View source for Eyes in the Gorge

{{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:'''<br>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. <br><br> 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." <br><br> -- <br><br> 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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:'''<br> 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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br> <br>"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."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The testimony...well, that was the challenging part he hadn't wanted to think about.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:'''<br>"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. <br><br> 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." <br><br> 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. <br><br> 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. <br><br> 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." <br><br> "... right, then," Jahni, the Ugnaught pilot replies, gruffly and reluctantly. Xera gives Navi a pointed look. "Now then," she says softly. "Get out."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:'''<br> "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. <br><br> "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.<br> <br>

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

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:'''<br>"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.<br> <br>Once the call is terminated, she shrugs. "Do you mind if I dress first?" she asks, her little smile lingering.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>The presence of The Baron doesn't seem to bother him one way or another.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br><br>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,<br><br>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.<br><br>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...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:'''<br>"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. <br><br> 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... <br><br> -- <br><br> 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. <br><br> 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." <br><br> 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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His gaze goes out to the hallway when Navi's bag gets thrown. He can tell Xera is enraged. It's quite potent.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:'''<br>The hired muscle has not escaped Volken's attention even if he hasn't interacted with them or paid the Baron much mind..openly. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>Eventually he dusts his hands off and makes good on said interest by moving closer towards the Dowutin.<br><br>"...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..." <br><br>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.<br><br>Switching to Man'doa, he rumbles into his helms communicator, &lt;&lt;Our Baron's got some new friends. Maybe we should remind them all that there's nothin' as good as the ol'classics.&gt;&gt; towards Er'gi and Jorn. <br><br>That ...is more like the not 'off' Volken...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br> <br>"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."<br> <br>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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>Her concentration, however, is interrupted when the enormous Mandalorian man who has apparently been looking at her for a while speaks up.<br><br>"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."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:'''<br> 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. <br><br> "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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:'''<br>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. <br><br> 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.. <br><br> &lt;&lt; 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..&gt;&gt; Er'gi responds to the mammoth Mandalorian. <br><br>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?" <br><br> -- <br><br> 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. <br><br> 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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:'''<br> 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, &lt;"Guard up. Something's not right."&gt; He focuses again.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;&lt;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...&gt;&gt;<br><br>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. <br><br>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:<br><br>"Not that I'm tryin' distract you..." Which isn't exactly the best lead in. Er'gi probably groans if he overhears that.<br><br>"...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?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:'''<br>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."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br><br>But what's going on here is something else.<br><br>Volken actually addressing her deserves a response, though. Preferably before she speaks with the obviously unwell Baron.<br><br>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."<br><br>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?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br><br> 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. <br><br> &lt;&lt; Since you started acting pretty damn unlike yourself &gt;&gt; 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. <br><br> 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. <br><br> -- <br><br> "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... " <br><br> Then he pings Cayde. &lt;&lt; I'm moving rooms. We'd best work on your testimony in your quarters, not mine, now &gt;&gt;<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:'''<br>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?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br><br>Somewhat counter productive.<br><br>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:<br><br>&lt;&lt;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?&gt;&gt;<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:'''<br> &lt;&lt;"Got eyes on a Lothwolf."&gt;&gt; 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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:'''<br>"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."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br><br>"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."<br><br>"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."<br><br>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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;&lt; Eyes on a... Lothwolf? Vod, are you dini'la? Those things only live on Lothal...&gt;&gt; The other mammoth swings his head around, looking for this so called loth wolf. &lt;&lt; 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...&gt;&gt; He looks back up towards where the Temple is. &lt;&lt; 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...&gt;&gt; <br><br> "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--" <br><br> -- <br><br>"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. <br><br> 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. <br><br> &lt;&lt; Cayde &gt;&gt; Thaarin messages again. &lt;&lt; You forgot to respond -- again. Anyway, there's a matter regarding Xera &gt;&gt; He then turns back to Navi, taking both her hands in his. He says softly. "Tell me more about what happened?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh...right.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt; sorry &gt;&gt; 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:<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt; What about Xera &gt;&gt;<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br><br>"Should have just stayed on Teeno..." Is muttered aloud to herself though.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:'''<br>"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?"