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[IC] Clone Wars (Attack of the Revenge of the Menace)
Nar turned and nodded a smiling "no" to Lady Pike before continuing to the lift.
The Governess acivated her comlink. "Level 1, Security Section: Release Lock on Turbolift AA-17"
The lift doors opened and Nar entered without breaking stride. He was quickly whisked to the levels below.
"Well, you're a curious one aren't you?"
The queen was clearly amused by Casso's awkwardness. "Perhaps after that blaster wound has been attended to," she said, with a light touch to his shoulder, "I can tell you more about this city, and the activities of late. And perhaps in return you might tell me something about this sword of yours."
Casso's face turned a deeper red as the lady lightly tapped the belt that hung at his hip. She laughed slightly, that light noble sort of levity that he remembered coming from his mother at home in Alderaan... the laugh of a woman whose spirit could not be crushed even under a looming threat.
Casso and the Lady walked to the Citadel, talking and laughing. He had recovered, if only very slightly, from his awkward stumbling at the beginning of the conversation and was managing to hold his own against her. She was very intelligent and animated, and a joy to talk to.
It was hard for him, though, to be reminded of his mother as much as this woman did so. He had driven his parents from his mind when he went away to become a Jedi. Of course, he had cried of homesickness and want of love--but that was at first. He had adapted to the Jedi Temple, and even thrived there under the care of the Masters. But now, memories of his home, of school on Alderaan, of his former friends, and most of all his parents, were crushing down on him like they hadn't since that first night on Coruscant.
They entered the Citadel, and Casso was sent to the medical bay. His scorched shoulder was attended to by a medical droid as he sat, cross-legged, deep in the Force trance, contemplating deeply the events of the day. About an hour later, he emerged from the bay, a layer of gauze and bandage covering the wound.
HP recovered: 14 from the Medical droid (check was 25, see OOC thread), 4 from an hour of Force Trance
A protocol droid hobbled up to Casso. It was an older model, like some of the ones he had seen in Coruscant's museums of technology... it might have been one of the ones made by Cestus... he just couldn't quite remember.
The droid presented his upper robes to him, saying in a calm voice:
"Your clothes have been mended, sir."
Casso examined his garments, which had been cleaned and patched... perhaps by a color-blind droid. The patch was bright scarlet... and though not necessarily becoming of a Jedi, it did resemble the diplomatic red of the Republic's offices and ships, so it would do.
"The Governess has instructed me to inform you that she is in her offices, and is willing to recieve whatever diplomatic communications or inquiries you have at this time. I can direct you there if you like, or if you wish to rest further I can direct you to accomodations that have been reserved for yourself and the other Ambassador."
The droid led Casso through a series of hallways, and through a series of diplomatic offices. This place was much unlike the republic... nowhere to be seen were anything resembling the rich red trappings of the senate halls and embassies... all that was to be seen was polished metal, with archaic weapons and armor hanging here and there, with the occasional painting of noblemen, battles between ancient tribes, or boxing matches of some kind... but one in particular caught his eye as he passed it... encased in sealed glass, a fading portrait depicting robed figures wielding what appeared to be all manner of lightsabers and other melee weapons... and at least half of them held red sabers. He remembered his history... it must have been one of the Sith Wars.
Casso quickened his pace to catch up with the protocol droid, as he had lingered by the painting for a bit. They came to a large door, embossed with what he assumed must be the symbol of the Lady's House or the Government. A few beeps could be heard from the droid... probably an internal comlink, the padawan thought.
"Her Ladyship will see you now," said the droid with an awkward bow. The doors opened to reveal Lady Pike sitting behind her desk. She now held a countenance of authority, and had found somewhat more regal clothes for the occasion, a dark blue high collared gown with long, draping sleeves, ... it always mystified Casso how quickly noblewomen seemed to be able to make drastic changes to their hair and wardrobe in such quick intervals.
"Greetings," she said, pointing to a seat opposite the desk. "Please be seated. I am in the debt of you and your Master, young Jedi. Before we begin, I would ask a clarification please. I was informed by the Chancellor that I was to recieve Prince Casso Antilles and a special investigator and negotiator named Nar Aval. At first glance it would seem that instead I was sent what were once known as Jedi Warriors, one of which is of an appearance that I have seen only in the oldest of records. Did the Chancellor inform me incorrectly?"
