doesn't respond to Volken's comment about how much their beskar means to them. He then motions vaguely, and a droid with a hovercart appears. Their beskar is on it. He reaches over and picks up Volken's chest piece, briefly draping it over himself before tossing it to the behemoth. "The Baron is barely alive," he says to Volken. "The same cannot be said for Merrick. While you were unconscious, we've found his trail." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha holds up a single finger. "It's just Zetha." She says and then glances to Cayde after a moment. "If you think it will work and will help... I'm willing to do it. Mostly because I trust you both." Saying this while motioning to Navi. "And while I'm not footing the bill for this stay it probably is a good idea we do this now before we run up the water bill any higher." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken's face turns even more red as Zealot dares to play with his armor so casually. Then he narrows his eyes slightly and seems to relax slighlty as he watches that perculiar action. "Stop playin' games with my stuff." he finally growls out though he eyes him for a few longer seconds before finally claiming the armor piece and waiting fort he droid to bring the rst to him and Er'gi. He spares the other towering Mandolorian a glance and then looks back at Zealot. "If Caine's barely alive...well... damn I don't want the di'kut to die from something like this but maybe it'll teach him about abandoning the people with him to strike out on his own. And I want your help locating Jorn. We shouldn't go trying to take Merrick down unless everybody is with us. Now he's still out there... I bet the Jedi's already made it back to the temple so we mgiht as well just keep at it." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If you're sure. Cayde and I will do our best to find whatever's there to be found, and to make sure you aren't harmed or traumatized in the process," Navi says reassuringly as she takes a seat, shrugs off her light field jacket, and begins to unstrap her boots. "Telepathy is almost totally safe, but there's always a slight chance of things going wrong." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [It will work...help is not sure] Cayde replies, shrugging. [But we have chance] he tells her. He can't guarantee anything. But it was worth an attempt, at least. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Navi, Cayde and I can't give you any guarantees. But it's worth a shot, and it's certainly better than groping around in the dark for a lead that doesn't exist," he says, waving a hand casually. When she mentions not running up the water bill, he gets up and turns the water off, since the bath is now full. "Now," he says, offering her a hand and patting the edge of the bath. "Sit here. The salt--" The doorbell rings, "ah. Cayde, will you do the honors and get the salt from the maintenance droid?" He then looks to Navi. "You're ready, right?" Zealot just tilts his head to one side, his mask hiding his true expression as he watches Volken and Er'gi take back all their armor. "We need the Baron. Merrick's trail is bound to grow cold soon." A pause. "We won't find him without the Baron. And as for Jorn... he has become impossible to track. We suspect the lothwolves are involved." "However, we can turn off the jammer for forty five minutes. And if fate is on your side, you may be able to reach Jorn." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "As ready as I can be under the circumstances," Navi replies to Black, finishing her undressing and standing to walk over to the bath barefoot and in her underwear. "If I'd known I was going to be taking a dip today, I'd've brought my bikini," she adds wryly, and only half jokingly. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "That's more coopeation than I expected..." mutters Volken as he begins strapping his Beskar back on, working as quickl as he can but also haphazardly - still being a little out of it. There's no point in rushing to get the helmet back on anyway. That ship has long sailed. "Are you alright with that, Er'gi?" He takes a moment to really give the other Mandalorian a good once over visually. Er'gi was -much- worse off than he was after all but apparently not nearly as bad as Caine. "And as much as I can't stand the guy I aint wishin' for The Baron's death. Obviously him livin' is better then dying but what're we suposed t'do if that cure isn't working? And what's a Lothwolf?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha doesn't take the offered hand, but she does move to go sit on the edge of the tub, unzips her cargo pants at the knees to turn them into cargo shorts, and then puts her feet into the water. She does give a look to Navi that might blatantly show how utterly ridiculous she thinks this is without saying anything. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods and goes to fetch the slat from the droid, and then steps into the water. He doesn't take any of his clothes off, though. Did he forget? Well he hadn't done that last time, either. It's rather awkward looking, though. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Black bows slightly and gestures for Navi to make her way over to the bath, also offering her a hand as she goes to touch the water from the bath. Black makes no mention of Cayde not taking off any of his clothes, not even his shoes. Instead, he lifts the bags of salt onto the edge of the bath and dumps them all in, giving it a good swish before shaking his hands dry. Then he goes over to the windows, draws the curtains, and then finally shuts off the lights. "I suggest you relax, Zetha," his disembodied voice comes from somewhere in the pitch blackness. "Best not to resist under these kinds of circumstances, but I'm sure you already know that." -- Er'gi nods. The other Mandalorian looks better, but still weak as hell and definitely not in any kind of fighting shape. "I don't think we have much choice," He says quietly, rubbing his head after donning his armor. "You'll have more than just a false cure to worry about if we do not find Merrick soon," Zealot replies. "Force sensitive creatures. But these are genetically modified. They can do all manner of things ordinary lothwolves can do and likely more, but appear to be less intelligent. It is best to tread carefully. We do not yet know what they are fully capable of." Then he turns to leave. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi steps carefully into the bath, but remains standing until the salt has been added. Only after the bags have been laid aside and the rim of the tub has been dried does she seat herself on the rim, gently touching Zetha's hand with one of her hands, and Cayde's hand with the other. "Try to relax," she says gently to Zetha. "Just let your mind empty out and contemplate the backs of your eyelids. Cayde and I will do the rest." Even as she speaks, she reaches into the Force, tweaking its flow between herself, Cayde, and Zetha, letting the salt water solution quietly amplify and clarify the effect... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "You';re not gonna be much help, vod." rumbles Volken, switching to Man'doa to address Er'gi as Zealot turns to leave. "..You were -really- bad... but I guess that means The Baron must have -reallllllyy- gotten a bad dosage of it if what they did for you isn't workin' for him. Your constitution probably helped. I guess bein' as big as a small moon has its advantages." He then switches back to Basic and says, "Alright..fine. Let's do it... Don't underestimate Jorn though. If what yer sayin' about these wolves is on point... they might be drawn to him cause of what he's carryin', yeah?" He shakes his head and makes to start following Zealot, "More of that stupid force sorcery stuff..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sits down on the other side of Zetha from Navi, and begins to focus on the Twi'lek's memories again, similar to the way he'd done before. Though there is still the fact that he doesn't much like Navi being there. Try as he might to perish the thought, it simply won't go away, like a nagging little voice in the back of his mind that says he's not strong enough to train with a real saber. Plus, does he -really- trust her? Thoughts of Xera Graf start to sneak in... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' As the room dims and then the lights go off to make it pitch black Zetha freezes for a moment. When she hears Navi's voice though, she relaxes a little bit, taking slow breaths like she's done before. Then, maybe she senses Cayde's hesitation. Maybe she remembers from the first time they did this. She knows where Cayde is - mostly - and so she reaches a hand out until finding his to touch gently at first - just letting him know it's there - but keeping it near in case he wants to take it. Trust. She said back then she trusts him and that isn't suddenly disappearing anytime soon. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The sensory deprivation tank is improvised, but its magic still works wonders. Zetha, Cayde, and Navi will find themselves plunged to a level of the subconscious that's deeper than what's comfortable - but this won't be unfamiliar for Cayde and Navi. It's not unlike the -other- time they'd done this... with Vlaven... Zetha will find herself no longer moored to the present, but instead, a floating, disembodied conscience, drifting the mindscape created by Navi and Cayde... "I'm going to try," Er'gi says hoarsely, a streak of determination in his tone. Zealot doesn't respond, but he inclines his head ever so slightly. He leads them to a room containing a comms console. After interacting with it for a minute or two, he turns to Volken. "I've shut off the jammer. Your best bet for any kind of signal will be in here." And then he exits, vanishing in the dimly lit hallway outside the comms room. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I carried your oversized butt for who knows how many miles thorugh a poisoned fog, Er'gi. If you go out there and just die, I might have to kill you for it..." grumbles Volken, but that's all the griping he'll do. Er'gi is Mandalorian after all. He'd probably have to kill him at least three times. "Okay let's see if we can get Jorn on the comms I guess..." He gives another glance as Zealot leves - looking in that direction for a few seconds before turning to look over the comm systems to begin fiddling. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi slips into the background of the mindscape, letting Cayde handle the bulk of the questioning and other telepathic work. She's a safety precaution, after all; she's mostly there just in case something begins to go wrong. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde does his best to stay focused, and begin to focus on Zetha's distant past as before. The day she was abandoned on Tenoo, and then further back from that. The ship she had been on...what was it like? Had she previously been to Dantooine? Why were they headed to Tenoo to begin with? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha remembers larger things at first. A room that - for a child - seemed a little too big. It was also too plain. Too grey. Too metal. Only a few funiture pieces inside it. A bed and a cot. A table with three mis-matched chairs. An argument between her parents that was sharp whispers she couldn't make out too well. Zetha never being allowed off the ship because it would cause too much trouble. A few trips made to Outer Rim worlds, but Tenoo was specifically chosen because it was the furthest away from Dantooine where she could be left because she was already trouble at seven years old. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The mindscape will feel alarmingly real. For Zetha, it will be as if she'd been transported back in time to when she was seven, living in that barren room that's a little big for her... -- "Nonsense, vod. You're not in that much better shape, and neither of us are surviving without each other," Er'gi says. Well it looks as if fate is in fact on their side, after all. There's some signal, now that the jammer's off. The console he's been given access to is very rudimentary - no holovideo and limited data upload, but at least Volken will be able to at least send a text transmission off to Jorn. He'll also see that he's got some incoming text transmissions from varying folk - that Disciple Crane, from Kublop, and surprisingly, one from the Duke Thyssel himself... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' << Don't let the mindscape overwhelm you, Zetha... it may feel incredibly real, but it's not, >> Navi advises gently. << We're looking at some of your earliest memories. Images and sounds from the past. It can be pretty intense. Just remember, it's not real. >> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Hmm, maybe it was possible for Zetha to change things in the memory a bit. Pretend her seven year old self went and did a little more exploring of certain corners of her mind that she hadn't focused on much before. Like maybe some more of the things her parents had been saying. Had she ever been to the bridge, or engineering? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' That was how trouble started. The ship would land, her parents would be led away and someone forgot to lock the door. So Zetha would slip out after several moments when she knew the ship was cleared enough. Then she would wander. Into the kitchen where the staples were barely edible for the slaves, and sometimes to the engine room. The engine room was the best part. Something would be sparking and she would try to fix it. The ship lost power at least three times. But the design of engineering shows it couldn't be the biggest ship in the galaxy of course. Something mid-sized perhaps. There were rooms enough for a few more slaves - either single or coupled - and a small crew. She also might have tried a few doors that she couldn't open. One might have been the bridge. She never found out. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi and Cayde will continue to find themselves immersed in Zetha's mindscape... well, that is, until both of them will feel someone shaking their shoulders rather aggressively. It's Black. "Someone's at the door, knocking. And if I had to guess who it is, it's likely one of the Jedi..." He's already draining the bath. "Cayde, Navi... we'll follow up about this later, yeah?" The lothwolf tugs on Jorn's sleeve. She seems wary of the grotto - and Jorn might see why, somewhere deep within something stirs. The green Mandalorian will be able to hear the faintest of gurgles. But he may be loathe to leave this spot, as it does appear that he actually does have a bit of signal here. His commlink is pinging loudly. Messages from Volken, and the Duke himself are flooding into his inbox. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Ugh..!" Navi startles out of the reverie of the sensory-deprivation chamber and the telepathic bond. "Frell... fine. Just let me know when," she murmurs, borrowing the hydroshower spray nozzle to spritz the salt water off of her legs before drying them with a convenient towel. Thank the Force for luxury hotel housekeeping... "I'll see who's at the door. Cayde, you might want to wring yourself out a few dozen times before you join me. Then maybe I'll have a moment to dress," the Sephi adds, padding across the luxurious carpet on bare feet toward the door. She presses the button for the security intercom beside the door. "Yes? How may I help you?" she asks politely. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' He has the flame thrower in his hand. The mandalorian starts to look over everything. He's concerned with the sight as he moves slowly. Just ready to pull the trigger firmly. However, he wants to look before pulling the trigger. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde does not wring himself out a few dozen times. Or at all. He just gets up out of the bath, dragging the sopping wet ends of his robes across the floor. Then he just sheds the wet robe, dumping it onto the floor before going to get a fresh set from his luggage. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Black doesn't respond to Navi. In a few minutes, he's gone-- the only evidence of him having been here, an open window and a wet bathtub. When Navi asks who's at the door, she'll get a curt but polite reply. "It's me, Master Rykard. Thaarin's with me. Is Cayde in there? We must all speak." Nothing... yet. But the gurgling sound is getting louder. That can't be good. The white lothwolf whines, and his commlink pings loudly again. Perhaps he should shut it off, for now. Volken's attention might be drawn to the Duke's message first. <We're on Tenoo. Where are you? Are you alright?> 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Here, I'll let you in," Navi replies. "I apologize for my state of dress. I'll explain once you're inside, unless you'd rather I get my clothes first." She disengages the lock and toggles the door open to admit Master Rykard and Thaarin, standing to one side of the doorway so she's not so easily visible from anywhere but right at the door. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Shutting off the com, Jorn starts to move about the place a little quicker. Trying not to shoot at anythin ghtat moves, but moving at every sound. trying to keep his guard up before anything. He keeps moving trying to get toward the gurgle. He's concerned about well...everything. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "What the.. how th'hell.." Volken is briefly shocked. Then it hits him. "Kass..." He glances at Er'gi "Looks like they found us. Given the situation we're gonna just have ta risk it, I think, vod. After all this time, Jorn should be able to handle himself as far as the Saber goes." With that, he activates his comm and sends a reply back out. <<Stay where you are. We're hidden with a group of allies, trying to take down a group of illegal cloners and genetic augmenters. How many are with you?" No sense in giving their exact position away just yet in case this is a trap. Plus they can always turn the jammer back on. <<Is Thaelin with you?">> ANd then to Jorn he sends a message, <<Can you get to our location?>> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde already knew it was Master Rykard. And he already has an idea of what he wants to speak about, which is nothing good. He sighs and sits down in the living area, not looking forward to this. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The door opens, and Master Rykard, along with Thaarin, enter the room. The elderly Ikkrukki is indeed, rather displeased, and Cayde will know it the second he enters the room. Thaarin, naturally, frowns at Cayde's wet robes lying on the floor. "What happened here?" he asks. Rykard waves for Navi to fetch a robe, or something. "I suppose I'm not in a hurry," he says, but the Sephi girl will be able to tell his patience is running thin. Not towards her, though... Rykard turns to Cayde, his brows slightly furrowed. Oh, the young padawan will know what his Master wants... The gurgle is getting louder, and louder. Whatever's in that grotto, is coming out. Perhaps Jorn's communicator had drawn attention to him. Or perhaps whatever it is, is nocturnal. A few moments pass, and Jorn will be able to see two narrow amber eyes, angled and glowing, emerging from the grotto. "That's.. maybe not unwelcome news," Er'gi says quietly, rubbing his head. "The Duke has always meant well..." <<At least ten. You'll have to tell me more. We'll try. Wherever you are, it's looking like our systems are having a hard time locking onto your position. Thaelin's with me, yes. And so is Sanza." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi toggles the door shut behind the two men. "Just give me a moment, Master," she says, walking briskly to the bathroom to retrieve her clothes. As she steps partway behind the bathroom doorway and begins to dress, careful not to step on the sopping wet robe on the floor, she listens somewhat sympathetically to the conversation in the next room. "Cayde and I were assisting Agent Black in trying to find Zetha's missing parents... it involved an improvised sensory-deprivation chamber that was mostly a bathtub filled with salt water inside a dark room. I decided I'd rather not get my clothes wet when I had to put my feet and legs into the water," she explains. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh, Cayde knows. Which makes it worse, to a degree.     He stares at the floor, just letting Navi talk for the time being. He'll stall until someone addresses him directly... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn did turn off the communicator a bit ago. This may cause that message from Volken to fall on deaf ears. He will look at the two eyes. That gurgling noise isn't someone drowning. However, he does keep focus on the eyes and takes a few small steps back just in case. Just to give himself an idea to dodge or move just in case. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Not unwelcome but given everything that's happened we can't be to careful either. We've already died...three times now. I'm not going for a fourth, especially from our own peoples cannon fire." Looking around, Volken rumbles, "The Marauders are probably using the dampening field to stay hidden from the cloners and with Merrick with them and probably behind all the crazy stuff in the gorge we can't just expect them to turn it off to let a bunch of trained Mandalorians to come dropping in." He grows quiet, measuring his next words. Then answrs the comms again: "We have to keep this dampenin' field up to stay hidden from the cloners. There's a facility somewhere in a large gorge. A ravine. It's filled with poisonous traps and likely mutated beasts. Don't enter it or fire on it. You'll risk spreadin' the spores out over the settlement. If you can get an airborn survey and spot anything unusual try and send it back t'us otherwise standby for our signal.." Volken's voice lowers now, a hint of his older chaos-prone self beginning to show, buried as it has been for some time now due to the positions he's been forced into: "I'll make sure you see it..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard looks about, frowning. "I want to know more about this ... Agent Black," he says, and spares Cayde another disappointed look. "And what about this sensory deprivation chamber. Something tells me this isn't the first time. Cayde? You're not excused from offering your explanation, as well." A massive serpent emerges from the grotto. The size of it is unnatural, even for a place like Tenoo. It will strike Jorn as discomfortingly odd. The lothwolf has her tail between her legs, and she's growling, ears flattened. The slithering thing is approaching. It hasn't attacked... not yet, anyway. But the look it's giving seems to indicate its hunger. "Well, we're still walking around, aren't we?" Er'gi offers weakly, "that counts for something, in my books." <<Copy that. Stay safe in the meantime>> And then the transmission is cuts off. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde shrugs at the questions about Black. [He work for CSF...for Kurrnak.] he signs, glancing over at Navi.     [Chamber aids with meditation...connection to Force] he continues. There really wasn't much more to add, beyond what the Sephi had already explained as well. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I can tell you that Agent Black is exceptionally dedicated to the CSF and is known for methods that don't always follow the letter of the law. He has a habit of getting results, but I'm not so sure about the cost of them," Navi replies. "This is the second time Cayde and I have used a sensory-deprivation chamber with him, although the first such use was not so improvised as this one. It was done to bolster our telepathic abilities and Force abilities more than anything. More than that, I just don't know." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn's holding still. Just waiting for the thing to strike. No sudden moves. Two thoughts linger. Only two. That causes a paln to go in motion. The flamer is in one hand. The other hand moves slow. Nothing sudden. It just goes for the hilt of the dark side. The plan. When this thing goes to strike, dodge, counter strike with the blade. Hope the blade is firm enough to filet this thing. Some new snake skin boots sound very nice. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "It does yeah... " agrees Volken towards Er'gi as the transfmission cuts off. "It does... Still, if I go down I certainly don't want it t'be to friendly fire... -Assuming- it's friendly fire and that wasn't a trick to get us to come out in the open and get bombed. But it sounds like their on foot. We need some way to be able to reach out to them when it's time to strike the labs but I guess we'll have to convince the Marauders that a gang of Mandalorians are worth havin' at their sides and not with their guns at their backs." Shrugging, Volken rests his hands on his hips and looks at the consoles, "...Shouldn't be that hard. As for Jorn? Cant do anything if his comm aint on .... hopefully he aint dead but considering it's Jorn: I doubt it. You couldn't even kill him yourself." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Both Rykard and Thaarin seem visibly discomfited by Navi's words, Rykard more than Thaarin. But Thaarin is always a hard read. He speaks before the Master Jedi does. "... are his methods... safe?" he asks, his brows furrowing slightly. "What is your opinion of him," he then asks, glancing from Navi to Cayde. The giant serpent is approaching slowly, that hungry look in its eyes still acutely present. It finally comes to a halt, its serpentine gaze surveying Jorn and the lothwolf. Then suddenly, it strikes, mouth agape...! "True," Er'gi says, "but the elements here nearly killed me. Anyway, I wasn't really trying to kill him. Was just venting... as all Mandalorians tend to do when tensions are high..." There's a pause. "We ought to go see the state of the Baron. We're not finding anything without him, unfortunately..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "So far they have been," Navi replies as she continues dressing. "I've never seen him put anyone in undue danger, at least. I'm just not sure I agree with some of his methods, whether he gets results or not. I have concerns that one day he will go too far beyond the edge of the law." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "When I vent... vod....things go a little crazy..." Volken's looking away when he says this, eyes on the monitors and hands squeezing one of the console railings. The signs of the stress this has been causing show some signs of appearing as his arms tense and his armor creaks. When he lifts his hands up, the metal is visibly dented and twisted and he turns away from it to step away and move past Er'gi for the door. "Yeah, come on... B'fore they think we're in here breaking stuff.." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde just shrugs again at Rykard's question on his opinion of Black. He looks over to Navi as she speaks her own piece, though. He can't deny that the man gets results...that's probably why Kurrnak keeps him around, anyway. Besides, any replacement would probably end up doing the same things. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn prepares, but he zigs instead of zags. Oh, this is going to hurt. He's not sure how. But the man will do everything to hold onto the blade. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "What do you mean?" Thaarin says, eyes narrowing. He offers Navi some help with dressing, helping her slip on the sleeves of whatever she's putting on. "Won't Kurrnak reprimand him, then?" Rykard interjects. "I have my hesitations about this... bath that he's supposedly had Cayde utilize on more than one occasion." He then turns to Cayde. "You approve of this man," He says, and it doesn't sound like a question, but Cayde will sense that his master is testing him. Er'gi nods. "I know, vod, I'm the same way..." He then goes to follow Volken out of the comms center. "Are you sure you're going to be alright...?" he says. "I've... never seen you like this before." The serpent lunges forward and one of its fangs grazes his arm. Yeah, that's definitely not gonna feel great to Jorn. His blade misses striking it, but at least the green armored Mandalorian will get to keep his dignity - the blade doesn't drop into the swampy waters. However, he might be offended when it's tail flicks violently outward and knocks the lothwolf off her feet... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' A scream can't help, but leave Jorn's lips from behind the helm. Although, that swipe to the wolf will offend him. Oh, it offends him highly. That's when he will try to go for a downard slash, trying to be the agressor this time around. Even if parts of him ache currently. He wants to drive the thing off. Distrct it from the wolf. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde averts his gaze, shifting uncomfortably. He doesn't answer his master immediately. Honestly, he doesn't really know... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thanks, Thaarin, but I've got it," Navi says politely, with a grateful little smile for Thaarin, as she's doing up the last button of her cor-cotton thermal shirt and reaching for her colonial-issue work pants. "Two pairs of hands might be less efficient than one right now." "It's more a feeling than a thing that can be put into words, Master. My greatest fear is that he will irreparably harm an innocent being, or allow a truly dangerous being to escape punishment through a technicality that might not otherwise exist," she replies to the Jedi Master. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I don't know vod... Merrick's involvement is bringin' back all sorts of...things I thought I'd dealt with. I just wanna tear this ship apart and everybody in it." Ther'es a pause and then he adds, "Present company excluded o'course...." He quiets and then rumbles, "I don't lke not knowin' where Jorn is, that Ellari just ran off and left us, that th'Jedi just ran off and left us despite us coming here -explicitly- to get their help about the Dark Saber. About bein' run around and givin' the run around by The Baron. I wanna ball this whole ship up into a pile of scrap and I feel like on the inside i'm strong enough t'do it and if I'm not I bet I can find somethin' to pilot that can. You wanna talk about ventin'? I -can't - vent because if I do nobody is walkin' away from this." Well that got dark. Volken Mons is quiet for a bit an then simply says, "Let's just find these fools and get this all over with...." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' There's a hissing screech and a hissing sound, along with the smell of burn flesh as Jorn's saber gouges the side of the serpents mouth. It rears back, to and for all intents and purposes looks like it plans to strike again, but then suddenly, its attention is diverted. By something, by someone. Jorn might hear a faint rustle, but no more. The serpent is then suddenly distracted, heading east of them towards the opposite side of the pond. The lothwolf is lying on her side, her tail flicking weakly. "....Cayde." Rykard says sternly. "Look at me when I'm talking to you." Thaarin nods, and steps away from Navi. "And why do you fear that? You said you believe his methods are safe, though if Rykard has reservations, then so do I. Wasn't Cayde trying to track someone he had formerly had him interrogate?" "..." Er'gi doesn't seem to know what to say for a moment. "I'm sorry," he says finally. "But you've got to tie up this loose end, vod. Don't let yourself vent, yet, anyway. If Merrick is still alive and working with the cloners... damn, I never thought I'd say this but we do need to approach all of this carefully. I'm not my best self right now, and neither are you. I wish I didn't sound so laandur. But it is what it is. I'm exhausted..." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Khalid rushes toward the Lothwolf trying to act as defense. "Can't go on me girl." He keeps one hand on the blade. The other on the wolf. "We've been through too much, little one. Come on," he pets at her side. "I don't want you to go. Just stay with me." He will use his free hand to feel for a med pack or something that's probably not there. Then the hand returns. "Come on girl," he says softly and he looks down at the wolf. "Please," he is not sure who the words are for really. Just anyone. Anything. Not looking to bargain. Just asking for a miracle. Yes, this thing did try to eat him, much like the snake currently is doing. However, they had an odd friendship. At least he knew at the end of the day, the wolf wouldn't strike at him again. That's not a sentiment he carries with most sentient beings. Especially when they get back to Mandalore. Choices will cement friendships and break others. He knows that. There was a comfort in knowing, at least one thing had his back out there. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "It's a /feeling/, Thaarin. If I could put it into more specific terms, I would," Navi replies softly to Thaarin, stepping into her pants and slipping the suspender straps over her shoulders before scooping up her socks, boots, jacket, and satchel and moving to join the others in the sitting area of the hotel room. Taking a seat almost at the other end of the room from Master Rykard and Cayde, she sets her things down and begins to button her pants. "Would it be better if I left you all alone for a bit?" she asks softly. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Yes master] Cayde signs, and obediently looking back toward the elder Jedi. However, he doesn't answer the question. Still, the Ikkrukki will likely be able to sense that the padawan doesn't fully know how to answer the question. He thinks Black is the best resource for finding Zetha's parents, and for helping him learn intelligence work. His character, the young Jedi is not certain of. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "You almost died from poison. That you're moving your big arse around as much as you are is kinda a miracle, yeah? That I'm movin' around after also getting poisoned -and- carryin' you is kinda nuts. So that counts for something. I guess we can maybe trust the marauders after all but I also said that maybe you should hang back and not try and go out and fight just yet." notes Volken as he turns back to Er'gi. "We gotta be aware of our limits, yeah?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf lifts her head up, then shakily gets to her feet. She seems alright, though shaken and probably a bit traumatized. She licks Jorn's outstretched hand. And then suddenly, she darts forward, barking loudly and chasing after... the serpent!? It has returned, and is heading back inside the grotto, but tangled limply in its coils is ... a body. Dead? Alive? Jorn won't really be able to tell. But the lothwolf seems to think it's worth making a fuss over, apparently. The massive serpent pays her no mind, though, and continues on its way back into the grotto. Rykard waves a hand dismissively, his expression taut with disappointment. "Both of you, leave us," he says to Thaarin and Navi. "I must attend to my padawan privately." And he gets up to go to the balcony of Zetha's suite. Cayde is expected to follow, even if the elder Ikkrukki had not explicitly said so. "Yeah," Er'gi says after a moment's consideration. "...yeah." he sounds defeated. "Well you ought to, too. You're not yourself right now, Volken. And I can't imagine everything that's going through your mind right now, vod, but I know I'm not the sort who excels at comfort talks. But maybe..." he pauses. "That disciple back at Kublop. He really liked you, didn't he? And he's the religious sort. Maybe he'll have some kind words of wisdom." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi finishes pulling on her socks and boots and fastens the zipseals of her pants from knee to ankle. Scooping up her satchel and jacket, she nods to Master Rykard and Cayde. "As you wish, Master," she replies gently, turning toward the room door. "I'll be in my room if anyone needs me, and I'll have my comlink near to hand." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs deeply, and follows his master out to the balcony. There is a growing sense of dread, the Ikkrukki can already feel it in his padawan's mind. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn nods seeing the Wolf is okay, the mandalorian nods. Once the wolf gets up and starts to bark and go after the body, that's when Jorn speaks to himself, "On your feet soldier," and he pushes up. Then he runs back toward the snake again. The mandalorian rushing toward the snake trying to delvery a slash to the side using one hand. The left arm is still injured. He will endure for the moment. He can worry about injuries later. This is just what he has to do now. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I dont' want words of wisdom Er'gi. I wanna break somebody's neck or fold their body in half whle they're sitll in their armor. ..." Volken's response is cold and clipped. "...I already had that one Jedi try and dissect me infron tof everyone. I've had enough of all that. I'm ready to finish this job and get off this damned planet.... that disciple is a nice guy but...enough's enough." Volken then gestures for Er'gi to keep moving. "Just don't push yourself too far. Yeah?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard nods to her and Thaarin joins Navi as they exit the room. Rykard then goes out to the balcony, and waits for Cayde there. Once Cayde arrives, Rykard doesn't turn to face Cayde, instead he stares out at the cityscape, his expression brooding. "You did his favor because you knew I wouldn't let you if I knew the nature of it," the elder Jedi Master says. The serpent screams, and the cauterized wound fills the air with a rancid smell. And yet, it does not let go of the body, or attack. Instead, it hastens into the grotto, leaving behind a trail of green goo that seemed to have not cauterized despite the injury done to it with the blade. The lothwolf sniffs it, and begins to follow the trail inside. Well, at least they know where it went... "But you can't!" Er'gi suddenly shouts. "You.. you can't. Not right now, and it will be a while before you can. If I'm being honest vod I'm worried about you. Maybe you do need to try something different. All of this... it's different. You're not just going to shrug it off like you have every other time." Then he continues down the corridor in silence. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "What a day," Navi murmurs as the door closes behind herself and Thaarin. "I need a long, hot hydroshower after all this excitement. Maybe ten hydroshowers." She starts toward her room. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' That smell would cause Jorn to press onward trying to track the creature, use old skills from times long ago. He's afraid to turn on the radio to avoid attracting anything else. His focus on the serpent as Jorn and the wolf move together to track down the creature's movements. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde goes to join him, leaning over the railing. Well of course his master already knew. < Yes master... > he projects this time. But how else could he help Zetha? Black knew how to get results. He was the best resource for this, otherwise it'd just be unproductive fumbling around in the dark without any leads.     < ...The Republic entrusted him> he points out. <The Republic entrust us too> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard turns to Cayde sternly, his brows furrowing deeply. "And you? You trust him?" Cayde will know the look Rykard is giving him. He doesn't want Cayde to just say yes or no. He wants him to explain himself. Using words. Meanwhile, Zetha's probably feeling a bit out of sorts from the entire ordeal. It'd been cut off abruptly, with Black saying that he'd return later so they could finish. Maybe she's looking for an extra set of clothes, or has donned one of the cozy robes stored in the massive walkin near the refreshers. Either way, she'll probably become hazily aware that Cayde and Rykard are having a talk on the balcony just beyond the bedroom. Navi's likely just arrived back at the Alisandre after having spied on Xera and her suspicious contact. As she walks into the lobby, she'll run into Taryn. "You followed me!" he says sourly. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I did. Because I was looking for Lady Xera. And I found her in the company of a Mon Calamari, who is now twenty thousand credits richer and emphatically wishes to never deal with her again," Navi replies, lowering her voice a little, but not bothering to deny it. "Not because I suspected you of any wrongdoing. I apologize if I gave you any such impression. You wouldn't happen to know who said Mon Calamari is, would you?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha gently collapses into a chair after giving up on finding new clothes while her mind is a bit of a whirling mess in the moment. She's aware that Black is gone as well as Navi but she can make out Rykard's voice - however muffled - coming from the balcony where he's speaking to Cayde. Not paying it much attention in the moment, however, while she continues trying to get her mind out of the haze it's currently wading through. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods slowly. [To serve Republic...] he signs. [...but not follow Jedi ways] That was the caveat. But how could they expect those outside the Order to do so, anyway? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Taryn relaxes when Navi says she doesn't think he's done anything wrong. But when she asks about the Mon Calamari, his brows furrow. "I lost her after she disappeared into that nightclub," he says, "I don't know who you're talking about. But you know what he looks like?" Rykard doesn't look pleased, but he says, "Very well then. We shall speak to Zetha, too, then." And he swiftly abandons the balcony, and goes back into the room, where Zetha had been about to try to relax. "Miss Rumir," he says, his tone clipped but not impolite. "A word, please. Cayde, come here. We're not done yet." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I got a pretty good look at him. Part of some jury counsel organization, and well-dressed. Professional. He headed straight for the Federal District, so he's likely staying somewhere close to this very hotel, or at the very least his workplace is close by. I'm sure I'd recognize him if I saw him again," Navi replies, nodding. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sits up a bit more properly once Rykard enters the room, her eyes likely still look a bit glazed over, but she focuses on the Jedi Master as best as she can. "Of course, Master Rykard." She offers simply though she does also allow herself a shift of glance over to Cayde with something akin to curiosity. Or perhaps worry. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs and follows his master back inside. Well, at least he seemed satisfied, if not exactly pleased, with that answer. He meets Zetha's gaze briefly, his expression one of dreading this 'discussion' he seems caught in the middle of. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Part of a jury counsel and Mon Calamari..." Taryn rubs his chin, pensive. "Well, I do know of a jury counsel org run entirely by Mon Calamari. He might work for them, but if he doesn't, perhaps some of them might know who he is, at least. And if he works in or near this district... that might narrow it down more." "You met Black," he says to her gently. "What was your impression of him? Do you trust him?" He then glances briefly over at Cayde. Er'gi falls silent for a little bit as they head down the corridor, but eventually he says, "You don't always have to do everything alone, vod. I know it's what you're used to. But this is one enemy you're not going to be able to take down by yourself. We need to at least try to be at our best. If we're not..." he trails off. Up ahead, the single door at the end of the hallway slides open, revealing a staircase that spirals downward. They'll suddenly find themselves awash in the smell of chemicals of the medical sort. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "That would be a good place to start, then. Xera's whole aim is to keep this trial as quiet as possible, and I doubt she'd be upset if Weniscio got off the hook completely. It makes sense that she'd look into ways to sway the jury, or at least the jury selection," Navi observes. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha falters for a moment. The truth of it might wound Cayde, but she isn't about to lie to a Jedi Master who could probably sense if she's not being completely honest. "I trust the idea that Cayde trusts him. But there was a lot that he said that didn't quite sit right with me. He was very insistent, but also not at all forthcoming. So, no, at the end of it all...I do not feel that I can fully trust him." Then she looks back to Cayde. "I cannot trust someone who won't give me direct answers to direct questions and uses the situation as something to hold over my head like it's all or nothing. It's not fair and it put you and Navi into a position I don't think either of you were really comfortable with being in." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "i'm not trying to do things on my own Er'gi but yer not in any condition to get into a fire fight, remember? I'm a mess still and you were far worse of than me vod. You almost died. What do you want me to do? I can't snap my fingers and bring Jorn here and we don't want the Marauders turnin' on us thinking we're bringing a Mandalorian hit squad down on 'em when they're trying to hide from the cloners. and Merrick? I don't like this anymore than you do but I don't have any clue what to do next. I'm not built for stuff like this." As the medical chemicals begin to fill his nostrils he turns and then steps forward to take a look into the medical bay to see what lies ahead. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well, it wasn't Black, or the water, or the salt that made Cayde uncomfortable, really. But he wasn't exactly expecting her to say she trusted the man, either. So it doesn't appear to bother him, at least not on the surface. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Mon Cala Legal Services," Taryn tells Navi, "I believe they started out on Mon Cala and then branched out into the wider galaxy. They've offices on Naboo, Alderaan, Coruscant, and even Corellia. Anyway," he says, "I'm sure you could look them up easily. Let me know what you find," he says to her, and starts heading for the lift. Rykard frowns, then turns to Cayde. "Well then, padawan. She has made it clear, she does not trust him fully. Make your case to her. Tell her why she should trust Black." He folds his arms. "All I'm saying," Er'gi says, "is that you're right, I don't know what to do either, but maybe that Jedi had some wisdom about him. Maybe you -should- talk about your feelings more." As Volken descends down the staircase, Er'gi follows. The smell grows stronger the farther down they go, and eventually, they reach a dim room littered with various and dubiously looking medical equipment. There's a glass chamber on the far end of the room, but it's fogged so its contents are obscured from where they stand. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Take care, Lord San Tekka," Navi replies, waving after Taryn and turning toward the front doors, taking out her ancient datapad. "First thing to do is find the local branch office of this Mon Cala Legal Services," she murmurs, powering on the device and beginning to scour the local directories. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Then do not call him back] Cayde suggests, instead trying to make any sort of case to her. It was, after all, her own desire to find her parents. [We will explore without him]     Of course, the man was right. Without his resources, leads would be difficult to come by. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Did almost dying do something to you vod? Cause I thought I said before I'm tired of folk tryin' to analyze me. Those Jedi took off and left us to deal with this mess by ourselves, have done nothing to help Jorn and so I'm not feeling particularly generous about my opinion of them. All they've done, and the Republic, has been to get in our way and I'm tired of it..." Volken notes the chamber and mms before approaching. "What's in this...?"" His voice trails off as he looks over the rest of the room. "Where are they? Let's get this show on the road already..