A Good House Cleaning - Open Thread for Jedi on Ossus

[Bobbi]

It had become apparent that something was not right in the House of Jedi. Masks were falling, Jedi were dying, and one of his own had been caught in the crossfire. Now, Tavean might not have known Solomon for very long, but he did have a chance to watch the younger Tekal. The kid had a good heart. He may have been lost, but he had a good heart and a good mind. He, Solomon, had the potential to fill some pretty big shoes, he just hadn't realized it yet.

The whole ordeal with the killings, the investigation, and the eyes that were watching every move and just waiting for an opening had Tavean looking long and hard at those he spoke with. There were bits of this he knew, pieces that floated around out in the open ready to be grabbed and added to the puzzle. There were also those pieces that remained cast in shadow, as if they'd fallen off the table and been kicked under a chair to be forgotten. There were, of course, forces within the temple that were working to clear it out. His hands, however, were tied. Being a council member gave him a great vantage point to keep an eye on his fellow Masters, but he didn't trust any of them. How could he? The face of the enemy looked very much like his own, he just couldn't tell. It could have been any of them involved in this.

Track records spoke a lot about people, and their tendencies. He didn't trust that, either. The Jedi databanks had been ravaged. Certain files had been taken, others had been replaced entirely. There was evidence of slicing involved, a change in certain codes. Solomon's own medical files had come up completely missing. The line of inquiry was seemingly running dry.

Tavean Tekal was in the medical bay, surveying what had been the crime scene. Three bodies, and a handful of droids. There were no security feeds, not from inside the medical bay. He was going over it all with a fine toothed comb. Feeling for impressions, working to find something -- anything -- the initial survey team had missed.

[Mike]

Keles had recently arrived on Ossus from his meetings with Darien and Solomon. While largely unproductive in terms of resolution, he admitted that he was very proud of himself that they had both been successful in keeping tensions low. He had gone in with a clear mind and had come out much the same - save for all the incense he'd huffed in with the Eiosi.

He'd just arrived to learn that his Master was off-planet, but protocol dictated that he report to a Master. He was told that one was seen recently in the medbay, and was headed that way to report progress; the fellow Padawan that told him was not sure which Master it had been.

While walking down the halls, Keles kept a cool, confident pose, but inside he was in turmoil. He had been out of contact with the Temple for months, and things were going poorly, he could tell. Just in passing he had heard people talking about deaths. Also, when he had asked about his Master's location, he was told he hadn't been heard from in a long time. He had a sinking feeling that one of these recent deaths could, in fact, have been his Master...

He'd have to meditate later to calm his mind more sufficiently, but as he was now reaching the medbay, he reached inside to find his emptiness, his inner peace, his solitude. The door hissed open in front of him.

He froze in place for an instant as his blood ran cold. The Master was Tavean, another Tekal...and one that was on the Council. And he had to report...

Stang his mind said for him.

Quickly he found his solitude and calmness again. All he had to do was report. Honestly was his best policy, and the Master he was reporting to shouldn't matter in the slightest.

"Good evening Master," he said stepping through the door, but not far enough for the sensors to allow it to close behind him. "Might I enter? I was informed to report the status of my trial..." He paused, and re-thought the statement, "My mission, to a Master."

Keles let his hands find one another at the small of his back. He stood tall, proudly, and patiently.

[Jedi Master Kabraka]

Merek had been studying the data given to him by the Council for hours. His head was full of questions. Some of those could only be answered by getting off his hind end and doing something about it. Filling in his own answers. The more evidence he could gather before he started talking to people. Except people would have just as much information. for the moment he decided that motion was required. Walking would help clear his head, or at least offer him a few minutes distraction from the investigation which could allow him to come back with fresh eyes.

