"Your aunt well, it's a complicated matter," Reyvan began, "The first person she loved killed himself when your parents first met. She exiled herself and was tricked by Tyrannus into thinking that he was a friendly." It was complicated. He knew she cared for her old master but she sought solace in a withdrawal from emotion.

"Perhaps it would be best if we brought the fight to them," Andros suggested. "Amshrey is home to a unique race of our people and the natives were quite helpful in the time of Revan so I have heard. We mobilize but let them come to us. Tyrannus could never resist a challenge."

At the mention of Amshrey, images flashed in Komad's mind of his torture at the hands of Darth Mortis. Out of all of the girlfriends and boyfriends he had before meeting Greea, none had bore more ill will towards him than she did. "I trust you know that if you are planning a trap at Amshrey, I cannot join you. That is where Mortis rebuilt the Death Star, and it holds too many painful memories for me." He told Andros.
"You seem unusually quiet, what is your opinion on this, Master Bodonawieedo Kaltas?" Chief of State Hame then asked Greea.

Greea had been listening to the conversation in silence. Andros had a point and usually did. She could also understand her husband's fear of Amshrey though it was by no fault of the natives there. By her reckoning, the Shreyites and the people put up a hell of a fight.
Andros asked in a nonaccusatory tone, "What are you afraid of?"
Greea added quietly, "We should mobilize. It is wrong to forsake an ally because of one instance."

"I hold no objection to what you are planning, I simply do not wish to return to the Amshrey system myself. I agree that the Shreyites could be powerful allies against the Rashikians." Komad retorted.
"The first person she loved? That's who my cousin is named after, right?" Kalla asked, attempting to change the subject slightly. Her aunt's three-year exile was not something openly discussed, much like her father's time held in captivity by the Sith.

((Cousin?))

"The wish not to return is equatable with fear," Greea replied. It was going to agitate Komad but the sooner he faced the past, the sooner the shadow passes over.
Andros saw that things could get out of hand. He interjected, "Our people on Amshrey are powerful. Their blood holds the blood of a race thought long gone. The Shreyites know the forests like they do the cries of their young. Both are a great help."

Trying to change the subject from the current crisis, Komad decided to ask about his nephew Scooter. "So, how's your son doing? I haven't seen him in a while." He asked his sister.
(That's who I was referring to.
PS: Since I stated a few posts back that Komad is bisexual, I should let you know that it's been common knowledge since before the events of the first RP, but as such, isn't really important)
"You're right, but I believe it would be best to wait until after we speak to the Senate before any further action is taken." Komad replied. "After that is taken care of, I will go with you to Amshrey."

((thanks for the heads up))

"Yes your cousin was named for her first love. He killed himself after being possess. It was the beginning of the deception," Reyvan replied. "You did ask the question young Padawan."

Jun-la was approached by Alkйa. She looked at Alkйa with a look of sympathsizing sadness. She was sad herself but Hethra was Alkйa's master. Such a bond should be respected. She listened as Alkйa explained about Hethra and the ritual. She replied gently, "The bond between master and apprentice is sacred on our world. We give it respect. I will be there as you wish but you must do it yourself."
Alkйa looked at Jun-la. She was at a strange kind of peace but she could not sense the Force flowing from her at all. She had only heard of stories of long ago where one cut themselves off. This was unheard of. Maybe when they were finished with putting Master Hethra to rest would she get to the bottom of the matter. She sought Master Skywalker out and said, "We are ready."

Andros replied, "Agreed." He then stopped. He sensed something far beyond his reach physically but it was there nevertheless. He knew what it was and he was loathe to acknowledge it.

Tyrannus opened his eyes with a grin. He had touched Starlighter's mind with great effort. He wanted him to know that he was still around. He will have his vengeance for his family. Starlighter's mother may have thwarted them the longest but he will have the blood repaid as was sworn in the days of Kirabaros.

