Post by Morgue on May 21, 2008 10:33:45 GMT -5
Recent activity on Mytra had Jonas slightly paranoid. And so, instead of following his intricate studies, he was staring at the severed head of Caedmon Cato. Staring at the the dead eyes, and still perserved hair. What clues could it give him. What clues could he find out about this man's death from the head. He wasn't spiced this time around, just observant of the beast's head. Sitting on a wooden chair within the Mytran Palace's Libary, the force Scholar tried to drown out the general hub-bub around the planet that seemed to be spiked from more force-users
Inside the library of the Mytran Palace, a young Jedi Padawan made his way quietly toward the table where Jonas Cato studied the severed head of what was apparently his father. Jaedon Kreel stopped several steps away from the table where Jonas sat. He said nothing, but rather his green eyes studied both the young man and the severed head, hands crossed in front of himself.
It might have been a while before Jonas looked up.... Seeing what appeared to be a servant wandering into the libary, the young Cato, ever arrogant, proclaimed "About it... you can fetch me a water... and perhaps a piece of fruit.."
Jaedon laughed, ammused but didn’t move from where he stood, other than to adjust the folds of his outer brown robe. The young jedi continued to regard the severed head of what appeared to be his former master, and the laughter faded...
"What are you daft? " Jonas asked when the servant started laughing. Finally grey-green eyes rising to grace him. And then he sighed. The force flooded away from him, leaving nothing to sense of Jonas. Jonas was quick to grab the black cloth next to the jar, and cover it. "What is it you want Jedi?"
“That’s a neat trick... “ Jaedon spoke honsetly as Jonas made his presence in the force so suddenly dissapear. Pointing to the severed head Jaedon continued, “I was actually hoping to take a look at that.” His laughed had fully subsided, and he looked conflicted, between wanting to be amused and somber.
Jonas eyed Jaedon clearly trying to drum up memories of the man. "No, there is nothing to see.." The young Cato stood, as if angered about the interruption of his studying. "we do not gawk at the dead friend, perhaps your masters wherever the hell the Jedi are staying should have taught you that." Grabbing the jar, he started for the door... not bothering to glance behind him as he hoped the Jedi would have enough manners to leavehim be.
“It seems that’s exactly what you were doing, friend.” Apparently, Jaedon wasn’t the best mannored jedi ever. Jonas would find his escape blocked by the young padawan who stepped neatly in front of his path, but rather than forcibly keep Jonas from leaving a hand lifted, trying to settle on Jonas’ shoulder, “Please. Caedmon Cato was my master.”
"Mine, too," said a voice from the doorway. Jeryndi peeked his head around the corner, peeping in towards Jonas and Jaedon. "For a time, anyway," he says quietly. He stepped further into the doorway, leaning against it. He'd decided to take a more traditional approach to being in the palace. Instead of his usual streetclothes with the plethera of weapons he usually wore, he wore a modified set of Jedi Robes, complete with the saber hanging from his belt. He'd come to Mytra-- to the palace-- to report to Kabe in person... He looked alot different than anybody here had seen him-- except maybe Kabe and Lepri-- in a -long- time... Older, calmer, more mature. "Hi, Jonas," he said, giving him a small smile and arching a slender black brow at him.
Jonas didn't like being touched. Especially by strangers. Almost before the young Jedi's hand went out, Jonas had takena step backward. Grey-green pools swirling lightly, as they regarded Jaedon again. "Perhaps I should have been more clear, Jedi do not gawk at the dead." The young Cato considered for a moment whether or not it mattered if Caedmon Cato had ineed been this one's master... decided it didn't and turned as if to find the other exits in the libary. "No, you cannot see this head. His ashes are spread amongst Mytra... walk about and you might even breathe a bit of Caedmon in." Which seemed to be perfect timing on Jonas' part. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. And he found himself instantly angry. "Frakkin Jedi, bringing the whole lot with each other."
His eyes fell on Jeryndi as he turned around, still casually taking steps backward as if he could find another exit before he had to deal with two numbskulled former apprentices of his father.
“Be reasonable, friend. I just need a few moments. I don’t want to take it from you, I just want to see for my own eyes.... I want to know for certain that Master Cato is dead.” Jaedon continued, although his eyes had flicked across to look at the appearance of Jeryndi Trander, he didn’t greet the Jedi Knight, not yet at least. His attention still devoted mostly to Jonas and the head in the box.
Booted footsteps echoed from the other hallway, a trio to be exact. Unlike Jeryndi, Lepri had opted not to give her own escorts the slip. In the midst of the move from one capital to another, there were security leaks and risks everywhere, or at least possible leaks possible. The last thing that was needed was for a group of soldiers to get jittery, especially with several Jedi now on the grounds. The Cathar had been against coming to Mytra, or more specifically the palace. It would have been a shooting ground for anybody that knew they were coming, though really even the furball himself didn't know they were going to report in face to face. Either way, she didn't like it but there was little to do about it, now that they were there.
The wookiee wasn't on the grounds, and it was only an hour of running around and com-checks that proved that to be true. No he was off checking over the populace as he had promised Mercy he would do, so they had some time to kill. Opting to rejoin her Knight-partner in crime she slipped through the library doors to see a strange sight. A touch of the Force revealed a number of things but the blanking technique that was being used by Cato's kid.. well there was more than one present that could do that, though Jeryndi had taken it a step further and had passed his knowledge to her, but she opted not to use that either. No, she wore a Jedi uniform as well, both of her sabers hanging from her belt. It was wierd not to be in the streetclothes she had been living in for the past couple months, but since before the Derelect, she'd been wearing them. Looking over at Jeryndi she shook her head.
"Will you stop harassing people? We just got back to civilized space and you're already starting trouble with people," she admonished, her faint Catharian accent coming out, coloring her words slightly.
