These Shattered Stars -- Logs

Freyja and Vakkal emerge from the room where Karrac is being held. Outside, Diath Halcyon and two of the other Jedi of the company are waiting a discreet distance away. They become more alert as the Jedi and her bodyguard come out. Freyja smiles and waves, "Haiyo! He's got his clothes, and he's fine... just thinking real hard, I think." She pauses, then asks, "Jedi Diath, um... do you have a place where one can check for off-planet messages that might be waiting?"

Diath nods, "Sure. We've got a few extra terminals over in the office space over here. The connection might be a bit slow; we're still working through an uplink to the hypernode up on Ark Nova."

Freyja looks pleased, "Oh, excellent! Might I ask you to show me to one, if you've a minute, so I don't mess anything up? Or direct me to it?" She hopes he'll show her... she has a question she'd dearly like to ask him, but simply adds, "I don't want to be a bother...?"

Diath grins and nods, "Sure, right this way. The terminals are pretty standard, all told. Let me show you." Freyja walks along with Vakkal and Diath, still quietly pleased at Vakkal's previous comment to her. The Jedi directs her to an open terminal, and demonstrates the procedure to check with the Temple's message drop, using his own drop as an example. At the end of the demonstration he reads over the screen. "Blast... still nothing from Paladin Diana," he grumps a little. "Well, pretty straightforward, as I said. The only tricky thing is because we're running across the downlink."

Freyja nods, watching Diath showing her how to use the message drop, and nods again when he mentions nothing from the Paladin. Curiously she says, "I wonder if she was one of the two Paladins guarding at the Temple gateway, like the rumors said. Maybe that's why she's not yet communicated with you -- because the Temple higher-ups want to keep that incident quiet?"

Freyja checks her own messages as she speaks, hoping there'll be something from either Templar Colburth -- she'd like to know for sure he's all right -- or Piper sending the coded message to her on whether or not Staster said hai. She thinks that's about due to occur, soon... she hopes it is hai, and that Fafnir likes the giftings, and that the giftings help his status in the eyes of her family -- and in the eyes of any watching hostiles. She's still internally aghast at how close they came to losing Fafnir to the kidnappers.

Diath blinks, then makes a thoughtful sound. "That would've been a prestigious position; one she deserved. I don't know if she would have taken it, though, but it would make sense if she were one of those two. I understand that the Council masters who pushed for paladins to guard the Council chambers really caused an uproar, and shook the council up a lot. It seems like the sort of thing she'd like to get involved with."

There is actually a brief message from Colburth -- extremely brief: I am afraid I cannot say much; I am under a Seal even broader than the one they slapped you and Padawan Satau with. The Watchers are enjoying their job, but fortunately I am not being sent anywhere other than the Temple for the time being. I am, though, glad to hear from you, and I hope all is well with you, Master Roakkana, and Padawan Satau; and am glad that you're progressing in the Jedi arts! The Force be with you, and it is signed, curiously, Jedi Colburth Moran of Corellia

Freyja's eyebrows slowly go way up upon reading Colburth's message. She's pleased to see the signature initially, hoping he's not a Templar because he took what he thought was the ethical path, as they'd discussed on Marnaas some time ago. She remembers them talking about resigning from the Templars in order to regain freedom of movement, rather than simply breaking their word and leaving the Temple whenever they pleased. Maybe that's why he got slapped with an even bigger Seal? She pauses, considering a moment, then worriedly hopes it was his choice to resign, and not that he was thrown out. She'd lose quite a bit of respect for the Templars if they did that to someone who tried so hard to do what was right... and who so little deserved being treated that way.

Freyja hms quietly to herself, considering... 'the Watchers are enjoying their job'... must mean Colburth is being rather closely watched. She wishes he, like she and Zero, could just tell the Watchers the truth. Ah, well... she's just a Padawan. As far as she knows, Master Mynaas Mull has no Seal on him. Perhaps the Watchers will be smart, and figure out to talk to him too. That'd be nice, she thinks. She beams, pleased also that Colburth was nice enough to compliment her on her progress -- especially when life's apparently a bit difficult for him currently. She'll have to send him a nice note later.

Freyja pulls her thoughts back to the present... then grins at Diath's comment, "Ah, she likes straightforwardness and honesty too, eh? Sounds like she and Master Roakkana would get along well, then. Was she who taught you about Ashla?"

Diath nods. "Very much so! To the point where most people who hear us talk of her think that she's a Wookie rather than a Human, all things considered." He blinks a little at the second question. "Ashla? Actually, yes. She and I once talked about the source of the Jedi dogma, with the Bendu beliefs of Boghan and Ashla."

There is also a message from Piper, in one of the more subtle forms of the family code, indicating that the package was delivered to Staster, and that while bemused by the request, he will cheerfully carry it out. Freyja brightens at the message, bouncing on her toes happily a few times before she remembers herself -- and grins sheepishly at the two watching men as she settles decorously back to a more normal stance. "Ah... sorry. Good news from the family." She looks hastily back at her messages, her cheeks a little flushed with amused embarrassment.

Diath chuckles quietly. "That's quite all right. It's good to hear good news from the home front. Both Jedi Diana and I miss that."

Freyja looks up curiously at Diath, considering his statement about Diana. Slowly she asks, "May I ask where Paladin Diana is from?"

Jedi Diath leans against the cubicle's edge, not looking at the screen but comfortably nearby. "Hmm? Oh, Bandomeer. She wasn't very pleased when the Sith invaded, but she stayed true to her oath, at least, and didn't try to make some sort of suicidal run there."