(Picture this scene set to the music played during Qui-Gon's funeral in Episode I)
"This way, then." Kol replied, leading her into the Great Hall.
Attending the funeral were several Senators, Jedi, and former soldiers all united in their grief for such a great man. Among them was the former Chief of State Kaité Naberrie Enu, the elderly Ben Skywalker, Alkéa's father Alkonium Kaltas, as well as Komad and his family, her husband Reyvan and her son Scooter, and Almalexia and Hethra's two sons. Komad listened attentively for his sister to give her eulogy before setting Hethra's robes aflame.

Alkйa looked at Jun-la one last time to see if she would like to say something but Jun-la held a glint in her eye that clearly said she would not trespass. She did agree to stand by Alkйa and did so.
Alkйa looked at the people in attendance and noted Andros hiding in the background and checked a sigh that threatened to form. Why he had to hide was something she would never understand but perhaps one day he might explain. Keeping her eyes fixed on Almalexia and her sons, she said, "The Force surrounds us, penetrates us and binds the galaxy together. Master Hethra understood that connection as he made connections with family, friends, and pupils.
"Master Hethra was not only a master to me but a loved one and such a bond is what he created in all our hearts. He was a father, a friend, a master but more importantly a guardian of peace and justice. A Jedi."
Jun-la listened to every word. It was true that Hethra did what he wanted and he would have said that it was the will of the Force. She knew she had no reason to blame herself for his death. As Alkйa set his robes on fire, the pain gradually melted away. She watched the flames consume the robes and thought she saw her father hiding behind everyone else and remembered back to when Princess Almalexia and Master Hethra met to try to bring her father back to the Republic. Things will be set right.

"Rest easy, old friend." Alkonium said, standing over the pyre. Of the three Jedi whose contribution had led to the end of the Great Droid War, he was now the only one still alive. "Your sacrifice will not be in vain." Komad said, looking back at the attack on Tython. He did not want the galaxy to return to war after sixteen years, but if it was inevitable, he would fight to the end.

Andros watched from behind as the flames consumed the robes. He knew that Hethra was at peace and he felt a strange sort of peace coming from his daughter. He looked as saw that she held determination in her eyes. The fire was there but not the Force. Odd, he thought.

Jun-la watched as those that knew Hethra gave their respects. She stayed in her spot just watching. She listened to what Komad said and replied, "A war to end wars this is."

"I doubt that. As long as people disagree, there will be conflict, and people cannot be made to agree. We can only hope that people choose reason over violence when sorting out their differences." Komad responded. "It's sad how little that seems to happen."

"Conflict yes but full scale war and the Force, this will be so to end it for a time. Then evil must be allowed to resurface. One cannot exist without the other," Jun-la replied. She gave a slight smile as she walked with Komad through the halls.
Greea was with them and asked, "So this is about balance?"
"Blood to be repaid is not a balance but a vendetta but the people that will be affected, are affected will constitute the balance," Jun-la replied.
Greea thought for a moment. It was true that Jun-la had an uncanny sense to visions. She must have seen Hethra's demise and went to stop it but in the end had her heart ripped out. It was puzzling that Jun-la was speaking like the old masters and she was only a Jedi Knight. She then asked, "And what is blood to be repaid?"
"Blood vengeance."

"Your father always knew it would come, though I had my doubts until Kalla returned from the Unknown Regions. We may very well have a war on two fronts soon." Komad replied. He then began to worry about how heavily divided the Senate had been lately. "If my address to the Senate goes well, we'll certainly have less to worry about with the Rashikians, though if it doesn't, we may have to worry about a civil war as well." He then added.

"War on two fronts can be fought. To escape blood to be repaid is much more difficult," Jun-la replied, "The Senate will not fight what does not affect them save for those that have felt the effects."
"What do you mean?" Greea asked. She knew that Jun-la had wandered the Outer Rim and beyond in search for the higher mysteries of the Force and was curious about what she had learned.
"What occurred on Tythor was only one. There will be others we have not heard about but will when you address the Senate. Such is the way of the Outcasts and Rashikians." Jun-la focused her eyes on Komad's. There had been rumors of other attacks during her travels but she was not sure if they were accurate. Most of them came from drunks in a cantina. Now was the time of knowing.

