On 3/19/2020 at 11:25 AM, Rabobankrider said:

The admiral listens in taught silence as he slowly takes in what was being told him by the chiss. Finally after what felt like an age, Ovitom sits back down behind the desk. For the first time he gestures for Zoroku to sit down in the cluttered chair in front of him. "Just move the datapads to the floor, I'll deal with them later".

The admiral pours another drink before sliding it towards the jedi. Topping up his own he speaks again. "Alright then, you want to help the republic, and you want to get in cosy with the navy, I can buy that, Zoro. Here's the thing though, my old man always said, you never get nothing for nothing. You want this, you need to 'buy in', as it were. You say you've got information for us, let's hear some".

" Certainly." Zoroku said as he sat down before the Admiral moving the data pads as he said " The fighter ships seen at the attack are alien even to me, likely because I have not been in the Unkown Regions for the better part of two decades, however I was able to glean many things from the ships themselves and the pilots of the ships." Zoroku started to explain while looking straight at Ovitom, " The fighters are short range, unable to jump to hyperspace without transport, and their coloration implies that they are from the Sith Empire. The Pilots as I observed were using maneuvers very similar to that of the republic's Lightning Strike teams attacking quickly at priority targets then retreating to safety for a second pass until the target is destroyed. This information while interesting alone does not mean that the Pilots necessarily have our tactics or are former Republic, as it is a tactic many a commander could come up with no matter their origin." As Zoroku explained he was building a diagram on the Admiral's desk using stray paper and binder clips to roughly form the layout of the foerost station with the larger binder clips and to simulate the fighters with the smaller paper clips.

" In the course of the defense of the station I along with a group of fellow padawans captured a few of the soldiers that were attacking us and attempted to question them. What I found was alarming the men were former Republic Marines, making the Tactics that the pilots were using from the Lightning Strike Teams, no longer Coincidental." He paused Letting Ovitom process what he said, he waited until he though that the Admiral was ready "We all know that a large portion of the Republic Navy disappeared into the Unknown Regions along with Revan toward the end of the Mandalorian Conflict, No one knows where he went, but with my knowledge of the map of that bit of space, I knew he was jumping very close to or in Sith Empire Space. With the betrayal by Admiral Karath it seems more and more likely that the attackers at Foerost are Former Republic swayed to the bidding of the Sith Empire." He took a pensive stance resting a hand on his chin as he waited for Ovitom's response.

Force Power Check [Move] : 2eF 2 Dark Side

Krios glanced over at his lightsaber resting on the mat and grimaced as he reached out with his hand, the lightsaber twitching but nothing more.

"Ah, I guess I need more practice in everything."

Krios shook An-Djana's hand vigorously then walked a short distance to pick up his lightsaber.

"Perhaps another match?" Krios said hopefully, also giving a quick glance to Armatta and Shu.

“I could go for another dance. You lead this time.”

Krios nods and walks towards An-Djana and the center of the mat, activating his lightsaber and flourishing with the standard salute.

"When you are ready?" Krios takes a moment to assume a balanced stance and waits for An-DJana to ready her weapon.

"I have trained in several styles with my master but I haven't really settled into one yet..." seeing An-Djana was ready Krios launched into his attack, his prehensile feet carrying him quickly and he rained down several powerful blows, An-Djana's Niman style deftly knocking several aside but Krios strength overcame one parry, stinging her side.

The hit stings, indeed taking some of the wind from her. “Oof.. Nice shot,” Andja manages, performing an awkward bow. “No more dancing for me, now, thank you.”

She joins the other Jedi, resting off to the side.

Krios deactivates his lightsaber and returns the bow and rising, looking around wondering what to do next...

He returns the practice saber and put's his own on his belt, grabs his cloak and hangs it over his arm and follows An-Djana to join the other Jedi...

"Thanks for that", Krios chucked a bit, "I haven't been copped up here long but it was wearing on me. More to do as a Watchmen on the outer rim I guess...nice saber work by the way..." Krios trailed off blushing a little.

