Oh shit, I was afraid of this possibility, and… well… Now even Rowv was staring at me with wide eyes.
"That… you see… I mean… uhhhhhh," I stumbled with my words before realizing nothing I could say to refute his words wouldn't be a total lie and likely be picked up by him, so I just sighed and rubbed my neck. "It's a bit of a long story."
"I have time, and if I am to be on the same ship with you, I would prefer to know who you are and your intentions, even if I do not believe they are in the wrong given your opposition to the Empire," Kazdan pointed out. "So, explaining to me your connection with the Force without being a member of the Order would be a good first step."
I just sighed again as I realized I was kind of stuck, and that Rowv would no doubt want an explanation as well.
"Okay, that will require some explaining," I admitted, realizing the cat was out of the bag. "Especially since while you are not exactly wrong, it's not exactly what you think."
Now how could I bullshit this in a believable way with the living lie detector in front of me?
"Okay, first off, as a Jedi you know there are more than a few non-Jedi Force using organizations with their own traditions and customs across the galaxy, right?"
"Of course, though not as wide-spread or large as the Jedi Order is… once was," Kazdan said with a grimace before continuing on. "We knew there were many out there, most keeping to themselves and they rarely interacted with the Jedi for the most part–unless something required us reaching out, or some other conflict arose. Are you saying you are a member of such an organization?"
"Technically yes, but it's very complicated and I rather not share more details than that, if possible," I stated, which wasn't incorrect since I really didn't want to explain the whole 'from another universe where this universe is a fictional story' thing to them since I had no idea how well they'd react to the news. "And, as far as I know or can tell, I can't really do the classic Force abilities that Jedi, Sith, or even most other groups are capable of."
"What do you mean?" Kazdan asked curiously.
Here came the potentially worrying part.
"Okay, do you know the story of the Jedi Revan?" I asked.
"Most Jedi do… did…" Kazdan nodded sadly.
"Even my people have records of the great Revan!" Rowv spoke up. "He was the one that defeated my ancestors during the Mandalorian Wars thousands of years ago, defeating one Mandalore and fighting alongside a future one!"
"Right, okay, that makes things easier," I nodded. "During his travels, he came across this thing called the Star Forge, a big Dark Side machine that could build nearly anything you wanted. What a lot of people don't know is that a very small piece of it survived and he kept it before giving it to some servants and telling them how to use it, just without the Dark Side to do so. Over a great deal of time slowly passed, and it provided said group with nearly all the things they needed to thrive and grow. It literally materialized nearly anything they wanted. And, well, it's kind of best if I showed you…"
With that, I brought up SFO and started to scroll through it, much to my audience's confusion as it just looked like I was waving my finger around while they made their own assumptions about me being a member of this group I described without really saying I was.
The best way to lie is to speak the truth and have others make their own deductions without correcting them, after all.
Anyway, I quickly found something simple and cheap to purchase, a datapad.
It went without saying there was a great deal of shock as the datapad materialized out of thin air, even more so as I handed it over to Kazdan and he interacted with it. He turned it on, used it, he even took it apart and examined all its pieces to confirm that, yes, it was real and not some illusion or something like that.
"This is…" Kazdan started, seeming at a loss for words.
"Crazy, I know," I nodded. "While I suspected it was the case, I wasn't sure and didn't have a means to confirm it until you said so. So, yeah, I suppose I use the Force to just make stuff out of thin air."
"I sensed it when it happened, but to truly see it…" Kazdan muttered. "I have read about and even practiced some techniques that most Jedi did not use. Many are thought lost, only other groups use, or are considered mere legend. I know highly skilled Jedi can alter the world around them in certain ways and make illusions appear next to real, but even the very idea of materializing matter with the Force alone was never taken seriously…"
"If it helps, it's not like I'm making stuff from nothing," I explained, earning his direct attention again as I went to my SFO account and took out some credits, surprising my audience yet again as I passed a few out before putting the rest back into my account. "For reasons I don't totally understand, my ability relies on me putting in currency into an 'account' and using that to 'buy' stuff. Maybe it's converting the matter that makes up the money into something else? But it's not one-for-one most of the time, so I honestly don't know. Either way, it's not all powerful and it's not like I'm pulling full fleets out of my ass."
"But you could, if you had the funds…" Rowv noted.
"In theory, yes, which is kind of why I'm in the current career I am," I explained. "And why the Empire can never be allowed to learn about this, since I'd be lucky to get killed if they ever did. Just like with that Inquisitor."
"I understand," Kazdan stated as he pulled out the First Brother's lightsaber and quickly disassembled it before taking out its crystal, which was blood red. "This kyber crystal once belonged to a Jedi before it was… bled into its current state, indicating their fall to the Dark Side."