"I know. Some planets have probably already been taken. I think Tyrannus might be using this to keep your father's mind off him. He'll be on guard, but to the wrong thing, leaving him off guard in the right place." Komad replied. "He will strike when we least expect it."

"No Father's mind is on him," Jun-la insisted, "He knows that this is Tyrannus' doing. It may bear Rashikians and Outcasts but it bears the mark of Tyrannus."
"So he is behind the attack on Tythor?" Greaa asked.
"He told them yes but took no direct responsibility. That is why there was such chaos among them when he killed the general." Jun-la spoke of Hethra in a detached way. It was out of respect that the dead was not mentioned soon after burial so to speak. To speak the name meant that you wished they hadn't died and the soul will be compelled to remain in this world. It was selfish to mention the name.

"Even so, I find it odd that we have yet to encounter Tyrannus again despite Kalla meeting him in the Unknown Regions." Komad commented. "If all we are going to do is discuss the problem, it will get us nowhere very quickly. We need to formulate a plan. Even if the Senate votes in favour of an army, raising it will take some time. The fleet was decomissioned sixteen years ago, and whatever weapons and vehicles went into storage have aged beyond use by now."

"Avalon is always ready. Why do you think they came so fast?" Jun-la asked. She was curious as to why he seemed to forget Avalon would give help. "If it be so, I will go to the places I have been and ask for help. My brother can help as well."

"I'm aware of Avalon's contribution, but the Republic cannot rely on Avalon alone. I doubt the Rashikians will simply stop if they take Avalon, and if that happens, the Republic must be able to defend itself on its own." Komad replied. "We must prepare ourselves for the possibility that the strength of Avalon might fail."

"It's all they want," Andros added as he stepped up from the shadows. They continued to walk towards the bay to catch a transport ot the Senate. "That has always been the goal of the Rashikians. They are the Outcasts for they desired power and domination over peace. Much like a struggle between the Jedi and Sith."

"Still I agree we should inform the Senate of what is happening. That way it will allow us some leverage and even if the army of the Republic is not called into service, there is the possibility that individual systems will act on their own," Greea added.

"Does it not occur to you that the Rashikians may have changed since they were exiled? The lust for power only ends in either repentance or death. Some of the planets they've attacked have had no affiliation with Avalon. They're not going to stop with Avalon." Komad replied.

"What greater way to strike at your enemy than at its heart?" Andros replied. "They may want to dominate but how to you seize it? Distraction with other worlds and actions. Plus may also be the fact that the Outer Rim holds a few of the first colonies by our people." Andros shrugged hs shoulders as he led the way to the transport that would take them to the Senate.

Jun-La held back and watched as her father left. She would go and find warriors herself. She went in search of her twin and found him in the gardens. He was meditating when she came up beside him. He opened an eye and asked, "Sister, what brings you here?"
"Warriors are needed."
"Avalon will respond. She always does."
"This time we need to find the remnants of the fleet and army. We must muster them while the Senate debates over raising them again." Jun-la looked at her brother wondering why he was acting like a Jedi of old. She didn't realize he was attempting to get her to reveal his plans before going. It never occurred to her that when she explained things, she left key bits out.
"If the Senate raises the army again, it will be new, younger recruits. Why the ones that have fought before?"
"They know what they face. Besides they were the unit that was led Tante Padme and Father. They know what the risks are."
Tulre opened the other eye and looked at his sister. It was not like her to go behind the Senate's back but then again war was upon them again. The time for formalities, while being observed, must not be the backbone. She was right that the new army would consist of younger men and maybe a few old dogs but the individual units of before were scattered and wouldn't take kindly to reassignment. He nodded and replied, "Alright I'll go. Should we take the sister of Komad?"
"No. Her unit was destroyed, leaving only her. She will be reassigned. Oom Philos and Heros will see to it that she has a few of our own pilots."
"Then let's go."
"Not a word to Master Skywalker," Jun-la warned with a finger pointed at her brother.
"Not a word.

