Logged Sept. 14, 2001
Logged by Ashton
Titled:  The revelations of students 
******************************************************************************
Characters: 
Ashton 
Moira 
Tai Jinn 
Kastanje
Rruka 
Davros
Rendafar
Simon 
******************************************************************************
Rruka
   A smallish Trianni is this rather cheery black and white feline. His eyes 
are a brilliant greenish-gold hidden in a black cap that extends around the top 
of his head. A white blaze is perfectly positioned between his eyes. His lower 
face is purest white except for his black nose and a few large freckles of black 
around his chin. His fur appears slightly long but baby fine. Other markings are 
hidden beneath a tunic of a soft slate gray. White hands appear out of the folds 
of the darker slate robe. Blacker freckling shows on the clawed fingers. A few 
blotches appear on the wrists. At his small feline feet are soft boots that 
soften his step and give him a more civilized look. His black ears have a slight 
tuft to them. His whiskers are bright white and stand out on the black cap 
pattern of his head fur.

Moira

   This human female is about 5 foot 5 inches in height. She is probably in 
her early twenties, though something about her makes her look younger. Perhaps 
it's the expression in her blue-green eyes. Not quite innocence, but something 
akin to it. Moira has a kind face, heart shaped with a gently sloping nose. 
She's pale of complexion, not exactly sickly, but not tan. One might get the 
impression that tanning is impossible for her- too much sun would surely cause 
her skin to burn. Her hair is ash blonde and board straight, pulled back in a 
ponytail to keep it out of her way. Her face bears an open and friendly look, 
completely free of any artifice or insincerity. An Ossus native, the girl's 
voice bears the slightest accent, the only remainder of home she carries with 
her. The only other unchanging feature of that girl that is Moira, is a ring 
that she has recently added to her right ring finger. The non-wedding band hand. 
It's a pair of wires, black and white. But they seem to be molded of the same 
material- only upon very close observation do they seem separate. 
   Moi is in her training robes, layers of brown and beige that practically 
swallow the small woman. A belt cinches the fabric at the waist, and from it 
hangs a cylinder with a red grip at one end. Looks like Moi's actually carrying 
the borrowed lightsaber today. Her feet are covered in brown boots, well worn 
but functional.

Ashton
   A powerfully built man whose eyes and smile coincide with his young and 
athletic-looking physique. Averaging these two factors, a guess that the human 
male is somewhere in his early twenties is close to accurate. His light brown, 
almost sandy-brown hair is just longer than collar-length with a slight wave at 
the bottom as if it's starting to curl. He has light hazel eyes, more green than 
brown, but this changes with his mood or outlook. He is rather average in 
height; no more than five foot ten inches tall.
   Ashton is wearing a light blue tunic over a soft white, high-collared 
shirt. The loose sleeve tunic is belted at the waist with a black utility belt. 
His black pants are tucked into a pair of knee-high boots, made of a soft black 
nerf leather. Clipped to his utility belt is a smooth, gun-metal blue cylinder.

Kastanje
-------------------------------------------------------- Kastanje ----------
   Your glance singles out this young woman, despite her somewhat short 
stature. She's on the slighter side of average for a human, no more than 5'4", 
and doesn't compensate with flashy clothing. Narrow, Seasmoke-blue eyes are set 
symmetrically into an aristocratic face of smooth, sandalwood skin. Despite an 
appearance which could easily turn haughty, the eyebrows on this young woman are 
almost always arched with mirth, her eyes pulling up into crescents. The faint 
hints of laugh wrinkles branch from the corners of her eyes, but they're too 
shallow to put her in more than her late twenties. Her slightly frizzy fox-brown 
hair is pulled back into a long, practical fishbone braid. A few wisps manage to 
poke rebelliously out of the neatly kept style, keeping it from seeming too 
severe. There is the sickly yellow of faded bruising around her neck and on the 
inside of her left elbow. Her chin has a slight abrasion on it, as if from 
knocking into something rough.
   The woman's wiry frame is clothed in her usual practical, well-tailored 
fare. A high-collared shirt in simple, silky, pearlescent white covers torso and 
ends above the elbows on her arms. Legs are obscured down to the black hide 
shoes in a stiff speckled-black fabric, the rough texture catching hints of deep 
red within it. A smooth gray stone pendant inscribed with some ideep red within 
it. A smooth gray stone pendant inscribed with some illegible symbol hangs from 
a cord around her neck, and stylish leather blaster holster fastened around her 
hips is rendered bulky by a few synth-weave packs attached to it.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Courtyard -- Jedi Praxeum  This vast courtyard is where much of the daily life of the Jedi can be 
observed. A park-like area near the bridge is often used as a study area, and 
the open areas in that park are teaming with life as students and teachers alike 
take part in sports and athletic activities, honing the body. At each corner of 
the square compound is a tower that is easily 200 stories high. Paths criss-
cross the entire compound and run the perimeter, from tower to tower. At the 
north end of the compound is a large hill constructed of many different types 
and sizes of boulders.
	In the center of the courtyard is the largest tower, rising another 100 
stories above the other towers in the complex. The double-wide, ornate doors to 
this tower are always open. Unlike the other towers, this one has a wide section 
near the top that removes the tapered look the other towers have. Above this 
bulge is where the Jedi Council Chamber is located.

Rruka grins, "Aww you know Ashton won't let ya spar...he's too afraid of us 
battle types....He doesn't want a healer to be beaten too badly. Why do you 
think he always hides?" The acolyte is enjoying this and not paying attention.

"Well, we'd better wait for Tai, for that. And I'll have to change again." Moira 
says with a grin. Yeah, cause robes aren't so cute when going to fancy places. 
As Rruka starts talking about Ashton, Moira half smiles in amusement. "That's 
hardly the truth, Rruka. Besides, I'm training to be a Guardian, not a Healer. 
Though healing is a big part of what I'm learning. And I seriously doubt Master 
Ashton 'hides.' I bet he'd train with you if you actually asked him. And if you 
really want to spar with me, I'll go find him and ask permission."

Kastanje's nose wrinkles up in amusement and a challenging gleam enters her eye. 
"What's this about healers worrying about being beaten? I /am/ a healer... Or at 
least a medic... And I could probably hold my own against." She pauses, and 
looks sheepish. "Well, maybe a half-trained battlemaster." Quick switch back to 
the subject of dinner, and Kastanje flashes a grin at Moira. "Not like changing 
clothes is all that tough. I think we could handle it."

Ashton emerges from the residence tower shortly before Rruka makes his comments. 
The Knight immediately cloaks his presence in the Force and approaches from 
Rruka's blind side. He's standing very close to Rruka now as Moira mentions 
going to find him to ask... and he winks quickly at her. "Why not?" he asks, 
quickly and somewhat loudly, very close to Rruka on his blind side. Just as 
quickly, he drops the Force Hide and announces his presence to the cocky little 
Trianni in two ways. "Might be interesting to see how you've progressed 
Moira..." His grin widens at Kast, "Half-trained anything like half-baked?"

Rruka goes from neatly groomed to FLUFF! All his fur is sticking out as it 
stands on end and he jumps away from Ashton with all his claws sticking out. He 
takes a moment to recover before realizing that he was got good by the Knight.

Moira giggles aloud as Ashton just kind of appears over Rruka's shoulder. "Why 
thank you, Master. So, Rruka, challenge accepted. Whenever you're ready." And 
now Moi doesn't have to feel bad about leaving Kas, because she has Ashton to 
talk to. Tee hee. The Padawan girl pulls the borrowed saber, not activating it 
until Rruka indicates he's ready.

Kastanje's eyes light with amusement as Ashton sneaks up behind Rruka, and the 
Acolyte turns into a puffball. "Half-baked will do, too," she agrees to Ashton, 
a smile on her face. "Now don't go too hard on him, Moira. Don't want to hurt 
his pride."

Ashton moves away from the Acolyte and the padawan, moving to stand by Kastanje. 
"Why is it that they always poof like that?" he asks her mischievously, 
grinning. "Glad you're home... how was the rest of your trip? Uneventful, I 
hope?"

