These Shattered Stars -- Logs

With a fairly decent expense account funding it, and the approval of the Order's Pursar's Office, Freyja, Zero, and Freyja are shortly aboard the Scurillious Invertebrate, a comfortable Corellian light freighter of dubious legitimacy, but legit enough that the captain does not shy away from a trip to Coruscant itself. The quarters are somewhat snug, and Zero ends up sharing a cabin with Vakkal. The skipper gives his cabin to Freyja, and shares with the engineer. Both of the crew -- a mated pair of Duros -- are no strangers to either transporting Jedi, or the occasional "small packet trade" job.

It is a warm if mildly tense farewell at Marnaas's spaceport, but Roakkana is insistent. Actually, the departure comes just in time, the Wookiee notes, as that afternoon he has been invited to the city center for a meeting with the planetary governor, a meeting which will include Jedi Volc, and which he cannot so easilly avoid. He is confident, though, that it will go well; Volc has no urge to embarrass him in front of anyone outside the Order.

Zero doesn't take long to get ready. Other than a small bag he brought with from Coruscant, he has no possessions other than his lightsabre, to which end he leaves a promise to Roakkana to return it.

Freyja makes sure to implement Inspector Shang's suggestion as to practicing linking mentally. She makes a bit of a daily game of it, in fact, playing a form of telepathic hide and seek with Vakkal and Zero if they're willing. She knows from personal experience how much nicer it is to learn with fun and encouragement, and so does her best to structure the learning experience they're all going through in such a manner. She figures organizing it in this fashion means they'll be able to continue practicing on the ship to Coruscant as well. She is very unhappy at leaving Master Roakkana behind... but at his insistence that they go, she does her best to conceal her discomfort, and heads out with Zero and Vakkal.

She carefully checks for what the date on Commenor will be, six Marnaas months from now. She cross-references that date with both Balmorra's and Coruscant's calendars too, so no accidents will happen. Then she checks what the date will be on Balmorra when the group arrives there, to see if it will be a holiday season or not. She gets a very thoughtful expression for some time when she discovers it won't be a holiday season. After that point, the observant may notice she spends about two hours a day shut alone into the quarters they've been given.

The trip is thoroughly uneventful. The Scurillious Invertebrate is a faster ship than any in the various Jedi liveries, and the trip takes only about ten days. It seems to go by quickly, and shortly the small Corellian ship is diving into Coruscant's heavy atmosphere, occasionally catching an uplift thermal from the atmosphere processors as it makes it's approach to one of the spaceports close by the soaring towers of the Jedi Temple.

Freyja smiles ruefully, sitting by one of the few publicly available portholes and watching the approaching planet swell in size. Her father's representative is supposed to meet them with Vakkal's paperwork. She'll probably be a bit disapproving about Freyja's choice of transportation, but Freyja doesn't really care -- Roakkana told them to leave right away, so they did.

Zero yawns softly. He's been on this approach more times than he can count, and doesn't pay much mind as the ship descends. He thinks about what Kalatis is going to say, and simply braces himself for the worst.

Freyja smiles at Vakkal. She hopes he doesn't find all this too horribly boring, after a life of adventure in the Sith army.

As the small ship lands, a vaguely humanoid droid and a bland, middle-aged woman in the robes of a minor official are awaiting them. The woman is most certainly Beru-Gudrun Kell, Forsetti Rigg's factor on Coruscant, and waches the Corellian ship land with a hint of concern lining her brow beneath ash-blond bangs.

Freyja grins, "There's Kuras Kell there. She's actually rather nice, compared to some of Father's people. She doesn't try to curry favor with Father by being snippy to me... she's just always concerned." She adds to Vakkal, "She'll have your papers for you... and then we can go visit the tailor after we're settled in."

Vakkal nods, looking not at all concerned despite the fact that he is, essentially, on the capitol world of his enemy. "That certainly sounds fine to me." He grins quietly. "I don't know how popular black has been in the Republic since the war began...."

The droid trundles up to the group immediately as they debark. "Freyja Rigg, Zero Satau, *bzzt* Vakkal Huskarl. The Jedi Order sent me to inform you that quarters are prepared for you in the Borudda Block dormitories, one block south of the Temple. Please acknowledge.

Vakkal blinks a bit at the droid, obviously surprised at it's apparent autonomy and capacity for speech.

Freyja smiles again, "Black is always in style, I suspect. Even if there's a problem, Kuras Kell will help. She's one of Mother's best friends... which, I guess, is why she's out here. Mother trusts her." She nods a moment later to the droid, "Confirmed, thank you," and adds, looking up with a smile, "Kuras Kell, it's good to see you again." She's pleased they'll be able to stay in the Temple's dormitories. If they're anything like the ones she spent her time in, they're relatively nice -- comfortable but a bit spartan, and not under the watchful eye of her family's people.

The droid chirps, and spins off, narrowly evading Kell who grimaces a bit at the machine. She actually does smile a bit to Freyja. "Hello, Lady Freyja, it's good to see you, as well. That was an unusual request you made, but the papers are all arranged." She looks between Vakkal and Zero. "Now which one of you gentlemen is Vakkal, and which is Zero Satau?"

Freyja grins, shaking her head at the clumsy droid -- the ones she's used to are far more well-designed -- and politely introduces her companions.

Zero says, "Ma'am."

Kell nods in greeting to the two. "Gentlemen. Let's see now...." She pulls out a thich datapad, scroling through it. She looks up and over at Vakkal with a critical eye, as if evaluating his entire physical and mental capabilities with a glance. "Species 'unknown.' Right." She completes the paperwork and hands it to Vakkal. "Your papers, Huskarl. And I don't know what you're up to, Lady Freyja, but do be careful."

Freyja murmurs calmly, "Always, Kuras, as my mother taught me..."

Vakkal accepts the datapad, nodding. "Ah, thank you, ma'am...."

Freyja murmurs in a very quiet aside to Vakkal, "Properly she is titled Kuras, Vakkal." The comment is pitched so only he, and maybe Zero, can hear. Freyja doesn't want to embarrass him, nor leave him without protocol help, all things considered.

Vakkal nods quietly and quickly to Freyja.

Kell nods, and folds her arms. "Well. For what it is worth, I've been told that a courier is en route from Balmorra to here, and is expected to arrive within ten days. He was sent as soon as the Baron learned you were heading for Coruscant."

Freyja murmurs dryly, "How lovely. I don't suppose, Kuras, you happen to have any kind of graphic of my... surprise betrothed?"

"Not on me, no. I will have one forwarded to you. There are messages awaiting you at the quarters supplied by the Jedi. I can give you an airspeeder ride there if you wish."

