SoleAccord

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

She did not know where to begin with this.

Gloopra’s paranoia only grew while his evidence remained stagnant. The Force would exist whether a Jedi or Sith was behind its use, and this “Blank” likely didn’t fit with either side, only his own. It was beginning to grow painful listening to this prattle, but out of respect she did not intervene in the middle of his thoughts. In time, she wished that she did, before the ugliness of ignorance continued to rear its ugly head. By the end she was almost speechless, and could only be thankful that he was not the sole representative of the Order.

“That is your solution? To mobilize military assets, all on a hunch—a very weak one, might I add—that there is a Sith here, with Jedi already present?” Anari asked, eyes darting from Gloopra to Vreer. “And what if you’re wrong about your plan, Senator? What if they simply let it stay in orbit and continue their operation regardless, knowing full well that the New Republic is not barbaric enough to do anything drastic? You’d ask us to intimidate the populace for nothing. We don’t need power, we need intelligence. We need to know the enemy. So far, we know nothing except that at least one of them can wield the Force, and they are able to mobilize attacks with impunity.”

The heat in her blood rose at the thought of the New Republic ever considering either of these plans. Gallowin was a difficult man but there was nothing he’d done to suggest he was insane enough to go with this. It was the type of strategy she expected from the mercenaries recruited to aid them; not from one of the oldest Jedi in the Order, and not from a diplomat who should be looking at methods that prevented more casualties. Their mindsets leaned towards the Imperial, and Gloopra’s idea of peace was stretching close to the Sith themselves. Order through overwhelming force; throw your biggest ships and all the soldiers you could at the problem to make it go away.

Shaking her head at the solutions presented thus far, Anari’s eyes met Kale beside her. “I disagree, and I hope you do the same. I will not be a part of a military occupation founded on fear, not facts.”

She turned and opened the door with a subtle flick of her fingers at her side. “I’m going to see Lahana. Maybe she still has some sanity,” she added, turning the corner and focusing on the presence of the Padawan within the base. Not only would she provide another perspective of the events at the drug den, but she could also provide details about Blank that Gloopra neglected to mention on his own.

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

Drawn from aiding the wounded by her fellow Jedi, Anari saw to it that the last man she tended to would be left in good hands before following Gloopra and Kale. Returning with them inside the base’s interior, the office she left with Kale would be the meeting ground. Senator Ordo’s presence was acknowledged with a nod, and she left the purpose of this gathering in Gloopra’s hands, making certain to close the door behind them with a wave of her hand. Despite the matter being related to the Jedi specifically, Anari wondered why Gloopra allowed the Senator to remain, but said nothing on the subject.

Instead, she chose to do what she did the most of, and that was listen carefully.

From the moment the term ‘Sith’ left Gloopra’s mouth, Anari’s attention wandered nowhere else. That claim was large, dangerous even. The last known Sith the galaxy ever knew were defeated on the same day, one redeemed, another vanquished. Gloopra was old enough to remember their names and the horror they wrought. To hear how easily he made this claim unbalanced her, but she offered no visible sign to take notice of. All the turmoil that explanation brought was kept within, where she could dissect everything he said, and try to make sense of it. As his version of the events ended and Senator Ordo brought up ancient history, Anari glanced at Kale who quickly nodded, giving her the floor first.

Anari’s dark eyes returned to Gloopra. “I believe you’re paranoid. Firstly, the last sighting of Sith was made a hundred years ago, and since then there’s been little suggestion that they have returned. If what the records of Grandmaster Skywalker left were true, then the Emperor placed his hopes on Skywalker joining him. As we know, that did not take place. The culmination of Sith knowledge and power died on Endor. All that should remain are ancient artifacts and myth.” She paused before quickly adding, “But anything is possible.”

She paused once again to allow that information to process in the minds of each person in the room. Once a handful of seconds passed, Anari then gestured to Kale with a short jerk of her head.

“Secondly, you claim that the dark side of the Force surrounds this “Blank”, and that his boss wanted a report of the New Republic’s might. If that were true, then why does another Jedi Master not sense a disturbance in the Force on the level you do? What makes you so certain that Blank is not simply adept at wielding a power he has yet to fully grasp, much like anyone the Jedi do not find first?” Anari asked. “Master Gloopra, we are not without flaw. We cannot locate every single man, woman, and child in the galaxy gifted with potential to use the Force for good. Sometimes others get to them first and turn that gift into a weapon for their own purposes. What you are describing sounds more like a trump card in a crime lord's pocket. What use do the Sith have for drug production?”