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha frowns while glancing between the two men before her. "I won't. But he took an interest in this, and in me. I am worried that not calling him back will bring him back anyway. He seems like the sort to keep his nose in business that he's no longer wanted in. He's also obviously not a member of the Jedi order...I thought it would be the Order here on Coruscant assisting with this..." She looks to Rykard as if the Jedi Master could offer confirmation or clarification if she was mistaken. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi won't have too hard of a time finding the Mon Cala Legal Services in the local directories. Like Taryn had said, they're relatively well known. However, if she tries to call them, she'll find herself listening to the pre recorded info message that picks up. It won't let her talk to a rep, but at least she'll get an address. Rykard shakes his head. "We are not primarily private investigators, Zetha. We can work in tandem, but very few of us specialize in intelligence gathering. I'm sorry. The Council was made aware of your needs, and in reaching out to their network, found that the CSF was the most reliable and convenient task force." He pauses. "I don't know why Kurrnak won't involve his own lead detectives, but I can't change that. They are their own department, and as you said, not a part of the Order." He glances to Cayde. "You have my padawan. And if he believes that Black is your best bet for finding your parents...I suppose I'll trust him." "I know you're tired of it, but I'm at my wit's end, vod. We're in the middle of nowhere, with limited ability to contact anyone, among people we can barely call allies, and at half strength. You don't have to like someone in order for them to be right." He follows Volken over to the glass chamber, his expression skeptical. "I don't like this..." he says. Upon closer examination, Volken will be able to see that the Baron is inside. He does not look well. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi rolls her eyes as her comlink spews out the lengthy hold message for the thirtieth time. "'Your call is very important to us... just ask us. Please hold while we ignore it,'" she grumbles sarcastically, ending the call. "At least they spilled their address before they put me on permanent hold." She steps to the curb to hail a taxicab. "Now I just have to hope there's more life in their offices than on their comlink services..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head. "I didn't think the Order was filled with private investigators...I just wasn't aware of what happened when the Council was contacted. If working with the CSF is what the Council suggested then that's fine, of course. There's nothing for you to apologize for." She looks to Cayde then. "Do you think Black would mind if you gave me his contact information? Maybe I could talk to him without being in his presence again...I'd feel a little better that way...and I think I can recall more information without another bathroom expedition in my mind..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods and pulls out his comms to transfer the contact information over to Zetha's.     [He has best leads...but only if you agree] the padawan sighs. He doesn't want to pressure her into working with anyone if she doesn't want to. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I know, I know, Er'gi. Yer acting like I didn't carry you here on my back, while poisoned, and strike a deal to get us both treated. I'm well aware we got little to work with and gotta do what we can. Alright? At least now we know we've got backup of our own. Dark Saber or not. Now look. It's Caine..." Volken shakes his head. "Idiot. If this di'kut would have just listened to me he wouldn't be in here like this but his arrogance made him insist on going at it alone and turning his comms off instead of sticking together. At least tehse marauders have some loyalty for him... But wecan't do anything. I'm no medic. So where are they?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' That same ol' cranky Gran pulls up, looking even less pleased to see her than last time. "Again?" he says, "well, fine, I guess I can't complain about your tipping..." He pauses. "Where to?" "There were other organizations," Rykard says, "but they chose not to offer their help. Only the CSF offered." Rykard doesn't seem happy about any of this, but he's not saying anything, for now. He rises. "Very well then," he says. "Cayde, you must remember, anything and everything you do, you must inform me of," he says, "I know you can be responsible, but you must apply yourself." "What's complaining about it going to do now?" Er'gi says, "we've got to find that arachnid woman..." But Volken will be able to hear approaching footsteps coming from the stairwell, now. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Darn right you can't," Navi replies impishly, and lists off the address. "Calling them didn't work... they just put me on hold for forever. Guess the only way to get a sentient being to talk to me is to go to their offices." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha stands when Rykard does, almost like standing with him shows a sort of respect for the Jedi Master. She hears the beep that signifies a transfer of contact information and nods to Cayde. "Thank you. Both of you. I appreciate your time.." Though something else has her curious, but she's not going to question Rykard's presence in front of Cayde. Or maybe she'll wait until Rykard leaves to figure out how the hell the Jedi Master wound up in her room in the first place. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Yes master...] Cayde signs. He glances at Zetha, as it seems there is something on her mind.     Either way, he'll let her be the one to contact Black again, whenever she's ready regarding her parents. As for himself however, he'll start to try describing what he learned from the stronghold about Senator Grindle's relationship with the gang in a message to Black. Surprisingly, it turns out to be at least better than the court testimony he's been working on for weeks... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The taxi driver just grunts and glancing at the address, immediately takes them up and away. Soon they're heading towards the Mon Cala Legal Services headquarters on Coruscant, but they'll get stuck in heavy traffic... "I must go now," Rykard says, "Thaarin is hailing me on the comms. Republic business, I suppose. I will see you later, padawan..." And then he goes out of the room. Once Cayde's text transmission has been sent to Black, he'll get a response immediately. <Perfect. Let's meet, I'm nearby. And if Zetha's still around, she should come too. We can kill two firehawks with one stone> 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Well, bother," Navi murmurs. "One way or another, it just seems to be my day to be stuck on hold." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The approach of footsteps causes Volken to simply turn to the door with expectation. His helmet hsa been off, tucked under his arm, so his tired yet mildly annoyed and neutral expression is on full display. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde is unsurprised at how quickly the response came. Agent Black seemed very eager about this.     He taps Zetha's shoulder as Master Rykard is taking his leave, and shows her the message from the mysterious man. She'll also see his message in the same thread, and perhaps she'll be impressed to find that the padawan's 'report', while simple, is at least sort of normal sounding.     [When ready] he signs to her. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha turns when Cayde taps her shoulder and looks down to the messages between Cayde and Black. Her eyes narrow slightly before her shoulders slump and she motions. "Let's go then." She's not going to ask Cayde the question now, but she's definitely making a mental note to turn every single lock on her door into place when she returns later. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' But as they're sitting there in traffic, waiting for the congestion to clear up, Navi might espy a familiar looking fancy looking cruiser in another lane across the way. There's a logo inscribed on the back of it, and Navi will recognize it as the emblem for the Mon Cala Legal Services. However, it's facing in the opposite direction she's headed... Cayde may or may not be surprised to find that as soon as he steps out of Zetha's room, he'll feel Black's presence like a blinding beacon in the Force. He won't even need to ask where Black is waiting for him, he'll just -know-. And when the two of them arrive at the park where he's sitting in the middle of a massive hedge maze, birdwatching, he'll look up, unsurprised to see them. "As predicted, you're exactly on time, Cayde," he says. He scoots over, and pats the spot on the bench next to him, an indication that both Cayde and Zetha should sit. "Were you looking for me?" a familiar and reedy feminine voice says. It's the Harch scientist, coming down the steps. "You're not going to do him any good just standing there watching him," she says a bit crossly. "Besides. Our probes just fed us some intel about your ... brethren. Their ship is downed, and I think one of the passengers is missing." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Driver, do you see that deluxe cruiser in that lane across the way? It's got Mon Cala Legal Services markings. Think you can follow it? I'll throw in another bonus like last time," Navi says. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' well that helps with some things. They dont' have to figure out a way to introduce the fact that their fellows are here without making them think that they are after the marauders. But that the ship was brought down and someone is missing is another problem all together. Volken's face scrunches up "How'd it go down and how do you know someone is missing? Can you tell who? I figured we could coordinate with them to take out the facility but if they've already been attacked they're not gonna just sit and wait around." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well that's interesting, Cayde hadn't been able to sense Black in the Force before. Why now? Was the man also Force sensitive? But he doesn't question it yet, sitting down on the bench.     He tries to encourage Zetha, along the way, anyway. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha remains standing, arms folding across her chest. She seems to have no intention to sit just yet, standing off to the side instead and remains a silent vigil for the moment. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Nn--" The Gran squints, looking peeved. "Wh- yes, okay I see it, but I thought you wanted to go their office??" He grumbles, "women! can't make up their minds for shit..." "Well I can't exactly turn around right now! The air lanes are backed up all the way to Tatooine!" He starts trying to maneuver, but isn't very successful... "It was torn from the air," the Harch says, "and someone was ripped out." She blinks slowly, and Er'gi's expression darkens. "This happened before day break and the fog had settled in, so no. We weren't able to identify anyone. You Mandalorians all mostly look the same to me anyway," she says, and then turns to leave. "So," Black begins, not addressing Zetha just yet, "do you think you could find Grindle, and ... massage his conscious a little? I want to know his side of the story, but I don't want him to know that." Then he turns to Zetha. "What's wrong?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "That was the original plan, but plans sometimes have to change," Navi replies. "Sorry about the inconvenience. Any way you can climb or dive out of the traffic lane and zip over into the other lane?" she suggests. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods to the question about Grindle. [I will try...that was plan] he signs.     Then he looks over toward Zetha. [Agreed you have best leads] he signs, nodding. [Progress with memories] 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "That doesn't make sense. We -just- talked to them barely before walking to this room and they were on foot scouting the ground... What do you mean 'torn' out of the sky? Are you talkin' about those damned vines?" Volken seems surprisingly composed compared to Er'gi's expression but his frown tightens even more as the march turns to leave. "Don't just waltz out of here like you were delivering a weather report. We need to do something. The only way we get out of this is if the Marauders and Mandalorians work together." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head, trying to relax a little. She still doesn't sit. "I'm fine. I think I need some time to let some memories return. I can reach back out to you when I've got more solid answers to whatever questions you still have for me." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Gran taxi driver grumbles. "Do I look like a pod racer?" A pause. "Fine, fine. Maybe I can at least pull over. You won't be as near as you might like to be, but it'll be closer than where we're at right now..." And then he starts to try to make a left turn into a public hangar dedicated to a nearby street market. Black leans towards Cayde. Zetha might be unnerved by his intimidating body language towards Cayde, but the young padawan won't find it out of the ordinary. "I do need you to do better than try, Cayde," Black says, "this is important business. And I -know- you're fully capable. Just have to pull out all the stops." Then he resumes his relaxed position on the bench. He waves dismissively at Zetha. "Sure, sure. Cayde has provided an intelligently worded report regarding all that he'd observed while in the makeshift sensory deprivation tank. Just think how many more you could recover, in a proper one." The Harch laughs. It's not a pleasant sound. "They were scouting on -foot- in the Gorge? -That- is a fool's errand. Of course they decided to abandon that endeavor." She shrugs. "There are dangers native to here, and dangers unnatural. You want answers? Well, ask Zealot for the raw footage. Or you can wait for the Baron to awaken. Perhaps he can tell you more about the unnatural things that now reside in the Gorge." Her multiple ocelli gleam. "Indeed," she says to Volken's remark, "it would seem so. But make no mistake - we are -not- friends." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "No, but maybe twenty years ago you might have made a swoop racer," Navi replies, semi-impishly. "That'll be fine. Thank you." Even before the taxi touches down, she's looking around for another lift in the opposite direction, whether taxi or a generous driver. But she makes sure to give the grumpy Gran a generous tip along with his fee before exiting the taxicab. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I told them -not- to enter the gorge on foot and warned them about the place. They were supposed to take an aerial look and then coordinate with us. You want a pack of Mandalorians working -with- you not -against- you. Who said anything about bein' friends?" scoffs Volken. "Yeah, I want that footage... Unless you -don't- want a team o'super soldiers with invulnerable armor, huge caches of weaponry, and a love of fightin' working on yer side?" He secures his helmet at this point, his deep voice now muffled and modulated by it once it's on. "Where's Zealot?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face and then shrugs her shoulders. "Probably quite a few more...I'm still not seeing the benefit of looking into my memories when they only go for so long." It's a verbal musing as she looks between Black and Cayde while still not really convinced this is worth any additional time. "I just want to know if my folks are still alive and if so where they might be." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Pull out all the stops? No...no he can't possibly pull out -all- of them.     Cayde shakes his head. [Not all...but maybe some] he finally admits. He isn't surprised by Black's invasion of his personal space. Although he can't say it doesn't bother him at all.     But maybe the tank isn't necessary. He has...developed a good relationship with Zetha. Right?     Either way, he shrugs. [Zetha can decide] he signs, leaving it all to her. It's her parents, after all. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Gran grunts and lets Navi off in the hangar. One look around and Navi will see that there's not many other taxis here. But the traffic has come to a standstill, even for the lane that the vehicle in question is in. Maybe she could Force leap her way over to it? Some of the cruisers stopped are convertibles... "Well that isn't my business nor is it my problem that you couldn't even coordinate amongst yourselves. Pft! Typical Mandalorians, always squabbling, even amongst themselves." The Harch waves a hand dismissively. "He's here, somewhere. Look hard enough, and I'm sure you'll find him." Then she disappears back into the dimly lit hallway from whence she'd come from. Er'gi is suited up, but he doesn't look happy. "Lead on, vod..." Black salutes, and stands. "I'll do what I can with what Cayde has provided so far. And if you're not convinced, well you ought to ask Cayde what he thinks," he says, nodding at the padawan. "Alright, well, I trust your judgement, and I hope to be hearing from either of you soon." Then he starts to take his leave. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I didn't say anything us squabbli', are you -dense-!? I'm trying to set up a coordinated attack between us and the cloners!" shouts Volken as she heads off. He slams a hand into a console in frustration. "Am I the only one with brains around 'ere?! I didn't sign up to be the brains!" He then glances at Er'gi, "...Present company excluded vod.." Sighing he turns and starts moving to leave the room. "I got better thigns to do then die. we just gotta figure out where they were shot down at and then figure out a way to get to 'em without getting poisoned again. Get a message to them to stay put." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha takes the seat that Black just abandoned, though in a way that she's hopefully not crowding Cayde's personal space. She watches as Black takes his leave and then glances over to Cayde. "Can I ask the next time you decide to bring some random person I don't know into my life, at least have the decency to warn me first?" She tries to keep her voice light hearted so he doesn't think she's really offended or angry. "Anyway...that was a lot of unnecessary work for a few forgotten memories. I think we did better before..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches him go, then turns back to Zetha, studying her face and her light tone and trying to determine if it matched how she really felt about this. But he's still unsure about it after a few seconds.     His gaze falls, and he just nods. [Sorry...] he signs. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Sure is hard to get a lift in this district," Navi grumbles, noting the lack of taxicabs in the area. Noticing the open-topped nature of a lot of the vehicles in the airlanes, she makes a few mental calculations, then draws upon the Force and LEAPS... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' But the Harch is gone. Probably didn't even hear the last bit Volken had said. Er'gi gives Volken a tired look through his own helmet. "You didn't sign up for any of this, but have you considered," the other Mandalorian says, "that this is maybe some kind of... trial?" A pause. "We're going to need that footage. Or at least access to the marauder's surveillance system. Otherwise looking for the Duke and his kin is going to be like a shot in a dark." Cayde's commlink then suddenly lights up. Oh, it's Thaarin. He's asking about progress on Cayde's testimony -- he wants to see an updated version of it ... soon. Navi's journey across the vehicles stopped in traffic is a bit unceremonious. The first leap she might almost fall to her death due to a reckless driver in an upper lane carrying multiple boxes of fruit swerving too violently. Several fat and juicy meiloorun either fall too near to her feet or straight bonk the Sephi girl on the head. The second leap will get her belt loop snagged on someone's side view mirror. Someone screams, but at least Navi doesn't fall. Finally, perhaps somewhat battered and her clothes worse for wear, Navi will find herself right behind the Mon Cala Legal services shuttle. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken had shouted that at The March. Volken is also very loud. But a fast walker and sound proof doors can do wonders and he'll just shout it into her face later when he catches back up to her if he feels she needs a reminder. "Come on..." he grumbles at Er'gi before moving to the exit to leave the room and get to trying to find Zealot. "We can't do anything without the footage, you're right. Plus we might need them to drop the jammer again so we can contact them by comm.... As t'trial? It's a pain is what it is. Call it whatever you want... My priorities aint changing." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha gives Cayde a soft smile. "It's fine, really. I often enjoy my afternoons being interrogated by random people, forced to remember things, and given nothing but vague answers." That soft smile turns into a grin though she notices Cayde's commlink suddenly light up which makes her check her own. Not that anyone's messaged her anytime recently. "You wanna go back to the hotel?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Wha-..?" Navi yelps as she hastily ducks to avoid the reckless driver, only to have several meiloorun splatter onto the rear deck of the speeder she's just landed on. One foot finds the resulting pulp at the worst moment, and her leap goes badly off-course, sending her plummeting a full story... ...the sound of tearing cloth alerts her to the fact that her fall has been arrested by a belt loop on her trousers snagging on an ornamental protrusion of a speeder coach's side mirror, tearing open the back seam and leaving her hanging there by a pair of pants on the verge of splitting in half from back to front! At last she manages to get a handhold on the top of the door and drag herself into the passenger seat, give a hasty apology to the driver, and leap for the next speeder, and the next... Five leaps later, her nerves frazzled, her clothes dirty, and her pants held together only by their suspenders and a few inches of seam in front, partly exposing her blue and white striped underwear, Navi lands in the back seat of another speeder, right behind the Mon Cala Legal Services vehicle. "Sorry about the sloppy entrance, and invading your passenger seat, but this is Jedi business," she says, breathlessly politely, to the driver, shifting her medical satchel to show the lightsaber secured to it. "Can you follow that Mon Cala Legal vehicle in front of you?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     The dry remark doesn't seem to lift the padawan's spirits. For someone who supposedly knows exactly how everyone is feeling and such, he sure screws up relationships a lot. Even more than normal people, really.     The commlink goes off, but Cayde doesn't look at it immediately. Instead, he watches Zetha instinctively check hers, before he looks at Thaarin's message. A sigh escapes him. He hasn't made very much progress... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Maybe you're not the spiritual sort," Er'gi says, "and I'm not either, particularly, but my aliit and I were raised out in the rural areas of Mandalore, where tradition and culture is strongly shaped by folk gehat'ik. I believe in the Force, but just not in the same way the Jedi do. Anyway, all I'm saying is everything that's happened since coming to Tenoo could be part of some bigger journey and larger picture that we don't understand or know yet." He continues to follow Volken, but upon returning to the comms room they'll find it locked. Where -is- Zealot? Navi will find herself sitting next to a massive female Gigoran, who for some reason, doesn't seem particularly shocked or surprised at Navi's sudden arrival. "Your undergarments," she says pointedly. There's then a pause. "Yes," she says. And then there's a very awkward silence, as they're right behind the vehicle but the traffic isn't moving. At all. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Sorry. It was a very rough trip from there to here," Navi replies apologetically, shrugging off her jacket and tying it around her waist, to hide the vast majority of the damage to her pants. After she's caught her breath, she notes the total lack of movement from the traffic flow. "Thank you for all your help," she says, leaving 100 credits on the dashboard, and then leaping for the Mon Cala vehicle... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken doesn't answer Er'gi immediately. He -does- slam his fist against the door in frustration. He almost starts trying to pry the door open but seems to think better of it. He then turns and looks over the area, in search of any sort of switch that indicates it's an interior comm. Something to activate to get a message out over the ship. "Osik..." he grumbles, lowering his head slightly. He then finally sighs and looks back over towards Er'gi. "it's hard to not believe in The Force given the things we've seen, vod." he admits, "I've had more dealings with Force Users and the Jedi than you have, remember? A lot more... So there's merit t'what they teach sure or to how it all works. Not saying otherwise but are we gonna dwell on trying to piece all that together or just try and do what we'd naturallly do anyway and see where the road leads?" He shakes his head and frowns, his frown clear on his voice through his helmet, "Ther's no sense in worryin' about stuff like destiny or fate. Especially right now..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches Cayde for a moment longer before she actually frowns. "Hey. What's wrong? You got that look on your face that you get when you think the whole world is against you." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' A yelp emanates from inside the vehicle. Moments later, the sunroof on the shuttle opens and a droid arm with a camera and a very makeshift looking weapon protrudes out. "Who are you?! What do you want?" a rather shocked and sour voice says from the microphone on the cam. "What I meant, vod, is that we were meant to overcome all of this. At a great cost to ourselves, maybe. I'm not sure. But perhaps there's some kind of revelation, or reward at the end of it." Volken might be about to reply, when he'll espy a shadowy figure lurking in the rafters above them. They don't appear armed, though. Cayde's commlink pings again, more urgently this time. It's a holocall, from Thaarin. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "You having fun up there?" calls Volken towards whoever is lurking above them. He makes an idle gesture for Er'gi to hang back but turns his full attention to whoever is over their heads. "You gonna come down and join us or you just gonna enjoy the view?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Are you sure that thing won't blow up if you try to use it?" Navi asks the arm somewhat scornfully. "Jedi business," she adds, showing her lightsaber hilt. "Need to speak to you folks for a minute or ten." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Nothing] Cayde signs quickly when Zetha asks what's wrong. He wasn't supposed to show her that, The padawan stands up. [Yes we can go back] he continues, in a belated response to her earlier question of going back to the hotel.     Then Thaarin is calling. He sighs and connects the holocall. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I'll enjoy the view, thanksss," the mysterious figure hisses. "You're looking for Zealot. He's in the wind. And if I was you, I wouldn't waste my time looking for him in the ssssship." "Haar'chak!" Er'gi mutters. "Guess we'll have to be searching the Gorge aimlessly again..." "What's wrong with your pants!?" the voice says, ignoring Navi's previous question, "and why didn't you just call? We don't take impromptu visits." "Cayde, where are you?" Thaarin says, the barest hint of annoyance bleeding into his normally level tone of voice. "Master Rykard managed to bring in a preliminary transcript proofreader for you to help with the testimony writing. He's here now, where are you?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "No wait." says Volken to Er'gi. He then looks back up, "We need into here so we can get a message to our people...and we need footage of what brought down their ship so we can find them. You folk can't just sit here and hide forever. If we link up with our folk we can take down the people who are doing all of this craziness in the gorge. Can you open the door for us? And b'fore you go asking what's in it for you...we'll arrange payment after we get outta this alive. I might not look like it but I'm kinda a nobleman now and I got access to folk with credits so what's it gonna be?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Because you put me on hold for forever," Navi retorts, ignoring the former question (except for a faint blush and an irritable pout). "Like I said, this is Jedi business. Now let me in and we can sort all of this out. Nobody is in any trouble so far, and hopefully things will stay that way." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sighs. "You can't just tell me -nothing- after making a face like that. It's obviously something...." Then Cayde is getting distracted by his commlink and she huffs out a breath, but she can see and hear Thaarin, so she grins. "You sound annoyed, Thaarin. We're out at a park having a conversation. Rykard should have known where he is, he was with us until a little bit ago." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde just looks at Zetha as she replies to Thaarin's question, holding the commlink between the two of them. Then he sends the Chiss man a text-form message that simply says << OK. >> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The mysterious figure slithers down the rafters towards them. A Fillithar with ruby red eyes and green-purple scales presents herself, silver tongue flicking out at them in amusement. "Oh I know," she says, "but I cannot do that. No one can. Zealot made sssssure of that, before he left." A weighty pause, while one of her sinuous coils suddenly drops from above, moving to brush gently under Volken's chin before withdrawing. "But I'll take payment anyway, if you're offering~" "..." What feels like an eternity seems to pass, and then, "Fine." The robotic arm with the camera withdraws, leaving the sunroof open and accessible to the young Sephi girl. "Rykard isn't here," Thaarin says, the edge in his tone of voice hardening, "he left me in charge of affairs at the hotel until he returned. So you're coming back then, right? Both of you." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thank you so much," Navi replies, then hugs her medic's satchel to her middle and slips down through the sunroof into the shuttle. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Huh?! Why would he do that?! Aren't you all supposed to be working together? Did he damage the room or just lock it?" Volken sounds utterly flabbergasted and the gestures of his tree trunk sized arm make this even clearer. He's about had it up to here again. His temper once again boiling with frustration at all of these set backs. "We can't just go out there wanderin' blind and gettin' lost and poisoned again and we need to find our people!" He now, indeed, has half a mind to try and force the door open and he turns around towards it, looking for anything to grab hold of. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Not if you're going to act like you have a droid arm stuck up your ass." Zetha retorts to Thaarin before she looks to Cayde. "And don't think you're off the hook either. It's called a conversation, Cayde, they generally work best when both parties are contributing." Then she stands and makes a gesture. "We were just about to head back before you called. I suppose if Mister Tightass here needs us there either way we might as well start walking." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi will find herself sitting next to an extraordinarily overweight Mon Calamari. He doesn't look happy to see Navi, and he stares at her undergarments briefly before turning his attention back to the traffic ahead of them. "Might as well make yourself comfortable," he mumbles, "we're not getting back to HQ anytime soon..." The Fillithar's prehensile tail suddenly curls around Volken's wrist gently, pulling his hand away from the door. "I don't think you quite understand our maccchinationssss," she says, "why, I could ask you the sssssame thing, you've come here to hide from your own, haven't you?" "Zealot didn't sssssay anything to me, or anyone before he left. But, he knew your comrades had come, and he knew you would try to communicate with them. This is our language for 'come and find me.'" "I'm no ssssslicer, so we're just as sssstranded commssss wise as you are. But there'ssss no urgent need for any kind of communication right now, assss far as we're concerned sssso I ssssuppose you could say none of ussss are in a rush to open that door." The Fillithar then slithers back up into the rafters. "Think of it thisss way. If he wanted you to find him, then how hard isssss he really going to make it for you to find him?" Thaarin sighs, and just hangs up. He must have not been in the mood. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thank you. Sorry to interrupt your commute... I was looking for someone else," Navi replies, drawing the sleeves of her jacket over the exposed bits of her underwear that the jacket tied around her waist doesn't completely cover. "A fellow Mon Calamari." She describes the Mon Cal who had been dealing with Xera in detail. "He works for your employer." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha can't help but bust out laughing as Thaarin shuts off the call without saying anything else. "Ooooh... Thaarin's mad. His fault for acting like a bully. Now I don't want to go back to the hotel...on principle..." Though Zetha begins to head in the direction of the hotel anyway. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken stands there for awhile, as if considering opening the room up anyway but if it's forcing the doors open will simply reveal to them a damaged or othewise unusuable comm room then...they're stuck. "Alright....I"m going to get one of their mask breathers and some fuel from my flame thrower and just go out looking for Zealot..." he rumbles. "If he's looking for our people then that's our only lead. But you need to stay here Er'gi. There's nothing saying you're recovered enough to go back out there considering how bad off you were and you might need to be here for when...if...Caine wakes up." He starts down the hall again, this time in search for their armory. "This just keps getting worse and worse and still no Jorn and Darksaber." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde actually smirks slightly when Zetha just bursts out laughing after Thaarin simply hangs up. The man usually prides himself in not showing he's overly emotional, doesn't he? Now, now, is the padawan smiling? That's a rare thing. Maybe Zetha saw it, or maybe she was already heading back toward the hotel. But he hurries after her either way, touching her arm gently to get her attention again. [I will find senator] he signs. [We can find memories...just us...no water] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Mon Calarmari squints at the picture. "Okay, what are you, a xenophobe? Just because he's Mon Calamari and works in the jury counsel biz doesn't make him my co worker. But whatever, sure, I know him. He's freelance now, got his own private practice and everything now." Er'gi opens his mouth to protest. And Volken will be able to palpably feel the rage rolling off of him at being ordered to stay behind. His fists ball, and Volken might think he's about to punch him, or something else, but then he finally relaxes. "Fine," he grumbles, "just come back in one piece, vod." Volken may or may not be surprised to find a small armory open and unlocked directly down the hall from the comms room. There's fuel for his flame thrower, and a mask, but it's kind of uncomfortable and small. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "What're you gettin' so mad about! We already discussed that if we had to go out ther ein that poison you'd hang back with the marauders! You almost -died- vod." Volken isn't having it as he wheels on Er'gi. "You wanna come out and maybe get into a fight with the way you've been moving and lurchin' around? Huh?" The size of the mask is indeed small, considering his size and Er'gi's, but he expected as much. "Maybe the helmet will help.." he considers and then he points out, "See? There's only one mask. Wha're we supposed to do? One of us has to go." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha glances over at Cayde as he catches up and signs to her. Did she catch the smile? Maybe. Is she going to call him out on it? Actually, no. She simply nods her head as they make way to the hotel. "I'd like that. You and me and no water. Believe it or not, I trust you Cayde. And I appreciate the offer." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Okay, I was not aware that he'd gone freelance... thanks for clearing that up," Navi replies. "And no, I'm not a xenophobe. It would be difficult to be considered family by a Chadra-Fan family if I were." "Anyway, what's his name? And do you know where his practice is located? Or his home address? I need to talk to him about some court business he's become involved in lately." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi's turned his back on Volken already, grumbling curses in Mando'a. "Get out of here already," he says, "you're wasting daylight." And he disappears back down the hallway. Volken will find the gangplank already down. Maybe the Fillithar had been right - perhaps Zealot really wasn't trying to make finding him hard. Soon Cayde and Zetha will reach the Alisandre. There, in the lobby waiting for them, is Thaarin, and a very grumpy looking Quarren with an ink soaked blazer. The Quarren is berating Thaarin, who looks tired. "His home address?! What do you think I am, his husband? The guy's married! Anyway, fine. His private practice is in the Federal District, across the street from the Senate Building." He scrawls an address down on a piece of flimsiplast and hands it to her. "Don't tell him I told you." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I'll suplex you into a wall, Er'gi! I'm not tryin' to deal with attitude right now!!" shouts Volken into the hallway. Er'gi may be gone, but just like before...Volken's loud. He then spins around and removes his helmet to begin putting the mask on, and then refuels his vambrace weaponry. A few quick checks and he's satisifed and making his way down the gangplank. A quck survey is then taken to see if he can tell what direction Zealot might have gone - or what is the only practical way to go.... He doesn't want to linger very long, however. As ER'gi pointed out..daylight is diminishing. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Somewhere quiet] Cayde goes on, nodding when Zetha agrees to searching her memories more together.     Upon arriving back in the lobby of the hotel, he peers at the upset Quarren. Now just what could be the matter, now? But he doesn't pester Thaarin. Instead, he just stands there waiting for his turn. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi can't help rolling her eyes at the Mon Cal's hyperbolic response, but accepts the flimsiplast and slips it into a flap pocket of her medical satchel. "Thank you so much for your assistance," she says, struggling to keep back the sarcasm that springs deftly to mind. "Open the sunroof and I'll get out of your way. Drive safely." Even as she speaks, she's looking for a way down to safer ground from the stalled traffic flow. And possibly a shopping district where she can replace her damaged clothes... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "And with no interruptions. Hopefully." Zetha adds to Cayde and gives another nod. Coming inside to see Thaarin being griped at is a new thing and poor Thaarin just looks tired and done. She pats Cayde's arm and takes a few quicker steps up towards Thaarin and his...companion. "Hey Thaarin. What's...going on?" Because, yes, Zetha absolutely *will* pester. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, the trail seems to end there. Once outside the ship, Volken will not be able to see any evidence, really, of where Zealot might have gone. Though, if Volken looks more carefully, there aren't very many options as far as which way. The vegetation and marsh surrounding the marauder's vessel is thick and barely traversable, and there's only one route that might have worked for the agile, mouse-sized marauder - a series of boulders stacked in ascending succession, leading the way up to a large rocky outcropping covered in fog. "EXCUSE you!!" The Quarren practically spits in Cayde's face. "I've been here a whole HOUR, waiting for you." He mutters curses in Quarren. "Whatever is wrong with you?! Don't you know not to waste my time? Pft! Kids these days," he rambles angrily, "haven't a lick of responsibility or respect!" Thaarin doesn't even get to respond to Zetha before the Quarren interrupts again. "And you -- you're supposed to have something for me to review too, don't you? Well don't just stand there! Hand it over, already." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "RIght.." rumbles Volken before starting towards that path and beginning to make his ascent towards the outcropping. There's not much to do but press forward and hope for the best. He'll have to keep track of his route though in case he needs a rapid return trip or encounters any of the missing Mandalorians. <<Er'gi, can you hear me>">> he rumbles, testing his comm while still close to the ship. <<Don't know if you can or if you even want to answer but, need to test out the range of their jammer..." If Er'gi answrs or not, he keeps it moving. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi will look down and see that coincidentally, she's actually right above the Alisandre. The rooftop terrace looks Force leap-able. Maybe. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi climbs onto the roof of the shuttle. "Okay... this might take a few jumps, but I think I can do it..." she murmurs. Studying the distance to the Alisandre's roof terraces, she draws upon the Force, modulates its flow through her body, and LEAPS... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde just stares at the Quarren for a moment as he gets shouted at. Then...oh, right. This must be the proofreader Thaarin was speaking about.     [Sorry...did not know of appointment] he signs. Had there been an appointed time? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha had been ready to rip this Quarren a new one. Then she notices Cayde signing and she nods her head. "He's right. I didn't know either, and my testimony is up in my room. It's not like I carry it around with me everywhere I go." She offers this, though her blood is boiling. "I'll be happy to go get it for you...if you apologize. To all three of us. It's not fair to shout our heads off when we had no idea we needed to meet you here." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' No answer from Er'gi. Volken will see that now that he's outside of the vessel, he's now in a dead patch that has no signal whatsoever. Well, that's that, then. The rocky outcropping won't prove that difficult to climb, but once a top it he'll see that the only pathway available is narrow, and not designed from someone his size... Navi will successfully land on the rooftop terrace, but not without startling a couple near the railing with a couple of Corellian wine filled glasses. The woman yelps, and three quarters of her wine spills over the balcony, down thirteen floors to splat on the head of the Quarren yelling at Cayde and Zetha. "OWWW!" he yells. Ink squirts out from beneath his tentacled chin, probably getting all over both of them. "You---!!! How... DARE you! If you'd been here EARLIER!!! This wouldn't have happened!!!" And then he turns around and storms inside the Alisandre, fuming. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' It was worth a shot. As to a way forward, he's not going to risk falling or collapsing the pathway. That's simply out of the question. At the same time they got o the ship -somehow- before and he was not only following them but carrying a giant at least within the same weight class - or one step below. His ego would insist below - so there has to be a way forward. For now he just studies the area, looking for any signs of movement from his vantage point and searching out any signs of his fellows or Zealot 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Oh, goodness... I'm so sorry, sir and madam. I didn't mean to startle you. Please, carry on with your day," Navi says, and hurries toward the turbolift. In her mind, she's anticipating a long, hot hydroshower after getting out of her ruined clothes. And then a visit to a certain Mon Cal who is 20,000 credits richer, if she can make that happen... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     The ink squirts out and Cayde jumps back, but suddenly the black viscous fluid just...stops in midair, the droplets just hanging there like little bubbles, before any of it can touch either him or Zetha. They stay there for a few fractions of a second, and then just drop and fall straight down to the floor.     There's a pause, as he watches the Quarren storm off. [He is not nice] the padawan signs. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks as the ink that would have hit her suddenly become harmless splatters against the floor. She glances to Cayde and then shakes her head a little. "No. He's not." Then she sheepishly looks towards Thaarin before shaking her head. "I'm going to my room, taking a shower, and would like for everyone to pretend I don't exist for the next eight to ten hours." She begins to walk off before turning to look at Cayde. "I'll let you know when we can meet. I just want to be alone for a little while. Maybe get some sleep." Then she turns and begins to continue walking towards the elevator. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Unfortunately, while he is standing there surveying the area, a horrible cracking sound will assault the massive Mandalorian's ears. The ledge he's standing has suddenly given way, and now, Volken will find himself plunging downward towards ... only light knows where. He'll land somewhere dark that only has a single ray of sunlight to illuminate the area. He might be taking a moment to regain his composure when all of a sudden, he'll hear a familiar voice. "Volken? Volken is that you? Oh, thank the light...!" Oh, no. It's that disciple boy, Crane. What's he doing out here, all alone?! The couple frown at Navi in an irritated fashion, but otherwise don't comment. They go back to the bar, so that woman can replenish her drink, and Navi will be able to make her way to her room uninterrupted (although she will get some stares from passerbys). "Fair enough," Thaarin says quietly when Zetha excuses herself. He looks at Cayde, and his brows furrow. "You haven't worked on the testimony since we've landed on Coruscant have you? What have you been doing all this time?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' That....was not good. A string of swear words escapes Volken but once he lands it's with such a solid thump that probably did more damage to the ground than himself. He's disorientated and more than that..mad. But there's not much he can do other than look up and prepare to climb back up....but he pauses at the familiar voice. "What th....what are -you- doing down here??" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Okay] Cayde signs as Zetha takes her leave to her room, frowning slightly as he's still unsure if she was much more offended by Mr. Black than he can discern at the moment.     He begins to pout when Thaarin scolds him. [...important...tasks] he signs vaguely. 
}}

