Jedi Mission: All is not What it Seems

[Bones]

((OOC: OK, so I figured I better get this thread going. So here goes….))

He looked out of the windscreen of the freighter as it shot through space, the planet coming up infront of him, coming closer and closer, making it seem to grow, just as, in his mind, the mission itself would grow. He sighed, pushing some hair away from his mask before pulling the hood of his cloak up, blocking the artificial lighting of the cockpit from reaching his face. He turned slightly, looking away from the planet to his Padawan, Tobin Vel. He smiled behind his mask before saying, ”Tobin, what I am about to tell you, is exactly what I was told before my first mission. Do not, under any circumstances, allow your own personal beliefs and judgements effect the outcome of the investigation. We aren’t here as executioners, we are here as peace keepers. In effect, we are a Neutral party.” He paused for a moment before saying, ”However, having said that, also understand that you need to be in touch with your feelings. Let them guide you, but do not let them rule your thoughts, decisions and actions. Do you understand?”

Did he like the thought of this mission? No. He didn't. He didn't like the way everything the knew was superficial. It worried him, a feeling that cut deep into the core of who he was. Would he have normally gone on this mission? No, he had to see this out. He had to ensure that the worry inside him would be eliminated.

Kaiven reached out, pressing a button on the command console. He spoke quietly into the microphone, ”Companions, please, meet me in the main passenger bay, if you would. We have much to discuss before we land, which is not far away.” He released the button, before placing a hand between Tobin’s shoulder blades, guiding him from the cockpit into the expansive area of the passenger bay. He waved his arm absent mindedly, closing the door that separated the cockpit from the passenger bay. ”Take a seat, Tobin.” He said quietly, waiting for the two Jedi Knights aswell as their two Padawan Learners. He watched as they all entered, nodding his head to each one of them, and motioning with his hand for them to sit. Once they were all seated, he began speaking, ”Ok. So obviously we were all given a briefing at the Temple, but I believe a bit of background knowledge would help us here.” He activated a data projector, placing it in the middle of the group. It immediately expulsed three life-sized figures. He walked to the first, ”Ok. So this is Vulga Cerk, the Neimodian they believe to be behind all of these problems. He is known to be involved in drug dealing, illegal gambling, racing, underground fight clubs, and murders. The good side? He’s behind bars. The bad side… He still has control over his minions who aren’t behind bars.” He moved to the second figure and continued, ”Ghen Torris. This is our main objective in the mission. The Republic needs to put Cerk behind bars for the rest of his life, instead of a short stay, and there is no way this can be done without Torris. As we know, he’s disappeared mysteriously. Unfortunately, we’re picking up a cold case. The local authorities have no leads at all.” He moved to the third figure and said quietly, ”All we have is this. He motioned a hand over the hazy and distorted image. He was spotted spending a lot of time near the courts, he is a known associate of Cerk, and was seen near the witness’ home. He is likely someone we want to talk to.” He waved his hand and the data projector shut off.

He felt the slight change in velocity as the ship passed through the outer atmospheric barrier. ”I have one last thing to say to you all before we land, and it is obvious, but important. We aren’t here to fight organised crime head to head, we’re here to save a life, and ensure that crime can be met indirectly, cutting it down harder. Try to avoid conflict as much as possible.” He nodded to them all once again before saying, ”May the force be with us all.” With his last words, he felt the ship touch down on the landing platform. He heard the ramp open, and with a swish of his cloak, he turned, leading the others out of the ship into the cool night air.

He looked around, seeing the towers of Hpaq all around them. He sighed, reaching out with the force, trying to get a feel of the planet. He turned to face the others and said quietly, ”Well, lets get this job done.”

[Mara]

[...from Fists of Fury]

Another mission, another search-and-rescue mission, actually, thought the Falleen Jedi Knight as she watched the stars through a small viewport, sitting in a corner of the ship they were using as transport to Vulpter. She briefly hoped, belatedly, that their pilot was a good one, as she knew that the deep core could be a dangerous place to fly in. Sometimes requiring lots of mini jumps just to make it around all the black holes and other obstacles that were a result of the closeness of all the stars there. She had never been this far into the center of the galaxy and really had no expectations of the mission besides their quick briefing at the Temple before their departure.

Alone for a few moments, the others attending to last-minute details, she had time on her hands to think about what was in store for her next. Her first mission after being knighted had been a similar mission, to find someone missing, most likely kidnapped. But that was were the similarities stopped. Whereas that one was only sanctioned by the Jedi, having wanted to find a mission Jedi and his padawan, this current mission was something on a more greater scale. The Republic had requested, on behalf of Vulpter, that Jedi be sent to find a witness in a very important trial in the planet's capital. He had been protected by a team of police but somehow still had disappeared: either escaped because of the pressure or kidnapped by the criminal's henchmen. The latter was the more likely answer.

Also this time she would have had her own padawan with her. Would had, if the young Zorn hadn't fallen ill the day before, the healers at the Temple proscribing lots of rest and fluids. He would not be joining her for the mission. Something that Xierra was slightly thankful for. Though she had grown to like the young Zabrak, he might prove to be a distraction on Vulpter.

The Zabrak and her had been together less than a month, but already she was seeing much promise in him. Still the overarching eagerness, but it was slowly subsiding as he got more involved in his lessons and her teachings. Reinforcement instruction on his own knowledge of Shii-Cho with some added techniques taught from what she knew of Makashi, knowing Zorn wanted to learn that form. She herself practiced Ataru mostly with some Niman, but Xierra understood the need to mold the right form to the right being. And Makashi seemed the best fit for her padawan. Having taken back the blue blade she had given him to use on their first day meeting, the one belonging to her master, Zorn now wore his own weapon, a brilliant green, a brighter version of her own pale blade. It would suit him until he was ready to create his own.

