Logs

Logs Home

2002 May 22

2002 May 29

2002 June 06

2002 June 11

2002 June 19

2002 June 25

2002 July 01

2002 July 05

2002 July 10

2002 July 14

2002 July 16

2002 July 17

2002 July 22

2002 July 24

2002 July 27

2002 July 28

2002 July 31

2002 August 03

2002 August 05

2002 August 10

2002 August 11

2002 August 12

2002 August 14

2002 August 19

2002 August 25

2002 August 30

2002 September 05

2002 September 15

2002 September 24

2002 October 03

2002 October 05

2002 October 11

2002 October 15

2002 October 17

2002 October 26

2002 October 24

2002 October 31

2002 November 07

2002 November 15

2002 November 21

2002 November 29

2002 December 05

2002 December 17

2002 December 19

2002 December 26

2002 December 27

2003 January 05

2003 January 07

2003 February 21

2003 January 10

2003 January 11

2003 January 18

2003 February 04

2003 February 10

2003 January 30

2003 February 06

2003 February 13

2003 June 07

2003 April 30

2003 June 07

2003 June 14

2003 June 21

2003 July 05

2003 July 12

2003 July 19

2003 July 26

2003 August 24

2003 September 11

2003 September 13

2003 September 20

2003 September 28

2003 October 04

2003 October 11

2003 October 18

2003 October 25

2003 November 01

2022 June 13

2003 December 13

2004 January 03

2004 January 10

2004 January 17

2004 January 25

2004 February 07

2004 February 10

2004 February 14

2004 February 16

2004 February 21

2004 March 02

2004 March 06

2004 March 13

2004 March 19

2004 March 27

2004 April 03

2004 April 10

2004 April 17

2004 April 24

2004 May 15

2004 May 22

2004 June 05

2004 June 11

2004 June 26

2004 July 10

2004 July 17

2004 July 18

2004 July 31

2004 August 07

2004 August 14

2004 August 21

2017 August 18

2017 August 18

These Shattered Stars

Shattered Home

Game Background

Mechanics

Maps

Dramatis Personae

Game Logs

Realms

Realms Home

Dishonored

Goblin Town

Neverneverwhere

The Whole of the Law

Waking Dreams

When The Bough Breaks


One-Shot

Retired

Birthright

Burning Man

Cosmic Guardians

DNAnimals/Tamashii

Fukusei Crystals

Heartwood

Hunter

Idlewild

Indigo

Inizii

Morning Rain

NachtMusik

Oloth

Paradon

Scarred Lands

Shattered Stars

Starfall

Weston


Style Test

Reality Fault

Home

Player

Character

Referee

Programmer

Administrator

Operations


Search RealityFault:

General Info

Glossary

Realms

Events

Credits

Help Files

Help Files (old)


Reality Fault

Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs

Chapter Ten, part Eight

Freyja walks with her friends and the Arkanian back to the landspeeder, then has him sit and get a final medical check up. She also has her medkit quietly anesthetize him so he falls asleep for a while. Once he's out, she calls out to the other manus that it's all right to come out now. They do. Jedi Murn Vishallos, the Gungan fighter, says, "Hokay, we go home now, right?" and grins.

Freyja nods, "Hai, we'd like you to come to Balmorra with us. Can you carry two of the rogues with you, to keep them separated just in case? We've got the medical supplies to render them unconscious for the whole trip... and it's a shorter trip from here to Balmorra than from here to Coruscant. As long as one of you can keep an eye on the field bacta tubes keeping them unconscious, it should be fine. Can you do that? And where do you want to meet in the solar system here, so we can meet up and fly together to Balmorra? We have a bit of a trip back to the city before we can take off, so we'll be upside some time after you all, I suspect."

Jedi Shul says, "We can do this, yes." Avarras asks, "How should we go? Use our contacts, take this ship, or maybe Colburth's?"

Freyja grins, "Well, I sort of thought you might daisy-chain the rogues' ship, Colburth's, and your own together with tractor beams, and fly them all back that way, perhaps? You can almost completely empty the rogues' ship of air, water, and fuel, then tractor it with Colburth's, and almost empty that one too. That'll mean your ship will have plenty of fuel to tractor Colburth's ship and drag them both... and you'll all have plenty of air and water on your ship to keep everyone comfortable and breathing. That's how we'll bring back here the ship we borrowed for Colburth, after all. Make sense?"

Fhazil says, "Who's your pilot? We can work out the meeting details." Avarras says, "That would be I," and steps aside to talk to Fhazil and Zero about meet points.

Freyja looks relieved. "Excellent. So, who should I talk to about the body tubes maintenance?"

Dorn says, "We don't have a ship here, but we can tow the rogues' with Colburth's."

Freyja nods, "Hai, that'd work. You'd mentioned having a ship tucked away someplace in orbit, I remember."

Nimas says, "I will look after bacta tanks. I have that experience." Dorn says, "We have a contact to another ship, not one of our own. Not using that contact will hurt no one."

Freyja nods, "All right, then let me talk to Nimas a bit, and then we're all ready to take off, hai?"

