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Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs

Interlude XXVII

As the group is gathering for lunch, the majordomo finds them in the family dining room. "I beg your pardon, milady," he says politely, holding a datapad. "We have received a message from Kuras Gavin Leottsen. They are inquiring if the family would be interested in attending a goodwill conference tomorrow in Macronainsberg."

The majordomo explains, "Normally I would ask this of your mother, but she has stepped out for a few hours. While I would not wish to rush you, Kuras Leottsen's factor noted the conference is a bit rushed itself. I have the details and the contact information for his factor if you wish it." He looks at the datapad. "I should note the Kuras' factor says you 'inspired' the plans for this conference. May I suggest asking his factor what he might mean by that before saying hai or neh?"

Freyja looks a bit surprised, then simply nods with wry amusement, "Hai, I don't think I care to get rushed into something embarrassing." She has a sip of her drink, then murmurs, "Might ask for an agenda list also."

The majordomo nods, smiling a little. "I do not blame you, milady. The factor chose to deliver the message personally. He is in the antechamber now if you wish to speak with him."

Freyja looks faintly surprised again, then simply sighs and nods, "Let me guess -- he has to have an answer right away, hai?" She looks at the table and sighs quietly again, her wry smile still there, "None appreciate the artistry of an uninterrupted meal any more, I fear."

The majordomo considers. "Considering the amount of use he is making of his datapad, I daresay he's getting as much work done in our antechamber as he would be in his home office. He did not request one right away; he merely said at your convenience. If you wish more than an hour or so to consider it, he has no qualms with returning to his office. He only... well. He said he only made the visit personally as a mark of respect." The majordomo's tone indicates that he's heard such a turn of phrase before, and how much he regards the validity of such.

Freyja thinks a bit, then says firmly, "He can wait for lunch to conclude, then. I'm getting more and more leery of this entirely hasty 'goodwill' inspiration event as it is." She smiles at the majordomo, "And thank you."

The majordomo smiles. "You're welcome, milady. And an excellent decision. His reaction towards being pushed back will say much of his character." Freyja nods politely, then continues with the relaxed lunch with her friends and paramours.

After the leisurely and enjoyable lunch, Freyja has the majordomo escort Srini Fitzhawkins, Gavin Leottsen's factor, to the day office. This is generally where the Baron receives visitors or petitioners who might fall outside of his usual formal schedule. It is a simple room, at least as Tyr Rigg originally decorated it. Now a large, tasseled, and embroidered seating cushion is set behind an ornately carved, low, rosewood desk, creating a 'barrier of office' between Baron and petitioner. Behind the desk are the decorated banners of Balmorra, Haus Rigg, and all the depending cantons and fiefdoms. Notably absent until the succession is ironed out is the heraldry of the Balmorran Haus considered "first among equals": Thullakhazan.

Srini Fitzhawkins is Southern Balmorran despite his surname, and quite attractively so. He appears quick of mind and body. His clothing is neat and tidy, of good material but simple cut, as would be found in the unsworn cities. He bows respectfully, neither too low nor too long. "Milady Freyja, thank you for seeing me on such... really very short notice."

Zero sits quietly on a cushion somewhat behind and to one side of Freyja, listening but making a point of not seeming too intent on the visitor. Freyja smiles politely and nods, gesturing him to a seat cushion. Fitzhawkins nods gratefully. "Thank you, milady. Kuras Leottsen asked me to come to you in person regarding the conference."

Freyja looks politely interested, "Indeed? Would this be the hus-bonda or the hus-bond, please? And did they mention why?"

The factor says, "Oh, forgive me. Kuras Marin Leottsen is sponsoring the event, though the hus-bond is also endorsing it and serving as Macronainsberg's representative. Essentially, milady, Kuras Marin was inspired by that call you made on your wedding day. She wished to find some way to show the unsworn cities also support the unity of Balmorra even though they aren't in the system of fiefs and cantons."

Freyja raises a curious eyebrow, and the others can feel her thoughts rippling past. While Freyja thinks it's nice the Leottsens apparently wish to appear to align themselves with the Riggs and Balmorra, it's also possible they're simply seeking a good public attempt to embarrass the Riggs and clearly show their allegiance to the disaffected rogue baronetcies. The fact this event is being thrown together so hastily makes it hard to tell what the true motivations are. It's curiously interesting though, or at least enough so that Freyja politely asks, "What agenda for the day does the honored kuras plan, honored majordomo?"

