Star Wars: Episode VIII: The New Threat

[Orlanth]

Jedi Master D'Rack Fran'tok

"I do not know, but not for long. We shall be back soon, as I have a lot of work to do around here." Eyeing Caiben, he sensed he was nervous, he then saw where his eyes were focused.

D'Rack smiled, but didn't say or do anything to interaction that he had a very good idea of what was going through the young man's mind.

After all, it was normal. In fact D'Rack would be worried if Caiben didn't act the way he did. "I know you two will do as all honor, I sense that we may soon know the mystery behind the Imperial attack."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Caiben Raille

I glanced at a distant wall, then back to her, then glanced nervously toward D'Rack and Balle, then back to the wall, only to find my eyes back on her again.
I couldn't look at her, and I couldn't look away. What was I supposed to do here?
My mind was in too many directions, when it should have been at peace, merely idle, not thinking anything I particular at that moment, just listening to the words my Master spoke to Master Fran'tok.
I glanced to her, then to the floor, then to D'Rack, then the wall again.
This was getting far too complicated.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Balle Lister

I could sense Caiben's unease, but chose to ignore it. What else could I do, but trust him to do what he thought best, to control himself.
"Certainly, Master Fran'tok, this meeting with the Yavin Council can be nothing but beneficial. We will do whatever we can to help here. Good luck on your venture. May the Force be with you."
I bowed to him, nodding to the young twi'lek girl.
"Caiben and I will report to Tra at once."

 

[Paendragon]

Darth Moridin

The fleet limped home to its hidden base.

And Darth Moridin was in a fury. There was no other way to put it... his fleet had been soundly defeated. The pure numbers that the enemy had thrown at him had been shocking. And even more shocking was the malevolence surging from the enemy through the Force. It had been clear to him... these were no rebels, but an entirely new enemy.

"My Lord?"

Moridin opened the comm channel with the bridge. "What is it, Captain."

"Final damage assessment from the battle, My Lord."

Moridin clenched his jaw. "And?"

"Slightly over one-third of the fleet destroyed, or disabled, and over half our complement of TIE fighters."

Moridin shut off the Comm with out answering. He could feel his fury bubbling below his skin, and there was no telling what he was capable of. He had killed the former Captain of the ExecutorII after the battle, in a rage. Killing his replacement, this soon afterward, just for bringing bad news, would serve no purpose.

No. What he needed to do was find out who these new enemies were, where they were from, and how to destroy them.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Caiben Raille

"I feel like a fool," I spat, suddenly, embarassed and feeling dejected. She hadn't even noticed me by the looks of it.
"Oh? WHy's that?" Balle asked.
We were in the turbolift, heading towards the command center, hoping to get a word with Tra.
"I...I was nervous," I replied, not wanting to say why.
"Oh? I didn't notice," he replied.
I didn't bother to look in his direction. How could he be so blind? Or was he mocking me?
When the turbolift doors opened, we stepped out, met by a security officer.
"We're here to speak with Jedi Tra Shin, upon orders from Master Fran'tok," Balle informed.
THe man nodded, saying, "Just a moment," then exiting the small corridor outside the command center and entering the room beyond.
I looked away, not ready to look my master in the eye.
"Calm yourself, Caiben," Balle comforted. "No one's perfect, and no one expects you to be. Look ahead. What comes next is more important than what has just passed. At least we can still control that."
I nodded, looking up as the security officer entered the room.
"You may enter. He's waiting for you," the man explained.
"Thank you," Balle returned, walking past the man and into the command center.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Cloud City, Bespin

