They Played You

They Played You
Date of Scene:	08 October 2025
Location:
Synopsis:	Zetha has an eventful night.
Cast of Characters:	159, Zetha Rumir

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Athena (159) has posed:
It's a peaceful evening in Kublop, with nearly no clouds in the sky and the sun just beginning to dip below the horizon.

The young Twi'lek, if she checks her chronometer, will see she has exactly fifteen minutes to get to the hospital, where a certain Dr. Soren Cassias had agreed to meet with her, and talk with her about... well, everything. The visions, the recent tumult in her relationship with Wiis (though that's mostly repaired, or so Zetha may like to think), and even more recently, how to handle the newfound relationships in her life, both platonic and perhaps... more than that.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha is someone who likes to make it to things on time. It's just a habit she's developed since tinkering in the junkyard. People want their items repaired, replaced, or searched for promptly and that's what she delivers. So she'll make it to the hospital with about five minutes to spare before her appointment with Dr. Cassias dressed in cargo pants and a slightly worse-for-wear tee shirt - but at least it's all clean! She'll make sure to approach the correct desk and let the person behind it know she's here for said session.

Athena (159) has posed:
The Mikkian girl at the desk, Zetha will recognize as the girl who'd booked her appointment prior. She'd been in and around the hospital after Cayde had gotten admitted, helping Dr. Cassias with various tasks. She greets Zetha warmly, and tell her to take a seat while waiting for the doctor to come and see her.

A few minutes pass, and the kindly doctor with hazel eyes appears in the lobby. He holds the door open, and nods at her. "Zetha?"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"Thank you." Is offered to the Mikkian girl who checks her in and then she goes to sit down. Once Dr. Cassias comes out and calls her name there's a "Yep." from Zetha as she stands and goes to move through the open door. "How have things been going, Doctor Cassias?" She asks softly while looking to take a seat where perchance indicated.

Athena (159) has posed:
He smiles kindly at her. "Busy," he says, "as per usual, but alright, all things considered. Cayde is probably going to get released tomorrow or the day after, and I'll be heading back to the colony soon after."

He leads her to a small, comfy looking room with an elongated futon in it. There's two windows, which are both open, but he closes them as soon as she enters. Then he gestures at the futon, and sits down in a cushioned chair across from it. "Now, why don't you tell me about how things have been going for -you-."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"Well that is good news, indeed. I'm glad he's gotten better..." Zetha offers before she takes a seat on the futon as offered and then watches the doctor for a good solid minute or two after he makes that last comment. "Going? Fine. I guess. Wiis got her debts paid off and she's getting the junkyard renovated. Or at least, her house in the junkyard..." Though, that's not a thing for -her- is it? "Uhm...yeah. Just still staying at the convent but looking into other options and doing as well as I think I can for the moment."

Athena (159) has posed:
The doctor studies her. His expression is disbelieving, but compassionate. "Alright," he says, "let's try that again. I want you to tell me how you're feeling."

"Not just right now, but also how you've felt for the past few weeks. Starting ever since you met Thaarin."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"Confused." Zetha blurts out before thinking about it. Before convincing herself to not say that word but another. She then bites on her bottom lip and shakes her head. "I mean...do you want me to just list everything? There's been moments of feeling overwhelmed and frightened. Upset. Sad. But fine, for the most part. Just get over the bad emotions and let the good ones sit where they need to."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Yes, actually," the doctor says. "I want you, to the very best of your ability, to name every emotion that you've felt ever since you've met him."

He takes out a datapad, and hands it to her. "And if there are some you can't name, that's alright. I'll walk you through the process of identifying the situation where you felt it and then understanding what caused those emotions."

"You know," he says, "it's okay, to not be okay, Zetha. If you need to marinate in your negative emotions so you can understand them and where they came from, that's just fine. In fact, I think it's healthy. Healing doesn't happen overnight."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"Well if that's the case then I haven't been okay for a really long time. Even before I met Thaarin. Like I appreciate Wiis and all she's done for me but I can't help but imagine I'm just yesterday's trash someone else has to take care of." Zetha admits this much, taking the datapad when it's handed to her. "Wiis doesn't make it any better trying to suggest that I should marry the first good looking person that walks into the junkyard. Don't mess it up, Zetha! And then...I mess it up royally. And I'm sad, and confused, and I made a mistake that still feels horrible. Then I'm told I can't be given what I want or need, and that just doesn't make sense because how can someone give you something you don't know?"

There's a huff then and a shake of her head. "And then that stuff with the Mandalorian happened...and Wiis kicking me out...and Crane being super nice which has brought on a whole new level of confusion but also..." She stops, looks down at the floor, but there's actually a hint of a smile. "Crane's a nice guy...Navi's a good friend. Cayde's a...mess...but he's got a lot on his shoulders I think for someone so young." Another pause. "I'm rambling. I'm sorry..."

Athena (159) has posed:
The doctor listens quietly, clearly attentive. He takes some notes. "I can see why that's hurtful," he says after a moment.

"First of all, never apologize for feeling, Zetha. Not to me, not to anyone. Second of all, I asked for this, so there's no need to apologize for giving me what I asked for you to tell me. Third, your perception of your own guilt may be skewed. It's healthier to ask if you've inconvenienced someone, before immediately assuming fault. Now, most people will recognize that you've done nothing wrong, but a narcissist may use this to gaslight you into thinking that every single thing you do is a mistake, and slowly crush your sense of self worth without you even knowing it."