Freyja says, "Huh." She thinks fascinatedly, Bandomeer... theoretically the home of the Red General and her generations-later-offspring... Aloud she says, "So... what'd you think of the information about Boghan and Ashla?" She pauses, then says even more slowly, "She's... a Paladin... and it's starting to happen again..." She looks up suddenly at Jedi Diath again, and says interestedly, "Can I reach Ark Nova from here?"

"Boghan and Ashla? I found it... interesting. Intriguing. I'd like to talk with the Bendu monks someday, when we're not running around trying to put out brushfires. I think there's a lot to learn from them." He blinks. "Starting...? What do you mean, what's starting to happen again? Er... yes, you mean a comlink? Sure, just hit those controls, the comlink channel is already pre-programmed..." He continues chatting, "Myself, I'm from Dantooine. I think my family's still alive there -- they're just farmers, so I hope that someday if we beat the Sith back, I'll be able to see them again. How about you two?"

Freyja murmurs absently, "Just Balmorran, myself..." as she sets up the comlink. She calls Ark Nova, asking for either Paladin Dakkan or Master Roakkana, if either are available. She can't resist a sympathetic glance at Diath, though, at the news of Dantooine. Quietly she says, "I've heard the Sith prefer to leave the people alone, and keep actual conflict to the military or any Jedi present. May the Force be with your parents, Jedi Diath."

Diath nods, frowning in concentration; he doesn't seem to make the link between Balmorra and Freyja's last name -- or if he does it simply doesn't matter to him. "Er, thank you, Padawan Freyja. I'm sure they'll be fine, I'm not too worried."

In a few moments, Paladin Dakkan appears on the screen. "The Force be with you, Padawan Freyja. Master Roakkana is meditating. May I help you?"

Freyja brightens, "Please, hai! May I ask you a few questions, Paladin Dakkan?" She hastily adds, "Er, may the Force be with you also, Paladin!" She blushes, realizing her excitement could be interpreted as rudeness, adding a sheepish, "Sorry..."

"Please do, Padawan Freyja. Though if it is in regard to the translation, I am afraid I cannot provide anything yet. While I perhaps know more of the Sith written language than most Jedi, it will take some time."

Freyja says, "Thank you! Ah, I was wondering, Paladin Dakkan... do you know about Boghan and Ashla? And... may I ask where you learned the Khar Velos language?" She takes a breath, wondering if her hypothesis is correct -- is there some way the Red General's spirit, or something in the Force, is affecting the next generation of Paladins that will defend the new Red General -- so they're all folks who understand and appreciate a less rigid, binary view of the Force? Could this mean the Red General really is trying to do what she's suspecting -- well, hoping -- and wants to create peace between the warring factions of the Force, rather than just obliterating one side?! Carefully she adds, "And, ah, if it's not too, um, impertinent... may I ask why you chose to become a Paladin?"

Freyja crosses her fingers and hopes her wild, crackpot theory turns out to be at least partially right. She's starting to become extremely uncomfortable with the prospect of either side obliterating the other... now that she has dear friends on both sides.

Dakkan arches his brow. Diath blinks. "I'll... be over here if you need me," he says discretely, sidling away.

After a bemused moment, Dakkan inclines his head. "I am intrigued at your questions, Padawan Freyja. I suspect, though, that they are in some way a part of your investigations. Very well. I have heard the terms 'Boghan' and 'Ashla' in reference to the Bendu faith. I learned them from Master Roakkana, in fact. I am familiar with the pedestrian concept that the light side is Ashla and the dark side is Boghan but I suspect that there is more to it than merely that. I have not, however, made a great study of it.

"As for the tongue of Khar Velos, I learned that on the front. There was a young Sith warrior by the name of Marrthan whom I befriended and managed to redeem, though he opted to not join the Jedi Order, instead traveling to seek out the Savalli Kho. I spent a year with him before then, however, and he managed to teach me some rudiments of his language. I could not survive for very long on Khar Velos, outside of saying 'Hello' and 'I need help.' It is a remarkably hard language to learn, and my throat gets very sore trying to speak it.

"As for why I became a paladin... it is not too impertinent to ask, as we share the same Master. Other paladins might not be so accommodating. I just felt I should warn you about that. Becoming a paladin vice a master is a very personal thing, and there is some stigma associated with it; it is not altogether popular. I chose that path, however, because I did not feel ready to become a master with a Padawan. I had many questions regarding Jedi orthodoxy, and I could not blindly pass them on to a Padawan without understanding them myself."

Freyja looks fascinated, listening and occasionally nodding alertly. She sighs in relief when he's done. So far, it sounds like her hypothesis could hold up. She beams at Paladin Dakkan, "Thank you so much, Paladin Dakkan -- I very much appreciate you telling me this!"

"You are welcome, Padawan Freyja. I would like to know why you ask this."

Freyja adds interestedly, "How long ago was it that you and Marrthan traveled together, if I may ask? Er -- oh, hai!" She considers, then says a bit nervously, "Um... I'll tell you if you don't laugh at me, please?"

"It was at the start of the second year of the war, when he and I first met. We parted company about a standard year and a quarter ago." He arches an eyebrow. "I assure you, Padawan Freyja, I will not laugh."

Freyja takes a deep breath, both collecting her thoughts and preparing to throw her wild theory out, for the first time, to someone that is not either Zero, Vakkal, or Master Roakkana. "Well... I've been thinking a lot recently on the Red General, and how one tells what is the right path to take, and how to tell if one is properly doing the will of the Force, and what exactly the Force is, and how, er... well, how the Sith and every other faction within the Force could possibly be so very wrong and evil, and the Jedi so very right and good and correct... when I could see with my own sight that there were good and bad people amongst both the Sith and the Jedi." She pauses a little nervously again, watching to see if he looks shocked and disgusted at her heresy... or just interested.

