Maya informs you it will take a few days to reach your destination of Alderaan.
"Alderaan?!? Why Alderaan? I left that dirtpatch and never expected to go back again. Do you know what they do for fun? NOTHING. That's why I left. How about we just take a cruise around the galaxy, live the life of luxury to which I can rapidly and deservedly become accustomed."
"How could you possibly have fun if no one is shooting at you or you are not shooting at anyone? Might as well just stay on Alderaan, don't they not have weapons? Colvin winks at Allerick.
"Maya, Now that we have acquired the goods and are heading to Alderaan, is there anything else we should know before we meet with the Senator?" Colvin asks stretching out in a comfortable seat with clean clothing for the first time in some time.
Maya engages you in conversation but about all you discover from her you had already learned from Switch.
The frozen agent has news that is vital to the resistance.
She assures you that you will find out more upon arrival to Alderaan.
Judging this to be a welcome change, especially when compared to his time on the station, Alistair takes advantage of the ship's various amenities. He cleans himself up and gets something to eat and drink before seeking out the necessary device to have his pistol's power pack, as well as an empty energy cell in his possession, recharged.
"Well, this has been quite interesting so far, yes? Quite a bit different than my usual travels," he says in a friendly manner. 'Some small talk is as good a way to pass the time as any I suppose,' he catches himself thinking.
A light blinks on console and Sirona pushes a lever, causing the whirling blue to be replaced by a million stars streaking back into place.
After another hour, you arrive at the beautiful blue and green world of Alderaan, and Crash responds to the planetary hails to plot a landing route towards Aldera, the capital. As your cruise over grassy fields and valleys and countless seas, you are impressed by how pristine and clean the world looks. Most settlements are quite difficult to see from the air because they are well integrated into the natural terrain.
Aldera appears to be a small city built into a beautiful mountain valley. Its tallest buildings are rounded and sweeping, mostly with gleaming metal casings. Aldera’s spaceport control tower clearing the ship to land at the Royal Palace’s landing pad. The Banshee alights on a small pad. It appears to be dawn, and the air is cool and misty.
When you disembark, you are immediately greeted by several Alderaanian honor guards is robes and steel clasps and one of Bail Organa’s servants, who introduces himself as Col. Sirona tells Crash to gather her travel kit and cargo for unloading and resupply. As you are escorted into the palace and the soaring Grand Hall, you see several labour droids glide past you towards The Banshee. One of them rotates its head towards you as it passes. You see a number of protocol droids in the halls.
Col ushers you towards a small balcony where protocol droids are placing trays of hot caf, and fruits and pastries. Col asks you to please be seated and enjoy the view as the Senator is on his way to greet you prior to his morning briefing. Only now do you begin to realize the magnitude of your discovery. To be invited into the palace of an Imperial Senator and famous diplomat like Bail Organa is something that most citizens can only dream about. The Senator’s power shapes the lives of billions.
The doors to the Grand Hall open, and in strides a middle-aged man who has a well-kept goatee and is wearing Senatorial robes. Easily recognizable as Bail Organa, he smiles and nods to the servants before joining you on the balcony. “Welcome to Alderaan,” he says. “I had hoped we might meet under more pleasant circumstances, but unfortunately the Empire makes almost everything unpleasant. Still, I am glad to see that the . . . difficulties at the spaceport above Brentaal didn’t impede you too much.”
Colvin gives an appropriate Alderaanian greeting Knowledge Bureacracy
"We did not face many difficulties at all. I would say compared to most of my similar experiences that one went pretty smoothly, we are all here and uninjured. Now that we are here I assume more will be revealed to us?"
"Glad to see you as well, honored Senator. It is good to see you well." Might as well play it safe for now. I'm pretty sure I've never seen him before now, but given how closely he dealt with the Jedi during the War, I don't want to risk anything unless I have to.
Allerick stands apart, behind the group. He nods at the Senator and scowls into the sky while muttering to himself, "Back on Dirt Clod-1. Joy."
Alistair moves to stand next to Allerick. "You look positively downcast you know," he whispers to the man.
The Senator nods at each of you in turn.
"Follow me.” he asks as he directs you into a small theater style antechamber.
