What the heck were these Seps into? If this is a holocron...
Pocketing it, he decided this needed to be kept secret from the others until he knew more about them. Turning, he looked for a way to open the door from the inside.
"Gathering information on what has truly happened IS doing something. I am no Anakin Skywalker or Obi Wan Kenobi who can swing a lightsaber and level battalions of droids. My talents in the Force lie in the art of persuasion and negotiation. We should ignite our lightsabers only in the direst of situations padawan Moroka. Perhaps if we locate my Master we can complete your training..."
6 days later...
It's been six days since the end of the Clone Wars; Five since you entered Hyperspace. The chime indicating that the end of the trip is near sounds. Jak opens a ship wide channel.
"Hang on, we are about to drop out of Hyperspace"
Through the cockpit view screen there is a momentary wash of white light streaks as the ship exits hyperspace and enters normal space.
Klaxons immediately sound indicating that a collision is imminent.
There are hundreds of ships filling the space around the living orb; Sy Myrth.
As soon as the ship drops into real space, the curved wall screen in the lounge flickers to life and Angeel Bertund fills the space that was black moments ago.
"... In other news, the Emperor has noted that several rogue Jedi have continued to plague the Empire through violence and terror."
A smaller window opens up above her left shoulder and shows a smoking scene of a city-scape marred by fire and destruction.
Angeel continues with her perfect smile.
"The latest incident involving these lawless rogues occurred on Cato Nemoidia and caused catastrophic damage to the once beautiful bridge cities of that planet. The loss of life is incalculable."
She finishes her statement with a frown and down lilt to her voice that lends a hint of sadness and travesty to the moment.
She shifts her head slightly as if to introduce a new paragraph in her story and smiles again.
"In response the Emperor has issued a standing reward to be paid to any responsible imperial citizen that provides information about the location of these criminals."
The inset changes to a video of the Emperor addressing the massed Senate.
"...We will not stop until the last of these Jedi have been brought to justice! The kinds of actions like those we've seen on Cato Nemoidia clearly bear witness to the ruthless steps these criminals will take in an attempt to create chaos!
The senate roars its approval.
"We must stamp out this pestilence; this canker. We must hunt down and eliminate the Jedi.
More applause
"We will reward those good citizens that help with this effort. We will pay 2,000 credits for credible information about the location of these remaining Jedi scum."
More applause and murmurs
"We will reward those good citizens that are able to deliver a Jedi to the proper authorities; alive or dead... 10,000 credits"
Audible gasps are mixed with applause.
The video recedes and Angeel stares out at the viewers again and with a beatific smile, continues her story.
"From the Emperor himself. The government will pay up to ten thousand credits to the good citizens of the Empire for help in making the galaxy a better place."
"In other news, several small pockets of resistance continue to plague shipping across much of the galaxy."
"Former Senator Toora has moved the remnants of the government of the Confederation of Independent Systems to Sy Myrth and continues to pursue the goals of the CIS initiative. Reports indicate that many former CIS beings have flocked to her banner."
"The Emperor has issued a warning to those that continue to hamper peace."
The little inset window opens again and the Emperor seems to scan across the audience.
"Senator Toora has provided a haven for the Jedi. She and those with her continue to hold hostage many Imperial citizens. We will take the steps necessary to ensure that this threat is dealt with and we will investigate the seeming link between the CIS and he Jedi. It is not so far fetched to consider that the Jedi may have been working with the break away systems in the CIS. It is plausible that the Jedi orchestrated the war."
The window closes and Angeel resumes her position in the center of the vid feed.
"From Holonet One, I am Angeel Bertund. I hope you have a glorious and safe day citizens of the Empire."
The feed ends.
With their arrival to Sy Myrth imminent, Corven leaves his quarters and joins Jak in the cockpit, although he avoids taking a seat next ot the pilot, having little to no exprience in such things. Thus, he is present when the ship exits hyperspace only to find itself among hundreds of others. The sight does catch him by surprise.
"What is going on here? What..." Before he finishes his sentence, he hears the lounge screen switch on as someone, a reporter by the sounds of it, is speaking about what has been going on in the days after the end of the Clone Wars. Thus his attention is diverted from whatever it is that is happening outside to the news being heard inside.
"Well," he quips, "it appears things are going just great." His mind travels back a few days, when he thought to use the Force to get a better reading of the people he was about to share this ship with. And what he believes he found out through that action. 'If I am right, we will soon become very... popular indeed,' he ponders in light of the news report and its implications.
b] I worked with Jedi in the War. They were not bad people. They were loyal to the Republic, perhaps to a fault. [/b] states the noble. I tried to save a padawan learner, that is why I had to flee the capital.
