Old Volken

Old Volken
Date of Scene:	02 May 2025
Location:	Sundari - Mandalore
Synopsis:	Volken and Ellari have conversations with various people.
Cast of Characters:	Ellari Zin, Volken Mons, 159

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Ellari Zin has posed:
    As Ellari approaches the chapel where holos are being taken, it seems the ceremony is about to begin. But Volken appears to have some important things to tell her.

    She glances about furtively, her gaze passing over the announcer who had just alerted them to the approaching event and lowers her voice. "Make it quick then," she hisses, then starts pretending to head toward the refreshers for a quick one before the proceedings begin.

Volken Mons has posed:
"I'm in the wedding party. I can't exactly disappear or be gone long...."

Volken's helmet is off as well, cuppedd against his flank as he reaches for a drink and then rumbles under his breath, "..I talked to one of the twins. I thought i twas Caine because of how he reacted when he saw you but....Er'gi said some things that made me think it might have been Kass. EIther way...he told me that -Jorn- was the one that hired him to steal the Dark Saber for him..."

He quites abit but then adds, "It sounds ridiculous but a lie that ridiculous might have some truth in it somewhere even if it's twisted. Did you reach Master Volk?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari nods. "Yes, he has an appointment to speak with Jorn tonight. I will be sure to check up on that later."

    She scoffs slightly. "For what? So that he could become the most wanted man on Mandalore?" A pause. "Well, do you believe it?"

Volken Mons has posed:
"That's why I don't believe it.." rumbles Volken after he takes a drink, "...Because he said it was so that he could win Revara over,prove himself valuable enough to marry her. Except if that was the case he'd have gone right t Revara and her mother with the Dark Saber by now... So unless this is some oddball long-con game that Jorn is playing....then it stands to reason Kass, or whoever, is lying. So the question is, why create a lie like that?"

After a pause he then adds, "....Are you certain JOrn'll be able to get Master Volk on our side? Maybe it should have been you to talk to him. It was your idea..."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Volk wanted to speak with Jorn." Ellari tells him, but I could chime in if needed.

    "Hmph. As if it wasn't already clear that Revara is obsessed with him. Tch, I would have thought they'd come up with a better lie than -that-. As it is, it just incriminates them further. You didn't happen to record him saying that, did you?"

Volken Mons has posed:
Ugh.

"...No... I was taken aback I didn't even think to activate any sort of recording device. Damn. The whole thing goes back to Lady SOlstice. He doesn't want her getting her hands on the Dark Saber but that seems to be what this is pointing to.. I could try and talk to him again, tell him I believe him and will help him but now I don't know.. Er'gi was there though, right behind me and listening in so I have a witness at least."

After a pause, Volken considers things and then asks, "..Is it possible that...he -did- think he was hired by Jorn? Why would he make up such a flimsy lie if he couldn't back it up? He'd know we'd investigate... What if he really believed he was hired by Jorn?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "It doesn't matter what he believes." Ellari points out. "We know it isn't true, and that he was telling you because he wants you to think that. And why does he want you to think that? Because he's guilty. If he wasn't, he wouldn't feel the need to deflect, don't you think?"

    "Hm, yes perhaps if you say you believe him, he will trust you."

Volken Mons has posed:
"But it -does- matter.." says Volken, voice growing testy, "Think about it. If Kass really believes he was hired by Jorn and Jorn -didn't- do it that means someone out there is impersonating him and doing so well enough to cause this sort of confusion. It's something we have to keep in mind. A changeling or something else coul be in the middle of this nonsense. Working to set us all against eac other.."

He quiets and then says, "I'm just specualting but it's such an odd lie. He could be telling his version of 'the truth'..."

After another pause he rumbles, "Er'gi said he could tell Kass was afraid of me. Caine definently wasn't. Caine was ready to fight me no matter the risk to get his way.... The twin I chased after the attack at the Bastilla was terrified I'd catch him so that must have been Kass.... I could try talking to him again but I can't tell them apart and they're wearing identical clothes. Can you tell?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari rolls her eyes. "How many possibilities are there, do you think hm? A changeling wants to set us against each other then? But for what purpose? Mandalorians have always squabbled. This isn't even anything that new. Did he tell you why he thinks that? Does he actually have any real evidence other than his own musings?" She shakes her head.

    "I can't tell them apart either. Although I am sure Master Volk or any of their ilk easily could."

