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Reality Fault

Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs

Chapter Two, Part Two

It is the morning after the formal dinner which welcomed Freyja back to Balmorra, and which brought the unpleasant news to Zero of... something... happening on his homeworld. Zero was helped to bed by Piper, and shortly after the manse settled into it's deep evening routine, the only sounds being the nightwatch huskarls pacing the halls, alert for any sound.

There was some commotion the evening previous, but nobody came to awaken Freyja, Zero, or Roakkana. Thus it is with great surprise that the three are welcomed as they enter the dining hall and are greeted by a five-foot-ten gold-blond whirlwind.

"Good morning! Oh, Sister, it's so good to see you again! We haven't seen each other since Baldar knows when! I was on Alderaan when we heard about what happened on Marnaas and then I heard from Father that you were there and I was so terrified for you, but then he said that you were all right and that you were coming home and that the betrothal was finally happening! I'm so proud of you! So have you met him yet? Is he nice? Mother says I'll be entertaining them today. Oh! Hello, Master Roakkana, it's been a long time since I've seen you! Welcome back to Balmorra! And who's this?"

This entire... monologue ends with Syf Rigg peering curiously (and energetically) at Zero. She's a little shorter than Freyja, and is more typically Balmorran Human, with hair of hammered gold that cascades down her back and bright, bright eyes. Energy seems to emit coherently from her every pore, and she has a vivaciousness that would make anyone attractive. With her well-toned figure and heart-shaped face, her energy only further enhances her beauty.

Freyja is vehemently hugged, returns the hug, and murmurs with a faintly resigned smile, "Hello, Syffy. This is Zero Satau, my..." she grins, "-hung-over sibling Padawan."

Freyja adds quietly, knowing it won't be heard, "You really don't need to worry so much."

Zero smiles. It is the smile of a man convinced that his head is going to explode at any moment. He stands very, very still and very, very straight, and bows... very, very slowly. "Pleasure to meet you."

Syf absolutely beams. "Hello!" She doesn't seem to notice the majordomo instructing a small, hovering droid to deliver a small hangover tab to Zero. "Were you on Marnaas with Frey? Gosh, I can only imagine what that was like, all the pictures we saw were horrible! I mean, on Alderaan we couldn't really see what it was like...."

Most of the family hasn't arrived yet. In one side of the room stands a tall, husky Gran, undoubtedly Syf's huskarl. Very shortly, Vakkal arrives, taking up a position beside the Gran. The two glance to each other, and the alert will notice them talking very quietly between themselves while keeping their complete attention on their charges.

"So, come on! Breakfast is on! I'm glad they didn't wake you up last night when I came in, I almost wanted to wake everyone up and see them and say hello since it's been so long since I've been home! But Father thought that would probably be a bad idea and thinking about it I had to agree...."

Zero dry-swallows the hangover tab without a word, and waits for it to hit his stomach before actually making response. "Er... yeah, I was on Marnaas... rough business, that..." Syf is already conversationally far beyond him, but he doesn't think he's quite ready to catch up yet.

Freyja winces at the nickname, then mentally shrugs. It's not like she should object -- she calls her sister Syffy sometimes. She sighs quietly, internally, smiling and nodding politely as she follows her sister into breakfast. At least she doesn't have to worry about keeping up her end of the conversation... Syf will talk for everyone present.

Freyja wonders idly what the huskarls are talking about... might be interesting... she smiles ruefully at Zero. Poor guy.

Syf, interestingly, is not as predictable as that. She's matured... a little... since Freyja last knew her, and she seems genuinely interested in where Freyja's gone while she's been away from home. Of course, almost as soon as she gets any sort of answer she's prattling on to her next comment or question. Many of the worlds Freyja's been to, she has as well -- though seen through a distinctly different lens. Where Master Roakkana has led Freyja through some mildly harrowing moments during her training, showing her the reality of worlds behind the facades, it's soon obvious that Syf has only seen -- or rather, has only been shown -- what the local tourist bureaus or entertainment industries wanted her to see.

The conversation seems to grind to a startling, sudden halt when she abruptly asks, "So, are you and Zero paramours? Or were? Or something?" and actually waits for an answer.

Freyja murmurs quietly, "Hai, Syffy. He's having my baby," as she keeps walking placidly in to breakfast.

Zero actually walks into the doorpost.

Freyja grins and turns back to see if poor Zero's okay.

Zero says, "I wha--" Thump. "Nngh.""

Freyja grins over her shoulder at her little sister, "I don't think Sedraki talk openly about paramours, Syffy."

Zero catches up to the group holding his palm over one eye. He growls softly, "Warn me before you do that next time, please."

Freyja murmurs to her brother Padawan with a grin, "Need a painkiller?"

Syf doesn't really quite notice Zero's reaction. "Oh, really? Oh, my! I didn't even know Father would go for that! I don't know if I could ever go through with that myself, but -- oh, I get it! You're silly, Freyja! Teasing me like that...! Oh, gosh, they don't? Oh, I'm so sorry, Zero! I won't bring it up again!"

Roakkana, himself, has an expression that would involve a fixed smile and a slight facial twitch about the eyes as he walks with the group to breakfast. He has seemed to have forgotten just how Syf Rigg is like.

Freyja grins amusedly, gently touching Zero's shoulder to make sure he doesn't hit anything else.

Zero says, "No, no, I'll live, thanks." He murmurs, "Actually we don't think about paramours much... in those terms," then rubs his eye. "...or apparently about doors...""

Freyja covers a giggle as she settles down on her cushion and waits for her plate to be filled. She looks curiously at Zero, "So what te- er..." she pauses, not really wanting to either give her sister an opening, or embarrass poor Zero, "-aaah... what type of jam would you like, Zero?"

Zero sits down and waits to get his bearings before raising his head. "Uh... whatever you're having, Freyja. I dunno much about Balmorran cuisine... but I'm sure it's all good, after last night."

Breakfast is served quickly. Mercifully some would say. Syf doesn't quite keep up a full line of conversation, fortunately. When the meal is done, Syf leans back a bit, smiling. "It's so good being home! Oh, Frey, it's really, really good to see you again, I've missed you so much!"

