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After seeing how much withholding the notes is affecting the two of them, you decide to let them read it. Grishan decides to stay within J's mind, choosing to read the documents through her eyes. After reading through them several times, J. gets a blank stare on her face. "Grishan knows he wrote these, it's his handwriting, but....he struggles to believe he did these things. He feels....ashamed. As for the note about my mother, I've always had a feeling there was something more going on with her sometimes, but this! I...I...don't want to talk about it anymore. Let us leave this place." she tosses the packet of notes back to Garekk and heads towards the exit.
As you approach the edge of the Precipice District, you see a lone man walking down the street towards the party, and you hear J. mutter under her breath, "Brother is here...."
A man in a uniform similar to Junia’s, but with more medals and polish, emerges from a side alley at a brisk pace. “Major Colson Maldris. Finally, I found you. I heard around the lodge that a team of Pathfinders was headed in to the Tri-Towers Yard.” Colson bows his head. “My brother was one of many children who died when the earthquake hit. As a result, I take great interest in expeditions leading into that cursed site. The last Pathfinder expedition seven years ago found his body, and as a result, my family was able to give him a proper burial. Those agents also found some...” Colson pauses, and then continues delicately, “reports about my brother’s after-school activities that would have been quite embarrassing if made public. Did you, by chance, find any information about my brother?”
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After a sudden realization, Kelumur quickly greets the man, "I'm so sorry not to have noticed sooner, finally a pleasure to meet you sir." Kelumur without hesitation explains the nature of their mission, but makes no reference to his brother's spirit, "We did though, find a report with J's help here. We believe it to be your brother's doing."
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J tosses the reports at Garekk, and he deftly catches them, stowing them away in his pack for safe keeping before moving out. As the team heads out of the grounds, Garekk tries to speak quietly with J.
"The world is full of things that once learned.. we wish we could forget." he says with a sigh. "I will not pretend that I know the answer for how you will handle this, but know that if you are still willing to follow the path you have set upon, there will be many more times such as this in store for you.." his words trail off as he notices the uniform approaching the small band. He carefully drops back into the group, allowing others to take the lead in this one.
However Kelumur's reaction places the elaborate uniform in Garekks mind. He gives a stiff bow to the man.. not quite yet sure if this is where the documents should go.
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Mūn quickly steps up as Kelumur starts explaining what they've found, giving Garekk a small motion with his hand as he steps forward.
Mūn wants Garekk to stay back and hang onto the documents.
"Yes, and we are on our way back to the Grand Lodge now, in fact, to properly log our findings and submit our reports as per protocols, of course. We'd be honored if you'd accompany us." Mūn sweeps his hands in front of his body, indicating that Major Colsen should lead the way.
Mūn attempts to turn the conversation away from the mission as they begin to walk in the direction of the Grand Lodge. "Please, do tell me about your family, and your brother. Imagine what he might think to know your thoughts about him after so many years."
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"I'm sorry, and with all due respect, but I'm afraid we won't be able to let you see them; at least not yet. We will have to deliver these to the Venture-Captain and leave that up to him."
Mūn again dips his head in the direction of the Grand Lodge, as if the Major should lead the way.
"But I'm sure I speak for all of us when I say that we'd be delighted to have your company as we walk!"
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"Unfortunately, I have other matters I must attend to and cannot accompany you back to the Grand Lodge. But before you go, hear me out." He takes a moment to look the party over, and focuses his gaze on Kelumur, looking to his faction member for help. "I have an idea of what information some of the notes may contain. And while I can't force you to hand them over to me, I will say this. In situations such as this one, it is important to consider the bigger picture, the greater good, and the unfortunate realities of politics. Skilled orators can take even the hint of scandal and spin it into a mountain to bury their target, preventing almost anyone from seeing the accomplishments and value of the people beneath. Remember what we discovered two years ago, my friends, and the seeds of corruption threatening Andoran that sparked the decision to separate Liberty’s Edge as its own entity. Were this information to become public, members of that conspiracy among Andoran’s politicians would use their oratory against all our works, which would deal a crippling blow to our cause’s influence. They would tarnish not only my own reputation, but the reputation of the Liberty’s Edge as a whole, and by extension, the reputations and of all of the Pathfinders who tirelessly work under our banner to promote the cause of freedom. It may even spell the end of our movement to promote the cause of freedom throughout the Inner Sea and beyond!"