Freyja nods, "Thank you, that would be most kind."

Kell nods, and leads the way to the airspeeder. The trip is over quickly; traffic in this area seems to be quiet for this time of day. Shortly, the four-bedroom apartment is occupied by the two Jedi and one Sith.

It is indeed comfortable and spartan, lacking anything other than a few prints on the walls for decoration, but appears well-suited to travelling Jedi and their companions or padawans, or visitors to the Kedi Temple who are staying for an extended time.

Freyja looks around and relaxes a bit, shedding the touch of tension she seems to have every time she's around family. She says to the other two, "We can review titles for Balmorra later, if you want. Coruscant's pretty cosmopolitan, though, and prides itself on that, so just about anything done politely goes here." She sighs, then adds, steeling herself, "All right... messages." She sits down and reviews them all.

All three find messages awaiting them on the apartment terminal. All three have a link to a message from Roakkana which he sent not long after they departed Marnaas. Freyja has mesages from Talmon, Colburth, and one from her Father. Shortly one comes in from Kell.

Zero, interestingly, has messages as well, one from Talmon, another from Colburth... and one from Senator Kallatis.

Vakkkal's is a little more simple, being a message from the head of the Haus Rigg huskarls, Magnussen Ridomr, which has a few hundred pages worth of attachments that give the code of conduct, regulations, and procedures of the huskarls.

Freyja looks pleased at hearing there are messages from Roakkana, Talmon, and Colburth. She listens to those first.

The one from Roakkana is a simple greeting, likewise a hologram but smaller. it is a simple wish that the three had a pleasant trip, and noting that Derga Volc has indeed begun to make a nuisance of himself. He, that is, Roakkana, has found it neccessary to complain to the Council, a course of action he had hoped he wouldn't have had to take. He has not yet received word on jsut who the new master of the monastery is yet, which troubles him somewhat, but he will leave for Coruscant as soon as possible.

Freyja sighs, resting her chin in her hand, and wishing morosely the Wookie was here already.

The other messages are fairly simple. The ones from Talmon and Colburt appear to be addressed to both padawans; they are simple greetings, and Talmon looks forward to meeting the two again, noting that the Tribunal was "of much greater leniency than I expected" and that he is currently at the Jedi Academy. Colburth's message is a simple greeting and well-wishing, and apologizes for not being able to meet with them but he was assigned the task of transporting "someone" to Ossus -- the message does not say who, but it's probably readilly apparent that it is Valsha.

The one from Kallatis is actually a hologram, and the tall Rodian senator takes blue-hued shape above the terminal. "Zero, hello. I am pleased to hear that things went well on Marnaas. I have been debating how I would contact you, since you have apparently joined the Order. It grieves me to hear that, you were an excellent employee. Please meet with me sometime soon; I hope that I may receive my limited seal of my office back, and discuss with you what your plans for the future are."

Zero hms. He finds a bit of paper and begins scratching down some numbers. He hands it to Freyja, "This is my apartment. I need to go check on some things... I haven't been back in awhile, I need to make sure the place is still standing, and I suspect I'll have to stop by the Senate on my way back... Better beheaded there than in the street, at least I'll stain his rug. If anything at all happens while I'm out, you can reach me here, okay?"

Freyja grins amusedly at Zero, "How about better not beheaded at all? See you soon. If we're out when you get back, we're at the tailor's, at the address I gave you earlier."

Zero says, "Alright. I'll meet you here when I'm done."

Freyja reads the message from Kell next, curious as to what her betrothed looks like, even if she can't yet know the more important question of what he's like.

Fafnir Leif-Kreil Jotunsen is perhaps entirely unlike most Balmorrans. He is light-framed, with dark hair and dark eyes. His build is singularly unimpressive.

The bio which Kell provides is somewhat more so, at least. While he chose not to take the tests for the Jedi Order, the 28-yer-old has distinguished himself in recent years by becoming a published author and recognized authority on Balmorran history, studying under one of the reknownd professors at the sector university, and at the same time earning a place in the finals (though he did not win) in the sector fencing tourney, making use of a style that was considered archaic but was in fact rather effective.

Freyja reads carefully, then just hmfs once to herself. "Well... at least he's not repulsive... he seems to have a brain." She Freyja sighs, downloading the information to her datapad, "Ten years older than me. Still... could have been worse... could have been ten years younger..." She glances at Vakkal's information and smiles at the slightly stunned look the poor dog Sith has at the deluge of information, "Oh, that. It's probably wise to read it... but ultimately what you do is governed by the agreements you and I make, Vakkal." She gives Vakkal time to read in peace by wandering off to unpack a bit. She doesn't admit it to herself... but she's putting off the message from her father until she has to read it.

Meanwhile, Zero has taken an airbus to the senate region, roughly half a continent away (such as continents are on Coruscant, at least.) The apartment block which he called home while working for Kallatis is much as he left it -- not entirely reputable, but comfortable, and relatively secure. The Garm at the front desk recognizes Zero and gives a wave as the Human steps into the lift, heading up to the upper floors.

His approach to his apartment is uninterrupted, and he even gets the door open, when he catches the scent of armudu spice and tabaac, and a quiet voice a few yards down the hall says, "Ey... Satau. Been gone a long time, heh?"

Zero stops in the doorway, and doesn't bother to look up. "Well, well... it's been a long time."

The man standing there is a Nikto, and he leans against the wall nearby as if casually. Padded armor covers him, tailored discretely so as to not immeidately suggest that it's combat-grade. a long sleeveless coat covers him, and the paired concussion guns tucked discretely away at his hips are uncovered only when he lifts up one leg to press the sole against the wall, the coat sliding to the side. He takes another pull on the cigarra he holds, and studies it for a few moments. "Word is you've left the Senator's employ, Satau."

"Can't stay young forever." He straightens a little. He knows that when it happens, it'll be over in a moment. "Gotta grow up sometime, Uri." He adds, very softly, "You wanna grow up and grow old, don't you, Uri? Don't make me cut you off right now."

The Nikto actually looks at Satau, but makes no moves to get into a gunslinger's position. "You're kidding, right? 'Grow up?' Heh." He actually chuckles at that. "'Grow up.' Wit's as sharp as your vibro, Satau, as always. I'm not here to start anything. Least, not yet. Some of the others just thought it might be a good idea to gank you before the Senator told us to, you know? A couple of us don't want to, s'why I'm here. Professional courtesy, you could say." He looks again at the Human. "So... why did you leave?"