"Perhaps, but I doubt it is that simple. It rarely is. Why else would they wait until the Senate is so deeply divided, knowing their attacks would only further the divide? If they are as fractious as you claim, perhaps they are simply a pawn for something greater. This might be a much bigger problem than we first thought." Komad stated, stepping into the speeder.

"There is always something bigger at play," Andros replied as he took the pilot's seat out of force of habit, "It is the way of things. All life is connected. What happens to one affects us all whether we know it or not." He then activated the controls and guided the speeder out towards the Senate rotunda.

Jun-la and Tulre made their way to the hangar. They waited until their father left before heading to the ship that had once been their grandmother's. On board was R4, the astromech that had seen and heard much since he was built. He beeped a greeting and went about his work at ship maintenance. Jun-la informed him that they would be lifting off soon. Tulre asked, "Where to first?"
"Rakata Prime."

Tyrannus loved Coruscant. He loved the fast pace that the petty sentients used to take care of their own troubles. It was teeming full of life. It was easy to hide within such noise within the Force. It was a technique that was rare amongst his people and if he wasn't mistaken, the Light of Courage had it as well so it could be that his adversary was well matched. That didn't matter as he made his way through the halls to an elaborate office. He came to the door and he said, "Senator. You look well."

"You may dispense with the pleasantries, Tyrannus. I called you here to ensure that you're keeping your end of this bargain. I've heard that the planetary militia, aided by Avalonian forces and a few Jedi, were able to hold off the Rashikians. This news is most displeasing, and further failure on your part might make me reconsider our deal." the Senator replied.

"You aren't in a position to reconsider anything Senator," Tyrannus replied, his voice icy polite, "Remember that by allying yourself with me you have pledged something more than your word." Tyrannus narrowed his eyes. These senators thought that they can undo what has been done. They never did and never will understand the ways of his people. Still he had to explain a little and so he did, "Besides Tythor was a means to draw out what had been hiding and destroying. You know as well as I that those that truly matter are the ones who can stand against us. Hethra was one, his bride another, Jedi Alkonium, Jedi Starlighter...all those are a threat if you want your plan to succeed."

"Then you will have to eliminate them. My strength is in the political arena, not on the battlefield." The senator replied. "I can, however, help you with Starlighter. He's going to be at the Senate, along with Jedi Master Komad Kaltas and his wife. I have a trained sniper in mind, I've hired him for contracts before, he does his job well. He prefers payment in advance, but given the timing, I think he'd be willing to forgo that formality."

Tyrannus gave a short chuckle mixed in with a snort. "Don't be a fool Senator. A trained sniper against a Jedi with more than thirty years of combat experience? And an Avalonian to boot." He shook his head, "Starlighter will sense him before he could breathe. Precognition, a gift from his mother...and father."

Jun-la looked out the view window of the ship at the planet below. Rakata Prime, so full of history and not that far from home if you took the Corridor Lane. Here she knew were soldiers who had fought alongside Master Kaltas, Master Hethra and her father. True they had been disbanded sixteen years ago but they would come out of loyalty to their leaders. She let her brother guide the ship to the sandy beach, the same one that their ancestors had landed on. Once landed she said, "More likely they will be to the south. The Temple Elders are more kind in hospitality."
"Alright sis. R4 watch the ship," Tulre replied, giving the order for the droid to stay with the ship. He followed his sister from the beach towards the ancient stone temple that had stood for centuries. He paused to look at it. He had a knack for seeing memories and he could see them, the shadows. Much had happened. He didn't stop but continued to follow until they made it to the Enclave. "This it?"
"Yes," Jun-la replied. She stepped forward to activate the welcomer.

"True, but you can distract him from one assassin with another. Unless you'd rather kill him yourself at the Senate. But you wouldn't throw the entire plan away just to get your precious vengeance. I know all too well how you Force-using types think. Always seeing some bigger picture in everything, and thinking every little thing is the will of the Force." The Senator replied, thinking back to some earlier point in his life.