Rruka pulls a lightsaber from his robes and nearly drops his rubix cube...err 
okay its not a rubix cube but its -A- cube so he can call it what he wants. He 
brushes it off carefully and frowns trying to figure where to put it. IN a 
moment he is removing his robe and carefully covering the cube up, "Sorry about 
that."

"Not a problem," Moira says, eyeing the cube. But they'd already been over that 
tonight, and there was nothing left to say. So Moi rotates her arms in their 
sockets, loosening the muscles up, there, and then plants her feet in a 
comfortable, neutral position. "Since you requested the session, I'm going to 
let you strike first." Moi says, still not igniting the weapon. She does, 
however, lift it to a neutral on guard just above waist level, one hand over the 
other- one to grip, one to balance and control. And she smiles cheerily at the 
Acolyte, then waits.

Kastanje looks suddenly sheepish at Ashton's question about the rest of her 
trip, and addresses his other questions first. "Oh, it's an instinctive 
response, I think. To make themselves look bigger, and startle predators or 
aggressors into thinking they're larger and tougher than they first thought... 
Plus all that extra poof might make something aim wrong, and hit fur instead of 
flesh." Never ask Kas a question of biology unless you're sure you want an 
explanation. Eyes flick momentarily to the cube Rruka drops, and her brow 
furrows, "Isn't that the object that that Sith warrior who liked cake gave you?" 
She comments absently, but seems reluctant to interrupt the sparring. Oh right, 
Ashton's question about her trip. "Well, it was rather eventful, actually," she 
admits, and then just trails off.

Ashton rolls his eyes as he indeed is the victim of asking a humorous question, 
not expecting a scientific or xeno-studies answer. Okay, lesson learned. The 
mention of a Sith warrior snaps Ashton's attention to Rruka and Moira, but no 
cube is visible. He starts to say something, ready to find out what he missed 
and why Rruka was interacting with a Sith without a Knight or Master around, 
when he senses something from Kastanje. Why did he suddenly feel that she too 
was guarding her words around him? He looks sidelong at her, but doesn't miss 
what's going on in front of them. "Moira..." he says, almost admonishingly.

Moira senses: Ashton touches your thoughts lightly as he seems to whisper, 
"Arrogance padawan? Or a defensive move? Your weapon is not ignited."

Rruka tosses the blade into the air for a moment, bows toward Moira and as he 
straightens....he catches the blade, ignites it and does a strike into the outer 
perimeter. More for fun then actual attack but maybe he catches her off guard?

Moira actually didn't ignite because she doesn't want to be over-eager. She's 
not so into fighting. But she ignites as Ashton thinks at her- if it's impolite, 
well, she'll stop being rude. Moira's also not into rude. So the blue blade of 
light extends, and the girl looks a little sheepish. "Wasn't trying to be 
insulting." Moira states. "I was just waiting for Rruka..." See, she likes 
Rruka. And she doesn't want to stand there with an ignited weapon until Rruka 
has his ignited. And of course, it's lucky that she does extend because Rruka 
strikes out to her side. She tilts her own saber, swiping out diagonally to meet 
the incoming blade, but makes no counterattack. Instead, presuming the blades 
meet, she steps back a step and to the right one, going back into the on guard. 
And watching- let's see what he's going to do next.

Rruka grins and watches her go back into a guard position. He then tries to 
practice some skills. Focusing, he tries to leave his image in one position as 
he attacks in another. It might fail but at least he tries.

Kastanje catches Ashton's eye-rolling, and realizes maybe he didn't need a mini-
lecture on Trianni and their fur. Her head ducks sheepishly, and turns to watch 
the sparring as Ashton comments something to Moira. He's Moi's master, so better 
not distract him with things like cubes and slave rescue attempts while she's 
training.

Ashton was still looking at Kastanje as the first attack by Rruka comes in, and 
as Moira deftly parries the attack and steps back, Ashton turns to watch the 
sparring. No more input from him. Both Rruka and Moira were skilled enough in 
the use of their lightsabers and sparring not to need him unless he thought they 
needed specific pointers. Not likely while they're sparring though.

Moira turns towards the spot where Rruka is now, not the spot where he tried to 
place an illusion of himself, and swings her blade to parry his own. Then, to 
throw the ball back into his court, she twists her blade from the parry, and 
into a strike of her own- this time a diagonal swoop around, to come in to the 
side opposite the parry, about waist level. She keeps her weight on the balls of 
her feet - may need to shuffle away. And let's thank the stars Rruka isn't 
creative with jumping and stuff.

Kastanje is apparently lost in thought for a moment, but as Ashton doesn't seem 
to be offering much advice to the two dueling Jedi, she turns to him suddenly 
with a questioning look. "Whatever happened to Spectre? Haven't seen him in a 
while, and Moira said something about bounty hunters," she adds, realizing the 
question was probably quite out of the blue for Ashton.

Ashton shakes his head, turning to Kastanje. "I don't know..." he says, his 
voice low. "Apparently, he was taken by one of the Prines... wanted for 
something." he shrugs his shoulders, not because he doesn't care, but because he 
doesn't know. "If he would've stuck around here for a bit, we could've protected 
him..."

Moira steps aside as the spar ends for now. She deactivates the blue-bladed 
weapon, shaking her head. She's going to have to ask about weapon-activating 
etiquette. Apparently in trying not to be rude, she managed to find a way to be 
so. Great...Moira just isn't good at this at all. She takes a step toward her 
master, perhaps to ask her question, perhaps to relate what happened earlier in 
the day with Xavier. But she quickly stops as she realizes he's talking to Kas. 
Now, Moi -does- know that it's rude to interrupt. So she focuses for now on 
attaching the weapon to her belt.

Running. Powerful legs propel Rendafar and he hurls himself around the outside 
perimeter of the Jedi Courtyard. But, Randy runs with a twist. He tries to keep 
his breathing from being heard, his footsteps from shouting out his presence, or 
his body from giving him away. Even though he is not trying to be seen, he 
doesn't want to be heard. He even tries, with the Force, to keep the wind from 
being disturbed by his passage. He's coming up near the area where Ashton, 
Kastanje, and Moira are speaking. He should pass them any moment.

A slight rustle is seen in one of the trees about the courtyard, one that is not 
far from where Rendafar is running silently. A new form appears, flying out of 
the branches from above. A cart wheeling Tai flings himself by the force from 
the tree towards where Rendafar will be approaching, intending on intercepting 
the Knight and putting an end to the tracking of this scenario. However, being 
in the air causes the Jedi to not be able to control his destination, so all 
he's capable of doing is activating his saber in midair. Landing in a crouch, 
the blade is held before him defensively, even if he's facing the wrong 
direction.

Kastanje doesn't notice Rendafar's silent running, though it's doubtful she 
would if he were running normally, as the Major seems to be preoccupied with her 
current leap of logic. Or maybe she would. A Noghri charging one could be rather 
attention-grabbing, after all. "Taken by one of the Prines?" She repeats 
thoughtfully. "Well, that explains what mister Borealis mentioned about folks 
following their Lord's lead, then," she notes, brow furrowing. She regards 
Ashton thoughtfully a moment, and then, as Moira approaches, apparently decides 
that she's said enough she might as well admit to (some) of her exploits on Nar 
Belsa. "There was a slave shipment heading for Sith space, completely made up of 
Trianni. Seems they're popular no..." She trails off as Tai leaps out of a tree. 
Well, that'll get one's attention.

Ashton looks over his shoulder long before Tai touches down, an eyebrow arched, 
but not in surprise. He too does not notice Rendafar's silent trek through the 
courtyard, but then again, he's not looking for him. Ashton surely surpassed the 
younger knight in his ability to shield his Force presence due to his incredible 
gift with it, but Rend was by far the stealthier, and Ashton could only hope to 
learn from the Noghri hunter/warrior. His eyebrow drops but his grin widens as 
he sees Tai come down, his lightsaber ignited. "I think he's flipped... 
literally..." he says quietly with some amusement.

Randy senses the young Jedi's leap before he things about it and has his saber 
ignited and at the ready as Tai lands on his feat. But, seeing as the Padawan 
isn't facing him, he simply reaches up and taps the man on the shoulder. When he 
turns, he will see Randy grinning and one finger tracing a circle in front of 
him. As if to say, 'uh the other direction'.

