These Shattered Stars -- Logs

Nimas' suggestion of lunch is implemented, portions being doled out of a shared pot by the conscientious chef. He pauses before he gives Vakkal a bowl, asking, "This has both meat and vegetables in it. Is that going to be all right for you?" Vakkal grins toothily, "That's fine, thanks." Other than that, food is shared out and the five former Templars settle in to carefully eating it. It's sort of a sweet-and-sour stew with some root vegetables akin to carrots, as well as some vaguely chewy meat. It is a little spicy without being hot.

Freyja nibbles, mostly occupied in furious thought. True, the group matches Colburth's descriptions of the folks he fought, but she sees no reason yet to trust them. There are a few questions still unanswered, after all, to her. Talk is quiet and light until the Gungan comes over and sits down near Zero and Freyja, saying bluntly, "Not trusting us, are you?"

Freyja smiles warily, "Hai. Too many unanswered questions." She takes a swallow of her drink, then tilts her head to regard the Gungan, "Why did you lie to the Magentochs about who and what Colburth was? And how can you possibly know precisely where and when the rogue manus is going with their hostage?" Freyja can easily think of a reason how the ex-Templars might know that... but she's hoping it's not the right one. She quietly murmurs to her friends, 'Ware response on this, please... She's in a good position for throwing food at the Gungan and dodging away, herself.

Zero is looking at the Gungan quietly. He appears to be evaluating a point just behind the Templar's forehead, and how he may reach that point in as close to a straight line as possible. There is a brief pause, then Murn says, "We got questions about you too, you know. How you working with Sith, not killed by Sith? What these two Sithies doing here? Who in charge? Why we trust them?" Bluntly seems to be the only way the Gungan lady talks.

Freyja smiles, her eyes coolly amused, "I asked first, on your request."

Jedi Saffron says reprovingly, "Now, Murn, that hardly-" and she interrupts him, glaring. "You hush, Dorn. You better with words, ya, but this tension helping nobody. Let's have out. Hopefully all takes is more words, and then we all go home." Freyja nods in silent agreement with the Gungan. She may not exactly like Murn much, but right now the Gungan is right. Murn stares him down, while the others say nothing. Looking back at Freyja, she says, "Ya, you did, and I answer. I tell you truth."

The Gungan pauses for a bite of her stew, then says, "Had to have help from Magentochs to keep eye on Colburth. Hardhead insisted we go, and was going to call for help. Wanted Magentochs to think he dangerous, keep him drugged, dopy, not listen to him. Hard to keep Jedi prisoner if he awake. Told Magentochs what they fear most to make sure they do what needed. Tried to help them out, make good for their help."

Thov adds, "That's one of the things I hope he forgive me for." "Other is for shooting him in the back," adds Avarras, "while Dorn and I talk to him."

Freyja doesn't quite wince at how... pragmatically Colburth was dealt with, but she does grimace a bit. Fortunately, she and her friends are paranoid enough they tend to usually sit in order to watch each other's backs... or perhaps it's just common sense. She studies the five in silent dismay, then says quietly, "You do realize now there are people who feel betrayed and upset at being used by you... and that you've done precisely what Colburth tried to prevent -- you've taught people Jedi are neh longer trustworthy."

That takes a long time to sink in. Jedi Nimas says, "We know. This is not something we are proud of." Dorn adds, "We did think about it first, and decided it would be easier to show them otherwise later, than it would be to recover from what a wayward manus could do."

Freyja continues to silently regard the five with her intensely ice-blue gaze. Finally she simply says coolly, "Ah, I understand. For you, the ends justify the means, hai? Very... pragmatic." She doesn't add anything else about how similar their reasoning is to the rogue Templars... she doesn't really have to. She quietly goes back to eating. They'll answer the last question or not. Either way, food is good.

There is another expectant pause where none of the five invading Jedi speak. Dorn starts by saying, "That is an oversimplification and makes things far worse-" until the Gungan says, "Shut up, Dorn! Maybe she right. Maybe nothing to do right here. Come, we do wrong. Not come, we do wrong. What can do, then, that not wrong?" She glares at him for a long time.

Zero adds softly, "What's done is done. We did not come to moralize at one another. Perhaps now is the time to determine where our respective efforts may be spent in the immediate future. It has been said yesterday is cast forever in stone, and tomorrow is a dream of empty air. What we do right now is more important than what sins we have already committed. So then, I believe the most important question has already been asked. What to do now, then, that is right?"

Freyja nods silently, watching the five, then adds dryly, "You could try talking to us as well, you know... instead of swapping thoughts before saying anything. We might have some good ideas too?" Zero simply folds his hands on one knee, his expression unreadable.

Dorn says, "Well, I don't-" and is told, "Shut up, Dorn," by at least two of the others. There is no malice and no anger; almost a sense of resignation. Thov continues, "He talk too much. You ask how we know when and where they go. That easier. We don't know exactly. We know that if they have prisoner, we know only one hideout good enough to keep prisoner, and that they probably go there once they think they not followed."

Avarras adds, "How one so young learn so well, be so wise? Hope for your sake, young Jedi, you manage to become old so your wisdom listened to. Seems to be prerequisite for much on Council."

Freyja nods, then says, "I hope they don't know you know about this hideaway. So... how do you want to do what is right for now?" At Avarras' comment she gives him a thoughtful look... then turns to Zero, assuming the comment is mostly for him.

Zero smiles a little and bows slightly. "Your praise is flattering, and your observation on the Council most astute. If I do manage to grow old, I will consider it a fair trade in exchange for anything I may offer the Jedi Order. Becoming Jedi has afforded me the opportunity to achieve old age... not something I might reasonably have expected before joining the Order."

Nimas settles to the ground near the discomfited Dorn and adds, "It long time since anyone outside Templar commented on little talk-pauses, and first time someone knew what they were. How you know? Jedi Colburth tell?" He does not seem angry at all, merely curious.

Freyja smiles at Nimas, "Neh. We do them too. That's how we know." She gently runs a hand down Zero's back, pleased he's being well recognized. She's very proud to be part of this group.

Fhazil grins cheerfully at the five Templar Jedi, who all look uniformly shocked. Dorn says, "What?! You do? How?" Avarras asks intently, "Who does? You talk to Sith?"

Freyja giggles at the consternation, then says to Dorn, "Same way you do, I suppose?" and simply nods to Avarras.

This produces a long, stunned silence. Fhazil says, "Tsk, tsk -- talk to us too." Freyja adds cheerfully, "It's how we know our Sith friends here are trustworthy. Doesn't it help you five trust each other?"

