Truth and Trust

Truth and Trust
Date of Scene:	28 February 2025
Location:
Synopsis:	Jorn tells his side of the story, Volken rejoins Ellari and Jorn at a contaminated junkyard.
Cast of Characters:	159, Volken Mons, Ellari Zin, 418

Athena (159) has posed:
Twilight is falling, and the city of Sundari, despite the rioting that had broken out early that morning, is edging towards sleep.

The intractable violence that had plagued the streets previously had dulled into a low murmur, with spiked outbursts of factional conflict happening only intermittently every few hours.

Ellari and Jorn likely would have found an isolated, quiet junkyard filled with contaminated beskar to settle down in, behind the Great Forge. The smell of the lot was acrid, and likely toxic, but as long as they don't venture out, they were safe - from violent political enemies or any biohazards.

And Volken, well the behemoth would have found himself quite comfortable at Lady Solstice's keep. The baron, and Revara, had made themselves very absent, but food, drink, and a hot shower, was not, at least not for the hulking member of Clan Mons. His commlink, however, is blinking -- there's an urgent text transmission from Thaelin, asking regarding Volken's whereabouts.

Volken Mons has posed:
It wasns't his intention to abandon his allies. It just sort of happened. But Ellari never answered his commlink messages earlier when he was pursuing Caine and no word has come in from them. Did they find the ship? Did they fake Jorn's death? Are they alive? If anyone had found The Darksaber and taken it from Jorn then it'd be all over the nets and comm systems so clearly that's not the case but still... trying to find them on his own is futile so until they reach out to him... he's stuck.

So he might as well see what this supposed devil-woman in Mandalorian clothing is all about. He did have a knife wound that could be attended to as well and the blood and grime dust from the streets, brawling and attack is somethign to attend to - so he allows it.

When the comm link goes off though, he eyes it and then after a pause...finally answers it and responds to Thaelin in a muted voice. "I'm here."

Ellari Zin has posed:
Ellari had set the ship down somewhere unlikely to attract attention and unlikely to draw any random passersby. If that meant it was somewhat repulsive...well, they'd just have to deal with it for now.

She checks the perimeter, to make sure no one's skulking about. Then she turns to Jorn. "Well, this is as good a place as we can get for some peace and quiet, it seems. Now, tell me exactly what happened. And let's look at the damage to the video data files. I doubt the authorities would have intentionally vandalized anything, and even if they handled the ship roughly, I doubt it would have caused this. Is there any evidence of intentional sabotage?"

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn sits at the co-pilot spot. Breathing slowly, "The footage doesn't work. What about nearby cameras between the scene of the crime and the ship?" he's spitballing ideas. Time is against them. He's trying to think of ideas since the time away showed a scrubbing of the ship's system.

"Alright. so, The Baron was just at my ship. I was with Revara. She was back further in the ship. Baron pretty much called me a blight. He told me to get off the planet, break the engagement and that I ruined everything," Jorn shakes his head a little bit.

"I told him 'No.' Guy proceeds to get on my ship. I told him to leave. I figured violence would have created me more problems because I know how popular I am here," Jorn says knowing that could have been bad.

Baron kept going and I lost track of him for a few moments. I caught him going furhter into the ship. I told him to leave, he eventually did," Jorn's hands getting animated.

"Then I searched everywhere he went. I found this inside a box or crate," he gestures to the dark sabre. "Before I realized it I had people saying I stole it from a dying man, I have no honor," he smirks. "Nevermind the fact I've never been to that man's home. I didn't know the saber was there. I think me leaving off world would have labeled me guilty with capital letters instead of just a capital 'G.' The narrative could have been controlled more because I couldn't have moments like this. I couldn't give the blade away due to tradition. So, it forced me to fight. Given the stolen narrative thrust into my lap, people are willing to negate some rules about one-on-one combat," Jorn admits and he looks at the blade again. The heaviness there.

Athena (159) has posed:
There's audible sigh of relief on Thaelin's end. "<Thank the stars. I thought... I heard you went to Solistice's Keep. My.. My mother. Listen, Volken, she's here now and -- you might have already suspected. Revara is at her beck and call. Even if she hadn't initially planned to take the Dark Saber, it's certainly her plan now. I-- you-- we have to find Jorn, and convince him to break ties with Revara. The matter about who takes the Dark Saber can be settled later, for now, the most pressing issue is to ensure that my mother doesn't take control of it.>" There's a pause.

"<Barring that -- you need to make sure that Revara does not, any under circumstance, go to meet Jorn, or communicate with him.> Another pause. "<I'm sorry. This is too much to ask. Are you alright?>"

Ellari Zin has posed:
Ellari nods, frowning. "As I said, we need to focus on examining the damage done to the video footage. The fact that it's been scrubbed is suspicious in and of itself. The police wouldn't have done that, at least not under any protocol. If we can find out who did it, that would immediately raise a suspicion."

Volken Mons has posed:
<<I've already sent a message to a....>>

Volken frowns and then grinds out, <<..Friend...something like that. I suspected she might be after the saber or responsible for rframing Jorn in the first place. I haven' t heard back from the one I contacted with that informationb ut unless she's dead ora dumbass she should have told Jorn by now....>>

He quiets for a moment, considering options. He could have contacted Jorn as well but the concern Revara might have been listening in was there so...

<<..I'm at your mother's keep.>> he admits. <<I'll leave here in a second and go find Jorn.>>

There's another pause and he finally adds,

<It's fine Thaelin.>> in mild assurance about being put upon. <<..Don't worry about it..>>

Jorn (418) has posed:

"Where to? I have no real knowledge of this planet. I can't even find a decent place for a drink, credit exchange or fake ideas let alone weaponry," Jorn looks at Ellari. Oh, he agrees with the suspicion. The fact that the footage is scrubbed isn't surprising for him.

"If we could find someone's tactics, something like that, it would be like a digital chain code," which he's happy to try and piece together.

"Revara is gone. I'm not sure if she's kidnapped or what. An idea comes to his mind, "Know a good fabricator?" he asks softly. "Or a place we can fabricate something. I have an idea for later."

