Monkey Kitty
Siralai Mahr
Poor kid, Siralai thought. These apprentices really were just kids - too young for the responsibilities thrust on them by both the Jedi and the Sith. She sat down beside him. She wasn't quite sure how to answer his question; she realized it wasn't one she'd ever been asked before. Of course, she got a lot of questions, but almost invariably from the Jedi side. 'Why did you spare that Sith?' they would ask. Or, 'Why did you fight to save that life?' 'Why did you want to adopt that sort of child?' And then there was always the dreaded, 'How can a Jedi have a Sith altar in her home?' She had never actually been asked anything like that by a Sith. How was she supposed to respond? What would be reassuring?
"I think I can help her," Siralai said after a moment. "I want to help her. You care about her, don't you? It must be unpleasant, seeing her this way, but she'll be alright. She won't be too happy with me when she wakes up, but she will wake. Don't worry." Siralai couldn't know everything that had transpired to bring about the young Sith's tears.
Lana did, and offered by way of background, "He was there when Neva was taken. His master stabbed him with a lightsaber and left him for dead when she took Neva prisoner and escaped. I knew you would want to talk to him."
Siralai sucked in her breath. She knew many Sith lords were quite unkind to their apprentices, but she couldn't quite imagine what a betrayal of this magnitude would feel like. "I'm so sorry that happened," Siralai said. If the young Sith would let her, she would put an arm around his shoulders for a side hug. "That must have been awful for you. I won't let that happen again. I'll protect you. I'll help you. But I need your help, too. Your master took my friend, and I need to go after her. Can you tell me where they went?"
A Pleasant Day at the Beach
Re: A Pleasant Day at the Beach
Quaxo9
Teizi Lin
She could feel his eyes on her as they escorted injured people to the arriving medical drones' tents. As they lifted wreckage to check for survivors. Put out fires with the local volunteer fire department. Wandered into the arena looking for more people to help so she didn't have to address the bantha in the room. She had just abetted a murder. How was she going to explain her actions to her padawan when the ones she gave herself weren't sufficient?
Theron's arrival would surely only complicate matters. Teizi let out a breath, then stepped over some debris to meet him, ready to deal with whatever it was he was going to tell her. Except she hadn't really expected that. Some good had come out of the matter so quickly - a life taken for a life - but two returned. The news was a balm to her self-inflicted wound and she allowed herself to entertain the possibility that she really had made the best choice available. She nodded her head to accept his thanks, but couldn't help the slight blush that rose with his compliment.
"You are welcome. I am glad things went better than they could have.As for the...trick, as you put it...perhaps you could leave that out of your report. I somehow doubt that it is a move any of the Masters would find acceptable of a knight."
Any further awkward conversation was silenced by the unmistakable sound of lightsabers meeting in battle. There wasn't even a glance spared between the trio as all three turned and rushed toward the source of the sound. Coming around the corner of a viewing platform, the sight of three people who had been described to her brought her hands away from their cautionary position near her lightsaber handles. Glancing at Dallyn, she noticed that he too had remembered his promise and was making sure not to appear threatening by tucking his hands under his armpits.
Teizi returned her attention to the little party and was a bit surprised to see two incapacitated Sith apprentices - the young Zabrak was flanked by a Sith and a Jedi - while a Pureblood girl bent near the prostrate form of the second apprentice. Deciding to make her intentions clear from the beginning, Teizi steepled her fingers and bowed her head in greeting to the seated Jedi.
"Teizi Lin, Master Siralai, and this is Dallyn. We came to lend aid, but it appears you have everything in order." She remained mum on the mission that had sent her and her padawan to the arena in the first place, hoping that perhaps things would become clearer after their presence was not considered a threat.
Teizi Lin
She could feel his eyes on her as they escorted injured people to the arriving medical drones' tents. As they lifted wreckage to check for survivors. Put out fires with the local volunteer fire department. Wandered into the arena looking for more people to help so she didn't have to address the bantha in the room. She had just abetted a murder. How was she going to explain her actions to her padawan when the ones she gave herself weren't sufficient?
Theron's arrival would surely only complicate matters. Teizi let out a breath, then stepped over some debris to meet him, ready to deal with whatever it was he was going to tell her. Except she hadn't really expected that. Some good had come out of the matter so quickly - a life taken for a life - but two returned. The news was a balm to her self-inflicted wound and she allowed herself to entertain the possibility that she really had made the best choice available. She nodded her head to accept his thanks, but couldn't help the slight blush that rose with his compliment.
"You are welcome. I am glad things went better than they could have.As for the...trick, as you put it...perhaps you could leave that out of your report. I somehow doubt that it is a move any of the Masters would find acceptable of a knight."
Any further awkward conversation was silenced by the unmistakable sound of lightsabers meeting in battle. There wasn't even a glance spared between the trio as all three turned and rushed toward the source of the sound. Coming around the corner of a viewing platform, the sight of three people who had been described to her brought her hands away from their cautionary position near her lightsaber handles. Glancing at Dallyn, she noticed that he too had remembered his promise and was making sure not to appear threatening by tucking his hands under his armpits.