So it was the he journeyed around the compound with a copy of the data files tucked away safely. There was a surprise in his datapad for anybody attempting to tamper with it, and he could run an instant comparison between files to see if it had been messed with in his absence. IT was perhaps paranoid, but after recent events, he had little faith to trust anyone. In such a situation, he knew not to leave some things laying around carelessly, and if he did... even that could be used to his advantage.

Before long his steps carried him to the Medbay only to find it open, a padawan... Keles. He recognized the Miralan from his file, having looked over the recent reports of his contacts with Darien. He'd not seen the report yet for his return from speaking with Solomon Tekal. Sol was the primary suspect and some people already were sizing him up for a stun collar. Merek wasn't so quick to lock him down, wanting something more than circumstantial. "My apologies, Master Tekal, Padawan. I had hoped to comb through this place before it was contaminated." He glanced to Keles, seeing more than sensing the Mirialan's tension, worries, and his body language said he was looking to report.

"Forgive my intrusion. I was hoping to hear your report when it was available or on record in regards to Solomon Tekal. It may be important to the ongoing investigation. Depending on the nature of it, I had intended to request that Keles assist in this matter," he said to each of them, finishing up with Master Tekal in his address. For the moment, he was wearing the green Corellian Jedi uniform, sans the outer robe and cowl. One lightsaber hung from his belt. Another was clipped to the back, crossways in scout carry. A vibro-knife peeked out of another spot on his belt, and he seemed to have a few other items and tools present. It was odd for Merek to be carrying his field gear, some might have thought. He, however, was working, and in such a case as this, an investigator could often be in danger. An attempt on his life could come at any second, and it was unknown what he would actually need at a moment's notice.

"If need be, I can return at another time," Merek finished politely, studying each of them, gauging their body language, as well as paying attention to the fluctations of their emotions in the Force, listening for any discordant notes, even the briefest or the slightest.

[Bobbi]

He was suddenly not so alone within the medical bay. What one needed, The Force could provide. Having been standing with his back toward the door, Tavean turned, giving a small nod and motioning for Keles to enter. "Please, your report could have some bearing on an issue we are currently working to resolve." That was when Merek entered, calling Tavean's attention back to the doorway, "No need to worry about interuptions. Keles has just arrived and has not been debriefed yet. Perhaps it would be best if you remained to hear what his findings are regarding Solomon Tekal. Even off the record, the information could be useful for your investigation."

[Mike]

He nodded to the Masters, and moved his body to come inside the door and face them both, allowing Merek to move into the room and let the door close if he wished. "As you wish, Masters."

He still had his things with him in a small pack slung over his shoulders. He removed it, pulling out a small datapad about 6 inches by 4 inches. "I would not like to skip anything," he stated, pulling up a specific file.

"Mr. Tekal stated that Sadhric Tlin had taken him in as a sort of apprentice when his mother passed," he said evenly, not wavering or looking up from the datapad despite the possibly sensitive subject. Tavean was a Master Jedi, and such attachments should not have been an issue for him. "He confirmed his apprenticeship was in intelligence-gathering. Before I continue," he began, looking up briefly at the Masters, "I would like to say that Mr. Tekal knew that this was the last stage of my Knight Trials, and that this information would be reported to the Council."

He looked back down at the datapad. "He stated that he did not believe Tlin needed to answer for his crimes against the galaxy, and had suffered enough.

"Next, I asked him about the relationship he and the late Master Murra Tekal had with the Dark Lord, Ith'li Shaon. He told me that he remembered him fondly; that his mother was at times friend and at times enemies with the Sith Lord. He stated some beliefs that the Sith Lord was perhaps inherently good-natured, and relayed a story I remembered from my youth of the Jedi being housed safely on Bastion under his care."