Fitzhawkins smiles, abashed, "Just 'kuras,' milady. I'm afraid I'm not really Kuras Leottsen's majordomo. It's fairly light, to be honest. The morning will have several brief speeches and a presentation of the unsworn cities, and Balmorra in general. The afternoon will be mainly discussion on possible ways to improve relations and cooperation between all parties on Balmorra -- by that I mean, how the unsworn cities can be part of what might happen. Nothing is intended to be binding -- no formal treaties or aikyias. It is meant to open up doors, and establish some sort of groundwork for cooperation."

Freyja murmurs thoughtfully, "What sort of presentation would this be, please? Also, will Jedi be made to feel uncomfortable or neh, should any care to attend?"

Fitzhawkins nods. "Kuras Leottsen feels the chapterhouse is as much a part of Balmorran culture and history as any institution, and it would be remiss in not inviting them. The presentation is being supervised by Kuras Leottsen's daughter, and she is striving to focus on the unsworn cities without it being a mere propaganda piece." He pauses. "I'm given to understand the Arving Lord has raised the bar on historical awareness."

Freyja laughs, a low, pleasant ripple of amusement, "So it would appear." Then she smiles, "Well, I will see if the Arving Lord is free tomorrow. His schedule does appear to be rather, er... complicated lately." She thinks a bit, then smiles quietly. She knows it would be a terrific coup for the Leottsens to have Riggs there, and Deirdre had been a nice friend while Freyja was younger. It seems harmless enough, and the majordomo (who is more up on current politics than she currently) didn't seem alarmed.

"Barring familial requests, I'd be happy to attend." Freyja also wonders, with gently wry self-deprecation, if she's now seen as a soft-touch on Balmorra, due to her inclination to approach issues with a Jedi's directness.

Fitzhawkins beams and nods, "Thank you, milady. We understand if you cannot. This is a very... complex time, after all that's happened."

Freyja murmurs dryly, "So it would appear." Then she smiles more courteously, adding, "Please remember me to your lieges, and I look forward to meeting them again on the morrow."

Fitzhawkins nods, standing and bowing again. "Thank you, milady. I will do that, and they look forward to meeting you."

Freyja murmurs quietly to her friends, Seemed fairly low key and sincere, don't you think? She smiles and has a droid politely show the factor out. Once he's out, the majordomo appears in the doorway. "Any instructions, milady?"

Zero glances at the window and the afternoon sun. Perhaps. Best, I think, to simply take events as they come and not to cleave to one plan too hard. Politics, like the rest of the war, are going to be fluid.

Freyja says, "Mm, if there's any more news on the event tomorrow I'd like to see it. Any more subtle indications of the political situation in the free cities would be nice, so we don't walk into anything unwitting. Barring clear evidence of a potential political ambush, I'll be attending the event tomorrow. Would you be so kind as to extend the factor's invitation to the Arving Lord Fafnir as well, with the understanding he may be already scheduled, please?"

Then she nods imperceptibly to Zero, Hai, I'd have to agree with that... too many unsettled branches to know yet what path is clearest. Zero also nods silently, contemplating the play of dust in the light.

The majordomo nods. "I'll start scouring the local Holonet immediately -- and other less... blatant... sources of news, as usual, of course. And regarding the Arving lord, I shall do so." Freyja grins cheerfully at the majordomo, raising her goblet in silent salute and thanks.

The political situation on the unsworn cities is stable -- they tend to not have much of interest beyond their survival and financial success -- since even three cities working in concert have little effect on even sector politics. Socially... they're not quite as stable. There isn't rioting, of course, but there is some simmering, mostly arising from confusion as to what might happen next and what the unsworn cities' futures might be on a world that's increasingly focused on the activities of the aristoi.

This isn't to say there's resentment of the aristoi. The cities of Macronainsberg, Mos Thazhad, and Vornith Down understand that, populous as they might be, they have a minority of the population of Balmorra. Local service industries just can't compare to companies that have contracts with scores or even hundreds or thousands of worlds.

The goodwill conference is generally seen as a good thing, since the people of the free cities want to be involved in Balmorra's future. There is some concern about how to equitably fill that role, and that's the subject of a great deal of debate. Such debate has always been there, and people were always split between those who wished the unsworn cities to be left alone, those who wanted the cities to have more influence, and the extremists, which have always been few in number.

Freyja wonders quietly if the populations on the cities are quietly shrinking as well, as people decide to trade the uncertainties of the unsworn for the security of the barons, for their families. Leif is, of course, keenly interested in the presentation, and is already making a few notes in his datapad when he turns up. Freyja's father and mother have an appointment already, however, with one of their baronets for that day, and so cannot attend.

