These Shattered Stars -- Logs

The Sith fleet hasn't arrived by late morning, which is when the triat members finally start to wake up. Vakkal, who wasn't tired out by last night's exploration, has been up for a bit. As soon as the others are all awake he tells them, "Master Sarn would like to see us, as would Lord Ghang. Lord Ghang's message specifically says we should attend to Jedi business first. I suspect he knows Sarn will want to talk to us."

Freyja sighs in quiet amusement, "Neh rest for the wicked, they say. Wish I'd had more fun being wicked first though, you know?" She grins, lightly trailing her fingers along Zero's side in a gentle caress, then sighing again and sliding lithely out of bed. "All right, all right, we're getting ready! You can tell him we'll be there soon, please, hai, Vakkal?"

Vakkal does, and before long the four of them are visiting with Master Sarn, who is as usual sitting at a conference table with papers on it. Watcher Manishsha is there as well. Both senior Jedi greet the new arrivals and Manishsha says, "Have you eaten? I hope not. If not, we can gang up on this old fool and make him stop long enough to do so."

Freyja giggles, then grins, "Oooh, ganging up -- sure, we're game!" She laughs, then smiles at Master Sarn, "So, while the Watcher is ordering food, what can we do for you? Have you and Sith lord Ghang decided what would work best to repair the Malice yet?"

Sarn, who does look tired, says, "But..." and then sees the look of bright enthusiasm on Freyja's face. He says, "Okay. I won't play immovable object to your unstoppable force. Food it is."

Fhazil chuckles quietly, then says, "Wise choice, sir."

Freyja grins again, "Hey, we only do the unstoppable force because we actually sleep sometimes, Master!"

Zero says, "She has a point."

Freyja cheerfully adds, "Several, in fact!" as she settles comfortably cross-legged in a chair.

Sarn mutters, "I'll have plenty of time to sleep once we're under way." He then sighs and says, "Yes, Lord Ghang has reached a decision. The Malice is going to Dantooine. With its warp drives damaged, that's likely to take as long as two months, as it can only go quarter speed."

Zero nods, folding his hands on the table. Freyja nods interestedly. "All right. I take it we're all going along -- both of you, all of us, and the Vice Chancellor?"

Sarn comments, "All the reasons we came up with, and more from his own staff, and Lord Ghang still wanted to go to Balmorra. Only when I thought to ask him how he'd pay for the repairs, and he realized he didn't have enough of the correct currency, did he relent. I don't quite understand his drive to see Balmorra, but something about it has intrigued him. I suspect he'll want to go there later."

Zero smiles lopsidedly. "Indeed."

Freyja smiles, although it's not a happy one, "I wonder what that reason is. I take it you didn't ask him?" Then she grins, "Did you ask him if he wanted to barter? I know of at least two things he could very easily pay for repairs with... although I don't know if he'd want to pay that price." She blinks, then curiously adds, "What were the reasons from his staff to not go?" It's then she realizes she's blurting out questions faster than the tired Jedi Master can answer. She looks apologetic and hushes.

Master Sarn says, "I asked once why he was so interested, but he did not want to be drawn out and I did not want to press that. Instead I wanted to press not going there at all." He shakes his head and says, "And I'm getting sidetracked. You have made a statement there which is not correct. I am going on the Malice with the Vice Chancellor. The four of you are not. Watcher Manishsha will be trying to bring Senator Kalatis in for questioning regarding his involvement in a number of things. We hope we can count on you to help with this."

Freyja looks a bit puzzled, "Er... why would you not count on us to help with that? We've already said we'd be happy to. Also, has Khoud's transportation safely back to Coruscant been satisfactorily arranged?"

Sarn adds, "Lord Ghang's staff was concerned about the risk of staying that long a target in Republic space, and about the things which Republic science might learn from the Malice. They were also concerned about some political aspects regarding his position in the Moot, if I understand correctly."

Zero says, "Nothing is ever simple, I suppose."

Watcher Manishsha speaks up, "That's his sleep-addled way of asking if you'd help with that. The silly old goat is unwilling to give orders to another Master's students, so is being more obtuse than usual. You've already said you'll help, and I'm pleased to have such excellent people to work with." The Watcher also adds, "And, yes, Khoud's transport to Coruscant has been arranged and will be moving as soon as the Sith fleet has completed their action."

Zero nods, "Of course, Watcher. Consider us..." he smiles, "volunteers, then."

Freyja nods at Zero's comment and says pragmatically, "I expect the engineers would indeed be quite interested in learning as much as they possibly could." She blinks and looks a touch shocked at the Kushiban's assessment of Jedi Master Sarn, but then decides they must just be very old, good friends. She smiles at the Kushiban, "Thank you." To the Human Master she curiously asks, "I take it there was neh mention of barter, then? If so, I certainly shan't mention it when we meet with Sith lord Ghang later today."

Master Sarn says, "No, we never got that far in the discussion. The issue of payment was apparently one thing too many to try and solve all at once, so Lord Ghang agreed to take the safer course and go to Dantooine."

Freyja looks relieved. "Excellent. Neh need to have all of us on Balmorra, full of innocents -- where we'd doubtless be absolutely irresistible bait for the Shadow Devil."

Master Sarn says, "Yes. I think Dantooine is the right choice, even if it means the Vice Chancellor and I being incommunicado for so long, and very much out of reach. That has its own advantages."

Freyja cheerfully adds, "Dantooine should be quite interesting, if Sith lords Methel-ssa and Khon Shu Fan, Jedi Colburth, the Sith lords' journeyfolk, and the Templar manuses are still running around there!"

Zero says, "Interesting in the Sedraki sense..."

Freyja giggles, "Well, hai... but isn't that what we thrive on?"

Zero says, "Fortunately for us."

Watcher Manishsha says, "The Sith fleet is expected any time now. Once they've arrived they will collect their staff, recharge their hyperdrives, and disembark again with all speed. It may be as little as twelve hours in-system. Once they have left, normal traffic can resume and we can go off on our own."

Freyja grins and leans to gently hug Zero, and lightly rest her cheek against his. Zero smiles and gently runs his fingers along Freyja's hair. She says, "Sounds good to me. As far as I know, the Eclipse is ready when Watcher Manishsha's ready to go, as well." She glances at Zero inquiringly, "Hai?"

Master Sarn says, "Yes, that... Templar manuses? What would there be manuses on Dantooine for?" Manishsha also looks surprised, and says, "That's only a rumor, isn't it?"

Zero nods. "Absolutely. We can leave at any moment."

Freyja shakes her head gravely at the other two Jedi, "Unfortunately it is emphatically not a rumor. It is fact." She glances at Fhazil, to see if he'd like to tell his story.

Fhazil says, "No, Masters. I have seen it myself from a good distance off last time I was there. It was terrifying to watch, and devastating to the forces on the ground. Once we saw it in our monoculars, we fled as fast as our landspeeders would go. That's the only reason I'm still here to tell you about it."

Freyja thoughtfully muses, "I wonder if other Sith lords ever visit Dantooine. That could be excellent preparation for us, for Ziost -- if, that is, we end up still having to go there later."

Manishsha's face darkens, his whiskers twitching irritatedly, "Oh, that's very bad." Master Sarn says, "Indeed. If they're fool enough to let me see them at it, then they will have a real mess on their hands. While it would be all too easy for them to say, 'Oh, they're just making excuses for losing,' or any of a dozen other dodges, they won't be able to deny what a Jedi Master has seen." Looking grim, he adds, "I don't know whether to hope I see them at it or not."

Manishsha says, "This is a flagrant violation of their oath! The Templars risk all they have stood for with this foolishness. They really think no Jedi will know what this is?"

Zero says, "Perhaps they don't care. Fanaticism distorts reason with predictable ease."