Teizi returned her attention to the little party and was a bit surprised to see two incapacitated Sith apprentices - the young Zabrak was flanked by a Sith and a Jedi - while a Pureblood girl bent near the prostrate form of the second apprentice. Deciding to make her intentions clear from the beginning, Teizi steepled her fingers and bowed her head in greeting to the seated Jedi.
"Teizi Lin, Master Siralai, and this is Dallyn. We came to lend aid, but it appears you have everything in order." She remained mum on the mission that had sent her and her padawan to the arena in the first place, hoping that perhaps things would become clearer after their presence was not considered a threat.
Re: A Pleasant Day at the Beach
Quaxo9
Arksynn
He hated himself for being so obvious. How his emotions gave him away so easily. Arksynn hastily wiped the tears from his eyes with the sleeve of his robe and hunched down as though they could swallow him up. When the Jedi sat next to him, he edged away slightly, unsure of her intentions. He didn't dare to look at her as she made her promises. Why would a Jedi want to help Reyth? Even if she had adopted a Pureblood into the family, Arksynn was pretty sure that there would be no way Reyth had given any indication of nicety or compliance. He knew her too well for that.
Lana's succinct description of his master's betrayal sent anger coursing through his veins again, dulling the pain and heightening his other senses. At the Jedi's touch, he shied away, flinching. His eyes finally left Reyth's prone body to look the Jedi in the face. Of course - the Sith Agent said she'd want his help - well, if it meant revenge on his master...he'd give it, but not easily. He didn't want to tip his hand.
"Your friend is our replacement." He spat, then seemed in agony anew as his own words rang in his ears. "Lord Anewe will probably take her to Dromund Kaas to avoid losing her to the trials."
By which he heavily implied that he didn't think Neva would survive a stint on Korriban. "Now, about your 'help' - what do you plan to do with Reyth? You can't expect to turn her. You should let her go."
The young Sith lord in the making was doing his best to be assertive - though his bravado fell apart when two more Jedi burst onto the scene. His eyes widened as he skootched back over next to Siralai, peering around her shoulders at the newcomers, sizing them up. Arksynn whispered a reminder, "You said you'd protect us."
Arksynn
He hated himself for being so obvious. How his emotions gave him away so easily. Arksynn hastily wiped the tears from his eyes with the sleeve of his robe and hunched down as though they could swallow him up. When the Jedi sat next to him, he edged away slightly, unsure of her intentions. He didn't dare to look at her as she made her promises. Why would a Jedi want to help Reyth? Even if she had adopted a Pureblood into the family, Arksynn was pretty sure that there would be no way Reyth had given any indication of nicety or compliance. He knew her too well for that.
Lana's succinct description of his master's betrayal sent anger coursing through his veins again, dulling the pain and heightening his other senses. At the Jedi's touch, he shied away, flinching. His eyes finally left Reyth's prone body to look the Jedi in the face. Of course - the Sith Agent said she'd want his help - well, if it meant revenge on his master...he'd give it, but not easily. He didn't want to tip his hand.
"Your friend is our replacement." He spat, then seemed in agony anew as his own words rang in his ears. "Lord Anewe will probably take her to Dromund Kaas to avoid losing her to the trials."
By which he heavily implied that he didn't think Neva would survive a stint on Korriban. "Now, about your 'help' - what do you plan to do with Reyth? You can't expect to turn her. You should let her go."
The young Sith lord in the making was doing his best to be assertive - though his bravado fell apart when two more Jedi burst onto the scene. His eyes widened as he skootched back over next to Siralai, peering around her shoulders at the newcomers, sizing them up. Arksynn whispered a reminder, "You said you'd protect us."
Re: A Pleasant Day at the Beach
Monkey Kitty
Theron gave Teizi a crooked half-smile. "There won't be a report," he said bluntly. "There's nothing to report. Officially speaking, a Sith killed a Hutt on a neutral world. Since neither party is governed by Republic law, agents of the Republic had no duty to intervene. The Hutts' choice of neutrality will sometimes have drawbacks for them, and there is no obligation - or strategic advantage - for SIS to step in and mitigate those drawbacks without receiving anything in return. If there were a few stray blaster shots... chalk it up to the general chaos. My higher-ups won't expect a report, and I don't intend to volunteer one. Your secret's safe with me... but it was pretty awesome. Just saying."
***
Siralai noticed that the young apprentice was uncomfortable with physical contact, so she was careful not to initiate it any further. Poor kid. She didn't want to make him more upset than he already was by invading his space, if it felt like an invasion to him.