He paused, scrolling through notes. "He told me that the Jedi way of life had a lot to offer. We began to speak of his brother, Mr. Darien Tekal, but we were suddenly interrupted by a large feeling of...coordination in the Force. I reacted - perhaps too quickly - and the two of us ran to where the feeling was coming from. In a housing bloc, there were several Eiosi doing some sort of ritual, and they seemed to be waiting for our assistance. I think the Force had sent us there, had guided our meeting to be in that place to assist. I do not remember much after our meeting the Eiosi...my memory is very hazy due to the large amount of incense involved that seemed to dull the senses - but Solomon ran to help, and had even advised me to slow down and feel things out. Something that I normally pride myself in doing. It would seem that the Jedi teachings are not forgotten by Mr. Tekal."

Keles returned his datapad to his pack and stood again with his hands clasped behind his back. "Masters, if I may continue...I have learned much on my trip. I do not wish to cloud the truth with my personal feelings, but I felt that all of Solomon's answers were genuine. We did not speak long...however, I might suggest one simple thing: Solomon has not released his attachment. While he is not Jedi, he does have affinity with the Force, and I believe that in the right circumstances, he could be at risk of being tempted by the Dark Side. While I truly believe Mr. Tekal to have good intentions, his attachments to others may be a risk that the Order may wish to investigate further. I personally believe a proactive approach would be best. I believe the Jedi way is deeply rooted in his being, no matter what his personal affiliations may be."

Keles bows very slightly. "This concludes my report, Masters."

[Jedi Master Kabraka]

Merek slipped into the room quietly, and presented himself with his hands folded in front, listening to Keles. His report was fairly concise. He would have asked the younger Jedi a question here and there but simply waited, and evaluated the words and his questions. He decided that the ones tha thad leaped to mind were semi-judgemental in nature, toward the interviewee, and also would require speculation on Keles' part. Facts, points of data were the real concern.

"Master Murra Tekal was a friend of mine," Merek said. "She opened my eyes to the ways of the Force, along with others. I'm familiar with most of the family, even if some of it is only in passing. I concur that Solomon Tekal is quite strong in the Force, and the teachings of the Jedi Code are with him. However, I believe that his good intentions may be skewed and twisted by his association with The Mechanic. That may be a prejudgement on Sadhric Tlin, but I personally have never witnessed his actions to be of much benefit to anyone but himself. Most of the time they have been actions to save his skin, or they have been morally and ethically questionable at best in his experimentation on other people. Even if those things have been with permisison. He was able to do much for Murra, but even that may have been motivated by self interest. As Sadhric's apprentice, Solomon may well have had his morals, scruples and principles eroded by this man's influence. Likely in this case, the belief that because he can do something that he should. Granted that is a trap for us all, but the motivations behind those things must be examined."

Taking a breath, he looked to Tavean. "The truth is clouded around Sadhric tlin, which is unfortunate, and perhaps cause for concern. Solomon... shines brightly but has isolated himself, something unusual for a twin. Isolation, and being the only voice in someone's head is a way to turn them to your goals, your benefit. Sadhric Tlin is smart enough to learn what drives Solomon and manipulate him. Being so isolated, Sol could be twisted, as I mentioned...or made more open to the dark side without even himself realizing it. ... Clouded are the many paths through the twisted and tangled future."

His input was probably not needed, and maybe not wanted but his own knowledge added some weight to what the Padawan had to say. "There was a lot of information that was wiped in his escape. Covering his tracks? Something else? I don't know," Merek said as he walked around the room slowly, taking in the details and burning them into his mind. Every scent, sight, smell, impression. The scent of death and killing lingered on the air a little, as did singed flesh and blood. In the force, the place was filthy, stained with emotional bloodstains. He was careful not to touch anything, careful ofwhere he stepped, even as he looked closely here and there at things. "Has anyone done an autopsy," he asked offhandedly.

[Bobbi]

Tavean listened quietly, giving both Jedi a chance to speak. Questions, questions, and more questions. As Merek moved around the small room, Tavean turned to watch him, "Two victims, Master Hetta and one of her associates, perished due to lightsaber wounds to the chest cavity. The third was another assistant healer. That Jedi succumbed to a Force Choke. There were no other signs of struggle on the victims. The killings were clean and quick," he breathed out softly, "Now, as far as Mr Tlin. I agree the man does have his questionable ways, and that Solomon may fall prey to them from time to time, but consider: if Sadhric Tlin did not have Solomon's best interests at hear would he have brought him -here-, of all places, for aid?"