Freyja smiles, and quietly makes sure Zero's plate is filled with plain, very non-spicy or greasy food. "It's good, Zero. Here, this should help." She blinks a bit at Syf's pronouncement, then smiles a bit tentatively, "Ah... thank you, Syf, that's nice to hear."

Zero blinks, and thinks about something. After last night. He mentally walks himself through the dinner one more time; he feels as if he's forgotten something. Dinner... dinner was good, yes, definitely. The alcohol. All the gods below the alcohol. Meishan... nice girl. Bad news. Have to remember to tell mother how famous she's become. What else... Piper. He tries not to blanch.

Freyja makes a mental note to ask Zero later what terms paramours are discussed on where he's from. When he suddenly looks tense, she waits until Syf's not looking, and is talking to someone else, and then raises an inquiring eyebrow at Zero.

Zero leans closer to Freyja and murmurs, "Uh... have you seen Piper this morning?"

Syf bobs her head. "You're welcome! It's... gosh! Almost like all times, hai? Oh, Kuras Ridomr, good morning and it's good to see you again!"

Freyja says, "Neh. But it's not a problem." She turns and starts to beckon a servant over, then pauses, "Ah, there she is. Piper...?"

In walks, no, not Piper, but Magnussen, acting much more awake than he probably is. "Milady Syf, welcome back! Come tae see yer sister's betrothal, aye?" Syf nods enthusiastically... and launches into an account of her journies.

Freyja ahs, then murmurs to Zero, "Sorry, wrong one. Moment, I'll have her called." She beckons the servant over.

Zero says, "No, no, not necessary, I just wondered."

Freyja gives Zero a curious look, then smiles, thanks the servant, and dismisses him. Then she murmurs quietly to Zero, "Did you two have an argument?"

Zero says, "An argument? No, no, of course not... I wanted to apologize."

Freyja looks puzzled, "What for?"

Zero says, "For making an ass of myself last night. I handled that news badly... I had no business getting plastered."

Freyja looks more confused, "How'd you make an ass of yourself?"

Zero says, "No need for me to get drunk like I did... and then needing help to get back to my room. I'm embarrassed. I don't even remember what happened after we got back."

Freyja smiles and adds quietly, "You certainly weren't the only person riding high on the drink. If that's all that's bothering you, I wouldn't worry about it. She takes care of her father sometimes when he gets... wild off-duty." She grins, "Far as I saw, you were a pussy-catta!"

Zero says, "Hm. That'll be a first..." He turns back to the food. "Thanks, Freyja. Hope you're right..."

Freyja smiles, "Zero... if she were upset, you'd know."

Zero murmurs, "It's not her being upset that worries me... it's my maybe having done something she really liked and not remembering... you know?

Freyja grins, touching a finger under his chin to get him to look at her, "You'll know if that happened too, silly, once she comes in."

Zero says, "That's what I'm afraid of. But I guess you're right... no sense in worrying about it now, hey?"

"Your huskarl, aye? Haassik, isn't it? Glad tae finally meet ye. Ye'll be expected in th' dojo later this morn, tae ha' ye mettle tested by me."

"Yes, Kuras Ridomr, that was made clear to me. I look forward to it." Though the tone of voice indicates that what he's looking forward to is a rather significant beatdown.

Magnussen nods a little. "Aye, thot I know. Milady Freyja... sorry tae be interruptin', but may I be borrowin' Huskarl Vakkal from ye for a few, tae witness th' test o' Milady Syf's huskarl?"

Freyja adds even more quietly, "Actually, I suppose it's me that should apologize -- for not hushing Syf up. She means well." She looks up at Magnussen's comment, then glances at Vakkal with a raised eyebrow to see if he'd like to do this.

Vakkal glances to Freyja, and nods a little, with a quiet smile. "If I may, Milady Freyja."

Freyja smiles, then nods courteously to the head huskarl, "Of course, Kuras." She crosses her fingers mentally that Syf doesn't go along and embarrass the poor Gran by squeaking in horror or something. She wonders idly, watching her lovely, animated sister enchanting the person she's talking to, what it's like to move through a world where no matter where you are, it's always party-time... the red carpet's always out for you, people are always happy and dressed up just to see you, everyone's on their best behavior while the holocams are running... are there any genuine people in an environment like that?

Magnussen bows. "Thankee much, milady. Come along, Kuras Haassik, aye?"

Magnussen turns and moves to head off to the dojo. Before departing, Vakkal touches the Gran's shoulder, and murmurs something to him. It may have been something encouraging, because the Gran nods, takes in a deep breath, and follows after Magnussen with back straight. Vakkal smiles, then bows to Freyja, and saunters after the two.

Syf brightens somewhat. "Oh! I'd better go as well. I'm so excited! I should tell you how Haassik came into our service!"

And a moment later, Piper is walking into the room, wearing the smile of a woman who's just run up face-to-face with a laughing katarn and thinks that the best thing to do would be to try to make it think you're laughing with it.

Zero wonders if Vakkal didn't just hike up the bar for everyone, so to speak, by knocking Magnussen on his back...

...and then actually blushes, spying Piper.

Freyja blinks a bit worriedly at Piper... then realizes the young woman's not upset with Zero -- she's just met Syf. She grins. She glances around, then relaxes a bit -- only her, Zero, Piper, and Master Roakkana. She smiles at Piper, "Come sit with us and eat, Piper. It'll be peaceful for a bi- er..." she gets a bit pink, "Excuse me, that's not what I meant to say..." She's not really sure why Zero's so worried about Piper, but hastily changes the subject to the one Zero seems most interested in, "So, how was last night?"

Piper's smile becomes a bit more genuine as she sees Freyja, Zero, and Roakkana. "Hoi and goor maernin' tae ye, Milady. Oh, aye, a spot o' breakfast sounds jus' luverly, actually, thankee!" She grins a little as she settles down into the offered seat. "Am thinkin' thot ye know wot ye mean, actually." She smiles sweetly. "An' how are ye doin' this morning, Master Roakkana... Zero?"