Meanwhile, Nar had reached the floor where he had detected the presence of the man who was running from him... it seemed he was still, and on this level. A female voice from the lift speakers said: Level 3, Mercantile, Entertainment, and Residence Districts. The Turbolift's doors began to open.
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
The turbolift whirred to a halt at the fourth level, and as soon as the doors on either side slid open, Nar's legs beat on the plastisteel in a solid run, homing on the Dark Side beacon that still glowed on the black of his eyelids. His lekku trailed behind him, a signature of his foreign origin, and a thread of the Jedi's litany ran through his mind, a thread that always came back to him;
There is no passion, there is serenity.
If there was any time that Nara'val felt passionate, it was times like these, times when conquest over the Dark Side was almost palpable.
People cleared the way to all sides as Nar moved through the crowded street. The dark side presence he felt led him to what appeared to be a cantina. The doors were closed, but music and loud revelry could be heard emanating from within.
The bouncer at the door's eyes grew wide as he looked at Nar.
"Uh... not from around here, are you?" he asked.
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
Nar slowed to a stop as he approached the bouncer, and paused only briefly to speak. "I have business inside," he said. "Important business. I am of the opinion that you should step aside."
He cracked that half-grin, a friendly sort of a grin that said "We can all be buddies, but I'm absolutely serious, do as I say" in not quite so many words.
"No problem, mate, this is always a good place for business," said the bouncer with a wink, opening the door.
The cantina was crowded, smoky and loud. Its denizens appeared to be all human, none of the tall dark Epicanthix that he had seen on the upper level. His target was definitely there.
Unfortunately Nar's appearance caused many heads to turn and much of the crowd cleared out of his way. Seated at the bar several meters away sat his target... who turned to see what the fuss was.
He was dressed in different clothes but was distinctly the same man... and upon seeing Nar he screamed and ran out a door at the back of the bar.
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
Nar dashed after the man -- "Stop him!" he shouted out, although the crowd was maybe too transfixed by the sight of head-tails to do as ordered. His hand instinctively dropped towards his belt, but he made a conscious effort to keep away from his weapon -- both for the sake of appearances and to avoid bringing things into bloodshed.
Nar burst out the door and found himself in a narrow alley, and could see the man just ducking around the corner... the back alleys of the labyrinth of this place were complicated... and he had the impression that his target might know where he was going.
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
-- but that didn't thwart Nar, who had sensed nothing so severe in this vicinity as his target himself, so he kept moving, bending around the corners and bounding over toppled waste receptacles; he could keep up this run for as long as he had to, and he hoped the thug couldn't.
Nar finally came to what appeared to be a blind corner in the alley filled with refuse. His target was nowhere to be seen.
Perception check, please
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
Nar slowed to a stop as he took in the dead end, and immediately began to search for the escapee; the Force, however, did not seem to be with him at that moment...
Nar could see that a wall panel had been hastily slid aside and put back in its place... it was a makeshift door of sorts.
And his quarry was definitely on the other side... waiting.
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
Nar, if he were not such a master of emotional control, would be getting frustrated with this goon by now -- but he was a master of emotional control, so he just moved to open the concealed door, which would probably be harder than it sounds, but if that were the case, he did carry a lightsaber with him, and such a tool can be used for more than just dismembering the wicked ...
Nar tested the door... locked. It appeared he would need his "universal key" after all. He plunged his lightsaber into the metal, moving it in a wide circle to give him enough room to move through, until a ring of molten metal stood before him. He kicked in the door and heard the buzz of a weapon engaging... with his astute Twi'Lek vision he saw his target aiming a blaster cannon at him.
The human was prepared... his timing was excellent... though his aim left something to be desired. Though the blast did not hit Nar himself, it struck nearby, destroying the entire door in a massive blast, coking the Jedi in flame and smoke. Nar got to his feet, saber in hand... and the same look of horror crossed his opponent's face.
INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
Nara'val stood in the doorway, glared at the human. He did not appreciate being fired upon. "It is in both of our best interests if you set that gun down and step away from it. I won't hurt you if you do as I ask -- here, see?"
The bright yellow of Nar's lightsaber faded away, and he set the hilt back to his belt. "If you fire at me again, though, the most you will be able to hope for is to spend the rest of your life in a prison labor camp. Are we on the same page?"
The henchman dropped his gun. He quaked in fear, his words fast and stumbling.
"Fine, look, I'll tell you whatever you want... just please don't take me to the Citadel... they'll execute me!"