Avarras adds, "We will not be able to lift this ship to orbit with our ship. We lack that equipment. I will have to launch this, meet you there, and transfer over later."

Everyone chats together a bit, planning out relevant details to their various specialties, and arrangements are made. Freyja 'tubes' up the rogue manus and the Arkanian, hands over two of the rogues to the 'real' manus, and helps load the remaining four individuals (including the apparent leader of the rogues) into their borrowed landspeeder. "All right, are we all ready now?"

Murn goes over to Thov and murmurs something to the dark, furry alien. Vakkal's ears twitch as she does so. Thov says, "Dorn, c'mere." The human does. A moment of conference later he sighs and says, "I will ask." He moves back to Freyja and says, "We have a question, Padawan Freyja."

Freyja nods inquiringly? Dorn says, "You wisely wish to keep the rogue manus separated. Would you like to do the same thing with us? One or two of us could travel with you to make sure nothing untoward happened." He gestures and adds, "Murn and Thov have volunteered." Fhazil blinks a couple of times and looks at the Gungan, but says nothing.

Freyja smiles, "Neh, we believe you'll keep your word to meet with us in orbit and fly with us to Balmorra. Also, if you're anything like us, you'd all prefer staying together." She thinks a moment, then adds, "Um... Dorn, you do know I was just trying to calm things down a bit before, when I mentioned the so-called exoticism of Humans as lovers, hai? I'd hate to think I hurt your feelings there. If I did, I am truly sorry about that."

Dorn says, "What?" and looks embarrassed. The unflappable Murn tries hard not to, but giggles anyway. Dorn glares at her, then says, "No, Freyja, I was not offended. That was all right. I'm sure most of us have heard the same thing at one time or another." Thov sighs at Murn, who's now looking embarrassed and still trying not to laugh. Thov explains, "Murn was teasing Dorn, yes, but not about species. About gender." Managing not to giggle, the Gungan asks, "Haven't you seen how he been looking at your pretty boys?"

Now Dorn is terribly embarrassed, and Vakkal is the one who is having to try not to laugh. Zero remains calm, but Fhazil says, "Here I thought it was the Gungan who was eyeing me." He grins cheerfully at the both of them.

Freyja gives Murn a curious glance, "Of course. It's actually been puzzling me a bit. I mean, having lovers who actually know what you like, and when, and how -- right then and there! -well... how could non-linked lovers possibly compare to that? -and yet, you all seem terribly interested in us, despite that." She tilts her head inquiringly at the Gungan and asks, "Is that one of the problems with having five instead of three or four -- someone always gets left out?"

Murn says, "That only a problem when you not creative enough," and grins suggestively. She adds, "I been looking at you too, pretty boy," to Fhazil who, for all his bravado, looks a little startled. Thov says, "Now that you embarrassed absolutely everybody, Murn, maybe we go, mmm?"

Freyja says calmly to Murn, "I think you've missed my point entirely. Aren't yours enough for you?" Her ice blue gaze is steady, watching the Gungan.

Murn considers, then says, "Enough, yah. But always nice to have new friends. Especially interesting, powerful Jedi friends."

Freyja nods quietly, "I will assume, then, this is like the situation where you spoke somewhat... thoughtlessly concerning Master Roakkana. May I suggest on Balmorra you not be quite so obvious in your... appreciation of other people's paramours? Balmorra is a dueling society still, in case you didn't know."

Nimas says, "Not all Gungans are like this; we just got particularly lucky." The Gungan herself looks abashed, and says, "Thank you for warning, Freyja. I be careful, and be good. I sorry if I cause offense. Not ever mean to do so by appreciating. Think you all very interesting and want to be friends, not to make unhappy. I be good now."

Freyja smiles, "I'm sure you are. Please pardon my bluntness." She bows politely to the entire group, adding, "So... we meet again in orbit. I look forward to introducing you all to our Master and my Haus, and seeing the rogues get help. Thank you all so much for your letting us assist in this." She grins, adding more naturally, "Maybe we can have a party when we get there!"

Avarras says, "It be very good not to be living in a camp. Imagine... hot baths... let us get moving." Their party splits up, Avarras to take the rogue ship into orbit once everyone has moved out of here, and the other four taking the tubed prisoners to their landspeeder, to go to Colburth's ship.

Fhazil says, "Okaay... back to our own ship, yes?" and leads the way back to the landspeeder. Vakkal follows Freyja closely, glad that she did not get hurt and glad this is done.

Freyja waves goodbye with her friends to the former Templars, then loads up into their 'speeder. Once they're settled in she sighs in quiet relief, "All right... we're definitely making progress! If we leave tonight or very early tomorrow, we'll beat Fan's arrival here by a comfortable margin." She grins at Fhazil's comment, "Well... can we stop by the Magentoch's place? We need to warn them to spread the word about the water. Tell you what -- let's call ahead and see if they're able to let us meet them tonight, all right?"