Manishsha mutters, "Don't care! But... rrrf," and settles for glaring angrily at a chair. Master Sarn says, "I wish I could say no Jedi would ever fall that way, Padawan Zero, but I know better."

Zero folds his hands under his chin. "Anyone may change, Master Sarn. That is one thing with which I have great experience."

Fhazil says, "Well, Khon Shu Fan may come, as it is his world, and Methel-ssa will definitely be there. I don't know how many other Lords would come to so far away an outpost, particularly with it being under guerilla attack. It might give a little practice for Ziost, though."

Vakkal adds, "If we are able to bring Kalatis in, then I suspect they'll want to see us on Ziost." Fhazil nods.

Freyja says calmly, "Dantooine may be a war prize presented to the Sith lord Khon Shu Fan, but it is not his. It is a Republic world." She smiles quietly and with some sympathy at the upset Jedi. She very much understands their irritation -- she's been there herself.

Sarn says, "I have much to do... I very much want to speak to Master Roakkana about something personal before I spend two months aboard a Sith battleship. If you have anything that needs my attention, now is the moment. Otherwise I will speak to you on Dantooine, and leave you in Manishsha's capable paws."

Freyja looks curiously at Vakkal and Fhazil, "So if Kalatis is also send to Coruscant for trial -- the Dark lord will without a doubt wish to see us? Why is that, if I may ask?"

Zero nods, "Force be with you, Master Sarn. Until then."

Fhazil shrugs and says, "I don't know." Vakkal says, "I think he likes to meet interesting people who have done interesting things, so he can better judge them and determine if he should work with or against them."

Freyja smiles at the Jedi Master, "Hai, my question is: will Watcher Manishsha be sufficient to ensure you eat and rest a suitable amount, or should we stay and help him?" She nods a bit grimly to the two Darksiders, then adds to Master Sarn, "And more to the point -- what authority have we on Garqi? Can we simply walk in and demand his surrender? If he resists may we capture him? To whom should we turn him over? 'He' being Kalatis, of course."

Sarn laughs, then says, "I will eat, and sleep! I promise!" A knock at the door announces the arrival of the breakfast that was ordered. Sarn says, "I'll eat right now, see? And one little HoloNet call, and I'll sleep." Manishsha eyes him suspiciously. Freyja grins cheerfully at the two Jedi. It's been a very little while she's known them, but she finds herself rather liking them both.

Zero says, "So long as it is a Republic world we still have authority as Jedi... or rather you and I do, Freyja. And keep in mind that I and others know enough to incriminate the Senator very, very heavily for a wide and deep spectrum of interesting activities. 'Probable cause' is a mere understatement. Keeping in mind of course that demanding his surrender will likely do little more than incite an armed response... I suspect the Senator is feeling rather cornered at this moment."

Manishsha says, "That I am better prepared to answer, Padawan Freyja. I have been arguing this via HoloNet, and we do have authority to bring him in for questioning as long as we are not putting civilians at risk. He is not worth risking uninvolved masses. The Jedi Council has been pushing on the Senate, and has gotten permission to act on their behalf for this issue." Sarn makes sure food is distributed to the others, before he settles in to eat, listening to the others plan.

Freyja grins at Zero with a rueful nod, then looks relieved at Manishsha's comment, "Ah, excellent, I'm glad to hear that. All right, that works! And who should we turn him over to? Is there a local Jedi monastery there?" She consumes a tasty little sandwich in about 3 big bites, then sighs contentedly and settles back with her hot tea to listen.

Manishsha says, "That isn't ironed out yet. There is no Jedi monastery on Garqi, and the Republic is being prickly about it. I'm trying to get them to have a transport ready at one of the larger worlds for us to take him to, if we can't get one on Garqi itself. Those balls are still in motion."

Freyja blows gently on her tea, her brow furrowed in thought. She takes a quiet sip, then says slowly, "So we may have to take him back to Coruscant ourselves, then? That... would not be good, I dare say... and would make us somewhat late to any rendezvous on Dantooine as well." She has another quiet sip, then says very quietly, "What if he ends up dead, honored Masters? What would you have us do then?"

Sarn comments, "Well, the Sith would be satisfied with that."

Zero sighs a little, rolling his shoulders. "While the most expedient solution, perhaps not the most moral. Still, it is a possibility. Perhaps we could transfer him to the keeping of someone else... is there a Republic military installation or Jedi occupancy nearby?"

Freyja murmurs dryly, "Maybe we could hand him over to some of the Dantooine Templars..." then grins sheepishly, "Sorry, that was silly of me."

Manishsha adds, "But the Senate would be unhappy. We have already warned them this is a possibility and all we can do is our best. As far as your going to Coruscant, I have been informed of your concerns, and it would be rather far. We won't do that. Worst case, we'll transfer him to Balmorra and have the Republic deal with him from there." He grins and adds, "The fact that Padawan Freyja's family and Master are there, and she would be able to see them before embarking on something else dangerous, is merely a convenience." The little rabbit-Jedi grins cheerfully at this last, for while the Order may not make a big deal about one's family and past, he is obviously aware of it.

Freyja smiles, "That would work, hai. All right, so we have authority to arrest him even if he doesn't want to go, and a plan for handing him over to someone in authority. So." She sips her tea again, then glances at Zero over the rim of the little ceramic cup, "Have you any idea what all his holdings on Garqi are, and where we might find him there?"

Zero shakes his head. "I was not made aware of any of his personal bolt-holes. I suspect he feared just such an event as this -- one of his own coming for him. Fortunately I believe I may be able to track him once we arrive, based upon his usual assortment of fronts and blinds. Once we are close I may be able to pinpoint him directly with the comlink... but that will require us to make planetfall at the very least."

Freyja nods, "All right, those are all my primary questions, then. Does anyone else have any? Zero, can you think of anything in particular we might need to take with us in order to more efficiently capture him?"

Zero says, "No, sadly I don't know anything about Garqi. My only advice would be to come prepared to fight. If he feels he is cornered, and I'm sure he will by now, he will not go easily." Freyja nods quietly again, and simply reflects serenely on her tea.

Manishsha says, "I would like to be ready to leave as soon as the Sith fleet has departed. That means we should be ready to leave in twelve to fifteen hours. If you have any preparation you need to do, or things you want to take care of before we are off, that's the time frame. Do you find that workable?"

Freyja grins quietly at the little Kushiban, "We're ready now, I suspect. All we have to do still is talk to Sith lord Ghang as per his request."

Zero says, "Before we depart I will give an all-clear through the comlink. Just... to hedge our bets. I have never made a habit of announcing myself to the prey before it's too late to do anything about it. No need to start now... particularly when our target has the money to hire many, many blaster hands."

Freyja nods quietly to Zero, "Good idea."

Manishsha says, "Yes, that is a good plan. We want him to lie nice and low until we get there." He grins a surprisingly menacing grin.

Zero smiles quietly. "He will. I intend to see everything settled this time."

Master Sarn says, "Good luck, my friends, and may the Force be with you. If you will forgive me, I have things I must do." At a glare from Manishsha, Sarn adds, "Yes, sleep is high on that list." Manishsha says, "Good!" He looks at Freyja, Zero, Fhazil, and Vakkal, and adds, "I'll see you in twelve or so hours at your ship, okay?"

Zero nods, "Absolutely, Watcher."

Freyja grins and nods politely to the two other Jedi before leaving, "Hai, Watcher Manishsha, and may the Force be with you also, Master Sarn." Then she glances at her friends with another grin, "So... now we beard the geri-cat in his den, hai? Off to see the Sith lord?"

Zero says, "Well. It seems that way... I must admit, it's been so long since we've seen progress that I hardly remembered what it looks like."