Along with lightsaber training, there were all sorts of other things, since a Jedi was not all about fighting. She helped him begin to hone his skills with the Force, in levitation and telepathy, in sensing things before they happened. But the main lesson she had to keep telling him was patience and other virtues of the Code. Xierra didn't mind it at all, despite her earlier reservations at taking a padawan so early into her knighthood. She saw a lot of herself at Zorn's age in the young Zabrak and knew how exasperating she had been to Master Revisc. The Falleen hoped she was more understanding to her padawan's troubles than he was to her.

Her basic understanding of Niman had been something gained in her time on Coruscant, between missions. She was still more comfortable with the more acrobatic moves of Ataru but had come to terms with the flexibility and use of the other form. But the most important thing gained, she thought, was not her padawan, her experience on Metellos nor her learning of Niman. No, it was the lesson she had attended with Master Arckan to learn a martial arts technique. And yet it had been more than that. Afterwards, she had spoken to those who would listen about a group of Jedi that was being put together with her and Master Took. Xierra had listened intently, finding that these 'Blades' were a perfect fit for her. While the Council sat idle, discussing what their part would be in the Chancellor's war, the Blades would act. Though a faithful Jedi and subservient to the Code, Xierra did not believe she was breaking any oath by joining with these Blades. It was merely a more active role of protecting the Republic and the galaxy, her interpretation of fulfilling her role as a Jedi.

She shook the thoughts from her head. Now was not the time to be thinking about war; she had a mission to finish first. Almost as if reading her mind, Master Te'Bass's voice came over the comm throughout the ship, asking them all to meet him for a meeting before they landed. Xierra stood up and stretched before making her way over.

Walking forward in the ship, she thought about the Council member and his place in this mission. She had known it was an important one, enough that the Republic would come to the planet's aid and send Jedi, but the fact that there were two Knights being sent along with Master Te'Bass? Xierra wasn't sure if they just weren't being told everything on the briefing or the Council and the Chancellor just wanted to send a message that anything, small or large, was enough to send Jedi to help. Perhaps to just assure the small deep core planet. But Xierra had a feeling in the back of her mind that this wouldn't be simply locating the Neimoidian crime lord's secret hangouts and rescuing this witness.

If anything, though, it was sure to be a lot easier than her time spent on Metellos searching for lost Jedi and apprehending Forge, another mob boss. They had had to sneak in, disguising themselves. Everything had been arranged in secret. And they had had to fight for their lives just to get into the man's compound. Two of their team had been kidnapped, so they had even more Jedi to rescue. At least, on Vulpter, they were out in the open, and everyone would know they were there to help. And they would have better odds, with six of them along, though half of their team was padawans.

She nodded to Master Te'Bass as she entered, taking a seat. Most likely he had called them in to go over a game plan. Xierra was glad for the extra knowledge about who they were dealing with that the master had procured, displaying before them. Listening as he spoke, she set the images in front of her to memory, especially the fuzzy image of the possible thug who had taken Torris, the witness. But it was almost certain he or she wasn't working alone. Vulga Cerk had a wide reach, even behind bars.

After his parting words to avoid conflict and be careful--this mission might not be as easy as it looked--she murmured her own "May the Force be with us" in answer. She stood and exited the ship after the others. There was a chill in the air, and she pulled up the hood of her cloak over her long black hair, worn down on her shoulders. Xierra was dressed plainly in the traditional garb of the Order, inner and outer tunics, cloak, trousers, boots, equipment belt, two lightsabers.

No one was on the platform to meet them, which she thought as odd. According to the briefing back on Coruscant, they were to receive the latest news from the attorney who had taken the case against Vulga Cerk, a local Vulptereen whose name she could not recall. Turning to hear Master Te'Bass's words, she nodded. It was time to get this mission started.



EDITED: To remove mention of Zorn, except to explain why he's not coming on the mission.

[Arc <3 (who is a girl)]

Kane shifted uncomfortably in his make-shift chair by the corner and rested his chin on his hand, letting out a long, deep sigh. A vast expanse of stars and space was visible through a viewport on the opposite wall. He had been sitting still, staring into the blackness and contemplating the upcoming mission, ever since their small passage freighter had left Coruscant. It was a search-and-rescue mission, or so he'd been told, but Kane couldn't help but think that there was something more, something that the three teams of Jedi were missing. That single thought dominated his mind, forcing him to worry and fear for his life. This wasn't going to be as simple as locating a hideout and rescuing a witness. No, it would be something much more intricate than that.

He worried not only for himself, but for his padawan as well. This would be Jarael's first mission. They had only just met, and Kane had irrationally decided to send the two of them to Vulpter. Was that a good idea? Was Kane making the right decision? He hoped so. But, then again, he had never been one for making brilliant decisions. He, much like his padawan, was new to this whole idea of "master and apprentice"; however, Jarael did so promise. He was a decent swordsman for his age, even more so than Kane had been in his childhood. He was bold and straightforward, not bothering to hide his thoughts and opinions from others. That could either be a strength or a weakness, depending on how Jarael wished to impliment it. Kane would have to tame his cocky nature, of course, but overconfidence was expected.

The boy still wasn't ready to craft a lightsaber of his own. He wasn't ready. Kane had given him a blue blade borrowed from the temple to use on this mission, for Jarael couldn't carry around his training saber forever, and Kane didn't want to take the risk of losing Jarael due to his lack of a real weapon. That brought him back to his previous train of thought. This mission would be a danger to the young, inexperienced padawan. There was always the chance that he may lose his apprentice, and Kane had to be ready. He probably wouldn't even have to worry about that, but there was always that chance, however small it may be. Kane had had issues with his attachments in the past. He had struggled to rid himself of those emotions to no avail. Perhaps in time he could learn to let go, but not now.