"Now, tell me more about why you feel like yesterday's trash."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"Then why was Thaarin so mad? Why did he suddenly go off on a tangent that he couldn't love me even if he wanted to...if I hadn't kissed that damn Mandalorian. If I hadn't got caught up in a moment of being told everything I wanted to hear...man that sounds so dumb saying it out loud..." Zetha offers at first and then looks up at the doctor after a moment.

"What else should someone who was abandoned feel? I got thrown out, right? Wasn't wanted by someone and now someone else has to take care of me. Or did...I'm old enough to take care of myself now. I think. But credits are sparse for junkers like me and Wiis. Well...except now since you bought that cortosis off her. But then, that's her money. Not mine. So...maybe I can't take care of myself. Someone else still has to...but I don't really have anyone..so now it's like I gotta figure out how to do it, on limited means...just like when I was a kid...it's...a very defeated feeling. Like the world's against you all over again."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Slow down," the doctor says, gently. "I think there's a lot of blanks you're not filling in here. I don't know the details about what happened between you, Thaarin, and that Mandalorian. We'll talk about that, but for now, let's focus on what you think someone abandoned should feel."

"I don't have access to your medical records right now, I can request them but it's likely going to take a while. You were thrown out? I'm assuming this is in reference to your past. Let's talk about that. How did you end up in Wiis' household? And what happened to you subsequently?"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha blinks and then she sighs. "I don't think I have any medical files to access..." She admits. Then she takes a slow breath. "The first memory I ever have was waking up on the streets of Kublop here on Teeno. I was hungry, still tired, and in an alley. Which was pretty much my life until I was about...seven? That's when Wiis found me one day. Took me in. From there it was living under her roof, tinkering with things in the junkyard and teaching myself how to scrap, fix, and put things together until they work."

Athena (159) has posed:
"You don't have any memory of your parents?" the doctor muses. "Interesting. I see."

"And did you like the life Wiis gave you?"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"...Is that a bad thing?" Zetha asks. "Having no memory of them?" She never really thought about it considering she had no memories anyway.

"I did. I do. Sometimes. There's a lot of times in more recent months that she's been a lot on my ass about doing something with my life, or finding someone to have in my life.. that gets a lot tiring. Like she's done with me."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Not necessarily," the doctor says. "You may have simply been too young. Do you remember how old you were when you woke up on the streets of Tenoo?"

"That's good," the doctor validates. "But why do you say you only like it sometimes? Do you feel like her desire to see you marry and do something with your life, is legitimate, and in alignment with what you want out of life?"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"Three? Maybe four? I know it was several years on the streets before Wiis took me in." Zetha explains. "I also don't know my actual birthday, so Wiis and I just made one up..." She offers that much more. "I mean...I always figured I'd take over the junkyard from her. And I -like- what I do in the junkyard. It sounds nice in theory. Getting married and stuff...but I'd rather it happen naturally. Not with Wiis trying to play matchmaker."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Then there's likely nothing to investigate there," he says, "as far as whether you had experienced trauma aside from being abandoned, that caused memory loss. You were likely just too young to remember anything about your life prior."

"Now why is that?" the doctor asks gently. "Simply because it's comfortable and what you think Wiis secretly wants, or because you actually want to?"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha gives a nod. It makes sense really. She thinks on that last bit for a moment. "I actually -want- to take over the junkyard, and I actually think that Wiis doesn't want me to. I'm pretty sure she's more of the mind that I need to go off and do something. She might even want me to leave Tenoo. But I don't want to. I mean it was a fine idea before I met people. Started making friends. I can't imagine leaving now. At least not until the others disappear."

Athena (159) has posed:
"I see," the doctor says, "but I hope you realize that the colony initiative's binding contract is only for two years. After that, those who signed on to be a part of it are free to leave, or stay." He turns back to the datapad, and donning a pair of reading glasses, continues taking notes.

"They may stay, they may return to wherever they came from previously. But that's besides the point. It's more important to focus on what brought you to this decision - the fact that you've started to learn how to make friends and form relationships. Even if they leave, you may be able to utilize what you're starting to learn now to bond with whoever ends up being here permanently. However, I will say this - you're off to a bit of a rocky start. That's okay. You'll get there eventually, but beginnings are never easy and you might have caught the short end of the stick."

"This is a convenient segway into the prior topic I thought I'd discuss with you. Speaking of forming new relationships, can you tell me more about what happened between you, Thaarin, and the Mandalorian you spoke about earlier?"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha frowns a little. The fact that a stranger can see she's off to a rocky start doesn't seem to bode well for her. Failure's a crappy thing, but she nods to what he says even if she doesn't say anything else.

"It started when Thaarin came to the convent, he couldn't stay but for a few minutes, and then he was off again. Then we made plans to meet for a lunch, which then turned into plans for later that evening because he got caught up in business. This was fine. He's a busy man, so I understood..." She begins.