"Yes," the man said, watching with careful scrutiny as his apprentice panted heavily. "Feel the anger, but control it..."
"Control?" His apprentice asked, almsot growling.
"Yes," the man replied. "For now. Save it. More importantly, savor it. Remember what he did to you, how easily he defeated you, how weak he made you feel."
Darth Blaze breathed in deeply, holding the breath for a moment, closing his eyes. When he finally released it, it came out in a long groan.
"Hmmm," Figgas closed his own eyes, feeling the tremor in the Force that moved across space to Bespin. "Something has changed."
BLaze eyed his master, the anger kept in check for the moment.
"Something..." Figgas muttered, then opened his eyes and looked to his apprentice. The young man's gaze held anger, contempt, hatred, even a little fear. Everything he wanted it to hold. All the things that would drive him when the time came. The things that made him want to prove himself.
"What, Master?"
"Something has changed," Figgas repeated.
"You're old apprentice again?"
The twi'lek nodded, then shook his head. It wasn't Raine, but it had something to do with her, with all the jedi, but at this point, more with her.
He'd need to contemplate this, listen to the Force and what it had to offer before he'd know exactly what was going on, but other familiar factors were involved here, he felt.
But for now...
"Why do you distract me?" He asked, turning his focus on his apprentice again. "Are you so afraid of me that you wish to keep my mind on other things?" He grinned wickedly. "So pathetic..."
Blaxze was on his feet again in seconds, charging his master, his lightsaber humming to life.

 

[Orlanth]

Jedi Master D'Rack Fran'tok & Jedi Knight Sara Nosh

Sara was sitting there, thinking of her mission to Yavin. She felt that she had to prove herself to the Yavin Jedi.

What made things worse, was that Master Fran'tok would also be there. D'Rack Fran'tok was not only the leader of the Coruscant Jedi order, but Sara had feelings for him...

She wished she could be with him, but knew it couldn't be. Sara did then, what a Jedi should not do. She had hiden her feelings deep inside her, which is aganst master Fran'tok's teachings. "Be open to your follow Jedi, talk and reason about thoughts amongst yourselvs. Holing back is another way to lead to the dark side." D'Rack had said.

"Only if it was that easy D'Rack." With that thought, the door beeped. "Come."

In walked D'Rack.

"The Shadow is ready. We can depart now." D'Rack sensed something but was unsure. Since he had a bad experance long ago with love, he stoped all thoughts along those lines.

So he never did pick up on Sara's feelings.

 

[Paendragon]

Tynan

He left the Jedi Council chambers troubled, and he headed for the practice yard, knowing without knowing, that that's where he would find Luke.

He was right. His Padawan was facing one of the remote training devices, and blocking each of the stun bolts before they got to him. From the speed the device was moving, it was obviously set on its highest setting.

Luke was getting good.

Tynan watched for quite some time, until the device stopped in mid-air and switched off.

Luke stood with his back to him.

"Teach me Vaapad," Luke said. From his tone, it wasn't a request.

Tynan frowned. "You're not ready, Luke. You know that." It was an old, but ever increasing argument with them. Ever since they had found the old journals of the Jedi Master Mace Windu, a Master from the Old Republic, and found inside it the lightsaber fighting technique that Windu had created, Luke had wanted to learn it. But Tynan had recognized it for what it was. Vaapad is a particularly aggressive, and deadly form. One that by its very nature, brings the user dangerously close to the Dark Side. It was not to be taught to everyone. In fact, only very few could even hope to Master it even among the Jedi. Tynan had done so himself, and as such, was uniquely qualified in understanding the dangers. As Windu had said in his journals, "You either Master Vaapad, or you are Mastered by it." And Luke would be Mastered by it. He still had far too much anger, and not enough control over it.

"I am ready!" Luke spun to face him, his hand tightening on his deactivated lightsaber.

Tynan frowned. This was hardly the first time he had seen Luke on the verge of a dangerous tantrum - he had often thought that Luke's being denied a natural childhood before meeting Tynan had adversely effected the way he showed emotion. Almost as if he didn't know how to express it - but it had been quite some time since he had seen him so emotional. "Easy Luke."

"Why don't you trust me?" Luke said, more emotion creeping into his voice.

"Trust has little to do with it. You are not ready. The Dark Side is still too strong in you."

Luke tapped himself on the chest. "There is no Dark Side in here, bounty hunter."

Tynan frowned harder, but the Padawan continued.

"Besides which, you yourself taught me that there is no black and white, Light and Dark. You said it doesn't work that way!"