“I’ve asked you to join me today because Maya, my agent, seems to think you can be trusted. Since you worked hard to help her, I believe I can put my faith in you as well. I have a task that needs to be completed, but unfortunately my status as a Senator prevents me from taking care of it myself, or even from sending someone directly associated with the Royal Family –I realize I need to be more cautious in the future.”he offers as he glances at Maya.
He activates a holo, causing a planet to appear.
“The planet Felucia was ravaged during the Clone Wars, but once the fighting was over, the Empire set up some permanent facilities on the world. This is the one that concerns me,” he says, zooming in on a dot near the equator.
“Nothing large—It used to be a communications facility. Now it’s just a small garrison where they could keep prisoners out of the way, a rendition facility. Some months ago, I was contacted by an Imperial Admiral who was disillusioned with the way the Empire had twisted the once-great Republic, and he began feeding me sensitive information. A little over a week ago, that communication stopped. My agent, who you just brought back from Brentaal, has just told me that the Admiral has been taken to Felucia, where he is being held against his will. I’d like you to learn what has become of him, and rescue him if you can.”
"This sounds like one hell of an adventure and a dangerous one at that. I am willing to do it, hell I am willing to do just about anything, if the price is right Senator". Colvin sips his hot caf and looks up at the Senator gauging his response.
Alistair moves to stand next to Allerick. "You look positively downcast you know," he whispers to the man.
"Oh, what's not to be happy about? I left this place to see the galaxy and here I am again: back on Planet Boredom. And now we're going to war ravaged planet to blow up some Imperials. Did I mention that I used to make over 75,000 credits a year? Posh suites in the Sienar Regent Towers. A maid. And now I'm here: stuck in the middle with you. No offense."
"This sounds like one hell of an adventure and a dangerous one at that. I am willing to do it, hell I am willing to do just about anything, if the price is right Senator". Colvin sips his hot caf and looks up at the Senator gauging his response.
The Senator considers it for a moment and responds, "Each of you will receive 2,000 credits up front, out of which you can secure provisions and keep the rest. If things go well, I will guarantee more work when you return. Additionally, if the Admiral has as much information as I believe he does, this could be an excellent chance to strike a blow at the Galactic Empire.”
Somewhat taken about by your initial question, he questions somewhat coldly, "Is that all you care to know?"
"Oh no I wish to know much more than that but we had to come to terms first otherwise I am sure you would not be willing to share any information with us at all. Despite the fact that our little band does not know each other all that well I believe we work well together and can accomplish your mission". Colvin states evenly.
"Who is this Admiral to you that you would risk so much to rescue him? That is my first question. I would also like to know more about you and why you feel as strongly as you do, I would imagine a man in your position has more to lose than gain with politics as they are". Colvin takes a friendly conversational tone as he begins to feel more comfortable. He begins eating the scrumptuous meal on his plate waiting for the Senator to respond.
"Oh no I wish to know much more than that but we had to come to terms first otherwise I am sure you would not be willing to share any information with us at all. Despite the fact that our little band does not know each other all that well I believe we work well together and can accomplish your mission". Colvin states evenly.
"Who is this Admiral to you that you would risk so much to rescue him? That is my first question. I would also like to know more about you and why you feel as strongly as you do, I would imagine a man in your position has more to lose than gain with politics as they are". Colvin takes a friendly conversational tone as he begins to feel more comfortable. He begins eating the scrumptuous meal on his plate waiting for the Senator to respond.
The Senator begins, "Admiral Gilder Varth is a veteran of the Clone Wars and an honorable man. He commanded one of the ships at the Battle of Coruscant and was promoted for bravery. His loyalty to the Empire seemed unwavering, but once you’ve seen what he has seen, it changes you... He was on the planet at the Ghorman massacre.”
He pauses, considering his response. "My position dictates my responsibiliity to promote peace and justice for my people. It is why I became a Senator. The Galactic Empire has indicated peace, justice, and personal freedoms are a thing of the past. I can't in good conscience allow that to happen while I can still influence the future."