Roakkana smiles quietly. "I am... well, now, thank you, Kuras Ridomr. I am much more awake now."

Freyja looks a bit ashamed of herself, "Oh... I still shouldn't have said it. Anyway... so how are you doing?"

Zero clears his throat, "Yeah... I'm doing better this morning, thanks. And, ah... how're you?"

Piper accepts a breakfast plate more typically Northern Balmorran, though lighter: sausages and spiced tubers, fried bread. "Aye, doin' fair well after th' last night. Though I wasnae at th' dinner, 'twas mannin' security at th' landin' pad, I was." She smiles wryly to Zero. "Ah, good. I'm verra glad tae 'ear thot. Ye were lookin' a wee bit under th' weather last night."

Zero flushes a little. "Yeah, er... sorry about that."

Freyja gives Zero another puzzled look, then raises a curiously inquiring eyebrow at Piper. She asks hesitantly, "Is... is being drunk a crime on Sedrak or something, Zero?"

Piper seems absolutely guilless, munching on the sausage. She blinks a little at the inquiring glance Freyja gives her.

Zero says, "A crime? No... But it's bloody embarrassing at such a formal event."

Freyja is quite confused at this point. Piper seems utterly unruffled... so she'd guess either being drunk has bad social connotations to the Sedraki, or Piper mentioned paramours to Zero. However... it's none of her business. Besides, no one's hurt. That's the important thing.

Freyja calmly goes back to eating -- then realizes interestedly that Syf's not present! She turns to Zero and asks curiously, "So... under what terms do you discuss paramours on Sedrak?"

Piper finishes the bit of sausage she'd been savoring. "Ye were almost fully asleep when I got ye tae yer room, Zero. Doan' be worryin', nary a soul saw ye." She arches an eyebrow. "Was it such a raucuous party? Knowin' yer Father an' th' gatherin's 'e pref'rs, I'd be guessin' 'not.'"

Freyja nods to Piper, "Wasn't, Pi." She glances at Zero, then adds tentatively, "Maybe... maybe drunkenness is socially bad on Sedrak? Or that was a really raucous party for Sedrak?" She pauses, then murmurs, "Neh, couldn't be that... the girl Maishen was fine...?"

Zero hms? "Heh. Paramours? We don't have anything... you know, formalized. The person you live with... person you're seeing... person you're 'with'... it's all the same."

Freyja blinks, "You... mix them all up? How... messy!"

Zero says, "No... no, not the people, the terms."

Freyja just looks faintly confused, but simply nods politely.

Zero says, "It's not like... okay, this is who I'm married to and this is who I actually love and all this economic stuff..."

Freyja nods again, although this time it's listening interestedly. "So... you don't support each other economically, even though you live together?"

Zero says, "Well, I mean... of course you support each other, but... there's no contract. It's just... you find someone... or someones... that you want to be with, and you start being with them. It's... pretty informal. Like everything else on Sedrak, heh. We're the capital of informal jury-rig concepts."

Freyja looks thoughtful, then finally says slowly, "What do you do if the two or more people wish to separate? How do you know what belongs to whom? Who do you have sex with? The adult persons in your house? Hm... so... sleeping with parents is all right, or you move out right away?"

Zero says, "Gotta work that out for yourselves. I guess you could write something up beforehand and leave it with the magistrates or something..." He pauses at the next question, "Uh... I don't understand the question?""

Freyja says pragmatically, "Well, you said you were 'with,' and economically supported, the people you lived with, hai? So... there must be someone you have sex with. Is it the people you love, or the people you're living with, or what?"

Piper is listening to this with rather rapt interest, though she doesn't let it distract her from her breakfast, as she leans forward, listening.

Zero makes a strangled grunting noise and rubs his temple. "I don't know, Freyja, it doesn't matter all that much. I don't know of anyone sleeping with their parents, and I don't want to if they are, honestly... people where I'm from just like everywhere else, they pair off with someone of their gender of choice and on Sedrak people are usually happy to leave you alone to do your thing... so long as your thing doesn't involve hurting anyone else."

Freyja looks curious, "So only one person has to be your economic support, your lover, your nurturer, your emotional support, your inspiration, your... er, wait..." She frowns, thinking hard, then mutters to herself, "Mayb they have extended families...?" She looks at Zero puzzledly, "Is that how you do it?"

Zero says, "No one has to be anything, Freyja. People make their own arrangements. There's no one way to do it."

Freyja says, "Huh." She looks confusedly interested, "That's... odd. I'll have to do more research, I think."

Zero says, "Whatever accomodation you and the other... or others, or whatever... come to, that's how you do it. We do things for ourselves... we find what works for us and go with that."

Freyja says, "Must be something like Corellia, I guess." She grins, and goes back to eating breakfast, "Thanks for not being upset with Syf, Zero."

Zero says, "I dunno anything about Corellia. Upset with Syf? What for?"

Freyja smiles, "For asking openly about paramours."

Zero says, "Why would I care about that? I just said we don't have any conventions like that on Sedrak. Your sister hasn't got it in her to offend me, believe me... scarier people than her have tried."

Piper grins quietly, munching on the fried toast. "Was it she goin' off tae see Pa test 'er huskarl that saw 'er running off, then?"

Freyja just smiles quietly at Zero's words, and nods to Piper.

Zero mutters, "Hope Magnussen doesn't kill him, after the last one..."

"Faith, that'd be a sight tae see. Nae, Pa's wouldna do thot. Aye, Huskarl Vakkal's raised th' standards a wee bit, but Pa wouldnae let thot affect 'is testin'. Wouldna be fair tae th' rest o' the Huskarls if 'e tested Syf's huskarl different just acause Vakkal toppled 'im over one."

Freyja nods, and says, "Vakkal's witnessing. I hope Syf understands she can't 'protect' the Gran."

Zero grins a little, then goes back to his food. He seems to be aggressively rehydrating himself.

