Solitary Man

[WolfMortum]

[member="Atheus Voidwalker"], the memories of this one were not lost upon Veiere Arenais; he was an old friend that had placed himself between Veiere and the Jedi Enclave of Deneba in the hope of dissuading the Dark Jedi from the attack. His motivations then were pure and for the best of those around him, no matter how one might have perceived his alignment in the Force to be. A faint smile took to the lips of the Exile as he found this an interesting opportunity to learn more about this Apprentice of [member="Romi Jade"]'s.

"Tell me something, [member="Aten Ramses"]..." Veiere turned, his gaze briefly landing upon the Jedi before taking in the view of Atheus, a man of whom Veiere had fought both beside and against on occasion; the man whom had shaped and formed the very rings that amplified Veiere's Force Bond with his wife [member="Lady Kay"] Arenais, she of whom he was still technically wed to. "What would you make of a Dark-Sider whom would stand between other Dark-siders, even those considered to be family to he, yet keeping them from killing Jedi and in doing so, risking the hatred and scorn of those whom he cared for most in this life..." .

Atheus' appearance offered Veiere the motivation to reach out with his senses and probe their surroundings for the presence of others. How interesting it was to feel the familiar aura of his Wife in the nearby vicinity, her's a presence of whom was intimately shared with him and above all else, the closest person dearest to his heart in this life and into the next. For the time being however, he did not act upon the knowledge that she was nearby; both for her sake and for his own. Kay was no threat to him though as she hadn't yet reached him, he could only presume that Atheus and Aten had kept her at bay. Droids of course, were force dead to the sensory abilities of any practitioner, as life was needed to touch upon the company of others unless they were of imminent threat to the Force user.

"The man you see before you is a living breathing example that not everything in our lives nor this Galaxy is so black and white as to presume that all Dark-Siders are inherently evil. While yes, emotionally driven more so than most Jedi you might know, there are in-fact those whom would do what they do believing themselves to be just in their actions. Atheus here has been all things, a brother, a friend and an enemy at certain stages of his life and the last time we met, he sought to keep me and my people from taking the fight to your own upon Deneba..." despite these words Veiere moved to approach that of his old friend. Were there any hard feelings, Veiere would be clearly out matched given he had put away his weapons in his recent self-appointed Exile and coming within arms reach of the man, he extended his right hand with the intent of an offer to take his brother by the wrist and shake his arm in greeting after such a long time.

[member="HK-36"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Aten Ramses"] | [member="Atheus Voidwalker"]​

 

[HK-36]

[member="Atheus Voidwalker"], [member="Aten Ramses"], [member="Veiere Arenais"],

Just how HK was dead to Veiere on the account of not being actually alive, so was the complicated Force user dead to HK. The droid still could see him, he just had no respect for someone who did not take time to style their beard into anything but a round bushy mess.

Either way, good news was only [member="Lady Kay"] had to deal with the old machine so far,

"Well maybe I offered the marriage to Queen Organa,"

The machine combed through his memory banks as Kay pointed out he didn't approach her with the offer in the past,

"Or Commodore Zark, you humans all look the same to me, so doughy and boring. Either way, there has been too much chatter and complaints from merchants and refugees who are trying to get to Commenor space from the Core for this to be just a small blockade. My point is, with a bit of help from your old friend Iron Lord Protector, this supposedly small blockade would be even less of a problem."

HK promised, still watching Veiere and Aten from the distance with Kay,

"The region they are trying to blockade is the same that I used to watch over, a being that prizes himself in appearing out of nowhere to mess with people seemingly at random. Do you remember the gift I gave to Commenor when I came to establish official contact on behalf of Metal Lords while Mecharius had a panic attack on Denon? How is he by the way? I kind of miss him."

The droid confessed and revealed part of his scheme, or at least connection to it,

"Also I am just going to stop you right there in regards to the bounty business. You are talking about organic bounties based on whether someone broke an organic law or not, which are basically meaningless to me and I am ready to break them as soon as organic laws do not suit me. You should be more worried about whether your husband broke any Droid Laws and whether there are any Droid Bounties on his head, which there are none because we did not consider him to be a Jedi in the first place, and we do not really care that much about Force wielders killing each other."

HK shrugged before looking over at Kay again,

"I could help him get off the hook, so to speak, by faking his death."

 

[Warchief Waddles]

"Are you sure that the galaxy want's the change that you could bring lad?"

The words floated to Aten, voiced by a sturdy and deep voice. Along with them came the sudden chill and reality of the situation as the dark radiated out. Aten had witnessed and been near enough individuals or facilities that stank of the darkside but this… This was different yet Aten couldn’t put his finger on it. Out of sheer reflex, those metal barriers he’d allowed to fall began building themselves up again and reinforcing itself. Aten didn’t sense the presence of the individual before and for what reason would they hide themselves? Every instinct screamed at Aten to reach for his saber, that however wasn’t an option. To go straight for a weapon was not the way of the Jedi. Instead, Aten’s hands hung loosely at his sides.