"Listen, I'll do anything, go anywhere, just as long as it gets me off this planet. Alderaan and me don't go well together. Makes me all itchy." Allerick nods at the rest of the group and heads to any outside balcony, pulling out his datapad and making some modifications to his dream starship design.
"As someone who had little direct contact wth the Republic, what exactly is the issue with this Galactic Empire? There was squalor in the underbelly of Coruscant, not to mention everywhere else in the galaxy, before and it is the same now. What has changed that has driven this passion you have to resist the Empire? I mean didn't Palpatine prevent a takeover of the Republic by the Jedi?" Colvin continues eating his delicious meal as he awaits the Senator's response.
"A take-over of the Republic...," Alistair remarks without waiting for the Senator to answer, "...by the Jedi?"
"That is simply not true." He states it matter-of-factly, but in a calm and civilized way now that his initial surprise has subsided.
"Well I am certainly not making it up Alistair. It was widely reported a few months back when I was on Coruscant for something else... Anyway, it was what I heard. I wouldn't know a Jedi if one fell on me. I guess my point is from my vantage point, the Republic caused as much carnage as the Seperatists did during the Clone Wars. I just want to get a feel for why the Senator, a man with a great deal more information and access than I have or will probably ever have, got to where he is now politically speaking". Colvin sits back now looking at everyone to see if someone else has a take on these issues.
"Big guy's not lying. The Jedi tried to take over the Republic. It's why Emperor Wrinkle established the Empire, to keep undesirables from taking over. Of course, the Empire keeps trying to kill me, so maybe we just traded one set of undesirables for another," Allerick calls from the corner of the room where he's hunched over a datapad.
The Senator seems somewhat taken aback by the change in the tone of the conversation. "I can assure you that the Republic, and the Jedi order for that matter, did everything in their power to maintain order and peace throughout the galaxy. Both of them were betrayed by a sinister and evil man bent on total tyranny. The Emperor must be stopped. His malignancy has been festering and causing ill fortunes for a very long time. His vision of rule consists of subjugating and oppressing all of those who resist him."
He considers the matter and continues by showing you scene after scene of wholesale slaughter, youngling jedi murdered in cold blood, outright slavery, genocide, and more - all in the name of the Empire.
"Might makes right, or so it would seem. If normal citizens of the galaxy believe the propaganda the Empire is pedaling, then the Republic is truly dead."
He bows his head as he recalls a disturbing memory. "I will not have the blood of millions on my conscience. I will use whatever means I can to resist this empire, even it costs me my career, my holdings, or even my life."
He looks directly at Colvin and asks, "Can you say the same for your ideals? What, sir, do you believe in exactly?"
He concludes, "I need heroes, not mercenaries. If you do not believe in a purpose higher than yourself then please tell me and I will ensure you safe passage to any destination you choose. But tell me now so that my time is not wasted."
"Well now that I understand I can see why you have chosen the path you have. I can respect that and I can certainly understand now why the Empire is so hated. I am not simply in it for the credits. The credits are the means to an end for me. Both of my parents were murdered, I believe by the same group whose name I will not utter here. I will see their murders avenged, no matter what the cost. If helping you can help me than I will throw everything including my life into helping you. I have no lofty ideals like yours that I am willing to die for but I am willing to die for vengeance, I think that is enough for a simple man. Does that answer satisfy you, Senator?" Colvin sits up straight to get a read on the Senators reaction.
Kess walks away from the others as the Senator recounts the death of the Jedi younglings. Damn him! Damn the Emperor and Darth Vader to hell! Speaking in wrenched tones, Kess slowly turns back to the others: "I...had not known of this, Senator. This...this...atrocity, shall not go unpunished. You have my word." Closing her eyes, Kess slowly lets a few tears from her eyes. Quickly wiping them away, she clears her throat. "Given the mission we seem to be embarking upon, I believe it is imperative that we all are truthful with each other. To that end, I must reveal that I have not been entirely truthful with all of you. My name is not Eyva Verik." Searching each of the other members of the group, Tamara slowly begins again, "My name is Tamara Kess. And I..." Swallowing strongly, she musters on. This is it... Pulling out her 'glow rod', Kess pulls off the fake end cap, and ignites her lightsaber. As its blue glow fills the room, she says, "I am a Jedi."