"Jedi! Where?!" Jeryndi says softly, his voice one of pure astonishment, though the expression and body language lacked the excitement that he put into the tone. Then he shook his head slightly, his expression turning neutral. "He is," he said quietly. "Jaedon, you don't -really- need to look at that head to know the truth, do you?" he asked... A moment later, he rolled his eyes to the side to arch a brow at Lepri. "But... But..." he half-assedly pouted. "He's carrying around the head of a man I have a deep and profound respect for-- and y'know I don't give that often-- and I'm -not- supposed to harass him?" he asked, his tone mostly flat... But also semi-amused.
She blinked at him. "You? Give Caedmon respect? ... Whatever," she said shaking her head, turning for the door. The kid might be able to win at Sabaac, but she wasn't buying that lie, even on a half-case of Mad Mrelf.
Jonas found himself entrapped. Which anyone who knew Jonas well enough, that would be just one person actually, would know that was a dangerous spot to put him. "Well, there you have... Jeryndi "Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of Rum" Trander has declared the truth for you. I can declare it again myself... Caedmon Cato is dead, and almost completely cremated... Now just step aside, and the three of you can get to doing Jedi stuff.."
"Its bourbon, actually."
Continuing back out the door, well almost, she poked her head around the door frame. "Play nice, or I'll knock yer heads together... goes double for you," she said toward Jeryndi, then headed off, back to teh landing pads. She needed to get back to the Split. No more waiting.
Jaedon just cracked up laughing at Jonas, “You’re funny. You and I should go have a drink sometime. Seriously. It’s alot more fun than Jedi stuff anyways. But honestly, why don’t you want to let me take a look?”
"Its private property. Why are you so interested in lookin?"
"Because he's apparently a dumbass who doesn't use the Force," he murmured and turned his back.
“And anyone who doesn’t use the force is a dumbass...? That logic is going to get the order -so- far in the Galaxy, thank you very much Master Trander.” Jaedon didn’t bother to look at Jeryndi, his eyes were still on Caedmon.
Jeryndi turned back, reaching out with nothing of the Force and all to do with pure physical speed and thumped Jaedon on the side of the head. "No, because if you were worth a damn as his apprentice, you'd know because you'd have felt his death, damnit. That's why."
Jonas took slight offense to Jeryndi's words. "Well O-Wise one... even I didn't feel my father's death. " He knew the galaxy was massive, and that even if there was a death, he might not have felt it. "The force is all knowing, but not all answering. This however is proof... no need to look at it though."
He turned his brown eyes to look at Jonas,arching a brow. "Is it any real surprise... Did you ever -love- him? -Care- about him? -Try- to bond with him? I did. He was like the father I never had... And I was -very- close to him, though I thought alot of the time he was very self-righteous and a little screwey in the head."
Jaedon scowled, taking the thump to his skull but didn’t duck away from the blow, “Tell me, Master Trander... did you feel his death?” The padawan was scowling at the Jedi Knight.
"As a matter of fact, Mr. Kreel, I did, and I was in the freaking Unknown Regions when it happened."
Jonas anger spiked again, and this time, through his viel. It took a second or too for him to try and calm it. "Then why the frak are you even here Trander?"
Jaedon turned to look at Jonas, ”Apparently you’ve been corrected... Jonas... is it? The force IS all answering. Master Trander is positive that Master Cato is dead. I for one, would like to find out how, and why, if in fact he is dead. But then, I don’t suppose Master Trander needs anything other than the force to answer those questions either, so I shall bow to his superior skill and wisdom.” Jaedon stepped backwards giving way for Jonas to leave the convresation. “My appologies for holding you so long.”
He twitched visibly, eyeing Jonas again. Crossing his arms over his chest. "To report to GrandMaster Kabraka."
Jonas saw the exit, and immediately started for it with as much haste as possible. "Well get to that!" Jonas said in the harshest tone he had... starting at Jaedon.. "Not a problem, now that you have your answer about Cae's death, be at ease." And still Jonas was walking backward, glad to be out of that frakkin libary... He swore silently under his breathe, and wanted to will the jedi into non-existance.
Jaedon watched Jonas make his way toward the exit but the look on his face made it quite clear that he wouldn’t rest at this singular meeting. Jonas and he would meet again, under different circumstances. The Padawan remained silent however, letting Jonas make his escape from the throng of Jedi, while he chewed thoughtfully on the inside of his lip.
He turned away from the door to the library, lifting a small, slender hand in a small wave to the Padawan. "Seeya round, Jaedon... Gonna go find my woman and then lay low."
Jonas for his part was keeping several paces ahead, before he could once more be felt in the force as a force sensitive. He had one more trip to make... Scrambling down the hall, he stopped outside the offices of one "Mercy".
Rapping lightly at "Mercy's" office door, Jonas didn't wait for a repsonse before letting himself inside, after all... what kind of information gathering could he possibly do if he wasn't willing to risk getting into a little trouble.
Mercy was in her office, and as the rapping came lightly at her door she buzzed it open, allowing Jonas entrance. She set aside her datapack, eying the Cato before her. "To what do I owe this honor?" She rose slightly from her seat, motioning him further into the room.
Jonas entered. He was cautious about entering the belly of any beast. But the best way to learn about its insides was to either cut it open, or go exploring. Joy for option A. When Jonas grey-green gaze fell on 'Mercy' he smiled politely. There was alot more data than even she knew existed about her. There were things that the galaxy simply wouldn't forget; and things Jonas had claimed useful long ago, and wouldn't let go. "You can owe this honor to the hunger of knowledge."
"Hunger for Knowledge?" Came her reply as she lowered herself back into her seat. "What kind of knowledge are you looking for?"
