Proceed with caution

[Loske Treicolt]

It turned out that there was much [member="Cedric Grayson"] didn't know about the realities of his bloodline. Stories and recited memories could only be worth so much, their value desaturating the more they're told. Details years later were missed, forgotten, and only the ten thousand foot above summary was shared. To see blades sparking, blood dripping, electricity firing and cackling, bodies disintegrating -- that was the purest form of story telling. Listening came with a price.

"That was intense.." Loske murmured, still processing what they'd just seen. It didn't mean as much to her as it did to Cedric, outside the fact that she had done that without passing out. There was a triumph in that, and she'd understand if Cedric would be proud later, rather than right this second. Heh.

The Jedi ingénue frowned, pressing her hand once more against the wall for leverage and rose from her seated position. It was kind of sweet, in a twisted way, that a husband would carry such an albatross for his slain wife. She'd keep that thought to herself though. Cedric didn't need any further distress to bear while he was processing the shortcomings of his father's ambition.

"I'm sorry the stories weren't fully true, but..how could they know? Nobody was in here.." She gestured about the empty room, not really knowing what to say to make the situation better. "This doesn't change who you are, though. Your mission.

"Come on," she motioned, reaching out to take his hand again, but this time instead of pulling him backward, she coerced him to at least step outside of the room they'd just been in for....a really long time "Now more than ever you need to get outside."

Once Loske looked through the doorway, there was a bewildered mammalian standing there. A datapad in hand, mouth slightly parted and looking totally puzzled.

Unbeknownst to the two Force users, the Snivvian had been standing at the door for about seven minutes. He'd tried speaking to both of them, but they'd just been standing there, holding hands and looking at nothing. Sweating, one was leaning, it was deeply concerting for him. But, like looking at a trainwreck, he hadn't been able to walk away.

Now they were both moving, and the blonde one was looking at him, shocked.

There were a few awkward seconds, where the blonde girl and the alien stared at each other. Loske dropped Cedric's hand.

"Uhm, Lord Imperialness Grayson? I was told you were holding office for those who had property concerns? I uh.......I used to sell maps...and.......everything was confiscated from me. I....is this a bad time?"

 

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The reality of history was not something Cedric enjoyed, but some part of him knew it was important to know. His father's deeds here were a lesson. They were a portent of what he might become, should he ever lose his faith and slip into darkness. It was a path that terrified him, for the man he'd seen there was far gone from the Cyril Grayson he'd grown up with. That his father was capable of acting under such hatred was something he'd never considered. He, like many young boys, had idolized his father as a hero.

I suppose now would be a good time to grow up then.

Loske's words stole him from his thoughts. He gave her a thankful smile She was right, of course. His father's fate changed nothing. His faith remained, his purpose clear, and his role as Jedi Master long since earned. This would be a fate he'd see stricken from the galaxy.

They only needed to topple an empire first.

"Truer words have never been spoken," Cedric replied with some relief as he let her take his hand, and lead him outside.

And then came the Snivvian.

Cedric's initial thoughts were that he'd just spent the better part of an entire day in his office with a woman. His thoughts immediately went to the media poodoo storm that was sure to follow.

"Erhm," Cedric blinked, limbs shooting into a cross-armed position as soon as Loske let go. "Ah, yes, sorry." Cedric winced. "Jedi business, I am afraid. If you will return tomorrow I will be sure to handle all of your concerns, I'll make it my first priority."

He exchanged a glance with Loske, fighting the internal cringe.
[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

With both hands on the datapad, the hairy fellow's snout twitched uncomfortably. "T-tomorrow?"

If Loske had learned anything from Bespin, it was how quickly false information travelled. At least this time, the story wouldn't be about someone that she wasn't, and the only private life that would be under scrutiny would be her own. Not poor Corine La'Toya's. Still, when [member="Cedric Grayson"] drew away at breakneck speed, she couldn't deny the humour. Her lips curled into a grin and she had to swallow a laugh, folding her own arms and touching her fingers over her mouth to prevent any noise from slipping out.

