Lunchtime dispute [Reis]

[Res]

It had been a busy last couple days, meetings with couple Jedi and a Senator about the situation with Ambria. Tova'nas and his Padawan Gharassk was to head there in a couple days to talk to there government about joining the Republic. He thought it would he an excellent chance for Gharassk to go on his diplomatic mission. Also Tov also had a plan for his Togruta Padawan.

Though that would have to wait. The Twi'lek Master had been instructed to join Anahid Reiser, a Jedi Knight Shadow to investigate a dispute. Anas had seen the Maraluka/Human Knight at the Temple and talked to her briefly one or twice. It was kinda nice to have a little break from his duty from teaching his Padawan. Though he had given the young Padawan some tasks before he returned from the city.

It was a little after noon and everyone was heading back from lunch or heading everywhere. Coruscant was the busiest planet in the galaxy and it wasn't going to slow down anytime soon. The duo sat in the shuttle heading to their destination. Tov sat there thinking about his up coming mission and wondering if he would be able to persuade Ambria to join. This would be his first diplomatic mission and to be honest he was nervous. Though he didn't have time to think about that. Turning to Amahid he spoke.

"What information do we have on this dispute?"

Tov asked as he fixed his purple robes. The long cloak drug the ground as he sat there. His sabers both were in his lap unclipped not wanting them to hit the seat. He hadn't gotten much information about the dispute but it was in the lower depths of the city.

[Reisier]

This was definitely not a mission Anahid Reisier was accustomed to, not the typical tasks that a Shadow Knight was assigned. Generally speaking her job would take her off-world, to far away planets with curious customs and species, to seek the source of origins of the dark side and the many artifacts it held. When the woman was free of these tasks, her attention was focused elsewhere, though she rarely talked about what captured her attention. So when Anahid was called by the Masters to settle a dispute in the lower districts of Coruscant, her surprise increasing when the Twi’lek Master Tova’nas would be accompanying her.

Anahid sat quietly on her seat, elbow resting against the sill, feeling the vibrations of the moving vehicle. She shifted, head resting against an open palm, watching as the buildings flashed by. It had been a while since she had been graced with the opportunity to visit the city itself, her visits to the planet mostly enjoyed within the Temple walls – it was, a nice change of pace. Anahid gave a half-smile, heavy lids falling over bright eyes, feeling as the sun warmed her skin up.

The Master’s voice suddenly interrupted her, causing the woman’s eyes to flick in his direction. She watched with little interest as the male straightened his robes up, waiting a couple of seconds before straightening up. Anahid cleared her throat, glancing down at the datapad secured within her arms. “Well,” her gentle voice began, flicking her finger across the screen, “…there have been reports of some ‘Twighliters’ wrecking havoc in the lower districts of Coruscant.” She quirked a brow, chewing on her lips before she continued on, “Generally, this report would fall in hands of the local police; however, the report claims that Force Users have been helping these people.”

She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck before her attention was torn from the datapad and settled on the Twi’lek once more, “Though, I am quite surprised that you were chosen for the mission, Master Tova’nas; I believed you were to be setting out for Ambria quite shortly.”

[Res]

The Twi'lek sat and listen to the woman read off the report. It wasn't everyday that they had to needn't into the city to take care of problems that the local police could do. This case was different, force users were involved and it was customary to call the Order to help out. As Anahid had finished the report Tov started to think about what they would find. Then the Jedi was hit was a question. Turning his gaze to the young woman he smile.

"You're right, we leave in the morning. I have a surprise for my Padawan Gharassk Ran."

Master Anas replied to Anahids inquiry about his mission to Ambria. The mission was kinda a sprung on Tov at the last minute in his meeting with the Council the pervious day. Though he had been looking forward to getting out of the Temple. Even though it was for a couple hours, he need his me time. He had forgotten how demanding having a Padawan was.

Looking out the window behind his partner for the day. He saw building rush by as well as speeders. The shuttle dove into the depths other city. The light was fading, but since it was mid day there was still enough light to not warrant street lights to come on. In a matter of minutes they would reach their destination and continue the journey on foot it would seem.

"You're a Shadow, how did you get assigned to this task?"