"When we finally met up, we went for a walk, which turned into him offering to take me into that...bar club place...the one where only the fancy people go. I objected, but he assured me it would be fine so in we went. Not two seconds after we got to the bar, some other woman came up, asking for him to talk and he left with her. Said it wouldn't be but five minutes, and off he went. And this woman? I had seen her once before at the convent, and both times she looked at me with nothing short of disgust, which made me feel really small." She pauses, takes a breath. "Shortly after Thaarin left, the Mandalorian appeared. He talked about how we were two people who did not fit in that place, and that any man was dumb for leaving me alone. He talked about how beautiful I was and seeing the planet from the stars...gods...it feels so silly now when I talk about it. Anyway, I followed him out. He said his name was Jasper. He took off his helmet and before I knew it we were kissing. And that's right when Thaarin found me, and got really upset that I had left the club. Got upset that he found me in that position. Course, before I could blink, the Mando was gone and it was just me and Thaarin and...things haven't really been the same between Thaarin and me since."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Well," the doctor says, "he's very well intentioned, but he works too hard. And believe me, it takes one to know one." He puts the datapad down, and for a moment, looks exhausted.

"The woman was likely Xera Graf, and don't worry, she looks at everyone that way. Including me, and I was friends with the Chancellor once upon a time." He looks bone weary for a moment, but the expression dissipates after a second. "It's not silly, Zetha. He was charismatic and knew how to give you what you've probably always wanted - to be seen as worthy and worth someone's attention and time. You seemed vulnerable and insecure, and for reasons I can't know, he found that attractive."

"That feeling you described earlier, about feeling like yesterday's trash. It's likely what's fueling your craving to feel valuable, and found to be worth someone's time. And I will be honest. I don't know that Thaarin can give you that. He can certainly make you feel worthy, but he's stretched paper thin. He tries, but he's given himself over to too many obligations, for one reason or another. He's a wonderful person, but the one thing he will not be able to give you is time."

"But I do want to ask you: What do you really want? I can theorize and form conjecture all I want about it, but I'd rather have it straight from the source. You'd said earlier, 'I'm told I can't be given what I want or need' and that it doesn't make sense when you have no idea what you want or need, but when was the last time you sat down with yourself and thought deeply about everything you wanted and needed out of life, and the people in your life?"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"He said that. Said that he couldn't give me time, at least not the time I deserved to have from him or anyone." Zetha comments. She doesn't hold it against Thaarin. She listens further as Soren speaks, and what he says makes a lot of sense. "I never have. But then, until that fateful day when that Chadra Fan came into the junkyard...I didn't have a need to. I had the junkyard, and Wiis. Nothing else. Then suddenly I'm meeting people and getting caught up in a lot of things and it was chaotic. To go from nothing in my life to...a lot of things. A lot of people. I just...I haven't thought about it. I haven't thought to think about it."

Athena (159) has posed:
"And you may disagree with me, but well, I think he's right. At this point in your life, you're going to need to be given more time than the average individual requires, in order to feel like you're worth something. The trauma of being abandoned and raised by someone who isn't biologically related to you isn't a wound that's going to heal overnight."

"Anyway, better late than never, Zetha," he says gently and kindly. "In fact, I'm going to give you a bit of homework this week. I do want you to think about what you want out of life and out of these new relationships you're quickly forming. And then I want you to write it all down, to the best of your ability. And next time we meet, we'll discuss what you've written. Sound good?"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"I think he's right too..." Zetha admits and then she nods her head. Thaarin wasn't wrong. But she did wish they had a little time to work out whatever was causing them to butt heads. She wants his friendship. That much she's sure of.

When Soren talks about homework, she tilts her head, but then she gives a nod. "Alright. I can do that." She says, actually giving a smile that reaches her eyes for the first time in a while. "Yeah, that sounds good." Homework can likely keep her out of trouble too! (It won't)

Athena (159) has posed:
The doctor, stands, and nods. He takes out a piece of flimsiplast and scribbles some barely legible numbers and letters on it. "This is my personal frequency. I don't often give it out, but I want to be available for you, Zetha, if you ever need anything. If you need advice, or someone who will happily listen to you in silence, I'm happy to fill the role."

Then he opens the door for her and ushers her back out into the lobby. Just as she may be about to exit the hospital, he says to her. "You know, I've always wanted a daughter."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha takes the contact and nods her head. "Thank you." Is softly offered before she tucks the contact away in a pocket. Just as she's about to leave, when he says that last bit, she looks back at him for a brief moment. "Funny. I've always wanted a father." And then she rushes out the hospital before he can say anything else to her.

Athena (159) has posed:
Zetha might find time for the homework, or she might not. Between visiting Cayde and helping Wiis out in the junkyard, the young Twi'lek girl might not reserve a chunk of time to do what Dr. Cassias had assigned to her.

And then, out of nowhere, there was the incident with Cayde.

And now, she's back at the junkyard, hiding somewhere cold and lonely, and has maybe forgotten about the homework completely.

She might be crying herself to sleep again, or bemoaning her circumstances, when she hears the sound of a hydrospanner falling into hidden cargo space between the cabin floor and vessel hull...

Zetha Rumir has posed:
At least this time Zetha knows where that hidden cargo space is because this is the same ship carcass she and Thaarin had chosen to gut and make into a viable ship. So as she hears that clattering, with her heart threatening to beat out of her chest while her stomach drops too far down, she moves to climb into that hidden space. A flashlight being used - because she's put some tools into the ship itself too - to shine around and see who or what the culprit is.

Athena (159) has posed:
Well, she probably won't be surprised to find that Thaarin's here. He, however, is surprised to see her here, and drops the other tool he's holding in his hand - a wrench.

The young Twi'lek will have to leap out of the way in order to avoid getting bonked on the head by a heavy tool!