Athena (159) has posed:
There's a pregnant pause. ""

"<Listen. It's been delayed long enough, and in less than 72 hours, I'm going to be married. You should come. Not just because I want you there, but because both of my cousins are going to be there. I don't know what either one of them did. But they'll be forced to speak to you without attacking you.>

Volken Mons has posed:
More manipulations - though not from Thaelin. They're trying to put him off the scent of what's going on.

<<I'll keep an eye out for her.>> he rumbles. Then. <<If it wasn't for you and your bride I'd be long gone Thaelin. I"ll come.>> he offers the young groom in an attempt at assurance. <<Now I need to go.>>

Leaving the manor before anyone gets suspicious or otherwise attempts to hold him up is on his agenda now. He begins re-arming himself and collecting his things while waiting on Thaelin's reply.

Ellari Zin has posed:
"Let's have a look at the files, then. Or whatever's left of them. See what we can find." Ellari proposes, nodding, and then waiting for for Jorn to take the lead on this.

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn will try to access anything on the files, the code, scans, readouts anything on a screen. Then he would defer to the expert on this one. Let her see how the data is corrupt and he'll even take the feed back to a few moments before it cuts off.

Athena (159) has posed:
"<... Thank you, Volken. You mean more to me than you know, vod. You'll hear about details soon.>"

As Volken leaves, he'll notice that several of the sentries are watching him leave. Some of them duck aside, their heads bowed to their commlinks. They must have been notifying Revara's mother. Perhaps she was already onto him.

The files on the camera, Ellari will find -- are completely sabotaged. It would appear that at some point, the device had been intentionally broken. But who had done it? Surely not the authorities... oh, but only if they could prove that the Baron had been the one!

Volken Mons has posed:
Given what's been said about her, it'd be surprising if she wasns't. One reason why he's wanting to get out of here as quickly as possible and avoid any more small talk.

"You need somethin', vod?" Volken rumbles towards a random sentry after catching him looking at him as he makes his wayfor the gates of the place.

"Gotta speak up. I'm no sorcerer from Coruscant. Can't read minds..."

He doesn't stop his lumbering departure though, simply continuing on his way though his eyes flicker this way and that to keep careful watch on his path and the area around him in case anyone is thinking of attempting an ambush.

Ellari Zin has posed:
Ellari frowns as she goes through the metadata. Yes, it was clear -someone- had tampered with it. That would help their case, maybe it would be enough to absolve Jorn, but not enough to prove the Von'egel twins were guilty. At least, she doesn't have the kind of expertise needed to retrieve that sort of log from the ship's systems and comb through it well enough to find such details. They'd need an expert slicer, or...

She looks back up at Jorn. "Hold that thought on the fabrication. I just remembered something." Now that the violence has mostly passed, she is hopeful that it's now safe to try contacting Volken. << Volken...where are you? We've settled in a junkyward behind the Great Forge. I trust you're still in one piece? If that's the case, please meet us...we have much to discuss.>>

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Any luck?" Jorn asks absently. Thens he tells him to hold that thought. And so, Jorn starts to think on it. Trying to remember puzzle pieces that might have been overlooked in the chaos.

Athena (159) has posed:
"No," The sentry replies, too hastily. "Just thought it was a bit early for you to head out. Best wishes, though. There's still pockets of rioting." Then he turns and heads back towards the keep, presumably to reassumed his position on patrol duty...

Jorn's commlink pings. It's... Revara! <Where are you?> she's asking.

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn resonds over his comlink, <"Where are you?! Your communications went dead ages ago and I almost died in sewer> it's not exactly a lie. Everything is a little chaotic there. However, he doesn't remember anything that can help him for the moment. That frustrates him. <I'm safe. Just keeping a low profile until I know my next five moves. Where are you?>

Volken Mons has posed:
"Does this look like a place I"d hang out in, vod?" asks Volken, "Besides, I need to call my girlfriend. She gets antsy when I dont check in, especially after I"ve spent all night beating people up in riots."

WIth that he turns and moves to exit the manor to head back out into the streets.

IF elft alone, once he's able to get some distance, he starts casually wandering back the same path he took when chasing down Caine...and he pings his commlink for Ellari once again.

<<You culd have answered.. 'dear'... Where are you at?>>

Athena (159) has posed:
Revara minces no words, and her demeanor, though her transmission is via text, speaks volumes.

<We need to meet in person> she informs him. <Meet me by the docks at the spaceport, tomorrow morning>

Was she... mad? Meeting in a public place in broad daylight? While he was still the most wanted man on Mandalore...

Ellari Zin has posed:
 Ellari sighs. "Well, it is clear someone has tampered with the footage. That might work in your favor, however it's not enough to prove the Von'egels guilty. We need to find out who tampered with the files. Perhaps the authorities have footage of the shipyard--but they are not likely to help us." she replies, shaking her head.

 "No...I think we need to seek -outside- help. Volken has...been to Coruscant. He may have connections that you or I do not." Her gaze goes to his commlink when it goes off, as her expression hardens. "Remember what I told you. Don't trust Revara. She is just as likely to have been complicit in all this. After all, Caine is in love with her."

 <> Ellari points out rather impatiently. << Now we have much to discuss, if you could quietly make your way here. >>

Volken Mons has posed:
There is silence from Volken for a few moments before he finally answers, <>

He's only half lying. He may have missed her first contact with him after all but it partially lines up as he is slightly paranoid of being listened in on.

<<I"m on my way...but I'm going to take a minute because I need to be sure I'm not being followed.. THey didn't look particularly friendly when they saw me leaving this place.>>

Jorn (418) has posed:
There's a pause from Jorn. "Ellari. I think someone has Revara's com. She's asking to meet me in a very open space with lots of light tomorrow."

<<Why there? That makes me a kriffing lone jawa in the sand dunes. I'll stick out. A lot.>> He thinks on it and responds back, <<Where are you? Are you okay?>>

Athena (159) has posed:
The streets are relatively quietly, but it's too dark for Volken to be able to tell if anyone's following. Perhaps he should do a cursory check, and take a roundabout way...

<I'm alright> she responds curtly. A pause.