Zero drives while Fhazil calls ahead. The comm is answered by Rose Magentoch, who is happy to hear of their success and will be happy to see them. Several hours later the group arrives at the granaries. It is late evening, bordering on too late to be calling, when the landspeeder sets down outside the damaged grain terminal. As soon as they do the front door opens and Rose Magentoch steps out into the pool of light the open door behind her leaves, "You've made it! Come in, come in!"

Freyja gives the Magentoch a tired but heartfelt hug, then heads in with everyone else. "Thank you so much for letting us come by at such a late hour, Mama Rose. We wouldn't have done so but that we'll be leaving tonight or tomorrow for Balmorra, and the news we have really can't be sent via comm."

The big woman says, "After all the help you've been to us and Magernkl's, it's the least we could do." She makes sure everyone is inside, then offers bowls of hearty stew and fresh-baked bread, adding, "Fel's been baking, so you know it will be good."

Freyja grins with quiet pleasure at the small family. She misses gatherings like this. "You didn't have to do this -- we really appreciate your kindness."

Fel comes out with butter and jam for the bread, and says, "We appreciate what you have done for us." His mother smiles and adds, "We would feed most any wayward soul out here. We're happier to feed those we know and have background with, but we do our best not to let anyone go hungry."

Freyja will eat hungrily with everyone else. Once the remainder of dinner debris is cleared away, she pulls out her datapad. "All right, a bit of background. First, we found the rogues, and they're leaving with us. Second, we found them because they attacked a water processing plant and took a hostage -- an Arkanian sent by the Sith lord Fan in spite of the Sith lord Methel-ssa's protests." As she speaks she has her datapad make a copy of the conversation with the Arkanian, "This is for you to use to convince your neighbors. Let me play it for you." She does so, quietly watching the reactions of the three Dantooinians.

The three farmers are not best pleased by this. Tuley says at the end, "The poor villagers." Fel adds, "We'll have to tell them next time we're there." Rose says, "Is that a good idea? How will our munificent leaders react to this news?" She looks grave and unhappy.

Freyja says, "Well, here's my suggestion. First, if possible always use well water. Second, if you can't use well water, boil all your drinking and cooking water at least ten minutes before using it -- that will both sterilize it, and destroy just about any chemical compound in the water. Thirdly, don't swallow any water you're using for washing, and if you can, use the boiled water for that also." She sighs, then adds, "I'd also recommend you pass the news of this to all your friends, but via voice. Neh comm traffic."

Rose says, "All the water here's from our own well. We should be safe, right?" Fel adds, "Tuley and I will tell the others, though."

Freyja adds quietly, "Remember, there are sixteen of these chemical engineers all over the world. I'm going to do my best to give Methel-ssa enough information that she can perhaps call them off... but you -- all the people of Dantooine -- should be aware of this as well." Then she nods to Rose, "As far as I know, well water is fine. It's the water which goes through the purification plants which is getting the additives."

Rose says, "Poor villagers. Don't even know what's hitting 'em." She sighs, then says, "We'll let 'em know. Some will listen and some won't, but we'll let 'em know."

Freyja adds gravely, "I'm sorry to put this on you, but you and the Magernkls are the only ones we know we can trust to do this." She pauses, then adds dryly, "You might also pass on a warning to not use Sith tech. Those puller lizards with the implants... well... I imagine it's quite easy for a greedy, thoughtless Sith lord like Fan to see neh difference between mechanically manipulating them and chemically manipulating the people. Who knows what the long term effects will be on the poor lizards, too."

There is a pause... then Rose says, "Aye, I can see that. That'll be a harder sell, because the farmers like those, but with the water tainted it's not a hard question to ask them, 'What's keeping them from doing it to you or yours next?' -- and that'll get 'em thinkin', all right."

Freyja nods, looking extremely relieved, "Thank you so very much for understanding, Mama Rose! I know it's a tricky issue -- it's scary to consider losing an extremely docile animal at harvest time when everyone's short already -- but it's a dangerous meme to get started amongst people here. Who wants to be the next extremely docile animal, after all?" She considers, then adds, "I can promise you this -- when we return from Balmorra in about two months, we will be bringing more power supplies and food, and we'll do our best to move around the countryside and help those most in need."

Tuley says, "You'll be well-liked, ma'am." Rose adds, "You really want to do something about the spread of these bad ideas, you won't bring power and food. You'll bring guns and troops. But that'll make you enemies of the contented."

Freyja smiles slowly, her eyes perilously bright, "Actually, we're bringing something more dangerous, Mama Rose. We're bringing the meme of friendship and trust to tired Sith lords who've never had friends."

The Magentochs look a little doubtful. Tuley says, "I'm sure you'll do what you think best. You've sure done good by us, and we're happy to help any way we can."

Freyja grins, the icy look fading easily from her face, "I'm glad we could help! We appreciate your kindness to us as well. But we should let you all rest, and we should get going -- we have work to do still tonight, if we're lifting off within a few hours." She hugs Mama Rose goodbye again, cheerfully tells the boys some of the Magernkl girls asked about them, and heads out with her friends to the city.

