Theed

*Sin was in a hurry, she wanted to be underway...10 minutes ago. She looks at Raven, deep beneath her flood of emotion she felt bad, and sorry about it, but at the moment, impulse, emotion, and urgency won out hard.*

Sorry Raven, Its alot on the plate. We'll go for a relaxing spa day after this over.

*She forced herself to give a smile to the woman, though she was rushed and wanting to get moving, her words were fully honest. She would relax, later. Her body definitely needed it, even if the rest of her wouldn't wait and do it now. She paused and let Zalor do his explaining. She looked at Raven seriously for a long moment, she refused to even look at Loki, He was more of a Father figure to her then anyone else in the galaxy, she couldn't bring herself to look at him. If she did, she knew there would be a flood of emotions that she just couldn't deal with right now. The last thing she could deal with was telling him she was falling for someone. She bites her lip. She knew they would have to talk sometime... But she didn't have the time now to discuss it.*

Raven, I'm going now to see this person, if you aren't able that's fine. Just thought someone should know.

*She heard Tanara's voice, she broke the datapads security. Wonderful. Just the words she wanted to hear. She knew the pad to be empty. She even knew what the passwords had been, she lied. She felt she had done so pretty convincingly. She bites her lip softly. Did she have time to explain to Tanara? She shakes her head and looked at the woman.*

Splendid! I really didn't need it. I'm sorry. What i did need, was discretion. I'll explain more later. For now, just know, I appreciate your openness with me about your ability.

*Her words came a bit quicker than she'd thought them to be, but the longer she spent here, the more she wanted to get going, she looked at Zalor, nodding quietly then at Raven. She sighs deeply, then hugs the small woman again. She needed it, she turned on her heel, heading for the door. She grabs for the comlink that Jashin had given her. She squeezed it tightly in her hand, it did cause a spike of anger. She felt she should try to contact him. But what of the trouble this other man said he was in.. She sighs deeply, she didn't even look to see if Zalor followed her. She had one thing on her mind. Jakk. His information. If Loki would notice though, at that moment, she would look more like her mother then ever. From the way her hips moved as she walked, to the fire in her eyes, to her every step made with a purpose. She was determined to get what she wanted, and be damned any soul to get in her way.*

Why was everything moving so dreadfully fast? how did she get in the lobby, when seconds ago she was in the cafe? Where did Loki go? Who was this person looking at her so worriedly. What was that beeping sound? The small jedi jerked violently when the spray of kolto hit her in the face- almost as if someone had thrown a punch at her. Blinking rapidly, she shook her head and closed her eyes. She had all four limbs. Her head worked. She wasn't in any pain that was new to her. Leaning her head back against the chair, she sighed slightly and forced her mind to center itself on current events, not the past, and absolutely not the future.

She sat like that for several minutes, completely unmoved- even as Sinina spoke to her. Raven's breathing became slow and shallow- only pausing when Sinina suddenly hugged her. Luckily the Jedi had calmed down enough to only stiffen at the hug, rather than force punch the Echani in the chest or something drastic. It was only after Sinina turned and began to walk away did Alora finally open her eyes. She was leaving- because she was in a hurry, and she wasn't sure if Raven was capable of going with her, and while Sinina said it was alright- Raven knew very well that it wasn't. How could a few bits of information completely dismantle her like that. When the Jedi spoke- she spoke far more solidly than before.

Sinina- wait. You're not going out there alone. Let Anari catch up. I'd come with you- but at least right now, a...violent situation probably wouldn't be the best thing for me to engage in....

She blinked and looked over at Zalor. Her expression became a thin line as she spoke a little more softly to him. I appreciate your help Zalor. But this is something no one can help me with. Maybe I'll tell you one day- but for now, just know that i'm perfectly capable of putting my issues aside to aid others. I am a Jedi. I'll be fine. She looked at Sinina for a moment then back to Zalor. Keep her safe- and stay in contact. I won't leave Theed without you.