Looking over all the Jedi Krios shiftedn from foot to foot nervously. "I'm Krios, nice to meet you."

“And thank you, Krios. I have been uncharacteristically on edge, and I’m not sure why. I needed a little release, as well.” An-Djana laughs with the Lasat, hoping to put him at ease. “And do call me Andja. You’re a watchman?! How exciting!”

"Armatta Tano'bi," Armatta introduced herself. "My master's a Watchman, so I've spent most of my padawan years so far on the Outer Rim. This is the first time that I've been back to Coruscant in something like thirteen years - usually I'm either stuck on a neutral space station, or following Master Seltash around."

There is a long silence as Ovitom listens to the jedi. For being such a casual figure earlier, he watches Zoroku with a real intensity. After a long while he moves away from the desk with a grunt. Slowly he makes his way to a cabinet and pours a new drink into a second glass. Taking the glass over to Zoroku he places it on the desk before retaking his seat. "Normally if you told someone this, they'd think you were lying, or just confused. What you're saying, there's no evidence of beyond your word". At that the devaronian wrinkles his face up in disgust. "Of course, it seems that before all this, Karath had headed up the relief effort for the shipyard. That included transporting the prisoners and fighter wrecks to Corouscant. They never made it of course".

He clears his throat before continuing. "Right now, there's no way they'll let a jedi join the navy. There's too much bad blood and distrust. Anyway, your order would hardly let a jedi take on military connections, now would they?". He lets this hang in the air for a moment before smiling a cunning smile. "Having said that, it doesn't mean we can't help each other. I'm glad you came to me with this. I'm one of the only ones interested in what lies beyond the known reaches. I'm going to investigate what you said, see if I can locate these transports. If what you say is true, I can see about an honorary role in the expeditionary fleet, maybe".

Finishing his drink, Ovitom taps his desk meaningfully. "I'll need more than this though. Specific, up to date information, and I need to know I can trust you. The navy has been burnt by your kind before, and I won't let a force user do it again. If you bring me something up to date, something I can act on, then we can talk about a deal. For now you've got your foot in the door, jedi. Now you better be getting out of here, the investigators probably will be wondering what you're up to".

" I will see what I can information I can get for you." Zoroku says as he stands up from Ovitom's desk, " Until we meet again." Zoroku would say with a polite nod and exited the Admirals' office.

Zoroku would make his way back to the Jedi Temple inquiring as to where Armatta was so that he may retrieve his Lightsaber.

Armatta became momentarily distracted when her folded cloak started emitting a discreet chiming sound.

"Please excuse me, my cloak is signalling for my attention," she quipped as she reached for it. She checked her text message interface, then swiftly sent a reply. "A new friend of mine, Zoroku, will be joining us shortly," Armatta informed the group of gathered padawans.

Zoroku after receiving a reply from Armatta that she was in the sparring rooms headed straight there. When he entered the room he would spot the group that she was with and headed over. " Good Evening, I am Kazz'Oro'Kuruozo." He said to the group then turned his attention and glowing red eyes to Armatta, " Were you able to finish the repairs on my lightsaber?" He asked politely.

"Indeed I did," Armatta replied as she reached again for the folded cloak. Carefully hidden beneath it was Zoroku's lightsabre, and she handed it over to him.

"It turned out to be nothing more than a broken power cell bracket, so it was a relatively simple fix. I charged your workshop account for the cost of the replacement part."

" Thank you," He said as he took the lightsaber and clipped it to his belt, " Were you all sparing?" He said looking to the group and then back to Armatta.

"Yep, we've already had two different open sparring matches - and I've got the bruises to show for it!" Armatta grinned. "Maybe one of the others would like to offer you a match?" she looked inquiringly at Shu, Andja, and Krios.

As Silun finishes his time meditating, he decides that now would be a good opportunity to get in some lightsaber practice and practice his form. He makes his way through the temple to the sparring rooms, but is surprised to see a large group already gathered. Feeling somewhat calmer from his time meditating, the Sullustan enters the chamber and finds a place to sit and observe the sparring matches taking place.