Tynan shook his head. "What I taught you is that no Jedi is without darkness. True, I don't believe in a Light Side of the Force, and a separate Dark Side. The Force is in all things, everywhere. It is neither good, nor evil. It's what we do with it that makes us either good, or evil. We all have anger, Luke. We all have fear. And yes, we all hate. But as Jedi, we can control those emotions. We do not let them control us. The Light Side and the Dark Side isn't out there..." He waved his hand in the general direction of space. "The Dark Side is in here..." He tapped his chest, over his heart. "And Vaapad releases that darkness. If you're unable to control it, than it will destroy you, and those around you."

Luke turned away, again. "I can control it. I'm stronger than you, aren't I? You said so yourself. If I wanted to, I could lay waste to this entire training yard." He clenched his fists, and slowly shook his head. "I can feel it, Master. Feel the power burning under my skin. But do I release it? No. I control it, it doesn't control me. I am Palpatine's clone, but not Palpatine himself."

Tynan stepped closer to Luke, and placed his hand on the boys shoulder. It was true about the boys power. He was more powerful than Tynan, and would eventually be much moreso than he is now. But pure strength does not make a Jedi great. "Yes, you have controlled it. You've come a long way in the time we've been together, Luke. But you still have a long distance to go. We'll get there together. And when you are ready, I will teach you Vaapad." That day might never come, of course. There are Jedi Masters whom Tynan will not teach the style to, let alone a Padawan.

"And who decides when I'm ready?"

"I do," Tynan answered.

Luke sighed, and shook his head, but said nothing.

Tynan could sense he was hiding something, so he opened his senses. He would not use his gifts with the mind on Luke, but he would be able to sense any evasiveness.

"What brought this on, Luke? Why now, after so long?"

It hit him like a blaster bolt. He didn't have to use his gift to see it, that's how forceful the image was. A woman in armor, pulling off her helmet.

"Nothing," Luke said.

Tynan nodded, but was troubled. If that image was who he had thought it was...

He thought back to Raine's description of their escape, and of the armored woman who had contributed, and to how dangerous the woman had been in Master DuVall's eyes.

If the Dracuurian were Natasia Vish's enemy... then she might just be willing to help them. And no matter how much the idea of asking his Padawan's kidnapper for assistance nauseated him, the fact was that they were at war. And during a war, distasteful things were sometimes necessary. The question is, how would Luke react?

"Continue your session, Luke. I have business to attend to."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Raven Bosch

"Remember not to hurt them should confrontation become a necessity, Raven," Marius instructed.
"Yes, Master."
"And if you do, don't worry, we can always heal them. Just try not to injure them unnecessarily."
"Yes, Master," I replied. again.
"And remember to appear calm, and at ease. We're not here to be a threat to them unless necessary."
Necessary was the key word here. Only what was necessary.
"Yes, Master."
The doors opened then, and Marius casually glanced up at the armed men and aliens entering the room.
"Oh," He stated, matter-of-factly. "There you are."
"Just remain still," one ordered, raising his handblaster to point it at the Jedi.
"We're not moving anywhere that I can see," Marius kept his tone, his hands hanging loosely at his sides as he spoke, lightsaber hooked on his belt.
"Take thier weapons," the leader ordered another. THe other glanced to him, then replied. You take thier weapons."
There were nearly twenty of them, and more waiting outside by the commotion I could hear.
The leader glanced back at the others, who manged to avoid his gaze, then paced forward.
As he reached Marius, he instructed. "Hand over your weapons."
The other tensed for a moment at Marius' hand waved in front of the man's face, a simple gesture that drew the man's attention.
"You don't need our weapons," he whispered.
"On second thought," the man said. "We don't need thier weapons."
"You will take us to your leader."
"We'll take them to see the Captain."
"What?" one of the others asked.
"Are you questioning my authority?" The leader snapped back.
"No, sir," was the reply.
"Excellent," Marius returned. "Just what we came here for. Isn't this much easier than shooting at one another...?"

 

[Orlanth]

Jedi Padawan Tra Shin

"Ah, Caiben, Balle, good of you to drop by." Bows Tra, as the two men walk into the room.

"I'm glad you're here. I have a task that needs doing. There is a bit of a civil up roar, concerning the Imperial attack. Our troops have been tring to put it down, but have not been of any succes. Could you two pleas travil to sector 509 of Area Y, and command the troops there?" Tra, paused for a second then continued. "I would go myself, but I need to be here."

