These Shattered Stars -- Logs

It is the day after the problematic farseeing attempt which Freyja tried, and which inadvertantly drew the attention of Qatto Verg. The padawans' sleep was deep and a little restless, but well enough for them to awake reasonably invigorated -- or rather, much the same as usual, in Zero's case.

The day's work has not yet fully begun yet. It is now three days before the carrier Vylos is supposed to arrive, just a half-day after (if calculations are correct) the Sith battleship Fervor.

Despite her utterly wasted condition the night before, Freyja wakes up feeling enthusiastic, alert... and with a few pressing questions in mind. The first thing she wants to do is be sure she wasn't sloppy within the Force. She and Zero are trying to work on maintaining a connection, but she doesn't have permission from the two Sith to keep such a link with them. She takes a moment to check, to make sure she's not left any Force tendrils between her and them.

Freyja is relieved to note she has none... then idly disappointed. She's going to have to learn how to maintain one of those with her triat teammates, she thinks... it's far too useful not to!

She next hops out of bed and patters over to settle next to her Master's bed, peering hopefully into the Wookie's face. "Master Roakkana, are you awake? I have a question I think is kind of important...?"

Roakkana barely moves, neither does his breathing change. "I am now, child," he says, wryly and wakefully. He opens his eyes and sits up, mild amusement in his eyes. "What troubles you enough that it could not wait a fraction of an hour?"

Freyja beams at her Master, as cheerfully unaware of the, er... "bracing" effect of her enthusiasm as she is of her effect on young human males when she's (un)dressed for sleeping. "Well, I woke up wondering some stuff. See, in the time I spent in the trance state, visualizing within the Force, I 'saw' Methel-ssa disappear after Verg left her... like a footprint in the sand being washed away by a wave. So, I was wondering... is this normally how the departure from the trance state is 'seen' by observers there? Or... is that how folks who've been injured seem to disappear?"

Roakkana nods a little, stretching some, his dewclaws barely noticable as he does so. "Indeed? Well. Everyone's perceptions are different while in a trace-state, child. Everyone will see things subtly differently. It depends a very great deal upon your personal way of interpreting things. For example, you have spoken to me now and then of a 'silver thread' or 'cord,' binding your transcendant self with your body while you meditate. Not all Jedi have such a perception, in fact most do not. But yours is no less valid than anyone else's

"What you saw, exactly, must therefore be interpreted from that perspective. However, considering the abruptness of her departure from the mindscape, I would say that she was rather forcibly awakened from her trance-state, undoubtedly by Qatto Verg himself."

Freyja looks worried, "So... we don't know if what I did hurt Methel-ssa as well as Verg, then? Um... well, shouldn't we- no, wait. I was the one that did it..." She takes a deep breath, then says, "Master Roakkana, I'd like to go check with Fhazil Taas to see if she has any other retainers still. Er, I mean good ones she can trust, like apprentices -- not just random thugs. And... if she doesn't... and her apprentice will tell me where to look... um... I'd like to go check, very cautiously! -and make sure she's all right?"

Roakkana's eyebrows shoot upward. "Fhazil Taas, child? I thought you did not trust him. And you realize that if you do go, you would be facing a Sith Lord capable of, for example, bringing a freighter down out of the sky?"

Freyja says, "I trust him to want his Sith lord to survive Verg, Master Roakkana, and to want the people of Marnaas not to suffer from Verg's depredations any more. Besides, that was Verg, not Methel-ssa who brought the freighter down... and I should be able to tell from a distance, hai? If she's fine, the Sith stain will be strong. If she's wounded or unconscious, it'll be dramatically muted." She adds quietly, "And I wouldn't wish being surrounded by thugs while wounded... on anyone."

She grins, "And who knows? Maybe she does have some trustworthy retainers still."

Roakkana straightens a little, letting his feet come to the side of the bed. "Actually, it was Methel-ssa's power that Verg was using. A darkside spirit has little in the way of ability which allows it to affect the waking world. Well, then. I approve, provisionally. You must bring Zero with you. If I go with you, Methel-ssa will sense my approach and may panic."

Freyja nods, looking relieved. She lightly bounces to her feet, happily gives the Wookie a short, impetuous hug, and dashes off, calling over her shoulder, "Back in a minute then -- let me find out if this even needs to be tried first!"

Roakkana nods in approval, and reaches over to pull on his dust-colored baldric as Freyja leaps out of the room.

Freyja darts through her room, then veers for clothing, remembering that apparently Fhazil Taas has nudity taboos. People watching the inner garden that morning see her dash past, yanking on her breeches while hopping on one foot, then the other, with her weapons belt tossed around her neck and her top in her teeth. A moment later she finishes with the breeches and yanks the top unceremoniously on, sliding neatly into the infirmary as she tugs it impatiently into place. She looks around, seeing who is awake yet as she fastens the wide weapons belt about her slender hips.

The occupants of the infirmiry as just receiving whatever morning dosage of medicine or herbs or treatments that the apothecary issues, and the Jedi healer is just saying, "Your wounds seem to be almost healed, Fhazil Taas. I'd be careful about doing anything strained with it, however."

Freyja brightens, seeing the person she wants to talk to is awake. She waits until the apothecary is finished before approaching, taking the moment to re-plait her thin, long braid. It reaches to slightly below her rear when she's done and tosses it casually over her shoulder. Obviously once upon a time she had very long hair.

The apothecary nods pleasantly to Freyja, turning next to the still form of Jiosch. Fhazil is just stifling a yawn when he sees Freyja. "Oh! Padawan Freyja, good morning...!" She grins cheerfully, but is quiet so as to not bother anyone that's not yet awake, "Heya, Fhazil Taas! May I ask you a question, please? Can you tell me if your Sith lord Methel-ssa has any other retainers left, aside from the four we know of already? Not common thugs, but real retainers -- trusted ones -- the kind that will care for her if she's injured?"

Fhazil blinks at the rapid-fire pace of Freyja's questions. "Others...? Besides local help we hired from the spaceport...." His eyes flash a little with recognition of what Freyja is asking. "No, none."

Her cheery demeanor abruptly falls -- she'd been hoping against hope her guess was wrong, "Oh... wolf-feathers." She falls silent, thinking hard... then carefully sits on the edge of the bed. Quietly she says, "All right, I'm going to ask a favor of you, then, please. Can you tell me where I can find her, so I can go peek and make sure she's all right? -especially after what happened last night in the Force trance?"

Fhazil frowns a little. "I can show you on a map... but, Freyja, it's not exactly in the best part of the city, and she had us set traps."

Freyja nods, thinking carefully... then sighs, "Well, Master Roakkana said if I was going to try this at all I had to take Zero along, so I'm not worried about what part of town it's in. Traps, though... hm." She thinks a bit more, then says slowly, "All right, can you tell me how to avoid them? There must have been a way to do so, or you couldn't ever get in." She adds a bit worriedly, "I just want to be sure she's not stuck there unconscious and wounded, or something, due to something I did, you know? I may not even have to get close -- if the Sith stain's really strong, I'm not getting any closer." Her faint smile is wry.

Fhazil looks a little embarrassed. "Bactol locks. Most are keyed to cellular signatures, mine, Methel-ssa's, the other Sith and Jedi sworn to her."

Freyja rolls her eyes and gives an exasperated sigh, "Raven's blood! Fhazil Taas, I can't take you along -- you're not healed yet! All right, let me think... is there any way to duplicate your cellular signature temporarily?"

Fhazil takes in a breath. "Padawan Freyja... I think I'm well enough to go. If for no other reason, then Methel-ssa is not responsible for what happened, and I need to see if she's all right, as well." He fidgets a little. "Not.. not easilly. They're not the best locks on the market, I'm sure they can be sliced, given time, but... it'd take time. There are two Bactol locks, and four traps of various types."

Freyja eyes the Human, folding her arms and getting a distinctly... mulish look. If she had ears like Vakkal's, they'd be laid well back right now! She says firmly and with finality, "No."

Fhazil sighs, and shakes his head. "You'd make a formidable taskmaster. Alderaanian Heavens help your padawan. All right, you might be able to take a cell sample and it might live long enough to get you through the locks. I'll tell you how to bypass the traps, too, but... just be careful, all right? They're... twitchy."

Freyja nods, brightening immediately, "Thank you very much, Fhazil Taas! Um... so what's a taskmaster? Is it some Sith thing?"

Fhazil smiles a little, "No, not strictly Sith. Just someone who issues tasks to a person being trained. I think the Republic Guard calls them 'drill sergeants.'"

Freyja says, "Oh!" She looks faintly bemused for a second -- and then almost immediately a bit embarrassed, "Er... sorry?" She isn't sure that's a good thing or not... so she simply says, "I'll be right back then -- got to make preparations first!" She hastily dashes off to find out from the apothecary the best way to transport a live cell sample, to tell Master Roakkana what's up, to find a map, and to let Zero know they're off on an adventure!

Fhazil chuckles softly. "It's all right. You're headstrong, that's not a bad thing. I'd really recommend not approaching Methel-ssa, but if you do, could you explain why I couldn't go myself?

Freyja pauses at the door, and says sincerely, "It's not your fault you won't be there, Fhazil Taas. Certainly, I'll be happy to say that, if I even get near enough to talk to her and she's even awake enough to wonder." She flashes a grin over her shoulder as she turns to leave, the long braid whirling behind her, "Me, headstrong? I learned it from you!" -- and then she's gone.

"Thank you, Padawan Freya, I appreciate it--"

The request is a little unusual to the apothecary, who is clearly discomfited by the whole thing. He does, however, arrange a small stasis canister for the cell sample. Unfortunately, transportation is more problematic, the only thing available that isn't battered severely and being repaired at the spaceport garage, being Zero's swoop.

Zero takes being awakened with the news that he's going to go find a possibly wounded Sith Lord rather well, actually. He sits up in his bed, groans incoherently for a moment, then gropes around for his clothing with a muttered '...be there in a minute.'

Freyja beams, momentarily messing up Zero's aim with a quick, cheerful hug and a, "Thanks, Zero! I couldn't do it without you!" and then she's off and away again, to inform Master Roakkana of what they're up to... and to be sure he and Fhazil Taas both have comlinks. No need to assume the traps are all identically placed since the apprentice was captured, after all. Suggestions from more experienced folks are always welcome.

Zero stands up in his room, alone again, running his hand over his upper arm, kneading out a knot in his muscle. He examines some of his older scars, out of habit, stands and goes to the basin, throwing some water over his head. He shakes his head vigorously, letting himself wake up, and feeling the droplets of moisture make their way down his back. There's a long pause. Then he blinks. "Wait-- we're going where?!"

The trip to the city is fairly quick, at least by swoop, and shortly the two are trolling through the streets, the swoop purring as it goes through the dim streets. Fhazil's route directs them through the commercial district, about a mile from where the wreckage of buildings hit by the freighter are being torn down. This close to the edge of the spaceport, it's not exactly a law-abiding citizen's paradise, even with all the activity.

Freyja is perched on the back of the swoop with the map. She keeps a careful watch out both for the traps they've been warned of, and for any new ones. She's also keeping a wary eye out for anyone even vaguely threatening, since she knows this is not a good section of town. She checks often, with light touches, to feel for Sith stain also.

This section of the spaceport leaves little doubt as to where the thugs (as opposed to the mercenaries) were hires. A gaggle of Snivvians eye the swoop as it passes under an arch, and a pair of Nikto -- rather far from their home in Hutt Space -- murmur to each other, casting occasinal glances at the pair.

Zero navigates spaceport fairly easily, dodging in and out of the relatively slow-moving cargo traffic. His voice cuts through the whine of the ion engine, to bring Freyja back to the here and now, "--gods below, Freyja, hold onto me! You're gonna slide under the next hauler we pass!"

