The Suspect's Family

The Suspect's Family
Date of Scene:	15 June 2025
Location:
Synopsis:	The group looks for Hedicole and Weniscio, and instead run into the Chadra Fan's family during dinner.
Cast of Characters:	159, Cayde Alexis, Pike Windu, Navi

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Athena (159) has posed:
A few days have passed since Weniscio's failed interrogation, and one thing that will be made abundantly clear to the group is how absent Hedicole has been. Vons had reported that he'd convinced the Chadra Fan to return to Tenoo, but no one would have seen him since.

Yet, there was evidence that he'd come back -- his family is still here, and it had been reported by the dining hall staff they'd attempted to take extra portions for him. They couldn't allow this - in the time that they'd been gone on Ilum, a new rations policy had been implemented. No one could take more than their own share, and if they could not report in for meal times, they'd have to let the kitchen staff know at least thirty minutes in advance. This was because many of the colonists had been caught hoarding food, resulting in internal conflict over limited rations.

Because of Hedicole's avoidance of them, their attempts to jointly interrogate both the Dug and the Chadra Fan have been foiled multiple times over the past seventy two hours.

The new plan was to start vigilantly policing the dining hall as much as possible - the Chadra Fan would have to visit the kitchen at some point to receive food, eventually.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Joint interrogation, policing the dining hall...Cayde is beginning to think maybe it would be better to just take a trip into Weniscio's head, whether he likes it or not. After all this concerned a very important matter...

Pike Windu has posed:
    Pike is using his surveillance time productively by having a light meal: coffee and pastry.

Athena (159) has posed:
Unfortunately, the Dug has utilized a different method to make himself scarce - mingling with crowds, and then disappearing at the right time. This will make it rather difficult to hunt him down, or get a clear read on his thoughts.

Consequently, dinnertime is approaching, and an impatient and hungry group of colonists have gathered outside the dining hall, waiting for the buffet to open. Naturally, the drink and snack station is open, which is where the Zeltron private investigator will catch Pike having refreshments. "Really?" he remarks sardonically at the elderly Master Jedi. "Why do the Jedi always act like nothing is ever a big deal, even if someone gets their arm cut off or something?" Pike may find the insult hypocritical - the Zeltron man is carrying a half drank can of some kind of energy drink.

He looks around, frowning. "Where's the kid? Shouldn't Rykard have him on a psychic leash, or something?"

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Well, he has to sleep at some point. And eat, of course. Given the new food rationing policies, he either has to show up, or have previously made some other arrangement.

    Cayde is waiting in a back corner of the dining hall, searching for either Hedicole or Weniscio's mental presence.

Pike Windu has posed:
    "I'm hungry," Pike replies with total nonchalance. The Jedi Master takes another bite and chews noisily to emphasize the point. Then he drains his coffee to wash it down.

Athena (159) has posed:
Cayde won't be able to detect Hedicole. He must not have been here -- yet. Or he plans to show up later, after everyone's left.

The Dug, however, Cayde might not even need the Force to find him - he's outside with the rest of the colonists - thought he's making a point to stand behind a really tall Gloovan.

Vons will spot him briefly. He'll grab Pike's arm while he's in the middle of draining his caf, perhaps causing him to spill. "There's our guy..." he whispers, pointing discreetly.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde approaches the Dug. Standing behind that Gloovan doesn't really do Weniscio much good, it seems. The young Jedi doesn't try to sneak up on him or anything, but just taps him lightly on the shoulder in the case that he doesn't see him immediately.

Pike Windu has posed:
    "Patience, friend." If Pike is annoyed by the wet spot on his great coat, it doesn't show. "Let events take their course,"

Athena (159) has posed:
"Tell that to me while someone's actively dying," The private investigator grumbles, attempting to push the elderly Jedi along. "Heads up, the kid is already in over his head, literally. We should probably keep an eye on him before he scares the Dug off--"

The Dug doesn't seem pleased to see the young padawan. "Not -you- again!" he cries, and suddenly disappears around the corner.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde reaches into the Force, attempting to slow Weniscio's movement and enter his mind. Not to go digging yet, but to remind the Dug man of the fact that he knows what was said earlier was a lie or not the full truth and that the truth was going to come out one way or another...freely given, or taken.

    Oh, and...listen, he tried to be nice, all right? That, he did try.

Pike Windu has posed:
    "Yes, the padawan has forced our hand. Now we must trust in the Force." Pike reaches out with the Force while slipping another flaky, buttery pastry into a pocket.

Athena (159) has posed:
Weniscio screams audibly, tripping. "Nooo!!" He doubles over and collapses, curling up into a ball. "He's --he's hurting me...someone help... please..."

This attracts unwanted attention, although it will be glaringly obvious to Cayde that it's an act, Cayde is not actually hurting him. But several of the colonists are coming over now, to investigate the now whimpering Dug who is hugging himself as if being subjected to some kind of unseen torture. They seem worried and frightened. One of them says to Cayde, "Is this really necessary?"