Freyja glances at the nearest chronograph, "Shouldn't be too much longer now."

Zero says, "So... other than waiting for that poor Gran's bones to knit, what're we doing today?"

Freyja settles back, sprawled relaxedly on the cushion. "Well, let's see. The Jotensen party's due later today."

Zero hms. "'s right, I forgot about that. Do you want me here for that or...?"

Freyja goes still for a moment, then continues, "The betrothal party's tomorrow evening." She glances at Zero curiously, "For what? Neh, why would I want you to leave?" She sighs, adding, "I'm really glad they did all the holovid and gift exchanging and contract wrangling without me. I want to read the contract before the formal announcement, but... at least I didn't have to wade through all the other ceremonies as well."

Zero says, "Just thought I'd ask... say, can you tell me where the nearest industrial zone is? I'd like to see about picking up some high-grade power cells while we're here, and this is supposed to be the place to get the best."

Freyja smiles lazily, "You're in it, Zero."

"Er... huh," he replies articulately.

Piper nods, glancing up. "Aye. Let me be seein' now. Th' Gran masses aboot 'alf agin as much as Pa, so we should be able t' feel--"

Certainly felt rather than heard, there is a slight *thud* from some far corner of the manse.

Piper smiles merrilly. "Aye, an' Pa's still got it down tae a fine art, I see. Aye, th' Jotunsen's are due tae be landin' soonest. Yer father's askin ye tae nary be tryin' tae see 'im -- th' Jotunsen lad, thot is. Wantin' it tae be saved f'r th' betrothal ceremony itsself."

Freyja grins, "Neh, seriously. This estate's ringed by the Cyteller Automaton factories." She grins, and nods to Piper amusedly, "Doesn't have to ask. Why would I be wanting to pester some young man I don't know?"

Zero says, "Wonder how I missed that. Er... wait. Your father doesn't want you to meet this guy you're supposed to be attached to... until it's too late to do anything about it?"

Freyja turns back to Zero with a grin, "It's tradition. Bad luck to meet before because apparently they always end up hating or loving each other or something."

Piper says quietly, "Lad... 'less Milady Freyja be plannin' on runnin' tae th' Outer Rim... she doesna get a say in th' matter."

Freyja says, "Emotion messes with business, after all." She grins at Piper, "Oh, even if, Pi, I'd do my duty. You know that."

Zero shakes his head. "Okay, wait, you lost me again. Love is an obstruction. Did I get that right?

Freyja nods cheerfully, flopping back on the cushion and crossing one booted heel over her upraised knee, "In business, hai... or so they tell me." She puts her arms behind her head and tilts her head to grin at Zero, "How can you say 'neh!' firmly to someone you love, after all?"

Zero makes that muffled grunting noise again. "Mmf. Alright. I think I prefer the life of a dirt farmer."

Freyja laughs quietly.

Zero says, "This is too complicated."

Freyja grins wryly, "Don't know. Never knew anything else, really. But if you like dirt farming so much..." her tone gets teasing, "-then what're you doing here?"

Zero fires back, "It was that or stay at the Temple with Balin Khoud. I'll take a little complication over the company of politicians any day... there's nothing little about that kind of complication."

Freyja laughs quietly again, "Hai, you have a point there. It's all right... Sedrak's next on the journey. Oh!" She swings smoothly back to an upright seated position, "So, would you like to try calling Sedrak, Zero? Now would be a good time to do so. While it's quiet here."

Piper looks at the chronograph, and looks like she's making some calculations. "Well!" she says quickly, standing. "I'm thinkin' thot I should be off tae th' Hildy. Some o' th' couriers are tae be escortin' in th' Jotunsen's convoy down from 'igh orbit. Uhm... might I be suggestin' thot ye all be findin' shelter afore th' comin' storm? If'n ye'd be wantin thot 'quiet' ye're referrin' to, Zero, lad...." With that and a grin, she bows to Freyja, and makes an unusually haste departure from the room.

Zero says, "I'm not sure it's a good idea... they'll be monitoring communications. I don't want to accidentally place anyone in more danger if I give away that I'm coming."

Freyja blinks, looking to Piper -- then shoots gracefully upright, grabbing Zero's shirt, "Quite right, now's an excellent time to go do... er, to go!" She tugs gently, "C'mon!"

Zero says, "Huh? What-- hey!" Zero is dragged away.

Roakkana chuckles quietly, and pulls himself up. "I think I shall contact the Balmorran chapterhouse and give them my regards. Good luck, Zero...."

Freyja grins mischievously, "Could always stay and chat with my sister?" She is already heading out of the room for the house commo room. She adds, if Zero's still with her, "So don't tell them you're coming. Just say you happened to be someplace where you could call, and wanted to tell them the good news." Her walk is brisk, if not hurried.

Zero gets control of his arm back after they break out into the hallway. "I still don't think it's a great idea. You do realize that if the Jedi know I'm here, they'll be able to guess our itinerary."

Freyja says calmly, "They know you're here, Zero." She grins, reaching to gently flick the small braid Zero's starting, "Besides, won't they be pleased?"

Freyja says, "Your parents, I mean."

Zero says, "I'm sure they would be. But I don't like this. Something's really not right on Sedrak... I've got a bad feeling, Freyja."

Freyja pauses to look at Zero, "It's your choice, my friend. Do you want to call, or neh? You certainly have legitimate reason to do so."

Zero sighs. "Alright. A short call. Then I'm going to the factory zone... something tells me I want to lay low until the, uh... storm is passed."

The commo room is soon reached, and the dynamic coordinates for Sedrak's HoloNet node are available -- in fact, it looks like they're a recent addition to the routing table, so a direct connection is possible instead of routing through the master sector node.

Freyja smiles, "Don't worry about the power sources, Zero. That's already taken care of." She settles in the chair and puts her datapad nearby so she can access information if necessary... then punches in the direct connection coordinates.

Zero says, "I'd prefer to go out and get them in my hands so I can start working with them. If the house is going to be as hopping as you and Piper seemed to think, I think it'd be a good way to calm myself down a bit. Or were you just referring to the small monsoon that follows your sister everywhere?"