In the co-pilot's seat as the ship drops out of hyperspace, Renlo curses at the number of ships in orbit. "Son of the Sith!" As Jak executes a maneuver, Renlo adjusts maneuvering thrusters to better help him avoid a collision.
As the holo net broadcast plays, Renlo's first thought is No way the Jedi caused that. They may have been present, but they did not do that. When the bounty is announced, he thinks, Okay, my name shouldn't be on any lists, since I haven't been associated with them in 10 years. That should keep heat away from me.
When the broadcaster speaks of of the CIS remnants gathering at Sy Myrth, he says,"Of course we've flown into the heart of the regrouping of the Seperatist force. This is a fine mess we're in now."
Gotal glances at Moroka but remains silent as the Holonet news comes across the broadcaster.
He heads to the cockpit once evasive maneuvers have righted the ship, "It seems that by seeking out Senator Toora we have yet again slipped into a rancor pit. Still, the Senator may be able to enlighten us as to what really happened on Coruscant as well as Cato Nemoidia, I think we can all agree, the Jedi Order after 1,000 years as peacekeepers have not suddenly decided to become bloodthirsty terrorists. We will need to hurry to find the Senator and leave if we do not wish to be caught up in this situation. I have no doubt that the Republic... Imperial Navy will arrive here soon enough to persecute War. It seems to be their way to solve all problems under Palpatine".
"Slag it!"
Jak immediately puts the ship into a complex spin. For a moment he feels control slipping from him, but he makes a last minute adjustment faster than he can even comprehend it and levels off.
"That was far too thrilling," he manages to say with a crooked smile.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Moroka is not visibly startled by the sudden space traffic, though she tenses in anticipation of a collision that never comes as she scans the space lanes. she grabs hold of a railing during the excitement, but otherwise keeps her cool.
The imperial broadcast furrows her brow into a frown as the emperor decries the Jedi as terrorists and warmongers. Anyone with the slightest scrap of knowledge of the Order would know he is a liar, but then again, everyone in the room with him is likely already in his thrall, one way or another...
She whistles in response to the announced bounties. "Ten thousand credits for a Jedi's capture? That's going to cause quite a scene, isn't it?"
Well, so much for outright admitting it to the crew...I'm betting men would turn on friends for less money...
She nods to Gotal in agreement. This is going to be an interesting visit, one way or another...
"Oh, sure, assuming you could trust the Empire not to screw you over," Jak says with a sarcastic turn.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Corven, Renlo, Moroka
Jak
Jak is able to find space in the traffic and settle into a more orderly approach to Sy Myrth. You take the ship ever closer to the planet. You have closed about half of the distance when someone finally hails you.
"{static crackle} Incoming vessel, Lima-Echo-Niner-Bee-One-Are-Dee over. State your purpose and destination."
There is a pause while flight control waits for your response.
Renlo looks about at the other people in the cockpit. "I was part of a smuggler group that sold supplies to the CIS, but never worked for them. Anyone here possibly have connections?"
"Not I, as a pacifist I supported neither side in the war and instead worked to ease the suffering of refugees on both sides".
I am from the Noble House of Taar who was a great supported of Palpatine.
Gotal turns to Donavaan to ask something further but holds his tongue, knowing that communication with this fleet is paramount at the moment.
"I did lend a helping hand to Republic forces and their Jedi allies at one time or another during the war," Corven says, "but I also helped out non-combatants and refugees from both sides more than once." He shrugs. "Take from that what you will."
He then turns to Moroka with a smile. "It is not only the Jedi themselves that are going to find themselves in danger, but those that are harboring them as well. That is, unless they decide to reap the rewards themselves." He seems to think on it for a while, and then his smile widens a little. "Of course, if they are truly their friends or at least like-minded allies, they will not be doing such a thing regardless of the amount of credits attached to the bounty."
There is another pause before he adds, "And those Jedi that still remain are going to need as many of those as they can find."
Jak is able to find space in the traffic and settle into a more orderly approach to Sy Myrth. You take the ship ever closer to the planet. You have closed about half of the distance when someone finally hails you.
"{static crackle} Incoming vessel, Lima-Echo-Niner-Bee-One-Are-Dee over. State your purpose and destination."
There is a pause while flight control waits for your response.
"Should I tell 'em we're here to see the sights?" he asks jokingly before flipping the switch to activate the comm.
"Rodger that, Dock. We're here for a resupply and refuel. And with permission we'd like a three-day pass. The kids are getting a little restless, and want to stretch their legs," he answered nonchalantly.
