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Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs

Chapter Eleven, Part Four

A few quiet days happen. Leif and Freyja attend a couple of social events on behalf of the family and, other than the dancing, they are merely horribly tedious rather than painfully dull. Leif appears to be as bored at these as Freyja does, and has a sharp wit which he uses to try and amuse her through the worst of them. He succeeds about three quarters of the time. Freyja is rather touched he tries -- she thinks it's sweet. She's happy to try and return the favor, although she also doesn't really know him well, so doesn't always succeed.

Very late one morning -- actually into early on the next day -- a comm call comes to Haus Rigg. Most of the family sleeps through it. Security routes it to Master Roakkana, as it was intended. A few minutes later Zero, Fhazil, and Vakkal wake up. Freyja is not startled by the same thing they were, but she does awaken at their movements. She murmurs sleepily to her paramours, "Whassup?"

Fhazil kisses Freyja, and says, "Nothing to worry about." At about that time, the Wookiee touches Freyja's mind and sends, I need to borrow these three for a bit. Can I trust you not to worry about it right now?

Freyja smiles sleepily, Worry? Hai. Not wonder? Neh. So what's going on?

The Wookiee sends, I promise I will explain in a day or two. I'll take good care of them and, I presume, they of me.

Freyja blinks, sitting up abruptly, What?! Wait... where are you all going? Why don't you want me along? What's wrong?

Zero and Fhazil are dressed and throwing a few clothes into a bag. Vakkal looks ferociously guilty and is moving slowly, but also getting ready to go. Roakkana sends, I just got word from Watcher Manishsha that it might be best if a few of us were scarce for a few days. It would be easier for everyone if you didn't know even that, and could tell the others that you don't know where we are.

Freyja sounds hurt, sitting and watching her paramours leave her without explanation, Why? What is so terrible that you can't have me along?

Her Master sends, The Arving Lady cannot simply vanish. Nor do we want them to claim that you have been seduced by these horrible Sith who have taken you away. Don't you think it best for you to be on hand so someone can declaim our innocence? The Wookiee adds, We'll be with you in a moment.

Freyja murmurs dryly, That will be difficult to do when I've neh idea what the accusations are, or why you're dealing with 'horrible Sith,' or why suddenly now the Arving lady cannot vanish, when those exasperating farseers had us run without reason. A little more sternly she adds, I swore neither I nor those I cared for would be herded around like sheep again after that debacle, Master Roakkana. Please tell me why I should now tamely let this happen again?

It is less than a minute later that the door sounds. Vakkal checks, then opens it, letting the Wookiee in. Master Roakkana goes immediately to where Freyja is and settles to the floor next to her, "I'm sorry, Freyja. I know this is difficult. Can you please trust me, and let us go now because I say it is what is best?"

Freyja looks miserable, but after a moment she just nods, then leans forward and hugs him tightly. "Can I at least still talk to you all over the link?"

He hugs her in return and murmurs, "I haven't let you down before, have I? I don't intend to start now. Watcher Manishsha and I were both restless tonight, having terrible dreams -- or perhaps terrible visions. Neither of us knew what to make of it. He said he wound up sitting at comm, eavesdropping on random Jedi traffic, 'Watching, but I knew not what.' When he heard a particular thing he was certain. He knew I needed to know, and he called here and bullied Security into waking me."

Freyja murmurs quietly, "Stop. I don't want to hear any more, because it just makes it worse that you won't share with me."

The old Wookiee says, "I'm sharing with you now, Freyja. I want you to understand, and to decide what you think is right. You're right in that it isn't best for me to decide unilaterally what happens. Even I make mistakes, and you may have just prevented one. Do you want me to go on?"

Freyja says, "Not unless you're going to tell me everything, please."

The Wookiee says, "You've all earned the right to hear everything, so that is what I will tell. I promise this is all I have for you." He takes a deep breath and continues, "The Watcher told me that they are sending an Inquisitor to investigate 'unnamed heresies against the Jedi Order.' When he told me that, the concerns and horrors of the night snapped into clear focus: the conservative members of the Council are looking to find Sith corruption here."

Freyja nods unsurprisedly, "Hai, we expected that; it's why we ran, even though I think it was a mistake, last time. Tell me, though, what am I supposed to tell this Inquisitor, now I'm alone? Who would believe my Jedi Master, my beloved paramours, my very huskarl! -have all abandoned me suddenly and without explanation -- and I have neh idea where they are now?" Her eyes are huge and dark in her pale face. She's really worried now. "And how shall we defend ourselves in the Council while we try to persuade the traitors to step forward? When the aristoi ask me where are those I depended on and trusted with my life, what should I tell them?" She hesitates, then adds, "And what if the Inquisitor does not leave? Then what? Shall I have him or her with me to welcome Jedi Master Sarn and thirty six Khar Velosi -- on a Sith troop ship?! That's only two weeks away. And what about the former Templars, or Jedi Diath, or Watcher Manishsha -- or poor Alleine? Are they going too, or do they have neh warning of your disappearance?" Freyja sits tensely, her hands tightly clasped in her lap, and stares silently up at her Jedi Master, waiting for his reply.

The Wookiee counters with, "If there are Sith here, will they look any further than that, or will they simply take them all away and consider themselves righteously complete?" He adds, "Alleine will come with us. I am particularly worried about him. Even if none of the others go... Alleine should, or he will be put in to the positions he fears most."

Freyja murmurs calmly, "That makes neh sense to me, Master; your pardon. If I understand you correctly, that means we have to sacrifice one Sith to the Inquisitor, and I'd rather not, really. And if there are neh Sith, then what? They'll know I know of them. What should I say, Master, to prevent them from taking me away, or simply forcing a scan of my mind?"

Roakkana says, "As to the aristoi, it's none of their business where we go. The Jedi Council won't understand - or likely care - about the idea that these are paramours or hauskarl. I'm sure you can convince them that the other excellent staff of Haus Rigg would be more than capable of looking after themselves."

Freyja gives the Wookiee a blank look, then says incredulously, "Your pardon?! That is not my point at all, Master Roakkana! I ask what I should tell the aristoi regarding trusting Jedi, when this will make it patently obvious even Jedi do not trust Jedi! And while it may be nothing to you, it is a shame and an embarrassment to me and perhaps to my family also to have ALL my Family of the Heart apparently simply desert me without explanation!" Her voice is starting to rise towards the end, and she cuts herself off abruptly, putting a fist tightly to her lips to keep herself from doing something embarrassing like bursting into tears.

Roakkana says, "What can you say but the truth? They fled, and you know not where." He stops and looks at nothing for a moment. Finally he asks, "My feelings say to run, Freyja -- to hide. What do you suggest? That we stand against them?"

Freyja looks down at her lap, her fiery-gold hair swaying forward like a silken curtain to hide her face. In a choked voice she says, "If all I have is the truth, then that is all I have. I don't even know what it is you fear, Master -- you taught me to face my fears, not to flee from them. How can I decide for you?"

Fhazil says quietly, "Touché," and looks at the Master, who sighs and closes his eyes. He finally replies, "Freyja, you are the best kind of apprentice. You demand the best of each of us, and make us think carefully about what we are doing." The old Wookiee adds, "I believe and I know that I am doing the right thing -- what the Force and the galaxy as a whole need. I am sure that despite not being what dogma suggests, what we are doing is right. What I don't know is how to convince the Jedi Council of this. Do we hide and hope they find a real problem, or do we challenge them, and be beat down by the 'forces of right'?"

Freyja's voice is soft and weary sounding. She doesn't look up as she whispers, "If you are so sure this is right... then you should go, Master. Now."

Roakkana says, "I wish it were clearer, Freyja. I know that to let them come and take Alleine, and perhaps Fhazil and Vakkal is wrong. Can we stand against them and say 'No' if they try and do that? Or is it better to flee, and let them find nothing?"

Freyja turns her head to look at the Wookie through shining wisps of her hair, her eyes gleaming in the faint light. Tiredly she whispers, "I understand having Alleine, Fhazil, Vakkal, and Zero leave. But why are you fleeing also, Master Roakkana? If you are leaving, what of Jedi Diath, Jedi Colburth, Watcher Manishsha, the rogue manus, and the former manus? Are they all leaving too, or will they have to face the Inquisitor alone as well?"

Roakkana says, "The others are not Sith, and they have each other to look out for one another. The rogue manus may be in trouble, but they may wind up where they would have gone anyway -- despite Manishsha's discussion with them. And I am going to protect them from the Inquisitor in the unlikely case that they are found." He sounds as if he is thinking hard.

Freyja says with quiet irony, "Hard to protect them if you are not even present. Will I be your hands in this? And if so... how? Or are you taking them with you as well?"

Roakkana says, "I count on you as my partner in this, not as my 'hands' or any other part. What I'm not sure of is what is right. Do we flee and hide, or do we challenge them?" He adds, "When they come, and demand Fhazil and Vakkal, will we say 'No' to them?"

Freyja gives the Wookiee another blank look, then repeats, "That is not the question, Master Roakkana. Hiding them from a more powerful force makes sense. What I'd like to know is why you yourself are fleeing. What is so terrible that you will flee it rather than face it -- yet for some reason feel I can manage it handily?" She whispers quietly, "You are the Jedi Master. I'm just the Padawan. What am I supposed to do?"

Roakkana says, "Ah, I understand. They need a Master to help hide them, to mask their Darkness in the force with Light. I can do this, and I do not have the time to teach you the technique you need to know. In addition, you are the Lady... they will only push you so hard, where they might try and demand my going to Coruscant with them. You could come with us if you'd rather, but I assumed that you'd want to be here, to make sure that your Family - of the heart, and otherwise - was represented. If you would simply rather flee... we could do this."

Freyja says incredulously, "Represented to what?! To people we've already fled repeatedly before? Why?! And what's to prevent them from stripping me of even my Padawan status if I do not accede to their demands?" She dryly points out, "Also, you've just informed me you'll still be on planet, if they need you to mask their abilities in the Force."

Roakkana gets very quiet, and ponders. He says, "Zero, could you get me a comm, please?" Zero hops to, and returns with a handheld unit. Roakkana says, "I understand. You can come with us, or we can all stay here and resist. I am of mixed feeling on how to proceed." He fingers the comm, and asks, "What do you think is the right thing to do?"

Freyja studies the Wookiee silently, then shakes her head, "I do not understand how you have framed this situation. The question is not whether or not we keep the Sith here, at least as I see it. The question is why you want me to stay. Is there something you saw in the Force which you have not yet told me? Is that why you seem to think everyone should leave me alone?"

Roakkana says, "I didn't. I thought you would want to stay here to see what happened, and to be able to deny their charges and to defend the innocence of those of us hiding. I did not see any stigma to that, but I didn't follow everything through properly. If you wish, you can stay here. I don't think they would bother you much. But the real question you have asked is deeper: why are we hiding? What are we afraid of?"

Freyja wonders blankly why on Middelgarten she'd want to stay away from her entire Family of the Heart, but remains politely silent to hear what Master Roakkana has to say. The Wookie looks up to Fhazil and asks, "What do you think?" Fhazil says, "I don't like the idea of hiding. If we've done nothing wrong, why hide? If we have... we'll be in trouble anyway. Why not now?"

Vakkal adds quietly, "I'd rather not leave Freyja, either. She should come with us if we go."

Freyja says tiredly, "I have already stated I understand hiding those who have done neh wrong from a more powerful but unjust force. If that is not what you are hiding from, then I do not know what to say."

Roakkana says, "But that is the question... has part of the Jedi Order become an unjust force? If so... is it not our duty to challenge this?" Freyja watches silently as Master Roakkana works this out for himself. She's badly shaken by Master Roakkana's recent actions, and very unsure of herself currently. The Wookiee settles in, breathing deeply, and does what he should have done in the first place: he concentrates on the Force and lets it guide him. He takes a moment or two to find balance, peace, serenity, and then direction from the Force itself. Freyja is oddly comforted at seeing this. She swallows her struggle with tears, pushes her heavy mane of hair back, and waits quietly for answers.

When he opens his eyes several minutes later, the Wookiee is more confident, "We must go." He looks at Freyja, "I believe what I was seeing suggests it would be best if you stayed here so there is someone to answer their questions, and to get them looking for Sith infiltrators on the Council rather than unrelated people nearby who happen to be Sith." He looks up to Vakkal and adds, "Can you leave word with Security that we've gone hunting -- so that we will not be abandoning Freyja but rather merely out and about?" He asks Freyja, "Will that be easier for you to support, or would something else work better?"

Freyja looks unhappy, but simply nods, "If the Force needs me to stay, then I should stay. That will be fine, Master Roakkana. Thank you."

The Wookiee says, "The Force shows me that would be best -- best for Fhazil and Alleine, and best for the Jedi in the long run." He gives Freyja a hug and tells her, "I'm sure this is not more than you can do, or the Force would not set you the task of doing it."

Freyja hugs him tightly in return, then settles back in the rumpled covers. She sighs quietly, watching as her entire Family of the Heart heads out. A bit wistfully, a bit worriedly, she wishes she could 'hear' the Force as well as Master Roakkana -- it perturbs her how silent the Force has been to her recently. She murmurs a silent internal koan to calm herself, and smiles and waves bravely as her beloveds leave. Before they leave they all give her goodbye hugs and kisses. She lies in the middle of her now overly large bed, still warm from her departed lovers, and wraps her arms around herself to aid herself in falling asleep. She lies there for a very long time, staring blindly into the darkness, intensely worried for her beloveds and utterly, distressingly alone. It's been years since she's been completely alone like this... and she's discovering she really doesn't like it anymore.

Freyja settles back down in the unusually empty room to try and go to sleep -- and finally does, drifting into a long dream of her own. The dream takes a while to be clear: a long, steady trip through a murky fog -- but it does finally clear, revealing a calm, restful place. It isn't a color so much as a feeling of security and serenity. A strong, pressing feeling crawls over Freyja, as if a beam of this same energy had been gathered up and intensified, and was being pointed at her from afar. It is not a comfortable place to be -- almost as if the Force were being held too tightly, pushed too hard, and that incredibly bright searchlight was looking for something, seeking out and around this otherwise peaceful place. Freyja looks around warily. First strong comfort, then strong pressure... this must be something wrong with the Force, or someone trying to manipulate her. She sighs quietly, wishing she had friends here to help and stand with her instead of being utterly alone, but dutifully gathers up her strength in the Force to resist whom or whatever is trying to use her.

The feeling isn't one of being used or pressured in to something; it is more of an overly bright light. The imagery changes to that: a searchlight coming from far away yet somewhere known. It searches and looks for something, shining its bright, harsh light of inquiry at things -- questing, seeking for that it knows to be wrong. Freyja is Light herself, a beacon of vaguely humanoid-shaped white fire in the murky fog. She isn't sure why or how Light could be 'wrong,' but she does watch in faint puzzlement.