Freyja blinks, swiveling to face forward again and obligingly wraps an arm around Zero's waist, "Oh... sorry, Zero. I was trying to watch those folks back there, to see what they were doing."

Zero calls back over his shoulder, "It's all right, but these things are unsafe when I'm riding them alone, let alone with a passenger."

She grins, resting her chin on his shoulder so she doesn't have to shout, "Admit it, Zero... you love these things!"

Zero says, "Bloody well right I do, but I'd rather not lose you on one..."

Freyja grins again, "You're nice, Zero," then checks the map, "Let's see... left at the next intersection..." She will periodically update Roakkana and Fhazil on their current location. If there's any disasters she wants them to have the best information possible.

The map leads them to a storage silo which has been listed as 'under renovation' and not yet open for business. "She bought that not long after coming on-planet," Fhazil provides. "A 'no trespassing' sign is the first, best defense, after all, well worth the expense compared to a condemned building. Freyja starts watching alertly for thugs once they pass that point.

The doorway is easily found, around the back from the street, providing a convenient place to park the swoop. Obviously, the door won't allow a swoop to enter. A Bactol lock is beside the door, looking like it was installed sometime during the Heresy Wars.

She takes a deep breath, then hands the cell culture to Zero, "Maybe you better do this, so I can concentrate on keeping folks at home up to date." She looks around, then adds, "Maybe we should cover the swoop a bit too?"

Zero nods. "Stash it under some garbage. I'll work on this."

Freyja will nudge the swoop under cover and report on their current location while Zero works.

Zero takes very little time in taking care of the lock. He convinces it to accept the contents of the stasis canister instead of a living, warm, breathing body. The door slides open sharply with a *hisss*-THUNK!, revealing the dim interior: a circular room, ten meters in diameter, about five stories high with a large hatch above, and a lift beside the entryway. Another Bactol lock is beside the lift.

Freyja beams, swiftly following Zero in, whispering on the comlink, "We're in! Lift next." She takes a moment to spread out and enhance her senses through the Force, so she can 'feel' for Sith stain. She's a bit surprised she's not feeling it yet... is Methel-ssa not home?

Zero hms. "That was easy enough. Traps?"

Over the comlink comes Fhazil's voice: "No traps up here. You'll have to slice the lift's lock, and get it to have you head downward. There's a sub-basement there, where we set up shop, and the traps are along the corridor into it down there.

It takes Freyja a moment to realize that she has been feeling the sithstain of Methel-ssa -- it's just very faint, and below them.

Freyja nods, quietly confirms, then whispers so that Zero can hear also, "The stain feels very faint... below. Go on, Zero."

Zero nods and slips his lightsabre out of his sash, moving quietly toward the lift. "Tell him we need to know how to bypass those, quickly."

Freyja nods, "Take your time. I want you awake and rational, after all. It's more fun gaming that way. :)"

Zero says, "Not the locks... I'm worried about the traps."

Freyja says, "He's done the best he can, Zero. We have everything he remembers, since he was here. Um..." She eyes the lift, "-however... I wonder if we have to take the lift? It seems so... well, convenient?" She adds a little worriedly, "I hope she's all right. The stain is very faint. How far down is this?" She reviews the map, murmuring, "Two bactal locks, three traps, and the traps are down below in a corridor."

Zero hms and gets the lift open with minimal tinkering. "Just so long as he helps us snap these things. We might need to leave in a hurry. Speaking of which, remind me why we're doing this?"

Freyja grins at Zero, "Because it's the right thing to do, Zero. Because it might be partly my fault she's hurt, if she is. Because we'd rather try dealing with a lord of War than an insane revenge Sith. Because..." her voice gets rather quiet and she smiles, turning the comlink over so it won't pick up, "-because her apprentice was nice enough to put up with my incessant questions."

Zero looks a little skeptical, fiddling with the lift controls. He takes a breath, "All right. I should mention, however, if for no other reason than that the order militant is going to be quick to point it out... the Sith are, you know, technically the enemy."

Freyja nods quietly to Zero, "I know. If they get cranky, it was me that insisted on going."

Zero says, "Who's going to tell them? Not me. I'm just saying... this is likely the last such stunt we're going to be able to pull off."

Shortly, the Bactol lock *clicks* and new options appear on the small touch-screen, including an arrow downward. Fhazil says over the comlink, "The down-button is the one you want. We were going to get more elaborate in another couple of months, like make that one the button that throws the lift upward at escape velocity, but we ran short of funds."

Zero adds, more softly than the comlink mic can pick up, "...and who can say what they'll do with Taas."

Freyja says, "Well, if the Sith are arriving first, this can't hurt... can it? And besides... it is the right thing to do -- I want to be sure I've not damaged someone inadvertently... and if I have, I should make up for it." She grins at the message on the comlink, then nods to Zero.

Zero frowns, keying the elevator to head down. "How you plan on making it up to her... I have no idea."

Freyja says, "Just bandaging her up if I can and she's in no condition to argue... then getting out, Zero. That's all. From what the Sith have said, trying to be actually nice to the Sith lords is a losing game."

Zero says, "...All right. Well... we'll see what happens now."

Freyja nods silently, concentrating on the sithstain.

The lift heads downward, for at least twenty meters. It must be going well past the city's utilities system, when it finally stops. Opening outward from the lift is a corridor that extends for another ten meters before reaching a door. The awareness of the sithstain is stronger, now, and both padawans can feel it. It doesn't take too long for Fhazil to explain how to bypass the traps, it's just tedious. There's a lot of careful movement, wire-cutting, and minor slicing, but after about fifteen minutes they're standing in front of the heavy door. According to Fhazil, it's unlocked, untrapped, and unalarmed.

Freyja pauses, then with a touch of paranoia decides to check the door anyway; sithstain makes her nervous. She takes a few minutes to check while Zero keeps watch. Finally she straightens, whispering, "I think it's all right... I don't see anything out of the ordinary. You know what's odd? Where are all the thugs? Did they just abandon her or something?" She steps to the side of the door, waiting until Zero's on the other side before she tries very cautiously opening it. She waits a moment for any reaction before peeking only a tiny bit, very warily, around the door frame, to see what she can see.

Zero shrugs, and says simply, "Wouldn't you? I don't think she was paying them enough to put up with what we gave them..."

Freyja frowns a bit unhappily at Zero's words. She has rather old-fashioned ideas about loyalty, she supposes.

The door opens quietly, and nothing apparently untoward happens. Beyond is a simple, circular space. Facing the door is apparently a shrine of some sort, consisting of a simple table upon which is a crimson cloth, and above, on the wall, a symbol of a solar disk with stylized plumes of solar-flares erupting to each side, all in hematite. A pair of burned-out candles stand on the table.

To the left of the door, in line with the center of the room, is a low archway, with white muslin curtains draped accross it. And opposite that is another archway, through which can be seen crates and boxes, most of which are empty. In the center of the room is some detrius, cloth and such, including an elegant blacksilver chalice which has fallen and dented, droplets of rich blue wine dried on the floor at it's mouth.

Freyja studies the room expressionlessly, both fascinated and extremely wary... then slowly steps, still outside the room, so she can hopefully see more of it. Where is the Sith stain 'feel' coming from?

An altar... how odd. Well, I suppose it makes sense even the Sith worship something...?

Zero fingers the power stud of his lightsaber. "I don't like this at all."

Freyja holds up a shushing finger, still trying to locate the source of the stain.

The sithstain comes from the area beyond the muslin curtains, which move and rustle faintly in the ventilation system's breeze.

Freyja whispers to Zero, "Hold the door, in case I come running, please?" Then she takes a careful step into the room, staying well back by the wall. If nothing untoward happens, she'll slowly and carefully move towards the entrance framed by the curtains.

Zero mms, "Alright... don't go too far without me.

Freyja nods, with no humor at all in her expression.

There is no reaction to Freyja's approach. Peeking through the edges of the curtains, she can barely discern a carpet, perhaps a shipping container or two, and dim light.

Freyja first steps back, away from the opening. Then she whispers to Zero, "Can you block the door open? I need to go into that room, and I don't want to break line of sight with you." She also gives a whispered update on the comlink while Zero's bracing the door open.

Zero just opens the door and freezes the motor with a little subterfuge on the control panel. "There. That'll do for now. Go on."

Fhazil's voice is likewise whispered: "If she were there and awake, she would have heard you enter. I think."

Freyja waits until Zero's ready, then moves to the previous position she was in. A moment... then she darts quickly across the curtain-framed doorway, so Zero can stand where she was a moment ago. She'll wait until he's there before she tries entering the next room.

Zero takes a breath. Something about this really bothers him. He thinks that something might be the Sith Lord...

Freyja gets her medpac ready with one hand. With the other she'll quietly draw the curtains back, then step through to flatten against the wall on the inside of the room, so she can look around. She wonders idly, as she scans the room, where blue wine comes from. She's only seen various shades of crimson or amber, herself.

The room beyond is simple, and spartan. A russet carpet is laid upon the otherwise bare, plascrete floor, some light tapestries are hung from the walls to give the room a lighter, less confinging feel. A few simple glowrods are suspended here and there providing a dim illumination, not much greater than one might find in full moonlight. Perhaps appropriate for the Hkkal's eyes.

A few shipping containers are there, serving as armoires, one as a desk with a number of scrolls and datapads there. The desk, however, is in disarray, as if something had been smashed upon it and swept everything off, scattering papers and styli and scrolls upon the floor, except for a small, decorative box.

The trail of detrius leads to the wall furthest from the door, where a sort of cot or couch or sittee is draped with a comfortable, embroidered black quilted cloth. And upon that, head supported by a pillow and a red cloth or pad against her brow, her eyes closed, is the Sith Lord.

Freyja whispers almost unwittingly, under her breath, "Oh, dear..." and moves over swiftly to kneel next to the settee. She has the medpac ready; she starts checking quietly and efficiently to be sure the Sith lord is all right.

Zero's jaw works. He can't help himself; he's definitely afraid now. This is completely insane.

The medpac chirps seemingly far too loudly, and it can't for the holographic life of it recognize Methel-ssa's species, but it thinks that she's unconscious, or sleeping deeply.

Freyja mutters to it, as she works, "Hai, I can see that, silly tool -- but is she injured or not?" It worked for Vakkal... with a moment she figures it'll work for the Hkkal as well.

After a few moments, it CHIRPS helpfully that the patient seems to be sleeping deeply -- just as a quiet breath of air escapes from Methel-ssa's mouth.

Freyja sighs quietly in relief -- no sign of wounds, excellent! -and folds up the medpac, sliding as silently as possible away from the Sith lord, so she can tiptoe out.

She reaches about the curtain, before a quiet, weary voice from behind her says, "I had no desire to try and tempt you to the Dark Side, little one."

Zero tenses. They've been made. Oh, blast.

Freyja freezes, her heart in her throat for a moment... then takes a deep breath to center herself. When she's calm she turns and bows very politely, "I didn't know, Sith lord, but that wasn't the issue for me. It was whether or not something I'd done had accidentally harmed you." She hesitates, then remembers her promise, adding, "Your apprentice, Fhazil Taas, asked me to tell you why he was not here. It's not his fault... he's still healing, and I wouldn't let him come." She hesitates again, then can't resist... with sincere concern she asks, "Um... are you all right?"

Methel-ssa, still keeping her eyes closed, nods once. "Tell him I understand, please." She pauses for a long moment. "I am... well. But you had best leave. Thank you for your concern. Tell Master Roakkana he need not fear my retribution upon him or his, or the city. But Qatto Verg...."

Zero adds, quietly but as firmly as he can under the circumstances, "We'll deal with him."