"Yeah, the Emperor and his dog are really good at that kind of thing, assuming they don't willingly fall themselves," I admitted with a grimace. "I don't know all the details, but I know it isn't pretty and is something many would consider a fate worse than death. Which is why I'm glad we took out all the witnesses back on Raxus Prime… or at least most of them, and hopefully no clear information gets back to the Empire to use to hunt me down for knowing more than I should."
"And how do you know what you do?" Kazdan asked, narrowing his eyes in thought. "Your abilities are incredible and unheard of, yes, but how do they relate to what you know?"
"Well… I guess I kind of have some small ability to see the future?" I offered vaguely. "But it's more accurate to say that I can see potential futures."
"Potential futures?" Kazdan asked curiously.
"Yes, in that; I've seen ways some things can go, but no true certainty. They can also provide information about a lot of things I normally wouldn't have the ability to learn," I explained. "For example, that 'rumor' I mentioned earlier about you being on Raxus Prime? In reality I saw a vision of you there… but way in the future, and… you aren't as you are now."
"What did you see?" Kazdan asked.
"I'd… rather not say," I admitted. "It wasn't pretty, and you died."
No one would like to learn that they slowly went crazy, made a reconstruction of their old home and friends out of garbage, and then were killed by Vader's secret apprentice as part of a test of ability.
"I see…" Kazdan responded. "But rather than allowing those events to come to pass, you used that information to lead us to where we currently are, correct?"
"Yeah, hopefully at least," I shrugged. "The future is never set in stone, and while I wish we met under better circumstances, I am glad we did."
"Indeed," Kazdan nodded. "And I assume that is how you know about the emergency Jedi code as well?"
"Got it in one," I nodded in confirmation. It wasn't even a lie per-say, and the revelation that I was using the Force to connect to the SFO had implications that I did not want to ponder for too long.
"That does make sense, given everything you have said and told me thus far," Kazdan stated before sighing sadly. "Still, I had hoped you were a member of the Order… and that I was at least able to make up for part of my failure of not being able to defend it."
Jeez, how did one respond to that? To a dude who had survivor's guilt to the point that he'd go crazy about it and build a replacement of everything they ever lost with trash to try and cover up the pain?
"I don't know all the details," I started. "But it sounds like you survived a near impossible situation where staying and fighting would have likely not have ended well. Grieve for those lost, certainly, but the only ones at fault for what happened against the Jedi Order is the Empire and Emperor. Blaming yourself is focusing your energy on the wrong thing… and besides, the Jedi Order isn't as far gone as you think."
That Kazdan out of his funk and focusing on me directly. "Speak now, and speak quickly!"
"I have nothing to back this up right now–beyond my visions, which as I said are more possibilities than true predictions–but I know for a fact a number of Jedi have survived the initial purge and are hiding all across the galaxy," I explained. "Heck, that is why the Inquisitors are even a thing, to hunt down the survivors since the Emperor is afraid that if any Jedi is alive they could be a threat to him and his power. You aren't alone. And, more importantly, the fight isn't over!"
"What do you mean?" Rowv asked curiously.
"Well, I know for a fact that after the Empire took the Jedi Temple they sent out a fake 'return home' signal to all of them out in the galaxy so as to ambush them as they came back," I explained. "But Grandmaster Yoda and Master Obi-Wan Kenobi were able to shut that down and send out a true signal to all remaining Jedi to stay away and stay hidden before they both did the same, waiting until they could strike back. Many Jedi are doing the same now, and if you want, Master Kazdan, I can help you reunite with them."
"And how can you do that, if they are as hidden as you say?" Kazdan asked skeptically.
"Thanks to my visions, I know the most likely place they are currently hiding out… though most of them likely don't want the attention on them at this time, but I do know at least one group that would likely greatly welcome your expertise and assistance," I explained. "I could potentially take you to them right now, if you wanted, but obviously I prefer it if we use my own ship for that."
"And which group is that?"
"Do you know of Jedi Master K'Kruhk?" I asked curiously, having good odds he existed since Kazdan, another Legends character, did.
The small Jedi Master's nod confirmed it, and implied a great many things I could potentially take advantage of now that I knew at least some Legends elements were in play so far.
"Not personally, but as one of the only whiphid Jedi in the Order it would be hard not to be aware of him, especially since he has a well-earned reputation for his skill and surviving several near-death situations…" Kazdan said before his eyes widened and he realized the implications of his own words. "And you are saying he survived alongside others?"
"Yes, with a whole clan of youngling initiates and a few others," I explained, much to Kazdan's shock and, I like to think, secret hope. "My visions tell me they are currently set up on a hidden temple on Arkinnea that will keep them safe and hidden for a long time, but given your skills and abilities I'm sure you could help them out a great deal."