Dakkan looks interested, waiting patiently for Freyja to continue. As a Zabraki, he doesn't show much emotion. Freyja takes another breath and plunges onwards, "All right. So... so one of the things I was thinking is why did the Red General just vanish at the end of the war -- and before the war was even over, why did she start not using just military means to defeat the Sith?" She continues, a little nervously wandering on occasion, with her theory, laying it out for Paladin Dakkan. She concludes with, "So... so all the Paladins I know of so far know about Ashla and Boghan, and... and so I was hoping maybe this time around it'd be different... um... I hope that doesn't sound too stupid...?"

Dakkan is silent for a very long moment. "You are suggesting, then, that the Red General is... influencing persons through the Force, urging them to become paladins and knights errant to... what? Prepare for her return?"

Freyja nods excitedly! -then flushes uncertainly, "Well... well, I know it sounds silly... but... well, I mean, aren't we supposed to be servants of the Force? It's like... like what if the Force itself is hurting at our respective factions all yanking in different directions at it, all insisting theirs is the only one true way? Uh... if it can be hurt, I mean... I guess. Um... well, you know what I mean, hai? Neh?"

Dakkan nods slowly. "I think I can understand what you are saying." He considers for a moment. "I do believe that the Force can be harmed. Specifically, that everyone can be harmed by the Force being driven apart. You are perhaps familiar with the Valsarians, and the heresy of the Shattered Force?"

Freyja adds a little uncertainly, "I mean... if there are those among the Sith who still blame the Jedi for their loss last time and want to see them all dead... there must be those on the Jedi side who feel the same, and who could perhaps find a Red General for a symbol for them, even if there isn't an actual one... oh, hai!" She nods, "Hai, I read about them too. Master Roakkana always encourages me to do good research when I'm looking into things." She looks rather encouraged that the older, wiser Paladin doesn't find her idea totally ludicrous.

Dakkan nods again. "Yes, he did with me as well. It is a view of the Force which denies an inherent bond between all things, which is what makes it heretical. More to the point, it is considered something to avoid, not because it denies the Unified and Living Force as preached by the Jedi, but because without that inherent bond of the Force between all things, there is no connection between things except that which we make ourselves, for good or ill. There is the very real possibility, though this is only considered by some eschatologists, that the constant struggle between Force traditions may someday rend the Force itself asunder. This is, however, only a theory, and not one that anyone wishes to explore.

"I have heard the occasional whispered mention of a cabal of Jedi who share such great enthusiasm for destroying the Sith that they would co-opt most of the Order's other goals to achieve that. And with the talk of the Army of Light requiring a Red General at their lead to be at all a possibility, it would not surprise me that there would be a search for one. You are suggesting, then, if I understand you correctly, that the spirit of the Red General is resisting this idea?"

Freyja nods quickly, "I think -- well, I hope so, hai. Um... well, if it is the Red General's spirit. I... I don't know what it might truly be, but I know that there does seem to be a pattern, at least currently. It's just... well, the pattern only has a very few data points in it yet, you know? So... I hope the pattern is really there, and it's not just that I'm seeing what I want to see."

Dakkan considers this quietly. "I see," he says. "As I'm sure many people have told you, reincarnation through the Force is often theorized but has never been proven. And most Jedi who embrace the light and upon death become one with the Force, quickly become subsumed into it and pass fully on to the next world. Unlike Darkside spirits, who cling to the waking world with sometimes frightening tenacity, no spirit of one who has become one with the Force for more than a few hundred years has been successfully contacted. However, I would not say that your hypothesis is entirely wrong. Speaking with only what I know, it has... possibilities. Disturbing possibilities, as well as hopeful ones."

Freyja pauses, considering... then says slowly, "Disturbing ones? Ah... I'd not thought of that. What kind of disturbing ones, please?"

"If there is a... pattern of the sort you are hypothesizing, then the cabal of... what in the worlds to call them... the hidden cabal of militant Jedi would have likely seen it as well, especially if they are indeed seeking the Red General or a Red General. And they will be taking steps to counter such a thing, seeing as it goes against their goals. This could result in an extremely dangerous time for knights errant and paladins both, as well as those whose own beliefs run counter to Jedi orthodoxy -- depending on how strong this cabal is."

Freyja considers... then says slowly, "Ah... well, would they have seen it yet? Unless they're somehow in contact with the Red General's spirit, how would they know?" She tilts her head as another realization hits her, and adds, "Especially if they think they have the new Red General already?" She hasn't mentioned Valsha -- and won't -- but suspects that the group that has Valsha now may well be that new militant cabal.

Dakkan's brow shoots way up. "That is an... interesting... consideration," he says. "They would likely be blind to such a pattern if they believed they have a Red General in their employ."

Freyja nods eagerly, "That was my thought too! And I was thinking also that if the Red General's spirit really is influencing things -- or something in the Force is -- then the descendants of the Red General would be a fantastic distraction -- and the actual new Red General, if there really is one... would be someone else entirely, that the descendant could possibly help and be helped by." She crosses her fingers, thinking, I sure hope that's the case... for Valsha's sake. If I can, I'll certainly do my best to help her get to whomever the 'real' Red General is.

"That would depend on if they knew who the Red General's descendants are, though. She disappeared from all records. Even her bodyguards were not told where she went off to, or even if she had children."

Freyja opens her mouth... then just closes it and nods. "Er, so... that was my thinking." She smiles in relief, adding, "I'm glad you don't think it's stupid."