Freyja is pleased Leif has a little bit of time to spend with her and her paramours, especially on what she hopes will be an unchallenging day. The poor man deserves a bit of time off after the constant irritating thrashing of the Council.

The event the following morning is typical of an unsworn city: a great many curious people pausing in their day to watch, Holonet and other news imagers and vid-porters, more than a few relatively discrete security guards, and quite a lot of sound. The air around the Biggs Antilles Memorial Conference Center in midtown Macronainsberg is filled with conversation, from the aristoi and kurasai who are attending the conference, to the vid-porters seeking to ask questions, to the thrum of arriving landspeeders, to people who simply stopped by to watch.

Fortunately, the worst of the attack of the vid-porters has already been staved off by the security guards, and Freyja and her group manage to enter the conference center. Leif for his part, looking a bit worn from several days' worth of working, is rested after a good night's sleep and the prospect of an enjoyable, or at least unhurried, day.

Freyja smiles, neatly and properly tucking his hand into her arm. Before they meet up with the officials she murmurs quietly, "How're you feeling?"

As the group enters the conference hall, they notice that a number of banners are being held by some of the population outside. These seem representative of the cross-section of unsworn politics: some in favor of assimilation into the feudal system, others strongly against it. There don't seem to be any banners of protest of any of the extremists, and overall, despite the varying politics, most appear to be in some kind of support of the conference.

Freyja is quietly pleased again, and her beloveds can feel gentle relief at the prospect of a calm and relatively relaxing day of officialdom. They also feel her soft grin, Lucky you -- you all can wander as you like! Let me know if there's anything interesting or decidedly tasty, and we'll see if we can wander that way too, all right?

Leif smiles quietly. "I've been fair better," he comments wryly, "but no worse than term examinations. It's merely been a great deal of work to be done. I'm glad for today, though. Thank you."

Freyja's soft laugh ripples quietly, "Ah, thank not I. It is the hus-bonda of Leottsen who's apparently arranging this nice little soiree." She grins wryly, adding, "Hai, lots to be done. We must talk later, if you will, to see if there is aught I may do to aid." Her last murmur is very quiet and very dry, "Jedi or neh."

Notably in attendance are some family members of House Thullakhazan, though they are all dressed rather plainly. None appear to be in any sort of aristoi finery. They try quite hard to remain in the background. The Mandalorian who previously guarded the Count is not present. In fact, no Mandalorians are present at all, though Zero believes he can spot some slightly tougher-than-usual security guards in the employ of the conference center and city Public Safety department.

Zero is for his part not looking forward particularly to being official in any capacity; but philosophically he takes this as simply a necessity to be handled, one more simple task to be dealt with. He scans the crowd with his eyes, curious about the security makeup. Interesting.

Freyja notices the members of Haus Thullakhazan with some interest, and whispers softly to Leif, so he notices them also. Not dressing as is their hereditary due?! Fascinating. Could this be only liege folk of the Haus? She doesn't see any of the immediate family present.

She looks around with quietly happy, bright-eyed interest, noticing also several liege folk to other barons. She murmurs cheerfully to Leif, "Looks like a good turn out today. Look... there are a lot of Hausen represented by their liege folk today." She grins, adding a bit mischievously, "Bet we -- or at least you -- will be quite popular today!"

Zero hms. Nothing particularly unordinary, although a bit more security than seems necessary. Of course, when one is harboring-- or suspected by the common people of harboring-- a traitor in one's house... one tends to be cautious.

From down the hall can be heard snippets of conversation, "-I'm sorry, neh, I can't comment." "But Kuras Leottsen-" "Please address all your questions to the Macronainsberg mayoral office." From around the corner the group sees Deirdre Leottsen with a frehkee of a vidporter all but nipping at her heels. Looking exasperated, her gaze falls on the group, and she is in turn surprised, then pleased. "Oh! Hello, Arving Lady and Lord. I'm glad you could make it today."

Freyja smiles graciously and nods, and Vakkal can feel her gently amused thought -- he's welcome to shoulder off the vidporter, if he wishes. Vakkal obliges, looking to Freyja, then to the vidporter, and smi-i-i-i-ling. The vidporter "eep!"s and scurries off somewhere, blurting an apology.

Freyja grins in slightly mischievous conspiracy at Deirdre, now it's just them there, "Heiyo and well met, kuras Deirdre, how's it going? Can we help?" Then she adds, "Oh, wait, where are my manners. Let's see, you've met my paramours, but have you been introduced to Arving Lord Fafnir?"

