freedomliveson

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

"Fair enough." Yerbol folded his arms across his chest, leaning against the wall a few feet away from the door to the ambassador's office. It had been easy to get the location from the ambassador's assistant, who had more than happily directed them to "ensure that all of his floor was buffed this time!". This directive was given when they arrived on the fifth floor by the assistant who labeled her as such upon seeing them and scolded them for not arriving sooner, seeing as the Ambassador "deserved much better treatment" than playing "second fiddle" to the other government buildings on Manaan. After another couple of minutes of derision, they were pointed down to the middle of the hallway before the assistant stomped off to presumably boss some more people around. Thankfully those "other people" didn't seem to be on this floor. In fact, it was rather quiet for the middle of the day at the only Repubilc embassy in Ahto City. Was this a trap in disguise? No, no it couldn't be. They were left for dead on Rendii, two less rebels for the True Sith to worry about. To ease Yerbol's suspicions, an office door opened near the elevator, two women chattering about the horrible smell that Selkath emitted after a good rain before entering the elevator.
"I'll keep watch. I feel like people would believe me as a maintenance worker more than you. You know, cause I lift weights." He winked mischievously, nodding towards the door.
"Now go on. I've got your back. Just don't spend too much time in there, ok? I want to get out of this jumpsuit as fast as possible." They hadn't been able to take the street sweepers up to this level due to their girth, but they had been directed to a maintenance closet where Yerbol had grabbed rags, a broom and a bottle of something dark green labeled cleaning solution on the outside. He got to work by getting down one knee, spraying the floor before wiping it in a circular pattern. Thankfully he was able to simulate the action rather well, seeing as he had the practice when he was much younger at the Temple. He and Lysa had been tasked with cleaning the floors on more than one occasion(not out of punishment, but rather to teach young ones how to serve. He always hated that bit.)

A few minutes passed and Yerbol hadn't sensed any incoming trouble, but the hallway had once again become extremely quiet. He looked ahead, spotting a half circle jutting out of the other end of the hallway and swore vehemently on the inside. That was more than likely a camera, wasn't it? Of course it was a camera, why WOULDN'T they have cameras on the same floor as the ambassador's office?! His head returned to looking at the floor, berating himself for-

The elevator doors cracked open, three armored Troopers pointing their rifles down the hallway.
"Stand up, slowly, hands in the air!" One of them barked.
"This has to be some kind of joke, right?" Yerbol tried to make his voice crack for added effect, but failed, standing upright with his hands in the air as directed. The troopers clicked forward, the same trooper responding:
"We normally shoot people who commit treason on the spot, but command says we've got to take you in."
"Command?"
"Just tell us where your partner is and we can get on with this." That voice they both heard on the shuttle! It must've been one of the True Sith on the planet! The ambassador? Republic general?

Who cares?! They needed to leave at any cost necessary...well, except for killing the troopers. He wouldn't stoop to that level. Not yet.

Yerbol threw his arms forward, summoning a burst of energy that knocked the guards on their heels before tearing the left sleeve off of his long sleeved jumpsuit, retrieving his saber strapped to his wrist and ignited it just as blaster fire rained on his position.

TELL ME YOU'VE GOT SOMETHING!!!

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

I like the idea of Bracknell that you brought up. Let's roll with that :)

So I would think that the Republic ambassador's office would have some info, seeing as he would probably be invited to the meeting. Break into his office, get info and get out? How's that sound?

[Save Me From The Dark] freedomliveson x earlymorninstar

As she told her story, he noticed the way she swallowed, the trademark shrug, the avoidance of eye contact. Yes, she was abused in some way. Maybe it wasn't recent, but abuse at any point in one's life can have a major impact on how they behave throughout the rest of their time on Earth. There were countless victims of abuse he had dealt with over the past year and most of the treatments he had prescribed had worked like a charm. Maybe he could give her some of the medicine, give her treatment, see where it led...ethical? Borderline, but if he could help her break through her meekness, that bubbling potential underneath could break free and overflow. Yes, he would do that. But not now. He was an employer for now, nothing more.
"No siblings, eh? I know the feeling." Another huge bite of lamb and vegetable was chewed and swallowed before continuing:
"An only child was I. Growing up was strange, you know. No other playmates around to distract myself with, so most of my attention was focused on books and other things that an only child would take up their time with." A peal of thunder exploded in the sky, causing the walls of the house to shake slightly in protest of the noise.
"To think..." He waved his hand at the house.
"That a home of such elegance would quake at the mere mention of a storm! I dare say I might ask for my money back." He chuckled, eating a bit more on his plate.
"I do have to say that that I'm rather impressed with your flexibility. Most are utterly terrified of trying something new. I think it speaks well to your character that you would be willing to step out on chance and see what happens. I never had much of a chance to that myself until my father passed. Being in an academic program that takes almost ten years away from your life will do that." He leaned back in his chair, sighing lightly before asking:
"So you say you wanted to try something new, yes? Why a position here? Surely you could have sent out resumes elsewhere? To be honest, the ad in the paper that I put out was a bit haphazard, not thought out. Why did you respond?" Ok that was a TAD psychoanalytical, but he did want to know why she came to him.
"Are you looking to run away from something?" A trace of a smile formed on his lips as he took a sip from an almost empty wine glass that had been filled prior to Alyssa's arrival.
"Or someone...?"