Jorn (418) has posed:
<<Just care? >> Jorn raises a brow under the helmet as he responds. <<Coordinates? Are we okay?>> he's not convinced this is Revara. He's trying to figure out where everything sits with her. Judging that without voice or any form of context. <<You were in trouble last we spoke. Now, you're fine? How did you get out of it?>>

Volken Mons has posed:
He can't quite tell if he's being followed so at this point.. it's either go to meet them and risk exposing them or let them continue flying blind and just get caught by a trap anyway.

Well he supposes he can just beat up whoever shows up and tries to ambush them.

<<I can't tell for sure if I'm being tailed so we're going to have ot just risk it. Either that or you meet me without Jorn. Remembe to tell him to cut ties with Revara. Her mother's in the game now and she'll do anything she asks.>>

Ellari Zin has posed:
Ellari rolls her eyes. "Is she infallible to you?" she asks, groaning. "I told you, do -not- trust her. Whether someone has her commlink or not is irrelevant. She should not be trusted, and therefore she should not be contacted. And don't you dare tell her where we are, or fall for any of her tricks. We will get this sorted, one way or another."

<<If you find someone following you, can't you just scare them off?>> Ell suggests to Volken. What, he's like the size of a small tree. << Yes, I've already warned him about Revara, however it remains to be seen whether he'll heed my words. He hasn't exactly proven himself to have much common sense.>>

Athena (159) has posed:
<Yes> Revara replies vaguely. <I'm sending you the coordinates. I'll see you at dawn, right? I'm alright. A family member intervened. See you soon>

Volken may or may not have heard the pattering of soft footsteps nearby. A stray tooka had knocked over some debris left behind by the rioting earlier today, so who's to say whether it's an animal or a foe?

Either way, Volken will see the Great Forge looming in the distance several blocks down. He doesn't have far to go now.

Volken Mons has posed:
<<What do you want me to do, just start shouting angrily at the darkness? If don't see anyone I can't scare anyone off. As for him, either he listens t'us or he gets left to these fools. I'm not sticking my neck out for an idiot. There's more at stake here. If he's talking t Revara -Make him stop.-. before it's too late. I saw her at the manor with her mother and her mother is probably the one behind all of this craziness.>>

Volken's mood sours. His hands twitches. It's possible that when he finally sees Jorn his words will be even less gentle then Ellari's.

He pauses to take note of the sound of soft steps and takes a moment to glance around, eyes narrowing. Then. <>

Jorn (418) has posed:
"I didn't say she was infallible. When I talked to her, she was pinned down. Now, I'm getting texts, but no vocal links," and he looks at the text for a moment. "I didn't plan on it. Not until I know with certainty."

<<Who? Can we trust them? And you never answered my question. Was it just care?>> There's a pause, "She says she has a family member in town that saved her from the fire fight, but is mum on the details. No pun," Jorn smirks a little as he tries to bring up his own mood.

Ellari Zin has posed:
Ellari frowns at Volken's messages. << Good, make haste.>>

She looks up at Jorn, appearing dissatisfied with his answer. "What do you mean 'until I know with certainty'? There -is no- certainty with her, Jorn. Don't you understand that? Volken said he saw her at her mother's manor, and he thinks that woman may be behind this. You yourself know she seeks her mother's approval. Now, do the smart thing for once, and cease communicating with her immediately."

Athena (159) has posed:
But the sound has faded, perhaps Volken's lingering suspicion. Soon, Volken will find himself behind the Great Forge. The junkyard is a still a hundred meters or so away, but the smell!! It's rancid and will burn the inside of his nostrils, even with the filters in his helmet dialed up the highest setting. He's gonna need to find a hazmat, or meet Ellari somewhere else nearby...

<She has your safety in mind> Revara tells him. <Please come> she says, but doesn't affirm his affection.

Volken Mons has posed:
"Hnn.."

He's not happy or feeling particularly secure but he supposes there's nothing more he can do.

<<I'm here.>> he offers over the commlink to Ellari. <>

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn will send out a final message. <<You're guarded again.>> Jorn will cut off the communication. His eyes slip to Ellari. "You see unrepdictability. I see loyalty with a lot of improvising," Jorn says honestly as he looks at Ellari for a moment. Is she unpredicatable? Yes. However, Jorn could trust her. She was the only one he could. The first one that did whe the credit chips were down.

Ellari Zin has posed:
"It's not about unpredictable." Ellari insists. "It's about the fact that she is at the mercy of her mother, who most likely is after the darksaber as much as everyone else who has been trying to kill you is. She's just more subtle about it. But there is one thing we -can- predict, which is that if you fall for her tricks, you'll be sorry."

<< Affirmative. >> She sends Volken more precise coordinates. It's not far. << Hurry, we shouldn't stay long. >>

Athena (159) has posed:
Indeed. Staying longer would certainly ensure trouble. As Volken waits for Ellari to send more precise coordinates, he'll hear approaching footsteps. They're sluggish, and have a shuffling gait -- moments later, two Mandalorian sentries wearing combat ready biohazard suits turn the corner. They're carrying rifles, and seem to be on patrol.

Thankfully, it's dark, and they haven't spotted him yet...

Volken Mons has posed:
Those coordinates are just in time then.

Volken sees the guards and then attempts to move out of sight. Despite his size there is enough debris and architecture here that should serve as cover even for someone like him. He follows the coordinates given in the process, eventually seeking to make his way over to the designated spot as he does so.

Once near he rumbles, <<I'm here... There are patrolling guards nearby. If we're goign to lay low, let's do it. If we're going ot leave .. let's get to it. Either way we're just about out of time.>> to Ellari.

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Everything I could say would sound idiotic," Jorn says softly as he knows that not everyone can be convinced. Even his own faith is shook up a little bit. Jorn "I will keep that in mind," is the last thing he says before going off ffurther into the ship to figure out if anything triggers the mind.

Ellari Zin has posed:
"Sound idiotic? Perhaps that's because it -is- idiotic." Ellari remarks grumpily. "You need to put her behind you. Trust me, she is not worth your time. I have known her for far longer than you have." she points out.

<< Well then get here, so that we can leave together. We need to leave the city. >>

Athena (159) has posed:
The guards Volken had been speaking about will now be within view if Ellari and Jorn are near a viewport - theyre cordoning off the junkyard with portable energy barriers.