Tyrannus made a quick move and grabbed the senator by the throat. He applied enough pressure for the senator to feel the strength. He said, "Senator, blood to be repaid isn't something to be taken lightly. Centuries of blood have been spilt and not all of it Avalonian." He then released the senator from his grip and turned to look out the window. He then said, "Besides in the Senate, not the best of ideas. It was tried in a similar situation four millennia ago. Sad to say that didn't go well. Better we isolate them."

Jun-la hadn't visited the Elders in months yet they welcomed her warmly. She never got over the fact that they called her the daughter the 'Prodigal Knight,' courtesy of her heritage. They addressed her brother as the 'Son of Guardian.' Still she knew that old habits died hard and she accepted it with the diplomatic air she had acquired when she went to Amshrey. She addressed the Head Elder in their language, "Greetings Elders. We come because a darkness is coming."

Andros led the party into the Senate rotunda. They were told that they would be in the guest speaker platform. Hiding a slight impatience for the formalities, Andros led the way. He addressed Komad, "Young Komad, how do you plan to win the Senate over?"

"Very well. I will continue with my part of the plan and create doubt in the other Senators' minds." The Senator replied.
"With the truth, speaking not so much as a Jedi Master, but more as a survivor of the attack. That way, the senators will see me as an eyewitness to what the Rashikians can do." Komad replied. "And don't call me young, I'm forty years old."
"Senators, Citizens of the Republic, lend me your ears. I speak to you not as a Master in the Jedi Order, but as a survivor of the attack made on the planet of Tython by the Rashikians. These invaders struck without warning or provocation, and they will not hesitate to do so again. However, we may not be able to stop without a military force of our own when they attack again." Komad said to the Senate, standing at the side of the Chief of State and the Vice Chair. Then, the Senator known as Roan Fel II, representing the planet of Bastion spoke up. "I'm sorry to interrupt, Komad, but why should we listen to you? There is noone else who will verify your claims, and Jedi like you are what keeps the Republic at war." Komad thought about this, but refused to answer. Why would Roan spite him like this after twenty-two years?

"When you live close to over a hundred years old, forty makes you a child," Andros replied.
As he listened to the senators, it became clear that it will be an uphill battle. When the question was asked, he answered, "How can you verify something that has existed for over four thousand years but in different forms? Exar Kun, the Jedi Civil War, the Empire...all have their roots in the same place. You see it but you don't."

"Whether there is a connection between these Rashikians, as you call them, and the Sith, has yet to be proven." Roan replied, effectively covering up his own connections. The more he heard, the more Komad wondered why he had ever gotten involved with him.

"It said Avalon is the place where the Force began. My people are explorers. Tythor seemed to be the origin of the Jedi. From the Jedi come the Sith," Andros replied, simplfying it so even a youngling could understand, "Denying existence of a threat merely says that you don't want to see it, even if it is in front of you."

"Daughter of the Prodigal Knight, we have sensed an evil that has existed long before now," the Elder replied to Jun-la's staement, "Yet this is a personal threat and an aim to destroy that which is good."
"Yes," Jun-la replied, "Blood to be repaid. It has destroyed many a good family and has nearly destroyed mine at times..."
"We know this young Daughter. Eyes are everywhere to watch over that which is precious."
It occurred to Jun-la that her family had been truly blessed indeed. Most of the stories she had heard about blood to be repaid, whole families were wied out within a few generations. In her family's case, they surpassed that. She nodded acknowledgement and said, "I am not asking you to go to battle but asking for those that served under my father, the son of two Jedi."

"Master Kaltas speaks the truth, Senator. As I represent that sector, I am fully aware of what has transpired on Tython, and I agree with the Jedi in that we simply cannot stand idly by while the Rashikians invade Republic space." The Senator from Tython spoke up. "If reasoning with the Rashikians were possible, we would have done so already. However, they attacked planets within the Republic without reason or provocation, and we had to defend ourselves." Komad added.

"Such as is their way. They seek to conquer. Unfortunately it has extended to the Republic in general. Four thousand years of hatred is bound to get out some time," Andros replied. He became aware of a presence that was hiding amongst the senators. He didn't move to alert the sentient but he kept his senses alert.