[Mike]

Keles did not truly know the situation at hand, and felt that any true insight might cloud the situation. Truly, speculation might be all that could happen at this point. The only thing he knew about any of this - Solomon, Sadhric, and the connections - was from the Holonews. His opinion would be skewed.

But then again...so would the opinions of these masters.

He spoke up. "Excuse me, Masters," he said. Keles spoke quietly at first, but began to get louder. "If my mission has taught me anything, it would be that not everything is as it seems, or is necessarily even what everyone tells you it is. Just by learning of these brothers' thoughts on some rather dubious individuals, it seems that even villains have a softer side. Perhaps we should work on finding Mr. Tekal and Mr. Tlin and ask, rather than jumping to conclusions. If they did this, then they are fleeing retribution. But if this was made to look like one of them had done this, then they are fleeing the same thing, but trying to assemble the truth to clear their names."

He stepped forward, being careful, and bent down to survey the area closely. "We are led to believe that a Jedi did this," he said plainly. "As you said, two have died to lightsaber wounds, and one to what you described as a Force Choke. Could that choke be replicated? Do we have any vid feed of the surrounding areas during the time of the attack?"

[Bobbi]

The medical bay was one of four on temple grounds. The one that Solomon had occupied was the smallest of the four, and pretty standard in condition as far as medical devices, and lab gear went. But, the layout was odd. The damaged droids hadn't been cleaned up, their metal carcasses still lay shattered and crumbled where their perfectly formed bodies had fallen. A corner near the back of the bay had been cleared, whatever had been put there was there no longer but had required a fair amount of space to be where it was.

Tables, chairs, and beds had been shifted. There was a total of five beds in this small medical bay, with three tables pushed against a far wall. The way the furniture was placed had a method to it. Solomon had redesigned the room to suit his liking, to give him the ability to cordon himself off from the healers if he felt the need to, without actually having them closed off from his space. One table had been set up a part from the others. Computer terminals had been rearranged as well. Again, Solomon's doing. He made the network concise for them, putting what terminals they would be using to the side on those moved tables, but retaining one for himself. That lone table, that lone terminal, set to the left side of the small room, with space surrounding it, facing inward toward the medical beds. Solomon Tekal's lightsaber lay where it was dropped, just feet from the chair he'd occupied which was still pushed back, angled as if it had been moved quickly.

Emotional impressions of the room where tense. Solomon had been confined under supervision, and was able to leave the bay but not without a shadow. Those crumpled droids had been his key to wandering the compound without being followed by Jedi. That corner, the large cleared space, had been occupied by Solomon's Six Pack, which had since been removed. There was uncertainty within the room, pain as well as death, and frustration. There was also a deep well of regret. What regret could be felt would be localized near where Solomon's space was set aside, just inches from his lightsaber. If intent could still be read, it wasn't regret for actions that could be felt, but regret for inaction that would be sensed.

[Bobbi]

Tavean brought a touch to The Force. Clarity of thought was what was needed here, a shielding from concern and fatuige. "I am sorry to say that Mr Tekal is unreachable. We have lost his trail. Mr Tlin, on the other hand, has not answered our calls." Tavean turned toward Keles, "Searching Solomon out will be a difficult task for any Jedi. He has learned well how to make himself disappear."

The Jedi Master returned to studying the room around them. "The Force Choke, I am certain, can be replicated. The Council has set a forensics team to just that task," he frowned, looking between the Jedi Knight, and the Padawan. How much could he give away, here, regarding his own concerns for The Order? "Holofeeds within this lab have been cut off and locked out. We have feeds from the corridor and beyond, but not in here. Solomon's doing, much to Master Bishop's dismay."