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
Nar nodded, but didn't say anything. Instead, he unclipped the liquid cable dispenser from his utility belt and withdrew a length of cable from it before snapping it shut and severing the cord.
"Give me your hands," he said, and readied himself to put the man down if he did, indeed, decide to do something stupid -- doing stupid things was what people did when they were cornered, after all.
The human got to his knees and put out his hands. Nar looked around the rom as he securely tied them together. The room was small, but filed to the ceiling with crates... and from those that had been opened, it appeared they were all filled with weapons. Mostly pistols, a few heavy weapons and grenades, and also the lightsaber-resistant vibroblades that the would-be assassins had carried, and a few other melee weapons that appeared to be made of the same material.
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
Nar was torn. He wanted to get back to Casso and the Governess quickly, but he had no intention of leaving this cache alone, especially now that it was no longer hidden from view.
So, after binding the thug's hands together with the rope, and a brief look at the cannon that had been fired at him, Nar fetched his commlink and hailed Casso.
"Casso? Are you with the governess? I'm here with our captive, and 'here' is a weapons cache. Can you request the Governess send someone to take care of this? It's in plain view, I don't want to leave it unattended."
"You were informed of the truth, Lady," Casso said. "But is it our fault if the Chancellor saw fit to prune the truth of a certain branch?" He grinned, and sat in the seat offered.
"We are, in fact, Jedi Warriors--my Master, Nara'val, is of the rank of Knight, while I am his Padawan. I study under him and learn from his tutelage. However, Nara'val is an investigator and a diplomat, as are almost all Jedi, and I am also a Prince of the House Antilles of Alderaan. However, I do not come as a representative of my home planet.
"Back to the Jedi, I noticed a painting outside which I suspect depicted the Jedi Civil War, in which those who used the Dark side of the Force turned against their brothers and sisters. Many planets were scathed... this would appear to be one of them.
"And this is the Jedi sword about which you asked earlier." Casso reached to his belt for his lightsaber, but at that moment his commlink buzzed. Surprised, he fished it out and answered, "Master Aval?... oh. Wow. Okay, yeah, hold on a second." To the governess, he said, "So apparently Master Aval has pursued our little rat right into a hidden stockpile of guns, and he'd like somebody to please come down and guard it or clear it up. So, if we could so trouble you..."
"Security situation in level-- yes? A weapons cache. Large explosion you say? That's probably it. Get your men down there quickly."
The Governess deactivated her comlink and put her attention back to Casso.
"I'm glad the Chancellor thinks enough of our government to send a young nobleman to negotiate with us. And it turns out he cares enough for my safety to send one who is a Jedi as well. What an interesting place your Republic must be."
"The Jedi are unknown in the Pacanth Cluster, and are more to us like a myth of a terrible and remote past. Their existence in the larger part of the galaxy is mostly a mix of rumor and legend. But the universe is getting smaller, it seems. The last time we had contact with the Republic... it did not go well at all. The Cluster was in complete chaos, and in the wake of those Jedi Wars, chaos and anarchy ruled here for centuries. Bunduki is one of the most remote planets of this sector, and was nearly lawless until several months ago... we are still repairing the damage, and until recently have had few problems maintaining order."
"However, my agents indicate that you are not the first to come to our Sector in search of an alliance. The terrorists that you met this morning are what is left of the chaos that used to run wild in Bunduki. But they have become more organized as of late. At a great cost of lives, we have discovered that they have recieved some leadership as well as financial backing from a nobleman..."
The hair on the back of Casso's neck raised just before she said it.
"...they believe he is one of the Counts of Serenno."
Lady Pike stared intently at Casso to judge his reaction.
"The Counts of Serenno," Casso repeated flatly. "They are some of the richest in the entire galaxy. Of course they would turn against the Republic... they believe it is their position to be the benevolent rulers, not to be citizens.
"But you said one of the Counts of Serenno. That at least holds some hope. I spoke hastily when I used the word they. Have you any idea which, my Lady?"
"Not at all, Prince Antilles... I was hoping the Republic might be of some assistance in this matter. If you are not aware of who this perpetrator is, perhaps your Master might be able to shed some light on the subject. I understand that he has a prisoner."
Meanwhile, in the city below, Nar had his prisoner bound and was awaiting the arrival of a security team.
"Look..." the human continued to desparately bargain, "...just ...just don't turn me over to them. I know people, people who can get you whatever you want! Just tell them you found the weapons cache and that I got away! I'll tell you anything!"