Kane lowered his head and rubbed his temples to clear his mind of those unhealthy thoughts. Now was not the time to worry about himself or his padawan. He had other things to worry about - the Neimoidian crime lord and the missing witness. A Jedi's life was selfless. He had to put the mission ahead of himself. Concentrate on the now, he thought to himself, smiling in remembrance of his old master. Those were words that he had often said to Kane during their time together. Kane had left his old master at the Jedi Temple, with the knowledge that he may never see him again. After his visit to Vulpter, he would travel to Subterrel and join in the war, a mission that many Jedi feared. It could prove fatal. Kane would have to be strong for what was to come, and this search-and-rescue mission was nothing compared to Subterrel.

”Companions, please, meet me in the main passenger bay, if you would. We have much to discuss before we land, which is not far away.”

Kane looked up when he heard Jedi Master Te'Bass's voice sound on the intercom above him. Looking out the viewport once more, Kane realized that the master's words were true. They were nearing Vulpter. The planet was in sight, a growing orb in the distance. The Jedi Knight stood from his seat without another thought and made his way towards Jarael's room next door. He raised his hand to knock, and then lowered it just as quickly, deciding it best to let Jarael find his own way. It would teach him a lesson about responsibility. Jarael couldn't always rely on others. He had to learn to be independent. That was something Kane hadn't learned fast enough during his time as a padawan. He'd had trouble making friends in the first place. Letting them go had been even harder. And even though Kane had earned the rank of Jedi Knight three years ago, he still had trouble forgetting about his old master.

He turned away from Jarael's room and headed down the hallway towards the main passenger bay. Kane folded his hands into his robes as he often did out of habit and drifted into another train of sub-conscious thoughts. Master Te'Bass was a very capable individual. He had been chosen as a member of the High Council, after all, and that suggested something beyond your average Jedi Knight. Why, then, had so many Knights been sent on this mission along with him? Was it really necessary? Surely Te'Bass could handle this on his own. There has to be something the council didn't tell us, Kane thought again. There has to be something more. It didn't matter, though. He would find out soon enough. Te'Bass himself would be briefing them.

Kane nodded towards Master Te'Bass and Xierra as he entered the room, taking in each of their appearances as he did so. He had never had the privilage of meeting either of them. Kaiven Te'Bass was a tall man in his late thirties, a mask hiding any other features from Kane's view. Xierra was a young Falleen, reptilian, but still quite beautiful. Contrast to her a appearance, she wore very simple, brown Jedi robes. They both seemed very capable allies to have. Master Te'Bass's padawan sat nearby his master, a small human boy that reminded Kane of his own apprentice.

Te'Bass explained the mission in detail, and Kane paid close attention to the description of the thug they were searching for. The briefing ended as quickly as it had begun, and Master Te'Bass wished them all luck. Kane followed the Jedi Master and Xierra out of the ship, feeling Jarael's presence nearby. So, his padawan had finally managed to show up. The wind whipped about him, and Kane pushed an irritating strand of brown hair away from his face, looking about to find that no one had bothered to meet the Jedi. Beside him, Te'Bass muttered a quiet, "Let's get this job done," and Kane and Xierra nodded almost simultaneously, both of them eager to get this mission under way.

[Jerek]

As the frigate that was transporting the team of six Jedi to Vulpter continued its journey through space, Jarael sat in his room. He sat on the, legs crossed and a lightsaber handle floating in front of him int he air. It wasn't his, per se. It was merely a borrowed on from the temple. Kane had given it to him so he could fight, if need be. The blade of the saber was a dark blue. As the handle continued to float in front of Jarael, it slowly began to come apart.

Jarael was doing it. He was taking the handle apart to grow more in tune with the unfamiliar weapon. The handle was in pieces within a few minutes, every one of its pieces hung in the air, orbiting the heart of the saber, the blue crystal. Jarael locked his eyes upon the tiny crystal, watching it spin. Just as the handle came apart, it slowly began to fit back together, Jarael continuing to concentrate on the pieces, making sure every part to the intricate puzzle was placed back correctly.

As the last piece clicked into place, Jarael reached his right hand out to grasp the handle, taking it from the air and standing up. He tapped the activation switch, testing to see if he had reassembled the weapon correctly. A split second after hitting the switch, the dark blue sprang out, humming in place. Jarael swung the blade around himself a few times, testing the weapon's weight now. The handle felt odd in his hand. Most likely because he had grown so accustom to the training saber he had finally been able to leave behind. The blade was whisked away back into the handle, as Jarael thumbed it off.

He had done so, so he could hear the announcement over the intercom. Master Te'Bass, the Council Member leading the mission, had requested the presence of everyone on board. The announcement brought Jarael's thoughts away from the lightsaber dangling from his belt and threw them into the realization that we was on his first mission with his newly claimed Master. He now thought back to the briefing given to them at the Temple.

Even though the Masters had said they told the team everything they knew, Jarael had a feeling they hadn't. He was brought out of his thoughts yet again, but this time by the presence of his Master outside the door. Jarael had expected a knock to come shortly after sensing Kane, but one didn't come. Instead, Jarael felt Kane's presence go down the hall, towards the conference room. Jarael gathered his cloak and stepped up to the door. It opened at his presence and he proceeded down the hall after his Master.

Jarael was greeted by the scene of Master Te'Bass explaining about the holograms that were currently being projected before the team. He listened intently to Master Te'Bass's briefing. As he was listening, Jarael couldn't help but let his gaze drift about the room, taking in the other Jedi. His robes stood out the most, being a pure black and the others' being the usual brown. He saw the other two Padawans and wondered of their age and skill.

The thoughts left his mind as the others, his Master among them, walked towards the ship's exit and went out onto the landing pad. Jarael followed shortly after taking one last glance at the images. As he stepped out beside his master, his Padawan braid was whipped about by the wind. His robes too were blown about. Jarael slipped his hood up and crossed his hands behind him, waiting for the Masters to give orders. After a few minutes of waiting, Master Te'Bass spoke up, saying, "Let's get this job done." Jarael nodded, more to himself than anyone else.