Zetha Rumir has posed:
It's a second to take in that it's Thaarin there with tools and another second to realize he was startled by her. Two seconds too late before that wrench conks her on the head. "Ow! Thaarin! What in the Dark Side's name are /you/ doing /here/?!" She asks this while moving a hand to rub at her head where the wrench hit her. She'll likely have a nice knot on her head in no time at all.

Athena (159) has posed:
"Zetha!" Thaarin says, "I'm so sorry, you startled me and I didn't see you."

He jumps down from the ladder he'd just been clinging to, and leans towards her to examine where the wrench had fallen and hit her head. His thumb brushes her lekku (accidentally?)

"Are you alright?"

"I.. the doctor said I needed more than just physical rest. He told me I wasn't allowed to come back to the colony until I'd done something I considered a past time." He averts his gaze. "You ... don't have to help me."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"That's a loaded question, all things considered.." Zetha answers and then lets out a laugh that comes with a slight shiver because those lekku are -sensitive!-. "But yeah. It's just a bump on the head. I've had worse working in the junkyard, believe me..."

As Thaarin explains that he's not allowed back to the colony until he'd done...some sort of hobby? She smiles a little. "So you chose my new home to work on? Fancy that." Then she flushes purple. "Hey. I promised to help you didn't I? It might be the one promise I can actually keep...and I wouldn't mind helping you." That before, "So long as you think you can stand being around me for longer than five minutes."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Well, no, I came here to work on the ship --" His expression suddenly becomes somewhat guilty. "I can help Wiis with the renovations in the morning," he suddenly promises.

But when she offers to help him, and keep her promise despite everything, his expression softens. "Zetha, thank you, really, you don't have to..." but he trails off. He seems pensive for a moment. "Look, I ... wasn't myself earlier, at the hospital. I want you to know I had no intention of hurting you, or making you feel less than in that moment. Please forgive me."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"No I mean..." Zetha trails off then. "I'm hiding here. In the ship. Working on the inside during the day and...sleeping here at night." She confesses for...whatever reason. New leaf perhaps?

"I know I don't have to. I want to. I mean, I was going to work on it myself just to do something and - like I said - keep at least ONE promise I've made in recent weeks." When he brings up the moment at the hospital, she shakes her head. "I understand. I do forgive you. I forgave you a long time ago. I'm sorry I snapped at you too, I mean, I didn't really help in that moment. It's just...you were right. We hadn't talked. But you've been busy, and I understand that. Anyway. It's forgiven. Okay? I just want us to be friends. I like your company. I like -you-. So. Yeah."

Athena (159) has posed:
He chuckles softly. "Oh?" he says softly, "and why's that?"

Then she apologizes, and says she still wants to work on the ship, along with a variety of other things. He doesn't say anything, but the way he's looking at her might change her mind about just wanting to be friends with him. His scarlet eyes, glowing in the dark, are burning with longing and desire. Like he wants to kiss her, right here, right now.

Perhaps she should look away.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"Another blow up with Cayde and Navi...being told I shouldn't overstay my welcome at the convent...not having really any place to go. Wiis...still doesn't really want me around. She blames it on the renovations but...I'm not sure..." Zetha offers. Then she looks at him, catching his gaze, her stomach flips. She actually does go to turn away. "So, anyway, I got some of the junk hauled out of the ship's interior...there's really just my sleeping bag and stuff..." Which then causes her to look back at him, like she's waiting for him to comment or say something. Anything.

Athena (159) has posed:
He doesn't, he's still just looking at her, the way a prince from those holobooks looks at his long lost love he hasn't seen in ten years.

Then he finally smiles faintly at her, and says, "Thank you. I certainly don't deserve to be treated this way. You've outdone yourself, Zetha."

Then he climbs the ladder again, and after tightening a few bolts up there, comes down with the rest of the tools he'd carried up there. Then he peels off the outer layer he's wearing, revealing the sleeveless shirt with a deep V neck he's wearing underneath. Then he runs a hand through his hair with a sigh. "How do you sleep in here? It feels like a desert wasteland in here..." He starts heading for the back of the ship. "I'm going to check the cargo hold. Care to come with?"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha would melt, but she doesn't. Her stomach flips, her heart pounds but then the moment passes and she can breathe again. "You really need to stop thinking like that. You deserve to be treated kindly and fairly. Just like anyone else." Then she smirks. "I mean if -I- can't think that way...you can't either." Then she grins and when he takes off that top layer she -really- has to try and look away.

"I grew up in the alleys of Kublop. I can handle here. It's not so bad when a cross breeze hits..." She follows him without question. "Sure."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Not after the way I hurt you," he says, "you would have been completely justified in nullifying your promise to me."

However, when they reach the cargo hold, Zetha might notice his expression has completely glazed over, like he's barely aware of what's going on around him. He suddenly leans on the bulkhead, unsteady, with a quiet grunt.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"We hurt each other. I'm not innocent in all of that, Thaarin. You and I both know it...so please...stop taking the full blame of it..." Zetha says while following him. Though when they reach the cargo hold and she sees what's happening to him, she rushes to his side. A gentle hand placed on his back. "Thaarin? Wh-what's wrong? Do you need to sit? Some water?" Then she tries to see if he'll let her guide him. "Come on. Let's get you sitting..."

Athena (159) has posed:
"..." he doesn't reply to her first comment, perhaps he hadn't even heard it. If he had, it hadn't registered.