Freyja nods again, then realizes that can't be seen, and says softly, "Hai." She waits but a second more, then decides now is an excellent time to leave -- she slips out quickly, giving Zero a slightly wide-eyed nod of the head to move swiftly with her.

Methel-ssa nods, barely mouthing the words "Thank you," in reply to Zero's comment, then resumes her sleep, or meditation, or simple, silent distance.

Zero doesn't waste a moment; he's gone.

Once they're both safely out of the room, and rising in the lift, she breathlessly updates the others on the comlink.

Freyja can't help but curiously add to Fhazil, "So... do good moods, um... drain away or something, with her? Is that why she warned us to leave soon?"

Roakkana's reply is a subdued affirmative, while Fhazil's is almost breathless relief. "I'm glad she's all right, and that you two are, as well!" he says. "I think it's a matter that she wanted to be alone for the time being. It's going to be difficult for her when the Sith arrive, even if she was possessed by Qatto Verg, and I imagine she's gathering her strength for that. Uh... I guess getting possessed by a really angry darksider takes a lot out of you...."

Freyja nods slowly, "That... makes sense, hai. Still... why would the possessed thing knock objects around and off her desk, or throw down a wine chalice so hard it dented?" She adds to Zero, "We should be cautious leaving, too, I bet."

"I don't know, Padawan Freyja. It could have happened after... when Verg left her yesterday."

Zero says, "Either that or she was flailing around trying to struggle with it."

Freyja says, "That's true." She takes a deep breath, pulling serenity around her, then adds more quietly, "All right. We should be home soon, everyone. Thank you for being backup for us on the comlink."

Zero says, "Hold on tight on the way back; I want to put as much distance between us and this place as I can... as fast as I can."

The trip back up to the surface is completely without any problem, and the swoop is right where Zero had left it -- with the addition of a couple of Jawas going 'Oooo! Weeee!' over it.

Zero says, "Oi, get away from that!"

Freyja grins at Zero, "Fine by me, Zero!" She shoos the Jawas away quickly and quietly, and will hang on tightly as her fellow Padawan burns on home.

One of the Jawas attempts to barter with Zero for the swoop, but since Zero can't speak Tusken and the Jawa can't speak Aurabesh, the Jawa's companion decides to get them out of there forthwith, dragging the other by the robe even while the other is apparently making outrageous offers.

Freyja giggles, watching the Jawas leave as Zero revs up the swoop.

Zero mutters sourly to himself, "We'd better not be missing any parts..." He mutters darkly as he starts the bike up. "...can't swing a dead gundark without hitting a Jawa anymore..."

Freyja grins, throwing a leg across the swoop behind Zero, sliding up close to keep her center of gravity next to his, and wrapping both arms around his waist, and says cheerily, "Let's go!"

The swoop sets out through the streets, and the trip back to the monastery is accomplished without any incidents other than a few Aqualish arguing over something nearby while the swoop is stopped in traffic, an discussion which ends in fisticuffs.

Zero neatly swings the bike wide around the fistfight, remarking only, "...should lead with his left."

Freyja comments amusedly at one point on the drive home, "This is surprisingly like riding, back home!"

She is very relieved to get back safely! She hugs Zero happily, "Thank you, Zero -- you're fun to ride with!" and bounds cheerfully into the infirmary, her braid flying behind her, hoping Master Roakkana is there, "Heya, all! We're back, everything's fine! How're you all feeling?"

Roakkana isn't there, but the conscious residents look at Freyja's effervescence. Vakkal and Fhazil exchange a look.

Vakkal says, "All right, I win."

Fhazil sighs, "You win. Five dukets." He turns back to Freyja. "We're glad you got back all right. I didn't think Methel-ssa would be too annoyed by your presence."

Freyja grins curiously, "What was the bet?"

Vakkal provides, "That you would come back effervescent and cheerful. Brother Fhazil thought you would be somewhat somber by the visit with his Lord."

Fhazil rolls his eyes skyward theatrically. "Who'd have thought, she's the personification of energy sometimes." He grimaces a little. "I'd better not say that too loud when the Jedi get here...." But there is a grin in his voice.

Freyja giggles, still exhuberant that everything is fine and she didn't harm unintentionally, and bounces over to give a quick and careful hug to Fhazil, "You're silly! Anyway, thank you again for walking us through it with the comlink, and she said she understands, and I gotta go update Master Roakkana but after that if you want you guys can all go sit in the garden in the sunlight if you feel up to it?" She draws a huge breath after that explosion of words, then beams happily, already heading for the door, "See you all in a bit!"

Fhazil seems surprised -- and naturally pleased -- at the hug.

Zero opens his mouth to say something, closes it, then simply gestures demonstratively at the door Freyja exited through.

Freyja goes to check up with Master Roakkana, and see if he wants anything from her before she helps all her patients out to get some nice sunshine.

Roakkana is sitting in the conference room, reading over a datapad. The comlink is set on the table before him as well. As Freyja and Zero enter, he looks up, smiling quietly as he stands. "Welcome back. I am glad Methel-ssa gave you no troubles."

Zero says, "The feeling is mutual, Master."

Freyja grins, giving a hasty but polite bow, since he's in the public conference room, then says happily, "Absolutely! So... do you want us to debrief or anything, Master Roakkana? I'm going to take the Sith out into the garden for some sunshine once we're done."

Zero makes a somewhat pained face as he attempts to process the phrase, 'I'm going to take the Sith out for some sunshine.'

Freyja giggles at Zero's expression, then looks back at the Wookie inquiringly.

Roakkana sits, smiling wryly. "No, thank you, child. But while you were out, two messages came in.

"The first is from Port Security. They have been unable to find Jedi Kuuna. Rumors of a Twi'Lek in the seedier districts have been explored and, perhaps fortunately, found to have no basis. I sense Qatto Verg moving, and using the Force through Jedi Kuuna. Fortunately, his use of it is severely curtailed by the fact that Jedi Kuuna has been, for the most part, strictly orthodox in her following of Jedi teachings."

Freyja nods, looking both a bit more serious... and faintly relieved.

Zero makes a slightly differently-pained face. "Wonderful. So I can't imagine how happy she'll be when she wakes..."

Freyja glances gravely at Zero, and hopes Jedi guardian Kuuna actually gets a chance to awaken.

Zero folds his arms and shakes his head. "Can't tell you how eager I am to hear what the Order Militant is going to say about all this."

Roakkana nods to Zero. "She will be... irritated, but as a Jedi but not a Templar she will find some healthy way of venting her anger without taking pleasure in the final death of Qatto Verg."

Zero says, "After the trouble he's put us to, I must confess the idea is appealing."

Freyja looks a bit more chagrined at that. She's not exactly been a model of conservative Jedi teachings herself... she'll have to be careful not to get her Master into trouble.

Freyja says quietly, "What's the second message, Master?"

"It is important, Zero, not to take pleasure in the death of an enemy." He pauses. "Pleasure in that an enemy will no longer harry the universe as a whole, is another thing altogether, but the dividing line is very fine.

Zero says, "Of course, Master, that's... likely just my lack of sleep talking."

Roakkana nods cheerfully to Zero. "We have our moments, Zero, don't worry about it."

The Wookiee continues. "What is of slightly more disturbing news is that we are still unsure as to which forces will arrive first, the Republic or the Empire. While the Vylos was delayed by a gunboat assault, Republic bombers have damaged the Fervor over Calax. There will be, at most, a few hours' difference between the fleets' arrivals."

Freyja nods, unsurprised. Determinedly she says, "We'll be ready, Master, whichever arrives first. I don't know what will be required, but I know we'll do our best."

Zero takes a deep breath. "Well... that certainly beats the half-day we expected. Still... we may want to make plans to evacuate. We're in no condition to meet an expeditionary force here."

Freyja gives her fellow Padawan a troubled look, "Evacuate to where, Zero? Our wounded are doing fine, except for Jiosch... but... they need to not be strained."

Zero says, "We may want to scout for a location somewhere in the foothills. Better strained than murdered, Freyja. If this is a full military operation we're dealing with, quite frankly we're outclassed. This is not the same as battling a handful of badly-cowed or well-paid mercenaries."

Freyja nods slowly, "That's... true, I'm sorry, Zero." She gives an even more troubled look at the Wookie, "What happens to the Sith apprentices if the Jedi land first, Master?"

Zero shakes his head. "Don't apologize... I'm just thinking of it from the perspective of a soldier." He sighs quietly, "With an eye toward minimizing casualties. There's no in-between here... either the best case will happen, or the worst case will." He pauses, then wryly adds, "Unless they arrive simultaneously and destroy each other in orbit..."

Freyja winces at that thought, then says gravely, "It doesn't matter who arrives first. Either way we have people who'll be endangered, won't we."

Zero says, "It certainly seems that way. I am trying very hard not to consider the Sith in the monastery prisoners of war... but I doubt the Order Militant will be as liberal in their thinking as we have been."

Roakkana nods to Freyja. "We shall, certainly, child. Fervor is Shen Ravos's battleship. I do not think that one of Naga Sadow's warlords is just conducting an expeditionary strike this deep into the Republic, though it is possible. As for the Jedi, the Vylos's captain is Virago Rendar, but the leader of the company of Jedi militant is Knight-Captain Derga Volc."

Roakkana is quiet for a moment. "If the Republic arrives first... they will expect us to remand the Sith into their custody. Dhaasul, as a reconvert, or at least willing to face the penalties, will be taken to Coruscant much as Talmon was. Jiosch... I do not know." He frowns slightly. "Fhazil and Vakkal... I also do not know, but I do not suspect that the Jedi will be particularly keen on bonds only of promises. One who is awakened to the Force is always a threat, in too many ways to count." He nods quietly. "Yes. Either way, no matter whom arrives first, there will likely be problems."

Freyja sighs, then looks at the Wookie, "You're the Master of the monastery, Master Roakkana. What do you want us to do?" She adds a little wistfully, "I... is there any way to... to get Vakkal and Fhazil Taas away smoothly? I'm beginning to think one of them is truly our best bet as a Dark mantle... but I don't want to make a rushed decision, you know?"

Zero says, "We can let them go, but I suspect that any investigator the Council chooses to send will discover what happened in short order. If what I've heard is true, then just saying, 'No, you may not read my memory' is tantamount to saying 'I did it.' We may be in a great deal of trouble if we spirit them away."

Freyja nods, frowning and thinking furiously.

Zero sighs irritably. "Blast it, I only joined this Order scant days ago and I'm betraying it already."

Freyja looks up at that, her face serious, "No, Zero. We are not betraying it. We are trying to help... and if we succeed, we will return to them and share whatever it is we have learned... and the consequences of those actions."

Zero says, "I'm not certain I feel ready to face those consequences when they may mean our deaths."

Roakkana nods quietly to Freyja. "There may be ways. As master of the monastery I am not required to permit the company access, in fact I would be well within my rights to deny them entrance. This is a place of meditation, not warfighting. However, there will be constant traffic between wherever the company bivouacs and here, and it is inevitable that, at the very least, Jedi Volc will sense if not see the Sith."

Freyja nods gravely to Roakkana, then says quietly to Zero, "We knew that might happen when we decided to try for a triat, Zero. Please don't do this unless you are sure you want to. I don't want you to feel compelled at all."

Zero says, "I'm just not certain this is a good idea. I've no problem with experimenting further with the Force but returning... the Jedi Order has a rather serious with-us-or-against-us attitude-- obviously, or we'd not be having this conversation-- and I don't know that being hunted by them for knowing something is a place I wish to be."

Zero says, "Coming back may not be feasible."

Roakkana is quiet through this, his gaze flicking between Zero and Freyja.

Zero says, "I say this now because..." He sighs again, seeming very tired suddenly. "Because I don't wish to end up in the position Fhazil and Vakkal are in now.""