[Reisier]

“Oh, yes, I forgot you had taken the Togruta in,” She smiled; they certainly seemed like a pair that could learn from one another, especially the rash Padawan. “I do hope he will take heed of your lessons, Master Tova’nas.” Anahid added with a sigh, shifting slightly on the seat, glancing up at the older male. After Gharassk’s last odyssey, the woman had been constantly hoping that the boy find the comfort of a master soon – he needed someone to teach him, someone to guide him, and, well, sometimes to knock some sense into him.

The shuttle lugged forward, deeper and deeper into the city Coruscant. The once cheery scenery became darker and harsh, swallowed by the inescapable grasp of shadows and the crude light of holograms.

A thoughtful finger was pressed gently on her chin, head tilted ever so slightly to the right. Now that she thought about it, how did she get chosen for this particular task? One of her peers could have taken it, definitely more than prepared to handle a situation as such. There were no signs of Sith objects as far as she could tell, even the Force users seemed like nothing they should really be preoccupied by. “Actually,” Her voice was slow, curiosity clearly present in her tone, “ I have no idea.”

“I was called by Matser Roman who informed me of the situation.” She explained, fixing the folds of her robes. It was definitely troublesome; had it not been by Roman’s intrusion, she would have been away from Coruscant by now, preoccupied by following the Kel Dor she had stumbled across so many months ago. A frown crossed her sun-kissed features; did the Council know? Did they have the slightest idea of the Mandalorian she still searched for?

The shuttle came to an abrupt stop, catching Anahid by surprise. “Ah, it seems we have arrived.” And in no better time, she had no desire to dwell in such pressing thoughts. A single, fluid movement brought the female to her feet, carrying her across the shuttle and down its unsteady steps. With her feet planted on solid ground, Anahid shrugged her cloak close. Whatever the reason, she had no option in the matter – all she could do was finish her job.

[Res]

Nodding to the woman as she made the statement. He had been learning from Gharassk, that was patients. Tov had had to learn that everyone was different so he had to switch to a different teaching method with Ran. Though he was coming along nicely. The training outing really gave Tova'nas a good idea on what type of Padawan the Togruta would be.

Chuckling slightly has Anahid explained how she was given the task. You never could predict what the council or other Masters were going to task you with. Tova'nas' orders came straight from the High Council. But the orders that Reisier had been given came from someone the Twi'lek hadn't heard of. It was hard trying to keep ip with thousands of Jedi.

As the shuttle stopped Tov rose from his seat and clipped his sabers to his belt and moved to the front of the vessel. When the Master exited the ship behind the Knight he moved his lukku to around his neck and flipped his hood on his cloak. Looking around to get his barrings then he pointed in the direction they needed to go.

"I believe its in that direction"

The purple Twi'lek reached out trying to sense the force adepts as he started to move. He could feel three of them one was stronger in the force then the other but they were around the level of youngling just ready to be paired with a Master.

"There's three of them. They're not much strongerin than a youngling."

[Reisier]

The woman silently followed the Twi’lek, eyes following the crooked streets that stretched across the lower levels of Coruscant. Even during mid day, the stillness that engulfed the streets was sickening – no noise was heard save the monotonous voices coming from a distant radio and the escape of a speeder or two. Lefts and rights were taken, the Jedi following the unknown figures. There was three of them, as Master Tova’nas had said, not terribly trained in the ways of the Force which, granted, was quite a relief – it would make things much easier.

“That will be most beneficial to us.” Her voice trailed, brow furrowed, eyes narrowing down considerably as she studied the surroundings. This area was very different from the Coruscant she was used to – the air was thick, mingled with the indisputable presence of hostile souls. A movement caught her eye, picked out by the flickering light of a corner store. Her eyes flicked to the side, momentarily meeting the gaze of a male who followed the Jedi with curious eyes. She quickly averted her gaze, forcing her attention on the road once more.

“However, we shouldn’t underestimate them,” Anahid added in a casual tone, “…they may be more adept in things other than the Force.” It was not a horribly pressing matter, however, and it soon escaped her mind. Replaced instead by curiosity for their unusual surroundings.

[Res]

Standing next to Anahid he could sense the anxiety that was going from her. It was obvious that it wasn't everyday that the Jedi Shadow came to they lower decks of Coruscant. It was just a few meters away from where they stood was the spot that he had lost his friend to the explosion. Closing his eyes and placing his hand on Knight Reisiers shoulder, the Twi'lek spoke softly.

"Calm yourself, there is nothing to harm is here."