Someone else murmurs, "this seems cruel and unusual...."

By the time Vons and Pike arrive, a small crowd has gathered, and among those present is Thaarin. "Oh, great," Vons mutters. But when Windu arrives on the scene, the Dug calms considerably. "I don't want that kid anywhere near me," he mumbles. "The other guy is fine. He's fine. He's a doctor, right?"

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde doesn't notice any murmuring. When someone asks him if it's necessary, he only seems vaguely aware, and just shrugs in response as he doesn't know what they're talking about.

    Since he has given Weniscio one last chance to cooperate, he then proceeds to attempt to extract the truth about Dresda's death from him. At least everything he knows. No, he hasn't hurt the Dug yet, but should he continue to fight...then it might hurt...

Pike Windu has posed:
    "Yes, a healer. Why don't we go inside, calmly, and talk over your meal. No one will harm you. I am Master Pike Windu. You have my word."

Athena (159) has posed:
The Dug does actively try to resist, but Cayde will find himself getting interrupted again, this time a bit more prominently. It's Thaarin, shaking his shoulder gently. "Cayde," he says, softly, "why don't you let Pike and Vons take over with Weniscio? I've found Hedicole's family, they might have useful information to share about him, or where he is right now."

Vons expression sours, and he mutters, "... since when were you in charge," he grumbles.

Thaarin is about to comment, but at that moment, Master Rykard appears, glancing around at the uneasy crowd. "I think that makes sense," he says, "come, Cayde, we'll speak with the Chadra Fan's wife and children."

Wensicio looks up at Windu, uneasily. "I don't wanna go inside," he whines. "I don't wanna go inside. Can we stay outside?"

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    [...yes Master] Cayde signs, although he suddenly looks dejected for some reason. Disappointed in himself, maybe. Speaking to Hedicole's family is something other people would also be far better at than him...

Pike Windu has posed:
    "If you will speak to Von and me outside, certainly." Pike attempts to produce an aura of trust.

Athena (159) has posed:
"Don't be upset," Thaarin says softly, patting Cayde on the shoulder gently after they've gone away from the crowd outside. "I believe it's mostly a misunderstanding that can't be easily remediated."

Rykard nods. "Weniscio's behavior is .... troubling. We cannot prove to the colonists that you were in fact, not harming him at all. It would be his word against yours, and in cases like this, often the onlookers side with the victim, not the supposed attacker. It is an unfair and manipulative tactic, and you must be careful around him, Cayde."

Windu's projected aura of trust only seems to calm the Dug minimally. "Fine," the Dug says, "fine. But I don't wanna do it here. I wanna.... I wanna go out by the lake," he says, "I'll... I'll feel better there."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde nods and follows them, although his expression remains downcast.

Pike Windu has posed:
    Pike shoots a wary look at Von, but smiles at the Dug. "Of course, wherever you will comfortable talking freely."

Athena (159) has posed:
"You didn't do anything wrong," Thaarin says softly, hugging the young padawan briefly before they head inside the dining hall. "And I'm sure you'll fare better talking to the Chadra Fan family."

"N-" Vons opens his mouth to protest. "What is with you guys and just taking control of a situation without consulting allied parties?" he grumble whispers, grabbing Pike by his cloak and pulling him aside. "Listen, if we take him out there, as soon as visibility gets bad, he's gonna scram...!"

Weniscio groans. "I can hear you, stupid!"

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Better than him and Rykard, though? Probably not. So what use was it?

    [I know] he signs, after Thaarin says he didn't do anything wrong. But that's all the response the young officer will get.

Pike Windu has posed:
    Pike sage nods at Von's concern. The Jedi Master looks at the Dug. "Will you submit to being cuffed to me?"

Athena (159) has posed:
Thaarin frowns slightly, looking mildly concerned. "We could try looking for the nesting grounds of those birds again after this, if you like," he says to Cayde. "Would that make you feel better?"

Cayde might not get the chance to respond, though, as they're entering the dining hall now, and the buffet has opened, allowing the hungry colonists to swarm in and form a bustling crowd.

"Ah--" The Dug opens his mouth to protest, but Vons, somehow, had a pair of cuffs on him this entire time and has already secured him to Pike's wrist before he can say a single word. "You still wanna go to the lake, or nah?" He says, a bit threateningly.

The Dug whimpers. "I... I guess.."

Navi has posed:
By chance, or perhaps the Force, Navi was in line for the evening meal when Wenisicio had fled Cayde, and had arrived only moments before the Dug had started wailing about being hurt by Cayde. Unable to intervene immediately due to the crowd, she'd watched the incident play out. It's only when Master Windu and Vons take charge of the Dug that she is able to free herself from the crowd and join them.

But she hadn't been idle when Wenisicio had been throwing his threadbare 'security brutality!'-style fit. She'd probed into his thoughts. It was a hasty effort (hindered by the Dug's thick skull, no doubt), but it was enough to glean that he was faking any injury from Cayde's telepathic sifting. And that he was afraid, although it was less clear as to just what he was afraid of. It's not like he hasn't already committed at least one crime, proof or no proof.