Freyja says slowly, "Then... we must do our best, Zero, to pass on the information to those that can use it, to help decrease the antagonism between the Sith and the Jedi. If we have to, we'll send it to Master Roakkana... but if this is a good and workable solution, it is our duty to share it."

Freyja tilts her head puzzledly, "What position are they in?"

Zero says, "They will be captured, Freyja, and most likely killed, if we remand them to the Order. And if we release them, they will be hunted down. Either by the Order or by their own Empire. If I am perceiving this differently than you, please tell me. But that is the situation as I see it."

Freyja sits down slowly, looking shocked. "No... surely they wouldn't? All we did... was try to help... oh..." Her voice is very quiet, and trails off as she remembers the two apprentices telling her what a bad idea it was to be kind to Sith lords.

Zero looks away. "I don't want to seem as if I'm saying these things to be... cruel, Freyja. Really, I don't. But I see hard consequences about to come down, and I don't know what to do about them."

Freyja puts her face in her hands and sighs slowly and deeply. Her voice is muffled, "So... it's our -- no, it's mine -- I kept them alive. It's my fault they're in this... predicament. So... I have to figure out how to fix it." She straightens slowly, her face expressionless, "I'll have to think."

Freyja rises and bows with careful correctness to the Wookie, "Master Roakkana, will you excuse me? I have some meditating to do."

Zero adds, quietly, "Please don't think I don't want to help, Freyja."

Freyja nods to her fellow Padawan, "I know, Zero. You're trying to help, by getting me to plan ahead of time. It has to be done."

Zero says, "I'll do whatever I can."

Freyja nods gravely again, "Thank you." She starts to leave quietly, her expression somewhat absent, still thinking hard.

Roakkana arches his brows slightly. ""'Mine?' 'I?' Muddied thinking, child. Am I not the master of this monastery and your teacher? Is Zero not one who has gone through this with us from the start, three weeks ago which seem like months, on Coruscant?" He adds with a merry tone to his voice, and yet one that brooks no argument, "Are you so ready to take the trials and become a knight errant, responsible to and reliant upon none but the Force itself?"

Freyja considers, then says slowly, "Master Roakkana... isn't that what we're planning on doing, in a sense, in our efforts to become a triat?"

Zero pinches the bridge of his nose and takes a breath, murmuring mostly to himself, "...as if this weren't trial enough."

"And at what point in this research into the triat have you been told that you'd be alone? A triat is three beings, awakened in the Force. You are not alone in this, and need not be alone." He straightens. "The important thing is to take one thing at a time. For now, let us concentrate on what the intention is. None of us have any desire to see Fhazil and Vakkal remanded to the company."

Roakkana lets out a chuffing breath as he leans back. "Any time I ponder the fate of Fhazil Taas and Vakkal, I come back to their first Lord, Ghang S'yiul, of whom they speak very highly. I have even inquired, in a roundabout way, as to the Watchers' and Republic Intelligence's knowledge of his location, but they have not yet gotten back to me."

Freyja nods, listening silently.

Zero seems as if he's about to say something, but he waits and remains silent for the moment.

Freyja says, "So you feel if he's the leader of the Sith forces, there will be no problems?" She sighs quietly... torn between keeping the two Sith apprentices so she can try picking one as a Dark mantle, but having them potentially lose their lives... and letting them go so they live but she and Zero have no Dark mantle... she can't in good conscience keep them."

"Lord Ghang, who, like Shen Ravos, is of War. Perhaps Lord Ravos will be as understanding. Then again, he was appointed by Naga Sadow personally." He glances to Zero. "What were you going to say, Zero?"

Zero says, "Truthfully, Master, I want to know what you plan on doing about the Order when they arrive. They will find out, and though it seems cruel, I'd rather trade the Sith's lives for your-- and our-- freedom."

Freyja murmurs absently, "Oh, that's right... you said Ravos was leading this group. Great... that's the one that left blight from a personal battle that was still sickeningly strong a year later." She sighs softly.

Roakkana nods to Freyja. "Perhaps. But remember the context of it. In all our discussions with the two Sith, they have had faith in their leaders, the Lords of War. We may be able to rely on that.

Roakkana looks to Zero, smiling quietly. "I feel that is the least of our fears. The facts are clear: the Sith we have in the infirmiry were wounded, and came into our care. We nursed them back to health, and when they were strong again, well, we certainly don't have the facilities to interr prisoners who are awakened to the Force. It would of course be impossible to hold them, unless they wanted to be held. There is literally nothing stoping them from walking out the front door." He adds with a merry twinkle in his eye, "Wether they are invited to walk out on their own is another thing entirely."

Freyja listens quietly, resting her chin in her hands.

Zero seems... skeptical. "And... you believe the Order will buy that?"

"They won't have much of a choice, Zero. To keep a prisoner that is awakened to the Force docile and in captivity, requires much more than we have on hand. It requires shielded power supplies, energy cages, and at least one Knight on duty at any time. Jedi Volc will be infuriated but even he, a staunch orthodoxist, will understand that, even if I wish it, the material to imprison a Sith simply does not exist in any readilly usable form on Marnaas."

Freyja murmurs quietly, "No... I think he means will the Order buy that we didn't just let them go. From that they could charge us with aiding the enemy... and I know neither Zero nor I are good enough to lie convincingly to a Force user."

Zero says, "I'm more concerned about his asking about the circumstances surrounding their arrival. We did, after all, simply bring them inside after I, to put it plainly, left them for dead.

"And besides, Freyja... refusing to let them scan us will be the same as admitting our guilt."

Freyja nods quietly to Zero, and says pragmatically, "So... we're condemned either way?"

Zero says, "I just don't know what to do. I've no real desire to spend what's left of my waning youth in a block of Carbonite or on a prison galley."

Zero says, "And I suspect strongly that given our facility with the Force, the Republic would be liberal in their use of the freezing facilities."

Roakkana considers quietly. "Keep in mind, that you are not subject to a mind-probe except before a Tribunal. Neither of you -- none of us have done anything that would warrant that. However, if you are truly concerned, the simple solution is to simply not be here when Jedi Volc arrives."

Freyja nods again, then says, "Well, I see two alternatives. One, leave now. Two, fall back on my family contacts." She eyes the other two amusedly and adds, "I'd like to cast my vote for the former. Father would never let me forget it if I had to turn to him for aid."

Zero says, "I've no wish to abandon you either, Master. I owe you a very great deal."

Freyja gives the Wookie a very unhappy look. She doesn't want to either. She sighs, "All right, we're getting all tied up in knots here. What is required? We need to keep us and the Sith apprentices out of Master Volc's path, right? And that's important only if the Jedi arrive first, hai? Is there anything else we have to do?"

Roakkana shakes his head. "I am fully convinced that the ones in the most peril here are Fhazil Taas and Vakkal. For ourselves, I believe we will escape much of the Tribunal's wrath, else we would have been informed that a master instead of a knight-captain was being sent here. No, child, Volc is just a knight, he is not a master. Which is a good sign. I still have some authority over him.

Freyja nods, "All right. So how do we make sure the Sith apprentices don't get in trouble with their own folks?" She wonders aloud, "Would they know?"

"How do you mean, Freyja?"

Freyja says, "Would they -- Vakkal and Fhazil Taas -- know what's necessary to do so they don't get scapegoated by their own people?"

Zero says, "I don't think that's really within our control."

Freyja gives Zero a troubled look, "We better pray then, for their sake as well as ours, that the Jedi get here first."

Roakkana coughs a little. "If I may... allow me to lay out what the Jedi will do if they arrive first. Of this we know for certain: if Methel-ssa is not in our custody, they will land, exchange pleasantries with us, then charge into the city. I imagine that they will do their best to 'gang up' on Methel-ssa. Meanwhile the Vylos will remain in space and intercept the Sith when they arrive. The Jedi will not be immediately concerned with Vakkal and Fhazil, they likely will not even ask. Essentially, they'll land, ask, 'Where is the Sith Lord?' and be on their merry militant way."

Freyja nods, looking faintly relieved... then says, "What about Verg? Shouldn't they be hunting it first?"

Zero says, "For Kuuna's sake you hope not."

Freyja shakes her head at Zero, "No... for her sake I hope so. If I ever get possessed by something like that, Zero... shoot me. I don't ever want vile things done in my name, however accidentally."

"Despite the dubious promise of the rise of the Order militant, they are still Jedi. They will not seek to harm Jedi Kuuna, no matter wether Qatto Verg is riding her or not. If anything, actually, being within a Jedi is the safest place for us for Verg to be right now.

Freyja nods again, her attention turning back to the Wookie, "All right. And if the Sith arrive first?"

Zero is silent at that. Please... don't ask me that again. "I expect something similar in reverse, something like 'where is the Jedi' and off they go..."

Freyja says, "Hai, Zero, but... we're here, easy to find, and with two Sith apprentices. So... how do we keep them safe?"

Zero says, "That is the question, I suppose. We could always just tell them to lie and say how terribly they were treated."

Roakkana spreads his hands. "That is a little more difficult. If the Sith arrive, we can hope that they are of the tradition-bound subculture which practices war. There is something very odd about them coming here. I suspect that the Fervor was diverted specifically because they discovered that 'Methel-ssa' caused such widespread destruction in violation of her orders. I expect them to arrive, assess the situation, and collect Methel-ssa and the other Sith and deal -- hopefully -- with Verg.

Zero says, "That would be... well. That would be a break for us."

Freyja looks puzzled, "Why is it odd? Methel-ssa's orders were to be extremely discreet. She wasn't, although through no fault of her own. Wouldn't it make sense for them to quietly yank everything Sith-ish here, and leave, to try to restore some semblance of subtlety?"

"Yes, well... I can't reasonably expect them to do much more. They are dozens of parsecs behind enemy lines. There is nothing for them to gain here except what they might think of as a wayward Sith Lord.

"You're right, child. Perhaps it isn't so odd that they diverted from their mission, whatever it might be, to come here. In which case, we are -- again! -- met with the ironic quandry of our own Jedi Order causing us problems."

Freyja looks more puzzled, "Er... how's that?"

Roakkana grins softly. "Because while the Sith are attempting to handle this relatively quietly, a fleet carrier and her escorts, and twenty Jedi Knights, will be bearing down on them loudly."

Freyja says quietly, "...oh."

Freyja sighs, "All the more reason, I guess, to try to figure out this triat." She looks frustrated, "But... how do we get Vakkal and Fhazil Taas away?"

Roakkana hrms softly. "I do, however, have a suggestion. Freyja, you said they promised to remain and not cause problems for us until they were fully healed. You have said they have kept their promise. How much can you trust them to keep another promise?"

Freyja considers, then says slowly, "If they were willing to make the promise, I'd believe they'd keep it. I think I trust them enough to say no if they feel they cannot keep one."

Roakkana nods. "Then, if I may... you may wish to consider asking them for their assistance, assistance which only a darksider may provide... and to have them promise to meet you at some preappointed time and place. At that time, perhaps your journey to meet the Silver Path might then proceede.

Freyja is silent for a long moment.

Finally she gives a gusty, chuffing sigh, and says, "Hai. I think that's the best idea so far. We should give them the option to leave early if they wish, to avoid issues with either Jedi or Sith, though, I think."

Zero sighs. "I'd go to the bloody Dark Side myself if it would make this simpler."

Freyja gives Zero a shocked look, "Don't say that! Gray is far enough."

Zero shakes his head. "I'm sorry. It's been a... trying day."

Freyja opens her mouth to say something... then pauses and sighs, putting one hand lightly on Zero's arm, "I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to snap at you."

Zero grins faintly and shakes his head. "Forget about it... it's just not been a good morning."

Roakkana smiles a little. "If nothing else," he says quietly, in the pause that follows, "it might be good to at least let the people you are evaluating know that they are being evaluated for something."