He grips her arm gently when she places a hand on his back. "Ah.. forgive me. I haven't slept in over thirty six hours. I think ... do you think Wiis would mind if I stayed at the house?" He says, sounding utterly exhausted.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"She can forgive me later. Actually, seeing as it's you, she probably won't mind at all..." Zetha offers this and - keeping her hand on his back - she urges him to walk with her. "Come on. My room should still be in a liveable condition. Let's get you there and lying down. And if I have to konk YOU on the head with a wrench to get you to sleep...so help me...I will." She smirks as she says this.

Athena (159) has posed:
His hands close around hers briefly and he smiles faintly. "Thank you, Zetha. I'll make it back to the house myself. You're too kind. Please, don't waste your time on me. I've wasted enough of it already."

Then he kisses her hand softly and heads out of the vessel, disappearing into the dark before she can protest.

Oh, he'd left his shirt.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha lets him go. For the moment. It wouldn't take too long for someone to get to the house. But Thaarin is exhausted, so she's actually afraid he won't make it. Like he'll collapse in the dirt or - worse - trip on something. Then she remembers his shirt, so she goes back into the ship to gently pick it up and goes to follow him towards the house. She paces him, though. Mostly to make sure he doesn't collapse, gets to the house, into her room or wherever. Then she'll just hand him his shirt and go back to the ship.

At least that's the plan.

Athena (159) has posed:
All goes according to plan - mostly, anyway. She may try to give Thaarin his shirt back, but she'll find he'd collapsed on the couch (even though it's covered in towels, possibly dirty laundry and disposable dinnerware) and is already asleep by the time she arrives.

However, as she's making her way back to the ship, she'll hear another sound - it sounds like jetpack thrusters.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha will drape Thaarin's shirt over his upper body - you know - so Wiis doesn't wind up having a heart attack seeing a scantily clad man on the couch. She might still have a heartattack just because SOMEONE is on the couch.

That's a morning issue.

For now, as she's walking back, as she hears those jetpack thrusters, she rolls her eyes and looks up and around to find the source. "For kriff's sake...what now..." She's not a violent person - even threatening Thaarin was a bit dirty on her tongue - but she's got a good set of lungs. So if she needs to scream bloody murder for help. She will.

Athena (159) has posed:
And she'll find herself staring straight up into a pair of gleaming optics embedded in a garish mask made more terrifying by the moonlight.

Zealot.

He alights on the turf in front of her silently and raising his blaster, aims it point blank at her forehead.

"Make a sound," his modulated voice threatens, "I dare you."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha blinks, giving the tiniest of squeaks once that blaster is pointed at her head. Which she then shakes just a bit. She's pretty cooked at this point and not in a good way. "What do you want?"

Athena (159) has posed:
The marauder starts to pace, forcing Zetha to walk backwards if she doesn't want the blaster's muzzle to plow into her forehead. "You're certainly reaping the harvest of credits brought to you by the cortosis," he says.

"A bargain that -I- made peacefully possible. Yes, things have worked out favorably for you and Wiis, but can you say with confidence that they did for everyone involved?"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"For Wiis..." Zetha stammers out. "They worked out for Wiis...and the Mandalorians got the cortosis in the end. I...I don't know what else could have come from all that..." Cause the one from the republic was due to Cayde - so this guy had to be with the Mandalorians. "I have no idea what else you mean from this..."

Athena (159) has posed:
"For Wiis," the marauder scoffs. He presses the blaster muzzle into her forehead anyway. "All for -Wiis-. But what about the -deputy-? Was he not missing for days, and then only recently released from the hospital? Because of the mess -you- created?"

"You -fool-. They do -not- have it. I took it, and now it is somewhere no one can access. Do you not see? It was for nothing, for the cortosis found its way back into the hands of the one uncovered it."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Tears begin to stream down Zetha's cheeks as she begins to truly fear for her life in this moment. "I..I can't answer that..I...I never wanted him to get hurt..." She stammers out again. When he continues, she shakes her head again. "Th-that can't be true. It was given to that...that tall one...Doctor Cassias took it from Cayde and gave it to..." Oh gods is she not remembering things right? "Please...what do you want from me?"

Athena (159) has posed:
"But he did, didn't he," he says.

"Ask them yourself," the marauder says gruffly. "They gave it away, in a heartbeat. They played you, all of you. Because their petty feuds are all that matter to them in this galaxy."

"But I suppose I shouldn't blame you for being so foolish. You're naive, sheltered, and your skin is virgin, unscarred and unexposed to the atrocities outside of your tiny world on Tenoo." He finally removes the blaster from her forehead.

"The Force will have balance. And if you wish to do your part in bringing balance to it, you will fix this. The Mandalorians are a blight, plotting plans within plans. You know the one named 'Jasper', don't you? He is... a friend, to you?"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
When the blaster is removed from her forehead, Zetha takes another step back. The tears still come and she shakes her head over and over. "I don't know them. I was only there because Wiis had dragged me along. Then...things went crazy...and I..." All because of her.

All of it.

Her tiny world feels so so much smaller now, but when the marauder brings up Jasper, she shakes her head again. "An acquaintance. A mistake. Nothing more than that. He made an offer and I refused it which upset him. I...I don't even know where he is right now and frankly I don't want to know. I don't..." She can't fix this. Not alone. This is too big.

They played you. All of you. Those words will echo in her mind for some time.

Athena (159) has posed:
"You -will- know," The marauder threatens. "Because he's still here on Tenoo. And the only place anyone would be on Tenoo is in the colony, or in Kublop Springs."