Zero doesn't smile. "The others are fools and you know it, Uri. The moment they overstep their bounds, someone else in the stable is going to be out and after them. You know it's true, because we've all done it. More than once, as I recall... you, me, Phelan and Argent are the only four left of the original stable. Or have you been busy since I was gone?"

Uri Sava shakes his head. "Phelan's still around. Argent ate a thermal detonator when Kallatis sent him to Kessel." He takes another pull from the cigarra, and exhales, sighing a bit. "And, yeah... that's the risk of woring for Kallatis. But I knew those risks when I signed on. A damnsight better than working for the Hutts, you know.

"Look, Satau... just do what you have to on Coruscant, then find an asteroid and hide in it. You've done too much work for Kallatis, know too much about his work."

Zero says, "Just let me worry about that, Uri. And do me a favor. Tell Phelan to keep it in his pants. I've killed better by accident. You won't see me again. I'm already gone."

The Nikto laughs uproariously. "Hah! That's right. Don't worry, think he's got a girl, a Pa'lowic he's chasing on the other side of the Core." The Nikto straightens, and starts ambling down the hallway, waving over his shoulder, and not looking back. "Hope not, Satau. Good luck with whatever you decided to risk your life on by leaving Kallatis's stable."

The apartment is in good order, exactly as Zero left it -- well, not exactly. Subtle signs, here and there, seem to indicate that the apartment was searched while he was away. Whomever did it wasn't a professional searcher, but they tried to be careful, if for no other reason than so that Zero wouldn't come back to a messy home.

Zero sighs. "Sava... you loser. You could have at least left me a thermal."

After a thorough search, Zero does not find any sort of bomb or other unpleasantness. Any records he might have kept -- pay stubs, receipts, offworld credit vouchers and other various odds and ends that pile up after jobs for Kallatis -- are gone, however. In short, there is nothing in Zero's apartment -- unless he went out of his way to install some sort of well-shielded compartment -- that will be able to link him to Kallatis. Everything else, personal effects, knicknacks, clothes, still remains.

Zero doesn't really have much. And he never kept much by way of records. Never liked leaving a paper trail. He goes to his bedroom, and looks around. A few books, a couple changes of clothes. A set of old-fashioned knives. And a leather satchel, the one he left home with. The hard case for his vibroblade and his blaster, the maintenance kits. He quietly goes about packing his few things into his satchel, and then sits down on the bed. There's nothing else here that didn't come with the apartment. He listens to air traffic passing by outside, drumming the backs of his fingers against the wall. Normally when one moves, he thinks, one reminisces about the good things that happened in the place one is leaving.

But nothing ever happened here.

Zero stands, starts to move leave... then thinks better of it. He changes clothes, pulls on a clean shirt and a heavy jacket against Coruscant's upper-layer cool. He stuffs the old clothes and the gun case into his satchel and slings it over one shoulder, picks up the long case in his other hand, and starts to go. He pauses in the living room, realizing he's left one thing behind... a string of folded paper birds, tacked to the ceiling. He pauses, regarding that for a long moment.

Zero reaches up and pulls it down, tack and all, and hides them in his pocket. I can think of better places to fly. You may as well come along with me.

And then he's gone.

In the dormitory, Freyja finally decides enough is enough, and brings up the message from her Father. Like the one from Roakkana, it is a hologram, and her father's form takes shape above the terminal:

"My dear Freyja, I hope that your trip to Coruscant went well, and that you were able to find appropriate transport for the journey. I admit that you have me worried sick sometimes when I hear of what the Order has you doing, but this incident on Marnaas was simply too much. We saw holovid of what the Sith did to the spaceport, and we are of course relieved that you are all right. But I would highly recommend you reconsider staying in the Order. The Galaxy is dangerous enough as it is without going out to find trouble."

Freyja smiles ruefully, thinking, Make up your mind, Father. You want me to shine, or not?

"There will be time enough to discuss that, though it fits in well with my next news: as you know, it is your family obligation to maintain the good name of Rigg and to help maintain the line of succession. This is duty that every good noble in the Republic accepts, and does so willingly and without argument. As you also know, you are the first in line to the Baronial Feif on Balmorra. To this end, and for additional, very lucrative business goals, we have managed, at great difficulty, to secure a dynastic alliance with Lord Jotunsen. Lord Jotunsen owns the agro facilities on the moon. In point of fact, he owns the moon itself. Yes, yes," he says to someone who can't be seen, "I'm getting to that!

"He feels that his son is at an age where a marriage with you to seal this alliance is right and proper, and I agree that you are, as well. I am sure Kell can provide you with all the details. He is a fine boy, upright and upstanding, and will be a good inheritor to the Jotunsen holdings."

Freyja wonders idly if her father knows what she really did on Marnaas... she smiles ruefully again at her father's words. Oh, thank you, Father... it's nice to know it was so difficult to find someone who'd consent to marrying me... neh, I'm being bitter. Stop that. She listens.

"We were overjoyed when we heard that the incident on Marnaas was resolved, and that you had departed for Coruscant. I have sent a courier who will transport you back to Balmorra when this business with the Jedi Order is done. We are preparing a reception for you to meet your betrothed, and your sister has even agreed to cut short her tour of Alderaan to attend; she is returning home forthwith."

Freyja puts her head in her hands, muttering, "Sheisse. Someone hates me up there."

"Now... I am given to understand that you have taken into your service a new huskarl. Obviously, I am pleased that you are taking your persona as a noble seriously, but I would have liked to have been consulted first. Magnussen takes his job very seriously, and he will have many questions for this 'Vakkal.' Of particular concern is that his species is 'unknown.' Surely it is not so embarrassing that you couldn't tell us? Even when Syf took on a Gran as her personal huskarl when she was recently in the Outer Rim, we did not begrudge her that. All the same, we look forward to meeting him, and Magnussen is looking forward to test your huskarl's mettle."

Freyja rolls her eyes, "Syf took on a huskarl?! My goddess, what are we coming to -- what, she can't get all kinds of silly boys to throw themselves on her?!"

Freyja bounces lightly to her feet, intensely irritated, and starts pacing slowly as she listens.

"That is really all for now. Your mother sends her love, of course. Please give my regards to Master Roakkana." With that, the hologram fades from view.

Freyja sighs... then takes a slow, deep breath, squelching the urge to snarl at her absent father for somehow always managing to deflate everything she does as somehow not good enough, or already done.

She forces herself to stand still, and to quell her emotions... then, her feelings tightly reined in, she goes and finds Vakkal. "Shall we go to the tailor's now? And... do you mind if we walk? I could use some exercise..." Even her voice is tight.

Vakkal blinks up at Freyja, from the terminal where he's been reading Magnussen's message(es), and nods. "Of course, Freyja," he says, standing, and tucking his lightsabre away where it will not be noticed.

