I tried the journal thing - it didn't seem to work (maybe I'm just daft). Also, what level must your repair rating be at before you can access workbenches because my main character has never been able to access (but lab stations, yes) them, nor has other members of my party. On top of that, I cannot speak to the only handmaiden in the secret academy, but I can speak to the sister handmaiden. Also, before I was separated from my party, I have never been able to speak to Kreia while exploring because as I would press dialogue it would do nothing but beep - can you not speak to her? Is she too cool for you? Has anyone else experienced this?
Anyway, I reloaded a saved game just as I arrive in the secret base and I asked where my friends are, where's the Ebon Hawk and they told me everything, I then proceeded to speak with Atris, I didn't argue with her, I vowed to find any willing Jedi to help with our cause and then I started moving towards the prison room (northern part of irrigation channel?). Anyway, on the map, the prison room is colored with a reddish hue and when I enter the room the three force cages or kolto tanks are completely empty. Do I have to defeat the handmaidens in combat and do other things to able to get my friends back? Or must I ask every single handmaiden the whereabouts of my friends?
I don't want to sound like I'm whining but I just to let my problems be known in case there is someone else who has similar ones - to find out if my problem is a glitch or merely lack of common sense. Thanks again.