Umgul's Open Terrain

*Aerandir had taken the time to take a still image of the board in the precinct—encrypting it of course, as well as adding it to the case file—and had spent the initial part of the ride from the city to the lakehouse perusing it. But Morgan had asked to see the file and all of his notes so far, so he had relinquished it to her, more than pleased with her eagerness to keep up with all the details she could; he was actually surprised she was more interested in reading up on the subject rather than the upcoming pool party.

Morgan and Michelle had a few discussions amongst themselves regarding the entire case, which Aerandir himself mostly stayed out of, other than a few musings. Unlike Morgan, his own attention was on the destination and the pool party, but only because it afforded him the opportunity to meet Andros himself, as well as their friends and family, and give them better opportunity to work out the relationships and understand them more, mainly the Vyridian brothers. Hopefully it would bring some clues as well...

While he still couldn't perfectly see through the mists, his eyes certainly were adjusting; he'd spent most of the time not talking—and some while talking—attempting to adjust his eyesight once more, and being inside at the precinct had practically erased his efforts during the trip there. Perhaps he'd spend mornings and evenings outside when he had time to himself...

But he could see well enough to note the landmark approaching, which had to be the lakehouse. He could even make out the lake it sat beside, as well as the scenery.* "Wow," *he commented as he took it in, using this as well as an opportunity to adjust his eyes,* "this is quite serene and scenic. Remove all the mist and I'd say this place was just about perfect." *He chuckled a little and retrieved his datapad from Morgan as the speeder came to a stop outside the gate. Double-checking the encryption, he shut it down for now, took up the side bag he'd brought with him from the Academy, and exited the vehicle with the girls behind him.* "Hmm," *he hummed as he looked at the gate, then gave Serrin an amused smile.* "Perhaps it's better if you announce us, they know you better."

*He glanced toward the building again, not too surprised by the presence of several Force sensitives. But a couple were familiar to him, especially one he'd know anywhere...* "Curious," *he muttered to himself in amusement. Morgan would be pleased.*

I remain silent for the trip from the city to the lakehouse shared by Crystal and her housemates; my attention divided between piloting the speeder, idly toying with the facts and findings of the investigation thus far to try and gain a sense of the picture that might be revealed as we learn more, and attending to what my doppleganger perceives as she sits on standby in the medcenter. The effort required to keep the doppleganger present and attend to what is going on while simultaneously attending to all that I need to attend to in the here in now has only grown more taxing as time goes on, which is unsurprising even though she is essentially on standby with little of note transpiring, and so as we near the lakehouse I decide to abandon the effort to maintain the doppleganger before I exhaust myself completely; having the other me ask to be notified via holonet message should any change occur before I relinquish the effort to keep her present there. The relief is not exactly immediate, but I trust that I'll feel less divided now that I have only what my own senses take in to process.

"Hmm? Oh, yes, it is, isn't it?" I ask Aerandir somewhat distractedly when he comments on the lakehouse, nodding when he suggests that the absence of the mist would be a welcome addition to the scenery. I arch the thin ridge of muscle over my left eye inquisitively when Aerandir murmurs something, my own attention drawn inward before I can decide whether or not ask him if something is the matter since Crystal's telepathic message to me arrives on the heels of the murmured comment. Focusing on maintaining the connection between Crystal's mind and my own for a moment longer, I manage to send her the mental equivalent of a nod, too sapped by my earlier efforts with my doppleganger to convey anything more substantial.

Spotting Crystal waiting on the porch as I set the airspeeder down after we have gone through the last of the security checkpoints, I lift my hand to wave to her as, making the first of what will probably be many introductions this afternoon, I tell Aerandir and the others, "That is Crystal Kayne on the porch there, leaving it to her to decide what she wishes to share about herself as I know how much she values her privacy. Walking up to the porch after exiting the airspeeder, I smile as, gesturing to those I introduce as I acquaint Crystal with the Calmcacils and vice versa, Crystal, this is Aerandir Calmcacil, his daughter Morgan, and his sister Michelle. Everyone, meet Crystal."

*The gate had opened right before them, but then they were probably expected; and, of course, at least one person present would recognize Serrin. He'd thought he'd sensed a new presence flare up somewhat, before fading away... so at least one of them preferred to keep to themselves most of the time. A natural habit, or a learned one due to recent events?

He considered it unimportant for now as they approached the lakehouse, spotting one person waiting on the porch, a woman whom Serrin named as "Crystal Kayne." Ah, so this was, most likely, Atlantis's girlfriend then. When they were close enough that Serrin could introduce them, Aerandir gave a bow.* "Pleasure to meet you."

*Michelle mimicked his bow, the twelve-year-old blond straightening before greeting,* "What he said! We're glad to meet you and here to help any way we can."

*Aerandir nodded to reaffirm this, before looking around the property once more.* "This truly is a lovely place you got here," *he added, attempting to sound a little less formal.*