With that said Tova'nas removed his hand and made his way toward the children. Walking softly so the semi-hard heel of his boot didn't make any noise that could be heard by the children. The pair made the corner where they found a group of three kids. The kids looked to be siblings, the oldest a girl was no older than 11 maybe 12 the other two where younger. Though the youngest looked the right age to be trained.

The kids looked at the pair of Jedi. They started to move and Master Anas spoke softly.

"Don't be frightened, we are here to help you. We're Jedi from the Temple. My name in Master Tova'nas and this is my friend Knight Reisier."

As he spoke he knelt down and as he introduced each of them pointed to them. Looking back up to Anahid to see what she was thinking about all of this.

[Reisier]

It was difficult to explain, how the uneasiness she felt didn’t come from the mission itself nor did it come from their curious surroundings. Yes, perhaps these feelings of uneasiness were fostered under the circumstances, grown more powerful as the minutes ticked by, but it was not what struck fear into Anahid’s heart. No, it was created by something far more complex. But as the Twi’lek gave the gentle gesture, the reassurance behind that simple expression, Anahid gave a smile. “Yes, of course.” She spoke softly, glancing down momentarily at the figure to her side. “Please forgive my uneasiness; it usually appears whenever I embark on a mission.” She brought the cloak closer around her shoulders, “I will remember this for next time, Master.”

But she did not deny the fact – she was anxious.

The Jedi was worried, beyond vexed, what if the Council had learned of the female’s misadventures, of her desires to continue seeking out the man who had killed Karem? What if the Council had felt the disturbing memories that struck fear into the woman at night, making her curl up silently on her side – waiting, biding time, until the morning would come, hoping that the light would exorcise the dark thoughts. Anahid chuckled, a bit nervously, a desperate attempt to shake away the awkwardness. It would be unwise to remain in this state of mind, especially in the presence of a master.

Her pace quickened, following Tova’nas shortly behind – the Force was lapping, licking at their face, signaling the closeness of the three unknown force users. They took a sharp corner and soon were met by three frail forms. Children? She felt Tova’nas brush past her, the first to approach the three, that spun around in clear shock. At first she was afraid that they would run, they were probably a terrifying sight for them, seeing two Jedi standing so close to them. But, to her surprise, they didn’t run, instead listening as the male spoke. After a short exchange between them, Anahid approached, soft steps taken, every movement small, an attempt to not scare them any further.

“There is need to worry,” Her voice was soft, a gentle murmur that rolled from her throat. There was kindness in her eyes as she stooped to the children’s eye level. They were just so young! Surely, they couldn’t be the ones they had heard so much about. The troublemakers, the twilighters, the terrifying force users that were running amuck. But there was no denying it, the Force was emanating from their forms, terrified, erratic, but still there.

“We’re here to help.”

Her eyes traveled towards the Twi’lek who shot her a look, what could they do? The chewing on her cheek started, elbows propped against her knees, “This is… an unusual circumstance.” Definitely not one they had been expecting to encounter. They were informed of a hostile group, not children desperate to survive.

[Res]

Tov stood to his full 6 foot 3 inch height and looked at the kids. It was an unfortunate turn of events. They were so young, how could they be the ones causing the trouble that the reports had said. Though the bad thing about most people, they tend to stretch the truth when they don't care for an action of others. In this case the children were probably stealing food from the stands and the vendors just wanted them gone.

"Anahid, we can't take then all. The Council wont approve the older two. Just the youngest, he looks the right age. What's you thoughts?"

Master Tova'nas said quietly so he couldn't be heard by the children. Looking at the kids with his yellow eyes. Smiling so he wouldn't seem so scary. They probably hadn't seen Jedi before. Tov got and idea in his head, gesturing the he'll be right back. Walking over to the vendor that sold bread, buying three small loafs. Walking back he handed the bread to the kids. Snatching them quickly and eating them. "Th…th…thank you" The youngest said as he ripped off a piece and ate it.

"So what are your names?"

Tov inquired kneeling again so he could get eye level. "My name is Hanna, this is my sister Skyra, and that's Drintin." The oldest said this a mouth full of bread pointing to her sister then brother.

"Its very nice to meet you three. Why are you guys all alone?

After Anas spoke he thought that was probably too many questions to ask all at once. But he was trying figure out what was going to. Was the reports right, we're these the kids that were causing the trouble or was it an older force adept that they were really after.

