Residential Building - Dining Hall

Tchun, my left lekku, coils around my bicep as I listen to Atlantis speak of his brother, and then of what has been learned of the suspected killer; the physical profile one that does little to narrow down the list as the height is common for both males and females, though the description of the lightsaber used offers more details that are marginally more useful. Makashi users are, in general, not unlike dejarik players; each move carefully planned while affording a degree of flexibility in terms of strategy that other forms do not, by nature, have room for; one's chosen lightsaber form, often times, reflects the user's personality to a degree, and it is not a stretch to assume the killer is not an impetuous sort, rather one that is careful, and methodical. Something to bear in mind at any rate as we endeavor to uncover their identity and thwart their plans. The Rangers and detectives will undoubtedly have thoughts of their own to add to the profile, and so I set the matter aside for now.

Answering Michelle's question about the victims, I shake my head, seeing that I had been unclear when speaking earlier, and explaining, "The identities of the victims is not in question. I apologize if I was unclear. They have been positively identified; but there remains some question as to their involvement in criminal activity. From the reports and statements I've heard, Tok'la Sike, the primary victim, has never been successfully prosecuted for any criminal wrongdoing even though it is believed that he is, or rather was the head of a criminal organization. Lifting a hand and gesturing upwards, I say, Some criminals are careful and clever enough to avoid prosecution, unfortunately, and this Sike appears to have been an example of such a criminal.  Your point about the position the situation puts Andros in where coming clean about his past and alignment is valid; any such statement now, either confirming the suspicions and stating he has attempted to reform or trying to deny the suspicions, would seem self-serving at worst, and merely convenient at best.  He is damned if he stays silent, and equally damned should he try and set the record straight.  A clever trap, unfortunately. Addressing Aerandir's query about why Sike would have been chosen rather than an innocent, I say, The choice of victim was quiet fiendishly clever, actually. What is easier to believe: that a suspected Force user such as Andros believed to adhere to the Darker Side of the Force while having a role that affords him the chance to channel those inclinations towards the greater good would eliminate a criminal too clever to be brought to justice via normal channels? Or that he would strike down an innocent? The former makes the better, more believable tale, as damming as the latter would. No, I think that the killer chose their target with great care; the victims may not have a great deal of sympathy, true, but the perception that the law was set aside will engender fear and suspicion; especially when the fact little is actually known by the public of Andros' past or alignment makes it easy to believe the worst of him in this instance no matter how dedicated a public servant he has proven to be. In fact, that he has been so dedicated could make it all the more easy to believe he might do what has been suggested out of a misguided sense of serving the public by eliminating a criminal too clever to be caught by more conventional means. Turning towards Morgan, I say, You make a good point as well; our killer may well have somehow known of Andros' past, or is at least familiar enough with his public image to know that it would be easy to believe him capable of acting outside the law. At the very least, the killer must have some degree of familiarity with Umgul's political scene; so at a guess I'd say it is likely they are either a resident of Umgul, or acting at the behest of a resident."

*Serrin's clarification regarding the victims' identities set Aerandir a little more at ease, glad the issue was whether the victims were actually proven to be involved in crime, rather than whether the bodies actually belonged to said people. Death was death, but as long as they had identities and a lead, that would work out better in the long run. Aerandir almost cringed at the thought of the idea that the condition of someone's death could make something "better," but he quite skillfully resisted it.

Serrin then addressed Michelle's concerns of Andros "coming clean," noting it as another "clever trap" by the culprits, and that Andros was indeed in a tough position regardless. Atlantis then proceeded to give more insight on Andros: That he would never reveal that information to begin with, at least not to the public, feeling he didn't need to justify himself and that actions spoke louder than words. Ambar too had felt a similar way, though hadn't kept his alignment a secret; not that he really could, but he chose not to avoid that issue if it came up. So again, the two pairs of brothers had a bit of a similarity between them... a bit differently perhaps, in this situation. Aerandir, though, only nodded.*
Fair enough.
*Serrin then explained her perspective on the victim choice being rather clever, rather than just random civilians; it would be more believable if the victims were actual potential threats to the government and the city, rather than just random people. He should have considered that; it seemed quite obvious to him now that Serrin laid it out before him. He clicked his tongue and tapped his fist against his forehead in self-disapproval, then lowered it.*
Of course...
*And that was when Morgan spoke, slamming her hands down on the desk like she'd pieced together the perfect defense; he'd half-expected her to point dramatically but instead she only presented her own viewpoint: That whoever the culprits were, they had to somehow have had knowledge of Andros' past and alignment. Well, Aerandir certainly hadn't considered that angle either; his eyebrows raised and he gave Morgan an approving nod and smile, once again glad she was speaking up in this discussion and even presenting a compelling case. One she seemed to lose steam in at the end, so he gave her an encouraging smile.