Tai's antics draw Moira's attention as well. She too misses Rendafar's jog, 
because she's busy staring at the flying, cart wheeling Padawan. And she thought 
she was odd. "Um...what in blue blazes is he doing?" Moi inquires quietly, of no 
one in particular.

"Trying to impress you, Moira," Kastanje decides, her voice bright with joking. 
"Honestly? I dunno. Tai!" She calls, deciding she's allowed to interrupt him if 
he interrupted her. "What're you doing, anyways?"

Tai senses he's in the wrong direction, but that's quite alright. For a moment a 
surge of force energy is felt from him, something he was attempting that would 
have most likely been a fabulous stunt. But the tap on his shoulder breaks his 
concentration and he turns around to look at Rendafar. Chuckling slightly, he 
traces the ground in front of him with the tip of his saber, making a mark in 
the dirt. "Meant to land there I think..."

Rendafar Rembik chuckles at Tai and then takes a step back, cocks his head to 
one side, raises an eyebrow, and then hisses, "Defend yourself, Padawan. Do not 
loose your concentration!!" And his hand suddenly comes out in Tai's direction, 
palm open, and the Force rushes out with it, pushing hard at Tai. And then 
Rendafar is rushing at him.

Falling backwards towards the ground an interesting note can be made of Tai's 
saber, it stays in the same place, cutting figure 8's in the air. The pull of 
his mind on his blade keeps it in motion even as he's sliding backwards across 
the ground. As he springs to his feet into a back handspring, he reaches out and 
snatches the blade back to it, hoping that the twirling saber was enough to keep 
Rendafar from charging towards him too closely.

Stepping under the blade spinning about in the air, Randy turns off his Saber 
and sends a sweeping leg towards Tai's and connects once again. Spinning around 
and back up to his full height, Randy says, "And never expect an attacker to 
stick to the weapons at hand." This time he takes up another lightsaber stance, 
waiting for Tai to answer.

Ashton beckons Moira toward him mentally, away from the two dueling Jedi. He 
stands to one side of Kastanje and leans in, "Embarrassing himself, I think." He 
winks and straightens. "I seem to remember a Tai Jinn that thought Jedi sparring 
with one another was distasteful," he says to no one in particular.

The Padawan's legs are taken from under him, sending him flying to land on his 
shoulders, which he does. But using the force, he lifts himself upwards right 
back up to his feet. Well, Rendafar wanted to play it that way, Tai would play 
it that way. Deactivating his saber, he floats in the air alongside of him while 
he removes the robes that adorn his body, deciding that they're constricting him 
at this time. Tossing the brown garbs on the ground, he reaches to his belt to 
retrieve the second practice saber. As it as well floats alongside of him, ready 
for the other hand, Tai stretches his arms and cracks his neck, reaching out and 
taking the blades. Activating them both at the same time, he twirls them about a 
couple times and then slices towards Rendafar, the right one going at shoulder 
length, and the left one heading at waist level.

Moira makes her way towards her master and Kastanje. "Oh!" She says as something 
dawns on her. "I was going to talk to you both. A gentleman named Xavier Dade 
came by earlier. It seems our friend the General was feeling out the loyalties 
of Republic military personnel. He told me of an incident on Corellia, during 
which he was questioned by a 'Darth Wyld,' who fits both the description and 
drink preference of the General. But...well, it just sounded like curiosity. 
However, I promised him I would pass the information on to the appropriate 
people." Then, the girl's eyes flick to the spar. However, she doesn't stay 
looking for long. Her attention quickly returns to her own companions.

As the blades deactivate just as they would have cut through Randy, he bunches 
up his leg muscles and launches over the head of Tai and begins running once 
again. This time he runs towards Ashton and Moira, and with a flick of his hand 
spins an illusion of invisibility around himself and once again concentrates on 
silently moving swiftly through the Jedi court yard, the chase beginning again.

Kastanje chuckles at Ashton's comment, and offers her own indirect remark. "I 
remember when he was much more... Sedate," she agrees, and then turns to Moira 
with a slightly startled look. "Feeling out the loyalty of military personnel?" 
The Major questions, brow furrowing. "Unsuccessfully, I hope?"

Tai lowers himself to a knee as Rendafar cloaks himself in a veil of the force. 
He knows he can't penetrate that shield with his own prying eyes, or sensing 
through the force... but perhaps if he can cause enough of a disturbance 
Rendafar will be seen in another way. As he crouches, he begins to spin the 
sabers alongside of him, using them as concentration. Slowly, his hands leave 
them, allowing the blades to spin in the air as bits and pieces of the grass on 
the ground lift up... and the trees leaves begin to float away, spiraling and 
turning into a whirlwind... another storm of greenery, one of Tai's favorite 
techniques. This time however it has a different purpose... and he sends it out 
in the direction he last sensed Rendafar, the storm gathering and growing in the 
clippings and leaves, hopping over the collection of Ashton, Moira, and Kas as 
so they're not too bothered by it. The purpose of Tai's little task is to find 
Rendafar by looking for the spot that the leaves and grass cannot go... 
indicating a presence there that is blocking their progress... for once, Tai is 
being clever.

Ashton turns his attention to Moira and Kastanje, putting the duel behind him 
out of his thoughts for the moment. He's secure in the belief that the two are 
experienced enough to avoid the trio, and if not, they'd likely be on KP - 
Knight or padawan or not. "Wyld huh? Did Mr. Dade indicate what exactly the 
general was asking?"

At the success of his cloak, Randy puts on the speed, keeping himself as silent 
as he can. Wrapped in the unseen, randy quickly hurries back to the place he 
just left; Right behind Tai Jinn. With a hiss from his mouth, Randy whispers 
into his ear, "Very clever young Jedi...very clever."

Someone should really inform Moira when things like chases are going on. She'd 
be game, but as she's clueless as to the need to do so, she continues talking 
with her master and Kastanje. The Padawan girl nods in response to Kas's query. 
"Republic Navy officers waiting for their commission, in fact. That's how Mr. 
Dade identified himself. He said when he pointed out that loyalty was a key 
trait in Republic officers, the General got upset and left." But of course, the 
greenery briefly draws her attention- it's Tai being Tai again, how cute. Moi 
smiles slightly, then returns her mind to the conversation. Focus, Moira. "Mr. 
Dade said he was inquiring after the structure of the Republic Military, and as 
to the loyalty of the officers. That's as specific as he got. He also stated 
that he was 'unsettling.' But I guess that could be because he used the Force to 
convince the doorman at the cantina to let him carry his weapon in."

Still crouched on one knee, lightsabers spinning, the voice as well as the 
sudden presence in the force alerts Tai that Rendafar is behind him. Dropping to 
what appears to be a position one would do 'push-ups' in, his legs remain up in 
the air, balanced there by the force. Kicking out with them towards where 
Rendafar's voice is, he attempts to attack the knight.

Well, that was a surprise, Randy thinks as he takes two feet in the chest and 
winds up on his back. He quickly jumps back up, "Ahh, very good Young Jedi...." 
And then once again he shoots off, this time to the right of Tai, hand spinning 
in the air again attempting to cloak himself again.

But, still recovering from the knock in the chest from Tai, Randy cannot 
complete the cloak of invisibility again.

But this time, Tai is expecting the knight's attempt at cloaking and the 
incomplete version is very detected. Sabers are deactivated and taken into his 
hands as a grin crosses his features. Suddenly the Padawan is flinging through 
the air again, cart wheeling and flipping in one fluid motion so that when he 
lands, he'll be right in front of Rendafar and facing towards the knight.

Kastanje is having a hard time concentrating on the conversation at hand with 
all the leaping and flying and bits of greenery still caught in the breeze, but 
then, she's always been very distractible. She blinks a couple times at Moira, 
brow still furrowed in more than just concentration. "I can't say I'm 
particularly happy to hear a Sith general is asking after our military 
structure... At least this Mr. Dade kept up appearances in front of him. I might 
ask him for details myself, see if his actions might put in a good word on 
whoever's looking at his commission." After all, with the recent increase in 
Sith around, an officer who can hold his own against a General is good.