[Reisier]

“We don’t have parents.” The smallest chimed after Master Tova’nas question, making Anahid furrow her brow. So, they were in fact orphans like they had previously assumed. Anahid nodded her head slowly, trying to keep her movements as small as possible. “I’m really sorry to hear that,”

“Our parents passed away a couple of years ago,” The oldest added, eyes watching as the youngest two devoured the bread faster than any of the two Jedi could process. “…it used to make us sad, but we’re used to it now.” Anahid watched as the oldest sibling broke her own bread in half, handing part of her own meal to the youngest two. It was a small sacrifice to the majority of people, but to a starving child, it couldn’t have been a greater symbol of love of responsibility to the younger two. Anahid’s eyes softened as she rose to a full stance, her heart heavy and stomach turned.

Her eyes flicked to the side as the Twi’lek spoke, before her attention focused on the children once more. “I know, but…” Her voice trailed, it was never an easy decision to make and one that, until this very day, she had never been force to make. They were tearing apart a family, siblings that had probably never had anyone else but each other. The Jedi’s gaze warmed as she examined their happy stares, their cheeks full with bread that Tova’nas purchased for them. She glanced up at the Twi’lek after a couple of seconds, before adding in a lower voice, “…we can, at the very least, arrange to find them a good home.” A good orphange that could take the siblings in; someone who would be willing to give them a second chance in life. All they needed, Anahid figured, were essential necessities: a good home, food on the table, and someone willing to extend their hand out to them. Certainly there could be a place in Coruscant that had all these qualifications.

“Can I ask you something?” The older sibling’s voice suddenly making Anahid glance down once more, a soft smile forced upon her lips. “Yes, of course.” The Jedi watched as the girl hesitated for a minute, trying her very best to come up with the best way to phrase the question, eventually, she just decided to get it over with.

“Well, why are you here? I mean, you guys are Jedi, right? Why are you here?”

Anahid’s brow was knotted, arms crossed, “Well, we heard that people here needed help,” Though, perhaps it would be best to not villainize the children any further.

[Res]

The Master smalled seeing the older one so carding for herto younger siblings. It was hard to make the decision to split them up. He didn't really want to, though the High Council shouldn't be disobeyed. But Tov had a friend on the Council, he and Master Oki had bonded in their talk from a week or so ago.

"I know Anahid, its hard on me too. There is a orphanage in the government district of the city that may have room. Maybe we can take all three there and have another return for the boy."

Tov said in a low tone so the children couldn't here him. They were good kids they were just scared and didn't know what was going on. The Twi'lek moved his robe to adjust his belt and reviled his decorative lightsaber. "Is that a lasersword?" The oldest asked.

"Yes it is. Here's the deal. We're going to take you to a nice place. All three of you…"

The Master trailed off, he couldn't finish the rest of the statement. The children had been together for so long. How could they break them up, there was something they could do. Tova'nas looked at the woman with him wondering if she had an easier way of telling them.

[Reisier]

“Perhaps that would work for the best.” Still, the woman couldn’t help but give a heavy sigh. It still didn’t put her at ease. She knew that the Council wished only the best for the children, even if the three would necessarily agree.

“Where? Where are we going?” The youngest squeaked, voice muffled by a mouthful of spongy bread. The Jedi pursed her lips, lowering herself to their level once more. Anahid hugged her knees gently, stabilizing herself. “You see,” Anahid started, her gentle voice coming out as a motherly coo, “…there’s a home for children who need help.” Was that a good way to put it? Well, if it wasn’t, she certainly hoped it didn’t seem intimidating. Though, the Jedi could assume as the youngest held unto her hand, twisting and pulling the Jedi’s fingers, he didn’t appear to be bothered by it at all. In fact, he seemed almost pleased, turning to look at his older sister with glee.

“You hear that?” He said, shaking the woman’s hand in the air, “We’re going to a home!” But the elder seemed less keen, looking at the Jedi wearily. Perhaps it wasn’t the first time they were approached or taken to an orphanage before, maybe they had a bad experience before. Still, Anahid smiled, hoping that this wasn’t the case. But as the minutes ticked by and the older sibling made no move, the woman was becoming worried. What would they do if they refused?

