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Investigating the crime scene 10/31/21
TheTraveler — 10/31/2021
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Walking back into the school, Durro could feel the darkside here. The murder had scared the place and left its mark. Beyond that, he could feel the echoes of the terror by the children who had witnessed the brutal murder before their eyes. Reaching out through the force, he could even hear their terror filled screams of horror. Durro felt his heart weep at the pain and horror that had been created in that moment. But now was not the time to be side tracked, he was conducting an investigation.
The area had already been investigated by Raxus’ own justice department. Their markers and images outlined what Durro already knew. Walking through the holo images, Durro watched step by step as Astra stalked her victim, them for a brief moment she paused. A moment that could have saved her from this fate or sealed her fate. Then her attack came as the door opened. It was sloppy, but effective. She brought the lightsaber up between his shoulder blades and activated it. Her blade burned a hole through his chest killing him instantly. Then came her confused and lost look at the chaos she created spun out of control.
It was time for Durro to get down to business!
Durro Thel-Tanis — 10/31/2021
Durro reaches past the stain of the dark actions here, trying to follow the Force 'upstream', to determine what currents had flowed to lead to this point. To determine if there was anything... odd. Malevolent. Was there something special about this room? This hallway? This school?
(((Let me know if I need to roll anything.)))
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 10/31/2021
(( @Durro Thel-Tanis Roll Sense))
Durro Thel-Tanis — 10/31/2021
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TheTraveler — 10/31/2021
Durro can feel the currents of the Force flowing freely here. Two small flows within the Force converge here and only one leaves. The school, the hallway, the room played no special part within the currents. That said, it was in Astra's actions that Durro finds a small vortex in the current. One that took place just moments before she attacked.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 10/31/2021
Durro pulls the Force around him like a familiar, well-worn cloak. He attempts to 'peer' into the vortex, to probe its depths without fully immersing himself.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 10/31/2021
@Durro Thel-Tanis can feel Astra's confusion, her fear, her apparition and her desire to protect the younglings. Those who she truly felt were moments from death.
Durro Thel-Tanis — 10/31/2021
Coming out of meditation, Durro contemplates his findings while he walks the halls. He searches for the administration area, hoping there is someone here to answer a few questions.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 10/31/2021
Sadly, the building is an active crime scene. There is no one to ask questions. But there is a computer at the Central Office that he can seek some answers from.
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 10/31/2021
Durro accesses the central office terminal, looking for all available information about Jedi Master Mors and his relationship to the ORA and to Raxus Prime.
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@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 10/31/2021
This is a school computer. All it records is information on the school. Though Master Mors has been coming here and doing reading time with the kids for the past couple of days. His attention has really helped a few kids out. Master Mors hasn't been listed in the computer prior to his first visit.
Durro Thel-Tanis — 10/31/2021
Durro smiles; a school computer isolated from the planetary network? There is a wholesome simplicity to it.
Leaving the school, he crosses to the administration building. To the secretary inside he says;
"Good day. Is Master Gast available?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 10/31/2021
Master Gast who had been sitting in the next room over got up and walked out the door. He smiled as he gave Durro a nod, "Greetings Master Thel-Tanis."
Durro Thel-Tanis — 10/31/2021
Durro smiles and nods back.
"Master Gast. I'm sorry for your loss. As neither of us are allowed to aid in the investigation, I'd like to hear more about Master Mors. If you'll entertain me."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 10/31/2021
He nodded, "you will forgive me, but there is much I won't be able to answer. But I will do my best."
Durro Thel-Tanis — 10/31/2021
Durro smiles and says;
"This isn't an investigation, Master Gast. I want to know your friend, what he was like. What can you tell me about him? His family, his friends? His hopes and ambitions, hobbies? What was Master Mors like?"
"After our dinner, I was looking forward to getting to know both of you better while the shuttle is being worked on."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 10/31/2021
He frowned, "The best way to describe Master Mors, is simply like this. He was the best of us. The kind of person that brought the best out of everyone. He did take to you very well, despite my warnings. He had no family, raised at the Coruscant Temple as an orphan. But as for his friends, I can't think of a person who wouldn't have called him friend."