Dakkan notices the gesture and arches his brow again. "I... see," he says slowly. "No, it is not stupid, Padawan Freyja. As with any hypothesis, I would encourage you to seek more data. There is really too little that is known."

Freyja nods again, "I'm trying to, believe me, Paladin Dakkan. That's why I blurted all those questions out at you." She grins a little sheepishly again, "Sorry I wasn't smoother about it -- it was just that it suddenly hit me to wonder if all the Paladins I knew of were aware of non-orthodox Force traditions." She asks curiously, "Do you know if there are any other Paladins around nearby?"

Dakkan shakes his head. "I'm afraid not, no. We are rather a rare breed, I fear, and we wander as whim and the will of the Force takes us. You may find, though, that many masters are as informed as to non-Jedi Force traditions as the paladins whom you have met -- which unless I misunderstand, has really only been myself?"

Freyja says, "Well, while I've not met her, I was informed Paladin Diana knew of Boghan and Ashla." She grins, adding, "That's what caused me to suddenly want to ask you too." She grins again, adding cheerfully, "And I know of a small handful of Masters that seem to be teaching their students to question!"

"Oh, yes, the former knight-captain of the company down there. Please inform Jedi Diath, if you speak with him, that I have not been able to find any trace of her after she departed Ambria."

Freyja adds a little shyly, "And um... I know some very nice Sith, or of some very nice Sith -- although I know that's... not a er, wise thing to say to just anyone..." She smiles, her quietly happy sideways glance taking in the patiently waiting Vakkal.

Dakkan says, deadpan, "Yes, well, there is that. Sometimes I wonder if we should not have more in common with the Sith, who share with us a dualist view of the Force, than with, say, the Valsar or the Savalli Kho. Or even the Bendu."

Freyja blinks thoughtfully... then nods, "That's a good point. I'd not considered that." She grins, adding, "I think I like a less binary view, myself." She nods at the Paladin's request, adding, "Certes, I'll tell Jedi Diath that." She pauses... then says curiously, "Ambria? As in... not even to the Temple yet? How... odd...?"

Dakkan nods a little. "It would make things easier, in some ways. Not really odd, no; she never went to the Temple. She left the company while on Telti a few months ago, and my... unofficial contacts tracked her movements to Ambria. But after that, nothing."

Freyja nods, looking a little confused, "Well... all right. I don't understand, but I'm sure Jedi Diath will be happy to receive the news."

Dakkan nods, "Thank you, Padawan Freyja. I fear it won't make him terribly happy, though."

Freyja nods slowly... then thanks the Paladin for his time. "Um... also, if you should happen to meet any other Paladins... and it wouldn't be rude to ask, could you find out if they also know of the non-orthodox Force traditions? I'd be very grateful if you could let me or Master Roakkana know about anything like that?"

"I will do so, Padawan Freyja. I would be interested in their answers as well."

Freyja grins, "Thanks again, then! Oh, and if I can I'll see if I can persuade Karrac to help translate the Sith scrolls. Good luck with that, too!

"Thank you, we do appreciate it. Sith hieroglyphs are tricky to translate."

Freyja will sign off properly, after wishing the Force be with the Paladin, then gives the requested news to Jedi Diath. Diath grimaces a little, but nods. "Thank you, Padawan Freyja. Well. I'll just have to hope she's all right. It's odd that she just left like that, but I guess it's what she felt she needed to do. I can't think of what she'd want on Ambria, though. It's closer to the Front, but other than a lot of Republic naval activity and shipbuilding there's nothing else there."

Freyja nods, then adds politely, "I'm sorry I don't have better news for you, Jedi Diath, to thank you for being so helpful."

Diath smiles, "That's all right. Thank you for passing on that message. I'd feel better if I knew she was all right, but then again 'risk' is part and parcel of being a Jedi of whatever kind."

Freyja nods again... then blinks, "Oh! Did Sith lord Tavra Soon turn up in any of the Jedi records? Or... have they responded to your query, yet?"

Diath blinks. "Oh! There were some mentions of her." He checks his datapad. "She's an Arkanian, known to be one of their top biowarfare experts and alchemists. Fairly good standing with the Moot. Dropped out of view from Republic and Guard Intelligence and the Watchers about six months ago. Guess we know now what she was up to," he adds, deadpan. "Apparently she has a propensity for being rather more poetic than most Sith scientists are; that's been chalked up to her being an alchemist as well. Other than that, nothing really significant about her in our records."

Freyja nods, adding dryly, "Well, she was trying to breed the orbalisks so they were especially poisonous to Lightsiders. I guess she didn't actually know any Jedi, though."

Diath looks up in surprise. "Really? Stang, that's not good. Hopefully the other Sith alchemists won't follow that particular line or research.

Freyja nods, "Really. Thought you might want to know right away, even though it's pretty clear in the scrolls. And apparently the worms were an attempt to attack the Jedi specifically too." Even more dryly she adds, "I suspect that experiment's going to be a failure, though... it's affecting the people here worse than the Jedi, and from what I've seen the Sith try to avoid that." She pauses, then asks hopefully, "Are we any closer to getting power to the people again?"

Diath nods, "Thanks. We'll flag that for the Watchers; they'll want to get that information out to all the Jedi as soon as possible." He nods, "The power-reception gear is coming in soon, and knowing what we do about what kind of power sources or concentrations the worms are attracted to, we think we can set it up so that there's not enough power concentrated in one place to attract the worms. We're also letting people know just how large a fusion generator is 'safe.' We're looking to ship in more of that size of generator. The Senator's office is setting aside funds to offset the cost, fortunately."

