Aftermath

[Kyyrk]

Dorin sat there for a moment, quiet, save for his heaving chest. "No...no that...cant be right...Sith? He was a damned Sith!?" Dorin took a couple more deep breaths before rolling over onto his back, clearly winded from the process. He stared blankly up at the ceiling. "But...why would a Sith...protect Commenor like that? It was a Republic world, ripe for the taking..."

Dorin lay in silence for a moment, his mind reeling. He was Sith. Or at least, the product of one. And the thought sickened him. "But...how...why would he..." Dorin rolled his head to look at [member="Einon"], mind still reeling. Think. What was learned? Dorin sat up, and pulled himself to his feet, stumbling as the room spun around him. He caught himself on the wall, still panting quietly. "Well...we know why the Last Bastion. Those frigates...Infinite Empire. We know the foun--we know Verros was from that time but...commander of a fleet?"

Dorin looked to Einon. "Didn't see what would have caused the harm to that crystal, but...at least we know its his. Or was." Dorin pointed at the blade laying on the floor. "I saw it. In the vision. It was the one he used." Dorin fell silent for a few moments more then said, "Sith or not...he was a damned hero. Puting his men on the line like that...allowing Commenor to send off supplies to the homefronts... Gods, how many lives would that have saved? Millions? And more importantly, why would a Sith...DO that? Why sacrifice everything for a planet that wasnt his?"

 

[Doyle]

Einon furrowed his brows, watching [member="Dorin Arkx"] as he outwardly pondered on a Sith's liking of Commenor and the want to protect it. In his experience, that was more common place than some might realize. Commenor was neutral, known for switching sides with whomever was the stronger Galactic power.

He continued to sit there as Dorin stood up, maybe a little too quickly. The man's balance was faltered momentarily, before he regained control. Perhaps what spun around the most was the thoughts going on inside his head.

"That's not uncommon for Commenor. There's some kind of....appeal here. Does that make sense?" Einon was terrible at trying to explain feelings or sort them out. He prefered taking things at face value. Diving into the reasonings behind Force Users wasn't his cup of tea, so to speak. Leave that to the Queen.

"So what would make the crystal sick? Did someone betray him?"

 

[Kyyrk]

Dorin stared vacantly at the suit of armor, shaking his head. Though he responded to [Member="Einon"], his thoughts were clearly elsewhere. "No...Maybe, but that's...not related..." Dorin thought for a moment longer, before turning and looking around for his satchel. He took a couple steps towards it, and plucked a canteen of water from it. "Whatever affected the crystal, it wasn't in that memory. It's....it's so hard to explain to someone like...well no, maybe not." Dorin took a quick gulp of water, and rubbing the bridge of his nose as he set the canteen back down. Looked like he had a headache. "I don't know what caused it, nor have I seen anything quite like this. I've only read about things like this before. But..."

Dorin looked to the lightsaber. "I have a theory. That lightsaber was crafted by him." Dorin looked at Einon for a moment, before realizing he had no idea what the implication was. "So, the power of any lightsaber is the crystal matrix within. And it is the crystal's connection to the Force that makes them function how they do. I'm sure you've seen the myriad different colors that they can be. Red, Green, so on? That happens because of the crystal used in the lightsaber. And the lightsaber is a reflection of the person using it."

Dorin reached out, calling the lightsaber to him. He held it up, emphasizing the final point. "I don't know if you were in-tune with the memory enough to have seen it, but the blade was blue. Not red like many Sith use. Which means that he definitely communed with the crystal, attuned it to himself. And the lightsaber is a reflection of the person using it."

Dorin let the point sink in for a moment, then clarified. "What if the crystal isn't sick because of something that was done to it? What if it was sick because HE was sick?"

 

[Doyle]

Einon smirked just a little [member="Dorin Arkx"] was clearly trying not to offend the only Non-Force user in the room, ghosts included. But he wasn't the type to get offended so easily. Most especially when it came to Force mumbo jumbo.

He listened to the theory as it was described. He'd seen both the King and Queen with different lightsabers for different stages of their lives. And they were different colours. Of course he figured that was more to do with style than substance.

"What if it was someone elses' lightsaber and it affected him? Changing him for the better or giving him an inner conflict?" It was Einon's own theory that was probably wrong, but still a possibility in it's own right.

 

[Kyyrk]

Dorin was quiet for a moment, then shook his head. "I don't think so. Never heard of that happening before, and when you consider this is five thousand years of history here...not saying that it's not possible, but..."

Dorin let the thought trail off. He stood in silence for a moment, thinking. "Well, only one way to find out for sure, yeah? Dunno if you picked up on it, but he thought of a handful of locations. Yavin, Korriban, and Tatooine. Frankly I'm not going to spend much time with Korriban, for a multitude of reasons, but Yavin and Tatooine might return significant results."