None, at least as far as Anari was concerned. She struggled to come to terms with the sad truth—that Jedi could not be everywhere at once, that they could not save every slave or potential student from manipulation or pain. Despite not holding the rank of Jedi Master, she believed in her ability to pierce the noisy veil that surrounded Gamorria and its society. Were the presence of the Sith here, she was confident she’d have felt something even before Kale did. He had his strengths, and she hers.

“Lastly, Commander Gallowin’s first order was a raid you took part in. Our very being here challenges those who rule Gamorria. It makes perfect sense that they are watching us,” she said, looking to Vreer. “As Match said, the people who truly run Gamorria have a network so large that the sun and moon are compared to it. Prominent. Even if your eyes aren’t on them, they still shine.”

Crossing her arms over her chest, her final word was directed at Gloopra. “Give me his description. I don’t believe he is Sith, but that does not mean he won’t be a threat to our cause. If he can walk away from two Jedi and a handful of trigger-happy mercenaries, then he’s stronger than you’re letting on.”

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

I, too, have a question now.

@mattmanganon I did not give you permission to relocate Anari from assisting the injured to hearing out Gloopra's theory. Had Gloopra asked that she accompany him and make the talk between the Jedi occur sooner rather than later, that would be fine. Anari stepped away before Gloopra managed to land, but she wasn't far from where she left Lahana and Kale. I have no issue interacting with you. However, I don't like being forced into it. I was not allowed the choice to refuse, both OOC or IC, and the power of choice is one of the gifts we should have as players.

I'm going to let it go without forcing you to edit, because I genuinely believe Anari would join this discussion if Gloopra felt it important enough that every Jedi in the operation--minus Lahana--be involved in it. But in the future, please ask first, whether it be OOC or IC.

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

@mattmanganon Hi again~ So, I think you are the only one who has anything worth writing in this round of posting. I don't speak for the others, but... well, you have something to say about what's happened, so I wouldn't be worried about posting too soon after your last one. Pierce and I have decided to have Anari and Kale's be off-screen so the next round of progression can begin much sooner.

He promised everyone would have something to do, some stake. And I very much look forward to seeing what genius ideas he's produced.

No pressure, yo~

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

@SoleAccord Yes, sorry, been busy with work. It's 1am right now, but i'll try to post before the end of tomorrow.

@mattmanganon

S'all good. Just trying to let everyone get their actions and dialogue in before we press on. No worries.

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

@vancexentan Thanks for the heads up. Get well soon.

@mattmanganon You posting this round?

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

Anari fully doubted that Lahana’s headstrong tactics weren’t somewhat learned from Kale, but for the sake of her wellbeing as well as his own, she chose to place her focus on the tide of criminals that continued their attack. Redirecting the bolts from their weapons effortlessly, she was left with greater opportunity to cause disarray. Maintaining her grip on the Rodian dangling in the air above the makeshift battlefield, and the Duro desperately clinging to his ankles, the cover of the enemies was continually shifted about; exposing rows of gang members to open attack, the New Republic soldiers quickly caught on to the effort made by the Jedi to aid them by focusing fire on those who were exposed, resulting in swift deaths.

As this continued, Anari felt the vibration of her holocommunicator at her waist. Instead of answering the call in the middle of a fight, she chose to let it pass on its own. Whatever it was, it wasn’t worth risking the safety of both herself and the many soldiers working to repel the enemy as one. Kale, from the sounds, also received a call and wisely chose to ignore it. Perhaps he wasn’t as reckless as she remembered.

Lahana, on the other hand, concluded her rapid descent with a skillful use of the Force to cancel out the momentum built. Those near the center of her landing were blown away strongly, left scattered around on the battlefield to be knocked unconscious or struggling to return to their feet before being blasted in the chest. A brutal kick into the face of a thug sent him crashing into another, then her attention turned towards the large vehicle that must have initiated the assault. Lahana was taking hold of the bumper and began to raise it over her head.

“Did she come up with that on her own, too?” Anari asked Kale, pestering the thugs that charged at Lahana by seizing their ankles and causing them to fall prematurely. “You and I need to have a serious conversation when this is over!”

Lahana succeeded in throwing the truck, but the resulting explosion was far beyond the power one would expect from a simple toss. Anari shielded her eyes with her saber arm, watching as flames consumed the enemies that weren’t already burned to a crisp on the ground. Through the smoke she could sense Lahana was still alive, albeit not as mobile as before, and joined Kale who moved to find her as the smoke vanished. As expected, the Padawan was alive but sorely injured from her own reckless behavior. If they could be thankful for one thing, it was that they would not need to mourn the loss of one so young from their Order.

