How to Expect the Unexpected

[Daria Nytherciria]

Following on from Traitors and Transients (http://sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?t=21664)...

Daria's journey home – as much as the Whaladon could be called home – was not long in the making. She'd hitched a ride on a small supply freight that was bringing the convoy a holds worth of protatos. They wouldn't last long but the residents of the Wheel would take whatever fresh food they could get. The crew had offered to cook her up something - an Outer Rim delicacy - but Daria declined, turning aside the chance to trade war stories too. They were all eager to hear what the blind Jedi Knight had done and could do, but she only wanted the peace to think, to process what she'd seen and felt from the girl who called herself Bryna Belargic.

Back on board the Whaladon, the Alliance crewmen left the Miraluka to her own devices. The Jedi were a common sight there; reassuring but no longer the novelty they had once been. Daria felt her way through the bulk transports corridors to where she sensed Navaria was, the Force guiding her way.

[Navaria Tarkin]

"Could you please pass me the sonic welder." The owner of the voice was currently waste deep inside one of the ventilation panels. Apparently this sector of the Whaladon had been experiencing fluctuating temperature changes and Navaria had offered her hands to help expedite the repairs. She knew her way around space faring vessels and this was the sort of tedious work she was accustomed too.

The tool requested was placed in her hand. She was hoping to salvage the components with a thorough cleaning but there were so many fried wires in this section that she was replacing more then repairing.

An inquisitive head curved around the opening from up top and peered inside, though most of the image was obscured by dangling wires and blonde bangs. Jannice had been assigned to assist the Jedi Master to assist by the Rebels. "How's it going, Master Tarkin?"

Boots tapped against the floor as she regarded the mess before her. "Slowly," she surmised and went back to work. After snipping a severely burned out coupling wire, she paused as a familiar warmth surrounded her being and smiled. Daria had returned.

[Daria Nytherciria]

Wriggling through crawl-spaces with a hydro-spanner in hand was hardly the work of a Jedi Master but Navaria was not a proud woman. No task was too big or too small. She did what she could, where she could. And that's why you love her. Daria smiled a little though the expression tightened as she felt the Rebel technicians regarding her. What she'd come to discuss couldn't be shared with the Alliance yet.

“Master Tarkin. A moment of you time, please.”

[Navaria Tarkin]

Handing over her tools to Jannice, Navaria gripped the edges of the crawl space and pushed herself out. Her hair had loosened within the ponytail while her skin had been blemished by year old dust and grease from the lack of upkeep. Her smile was only for Daria. "Of course. Just a second."

Grabbing a cloth, she wiped off her hands. "If you would be so kind and to see what sort of supplies we do have. Most of the circuits are going to have to be replaced. Here."

A handful of parts fell into the Techs hands. "If you can't, I'm sure we can cobble something together."

"Yes, Master Tarkin." Jannice gave both of the Jedi a polite nod before heading off to the store rooms as another Tech occupied the space Navaria had once been.

"Forgive me in the state I am. The climate controls are rather inconsistent here. I desperately need a shower," she said, chuckling at her unruly state. She had not worn her outer robes for this project for obvious reasons, but her tunic was thick with grime and sweat. Tossing the cloth onto the tool box, Navaria led them down the hallway. "So tell me, what has happened? I sense your thoughts are ... confused about recent events?"

[Daria Nytherciria]

The smudges of dirt and grease that marred Navaria's tunic went unnoticed by Daria and her blind eyes. Her sight – such as it was – spared her the Jedi Master's present 'state' though her nose was inclined to agree that a shower was in order.

“Grace Van-Derveld requested my assistance in an.. unusual matter.”

It was difficult to explain, even now.

“There is a girl with her who claims to be the Director's daughter but,” she hesitated, aware of how ridiculous her words were about to sound, “From the future. A child of Van-Derveld and her late partner, Belargic.”

[Navaria Tarkin]

Grace Van-Derveld had an amicable relationship with the Jedi aboard the Wheel. So hearing she required assistance every now and then wasn't unusual in and of itself.

Nothing could have prepared for what was said next. Navaria didn't stop in her stride but looked upon Daria in stunned disbelief. "You've already spoken with the girl?"

[Daria Nytherciria]

“Briefly. It would appear that she has not long been reunited with her mother.”

The pair turned a corner, striding onward as they spoke in hushed tones. Daria shook her head, unable to reconcile what she had experienced with what she knew, what she believed.

“I saw into her mind, Navaria. She knew things that no stranger could have known.”

[Navaria Tarkin]

"How is the Director taking this?" Navaria asked sympathetically. She had lost so much and even with the strange circumstances surrounding this event, it had to be difficult to comes to terms with knowing there was a time she was happy.