Ready for the jump this time, Randy stops just as the Knight lands. He smiles at 
the young Jedi, and then his hand shoots out, palm open again. This time instead 
of using the Force to impact the Jedi, Rendafar is close enough to impact his 
chest.

Tai is sent backwards, tumbling over the ground as a slight gasp escapes his 
lips from the impact to his chest. Smiling, he rises to his feet and then runs 
towards Rendafar. Jumping normally into the air, it looks like he'll be doing a 
regular flying kick, but as the first extension of his foot flies out towards 
Rendafar, he keeps in the air, levitating momentarily with the force. Rotating 
his body in the air, he kicks again, followed by another kick from the other 
leg. Landing on the ground, several quick kicks lash out. Been watching too many 
Kung Fu movies.

Ashton nods agreeably with Kastanje. He seems to do that a lot lately. "Good 
Moira... and thank you. You're getting very thorough in your investigative 
techniques." He flashes her a quick smile. She was becoming a very strong Jedi. 
The only thing he had any worry over was her personal attachment to Tai, but 
then again, he also felt a personal attachment to Kastanje. Was he any stronger 
than Moira and Tai that he could remain focused on the Force or would he allow 
his emotions to become more important. It was definitely a moral dilemma and he 
had just told the Sith general two days ago that a Jedi is not a moral creature.

Rruka comes out from the dorms with some lighter looser clothing on though he 
has something in a pocket that can just barely be seen in the ruffles of the 
tunic. Activity catches his attention and he approaches, wondering what 
precisely is going on.

And who says Moira lets emotion be more important? But one doesn't argue with 
their master, especially when one can't hear their thoughts. So, blissfully 
ignorant of what's going on in Ashton's head, Moira nods at Ashton's words. To 
Kas, she says, "I also asked him to seek you or one of his superior officers 
out, Kas. So the military could get the information directly from him. I hope 
you don't mind." After all, it was a weird hybrid problem. If he's asking about 
the military, it's their business. But Darths running amok is probably Jedi 
business. And now, all bases are covered.

Rendafar Rembik takes each one of the kicks, loosing his concentration as his 
friend and most likely future apprentice enters the courtyard. A hiss escapes 
his lips as he goes down again. This time though, instead of standing right up 
and getting back into the spar, he takes his time. Brushing off his fur Randy 
smiles at Tai, "Very good, Knight Tai clan Jinn. You do great honor to your 
Master as your level of understanding in the Force increases. But, I must stop 
at this time and return to my other tasks. Thank you, Tai clan Jinn, it was most 
enjoyable." And he bows once to Tai.

Simon enters the courtyard from the street, moving at a relaxed pace. His 
attention is drawn at first to the spectacular battle between Tai Jinn and 
Rendafar Rembik, but after a few moments he looks around the courtyard and sees 
the major, Ashton and Moira. Since Ashton is the one he came to see, he walks up 
and stops at a respectful distance facing Ashton. Once there he falls silent and 
waits to be invited to join the conversation.

Blinking a bit, Tai actually blushes slightly, a rare sight unless you're Moira. 
Bowing in turn towards Rendafar, he speaks quietly. "It is I who thank you for 
both the training and compliment Rendafar clan Rembik." Also feeling Rruka's 
presence, he glances at the Acolyte and nods slightly to him. "Enjoy your tasks 
Knight Rendafar clan Rembik... and I look forward to our next training."

Rendafar Rembik nods once more to Tai, and then sets off in a jog towards Rruka.

"Mind? Oh, not at all. You did a good job, I'm sure." Kastanje assures with a 
smile to the Padawan. "I probably would've sent him back your way, if he'd told 
me first about this Darth's attentions, though I don't know if I can promise the 
same of my superior officers," she adds, expression sliding towards apology for 
the opinions of those she works with. An amused look is directed at Ashton, "Ah, 
so that's what all this planet-hopping was about? Polishing up your Padawan's 
investigative skills?" Kas knows there was a purpose, but she can tease a guy, 
can't she? Movement off over the Knight's shoulder catcher her eye, and she 
leans slightly to see past Ashton. "Oh look, it's Simon," she notes, a hint of 
surprise in her voice.

Coming up to Rruka, Randy bows once and then smiles at the young one. "Rruka, 
welcome. How are you feeling this grreat evening?"

Tai Jinn heads to join the other group and a slow walk, stopping to pick, up his 
robes and hook his sabers to his belt. Putting on the robe, he continues to 
approach.

Rruka frowns as he sees Rendafar go down and is about to rush over as Rembik 
heads his way. A slight smile appears masking concern, "You are okay?" He tilts 
his head, gold eyes shining brightly.

Rendafar Rembik chuckles slightly and nods, "I am fine. Tai and I were only 
training. He wanted to work on his tracking and martial skills, and while I was 
waiting on yourself I decided to help him."

Rruka smiles and nods a little, "I apologize if I took too long to get down 
here. I was refreshing myself and putting on some looser cooler cloth since most 
of my wardrobe is now statified...." He glances at Moira and Tai. "I hope I did 
not cause any inconvenience other then wounded pride."

With a grin, Randy replies, "None at all, young one. " And he puts his arm 
around the Acolyte and begins walking towards a secluded part of the grounds. 
"It is a common mistake that a lot of Jedi make while in training. Letting 
distractions get in the way can be the death of you, or someone you are 
protecting. So, enduring any injured pride is a small price to pay for the 
lesson taught. Come," And he motions to a bit of level ground. "Sit with me and 
let us talk."

Ashton matches Kastanje's smile with one of his own, but his face has that 
questioning look. "Part of it... " he's about to say something else when she 
exclaims something about Simon. Turning his head, he gets an interested look on 
his face. So soon coming to Coruscant? Maybe he had some news... and he turns to 
face the approaching Simon. Mr. Farranger," he says in greeting with a nod.

Rruka enjoys the company of the short Knight. He's probably happy to NOT be 
towered over. Black and white markings give an almost clownish effect as his 
gold eyes look at the Noghri, "Pick a spot and I'll sit...your arm is well now I 
guess? You were sleeping a lot that day and I was worried." Black furry tail 
trails behind the acolyte flicking calmly.

Moira too smiles at Simon, but as she's got no idea why the Bounty Hunter has 
come, beyond that very cryptic conversation between he and Ashton on Nar Belsa, 
she doesn't really do anything but wave and then glance to Kas. And, of course, 
begin thinking about random things to herself.

"Jedi Quince," Simon says, inclining his head slightly. "I'm afraid I have 
learned nothing about the starship crew you asked about, but am here on another 
matter." With a slight sigh, he continues. "I understand that a member of the 
guild, named Bode, has attempted to murder a student of the Jedi. Is this true?"

Rendafar Rembik takes a seat, legs crossed under him. As he waits for Rruka to 
sit across from him he smiles and nods. "Republic medical technology and the 
Force works miracles on the hurt these days. Thank you for staying with me. I 
feel that you have a need to discuss something with me...though I haven't any 
idea what it is. But, tonight I want to work with you on some things with the 
Force. You are rapidly moving closer to the day that construction of your 
lightsaber will begin, and we must prepare."

Tai approaches the group just in time to catch the end of Simon's statements. He 
nods a greeting towards the man but remains silent, instead taking a place 
standing alongside of Moira. Seems like he does that rather often, he would 
stand alongside Kas... but for some reason it just doesn't feel the same.

Rruka takes a seat and thinks a few moments about what has been said "How do we 
prepare?" Another pause as if forgetting what he was going to say, "Oh yeah...I 
guess you want to see the cube. I'm sorry if I didn't bring it to you sooner. I 
wasn't sure it was important."

Hmm, they're pairing off now. Interesting. Let's just hope Simon doesn't jump to 
any conclusions looking at this? Kastanje, for her part, is suddenly preoccupied 
by the mention of Bode. Hadn't she gotten away from that blasted bounty hunter, 
with him on Nar Belsa and she safely back on Coruscant? A frown pulls at her 
features. "That'd be Rruka," she notes quietly, trying to clarify.