Freyja brightens, "Oh, fantastic! That's good news. Thanks!"

Diath grins and nods. "You're welcome. I thought you'd like to hear that. The major industrial plants aren't going to be able to run, but the Sedraki are coping. They're doing a lot of industrial jobs manually."

Freyja happily hugs the pleasant and helpful Jedi, "That's wonderful news!" then looks faintly embarrassed, stepping back hastily, "Er... hai. Wonderful, um... excuse me, I, er, got over exuberant there."

Diath looks surprised at the hug, but chuckles quietly. "That's all right. Hopefully we'll be able to deal with the worms. Did you and Padawan Satau and, uh, Huskarl Vakkal learn anything else down in Soon's lair?"

Freyja looks faintly relieved that Diath doesn't seem offended. She considers his question thoughtfully for a moment... then shakes her head, "We're still looking for the key to the tenth gate. If you guys stumble over it while reading the scrolls, let us know, please, and we can try again to control the worms? I'm really hoping Master Roakkana and Paladin Dakkan can figure out what we should do with them... I'm afraid they're possibly really bad for the environment and the wildlife outside the reservation." She adds worriedly, "And... the natives..."

He nods. "Uh, is there anything about this 'key to the tenth gate' that we have to be familiar with? Should we contact the Council and try to get a dispensation to get access to that information?"

Freyja's eyes widen, "They know already?! Hai, hai, please do! The sooner we can control the worms, the better for everyone!"

Diath blinks and shakes his head, "No-no, I mean you told us that you had some knowledge about how to stop the worms that was Sealed by the Council. I don't think they know -- we can ask if they know -- but I was asking if we should get some sort of dispensation to clear us for the information that they Sealed..."

"Oh." Freyja deflates slightly, then shakes her head, "Neh, it's not that how to stop them is Seal... uhh..." Her voice trails off thoughtfully... then she brightens, grinning at Diath, "Hey, that is a really smart idea -- thank you! Hai, let's see if we can get the Seal removed so we can better coordinate stopping the worms!"

Diath nods, "I'll ask Jedi Baas to send a message to the Council and the Watchers. Hopefully, they'll release that information to us, or at least something. I admit, it's a little worrying."

Freyja grins happily, "That'd be very nice, hai!" She pauses, then asks curiously, "What is?"

"Not knowing everything we can. I know you can't say anything, that it's not your fault, but all this about 'key to the tenth gate'... it's like there's levels to this war that simply shouldn't be."

Freyja nods, her expression settling into quietly grim, "It's... wrong. It's just wrong. I don't know why they're hiding it... but they shouldn't be." She sighs, frowning.

Diath lets out a breath. "Well. We'll find out soon enough if they'll tell us or not." He smiles a little. "I also admit to curiosity."

Freyja glances sideways at Diath, and murmurs unhappily, "I... I'm sorry, Jedi Diath. I'd tell you if I could."

"It's all right. We're not strangers to Council Seals. We've had to work around some really oddball ones. For a while the information that Jedi Diana was from Bandomeer was Sealed, if you can believe it!"

Freyja blinks, "It was? Why?"

"Blasted if I know, Padawan Freyja. Bandomeer was invaded and the next day we got that Seal slapped on us. A few months later I guess the Council or whomever realized that was really silly and rescinded the Seal."

Freyja giggles, "That's... you're right, that's silly." She blinks, wondering suddenly if the Council was checking to be sure then-Jedi Diana did or did not know Valsha's family... well, no way to know for sure.

Diath grins and nods, "Yeah, it was. They told us it was for 'protection' of some kind, but that could mean anything."

Freyja giggles at Diath's oh-so-discreet comment, "Dare I ask?"

Diath shakes his head. "We really didn't know. They never told us whether it was to protect her, or whatever family she had there, or because there was some sort of security priority, or what."

Freyja nods, her expression sobering. She adds quietly, "Poor off-planet Bandomeerans... not knowing if their families are all right or neh."

Diath nods. "From what I understand, after Bandomeer was invaded the sector government simply collapsed. It was sometimes years before anyone knew if any of their relatives made it off or not."

Freyja considers... it's been about three years since Bandomeer was taken -- one of the first, in fact. She sighs softly, worrying about Valsha. Then she slowly says, "Jedi Diath... would Paladin Diana have been interested in speaking to someone from Bandomeer, if she found out they were out there and alive?"

Diath hmms? "Well, it'd depend on who, I'd imagine. If it was someone from her home town, I would imagine she'd do her best to get in touch with them as her duties permitted. Someone from the other side of the planet, probably not, or at least not as much."

Freyja says, "What was her home town?" She realizes she doesn't know what Valsha's former home town was, and adds, "Not that it helps much knowing that, I guess... since I don't know the home town of the only other former Bandomeeran I know of."

Diath says, "Well, it was Neitaluus. I guess it doesn't really help. For what it's worth, I can't see her running off and abandoning her duties."

Freyja thinks to herself, Not unless she's the first one the Red General's spirit called... or maybe she's the one the Red General's spirit is helping to become the new Red General? She's led this company, so she's got the experience... She sighs softly, and murmurs quietly, "I... don't like war. It stinks too much of... greed and selfishness..."

Diath shakes his head. "I don't either, Padawan Freyja. Wars do not make one great, nor does one find true glory and honor in same."

Freyja nods slowly... she sighs quietly again, and thanks the Jedi once more, wishing the Force be with him. After that, she heads back with Vakkal towards where Zero patiently waits for them. As she walks she curiously asks Vakkal, "So... I know it's probably a stupid question, but is the name Marrthan common on Khar Velos?"