She jogs after Master Windu and Vons, smirking briefly as Vons cuffs Pike and Wenisicio together. "You know, if you wear dura-alloy foil on your head, it will shield you from telepathic probes," she suggests to the Dug. "Just make sure to wear it with the shiny side out."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    [I am fine] Cayde tells Thaarin, even though he's not. As they enter the crowded dining hall, he frowns a bit, trying to keep from being overwhelmed by the sea of minds. What was he doing here, again? Why would Thaarin and Rykard need his help with this?

Pike Windu has posed:
    Pike takes the Dug's hand to take the edge off as they walk. "We have some questions for you. Please cooperate and there will be no trouble."

Athena (159) has posed:
The tall blue alien knows better than to take the young padawan at his word, but there's nothing he can do about it for now, as they head into the crowded dining hall. He lets out a quiet sigh and follows Master Rykard and Cayde inside.

Cayde might be reminded of the task at hand when he sees Hedicole's wife and his three boys heading for the buffet line. Rykard glances and at Cayde and nudges him in the Force. Oh, his Master actually wanted him to take point for the task at hand.

The Dug looks utterly befuddled when Pike takes his hand, and then bitter when Navi tells him putting dura-alloy foil would ward off telepathic probes. "And you're only telling me this now?!" he grumbles.

"We really only have one question for you," Vons says, "and it's less a question and more of a very strong suggestion - like the Jedi said, 'cooperate', please. We need you and Hedicole in the same place, same time." He starts heading for the lake, and presumably Pike follows.

Navi might be about to go with Vons and Windu when all of a sudden, she finds herself being tackled by a familiar teenaged Chadra Fan girl. "BOO!"

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Even though he's probably much worse at this and will likely end up just doing the same thing he did to Weniscio. But Cayde sighs and follows Hedicole's family into the buffet line. He picks up a plate as everyone else is doing, but doesn't find any of the food very appetizing-looking...

Navi has posed:
"I hadn't realized you were at so much risk from a thought probe. If you twist the top into a point, it will allow you to wear it without having to tear a standard sheet down from its usual length, but you may have to fold the corners up underneath," Navi adds, quite seriously.

She has no time to say more, because she's suddenly wearing a Chadra Fan on her back! "Oof!" she grunts, staggering a step forward under the impact, but managing to keep her feet. "Peeka! You shouldn't sneak up on people like that!" she scolds her, though she can't keep back a few giggles. "Don't tell me you're skipping dinner."

Pike Windu has posed:
    Pike strolls along with the others, apparenty carefree. He takes the pastry from his pocket and offers it to the Dug.

Athena (159) has posed:
The Pa'lowick woman manning the buffet peers at Cayde through her horn rimmed spectacles. "Okay, here we go again," she says with a sigh, "what -don't- you want on your plate," she says, grumbling slightly.

Weniscio is not listening to Navi anymore, but that might be for his own benefit. When Pike offers him the pastry, he scowls. "How I am supposed to know that isn't some kind of drug?!" he says. Vons rolls his eyes.

"No," Peeka says, "I just didn't see you for a long time, so I was wondering if you were gonna say hi to me like every normal, good friend should," she says cheekily.

"You have to come sit with my family, and my new best friends. I was pretty busy while you were gone, yeah."

"Anyway, the other thing I wanted to ask you about was like, what happened at the nightclub? I know my dad was there too, but I heard sooo many things about you."

Pike Windu has posed:
    Pike shrugs and then takes a bite. "The colony does have excellent food. Fresh and well prepared. If you don't mind a limited menu. I remember out on the Rim..."

Navi has posed:
"Here, come down off my back so I can hug you properly," Navi directs gently. "It's good to see you're making friends way out here. And you're right, I probably should've come by to check on you all more often than I did after your father disappeared. Between catching up on my duties with the medical admin and looking into that accident that happened while we were gone, I feel like I haven't had a spare minute."

She can't help wincing faintly at the mention of the nightclub. "That's its own story... it started out with looking for your father to talk to him about the accident, but that's sure not where it ended," she says, a bit wearily. "I'm just glad your father's safe and sound."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde eyes the various dishes...but honestly, none of them look appetizing even after examining them for several seconds. In fact, the more he looks at them the less enticing they seem. So he starts pointing at various items, but it may be confusing as it seems he has pointed toward everything at some point.

Athena (159) has posed:
Both Vons and Dug cringe outwardly and grumble as Pike starts giving an anecdote about food in the Outer Rim. "Okay if you seriously think the food here is good you need help," Vons says. "But we didn't come out here to talk galactic cuisine. I want you to tell us about the gangs you were involved with on Jedha. And no more lies, no more games." He glances at Pike. "I'm gonna need your help with this."