"First priority? Okay, uh..wow...thank you....do you.." He glanced around nervously. He'd already established that there was no secretary here...that had been one of the reasons he'd come this close to the room anyway. "Have somewhere you keep your appointments?

My name is Snoorf Pickles are you...do..."

Loske nodded, and took out her datapad with an easy smile, still trying not to laugh - mostly at the discomfort Cedric was emanating. "Got it, Mister Pickles. First thing in the morning, right when the streets open up."

"Ok..uh, thank...thank you. I...will see you then Mister Lord Imperial sir." He hinged forward into an uncomfortable looking bow, and turned to leave. Glancing over his shoulder not-so-subtly as he did so.

Under her breath, Loske sing-songed "You need a secretaarryyy"

 

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"Good Ashla," Cedric expelled a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding.

He exchanged glances with Loske, a hint of playful annoyance at her laughing at his expense. They said the Force worked in mysterious ways - perhaps Mister Pickles was the empyrean's method of telling him to chill out a little. He decided he'd do just that.

"Maybe I'll hire Mister Pickles," he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he gestured toward the direction the alien had taken. "Let's get outside. I need a breath of fresh air before Mister Carrots of Mister Cantalope show up asking for gardening rights."

Bad joke. Cedric laughed at it.

He looked at Loske, hesitating for a moment. There was decision in his eyes as he reached out, offering a hand. "Shall we?"

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

Her smile deepened until it turned into a laugh. [member="Cedric Grayson"] had jokes! Who knew.

"I think you might need some janitors before gardeners. The place needs a little uh.." she gave a loose shrug, and stowed the data pad back in her jacket pocket. She hadn't actually written anything down on it, she'd barely had time to turn it on. As for explaining the state of the building, it was evident there was much to be desired - given there had been a war recently raged on its steps and turmoil within its halls.

Blonde brows lofted in surprise when an open hand extended in her direction. It was a little formal, but decisive. Of course, it had to be decisive, given Cedric's animosity to human interaction. This was the first time he'd ever extended any sort of physical connection of his own volition - usually it was her forcing some sort of oppressive hug, or dragging hand hold or ... wait. Hold that thought. He'd booped her nose once.

She simpered at the recollection and gave a node, slipping her palm against his and feeling a little weird about walking this way.

"Speaking of shall we," she started as they wove through the halls -- she was mostly going off memory on how to get into the office. All the doorways looked the same. "Can we take a hot second to talk about how cool that was?" She thumbed over her shoulder, "I've been able to read the immediate history of objects before, Kiffar trait I guess, but projecting and living through them? That's new."

 

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"It needs a little of everything, honestly," Cedric more or less agreed. He wasn't particularly pleased with the state of the hall, but then appearances took a backseat toward things that actually mattered. They simply lacked the funds to spruce the place up to its proper glory, but that would come with time.

He wasn't certain what compelled him to reach out to her. Perhaps something to do with the flow walking. He wasn't certain, though he was aware, in a detached sense, that the contact brought him a small measure of comfort.

And that was about all he was interested exploring in the matter.

"I was going to mention - that was extremely impressive," there was nothing but praise in his tone. "I wasn't expecting something so...immersive. I've only heard of a handful of Jedi being able to utilize that ability. It's called flow-walking."

He smiled as the cool outside air hit his flesh. The platform the hall sat on was relatively empty of people, save for late night work crews moving in and out of the palace to prepare it for the next day. None of them paid the duo any mind. Most of them were too high on recreational substances to focus on anything other than their physical labor.

"Something we should probably explore more in the future. I'll do some studying, see what the limits are to it." He paused, gaze shifting to Loske as he appraised her. "Looked like it took a lot out of you. You okay?"

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

"Right? I know!" She clenched her hand with excitement, not that she'd wanted to be showered with compliments, but sharing reactions on the experience was something she sought. Frank, as a droid, hadn't been able to participate in the former night's recollections. Nor had they been anywhere near as exciting as this afternoon's. It had just been some green dude getting dressed.

A knowing nod came when he gave the power a title. "Ah, it has a name. Of course it does. I'm guessing it's something one of my parent's knew -- which kind of goes back to that Force Light thing, too. Everything they spent years learning, comes baked and ready to go. It just has to be accessed."