A sudden yawn ambushed Armatta, and she picked up her water bottle and folded cloak.

"Sorry, people, I'd love to stay and chat some more but I've had a long day and I need to get up early tomorrow morning for a pre-breakfast project. Good night!"

She officially returned the training 'sabre that she'd borrowed earlier that day and strode off to her tiny room (with its own minuscule refresher), looking forward to a hot shower before falling into bed - and hoping not to run into any Jedi from species with sensitive noses on her way.

Early the next morning she grabbed a quick cup of tea and a breakfast snack from her personal stash, and returned to the Temple’s lightsabre workshop.

A back-up weapon is always a good idea, not to mention a great one if it has the ability to deal stun damage instead of lethal damage. Let’s begin with a standard hilt ...

An hour later she was looking down at a newly crafted hilt with great satisfaction. This one’s even better than my old one. Maybe ...

Armatta picked a training emitter from the workshop's available selection and charged it to her workshop account along with the materials used for the new hilt. She then proceeded to strip her Ilum crystal and magnetic weapon tether from the old hilt and installed them in the new one. The training emitter was then installed in the old hilt. It took less than quarter of an hour to finish the removal and installation, and when she had finished she was looking at two lightsabres with some satisfaction.

The new one with her white Ilum crystal had the magnetic weapon tether and a design which was personalised to fit her hand. The older one was of a different, more discreet design - once it had even been mistaken for a glowrod! - and now it functioned soley as a training 'sabre.

Mission accomplished. Time for a proper breakfast! And to hear what the commissary rumours have to say about the latest craziness to hit the Temple.

Armatta joined the late breakfast rush in the commissary, wondering if she'd see any of her friends and acquaintances there.

As the day comes to a close, Silun also leaves without saying much of anything to the others gathered. He returns to his quarters and prepares for bed, dearly hoping that the next day will bring some excitement.

Waking the next morning, he slowly makes his way through his morning routine, in no rush to be anywhere. Once ready for the day, he heads to the commissary for breakfast and to try and catch any new news or rumors that might interest him.

Krios politely bowed to the gathered Padawans, Silun and Armatta making their own exits from the salle.

"Nice to met you, uh, Kazz'Oro, I'll need some more practice to get your whole name. Want to test out your new lightsaber, or practice with a training lightsaber? Though it is getting on in the evening" , Krios watched Silun and Armatta gather their belonging and leave, "but I've got one more match in me if you'd like or we could practice forms together so you can try out your lightsaber" , Krios said smiling.

Zoroku bids Armatta farewell as she leaves then turns to the voice behind him, " Call me by my Core Name, Zoroku." He says looking to Krios, " It is not a new lightsaber, simply a repair. However I am willing to spar if you wish to." He answers matter of factly.

"All right, Zoroku. How about training sabers?"

Krios walked over to the weapon rack again, dropped his robe on the ground and his lightsaber on top of it, and retrieved a training saber.

Once he'd made his way to the center of the sparring mats he looked at Zoroku activating his saber with a light flourish and bowed slightly.

"When you are ready"

Zoroku takes a training Saber and hands his robe on one of the weapon racks. " I am ready." He takes a ready position.

Krios and Zoroku sprung into different stances aggressive and protective - exchanging attacks, parries - leaping and spinning. Minutes passed and neither gave way. Krios growled and his centered focus on the Living Force slipped as he gave precedence to his raw physical ability and swung down hard at Zoroku, battering through his parry and hitting striking hard on his shoulder. Zoroku stepped back and put his hand up.

Krios and Zoroku were panting and rubbing the stinging welts left by the practice sabers.

"Now that's a duel!" Krios exclaimed. "You're good." Krios complimented Zoroku.

"That's enough for me. Anyone else hungry?"

" Your strategy is not much unlike my own." Zoroku said as he put away the training Lightsaber, " You are good as well. I will join you for dinner, it has been a long day and I should get some food then some rest."

