These Shattered Stars -- Logs

The arrival of some lunch causes a bit of an interruption of conversation. Sarn's archaic and unusual paper has to be stacked up, clipped in neat piles and then put in his case on the floor. Food is then able to use that space, and the hotel's kitchen staff shows their flexibility and grace with some hot soup and tasty sandwiches appropriate for all to eat.

Freyja eats quietly, considering their current situation and wondering what comes next. Worry causes her to sigh softly, leaning against Vakkal (who is seated next to her) as she nibbles half-heartedly at a sandwich. Vakkal easily supports Freyja and is warm, stable, and comforting for her, almost accidentally. He's looking curiously at one of the sandwiches, watching Manishsha eat one happily and sniffing curiously at one of his own.

Sarn says, "I suppose you may all be wondering what happens next? I can go over the outline of that, if you like. We have been doing the initial preparation for a while."

Freyja nods silently at the Jedi Master, feeling a little overwhelmed. For needing to bring some Light to the Empire in order to do her part of the triat, Freyja's starting to feel she's not fulfilling her duty. Manishsha adds, "Or if you've got any other questions, related or not, we're happy to answer what we can."

Freyja shakes her head at the Kushiban -- she has so many, and most of them probably would make neh sense at all to Manishsha, nor would he have answers -- she looks back at the Jedi Master, eating determinedly and waiting. She whispers over the link, What is it, Vakkal? Sandwich smell funny or something?

Vakkal sends, No, but it's the same as the bunny-man's, and he's vegetarian. I'm curious what this is that we can both eat it. It smells okay. He takes a tentative bite of his sandwich and chews thoughtfully. A less tentative bite follows. Freyja smiles quietly at Vakkal, relieved he's not worried about something like poison -- then amusedly notes to herself how paranoid she's feeling. She should relax some... she continues nibbling her sandwich as she listens.

Zero sips quietly from his drink. "An outline of what is to come would be helpful, Master Sarn."

Sarn says, "We expect the Sith delegation to arrive tomorrow afternoon. They will be landing directly on the conference center's grounds, so they do not have to route through town. The cost in landscaping seems trivial to the risk of having an incident happen in town. Hotel staff -- all their senior-most people -- will make sure the delegation's rooms and accommodations are satisfactory."

Freyja wonders a little wistfully if she'll be able to wander through the grounds a bit, to be in the sunlight and some fresh air... before the gardening gets all crushed by incoming landers. Zero says, "And security?"

Sarn says, "That's high already. We've got our own security monitoring the entire conference center, and have given the Sith a monitoring setup for the main conference room and their own wing. The center is off limits to the public at the moment, and IDs are being checked for staff. As I said before, only the most trusted staff is in place at the moment. The Tanaabian government and locals have been extremely helpful, and want very much to see nothing untoward happen here."

Fhazil snorts, "I bet!"

Freyja rolls her eyes slightly in dry amusement. Of course the locals want nothing untoward to happen -- they are the hostages to the good behavior of the Republic at large. She just hopes the Order and the Republic appreciate that.

Zero says, "I would assume the Watcher presence is in place already. No offense intended to Jedi Manishsha -- but the four of us are wanted heretics."

Manishsha says, "Oh, yes, the Watchers are fully alert at this point. You shouldn't worry about the heretic issue while you're here. We've got that stalled in debate and bureaucracy quite effectively. The word went out that you were to be stopped, but the official declaration hasn't yet." He adds, "I hope to see that it does not, actually."

Freyja smiles quietly and with appreciation at the little Jedi Watcher. Zero says, "You have my thanks, Jedi Manishsha. Quite honestly I hadn't expected any overtures from the Order proper, until well after the Calefactor situation had been dealt with. I am more than pleased to have been wrong."

Sarn says, "If the Sith indicate to the hotel that they are satisfied with the arrangements, there will be the first meeting tomorrow night. The conference room is symmetrical, with separate secure exits for both parties. No one should feel held hostage or at a disadvantage. We hope." He adds, "Your feedback on how to make sure this is the case would be greatly appreciated."

Manishsha smiles, "What good would Watchers who only watched the conservative successes be? While some of the more old-fashioned may be louder and more centrally organized, there are a lot of people in the Order who are more flexible, and will stand with each other in many things. Master Roakkana's position is not as secure as it is simply because he is alone."

Freyja looks a little blank at that request of Master Sarn's. She's good at persuading folks to talk, but the intricate, nit-picking dance of demand/retraction/counter-demand, suitable to Hutt financial transactions and Sith/Republic peace negotiations... she can do it if necessary, but it's not her favorite thing -- and it certainly takes a different mind set than the one she's currently in. She looks inquiringly at Vakkal and Fhazil, wondering if they know better what makes negotiating Sith happy.

Fhazil says, "Your plans sound reasonable so far. You mustn't make the Sith Lord feel as if he's constrained or forced into anything, or he will become angry and leave."

Vakkal adds, "You must appear strong and self-confident, without being arrogant or overpowering. The Lord will find it easiest to work with equals, not with superiors or with underlings."

Sarn lights up, smiling brightly, "Those are critical pieces of information! Thank you!" He reaches to make a note, realizes his things are put away, and stops. He asks, "In your opinion, all of you, would it be beneficial for you to be present?"

Zero is silent for now. He doesn't consider himself a politician or a particularly good negotiator. Or even a particularly good conversationalist, to be honest.

Freyja smiles faintly, looking thoughtfully into her mug. Sounds like she's not as good as she'd hoped with Sith, then. She'd guess now the Sith would consider a Padawan a bit of a waste of time... as she recalls, the Sith officers were a little surprised to see Padawans at the commander's table on the Malice. She looks up at Sarn's question, then looks inquiringly at Vakkal and Fhazil again. She trusts their reactions regarding the Sith more than her own just now.

Fhazil says, "As long as we do not appear to be held against our will, or asked to do things which would be obvious treason to the Sith, I don't see where there would be any problem." Vakkal adds, "It might reassure some of the Sith to see that we were present and welcomed."