From far down the bridge to the Jedi complex, yet another face somewhat familiar 
to the complex and it's inhabitants can be seen coming up, Davros Talge makes 
his way to the complex, nodding his head to various friendly acolytes and such 
and stops when he gets into the Praxeum proper, apparently looking about in 
search of someone.

Ashton raises an eyebrow in surprise. This is something that neither his own 
padawan nor Tai had approached him with yet. He was picking up some mixed 
emotions from both of them right now, so turns his attention on both, his body 
following his glance and he's looking at both of them. Luckily, most of the 
traffic was nowhere near them, and so he accepts this as the place to discuss 
this. "What don't I know?" he asks both of them.

The comment from Kastanje causes Ashton to turn his attention on her. His glance 
is one of bewilderment that all of them know about this and no one saw fit to 
tell him. "Rruka? Bode tried to kill the Acolyte?"

Frowning as he looks at the cube, Randy says, "There is much you must learn 
about a Light saber...."And he trails off as he studies the device. He then 
holds out his hand and says, "May I see this cube? And where did you get it?"

"I told you about the poisoning." Moira says, breaking off and blinking. "I 
think...twice, Bode poisoned him. Kas and I healed him both times." Moira blinks 
some more- apparently she's a bit confused. She did tell Ashton, didn't she? She 
thought she had, but maybe in all the goings on she'd forgotten...oh, stars. 
Moira doesn't know. She turns her gaze on Simon for a moment, and then looks 
back to Ashton. "I certainly intended to...I'm sorry if I didn't."

Davros spots Moira and Ashton and the others, heading over and getting closer 
before he notices Simon is already here, "Hmmm...I see you've beat me to the 
punch on this one boss." He remarks to Simon in a low tone, "Sorry, I had 
business to take care of that slowed me down..." He then waves around to the 
rest of the group and nods, "Moira, Tanya, Knight Ashton...good to see you all 
again."

Rruka offers the protected cube toward Randy but hesitates slightly, 
"Baba....err Ba'sha I think also called Darth Wyld gave it to me in a gesture of 
equal opportunity. He said he had learned much about the Jedi and I said there 
wasn't any way to learn about the Sith...and he gave it to me." He shrinks a 
little, "I hope I didn't do wrong by you sir."

As the Jedi and Kastanje start to get their stories straight, Simon leaves them 
to it, replying to Davros' whisper. "It's all right," he says, "But I realized 
that I should tell them what we are doing - some things should always come from 
the person at the top." After that, he adds, "I'll leave the sale to you, but I 
should make the announcement."

Tai's words come quietly as well. "The Sith also choked the Acolyte in my 
presence and then Bode proceeded to poison him. I left Rruka where you could 
find him I was..." Looking at Moira and Ashton, he lowers his head. "I was on 
special mission to Taboon and could not alert you to my presence on the planet." 
So Tai could cloak his presence in the force... and well it seems... very well 
to avoid them both. Perhaps his training is not leading him to a battlemaster... 
but a shadow knight.

Rendafar Rembik takes the cube and begins examining it closely as he listens to 
your explanation, frowning as he turns it over and over in his hands. "Ahh yes, 
the honored Sith warrior I fought." And he studies the artifact more closely. 
Suddenly he looks as if he's found something on it and presses a button. Soon 
after that a Sith Master about 8 foot tall jumps out in holographic form and 
Randy hisses and presses the button again. "Evil..." is all he says for a 
moment. He then looks back up at you and says, "You did no wrong Rruka...but we 
must take this to the Council and let them take a look at it. But not right 
now." And he hands the cube back to Rruka. "Do not study this alone, Rruka. Only 
evil can come from it. But now, you and I must discuss other things."

Rruka takes the cube back, "I hope it is not bad that I have studied it before 
bringing it to you...." Carefully he hides it in his pockets. "What are we 
studying today sir? I wish to learn all I can."

"He didn't try to kill him the second time," Kastanje notes matter-of-factly, as 
if this somehow improves the fact that she didn't tell Ashton either. Not that 
there was much opportunity on her part, after she hung behind on Nar Belsa. "I 
think by that point he knew he could get to Rruka, and was just enjoying himself 
by making him miserable. Moira and I had even warned Rruka against Bode before 
that." She decides against mentioning that it was probably much the Acolyte's 
fault, and that the young Trianni really didn't have any common sense for 
keeping himself safe. That's just personal opinion, and probably uncharitable. 
But facts are acceptable. "While we're catching you up on things, Ashton," she 
begins, offering a bit of a grin, "Rruka also accepted some sort of Sith 
teaching cube from Ba'sha. It was right before you and Merina showed up for 
dinner in the Bistro. I tried to take it from him," she admits. "Didn't think it 
would be good for a young Jedi. But he has it still - saw him drop it earlier." 
Bode may be a danger to everyone around him, but Kas doesn't seem to think 
highly of Rruka either.

Rendafar Rembik frowns at that, but doesn't say anything more on that subject 
for the moment. He then takes a deep breath and calms himself for the training 
task at hand. "Tonight, we go back to basics, Rruka. One of my biggest concerns 
about your training is your confidence level. You seem to want to study the arts 
of battle, but yet shy away at most confrontations. Tonight we will discuss this 
part of you, and find out together and with the Force, how to bring you out of 
it. Now, first, I want you to relax...put all thoughts of all things out of your 
head." And the Knight closes his eyes, doing what he speaks to you. "Let your 
mind and spirit become as one with the Force."

Rruka sighs a little as he releases a cleansing breath. Another inhale followed 
by an exhale until, eyes closed, the acolyte appears at peace. From there his 
arms legs and tail all appear relaxed. Even his whiskers droop a little. Finally 
any twitching leaves his tail.

Ashton glances back at Moira and nods with a reassuring glance. She had been 
exhausted during the flight home from Nar Belsa. So was Merina. Ashton had spent 
most of the flight in meditation and a hibernation trance. He had returned home 
quite alert and in excellent health, both mind and body. His deep concern over 
one of the other students, Rruka, is quite evident though in his look. He lifts 
his eyebrows at Tai's explanation, but the beginnings of a scowl indicates he 
doesn't think any mission a padawan could be on could be more important than 
saving the life of another student. But then again, he has no idea how Master 
Phanton trains, so cannot fault the young man. Kastanje's news actually brings a 
smile to his face though. He turns to her with a raised eyebrow, then nods 
toward Rruka and Rendafar. "I think that's what he's been trying to tell 
Rendafar for some time. It's just a document though... nothing mystical about 
it." He seems to have known before now, but how is anyone's guess.

Good. So Rruka was sharing with Rendafar about the cube. Moi wouldn't have to 
ruin the moment of 'bonding' with the Acolyte from earlier by having to tell 
Ashton about the cube. And let's see, was there anything else she should tell 
her master now that they were discussing these things? Moi's eyes go distant and 
her forehead wrinkles slightly as she thinks. No...can't think of anything. But 
that doesn't mean there's not anything.

Davros nods his head to Simon, and otherwise remains silent as the Jedi work 
stuff out between themselves, and of course he'll let Simon make the official 
announcement, then he'll figure out who to talk to.

A low, contented growl emanates from Randy's throat as he feels the Acolyte slip 
into the Force. With nothing disturbing them, even though there are plenty to 
distract them, this session should go easily. "Now, young one. I want you to 
pull up a memory in your mind. A memory of yourself when you where afraid. Let 
the feelings you felt then come back to you now, but do not feel them. Use the 
Force, Rruka, and roll those thoughts and feelings about in your mind. Study 
them. Feel why it happens, and then understand how they work. You will see the 
dark side in there Rruka. Its cold fingers plucking away at you, begging, 
tempting, pleading you to feel that fear. Understand it. Know it. And then 
discard it." Rendafar speaks slowly, silently. His usual accent seemingly gone, 
or is it that the Force is carrying his words? If a normal being who could not 
touch the force the way these could was to be listening, they would only see 
Randy's lips move, so deep is his connection to the Force and to this Acolyte.