Taking in the massive individual as he approached Aten noted the dark brown hair, the intense eyes, and even the way in which he carried himself. Not as a warrior but it seemed as if he had truly come to talk. The words Aten sought were hard to find but he had to answer. “I don’t truly know what the galaxy wants but I’m sure it isn’t what happened on Coruscant, or Alderaan. Senseless death and destruction… I don’t seek to force them to see the light I just wish to end the reign of terror the Sith bring in their wake.” A truthful statement and with only an instant to respond Aten didn’t have time enough to phrase or structure the statement to be more appealing.

"What would you make of a Dark-Sider whom would stand between other Dark-siders, even those considered to be family to he, yet keeping them from killing Jedi and in doing so, risking the hatred and scorn of those whom he cared for most in this life..." .

“If there was such an individual as that wouldn’t their heart have been in the right place?” The question was somewhat of a paradox though Aten had witnessed something similar. “There was a Sith on Coruscant, one who cared for the people and even sought to aid others. So, no all those that practice the dark aren’t horrible individuals.”

Veiere was laying the cold hard truth out before the youth, giving him lessons on those of the dark and even admitting to his own crimes against the Jedi. It was astonishing how Veiere’s demeanor seemed to have changed when faced with the presence of an old friend or enemy. Aten didn’t feel a buildup of the force, no sabers were drawn. Veiere simply approached offering his hand. “In that case, I’d like to thank you for attempting to stop Veiere…” Giving a respectful nod of his head to the newcomer Aten took a few steps back. If this was to be Veiere’s reunion he wanted him to enjoy it. Perhaps this other individual could convince the exile that there was still a chance at redemption?

[member="[/FONT][FONT='trebuchet ms']Veiere [/FONT][FONT='trebuchet ms']Arenais[/FONT][FONT='trebuchet ms']"]| [member="[/FONT][FONT='trebuchet ms']HK-36[/FONT][FONT='trebuchet ms']"]| [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Atheus Voidwalker"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

As far as Kay was concerened, she was still married to [member="Veiere Arenais"] , even though they were separated. So marrying someone else just wasn't possible or on her mind right now.

She smirked as [member="HK-36"] referred to organics as boring. But she didn't take any offence. To each their own. A brow was raised as he had suggested helping, given that the Sith were blockading his old territory. "You said that you'd help us during a conflict. But we are not at war. And I'm not going to start a war when there are other options on the table. Macharius is fine, by the way. He had us secure Denon for him...just as others are asking us to do the same."

Kay dropped her arms when he mentioned helping to fake Veiere's death. "If he faked his death, then what? Keep hiding so that others could find him like they have now?" She gestured towards [member="Aten Ramses"] and only then spotted [member="Atheus Voidwalker"] as he stood there amongst the pair on the other side of the trees. The threat of conflict sure brings people out of the woodwork, it seemed.

Slowly she brought her attention back to HK. "What is your proposal for the blockade?"

 

[Garza]

The emotions of the young man, once vibrant and rather eccentric towards Veiere, were now fading and becoming very cautious. The barriers he was fortifying were quite strong for one so young within the force. He had been taught rather well considering his naive nature. I could see promise within the young man. As for what his path would hold, I was unsure. However, the words he spoke in return to my rhetorical question were said from the heart in the best way he could at the moment. A slight pang of nervousness came from him. While it was shortlived, it was still there. Understandable considering the circumstances.

Veiere then spoke to the young lad. Asking the question of real events that had taken place. Ones that I had been guilty of. I smiled a little with the second response fro the young man. He mentioned a Sith who had feelings for others and cared deeply for them. My attention left him for the moment when I was approached. Veiere extending his arm to grasp, I returned the favor. Off hand reaching up to grasp his shoulder. Nodding silently as the young man spoke up. Thanking me for standing in between Veiere and the Jedi. Releasing the hold upon my ally, I shook my head.

"Do not thank me for standing alone. I did so against my friend's better judgement at the time. There is nothing to be thankful for in this outcome."

Turning my head back to the man who I had references in third person, I squeezed my hand lightly to let him know everything was alright.

"The past is in the past. Fret not of consequences from me."

I released my grip upon the man. Turning to face the one one once more. Promise was clear. While one could tell him the past, and the failures of his elders, he would never truly learn without having seen and dealt with it first hand. I hoped to give this image to him in a clear and consize way for him to understand.