Sarn has some more questions, most of them straightforward. When he realizes all of the party has met, and knows something of, the Sith Lord, he says, "Can I count on all of you to come to the discussions? Your input, where you can give it, would be valuable, and I would be much more comfortable having your insights at hand."

Zero says, "If the Republic wishes us to attend, then I have no objection to doing so." Freyja nods in silent agreement. Fhazil and Vakkal both agree to attend as well.

After everyone has eaten, Sarn says, "I have much thinking and some planning to do. You'll find schedules in your room terminals this evening. If there is anything you need, let me or one of the hotel staff know, and we will see what we can do to assist you."

Freyja raises a thoughtful eyebrow -- schedules? Ah... probably for the negotiations. She smiles, rising and politely thanking the Jedi Master, then heads out. To her friends she murmurs over the link, I have just got to get some fresh air while we're downside!

Zero bows politely to the two Jedi, picking up his sword and following the others. Would you all mind if I met you there, perhaps? I would like to see the schedule, and also familiarize myself with the hotel floor plan. Just in case. Not to seem paranoid, but, well... I am. And then perhaps take a short break to meditate on things. Might I meet you all in an hour?

Fhazil replies, An hour's nap would make me happy. Or more. I want to be well rested before going into this. It will either be boring as hell, or stressful like you can't imagine. And neither is something I want to be sleepy for.

Zero pauses to kiss Freyja gently. "Until then, do try to relax a little, my love." He smiles lopsidedly, then turns to head back upstairs. "Come on then, Fhazil." Freyja smiles more serenely, returning the gentle kiss to both Zero and Fhazil.

Vakkal adds, I'll come with you, Freyja. Freyja finds the nearest outside exit and steps out, taking a deep breath of non-canned, fresh air. She smiles quietly, closing her eyes and turning her face up to the sun as she paces quietly along. Hai, that's fine with me, sweethearts. Softly to herself she murmurs the words of the Sedraki blessing Zero gave her so long ago, "Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet, and the winds long to play with your hair..."

Vakkal is as happy to go outside as Freyja is, his nose working frenetically to pick up all the new smells of nature on another planet. The outside is very pleasant. There are some meadow-like fields, and some rolling hills, and a small stream that runs across the grounds, leading in to a mildly wooded area. The sun is warm, except in the shade of the trees, and birdsong fills the air.

Freyja wanders around, trying to find the most tangled, wild-grown area -- perhaps the wooded section? She's not expecting much like that on a hotel's grounds, but she'll certainly take what she can find. She wants to sit and meditate for a while... she's feeling a little disconnected currently, both from what's happening and the Force itself. Some nice, peaceful quiet and birdsong sounds lovely to her.

One large area is roped off with bright orange plastic streamers, probably as a landing zone. The landscaping at risk is minimal, and mostly involves some lawn and a few shrubs along one path. In the far corner of the conference center's property, in the stand of woods, there is a section that's not been well-maintained, although it looks like it was cleared at one point and has re-grown over several years.

Freyja grins ruefully over her shoulder at Vakkal, commenting, "I guess this is as undomesticated as it gets, here, eh?" She wriggles gracefully through the shrubberies, trying to find some small spot large enough for two to sit together in relative privacy.

A fallen log provides a warm, sunlit spot to sit, out of sight of anything but forest, and within sound of the cheerful little stream. Vakkal's nose works and he says, "Something I've never smelled lives around here." He looks around, then adds, "It's small, though. Nothing to worry about."

Freyja sighs with quiet serenity a few moments later. She and Vakkal aren't really securely hidden or anything -- the greenery's not thick enough for that, she thinks -- but at least the two of them aren't glaringly obvious now either. She lays back against Vakkal, who is resting his back against the fallen log, and looks up at the sky, "I wonder what they're doing on the Malice right now... what they're thinking. Do you suppose they all want an end to the war too?"

Vakkal relaxes with Freyja, adding, "The rank and file probably do. Lots of them would like to go home. Others live on Malice and are home, but don't like much having to go out and be threatening and threatened. Lord Ghang seems to want to. More than that it's hard to say."

A small voice seems to say, Hungry. Food? Food. Mmm. No. Not food. Hmm. Oooh! and a rustling happens on the ground, out past the end of the log.

Freyja nods quietly, "I guess that's the most we can hope for." She falls silent then, closing her eyes and letting her consciousness drift, recognizing the life and the Force around her. She smiles, 'hearing' the small creature, and holds still to see if it will come out where it can be seen.

The rustling continues, and it takes but a moment for the creature to do just that, its quiet snuffling along the ground revealing, Oooh, warm. Hmm. Eggs to eat? Freyja and Vakkal catch a glimpse of a four-legged creature with a long, fluffy tail, an intelligent, almost feline face, and sharp, curious eyes. The eyes are green, as is the fur in various shades -- a very light color, almost white, on the animal's underside and the tip of the tail. Its feet, muzzle, and ear-tips are a very dark green -- almost black.

Freyja grins, her blue eyes slitted half closed as she watches. She hasn't any eggs, unfortunately. To Vakkal she thinks, I didn't think to bring any nibbles with me. Do you have anything, sweetheart? Wordlessly Vakkal reaches into his pouch and produces a couple of the sandwiches from lunchtime, which were a synthetic egg-salad mix. He had left them wrapped in plastic and thought they might come in handy.

Freyja tilts her head back where she rests in Vakkal's lap to beam up at him upside-down, You're wonderful, you know that? Moving carefully, she accepts one, unwrapping it slowly so as to not startle, and breaks off some pieces, laying them near to her side so the little creature will have to come close to snatch them away.

Vakkal's movement, even though it is silent, catches the small animal's attention. It looks up, then bristles in startlement; Freyja gets, Yipe! Monster! and it leaps to a shadow, where it watches warily. Freyja giggles softly, sharing the amusing received thought with Vakkal as she lies patiently still, waiting for the little thing to come closer again.

If even she can smell the sandwiches, then both the creature and Vakkal must find the salad contents quite a lovely scent indeed! She's quite curious about the little creature. She can 'hear' it -- is it actually sending, or is her ability to speak with animals manifesting? Curiously she asks Vakkal, Can you hear it too, sweetheart?

