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Reality Fault

Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs

Chapter Six, Part Nine

It is mere moments after the attack on Nathaniel Solo. Public safety speeders can be heard closing in on the location, sirens blaring. People in the office building are already gathering around the door, wondering what's going on. Outside, there is slightly less activity, but it is growing as people hear the speeders approaching.

Freyja pauses for a moment, considering thoughtfully. There's no way normal folks will be able to defend Solo from another Darksider attack, despite best intentions... she swiftly scoops up the unconscious man, one of his arms over her shoulders, and nods to Vakkal, "Get one of those rickshaw-droids, and we'll follow the others with him. Hopefully once he wakes up, Zero and Fhazil will have knocked some sense into them, and he can reason with them."

Freyja heads towards the door, pausing by the protocol droid to speak quite rapidly, "Haiyo, Arnine, Nathaniel Solo was just the victim of a Darkside attack. We shall be taking him with us, to continue to provide protection. Please give me some form of communication by which you may reach us later, if necessary."

Arnine seems ready to blow a circuit. "If I had a concussion gun I'd be giving you communication, all right! What right do you have to take Mr. Solo out of his place of business, unconscious or not?!"

Freyja blinks, then shakes her head dismissively at herself. She recognizes the company and model... a 9J series high-degree office management droid, not a protocol droid -- especially outfitted with treads like that, which look after-market as it is. Looks like Gurrughushal Forrg -- a half Republic, half Hutt Space company. "Tch... obviously not a properly designed protocol droid. Sorry, we don't have time for this." She heads for the door with Nathaniel's limp form. She hopes Vakkal has found some transportation... Nathaniel is no lightweight, alas.

Arnine's shout follows them out the door: "I am not a protocol droid!" Obviously a button, of sorts, for her.

The public safety speeders are a minute or two out, but Vakkal has cajoled or bullied a rickshaw-droid into waiting patiently for the three. Freyja loads up poor Nathaniel, making sure he's secured, and tells the rickshaw-droid to follow Vakkal. She knows he's the fastest of the group, at least as far as ground speed. They'll follow the other two triat members with instructions given over the link they share.

Zero comes to a stop in a small cul-de-sac in the better part of the residential district before losing track of the dissipating darkness. He frowns. "Tch. Lost them."

Freyja whispers over the link, Try locating the name and home address of the black-skinned Twi'lek woman who runs security in the spaceport. Let's see if it's in the area you're in? She continues, in the rickshaw-droid, to try to heal or awaken Nathaniel Solo, as they rush through the streets after the other two.

Zero hms. "C'mon, Fhazil, let's find a holo terminal. We'll make some phone calls."

Freyja is bewildered, after examining Nathaniel. She can't figure out what's wrong with him... and he won't wake up! She'll have to wait until later to get some help, she supposes. For now... concentrate on catching up with her friends, and keeping Nathaniel from further harm. Whatever is wrong with Nathaniel eludes Freyja; whatever is ailing him is some weird new application of blight, it seems.

Shortly, after talking with the Jedi at the constabulary, Zero gets the address of the starport security manager, which looks like a small -- a very small -- manse. It is simple, elegant, somewhat spartan, but eminently comfortable, with a strong Twi'lek influence. Zero walks past without gawking, and continues to walk right past the front gate until he and Fhazil are safely around a corner and out of sight. Well, we found her. No idea if this is the source or not, though... we'll wait for you here. He gives Freyja the address of the next intersection down the block.

Freyja acknowledges the address over the link, then lets Vakkal and the rickshaw-droid get them there. She'll be opening out her datapad to plot the location of Nathaniel's office, the direction the Darksider tentacles were leading Zero and Fhazil, the location of the residential cul-de-sac where the tentacles eluded Zero and Fhazil... and now the manse of the Twi'lek woman. Is the manse in the line of travel? For that matter, she wonders over the link, let's see what else is on that line of travel... like maybe the spaceport or something?

Freyja reports her conclusions to the others: the manse is roughly in the line of travel, while the spaceport is not. Other things that are -- at least beyond the point where the trail was lost -- include a park, the city water treatment facility, and the first of a number of outlying hydroponics farms. A couple of minutes later, the rickshaw droid carrying Freyja, Vakkal, and Nathaniel arrives at the intersection. The street is quiet and all but deserted. The few houses here seem to preclude a great deal of pedestrian traffic. Freyja looks up with a soft sigh at the others, "Well... I'm stumped. I can't seem to wake Nathaniel, either, which worries me a little."

As they are talking over their options, Freyja, Zero, and Vakkal -- and Fhazil, once he's mentally nudged -- notice, rounding the corner of the intersection, a landspeeder trundling casually -- almost too casually -- along. At the controls is a Wookiee -- a Wookiee who, as he's completing the turn, immediately spots the group... and floors it. The landspeeder shoots off down the street, though not without Freyja and Zero having enough time to get the make, model, and VID of the landspeeder.

Freyja raises an eyebrow, watching the landspeeder, "So... bait, or legitimate target, do you think?"

Zero folds his arms. "Well, that was certainly amateur."