"He is keeping secrets which I know are abominable. And he knows I desire to unearth his intentions and has taken measures to keep me from them. But you," he says.

"He would never expect for a spy to be one such as you. Youthful, pretty, ignorant... insecure."

"If you flatter him, tell him he means the world to you and beg him to show you the glory of all his achievements, he will let you into the inner laboratory."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha's eyes move to the blaster in the marauder's hand and then back to the marauder himself. The question on her mind is what happens if she refuses. But she's pretty sure a blaster shot will be what comes next. Still, she can't do this. Oh what a tangle of webs...

Still, she actually does ask, "And if I refuse to play a part in this?"

Athena (159) has posed:
His arm raises and yes, so does the blaster. But this one's different. It's not the twin pistols he'd been menacing her with earlier. No, this one's a sniper rifle. And he's aiming in the direction of the house, which is less than five hundred meters away. Wiis' window is open, as per usual. She'd always said she couldn't sleep without the cool night air coming in - their house had never had much in the way of air conditioning.

"Would you like to never see Wiis again?" he growls.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"Wait! No!" Zetha didn't even consider that option. She even takes a step forward and then squeaks. "Alright. Alright. I'll do it." She agrees because it's her only option in the moment. Finally...FINALLY...a moment of clarity comes to her mind. "You're the one from before. The one who came to the house...oh gods..." It all clicks in her head now as she realizes just how deep this rabbit hole goes. And how much shit she's truly in now.

Athena (159) has posed:
His finger starts to depress on the trigger of the sniper rifle and for a split second Zetha might find herself on the verge of actually melting. He wouldn't, would he??

And then he suddenly lowers the rifle. He then reaches into his pocket and takes out a tiny probe, barely wider the tip of her pinky finger. He hands it to her.

"This is for once you find your way into the inner laboratory. If you fail..." he trails off menacingly, and brandishes the sniper rifle again briefly before putting it away.

When she identifies him as the one who had come to the house prior, he leers at her. "Call me Zealot."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha finds her heart in her throat and her stomach dropping. Again. Yet for all the wrong reasons. When he lowers the rifle suddenly, there's relief to be felt but still, there's terror. Fear. Because from all she's heard about the marauders...

She takes the tiny probe and places it in one of the many pockets on her cargo pants. She'll find a safe place to put it later. "Right. Get into the inner laboratory, place the probe somewhere hidden, and get out...got it." She reiterates the plan, like she's fully committed to it. And when he gives that threat, she nods her head quickly.

"Noted." When he offers her name. She doesn't repeat it. She won't. She'll commit it to memory but that's all. For the time being.

Athena (159) has posed:
The marauder doesn't say anything. Instead, he just turns, activates his jetpack and flies away into the night, disappearing from view within seconds.

And to think, Wiis had probably been enjoying her evening tea in her bedroom, surfing the Holonet for town gossip. And Thaarin? He'd slept it through it all, apparently, the lights are still out in the living room and not a sound is coming from the house.

Zetha might take the next several minutes to decompress, or mourn the terrible mess she'd suddenly found herself in. Or, she might immediately head back to the vessel to find her mat, fall onto it, and sleep. Regardless, after those several minutes have passed, she'll find her commlink blinking. Someone's texting her again?

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha does turn to try and make it back to her mat, but she sure as anything isn't sleeping immediately. In fact, having half a mind to text someone. A certain doctor who wants a daughter, when she pulls out her commlink and finds it blinking she just cannot believe her night so far. If she wasn't going to sleep because of what just happened it seems like she's not going to be able to even -think- of sleeping now.

She opens her commlink to find out who is texting her this late and what they're saying...

Athena (159) has posed:
Well, she might be relieved there is one from the doctor, although the one from him seems to have been sent earlier, and for whatever reason she's only receiving it now.

<I heard you aren't at the convent anymore, due to an argument you had with Cayde? What happened? Please let me know if you need anything. I won't be in town for a while, but please come by the colony when you have time. I'd love to talk, and perhaps I can help sort things out between you two if you feel up to it by then>

The other one is from 'Crane'. She probably won't be surprised. Lately, it wasn't super unusual for him to message her in the middle of the night, while they were actually both at the convent. <hey i haven't seen you in a while? I was thinking we could go for a boat ride tomorrow if you want ^^ are u ok? uwu; miss you, and see you soon? <3>

Zetha Rumir has posed:
The colony. Yes. Zetha could go to the colony. Talk to Soren. Tell him everything. Bring more people into it. Get help. She CANNOT do this alone...and then she reads the message from 'Crane' and she actually smiles a little. Only a little though. She actually replies to 'Crane' first.

<I would like that, but it may have to wait. I need to go to the colony for a couple days. Talk to Doctor Cassias about something. I'll let you know when I'm back and we can plan something? I miss you, too. See you soon. <3 <3 ;) >

Once that one is sent, she'll then reply to the doctor. <Actually. You're timing cannot be more perfect. I will come to the colony tomorrow. Please set aside some time for me. I need to talk to you. About more than just what happened with Cayde. I'm in a lot of trouble. I need help. Let me know, but I'll be in the colony either way as soon as I can catch a train.>

Thank goodness she's got a pretty secure line. Tech savvy and all that.

Athena (159) has posed:
<;w; nooo =w= i rly wanted to go tomorrow morning?? how come you haven't been at the convent? are you gonna come back after those couple days? i rly miss you </3> He immediately messages back.