"That… that is incredible news if true," Kazdan stated, and even I could tell he desperately wanted it to be. "And there are others?"
"Lots, though they are either in strict hiding for one reason or another, would be hard to get to, or I don't have the complete details to go looking for them at this time," I explained. "Heck, one group, the Hidden Path, is made up of Jedi, allies of the Jedi, Force-sensitivities in general the Empire are hunting down, and just good people working hard to smuggle people away to safety and give them new identities was apparently founded by Quinlan Vos, and I have no certain way to make contact with them at this time."
"Now that is the most believable thing you said so far," Kazdan admitted with a grunt. "Master Vos certainly had a reputation within the Order, and setting up such a network would certainly sound like something he could and would do…"
Kazdan became quiet for a few moments as he pondered my words before looking directly at me once more.
"This is a lot to take in, assuming I can even believe it as is, even though I sense no lies in your words. Though I can tell you are not telling me all you know," he stated.
"I can't deny that," I admitted. "But in fairness, I have to hold back at least a little to help keep myself safe and I can promise to tell you more if you like. However, just knowing as much as I do can be dangerous and put a lot of what I seen more into question over time. Just know, however, I would never intentionally put you or others in danger, especially with the Empire. On that, you have my word."
"And I believe you," Kazdan nodded before thinking again. "…I must meditate on this all, for it is a lot to take in, to say nothing about how your arrival has thrown my self-imposed exile into question and the risks of what you offer not just to myself, but to others as well."
"I totally understand that," I nodded. "Take all the time you need, and I'm happy to answer what I can to you if you have any follow-up questions. A reminder, however, that I can't share everything I got for… reasons."
One does not simply totally dump the future plot over the course of 20 and more years on people without seriously considering the implications that could have, like potentially making things way worse if metaknowledge is not used carefully. I suppose that is partly why I haven't made any huge waves yet in regards to what I knew… at least as far as I knew, but saving Kazdan and our actions in the Raxus system will certainly be the first huge domino knocked over.
"I understand, and I promise to hold you up to that," Kazdan nodded before he walked over to the far side of the troop transport, sat down crossed-legged, closed his eyes, and… started fiddling with the datapad by constantly taking it apart and reassembling it?
Huh, I guess not all meditation is the same for all Jedi.
Anyway, I am sure that our conversation was far from over, and I should take that time to figure out what should be mentioned, what could be half-mentioned, and what had to be kept to myself for now. Also needed to think about what Kazdan might want to do, since his survivor's guilt might not allow himself to seek out his fellow Jedi if he believes he is unworthy to be with them. What then? There was still the need to link back up with the Bad Batch and our rescued senator too, for the potential plans there…
Ugh, so many things to think about and do, never enough time to really work it out.
I decided for my own sanity to take a break from thinking too hard about that and check up on Rowv, who was a bit quiet as I sat down next to her.
"Sorry about not being totally honest about who I was and what I was capable of," I started off.
"Do you still seek to fight the Empire and aid my people?" Rowv suddenly asked, throwing me off before I nodded with confidence.
"Of course," I answered her.
"Then I have no objections to your actions for they were your secrets to keep," Rowv stated without hesitation. "We all have our secrets, and so long as they do not impact our ability to fight alongside our comrades, they are no danger. In fact, given your abilities, you are much more capable than I first gave you credit for, and I admire the fact that even with them you seek to better yourself through training, for it would have been easy to rely solely on them."
"Not as much as you think, especially when I have to keep a constant eye on my account," I said as I idly brought it out and looked it over with a grimace. "Nearly at my 50k floor, so really hoping those swords sell well and get some good business after this."
"Certainly a novel weakness compared to most warriors, the weight of your purse," Rowv chuckled. "But one that can at least be worked at like any muscle, with hard work and dedication."
"That is the idea," I sighed as I rubbed the back of my neck. "Sorry that this mission went so hard so fast, I was hoping to ease you into the craziness."
"There is nothing to apologize for, for it was glorious!" Rowv laughed. "Many tales will be sung of our actions on this day!"
"That is one way to look at it, I guess," I sighed. "I just hope that very little about us specifically gets back to the Empire."
"There is strength in being unknown and underestimated, indeed," Rowv admitted. "Given the carnage we enacted, I expect most will assume a larger force was involved. And we killed many, including that dar'jetti, so few will know of us. Still, we must prepare for the next battle on the assumption that they do."
"Yeah…" I grumbled at the truth of that statement and how much harder things were likely to get. "If you want to get off while the getting is good, I would not blame you."
"And miss out on the chance to continue to bring the fight to the Empire and let you hog all the glory, never!" Rowv stated as she pounded her chest with her good arm. "You have more than proved your courage, loyalty, and strength of arms to me this day, so I shall remain by your side for as long as you will have me. And know that your secrets are now my secrets as well."