 

[Paendragon]

Tynan

It didn't take him long to find the ship. Confrontations between Jedi and anyone else rarely went unnoticed on Yavin. Indeed, all it had taken was one question to a member of a maintenence crew, for him to be pointed in the right direction. And now here he stood.

He didn't bother to announce himself. The Force told him that she knew he was there. Instead, he merely waited, with his hands clsped before him serenly, and his cloak thrown back to show that he was not brandishing a weapon. Not that it mattered. He could have his blade drawn an ignited in an instant if need be, and Vaapad made him an incrdibly formidable foe to any non-Jedi. Indeed, against a non-Jedi, all his less prevalent powers were nearly meaningless. Telekinesis, for example, would not come into play here.

Unless she had an ancient catapult on board, he thought, with a wry smile. In that case, it wouldn't be the first time he had been caught with his tunic around his ankles, so to speak.

Still, he would keep watch for any signs of deceit, even though he didn't expect any threats. he was a Jedi Master, on a planetful of Jedi. One thing Natassia Vish was not, was foolish. He had, after all, not come here to fight.

He had come here, to offer her a job.

 

[Orlanth]

Jedi Master D'Rack Fran'tok

The Shadow was wising through hyperspace towards Yavin IV. D’Rack had no idea of what was to come. He thought only to discus the Imperial attack, and a possible alliance between the two Jedi orders, or even as far as merging the 2.

Merging the orders will strengthen the Jedi numbers, yes. But at the same time go back to old times. Which is how the Sith killed all but a few Jedi. With the leadership of Luke Skywalker, the Jedi had grown back, and the strength of the Sith was beaten back.

Luke Skywalker died, and the Jedi order soon went back to times of the old Republic. D’Rack saw what Skywalker did. The order must change, use more force to maintain peace, and take use of having an army to defend, or to take out the enemy.

But no, the Jedi on Yavin IV didn’t see it that way… “All I am trying to do is make safe the future of the Jedi, and insure peace.” D’Rack thought to himself as he watched the controls.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Nastasia Vish

She sat back, eyeing the monitor as the Jedi moved closer to the ship. SHe was tempted to power up the external blasters. They wouldn't kill him, even if she hit him dead on, but they'd make the point that she was tired to seeing Jedi for the time being.
She resisted the urge of course. She wasn't about to attack a Jedi on Yavin IV, even if it were a non-lethal attack.
She stood, keeping her handblaster close at her side and not bothering with her helmet. Anonimity was useless here. She'd save it for places where it served her purpose.
When she reached the entrance ramp, she looked out at the man with irritation.
"Hello," she said. "You must be the boy's trainer. Come to scold me for upsetting the poor child?"

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Balle Lister

I bowed to the man, "As you wish, Tra. Whatever we can do to be of service."
Caiben mimicked my gesture.
"We;ll get to it at once," I added, turning and exiting, Caiben in tow.

 

[Paendragon]

Tynan

Tynan smiled. At least she hadn't tried to shoot him.

"Hardly. Luke can take care of himself." Most of the time. He looked past her to her ship, which seemed ready to take off, and then back at her, deciding to get right to the point. He was never one for diplomacy, or vagueness. "We share the same enemy, you and I. The enemy whom had you imprisoned."

Vish flashed an expression that might be boredom at him, but he ignored it. He would bet all the credits on Yavin it was an act. She might not be interested in what he was saying, but she would still be on guard, and alert.

"The Dracuurians will not rest until they have conquered the known galaxy, and subjugated us all." He didn't think that would be enough for her to help them. But then he had much more selfish reasons for her, if she needed them.

"I'm not sure if you realize this, but the Dracuurians have no concept of money." he said it casually, as if talking to an old friend. "Or wealth. They live for status, and honor, and conquest." He folded his arms across his chest. "And they have even less regard for bounty hunters than the New Republic, or the Empire, do."

"Get to the point, Jedi," Vish said, her voice cold as ice.

"I have a job for you. I won't be able to pay as much as you'd make elsewhere, but I think that the payment you will receive in the future by being allowed to go about your business will more than make up for any loss in pay." One more point to make... this time, any easy manner he had shown before was washed away. His voice was hard.