Returning to the room, calling Lord Ghang's staff, scheduling an appointment, and going up to see him are all easily arranged, and it's about forty-five minutes after bidding the worn Sarn a farewell that three Triat members, a Sith Lord, and two Soulguards meet in the usual sunny conference room. Outside a bustle of activity takes place as equipment is broken down and packed, but Lord Ghang is calm and idle, looking contemplatively out the large windows at the rolling forest on the hills outside.

Freyja smiles and politely salutes the idle Darksider, "Greetings, honored Sith lord. How might we aid you today?"

Lord Ghang turns and gestures to the chairs around the table, "Please sit; be comfortable. I presume you have had a chance to speak to Master Sarn by now, yes?"

Freyja settles comfortably cross-legged in a chair -- with a pleased mental note of relief that she'll soon be on more normal furniture in the Eclipse, thank goddess! "Hai, we have, honored Sith lord, although that conversation did leave us with a pressingly fascinating question." She grins, her silver-blue eyes mischievous.

Lord Ghang says, "Oh? What would that be?"

Freyja smiles, although it doesn't reach her eyes, "What pressing reason did you have to wish so fervently to visit Balmorra, honorable Sith lord?"

The Sith Lord chuckles, "Considering the discussion you had with me, I'm surprised you have to ask. I was interested in a chance to see where Khar Velosi who went there might live, and to meet some more of the people they might associate and work with." He leans back in his chair and asks, "What do you think of that, mmm? Was it what you were expecting?"

Freyja smiles, "I had neh expectations, honorable lord, merely wonder. Was that the main reason you had for going?"

Lord Ghang says, "That was the reason I was personally interested in going, despite the possibility of other complications. When it seemed, however, there were more complications than it could justify, my desire had to give in to good sense, and Dantooine was selected."

Freyja nods, "I see. In that case, how may we be of assistance to you today, honored Sith lord?"

Lord Ghang says, "I have asked Master Sarn for your assistance with collecting the wayward Senator. He has told me he cannot direct another Master's Padawans, and so he cannot promise that. I understand this. Instead, I ask if you will be assisting in the capture of Senator Kalatis, or if you have been pulled away to other duties."

Freyja smiles again, "Ah, I understand. Please let me reassure you on this matter -- we've already reassured the Master and the Watcher we're happy to help."

Lord Ghang says, "This pleases me, and I am glad to hear it. While other of the Jedi Order have promised many things and delivered few, you have promised nothing but done much. I so very prefer your skilled assistance to the boasting of others. It will be good to reassure Naga Sadow skilled people are working on this, even as Malice limps in for repair."

Freyja laughs softly, then grins, "You are too kind, honored Sith lord." She thinks a moment, then adds, "There is a saying on my homeworld, 'she who most avoids making promises is most likely to keep them.' We have taken that to heart." She curiously adds, "Will you be talking to the Dark Lord himself before you leave?"

Lord Ghang says, "Yes, Padawan Freyja, I will. Have you anything in specific you wish to say to him? I would be happy to relay your greetings." He smiles urbanely.

Zero nods. "We intend to see this matter resolved as expediently as possible. All the better to smooth over matters on Ziost."

Lord Ghang says, "You are wise for one so young, Padawan Zero. There are many Sith who never learn that lesson, usually because they wind up dead long before they understand how important the collective paranoia of the Moot is."

Zero bows deeply, "I am honored by your consideration, Lord." Sadly, I have long experience in collective paranoia. One does not get to be a successful criminal otherwise.

Freyja laughs again at Ghang's reply to her, then says with a smile, "Neh, it'd be foolish of me to bring us even more to the notice of the Serpent of Shadows. I simply wondered."

Fhazil replies mentally, You would not be surprised to learn that many of Lord Ghang's best were at one point criminals. I am sure he understands this.

Zero replies simply, So very little surprises me, anymore...

Freyja's thoughts are a bit surprised, Most effective Sith are initially criminals?! Good goddess -- how in Middlegarten does the society keep from eating itself alive?!

Vakkal's tart reply is, The stupid ones don't live long. The smart ones get better.

Freyja murmurs gravely, How often do innocent bystanders die due to the actions of the stupid ones, sweetheart?

Ghang says, "I am sure the Dark Lord will be pleased to have a chance to meet all of you." He smiles at Freyja and adds, "I believe he particularly enjoys dancing. Given the piece of holovid which made its way around, I suspect he would be pleased to dance with you."

Freyja gives the Darksider lord a dryly amused glance, "Oh, hai, just what I need to hear -- that the Dark Lord thinks it'd be fun to use me to piss off all the Sith ladies eagerly trying to convince him to marry them." She grins -- there is no sting to her words, just very dry acknowledgement of the realities of politics.

Lord Ghang smiles, then actually laughs aloud, saying, "Please excuse me for laughing, but I know no Sith who would say such a thing, and all of them should consider it. Some would think it... but none would say it. It is so refreshing to talk to people who are not part of that level of Sith society."

Fhazil replies, Uh... not constantly. More than they'd like, I suspect.

Freyja tilts her head curiously at the Sith lord, "Would say what, please?" She doesn't reply to Fhazil's admission, since she doesn't really need to. She still thinks it's terribly sad, though.

Lord Ghang, "No Sith Lady would admit dancing with Naga Sadow could be dangerous. She might know it, and if she knew it, would avoid it. But she would never admit there were things she could not handle. Instead you acknowledge it, and are prepared to cope with the situation as it arises. Very practical. I, for one, approve."

Freyja says, "Ah! I understand, honored lord." She grins, adding, "I assure you, you need not worry for later. I am far more... verbally circumspect in public gatherings, regardless of whether they're in the Republic or elsewhere." She murmurs as an aside, "Not admit there might be things I couldn't handle alone? Foolishness! That's what friends are for!" Then she adds amusedly, Well, guess I got my heads-up -- at all costs, avoid dancing with the wyrd-touched Dark Lord!

Zero says, "I expect we aren't prepared to deal with Sadow, friends or no."

Freyja nods amusedly to Zero, "Hai, I'll be doing the absent routine as much as I can, certes!"

The Lord replies, "True. And you, unlike many Sith, have friends whom you are not in constant competition with. It is very different, and I wonder how they will react, if they can fathom it at all. I have explained it to the Dark Lord and I suspect he understands, but I don't know if this will be generally true. The idea may be one many of the Lords cannot grasp." He adds, "It's one reason I was sent to talk to the Republic, in fact -- I am better able to grapple with strange foreign ideas."

Freyja gives the Sith lord a very thoughtful glance... then smiles, "Ah. It will be interesting to see whom the Sith see as the 'weak link' in our group, to be courted and exploited, in order to shatter the group."

Ghang says, "More likely they will see you, Padawan Freyja, as the center, with the men following you and trying to form alliances with you. I suspect they will try to play them off of each other, and to drive wedges between them, or between you and them, to threaten that relationship."

Zero snorts derisively. Fhazil just grins.

Freyja nods and says pragmatically, "About what I'd expected, from what I'd heard so far." She grins at Zero, then looks back at the Sith lord, "Well, if there is anything else we might aid you with...? If not, we should withdraw and let you prepare to depart, hai?" She smiles, adding quietly, "And once this is all resolved... please, come to Balmorra and I will return your sword to you, and you can roam around all you like to see where the Khar Velosi would be, hai?"

Lord Ghang says, "I will do my best to take you up on that invitation, Padawan Freyja. I hope it will be possible, for I see little benefit for continuing this invasion. It will only enrich the already rich, and cause more deaths and unhappiness."

Freyja nods unsmilingly, then rises and politely salutes the Sith lord again before departing. Zero stands, bows politely, and departs.