The Light seeks that which is Dark, and it will incinerate it immediately upon finding it, sure in its rightness and clarity. It seeks the Dark to destroy it utterly. Freyja rolls her eyes in vague exasperation -- that's not Light, that's zealotry. She already knows the fruitlessness of trying to reason with it, though, so she just watches it go by. Master Roakkana is sheltering all the Gray- and Dark-siders on this planet. She wonders idly why she's seeing this, though... is she even still 'on' Balmorra, or what?

The Light swings over Freyja, past, and then back to settle on her for a good long look, distracted from its search by her presence. It is warm, then hot and blinding, but not quite painful. It is uncomfortable and unpleasant, but it can find no wrongs in Freyja's truthful heart. Freyja casually brushes it away from her eyes, noting to it how unpleasant it is to treat others as guilty without reason. The bright light gives up, and moves off, swinging over the otherwise calm landscape briefly before winking out and leaving Freyja in peace, surrounded by the smooth, calming, not-quite-ocean of the Force. Freyja sighs in faint irritation, wishing the searchlight had done something useful like show where the fanatics were located. Unfortunately she knows better than to try pinpointing location within the Force.

Nothing further disturbs Freyja, the calmness of the Force and the restfulness of sleep slowly fading in to wakefulness -- a wakefulness which is warmer and more reassuring than she expected. When she finally opens her eyes she finds Stein, the oldest, wisest, and most sensitive of the haus frehkees has snuggled up with her. He gives her a, What are you thinking, being all cold and alone? sort of look, puts his head back on her leg, and looks sleepy and content himself. Freyja sighs again, rubbing his ears and muttering, "Beats the Hela out of me, guy..." She swallows the lump of loneliness in her throat and gives him a tight hug, then adds softly, "Thanks for cuddling, though... it's neh fun being alone anymore."

Freyja sighs again, then rises and automatically goes about her usual morning schedule. Maybe she can keep herself busy by scrubbing out the inside of the Platinum Eclipse. That's better than thinking about being alone. She wonders how long she'll be stuck here alone. Would it be worth their while for her to take a quick trip out to drop off Ameil's bauble? Hm... neh. She should wait at least until Master Sarn and the Khar Velosi have arrived. Then, if her beloveds aren't back yet, she could try it.

The beginning of the morning seems particularly lonely. On her way to do her ship-maintenance and distracting duties she runs in to Syf, sitting a little listlessly in a bay window, looking outside at nothing. Freyja absently waves to her sister as she heads on towards the Eclipse, dressed in a manner which would doubtless shock her mother, but not really caring at that point. She's laden with buckets and brushes and cleaning containers and followed by a struggling droid who is equally laden and fruitlessly protesting her intended job as not suited to her rank. Freyja pauses a moment later, realizing what that look means, then calls over her shoulder, "Keep busy, Syffie -- that's the best way to handle it!" Then she continues doggedly on her way.

Syf looks up, looks embarrassed, and then replies, "Hai. It must be worse for you, with your sweeties gone. Here I've just gotten so used to having Alleine around..." She sighs, and says, "Right. Things to do," and goes off to find something. Freyja continues on to the Eclipse with the droid. She does not wish to shine up the outside of the ship, but she determinedly starts to on the inside, setting the droid to help.

Eventually Piper turns up and calls in to the ship, "Freyja, you in there?"

At the call Freyja sighs, sitting up on her knees and pushing a stray wisp of hair back, "Hai." She doesn't sound much more animated than Syf did an hour or two ago.

Piper calls, "C'n I come in and talk to ye, or are ye busy?"

Freyja says, "Neh, you can come in. Just mind the damp patches, eh?" She goes back to scrubbing, adding -- as Piper steps cautiously into the room, "Help yourself to some tea or whatever, if you'd like."

Piper comes in and comments with a grin, "Ach, I'll never be one to be complainin' about someone who takes good care of 'er ship. You take good care of 'er, and she'll take good care of you." The droid suggests that it is terribly embarrassing for someone of Freyja's rank to be seen scrubbing by someone like Piper, and that Freyja should stop this instant. Piper pulls out a Universal Tool from her back pocket, and says, "You shut up, eh? Or I'll disconnect your vocal path," to it. It shuts up.

Freyja smiles in quiet rue, but continues scrubbing. It's something easy to focus on, and Piper will say what she has to say when she's ready to. That's one of the nice things about her tiny handful of childhood friends, Freyja thinks -- they say what they mean. Piper does: "Da' says the boys have taken off to go hunting last night on short notice. I see you're here, scrubbing fit to kill." She settles nearby, and asks, "Everything all right with my old friend? You an' yours have a fight or summat?"

Freyja sits back again, absently brushing the hair out of her face again and unwittingly leaving a streak. She sighs, then shakes her head, "Neh, although it'd be easier if it were, I think." She adds ruefully, "It sounds daft, and you shouldn't be repeating this, but it's a Force thing." She looks around a bit, calculating mentally how many days she can eat up doing this -- it's unfortunately not the biggest ship ever -- then adds a little glumly, "I think... painting the insides once I'm done, if they're not back by then."

Piper says, "Well, feh. Here I was going to go knock some sense into the fool who'd gone and made you so unhappy

but how can I do that to the Force, eh?"

Freyja tilts her head and grins tiredly at Piper, "Ah, that's sweet of you, Pi. Not the problem, though, unfortunately, 'cause you're right -- that would be easier to handle." She goes back to scrubbing, adding a bit grimly, "Wish to goddess I could hear the Force as well as Master Roakkana... these half-bits and partial messages are like to drive me mad!"

Piper says, "Freyja, girl, you'll give your droid here a complex. He'll be in reprogramming for a week. Anyhoo, Da' says they took less than a week's worth of rations. They won't be gone that long." She chuckles and adds, "Not like you can't do any knocking of sense yourself. I dunno what I'd be thinkin' were I to be tryin' to make that Wookiee see sense. Guess I'll be relieved that I don' have to try, eh?"

Freyja looks a bit relieved at the news about the rations, although she does carefully caution herself -- Vakkal is a superlative hunter, and has had the training for Balmorra so he could conceivably keep the others comfortably for some time. She shouldn't just assume they'll be back in a week. However, she sits back and nods to Piper, "Good point -- not fair to poor A6." She turns to the droid and smiles politely, "Aceix, why don't you go report in with this job completed, please, all right?"

With one final protest of the indignity of the position for one such as Freyja, the droid does as he is told. Piper chuckles at him and says, "Even the droids want to protect you, Freyja. There be anything you need, you let me or Da' know, alright? We be right here for you."

Freyja nods quietly, turning towards Piper from carefully making sure the poor droid does leave, "I'll be fine, Piper, but thank you both. I just need to keep busy for a while."

Piper grins and says, "Hai, ma'am. I kin understand that, even if poor Aceix dinnae." She stands and adds, "I'm sure they'll be fine. I'm confident y'all will be back together soon. They love ya too mich to stay away longer than they must." She looks around and grins, "Nice little ship, too. So. I'll let ye get to it, Lady Freyja, unless ye be needing any help or anything else."

Freyja smiles and nods quietly... then goes back to her cleaning. Piper takes her leave. Freyja is able to make good progress for several hours, whiling away the morning. She notices in the late morning, at a bit of a break, that her comm light is on. Someone has left a message. Freyja sighs and decides a break would be good -- she's a little achy. She checks to make sure the cloth materials are still being washed, then washes her own hands and face, and makes a nice cup of tea. Then she goes and settles comfortably on a pile of rags she's not yet used, sipping her tea and letting herself relax a little. Once she's gone through a breathing exercise or two, she checks her comm.

The message is brief and addressed to several people, including all the Jedi at the Haus. An older human, lean and fit, with a severe haircut to his greying brown hair says simply, "My name is Jedi Obai of the Inquisitors. I would like to speak to all of you tomorrow at the Balmorran Monastery. Please let me know soonest if you can or cannot make this time, so we can reschedule." His manner is blunt, almost abrupt, and matter of fact. He does not say this is a requirement, nor does he compel... but he conveys that it would be best to comply.

Freyja shrugs indifferently and puts the comm aside. She'll answer later tonight. She finishes her tea, then goes back to cleaning. She spends most of the day at it, and the ship shows the effects nicely. Heading tiredly back towards the manse, Freyja wishes she felt better about it. She sighs, then has her 'borrowed' secretary deal with the comm message while she cleans up for dinner -- neh need to give her mother a heart attack, after all, with how she's currently dressed, and the secretary can find out what the scheduled time is, since the Inquisitor (and since when have Jedi needed an Inquisition, she thinks irritatedly) wasn't polite enough to leave one.

Dinner is a relatively casual affair this night, so dressing for it isn't too onerous. Forsetti, Erde, Leif, and Syf are there, along with a number of hauskarls and other Haus members. The visiting Jedi also arrive, thanking their host politely again for their welcome and making light conversation during the meal. Freyja is glad they're talkative, as it appears she and Syf aren't. Dorn and the other Jedi are cheerful enough to get people through the meal. Forsetti, not realizing any problem, takes his leave. Leif and Erde are talking earnestly of a business issue, and move off to an office to look at it on vid. Dorn appears to try and entertain Syf, who merely smiles wanly and excuses herself. Thov tries to keep Freyja engaged, and mentions that Dorn might like a word with her before tomorrow's meeting. Freyja mms absently?

Once the room has cleared to just the Jedi, Dorn does come over to have a word with Freyja, "Lady Freyja. Thank you again for having us here. Your hospitality has been excellent."

Freyja smiles politely, "You honor our haus, Jedi Dorn."

Murn says, "Get to point, Dorn," and Thov nods. The big, smiling human sighs in mock-irritation and says, "You see how they are?" He then asks, "Are you feeling all right, Lady Freyja?"

Freyja says, "Of course, Jedi Dorn. I'm simply a bit at loose ends while my paramours are out hunting. How may I help you?" Freyja politely smiles again.

Dorn says, "..." but Murn cuts him off, "Ay, that it? You look like your favorite frehkee died." Freyja winces at Murn's comment, one hand automatically reaching to ruffle Stein's ears. His tail thumps peacefully and reassuringly, and she just sighs quietly, drawing his head to her lap and hugging him gently for a moment. At everyone's stunned glance Murn adds, "What? Freyja obviously unhappy at being alone." She looks back at just Freyja and says, "Look, I not always agree with your Master. Sometimes he do things I think just plain foolish. That not mean he not a very wise Jedi. And if he left you here, by yourself, he must be sure you able to handle it. That I sure of -- that he never leave someone in something they not able to do. So you here say he sure you can handle whatever happen. He trust and depend on you to do that. If helps, I agree with him. Think we all do. You do just fine."

Freyja smiles politely at Murn again once she's regained her composure, not really sure how to react to that peculiarly Murn-like outburst. She doesn't see any reason to make Murn uncomfortable by pointing out Stein's already frosty-colored muzzle, or to note she does worry she'll come home sometime soon and find him deceased. Instead she simply waits for Dorn to ask whatever it is he needs of her. Thov says, "I think Murn is trying to say that you shouldn't worry about what might happen tomorrow, and you shouldn't feel bad to be alone. You can do anything that needs to be done, and they wouldn't leave you if they weren't confident of that."

Freyja nods politely to Thov, not pointing out they are still all together, and if being alone was that much fun they'd doubtless do it too. She sighs quietly, firmly shutting off the rude little voice in her head, and says courteously, "Indeed. So, Jedi, is there something I may do to aid you all?"

Dorn says, "..." and looks at Murn. She lets him talk, so he continues, "Not really, Lady Freyja. We just wanted to let you know that you're fine just as you are. Having the others away seems to really have affected you, and I'm sure you'll do well regardless." He looks at her and adds, "Together, you may be able to do more than any of you could do alone, but alone you're still a Jedi and still have friends and allies."

Freyja smiles again, "Thank you, Jedi Dorn -- that's very kind of you all." She sighs quietly, idly ruffling the fur of Stein's mane, then adds, "So... do any of you know when the Jedi suddenly started needing... an 'inquisition' branch? I thought that was what the Watchers were for?" She doesn't doubt she's fine as she is, as a Jedi... but she's still terribly, achingly lonely.

Avarras adds in her whispery voice, "I am sure you miss them. Be sure they miss you too, and not an hour goes by that they do not think of you. They'll come home as soon as you've made it safe for them to do so. And, like the others, I'm sure you will be able to." Freyja nods quietly to Avarras.

Nimas says, "They are sort of the uber-Watchers, the ones who do more than watch, who go and ask. Some distrust the Watchers. Most Watchers are reasonable; they're only keeping an eye out for really bad things. Most Inquisitors, though, are focused on what they do. Some say they are unreasonable, although I don't think so. I think they are just very, very focused."

Freyja murmurs quietly, "If what they're focused on is unreasonable, wouldn't that make them unreasonable also?" She sighs and shakes her head, "Your pardon... I'm just morose tonight. I should repair to bed and leave you all to your repose, so we are fresh on the morrow." She gives a polite seated bow to them all, then rises and gracefully if somewhat absently wanders out of the room, Stein pacing quietly next to her.

Nimas says, "..." and Murn says, "Yea, they unreasonable sometimes." Dorn says, "Tell the truth. Be whole and who you are. Be sure of your beliefs and you'll do fine." Freyja smiles absently and politely over her shoulder at Dorn as she pauses momentarily, silhouetted in the door. Then she paces silently out of sight. The slight clicking of Stein's many claws is all they hear, and that also dies away quickly.

Thov asks quietly, "You going to be able to sleep by yourself, Lady Freyja? We know that hard. If you want, you welcome with us. Nothing funny, just be not alone."

Freyja's voice trails softly back into the room, "Neh, thank you..."

An unidentified voice says, "Rest well, Jedi," and leaves it at that.

Freyja wonders tiredly as she heads up the stairs... truth is easy, but it's been her experience most don't want to hear it. Also... is she whole? Is she even truly a Jedi, or just a Padawan?

Who is she?

Freyja falls asleep with her arms around Stein, his tongue lapping up the occasional lonely tear and making her smile in spite of herself.

She dreams again. She is floating in the great calm of the Force, and spends a long time there. It centers her and makes her feel more relaxed, as the Force quietly reminds her that she is part of it, and that it will always be part of her. Freyja searches a little worriedly for some of the parts of the Force she most misses. She knows it's best if she doesn't find them... but she can't help missing them anyway. Finally she sighs and settles more deeply into sleep. Her emotions are mixed -- relief at not finding those she seeks, but also a lonely wistfulness. She'll be much happier when they're together again. Being separated abruptly and without warning is just painful.