Rose says, "What? You won't stay the night?" and seems disappointed. She perks up at the reaction of the Magernkl girls, and at the farm boys' embarrassment over it. Leaving is accomplished with little more delay, and the landspeeder goes shooting across the dark Dantooine night. Freyja sighs, comfortably full and a little tired. "All right, what's next... calling Methel-ssa." She grins at Fhazil, "Think we can reach her at this hour?"

Fhazil says, "Maybe. She seems not to sleep much. If she knows we're going to call, she'll be up. Let me try. Do you want to talk to her or should I take care of it?"

Freyja says, "Hm. If she's available, let's send her a compressed, encrypted file of the conversation with the Arkanian, shall we? Then, once she's heard it, she can decide if she wants to talk further with us or neh." Freyja plays with her datapad a bit to create the file while Fhazil tries reaching his former lord.

Fhazil says, "All right. I'll take care of it." He works the comm for a while. He speaks briefly to someone, then waits. Then he says, "Lord Methel-ssa. We have the manuses, and they are bound off planet now. We have other news for you. May I send a file?" He sends, and waits for it to confirm. As soon as that is done he says, "Yes, Lord," and settles in to wait.

Freyja leans comfortably against Vakkal's steady, furry warmth as they wait, humming softly to herself. Over the link the others hear her peaceful, pleased, We did good, eh?

Vakkal relaxes with Freyja, warm and strong, while they wait for a reply from the Lord. Fhazil says, So far, so good, yes. Vakkal adds, Much better than if you hadn't have been here, Freyja. Fhazil glares at his furry friend, but then is interrupted by something on comm. Freyja grins with lazy contentment at Vakkal, then listens quietly for Fhazil's reactions.

Fhazil puts the comm on speaker to let everyone hear Methel-ssa ranting, "...worthless piece of khroskin jerky! Vile bucket of malodorous turd! Offspring of lying gnrot-beasts! How dare he do this to me!" He takes the comm back off speaker, and sends, Methel-ssa is not pleased.

Freyja giggles quietly, then leans to murmur into the comm, "Would the Sith lord Methel-ssa care to personally interview the Arkanian she just heard, or should we simply release him once we're again in the city?" She grins, adding to her friends, Talk about a leading question!

On comm, Methel-ssa's voice is cold as she says, "I want him. Bring him to me. I'll return him to his Lord... when I'm done with him."

Freyja says politely, "As the Sith lord wishes. Alas, we have not the other fifteen, but since we leave planet tonight we may not search them out." She adds equally politely, "Where should we drop off the Arkanian, please?"

The tone of the Lord's reply is not encouraging, "Oh, I'm sure I'll be able to find them." She adds, "You will bring him to me in the meeting room you've met me at before. I want to see you. Tonight, before you go anywhere."

Freyja sighs softly, then nods, "Very well. We'll call once we're in the city. Is there aught else?"

The Lord replies, "As if this isn't enough! No, that will be plenty. I will see you soon enough."

Freyja grins, her tone dry, "As the Sith lord wishes. Over and out." She sits back with a quietly contented sigh once the comm's off, "Excellent! Next stop, the Eclipse to load up our rogues, then off to see the wizard!" She giggles softly at some internal joke, then says curiously to Fhazil, "So, will we nill we, we have greatly stirred the pot. What happens when a Sith lord rebels against their own lord?"

Vakkal's ears go back, and Fhazil shakes his head, saying quietly, "It gets messy. I'm kind of glad we'll be well out of it, in hyperspace."

Vakkal comments, half-aloud and half through the link, "I wouldn't bet on Lord Methel-ssa's survival. Not against Lord Fan."

Freyja smiles quietly at Vakkal, then thinks a bit. Finally she says thoughtfully, "Well, I meant more in terms of inheritance. We know the Si'yul put his affairs into order before he was going to suicide, but what happens if a Sith lord dies suddenly? We know there's neh titular passage from a Sith lord parent to child in the Sith Empire. So... would the governors inherit the planets they were managing?"

Vakkal says, "Hard to say. They wouldn't so much inherit it as already have it." Fhazil adds, "The question becomes can they keep it, and who they'll align with, and how to do so, or simply to keep their lives."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, "Fascinating. I cannot imagine it has escaped Methel-ssa's notice there'll soon be a stable, powerful Sith lord here for peace negotiations, which the Dark Lord himself wants to have occur without disruption." Very slowly she says, "I wonder... just how angry she is with the Fan... and how much she remembers of her days as a Lord of State..."

Vakkal's arm stiffens around Freyja just a bit as he sends, I really don't want to think about a fight between Lord Ghang, Lord Methel-ssa, and Lord Fan. I'm still not sure I'd bet against Fan. Fan taking over Khar Velos... that would be terrible. And Fan doesn't want peace... he could easily sour that as well.

Freyja nods quietly as she leans against Vakkal, her thoughts no longer vocalized, Hai, it would be ugly. Mostly I'm wondering how desperate Methel-ssa is. I'm sure we're all creative enough to imagine a setting where we got dragged into this as well, and I'd rather be prepared than surprised. I don't know about you all but I suspect, barring some unforeseen disaster, I'd side with the Si'yul. If the Methel-ssa is creative, I bet she can figure that out too, you know?