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Ok, cool beans! So the voice that spoke to the duo...do you want it to be Renso or Bracknell? Your call

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Walking through the pristine, shimmering complex of Ahto City was borderline awe inspiring. Everything was so well maintained, so well kept that it made the most beautiful gardens on Tython look like a field of bantha droppings in comparison. The Selkath natives didn't seem to be in very much of a hurry, but most of the visitors were hurriedly moving from one destination to the next, some carrying datapads talking loudly into their earpieces while others stood at observation points conversing in hushed tones with one another.
"So turn right at the salvage...shop..." He looked up at a sign with two gears overlapping, the universal symbol for scrap peddlers, complying with the directive from the Selkath receptionist. They strolled through yet another sterile, off-aqua colored hallway before emerging into a densely packed area with taller buildings and foot traffic of all types of species. About two hundred yards off, a large eggshell colored building stood with the banner of the Republic proudly waving in front. Yerbol felt a knot growing in his stomach as Aria mentioned schematics, fully aware that the two of them had no access to any of those necessary components for a stealthy romp through the Republic base. The duo moved forward to within about a hundred yards before Aria halted his progress and encouraged him to follow her down an alleyway that presumably led to another portion of this sector. When she brought up the potential of breaking in from a rear entrance, he nodded.
"Best way I can think of at the moment. Problem is we would have to get around the sides of the building first and..." Yerbol poked his head out of the alleyway, noting that there were several street sweepers vacant, tucked up against the backs of the buildings on this street. In the distance was the left most edge of the Embassy. Flanking all of this was a barrier of about five feet that allowed for partial viewing of the ocean and other parts of Ahto City while still protecting those who wanted to view from tumbling over.
"We've got a couple of options." He motioned to the sweepers, which were about four feet in length with circular buffers underneath and an uncovered seat on top.
"We can play the role of maintenance workers hired on by the Embassy, ask for the service entrance and get in that way...or we can try to bluff our way in as Jedi that need to speak to the Ambassador, then break off from the main entrance." He resumed eye contact with Aria before continuing:
"It wouldn't be hard to get some clothing from a vendor that would look a bit more...maintenance looking than what we've got on now...or we can just try to see if they'll be duped by our bluff. We have the sabers to prove our affiliation and the Republic, whether or not you knew this, doesn't actually log Jedi into their database. They say it's a 'sign of respect' that the Order can take care of their own. We can easily exploit that...or if you have any other ideas, I'd love to hear them."

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Yesssssssssssssssssssss. Looking forward to seeing Bracknell in action. He could serve as an excellent main baddie alongside...

Well, I introduced someone that I wanted to talk to you about. I've had him in mind for a bit, but before I/we go any further, I wanted to get your input on him.

Name: Formerly Renso Kator, now known simply as The Master

Background:

Renso was one of the FIRST True Sith masters, a force wielder of unlimited potential who was also charismatic and shrewd, enabling him to form the initial workings of the first Sith council. Renso was fascinated with the Force and studied/experimented as much as he could on himself and his disciples alike, only finding a lack of fulfillment from attempting to push the boundaries of what one could do with the Force. Wars raged between nations and planets alike during this time, the Sith engaging in battles that they felt would be necessary in preserving the "balance of the galaxy". This grew tiresome to Renso, seeing as battles never seemed to end as long as one party knew they could rely on the force wielders for assistance. It was then that he began to think that maybe, just maybe the galaxy would be better off without the Force, that the only way to truly balance the galaxy would be to do the unthinkable: kill the Force.

That's what I got so far...thoughts?

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

"You're a gentlewoman and a scholar." He mumbled at her suggestion, raising his right arm and jutting his thumb up in the air. At this juncture, any and all assistance from her would be greatly appreciated.
"Going to slip into a weird trance. I'm probably to mumble, maybe flail a bit. Just ignore me." He closed his eyes, focusing as much as he could on allowing his body to sink past the cold metal of the bench, to focus his mind on the rejuvenation that comes from only being one with the Force, one with the entirety of the universe. His Master's words lilted through his consciousness, telling him to relax, to allow the Force flow through every fiber of his being, to give into the softness, the serenity of what it can provide. Already he could feel muscle fibers in his abdomen and upper thighs unwind, knots that were once bound up releasing. Microfractures were repairing themselves and-

You should not be here, young one.

Blood chilled in his veins, the once comforting silence replaced by a crushing presence, one that would threaten to wipe his entire essence out in one fell swoop.

Who...who are you? A few beats of silence.

They will carry out the necessary functions. You are not to interfere.
Answer me, who ARE YOU?!
You will know, young one. They will know. And they will bow.
Bow to someone that hides in the shadows?
To someone who will open their eyes. Your eyes. The Force will die, young one. It will all die. There will be harmony...at a cost.