Jonas smiled, it was geniune, and for once the young man seemed completely interested in the person across from him. Even a Twi'Lek whose guise was diplomat. "I'm looking for all kinds of knowledge, I have been since the day I was born." Another truth... Mauria's words flashed through his mind one more time, and he decided... that all his reading, all his studying... it meant nothing without some sort of experience, some sort of teacher to hammer in the finer details. "But today, and from you, I seek the knowledge that can give you the decisive edge over your Competition."
"Ah. Well, that depends on the sport you will be playing." Giving a motion to the seat on the other side of her desk, the one just infront of Jonas, Lotus nodded. "Have a seat, and we will talk."
Jonas sat himself down, setting the covered jar upon the chair next to him, as if it was just another piece of luggage. "The sport is everlasting life... or perhaps power. Or simply Truth, Justice and Order." Grey-greens continued to swirl, a hint of that commanding presence that he held so long ago blazing in his gaze. "Maybe its all of these, but it starts with a title that no one, that I know of, has. " He paused, considering still whether or not this was the right move for him, whether or not there weren't other options to be had. "Dark Lord of the Sith... and Mauria Zekal's desire for it."
"I see." The reply was curt, and accompanied by Lotus picking up her datapack and slidding it into a locking drawer. Once it was away, she returned her attention back to Joans, "You are correct, no one in the galaxy has claimed the title. But, what concern is this to me? If Mauria thinks she is fit enough to claim the title, then all she needs to do it reach out and grasp it. An easy enough task theoretically."
"So it is, but to be true Sith... well, she is incapable of simply reaching out and grasping it. But I bet she is close." His eyes followed every motion, it was hard to read Twi'Lek, it simply was harder to read non-humans for a Lorridian than it was to read others... but Jonas was attempting to none-the-less. "But if it were that easy to grasp, to make true, someone else would already have it, perhaps even yourself." His hair fell into his face, and his smile faded. "But if your not interested, then so be it. I am... teach me what you know."
"What makes you think I know anything of the position?" Her Lekku twitched against her back, slithering slightly behind the chair she sat in.
Jonas frowned, almost annoyed by her coyness. "Because, I've had a thousand libaries worth of information to recieve... and twice as many people whispering in my ears. Your sadly mistaken if you thought The Fir- " He stopped short, realizing she wouldn't know whom that nickname referred too..."The High Protector Ashton Moonrider, didn't know of Ith'Li's affairs... even a little... your sadly mistaken. Not to mention... there are other methods for learning such information Lotus Gi." Of course he referred primarily to his inheritance, and the foolishness of fathers long since past. His eyes flashed, for a moment sadly, to the jar, before returning to gaze upon Mercy. He was beyond aware though, that he was in danger. That having showed his cards, a death sentence may have indeed been written. Watching for any sign of an attack that might not even come in this life-time. "By my calculations, you are behind Mauria Zekal in atleast on regard... no one to pass your knowledge onto."
This of course was a bluff, he had no way of knowing if Mauria had an apprentice, or if Lotus didn't.
"And what makes you so sure I have knowledge to pass on? Or would want to pass on?" Pressing herself back into her seat, causing it to lean back slightly on a rocking joint, Lotus clasped her hands before her, eying Joans intently, "And for that matter, what would make you think I would want to pass that information onto -you- of all people?"
The questions caught him off guard. He had expected her to simply see and understand that he was the best choice. A sneer nearly formed upon his lips, and he decided he had no other choice but to explain. " There is no one else, no one else who can truly understand what it means to be a Sith. The justice and order thats needed. " He sat up, and truly measured her. "Oh you have knowledge to pass on, Ith'Li Shaon thought as much.... it is the way of any Sith, to need to pass on their knowledge... for if they can't Master atleast another person, what hope can they have of mastering the galaxy?" Atleast thats how he had brought into mind with his studies. " I can prove it... I can prove that i'm worthy to be your student."
Meanwhile back outside the library...
Jeryndi closed his eyes and sighed to himself as he walked down the hallway, following in the direction Lepri had gone back towards the Lickity Split... he reached out in the Force, touching Lepri gently through their Bond, and smiled to himself. Brenteel wants to beat the shit out of Jonas... Can we blame him?
Feeling that impression, almost precise enough to be put into words she stopped and leaned against the corridor wall, crossing her arms as well as her legs at the ankles as she waited for him to catch up. ~Brenteel?... Or you?~ Idly she drummed her claws against one arm, waiting.
Both, came the automatic response. Brenteel's just more in touch with his violent side.... A moment later he rounded the corner and caught up to her. "Besides, I wouldn't lay a hand on him except to slap the shit out of him."
The cat shook her head. "That's no way to make friends. Now, unless you wanna screw things up for the rest of the Jedi out there, go ahead and act poorly here," she said quietly. "Goofing off is one thing. If you wanna slap people around, at least have the decency not to do it while wearing your uniform and sabers." Her tone was quiet, but not harsh, and there was no venom underneath it all, but simply an admonishment, and a tiredness. The last thing she needed was for him to screw something up because he couldn't keep his mouth or his hands to himself. It seemed to be the biggest problem when it came to him, when his life wasn't in danger. She gave another sigh. If he didn't straighten his shit up soon, his life was going to be in danger all the time, if she had to hold a gun to his head to get the point across.
He gave her a slightly annoyed look. "I wasn't -planning- on touching him at all," he muttered. "I said I -wanted- to."
She looked over at him. "Your focus determines your reality. Intent might as well be truth, as far as the galaxy is determined."
"Ohplease," he muttered, though he knew it was true. He scowled for a moment longer, then sighed... Just letting it go. He shook his head after a moment, free of any agitation or other emotions. He frowned slightly, doing a 180 in the hallway to stare back the way they'd come. "What the hell?"
She looked back. "What?"
"For about half-a-second, I could've -sworn- I felt Nydia..." he says softly, his expression shifting to one of concern. Then he turned back, falling in step with Lepri again. "I need to call Jin."