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Garekk is torn.. confronted by the leader of another faction, but knowing that his true loyalties lie with the society as a whole through the Grand Lodge. he keeps to the rear, and whispers to the rest of the group. "He is specifically named in these papers.. I think we need an impartial judge to discern what happens next. But I will go which ever way the majority decides."
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Mun ponders Major Colsen's words carefully. He looks at Kelumur, then to the entire group, and back to Colsen. "I count myself among the Silver Crusade." He studies Colsen's face to see if this elicits a change.
"The goals of Liberty's Edge and the Crusade are often aligned; I would certainly not want to take action that harmed the good activities of your faction in this world. Nor am I personally above skirting around the rough corners of law or protocol when it could help people." Mun again glances over a Kelumur quickly, before returning his gaze to study Colsen yet again.
"During the course of these expeditions into the Drownyard, Kelumur has become a trusted friend. His advocacy on your behalf can't be ignored. But my heart still wants to turn these papers in. I find it hard to believe that Drandle Dreng would use these papers—or allow them to be used—to harm you or especially the Liberty's Edge. But given that you are mentioned, it's hard to separate your personal interest from the interests of the Society."
"So let me ask you this. If Ollysta was holding these papers, and not this small group of barely seasoned Pathfinders, do you believe that she would hand them over to you?"
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"I'm sorry Major Colson, but I will have to insist that these papers be turned in to the Society." With true sympathy he continues. "I understand that your reputation could be harmed, but I suspect you are strong enough to survive it. I think that Liberty's Edge, like the Silver Crusade, will be better served in the long run by truth, in any case."
Mun pauses, and adds one final thought. "And keep in mind that we will be turning these in to the Pathfinder Society, not a magistrate."
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Colson takes a deep breath and gives a subtle shake of his head, "Very well then. I see that you have made up your mind, and I'm not here to force your hand. I can admire and respect Pathfinders that hold on to their convictions. I pray that Drendle and the others handle this matter delicately and that it does not hamper Liberty's Edge or the Society's goals and hard work." he then leaves you with a sorrowful expression on his face.
After Major Maldris leaves, Junia speaks for Grishan. "Thank you. From me, and Grishan too." Right as you are about to depart back to the lodge, Grishan manifests himself. "Thank you for not mentioning....my state, to my brother. I have much to discuss with him but that was not the time, I need to think and process things first. I always wanted to be an Eagle Knight like Colson. He got his wings so young, and I wanted to follow him anywhere, and fight for freedom, no matter what. I was very conflicted on what to do with the intelligence packet, but I trust that you made the right decision. Now everyone will know about my family. Colson said he trusted me, but he lied. He hid our family from me and somehow I have to forgive that."
The journey back to the lodge is uneventful. Both J. and Grishan have learned much about themselves and their power. J. feels that she is ready to finally leave the Drownyard behind her, but has come to realize that she cannot follow in her mother’s footsteps. She instead
wishes to strike out on her own and get to know her newfound powers better. As you approach the gates to the Grand Lodge, J. speaks up, "I've been thinking. This trip has taught me so much abut myself, but also made me realize how much more I have to learn about both myself and the rest of the world. I would like to begin training as a Pathfinder and join the Society. Would any of you be willing to sponsor me?"
Grishan, for his part, has a better understanding of his past and his relationship with his brother. He realizes that his bond with her is far stronger than the connection he still feels with his brother, and he is determined to follow J. wherever her journeys might take her.
Drendle is pleased that you decided to bring the information to him, and tells you that he and the other leaders of the Society will have to discuss what they plan to do with this new information. Several weeks later, Venture-Captain Dreng reports that the haunts at the Drownyard have all disappeared, and he thanks you all for your efforts.
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Garekk understands the mans position, but hardens his heart against the mans plea to the companions. He shakes his head sadly as Colson leaves before turning to Kelumur. "I am sorry my friend, that we could not aid you and your Major. This is, I believe, the best route for us."
Turning to J and to Grishan, he replies "You will find within yourselves how to manage your new information. Take it slowly, and do not act rashly. Ponder your emotions and why you feel the way you do. By understanding yourself.. you may be able to learn to understand the world around you.." his voice trails off, and Garekks eyes are focused on something far away that only he can see.. a flash of pain momentarily appears on his stern countenance before disappearing just as quickly.
When the Pathfinders return to the Lodge and J declares her intent, Garekks face lights up with true happiness for the young girl. He claps her on the back, and joyously announces "By the gods, that's a good choice for you. I will sponsor you."