“Stay down. It’s over,” Anari assured Lahana, witnessing Kale gain control of the surviving enemies. A reminder of the pair she left hovering in the air brought her attention high, noticing the two still flailing about. Their presence was always in the back of her mind. “After your little detonator stunt, I had to be sure there were at least a few alive to question.” Guiding the dangling pair down, Anari set them beside the ten that remained. Neither of them appeared very willing to get back up, having had their fill of being airborne for quite some time.

Extinguishing her lightsaber and returning it to her belt, Anari beckoned the soldiers that were still combat ready, urging them to move in and secure the survivors. Commander Gallowin would be able to find some place to hold them, and may even be able to gain some information at the same time. Those that were injured in the assault were aided by their brothers and sisters in arms, rushing them to the medbay where they may be treated. The attack was swift and unforeseeable, but Anari hoped that they would not need to be informing next of kin. No one deserved to die out here, not at the hands of these people.

As the shackles were placed on the prisoners and an escort was given to take them elsewhere, Anari returned her attention to Lahana. “You risked much pulling a stunt like that. Do you need medical attention?” she asked her.

The low roar of a familiar armored vehicle entered the complex, once again forcing Anari’s attention elsewhere. As it came to a stop, she knelt and brought Lahana’s arm around her shoulders to help her stand, shouldering most of her weight should she not be able to endure the pain of injuries on her own.

From the vehicle came vaguely familiar individuals, notably fewer than before. Whatever raid they involved themselves in did not go well. But more concerning than that was the friendly tone of the woman who appeared to be the driver. She was sarcastic behind a friendly façade, with little to no empathy for those who died here to make a difference for this world. Whether she meant to or not, the woman came off as uncaring. There was a time and place for stating the obvious, and it wasn't now. Judging from the soldiers rushing towards the gate that were still ready and able to fight, they were one step ahead of her on preparing for the possibility of a second offensive. This tactic wouldn't work a second time.

“Kale, take Lahana from here,” Anari stepped forward, urging the Padawan’s arm be wrapped around Kale for support. If she chose instead to play her injuries off as ‘nothing’, it was not her concern. Kale could judge his Padawan’s health for himself. “I’ll see to it that the injured are taken care of, and reach out to an old friend. Find me later.”

With that said and done, Anari turned towards the nearest fallen soldier in the base with a severe wound in their left thigh, waving down any men and women in the area who could assist in moving him to the medbay.

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

Posting later tonight.

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

@SoleAccord His ship hadn't arrived yet so I assumed she meant the APC. Ultimately, if @Piercing Light wants to board the Silencer, I'm fine with it, but I think we need some clarification on her part.

@mattmanganon

"Alright, R7, let's get there quickly." It had taken the APC 20 minutes beforehand. Even if it was just his fighter, they needed some rapid response support back at the Enclave. The Fighter took off at immense speed into the air and within minutes, he had arrived back. The sounds of battle were suddenly sliced open with the Unmistakable sounds of a Twin-Ion Engined craft. The control room of the Enclave would start to receive transmissions "SES-Leader to Enclave, I am here to provide air support.

@mattmanganon

Lahana boarded the ship prior to Gloopra leaving in it. Upon your initial pass over the base, Lahana would have jumped out. I know this because he told me yesterday. I think he knew that you didn't know he was in it, but rolled with it anyway because it wasn't a big deal. You can talk to him about it if you want, but I think nothing changes.

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

@SoleAccord When did she get aboard my ship, I thought she went in the APC with the others.

@mattmanganon

Lahana examined a crooked ring finger on her right hand, she must have landed on it awkwardly. "I'll tell him myself." She said, pulling the finger back into place with a pop. She wasn't looking forward to speaking with her master, but she had no intention of hiding anything from him, she owed him too much. She looked up at the person in the bulky power armor as they spoke to her. She had expected them to be more the type to not say anything unless the needed to. She took their hand and stood to her feet. "Thank you but... A Jedi is supposed to be better than normal." She looked over to the body of the twi'lek girl whose death she caused, all because she gave into her base instinct. The least she could do was get her out of here among the common criminals. That line of thought was cut short however, as Gloopra received word that the Republic base was under attack. A chill ran down her spine, her master was there and she couldn't help but worry about him. She moved to board the ship.

PiercingLight