The Lobby and Courtyard

*Morgan initially took Light's question at face value as she shrugged and began to reply,* "Well, we all live together, but if we need to talk, we can just use a datap—" *She trailed off when she realized the full depth of the question. Not "communicate" as in simply keeping contact with each other, but mentally. Like when Light was still part of the Collective. Morgan looked in her lap silently for a moment, then looked up again with as small smile and answered,* "Well, through the Force. Through our bonds as a family! I don't know if it's really like what you used to have, but we're all linked together and can feel what each other's thinking or feeling." *Morgan had no clue what it was like being "connected" to the Corruption, and if this was at all similar... but nor did she wish to know. At least, not firsthand, anyway.*

*The blank blink was a bit disorienting to Morgan, but it was the answer that made her disappointed. Of course, she had no idea of knowing what kind of "connection" Light had before, but Morgan quite liked the connection she shared through her friends and family. She contemplated asking about it when instead Light asked where she'd be staying. Smiling, Morgan quickly replied,* "With us! Probably in my room, where my brother stays too."

*Morgan was going to reassure her when she mentioned their "connection," which made her and even Mina go a little red. And then Light stated that she could "technically" make that same connection with others and Morgan squeaked, shaking her head quickly, stammering,* "N-no! There's no need for that! I mean, you have the Force, don't you? You can just connect with people that way!" *Hoping that would settle things for the moment, she returned to the first question, answering,* "And don't worry! Like I said, Rogue's here! They'll trust you..." *At least, Morgan hoped. If one Echo was allowed here, why not another?*

*Morgan couldn't say as to whether Rogue would be pleased to see Light. After all, Rogue had been... well, rogue before Light had even been created. Maybe she'd at least be pleased to see another had escaped the Corruption's grasp?

But then Light looked at Morgan somewhat fearfully, asking when a Jedi would come to meet her. Morgan smiled reassuringly, putting a hand on her shoulder.* "Soon! My daddy's coming! I promise he'll be nice to you!"

*Morgan and Mina both frowned when Light told Morgan not to make her a promise, but where Morgan's was of confusion, Mina's was more of empathy. She understood not to trust potentially empty promises, especially after what she'd been through firsthand; her now-father's fulfilled promise to give her a good life and home, while amazing, was still just a fluke in her mind.

Light was still uncertain that Morgan's daddy would be nice to her, a thought so odd to Morgan. Perhaps it wouldn't be, were she talking to any other stranger, but... Morgan's relationship with her daddy was deep and loving, with unquestionable faith in him. To see a mirror image of herself doubting any of this at all...*

"Sure I'm sure!" *she replied cheerily.* "He's the nicest daddy ever!"

"She's right," *Mina supported quietly. Skeptic though she usually was, she had no reason to be in their father's case, but she said no more than that.

Just as the words were said, the man himself appeared in the entrance to the courtyard, spotting them instantly. The shocked expression on his face was expected but he quickly recovered to approach them quickly. Morgan smiled nervously, meekly waving at him and calling out,* "H-hi Daddy!"

"Hello," *he replied almost uncertainly, stopping a few feet away and kneeling down to be on their level, inspecting Light curiously.* "Morgan... explain."

*The abrupt command was different from him, but clearly he was no more than baffled. And this wasn't the first time a clone of Morgan had surfaced... Still, it was probably the most appropriate response, so Morgan took a deep breath and began.* "Daddy, this is Light... my Echo."

*And that was all she could summon.*

*An Echo, of all things. Of course Aerandir was familiar with those; one already existed within the Base, with the rather on-the-nose name of "Rogue." Aerandir had sensed an odd disturbance earlier, and this was it? Aerandir was obviously highly concerned with her presence, especially if she was unconfirmed to be on their side or not, and yet he didn't think Morgan would be foolish enough to bring one here if she wasn't certain she was safe.

Especially considering her experiences with the Corruption itself.

Briefly, he noted an odd mark on Morgan's neck. An injury? He'd see to it later. Looking the Echo, "Light," in the eyes, he noted that they were a deep blue, instead of Morgan's emerald. Her skin was also quite paler. The poor thing actually seemed intimidated by him, able to only muster a small "hi." The act alone drew a smile to his face before he could realize what he was doing; but when he did, he kept the smile and rolled with it.* "Hello, Light," *he replied kindly.* "My name is Aerandir, I'm Morgan and Mina's father." *"And maybe yours?" he almost added, but saved that thought.* "Tell me, what brings you here?"

*All the while, he attempted to search her with the Force, feel her thoughts. It was surprisingly empty, potentially precluding the notion that she was still attached to the Collective. Another rogue? Surprising... and concerning that she'd even been created in the first place. But if she'd cut herself off...*

*Light's entire posture, how stiff it was, and the way she hadn't yet blinked... It was almost similar to Rogue, though Rogue was slightly less... unnatural, so to speak. Perhaps Rogue had spent enough time around sentients to adapt. Light would find that as well someday.

"Listen to yourself, you're already thinking ahead without confirming her good graces yet."

The smile on his face was now aimed at himself, especially now that he realized he would be most likely taking another in, barely after taking Mina under his wing. But first, he had to finish this little "interview."

Heh, "interviewing" his potential next child, imagine that— "Focus on the present!"

Light spoke of the pull she felt to this planet, and her aim to "heal," only her "healing" was anything but. The smile turned into a sad frown as he immediately realized the implication: She'd been lied to by the collective, used as a tool, and, through some means, had been shown the truth. He looked at Morgan questioningly, but she didn't seem to know what he was asking or how to respond. He returned his gaze to Light, smiling once more and putting a hand on her shoulder.* "Don't feel bad. You've broken away, that's what matters. You're looking for a place to belong? You've found it."

*... wait. Wasn't that too soon? In any other situation he was certain he'd pursue the subject more thoroughly, but because this one bore the form of his beloved daughter, he'd caved in a little too quickly. And yet he still felt certain about his decision; the girl was completely sincere, and the lack of any presences but her own within her body reinforced that. Was this risky? Yes... but far less so than letting Morgan's rathtar in the base.*

*Morgan watched the conversation unfold, smiling to herself both at Light's little flub and how nice her daddy was being. Just like she predicted, really, though he certainly had jumped right to offering her a place to stay more quickly than she'd expected. Perhaps she'd underestimated his kindness, but Morgan was happy either way, beaming and squealing with glee, throwing her arms around Light and hugging her tight.* "Welcome to the family, Light!"