Vakkal considers, then nods, "Somewhat. Not as common as 'Antilles' seems to be for Humans."

Freyja grins ruefully, "All right. Well, I asked because Paladin Dakkan learned your language from someone named that." She adds, with a small giggle, "He says his throat hurts when he speaks it, though!"

Vakkal smiles, "I'm not surprised. It's hard on the vocal chords."

Freyja laughs, "What, for you too? Tsk... shouldn't your native tongue not hurt?" She grins mischievously at the big dog Sith.

"Oh, no, just for most people who attempt to speak it who aren't used to it, as my people are."

Freyja grins again, then says curiously, "Vakkal... do you think Karrac will get it?" She considers, then adds a little forlornly, "Or... was my attempting to warn him just a waste of time?"

"That depends, Freyja. What were you hoping for him to 'get'?"

Freyja considers... then says slowly, "That he can't go back. He needs to go forward if he wants to live. Even if it's not with the Jedi, like Paladin Dakkan's friend Marrthan, Karrac should... should try to find... I don't know. How would you say it? A new clan? New family?" She adds softly, "Someone... he can trust, that can protect him until he grows up a bit more."

"Well, once one of us leaves their family, there is no going back. Sometimes families will take back in prodigal children, sometimes families will even take in those who were turned out or left their own families, but they're very rare; it does happen, but not often. All the same, he would not be able to return to Khar Velos anyway. The family is a very specific and defined group; it is the people you are born with and to, the people you hunt with -- ultimately the people you hope to die with." He glances over his shoulder. "I pity him somewhat. At least I've grown accepting of the idea that I cannot have a family in the traditional sense. I do not think he fully understood what was happening when he left."

He glances to the Human pacing along next to him, "As for finding someone he can trust... well, that's a hard message to take in when said by someone whom you are technically enemies with. Though I hope he does find some way to trust someone here." He thinks for a moment. "Perhaps when the worms are dealt with -- Paladin Dakkan...?"

Freyja nods, "I was hoping he'd ask you or I for advice or suggestions. That was going to be my suggestion -- Paladin Dakkan." She sighs, adding quietly, "I guess I'm lucky, in a way... on Balmorra we know paramours aren't blood family, even if they're family of the heart. We call them fictive kin, formally... if he can learn to accept fictive kin, then he can have a family of the heart."

She thinks, but does not add aloud, And if he can learn to trust Jedi, and has been trained in the ways of the Sith... might he be another possible Dark mantle? Maishen, him, Paladin Dakkan's friend Marrthan... it's almost like the Force is passing them by us, so we remember our goal is trying to integrate the various elements of the Force.

Freyja sighs softly, adding quietly, "I wonder sometimes... if life imitates art, or art imitates life... or both. If I'm an artist... do I see what I want to see in life? Or do I see what's really there?" ...and... am I really seeing patterns of hope, for Red Generals and Sith and lost little cubs who don't even know it yet? ...or am I just dreaming pipe dreams?

Vakkal is quiet for a moment. "I'm... afraid you just went an order of magnitude beyond the limit of my philosophizing, Freyja. Art isn't really life. You can see anything in art; it's very subjective. Real life isn't nearly so."

Freyja smiles sideways at Vakkal, "Really? I'd say life is subjective. Here we are, technically born sworn enemies, chatting about how we might help someone who would probably like nothing more than to never see either of us again. Wouldn't that normally be considered foolishness? Isn't it foolishness to heal up someone who just tried repeatedly to kill you?" She adds very softly, almost shyly, "I... consider you and Zero my fictive kin..."

Vakkal says, "Why so? I was not going to harm the person who healed me -- least of all when I was still too wounded to do much more than groan while supine. Speaking objectively and as an omniscient observer, there was never any doubt that I would not harm you, so there was never any danger in healing me."

He tilts his head to the side in surprise at Freyja's comment about fictive kin, then smiles quietly. "If you do not mind the appellation of a Sith tradition... I have started to see you and Zero as... Brothers." He adds wryly, "Though whether in War, State, or Smiths, I have absolutely no idea..."

Freyja grins, relieved he doesn't consider her statement awkward or wrong... then giggles at his comment! She says cheerfully, "Brothers of... of the Force, perhaps?" She pauses, then smiles, "Well... I don't know what you were taught about Jedi, but I do know that we fully expected you to leap up once you awoke (damage and all), and insanely kill yourself trying to kill us, which is why we kept you sedated for so long. Plus... you came half-awake as we were putting you to bed that first time, and you were still in battle frenzy, I think."

Freyja shrugs, smiling ruefully, "Sith were all foamingly insane and without honor, you know? It was the rumor. I didn't have any reason to disbelieve it. I didn't know any Sith." She adds dryly, "Odd though it may sound, thank goddess that Kuras Taas winked at me. It was the first indication I had that Sith might even have a sense of humor! And if they had that... what else might the rumors be wrong about?"

Vakkal smiles. "As a Sith I expected mainly to be treated as an extremely dangerous prisoner of war, and likely quickly and painlessly killed if you didn't have any way of transporting me to a safe penitentiary." His smile fades. "As an Oather I expected quick death, or an outright attempt at conversion. Depending on if I 'talked' or not, my rescue could have likely been followed by an equally quick death at the hands of my Oather rescuers."

Freyja gently rests a hand on Vakkal as they walk. "It's all right... it wasn't like that. We learned. Both of us." She adds with quiet worry, "I just hope Karrac can learn quickly too."

Vakkal nods quietly. "I know. We all did. And yes, hopefully Karrac will as well.