He looked at his Master. "Master, I'm worried that we were not given enough information about this mission." The statement was for his Master, and his Master alone, so it came out as a soft whisper.

[Bones]

The dark eyes stared out through the thin slit in the mask, taking in the image before him. They had just landed in the middle of the busiest part of the city, the place they had been told they would be meeting the Vulptereen attorney he knew to be named Bin Dop. He shook his head before muttering to himself, "Figures. Now adapt to it." He turned to the others and said, "We'll be taking a speeder to the courts, I believe." He then stepped forwards, beckoning to a hover taxi that he deemed sufficient size to carry all of them.

Whilst he waited for the taxi to move closer, he reached out with his senses, trying to get a feel for the planet. All he could feel was mystery and danger, something he did not think it was wise to expose his padawan to yet. He knelt, facing the young boy, "Tobin, I want you to return to the ship. No arguments. Tell the pilot to enter low orbit, and stay onboard." The padawan nodded, and turned, running back to the ship. Kaiven straightened, turning to face the now parked taxi.

He opened the door for the others, saying calmly, "Please, after you." He watched as all of them stepped forwards, climbing in. Xierra: Graceful, confident, but wary. Kane: worried, powerful, perceptive. Then there was Jarael. The mind of the padawan always amazed Kaiven. Intuitive, perceptive and bright, but Kaiven did worry slightly for the boy. Would he be an advantage in a fight, or would he be a hinderance as they had to protect him. He shook the thoughts out of his mind as he followed the others into hover taxi. He tried to convince himself once again that violence would not be needed.

He looked out the window for a moment, before waving his hand, activating the controls for the privacy screen. It slid up suddenly, with a snap-hiss, cutting off any chance of them being overheard. He looked between the others before saying, "Ok. Thoughts. Out in the open. Anything you're concerned about, anything you've picked up. Any questions." He looked to Xierra and said, "We'll start with you, if we could, Xierra.

[Mara]

She didn't know why, as she was standing there with the other Jedi on the landing platform, a feeling of something foreboding was tickling the back of her mind. Xierra wasn't sure if it was the lack of information regarding why there were here on Vulpter; what they had been briefed on and what Master Te'Baas had expanded on was sufficient. And her last mission hadn't exactly been a novel of information either.

Or maybe it was actually to do with the lack of her padawan, which the Falleen Knight found odd. They hadn't been together very long and yet she felt the pang of his missing presence standing beside her, radiating extreme confidence and energy to spare. This would have been a perfect outside experience for the young Zabrak, traveling away from the Temple, so she could see how he reacted in a real situation, instead of training exercises. But he had fallen ill. It would have been a poor decision to take him along.

And now... now perhaps it was a good omen that he wasn't around. Something didn't feel right to her. Why hadn't the Vulptereen lawyer met their ship when it landed? Was that the only thing nagging her about this mission? Not the lack of information or lack of her padawan, but the lack of courtesy?

Xierra shook the thoughts from her head as Master Te'Baas spoke again, also feeling his unease through the Force as they hailed an air taxi to take them where the attorney was supposed to lead them. She thought she must be feeling the same as he was, as he instructed his own padawan to remain behind. Xierra wondered if Zorn had been along if she would have done the same, or taken him along, figuring that the life experience outweighed the potential danger. She just hoped that the other Knight's padawan would be sufficient in case of an emergency.

Getting into the cab, she slide down to the other side of it to make room for the others, folding her robe around her. She was just getting settled as the air taxi merged into the traffic when a loud noise shattered her gaze out the viewscreen. Xierra turned back to the others, thinking a moment how an interesting group they were. A member of the High Council, two Jedi Knights, a young padawan. And the mission they were on: rescue a key witness in a mobster's trial. Seemingly simple but yet...

Master Te'Baas spoke into the silence then, after the privacy shield had closed. Xierra listened to his words, as he voiced out loud the thoughts that had been going through her minds. Nothing specific but she did have a sense that this mission was not as straightforward as the briefing made it seem. She paused a moment, picking out the right words to convey her misgivings. A deep breath as she looked at her hands before turning her gaze back to Master Te'Baas. "I am just concerned, because of what I feel through the Force, that we haven't been told everything regarding this mission. Also the fact that this attorney wasn't there to greet us... worries me. I feel we may need to approach this with all our senses wide open. I fear we may be getting into something a lot more complex than it seems on the surface."

[Kella]

"You let them catch you on holofilm! You were careless!"

The words were filled with venom, but the neimoidian shrugged them casually off her bleach-white shoulders. "The image is hazy and distorted. They cannot even tell if their suspect is a man or a woman." She scoffed, unconcerned.

"It is that sort of attitude that will get you incarcerated. What happens if they compare skeletal proportions, eh?"

"Pah, brother, you worry too much." The woman waved a bone-colored hand, brushing asside the worry. However, it appeared that a small hesitation crept into her countenance. She suddenly -- and reluctantly -- saw her brother's point. "Besides, the Vulpteeran law enforcement isn't that clever."

"But the Jedi," her brother hissed, "...are." His tar-black features contorted into a snarl, and to this, his sister had nothing to say.

Black and White coexisted silently for a moment. Secrecy was of the utmost importance, for there was no way they would blend into the crowds. Her skin was as white as a blank holodisk, the only contrast her beady, dark eyes. He was opposite to her in every way, his whole length black as pitch, and his garb the same foreboding color. The locals could never decide if they were born such strange colors, or if they painted them on for intimidation's sake. Neither ever made any attempt to clarify the matter -- they thrived upon the tales and rumors, for fear was their most powerful weapon, regardless of how often the white one bragged of her firepower.

Suddenly, his eyes darted upwards. She followed the angle, and soon spied the same target.

"The Jedi?"

He nodded.

"Are you sure?"

The black one scoffed. "Must I always explain this to you? Their thoughts are shielded. The only ones who ever shield their thoughts are Jedi and politicials, and these are definitely not politicians."