She stood to her feet, fighting against the urge to wince from the pain the mark was giving her. It would die down in a few more minutes, but right now it was still very irritated. She was thankful no one could see it- thought she hadn't considered how attuned Zalor was with the force. He may be able to feel it's dark energy. She wasn't sure, and she didn't care. Time was precious. And- I really am sorry about the broken mug. She gave a quick smile to the droid. I really hate setting this one out...... but you're right. I need to think some things through before I touch my lightsaber again....

Wordlessly Arcturus stared out the window of the speeder as it spiraled through the sky, the vehicle slowly making its way to the run down inn that Jakk was currently staying at. He was lost in thought, pensive, and more than a little irritated. He had barely been on the planet a full day - and already the entire plan had changed drastically. But was that not the nature of the force? It worked mysteriously indeed, and, in the life of a Sorreaux - often more forcefully than with others. Slowly the speeder sat down, and Arcturus exited quickly and impatiently, reluctant to let the droid open the door for him. Seeing Raven Alora had put more vigor into his blood than he had felt in years. Was that because it reminded him of old times? Or...was it because he sensed this would be his last adventure?

That particular question went unanswered as Arcturus reached Jakk's door, his knuckles rapping twice on the plasteel before the door was yanked open and Arcturus was ushered inside. The interior was sparse, merely a bed and refresher, the air heavy with the scent of Marcan herb smoke - the downside of employing someone who was a heavy smoker.

"The plan has changed." Arcturus stated darkly, prompting Jakk to arch an eyebrow questioningly. "The Jedi woman. She bears a remnant." Said Arcturus, elaborating.

"...Can you fix it?" Asked Jakk, dubiously taking in the elderly Count, who even now shook slightly from the exertion of walking.

"Yes. No. Maybe." Answered Arcturus quickly and in rapid succession. Shaking his head, the Count dusted off the bed before sitting down on it. "It is an older mark. Less refined than the mark of Baran-Tor. It achieves through brute force what my mark achieves through subtlety. It will be difficult to remove. Very, very difficult."

"And as I can do nothing to contribute in that arena...you want me to get Jashin personally." Stated Jakk, a slightly horrified look dawning on his face as he connected the dots.

"It is far from ideal." Admitted Arcturus. "But it is the only option."

"He'll kill me on sight!" Spluttered Jakk in response, rising from his chair and lighting a new cigara. "You know I'm no fighter!"

"You'll survive; you always do." Arcturus said tiredly, leaning back on the bed. "We must do this Jakk. I must erase a grievous mistake of the past, and you must ensure the future. Clan Sorreaux's future depends on it. Failure will mean our extinction."

At those grim words Jakk stopped pacing, sighing deeply - a great cloud of smoke following. "...We're out of our league." Jakk finally said at length, turning to regard the older Firrerreo. "Used to, this would have all been handled already." Jakk muttered, dropping the cigara and grinding it out with his heel.

"Truly so. Dante is in the late stages of hospice, Duval renounced all title and fights in the war, and I myself abdicated the throne long ago. The minor nobles, the few that are left, have scattered in the absence of a clear patriarch to lead the House. The glory days have fled...the power we wielded is gone." Arcturus said bluntly.

"Then why come back into the fold now?" Argued Jakk, incredulous. "Surely, far more good could have been done - maybe even as far as saving the entire clan - if you had acted sooner."

"Probably." Admitted Arcturus from his prone position. "I did not interfere further because I firmly believed - and still do for that matter - that I would only damage things further. We are here, Jakk, not to save the clan...but to undo my mistakes. The rest, the future...is in the hands of the next generation. And, if done properly...I shall undo both mistakes at once."

"What do you propose?" Inquired Jakk, peering out the window of the room to make sure the Jedi and woman from earlier would not intrude.

