Fett Findings (Council)

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle felt good to walk back into the council Chambers. The sense of strength, goodness and security seemed to envelope her as she entered. So many noble and true souls served here and their essence was almost a physical blanket that wrapped around an individual as those who sought guidance and instruction passed into the great hall.

Approaching the Council as it sat in session, Estelle bowed respectfully and waited to be adressed.

[Navaria Tarkin]

"Russard!"

She smiled upon seeing the Knight enter the Council Chamber.

"It is very good to see you are home safely."

[Wei Wu Wei]

Wei chuckled. "I was not aware that you had been gone at all, Estelle. Where have you been, and what have you been up to?"

[Estelle Russard]

"Thankyou Navaria" she returned the smile, "It is good to be home." It was easy to note a hint of the emotional drain the mission had been on Estelle in the knights voice, and her gratefulness to be back within the sanctuary of the Order.

Estelle turned, speaking politely to Wei, explaining her absence.

"I have been to Vorzyd - the last known whereabouts of Jedi Master ReaperFett - to seek answers as to his disappearance, and have just returned."

[Dasquian Belargic]

“And what have you uncovered from your trip?”

Dasquian asked, with a curious smile.

[Estelle Russard]

"Well" Estelle began, "I discovered some answers, that, as often in cases of mysterious disappearance, raise further questions."

She held up a small datadisk as she continued, "I have made a full and concise report of my findings, my methods of obtaining inforamtion etc - though I must advise the Council I failed to find any closure to this case. It is still not a certainty that ReaperFett is dead," the word sounded brutal and too final to Estelle, "but I have found no real cause to give hope that this is not the case"

"Master Fett arrived on Vorzyd, but did not leave the planet in his own craft - it is still under police confiscation at this time. The local Authorities allowed me to take his weapons, namely his Lightsaber, which I have brought with me for safekeeping here in the Order.

Through my investigations I ascertained he left a local Hotel/Casino with a woman, whom - with the aide of Aurelias Kazaar - I was able to identify as the DarkJedi Lady De'ville.

After this point, his movements are sketchy, but for reasons I have explained on the disk, I believe ReaperFett fell victim to an attack by this DarkJedi - or at the least, she was very likely present at the time of a dire accident - the collapsing of a large bridge, which took Master Fett into the churning waters below.

This last I cannot confirm by fact. The bridge did collapse, a man was lost during it and a woman was wanted for questioning in regards to it. However, I am convinced in my spirit that Fett and De'Ville are the persons referred to here. I saw and...er...experienced this event in both a dream and also in a waking vision." She realised, saying it aloud, that it sounded a little "airy."

She looked at the faces before her, and as they made not comment yet, but waited patiently for Estelle to finish, she came to her conclusion.

"At some point, it will be necessary to question this Lady De'Ville exactly what it is she knows with regards to these events. I...have not, at this point, been able to achieve this."

[Wei Wu Wei]

"Reaperfett?" Wei asked. The names sounded familiar. No doubt Wei had read the man's name somewhere, or had heard it in conversations past. But Wei still didn't know much about him.

"So, we need to find this De'Ville woman and ask her questions?"

[Estelle Russard]

"Jedi Master ReaperFett was a member of longstanding of the Order. I was his padawan and he disapeared some time ago now." she clarified for Wei, and then continued to answer his second question.

"In time, I see that seeking out De'Ville would be the inevitable course."

She handed Navaria the disk, she being the most senior of the Council present.

"Im not sure what the normal procedure is, but I guess this report should be filed in the archives, or records or something...?"

[Kelt Simoson]

' This Deville is a known outlaw, Padawan Tondry and i met her within the Bar and Grill not so long ago and was in pursuit for a short amount of time but of course she got away' Kelt said gently.

' I would like to see her caught, and her suspicious involvment with Fett indercates that she could have something to do with his disapearence' Kelt said, his face seemingly deep in thought.

[AmazonBabe]

:: AB's brow furrowed. ::

It will not be easy to find De'Ville. I have seen her in passing, many years ago, possibly before she became an outlaw, but never been introduced to her.

:: She looked to Estelle. ::

During your research, did you uncover any place where we could start in tracking down this Dark Jedi woman?

[Estelle Russard]

"Nothing concrete, Im afraid" Estelle replied to AB's query, shaking her head disappointedly.

"The background I have been able to put together on her was that she was an integral part of the Dark Jedi Organization, the Black Hand, before that, she was a member of The Sith Order, but she was involved in some rebllion there and fell out of favor among them.

It is widely rumored that The Black Hand has now splintered into several factions - De'Ville being in the thick of that also. But that is as far as I have uncovered."

She hedged, there was more yet she needed to divulge.