The small scavenger does indeed smell the sandwiches. The message Freyja gets is, Oooh! Food! Wait! Monster! The creature stands, sniffing and watching very carefully, its nose quivering madly. Eventually the fear seems overcome by the lack of monster-y activity, and the little animal creeps forward slowly, sniffing all the while.

Vakkal sends back, watching, but not moving, If you mean words, no. I heard it approach through the brush, but it hasn't had anything to say to me. Freyja gives mental assent to Vakkal and grins again, lying relaxedly still with her head in his lap. Her demeanor is completely non-threatening as she interestedly watches the small creature's cautious approach.

Vakkal mentally adds, It's what I was smelling, though. It has a distinctive smell. As it approaches, even Freyja can get a trace of odor from it. After a final pause, the small green animal finally darts in close enough to snatch away a bit of the sandwich, then hides in the shadows again before devouring it greedily, eyes still on Freyja and Vakkal.

Freyja giggles softly, both at Vakkal's comment and the little animal's greed, and casually reaches up one arm to lightly stroke Vakkal's fur. She likes this... lying on the good earth with a good friend, with sunshine and fresh air and animals nearby. She sighs quietly, still smiling, and lets her senses drift again, 'feeling' through the Force. She needs to center herself more... to listen to the Force carefully. What does it need her to do? What is the right path to ride during these convoluted times?

The Force has no really clear messages at this time for Freyja. It does recharge her a little, seemingly seeping warmth and confidence into her through the natural sun. The fauxx eventually nibbles up all the sandwich-y bits and sniffsniffs curiously at monster-fingers, almost but not quite touching Freyja's fingertips. Freyja smiles relaxedly, watching the little creature. She may not have gotten any clear answers... but then the Force rarely gives those anyway. At least she feels a little more centered now.

The green animal sniffsniffs, concludes, All gone. It makes its way along its circuit, vanishing off into the underbrush again. It's feeling peaceful and happily fed, having met and conquered some strange new egg-sandwich-laying monster. It seemed quite satisfied with itself as it left. Freyja giggles softly, sharing that with Vakkal and continuing to half-drowsily stroke his fur as she lies against him. He can feel her quiet mental pleasure and relaxation now she's had some time away from politics.

Zero wends his way back to his suite unhurriedly, hands clasped behind his back. He rolls his shoulders, straightening up a bit as he nears the room, finding himself surprisingly tired. He shakes his head a bit, trying to clear it. You absolutely must have a clear head for this, Zero. Everything depends upon tomorrow.

He uses the hotel's cardkey to let himself into the room, and instinctively starts looking around. Listening devices, hidden doors... nothing one should expect in an expensive hotel's suites, particularly not in rooms being lent out to Jedi. Force of habit, perhaps, but comforting enough in its way, and peace of mind is coming at a high premium, for the next day at least.

Satisfied there are no lurking shadows but him, Zero sets his sword down on the bed, unties his hair and sash, and takes off his over-cloak before sitting down cross-legged, folding his hands in his lap.

Zero closes his eyes and inhales deeply, filling his lungs completely before exhaling again equally slowly. He focuses on nothing at all, emptying himself of thought, expectation, worry, and speculation. He knows nothing but the perpetual rhythm of blood in his ears and the sound of his breathing, focusing on that alone until he finds that place where there is no thought.

Zero spends a long time in this place, breathing slowly and steadily. Exactly how long he doesn't know, only that when he feels himself freed of worry and the weight of expectation, he opens his eyes once more and stretches.

Zero stands and pads silently to the shower, allowing himself some time to think now that he's overcome haste and, more importantly, speculation. Peace is the last thing Khoud will want. But he is beyond our reach here. There can be no offense, ideological or physical, while the conference is taking place. The only thing we can do is be prepared to counter his moves. Must stay loose... we must be formless so that he cannot predict where to strike... or where to defend when that time comes. We mustn't play into gamesmanship with him. Not against a Cerean, and not against a Jedi Master, twisted as he may be. We must wait and be ready to react to him. Flexibility will be our strength here.

Zero finishes his ablutions and ruminations and dresses quickly. He takes a moment to peruse the conference schedules, then to access the hotel terminal for the building floor plan. He'll walk the floors a few times until he has a coherent picture of the layout in his head, and then on to meet Freyja. Khoud may have caught him with his guard down on Balmorra, but that will not happen a second time.

Fhazil has a nap, meditates for a few minutes, and then goes exploring. When he doesn't return for a while, Vakkal sends, Brother mine, have you gotten in trouble? The reply comes back, warm and hazy, to all of them, Mmm. Hot tub. It doesn't sound like trouble.

The evening passes uneventfully, letting all four of the travelers rest and recharge. Dawn is quiet and beautiful, with the morning mildly disrupted by Ghang's lander. The hotel staff handles the arrivals very easily, and it is at the appointed time in the late afternoon that everyone collects in the conference room.

The conference room for this is a large, rectangular room. It has a high ceiling with narrow windows around the upper edges that let in natural light all day. There are doors into the hotel in each of the longer walls, and conference tables facing each other down the length of the room. The shorter walls have large flat-screen monitors, with banners of the different people meeting beside them, one wall having the Sith regalia, the other having that of the Jedi Order and the Republic.

The monitors are hooked up to a terminal with Holonet access. Each group's monitor is to its right, as they come in from the hotel. Other than the labeling of the equipment, the two configurations are a mirror image of each other. Jedi Master Randal Sarn of Corellia is already there, although without his papers. He is joined by Watcher Manishsha, and two others who do not appear to be Jedi. He welcomes Freyja, Zero, Fhazil, and Vakkal.

Zero arrives with the others, his hood drawn up formally with respect to the Jedi tradition. In the interests of diplomacy he's left the shard-sword in his room, though he keeps Kuwatuara tucked securely in the small of his back where it can be accessed relatively quickly while still being comfortably out of sight. He bows politely to Sarn, hand-on-fist. "Master Sarn, Watcher Manishsha."

Freyja smiles and nods politely, then looks around, wondering where they should sit. Negotiations like this tend to be rigidly organized, after all... it wouldn't do to upset some minor functionary's seating charts, she thinks with dry amusement.