Fhazil sends, Methel-ssa would certainly try and use the Jedi that way, if she thought she could control them long enough to. I can certainly see her aligning herself with Lord Ghang rather than Lord Fan. If she thought the Jedi would help her... she very well might let them.

Freyja grins lazily at Fhazil, Aw, you're too nice to be a nasty ole Sith lord, Fhazil! Why would she try to control the Jedi, though? Far better to have something, ah... 'spontaneous' happen where they get dragged in unexpectedly in an effort to help the Si'yul, don't you think? Cheerfully she adds, Gotta think suspicious, y'know?

Fhazil shrugs and sends, That's what I meant.

Freyja smiles, Ah, then you do understand what I'm thinking of -- good. Best to be prepared, Master Roakkana always says! She grins, then relaxes comfortably against Vakkal, waiting until the landspeeder stops by the Platinum Eclipse. She'll help load the rogues into the cargo bay, carefully setting up their tubes so the medical supplies run steady, consistent checks on them. Once she's sure they're safe and stable she cheerfully trots down the gangplank, "All right, we're ready to go! Next stop, the government buildings, hai?"

The government buildings are quiet and still at this hour. The perimeter is still heavily guarded, and the same checks as usual are made going into the building... but the halls are quiet and dim. Lord Methel-ssa's ante-office is empty and dark, the doors standing open. Her big audience room is also dark, lighted only dimly at the end. Methel-ssa's voice calls from that dimness, "Come in, friends. I am waiting for you."

Freyja guides the antigravity sled with the tube containing the Arkanian on it into the room, pushing it to the side so everyone else can enter. Mercy, she called us her friends?! This should be... dangerously interesting... She bows politely, her expression carefully expressionless, "The honorable Sith lord honors us by seeing us at such a late hour."

The room appears mostly normal, except dark. The lights come from four candles at the far end, at a low table set up by the receiving area. Methel-ssa sits there, the candlelight causing her huge, golden eyes to flicker eerily. There is a candle at each corner of the table, and a dull-metal colored bowl in the center. A knife or dagger of some sort rests across this bowl, blade pointed directly to the Lord. She sits cross-legged behind it and watches almost motionlessly as the group enters. Then she raises a hand to gesture, "Come, sit closer." Her movement in the dim light reveals she is wearing a long robe of some sort with long, draping sleeves. It is thin and transparent, a slight golden sheen to it.

Freyja approaches slowly with her friends. Over the link she murmurs warily to the two Sith in their group, Uh, is it considered a reward in Sith-land to get to watch as someone's eviscerated? 'Cause if so, I'm going to have to pass...?!

Vakkal's worried reply is, I certainly hope not! Freyja is at least a bit relieved, and settles gracefully on one of the available cushions.

The Lord watches, waiting, then says quietly, "Sit, sit. Tonight I mean you no harm." She reaches down and picks up a bottle, unstoppering it and drinking directly from it. Then she passes it wordlessly to Fhazil. Freyja is a bit more relieved at that comment from the Sith lord, although she's now wondering why the dramatic set-up. She watches a bit puzzledly, wondering what's going on.

Fhazil takes a drink from the bottle and passes it to Vakkal, sending, It's ordinary wine. This is a gesture of trust and association from her home world, or so she once told me. The shared bottle, that is. I'm not sure what the candles and the knife are for. So reassured, Vakkal drinks, trying not to be messy about it with his inhuman muzzle. The Lord watches.

Freyja nods, not revealing her usual reaction to shared drinks. Instead she grins mentally, Well, thank goodness it doesn't mean we're all sharing a smooch together! She watches carefully, wondering if the bottle will be shared amongst all of them... and if there's anything in it but wine.

Vakkal passes the bottle to Freyja, who accepts it gracefully and then looks curiously at the Hkkal, "This is a cultural gesture, hai? May this one inquire as to its meaning?" She takes a careful sip as she waits for an answer... although her caution is such she barely wets her lips. It would be simply mortifying to start coughing uncontrollably due to taking too much!

The Lord says, "An old tradition from where I grew up; a shared drink to show trust and intent. I trust you and welcome you, and you trust me and are welcomed. The pact formed is very simple, and says that for the next half-day the parties involved will not harm one another." She cocks her head and adds, "Do I ask too much of you?"

Freyja says, "Oh." She tilts her head consideringly, then looks up and smiles with genuine warmth at the Hkkal, "Neh, I think that's nice. We have Hosting and Guesting Oath where I come from."

Zero takes the bottle and has a brief sip. The Lord holds out her hand, recapping the bottle with its ornate stopper when it's returned to her, then setting it down next to one of the table legs, on the floor and out of the way. She smiles and gestures at the bowl and dagger, her hands casting shadows in the candlelight, "You must be wondering what I have this for, mmm?"