There is, at first, no one else visible in the Force. Then other shapes slowly emerge, the hints of a personality. The polite, proper, wordy Force of Jedi Dorn; the warm, competent, and concerned Force of Jedi Thov; the reassuring and slightly mystical Force of Jedi Avarras; the compassionate and kind Force of Jedi Nimas; and the blunt and overly-direct but strong and steadfast Force of Jedi Murn. These are all close by and form most quickly. Freyja thanks them quietly, then lets herself fall into true sleep. They're very sweet to be so kind to her, and she appreciates it... but they're also an unwittingly painful reminder of her missing beloveds.

The feeling continues to grow, the smaller ripples in the great Force of those who are not really aware of it begin to show. She can sense her parents, Piper, Leif, the security staff -- even the warm and reassuring form of Stein next to her has a presence in the Force. Freyja sighs quietly and makes herself relax. Just because her beloveds aren't present doesn't mean she's totally alone, really. She may feel like it, but there are others with greater concerns and pains and needs than she right now. She certainly isn't, after all, the center of the universe.

As if she can fly, the view she sees swing away and down, the "ground" swooping along underneath her, following the curve of people who live on Balmorra, and who affect the Force around her -- hundreds, thousands of them. None of them are her beloveds, and the empty feeling still lingers. Somewhere, somehow, she gets the idea that she should look inside herself, not out at the world.

Freyja thinks about searching carefully for her beloveds, instead of the rather random looking around she'd been doing earlier... then decides it might not be wise to do so. She can honestly say right now she has neh idea where her beloveds are, but if she manages to track them down in the Force that will neh longer be true. And even though she can't really locate people geographically within the Force... that doesn't mean neh one can.

The dream or vision continues for a while. Freyja's sweeties are nowhere to be found, so well hidden that no one in the Force can find them. Yet she knows somehow that they are all right; she can feel their love and caring for her even as they worry about her safety and about how she will handle the ordeal that faces her. Freyja sighs and quietly makes herself not reach for them. Better to just sleep, to not worry about them or the Inquisitor... or the false Red General, what will happen to the rogue manus, how the Calefactors will be found or stopped, how to find the remaining Sith infiltrators, how to handle the broken-off peace negotiations, or her someday-testing as a Jedi knight, or her many duties and promises, or being alone... she sighs again and gives up, turning to mantras to calm her. She does need to get at least some rest tonight.

Freyja rises very early the next morning, automatically preparing for the meeting with the Inquisitor. She dresses the part of a proper Jedi Padawan, in her usual close-fitting tan clothing and dun overcloak. She studies her reflection in the mirror with idle curiosity, drawing the long, thin Padawan's braid forward over her shoulder. She wonders if the Inquisitor will be shocked by the length of her hair, or how long she's been a Padawan... then simply shrugs indifferently again and turns to go.

Freyja glows in the light of sun or moon; a willowy, long legged, golden skinned woman with wisps of her unruly mane of fiery gold hair falling into her distant, frost-blue eyes. She has the strong, supple musculature of an athlete, and moves lithely when she moves. Her very long, thin Padawan's braid sways behind her, almost overwhelmed by the fall of shining hair, down to her hips. Her well-fitting breeches are pragmatic, along with the laden utility belt, well-cared-for leather boots, cropped athlete's top, and decorated armored gloves. The right hand glove sports a Bendu wheel flaring joyously with enlightening flame, signifying the future; the left carries past and present: a small Arving sigil of Haus Rigg, encircled by a strong, rich, interwoven plait of gold, silver, and ebony strands.

Freyja pauses, turning back long enough to toss her gloves onto her bed. She has neh idea how the Inquisitor would take that iconography, and doesn't care to have to argue about it. She runs a golden hand in a gentle caress over Stein's uplifted head... then paces silently out.

Piper flies the five former Templars and Freyja to the Jedi chapter house and monastery, and waits for them. The five Jedi are dressed the same as Freyja is, and are happy to include her as a colleague -- unlike how some of the Jedi at the Temple in Coruscant might treat a "mere" Padawan. Jedi Shorryyr meets them at the landing pad and takes them to a large meditation room, where the meeting will be held. Freyja smiles and politely wishes the former Templars a good morning. She also thanks them quietly, later, for their kindness in how they treat her. Shortly, Shorryyr returns, escorting the Jedi from the message yesterday. He says, "Thank you for coming on such short notice. I have a few simple questions for you. Hopefully we will be able to finish this in short order and I will be able to return to the Temple to make my report."

Freyja waits silently, her hands neatly folded in her lap. As the sole Padawan present, she'll doubtless be asked last, so she looks around to see if anyone else is there. She's faintly turned off by the Inquisitor not even introducing himself, but reminds herself the sooner he's gone, the better. No one says anything, even the loquacious Dorn and the blunt Murn remaining quiet and attentive. Freyja nods quietly to herself -- it's just the eight of them present. Either Jedis Diath and Colburth, and Watcher Manishsha, chose to disappear also, or they were interrogated at a different time or place than this group.

After a moment of this the Inquisitor sighs and says, "Really, you have nothing to fear from me. I spoke yesterday to the others who are here, including the one they now call Akaro. I know there was a Sith prisoner taken, and Master Roakkana was looking after him. What I want to know now is where this Sith prisoner is, and why he has not been turned over to the Watchers for debriefing?"

Freyja watches silently, waiting for the ranking Jedi to reply first. Again, the room remains quiet. Jedi Obai says, "I have asked a question. Answers would be very good." Another pause, and he says, "Fine, we can do this the hard way." He looks at Dorn and asks, "Do you know where the captured Sith is?" Dorn says, "No, Jedi."

Obai makes a note, and asks Avarras, "Do you know where the captured Sith is?" Avarras says, softly, "No, Jedi." Freyja wonders how to answer the question -- technically there is neh captured Sith to know the location of.

Obai corrects, "Inquisitor. I have been granted the title by the Council of the Red, and you would do well to remember that." Dorn and Avarras remain quiet. Freyja wonders surprisedly what a Council of the Red is.

The Inquisitor asks Nimas, who replies, "No." With a minor frown, he asks Murn the same question, who replies, "No, Jedi." The Gungan woman also smiles a slow, insolent grin.

Obai says coolly, "That is noted, Jedi Murn. Do you want to know what I think of that, Jedi?"

The Gungan says, "No. Don't care what you or this 'Council of Red' thinks. Think you're a bunch of self-important bastards who steal power and authority from those not able to defend themselves." Thov gets a look that reads, Oh no, she mouthed off again, but says nothing.

Freyja raises an eyebrow, then politely and clearly comments into the shocked silence, "Inquisitor Obai, may I ask who the Council of the Red are?"

The Inquisitor snaps, "The Council of the Red is made up of several Masters who have sworn to aid and protect the Red General until he comes of age to do it himself. He is the Jedi's best hope of stopping these Sith scum. While the Jedi Council cannot recognize him officially right now, it is only a matter of time. Until those who are too fearful or too slow, or otherwise benefitting from this great change not being recognized, are dealt with, the Council of the Red has formed to make sure the General is protected and ready for action at any time."

He adds condescendingly, "I forgive your ignorance, Padawan. It should be your Master's duty to inform you of important political changes. Perhaps you are too busy with your non-Jedi work for him to keep up on things like this, or perhaps he is merely lax in his duties." He looks around the room and asks, pointedly, "Where is your Master, anyway?"

Freyja murmurs politely, ignoring the sarcasm, "I see. Would it concern this Council, do you think, to know the iconic lightsaber currently wielding the child who is being mistakenly propped up as the so-called Red General is actually named Atarangi Rewera, which means Shadow Devil, and that it was discovered and dumped on the poor duped child by the fallen Jedi Master Balin Khoud?" She dryly thinks to herself that if that doesn't draw attention off of Murn, then nothing will! She thoughtfully adds, "And furthermore, that this same iconic blade makes a habit of destruction of other iconic blades, and is emphatically not of the Light?"

Murn says, "Perhaps we all been off world actually doing something about Sith, rather than sitting around claiming we heroes already. Perhaps Freyja Master not tell her because he not believe such claptrap?" Her accent gets a little thick when she gets angry.

Freyja tchs gently at Murn, then adds quietly to the Inquisitor, "Interesting. I'd been taught the Jedi eschewed politics." With quiet irony she adds, "You are a political Jedi, then?" Freyja wonders a bit bemusedly just what she thinks she's doing, antagonizing an irrational man! Then she sighs quietly, internally. She shouldn't assume, really... there is still hope in the Force -- as long as there is life.

The Inquisitor makes a mark on his datapad and glares at Murn. He tells her, "Then he should be here to tell me that himself, rather than letting the likes of you influence his impressionable Padawan. See how she strays now?" To Freyja he says, "Balin Khoud was a great Jedi until he was corrupted by the Sith on Tanaab. The 'Shadow Devil' is best translated 'Devil to the Shadows' and is a power of great good! Nothing else can destroy the damaging or evil Iconic blades! You see how the Sith turn everything against us!"

Freyja murmurs quietly, "You fear my words. I am so sorry." All five of the former Templars stare at the Inquisitor. Thov whistles quietly between his teeth. Freyja studies the Inquisitor in the Force, wondering what sort of Light he is in the Force. He is very bright... almost painful and blinding, like a searchlight. Freyja hms thoughtfully. Very odd. Shouldn't those who are not really listening to the Force not shine that brightly? She contemplates this conundrum silently while she waits for the Inquisitor to finish ranting.

The Inquisitor looks between them all, then says, "It is clear none of you understand what is going on, and how dangerous this recent time has been. The Sith have tried to get closer to us, to sneak in behind and take us over from the inside. It is imperative that we find and destroy any of them here, and isolate and try and help anyone they may have influenced. We fear that Master Sarn is lost to us, and his former partner Watcher Manishsha may be as well. Hopefully we are not too late to save him."

Freyja raises a frankly disbelieving eyebrow, but says nothing. Dorn says, "Sarn is lost?" and Nimas says, "Manishsha right here... what you talking about?"

Freyja murmurs dryly, "If you really want to stop the Sith on Balmorra, you'll root out the non-Force using infiltrators which have convinced Hausa Dosen, Thullalkhazan, and Louveisen that Jedi are not to be trusted to see the truth. On the other hand, if you truly believe Khoud was fine until Tanaab, I cannot recommend you stay." She murmurs quietly to the former Templars, "He means lost to the Sith, honored Jedi."

Inquisitor Obai says, "Master Sarn went off with a Sith fleet, perhaps as their prisoner, when they inexplicably abandoned Dantooine. We are now trying to offer aid to the confused people there, who are unable to understand why they are better off now than they were before. Discontent there is rising and we do not know why." Freyja laughs. She can't help it -- this is just too absurd! He adds, "As to Manishsha, I fear he has Fallen or nearly so. He has consorted with many Sith and been party to too many things. Last night he broke a Seal and warned someone of my arrival -- and would not say who."

Freyja covers her mouth, still smiling as she murmurs, "Your pardon, please. I was overcome."

Obai glares at her and says, "You too have had all this experience. Perhaps you had better come back to Coruscant with me, to be assigned a new Master -- who will keep an impressionable young soul from such a fate."

Freyja smiles, "I think not. I also think you do not want to hear anything I say, so I shall remain politely silent."

Murn says, "Ey!" but Dorn cuts her off by saying loudly, "Now, that's going just a little too far."

Freyja holds up a polite golden hand to the former Templars, "Please, let us not become angry. This, er, person is aroused enough for us all, don't you think?"

Jedi Dorn says, "I damned will become angry! I won't stand by and see this buffoon tell me or another Master's Padawan what to do or where to go." He looks at the Inquisitor and says, "You're out of line, mister, and I don't like the direction you are taking. It's one thing for you to try and berate Murn - she's a big girl and can take care of herself - but to order another Master's Padawan around is past every limit and against the codes."

Freyja says softly, "Jedi Dorn, I implore you -- do not fall into the trap this individual lays for you. I am quite able to take care of myself, as you know, and as you assured me yourself last night." She turns her head to look at the Inquisitor, adding politely, "I fear I cannot recognize the authority of you or your Council, Jedi, as I know everything I have told you is true."

Dorn looks at Freyja and says, "True. But I also have to object to someone deciding that he or any other group of Jedi is better than the rest. That goes against who the Jedi are and what we do. It's wrong."

Freyja smiles and shrugs slightly, "Let him decide what he wills. It should not change our devotion to the Light, neh? And all true Jedi will know and remember that."

Obai says to Freyja, "I appreciate your honesty, if only I could trust it. If, as I have been told, you have been exposed to a Sith Lord, I fear you no longer know who you are or what you say."

Freyja grins at the Human, "Actually, I've been 'exposed' to four of them, not one. Also, if I were 'contaminated' by a Sith lord, wouldn't it show?" She spreads her arms where she sits comfortably cross-legged, "Look, and see for yourself. There is neh Darkness in me." She is, oddly enough, starting to enjoy this curious confrontation. Can she save the Inquisitor, or is that too much for her to hope for?

It's not possible to tell which of the five former Templars say, "WHAT?!" but Obai is looking at Dorn, adding, "And you are mistaken. The Council of the Red is the only thing that can save the Jedi -- and is in fact actually better than the rest. That is why there is no problem with my ordering you detained." That is when he shoots Jedi Dorn, who falls down looking horribly surprised.

Freyja reacts instinctively, bounding lightly to her feet and over the person sitting in front of her, lightsaber already lit as she slashes down across the weapon. She just as automatically reaches for the link to the triat -- it's a reflex to her now. Murn reacts as well, leaping up from her seat, throwing a haymaker to the bastard's jaw, swinging from the hip and putting her legs in to it. Not too surprised by Freyja's move, she comes up under the descending saber and hits the man even before his split gun has hit the ground. Freyja points the lightsaber at the man's throat and says firmly, "Yield." Freyja also points Murn at the man's lightsaber, even as she murmurs, "Jedi Avarras, see to poor Dorn, please?"

Murn hits him even as Avarras and Thov dive for Dorn. Obai falls with Murn on top of him. Her hands wrap around his throat and she growls, "If he dead, I feed you own liver." Freyja raises an eyebrow, then simply steps back and extinguishes Kourakani. She'll wait until the thrashing is over to try and deprive the madman of his lightsaber.

Freyja murmurs thoughtfully over the link, Master Roakkana, I do not know if you can answer, but if you can we have a small... situation here. The Inquisitor is now our prisoner. Do you have any suggestions on what to do with him?

Obai sputters, "You... all... detained... under... my... orders..." Murn says, "Shut up. You in enough trouble," and throttles him just a little for good measure.

Master Roakkana's reply is hazy, but comes back, Ask Manishsha what to do with him. He'll know what's best.