Sarn directs Freyja, Zero, Fhazil, and Vakkal to sit, putting them by the head of the table, near himself. Manishsha is on their other side, with the other two people past them. Freyja smiles again, quietly thanking the Jedi Master, then looks around in great, if subdued, interest. She wonders who the other three Jedi are, and where Khoud is.

Lord Ghang comes into the room, almost bursting in as he casually tosses open the hallway's double doors, striding confidently in. He is followed by a handful of advisors, and his Soulguard. Ghang looks up and down the table, a hint of a smile on his face, which broadens when he sees Fhazil, Vakkal, Zero, and Freyja. He nods briefly to them.

Sarn and Manishsha appear to have expected an Entrance, and smile politely to the arriving Sith. The other three appear a little startled. Freyja covers a small smile at the dramatic entrance. She's a little surprised (and, oddly, pleased) to see Ghang seems happy to see them. She smiles and nods in return. Zero nods politely. He likes to make an impression, I see.

Vakkal replies wryly, Why do you think he and Fhazil got along so well?

Freyja snorts internally, then folds her legs into a comfortable half-lotus, and idly reflects she should have mentioned the lower seating style used by the Sith to Jedi Sarn. Funny how some things you just take for granted... until they're gone.

The Sith, while used to a different method of sitting, have no trouble with the table or chairs. Ghang sits at the middle of the table, flanked by a pair of advisers on each side. His Soulguard lurks watchfully in a corner. After a moment's pause, Ghang says, "We have arrived."

Sarn stands and says, "I am pleased you have come, Lord Ghang. You grace us with your presence." Ghang nods his head, "Everything is as described and acceptable. Let us talk."

Freyja looks around a little worriedly, letting her senses extend within the Force. Where is Khoud? Zero is not watching Ghang; Ghang's Soulguard is doing that. Zero is, very quietly from beneath his hood, watching the entrances.

Sarn introduces himself, the four travelers whom Ghang already knows, and Watcher Manishsha. He also introduces the two others as Vice-Chancellor of the Republic Etk Caas of Malastare, and his aide, Shona Billaba of Chalacta. They rise and bow to the Sith as they are introduced. Ghang and his staff listen and nod in return, remaining quiet and attentive.

Freyja frowns, worried. She's pretty sure she could feel Khoud anywhere in the entire conference center... so she's guessing he's just not there. Interestingly, she can sense the Sith clearly. Ghang is completely confident of himself, quite sure he can handle anything the Republic may throw at him. His aides are mildly concerned at being on a hostile world, but comforted by the presence of the ship overhead. Freyja's pleased to also sense they are prepared to stay and talk a long time. Still... she wishes she knew where Khoud was...

Freyja smiles faintly, also pleased to sense the Republic folks are here to stay and settle things. True, there's a Sith battleship overhead... but at least now they're talking. Zero keeps his eyes on the entrances. Something is amiss, but he can't quite place it. Freyja whispers to her friends, I can't sense Khoud at all. Can any of you?

Fhazil pauses, looking into midair at nothing, then replies, No, I can't. Is he supposed to be here?

Freyja murmurs, I... thought so? She tilts her head to study the Jedi Master Sarn, checking to see if he seems at all worried or concerned.

The Malastarian, Etk Caas, stands, his eyestalks blinking a bit as he clears his throat. "Lord Ghang, it is a pleasure to meet you here today. On behalf of the Supreme Chancellor we welcome you to Tanaab, and wish to express our hopes for productive talks leading to a lasting peace between our peoples...." The introductory speech goes on for about two minutes longer than is truly comfortable, but he does finally end.

Lord Ghang replies, "Our motivation for attack has been driven by the desire not to see our entire race, culture, and history wiped out. This is not something we can take lightly, as you can well imagine. Our Farseers have said if we remove two causes of much threat, things will be wildly different. Only then can we even consider discussing a more lasting peace."

Freyja raises an eyebrow -- this is a change from what he'd said before! Then she ahs quietly to herself. This must be Ghang's way of saying there can be economic exchange later -- after the threat of war is removed. She wishes he'd had a chance to get the actual farseeings to her, though. She's still rabidly curious about that!

Ghang adds, "We have offered to withdraw our forces and leave, if you have these two causes for us." He looks expectantly about the room, then says, "I see neither of them here, however." He asks pointedly, "Are we expecting Balin Khoud or Kalatis to be joining us today?" He adds, "Their heads alone would be sufficient."

Freyja winces slightly at that, suddenly realizing why Khoud isn't here -- and probably won't be any time soon. Zero can't help but grin a little. So wonderfully to the point is Lord Ghang. Freyja gives Zero a wryly amused glance.

The Vice-Chancellor's aide looks a little perturbed at this, apparently not having realized the "dead or alive" aspect of this demand to see Khoud and Kalatis. The Vice-Chancellor looks to Sarn and says, "Can you give us the current status of these people?"

Freyja rests her elbow on her upper knee and her chin on her fist, watching. She also is quite interested in the answer. Master Sarn says, "Senator Kalatis has vanished. We have people searching for him at this moment. I would assure you that even though he is alive, he is without power and inconsequential."

Freyja raises an eyebrow again. She's not sure she believes that. She wonders why no one's asked Khoud where Kalatis is... or maybe they have, and just aren't saying?

Ghang frowns, and there is a flicker of discontent, his Sithstain stirring a little as he shifts his iron grip on his mental control of it. The Jedi in the room look a little green. He asks, "And the other?"

Freyja gives Ghang a faintly amused, faintly reproving glance. Interesting... it hardly bothers her at all now. The triat must be mentally 'inoculating' itself. That's good to know. Zero's face is impassive. Softly now... nauseating the assembly is a sure way to lose face. Freyja stifles a snort of laughter!

At this query Sarn looks uncomfortable, "He was supposed to be here, Lord Ghang. He reported he was en route to Tanaab, and he should have arrived two days ago. He was aboard a very fast ship. We are searching now."

Freyja murmurs, Aaah... he's gone the way of Kalatis, is my guess.