Freyja sighs softly, "Young adult male Wookiee with light brown hair. Well... I'm a Jedi, so I guess getting into trouble is my purview. I'll keep you guys updated on the link, all right?" She grins ruefully, "Can't believe I'm saying this..." then leans forward to tell the rickshaw-droid, "Follow that landspeeder!" The droid churps a little excitedly, and careens off down the street after the landspeeder, jostling Nathaniel a little, who makes no sound.

Zero says, "We'll follow on foot, Fhazil, and make sure she isn't tailed."

Freyja whispers directions to her 'tails' so they have no trouble following. She suggests to Vakkal that he roam where he thinks wisest, since were she the individual setting this up, she'd have an ambush planned for the 'unwary' Jedi following her landspeeder 'bait.'

Zero, Fhazil, and Vakkal don't spot the landspeeder or any indication of a tail or ambush. Freyja doesn't spot any ambush either, but does manage to keep the droid happily locked onto the landspeeder as it zooms into the commercial district. Freyja checks the map she's got spread out on her datapad -- are they following the path the tentacles took?

Freyja notes they are now on a path nowhere near any sort of direct line between the point where Zero lost track of the Force-presence and the place where Nathaniel was attacked. Freyja frowns, getting increasingly confused. She looks up at the Wookiee, All right, that's enough of all this nonsense... and her eyes pale a little as she focuses on the landspeeder's driver and summons the Force. She's his friend... why is he running?

Freyja can see the shape of the driver in the landspeeder, and as she reaches out she can feel him, touch his mind ever so slightly, influencing rather than forcing. The Wookiee turns around, glancing backward, and Freyja feels his confusion.

Then she feels something else. The Wookiee is in telepathic contact with others, behind them in the high-class residential district. She sees a couple of faces lit by a faint green light -- another Wookiee and a Kel Dor wearing expensive clothing -- and other shadowy figures... two or three. You must be strong, Sharruruk, they are saying to him, for just a little while longer; we are -- what? She senses us, the bright one! There is a swelling within the Force, then she is blocked from reaching the Wookiee.

Freyja smiles and waves, calling out, "Haiyo! Sorry to bother you!" and passes what she saw on to the others, I'm turning around now... back to the residential district, I think. She sighs, a little tired of fanatics, then sternly reminds herself -- they're just doing what they believe is right. Still... She sighs quietly again, directing the rickshaw-droid back the way they came just as fast as before. If that doesn't panic them into doing something that will make them show up to her friends... she doesn't know what will.

Zero nudges Fhazil mentally, Whoops, here she comes again... make for a side street, let them pass and we'll box them in.

While Zero is getting himself into place, he hears the whine of repulsor-lifts. Looking up and rising from somewhere in the middle of the district -- close to the security manager's mansion, at least -- are a pair of airspeeders. They're civilian luxury models, high-speed but not exactly combat-performance. Meanwhile, Freyja's rickshaw trundles through the streets, and neither Zero nor Fhazil can spot any sort of persons attempting a tail.

Freyja sighs quietly again, There they go. Do we want to try bringing them down? A rock in their air exhaust could probably do it... but might cause a huge mess too?

Zero makes an irritated noise in his throat. I'm getting tired of this game. Let's at least do this by the book; call spaceport security and tell them to bring those speeders down. Pull rank as Jedi if you have to. Freyja nods, acknowledging, then does so. She also quietly makes sure all four of them will be able to recognize and identify the individuals they saw -- both Wookiees and the Kel Dor, at the very least.

The airspeeders are almost out of view over the city when municipal airspeeders scream overhead, sirens blaring. The luxury airspeeders slow... and then something strikes one of the municipals, sending it careening off, trailing sparks.

Freyja frowns as the police airspeeder veers off, sparking -- that's not just cheating, to harm innocent bystanders... but also irresponsible! She has the rickshaw-droid stop, then sighs... shoulda tossed the rock up their tailpipes first thing, she supposes. She marks on her map the last visible location of the fleeing airspeeders, then leaves them to the local constabulary, as they're out of the triat's reach.

Freyja spots the new group first, followed by Fhazil. Down the street about twenty meters away, a landspeeder has turned a corner and stopped. Even at this distance three figures within it can be spotted, two of whom -- one Human and the other Ithorian -- are moving to step out of the landspeeder. Their attention is focused on the small group. Freyja alerts her friends via link as to what she's doing, then pauses before reaching the landspeeder to say politely, "Haiyo. You are supposed to prevent me from following your fleeing compatriots, I take it?"

The Ithorian remains silent, while the human folds his hands in front of him. "Not quite, no," he says, neutrally. He is middle-aged, with prematurely graying hair but an athletic build. His clothing is comfortable, a loose robe with wide sleeves; he may be wearing armor underneath, judging by the heavy bracers visible. He nods to the airspeeders. "You forced their hand. They're rather scared right now."

Freyja nods, quite tired by this point of inscrutable fanatics, "Very well, then. If you're not going to stop me, I'm going to make some suggestions. Why don't you either get back in your landspeeder and go help the downed constabulary, or make suggestions which will help diffuse this issue, or heal the kuras with me. Barring that, I shall continue following the fleeing people. Your pardon on my terseness, but I'm a little concerned currently."