"And I'll see what I can do about giving you parole for your crime of kidnapping my Padawan."

He didn't add that the crime warranted her immediate arrest. He didn't have to. She was not stupid. He felt... dark... for making the thinly veiled threat, but knew it was necessary. Vish would be an intregal part of this war, he could feel it through the Force. And he would just as soon have her working for the right side.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Nastasia Vish

She nearly laughed aloud at his threat, but managed to stay relaxed in appearance. Parole? As if she'd be taken alive to begin with.
She considered the other words he'd shared with her, however. The Dracuurians were her enemy, and they would not allow her t live after what she'd done. Luckily, the Jedi had no information concerning that.
"We can talk business, and discuss a possible deal, however, I have little desire to deal with your kind any longer than is necessary. And I am not agreeing to anything just yet. Set your terms, and we'll discuss..."

 

[Orlanth]

Coruscant

The Imperal fleet has been desroyed finally.

But at a great cost. Two thirds of the Coruscant's fleet were lost, the rest badly damaged.

Master D'Rack Fran'tok had left to see the Yavin Order, and gave his Padawan Tra Shin command. The young Vork was determined to do his Master proud.

The fleet was being repaired,but the long and hardf process of gaining peace on control over Coruscant had just started...

Coruscant was last like this when the Old Republic was over-throwen...

 

[Paendragon]

Admiral Dar Thandor

Dar looked down at the small holographic image of the Supreme Commander of the New Republic Military. The Supreme Commanders face was lined with age, and the reflexes that made him one of the most accomplished pilots in the histroy of the Rebellion had slowed, but his eyes still had the deadly glint of military intelligence behind them. Yes, General Wedge Antilles was still an extraordinarily formidable man. And a strong leader.

"Have there been any more disruptions?" Dar asked.

"Not yet," Wedge answered. "So far the communications blackouts have stayed near the Unknown Regions. But if what you heard from the Jedi is true, this'll only be the beginning."

"Orders?" Dar asked.

"None, yet."

"Sir?" To say that Dar was surprised, would be the mother of all understatements. Wedge was never one to do nothing.

"We still cannot account for the Sith fleet, and the Chief of State's intelligence network has warned him about a rather large pirate infestation near the Mached system. If you move the the Skywalker toward this new threat, you'll leave us dangerously unguarded." Wedge's tone showed that he would accept no argument.

Dar, however, would give him one. "Sir, with all due respect to the Chief of State, you can't expect me to sit here and do nothing."

"That's exactly what I'm saying. The Chief od State is not the Emperor, Admiral. He cannot commit out most advances ships to combat if it leaves us vulnerable."

Dar kept his face to stillness, as he saw the General move his head to the left, than to the right. To anyone watching, it would seem as if he had just stretched a kink in his neck, but dar knew better. It was a code. It said "You'll have you ships, but I need time."

So that was it. The damned Senate, again. A bunch of politician so concerned with their own planets well-being that they would not allow the Chief of State to do what was needed.

"I understand, General."

"Good." Wedge nodded. "One more thing... there are some reinforcements coming out to you. They'll have a clearance code..." he smiled, "oh, and my wife says hello."

"Give her my best, sir."

The transmission ended.

Dar crossed his arms over his chest and stared at the empty space where his superior's holographic image had once stood. That bit about Wedge's wife was another code. There would be more than just reinforcements coming. But what?

 

[Orlanth]

Jedi Padawan Tra Shin

The tall, dark skin man walked into Tra’s office. A look of terror on his face, he had just heard news from an undercover agent in deep space, near the Outer-Rim.

“What is it commander, not more trouble on Coruscant I hope?” Tra said, sounding in a good mood. The repairs to the fleet was well-under way, and the civil-uproars on Coruscant were dying down.

“Si… Sir I bring bad news I am afraid. O… Our agent near the Outer-Rim sent a S.O.S and a small note. Bu… But, not much is clear. Let me play it.”

“…. on …. way ….. show … ercy……………….. ou must send…………. e all ………. die. They ar… …frent, d….. care………….. lives…. Se…. help now, or…………”

“We can’t pick upp his trace. It looks like he is died sir. I suggest we seen a Star Destroyer to go investergate.”