Freyja neatly snatches the Fallen Jedi's lightsaber off his belt, then straightens and gravely studies the big Wookiee Jedi Master. "What is your action, Jedi Master Shorryyr? You saw him attack another Jedi." She mentally rolls her eyes -- oh, of course, ask the absent and missing Watcher. Argh. Well, maybe Jedi Master Shorryyr knows where to find the little Kushiban. She grins quietly internally, but doesn't let the intentness of her gaze on the Wookiee waver as she waits for an answer.

The female Wookiee replies via her voder, "Depends on if Jedi Dorn or Watcher Manishsha are dead." She looms over the man and says, "Where is Watcher Manishsha?" After a pause she adds, "Jedi Murn, when he is purple like that he can't answer our important question." Murn says, "Sorry," and loosens her grip... a little.

Freyja blinks, suddenly realizing it's not funny that Manishsha is missing. Still, it looks like the Wookiee and the Gungan have the rogue Human well in hand. She turns to check on Jedi Dorn -- how is he? Avarras says from across the room, as loudly as she can, "Dorn stunned. He be okay in a while." She adds coldly, "You lucky bastard," to Obai. The insult is particularly pointy from her quiet whisper.

Freyja sighs in quiet relief, then turns her attention back to the rogue Human. Over the link she murmurs quietly to Master Roakkana, Your pardon, Master, but neh one here seems to know where Watcher Manishsha is. Is he with you?

Roakkana sends back, No. Only Sith and Grey with me. If the Inquisitor has captured Manishsha then he has real problems coming. Don't let Shorryyr kill him.

The triat link is there but far away and slow to come up, like molasses on a cold day. Roakkana's masking perhaps makes it sluggish to respond. Freyja nods mentally over the link to Master Roakkana and gently lets the attempt to link go. Then she steps to where she can lightly touch the big female Wookiee's arm. "Your pardon, Jedi Master Shorryyr, but please don't kill the Fallen Jedi here." She curiously glances at the strangling inquisitor again, searching for his Light in the Force. She's really confused -- how can a Fallen Jedi shine so brightly?! To be a powerful presence in the Force she can understand -- but to shine so with the Light goes against everything she's been taught.

The Inquisitor has caught enough breath to wheeze, "Get off me, you crazy..." The Wookiee says, "Watch yourself, little man," to him, and he looks at her, frightened.

Freyja kneels down next to Murn and touches the Human Inquisitor's face lightly until he looks at her. Once she's got him looking at her she says clearly, "Tell us where Manishsha is." Suddenly she understands - the Light she senses isn't right... it's polluted and sick -- too bright and unthinking. Sooner or later it will fade to dark. This man believes he's doing right... and will continue to do so until he commits real atrocities -- far past stunning a mouthy Jedi.

Obai sputters, "Bacta tube on ship with rogue Manus. Going back to Coruscant for examination."

Freyja sighs in quiet internal relief -- that she can understand. It's odd, though... she's never known a Falling Jedi to be able to so hide the growing presence of Darkness in themselves. She'll have to be on the lookout for this from now on. It's a pity... it means a bright presence in the Force is neh longer a guarantee of actually being part of the Light. Wryly she thinks to herself, Guess I can't use that as an argument for myself any more either. A moment later, deeply worried, she tries to look at her own Light, even though she knows it's not really possible to do so. Is her Light falsely bright with self-delusion also? The Light Freyja sees from the Inquisitor isn't pure... it's a yellowish, almost fiery light. It is very bright... but it isn't clean or healthy like the Force can be. His Falling is there, if you know what to look for. Now Freyja knows.

Freyja nods, bouncing lightly to her feet and tugging gently on the Wookiee's arm, "Come, please. Let the former Templars handle him -- I'll need your help to open his ship."

Shorryyr says to Murn, "Let him up. We go check. He does anything stupid, you stun him." Murn grudgingly complies.

Freyja darts lightly out of the room, hurrying as fast as the larger Wookiee will go. She glances worriedly at the Jedi Master with her as they hasten along to the ship, and asks quietly, "Master Shorryyr... can you tell me if my Light in the Force looks anything like the Inquisitor's? Sort of... yellowish..." Her voice trails off as she remembers her beloveds telling her how she looked like a firebird in the Force. She swallows in anxiety, and focuses just on the moment. Manishsha first. She'll ask Master Roakkana for help later.

Shorryyr needs little hurrying, and her long legs make up for a lot. The Inquisitor's ship answers, and opens. Manishsha is there, exactly as described. The Wookiee says, "You decant poor little Watcher, I have a look." Freyja nods, her fingers already flying over the keyboard, checking to be sure he's all right and can be safely decanted. The medkit on the tube says he's fine and can come out any time. A moment later she gives a small sigh of relief -- he's uninjured! She sets the decanting process into motion, then looks worriedly up at the big Wookiee. Then she remembers the rogues -- she darts over and checks they're all healthy also. She doesn't decant them, though, since she doesn't yet know what Watcher Manishsha will want done with them. As Freyja works and the cylinder cycles, waking the little Watcher, Shorryyr looks at the Force. Freyja's concerned look makes her smile, and say, "Your Force presence pure and white, Padawan Freyja. Giant pillar of Light spreading out and supporting those around you. Very good." She adds, "I am big out here in real world. Murn, she got a big mouth. You are big in the Force. It is good."

Freyja blinks up at the Wookiee Master, then gulps and smiles, nodding once before she goes back to work. Her relief is such she can feel tears come to her eyes for a second before she blinks them back. Just for a moment... she'd been horribly frightened about what she might have become, and what she might have inadvertently done to those around her whom she most cared for.

Once she's finished checking everyone, she gives a small half-laugh, half-sigh to the Wookiee, then reports to her, "The rogue manus is all fine also, and there's neh one else here. Watcher Manishsha should be awake in a minute or two, I think." She sighs and sits down on a sturdy piece of equipment, adding a heartfelt, "Thank goodness."

Shorryyr smiles, "Is all good," and lets it lie at that. Shortly Manishsha, looking more like a drowned rat than a Jedi is rubbing his eyes, and muttering dark sounding things in Kushiban. His voder is nowhere to be seen.

Freyja covers a giggle, then helps the Kushiban out. She's had a moment to find a towel, and if he doesn't object she'll briskly help him rub dry. Over her shoulder to the Master she asks, "Do you see his voder anywhere, Master Shorryyr?"

Shorryyr shakes her head no, then asks Freyja, "You speak Kashyyk?"

Freyja says, "Hai, Master. I'd be happy to translate for you, if you can make your voder translate for Watcher Manishsha." Apologetically she adds, "I unfortunately don't speak Kushiban." She adds thoughtfully, "Although... I could set my datapad to speak what he typed in, if we needed to? I think I can, at least...?"

Shorryyr says, "Voder do all of them, and silly bunny understands Kashyyk just fine." She sets it to translate to and from Kushiban to Standard, and puts it on the ground by Manishsha -- then asks, "You okay?"

Freyja continues briskly rubbing the Kushiban, causing him to sway back and forth with the energy of her movements. She hopes he doesn't mind the apparent indignity, but this will also aid in waking him up and getting his blood flowing again. He mutters to the voder, which translates, "I am not a silly bunny. I am a grumpy Kushiban. What happened?" He does not seem to object to the toweling, and probably knows it's for his own good.

Freyja grins in spite of herself, then replies concisely, "The Inquisitor tried to continue a habit he apparently started with you of stunning Jedi to entube and take back to Coruscant. We need your help in deciding what to do with him, as he made the mistake of shooting Jedi Dorn first and is now our prisoner."

Manishsha says something untranslatable -- then, "You kept Murn from killing him?" Shorryyr replies, "Yes. We had to find you first. Told us yesterday that if we didn't do as he asked, we'd never see you again. Sounds like we wouldn't have anyway."

Freyja blinks in startlement up at the Wookiee, surprised to hear she was successfully blackmailed in that way. Then she shakes her head and continues vigorously rubbing Kushiban fur dry. She wasn't here -- she has neh way of knowing what the poor Wookiee went through. Manishsha also seems startled by this, and says, "Why did you let him do this?" The reply is, "It wasn't clear from how it was phrased that you weren't helping him, and he hadn't asked for anything too unreasonable until today. Then these folks arrived -- and things got worse." Freyja nods quietly to herself, understanding now.

Manishsha says, "Well. Let's go see the man and see what he has to say for himself."

Freyja sets back and opens the towel a bit, running her fingers carefully through the Watcher's fur to test how damp it still is. She frowns, then says thoughtfully, "Master Shorryyr, could you carry Watcher Manishsha, wrapped up in this towel? I want to be sure he stays warm, especially having been so recently shot and put in a tube. Or I could carry him, if you'd be more comfortable with that?"

Manishsha sighs and says, "What I'd really like is a hot shower and a bite to eat. As far as I'm concerned Obai can wait that long." He adds, "And maybe a voder of my own," and grins. He mutters something about bacta in fur and itching.

Freyja looks hopefully up at the Wookiee, "If you want to carry him in for that, I can go let the others know everything is fine and you'll be there presently?"

The Wookiee bundles the Kushiban up in the towel easily, and says, "That good. Be right with you. Don't let Murn kill him."

Freyja beams, "Thank you, Master! Hot tea would probably be best for him," then darts hastily out of the ship. A moment later she patters lightly into the room with the former Templars and the now only faintly blue Obai, and announces happily, "He's fine! Everything's good -- he's getting a quick hot shower and some hot tea to help him recover better." She grins and adds, "He also says I shouldn't let Murn kill Obai." She looks around thoughtfully, wondering if there are the makings of tea here as well. Maybe in that low cabinet by the far wall?

Murn (unsurprisingly) and Dorn (more surprisingly) say, "Darn!" Dorn is sitting up, and rubbing the pins and needles out of his face and fingers. He comments, "I hate being stunned."

Freyja grins in some sympathy at them, then pauses long enough to gently touch Dorn's cheek with her slender golden fingers. More seriously she says, "I'm very glad you're all right." Then she moves gracefully on, swaying between the seated people to kneel by the low cabinet. She slides open a door to check, then happily announces over her shoulder, "Tea makings! Hold on a bit, everyone, and we'll have some nice hot tea for you all!"

A voice touches Freyja's mind -- it's Fhazil, Heiyo, lover! Master Roakkana says we can talk to you again, and we're headed home. We're fine. You okay? Freyja sighs happily, letting her worry fall away and her longing for -- her lust and like and love for -- her beloveds swoosh out like a wave or a blanket of warmth and happiness to encompass them all with her joy at their incipient return. Fhazil's reply is laughter, and We missed you too, beautiful! We'll be back to the speeder in about two hours, and home in two or three more. We'll show you how much we missed you when we get there.

Freyja brings out equipment with quick, sure motions: setting up the small burner, putting water to boil, setting out the small tea cups and the leaves. The simple, repetitive motions have her smiling, alive with the pleasure of renewed contact with her beloveds and the loss of worry. Her eyes are sparkling and her face is lit up and animated as she happily acknowledges Fhazil's reply, and turns with a tray of tea for everyone, including the currently absent Wookiee and Kushiban.

Shortly, Dorn stands up and stretches. Leaning on Thov, he comes over and glares at the Inquisitor, who stares back defiantly. Dorn says, "You didn't kill him, Murn. I'm impressed." Murn says, "Would have if he have killed you. He just lucky." She adds, "Almost didn't have time to hit him. Freyja darn fast with a sabre. She disable him even before I did."

Freyja smiles, carefully handing out cups of appropriate sizes to all present, "I just didn't want him hurting anyone, that's all. Is everyone happy with their tea?"

Dorn smiles at Freyja, "Much appreciated, Padawan." He looks back to the captured Inquisitor and says, "What were you thinking?!" The indicated man says nothing. Freyja gives Dorn an inquiringly raised eyebrow while holding a tea cup, and tilts her head slightly at the Inquisitor -- should he get some tea also? Dorn looks at the quiet, defiant prisoner and asks him, "Jedi Obai, would you like a cup of tea?" The question is reasonably polite. The reply is a quick shake of the head, "No," and that is all. Dorn shrugs and says, "No, thank you, Freyja. The tea is lovely, though, and appreciated."

Freyja nods and settles gracefully and comfortably on the same sitting cushion she was on before. She leaves the tea tray, with its teapot and its very large and very small cups, by where Master Shorryyr was seated earlier. She'll enjoy a cuppa herself as well while they wait.

It does not take the Watcher and the Wookiee long to arrive. Manishsha, with a voder of his own, goes over to Obai and says, "Hello, Jedi Obai. I suppose it is nice to meet you. May I ask what you have done with my voder and light saber, please?"

Freyja oh!s silently, and rises to move quietly over next to Master Shorryyr. She gently sets the Inquisitor's lightsaber next to the Wookiee, then discreetly settles back on her previous seat again. The Wookiee smiles and takes charge of the saber. Obai replies coolly, "Vacuum storage unit on the port side of the ship, in the left-hand-most cabinet. I don't remember the number on the drawer." Manishsha smiles, "Thank you, Jedi."

Freyja raises an inquiring eyebrow at the Wookiee -- would she like Freyja to go fetch it? The Wookiee nods quietly to Freyja and says, "You're being very helpful all of a sudden, Jedi. Why could you not have been this way before?"

Freyja raises the other eyebrow and grins, "Was I not? I don't recall, Master." She darts lightly out of the room, headed back to the ship and repeating the instructions silently to herself. She giggles quietly -- she knows that was addressed to the so-called Inquisitor, but it was still fun to try to lighten the mood slightly!

When she returns the others are laughing and the Inquisitor is looking dour. Murn, although chuckling, is standing guard over him quite attentively. Freyja drops to one knee to politely hand the lightsaber and the voder to the Kushiban, and grins, "What's so funny, if I may ask?"

Dorn says, "Freyja... you missed the answer to Jedi Shorryyr's question. Apparently he's so helpful now because he didn't realize before that he was surrounded by dangerous, heretical maniacs bent on killing him and destroying the Jedi Order." Thov says, "That a quote."

Freyja blinks startledly, then giggles in spite of herself, "Oh, the poor man!" She moves to her seat again and settles, picking up her tea cup and inhaling appreciatively. She sips lightly, listening with interest.

Shorryyr asks via her voder, "So, what should we do with you, Jedi Obai?" Freyja looks interestedly at Watcher Manishsha for the answer to that.

This self-righteous reply is nearly as amusing as the last, because the Inquisitor says, "You should release me immediately so that I can return to the Council of the Red and give my report. Perhaps I will even recommend they let some of you live. After retraining and conditioning you could be valued members of the order again."

Freyja glances a bit puzzledly at the Falling Jedi, then looks back at the Kushiban inquiringly, "So... is Balin Khoud getting any better, Watcher Manishsha? He was far more Fallen than this kuras seems to be, so if he can get better perhaps this one can also?"

Manishsha says, "I haven't heard, but I can ask. I think I know what to do." Murn says, dejectedly, "Feed him his own liver?" Obai looks quite uncomfortable at this. Noticing, Murn adds, "Maybe we cook it for him, first?"