Freyja will relate to Vakkal the relevant parts of the message from her father -- most notably that Magnussen is 'looking forward to testing' Vakkal's 'mettle.' She takes several deep breaths, then curiously asks, "Um, Vakkal... what is your species called?"

Vakkal smiles quietly, and proceedes to utter a string of faintly whooping barks, a howl, and what sounds like a deep-throated gurgle.

Freyja laughs, her mood lightening despite herself. She grins cheerfully at Vakkal, "Thank you. I needed that. I think I'm just going to record that, and send it to Father as your species' name."

Vakkal grins. "I thought you might like that. You can see why even the Empire never bothered to attempt writing our species's name.

Freyja hesitates, then gives Vakkal a very quick hug. When she steps back she says more seriously, "Vakkal... my father irritates me intensely. If I should accidentally snap at you or Zero... tell me later, in private, please? So I can apologize?"

Vakkal arches an eyebrow, and nods. "Certainly, Freyja. I admit, I figured that was what put you ill at ease." he smiles easilly. "Do not worry. After reading Magnussen's message, I think I can say with some surety that he has never trained or worked with the Force-aware before. I will do you proud as your huskarl, I think."

Freyja sighs, looking relieved, "Oh, good, I'm so glad you feel that way. I was starting to think you'd be wondering just what horribleness you'd gotten yourself into." She turns to continue towards the tailor's, much cheered, "Thank you... we'll lick this problem yet, even if I do tend to over-react!"

She adds with a sideways grin, "Er... defeat, not lick..."

"Oh, I don't know. Some problems are actually rather tasty to my people, though usually those are problems involving hunting..."

Freyja giggles!

When Zero shows up at Senator Kallatis's office outside the Rostrum, the Yarkora that is currently on duty as the senator's assistant looks up and his eyes widen. "Er... Zero Satau! Yes, ah, the Senator's been... patiently.... expecting you!"

Zero says, "I'm sure he has. Why don't you tell him I'm here."

The Yarkora nods quickly, and keys the annunciator.

"What is it? I left instructions that I was not to be disturbed!"

The Yarkora sighs and closes his eyes. "Yes, Senator. But you wished to see Zero Satau as soon as he arrived. And he has."

There is a long pause, then finally: "I see. Yes, thank you. Very well, please send him in."

Zero walks through into the office. "Thanks. This won't take long."

The door into the inner office of the Senator's domain opens as Zero approaches -- and standing there with his hands folded neatly before him is a tall Cerean in Jedi robes, smiling serenely. "Why, Zero Satau," Balin Khoud says. "A pleasure to see you again. Or should that be 'Padawan Satau,' as the rumors have suggested?"

Zero pauses, but only for a moment. I suppose I might have expected this. He offers Khoud a small bow. "It would seem that way, Master." He gives the Senator the same. "Senator." He finds himself wondering for a moment just how far Kalatis' connections run. He'd had a plan in place for cutting his way out, but... this complicates things.

Balin Khoud returns the bow, and from within the office the Rodian stands, smiling. "Good day, Master, thank you for coming by. Zero! Please, come in. I'm glad you could make it so soon!"

Balin Khoud smiles and nods, and departs, the door closing behind him.

Zero waits for the door to close before he folds his hands in front of himself. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Senator. The Marnaas situation was more involved than anyone expected it to be... but I'm sure you know that by now."

Kallatis walks from around the desk, looking at Zero with what is probably a genuinely pleasant expression. "That's quite all right, Zero. In fact, Master Balin Khoud was updating me on that. It's messy, messy business, but I'm glad you were there. Well, well," he continues in a thougtful tone. "All the time under my antennae, Zero Satau had potential to be a Jedi." He shakes his head. "Please, come in, and have a seat." He moves to his own chair. "I'm sad to see you leave my employ, Zero. You did a lot of good work for me.

Zero seats himself carefully across from the Senator. "If you find yourself needing advice in my area of expertise, Senator... I hope you'll consider me as close as the nearest HoloNet terminal."

Kallatis settles himself into his chair lightly. "That's very good of you, Zero, thank you. All the same, I'll certainly be sad to see you go. You, Uri, Argent, and Phelan, you were the best of my eyes and ears and hands throughout Balmorra Sector. So, you are a Jedi now, under Master Roakkana? Master Balin Khoud informs me that your status as a padawan is currently neither... formal nor official.

Zero says, "It was... somewhat rushed. Under the circumstances, we didn't have time for formal ceremony. The firefight didn't leave us a lot of breathing space."

The Rodian seems to smile. "That's always how it is in the worst of cases, isn't it? Well. There are a few formalities to take care of, I think. First, my seal, please?"

Zero nods, "Of course." He reaches into an inside pocket, and passes the seal to the Senator.

Kallatis accepts it, and tucks the small thing into his desk. "There. And you will find that your retainer has been deposited in the usual manner in your accountt, along with a bonus for the years you've been with me. Think of it as a bribe to get you to do some contract work for me in the future!" The Rodian's voice is clearly joking and mirthful.

Zero allows himself a smile at that. "I won't forget it." He has to admit, as cold as this occupation has been, Kalatis has managed to put a consistently smooth veneer on it.

"By the way... if you happen to run into Uri....

The smile fades back into his bland professional facade again at the mention of Uri. "Yes?"

"Just be careful, please, Zero. He has not been well lately. I think the stress of his position has been getting to him. It may make him act... irrationally."

Zero mms, and stands. "So I noticed." He adds, "I'll watch my back... I always do." He smiles again, as if to break the gravity, and offers his hand. "Thank you, Senator. It's been a very interesting employment."

The Rodian also smiles, standing and shaking Zero's hand. "I know you do, Zero. I know that very well indeed. It has been good having you under my employ, Zero. The Jedi don't yet know what a boon they're getting in you. Well. The very best of luck to you!"

ShatteredGM says, "*****Editor: delete that last Zero, please. =) "

Zero grins a little, "You too, Senator. Make sure you don't quit giving them hell on the floor." He passes the adjutant on his way out, and offers him a little smile too. "See you around, friend." His smile fades again as he walks out into the sun on the parking pad. "Uri," he murmurs... "I'll be seeing you too." He raises a finger to his lips. "Shh."

It is early evening on Coruscant, and the heavy, dry atmosphere with it's artificial clouds lends a blazing red hue to the setting sun, beams of light cutting through the urban valleys. Zero returns to the dormitory to find Vakkal and Freyja returned from their expedition.