“No, we don’t have much left after the Imperial attack. We need to keep our deffance, there is no telling if the Imperials have another wave of attack.” Tra was wondering what D’Rack would do. “Send word to the New Republic, inform them of what has happened. See if they can send a ship out to see what happened; and they must not draw attention to it, if there is an Im,perial fleet, or worse the Sith fleet, they will be in big trouble”

“Yes sir.” The tall commander bows and leaves.

[oi]“Master, we’re not out of trouble yet.”[/i}

 

[Paendragon]

Tynan

It was an obvious choice, what her mission would be.

"I want you to do what you do best. Find someone for us."

He related the basics of what the council had decided about the renegade Jedi.

"Of course, you won't be going alone. You'll be accomapnied by a Jedi/Padawan team."

He thought for a moment. "And several others. You would adhere to the orders of the Jedi in all matters. But it will be your task to find whom we are looking for."

Again, he felt some misgiving here. But the Force had told him she would be intregal in this war. And he always trusted his instincts.

"As for the terms," he shrugged. "I think you know them already, and the benefits to you. Your parole from the standing charges of kidnapping, being foremost as far as the Jedi are concerned."

He tilted his head to the side, and studied her. "I know of your skills, and you may be able to evade capture for a time. Possibly even for the entirety of your existence. But with this deal comes a promise. I won't come after you for your transgression against my Padawan, and I'll ensure no one else does either. But, if you don't accept it, or you accept it now, only to betray us later, I will come for you." It wasn't stated as a threat. He had a feeling threats were pointless with her... and besides, it wasn't necessary.
"Again, you may evade me, and you may even kill me during the chase. But wouldn't it be easier, with all of the others who are already hunting you, to not have to worry about a Jedi on your scent?"

He knew there were others. There always were in her chosen field. Someone whom felt they were wronged. Some of them, no doubt correct about that feeling. Then most importantly, there were the Draccuurians, and what they represented. He didn't feel the need to reiterate that to her.

He waited for her reply.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Nastasia Vish

She was quiet for a moment, eyeing the Jedi carefully. He would no doubt live up to his threat to hunt her down, but that would be less a concern than he might think. He would need to deal with the Dracuurians as well, and they would see him as a threat moreso than she. And would he survive that battle? To hunt her down at all?
She guessed not. But truth be told, eventually, she would run out of places to go if she merely stood by and allowed the Dracuurians to overrun the galaxy.
The question was: With her help, and the help of whatever Jedi they might hunt down, could they, as a whoole, stand a chance at defeating the enemy? If not, wouldn't it stand to reason that she would be better off alone? The galxy would be overrun, but there were always those worlds that went unnoticed, that hid among thier own lack of reputation. No threat to anyone, and therefore easy hiding places. Even the Jedi and the Republic, New and Old, hadn't bothered to search those worlds for anything of value. The Dracuurians would most certainly leave them alone as well.
To not fight though? To just hide away and stay there until her dying day? Common sense took the place of bravery in her day to day life, not to lack honor, but not to die because of it either. Only fools threw themselves into harm's way when the odds were so strongly against them. But that kind of life...she wasn't bred for that. Her genes, the same genes that brought her great grandfather to face off against Mace Windu so long ago, weren't about to allow her to be so weak, whether death waited ahead for her or not.
If nothing else, she could aid the Jedi here, and if things appeared to be failing, she could walk away. The Jedi would have thier hands too full to bother chasing after her, warrants outstanding or not.
The problem was, as he said, those others. She only knew of a few truly skilled predators persuing her, but those were not to be taken lightly. And the true difficulty was..."All right Jedi," she returned. "I'll help you, for now. But I will not simply follow the orders of these Jedi. I'm not a slave, and unless I'm recieving compensation of some monetary matter, I'll not be treated as a lackey. If you wish for my services, you take them as everyone else does, or there's no deal. I do as I please, and during the course of his search, I'll promise not to injure or kill any of your Jedi or whomever else you send with us. Assuming they return the same gesture. If that's agreed, I'll find your Jedi."
In fact, they may find me... She didn't add that on, but merely waited for his response.