Volken Mons has posed:
"What I'm saying is that Kass, or whichever twin that was, swears that it was Jorn who hired him to steal the Dark Saber for him. That he saw and spoke with Jorn and the two had a transaction concerning it. A changleling plant would explain that and maybe not for their own purposes but maybe working for someone else. Lady Solstice. Someone who wants more then just a little squabble. Isn't that what you think? If all this is...is just a squabble then why be involved? Let them sort it out among themselves and kill each other over it.."

Volken narrows his eyes but then adds, "But you think it's building up to much more then that,dont' you?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari shrugs. "I don't know, maybe it is, maybe it's not." She scoffs. "Well fine, perhaps he isn't lying, if that's the case, then they're -all- guilty of violating our most sacred traditions. What does he think this will gain him anyway? A lesser sentence? Pff."

Volken Mons has posed:
"Well that's why your insane plan to involve the sorcererous jedi might be our only saving grace here...." grumbles Volken, "If they can somehow retrieve the footage then we can see for certain who planted the saber but if it turns out to be Kass and he was telling the truth that he spoke to someone who was impersonating Jorn - we still have to find proof that Jorn himself is innocent or we're not actually accomplishing anything. It was easier before, don't you see? We thought that it was siply a matter of someone planting the saber on Jorn's ship but the reality is that somehow who was pretending to be Jorn might very well have kicked this all off.."

Volken takes another drink, seemingly trying to speed run getting drunk -before- the wedding...

"So unless we can actually sus that out we're still stuck in place. That's why we need some credence to the possiblity someone is impersonating Jorn. If Kass is outed in public he'll just claim Jorn hired him and since it was onJorn's ship...."

Volken shakes his head, frowning.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "I doubt he will do that." Ell replies. "As that would incriminate himself as much as it would Jorn. Otherwise, if it was true he would've just come out and said it from the start."

    "Hmph. Yes, my 'insane plan'. Desperate times, desperate measures, I suppose. The footage may not even be needed, if they can force one of them to confess the truth. I have heard...they are capable of such things." she reiterates. "I couldn't be sure if it was really true, but from even your own experiences, perhaps it is. You yourself said one of them...ah, what was it? You felt him in your head."

Volken Mons has posed:
"How is it that so many of us have not had experience with these Jedi but I have? Yes. I said that. it's not pleasent and it's not exactly something that is a visible easily recorded thing. They'd have to trust the Jedi and the use of their powers, be willing to accept it and not believe they were forced into saying something against their will that they wouldn't say. That's not to mention the concern about The Republic trying to influence things."

Volken shakes his head and waves a hand dismissively, "It's not a good idea to expect the use of their powers is going to be accepted by the public at large here. If anything that will make matters worse. Their involvement can't become known."

Athena (159) has posed:
Volken and Ellari might be about to continue their conversation about what is to be done about Jorn, the twins, and the Dark Saber, but then a bell tolls. The ceremony is about to begin, and they both need to line up right outside the doors of the chapel in the order they'd been instructed to stand in.

The ceremony is beginning in earnest, now...

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Exactly." Ellari replies, nodding. "If it comes that, we will have to be careful to conceal their involvement." she frowns pensively as she starts to head up toward the doors where they are supposed to be stand in line. She lowers her voice to a whisper. "What was it... like? Unpleasant, yes, but could it be done clandestinely do you think? Did it cause any...unnatural outward reaction?"

Volken Mons has posed:
"I'm not sure.... It was with the boy who lacked self control and also had unusual strength from what I was told. He was able to call up old memories and also get me to...have my thoughts and intentions changed and influenced. IT's hard to explain. But either way they have the ability to enter minds and alter thoughts, among other gifts.... Plus move things with their thoughts.."

He frowns and begins to move away from Ellari. IT seems that theyv'e run out of time.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Well now that could certainly be useful..." Ellari remarks, arching a brow at that description. However, she quiets once they have both taken their places.

Athena (159) has posed:
Indeed, they needed to quiet down - the other bridal party members are giving them dirty looks.

Farther down the line, they can see both Kass and Caine standing next to one another.

Soon, the music starts to play and they're headed inside - it works out that Ellari goes in on Volken's arm.

The ceremony itself is lovely but short - traditionally, it was the reception part of the wedding that lasted hours and sometimes into the next morning.