Freyja nods a touch grimly... then looks at the Wookie, "Well... I'll try springing the suggestion on the apprentices while they're getting sunshine in the garden, how's that?"

Zero says, "I should take the swoop out and scout out the higher ground, just in case... well. Just in case the unthinkable happens."

Freyja nods to Zero, understanding, "Take a comlink, please, in case you need backup or anything?"

Zero says, "Of course."

Roakkana nods quietly, and stands, letting out a breath. "Be of good cheer, please, the both of you. The forces of stagnency and crystallization have not gripped the Order so much yet that mere suspicion of wrongdoing will bring anyone before a Tribunal. Look at me, after all. Four hundred years of mild heresy in promoting the Balanced Force and I've yet to come within a few hundred lightyears of a Tribunal."

Freyja smiles ruefully at her Master... with the troubling thought that things are... different now...

Zero says, "Small favors. I haven't quite outgrown my old profession's sense of paranoia just yet... I'll feel better knowing there are contingency plans."

Freyja nods. She's glad he's planning ahead.

Zero pauses, then smiles apologetically. "Thank you, though, Master... for trying to put us at ease."

Roakkana nods. "We have a few days yet. The hour of their appearance may be in doubt, but they will not come immediately. We yet have time." He stretches. "I think I shall walk about the battlements. I understand the view from there is very good, both of the cloister and the woods around."

Zero feels somewhat foolish, suddenly, for vigorously willing himself to be desperate in the face of his own Master's instructing him not to be.

Freyja grins at the Wookie, then heads for the door, "I have some patients to see to... and some, ah... discreet discussions to have."

Roakkana smiles quielty to Zero. "You're welcome, Zero. And there's no reason for you to not be at ease. You are both very capable, awakened to the Force, and innovative. Between you and I and the two Brothers, something will come up. And I will remind you, that we are not alone in our hopes for an emotionally and psychically healthy Order."

Freyja looks curiously at her Master, then remembers the Silver Path. Good point.

Zero nods. "I continue to remind myself that I'm not a criminal and the entire galaxy isn't out to get me. Just... small parts of it. I'll be back in a few hours with a report." He grins wanly, and heads toward the door.

Roakkana arches an eyebrow, and smiles a little. "Not merely the Silver Path, child. Others besides, some within the Order."

Freyja says, "Really? Huh." She considers as she heads out the door, then smiles quietly, "That's good to know."

Roakkana smiles, and meanders out towards the steps leading to the battlements.

Freyja gives Zero a grin, and heads for the infirmary.

Zero pauses before heading down the adjoining hallway toward the garage. "Freyja?"

Freyja turns and smiles, her tone curious, "Hm?"

Zero says, "I've just one more bit of doomsaying to get out of my system before I go."

Freyja considers for a second... then nods, giving him an inquiring look.

Zero says, "I'm going to stand by you through this Silver Path experiment. Because you're my partner and because I... because you're my friend. And if we can help the Order out... that's a noble goal. But... let's make sure we're doing this because we want to help the Order, not because we think we can singlehandedly end the war."

Freyja nods quietly, "That's my goal, Zero. When push comes to shove... I'm a Jedi first."

Zero nods, reassured. "Alright... good. Fhazil said it himself... this is not a war of revenge. This is a war of conquest. No one is going to convince the Sith Lords to stop carving out kingdoms for themselves... they're not interested in making a point... just in making power for themselves. I'm glad we're together on this, then."

Freyja studies the other Human for a moment... then smiles quietly and steps forward to touch his arm lightly, "Zero... we're a team. We'll do what's right. I promise I won't forget that."

Zero nods. "I know you won't. I'm glad to hear you say that."

Freyja smiles, squeezing his arm lightly... then takes a deep breath. "All right. Now... to be as convincing as I know how!" Her grin gets rueful, "Wish me luck!"

Zero grins, "Oh, one more thing?"

Freyja pauses again, "Hm?"

Zero smirks, "I heard you went for an early morning walk in the garden."

Freyja looks blank, "A walk? No, I just ran through. Why? Did I drop something?" She checks her belt to be sure everything's there.

Zero can't help but laugh for a moment. "Freyja... you do realize your, ah... frame, is quite distracting, right?" He blinks, suddenly realizing-- he shakes his head and snickers, "Not at all, Freyja, and I don't think it's that your being nude is taboo-- gods below, on the contrary! People don't stare like he-- oh, who am I kidding-- like we did, because they're offended!"

Freyja tilts her head curiously, "What? What are you saying, Zero? I know Fhazil Taas has a nudity taboo -- that's why I put my clothes on before I went into the infirmary." She considers... then looks suddenly worried, "Oh, dear. Did I miss that you have one too?" She thinks a bit more, then adds puzzledly, "Are there some aliens who're offended, who've asked you to tell me?"

Zero reaches out and puts his hands on Freyja's shoulders. "Freyja. I want to tell you something now, and when I do please keep in mind that I spent my childhood in a ditch and thus know almost nothing about holovid and by extension about Syf Rigg.

Freyja nods a bit confusedly, but not upset or anything... she's just waiting for Zero to enlighten her as to what he means.

"You have truly fabulous breasts, Freyja."

Freyja blinks at Zero silently. A moment passes.

Finally she says, "What?!"

Zero says, "Alright, alright, let me make this simple, Freyja. I think you are a very attractive woman. Really. And if I should stare at you when you run from your quarters in the night without your clothes on, that is the reason why."

Freyja blinks at Zero again, almost blankly. Finally she says, "Um... Zero? You don't have to tell me this to make me feel better." She smiles slowly, putting one of her hands on his resting on her shoulder, "Really. I'm fine... and it's very sweet of you to do this." At his next words her grin gets suddenly impish, "You're fun, Zero!" She gives him a quick hug again, then darts quickly off, "See you later!"

Zero blinks, and watches her go. "But..." He lets his arms fall back to his sides. "Like talking to a dewback." He grins, shrugs, and heads down to the garage.

Freyja heads down to the infirmary, and looks around cheerfully, "All right, who'd like to go walkies with me?"

There are blinks in Freyja's direction. Fhazil finally can't help himself, and looks, slowly, to Vakkal, stifling a bout of hilarity.

Vakkal glances to Fhazil. "Say it, and you'll owe me more than just five dukets."

"Wasn't going to say a thing, honest, Brother. Just going to remind you of those 'hairless primate' jokes."

"I'm not going to live that down, am I, Brother?"

"Not while I'm breathing, Brother!"

Freyja giggles. "Well, want to share while we're outside?" She heads for the nearest bed, to be nearby if any assistance is needed.

Vakkal nods pleasantly, as he pulls himself from the bed. "Actually... some fresh air does sound rather good...."

Dhaasul smiles a little. "Forgive me if I decline, but thank you."

Fhazil also seems to have not much of a problem standing and walking, though he takes it very slowly.

Meanwhile, Zero's swoop takes him out into the hills. It's very quiet up there, far and away from the bustle of the spaceport and the background noise of the monastery.

Freyja nods to Dhaasul, checking him out of habit to be sure he's okay, "No problem. If you feel like resting, you should." Once she's done with her quick check she follows the other two out, carefully staying within catching distance.

Shortly, the group is in the cloister. There are a few odd glances from some of the other Jedi who pass through, but the Sith visitors have been well-behaved -- at least, these ones -- and the padawan of the master is there.

Freyja takes a few pillows and blankets along, just in case. She settles the two apprentices down comfortably, then settles down equally comfortably between them. She's silent for a long moment, letting them enjoy the moment of peace.

Vakkal looks up in to sky, closing his eyes quiety, while Fhazil simply takes the time to rest without having to be looking up at the cieling of the infirmiry.

Freyja stretches out at full length on the grass, savoring the cool feel of the grass against her bare midriff and arms. Sunlight dapples accross her through the leaves on the trees, turning her back a glowing amber. She sighs contentedly and rests her chin on her crossed hands, watching the quiet ripples in the pool where the large, brightly colored fish languidly swim.

Fhazil makes a quiet sound. "You hardly ever find good weather like this on most planets in the Empire."

Vakkal chuckles soflty. "You've been to my homeworld."

"Well, yeah... but Ziost isn't all that sunny, and that's where I spent most of the time."

Freyja rolls her head enough to turn her blue gaze towards them, and smiles, "It's nice here... but Balmorra's nicer, I think."

Fhazil glances to Freyja. "How long have you been away from Balmorra? I know the padawan training lasts... well, a long time."

Freyja sighs, rolling over and putting her arms behind her head in one gracefully fluid motion. "Well... Balmorra has, er... other things to not recommend it." Her tone is rueful... then she adds quietly, "Five years. I... have been avoiding returning except for short visits."

Fhazil nods, unable to avoid glancing back as Freyja lies back. "I think I can understand...."

She sits up, studying the two Sith carefully, "Do you... do either of you have people you should be returning to?"

"Who, me? Oh, no. My parent's've passed on, had no brothers or sisters. Vakkal?"

"A family, of sorts. Being one of twenty children doesn't leave much room to be as well-known to one's parents as they are for Humans."

Freyja blinks at Vakkal in astonishment, "Twenty?! Oh my goddess!" She considers for a long moment, then says quietly, "So... are either of you going to get into trouble with your superiors for having been here?"

Vakkal grimaces a little. "Myself, I do not know. It depends entirely on what Naga Sadow orders regarding the Oath of Fire. I know perhaps too much -- not nearly as much as Jiosch did, but perhaps enough. I am reasonably certain that Lord Ghang and other Lords of War would seek to keep me in their service. That is not garaunteed, though. But if you mean being here, at the monastery... no. There is no dishonor in this, particularly in the state I was in at the time.

Fhazil shakes his head. "I'm... not nearly as likely to get into trouble, to be honest. And since the way I came here is the same as Vakkal's, I won't be in trouble, either.

Freyja looks puzzled. Neither of them seem at all worried. Were the worries she, Zero, and Roakkana shared completely without merit? She thinks for a bit, then says slowly, "Do you want to go back to working with the Sith lord Methel-ssa, Fhazil Taas? And you, Vakkal... you wish to return to Lord Ghang's service? You're not worried about, say, Oather assassins?" She considers, then adds, "Actually, it'd be Ravos you'd be serving next, right, Fhazil Taas? He's the one leading the group coming here, after all."

Fhazil hmms? "Well, when she wasn't possessed or influenced by Qatto Verg... even then I can think of better things. I'm not really the type for this... skulking around a planet behind enemy lines. I know it helps the war effort, but there's just something... well, it doesn't seem like something War should be doing."

Vakkal nods quietly. "That I am worried about. I would want to be in Lord Ghang's service again, but I do not know if that will happen. It seems much more certain that at some point the Oath will attempt to kill me, before I reveal what I know."

Fhazil looks over to the canid. "They'll have to get through me, Brother. And then they'll have to take the both of us out."

"I am comforted, Fhazil, but it may very well be out of our hands."

Fhazil makes a bit of a face, but can make no answer. Instead, he answers Freyja. "Shen Ravos? Nnnn, not likely. He's a high man in the Hierarchy. Lords like him have too much to do to take on apprentices. If he comes to collect me --" Vakkal shoots him a look. "Uh, us, I mean. Then he'll assign me to a subordinate Lord. Most likely in War, but my experience with Methel-ssa might make me attractive to a Lord of State."

Freyja studies the two apprentices for a long moment, her ice-blue eyes considering. Finally she says, "Is there any way for you both to... take some time off, for a bit?"

Both of them blink a bit. "How do you mean?" Vakkal asks curiously.

Freyja says, "Um..." She shifts a little uncomfortably, not liking not being completely open with them, but finally says carefully, "I... Zero and I have something we have to do very soon. We're going to need some help doing it... some help that I think only a Darksider can give." She hesitates, studying them again, then says, "Does that sound at all interesting to either of you?"