The tiny Chadra Fan girl obeys, allowing Navi to hug her properly. She rolls her eyes. "I don't need babysitting, or watching over. I'm not a baby," she says. "I just wanted you to say hi, that's all."

"Okay, so are you going to tell me about it," she says, grabbing Navi's hand and dragging her towards the dining hall. "I heard you kissed my future boyfriend, and because of that, you have a new girlfriend, now. The mean lady, Xera or whatever. Not judging or anything. She's rich, I guess. Can't blame you for looking out for yourself like that, even if that's kind of like, not cool? But it's fine. Anyway, there was some bad guys there too I heard, and they were trying to go after my dad, too. Did the Jedi kill them all?"

The Pa'lowick woman sighs, and just starts randomly selecting food and putting it on a plate.

Pike Windu has posed:
    Pike looks at the Dug in all seriousness now. "Answer his questions truthfully, please. Because I will know if you don't."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde accepts it, although he doesn't really plan on eating much of it. Okay, he'll at least try it. But he looks to see where Hedicole's wife is headed to sit down.

Navi has posed:
Navi hugs Peeka properly, kissing her cheek before letting her go. "Given the rationing issues lately, it will be easier to say hi to you and yours. It's probably the one good thing about it. Otherwise, it hints that the colony is in trouble, and trying to catch the meal windows and still get everything done is a real pain, especially since I do my best work when I can roll up my sleeves and go to it for a long while. Having to jump up and run to the mess tent at the right times just gets in the way."

Rising as Peeka takes her in tow, another thing she's gotten familiar with, Navi follows Peeka into the chow line. "Again, long story. Thaarin invited me to share a drink with him. I don't think he was aware of just how strong the drinks were, because he had several. I had maybe two, and almost put myself to sleep with them. But I woke up quick when he kissed me. You'll be happy to know that he's an amazing kisser, so you have that to look forward to in a few years, Force willing."

"And then I guess the drinks caught up with him like a repulsortrain, because he got sick and had to run for the refreshers. I didn't have time to go after him, because some of the thugs the club had for security were in a fight with Master Windu, Cayde, and Vons. So I had to shake off the dizzies and run help them. I don't think more than a few of the thugs got killed, but Vons was able to find your father and get him home safely, or so I heard," she continues. "Speaking of, how is he these days. I keep hearing that he pretty much hasn't been out of your tent since Vons brought him home."

Athena (159) has posed:
The Dug swallows uncomfortably and mutters something under his breath in Huttese about Navi's stupid advice being too late. "I mean I'm not in any of those gangs," he says, "I swear!" He holds his hands up. "I'm not lying," He says when Vons narrows his eyes at him. "You can do your stupid space monk magic or whatever, I'm really not. I just owe some of their guys some credits, that's all."

Cayde will easily be able to find Hedicole's family in the far left corner of the dining hall, the wife trying to settle the three boys down, without much luck. Thaarin and Rykard are in tow, but the elder Ikkrukki keeps his distance as to not draw too much attention for now. Thaarin sits down next to Cayde, but his brows are knitted together. Something seems to be bothering him, and Cayde might notice that some of the female colonists are watching him, giving him disappointed looks.

"It's fiiine," Peeka says waving a hand, "Okay so I never thought you were the kind of person to get drunk and then make out with the hottest guy from our colony in a nightclub offworld. I thought all the Shining Brotherhood girls were like, prudish and conservative. You should have told me! I love a good party."

"Anyway, literally everyone and their mom is talking about how you're a credit digger and a user, or something. Probably just jealous. And hey, if that's how you snag a rich SO, why not?"

"I'm not really supposed to tell you about my dad. Like, we have to beg the lunch lady for seconds just so he can eat, but she's getting tired of our begging. He's probably coming tonight, like later."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde makes his way over to their table, motioning toward an empty seat. [Join you] he asks, glancing at Thaarin. Something seems to be bothering the young man, but he isn't sure what exactly.

Pike Windu has posed:
    "Some? Don't be modest. I assume you owe more than you can pay back. I wouldn't be surprised if you have a death mark. Do you?"

Navi has posed:
Navi shakes her head. "I didn't use Thaarin... he asked me to have a drink with him. I was one of the ones who helped save his life and tried to save the life of his late brother. We have worked together closely since before we arrived back on the colony, and I didn't think for a second things would go so far," she says softly. "Even if I had, I doubt I would've turned him down. It might have wounded him emotionally. Anyway, I doubt he thought things would go so far, either."

She points out a handful of items to the counter lady, avoiding anything fish-based, as she and Peeka reach the hot line.

Athena (159) has posed:
Hedicole's wife looks up when Cayde comes over. "Oh, hello," she says with a smile. "You're Master Rykard's padawan. Of course you may join us. My name is Rinah. These are my boys, Petro, Padhi, and Pitri."

"I mean, I guess I believe you. But even if I didn't, I don't actually think that what you did was bad. Like, you got what you wanted, right? Hot, rich girlfriend and the guy you smooched doesn't seem depressed about what happened."

