The Great Reform

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald laughed and looked to the Jedi, "I haven't had someone speak honestly to me in years besides my wife..and sometimes she make me wonder." Donald said smileing to a picture of her, "I have desired a friend in the ranks of the Jedi now I have one. I just wanted to see the views of the Jedi from one of their own. I see that my perceptions of them were mostly accurate." Donald finished off his water and looked to the city, "The Jedi..The Senate they all sit on their hands and talk in circles. The Sith at least take action, that's why they will be on our doorstep soon. The world is moving on." Donald looked to the Jedi and sighed, "I fear we are staying behind." Donald looked to the door, "You aren't bound by any chains Jedi you may leave when you wish....but something makes me think you would have left already if that was your intention." Donald smirked a little then returned to his normal composture.

[Iota]

Iota looked down to his hands deep in thought. "i follow the code of the jedi religiously.. but yet i have this desire in side to hunt "dark jedi" ..." iota sighed slighlty before shaking his head. "you see.. my old master and i.. we were a tag team combo... where ever a group of dark jedi popped up..we were there to stop them... i am a fighter..for good and justice of course..its just been..too quiet." Iota stood upand paced back and forth for a moment.

"Don't get me wrong.. i don't want a mass conflict.. but i can't be like the consulars.. i know there is a gathering on mygeeto and i know that means only bad news.. but i cannot do it alone and my padawan isn't strong enough to fight off the dark side.. if only my master were here.. then we could of stopped them." iota sat back down before pouring himself another glass of water.

"ignore me..repressed memories and all" He took a big gulp of water. He proceeded to remove one of his lightsabers and placed it on the desk. "My lightsaber... the tool for the jedi.. the tool for peace keeping.. it has not been ignited for fighting the forces of evil for over a year now...anddo you know what that tells me?" iota shruuged before shaking his head softly. "Its thequiet before the storm.. this war.. its not a what if situation...its coming and when it does.. only pain and death will follow in its wake..

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald smiled in deep respect for this Jedi,
“I want to show you something.” Donald said standing up he closed the blinds and activated a galaxy map. Donald looked strange in the deep blue light,
“This is our galaxy…” Donald said pointing out the obvious. “Now…the blue planets represent the Republic controlled planets. The gray Sith controlled, the orange is the Mandalorains. Now…The red planets.” The map changed drastically and many planets became red, “are the planets through my political and military experience are weak or could easily be convinced to join the Sith in the case of war.” Donald looked down and sighed, “The point of this is…The people of this galaxy do remember…and they remember the Republic almost lost, that we are weak.” Donald closed the map and sat back down leaving the blinds shut, “You are a man of action iota, I know your position and am currently in it. I have my own lightsaber…and it is also been in my robes for too long for without being able to help this galaxy. I understand the Jedi ways…my son spoke of it a lot..” Donald looked down then back to the Jedi, “But the Dark Jedi’s lightsabers have shown bright…their darkness is spreading and their power grows. The Jedi aren’t ready for a war…and neither is the Republic.”

[Iota]

iota leaned back in the chair with a sigh "Then we have already lost..it wil be a massacre" Iota stood up with a stern look upon his face, he picked up his lightsaber before looking back to Donald.

"I must leave to talk to the council right away..thank you for the hospitality.. may the force be with you senator.. time is against us." Iota bowed with respect before heading to the door

[Daren & Donald Kail]

"Now it might not be..." Donald said watching the Jedi leave. He sighed and sat down and looked over all the news reports on his desk. The Media was asking for a massacre. Donald didn't want to give them one...and he knew he would see Iota again, "A wise Jedi...wiser than he even thinks." Donald smiled and finished his water and walked out of his office. His wife smiled to him and walked over,
“How’s the media storm going?” she said with a smile.
“Like a Mon Calamarian tsunami.” Donald said returning his wife’s smile. They both sat down in there living room and turned on a TV with five news programs. All had Donald’s face on it and they were speaking about his past. Mostly good in that category, but some tried to bring up some old lies,
“It’ll take them a while to get off me.” Donald said turning to TV off and turning back to his wife. She looked at him in thought and finally spoke her mind,
“What was that Jedi doing here?”
“He was giving me some information, and I gave him some of mine.” Donald said taking his wife’s hands. “He’s a good Jedi.” Donald said rubbing her hands soothingly, he looked up to her and then turned back to his office. He remembered he never even looked at that data pad,
“Hold on.” He said standing up and walking back to the office. The data pad showed him information on Nex Humas. The people there and some local use, the main thing it showed was that is was open for Republic control. They want to join the Republic and need to for the few people who do live there hate the Sith. He looked over it a couple times and found it very interesting. It gave him an idea a good one…Iota had reminded him of one fact he had overlooked. The Sith would see them upgrading their forces from a mile away. Unless they did it in deep secret, or they did something very drastic. Donald was used to making tough decisions and he luckily had a lot of time to work out this plan. He turned to his wife and she could tell the look on his face,
“What?” She said smiling trying not to chuckle
“I just had an idea.”
“A good one.” she said with no question in her voice. He smiled and kissed her
“A very good one.” she returned the kiss and held him. They stood there embracing for a long time. Betty’s eyes were closed close on him while he stood thinking deeply about the senate.