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
Nar stood behind the man who was yet on his knees, and idly examined the crates and their contents. He knew the man wouldn't be so dumb as to make a move now, and he was interested in these weapons.
"There's a lot you'd have to say and very little time," Nar muttered, "But you're welcome to try. You might begin with the source of these munitions -- or with the attack on the Governess."
"Jerron hired me for the job, you'd have to ask him... he was the one called us in during the hit... I don't know where all the weapons came from... all I did was get the info on how to cross levels outside of the lifts from Phow Ji... just... please, you can't turn me into them, they'll disintegrate me!"
Nar inspected the crates as the man pleaded. There was enough there for a small militia. Pistols, rifles, a couple of blaster cannons, quite a few thermal detonators as well as a few timed charges for structural demolitions. The melee weapons were curious... they all seemed to be made of the same material as the vibroblades. A strong metal, like steel, but with an odd purple sheen to them. Mostly they were vibroblades with the occassional vibro-ax... but one weapon stood separately from the rest of them. It looked a bit like a force pike... but the design was different.
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
"All of your friends are already dead, do you know that? They all died trying to assassinate the Governess. Jerron, too. Do you think their spirits will rest peacefully if you do not join them?"
Nar examined the force pike idly; he was knowledgeable with regards to most common weapons, but he was no expert, and most of his expertise lay in the use, not the make, of the things. Still...
"At this moment, you're not technically guilty of anything more than being in the wrong place at the wrong time -- perhaps guilty on your conscience for fleeing like a coward as your friends stood their ground and died -- that, and firing upon an official of the Galactic Republic."
Nar gave the prisoner time to consider that.
"Keep talking, then, tell me about Phow Ji and Jerron."
"Jerron... wow, you killed Jerron... he was an assassin, yeah... but he was the best one. He hated these Epicanthix bastards. He said he'd found a way to break them, to get this planet back for the rest of us... said we had to do it before the Republic showed up. He didn't get along with Phow Ji that well, that's why I had to go. Phow's tough, the toughest in this whole blasted city... he knows things, like how to bypass the security system... that's all I know, I swear!"
The man paused a moment...
"Wait... you're from the Republic! No, no please, don't kill me!"
The man collapsed in a heap on the ground, shaking, sobbing to himself in some foreign tongue.
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
"I told you I wasn't going to hurt you," Nar sighed. "I really hope you'll cease with that cowering and speak to me like a grown man."
Nar set the force pike aside, continued to poke through the crates. "You know, anyone found in possession of most anything you've got here would likely find themselves in a great deal of trouble." He took a mental inventory of the things and he moved about.
"Tell me where to find Phow, and tell me who Jerron worked for. And for both of our sake, stop that crying. It's unbecoming."
"I don't know what Jerron wasn't talking about... I asked him once and he smacked me and told me to mind my place... and I don't know where Phow is... he's lying low ever since he beat the Governess' husband in a match two weeks ago."
Just then, Nar heard the sounds of approaching footsteps on metal, quickly followed by security staff approaching them at a dead run. He recognized their captain.
"Ambassador Aval," said Captain Del, catching his breath, "I'm grateful that you've caught this assassin. We'll be happy to take him into custody now. We will escort you to the Citadel as well, I believe that the Governess would like to speak with you."
The security forces began to haul despondent man to his feet. Del told two of them to stay and keep watch over the weapons cache. He started to walk back in the direction that he had come, nodding for Nar and his men who held the prisoner to follow.
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
The Jedi followed along quietly, saying little; he thought the circumstances spoke for themselves. He only hoped there would be no more excitement that day -- the prisoner and the governess would be enough to deal with at one time.
The Jedi and the security forces, with their prisoner, were given a wide berth all the way to the turbolift. The denizens of the level avoided eye contact and kept as far as they could from the situation. A short turbolift ride took them back to the upper level. Captain Del took Nar to the Governess' offices... where, it seemed to the Twi'Lek, that his Padawan was making quite the fool of himself demonstrating various saber techniques to Lady Pike. Well, at least he hadn't ignited it.
Captain Del cleared his throat and the Padawan sat down, his face blushing.
"We have returned with the Ambassador and the prisoner, My Lady."
"Very good Captain. See too it that he is interrogated thoroughly."
"Yes, My Lady."
Captain Del turned on his heel and left abruptly. As the doors closed the Governess smiled.