Ghang frowns, and another mild ripple of bleakness trickles through the room. He says coldly, "You cannot even do this one simple thing for us." He looks at his aides, saying, "And now you know why we must do these things ourselves."

Freyja sighs quietly, Well... looks like this is going to be short and unpleasant... Zero arches an eyebrow. Uh oh. Freyja raises a slender golden hand, an inquiring look on her face towards Sarn. May she speak? Sarn sees Freyja's glance and nods to her. He asked her to be here for her input, and he'd be a fool to ignore it.

Freyja smiles politely in acknowledgement, then rises and bows slightly as she turns to face Ghang. Choosing her words carefully to be as calming as possible, she courteously says, "I am sure the honored Lord realizes how frustrating this is for us as well... and also that it's not truly 'simple.' After all, Kalatis must be quite innovative to have set up a trade route between two, ah... entities which had nothing in common... differing languages, different forms of recompense, strange business customs... and one does not rise to the position of liaison between the Jedi Order and the Republic military forces of the Balmorran Sector... by being a tactical fool."

Freyja adds politely, "Plus, only recently have we discovered who we should be searching for." She smiles with formal courtesy, adding, "Part of that discovery, in fact, was due to the honorable Sith Lord Ghang's assistance. Surely we can aid each other mutually in other ways as well?" With that... she nods politely, and sits down.

Zero thinks silently to himself. I'm reminded I need to get back to the ship at some point and leave a message in Argent's blind-drop system. Maybe he's had better luck than the rest of us.

Ghang smiles, "What you say, Padawan Freyja, is true. Is it not true it should be much simpler for the Republic to do such a thing, through its infrastructure of police and government, compared to our invading alien forces? It is mostly for that reason I describe this as a simple thing. I understand it is actually quite complex. It will only be more complex for everyone involved for us to find them ourselves, won't it?"

Freyja glances to see if anyone else wants to field that question...? The Vice-Chancellor says, "Lord Ghang, please give us some more time. We will give this the utmost importance, and do our best at finding these people for you. We have no interest in seeing any harm befall your people or culture, and you are correct that it would be much simpler for us to manage this affair ourselves."

Freyja winces slightly, internally. Didn't anyone tell the poor guy not to plead? Zero sighs inwardly. ...on the other hand, at the rate this is going maybe I should just ask Argent where's a good place to hide for a few decades.

Ghang looks coolly at the three-eyed Vice-Chancellor for a moment before he replies, "Were it up to me, Vice-Chancellor, you would have had your chance and we would be finished talking. However, I received a message this morning from our leadership, who said specifically we were to give you this chance if you requested it."

Zero blinks. Naga Sadow actually played for time?

Freyja's rueful smile at Zero is rather sympathetic. Oddly, she feels sorry for Jedi Master Sarn. How annoying to learn valuable information -- and then see it ignored by those who'd asked for it! However, at Ghang's words she brightens noticeably, her head turning abruptly to look back at the Sith lord. Maybe he also got the actual farseeing too!

Ghang does not look happy to be the bearer of this news, and is making it clear it is not the decision he would have made. He adds, "We will continue to hold our position on the worlds we are on, but we will advance no further until this is resolved. At that time, we will discuss what occurs."

Freyja grins at Zero, then asks Vakkal and Fhazil, Is that like the Shadow Serpent, or is it uncharacteristic behavior for him? Her demeanor has brightened up considerably -- there's still hope!

Fhazil sends back, The Dark Lord rarely contradicts the Lords, but he does it when he thinks it important. Vakkal adds, Few object when he does, perhaps because he does it so rarely, and things go so spectacularly badly when his demands are ignored.

Freyja grins amusedly at Vakkal's comment, but says nothing. Zero nods softly, Someone whose word carries a lot of weight must have made a few dire predictions based on this, if Sadow is willing to halt a galaxy-wide offensive for the sake of these two.

Freyja nods thoughtfully to Zero, adding a little wistfully, I wish we could talk frankly to Ghang again.

Master Sarn says simply, "You can be sure that we will do everything possible to resolve this issue quickly."

Zero steeples his fingers under his chin. I would love to know what was said to the Dark Lord to provoke this reaction. Freyja's mental nod is quite emphatic at that comment!

The Vice-Chancellor adds, "Please convey to your leadership that we understand these terms and will work diligently at meeting this goal."

Ghang says, "We will hold our position. This means if we are attacked, even on contested worlds, we will continue to defend ourselves. It would be very good for everyone involved if you would stop aggression on these worlds."

Freyja eyes Ghang at that one, folding her arms. Not a fair request, she thinks. Etk Cass replies, "We will hold our positions, as well, Lord Ghang, but we will not remove our forces or retreat." Freyja eyes Cass at that one, too... that's not what Ghang asked for, she thinks.

Ghang replies, "As you wish." He looks at Master Sarn and Watcher Manishsha, "I refer particularly to the manuses which plague us on certain worlds. If you wish to lessen loss of life on both sides, particularly in civilian areas, cease these brutal attacks against us."

Freyja frowns, thinking, And that is why it's not a fair request. Hela's claws -- if we controlled the manuses, we wouldn't be worried about Khoud! Honesty compels her to amend that thought, though, Well, it's a perfectly fair request... if it were truly just a request. But that was a half-threat, at the very least.

Zero hmms. I must admit there is a part of me which would much rather be fighting the Calefactors with lit saber than sitting here talking a circle around them. Still... that isn't our place as Jedi. Freyja grins at Zero.

Master Sarn looks quite perplexed, saying, "I'm not sure what you're referring to, Lord Ghang... but I will take your words to the Council and make sure it is understood that to continue will only incur needless cost and loss of life." Manishsha is looking more concerned, and nods in fervent agreement.

Freyja blinks a bit confusedly. Don't they know about this? She ponders, realizing a moment later with astonishment that the Jedi may indeed not know about the oath-breaking Templars!

The Vice Chancellor is about to say something, when a quiet feep comes from the Republic/Jedi's communications terminal. The Chancellor's aide turns aside, looks at it, then picks up a handset, saying quietly to it, "Shona Billaba here." Then the aide looks startled, leaning over to whisper to the VC, who says, "What?! Yes, put him on. We want to talk to him."