Zero departs a bit early, to begin preflight checklists and also to make sure the faux is accommodated before undertaking something like a hyperspace trip. This takes little time; the faux seems particularly unruffled by just about anything. A few minutes to sniff every available surface in the craft, and she is curled up on one of the couches in the common area as if this sort of thing happened every day. Zero sits down himself, having satisfied himself the ship is prepared to fly, and picks up the captured comlink. "Now then," he murmurs, "time to send word ahead."

Zero sends ahead a series of tones on the comlink -- a short, coded rhythm to let the other end on Garqi know all is well. Five years ago he wouldn't have trusted this sequence as far as he could throw the comlink. But these days he understands the capacity for a motivated Jedi to extract the truth, however well hidden it may be. He laughs quietly to himself. Against little Manishsha those mercenaries never stood a chance.

Zero sets the comlink aside. "That's right... nothing to see here, only your former servant here to end your career forever. Pay no attention to the man under the hood." He laughs again, permitting himself a small moment of vindictiveness. He strokes the faux' ears lightly. "Well then, little one, I shall let you sleep. I have work to do before the others arrive."

Freyja has one small duty she must perform before she leaves -- she has a message she must ask Master Sarn to transmit to someone else on the Malice, if he will. Master Sarn is happy to do so.

Freyja grins, "I think you'll like this one. Could you please tell Engineer Saleyn when next you see her I have spoken to the Sith lord Ghang, and he is favorable to the idea of Khar Velosi immigrating to Haus Rigg on Balmorra, even though it will probably initially have to be secret? Also, if she chooses to speak to him about it, he would be able to help more in making this happen?" She adds cheerfully, "And give her a hug and a nuzzle from me!"

Sarn looks mildly incredulously at Freyja, then says, "I'm not going to ask how you got this arranged. I'm merely going to be very happy about it. I will tell Saleyn. I will happily deliver a hug and greeting." He adds, "And I did speak to Master Roakkana. You were right; he is very wise."

Freyja grins and impulsively hugs the always-weary Human Master, "Told you! Have a lovely time on the Malice, but don't forget to sleep sometimes, all right? And you can tell Saleyn I look forward to seeing her and her friends someday, if she wishes still, on Balmorra."

Sarn laughs and returns the hug, saying, "I usually do sleep! These are unusual times. I will tell her." He adds, "We should both go; I'm sure we both have things to do. I suspect I'll be seeing you again. May the Force be with you, Padawan Freyja."

Freyja grins and says, "With you also, Master Sarn!" as she leaves. She smiles quietly and thoughtfully to herself as she wanders down the hallways to meet with her friends. Odd how deeply, yet almost accidentally, she's gotten intertwined with the Khar Velosi on the Malice. She saved their Sith Lord from blight, invested them with a new wisdom story, found them a place to stretch their legs and relax for a day -- as well as meet new friends from the Republic -- arranged for a new 'tribe' for those of them who wish it, redeemed Vakkal in their eyes... she wonders serenely how else their lives will intertwine in the future. The Force will show her what it and they need, she calmly supposes.

The Sith fleet arrives, and with impressive speed leaves again. Manishsha is aboard the Platinum Eclipse when this happens, with his light baggage stowed, and through his friends in low places, that ship is one of the first given permission to depart. The entry to hyperspace, the trip there, and the exit to real space are without incident and routing. Garqi is a medium-sized world full of green, looking Earth-line, except there is not nearly as much ocean. Cities look to be few and far between.

Manishsha informs, "This is a tough world. The local animals don't seem to like people, other than as snacks. There is some mining and some lumbering going on. Apparently the forests are full of exquisite hardwoods, much sought after in many places. There are two big cities about opposite each other on the globe near the equator. A primitive place for the Senator to choose to hide."

Freyja giggles, "So we should all wear signs labeling us 'Not a Snack!'?"

Zero says, "Freyja, would you announce us to orbital control as a free trader? Our hold is full of medical supplies; that should get us past customs. No one will think twice of a band of freebooters looking to make a run on the local hardwood."

Freyja nods to Zero, still smiling, "Hai, neh worries, love."

Zero smiles a little. "This is all too familiar. Is it wrong of me to be enjoying this?"

Manishsha says, "Good idea. We can scout around pretty effectively that way, without anybody thinking oddly of us wanting to talk to people or look at things."

Freyja grins and leans forward to give Zero a gentle kiss on the ear, "Neh, sweetheart -- I think we're all eager for some resolution." She settles back in her chair and waits until they're hailed, then identifies them as a free trader looking for a hardwoods cargo.

Freyja adds cheerfully to Manishsha, "Not like any of us look like the stereotypical Jedi, after all! A supposedly former uniform on Vakkal, rough shipmaster's clothing on Fhazil, neh clothing at all on you, black leather on me, and lovely blue silk on Zero. We could be anyone at all!"

Manishsha says, "We could also be bounty hunters, which would not be welcome. We must not look too dangerous."

Freyja grins at Manishsha, then flutters her eyelashes at him, "Li'l old us -- bounty hunters? Surely you jest!"

Zero says, "We don't look it. We lack armor and obvious weapons of any sort. And while a fivesome of Echani bounty hunters would indeed be dangerous, something tells me there are very few hunters operating solely on their martial arts prowess."

Manishsha says, "Well, not that kind of bounty hunters, but we are in a way bounty hunters."

Vakkal says, "Then we should hide the blasters and lightsabers."

Freyja giggles, "Well, most of us do have blasters visible. Does that count?"

Zero says, "I feel comfortable going planetside with just my lightsaber. It's easy enough to hide. I suspect that would be the best course of action for all of us. In the meantime we should begin with City Hall and the excise records. The Republic is after all a trade coalition first and foremost. The tax must flow. That will be the place to discover who is buying and selling what. It is possible if their Holonet spur is sophisticated enough we could search both cities' records from one location, but the possibility also exists that we will have to make two trips. The planetary geosync network is extensive... anything larger than a cargo speeder will be noticed, even if they are hiding out someplace remote."

Freyja nods to Vakkal, "All right, I'll keep the all-weather poncho on, to cover the weaponry. That should do." She smiles at Zero, "Sounds good to me. Let's start!"

Manishsha says, "There are two cities and two spaceports. Which one do we want to land at first? North of the equator there is Jorikan, and opposite it but south of the equator is Thorusu."

Freyja looks at Zero, "Does he favor certain types of weather or environments or culture?"

Zero says, "Let us start with Thorusu. He is a Rodian... I suspect the warmer southern climate will agree with him more." Freyja nods, satisfied, and when prompted by the spaceport gives their intended landing area.

The landing is uneventful. The city is low and somewhat primitive looking, all the buildings being mostly one story and wooden. Landspeeders are used, which means most of the streets aren't paved. The noontime sun beats down on them, and makes the city hot, dry, and dusty. Nobody meets them at the spaceport, but nobody accosts them either. A slightly taller building off in one direction is either a City Hall or a cathedral of some sort.

Much of the expected baggage of society clings to the spaceport, too -- sleazy dives, dark and inexplicable little shops which don't actually appear to be open, stores full of the usual stuff people of every race need right off the ship. The streets are all but empty at this hour. Zero says, "Well, so much for worrying about customs."

Freyja stretches her bare golden arms happily over her head, rising up on booted tiptoes, after she steps off the gangplank -- then shakes her head to toss her fiery gold hair back over her bare shoulders. Fresh air feels so nice! Maybe they'll have some time for fresh food and a bath too, she happily hopes. She looks around, then heads off with her usual long-legged stride towards the taller building, "Let's try the big one there first, guys, all right?"

Zero says, "That's likely it."

Freyja enjoys the feeling of the sun on her golden face as they head for the building. A moment later she slips through the door -- non-automated, how charmingly primitive! -and looks around. What sort of building is this?