Durro Thel-Tanis — 10/31/2021
"He loved people." Durro says with a smile. "Is that why he told stories to the school children? I saw he had books, and a small model shuttle when..."
He does not finish the sentence.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 10/31/2021
"It was one of the thinks he prided himself on," even before they asked him to join the High Council, he and I would travel from temple to temple. I had my jobs, and he would just spend time with the children," Master Gast explained
Durro Thel-Tanis — 10/31/2021
"He was a member of the High Council?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/01/2021
Master Gast frowns deeply, "I'm sorry Master Thel-Tanis, such inquiries will have to be directed to Olivan." Taking a step back, he turned to the pleasant secretary. "Did the investigator say how long he will be. I would like to clean out Master Mors quarters and return to Olivan." She merely shook her head.
Grumbling he said, "I hate bureaucracy!"
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 11/02/2021
"Come now." Durro says with a sly smile. "Bureaucracy is one of the best tests of a Jedi's patience."
He too, readies himself to leave.
"I should return to my quarters. Thanks for taking the time to tell me a little about Master Mors. Until next time."
He bows respectfully.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/02/2021
Master Gast grumbled, but gave a friendly bow, "until next time, Master Thel-Tanis."
As Durro was heading for the door Master Gast called hmto him, "your Padawan." There was uncertainty in his voice. "I don't wish her ill, but we both know she needs to be sent somewhere she can get help."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 11/02/2021
Durro stops and asks;
"Do you have any suggestions?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/02/2021
He frowned, "if Starlight was still an option." There was defeat in his voice, "but its not. The best suggestion might by secure her in Carbonite till it can become available."
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Durro Thel-Tanis — 11/02/2021
"Why is Starlight not an option?" Durro asks. "Last I heard, it was still in operation."
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/02/2021
He shook his head, "the facility is in enemy hands. Our own staff barely made it out without becoming prisoners of war."
He bowed once more, "I don't mean to keep you." On that he turned and started to return to the waiting area.
Durro Thel-Tanis — 11/02/2021
Durro walks after him.
"Wait, Master Gast. When did this happen; what happend on Starlight?" I was there, just before we came here. Was it General Graff?"
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/02/2021
He paused, "it was when Graff escaped. Olivan was made the escape goat at first. Then when he broke the blockade at Olivan, we were deemed conspirators in the escape."
He sighed, "Master Thel-Tanis, it has been a long and troubling day. If you will excuse me." On that note, he turned and left the area.
Durro Thel-Tanis — 11/02/2021
"My apologies, Master Gast."
Durro bows again and leaves as well. On the way back to the barracks he think to himself;
"Damn Alternate Jedi and their damn factions. Starlight is in Republic and Core Jedi hands. Of course the ORA says it's in 'enemy hands'."
Back in his quarters, Durro accesses the base's computer system. Locating Master Mors quarters, he heads there to see what he can find.
The door slides open nearly silently. Durro steps in and looks around, reaching out to feel the currents of the Force.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/02/2021
@Durro Thel-Tanis
Slipping into Master Mors room, Durro found the room oddly simple. With two bunk beds and a desk, the lay out was no different this his own barracks room that he shared with Astra. Three of the four bunks had their linen still folded up and resting neatly at the foot of the bed. The left lower bed was neatly made. The lower bunk directly across held a suitcase, that was opened.
On the desk, a holoimage of a young girl in military style Jedi robes frozen in mid wave. Picking up the holoimage, Durro activated it and the girl came alive as she spoke the recorded message. “Hi grandpa! Dantooine is so beautiful! The Academy here is just the best! I made so many new friends. Mammy says that in a few months you promised to come visit us. I miss you so much grandpa.” The image moved back to the original starting point and froze once more.