As Freyja and Vakkal move away from the terminal, there is a curious sound from the steps leading to the upper floors of the building. It's a deep, thrumming sound, almost like someone is swinging a lightsaber, but it doesn't have that odd modulation to it that a 'saber does; rather, it is almost a woodwind sound. Freyja goes still for a second, one hand reaching for her blaster as she at first thinks she hears conflict erupting... then pauses, a puzzled look on her face. "Vakkal... do you hear that?"

Vakkal's ears perk, and he blinks. "Hmm? Yes, I do. What is it?"

Freyja looks around curiously... then grins, "Don't know! Let's find out!" and heads for the stairs.

Upstairs, the floor is more or less a single room. It appears to have been commandeered as a training area for the Jedi -- as evidenced by the shallow 'saber furrows in some of the corners. It isn't a saber that's being used here now, however. Jedi Diath is in the center of the room, performing an elaborate, fast kata that doesn't seem to be intended for actually practicing sword-cuts -- and the weapon in his hands is an arc of steely light. The woodwind sound is emitted from this.

Every so often, Diath's mask of concentration breaks a little as he grimaces and visibly misses a movement or a step, and the woodwind sound either alters noticeably or stops altogether, picking up again as he regains his center and performs the movement properly. Freyja blinks, stopping at the top of the stairs to watch in fascination, one hand still resting on the doorjamb. She's not sure what exactly the Jedi is wielding with such speed... she tilts her head thoughtfully, trying to make it out.

Diath notices Freyja at the top of the stairs, and stops, smiling though he pants a bit from exertion; the woodwind sound ceases. "Oh! Sorry, I forget how far the sound this thing makes carries." In his hands is... a sword. It is not unlike the ones on the wall of Talmon's room on Marnaas, in that the hilt appears to be of Jedi design. The blade, though, has a number of openings or void spaces along its length, each finely-tuned and wrought so as to apparently make a certain tone as the air moves over its surface.

Diath shakes his head, wiping his brow; it obviously takes some exertion. "Jedi Diana left this just before she departed. Supposedly there are some katas that you can do that'll make entire songs, but the most I've been able to find on the HoloNet is the rank, basic movements."

Freyja watches silently, still fascinated, studying the sword. A moment later she looks up at the Jedi, "What is it?"

Diath grins a little, still winded, and comes over to offer the sword to Freyja. "I'm... not really sure. It's something Diana said was peculiar to Bandomeer, she called it a 'windsong sword,' but for something peculiarly Bandomeeran, there's some weird things about it. The hilt's just like the ones Jedi used to make during the Heresy Wars, and there's texts for using it that were written on Ossus, of all places."

Freyja looks puzzled, but accepts the sword with cautious care, flipping her sleeve over her left hand so she doesn't touch the blade. She can tell, from her sideways glance, that Vakkal doesn't recognize this any more than she. She examines the sword up close, murmuring, "Windsong? That's a pretty name... did you ever see or hear Paladin Diana use it that way?"

Freyja blinks, studying the sword, as Diath's words register -- Ossus writings, Heresy Wars... is this something initiated by the Red General? "Er... Heresy Wars? Like... around the time of the Red General?" She checks the pommel carefully, seeing which exact symbol is there -- if any.

"The Red General? Yeah, I suppose so, actually. At least, if I remember my history right."

The blade is a little shy of a meter long, and from what Freyja can see the blade itself may be partially hollow, allowing it to produce a fluted sound; whomever forged it and uses it would have to be trusting that the hollow Echal steel is strong enough to withstand the rigors of combat. In between the openings are some patterned, elegant runes. The hilt is also elegant, with curved quillions and no basket covering the hand; the grip is curved, carved wood that molds neatly to the hand. The pommel itself is very simple, with no decoration at immediate glance; though when the pommel is looked at end-on, the faint image of a Bendu wheel -- in the form typical of the Jedi Order -- is apparent.

Diath nods, "She'd sometimes use it, but more often used her lightsaber if we got into combat. I don't think that can really parry concussion bolts. She was getting to be fairly good at it, with practice, though I think she preferred to see if she could ever get it to 'sing' a song. She had it made for her, actually, by a fellow on Coruscant."

Freyja looks rather bemused. What is this? Why is it Bandomeeran? She looks up, "What do the runes mean, do you know? Why didn't she take it with her?"

"She just said it was too heavy. It is pretty heavy, case and all, so I imagine that's part of it. Ah, those runes. I remember when she was looking them up. They're Ossus runes -- some of the oldest writing in the Order. It's her name, she said."

Freyja considers carefully. Echal steel... it's still used for regular swords, not just Sith ones, even though you don't find real, live swords made much anymore. She remembers the reproduction Jedi swords Talmon had in his room were live Echal steel. To her (admittedly limited) knowledge, most Sith swords are made of Echal steel these days, but she'd guess that's because the Sith still use swords. She'd also guess if the Jedi didn't have lightsabers, and still used steel swords, they'd be making them out of Echal steel.

Freyja looks at the runes with renewed fascination, sliding her hands to carefully grasp the hilt and feel the heft of the sword. "It is a bit heavy, to me... although I'd love to see Zero try it. He's good with weapons."

Diath grins. "Well, next time you both are here, let me know, I'll be more than happy to let him give it a try." He looks over the blade. "Let's see if I remember this right. I don't think even the Ossus masters really know the runes much anymore." He moves his finger over the runes, saying out the syllables. "Diana... Verdigris... and this part of her name is translated from an old dialect of Aurabesh -- Redcloak."

Freyja's head jerks up to stare at Diath. "Er... Redcloak? She's... Valsha's sister? Oh... my..." She suddenly remembers the protective person she saw with Valsha in the vision, and says sharply, "What did she look like?!" She frowns, murmuring under her breath, "Neh, couldn't be a sister... but still a relative, surely...?"