Serrin answered this, noting it was a good point she had made, then suggested that it was true that the killer had to be familiar with Andros' ways in some sense, whether personally, through someone else, or simply via study; something Atlantis reinforced through the notion that Andros was in fact a little quick to anger, and not the "fuzziest person" to be around. Aerandir steepled his fingers over his mouth, humming thoughtfully for a moment, then spoke.*
Makes me wonder if he has has some kind of past ties. Maybe a former colleague when he was more... dark, unless that didn't involve outside influence. There must be some way of tracing a digital footprint, if that method was used, or monitoring activity...
*He looked up before he continued; much like Morgan, he hated to insinuate that someone close to the family could potentially be a mole or that they should be monitored, but all options had to be considered until they had reasonable proof to cut that line of thought, or if another particular tree bore more fruit. However, Atlantis seemed distracted by something and asked for a brief bit of excuse, taking out his datapad. Aerandir remained quiet for now.*

Unable to entirely conceal the faint note of distaste I feel when Atlantis, perhaps not expressing himself as clearly as he intends, describes Andros' attitude where the importance of making his past and alignment public knowledge, I nod to convey that I understand the gist of what he has said; in my estimation Andros is not quite as callous as Atlantis' description would suggest, and I can certainly understand a desire to be judged on the merits of one's actions above all else. It may only be that having been raised by the Jedi I find the disregard for openness and lack of concern for others that Atlantis' words suggested utterly alien; though understanding and accepting that the Jedi of the Mist Order do not place a similar value on openness and seem to guard to their thoughts as often as not will undoubtedly make working with them easier.

Inclining my head towards Aerandir to acknowledge that his question about whether or not Andros might have associates or enemies from his past that might bear consideration as possible candidates for suspects, I am about to ask Atlantis about the possibility in case Aerandir's somewhat musing aloud tone was not direct enough when Atlantis appears disturbed for a moment before sending a message on his datapad. After Morgan asks Atlantis whether or not he is alright, I give Atlantis a concerned frown without questioning him since I know by now he would explain matters if he wanted them to be known, and take a guess as to what might have disturbed Atlantis before suggesting, "Why don't we call it a night? Aerandir and I can get everyone settled in now that you've given us the necessary access and, I tap my own datapad laying on the table, a floorplan. I'm sure you're tired, and our speculation is bound to be more productive once we've had the chance to speak with the other investigators."

I am about to continue in a similar vein, though I doubt it will take a great deal of convincing for Atlantis to take his leave, when my datapad pings. Arching the thin ridge of muscle over my right eye inquisitively, I slide the datapad closer as I say in a mildly amused tone, "It seems it's my turn to ask to be excused for a moment. After reading the message, informing me that Knight Shadolen, who has been in a coma here on Umgul since last I was here on the world, appears to be emerging from that coma at long last, I can feel myself smiling despite all else going on, so welcome is the news of the change in Knight Shadolen's condition, as I tell Atlantis, It appears I'll be able to drop you off. Looking from Atlantis to the others to include them, I explain, A Jedi Knight from the academy on Corellia, who has been in a coma since crash landing here on Umgul some time ago, has begun to come out of his coma. I should be there in case he does regain consciousness," I say, standing and waiting to see if Atlantis would prefer to travel alone or allow me to drop him off on my way into the city.

*It didn't surprise Aerandir that Morgan was the one who would ask Atlantis what may have been wrong; the girl was very empathic, after all, and very attuned to and concerned about the feelings of those around her. He smiled a little at her, then looked at Atlantis when he explained that it he'd felt some sort of "emotional distress" regarding his girlfriend. Clearly they were quite close, and Aerandir could relate, but he only nodded, deciding not to ask further; it was likely personal, and he made sure to catch Morgan's eye and give her a look so that she too would know not to pursue the subject further.