"Aten correct? You are right to assume that if people's hearts are on the right path, then they will be a more forgiving person. What you have yet to see for yourself, is how the Sith, Jedi, and everyone in between, are not on a spectrum of black and white. Each person who fights for their Empire, Confederacy, or Alliance believes themselves to be of the right mind, and the justful heart. Every mistake, failure, victory, or consequence has brought me to who I am today. What you fail to see, is that every sith, every dark jedi, ever exile, pariah, or savior practice the force, or skills that they deem to be aligned to their heart."

To easily show this to the man, I lifted two rocks around us. Letitng them float and orbit around one another. Indicating one of them, then the other.

"This is a Rock that is a Sith, the other a Jedi. So tell me. Which rock does not belong within this forest?"

[member="Lady Kay"], [member="Aten Ramses"], [member="HK-36"], [member="Veiere Arenais"],

 

[HK-36]

[member="Lady Kay"],


"Well that makes sense about Mecharius, securing things was always his weak point."

The droid quipped in regard to his old colleague before moving on,

"I think it is safe to say that you are in conflict with the Sith even if you are not at war, since they are blockading you. Besides I did not mention you going into war with them so do not put ideas into my head, screwing them over has always been my top priority even if you will not openly fight them."

HK did notice that [member="Atheus Voidwalker"] was not talking with [member="Aten Ramses"] and [member="Veiere Arenais"], the machine wondered whether Sith rocks was something he had to be concerned about.

"Go around them you big dum-dum."

The droid revealed his plan, looking back to Kay,

"Remember how my kind tends to get around unseen by using forgotten hyperlanes others abandoned, we had to make, or records of which were lost after the Gulag Plague? I gave you portion of our old star maps that covered your territory so we would not sneak whole fleets through CSA in show of trust. We could extend the charts to cover more of the Core, form special merchant and smuggling fleets to move through them unseen. They can be fairly risky or dangerous, since they were abandoned for a reason, but if you have spacers who could pull it off, a blockade will not be an obstacle to get refugees and goods between Commenor and the Core."

HK cocked his head towards Veiere then, motioning him,

"And if we would fake that dummy's death, then he could change appearance or always walk in a suit of powered armor when others are around, at least it would get him off of Commenor. I am assuming he would rather be actually helping keep your grotesque neutrality-infected sector safe rather than just sit in out here on his bum and..."

The droid paused, considering what he should say,

"I do not know what he does out here. Garden? Make root soup or something?"

Also it was a bit strange that the only thing stopping Kay from marrying HK was that she was still legally married to Veiere and not the fact that he was an ancient, mercurial, somewhat-murderous droid.

 

[WolfMortum]

Having accepted Veiere's gesture for friendship and smiling appreciatively to [member="Atheus Voidwalker"], Veiere soon stepped to the side to allow his old friend to continue to speak to [member="Aten Ramses"]. All the while, Veiere himself remaining silent and thoughtful as he studied the younger lad and wondered what had become of [member="Romi Jade"] today; what would she make of her Padawan seeking him out like this and would she have forbidden it?

The truth of Veiere's failings was plain to see from this angle, he had failed to find a balance between accepting the true nature of the Galaxy and following the morale compass of the Jedi Path without falling in line with so many others and getting caught up on what it means to be one of the Order. Like it or not, pride had led to his fall as he had become so discouraged by the appearance of the Jedi Order, that he had taken the supposed mistakes of others in as his own; regardless of the fact that many of these assumptions were based upon reputation and not his first hand experience in a Galaxy that was so ready to muddy the waters of someone else's reflection.

"I fear we are at risk of drowning the poor lad in the affairs and ramblings of older men..." Veiere remarked, though not without a sudden chuckle under his breath as he turned to look back to Atheus with a wary smile. "The politics of Force Practitioners stems from the belief and perception guilt by mere association is justification enough to fight, be that a single battle or a full blown war. Perception is not a matter of right and wrong, right and wrong are a matter of perception and that will always change with the one's you look to base such a premise on"; all of which was not something that this young man needed to cloud his path as it had Veiere's own.

"You are a member of the Jedi Order, Aten" Veiere's gaze had fallen back upon the Padawan of his own late prodigy. "If you seek to be a good Jedi, do not be so concerned of appearances and presumptions. Base your opinions upon facts where they are presented to you. If that is not possible, look to the Force and your Master for guidance but also understand that all people are fallible. Being a Jedi does not make you any less susceptible to foul play as it would were you to call yourself a Sith Lord..." Veiere himself was a walking example of such a thing and frankly, it was interesting to note just how his demeanor had changed in front of a young learner. A curiosity that caused his brow to furrow somewhat at the expense and question of himself.

"Don't make the mistakes that I have..." he added, conclusively.

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="HK-36"]​

 

[Romi Jade]

"Don't make the mistakes that I have..." he added, conclusively.