<br> <br>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."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;&lt;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...&gt;&gt;<br><br>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.<br><br>"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."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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."<br><br>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.<br><br>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?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:'''<br> &lt;I know what I saw.&gt; Jorn replies firmly on the matter. &lt;We've seen what we thought were deadmen walk. We're currently annoyed by one.&gt; He does point this out for a moment. &lt;I may be projecting wishful thinking, but I know what I saw.&gt; he says firmly againa s he just keeps a look out for the lone Lothal.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:'''<br>&lt;&lt; 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! &gt;&gt; A pause. &lt;&lt; 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...&gt;&gt; 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. <br><br> 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.<br><br> -- <br><br> 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. <br><br> 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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well it seems this time Thaarin was the one who didn't answer the message.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:'''<br>"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."<br> <br>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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:'''<br>"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. <br><br>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..."<br><br>rHe then reaches up to his commlink once again. &lt;&lt;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..&gt;&gt;<br><br>If Er'gi wants Volken back to normal. Well looks liek danger is sharpening him up again.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br><br>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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:'''<br>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?<br><br>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.<br><br>Later, she'll have to have a word with one of these Mandalorians about the Baron.<br><br>Seemingly unmoved by the Baron's pleas, the Jedi follows Volken towards whatever trouble he wanted their help with.<br><br>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.<br><br>"What kind of animal?" she asks Volken, and then Jorn directly. "What occurred? Where did you see it?"<br><br>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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:'''<br> 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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:'''<br>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. <br><br> 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. <br><br> &lt;&lt; Hn &gt;&gt; Er'gi grumbles, &lt;&lt;I suppose. I hate all this wizardry! It doesn't make any sense to me. Alright, we're coming&gt;&gt; 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. <br><br> -- <br><br> 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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:'''<br>"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.<br> <br>"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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:'''<br> 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. &lt;What's your position?&gt; he says to Volken. &lt;Stun the Baron. Better used to us alive.&gt; Jorn speaks in Man'doa because he does want the conversation to be somewhat private.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:'''<br>"It was a--<br><br>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.<br><br>"Yer not exactly mkaing a good case for yourself here.." he rumbles, seemingly waiting half a second before attempting anything. <br><br>There's a nine foot tall Jedi Knight standing right next to them ater all.<br><br>Needless to say he offers Jorn and Er'gi no response.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:'''<br>"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.<br><br>"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?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>"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."<br><br>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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:'''<br>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. <br><br> 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. <br><br> 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. <br><br> That feeling Jorn has that something is watching him doesn't go away. But so far, they haven't been jumped. Yet, anyway. <br><br> 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. <br><br> -- <br><br> "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...<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:'''<br>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. <br><br>"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..."<br><br> 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.."<br><br>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. <br><br>"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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;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.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Master can...maybe...] he signs, averting his gaze momentarily. He doesn't trust himself with this.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:418|Jorn (418)}} has posed:'''<br> "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." <br><br> Jorn will nod toward the new player on the field. "Jorn," he introduces himself. "This is Er'gi." He'll gesture to Er'gi. <br><br> "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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:'''<br>"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."<br> <br>"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."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:459|Reza Orvenk (459)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br><br>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.<br><br>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...<br><br>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."<br><br>She makes no comment on the Darksaber and training. A question for another time, when they aren't in unfamiliar terrain with untrustworthy allies.<br><br>"I'm watching," Reza replies to Jorn's status report. "Shout if you see it again."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br><br>"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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:159|Athena (159)}} has posed:'''<br>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. <br><br> "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. <br><br> 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. <br><br> -- <br><br> 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."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:143|Cayde Alexis (143)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[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.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:261|Navi (261)}} has posed:'''<br>"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.<br> <br>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."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:444|Zetha Rumir (444)}} has posed:'''<br>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.<br><br>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.."<br> <br>

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

:'''{{#var:321|Volken Mons (321)}} has posed:'''<br>"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.<br><br>"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!" <br><br>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." <br><br>Volken turns to keep moving less Caine get too far ahead. <br><br>"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."<br> <br>
}}