She nodded. "Yes, you do. The Network was your brainchild anyway. You need to make sure it's at least being taken care of, even if it isn't yours anymore," she said, watching him and not where she was going as they continued down the hall, right as a rather large figure moved around the corner, causing her to blunder straight into the man... metal-man. The cyborg half-scoffed then shook his head.
"Just the people I was looking to see," he said, bowing slightly.
The voice was rough, as though he'd been chewing gravel and washing it down with strong whiskey. The face was semi-grizzled, as though a frag had gone off close to him and had scarred him up pretty good. It was probably the cybernetics that gave him back some semblance of humanity and the ability to live something approaching normal. By the look, the explosion that had nearly taken his life had resulted in a right arm, both legs, at least one lung and several organs being replaced, as there wasn't enough bacta in the galaxy to fix all that. By the look, and by how heavy his frame appeared, though he moved lightly on his feet, they were all probably combat-grade models, designed to give him maximum performance in a fight, as well as other jobs. One hand reached up and pulled the cigarra from his mouth.
"Sorry for the abrupt meeting, but I was told I could find a friend of mine with you folks. Heard there were a few Jedi prowling around the grounds here and thought I might have a look see." Giving a slight nod of his head he leaned back on his heels. "Name's Niko Triss."
"Depends on who you'd call your friend," Jeryndi said softly, tilting his head slightly to the side.
He nodded. "Guy by the name of Merek Nigel.. course I heard he's goin by the name of Stele now. Used to be a fighter in some of the undergound circuits on Nar Shadda. Been a freelance cargo deliverer and independant contractor. Heard he got mixed up with the Jedi during a job in the War, been hanging out with them ever since. Thought you might have heard of him, or know where I can find the rest of the Jedi so I can finish finding him."
"Heh... 'Yea, we know him," he says softly, crossing his arms over his chest. Getting an almost stubborn look to him.
The Cathar stood slowly, regarding the cyborg carefully. "Ey ey.. I'm not tryin' to burn you, if that's what you're thinkin'. I was told you Jedi types have gotten really touchy and paranoid, course I understand why. I know what it's like to be labled somethin that ain't right. Been there myself... still payin for it in my own way." He shrugged and shook his head.
Jeryndi's expression fell blank. "We're not putting you in touch with him... Or telling you where you can find him. You wanna know, go through the GrandMaster."
Lepri looked over at Jeryndi then back at the 'borg. "What do you want with him anyway?" Niko looked back as he was already turning to go. "One of his folks have turned up real sick. Since they can't find him, thought I might give it a whack."
His lip curled slightly, his eyes narrowing, his expression shifting subtley into a sneer. And his presence in the Force shifted to something significantly darker. "What'd you do, poison her?" he asked, his tone acidic. It wasn't Jeryndi anymore-- at least not all Jeryndi-- but Brenteel... The infamous Blood Knight Captain that mysteriously disappeared from the ranks of the Underworld Alliance. Then he growled audibly. "Niko, you assbag, you BLEW UP MY SHIP!"
That was a voice, one that he recognized, though distantly, and a look that he knew well. He'd thought the kid looked familiar. The sheer threat in that voice spun him around as his hand whipped to his blaster strapped to his thigh with pure bionic speed, but metal did not clear the holster as he dropped into a half crouch. "Okay, I know that tone. Brukaan had something to do with the Jedi too, as did his kid, Brenteel.. I heard he had a twin or something with the Jedi, but I'd swear that was Brenteel," he said a hard knot forming in his gut. "I blew up -a- ship. Blown up a lot of ships. Got anything more specific kid?" He glanced over at the Cathar, who was growling slightly but her eyes were focused on the other Jedi, one hand hovering near the saber at her right hip. Cathar were almost as strong as wookiees, and usually much faster, and as nasty in a fight, and they had no compunction against using their claws, but to compound being a jedi on top of that... if he wasn't careful this could get real ugly real fast.
Jeryndi/Brenteel's eyes narrowed even further... His eyes were quickly shifting in color from brown to hazel, the true indication that personalities had switched. "Would you like to re-evaluate your analysis of the situation?" he growled, using the Force to send the blaster in Niko's hand flying. "You... blew... up... my... ship... Half of my hand-picked crew was on that ship! You're damned lucky it was blown up by timer and not remote because I swear, by the Force, if you'd been on that station when it happened I'd have killed you right then and there."
He straightened. "Oh. That ship." He shrugged. "Don't get mad at me for taking out the galaxy's garbage." The blaster had never cleared the holster, so all that happened was that the whole setup jerked back a couple centimeters, his hand anchoring it within the nerfhide. If the kid really wanted to press his luck, the next toy wasn't a blaster, but a concussion/compression rifle that would blow out everything within thirty meters, and collapse a chunk of the level above on him and his girl there next to him. "And you.. You... you look different now, but I recognize you too," he said to the Cathar. "You were goin by the name.. Misky.. Misty.. no Mishka back then." Lepri looked over toward Niko, eyes wide, but said nothing.
In the blink of an eye, Brenteel had drawn his saber, ignited it, and held it a couple of inches from Niko's face. His expression was completely blank... Brenteel had been dangerous as -just- a pirate, but now had the full skill-set and abilities as a Jedi at his disposal. Which made him even -more- dangerous. "Catling... Go back to the ship..."
Even as he moved, Niko became a blur, sidestepping a few centimeters, but one hand was now a hair's breadth from Brenteel's centerline, a small humming object in his hand. A downward glance would reveal a very nastly looking vibroblade that could have split Brenteel from groin to crown as easy as that lightsaber could cut through metal. "Boy, if you want to live another second you'll shut that saber off and go about your business." /// Lepri had her own saber drawn but not ignited. Not yet. "Brenteel," she said in a tone that was as hard as vacuum.