Diath nods to himself. "Yeah, I think that's the right order. You can't tell up from down with Ossus runes." He looks to Freyja, then blinks a little. "Valsha? Who's Valsha? Uh... Diana? Well... about my height, a bit shorter maybe... a little stocky, very dark brown-mahogany hair, skin maybe not as dark as mine, brown eyes with silvery highlights in them. Uh... why are you asking, Padawan Freyja?"

Freyja's eyes widen, and she breathes, "It was her!"

"Er... you mean Diana? What are you talking about? With who, where...?" He finally just lets his voice trail off into a puzzled silence.

Freyja blinks, re-focusing on Diath, "Valsha's the S-! -er... sheisse!" She glares at the inoffensive sword, muttering unhappily, "She's... part of Marnaas, Jedi Diath. I'm sorry." She considers a moment, then adds with firm clearness, "But Paladin Diana's fine and healthy last I farsaw her -- and that wasn't part of Marnaas."

Diath blinks, looking at Freyja carefully... then slowly nods. "Okay. I'll... take it that's a good thing, and won't ask what or why you were farseeing and happened to zero in on Jedi Diana. If it's tied up with the Council Seal... I'm really concerned, now, but this just shot ten levels above what I'm sure I'm allowed to know."

Freyja adds, after a moment's thought, "That was... about three or so weeks ago." She considers a moment, then hastily hands the sword to the confused Jedi, "Here -- I have to tell Master Roakkana this!" She doesn't even leave the room -- just clicks the comlink open for the Ark Nova. Diath takes the windsong sword quickly, blinking in confusion.

Shortly, Freyja is put in touch with Roakkana. "Hello, child," he says cheerfully. "I am sorry I couldn't answer your call earlier. What's happened?"

Freyja says with relief, "Master Roakkana! Oh, it's good to hear your voice again. Listen, I just found out something amazing!" She pauses, taking a breath to make sure she says something the Wookie will understand, but that won't break the promise she made regarding the Seal... then says slowly and clearly, "Jedi Diath just told me that Paladin Diana Verdigris Redcloak... has silver-flecked brown eyes!"

Freyja adds hastily, "And, uh, I'm not alone here. But I thought you'd want to know right away. This... puts a very peculiar spin on things -- she must've known already somehow!" She pauses, then says slowly, "Valsha's parting words to me were, 'the Force is our ally... whether we know it or not.' I wonder... if Paladin Diana knows that too?"

There is silence on the other end of the comlink for a long moment, then a softly murmured Shyriiwook invocation of some kind. "Thundering heavens! Diana Redcloak... She was the former knight-captain of the company there, wasn't she? And she is the same, then, as who you saw? Indeed... this puts a very peculiar spin on things! I no longer know what to think."

Freyja says, "Hai! Nor do I, Master... except that apparently the Paladin has been practicing with, er, with something called a Bandomeeran windsong sword that she had made special for her, that has Ossus runes on it, and the symbol of the Jedi on the pommel!"

"I've heard of such. They are indeed peculiar to Bandomeer, but nobody's certain really when they were first made there."

Freyja adds worriedly, "I hope she's not one of the ultra-militants. She was aware of Boghan and Ashla... so maybe she's not?" She murmurs puzzledly, "So... who was with her on that ship with Valsha?"

The Wookie rumbles, "Having knowledge is no guarantor of philosophical bent. I daresay the ultra-militants know of the origins of Jedi orthodoxy as well."

Freyja looks up at the increasingly confused Diath and asks worriedly, "Do you know if Paladin Diana knew Jedi Master Balin Khoud?" She frowns, talking almost to herself, "Neh, she must've, somehow... how else to set it up...?"

Diath shakes his head. "As far as I know, none of us knew him. He's so far above us in the Order, we'd barely merit his notice. We're not normally assigned to the Balmorra sector as it is."

Freyja nods a silent thanks to the Jedi, then adds on the comlink, "Anyway, this makes for more questions than it answers... but I thought you'd want to know, Master." She looks up suddenly at Diath again, "Oh! Can you tell me why she was on Ambria?"

Master Roakkana nods, "I appreciate it, Freyja, thank you. Let Zero know as soon as possible. I don't know what this changes, if anything, but it's very much something to take into account."

Diath shakes his head, "Until you told me, I didn't even know she was on Ambria! The only things there now are shipyards and naval bases."

Freyja nods to Diath again, then replies to the Wookie, "Hai, Master Roakkana, I'll be sure to do so. We'll try to be more assiduous in keeping you up to date... and hopefully tonight we'll have good luck with the natives again."

Master Roakkana says, "Good luck with that, and be careful, child."

Freyja grins, "Hai, always, Master. May the Force be with you!"

"And also with you, Freyja."

Freyja will wait until he's disconnected, then step forward and take Diath's free hand in both of hers. Her demeanor is very sincere, "Jedi Diath, thank you very much, both for the news and help you've given me, and for your patience with this stupid Seal. I'm very sorry about the Seal -- it's terribly annoying! I promise, if the Seal gets raised and I can speak of it, that I'll tell you everything, all right?"

Diath blinks, then nods, though he still looks confused. "I, uh, understand, Padawan Freyja. I appreciate it, and I really hope it gets lifted!"

Freyja nods firmly, "Me too!" She steps back and sighs softly, "But until then... we're stuck." She smiles ruefully, then thanks him again and quietly slips out, to head with Vakkal to finally meet up with Zero, and give him the startling news.

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

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