Zero says, "Although it must be said our friends are exceptional among Sith, perhaps due to the influence of their Lord -- much as we all can said to be shaped in our own ways by the touch of our Masters." Freyja nods -- that's an excellent point. Zero says, "I would not trust just any Sith. Nor would I trust most Sith. But I trust these Sith; they are superior individuals. There are, after all, exceptions to most everything." He pauses, considering, then adds dryly, "I suppose if there weren't, none of us would be dealing with this... problem... right now, aiyah?" Freyja's small grin is rueful.

Dorn is staring at Fhazil, and Thov at Vakkal. Nimas actually chuckles, and says, "Not just Templar trick, ay?" and seems to find the discomfort of his companions amusing. Murn says, "So, you Sith but you talk to Jedi? What else you do with Jedi?" Avarras is quiet, contemplating something.

Freyja murmurs primly, "That is none of your business." Zero arches a single, slender white eyebrow, but says nothing. Freyja adds to Nimas, "Neh, it's not just a Templar trick. It's actually originally a Silver Path trick. But Zero can tell you more on that than I."

Murn looks at Freyja's prim look and laughs, "Now, that not what I mean. That fairly obvious, and can't blame you a bit." Avarras says, softly, "Silver Path? Tell us more."

Freyja murmurs to Zero, This one's up to you, sweetheart. I'm a little leery of giving away too much, after seeing Cassandra's reaction. Zero says, "Ah, that. Yes, well... do any of you recognize this?" He raises his head a bit to show the silver medallion around his neck, displaying the Silver Path emblem.

Dorn, Murn, and Thov shake their heads no, although they are interested and listening. Nimas looks, and seems to be thinking about it. Avarras says in her breathy voice, "Seen emblem, but don't remember where. At academy sometime."

Zero nods and straightens up a bit, folding his hands again. "Keep in mind that while I have made it my business to quietly represent my Way to the galaxy once more after its long seclusion... the last Jedi I revealed myself to as a Silver Knight chose mutilation over defeat, so great was the heresy in his eyes. I would hope that none of you are keen to lose a limb for the sake of knowledge tonight."

The five non-Templars look vaguely perturbed, and Murn says, "Hell, no. I fond of all my limbs. If you have to cut off limbs to tell us I ask you be quiet. Otherwise I like to hear." Freyja laughs aloud in spite of herself! The others concur with the Gungan more or less.

Freyja grins ruefully, "Sorry... we were all pretty shocked ourselves at how mad the rogue Templars were, to be honest. It's refreshing to talk to some that aren't wyrd in the head."

Nimas says, "Some would say we are mad to be here at all. We know we in bad position and do not want to Fall to Dark or cause pain, but we here doing what we thinking important."

Zero says, "Well. I'm pleased to hear that, at least. So... I should tell you a bit about myself, then." Freyja settles a bit more comfortably, obscurely reassured these folks were as aghast as she and her friends at the mad Templar's actions. The five from Coruscant also settle down comfortably with each other, listening intently to Zero.

Zero says, "I can tell you, it was certainly a shock to me. It isn't often that someone does to themselves what you threaten them with just to spite you." He smiles faintly, even laughs a little ruefully. "I suppose he showed me, didn't he? At any rate..." He sits back a little bit. "I come from a background less... simple than most who enter the Order, and certainly less pleasant. My Master recognized quickly there is Light and Dark in equal measure in my character and in my person. He encouraged me to pursue balance, and in so doing we discovered the remains of the Silver Path of Zhar, the only known dualist philosophy to achieve the balance it strived for."

Freyja gives Zero a perplexed look, "Dualist? Surely more a three-edged philosophy?"

Zero smiles, "I'm getting to that part, dear."

Freyja nods, reassured, "Sorry."

Avarras says, "So... not Light or Dark, but Light and Dark with Gray between?" She is obviously thinking. Thov mentions, "Avarras always was the more Force-aware and mystical of us." Freyja smiles at Avarras, then looks interestedly back at Zero.

Zero says, "It's all right." To the others he says, "The reason for the success of this philosophy is it does not rest the weight of Light and Dark solely upon a single person. To one who follows the Silver Path this weight is divided among their peers who have a strong connection to either side, and the Silver Path adept becomes the fulcrum on which these opposing forces are balanced."

"To put it more simply, I am connected powerfully to Fhazil and to Freyja, and I prevent his Darkness from swallowing her Light, and her Light from burning his Dark power away. At the same time, I make it possible for him to still touch that Light, to prevent himself from retreating forever into hate, into fear and violence, and I enable Freyja to touch that powerful, primal force without fear of collapsing into it altogether."

He smiles a bit, rolls his shoulders in a shrug. "I don't do much, really. I simply make the Way clear; it is their power that drives the Triat." Freyja smiles again with quiet pride, running a golden hand slowly down Zero's back again.

The other five Jedi ponder this. They all begin talking interestedly, mostly to each other, a line of, "Amazing!" and "I'm not sure that's a good idea," and, "However would someone find something like that?" and a curious babble mostly directed to one another as they get used to this idea. Nimas asks Vakkal, "So what you do? You not Light like normal, but not Dark... and not part of a three. How you fit?" The others get quiet and listen for a reply.

Freyja grins, "Actually, the Silver Path are a little indignant the concept of linking so through the Force was swiped and altered by the Jedi. They think what the Templar manuses do isn't a very good idea at all."

Once again, the five who are not a manus at the moment are stunned by this idea, and there is a shocked pause. Dorn says, "But that's-" and is interrupted by Nimas and Avarras, who say softly, "Shut up, Dorn." Avarras says, still softly, "Would they have us stop? Would they take away the defense of our core for this? While I can understand their unhappiness and even concern... after all this time... I don't know what we could do about it."

Zero says, "It is not a simple, easy, or safe thing for anyone to do -- Light, Dark or otherwise -- at least not at first. It would have been all the more difficult for me, at least, were we not so different in thought and background and self. One's psychology could easily unravel. But... I do not think the Silver Path would have you stop now. What they would have is for the Order to stop hunting them."

Thov chuckles and says quietly, "Can't blame them for want that, can we?"

Freyja says gently, "Maybe with your experience as a manus, the five of you could help create some truly amazing triats. Or you could all help teach the Templars there is more than one way to manifest the Force... and obliteration of all other ways is not only a bad idea, but potentially destructive of the Force." Her voice is quite sincere -- she's speaking the truth as she knows it: destruction of all but one way of manifesting the Force will destroy it.

Zero says, "In truth, for the Templars to even change their philosophy or practice would be asking more than I feel the Silver Path would request. It is their rabid persecution of 'heretical' sects and what one of them called, to me, 'proscribed arts' as he cut his own foot off; their simple vicious stalking -- that is what they -- and I -- would see above all other things changed. My partner in Light asks, as is her Way and her path, for the best of all possible worlds. I would simply see peace in this one."