But they suddenly notice the ship. One of them squints. "That vessel doesn't look like it belongs in a scrap yard, nevertheless one behind the Great Forge..."

Volken Mons has posed:
<>

But it's too late anyway. Even if she had of, it was only a matter of time before the guards would have arrived and just found it anyway.

But a port is finally opened and Volken hops in and closes it behind him rapidly.

"The gaurds have spotted the ship. We need to go now if we're going to go. HUrry!"

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn hearing Volken coming abord snaps into action. He heads to the pilot's chair. Flipping various switches and hitting a few buttons the thrusters start to roar. "Never a dull moment," he laments trying to get them out of here quickly and safely. "How bad is it out there Volken?" he asks since they've been hold up in the ship for a small while now.

Ellari Zin has posed:
    As Jorn starts to take the ship back into the air, Ellari relaxes a bit, sitting down near Volken. "Why would I need to come get you? You're easily three to five times my size. I figured your pride might be wounded if I had even offered." she remarks, shrugging.

    "But no matter. We have much to discuss. You mentioned to me before that you'd met Jedi during your time on Coruscant. And that they thought well of you. Is that still true?"

    She pauses, exhaling slightly."I know it sounds crazy, but--I must admit that we are running out of options here, what with the rest of Mandalore hellbent on destroying Jorn and any of his allies. I vaguely recall reading during my schooling that some Jedi possess...eldritch powers. I don't suppose any of those acquaintances you made back there had such powers?"

Athena (159) has posed:
The guards in hazmats shout and try to pursue Volken, but are a tad too slow. Before any of them can stop them, the vessel is up and away.

Volken will feel slightly dizzy for a few seconds and find a slight tickle in the back of his throat from breathing in the acrid odors in the junkyard, but he'll find suppressing a cough to not be difficult.

But now that all three of them were together, a decision needs to be made. Where would they go next....

Volken Mons has posed:
Well he didn't much like that. No wonder those guards were dressed as they were. Volken had somewhat under estimated the conditions behind The Forge as he had staggered through the area in search of the ship. Now that he's onboard, he pulls his helmet off and grunts, trying to work to clear his throat and deal with his watering eyes.

"Ellari. JOrn." he eventually rumbles, starting forward to fully enter the ship as it lurches into the air and looking around for the two familiar faces.

"Are you both alright? What's happened?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari turns as Volken finally comes aboard, apparently still reeling a bit. Ah, must have been worse out there than she thought. But either way, she'd figured he'd be able to handle it.

    "We're safe...for now. However, we're running out of options. The security footage is no good. All we know is that someone sabotaged it." she sighs, shaking her head.

    After a pause, she continues. "You mentioned to me before that you'd met Jedi during your time on Coruscant. And that they thought well of you. Is that still true? I know it sounds crazy, but--what with the rest of Mandalore hellbent on destroying Jorn and any of his allies, I'm not sure what other resources we have. I vaguely recall reading during my schooling that some Jedi possess...eldritch powers. I don't suppose any of those acquaintances you made back there had such powers?"

Volken Mons has posed:
"I'm not sure what good their powers would have to do with broken footage.."

Volken coughs a few times, finally clearing his throat as he takes a seat onto a large metal crate and unslings his massive repeater cannons. "..And even so what you're talking about is a long shot. We're not exactly welcome on Coruscant."

After a pause, he shakes his head, "I promised Thaelin I wouldn't abandon him at his wedding. I can't leave -now-. His mother's here and she's after The Darksaber. Since Jorn was so love sick he couldn't stop talking with Revara that means our whole gambit of trying to stage his death so we could move around more freely is a bust! I saw Revara at her mothers manor. That means they -know- he has The Darksaber and they'll know his ship is gone. If we leave Coruscant now.... we'll drag a full contingent of Mandolorian bounty hunters coming right after us. They'll claim we stole The Dark Saber!"

Frowning the large man grumbles, "The Vonegal twins want to see me at Thaelin's wedding... Caine claims that he had nothing to do with leaving the Saber here. If he's telling the truth maybe it was his brother? Either way I dont' see what good leaving Mandalore will do other then get us arrested on Coruscant. It'd be easier if they thought Jorn was dead and the saber missing...like was the plan at first!"

Ellari Zin has posed:
Ellari shakes her head. "No no, I didn't say we should go to Coruscant ourselves, of course not. I thought perhaps if you still had a good relationship with them, perhaps you could pull on those connections and see what might crop up. I don't know much about their...abilities. But perhaps there is something. The Order has outposts scattered about the galaxy, don't they?"

She sighs heavily. "I know it's a long shot, but I'm failing to see what further options we have. We could claim Jorn is dead, even claim one of us rightfully dueled him for it, but then I'm sure someone will demand to see a body at some point."

Volken Mons has posed:
"I think leaving to go anywhere would be a bad idea. They almost certainly know Jorn is alive and has the saber. There's no getting around that since Revara's still involved. They'll pursue us and even if we did find an outpost there's nothing saying that they would help us. My 'connections' -are- on Coruscant, such as they are. I might be able to leverage that I helped them out on Jedha but that's about it. There's nothing saying we'd be even dealing with the same sorcerers and if their powers would do anything related to damage data. Maybe....we could attempt to find someone who can salvage the data, true, but we'd need to stall everyone else somehow or keep them off our trail..."

Voice trailing off, Volken grunts, letting a few swear words slip as he looms there on his seat. "...Besides...eve if we -did- take the saber and claim we took it then they'd just want to duel -us- for it. That Lady Solstice...she wants it. She's terrible .. according to Thaelin but all you have to do s look at how insane Revara acts to please her. She'll want the Dark Saber."

Frowning, Volken considers and then finally rumbles, "...We need allies who will believe us. Maybe we need to leverage the people -here-. Tell them...the truth. That Armorer. Thaelin and his wife... Maybe hear what the twins have to say... But i'm telling you, if we -leav-e with Jorn it's over. Many of them already see me as some mad dog mercenary and Jorn as a thief. They'll assume the worst..."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    Ellari frowns, thinking deeply for a few moments as Volken is talking, but at the same time listening to all his points. Yes, he's right...and that means they are definitely in a predicament. She never did like Thaelin that much, he was always kind of an immature child in her opinion, but even he didn't deserve this either. Not like the Von'egel twins...