Freyja nods, then licks her lips, quietly savoring the light, fruity taste of the wine. Must've been a recent Dantooinian vintage, she'd guess, from the slight sweetness.

The Lord picks up the dagger, casually fingering it and turning it over in her hands, watching the dancing candle flames play across it. She says mildly, "I was prepared to do grievous injury to our guest there." An idle gesture with the hilt of the dagger indicates the Arkanian. She says, still calmly, "But while I waited I was distracted by the play of light and darkness on the knife's edge, and I slipped into meditation." She notes calmly, "I have decided not to eat the poor dupe's liver, however, and have a new plan."

Freyja remains politely silent and attentive with her friends. She would personally find eating a sapient -- or even just parts of one -- a bit revolting, but perhaps it means something different in the Hkkal culture.

Lord Methel-ssa puts the knife down and adds, "In fact, he will remain here as my honored guest until Lord Fan arrives, when Fan can reclaim him. No harm at all will befall him." She seems serene and thoughtful as she adds, "I hope this meets with your approval. I suspect it is more acceptable to you than my initial plan."

Freyja says quietly, "He is your people, Sith lord. Were we given the option we'd dearly love to take him with us to Balmorra... but we are not his aristoi nor sworn to his protection, and so we do not have that right."

The Hkkal sighs, then says, "If I did not know about him I would be happy to have you take him to the Jedi. However, since he is Lord Fan's I must protect him, and that does not usually involve turning him over to the enemy, as pleasant as you have seemed to be. Lord Fan will want him back, and I will have enough trouble explaining the escape of the manus you have rid us of. I do not need the extra burden of trying to explain the loss of his staff."

Freyja nods, "We understand. Still, surely this will be a good thing in that there will neh longer be any need for the mental control or the chemical additions to the water, hai?"

The Lord closes her eyes and nods, murmuring, "I very much hope this is the case, Padawan Freyja." She looks back at the golden human and adds, "Not just for my sake, either. I don't think it is good for the people, and I am concerned for them. They are my responsibility."

Freyja looks a bit surprised, then gives another of those rare smiles where her whole face lights up, "I am so happy to hear you say that, Sith lord Methel-ssa. I wholeheartedly agree -- long term effects of somewhat untested chemical additions can sometimes be quite unexpected and dismaying."

Methel-ssa says, "The people are the source of the Sith Lords' power, even if some of them do not see that. Without the people there is nothing." She sighs, "I know what I will do to help them, and myself. It is the same thing, and I hope it works out, both for their sake and mine."

Freyja says curiously, "What is that, if we may ask?"

Methel-ssa says, quietly, "I would prefer not to discuss it. It would be safer for everyone."

Freyja nods, "Quite understandable." She considers a moment, then adds, "Is there aught else we may do for you, honored Sith lord, before we depart?"

Methel-ssa says, "No. Go, and hope your friends and Lord Ghang come to us safely and quickly, and that you return to find all of us well. No more is needed from you now. You have given me much to think about."

Freyja tilts her head thoughtfully at the Sith lord, wondering what it is Methel-ssa is so seriously considering, but doesn't say anything. Instead she bows politely, then gracefully rises and departs as they were bid. Fhazil pauses to murmurs, "It was always a pleasure to work with you, Lord. I hope to do so again." She looks at him, smiles, and says, "Sweet boy. Learn an important lesson, whatever happens: Sometimes you can only make the least bad choice." She stands, bows to Fhazil, and leaves through a rear entrance.

Freyja raises a mental eyebrow as they quietly leave, Well, now... sounds like she's decided to stick with the standing hierarchy. Let's hope the Fan doesn't do anything stupid to upset that resolve of hers. She adds thoughtfully, Sith Lords bowing to journeyfolk isn't usual, is it?

As they leave, Fhazil catches up and replies, I don't know about that. It may be she's going to try and change things, but isn't confident either way will turn out well. Hard to say. He adds, No, it's not usual. It's a sign of respect... and perhaps foreknowledge that she won't have another chance to. I'm worried about her.

Freyja looks gravely at Fhazil as they head for the landspeeder and their ship, Is she the type to do something like the Si'yul was planning -- the glorious death as preferable to a slow and agonizing one?

Fhazil replies, I... I don't think so... but she might take the risk of losing a fight if not to fight was intolerable, and the alternative is only death.

Freyja nods quietly and thoughtfully as the group speeds through the night, Let us hope she doesn't try it alone, then. A moment later she says slowly, I wonder if that meeting was a last thank you... or something similar. She sighs quietly, I hope not. Considerate Sith lords seem to be a rare breed indeed.

Fhazil looks out into the night, looking at nothing, and replies, I hope not, too. Vakkal watches him quietly and sighs, settling warmly next to Freyja.

Back in the landspeeder, Zero whisks them to the spaceport. He and Fhazil begin going about the business of trying to get landing clearance and getting the ship warmed up and ready. The ship has already been refueled, and apparently a request for take-off was sent ahead from the governmental compound... along with clearance from Lord Methel-ssa herself. This aids matters, and take-off is achieved as easily as possible.