"Well, I'm glad to know that my information was correct," says Simon as he 
reaches into his pocket and produces a message film bearing the guild seal. As 
he hands it to Ashton, he says, "This document details Bode's immediate 

expulsion from the guild - his behavior has been completely unacceptable and 
will not be tolerated." Then he allows his expression to change to one of 
disapproval as he turns to Kastanje. "Major, I would have appreciated it if you 
had drawn this to my attention - this sort of thing is harmful to the guild, and 
I thought that we had a working professional relationship."

Tai didn't exactly just leave Rruka on the street, he started a healing process 
and put a small beacon of force energy around him so the others could find the 
Acolyte. But the mission was needed to be completed. Speaking of which, Tai 
looks at Simon and nods slightly towards the man. "Mr. Farranger, if I may 
inquire... who claimed the bounty on the Trianni known as Spectre?" It's out of 
the blue, but something that has been nagging his mind... Wait a second, Tai was 
doing something on Taboon that no one else even knew about... Perhaps he already 
knows the answer to this question and is only testing Simon to see if the Bounty 
Hunter will lie, or tell the truth.

Rruka must find what he is looking for as he shivers a bit, tail flicking almost 
angrily about for a few moments. Another deep breath and an attempt to return to 
calm. He squeezes his eyes tightly shut and wrings his hands. Stiffness 
composing his posture entirely.

"Concentrate, Rruka." Randy says, worried that he may loose the young one now. 
"See the Force and seek the truth of my words. It is there, you only have to 
search for it." And Randy offers up some of his own Force power to help the 
young Jedi to be out.

"Ah, well, that's good. But still, I'm glad Rendafar is talking with him about 
it," Kastanje responds, assured by Ashton's untroubled reaction to the existence 
of the cube-thing. She listens for a bit, until Simon brings up his complaint 
about her not telling him. The Major offers an apologetic gesture with open 
hands, but more in the manner of a misunderstanding than a feeling she did 
something wrong. "My apologies, Simon, if I should've reported something to you 
about Bode's actions. But from our discussion that night in your office, I was 
under the impression you didn't have any policies regulating your hunters. I 
didn't think you'd be inclined to do anything concerning Bode's actions to that 
date, and figured I'd only hurt our working relationship by suggesting I 
disapproved of how your members conduct themselves." Yes, plural. "Besides," she 
adds, offering a sheepish look. "Much of Bode's actions against Rruka didn't 
become clear to me until after we'd talked." And after that one evening, there 
were the incidences with Davros, and then the slave shipment, to get in the way 
of talking.

Rruka resumes some focus and begins to go still once again. He appears to be 
focusing on other things as a slight smile appears on his face. And a sense of 
calm washes over his formerly troubled features.

Sensing the thoughts of Rruka, Rendafar begins to understand some of what 
troubles the young acolyte. He firmly resolves to boost the feline's confidence 
level in himself and breaks contact with him. "Now, come back to the here and 
now, Rruka. I want you to tell me what you saw."

Accepting the document from Simon, Ashton doesn't need to look it over, but 
fully intends to turn it over to the Council if Simon allows him to keep it. 
"It'll be up to the Council what actions are taken, if any... but it's a safe 
assumption that Mr. Bode will not be safe in Coruscant space for some time." He 
holds up a hand to Tai, indicating that his interruption is poorly timed. "Has 
Bode been informed of your decision, Simon?" He glances to Davros too, wondering 
if he had any information to offer either. The Knight hated ignoring people if 
he could help it.

Rruka looks at Rendafar, "My parents, my siblings, the captain, the elder, the 
Jedi at Ossus....you." He sighs a little and looks at Rembik gold eyes searching 
for something from the Noghri in the form of perhaps an explanation though the 
results are obvious or of further information.

Rendafar Rembik nods once, looking at the Acolyte, "You fear failing your 
friends and family, do you not?" he asks simply.

Rruka sighs, "Most of them I DID fail....that's why I'm here. My family didn't 
want me."

And what can Moira do or say? At this time, nothing is really appropriate. But 
listening is, and Moira does much of it. She moves her hands behind her back, 
where the right one grasps the left.

Davros shakes his head at Ashton, "He shouldn't be aware yet no..." The 
announcement is nominally made, but will Simon tell them the rest or is that up 
to Davros? He decides to play it safe and let Simon decide that, "At least 
that's the plan, but we want to cooperate as much as we can."

Rendafar Rembik sighs and shakes his head, "No Rruka, that is not true. You are 
letting your fear hide the truth from you. The Force brought you to us, to your 
new family." And the Jedi leans forward to place a hand on your shoulder. 
"Failure here is not in the scheme of things, young one. As your connection with 
the Force grows stronger, you will come to realize the great many things you can 
do. Fear is of the dark side, and the dark side will cause you to fail. Let the 
Force comfort you and take away your fears. Be confident! You are of a proud 
race of warriors and hunters. Your natural skills alone make you a formidable 
being to any evil you must confront. Put your faith in the Force to guide you 
down the path it has laid out for you. Trust in the beings around you here, at 
the Jedi Academy, at Ossus, on the council, everywhere you see a Jedi, to keep 
you safe and sound in your convictions."

Simon knows that there is far more to Tai Jinn's question than first appearances 
would indicate, and his mind is about to race and explore when he realizes what 
company he is in. Locking his jaw in place, he recites accounting tutorials to 
himself again and again. Then realizes that the guild procedures manual is a 
better choice and quotes from it, "Guild members are not at liberty to discuss 
who claimed a particular bounty." Turning back to Ashton, he is able to proceed 
more sanely. "Yes," he says, glancing sideways at Davros. "The guild has a 
courier system to get messages to all members of the guild - notice that Bode 
has been expelled has been sent." After a momentary pause, he adds, "However, as 
Bode is no longer a member of the guild, we have no further obligation to him. 
Any further action that we take in relation to him is between me, Davros and the 
client."

Davros raises an eyebrow, "I'm sorry Ashton, I was unaware of that particular 
detail, and I've only worked in Guild administration for a little while." He 
grins abashedly before flicking a glance to Simon, what was he thinking alerting 
Bode? Now the man was going to go deep, deep underground and be that much harder 
to find.

Tai nods silently to Simon and then folds his arms over his chest silently. 
Already he's been punished by Ashton, so now he has to stand quietly and be the 
bouncer looking guy. Not that one is needed. Realizing he's not really serving a 
purpose he bows slightly to the others in a silent excusing and heads towards 
the bridge to look into the water of the stream.

Well, having an explanation ignored is better than not being forgiven at all, 
right? Kastanje still looks vaguely uncomfortable that Simon didn't acknowledge 
her rationale, but it's probably Tai's fault for that question about Spectre. 
She knows hunters can't give away information about their clients... She opens 
her mouth to share a bit about the Trianni with Tai, but then she turns to 
leave, and mouth closes again. Davros' comment about Bode hiding underground 
changes that to a wince, "I got him out last time... Someone else's turn now," 
Kastanje mutters.

Rruka smiles as he listens to Randy's words and takes them to heart, "I will 
remember that sir. I am sorry for allowing my doubt to interfere with my 
teachings. I guess sometimes it is hard to realize everything one needs is right 
before you if you decide to look."

Rendafar Rembik nods once and says, "Let the Force guide you. It has never let 
me down, and it will not let you down if you work in concert with it." And then 
Randy begins to get up, speaking as he does. "I have some tasks I want you to 
complete for me. There is no time table on them, but I do want you to work on 
them." And he stands completely and motions for you to stand as well. "Your 
first task is to begin studying the Jedi texts on Lightsaber construction. While 
you are not yet ready to begin construction, you must know what to expect. Then, 
I want you to develop for me a warm up routine. This one does have a timetable 
to it. For, when next we train, you will need it. Our next training session will 
be on your physical body, and how the Force can effect it. Finally, I want you 
sparring with the other Jedi around the Academy. From now on, you are not to 
leave Coruscant. Now is a time for your training to intensify, and distractions 
will do you no good."

Ashton shakes his head slowly, "I think what happens now with Bode won't be 
something the guild will be able to help with unless the Council believes it 
should be a hands-off operation, but I do promise I will present this 
information, as well as your subtle offer, to them for consideration." Something 
tells him one or more of the Battlemasters will be hunting Bode before morning, 
but if he's in Sith space, he's not threatening Jedi. Anyplace else, and he is 
open to capture. "Thank you, though. Your consideration in notifying us of his 
release is appreciated. And I appreciate the update." He casts his eyes after 
Tai, inwardly sighing. "Moira?" he says to her, his indication for her to pursue 
Tai evident. "Tell him I'll be there shortly..."