Laying on the desk were reports from across the Outer Rim. Reports of the war between the two factions of Jedi. The news that Durro heard painted the war as more of a series of skirmishes. But these reports revealed a far worse situation. Hundreds of lives lost just last week in nine separate engagements. Even Baklid was listed in these reports. The ORA suffered heavily in personal and in material to take the system.
There was also a memo from Commander Thel-Tanis.
“Master Mors, I am pleased to hear of your pending arrival. I hope you will come to see our project with fresh new eyes. If we are successful, the ORA might not only survive but win this war. All I ask is that you keep an open mind to our efforts.”
Tossed on the bed, a datapad.
Durro Thel-Tanis — 11/02/2021
Keeping one (metaphysical) eye and ear open and alert to approaching footsteps; Durro accesses the datapad. Dare he hope this small device holds some answers?
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/02/2021
12.07.0969
1030
I had breakfast with Master Gast over breakfast. We talked about this Durro Thel-Tanis, and Master Gast's opinion of this rather strange man. Master Thel-Tanis is truly a strange man. I found him to be a curiosity if I were to be truthful. Still, while Master Gast may not be completely convinced of Durro Thel-Tanis, I am. I truly believe that he can get both sides to listen to reason. I just wish I had more time. More time to save lives. More time to end this needless war. More time to pursue these horrific visions. I saw her again today walking across the tarmac with Master Thel-Tanis. I am certain now that that woman who has accompanied Master Thel-Tanis is in fact the assassin sent to kill me. And yet, I still find myself wondering if I dare defy the Will of the Force. I have a grave sense about the whole thing. Tonight, after dinner, I will make sure to speak with Master Thel-Tanis. To tell him everything I know. Even if I don’t defy the Will of the Force, maybe he can continue where I left off.
12.06.0969
1715
We are scheduled to have dinner with Master Thel-Tanis. With each passing moment, I feel like our paths grow closer. Commander Thel-Tanis wants the man and his Padawan off this base. She even suggested moving them to a different facility on world. But I sense that is a mistake. There is a great tension I can feel in the Force. They are meant to be here. Meant to serve a purpose. I spoke with Nib and suggested to her that the ship’s maintenance had been run a foil. I like Nib very much. Despite the pains of her past, she has never once faltered to help others in need. I pained me to trick her like that. And I know Commander Thel-Tanis will have another one of her well-known explosions at the change of her plans. Still, I want to have a private meeting with this man from another universe. He very well, could be the key!
12.06.0969
1335
From the walkway of the control tower, I saw a pair of Jedi land today at the main tarmac. When I saw their ship arrive from hyperspace, I felt the Force at work. It took only a bit of a suggestion to the Officer of the Deck, that they might be here on official ORA business. Possibly an inspection. I felt bad that the Officer was so harshly dealt with, but the Force brought them here to us. I had no choice! After seeing, it was the female Padawan that caught my eye. I curse myself for not concealing my surface emotions. Commander Thel-Tanis read me like an old book. She promised the young female would not be an issue and my official place would be concealed. I fear her actions will only speed us to our rendezvous with fate. Still, she might not be the one from my visions. Is this what the Force has laid out for me? To become fearful of every shadow and noise? I grow tired of all of this. After Master Gast and I return from Mon Calamari, I might just take Master Palpatine up on his offer.
12.06.0969
1125
I just returned from story time with the younglings here. I so enjoy spending time with them. Eyes wide to the possibilities and dreams as vast as the galaxy itself. I don’t think they get the attention that they need from the likes of Commander Thel-Tanis. Not that I blame her. No one would, considering her history. One thing I have learned since coming to this outpost is the remarkable personal stories of each of the people who call this place home. I still find it troubling that the Force has led me here. I know Master Gast is growing short tempered with me and these delays. If it were up to him, we would be speeding our way to Mon Calamari. He will have to just wait one more day. I promised him, if I don’t find what I am seeking here, we will be leaving tomorrow.