Freyja grins, "Murn! Be nice!"

Murn grins wickedly and says, "I sorry. He try to kill us. I got little patience." Manishsha says, "I understand, Murn." He looks at Obai and says, "I promise you we won't harm you. We won't send you anywhere people will harm you. We're going to send you to Coruscant, although not quite how you want to get there."

Freyja says thoughtfully, "Kuras Obai... are you a Calefactor as well as an Inquisitor?"

The captured man glares at her, "Who taught you that word?" When no one answers, he adds, "Don't mess with what you don't understand, Padawan. You're in over your head already."

Freyja nods quietly and a little sadly, "I thought as much." She doesn't explain what precisely she means, though... she just has another sip of tea. She considers, then says a moment later to Watcher Manishsha, "We do need to eventually discover where they're creating their rogue manuses, hai?"

Manishsha says, "Jedi Avarras, I see you have a medkit. Would you scan Jedi Obai to make sure he is fully healthy, and then please make him unconscious for us?" He tells the now frightened-looking man, "I have some trusted friends in the Watchers organization who will know just what questions to ask and how to make the best of your visit with them. Then you will be free to go to your own leaders and report as you see fit."

Manishsha nods to Freyja and says, "Thank you, Freyja. I'll make sure it isn't forgotten."

Freyja feels a bit sorry for the poor deluded man, but she simply nods to the Kushiban, "Thank you, Watcher. I'm sure we're all worried about more problems such as what cropped up on Dantooine occurring elsewhere as well -- and we'd prefer not to have to clean all those up also."

As Avarras does her work the captured man stares at Freyja, "You were on Dantooine? What do you... know..." and then slumps. Manishsha mutters something biological and repulsive under his breath, then says, "Jedi Avarras, would you please see to getting this man prepared to be moved to Coruscant for us? I will contact people there and make sure he is expected and welcomed." Murn grins and says, "You make that sound like more fun than what I wanted." The Kushiban grins and somehow looks menacing as he replies, "Oh yes, I'm sure it will be."

Freyja shakes her head amusedly at how unprepared the poor man was, but says nothing. She adds a moment later, "What of the rogue manus? Will they be staying here, or heading off to Coruscant as well?"

Shorryyr says quietly, "This is a very bad thing. I hope this Red Council gets no more power than they have now. I'm not sure I want to be known as a Jedi once the Jedi are busy examining each other for heresy and retraining themselves to be zealots."

Manishsha says, "Three of them will go to Coruscant, Freyja. One will go elsewhere - I haven't decided where - and one stays here with us."

Freyja nods quietly and wistfully at the Wookiee's words, adding, "I don't know how to convince the Council of Aristoi to trust Jedi to tell truth-speaking from the traitorous hausa... when the Jedi don't even trust themselves." She nods at the Kushiban's comment, falling reflectively silent.

Manishsha sighs and says, "With Jedi like that barging about, I can't blame them for their concern. I never saw him when he got me. He shot Dorn in a room full of Jedi, and was sure he'd never be caught -- until the last. He's still sure he's right."

Freyja says quietly, meditatively, "Just like Balin Khoud... and kuras Akaro..." She looks up and sighs quietly again, "This is going to make it harder to root out the non-Force using infiltrators, isn't it."

Manishsha asks quietly, "You wouldn't really have eaten his liver -- would you, Murn?" She snorts, "No! Maybe beat him senseless if he hurt Dorn, but not kill him. Just venting and scaring him." Thov comments, "Seems to have worked."

Manishsha says, "Maybe, Freyja. We'll have to be careful who comes from Coruscant and make sure they're not zealots, anyway." Nimas comments, "Just good he not a smarter zealot. Then we maybe not noticed."

Freyja murmurs to Nimas, "Or a better prepared one. If he'd noticed there were five of you he might have been more cautious... and sneaky. He didn't even know who was on Dantooine, after all."

Manishsha says, "Most think nobody's been on Dantooine, I believe. They might have heard Sarn was there. He knew Sarn was 'lost.' Wonder what he'd make of Sarn's new friend."

Freyja looks at the Kushiban and adds, "Will it be possible to talk to the remaining rogue here?" Then she winces a bit, saying quietly, "All thirty six of them. That would have been bad."

The Kushiban says, "They'll have to be decanted sooner or later. If they'll behave they can stay that way. I'd prefer it." He adds, "I was thinking of one in particular. He radioed me before they left Tanaab, and seemed a little confused."

Freyja nods, then says softly, "I admit... I'm still trying to understand how they can think that way." She gives Manishsha a slightly puzzled look, then ah!s in understanding, "You mean Master Sarn. Hai, her name is Saleyn. She apparently wants to join my clan." She grins a little ruefully, "Or at least that's how her culture translates haus, I think?" She adds a bit indignantly, "Master Sarn is not lost, either!"

Murn laughs and nudges Thov, "Sounds like Master Sarn's been naughty!" Thov says, "Hush, Murn." Murn asks Freyja, "Is she nice? What's she like?"

Freyja tilts her head to study Murn thoughtfully a moment... then unexpectedly grins, "She's very like you in some ways."

Thov says teasingly, "Oh, poor Sarn!" Manishsha nods and says, "A Khar Velosi, like Vakkal is." Thov then grins, "Or maybe lucky Sarn." Murn grins and pokes him, then asks Freyja, "Saleyn, she nice? She look after poor Sarn? He very smart but kind of dumb in some ways, last I met."

Freyja shakes her head amusedly at Murn, then says dryly, "Well, somewhat like you..."

Murn says, "Well, she must be nice then," and grins. Manishsha adds, "I suspect she and Sarn will look out for each other. She is strong in places he is not, but she has weaknesses of her own that our friend Sarn can help her with

unless I miss my guess."

Freyja giggles quietly at Murn, then says firmly, "If she joins Haus Rigg with the other Khar Velosi, she'll do fine. My haus takes good care of its people."

Avarras asks -- quietly, as she always is, "How can we be so different from that other Jedi? We hear, 'Sarn has met nice Sith lady' and we first ask, 'Ooo, is she nice?' We not say, 'Icky Sith must die!' or, 'How could he be so corrupted!' How you get such big difference -- even among Jedi?"

Freyja frowns thoughtfully at her tea, murmuring, "Uhm... that's actually something I've been trying to understand for some time now, Jedi Avarras. I, er, haven't quite got it yet, unfortunately... but I was hoping perhaps talking to the rogue might help me figure it out."

Manishsha says, "I can begin to guess, but it isn't a flattering answer. Perhaps, as Freyja says, the rogues will shed more light."

Freyja looks up, adding with sheepish honesty, "Initially I thought it was a Templar thing -- that to be a Templar was to be unreasonably sure of oneself, and dismissive of others."

Dorn comments, "It helps." Nimas snickers, and Thov glares at him.

Freyja smiles, "Well, it was Jedi Colburth who convinced me that couldn't be right. He actually listened to me -- listened to my concerns about the honor of those who would break their word as Jedi to do what they thought was right." She grins, remembering as she adds, "And at the time I was just a Padawan who couldn't even lift a pebble -- as he put it, regarding another Padawan there. But now..." she sighs a bit gustily, causing the steam from her tea to eddy interestingly, "now... I think it has more to do with fear than with being a Templar... and I don't think any particular branch of the Jedi have a monopoly on fear."

Manishsha says, "Fear is, I think, part of it. I think the desire to know the truth is another part. For some, to be told 'The Sith are all evil!' is enough. They believe it. They refuse to challenge it. And it lets them be manipulated by those who want more than they have."

Freyja asks musingly, "Is it truly a desire to know the truth, Watcher? Or is it more a desire to have a simple, unchanging, easy-to-master answer?"

Manishsha asks, "How are those different?"

Freyja gives the Kushiban an indignant look, "How can you even say that, honored Watcher?! Truth is a constant, growing, flexible thing we never truly master but always aspire to, like the Force itself!" Then she blinks, suddenly wondering if she just got her leg pulled.

Manishsha replies, "And to know that is to expect and be ready for change, yes. To simply Have The Answers suggests you don't really want Truth. You want The Answer."

Freyja says, "Well, hai, of course. So how can those be the same?"

Manishsha says, "We're saying the same thing, only backwards. I'm saying that some want The Truth. You're suggesting that they want The Answer. They are opposites. We're agreeing with each other, but reaching our conclusions from different sides of the same coin, I think." Freyja looks a bit confused, but nods politely. She's obviously going to have to meditate on this later, she thinks. The Watcher can see her confusion; he adds, "If they really want to understand they will continue to ask and learn and grow. They'll see and say, 'Hey! A whole ship full of nice-enough, everyday Sith folks.' Someone who merely wants An Answer will believe, 'All Sith Are Evil' and leave it at that. The whole ship full -- well, they'll refuse to see it. It doesn't fit the answer. I'm saying that if you want Truth, you won't be satisfied with The Answer. You're saying that if you believe in An Answer, you'll not want to hear The Truth. They're opposites."

"Oh!" Freyja nods, understanding now, "I get it now, Watcher, thank you."

He smiles, and Shorryyr replies, "It is always good to see a bright Padawan." Freyja grins at the Wookiee's pun.

Manishsha says, "I think we all need to think about what happened, and get everyone's input and let everyone discuss it. We can get together later and discuss if there's anything we need to do about it." Freyja nods to the Kushiban. This most recent news about yet another group of zealot Jedi scares her, quite frankly.

Piper is happy to take them all back home. In a moment of unusual quiet Dorn hugs and kisses Murn and murmurs something to her that makes her pinken a little. She does not pull away, though. Piper politely ignores the interplay, and the trip back to the manse is quiet. Freyja is, upon reflection, glad no one called attention to her 'evil' iconic blade. Most of the trip she simply stares thoughtfully out the viewport.

The mansion itself is quiet and somewhat empty feeling until shortly before dinner time, when a landspeeder containing several non-Light folks and a tired Wookiee turns up. Freyja almost flies out the doors and down the stairs, to throw herself upon the nearest one, alight with glee! Alleine is quite startled by this greeting. Freyja laughs and hugs him, then cheerfully says, "Gotta get out of Syffie's way!" and throws herself on the closest of her paramours.

Fhazil is all too pleased to catch the incoming Jedi. He gives her a big hug and a kiss and says, "You must really like me. I need a shower like you wouldn't believe." Freyja giggles, then contentedly loses herself in a long and passionately involved kiss.

Alleine is recovering from Freyja's hug when Syf's hits. She squeaks something at him, and then sighs quietly. She gains control of herself and asks, "Did you have a good trip?"

Alleine looks down at her, "Uh. It was an interesting trip, but I must admit to a certain fondness for indoor plumbing." Syf giggles almost stupidly, then hugs him again and murmurs, "Well, we have that here."

As soon as Fhazil comes up for air Vakkal says, "Is this guy bothering you?" to Freyja.

Freyja takes a breath herself, then giggles at Vakkal and reaches to pull him close with one arm. "Mmm, and doing quite well at it!" She greets Vakkal more in his style, rubbing her cheek happily against his and purring quietly, then gently taking his ear between her teeth and tugging lightly on it. "Did you all miss me?"

Zero comes up behind Freyja and snuggles against her, murmuring, "Oh, yeah -- we did." Fhazil quips, "And he keeps stealing all the blankets!" The reply from Zero is, "Leaving poor Fhazil alone with just Vakkal for warmth." Vakkal is too busy mmming happily at having his sweetie bite him to respond.

Freyja giggles around the fuzzy ear between her teeth and releases it carefully, then leans her head against Zero. She sighs contentedly, "Let's all go snuggle, mmm?"

Syf says, "No, bath first. All of you. Or Mother will be mortified at dinner. C'mon, we'll all go."

Freyja grins, "Horrors, can't mortify Mother." She loops an arm around Zero, then suddenly remembers herself, and turns to stand on tiptoe and tightly hug Master Roakkana as well. Softly she murmurs to him, "Welcome back, Master Roakkana -- I missed you!"

The Wookiee smiles and says, "We all missed you too, Freyja. Go get cleaned up and we'll let you tell us of your adventures later." Freyja will happily head indoors with her Family of the Heart, her arms around as many of them as she can manage, and head for her wing of the manse with them.

Syf leads a somewhat befuddled Alleine along, saying, "Oh, c'mon, baths are fun. You've only had showers? Awww!" Freyja grins over her shoulder at Syf with some sympathy, remembering how strident Father could be about shared baths with those of the other gender who weren't paramours. However, a moment later she's almost swooped up with the gleeful enthusiasm of lovers reunited, and they practically thunder up the stairs for her suite. Syf calls, "Frey! Would it be an imposition if we joined you? Not only does Alleine need to clean up, he's only had showers. What kind of a life is that?"

Fhazil comments, "Life on a spaceship?"

Freyja blinks, then looks over her shoulder and grins, "Tsk, the agony! Bring the poor man with you -- sure!" Then she giggles and gently pokes Fhazil, "Blasphemer! There's nothing quite like a long, sudsy, steamy bath with lovers, and you know it!"

Syf beams, "You're a lifesaver, Frey!" She pulls Alleine along, the poor Massassi almost stuttering, "Um... but... all of us?"

Freyja grins and winks once in commiseration to Syf, then cheerfully adds to Alleine, "Ancient Balmorran custom, hai! Why would you want to bathe alone? Who'd do your back?"

Fhazil can be heard to murmur, "I can't believe the Diamond of Balmorra just invited herself to bathe with us." Zero counters with, "I can't believe you're complaining." Fhazil says, "No... but I thought I'd be more excited by the idea." Vakkal tells him, "She is scary, isn't she?"

Freyja giggles at them, then murmurs over the link, I think she's intent on some sudsy time alone with Alleine, actually -- she knows it's a good bet Father won't burst in on me, and that we'll absent ourselves from the tub eventually!

Syf says, "Harrumph!" and then, "See, Alleine? Who'll protect me from these sarcastic boys?"

Fhazil replies over the link, The poor, poor man. Vakkal sends back, Yes, you for an in-law or whatever. What's he thinking? Fhazil grins and takes a swipe at him, but misses.

Freyja laughs at Syf's comment, then says gently, "Guys... be nice." And quieter! Shortly thereafter they're in her suite and she's cheerfully herding everyone through the various rooms to the bathing area. She wonders happily how Alleine's feeling... then in sudden curiosity asks her paramours, So how did Alleine take to having to leave so abruptly? Did he seem to miss Syffie too? It's clear that Alleine is startled as hell by the attention of the beautiful woman, but he isn't minding at all.

Vakkal replies, He came quietly when Master Roakkana told him that other Jedi might take him away unless we spent a few days lying low. Fhazil is distracted, but Zero adds, He did seem kind of subdued. Freyja sighs happily, relieved at the answer. Maybe they'll feel him Brighten soon. She'd be very happy at that -- she's not sure if Master Roakkana's gotten him to promise not to try removing his Sithstain without someone to watch over him yet, and she doesn't want him to inadvertently hurt himself.