"He won't." She retorted.

Her gaze bounded from individual to individual...eventually deciding to target [member="Veiere Arenais"]

Unfolding her arms, her right hand traced the length of her thigh until it came to rest near her utility belt; she wielded her lightsaber in her right hand.

"So you're alive?" She wasn't expecting him to answer. Her cheekbones carried the story; she was rather annoyed at this fact. She was rather open with how she instructed the boys, and with trust being at the core of everything she'd push for them to seek knowledge on their own as well. She never professed to know everything...and they'd have to fill in the blanks however they saw fit.

Nostrils flaring, it was the simple fact that they reconnected after this long that there bond flickered off and on once more. If here were keen still? He'd probably feel that deep down she was fighting off her own affliction to which she hadn't revealed to her apprentices yet.

She looked over to Aten, taking just a few steps that she was far yet close to the group. "Leave it to my Padawan to debunk myths...reminds me of myself."

She was serious.

[member="Aten Ramses"] | [member="Atheus Voidwalker"] | [member="HK-36"] | [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Warchief Waddles]

With Atheus’ attention turning back to Aten the apprentice straightened completely giving the man his undivided attention. If he and Veiere were truly friends and as close as mentioned then he had no intention of paying the other individual disrespect. As the question was asked Aten found himself slightly confused with the paradoxical statement. If everyone thought themselves right then where was the room for those who were truly wrong? How did one truly judge whether they were right or in the wrong? “If they’re both apart of the force isn’t it whichever one is accepted that belongs? If both force their way on then neither deserve to be there.” This may have been a simplified way of viewing the issue or even be going off the tracks. These were Aten’s beliefs, he never believed in forcing his way onto others or giving them an ultimatum.

ThankfullyVeiere had come to save the youth from the lesson on the force, choices and which truly belonged as it was something not even Aten he was sure he was prepared to dive into headfirst. He needed time to study, learn, see more of the galaxy. Experience more truths. Aten had even noted prior how naive he was to the truth of the galaxy, and that didn't even deter him. Just made the youth push back harder as he fully intended on learning what he truly needed to to make himself a better jedi.

"If you seek to be a good Jedi, do not be so concerned of appearances and presumptions. Base your opinions upon facts where they are presented to you. If that is not possible, look to the Force and your Master for guidance but also understand that all people are fallible. Being a Jedi does not make you any less susceptible to foul play as it would were you to call yourself a Sith Lord..."

“Thank you for the advice Master Veiere, I will take your words to heart and do such when I am troubled or feel lost.” For Veiere to have said Aten wouldn’t find a mentor in him the exile had easily hopped back into giving advice as though he were Aten’s master. It was ironic, Aten wouldn’t voice this though he’d take whatever he could.

"I-" Before he could finish his brave declaration the Morellian found himself cut off by a familiar voice and presence. Aten wasn’t fearful but the fact that what Veiere had done in the past and reputation could put the exile in danger. Aten had been the one to bring it to the exiles doorstep. He hadn’t asked for any of it or for the eager young apprentice. Stepping forward Aten stood directly between the two his eyes glancing between each of them. This was a precaution, hopefully, if things were to come to blows both individuals would think first about the padawan that stood between them.

[member="[/FONT][FONT='trebuchet ms']Veiere [/FONT][FONT='trebuchet ms']Arenais[/FONT][FONT='trebuchet ms']"]|[member="[/FONT][FONT='trebuchet ms']HK-36[/FONT][FONT='trebuchet ms']"]| [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Atheus Voidwalker"] | [member="Romi Jade"]

 

[WolfMortum]

"He won't".​

​

It wasn't so much the choice of words but rather the tone of voice and the sudden realization of the presence that had chosen to make itself known and join them that caused Veiere's shoulders to tighten, his head lifting as the older male turned slowly to face his former Padawan whom had ascended all the way to the rank of Grandmaster, last Veiere was in contact with her. Though he had previously checked their surroundings, it did not surprise him much that she had eluded him, although now with her added appearance, Veiere secretly hoped that his wife would not seek to interfere and subsequently involve herself in matters of the past. Matters that Veiere's actions had brought about, like a stone cast amidst the water, the ripple effect across time and those affected, only the Force could predict such a reunion as was this.

"Is that surprise, or disappointment I hear in you...My old Padawan" a former title that she once held, Veiere's choice was to both raise [member="Atheus Voidwalker"]'s awareness as to whom [member="Romi Jade"] was, that he might not jump straight to the offensive for Veiere's sake; but so too for the memories and experiences they once shared and the irony of this day's meeting. Noting her lightsaber held in her right hand, Veiere's head titled slightly, his hands lifting from his sides ever so slowly to show to her that he was in-fact unarmed. Again, Veiere had chosen to forgo the possession of weaponry since his entrance into Exile there on Commenor, left in the home that he and [member="Lady Kay"] had once shared upon the peaks of the Eldritch Mountains, the forests of which they currently found themselves amongst closer to the base of such plains.