As Tai wanders off, Moira raises an eyebrow, tracking him visually for a moment 
before looking back to the assembled group. What he does is his own choice, and 
for now Moira's place is to listen and observe, with her master and those 
gathered around him. Or not- Ashton tactfully suggests she follow, so Moira nods 
to her master and follows Tai at a trot, reaching out through the Force to alert 
Tai she's following. She doesn't call out- no need to distract those around 
trying to meditate and study.

Since nobody else has spoken to him, Simon keeps his full attention on Ashton. 
"You're welcome," he says, "Our relationship with the government of the Republic 
and to the Jedi Council is a high priority to the Bounty Hunter's Guild." May it 
never come into conflict with our commitments to the Sith. Anyway, all the Jedi 
seem to be going somewhere, time to leave. "Thank you for your time, and I can 
see you now have other commitments."

Tai smirks a bit as both Ashton and Moira seem to think he's going off for some 
reasons that he shouldn't be. Occasionally he does take time to be in thought, 
like this. Glancing up to Moira, he quirks an eyebrow and responds to her 
quietly without speaking. Turning back to the water, he watches it trickle, a 
trait he's picked up from his Master... their postures are the same and if one 
didn't know better, you could almost mistake Tai for being Phanton.

Rruka nods, ingesting all that Rendafar says. "I will work hard, I promise. I 
have an exercise routine that I work on daily already....I do constructive 
things since I don't hang out on Make err Menrai mountain like the other 
trainees. Is there any particular areas I need to focus on?"

Moira cracks a smile as she approaches Tai. "I know." She says quietly, turning 
to look out at the water, as well. "But my master asked me to come and tell you 
he was coming. Who am I to refuse?" There's another grin, and Moira knows Tai 
will sense that she agreed with Ashton- perhaps she thought Tai might want 
company as well. She doesn't notice the similarity to Master Phanton- after all, 
she rarely spends time with him. He's Tai's master, not her own. "Eventful 
evening, hmm?" Moira inquires.

"Focus on getting your body ready for the Force. Stretch or muscles, and use the 
Force to infuse them with energy." Rendafar says. "The mind, while powerful, can 
do nothing without the body to help it. I must now return to my quarter to rest. 
While my mind is strong, my body still requires rest after my recent exertions. 
Stay here, and meditate on what knowledge we uncovered tonight." And Randy 
readies himself to leave.

Except that Phanton is a rather impressive mature Devaronian, and Tai is, well, 
Tai. Kastanje certainly couldn't mistake them, even if he does seem to be 
picking up habits of the Jedi Master. Kas glances back away from Tai as Moira 
heads after him, and turns to Simon. "Well, appreciate the news that Bode is no 
longer in your guild, Simon. My colleagues will appreciate not having to worry 
about Bounty Hunter retribution should we try and do something about Bode." 
Again. And not like there was any retribution last time, but it seems an 
appropriate remark to make to Simon.

"Indeed..." responds Tai quietly as he gazes at the water. For a long time he 
doesn't elaborate, contemplating over the events once again. It seems, at least 
from the impressions he picked up from Ashton, that he failed once again at what 
he had attempted to do. Failed at getting and keeping Rruka safe, failed at 
diplomacy with Simon when he interjected in conversation. A walking life of 
failure... only then does he realizes that his thoughts could very well be 
heard.

Rruka moves forward and rubs his head against Randy as he gives the Jedi a hug, 
"Thank you sir. I hope you will rest well. I will strive to work harder and do 
whatever I must."

Rendafar Rembik nods once to the Acolyte and then heads towards the towers.

Ashton nods to Simon. "Well, I can't speak for the Republic government or the 
council, but I appreciate the information. I've only met the man once, but he's 
threatened padawan before. He hadn't committed any acts against those padawan, 
so we had no reason to act against him." He bows his head to Simon as the man 
prepares to leave. "Have a good evening, Mr. Farranger. And safe travels..."

Simon nods to Kastanje, reflecting that she was saying something earlier while 
he was reciting his accounting tutorials. Ashton's comments are registered, but 
don't seem to require a response. "Yes," he says to Kastanje, "The automatic 
bounty on anyone who kills a hunter is an important safety feature in our line 
of work, and the members tend to respond rather enthusiastically." The idea that 
'doing something about it' might simply involve prison is not something that 
comes to mind for him. "Is there anything else that we should have discussed 
earlier on, since we have the chance now?"

'You're hardly a failure,' is Moira's reply thought. If Tai's not speaking 
aloud, Moira won't either. It's not like Tai can't hear her as well. She stares 
down into the water, leaning on anything that might happen to be nearby- 
railing, posts, Tai. Whatever works. 'You did what you could. I think the 
question was, was the mission really important enough to run off and leave 
Rruka? If so, there's nothing to reproach you with.

Rruka pads over to Moira and Tai. Hey they're missing the third musketeer....oh 
there he is. And with a puff of fur, the feline decides to put a hand on both 
their shoulders.....hopefully with a snap of static electricity he has been 
trying to generate.

Gazing into the water, Tai instinctively puts an arm about Moira for a second in 
a semblance of a hug. 'I do not know the importance of the mission, I was only 
asked to complete a task and then leave...' However, when he'd informed his 
Master of what had happened, he was not ostracized, he was congratulated... 
perhaps it was a test, his personal convictions over that of the Council. One 
day, Rruka is going to have to learn that sneaking up on people only belongs at 
certain times, and as Tai senses him approaching, he puts up a force barrier 
around himself and Moira, intending to shock Rruka back should the feline 
continue it's quest.

Kastanje wouldn't be thinking about killing Bode - at least consciously - but 
she inclines her head to Simon in acknowledgement of that fact. "Probably not," 
she comments to Simon's final question, even though he was likely addressing 
Ashton.

Moira giggles, yes, giggles as Tai manages to protect her from the evil static 
electricity plot. "Hello, Rruka." She says, turning her head so she can look at 
the Acolyte. "Did you have a nice training session with Knight Rendafar?" Moira 
is also on the Knight Rendafar liking bandwagon. Not only is there respect for 
him, but she genuinely likes the way he does things. Maybe not how she'd do 
things, but valid none the less. And effective, and fully planted in the Light 
side. Something she herself could strive for. Yep, those crazy Knights. They 
were all really spiffy people. 

"I'm good," Ashton says, taking a step back from the discussion, in case 
Kastanje wanted to speak to Simon privately. It seemed to him that Simon 
directed that last question to her about anything else to discuss. Meanwhile, he 
turns his attention to look at Moira and Tai, concern on his face. Man, that kid 
was passionate... Maybe Phanton would allow Ashton to talk to Tai without 
interrupting his training. He really felt that Tai misunderstood him sometimes.

"Well then," says Simon, "It looks like there's nothing for me to do here, I'll 
be on my way." Waving cheerfully to Ashton and Kastanje, he turns and heads out 
of the courtyard.

Rruka makes a face and decides to try and block the shield wielding trainee. 
Randy said spar...well perhaps picking on Tai counts as training. A mischievous 
smile appears on his black and white features.

Kastanje raises her hand to wave to Simon, and if there are issues she should be 
talking to Simon about, she hasn't realized them yet. "Take care, Simon," she 
calls, and then glances towards the three Jedi by the bridge, grinning at the 
static-shock attempt. The medic turns to Ashton, raising an eyebrow to him as if 
asking, 'well, now what?'

Sensing what Rruka wants to do fully, a smile tugs at the corner of Tai's lips. 
Dropping the force shield, he turns and picks up Moira, lifting her off her feet 
and holding the woman between himself and Rruka, that way if the Acolyte wants 
to shock him, he'll have to accidentally shock Moira first. Tai the great 
mastermind of battles... put the women between himself and the electrical 
danger.