Freyja is relieved Methel-ssa is being so kind. She double-checks the rogues, helps where she can with preparation for take-off, feeds and pets the little faux, and stays out of the way otherwise. She makes a mental note -- once they've safely taken off, joined up with the 'real' manus, and jumped into hyperspace, she needs to farsee Master Roakkana. She sighs, sitting in the comms chair with the little faux curled up on her lap, and hopes everything is going well for the Malice as well.

The trip out to the rendezvous point is also reasonably straightforward, and takes only a few hours. One of the ships expected is there -- the captured rebel ship. The other is not yet visible. Freyja smiles as she comms over to the other ship, "Greetings! We'll send over coordinating jump data while we wait, all right?"

The comm flickers and Avarras replies, "Hello, Padawan Freyja! Feel free to do so, but this ship will be towed. I have word from Nimas, aboard Colburth's ship. The exact message was, 'I can't believe this ship is so slow!' He'll be here in a couple of hours. We had buried it pretty deeply, and it is apparently not a very fast ship." Freyja giggles at the reply, while Zero sends over the relevant data.

There is a three hour wait till the other ship arrives. Avarras and Nimas dock them together and spend some time transferring resources from one to the other. Avarras eventually moves to Colburth's ship herself via spacesuit, and then calls from there, "We will be ready in ten minutes, Jedi friends."

Fhazil says, "Harrumph!" and looks indignant, but does not have the comm turned on.

Freyja grins and blows a cheerful kiss at Fhazil, then smiles, "Take your time, please. Best we get it all correct." She idly scans the area, making sure they're safely alone. Nothing shows up on the scan. It's just more than the ten minutes stated when the Jedi ship calls, "We are ready to jump any time."

Freyja says, "Sounds good!" She checks with Zero, and on his guidance the two ships and their tagged trailer jump in coordination, "See you on Balmorra!" The ships jump.

Hyperspace is, as usual, dull. Freyja, as usual, spends it in meditation, care of the unconscious rogues, martial practice, and snuggly wonderfulness with her beloveds. She'll also wait a few days before trying the farseeing.

Freyja settles herself comfortably after having let her friends know what she intends to try, then lets her mind drift peacefully into the Force, 'reaching' for her much-loved and much-missed Master. The Wookiee is easily reached, at least as far as farseeing goes. He settles in to his own meditation and reaches back, helping Freyja connect more firmly. His thoughts reach out, Hello, Freyja... is everyone safe?

Freyja smiles, her thoughts warm with happiness, Haiyo, Master, it's so good to hear from you! Hai, everyone is safe, we miss you a lot, and we're looking forward so much to seeing you! Also, we're bringing back both manuses which were on Dantooine -- both the rogue one and the one which properly left the Temple and disbanded first.

Roakkana's reply is, I am sure you will be able to explain more when you get here. Having them all away is very good news. I hope Master Sarn and Lord Ghang are not too disappointed to miss you... or have they already arrived?

Freyja murmurs, Neh, they've not yet arrived. We expect them to arrive about two weeks before our intended return to Dantooine. Unfortunately for poor Sith lord Methel-ssa, it's that pesky Sith lord Fan who'll be arriving in about five days. From her mental 'feel,' Master Roakkana can tell she has little to no respect for that particular Sith lord! She adds, Could you please let folks there know we should arrive in about two to two and a half weeks, and there are 14 of us? Also, arriving a few days ahead of us should be Jedi Colburth, Watcher Manishsha, an ex-Oather who's now known as Alleine and should be treated with kindness by the Jedi, I hope... and ex-Senator Kalatis!

Roakkana's reply is interested, A former Oather? My, my, that will be interesting. I'll make sure he is treated gently. I'll warn your family a group is arriving... I do assume you'll want to stay with your family, not with the Jedi. For more than a dozen people, Haus Rigg will be more comfortable, I suspect.

Freyja grins ruefully, If I stayed with the Jedi, Mother and Father would never forgive me! And hai... in total there will be almost 20 of us. More gravely she adds, I hope poor Balin Khoud is healing. I do not think Kalatis has any concept of his being at fault, though... and more troublingly, the rogue manus has neh compunctions about slaying innocents. Apparently there's a rogue Templar Master training them. There may be a lot more of them than we realize... which worries me.

The Wookiee's reply is, Worse than I'd feared. The Jedi Council will be furious. He adds lightly, They will, of course, try and blame me.

Freyja blinks confusedly, Er... your pardon, Master, I think I did not catch that correctly? What is it the Jedi Council will blame you for?

The amused reply is, Anything they can, of course. They're being conservative and frightened, and my beliefs qualify as frightening and dangerous to them. Were I not as old and well-respected as I am, I am sure they would have demanded my presence for an Inquiry. To ask what I do not know, but I am sure they would think of something.

Freyja frowns a bit worriedly, That... is unjust, Master. If anything, it's your training and wisdom which has enabled us to capture the two traitors.