The white one eyed the vehicle doubtfully, observing it to be a taxi. Her brother was privy to her skepticism.

"Now who's the worried one?"

She hissed angrily, but turned her eyes back to the taxi. "Fine then. But if that's the case, let's just blast them now and be done with it..." The white one raised a rocket launcher to her shoulder, a weapon hot off the black-market, and trained the crosshairs over the center of the taxi...

Suddenly, the black one closed his clawed fingers around her arm and pulled it away, yanking the sight away from her eye. "Stop! Idiot! That will only bring more Jedi. All we have to do is make sure they don't find the witness..."

She shot him a look that -- if it had the power to kill -- would have slowly picked him apart, piece by piece, rubbed salt in the wounds, and kept him alive for a week before finally disemboweling the shriveled body, using his head and intestines for holiday decorations.

Looks, however, have no such power. She snapped her arm away from his grip, but reluctantly lowered the rocket launcher, watching in longing as the taxi fled out of reach. She narrowed her eyes, and turned back to the black one.

"And how, exactly, do you plan on doing that? I don't see why we can't just kill all the other Jedi that come."

He sighed through gritted teeth. "You'll get the chance to use your new toy soon enough. As a matter of fact, I do have a plan. One that involves strategy, and tact."

The white one rolled her eyes, but followed dutifully as the black one turned and moved on, slinking away from the abandoned balcony that had been their vantage point.

As much as she hated it, his plans worked.

And so the Black Hand and the White Hand of Vulga Cerk returned to the shadows -- shadows that quickly whisked them towards their charge...

[Arc <3 (who is a girl)]

As Kane stood on the landing platform, arms crossed and hands slipped into the sleeves of his robes, he took the time to study the situation from every angle. During his time as a padawan, he had often been told to stop and think about his actions before rushing into something. It was common sense, yet so easily forgotten - even by Jedi. They were not given enough background information about this mission. That much was obvious. And then there was the matter of his companions. Knight Xierra had left her padawan behind. Kane had not. Jarael stood beside him still, waiting patiently for whatever was to come. Was the boy ready for a mission? Was the boy ready for a dangerous mission?

If need be, Kane would sacrifice his life for Jarael. He would protect him, and so would the other Jedi he was traveling with. But there was always the possibility that he may be separated from his padawan. How would Jarael fare on his own? Kane was unaccustomed to being in charge of a learner. He was still young; he'd hardly even thought about taking an apprentice of his own until Jarael came along. He, too, was inexperienced. Could he even protect his padawan if the need arose? Yes, he assured himself. He had to.

Jarael, who stood near him, spoke up, echoing Kane's own thoughts. He was also worried that they had not been given enough information about the mission. That was a... surprise - a welcome one. His apprentice was observant enough to pick up on that fact. It said wonders about the boy. He was capable. Kane nodded in silent agreement, turning to face Jarael. His hair whipped in his face irritably, but he ignored it, speaking softly to his padawan.

"Perhaps there is more to this mission than we first thought. Be cautious. Don't get overconfident, and stay with me." The hover taxi landed nearby. Master Te'Bass motioned for them to board the transport, that it would take them to the courts. Kane placed a hand on Jarael's shoulder, leading him gently toward the taxi. "Stay strong, Padawan. You will do fine." Out of the corner of his eye, Kane could see that Kaiven, too, was having a word with his padawan. Apparently the Jedi Master had decided to leave his apprentice behind, for the young boy ran back to the ship without another word. Jarael was the only padawan remaining...

Kane and Jarael entered the hover taxi and were soon joined by Master Te'Bass and Xierra. Once they were all safely on board, Kaiven slid up the privacy screen and set about setting the conversation. Did they have any concerns? Any questions? Of course Kane had concerns. As far as he could tell, Xierra probably did as well, and she expressed those concerns. They were similar to Kane's. They hadn't been given enough background information, and their host hadn't been there to greet them like he had promised.

"I agree with Xierra," Kane spoke up, voicing his own opinion. "This mission could be far more than it seems. A simple search-and-rescue mission? I don't think so. We'll have to keep our guard up and be on the look out for anything... out of the ordinary." With that being said, Kane sighed and pulled his hands from his robes, allowing them to sit loosely by his sides.

Everyone aboard the taxi seemed... tense. Kane could fear their fear and anxiety, especially that which came from Jarael. Over the course of the past few days, their bond had strengthened. He may not be able to tell what his padawan was thinking all of the time, but he could oftentimes come up with a decent guess, and he was usually able to pick up on the boys emotions. Today, these emotions were strong. Curiosity, worry, suspicion... The same feelings that Kane currently expressed. Kaiven and Xierra seemed to be in the same position.

[Jerek]

Jarael boarded the taxi beside of Kane, squeezing into the back alongside him. When they were all finally on board, Master Te'Bass asked them their opinions on the mission. Jarael looked away from the window to listen more intently. Both Masters expressed their feelings of suspicion of not being given enough information. After Kane was done talking, Jarael looked back out the window, assuming he was not asked to give his opinion along with the others, considering his rank.

His mind drifted backwards in time. He remembered the first day Kane had taken him to train. It had been tiring, but exciting and exhilarating all at the same time. Jarael had also been granted a real lightsaber to train with. The blue blade had glided through the air with such ease. It carved bright blue paths through the tiny molecules of air surrounding him.

The same weapon hung form his belt at the current moment. It was a standard lightsaber. Jarael couldn't wait to make his own. He had shown Kane the sketches back at the temple the same day he was just thinking about. He came out of his thoughts to look at the Masters.

(Sorry for the bad post and the delay.)