Eventually the hectic day draws to an end, and the jedi are forced to return to their chambers either from fatigue or from the watchful gaze of the temple guards. For some the night is calm enough, and sleep is easy to find, while for those who had battled at the admiralty building this day would most likely find their time more restless. With the exception of Zoroku, Armatta had not seen real combat, certainly on that scale. So much death and destruction, and the betrayal of the whole situation. It all seemed so incredible and unlikely when thought about for too long.

Still, eventually the morning must break, and a new day comes about. In the morning Armatta is one of the only jedi to be find in the workshops so criminally early. Most jedi in the morning are more focused on their lightsaber forms or meditation. Jedi with a focus on mechanics is something of a rarity among the temples of Corouscant. Still, with their work done they are able to make their way to the commissary for food. This was one of the few room in the temple that could be described as 'modern'. It lacks much of the aesthetic of the temple, and is farm more functional with hard wearing tables made of metal. There are a few jedi here still as they make their way inside, and they do recognise a young sullustan eating alone. Had they seem them in passing the other day?

As the morning wears on, each padawan is sought out by one of the masked temple guards as they go about their daily lives. Each one is given a curt message from each guard. "The high council request your attention as soon as you are available. Now". The padawan's are quickly gathers and ushered through the still sombre corridors of the temple, where they are gathered eventually outside of the large double doors that lead to the council chambers. Most jedi will only pass through these doors a handful of times in their lives, and the padawans appeared to be joining those ranks.

The guards leave shortly after the arrival of the last padawan, and for a few moments the team is left alone, waiting pensively outside of he door. Eventually with an almost silent hiss, the door opens to let the padawans inside. Moving into the large temple chamber, the team is met with an incredible view of the planets cityscape horizon, a truly stunning sight that hides the darkness and incivility of the lower levels. The grand masters are sat near the back of the room in a curve, and Silun would most likely be surprised to see the jedi that he had run into yesterday sat among them.

What also came as a surprise was a small gathering of jedi to the left of the door. It was the padawan's masters, collected together and watching their charges very carefully as they walk in. Master Shaia, a young human woman dressed in functional battle robes, the master of Zoroku watches impasitonatly. It was rare for her to show her thoughts, especially in front of such authority. The rebellious zabrak jedi knight Kel, smiling a little as he gives Krios a very slight nod of approval. Master Garsa stood near the back of the gathering, looking more than a little restless with this situation.

The council was comprised of heroes of the jedi order. Masters Vrook, Vash, Atris, Ell and Kavar. It is master Vash; the head of the council, who stands and gestures to the padawans with open palms. "Padawans, I hope that you rested well. Unfortunately the following days for you may not be so peaceful". She pauses and takes a breath, almost readying herself before speaking. "As some of you know, the republic has suffered a great betrayal. Saul Karath; an admiral of the republic, has turned against us and has been directly responsible for the death of hundreds of republic citizens, the theft of several war ships, and the assassination of a fellow admiral. He has been a step ahead of us this entire time, and has done a masterful job of casting doubts upon the jedi and their involvement in this". She sighs and shakes her head. "Some in the senate believe we are behind the attacks, and have tried to use Karath as a scape-goat".

Atris speaks up at this. "However, thanks to the efforts of two of your number, it is only a matter of time till we can prove the truth, but it will take time".

"Time we do not have" Kavar adds. "We believe that Karath has left the planet on a private shuttle, but we believe that we have a clue as to where he is". The master gestures to small holo-recorder on the arm of his chair, and an audio transmission begins. The voice of Karath is identifiable, but distorted by some kind of electronic disturbance. "No! It's over, it's done. I can't go back now, we have to put the plan into action. No, no it's too late for that. I'm returning to where this began. I have been loyal, you will meet me, yes?" With that the recording ends, and the room is filled with silence.

"Where is began" Vrook would muse in a gravelly voice, rubbing his chin. "It would help if we knew who he was speaking to".