Zero half-smiles grimly, Here it comes...

Freyja wonders to Zero, Is there any way to track someone's location by HoloNet, sweetheart?

The aide works for a moment, and the screen on the end of the conference room lights up. Balin Khoud is on it, in a noisy, industrial-seeming place. Khoud says, "Gentlemen, please forgive me for not being present. Other, pressing business, detained me."

Freyja raises an eyebrow, watching with avid interest -- then frowns a second later. Khoud doesn't seem at all sincere to her. Master Sarn says, "Balin Khoud! You're needed here. Where are you? What could be more pressing than trying to stop this war?"

Freyja wonders silently, To him? Keeping it going would be my guess.

Zero thinks. I would need a secure terminal and enough time to slice access logs, love. I don't think Khoud is going to give me enough time... I will talk to Manishsha afterward. Perhaps he will at least leave us a few traces. His thoughts are colored with a rather un-Jedi tinge of disgust as he watches the screen.

Freyja nods quietly to Zero's reply. Ghang's eyes narrow, and he watches, saying nothing yet. Zero closes his eyes and concentrates a bit, trying to touch the Kushiban's mind with his own. Watcher! Get a slicer onto the Holonet link.

Manishsha replies, The VC's aide is already on it. Zero nods softly in response to the Watcher.

Freyja murmurs to Zero and Fhazil, Can one of you watch Ghang? I'm watching Khoud...

Zero adds, a touch more grimly, to his companions, This is going to go nowhere good. Freyja frowns, wondering if there's some way to track Khoud through the Force. She nods absently to Zero, concentrating on Khoud's image and letting her senses lightly touch the Force again. Can she farsee his location?

On screen Khoud looks at those in the room and says, "Where am I? I'm on Tanaab, just as I promised I would be. Would I lie to you gentlemen? I said I'd be on Tanaab, as my duty required." Sarn says firmly, "Then why aren't you here?"

On screen the Cerean says sneeringly, "You should know better than that, Master Sarn! I'm here because I'm doing my duty!" His voice gets colde, as he adds, "You would know that if you were a true Jedi."

Zero feels a knot in his chest, something he hasn't felt in a very long time. Hate. Good, honest hate. Hate that sees for miles. He takes a deep breath, feeling the Dark Side coil up around him, and then exhales deeply, slowly, letting it go. He is not about to lose his balance now, and not for this twisted wreck of a Jedi.

Freyja reaches out mentally to Zero and Fhazil, drawing them quietly to her, inviting them to link so she can attempt to locate Khoud... Zero closes his eyes, lacing his fingers together and relaxing again, waiting a few moments to regain his balance and let his anger go before accepting Freyja's summons to balance the Three. The triat flares into life and, a moment later, Freyja concentrates for several seconds... then attempts to farsee the poor madman.

Lord Ghang's advisers look startled and back away, hands leaping to weapons. Ghang raises a hand, watching the three who had been on his ship. Sarn and Manishsha look on in surprise and trepidation, but say nothing. The Vice-Chancellor and his aide are oblivious, watching Khoud and working at the terminal.

Freyja's awareness darts through the Force like an invisible, fiery bird, searching out Khoud's location as secretively as she can. The triat, acting as a single unit, collects the information: it sees Khoud clearly, standing in the control room of some big industrial plant.

The view slides out a little -- it's a power generating station near one of the cities in the southern hemisphere of Tanaab. The triat members can almost read the address on the building. The general area of the city, and which city it is, are utterly clear to them. One of their members -- the one seated closest to Sarn -- leans to whisper swiftly to him.

Zero's eyes snap open as he raises his face again to the screen. And he smiles his quiet, secret little smile. Now, Khoud -- got you! Through the triat he places a terse, quick sending in the thoughts of the Watcher, not wishing to waste a moment. His thought, echoed and reflected in turn somewhat differently by two other minds, is simply, En Grotha'shiu. If you have forces, send them quickly.

He adds the location as glimpsed by the triat, hoping to transfer as much information directly to those most ready to put it to use. Manishsha looks more than a little startled by this contact from three-that-are-one, but turns and begins to work at his terminal, sending off a flurry of messages.

Master Sarn says, "Khoud, I don't know what you're talking about..." and is interrupted by Khoud saying, nearly shrieking in outrage, "Yes you do! You must know! There you sit, letting the corruptors mandate what you will do and how, selling our very lives to them, giving them all of our people and traditions!"

Sarn says, "Khoud!" but the raving on-screen continues, "But you will not succeed, you false-Jedi! True, strong fighters of Light will never let you undermine us!" As he rages, the viewers can see Khoud working controls on the bank in front of him.

The Freyja member of the triat stands, hoping to distract Khoud, and clearly states, "Balin Khoud, a true Jedi does not rave. Has the Shadow Devil caused your fall?" Anything to keep him from destroying whatever it is he's about to do.

Zero tilts his head, honestly surprised. His thoughts echo something like... disappointment. I'd expected... something more than frothing hysterics in our archvillain. An unworthy opponent... how disappointing. Freyja's thoughts, drifting through the triat, are quiet and warm as healing fire, Perhaps he is puppeted. For his sake we hope so... Zero lets his head nod forward a bit and subsumes himself into maintaining balance, so the Three will be ready to act again without hesitation, to counter the enemy. This is the strategy he decided upon last night; now to act upon it.

Khoud says, "No, heretic, no one has caused me to fall! Shadow Devil gave me the truth of what was going on, and I have given it to another who will be able to learn more and grow more powerful from it! It is you who have fallen, and you have convinced the Jedi to listen to you, and not to the true among them!"

A technician off-screen from Khoud says, "We're ready." and Khoud laughs, clearly losing control, shouting, "TRUE JEDI WILL NOT BE STOPPED BY YOU HERETICS!"

Freyja turns her hands palm upwards, smiling serenely at the mad former Jedi, "But you misunderstand. We do not wish to stop you." She doesn't look at the others -- just hopes against hope they'll be able to do whatever is necessary to catch Khoud soon. Within the triat, she realizes one other thing they can do... and she starts to weave Battle Influence within the Force.