[xavier]

As the Vulptereen was still waiting for the Jedi he was a Bit impaitent in his waiting. "How long does it take to do one single court settlement and get it over with?" His partner nugged him. "Just be paitent man. They'll be here... What will be here again?" The Lawyer put his hand over his face and sighed in grief. "The Jedi remeber? I'm the Lawyer for this crime. Section Number 42! Drug Selling, illegal gambling, racing, underground fight clubs, and murders you Moron." The Vulptereen hiccuped and the Lawyer suspected something. "You've been drinking that willek juice have'nt you?" The Vulptereen was holding a bottle and offering it to the Lawyer. "Yeah want some?" The Lawyer laughed. "You're something else. I can't take any of that stuff. Without forgeting I still have to solve that case." He looked at his partner who seemed to be halfway asleep. "Come on you need some rest." He picked him up by the shoulder and dragged him to his Apartment.

(Stab me Im not a Pro Im a Beginner.)

[Radu]

[OOC: If this isn't OK, let me know]

Quiet. That was how anyone in their right mind would describe Ghen, if they knew him at all - which was a challenge in itself. The chubby, rat-faced man had kept to himself for as long as he could remember... and he'd always had a way with numbers, too. Credits, his only true weakness, bought him all the whores he could dream of, but he had come to selling himself, metaphorically, at least, when his undying love of wealth eventually got him out of the quaint bank job he had and into the ranks of Vulga's specialists.

Once that happened, his meticulous and effective ways got him noticed by the big man himself, soon; he didn't bother anyone, he didn't seem to be corruptible, to a less subtle mind than Cerk's, and, as he stood in a dark room, located somewhere deep within the Vulptereen underbelly, the man gleefully remembered how he rose up to hold all the details of the Neimoidian's empire at his fingertips, right under his watchful eyes.

Pudgy hands moved feverishly up and down behind him, as he desperately tried to free himself from the chair on which he'd been tied up. How had he even managed to get himself in such a predicament, in the first place? Well, that was a question he could easily answer. Once the authorities actually managed to bring his boss behind bars - which didn't really matter, truth be told, it was just a change of scenery, not a true chink in his power - , Ghen had been foolish enough to falsify his always-accurate records, taking a good few creds for himself.

Did he have some money-hungry mistress to support, you ask? Far from it. Actually, the few shreds of decency left in the little rat-faced accountant told him that, with Vulga's eye no more on him, it might just have been a good idea to high-tail it far from their system and start a new, honest life. He had contacted someone about a shuttle to Alderaan, anonymous and with no other questions asked, of course, and the contact promised he'd find him in a few days. Calling, he gave the Zarkan an address in the bad side of town and a name he couldn't even remember - but, when he got there, he only found Vulga's famous White Hand.

At that point, even if he was, stubbornly, destroying his bonds piece by piece, Ghen couldn't, honestly, hope for a sudden improvement in his situation. He was pretty sure that a good round of torture would ensue when his captor and her dark brother arrived back - but he desperately struggled not to think of such things.

[Bones]

"Jarael, in my experiences everyones feelings and opinions are important to the matters at hand. Please, speak your mind, Padawan." Kaiven said quietly, the others' thoughts skimming through his mind quickly, "You are right, my colleagues, unfortunately you haven't been supplied with enough information. Equally unfortunate, however, is that we have given you all the information that we know. We have not had much passed on to us."

His eyes traced between the other Jedi in the hovercab, lingering on each for a moment, "That is why they sent me along on this mission. We do not fully understand what awaits, and the Council decided it was best to send a team with a variety of skills and experience, however they deemed that they needed someone with a high degree of experience and ability, in the off chance that we should come up against an issue requiring more advanced skills." He knew his presence was on their minds, "Do we trust you and have faith in you? Entirely. We would support you to the hilt. That is why I'm here. To support you."

He looked out the window for a moment, his eyes catching sight of the courts coming closer. "It appears that we are nearly there."

[Kella]

The city's deep underbelly was a tangle of dirt and scrap. The trash filtered down from the levels above. The first sort piled up in heaps feet thick, home to filthy creatures and vile secrets. The second kind piled up as well -- in dim bars and under lean-tos, to go about their secretive lives, until their corpses joined the heaps as well.

The white one kicked a skull with the same amusement a child would kick a can, keeping the bleached white bone along ahead of her a while, before letting it fall to the side, game forgotten.

The only thing intact down here were the massive support columns -- twenty feet thick, that bored deep into the ground. They were the only reason anyone above cared about anything below. As tempting as it was to try to take one out, to cause a whole city block to come crumbling down... they were pretty impossible to dent. The white one had tried.

The rubble was littered here and there, and every so often one could spy some reinforced building -- perhaps a death house -- places where the addicts mixed up all sorts of chemical drugs.

The White Hand slipped behind a lop-sided panel, and scaled the ten-foot drop, coming down into a room. It was mostly intact; scrap and rubble had tumbled in to block many of the holes, and the only light came from a single florescent bulb in the ceiling, which flickered terribly, sometimes giving up all together, before screeching back to life to offer its feeble light.

The Black Hand was not fair behind, and a small cloud of dust sifted into the air as he dropped in just as the white one had.

The white one approached the hostage from behind, where he was bound in a rusty chair. She eyed his bonds, and saw that all was not as she had left it.

"I see you..." she hissed wickedly, coming up behind the human. "You're not behaving."

The black hand shook his head, for he relied more on practicality than intimidation. As his sister moved around to the front of the Human, he fetched a bit of metal cord, and used it over the previous bonds, yanking the man back tighter to his chair, and tying the cord so tightly it dug into the fleshy wrists. After all, Vulga didn't need the man to have use of his fingers -- he just wanted him alive.

"Brother... Can I remind him how Vulga takes to slippery prisoners?" she said, slipping a knife into her hand. She took the tip and pushed it under the man's chin, using it to pull his head up so she could examine it. If he were feisty, she'd jab him in the throat a bit. Not enough to pop his juglar, of course... but enough to see a little blood. "I don't think Vulga would mind too much... He's still just as good without an ear..." She withdrew her knife from his chin, to flick a fleshy lobe.