Daria's last comment lingered in her mind. How was this possible? But more importantly, how damaging could this be for the present having a displaced being from the future?

[Daria Nytherciria]

“That.. is difficult to say. Her emotions are well guarded.”

Daria thought back to the last words she had shared with the Director and the girl who claimed to be her daughter. Bryna Belargic was the child of a Force user, Daria had no doubt of that. Although she was clearly a woman well-practised in self-control, was it possible that Grace Van-Derveld was unknowingly using the Force to conceal whatever she felt about the girl?

“The girl, on the contrary, I found easy to read. She has been trained in the Jedi arts.”

[Navaria Tarkin]

Navaria merely nodded at the first assessment. Grace was quite diligent in hiding her emotions for someone that was not Force Sensitive. What was more curious was that their time traveling visitor was a student of the Force. "Why now?" she said absently. "Why have a child of the Force, of the Director's no less, appear now?"

She sighed, grinding her teeth thoughtfully as no immediate answers would come for some time but one fleeting thought persisted. "Is she as determined as her mother once was in finding her father?"

It was not a presumption on Navaria's part, just intuition. "I know it is not our affair if that is the case, but the strain on the Director is where my concerns lie."

[Daria Nytherciria]

“Yes, the girl claimed to know where her father was. As I left, she was about to show the Director his location on a star-chart.”

As an Alliance technician approached from the opposite end of the hallway Daria took a step to the side, walking behind Navaria until there was space to walk alongside her again. It was so strange. She had sensed no deception in Bryna Belargic.

“There was an.. anxious energy to her. My instincts tell me that she.. arrived in our galaxy some time ago.”

[Navaria Tarkin]

Her face turned pensive. "We must speak with the girl. Her acclimation amongst us will be trying now that she has been reunited with her mother. Perhaps even her father, if her information turns out to be correct considering ..."

Shaking her head lightly, Navaria really wasn't sure what to make of this particular situation. One of their own from the future. "Everything she knows has a potential for dire consequences. This is a far more delicate situation then I think the Alliance realizes."

[Daria Nytherciria]

“I don't doubt the Director's ability to approach this matter objectively, however it is clear that the girls claims have unsettled her to some extent.”

The rumours that Grace Van-Derveld had a heart as cold as Hoth were not created entirely from thin air, but Daria knew that there was more to her than the frozen exterior. She had witnessed as much herself. Yet, it was not their place to intrude into the personal life of the Director. Far more pressing were the implications that arose as a result of Bryna's arrival.

“Your understanding of the Force is far greater than my own. Perhaps you will see something in her that I could not.”

[Navaria Tarkin]

"Director Van-Derveld, despite all evidence to the contrary, is quite human. To think that young Belargic's appearance wouldn't unsettle her would only show ignorance."

Navaria smiled and looked upon Daria after what was said by the Knight. "And there are things that I cannot see that only you can."

Even with the honor of Master bestowed upon her, she could never look upon the Force in the way that Daria's unique vision could. The Miraluka had grown so much since accepting and combating the darkness within her. It had only made her connection to the Force stronger, accentuating her 'sight' and perceptions.

"Perhaps. I suppose I will have to speak to the girl myself and find out."

[Bryna Belargic]

Some time later that day...

Two of the Challenger's masters-at-arms acted as Bryna escort to the Whaladon. Their presence didn't do much to dispel the impression that she was a captive aboard the Rebel convoy, but they weren't what was making her nervous. Though she tried to focus upon the Jedi Code – the mantra that had been designed to act as a focal point for Jedi during times that required great concentration – all she could think about was the fact that she had just left behind her mother, and was about to meet with another woman to whom she would appear a stranger, yet who was practically family to Bryna herself.

“This way, miss,” one of her escorts gestured down a hallway ahead. The path was only wide enough to allow one person at a time, as a maintenance tech had pulled open half of the floor grating and was working on fixing what, on account of the sudden spike in temperature, must have been a problem with the atmospheric regulations. That's right, Bryna told herself. You're not just freaking out because you're meeting Master Tarkin for the first time.

The Whaladon was a much smaller, sparsely populated ship than the Challenger so it was only a short while before they reached their destination. The door to Navaria Tarkin's personal quarters stood in front of them. Bryna breathed in deeply – there is no emotion – and squared her shoulders, preparing herself as her escorts keyed the door open and announced their arrival.

“Master Tarkin. We've a visitor to see you.”