[Mike]

Keles nodded, and then stood up. "I apologize, Masters, if that is all that was needed, I can return to my quarters and await my Master's return to administer the last steps of my trials. I do not want to get in the way of your investigation."

[Bobbi]

"Stay," Tavean replied turning back to Keles, "You may be able to offer insight into these matters that may not otherwise be apparent. You've had the chance to see Mr Tekal's character, the chance to see him in action. There might be something useful in that." The smile he offered Keles was gentle, and warm. "We need eyes unclouded on these matters, Son. The deception that might linger in this room could be a cloud that stretches well beyond these walls."

[Jedi Adia Estrina]

From the moment she arrived and from the moment things were being revealed Adia Estrina kept to herself. Although it may have seemed like the norm for her, and perhaps was, she was doing a lot more listening, watching, and taking in what was there was to be known to be given to them. She knew that they would likely take a chance at going out to find Solomon, but the chances of that were slim. He was good at what he did and that much had always been clear to her. Two died by the likes of a lightsaber and one was said to have been forced choked. She felt that despite Merek being appointed as a more official investigator that she would do her own on the side, one that involved those who were already alive. There was a lot of corruption going on within the Order itself and that was what she had in mind to snuff out one person at a time. It was a delicate matter at hand and because someone was skilled enough to infiltrate under the nose of the all the jedi here that she knew that such in and of itself raised a lot of questions as to how, and then why.

[Bobbi]

It was not too long after Tavean's conversation with Keles that Adia Estrina had found herself in the medical bay, as well. Which Master had called her in to attend the situation? Tavean watched Adia with keen grey eyes. The last he had heard, Master Estrina was inactive, and in the Outter Rim.

Here, in the lab, things were quite safe. There was no survelience. They were still working on breaking Solomon's lock out codes. There were no listening devices beyond their own comms. Not that he knew of. Not that he had picked up through The Force.

Tavean Tekal cast a glance toward the Padawan, and the Jedi Knight surveying the room before he spoke, "Thank you for coming in so swiftly, Master Estrina. Feel free to take a look around, if you have any questions I'll be happy to answer them."
Sent from my SCH-I415 using proboards

[Jedi Master Kabraka]

Merek studied Adia for a few moments, then looked over to Keles. He had been asking the same questions Merek had in mind. He knew that Adia had been in the Order longer than he had, longer than quite a few of the present-day members. She spent far more time on introspection and meditative pursuits, indeed much more like her monk past than most. A side effect of it, Merek knew from his own martial arts discipline backgrounds would give her a marked advantage in the areas of her Sense abilities.

Looking to Keles, he nodded. "Your thinking mirrors my own, Keles, in all aspects. I'm not sure that a Force Choke replication is going to give us much to go on. The saber wounds on the bodies could give us something. A charge meter on Solomon's lightsaber can tell us if it was used. I don't sense that it was. The opposite in fact. I am making an early judgement, but I don't think it is the weapon that took those lives. As such... where does the weapon or weapons responsible reside?"

"I'm concerned that whoever did this was skilled enough to infiltrate the Order, people known for rooting out deception deceit, and could murder three people and slip away. I'm concerned about what it says about our abilities. I feel this goes beyond the individual or individuals that comitted this murder. They're either very good, or they had help. Or both. I can't be in all places at all times."

Looking to Tavean he tilted his head. "If at all possible, I would like for Keles to join this investigation. His insight could be useful, and I think that he can offer much, and maybe learn. And, Master Estrina, if you would be so inclined, I could use your powers of perception to aid in the course of the investigation. It's dangerous work, and I know of few that are as capable as you in combat. I can only count it on one hand. You'll be on the right track when your progress is barred by people telling you 'no' and to 'stop', and... or.. .when someone tries to kill you or silence you as well."

Merek's words were fairly matter of fact, as though he'd gotten used to people trying to kill him in such situations.