"De'Ville, too, eluded me, Master Simoson. On my return journey from Vorzyd I was taking a connecting flight from the Space Station near Kuat. This Dark Jedi was involved in a serious battle that broke out, but unfortunately, only a glimpse of her was all I was able to accomplish. More pressing matters of civillian saftey consumed my attention."

Estelle was obviously frustrated by the circumstances.

[Figrin D'an]

"De'Ville has proved to be slippery in the past," Figrin commented, entering the chamber and walking to his seat. "But she will be found and confronted in time."

"Excuse my tardiness," he said, with slight bow to the group. He looked to Estelle.

"It is good to see you again."

[Estelle Russard]

"It is good to see you also, Master D'an" Estelle responded, herself returning the bow.

She felt a hint of satisfaction at the surety Figrin spoke of De'Ville being brought to account for her actions. Inwardly she checked herself however - already she was too close to this situation and to harbor even the faintest of vengeful thoughts was a mistake..

Waiting, now, however to see if there were further questions, Estelle relaxed into a posture of standing with her hands clasped lightly together infront of her.

[Kelt Simoson]

' Of course she is a Dark Jedi, this Lady Deville Kelt said nodding his head in greeting towards Figrin as he joined

' But is there any intelligence you might have gathered or any knowledge you already know that could help us know who she is, what she is like? I only met her for a brief amount of time, but im sure some of the council have never met her or perhaps not even heard of her before this day.' Kelt said a smile greeting Estelle as he asked.

[AmazonBabe]

:: AB pondered what estelle had said, leaning her elbow on one arm rest and slowly tapping a finger against her chin. If the only solid connection right now was TSO, with the alternative being a splintered Black Hand, then perhaps that was the place to start. It was no secret the infamous Sith group had a large spy net, and it was certainly no secret that whoever fell into ill favor with them, were closely watched. ::

:: She looked over to Figrin, speaking in a way that meant she was sharing her thoughts more than making a suggestion. ::

If the only solid lead to finding De'Ville is the Sith Order, then would that not be a good place to begin to look for this woman?

[Estelle Russard]

This was dangerous territory, AB was considering.

Estelle, had one time been into the very halls of the Sith Order itsef - as a guest, no less. Seems the Leaders of TSO and herself had a mutual friend in Aurelias Kazaar, and he had thought it a good idea for the young jedi padawan to meet a real live Sith or two for herself. It was a certain twisted wisdom, but what did one expect from a Bounty Hunter..

Estelle, for her part, had found it both a terrifying and extraordinary experience. Graciously treated as she was, Estelle had felt an inner fear she had no idea was possible being in the presence of Lady Vader and Mistress LiveWire. They were, if anything, deceptive as to how lethal they truly were. To get information from their spynetwork would be a venture that would take some doing. Courage and valour, definitely.

Even now, a chill at the memory of that place shook her spine.

However, deferring to wait Figrin's reply, the Knight held her peace, speaking only in an aside to Kelt that she had never met De'Ville and, as he had, he could probably shed more light as to the woman behind these deeds.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Dasquian frowned, rubbing his chin thoughtfully with his elbow propped against the arm of the chair he was sat in.

“Do you believe that the Sith Order will help us, on the basis of having a common enemy? I think we might have more luck trying to find leads on the splintered Hand. At least in this area we can be sure that we are dealing with a scattered, unified sect, as opposed to the full force of the Sith on Corellia.”

[Wei Wu Wei]

"Indeed. Estelle, your work in this investigation has been astounding thus far. But surely you must have had some inklings of what your next couple of moves should be in this investigation before you came to talk to the Council."

[Estelle Russard]

"In all honesty" she turned to Wei, "I needed to do more research in order to find some solid lead as to De"Ville's current whereabouts, but felt I had spent enough time away from the Order. Also, more heads are better than one - the next step, in my opinion, will definitely be of a confrontational nature with this Dark Jedi. I felt guidance of the Council and of the Masters was prudent, if not even necessary."

Estelle reiterated her point of view.

"Lady De'Ville knows what happened to Master ReaperFett, I feel it is most definitely so."

[Figrin D'an]

"As it is your investigation," Figrin responded, looking at Estelle, "and as ReaperFett was your master, I feel it only appropriate that any search effort for and confrontation with De'Ville be done at the hour of your choosing. You can be assured that you will have the undivided support of the council on this matter."

"Until then, your suggestion of more research seems prudent," he concluded. "If at all possible, I would rather that we conduct this search on our own terms, rather than engauge in any venture with The Sith Order. Simply because we may share a common interest in finding De'Ville does not mean that they would not try to betray us at a vulnerable moment."

[Kelt Simoson]

Kelt looked up to Estelle, a smile across his face.

' I will, if you wish Estelle continue with investigation with you my friend, if wish of it' The Jedi Knight said, quite gently.