The big building is in fact City Hall. It's got a lobby with some signs in several languages which point off to different places, and hallways that lead off to other places. The ceilings are low, and the dark, natural woods make everything a little dim. The building is new, clean, and obviously used, but quiet at this hour.

A small lobby contains a desk with nobody at it, a directory, and a lot of hallways leading off to other parts of City Hall. There's also stairs going up. No grav-lifts are in evidence, and much of the light comes from narrow floor-to-ceiling windows put in every so often, although there are lights mounted near them.

Zero pads to the directory. "Well, then. Let's have a look at the Excise office."

Freyja looks around in fascination. "Neh droids, neh lifts... I wonder why? Well... let's see what we can find." She goes to the nearest sign, looking over Zero's shoulder, "If there's Aurabesh, Huttee, or Shyriiwook, we can translate it."

Zero says, "There should be Basic, it is the Republic trade language..."

The sign is in Aurabesh, and clear. Everything one would expect to find in a City Hall, even a small library, which is not always common on frontier worlds like this. There's also a note that between 12:30 and 2:00 is a siesta time, where many offices will be unmanned or closed altogether. A wall-mounted clock shows it's 1:05.

Freyja raises a thoughtful eyebrow, "Well! It's very nicely laid out, at least. I wonder why they quit in the middle of the day, though? It's not really that hot outside, after all...?"

Zero says, "A mid-afternoon stop? Either the afternoon heat here is unusually intense, or the afternoon is unusually slow..."

Freyja looks at Zero, "So... have you found the right office? We can at least head that way, hai?"

Zero says, "There are records here, on the next floor. Nothing explicitly marked as census or excise, but close enough. Let's begin there."

Freyja grins, "Excellent!" She heads for the stairs, bounding up them easily.

The records office is unlocked, but unmanned at this hour. The rooms are warmer than usually expected in a building like this. They are cooled, but not as much as they might be in other places. The files seem to be a strange hybrid of computerized and paper, with an electronic index to paper documents.

Freyja looks around in fascination, then says, "Shall we try the index first? What exactly are we searching for, Zeriza?"

Zero hmms. "We may have to do some digging. Give me a moment with the computer?"

There are four desks along the front wall with terminals to the index, and then a large number of file cabinets, all numbered. The desks look like they don't belong to anyone, and are public-use terminals. Freyja nods, moving to settle gracefully cross-legged on the floor by the door, so Zero has warning should anyone else turn up.

Zero says, "Food, moving someplace else on-planet, and in quantity. Also power generation, water... anything one would need to lie low self-sufficiently for a time. I have a few names-- entirely false ones-- to start from. I will sift the records and see if any of our erstwhile Senator's front identities have bought necessities."

Freyja murmurs half-meditatively, "Take your time, sweetheart..." then settles in to peacefully wait. Vakkal leans against the wall and pants. He looks hot.

The search seems reasonably straightforward. The index has names and dates and a few other fields, and then gives good locations in the file cabinets. Kalatis' front companies do have a presence here, but exactly what that is will take some tracking down. There are several land purchases, several items shipped in and out, and wages paid to some local people for various pieces of work, including construction.

Zero hms. "We may have to visit a few more offices... perhaps the surveyor's office, if there is such a thing. Fhazil, help me pull some of these files?" Fhazil does so. He and Zero work to figure out who bought what, and when. A lot of the records are there and listed, but don't say anything too useful. A few seem simply to be missing.

It takes a while to pull records. At about 2:05 Freyja hears someone coming down the hall. She murmurs quietly, Someone's coming, my dears. Then she smiles at Vakkal, adding, Wear less clothes, Vakiza... like you did on Sedrak, remember? Vakkal sits up and moves over closer to Freyja, protectively. He tries not to look like a werewolf, or at least not like too scary of one. He probably fails. Freyja adds to Fhazil and Zero, I may be able to distract them a bit if you need to move anything suddenly?

Zero nods, Be ready to do so if need be, but we'll try to talk our way around for now. He changes a few of the search fields at random. No point in advertising his intent.

A white-haired man, tall and powerfully built, wearing a loose cloth shirt in a natural off-white color, and white shorts comes in. He is very tan and has startlingly blue eyes. He's very muscled and looks quite sure of himself, although he wears no visible weapons. When he sees people in the room he smiles and says, "Well, hello, strangers! You finding everything all right?"

Freyja adds with quiet cheer to Vakkal, At least take those heavy boots and that shirt off, sweetheart! She looks up at the man from where she's seated, and smiles, "Haiyo, kuras. I believe they are. Do you work here?"

The man beams at Freyja and says, "I do indeed, ma'am. My name is Kal, and I'm pretty much the expert about everything here at City Hall except the Jail and the Courts. I leave those to the sheriff and the judge. They leave me all the boring, tedious parts, such as records and maintenance and all that other sort of to-do." The big man leans easily, and apparently relaxedly, in the doorway, watching Fhazil closely. Fhazil looks at the man, then at the file in his hands, and back again.

Freyja says, "Ah, good." She grins, speaking with calm cheer to the nice looking Human, so Zero has more time to search if necessary, "Perhaps you can tell us anyone who's selling hardwoods near here, at a reasonable price? We'd like to fill a hold, if we can."

Zero settles back in to finish his last few searches, with an eye to quickly covering his tracks. Kalatis has money to buy the local constabulary. That's his standard procedure... best not to trust anyone just yet, no matter how pleasant they may seem.

Freyja adds with amused severity to Vakkal, "There, see? He's an official here, and dressed comfortably! There's nehthing wrong with you not wearing quite so much here."

Kal says, "Oh, are y'all with that nice little ship that's just arrived?" He looks over at Manishsha, who's been trying to look innocuous and staying out of harm's way. Then he looks at Vakkal and says, "Sure 'nuff, son, you'll need to shed some clothes or you'll roast here in town. If you get out into the big green it's a mite cooler, but lots wetter. You'll either be hot or need gear to keep up with it." He adds, "Never seen a fellow like you before."

Freyja looks back up at the man and adds, "Your pardon, honored kuras, I forgot myself. I am Makkaisdottir, and this is Vakkal." What names do you want to be introduced as, Zero and Fhazil? "And you are...?"

Zero finishes one last search, signals the drawer to Fhazil. No point in attempting to hide that I'm Sedraki. Tell him my name is Chiun.

Kal says, "Makkaisdottir? That's quite a mouthful of a name!" The apparently friendly man looks back at Fhazil and says, a bit of ice in his voice, "So, you going to look at that file, son, or are you going to put it back? We've had a rash of problems with people messing with these files, and I can't say I'm happy to see any more of that."

Fhazil tells Freyja, Tell him I'm Drachir. He looks a bit startled at being addressed, and stutters, "Um, uh, n-no, seh, I was going to put it right back. I got kind of distracted talking to you, I guess."

Freyja grins ruefully, "Hai, it is that. Feel free to shorten it if you feel the need." She adds with a wave that includes Zero and Fhazil, "My friends are Chiun and, formerly with the file, Drachir." She smiles dazzlingly, looking back up at the man, "So we'll need special gear if we go out of town?"

Freyja glances inquiringly at the Kushiban as the Human looks momentarily away from her -- she doesn't know what name to use for him, so will let him introduce himself. She's smiling peacefully back up at Kal by the time he looks back at her.

Manishsha hops over and sits next to Freyja. He says nothing. He merely watches the big man out of wide, curious eyes. He almost exudes cute harmlessness. Freyja strokes the bunny with artless absentmindedness... as if he were a pet. She's not sure why Manishsha wishes to appear this way, but she'll help if she can.