Freyja grins cheerfully at Zero, teasingly saying, "Can't blame me for that, can you?"

Zero says, "Of course not. It is your purpose, Freyja." Freyja grins at Zero, leaning to give him a gentle hug, and resting her cheek against his head for a moment.

The Gungan has been quiet. She finally says, "This the same noise Roakkana been talking since before I born." She frowns and adds, "You expect me believe it work, it possible, it good for all? It good for Sith! Sith evil! How can support ideas that good for Sith?" She looks at Freyja and Zero in questioning, then to Fhazil, and asks, "Why you helping Jedi? They not tell you all Jedi evil?"

Freyja curiously asks the Gungan from where she leans against Zero, "You don't believe what will work?" She adds calmly, "And it's not noise. It's true. Master Roakkana is right."

Zero hugs Freyja gently... then gives the Gungan a sideways look. "I did say my partner in Dark was exceptional. There are intensely evil Sith. Many of them. Thousands. But these two... they are not. It is as simple as that." He pauses, glances to Fhazil, and says, "But... perhaps I speak out of turn. Fhazil... tell them your own reasons."

The Gungan tries to explain, gesturing emphatically, "You Light. He Dark. He Gray. You get three working and have big power, all balanced. Interesting. Any one of those change from their path, all this fails. If fails while power up, big spark. Force engulfs all, whoosh! No more three! How can work?" She adds, "Manus all Light. All going same way. Reinforce each other's direction and intent. Not able to falter when all in manus. Worst happens is Light goes out, not overcome by other. Very dangerous, very unstable. Insane!"

Zero says, "I would argue, perhaps, that the one whose Light went out would quickly be set alight by his fellows."

Freyja smiles, "Manus all Light, hai, but how flexible are you? Can any one of you do something the others isn't doing, or must you all go in the same direction? How much personality remains in a linked manus? And after time... do you all fade into each other a bit? Isn't that a danger also?"

Quietly she adds, "I am sorry to say it, but one of the arguments I've always heard for the Jedi, as opposed to the Sith, is that it may be harder to become a powerful Force using Jedi, but eventually the individual Jedi Master is more powerful than the individual Sith Master." Gently she says, "Perhaps that is also true for triats and manuses -- it is harder and more dangerous to become a triat, but in the long run it is more stable and powerful?" Mentally she grins and adds, Or at least that's where we're putting our Force creds...

Dorn says, risking the chorus of "Shut up, Dorn!" but speaking anyway, "Perhaps this is something they tell impressionable students to keep them from straying, Murn. I suspect there is truth to it... but perhaps it is oversimplified. I find myself wondering exactly how right we are."

Zero says, "I have said I stand in between my partners somewhat. It is said that no Jedi has ever fallen in a single day; the path from Light to Dark -- or the reverse -- takes time. Do you think I would not know? Do you think, knowing as you do, your own intimate connection to one another, that you would not know if one among you had begun to slip? Would you do nothing?" He asks finally, "Do you think I would?"

Murn settles and says, "More powerful triat may be, but stable? Don't know. Can't imagine. Sith supposed to be crazy." She listens to Dorn, then adds to Fhazil, "You not look crazy."

Freyja adds dryly, "Now, admittedly we've only met three manuses in passing. Two of them were quite mad... and then there's yourselves. It will be interesting to see how things turn out." She beams with quiet pride at Zero, and hugs him again. She wonders how on Middlegarten anyone could worry about her safety, when she has three such amazing friends as Zero, Fhazil, and Vakkal around. Then she smiles at Murn, "A triat requires a Lightsider, a Darksider, and a Greysider. The Darksider need not be Sith, any more than the Lightsider must be Jedi."

Vakkal finally replies, "You ask what I do... I was Dark, but became Light. Freyja saved me from myself and from the doom that waited for me at home, and the power I had changed to Light. Among Sith it is called Bright. I am not part of the Triat; I merely stand outside it and watch out for Freyja. I am her huskarl, her Soulguard, her lover, and her friend. That's all I do."

Freyja beams at Vakkal too, her eyes bright with happiness, and runs gentle fingers through his ruff. She cheerfully adds to Murn, "Oh, Fhazil is crazy. We just keep telling him neh -- the same way you tell Dorn to shut up!" She giggles.

Fhazil says, "I'm only a little crazy. I've done crazy things, but it's harder to do such risky things when you have so much to lose. I can also see how the Light is interesting and powerful... and know that it is not for me. I work differently. I wield the Dark. My friends wield the Light and the Gray, and I am of the Dark. That is how it is, and that is how we want it. The three of us and Vakkal have found peace for ourselves. It'd be nice to see that spread to everyone else."

Freyja nods quietly, still glowing with happiness, then adds, "Does that answer all your questions?"

Murn says, "How you come here? Why you hunting manuses?"

Freyja laughs! then says cheerfully, "All right, we've already answered those! We came in our ship, and we want the manus to leave because one, they're making all Jedi look bad, and two, the Sith lord Fan is not particular about who dies in order for him to obliterate opponents. Orbital bombardment, for example, has been suggested as one technique he might well use."

The Gungan shakes her head and mutters something in Gungan. Thov says, "That what she asks, but not what she means. Aurabesh not her first language. I think she wants to know how you have Sith help, not have to be hiding. Or are we not understanding?"

Freyja says, "Oh! Well, actually we mentioned that one already too. We're part of the peace delegation, remember? So we'd like to keep any more embarrassing flare-ups from occurring. It's bad enough Balin Khoud Fell and attacked the Sith Battleship Malice during the peace negotiations before, after all."

Dorn asks, "Does your Master know what you're doing here?"

Freyja gives Dorn a curious look, "But of course. Do you really think I'd hide anything from him?"

The Human replies, "I don't expect you would, but it would not be the first time a Padawan had gotten swept up with things and in over their heads. On the other hand if Roakkana sent you then he must be confident you can manage. That reassures me; I'll trust his good judgment in this, and also be confident in you."

Nimas says, "Balin Khoud fell!? What's this?"

Freyja says, "He'd like us to return home sooner, but we'll be able to do as he wishes as soon as we've either convinced or gathered the manuses here, Jedi Dorn." She turns to Nimas, "Balin Khoud is unfortunately one of the two men who most aided the fanatic faction within the Sith, in order to continue the war. We think he intends to use the war to obliterate all non-Jedi. We also suspect he has links to the rogue Templars, and we know he's given a dangerous artifact to a young boy in order to create a symbol people will follow -- the supposed Red General." She sighs quietly, adding, "Poor boy. Poor man, too." Then she adds, "You can find out all about it once you return to Balmorra with us, if you're willing to do so."