The Black Hand stood, admiring his work, but remained behind the hostage. "You remember what He said."

The White hand sighed, sheathing her knife. "It's just not fair. How come I don't get to touch him?"

"Because you'd just as soon lop his head off as nick his ear."

The white one scowled at her brother, but she could not contest. Rather, she went and drew an empty crate towards the center of the room, and sat upon it, barely more than three yards from the human. She grinned at him wickedly, making it clear that as soon as her brother left, she'd do whatever she damn well pleased. Keeping a coy eye on the ratty little man, she took a file to her knife. Rhythmic screeches echoed in the room, as a fountain of sparks fell to the ground with every stroke. See my knife? one screech asked. It's just for you, another said. For your round little gut. Deep in your stomach. Through your intestines. Just for you, man, this pretty little knife is just for you...

The Black Hand withdrew a few yards more, obscuring himself behind a scrap heap. Unlike his sister, he sought to quiet his mind and steady himself. Once he was prepared, he took a deep breath and once more touched the Force like he'd been taught. His mind sunk deep into the meditation, and he pushed his thoughts outward, looking for the bright presences in the Force that would announce the Jedi. He was looking for them... but they did not know he was Force sensitive, so they could not have been looking for him. The black one hoped this small advantage was just enough that they could slip from the warehouse at the proper time, leaving the Jedi confused and frustrated.

The screeches finally stopped. The white one's hands were flecked with shavings of black iron, and she brushed them off as she tucked the file away. With her smallest finger, she barely tapped the edge of the blade. A thin red line appeared on her white skin, the blood pooling into a droplet.

She looked right at the man, tucking the finger into her mouth to suck the blood away. She turned the blade so it reflected a bit of the flickering light.

And her soul-less black eyes said, This pretty little knife's just for you.

[Mara]

(((So sorry for the wait...)))



She nodded as Master Te'Bass spoke again, voicing her own concerns about the lack of information they had received. Despite the expanse of the Temple's library of knowledge, they had little to go on for this mission. They knew little more than what the general media did about the situation on Vulpter regarding Vulga's trial and the key witness. But they were Jedi, and they would find a way to succeed. They were here to help, and they would do so, in any way possible.

Xierra's black eyes blinked showing slight surprise. Yes, she had found it odd at the beginning to find out that a member of the Council was going with them to rescue this captured witness in a mobster's trial, but she had assumed Master Te'Bass had had his own personal reasons for going. Training with his padawan, perhaps, or wanting to get out of the stuffy Council Chambers for a while. It wasn't up to her to wonder why he was along.

However, it was good to hear him explain his presence with the other two Knights. She was reassured to know that the misgivings she felt through the Force were warranted and not merely her own nervousness at not having her own padawan along with her being translated into something more dangerous. If the Council thought there was something more complex at work here, then she was glad to have someone of Master Te'Bass's skill and guidance along with her and Kane. And now that she knew her misgivings were not completely unfounded, she hoped she would be better prepared to meet whatever this mission unearthed. Expected the unexpected.

A short glance to the viewscreen beside her told her that they were indeed about to come to park in front of the courthouse where the attorney was to bring them. Now they were headed there without him, hoping to find him. He was the foremost authority on what was happening, as the missing man was his key witness against the Neimodian Vulga. If there was any new information to bring to the Jedi, he would have it. Xierra just hoped that there was some new information, for Ghen's sake.

When the vehicle came to a stop, Xierra filed out of the airtaxi after the others. Her eyes looked over the front of the building, roving the steps in front of the older structure, not seeing any sign of a Vulpteeren who looked like he was waiting a group of Jedi. She stood quietly, then, deferring to Master Te'Bass. Once they found and met up with the attorney, she would let him do all the talking. And she couldn't help thinking that she was on yet another mission, had been provided again with little information. But she was more experienced now and had experienced Jedi with her; this mission would hopefully not turn out to be a repeat of Metellos.


(((Just thought I'd move us ahead a bit...)))

[Silas]

”Ah sh*t,” Cursed the Vulpeteen as he quickly up on the speeder, and blasted the horn as loud as it would go.

Something wasn’t right. That speeder was turning around, and it hadn’t been trying to avoid him at all. Suddenly his heart began to race, and he could almost feel his blood pressure sky rocket as he pushed in on the speeder handle. Everything began to blur faster as he sped through the air, and his breathing became short, staggered gasps for air. With his eyes in constant watch behind him he wove in and out of the incoming onslaught of other vehicles. Some of them blasted their horns at them, and he got a few obscene gestures as he zoomed by some people, but it didn’t matter right now; that thing was still there. Quickly he pulled a left, which caused him to cut dangerously in front of a cargo speeder, but he hoped the other pilot would get caught up by it. Slowly a sigh escaped his lips as nothing came from other side of the cargo trailer, with a smile he slowed down.

All of this was so hectic, his missing witness, the Jedi involvement, and now whatever this was. Suddenly his eye grew wide again as the same speeder barrelled towards him from a side avenue, and with both hands he turned the ship to skim past him, as the two vehicles brushed sides for a second. Breathing heavily he sped up once again as he weaved in and out of the oncoming traffic with a gross disrespect for the law, but at the moment none of that mattered.

Now he straitened out towards the courthouse, with the hopes that this assassin did not catch up to him, but he did not take the chance to slow down. With every drop of speed he could get from this thing he flew in and out of traffic as he wove his way towards his destination. Out of no where a loud shot erupted through the air as a bright streak ripped through the air, and arched past his speeder. This time he would have probably been afflicted with a heart attack if adrenaline hadn’t been pumping through ever vein in his body. Sweat began to form on the palm of his hands while at the same time he took a deep gulp. With a blink of his eyes he pushed the speeder for all it was worth, and used the skills he’d gained as a young child aspiring to be some sort of pilot like so many to escape these people. Now he spotted their craft again, and noticed the man which leaned out of the cab with a high calibre rifle in his hands.