Volken Mons has posed:
It's certainly not what he planned for or expected but here we are. Maybe next time they won't spend so much time gossiping in the back away from everyone. But he's had enough drinks at this point so he gets through it.

And surprisingly, nothing terrible or shocking seems to hapen during the wedding. Yet. Volken can scarcely believe it.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari carries through with the ceremony, glancing over at the twins every so often. Surprisingly, nothing unexpected seems to happen. Of course, if anything, it's the reception that's guaranteed to involve some...violence.

Athena (159) has posed:
Well, given that the ceremony is only thirty minutes, neither Volken or Ellari can be too relieved.

In fact, Volken will find himself immediately approached by Lady Solstice after the ceremony. She smiles politely. "Mons," she says politely. "I'm sorry we didn't get to talk much earlier. My son is grateful you could make it to his wedding. I hear you two have been spending quite a bit of time together, recently."

Meanwhile, Varen will have found his way back to Ellari's side, and is now attempting to hold her hand. But Ellari might have other plans, as the twins are cornered in the ballroom, waiting with the rest of the guests for the buffet line to open while the bride and groom take more holographs.

Volken Mons has posed:
Volken is near enough to Ellari that as Varen approaches her, he turns his head to see him and watches him with intent curiousity.

But Lady Solstice soon intervenes and the huge man swivels his gaze to look down at the noble woman and truly study her now.

"...I....uh...apologize for having to leave your home so quickly. It was nice. Good baths. Good tea. But yes, I've been spending time with THaelin. He's an honorable and strong, Especially considering what he's been through."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari actually does allow Varen to hold her hand, at least for a moment. "So Varen, you must tell me about how you taught yourself how to slice, hm? Perhaps you could show me, it is a valuable skill don't you think?"

Athena (159) has posed:
Lady Solistice smiles, but its an unsettling expression. "Oh, that's quite alright. But you did leave me none the wiser when you left so abruptly and unannounced. If you don't mind me asking, what had you rushing off so early?" She watches Volken hawkishly, examining him carefully - it's obvious she anticipates he'll lie, and hopes to glean at least a little truth from his body language.

Varen seems shocked. "My ... lady," he says, "right now? It's.. it's hardly the time for that..."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Oh I didn't say right now, but perhaps once we've settled in to the meal." Ellari suggests. But then she arches a brow at him. "Are you scared of something? A lack of confidence isn't something any Mandalorian should have on display."

Volken Mons has posed:
Unfortunantely - Volken is something of a scoundrel himself. A lout. A brute..and sass is second nature to him. The act of being a himbo is an art unto itself and so he simply says matter of factly:

"Oh, I had to meet some friends and check on 'em. That whole mess back at the Bastille you know? Plus brawling in the streets and trying to throw one vod at another as a improvised weapon. Your place was nice, good lady, but abit -too- nice for me if you know what I mean? Sometimes bein' comfortable is uncomfortable. So I took my leave. I didn't want to bother you anymore then necessary considerin' what was going on. I'm sure you were concerned about Thaelin's father...after all..."

Athena (159) has posed:
"No, no of course not," Varen says hastily. "However, the thought of trying such a thing during wedding reception... they'd pin me to the board for a credit duel against the groom," he says uncomfortably. "We could look into it afterwards," he says, "you know they've had the entire night planned out, as per usual."

Lady Solistice chuckles. "Friends?" she gestures for Volken to walk with her as she makes he way towards the buffet line. "Thaelin says you're not quite the social sort and haven't been back to Mandalore in years. I'm curious who you might have ties to." She does not comment about Thaelin's father, or Volken disliking comfort.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Well that sounds exciting, if anything." Ellari replies with a smirk.

    After a pause, however, she lowers her voice. "Truth be told, Varen...your story is doubtful. You must prove to me that you aren't just bluffing in an effort to get me in bed with you. This is a rather sensitive matter, and I'm not about to involve anyone who can't actually help."

Volken Mons has posed:
Volken has no intention of making this easy for her. If she thinks him an easily manipulated buffoon...well she'll have to work for it.

"Thaelin's my friend." he says smoothly and evenly but with a big grin, "...And I think I've become popular amongst the ladies for 'reasons'..."

He lets that linger in the air, stopping himself short of getting vulgar as he's got some common sense....if only a little.