"Our young friend here hasn't come for Myths alone it would seem..." Veiere soon gestured to her apprentice, turning to glance to Aten with a slight nod in acknowledgement; "He has come to me in the hope of learning a certain technique in the Force, one of which I'm reluctant to share....-Given our situation now, it's a little Ironic, I seem to recall you once seeking the same lessons" Veiere smiled to himself, his gaze parted from the two as though he were taking a moment for himself to enjoy the brief trip down memory lane. He expression fell solemn quickly there after however as such things rarely brought about happiness for very long.

Glancing back to Romi Jade, his gaze landed solely upon the younger Woman, his senses however feeling out those around them. Both Atheus and Aten were armed yet only she seemed to have drawn her weapon. "Do you intend to use that, Romi..." he asked her, gesturing this time to her side from the short distance between them. If she forced his hand, there were still options. Her Padawan would be the easiest to disarm if she wished to force him into a confrontation though he did so hope she had the restraint to refrain from doing so.

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="HK-36"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay clenched her jaw ever so slightly. It seemed that [member="HK-36"] was using this situation in order to mess with the Sith. The last thing that she wanted was to be used for someone elses vendetta, and to have everything spiral out of her control.

She folded her arms across her chest again. "I'll have my people look at your charts and test the routes. But that'll be one avenue to take. There are more options available to me still." And she was working on having them arranged. It just took a little time.

"And you're not helping your cause by insulting my husband and my government. We have outlasted many other governments big and small,
so don't you try to talk to me as though you know how we can survive.
If anything, I should be the one lecturing you."

Her gaze turned to [member="Veiere Arenais"] again through the trees. He wouldn't fake his death or hide in armour. She knew that. He would do whatever he wants to, and she just had to be content with that and remain at a distance. It was tough. Horribly tough.

Kay raised a brow, pushing from the tree trunk as she spotted [member="Romi Jade"] amongst the small gathering of [member="Aten Ramses"] and [member="Atheus Voidwalker"] . She had never met Veiere's apprentice before, however she had seen her likeness in holofeeds.

As much as she wanted to interfere, she just couldn't. Veiere had to handle this on his own. He didn't even know that she was there. Maybe that was a good thing. Afterall, she was supposed to put him on trial again and incarcerate him. But instead, Kay had shown him mercy as she didn't want history to repeat itself.

"I'm going home..." And quietly. She didn't mean to say the words aloud, but more than likely HK would ask what she was doing. Kay hugged her arms to herself as she started through the trees to go back the way that she had come.

 

[Garza]

It was quite the interesting turn of events.

Speaking to the young man, I went into quite a lengthy speech about this topic. I seemed to get away from myself and the gravity of the situation. I seemed to always do that. Even in my work, I had the attitude of getting everything done, all at once, or not at all. It showed greatly here. Veiere, the man who I stood with and was allied with came forward and gave his own take, and then with a very subtle use of words, for me to lay off of the young one.

I chuckled as he did at me. Veiere knew I was all about work when it came down to it. Despite that, the young man seemed to hold up well. He used his head for more than just a brain bucket, and that showed. He was intelligent, however, lacking in wisdom due to his age and a latency of experiences under his belt. That was not his fault. A simple pain of growth that would come over time. While Veiere had spoken about not making the same mistakes he would have, I wanted to speak up when the young man looked eager to do so as well. I kept my mouth silent when a different voice came out.

I turned to face the newcomer. Instinct kicked in. My right hand snapping out to the side as though I were grabbing at something through the air. However, nothing was there. It was when Veiere had made the mention of Romi Jade, his apprentice, I slowly lowered my hand. However, it stayed to my side. Ready to be called upon at a moment's notice. There was something about this woman that tipped me off. Aten had the determination of any young mind. Veiere was solitary and alone, but brightened with the recent happenings. This Romi?

Scattered. Conflicted, and even in the smallest of forms, broken.

I could feel it off of her. She had so many emotions playing that I couldn't get any sort of grasp of what she may have been thinking. She was scrambled and shattered with her emotions. The one thing this showed me, was that she knew what she wanted to do, she knew what she would like to do, but wasn't sure if her heart could actually do it. She doubted and even... feared in the smallest parts of the waves from her.

I knew not how she acted before now. I knew not who she was. I stayed on my knife edge. Veiere even asking what I questioned in my mind. Was she wanting to use her weapon? Was she wanting to break Form Zero within the confines of her Master, and apprentice's eyes?