In the dormitories, later, Freyja is still impressed and pleased with how sharp Vakkal looked in the uniform that was mocked up for him. She records Vakkal giving his species name again, then cheerfully records a message to her father, apologizing for not giving the species of her new huskarl, and passing it on to him, complete with the correct pronunciation. Even more cheerfully she adds that there apparently is no other form of the, er... word, since the Empire never bothered writing it down. She has a slightly wicked grin as she finishes the recording, as Zero walks in, "Well, that should get things stirred up over there! Especially since he's now doing the 'oh it's so dangerous come home!' routine." She giggles, "Think I should send it as is, and hope he has a coronary right on the spot?" She grins again, responsibility rearing its ugly head, "I won't... but it'd be funny." She carefully erases the relevant bit regarding where Vakkal is from, then listens to it again to be sure it's correct.

Vakkal looks mildly relieved, his ears perking a little at the sound of his race's name. "If past experience is any indicator," he comments, "that should get the attentiopn of any pets in the same square kilometer of area as the Baron when he plays that message."

Freyja adds to Zero, "I had the tailor show the designs and colors usually used by our huskarls -- thank goodness they get a lot of leeway! -- and had him pick out what worked for him for the official uniform... and then for everything else he wanted. He looks sharp in the maroon and dove gray, with that dark fur!" She giggles at Vakkal's words, "The house frehkees should love it, then!" She gets a curious look, adding, "So... I wasn't in the room the whole time. Is there any armor in the clothing, or no?"

Vakkal nods. "There is a... how to put it... a light vest, worn under the clothing to protect the chest." He glances wryly to Zero. "From what I've seen, blasters to the chest happens with startling frequency in the Republic. Seriously, it is very light, the sort a commoner -- er, citizen would wear when concerned about being assaulted by thugs. I doubt it would do much for a military-grade blaster, but it should be sufficient."

Freyja giggles at Vakkal's words again. She turns to look at Zero, adding more seriously, "Fafnir's not horrible, thank goodness... and... well, Syf's going to be home, Zero. Fair warning... I know I tend to get very quiet and..." she sighs, "-well... tense, around Father and Syf. I've already told Vakkal, but I wanted to mention it to you too. If I snap at you guys, please tell me, later in private, so I can apologize? I really don't mean it -- I know it's not your fault I'm stuck there."

Zero sets down the long case and the satchel someplace out of the way and sits down. "Well, I'm glad you got it all worked out so far." To Vakkal he says, simply, "Just business, sorry. Tense? Yeah, I know, you said as much. I wouldn't worry about it, really. I'll remember, you just concentrate on keeping your head together."

Freyja nods quietly... then smiles a bit, "All right. Thank you, Zero." She tilts her head, considering Zero's equipment, "What's in the long case? A rifle or something?"

Vakkal nods, "Nothing personal at all, Zero. I am glad we won't be on opposite sides of the battlefield."

Zero shakes his head. "My sword. Didn't figure I'd be needing it again, but... I dunno, too hard to just leave it behind. I'll probably get another case for the Sith blade... It's lying in my other bag wrapped in a shirt. I'll likely never be able to wear the shirt again without my skin crawling."

Freyja smiles, glad the two of them are getting along, then grins at Zero's words. "Hai, I understand."

Zero nods to Vakkal. "Likewise. Good soldiers are hard to come by these days." He takes a deep breath. "And... I'm officially vagrant. That's likely a good thing... better to be completely under the auspices of the Order for the time being. Safer that way." He grins lopsidedly. "You'd think after this long in such a supposedly lucrative business, I'd have more to show for it than my entire life in two bags."

Freyja sighs quietly at a sudden thought. She'd been practicing her dancing, alone in private, so she could stand up with pride and perform properly as the host's daughter at the requisite betrothal party -- right after her father made excuses for his daughter being indisposed, as she knew he would, since he didn't trust her abilities as a hostess. However... if Syf will be there, the issue's moot. She thinks a little disappointedly, Oh, well... at least I'll have two more hours a day to meditate. She blinks at Zero, then looks at the bags... then looks back at Zero and says gravely, "I have a lot of stuff, Zero... but it's all pretty much pointless, really. What's important is where your heart lies... not how much stuff you have."

Zero grins a little. "Yeah... I like to travel light anyway."

Freyja adds with a small grin, "I left all my stuff at home. Mother was horrified that I didn't take any dresses with me. She considers these clothes no better than underwear!"

Zero grins suddenly, looking up; "And we know how fond you are of those."

Freyja laughs, throwing a pillow at Zero, "Oh, hush up, you!"

The door anunciator chimes.

Freyja blinks... then looks at the others curiously, "We expecting anyone?"

Zero plucks it out of the air and collapses back obligingly against the couch. "That'll be for us... why don't you let me get it." He stands, tossing the pillow back onto the couch.

Freyja watches curiously, wondering who Zero invited over.

Zero goes to the door, and touches the animator, making certain he's not standing directly in front of it when it opens.

Outside the doorway, a Weequay wearing the traditional leather breastplate of his people over the dust- and sand-colored robes of a Jedi stands there. His topknot is braided in the fashion of a Wookiee or Human padawan, and from what Zero can tell he appears to be about as young, equivalently, as himself or Freyja.

Zero says, "Yes?"

Freyja watches in quiet fascination. So Zero didn't invite this person over... interesting.

The padawan bows. "I am Padawan Khal of Sriluur. The Council has requested your presence at the Temple tomorrow to begin the inquiry into the events of your recent mission."

Zero nods. "Of course. When are we expected?"

Freyja holds up a hand, "Wait, please, Zero?" She looks at the Padawan and says, "This is not the way I was taught that this is done. We should wait for our Master before the inquiry is to commence, hai?"

Zero remains silent. So much for playing along.

Khal starts to answer, when Freyja interrupts. He blinks to the Human for a few moments. "I... was only told I was to deliver that message, Padawan," he admits.

Freyja nods, "All right, thank you. Could you tell the Council please that we're happy to attend the inquiry as soon as our Master, Roakkana of Kashyyk, arrives?" She doesn't sound happy at all.

Khal blinks again, and nods slowly. "Er... I... I will convey that message, Padawan." He bows and then departs quickly.

Zero frowns a little. "I don't know if that was necessary, Freyja. If we were on trial they'd have sent a Guardian, not somebody's hapless padawan."

Freyja nods politely and murmurs thanks in return. Once the Padawan is gone, she folds her hands on the desk, slouching enough so she can rest her chin on them. She murmurs, "This... is bad... neh, Zero, this is exactly what Master Roakkana told us would not happen. Why is it happening?"

Zero says, "Because the Council is spooked."