His eyes narrowed at Niko, staring into them long and hard. He gritted his teeth, then growled, disengaging his saber and pulling away. "Spread the word, Niko... I'm not coming back... We're not twins. We're the same person."
Inside the library of the Mytran Palace, a young Jedi Padawan made his way quietly toward the table where Jonas Cato studied the severed head of what was apparently his father. Jaedon Kreel stopped several steps away from the table where Jonas sat. He said nothing, but rather his green eyes studied both the young man and the severed head, hands crossed in front of himself.
It might have been a while before Jonas looked up.... Seeing what appeared to be a servant wandering into the libary, the young Cato, ever arrogant, proclaimed "About it... you can fetch me a water... and perhaps a piece of fruit.."
Jaedon laughed, ammused but didn’t move from where he stood, other than to adjust the folds of his outer brown robe. The young jedi continued to regard the severed head of what appeared to be his former master, and the laughter faded...
"What are you daft? " Jonas asked when the servant started laughing. Finally grey-green eyes rising to grace him. And then he sighed. The force flooded away from him, leaving nothing to sense of Jonas. Jonas was quick to grab the black cloth next to the jar, and cover it. "What is it you want Jedi?"
“That’s a neat trick... “ Jaedon spoke honsetly as Jonas made his presence in the force so suddenly dissapear. Pointing to the severed head Jaedon continued, “I was actually hoping to take a look at that.” His laughed had fully subsided, and he looked conflicted, between wanting to be amused and somber.
Jonas eyed Jaedon clearly trying to drum up memories of the man. "No, there is nothing to see.." The young Cato stood, as if angered about the interruption of his studying. "we do not gawk at the dead friend, perhaps your masters wherever the hell the Jedi are staying should have taught you that." Grabbing the jar, he started for the door... not bothering to glance behind him as he hoped the Jedi would have enough manners to leavehim be.
“It seems that’s exactly what you were doing, friend.” Apparently, Jaedon wasn’t the best mannored jedi ever. Jonas would find his escape blocked by the young padawan who stepped neatly in front of his path, but rather than forcibly keep Jonas from leaving a hand lifted, trying to settle on Jonas’ shoulder, “Please. Caedmon Cato was my master.”
"Mine, too," said a voice from the doorway. Jeryndi peeked his head around the corner, peeping in towards Jonas and Jaedon. "For a time, anyway," he says quietly. He stepped further into the doorway, leaning against it. He'd decided to take a more traditional approach to being in the palace. Instead of his usual streetclothes with the plethera of weapons he usually wore, he wore a modified set of Jedi Robes, complete with the saber hanging from his belt. He'd come to Mytra-- to the palace-- to report to Kabe in person... He looked alot different than anybody here had seen him-- except maybe Kabe and Lepri-- in a -long- time... Older, calmer, more mature. "Hi, Jonas," he said, giving him a small smile and arching a slender black brow at him.
Jonas didn't like being touched. Especially by strangers. Almost before the young Jedi's hand went out, Jonas had takena step backward. Grey-green pools swirling lightly, as they regarded Jaedon again. "Perhaps I should have been more clear, Jedi do not gawk at the dead." The young Cato considered for a moment whether or not it mattered if Caedmon Cato had ineed been this one's master... decided it didn't and turned as if to find the other exits in the libary. "No, you cannot see this head. His ashes are spread amongst Mytra... walk about and you might even breathe a bit of Caedmon in." Which seemed to be perfect timing on Jonas' part. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. And he found himself instantly angry. "Frakkin Jedi, bringing the whole lot with each other."
His eyes fell on Jeryndi as he turned around, still casually taking steps backward as if he could find another exit before he had to deal with two numbskulled former apprentices of his father.
“Be reasonable, friend. I just need a few moments. I don’t want to take it from you, I just want to see for my own eyes.... I want to know for certain that Master Cato is dead.” Jaedon continued, although his eyes had flicked across to look at the appearance of Jeryndi Trander, he didn’t greet the Jedi Knight, not yet at least. His attention still devoted mostly to Jonas and the head in the box.
Booted footsteps echoed from the other hallway, a trio to be exact. Unlike Jeryndi, Lepri had opted not to give her own escorts the slip. In the midst of the move from one capital to another, there were security leaks and risks everywhere, or at least possible leaks possible. The last thing that was needed was for a group of soldiers to get jittery, especially with several Jedi now on the grounds. The Cathar had been against coming to Mytra, or more specifically the palace. It would have been a shooting ground for anybody that knew they were coming, though really even the furball himself didn't know they were going to report in face to face. Either way, she didn't like it but there was little to do about it, now that they were there.
The wookiee wasn't on the grounds, and it was only an hour of running around and com-checks that proved that to be true. No he was off checking over the populace as he had promised Mercy he would do, so they had some time to kill. Opting to rejoin her Knight-partner in crime she slipped through the library doors to see a strange sight. A touch of the Force revealed a number of things but the blanking technique that was being used by Cato's kid.. well there was more than one present that could do that, though Jeryndi had taken it a step further and had passed his knowledge to her, but she opted not to use that either. No, she wore a Jedi uniform as well, both of her sabers hanging from her belt. It was wierd not to be in the streetclothes she had been living in for the past couple months, but since before the Derelect, she'd been wearing them. Looking over at Jeryndi she shook her head.
"Will you stop harassing people? We just got back to civilized space and you're already starting trouble with people," she admonished, her faint Catharian accent coming out, coloring her words slightly.