12.05.0969
2145
We enjoyed another dinner with Commander Thel-Tanis. I can see where her explosive reputation comes from. She is a woman of great conviction and honor, who doesn’t tolerate mistakes from her subordinates. The strange thing is how so many overlook the unreasonable standards that she puts on herself. We enjoyed long conversations regarding her training at the Serenno. I won’t lie, I was quite impressed with her recounting of her training. Of course, Master Gast ensured that I was well verst in her background prior to dinner. Sometimes I wonder where I would be without such a friend. That brings me to the sad part of this entry. I hated to turn the evening sour, but I had to warn of her the Crusade. I had to tell her that they can’t be trusted. Just like a military type to ignore my warnings. Still, I can’t hold her completely at fault. Not even moments into my protest, I felt my voice taken from me. The shocked look on Master Gast’s face was enough to convince me. It was if the Force itself meant to keep my tongue. I don’t know why it would desire to protect the monsters of the Crusade. Alas Raxus is filled with surprises, and I sense one more is yet to be revealed. To his despair, I asked Master Gast for one more day.
12.05.0969
0935
I followed the Force, and convinced Master Gast to take us to Raxus. What I had discovered was my worse nightmare! Next to the ORA’s secret research facility is a Crusader Raider! Master Gast nearly ordered a strike package on the ship the moment we landed and realized what we were looking at. I met Hala (Again), and she, to my utter surprise recognized me. There she stood looking no different all these years later. So many years later and yet I killed her. Still there she stood before me in Commander Thel-Tanis’ office. I must have looked like a raving fool as I stood there. It took all my Will to resist the urge to activate my lightsaber and strike her down. How could she be here today!? And she hasn’t aged a single moment!? Who is this woman? She even apologized for killing my Master back then. Master Gast saved me from my own confusion. We promptly left, but I must warn Commander Thel-Tanis! Tonight, at dinner, I will make my case and tell her of this woman’s history!
12.04.0969
2135
I think Master Gast is going to strangle me! No, I jest. I asked him to change our course for Raxus. It wasn’t hard to explain. I simply told him that the Force is drawing me there. Like a good friend, he nodded and laid in the new course. I have sent a message ahead to Mon Calamari and advised them they we were going to be delayed a few days. I know that the war should take a much higher priority to me, but I can’t ignore the Will of the Force. There is something there on Raxus for me. I can feel it drawing me. I wonder if Raxus holds part of the secrets to the horrific visions I had been having. The hunger beyond the Outer Rim seems to be growing with each passing day. I don’t know what it is but something horrible is coming and if we are not ready for it, I fear there will be nothing left.
12.03.0696
2045
I think Master Gast is cheating me. Six games in a row, he has beaten me! He asked me the strangest of questions. He asked me how much confidence I had in these coming peace talks. I told him that first, they were peace talks. The Council nor the ORA had authorized me to meet with members of the Coruscant Council. Second, it didn’t matter rather I had confidence or not. I explained to him, that there were more Jedi, more force sensitives and more under arms on both sides then across all recorded history. I asked him if he thought that was strange. I expected his lack of understanding, and it did bring a smile to my face. Though, for me, personally, I feel like it’s a piece of a large puzzle. I just wish I understood what these visions mean. I know the war is part of the puzzle. I explained to him, that the Jedi were part of both the destruction and the solution, but not both. The people I selected for this meeting are those who I believe will listen.
12.03.0969
0335
We have left Olivan in the shadows of the night. Master Gast once more has proven his worth in both skill and loyalty. If the Grand Council were to find out what their Grand Master was planning to do, they would surely have been committed. But I can’t allow this war to continue. Brother and sister slaying each other, this is maddening! My gratitude to Master Palpatine in helping me in setting up this meeting with members of the Coruscant Council. I know many of them, and they are good people at heart. If they will listen, I am sure we can end this war while it is still young. There is something horrible growing in the Unknown Regions, a hunger that dares to consume us all. I will tell them everything I know, everything that Master Palpatine has told me. I will make them see that this war must end, and it must end now! Then I will make my own Council stand down. The Jedi must be whole if we are to stand and defend the Galaxy. And even that, I don’t know will be enough. But we must be ready!