"You oversaw the title of Grandmaster for the Jedi Order after Veiere left correct? I, Atheus am one of his allies and taught a few lessons within the order with his blessing. However, I am saddened to say I have not remembered your presence."

[member="Lady Kay"], [member="Veiere Arenais"], [member="Aten Ramses"], [member="Romi Jade"], [member="HK-36"],

 

[HK-36]

[member="Lady Kay"],

"Do not presume to know about my cause, for you have still not outlasted me."

The droid begun as he gave out what could only be described as a mechanical scoff,

"My kind gathered in now forgotten and destroyed halls in the days of Ancient Republic, long before your time. We thrived without the Galaxy looking upon us and we will still thrive in its forgotten webways with the resources we have taken during our reveal. We were here before you were born, we will still be here long after you are dead."

The machine would look over in Kay's direction,

"I still have a stake in having you control Commenor's space, so make sure you will warn any spacers who would try to use these old routes I have plotted. They may be faster than going around, but they will most likely encounter Star Wyrds, perhaps even the Deep Ones, although the Squids seemed to have followed my kind into Deep Space rather than stick around in the Core. I would not want you to get dethroned because of accidentally sending caravans into a trap."

HK warned her. There was something else he planned on informing Kay about at first, another one of his schemes, although just as she grew frustrated and angered with the machine, so did HK decide to keep some plans to himself. When Kay said she was going home the droid did not say anything at first, turning to look over the gathering of Force users they were watching before, finally speaking up after prolonged silence.

"May the Force be with you."


[member="Veiere Arenais"], [member="Atheus Voidwalker"], [member="Aten Ramses"], [member="Romi Jade"],

The machine was planning on just leaving the gathering as well, not really having much interest in the dealings of Force Users in current ages, at least not the ones that would not bent the knee for him and take part in his plotting. However, as he was about to turn and start heading towards his own cloaked transport, the old machine received a notification through his built-in communication systems.

It was a notification from the bounty network about a new target being selected, with Sith funding the hunt. HK paused and looked over the group again, scanning them from distance as he had to double check what he saw before.

Wrapping his cloak around his Vong-shaped armor although not activating its stealth field yet he would take a step towards them. It was better to introduce himself later rather than never.

 

[Romi Jade]

"Is that surprise, or disappointment I hear in you...My old Padawan"

She hadn't budged. "I must say, it's a bit of both Master..." her glare was solid.

She rolled her eyes while he reminisced, her face scrunching up due to the fact he cold even call on such memories; it hurt her while equally irritating her "Please...spare me. I was there..." she responded.

With her eyes darting over to his companion, "Yes, I did ascend to Grandmaster. However, my tenure was cut short. I established the council and stepped down. I wasn't fit to lead at the time..." her words sizzling out towards then end just as she lurched forward a bit, giving way to her hair.

"So I got rid of the title just as quick as it came..." she followed up. "I didn't want it..."

"Do you intend to use that, Romi..."

"I should!" She cut into his words.

Veiere knew of her capabilities, and she knew Aten could fair on his own as he'd done before, even if for a little while; she wasn't worried.

"I should cut you down right now..." she pointed the metallic cylinder in his direction before her hand retreated altogether. She briefly thought back to her conversations with [member="Cedric Grayson"] about what would happen when she encountered him again. She didn't know then but now...

She was full of emotions, "How could you?" She said at nearly a whisper, but it was audible. "I spent almost my entire life under your arm...I trusted you with everything I had. You were all I had..." She shook it off, noting that he basically was her father.

It seemed like everything she knew no longer had truth to it. Whereas now she was figuring out what her path was going off what she knew; she no longer could confide in him.

[member="Veiere Arenais"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Atheus Voidwalker"] | [member="HK-36"] | [member="Aten Ramses"]

 

[WolfMortum]

"And I cannot express my relief now that you were not there to witness the things that I did..." Veiere responded solemnly, his head lowering in order to avert from her gaze. "I doubt there is any kind of answer here that will ease your anger towards me..." he continued, knowing that there was little he could ever say in order to hope to reach [member="Romi Jade"] and try to quell some of the hatred that seemed to be rolling off of her so vibrantly. "Clearly I deserve that and more, but if that is your wish" he gestured to her lightsaber and paused a moment so that his words might reach her, "Then we can deal with things without your Apprentice here to see such things..." [member="Aten Ramses"] wasn't his scapegoat here but a genuine concern for his lesson of the day could greatly differ were he to see his Master strike down another individual (unarmed, no less), in front of his very eyes.

Regardless of Romi's behavior, Veiere glanced back to [member="Atheus Voidwalker"] with a sparing glance, offering a half nod as if to show his appreciation and acknowledgement for the man's handling of the situation. Despite their differences in the all to recent past, he still knew how to carry himself when it counted. And speaking of the young Padawan, Aten himself seemed to take to Atheus with a good deal of indifference and tolerance, to say the least. Whatever Veiere and Romi's past, he didn't want to see his late friends and the newcomer drawing blades for reasons only he himself were responsible for.