Freyja says, "I... guess. I don't like it. Even if Master Roakkana leaves today, he won't get here for another two weeks or so."

Zero says, "If they're set upon seeing us we can't stall them that long." She considers, then brightens, sitting up again, "Hey, let's ask him what he thinks we should do."

Zero says, "Might not be a bad idea."

Freyja sends off the corrected message to her father, then tries reaching Marnaas.

It thakes some time, the better part of the early evening. From outside the bulding, Coruscant nightlife is starting -- in fact, in some sense it never even stops, it only changes clothes and keeps going from dawn to dawn.

Eventually, a fuzzy hologram begins to appear above the terminal. "--eyja? Zero?" There is a brief burst of static, then the form of the Wookiee slowly takes form amidst severe interference. "What a --leasant surprise. With what news do you tempt the vagarities of realtime communcation?"

Zero says, "The Council's asking for us."

Freyja grins ruefully at Zero. Straight, blunt, to the point. She adds only, "Do we start the inquiry without you, or neh, Master?"

Roakkana fades out for a few moment, then comes back. "--ould not be surprised, I imagine. Let me --peat this: You are under no obligation to meet them without me there. You may not -- estioned, or examin-- ithout me being there. I will send a message to them immediately. But it is --ery odd and irregul-- --o not believe that the full Council would order th-- I have some friends on it, after all...."

Freyja nods in relief.

Zero says, "We'll try to learn some more in the meantime, master. I'm sure they'll be sending more messengers."

Freyja smiles, "We'll wait for you, Master Roakkana. We'll send messages to keep you up to date." She thanks Master Roakkana and will, unless anyone has anything else to say, close the call down, since it's a horrible connection.

Freyja grins in the sudden silence of the ended call, "Well! This should make things interesting at home too... Father's man is arriving in ten days to escort us to Balmorra. I don't think we can leave, in good conscience, until the inquiry's over, though." She tries to repress a grin at that thought.

Zero says, "This gets more complicated by the moment."

Freyja nods amusedly, her gaze thoughtful.

Time passes. The two Padawans and the huskarl continue to practice, both with physical exercise and telepathic training. Freyja sends a small flurry of up-dating notes to everyone. Her father is notified that they really cannot leave for Balmorra until Master Roakkana arrives and the Council's inquiry is done, and for some reason Master Roakkana is not being sent swiftly back to Coruscant. Master Roakkana is given an update on the situation. Talmon, Valsha, and Colburth are sent congratulatory notes on how things are going for them. Freyja considers, then discards the idea of getting a nice new dress for herself. True, the tailor knows her family's preferences and could do a wonderful one... but why bother? Her sister would just outshine her anyway.

The following afternoon, during one of the trio's training sessions, the door anunciator chimes yet again.

Zero sighs. "And again. I'll get it."

Freyja sighs, panting slightly as she pauses, "Wolf-feathers... I was almost there, I think." She gets a towel to wipe her face.

This time, it is not a Jedi padawan waiting them -- or rather, it is, just not one bearing a message from the Council. Talmon bares his teeth in a Trandoshan smile. "Hello, Zero -- er, Padawan Satau!"

Zero blinks, "Talmon!"

Freyja also blinks, then comes trotting in from the other room, her voice surprised and pleased, "Talmon?! Well hello!" She beams, "How are you? Come in! Would you like a drink?"

Talmon bows slightly, still smiling. "The Force be with you, Jedi both," he says. "Thank you, that would be good. The air is hot today, the air processor a kilometer away is under maintenance." When he enters there is a faint whining sound, and he doesn't exactly walk... straight. Under the tunic, clamped around his legs, outside of the dun-colored breeches and brown boots, is what looks like a light exoskeleton.

Freyja heads for the kitchenette for water for everyone, calling back over her shoulder, "Force be with you too, Talmon -- it's good to see you! What's up on your end of the world?" She comes back out a moment later to dispense drinks.

Zero nods, "It's a bit like Marnaas this time of year." He conceals an internal wince; this business of allegiance-switching is making it hard to stay professional. It's hard to be objective about the enemy you put in a powered brace the day before... when he's your friend tomorrow.

Talmon accepts the drink gratefully. "Fairly well, all in all, thank you, Padawan Freyja." He nods to Zero, grimacing a little. "Almost too much like Marnaas. If I never hear of that planet again...." He shakes his head, taking a sip of the drink. "Well, as I said in my message, the Tribunal was relatively gentle with me." He glances around a little, and his voice drops a bit. "I was given over to the Watchers after the Tribunal, despite Jedi Colburth's protests. He feared I would be taken to the Pinnacle or... somewhere else. However, after only a day the Watchers released me to my penance. I imagine I did not have anything that they had not heard before."

Freyja curls up cross-legged on the couch next to Zero and drinks thirstily while Talmon talks. When she's done she looks up puzzledly at the door to the other room, wondering why Vakkal doesn't come in for his drink too. It's sitting on the tray on the little table in front of them all. She blinks... then says puzzledly, "A day? Huh. I wonder what's up? They asked us to come start the inquiry before Master Roakkana arrived, too."

Zero says, "That's good. The less intelligence you have for them the better... it's certainly war now, and not even a pretense anymore. They'll be looking for recon, now."

Talmon grimaces a little. "I should point out that it was not a pleasant day. The Watchers were given full permission to mind-probe me, which they did. However... you are right, Zero. They were digging deeply, and I am fortunate I knew little more than that the Oath even existed on Marnaas."

Freyja winces slightly, then says gravely, "I'm glad for you that it's over, then." She decides Vakkal must have a good reason for staying out of sight... so she puts her glass down and picks up the other one, to drink it as well.

Zero says, "I suspect the Council has as much waiting for us."

Freyja shakes her head to Zero, "Shouldn't. We didn't do anything wrong, according to Master Roakkana."

Zero says, "I haven't got over my paranoia just yet."

Freyja grins over the rim of her glass at Zero.

Zero says, "Regardless, I doubt they'll like what they find in my head."

Freyja smiles at Zero... then looks inquiringly at Talmon. She asks curiously, "Is it all right to ask what your penance is, Talmon, or is that private?"

Talmon nods to Freyja. "As am I," he says. "I am forbidden from ever carrying a lightsabre, forbidden to discuss with anyone the Oath of Fire or the events of Marnaas, or to leave Coruscant on official business. However, I am permitted to leave on my own personal time, and I have been planning a trip home. It is not all bad, however. I have been apprenticed, after all, to Master Velgrath of the Jedi Academy, who is the curator of the College of Archaeology. He seems eager to have an apprentice who actually shows an interest in ancient Jedi blades -- actual swords forged on Ossus and elsewhere, rather than lightsabres."