True, replies Roakkana, but it has also brought us a Triat, which they would very much disapprove of, and talking politely to Sith, which they would rather deem inappropriate and simply shoot instead. Many understand these frightened ones are not to be listened to, and they can but sputter and threaten at this time. It is not worth worrying about.

Freyja nods slowly, then replies, Well, if it helps any, Master, the friendly manus has been quite receptive to news of the Silver Path, Triats, and us in particular. They helped us capture the rogues, in fact. She grins, adding, Or we helped them... whichever they'd like.

She adds slowly, But in regards to the Sith lords... I'm worried there. I know you taught me an enemy turned into a friend is an enemy vanquished, but... I think we may be looking at trying to change an entire culture here. I seriously wonder if they really understand the concept of friendship, you know? I asked the Si'yul Sith lord about friends, and he assured me he had them... but they were all people he trusted not to harm him because they were much weaker than he!

She bites her lip a little worriedly, considering, then adds slowly, I... can we do that? Is that ethical -- to try to change an entire culture? And alternatively, after having seen the Fan Sith lord's insistence on the Methel-ssa bleeding herself and her apprentices almost to unconsciousness to maintain a Force mind control, and without her knowledge sending technicians to drug the water so the people are even more docile... I find myself asking how we can possibly not do our best to change their ways, you know?

Freyja sighs, then says unhappily, I really would like to spend some time meditating with you, Master. I'm worried... the nice manus warned me again how easy it is for a Padawan to be led unintentionally astray when long apart from their Master. I... think some grounding and centering time with you would be a really good thing, if you don't mind?

Roakkana replies, Of course I don't mind. I hope we'll have the time to address this once and for all while you're here, in fact. It would be good to have a chance to catch up, and to let things around us settle. Moving fast is harder than it probably needs to be.

Freyja's small sigh and smile is rueful, Hai, I quite agree.

Roakkana inquires quietly, How are Zero, Fhazil, and Vakkal? Everyone happy and whole in whatever way is best for them to be?

Freyja smiles, They're all fine. Vakkal's enjoying working with the special Sith armor given to us by Alleine, and I think he was stunned when I gave him the Bright sword. I don't know why, though. Wouldn't it make most sense to give a newly Bright weapon to the Bright, you know? She grins, then adds, Oh, one last thing, please, Master? Could you ask Jedi Colburth to please wait until we arrive before he announces anything? We have some fascinating new information I think he'd like to hear first.

A moment later she adds more quietly, Fhazil... I think he's worried for the Methel-ssa. She's between a rock and a hard place right now -- and the Sith tend towards dramatic exits, from what I've been able to tell.

Roakkana replies, I am glad they're well, and the armor sees good use. I will be very interested in speaking more to Alleine. I hope I do not frighten him by being big and scary. I really don't mean to be. A dry mental chuckle follows. More seriously he adds, I will make sure to get Jedi Colburth's attention quickly upon his arrival, or perhaps even before. To the comments about Methel-ssa the Wookiee only says, Ah. Well, she has my condolences and any support I can offer. I don't know how much that might be, but it is always hard to see someone one admires put in a difficult place. She sounds remarkably sensible and thoughtful for a Sith Lord.

Freyja grins, Well, Alleine is a Massassi, so I'm going to guess he's quite used to huge people, and he's furry himself... well, a bit. Not as much as you. She giggles, then adds, Hai, Methel-ssa does. It's surprising how few Sith lords in the Empire are, though, from what I can tell. I almost get the impression the thoughtful lords have left in disgust for the fringes of the Empire, in an effort to find a new way. A little wistfully she adds, Perhaps we can reach and aid them.

The Wookiee replies, That is not a bad idea, Freyja. There are any number of ways this could be very positive. I will have to think on that more.

Freyja smiles, Let me know if there is aught I may do to aid this, Master. She sighs a bit gustily, then adds, I think I'm going to have to disconnect here, Master. I'm sorry, but this isn't as easy as I'd like yet. She grins ruefully, Still working on strength in the Force, and I suspect I always will...

Roakkana laughs quietly, then says, Freyja... you've reached out to me across Hyperspace and across great distance... and you are still talking to me after more than a dozen words. You do very well, and impress even me at your strength and growth. Someday I hope you satisfy yourself. He pauses, then sends a warm, reassuring mental Wookiee hug, adding, Soon we will see one another, and can think of other things for a bit. I believe that will be good.

Freyja grins a little sheepishly, Well... I want to be better for you! She happily (if a little wearily) hugs him warmly back, and he can feel her quiet joy at their incipient reunion. Then she reluctantly slips away, sliding smoothly back into her body and present.

Her present is her room aboard the Platinum Eclipse, her home. Fhazil is piloting the ship, but Zero and Vakkal have found her and snuggled up with her there, offering silent warmth and companionship while she reached out to Balmorra. Freyja sighs contentedly, cuddling up warmly with them both as she snoozes to restore her energy.

[Previous Log] [Index] [Next Log]





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

All material on this site is
Copyright © 2002-2024 Reality Fault
unless specifically indicated on each document.
All Rights Reserved.
Administrated by Reality Fault Webmaster