The Pa'lowick arches a brow at Navi when she reaches the hot dinner line. "You sure get around, don't you," she scoffs, and starts heaping things onto the Sephi girl's plate. While she's doing this, Navi might notice that she's drawing... looks. Some of them judgmental, others annoyed, some even downright piercing and angry. It might occur to her that the attache had gone and told some people, only light knows how many.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde puts on a grateful smile and sits down with her and her kids, and Thaarin. [Thank you] he signs, nodding. He follows up with [Good to meet you all] once she introduces her children.

    The plate full of unappetizing food is set down, but he doesn't seem interested in it. Okay, he plucked a few pieces from every type of dish, but that is about it.

    He turns to Thaarin. [Everything all right] he asks.

Navi has posed:
Navi scowls faintly as she notices the looks. "I guess that puts me klicks ahead of the fish course. Remind me to never try to help anyone ever again," she observes to the Pa'lowick, and doesn't bother to explain herself, taking her plate and moving to join Peeka and her family.

"Hello, everyone," she says to Peeka and her family, Cayde, and Thaarin. And, to a lesser extent, Master Rykard, since he's further away.

Athena (159) has posed:
"Very nice to meet you as well, Cayde, is it?" Rinah says. She notices him picking at his food. "What's the matter?" she asks, "does the colony food not sit well with you?"

"Hi," one of the boys says, "aren't you like, one of Navi's million boyfriends?" The others burst into giggles, and the mother scolds them. "Sorry about that," she says.

"I'm .. alright," Thaarin says, but he's observing the looks everyone is also giving Navi, and the young Sephi girl will come to sit down at the table just as Pitri asks Cayde if he's one of Navi's many boyfriends. The other boys wave to Navi in greeting, and poke Peeka when she comes over.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde nods when Rinah confirms his name. He looks down at the food when she asks if it doesn't sit well with him. [It does not] he replies, shaking his head. The padawan has become rather wary of any food prepared from local ingredients, as he has become ill from them on several occasions.

    When one of the boys asks him about being one of Navi's 'boyfriends', in fact, just as she walks up, he flushes and his face immediately reddens. Why would they say that?

Navi has posed:
"He's not my boyfriend," Navi sighs wearily, rolling her eyes, wondering if she actually cares if they believe her or not. She doubts they will. Chadra Fan whims are stubborn things, it seems, and she's growing weary of trying to change their minds.

Athena (159) has posed:
"You haven't tried asking the kitchen for more specialized meals?" Rinah asks. "I could ask for you, actually." Thankfully she hasn't noticed Navi yet, since the Sephi girl seems to be one of her least favorite people.

"Well, why not?" Pitri asks petulantly, but one of the other boys tells him to shut up and sit down. He finally relents and goes back to his seat, content to feast on the extra dessert helping he'd managed to sneak.

Thaarin, noticing that Cayde has turned bright red, decides it's time for a subject change. He introduces himself to Rinah and the boys, and then casually asks, "Is this your whole family?" Then he nudges Cayde under the table. Oh, right, they were supposed to ask about Hedicole.

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde shakes his head. He wouldn't know what to ask for, as he is not familiar with the local cuisine. There seems to be a small set of local things he's able to eat without having some kind of bad reaction, but he's not even sure what they are himself, exactly. [Do not worry] he tells her.

    He turns to Thaarin when the young officer asks if this is Rinah's entire family, then looks back to her expectantly.

Navi has posed:
"How is your father, by the way?" Navi asks Pitri. "I haven't seen him since Vons brought him home, and Peeka tells me he's not taking meals at the sanctioned times."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Are you sure?" Rinah asks gently. But then Thaarin cuts in politely, introduces himself and asks about their entire family.

"Well--" She begins. But then she notices Navi there and looks indignant. "Oh not you, -again-!" she grumbles.

Thaarin sighs quietly, arching a brow at Cayde. He was supposed to ask about Hedicole. Oh well.

"Mm," Pitri says, "he said the Jedi are trying to arrest him for stuff that wasn't his fault," he says with a shrug, and his mother gasps. "So that's why he's not here right now."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde nods at Rinah. It would be too complicated, really. He doesn't know what he needs, and probably wouldn't know how to explain it even if he did.

    His brows go up at Pitri's claims. [Not arrest him...trying to help] he insists.

Navi has posed:
"The Jedi aren't trying to arrest him. They want to talk to him about the accident." Navi tries to clarify. "The Republic security chief might be trying to arrest him, but that's not clear right now. But the Jedi are trying to find out everything that happened in the accident, who was involved, and if there is a greater plot against the colony initiative and the colonists."

She rolls her eyes at Rinah. "Yes, me again... wicked, naughty Navi, who's been so wicked and naughty as to try to help and protect your family at least twice," she retorts sardonically. "But let's not talk about /that/... I'm sure the rumormill's /much/ more interesting and factual."