Allerick slowly puts away his datapad and stretches, his right hand resting on the back of neck, near his concealed blaster. "Well, I guess that explains why you're such a lousy shot with a blaster. And a terrible liar."
"Listen, Senator Courageous, I'm perfectly happy to tweak Emperor Wrinkly's nose, but I'm no hero. I'm a guy who got a bad turn done to him and is just looking for the opportunity for payback. I don't know Jedi from stormtroopers, but if this job will tweak the nose of the guys who keep insisting on shooting at me, I'm in. And now, could you put the lasersword away? It's making me nervous. Can't stop looking at the darn thing."
"I guess that also explains why you were so hesitant to pull the trigger. See like I said I would not know a Jedi if one fell on me". Colvin grins at his own joke. "Anybody else here a Jedi raise your hand". Colvin chuckles.
"I am confused though. Why would Palpatine do this, the Jedi served the will of the Senate throughout the Clone Wars why turn on them at the end when the battle was pretty much won? The Senate still exists that has not changed. Why not just immediately attack the Jedi with the clones once he had the army built up from the very beginning. If he did not think he could beat the seperatists without the Jedi what makes him think he can control the galaxy now without them?"
"Anybody else here a Jedi raise your hand". Colvin chuckles.
Despite the seriousness of the situation and the scenes that were just shown to them by the Senator, Alistair, unable to supress a smile at Colvin's remark, does exactly as suggested and raises his hand. He does not unsheathe or ignite his own lightasaber, however; in fact he does not even rise from his seat.
"You did ask," he simply says to the tall man before turning to Tamara. "Well, you know what they say about the Force and its mysterious ways, yes?"
"What the? Did the Empire get any of you?!?"
"How did you both get away? For that matter how did the Empire get so many Jedi anyway I thought you were all superhuman. Now I also know why Alistair was able to pull that nifty move back at the Station I mean who moves like that?" Colvin pauses for a moment and looks over at the Senator, "Senator my apologies for getting off track here".
"How did you both get away? For that matter how did the Empire get so many Jedi anyway I thought you were all superhuman. Now I also know why Alistair was able to pull that nifty move back at the Station I mean who moves like that?" Colvin pauses for a moment and looks over at the Senator, "Senator my apologies for getting off track here".
The Senator considers these new events, and responds, "Based on the recent information shared here, I have to insist it not leave this room. The Jedi are still hunted."
"Why hunt them, you ask? It is rumored that the Emporer was playing both sides of the war in an effort to consolidate his power. How else could he have gained power so effortlessly? And the Jedi did serve a purpose and were removed because it is believe they were the last group with power enough to thwart his ambitions."
He addresses Alistair and Kess, "Know that you are not alone but others that have survived, do so in secrecy. I will pass along this discovery and see what resources I can allocate you in your training. That is all I can do for the moment. It is good to see you have not fallen to the dark side, as some young Jedi have. In fact, it is suspected the the Emperor is a Sith Lord and Darth Vader his apprentice. Another reason to eradicate the Jedi for they began to suspect it."
Switching off her lightsaber, Kess speaks, "I'm glad to see that levity is still possible here, but I must remind you that I am trusting you all with my life, and my secret. Obviously, I can trust that Alistair will not reveal us, given that he shares my secret. Can I trust the rest of you? I have to know." Kess anxiously looks at everyone in the room. Please, let this be true. It would be...nice, to not have to run anymore. "Well? What do you say?"
"My parents claimed, though I cannot be sure if it is true, to be assassins from the sect known as the GenoHaradan. It is unlikely you have heard of them, as most claim they were wiped out centuries ago. If the sect was to find out that I survived the assassination of my parents they would surely strike me dead as well. That is my secret, now that you know mine you can be sure I will keep yours safe as well". Colvin nods to both Alistair and Tamara.
"Senator if all you say is true, do you believe that we can truly thwart the man who has all but destroyed the Jedi Order? I would think it would take an alliance of many worlds with thousands of starships to stand up to the Empire now."
"Trust? Near as I can see, we're all criminals, lady. But seeing as you're one of the criminals on my side, you got nothing to fear from me."