This news surprises and horrifies the manus. Dorn says, "This is bad. A Red General -- particularly a false one! -bodes only ill for everyone. We must get back." The others nod. Nimas says, "Let finish this here with rogue manus, and go, yes?"

Avarras adds for Freyja, "There are stories of Sith corrupting Padawans, and of confusing messages between they and their Masters. We worry for you, not because you seem incapable, but because this is deep water. Be careful."

Freyja nods unsmilingly at Avarras, "Believe me, I worry with every step I and my friends take." She sighs, adding wistfully, "And I would greatly love to return to our Master for a while. This is truly exhausting, sometimes." At Dorn's words Freyja looks relieved, "We're glad you agree with us! We will warn you, however -- do not go up against the false Red General! The boy bears an extremely powerful artifact named Atarangi Rewera, or Shadow Devil. It is capable of destroying iconic blades, let alone manuses."

There is a long pause, then Murn says, "Iconic blades? That baloney." Avarra says, "No, they are real. Never seen one."

Freyja smiles ruefully at Avarra, "Actually... you have. This triat all bears iconic blades."

A long pause of shock, and then Thov says, "You full of surprises." Dorn says, "A Triat... a fusion of Light and Dark... armed with iconic sabers... working with both the Jedi and the Sith... we may be outclassed, my friends. Perhaps this is an end to this war." He seems impressed.

Freyja sighs and says in heartfelt tones, "I do hope it is the end of the war... but I think you needlessly downgrade yourselves if you feel you are outclassed. The Force has plans for all of us. It is just up to us to listen as best we can." She adds firmly, "Light, Dark, and Gray. Won't work without the Graysider."

Murn has snuggled up to Thov, and Nimas and Avarras are sitting quietly together. Dorn is off to one side -- not unwelcomed, just by himself at the moment. Murn yawns and says, "So, you all lovers, or that nice fuzzy boy over there all lonely?" Thov pokes her gently and sighs exasperatedly, "Murn!"

Freyja wistfully hopes they get to go home soon... even if for just a short while. It would be simply wonderful to be able to sit next to Master Roakkana and hear his calm, wise, rumbling words again... she blinks at Murn, then giggles, "If he's lonely, we do our best to alleviate that!"

Fhazil counters with a quick question, "Are you all?" and a cheerful grin.

Murn says easily, "Yes. Easy to love in manus. No secrets at all. Even love Dorn's weird kinks." The human looks embarrassed.

Freyja laughs softly, and gently runs her fingers through Vakkal's ruff again. Vakkal likes that and closes his eyes happily. She considers a moment, then sighs quietly, "Much though I'd love to snuggle too... we probably should go retrieve our landspeeder, then go set up ambush at the location we expect the rogue manus to turn up at, hai?" To Dorn she companionably, "Don't feel bad. There were other Khar Velosi warning Vakkal about how, er... um, exotic Humans were!" She grins ruefully, "In front of me!"

Dorn says, "Yes! There are things to do! Should we attack at dusk, during full dark, or at dawn?" Murn murmurs, "Aww, c'mon, Dorn! I see you eyeing nice human man's ass. You thinking, 'Hmm, wonder what Sith like?' aren't you?" She laughs gleefully at his horrified, embarrassed look, and Thov says, "All right, that enough. Leave the poor man alone, Murn. Let's get this done first." All of the Jedi but Dorn like Freyja's comment and laugh appropriately, except Dorn, who's still busy being embarrassed.

Freyja grins cheerfully, although she doesn't stop the movement of her gently caressing fingers in Vakkal's ruff. She considers, then says thoughtfully, "Well... do we have to attack? Can't we try talking to them first? Is there any possibility they might listen to reason?"

Avarras advises Freyja, Vakkal, Fhazil, and Zero quietly, "That's a good sign, you know. When Murn is relaxed enough to try and embarrass Dorn, things are much more comfortable. I think it her hobby."

Freyja grins, murmuring back, "We're starting to figure that out, actually..."

Murn says, "Awww, let's just kick their asses." Thov sighs, then says, "No, Murn. Best to talk. Want to know what they're up to, who sent them, what they're doing with this Arkanian, where they're going, who trained them... want as many words and as little pain as possible."

Freyja nods, "And if they're the only manus. From our initial data we assumed there had to be two groups, and that you all were one of the two attacking manuses."

The Bothan adds, "And if they're incommunicative or dangerous, then we kick their asses." This perks up Murn.

Freyja grins amusedly, then says, "When do you expect them, again? We should set up before then, hai?"

Dorn says, "We think there's just the one... and that we scared them into moving their location. They'd been striking at things, we tried to capture them, and they got away. We think they moved to avoid us." Thov adds, "Maybe they move for their own reasons. Not finding what they wanting, for instance."

Freyja frowns thoughtfully, pausing in her gentle ruffling of Vakkal's fur to pull out her datapad. Does the data on the attacks match Dorn's comments? Are the two rough groupings of attacks time-separated like he suggests? A moment later she nods quietly to herself, satisfied. The attacks are indeed mostly time-separated, and the small amount of overlap in the attacks could be during a move.

Thov says, "Not have exact time. Need to let them get back to their camp or we scare off. Want to pin down there, not to chase all over farmland. We thought wait here till they get back to their camp, then surround it."

Freyja says thoughtfully, as she studies the data, "When do you expect them to be back into their camp? Is this camp different than the locale you expect them to take the prisoner to?"

Thov says, "The camp we've mentioned is where they'll take their prisoner. They should be there very late in the afternoon, if they follow their prior patterns."

Freyja nods, "All right. Late this afternoon, then... so we should get flying. We still have to return to fetch our landspeeder, then go there."

Zero sidles up near Avarras while the others discuss. "I was just thinking of something you said a moment ago."

Avarras says, "Yes?" and makes a pleased-curious gesture.

Zero slips something from his sash and offers it to the Templar. "I suspect I will have need of it this afternoon, but I thought you might wish a look while there is time. Consider it a... gesture of good faith." He presses the double hilt of Kawatuara into Avarras' hand.

The frozen face of the Givin is not good for expressing emotion, but she gestures pleasure and says, "Thank you, Zero. I appreciate your trust." She looks at the saber-handle, adding, "It's beautiful."

Zero says, "So it was when it found us, among the other two. I wish I could take credit for the artistry of the casing, but I provided only the simple functional construction. Nonetheless it is a pleasure and an honor to be so selected. I am pleased to have the requisite skills to wield a dual blade, and honored to carry one so fine. I trust it as I would trust my partners."