Jak is able to find space in the traffic and settle into a more orderly approach to Sy Myrth. You take the ship ever closer to the planet. You have closed about half of the distance when someone finally hails you.
"{static crackle} Incoming vessel, Lima-Echo-Niner-Bee-One-Are-Dee over. State your purpose and destination."
There is a pause while flight control waits for your response.
"Should I tell 'em we're here to see the sights?" he asks jokingly before flipping the switch to activate the comm.
"Rodger that, Dock. We're here for a resupply and refuel. And with permission we'd like a three-day pass. The kids are getting a little restless, and want to stretch their legs," he answered nonchalantly.
"Roger that Niner. Sending you the approach vector now."
There is a momentary pause while the transmission takes place.
"Stay on course and proceed to Delta 2, Platform 7... and Niner, welcome home. You have been granted a 72 hour berthing for shore leave. You will need to check in with command once you land to verify approval of the leave. It's been a little chaotic the last couple of days. Dock out."
"Rodger, rodger. Out."
Jak received the coordinates, verified them, and then began docking.
"Bringing her in," he said to the others.
"Look, a lot of you were sympathetic to the Old Republic, and that's fine. People make mistakes. But I'd recommend keeping those old allegiances in the shadows where they belong. The Galaxy's done and gotten itself a mite smaller."
He sighed before continuing.
"And a whole lot more dangerous."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Let's deliver that message and get out of here. No offense, Jak, but I have no desire to be part of the CIS's last stand. The Rep...Empire could decide to come along and obliterate this fleet at any moment. I stayed neutral during the Clone Wars, and I fully intend to stay neutral during whatever comes next."
Renlo operated his part of the landing process seamlessly, with the experience of one who was used to this.
"Already lost a war," Jak said soberly. "Not looking to lose my life, too."
-Posted with Wayfinder
As Renlo echoes Gotal's sentiments he stays silent, even through Corven's speech.
Gotal will reach out to determine whether there are any Force users in the Fleet, somehow, Gotal doubts very much that any Jedi are present here. Present company excluded of course.
Use the Force
As Renlo echoes Gotal's sentiments he stays silent, even through Corven's speech.
Gotal will reach out to determine whether there are any Force users in the Fleet, somehow, Gotal doubts very much that any Jedi are present here. Present company excluded of course.
Use the Force
Gotal
Moroka flashes a knowing smile. "From what I've heard of galactic history, staying out of a war seems to be even more difficult than winning one. Considering what we're doing here, I'd say we've already failed on the first count..."
She then moves to find a seat for docking, and does a last minute check on her gear, making sure her lightsaber is secure and innocuous. As she looks over her companions for a moment, she ponders a decision briefly before checking the ship for an extra blaster.
Might as well appear to fit in...
What time do we need to be back?
"Once we land, I suspect we'll need to pay the usual docking fees and customs bribes. Hopefully we have sufficient credits for those. After that, ideally, we'll deliver the message to the Senator, maybe take some time to resupply, and then be off to wherever. Either way, be bakc no later than 72 hours after touchdown. That answer your question?"
Renlo looked at Donavaan expectantly, hoping he had answered the other's question.
I might need a little down time after we land to go and have some fun in this new port! he says with a sly grin.
"Define fun," Corven quips, perhaps a bit more drily than usual. Still, if the man is going to be getting himself drunk again, it might be good to have a heads up.
"You should keep in mind that our current circumstances hardly lend themselves to carelessness, yes?"
Lots of different types of fun. Boozin, gamblin, company of distinguished folks, smoking. Stuff like that.
The ship silently glides through space as it approaches Sy Myrth. After a few more minutes "Niner" slides into the atmosphere and crosses the day/night line on it's way to Delta 2, Platform 7. The night side traffic looks like bio-luminescent insects flitting across and just above a shimmering silver spiderweb of lights on a black backdrop.
There is something awe inspiring and mildly memorizing about the view.
Shortly, a multi-story lighted spaceport takes center position in the view screen. The structure looms large. Looking like a multi-armed giant holding platters.
Vehicles are coming and going at regular intervals, making the spaceport look like a hive of insects.
The ship drifts easily onto Platform 7 and comes to rest on it's extended gear.
Just outside there is a contingent of two CIS uniformed beings and 6 operational battle droids waiting patiently for you to drop your ramp and start filing the necessary documents.
With the number of people present on the planet the noble's untrained force sensitivity begins to go into over drive. The headache begins a dull throbbing behind the temples. How long is this going to take? he asks annoyed.
Gotal whispers to Moroka,
"Just make sure your 'fun' doesn't get us in trouble. I'm certain they take just as much offense to drunk and disorderly here as the Core Worlds do."