The Human nods. "I can understand that. Chein Ghur of the Baran Do is offering surrender, and as part of that he offers to do what he can for Epopt Nathaniel Solo."

Freyja blinks with astonishment... then says, "All right, confusing as this is, we can discuss Force philosophy later. Is Chein Ghur on one of the fleeing vehicles, or in that landspeeder there?" She points at the one landed in front of her.

Freyja recalls the Baran Do. A specifically Kel Dor Force tradition, the Baran Do sages were seers and prophets, visionaries and precognates, who were often found as advisors to various Kel Dor leaders. It is not particularly Lightsider or Darksider in and of itself -- the sages divine and give information. They are not specifically involved in how others use that information. However they are, and have been for a very long time, allied with the Jedi, though their numbers have dwindled as more and more Kel Dor opt for the much more proactive Jedi Order. That a Baran Do sage is -- or was -- allied with Darksiders is unusual enough.

The Ithorian steps to the side, opening the landspeeder door... through which steps perhaps the oldest Kel Dor any of the group has ever seen. He is positively ancient, as evinced by the almost entirely blue-green luster highlighting his features. He walks carefully on a gimer stick as he steps out, managing to stand straight. "No," he says, in perfectly accented Aurabesh. "I could not bring myself to flee as the others have. This has gone on for long enough."

Zero kneels down and leans against the corner of the building he's using for cover. Somehow, seeing the eldest among the Darksider allies is not putting him at his ease. He is still somewhat tense, ready to rush out in a moment if necessary. He just hopes that's not too late.

Freyja nods, speaking rapidly the ritual courtesies of Balmorran surrender -- she's under stress, and simply reacting in original training. Her eyes are still somewhat worriedly following the disappearing fleeing vehicles despite herself, "Certes, this is acceptable to me. Thou'rt offering surrender to Padawan Freyja Rigg of Balmorra, student of Jedi Master Roakkana of Kashyyyk; is this meet to thee, honorable sage?"

The sage starts hobbling towards Nathaniel, responding not only in kind but also in the formal Balmorran manner. "Certes. I hight Chein Ghur of Dorin, Baran Do sage; it is meet that I do so offer surrender to Padawan Freyja Rigg of Balmorra." He tilts his head to the side, looking at Solo, and sighs softly. "Oh, Nathaniel, what have we done to you?"

Freyja can't help a small internal sigh as the vehicles vanish, and forces her gaze back to the Kel Dor, admonishing herself to focus on courtesy to an Elder. "I thank thee for thy courtesy, honorable sage," then mentally shakes herself out of formality. "Can you, after assisting Epopt Solo, aid us in persuading the Covenanters to... well, at least just talk to us? Just us... we're not asking them to turn themselves in to the other Jedi." Yet, she thinks wryly. They'd better pray to their interpretation of the Force that none in that downed vehicle was harmed... She shifts so the Kel Dor can easily reach Solo, adding, "And if I may be of assistance here, please ask?" She also whispers over the link, Guys, can you find out if the downed vehicle landed safely?

Zero leans back around the corner and picks up his comlink. Yeah, I'm on it.

Thank you, sweetheart. Sorry to bother you... but I'm scared they may have come down on someone...

Zero taps at the comlink, You want us to go lend a hand if they came down hard?

The Kel Dor nods as he knees beside Nathaniel. "I can but try. I doubt they will be able to leave the planet, though I believe all but one will be amenable to talking, if not turning themselves in." He places a hand upon Nathaniel's brow and nods quietly. "Yes. The Valsarian's handiwork. I'd felt it, and thought it would be such. Nathaniel's connection to the Force is disrupted. Normal healing through the Force would not work, as you noticed. It is, as Jedi would call it, a very subtle and primal form of blight. Give me some time to do what I can for him."

Freyja murmurs quietly, "Should I stay to aid you, or attempt to follow them?" To Zero she murmurs, Moment... I don't know if I should go with, or neh... Then she blinks, "Wait... blight? I... should be able to sense that...?" She interestedly scans the man, searching for the familiar black crawling she's come to associate with blight. If she can heal this... perhaps she can heal wounds from one of the horrible Sith swords?

Zero raises the comlink to his ear. "Public safety? Padawan Satau with the constabulary here, saw a speeder come down outside the residential area, do you require assistance?" All right, love. I'll update you when I know something here.

Zero shortly learns that the police speeder did crash, but the safety systems engaged without a problem. The pilot reported feeling his craft getting 'smacked,' consistent with a raw telekinetic impact through the Force. The other airspeeders are making a high-speed run for the spaceport. Zero tchs. "All right. Thank you. If you need assistance please call the constabulary."

Freyja looks into Nathaniel's presence within the Force. There is no blight as she is familiar with it; no black tendrils of destruction or entopic writhing preventing normal healing. What she senses, though, is much more subtle. Indeed, as the Kel Dor says, Nathaniel Solo's connection with the Force is disrupted, throwing his body and mind out of balance. This isn't blight so much as something a lot.. older, almost. While Freyja can sense him superficially through the Force, and cannot sense anything physically wrong with Solo, the disconnection seems to run deeper than that.