Freyja brightens, looking pleased, "Is this something you're enjoying, then?"

Talmon nods quickly. "Oh, it is! And... also somewhat disturbing. Though he has been supposedly forbidden from doing so, he has allowed me to examine and compare a number of Sith blades the Order has captured. It is... an odd sensation, seeing how similar the modern Sith sword is compared to the Jedi swords of fifteen thousand years ago."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, "I remember, you mentioned that back on Marnaas. You had one of those swords there... I wondered how you'd gotten it so quickly."

The Trandoshan nods. "Jiosch knew I was good with Echal steel blades, and had relatively little experience with the lightsabre. I was given it for that... reason...." He frowns, and looks around a bit. "You... brought it with you? I would have thought the Council would want it destroyed...."

Freyja shakes her head, "Neh, I was just remembering. And I imagine they will want it destroyed. I think Master Roakkana has it currently." She grins, "The Jedi archaeologists should like Marnaas."

Zero says, "Mmm. Who knew that blasted little rock would be so significant."

Freyja grins.

Talmon nods, frowning. "Uh... yes, of course. Odd, I thought I sensed it.... But, no matter." He sighs, shaking his head. "I would have given my tail to have never even heard of Marnaas. If the Council and Senate even allowed half of what happened there to reach the public ear...."

Zero says, "Marnaas was a bad business. Even by my own standards."

Freyja says gently, "Talmon... bad things happen, but we all are here to make sure they don't happen again. Don't feel bad about it. Go forward, now." She grins, "And you'd look funny without your tail." She wonders internally if there's some way to help Vakkal mute his Sithstain. She'll have to check that later.

Talmon nods quietly. "Aye. Go forward. That is what I am trying to do." He finishes his drink, and stands. "Well. I must return to the Academy. All this morning Master Velgrath has me delving deep into the Archives -- another thing he supposedly is forbidden from allowing me to do -- to look for information regarding Jedi swords at the time of the Heresy Wars."

Freyja glances at Zero, wondering if he thinks it's all right to tell Talmon about what was discovered on Marnaas. She looks curiously at the Trandoshan, "What does he hope to learn, do you know?"

Zero says, "We found quite a bit of information from that time... take my advice and keep your eye on the Archaeology departments data feeds back from Marnaas in the next few days."

Freyja grins cheerfully. She's glad they could share that with Talmon.

Talmon shakes his head. "He hasn't told me, but that's his way. He gets so focussed on his research that he forgets to tell anyone what they're looking for. A week ago it was information about the Red General, two days ago it was the mating habits of bantha in swampy climes."

Freyja giggles.

Talmon blinks to Zero, and he nods slowly. "I'll... do that, Zero. Thank you."

Freyja smiles, adding, "We're really glad to see you're doing so well, Talmon... and to see the Force is with you."

Talmon smiles, and bows to Freyja. "It is not as strong as in some Jedi -- I still can't levitate much more than a stylus. But Master Velgarth doesn't care about that. 'Train the mind and all the other tricks will fall into place in their own time.'

Freyja nods approvingly, "Sounds like Master Roakkana. Good for him... and for you!" She bounces lightly to her feet and gives the Trandoshan a gentle hug before he leaves, "Be well, my friend."

Zero nods. "Take care of yourself, Talmon. You did good back on Marnaas. You deserve a little peace."

Talmon smiles and lightly returns the embrace. "And you as well, Freyja. Thank you, Zero. I was glad I could do something good. Now, I'd better go. A good day to you, and the Force be with you." With that, Talmon takes his leave, and heads back to the Academy.

Freyja closes the door behind Talmon, then looks thoughtfully at Zero, "Well. That was interesting..." She goes and refills a glass of water, then peeks around the corner into the room Vakkal was in, with a grin, "Thirsty?"

Zero says, "At least one casualty's finally recovering."

Freyja nods, glancing quietly over her shoulder at the other Human, and adds, "I hope Valsha does well too."

Zero says, "We'll just have to see. I'm ready to put Marnaas behind me, myself."

Vakkal is, very carefull holding himself againt the wall, eyes closed as he tries to mediate to keep the sithstain as muted as possible. He peeks open his eyes, looking guilty and empained. "Thank you, Freyja. I'm... sorry. As I am the one who shot him in the back, I did not want to impose myself upon him. He seems very much wanting to put the events of Marnaas behind him.".

Zero says, "Can't blame him, can you? That was the worst week I'd had in years."

Freyja smiles at Vakkal, "That was thoughtful of you... I'm embarrassed to say it didn't immediately occur to me." She steps into the room and hands him the water, "And as you said, it looks like he's putting Marnaas behind him. You should too."

Freyja tilts her head, realizing Vakkal really does look guilty and hurt. She reaches up and gently smoothes the fur framing his face back from where it's fluffed, "Hey... it's all right, Vakkal. We're moving forward now, to try and make things better, remember?"

Vakkal nods, standing as he accepts the glass. "I daresay, Zero, it will not put myself into the annals of 'Heroes of the Empire.'" He re-enters the room, nodding quietly. "Yes, Freyja. We are. I find it interesting, though, that he has been asked to research the Red General, if only briefly."

Freyja says, "Why's that?"

Zero says, "Well... I'm sure word about Valsha's got out by now, little by little."

Freyja nods, "I doubt it's a surprise now, considering Master Roakkana passed on the word to the Council."

Vakkal nods. "True. I do wonder what the Empire will think of Valsha Redcloak."

Freyja murmurs dryly, "I don't. I wonder if Valsha will ever get the chance to just be Valsha."

There is another chime; this time, it is from the computer terminal.

Freyja rolls her eyes amusedly, then patters over and clicks it on, "Hai?"

Zero sighs irritably. "What now..."

Freyja grins at Zero, then looks back at the computer.

"Padawan Freyja? Jedi Gur-hil Vaak of Tribulus, at the Temple. You and Padawan Satau were asked yesterday at the Council's request to come and answer questions regarding what happened on marnaas. Why did you refuse?"

Freyja nods politely, "Greetings, Jedi Gur-hil Vaak, and may the Force be with you. Um..." she looks puzzled, "-we didn't refuse. We said as soon as our Master Roakkana was there, like usual, we'd be happy to help." She adds hopefully, "Do you have any news about when he'll be arriving? We'd like to get this over with."

There is silence on the line for a moment. "I see," is the reply. "No, I have none. The Council is meeting now about whom to sent to take up abbotage of the Marnaas monastery. I imagine they had been hoping for some insight as to the local situation, from Jedi who had actually been there."