Kal says to Fhazil, "Good lad. Looking's no problem, and if you need copies I've got a duplicator downstairs I'm happy to let you use -- just ask and we can get it done. But I won't put up with any more nonsense with strangers taking things out of here!" He sounds unhappy at that last, which is impressive, because he's a large man. He takes hold of his temper, mentally wrenches it back to where it belongs, and looks back at Freyja, smiling brightly, "Depends on what you mean by 'need,' I guess. You want to live, you'll go armed. You want to be comfortable, you'll need a full armored refer suit. Those things are right pricey, though, and few bother."

Zero says, "Pardon me, not to interrupt. You've had problems with vandals, you said?"

Freyja gives the poor man a sympathetic look, "I'm sorry we worried you, regarding file theft. I assure you, we are not thieves." She glances at Zero, then looks back at the man, "Good point. What sorts of things were taken, do you know?"

Kal says, "Oh?" and then, "yes, we have. Going to have to put locks on the darn doors if it keeps going on! Usually the sheer fact files are boring and the threat of having me crack your noggin open has been enough to keep things right, but not recently."

Freyja blinks, then adds in a different tone of voice, "Go... armed? Um... all right, I guess we can do that." A moment later she curiously asks, "What's a refer suit? Do you have really big, dangerous native wildlife or something?" She puts a protective arm around the big bunny, adding, "Carnivorous, I take it?"

Kal answers, "It's odd, isn't it? We've got a law on the books that says if it ain't filed here in City Hall, it ain't real. Stealing your title transfer documents or your land purchase documents is like giving away your property. But we've had some things like that go away. And some payroll records. I suspect they're trying to avoid taxes, but it won't work. That's already been copied into the assessor's computers."

Freyja laughs! -then adds with a mischievous grin, "Bet you like catching them, then, hai?"

Zero says, "If I may ask, which records have gone missing? Something here in the city? Or perhaps an outland plot of land disappearing, perhaps trying to avoid taxation?"

Kal says, "A refer suit is a refrigeration suit. It recycles water around you to keep you cool. A furry fellow like him or the quiet Kushiban there will need one or something like it or they'll overheat right quick. Humans can perspire fast enough to survive without it, but it's not a lot of fun." Freyja blinks, looking startledly at the 'bunny'... then carefully removing her arm from around him.

The big man adds, "And yes, carnivorous like you wouldn't believe. Men make 'em nice snacks, and they don't mind seconds. I've heard they're learning that air-speeders mean 'food!' and are drawn to the sound now. I wouldn't ride in one myself."

Zero tchs. Freyja looks up, her attention drawn at that comment, "But... how do you get around, then?" She thinks a bit, then pulls out her datapad and checks to see if there's a holonode anywhere near enough for her to pick up. If so, she's going to download information on Garqi's wildlife.

Kal laughs and says, "I walk, don't I? I used to work out in the big green, finding stands of particularly nice wood, or hunting, or simply doing my best to stay alive. I got a little old and a little out of shape and nearly got myself et one day. Decided I could move into town and find something less strenuous to do, or I could feed one of the uberxan."

Zero says, "Uberxan?"

Kal says, "You know what a riding felk looks like? Make that bigger, give it scales, and a head as big as you are, almost entirely full of teeth. I don't think they've got much brain, but they've got teeth and an appetite. They're fast, and can get through parts of the forests before you can see them."

Zero says, "Well, I suppose it could be worse. It could have been rancors."

Kal says, "Yeah, at least with the uberxan it's quick."

Zero says, "An excellent point."

Freyja murmurs, "Holy crow!" She sets the datapad to continue downloading Republic news, especially from the Balmorran Sector, then holds up her datapad so the little holo it's projecting is visible to everyone. The holo creature is standing next to a holo Human -- dwarfing it, in fact, "Look at this -- an uberxan."

Zero says, "All right... so it couldn't have been much worse."

The uberxan is a very large lizard-like thing. It has four clawed legs and a long, vaguely flexible tail. It stands about twelve feet high at the shoulder and doesn't clear the ground by much -- it's a big, strong, eating machine. It does have an impressive set of teeth. The holo includes an adult Human male for reference, and this monster dwarfs him. The mouth could nearly take him in one bite.

Freyja smiles quietly, "About the height of an autumlas at the withers. Bigger mouth, though, and neh horns."

Kal says, "Fast and mean. Only reason I wasn't a snack is that my minefield was tougher than it was."

Freyja blinks, looking back up at the Human, "Minefield?!"

Zero says, "Or at the very least more surprising."

Kal nods, "Sure! Best way to be able to get some sleep out there. Otherwise, you never know what'll think you're tasty. This way you at least get woken up before you get eaten." Freyja raises an amused eyebrow, then just shakes her head slightly, putting her datapad away once it's finished downloading all the news.

Kal adds, "We had a guy go out in a fully working Balmorran battle tank one time. He was sure he was impregnable. Never did see him again. We don't know if he had a breakdown and had to get out of the tank, or if the darn thing got broken into, or just eaten whole."

Freyja sniffs slightly, murmuring, "Probably Dosen Military make!" She adds silently, Got what you need yet, sweetheart? She grins quietly at the Human. He reminds her of some of the more kurasai-oriented bards on her homeworld -- very folksy.

Kal says, "You were asking what was missing before I got started on the big green? Almost got me reminiscing like an old fart, and I'll be darned if I'm going to fall into that pit." He grins at himself, then says, "So what's missing... Some land ownership, but mostly transfers of ownership, not initial sales. Someone owns it, but it's hard to say who. A couple of things are just plain missing, and corrupted in the index, too. Those are the ones that really irritate me."

Zero sighs and rubs his eyes absently. Yes, and it looks like the Senator has paid a few good slicers, and probably a few lawyers while he was at it. The fronts are definitely here, but the files pertaining to who bought what and from whom are missing or destroyed. More distressing is the possibility that one of these transfers was not from front to front but from a local entity. Searching that sort of transaction blind would be... time-consuming to say the least.

Freyja is silent for a moment, thinking... then she says, Well, any idea on the where of this missing land? Or someplace we might go for cross-referencing to locate it?

Fhazil suggests, We could just ask Kal and see if he knows. Sounds like he knows everybody.

Freyja adds to the Human, "Have you been able to track down the data yet?"

Kal says, "Some of it, from the records in other systems. A couple of them seem just to be flat out gone, and I don't know what to do to get them back."

Zero glances sidelong at Kal. No, but our new acquaintance might know. If we modify our story a little, perhaps we could convince him to help.

Freyja says, "Huh." She thinks a bit, then says, "Have you been able to find the whereabouts of the missing land documents? If you had that, maybe you could just go there and ask whomever's there?" She whispers to Zero, What do you suggest?

Kal says, "For some of them that might work. A couple of the grants are huge, and searching them would be dangerous and time consuming, though. I was more concerned about stopping the problem, myself."

Zero replies, Perhaps we could suggest we represent the Republic... which is not exactly a lie... and offer our aid. Alternatively, we could offer it without changing our story, in the interests of helping the locals and removing a fictional 'competitor.'

Freyja says, "Can't you... oh, I don't know, send air-speeders to do flyovers, and see if anyone's living there?" Curiously she adds, "Do folks go live on land outside the cities, or is the land just being harvested for wood and hunting?"

Kal says, "A big enough ship can fly over, but smaller ships -- you know, the ones convenient to use for things like this -- tend to get themselves damaged. I'm not entirely sure why, although if you asked at the 'port the mechanic might know. The best of the trappers and explorers do live outside the city, off the land. The loggers tend to drop in on an already-located spot, get the wood they need, and get out. It's a dangerous place."

Freyja hms thoughtfully, Guess Eclipse is a bit big for this, then. She nods, finally gracefully rising to her feet, although she still has to look up a little bit at Kal even then. "I take it uncovering the perpetrator of this theft is not a high priority for you, then?"

Kal shrugs and says, "I'd like to see the jerk get what he deserves, but I've done all I can."