Khoud grates, "No! You wish worse! You wish to subsume the true in your twisted Darkness and taint the Jedi with other ways! It is you who must be stopped! You and those miserable, poisonous Dark ones you side with!"

Zero glances up with unfocused eyes, and just... smiles. Freyja frowns slightly, realizing this use of the Force which she currently weaves may aid if any Republic forces are in range of Khoud's madness... but this probably won't aid any of the Sith contingent, as they are not currently her allies. Still, perhaps this will aid in capturing Khoud...?

The Triat that is Fhazil thinks, This man has lost his mind. What is he doing? Freyja's thoughts are tinged with sadness for Khoud -- the man is obviously quite ill. She feels the Force agree with her Influence, and hopes for Khoud's sake it allows them to capture him alive and unharmed. Zero's remaining splinter of distinct consciousness thinks, About to attempt to destroy that power substation?

Manishsha works at his datapad, trying to get Jedi support to the power station halfway round the planet in time. Not even the local law enforcement will be there for a few more minutes, and they aren't set up to fight Jedi. The lagomorph frowns.

Freyja whispers through the telepathic link to Manishsha, Cut power to the station! In reasonable tones she adds to the madman, "What Dark ones? Can't you tell they're turning towards the Light?" If they can keep him raving at them for just a little longer...

Lord Ghang finally looks at the Republic staff seated opposite him, and asks, "Do we have to continue to listen to this raving?"

Freyja reaches a cautious finger of thought towards Lord Ghang. It'll be snapped back quite briskly if he seems at all hostile... but if not this triat part will whisper, Let us stall, please -- we're locating him...

On screen, Khoud says, "No! No I will not be perverted by your lies!" He shudders, then begins to tremble, working controls in front of him. To Ghang's comments he shouts, "No! You don't have to listen! Just watch!" He flips a switch, and a view of the Malice comes on-screen, probably from the orbital platform.

Freyja closes her eyes tiredly -- she'd feared something like this. The triat's effects in the Force won't help the Sith... Ghang ignores the whisper, staring at the screen. He says coldly, "What are you doing?" Khoud only laughs. A loud whine comes over the speakers from wherever Khoud is standing.

Freyja considers whispering again to the Kushiban to cut power... then just sighs. Like them all, he's working as feverishly as he can. She reflects, finding serenity in Zero's calm balance, and considers... is there anything else they can do to help?

Master Sarn says in a loud, clear, commanding voice, "Balin Khoud! Do not do this! By your Oaths of the Order Of Jedi Knights, do not do this!" The older Jedi is staring intently at the monitor and sweating slightly, trying something -- but it's unclear what.

Zero's thoughts echo quietly, so gently it's almost as if the other two are having the thoughts themselves. Kuwatuara, Kourakani, Korotatinea... can you help us? Freyja nods quietly -- that's a good idea. Also, they can try aiding the Jedi Master. While the Zero element of the triat seeks help from another quarter, she steps to stand beside the Jedi Master. If Force healing can aid him at all, she'll give it freely.

The Master is expending a lot of energy, and the healing helps him continue. He says again, clearly, "Balin Khoud! Stop what you are doing!"

The sabers' reply is in tripartite stereo. We do not know what to suggest. He does not have Atarangi Rewara. But he has a weapon for what he wants to do. It cannot compare to the weave of concept and manifestation that is called the Force, but it is powerful nonetheless. And every weapon, even us, must be aimed....

Khoud apparently ignores Sarn's demands -- the only reply is laughter, and a huge sound over the speakers. Almost immediately the view of Malice is lit from below, as a huge lance of energy streaks out from the planet, bigger than a shuttlecraft, hitting the huge battleship a glancing blow. It is held for a moment by huge shields, which then fail. Khoud shrieks something nigh unintelligible.

Freyja wonders within the triat, Can the Malice dodge? Zero's body tenses. The splinter-self starts with sudden inspiration: Aimed! Dancer, Destroyer, Defender, help us, please... we must change the enemy's aim...

Zero's body gathers himself up a bit straighter in his seat, one hand in his lap curled tightly into a fist, the other held just by his lips, two fingers upraised, his expression hardened into concentration. Fixed on the location where the Three distantly spied Khoud, he and the dim awarenesses of the Sabers begin to exert their combined will upon the scene... he will be there... and he will bring the Dancer, Destroyer, and Defender!

Freyja steps away from Sarn, hoping to use intimidation to aid Zero within the triat in his mental attack -- but she instantly realizes she can't reach Khoud. The part of the Triat with the Fhazil nature says softly, No... can't miss, and pushes, a wave of energy flowing through the Triat, tinged with Darkness and subtle malice, but with enough power to make the effect she had been pushing for possible.

Freyja feels the Dark strength flowing through her and tosses her head back, laughing as the power purrs seductively along her golden skin, standing so tall and spreading her arms wide. Her scarlet mane rippling with the energy, she seems to glow a shimmering Darkness mistily underlit in gold, like the rolling menace of thunderheads before the lightning strikes.

She tosses her head back again to stare at the screen, her Force-filled eyes flashing the cold silver-blue of ice, and her clear tones ring out sharply as a bell, disdainful and mocking, "Foolish old man... did you truly believe yourself beyond our reach? I tell you, you have but annoyed us with your pitiful ranting and whining -- now, feel what we are truly capable of!" She sweeps both arms forward, her cloak billowing about her slender, black-clad form, and shouts, "Now, Zero!"

Zero grunts softly under his hood in response, the pressure of trying to hold all three diverse Sabers together with his own consciousness and not lose them -- and himself -- completely in the process coming as an unforeseen strain. His lips move silently, as if repeating some mantra to stay focused. But he is not in the conference room now.

Far away, in the power station from which Khoud launched his attack, he finds himself again, suddenly made manifest in the eyes of the Fallen Jedi -- a sudden, explosive presence heralded by a wave of unreasoning fear that washes out of the Three's consciousness like a breaking wave -- a surge of powerfully Dark energy rushing from Korotatinea, focused and projected by Kourakani's piercing Light.