Fhazil and Vakkal look at each other for several significant seconds. "Well," Vakkal says, a little cautiously. "Speaking for myself...." Fhazil nods quickly. "...it might be good to stay away from the Empire for a little while. While waiting for Naga Sadow to announce what will become of the Oath of Fire."

Fhazil says quietly, "And while it might be difficult, where my Brother goes, there so go shall I." He blinks, and grimaces. "That is, where he goes, I go. Corellian Hells, I hate messing up being profound."

Freyja covers a giggle, then grins at the two Sith, "Thank you... I'm really glad you both feel this way." She sprawls lazily back, stretching her toes, and her arms over her head, with a slight sense of relief that her two patients will be out of reach of mad revenge assassins. "Let's see... could we maybe meet someplace in a certain amount of time? Would that work for you both?"

Vakkal and Fhazil glance at each other, then to Freyja. "Would that we could," Vakkal says, "But if the Jedi arrive first, we are, as they say in the republic, bantha fodder."

Fhazil provides helpfully, "In the Empire it's 'wyrm kibble.'"

Vakkal continues, "And if the Sith arrive first, then we will be expected to go with Shen Ravos."

Freyja sits up with an exasperated sigh, absently tugging her top back into place, "Well, wolf-feathers. So... how do we get you both out of here safely? Without both of you straining yourselves, too." She considers, then says slowly, "Would the Sith consider it more important to stop Verg, or to grab up you two? Or... to confront the incoming Jedi?"

Vakkal coughs a little. "Erm... well... that was the one problem. All that we have been able to think of would be to hijack a small freighter and escape the planet. Another would be to petition Lorg Ghang for assistance -- that might not work, however. As one of the Warlords, Shen Ravos is almost certain to have an Oather aboard his ship, somewhere.

Fhazil shakes his head. "Qatto Verg, definitely. And Methel-ssa. They don't even know if we're still alive, actually, unless someone sliced into the HoloNet and intercepted any communiques to the Jedi Council mentioning us.

Vakkal adds, "Being in orbit is the worst place for a capital ship." Fhazil nods in agreement. "There's no place to maneuver. Fervor would be trapped against Marnaas when the Republic Guard came. They would want to pull away from the planet, to give themselves some maneuver room when the Republic came.

Freyja looks pleased, "Ah! So if the Sith arrive first they're unlikely to be looking for you -- and they might, in fact, just quietly depart without having picked you up at all, if Verg took a while to catch?" She looks at the Human, "Would Methel-ssa trust you to keep yourself hale and whole, and escape later -- and so she could leave you here instead of insisting the Sith pick you up too?"

Fhazil blinks under the intensity of Freyja's eyes. "Ah... h-how do you mean, Padawan Freyja?"

Freyja smiles with growing confidence, as the possible plan starts falling together in her head, "Would she mention you to the Sith coming here? If she doesn't, they wouldn't know to pick you up, would they... because Master Roakkana, ah..." she grins, her eyes flashing with mischief, "-sort of forgot to mention your... 'capture'..."

Vakkal and Fhazil blink and look at each other.

"Damned convenient that."

"Verily, Brother. Coincidence?"

"I'll bet you a bottle of sapphire wine that it isn't."

"No deal."

Freyja grins lazily, her eyes half-lidded, "I get a glass of that wine."

They look back at Freyja. "She might, though. She'll probably mention that I was captured, though. She has no reason to say otherwise, and in fact might be hoping that Ravos will be able to procure my release."

Freyja nods at Fhazil, "All right. Well, if they're quite busy, and we can hope Verg leads them a merry chase, maybe they won't have time to come get you. Would they rather pick you up and potentially face the Jedi, do you think, or just get in and out quickly?"

Fhazil sits back, mouth a bit agape. "There's a lot of hope in there," he comments, "but it's better than the plan we had."

Freyja adds in slow puzzlement, "Actually... why are the Sith coming here, so far behind the lines? It's certainly not very... subtle?"

Vakkal nods. "It isn't. I suspect that they want to clean up here quickly. Lords of War would see what Qatto Verg has done here as being very damaging. They like to arrive at a world with pomp and glory, and armed soldiers lining the parade route to keep rioters from throwing stones at them detracts from the image."

Freyja nods thoughtfully to Vakkal. Fascinating perspective on the Sith, there... Then she grins at Fhazil curiously, "All right, I'll bite. What was the plan you two came up with?"

FHazil grimaces. "We'd find some way to get you to release us, Vakkal would hide in the city and find a way off-planet when the Sith came, I'd claim he was killed, the assassins wouldn't look for him, and we'd meet up sometime in the future."

"I still think the Gallic tapcafe at Bandomeer on Boonta Eve was the best date."

"And I still want to know what's wrong with the Lekku Lounge on Dantooine in three months!"

"We were kicked out the last time we were there and Lord Ghang 'strongly suggested' we don't go there again."

"We were young."

"And intoxicated."

"Great thing that they had intoxicants that fit your species so well, wasn't it?"

"... No."

Freyja giggles softly, watching the two of them bickering amiably. She gets a mischievous look, and leans to poke Fhazil gently with a finger, "And how were you going to get me to release you, if you weren't healed yet, hmm?"

Fhazil coughs a little, rubbing the back of his neck. "That... was kind of the problem. We weren't sure at all how to do that."

Freyja giggles again.

Vakkal provides, "We determined that you were immune to flattery, threats, and Jedi mind tricks."

Freyja laughs aloud at that! "Oh, my... you were testing and I didn't even notice?! I'm crushed!"

Fhazil says, "We didn't have to test. It was pretty clear."

Freyja grins quietly, "Well, I'm happy to hear breaking your word wasn't part of your plan." She sits up, crossing her legs in a relaxed half-lotus, "So... if the Jedi arrive first, you two should just keep suppressing the stain, all right? And if the Sith arrive first, we'll cross our fingers that they'll be really busy, hai?" She looks inquiringly at the two of them, "Sound like a plan?"

Both of the Sith blink. "Do you think that'll be enough?" Vakkal asks.

Freyja says, "Which part?"

"Suppressing the sithstain."

Freyja grins, casually rubbing the toes of one bare foot, "Well... if the Jedi get here first they'll be busy too, after all... and it's not like Jedi Knight Volc can just come marching in without question. Master Roakkana does outrank him, after all." She smiles serenely, adding, "Master Roakkana is... very supportive. Did I tell you I think he's the greatest?"

Both Sith give a start. Vakkal says quietly, "Did you say... Volc? You don't mean Derga Volc, do you?"

Freyja looks curious, "Um... I think that was the name. Why?"

Vakkal makes a quiet sound, and Fhazil gives a quiet, dry chuckle. "We wondered what happened to him. So he's a knight, is he? That was quick."

Freyja looks inquiringly between the two.

Vakkal notices the look. "Derga Volc of Wayland. You say he's a knight now? There was a time when he was Derga Volc, apprentice to Lord Ghang, in service of War."

Freyja gives Vakkal an astonished look, "Really?! Well, what do you know..." She smiles wryly, "Either he's one of the best spies ever... or he's a rabid fanatic, like all the other converts I've heard of or met."

Fhazil says dryly, "Considering he nearly killed Lord Ghang on his way off the Fervor, I'd say he's the latter."

Freyja raises an eyebrow, then grins, "He must be pretty tough then. That... and I'd suspect the latter too, considering that I bet he wouldn't have this rank if he hadn't submitted to at least one mind examination." She shrugs, then grins, "So! Once they're all gone, on what planet at what time should we meet? Master Roakkana's getting sent to Coruscant to debrief, with us... so you should probably leave... what, before us?" She mutters under her breath, "Thank goodness it wasn't Balmorra, or I'd have had to visit home..." She eyes the two Sith, trying to imagine introducing them and Zero to her parents... then just giggles.

Vakkal considers. "Commenor. It's in this sector. In the city of Banin's Landing, there's a tapcafe called Vermillion. Perhaps meet there in six month's time?" He gives a specific date, about local noonish. "It might take that long to arrange proper transport there, and for you and Zero Satau to arrange reasons for being there."

Freyja grins, "Give me just a second." She checks on the comlink to Roakkana, "Master? Is Commenor in 6 months all right?"

There is a bit of a confused silence, then Roakkana's dry reply, "I think we can arrange that."

Freyja says, "Thanks, Master Roakkana!" She grins, putting away the comlink, then pats the nearer person lightly on whatever portion of their anatomy is available, "Thank you both. I appreciate your trust in this... and I suspect we're going to greatly appreciate your help too!"

The two Sith, albeit a little confused, wonder what they're getting themselves into. Meanwhile, on a ridge about ten kilometers from the monastery, the noonday sun beats down on the swoop carrying Zero.

Zero simply rides, cruising through the foothills looking for likely bolt-holes for the monastery... hidden canyons, natural caves... anyplace defensible, really, though he avoids the few box canyons he encounters; he's got no intention of fighting that sort of defensive action. Dying ground, he remembers, is what they call that.

So far Zero has found quite a few defensible places which will be very suitable. There aren't any settlers out in this area, in fact it's pretty deserted. The monastery itself is a speck on the horizon when Zero sets down the swoop to check this latest position.

There isn't much to distinguish this place from any other. Aside from being fairly remote, it's also fairly scarce of plant life. The ravines and hills serve only to conceal what's within them. From the air it's pretty unimpressive.

From the ground... that's something else entirely.

From his vantage point, he can see an outcropping of rock, blended well with the walls of the ravine, underneath which is a mass of metal, covered in dust and dirt, almost corroded through. If not for it's unexpected presence on an undeveloped world, it would be nothing special.

Zero scratches his head a bit, squinting in the unmerciful sun. Ship? Building? Wish I'd brought some macrobinoculars. He starts to wander closer, shading his eyes with one hand from the light.

It doesn't take long, in fact it's less than a kilometer away. What Zero sees ahead of him in the shadows of the outcropping is what looks like nothing less than the remains of an escape pod. An escape pod that looks like it's seen better centuries, judging by the corrosion.

Zero hms, and crouches down near the wreckage, examining it closely for identifying numbers, or a manufacturer's logo or something.

There isn't much to identify it. Aside from the shape of life pods that have been around for millenia, it doesn't even look like much. The only identifying mark is what looks like a very faded Bendu wheel that had an attempt at being painted over, with a simple geometric design: a bisected circle, with a solid disk within. However, there is one thing more that becomes immediately visible from this perspective: a body. Within the corroded skeleton of the escape pod is a suited body.

Zero frowns. "So much for safety equipment." He stands, and examines the suit as best he can without touching it. He wonders if he can make out the species. The species within is hard to make out. There's petrified cartiledge in patterns around the neck or head which suggests Twi'Lek or Togruta, but the ossified facial skin would almost say Nikto. The body wears a shoulder plate of some kind of dark grey metal, and shreds of synthetic cloth upon it's body in patterns which suggest to Zero's trained eye body armor of some kind. On closer inspection, it appears to be gripping something in it's hand, some kind of handle or such.

Zero hmmms. "So... what the hell are you, then?" He reaches out to try and pick up the object it's holding, with an eye to not breaking off the hand in doing so.

The hand appears to be in some kind of gauntlet of the same material, so the hand itself doesn't break. It's safe to say that rigor mortis is a moot point, but despite his care, the hand crumbles a bit, freeing the... hilt. It is the hilt to a sword, the blade broken off almost at the hilt, the quillions in an exotic cage that fits around where the hand grips, fitted for a hand with long, delicate yet strong fingers. The pommel has what appears to be a Bendu wheel, but a chunk has been broken away, as if snapped or hammered off.