It was disorienting that it was evening time. The sky overhead was painted with saturated pastel tones, a stark contrast to the fluorescent neon flickering in the distance. Peppered just before the clouds were neat streams of traffic, speeders that zipped through the laneways about their business. As far as regular, routined life went, the Imperium seemed to be working hard to not be too intrusive. People were still working, hosting dinner parties, entertainment was still accessible, the operatic performances had resumed. Things were ticking along. The Essonians would have to figure out how to fit in.

"Practice will probably make perfect." She assured him, when he asked if she was okay. "Honestly, if that vision hadn't been so emotional for you, I probably wouldn't have rallied and just napped then and there." That was dramatic, of course, but she was tired. She offered a pleasant smile as they continued down the path. "But - like you said - once I accepted The Force and it's offerings as my ally, my nausea has subsided.

Except when that guy walked right through me. That was weird."

 

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There was that bond again.

Ever the balanced individual, Cedric did not allow himself to experience excitement as Loske did. He preferred more solid emotions, fulfillment in a task, the joy of passing one's knowledge onto others, quiet contentedness at a life well lived. Outright excitement was generally far too passionate for the Jedi Master, but he didn't have much of a choice in the matter now. Their link through the force had seemingly been strengthened by the experience, and Cedric felt Loske's own emotions seeping into his mind of their own accord.

"It sounds like there's more to unlock then," Cedric mused, a hint of that same excitement lacing his words. It likely sounded a bit out of character for the generally stoic man, but there it was. It was almost as if he'd come to life, metaphorically speaking. "It'll make your training a lot easier."

Cedric was content as they walked the near empty walkway that connected the House of Lords to the rest of Coruscant. Just beyond twinkled the neon lights of an entertainment district - one that had often served the many employees of the senate building as soon as they came off shift. Throngs of people surged about there; Cedric eyed it curiously.

"I'm glad the connection's worked out so well," he mused, quite pleased. "The whole walking through people thing was a little...odd. Something we'll have to get used to I suppose." He gave a light shrug.

He found himself rather enjoying this. The worries of his duties slipped away for the first time in a very long time, and he walked, hand in hand with a woman like he was some commoner living the day to day.

What surprised him so much was that he rather enjoyed it.

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

“Well, yeah, there’s that aspect of it.” She supposed training someone to reach a certain level of aptitude with anything was a tiring, tedious task. Some took great delight in mentor ship, and she supposed [member="Cedric Grayson"] was one of those. He seemed the type to stick with a Padawan from youth, until they were old and grey.

Recently, Frank had been telling her stories of Jedi duos before bed. Great Jedi Masters and their esteemed Padawans, adventuring throughout the galaxy. The relationships of Sith Lords and their apprentices. All so she could better manage her expectations. Throttling was something Loske was good at in the cockpit, but in the real world, she was easily overzealous. And, unlike many Force users — especially Padawans — not aware of the accustomed relationships and expectations of teacher and student. Once she got a better ear for it, thanks to Frank, her respect for Cedric deepened. Fully acknowledging that there was a level of dedication and selflessness to the cause of Loske Matson’s future he was investing in. Without expectant return. Only hope. Though, if he were hoping to institute a new Jedi Order, the expectation was to keep alongside in that endeavour.

Oh, and all masters seemed to owe their students to favour of slaying them if they fell to the dark side. That was a popular arc in the stories.

“Thank goodness for pickles, hm? You seem to be distant and recovering from that earlier immersion pretty well. Or do you just happen to process that quickly? Are you okay?”

 

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A good question.

Cedric paused in his walk to consider it, hand drifting away from hers as he scratched at the stubble on his chin in thoughts. It was easy for him to put things behind him, though they always cropped up to the fore of his mind later on. It was how he dealt with things: store it away, unpack it later when he had time alone.

"Thank you Pickles," Cedric snickered, eager to ease whatever tension there might have been in the moment. "I'm alright," he gave her a light shrug. "Seeing my father like that is...shaking, yes, but like you said, it doesn't change anything about me or who I am."