Leif bows politely, Deirdre flushing a bit and matching the gesture. "Neh, I'm afraid I have not, milady. I know the Arving Lord only by his reputation." She smiles quietly to the others as well. "And a pleasure to meet you again, honored kurasai. I am very glad you could come as well." Zero gives a brief, shallow bow.

Freyja raises a gently teasing eyebrow at Leif while the kuras is bowing -- reputation, eh? -then covers her grin and smoothly murmurs, "Arving Lord Fafnir, may I introduce the honorable kuras Deirdre Leottsen, a childhood friend? Deirdre, this is my hus-bond, the honorable Arving Lord Fafnir Odann Rigg, baron-consort Jotunsen."

The two exchange polite greetings. Deirdre is generally as quiet as she was before though her body language is a little more forward, doubtless from the spotlight she's been thrust into in the preparations for the presentation. "I hope the presentation is to your approval, Arving Lord," she adds. "I attempted to make it appropriate and objective to the proceedings."

Freyja smiles, "We're looking forward to seeing it." She adds with a smile to Leif, "And I'm hoping to get quick updates on any historical notes." The crowds continue to move and shift, flowing with the traffic, when an opening door to the outside brings some shouting to their ears.

Freyja tilts her head slightly, absently brushing back a fiery gold curl of hair. Her beloveds can 'feel' her realization: Deirdre is currently mildly stressed. The woman must have put this together fairly quickly, through a few sleepless nights and a lot of messages sent to the sector university. The shouting appears to be an argument outside the conference center, although it's hard to make out due to the odd echoing effect in the building. Freyja murmurs, Any of you want to see what that is?

Zero nods. I'll go.

Freyja smiles, Thanks, sweetheart.

Of course, love. And then he's gone, just like that.

Deirdre seems a little confused at Zero's sudden, almost literal disappearance. "I... is something wrong?" She seems somewhat uneasy, frowning a little.

Freyja smiles, "Neh, of course not." She politely adds, "So, kuras Deirdre -- is there anything we can do?"

Deirdre seems distracted and confused for a moment before saying, "Oh! Neh, nothing at all, Arving Lady, thank you. All the preparations are complete -- I was merely dodging one last vidporter before the event..."

Freyja grins, "Well, then I'm glad we helped you avoid him. Would you like to have someone show us where you'd like us?"

Deirdre ducks her head quickly. "Hai, of course. Jharruk," she says to a nearby Trandoshan, "please escort the Arving Lady Rigg and her party to their seats?" The Trandoshan nods. "Oh, aye, of course. This way, please."

Zero finds his way towards the front of the center, and discovers the source of the shouting: a few new groups have shown up, and while still not extremists they tend to be somewhat more... zealous in their beliefs. An argument has broken out. For the time being it seems like nothing more than spirited and quite passionate debate... for the time being.

Zero remains silent in the mill of the crowd. Spirited debate is acceptable. Greater escalation may not be; he will wait and see. He murmurs to the others, A group of spirited rabble, that's all. If anything should happen I will signal security.

Freyja nods quietly, Good, and thank you. Call if you want Fhazil as backup, all right?

Zero replies, I will, dear. Just enjoy the event; we will handle this.

Freyja smiles, "A pleasure seeing you again, kuras Deirdre," before she and her party follow the Trandoshan. She grins mentally, her tone wry, You're a saint. Thanks, Zeriza.

A sword saint, perhaps. I'm not qualified to be any other kind.

Freyja laughs internally, Surely that's one of the nicest kinds?

Zero murmurs, That depends on how you feel about swords, I suppose. Freyja grins.

Zero folds his hands into his robes, leaning against the wall in the shade of an oversized decorative cornice. He listens silently to the argument, primarily for signs of escalation, but picks up a few salient points. Apparently there is disagreement in how the unaligned cities ought to be best represented in planetary policy.

Freyja listens in silent interest to Zero's dry assessment of the passionate argument outside, then wonders idly why the three factions -- the unsworn who want to be taken into the feudal system, those who want to maintain unsworn status, and those arguing for increased representation of the free cities in planetary affairs -- are squabbling here and now. You'd think they'd want to impress the aristoi, even if for wildly differing reasons -- not show how undisciplined and rowdy they are.

Zero can't make any real judgments; he doesn't understand the culture well enough. Stress, perhaps. War strains a people.

Freyja doesn't know, and shakes her head slightly, I couldn't tell you either, sweetheart. It's odd, though. We seem to be the only actual aristoi present. Everyone else is liege folk, as far as I can tell. I hope that's not a bad sign.

Interesting.