[AmazonBabe]

:: AB nodded her head slowly, towards Dasquian and Figrin. ::

It was merely a thought, not a suggestion.

:: She looked to Estelle. ::

I will aid you in your research and findings, if you will have me.

[Estelle Russard]

Hearing them all voice such solidarity made Estelle feel strong and encouraged. And somewhat humbled at their faith in her.

"Thankyou" she said with sincerety.

She turned to Kelt and AB in turn, "I would be grateful for your help and willingly accept it. I know this may take time, but eventually the truth will come to light and we will find a lead to Lady De'Ville."

She had not worked closely with either of these two Jedi, and it touched her that they would offer their help. In fact, all of those present served to reinforce how glad she was to be back home at the Order. Only good things can come from such as these.

A sadness came into Estelle's eyes once again as she concluded.

"I wish I could have brought happier news regarding ReaperFett."

[Figrin D'an]

"I'm sure we all would have preferred to learn of a better fate for your master. But we musn't let that alter our resolve. In time, the answers will come. We must be patient."



After a few moments of further discussion, the Council meeting adjourned. Many members lingered, chatting with one another. Most of council individually sought out Estelle to personally welcome her back. The mood was lightened as a result, as everyone was pleased to see that she was safe. As the "welcome home" gathering quieted down, Figrin approached Estelle.

"If you have a moment," he said, at a near whisper, "I'd like to speak with you privately."

Figrin then exited the main council chamber to stand on a partially enclosed balcony. He looked out towards the expanse of the great city, and waited.

[Estelle Russard]

Figrin summed up the general feeling on the issue and there was no more to be said, for now.

Estelle nodded as he spoke to her quietly, and after thanking everyone, in particular AB, Kelt, Wei and Dasquian for their council, she joined him outside.

Approaching the balcony wall to stand beside the Jedi Master, she followed Figrin's gaze and glanced breifly at the brilliant skyline of building spiers, returning back to look on his strong quiet face.

"Is everything alright, Master D'an...?"

[Figrin D'an]

Figrin did not respond immediately, but rather continued to look towards the Coruscant skyline. He had thought long about Estelle's mission, and how difficult it must have been for her. She had proven herself, both in this latest task and many times in the past. Still, he wanted to gauge her state of mind with one last conversation. The Jedi folded his arms, and began to speak.

"I spoke to Marcus recently," Figrin started. "He told me a little bit about his conversations with you, and about your journey."

[Estelle Russard]

The statement was worded ambiguously enough, but nevertheless, quite pointed.

Estelle felt her back stiffen just a little with tension.

Her conversation with Marcus had been of two very different but important topics - Her trials to achieve "Masterhood" and the decision Marcus had made to become a "Lost" Jedi. Estelle was certain to this last was what Figrin now referred.

She tried to answer cautiously even though she knew Figrin would sense her hesitation.

The Lost was not approved of amongst the Jedi in general - and for good reason. For most, the issue was black and white. For Estelle too, if she was honest. But Marcus had made it grey in that she believed his motives were noble and true. How Figrin saw it, she had no idea. But she would speak her heart, should he ask her of it.

Nodding her head, she replied.

"I sought Master Elessar out upon my return to report my findings on ReaperFett."

She knew she had to say more.

"And we spoke of his recent departure from the Order."

[Figrin D'an]

He noded in response.

"I suspected as much. Athough he did not mention it specifically when we talked, I had a feeling his status with the Order had entered the conversation."

Figrin turned toward Estelle, and leaned back against the high railing.

"Whatever he told you, whatever advice he gave, is for you to interpret for yourself. I have my own perceptions of his philosophy and his actions. I won't sway your opinion with my own."

"I am, however," he continued, "interested to hear about your own thoughts. It's clear that this mission was not easy for you, and your talks with Marcus have, at the very least, given you pause to think."

"I want to know if your views have changed," he asked solemnly. "And I hope you will trust me with complete honesty."

[Estelle Russard]

"My views..?"

She was not being deliberately obtuse, but her conversation with Marcus had been one of confidence. While she would not deceive Figrin, she would not volunteer information that had been discussed in trust.

"If you refer to his choice to leave, I feel he did what he felt he needed to. He is convinced of that."

She seemed very thoughtful, and then added, "If Id been able, I would have advised him against it."

[Figrin D'an]

Again, he noded.

"A fair assessment," was his simple reply.

"I suppose, more to the point," he added, "I want to know if your perception of what it means to be a Jedi has changed because of recent events."

Figrin found himself again gazing at the skyline, his eyes wandering amongst it's expanse. He paused momentarily, his deep brown eyes showing parhaps a glimmer of sadness.