"What else has your investigation yielded... Jedi Ambassador?"
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
Nar did not return the smile. "He didn't know much, or he was a great liar." He looked to Casso, who still had his lightsaber in hand, but didn't speak at all.
"Governess, does your husband partake in a ... sport?"
"My husband... Dux Pike... was... a great warrior, a master of Teräs Käsi. For a long time he was the champion of Aslaja. Not two weeks ago he was killed in the ring by a human named Phow Ji. We had just given birth to twin daughters... they will never have known him. It is not illegal to kill a man in the ring of course, the sport is sacred. But it vexes me that Phow Ji still draws breath."
Lady Pike shook off her despair, and looked up intently at Nar.
"Why would you ask this?"
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
"The man I captured, he says that Phow Ji told him how to reach the upper levels, but couldn't tell me where to find him." Nar paused for a moment; "I am sorry for your loss, ma'am."
"Oh really?" said the Governess, raising and eyebrow, "Phow Ji is here, on the upper levels. As our champion, and because he requested asylum from me, he was granted an apartment... and a very nice one I might add. I would be very pleased if you would pay him a visit."
The queen smiled... a smile that was not one of amusement, and handed Nar a small datapad which held the location of Phow Ji's apartments.
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INeedNoSaltwith blood on my teethRegistered Userregular
edited September 2007
Nar stared at the woman for a solid ten seconds before reaching to take the data pad. He almost couldn't believe it. Had she mistaken the term ambassador to mean thug?
"If he is as dangerous as you suggest, ma'am, my padawan will be joining me. Casso?"
Posts
The Governess acivated her comlink. "Level 1, Security Section: Release Lock on Turbolift AA-17"
The lift doors opened and Nar entered without breaking stride. He was quickly whisked to the levels below.
"Well, you're a curious one aren't you?"
The queen was clearly amused by Casso's awkwardness. "Perhaps after that blaster wound has been attended to," she said, with a light touch to his shoulder, "I can tell you more about this city, and the activities of late. And perhaps in return you might tell me something about this sword of yours."
Casso's face turned a deeper red as the lady lightly tapped the belt that hung at his hip. She laughed slightly, that light noble sort of levity that he remembered coming from his mother at home in Alderaan... the laugh of a woman whose spirit could not be crushed even under a looming threat.
It was hard for him, though, to be reminded of his mother as much as this woman did so. He had driven his parents from his mind when he went away to become a Jedi. Of course, he had cried of homesickness and want of love--but that was at first. He had adapted to the Jedi Temple, and even thrived there under the care of the Masters. But now, memories of his home, of school on Alderaan, of his former friends, and most of all his parents, were crushing down on him like they hadn't since that first night on Coruscant.
They entered the Citadel, and Casso was sent to the medical bay. His scorched shoulder was attended to by a medical droid as he sat, cross-legged, deep in the Force trance, contemplating deeply the events of the day. About an hour later, he emerged from the bay, a layer of gauze and bandage covering the wound.
The droid presented his upper robes to him, saying in a calm voice:
"Your clothes have been mended, sir."
Casso examined his garments, which had been cleaned and patched... perhaps by a color-blind droid. The patch was bright scarlet... and though not necessarily becoming of a Jedi, it did resemble the diplomatic red of the Republic's offices and ships, so it would do.
"The Governess has instructed me to inform you that she is in her offices, and is willing to recieve whatever diplomatic communications or inquiries you have at this time. I can direct you there if you like, or if you wish to rest further I can direct you to accomodations that have been reserved for yourself and the other Ambassador."
And, he had yet to tell her about his lightsaber.
"Please direct me to the Governess' office," he said authoritatively.
Casso quickened his pace to catch up with the protocol droid, as he had lingered by the painting for a bit. They came to a large door, embossed with what he assumed must be the symbol of the Lady's House or the Government. A few beeps could be heard from the droid... probably an internal comlink, the padawan thought.
"Her Ladyship will see you now," said the droid with an awkward bow. The doors opened to reveal Lady Pike sitting behind her desk. She now held a countenance of authority, and had found somewhat more regal clothes for the occasion, a dark blue high collared gown with long, draping sleeves, ... it always mystified Casso how quickly noblewomen seemed to be able to make drastic changes to their hair and wardrobe in such quick intervals.