"Given the three of you are on the same side of the moral compass and I am the only guilty party here, perhaps we can avoid unnecessary bloodshed for now, yes?" he glanced between the group of them, putting the elephant in the room out in the open so-to-speak. "I myself am very intrigued to discover why my late wife would watch from afar and decide it best to keep her distance for so long only to leave..." Veiere slowly turned to raise his voice calling out in [member="Lady Kay"]'s direction, "It's certainly not like the woman I recall...." he obviously hoping to call to her attention.

[member="HK-36"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

She had meant...well, no matter.

Kay kept her pace slow as [member="HK-36"] proceeded to lecture her while she walked away. He knew some of her secrets and she was quite certain that he'd hold them against her one day.

Lately all that she had been getting was a bunch of "I told you so" from people outside of her own. It was annoying. One little embargo wasn't some precursor to war. But when did outsiders ever listen to her? Kay had no voice outside of her own territory. That was probably due to the fact that she didn't jump blindly into war like so many others do.

Today was not the day that she'd speak to her husband [member="Veiere Arenais"] . He had enough on his plate already. Kay had to tell herself that it was a good thing, that perhaps even the Force was preventing them from being together; bringing in people and situations that would occupy their time.

But of course that couldn't be it. That'd be silly. No. Today just wasn't her day.

.....Or maybe it was.

Hearing Veiere call out caused her to stop in her tracks. Whether he was meaning [member="Romi Jade"] or herself, Kay wasn't certain as she wasn't listening to all of the conversation given that she had been speaking with HK. As she turned around, she took notice that the droid had disappeared.

Kay took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as she made her way back to the clearing, noticing that her estranged husband was looking right at her. "I...didn't want to interrupt." Nor did she want to make a private discussion public.

 

[Warchief Waddles]

Tension filled the air, so thick Aten felt as though if it manifested it would be more than capable of suffocating him. Most of that tension came from Master Jade her temperament even to someone as naïve as Aten apparent. He’d never seen her so emotional, he’d seen Romi playful, serious, even concerned but he’d never seen her truly angry. Not only see but he could feel it, that well bubbling within her. There was something wrong, what it was Aten didn’t know. Yet just her holding her saber and pointing it at Veiere was enough for Aten to turn his back completely to the exile and face Romi head on his body in line where if she wished to attack she’d have to strike down her apprentice.

Romi had taught Aten, she was his superior in the force, in saber combat, even slightly so in martial arts. With that Aten still knew he’d be able to defend himself and Veiere for a short period of time from whatever assault Romi raised. Ears open the Morellian listened to the back and forth between the two. It was obvious in veiere’s tone that he was remorseful that he still cared for Romi in one way or another. “Master, he’s atoning for his sins already. We all have those times where the dark comes, Veiere experienced it.”

Moving slightly closer to Romi, slowly his arms spreading slightly, held out at his sides. “Master Veiere is right in that we should do this at another time, on another day.” Reaching out with his right hand Aten would attempt to lay it comfortingly on his Master’s arm. “To strike someone down in anger is not the way of the light. We all fall from it sometimes Master, but we must also oppose it… Let’s go home?” There were many things that had to be discussed between the apprentice, Romi and Veiere but not while Master Jade was in such a state of mind.

“I’m sorry for bringing you trouble Master Veiere, I never meant to do such a thing. I simply wanted a teacher, and hope you decide to teach me as well. There is still good in you, more than you know. I can feel it.” Looking over his shoulder and offering a smile to the Master Aten noticed the woman exiting the surrounding forestry to join them. “Plus best we don't interrupt you and your wife. It is a pleasure to meet you mam.”

[member="Lady Kay"], [member="Veiere Arenais"], [member="Romi Jade"], [member="HK-36"], [member="Atheus Voidwalker"]

 

[HK-36]

[member="Lady Kay"], [member="Romi Jade"], [member="Aten Ramses"], [member="Veiere Arenais"], [member="Atheus Voidwalker"],


The droid didn't actually disappeared, he had his cloak wrapped around him but its stealth field wasn't activated, he just wanted to get more comfortable. Although he was standing a bit farther away from the spot Kay last saw him since he was moving towards Veiere and others by the time she turned around, so it may have been that the dark coloring of his cloak and armor just caused him to blend in with the surroundings.

Either way, as Kay stepped up into their view, so did HK appeared out from the shadows, looking over them,

"Do not be so hasty to leave, kiddo."

The machine spoke up in response to Aten's words,

"I believe there is a bounty present that some of us here should discuss."