Freyja raises an amused eyebrow at Zero, "The fastest you can get them is tomorrow, which is when they'll be delivered to me, unless you want lower quality ones. And hai, we're just referring to my sister." She waits for the connection.

Zero says, "That's fine. I'm going to go looking for something we can use for casings, then... I need to do something with myself before this ceremony happens."

Freyja grins, "Go tell Piper you'd like to help."

Zero says, "Maybe."

Freyja says slyly, as she studies the machinery thoughtfully, "Always nice to have a copilot down from high orbit..." She grins quietly to herself.

Something's wrong with the connection, however. It times out twice before a connection noted as 'ALTERNATE ROUTE' comes up -- the node makes no attempt to make that a secret. After a moment, a soldier of the same species as Jiosch, in the uniform of the Republic Guard, somehow looking incredibly haggard, appears on the screen. "Apologies for the alternate routing, citizen," he says. "We're experiencing difficulty with the Sedraki node. I'm with the support team for the backup HoloNet node for Sedrak. What can I do for you?"

Freyja raises an eyebrow, "I'm trying to contact people there, Guardsman. Is this possible?"

"I'm afraid not, citizen. The Sedrak node's destroyed, we've just installed this backup on Ark Nova highport. The downlink isn't set up yet. You were lucky, actually, we just came online this afternoon."

Zero says, "Destroyed? What's happening down there?"

Freyja blinks slowly... then says equally slowly, "I'm sorry, Guardsman... did you say destroyed? Who destroyed it?"

"I can't really say anything about that. Uh... but I can patch you through to my supervisor, if you want. Maybe he can tell you what's going on."

Zero says, "Please do."

Freyja considers for a moment trying to weasel the answer out of the Trandoshan... then sighs as Zero eliminates that possibility. She says politely, "Thank you, Guardsman, I'd appreciate that."

The man nods, and the screen blanks. The 'CONNECTION HELD' screen comes up, with the elaborate Ark Nova logo.

Freyja gives Zero a faintly exasperated/amused glance -- then looks back at the screen.

Zero says, "Don't look at me like that. The platform is Republic property, it's extragovernmental territory. Something stinks here."

Freyja says patiently, "Zero, if I'd had a moment I'd might have been able to get more from him. Don't cut off your options, please?"

Zero says, "He wasn't going to give you anything else. If he's with the support team he likely hasn't been told anything more than we have."

Freyja says, "You don't know that, Zero..." she sighs, shaking her head and turning back to the machinery, "-and now you never will."

After a moment, a Human Guard with senior sergeant rank insignia apears. "This is the HoloNet system admin for Ark Nova. If you're with the media, I should tell you that I'm not authorized to say anything with regards to the current situation, you'll have to take that up with Commodore Feiyyis on the Bloodeagle. With that in mind, what can I help you with?"

Freyja smiles pleasantly, "I'm not the press. I'm trying to reach the family of my brother Padawan on planet. Can you help me with that, please?"

    Freyja is a willowy, warm-honey-colored woman. Her steady eyes are frost blue, and her short-cropped, soft brown mane is undecorated -- highly unusual amongst Balmorran aristoi. She's obviously a shockingly pragmatic lady: the colorful, raw silk riding coat bears little adornment, and is worn startlingly informally -- loose and open over a light, brilliant silk shirt. Her flowing, patterned trousers tuck into obvious cavalry boots -- soft leather, intricately ornamented, with pointed, up-turned toes. She wears no other jewelry, though, and makes no unnecessary movements, her silent demeanor a curious mix of reserved pride and wariness. Unless spoken to, she's soon quietly gone.

The admin blinks a little, peering closely at the screen. "Uh... family on-planet? Stang, I thought they'd -- uh, please excuse my language, ma'am. I thought they'd contacted all off-planet Sedraki already." He types at the console. "The name of the family members, please?"

Zero says, "Tell him Wulong Satau. Caisan district, Shenlong."

Freyja nods, repeating Zero's words clearly to the admin.

The admin nods, typing industriously at the console. "Okay... and your name-- uh, names, please?"

Freyja says, "He's Zero Satau."

The admin nods. Studying his terminal's output. "Right. Okay... uh-huh.... Hmmmmmmmm...."

Freyja wonders how to identify herself... then sighs internally. She's on Balmorra for her thrice-annoying betrothal -- she should play the darned Arving Lady of Haus Rigg. She smiles quietly... she doesn't have to identify herself until directly asked, though.

"All right. First off, Mr. Satau, your family's fine. There's nothing to worry about. Unfortunately I can't give you a direct connection. When the HoloNet node got ganked, it took the primary uplink to Ark Nova with it."

Freyja looks relieved.

Zero says, "What exactly happened to the node? Something happen in Xisheng?"

Freyja asks politely, "Who, er... 'ganked' it?"

The admin nods, and turns back to face the screen fully. "There's been some kind of... infestation. We learned of it when some sort of... animal burrowed up from underground and took out the node, and the network master support center with it. Since then, there've been a few more sightings of the things. They seem to be going for high-energy sources, which the Sedraki picked up on quick. They shut down the main fusion plants, and the beasts seem to be slowing in their attacks now. Of course that means everyone is running on batteries or solars. The Jedi watchman for Sedrak said something about the 'darkside' and summoned some Jedi as well, mostly from the Balmorran chapterhouse. As of yet, we don't know what they are, but fortunately damage has been minimal.

"Unfortunately, it took us a long time to get a new hypernode installed; we tried to do it on the surface of the planet and one of the beasts just swallowed it whole less than an hour after we turned the thing on. I'm sorry that you weren't informed, Mr. Satau. But at least I can say with certainty that your family's all right.""

Freyja blinks slowly again, "Er... how large are these beasts?!"

The admin thinks for a moment. "I'm not sure, ma'am. I haven't seen them myself, and we really know them only from their effects. Big enough to swallow a hypernode, though, if these reports are right. The ones we had here were...." He starts moving his hands around to try and guesstimate the size. "Oh, about three meters cubic."