Freyja adds a bit worriedly, I hope the Leottsens have good enough security to protect them too, if there's any trouble. Deirdre was a friend when I was a little girl and had very few.

The Leottsens have me, is the reply.

Freyja smiles, quietly reassured, Thank you, sweetheart.

Zero calmly murmurs, Of course. Nothing will happen while we are here. Freyja smiles again, a gentle rush of warmth and affection from her washing over her beloveds.

As the group enters the presentation hall, it appears to be quite egalitarian in formation. A semicircular array of thick, comfortable cushions and low, decorative tables face a podium in the center, with a holostage behind it. Many of the more powerful Hausen of Balmorra are represented here, along with several from the unsworn cities. The room is neither dim nor bright, done in the slate and stone colors favored by Macronainsberg. The mayor of Macronainsberg, as the host of the conference, is already calling the conference to order.

Outside, the three parties appear to realize they're getting more than a hairy eyeball from the conference center security, and they've toned their voices down some. They are still being quite vociferous and gesturing, however. Thus it is a dramatic turn when, amidst the accusations of "Aristo-lover!" and "Dirty democrat!" that the shout of "Blaster!" is also heard.

Zero is already off the wall and moving. Freyja murmurs softly, Fhaz- then stops with a smile as she realizes he's already on his way, in case Zero needs a hand. Her demeanor remains calm and relaxed, however. Hopefully the small scuffle will be handled easily and smoothly by Zero.

Meanwhile, within the conference center no such shouts can be heard, and the mayor is making introductions. The Hausen are introduced first, from highest to lowest, as a proper sign of respect. Unsurprisingly, it is the Arving lords Rigg/barons Jotunsen who are first announced.

Outside, Zero is making his way quickly through the mass of protesters, most of whom are simply confused. Up ahead he thinks he can see the blaster or a blaster-like object in the hands of one of the protesters, though the person's face is not easily seen. As Zero gets closer and the protester turns towards him, looking surprised, the object in his hands and pointing in Zero's general direction is indeed a small blaster pistol.

Zero hits the sapient with a simple telepathic directive, knowing he won't recognize it right away and hoping he'll mistake it for his own conscience -- or, more realistically, hesitate about it for the necessary split second for Zero to neutralize him. Zero can't seem to get through to him, though -- too much emotion resonating through the crowd. The message is utterly lost in transmission. Oh well, thinks Zero, there's always the old fashioned way.

Meanwhile the crowd has started to pay heed to the shouts, and is no longer confused -- that is, no longer in the stand-around-looking-confused mode, but rather in the stampede-in-panic mode. This makes it difficult for the security guards to muscle their way through the morass of people. The protester sees Zero coming straight for him, and backs up a few quick steps. Zero says, clearly and powerfully enough to be heard over the crowd despite his calm delivery, "Drop that NOW."

so startled is the protester that he hesitates only a moment, looking at it, before almost pushing it out of his hands. The blaster flies away from him to hit the ground, and there is the sudden, sharp report of a blaster shot. Freyja winces mentally as the blaster goes off, hearing it through Zero and Fhazil, but carefully shows no worry, so as to not worry others who might have heard it. She whispers quietly to Leif, "Don't worry, Zero and Fhazil are on it."

The mayor, for her part, is continuing as if she hadn't heard anything, which she probably hasn't. Leif looks worriedly to Freyja, and nods. Freyja smiles at Leif, her golden face absolutely calm and confident... then looks attentively back at the speaking mayor.

Zero tchs. Damn -- A decoy. Fhazil, there is a hostile in the crowd; I have lost contact.

Fhazil is roaming about the periphery of the crowd. Hells. I know, one of the security guards just went down. Can't see a damn thing through all these people...!

Freyja sighs quietly, internally, Help the security guard, Fhazil. Zero is handling the patsy. Do you need Vakkal too? She whispers quietly into her bracelet so all the Rigg security are alerted.

Zero tucks and rolls, snatching the blaster off the cobbles as he passes, and then circles back. Stay alert, watch for movement counter to the mob -- it's like the tide. And signal Security; close the exits. If they are smart, they will dispose of their weapon and pretend to be another panicked fleeing guest. Just stay alert.

A few moments later there's a bit of the startled shock of realization leaking over the telepathic link. Then Fhazil says amusedly, Damn nerfherder almost ran right into me! Saw him trying to lose another blaster. I'm after him; he's on foot heading uptown.

Freyja nods, All right, Vakkal can help the security guard while you and Zero get the hostile.