    "I don't know if they could salvage the data, but perhaps they could do something -else-..." Another pause, as she thinks some more. "The ones you met, do you know what their powers were? Even if they are still on Coruscant now, perhaps they know someone who could come here. Yes, yes again I know it's a long shot, but I have heard...stories." She nods at his mention of how he'd helped them before. "Yes, definitely mention that you helped them before...that should hold some weight at least."

    Another sigh. "I know. We need allies. But how can we convince them when everyone is currently of the belief that Jorn has stolen the Darksaber? We'd need solid evidence, which we don't have, taking us back to the first problem..."

    "Do you have any trusted family and friends here who will take your word for anything? I have a few, but not likely enough."

Volken Mons has posed:
Sighing with mild exasperation, though not directed strictly at Ellari, Volken uts a hand to his head as if nursing a headache. Finally he explains. "I've seen sme things and felt some things yes. They can read thoughts. Call forth memories and feelings. Even command you by attemting to influence your mind if you're not strong enough to resist. I've heard that some can fortell things, see the future. Perhaps they can see the past? I don't know. THe problem is that they serve that Rrepublic. WHy would they come here and risk their lives? And even if they did come who would believe what they had to say? None here respect the Jedi-Sorcerers. They could claim they were lying or try and cut them down for fear of their mind-witchcraft."

He makes a loose gesture, "It's a long shot, what you're asking...and it's just adding more bodies to the situation..."

AFter a pause, he simply rumbles, "Thaelin will believe me.... He seems to really like me and trust me and now I've helped save his father. Er'gi might. The Armorer might. I seem to have some respect with them. "

Frowning he then makes an absent gesture, "Also...I -think- Caine knows something. He insists he had nothing to do with the Darksaber being on Jorn's ship...basically admitting to knowing it wasns't supposed to be there. He's afraid of Lady Solstice getting the saber. As much as I hate to admit it...he might be worth involving. If nothign else a Jedi-Sorcerer -could- maybe be a truth-seer but again..why would they come and the populace wouldn't believe them..would they?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Hmmm..." Ellari frowns pensively once more, then her eyes widen a bit at Volken's descriptions. She'd heard stories, but had always found them difficult to believe...hearing it firsthand, however, was different. "So it's true...they have power over the mind. That...that could prove useful--if we can convince one of them to come here."

    She scoffs slightly when he expresses doubt over whether the others would believe. "Heh, the mind is -everything-, Volken. The body is merely a vessel. A machine. Destroying it only becomes necessary when the mind will not yield. After all, how does one decide whether to believe something or not?" She points to the side of her temple, as if to answer her own rhetorical question.

    Another frown at the mention of Caine. "Of course he knows something. In fact, I am highly suspicious that he is the culprit here, or if not, he was involved somehow or was aware of it. Hm...yes. We should quietly contact only those we have full confidence will not betray us. If you believe Thaelin is to be trusted, then we should ask for his help."

Volken Mons has posed:
"Do you believe that if a Jedi arrived and used his mind witchcraft upon an unwilling or even willing Mandalorian that the others would believe what they revealed? That seems highly unlikely...and dangeorus thinking. We have no love for them or The Republic. How could we convince everyone that the sorcerer isnot simply trying to influence things on behalf of The Republic?"

After a pause, he then rumbles, "I will ask to speak to Thaelin alone and explai things to him then. We can start there. Do you haev a suggestion for how to get a message to the Jedi? I'm not saying I"m agreeing to that plan but... you're right, we do have few options..."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "No, no of course not..." Ellari shakes her head. "No one must know they are involved at all, if they even agree to help us. But if they have power over the mind-- power to see past, present, and future as you say--perhaps they have the power to force the perpetrator to publicly confess his crimes and expose the truth of the matter to all."

    "Yes, I realize that they are chiefly allies of the Republic and this isn't the greatest of plans. But we are out of options, and if the legends are right, the Jedi are highly religious and consider themselves loyal to truth and justice and what have you. I'd wager at least -some- of them wish to be free of political biases."

    She sighs at that last part, resting her head on her hand. "I...was hoping you would have a way to contact them, since you met them."

Volken Mons has posed:
"No... I would have to either go to Coruscant and see if I attracted their attention or try and get a message sent to the ones whose names I do recall. Some may recognize me from the situation that happened on Jedha but it's very risky. Plus I may be wanted in parts of The Republic still due to contracts I took on Naboo an other worlds. It's risky no matter how you put it. I won't even make the attempt until after I've talked with Thaelin and the others I have in mind."

Frowning he considers matters and then says, "If we can wait until at least -after- the wedding.. Keeping Jorn hidden ..then we might learn more and have a chance. Like I said, those twins wan't to speak with me and they shouldn't be stupid enough to try and fight me. They may have something to say that may tip their hands. I'm not sure they know how vested I am in this. THey may think me just some brute... I can play that part well. I am a brute."

Ellari Zin has posed:
"Heh, getting them to trip up may be harder than you think." Ellari points out. "They may be shabuir, but they aren't stupid. However, if they want to speak to you, you may as well make the attempt. It may be useful, if you can get them to underestimate you. We...need to exhaust all available avenues, given we don't have many."

"Hmph...fine. I will try to see about my connections. Unfortunately I don't have many that I have full confidence in, however. Perhaps we can see if any Republic outpost in the sector has the contact information we are looking for. I believe I could convince them we mean them no harm as long as they treat us civilly..." A brief pause. "Who were they, then? The sorcerers you met?"

Volken Mons has posed:
The giant man snorts.

"A boy who was far too nosey and willing to put his mind into other peoples without permission and he could not speak..I imagine due to some past trauma. Cod. Cad. Cid. Something. He had a tendency to wander off and nearly get himself kidnapped or killed fairly regularly from what I could tell. Brave but bringing him here would be a disaster. He had a minder, a woman named Ann...something. Annie..."