Athena (159) has posed:
Rinah grumbles, but doesn't answer Navi. Instead, she looks to Cayde. "What do you need from my husband?" she asks a bit anxiously.

"Last I heard, you two didn't part on very good terms."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde glances at Navi when Rinah asks what he wants with Hedicole, nodding. Yes, just to learn what he knows. [To help him] he adds. Well...he had already helped him. [...to help him more] If there was some kind of sinister plot against the colony too, that would hurt everyone, wouldn't it? Him and his family included.

    He arches a brow at Rinah. Not the best of terms? Did Hedicole so graciously leave out the fact that he saved him from slavers? [I saved him] he points out.

Navi has posed:
Navi lets the subject with Rinah drop as soon as Rinah apparently does, working toward more pressing matters. "That's not unusual with Cayde. His enthusiasm and eagerness to help are known to outrun his interpersonal skills, but he never wants to hurt anyone, and he only acts with the best of intentions. He also saved your husband from unknowingly completing a contract with sentient traffickers that would have seen your whole family taken and sold into slavery under the pretense of transporting all of you off Tenoo. He deserves all of your thanks for that alone," she adds.

Athena (159) has posed:
"I think you need to be a bit more specific," Thaarin says to Cayde, nodding at the young padawan.

"Oh," Rinah says softly. "I see. Slavers..." she becomes slightly emotional. "I had no idea. He never said anything about that after he returned from Vuundalla."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Hmph, of course he didn't...how convenient that he left out that -little- detail. Cayde can't help but feel a bit unappreciated. No, no they didn't save him, they were trying to -arrest- him?

    [Does he always lie] he asks. He glances at Thaarin momentarily, pausing for a moment. [...he should come here...tell us himself]

Navi has posed:
"Cayde, your telepathic abilities run well beyond your ability to fully control them," Navi adds softly, in both explanation and in some defense of Hedicole. "The effects of your telepathy upon your targets aren't always pleasant or fully understood, especially when they realize what you're doing. You can do truly amazing things, but you still need more training and discipline to fully control them."

Athena (159) has posed:
"Well, no," Rinah says, "but he does often leave things out, or tell us we just can't know because it's for our own good," she says, dropping her gaze sadly.

"Lately he's been even more cryptic. He wouldn't say why he was going to Vuundalla, only that it was to protect from some great danger."

Thaarin nods. "We aren't trying corner your husband," the tall blue alien tells her. "We just want the whole truth, and not just from him, either. We'd like to jointly interrogate both him and Weniscio. Is that something he'd be willing to do?"

Rinah sighs. "I'll talk to him. Where should he meet you?" Thaarin glances at Navi, "Do you know where Pike and Vons went?"

Navi has posed:
"I think they were headed toward the lake," Navi replies. "Vons had cuffed Wenisicio to Master Windu so he couldn't run away, since he has the habit of making himself so scarce when people try to question him."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Navi's words only seem to frustrate him further. [Then what can I do] he asks. Really, he'd tried not using it. Has been trying to do that, just approaching people normally and all, but that seemed to be even less effective. They just ignore him. What did he have to do to prove to them that he isn't out to get them, if saving them from certain death or slavery didn't cut it?

    He actually seems relieved when Thaarin just goes ahead and says what needed to be said. What had been the point of wasting all this time anyway?

Athena (159) has posed:
"The lake, then," Thaarin says, nodding at Navi, "Hopefully he'll be agreeable to that. Thank you, Rinah, it was wonderful meeting you and your boys."

The tall blue alien gives Cayde a faint and compassionate smile and he squeezes his shoulder gently and affectionately. "You can get better Cayde," he says softly. "And you will. I believe in you."

At that moment, Navi will catch sight of several young girls passing their table. They giggle softly when they see Thaarin, but their expressions harden upon seeing Navi. Tailing the group is Xera's attache, but she won't look Navi in the eye.

Navi has posed:
"You've gotten a shaky reputation, Cayde, at least around here. That's not the kind of thing that just goes away," Navi replies gently. "Doing something important or heroic is known to help a lot, but that's also not the kind of thing that just happens. But you have many friends, including Thaarin and myself, and we'll help you however we can. Thaarin's not the only one who believes in you."

She glances up just in time to see the gaggle of girls passing, including the attache. The girl's hastily dropped gaze tells her much of what she needs to know. "I have a feeling I'm going to have to talk to that woman later," she observes softly. "She seems to have quite a crush on Thaarin, but if she's as much of a gossip as she seems to me, I can see why it's unrequited."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    [Thank you] Cayde replies to both Navi and Thaarin, although his spirits don't appear to have been lifted much. No one had actually answered the question...of course not, because there wasn't one, was there?

    But he tries to just put on a polite face anyway, and looks back to Rinah. [Pleasure meeting your family] he signs to her, before starting to get up from the table and take his mostly full plate with him to dump the uneaten food.