The next day Donald entered the main senate chambers and was greeted by a mob of reporters and senators. They all threw out millions of questions and he pushed Donald’s guards helped him push his way through them. As he entered the main chambers he walked down the halls heading towards his office. He took his time observing the massive hallways and taking in the beauty. He knew the Supreme Chancellor would not be very happy with him but he was now ready to talk to him. He entered his office and found his meeting had already started without him. He laughed and looked at the Military Council of the Galaxy, "Sorry I'm late the press is unsatifiable." Donald smiled and sat down behind his desk,
"Now?" a military offical turned to Donald and cleared his throat,
[glow=red,2,300]"Now your plans are good Senator Kail, but it would most defiantly alert the Sith to our intentions. We cannot allow them to have any excuse to start this war."[/glow] Donald nodded, "Yes, I have taken that into consideration. I have a plan to help explain the new ships." Donald smiled and looked to them, "But that is for a later time." Donald then sighed and turned to the other senator on the military council for Coursant,
"How is the Republic Fleet?"
[glow=red,2,300]"The Fleet is in good order, the ships were recently upgraded and are now more powerful and efficiant. We are trying to pass your bill for more funding but it is a tough fight. I have turned several to our side. I think it'll be a close vote but we should get it passed. The Corellain Fleet is still the most advanced due to your work several years ago. The rest of the Fleet is a little behind but can hold their own."[/glow] Donald took all this in and poured himself some water,
"Good, Keep working for the funding." He looked out the window for a moment then turned back to the council, "I think it'll be a tough couple of months trying to get our work done but if all turns out as I have planned it should become much easier in the near future." Donald finished the glass and poured another sitting back down. "The Galaxy isn't ready to accept what we know, the sooner they wake up the more secure we'll be." Donald shook his head, "That's enough for today...keep me informed."

The committee nodded and made their way out of Donald's office. He sighed and looked to his paper work. The storm was blowing hard and he couldn't just ride it out. He had to fight his way through. He rubbed his temples, he was tired and felt one hundred years older. Probably looked it too, the stress was hard on him but he took it better than it looked. He returned his mind to his work and started writing up the speeches he would surely be asked to make. Suddenly his intergalatic comunicator lit up. He shrugged and didn't even look to see who it was. This was his private frequency if someone had this it'd be important. He activated it and waited

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade had been debating on contacting Donald for the past two hours. Something had happened to Aunna and nothing had been done. It frustrated and infuriated him to no end, and he doubted much was being done at the moment to remedy the situation. Someone needed to be told who would be certain to get it to the military swiftly, especially since the Kolto mines were in danger due to his sister's absence. After several times of picking up the small personal communicator and putting it down again, Jade had finally talked himself into contacting Donald, the only person who he felt he could trust at the moment. After several moments of silence, he noticed that the link had been connected and he felt a bit of relief.

Donald...I need your help with something.

He wasn't going to beat around the bush with this, and though he knew his typical mask of calm was missing, he didn't particularly care. Red eyes searched the man's face on the other side of the communication link, hoping that the uniform he wore wouldn't lead to more problems than solutions. Jade took a steadying breath, he had just run all the way to this inn to get out of the storm that now poured down rain on Nar Shaddaa, and it showed in his wet hair and the drops of water that still ran down his face and smattered his glasses.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald's eyebrow raised as he saw the man in the Sith uniform before him. He then was horrified to see it was Jade who was wearing it. What was he doing with the Sith! That was of no matter at the moment he looked exhausted and in trouble.