"My parents claimed, though I cannot be sure if it is true, to be assassins from the sect known as the GenoHaradan. It is unlikely you have heard of them, as most claim they were wiped out centuries ago. If the sect was to find out that I survived the assassination of my parents they would surely strike me dead as well. That is my secret, now that you know mine you can be sure I will keep yours safe as well". Colvin nods to both Alistair and Tamara.
"Senator if all you say is true, do you believe that we can truly thwart the man who has all but destroyed the Jedi Order? I would think it would take an alliance of many worlds with thousands of starships to stand up to the Empire now."
Responding to Colvin, the Senator replies, "Every journey begins with a single step. This mission you are going to undertake is that single step towards exactly what you think needs to be done - an alliance of many worlds."
The door chimes and Organa opens it. Col, the Senator's valet, points to his chronometer and Organa nods. “I’m afraid my shuttle has arrived and I must go. Before I leave, I want to introduce you to a collegue of mine, Dr. Toby Tolen. He is a physician who is familiar with the type of work you are doing. In addition, I believe he will be a valuable asset on your mission. I trust him fully and I ask you to do the same." offers Senator Organa.
“In addition, I’ve arranged transport aboard a vessel owned and operated by my longtime friend, Sirona Okeefe. Hello Sirona.” He moves over to her and gives her a warm embrace.
“As you already know, Sirona knows her way around the galaxy. She’ll take good care of you."
“Thank you for your help so far, and I’ll look forward to our next meeting.” concludes the Senator. With that, he takes his leave, with Sirona and the doctor remaining here with you.
The Dr. gives a nod to Organa as he depearts, bowing his head respectfully.
Toby has red hair that is cut neatly short, but a slightly wild goatee that he obviously thinks makes him look a bit of a scoundrel. When he speaks he has a hint of High Galactic in his accent suggesting an educated man. "Thank you for your kind words, Sir. Worry not, your mission shall not fail while I draw breath and I believe in Maya's selective abilities, even among such a motley crew."
He flashes a grin around at the others with his jest as if he were just one of the crew already. "Now then, is there anything I can do to help any of you, or in the spirit of trust answer any of your questions? Otherwise, I am sure that Captain O'Keefe would prefer to be on her way and back as soon as I can grab my things."
Col escorts you to the ship and apologetically asks you to remain there to reduce your visibility on the planet. Col offers to secure whatever provisions he can for you, though heavy and military grade weapons will be problematic.
As you board The Banshee, you see a courier droid hovering near the entrance ramp, holding the crate of ale. It’s head swivels to track as you approach and its eyes flash. It unfolds an arm toward you, which is holding a message from Switch indicating his goodwill to your success.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Dr. Tolen," Alistair greets the new arrival politely.
Stone will stand, slinging his medikit over one shoulder. No reason to delay here as far as I can tell. Let's go. He'll let Captain O'Keefe either lead the way or give directions to the ship.
"I believe we should take the time to purchase those things each of us might consider useful," the Jedi comments. "I know I would like to get one of those utility belts and get rid of my shoulder pack, since it does not lend well to fighting."
"Doctor." Colvin nods as he walks by.
Upon seeing the courier droid Colvin turns to Stone. "Uh did you not check the ale?" Shaking his head and smiling Colvin asks Col, "Please retrieve for me two long range comlinks (in case we need to split up), a breath mask, a pair of binder cuffs, and a power recharger. I would ask for a thermal detonator but maybe next time. Colvin winks at Col.
Holding back tears, Kess says softly, as if to the air, "Thank you. Thank you all." Replacing the fake end cap, she puts her lightsaber back on her belt. As the group is led back to the ship, Kess reflects on her luck. But it's not luck, is it? There is no luck. Only the Force. We have been brought together for a reason.
When they arrive at the ship, Kess waves Col off. "Nothing for me at the moment. Keep an eye out for a high-powered energy cell, though. Small one. It could be useful to me later." Stepping away from the others, Kess admires the ship. "Glad to see solid craft. Always better to fly in one that runs right, isn't it?"
"There is no need to thank us Tam. We are all in this together now. Back there on that space station none of us would have gotten out without each other. We were all alone now at least we have each other".