"I have no intention of keeping Reyth as a prisoner," Siralai said carefully. "But you know her better than anyone, and I think if you are honest with yourself, you'll admit that she's very emotionally and mentally unstable right now. If I were simply to drop her off somewhere, she would be a danger to herself and others. There is a very real chance that she would harm herself, or provoke a situation where she would come to harm. For the time being, I will need to keep her safe, until she's capable of keeping herself safe. As for turning her... no. I have no intention of trying to talk her out of being a Sith. The Sith have a right to exist, and I won't try to take away her passion or her power. I just--"
An unknown Jedi and padawan were approaching, and Siralai abruptly stopped talking. She didn't think that this particular conversation would benefit from Jedi intervention. If Arksynn was paying attention to his surroundings, though, he would realize that neither Lana nor Rossi had reacted to what Siralai said about Sith - meaning this wasn't the first time either of them had heard it, and it wasn't a surprise, which might lend credence to the sincerity of Siralai's intentions.
"I will protect you with my life," Siralai assured Arksynn calmly. "But I don't think that will be necessary in this case."
She nodded in acknowledgment of Teizi. "Pleased to meet you both," she said. "No need to call me 'master.' I'm no longer with the Order. Everything is under control here. The apprentices have been most helpful. We know what direction their master went - and unfortunately following the master is imperative and urgent, because she has taken my friend captive."
Calling Reyth 'helpful' was very much an overstatement, but the important thing was to avoid unnecessary trips into the weeds arguing about Sith apprentices and focus on getting Neva back safely.
Theron gave Teizi a crooked half-smile. "There won't be a report," he said bluntly. "There's nothing to report. Officially speaking, a Sith killed a Hutt on a neutral world. Since neither party is governed by Republic law, agents of the Republic had no duty to intervene. The Hutts' choice of neutrality will sometimes have drawbacks for them, and there is no obligation - or strategic advantage - for SIS to step in and mitigate those drawbacks without receiving anything in return. If there were a few stray blaster shots... chalk it up to the general chaos. My higher-ups won't expect a report, and I don't intend to volunteer one. Your secret's safe with me... but it was pretty awesome. Just saying."
***
Siralai noticed that the young apprentice was uncomfortable with physical contact, so she was careful not to initiate it any further. Poor kid. She didn't want to make him more upset than he already was by invading his space, if it felt like an invasion to him.
"I have no intention of keeping Reyth as a prisoner," Siralai said carefully. "But you know her better than anyone, and I think if you are honest with yourself, you'll admit that she's very emotionally and mentally unstable right now. If I were simply to drop her off somewhere, she would be a danger to herself and others. There is a very real chance that she would harm herself, or provoke a situation where she would come to harm. For the time being, I will need to keep her safe, until she's capable of keeping herself safe. As for turning her... no. I have no intention of trying to talk her out of being a Sith. The Sith have a right to exist, and I won't try to take away her passion or her power. I just--"
An unknown Jedi and padawan were approaching, and Siralai abruptly stopped talking. She didn't think that this particular conversation would benefit from Jedi intervention. If Arksynn was paying attention to his surroundings, though, he would realize that neither Lana nor Rossi had reacted to what Siralai said about Sith - meaning this wasn't the first time either of them had heard it, and it wasn't a surprise, which might lend credence to the sincerity of Siralai's intentions.
"I will protect you with my life," Siralai assured Arksynn calmly. "But I don't think that will be necessary in this case."
She nodded in acknowledgment of Teizi. "Pleased to meet you both," she said. "No need to call me 'master.' I'm no longer with the Order. Everything is under control here. The apprentices have been most helpful. We know what direction their master went - and unfortunately following the master is imperative and urgent, because she has taken my friend captive."
Calling Reyth 'helpful' was very much an overstatement, but the important thing was to avoid unnecessary trips into the weeds arguing about Sith apprentices and focus on getting Neva back safely.
Re: A Pleasant Day at the Beach
Quaxo9
Teizi Lin
Part of her was almost glad for the distraction so that she didn't have to figure out how to take his compliment. It was something she needed to work on, but as of late she'd been relying on simply deflecting them by indicating her duty as a Jedi. Somehow, she didn't think those platitudes would fly with Theron - particularly as aiding in the slaying of a Hutt wasn't exactly her 'duty'. The case now before her, though, quickly garnered her attention.
"Then it appears we arrived too late - we were following this group and lost their trail. It took us some time to find our way here."
Teizi inspected the two apprentices a little more closely, her brow pinching in thought. "Though, I must say, it is a strange recruitment mission that only takes one person and leaves two behind. Your friend must be...special."
Arksynn
This Jedi was a pretty smart, he begrudgingly admitted to himself. Of course she was right - the amount of rage contained in Reyth at any one time was enough to make him uneasy - he could only imagine what she'd do with an unsuspecting planet to let it out on. He also know how much of that rage was do the frustration and pain she lived with every single day.
Arksynn's tense panting suddenly stopped as if he needed to be physically still to listen. Sith have a right to exist. That was what she said, he was sure of it. He glanced over at the Pureblood girl who seemed to think nothing out of the ordinary just happened. But it had. Jedi didn't tolerate Sith - they hated Sith - but this one had been kind and...valued them? Valued their Sith heritage? How could it be possible?
In a way, it was convenient that they were interrupted because it gave him time to think about all the things the Jedi had said. At least, he was thinking on them until the new Jedi spoke out of turn. The small ball of Zabrak huddled behind Siralai transformed into a bolt of energy.