Volken pauses and hten waves dismissively, "There were others whose names I don't recall who I saw on Jedha. A Mastert of their order from what I gathered. Bit stuffy. Anyway all we need is for someone to vouch for my having aided them on multiple occasions and see if they're willing to send someone sympathetic...and smart. Not liable to make the situation worse. If necessary I can talk to them but only after we deal with the twins and I talk to Thaelin.'

Ellari Zin has posed:
Ellari arches a brow at him. "I certainly hope for his sake that his name wasn't actually 'Cad'."

She then shrugs. "Anyway, I suppose that is as good a plan as any. Thaelin may be able to help you with manipulating the twins...if you can convince him they are likely guilty in some way or another. However that may be difficult. He is close to them. In the meantime, I suppose I could leave Mandalore alone temporarily if necessary, so long as Jorn's ship stays."

Volken Mons has posed:
"I'm not convinced the twins are equally guilty." says Volken after a pause. "I gave Caine a good thrashing when I caught him. He was insisting he didn't have anything to do with what was happening and was the one that warned me to keep the blade away from Lady Solstice..."

Rubbing his jaw now, Volken frowns, "You -helped- Caine bring Revara back here. DOesn't he trust you at all?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "Hah." Ellari scoffs. "Of course he was insisting that while -you- were giving him a -thrashing.-" She shakes her head.

    "He knows I only helped him because our goals happened to align at the time. I hate that shabuir. He and his twin brother." she remarks, her voice full of spite. "They are a disgrace to House Vizsla. Caine's obsession with Revara is merely a -symptom- of how completely -rotten- he is. He has no respect for the Darksaber, or for -anything- truly Mandalorian for that matter. In fact, he is the only person I know who has absolutely no regard for any of our traditions. All he wants is to get himself in bed with women who end up punishing him."

    "Let me guess, he tried to convince you that it must have been his brother Kass instead? Of -course- he would rather incriminate his own brother to save his own skin."

Volken Mons has posed:
"Hmm..."

Volken listens to Ellari, focusing on her as she speaks and hearing the spite in her voice. He then nods his head finally.

"..I believe you." he admits at last, "I'd long thought the two of you were partners or something but now I have a better grasp. As to the rest? Well you may be right. I had one of his knives sticking out of my shoulder at the time and I had to let him go because Lady Solstice's guards were coming. I couldn' fight them all. Then it was later that I found out they wanted to meet. He 's tried to shift the whole effort fully onto her. I would say that's just more lies but his panic about her lines up with the things Thaelin has said about her. So either way I'll hear wha they have to say and see if they trip themselves up..."

Ellari Zin has posed:
"What do you mean, he tried to shift the whole effort onto Lady Solstice, exactly?" Ellari asks, frowning again. "I wouldn't be shocked if she was the one who put him up to this..."

Volken Mons has posed:
"He called her out by name and warned me that she was after the saber. That we couldn't let her have it." says Volken, simply enough. "And he's probably right. No doubt she -is- after it unlsss there's more lies being peddled. But he was then taken into her residence by the guards and she came out to greet me and invited me into her home. Either they're trying to play against one another or it was a desperate attempt to get me to leave him alone.. but again...why invite me to speak with them? To try and get me onto their side? Perhaps.... "

Ellari Zin has posed:
"Or he's just trying to distract you by pinning the blame on her." Ellari suggests. "But perhaps he's not entirely wrong. Like I said, I wouldn't be surprised if she was the one who put him up to it. So that in some twisted way, she could end up in possession of it while dumping public ire on a scapegoat." Like Jorn...

Volken Mons has posed:
"That seems likely." says Volken. "I would say that it is less pinning the blame on her but that it is entirely possible she's behind the entire affair yes. But I only have Thaelin's word to go off of. She was of course, kind to me...but I've seen enough around here to know that many can be two faced. For her to inspire the sort of behavior in Revara that she does...she must have some sort of hold on her or intentions that could be seen as extreme."

NOdding his head, Volken says, "..I think she is the one to watch out for. And we need to keep Jorn from talking to Revara! Part of this is because I coudln't get him alone to warn him about Revara and her mother but now that he's -wanted- and has the Dark Saber he needs to use more common sense!"

Ellari Zin has posed:
Ellari rolls her eyes. "Tell me about it. I tried to warn him not to communicate with her any further...she is not to be trusted. And even if she is on his side, I doubt she knows what she's doing at all. The girl hasn't an ounce of wisdom or forethought..." she shakes her head, sighing.

Volken Mons has posed:
"If there's any truth to what Thaelin has said it's doubtful she's really on his side. Even if she thinks she is. You don't just shake off a mothers hold on you like that after you met a new boyfriend a few weeks back."

Volken grunts and folds his arms, "So yes, as long as he has the Dark Saber he shouldn't answer her calls or tell her anything about what's happening ....but I suppose we'll have to beat that into him one way or another..."

Ellari Zin has posed:
"We should keep an eye on him..." Ellari nods. "Make sure he doesn't go running off to some deserted place to meet her when she promises to somehow magically get him out of this through her perfectly safe and trustworthy connections--as if she -has- any."

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn says nothing as the pair talk about Revara. They're talking about their concerns. He's quiet for a few moments, "I know she's trying to set me up. I just don't know if it's her at the wheel or not. I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt, but I know her actions are dubious at best," and then Jorn starts to move past the door way going back to doing what he did before. The pair weren't as quiet as they thought.

Volken Mons has posed:
Quiet is the farthest thing from Volken's mind as he snaps.

"Benefit of the doubt?? Did you forget that Revara set -mines- in the ground during the Scrimmage just because she was worried about losing and losing face to her mother?? Don't give her the benefit of the doubt! This whole thing could have been planned from the jump and that -includes- you getting engaged to her!"

Volken shakes his helmet at Jorn, "I tried to get to you to warn you before. Remember? When we got the word of Old Man Vizsla's death. But she wouldn't even let you have a word in private with me! Lady Solstice has her wrapped around her finger and Revaara has spent -years- trying to impess and please her. YOu don't just drop that sort of trauma after meeting 'some guy', vod."