"Greetings," she said, pointing to a seat opposite the desk. "Please be seated. I am in the debt of you and your Master, young Jedi. Before we begin, I would ask a clarification please. I was informed by the Chancellor that I was to recieve Prince Casso Antilles and a special investigator and negotiator named Nar Aval. At first glance it would seem that instead I was sent what were once known as Jedi Warriors, one of which is of an appearance that I have seen only in the oldest of records. Did the Chancellor inform me incorrectly?"
There is no passion, there is serenity.
If there was any time that Nara'val felt passionate, it was times like these, times when conquest over the Dark Side was almost palpable.
The bouncer at the door's eyes grew wide as he looked at Nar.
"Uh... not from around here, are you?" he asked.
He cracked that half-grin, a friendly sort of a grin that said "We can all be buddies, but I'm absolutely serious, do as I say" in not quite so many words.
The cantina was crowded, smoky and loud. Its denizens appeared to be all human, none of the tall dark Epicanthix that he had seen on the upper level. His target was definitely there.
Unfortunately Nar's appearance caused many heads to turn and much of the crowd cleared out of his way. Seated at the bar several meters away sat his target... who turned to see what the fuss was.
He was dressed in different clothes but was distinctly the same man... and upon seeing Nar he screamed and ran out a door at the back of the bar.
He didn't want to have to do anything drastic.
real utf reroll (dark side sense) (1d20+17=18)
And his quarry was definitely on the other side... waiting.
The human was prepared... his timing was excellent... though his aim left something to be desired. Though the blast did not hit Nar himself, it struck nearby, destroying the entire door in a massive blast, coking the Jedi in flame and smoke. Nar got to his feet, saber in hand... and the same look of horror crossed his opponent's face.
"I'm sorry... don't hurt me! Just don't hurt me!"
However, he still held the cannon in his hands.
Nar's HP: 79/87
The bright yellow of Nar's lightsaber faded away, and he set the hilt back to his belt. "If you fire at me again, though, the most you will be able to hope for is to spend the rest of your life in a prison labor camp. Are we on the same page?"
"Fine, look, I'll tell you whatever you want... just please don't take me to the Citadel... they'll execute me!"
"Give me your hands," he said, and readied himself to put the man down if he did, indeed, decide to do something stupid -- doing stupid things was what people did when they were cornered, after all.
So, after binding the thug's hands together with the rope, and a brief look at the cannon that had been fired at him, Nar fetched his commlink and hailed Casso.
"Casso? Are you with the governess? I'm here with our captive, and 'here' is a weapons cache. Can you request the Governess send someone to take care of this? It's in plain view, I don't want to leave it unattended."
"You were informed of the truth, Lady," Casso said. "But is it our fault if the Chancellor saw fit to prune the truth of a certain branch?" He grinned, and sat in the seat offered.
"We are, in fact, Jedi Warriors--my Master, Nara'val, is of the rank of Knight, while I am his Padawan. I study under him and learn from his tutelage. However, Nara'val is an investigator and a diplomat, as are almost all Jedi, and I am also a Prince of the House Antilles of Alderaan. However, I do not come as a representative of my home planet.
"Back to the Jedi, I noticed a painting outside which I suspect depicted the Jedi Civil War, in which those who used the Dark side of the Force turned against their brothers and sisters. Many planets were scathed... this would appear to be one of them.
"And this is the Jedi sword about which you asked earlier." Casso reached to his belt for his lightsaber, but at that moment his commlink buzzed. Surprised, he fished it out and answered, "Master Aval?... oh. Wow. Okay, yeah, hold on a second." To the governess, he said, "So apparently Master Aval has pursued our little rat right into a hidden stockpile of guns, and he'd like somebody to please come down and guard it or clear it up. So, if we could so trouble you..."
"Security situation in level-- yes? A weapons cache. Large explosion you say? That's probably it. Get your men down there quickly."
The Governess deactivated her comlink and put her attention back to Casso.
"I'm glad the Chancellor thinks enough of our government to send a young nobleman to negotiate with us. And it turns out he cares enough for my safety to send one who is a Jedi as well. What an interesting place your Republic must be."
"The Jedi are unknown in the Pacanth Cluster, and are more to us like a myth of a terrible and remote past. Their existence in the larger part of the galaxy is mostly a mix of rumor and legend. But the universe is getting smaller, it seems. The last time we had contact with the Republic... it did not go well at all. The Cluster was in complete chaos, and in the wake of those Jedi Wars, chaos and anarchy ruled here for centuries. Bunduki is one of the most remote planets of this sector, and was nearly lawless until several months ago... we are still repairing the damage, and until recently have had few problems maintaining order."