Serrin then suggested they call it a night—most likely due to said distress Atlantis felt—noting that they could settle in just fine now and that their investigation would bear more fruit after a rest and a meeting with the investigators. Atlantis made one last note, naming one Lincoln Baltzersen, who was not a likely suspect but regardless a possible link. Aerandir committed the name to memory and nodded, letting the subject conclude for now as Atlantis checked his datapad for a message. Serrin herself had also done the same, and Aerandir wondered with a bit of amusement when he too would get a message.

Serrin announced the contents of her own message first, announcing she would be able to drop Atlantis off back home; apparently a Jedi Knight from Corellia—named Zane, according to Atlantis—had crash landed some time ago on Umgul and was recovering from a coma was beginning to awaken. Aerandir's eyebrows raised and Michelle too looked surprised, but mostly they were pleased that he had recovered; the details surrounding the crash landing could wait.

Atlantis then suggested Serrin go on ahead and that he'd finish a few things here first, then asked the Calmcacil family if there was anything they might need. Aerandir looked at Morgan, then Michelle, who shrugged. He looked back up at Atlantis and shook his head.*
I think we'll be good. Well, one question I suppose: What rooms specifically will we be staying in?
*He glanced at the plates on the table as well, then looked back up at Atlantis.*
And what do you want us to do about these dishes?
*The last thing he wanted to do was appear a rude guest. As far as the lodging, he knew he had been given access to a fair amount of the Academy, but that didn't mean lodging was predetermined. And he didn't want to accidentally find himself in someone else's room by mistake either...*

I nod, a mildly perplexed frown on my face, when Atlantis explains that he would prefer to make his way to Crystal's home on foot; it seems an odd choice, but I do not question it. Filing the name of the individual from Andros' past away when Atlantis explains that there is one individual from Andros' past that might be of interest were the method of attack different, I smile when Morgan expresses her hopes that Zane is alright, telling her, "I shall let him know should he wake that he has been in your thoughts. Looking from Morgan to Aerandir and Michelle, I say, I'll be back in the morning to see that we all get to the precinct in time to meet with the Rangers and Detectives. Bowing at the waist, I rise, resting a hand on Atlantis's forearm to tell him quietly, I am sure that Crystal will be fine; she's quite strong, as I'm sure you're well aware. If, however, there is anything I can do for her, please let her know that she needs only ask. I smile, telling him, The same goes for you as well. Looking back towards Aerandir and his family to include them in my farewell, I say, May Ashla guard and guide you all," and then begin to make my way from the dining hall after our farewells are complete.

Once outside, I send a brief holonet message to Master Grynt on Corellia - making her aware of the change in Zane's condition - as I head for the airspeeder, and then begin the journey back into the city and towards the Medcenter.

*When Master Roma mentioned that she'd let Zane know he had been in her thoughts, Morgan smiled, albeit confusedly... She didn't really know Zane, at least, she didn't think so, and she was pretty sure he didn't know her, so if Master Roma told him that... well, wouldn't that just sound weird? That some little girl he didn't know was thinking about him? Like she had a crush or something... Which she didn't! Why did she even think that?! It wasn't like she knew what he even looked like!

She blushed and grimaced, sinking a little in her seat. She looked up only when Master Roma addressed them as a whole again, saying she would be back in the morning so they could go to the precinct together, as well that they could just ask her if there was anything she could do for them. Morgan smiled, her cheeks returning to their normal bronze as she sat up again. She wanted to get up and bow to Master Roma, but what with Lokay still asleep in her lap, she could only smile and wave.*
Bye Master Roma! Goodnight!
*As far as the sleeping tailring went... well, she had to get him to move anyway so that they could leave, so why hadn't she just nudged him awake so she could bow? Too late now... but she still gently coaxed him awake with her fingers and a gentle, cooing voice. He took a moment to uncurl, blink up at her, then make an affectionate noise before climbing back up onto her shoulder, allowing her to stand and wait, ready to see their new quarters.*

Setting the airspeeder down outside of the academy, I close my eyes and rest my head against the neckrest after my lekku swish over my shoulders to hang over my chest to avoid being crushed. Handling the speeder while maintaining my doppleganger back at the medcenter had proven more difficult and taxing than anticipated even though I have, thanks in part to the time my self-imposed exile on Bimmisaarai afforded for me to hone the skill, achieved a strong grasp and command of the ability. Keeping my perceptions separate from my dopplegangers when focusing on that alone is one thing, and doing so while engaged in other activities with demands of their own is, naturally, another thing entirely. Once I'm sure that nothing at the medcenter needs my full attention for the moment, I step from the airspeeder and make my way into the residential building, heading to the dining hall to wait for Aerandir and his family there. It is early yet, early enough that I should be able to have a cup of tea before we all set out for the precinct to meet with the Rangers and detectives who have been conducting the investigation into the murders Andros has been falsely accused of.