Return to Coruscant

2026-08-21T02:30:31Z

Andromeda: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2026-06-14 |Cast of Characters=159, 418, 261, 444, 143, 321 |pretty=yes }} {{Poses |Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The moment has arrived. The Jedi shuttle has just dropped out of hyperspace, and they're approaching Coruscant's orbit. For some, this will be the first time seeing Coruscant, ever. For others, it's a welcome sight after having been away for so long. Either way, as the shuttle nears the plan..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2026-06-14
|Cast of Characters=159, 418, 261, 444, 143, 321
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The moment has arrived. The Jedi shuttle has just dropped out of hyperspace, and they're approaching Coruscant's orbit. For some, this will be the first time seeing Coruscant, ever. For others, it's a welcome sight after having been away for so long. Either way, as the shuttle nears the planet, the massive, teeming ecumenopolis looms in the forward viewport in the bow... "Everyone, stay seated and prepare for landing," the Ugnaught pilot says through the intercom. "We'll be planetside in twenty." Meanwhile, Jorn might be following the white lothwolf into the underbelly of the partially renovated Temple. If he isn't, then the lothwolf is barking, as if summoning him to follow her down a winding staircase that looks potentially unstable. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Looking about the temple as he moves forward following the wolf. "Did you find anything good, girl? Boy?" Jorn asks as he looks bac at the wolf. "I'll have to name you at this rate," he says honestly as he will return his attentions to thet emple. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Be it ever so controversial, there's no place like second home," Navi observes, giving Zetha a grin from across their tiny cabin. "I don't know what I'll be happier to experience... real food or a real bed. Let's hope our part in the trial won't keep us from getting in that shopping trip we were talking about." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is lounging in bed reading a holo-novel when the ship drops out of hyperspace and the message comes across for them to stay seated and prepare for landing. She glances up and over to Navi before putting on a frown. "I don't even know what my part in this trial is aside from giving testimony about the Chadra Fan what came into the junkyard and bought the part that wound up blowing up the drill..." She says this and then looks back down to her datapad. "The food on Teeno's not real?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     For Cayde's part, it's enough of a welcome sight to get away from being cramped in a small ship with...too many other people for weeks. For the past several hours, he's been curled up on his bunk trying to get his court testimony buffed up enough to be presentable at the very least. There probably won't be much time to finish it once he gets planetside... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' When Jorn asks the lothwolf if she'd found anything good, she just barks again, runs to Jorns side and tugs on his pants. Then she rushes ahead down the stairs. They make a lot of noise -- probably not a good sign. But it will be up to Jorn to follow or not. The stairwell isn't lit, but if Jorn peers down it, he'll be able hear the lothwolf barking at the bottom, somewhere down there. He won't be able to see her, though. Volken will recognize one of the marauders immediately upon approach. Zealot -- and the other is female, and likely Shani, but little else can be discerned about her. They're armed and look up, but at least they don't attack once made aware of his presence. Navi and Zetha's conversation might be interrupted when the shuttle suddenly lurches to a stop. The Coruscanti officials are performing their customs checks, and interrogating Jahni. But it's over in a few minutes and soon, they're touching down in the big bustling starport, the biggest Zetha will have ever seen in her life. Cayde will be disrupted by a knock on door of his room. He'll know by process of elimination who it is before he even speaks, because he won't be able to sense his mind in the Force. "Cayde? Let's see that testimony." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I suppose it's real enough... there's just a lot of it that I can't in good conscience call food. At least a quarter of it makes me sick for hours, especially most of the fish," Navi replies, shrugging. "The nicest thing I can say about half the rest is that you can live on it. Your hyperspace mileage may vary." "To tell you the truth, I don't know what my part is, either. We're probably just witnesses," she adds. "So we'll probably be stuck answering questions." "What in..?" The shuttle's sudden halt derails her train of thought, until she remembers how the Core Worlds work. "Oh, right... customs check-in," she murmurs, grimacing faintly and picking up her datapad full of testimony. "Unless Xera's smuggling proton torpedoes in her corset, we should be planetside in twenty minutes or less." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken's not really in a position to say too much to them. He's carrying what's probably five hundred pounds of Mandalorian over his shoulder, in air that is likely becoming more and more toxic by the second. "....I don't suppose...you know the way outta here back towards that temple.." he manages to grunt out, while not even bothering to charge his weapons just yet. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde doesn't even strap in for the landing, and just holds onto the bunk when the ship lurches. When they're finally down and ready to disembark, he gets up from the bed and was headed toward the door when Thaarin knocks.     Right...he'd expected that. He opens the door and holds out the datapad he was working on. The testimony is...better than last week's draft, but still features several places where the wording is rather confusing due to fragmented or run-on sentences. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "The fish at Hap's isn't that bad..." Zetha offers, perhaps mildly offended that someone would say such about the food. Then again, she's never had food from anywhere that wasn't Hap's or some other place on Teeno. So there may be unknown bias there. "That makes me feel more like I just shouldn't be here. I feel like my testimony is going to condemn more than it is going to help..." She offers this just before the ship lurches and then Navi makes a comment about customs. That actually gains a chuckle from the Twi'lek. "I suppose I should be glad I left my own back on Teeno?" Then she grins and looks out the window as the spaceport comes into view. "...I think the spaceport is as big as Kublop Springs alone..." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will actually rush off after the wolf curious about what she found. A blaster is drawn as he looks about. Coming down ready to open fire as he isn't sure what exactly to suspect. Life has gotten very weird lately. And so, he's meeting it with extreme caution. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The marauders don't say anything immediately. They exchange glances, and then the female says without pity, "You won't make it carrying him," she says, "At this point, you've both been exposed to the poison. So you can choose your own life, or his." Then, the two of them reach over and hoist the body that's lying on the ground up onto a hover stretcher that Zealot had opened while the female marauder had been talking to Volken. It's the Baron, and his armor is covered in that strange, bioluminescent powder. Cracked visor, just like Er'gi. "You could come with us," Zealot suddenly offers , and this seems to surprise the female marauder, but she doesn't object. Jorn will find that the vicinity seems safe from imminent attack once he reaches the bottom of the stairs. It's pitch black down here, could use the dark saber to have a look-see, but he'll at least espy the lothwolf's glowing eyes in the dark. She's whining impatiently, but he won't be able to see why. Yet, anyway, it's too dark at the moment. There's a loud hiss, and the gangplank will lower. "Alright everyone, we're home sweet Coruscant. Feel free to wander around, but don't go too far the loader droids should be along shortly to help with all the luggage in the cargo bay," Jahni announces over the intercom. Thaarin pages through the testimony, his expression unreadable. After a few moments, he hands the datapad back to Cayde. "Look... why don't you take a break, and then you can come back and we'll discuss your testimony." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     That 'unreadable' expression said it all. Cayde didn't need to reach into his mind to know Thaarin wasn't exactly pleased with the draft as it was. He sighs and nods--right, a break. Maybe he should head to the CSF HQ and check out that data vault again, see if he can find anything useful about Zetha's parents. Or about that mysterious cargo hauling company. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Reluctantly, Jorn will pull out the blade. The blade blade extends as it growls to life. He brings it close ready to fight defenively if need be. Curious what willl happen next. The man looking around everything as he waits to see how things will devolve. The man's very distrusting of this planet. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Bigger," Navi replies softly. "Coruscant's spaceports compete with Corellia's for the honor of being the second busiest in the galaxy. Kuat's are the busiest, but that's only because they've got a giant military shipyard in orbit. Those yards and the ships they make are too big to land, so they have to be supplied by smaller ships." She stands and picks up her jacket and her medical satchel. "Want to have a quick look around?" she offers. "This place is a shipwatcher's dream. Probably a tech's dream, too." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' That same cracked visor. It's too deliberate. Attacked somehow, likely to try and speed the effect of the poison through exposure. The helmets provide their own levels of protection after all but with the visor cracked it'd be that much easier to do the deed. Volken dips his head low as he looks over Caine and then watches as the Marauders come to his aid. Figures. THey were working for him after all but it's foolish that the Baron got him into this anyway. THey should have stuck together but that wasn't likely to happen. Which leads to: "I'm not abandoning him. I don't do that. Maybe you...folk have the wrong sense of what us Mandalorians are like but not all of us are just out for ourse-lves...." Caine and Ellari are one stock, so far as Volken is concerned. Mandalorians like Jorn and Er'gi or Thaelin...he'll not abandon. "I can carry him I Just need to know what way to go..." he rumbles. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha turns off her holonovel, checks her communicator for any messages that have come through and sends quick ones to both Crane and Wiis. Both of which to simply say she's safely on Coruscant and will reach back out when settled in her hotel room. Then she places datapad in her backpack, and makes sure she has everything. "I wouldn't mind a look around. I only have the backpack anyway...light luggage is best for me." Then she motions for Navi to take the lead. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Jorn will find himself in some kind of circular chamber. There's statues of people he won't recognize set into cavities in the wall, surrounded by pillars. They look like they might have been Jedi from the old Republic. There's four tunnels that branch off from this chamber, and the lothwolf is sitting at the entrance to one that leads downwards. There's cobwebs everywhere, and dark saber somehow seems to thrum brighter than it ever had in this dark, mystical place. "That isn't what I meant," the female interjects. "Eventually you won't be able to because you'll be dead. The poison is slow acting, but if you carry your ... friend, you won't reach the Temple before the poison becomes fatal." She starts to move the hoverberth along, intending to cart the Baron away, but Zealot reaches for her arm and holds her back. He watches Volken intently, seeming to want to know what the behemoth will decide. Clearly, the marauders had some plan for the Baron, otherwise, they'd have left him here. Zealot had made an offer, but Volken will have to decide if it's riskier than chancing it in the Gorge and trying to make it back to the Temple in time. Thaarin watches Cayde leave, his brow furrowing slightly. He watches Cayde go out, but doesn't immediately follow. Instead, he stops on the gangplank, where Zetha and Navi are loitering. "Any idea where the padawan is off to?" he asks them. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I have a bag and a backpack, but they're not heavy. One of the perks of going on the colony initiative was getting proper clothes for the weather and the tasks of building a town," Navi observes, shouldering her backpack and picking up her duffel from under her bunk and heading for the ramp. "My Brotherhood robes were in no way adequate for Tenoo." As she reaches the ramp, she nods to Thaarin. "Hi, Thaarin. No idea. He didn't say a word to us before we landed. I'm guessing he didn't tell you, either?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Clearing out the cobwebs with a few swipes, Jorn pushes forward trying to go into the one of four tunnels that the wolf waited at. He notices the thrum, and just keeps himself focused. Everything just intent on staying alive. Nothing else. Sometimes it's easier to do that when the possibility of harm, or worse, seems very high. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Alright..." says Volken tiredly, "Lead on then..." He could take his chances...but it's clear they are familiar with what's actually going on and he can't very well talk all of that talk about not leaving people behind and then simply leave Caine to ...whatever arrangemente he's got going on with these marauders. "I don't have much choice eh?" he adds at the end though his tone is more restrained. He's not ungrateful but the situation isn't exactly ideal here and he's out of options, especially with the jet-pack lacking fuel. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I do hope we can shop a little. I'd like to also find some things to take home for Wiis and Crane." Zetha offers as the two of them reach the gangplank. When Thaarin greets them and asks about Cayde she shakes her head. "Only other thing I know he was tasked with aside from the trial was something involving the Jedi Council and my parents...but I don't know what all that entails." She offers and then continues to descend to take her first steps onto Coruscant proper. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde heads for the taxi hub at the spaceport, promptly taking one toward the Federal District and making his way to the sublevels of that CSF facility where he'd met Black. The padawan hovers by the side entrance for a bit, looking through his things to make sure he has the access key the man had given him before going inside and taking the elevator down to the vault. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf darts forward, and downwards, into the darkness. This hallway, unlike the first chamber, is devoid of anything interesting. There's a few burnt out lamps on the wall, but that's it. And halfway down the corridor, Jorn will get an uneasy feeling in his stomach. The dark saber crackles and hums, but there doesn't seem to be any change in its demeanor. The lothwolf, however, is plowing ahead. She seems excited. Zealot doesn't answer Volken. Instead, he just starts moving, and the female marauder does likewise. With one hand, he guides the hoverberth, and with the other he carries a blowtorch that burns away the debris blocking their path. The female marauder has flame retardant, putting out the blazes should the dampness of the surrounding bushes not cause the fire to flicker out. And so they carry on this way, heading deeper into the Gorge, away from those cursed vines. Thaarin sighs. "No, of course not," he says, "but if you see him about, do let me know. I've got to inform his master. Are you out to do some shopping?" Everything is as Cayde remembers it. The access key gets him in as per usual, and the console is on once he gets down there. The same access card unlocks the console, and then, he's in. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "We were planning on some shopping, and leaving our stuff at our new lodgings," Navi replies to Thaarin, starting to follow Zetha. "If we see him, I'll give you a comlink call." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' trying to light up a few of the burnt out lamps, Jorn keeps going. Just pushing aside that uneasy feeling. Yes, he's concerend. However, the Mandalorian knows that the wolf seems too eager. Andso, he will keep moving just overly concerned with how this tunnel will end. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha smiles and nods. "Maybe not in that particular order. I'm going to take a good look at the spaceport too." One cannot seem to take Zetha to any port and not have her interested in the yards around. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde makes his way downstairs, and accesses the console easily before begging to search for information about Zetha's parents, and anything concerning Vlaven's whereabouts or the hauling company that had transported him offworld. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lamps don't light. Jorn will find that odd, they've oil in them, but for some reason, they just won't light. Perhaps he ought not to overthink that. Eventually, the corridor ends. It ends in a massive rusted door with a complicated lock that looks like it likely doesn't work anymore. The lothwolf looks to Jorn, then the saber, and then barks. She sits right by the door, expectantly. Her tail wags. The Chiss man smiles slightly, and nods. "Well, have fun," he says, "and be careful. And thank you. I don't want to be losing Cayde to a crowd in this massive place." He won't find much, really. All those profiles still say 'incomplete,' and there's very little outside of what he'd accessed remotely. He'll find single navigation log from five years back that's associated with the hauling company, but there's nothing interesting, informative or leading about it. However, he may remember that Black had told him he could contact him anytime he wanted to, and that he does have the mysterious man's contact information. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Jedi are a lot more common and accepted here, so I doubt you have anything to worry about," Navi advises Thaarin, with a reassuring smile, moving to follow Zetha. "As long as Cayde doesn't draw attention to himself or do something foolish, he should be completely safe." She pauses, and her smile fades into a weary sigh. She covers her eyes with her palm and shakes her head slowly. "I can't /believe/ I just said that with a straight face..." she murmurs. "We'll keep a good eye out for him." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn focuses with the blade then lunges stabbling into the door. Slicing upward and trying to cut through the hinges in the motion. He's not sure if the blade willc ut through this thing like a vibroblade through synth butter, or if there's just layer after layer of thick rust here. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs as there is nothing more than what he'd already seen, which was not much. Black had claimed he wasn't hiding anything, but now the padawan is wondering how true that actually was. But then he recalls that he does have Black's contact information, so he begins to call the man on the holo from the comms system in the vault. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "If it wasn't marginally unethical, I would say we could always put a tracker on Cayde's robes." Zetha comments and then gives a little smirk. "I suppose that's kind of mean to say..." Then she looks between Navi and Thaarin before glancing back to the spaceport proper. "Do we even know where we're being shacked up at?" Meanwhile, Cayde's search yields three results. The most recent being the Rumir's on a manifest as crew of a freighter with last known whereabouts having been on Tatooine. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' There's not really much Volken can do but to follow them. With the poison, it's taking all he has to keep Er'gi aloft and to shuffle after the marauders. He's of no help clearing anything out of the way and sparing any energy to speak would be foolish. So on he goes. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Don't say that," Thaarin says to Navi, "sometimes, I feel the mere thought or notion that Cayde won't get into trouble somehow incites him to get himself mired in predicaments of unfathomable sorts...! Well, anyway. Don't trouble yourself too much. Enjoy the city, and here's where we'll be staying," he says, handing Navi a small card with an address on it. Meanwhile, Black picks up before the first ring can even go off. "Hello Cayde," he says through the commlink, "It's nice to see you're back in town. Even kinder that I was the first person you thought to reach out to," he says. "I see you're making good use of the vault. But I imagine you're calling because you have questions about Vlaven, and one particular Zetha Rumir's parents." Unfortunately, the three results are all Cayde's getting from the vault. The trail seems to go cold as far as information after that. Age must have deteriorated the material the door is made of, because the saber does in fact, cut through the door like butter. There's a horrible screeching sound, and then the massive slab of mortar and metal falls forward, allowing Jorn and the lothwolf access to the room. Unlike the rest of the lower levels, this room is actually... lit. There are many shelves, covered in canvas cloths full of dust. And beyond the shelving seems to a ballroom type area, littered with many stone pedestals that stretch as far back as the eye can see. It's maze like, but that does not seem to deter the loth wolf. She's running for the pedestals, as fast as her limp will allow. They'll carry on like this for a while. It could have been forty five minutes, it could have been several hours. Time seems to blur together - the poison, slow acting but present will gradually start to make Volken feel weaker and weaker. At some point, he'll see a gigantic, oddly shaped ship mired in a bog up ahead. A lone marauder stands guard, but when they approach, he comes to meet them and assist with moving the Baron into the ship. He does not offer to help Volken, though. In fact, he'll give him a few wary glances before hurrying inside himself. But at least the leave the door open and the gangplank down for him. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Out of pure caution, Jorn tries to note everything, but he does not touch any of it. Very much a situation where one looks with their eyes and not with their hands. He's not sure what kind of ancient things may linger. He'll try to note what he can without disturbing any of the natural, or unnatural, order of things about the place. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "One of his former Masters actually suggested something like that once, so maybe it's not /that/ unethical," Navi replies to Zetha, accepting the card from Thaarin and studying it thoughtfully. "But do you really want to have to deal with that pouty look he gets when he thinks we're trying to corral him? I don't." "If only it were that simple, Thaarin... Cayde is something of a trouble magnet. I'm beyond relieved that he's been trying to keep out of trouble more these last few months, but sooner or later he and trouble just have a habit of coming together. Usually noisily," she adds to Thaarin. "Nevertheless, we'll do our best to enjoy ourselves and still keep an eye out for him, just in case." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "If seeing his pouty mouth means not watching trouble horribly explode around him, I think I'd be in favor of the pout if I'm honest. But then, I haven't suffered it as much as those who spend more time with him." Zetha offers this and then she tries to peak at the card Navi was handed. "Anyway, I'm going to wander off. You can follow if you want Navi, but I need to move or I'm going to collapse from excitement. Or something." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well, that was quick. Cayde nods and decides to just enter his messages into the comms console.     << Yes >> is the simple response he sends back. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Well looks like we made it..." rumbles Volken to the unresponsive Er'gi. The way the Marauders are looking at him is to be expected. They're right to be cautious just from a sake of prudency - but in his state all he can truly do is follow them and make his way into the ship. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, Jorn is being careful, but the lothwolf is doing everything but that. She's zooming around the stone pedestals, sniffing most of them until she finds one with a gilded saber in it. She barks, and pushes on it with her front legs. It wobbles, so she pushes on it again, and it wobbles more. But Jorn may find himself thinking, should she really be doing that? It's dark inside the ship - a few lights here and there. Zealot and the female marauder seem to have disappeared from sight, along with the Baron. Volken will find himself in some kind of atrium. Hanging on the wall are a wide of variety of those garish masks, in all shapes and sizes. There's a bench for him to sit on, at least. But he probably won't get much respite -- there's a shadowy figure looming a nearby archway to his left. "... long journey, I see." Thaarin waves dismissively. "He doesn't have to know... anyway, let's save that discussion for later. He hasn't gotten into trouble... yet. Or at least, it doesn't seem like it." Then he bids both Zetha and Navi goodbye and heads back into the shuttle. "Well, I hate to tell you this, but what we have on file is what we have on file." There's a long pause. "But... I could complete the profiles, if you want me to. I also thought it'd be worth mentioning that I could use some help with investigating the potentially criminal background of a certain high ranking politician. I'm down an agent, but you know that already. If you're willing, I'll work on completing whatever profiles you want completed, and then in the meantime, you can do a little fishing. What do you think?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The figure is barely spred a glance as Volken finally unshoulders Er'gi and then sets hi down onto the bench. He leans over to check on the other Mandalorian and then finally slumps down towards a seat himself. "Y'could say that...." he rumbles after a pause, finally addressing the figure and then glancing up to peer in that direction in search of the speaker and his identity. "Is there...some sort of antitdote? What's goin' on down here...? What's that thing?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Take care, Thaarin," Navi says, giving Thaarin a little wave as she follows Zetha. "It's less the pouty face and more the emotional and relationship troubles that go with the pouty face. If we just got that when we kept him alive and safe, I could deal with it. But we get it a lot more than that. I'm just hoping his progress these last six months or so means a lot less of that," she adds. "Now, where shall we go first?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Taking the blade, Jorn inspects it and tries to set it back down. Just trying to be respectful of the blade while trying to see why this wolf wanted the blade so much. That's the strange part about this journey. It's the only thing he touches and it's to make sure she doesn't knock off the blade. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde arches a brow at this response. << You don't know more? >> he asks. If he -had- the information to complete the profile, couldn't he tell it all now?     Anyway, this was the sort of work he'd been hoping to get into, since his...gifts were well suited to it. << ...okay >> 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Not entirely sure, but I really think checking in and dropping stuff off would be best before we hit the shopping district? I think I need to take Coruscant in small doses..." Zetha offers this to Navi with a somewhat nervous chuckle. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well of course there is," The shadowy figure says, then steps into the dim light. A Harch, female by the looks of it, with glowing green eyes. "A side effect of the monsoon destroying the Baron's laboratories, I'd imagine," she says. "I'd have you know," she hisses, "that I don't normally take in strays, and I certainly do not give out medical attention for free." "No," Black replies, "I'm sorry, you may have misunderstood. What I meant, is that I have the means and resources necessary to find out. It will take some time, of course. But you'll be busy in the meantime, anyway. Now, have a look." The console blinks, and there's suddenly a file glowing blue in the top right hand corner of the screen. "That's everything you need to know. I'd suggest starting in the Lower Levels, on 1314, Sector D. It's a hotbed of criminal activity, but nothing you can't handle I'm sure. The next train down there will arrive at platform 9 in about five minutes. It's recommendable that you get started now -- this fellow is involved in that upcoming trial for the Dug from Tenoo. It'd be ideal if we could have the investigation wrapped up with a neat little bow before it even begins, don't you think?" "Oh, and one more thing. I'd like to meet this Zetha Rumir. It will help me with the ... profile completion." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "That's actually a good idea. Coruscant's big and /busy/. Sometimes I forget how overwhelming it can be," Navi says, blushing faintly. "Sounds like our lodgings are the logical first stop. Let's go." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Yeah. My insides are screaming while also trying to feel fascinated and not overwhelmed..." Zetha offers this and then follows Navi's lead. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     << But...you took Vlaven away? >> Cayde asks, finding it hard to believe that Black does not even know where Vlaven was taken.     The padawan copies the file to a personal device and notes the address. Yes of course it was a hotbed of criminal activity, he has been there plenty of times himself. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "So everything's back to Caine's nonsense..." grumbles Volken as he leans his head back. "Well....can we have it then?" No sense in beating around the bush here. "My friend is dying and apparently so am I...and apparently so was Caine I guess so I guess there's some justice out there for his fooolishness...." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi and Zetha probably won't have much trouble finding their lodgings. As soon as they leave the spaceport, a fancy looking shuttle will pull up, escorted by two uniformed CSF guards. They ask if Navi and Zetha are the arriving part from Tenoo for the trial of the Dug, Weniscio. Once that's all been sorted, they're allowed into the taxi and taken straight to the Alisandre Hotel, a massive structure built to house the richest of guests - or so it seemed. There's a lavish fountain out front, hover lights, and an exquisite garden. A gilded cargo droid will present itself upon their arrival, and offer to take their luggage up to their assigned rooms. "Well yes and no," Black continues. "He was here, for a time, under going a sort of rehabilitation. But he wasn't responding very well to it, and Kurrnak wanted him taken somewhere, anywhere, that would reduce the risk of him landing in the public eye. So, naturally, I washed my hands of him and handed him off to some other Outer Rim scientist with a private hauling company who had promised ... results, of some kind. I said that was fine and that I didn't need coordinates or results. They could do as they pleased, Vlaven was proving to be a less and less interesting plaything over time, anyway." "If you're wondering who the scientist was, I don't actually know. I didn't reach out to them personally. I asked some of my contacts to put out a word about Vlaven, and they approached me first. They wanted to keep their identity discreet, in exchange for making Vlaven disappear from Coruscant. I didn't really care at that point, Kurrnak was putting immense pressure on me to have him sent away as soon as possible. But if you want me to do more digging, I can." "You wouldn't by chance happen to know where you, Zetha, and the others are staying for the duration of the trial, would you?" "Not my problem," the Harch hisses. "But yes, I'll be doing what I can to reverse the effects of the poison." Her eyes then narrow. "You will, however, be owing me a favor, once you're recovered." Meanwhile, Jorn's attempts to make sure the gilded saber doesn't fall off the pedestal the lothwolf is knocking may succeed, or they may not. The lothwolf has in fact, applied too much force and the pedestal is now toppling. Perhaps Jorn can catch it in time? 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "We are, sirs. I'm Co-Deputy Marshal Navi, and this is Zetha Rumir," Navi replies politely to the security officers. Once the identifications are sorted out, she boards the shuttle and offers Zetha her hand to join her. Whether Zetha takes it or not, she does her best to keep the slightly overwhelmed Twi'lek grounded, pointing out landmarks through the shuttle's viewports. "Nice place. Canto Bight was almost this nice," she observes softly as they enter the grand hotel lobby. "Please, and thank you," she says warmly to the droid, transferring over her duffel and daypack. She makes sure to keep her medic's satchel, though. She's long since gotten used to expecting the unexpected, even here. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns as Black explains further on what he knows about Vlaven's fate. He sighs...of course the man didn't care. The young Jedi nods at the offer of trying to do more digging. [Yes please] he signs. At the question of where they're staying, he thinks about it and realizes he actually doesn't yet know, so he shrugs. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn panics and he moves his hand, hoping he's quick enough to grab it. Yes, he probably shouldn't touch it. However, instincts and a desire for an antique to not potentially shatter override common senses. And so he's going for the item before his logical side can kick in. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Fine. I"m not in any sort of position to push back or negotiate. Help us." rumbles Volken. He doesn't want to expend too much energy here at this point and arguign about it is the last thing on his mind. "Him first." he rumbles, "He took a worse dose than me." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha is overwhelmed upon leaving the spaceport. Spaceports - regardless of size - are familiar territories. Junkyards and repair stations, gritty droids and even grittier people running them. As Navi points out landmarks, she may either look like a kid in a candy shop or a terrified orphan. Maybe even a mixture of both. Once they arrive at the hotel, she's amazed, impressed and terrified of it all at the same time. "Well. Certainly no expense being spared I suppose..." Offered as the two make their way inside. Then as the droid approaches them and offers to take their bags, Zetha holds her backpack tightly for a moment longer before actually releasing it and handing it over. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The cargo droid bleeps affirmative in binary and takes Navi and Zetha's belongings to the lift. The grand hotel lobby looks like something Zetha would have only ever dreamed of or seen in holodramas or novels. Everything's gold, or crystal. And there's another fountain, of course. Even bigger than the one outside. Rykard and Mondrian are there, getting checked in by the secretary at the desk. When he sees Zetha and Navi, he nods in greeting. "Good to see you made it here safely," he says to them, "... have either of you seen Cayde?" Cayde may realize that his commlink is pinging. There's a message from his master. <We're at the Alisandre Hotel. Where are you?> Black replies, "Of course. You and I will be both working hard. You out in the field, and me, behind the scenes. Just like it's supposed to be. Anyway, you'd best get going, the trial won't wait. Oh, and make sure to tell me where you are all staying, when you find out." Jorn will experience a particular surge of malevolence surge through his veins the moment he touches that gilded saber. The feeling is so strong, it's an urge to kill someone, anyone. But then it suddenly dissipates, and Jorn will find himself again, standing in front of the pedestal that had fallen when the lothwolf had pushed on it too hard. It's toppled now, and cracked in half. Another problem presents itself - the toppled pedestal had knocked another over. The crystalline case protecting it has shattered, and the relic inside of it is lying on the floor... a ruby ring. The lothwolf is barking now, nipping at the gilded saber Jorn had instinctually saved. The Harch's mandibles click in satisfaction. She seemed to think Volken would have put up more of a fight regarding asking for a favor. "Hm. Yes. Come then. We'll go to my laboratory." And she turns to leave, expecting Volken to follow. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "No, Master. We didn't see him leave, or where he went," Navi replies, with a soft sigh, reaching for her comlink. "Thaarin was looking for him, too. We promised we'd keep an eye out for him." "Speaking of people to keep an eye out for, do you know if Lady Graf and Lord San Tekka have checked in, or will be staying here?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's desire to reply with dry sarcasm is halted by a thought that it might not be best to offend a Jedi Master. Then Navi answers the question about Cayde so she simply gives a little nod of her head. "Coruscant is intimidating." Is all she comments after that. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken is a man of extreme practicality when an emergency is taking place. He removed his armor to save another and didn't think twice about it. RIght now his priority is 'save Er'gi., save himself' - and then they can haggle out the specifics of the owed favor. As far as he's concerned....the particulars can be sorted after he's sure they're going to live. Having to haul Er'gi again isn't ideal but with the antitode being so close ... he'll do what he must and so he again lifts the other gigantic Mandalorian and then carries him like a sack, following after their benefactor for their lab. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn doesn't put on the ring, but he does pick it up delicately. He'll try to put that and the object in his hand back on the shelf. Yes, the container for them is ruined, but he wants them off the floor. It's him trying to put things back as he left them. That's the plan at least. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods, and disconnects from the call. He starts to leave the basement, and finds his commlink going off. Glancing at it, he notes that he will be staying at the Alisandre. However, he doesn't respond to the message, or contact Black to let him know the answer to his question. Rather, he's contemplating whether he -should- tell his Master where he's going. He probably should. But then Master won't want him to go, or will insist that someone else come along with him. Someone less familiar with the Lower City, no doubt. It would just get in the way of things.     So he simply puts the commlink away, and starts heading for the station platform. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Hm...." Rykard says pensively. His brows furrow and there's a pause. "Well that's alright. I'll speak with Thaarin and then I'll see if I can't go find him myself. Good luck, both of you. I hope you enjoy Coruscant. There's a lovely noodles house just down the street, if you're keen the try it," he recommends, and then starts for the lift. Another message pops up on Cayde's commlink <Good luck. Let me know where the group from Tenoo is staying, soon>. Soon, Cayde will find himself on a train headed back to his old familiar haunts - the Lower Levels of Coruscant. Volken might suddenly find himself in a place that makes him take a stroll down memory lane. The Harch had led them down a hallway, to a large, expansive room that visually fits the stereotypical mad scientist lab. There's test tubes everywhere. White washed walls, fauna from varying planets that look like they're just begging to be put out of their misery. There's a wall lined with cages that look large to hold a sentient being that human sized or smaller. It looks... hauntingly like the place he had been rescued from as a boy.... Picking up the ring seems to transport Jorn into some kind of parallel reality. The room is the same, but darker, and everything looks distorted. He won't be able to hear the lothwolf barking anymore. But somewhere, emanating from some place that seems to be everywhere all at once, is a scream that somehow sounds silent and deafening at the same time. Jorn will feel it -- there's something, someone else here. And him picking up a ring has drawn its attention... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' It's familiar to him, indeed. But Volken doesn't want to think to heavily about that. Yet. Yes, a certain abhorrence wells up inside of him but he can't risk not getting that anttidote for himself and Er'gi and he'd have no idea where to look and what to do on his own. Not to mention the ship is full of marauders who would likely turn against them at the drop of a hat. 'You got some interestin' hobbies..." is all he states on the matter while trying to not linger his gaze for too long on any particular part of ther room. "How..much further?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Please be careful, Master," Navi replies. "We have our comlinks, so please keep us informed." Even as she speaks, she's slipping her comlink earpiece into her ear. She touches the back of Zetha's hand reassuringly with her free hand. "It takes some getting used to, definitely." Touching the transmit button on her earpiece, she says, "Cayde, where are you?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Hearing that deafening scream. The one that sounds silent one second, loud the next just causes Jorn to freeze in place. He closes his eyes and hears the lessons from long ago. <"What do we do when fear sneaks up on us, Boy?"> Jorn hears himself reply. His voice higher, a lot more innocent, <"We push past. We push past fear."> Jorn just hears his reply over and over, before some part of him just tosses the ring onto the shelf. He breathes hard, eyes wide with panick from underneath the helmet. Quietly, he goes down to return the other part knocked over, the other it. Just what he first caught. Keeping that there, Jorn shakily walks past the whole thing. Not wanting to touch that ring, or any other jewelery from this place, again. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Familiar haunts indeed, Cayde often had a nightly habit coming down here looking for trouble. Well--looking problems to -solve-! In fact, he has ridden this very transport line several times. As he waits for his destination stop, he starts studying the intel that Black had given him regarding whatever it was he needed to do down there. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I think this is going to take a bit more than simply getting used to. And I feel that by the time I begin to accept any of it as real and not some sort of fantasy in my head we'll be heading back to Teeno. Or I will be. I guess I shouldn't assume you'd be coming back..." Zetha offers and then watches as Navi reaches out to Cayde so she simply steps forward to the desk to check herself into her pre-acquired room. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Of course I will," Rykard says to Navi has he takes his leave. Navi likely won't be surprised that Cayde doesn't reply to her. When did he, ever? But it's probably not a good sign, that he's not responding, and he's missing. The woman at the desk checking Zetha in glances at her credentials. "Zetha Rumir?" She peers at her through horn rimmed glasses. "Mmkay. Just wanted to let you know, you've been upgraded to the Senatorial Master Suite on the seven thousandth floor. Room service is included. This was a personal request from Senator Burkenn of Nakadia himself." The intel Black has given him is very comprehensive, at least. It gives a couple locations of known hideouts belonging to a particularly deadly gang called the Verpine's Venom. It details their insignia, a record of their criminal activity, and their highest profile members. Several of which had been seen associating with a Dowutin Senator named Draconis Grindle, who had been slated to oversee the hiring of a third party jury counsel for Weniscio's trial... Whatever it is that's noticed Jorn, is coming. He won't be able to see it, but he will be able to feel it. It feels like sweat on the back of his neck. It feels like pure evil, coming to consume. The scream, silent but loud, seeks to overwhelm him. And then, in the middle of it all, he'll see a vision of a girl. She's young, couldn't be older than fourteen. She's crying, curled up somewhere dark, her head in her hands. But then she looks up, staring at Jorn with bloodshot, tear stained eyes. 'Help,' she mouths. '... help me' And then Jorn drops the ring, and it's all over. "I'm not a doctor," the Harch tells Volken frankly. "I'm a toxicologist, a poison expert. And if you mind my hobbies -- well, you're free to leave." She stops walking and motions to a rusted berth with shackles on it. "Put him here," she says. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn looks at the wolf, as if they would have answers. "What the Hell was that?" His mind reels as it starts to catch up to the vision. Breathing out hard and deep. Trying to center himself as he tries processing what exactly happened. "How do I even find her?" Oh. He doesn't like this one bit. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde's commlink keeps going off, but he keeps ignoring it as he's busy perusing the intel Black had given him. He starts looking for as much info as he can about the hideouts, so he'sll know what to expect upon arriving. That's what he'sll be doing until he arrives in the Lower City. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I'll be going back. My two years isn't up, and I don't really see this trial lasting months. Besides, we've still got work to do there," Navi replies to Zetha. She steps up to the desk to check in, repeating, "Cayde, where are you?" into her earpiece. She has a feeling she's wasting her time, but she keeps trying. "Wow... that's incredible, Zetha! That's got to be the best room in the house, or close to it. You're sure to be very comfy there," she says, with an encouraging grin to Zetha. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha stares at the woman behind the counter for a good few heartbeats before she shakes her head. Not in refusal, just in a sort of denial. Navi comes to break the moment and the Twi'lek gives a little smile. "The Senator is very kind for arranging such a thing. I should try to convey my thanks at some point I guess. It's only polite." Stunned beyond belief but she finishes the check in process. "Can trials last months? That's a little disheartening... anyway. Back to Teeno then once it's all over. Nothing from Cayde yet?" She'll pull out her own commlink and message Cayde <You know if you keep ignoring everyone they'll send a search party after you. Thaarin and Master Rykard especially....at least let us know you're okay?> 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Right.." Well that looks ominous. "Why the shackles?" He does comply however and lays Er'gi down before stepping back and looking at him, then the rest of the room and then..the toxicologist. "You can have wahtever hobby you want.. Just as long as by 'helpin' Er'gi..and me...you don't turn us into one of them." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Certainly," the woman behind the desk says with a smile, "After what you did for his wife, it only makes sense! The droids have brought all your baggage up to your room," she tells Zetha, "And here's your key card. Don't lose it. Now enjoy your stay!" And she gestures towards the lift. It's all there. The coordinates, detailed descriptions, and several photos of every angle of each hideout. It's everything Cayde needs, to get there, get in, and get whatever information he needs, and hopefully get out quietly. Hopefully. The train suddenly lurches to a stop, and Cayde will find himself a mile or so from the first hideout. The lothwolf is sitting in front of Jorn, that gilded saber he'd put back earlier in between her teeth. She seems happy. She tilts her head to one side and wags her tail, as if to say that the answer is obvious, but of course, she's just a canine who can't speak basic, so what that answer is remains a mystery. "The only promise I'm going to make is that I am going to try. And if that doesn't work... well," she shrugs, and glances at one of the cages Volken had seen earlier. "You're good as dead anyway. This poison isn't like any old cocktail you'll find on the black market. The plant seems to have some kind of defense mechanism that causes the poison to perfectly tailor itself to individual victims. That's why it's slow acting - the poison is mapping out your genome, and actively figuring out a way to deconstruct it piece by piece." She almost looks happy for a moment. "It's very intriguing. Anyway, don't worry about the shackles. They're just there... in case." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "Lead the way," Jorn waves a hand thinking the wolf is more force sensitive than he is. And so, Jorn has a strange trust in this beast. That's when he will take a few steps expecting the animal to move. That's the hope at least. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha steps back from the counter with room key in hand and then tucks it into one of the many pockets on her cargo pants. She might just have to get something practical to begin carrying everything in. Also, she wasn't sure what bags would have been taken to her room. She didn't pack much for this trip and is about to go shopping for at least one or two outfits. Something to match a necklace and something practical. Or as practical as one can look on Coruscant. Now it's just waiting for Navi to check in and then deciding what their next destination is going to be. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "You've been handed a once in a lifetime opportunity, Zetha. Go ahead and get settled in, and enjoy it," Navi says to Zetha, smiling. "And if you need help getting unpacked, I'll be just a comlink call away, once I get my room keycard." She turns back to the desk to finish checking in. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Try. Hard." rumbles Volken, tone growing more moinous now as she further expounds on the dire situation and her glibness about it begins to rub him the wrong way. "Cause if a Mandalorian is backed into a corner...and there's no other option but death... they like goin out in a blaze of glory..." Volkens' eyes narrow behind his helmet's visor. One can practically feel it.. "...And nobody wants that..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde gets off the train and starts heading toward the first den belonging to these 'Verpine's Venom' people.     He goes to silence his commlink, noticing Zetha's message. The padawan frowns somewhat indignantly. It hadn't been -that- long! He sighs and she at least gets a response. Although it's just << Yes okay >> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The woman at the desk then continues on and checks Navi in, handing Navi a key card as well as telling her the same things she'd told Zetha. But as Zetha and Navi are headed up, the lift doors open and out steps Master Rykard. He doesn't look happy. "He's not in his room, and he's not back at the ship or at the starport," the elder Ikkrukki Master announces. "That can only mean one thing." And his stride takes him straight for the exit of the hotel. "You can join me, if you like, Navi. But I would understand if you'd just like to rest up here at the hotel..." The commlink dings a little too loudly when Cayde goes to silence it. The young padawan will just barely be able to send off a message to Zetha when suddenly, he'll hear heavy footsteps approaching. "I like favors too much to not try," the Harch says, "but I can tell. There's something -special- about this place that's bothering you," she says, "isn't there?" The lothwolf does not move. She just watches Jorn for a moment, then goes up to his pocket and begins to sniff around for another ration bar. At least she drops the gilded saber on the floor to do this. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Almost as if on some weird cue, Zetha's commlink pings. She glances at it and looks up just as Rykard keeps moving. "Cayde's okay." She offers this. "He...didn't tell me where he was. I simply told him what he could expect by being silent, asked if he was okay and he told me yes, okay." She offers this and then shrugs. "Not that I am telling you to stop whatever..." she motions, "this is. But..." Then she has to wonder why Cayde would answer -her- and not anyone else who may have tried to contact him. "And if it's all the same to you all...I am going to go settle into my room I guess. Let me know when you're ready to go shopping, Navi." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi pockets her keycard and follows Zetha to the turbolift banks, just in time to meet Master Rykard coming out of them. "I had a feeling he'd taken off somewhere," she murmurs, giving Zetha a quick hug. "I have a feeling he's not quite as okay as he says, given his close relationship with trouble. Go ahead and get settled in. I'm going with Master Rykard to find him. Hopefully we won't be gone long." She turns to follow the elderly Master. "Lead the way, Master. If you can get in contact with him telepathically, we might have an easier time finding him," she suggests. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "What is this, an interview? Just get him back on 'is feet." grumbles Volken as he steps away to find something to lean on. Lean on and watch, glowring...but nervous on the inside. Ater a moment, he sighs and tries his comm again. Now that they're not in the gorge maybe there's a chance he can reconnect with the others and if Jorn or their Jedi Minder was also caught by that poison... he needs to know. <<Jorn. Anybody. Answer me...>> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde puts the commlink away and continues toward the coordinates Black had given him, appearing as if unaware of the approaching footfalls. However, he does reach out into the Force, attempting to identify who the footsteps belong to. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Thank you," Rykard says to Navi. He looks relieved, and grateful. "I know this is not how you imagined you'd spend your first night back here in Coruscant. But I'm sure tomorrow you'll have plenty of time to relax..." And he starts heading for platform, intending to head for the Lower Levels. When Zetha arrives in her room, she'll likely be even more shocked by how lavish it is. A king sized bed, with shimmersilk curtains. A plate of food, covered up and warm, waiting for her. At least fifty different varieties of expensive teas, a mini-bar, a caf machine, and ten different bottles of wine. And then there's an envelope, sealed with gold wax, addressed to her specifically. It's sitting on the bed, neatly tucked between the pillows. "There's no signal down here," she says, pulling out a needle that will, once again, remind Volken of his traumatic childhood. That needle and syringe are plunged into Er'gi's arm, and the bright blue liquid in it drains from the capsule, into the other massive Mandalorian's body. Er'gi twitches, and his skin starts to turn a pale shade of blue. Was that 'supposed' to happen? Once the lothwolf finds that there's no ration bar in his pocket (or she just doesn't find it), she'll trot off, and then right before Jorn's eyes, sink through the floor, disappear, and then reappear, right at the base of the steps. It may suddenly occur to Jorn, that that is how the lothwolf had gotten him here. It's how she'd transported him the first time, too. She could go anywhere on this planet, likely. A world of opportunities has opened up for Jorn. He could probably find Volken, and maybe even the girl. He just has to tell the lothwolf to go back to where he'd last seen Volken... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Guards. A couple of Verpine Venom henchmen doing patrols around the perimeter of the hideout. They'd heard the commlink go off and are now coming to investigate, fully armed.... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will see how the wolf teleports. Then he will look at the wolf. "Do you know where the girl went?" Because between a scared girl and a big scary mandalorian, it's very apparent who could handle themself. If the wolf doesn't know, then he would go to the big scary Mandalorian. To him it's a matter of need. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well Cayde might as well start looking for information. He tries reaching more deeply into their minds, in search of anything regarding Senator Grindle. However, he doesn't otherwise move. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' This poison is a bixzarre thing. The fix may be a bixarre thing and whatever ER'gi is going through..he's going to have to as well. So for the moment, Volken just watches. A change in pigmentation ...hopefully temporary...is the least of his worries. But...yeah...ideally it's just temporary. More pressing besides that is the lack of respons eon the comm and the confirmation they can't get a message out. "Dammit..." he grumbles, giving up once that's said. "This gorge is crazy... Shouolda just lit the whole place up from above..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "It's okay, Master. I'm used to it," Navi replies, following Master Rykard and reaching out through the Force, questing for a sense of Cayde's location. It's been a long time since she's used this particular power, but the Force is with her. "I was afraid of this... he's in trouble," she reports. "We'd better pick up our pace." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's mouth just drops as she makes her way into the room. It's a lot. It's almost too much. "All I did was pull a piece of trash out of a ship..." She mutters to herself and then shakes her head. As soon as she notices the scent of food her stomach rumbles but the envelope on the pillow catches her attention first. So she goes to retrieve that before she'll settle at the table where the food is to reveal the meal and whatever the envelope contains at roughly the same time. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh, I know," Rykard says, "I know..." And then he grabs her hand, and Force leaps both of them onto the top of a passing train, one that's making a beeline for Sector D. Navi will need to call on the Force to steady herself as soon as they land, as the train quickly starts to descend. The letter itself looks like it probably cost whatever Wiis' mortgage had been for the entire year. There's a nice message from Senator Burkenn, written in gold ink and signed personally, that thank her for helping his wife and something something he had to repay the favor, and that he'd love to meet her in person and have her meet his daughter Gianka, as well. If she turns it over she'll see that it's not just a note, it's an invitation, to Gianka's 19th birthday party, hosted at some extravagant opera venue in the Federal District. She might be taking this all in when her commlink goes off... They know him. They've seen him several times. In fact, he used to be a member of their gang. But then... But then, suddenly someone is grabbing Cayde by the back of his shirt and hoisting him up into the air. "Look wot I found, boys!!" Cayde will find himself looking into the eyes of a massive Dowut male who's at least nine feet tall. The lothwolf doesn't seem to understand Jorn. She tilts her head to one side curiously for a moment. She does seem to understand that Jorn is trying to tell her something, so she suddenly moves forward and puts her snout under his hand. Jorn will feel the blade's mood shift suddenly again, and he'll experience a strange sensation, that's hard to pinpoint with words. But it's a feeling of connection, a connection to the lothwolf. She's trying to understand what he wants from her. "Hmph," the Harch says, "if you're just going to sit there and disrupt my work with your idle chatter, I'd rather not have you around." She makes a shooing motion. "Just don't wander too far if you value your life. After all, you're going to need a workup too, eventually." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sets the invitation aside and considers heavily whether she wants to attend or not. Attending may require something better than a tank top and cargo pants while looking like she climbs through engines for a living. Then her commlink goes off and she reaches to see who the message is from while also deciding that thinking all this through on an empty stomach is a bad idea. So she begins eating. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Eep!" Navi squeaks as Master Rykard suddenly grabs her hand and drags her through a prodigious, Force-fueled leap onto the roof of a passing train! She has to call on all of her physical training and the Force to steady herself on landing. Falling off of a train moving this fast could be fatal! "Geez, Master... you could at least say, 'Hang on' first," she grumbles, struggling to steady her wobbly legs in the wake of the stunt. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn feels that probing sensation. Then he'll hold the blade. Then he feels a connection to the wolf. Although Jorn will ask general questions like, "Hello?" When they're first connected. This is still as trange sensation, whether it's a human or an animal. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Yer the one that was trying to ask me twenty questions. I"m not goin' anywhere until Er'gi is awake and I know he's fine. And also not blue." Volken's response is curt and to the point. An edge to his voice as well. Try and move him if you dare. "Just get 'im done and then get to work on me and we'll be on our way. I got others who might be in trouble." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Ah, so that's why Grindle had been associating with them. He used to be in their membership. But, why'd he leave? Perhaps it would be worth visiting the Senator's office later.     But then, suddenly a massive male Dowut has grabbed him and dangling him in the air. The first instinct would be to struggle, but then, he thinks better of it. Instead, he continues probing their minds, looking for more information, and also what they plan to do with him. Maybe he'll get a chance to meet someone in leadership. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Zetha might be both happy and dismayed simultaneously to see that she'd received a text from Crane. <hey...u got to Coruscant ok, that's good uvu :) > He isn't calling though, even though they'd both agreed, they'd get on a holocall as soon as she arrived on Coruscant... "I'm sorry!" Rykard says over the sound of the rushing wind, "But there's no time! The other option was hijacking the nearest vehicle!" Well, he was probably right. Navi will sense that Cayde's actually in imminent danger - hopefully by the time her and Master Rykard arrive, it won't be too late! "Look at 'im! Helpless! Haha! Maybe he's worth somethin' tho, looks like a wee Jedi, maybe they'll pay good to get 'im back..." They start dragging him away, towards the permacrete complex that is the Verpine Venom hideout. Unfortunately these guys don't know that much. They've met Grindle before, and known him back in the day but hadn't been close to him. They aren't exactly sure why he left, or if he's actually fully severed ties with the gang or not. Jorn won't really get an answer from the lothwolf. It's just all... feelings, and sensations. She's looking to see what Jorn wants, and mostly ignores his hello. All of a suddenly, she's leaping forward and tugging Jorn's sleeve again. And then, that strange out of body sensation, once more... The Harch doesn't further address Volken. She turns turns around and continues her work, but something may catch Volken's eye. There's a comms console showing a bunch of really old text transmissions logged to it. And one of the contact names showing up under the text transmissions logged there, Volken will recognize. Merrick. Merrick Ren. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The immense man falls silent and just watches with a heavy glowring gaze. But when he sees the text messages he leans up and starts to move towards the console. He was told to go for a walk and move aorund after all. So his curiousity moving him to the comm console shouldn't be that strange. He inclines his head and leans in slowly .. looking to see what he can see of the text messages. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde just lets them take him toward the complex, hoping that someone there will know more than these guys. He also keeps searching for what they plan to do with him once they arrive there. Hopefully, show him to someone with some -rank-. Especially since someone with rank might be pleased with their catch, might give them a reward. A very nice reward.... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha reads the message and then relaxes just a little. Then she'll type out a reply. <Yes. Here. Safe. Call when you can, I have a -story- to tell you. And a room to show you. I love you. <3 > Then she sets her commlink down and decides best to keep eating. Everything else can wait, and she has no idea of the peril her friend is in. So food is good. Food is very good. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I won't second-guess your choice, Master! The sooner we get there, the better for everyone! Especially Cayde!" Navi replies, raising her voice to be heard over the noise of the train. At least it's a hovertrain, levitated by maglev or repulsorlift technology, so the racket could be worse. She steels herself for an all but guaranteed confrontation when they get where they're going. The only thing she knows for sure is that Cayde is in immediate danger, and that's enough to make her worry. A lot. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' The dog leaps forward. Then that sensation comes again. However, he doesn't know what any of this means yet. Also, he's not sure if he's in his body, out, on planet, in the temple or anywhere else. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Zetha will find that just three of the snack sized pastries will make her incredibly full. They're small, but really, really rich. She might patiently await an answer from Crane, but she won't get one until about forty five minutes later. <hey... sorry. Can't right now. Tomorrow?> Zetha might feel that horrible pit in her stomach again, but she'll be distracted by a knock on her door. The train races downward, and eventually, Navi and Master Rykard arrive at the very same platform Cayde had been at earlier. Rykard leaps off the train and hurries towards the complex, discreetly. "This way," he says to Navi, "Hurry." Cayde is dragged away, down, down, down to somewhere dark and wet. There, he's thrown rather violently into the cell while the guards who'd brough him jeer and laugh. Well, not quite how he'd expected things to go. But Cayde will be able to tell that they plan on telling their boss about him, who isn't at the hideout right now. He'll be returning but it might not be until tomorrow afternoon... The messages Volken may peer at are over forty years old. He'll see that the Harch woman had deliberately searched for those old messages. They'll bring back childhood memories Volken probably would have liked to forget. He'd sent her some of his research data, on subjects who had shown significant resistance to certain poisons. And there's... pictures too. He'll recognize the poor souls in them. They'd been there with him, at that terrible, terrible place. After the moment is over, Jorn will find himself lying on the ground again in a bed of wet ferns, staring up at the sky. The lothwolf is licking his hand. They're not very far from that outcropping he'd been on the first time he'd been approached by the lothwolves. It's the last place he'd seen Volken. But, it looks ... different. There's massive green vines covered in weird bioluminescent powder curling around all the trees in this area. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi vaults down from the train's roof and hurries after Master Rykard, resting her hand on the lightsaber clipped to the outside of her medical satchel. She's fully aware that there isn't a second to be lost. Even as she runs, she stretches out with her feelings, aided by the Force, reaching for the Padawan's mind. << Cayde... where are you? Master and I are on our way! >> 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken remains still. Almost perfectly so. A sudden coldness comes over him and his hand twitches slightly as he resits the urge to reach out aqnd crush the console into scrap metal with one huge hand. His body quakes slightly but then seems to re-assert control over itself and he finally turns away to look over to her and the work being done on Er'gi. After a second passes he turns and starts taking slow deliberate steps forward to get closer and see the status of Er'gi now. "Looks like yer hobbies are pretty expansive..." he rumbles as he draws closer to her. "And you got some research to really put things to the test..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha cannot believe that small things could taste so big and fill so quickly. She also is not greedy and so when she feels full, she stops. At the message from Crane, she droops just a little but then replies just as the knock comes to her door. <Tomorrow then. I might be shopping with Navi, just fyi> Then, despite everything that tells her no one should be knocking on her door because no one is here that knows her room, she also has to remember there is staff and it might even be a message about the trial. Or something. So she goes to open the door. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Tomorrow afternoon is noted. Now Cayde waits until they leave, and then checks to see if anyone else is nearby. Did the guards patrol the holding cells? He also checks the lock on the door, to see if he can open it without damaging anything... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' His eyes narrow as he figures they may not be in the right time. Like somehow this beast time travelled. It's why everything looks so different. He'll look around to see if any of the items they used to clear out the brush is ther.e If not, he'll try to push forward trying to move past the powder, not really trusting this place at all. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard ducks behind a broken piece of permacrete jutting out of the ground, watching as several Verpine Venom guards continue their patrol of the area. He tells Navi, He reaches out to the Cayde telepathically, <Cayde, where are you? I told you not to come down here alone!> She may or may not be surprised to see it's Thaarin. He offers her a polite smile and a bow. "I heard you were moved," he says, "this is a nice upgrade. May I come in?" The cell door is a forcefield, one that can only be deactivated by a keycard from the guards. They do patrol the hallway his cell is in, and there's a lot of them so it won't be a problem for Cayde to remove one from one unwitting gangster. However, the issue now is whether he can sneak past them once the field has been shut off... The Harch's eyes narrow. "I told you not to disturb me," she hisses. But then she notices where Volken had been coming from and her eyes narrow with intrigue, "Oh? And what interest would -you- have in whatever Merrick Ren sent me...?" Er'gi is still on the berth, that same pale shade of blue. He doesn't look better, but he also doesn't look worse. The lothwolf yelps and jumps in front of Jorn suddenly. She doesn't seem to want him near the vines. And she's a good tracker, apparently - she'd found the flamethrower they'd used earlier. She drops it at his feet. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "He's telling you more than me, then," Navi whispers to Master Rykard as she slips into cover beside him. "I've tried to talk to him, but he's not answering my telepathic calls." She palms her lightsaber. "Just give the word, Master." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Or, he can force one of them to simply unlock the cell. Cayde will begin to attempt this as one of them is passing by, when his focus is interrupted by Navi and Master Rykard.     Sigh.     Indeed, he doesn't respond to Navi, but but Rykard will at least be able to tell that he's not actually in distress, per se. In fact, he seems a bit...annoyed. Yes, he knows. He knows what he's doing. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha gives as neutral an expression to Thaarin as she can before shifting to step out of the doorway so he can walk in. "Yeah. Apparently news traveled fast and Senator Burkenn arranged to have me upgraded I guess..." Once Thaarin is in the room and the door shuts she'll also say, "Also, I got Cayde to message me. He said he was fine...but Master Rykard and Navi went to go look for him anyway. Not sure if they managed to tell you anything." She pauses a half breath. "How are you? Managed to settle in any yourself?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard grumbles. "He's not telling me much either, I've just become experienced at guessing...!" He peers out from behind the permacrete. "Not yet," he says, then, after a moment, he nods towards a shadow to their left that's been created by a pile of scrap metal. Then he darts towards it, while the guards aren't looking. The guard Cayde had been trying to convince is now wandering away from Cayde. And the rest of the patrol is now too far away. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken has taken some steps around now, looming behind the good scientist as her work continues. He eyes Er'gi with growing unease ..and something more. Building rage. "...Why is he still blue? What're you doing exactly? Tell me. No more flyin' blind..." After a pause he then adds, "As to that data.. Looks t'me like yer conferrin' with a Republic criminal known fer unethical practices. In fact...thought someone collected the bounty on 'im long ago. You busy pickin' up tricks of the trade from him?" His massive hands spasm slightly as he speaks but he just looms behind her. Blessedly, his helmet is still on, hiding the cold expression and the pinprick size of his eyes as he stares down at her and Er'gi. "Whaddya know?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Ugh! Cayde sighs, exasperated. Why won't anyone just trust him? He sits down and folds his arms, waiting for another patrol to approach. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi follows Master Rykard into cover behind the scrap pile. Peeking around the side of it, she spots an unguarded basement window. "Master... I think we can make entry through that basement window. Nobody seems to be hanging around there," she whispers. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "That's ... both good news and bad news, I suppose," Thaarin says, stepping inside to have a look around the room. "But I suppose all we can do right is hope and trust that Rykard and Navi have him handled." He offers her a small, hopeful smile. Then he spots the invitation Burkenn had given her. His expression becomes mildly curious. "What's this?" At least Cayde doesn't have to wait long. A group of three of them are coming now. But this is a bit trickier because if one of them starts to behave strangely, the others might restrain him, or call for backup... "Excellent," Rykard says, "you go first. I'll bring up the rear, and make sure the patrols don't return prematurely..." "The antidote I'm trying takes time to reverse the poison and may have some slightly unpleasant side effects like numbness and tingling." Her multiple eyes narrow. "If his condition starts to deteriorate within the next couple of hours, I'll switch to something else." A pause. "I'll have nothing to do with Merrick now," she hisses, "that was years ago, when we worked together on a few projects. He might have been made into a Republic criminal as well but we both escaped with our skin intact. But he took more than what he was owed, and I'll never forgive him for that." The lothwolf nudges the flamethrower she'd found towards Jorn, tilting her head to one side. It would make clearing the debris faster, certainly. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn snags the flame thrower. "Alright a weapon, but she was in the crystal. Is that a memory? A prison? Something else?" Jorn sighs knowing that the creature wouldn't answer him. Then he eyes that stone. Thinking it requires him to go in there or something similar. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Ah. That. Is both a letter of thanks from the Senator...and an invitation to his daughter's 19th birthday party. At an Opera. So he can both meet me and I can join the celebration." Zetha explains this and then seems to hesitate. "I fear accepting the invitation. Having no idea how to dress for such an occasion... much less how to act. And being in a place filled with no one I know is absolutely terrifying..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi nods firmly to Master Rykard. After waiting a moment to ensure no one is coming, she steals across from the scrap pile to the basement window. Taking a peek to ensure that nobody is inside, she hastily picks out the broken glass with a gloved hand before slipping inside and beckoning to Master Rykard. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde will attempt to affect all three of them at once. One of them to unlock the cell, and other two to simply...look the other way or become distracted by something that isn't actually there in reality. A phantom shadow, or footsteps in a distant corridor. Better go check out that noise! 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf barks and biting the arm with the flamethrower gently, leads him towards the strange vines covered in powdery glow. She then whines, looks at him, then to the vines, then at the flamethrower again and barks once more. Thaarin's eyes light up a little. "Why, don't fear accepting, it's an honor. And even if Senator Burkenn isn't as kind as he seems, it's an opportunity to learn more about him." He chuckles softly. "Navi and I can go with you, I'm sure. You won't be alone." Rykard follows Navi. The two of them will be able to sense Cayde nearby, on the floor just below them. Rykard looks around and finding an abandoned stairwell, motions for Navi to follow him down into it. Unfortunately, Cayde's distraction works a little too well. Two of the guards immediately start running down the hallway away from Cayde towards the stairwell where Navi and Rykard are descending, immediately starting to open fire, without even realizing the two of them are there! Well, at least the third guard comes to unlock Cayde's cell? 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde hurries out of the cell, but makes a note of its location so that he could go back to it should the situation call for that. But for now, he heads in the opposite direction from Navi and his master, going to search for someone with more rank and thus hopefully more information. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn looks over the device slowly, he starts it up. Then slowly begins to work over the vines. Just keeping everything focused on the growth of the plants. His attention focused. Seeing if something strange would happen. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "You say that like invitations don't sometimes arrive with teeth." Zetha says this to Thaarin before shaking her head. "I'll consider it. More so if you and Navi can come with me." Then she looks around the room once more before glancing back to Thaarin. "Remind me when the trial actually starts?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi nods firmly and follows Master Rykard, her lightsaber in her hand and ready for use. That precaution seems very much warranted; a pair of thugs at the bottom of the stairs, barely in sight of herself or the Master, open fire with blasters! She ignites her lightsaber, using the bright bluish-white blade to turn the blaster bolts back toward the thugs... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Cayde's wandering won't get him very far before he runs into another patrol of thugs. Upon seeing him, they shout and immediately open fire upon the young padawan! The vines immediately go up in flames, burning to a crisp quickly. The bioluminescent powder burns a bright purple and releases a noxious odor that Jorn will need to use his helmet to filter out. By the look and smell of it, Jorn will likely guess it's poisonous, and that's why the lothwolf had warned him. Rykard mirrors Navi's reaction, pulling out his saber to deflect the shots. Strangely enough, the shots are going very wide of them, so they won't actually need to deflect very many of them. One of the thugs gets knocked out by a deflected bolt, while the other suddenly seems confused and frightened. He runs off shortly after. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde ends up with a few blaster burns, but instead of drawing his lightsaber, he just Force pushes them out of the way and hurries around a corner to get out of their line of sight. Hopefully it will take them a few moments to recover from getting knocked about. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn will have the helmet on, and then he'll lean down. Trying to cover the wolf's nose. Just to cover the things' nose as the fumes go into the air. He'll still aim upward and try to shoot. Aiming for the clouds while trying to keep the wolf safe. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' She said the right things....just in time. Volken forcibly calms himself down and then is left to ponder things carefully. He doesn't know ..well...anything about this antidote. Little about the poison. He can't afford -not- to let her do what she's doing but he can't afford to let anything happen to Er'gi either. Then there's the fact Jorn is still missing. Unfortunantely he's in no condition to go out looking for him and wandering in that poison again. "I want you to give him the same treatment that you're giving Caine. He was taken out by that poison mist as well." Volken rumbles. "Nothing can happen to Er'gi. You undrestand....?" Volken leans forawrd now, looming over her. A certain barely restrained menace in him. "...You make sure Er'gi pulls through and is back to the way he's supposed to be..." IT begins as a threat...but then he adds, "...And I'll show you what Merrick's 'work' can produce..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Oh, they might," Thaarin says to Zetha, "but you certainly aren't being prohibited from showing up with a set of your own," the Chiss man says with a wink. "Alright, give it a good think. It would be good for you. That's my opinion, anyway." He stands up, continuing to look around. "Four days from now. Do you feel ready? How's your testimony coming along?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I think Cayde's very close by, Master," Navi says as the second thug flees the scene with all possible speed. "Let's find him and get out of this dump." Lightsaber still in hand and humming, she advances into the corridor with Cayde's cell. "Master, can you sense Cayde around here? I remember feeling his presence very close to here." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I believe you just want to see how I'll look all cleaned up and dressed pretty." Zetha chides gently with a grin. "I'll think about it. I'm already thinking about it. I just wasn't sure if I should go at it alone." When the conversation turns to the trial she hesitates. "I don't have much of a testimony...I'm not even sure what my role in all this is. Except to provide the truth of the part that was purchased from the yard is likely what caused the drill to explode.." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf sneezes and whines, but seems otherwise unhurt. The clouds of glowing blue burn violent and then green, and then dissipate, but they take a little bit to completely disappear. Well, this might be a long night for Jorn, there's a lot of vines. But the lothwolf is plowing forward, sniffing the ground, tracking... something. Maybe Volken, maybe the girl. Who knows... The Harch narrows her eyes again. "Alright, then answer me this. You were one of his pets, so where is he now? Surely, you didn't just forget about the fact that he just disappeared, and possibly evaded ... punishment?" "Yes," Rykard says, brows furrowed. "I sense him nearby... he's... blast. He's running from us. We'll just have to try to catch up." He then force leaps into the corridor, hoping Navi will follow. No thugs for now, apparently. Meanwhile, as Cayde rounds a corner he'll find himself face to face with another huge Dowutin. "Alright! That's enough from you!" he says, reaching out to grab Cayde by the back of his robe. "We're taking you to -him-." Well, maybe that's the guy Cayde wants, anyway. "You wouldn't be wrong," Thaarin says with a smirk. "You won't, I assure you. A bit selfishly, I do actually want to attend myself. He's connected to Cayde, and I want to know just what he's all about, especially regarding the whole scandal with the former Chancellor." "That's good enough," Thaarin reassures, "but you should write it all down, at least." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stares up at the towering Dowutin. Another one? There weren't many of them around Coruscant to begin with. But why were they all gravitating toward this particular gang?     Anyway, at least this -was- what he'd wanted. So he doesn't struggle, but does try to probe the Dowut's mind, attempting to learn what he can about this 'him'. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha nods and then moves to sit...somewhere. There's a lot of somewheres to sit really. She finds one near where her backpack is and pulls out her datapad. "Admittedly I had thought about asking you to go with me as a friend, and because I trust you to know how to navigate things like this better than I ever could. You just have to promise not to disappear on me five seconds after arriving..." Then she begins typing on the datapad. "Which also means, as always, your timing is impeccable. And annoying." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The way she phrased that question was unusual. "So you knew already?" he asks bluntly. "If so that casts a different meanin' on this..." After a pause--Volken rumbles: "I was a child. Of course I dont' know what happened to him. I was taken in as a foundling and then stuck on Mandalore. I had to 'grow up'. Become Mandalorian. Learn their ways. I was a foundling. Not born into the culture but taught by them. Adopted by a man. A good man. I may look human but I'm not exactly human to begin with. My people have traits similar to the Dowutins. Just not as ugly." Volken turns away now to look at Er'gi. "So obviously I didn't continue lookin' for the guy. Why would I? I was to busy gorwin' up ahnd learning to try to control what his experiments did to me and hurtin' alot of people around me in the process. B y the time I was able to make decisions for myself about where to go, for who, and why - I had last heard he'd been caught - maybe killed. It was out of my hands at that point. The fact he owes you money was the least of my concerns." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Hearing the wolf wine, "Sorry girl. I'm trying. Alright, I gotta give you a name," he pulls the trigger working on some more vines. "Something I can use to confuse people when I call you, too," he says knowing that may be odd, but it could help in a pinch. Yelling out some kind of weapon term, may keep thinking he's pointing out something. In reality, he's calling hairy backup. "I've spent too much time making sure you're walking away from this to let some vine crap put you down," he keeps focused on those vines. "Stay close if you need cover." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' So they drag Cayde away. Up a flight of stairs, down a hallway. It's not going to feel on those blaster burns he'd gotten earlier, but maybe this was all worth it? The Dowutin carrying him doesn't seem to know Grindle personally, but he does know about him leaving the gang, and that it caused a stir amongst the gang members. Eventually, he winds up in a big room in front of yet another massive Dowutin, armed to the teeth. He doesn't look happy to see Cayde. "Who's this?!" he demands as soon as Cayde is brought in. "I promise I won't," Thaarin says, coming to sit down next to her. He rests a hand on her shoulder briefly. "I promise. And if you want me to help you write, I can," he says with a nod. "I'm no fool," the Harch says calmly, "you made yourself clear when you said you'd show me what Merrick's work could produce. I'm very familiar with his work and you look like one of his experiments." She then looms over him. "And yet," she says, "he is still a concern, isn't he?" Then suddenly, like a phantom, Zealot appears. "He lives," the marauder says, "And he might be... here." The lothwolf wags her tail, suddenly halting her search. She barks, and runs back to Jorn's side. Then she tugs on his sleeve again, impatiently. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Wow, -another- one. Cayde is certain there is a connection here, somewhere. He stares at the grumpy mob boss, already attempting to reach into his mind as well in search of more details about Senator Grindle and the upcoming trial. Outwardly though, he just seems to be staring at nothing a vacant look in his eyes. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha doesn't question it mostly because to do so might damage the friendship. She simply smiles. "Good. Then we'll go. I'll ask Navi when I see her later if she wants to attend as well." Saying this and then she looks to her datapad a moment before looking back to Thaarin. "Actually, I wouldn't mind the help. I can write out a rough draft and you can look it over?" Which, she already begins typing even as she suggests such a thing. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' A table dents as Volken's massive fists plunge downward into it and his weight presses down. His body tenses up, his armor straining and the straps creaking against his impossible physique as his anger boils upwards furiously. "All I care about right now is Er'gi. Get him back on his feet!" The moment of rage subsides and he visibly and physically clams down. "...How do you -know- he's here. -Why- would he be here? Is he with the cloners?" Volken then shakes his head furiously. "No, no. I want Er'gi back on his feet and I want out of here and t'find Jorn. This is too much. I'm going to go crazy." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn stops the flames. He looks toward the wolf. "What is it girl?" he asks looking down at the tugging dog. Jorn will follow knowing this dog must be some kind of force sensitive beast or really good at tracking. Getting outside of the temple, he'll focus and turn on the short range communicator the group has been using. <This is Jorn. Volken. Er'gi. Anyone read? over.> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, yes. This grumpy mob boss would appear to actually be related to Grindle. They were brothers. At some point they'd had a falling out, Grindle had left, and this mob boss had been sore about it ever since. When Grindle had left, a large number of their gang had decided to depart as well, vanishing into the Lower Levels, into places he couldn't find. So naturally, he feels bitter. But sometimes... Grindle would leave him credits. Why, remains a mystery. Cayde will be able sense it's complicated, and not at all black and white. But it's deeper than he can perceive, and the mob boss has now grabbed Cayde and is attempting to rag doll him on the ground. "Answer me boy!" He rages. "Perfect," Thaarin says. "I'm sure the two of you can find something proper to wear as well." He offers her another small smile. "Certainly," he says when she asks for help with the draft of her testimony. The Harch doesn't flinch, instead, she looks to Zealot. "How can this be?!" she hisses. "We've surveillance," Zealot says, "nothing concrete. But it's leading." He turns to Volken when asks if he's with the cloners. "Yes." Jorn will find still that the signal's awful. It's unclear whether he'd been successful in sending the message or not, but the lothwolf is leading him towards a small clearing just a few hundred meters to the left. There's a small grove of trees, and in the center of it, is a glowing something, that isn't the vines... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha continues typing on the datapad. It's not going to be eloquent by any means. Just factual and probably with technical Zetha jargon that no one but a handful would understand. She slides the datapad towards Thaarin. "Be gentle. I don't ever write much..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde is thrown onto the ground, the impact sending pain reverberating through his body. But he barely notices it as he is focused on sifting through the Dowut's memories regarding Grindle. And what was this brother's name? Yes, it was complicated, these things were always complicated.     He gets up off the floor slowly, dusting his robes off with his hands before looking up at the angry mob boss. [Angry with your brother] he signs simply. [...or...not angry. Bitter...jealous] Maybe it's just bitterness. [But he helps] he continues, nodding. [Why not follow] he offers. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "-Why- is this all comin' back on -me-." hisses Volken before putting a hand up to his helmet as if to nurse a headache through the beskar. "I need Er'gi on his feet. I need Jorn. What about Caine? He was down from that poison as well wasn't he? Is he alright?" That he had tried to break Zealot in half - and was at one point contracted to take him out is far from his mind right now. Only this rolling chaos and the increasing hue of red he's seeing in his eyes. "He was brilliant. Merrick. If he's with the cloners that can't be good. It means that they could be makin' good on whatever crazy scheme they have. We gotta take 'em out!" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "He's running from us... the /least surprising/ part of this whole side trip," Navi grumbles, leaping after Master Rykard and continuing to follow him. She does deactivate her lightsaber, since it's a lot easier to run with that thing extinguished. "Not far now, Master... and I think somebody might be beating him up. Another Tuesday for Cayde." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn looks about the vines, slowly, carefully. The darkness may have obfuscated his vision or he could be looking in the wrong spot. It's hard to tell. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin laughs softly and briefly, glancing at it briefly. "Well it's certainly nothing like Cayde's draft, which is a good thing." He mulls it over a little bit more, skimming it thoughtfully. "Not bad," he says, brows furrowing pensively, "not bad at all..." Though he starts to make some edits. This just appears to enrage the mob boss. He lets out a feral cry, and points at Cayde. "Kill him!!!" And then the thugs start shooting. "You're right!" Rykard says, "and we -must- hurry!" he Force leaps towards the room where Cayde is being held hostage and just as the thugs start shooting, he knocks the door down with a Force push. "Navi, to me!" "It takes time," Zealot says, and the Harch turns to Volken. "I don't know about the Baron. He's faring worse and there's not much I can do at this point except hope that the medication I gave him to remedy his allergic reaction to the antidote works." "We need a geneticist," Zealot says, and Volken may suddenly realize that even as much as he hates the Baron, if Merrick is involved... they -are- going to need him. There's a small, glowing amulet sitting on a stump in the middle of the small grove. The lothwolf is nudging it with her snout. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Going to the gem, Jorn does try to delcitately pluck this up. Using his gloves to make sure he's careful to touch it. Gems and this place are not normal things. He's afraid of another vision because Jorn's still wrapping his head around the first round. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde finally does draw his lightsaber, the blade crackling into existence and deflecting at least some of those bolts. However, some of them result in a few -more- blaster burns. Well, it seems he will have to pay this Senator Grindle a visit.     Oh, look, Master and Navi have arrived with perfect timing. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "It's just the truth from my perspective. Though I still wonder why it's even needed. Are we trying to clear someone of charges or make the charges stick? I can't remember what this whole thing was for. So much has happened since we first talked about it." Zetha offers while watching him make edits. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Hate is too strong. He finds him a nuisance. Aggravating and he'd enjoy bullying him into the ground but Volken is practical in matters of war and destruction and the more Mandalorians the better. It's just ... can he be trusted. But it's becoming clearer to him now that he's just as much a victim of this as anyone. Caine, for all his insanity, certainly didn't intend to get poisoned by a plant that is increasingly turning out to likely be artifical in origin and the work of these mad scientists. "Unbelievable.." Volken rumbles while stepping away to take a seat. He seems to come to terms with that htey are legitimately trying to help Er'gi so him looming there furiously isn't helping. And he's poisoned as well. "Looks like you all were trapped here by this mess as well..." he concedes. "We can't do much here. There's maybe a guy that can be helpful. A missin' doctor..." He'd been carrying the pack with him this whole time and he brings it out to begin looking through it again. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi has just enough time to register the words, 'Kill him!' as she and Master Rykard burst through the doors of the room. With a burst of speed, she sprints half the length of the room, her lightsaber igniting and coming up into a guard position, and then another, and another, turning back blaster bolts from the Verpine Venom thugs and the Dowutins. "Didn't you ever read that wherever you see one Jedi, there's at least five that you don't see?" she demands of the gang leader. "Now you can either tell us what you want with the Padawan you kidnapped, or we can keep turning your little pals into Navi's Wroshyr-Smoked Thug Bites. Name your flavor!" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Make the charges stick," Thaarin says, that pensive look on his features remaining. "Every criminal has to be tried, and generally, if the government can do its job properly, they'll get put away for life. But, on occasion, things can become complicated and these criminals are sometimes pardoned and allowed to freely roam the galaxy. I've seen it happen before." Rykard immediately assists Navi in deflecting the blaster bolts, but then immediately notices Cayde's here, just in time to find the young padawan incapacitated on the ground. "Navi! He's here, and he's injured. Take him, and make sure he's well when you can. I'll cover you!" And then he goes to leap in front of the attacking thugs. Zealot seems to be frustrated by what little Volken has to offer in the way of clues as to where the doctor is. He examines the pack and the test tubes, then shaking his head, sweeps it up and tosses it aside into a drawer. Then he disappears back into another dark, adjacent hallway. The Harch hisses. "We've -been- trapped here. Our vessel has been grounded in the Gorge for months. But we're survivors, and we always do what we must in order to stay alive." She turns to him. "Now. Lie down. It's your turn now." Well, Jorn will get another vision, but this one feels less attached to reality. It feels like a mindscape of sorts, but not a bad one. <Hello?? Soren...? Is that y-- oh...> the voice of a young female... it's the girl! 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' <"Not Soren. I thought I saw you in the other crystal."> There's a pause as he waits for a response. To the outside world Jorn is probably still. His hand on the saber though, just force of habit. <"Are you trapped here?"> it's a genuine question. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "On it, Master!" Navi hastily scoops Cayde up in both arms, with a strength that might seem surprising for the relatively slender Sethi, and darts back the way they had come. "Now if I can just get someplace quiet and unpolluted with thugs, I can get you back on your feet..." she murmurs, running as fast as she can with a double armload of Padawan. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Okay so what's the crime then? How does this go from the Chadra Fan who bought the drill mechanism from the junkyard under protest that I don't tell anyone to someone being charged with a crime that leads to trial?" Zetha seems genuinely curious or helplessly confused. Likely a bit of both. "I should probably put in the part about you bringing the drill back to the yard so we could reassemble it for further assessment?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Zealot's intense frustration doesn't go unnoticed but it could just be...well..what she just said. Apparently they are less hiding out here and more trapped here. Maybe if you all spent less time on Caine's wild goose chases you wouldn't be trapped.." he grumbles before obliging and laying down on an indicated table to let her get to work. "The doc was clearly leaving in a hurry and headin' further into the gorge. If he'd have stayed and not gone stompin' off I mighta been able to tell 'im something about what I saw before I came across Er'gi..." Either way, Volken just lays down and waits now. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' <Oo-oh. I-It's.. it's you> Jorn will feel the presence draw nearer. <I'm sorry I hurt you!> There's no sound of sobbing, but Jorn will feel it in his soul. It's a piercing feeling. <You're safe here. I promise> But the girl sounds like she's in immense pain. <h-how did you find it> Rykard at least is able to make short work of the thugs. Soon, he's by Navi's side, and they're heading straight back for the platform. "How is he?" he asks the Sephi girl, his tone laced with concern. Thaarin laughs again, softly. "If I explained it all right now, you'd never get your testimony done. And don't worry, I added a note in there about mentioning that." "Hard to refuse a million credits each," the Harch says with a sigh, "even so, some of us have left, to go work for the cloners." As soon as Volken lies down, a syringe full of blue liquid goes into Volken's neck. It doesn't feel good at all. It burns and feels ice cold at the same time. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I don't think he's badly hurt... just in shock. Once we can stop and I can work on him through the Force, I'll have a clearer picture of what's wrong," Navi replies. "Aside from maybe him needing to lose a few pounds, I mean..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha nods. "Very well then. But maybe lets make some time to discuss the specifics as much as I can know and so that I understand what's going on." She looks down to the datapad then back up to Thaarin. "If that's alright I mean. And you have the time." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' There's not much else Volken can do but just lie there. Lie there and think. It's not a good feeling but he wouldn't be ...well ...who he is ...if he wasn't able to take it. He'll suffer but it is what it is. Especiall if the alternative is dying. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Once Navi and Rykard have arrived at the station, Cayde suddenly wakes up to find the Sephi girl carrying him.     Which he definitely has a problem with.     He quickly scrambles out of her grasp and steps away from her before hurrying toward the station platform, even though she hasn't yet seen to his wounds. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Jorn won't be able to see the girl, but there's a strange sensation of her presence drawing nearer. Not physically nearer, but whatever telepathic that's bond that's connecting them has now become just a tiny bit stronger. <I'm.. I am. I'm trapped. But...> There's a feeling of being distressed. <Not here. I don't know ... I don't know where> Thaarin offers Zetha a small and brief smile and nods. "Of course," he says, coming to sit down next to her. "And gain some more common sense," Rykard grumbles at Navi's comment. "Cayde!" He booms as the padawan hurries towards the station platform. "Come back here -now-." Cayde and Navi will then espy a familiar darkly clad figure standing at the platform, waiting, hands clasped behind his back.... Black. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi blinks owlishly at Master Rykard, coming to a stop as he finishes grumbling. "Cayde had common sense?" she asks him guilelessly. And then Cayde squirms out of her grasp and hurries away. "Oh, for... Cayde, just stop, okay? You've got more blaster burns than the backstop at the Republic armed forces blaster range, and they need treating," she calls after him, just a bit frustrated, but not really angry at this point. Then she sees who's waiting for them at the platform. "Be on your guard, Master... that's Agent Black," she whispers. "I doubt we're in any danger from him, but he's a very hard one to trust." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn looks about the place for a few moments. <Tell me something. Anything. Your name. What you last remember. Something about the place you're at. I need more, if I'm to find you.> Jorn's own thoughts just run a mile a minute as he tries to learn something about his new query. Oh, this is going to be quite interesting as he is unsure where this would even lead him. Still, he will try to hear whatever replies may come. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "I mean I don't really need all the details. I'm just really confused about how the drill becomes part of this whole ordeal. Like am I proving some sort of nefarious intent?" Zetha asks this after Thaarin sits beside her and she tucks her legs under herself to sit more comfortably. Or whatever counts for comfort for her. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde stops in his tracks, not when Rykard or Navi tells him to, but upon seeing Black just waiting there. Well that was unexpected. Did he want something? The padawan just stares at him for a few moments, then turns back toward Navi and his Master. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' There's that feeling of distress again. <Remembering is hard. It's so hard. I'm not sure I even know my own name anymore. <I..I... I've been here a long time, that's all I know. It's dark, there's no sun. I can't remember the last time I even ate...> Thaarin looks amused. "Zetha, it's alright. Don't overthink this. You, in particular don't need to try to prove anything, that's the duty of the defense and prosecutor. Just state the facts, in great detail. You're serving as a witness, so expect to be thoroughly interrogated by the defendant." He picks up the datapad again. When Navi mentions Black, Rykard's expression darkens, but as Cayde approaches, he motions for the padawan to hurry up. "See to his wounds," he says to Navi,"Cayde. Explain yourself." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha gives what can only be described as a dry look to Thaarin. "I'm sorry, have you met me? Hi. I'm Zetha. I overthink everything because choices matter and I've spent the last little bit of my life apparently making a lot of bad ones." Then she cracks a smile, it's not a perfect smile but it at least reaches her eyes. "I get it though. Just say what happened. Answer everything truthfully. And understand that most everything else is out of our hands because in the end the actual choice is up to someone else." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Hold still for a sec," Navi gently instructs Cayde, reaching deep into the Force and adjusting its flow within herself, between herself and Cayde, and finally within Cayde himself, urging the biological processes around the wounds to work faster to heal the burns and knit the damaged skin... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs when his master demands he explain himself. Explaining, it was always so hard. Why did he need to explain himself if he could just -show- it?     There is a pause...a long pause. [...find Vlaven...find witness for trial...find Zetha parents...Criminal group involved] he finally adds, nodding. Yeah, that one. The Verpine Venom. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn listens a little bit. <What is the last thing you remember before getitng there?> Jorn will ask before he knows he needs to pull away. To find where this person could be. He has so many questions now. Simultaneously feeling like he's on an important mission and a fool's errand. Still, the hunter would still try to find her, because who else would? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' At this Thaarin actually laughs, just a little. "And remember," he says, "if the judge and defense are intimidating, well, that's normal for a court of law. Try to be rational, and keep your cool." He then starts to make some more notes on the datapad, his expression becoming pensive. Rykard nods in approval as Navi starts uses the Force heal Cayde's wounds. When Cayde starts to explain himself, Rykard's brows simply furrow in disapproval. Cayde will know this look, all too well. It means 'I know you can do better.' But before Cayde can respond, Black approaches. He salutes Rykard curtly, and then nods at Navi in greeting. "Hello, Master Rykard. I don't think we've formally met. Black, here." He then glances to Navi. "Long time no see, Navi. Doesn't look like Tenoo's been treating you too well... that's a shame." He turns to Cayde. "I came here to personally let you know that I think you did an excellent job down there," he says, "congratulations. Also, I've made a bit of progress on the case regarding Zetha Rumir's parents." <....> The feeling of distress increases. Jorn's head might hurt a little now. <I'm... I don't know. I'm trying very hard to remember. But I'm very bad at that. Very bad...> There's a pause. <Maybe you can tell me about yourself? How you ended up where you are. Maybe it will help me remember ... things....> 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Soooo...I should probably leave my incredible wit and wonderful sarcasm at the door then. That's a shame." Zetha offers this while watching him make a few more notes on the datapad. "How's it coming along anyway?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Next time bring some help along. Going to a gang hideout alone is a fast way to wind up on a missing persons list, even for a Jedi Knight," Navi says softly in the wake of Cayde's explanation. But she has no time to say more, because Black is approaching. "It hasn't exactly been a dream vacation, but I knew it wasn't going to be," she replies to the man in black, shrugging. "So what do you want?" She looks to Master Rykard as Black praises Cayde, arcing one pale eyebrow. "Was he watching the same fight we were?" she asks, semi-incredulously. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn's head hurts as he speaks plainly <"Just a nerf herder that got lost."> The term is derrogatory and it's not far from the truth. He smirks in his mind and tries to break the connection, trying to figure out anything he saw in his mind's eye against things he has see with the actual eyes. It may take a moment. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde deflates at that disapproving look. But, it was just so much!     [Thank you] he signs when Black seems to think he did a great job. Well...he got a lead on Senator Grindle, at least.     He glances at Navi on her comment about bringing help, but doesn't respond otherwise. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Thaarin gives her a mild and brief smile. "Yes, sadly," he says, glancing over at her. "Like I said before, not bad. You've a bit of a bad habit of making run-on sentences, but otherwise, it's shaping up decently." "Well, I'm working a case as favor to Cayde," he tells Navi, "but I'm going to need to talk to Zetha herself in order to keep working it," he says, then looks over to Cayde. "I was thinking, I could just accompany you all back to where you're staying, as I'd assume that's where you're all headed? We can even debrief there, if you'd like," he says to Cayde. The connection severs, and suddenly Jorn will find himself back in the small grove, the amulet still in his hand, glowing slightly. The lothwolf is sat to his left, her head tilted to one side, inquisitively. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi nods quietly at Black. "If Zetha's okay with it, I am, too. But Master Rykard is the one you really need to ask, since he's over the vast majority of the party," she says, looking to the elder Jedi Master. "What do you think, Master?" 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' "I don't know where she is," Jorn says to the wolf, almost regretably. "She doesn't remember," Jorn pants out as he knows there's some mental strain on both of their ends. "We need to keep moving. Maybe luck will be on our side," he tries to stand to get going. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face but then she shrugs and reaches to grab something from the table to nibble on while they talk. "Well, run-on sentences aren't the worst and can be fixed. I'm sure I'll have it better put together by the trial." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods at the suggestion, but he also glances toward his master as Navi does. Right, he had been asking earlier about their accommodations. However, he hasn't even been there himself yet, so he doesn't remember exactly which hotel it was. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard's brow furrows. He clearly already has distaste for Black, for obvious reasons. "..." "Very well. Let's go - the Alisandre is in the Federal District." He then starts towards the platform. <Cayde why did you deliberately disobey me> The lothwolf whines quietly and then moves over to the flamethrower again, nudging it with her snout. Indeed, they best get moving, and maybe at some point they'll hit a spot that has signal... Thaarin finishes the edits and hands it to Zetha. "Well, I think that should cover it." If Zetha glances down at it, she'll see it's actually covered in red marks. So much for 'not bad'. Meanwhile, Volken will find the contents of the syringe surging through his veins. Perhaps for the first time in a long time, he'll find it very difficult to move even his pinky finger - whatever the Harch has injected him with has made his limbs burn icy hot and go limp. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Deep down, Jorn hates this moment. It feels like leaving a soldier behind. Like he knows there's a fallen comerade, but he doesn't know where to begin looking. Taking out the flame thrower, he begins to burn away the brush anew. Just pushing onward and trying to ignore the feeling. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Well..." Zetha offers as she looks at the datapad and adjusts her seating position a little bit. "Good thing I didn't ask you to go easy on me. I'll get this fixed up." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi nods to Master Rykard and falls more or less into step beside him toward the platform. She has a bad feeling about this, but what choice is there, really? With the exception of Black, everyone involved is someone she cares about. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' There's not much he can do except think. And hopefully he'll be able to at least continue to do that. Volken is indeed not used to the idea of restraints, let alone restraints he can't just break - but despite peoples view of him...and his own actions have played a role there....he is a man of logic and practicality and if he has to endure this to ensure he, Er'gi and the rest of his 'team' survives then he'll have to endure it. Hopefully he can keep his thoughts from wandering too far, such as back to the confusion and rage about Merrick. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde begins to follow them toward the platform, his lips pressing into a slight pout at his master's question. Oh, he knows what Rykard is talking about, but of course he's just trying to dodge the question. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf sniffs the amulet for a few moments. Then she bounds off to the left, barking loudly. She paws at another patch of vines covered in glowing blue powder. As Jorn approaches, she howls impatiently. Thaarin nods, and stands up. "I'll be back later, I promise," he says, "and I'll have a look at your edits then." He then goes to exit her room. <Cayde> And Rykard won't have to say anymore. The padawan will know what he means. Soon, they're all boarding the platform and headed for the Alisandre Hotel. About an hour later, they're stepping into the lobby of their fancy lodgings. Black goes up the hostess at the counter. "I need to speak with Zetha Rumir," he says, "Police business." He flashes his badge briefly, and looking intimidated, she tells him, immediately. Black then turns to Cayde. "Maybe you should accompany me?" Minutes tick by, hours may even pass. Volken may even drift in and out of consciousness - whatever she'd injected him with has a sedative effect. At some point, he'll wake to pitch blackness and a familiar voice croaking out, "Volken?" It's Er'gi. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn continues and then the wolf bounds off. He almost snarls running after the thing, with the torch in hand. "WHEN WE GET OFF WORLD, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A LONG TALK ABOUT WHO IS THE MASTER," he snarls just bounding after the wolf, thinking the wolf is very intune with the force. However, their lack of communication barrier makes their relationship somewhat difficult at times. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Er'gi..." Voklen is disorientated and in a state of confusio but he has to presume he's alive and that Er'gi is also alive - but the pitch darkness is concerning. "Wha...wha's happening." He starts trying to sit up, to see if hs limbs are back in action and then to see what the current status is. "We're...alive I suppose. Either that or this is one ...bizarre afterlife." It's a joke but things could be much worse. They could be dead. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Maybe I should come along, too," Navi opines softly. "I consider her a friend, and she may need some emotional support." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Of course. See you soon." Zetha says this before settling back in her seat with datapad in her lap and a treat in her hand. Content to spend a little time working on the edits Thaarin laid out for her. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Master Rykard probably already knows why Cayde had run off on his own multiple times when told not to. In fact, he probably has already seen that the padawan had indeed considered telling his master but then decided against it because he -wanted- to handle it on his own. He simply and sincerely believed that he'd had the situation under control. That he knew exactly what he was doing.     When Black suggests he should come along, Cayde nods. Zetha doesn't know the man, after all. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf gives him a bashful, puppy eyed look. But as soon as the vines are burned out of her way, she dashes off again, howling at, apparently nothing. Well, at least he can track her via all the noise she's making! "I...I don't know. I thought....I thought you'd know." Volken will find that his limbs are working at least, and will feel more clear headed than before. He'll still feel rather weak, though. The lights will flick on at that moment, too. And Volken will find he's where he'd been before - lying on that hard berth the Harch had instructed him to lie on before she'd injected him with... only light knows what. Black glances at Navi, and shrugs. "Suit yourself," he says, and then immediately starts heading for the lift, expecting Cayde and Navi to follow. Rykard frowns. <I'm late to meeting the Council because of this> he tells Cayde <But we're going to talk after I'm done> 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' And he will do his best to not injure the wolf if more brush needs to be blown away. Still, he will be in hot pursuit, no pun. Trying to find where the heck the wolf is going. At least she's easy to track right now. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Ugh....maybe they're trustworthy after all. At lesat where mutual survival is involved..." Volken struggles to begin to sit up, moving his enormous body carefuly and then twisting to try and get a look at Er'gi. "Were'...on the Marauders ship. There was..some sorta plant that had grown all over the gorge. Giving off a poisnous fume. The Marauders are strandered here too. Caine's here somewhere. You guys took a big hit fromthe spores. I got hit a litle bit but ...managed to carry you far enough until the Marauders found us. I don't now where Jorn is, or the Jedi. Gotta get a signal to 'em somehow but we're ins ome sorta deadzone....." That was alot of explaining and it wiped him. He takes a second to pull it together and then slowly tries to sit up full, not being one to lay down now. "Gotta find...Jorn. These...cloners. They're workin' with a real bad geneticist.. This whole thing is just...meassier and messier." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi glances at Cayde, then Black, then Master Rykard, before moving to follow Black and, presumably, Cayde. Why must the man in black be so infuriating superior? 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     <Sorry Master> Cayde responds. This apology is about lateness to the Council meeting though, and not really for not listening earlier. He doesn't seem to have any objections about Navi coming, so he just follows them up toward Zetha's room.     While waiting for the elevator, the padawan takes out his commlink and sends the Twi'lek girl a message: <> Hopefully, she's in at the moment. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha's in the middle of fixing a sentence that was practically -covered- in red when her communicator beeps. She checks the message, raises a brow, and then frowns. <<That was...fast. I'm up in my room.>> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Jorn might be surprised to find the lothwolf is following the same trail that he, Volken, and Caine had laid out earlier for getting to the laboratory Caine had been working at previously. Well, that's enlightening, at least. Perhaps the girl is... there? "... the marauder's ship?!" Volken will be able to see the gargantuan silhouette of the other Mandalorian somewhere vaguely over where he'd last remembered he'd been. "Right. I think I remember that." There's a pause. "And how would you know?" Er'gi says tentatively, as if afraid of the answer. Not even a second after Zetha gets the message from Cayde, the doorbell for her room rings. If she opens the door, she'll find Black standing there in the hallway, Cayde and Navi right behind him. "Hello there," he says with a brief but casual wave. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sets her datapad down and rises from her seat to go and open the door. Upon seeing the face of a man she does not know at all she's half a mind to shut the door in his face until she spots Cayde and Navi behind him. "Hello." Then she shifts and opens the door a little wider. "Please, come in." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Sorry to disturb you," Navi says as Zetha opens the door and invites them in. "Zetha, this is Agent Black. I'll let him explain why he's here. Cayde might have some input on that, too." She steps into the room behind Cayde and Black. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "How would I know what?" asks Volken tiredly, "..About...the geneticist? I saw his name on a database here and confirmed the info with the marauders. Unless they're just lyin'...Which at this point seems like that'd be a waste of resources and time for everyone involved." Volken peers towards Er'gi now, trying to get a good look at him to see his status. "You were dyin', Er'gi." he rumbles, "Probably only Caine was lookin' as bad. How're you feelin'?" Volken then looks around and tries to just get off of the table he was on and steady himself, "And where is everybody? We're wastin' time sitting here... Gotta find Jorn. If he's out in that mess ..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods in greeting toward Zetha, and follows the others in as she lets them enter. He already did give said input, right? She'd responded to his message, so it's safe to assume she read it. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn just groans deeply and turns on the flame thrower to clear a path toward that facility. Pratically growling beneath the helm, he presses forward just heading toward the facility. There's not quite murder on the mind. The man is just so ready to push forward, get off this planet and go to where the galaxy needs him next. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Zetha might be slightly taken aback and intimidated by the man now allowing himself into her room. He certainly lives up to his name - clad entirely in black, and a face obscured by a wide brimmed hat and a mask fitted with reflective goggles alarmingly similar to the ones the marauders like Zealot wore. His trench coat almost reaches the floor, and the voice modulator his mask is using makes it utterly impossible to tell what species he is, other than the fact that he's probably at least vaguely humanoid. Not only that, but he towers a whole two heads over Zetha. "Thank you," he says, when she invites him in, "You're Zetha Rumir, correct? As Navi mentioned, you may call me Black. I'm with the CSF, and a good friend to Cayde." He gestures at a chair nearby. "Sit down, please." There's a pause, before Er'gi finally says, "Well, what I meant was, what would you know about a geneticist?" Another pause. "Haar'chak! I was...? Well, I've certainly felt better, but I've also certainly felt worse. What about you? I'm going to be honest, I don't think either of us are in any shape yet to do any kind of anything..." Jorn and his lothwolf companion will press forward, until night falls again. At this point, they'll have to make camp again, it's too dark, and the lothwolf seems tired. At least they've cleared their way out of those terrible vines. Up ahead, Jorn will espy a small grotto not far from the edge of a pond surrounded by glowing, airborne insects. It looks as good as any other place to stop... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha takes a breath as everyone enters the room before letting the door shut and then walking inside. She smiles at Navi first. "It's alright. I needed a break from Thaarin's excessive grammar lesson." She offers the other woman before looking to Cayde. She'd say a multitude of things to him, but not in mixed company with someone she doesn't know even if Black mentions they're good friends. That alone feels suspect. "It's good to see you, Cayde. And in one piece." She muses gently before shifting to take a seat as Black indicates for her to do. In her own room. Rude. "Yes, I am Zetha Rumir. Cayde mentioned this might have something to do with my parents?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken tiredly drops his head back to the table. "Yer right. There's no point in pushin' it. Dont' have the gear necessary to get through those plants and there's probably no coming back from a second exposure..." AFter a long pause he just sighs and lays there, not saying anything. Frowning. Pensive. There's no way to get a message to Jorn without getting out of the deadzone. They can't goa nywhere on their own without the help of the Marauders and they have no idea of Caine's status. They're stuck unless he just goes on a tear in some sort of tantrum...which wouldnt' help much. "You didn't know, vod?" he finally rumbles, "...I guess why would you. Others do. I"m a foundling. An ex-republic geneticist was experimenting on me with enhancments. Me and others. My buir took me in after they rescued us during an operation dealing with the pirates the ex-republic guy was waorkin' for. His name was Merrick. Thought he was dead but turns out - years later - he's screwed over the Marauders as well adn who knows how many others." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi takes a seat close to Zetha, glancing at her friend and nodding briefly as she does so. A quiet gesture of support. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde frowns very slightly when Black goes ahead and takes the liberty of saying that he is a 'good friend'. The padawan isn't so sure about that part. But as per usual, the conversation moves on without him so he doesn't get the chance to attempt to mention anything. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' There's a narrow of the eyes as this is starting to feel too familiar. Like a path, or clearing before it. Jorn isn't sure if he should setup camp or burn the whole thing down. Both seem like acceptable options. Everything just feels like the last time he came to a clearing. He can no longer tell if this is one big circle or if something is playing tricks on him. It's why there's a deep seated distrust forming. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well yes. I'm working the case regarding where your parents are now, as a favor to Cayde. He's been an incredible asset to me in the past," he says, "I figured it was about time I paid the favor forward. Anyway. Tell me about yourself, Zetha, and what you -do- know about your parents. You've lived on Tenoo your whole life, correct? Under the care of the Zabrak woman Wiis Fevlok since you were about, oh, 7?" For now, he pays no mind to either Navi or Cayde. There's a very quiet sigh from Er'gi. "I guess fate has a funny sense of humor, vod," he says quietly. "That's terrible news. I'd rush out there too, but my legs feel like an asteroid in a gravity field. Maybe the first step is seeing if these marauders have got any way at all to communicate with anyone outside the Gorge." Jorn is probably in the middle of contemplating his next move when all of a sudden, it starts raining. The lothwolf is eying the grotto, but suspiciously. It seems innocuous enough... for now. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Eyes narrowing, he figures the rain would keep him froing doing much. And so, Jorn will startoget ready for camp. Trying to go to the outskirts of the grotta. The insects aren't trusted. The last grotto gave him an animal, but also saw him get attacked, too. Jorn just tries to set this up quietly and quickly. He'll hunker down and try to find maps of this place. The Mando thining he needs to find a way offworld soon. Also, to figure out where everyone else has been. They were all together until the paths separated them. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks and then looks from Black to Navi and Cayde before back again. "Yes. That's right. Wiis found me when I was abandoned on Tenoo...so I grew up there. Cayde recently helped me unlock some memories. I was abandoned by slavers who owned my parents. Apparently I was too much liability for them..." She explains this but then she regards Black with a bit more of a pointed gaze. "I've only been here for less than a day... how is it you've already taken the case and managed to find that information about me?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I'm honestly not tryin' to think about it Er'gi. I was just a kid...but whatever he did to me stuck. He took whatever was the baseline of my species and just amped it up. I kept growin' didn't stop. You never thought it was wierd when you met me for the first time?" He quiets for a moment and then rumbles, "ANyway...yer right. I can't do anything about it now. I just wanna find Jorn and get off this forsaken planet. The jedi didn't turn out to be no help either. If Jorn wants to stay he can but once this part of the job is finished I'm done..." That said, he shakes his head and looks around, "Course we can't do anything if the Marauders won't cooperate or if Caine dies." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde notices Zetha's unease, which was somewhat expected. Black was sometimes a bit intimidating, which honestly is liability at times. Such as right now. [He is with CSF] he explains to her, nodding. [He will help with your parents location] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf lingers while Jorn starts to set up camp. But after a few minutes, she seems restless. She starts pacing, whining, and staring into the dark abyss of the grotto. She then barks and trots back over to Jorn. She's trying to tell him something again, she has that look in her eyes and her head is tilted to one side. "Mm," Black says, pulling out a datapad and scrolling its contents lazily. "What a cute little thing you are," he comments, "don't you know how people like me work? Navi and Cayde can vouch for me. Anyway, was Cayde able to recover anything from your memories regarding the slavers? And where was this, Tenoo? Or somewhere else in the Outer Rim?" "Vod, I'm sorry to hear that. We'll get him, I promise. Even if we don't get anything else out of this -- at least you'll get retribution. And maybe answers." Er'gi pauses. "Wait, Caine's here too? Where is he..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "He's got a habit of knowing things it doesn't seem like he should know," Navi adds, a bit wryly. "Though I suspect Cayde may have provided him a few tidbits of information out of a desire to help, and he scraped up the rest from other sources." Her eyes, now locked on Zetha's, say, 'You shouldn't really trust this guy'. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Somewhere in this ship. He took a big huff of the same poison that took you out. They found im when they found us both." rumbles Volken. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde listens to the conversation, sighing a little when Black starts talking about him in his presence. Fine, it was kind of normal, but still... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Now," Black says, "why do you say that like it's bad thing? I'm informed, and it's my job to be informed. Not only that, but it's good that Cayde has a desire to help, and contrary to what some -other- folk might believe, I think he's a great help and asset." He turns to the young padawan. "I'm sorry for talking about you like you're not here - that probably happens to you all the time, doesn't it? I won't do it again. Perhaps you'd like to tell us what you know about Zetha's parents first?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Oh yeah. Because I've totally met people like you before..." Zetha quips back before settling back in her seat a bit. At his next question she seems to think. "I mean. The memory I had was from Tenoo... there were a few memories before from the slaver's ship. Zygerrians. But the last bit I remembered was them mentioning Dantooine...then they were gone." Then she adds, "But I remembered their names. My parents I mean. Dra'on, my father, and Tandi, my mother..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods when Black recognizes his slight distaste for being talked about as if not in the room, while he actually is in the room. Had it been that obvious? He hopes not. He hadn't intended to let that on to anyone.     [They belonged to slavers...Zygerrians] he signs, even as Zetha also corroborates that information. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Because the ways you become so informed tend to play games with other sentients' ethical comfort zones," Navi replies without hesitation. "And Cayde's desire to help you may lead him into similar ethically questionable territory. Like the last time you encouraged him to help you. But I also don't see anyone else lining up to help Zetha find out about her parents, so... here we are." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Black nods, listening intently to everything Zetha is saying, the white lenses of his goggles unblinking. His attentiveness is similar to the way Crane always listened actively, and maybe she'll suddenly find herself missing her boyfriend. "Right," Black says, "I had a lead about Dantooine, too, so this is good that both of you are corroborating," he says, nodding at Cayde briefly. When Navi starts talking about the way he plays games, he suddenly stands. "I'm a man who values actual solutions above idle chatter about progress that isn't happening," he says, suddenly starting to make his way towards the bathroom, beckoning for Zetha to follow, "and I won't lie, people tend to come to me when they've exhausted all their other means of problem solving. Kurrnak didn't hire me because he thinks I'm a good man. He hired me because I'm practical, and I get him the results he needs to stay chief of the CSF." He goes over to the massive bath and pulling the curtain aside, turns the faucet on. Zetha might wonder what the hell he's doing, but Navi and Cayde might already get a sense of what he's aiming for here. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Tenoo wasn't going to have much in the way on information and we just got to Coruscant so I wouldn't say I've exhausted all other means of problem solving..." Zetha protests even as she stands to follow him to the bathroom. Though, of course, she's absolutely confused as to why he's leading here there. And turning on the faucet. "What was the lead on Dantooine? Did they ever make it there?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "And as long as those 'actual solutions' don't walk on other sentients' lawful rights, they're not a problem," Navi retorts softly. "But the idea that you have nothing to fear if you aren't guilty is the greatest lie one sentient ever told another." She watches Black begin filling the massive bath and can't quite keep back a faint shudder. "He's doing the water thing again," she says softly to Cayde. "Be ready for trouble." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde doesn't follow him over to the bathroom, but watches him start to fill the bath, sighing. Oh, he knows where this is going. But why won't he just tell them the lead? Supposedly he also had other questions for Zetha? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, isn't that what all of us want to know?" Black says, "you can ask Cayde, I'm not lying. I don't actually know the answer to your question. There's actually very little in the way of where your parents went other than 'they went to Dantooine.' Now that's a whole ass planet, and only light knows if they stayed there or not. Given the fact that they were slaves, I'd reckon not." He looks over at Navi. "Maybe, but you certainly don't have to fear that from -me-. I work for the CSF remember? They're the good guys." "Now, I know what you're thinking. How does this help anyone?" He makes a beckoning motion at Cayde. "I need details about the ship. Fine details. The bulkhead, the cargo bay, even the color of the seat cushions if there were any." "Cayde, I know you're fully capable of managing this. You just have to manifest the same confidence I have. And we have some... safety precautions. Navi's here, and I've got some sedative." He pulls a syringe from his pocket and waves it casually while making his way over to the hotel intercom. "Is this the front desk? Oh, yes. I need every gram of salt you have in this fine establishment. And yes, this is government business." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Even good guys can make tragic mistakes. Just ask the Council," Navi replies, less than convinced. "And are we going wading again? Asking on behalf of a safety precaution." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha just stares for a moment as the tub fills with water and Black prattles on about more information he needs. And that he has a sedative. She looks from Black to Cayde, then Navi and back again. "I'm sorry. Can you actually explain to me what the kriff you're doing and why you're doing it? Nothing else is happening here until you put it in plain terms. And if I don't like them, I reserve the right to tell you to leave." And to cancel the order of salt he just made without actually getting any kind of permission or agreement to turn her bathtub into the ocean. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Somewhere in the darkness, there's a sound like a rusted bench being bent in half. Then there's a clanking sound, and a grunt. Must've been Er'gi sitting up and rolling off the berth. "Can't see a damn thing... Volken, vod, can you follow the sound of my voice? We've got to find the Baron..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde just watches the conversation, putting a hand on Navi's shoulder when she asks about the wading, shaking his head. [I will] he signs, indicating that she doesn't have to join him. He was the one who had offered to help Zetha find her parents, after all. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I dont like this. Hy are th'damn lights off? Er'gi you better check to make sure you'v got all yer beskar." Volken begins doing the same, reaching down to feel for his various armor bits and pieces, especially the vambraces he has on him as his built in weaponry was attached. Ss he does, he rises up and attempts to follow the sound of Er'gi's voice back towards the table he had been on when the antitodte had been prescribed. "If that damn antitdote did anything to us I'm gonna pull this place apart." he warns. Sure he's glad to be alive but he also didn't sign up for any further changes to his body and he certainly didn't volunteer Er'gi for that. "There was a console near where they had you strapped down. Thats where I saw Merrick's name. Maybe there's some control for the lights near there." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi lays a hand gently over Cayde's, looking soberly into his eyes. "I'm a safety precaution, remember?" she asks. "I've got to be there." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Black suddenly raises his hands in mock surrender. "Oh, I'm sorry I wasn't clear," he says, and it's impossible to know whether he's being sincere or not from his tone, but he continues, "we're trying to find your parents. I owe Cayde, and he wanted my help. I hope that clarifies things." He traces the knob on the faucet. "Now, if you'd rather -not- find your parents, well, that's completely fine by me. I'll head down the fire escape, disappear from your life forever and none of this ever has to come up again. But everyone here knows as well as I do, that you'll be walking away from the only chance you're ever going to get for finding your parents." He glances to Cayde and Navi. "That's why he's willing, and even Navi, who clearly has distaste for my methodologies, is stepping up to the plate." "Now. The question remains, do you, or do you not, want to find your parents?" "Haar'chak! I don't have any of my beskar. I don't even have my own weapons... those marauder aruetii!" Volken will also similarly find his vambraces confiscated - but getting up and walking over to Er'gi won't prove to be difficult. Already, he'll find himself feeling more and more like himself. As he approaches the sound of Er'gi's voice, he'll see a dark shape hovering in the dimly lit laboratory. "Yeah... let's try to find it," the other behemoth says. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde's expression hardens at Navi's words, and he rolls his eyes. No he definitely didn't like hearing that. He was supposed to have moved -on- from things like 'safety precautions' by now. And how well ever do that if he never actually -tries- to do things on his own? But he doesn't protest further. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I think she means more specific details about the use of the bathtub, and why you need so much salt," Navi says, slightly pointedly, to Black. "And I restate my original question... am I going to have to go wading again? I don't want to get my clothes wet, so I need to know if I'm going to have to undress for this." Cayde's eyeroll is returned in kind. "Remember what Master Rykard said," she whispers. "Besides, the only time you ever truly outgrow precautions and redundancy is when you become one with the Force." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Listen here you bantha fodder fielding nerf herder..." Zetha glares at Black. "I don't need the sass, or the sarcasm, or the bullshit you're tossing my way right now. I want to know how a tub full of salt water is going to help find my parents. Or get close to finding them. What I don't need is someone who I barely know pussyfooting their way into the questions of my life without said explanations." She folds her arms across her chest then. She's pretty sure this wasn't what Rykard had in mind. Black's obviously not with the Order. "It's a flipping bathtub how deep are you expecting to go? Wading? Someone please make this make sense or you can all just get the hell out of my room." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken says nothing. He's too furious. Even if he's a little on the lighter side of matters concering The Way he's still Mandalorian and this theft is something of a violation and an affront on numerous levels. Too numerous to count. Er'gi's string of curses sums it up pretty well so he simply reaches around when he realizes he's near enough to Er'gi to assess where the monirots were and starts fiddlign with it, pushing for buttons and trying his best to not simply try and crush the thing with his now exposed hands. "ONe thing atta time..." he growls out, tone tight with rage. "We need to see before we do any killin'." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Black doesn't seem at all bothered by Zetha's sharp words. Instead, he chuckles. "Feisty, aren't you?" He waves a hand dismissively. "Well, go on, Cayde. Why don't you explain to her what's going on, since you know the drill." Then he looks to Navi. "You know it as well, of course you'll be getting wet. I'll leave the decision about what you want to do with the clothes you're wearing up to you." -- "Vod..." Er'gi says, his tone tenuous. "You're not well. Step back, let me see what I can do." Er'gi goes to move where Volken is standing, starting to grope for any kind of control that might turn the lights back on. Perhaps he's successful, perhaps he's not - the lights suddenly turn back on, and perched atop one of the many metal shelves in this cursed laboratory, is Zealot. "You want your beskar," he says matter of factly, "and you want to know about Merrick." A pause, and then he leaps down. "Your companion is right. You are not in control of yourself right now." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "This is quite a bit different from the last time you tried something like this," Navi points out irritably to Black. "For one thing, you were using a deliberately-constructed chamber. This is completely improvised." She looks to Zetha, calming herself somewhat. "I think he's trying to improvise some kind of Force resonance chamber, to make telepathy and related uses of the Force stronger and more clear. I'm not a hundred percent sure why the salt is needed, for what it's worth. I think he wants Cayde to navigate deep into your mind to find some of your earliest memories and examine them in great detail, to find any details that might point to where your parents might be." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Give me a break. If I wasns't in control of myself this place would alrady be a twisted hunk o'metal. You folk had -no- right to take our Beskar off. You nkow how important the metal and armor is to us." Volken finally looks around to get a look at ER'gi and then down at himself, perpetually suspicious and looking for signs of any side efforts or signs that they were trying any funny business with them while they were out. "Beskar first. Cain and Jorn second. I ddin't even know Merrick was ..alive...let alone mixed up in all of this...." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Why can't you simply answer it? You always need someone else in the room to speak for you?" Zetha asks this before her attention turns to Navi. "Yes. That makes absolute sense. Dig into the mind of someone who was abandoned nearly two decades ago and find whatever remnants might point to where the ship that left her behind ever wound up going to. By all means..." She leans back against a wall then, obviously very full of sarcasm and very close to the end of her patience. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde just lets Navi explain, after all, she could say it far better than he ever could. But Zetha doesn't seem too keen on it, so he just shrugs. [Only if Zetha wants] he signs. He wouldn't enter an unwilling individual's mind unless there was a good reason. Like a life or death situation, or if he needed to find information from criminals or bad actors. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Well, I can't very well bring her to the CSF HQ and lead her blindfolded into a room with all the lights off," He says, "I think she'd like that even less," he says with a chuckle, "you're right, it is completely improvised. But it'll work." He looks to Zetha. "Why Zetha my dear, you're absolutely correct. I do, actually. You probably aren't aware, but that is exactly how I work. Kurrnak is always asking me for covert favors. It's why the CSF runs as well as it does. I don't exist according to the public. But that way, Kurrnak can tell the Chancellor that he's keeping Coruscant safe. I've not much of an ego, you see." "Well, it's worked before, right, Cayde?" Then he shrugs, and waves dismissively. "The truth of the matter is -- whoever took your parents really -really- wanted to vanish. And they did. Better than I've seen anyone do it, in my entire life. And that's saying a lot, because you wouldn't believe some of the shit I've seen pulled. But I can find them, because I have strategy, and access to individuals and resources that most PI's don't have access to." He gestures vaguely at Cayde and Navi. "But if you'd rather just not find your parents ... well." He shrugs. "We can stop wasting water." -- "Fair enough," Zealot comments flatly. He doesn't respond to Volken's comment about how much their beskar means to them. He then motions vaguely, and a droid with a hovercart appears. Their beskar is on it. He reaches over and picks up Volken's chest piece, briefly draping it over himself before tossing it to the behemoth. "The Baron is barely alive," he says to Volken. "The same cannot be said for Merrick. While you were unconscious, we've found his trail." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha holds up a single finger. "It's just Zetha." She says and then glances to Cayde after a moment. "If you think it will work and will help... I'm willing to do it. Mostly because I trust you both." Saying this while motioning to Navi. "And while I'm not footing the bill for this stay it probably is a good idea we do this now before we run up the water bill any higher." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken's face turns even more red as Zealot dares to play with his armor so casually. Then he narrows his eyes slightly and seems to relax slighlty as he watches that perculiar action. "Stop playin' games with my stuff." he finally growls out though he eyes him for a few longer seconds before finally claiming the armor piece and waiting fort he droid to bring the rst to him and Er'gi. He spares the other towering Mandolorian a glance and then looks back at Zealot. "If Caine's barely alive...well... damn I don't want the di'kut to die from something like this but maybe it'll teach him about abandoning the people with him to strike out on his own. And I want your help locating Jorn. We shouldn't go trying to take Merrick down unless everybody is with us. Now he's still out there... I bet the Jedi's already made it back to the temple so we mgiht as well just keep at it." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "If you're sure. Cayde and I will do our best to find whatever's there to be found, and to make sure you aren't harmed or traumatized in the process," Navi says reassuringly as she takes a seat, shrugs off her light field jacket, and begins to unstrap her boots. "Telepathy is almost totally safe, but there's always a slight chance of things going wrong." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [It will work...help is not sure] Cayde replies, shrugging. [But we have chance] he tells her. He can't guarantee anything. But it was worth an attempt, at least. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Navi, Cayde and I can't give you any guarantees. But it's worth a shot, and it's certainly better than groping around in the dark for a lead that doesn't exist," he says, waving a hand casually. When she mentions not running up the water bill, he gets up and turns the water off, since the bath is now full. "Now," he says, offering her a hand and patting the edge of the bath. "Sit here. The salt--" The doorbell rings, "ah. Cayde, will you do the honors and get the salt from the maintenance droid?" He then looks to Navi. "You're ready, right?" Zealot just tilts his head to one side, his mask hiding his true expression as he watches Volken and Er'gi take back all their armor. "We need the Baron. Merrick's trail is bound to grow cold soon." A pause. "We won't find him without the Baron. And as for Jorn... he has become impossible to track. We suspect the lothwolves are involved." "However, we can turn off the jammer for forty five minutes. And if fate is on your side, you may be able to reach Jorn." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "As ready as I can be under the circumstances," Navi replies to Black, finishing her undressing and standing to walk over to the bath barefoot and in her underwear. "If I'd known I was going to be taking a dip today, I'd've brought my bikini," she adds wryly, and only half jokingly. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "That's more coopeation than I expected..." mutters Volken as he begins strapping his Beskar back on, working as quickl as he can but also haphazardly - still being a little out of it. There's no point in rushing to get the helmet back on anyway. That ship has long sailed. "Are you alright with that, Er'gi?" He takes a moment to really give the other Mandalorian a good once over visually. Er'gi was -much- worse off than he was after all but apparently not nearly as bad as Caine. "And as much as I can't stand the guy I aint wishin' for The Baron's death. Obviously him livin' is better then dying but what're we suposed t'do if that cure isn't working? And what's a Lothwolf?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha doesn't take the offered hand, but she does move to go sit on the edge of the tub, unzips her cargo pants at the knees to turn them into cargo shorts, and then puts her feet into the water. She does give a look to Navi that might blatantly show how utterly ridiculous she thinks this is without saying anything. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods and goes to fetch the slat from the droid, and then steps into the water. He doesn't take any of his clothes off, though. Did he forget? Well he hadn't done that last time, either. It's rather awkward looking, though. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Black bows slightly and gestures for Navi to make her way over to the bath, also offering her a hand as she goes to touch the water from the bath. Black makes no mention of Cayde not taking off any of his clothes, not even his shoes. Instead, he lifts the bags of salt onto the edge of the bath and dumps them all in, giving it a good swish before shaking his hands dry. Then he goes over to the windows, draws the curtains, and then finally shuts off the lights. "I suggest you relax, Zetha," his disembodied voice comes from somewhere in the pitch blackness. "Best not to resist under these kinds of circumstances, but I'm sure you already know that." -- Er'gi nods. The other Mandalorian looks better, but still weak as hell and definitely not in any kind of fighting shape. "I don't think we have much choice," He says quietly, rubbing his head after donning his armor. "You'll have more than just a false cure to worry about if we do not find Merrick soon," Zealot replies. "Force sensitive creatures. But these are genetically modified. They can do all manner of things ordinary lothwolves can do and likely more, but appear to be less intelligent. It is best to tread carefully. We do not yet know what they are fully capable of." Then he turns to leave. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi steps carefully into the bath, but remains standing until the salt has been added. Only after the bags have been laid aside and the rim of the tub has been dried does she seat herself on the rim, gently touching Zetha's hand with one of her hands, and Cayde's hand with the other. "Try to relax," she says gently to Zetha. "Just let your mind empty out and contemplate the backs of your eyelids. Cayde and I will do the rest." Even as she speaks, she reaches into the Force, tweaking its flow between herself, Cayde, and Zetha, letting the salt water solution quietly amplify and clarify the effect... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "You';re not gonna be much help, vod." rumbles Volken, switching to Man'doa to address Er'gi as Zealot turns to leave. "..You were -really- bad... but I guess that means The Baron must have -reallllllyy- gotten a bad dosage of it if what they did for you isn't workin' for him. Your constitution probably helped. I guess bein' as big as a small moon has its advantages." He then switches back to Basic and says, "Alright..fine. Let's do it... Don't underestimate Jorn though. If what yer sayin' about these wolves is on point... they might be drawn to him cause of what he's carryin', yeah?" He shakes his head and makes to start following Zealot, "More of that stupid force sorcery stuff..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sits down on the other side of Zetha from Navi, and begins to focus on the Twi'lek's memories again, similar to the way he'd done before. Though there is still the fact that he doesn't much like Navi being there. Try as he might to perish the thought, it simply won't go away, like a nagging little voice in the back of his mind that says he's not strong enough to train with a real saber. Plus, does he -really- trust her? Thoughts of Xera Graf start to sneak in... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' As the room dims and then the lights go off to make it pitch black Zetha freezes for a moment. When she hears Navi's voice though, she relaxes a little bit, taking slow breaths like she's done before. Then, maybe she senses Cayde's hesitation. Maybe she remembers from the first time they did this. She knows where Cayde is - mostly - and so she reaches a hand out until finding his to touch gently at first - just letting him know it's there - but keeping it near in case he wants to take it. Trust. She said back then she trusts him and that isn't suddenly disappearing anytime soon. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The sensory deprivation tank is improvised, but its magic still works wonders. Zetha, Cayde, and Navi will find themselves plunged to a level of the subconscious that's deeper than what's comfortable - but this won't be unfamiliar for Cayde and Navi. It's not unlike the -other- time they'd done this... with Vlaven... Zetha will find herself no longer moored to the present, but instead, a floating, disembodied conscience, drifting the mindscape created by Navi and Cayde... "I'm going to try," Er'gi says hoarsely, a streak of determination in his tone. Zealot doesn't respond, but he inclines his head ever so slightly. He leads them to a room containing a comms console. After interacting with it for a minute or two, he turns to Volken. "I've shut off the jammer. Your best bet for any kind of signal will be in here." And then he exits, vanishing in the dimly lit hallway outside the comms room. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I carried your oversized butt for who knows how many miles thorugh a poisoned fog, Er'gi. If you go out there and just die, I might have to kill you for it..." grumbles Volken, but that's all the griping he'll do. Er'gi is Mandalorian after all. He'd probably have to kill him at least three times. "Okay let's see if we can get Jorn on the comms I guess..." He gives another glance as Zealot leves - looking in that direction for a few seconds before turning to look over the comm systems to begin fiddling. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi slips into the background of the mindscape, letting Cayde handle the bulk of the questioning and other telepathic work. She's a safety precaution, after all; she's mostly there just in case something begins to go wrong. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde does his best to stay focused, and begin to focus on Zetha's distant past as before. The day she was abandoned on Tenoo, and then further back from that. The ship she had been on...what was it like? Had she previously been to Dantooine? Why were they headed to Tenoo to begin with? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha remembers larger things at first. A room that - for a child - seemed a little too big. It was also too plain. Too grey. Too metal. Only a few funiture pieces inside it. A bed and a cot. A table with three mis-matched chairs. An argument between her parents that was sharp whispers she couldn't make out too well. Zetha never being allowed off the ship because it would cause too much trouble. A few trips made to Outer Rim worlds, but Tenoo was specifically chosen because it was the furthest away from Dantooine where she could be left because she was already trouble at seven years old. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The mindscape will feel alarmingly real. For Zetha, it will be as if she'd been transported back in time to when she was seven, living in that barren room that's a little big for her... -- "Nonsense, vod. You're not in that much better shape, and neither of us are surviving without each other," Er'gi says. Well it looks as if fate is in fact on their side, after all. There's some signal, now that the jammer's off. The console he's been given access to is very rudimentary - no holovideo and limited data upload, but at least Volken will be able to at least send a text transmission off to Jorn. He'll also see that he's got some incoming text transmissions from varying folk - that Disciple Crane, from Kublop, and surprisingly, one from the Duke Thyssel himself... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' << Don't let the mindscape overwhelm you, Zetha... it may feel incredibly real, but it's not, >> Navi advises gently. << We're looking at some of your earliest memories. Images and sounds from the past. It can be pretty intense. Just remember, it's not real. >> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Hmm, maybe it was possible for Zetha to change things in the memory a bit. Pretend her seven year old self went and did a little more exploring of certain corners of her mind that she hadn't focused on much before. Like maybe some more of the things her parents had been saying. Had she ever been to the bridge, or engineering? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' That was how trouble started. The ship would land, her parents would be led away and someone forgot to lock the door. So Zetha would slip out after several moments when she knew the ship was cleared enough. Then she would wander. Into the kitchen where the staples were barely edible for the slaves, and sometimes to the engine room. The engine room was the best part. Something would be sparking and she would try to fix it. The ship lost power at least three times. But the design of engineering shows it couldn't be the biggest ship in the galaxy of course. Something mid-sized perhaps. There were rooms enough for a few more slaves - either single or coupled - and a small crew. She also might have tried a few doors that she couldn't open. One might have been the bridge. She never found out. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi and Cayde will continue to find themselves immersed in Zetha's mindscape... well, that is, until both of them will feel someone shaking their shoulders rather aggressively. It's Black. "Someone's at the door, knocking. And if I had to guess who it is, it's likely one of the Jedi..." He's already draining the bath. "Cayde, Navi... we'll follow up about this later, yeah?" The lothwolf tugs on Jorn's sleeve. She seems wary of the grotto - and Jorn might see why, somewhere deep within something stirs. The green Mandalorian will be able to hear the faintest of gurgles. But he may be loathe to leave this spot, as it does appear that he actually does have a bit of signal here. His commlink is pinging loudly. Messages from Volken, and the Duke himself are flooding into his inbox. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Ugh..!" Navi startles out of the reverie of the sensory-deprivation chamber and the telepathic bond. "Frell... fine. Just let me know when," she murmurs, borrowing the hydroshower spray nozzle to spritz the salt water off of her legs before drying them with a convenient towel. Thank the Force for luxury hotel housekeeping... "I'll see who's at the door. Cayde, you might want to wring yourself out a few dozen times before you join me. Then maybe I'll have a moment to dress," the Sephi adds, padding across the luxurious carpet on bare feet toward the door. She presses the button for the security intercom beside the door. "Yes? How may I help you?" she asks politely. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' He has the flame thrower in his hand. The mandalorian starts to look over everything. He's concerned with the sight as he moves slowly. Just ready to pull the trigger firmly. However, he wants to look before pulling the trigger. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde does not wring himself out a few dozen times. Or at all. He just gets up out of the bath, dragging the sopping wet ends of his robes across the floor. Then he just sheds the wet robe, dumping it onto the floor before going to get a fresh set from his luggage. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Black doesn't respond to Navi. In a few minutes, he's gone-- the only evidence of him having been here, an open window and a wet bathtub. When Navi asks who's at the door, she'll get a curt but polite reply. "It's me, Master Rykard. Thaarin's with me. Is Cayde in there? We must all speak." Nothing... yet. But the gurgling sound is getting louder. That can't be good. The white lothwolf whines, and his commlink pings loudly again. Perhaps he should shut it off, for now. Volken's attention might be drawn to the Duke's message first. <We're on Tenoo. Where are you? Are you alright?> 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Here, I'll let you in," Navi replies. "I apologize for my state of dress. I'll explain once you're inside, unless you'd rather I get my clothes first." She disengages the lock and toggles the door open to admit Master Rykard and Thaarin, standing to one side of the doorway so she's not so easily visible from anywhere but right at the door. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Shutting off the com, Jorn starts to move about the place a little quicker. Trying not to shoot at anythin ghtat moves, but moving at every sound. trying to keep his guard up before anything. He keeps moving trying to get toward the gurgle. He's concerned about well...everything. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "What the.. how th'hell.." Volken is briefly shocked. Then it hits him. "Kass..." He glances at Er'gi "Looks like they found us. Given the situation we're gonna just have ta risk it, I think, vod. After all this time, Jorn should be able to handle himself as far as the Saber goes." With that, he activates his comm and sends a reply back out. <<Stay where you are. We're hidden with a group of allies, trying to take down a group of illegal cloners and genetic augmenters. How many are with you?" No sense in giving their exact position away just yet in case this is a trap. Plus they can always turn the jammer back on. <<Is Thaelin with you?">> ANd then to Jorn he sends a message, <<Can you get to our location?>> 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde already knew it was Master Rykard. And he already has an idea of what he wants to speak about, which is nothing good. He sighs and sits down in the living area, not looking forward to this. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The door opens, and Master Rykard, along with Thaarin, enter the room. The elderly Ikkrukki is indeed, rather displeased, and Cayde will know it the second he enters the room. Thaarin, naturally, frowns at Cayde's wet robes lying on the floor. "What happened here?" he asks. Rykard waves for Navi to fetch a robe, or something. "I suppose I'm not in a hurry," he says, but the Sephi girl will be able to tell his patience is running thin. Not towards her, though... Rykard turns to Cayde, his brows slightly furrowed. Oh, the young padawan will know what his Master wants... The gurgle is getting louder, and louder. Whatever's in that grotto, is coming out. Perhaps Jorn's communicator had drawn attention to him. Or perhaps whatever it is, is nocturnal. A few moments pass, and Jorn will be able to see two narrow amber eyes, angled and glowing, emerging from the grotto. "That's.. maybe not unwelcome news," Er'gi says quietly, rubbing his head. "The Duke has always meant well..." <<At least ten. You'll have to tell me more. We'll try. Wherever you are, it's looking like our systems are having a hard time locking onto your position. Thaelin's with me, yes. And so is Sanza." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi toggles the door shut behind the two men. "Just give me a moment, Master," she says, walking briskly to the bathroom to retrieve her clothes. As she steps partway behind the bathroom doorway and begins to dress, careful not to step on the sopping wet robe on the floor, she listens somewhat sympathetically to the conversation in the next room. "Cayde and I were assisting Agent Black in trying to find Zetha's missing parents... it involved an improvised sensory-deprivation chamber that was mostly a bathtub filled with salt water inside a dark room. I decided I'd rather not get my clothes wet when I had to put my feet and legs into the water," she explains. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Oh, Cayde knows. Which makes it worse, to a degree.     He stares at the floor, just letting Navi talk for the time being. He'll stall until someone addresses him directly... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn did turn off the communicator a bit ago. This may cause that message from Volken to fall on deaf ears. He will look at the two eyes. That gurgling noise isn't someone drowning. However, he does keep focus on the eyes and takes a few small steps back just in case. Just to give himself an idea to dodge or move just in case. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Not unwelcome but given everything that's happened we can't be to careful either. We've already died...three times now. I'm not going for a fourth, especially from our own peoples cannon fire." Looking around, Volken rumbles, "The Marauders are probably using the dampening field to stay hidden from the cloners and with Merrick with them and probably behind all the crazy stuff in the gorge we can't just expect them to turn it off to let a bunch of trained Mandalorians to come dropping in." He grows quiet, measuring his next words. Then answrs the comms again: "We have to keep this dampenin' field up to stay hidden from the cloners. There's a facility somewhere in a large gorge. A ravine. It's filled with poisonous traps and likely mutated beasts. Don't enter it or fire on it. You'll risk spreadin' the spores out over the settlement. If you can get an airborn survey and spot anything unusual try and send it back t'us otherwise standby for our signal.." Volken's voice lowers now, a hint of his older chaos-prone self beginning to show, buried as it has been for some time now due to the positions he's been forced into: "I'll make sure you see it..." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard looks about, frowning. "I want to know more about this ... Agent Black," he says, and spares Cayde another disappointed look. "And what about this sensory deprivation chamber. Something tells me this isn't the first time. Cayde? You're not excused from offering your explanation, as well." A massive serpent emerges from the grotto. The size of it is unnatural, even for a place like Tenoo. It will strike Jorn as discomfortingly odd. The lothwolf has her tail between her legs, and she's growling, ears flattened. The slithering thing is approaching. It hasn't attacked... not yet, anyway. But the look it's giving seems to indicate its hunger. "Well, we're still walking around, aren't we?" Er'gi offers weakly, "that counts for something, in my books." <<Copy that. Stay safe in the meantime>> And then the transmission is cuts off. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde shrugs at the questions about Black. [He work for CSF...for Kurrnak.] he signs, glancing over at Navi.     [Chamber aids with meditation...connection to Force] he continues. There really wasn't much more to add, beyond what the Sephi had already explained as well. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I can tell you that Agent Black is exceptionally dedicated to the CSF and is known for methods that don't always follow the letter of the law. He has a habit of getting results, but I'm not so sure about the cost of them," Navi replies. "This is the second time Cayde and I have used a sensory-deprivation chamber with him, although the first such use was not so improvised as this one. It was done to bolster our telepathic abilities and Force abilities more than anything. More than that, I just don't know." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn's holding still. Just waiting for the thing to strike. No sudden moves. Two thoughts linger. Only two. That causes a paln to go in motion. The flamer is in one hand. The other hand moves slow. Nothing sudden. It just goes for the hilt of the dark side. The plan. When this thing goes to strike, dodge, counter strike with the blade. Hope the blade is firm enough to filet this thing. Some new snake skin boots sound very nice. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "It does yeah... " agrees Volken towards Er'gi as the transfmission cuts off. "It does... Still, if I go down I certainly don't want it t'be to friendly fire... -Assuming- it's friendly fire and that wasn't a trick to get us to come out in the open and get bombed. But it sounds like their on foot. We need some way to be able to reach out to them when it's time to strike the labs but I guess we'll have to convince the Marauders that a gang of Mandalorians are worth havin' at their sides and not with their guns at their backs." Shrugging, Volken rests his hands on his hips and looks at the consoles, "...Shouldn't be that hard. As for Jorn? Cant do anything if his comm aint on .... hopefully he aint dead but considering it's Jorn: I doubt it. You couldn't even kill him yourself." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Both Rykard and Thaarin seem visibly discomfited by Navi's words, Rykard more than Thaarin. But Thaarin is always a hard read. He speaks before the Master Jedi does. "... are his methods... safe?" he asks, his brows furrowing slightly. "What is your opinion of him," he then asks, glancing from Navi to Cayde. The giant serpent is approaching slowly, that hungry look in its eyes still acutely present. It finally comes to a halt, its serpentine gaze surveying Jorn and the lothwolf. Then suddenly, it strikes, mouth agape...! "True," Er'gi says, "but the elements here nearly killed me. Anyway, I wasn't really trying to kill him. Was just venting... as all Mandalorians tend to do when tensions are high..." There's a pause. "We ought to go see the state of the Baron. We're not finding anything without him, unfortunately..." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "So far they have been," Navi replies as she continues dressing. "I've never seen him put anyone in undue danger, at least. I'm just not sure I agree with some of his methods, whether he gets results or not. I have concerns that one day he will go too far beyond the edge of the law." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "When I vent... vod....things go a little crazy..." Volken's looking away when he says this, eyes on the monitors and hands squeezing one of the console railings. The signs of the stress this has been causing show some signs of appearing as his arms tense and his armor creaks. When he lifts his hands up, the metal is visibly dented and twisted and he turns away from it to step away and move past Er'gi for the door. "Yeah, come on... B'fore they think we're in here breaking stuff.." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde just shrugs again at Rykard's question on his opinion of Black. He looks over to Navi as she speaks her own piece, though. He can't deny that the man gets results...that's probably why Kurrnak keeps him around, anyway. Besides, any replacement would probably end up doing the same things. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn prepares, but he zigs instead of zags. Oh, this is going to hurt. He's not sure how. But the man will do everything to hold onto the blade. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "What do you mean?" Thaarin says, eyes narrowing. He offers Navi some help with dressing, helping her slip on the sleeves of whatever she's putting on. "Won't Kurrnak reprimand him, then?" Rykard interjects. "I have my hesitations about this... bath that he's supposedly had Cayde utilize on more than one occasion." He then turns to Cayde. "You approve of this man," He says, and it doesn't sound like a question, but Cayde will sense that his master is testing him. Er'gi nods. "I know, vod, I'm the same way..." He then goes to follow Volken out of the comms center. "Are you sure you're going to be alright...?" he says. "I've... never seen you like this before." The serpent lunges forward and one of its fangs grazes his arm. Yeah, that's definitely not gonna feel great to Jorn. His blade misses striking it, but at least the green armored Mandalorian will get to keep his dignity - the blade doesn't drop into the swampy waters. However, he might be offended when it's tail flicks violently outward and knocks the lothwolf off her feet... 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' A scream can't help, but leave Jorn's lips from behind the helm. Although, that swipe to the wolf will offend him. Oh, it offends him highly. That's when he will try to go for a downard slash, trying to be the agressor this time around. Even if parts of him ache currently. He wants to drive the thing off. Distrct it from the wolf. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde averts his gaze, shifting uncomfortably. He doesn't answer his master immediately. Honestly, he doesn't really know... 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thanks, Thaarin, but I've got it," Navi says politely, with a grateful little smile for Thaarin, as she's doing up the last button of her cor-cotton thermal shirt and reaching for her colonial-issue work pants. "Two pairs of hands might be less efficient than one right now." "It's more a feeling than a thing that can be put into words, Master. My greatest fear is that he will irreparably harm an innocent being, or allow a truly dangerous being to escape punishment through a technicality that might not otherwise exist," she replies to the Jedi Master. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I don't know vod... Merrick's involvement is bringin' back all sorts of...things I thought I'd dealt with. I just wanna tear this ship apart and everybody in it." Ther'es a pause and then he adds, "Present company excluded o'course...." He quiets and then rumbles, "I don't lke not knowin' where Jorn is, that Ellari just ran off and left us, that th'Jedi just ran off and left us despite us coming here -explicitly- to get their help about the Dark Saber. About bein' run around and givin' the run around by The Baron. I wanna ball this whole ship up into a pile of scrap and I feel like on the inside i'm strong enough t'do it and if I'm not I bet I can find somethin' to pilot that can. You wanna talk about ventin'? I -can't - vent because if I do nobody is walkin' away from this." Well that got dark. Volken Mons is quiet for a bit an then simply says, "Let's just find these fools and get this all over with...." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' There's a hissing screech and a hissing sound, along with the smell of burn flesh as Jorn's saber gouges the side of the serpents mouth. It rears back, to and for all intents and purposes looks like it plans to strike again, but then suddenly, its attention is diverted. By something, by someone. Jorn might hear a faint rustle, but no more. The serpent is then suddenly distracted, heading east of them towards the opposite side of the pond. The lothwolf is lying on her side, her tail flicking weakly. "....Cayde." Rykard says sternly. "Look at me when I'm talking to you." Thaarin nods, and steps away from Navi. "And why do you fear that? You said you believe his methods are safe, though if Rykard has reservations, then so do I. Wasn't Cayde trying to track someone he had formerly had him interrogate?" "..." Er'gi doesn't seem to know what to say for a moment. "I'm sorry," he says finally. "But you've got to tie up this loose end, vod. Don't let yourself vent, yet, anyway. If Merrick is still alive and working with the cloners... damn, I never thought I'd say this but we do need to approach all of this carefully. I'm not my best self right now, and neither are you. I wish I didn't sound so laandur. But it is what it is. I'm exhausted..." 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Khalid rushes toward the Lothwolf trying to act as defense. "Can't go on me girl." He keeps one hand on the blade. The other on the wolf. "We've been through too much, little one. Come on," he pets at her side. "I don't want you to go. Just stay with me." He will use his free hand to feel for a med pack or something that's probably not there. Then the hand returns. "Come on girl," he says softly and he looks down at the wolf. "Please," he is not sure who the words are for really. Just anyone. Anything. Not looking to bargain. Just asking for a miracle. Yes, this thing did try to eat him, much like the snake currently is doing. However, they had an odd friendship. At least he knew at the end of the day, the wolf wouldn't strike at him again. That's not a sentiment he carries with most sentient beings. Especially when they get back to Mandalore. Choices will cement friendships and break others. He knows that. There was a comfort in knowing, at least one thing had his back out there. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "It's a /feeling/, Thaarin. If I could put it into more specific terms, I would," Navi replies softly to Thaarin, stepping into her pants and slipping the suspender straps over her shoulders before scooping up her socks, boots, jacket, and satchel and moving to join the others in the sitting area of the hotel room. Taking a seat almost at the other end of the room from Master Rykard and Cayde, she sets her things down and begins to button her pants. "Would it be better if I left you all alone for a bit?" she asks softly. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Yes master] Cayde signs, and obediently looking back toward the elder Jedi. However, he doesn't answer the question. Still, the Ikkrukki will likely be able to sense that the padawan doesn't fully know how to answer the question. He thinks Black is the best resource for finding Zetha's parents, and for helping him learn intelligence work. His character, the young Jedi is not certain of. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "You almost died from poison. That you're moving your big arse around as much as you are is kinda a miracle, yeah? That I'm movin' around after also getting poisoned -and- carryin' you is kinda nuts. So that counts for something. I guess we can maybe trust the marauders after all but I also said that maybe you should hang back and not try and go out and fight just yet." notes Volken as he turns back to Er'gi. "We gotta be aware of our limits, yeah?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The lothwolf lifts her head up, then shakily gets to her feet. She seems alright, though shaken and probably a bit traumatized. She licks Jorn's outstretched hand. And then suddenly, she darts forward, barking loudly and chasing after... the serpent!? It has returned, and is heading back inside the grotto, but tangled limply in its coils is ... a body. Dead? Alive? Jorn won't really be able to tell. But the lothwolf seems to think it's worth making a fuss over, apparently. The massive serpent pays her no mind, though, and continues on its way back into the grotto. Rykard waves a hand dismissively, his expression taut with disappointment. "Both of you, leave us," he says to Thaarin and Navi. "I must attend to my padawan privately." And he gets up to go to the balcony of Zetha's suite. Cayde is expected to follow, even if the elder Ikkrukki had not explicitly said so. "Yeah," Er'gi says after a moment's consideration. "...yeah." he sounds defeated. "Well you ought to, too. You're not yourself right now, Volken. And I can't imagine everything that's going through your mind right now, vod, but I know I'm not the sort who excels at comfort talks. But maybe..." he pauses. "That disciple back at Kublop. He really liked you, didn't he? And he's the religious sort. Maybe he'll have some kind words of wisdom." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi finishes pulling on her socks and boots and fastens the zipseals of her pants from knee to ankle. Scooping up her satchel and jacket, she nods to Master Rykard and Cayde. "As you wish, Master," she replies gently, turning toward the room door. "I'll be in my room if anyone needs me, and I'll have my comlink near to hand." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs deeply, and follows his master out to the balcony. There is a growing sense of dread, the Ikkrukki can already feel it in his padawan's mind. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' Jorn nods seeing the Wolf is okay, the mandalorian nods. Once the wolf gets up and starts to bark and go after the body, that's when Jorn speaks to himself, "On your feet soldier," and he pushes up. Then he runs back toward the snake again. The mandalorian rushing toward the snake trying to delvery a slash to the side using one hand. The left arm is still injured. He will endure for the moment. He can worry about injuries later. This is just what he has to do now. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I dont' want words of wisdom Er'gi. I wanna break somebody's neck or fold their body in half whle they're sitll in their armor. ..." Volken's response is cold and clipped. "...I already had that one Jedi try and dissect me infron tof everyone. I've had enough of all that. I'm ready to finish this job and get off this damned planet.... that disciple is a nice guy but...enough's enough." Volken then gestures for Er'gi to keep moving. "Just don't push yourself too far. Yeah?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard nods to her and Thaarin joins Navi as they exit the room. Rykard then goes out to the balcony, and waits for Cayde there. Once Cayde arrives, Rykard doesn't turn to face Cayde, instead he stares out at the cityscape, his expression brooding. "You did his favor because you knew I wouldn't let you if I knew the nature of it," the elder Jedi Master says. The serpent screams, and the cauterized wound fills the air with a rancid smell. And yet, it does not let go of the body, or attack. Instead, it hastens into the grotto, leaving behind a trail of green goo that seemed to have not cauterized despite the injury done to it with the blade. The lothwolf sniffs it, and begins to follow the trail inside. Well, at least they know where it went... "But you can't!" Er'gi suddenly shouts. "You.. you can't. Not right now, and it will be a while before you can. If I'm being honest vod I'm worried about you. Maybe you do need to try something different. All of this... it's different. You're not just going to shrug it off like you have every other time." Then he continues down the corridor in silence. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "What a day," Navi murmurs as the door closes behind herself and Thaarin. "I need a long, hot hydroshower after all this excitement. Maybe ten hydroshowers." She starts toward her room. 