Zero frowns, holding up the hilt to the light. The sun spills off it, and casts bright spots in his shadow. He touches his comlink. "Master... have you a moment?"

The comlink's only reply is the hiss of static interference. Interference? Comlinks don't get interference. Jamming's one thing... and this isn't jamming.

Zero blinks. His comlink is encrypted. What the hell...? He looks at the body, and scowls. "The least you could do is let me do my job... I'm just trying to get you a decent burial." He takes a few steps back, leaving the com open, looking for the radius of this interference.

The body only has that unnerving Nikto grin for Zero.

A few paces away, his comlink kicks in again, and contact with Roakkana is established. "Yes, Zero? What have you found?"

Zero says, "Not sure. You ever seen a symbol, looks like a crosshatched Bendu wheel with a disk in the middle?"

Roakkana thinks for a moment. "A crosshatched.... No, at least, not with a Bendu wheel involved. It was a symbol adopted by the Dark Jedi, the ones who went on to become the Sith. One of many symbols, actually. They never could agree on a single identifying symbol...."

Zero says, "Then there's a dead Sith in the bolt-hole I found for us. He's been here awhile, by the look of him... even his sword's broken off."

Roakkana pauses for a long moment. "Fascinating.... I wonder.... Is there anything else that you can see there, Zero? Any sort of sign or record or something?

Zero says, "No... I don't think he planned on staying. There's a crashed out escape pod here. I didn't see any other markings. I think there's something going on with the power plant... or something. It's playing hell with the comlink."

Roakkana's nod is almost audible. "If I would hazard a guess, I would say that the fellow you've discovered was one of the Dark Jedi who went into exile rather than face the wrath of the Jedi Order and the Army of Light. His ship must have met a mishap, and his escape pod crashed here on Marnaas... perhaps some fifteen thousand years ago."

"But... powerplants or batteries shouldn't last for fiteen thousand years...."

Zero says, "Hard to say, Master. He's got armor... and what's left of his weapon. Unless his ghost is messing with my comlink, something's--" He actually turns somewhat paler at that thought. "You don't think..."

Roakkana hesitates. "That... depends. What is it that you think I think?"

Zero says, "If Qatto Verg hung around... how patient are these Lords supposed to be?"

Roakkana makes a quiet sound. "Not patient enough to suffer fifteen thousand years of being alone, I think. After a time, even the strongest unbound spirit finds itself unable to prevent sublimation into the Force."

Zero says, "I'll take your word for that. What do you want me to do with this guy?"

"See if you cannot find anything else there, but try to leave it relatively undisturbed. The Jedi Academy will fall all over themselves to get here to look at it.

Zero nods, looking back at the ruined pod. "I'll see what I can find and head back... I've found enough useful positions to fall back to."

"Excellent work, Zero. The midday meal should be served soon, you'll be just in time."

Zero grins wanly. "After the day it's been... sounds good to me."

Roakkana laughs warmly, and the comlink clicks off. The body grins toothilly at Zero.

Zero hrmns. "Yeah, yeah," he says to the corpse. "I'm as thrilled as you are."

Zero searches the body and the pod. There isn't much -- whatever supplies were there were either eaten by the pod's occupant or the local wildlife. Power cells have run down to nothing. Aside from the armor, such as it is, there doesn't appear to be anything of value. What Zero does find is the shards of the sword -- it appears to be unremarkable, if incredibly ancient, Echal steel; Talmon would probably be overcome with emotion. It's as he's pulling out one of the shards that there is the faintest glitter of light from beneath the body's arm.

Zero hms? He pauses, bending down to look more closely.

The little object is blood red in color, oddly faceted, and catches the little light that reaches under the outcropping. It appears to be set in some kind of framework of gold wire; the workmanship appears excellent.

Zero very gently picks up the... amulet? He turns it in his fingers a few times, holding it up to the light.

The object is, at this range, of obvious workmanship, with lettering set into it's facets. It feels oddly warm in his fingers... and then the light catches it, and there's a flash of ruby light from within it's depths.

Zero blinks, lowering the object again, and holding it in his palms. "What are you," he murmurs. It's got to be fantastically valuable... if it's a gemstone it's enormous. If it's something else, it's ancient.

An image takes form above the object: an odd, red hologram except that Zero feels oddly warm as he watches it. The form resolves slowly, fitfully, into the alien before him, except that it is clearly alive and in one piece. A horrific gash has laid it's leg open from thigh to ankle, and a tourniquet is tied off high on its leg.

The alien makes an odd sort of salute with it's hands together. "You who are awakened in the Force! Ku Radama greets you!" The voice is tinny, and garbled slightly; it takes a moment for Zero to realize that he's hearing it through the Force, in his mind.

Zero blinks a few times. "Er... greetings."

The alien winces in visible pain, gripping it's leg. In a much more sedate voice, it continues. "I have not the skill to forge this holocron as our masters once did. You must forgive me, but forgiveness, I think, will be useless. I am Ku Radama, formerly of the Exalted Order of Jedi Knights, more recently... more recently of that Brotherhood whom the Jedi Knights have sought to call 'heretics.'"

Zero backs up carefully, sitting down on a rock. He cradles the holocron in his palms, watching, fascinated.

The alien hologram again faces Zero, looking much wearier. "Know this, Force-awakened one. You who have activated this poor excuse of a holocron, I know not from what year or decade or century in the future you find this. Know that we fought to the last, every step of our way out of the Republic. It was not enough to be defeated by the Knights at the very doorstep of their great Temple. We have been hounded and harrassed every step of the way, and still we have not bowed down to them in meek servility and acknowledgement of our errors. For we were not wrong! We knew the path we took even as we consecrated ourselves to the Path of Night, the Shadows, the Dark Side!

"But for our crimes, now, we must pay. At first the Army of Light came upon us in fits and spluttering attempts at beating us. Each time they approached, we destroyed them. No matter what world we were on, no matter where they sought to destroy us. But then, last month, there came the Red General."

Zero nods absently. He's sure Ku Radama is long past seeing him or knowing, but... who can say? The Scion of the Red...

The alien grimaces, a rictus expression, grasping it's gashed leg again. "I have little enough time. The Red General... curse her, Force-awakened one, for she wages war like none have ever seen, in the name of the Light. I believe not her simpering plea that we surrender and face mercy, I believe not her hand reached forward in 'peace' -- she is a witch if ever there was one! Last month it was Darth Sulhan's legion which was ambushed and destroyed without any warning. Yesterday, it was my lord's ship which came under assault by her forces. Brave and proud Helmcrest was caught unawares, but though we were offered clemency we refused! And that... that is how you come to find my shattered body and shattered sword on this nameless world. I alone escaped as I saw my lord's once-glorious vessel, the right hand of our miserable fleet, tumble uncontrollably into the sun.

"I have suppressed my pod's distress beacon. I have no desire to be discovered by the Red General's forces. I will remain true to what I have discovered. I have no right to ask anything of you, but I ask this: Remember us! Remember we fought for our pride, and our honor, for our hearts, for the chaos that keeps us alive and from falling into stagnation! Remember, no matter what hells we find ourselves in, and know that, if we are able, we will not be quelled!

"My brothers and I--" He holds up his arm; swathed in bandages, it seems to Zero that there is the scarring of a horrible burn there. "My brothers and I, before the Red General attacked, swore an oath that we would never forget how the Jedi rebuked us, turned us away, laughed at us and finally called us heretics, denying us our birthrights and inheretences, our homes and families. We swore we would never forget, never forgive. And we swore that oath, sealed with fire. By the Path of Night and the fire that clears our way accross that path, we will not forget...."

Zero blinks, realizing what he's just found. This is why they came to Marnaas... this is what they came looking for. They're looking for her, because she's the one... she's the Scion. They tracked her all the way here, right back to the place it started...

The alien seems to wind down it's diatrabe. His arm falls into his lap, and he sags as if leaning heavilly against something. "But perhaps I am fooling myself," he murmurs. "For if it is the nature of the universe that the strong survive and the weak die, then is it not the Army of Light which even now is sweeping through the Galaxy? And the scattered remains of our one-mighty Brotherhood, which stormed the gates of the Temple itself, are they not weaker than the lowliest begger upon Alderaan? I am dying and I am bitter, and I have no strength left. Remember us, Force-awakened one. Remember us for who we wanted to be... rather than who we ended as." The image from the holocron flickers, then begins to fade.

Zero closes his hand around the holocron. "Well... this explains a lot, doesn't it. Oh man."

Ku Radama's ossified grin remains silent in it's rictus, even as Zero closes his hand over the stone and the hologram is snuffed out.

Zero scowls. "Don't look at me like that." He looks away, toward where the swoop waits. "I'm not about to switch sides again."

Nonetheless, he absently fingers the gemstone in his hand.

There is a quiet, rustling sound from the remains of the pod. Zero stands, up to his feet as if on springs, lightsabre already in his hand.

The hand which held the sword-hilt has fallen to the side, and the skill collapsed finally, it's head tucked now against the armored chest. The settling of the body raises a soft sheaf of dust into the arid air, the breeze carrying it away into the midday.

Zero exhales slowly, lowering his blade arm. He shakes his head, cursing himself for being so superstitious. "Oh, don't tell me you were just waiting for me."

This time, there's not even a skeletal grin to give answer to Zero.

Zero scowls again. "Hmph." He bends down and resumes gathering up the shards of the sword.

The pieces of Echal steel are soon enough gathered; it appears that the blade was once about a meter long and of irregular shape, not unlike the gargantuan cleavers some of the major Sith Lords have been seen wearing for ceremonial occasaions. What is unmistakable, however, is the imprint on the blade, in ancient but still readable Aurabesh, indicating the make of the blade in a forge on Ossus.

Zero blinks. "What the..." "Ossus? That can't..." He pauses. Yes it can. Ku Radama was one of the first... he got his blade the same place the other Jedi did. Amazing that it's still in the shape it is."

He shakes his head. "Talmon would die of shock. Wonder if it could be reforged." He looks over his shoulder, crouching by the blade, where he's mostly reassembled it, laying the hilt where it would have been, back toward the pod. He wonders if the armor's still intact. The Academy will split hyperspace trying to beat each other here to get it, he thinks with a grin.

There isn't much more at the small site. The only other thing in decent condition is the helmet with the oddly-swept-back neck-guard, cut to allow the being's lekku some freedom, and the plastron, but removing those would require rending apart the body -- and it's probably a safe bet that the Jedi archaeologists would be on the verge of tears if that was done.

Zero doesn't want to risk demolishing the corpse; he fears he's done enough just moving the hilt. But he does allow himself one indulgence, his curiosity as a man of weapons overtaking him for a moment... he raps very lightly against the plastron with one hand, just enough to see if it sounds whole or flawed.

The sound is not terribly solid; the plastron's appears in decent shape but that might be a coating. The sound from it is dull and indicates unseen corrosion, probably the same amount that the sword itself sees. Not enough to detract from it's appearance, but probably enough to keep it from being used ever again.

Zero mms. "Ah... shame." He shrugs, and says, straightening up, "Well, Ku Radama... at the very least we'll get you buried. Shame about your things, though." He begins to gather up the pieces of the blade.

There is, perhaps appropriately enough for one of the first members of the Oath of Fire, no response except for a somehow burning silence.

Zero finishes gathering up what's left of the blade, and grins ruefully. "Yeah... I seem to have that effect on all you people." He touches his temple with a wave, turning to walk back to the swoop. "Seeya 'round, Ku Radama."

The swoop makes it's way back to the monastery, leaving the little ravine in peace again, for the time being, a final resting place for the restless Dark Jedi.

The monastery is just as Zero left it; some of the staff are preparing the midday meal, and Roakkana meets Zero in the front hall, with a curious and intrigued expression. He opens his mouth to say something, then closes it, blinking. "Very... very faint," he murmurs. "I sense... well. Our friend was indeed Dark Jedi, wasn't he?"