Freyja raises a fascinated eyebrow, but doesn't lose sight of the fact the man is suffering. She hopes the sage has some idea of what to do... she's not sure what to try, and isn't willing to experiment on the wounded.

Zero leans back against the wall and tucks the comlink into his belt. No injuries, Freyja. The speeders are home free by now. How's Solo?

Freyja gives a small, soft sigh of relief, Wonderful. Ah... he's not so good. She updates her friends on the peculiar situation, 'showing' them what she 'saw' also. Really odd, isn't it? She adds a little hopefully (since maybe Darksiders know more about this?), Any suggestions, guys?

The Kel Dor glances up to Freyja, and gestures a little. "Come, hetaera. Let me show you what is wrong with him. It is a Valsarian technique; very hard to treat, but you will in time reach enlightenment enough to heal this on your own."

Freyja blinks at the Kel Dor, then grins, "Thank you, I'd love to learn!" She adds cheerfully, "And maybe we can talk more later... I didn't know, er, hetaera-ness was so obvious!" She attends assiduously to the Kel Dor. This she very much wants to remember!

The Kel Dor makes a quiet sound. "Only because I have met several in my time, and after a while they are as distinct from other Jedi as Jedi are from other Lightsider traditions." Freyja nods interestedly.

Zero rests his head against the wall and closes his eyes, No idea, my love. You'll have to explain it to us later. Freyja grins and blows Zero a small kiss... then focuses on the Kel Dor's words.

The Kel Dor demonstrates to Freyja the details of the healing, though it is clear to Freyja she is not quite, as she is now, entirely capable of healing this sort of wound without a great deal of luck or grace from the Force. Meanwhile, the airspeeders have led the police on a merry chase through some of the streets and between the buildings of the spaceport city before being forced down with precision concussion fire. Since then, there has been a standoff with the airspeeders' passengers and the police, in that the police cannot approach the airspeeders but the airspeeders cannot escape.

The Jedi at the constabulary (thinking that this was the end of the troubles) began to move out, but one of their number was abruptly cut down shortly after they left the constabulary... by a shadowy figure wielding a green lightsaber.

When the sage finishes the procedure with Nathaniel (noting to Freyja that he would need to rest for several hours in order to finish healing), the Human, who apparently was keeping tabs on events as well, leans down and murmurs to the Kel Dor. The sage sighs. "I was afraid of that."

Freyja gives the Kel Dor a rather sympathetic glance, "I take it that's the, ah... unamenable one you're discussing?" She whispers to her friends, Shall we do this in an organized fashion? First the downed airspeeder folks... then get all the helpful data we can from them, in order to turn all our focus on the creepy fanatic that won't listen to reason?

He nods, standing. "Yes, she is."

Zero stands up, dusting off his overcoat. I'll head to the spaceport with Fhazil. You want to meet us there?

Freyja nods mentally to Zero, Hai, we should go help the constabulary, definitely. Vakkal and I will catch up as soon as we can -- I want to arm us with all the information we can get; I'll pass it to you all via the link. Hurry, though, please, so as few as possible are harmed in this mess? She thinks a bit, then says to the Kel Dor, "All right. Would it be safest to put you, your friends, and Nathaniel back into the house you came from? And... have you any advice in regards to your ideologically fixed frie- er... acquaintance?"

Zero nods, heading down the street to hail a rickshaw. If they can't catch the Darksiders I may have to go up there myself... okay? Better me than a public safety officer who can't defend himself.

The Kel Dor considers. "Yes... that may be best. I fear my skills are not oriented towards assisting you against that one. Some weeks ago when I foresaw these events, she was the one who scoffed and spoke of making her own destiny. I can offer no suggestions, I fear. Though I do not think she is the fanatic you believe her to be."

Freyja smiles at the Kel Dor, stepping from the rickshaw-droid and offering it to him, "I would gladly be surprised at her reasonableness, honorable sage. I commend Epopt Solo to th- er, to your care. May I have the address, please, so we may connect up later? I will not divulge it to the other Jedi. Also, any advice you might offer, which could lead to as little bloodshed as possible and a peaceful surrender, would be extremely welcome, honored sage."

The Kel Dor provides them with the address, then explains as much as he can -- or feels comfortable divulging -- about the others. There is a Valsarian Epopt (the Wookiee Freyja saw in the vision) and one who is best described as a Fallen Jedi Master. Others in the group involve at least one Graysider, a few Darksiders who might best be termed Dark Jedi, and one from a cult of Darkside-based sorcery -- though the tradition itself eschews the Lightside/Darkside dichotomy.

Freyja blinks, listening, and wishes vaguely that the Silver Path Presbyter were here -- she'd know what to do to calm everyone down! Freyja sighs quietly... well, the triat is certainly not a well-experienced Presbyter, but maybe, just maybe, they can make things work out... smoothly and calmly, she hopes. Instead she nods, listening closely, then asks again, "And the woman with the green lightsaber, please? Is there anything we might be able to say to persuade her to desist?"

The Baran Do sage considers for a moment, then shakes his head. "I do not know. She has been killing Lightsiders for so long, I... do not know what can be said to her."

Freyja pauses, looking at the Human and the Ithorian, then asks the sage, "Also, these two are your people and your responsibility, hai? Your surrender covers them also?"