"Jedi! Where?!" Jeryndi says softly, his voice one of pure astonishment, though the expression and body language lacked the excitement that he put into the tone. Then he shook his head slightly, his expression turning neutral. "He is," he said quietly. "Jaedon, you don't -really- need to look at that head to know the truth, do you?" he asked... A moment later, he rolled his eyes to the side to arch a brow at Lepri. "But... But..." he half-assedly pouted. "He's carrying around the head of a man I have a deep and profound respect for-- and y'know I don't give that often-- and I'm -not- supposed to harass him?" he asked, his tone mostly flat... But also semi-amused.
She blinked at him. "You? Give Caedmon respect? ... Whatever," she said shaking her head, turning for the door. The kid might be able to win at Sabaac, but she wasn't buying that lie, even on a half-case of Mad Mrelf.
Jonas found himself entrapped. Which anyone who knew Jonas well enough, that would be just one person actually, would know that was a dangerous spot to put him. "Well, there you have... Jeryndi "Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of Rum" Trander has declared the truth for you. I can declare it again myself... Caedmon Cato is dead, and almost completely cremated... Now just step aside, and the three of you can get to doing Jedi stuff.."
"Its bourbon, actually."
Continuing back out the door, well almost, she poked her head around the door frame. "Play nice, or I'll knock yer heads together... goes double for you," she said toward Jeryndi, then headed off, back to teh landing pads. She needed to get back to the Split. No more waiting.
Jaedon just cracked up laughing at Jonas, “You’re funny. You and I should go have a drink sometime. Seriously. It’s alot more fun than Jedi stuff anyways. But honestly, why don’t you want to let me take a look?”
"Its private property. Why are you so interested in lookin?"
"Because he's apparently a dumbass who doesn't use the Force," he murmured and turned his back.
“And anyone who doesn’t use the force is a dumbass...? That logic is going to get the order -so- far in the Galaxy, thank you very much Master Trander.” Jaedon didn’t bother to look at Jeryndi, his eyes were still on Caedmon.
Jeryndi turned back, reaching out with nothing of the Force and all to do with pure physical speed and thumped Jaedon on the side of the head. "No, because if you were worth a damn as his apprentice, you'd know because you'd have felt his death, damnit. That's why."
Jonas took slight offense to Jeryndi's words. "Well O-Wise one... even I didn't feel my father's death. " He knew the galaxy was massive, and that even if there was a death, he might not have felt it. "The force is all knowing, but not all answering. This however is proof... no need to look at it though."
He turned his brown eyes to look at Jonas,arching a brow. "Is it any real surprise... Did you ever -love- him? -Care- about him? -Try- to bond with him? I did. He was like the father I never had... And I was -very- close to him, though I thought alot of the time he was very self-righteous and a little screwey in the head."
Jaedon scowled, taking the thump to his skull but didn’t duck away from the blow, “Tell me, Master Trander... did you feel his death?” The padawan was scowling at the Jedi Knight.
"As a matter of fact, Mr. Kreel, I did, and I was in the freaking Unknown Regions when it happened."
Jonas anger spiked again, and this time, through his viel. It took a second or too for him to try and calm it. "Then why the frak are you even here Trander?"
Jaedon turned to look at Jonas, ”Apparently you’ve been corrected... Jonas... is it? The force IS all answering. Master Trander is positive that Master Cato is dead. I for one, would like to find out how, and why, if in fact he is dead. But then, I don’t suppose Master Trander needs anything other than the force to answer those questions either, so I shall bow to his superior skill and wisdom.” Jaedon stepped backwards giving way for Jonas to leave the convresation. “My appologies for holding you so long.”
He twitched visibly, eyeing Jonas again. Crossing his arms over his chest. "To report to GrandMaster Kabraka."
Jonas saw the exit, and immediately started for it with as much haste as possible. "Well get to that!" Jonas said in the harshest tone he had... starting at Jaedon.. "Not a problem, now that you have your answer about Cae's death, be at ease." And still Jonas was walking backward, glad to be out of that frakkin libary... He swore silently under his breathe, and wanted to will the jedi into non-existance.
Jaedon watched Jonas make his way toward the exit but the look on his face made it quite clear that he wouldn’t rest at this singular meeting. Jonas and he would meet again, under different circumstances. The Padawan remained silent however, letting Jonas make his escape from the throng of Jedi, while he chewed thoughtfully on the inside of his lip.
He turned away from the door to the library, lifting a small, slender hand in a small wave to the Padawan. "Seeya round, Jaedon... Gonna go find my woman and then lay low."
Jonas for his part was keeping several paces ahead, before he could once more be felt in the force as a force sensitive. He had one more trip to make... Scrambling down the hall, he stopped outside the offices of one "Mercy".
Rapping lightly at "Mercy's" office door, Jonas didn't wait for a repsonse before letting himself inside, after all... what kind of information gathering could he possibly do if he wasn't willing to risk getting into a little trouble.
Mercy was in her office, and as the rapping came lightly at her door she buzzed it open, allowing Jonas entrance. She set aside her datapack, eying the Cato before her. "To what do I owe this honor?" She rose slightly from her seat, motioning him further into the room.
Jonas entered. He was cautious about entering the belly of any beast. But the best way to learn about its insides was to either cut it open, or go exploring. Joy for option A. When Jonas grey-green gaze fell on 'Mercy' he smiled politely. There was alot more data than even she knew existed about her. There were things that the galaxy simply wouldn't forget; and things Jonas had claimed useful long ago, and wouldn't let go. "You can owe this honor to the hunger of knowledge."
"Hunger for Knowledge?" Came her reply as she lowered herself back into her seat. "What kind of knowledge are you looking for?"
Jonas smiled, it was geniune, and for once the young man seemed completely interested in the person across from him. Even a Twi'Lek whose guise was diplomat. "I'm looking for all kinds of knowledge, I have been since the day I was born." Another truth... Mauria's words flashed through his mind one more time, and he decided... that all his reading, all his studying... it meant nothing without some sort of experience, some sort of teacher to hammer in the finer details. "But today, and from you, I seek the knowledge that can give you the decisive edge over your Competition."