Leaping to his feet, hands in fists at his side, he shouted vehemently, "SHE'S NOT SPECIAL. She's just some two-bit CARGO pilot who's stupid enough to PAY to FIGHT! She's NOTHING!"
Teizi Lin
Part of her was almost glad for the distraction so that she didn't have to figure out how to take his compliment. It was something she needed to work on, but as of late she'd been relying on simply deflecting them by indicating her duty as a Jedi. Somehow, she didn't think those platitudes would fly with Theron - particularly as aiding in the slaying of a Hutt wasn't exactly her 'duty'. The case now before her, though, quickly garnered her attention.
"Then it appears we arrived too late - we were following this group and lost their trail. It took us some time to find our way here."
Teizi inspected the two apprentices a little more closely, her brow pinching in thought. "Though, I must say, it is a strange recruitment mission that only takes one person and leaves two behind. Your friend must be...special."
Arksynn
This Jedi was a pretty smart, he begrudgingly admitted to himself. Of course she was right - the amount of rage contained in Reyth at any one time was enough to make him uneasy - he could only imagine what she'd do with an unsuspecting planet to let it out on. He also know how much of that rage was do the frustration and pain she lived with every single day.
Arksynn's tense panting suddenly stopped as if he needed to be physically still to listen. Sith have a right to exist. That was what she said, he was sure of it. He glanced over at the Pureblood girl who seemed to think nothing out of the ordinary just happened. But it had. Jedi didn't tolerate Sith - they hated Sith - but this one had been kind and...valued them? Valued their Sith heritage? How could it be possible?
In a way, it was convenient that they were interrupted because it gave him time to think about all the things the Jedi had said. At least, he was thinking on them until the new Jedi spoke out of turn. The small ball of Zabrak huddled behind Siralai transformed into a bolt of energy.
Leaping to his feet, hands in fists at his side, he shouted vehemently, "SHE'S NOT SPECIAL. She's just some two-bit CARGO pilot who's stupid enough to PAY to FIGHT! She's NOTHING!"
Re: A Pleasant Day at the Beach
Monkey Kitty
Siralai Mahr
Rossi took in a sharp breath, ready to leap to Neva's defense, but Siralai caught her eye and gave a slight shake of the head. The whole family cared about Neva, but trying to uphold her honor to an angry young Sith was a waste of time... and at the moment, they had no time to waste. The priority had to be getting Neva back.
"We don't know why Neva in particular was taken," Siralai said, stepping in to calm the situation. "That remains to be seen, and perhaps it will be more clear when we find her. For now, finding her must be our priority. She did not go willingly, and we need to free her. I would suggest we regroup quickly at our cottage and see to... arrangements... before departing as soon as possible."
In this case, 'arrangements' meant two wrathful Sith apprentices. This young man didn't seem to be likely to cause much trouble, but the other would require more thought. Siralai was well aware that saving Reyth would require a long-term commitment to her well-being. She had better warn Trystan what she had signed them up for...
Siralai Mahr
Rossi took in a sharp breath, ready to leap to Neva's defense, but Siralai caught her eye and gave a slight shake of the head. The whole family cared about Neva, but trying to uphold her honor to an angry young Sith was a waste of time... and at the moment, they had no time to waste. The priority had to be getting Neva back.
"We don't know why Neva in particular was taken," Siralai said, stepping in to calm the situation. "That remains to be seen, and perhaps it will be more clear when we find her. For now, finding her must be our priority. She did not go willingly, and we need to free her. I would suggest we regroup quickly at our cottage and see to... arrangements... before departing as soon as possible."
In this case, 'arrangements' meant two wrathful Sith apprentices. This young man didn't seem to be likely to cause much trouble, but the other would require more thought. Siralai was well aware that saving Reyth would require a long-term commitment to her well-being. She had better warn Trystan what she had signed them up for...
Re: A Pleasant Day at the Beach
Monkey Kitty
Visper Averrod
Their trip to Rishi had turned out to be more of a medical mission than Visper had expected, but she didn't mind. Although she was still a bit tired from shielding the twins the day before, she was happy to tend to Whuddle's former slave girls - and to be able to report that they were going to pull through. Unfortunately, the two had another obstacle that would likely prove more difficult to shake than burns or bruises or illness. Felix saw it too.
"Spice?" he asked quietly for confirmation, but he knew what the answer would be.
Visper nodded. She would confirm it with a medical scan, but she could easily anticipate the result. It was evident in the glassy eyes, the dazed expressions, the slow responses and uncoordinated movements. Both girls were heavily under the influence - and it was unlikely this was first time use. Visper suspected the addiction had already set in with a vengeance. She would be the last person to judge that in any case - she'd had her own struggles with both spice and alcohol in the distant past - but this was particularly heartbreaking because the girls almost certainly hadn't started using it voluntarily. Addicted slaves were easier to control: more compliant with commands, less able to resist orders they would otherwise balk at, less self-protective... and far less able to escape, when they were physically dependent on their supplier. It made Visper sick that this cruelty too had been piled on with all the rest. They could recover. But it was yet another layer, along with the physical and psychological trauma.