"However, my agents indicate that you are not the first to come to our Sector in search of an alliance. The terrorists that you met this morning are what is left of the chaos that used to run wild in Bunduki. But they have become more organized as of late. At a great cost of lives, we have discovered that they have recieved some leadership as well as financial backing from a nobleman..."
The hair on the back of Casso's neck raised just before she said it.
"...they believe he is one of the Counts of Serenno."
Lady Pike stared intently at Casso to judge his reaction.
"But you said one of the Counts of Serenno. That at least holds some hope. I spoke hastily when I used the word they. Have you any idea which, my Lady?"
Meanwhile, in the city below, Nar had his prisoner bound and was awaiting the arrival of a security team.
"Look..." the human continued to desparately bargain, "...just ...just don't turn me over to them. I know people, people who can get you whatever you want! Just tell them you found the weapons cache and that I got away! I'll tell you anything!"
"There's a lot you'd have to say and very little time," Nar muttered, "But you're welcome to try. You might begin with the source of these munitions -- or with the attack on the Governess."
Nar inspected the crates as the man pleaded. There was enough there for a small militia. Pistols, rifles, a couple of blaster cannons, quite a few thermal detonators as well as a few timed charges for structural demolitions. The melee weapons were curious... they all seemed to be made of the same material as the vibroblades. A strong metal, like steel, but with an odd purple sheen to them. Mostly they were vibroblades with the occassional vibro-ax... but one weapon stood separately from the rest of them. It looked a bit like a force pike... but the design was different.
Nar examined the force pike idly; he was knowledgeable with regards to most common weapons, but he was no expert, and most of his expertise lay in the use, not the make, of the things. Still...
"At this moment, you're not technically guilty of anything more than being in the wrong place at the wrong time -- perhaps guilty on your conscience for fleeing like a coward as your friends stood their ground and died -- that, and firing upon an official of the Galactic Republic."
Nar gave the prisoner time to consider that.
"Keep talking, then, tell me about Phow Ji and Jerron."
The man paused a moment...
"Wait... you're from the Republic! No, no please, don't kill me!"
The man collapsed in a heap on the ground, shaking, sobbing to himself in some foreign tongue.
Nar set the force pike aside, continued to poke through the crates. "You know, anyone found in possession of most anything you've got here would likely find themselves in a great deal of trouble." He took a mental inventory of the things and he moved about.
"Tell me where to find Phow, and tell me who Jerron worked for. And for both of our sake, stop that crying. It's unbecoming."
Just then, Nar heard the sounds of approaching footsteps on metal, quickly followed by security staff approaching them at a dead run. He recognized their captain.
"Ambassador Aval," said Captain Del, catching his breath, "I'm grateful that you've caught this assassin. We'll be happy to take him into custody now. We will escort you to the Citadel as well, I believe that the Governess would like to speak with you."
The security forces began to haul despondent man to his feet. Del told two of them to stay and keep watch over the weapons cache. He started to walk back in the direction that he had come, nodding for Nar and his men who held the prisoner to follow.
Captain Del cleared his throat and the Padawan sat down, his face blushing.
"We have returned with the Ambassador and the prisoner, My Lady."
"Very good Captain. See too it that he is interrogated thoroughly."
"Yes, My Lady."
Captain Del turned on his heel and left abruptly. As the doors closed the Governess smiled.
"What else has your investigation yielded... Jedi Ambassador?"
"Governess, does your husband partake in a ... sport?"
"My husband... Dux Pike... was... a great warrior, a master of Teräs Käsi. For a long time he was the champion of Aslaja. Not two weeks ago he was killed in the ring by a human named Phow Ji. We had just given birth to twin daughters... they will never have known him. It is not illegal to kill a man in the ring of course, the sport is sacred. But it vexes me that Phow Ji still draws breath."
Lady Pike shook off her despair, and looked up intently at Nar.
"Why would you ask this?"
"Oh really?" said the Governess, raising and eyebrow, "Phow Ji is here, on the upper levels. As our champion, and because he requested asylum from me, he was granted an apartment... and a very nice one I might add. I would be very pleased if you would pay him a visit."
The queen smiled... a smile that was not one of amusement, and handed Nar a small datapad which held the location of Phow Ji's apartments.
"If he is as dangerous as you suggest, ma'am, my padawan will be joining me. Casso?"