Freyja raises incredulous eyebrows... then smiles ruefully. Well... Vakkal may get more hunting in than he realized... on Sedrak! If the Sedraki have any left, that is, after two or three weeks of concentrated focus on obliterating them. She nods, then murmurs, "How are the natives handling them?"

Zero says, "Nothing like that lives native to the planet..."

Freyja nods to Zero with a faintly puzzled look, "That was my thought also... especially something that large would surely have been noticed in the last decade or two."

Zero says, "Something's definitely up. We should talk to the watchman."

Freyja says, "Who? -wait," She turns to the admin, "Are the natives affected at all by them? Do they have any large power sources at all?"

"We don't know, ma'am. Some of the natives are holding close to the settlements. Others just poof, disappeared, went to ground. And you're right, Mr. Satau. The Jedi tell us that there's something very wrong and, uh, non-Sedrak about these things."

Freyja frowns thoughtfully, then says, "Thank you so much, Kuras, for your time. Is there anything else you can tell us? They're not eating people, are they?"

"No, they're not, at least, it doesn't appear that they're targeting people specifically. I mean, a number of people were caught in the destruction when the first one took out the node, and there've been other casualties. But nothing that seems like a direct attack.

"Well, Mr. Satau mentioned talking to the Jedi watchman. I can't do that, the downlink is still out. But we have a Jedi on-station who came in with the Jedi, and is... uh, he says he's watching the planet, but he didn't say we couldn't bother him. I can ask him to talk with you if you wish."

Freyja says, "Please?"

The admin nods, and the CONNECTION HELD screen appears again.

Zero says, "Well.. either the Sith just got creative, or something very out of the ordinary's going on..."

Freyja gives Zero a worried glance, then touches his hand lightly, "At least they're all safe -- that's what's important right now, hai? And we'll be there in about 3 weeks."

Zero says, "I'll feel better when we are."

Freyja nods quietly, still watching her co-Padawan worriedly... then looks back at the screen.

After a few minutes, perhaps the most somber Zabrak either of the two has ever seen appears on the screen. The person wears Jedi robes, but beneath them some kind of, almost decorative armor, if it wasn't for the barely visible furrows and scarring. He inclines his head politely. "The Force be with you, Jedi. I am Paladin Eeth Dakkan, at your service. The administrator said you wished to speak with me."

Zero says, "We were inquiring about the nature of the, uh... disturbance. Have you some insight into what's happening down there?"

Freyja nods politely in return, "The Force be with you also, Paladin Dakkan. I am Master Roakkana's Padawan Freyja, and this is my brother Padawan Zero Satau, who has family on planet. We were wondering if you could give..." she sighs and shakes her head, smiling, and just hushes.

Dakkan's expression actually brightens a little. "Master Roakkana? A pleasure to meet you both, then. I was myself padawan-learner to Master Roakkana, thirty years ago.

"I can provide some information, Padawan Satau. The creatures appear to be some sort of darksider terror-beast. They may have been a failed experiment, and/or the entirely wrong world was chosen. They have been destroying large power generation sources but are not yet pursuing or attacking individual persons, except in one case, and that was in their attack on my own person. They appear to not only track large power sources, but those who are Force-awakened, if they are close enough."

Freyja brightens a bit herself at the news about Master Roakkana's former Padawan, but doesn't try speaking about it. She frowns at the news about the creatures attempting to consume the Force-awakened, thinking furiously.

Zero says, "I see... have you ever heard of anything like this happening before?"

Dakkan nods quietly. "I have seen... similar things, on the front. But those creatures were usually rampaging terrors meant to induce fear. It seems that most of the Sedraki would consider these little more than irritations, if not for the facts that they travel by burrowing through the earth and attack any significant power source." He grimaces a little, "It is their ability to track the Force-awakened which marks them as creatures of darkside alchemy. That and the darkside blight which seems to follow them."

Freyja winces at that. Blight in farming country? Oh, dear...

Zero says, "So you think it could be a failed experiment. Or a mistake? Hell of a mistake to make... or perhaps it's a test? A field exercise..."

Freyja has a thought... she rises from the chair, gestures to Zero to sit there, and goes to lean out the door and see if Vakkal's around anywhere nearby.

Zero sits down to hear the Paladin's reply.

"I do not know, Padawan Satau. There are orbital debris tracking records which show that, one year ago, meteorites of unusual composition struck in some of the undeveloped areas of the planet. If it is a test, then it is perhaps failing -- most Sedraki, save but for the ones who are tragically in the creatures' way or who are awakened in the Force, are only inconvenienced. But then, we do not know what the creatures' original intent were."

Zero says, "Unless they're supposed to be tracking the force-aware... make a hell of a weapon to use on the front..."

Down the corridor, apparently seeking Freyja, is indeed Vakkal. He brightens when he sees her, and approaches. "Hello, Milady. It was an educational event, thank you for -- er, what's wrong?"

Dakkan nods. "I had considered that, as well. If they are in enough numbers on a heavily-populated world, then it would effectively deny that world to the Jedi -- though to the Sith as well unless such beasts can be controlled."

Zero says, "I wonder..."

Freyja steps out of the room so the screen won't pick up the big dog Sith, and murmurs softly to Vakkal, "Zero's talking to Sedrak's High Station. Vakkal, have you ever heard of a Darksider creature that tracked only Lightsider Force aware people?" She adds with a smile, "Glad you enjoyed yourself."

Dakkan tilts his head to the side -- it's a curious gesture until Zero realizes that it's much the same as how Roakkana does it. "What do you wonder, Padawan Satau?"

Vakkal blinks a bit. "Not from Lord Ghang as such, no. The Smiths would sometimes say they knew how to create creatures that tracked the Force-sensitive, but not Lightsiders solely."

Freyja nods slowly, then asks, "Darksider creatures... do they usually leave blight behind them? Do they have any consistent tendencies? -like, say, burrowing undergrund or something similar?"