Tyrannus listened to the moving speeches of the bickering senators. The Council of Lords on Avalon were more active than that. Still he thought he would take a peek in at the Jedi. He didn't have see him to know that Starlighter had stiffened the moment he let his presence be known. It was a risk to take with the other Jedi but because the Senate was full, he coud easily drown his feelings in theirs.

(PS: Roan Fel II is the Senator Tyrannus was speaking to before.)
"You have to get out, he's here." Komad told Andros, faintly sensing Tyrannus's presence. He then led Andros out of the Senate and let the senators continue with their debating over the issue. Afterwards, he was approached my Roan Fel II. "It's been a long time, Komad." He said to him. "Perhaps not long enough." Komad replied. "What was that you were on about there? You have to get out, he's here?" Roan asked. "Jedi business, nothing you need to worry about." Komad answered. "Jedi business? Wow Komad, you sound just like you did when we were together. Whenever you didn't want to tell me something it was always Jedi business." Roan replied. "We haven't been together for twenty-two years. What do you want now?" Komad asked. "I want to say I'm sorry for what I said in there. It wasn't my idea, and I was coerced into saying it." Roan told him. He then kissed Komad lightly on the lips, much like twenty-two years ago. "I see that hasn't changed much." Komad commented. "As good as ever?" Roan asked. "No other man has ever kissed me as well as you." Komad replied. "It's probably going to stay that way though, you know I'm a married father of two now." "So am I." Roan told him.

((Tyrannus in a way is like Kreia...make you see what he wants you to see))

Andros was willing to bet that the presence was Tyrannus. It was confirmed when Komad told him to leave. He did step out but mostly to wait. He understood the relationship between Komad and the senator Roan to a degree. He waited with Greea and said, "Friendships die hard and when they do it is painful."
"Are you suggesting something?" Greea asked.
"Senator Roan," Andros replied.
"What about him?" Greea was confused. She knew about her husband's past relationships and knew from experience that Avalonians had a puzzling way of speaking.
"Strong in the rotunda yet weak in resolve. Secrets." Andros muttered as if he were thinking. In truth, he was reading the emotions. Most Jedi scoffed at the idea that emotions were readable and could visibly manifest themselves in colored auras or in some instances visible memories. It was complicated to explain and even when a master from Avalon explained it was still met with skepticism.
Greea was confused having never heard of this ability. She asked, "Don't all have secrets?"
"In shadow," Andros replied. He then changed and said, "Urgent and impatient."
True to his word, Alkйa came at a fast pace. She brushed right past them looking for her brother. She said, "Brother there is a message for you at the Temple. It is urgent."

(Does Andros actually understand that Komad and Roan were more than just friends when they were younger?)
"I'll be right over." Komad replied, leaving to call for an airtaxi. What could this be about? He thought. Roan then walked over to Greea and Andros. "So, you must be Komad's wife. I always knew gender didn't matter to him, so I'm not surprised species doesn't matter to him either. How did he and you meet, anyway?" He said to her.

((Think of it this way: he knows but he is too polite not to make it obvious. He is not dumb but believes in firm privacy What he said was a different way of putting the relationship.))

Greea regarded the senator with a look of thoughtfulness that didn't fool Andros. He replied, "I am sure we know well enough that which has been kept private even when opened." It was a mild warning uttered with an impassiveness that was confusing to his listeners.
Greea had no idea what the Avalonian was thinking but she decided to follow his train of words and said, "What is known is known. Nothing more to be said. I respect my husband's wishes."

Alkйa held onto her brother's arm to make him stop. She said, "I already have a transport. It is not for your ears alone but for mine, Master Starlighter and father's." Seeing that her brother was eyeing her thoughtfully, she added, "It comes from the Jedi of Avalon."

Jun-la had nearly forgotten the simple pleasures of the Elder enclave as she was led to where the man she was looking for was waiting. He had dark brown hair that was rather messy and gave him a scruffy looking appearance. She eyed him warily and asked, "Are you Matton?"
"That's my name."
"You served under Lilah Starligher did you not?"
"What is this the inquisition of the Empire?" He looked at her annoyed at at the questions. "For a Jedi you are terrible at interrogation."