Volken points to the Dark Saber, "What you have now is something -all- of Mandalore would crave. Don't you think that a girl desperate for her moths approval with a boyfriend wrapped around her finger with the most valuable object to them all....is going to -use- that? No, you need to cut ties until we can figure it out."

Ellari Zin has posed:
Ellari crosses her arms and fixes Jorn with a hard expression as Volken launches into a tirade of everything she's pretty much already told Jorn. 'Benefit of the doubt'? Please. This time, the Clan Mons man is saying everything she's already thinking.

Jorn (418) has posed:
"Trust me. I'm the wild card," no one that drinks that much makes a plan about anything. "She may have had a different target in place, but I'm the unpredictable target," because they would have more experienced to peg what the original target would, and wouldn't, do. That is working off the presumption that this has some long term plan.

And what Volken says tracks a little bit. "I'm not going through with what she wants. I'm not so wrapped around the finger as either of you expect," he sighs and shakes his head. He suspects Mom has a lot of control on Revara. The eyes hidden in the helmet, they do have points about compromise.

Volken Mons has posed:
"You're not a wildcard, vod, you're a -convienent' card. One that was easily framed for the theft of somethin' that literally decides who leads Mandalore. A pawn in a game that cost my..my -friend- his arm. As soon as you stop thinking like that the sooner it'll be easier to wipe the playing board clean and come up with a proper plan!"

He puts his helmet back onto his head now, voice muffled once it's on as he rumbles, "I'll give you names to reach out to if you really want to contact those sorcerers but I'm going back to the wedding and telling Thaelin everything. The Von'egal twins want to talk to me so I'll hear what they have to say. Lady Soltice will probably be there. Since we screwed up faking your death we can't exactly pretend like the Dark Saber's missing, can we...?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
Ellari scoffs, shaking her head. "A wild card? Please, if that were true, you wouldn't be in this situation."

She nods at Volken. "Very well, if you trust him enough..." she remarks, regarding Thaelin. "Maybe not, but maybe we could."

Athena (159) has posed:
Jorn's commlink pings audibly. Volken and Ellari will definitely hear it, and maybe be able to see kt flash if Jorn has it out.

It's Revara. <Are you coming?> her text transmission says. <My mother says she thinks she might be able to get your name cleared. Come to the spaceport>

Jorn (418) has posed:
"If that weren't true, I wouldn't be in this situation." Jorn did get picked to be a good fallguy. However, they thought he would take the bait. Then it would be up to finding hims in space. Then he pauses. "I'm getting hailed by you know who. And they mention mother dearest." Jorn doesn't respond because he knows the pair would say something. So, he waits for more commentary.

Volken Mons has posed:
"Vod, in the end, its your life. We're tryign to keep -you- alive and possibly prevent a civil war. At this point, go meet her if you're so eager to see what happens. We can't warn you until our throats run dry."

Volken shakes his head, "But if you go I would not take the Saber. You need to hide it and not carry it around unless you want to own the fact that you have it. That's what her mother wants...and I think she'll kill you and take it and claim it was simply her killing a criminal. Or she might just be trying to throw the twins under the transport. Either way.. You have common sense. No?"

Ellari Zin has posed:
Ellari arches a brow at Jorn. Did he just contradict her word-for-word? She just rolls her eyes. "Volken had a point. If you were actually as unpredictable as you think you are, they wouldn't have been able to trick you."

Her eyes narrow at the comm going off. "Don't answer it." she sighs. "Look, if you don't want to get yourself killed or worse, trusting her or her mother is the last thing you'll want to do."

Jorn (418) has posed:
Jorn doesn't answer the message. "We should move in case they try to ping where my communicator is at." Jorn says to the pair for a moment. Taking the sabre, he does try to hide it on him rather than have it just hang off of the belt. He's afraid to leave it alone, "I don't want to lose leverage by hiding it." Plus, everyone has been swarming him.

"I don't trust them," he says flatly to them since he pretty much hinted at it. He knows going to the location is probably a trap or an ambush. Although, there's a thought in his head, but he'll poush that aside.

Volken Mons has posed:
"I need to get back down so I can get to Thaelin." says Volken, starting to secure his equipment. He the looks to the other two, "You won't be able to just ignore her forever. It might drive her to do something drastic. If you think you can get information out of her that'll give you a clue on what her mother might be trying to do..-that- might be worth answering her own. She knows you're alive so there's no point in pretending otherwise...."

He shrugs and looks to Ellari, "Annelia Belask or the Jedi Master on Jedha in charge of the Jedi there. Tell them Volken Mons, whose aided them before, needs a favor. If you can get a message to a listening outpost, sure we can see what happens but I wouldn't leave Mandalore..."

Ellari Zin has posed:
"I'll see if I can find a Republic outpost in the sector and send a message there." Ellari replies, nodding. She looks at the navigation, searching for a relatively remote place to set down. Hopefully somewhere no one would expect them to be, but somewhere less...toxic than the last one.

Athena (159) has posed:
They're a good few hundred miles from Sundari now, above sprawling green fields, and grey crags covered in fog in the distance.

Their radar says theres a small village just north of their position, hopefully its remote enough that the folk here haven't yet heard the news, or don't much care for it.

Jorn (418) has posed:
<> Jorn will be honest there as he responds. Volken has a point that a lack of response would cause some issues.

"Can we trust the republic and the force users?" Granted, he knows they're limited on options when it comes to allies. That much he's very well aware of given present company. Jorn tries to think of other contacts in this side of the galaxy that may offer safe harbor.

Volken Mons has posed:
"These ones we can. I'd be calling in a favor. If Annelia doesn't respond it might be more troubling. The Jedi Master on Jedha is more by the book from what I saw but the point remains that I"ve helped them out considerably. At the very least they might want to return the favor."

Looking over the landing site options, Volken says, "I'll need to get a transport back to Sunari I'll go on my own and make up some story to tell THaelin but I need to get back there."

Ellari Zin has posed:
"I understand...but...try to be quiet about it. At least, as quiet as possible..." Ellari remarks.

"I hope you're right about the Jedi. But, from what you've said of them, it would seem they are honorable at the very least."