Zero says, "Whether or not they're being tested for viability... and whether or not someone who knows how can exert a measure of control. After all, if it relied upon a Sith's connection to the Force... a Jedi would scarcely know where to start, hey?"

Freyja says, "And are such creatures usually just randomly seeded somewhere? Or do they usually have a handler?"

Vakkal considers, then nods, "They usually have blight. Usually. It is their nature, as creatures of alchemy. Wether they leave blight in their passage, depends upon what they do. Burrowing? None that I know of... but I was not privy to all or even many of the Smiths' secrets. I do not know how they are usually, uhm, tested, either, but only the most reckless test such creatures in combat, and unattended."

Dakkan considers, then nods. "An interesting thought. I have not been able to sense any sithstain on Sedrak, but of course that does not mean that there are no Sith present."

Freyja nods thoughtfully, "All right. Thank you, Vakkal. I should mention that Sedrak is our next stop... and apparently there is a new type of large Darksider creature there that consumes energy sources... and the Force aware." She sighs softly, then continues murmuring softly, "I'm going to go back in to talk when Zero's done, but the Jedi we're talking to has apparently been on the front lines. You might want to stay out of pickup range."

Vakkal blinks, and nods; in fact, he seems to unconsciously edge up against the wall.

Freyja smiles, pats Vakkal's arm lightly, then slips quietly back into the room.

Zero hmms. "Paladin, Sedrak is on our itinerary; would you be amenable to having some aid in your investigation?"

Freyja adds firmly, "If we are available. That is not a given, Zero. It depends on Master Roakkana's wishes."

Zero says, "I can't just leave if there are people in danger there."

Freyja says politely to the Jedi, "I would like to tell Master Roakkana of, er... your new rank? -but I don't know what a Paladin is, I'm sorry?"

Dakkan seems to arch a brow. "I would welcome any help, Padawan Satau, though I am not in charge of the mission here. However, I know Jedi Eiisil of Tonnava, and I will mention that other Jedi may arrive here on their way through, and to note to the Bloodeagle to expect your arrival."

Dakkan inclines his head. "I am not surprised, Padawan Freyja. There have been no paladins in many centuries. I was errant for most of my time as a knight, and instead of assuming the rank of master I chose to remain errant, and thus took on the rank of paladin. I hope that Master Roakkana finds no ill with this."

Freyja beams, "I'm sure he'll be very proud, Paladin Dakkan -- and you'll be able to tell him yourself in about three weeks, I think!" Freyja isn't really sure what the rank is, still, but will ask Master Roakkana later.

Zero nods, "I'm sure he'll be glad to know you're doing well for yourself."

"I will be pleased to present myself to him, then. And I hope he will. Is there anything else I may help you both with?"

Zero says, "I think that's all from me, Paladin... Freyja?"

Freyja nods, "Hai, if you please. First, is it only the nomadic natives who appear to have vanished. "Second, are the agricultural ones holding fast to their plots of land, or have they headed inwards to the Human settlements also? Also, do the natives have any large energy sources at all?"

Zero says, "Not unless they developed fusion plants in the last ten years..."

"Yes. Though perhaps 'vanished' is an improper term. They appear to have evidenced some of the skill at stealth and evasion which they showed in the Ten Years War and are making themselves as hard to find as possible. Most of the agricultural settlements have not needed to use a great amount of power, and have further stepped back their usage. Until these creatures specifically attack one of them, they will not move. And as far as we know, the indiginous peoples, being a mostly nomadic, pre-industrial people -- and liking it that way -- do not have any major power generation systems. Trade with the Sedraki has given them some relatively high-tech artefacts, but nothing that appears to attract the creatures."

Freyja hms thoughtfully, "That would indicate a creature with a specific target -- Human settlements. I would think it would render the planet rather useless to the Sith, however -- unless they intended to bring in their own energy sources after overcoming the Humans. The blight left behind would certainly seem to render the planet useless to both, however... although not useless to the natives, who have no large energy sources to draw the blight creatures. Interesting that the nomadic natives have vanished... as if they didn't want certain bits of knowledge discovered, perhaps? Was it just the uplink to the High Station which was destroyed? Not the station itself?

Dekkan pauses for a moment. "No. I am currently on the station. Only the planetside link was destroyed, when the first creature destroyed the hypernode."

Freyja nods thoughtfully again, "I see. Has any attempt to track the creatures been made? A small subcutaneous transponder, say? And how hard are they to kill? I assume the Sedraki have tried by now, after all?"

"We have tried to, through both seismic sensors and the blight they carry. But they run very deep, and are soon out of range of any sensors or Force awareness. And they are very hard to kill, though admittedly they attack so quickly that we cannot bring sufficient firepower to bear, so only the lightest of weapons have been brought against them so far."

Freyja nods thoughtfully again, "And their blighted tunnels collapse behind them, I take it?"

"They leave blight erratically. It appears to help them burrow, but since it 'softens' the earth for their passage, yes, they collapse behind them"

Freyja nods slowly, "Thank you, Paladin, for your time. I will report all this to Master Roakkana. And we hope to meet you in about three weeks."

Dekkan nods, "I look forward to it. The Force be with you." The connection closes, and the screen blanks to the typical HoloNet diagnostics.

Freyja calls quietly, "Link's closed now, Vakkal!" then murmurs absently under her breath, "Blight softening the ground for them... so it's not screwing up the farming dirt!" She is frowning thoughtfully as she adds, "We should tell Master Roakkana this." She heads out of the room, still with a very thoughtful look on her face.

Zero says, "Doesn't make any sense. The natives never showed any Force-sensitivity... at least... none that we knew of. But even if it was them, why now? They don't stand to gain anything."

Freyja glances at Zero, "They'd get rid of the Humans, painlessly, with none of theirs dying. They may not realize they'd be swapping Humans for Sith overlords." She asks Vakkal politely to come with them, and goes to find Master Roakkana, so he can hear the news also.

Zero says, "Still... there's not that much bad blood left on the planet... unless someone's been instigating..."