The Kel Dor half-looks at them. "While they are not Baran Do, I have spoken at length with them, so yes, the surrender to you does cover them."

Freyja nods, then gives a polite salute to them also, "I thank you also then, and shall return."

Zero frowns a bit, folding his arms and glancing at Fhazil. I think it's obvious we're going to have to stop her, Freyja. I will, if only because that's my place on the Edge to do so.

Fhazil sends, She's killed a dozen Jedi, Zero... and who knows how many others. The Kel Dor said 'Lightsiders,' not specifically 'Jedi.' Which tells me she's been doing this for a very long time.

Zero shrugs, It doesn't matter, Fhazil. It's got to be done.

Freyja checks the Kel Dor's people need no assistance in getting the sage and the unconscious Solo back to safety, then turns and heads hastily out, Haiyo, guys, we're on our way -- sorry for the delay, and hope the information was helpful! How're things on your end? She grins ruefully at Vakkal. Knowing her lack of fleetness of foot... he's got another rickshaw-droid waiting for her! She giggles softly, "Sorry I'm such a slow poke!" as he easily races along next to the droid.


The group shortly arrives at the place the landspeeders have landed. They didn't seem to have landed gently, having been all but forced down by police speeders armed with dampeners, wave guns, and concussion grenades. Nevertheless, they are in one piece, and a cordon has been established around them. The windows to the airspeeders are mirrored, which prevents spying in upon the passengers.

A brief inquiry with the constable in charge of the scene confirms that several tactical teams and droids have attempted to approach the airspeeders, but have been slapped back by the Force. At least, that's the only way he can explain it.

Freyja confers quietly with her friends, "So... they aren't stupid. They must know they can't hold out forever. Do we want to try approaching reasonably... and let Zero sneak in as backup if necessary?" She looks at Zero, "You can really vanish in the Force, right?"

Zero smiles, "Oh yes."

Freyja nods, "Good. Zero, you'll need some sneak time, right? We'll try to keep them busy talking here." She pauses, then hugs him tightly, Take care of yourself, all right? If you get hurt, I'll... I'll spank you, or... or something!

Zero grins and kisses Freyja's forehead gently. Mm, you promise? He grins and takes a few backward steps, and then, Cheshire-like, he's gone.

Freyja giggles, half-blushing, "Force be with you!" and smiles a little worriedly as he leaves. Then she takes a deep breath, holding a sternly amused finger up at Fhazil, "Don't you go getting any ideas, now!" She pushes her fiery-gold bangs back, then sighs quietly. "All right... let's go start talking parley." She'll ask the constabulary how (if at all) they're communicating with the ships -- communicator, spaceport frequencies, just shouting? She wants to try talking to them. She doesn't mention the vanished Zero at all.

The constable says, "By comlink, mostly. They are insisting we are detaining them illegally and, quite frankly, we are. We have no proof of them being any sort of criminals."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, "Is the word of a Jedi worth anything to you? If so, tell them they are accused of harboring the Jedi assassin. Er... that was not clear. The assassin of the Jedi."

"Considering how many Jedi have died on Kalarban soil, we're rather understandably eager to see an end to it. Let me pass that on to them." A moment later comes the predictable response: rubbish and poppycock, there is no assassin of Jedi aboard these two airspeeders.

Freyja grins at the constable, "May I speak to them?" The constable hesitates for a moment, then nods, passing the comlink over to her.

Freyja says cheerfully over the comlink, "Haiyo! I hight Padawan Freyja. Your sage surrendered to me, so I would like to note my word is good. Also, as you doubtless know, a week sitting in downed airspeeders is even less fun than interstellar travel. So... would you care to talk about this like reasonable sapients, or simply sit and wait?"

Freyja adds with a grin, "Of course she's not there with you... she's out doing her thing -- assassinating more Jedi! Silly people." Then she listens quietly after her too-cheerful speech. No screams, no panic, no shouts via the link from Zero... she supposes silence is still good, but she'll take Fhazil's hand tightly in her own anyway.

There is a pause, then a fairly rough, growly voice speaking Shiirywook. "You obviously pride yourself on knowing more than the constables. Well, then, let us parley. What do you propose?"

Freyja says politely, "Neh, honored Epopt. I simply want to end this as calmly and peacefully as possible, and I know there are things you probably would not care to have shouted over unencrypted comlink." She wonders curiously if that was a test or something... do they know her Master is another Wookiee, or are they simply stalling? Language barriers can slow things down, after all.

The Wookiee voice returns: "This is perhaps true. However, you will understand if we are... cautious, especially where Jedi are involved."

Zero sidles easily through the crowd, passing through the mass of milling personnel unopposed; his route is not circuitous or particularly straight, but such that someone is always just stepping out of the way as he makes his way by, unnoticed by anyone. Meanwhile, to those with eyes to see, his silvery ghostlike form gradually thins, flows, and then dissipates, all but not present in the crowd of other lights and presences. A public safety officer passes a bit closer than usual to the rear quarter of the farther airspeeder from Freyja, and in his wake, suddenly Zero is there, sitting, leaning against the rear quarter below the window and precisely in the driver's blind spot.