Freyja adds to the others, Considering his irritation with the theft, I'm guessing Kalatis didn't bother buying him off.

Zero thinks, Damaged, eh? Perhaps a trip to the mechanic is in order. Would anyone care to bet on whether ion fire or blaster bolts were involved?

Freyja says politely, "May I see the mapped locations of the areas where data is missing in your files, kuras Kal?" She nods mentally to Zero, We can check that after we're done here, hai?

Agreed.

Fhazil asks, Why not just tell him we're looking for someone who's hiding from justice, and ask if he might be able to help? He works at City Hall... he should be up for supporting justice, right?

Kal says, "You want a map of the continent related to what records are damaged, or you want a map in the index of what is damaged? I'm not sure I follow?"

Freyja murmurs, Well, I figure he'll ask why I'm asking for this information... and this should make a nice, polite lead-in to letting him know that, Fhazil. Do you think I should be more blunt?

Zero says, "The former, if that's all right?" Freyja nods in agreement.

Kal says, "Haven't got it. Give me a few hours and I can come up with part of it. Part of the problem is that some of the missing items are missing enough you can't track what plots they go with."

Freyja thinks a bit, then says, "Well, would a good computer technician be able to assist you?"

Kal says, "Maybe. I don't know. Can't afford one anyway. Even if I could, how the heck am I going to get them to Garqi?"

Fhazil says, "On a ship?"

Kal grins and says, "Yeah, but why would he come here when anywhere else is better?"

Freyja grins, waving a hand at Zero and Fhazil, "Ask my friends to assist you."

Zero smiles, "I believe the expression in Basic is, 'the answer to your prayers.'"

Kal's eyes narrow and he says, "Oh, yeah?" then adds, "What do you want for it?"

Zero says, "We have an interest in seeing the Republic's justice carried out."

Freyja giggles at Zero's comment, then adds, "And in the meantime, I'll take these two," she waves at the Kushiban and Vakkal, "back to the spaceport so Vakkal can shed some clothing, and we can ask what sorts of repairs will be necessary." To Kal's comment she simply says, "A map, of course. Like I asked for initially." She smiles, adding, "I have simple tastes."

Zero smiles quietly, and rests his head on his hand. Well, now he either suspects us of being Jedi, or of being Rangers. Either way, I suspect he will cooperate. "So. Shall we get started?"

Kal says, "Okay. Something's fishy here." He gives Manishsha, who looks back at him -- having shed the overly-cute facade but remained quiet -- a sharp look, "You Kushiban don't get out much." He looks at Vakkal, "I've never seen one like you." Then his glare goes across the other three and he adds, "And you three are an odd bunch. And acting strangely, to boot. I don't like this, and I don't know if I want to have strangers messing about with the records. Particularly ones who I'm not sure are playing straight with me."

Zero murmurs, So, shall we 'fess up three of us are Jedi, or neh?

Fhazil replies, I don't know if that's needed...

Freyja mentally acknowledges Fhazil's thought, then nods unruffledly to Kal, "Hai, I'm sure we do seem odd to you. What we said was true, though. We're here to make sure an old debt is paid."

Zero hms. I am for either confessing now or coming up with an acceptable lie right now, before he becomes too suspicious. I do not want to have to inflict a Mind Trick on this poor man.

Freyja spreads her hands in a graceful shrug, "What else would you like to know?" She quietly agrees with Zero.

Vakkal adds, If you could. Zero concedes that Kal's will is likely extremely strong... it would be strenuous.

Kal continues, "You're fresh-landed, and you don't go to the spaceport to get transport, you don't go to the bars to get drunk, and you don't go to the trading posts to get equipped. You come to records." He adds, looking wary, "You're either bounty hunters, escaping criminals, or some other shady bunch, and I'm not sure what to make of you."

Freyja laughs quietly, "We are not escaping criminals, neh." She grins, adding, "That's not exactly a question, either, I fear." She smiles unworriedly at the others over the link, If there was sufficient need, and the Force needed it to happen... it would.

Kal says, "You want questions? Okay. Who are you, what are you doing here, where did you come from, and what do you what? We'll start there, and get into the whence, wherefore, and whoever later."

Zero asks the others, Last chance -- lie or truth?

Fhazil replies, Partial truth? Don't tell it all unless he pushes?

Freyja murmurs affectionately, You know me, guys... truth, of course.

Vakkal adds, And, what's wrong with truth, anyway?

Zero lets his free arm fall from the table, brushing his cloak aside and exposing one of Kawatuara's hilts. Freyja smiles, "One of my names is indeed Makkaisdottir, and we are indeed here to pursue justice." She nods towards Zero, then opens one of her hands to reveal the lightsaber hilt resting on it.

Zero adds silently, The truth? Nothing, now. I don't think this one's been bought... Actually, I sense that he probably can't be.

Freyja says, "We want the necessary information to find the criminal and remove him from this planet. We want neh one else harmed or indisposed, if at all possible. We're from the Republic, of course. Anything else?"

Fhazil shifts a little, his robe dropping aside to reveal his light saber. Vakkal has to get his out of his satchel, and hands the Kushiban's smaller one to him. Freyja grins, adding, "Oh, and we don't want to take any of your files." She closes her hand again, and the lightsaber disappears into a pouch on her belt.

Kal watches this, frowning. He says, "You mean you're all Jedi! Here I've been thinking that the big green was dangerous and I've been standing here mouthing off to an entire room full of Jedi! Forests abound!"

Freyja smiles serenely. Zero smiles and shrugs, tossing his braid over his shoulder absently. "We aren't very dangerous, really."

Freyja adds politely, "It would be extremely considerate if you would be willing to not mention we are Jedi to others, honored kuras. We see neh need to warn our target."

Zero says, "Yes. It would be safe to consider him armed and extremely dangerous."

Kal snorts and says, "If they're smart, that covers most of the people on Garqi. Nobody here's gonna blink if they've got a few guns. Or even a lot of big guns. I get your meaning, though."

Freyja nods, "Thank you. In that case, are you comfortable aiding us in our research now, or neh?"

Kal says, "Yeah, I can do that. That'll be fine. I'm not sure, though, that prying into this little machine will get you any more than it's gotten me. Probably worth the try. What're you looking for, anyway?" Freyja looks inquiringly at Zero.

Zero says, "We suspect our target has set up for himself a small base or encampment somewhere in the wilds on Garqi; electronic forensics have pointed to his presence here. I believe, based upon the evidence in the records here, he is responsible for the theft and corruption of the records system, in an effort to keep his presence unknown. He may also be responsible for the damaging of any flying vehicles in the area, so as to avoid a flyover. The presence of giant predators like the uberxan works purely in his favor; it keeps even hardened bounty hunters or agents of the Republic at bay. I can supply you with information on some of his false identities and front corporations... with this I believe we can isolate which records are missing. From there, perhaps with help from the assessor's office, we might be able to determine precisely which parcel of Garqi he wishes to remain forgotten."

Kal says, "A small base? Corrupting the records? Front corporations? This sounds like something of a bigwig. Can I ask a question or two?"

Zero says, "Please."

Kal says, "Is this likely to be someone who'll go out on their own and stay there, or will they have a big entourage, and expect to live in comfort, just like before they fled here? 'Cause if you think there's a big camp or small base hidden somewhere, that limits the choices a lot."

Freyja grins. Manishsha gives his light saber back to Vakkal for safekeeping, and continues listening. Fhazil smiles, and puts the file he's still holding carefully away.

Zero says, "I expect this was something of a bolt-hole, a redoubt if you will. Someplace to lie low. So I expect he will not be living rather opulently. Although I do expect he may have an entourage of sorts... I suspect he has at least one slicer, and more than likely several armed guards."