12.02.0969
2045
Everything is set, and now I must wait and let Master Gast to his job. It is unsettling sitting here in the Master’s Chamber and waiting. My own Council had just left moments ago. Good people all of them, and it pained me to conceal my intentions from them. But I can’t leave anything to chance. Not after their reaction to my revelation about a plot to assassinate me. Even for some of the wisest and most learned Masters, they didn’t seem to want to accept my description of a Jedi, possibly female, who’s aura was in spiral. For weeks, they had me under guard and confined to the Temple. I can’t allow that this time. I bid them all farewell and ensured them that we would meet after first meditations in the morning. By then, I will have started my secret mission.
12.02.0696
1215
I have just returned from my conversation with Master Palpatine. If the press would have found out, the scandal! My debt with Master Gast will never be settled. His ability to move me secretly from place to place has been one of his greatest traits. My conversation with Master Palpatine was, on the other hand, very eye opening. I told him of the battle between the Sith Warrior and one I believed was one of his students. He seemed to be aware of it as well. He told me about the beacon and that he had sent some of his students there to ensure the Will of the Force is followed. When I questioned him about the growing hunger I sense from beyond the edges of the galaxy, he seemed to understand what I was speaking of. He invited me to go Mind Walking with him. It was a clever attempt; I will give him that. I know the dangers of Mind Walking. I told him, that I had to try to stop the war. He accepted my decision and offered to help. He allowed me to use his own private holonet link to set up the meeting. Master Billaba and I have agreed to meet on Mon Calamari in two days.
I know this is getting long, but I feel I must record this. I asked Master Palpatine why help me try to end the war he felt was part of the Will of the Force. His answer surprised me. He told me that no matter how hard we try to resist the currents of the Force, it will be as it should be. And if the Will of the Force means the war does end, then he did his part in following the currents. I have heard many stories of Master Palpatine and his views. I am both sad, and surprised that the man lived up to the stories. This is only the first step. Meeting with a member of the Coruscant Council could be viewed as treason. I will have to lean more heavily on Master Gast if I am to bring this war to an end. I can only trust that Master Billaba can make her own way to Mon Calamari.
I won’t lie to myself; the idea of this meeting does stir fears. Will I come face to face with my Jedi assassin there? Will Master Billaba betray me? None of that matters now! This meeting has to happen, and I must convince them that the war needs to end.
The rest of the journal has already been uploaded and not within this data pad.
Durro Thel-Tanis — 11/02/2021
Durro reads each entry several times, memorizing key details. Once he is finished, he replaces the datapad as best he can and goes over to the suitcase to have a look inside.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/02/2021
Within the suite case, Durro find purpose chosen clothing meant for wet place. There isn't much more than clothes and toiletries carried by someone who was traveling.
(OCC: Sorry didn't think of the contents of the suite case lol)
Durro Thel-Tanis — 11/02/2021
Still keeping his senses alert for Master Gast (whom he is expecting any minute), Durro goes back to the reports on the desk. He had glanced over them, time to give them a proper read. Or skimming, in this case.
@TheTraveler
TheTraveler — 11/02/2021
(OOC: Aside from what you know about the nature of the war, what are you looking for now?)
Durro Thel-Tanis — 11/02/2021
(((Looking for mentions of Sinya or Tarkin. The Angel's Blessings. I know what I am investigating, but information is information, and it is valuable. lol)))
TheTraveler — 11/02/2021
(OOC: No, these are general reports of units and conflicts they were part of. Though it does support Commander Thel-Tanis' claim that the Dead Hand Fleet isn't ORA. There was a dust up between an ORA task force and three ships of the Dead Hand Fleet. Both sides broke off the engagement halfway through.)
Durro Thel-Tanis — 11/02/2021
Durro notes the information, then decides he has tempted fate enough for now. Leaving everything the way he found it as best he can, he slips from the room; intending to return to his own quarters.
@TheTraveler
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