Avarras says, "That is a beautiful thing." She ponders the saber, saying, "I hear the Sith usually do not make their own lightsabers." She looks at Zero and asks him, "How can they feel them as we feel ours? How can they depend upon them without knowing their very fiber, the soul of their construction?"

Zero says, "I could not say. Perhaps they look upon their sabers as they do the Force itself -- as mere tools. I was raised to believe it is the duty of any man, be he soldier or carpenter, to know the way of his tools and their use, and so I do my best to know them. But I do know, in being selected by his blade, Fhazil did indeed build his own blade, and in doing so has, I think, learned a truth that perhaps his native tradition overlooked."

Avarras says in her whispery voice, "He sounds very special. You are lucky to have found those who you needed. I can imagine that brings completeness, something like the manus does for us. It is a beautiful thing, and I wish others could share it."

Zero says, "I would go so far, Templar, as to say that perhaps if we overcome the excesses of the corrupt and the fanatical among Sith and Jedi, perhaps more people will have that opportunity."

She replies, "It would be good. Most Jedi at this point do not even think a world where all can exist and be happy is possible. I find it hopeful and revealing that it might be a future after all." After a pause she adds, "This would make, perhaps, a complete victory for either side even more of a loss. I can see why the zealots of both sides want the very idea repressed."

Zero nods. "The sharing of knowledge is their greatest fear; ignorance and secrecy are their only weapons." All the Jedi has for Zero is a silent gesture of agreement, followed by sorrow or sympathy. Zero smiles a bit. "Save your sorrow, Templar. We will see a brighter time soon, I think. Knowledge is like a fire. Once started, it quickly spreads."

The reply is a soft, "I hope so, Padawan Zero, I hope so."

Zero nods. "So. Let us make preparations. Some enlightenment," he grins, "must be beaten in."

Freyja has just finished arranging with Thov for him to fly the foursome back to the water plant to pick up their returned landspeeder, then to return here so the entire group can proceed together to the postulated location of the rogue manus. She says to the other Jedi, "Once we've arrived, do you want to send in just one person, or have us arrive all together to talk with them?"

Thov says, "Biggest worry I see is getting there too early and scaring them off. Not want to try and chase them around again. That worthless. I'd like to go in and be close by, send someone in to talk, then make sure they not able to get away if they choose fight."

Freyja nods, "All right, then we'll follow you in, since you know the lay of the land. Who would you like to send in?"

Murn says, "Talkers! You and Dorn." Dorn says, "Oh, so now it's a good thing, is it?"

Freyja grins, then says, "In that case Vakkal will be present also." She looks at Vakkal inquiringly, "Armor, or neh?"

Zero says, "That may be conspicuous."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, "Hai... but also safer against a manus. It's a tradeoff. I'll leave it up to Vakkal."

Vakkal says, "Armor. If it lets me take an extra blaster shot or saber hit before they're through me to Freyja, it's worth it."

Freyja smiles, hugging him gently, then nods to Thov, "All right, let's get going."

Nimas comments, "That one dedicated guy."

Freyja says proudly, "He's the best."

Thov says, "Hmm. How want to do this? Sneak in, bang on door? Or more subterfuge?"

Freyja murmurs dryly, "We could always try being honest and straightforward?"

Murn laughs, then says, "We been hiding here too long, being too sneaky. I like her plan." Thov says, "Works for me."

Freyja smiles, "We'll leave the sneaking up to the rest of you, how's that? Since you can do that on your own, we won't know precisely where you are, and can't accidentally reveal your location."

Thov says, "I think Freyja, Dorn, and Vakkal go to door. Between them, they in contact with rest of us. They also tough enough to handle themselves till backup get there, if need be. Rest of us circle and keep from bolting elsewhere."

Freyja nods, "Works for me." She looks inquiringly at Fhazil and Zero.

Zero says, "Excellent."

Fhazil says, "Sounds good to me. Should Zero and I stay together, split up completely, or team up with the others, so we always have both groups in contact?"

Freyja cheerfully hops into the landspeeder, "Let's go, then! Hopefully this will be easy and peaceful!" To Fhazil she says, "Take one of them with the two of you -- how's that, Fhazil?"

Nimas says, "No comms to intercept. Very good." Thov nods, "Very good! Hard to slice what not there, ay?" Murn looks at them, then says, "I go with these two. They look tough enough to keep up with me." She grins at them.

Freyja snickers quietly. Thov says, "Nimas, Avarras, and I will spread out and cover the other side. Three teams of three. Very good."

Landspeeders are loaded, people prepare, and things are put in motion. Murn spends a moment in quiet conversation with Dorn ("You mad at me for crack earlier? Aww, shit, Dorn, I sorry"), and Avarras returns from quiet meditation and quietly gives Zero his saber back, saying, "Thank you, Zero. I am enlightened. You and it are very special."

Zero smiles a bit, tucking the blade back into his sash, "I am honored you think so, Avarras. Now, shall we turn our thoughts to acting on our high ideals? I've been looking forward to this for days now." He grins. Freyja smiles, watching, and Zero can feel her quiet whisper, like a caress, Very special, hai...

The band of determined Jedi breaks up into three groups of three, and the landspeeders zoom off to their destination. Landing outside normal security perimeters and just behind a small hill, they arrive. The house in question is a farmhouse one story high with a big barn. It looks old, weather-beaten, and abandoned. Scrub grass grows on the former fields around it, obscuring little. Thov tells the assembled, "Land here, spread out. Let everyone know when in position, ya?"

Freyja nods to Thov, then gives her three friends a quiet hug. She whispers softly to them, "Link now, or wait?"

Zero says, "Now is as good as any. Perhaps they will mistake us for other Templar."

Fhazil grins, "Okay. I dunno how sneaky it is... but okay."

Freyja nods to Zero, her eyes already unfocusing slightly as she concentrates, "All right." The group can feel the soft, rising purr of the Force within Freyja as she brings up the usual array of specialties for them all. Zero takes a deep breath. Inhale, exhale. I breathe in the Force. I breathe out Power.

Battlemind clarifies the field for the group. Inspiration flares out next, encompassing both the former manus as well as the triat. A moment later the triat's senses expand within the Force, and they can feel its soul-lightening effect. Finally Freyja attempts to Influence the upcoming Battle... she's feeling rather delightedly light-headed within the Force -- it's surging powerfully within her, glowing out through her icy silver eyes and making her fiery hair flare with ripples of gold.

The Force lights with Triat power while the five from the manus watch in silence. As the members boost their skill capabilities, Avarras says, "That is a beautiful thing," and admires the effects on the Force of the changes being made.