He sat up violently, the pain that had once inflicted him completely gone, but in it's place was a throbbing emptiness, a void that couldn't be identified or filled. It was terrifying.
"Ari...are we..." He rose, stumbling over his feet and recovering by pushing off the other bench that his hands had landed on, gritting his teeth at the sharp edge that dug into his hands.
"Are we on the ground yet?" He felt the ship's landing gear touch down gently, the shuttle rocking back and forth before settling.
"Right, ok, we're here." He swallowed hard, running a hand through his hair before placing his hand on Ari's shoulder in an unconscious gesture.
"Did you feel that? Hear that? What I just did?" His eyes drifted from her gaze to his hand, which he withdrew quickly with a slight flush in the cheeks accompanying the withdrawal.
"It sounded so sure of itself. About the Force and death and-" He shook his head, attempting to clear away the mental fog that had formed.
"Probably just effects from spending so much time at the Sith temple, right? Not actually happening." Yerbol turned back towards the shuttle bay door, pressing the release button. He took a deep breath, saltwater and lavender filling his nostrils, prompting a slight smile. This was his first time on Manaan, but the stories of how pleasant the general ambiance of the planet seemed to materialize as reality almost instantly.
"This isn't too bad." He commented, stepping onto the blueish-white steel floor of the hangar before turning his head to the right, spotting the distant buildings looming on the horizon separated by crystalline blue waters that sparkled thanks to the rays of the sun that hit the tides at just the right angle.
"You know, I wouldn't mind spending a couple of weeks here. Maybe in a small cottage, seated just outside with a book, strong cup of espresso, basking in a lack of responsibility..." Clicking came from their left, Yerbol spotting a Selkath garbed in a turquoise colored robe moving towards them with a datapad in hand. When the Selkath came within a few feet of the duo, he bowed slightly at the waist before extending a left hand(fin? claw?) that contained two translator units, Yerbol gratefully situating the device in his left ear before the Selkath spoke:
"Welcome to Manaan, travelers. Your shuttle ID matches up with our expected arrivals, so there will be no additional paperwork to fill out." The Selkath caught sight of their sabers and added:
"Please remember that our planet is one of peace. If either one of you is caught committing an act of violence, you will be penalized according to our legal system."
"Of course. We're here to see our ambassador in the Republic embassy. Could you point us in the right direction?" The Selkath gave them easy enough directions to follow before leaving.
"Right then." He looked to Aria.
"Let's find our way there, scope the place out before we make our move, shall we?"

[Save Me From The Dark] freedomliveson x earlymorninstar

Ok, wow, yeah that would do it. Your husband must see a LOT of crazy stuff xD

[Save Me From The Dark] freedomliveson x earlymorninstar

So she was a city dweller! Odd. Normally people that live in Manhattan for a while develop certain habits, such as speaking at a much louder volume than normal or being abrasive towards...well, anyone. It was both refreshing and confusing to see a converted New Yorker dwelling in a small town outside of Rochester. It might have been that the small town atmosphere tamed her once vibrant spirit or her meekness had always been a part of her life, bred into her from outside sources. There was, again, that sense of strength within her voice, but also a quiet eagerness to please. How delightfully mixed. He was going to have a fascinating time attempting to dissect her. Be cautious? Pah! What could Nathan know about the advanced workings of the human mind? To realize that in order to understand humanity, one must interact with it in the most "natural" state possible. That was why, he believed, his experiments were working so beautifully at the facility.

And there he was again. Off on a tangent.

The question, which had been asked a few moments ago, was greeted with a warm smile.
"Alyssa, I've been everywhere. My father was an ambassador for the United Kingdom(if that weren't apparent in my accent) and we made our stay in a number of different locales across the United States, Mexico and back home. Of course, home is a fluid concept, but my 'home country of birth', if you will. About a year and a half ago, I was in New Jersey studying at Princeton where dear old Father keeled over and left me his pension, some of the other inheritance used to purchase this estate. But alas, your question...California, Mexico City, London, Exeter, Manhattan, Chicago, even awful Houston! Texas! Now there's a state to avoid as much as you can. Ever wanted to spend ten months a year indoors while the outside is a sauna? If so, please do visit that wilderness. If not, stay FAR away." He chortled as he took a small bite of lamb dipped in mashed potato, swallowing before adding:
"I don't mean to be ungrateful for the opportunities I've had to see parts of the world, but to be honest, some of it gets a bit droll. Father always told me that I needed to be a bit cheerier when it came to adapting to new circumstances." He set down his fork and motioned to Alyssa.
"And what of your family, Alyssa? Are they still...well, that was phrased horribly, let me try again: where is your family now?" He had a feeling he knew the answer, but would allow his new employee to fill in the blanks. If he were correct in his assumption, then she would indeed fit into the program she had inadvertently enrolled herself into.

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Right?! They've been put in pretty standard "kill or be killed" battles, but stealth is fun from time to time. Again, your call on how they proceed from here.

Oh, well I didn't think we'd have to worry about that, seeing as they'd get dismissed by the super powerful True Sith embedded in both governments AND they'd get captured by some of Bracknell's elite guard.

Hey, speaking of Bracknell, is he going to make an appearance at the summit? Or should I wait to be surprised? xD