"Right. I'll go tell Master Starlighter he's needed as well." Komad replied.
"Alright, I didn't mean to pry. I hope you didn't mind me kissing your husband in front of you like that." Roan told Greea, leaving for his speeder. Komad then returned, slightly relieved there wasn't any awkward confrontation between his wife and his ex-boyfriend. "Apparently the message is also for you." He told Andros. He then realised that those the message was intended for were the ones who raided the Death Star sixteen years earlier, with the exceptions of Hethra and Almalexia, for obvious reasons.

"None at all. As I mentioned before, I am aware of my husband's tendencies," Greea replied. She turned her attention to Komad as he said something to Andros.
Andros listened to the message and replied, "What does the son of my uncle wish now?" He knew that Komad wouldn't understand but he felt the need to say it. He added, "Very well. Let us make our way to the Temple."
Everyone started to leave but he lingered to say something to the senator. He whispered, "You have a dark secret and unless you stand up for yourself it will consume you." He then walked away, catching up with Komad and the others.

Jun-la looked at Matton with a raised brow. She had the feeling that he was going to prove tiresome. She replied, "You should know as well as I that the more you know about the person you seek, the more you can anticipate reactions."
"That a fact eh?" Matton replied. "So you want to know about my exploits with your governor and some Jedi who is probably long dead now?"
"The Jedi you refer to is my father and he s very much alive. Call it a stubborn will to live," Jun-la replied with a fire to her voice.
Tulre was trying hard not to laugh at the exchange. His sister was normally a quiet thing and here was this saucy fellow pusing her buttons. She had a temper that would put a thermal detonator to same and he was curious. He listened to the conversation.

Roan thought about what Andros said to him, and knew what he had to do. However, he also knew that those he answered to would kill him if they found that he was no longer helping them. Seeing Komad again also made him think. He remember hearing the people he worked for once saying that they intended to "succeed where only Sidious has done so before," but he had no idea who Sidious was, so he gave little thought to it. He now remembered Komad mentioning a Sith Lord by that name, and even though he knew nothing else about this Sidious, he began to doubt that whatever they were planning would be in the best interests of the Republic.

"What's this about, anyway." Komad asked, worrying that the Rashikians' next target might be Avalon itself, but he knew that there would be no way for them to regroup within such a narrow timespan. He thought about what Andros had said to Roan about a dark secret and what Roan himself had said about being coerced, and began to wonder Tyrannus had anything to do with it.

"There is no need to worry at the present moment. He will make his choice," Andros whispered to Komad before turning his attention to the holo image of a familiar face. He addressed it, "What news have you for us Janus?"
The holo image looked at its audience and then said, "This is not an alert. No systems have reported an attack. This merely a notice of mobilization of Avalon."
"So I am being called to war by my impetuous little sister?" Andros asked, the humour glistened in his eyes.
Janus nodded as if to stifle a laugh. He replied, "Yes General Starlighter. While the Senate may be deadlocked on mobilization, the governor has come to the conclusion that Avalon should be mobilzed for attack. She feels that while we are part of the Republic, they cannot dictate our sovereignty."
"Sounds familiar," Andros muttered suddenly wishing his daughter was here to elaborate on Avalonian policy.
Alkйa sensed his discomfort and saved him from explanation by asking, "Does this require the attention of the Jedi on Coruscant?"
"Yes. Specifically the ones who understand this enemy which is why you, your brother and his wife have been summoned as well as your father." The holo image of Janus looked silent as he paused to take a breath. "The reason for is this is because you understand to a degree the nature of what we face if not all."