Zero ahs. In the open, then. Stay close for a few moments, Fhazil... I will catch up soon. He takes a deep breath, and releases it, feeling himself fill with the endless potential of the Force, a coil of incredible energy building in him. Freyja relaxes. A normal trying to outrun a Force user will be a joke; she expects it to take only seconds for the encounter to be concluded.

Vakkal has already slipped out and is tending to the security guard. The crow is still a roiling boil of shouts and screams. From within the chamber Freyja can see one of the guards enter discreetly, to talk to Deirdre. The young Leottsen's expression goes from confusion to horror in seconds.

Freyja quietly flags a passing page to send a simple message to Deirdre before she panics, The Jedi are on it. She watches quietly, and should Deirdre glance her way, she smiles with reassuring warmth -- like one friend to another. Deirdre glances at her pad, then looks up to Freyja for a few moments. A moment later she nods, looking worried and relieved, and murmurs quietly back to the security guard.

Freyja is silently pleased Deirdre chooses to trust her -- she'd hoped the kuras would remember her well. To her beloveds she murmurs, I just informed the local security you were on it. Vakkal, can you do a quick walk-around before coming back in, to be sure we don't have any further mishaps, please? She's careful to keep her mental tone low and quiet, so she doesn't disturb Fhazil and Zero, who are still busy.

Vakkal relies, Yes, of course, Freyja. I'll make sure all's in order here. Fhazil for his part is grimacing. He's not fast, but he can probably outlast me. Zero, you on your way?

Freyja murmurs quietly, Thanks to all of you, lovers. I wish I could help... but I'll just hold things down here for now.

Vakkal sends, The people in there aren't panicking, are they? That is more than enough right now. If they panic then there's a lot of trouble on our hands.

Freyja gently strokes her fingers over Leif's hand, whispering softly, "Don't worry, Leif, truly. Smile. Everything is fine." To Vakkal she chuckles quietly, Neh, of course they're not panicking. The folks they're looking to are Deirdre, and Leif and I... and we're quite composed.

Zero releases his breath, and the spiral of potential in him snaps -- and then he's gone. The world seems to dilate around him as his senses shift to accommodate the sudden change in tempo, distances stretching and distorting as he pelts through a crowd that seems to be still. There is a sound near Fhazil, something like the brush of a soft-soled shoe on the pavement, but nothing more. He's mine.

Fhazil waves acknowledgement to Zero as the shorter man flashes by, then slows to a walk, both to catch his breath and to better serve as backup. He's all yours, Brother.

The person in front of Zero is near-Human, but with plumage upon his head instead of hair, and his slightly bony lower face is suggestive of a beak. He's running hell-bent as fast as his oddly-jointed legs can take him, not even looking back.

Zero makes a note and adjusts accordingly. He blasts down the pavement, then pushes off. A shadow passes between the near-Human and the sun for a fraction of a moment. This is enough time for the fleeing attacker to see for just a split-second, still as if not moving at all, the sight of a Jedi in blue robes descending on him, both legs outstretched and one pivoting directly toward his back. His expression, the attacker will later recall, is perfectly serene and almost -- almost -- faintly smiling, as if he were about to say hello.

The hostile's eyes widen as he sees the incoming shadow, flipping around and staggering as he turns. Zero pivots in midair, nearly perpendicular to the ground now, and with his outstretched legs hooks one behind the attacker's head and the other in front of his reverse-joint knees. Using his own momentum and with his arms as a counter, he flips the attacker head over heels, sending him sprawling down the pavement. The little Jedi lands on his feet, skidding to a halt with a hissing noise of soft soles on pavement, his back to the enemy and his overcloak billowing out around him.

The attacker goes down quite hard, making a heavy Ooof! sound. But other than getting the wind knocked out of him, he appears to still be alive.

This is as Zero intended. By the time the suspect gets to his feet, Zero is approaching unhurriedly, one hand behind his back. His cloak plays around his ankles, and the other tosses his braid around his neck. He is not smiling now -- just the opposite. "You will not move. There are things I want to ask you."

Freyja sighs in quiet relief, passing on the information to the others that Zero has apprehended the hostile. Then she smiles, gently closing her hand around Leif's as she whispers the news to him. She appreciates his willingness to keep her up-to-date on interesting historical facts during the upcoming presentation -- maybe this way she can thank him. Within the conference hall, Leif seems quietly surprised at Freyja's touches, but they do help in staying calm and relaxed, despite the apparent turmoil just barely audible outside.

The attacker groans, trying to pull himself together and up into a kneeling position. "Want... my lawyer... nrrgh... first...."

Zero says, "I'm afraid this is not Coruscant, and I am not the police."