Freyja nods calmly, "Hai, caution is good." She's silent for a moment, then adds, "It is currently my intention to maintain responsibility for the sage until my Jedi Master, who is also a Wookiee and is in-bound to this planet, arrives. I believe he is a very wise man, and will know the right thing to do, within the Force. I also believe more killing, especially during wartime, is counterproductive for us all. Therefore... would you care to offer surrender to me, honored Epopt? I am sorry I am just a Padawan... but I am offering the most honorable solution I can think of. I am also open to counter-proposals?"

Freyja crosses her fingers, and hopes everyone will remain reasonable... although having Fhazil there to lean against a bit helps alleviate the anxiety she's feeling -- both for Zero and for the countless people who could potentially be harmed by her not being good enough at negotiation. Still, there is absolutely no sign, either through the Force or within the airspeeder, that anyone in the airspeeder noticed Zero.

The Wookiee says, "'Surrender' is a very strong word, Padawan Freyja. We are willing to talk, but not to relinquish our freedom."

Zero closes his eyes to listen through Freyja; he cradles Kuwatuara in his hands, knowing the shard-blade is too wild and dangerous for a crowd. In a situation like this it is best to simply rely upon the surest and most elegant weapon one has; the way of the craftsman is to know his tools, and it is the same with the way of the soldier. He smiles a little, and tries to remember where he read that.

Freyja says, "All right." She's a little puzzled... do these folks expect to just walk away from the murder of about two dozen folks? Still... keep them talking, "What do you want to discuss as a counter proposal, honored Epopt?"

"Obviously, we wish to discuss the mitigating factors of the events involving us. However, more than that is a strong desire on the part of several of our number to not be sent to Carceri."

Freyja sighs, "Oooh... good point. Um, that's a toughie. Let me think..." A moment later she says, "Well, wait... what mitigating factors do you wish to discuss, first?"

"If you have taken the surrender of the sage and Nathaniel Solo, then you may understand our motivations for what we did. We wish those motivations acknowledged, not merely swept under the branches of the lower forests. You may also know that much of what has happened on Kalarba has spun out of our control, though we acknowledge that is for a court of law to decide." He pauses. "A court of law, mind you. Not a Tribunal of Jedi -- which has no authority over us."

Freyja raises an eyebrow, "Er... honored Epopt, do you really want to discuss this on an unencrypted comlink?"

"Ideally, no. But your alternative is for us to surrender, which does not leave us much choice."

Freyja says, "Hmm... well, all right, let's see... would you all be willing to... umm... would you be willing to give your words -- all of you, please -- that you will commit neh more violence, and will place yourselves under house arrest in the building you were in before... and perhaps we could talk there, instead?" She pauses, then adds a bit ruefully, "It... might be better if you didn't have any communication with your ah... Jedi-phobic friend, also? And, um... as I said before, I'm but a Padawan, but I'll do my best to work things out well for you?"

Over the link Zero hears a faintly anxious, You still all right, sweetheart? He can also feel the mixed emotions -- she doesn't want to distract him at some critical point -- but she's really worried for him!

There is a long pause, that stretches for several moments. "We are discussing it," is the only message from the Wookiee.

Freyja waits silently, trying not to fidget. Zero sits up a little, kneeling, one hand on his saber's ignition switch. He intends to slash the speeder's power unit if it comes to that, and be ready for multiple opponents if it comes to something else. To the link he replies, I'm fine, but it sounds like they're getting restless inside the speeder here. I'm going to cut their engines off if they try to take off.

Freyja whispers, Which one are you on, and we'll focus on the other if necessary, all right?

Zero grins, I have your friend the Wookiee here next to me in the far speeder.

Freyja murmurs, Got it, then adds to Fhazil, Can you mute your Sithstain and work your way over near the other one, to prevent it from escaping also? Would that work? And Vakkal should probably stay here, since I'm expecting a visit from our insane green lightsaber woman at some point...

Fhazil sends over the link, Err, I can mute my Sithstain, but there's no way I can sneak close to the other speeder without being seen like Zero.

Freyja nods, All right. Should we try linking up as a triat to try that for you?

Fhazil sends, I'm not sure but I think that would really seriously give away Zero's position long enough for them to notice him. And it'd probably be different enough from anything they've seen before to draw their attention.

Mmm... blast. Should have done that first, I guess. All right, we'll just have the constabulary focus on that one, if necessary, all right? Let them know that we'll do our best to handle the far one, please, and they should handle the closer one?

Zero adds, We still have other options, lovely. Fhazil, circle to one side here so you can rush in between the speeders here if necessary, and we'll flank them.

Freyja sounds relieved, Oh, good! Thank you, Zero! She grins, giving Fhazil a quick kiss on the cheek before he leaves, All right, so you should be real careful too, hai?

Zero smiles, It's not necessary that you be unseen, friend; just make sure you're in best position to do something when the time comes. Freyja nods. Fhazil mentally nods, and after gently squeezing Freyja's hand, slips Korotatinea from his belt and circles around the cordon to the location Zero indicated.

The Wookiee returns. "I am presuming you will do your utmost to ensure the other Jedi uphold your word. But will they?"