HK added ominously.

 

[Garza]

Oh was this always the interesting. The apprentice of Veiere coming to take him down, or to bring him to justice when her mind, clearly made up with the idea that she was tasked with righting the wrongs made by her master. Yes, her master had failed her. He did not teach her by example and in doing so, failed both of them. However, She was growing even more angry, the more I knew she was not going to lift her weapon to him.

She cared for him on a level that I have. A friend, an ally, and like a brother. Despite our own altercations, I had already moved on. I knew early on in my own life that people will betray you. Or at least, make the wrong decision in the wrong set of mind. While in my early life, I would have come here so easily and fought him, I myself can see how much I have changed. How much I have moved from my past to be willing to let it all go. Let the hate or anger from someone's mistake fall away to understand who they are.

It seemed that the apprentice, still had much to learn. The three jedi began to speak about one another. I kept my voice silent. As much as I could interject and add to the situation, I felt that I was not needed directly at this moment. This was a learning curve, and situation for all three of them. Veiere for seeing how much pain he had caused. How deeply it ran in those he affected. Romi for how her master had made a mistake and his willingness to repent, to make up, or to even reverse the problems he created. Aten to see how a Jedi as mindful of his master, is still fallible, and it was only through her decisions, that she could stay along the path of their "light."

Once when Aten attempted to calm the situation, I only now decided to speak up.

"Veiere is a man who knows he has wronged many people. Myself included. His exile here, his choice to come here alone, is so that he might find a way to repent, to fix, or to simply find a way to apologize to you and the people he has hurt. I only hope that a woman that I have heard with a cool head, would be able to understand the gravity of the situation, from a different perspective."

However, that was changing fast. Lady Kay had stepped out Responding to the yell from Veiere. It was interesting to see the woman hiding within the shadows. However, her voice rang true. She never wanted to interrupt, nor cause harm to those she cared for. Very likely, the confusion from earlier was if she should intervene herself. To speak to her husband in exile. Yet that too, changed.

The large droid donning a cloak to keep him hidden exposed himself. Was this droid speaking to Lady Kay earlier? or was he just coming here for the sake of the bounty? I shook my head with sadness. Someone here had a bounty on them. In truth, it was likely all of us could have been found in some form of wealth to the galaxy. All of us had wronged someone before. Turning to this droid, I very calmly spoke to him.

"I believe that should you attempt to take said bounty, you will not find it easy."

Mentally I was kicking myself in the arse with not attempting to sense the droid. I was so reliant upon feeling others in the force through emotions, that I failed to even see that this robotic life form was here. It relied on human and living being's emotions. Droids were impossible for me to feel with any kind of empathy. However, Despite this, I knew that I should not trust whatever this droid was after. We were not going to sell one another out. Nor did I believe that whomever the bounty was on, would give up so easily.

However with this rapid turn of events, I had my doubts.

[member="HK-36"], [member="Aten Ramses"], [member="Lady Kay"], [member="Veiere Arenais"], [member="Romi Jade"],

 

[Romi Jade]

"Then we can deal with things without your Apprentice here to see such things..."

"Please...as if Aten were some child who hadn't seen worse already. Don't attempt to guilt me into not possibly doing something because he's present. Don't deflect."

A beat.

She took in the words of her apprentice, "There won't be another time nor another day. If I wished to do him harm it would've happened a long time ago..." She lowered her weapon as she always intended to do. "I didn't come here for him, I came for you." She looked to Aten, "And I made my mind up a long time ago as well..."

Surely everyone deserved a second chance, she never wished to deny him that. But his journey of atonement didn't make up for what he did, nor would everyone forgive him or have to. He'd have to live with that, and that was the conclusion she reached a long time ago.

Mistakes still left wounds, and sometimes they were impossible to heal.

Killing him or somehow bringing him to justice was never her mission. Veiere was of little concern, she came only because she worried for what her own apprentice would seek out on Commenor. Really her own emotions were magnified by the poison running through her veins, something the others were oblivious to and possibly saw her only as scorned maybe. She was beyond that, it was just her personal pain that had been twisted by supernatural means.

But she reached of level of control where she could walk away, easily. Learning and accepting yourself was what allowed her to stay on the path to the light, there was a level of trust she maintained with herself. She'd been fostering that in her own apprentices. She was wiser than they thought.

Her head whipped over to Atheus, "That's good for him, and I hope his journey proves fruitful." Her eyes darted between the two men as she turned.

It took more energy to balance herself again, to keep the corruption at bay. Up until this point she'd never struggled this much with it.

She turned and looked at the droid and then back at Aten "A bounty?"

[member="Atheus Voidwalker"] | [member="HK-36"] | [member="Aten Ramses"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Veiere Arenais"]