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:''' That smell would cause Jorn to press onward trying to track the creature, use old skills from times long ago. He's afraid to turn on the radio to avoid attracting anything else. His focus on the serpent as Jorn and the wolf move together to track down the creature's movements. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde goes to join him, leaning over the railing. Well of course his master already knew. < Yes master... > he projects this time. But how else could he help Zetha? Black knew how to get results. He was the best resource for this, otherwise it'd just be unproductive fumbling around in the dark without any leads.     < ...The Republic entrusted him> he points out. <The Republic entrust us too> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Rykard turns to Cayde sternly, his brows furrowing deeply. "And you? You trust him?" Cayde will know the look Rykard is giving him. He doesn't want Cayde to just say yes or no. He wants him to explain himself. Using words. Meanwhile, Zetha's probably feeling a bit out of sorts from the entire ordeal. It'd been cut off abruptly, with Black saying that he'd return later so they could finish. Maybe she's looking for an extra set of clothes, or has donned one of the cozy robes stored in the massive walkin near the refreshers. Either way, she'll probably become hazily aware that Cayde and Rykard are having a talk on the balcony just beyond the bedroom. Navi's likely just arrived back at the Alisandre after having spied on Xera and her suspicious contact. As she walks into the lobby, she'll run into Taryn. "You followed me!" he says sourly. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I did. Because I was looking for Lady Xera. And I found her in the company of a Mon Calamari, who is now twenty thousand credits richer and emphatically wishes to never deal with her again," Navi replies, lowering her voice a little, but not bothering to deny it. "Not because I suspected you of any wrongdoing. I apologize if I gave you any such impression. You wouldn't happen to know who said Mon Calamari is, would you?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha gently collapses into a chair after giving up on finding new clothes while her mind is a bit of a whirling mess in the moment. She's aware that Black is gone as well as Navi but she can make out Rykard's voice - however muffled - coming from the balcony where he's speaking to Cayde. Not paying it much attention in the moment, however, while she continues trying to get her mind out of the haze it's currently wading through. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods slowly. [To serve Republic...] he signs. [...but not follow Jedi ways] That was the caveat. But how could they expect those outside the Order to do so, anyway? 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Taryn relaxes when Navi says she doesn't think he's done anything wrong. But when she asks about the Mon Calamari, his brows furrow. "I lost her after she disappeared into that nightclub," he says, "I don't know who you're talking about. But you know what he looks like?" Rykard doesn't look pleased, but he says, "Very well then. We shall speak to Zetha, too, then." And he swiftly abandons the balcony, and goes back into the room, where Zetha had been about to try to relax. "Miss Rumir," he says, his tone clipped but not impolite. "A word, please. Cayde, come here. We're not done yet." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "I got a pretty good look at him. Part of some jury counsel organization, and well-dressed. Professional. He headed straight for the Federal District, so he's likely staying somewhere close to this very hotel, or at the very least his workplace is close by. I'm sure I'd recognize him if I saw him again," Navi replies, nodding. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sits up a bit more properly once Rykard enters the room, her eyes likely still look a bit glazed over, but she focuses on the Jedi Master as best as she can. "Of course, Master Rykard." She offers simply though she does also allow herself a shift of glance over to Cayde with something akin to curiosity. Or perhaps worry. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde sighs and follows his master back inside. Well, at least he seemed satisfied, if not exactly pleased, with that answer. He meets Zetha's gaze briefly, his expression one of dreading this 'discussion' he seems caught in the middle of. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Part of a jury counsel and Mon Calamari..." Taryn rubs his chin, pensive. "Well, I do know of a jury counsel org run entirely by Mon Calamari. He might work for them, but if he doesn't, perhaps some of them might know who he is, at least. And if he works in or near this district... that might narrow it down more." "You met Black," he says to her gently. "What was your impression of him? Do you trust him?" He then glances briefly over at Cayde. Er'gi falls silent for a little bit as they head down the corridor, but eventually he says, "You don't always have to do everything alone, vod. I know it's what you're used to. But this is one enemy you're not going to be able to take down by yourself. We need to at least try to be at our best. If we're not..." he trails off. Up ahead, the single door at the end of the hallway slides open, revealing a staircase that spirals downward. They'll suddenly find themselves awash in the smell of chemicals of the medical sort. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "That would be a good place to start, then. Xera's whole aim is to keep this trial as quiet as possible, and I doubt she'd be upset if Weniscio got off the hook completely. It makes sense that she'd look into ways to sway the jury, or at least the jury selection," Navi observes. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha falters for a moment. The truth of it might wound Cayde, but she isn't about to lie to a Jedi Master who could probably sense if she's not being completely honest. "I trust the idea that Cayde trusts him. But there was a lot that he said that didn't quite sit right with me. He was very insistent, but also not at all forthcoming. So, no, at the end of it all...I do not feel that I can fully trust him." Then she looks back to Cayde. "I cannot trust someone who won't give me direct answers to direct questions and uses the situation as something to hold over my head like it's all or nothing. It's not fair and it put you and Navi into a position I don't think either of you were really comfortable with being in." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "i'm not trying to do things on my own Er'gi but yer not in any condition to get into a fire fight, remember? I'm a mess still and you were far worse of than me vod. You almost died. What do you want me to do? I can't snap my fingers and bring Jorn here and we don't want the Marauders turnin' on us thinking we're bringing a Mandalorian hit squad down on 'em when they're trying to hide from the cloners. and Merrick? I don't like this anymore than you do but I don't have any clue what to do next. I'm not built for stuff like this." As the medical chemicals begin to fill his nostrils he turns and then steps forward to take a look into the medical bay to see what lies ahead. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well, it wasn't Black, or the water, or the salt that made Cayde uncomfortable, really. But he wasn't exactly expecting her to say she trusted the man, either. So it doesn't appear to bother him, at least not on the surface. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Mon Cala Legal Services," Taryn tells Navi, "I believe they started out on Mon Cala and then branched out into the wider galaxy. They've offices on Naboo, Alderaan, Coruscant, and even Corellia. Anyway," he says, "I'm sure you could look them up easily. Let me know what you find," he says to her, and starts heading for the lift. Rykard frowns, then turns to Cayde. "Well then, padawan. She has made it clear, she does not trust him fully. Make your case to her. Tell her why she should trust Black." He folds his arms. "All I'm saying," Er'gi says, "is that you're right, I don't know what to do either, but maybe that Jedi had some wisdom about him. Maybe you -should- talk about your feelings more." As Volken descends down the staircase, Er'gi follows. The smell grows stronger the farther down they go, and eventually, they reach a dim room littered with various and dubiously looking medical equipment. There's a glass chamber on the far end of the room, but it's fogged so its contents are obscured from where they stand. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Take care, Lord San Tekka," Navi replies, waving after Taryn and turning toward the front doors, taking out her ancient datapad. "First thing to do is find the local branch office of this Mon Cala Legal Services," she murmurs, powering on the device and beginning to scour the local directories. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Then do not call him back] Cayde suggests, instead trying to make any sort of case to her. It was, after all, her own desire to find her parents. [We will explore without him]     Of course, the man was right. Without his resources, leads would be difficult to come by. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Did almost dying do something to you vod? Cause I thought I said before I'm tired of folk tryin' to analyze me. Those Jedi took off and left us to deal with this mess by ourselves, have done nothing to help Jorn and so I'm not feeling particularly generous about my opinion of them. All they've done, and the Republic, has been to get in our way and I'm tired of it..." Volken notes the chamber and mms before approaching. "What's in this...?"" His voice trails off as he looks over the rest of the room. "Where are they? Let's get this show on the road already..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha frowns while glancing between the two men before her. "I won't. But he took an interest in this, and in me. I am worried that not calling him back will bring him back anyway. He seems like the sort to keep his nose in business that he's no longer wanted in. He's also obviously not a member of the Jedi order...I thought it would be the Order here on Coruscant assisting with this..." She looks to Rykard as if the Jedi Master could offer confirmation or clarification if she was mistaken. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi won't have too hard of a time finding the Mon Cala Legal Services in the local directories. Like Taryn had said, they're relatively well known. However, if she tries to call them, she'll find herself listening to the pre recorded info message that picks up. It won't let her talk to a rep, but at least she'll get an address. Rykard shakes his head. "We are not primarily private investigators, Zetha. We can work in tandem, but very few of us specialize in intelligence gathering. I'm sorry. The Council was made aware of your needs, and in reaching out to their network, found that the CSF was the most reliable and convenient task force." He pauses. "I don't know why Kurrnak won't involve his own lead detectives, but I can't change that. They are their own department, and as you said, not a part of the Order." He glances to Cayde. "You have my padawan. And if he believes that Black is your best bet for finding your parents...I suppose I'll trust him." "I know you're tired of it, but I'm at my wit's end, vod. We're in the middle of nowhere, with limited ability to contact anyone, among people we can barely call allies, and at half strength. You don't have to like someone in order for them to be right." He follows Volken over to the glass chamber, his expression skeptical. "I don't like this..." he says. Upon closer examination, Volken will be able to see that the Baron is inside. He does not look well. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi rolls her eyes as her comlink spews out the lengthy hold message for the thirtieth time. "'Your call is very important to us... just ask us. Please hold while we ignore it,'" she grumbles sarcastically, ending the call. "At least they spilled their address before they put me on permanent hold." She steps to the curb to hail a taxicab. "Now I just have to hope there's more life in their offices than on their comlink services..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head. "I didn't think the Order was filled with private investigators...I just wasn't aware of what happened when the Council was contacted. If working with the CSF is what the Council suggested then that's fine, of course. There's nothing for you to apologize for." She looks to Cayde then. "Do you think Black would mind if you gave me his contact information? Maybe I could talk to him without being in his presence again...I'd feel a little better that way...and I think I can recall more information without another bathroom expedition in my mind..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods and pulls out his comms to transfer the contact information over to Zetha's.     [He has best leads...but only if you agree] the padawan sighs. He doesn't want to pressure her into working with anyone if she doesn't want to. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I know, I know, Er'gi. Yer acting like I didn't carry you here on my back, while poisoned, and strike a deal to get us both treated. I'm well aware we got little to work with and gotta do what we can. Alright? At least now we know we've got backup of our own. Dark Saber or not. Now look. It's Caine..." Volken shakes his head. "Idiot. If this di'kut would have just listened to me he wouldn't be in here like this but his arrogance made him insist on going at it alone and turning his comms off instead of sticking together. At least tehse marauders have some loyalty for him... But wecan't do anything. I'm no medic. So where are they?" 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' That same ol' cranky Gran pulls up, looking even less pleased to see her than last time. "Again?" he says, "well, fine, I guess I can't complain about your tipping..." He pauses. "Where to?" "There were other organizations," Rykard says, "but they chose not to offer their help. Only the CSF offered." Rykard doesn't seem happy about any of this, but he's not saying anything, for now. He rises. "Very well then," he says. "Cayde, you must remember, anything and everything you do, you must inform me of," he says, "I know you can be responsible, but you must apply yourself." "What's complaining about it going to do now?" Er'gi says, "we've got to find that arachnid woman..." But Volken will be able to hear approaching footsteps coming from the stairwell, now. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Darn right you can't," Navi replies impishly, and lists off the address. "Calling them didn't work... they just put me on hold for forever. Guess the only way to get a sentient being to talk to me is to go to their offices." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha stands when Rykard does, almost like standing with him shows a sort of respect for the Jedi Master. She hears the beep that signifies a transfer of contact information and nods to Cayde. "Thank you. Both of you. I appreciate your time.." Though something else has her curious, but she's not going to question Rykard's presence in front of Cayde. Or maybe she'll wait until Rykard leaves to figure out how the hell the Jedi Master wound up in her room in the first place. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Yes master...] Cayde signs. He glances at Zetha, as it seems there is something on her mind.     Either way, he'll let her be the one to contact Black again, whenever she's ready regarding her parents. As for himself however, he'll start to try describing what he learned from the stronghold about Senator Grindle's relationship with the gang in a message to Black. Surprisingly, it turns out to be at least better than the court testimony he's been working on for weeks... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The taxi driver just grunts and glancing at the address, immediately takes them up and away. Soon they're heading towards the Mon Cala Legal Services headquarters on Coruscant, but they'll get stuck in heavy traffic... "I must go now," Rykard says, "Thaarin is hailing me on the comms. Republic business, I suppose. I will see you later, padawan..." And then he goes out of the room. Once Cayde's text transmission has been sent to Black, he'll get a response immediately. <Perfect. Let's meet, I'm nearby. And if Zetha's still around, she should come too. We can kill two firehawks with one stone> 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Well, bother," Navi murmurs. "One way or another, it just seems to be my day to be stuck on hold." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' The approach of footsteps causes Volken to simply turn to the door with expectation. His helmet hsa been off, tucked under his arm, so his tired yet mildly annoyed and neutral expression is on full display. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde is unsurprised at how quickly the response came. Agent Black seemed very eager about this.     He taps Zetha's shoulder as Master Rykard is taking his leave, and shows her the message from the mysterious man. She'll also see his message in the same thread, and perhaps she'll be impressed to find that the padawan's 'report', while simple, is at least sort of normal sounding.     [When ready] he signs to her. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha turns when Cayde taps her shoulder and looks down to the messages between Cayde and Black. Her eyes narrow slightly before her shoulders slump and she motions. "Let's go then." She's not going to ask Cayde the question now, but she's definitely making a mental note to turn every single lock on her door into place when she returns later. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' But as they're sitting there in traffic, waiting for the congestion to clear up, Navi might espy a familiar looking fancy looking cruiser in another lane across the way. There's a logo inscribed on the back of it, and Navi will recognize it as the emblem for the Mon Cala Legal Services. However, it's facing in the opposite direction she's headed... Cayde may or may not be surprised to find that as soon as he steps out of Zetha's room, he'll feel Black's presence like a blinding beacon in the Force. He won't even need to ask where Black is waiting for him, he'll just -know-. And when the two of them arrive at the park where he's sitting in the middle of a massive hedge maze, birdwatching, he'll look up, unsurprised to see them. "As predicted, you're exactly on time, Cayde," he says. He scoots over, and pats the spot on the bench next to him, an indication that both Cayde and Zetha should sit. "Were you looking for me?" a familiar and reedy feminine voice says. It's the Harch scientist, coming down the steps. "You're not going to do him any good just standing there watching him," she says a bit crossly. "Besides. Our probes just fed us some intel about your ... brethren. Their ship is downed, and I think one of the passengers is missing." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Driver, do you see that deluxe cruiser in that lane across the way? It's got Mon Cala Legal Services markings. Think you can follow it? I'll throw in another bonus like last time," Navi says. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' well that helps with some things. They dont' have to figure out a way to introduce the fact that their fellows are here without making them think that they are after the marauders. But that the ship was brought down and someone is missing is another problem all together. Volken's face scrunches up "How'd it go down and how do you know someone is missing? Can you tell who? I figured we could coordinate with them to take out the facility but if they've already been attacked they're not gonna just sit and wait around." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Well that's interesting, Cayde hadn't been able to sense Black in the Force before. Why now? Was the man also Force sensitive? But he doesn't question it yet, sitting down on the bench.     He tries to encourage Zetha, along the way, anyway. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha remains standing, arms folding across her chest. She seems to have no intention to sit just yet, standing off to the side instead and remains a silent vigil for the moment. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Nn--" The Gran squints, looking peeved. "Wh- yes, okay I see it, but I thought you wanted to go their office??" He grumbles, "women! can't make up their minds for shit..." "Well I can't exactly turn around right now! The air lanes are backed up all the way to Tatooine!" He starts trying to maneuver, but isn't very successful... "It was torn from the air," the Harch says, "and someone was ripped out." She blinks slowly, and Er'gi's expression darkens. "This happened before day break and the fog had settled in, so no. We weren't able to identify anyone. You Mandalorians all mostly look the same to me anyway," she says, and then turns to leave. "So," Black begins, not addressing Zetha just yet, "do you think you could find Grindle, and ... massage his conscious a little? I want to know his side of the story, but I don't want him to know that." Then he turns to Zetha. "What's wrong?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "That was the original plan, but plans sometimes have to change," Navi replies. "Sorry about the inconvenience. Any way you can climb or dive out of the traffic lane and zip over into the other lane?" she suggests. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde nods to the question about Grindle. [I will try...that was plan] he signs.     Then he looks over toward Zetha. [Agreed you have best leads] he signs, nodding. [Progress with memories] 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "That doesn't make sense. We -just- talked to them barely before walking to this room and they were on foot scouting the ground... What do you mean 'torn' out of the sky? Are you talkin' about those damned vines?" Volken seems surprisingly composed compared to Er'gi's expression but his frown tightens even more as the march turns to leave. "Don't just waltz out of here like you were delivering a weather report. We need to do something. The only way we get out of this is if the Marauders and Mandalorians work together." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha shakes her head, trying to relax a little. She still doesn't sit. "I'm fine. I think I need some time to let some memories return. I can reach back out to you when I've got more solid answers to whatever questions you still have for me." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Gran taxi driver grumbles. "Do I look like a pod racer?" A pause. "Fine, fine. Maybe I can at least pull over. You won't be as near as you might like to be, but it'll be closer than where we're at right now..." And then he starts to try to make a left turn into a public hangar dedicated to a nearby street market. Black leans towards Cayde. Zetha might be unnerved by his intimidating body language towards Cayde, but the young padawan won't find it out of the ordinary. "I do need you to do better than try, Cayde," Black says, "this is important business. And I -know- you're fully capable. Just have to pull out all the stops." Then he resumes his relaxed position on the bench. He waves dismissively at Zetha. "Sure, sure. Cayde has provided an intelligently worded report regarding all that he'd observed while in the makeshift sensory deprivation tank. Just think how many more you could recover, in a proper one." The Harch laughs. It's not a pleasant sound. "They were scouting on -foot- in the Gorge? -That- is a fool's errand. Of course they decided to abandon that endeavor." She shrugs. "There are dangers native to here, and dangers unnatural. You want answers? Well, ask Zealot for the raw footage. Or you can wait for the Baron to awaken. Perhaps he can tell you more about the unnatural things that now reside in the Gorge." Her multiple ocelli gleam. "Indeed," she says to Volken's remark, "it would seem so. But make no mistake - we are -not- friends." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "No, but maybe twenty years ago you might have made a swoop racer," Navi replies, semi-impishly. "That'll be fine. Thank you." Even before the taxi touches down, she's looking around for another lift in the opposite direction, whether taxi or a generous driver. But she makes sure to give the grumpy Gran a generous tip along with his fee before exiting the taxicab. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I told them -not- to enter the gorge on foot and warned them about the place. They were supposed to take an aerial look and then coordinate with us. You want a pack of Mandalorians working -with- you not -against- you. Who said anything about bein' friends?" scoffs Volken. "Yeah, I want that footage... Unless you -don't- want a team o'super soldiers with invulnerable armor, huge caches of weaponry, and a love of fightin' working on yer side?" He secures his helmet at this point, his deep voice now muffled and modulated by it once it's on. "Where's Zealot?" 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha makes a face and then shrugs her shoulders. "Probably quite a few more...I'm still not seeing the benefit of looking into my memories when they only go for so long." It's a verbal musing as she looks between Black and Cayde while still not really convinced this is worth any additional time. "I just want to know if my folks are still alive and if so where they might be." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Pull out all the stops? No...no he can't possibly pull out -all- of them.     Cayde shakes his head. [Not all...but maybe some] he finally admits. He isn't surprised by Black's invasion of his personal space. Although he can't say it doesn't bother him at all.     But maybe the tank isn't necessary. He has...developed a good relationship with Zetha. Right?     Either way, he shrugs. [Zetha can decide] he signs, leaving it all to her. It's her parents, after all. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Gran grunts and lets Navi off in the hangar. One look around and Navi will see that there's not many other taxis here. But the traffic has come to a standstill, even for the lane that the vehicle in question is in. Maybe she could Force leap her way over to it? Some of the cruisers stopped are convertibles... "Well that isn't my business nor is it my problem that you couldn't even coordinate amongst yourselves. Pft! Typical Mandalorians, always squabbling, even amongst themselves." The Harch waves a hand dismissively. "He's here, somewhere. Look hard enough, and I'm sure you'll find him." Then she disappears back into the dimly lit hallway from whence she'd come from. Er'gi is suited up, but he doesn't look happy. "Lead on, vod..." Black salutes, and stands. "I'll do what I can with what Cayde has provided so far. And if you're not convinced, well you ought to ask Cayde what he thinks," he says, nodding at the padawan. "Alright, well, I trust your judgement, and I hope to be hearing from either of you soon." Then he starts to take his leave. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I didn't say anything us squabbli', are you -dense-!? I'm trying to set up a coordinated attack between us and the cloners!" shouts Volken as she heads off. He slams a hand into a console in frustration. "Am I the only one with brains around 'ere?! I didn't sign up to be the brains!" He then glances at Er'gi, "...Present company excluded vod.." Sighing he turns and starts moving to leave the room. "I got better thigns to do then die. we just gotta figure out where they were shot down at and then figure out a way to get to 'em without getting poisoned again. Get a message to them to stay put." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha takes the seat that Black just abandoned, though in a way that she's hopefully not crowding Cayde's personal space. She watches as Black takes his leave and then glances over to Cayde. "Can I ask the next time you decide to bring some random person I don't know into my life, at least have the decency to warn me first?" She tries to keep her voice light hearted so he doesn't think she's really offended or angry. "Anyway...that was a lot of unnecessary work for a few forgotten memories. I think we did better before..." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde watches him go, then turns back to Zetha, studying her face and her light tone and trying to determine if it matched how she really felt about this. But he's still unsure about it after a few seconds.     His gaze falls, and he just nods. [Sorry...] he signs. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Sure is hard to get a lift in this district," Navi grumbles, noting the lack of taxicabs in the area. Noticing the open-topped nature of a lot of the vehicles in the airlanes, she makes a few mental calculations, then draws upon the Force and LEAPS... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' But the Harch is gone. Probably didn't even hear the last bit Volken had said. Er'gi gives Volken a tired look through his own helmet. "You didn't sign up for any of this, but have you considered," the other Mandalorian says, "that this is maybe some kind of... trial?" A pause. "We're going to need that footage. Or at least access to the marauder's surveillance system. Otherwise looking for the Duke and his kin is going to be like a shot in a dark." Cayde's commlink then suddenly lights up. Oh, it's Thaarin. He's asking about progress on Cayde's testimony -- he wants to see an updated version of it ... soon. Navi's journey across the vehicles stopped in traffic is a bit unceremonious. The first leap she might almost fall to her death due to a reckless driver in an upper lane carrying multiple boxes of fruit swerving too violently. Several fat and juicy meiloorun either fall too near to her feet or straight bonk the Sephi girl on the head. The second leap will get her belt loop snagged on someone's side view mirror. Someone screams, but at least Navi doesn't fall. Finally, perhaps somewhat battered and her clothes worse for wear, Navi will find herself right behind the Mon Cala Legal services shuttle. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken had shouted that at The March. Volken is also very loud. But a fast walker and sound proof doors can do wonders and he'll just shout it into her face later when he catches back up to her if he feels she needs a reminder. "Come on..." he grumbles at Er'gi before moving to the exit to leave the room and get to trying to find Zealot. "We can't do anything without the footage, you're right. Plus we might need them to drop the jammer again so we can contact them by comm.... As t'trial? It's a pain is what it is. Call it whatever you want... My priorities aint changing." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha gives Cayde a soft smile. "It's fine, really. I often enjoy my afternoons being interrogated by random people, forced to remember things, and given nothing but vague answers." That soft smile turns into a grin though she notices Cayde's commlink suddenly light up which makes her check her own. Not that anyone's messaged her anytime recently. "You wanna go back to the hotel?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Wha-..?" Navi yelps as she hastily ducks to avoid the reckless driver, only to have several meiloorun splatter onto the rear deck of the speeder she's just landed on. One foot finds the resulting pulp at the worst moment, and her leap goes badly off-course, sending her plummeting a full story... ...the sound of tearing cloth alerts her to the fact that her fall has been arrested by a belt loop on her trousers snagging on an ornamental protrusion of a speeder coach's side mirror, tearing open the back seam and leaving her hanging there by a pair of pants on the verge of splitting in half from back to front! At last she manages to get a handhold on the top of the door and drag herself into the passenger seat, give a hasty apology to the driver, and leap for the next speeder, and the next... Five leaps later, her nerves frazzled, her clothes dirty, and her pants held together only by their suspenders and a few inches of seam in front, partly exposing her blue and white striped underwear, Navi lands in the back seat of another speeder, right behind the Mon Cala Legal Services vehicle. "Sorry about the sloppy entrance, and invading your passenger seat, but this is Jedi business," she says, breathlessly politely, to the driver, shifting her medical satchel to show the lightsaber secured to it. "Can you follow that Mon Cala Legal vehicle in front of you?" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     The dry remark doesn't seem to lift the padawan's spirits. For someone who supposedly knows exactly how everyone is feeling and such, he sure screws up relationships a lot. Even more than normal people, really.     The commlink goes off, but Cayde doesn't look at it immediately. Instead, he watches Zetha instinctively check hers, before he looks at Thaarin's message. A sigh escapes him. He hasn't made very much progress... 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "Maybe you're not the spiritual sort," Er'gi says, "and I'm not either, particularly, but my aliit and I were raised out in the rural areas of Mandalore, where tradition and culture is strongly shaped by folk gehat'ik. I believe in the Force, but just not in the same way the Jedi do. Anyway, all I'm saying is everything that's happened since coming to Tenoo could be part of some bigger journey and larger picture that we don't understand or know yet." He continues to follow Volken, but upon returning to the comms room they'll find it locked. Where -is- Zealot? Navi will find herself sitting next to a massive female Gigoran, who for some reason, doesn't seem particularly shocked or surprised at Navi's sudden arrival. "Your undergarments," she says pointedly. There's then a pause. "Yes," she says. And then there's a very awkward silence, as they're right behind the vehicle but the traffic isn't moving. At all. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Sorry. It was a very rough trip from there to here," Navi replies apologetically, shrugging off her jacket and tying it around her waist, to hide the vast majority of the damage to her pants. After she's caught her breath, she notes the total lack of movement from the traffic flow. "Thank you for all your help," she says, leaving 100 credits on the dashboard, and then leaping for the Mon Cala vehicle... 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken doesn't answer Er'gi immediately. He -does- slam his fist against the door in frustration. He almost starts trying to pry the door open but seems to think better of it. He then turns and looks over the area, in search of any sort of switch that indicates it's an interior comm. Something to activate to get a message out over the ship. "Osik..." he grumbles, lowering his head slightly. He then finally sighs and looks back over towards Er'gi. "it's hard to not believe in The Force given the things we've seen, vod." he admits, "I've had more dealings with Force Users and the Jedi than you have, remember? A lot more... So there's merit t'what they teach sure or to how it all works. Not saying otherwise but are we gonna dwell on trying to piece all that together or just try and do what we'd naturallly do anyway and see where the road leads?" He shakes his head and frowns, his frown clear on his voice through his helmet, "Ther's no sense in worryin' about stuff like destiny or fate. Especially right now..." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha watches Cayde for a moment longer before she actually frowns. "Hey. What's wrong? You got that look on your face that you get when you think the whole world is against you." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' A yelp emanates from inside the vehicle. Moments later, the sunroof on the shuttle opens and a droid arm with a camera and a very makeshift looking weapon protrudes out. "Who are you?! What do you want?" a rather shocked and sour voice says from the microphone on the cam. "What I meant, vod, is that we were meant to overcome all of this. At a great cost to ourselves, maybe. I'm not sure. But perhaps there's some kind of revelation, or reward at the end of it." Volken might be about to reply, when he'll espy a shadowy figure lurking in the rafters above them. They don't appear armed, though. Cayde's commlink pings again, more urgently this time. It's a holocall, from Thaarin. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "You having fun up there?" calls Volken towards whoever is lurking above them. He makes an idle gesture for Er'gi to hang back but turns his full attention to whoever is over their heads. "You gonna come down and join us or you just gonna enjoy the view?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Are you sure that thing won't blow up if you try to use it?" Navi asks the arm somewhat scornfully. "Jedi business," she adds, showing her lightsaber hilt. "Need to speak to you folks for a minute or ten." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Nothing] Cayde signs quickly when Zetha asks what's wrong. He wasn't supposed to show her that, The padawan stands up. [Yes we can go back] he continues, in a belated response to her earlier question of going back to the hotel.     Then Thaarin is calling. He sighs and connects the holocall. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' "I'll enjoy the view, thanksss," the mysterious figure hisses. "You're looking for Zealot. He's in the wind. And if I was you, I wouldn't waste my time looking for him in the ssssship." "Haar'chak!" Er'gi mutters. "Guess we'll have to be searching the Gorge aimlessly again..." "What's wrong with your pants!?" the voice says, ignoring Navi's previous question, "and why didn't you just call? We don't take impromptu visits." "Cayde, where are you?" Thaarin says, the barest hint of annoyance bleeding into his normally level tone of voice. "Master Rykard managed to bring in a preliminary transcript proofreader for you to help with the testimony writing. He's here now, where are you?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "No wait." says Volken to Er'gi. He then looks back up, "We need into here so we can get a message to our people...and we need footage of what brought down their ship so we can find them. You folk can't just sit here and hide forever. If we link up with our folk we can take down the people who are doing all of this craziness in the gorge. Can you open the door for us? And b'fore you go asking what's in it for you...we'll arrange payment after we get outta this alive. I might not look like it but I'm kinda a nobleman now and I got access to folk with credits so what's it gonna be?" 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Because you put me on hold for forever," Navi retorts, ignoring the former question (except for a faint blush and an irritable pout). "Like I said, this is Jedi business. Now let me in and we can sort all of this out. Nobody is in any trouble so far, and hopefully things will stay that way." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha sighs. "You can't just tell me -nothing- after making a face like that. It's obviously something...." Then Cayde is getting distracted by his commlink and she huffs out a breath, but she can see and hear Thaarin, so she grins. "You sound annoyed, Thaarin. We're out at a park having a conversation. Rykard should have known where he is, he was with us until a little bit ago." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde just looks at Zetha as she replies to Thaarin's question, holding the commlink between the two of them. Then he sends the Chiss man a text-form message that simply says << OK. >> 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The mysterious figure slithers down the rafters towards them. A Fillithar with ruby red eyes and green-purple scales presents herself, silver tongue flicking out at them in amusement. "Oh I know," she says, "but I cannot do that. No one can. Zealot made sssssure of that, before he left." A weighty pause, while one of her sinuous coils suddenly drops from above, moving to brush gently under Volken's chin before withdrawing. "But I'll take payment anyway, if you're offering~" "..." What feels like an eternity seems to pass, and then, "Fine." The robotic arm with the camera withdraws, leaving the sunroof open and accessible to the young Sephi girl. "Rykard isn't here," Thaarin says, the edge in his tone of voice hardening, "he left me in charge of affairs at the hotel until he returned. So you're coming back then, right? Both of you." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thank you so much," Navi replies, then hugs her medic's satchel to her middle and slips down through the sunroof into the shuttle. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "Huh?! Why would he do that?! Aren't you all supposed to be working together? Did he damage the room or just lock it?" Volken sounds utterly flabbergasted and the gestures of his tree trunk sized arm make this even clearer. He's about had it up to here again. His temper once again boiling with frustration at all of these set backs. "We can't just go out there wanderin' blind and gettin' lost and poisoned again and we need to find our people!" He now, indeed, has half a mind to try and force the door open and he turns around towards it, looking for anything to grab hold of. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "Not if you're going to act like you have a droid arm stuck up your ass." Zetha retorts to Thaarin before she looks to Cayde. "And don't think you're off the hook either. It's called a conversation, Cayde, they generally work best when both parties are contributing." Then she stands and makes a gesture. "We were just about to head back before you called. I suppose if Mister Tightass here needs us there either way we might as well start walking." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi will find herself sitting next to an extraordinarily overweight Mon Calamari. He doesn't look happy to see Navi, and he stares at her undergarments briefly before turning his attention back to the traffic ahead of them. "Might as well make yourself comfortable," he mumbles, "we're not getting back to HQ anytime soon..." The Fillithar's prehensile tail suddenly curls around Volken's wrist gently, pulling his hand away from the door. "I don't think you quite understand our maccchinationssss," she says, "why, I could ask you the sssssame thing, you've come here to hide from your own, haven't you?" "Zealot didn't sssssay anything to me, or anyone before he left. But, he knew your comrades had come, and he knew you would try to communicate with them. This is our language for 'come and find me.'" "I'm no ssssslicer, so we're just as sssstranded commssss wise as you are. But there'ssss no urgent need for any kind of communication right now, assss far as we're concerned sssso I ssssuppose you could say none of ussss are in a rush to open that door." The Fillithar then slithers back up into the rafters. "Think of it thisss way. If he wanted you to find him, then how hard isssss he really going to make it for you to find him?" Thaarin sighs, and just hangs up. He must have not been in the mood. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Thank you. Sorry to interrupt your commute... I was looking for someone else," Navi replies, drawing the sleeves of her jacket over the exposed bits of her underwear that the jacket tied around her waist doesn't completely cover. "A fellow Mon Calamari." She describes the Mon Cal who had been dealing with Xera in detail. "He works for your employer." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha can't help but bust out laughing as Thaarin shuts off the call without saying anything else. "Ooooh... Thaarin's mad. His fault for acting like a bully. Now I don't want to go back to the hotel...on principle..." Though Zetha begins to head in the direction of the hotel anyway. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' Volken stands there for awhile, as if considering opening the room up anyway but if it's forcing the doors open will simply reveal to them a damaged or othewise unusuable comm room then...they're stuck. "Alright....I"m going to get one of their mask breathers and some fuel from my flame thrower and just go out looking for Zealot..." he rumbles. "If he's looking for our people then that's our only lead. But you need to stay here Er'gi. There's nothing saying you're recovered enough to go back out there considering how bad off you were and you might need to be here for when...if...Caine wakes up." He starts down the hall again, this time in search for their armory. "This just keps getting worse and worse and still no Jorn and Darksaber." 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde actually smirks slightly when Zetha just bursts out laughing after Thaarin simply hangs up. The man usually prides himself in not showing he's overly emotional, doesn't he? Now, now, is the padawan smiling? That's a rare thing. Maybe Zetha saw it, or maybe she was already heading back toward the hotel. But he hurries after her either way, touching her arm gently to get her attention again. [I will find senator] he signs. [We can find memories...just us...no water] 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' The Mon Calarmari squints at the picture. "Okay, what are you, a xenophobe? Just because he's Mon Calamari and works in the jury counsel biz doesn't make him my co worker. But whatever, sure, I know him. He's freelance now, got his own private practice and everything now." Er'gi opens his mouth to protest. And Volken will be able to palpably feel the rage rolling off of him at being ordered to stay behind. His fists ball, and Volken might think he's about to punch him, or something else, but then he finally relaxes. "Fine," he grumbles, "just come back in one piece, vod." Volken may or may not be surprised to find a small armory open and unlocked directly down the hall from the comms room. There's fuel for his flame thrower, and a mask, but it's kind of uncomfortable and small. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "What're you gettin' so mad about! We already discussed that if we had to go out ther ein that poison you'd hang back with the marauders! You almost -died- vod." Volken isn't having it as he wheels on Er'gi. "You wanna come out and maybe get into a fight with the way you've been moving and lurchin' around? Huh?" The size of the mask is indeed small, considering his size and Er'gi's, but he expected as much. "Maybe the helmet will help.." he considers and then he points out, "See? There's only one mask. Wha're we supposed to do? One of us has to go." 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha glances over at Cayde as he catches up and signs to her. Did she catch the smile? Maybe. Is she going to call him out on it? Actually, no. She simply nods her head as they make way to the hotel. "I'd like that. You and me and no water. Believe it or not, I trust you Cayde. And I appreciate the offer." 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Okay, I was not aware that he'd gone freelance... thanks for clearing that up," Navi replies. "And no, I'm not a xenophobe. It would be difficult to be considered family by a Chadra-Fan family if I were." "Anyway, what's his name? And do you know where his practice is located? Or his home address? I need to talk to him about some court business he's become involved in lately." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Er'gi's turned his back on Volken already, grumbling curses in Mando'a. "Get out of here already," he says, "you're wasting daylight." And he disappears back down the hallway. Volken will find the gangplank already down. Maybe the Fillithar had been right - perhaps Zealot really wasn't trying to make finding him hard. Soon Cayde and Zetha will reach the Alisandre. There, in the lobby waiting for them, is Thaarin, and a very grumpy looking Quarren with an ink soaked blazer. The Quarren is berating Thaarin, who looks tired. "His home address?! What do you think I am, his husband? The guy's married! Anyway, fine. His private practice is in the Federal District, across the street from the Senate Building." He scrawls an address down on a piece of flimsiplast and hands it to her. "Don't tell him I told you." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "I'll suplex you into a wall, Er'gi! I'm not tryin' to deal with attitude right now!!" shouts Volken into the hallway. Er'gi may be gone, but just like before...Volken's loud. He then spins around and removes his helmet to begin putting the mask on, and then refuels his vambrace weaponry. A few quick checks and he's satisifed and making his way down the gangplank. A quck survey is then taken to see if he can tell what direction Zealot might have gone - or what is the only practical way to go.... He doesn't want to linger very long, however. As ER'gi pointed out..daylight is diminishing. 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Somewhere quiet] Cayde goes on, nodding when Zetha agrees to searching her memories more together.     Upon arriving back in the lobby of the hotel, he peers at the upset Quarren. Now just what could be the matter, now? But he doesn't pester Thaarin. Instead, he just stands there waiting for his turn. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi can't help rolling her eyes at the Mon Cal's hyperbolic response, but accepts the flimsiplast and slips it into a flap pocket of her medical satchel. "Thank you so much for your assistance," she says, struggling to keep back the sarcasm that springs deftly to mind. "Open the sunroof and I'll get out of your way. Drive safely." Even as she speaks, she's looking for a way down to safer ground from the stalled traffic flow. And possibly a shopping district where she can replace her damaged clothes... 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' "And with no interruptions. Hopefully." Zetha adds to Cayde and gives another nod. Coming inside to see Thaarin being griped at is a new thing and poor Thaarin just looks tired and done. She pats Cayde's arm and takes a few quicker steps up towards Thaarin and his...companion. "Hey Thaarin. What's...going on?" Because, yes, Zetha absolutely *will* pester. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Well, the trail seems to end there. Once outside the ship, Volken will not be able to see any evidence, really, of where Zealot might have gone. Though, if Volken looks more carefully, there aren't very many options as far as which way. The vegetation and marsh surrounding the marauder's vessel is thick and barely traversable, and there's only one route that might have worked for the agile, mouse-sized marauder - a series of boulders stacked in ascending succession, leading the way up to a large rocky outcropping covered in fog. "EXCUSE you!!" The Quarren practically spits in Cayde's face. "I've been here a whole HOUR, waiting for you." He mutters curses in Quarren. "Whatever is wrong with you?! Don't you know not to waste my time? Pft! Kids these days," he rambles angrily, "haven't a lick of responsibility or respect!" Thaarin doesn't even get to respond to Zetha before the Quarren interrupts again. "And you -- you're supposed to have something for me to review too, don't you? Well don't just stand there! Hand it over, already." 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' "RIght.." rumbles Volken before starting towards that path and beginning to make his ascent towards the outcropping. There's not much to do but press forward and hope for the best. He'll have to keep track of his route though in case he needs a rapid return trip or encounters any of the missing Mandalorians. <<Er'gi, can you hear me>">> he rumbles, testing his comm while still close to the ship. <<Don't know if you can or if you even want to answer but, need to test out the range of their jammer..." If Er'gi answrs or not, he keeps it moving. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Navi will look down and see that coincidentally, she's actually right above the Alisandre. The rooftop terrace looks Force leap-able. Maybe. 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' Navi climbs onto the roof of the shuttle. "Okay... this might take a few jumps, but I think I can do it..." she murmurs. Studying the distance to the Alisandre's roof terraces, she draws upon the Force, modulates its flow through her body, and LEAPS... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     Cayde just stares at the Quarren for a moment as he gets shouted at. Then...oh, right. This must be the proofreader Thaarin was speaking about.     [Sorry...did not know of appointment] he signs. Had there been an appointed time? 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha had been ready to rip this Quarren a new one. Then she notices Cayde signing and she nods her head. "He's right. I didn't know either, and my testimony is up in my room. It's not like I carry it around with me everywhere I go." She offers this, though her blood is boiling. "I'll be happy to go get it for you...if you apologize. To all three of us. It's not fair to shout our heads off when we had no idea we needed to meet you here." 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' No answer from Er'gi. Volken will see that now that he's outside of the vessel, he's now in a dead patch that has no signal whatsoever. Well, that's that, then. The rocky outcropping won't prove that difficult to climb, but once a top it he'll see that the only pathway available is narrow, and not designed from someone his size... Navi will successfully land on the rooftop terrace, but not without startling a couple near the railing with a couple of Corellian wine filled glasses. The woman yelps, and three quarters of her wine spills over the balcony, down thirteen floors to splat on the head of the Quarren yelling at Cayde and Zetha. "OWWW!" he yells. Ink squirts out from beneath his tentacled chin, probably getting all over both of them. "You---!!! How... DARE you! If you'd been here EARLIER!!! This wouldn't have happened!!!" And then he turns around and storms inside the Alisandre, fuming. 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' It was worth a shot. As to a way forward, he's not going to risk falling or collapsing the pathway. That's simply out of the question. At the same time they got o the ship -somehow- before and he was not only following them but carrying a giant at least within the same weight class - or one step below. His ego would insist below - so there has to be a way forward. For now he just studies the area, looking for any signs of movement from his vantage point and searching out any signs of his fellows or Zealot 