[Navaria Tarkin]

Sitting cross legged upon the floor facing towards the circular view port, a visage of rigidity. Hood drawn to cover her head, nothing could give away the Master's inclinations towards this meeting. Unmoving physically and within the Force, the young Belargic could read nothing about the Jedi Master.

"Thank you. You may leave us."

"But Master Tarkin, I don't..."

"It is all right. Trust me, Commander. The girl means me no harm," she said with confidence that seemingly rubbed off on the Alliance officer.

"Of course, Master." He bowed and left, the door swooshed closed leaving both Jedi alone.

After only a brief moment, Navaria unfolded her legs and stood up, pushing back the hood of her cloak as she turned around, letting her eyes gaze upon this anomaly of the future for the first time.

"You know me," she said as fact, rather then question. She could sense the girl's nerves heightened in meeting her but then a mind that had been trained to calm itself began to take over.

[Bryna Belargic]

“Master Tarkin. I thought I'd never see you again.”

The words tumbled out before Bryna could stop them. Seconds later, she caught her lower lip with her teeth and dipped her head. As a young girl, she had shown about the same amount of restraint and dignity the first time her mother and father had introduced her to Navaria Tarkin. Then, her excitement and anxiety had been born from the fact that she was about to take her first steps down the Jedi path. Now... it was not quite so simple.

“I... thank you for agreeing to meet with me at such short notice.”

[Navaria Tarkin]

Navaria's brow rose in curiosity at Bryna's reaction, which only confirmed what the Master had already pieced together. The two of them were familiar with one another in the future that this young Jedi hailed from.

Humility overtook the girl and despite Bryna unable to see it, the Jedi Master smiled that same comforting smile that was given to her when she first met her soon to be Master.

"Time is inconsequential. You've proven that much already. Come." Navaria held out her hand and invited Bryna to sit. "Perhaps something to drink?"

[Bryna Belargic]

“No, thank you.”

As had become the norm when meeting with Master Tarkin, Bryna did not sit but knelt with her palms laid against her knees, facing towards the chambers view-port. Beyond the transparisteel window, the ships of the Wheel could be seen, placid and motionless, at least for the time being. Bryna took some comfort in that sight, just as she did from the aura of peace that surrounded Navaria.

“It's such a relief to have found you and Master Daria, at last.”

[Navaria Tarkin]

Her hand fell towards her side and slowly took up a similar sitting position in front of Bryna.

"I can only imagine how alone you must feel despite being surrounded by those you know. Though the interrogations and suspicions are taking an immediate toll I sense."

[Bryna Belargic]

“I don't blame anyone for being suspicious. I would be too. I just wish they'd.. put their doubts aside for long enough to make sure dad doesn't -”

Bryna closed her eyes. There was still enough time, she told herself. Even as they spoke, Grace Van-Derveld was busy gathering together a strike team capable of infiltrating the Hades and rescuing Dasquian Belargic. As much as she was eager to see her mother and father reunited, Bryna knew that there were far greater challenges ahead.

“There are so many things that I want to tell you, master. I know that the Force sometimes grants you and the other masters a glimpse of the future, but...”

[Navaria Tarkin]

The unspoken concern that the young Jedi felt for her father and mother was genuine. In fact, nothing at all about this young woman alerted Navaria that some duplicity was underlining her motives. Unlike the girl's mother, Bryna was more emotional but just as driven.

"But to say what is to come may alter the future even more so. You realize the rescue mission that you are planning could have dire consequences. Your mere existence is one in and of itself. To be frank, we should be focusing on how to return you back home and return balance to the Force."

Navaria paused and closed her eyes, allowing the Force to penetrate her mind and body to bring clarity to this impossible situation. "However, I do sense that your presence has a purpose here."

Opening her eyes, she studied Bryna but shook her head. "What that is, well, that's hard to say but it goes beyond seeing your parents together once again."

[Bryna Belargic]

Bryna nodded faintly in silent agreement. What was home now? What she'd left behind was a Galaxy in the throes of the most virulent plague ever recorded, where entire planets had descended into anarchy and the Emperor seemed intent on putting down any rebellion with a planet-crusher. Opening her eyes, Bryna frowned.

“Master Nytherciria saw into my mind.. saw a little of what's coming. I feel like I have a duty to warn people.”

[Navaria Tarkin]

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. Is where you come from our true destination or now that you have found yourself amongst us, has that fate been diverged into a future?"

Navaria's voice was far from reassuring. "Even I am uncertain which is true."

[Bryna Belargic]

It wasn't the answer she had hoped for, but she couldn't deny it was the one she had expected. Bryna turned to Navaria and a long silence hung between them as she struggled to imagine how she might possibly go about her life, knowing the potential fates of everyone around her.