Optimism tended to be the path the Ashla wanted of its followers. Cedric didn't hesitate to grab at it.

"No, honestly, I'm okay,' he asserted, "A bit..." his gaze traveled up to the myriad of fading colors that made up the night's sky. "Content, I would say." His gaze traveled back to meet Loske's. "I'm content." He smiled.

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

Song​

As soon as she had free reign of both hands, she rested them against her hips, posed in their pause. This was another reason Loske liked driving so much, she never knew what to do with her hands otherwise. In that moment, she observed him - and not with just her eyes. The metaphysical aura about him seemed to settle in a placidity she hadn't seen before, or at least, not for this long. It had almost been ten minutes - usually, his spiritual silhouette was buttoned and rigid, like a mountain within The Force. He seemed at ease just now, and he verballe confirmed that was the case. A smirk licked at the edges of her lips and she gave a short nod.

As much as Cedric had sarcastically suggested she was the teacher earlier this day, it was subliminally proving truer and truer. While [member="Cedric Grayson"] was inarguably the Jedi Master, Loske was a master of herself, and the knowingness of her personality and projecting it to others. The galaxy was wrought with sticklers, people who took things seriously, like all things there needed to be a balance for sustainability. If that meant she could help create a space for Cedric to learn how to feel content, that was a lesson well spent.

She tilted her head in acknowledgement of his testimony "Yet another triumph over the dark side. Those who are content aren't consumed by ambition and greed for what comes next." She reached up to tuck a loose strand of blond behind her ear, kind of liking how pensive she sounded. "Only good work can come from those who are at peace, right?"

 

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Cedric gave her a raised brow and an amused smile as he folded his arms about his chest. "Too true," he mused, fighting the urge to snicker. It seemed Loske had a few things to teach him, just as he did her. He found that almost refreshing in a sense. Loske's apprenticeship under him thus far had been anything but standard. Their journey had begun more as friends than that of master and student, and that bled into their relationship now. It was a bit odd for Cedric, given how strictly he stayed to the code, but it was something he was learning to enjoy.

"It seems you're wiser than I am," he couldn't fight the snicker now as he began to tamper with the datapad attached to his forearm plate. "I've taken the liberty of accessing the old imperial records. Whatever those Imps were looking for in Graf's office, it's here." He held his arm up, revealing the map they had seen earlier in miniature on the datapad's screen.

"I'll admit to my curiosity. Do you want to join me?"


'[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

Whelp. That was the last time she ever said anything philosophical ever again. It felt unnatural on her tongue, a little self-conscious, and [member="Cedric Grayson"]'s attempt to hide his jovial reaction was enough to put the nail on the coffin. She only mmph'd in response before he changed the subject.

"When the heck did you do that?" Loske asked, peering at the orbiting projection that glowed between them, thumbing her lower lip thoughtfully. True enough, that map looked incredibly similar to the one they'd seen hours ago. Her brows knotted in befuddlement and she absently reached to her chest holster, to confirm both firearms were secured. They were. If Imps were looking for something, it'd probably be dangerous. And, unlike most Jedi, she didn't have a lightsaber yet. If they were met with something distasteful, it'd be up to her, the Force, and whatever tricks Cedric had up his sleeves.

Also, as if she'd turn down the opportunity for a hunt. "Mm, yes. Obviously." But -- she stifled a yawn. Mentally, physically, she was okay after that whole flow walking endeavour, but she was a little weary.

"Can we get some caf first -- you know, stimulate the local economy and our energy levels -- does the map cut through the city at all?"

 

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"You'd be surprised what a simple query will get you when you have full access to the database's central systems," Cedric snickered, toggling the map off for now. "It seems to head toward the lowest depths of the undercity. Figure there's probably a caf shop or two on the way." Caf sounded nice honestly.

As much as Cedric enjoyed doing his Jedi duties, there was a part of him that wanted to relax. That last experience was quite trying on his psyche, even if he'd managed to brush it off for the time being. Besides, he was rather enjoying Loske's company in this rather mundane manner.