"Ah. Well, that depends on the sport you will be playing." Giving a motion to the seat on the other side of her desk, the one just infront of Jonas, Lotus nodded. "Have a seat, and we will talk."
Jonas sat himself down, setting the covered jar upon the chair next to him, as if it was just another piece of luggage. "The sport is everlasting life... or perhaps power. Or simply Truth, Justice and Order." Grey-greens continued to swirl, a hint of that commanding presence that he held so long ago blazing in his gaze. "Maybe its all of these, but it starts with a title that no one, that I know of, has. " He paused, considering still whether or not this was the right move for him, whether or not there weren't other options to be had. "Dark Lord of the Sith... and Mauria Zekal's desire for it."
"I see." The reply was curt, and accompanied by Lotus picking up her datapack and slidding it into a locking drawer. Once it was away, she returned her attention back to Joans, "You are correct, no one in the galaxy has claimed the title. But, what concern is this to me? If Mauria thinks she is fit enough to claim the title, then all she needs to do it reach out and grasp it. An easy enough task theoretically."
"So it is, but to be true Sith... well, she is incapable of simply reaching out and grasping it. But I bet she is close." His eyes followed every motion, it was hard to read Twi'Lek, it simply was harder to read non-humans for a Lorridian than it was to read others... but Jonas was attempting to none-the-less. "But if it were that easy to grasp, to make true, someone else would already have it, perhaps even yourself." His hair fell into his face, and his smile faded. "But if your not interested, then so be it. I am... teach me what you know."
"What makes you think I know anything of the position?" Her Lekku twitched against her back, slithering slightly behind the chair she sat in.
Jonas frowned, almost annoyed by her coyness. "Because, I've had a thousand libaries worth of information to recieve... and twice as many people whispering in my ears. Your sadly mistaken if you thought The Fir- " He stopped short, realizing she wouldn't know whom that nickname referred too..."The High Protector Ashton Moonrider, didn't know of Ith'Li's affairs... even a little... your sadly mistaken. Not to mention... there are other methods for learning such information Lotus Gi." Of course he referred primarily to his inheritance, and the foolishness of fathers long since past. His eyes flashed, for a moment sadly, to the jar, before returning to gaze upon Mercy. He was beyond aware though, that he was in danger. That having showed his cards, a death sentence may have indeed been written. Watching for any sign of an attack that might not even come in this life-time. "By my calculations, you are behind Mauria Zekal in atleast on regard... no one to pass your knowledge onto."
This of course was a bluff, he had no way of knowing if Mauria had an apprentice, or if Lotus didn't.
"And what makes you so sure I have knowledge to pass on? Or would want to pass on?" Pressing herself back into her seat, causing it to lean back slightly on a rocking joint, Lotus clasped her hands before her, eying Joans intently, "And for that matter, what would make you think I would want to pass that information onto -you- of all people?"
The questions caught him off guard. He had expected her to simply see and understand that he was the best choice. A sneer nearly formed upon his lips, and he decided he had no other choice but to explain. " There is no one else, no one else who can truly understand what it means to be a Sith. The justice and order thats needed. " He sat up, and truly measured her. "Oh you have knowledge to pass on, Ith'Li Shaon thought as much.... it is the way of any Sith, to need to pass on their knowledge... for if they can't Master atleast another person, what hope can they have of mastering the galaxy?" Atleast thats how he had brought into mind with his studies. " I can prove it... I can prove that i'm worthy to be your student."
Meanwhile back outside the library...
Jeryndi closed his eyes and sighed to himself as he walked down the hallway, following in the direction Lepri had gone back towards the Lickity Split... he reached out in the Force, touching Lepri gently through their Bond, and smiled to himself. Brenteel wants to beat the shit out of Jonas... Can we blame him?
Feeling that impression, almost precise enough to be put into words she stopped and leaned against the corridor wall, crossing her arms as well as her legs at the ankles as she waited for him to catch up. ~Brenteel?... Or you?~ Idly she drummed her claws against one arm, waiting.
Both, came the automatic response. Brenteel's just more in touch with his violent side.... A moment later he rounded the corner and caught up to her. "Besides, I wouldn't lay a hand on him except to slap the shit out of him."
The cat shook her head. "That's no way to make friends. Now, unless you wanna screw things up for the rest of the Jedi out there, go ahead and act poorly here," she said quietly. "Goofing off is one thing. If you wanna slap people around, at least have the decency not to do it while wearing your uniform and sabers." Her tone was quiet, but not harsh, and there was no venom underneath it all, but simply an admonishment, and a tiredness. The last thing she needed was for him to screw something up because he couldn't keep his mouth or his hands to himself. It seemed to be the biggest problem when it came to him, when his life wasn't in danger. She gave another sigh. If he didn't straighten his shit up soon, his life was going to be in danger all the time, if she had to hold a gun to his head to get the point across.
He gave her a slightly annoyed look. "I wasn't -planning- on touching him at all," he muttered. "I said I -wanted- to."
She looked over at him. "Your focus determines your reality. Intent might as well be truth, as far as the galaxy is determined."
"Ohplease," he muttered, though he knew it was true. He scowled for a moment longer, then sighed... Just letting it go. He shook his head after a moment, free of any agitation or other emotions. He frowned slightly, doing a 180 in the hallway to stare back the way they'd come. "What the hell?"
She looked back. "What?"
"For about half-a-second, I could've -sworn- I felt Nydia..." he says softly, his expression shifting to one of concern. Then he turned back, falling in step with Lepri again. "I need to call Jin."
She nodded. "Yes, you do. The Network was your brainchild anyway. You need to make sure it's at least being taken care of, even if it isn't yours anymore," she said, watching him and not where she was going as they continued down the hall, right as a rather large figure moved around the corner, causing her to blunder straight into the man... metal-man. The cyborg half-scoffed then shook his head.