Zero's shadow-form is there, mere steps from the Fallen and advancing with plainly violent intent; he is a rushing, swirling tornado of silver light, barely recognizable as a human form, all fury and motion, an incarnate act of violence, but for one thing... a single perfect, exact detail amid the maelstrom; a single, gleaming, viciously glaring violet eye. And leading ahead of this apparition, the perfectly clear and distinct form of Kuwatuara, the Silver Defender, ignited and blazing in a deadly, screaming arc, leaving alternate trails of Light and Darkness in its wake.

The speakers pick up Khoud's incoherent scream and the sound of a saber lighting. The people in the conference room can only hear Khoud's screaming of, "I'll KILL YOU!" and, "SHOOT THEM AGAIN!" and some destructive noises. The members of the Triat, be it through the remains of Farseeing, or through the power of the swords can see Khoud desperately attacking the shadowy warrior, who neatly avoids him, driving the mad Jedi to further rage, cutting deep in to the control panel and machinery of the power station. As the connection fades, they can see Khoud standing in a dark control room, lit only by small flames from the equipment, screaming in rage and frustration. On-screen, it appears as if the great gun will fire again, but the shot never comes, and Malice remains barely scarred, hanging in a tranquil sea of stars.

Within the triat, Freyja sighs slightly in relief, intently watching the screen and continuing to share the energy of the triat. She hopes the technicians all got out safely... and the Jedi will catch up soon to that pitiful wreck which was once a Jedi.

As the video screen fades to the tranquil blue of 'no signal,' Shona Billaba, the Vice-Chancellor's aide, says, "We've lost the connection to him."

Zero's lips draw back slightly as the strain becomes too much for him to bear. He forces one final flourish out of his shadow-self. As it tears itself apart in a swirl of silver light and shadow, it hisses once, NEVER. BE. ALONE. And then it's gone, Zero's strength sapped.

Freyja sighs again as the screen fades, then simply steps forward, reaching for her beloveds. She could really use some closeness and comfort right now -- that was exceedingly unpleasant to do. The Silver Knight starts to stand, turning to Freyja to ask, "Did he miss?" And then he falls to his knees.

All four of Lord Ghang's advisers have backed up from the table, and are looking in shock and amazement at the three people who are lit up in the Force in such a strange and unusual way. Fhazil particularly gets the hairy eyeball, because they thought they knew him. The two Jedi in the room also stare in shock. Lord Ghang seems unruffled by this.

Though he seemed less involved, Fhazil is sweating and very tired. He has no objection at all in moving in close to Freyja and Zero, and simply holding them there. Freyja catches Zero just in time to lower him gently to the ground. She holds him against her, kneeling beside him, the other arm around Fhazil as much for support as for comfort.

Vakkal is watching the Triat work, and making sure that no one disturbs them while they are distracted and weak. Unless someone does something foolish, he will remain inconspicuous. Zero pants quietly, "...did he... did he see it?"

Freyja smiles quietly, the last shreds of the triat fading gently away, "Hai, dearling... you were truly fearsome." She rests her cheek against Zero's head, closing her eyes tiredly. The other two can feel her weariness... but also her fiercely protective, enveloping warmth.

Manishsha continues to work on his datapad. He comments, "When we lost connection, half the power in the city there went out. The locals are there, but hadn't made much progress. I'm getting now that many of Khoud's staff are fleeing in fear, because he's apparently gone insane and is chopping the equipment up with his light saber."

Zero murmurs, "Someone should... go stop him..." He moves as if to try and raise himself to his feet, to go do just that, but he can't manage it, "..someone."

Freyja's cheek curves against Zero's head with her gentle smile, "They are, dearling... let them take care of him. We did our part. And if they need us... they'll call." She turns her head slightly so she can look at Ghang over Zero. Quietly she murmurs, "How is your ship, Sith Lord? And your people?"

Zero nods gently. He mumbles. "....good. 'S good." He closes his eyes and concentrates, managing, Dancer, Destroyer, Defender... thank you.

Lord Ghang says, "You certainly did more than your part." He looks at one of his aides, who says, "Damage control says minimal damage. Minor hull breach, damage to a dozen exterior compartments on half a dozen decks." He adds after a pause, "They say it's a miracle we weren't cut in half, that it missed and didn't shoot again."

Freyja smiles quietly again at Zero's exhausted comment, her gaze on Ghang serene as she gently strokes Zero's moon-pale hair, waiting for the answer. There's a flicker of pride in her eyes as she hears what they accomplished... but then perhaps it was just imagined, and they're just three very, very tired young people. Maybe.

Lord Ghang stands, gathering his aides, who are still gabbling into their comm units. He says, "Let us talk tomorrow or the day after, after you have rested and we will know if Khoud has been apprehended or not. I think we all have other business to attend to at the moment."

Zero manages a small, thin smile. "...kept my promise, the one I made when we left Balmorra. I always... keep my promises... we gotcha, y' bastard..." With that eloquent statement, he slumps a bit against Freyja and appears to lapse into semi-consciousness.

Freyja silently watches Ghang leave, her eyes tiredly curious, then whispers to the half-unconscious Zero, "Hai, beloved... you do. Rest now. You're safe." She looks up at Vakkal and Fhazil, "We should go. We all need rest. Can you give us a hand up?"

Vakkal is all too happy to help them up and off to sleep, reassuring them, "Yes, you're all safe; I'll make sure. C'mon."

Master Sarn, looking worn but not exhausted like the three Triat members, says, "Yes, rest would be good." Manishsha looks up from his data pad and adds, "I can track the end game from here. We've got some security staff en route, and Khoud is being followed by local law enforcement."

Freyja nods politely to the Jedi Master, "Will you excuse us, please, Master Sarn? If you need us, you know where to find us, hai?" The demands of courtesy met, she wearily heads out with her friends. Sleep beckons quite urgently just now.

Sarn nods, "We'll contact you tomorrow." Vice-Chancellor Etk Caas looks at Manishsha and says wryly, "We missed something, didn't we?" The Kushiban replies, "Yes. I'll explain in the morning. Or I'll try to explain."

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

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