 

[Paendragon]

Tynan

"I will hold you to your promises. And you may have free reign to do what is necessary to complete the mission... to a degree. But the Jedi will be in command of the mission, and that in no way makes you anyones lackey. Every mission has one commander, as I'm sure you are aware. They will ultimately decide what actions to take, with your advice taken in its full weight, of course." It was just like any military campaign. Just like any business venture, too, for that matter. When he was the hunter, his methods, too, were his own, but he was honor-bound by the contract to adhere to the specifications of that contract, and to follow - however loosely, he admitted, and at times it was quite loosely - the directions of the contract-holder. It was either that, or he did not accept the contract.

Tynan knew that the woman standing before him was needed in this fight, but even still, he would not allow her free reign on this trip. If she could not accept even a light leash, than he would have no choice but to withdraw his request. He wished that he himself could accompany her, but knew that was impossible. Especially with his just recently completed speech about the council members taking greater responsibility in the leadership of the Jedi. With that in mind, he might already have some ideas as to what Master might lead this mission.

"Are we agreed?"

 

[Paendragon]

Admiral Thandor

The young lieutenant stood before him, back straight. "Admiral, there is a small flotilla of supply ships approaching."

"Is their code clearing?" Dar asked.

"Yes, sir. But there was no mention of any supply convoy on my duty schedule, sir."

"Let them land, Lieutenant. The supply convoy was a late addition. I assume that's why it wasn't on your schedule."

The Lieutenant's eyes widen slightly. "You knew of this, sir? I... I'm sorry I..."

Dar waved his hand impatiently. "Nonsense. You did your duty. You will always verify any ship requesting docking clearance with the Skywalker, if they are not on your schedule." He smiled, slightly. "Although, in the future, perhaps one of your immediate superiors could field such a question?"

The young man blanched, no doubt kicking himself for bothering the Admiral with such a petty detail. Dar wasn't angry, however. he woulf rather the Lieutenant be over-cautious when it came to his particular job, than lax. But still, it wouldn't do to have him running to the Admiral every time he had a question. The man's immediate superior was Commander Jerico Tyler, whom knew every docking request as soon as it was received, and would have been able to tell the young Lieutenant to not worry himself over this particular supply convoy.

"I'm sorry Admiral. It won't happen again."

Dar nodded. "Dismissed."

The Lieutenant snapped a salute, and spun on his heel to exit the room.

Dar nodded at his back. The young man was suitably chastened, but would not have his curiosity quashed. Discipline, and following orders were indeed the backbone of the military, but if it was at the cost of creative thinking, than what was the point? He might as well have a ship full of droids if that's what he wanted.

His comm unit beeped, and he activated it. "Admiral Thandor."

"Admiral, Commander Tyler," came the response.

"Commander?" Dar prompted.

"The supply ship captain is requesting that you come down to sign for the supplies yourself. He says it was a direct order from General Antilles."

"An order, to have me come down and sign for it? Unusual..."

"Yes, sir. I have the order in front of me. It appears that there has been some question about our supplies disappearing, and they won't release them to anyone but you."

To his credit, Commander Tyler managed to keep too much annoyance from creeping into his voice. He was, no doubt, fuming under the implications of mistrust.

"I'm on my way, Commander."

Dar shut off his comm unit and strode purposefully from the room.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Nastasia Vish

SHe considered his words for a moment, then nodded her agreement, in the back of her mind uncertain if she truly intended to follow through with every order thrown her way.
"It's a deal, then," she replied. "I'll go on this mission, and I'll find your Jedi, at least, those that still live, that is. I hope your Jedi are skilled enough to be of use against these Dracuurians, because if they are not..."
She didn't finish, but instead just looked at the man.
"When do we leave?"

 

[Paendragon]

Tynan

He listened to her, and nodded. He, too, hoped they were good enough.

"As soon as possible. If you need food or drink, I'll have some made available to you."

He tilted his head to the side. "I'm sure you remember your way around the base," he said, dryly. He reached into his robes, and pulled out a communicator, and tossed it to her. She caught it smoothly, and without looking directly at it. "I'll have the Jedi who will be accompanying you contact you."

He bowed to her. "I thank you for your assistance." He was under no illusions. He knew that she only helped them because of her own interestes, but she still was helping them.

He turned, and strode away.