Fhazil gives a quiet boost to Freyja, returning her Vitality to full so She Who Is In Front is fully healthy, while He Who Hides In Bushes is lower. Freyja gives a short, rippling purr of laughter within the Force, and Fhazil can feel the gentle memory/light pressure of her lips in a gentle kiss against his forehead.

Nimas, Thov, and Avarras vanish off around one side of the building, covering it. Murn murmurs, "Try and keep up with me boys!" then grins at Zero and Fhazil and nearly vanishes into the scrub grass on the other side. Fhazil follows. Zero fades into the foliage. Fhazil, is a Gungan coming on to us?

Fhazil replies over the link, I don't know. Would that be bad? I think Dorn was eyeing me earlier. There is a pause, then he adds, This is not what I expected from the terrifying Jedi Manus, you know?

Zero simply replies. I'm not sure. Twi'lek is as far outside my species as I've ever gone.

Freyja nuzzles Vakkal's cheek affectionately, then smiles at Dorn, "Ready? Let's go." At his assent she turns, heading calmly for the door of the old building, confident in the others' presence even if she can't see them.

Dorn says, "Right. Straightforward it is." He walks next to Freyja to the door. Vakkal sends, Focus, guys, focus. And not on her ass, Fhazil!

Freyja knocks on the door, calling quietly, "Hello, anyone home?"

There is a muffled bump from inside, and a voice calls out, "We don't want any! Go away!"

Freyja grins ruefully, "Very funny. We'd like to talk with you, please."

Footsteps, and clicking of a latch. The door swings open, revealing a human wearing a grey tunic and a belt with a blaster on it. There is also a lightsaber. He says, "What part of 'Go away!' was not clear?" His eyes narrow as he looks at Freyja, the sun behind her turning her into a golden silhouette. He sees Vakkal and says, "Oh, shit," steps back, and tries to slam the door. Dorn's foot keeps it open as he says, "We'd really like to talk to you."

Freyja smiles and nods politely, "Good evening. Are you the leader of this manus?"

The man says, "Shit!" again, turns, and runs in to the derelict building, shouting, "There's Sith at the front!"

Vakkal sends sheepishly, There I go, being scary again. Get ready.

Freyja raises her voice to call clearly and commandingly into the house, "He is a Bright Sith who works for a Jedi. Please remain rational." She shakes her head mentally to Vakkal, We knew that was an option. Don't blame yourself for their irrationality, sweetheart.

The reply is wordless, a rippling in the Force throughout the building, and a wave of energy forming into five points of bright light. Dorn says, "Someone's quick on the trigger." He has also sent a heads up to his party.

Elsewhere, Zero tchs. "Well, we tried..."

Freyja sighs quietly, then paces slowly into the house, "I repeat, we would like to talk with you. Please remain calm."

Another voice, loud and clear, comes from the inside, shouting, "What do you mean you're Jedi? What are Jedi doing here? What do you want?"

Freyja calls back, "Would you like to have this shouted conversation, so anyone outside can hear, or would you like to come talk with us like rational beings?" She grins, adding, "What part of 'we want to talk' didn't you get?" Her voice is lightly teasing.

Five humans come out of a back room and stand in the gloom of the dark front room, slowly and warily. They form a wedge shape three rows deep with one man at the point, two women on the next row, and two men behind. They move carefully, cautiously, looking in all directions, blue flashes of Force energy in their eyes. The leader says, "You don't know what you're getting into. There's only three of you. Run while you still can."

Zero just grins enigmatically, hearing the words over the link with Freyja and Vakkal.

Freyja calmly murmurs, "Actually, we're quite aware of what you are. Now. Shall we talk calmly and rationally? It's time for you all to leave this planet. The Sith lord Fan will be arriving in about five days, and he will be doing whatever he can to obliterate you all. This would not be such an issue, except he is willing to kill innocents indiscriminately to do so."

Dorn sighs and closes his eyes for a moment. Another wave of Force energy from all around lights up his five manus members, and his eyes flicker with the same blue glow. He opens his eyes and says, "We are nine. You are surrounded and outclassed. Talk while you still can. Listen to the pretty lady. She speaks truth. Let's all get out of here and go home."

Freyja continues, "Also, you have a prisoner, and you've been killing innocent bystanders yourself." Her voice goes quiet and strong, "This is not acceptable behavior for Jedi -- even rogues such as yourself. Therefore we ask you to please do the right thing, and surrender peacefully. We can get you off the planet without the Sith taking you or harming anyone else." She serenely ignores the manus forming up next to her. Perhaps she'll just forget later she 'saw' that.

The leader speaks, "They are worthless peons of the Sith, pawns in their terrible game, and deserve death for having surrendered to him. The loss of most on this planet would mean nothing, as they are the Sith's now. Only a few tough ones out here would be a loss, and them not enough to matter." He adds, "And how can you, here breaking your oaths, tell me about doing what is 'right'? How can it be right to let the Sith take worlds and do what they want to the population? Why should I listen to you when it is clear," he points at Vakkal, "that you have been corrupted by their lies already?"

Zero glances at Fhazil, "Have you lied to me recently?"

Fhazil murmurs, "I've lay with you... I suspect that would bother him, too."

Zero says, "Well, I guess it depends on what we do there..."

From the darkness a Gungan voice hisses exasperatedly, "Shut up, you two!"

Vakkal keeps his composure with some effort. He sends to the Triat, I don't want to fight this man. He is powerful and he knows it. I do want to fight this man... I want to rip his lying throat out with my teeth.

Freyja says calmly, "Neh death is without meaning. Return to the Jedi, and listen to wisdom again. Alone here, you drift from being a servant of the Force, to attempting to master it. Even Balin Khoud has Fallen into this trap. Do not join him there. Please."

The leader spits on the floor and says, "Khoud was a fool who went too far. He does not understand what we do. How can you listen to the pacifistic tripe the Council and the Senate spew and not know that they, too, are corrupt already."

Freyja pauses, then says slowly and clearly, "Come with us peacefully. Return to the Republic with us." An attempt at Friendship traces a delicate tendril through the Force to the rogue manus leader.

The Force spreads through the leader, and therefore through the other manus. They hesitate. The leader says, "We don't want to fight you. We want to show you the Way. Listen to what we have to say! We were planning on leaving shortly after dawn anyway. We finally found what we needed."

Freyja nods, "All right, enlighten us. What did you need?" Dorn says nothing, but the look on his face suggests he's sending something to the rest of his manus.

The leader says, "Evidence! We can show the Sith are doing wrong! With what we have here, the Council and the Senate must act! They cannot sit on their hands any more and say that nothing is wrong! We will show them!"