Oh gods, I’m going to die,” Thought the Lawyer as saw the weapon, and simple turned off to try another route which might confuse them.

With a quick turn to the left he followed down a small alleyway with barely anything in it, and suddenly he turned a hard right. Once on this slightly larger section of road he followed it a while before he followed another quick right, and saw the courthouse just second before him. Here the entire sector was watched by security cameras, so there was little doubt that whoever this was would not dare follow him any further. Slowly he regained his breath as he slowed his speeder down to speeds more manageable, and closed his eyes tightly for just a second. This day was already starting more hectic than he could imagine, and he hadn’t even met up with the Jedi yet. Their meeting had been a fiasco from the start, he hadn’t been able to meet them to take them to the courthouse, and now on his way to meet them there this happens. They where, however, meant to bring peace, so hopefully they could use their magic, or whatever it was they had to iron all this insanity out.

Of course when he took this case he knew there would be trouble, he knew things might go south, but he didn’t realise it would be quite like this. The capture of his key witness, this recent attack, and now he was on his way the courthouse…where Jedi where. He’d always thought of them as intangible things, elusive just as surely as any fairytale ever told, and now to meet some of them was almost surreal. With a shake of his head he wondered what he would run into next, one of those Leviathans one story had spoken of? If that was the case he would retire, and go work as a greeter at a locale Galactic Market.

As he parked his vehicle in one of the spots which were designated to the attorneys he was just lucky enough to see some people exit a taxi who looked like what he’d always envisioned a Jedi as. With a sigh of relief he ripped open his door, and ducked out of it. Determination sketched across his face as he walked away from the dock, and made his way to the entrance before they made their way inside. He thought he remembered them saying one of them was named ‘Master Te’baas’, and he knew it would be better to get their attention before hand.

With a tug on his suit he called out, “Master Te’Baas!” With a slight jog he caught up with him, a little sweat still on his face, and hands as he came to stand next to them. There were four or five of them, and one of them seemed to carry an aura of authority with him. Although he regarded them all, he mainly directed the second part of his statement to him as he spoke, ”I beg you forgive me for my tardiness earlier, things have been hectic. I assume you’ve been updated on the situation.” Still with a slight pant from the trip over here he tried to look as calm, and collected as he could, but in all reality his mind was in a frenzy. What had drove someone to attempt to kill him? Did they think he was onto something which might incriminate them? With a slight sigh he realised something was amiss here, he could only hope the Jedi had more information than he did at the moment.

[Bones]

He slid out of the hover-taxi, setting foot on the solid ground around the courts. He looked around, his eyes tracing the scene. Speeders were racing left right in centre, the vulpteerens hurrying around him. Pod racers on giant holo-boards. He sighed. Whilst he vastly respected and admired the reflexes of the drivers, he did know that their talents could have a higher use. He knew that a vast majority of drivers had such fine reflexes because they had some sort of untrained connection to the force. Force sensitives. Hundreds of potential Jedi Knights. Hundreds of potential assistants gone to waste.

He heard his name, turning to face the lawyer hurrying towards him. He reached out with the force, hearing his words, taking them in, but looking deeper into the lawyer's body. Stress. Fear. Not just fear, it was almost driving him insane. Sweat was gathering over his body. It was a cold sweat. It was the sweat of someone who thought that their time had come. He thought his life hand been in danger.

His eyes narrowed slightly, suspiciously, as he reached out with his feelings, trying to alert the two Knights that accompanied him. He even turned, facing them for a moment, before he replied. "Not a problem, I could feel your presence and intent coming to meet us here. We have not had to wait long. Now, tell me, have their been any new breakthroughs in the case? Is everything the same? Is everything ok with you?" He allowed his eyes to lock on the vulpteeren's, as if they were reading him. He wanted answers, and he wanted them fast.

[Mara]

(((Like mentioned in the plot disc. thread, Kaiven and I are gonna skip past Arc and Jerek so we can continue. They can slip in when/if they return.
The NPCs in the other half--Ghen and the two thugs--post whenever. ))



Xierra was beginning to think that this lawyer wouldn't show and was going to voice this to Master Te'Baas, thinking that it would be best to go inside the courthouse and do their own research when she heard a voice yelling the master's name. She turned to find a Vulptereen coming towards them, the short-statured being obviously in a hurry. Relief passed over her face then; the Falleen hadn't exactly been looking forward to going through thousands of data to find anything that would help them locate where Vulga's thugs had taken Ghen Torris. Information was much better given face-to-face.

The Vulptereen seemed flustered about something, but she wasn't quite sure if it was just the stress of being late, or perhaps something else. She touched him with the Force briefly but wasn't able to gather much more. Perhaps Master Te'Baas would have more insight, if he thought this lawyer had more to meet the eye than just being late for a meeting.

So she waited quietly, again deferring to the older Jedi. Xierra knew she would be best served waiting with the other Jedi as Master Te'Baas started with his introductions and questions, trying to eke out more information from this Bin Dop, the lawyer's name having finally come to her memory. Xierra was especially curious how Te'Baas would respond, not sure what Dop had meant by being updated on the situation. The information they already had about the abduction, or was there new information that they hadn't yet been told? They would need everything available if they were to find Torris before Vulga Cerk's gang disposed of him so that their boss could go free.

She felt the master's touch then briefly, as he glanced at them before turning to address the lawyer. So the older Jedi was also wondering about the Vulptereen's emotional status, thinking it could be more than just the rush of speeding to the courthouse. Xierra made a note to pay more attention to Bin Dop as he spoke. Maybe he would reveal something without actually saying it. The Force could help her read his facial movements. The Falleen knight looked towards the lawyer after Te'Baas spoke, wondering how he would answer, since both the men had said almost the same thing. Both wondering if there had been developments, and if the other had been updated. She was beginning to wonder if there was more going on here. But she remained patient, knowing to wait it through for now was best.