Athena (159) has posed:
One of the girls breaks off from the group to approach Navi. She's smiling, but it's in an unpleasant fashion. "Well, you look boring today," she says, "kind of odd, considering you're dating the richest woman in this sector of space." She folds her arms. "I would have thought you would have already asked for a dress made with the finest fabrics from Ghorman or at least a silver Chadrilan choker to commemorate you two becoming... official."

"Of course," Rinah says, "it was a pleasure to meet you as well, Cayde. I could try to find some other types of food from in town that you might like - if the kitchen staff spare me the budget... Really, you're too skinny..."

The Chadra Fan boys clamber all over Cayde. "Hey wait, our dad will probably wanna eat that. And if he doesn't, Peeka will! She's so fat."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Oh...well, he supposed, then.

    Cayde shrugs and sets the mostly uneaten food back down on the table.

    He arches a brow at Rinah, when she really seems keen on helping him find food he can eat. [Okay...you can try] he finally relents. [But I do not know where to start] he admits.

Navi has posed:
Navi doesn't miss that insincere smile from the approaching mean girl. "Well, hello there. I see you've been to the vicious gossip well," she replies, nonchalant in her sarcasm. "Tell me, is it the dress you crave most, or the choker? I don't recall you and your friends saying Word One to me after I returned from helping rescue Thaarin and his late brother from a crashed and sinking starship back on Ilum... so the potential of pretty clothes and sparkling jewelry have got to be what's drawn you over here."

"Just give them the plate, Cayde," she advises softly. "They'll stop climbing on you then. And Peeka's not fat."

Athena (159) has posed:
The girl laughs, amused. "Oh, Avi didn't tell me that you liked to brag. How funny you are, showing off as if you're some kind of hero. We all know what you did," she says. "I mean, we'd all like to be rich, but I suppose you don't worry too much about how to become that way, while the rest of us do, given we're decent, -moral- people." She knocks a cup of half drank juice over, perhaps into Navi's lap if she doesn't get out of the way quick!

Rina smiles. "It's alright. I'll speak with the doctor."

Pitri immediately starts devouring the food despite his siblings scolding him and telling him not to. He points at Cayde. "Hey. I like you. We should be friends and do something fun together, sometime."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    [Thank you] Cayde signs to Rinah, nodding.

    The cup falls, but it stops in midair inches above Navi's lap. It hangs there for a second, and then moves back to where it was, setting itself back down gently. Cayde doesn't approve of Navi getting involved with Xera either, and he'd intended to take care of that earlier, but Xera hadn't been available. Still, these girls needed to leave her alone. Once the cup is handled, he simply inserts himself between them and her.

Navi has posed:
Navi stands hastily to avoid the spill, but can't help staring as Cayde takes care of that particular problem most impressively. "Thank you, Cayde," she says softly, nodding to the Padawan.

"Decent, moral, and painfully immature? The first two are debateable, but the third may be carved in stone, at least in your case," she retorts softly. "If you really want to be taken for something besides a posturing schoolchild, you should do something about your lack of maturity."

Athena (159) has posed:
The girl scowls when Cayde stops the cup from falling on Navi's lap. "What! Stay out of this!" She shoves Cayde aside, and glares icily at Navi. "You know what you did, and who you are. You're a vain, lying, manipulative little --"

Thaarin stands, brow furrowing. "That's enough," he says, "none of what you say is true --"

"Don't -defend- her!" another one of the girls chimes in. "Did you know that she used you? To get Xera's attention, so that she could date the heir to the Graf matriarch? They're exclusive now."

Thaarin seems surprised, but not at all offended. He arches a brow at Navi. Apparently, he'd had no idea. "... is this true, Navi? Are you seeing Xera, formally?"

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    No, she doesn't get to tell him what to do. Cayde lets her shove him aside, only to invade her mind and attempt to erase her memories of the last few minutes. And if he's lucky, her knowledge of everything she had just been babbling about as well. Clearly, it was bothering her anyway, so it was for the best if she simply didn't remember it any longer.

Navi has posed:
"I am... that much is true," Navi replies to Thaarin, nodding and offering him a small, confident smile. "As for you and I, we know who and what we are to one another, and I, for one, don't regret a thing. I know you don't, either, unless it was the hangover. Next time we share a drink, we should have something less potent."

She glances to the original mean girl, only to find her unexpectedly silent. She glances to Cayde worriedly, beginning to realize the reason for the girl's silence. Clasping his hand, she whispers, "Cayde, /don't/..."

Athena (159) has posed:
But it's too late. The girl's eyes glaze over, and she steps back. "Come, girls," she says. "We should catch the last train to Kublop." And they start to head out of the dining hall, which is now mostly empty, with everyone else including the Chadra Fans having wandered away after having finished their meal.

Avi, the attache, stops in front of Navi, trembling. "Don't you have something to say to me?" she says pointedly. "You lied to me, and then thought I wouldn't find out? As if I don't talk to Xera on a daily basis." She glances at Thaarin. "I-I'm sorry." And then she hurries out after the other girls.