Freyja says, "Well, this has been planned out for at least a few years. The creatures' asteroidal transportation had to be developed and set into motion."

Zero says, "The natives don't have the capability for anything like that... we're obviously missing something here."

Freyja says, "Neh, of course not... but Sith provocateurs promising revenge on the Humans do."

Zero says, "Possibly so."

Freyja will find Master Roakkana and update him on the strange news. She will also ask, when she's done, what precisely a Paladin is?

Roakkana is easilly found in his quarters, just finishing what was apparently a pleasant chat with the proctor of the Balmorran chapterhouse. He frowns as he hears it. "So, that is what happened on Sedrak? I'm sorry, Zero, though I am glad that your parents are at least all right.

Zero says, "It's some small good news.. though for how long is anyone's guess. If there's relief work being done my mother will be right in the middle of it."

The Wookiee nods. "Well, it sounds as if there isn't any terror or unpleasantness there as of yet. It will make for an interesting visit to Sedrak, at the very least."

The he blinks. "Paladin? They are... well, I once told you what a knight errant was, didn't I? A paladin was... well, apparently, is, something of a master errant. They are Jedi who, for whatever reason, chose to not assume the rank of master when they became or found themselves worthy of it. There has occasionally been some few who chose to become paladins in the past, but at best a few every thousand years or so." He looks thoughtful. "Interesting... the bodyguards of the Red General were sometimes referred to as 'paladins,' the Bright Company of Paladins, actually. And further, most of them were consulars. Where did you hear of them?"

Zero thinks. Consular... bodyguards?

Freyja grins, "Your former padawan of thirty years ago, Master Roakkana... who is now Paladin Eeth Dakkan! He looks forward to seeing you in about 3 weeks, he said, and hopes you don't mind him being a paladin. So... why do they chose to become paladins, instead of just wandering masters, like you? I mean, it's not like masters must take padawans, is it?"

The Wookiee blinks, then smiles kindly. "Ah, Eeth Dakkan! He became errant some time ago and I lost track of him. Yes, I can see him choosing paladinship over mastery. I look forward to seeing him, as well, and I would never fault him for choosing that path. It is not one that many can make. A master, generally, must at least aid in the training of at least one padawan early in their role as masters -- I mentioned once that a master learns as much from their padawan as the padawan learns from them. And, if not to train the next generation of knights, what else would masters do?

"For whatever reason, child, a paladin hears some call of the Force to not take that route, to not be called 'master.' Either it is a deep personal evaluation of their abilities, or there is something they must do which they cannot do while teaching a padawan. Some have been simply guided by the Force to do this. The Bright Company are said to have been this: that they were moved by the Force to be the Red General's bodyguards, diplomats, and advisors, when the Red General refused any protection.""

Freyja sighs quietly and murmurs, "I wish poor Valsha could have had more people with her... Is that what the Bright Company originally was? -the bodyguards of the Red General?"

Roakkana nods quietly. "Indeed. As capable as he was, Colburth was a Templar, and no paladin. That was one of their duties, their primary one. The Red General always had advisors and staff, of course. But they refused a company of protectors. There were some who were, so they claimed, moved by the Force to protect the General, and while that one resisted their presence at first, they came to prove themselves eminently capable, and not only protected their self-imposed charge fiercely, but came to advise the Red General in many matters. Their names, sadly, are lost to us now, at their own request. They asked that no record bear their name or position other than as 'Jedi.'"

Freyja nods slowly, "Advisors and bodyguards... so that's why they were consulars." She's silent for a long moment, thinking, then looks curiously at her huskarl, "Have you ever heard of creatures like the ones on Sedrak, Vakkal?"

"Well, mostly, child. There were guardians as well, and they were also advisors as well as bodyguards. Only the majority seem to have been consulars."

Vakkal shakes his head. "As I've said, no, not quite like these."

Roakkana shakes his head. "I have heard of creatures which track by using the Force. I have heard stories of Sith creatures which hunt the Force-awakened. But to hunt power sources as well as the Force-awakened? That is an odd combination. We should consider that their primary goals, and anything else as means to that end. Burrowing keeps them from being spotted and tracked by orbital assets, or even Jedi seeking their blight. And since most of Sedrak's continent is, if I recall correctly, undeveloped by the Sedraki, they do not have far to go to escape detection.""

Freyja nods with thoughtful puzzlement, then asks, "What were the ones you saw like?" And do the Sith often like securing planets with no major energy sources on them? Do they need farming planets or something?"

Vakkal considers for a moment. "They were usually straightforward terror creatures. Mostly they're used on the battlefield if a Lord of Smiths is involved in an operation. Sometimes infiltrators would get the idea of using them before we began military operations against a world, to 'soften them up,' but it usually backfired. We usually ended up having to kill the creatures ourselves since they aren't always easilly controlled, especially if the infiltrators happened to die after releasing the creatures they were supposed to control."

He looks a little uncomfortable. "Uhm... I would say, that, ah, both the Empire and the Republic would need agricultural worlds, of varying types, to feed the personnel of the military, the closer to the front lines the better."

Freyja studies Vakkal thoughtfully for a moment, then says bluntly, "My questions are making you uncomfortable, aren't they. She smiles ruefully, "I'm sorry, Vakkal. I get on a subject and I just keep hammering at it. You should feel free to say politely that you'd rather not answer, please?"

Vakkal blinks, then shakes his head, sighing. "It is not that, really. It is only... I have found no qualms in answering the questions so far, as I have answered them. I promise you, there is nothing more that I know that is related to this subject."

Freyja looks sincerely puzzled now, "Er... if you had no qualms, what were you uncomfortable about, please?"

Vakkal says, "Because I was considering what I know, and what I could say without breaking any oaths I have made in the past. As it is, no, I have no conflicts, in this case." He considers for a moment. "I will do my very best to tell you if I see any such potential conflicts beforehand."

Freyja nods, looking faintly relieved again, "Thank you, Vakkal." She turns to look at the Wookie and Zero, "Well... Sedrak in three weeks then, hai?"

Zero says, "Looks that way, yeah."

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

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