"I bound my progeny, my children, and their children, and so on, with mental blocks that limit their access to the force. My blood is strong, and I feared, in the early days of the House, that they would fight each other for power. I could not foresee that my son would grow jealous of his brother when he discovered his power, and in turn - nearly - destroy his own House by turning to the darkside. I also could not foresee a child of my son, my grandson, straying so far from the House and growing so disenchanted with the clan that he completely abandoned our ways. The mental barriers did next to nothing in preventing the very issues I sought to avoid." Arcturus paused, sitting up, looking Jakk in the eye. "When I remove the mark from the Jedi, I shall transfer it from herself to me. The combined power of the marks will double my connection in the force, allowing me to destroy the marks, the Tome, and the mental barriers within my bloodline. I shall reset the things I have put into motion, and balance, at long last, will be attained. In the process...I shall be destroyed." Arcturus ended grimly, his tone brokering no room for outbursts or disagreement. This was the plan, and an order at that - from a Count to a lesser noble.

Stunned, Jakk fumbled for another Cigara - only to find them all gone. Coughing slightly, trying to assess the situation, Jakk eventually broke the tense silence. "Your will be done, Count. What would you have me do?"

The tension drained out of Arcturus at that acknowledgement - and he leaned backward, resting on the bed once more. Closing his eyes, he gathered energy, dwelling deeper and deeper in the force. "With Jashin, you must kill several birds with one stone. He is distanced from the clan, bound by a life debt, and is now under great scrutiny by the Alliance and the First Order - who suspect he has vital information. You must offer him a new option other than running; offer him a grand solution."

"That solution being to rejoin the family, assume his rightful station, and to train with you with what limited time you have." Finished Jakk, understanding Arcturus' line of reasoning. "And should he refuse?"

"He will not." Replied Arcturus firmly, with such certainty as to make Jakk glance at him questioningly. "The Counts of Serenno do not complain and cry. We are born to take care of others. We don't expect others to take care of us." Elaborated Arcturus, quoting Count Dooku from ages past. "Truer words have never been spoken. And though Jashin is removed from his heritage...he can't stop being a Count. It's in his nature. Already he acts to protect those he cares about. With no complaint, and with no expectation for his friends to help - he simply left and dealt with the danger to them. Those are the actions of a Count if ever there were one. Beyond this, he wears the jacket of his father - a precious heirloom - and holds fast to the Firrerreon traditions." Arcturus chuckled slightly, shaking his head. "He's far more like us than he realizes. All he needs is to be shown his own potential. Once that has happened...he will inherit his father's title. What he does with this title...is up to him." Arcturus gestured to the door. "Go. Now. I must rest. Do not return without Jashin. Take my ship."

Bowing, Jakk exited the room, locking the door behind himself. The Count must truly want seclusion to put up with resting in such a dead end hotel. But that was the Count's business. Jakk has his mission...he had to carry it out now. Inwardly, though, he couldn't help but doubt the entirety of the plan. Count Sorreaux seemed so old...and what he proposed, surely his body would give out before he accomplished his task? And then there was Jashin. While Jakk would attempt - and attempt till he died - to get Jashin to realize his potential, Jakk, at the same time, honestly wondered if Jashin had this potential. He was like his father, Dante, in every regard - but Dante had retained his title and duty, even through his youthful indiscretion. Dante had also broken through his own mental barrier, and discovered his birthright himself. So really...was Jashin not even less worthy than Dante? Or would the realization that he could, potentially, surpass his family in ability and skill be motivating enough to make Jashin commit fully to the clan?

Jashin had left the clan and the Court as a whole over the fact he had - seemingly - not inherited force sensitivity. His family had hoped that, on his own, separate from the clan and Serenno, the young man would find his way to his power himself. But over time Jashin simply became embittered...would telling him he had it the whole time really be beneficial? Wouldn't Jashin simply become even more embittered, and potentially lash out at the family for lying to him and allowing him to believe what he did? But it wasn't his place to question. No...it was his place to obey. Jakk would have to find a way to make jashin accept it all. One way or another.

Idly, Jakk waited at the entrance to the inn, waiting for the woman and Jedi from earlier to arrive. They had little time to act - and time was of the essence.