Freyja blinks, then says carefully, "I'm flattered they'd think of us... but I really believe they'd do better to ask Master Roakkana himself. He's far more perceptive in matters like this, after all."

"I see. Very well then, Padawan Freyja. I will relay your message to the Council."

Freyja smiles, "Thank you, Jedi Gur-hil. We look forward to talking with them!"

"The Force be with you, Padawan." And with that the connection closes.

Freyja sits back and sighs, "All right, this is officially just... weird. Why don't they want Master Roakkana there?"

Zero says, "They plan on verifying their questions with harder corroboration."

Freyja says politely, "Screw that."

Zero stretches himself out on the couch. "We'll see."

An hour later... the door chimes again.

Freyja rolls her eyes tiredly, looking up from her reading, "Now who..."

Zero grumbles and crawls from the couch. "Bloody..."

Freyja covers a grin.

Outside, waiting, is a grim-faced Jedi guardian, a black sash around his waist, and his lightsabre not immediately visible. "Padawan Satau?" he asks bluntly.

Zero just says, "I was wondering when you'd get here." He calls over his shoulder. "Freyja. It's time to go."

The Jedi arches an eyebrow. "I don't think you understand."

Zero says, "No?"

Freyja blinks, noticing the black sash -- that's a security Watcher! She listens puzzledly.

The Klatoonian reaches into his sash, and pulls out a datapad, offering it to Zero. "This document is to officially grant you the rank of padawan-learner within the Jedi Order, with all rights, priviledges, and responsibilites thereto, under Master Roakkana of Kashyyyk."

Freyja brightens.

Zero blinks and takes the datapad. "Well. That's certainly not what I was expecting. Uh..." He looks up, "Er, I mean, thank you."

Freyja calls out from her seat in the room, "Please tell the appropriate people thank you?" She grins as Zero beats her to it.

The Watcher reaches into his sash again, pulling out another datapad and saying, his voice dropping an octave, "And this is an instruction issued under the Seals of the Council and of the Watchers, in proxy to your master, forbidding you to speak of any events which took place on Marnaas with anyone, under pain of Tribunal. These instructions apply to yourself, Padawan Freyja, and by special dispensation from the government of the Republic, Padawan Freyja's bodyguard."

Freyja raises a thoughtful eyebrow, but says nothing. She does wonder how they're supposed to talk to the Council about Marnaas, though.

Zero says, "We understand, Jedi."

Freyja smiles, guessing the Council will somehow conveniently figure out a way to dispense with their instructions, should the Padawans finally be ready to talk. Bit over the top with legalese, really. It's not like we were blurting things out to anyone. She sighs softly, vaguely unhappy at what's happening to her beloved Order... it's becoming something... disturbingly close to what the propaganda often claims only the Sith are. She continues to watch curiously, wondering if the Watcher has any other surprises for them.

The Watcher puts his hands behind his back. "When Master Roakkana arrives on Coruscant, there will be a debriefing held, at which time the seal will be broken and you will, we hope, cooperate fully. Until such time, you are requested and required not to discuss Marnaas with anyone." The rocky facade softens a little, and he says quietly, "Marnaas has made a great many people concerned. Not only with the Oath of Fire but also with what you discovered, about the original Dark Jedi. As well as Padawan Valsha."

Freyja nods quietly at the Jedi's words. She opens her mouth to say something reassuring... then realizes it'd mention an event on Marnaas, so technically she can't say it. Instead she just says hopefully, "Do you know how Padawan Valsha is? Is she all right now?" She wonders suddenly why the information about the original Dark Jedi was disturbing. Was that new?

Zero shakes his head, "No... no. We understand. It's alright, the Council hasn't anything to worry about. Tell them that. Tell them when Roakkana comes, they'll have all the answers they can stand.

Freyja giggles.

The Klatoonian looks at Freyja for along moment, then glances around. "You knew her on Marnaas, and Templar Colburth's report said you were relatively close. All right. There's been... an incident. Templar Colburth's last message said his ship had been pulled out of hyperspace by a gravwell projector in the vincinity of Ambria, before it was jammed. A company of Jedi out of Hapes has been sent to investigate, but we won't hear from them for another several days.

Freyja nods, unhappy but not surprised. She just whispers quietly, "Poor Valsha..."

Zero says, "Hell."

Freyja sighs, leaning her chin in her hands, "I wish there were some way to help her. She was so afraid..."

The Watcher nods. "We don't know yet who did it. It may be the Sith, they use gravwell projectors and their flightpath ran close to the front, but... it may not have been. And that's really all I can say about that."

Freyja nods and smiles ruefully, if unhappily. It's not like there are a ton of folks running around that aren't Sith or Jedi, that want the Red General's offspring... poor Valsha.

Freyja says, "Well... thank you for delivering the messages, Jedi, um... Jedi." She adds after a moment, "Poor Colburth, too, now that I think about it."

Zero nods. "And please tell the Council that everything will come out when Roakkana arrives."

Freyja nods in silent agreement.

The Klatoonian gives a ghost of a smile at Freyja's non-use of his nonexistent name, and nods. "I will. They will not pester you until Master Roakkana arrives, but maybe you now understand why they are so concerned. Pragmatism battled with tradition, and it seems tradition won, which is well. The Force be with you both," he concludes, stepping back and bowing, before heading down the corridor.

Zero's head hits the closing door with a thunk. "All right," he says, "I'm going to bed before something else happens."

Freyja inhales to say something -- then laughs in spite of herself at Zero's behavior! She grins, and goes to make sure Vakkal heard also.

Freyja adds, over her shoulder to Zero, "Interesting last comment he made there, neh? About tradition winning being well? Can't say I disagree in the least."

Vakkal grins slightly, looking to Zero. "Would it merely irritate you to say 'congratulations?'"

Freyja giggles at Vakkal's comment.

Zero gives a muffled grunt. "Thank you, Vakkal."

"For years I studied and perfected the infinite ways that one may wage war upon fellow sentients, and to kill. I have studied Echani and Teras Kasi, wielded the Force and sword and wave-gun, and given orders to warriors, Templars, and knight-captains. I have the blood of thousands upon my hands and robes, and it is only by a miracle of the Force and wisdom beaten into me that I did not murder more. With the departure of the Dark Jedi to beyond the Unknown Regions, and the end of what is already being called the Heresy Wars, I will put this past behind me and seek a new future. A future for the Republic, for myself, and for my newborn son. I feel, however, the tides of destiny already drawing back, preparing to rush forward again and overwhelm us once more."
Fragment of manuscript found on Bandomeer in the 11,345th year of the Republic.
Believed to date to the end of the Heresy Wars. Author unknown.

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

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