"Just the people I was looking to see," he said, bowing slightly.
The voice was rough, as though he'd been chewing gravel and washing it down with strong whiskey. The face was semi-grizzled, as though a frag had gone off close to him and had scarred him up pretty good. It was probably the cybernetics that gave him back some semblance of humanity and the ability to live something approaching normal. By the look, the explosion that had nearly taken his life had resulted in a right arm, both legs, at least one lung and several organs being replaced, as there wasn't enough bacta in the galaxy to fix all that. By the look, and by how heavy his frame appeared, though he moved lightly on his feet, they were all probably combat-grade models, designed to give him maximum performance in a fight, as well as other jobs. One hand reached up and pulled the cigarra from his mouth.
"Sorry for the abrupt meeting, but I was told I could find a friend of mine with you folks. Heard there were a few Jedi prowling around the grounds here and thought I might have a look see." Giving a slight nod of his head he leaned back on his heels. "Name's Niko Triss."
"Depends on who you'd call your friend," Jeryndi said softly, tilting his head slightly to the side.
He nodded. "Guy by the name of Merek Nigel.. course I heard he's goin by the name of Stele now. Used to be a fighter in some of the undergound circuits on Nar Shadda. Been a freelance cargo deliverer and independant contractor. Heard he got mixed up with the Jedi during a job in the War, been hanging out with them ever since. Thought you might have heard of him, or know where I can find the rest of the Jedi so I can finish finding him."
"Heh... 'Yea, we know him," he says softly, crossing his arms over his chest. Getting an almost stubborn look to him.
The Cathar stood slowly, regarding the cyborg carefully. "Ey ey.. I'm not tryin' to burn you, if that's what you're thinkin'. I was told you Jedi types have gotten really touchy and paranoid, course I understand why. I know what it's like to be labled somethin that ain't right. Been there myself... still payin for it in my own way." He shrugged and shook his head.
Jeryndi's expression fell blank. "We're not putting you in touch with him... Or telling you where you can find him. You wanna know, go through the GrandMaster."
Lepri looked over at Jeryndi then back at the 'borg. "What do you want with him anyway?" Niko looked back as he was already turning to go. "One of his folks have turned up real sick. Since they can't find him, thought I might give it a whack."
His lip curled slightly, his eyes narrowing, his expression shifting subtley into a sneer. And his presence in the Force shifted to something significantly darker. "What'd you do, poison her?" he asked, his tone acidic. It wasn't Jeryndi anymore-- at least not all Jeryndi-- but Brenteel... The infamous Blood Knight Captain that mysteriously disappeared from the ranks of the Underworld Alliance. Then he growled audibly. "Niko, you assbag, you BLEW UP MY SHIP!"
That was a voice, one that he recognized, though distantly, and a look that he knew well. He'd thought the kid looked familiar. The sheer threat in that voice spun him around as his hand whipped to his blaster strapped to his thigh with pure bionic speed, but metal did not clear the holster as he dropped into a half crouch. "Okay, I know that tone. Brukaan had something to do with the Jedi too, as did his kid, Brenteel.. I heard he had a twin or something with the Jedi, but I'd swear that was Brenteel," he said a hard knot forming in his gut. "I blew up -a- ship. Blown up a lot of ships. Got anything more specific kid?" He glanced over at the Cathar, who was growling slightly but her eyes were focused on the other Jedi, one hand hovering near the saber at her right hip. Cathar were almost as strong as wookiees, and usually much faster, and as nasty in a fight, and they had no compunction against using their claws, but to compound being a jedi on top of that... if he wasn't careful this could get real ugly real fast.
Jeryndi/Brenteel's eyes narrowed even further... His eyes were quickly shifting in color from brown to hazel, the true indication that personalities had switched. "Would you like to re-evaluate your analysis of the situation?" he growled, using the Force to send the blaster in Niko's hand flying. "You... blew... up... my... ship... Half of my hand-picked crew was on that ship! You're damned lucky it was blown up by timer and not remote because I swear, by the Force, if you'd been on that station when it happened I'd have killed you right then and there."
He straightened. "Oh. That ship." He shrugged. "Don't get mad at me for taking out the galaxy's garbage." The blaster had never cleared the holster, so all that happened was that the whole setup jerked back a couple centimeters, his hand anchoring it within the nerfhide. If the kid really wanted to press his luck, the next toy wasn't a blaster, but a concussion/compression rifle that would blow out everything within thirty meters, and collapse a chunk of the level above on him and his girl there next to him. "And you.. You... you look different now, but I recognize you too," he said to the Cathar. "You were goin by the name.. Misky.. Misty.. no Mishka back then." Lepri looked over toward Niko, eyes wide, but said nothing.
In the blink of an eye, Brenteel had drawn his saber, ignited it, and held it a couple of inches from Niko's face. His expression was completely blank... Brenteel had been dangerous as -just- a pirate, but now had the full skill-set and abilities as a Jedi at his disposal. Which made him even -more- dangerous. "Catling... Go back to the ship..."
Even as he moved, Niko became a blur, sidestepping a few centimeters, but one hand was now a hair's breadth from Brenteel's centerline, a small humming object in his hand. A downward glance would reveal a very nastly looking vibroblade that could have split Brenteel from groin to crown as easy as that lightsaber could cut through metal. "Boy, if you want to live another second you'll shut that saber off and go about your business." /// Lepri had her own saber drawn but not ignited. Not yet. "Brenteel," she said in a tone that was as hard as vacuum.
His eyes narrowed at Niko, staring into them long and hard. He gritted his teeth, then growled, disengaging his saber and pulling away. "Spread the word, Niko... I'm not coming back... We're not twins. We're the same person."