The sun rises slowly and silently as it tends to do, and the room brightens with dawnlight. Zero and Fhazil are curled up on either side of Freyja, both asleep but snuggled in close to the warmth of Freyja's golden skin. Freyja lies quietly, watching the pale wash of light bring color and depth to the room, and slowly thinks about the past few days. So much that needs doing, and yet she feels so... stalled in the Force. She ponders that for a while, then quietly 'touches' Master Roakkana's mind to see if he's awake.

The old Wookiee is awake, meditating while watching the sun rise -- contemplating himself, the world, the Force, and simply appreciating the calmness and beauty of the moment. That sense of serenity and wholeness comes through to Freyja in response to her quiet checking.

Freyja murmurs softly across the link, Master Roakkana, I've been thinking. We're supposed to be Jedi, to be dedicated to the Light and to truth... so why is it our Order is now apparently so riddled with those dedicated to zealotry, to meaningless ritual and heartless moral rigidity? Is it because those who are not zealots are not as avid about speaking up? Is it time to ask the Watchers to come forward and speak openly and truthfully about the wounds our Order suffers under currently? Or for us to do it ourselves?

The reply is quiet and calm, yet filled with the wisdom of years, I am sure there are many Jedi who would be horrified by what happened here with the Inquisitor. I see the center of this darkness as being the Temple on Coruscant. Perhaps the view of what is right, and the focus on the Light, is distracted by the people and politics there. Most Jedi are not there, and would not condone these things. I believe you are right in that it is time to make this known to most Jedi so that they can in turn remind the Council of what is correct.

Freyja is quietly relieved to hear that -- this tacit support of intellectual dishonesty, through her silence, had begun to worry her. I'm so relieved to hear that, Master. Do we ask Watcher Manishsha to do this, and offer to help him if he wants, or just let him handle how he wants to do it, or what? Vakkal watches this. He is sitting up by himself, watching over the sleepers, apparently content to be right where he is. Freyja smiles quietly at him as she mentally converses with her master, and one slender golden hand lightly trails along a silvery strand of Zero's hair, tucking it back out of his face.

Roakkana replies, Let us contact him and discuss this with him and see if he agrees. If he does we should make sure he understands he has any of our support he needs, and then let him decide the best way to proceed within his Order. If he needs our help, he will have it.

Freyja nods, All right. Her thoughts drift quietly away, unless the Wookiee speaks to her again.

Roakkana does: This is not something I think should be discussed over the 'Net. Would you prefer to visit him at the local monastery or to invite him here? I suspect the other Jedi here would be interested in this conversation as well.

Freyja nods, Hai, we can invite him here. I suspect it's only fair to allow all of the Jedi here to decide how they wish to respond. There will, after all, doubtless be fur a-flying and lekku a-twitching once this is announced. Her mental voice is resignedly tired sounding -- she's not looking forward to the vicious accusations and irrationality this announcement will invariably promulgate in the Council. Her faith in the rationality and calm of Jedi, let alone sapients in general, has been badly shaken.

After some dreamy regard of the play of color across Vakkal's complexly-patterned dark fur, she realizes there is another organizational body she's associated with. It too is currently wounded -- riddled with deceit she is tacitly abetting through her silence. She sighs quietly, realizing she'll have to address the Council of Aristoi to try to urge the hausen to face up to their responsibilities -- to their people, their own personal and familial honor, to Balmorra... and to the Republic itself. She whispers a quiet mental request to Vakkal to pass on to her borrowed secretary the requested arrangements, so they'll be taken care of.

Roakkana sends, I will contact Watcher Manishsa shortly and see to the details.

Vakkal nods and slips quietly from the room. While he has the door open, the subtle sounds of the awkening Haus can be heard. Freyja thanks Roakkana, and thanks Vakkal also once he verifies her request has been passed on. Then she sighs -- she should rise -- and gently trails her golden fingers in a caress down the back of one of her lovers, to help them wake in pleasure.

It is later, over a leisurely breakfast with few people present, that Freyja quietly mentions she intends to speak to the Council -- or at least those who will listen -- to attempt to remind them of their duty to their people, Balmorra, and the Republic... and of their familial honor. Forsetti looks quite startled, and says, "What brings this on? I thought you'd rather visit the dentist than go to Council?"

Freyja says, "Hai, Father... but it hit me this morning that my silence on this issue merely aids the traitors. I cannot in good conscience continue in this vein. However, since this will reflect on all of us, I wanted you all to know ahead of time."

Leif says, "Your silence? What silence? The Haus has spoken quite strongly and clearly. Your father and I have spoken for the whole Haus and thus for your name. We're pushing just that, and have been from the start. You have in no way aided traitors."

Freyja looks up at Leif, her ice-blue gaze haunted, "Have I not? We know who the traitors are -- they were named by the outcast. Yet still those traitors abide unpunished in their hausen. It is not just a blackening of the escutcheons of their own hausen. It is a shame on all the hausen of Balmorra that we aid and permit treason against the Republic. They were even named by the Sith lord Si'yul Ghang himself, during the peace negotiations! Yet we have done nothing... nothing to even prevent them from continuing their murderous and treasonous practices." She sighs tiredly, then adds grimly, "If that's not aiding traitors, I don't know what is." She mutters unhappily, "I find it enormously disturbing to be facing this exact same issue in the Jedi Order as well. Once can be an accident, but twice is surely enemy action. I believe we're allowing the hostile Sith to accomplish their original goal -- confusion to their enemies -- by doing it for them ourselves."

Leif says, "Who would say we permit it? It is being addressed as strongly and as quickly as can be done. Would you simply demand they roll over dead because you tell them it is right? We have placed sanctions on all of those named and on some others. We have begun having representatives from the Council examine the businesses of all the Hausa. The amnesty offer has been put out, and we are trying to get interviews with the lead staff members of all the Hausa. They agreed until we demanded Jedi presence, but we're working on that point. We are discussing, in Council, options and ways to finally correct this. It has taken discussion, convincing, pleading, and reminding them of their duty, but it is slowly happening. These things take time." Freyja studies Leif silently, wondering if he just asked her not to act. A bit less intensely he adds, "You say these things are happening in the Jedi Council as well. I urge you to focus on that. There are already a great many concerned and competent people looking at this. Your concern is wonderful, and I would not presume to try and forbid you from going, but your time might be best spent elsewhere."

Freyja finally says very softly, "What are you saying, Lord Fafnir? What course do you recommend?"

Fafnir says, "Lady Freyja, I am saying that the situation at Council is difficult and complex. It took me months to understand the subtle nuances and the spoken and unspoken alliances. I would worry that, however well you mean and however true what you say is, that it would make it more difficult to affect these changes that we all want. If you want to come to Council, come to Council and see it for yourself. Listen to the play and interplay of words and promises and wait to fully understand it before you leap in to the fray and try to make sweeping changes. I know that you want to help and that you are truly dedicated to solving these problems, but I fear that you would do more harm than good were you to speak unprepared." He adds, "If you truly want to come and speak, let your Mother and I help you write your speech."

Freyja stares silently at Fafnir for several moments, internally quite shocked -- although her now carefully serene expression shows that not at all. Finally she turns to look at her parents and politely asks them, "Is this the course of action you also council, honored parents?"

Forsetti says, "It might be a good idea." Erde glares at him for a moment, and then looks at Freyja, and says, "I can't argue with Fafnir's suggestions, Freyja. He caused quite the scandal or two before he learned to keep his mouth shut and be more careful of what he said, and I think it is some of the horror of that lesson he hopes to spare you -- in addition to trying to make sure your enthusiasm is not appropriated by those who would undo what you strive for."

Freyja nods once, her gaze getting far away as she murmurs, "I see. I bow to your accumulated efforts." She rises, murmurs, "I fear I must away," and silently but swiftly heads out. She's not got any pre-determined destination in mind -- she's just walking away from a currently intolerable enlightenment, to try to regain her composure.

Freyja finds herself, after a while of almost blind walking, near the ships' port. She knows she cannot hide from the technological eyes which track her, but perhaps she can go someplace lonely for a bit to think. She checks over the link with Master Roakkana -- when is the meeting of the Jedi scheduled? If she's the time, she'll just borrow one of the smaller skiffs and bounce over the planet to the northern estate.

The Wookiee replies, Shortly after lunch time.

Freyja thanks the Wookiee, then quietly walks into the port and checks out one of the ships. A moment later the pre-programmed route has her on her way, alone. She wonders with faint curiosity why being alone is good now, but was so horrific for her previously. Probably because she's not really cut off this time, she finally decides. She leans back in the comfortable pilot's seat for the short half hour ride, and debates what to do. Meditate some, she guesses... maybe walk around in the snow some. It'll mess up her clothes, but unless she hits a major storm her Jedi training should keep her warm enough. Maybe that will help her snap out of this incredibly depressed lethargy she's currently feeling.

She lands near the quiet and currently empty hunting lodge in the Northern estate. Snow covers the ground, but not too deeply at this time. It is very quiet and peaceful. The illusion is that she has the whole world to herself. Freyja smiles wryly, keenly aware of the lie of that illusion -- especially embedded in the web of illusions she's currently struggling with. She looks around, sighs, then simply trudges off in a random direction. Her tracks will show her the way back. When one of the flying droids whizzes over and politely inquires as to whether she needs anything, she simply tells it to feel free to follow her. She knows it will reassure her family, and while she has a lot to work through currently (which a single trudge through the snow is not likely to fix, unfortunately), scaring her family isn't one of the objectives.

The droid drops a ways back, coming in and out of sight, its whine fading to nothing and leaving Freyja to her quiet thoughts. It is nearly an hour before she is interrupted by the soft crunch of footsteps in the snow. Freyja frowns, not really wanting to have to deal with anyone else, and pulls her hood up. Likely she won't be recognized if she just nods and continues on like she has business elsewhere.

A very familiar voice says, "Freyja? Are you all right?" Vakkal comes around far enough for Freyja to see him and then comes up to her, his breath forming steamy clouds in the snow. He wears boots and a long cloak, and carries a small bag. Though he does not mention it, in the bag he carries a small medkit and some concentrates -- but mostly a big, warm blanket and hot tea.

Freyja comes to a stop, her breath smoking slowly upwards as she sighs, "Heiyo, Vakkal. I'm fine." She adds politely, "Thank you for coming out to find me, but truly, I'm fine."

Vakkal looks at her and says quietly, "If you'd like, I can let you alone. I know you wanted to come out and be by yourself - that was obvious - but I thought I'd make sure. I was worried about you."

Freyja pushes her hood back, then continues trudging along the path she's making, adding morosely, "Depressed, but fine. I thought maybe I could tire myself out before the Jedi meeting. I suspect we're going to get more of the same there, and... well... I don't know what to do." She sighs again, adding tiredly, "I don't know where I belong anymore."

Vakkal walks along with her, hurrying to catch up and commenting, "This is the last time I let Magnussen convince me to put anything on my feet. It's just snow." After a few moments he adds, "I wish I had answers for you, Freyja. It's hard to lose that. I'm sorry you feel you have."

Freyja smiles, pausing long enough to look over her shoulder and wait for Vakkal, "Just take the boots off, Vakiza. You don't have to wear them if you don't want to."

Vakkal takes a moment to take them off, hooking them together and over the strap of the bag he's carrying. He adds, "When I've been alone and really feeling that I have no place, I've been lucky enough to have powerful people come along and pick me up and give me a new place to be. The first was Lord Ghang, and the second was this confusing Human woman who took a huge chance on an alien enemy and made him part of her Haus." He looks at her and adds, "I don't know if you'll have someone make a new place for you, or if you'll find your own place, or if you'll come back to this one and find it isn't so bad

but I do know that what you've done has been critical for at least me. I'll never forget that, and I'll never leave you. Even if you don't know where you belong... you don't have to be alone."

Freyja waits until he's ready, then turns back to walking. She's silent a moment, thinking... then smiles faintly, and he can feel her quiet, almost tearful mental hug. She's silent a bit longer, considering the events of the morning, then sighs wearily, murmuring, "I don't know why I thought I'd be different. I think this is why the Jedi suggest leaving your family -- they know you can't ever go back, neh matter how hard you want to, neh matter whether you think you can." She's silent a bit longer, then adds tiredly, "I think I better not be here when Sarn and the Khar Velosi arrive. I don't feel I can truly claim to be someone who can welcome them into this clan... I'm not sure I'm really part of it anymore. It would be better to have Lord Fafnir do it, I suspect... plus we've still not given the bauble for Ameil to her factor. Perhaps it'd be better to go do that and be back in time for the Malice, than to continue pretending I have even the faintest clue how Balmorrans live or define honor."

Freyja shrugs, adding, "I don't even know how I could possibly help here anymore. Apparently honesty is a liability here now. I realize that sounds unfair, but I don't know how else to phrase it. I would do my family more harm than good by trying to be who I am, it appears... and if I wish to do good for them, I should trot off to play with the Jedi, apparently. So... I think it's time to go."

Vakkal says, "What happened, Freyja, to make you say such things?" He seems horrified.

Freyja murmurs indifferently, between breaths as she strides along, "I told my parents and Lord Fafnir I was thinking of speaking to the Council."

Vakkal says, "I don't understand how that gets you to the middle of nowhere, and thinking to go further. Your family adores you and is thrilled to have you home for a while. At least, that's what I understood."

Freyja says, "Mmhmm... wish I actually was who they thought I was, though. Or that they knew who I really was... whatever."

Vakkal asks, "Who do you think they think you are? What makes you think they don't know who you are? I don't understand, Freyja. What happened?"

Freyja says, "I don't know precisely, Vakkal, but I know I don't know Balmorra anymore. I would have laughed incredulously in the face of anyone who suggested, a year ago, my family would ever put up with lies and slander expressed towards our very haus -- and express tacit compliance with deceit and treason -- if I didn't immediately slap them and demand satisfaction for the insult to my family's honor -- but..." she falls silent, biting her lip and blinking as she stares ahead of herself, trying to clear her eyes of tears. One tear leaves a cold track down her cheek as she finally whispers, "I... I don't know my family anymore. If I'm not really a Rigg, and the Jedi are doing the same thing -- so I'm not even really a Jedi any more... then who am I?"

Freyja stops, her voice anguished, "And how do I help those I love, and balance the triat with Light? How do I bring Light to the Dark? How can I pretend to be an avatar of Life, Light, Fortune, and Fertility, when I can't find truth, I harm those I want to help, and I can't even really feel what the Force wants me to do anymore?!"