While Visper and Felix talked in lowered voices just outside, Evanni edged into the room unnoticed. She smiled at the other two girls, and gave a little wave. They smiled back. Evanni was about to say something, but Visper and Felix were suddenly back. Evanni froze like a scared animal, then darted out of the room at a run, sure she had done something wrong... though Visper couldn't quite fathom what that might be. She caught up with Evanni in the hall; the Twi'lek girl's eyes were wide and guilty.
"Do you know them?" Visper asked gently.
Evanni nodded cautiously, unsure whether admitting this would make the situation better or worse.
"It's okay," Visper assured her. "You're allowed to see them. What are their names?"
Evanni's mouth was dry and her hands shook. "The Twi'lek is Shandri. The human is Tacia. I haven't seen them since before the last time I got sold. I guess they did too. We were friends."
"I see," Visper replied. "Well, I'm sure they're glad to have you here to comfort them."
Evanni nodded vaguely. She didn't see what difference her presence would make. There was nothing she could do for them. No way to change the outcome. Was there? Unless...? Hm. Maybe there was. It seemed Evanni's life had taken a turn for the better recently; she wasn't quite sure why it had happened, but perhaps she could leverage her unexpected good fortune to help her friends a little too, as long as she was careful and didn't presume to take it too far. When she spoke, Evanni's voice was very soft and hesitant. She was very aware that she might be dooming all three of them to an even worse fate with this act of defiance. But she had to try, for her friends' sake.
"I was wondering if maybe you could... um..." She didn't know how to say it. How did you ask someone to show mercy to a slave? How did you beg for compassion for those who weren't even seen as people? Suddenly the words came out in a rush. "I know slaves get sold to the highest bidder and it doesn't matter where we go, but you've been so nice to me that I wondered if maybe you could make sure whoever you sell them to doesn't treat them too badly? If you could make sure their new master is someone decent? If it makes you lose credits I swear I'll find a way to pay you back..."
"Oh no, Evanni, they aren't going to be sold!" Visper was horrified that the poor girl had even had that notion. That she'd thought she had to worry about such a thing. "We would never do that. Not to anyone. Your friends will be safe. Just like you. I promise. Shandri and Tacia will get to be free and have a new life now too."
It took Evanni a moment to process this, but when she did, she broke down. She wasn't quite sure if Visper had hugged her or she had thrown her arms around Visper, but either way, in an instant she was crying relieved sobs into the Jedi's shoulder.
Visper Averrod
Their trip to Rishi had turned out to be more of a medical mission than Visper had expected, but she didn't mind. Although she was still a bit tired from shielding the twins the day before, she was happy to tend to Whuddle's former slave girls - and to be able to report that they were going to pull through. Unfortunately, the two had another obstacle that would likely prove more difficult to shake than burns or bruises or illness. Felix saw it too.
"Spice?" he asked quietly for confirmation, but he knew what the answer would be.
Visper nodded. She would confirm it with a medical scan, but she could easily anticipate the result. It was evident in the glassy eyes, the dazed expressions, the slow responses and uncoordinated movements. Both girls were heavily under the influence - and it was unlikely this was first time use. Visper suspected the addiction had already set in with a vengeance. She would be the last person to judge that in any case - she'd had her own struggles with both spice and alcohol in the distant past - but this was particularly heartbreaking because the girls almost certainly hadn't started using it voluntarily. Addicted slaves were easier to control: more compliant with commands, less able to resist orders they would otherwise balk at, less self-protective... and far less able to escape, when they were physically dependent on their supplier. It made Visper sick that this cruelty too had been piled on with all the rest. They could recover. But it was yet another layer, along with the physical and psychological trauma.
While Visper and Felix talked in lowered voices just outside, Evanni edged into the room unnoticed. She smiled at the other two girls, and gave a little wave. They smiled back. Evanni was about to say something, but Visper and Felix were suddenly back. Evanni froze like a scared animal, then darted out of the room at a run, sure she had done something wrong... though Visper couldn't quite fathom what that might be. She caught up with Evanni in the hall; the Twi'lek girl's eyes were wide and guilty.
"Do you know them?" Visper asked gently.
Evanni nodded cautiously, unsure whether admitting this would make the situation better or worse.
"It's okay," Visper assured her. "You're allowed to see them. What are their names?"
Evanni's mouth was dry and her hands shook. "The Twi'lek is Shandri. The human is Tacia. I haven't seen them since before the last time I got sold. I guess they did too. We were friends."
"I see," Visper replied. "Well, I'm sure they're glad to have you here to comfort them."
Evanni nodded vaguely. She didn't see what difference her presence would make. There was nothing she could do for them. No way to change the outcome. Was there? Unless...? Hm. Maybe there was. It seemed Evanni's life had taken a turn for the better recently; she wasn't quite sure why it had happened, but perhaps she could leverage her unexpected good fortune to help her friends a little too, as long as she was careful and didn't presume to take it too far. When she spoke, Evanni's voice was very soft and hesitant. She was very aware that she might be dooming all three of them to an even worse fate with this act of defiance. But she had to try, for her friends' sake.