Adjusting the repulsorlifts, Renlo aids Jak in setting the ship down and getting ready to disembark. Turning, to Jak, he says, "Perhaps you'd best take the lead. I'm not entirely sure anyone else would be a good choice."
Jak turns to Renlo shocked. "Me? I thought you was Cap'n."
He scratches the back of his head. "Another thing to sort out later, I suppose. For now let's leave out any details."
Jak approaches the dock authorities and presents the newly forged paperwork. If he'd done his job well then it should look like a standard, boring manifest with nothing to declare for import.
"Howdy, gents."
-Posted with Wayfinder
The young noble sits there tapping his foot in nervous anticipation waiting to be given permission to go off and enjoy the sights of the planet.
The dock master accepts the datapad offered by Jak and glances over the information displayed.
"Ok... so this is your cover manifest? Ship pings as a member of the 333rd. 's not you?"
Without waiting for a proper answer, the dock master looks at Jak and asks pointedly.
"Says you're under Captain Byrn. At least this ship is. Where's Captain Byrn?"
Again without waiting for an answer.
"You a spy? You with the Empire?"
He glances at the freight master next to him and then at the battle droids.
"I think we got us a gin-you-whine bunch of Empire lovin' trash here."
He looks at Jak.
"That seems about right. You and this bunch are Imperial sympathizers - right?. What you got to say for yourself... Imp?"
The Seps put THIS guy in charge? They're in even more dire straits than I thought.
Stepping forward, Renlo said, "My good man, we care nothing for this Empire nor it's likely overreaching policies. After all, it evolved out of a corrupt Republic. As to Captain Byrn, he had some affairs to take care of, and sent us ahead to speak with Senator Toora. I am certain he will be here shortly. I have the coordinates of his rendezvous, if you would like."
Indicating his datapad when he mentions coordinates, he waits for the Separatist's answer.
Gotal steps forward, "We are agents of Captain Byrne and our paperwork is fine, an oversight on your part. We accept your apology. We can move on and handle Captain Byrne's business now".
The Dock Master does a quick double take at the datapad.
"Ummm, my mistake. I am very sorry about the misunderstanding. If you will pay the 50 credit a day platform fee, you can be on your way."
Irritably the noble will give the Dock Master 150 credits. Now Dockmaster, where is the best place to decompress and party on the planet? he asks.
Irritably the noble will give the Dock Master 150 credits. Now Dockmaster, where is the best place to decompress and party on the planet? he asks.
"Here you go.", the dock master says as he hands Donavaan a token indicating payment good for the next three days.
"Most places are going to be very busy with all the new people in town. I recommend 'Deagan's Redoubt' on Farnec and Harsten. They have good food and better booze."
The noble will thank him for the recommendation and for the ticket Thanks alot Dockmaster. Here is another 50 credits for you to make sure that the ship is taken care of flipping the credits off his thumb to the Dockmaster.
Any one coming? he asks.
Moroka nods and follows along. Someone's been keeping up on their training...
She catches up to Donavaan, tapping him on the shoulder. "As entertaining as this planet might be, a loose tongue will be worse than a bad shot. Go easy on the drinks, would you?"
Staying towards the back of the group where he can all of them, Corven sighs as Gotal does his thing. Thankfully, it succeeds and helped along by Renlo's quick wit and even quicker tongue and Donavvan's means, they get to move along without any problem.
"Gotal, Moroka," he addresses the two after a few moments, "care to join me? I am going to scout around the place a little. I could use another set of eyes or two." He then turns to the young woman. "Besides, you are a mechanic, right? We may find something of use to you and the ship, parts and such."
Yes Mother dearest. Should I take my sweater with me too? he asks sarcastically.
Gotal nods to Coven, "Will the rest of you seek a way to meet with the Senator?"
As Gotal does his Mind Trick, Renlo's eyes narrow. If I don't miss my guess, that was a Mind Trick. I'm gonna have to talk to him about that. He could get us killed if he keeps on about it.
Donavaan pays the docking fee, and they begin to head out. Once they step outside the docking bay and separate plans begin to be discussed, Renlo says, "Before we go our separate ways, let's make sure we have each other's comm codes. That way we can contact each other if something happens." Giving his code to the others, he pulls Donavaan aside.
"Listen, I don't know what the attitude is from, but listen to Moroka. You say the wrong thing to the wrong person, and we all get snatched up by the authorities. So, you take it easy on the drinks, or next time we'll leave you locked on the ship."
Turning as Gotal asked if they could find a way to meet with the Senator. "Jak and I will find a way to meet with the Senator. Keep us apprised of anything you find out while scouting."