Freyja murmurs ruefully, "If he's still anything like the person I met, he'll be working on discreetly making the place as comfortable for him as possible."

Kal says, "Yeah, but you're talking about several rooms, a recycler, a power cell, and probably some comm gear, right? This isn't a guy in a tent; this is a place to hide a while?"

Freyja says, "Hai."

Zero says, "Yes. I suspect he has prepared a place to hide out for an extended period, and perhaps to fend off an inquisitive Republic agent or five."

Kal says, "That'd show up on the satellites, and nothing has. Tax assessor'd have been all over them. That means it must be underground. That'll make this lots easier! There's only one way to build an excavation of any size on Garqi, and that's to have Digger Dale do it. If your man is here, Dale's worked on his hideout."

Zero says, "Has anyone seen this Dale recently?" Freyja mentally crosses her fingers in hopes the excavations are not yet complete -- and thus the poor man's not been simply eliminated. Zero adds, silently, I must confess I would be shocked. In bygone days, I -- or one of the others -- would have been paid to make sure Dale was never seen again.

Kal says, "Hrm. I don't know. I haven't seen him in a while, but he's a bit of a recluse. Lives in an excavation a little out of town. Nothing bothers him, which is just how he likes it. He makes his money by running the storage facility. Most of it's underground, too. The staff there might have talked to him recently."

Zero says, "Could you give us directions? I think it is of great importance that we speak to him immediately... if he is still there. Our target is not the sort of person who leaves witnesses. If he is still alive, his safety is in jeopardy until we reach him."

The big human considers, then says, "Well, I've never been there, and I've been told it's the kind of place you've got to have seen to be able to get to. You'd be best off going to the storage depot and asking if one of them'll take you out there. I'm sure they know where Dale's place is."

Freyja beams, "Thank you so much! We very much appreciate your assistance. My companion is correct, however -- time may well be of the essence for this man. Would you please excuse us?"

Zero hmms. "All right then. We should leave at once. Ah... we would consider it a favor if you perhaps left this conversation out of your recollection of the afternoon, should anyone ask, at least until we have concluded our business on the planet."

Kal whistles between his teeth, then says, "That bad, eh? Well, you let me know if you need anything else." He grins at Zero and says, "I can probably do that. It'll probably be easy. Nobody'll ask."

Zero smiles, "I appreciate it. Thank you." Freyja smiles as she slips lithely past the man and out the door... then hurries for the exit, a worried look on her face. Fhazil bows, "Thank you for your help, sah," and follows. Manishsha and Vakkal trail the group, watching to see if anyone's around. The records office is not a busy place.

Freyja adds, once they're outside, "Vakiza, dump at least your shirt and boots in the Eclipse while Zero's locating this man at the storage depot, all right? You look like you're about to die of the heat! And we should all remember to use our temporary pseudonyms, darnit! Sorry about that."

Vakkal nods and does so, returning wearing a pair of shorts and a bag to sling over his shoulder. He looks much cooler, but stands out much more as a strange alien. The trade-off is more than worth it.

Freyja also makes sure her blaster is neatly holstered on her belt. The lightsaber hilt remains tucked discreetly away out of sight on her utility belt, though. She glances amusedly down at the Kushiban, "So, what name are you using, quiet Kushiban?"

Manishsha says, "Call me Mek. Short and easy."

The storage depot is near the spaceport, conveniently labeled, 'DALE'S STORE-ALL!' It doesn't look like much of a warehouse -- just one little office and a shed.

The Supply Depot office is warm and dimly lit through small windows, and contains two people, both apparently snoozing at a large table or desk, one on each side. When people come in, both look up and blink alertness into their eyes. One, a Rodian, watches quietly as the others come in. The other, a thin Kel-Dor, says simply, "Can we help you?"

Freyja nods to Manishsha, then smiles at the Kel-Dor, "We are searching for a person named Digger Dale?"

The Kel-Dor says, "That would be the owner. He's not here today."

Freyja says, "Do you know when he is due to return?"

The Kel-Dor says, "Not particularly. He leaves most things to us here. Is there something we can help you with?"

Freyja says, "Well, Kal over at Records said we should talk to him."

Zero says, "We are looking for him... perhaps he might be at home? We have reason to believe that he may be in danger."

The Rodian gives an odd look, but says nothing. The Kel-Dor, however, sounds concerned as he says, "Danger? I hope not. His place should be pretty safe, though."

Freyja says, "Where might that be, please?"

The Rodian says, "Hey, can't tell that. Boss's place, y'know?" The Kel-Dor adds, "Very hard to give directions to, anyway. Nondescript would not do it justice."

Freyja says, "Then can one of you guide us there, perhaps?" She knows her sister is a favorite with Rodians as well as Humans, so she smiles a dazzlingly hopeful smile at the Rodian.

Zero says, "If he is in danger, having one or both of you along might be in his best interests. You're welcome to keep an eye on us for our good faith."

The Rodian says, "I dunno." Freyja's smile does seem to weaken him, and he says, "Kal sent you over?" He looks at the Kel-Dor and says, "Kal's good guy." The Kel-Dor nods, "I can take you there. I know where it is."

Freyja smiles just as dazzlingly in relief, "Thank you so much! We're ready when you are."

Zero says, "Yes, time is of the essence here."

The Rodian frowns and says, "Zat's bad." The Kel-Dor agrees, "Come. We have a hovertruck in the back. Plenty of room for all of us. We run supplies out to the boss every couple of weeks." The back is behind the shed, which appears empty. The truck looks outdated, and has some unusual changes to it -- strange hover gear, and it has been festooned with antennas. It's pretty much a big box that can float; right now it's sitting on the ground.

Freyja tilts her head to regard it thoughtfully... then grins and hops aboard lithely. "Interesting modifications you have here. Do they help you avoid local wildlife?" Zero lightly perches in the back, carefully avoiding the antennae.

The Kel-Dor works the drive controls, which are normal. There are, however, several extra screens with controls they work. The Kel-Dor nods, "Yes. Sensors to detect many things, let us flee most things. We're faster, and can get back to town where most won't go."

Freyja quietly brings up her ability to sense motives. It would be just like Kalatis to hire someone to bring him anyone searching insistently for a person he'd had permanently 'removed.' Then she smiles, reassured. She can tell now this person is being honest, and is genuinely concerned for his boss' welfare. She'd guess Digger Dale is, in effect, the equivalent of a local aristoi, and cares for his people. She wonders what species the man is. She mentally whispers her realizations to her friends, so they know also.

Zero settles in on the unusual speeder truck. That's a relief. I only hope that we aren't too late to prove our good intentions. Freyja nods a bit grimly.

When the Kel-Dor starts the truck another unusual thing is noted -- the antigrav units on it are almost silent. The truck drifts upwards only slowly, but eventually reaches a usual cruising height. It hangs there quietly, then lurches into motion with only the slightest humming and a rush of air. Not an impossible thing to do... just not one usually done to delivery trucks.

Freyja looks around a bit startledly, then grins, "Ah, so as to not warn the wildlife, hai!"

The Kel-Dor nods, "The less they notice us, the happier we all are." He drives the truck confidently and easily through the small, spread-out town, then out along what must pass for a road. He's driving slowly and barely watching the road; he watches the screens for wildlife instead.

Freyja looks around at the forest with interest, scanning for large life sparks. While she'd like to see one of the uberxan, she'd rather do that when she can talk to it -- not while having someone else fleeing madly in the vehicle she's also riding.

The trip seems quiet until the Kel-Dor says simply, "Uh-oh," and works the controls, trying to get the truck turned around. Several yellow blips show on one of the monitors, and it begins to beep quietly but un-ignorably. Zero narrows his eyes, and begins to reach for his lightsaber. I hate that word... Freyja simply watches silently, staying out of the driver's way.

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

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