"I was wondering if maybe you could... um..." She didn't know how to say it. How did you ask someone to show mercy to a slave? How did you beg for compassion for those who weren't even seen as people? Suddenly the words came out in a rush. "I know slaves get sold to the highest bidder and it doesn't matter where we go, but you've been so nice to me that I wondered if maybe you could make sure whoever you sell them to doesn't treat them too badly? If you could make sure their new master is someone decent? If it makes you lose credits I swear I'll find a way to pay you back..."
"Oh no, Evanni, they aren't going to be sold!" Visper was horrified that the poor girl had even had that notion. That she'd thought she had to worry about such a thing. "We would never do that. Not to anyone. Your friends will be safe. Just like you. I promise. Shandri and Tacia will get to be free and have a new life now too."
It took Evanni a moment to process this, but when she did, she broke down. She wasn't quite sure if Visper had hugged her or she had thrown her arms around Visper, but either way, in an instant she was crying relieved sobs into the Jedi's shoulder.
Re: A Pleasant Day at the Beach
Quaxo9
Teizi Lin
The Jedi's left foot made a slight slide backward before she steadied herself, focusing on remaining as neutral as possible. She had not intended to strike a nerve, though if she thought about it, her words couldn't have done anything but. Apparently her padawan wasn't the only one who needed to work on his word selection. Resisting the urge to attempt to make amends in a situation she clearly did not know enough about, she was grateful that a way forward was presented.
"We would be pleased to assist you in rescuing your friend. May I lend a hand to getting everyone back to the cottage?"
She gestured to the prone form of Reyth and waited for some amount of confirmation before stepping to the girl's side. Bending down opposite Rossi, she murmured a quiet "Hello." before scooping up Reyth in her arms. Certainly, she could have used the Force to move the girl. Holding a Sith this close to her chest might not have been the best idea should she awaken, either. However, it felt like the most empathetic thing to do when she had blundered so badly in that capacity only moments before.
Teizi didn't wait to be directed, but set off at a reasonable pace, Dallyn in tow - though the latter gave Arksynn a wide berth before he followed his master.
Arksynn
Still fuming, he clamped his mouth shut and pushed a piece of stone around with his boot. It wasn't the stupid woman's fault that his master wanted her, he guessed, though this vow from the Jedi gave him reason to hope that his plans would come to fruition. If he could insinuate himself into their plans, he'd get a free ride to Dromund Kaas and a chance to repay his master for her betrayals.
He bristled as the other Jedi butted in - and then touched Reyth. Hissing, he stepped forward only to remember that he was severely outnumbered and reluctantly stepped back into place beside Siralai.
The walk actually seemed to help him clear his mind. The Jedi had spoken such strange promises - and if he was honest with his feelings - they were sincere. There was the Pureblood girl to consider as proof...and the Sith Intelligence agent who seemed friendly enough with someone who should have been a sworn enemy. Maybe...
"She can't talk to you." His words came out quickly, but under his breath. Siralai might have assumed it was to keep the others of the party from hearing him, but he was more concerned about Reyth overhearing this particular conversation. "Even if she wanted to...she can't speak. Master Anewe made her cut out her own tongue."
The young Zabrak fell silent, debating with himself as to how much information he should give them. Still, if they were going to protect Reyth from harm...
"She used to sing. Music makes her sad, but it also helps her not be so angry."
Teizi Lin
The Jedi's left foot made a slight slide backward before she steadied herself, focusing on remaining as neutral as possible. She had not intended to strike a nerve, though if she thought about it, her words couldn't have done anything but. Apparently her padawan wasn't the only one who needed to work on his word selection. Resisting the urge to attempt to make amends in a situation she clearly did not know enough about, she was grateful that a way forward was presented.
"We would be pleased to assist you in rescuing your friend. May I lend a hand to getting everyone back to the cottage?"
She gestured to the prone form of Reyth and waited for some amount of confirmation before stepping to the girl's side. Bending down opposite Rossi, she murmured a quiet "Hello." before scooping up Reyth in her arms. Certainly, she could have used the Force to move the girl. Holding a Sith this close to her chest might not have been the best idea should she awaken, either. However, it felt like the most empathetic thing to do when she had blundered so badly in that capacity only moments before.
Teizi didn't wait to be directed, but set off at a reasonable pace, Dallyn in tow - though the latter gave Arksynn a wide berth before he followed his master.
Arksynn
Still fuming, he clamped his mouth shut and pushed a piece of stone around with his boot. It wasn't the stupid woman's fault that his master wanted her, he guessed, though this vow from the Jedi gave him reason to hope that his plans would come to fruition. If he could insinuate himself into their plans, he'd get a free ride to Dromund Kaas and a chance to repay his master for her betrayals.
He bristled as the other Jedi butted in - and then touched Reyth. Hissing, he stepped forward only to remember that he was severely outnumbered and reluctantly stepped back into place beside Siralai.