After brewing a cup of Naris-bud tea, I take the mug to the large window looking out onto the courtyard and gardens, looking out at the view without truly seeing it while sipping the tea while waiting for the others to arrive, my attention primarily on keeping my perceptions distinct from those of my doppleganger; it will be a relief when Master Grynt arrives to relieve me, or my doppleganger, and the need to be in two places at once is removed.

*Oddly, it had been Morgan who hadn't had the easiest time of falling asleep. Perhaps it was the separation from her mother's embrace, the soothing envelopment of the world's touch that eased her to sleep many a night. It wasn't that she had been up all night tossing and turning, but she certainly couldn't just fall right to sleep. It took several shifts of position and even a calming technique before she finally found herself resting. Perhaps she had just been overreacting and should have just waited for sleep to come on naturally, but she was so unused to sleeping off of Felucia...

Fortunately, she still felt rested when she awoke, but not as full as energy as usual; obviously, seeing as she wasn't sharing energy with the planet she stood upon now.

After dressing and brushing her hair once more, she was ready for breakfast. As was Lokay. She wanted to wait and simply give him more bacon at the dining hall, but she knew that wasn't healthy for him, so she gave him a few food cubes to start with; perhaps a side of bacon for breakfast wouldn't hurt either.

Master Roma was there, and she was excited to go see her. After first ordering breakfast from the serving droid, of course. She herself asked for some eggs, toast, butter, ketchup, and bacon, for she intended to start the day off the right way: With a sandwich. And a little extra bacon for Lokay of course, who, despite already being fed some, was perking up excitedly at all this talk of bacon.

Giggling, she waited until her daddy finished speaking before giving her own polite bow.* "Good morning, Master Roma! Did you sleep well?"

*Apparently Serrin had slept in the hospital room where the Jedi Knight mentioned the night before, Zane, was recovering. Perhaps Aerandir had spoken too soon then, almost worrying his slight enthusiasm over getting a full night's rest sounded boastful. Certainly that was not the intent, but he assured himself Serrin wouldn't take it that way.

When congratulated upon his daughter's birth, he smiled and inclined his head in thanks, then chuckled after the joke about having a few more nights of uninterrupted sleep. He shook his head and replied,* "It's good. Sure, I like to sleep, I'm not sure who doesn't, but I do miss her. She's lively, full of energy, endlessly curious..." *Uh oh, he was doing the "parent" thing, beginning to ramble on about his infant. He quickly shook his head and waved it off.* "Sorry. Head in the game. There's an investigation to deal with soon."

*It hadn't taken long for the server droids to prepare their morning meals, so when they appeared, Aerandir and Michelle took a seat at a nearby table, inviting Serrin to join them if she so chose. Aerandir took one bite, chewed it thoughtfully for a moment as he looked at the wall, then swallowed it and sighed.* "'When it rains, it pours,' as they say." *He returned his gaze to Serrin, looking a little more grim.* "My old master, who recently took up residence on Belkadan, contacted me last night. I'm not sure if you know of redcrested cougars, but they're a native species on Belkadan, thought extinct... apparently not. They've reappeared in high numbers, attacking the population. I told him I'd send for word, and already have. I'll need to keep tabs on that. I'd go myself, but I'm already committed to the investigation."

*Come to think on it, it was almost a wonder he'd slept so well with this information so recent on the mind. Perhaps he was simply skilled at putting things out of his mind... He glanced at Michelle, who was watching him with some concern, and perhaps longing; he knew how much she loved the planet that had basically become her home, and how much she wanted to be able to be there to defend it. He gave her a reassuring smile and put a hand on her shoulder, reaching out to her in his thoughts,* << You've been there to defend it many times before, against greater threats. I'm sure you won't mind leaving animal control to someone else. >>

*She looked him in the eyes a moment, studying, before finally nodding and returning to her breakfast. There were bigger concerns for the two of them right now...*