"There's a little caf shop not far in the entertainment district," he mused, gesturing toward the mass of flashing neon lights. With that in mind, he quickly unhooked the Blade of Ruusan from his belt, and stuffed it into the internal pockets of his cloak. The metal signets that marked his station were removed from his chest piece, and his cowl was drawn over his features. He still looked like a Jedi, but it would be harder to identify him as the Jedi that he was.

"I'll pay since you did the whole time warping thing."

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

"Yeah, that sounds like a fair trade." She simpered, and they started off in the direction of the neon. It'd take some time to walk there, given the proximity from the palace to the pleb architecture in the distance. So, instead of heading in a straight trajectory, she gave a slight pivot in the direction of the front of the palace -- where a large, concrete plateau existed amidst the pillars. A few uniformed individuals milled about, taking loose drags of ignited cigarettes to pass the time.

Stepping just ahead of [member="Cedric Grayson"], the lithe pilot made a B-line for one of the smoking personnels, producing a dimly lit tag from her jacket pocket. The attendant took the card, turned it over once or twice and nodded before disappearing into a little booth. After keying instructions into the keyboard, there were a few seconds of silence before they could hear the sound of purring thrusters in the distance.

Within moments, a speeder, navigated by an astromech, appeared before them. It was a sleek model, tangerine in hue, with four seats. When it pulled up, they could hear the faint sound of whichever station Loske had been listening to that morning when she'd first driven up to the palace. "A little quicker than walking," Loske admitted, crossing to the driver's side and sidling in. Not at all presumptuous, this was her rental! "And far more stylish for uh...the average Jedi." A smirk, given he'd taken some precautions to be discreet about who he was.

She spent some time adjusting the seat and height of the steering wheel after the valet had messed around with it, giving the Lord Imperator time to enter the most convenient coordinates for their first stop.

 

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"Didn't realize you were the speeder type. Honestly that should have been a no-brainer," Cedric scratched at the top of his scalp, indicating his lack of a basic cerebral cortex. "Just don't kill us. It'd be a real shame to get all this way and die because my padawan was too busy trying to race the other speeders on the skylane."

He eyed the droid with some manner of curiosity, but evidently thought better of asking. Instead, he settled into his seat alongside her, happy to take a step back from both the literal and metaphorical pilot's seat for the time being. He punched in the coordinates to the caf diner, then to their location of choice. The latter was a bit of a journey that looked as if it would take them through the very heart of the underlevels. Not even the Imperium's influence could stretch that far.

This was going to be interesting.

"So," he sat up a little straighter, and arm resting outside the speeder as he eyed Loske. "You're a clone of Kiskla, I know that much. Do you know why you were cloned?" He lofted a brow, "Was she just barren and wanting a child, or something else?"

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

"I find your lack of faith disturbing." Loske tsk'd. She hadn't died yet, and there wasn't even anyone trying to sabotage their ride just yet. Granted, he'd been mostly unconscious during the rescue from Hoth - but that had been some fancy flying. Perhaps more so than Metellos, and those were only the two instances privy to his witness. "One day you'll witness a real dog fight and understand why I'm the best." She grinned cockily, and winked at him, wearing her merit with pride. She'd earned that title. True, abilities were imbued and injected to her system, but she'd spent the majority of her time outside of the lab refining and honing her starfighter maneuverability to the point of being inarguably excellent.

It was strange Cedric chose to bring up the subject of her heritage again, but as she pulled out of the parking lot she reasoned it made sense, given he'd just come to terms with some of his own and wanted to commiserate about strange parents. "Kiskla Grayson and Marcello Matteo." Loske corrected, glancing in the rearview.

"She didn't want children." She confirmed, almost bitterly. In personality, Kiskla and Loske were stark opposites. Her mother was withdrawn, secretive and stoic. Ethereal in beauty and poise. Her father was equally stoic and cold, he, however, had more interest in Loske and her brother as people than Kiskla did. "We're not looked at like that -- I have a twin bother too. His name is [member="Isar Kislo"]." She signalled before merging into one of the crossways, accelerating slightly to maintain the speed of the general flow of traffic. While Cedric may have been looking at her, she found it more calming to assess the vehicles surrounding their own. Distractedly, she reached up to tame a few windblown strands of hair behind her ears as they perused over the skyline.