The walk actually seemed to help him clear his mind. The Jedi had spoken such strange promises - and if he was honest with his feelings - they were sincere. There was the Pureblood girl to consider as proof...and the Sith Intelligence agent who seemed friendly enough with someone who should have been a sworn enemy. Maybe...
"She can't talk to you." His words came out quickly, but under his breath. Siralai might have assumed it was to keep the others of the party from hearing him, but he was more concerned about Reyth overhearing this particular conversation. "Even if she wanted to...she can't speak. Master Anewe made her cut out her own tongue."
The young Zabrak fell silent, debating with himself as to how much information he should give them. Still, if they were going to protect Reyth from harm...
"She used to sing. Music makes her sad, but it also helps her not be so angry."
Re: A Pleasant Day at the Beach
Monkey Kitty
Siralai Mahr
Siralai had not been expecting that. Looking back, she realized that Reyth hadn't spoken a single word to them - but under the circumstances, it hadn't seemed strange. Now the whole thing took on a horrifying new meaning. No wonder the young woman was so angry. Siralai's sadness and anger were visible on her face, the calm Jedi mien slipping for a moment.
"That's awful," Siralai said. "I can't understand how one person could do that to another - especially an apprentice they should have protected. I'm so sorry for what you both went through. Thank you for telling me. We'll do everything we can to help her."
No doubt it would be a long road. But Reyth would have their support, care, and love. Of course, that didn't mean Reyth would necessarily ever love them back. Siralai understood that Reyth might always hate and resent her for disrupting her life. Siralai could accept that - as long as Reyth had a life to claim as her own, Siralai would feel she had succeeded.
They regrouped back at the cottage, making hasty arrangements for the mission.
"I strongly suggest we take my ship," Pyrran said. "I live on Dromund Kaas, so we'll be cleared to land as a matter of course... which would be a major obstacle if we took a Jedi ship or neutral vessel. I would suggest also, though, that we have a designated pilot remain onboard while we're planet-side. We may need to leave quickly, so we need to minimize the time it will take to get airborne again if things go bad - and it wouldn't hurt in case escape maneuvers are needed."
No one argued with this - they would have been hard points to disagree with. Of their two pilots, Trystan had far more hours logged flying Fury-class ships, so he volunteered for the job. Siralai would go too for the rescue mission, as well as Vette. Lana, Theron, and Jasper would remain behind to protect the children and continue their investigation into what happened to the twins, and Rossi would watch over Reyth. Visper, too, would stay to continue tending to those who needed medical attention.
"Felix, I would not advise you to go to Dromund Kaas," Pyrran said carefully. He was on shakier ground here. His recommendations about the ship were fairly obvious common sense, but he wasn't sure personnel recommendations would be as well received from a Sith. "I know you're willing, but for you to go along would play right into my master's hands. I don't question your abilities or your dedication, but if things go wrong, it would be better for everyone if you were as far away as possible. I don't want to give Baras a free victory."
He braced himself for anger and recriminations... but to his relief, Felix was nodding.
"Yeah, that's smart thinking," Felix agreed. "Why make it easy for him? I'll stay and help here."
Pyrran was glad Felix wasn't angry with him. It shouldn't have mattered this much to him, he knew it shouldn't - but in the short time he had known Felix, he had developed tremendous respect for the man. It was good that Felix hadn't taken this as a slight.
And then there was the matter of seeing to Reyth before they left. Siralai was under no illusions that the young Sith would be feeling any calmer than when she was knocked out. On the contrary, Reyth now had multiple additional things to be angry about. Visper volunteered the med bay of her ship; it was equipped with forcefields that could be put up around the medical beds to contain belligerent patients, and was the most secure setting available under the circumstances.
Siralai and Rossi had a brief conversation about how to make the med bay seem a little more homey and comfortable, however. When Reyth woke up, her head would be resting on a pillow from the cottage rather than a standard-issue medical one. Nearby on the tray table were a Sith meditation scroll and a small vase of flowers - the vase discreetly made of durasteel, unable to be broken into pieces. A datapad was loaded with books and magazines, and Rossi programmed in additional functions to allow Reyth to control the lighting and play music if she so chose. It was the best they could do on short notice. And Reyth wouldn't be alone in a strange place. Rossi sat on the floor beyond the forcefield, tinkering with her droid, waiting for the other Sith to wake up.
Siralai Mahr
Siralai had not been expecting that. Looking back, she realized that Reyth hadn't spoken a single word to them - but under the circumstances, it hadn't seemed strange. Now the whole thing took on a horrifying new meaning. No wonder the young woman was so angry. Siralai's sadness and anger were visible on her face, the calm Jedi mien slipping for a moment.
"That's awful," Siralai said. "I can't understand how one person could do that to another - especially an apprentice they should have protected. I'm so sorry for what you both went through. Thank you for telling me. We'll do everything we can to help her."
No doubt it would be a long road. But Reyth would have their support, care, and love. Of course, that didn't mean Reyth would necessarily ever love them back. Siralai understood that Reyth might always hate and resent her for disrupting her life. Siralai could accept that - as long as Reyth had a life to claim as her own, Siralai would feel she had succeeded.