Freyja whispers to Zero and Fhazil, My Friendship didn't quite tip the manus over into friendliness. Can one of you point out to our allies that another attempt might do it? She tilts her head thoughtfully, "Evidence of what? I mean, surely we all know already the Sith are doing wrong? ...or is this something new?"

Zero murmurs softly, "Murn, Freyja's attempt at invoking Friendship was not quite sufficient... can one in your manus attempt again? It may be the last push we need..."

The leader says, "You must feel it! The very air works against you! They brainwash the masses! And! -as if that weren't enough!" His eyes narrow and he says conspiratorially, "And they're drugging the water supplies. The people can't do anything the Sith don't want. We have proof! We have the machine, the drugs, even one of the chemists who administers it! It's what we've been after all this time!"

Freyja's eyes widen slightly, "Drugging the water?! With what, please?"

The leader says, "Some evil Sith concoction. It's distilled from some innocent creature they bred for the purpose. We haven't figured it out yet, but the chemist... he must know. He will tell us."

Freyja thinks a bit, then nods, "In that case, I'd like to talk to him -- I might be able to persuade him to reveal the information."

Dorn does not move; Dorn did not do it. Avarras, working through Dorn, forces Friendship again on the other Manus. The Force ripples softly, convincingly, and the leader says, "I... yes, we can help you. We have nothing to fear from you." He smiles and adds, "And you're right... we must go. We are leaving soon. Do you want to come with us? Have you got a ship?"

Freyja smiles, "Hai, we do. Do you?" She whispers over the link, At this point we're stalling, so you guys can decide -- do we want to stun them to be sure they go where we need, or let them follow along? Friendship won't last more than about an hour, I fear. She adds ruefully, Sadly, my vote will be for stunning, as I don't think we can keep hitting them so successfully with Friendship.

Fhazil relays this via Murn. Her reply is, "We say stun 'em too." Fhazil tells Freyja, The others agree.

Freyja nods mentally, All right. Tell Dorn to concentrate fire on... the leader, on my signal, and when we call everyone else should come running to take out the other four.

Fhazil and Murn talk, Fhazil returning, Ready on your signal. Freyja watches the manus, smiling faintly as she waits for them either to reply, or turn to lead her to the prisoner.

The leader says, "Yes, we do. It's hidden here, and ready to make a safe getaway. We have a disturbance arranged to cover our departure."

Freyja nods, "Excellent. And the prisoner? He is where, please?"

The leader says, "Downstairs. Our supplies are in the basement with the prisoner. He is unconscious until we can get him aboard ship.

Freyja beams, "Even better! Lead the way, please!"

The leader concentrates for a moment and the Force flickers around them as his manus drops, leaving their defensive poses. One says, "Um... are you sure about this?" and the others look uncertain. He says, "These are our friends! They're here to help us." He gestures, "This way!" and turns to go back deeper into the house.

Freyja says quietly, almost regretfully, over the link, Now, and steps up to follow the leader. Under her poncho she pulls her blaster, puts it into his back, and fires. Vakkal draws and fires at another one. Dorn Saffron isn't far behind, shooting at one of the questioners. Three of five go down, stunned, a man and a woman being left. They both say, "Ack!" and light up their sabers. Freyja says quietly and firmly, "Surrender."

Not being fools, they do, sabers shutting down with defeated-sounding hisses. The man says, "What are you going to do to us?"

Freyja says, "Exactly what we said -- we're going to escort you all back to the Republic. You will have a chance to present your proof as well, if you are polite to the authorities there." She murmurs, "Cover me," to the two men with her, and quietly uses her medkit to put the three downed individuals into an anesthetized sleep.

The two captured watch Freyja make sure the unconscious stay that way. The man says, "We're next, aren't we?"

Freyja rises gracefully, "Hai, unless you'd care to surrender your lightsabers and aid us in moving your companions."

The woman looks at the man, and there is a pause. He shakes his head and sits slowly on the floor, "I think it would be best if we avoided any kind of temptation to resist." He stares hard at the woman. She says, "Coward," and also sits down.

Freyja shakes her head, "It is not cowardice when the reed bends with the wind." Gently she anesthetizes them also, then looks up with a small sigh at her current companions, "We'd better check on the poor Arkanian also. Then we must go... immediately, off planet. I don't want to risk tempting the Sith lord currently here, either."

Dorn says, "I agree. Do you have room for all of us, or shall we use our contacts to get out? What of Colburth's ship, and theirs here?"

Freyja says, "Well, if we can find and disable whatever distracting disaster this group had, it would be good, I think... but neh more than a few hours of searching, please. And hai, you take Colburth's ship and yours, and... can you take two or three of this manus, so they're separated enough not to link up again? At least one of you is medically trained, hai? And we'll take the remainder and the Arkanian, and head back to the spaceport... and we can turn him over to the Sith, then leave. Can you meet us in orbit?"

Dorn says, "Those are doable. Your Zero and our Thov should look at the gear to see if we can prevent their distraction by slicing their gear." He asks, "Why are we returning the Arkanian? That could be important. I am confident the Senate would not treat him badly... although I'm not sure I can say that about this group."

Freyja looks up at Dorn from where she's checking the unconscious bodies and says simply, "We are not taking him because he is not ours to take and we don't have permission to do so. He was kidnapped, his companions murdered. Unless we can wake him, and he says he is willing to go with us, he should be returned to his people."

Dorn says, "I am not sure I agree with you about that, but you may be right." He frowns a moment, then adds, "The others agree with you. I suspect I must spend some time trying to find who I want to be."

Freyja nods quietly, her gaze serene, "We all need to, I suspect." She rises, dusting off her knees, and smiles at him, "Will you guard these five while Vakkal and I go down into the basement with our triat friends?"

Dorn nods, "Everything seems quiet outside."

Outside, Zero stands carefully. "It seems quiet at last. Shall we go down to join our friends?

Murn arrives with Fhazil and Zero. She comments, mostly for they and Freyja's benefit, "The others are looking in the barn to see what's lurking there."

Freyja says to Dorn, "Good." She heads in the direction the rogue manus leader had indicated, hoping to find the basement, as two of her beloveds come in the back. She lights up at seeing them, "Haiyo, lovelies! Neh bloodshed yet -- a positive sign, eh?"

Zero says, "Well, here is hoping, no?"

Freyja grins happily, hugging him warmly, then nods, "Hai, definitely. Now the basement, where I'm hoping you can tell what's going on with the machinery, and I'll check the Arkanian, all right?"

Zero says, "I can certainly give it a try."