"I'm the first to admit that recent times have not favored the Order. Not only the loss of Marcus to his own path, but the restlessness that seems to have infected many. We find ourselves battling not the Sith and Dark Jedi, but instead against our own perceptions of right and wrong, of what is best for ourselves and what we stand for. There are those who would see the Code changed, and those who would defend it staunchly. There are those who would have us redefine our place in the galaxy, and those who maintain that tradition is our greatest strength."

He looked back to Estelle. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, they seemed fixed upon each other, as if to heighten the importance of the conversation.

"These are the challenges we face," Figrin said. "I'm wondering what your views of these matters are, and if your own philosophy has been fundementally altered in any way."


He wondered if she would see through his words, to the true heart of the matter. Even if she did, the Jedi Master considered it unlikely that she would respond in a manner that would surprise him.

[Estelle Russard]

"We do face unsettling times..." she agreed. The Order itself had seen some of the most stalwart champions lost in one form or another. ReaperFett, Elessar - even the absence of Leia Solo continued to leave a hole in the fabric of the Order. And as Figrin said, others were questioning the right or wrong of traditions of old. But those that remained, remained true. The Order's leaders were dedicated to the Code, and this is what kept it strong.

"Times before us were unsettled also." she stated matter-of-factly. "The Code is not antiquicated, nor is it any less applicable for the galaxy we face now than it was for those in the past."

Estelle's words came from her deep conviction that some things should not change. Just because the world around one went mad, did not mean the only way to fight it was to be just as mad in return.

"The Jedi are the guardians of justice and peace. I feel Marcus is a man who equates action with success - You see an enemy, you take him out by any means you see fit. Problem gone. The danger in this, is becoming the very thing you wish to destroy. Any means justifies the desired end. In a manner of speaking, to beat the enemy at his own game is to play the same game.

The Code allows no room for this way of thinking. It has no passion for the "moment" but always embraces the bigger picture. This is sometimes impossible for us reconcile with. We want to fix things now. Change things, now. We become impatient. This is what happened to the "twenty."

Her eyes sharpened at Figrin's look. Yes, they were on the same subject. Was the Jedi Master beside her probing for signs that she, too, might be feeling such impatience as did the Lost Jedi..?

The Knight continued, firmly, unwavering.

"In my opinion, the Code provides guidance to effect the future as much, if not more so, than advice for the present. The threat of the Darkside is ever-present. Each battle or difficulty that the Jedi face is just one of the continual tide of evil that relentlessly assails the galaxy, and has assailed us for centuries."

She had a lot to say, she realised. But it helped her to air her views to Figrin.

"A Jedi must defend and protect those that cant do it themselves. They must serve others and help the galaxy obtain peace. But we are not here to make everything "right." Even when some things seem unjust by our own personal judgement, we share this vast universe with so many others. We cant hold everything so tightly. We are not responsible for the entire state of the galaxy, but only for what we can effect in it. That is our duty. To fight the dark surgence, uphold the light.

Marcus carries too heavy a burden. He cant carry it alone. None of us can."

[Figrin D'an]

"And yet he struggles to carry it, because he feels he must do so. It is perhaps my greatest fear that other would follow this same path."

Figrin reached out and placed a gentle hand on Estelle's shoulder.

"Your words hold a wisdom beyond your years," he said calmly. "I hope that, in the darkest of times and in the most difficult of your trials, you will remember what you have shared with me here. It will be a beacon for you to find your way."

He paused for thought, retracting his hand and folding his arms comfortably.

"In times as these, we need those like yourself be true leaders, by action, ideal and example. You have proven your worth beyond expectation. It is time for your fellow Jedi to recognize this."

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle had thought that if ever the time came to recieve such praise from one such as Master D'an, she would be thrilled to the point of giddiness.

And pleased, she was, most definitely. But she had grown up from her farm-girl naivete since the days she first joined the Order, and recognised the profound responsibility that came with the recognition Figrin spoke of.

The gravity of his words - of finding such an anchor in troubled times - held a hint of premonition to them and her spirit stirred in witness to it. She found no details of future events, but the feeling was the same unsettled sensation that she had woken up with on Vorzyd after having what later proved to be a dreaming vision.

Finding Figrin's calm and approving eyes on her brought her back to the fact that he, as had Marcus, found her worthy. And a happy smile lit her face.

"Thankyou, Master D'an. It is truly my honor to serve the Order and share with those here the calling of the Jedi."

[Figrin D'an]

Figrin smiled.

"No, no, Estelle, the honor has been mine, and that of the others of the Order. You are a integral part of our family, and have helped to make us stronger by being all that a Jedi should be."

He turned back towards the door.

"Come," he said. "Follow me. It is time."



OOC Note: Continued here (http://69.56.186.201/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33467).