They regrouped back at the cottage, making hasty arrangements for the mission.
"I strongly suggest we take my ship," Pyrran said. "I live on Dromund Kaas, so we'll be cleared to land as a matter of course... which would be a major obstacle if we took a Jedi ship or neutral vessel. I would suggest also, though, that we have a designated pilot remain onboard while we're planet-side. We may need to leave quickly, so we need to minimize the time it will take to get airborne again if things go bad - and it wouldn't hurt in case escape maneuvers are needed."
No one argued with this - they would have been hard points to disagree with. Of their two pilots, Trystan had far more hours logged flying Fury-class ships, so he volunteered for the job. Siralai would go too for the rescue mission, as well as Vette. Lana, Theron, and Jasper would remain behind to protect the children and continue their investigation into what happened to the twins, and Rossi would watch over Reyth. Visper, too, would stay to continue tending to those who needed medical attention.
"Felix, I would not advise you to go to Dromund Kaas," Pyrran said carefully. He was on shakier ground here. His recommendations about the ship were fairly obvious common sense, but he wasn't sure personnel recommendations would be as well received from a Sith. "I know you're willing, but for you to go along would play right into my master's hands. I don't question your abilities or your dedication, but if things go wrong, it would be better for everyone if you were as far away as possible. I don't want to give Baras a free victory."
He braced himself for anger and recriminations... but to his relief, Felix was nodding.
"Yeah, that's smart thinking," Felix agreed. "Why make it easy for him? I'll stay and help here."
Pyrran was glad Felix wasn't angry with him. It shouldn't have mattered this much to him, he knew it shouldn't - but in the short time he had known Felix, he had developed tremendous respect for the man. It was good that Felix hadn't taken this as a slight.
And then there was the matter of seeing to Reyth before they left. Siralai was under no illusions that the young Sith would be feeling any calmer than when she was knocked out. On the contrary, Reyth now had multiple additional things to be angry about. Visper volunteered the med bay of her ship; it was equipped with forcefields that could be put up around the medical beds to contain belligerent patients, and was the most secure setting available under the circumstances.
Siralai and Rossi had a brief conversation about how to make the med bay seem a little more homey and comfortable, however. When Reyth woke up, her head would be resting on a pillow from the cottage rather than a standard-issue medical one. Nearby on the tray table were a Sith meditation scroll and a small vase of flowers - the vase discreetly made of durasteel, unable to be broken into pieces. A datapad was loaded with books and magazines, and Rossi programmed in additional functions to allow Reyth to control the lighting and play music if she so chose. It was the best they could do on short notice. And Reyth wouldn't be alone in a strange place. Rossi sat on the floor beyond the forcefield, tinkering with her droid, waiting for the other Sith to wake up.
Re: A Pleasant Day at the Beach
Monkey Kitty
Visper and Felix
With arrangements made and plans underway, Visper returned to medical duties with Felix assisting her.
"Did you ever find out what Evanni was upset about?" Felix asked as he restocked the med kits. "She seemed pretty freaked out."
Visper nodded. "Turns out the other girls are her friends, and she wanted to see them but was afraid of getting in trouble for it. And... she was worried about something else, too. She was afraid her friends were going to be sold again. She tried to talk me into finding a less-than-horrible buyer for them."
"Aw man," Felix said in a hushed tone. "That's a lot of worry to carry."
"It is," Visper agreed. "I was able to reassure her that no one was getting sold. But I was thinking... they're going to need somewhere to go, too. I know we had only talked about adopting one child, but..."
"Yeah, I think we're thinking the same thing."
"You don't think it sounds crazy?"
Felix shook his head. "It's not how we were planning to do things, but it makes sense. These are our kid's friends, right? That seems like a situation where the right thing to do is step in. We may not have had our kid for very long, but she's still our kid and the timing is what it is."
Visper kissed him and smiled. "Evanni's going to be thrilled," she said.
Visper and Felix
With arrangements made and plans underway, Visper returned to medical duties with Felix assisting her.
"Did you ever find out what Evanni was upset about?" Felix asked as he restocked the med kits. "She seemed pretty freaked out."
Visper nodded. "Turns out the other girls are her friends, and she wanted to see them but was afraid of getting in trouble for it. And... she was worried about something else, too. She was afraid her friends were going to be sold again. She tried to talk me into finding a less-than-horrible buyer for them."
"Aw man," Felix said in a hushed tone. "That's a lot of worry to carry."
"It is," Visper agreed. "I was able to reassure her that no one was getting sold. But I was thinking... they're going to need somewhere to go, too. I know we had only talked about adopting one child, but..."
"Yeah, I think we're thinking the same thing."
"You don't think it sounds crazy?"
Felix shook his head. "It's not how we were planning to do things, but it makes sense. These are our kid's friends, right? That seems like a situation where the right thing to do is step in. We may not have had our kid for very long, but she's still our kid and the timing is what it is."
Visper kissed him and smiled. "Evanni's going to be thrilled," she said.