Freyja nods, smiling, to Murn, then heads for the basement door, "Let's go see, then."

The back room is old, the windows missing, and the walls stained by weather. A stairwell leads down. The basement is unremarkable. It has a bunch of supplies sealed in crates, and a couple of complex comm units. The Arkanian that had been mentioned is tied up and unconscious on the floor. He looks more or less intact.

Freyja moves him out of the way of the others, then gently unties him and does a quick medical check to be sure he's all right before waking him. She wants all her friends watching when he's awakened. The Arkanian is, according to the scanner, healthy. Drugged unconscious and banged up a little, but alive and intact.

Zero arches an eyebrow. "Oh," he says mildly, "A bomb. That's quite a distraction. I think I may just quiet that from here."

Freyja blinks at Zero -- then brightens, "Oh, you found it -- the distraction! Good on for you!"

Zero mms, "And some correspondence, but I suspect I will need more time to decrypt it. Some of their security is more astute than others." Freyja nods from where she sits by the Arkanian, obviously still extremely pleased at Zero disabling the bomb. Zero adds, "Ah, and a final prize. I have access codes for their ship. It should be in the barn."

Freyja laughs delightedly, bounding over lightly to give him a gentle kiss on the top of the head, "You're amazing, my dear!" She is careful not to get into his way, however.

The others arrive, Thov saying, "There is a little ship here. It'd be tight for five or six. We don't have the access codes. I wonder if we should screw with it."

Freyja beams at Thov, "Zero has lovely news for you, regarding that ship!"

Zero smiles a bit. "Thank you, love. No screwing necessary, Thov. I have their access codes."

Thov says, "Oh?" Murn says, "Ya. Got codes. And he stopped distraction -- bomb at flight control." Thov says, "That's good news! Those are both good news." He moves over to watch Zero work.

Freyja sighs happily, "So we can get all three of your ships out, as well as ours, meet up in orbit, and head back to Balmorra? Wondrous." She's almost glowing with happiness again.

Zero smiles a bit. "Here, I can show you how I did it." He laughs softly. "As I said, my background is not... quite the same as most Jedi." It appears Zero has found a bomb planted at flight control, but he canceled the countdown from here, and can tell them later to remove the bomb. He's also found passwords and access codes for the ship in the barn, and there are a large number of messages to and from some people about what they're doing here. He's going to need more time to make much sense of those, though.

Freyja gently runs her fingers through Zero's hair, plaiting it nicely for him as he shows Thov what they've got. She adds, "Once we're done with the machinery, we can waken the Arkanian. We'll ask him if he'd like to come with us or return to the Sith... then we'll head out. Best, I think, if your manus isn't present when he opens his eyes, though?"

Avarras chuckles and says, "Let's go look at this ship, Dorn." She collects the five members of the not-manus, and leads them out.

Freyja smiles as they walk out, calling quietly, "Thank you!" Once they're safely out, she smiles at her friends, "Now the Arkanian." She wakens the Arkanian gently, letting him know he's safe now.

Zero says, "At this stage, one would hope the hard part is over, but... nothing is ever easy with us, it seems."

The Arkanian comes to slowly, looking frightened. He twitches a little, and sees Freyja, recoiling in fear. Freyja grins with easy affection at Zero... then smiles at the Arkanian, making sure Vakkal is visible behind her, "Heiyo. You're safe now, relax."

The Arkanian says, "What of the invaders? Are they dead?"

Freyja says, "We've taken care of them. How do you feel? Do you still have the stuff to add to the water?"

The Arkanian says, "Uh. I don't know. They had the injectors, which are big and complicated looking, but not the hard part. The formula is the hard part, and I don't know if they got it. Probably."

Freyja nods, "Not a worry." She checks him with the medkit, then adds curiously, "Do you know what the effects of the formula are on people?"

The Arkanian says, "Yes... docility and..." He looks suspicious, saying, "Don't you know? Who are you?"

Zero smiles a cryptic little smile. "We're here to save you."

Freyja shakes her head and says at the same time, "We're here to rescue you, silly." She smiles, adding, "What he said."

The Arkanian says, "Well... you seem to have done that." He still looks dubious.

Freyja smiles, "Does it matter? Docility and happiness is what the Force work does too."

The Arkanian says, "True. This adds some more willingness to do what one is told, as well. The two together reinforce each other -- one chemical, one mental. Different people react differently to them, and therefore both together are more effective."

Freyja nods, "Makes sense. How long has it been running?"

The Arkanian says, "Since Lord Fan heard of these attacks. I believe Lord Methel-ssa resisted it, but he sent us out himself and we took no argument from her."

Freyja nods amusedly, "Hai, I can see why." She pauses, then looks a bit worried, "Er... are there more of you who will need rescuing?"

The Arkanian asks, "Are there more who have been captured?"

Freyja says, "Neh, that's not what I'm asking. How many of you are there?"

The Arkanian says, "Oh! There are sixteen of us. We monitor the water systems planet-wide."

Freyja nods, looking relieved, "Ah, good." She smiles at the Arkanian, "Well... are you ready to return to the city? I'll guess you don't want to go to the Republic with the remains of the invaders, hai?" She grins, "Or would you like to do that?"

The Arkanian says, "What? Go to the Republic?!" He looks horrified, "They'd eat me alive there! That's what they do to people they catch, you know."

Freyja laughs! "Oh, that's a foolish tale put about by Oathers -- the Republic folks don't eat you! Only silly folks believe that." She grins. Zero looks askance at Fhazil, as if sharing some in-joke.

The Arkanian does not sound convinced, saying only, "A ride back to the government compound will be perfectly satisfactory, thank you."

Freyja chuckles quietly, "That's fine." She rises gracefully, discreetly clicking off her recording datapad, and says, "Do you feel up to walking?" She adds a touch grimly over the link, A copy of this is going to Methel-ssa, and another copy to the Republic, if we can swing it.

The Arkanian takes a hand up, but stands and looks around. He says, "Looks like you got the bastards." He grins and adds, "Lord Fan will be pleased and disappointed."

Freyja smiles serenely, saying nothing, simply gesturing for Vakkal to go first. Warn the others to be out of sight until we leave, all right?

Zero says, "We shall offer our most humble and sincere apologies to His Radiant Munificence from a great distance." Freyja snickers quietly.

The Arkanian says, "Oh, no! He'll want to meet you all, to thank you personally. Citizens of the Empire who could do good work like this are greatly valued." He adds, "He'll also want the captured ones for our labs."

Freyja smiles serenely at the Arkanian, "Really now... don't you think you should get back safely to the city first? Come... time to go."

The Arkanian says, "Yes, yes, of course. Back to work."

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

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