"I'm not much for small talk on subjects that aren't my interest... So...I suppose that means I can come across as a little anti-social. Plus I seemed to have ruffled some feathers during the scrimmage on account of me being ..me...so I'm not surprised there's been talk about me. What else have you heard?"

Athena (159) has posed:
"I'm not --!" he immediately protests. But then she mentions him taking her home tonight, and he immediately trails off. "I won't disappoint you, Lady Zin..." he says, blushing.


Lady Solstice looks bored for a brief second, then shrugs. "Mm, yes, that's not news." Whether she's talking about being friends with Thaelin or being popular with the ladies, isn't clear. "But I personally wouldn't brag until you've found yourself popular among both genders." She gives him another artfully disdainful yet polite, smile. "I see. Well, I'm sure you've heard by now that people are speculating about your involvement regarding Jorn's disappearance." She pauses. "And what do you make of those rumors?"

Volken Mons has posed:
The giant seems non-plussed at the attempted burn or look of boredom. His interests are where they are after all and if anything he hopes she gets bored enough with him to let him get back to the business of the reception -- but she seems to want to continue the line of questioning and then...she becomes much more direct.

IF anything...he seems more pleased abou tthis as he rumbles, honestly, "I hadn't heard. Why would htey think I have anything to do with Jorn? He maimed my friend. Your son. What -exactly- are these rumors saying?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "'I won't disappoint you' is hardly what one would call proof, now is it? Anyway, what I've said still stands. You must prove to me that you have the skills you've claimed to have. Or else we go our separate ways once this party is over." she tells him. "Understood?"

Athena (159) has posed:
"Well," she says, stirring her drink calmly as they move forward in the buffet line, "there was a strange coincidence regarding a fallen building, your disappearance, and Jorn's disappearance all happening at around the same time." Then she shrugs. "How should I know? You've haven't made any of your intentions clear, nor can I rule out the possibility that you wish to use Jorn to get revenge upon my daughter. Keep your vod close, and your aru'e closer. If you sever ties with Jorn now, your chances of being nearby when she's alone and vulnerable goes down significantly, now that I'm back in the picture." She smirks. "I'm no fool, Volken, and I know you aren't either, though you certainly like to play the part of your looks. I can be your ally, or you can alienate me find yourself in a much more difficult position to protect your friends."

"I can do it!" Varen whispers urgently. "But we need a plan. We can't just disappear suddenly so I can start slicing a broken surveillance cam discreetly without anyone noticing... "

Volken Mons has posed:
Volken is quiet... looking at her long.

Then he smiles slowly. It's not pleasent looking now as his eyes narrow and a bit of the 'Old Volken' rears his head once again.

""No offense meant to you Lady Solstice gut that is a load of Bantha poodoo and a reach if I ever heard one. I've no interest in any sort of revenge on your daughter. She doesn't interest me at all anymore. SPeaking of 'old news' it is 'old news' what she tried to to to me at the scrimmage and I made my feeing son her clear after that and then after that shrugged off any interest in doing anything to her... ANd I've had a few opportunities to. My intentions should be clear. I was asked by the Duke to be in THaelin's wedding party and your son has been kinder and truer to me then anyone else here since I've come..."

He gestures at the reception, indicating Thaelin, "So I will continue to support him as he supported me. If you are no fool Lady SOlstice, as you say, then you should make me a better offer then the one you're making now.. I"ve got one of the richest fmailies in Canto Bight ready to keep me rich and employed if I want..."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Sure we can, especially once everyone else is drunk enough." Ellari points out. "Which is why I suggested we wait until everyone has settled into the party. That is, assuming you have enough discipline to abstain yourself?"

Athena (159) has posed:
The Lady arches a brow at him, non plussed. "You... shrugged off any interest in revenge? You'll have to pardon my skepticism, from what I've heard on the holonews and those who have been in Sundari for the past couple of weeks, you don't exactly have an excellent track record of doing just that." She shakes her head. "I'm not asking for any personal favors, Volken. I mean no harm to Jorn, and I swear it upon the Dark Saber itself. If the rumors are to be believed, then you would do you and your own a favor by accepting my help. Think about it." Then, after helping herself to a few items at the buffet, she is led away by another rich Mandalorian bureaucrat.

Varen looks uncertain. "Fine," he says, "but don't let down your guard simply because they're drunk. I'm certain -some- will notice. Now if you'll excuse me for a moment..." And then he suddenly gets up and heads for the refreshers.