The doctor, naturally, doesn't reply back immediately, but he rarely ever messaged her late at night. Only 'Crane' seemed to be up at strange hours, but the other disciples at the convent had said he was very much a night owl.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha thinks about it for a long moment, and then she replies back to 'Crane'.

<Actually. What are the chances we can reach the colony by boat? I can explain when we're together. It's a long story. Or...maybe I can come to the convent tonight? I need some friendly company. If you're willing?>

She actually begins to pack her backpack -again-. Almost like she's living out of it now. But regardless of what 'Crane' may answer in reply, she thinks being at the convent is a lot better than the shuttle right now. Though, as she's walking, she'll pull out her commlink to leave a message for Thaarin.

<I need to go see Doctor Cassias but he's in the colony right now. So I'll be gone for a couple days. Don't kill yourself working on that ship. I'll be back to help on it soon. Hope you slept well!>

Athena (159) has posed:
<anything is possible ^^ come back to the convent pls :> > he replies back, within seconds.

She'll be able to rest assured Thaarin got it, as she's leaving the house and junkyard she'll see his commlink blink in the darkness of the living through the open window.

Wiis will notice her, finally. "Zetha? what the Kriff are you doing out there? And it's so late!"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"Thaarin almost passed out working on the ship...so I sent him to the living room to sleep on the couch. I need to go take care of some business. Love you!" Zetha calls back. It wasn't a -total- lie. Actually, it wasn't a lie at all. Just, you know, not the whole truth. Nothing from the beginning. "Sorry can't stay gotta go bye!"

And she -runs- from the junkyard. Knowing Wiis can't catch her if she runs and just wanting to make it to the convent before anything ELSE happens to her tonight.

Athena (159) has posed:
"Wha--Hey!" But Zetha's already gone before Wiis can properly catch up to her, or interrogate her.

She'll make it safely back to the convent, but when she approaches the room she'd been staying in, she'll notice the curtains hanging above the archway have been drawn.

Is someone in there, and if so, who? There is a tiny gap in between the curtains, so if she looks, she'll be able to peer in without being noticed if she's quiet...

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Well. The room -was- Crane's before he let her stay there. She is not a peeping tom however so she isn't going to try to peek behind the curtain. Instead, she'll move to one of the tables in that main area. Her commlink is blinking with the message from 'Crane'. So she'll just text him.

<Someone is in the room. I figure it may be you but not totally sure and I'm not peeking. I'm here though. Meet me in the front?>

Athena (159) has posed:
He.. doesn't respond?

Oh, wait. She'll notice that his commlink is actually sitting on the side table, right outside the room. Well, that's really helpful.

It makes a quiet beeping sound when her message is received.

Must have been 'Crane' in the room, because she'll hear some movement coming from inside.

Then, seconds later, he steps out to pick up the commlink, but he's not fully dressed. Well, at least he's only naked from the waist up.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Honestly, once she sees 'Crane', it's all over. She stands up and before he can likely even reach his commlink she's wrapping him in a hug. A tight hug. Like she doesn't want to let him go. She's shaking, new tears are falling, but she makes no sound. She just clings to him like 'Crane' is her entire tether to life right now.

Athena (159) has posed:
'Crane' is surprised, embarrassed, and shocked. He squirms in her embrace, clearly uncomfortable.

Zetha might notice a few things while hugging him shirtless. First of all, he seems oddly wiry and muscular for being just a Disciple. Second, he's injured. There's a bandage on his upper arm.

"Zetha! I ... didn't know you'd be back so soon. Please," he begs. "Let me get dressed?"

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha steps back pretty quickly and swipes away the tears that are still falling. "Sorry. I'm so sorry. Yes. Please...go..I..." Then she forces a smile. It does not reach her eyes. At all. She sees his bandaged arm though, and while about to ask, he wants to get dressed. "I'll just...go sit back down..."

Athena (159) has posed:
His expression changes from one of extreme discomfort, to one of compassion.

"It's okay," he says softly, wiping her tears away with his thumb. Then he pulls the curtain back. "You can come in," he says, holding it open for her to go inside first.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Despite the fact that she probably shouldn't. Zetha does. She looks around the room, the place she temporarily called home, and goes to the corner she slept in a couple of times. "Don't worry. I won't look while you dress..." She offers. "Thank you. By the way..." Facing the wall the whole time so he can change.

Athena (159) has posed:
Well, at least it doesn't take him very long to dress.

Not even a few seconds later, she'll feel him come up behind her and wrap his arms around her waist gently while resting his head on her shoulders. "Modesty is important to me," he says, "Thank you for giving me privacy."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"Of course...I'm sorry I ambushed you..." She says this much while letting her arms shift to rest over his own. "I'm also sorry I left the convent without word. Things were starting to get messy again and I...well I thought about what some people said about how I shouldn't overstay my welcome...and I got into it a bit with Cayde the other day. I just...I ran. Not that it helped much. Kriffs sake, I'm really in it deep now..."

Athena (159) has posed:
If he's made uncomfortable by her touching his arms like that, he doesn't show it. "That's okay," he says simply. "You're not overstaying, and anyone who doesn't reside at the convent shouldn't get to have a say in whether you are, or not," he says. "After all, if they aren't a Disciple or Guardian, who are they to be dictating who should stay how long and who shouldn't?"

