The Jedi Knight known as Airus Vel Aath had only just returned to Tython from a long trip to the Republic dig site at Lannik, having helped where he could. Arriving with his Padawan in tow the young Jedi knight was curious of the goings on of Tython of course only minutes after he had landed, he was brought inside by a librarian, yet again he was given a mission. Of course, he gave Miarhi a task to research all Republic records she could find on Lannik while he away.

The situation was quickly explained to the Knight, as he was brought up to speed on what they knew, an auction was to take place on Nar Shaddaa put together by a Hutt, Krembal one of the crime lords of the planet. His casino would host several salvagers, pirates, and thieves who were putting hot items up for sale while this was outside of Republic space the Jedi knew they could not allow one of the items vanish once more. Several stone tablets from the early days of the Jedi that were once a important display piece among the order and widely regarded part of Jedi history they had managed to safe guard for generations.

It was made clear Airus had been requested for this task to hopefully use the credits provided to purchase the item and quietly return them to Tython if not extra steps would need to be taken to secure the safe return of the items. Airus was given permission to ask other Jedi for aid if he felt they could assist in his mission, Airus wasn't sure who he could ask but help sounded like a good idea marching into a den of thieves, murders, and other scum. Though he wanted to ask for help he knew of no one he could turn to on this matter, his lack of connections among the Jedi had come to bite him once again. He wondered silently if his own belief that he should not connect with other Jedi a problem more than a solution, pushing the thought aside he headed for his ship.


[hr]

[i]On Nar Shaddaa[/i]

Airus had landed a few hours ago, having received the invitation that had been acquired for him, while it didn't list who he was it made sure his name was on the list and he could enter without issue. Enough credits to the right people could get anything done, especially on Nar Shaddaa, the planet was haven for those who needed something. Airus truly believed it was perfect representation of what many systems would be like without the Republic, a haven for criminal a death trap to the poor and a truly horrifying place for anyone with even a shred of morals who dared to look beyond on the surface.

Of course for Airus he only saw what they tried to hide, much like Coruscant below the glitter and money was darkness and depravity, while he could understand some of Coruscant and even work to fix it. Here he could only treat symptoms, here he could do nothing but help who he could and then leave, this planet would not change unless something drastic happened. He could dream of that but in truth with the Hutts controlling this part of space... It was a pipe dream to change anything here until they had lost their power. 

Airus walked back towards his bedroom on the ship, Goldie gave a whine at Airus that the opening would be soon as Sparks headed down to engineering. Goldie was a Jedi temple scout droid assigned to help Airus in surveying, of course the utility droid had it's fair share of weapons. Meanwhile Sparks was the ship engineer and helped plot navigation, the two little droids enjoyed the company of the bookish Jedi. Mostly because he never bothered them or thought to clean up their memories, letting them mostly act as the ships crew. Of course the two droids rather enjoyed Airus's company, to them it felt as if the ship was there for them and he was just a passenger who sat in the pilots seat.

Taking a long breath Airus started getting himself ready dressing carefully, he locked his saber hilt's to his belt as he pulled on his heavy brown cloak and pulled the hood up far enough to hide his face. "Sparks! Goldie! Lock up the ship and don't trust anyone who tries to get on board without mentioning my name." He told the droids as he descended the ramp. It was a short taxi ride over to the casino from the Republic dock, one that Airus spent playing .

Slowly Airus neared the casino he could sense the people the clamoring for the chance to enter, Airus flashed his credit chit letting the bouncers know he was here to spend credits. The building was enormous and so sleek, even Airus lacking sight couldn't help but find it impressive as he carefully strode through the ornate halls of the casino. The casino no doubt shown with brilliant lights, of course he couldn't see them and didn't care to, as he passed through the halls he could feel the passion, anger, excitement, disappointment, but somewhere among it he felt one stronger presence more clearly and it's emotion was clear the person was upset, angry, and enraged something terrible had happened, he'd have to find the source when things calmed down. 

Right now it was time to blend in, slipping on a pair of glasses on that would hide his bandaged face and prevent unneeded questioning. Ordering a bottle of Corellian whiskey from a passing waitress Airus moved right to the sabacc tables, the pair of tinted glasses could be seen from under the hood, as he lowered it to look far less suspicious at the table. He wore them over a cover of bandages that he'd carefully concealed with his slightly messy red hair. Purchasing a fair amount of chips, Airus smiled at the others players as he focused on the cards around the table. Hundreds of people were moving through emotions flared all around but most were positive it seemed and easy enough to filter it out and focus on just his cards.

The turmoil of emotions and the feelings that coursed through each player, he thought about reading the cards but the aura's and emotions that he could see of the three other gamblers around him, was enough. The round began, it might not be where Airus wanted to spend the night but he could think of worse places to be than taking money from a bunch of pirates and smugglers who didn't deserve it. Sipping his whiskey Airus gave those around him a smile, didn't need to bluff when you could see through everyone like they were nothing. He wondered if he could earn enough credits gambling here to pay for the tablets without the Jedi order footing the bill.