Zero holds up the hilt and the gem in each hand. "You tell me."

Freyja watches with silent fascination from her stance next to Roakkana. She's put the Sith back to bed -- they still tire easily. She's pleased at how well they're healing so far, and doesn't want to strain them.

Roakkana's expression becomes one of slight resolve, and he nods, though he does not take them from Zero's hands. "Yes. Yes, indeed he was. The pommel... I imagine Talmon would be able to tell you for certain, but I could see the breaking of the Bendu wheel from the pommel would be a strong symbol for the Dark Jedi." He frowns slightly. "But the gem... what is it...?" He looks startledly to Zero. "It's not a holocron, is it...?"

Zero says, "A little one, yes. It's... kind of his last testament. Last testament and the start of something bigger."

"Something bigger? I presume 'bigger' means something other than the Sith Empire?"

Freyja murmurs, "What's he say?"

Zero holds out his hand, palm up, with the gem on it. He narrows his eyes a bit, reaching out with his perception of the Force, to find that resonance again... "He can tell you."

The holocron flickers slightly, then seems to catch the light, and shortly the red-hued hologram again depicts the severely-wounded Dark Jedi, greeting the user, and giving the testament of one of those who would be precursors to the Sith -- would have, had he not met his fate in space above Marnaas.

Freyja nods, then listens in fascination. Once it finishes she murmurs softly, "Dying alone and friendless... poor man."

Zero says, "And Valsha... I wonder if she even knows."

Freyja shudders quietly, "Poor Valsha too."

Roakkana is grimly silent throughout the presentation, and sighs softly when it ends. "So," he says quietly. "Here we have the beginning of the Oath of Fire."

Zero nods. "And their reason for coming to Marnaas."

Freyja watches silently, wondering if this will affect the current balance of power here. Probably... the Jedi will want to strengthen their holdings here in order to safely investigate further. She sighs softly, wondering the same thing an awful lot of people on Marnaas are currently wondering -- who will arrive first? Jedi or Sith?

The Wookiee nods. "Indeed." He considers, then reaches into his baldric to pull out a datapad. Upon it, he calls up a rough chart of the galaxy. "If memory serves me correctly... ah. Well. It seems that Bandomeer is very close to a line running between here and Sith space. If we are to puruse the Archives, we might very well find the last battles between the Army of Light and the Dark Jedi, before the Army was forced to turn it's attentions to other darksider cults, to have taken place at or near there."

Zero says, "A nasty little history lesson..."

Freyja murmurs, "I wonder if Valsha knows. I bet the Jedi do... and I'm sure the Sith do. I don't envy her... she's going to end up a pawn at this rate."

Zero says, "Unless she really is the Scion of the Red, and she starts bringing death whereever she goes..."

Freyja shakes her head quietly, "Poor Valsha." She looks around behind her, wondering if the apprentice Sith can feel the objects... probably not. "So... what do we do with those?"

Zero says, "Watch the Academy knock themselves senseless trying to get here to them..."

Roakkana tucks the 'pad away, saying quietly, "Indeed, child. Poor Valsha. I do not know if the Jedi Council knows of her heritage. The Red General disappeared with no trace, with only a few friends knowing of her location. Valsha is being sent to Ossus because of her incredible strength within the Force. The Oath of Fire, however. From their actions and this evidence, they are certain to know, or at least Qatto Verg did. Does." he shakes his head. "It's obscene," he muses wryly. "When someone is dead, they should remain dead, if for no other reason than it does not confuse the living when we search for the right grammatical tense."

Freyja grins ruefully at both Zero, and Roakkana.

"And you're right, Zero, though the battles waged between the Academy and the Watchers over wether this should be secret will be truly epic to behold!"

Zero grins. "Too right. As for the other thing, well... Ku Radama's definitely dead."

Roakkana nods a little. "I had some minor concern about that. Those of eras gone by have known things of the Force that we have forgotten, or remember but passingly, or are only slowly rediscovering. I did not believe that some remnant of him -- beyond that holocron -- might have survived... but I could have been wrong."

Zero says, "He actually fell apart after the message was relayed. Guess I jostled him picking it up."

The Wookiee nods slowly, thoughtfully. "His work had been completed, I imagine," he muses. He seems to rouse himself a little. "As to what we do with them.... The sword will make for a very intriguing find for the Academy. The holocron... is another matter entirely. It lends confirmation to the existence and antiquity of the Oath of Fire, though fortunately it does little about pointing out Valsha as the Scion of the Red."

Zero says, "Master... doesn't she deserve to know?"

Roakkana says, "How do you tell a girl of perhaps twelve to fourteen years of age, that her distant ancestor was one of the most feared generals in the history of the Army of Light, if not the first battlemaster?"

Zero says, "Would you rather she heard it from one of those genocidal madmen from across a blade?"

Roakkana winces, and murmurs, "A very good point. She does deserve to know, if for no other reason than why Qatto Verg so desperately wanted her."

Zero says, "If nothing else... it would supply a reason for the madness in her life, and it would force the Council to better protect her."

Zero says, "Better the fear you know. The one you know, you can master."

Freyja murmurs, "True. To face a fear and conquer it... you have to know it."

"Or make a pawn of her, as Freyja fears. A Jedi of the Red General's caliber would be all that would be needed to make the Army of Light complete. Part of me wants to give Valsha the chance to be the Jedi she wants to be." He sighs. "And yet, the better part of me agrees with you both, that she deserves to know so she can prepare herself for whatever might come, from Jedi or Sith."

Freyja looks up at her Master and says quietly, "Surely she'll have to integrate whatever power she has within the Force into whatever Jedi she wants to become, Master Roakkana?"

Zero says, "Nothing's stopping her from being who she wants to be... but if she never finds out why these madmen are chasing her, she'll never be any kind of Jedi at all. She'll be a fearful monastic." He grins ruefully at a sudden thought. "And here I stand, no more than seven years older, a reforming criminal... pronouncing what's best for her." He shakes his head.

Freyja watches the Wookie and the Human silently, her ice-blue gaze intensely thoughtful.

Roakkana nods quietly, if a little sadly. "You are right, child. Her... heritage is a part of her. Either she will recognize it now, by being told, or she will eventually discover it. And, in the end, it all comes down to the fact that no matter what else, she must know the truth." He nods quietly. "Well, then. I imagine the Council must be informed, and Master Ooroo on Ossus." He considers the time. "If we are lucky, the message should reach Coruscant as Jedi Colburth and the party are landing."

Freyja considers the find silently... then quietly turns and paces back into the monastery. She has to make a choice... she hopes she's started the process well. She peeks into the infirmary.

The Starbird 12 touched down at the landing grid on the grounds of the Temple as appointed, wings folded neatly along it's body, landing legs reaching out to the deck.

Colburth grimaced slightly as he heard the whine of the landing jets. The entire ship had felt like it had been under a strain ever since departing Marnaas. He hoped that Roakkana, Freyja, and Zero were all right; the brief stops in realspace, giving them a chance to contact the Temple over the HoloNet, did not yield any news.

"Jedi Colburth," Valsha said from the copilot's seat, pointing outside. Colburth looked outside. "Oh, blast," he murmured

Outside, a double manus of Templars was approaching the small starship in parade formation. These weren't clad in the gatekeeper uniforms, the white robes with gold crests. These were in battle garb, the light vests with white shoulders, emblazioned with gold bendu wheels and crossed lightsabres. Their white sashes fluttered in the Coruscant wind, and none of them carried the ceremonial pikes so common in holos of the Templar gatekeepers. Instead, lightsabres of various styles and makes hung from their belts.

Behind them came two Jedi in more traditional garb, but Colburth could tell just by looking at them that they were Watchers.

"Let's go, Valsha," he said, sighing as he stood. "Talmon...?"

"I'm ready, Jedi Colburth." The Trandoshan looked up from the small table in the living compartment, blanking the library screen.

Colburth nodded, and reached forward to help Talmon stand. The former padawan hesitated, then accepted the offer, an arm draped accross the Human's shoulders.

"There are ten Templars out there," Colburth said uneasily, as he walked with Talmon to the ramp. "And there are two Watchers with them."

"Ten? I'm flattered. I imagine this is good-bye, then--"

"Like Hells they will," Colburth said tightly. "You and I've had our differences, but that's besides the point. I'm not surrendering you to their custody until I'm sure they're not going to spirit you away to some Force-forsaken rock in an unnamed system."

"They won't, Jedi Colburth," Valsha said from behind them.

"I wish I had the confidence of both of you," Talmon quipped.

Outside, the Templars formed a double row along the exit from the ramp, as if some sort of honor guard. The Watchers waited patiently for Colburth to walk with Talmon from the Starbird 12.

"Templar Colburth," one of the Watchers said. A Kel Dor, he kept his long hands folded neatly before him, his voice muffled slightly by the breath-mask. "Welcome back to Coruscant." He gestured to the Templars, and one manus began to move forward. "We'll take Talmon off your hands, now."

Colburth didn't move. "I will not release *Padawan* Talmon into your custody."

That stopped the Templars. They glanced at each other in confusion. The Kel Dor's face was of course expressionless, but his voice carried distraught. "No...? What do you mean, Templar?"

Somehow, the Watcher managed to make the title sound biting. Colburth grimaced. "By order of the Council, Padawan Talmon is to stand before the Tribunal. I will retain responsibility for him until then. I have words to say to the Tribunal."

The Watchers exchanged glances. "This... is highly irregular, Templar Colburth."

"Marnaas is highly irregular."

"So we gathered." The second Watcher spoke now, and Colburth immediately knew that she, a Mirialan, was the higher-ranked of the pair. "A militant company is already en route to Marnaas. They'll be arriving within a day."

That was news to Colburth. He felt Talmon stiffen in his support. "Not one of the...?"

"No. Not one of the 'Special Training Companies.'" Those would be the companies of Templars. "They are the Company of Burning Lances, under Knight-Captain Volc."

Volc. The former Sith, and well-known as even more thoroughly devoted to the Jedi Code than even the Templars themselves. Except he still got emotional. "I'll assume for the time being that's good news. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll bring Talmon and Valsha to their quarters."

The first Watcher straightened and started to protest, when the second held up a hand. "Templar Colburth," she said warningly. "You will be permitted to remain responsible for Padawan Talmon until the Tribunal. Just understand this: he has information about the Sith, about the *Oath of Fire*, that we desperately need." She looked to Talmon. "Your assistance will be greatly appreciated."

Colburth felt Talmon nod. "Of course, Master of the Watch."

That startled the Templar, and he saw the Mirialan's eyes widen slightly. "How did... no. All will be revealed in time, I hope. Good day. The Force be with you." With that, she bowed slightly, and turned, her robes sweeping around her like her companion. One manus of Templars returned to the Temple, while the other remained. "Your orders, Sir?" the leader of the manus asked.

Colburth stared after the departing Mirialan. I never would have guessed that she was the Master of the Watch. And I've been a Templar for how long? "Just walk with us to the quarters appointed, please." He looked to Talmon. "How did you know?"

Talmon looked both discomfited and somehow vindicated. "The Oath of Fire knows a lot of things, Templar Colburth. Some of them are pretty scary."

Colburth found himself grinning slightly as he waled with Talmon into the Temple. "Like knowing I'm a Templar?"

"That's only the least of the things the Oath knows."

"You're worrying me, Padawan Talmon, and I don't worry easily."

"I know. And you should be worried."

"If that was from any other man, I'd be insulted. As it is... I'm glad I'm having the right reaction."

"Then may all your reactions be the right ones, Jedi Colburth. I've a feeling that before this war ends they're going to be sorely tested."

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

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