Jun-la had enough of this scoundrel and was ready to give a good tongue lashing. She managed to turn the conversation around by saying, "You spoke of service before. Yet your words spoke of loyalty. Where I stand there is none now."
"You question my loyalty to the Republic?" Matton's voice became dangerous.
"That is exactly what I question," Jun-la spat out, "Here I expect someone who would be willing to show the same loyalty as in the past but I see I was wrong. Nothing but a mercenary content to drink and play sabbac to death."
She didn't flinch as Matton threw his drink aside in anger and stood toe to toe with her. She feared not what this man could do to her but what she could do to him. She stared witha hard glint in her eyes. The slight disadvantage was that she inherited the shortness of the women in her family and this ex-soldier towered over her. Aware of that he looked at her and asked, "You question what I have done?"
Slowly Jun-la replied, "I question anyone who is not what is said about them."
The effect was instantaneous and Matton gave a slight chuckle. He said, "You aren't half bad Jedi princess. You don't trust what you hear and that is good. People who do are at a disadvantage."
"I see that is something we can agree on," Jun-la replied unmoved by the change in his demeanor.
"It's a start. Why don't we discuss this fully when your companion stops looking like he sat on a gizka."

"Our father was not present in the Attack on Tython, and the only Jedi to encounter a Rashikian at the battle of Rhen Var was my wife." Komad pointed out. "I myself only know of their origins, and fighting them in combat. We were also able to determine that given their target on Tython, and that they would already have considerable knowledge of Avalonian space, they have no intention of stopping their conquest once they have claimed Avalon. I believe it would be best to keep a close eye on the Republic Senate, at least until they have voted on rebuilding the Military."

"You repeat what we have known and fought over for milennia. Why do youthink there have been the waves of light and dark? The Republic and the Empire? Master Starlighter knows this enemy having faced them long ago," Janus replied, "Your father heard whispers of their activities. Your wife has seen them and you have fought them. This is not coincidence at least to Lady Leviah."
They were inturrupted when another transmission came through. THis time it was from Rakata Prime, the border system of Avalon. Andros immediately adjusted the harmonics to allow the signal to come in clear. The image showed a man that was familiar. It stirred a warrior cry in his blood to see him. The figure spoke, "Captain Matton reporting for duty General Starlighter."

"You met with Tyrannus again?" A voice came out of the speaker in Roan's speeder. "Yes, he will continue to manipulate the Rashikian forces while I divide the Senate." Roan replied. "Good." The voice responded. "About our agreement, my Lord..." Roan started to say. "Right, I suppose I was offering you quite little. Let me point out another reward for helping us: you get to live." The mysterious voice said to him. "When you put it that way, my Lord, I won't let you down." Roan responded.

"Does the Senate know about Avalon's activities on Lehon? You know how strict they are about access to that planet." Komad commented. Since the end of the Jedi Civil War four thousand years ago, every galactic government had acknowledged its significance by declaring it a historical site and heavily restricting access to the entire system. Because of his ancestor Revan's contribution to this, he was very knowledgeable about this time period.

"Let's just say that Avalon has relationships that are thousands of years old and if you know Avalonians, they never forget," Captain Matton replied.
"This is true," Jun-la suddenly appeared beside the captain, "It does not matter with legimate law but by blood law and honor that our friendships are what they are."
Andros nodded in agreement still in shock that his daughter made herself known. He knew she had taken off with her brother but he didn't know that she sought Matton out. He masked his suprise well and said, "Well, I accept your reporting for duty Captain. Do you require anything?"
"No sir just an LZ."
"First mobilization." Andros gave the answer knowing that the others wouldn't understand but you never knew who else may be watching. "How long to mobilze?"
"ASAP good enough?" Matton gave a grin.
"Your unit, your rules Captain. I am just here for the show," Andros returned the joke. "Jedi Jun-la and Tulre will accompany."
"Aye sir," and the image of Jun-la and Matton faded.
Andros turned to the others, "I hope you don't mind my being presumptuous in forming the old units again before the Senate's decision?"

"I suppose since that sector of Republic space is the most likely target of the Rashikians' next attack, the Senate would consider it an act of self-defense to mobilise, and would deem it justifiable." Komad replied. He started to wonder about who would coerce Roan into saying what he did in the Senate, and why? What would they have to gain from it? It was clear that whoever they were, they cared little little for the Republic, unlike his ex, who seemed to be an unwilling pawn in their galaxy-wide game of Dejarik, otherwise, he would not have told him the truth, albeit vague and enigmatic.