*Sin looked at him, eyebrow raised, she gave a quiet, but indignant snort. It was clear he didn't know her that well to call her strong in the force. He should see her sister. She shakes her head, leaving the comment alone. She did have to roll her eyes a bit at him and nudge him, more friendly then any of her other notions toward him, shaking her head and shooting him a curious glance as she stopped.*

I lived here since I was 8... I spent more nights sneaking off to these sorts of places then I did at home the last few years...

*She smiled, and as she turned away from him, starting off ahead again ahead of him, her hips swayed and her body moved, she shoots him one last glance to see if he was still coming before she looked ahead to Jakk......who walked right by the opposite direction, leaving her stunned for a moment. She growls softly to herself before she turned to follow him. Surprisingly, Jashin had gotten into more trouble then even her imagination had concocted. She sighed deeply.*

Not really any questions... Unless you count: "Do I get to smack him first when we get there?" as a question

"Not really any questions... Unless you count: "Do I get to smack him first when we get there?" as a question"

"I mean, feel free to hurt him. But, the two of you are involved, right? Do you have ANY idea what kind of track record his family has? Grandpa sparked off four wars, his uncle fought off the Mandalorians on Serenno, his dad - ha, his father." Jakk shook his head, hopelessly. "And don't get me started on JASHIN. He's not force-sensitive like the rest of them, but he makes up for it in sheer volume. He's his own brand of trouble: five hundred thousand worth of loans from Zordo the Hutt, two hundred thousand in property damage, the destruction of five - I guess now six - personal ships, all through sheer bad luck. And then there was the incident on Ryloth, with the Twi'lek woman...and the Zygerian call girl debacle, and the Hrakian escort dilemma...and dont get me fracking started on the Zeltros affair. None of that even takes into account his criminal record. "Pirating, profiteering, smuggling, counterfeiting, larceny, fraud, tax evasion, kidnapping, extortion..." and that's just rattling off the first line of his criminal file." Jakk spluttered a little, practically flapping his hands in the air. "So, yeah. Get used to it. He's a Sorreaux."

"Have either the Alliance or the Jedi Enclave made contact with 'Lord' Jashin yet?"

"There's no way to tell, in all honesty. Dantooine is...well, it's pretty bad; massive - massive - casualties on both sides." Jakk tapped his foot impatiently, dropping a cigara to the ground, before lighting another - the entire thing a single practiced motion.

"As for who they send after Jashin. Best case scenario the Coalition itself sends a commando team. Might not see Jashy boy as much of a threat. Worst case scenario..." Jakk trailed off, before shrugging; albeit looking distinctly uneasy. "Worst case scenario, Parliament of Serenno decides to clean up Count Sunshine's mess. They send a House Guardsman, a Carta, basically one of the best bodyguard/assassins credits can buy - what Jashin was before he left Serenno. In that case...we'll probably be looking at casualties."

Jakk cleared his throat, waving a hand. "But that's pretty unlikely. If there's a single thing Jashin can do, it's survive. Besides the fact, with the mess Dantooine is in right now, Jashin has essentially disappeared on its surface. Hence why we're taking the girl here. Force bonds among lovers." Jakk looked like he was going to vomit, but seemed to stifle his disgust.

Just then, an insistent beeping came from Jakk's comlink, and he held up a finger, apparently receiving new intel. "Hold on a sec."

It wouldn't be the first time I've smacked him for doing something stupid.. Its almost more of a greeting at this point... 

*She sighed deeply giving her head a shake. She had already smacked him twice. She looked over at Zalor as he started asking his own questions. She was past the point of caring about details. She was in such a mood she would strike one down as soon as look at them, First Order or Rebellion. She wasn't about to let anyone stand in her way.

She glared at Jakk when he makes his face at her and comment about Force bonds.*

You claim to have dabbled, but make such faces of me.. Something wrong with me?

*She stared hard at him, hand on her hip, the other hanging loosely next to her. Her silver eyes boring into him. She was distracted as she heard the sound of Tanara behind them with a droid. She looked behind her at them and smiles as pleasantly as she could muster.*

Oh.. Well, you didn't have to run all this way just to return my datapad.. I'm sure it would have went along with the crew with the rest of my stuff...