Their disregard for a true family relationship was one of the core reasons Loske felt abandoned by them, and why she coveted a family of her own. Why she held her friends so dear, and was so envious of those who had swaths of siblings and good relationships. Like the Taliths, years ago. They were broken now, too.

"She'd been working with Ayden Cater to establish a cloning facility on Kiffu." Accelerate. Gear change. "It was to prolong the genetics of one of Kiffu's greatest warriors - For the next generation of Kiffex Guardians."

 

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Despite his more natural birth, Cedric sympathized. His parents had been distant figures in his life. Cyril had spent the majority of his time aiding the war effort, and entrusted the raising of his son to loyal advisers. Before that, there had been a semblance of a normal family. His mother was a caretaker, his father the provider - theirs was a synergy unlike any other. After she'd died, things changed. After seeing the vision within his office, Cedric had finally come to understand why.

And in doing so, he found himself questioning whether casting off the old Jedi Council's decree on relationships was wise. It seemed that only the death of his life's love was enough to drive Cyril Grayson to the brink - would it be the same for Cedric?

"I'll leave the flying to you. I prefer to keep my feet on the ground," Cedric had about as much skill in space as he did with normal social interaction. "Where's your brother now?" He asked, his expression shifting to one of quiet sympathy as she spoke of the way her 'parents' treated her.

Very similar indeed.

"I've heard much of Kiffu, but I've never been. Perhaps we should take a trip one of these days," he paused, leaning back in his chair as Loske darted through the lanes. He was more for the slow and steady pace. "Oh, I haven't told you," he blinked, "I have another sister. Her name is Talaya - she showed up at the palace last night." His brow furrowed. "I'm...well, not sure how to deal with it, but happy to have her around. She's still a kid in mindset though, kind of crazy."

[member="Loske Matson"]

 

[Loske Treicolt]

"I don't know." She answered, truthfully. "Probably trying to make a life partnership happen." She rubbed from her chin, upward her cheek, getting a little uncomfortable. "He has a daughter, which is kind of crazy, because as clones I didn't think we could have anything to do with creating new life from our own. I don't know if he knows it either.." A heavy exhale, and a roll of her wrists. The idea of being an aunt was fantastic to her, but, unfortunately, it was with a close-hearted Mandalorian and the whole situation was not what Loske pictured as a happy family. "I miss him, though." There had been no dinners, and the only interaction she'd had with the mother of her neice was hunting her down to...apologize for breaking her brother's heart? It was weird.

"I haven't seen it either." Loske admitted about Kiffu, braking slightly to let another speeder merge ahead of them to make the turn for an upcoming exit. She didn't even remember it. The start of her life, and memory, was on Nar Shaadaa with a handful of papers and a cocky attitude. Maybe she should flow walk her own history....perhaps that would be a key to uncovering her purpose and the network of her potential.

Surprised at the announcement of another Grayson, and slightly green-eyed with jealous, Loske diverted her gaze from the lanes before them. "Really? You didn't know about her until..last night?"

 

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A moment of impulse struck Cedric. Perhaps it was the rather odd circumstances of the evening, or perhaps he was slowly starting to warm up to Loske. He wasn't certain, and he decided it wasn't worth trying to explore. He simply spoke from the heart. "We should go see him then." He stated plainly, looking to Loske to gauge her reaction. "Well...you should. There isn't much of a we there." He snickered, lifting his shoulders in a slight shrug. "Might help to bring you some peace."

There was a mixture of amusement and uncertainty when she asked of [member="Talaya Rade"]. The girl was young: Cedric was ten years her senior. She was about as normal as they came, as far removed from the Grayson identity as she possibly could be. He loved her anyway. "I didn't. I thought when Caida died I was the last of the Graysons, but it seems my parents' last vacation to Naboo was not simply for recreation. Talaya was born ten years after me, right before my mother was murdered."

He drew in a sharp breath, allowing himself to enjoy the speed with which the speeder soared. "I think you two will get along quite well. She's more like you than she is me."

[member="Loske Matson"]