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:''' "Oh, goodness... I'm so sorry, sir and madam. I didn't mean to startle you. Please, carry on with your day," Navi says, and hurries toward the turbolift. In her mind, she's anticipating a long, hot hydroshower after getting out of her ruined clothes. And then a visit to a certain Mon Cal who is 20,000 credits richer, if she can make that happen... 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     The ink squirts out and Cayde jumps back, but suddenly the black viscous fluid just...stops in midair, the droplets just hanging there like little bubbles, before any of it can touch either him or Zetha. They stay there for a few fractions of a second, and then just drop and fall straight down to the floor.     There's a pause, as he watches the Quarren storm off. [He is not nice] the padawan signs. 

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:''' Zetha blinks as the ink that would have hit her suddenly become harmless splatters against the floor. She glances to Cayde and then shakes her head a little. "No. He's not." Then she sheepishly looks towards Thaarin before shaking her head. "I'm going to my room, taking a shower, and would like for everyone to pretend I don't exist for the next eight to ten hours." She begins to walk off before turning to look at Cayde. "I'll let you know when we can meet. I just want to be alone for a little while. Maybe get some sleep." Then she turns and begins to continue walking towards the elevator. 

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:''' Unfortunately, while he is standing there surveying the area, a horrible cracking sound will assault the massive Mandalorian's ears. The ledge he's standing has suddenly given way, and now, Volken will find himself plunging downward towards ... only light knows where. He'll land somewhere dark that only has a single ray of sunlight to illuminate the area. He might be taking a moment to regain his composure when all of a sudden, he'll hear a familiar voice. "Volken? Volken is that you? Oh, thank the light...!" Oh, no. It's that disciple boy, Crane. What's he doing out here, all alone?! The couple frown at Navi in an irritated fashion, but otherwise don't comment. They go back to the bar, so that woman can replenish her drink, and Navi will be able to make her way to her room uninterrupted (although she will get some stares from passerbys). "Fair enough," Thaarin says quietly when Zetha excuses herself. He looks at Cayde, and his brows furrow. "You haven't worked on the testimony since we've landed on Coruscant have you? What have you been doing all this time?" 

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:''' That....was not good. A string of swear words escapes Volken but once he lands it's with such a solid thump that probably did more damage to the ground than himself. He's disorientated and more than that..mad. But there's not much he can do other than look up and prepare to climb back up....but he pauses at the familiar voice. "What th....what are -you- doing down here??" 

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''     [Okay] Cayde signs as Zetha takes her leave to her room, frowning slightly as he's still unsure if she was much more offended by Mr. Black than he can discern at the moment.     He begins to pout when Thaarin scolds him. [...important...tasks] he signs vaguely. 
}}

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
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{{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.

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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.

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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.

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===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.

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=== 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.

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=== 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.

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=== 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... 
}}