"What is your problem my friend." Donald said in a concerned tone revieling none of his anger or confussion.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade sighed heavily and shook his head, much like a dog, trying to rid himself of some of the water, and pulling his glasses off to dry them.

It's Aunna...she's gone missing. I believe she's been kidnapped by someone, at first I thought it was a zabrak, now I'm not so sure. I keep getting odd images from her and a very strange and rushed message to my datapad. She's in trouble Donald, and the military hasn't even been notified.

He flopped down into a seat and pushed his glasses back up onto his face before shaking his hair out of his face once more.

I can't do anything, my hands are tied...

He looked up at the screen of the communicator, his red eyes showing some of the pain he felt at the situation, and hoping that Donald would be the help he needed.

I know it's a lot for me to ask of you...especially now...but please, she's the only chance my family has left...

What he didn't say was that she was the only chance his family had left to keep their good name, simply because of him...he couldn't allow that chance to be lost. He would never forgive himself if it was...not only that, but Aunna had always been the person closest to him...he couldn't lose her now...not more than he already had.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald could tell the pain his friend was in and comforted him,

"I have many friends, I could hire a bounty hunter or someone more reliable. I can handle it. I'll need everything you can give me about her. Description, location, anything."

Donald started writting down some people he'd want to talk to about this and looked to Jade,

"Whatever she's gotten herself into I can get her out of."

He sighed and continued his writing of names. He didn't really have time to handle anything else but Jade was an old friend and he was desprate. Whatever his reasons for being in the Sith uniform it was dangerours for him to be talking to a Senator. Espically one like Donald so against the Sith.

"I can't promise you anything...except if there's something to be done I shall do it. Twice." Donald said with a reasurring smile. He wasn't sure what else was going to be said if anything by Jade but he kept the channel opened and sequired.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

No.

Jade said sternly.

I don't want you any more involved in this than you need to be. And I doubt having anyone else involved will help. I just need you to inform the military and swiftly. They were supposed to have sent out a commando squad, but I don't know where they're at.

I also think that someone else is going to be taking her well being seriously, but I'm not sure who. As for what I can tell you....only that she's on her way to Nar Shaddaa...that's what her message said...

That and something about...."Vex"? I think she meant it as a name, but I don't know. She was coming from the Kolto mines, where she was head of security.

As for what she looks like. You should know...she was part of your crew on the Leviathan during my time there.

Jade's frustration was growing, and he felt the need to put his fist through something...anything...but kept himself seated, opting instead, to stare off into oblivion before returning to the present.

I'm sorry for getting you involved Donald, but you're the only one I could turn to without...

He let the sentence trail off, and shook his head slightly, deciding not to finish his thought.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

"So what? Just inform the military?"

Donald was slighlty confused. Jade had seemed very desprate to get her back but didn't want Donald to really do anything about it,
"The Military is slow..they won't risk anything for just one person usually. At least not quickly."
Donald sighed remembering the good old days where he would have hopped in a fighter himself and went after her...those times were over.

"What can I do then..."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade sighed, and winced as a flash in his mind brought the image of the man he'd spoken to before. Vex perhaps? No, that would have been too convenient.

I need you to do a bit of research...I need to know about this Vex if you can find him...as the jedi, ask anyone you think might know...though, I get the feeling the jedi might know better than anyone else. Send the information to my datapad...I've managed to keep it a secret from the others, so it's safe enough.

Also...keep an eye out for any communications you might receive from odd link numbers, especially if they're ship codes. I don't know why she might try to contact you, but she might. Other than that, keep yourself near Coruscant or Corellia...and keep an eye on Muunilist.

Jade said, trying to think clearly. This was exactly why he tried to keep himself so detached. Putting a hand to his face, Jade groaned slightly and rested his elbows on his knees. God how he wished he wasn't in this position.

If you can, contact a couple of Devaronians, one by the name of Kuuto Sorivo and a female who travels with him, named Veera. They're Mercenaries and Bounty Hunters, I've worked with them before. Tell the to contact me.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

"I'll do what I can...The Sith are making it difficult to hire any bounty hunters these days. They've hired most of the good ones."

