Their exchange wasn't long, but Yerbol could feel the blind rage and anxiety that the girl was emanating. One didn't need a connection to the Force to realize that she was indoctrinated, ideas implanted in her head that have roots going deep into her mind that might be too strong to pull out. A strong sense of duty washed over him as they resumed their place in the cockpit, responding to his wife's comments about Manus:
"You remember when you were doubting whether or not we were making an impact on the galaxy?" He retrieved his miniature holo unit from within one of his pockets and pulled up a small projection of Janika, Manso and two other Qyaari who had become full fledged Knights. 
"Those were scared, wide-eyed kids who had no idea what they were going to do with themselves. In the span of a year, they're confident Force users who have a bright future." He nodded in affirmation as he continued:
"Manus might have hypnotized those children and scarred them beyond comprehension, but we can help heal them in whatever way possible. It's our duty, our privilege as the Qyaari. We save, not destroy." He felt a trickle of emotion from the girl behind them. What that emotion was would be a mystery, but his words had some kind of register on her. 

It was a start. 

"Hiding something?" He asked almost incredulously at his partner's question, following up:
"I don't know if they're hiding anything. Voldon and the rest of the Council looked like they were all going to burst with opinions, rants and diatribes, but instead held their peace until we arrived back on world. If anything, I think a lot of sentiment is going to pour out into the open today." Leaning back into his chair, he rolled his eyes as they began their initial descent.
"Just ONCE would I like for things to go smoothly and not have secret ramifications that lead us into more danger. JUST. ONCE."

Taral snorted. 

___

"Do I look too rosy cheeked? I mean, they probably won't notice, but still." Yerbol moved his jaw down, extended his cheeks and contorting his face at other angles to ensure that the minute shade of pink from his cheeks would disappear. The mirror showed some result, but the Champion knew it would take a while before the flush fully disappeared. 
"Not to say that I'm disappointed at what we got to do." He shot his partner a wink from his position in their once steam filled bathroom, his clothes partially on his body due to his rosy distraction. Yerbol wouldn't have normally been so concerned about this, but there were a couple of times where he and his wife disappeared for "Academy reasons" before he arrived at a meeting or briefing session where his flushed countenance and excuse of being away led many to connect the dots. Again, not that he was disappointed or ashamed, but the Council REALLY didn't need to know about-

A violating chirp from their holoterminal indicated a new message, which played automatically. The words were read by the same sultry voice that Manso programmed:
"The Council anticipates your arrival. Please be prompt. Dan-Ardou." Dan-Ardou Malaka was a Selkath who was responsible for sending out Council communiques on their behalf. She arrived a few months ago and was very prompt about sending out messages, but she was also...well, terse was an understatement. 
"Promise me that we're going to lay around after this meeting. Just...lay around. And not move for a long, long time." 

___

When they arrived, the Council members were gravely silent, their eyes engaged with a Twi'lek seated in the center of the room who turned around with an almost relieved smile. 
"Champions. Good to see some friendly faces in this sea of malcontent." Voldon grumbled something inaudible under his breath as the Champions took their normal seats. For a few moments no one spoke, as if to steady themselves for the torrent that was to come. Then, Matthew started: 
"Our arrangement is to house your people, Kartan. We agreed to that happily. Now I feel like you're taking advantage of us, Champions included." Yerbol cocked a brow as Voldon added:
"He's right. We gladly house your people, but if you hadn't noticed when you landed, we are a Qyaari homeworld. We won't open our doors to just anyone who wants a piece of land." Kartan quickly fumed:
"JUST ANYONE?! You people SAY you want to protect Force users, but then spit right in our face when we need help the most! It's sickening!" 
"How can we be sure that the other outposts you want rescued won't turn on us as agents of these Faceless? They're a radical, dangerous group. Manus might have even planned it for you to come here so that you could plant this idea in our midst." 
"I had no idea that Manus would turn to such evil, Voldon, I assure you. If I had known-"
"But you didn't. And that burden falls on your shoulders, not ours." Voldon icily replied.
"Ignorance is something that happens, Voldon. Don't discount the power of being in the dark." Malu chimed in, her blindfolded eyes seeming to bore into the former Battlemaster's skull. 
"I agree with Malu. Kartan is a noble man and if we are to start building trust with his people, we must be willing to extend ourselves."
"And have the security of our planet compromised?" He pointed at the panoramic glass windows behind him as he continued:
"Don't you remember what happened with Bracknell? He caught us unaware and nearly pulverized our forces into NOTHING, he-"
"We were there, dear. You don't need to remind us of what we lost and had to give up that day." Malu nearly hissed, silencing him instantly, which then granted her the ability to speak: 
"Kartan, you've worked with me for a while now. You know what..well, what most of us want for your people." 
"Assimilation." Kartan said with a sarcastic smirk.
"No. Integration. We want to protect all Force users from the carnage that Bracknell brought to us. It is their choice to stay or leave, but we will not turn down Force users a chance to reach their truest potential." A deep exhale from the presiding Elder came before he told Cheriss:
"Speak your mind. I know you've wanted to say a lot ever since Kartan walked in here, but held your peace. Now's your chance."