Freyja thinks a moment, then says quietly, "It is my opinion that where there is mutual honor, there can be mutual trust... and that can lead to mutual respect and, hopefully, perhaps understanding some day. I do not know what you are asking for precisely, but I will say I trust my Jedi Master Roakkana implicitly." She pauses, "If, however, you are asking about the other Jedi here... hm. Could you please hold on a moment, and I'll just check?"

"We will wait."

Freyja hastily has a comlink patched through to Jedi Master Nifalu, and asks him if the Jedi on the planet are willing to respect her promises to the Force adepts she's talking to. She also makes clear that the assassin of the Jedi is not one of those so covered... and that she and her friends hope to deal with that person once they've dealt with this situation here.

Freyja wonders a bit worriedly what she'll do concerning the Epopt Solo, the Kel Dor sage, and his people, if Jedi Master Nifalu refuses... a little grimly she realizes it's too late to be worrying about that. She's given her word to them... she can't back out now just because it's convenient to do so.

Nifalu is in consultation with the other Jedi for several minutes, and when he returns he -- reluctantly -- agrees, so long as some sort of justice is meted out to the criminals. He also makes it abundantly clear every Jedi in his company will not hesitate to slay any Darksider who attempted to harm them; he will not ask them to hold back from protecting themselves. But they will not attempt to conduct 'preemptive self-defense.'

It's with a great deal of relief that Freyja hears Nifalu's response. "Oh, thank you so much, Jedi Master! Hai, we should all defend ourselves, or those in need of defending -- I quite agree. Thank you! I will get back to you as soon as I may, all right, Jedi Master?" Nifalu agrees, noting that his people are still in the constabulary building; the green-saber assassin is still at large but they cannot seem to get a fix on that one's position.

Freyja returns to speaking to the Wookiee Epopt, much happier, "Epopt? Er... blast. I am sorry, I don't have your name?"

"It is Lowbessku of Kashyyyk."

Freyja grins, much cheered at the possibility of a peaceful resolution for at least most of the folks involved. "Thank you! Epopt Lowbessku of Kashyyyk, the local Jedi have agreed to honor my promises to you and your people, if you would like to agree to the compromise we've discussed. Hai?"

Zero starts to hear some commotion within the airspeeder. Voices seem to be raised -- he can actually hear the voices being raised, including the Wookiee's. He blinks and sends to the others, Debate, nothing; sounds like a shouting match. This may escalate in a moment, Freyja -- make sure the public security people don't flip out...

Freyja nods acknowledgement to Zero. Then, while waiting and hoping the Wookiee wins the arguments, she calmly turns to the constable, explains what's occurring in the vehicles currently, and asks if the constabulary can arrange a closed, safe, perhaps armored vehicle for all the folks inside the downed airspeeders and herself and Vakkal, please? The constable agrees.

Freyja sends to her friends, Guys, you want to ride along? I'm guessing the trip back is when any fanatics will attack...? She adds dryly, Of either Force persuasion...? Then again... would it be better to have you both in flanking vehicles?

Zero presses his ear to the frame of the speeder, listening. Might be better if Fhazil and I went along with any escort the Jedi set up... they'll probably need all the able sabers they can get.

Suddenly there is a wave of power, Darkside power, through the Force. Freyja can sense it -- but Zero is right next to Ground... Zero. The rear door on the passenger side compartment is blown open and a Rodian clad in what looks like a fairly well-worn Jedi tunic is thrown clear, screaming and rolling on the ground as if trying to get a thousand fire-ants off him.

Freyja blinks, watching, but is careful to hold up a calm, warning hand for the constable. On the airspeeder, Zero also blinks and rolls clear, behind the speeder so he can see and still have something between him and the action, Stang, did you feel that?! We'll debate transportation in a moment, lovely.

Must be the Fallen Jedi. Poor guy. Hai, we'll wait -- Force be with you.

The Rodian is still screaming, gibbering wildly, as another in old and worn Jedi tunic (this one a Trandoshan) leaps out to kneel by him. From where Freyja sees, the Wookiee slowly steps out of the airspeeder, hands folded neatly before him in a curious mudra and looking impassively at the two Fallen Jedi. The odd sense of the Shattered Force clings to him for a few moments more before fading. With it does the Rodian's screaming.

Freyja's lips form a silent, Whoa... Then she takes a slow, deep breath, then carefully straightens her clothes so she looks respectable. She doesn't want to embarrass her friends or Order in front of the Darksiders... and she doesn't want the poor Darksiders to wonder if it was wise to negotiate with an apparent ragamuffin! She glances worriedly at the other airspeeder, wondering if they'll be coming out soon, and murmurs in a quiet aside to the constable, "Er... vehicle soonest, please, honored constable?"

Zero takes the Rodian's silence as a sign the debate's over. He very slowly rises, standing next to the rear quarter-panel of the speeder, one hand on the frame, the other on Kuwatuara. "Well... that was quite impressive," he says softly, deciding to make his presence known rather than become a surprise.

The Rodian is still alive, though he raises no argument -- he's just panting heavily and glaring up at the Wookiee. From the other airspeeder steps another figure in well-worn old Jedi browns. This one, however, of a reptilian-mustelid species unknown to the group, wears the robes of a master. The Fallen Master and the Valsarian Epopt seem to glare at each other for several moments.