Vakkal gives Freyja a long hug; between the long cloak and all his fur, he is very warm. He kisses the tears away from her cheeks and holds her there for a while before he finally murmurs, "I don't have all the answers to that, Freyja. Maybe no one does. Some of those are big questions that may take a lifetime to figure out." He strokes her hair gently and adds, "Don't be so hard on yourself for not knowing everything all at once. You do very well. If you stick with these things, I'm sure you'll get them too."

Freyja hugs Vakkal tightly and lets the tears flow for a while -- she's hurting quite a bit inside, and doesn't know how to resolve this shocking cognitive dissonance in her life. She finally sniffles and rubs the tears away with the back of one hand. Miserably she murmurs, "It's not that I don't know everything at once, Vakiza... it's that what I know isn't true anymore. That, or I was wrong all along. And if I was so terribly, tragically wrong on Balmorra -- which is something I've known all my life... then how much greater and more horribly possible is the likelihood I'm wrong about everything I've believed about the Force as well? Especially now I can't hear the Force anymore?!"

Vakkal answers, "Perhaps it's always been this way, but you simply didn't know enough to see it. Growing up sometimes means learning that things are not as you understood them, and it's sometimes hard."

Freyja sighs, straightening and turning to head back out into the snow. Tiredly she observes, "That's all fine and good when it's just you and your family and their people who're deluded... but when your actions might instigate war between the Republic and the Sith because you were deluded... well, I don't want to end up like mad Khoud, you know?" She adds with bleak irony, "And even if this is just, as you say, 'growing pains,' it also painfully underscores how much I do not belong here anymore. This is not the world I thought it was... my family understands me as little as I, obviously, understand them." She pulls herself up and looks around wearily at the snow-grayed day. "And, just as obviously, dragging you around here accomplishes nothing." She sighs, turning around and starting to follow her tracks towards the lodge and the ship. "Let's just go back. I only have to sit through the Jedi meeting... then we can get on the Eclipse and go do something actually useful."

Vakkal replies, "You won't wind up like Khoud, Freyja. You care too much about other people, and you've got too many who love you too much to let you get that far off track." He adds, "I don't understand this talk of not understanding your family, Freyja. It's almost frightening. They're excellent people as far as I can tell, and they're all doing their best for the Haus. What's wrong with that?" He grins and comments, "Nothing besides trying to make you feel better, but I think that's useful. I'm not sure I succeeded."

Freyja smiles tiredly at Vakkal, although it doesn't reach her eyes, "They are fine people... they're just not who I thought they were, and I'm obviously not who they need. There's nothing wrong with that, but there's neh point in my being here. I'm not learning or accomplishing or growing any here... I need to remember Eclipse is my home, that's all. We should have just dropped off the folks from Dantooine, and left. We'd be halfway done with our next errand." She adds a bit sadly, "And I'd still have my illusions about honor."

The trip back to the estate is uneventful, and Freyja has time to warm up and clean up in any way she wants. Luncheon is a casual affair with just the family and Haus guests. Freyja quietly lets her paramours know they'll be leaving later that day, unless one of them objects. Upon reaching the house, she indifferently tosses her Balmorran clothing on the bed, dresses in her Jedi clothing, then packs her few belongings to be stashed on the Eclipse. Then she sits and thinks a while... then writes three notes. One is for her family, telling them she enjoyed their hospitality but must head on. One is for Master Sarn, to be given to him by Fafnir, which recommends Fafnir to him and asks that he help the young man understand the Khar Velosi as best he can. The final note is for Fafnir, which clearly and politely explains the rituals of greeting and for acceptance into a new clan for Khar Velosi, and which recommends he borrow one of her pieces of clothing to make sure he's got her scent on him. She's blunt enough to point out she has no idea if she's just deluding herself about this or is correct in her assessments of Khar Velosi -- and she apologizes for that lack of certainty -- but closes by saying she's done the best she knows how to help him with this, since she can't be there herself.

Shortly after the luncheon all the Jedi collect in one of the mansion's parlors. Watcher Manishsha and Master Shorryyr arrive shortly thereafter. With two Wookiees in attendance, it's good that the smallest of the rooms wasn't chosen. Freyja is seated slightly behind and to the side of her Master. She gives the note to Master Sarn to Master Roakkana just before the meeting starts, with a request he deliver it to his old friend when the Human arrives. The one for her parents is given to a droid with instructions to deliver it to her parents in four hours. The one to Fafnir is wrapped in the shirt she'd just worn to march around the snow in, so it should scent well of her. It also is given to the droid with instructions to hand it to the Lord Fafnir after her parents have been given their note. She's very quiet and thoughtfully withdrawn.

Manishsha smiles and thanks Freyja for hosting this gathering, then says, "I've spent a lot of time on the HoloNet recently talking to other Watchers and people who've met Inquisitors lately. We are not the only ones who have had strange encounters. The Watchers I was able to talk to are all concerned about this." Freyja is quietly relieved she's not the only one disturbed by recent occurrences. Then she mentally chastises herself -- of course she's not. It's not like she's the only thoughtful Jedi in the universe. She needs to focus. Manishsha says, "Most of the Jedi have not been affected by this yet, so are unaware there is a problem. The Watchers are going to begin spreading the word to be careful of unreasonable requests, and to watch out for improper directive from the 'Council of the Red.' There is officially no such thing, and any demands it makes are merely hot air."

Freyja listens, mentally reviewing all the strange terms she's collected over the past few years. Thomas Redcloak as the so-called Red General, and Calefactor as the rough Jedi equivalent to the Sith Oath of Fire... she has some actual names of Calefactors too, she realizes, as well as the knowledge they're training rogue manuses, and a suspicion there is at least one Calefactor in the Temple. The Watcher continues, "I have been trying to gather some more information on this 'Council of the Red.' They seem to be a number of senior Jedi, many on the Council itself, who are gathering around this 'Red General.' Somehow they believe he can do no wrong and will bring Light everywhere and end all strife. Note that I do not say 'strife with the Sith.' That, apparently, is merely the first challenge he will face."

Freyja sighs softly, almost noiselessly behind Master Roakkana. Well, at least the Jedi are taking steps to try and stop the treason in their ranks. She's not sure why they don't move more decisively but... she shrugs. They probably have their reasons for going so slowly also. She wouldn't know. Then she frowns, quietly disturbed as she realizes one possible reason for going so slowly -- if the mad inquisitor could disguise his presence in the Force by making it look strong and bright, there's neh reason to suppose Fallen Jedi couldn't also disguise lies. She suppresses a small shudder, and pushes that horrible thought away to focus on the Kushiban's words.

Manishsha continues, "There are Watchers on Coruscant who are going to speak to these people and try to both get more information and get them to stop this unpleasant and unhelpful behavior. Other than letting everyone know to ignore these pompous fools, and gathering more information, I'm not sure what other action should be taken. I wish there were more I thought we could do that would be effective. Short of an all-out invasion of our own Temple, I'm not sure what to suggest. Any suggestions are welcome."

Freyja looks around, wondering if anyone will reply. Murn says, "What about all out invasion of Temple, then? This got to stop. They ruin all Jedi with this." Freyja smiles faintly. She can appreciate Murn's directness, if not her occasional lack of tact.

Manishsha says, "I'd rather try and talk to them first. There are more Jedi off Coruscant than on it. Worst case -- and if the power, arrogance, and influence of this self-styled Council grows -- we may have to do something like that. I, for one, don't want to fight Templars, nor have to kill those I trained with. I hope it's a last alternative."

Shorryyr says, "Not a good idea, I think. Not a good idea to let them continue to speak as 'The Jedi' either, though. Talk to them first, sure. What if they won't listen? Something has convinced them of their righteousness -- and that rarely lets sense rule."

Freyja coughs softly, then murmurs, "Would it be inappropriate to spread the word the Council of Red is deluded about the poor boy Thomas Redcloak, and to circulate the truth of both his lightsaber and who he received it from?"

Manishsha makes a note on a data pad, then says, "I wasn't sure it was a good idea to mention those things. I'll make sure the information is in the hands of the Watchers, and they will spread that information as well." He replies to the female Wookiee, "I know. I'm not expecting much from the conversations, but it would be wrong to skip them. Perhaps with more information we'll be able to make better decisions."

Freyja thinks about it a bit, then realizes she must warn the other Jedi. She coughs softly again, then adds, "Your pardon, but something happened while we were talking to the so-called inquisitor which I thought I should mention?"

Manishsha says, "Please, Freyja."

Freyja says, "I have never before been deluded by the Force -- as in, when I or anyone else I know has looked at someone in the Force, they've been able to see clearly how that person glowed -- whether Light, Dark, or Gray. However, the inquisitor initially seemed a very bright, strong, pure Light." She pauses, then says simply, "My vision was wrong."

This causes unhappiness among all the Jedi present, and Manishsha says, "How?!" Avarras murmurs, "I thought he taste funny."

Freyja says, "Your pardon again, honored Watcher, but... I do not know. I only know later, after he'd attacked us, his illusion was neh longer extant."

Murn says, "What? We have noticed if he dark. It very clear, and we see before. How we miss this?"

Freyja murmurs a little unhappily, "I... am very sorry I seem only to bring horrible news."

Manishsha says, "No, it's good news. Watchers still have him, and I'll tell them. If they can figure out how to see through his deception, we can use that on others. It's good to know to look for it, even if we don't know how to see it. Yet."

Freyja says, "Er... well, I think I know how to see through it, actually." She frowns, thinking, then clarifies, "He didn't really change, you know. It was just I knew what..." Her voice trails off as she tries to figure out how she knew. Puzzledly she says, "He was... um... yellowish, you know...?" Then she looks embarrassed, "Your pardon, that makes neh sense at all..."

Murn says, "Shoot Dorn with blaster yellow, all right." Thov and Nimas say, "Shut up, Murn!" and Avarras says, "In what way was he yellow, Padawan Freyja? Relax, open yourself to the Force, and remember. Share it with us however you can. You can do it."

Freyja gives Avarras a slightly doubtful look, not knowing if she can mentally communicate with them... but then she just nods, closing her eyes and letting herself slip into a vaguely meditative mental state. She 'touches' lightly, making sure Master Roakkana at least can 'feel' what she experienced -- if worst comes to worst maybe he can share the sensations -- then mentally reviews the entire situation from memory. Starting from walking into the room and settling down on the hindmost cushion, she progresses through her unhappiness at the time, her puzzlement at everyone's silence, her polite query designed to turn attention from Murn (tinged with faint amusement at the outspoken Gungan), her casual glance at the inquisitor's presence in the Force...

There, Freyja feels a surge, as her Master picks that up and helps her share it. She gets a tingle of other presences: Manishsha's sharp mind and a soft, gentle caress from the hard-exterior Avarras. Another warm Wookieeish presence from Shorryyr. Avarras says, "Shhh," and pushes the sensation to the rest of her close ones as well.

Freyja continues through her attempts to calm those members of the former manus as they got increasingly upset, her startledly reflexive reaction to the shooting of Dorn, her slightly amused realization neither Murn nor the inquisitor were listening to her, her stepping back and extinguishing the Golden Dancer... and then her realization within the Force that the inquisitor was actually not a pure, clear Light... but rather had the feeling of a slightly tatty-edged, worn Light, with a distinctly yellowish or dying feel to it.

Roakkana murmurs, "We accomplish more together than we do apart," at the startled glances from around the room at him.

Murn says, "Oh! Yellow like that. Hunh."

Freyja looks faintly relieved, as she opens her eyes again, that the others can indeed 'see' what she'd perceived. Manishsha comments, "Still Light, but tainted or poisoned. I suspect he thinks it's still Light. Fascinating."

Freyja nods, "Hai, from what I've heard and observed, the Darksiders cannot sense the taint we feel in the Force. Therefore a Falling Jedi will be convinced of her Lightness, even as the others can see her Darkness growing." She adds bleakly, "Like his," then wonders with dry amusement how many of the Jedi are even now hastily/casually scanning everyone in the room for signs of 'yellowishness.' She sighs quietly. Technically she's supposed to be quite brightly lit up in the Force, although she can't really see it herself. She hopes that Lightness turns out to be good for something someday.

Manishsha says, "Freyja, you're a wonder. That's fantastic information, and valuable to know. Now, if only we can isolate and correct this problem before it gets any worse."

Freyja murmurs politely, "You are too kind, Watcher."

Shorryyr asks, "Should we direct known-Light Jedi to stay clear of Coruscant, lest they be corrupted or even just detained by these folks?"

Freyja thinks about that, then says softly, "Don't the poor things need to be helped more than abandoned?" She sighs quietly, then adds tiredly, "...or am I just being naively idealistic again?" She adds worriedly, "And is it more important to isolate the strange ones... or to find and close down the rogue praexeum turning out false manuses?"

Shorryyr says, "I don't see a reason we can't do both. There's lots of Jedi still on Coruscant and I doubt they are all Falling. The Watchers and others there can try their best to help them - perhaps even call in experts from other places. But maybe it would be good to suggest quietly staying clear of Coruscant if you could." Freyja nods.

Manishsha says, "Other Watchers are looking for that. We're good at that." He smiles, then adds, "I'm not sure which I consider more important. Corruption in the Temple is pretty important. A mess of rogue manuses would be a problem too, though. Not to mention the possibility of Sith coming... it's a busy time."

Freyja nods quietly, "All right." She sighs softly again -- sounds like everyone's got this covered the way they want too. She wonders if there'll be any need for the triat anymore at the peace negotiations -- or if there even will be any more.

Manishsha says, "All right. As usual, please let me know if you see anything unusual."

Freyja nods politely to the Kushiban, then adds, "The triat and Vakkal will be leaving this evening for an errand we must run, but we'll return in time for the arrival of the Malice. Nevertheless, if we spot aught unusual we shall report it faithfully."

This causes general surprise and comments of, "Aww!" and, "Master Sarn will be terribly disappointed," and, "Off so soon?"

Freyja says simply, "Hai." A moment later she adds tiredly, "I've left notes to help out when he arrives, but I doubt they'll be needed."

A knock comes at the door, and a voice, "Lady Freyja? Yer Da's on the line for you."

Freyja looks up, a bit startled at the entering servant -- this must be important. "Hai?"

The servant is Piper. She smiles at the assembled Jedi, and hands Freyja a comm unit, saying, "Pardon me, sirs, but Lord Rigg said it was fair important."

Freyja looks mystified, but accepts the comm while murmuring an apology to the assembled Jedi. A moment later she curiously regards the comm, "Father? Is aught amiss?"

Her father's voice comes over the pickup, "Freyja, daughter! Get thee to a vid, and tune to the Council! Dosen's finally fed up with being under surveillance and going to talk to a Jedi in about ten minutes."

Freyja blinks, further mystified as she looks at all the Jedi on the planet (that she knows of) present with her, but simply says, "Hai, Father." She nods to Piper, whispering hastily, "Can you get one in here posthaste?" She adds to the comm, "Do Mother and Fafnir know already?"