Moira squirms! And squirms and squirms. Not expecting that one, eh Brennan? 
"Tai!" She exclaims. "Please put me down?" The surprise fading rapidly, she 
begins plotting her own way out of the air, should Tai refuse. "This isn't very 
sportsmanlike."

Rruka grins and begins to reach out toward Moira. But now he tries again to get 
past Tai though the force. Focusing on an illusion of just reaching out toward 
Moira, he tries to duck around and tag Tai himself. Though whether he succeeds 
is going to be all up to the force.

After Simon starts off, Ashton turns his attention back to Kastanje, fully this 
time. "Well, this has been quite the night. Feel like taking a walk?" He nods to 
the bridge, "I don't think I should intrude over there... I think I might've 
annoyed Tai Jinn tonight..." Regardless, the padawan had brought up a completely 
different topic while Ashton and Simon were discussing Bode and Rruka. But he 
was so much better than the spontaneous, half-cocked student he started out as. 
"Ya know, he's probably one of the strongest Battlemaster trainees I've ever 
seen... and not just in physical strength. Not sure how much of that is Master 
Phanton and how much is Tai's own maturity level rising." He turns to walk 
alongside Kastanje. "So Nar Belsa was eventful, huh?"

Yipping slightly, Tai doesn't let Moira go as he leaps high into the air taking 
the woman with him. He does tighten his grip though to make sure she doesn't 
slip from his grasp as he springs high and away from Rruka chuckling. Landing 
upon a grassy part of the courtyard, away from the bridge, he puts the most 
likely screaming woman down and just chuckles.

Rruka looks EXTREMELY proud of himself as his illusion fades.

Give Moira a little credit. She doesn't scream, though she does inhale sharply 
as Tai leaves the ground. "Tai! What was that for?" Moira exclaims upon landing. 
And she then proceeds to stare at Tai for a full minute, before finally breaking 
a grin. "Why do I feel like some kind of pawn? Moira the human shield." 

Tai? Strong? Kastanje still can't help thinking of the guy as a kid she was 
worried would hurt himself carrying her bags sometimes... At least, when he's 
just goofing around like the jumping he's doing now. The Major chuckles merrily 
at the thought, and it manages to linger long enough that Ashton gets a 
favorable response to his inquiry about Nar Belsa. None of this avoiding the 
subject, Kas is in a good mood. "Very eventful, though I still think there was a 
lot of it I wasn't in on... Like some sort of inside joke. Just in case you were 
thinking of it, don't get put in a Hutt jail. They're rather damp and entirely 
uncivilized."

Ashton turns to Kastanje, a new look of amusement on his face. "Jail? Kast, I 
didn't figure you for the type to get thrown into Jendai's jail... or have the 
clans over there taken to jailing people for no reason while he's sick?" He 
doesn't push for information. After all, she was an adult and seemed to regard 
the incident lightly. His attention is caught by the movement of Tai and Moira. 
"Makes me wonder why Battlemasters always seem to be jumping about and flipping 
to get from one end of the courtyard to the other. You'd think it was a 
requirement or something."
 
Rruka grins at Tai and Moira, "Not bad fer the acolyte huh?"

Tai gives Moira a very sly smile and a quiet image is sent to her mind before he 
looks at Rruka. "It was... impressive Rruka." Winking he adds, "Of course next 
time I'll have to do something a lot fancier than just jumping away."

"And kindly leave me on the ground?" Moira adds hopefully, with a grin. "If my 
feet leave the ground, I like it to be because -I- made them do so." Moira 
begins trying to think of something to do to retaliate, but all she can think of 
is reaching over and poking Tai on the forehead. Weird, yes, but Tai just jumped 
and carried her a bunch of feet into the air. And she doesn't want to be 
aggressive. Aggressive is bad.

Spending one night in jail, and being unconscious for much of it, wasn't quite 
enough to leave bad memories with Kastanje. "Probably to make them practice for 
all those impressive duels they're supposed to get into?" She offers by way of 
suggestion, and then returns to the subject of Jails, hoping to save face a bit 
with the Knight. After all, she doesn't see herself the type to be thrown in 
jail either. "I didn't exactly do anything to deserve it," well, she did, but 
the Hutts didn't know about that, and she didn't succeed either. "I tried to 
free a shipment of Trianni slaves destined for Ziost, and I just ended up 
unconscious in the spaceport with most everyone else, and they cleared us away 
for disturbing the peace." Gee, good moods do make Kastanje talkative, she 
wouldn't confess to half of this under normal circumstances. "Did you know that 
Trianni are 'popular' to have now in Sith space? That's why I was asking what 
happened to Spectre... Mr. Borealis suggested the nobles were following the lead 
of their lord."
 
Keeping his eyes locked upon Moira, Tai just chuckles softly. "Fine, I'll leave 
you on the ground next time..." Turning he looks at Rruka and grins at the 
Acolyte as well. "But, such experiences will have to wait for another time 
because now...now I just feel like taking a walk." And that's what Tai does, 
begins to walk towards the bridge and out of the complex. Odd man he is... odd 
and confusing.

Moira blinks, and shrugs. Tai can go for a walk if he wants- and since she got 
admonished for following last time, she's not about to do so again. "I get the 
feeling it's time to go meditate and sleep." She mutters to herself, though that 
doesn't really sound too terrible. After all, she's got much to do in the 
morning. So, with a wave at Rruka, and then another at Ashton and Kas, Moira 
heads in the opposite direction- back into the compound. Tai gets no wave, but 
she does send a goodbye by thinking it. He'll hear it, she's certain. Actually, 
Ashton probably would hear her if he wanted, Moira thinks idly. She doesn't know 
about Rruka. And with these thoughts occupying her, Moi heads for her room.

Tai clan Jinn continues across the bridge, smiling slightly as he heads out to 
the Coruscant night. To where he's going is probably no big surprise, make-out 
mountain is calling his name and he's got some meditations to do, as well as 
levitation training.

Ashton sighs, his smile fading quickly as Kastanje relays this news to him. He 
slows his pace slightly, "So the Hutts are trading slaves to the Sith now? Sort 
of a bold move for them. I mean, I know that on some neutral worlds slavery is 
acceptable, but selling or delivering them to the Sith is like pledging some 
sort of alliance with them. This could seriously jeopardize Jendai's relations 
with the Republic..." He turns to look at Kastanje, "You say they were Trianni?"

At Ashton's reminder that this was a serious issue, Kastanje almost dims 
somewhat, as smile fades and self reproach for not sounding upset over it colors 
her expression. "Yes, Trianni," she confirms. "The whole load of them... I got a 
good look at them when I was trying to, well, stage a rescue, but I'm afraid I 
didn't get a very accurate count. Mentioned to the Sith fellow sent to retrieve 
them that I knew something about xeno-medicine, and offered to make sure they 
were all healthy before he brought them back to gain his trust." The medic's 
nose wrinkles up. Talking about slavery so positively to Boris had been rather 
uncomfortable. "And yes, I'm fairly certain the Hutts were directly involved 
with the shipment, because otherwise the ship would've been confiscated while 
all of us were unconscious, and they didn't keep it for themselves."

Rruka begins to approach the pair. He picks out a word in particular, "Trianni?"

Ashton shakes his head. "Ziost? And this was a few days ago... no way we can 
catch them." He notices Tai, Moira and Rruka heading into the tower and steers 
Kastanje back towards the pathway to the bridge. He walks with his hands in 
front of his body, but not quite in the standard Jedi posture. "Sounds like you 
tried pretty hard... I'm impressed," he says with an encouraging smile. "You 
mind if I walk you back to your place?"

Kastanje nods her head in dismayed agreement, but the Trianni had been lost in 
her mind as soon as the ship had lifted off. Space flight was just one of those 
areas Kas couldn't wrap her mind around properly. "Well, glad you think that," 
she responds, a hint of smile returning. "I'm sure there was something more I 
could've done, but with just me, I didn't really want to give myself away and 
have to face that situation." The smile tugs a bit wider, "And I don't mind at 
all."

The Knight smiles in return and escorts Kastanje down the quiet path towards the 
bridge. An eventful night overall, but enlightening. Despite his earlier doubts, 
for the first time in a long time, Ashton feels at peace with himself as well as 
the Force.

END OF LOG