He stooped down to pick up his helmet, and clipped it to his belt. His satchel found its home over his shoulder, and he turned back to [Member="Einon"], offering him a handshake. "Thank you. For everything. Gonna have to put off searching for more leads for a little bit. Need more money in my pockets." He glanced down at his armor, still beat to hell from the battle a week prior. "Repairs don't come cheap. I'll be in touch, if you'd like. Keep you updated on what I find. Also..." Dorin held up the lightsaber. "...you don't...mind if I keep this, do you?"

 

[Doyle]

Well Einon never really pretended to know about Force related stuff. And it was quite clear that he knew little too. But at least [member="Dorin Arkx"] was good enough to not make fun of him for it.

He got to his feet as he listened to Dorin speak out his plans, moreso like he was thinking out loud. He was preparing to leave the Elder's home and of course Einon would have to show him the way back. He took his hand and gave it a hearty shake. There were so few that he could call friend and Dorin was one of them.

At the mention of needing more credits for repairs, Einon paused a little. "You could always go to the Queen and see if she has employment available. Comes with room and board, and healthcare. You'd earn what you need in no time."

 

[Doyle]

((Chaos hiccuped on me))

 

[Kyyrk]

Dorin paused. Work...for the ruling family? Not that he hadn't done that before, but...the suggestion had never occurred to him. "I...suppose I could look in to it. I would be surprised if your Queen has use for a man like me, however." He knew that some of the senior hunters had held positions in courts for extended periods of time, but he never expected one to be offered to him. He cleared his throat quietly, looking down at the ground. "It's...been some time since I was among people of her...ah...standing. I...cannot promise I would be able to follow all the proper...procedures, but I could certainly try."

He put the lightsaber into his satchel, wanting to keep it close in case he felt the need to watch the Memory again. He was...nervous? Why was he nervous? He was a distinguished hunter with a noble order at...well... Perhaps that's why he was nervous. He looked at [member="Einon"] again. "I already have an appointment off world, but I suppose I could delay it to speak with her. When might I be able to get an audience with your Queen?" What's the worst that could happen? He was already on his way to the space port. Things went poorly, he was ready to leave and never return. And, even better, he already had a job lined up that could pay a few bills while he searched for a new one...

 

[Doyle]

Einon smirked a little as [member="Dorin Arkx"] mentioned following proper procedures when being among...well, he had meant royalty. But if only he knew...Einon wouldn't tell him. Best to let the man discover the Queen's attitude towards protocol on his own. "You'll be fine."

He placed his hands inside his pockets as he began to lead Dorin to the door. "We'll have to go to the Palace to find out. But I reckon that you won't be made to wait long. She's good that way." The most that he ever knew that someone had to wait was twenty minutes; and that was because she didn't like them. But with Einon vouching for him, it should be easy. That is if the Queen was even there to begin with.

"And I'd let her know about that lightsaber if I were you.
Not that you'd be accused of stealing, but...better to be up front about these things." It was common decency afterall.

 

[Kyyrk]

Dorin looked at his satchel as he mentioned the blade. "True..." Dorin turned to follow [member="Einon"] from the room, mind still reeling from the events of the memory. Dorin walked in silence for a time. There was a soft rumble of metal on metal, and Dorin looked down, grabbing his left hand, and massaging the base of the palm. He gave a furtive glance towards Einon, who probably didn't even notice, but still...

Dorin sighed quietly. "So. Verros. Dark Lord of the Sith. Leader of the Octarchy, whoever they are. Had a son on Korriban, presumably at the academy. And...some kind of safe house on Tatooine..."

Dorin was still running through all the possibilities. Yavin was a bit of a long shot. Lots of history, and Verros only had fleeting thoughts of it. Tatooine, on the other hand... The Dune Sea came to mind for some reason. Because that's where he lived. His safe house was...no, Verros's safe house...Dorin paused. Why did he think it was his? Must be a bleed effect from the memory. Dorin cleared his throat. "You know, if you think your queen would have use of me, I'd be happy to just send her a message over the holonet. No need to bother her for a glorified bounty hunter..."

 

[Doyle]

Einon was glad that [member="Dorin Arkx"] chose to follow him out. Sure he trusted the man, but still, he was quite protective of this place.

He led him out of the room and sealed it once more with his palm on the touchpad. Stone grating on stone was heard as the door closed and locked. And once again while they walked, the lights seemed to follow them, turning on only when they were near. "He had a son? Was he married too?" Not that it quite mattered, but Einon was curious as to whether or not Sith Lords did such a thing.

He smirked a little as Dorin tried to skip out on a personal meeting with the Queen. Why was he trying to back out of it? "You're not nervous, are you? And glorified hunter, indeed....You'd be surprised with the types of people that she's come across." All types. Some that he had wished were never allowed to set foot on this planet. Yet one had to take the bad with the good.

 

[Kyyrk]

Dorin shrugged in response to Einon's first inquiry, but quickly turning a little red under his helmet in response to the second observation. Was he? Dorin took a breath, trying to calm his nerves. His skills were in high demand around the galaxy. So what if a queen of some backwater neutral planet might have use of him? In previous days he'd have turned such a thing down on the principle of coin (and lack thereof). He quickly deflected the observation by answering the first question.