Zero nods politely to the two apparent elders before adding, "We should have a transport for you momentarily."

Freyja watches in fascination, and Vakkal can hear her faint murmur to herself, "I simply must do more studying once the war is over!" She wonders how such disparate and mutually angry Force traditions have managed to survive... then her eyes widen at a fascinating thought. If there is no common enemy (as the Order) against which to unite... will these various, mutually aggressive Darkside traditions simply fade away into the Sith or, perhaps, mutually annihilate each other?

Almost in answer to Zero's initial comment, the driver's side door opens and a Human contralto with an Alderaanian accent says, "Wasn't it, though? But so were you. I doubt anyone else in the speeder knew you were so close. By the time I noticed, well, you could have perforated the engine block half a dozen times."

Zero smiles crookedly and touches his temple in acknowledgement, "I appreciate the compliment. It's always harder to stalk someone whose awareness reaches past their eyes and ears."

Sitting in the driver's side door and looking cheerfully up at Zero is a Human woman dressed utterly plainly and conservatively. A dark brown cascade of hair down her back frames a pair of reddish eyes. She looks up to Zero with a guileless and definitely pleasing smile. Though she's certainly attractive, Zero is mostly unmoved by that -- and a moment later realizes this person is positively exuding waves of some Darkside equivalent of Freyja's ability to influence people in a positive manner.

Freyja paces forward quietly to the small group, then bows politely to them all, "Greetings, all. I hight Padawan Freyja, student of Jedi Master Roakkana of Kashyyyk, and this is my brother Padawan Zero." She pauses, then says with formal care, "Do you all give your words of honor that you shall return with me to the building you were in before, that you shall offer violence to none, that you will not communicate with the assassin of the Jedi, that you shall hold yourselves under house arrest... and in return the local Jedi will leave you alone, and we shall endeavor to further discuss the... mitigating factors you wish discussed, and we shall also endeavor to assure your court shall be one of law and not a Jedi Tribunal?"

The Fallen Jedi master breaks the death gaze with the Wookiee first, looking to Freyja. After a moment she nods, "I am Master Quei Han-Juio Ghul of Moravos, and I give my word of honor." The two Dark Jedi, apparently bound to the Master, nod and repeat the oath, as does the Valsarian Epopt. The other Darksider, the Human, gives a quirky grin to Zero, standing and leaning on the roof of the airspeeder as she adds her oath as well.

Freyja bows politely again, then gestures towards the now-waiting vehicle, "Shall we depart, then?" She also quietly adds to the Wookiee, "Epopt, would you like to borrow a comlink to call in your student?" She can't help thoughtfully wondering why the sage was willing to surrender, when no one else was. What did he see? She'll have to ask him about that later.

Zero just smiles politely to the other Human, then adds to Freyja, Heh, I think this one's got the same talent for influencing people, my love. He gestures toward the cordon, "After you, ma'am."

Freyja gives Zero an inquiring look, then glances at the Human woman curiously. Really? Interesting. Good to know... because if she's the slippery type, she won't consider that 'offering violence.' We'll have to keep the constables in the Court of Law protected from her. A moment later, her mental tone of voice to Zero is ruefully amused, as she realizes he also withstood the mental intrusion, Remind me later to tell you why I love you so much!

Zero just grins, You can just show me later. Freyja covers a grin at Zero's amused comment.

The Darksider Human gives a slight bow to Zero before moving to the armored vehicle, as do the others. As they do so, the Wookiee they had been chasing before wordlessly slips through the cordon, moving to walk beside the Epopt.

This close to them, the group can get an unmistakable indicator of the feel of them in the Force. The Valsarians are clearly of the Shattered Force tradition, of course, with that curious detachment or disconnect. The Fallen Jedi seem to hover between being merely Fallen and outright Dark; they do not have Sithstain but their abilities in the Force are clearly given over to the rational (if brutally so) impulses of their ego, rather than their id. The Human female, Samein Tullas of Alderaan, is clearly Darksider but also without Sithstain. Her presence in the Force is almost like that of a chameleon, silken and ever-changing from moment to moment, flowing and fluid like comfortably warm water. Thus, none of the Darksiders follow the Sith tradition.

Freyja watches in absolute fascination, and hopes they'll all be willing to talk to her later -- new information! New Force traditions! How wonderful! Then she glances at the Wookiee student, then the master, "Your word covers your student, hai, honored Epopt?"

The young Wookiee nods, and the Epopt nods as well, "Yes, it does. He will not do anything to violate that oath."

Freyja grins happily -- two new Force traditions, it would seem. The Human woman doesn't feel like Nathaniel. Solo felt... hmm. Different... like darkened steel surrounding a hurricane of emotion -- but an orderly hurricane. The Covenant of the Midnight Sun would seem to train its adepts to -- if they really wanted to -- focus whatever emotion is desired into the Force equivalent of a pile driver or a drill. Not terribly subtle, but effective.

Much to everyone's relief, the trip to the house is uneventful. There is no attack from assassin or Jedi, and Freyja is happy to reunite the sage with his friends.

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

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