The attacker is having trouble standing, so he doesn't even quite try. "If aren't the police... can't question me, then.

Zero stops just outside of the attacker's arm's reach and opens his cloak to display the hilt of his lightsaber. "Can't I? You have committed a serious crime on Balmorran soil, and moreover endangered many, many lives by the consequences of your assault -- to say nothing of the life you intended to take, and the one you attempted to ruin by planting a weapon on him. You are subject to aristoi justice already -- I do not think you want to make this matter official with the Jedi. But if you want to do it that way, I will be only too happy to accommodate you."

The attacker's eyes go to the lightsaber, and he groans softly as he listens to Zero's words. "Stang," he grumbles quietly.

Yes," sighs Zero, "I get that a lot."

Freyja giggles quietly, mentally, at Zero's resigned sigh to the perpetrator. The person apparently chooses to not make a bad situation worse for himself, and makes no reply to Zero's comment. Freyja whispers to Zero, Do you want some Rigg security to come and quietly pick him up, or more time alone with him, or for us to link up so you can borrow some particular skill or talent... anything we can do to help?

Zero replies, Tell Security to come, but take their time. I have this in hand. See that nobody is hurt or trampled by the mob first.

Freyja nods, They're on their way, sweetheart. She picks up landmarks from him, makes sure Fhazil is quietly and discreetly nearby to help should the perpetrator have friends hidden anywhere, and then whispers directions into her bracelet for some of the Rigg security in her party to head that way and pick the guy up. She adds cheerfully, Neh mob left, beloved -- the Macronainsberg security took care of that!

Vakkal provides, Security has managed to calm the crowd, though most of them seem to have simply bolted for other parts of the city. Medics are tending to the down security officer.

Freyja smiles warmly at Vakkal as he slides smoothly back into place behind Leif and she, Thank you, pretty wolf! Then she turns back to continue watching the presentation. Should Leif give her an inquiring look she smiles a bit impishly, her eyes sparkling, and simply whispers to him, "All taken care of!"

Leif looks quietly relieved. As Freyja says that, the last of the introductions are made. Freyja smiles, gently running her fingers along the back of Leif's hand again. It's a simple, soothing massage technique, but she thinks he deserves it for helping out by trusting them so implicitly.

Ah, very good. "Now," Zero says, dusting off his sleeve, "Let us talk about why you chose to come here and do this thing, and whom you intended to do it to."

The attacker looks like he's seriously considering how or if to answer. Or maybe he's just stalling... or trying to not answer. Zero says, "I suggest that you not attempt to dissemble with me. If I so choose, I can take the truth from you at any time. I am giving you this opportunity to give it freely."

Fhazil stays back a little bit, letting Zero maintain the entirety if the attacker's attention. The attacker fidgets somewhat. A lot 'somewhat.' "I... I want to speak to legal counsel," he says a bit lamely.

Zero sighs faintly. "Perhaps I should make a few more things clear. There is no legal counsel for you here. You are entirely at the mercy of the local lord, whose relatives you ostensibly just attempted to blast a hole in. If you continue stalling I shall have nothing left to say to you, and then the security will arrive -- security who may have just lost a comrade due to your actions. I will leave you then. Alone. With them."

Zero says, "I am the only person in this city at this moment who has any desire not to see you subjected to swift and summary justice. It would behoove you to cooperate with me, lest I have to come visit you in the hospital. And I will not be so gentle then as I have been now."

The attacker's shoulders slump a little. "All right... all right. Bastards din't tell me 'bout that... I'm from Commenor. I was hired to do this."

Zero says, "To whom? And by whom?"

The bird man's words are almost mechanical now. "All I was told was that I was to implicate the pro-feudal faction in bringing a blaster to a peaceful rally. When this event came up I took the chance."

Zero says, "You are blocking."

"I be sayin' the frellin' truth. You think I was going to ask too many questions?"

Zero says, "I think you are not answering enough of them. I will ask you one more time -- tell me by whom and where and when you were hired. And if I am not satisfied you are forthcoming, we will move on to more aggressive questioning with the Balmorrans."

The bird man closes his eyes. "I was hired on Commenor by a fixer there -- Human, new guy, name of Tsaokai Feng, said he worked for some group -- Yaofeng Tong or something. Said he had a job for me here on Balmorra. Gave me the details, said it was for the anti-feudalists of Macronainsberg. That's all."

Zero says, "Very good. Now we are getting somewhere. Can you stand?"

The attacker nods shakily. "Y-yeah... I can stand."

Zero says, "Then come with me. I will keep the security from getting any... unsupervised time with you."