I couldn't help but smile a lot at those words, glad my helmet was hiding my stupid face… before I moved to take it off and show it to her.
"Might as well show more of them off while I'm here then," I stated as I showed her my uncovered face.
"...I fail to see the significance of this," Rowv ended up saying in confusion after pausing to look over my face for a moment.
"I'm… showing you my face to show I trust you with it?" I offered.
"Honestly, all humans look the same to me," Rowv shrugged. "Your helmet shows me more of who you are than your face does. I'd likely lose you in a crowd if you went without wearing it."
I couldn't help it, her words just made me bust a gut.
"HAHAHAHAHA!" I howled in laughter as I clutched my stomach.
"Why do you laugh?! I said nothing humorous! Only the truth!" Rowv fired back in confusion and maybe a little embarrassment. "You humans just all have the same kind of face!"
I just kept on laughing, so much so I saw Kazdan look my way in confusion before he went back to his meditation, before calming down with tears in my eyes and my stomach muscles sore.
"Sorry, I just found that hilarious for some reason," I chuckled as I wiped my eyes.
"It feels mocking…" Rowv pouted, yes, pouted as she turned her head away from me.
"No, it's just… it's just funny how you see me for me more than my face is all," I commented as I put my helmet back on with a laugh. "There, this better? Easier to recognize me?"
"It will once I put a noticeable dent in it during our next training session," Rowv mock warned before sighing. "And, if we are sharing things with one another, it seems only fair I give you a secret of my own to help balance scales."
"You don't have to-" I tried to tell her, but she would not have it.
"Honor demands that I do, and though I am lacking in them there is one I was told to keep from you," Rowv stated as she looked seriously at me. "In fact, beyond what I explained to you earlier for my reasons, it is what influenced my decision to travel with you the greatest."
That got me to pause and focus on her seriously.
"Know that the reasons I gave you earlier are the truth… but on top of that truth was the lie of who I truly am," Rowv stated. "I am not just any warrior, but the daughter of the Margravine, my mother, and sent to travel with you with my mother with the goal of knowing if you were who you said you were and could be relied upon."
…Holy shit, did that mean that she was-
"Are you saying that you are a princess?" I couldn't help but ask.
"That is not a title that my people use, but it is the closest equivalent, yes," Rowv nodded.
"Wow… ugh, like, wow," I said in surprise. "I mean, I always thought it was a little weird how eager you were to get off-world with me, but I didn't predict that."
"You find my status more surprising than the fact I was sent to spy and possibly terminate you if you were a threat?"
"What was that last part?" I asked in shock.
"Have no fear, after this day I know for a fact you are no enemy," Rowv assured me, barely. "In fact, given your abilities, you might just be one of our greatest allies."
"Oh… good to know," I stated, still getting over the fact that Rowv had orders to kill me if it turned out I was a threat to her people or anything. "Do you… mind not telling your mom about what I can do?"
"As said, it is your secret to keep and tell as you see fit," Rowv promised. "You will have my confidence as much as you will have my blade."
"Okay, thanks, that is good to hear," I sighed in relief a little. "I owe your people a shipyard or something at some point."
I didn't think that Rowv's mom knowing about my abilities would truly cause me huge trouble, but why take the risk?
"You can materialize a shipyard?" Rowv asked with wide eyes. "I suppose that is not much crazier than ships, as you claimed, but still… I have heard many stories about the abilities of the jetti and dar'jetti, but yours are beyond even those."
"I promise to show off something really impressive sometime soon," I smirked at her. "It's how I really messed up that base after all."
"Now you must tell me how you achieved that since the truth has been made known to me," Rowv stated. "It sounds quite the power to have nearly any tool you can want at demand."
"It has its uses, no doubt, but hopefully we can focus on building up my account for a bit before doing anything crazy like Raxus again," I sighed. "Also, maybe look into some things I saw in my visions that we can maybe take advantage of…"
"Yes, your visions…" Rowv said curiously. "Am I in any of them?"
"Oh, well, your people and world a bit, but not you specifically," I told her. "Honestly, that might be a good thing though since most of my visions are usually Jedi/Sith/Force related, ya know? And goodness knows how crazy all that can be."
"Hmm, true, and there is a sense of freedom to know that my fate is unwritten," Rowv nodded.
"Agreed, and trust me when I say that assuming everything works out, we are gonna make a future way brighter than the stuff I've seen," I said with conviction as I looked at Rowv. "Likely gonna be dangerous, crazy, and who knows what else… but worth it. I hope you stick around for the ride, Rowv."
"It sounds like a grand and glorious adventure I would be ill-advised to miss out on," Rowv grinned.
Heh, I wonder if this counts as a 'true companion' get?