"Apparently. Though...I don't know enough about him to know if he was married as well. It's possible, I...actually know the ritual. Among others, I assure you. Some of our more..priestly members know a vast array of wedding ceremonies."

Dorin felt his words catch in his throat. "If...if only to marry those in our order... who wished to become more than partners..."

The shift in tone was probably clear to [Member="Einon"]. He was thinking of someone. Someone taken from him too soon. "But...uh...Legacy. That's what the texts called him. Verros's son, I mean. He...held a special position within the Order, simply called "The Hunter of the Order." We think that originally, he was the lone practitioner of our...unique arts. The rest being your usual Jedi. Or, at least we assumed them to be Jedi. I suppose that in time, we all learned to follow Legacy's example."

Dorin was holding his composure well, given the circumstances. He let his arms drift to his sides again, the tremor in his left hand having stopped. Dorin normally wasn't one to spill his guts to anyone that happened along, but...it was his way of coping. If he thought about that, he couldn't dwell on more...hurtful things. Dorin glanced at Einon, and posed a question. "From what I've seen of you, I doubt you'd leave Commenor, and in fact I would urge you not to. You have the chance to help your people rebuild. You should take it. But...assuming your queen does not see fit to contract my services...do you want me to keep you informed of my findings?"

 

[Doyle]

Einon nodded. What was a simple question had turned into something more. He had accidently touched onto something that struck a nerve. He himself knew of loss. His own love had died in Munto City, along with over 8 million others. He wasn't so sure if he'd ever love again. Her face and touch was something that he hoped he'd never forget. But it was hard to say what the future would hold for either of them. In a way he preferred it that way.

He continued to guide [member="Dorin Arkx"] through the maze of tunnels underneath the mountain while the man spoke. His brows rose as Dorin commented him on not leaving Commenor. That was an unexpected observation. "I have left, mostly on assignment. I would do so again if it was asked of me.
Other than that I have no real desire to go. The grass isn't always greener on the other side. But yes, do keep me informed, if you please."

It wasn't long before they were near the entrance. He placed his hand on the touchpad and waited for the stone door to open. Like clockwork it did so and the scent of fresh air was...well, refreshing. "There could be more hidden here for you, who knows?
Maybe you'll have another vision."

 

[Kyyrk]

Dorin shook his head. "I feel I have found everything there is to find here." He stepped out into the cool air and sighed deeply. He turned to [Member="Einon"], and said, "That said, Tatooine is a big place. As is Yavin. I will need time to prepare. Narrow my search."

He turned and began trudging back to the city. "I will be leaving soon, regardless of your queen. If only to travel back to Arbra one last time. Sift through the rubble. Recover what texts were not damaged in the attack." He glanced at Einon. "Unless she sees fit to give me an assignment while I'm away." He looked down at his armor, dusting it off. "If you'd like to...send word ahead, I think I ought to try and clean this up a bit...A shower might not be a bad idea either..."

 

[Doyle]

"Well it isn't as though she'd force you to stay or prevent you from doing what you need to do. She's not like that."

Einon made sure that the passage was shut and sealed before following [member="Dorin Arkx"], quickening his pace a tad to catch up with him. "In fact going abroad might be what she'd have use of you for. I've no idea. It can be difficult at times to figure out what's going on in her head. Oh, and she loves tea. More than likely she'll offer you some. Don't be afraid to say no. She won't take offense." More than likely the Queen would prefer to save the tea for herself. But again, it was hard for him to say.

"I'll go on ahead and send word. See you in a few hours or so." And with that Einon took the lead. Let others think that they were just two people that happened to be walking across the fields. He had his own apartment to go to in Chasin City first. There was still plenty of time. Who knows? Maybe he'd have a shower too.

 

[Kyyrk]

[Youtube]https://youtu.be/8sTyeLLNvO0[/youtube]​

Dorin paused in the open field, watching as [member="Einon"] moved on towards the city. Dorin pulled the lightsaber out of his satchel again. He turned it over in his hands again, studying the blade in private for a moment. How many people had this lightsaber killed? And in pursuit of what? Power? Fame? Dorin sighed quietly. There was more to this blade than he'd let Einon know.

Instead of placing it back in the satchel, he took a strip of fabric, and secured it to his hip, opposite his blaster and datapad. He began trudging back towards the city, gaze sweeping across the field around him. What would he say? He decided the Queen at least deserved the truth, if only because it might convince her to allow him to keep the blade. But would she even permit him to remain on the planet? Einon had said she was the understanding sort. So perhaps there was a chance...

Dorin sighed quietly. The Spectre had shown him something. Something he didn't want to see. But now...Well, maybe it had lied? What if it wasn't true, and Dorin was worrying about nothing? But no, the statue had confirmed it. The blade was his. Passed down through generations of Commenori rulers. The crest on the statue had confirmed it. His sigil. The eternal mark that now haunted him. The crest of House Arkx...