The bird man nods and stands, still shakily and favoring the leg that didn't get forcibly folded up under him. Meanwhile Fhazil lets the others know Zero has the attacker in custody. Freyja smiles quietly, looking pleased as Rigg security discreetly lets her know the perpetrator is in custody. Hopefully the rest of the day's events will be calm and relaxing.

Zero stays true to his word, remaining nearby while the aristoi security machine gets smoothly into gear. He's just making certain nothing ill comes of the prisoner. Meanwhile he relays what he's learned, makes a note to access the Holonet later... and to raise a question with his father when he has the chance.

The rest of the incident goes relatively smoothly, and Macronainsberg Public Safety begin to re-establish themselves. During a short break before the historical presentation, one of the Macronainsberg PS guard officers approaches Freyja, bowing formally. "Milady Rigg, may I speak with you for a moment, please?"

Freyja smiles graciously and nods. The guard officer returns the smile. "Caiptean Dev Murrough, Macronainsberg Public Safety." His accent is subtly Northern Balmorra. "I'm givin' tae understand that yeer paramour Zero Satau helped to apprehend th' person suspected o' causin' the ruckus this morn."

Freyja gives the constable a faintly inquiring look, "Really? What happened?"

He straightens formally. "I'm given tae also unnerstand thot yeer staff were instrumental in stoppin' th' trooble we had t'day ootside as well. I wanted to thank ye gratefully f'r their timely assistance -- p'tic'larly fer havin' 'em check up on our downed officer. I also wanted tae apologize f'r letting somethin' like this happen, tae threaten yerselves and t' other guests here. We were nae prepared f' something o' this type, and thot were a mistake on our part."

"If there's anythin' we c'n do in helpin' yeer Haus security follow up on anything they might learn from the person they have in custody, please ha' them speak directly tae me, and I'll see 'tis expedited. Now we know there's a problem, we'd like tae make sure there are nae more of these sorts aboot, an' any information ye could share with us would be greatly appreciated."

Freyja smiles quietly, her eyes warm in her calm golden face, "Captain Murrough, I'm sure we'd be happy to help however we could, although it looks like you have things well in hand now. Is there anything you currently need which we might be able to assist with?"

He shakes his head. "Nary a thing a'kin, milady. Mainly I wanted tae be thankin' ye f'r the 'elp ye and yer forces pr'vided t'day, and moreso tae apoloogize f'r th' incident. We'll be 'appy tae proovide any sort o' assistance following up on anythin' ye may find oot from th' person in ye custody. I've been ask'd by th' barrantagh o' th' Public Safety office tae provide ye an' ye forces wi' wha'e'er assistance ye might be needin'."

Freyja considers a moment. She knows barrantagh is an archaic word meaning the Macronainsberg head constable, and they're being very nice. Magnussen's mother was from Macronainsberg, so he'll probably be the best to talk to them, since even though he's Rigg through and through to the roots of his hair, he'll understand their point of view and how to handle them nicely.

Freyja gently brushes back a fiery-gold curl and smiles again at the constable, "It does seem things are being handled quite nicely by your forces, Captain, but perhaps you could let Haus Rigg Head Huskarl Magnussen know of your very kind offer? He'd be best positioned to let you know anything we discover, after all?" And the most discreet, if necessary. She adds with another smile, "If you'd like, I'll let him know to expect your call?"

The captain seems to relax a little. "Thank ye, milady. I'd be grateful f' thot. I'll be tryin' tae contact 'im this afternoon as soon as we straighten ourselves up 'ere."

Freyja says graciously, "I'd be happy to." A moment later, noticing another presentation is about to start, she politely inquires, "If there's anything else you need...?"

"Oh! Nae, milady. I willnae be 'oldin ye up any loonger. Thank ye f' yeer time." He bows and formally takes his leave of Freyja.

Freyja continues to casually sip tea with Leif while waiting for the next presentation, quietly bringing up her wrist to murmur the information to Magnussen. Once that message is delivered, she grins cheerfully at Leif, "So, having some nice, relaxing fun today?"

Leif smiles quietly, "Well, aside from the events this morning -- neh, I can't say that. I hardly noticed what was going on. So, hai, I am, very much so."

Freyja looks pleased, gently squeezing his hand where it rests on her arm, "Excellent! I was hoping you'd be able to relax and enjoy yourself a bit with us!" She happily adds, "And I'm going to guess that'll be all the excitement for the day, so the rest of it should be just a nice time. I hope Deirdre is pleased!"

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Last modified: 2002-Jul-16 16:14:54

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