“But, we are staying together, right?” The sister spoke, looking from Anahid to Tova’nas, and back to the woman once more. Anahid sighed softly, brow furrowed as she studied the girl. Well, she was certainly very centered and matured for her age; in fact, she had met many padawans older than her that didn’t have an ounce of the wisdom she held. “To be honest,” The Jedi started, shooting a curious look at Tova’nas before it settled on the children once more, “I don’t know.” It was a difficult promise, but while she knew that the younger would most likely be taken by the Order, Anahid could at least try to keep the older two together.

“I will try my best that this is the case.”

[Res]

Tova'nas decided to step back and let the Knight handle this. She was doing a great job with it. He didn't understand why she was a Shadow and not a instructor. But Tov didn't understand why the Force guides people in the direction it does.

Tov noticed the little girl look at her then back to the woman. He knew that they need to get the children to the orphanage before too long. It was going to be quiet a trip to the Government district from where they were. He had a class to teach in several hours before he got ready to leave in the morning to Ambria.

"Anahid, we must get the children to the orphanage soon."

Tova'nas smiled at the children and motioned for them to come with him. They followed him and got in a group in front of him. Fixing his robes he looked back to Knight Reisier nodding and smiling. Looking back the kids were now holding hands Tov moved to the side of them guiding them toward the shuttle. He had reached it and waited for Anahid to catch up.

[Reisier]

The suddenness of her name being called caused the Jedi’s eyes to flick quickly to the source, finding herself staring once more at Master Tova’nas. Her brow furrowed, deepening momentarily before her features relaxed, eyes falling on the siblings one last time. As much as she would have liked to find a different outcome for the three, at the time, it was all that could be done. They would have a place that could keep them safe, away from the nastiness that reality could bring. They would have a roof over their heads, warm food on a table, and a place they could sleep – it wasn’t much, but it was something.

“Ah, yes, we should probably do so.”

Resting her hands on her knees, Anahid pulled herself to a stance, with enough time to watch as the Jedi Master led the children away. The Jedi hesitated for a minute, simply watching the scene; hopefully, the Force would do its very best to keep them together – even if the youngest child was, indeed, a Force User. It was a curious thought that threatened the very essence of who she was, a child brought and raised within the Order. But she couldn’t do it, she couldn’t force this family apart. Generally, these tasks were left to investigators, they were trained, so to say, in these delicate situations. She, on the other hand, was trained to search, and find, and observe. This was, without a doubt, outside her comfort zone.

She shook her head, hand pushing back the dark tresses into the bun once more. That was enough of that – it was her duty, one that she needed to obey. So, Anahid walked, quietly, quickly, making sure not to be stranded behind. The Jedi soon caught-up with the curious group – the three children and the purple Twi’lek that led them across the district and towards the shuttle. Throughout the walk, the children had seemed unusually calm, compliant to being led away. But, once their eyes fell upon the shuttle, the oldest one squeaked in, “Are we going to a different city?”

Anahid glanced down at her, a small smile gracing her lips, “No, of course not.” Said the Jedi, leading the three inside shortly after Master Tova’nas climbed in. “Then why are we going on the shuttle?” The eldest continued as the children settled in their seats – the two youngest arguing once or twice about who would get the place by the window. “Well,” Anahid started as she took her own place, “…we are traveling into a different district,” She fumbled with her clothes, shifting uncomfortably before giving a sigh, “…it would be quite a walk if we didn’t take the shuttle, wouldn’t it, Master Tova’nas?”

[Res]

The Twi'lek took his seat as he heard the conversation between the children and the other Jedi. Tov admired the womans skills at handling herself with the youngsters. He could tell she would do well as an instructor. Though it wasn't his call to do that but he did have a friend on the Council.

He and Master Oki had talked over him taking Gharassk as a Padawan. They had bonded in that short amount if time that they talked before parting ways. As the kids and Knight Reisier sat he could sense the uneasiness coming from the kids and Anahid. Looking over to the other smiling.

"Yes it would. This way you will get to see the city and also get as nice ride on a shuttle."

Tov assured the kids, the city was impressive. He remembered the first time he saw it, he was about 13. Master Jetter and he were on their way to a dispute over in the business district. Anas ea sin amazement with all the tall buildings and the speeders that buzzed around. He had seen the Senate building and everything but that didn't compare to what he saw on that trip. Coming back to the present he touched the crystal with his left hand.

"We should be there in about thirty to forty-five minutes."