“What should I do, Master?”

[Navaria Tarkin]

The young Belargic remained quiet, turning inwards to debate with herself to find an answer to an impossible question.

"My instincts say you are here for a reason, however, caution must be stressed. Your presence changes the future alone. Tampering with it further can cause unforeseen consequences, no matter how minor it may seem."

[Bryna Belargic]

“I understand that. What I don't understand is how I'm supposed to know what counts as.. tampering.”

If anyone was likely to have answers, it was Master Tarkin – but even she was clearly uncerrtain.

“What if there isn't a way for me to return to the future?” Her chest felt tight when she thought of her home, consumed by plague and war. It would be useless going back there if she couldn't change, somehow, the terrible chain of effects that had pushed the galaxy to the brink of collapse.

“I can't stay here and do nothing. I'm going to help my mother.”

[Navaria Tarkin]

That possibility already was on the Master's mind. If Bryna couldn't return, she couldn't be a caged prisoner due to the consequences of what befell her. What brought her here wasn't her fault.

"Then we trust in the Force and we do this together. I know your feelings are strong for your family, but we need to be cognizant of the ramifications some of the choices you make."

Pausing, Navaria looked at the Padawan and her features softened.

"I sense I was a person of comfort from where you come from. I'm uncertain if I can fulfill that role, but I will if you let me."

[Bryna Belargic]

There was something of the Navaria Tarkin that Bryna knew in the way that the Jedi Master smiled. An unexpected wave of emotion – a strange mix of longing and relief – rose up inside of Bryna in that moment and though her training told her to remember the words of the Jedi Code, it was hard. Harder than it had ever been before. When she spoke, there was a faint tremble to the edge of her voice.

“You're like family to me, Master Tarkin. Since I was a kid... I've probably spent more time with you and Da- Master Nythericia than I have with my own parents.”

[Navaria Tarkin]

Bryna's admission was enlightening and Navaria's instincts about their relationship was correct, though she was surprised at how deep it went. It appeared as n the days of the Old Republic, Navaria had trained this young woman before her since she was a child and practically raised her along with Daria.

A hand reached out and touched Bryna gently on the shoulder as the Jedi Master leaned forward and spoke gently, "Relax and calm yourself. I won't abandon you."

[Bryna Belargic]

Though Navaria had meant to calm Bryna, her touch did almost the exact opposite. After spending months on the move, alone and exhausted, only to find her mother a woman empty of anything except cold, hard anger, the slightest show of affection was almost overwhelming. It brought back memories of the plains on Vortex, sunny afternoons spent training amongst the tall grasses, blindfolded at Master Nytherciria's request, and winter evenings tucked away in the archives, planning trips to distant star-systems with Master Tarkin. Her throat tightened and tears burned at the edges of her eyes.

There is no emotion... Bryna closed her eyes and breathed deeply. There is no emotion, there is the Force. Opening her eyes, she hastily wiped away the tears.

“Do you think... I could see some of the others?”

[Navaria Tarkin]

"I did not mean to upset you," Navaria said quietly but did not retract her hand and allowed the girl to adjust.

"Of course. Whomever you like."

[Bryna Belargic]

The girl swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled in spite of the tears.

“Who.. is actually here?” she asked, exhaling a shaky breath.

[Navaria Tarkin]

"That ... would be a difficult question for me to answer. However ..."

She pivoted on the floor and stood up, reaching the elongated table that the Council used often for meetings. Cuing up the current roster of Alliance and Jedi that were not classified, she invited Bryna over to come take a look.

[Bryna Belargic]

Wiping the last of the tears from her eyes with the back of her sleeve, Bryna joined her master at the table. Navaria moved aside to allow Bryna a better look at the list of names she'd accessed. Some the girl recognised, some she did not. Some bore familiar surnames matched with unfamiliar first names. Some were known to her only as footnotes in history books, others as vivid memories that threatened to bring on fresh tears of their own. She made a sound that was half-sob, half-laughter.

“Cleo, Wyl, Emma.. Morgan and Rhianna. Even Master Henning. I didn't think I'd ever see you all again.”

[Navaria Tarkin]

As Bryna named off the familiar people on the Wheel, she had to admit a bit of surprise in hearing Master Henning. It seemed the wayward doctor was able to find his way after all. Still it gave her hope that even the few mentioned, were able to make it in the future. Yes, things could and have changed with Bryna's appearance - but that didn't change her faith in the future that the Force would guide allow them to prosper.

"Several of them are currently stationed here." She looked at Bryna who was still overcome with joy and relief. "But perhaps tomorrow after some rest. You've had a trying day, Bryna."