Athena (159) has posed:
The response is swift. <Asylum> she says. <and perhaps she can remove the crime that all of Mandalore has perceived you to have committed. She is a powerful woman. Please, my love. Come back. We can work something out>

Jorn (418) has posed:
<<Would she remove that? Like I said, everyone, even before all of this, people were not kind about her.>> Jorn responds back and then looks toward the other two. <<What kind of army does she have with her? Because that's been my luck lately. This group. That group. All these groups wanting me.>> And then he looks at Volken. "I thought we were feuding with them? The Jedha." Jorn wants some clarity on that one.

Volken Mons has posed:
"To be clear I think this is a crazy idea as well but she put it forth." Volken nods to Ellari, "And she's right in that you don't have alot of options. The Jedi might be able to provide the missing information on how the saber got into your ship and since they'd be a neutral third party they don't have a hand in the fight in which side gets to have the saber. Anyway, we're not going to their entire order we're just trying to call in a favor with a few of them and who knows? They might not answer. Like I said, I did them a favor on a few occasions..."

He then shakes his head and warns, "Be careful about what you say back to her... If you spill every angle we have she may know more about what you know then you'd -want- her to know..... And she'll just deny anything that doesn't fit her agenda."

Looking back, he waits for the ship to land so he can disembark.

Athena (159) has posed:
<She's working on it> is the only response he gets from Revara. No specifics on how...

Ellari Zin has posed:
"The Jedi are ancient enemies, yes..." Ellari replies to Jorn. "However, not everything is so simple, now is it? And, as we've mentioned, you have few options with most of Mandalore out to get you, or having good reason to betray you even if you had a measure of trust in them before." She nods to the point about the Jedi lacking any real stake in this, and therefore not being prone to bias.

Glancing at the navigation again, she turns the ship toward the village spotted earlier and starts setting down there.

Jorn (418) has posed:

Jorn's quiet for a bit as Volken reiterates a lot of Ellari's words. "Then lets go to the neutral party," he knows that the Jedha may not have the security features. But maybe they could teach him how to wield the balde. Once, or twice, he remembers it being light. Now, it's so heavy. Jorn believes it to be exhaustion. However, he figures there's a way to wield the weapon and deal with the weight. Who else better to teach that kind of combat.

<How?> Jorn's only response comes back. He holds back a sigh, but his heart's breaking a little bit. If there was real amnesty planned...Revara would probably be able to disclose a little more rather than be so vague about the details. That just tells him Mom has Revara wrapped around her finger pretty tight.

Volken Mons has posed:
"No we shouldn't -leave- to go them. IF we take the Saber from Mandalore and sinve Revara -knows- you're alive due to her constantly chattering with you .. before now ... it means we'll just be dragging a swarm of Mandalorian bounty Hunters after us into The Republic. To what end? We can get a message off to them to see if they'll give us any aid or backup but do not leave the system with the Dark Saber. If you do you might as well be just stamping your guilt onto your forehead. They'll think we're trying to pawn it off and they'll never blieve anything a Jedi of the Republic says."

Volken huffs as he opens the hatch but then looks back pointedly at Jorn, "You're not -supposed- to have that, remember? Dont' get any funny ideas..."

Athena (159) has posed:
There's a beat, and then another text transmission. she says. <Come back, please. We can work something out>

Jorn (418) has posed:
"I didn't say we should leave the planet." Then he looks at Volken. "I was trying to make a makeshift blade. A dummy to toss aside and watch the hunters go after it," Jorn thinks on where they could go on the planet. "How far are the outposts from here. The ones on the planet?" he says knowing they shouldn't leave because this also means they would have to deal with a fleet of angry shifts. His chances would reduce a bit if he got caught in space. And that's if the ship works on a good day.

 Jorn will kill the communication on his end after that message. Oh, he knows that's -probably- something to lure him out. Even if his words aren't part of a ploy. That is probably one of the more painful parts of this whole ordeal.

Volken Mons has posed:
"Their own outposts? Those are probably off world but we could maybe get a message to one and fro there hope it reaches them." says Volken, "But it's a long shot. This isn't a plan that we should be relying on. It's a crazy plan and it might make matters worse. What we should do is get allies who will believe us here and create legitimacy so you can be allowed to release the saber and then let the fools fight over it in a way that won't start a civil war."

Volken opens the port now, preparing to step out of it. "That's why I'm going to talk to Thaelin and maybe Er'gi and others who may be willing to stand with us and vouch for your story. The Jedi is only the option if we need tosoehow get proof that you were framed. They might be able to use their mind powers to find out the truth or maybe help get that corrupt data..."

Ellari Zin has posed:
    "You think they'd fall for it?" Ellari asks, arching a brow at Jorn. She starts to head out after Volken. "I'm going to see if I can dig up contact information for any Republic outposts in the sector."

    She narrows her eyes as she sees him communicating with Revara. Suddenly, she's not sure if he was sincere about not actually going to meet her. Had he been saying that just to appease them?

    Toward Volken, "And they might be able to force a confession out of the real perpetrator."

Jorn (418) has posed:
"For five minutes." It wasn't an elegant plan. Just something for a tight situation. Something to merely throw them off the scent. Much like when someone promises a lot of credits and they're actually counterfeit.

Jorn leans on the wall making no plans to really move. "Do you think they'll actually believe?" he asks Volken honestly. To him it's probably a very long shot. Because right now people don't believe him to be of sound mind to avoid a very obvious trap. Yet, here he is. And so Jorn will wait. They can't leave offworld. His ship is probably dealing with issues before they break atmosphere, to boot. So, even if leaving the world would be on the cards, there would be more issues.

Volken Mons has posed:
"I think they will because I'm going to vouch for you." says Volken simply, "ANd I've earned some respect and clout among the Duke's people and family at this point. Don't prove me wrong or make a liar out of me..."

Volken shakes his head, "This isn't usually the sort of thing I do but here we are. Anyway, if nothing else I think I can convince Thaelin and his wife, even -if- you've ....." VOlken frowns and then shakes his head, "...I'll just say that if -I- didn't believe you we wouldn't be talking right now. I'd have one of your arms in exchange for the one you took from my friend. So trust me."

Truth and Trust

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