Donald sighed he hated seeing his friend in such distress. He'd never seen Jade like this. He had been through alot it had seemed and Donald would have to do everything he could,

"Munnilist is almost impossible to watch, I have no contacts there since the Sith tookover." Donald then moved to the last subject,

"This Vex? why would the Jedi know of him...I know one I could talk to but I don't know how I would get into contact with him. Without walking to the temple..."

He sighed he knew that was exically what he had to do...The Jedi might not like him very much but he didn't really know. He was blinded by his hate for the Jedi for to many years to care what they thoguht. All that mattered was helping his friend and help him he would.

"I will do what I can."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade let out a humorless laugh, though, to be honest, it was more of a bark than a laugh.

They don't work for the sith. Never have. One reason why I'm dreading this.

As for Vex....I don't know. After a while I can't tell what's my rational thought and what's the force telling me what to think or do....though....Aunna. She did mention a man by that name, or a similar one...he was a dark jedi or a grey jedi, or something along those lines....

He sat up and rubbed the bridge of his nose, shutting his eyes tightly. They were beginning to hurt from the water that had run into them, and the burning that came from it irritated him further.

I can't thank you enough Donald. I couldn't forgive myself knowing that I didn't at least try to get some help for her...

He looked off to the side and sighed heavily, before closing his eyes tightly once more, trying to rid them of the last of the painful water. Looking back at his friend, he nodded slightly.

Keep yourself safe. I worry about you and that mess you're getting yourself into with the old chancellor. If you get yourself into trouble I can't get you out of it.

Just then his com-link beeped and he glared at it. Damn...of course it had to be now.

I'm being called. I hope you do find out something to help Donald.

With that, Jade cut the communication, and erased the record of it.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald watched as the room went dark and then the lights returned. He had much work to do and he didn't know where to start. Vex seemed to be a good place but he'd have to get back in contact with the Jedi Iota somehow...He resented this task. He was in to much trouble as it was. How was he going to have time to escape the watchful eyes of the senate. He quickly made a message and sent it to the miltitary and one to the bounty hunters.

[Iota]

Iota had spent little time at the temple, he had completed his mission and as of this moment was taking time to rest, he thought he would see his new friend Donald and catch up. He knocked on Donald's door.

"Comrade..its Iota... got any time to spare?" he asked before he straightend his tunic and cloak.

((sorry for the short post))

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald jumped in surprise and laughed. He unlocked his door and went to great his new Jedi friend,
"You Jedi can read minds can't you..." Donald smiled and closed the door and quickly moved back to his desk,
"I need some help and must quickly ask. I know little of the sitation but one name. Vex? Have you ever heard of anyone by this name?" Donald rubbed his eyes. He was exhausted and been working for a couple hours on his friend's sister's disaperance and had no leads. All the while dealing with the run for Supreme Chancellor.

[Iota]

Iota walked into the door as he greeted Donald with a nod, heproceeded to sit in the seat he sat in before before pondering about this vex. "Vex..the name does ring a bell..hmm.." Iota reached forward to pour himself a glass of water, the water rolling like a water fall into the glass.

"Vex Praetor by chance? he was a jedi until he fell to the dark side... do you wish me to hunt him down and bring him back to the light?" Iota took a sip from the water.

[Daren & Donald Kail]

Donald smiled finally a lead,
"What you do with him is no concern my friend." Donald poured himself a glass and drank most of it then refilled as he continued,
"This Vex has possibly kidnapped a friend's of mine sister. A military officer who was in command of the Kolto mines. She's very important there, an old friend of mine and a sister of a very old friend. "
Donald sighed and leaned back in his chair and watched Iota,
"She must be found...the military is inefficiant at these things. They don't care about one solider unless someone like me is in command who breaks the rules. Even then the military can rarely get it done."
Donald couldn't help but laugh. The irony of all these years of hating Jedi and now he not only become friends with one but was trusting him these deeply...As his Father would have said and Donald spoke softly,
"The world has moved on..."

[Iota]

Iota nodded for a brief moment before sipping his drink. "Interesting.. i take it you mean she was last seen on manaan? i had heard a bomb had gone off or something to that effect..." Iota fell into deep thought as he pondered on how to approach this. "I shall do this for you.. but i won't make it a habbit unless its a dire emergency friend.."

Iota stood up slowly before downing his drink "I will need her name for obvious reasons and rank so when i get to manaan i can ask about her at the republic embassy there"