Her father replies, "Mother's my next call, and Fafnir's here with me. They just announced it. We've been trying to hint he do this for ages!" Piper nods and darts away.

Freyja marvels softly, "Then... it worked?!" A moment later she smiles, her eyes sparkling, "Neh worries, Father, I'll let her know over the bracelet!" She does so, adding to her mother's news that she's welcome to come observe with the Jedi guests if the baroness so desires.

Erde is thrilled with the news, but says, "I'll look at it here on my workstation, thank you. I don't need to disturb the Jedi discussion." It is just a couple of minutes later Piper returns with a portable Net projector and screen. Two minutes later it is tuned to the government channel and the Council hall is on the wall. Piper dims the lights, and murmurs to Freyja, "C'n I stay or should I find a vid of my own? And should I tell Vakkal an' yer other sweeties?"

Freyja smiles at Piper, "You can stay if you wish, of course, Piper! And my paramours already know. I expect them to tur- er... there they are!" She beams and waves them over to sit with her and Piper. The three men do come in, pretty much on cue. Vakkal smiles and takes a defensive looking position near the door. Zero and Fhazil bow to the Jedi but then go sit with Freyja. Cushions are shifted and people turn to face the display. Piper finds a place to settle in, comfortably near Zero. Freyja gets a very thoughtful look, murmuring quietly to those close to her, "How could he do this, though? He'll be revealed as guilty. He must have something up his sleeve...?"

When things seem to be happening, Piper brings up the sound. Soon Jedi Colburth and Jedi Diath are on screen, as guests of Haus Dosen. The floor quiets at the sound of a gavel, and the lead calls, "Baron Dosen, you wished to speak?"

Freyja grins, "Well, that explains why Colburth and Diath couldn't make today!" She admits over the link to her friends she's quite confused as to what Dosen thinks he's going to accomplish... but fascinated nonetheless!

Vakkal replies, He's been saying he's innocent. Maybe it's true. Fhazil just giggles over the link. Freyja gives Vakkal a frankly disbelieving grin, and they can all recall her memory of the ship called "Hammer of the Gods."

On screen, the lizard-like Trandoshan stands. Baron Tragserk Dosen is an older specimen, but healthy and powerfully built. He stands over two meters tall and has arms that would look Neanderthal on a human. He is not as heavily muscled as some of his race, but he would be a formidable opponent anyway. His son the Arving Lord Riouus Dosen stands behind him, younger and more impressive looking than his father. Freyja raises a faintly amused eyebrow, her aristoi eye catching the small self-important excesses of decoration on the Baron's clothing. Just what she'd expect from someone so indulgent as to refer to their creation as Mjolnir.

The Baron speaks, picked up beautifully by the Council microphones, "Members of Council. I have tired of the constant suggestion by some that my House has been involved in dealings with our enemy. I have stated from the beginning that this is untrue, and have had enough!" Freyja's other eyebrow raises. Well, he at least intends to go out with a bang, apparently! She wonders fascinatedly how he intends to fool the Jedi. The Baron continues, "I have invited some of our local Jedi here -- they will verify the truth of my claims. Has anyone any disagreement with the validity of such a test?"

Freyja smiles, unwittingly shaking her head slightly as she leans forward to see better. The Council room is silent for a moment as the part-traditional and part-required question is asked, and no one replies. The Jedi are trusted advisors for this. The Baron gestures, and says, "Come, gentlemen. Let us be done with this unpleasantness." Freyja unwittingly holds her breath. Finally, finally the truth will come out! The two Jedi in the Council room step up and both settle a moment, calling on the Force. Colburth says quietly but clearly on the monitor, "You may proceed, Baron Dosen."

Dosen does. He proclaims loudly and clearly, "I, Baron Tragserk Dosen, do swear before my ancestors, the Council, and these Jedi that I have had no dealing with the Sith and that I know of no such dealings from my Haus!" Freyja's eyes flick expectantly to the two Jedi there. She knows Colburth won't do anything rash, but she hopes Diath -- less experienced with aristoi -- doesn't do something like giggle or look indignant. It'd be a bit... impolitic. The Baron continues, "And, I so swear that if I find anyone in my Haus who has done such things I will strike off their heads with my own sword in my own hand! This will not stand." His voice echoes over the Council floor.

Freyja blinks, slow puzzlement growing in her. How can he say such things? Shouldn't he be condemning himself...? She studies the entire scene carefully. Something's wrong here.

There is an expectant pause. Jedi Colburth looks at Jedi Diath, who nods almost imperceptibly. Jedi Colburth says carefully, "This statement is true."

Freyja's eyes widen and she sits back slightly. Wait... something is really wrong here... Then she gets a very thoughtful look, realizing the Arving lord looked a bit discomfited -- just for a second -- at the second statement from his father. Then again, it must be a tad bit embarrassing to have someone quite so given to, er, florid hyperbole as one's father. She knows her own father has on occasion been a bit, um... excitable. Freyja's eyes scan the scene for a moment, wondering if she can pick out her father and hus-bond there as well.

Quiet holds the Council floor for a long moment, and Baron Dosen says, "See! I told you this was all lies and fabrication!"

Freyja grins at the uproar -- she quite understands that reaction! Wonderingly she murmurs, "But... the Mjollnir...? -and what of the outcast's statement...?

Jedi Colburth says, "Excuse me, Baron Dosen. I believe your son, the Arving Lord, oversees much of your business. Your statement would be that much stronger if he would back you up on this. No one would have any question then."

There is muttering from the Council floor at this, and then it settles again. The Baron says, "What?" He frowns for a moment, but says, "If that is what it takes, then that is what we will do." He looks expectantly at his son.

Freyja's breath catches -- as she suddenly understands all too well that slightly discomfited look! The Arving Lord says, "This isn't needed, Father. You've cleared our name."

Freyja's eyes narrow. She whispers, "Him! It was him, of course! He must've coveted the power early!" She adds a bit blankly, "The fool!" as she remembers what coveting baronial power really entails.

A voice comes across the Council floor -- very much like Forsetti's, "If you have nothing to hide you will just say the words." Muttering follows this, and the Council Speaker bangs his gavel for quiet. The elder Trandoshan is frowning at his son and says a single sharp word in Dosh, the native Trandoshan language. The Arving Lord replies -- a couple of words in Dosh and an unhappy glare at his father.

Freyja smiles slowly -- then sudden, cold realization hits her. She says quietly but clearly to the room at large, "Ah... you might want to look away from the vid if bloodshed bothers you...?" She doesn't know if the Dosen baron will do as he promised -- it's a horrible position to be in -- but she's starting to feel a bit of reluctant sympathy for the poor deluded man. The Baron looks horrified, and takes half a step back. He snaps the single word again -- a harsh word of command.

Freyja sighs a quiet, "Oh, my..." Her gaze is riveted to the screen. She understands Jedi have to deal with horrible situations sometimes... but the shock of sudden violence is sometimes even more difficult to deal with. It seemed only polite to warn them of what might occur.

The Arving Lord speaks quietly, "I, Arving Lord Riouus Dosen, do swear before my ancestors, the Council, and these Jedi that I have had no dealing with the Sith and that I know of no such dealings from my Haus."

There is an expectant pause. Diath and Colburth look at each other, and Diath makes an imperceptible motion. Colburth says into the hush of the Council room -- not entirely unexpectedly, "This statement is untrue."

Freyja draws in her breath slowly... then sighs it out again, "Oh, the poor man..." She doesn't mean the Arving Lord.

The Council Chamber erupts in noise. The Speaker bangs the gavel and order is slowly restored. The voice of Arving Lord Dosen can be heard as this dies down, "So, old fool, are you really going to do it? Cut off my head right here on the vid? What about that of old Trrkaa, your favorite assistant? He was all over this project. Or Ssshal, the accountant? Where did you think that big payment came from, anyway?"

Freyja winces slightly. She's been angry and upset with her father, but it never occurred to her to shame and embarrass him publicly. Her sympathy for the duped Trandoshan is increasing. She whispers almost unwittingly under her breath, "Come on, Jedi Colburth... do something helpful, please! Don't let the poor man get used yet again!" She stares fascinatedly at the screen, completely drawn into the sad little scene playing itself out. She aches for the poor baron, even as she's starting to feel small, growing stirrings of pride in her family again.

The older Trandoshan looks very old and very tired -- but he stands up straight and says, "I have sworn. Unlike some, I keep my word." He steps the half step back toward his rather startled son, and his blade flashes out from its scabbard, striking home. His son's head and body go flying in two different directions, and dark Trandoshan blood stains the Chamber.

Freyja winces again... then she quietly gestures the small Balmorran benediction for the grief of the bereaved. The poor man. She takes a moment to make sure everyone here is all right too, looking around. Piper's Balmorran, but the others might be a bit shocked.

The Baron drops his sword with a clatter, and settles heavily to the floor. Slowly he picks up his comm and says, still on the Council's microphone, "Security, this is the Baron. Full lockdown, now. Find and detain all personnel until further orders from me. Particularly find Trrkaa and Ssshal. Lock out all of the Arving Lord's codes and transactions. Dosen out." He drops the comm to the floor and looks up to the Jedi, his expression a horrible mix of grief and coldly weary pride as he says, "I hope I will be able to count on your assistance in resolving the rest of this matter. Nothing is more important to me now." Freyja sighs quietly. He's dealing bravely with what must be a truly horrific moment for him.

The Jedi have all seen worse, although Manishsha and Nimas look quietly horrified, and Avarras chose to look away with her eyes closed. Dorn has his arm around her and is stroking her back. Piper says, "Ach, what a brave man. My 'eart goes out to him. Set up by that blackguard of a son." Freyja nods quietly to Piper as she rises and moves to kneel carefully by Manishsha -- Nimas has his beloveds to help him through this. She gently rests a hand on the Kushiban, murmuring softly, "You all right?"

The Council Chamber is still somewhat in shock at this action, even though it is exactly what the Baron promised. Colburth bows and says, "We are at your disposal, Baron." Jedi Diath adds quietly, "We sorrow for your loss." His words linger in the Council.

Freyja looks up and nods once -- that was truly thoughtful of Jedi Diath. She'll have to thank both of them later. Manishsha replies, "I didn't expect he'd decapitate his own son right here on the spot. That's... it would be a horror of its own where I come from."

Freyja quietly hugs the Kushiban, "It is a horror here as well, I fear... that the son would so shame and betray his father." She adds sadly, "And his people... the entire Republic."

There is a banging of a gavel and the Speaker of the Council says, "This session of Council has ended." People begin to file out, some going first to speak to the devastated Baron. Freyja watches quietly from where she holds the horrified Kushiban, and hopes her father or Leif are among those who offer their respects.

Thov and Murn have collected around Nimas and are making sure he is all right. Manishsha says, "But to kill his own son... horrible." He sighs, and replies, "He must have known it might be a possibility when he swore, though."

Murn comments, "..." and Dorn says, "Not now." and means it. The Gungan quiets.

Freyja says, "I fear so." She gently runs a hand down Manishsha's back, helping the raised fur there to settle calmly, and adds softly, "It will be hard... but he has done the right thing for his people. None can whisper against him now, and his people can hold their heads up with pride. The aristoi will show their respect also. If he needs any aid it will be there for him at once. Without question." Then she murmurs softly into the bracelet, "Mother? All fine?"

Zero speaks quietly to the room, but mostly to the Watcher, "War makes people do horrible things. That's why we try our best to prevent it."

Freyja nods, murmuring softly, "Hai. It is the worthiest of goals, I feel."

The reply is calm, "Very fine here! He finally listened to the suggestions we made. It's a horrible shame about his son, but it will be a relief to him to have his Haus name cleared just as he claimed it was."

Freyja smiles quietly, proud of her mother, "Hai, Maman. You were right, once again." She continues to hold the Kushiban and gently stroke his fur until he seems relaxed again.

On the screen, most of the Barons have come by now to sit for just a moment with Baron Dosen, and to offer a few words of condolence, or of acceptance of his honor and his family's worth. Before they are all done - and yes, Leif and Forsetti are among them - the vid signal ends. Piper busies herself taking the projector down and putting it away. Freyja smiles quietly, "Thank you, Piper." She looks around, then speaks into her bracelet again, ordering some hot tea to be brought for them all. She suspects everyone here could use a quiet moment to contemplate. A household servant arrives with a tea service shortly, even to having cups appropriate for Wookiees and Kushiban -- the staff notices these things.

Conversation starts slowly, with Dorn asking, "So, this is in the large a good thing, right? Perhaps things will settle down soon?"

Freyja is now only seated next to Manishsha, although she's keeping a discreet eye on him. She's a little worried about how long his fur took to settle -- he may still be in some emotional turmoil, especially considering how difficult his job is. She nods once firmly to Dorn's question, "Hai, this is a truly excellent thing. Even if the other two accused housen refuse to talk to the Jedi, their stars will start to fade in the eyes of the other hausen, and the suspicion will quietly remove them." She breathes slowly in, then out, savoring the steam and lovely, delicate scent of the tea, then adds quietly, "Haus Dosen is to be commended. The baron has done a brave and difficult thing."

There is a long few minutes where no one has anything important to say on the subject. Finally Shorryyr says, "An eventful day indeed. Hopefully we will see more positive events soon." She sets the big, empty teacup down and says, "Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Freyja, but if there is nothing else to discuss I think it would be expedient of me to get back to our chapter house and check on Akaro. This video might upset him."

Freyja smiles at the big Wookiee Jedi, "You are always welcome, honorable Jedi Master Shorryyr. If there is anything we can do to help with Akaro, please let us know?" She'll ask a droid to courteously show the Wookiee out.

The Wookiee smiles and says, "I have been invited to a formal gathering here in a few weeks' time: a gymkhana. I look forward to seeing you there."

Freyja laughs! "Ah, my sister's gymkhana -- hai! We'll be competing in it as well, I'm sure. It'll be fun!"

Manishsha mutters, "Giant six-legged beasts!" about the gymkhana. Before he leaves he mentions to Freyja, "Thank you for your concern there. I saw what was happening and could not believe it. I'm sorry it happened, even if it is in the long run for the better."

Freyja grins at Manishsha's muttered comment about slaypneers. At his next comment she drops to one knee so she's at eye level with the Kushiban and says firmly, "I believe in what Master Roakkana said... we are all more when we work -- and care for each other -- together. The Baron Dosen did the right thing. Now it's up to us to make sure his sacrifice wasn't in vain, hai?"

The Watcher nods and says, "Someday, Freyja, you will be a great Master." He leaves her with that thought.

Freyja blinks, slightly taken aback... then smiles, "Thank you. May the Force be with you, honored Watcher."

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Last modified: 2002-Jul-16 16:14:54

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