Thaarin watches them go, looking confused. "Navi, I--" he sighs. "Of course I don't," he says, "but you're missing the point. The liquor was intentional. I wasn't trying to remember anything about that night. And to be honest, I was mostly successful. I don't recall anything that was said after the fourth or fifth double shot, and very little about what was felt, either. But why didn't you tell me about seeing Xera, earlier? Did you really lie to Avi?"

Navi has posed:
"You've clearly already made up your mind, and it's equally clear that nothing will change it, and that you're going out of your way to make trouble for me out of misplaced blame for your unrequited crush on Thaarin," Navi retorts calmly to Avi. "So why should I waste my breath on you?"

She looks back to Thaarin, shaking her head. "I didn't. I told her the truth, and probably more of it than I should've at that. She chose to believe it was all a lie," she replies quietly. "She carries a raging torch for you, as the Corellians say, and can't bring herself to confess it to you."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    When Navi tries to grab his hand, Cayde twists away from her. He watches the girls leave with satisfaction. Well, that's at least one thing that went as planned today.

    Once they've left, he turns back to Navi and Thaarin's conversation, his face expressionless as he listens to the discussion about a lie to Avi that had been...perceived, at least. Is this what Thaarin had been troubled about earlier?

Athena (159) has posed:
"I know," The tall blue alien says, then he frowns. "What exactly did you tell Avi? I hope you realize that telling her the truth is dangerous, she's going to tell Xera if she hasn't already. And when she does, if Xera believes her, she will become... very unpleasant towards you. I won't probe into your reasons for wanting to be with her, but if they are entirely personal, I would advise you that she is not a kind person in general and will not treat you as such unless forced to. Ah, I'd really hoped this wouldn't turn into a public debacle--"

He looks over at Cayde. "...ah... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to discuss this in front of you..." His expression becomes sad. "I wish there was something I could say to change it all," he says softly.

Navi has posed:
"I don't recall everything I said," Navi confesses softly. "I found her crying, and I was trying to soothe her. I remember telling her that we had planned to share drinks, and that it was more your idea than mine. That we'd overdone the drinks by accident, and things went farther than we expected."

"As for Xera, she saw me enter your room aboard her ship while you were unconscious and try to nullify the alcohol in your body. I hope it helped," she adds. "As for my reasons for seeking out Xera, they are personal... and I'm also trying to save her life. There are some of those masked pirates on-world, and their leader is quite committed to killing her if an opportunity presents itself. He believes one will, in the form of some sort of disaster, and believes that with absolute certainty. I've been trying to find out just what that disaster will be since before we left for Ilum. So far I've failed."

Cayde Alexis has posed:
    Cayde doesn't respond to Thaarin's apology, as he seems very focused on what Navi is saying regarding her reason for being with Xera. But she'd told him it was about trying to get information from her about the suspicious nature of some of the events surrounding the colony's recruitment drive. Well perhaps Avi wasn't the only one having been lied to. However, it doesn't surprise him any more. He'd suspected this would happen, and told Navi as much, too. Of course she didn't listen to him--people rarely listen to him anyway, unless forced to.

    Finally, after a few seconds he turns to leave, heading back to his quarters thinking about when and how to put an end to this.

Athena (159) has posed:
Thaarin's brows knit together slightly. "Wait," he says, "But was it? More my idea than yours? You must have already had a plan in place to see Xera before you even knew me, then, for both personal and other reasons." His eyes narrow slightly. "What did you know, then? Did you know at the time, that the drinking wasn't by accident?"

He sighs. "I mean, I'd hoped to have a bit more control at that point, but barring that, you wouldn't have minded given that all of it meant nothing at all to either of us. Unless.." He shakes his head, and for a brief moment, his expression becomes quite troubled, the most she'd seen since his brother had died. "I'm sorry," he says softly, "but this has all become very confusing. I don't doubt that you have very good reason to do everything that you're doing, Navi." His gaze follows Cayde as he heads out of the dining hall. "But I'm not sure everyone else completely understands your reasons. We'll talk more later," he says. "But I want to make sure Cayde's doing alright."

He then starts to hurry after the young padawan.

Navi has posed:
"Sometimes it all confuses me, too. I did have a plan, and it was similar to yours... but I had no idea how to bring it about. Drinks and romance aren't something I know much about," Navi replies, looking after Cayde. "As for both our feelings, you were right... it wasn't supposed to mean anything, and I hope it didn't. I was more afraid that I'd hurt /you/."

She sighs sadly. "Your feelings aren't clear to me, to be frank, but Vons carries a raging torch of his own... for /me/. Maybe I can't love you or Vons as a woman is supposed to love a man, but none of that means I don't care deeply about you, or him. I want you both to find happiness someday, somewhere. And that's the truth."

"Please, look after Cayde," she adds as he moves to leave. "Sometimes I think I could strangle that boy, but that is not and never will be true. I want him to be happy, too. And I have no idea how to help him to do that."