He releases her suddenly, and goes over to the hammock. "I was thinking," he says, climbing into it, "that since you aren't using the hammock, I could stay in here tonight. If that's alright with you," he adds.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"I wish I could believe you." Zetha says softly. Then when he suddenly pulls from her and goes to the hammock she turns to face him. "Oh. Yeah. Of course. I mean...I could go...sleep...somewhere." Which may make him feel like he needs to give up the hammock now. "I mean, to give you privacy and stuff. I...we can talk tomorrow. On the boat. We can take the boat to the colony right?" She's still shaking, that's not going to go away anytime soon. If she could just catch a train now....but then she wouldn't have a place to stay in the colony. Not without possibly waking Navi up.

"Or I could just go back to the junkyard. I...I don't need to be inconveniencing you right now..."

Athena (159) has posed:
"You wish?" he says. "Why wish, when you could just believe it right now, because I'm telling you?"

When she starts saying that she could go sleep somewhere, he actually laughs. She may realize she'd never heard him laugh before, and it's pleasant, and comforting. "No," he says, "why are you saying that? You're being ridiculous. You said you wanted company, so that's why I suggested I could sleep here, in the hammock tonight. With you." He smiles.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
She is being ridiculous. And stupid. And so many other things. Because all of this. Her being here. Her ever leaving the junkyard. It's her fault.

All of it.

At some point she just finds herself on the ground, knees pulled up to her chest, her head in her lap. She doesn't say anything else. She's too tired, too scared, too everything. Her body shakes, but she still makes no sound. Like she can't make a sound. Making a sound means a blaster shot to the head. So silent sobs it is.

Athena (159) has posed:
'Crane' seems rather confused at her meltdown. He doesn't say anything for a moment, but after several seconds he climbs out of the hammock and comes over to Zetha's side. He takes her hand, and will haul her to her feet, if she lets him.

"How about this," he says, "you can sleep in the hammock tonight, and I'll sleep over there," he says, nodding at the sleeping corner she'd set up prior. "Where you normally sleep." A pause. "I'm sure you'll like it. It's a lot more comfortable. You'll get better rest, and my company as well."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha doesn't let him haul her up. He does succeed in taking her hand. She listens to his compromise and shakes her head. "No." She chokes out on sobs. "I-I've slept in worse. Just...just let me lay here. I can't..." She can't move. She doesn't want to move anymore. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry..."

Athena (159) has posed:
'Crane' frowns. He seems even more confused.

"For... what?" he says utterly befuddled. He sits down next to her for a few minutes, watching her sob and not knowing what to do about it. "I don't think this is good for you," he finally announces, and then attempts to pick her up, bridal style, and put her in the hammock.

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha doesn't fight him picking her up, or laying her in the hammock. Then it all comes out. About the fight with Cayde, again, outside the hospital. About what happened tonight. From Thaarin working on the ship in the junkyard that she had ran to hide in. To him almost passing out so he went inside the house to sleep. The marauder. How Zealot wants her to seduce some Mandalorian to get inside this laboratory and plant a probe inside it. She doesn't want to do it. But he threatened her. With a blaster. And Wiis with a sniper rifle. It all just pours out...because Zetha's too mentally drained, emotionally damaged, and tired of everything to hold it all in.

"That's why I need to see Doctor Cassias tomorrow. To tell him this, and the other stuff about Cayde. And some other things... I'm just...I'm so sorry...."

Athena (159) has posed:
Unfortunately, Zetha's a bit heavier than he'd anticipated, and the hammock seems to have a mind of its own. When he tries to properly deposit her, it swings, and he ends up nosediving into the hammock right next to her. Now they're closer than they'd ever been, physically, and he seems embarrassed. Perhaps too embarrassed to hear everything she's saying, but when she's finished saying it all, he at least nods.

"Okay," he tells her, wincing slightly and rubbing the arm she'd seen a bandage on prior. "That seems like a good idea. But why are you saying sorry? I can't figure out what it is you think you've done to me that requires an apology."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
"Not just to you...to everyone... but..I..." Zetha takes a breath. "I like you. I really like you. So to even agree to go manipulate someone else's feelings...I feel like I betrayed you. And none of this would have happened if I never left the junkyard." Zetha says this only to then realize they're in the hammock together and she is quick to roll out of it and onto the floor because he's a modest guy.

"...I just want sleep..." She says as she awkwardly and pathetically crawls back to her corner space. She's cried herself to sleep plenty of times in this little makeshift corner that she only now realizes is still done up. Like he didn't change it on purpose. "Why did I ever think I was a good person..."

Athena (159) has posed:
"You didn't," he says. "and if you'd never left the junkyard, you would have never known me like you know me now. And I wouldn't have liked that," he says softly. "Because I like you, too."

"Then sleep," he says, leaping out of the hammock and coming over to her little sleep corner. He then picks up the covers that had been thrown aside and puts them over Zetha, tucking her in. Zetha might not even remember the last time that had happened - Wiis had stopped doing that to her years ago. "Because you want to be one," he says, "and that's good. You will be one day, if you keep wanting to and trying to be one."

Zetha Rumir has posed:
Zetha will ask about the bandage on his arm tomorrow. She'll talk about other things tomorrow. Tonight, she prays the room isn't somehow bugged, or that someone didn't overhear her. As 'Crane' tucks her in, she actually curls up a bit more but seems to - somehow - relax a little in that position? She'll see Soren. Talk. Ask for help. For now? She's going to try and sleep.