Author Topic: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith
master-of-les-pauls  6080 posts
Registered: Jan '05
41070_Luke Skywalker (61309)
Date Posted: 5/18 7:22pm Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith
Ic Jon Matrix


Location The Basement, Rebel base Yavin IV



“Apart from waiting for you to drag that big ole carcass of yours outta bed” Jon then looked from Torian to Biggs “And we've been doing a little catching up on current events”

Jon wasn't sure just how much Torian knew about the apparent death of Emperor Palpatine and the events of the Battle of Kalee.

Jon looked again from Biggs and then back to his great friend and spoke again “How up to date are you on current events?”

Before the General could answer Jon's question the room echoed with the swooshing sound of the Basement doors opening. The three men turned around to see the Jedi master Shuri entering the room.

Jon would have to be blind not to notice how Torian's eyes lit up the moment his wife entered the room and the way the Jedi master looked upon her husband. It was clear that no words either could say would express the deep love they both felt for each other and at that moment Matrix felt a slight twinge of jealousy that he did not share those types of feelings with anyone, yes there had been a brief romantic fling with Mon Mothma but that wasn't any were close to the feelings his friends shared for one another.

Clamping down on those feelings quickly Jon was the first to welcome Emi-to into the Basement.

“No master Jedi, you are far from late” Jon said answering her question “In fact the three of us have only just arrived and yes a meeting is due to begin any moment now”

With the four of them now in the room Jon surmised that they were now only waiting for Admiral Ackbar and Mon Mothma.

“If I am right, we are now only wait for Admiral Ackbar and Senator Mothma before the meeting can begin” Matrix said to the group.


Tag Torian, Biggs, Emi-to


 

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Leader of the Jtc
Pilot in the rebel alliance, Red 5 reporting in
Co Gm of the greatest rpg on the boards! The Galaxy at war
Luke Skywalker the son of the Suns
"None of the stories people tell about me can change who I really am" - Luke Skywalker
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ArgenPalos  2689 posts
Registered: Apr '04
42743_Yavin Rebel Sentry
Date Posted: 5/18 11:52pm Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith - Date Edited: 5/19 12:00am (2 edits total) Edited By: ArgenPalos
IC: Biggs Darklighter, Admiral Ackbar, Mon Mothma of Chandrila, General Dodonna
Location: the Great Temple, Yavin IV

Biggs was a little shocked at the appearance of General Torian. He couldn’t quite explain it but the normally seemingly invincible and indefatigable leader of the Alliance seemed almost “tired.” With an unconvincing, forced smile he exuded worry though he consoled himself with the reality that what the General had gone through recently, it was a small wonder the man wasn’t worse for the wear, in fact!

Just off the top of his head, Biggs recalled the General had gone through two near death experiences recently, the images of a prostrate man in a ship, lying in a pool of his own blood flashing through his head. If not for the timely help of Agent Nifesta and Agent Fen <<<I'm sure those two are getting into trouble, he figured, amused>>> and the speedy arrival of the surly Doctor Romanov he probably wouldn’t have made it through that episode. By all rights, he should already be a goner, he realized, suddenly lightheartedly as Jon and the General traded jibes.

Biggs now in better mood as he realized that certainly fate must have a greater purpose for the General, was about to throw a blithe quip about the “old man,” but was hindered by the arrival of the General’s wife and head Jedi on the base, Master Shuri.

Drawing himself back a few steps to allow the Jedi an unobstructed view of her husband, he saluted the venerable, flaxen haired Master:

“Master Shuri, good to see you back,” he insisted sincerely with a broad smile. No one was happier to see a Jedi in and amongst the Alliance. Ever since his witnessing of the battle prowess of Master C’boath on Tatooine, he was convinced that the Jedi, dwindling numbers or not, should throw themselves into battle with the Rebels against the common enemy. He had insisted long ago that the Alliance should convince the remaining members of the once vaunted Order into action and now that he had them here, he could do it himself.

However, as he witnessed an almost wistful glance between the General and the Jedi, he realized that now was not the time.

“I thought I might be late,” stated the Jedi as she descended onto the central part of the large room. “General,” she said with a nod in salute, “Mr. Matrix… Captain Biggs. I do not sense a meeting has yet passed or am I mistaken?”

“No master Jedi, you are far from late,” answered Matrix. “In fact the three of us have only just arrived and yes a meeting is due to begin any moment now.”

Biggs nodded in agreement and eager to break the sudden awkwardness as cryptic glances were exchanged he resolved to say something blithely.

No sooner had he resolved to make an inane comment that might break the tension than the doors leading inside once again swooshed open. Biggs turning to gaze at the arrivals amidst the throng that was now present, the members of the Alliance High Council, noted the triumvirate of Mon Mothma, Admiral Ackbar and General Dodonna standing shoulder to shoulder.

Stridently, they walked in as they saluted the sentry guards who saluted back but remain stone faced as ever.

Behind him, the hawkish General Yueh, a member of the High Command made an ominous comment also noticing the three walk in.

“Good, we can begin now. The time of words has passed, it is now a time of action,” he asserted almost menacingly to his fellow High Council member who seemed reticent to agree or disagree.

“Pardon our tardiness but we were busy discussing the finds from the Naboo dossier,” stated Mon Mothma, affably with a serene smile.

General Dodonna nodded in accord:

“Yes, please excuse us but I believe that brings us all together then?” he queried as he looked around attempting to take a mental count of the members. Somehow there were more personages that had arrived and in fact continued to arrive, mainly assistants, attendants and advisors.

Admiral Ackbar, without much fuss, made his way down and standing momentarily behind his usual seat cleared his throat:

“Yes, I believe we are all here including General Darkeyes, so we should get down to business,” he urged as he placed a datapad on the table.

“Oh, and I think I speak for all of us when I say we are glad to have the General back among us, and of course you too,” he stated with aplomb as he looked at Master Shuri and gave a respectful bow.

“We are pleased to be at full strength and the General’s leadership was sorely missed,” chimed Mon Mothma as she stood beside her seat and General Dodonna followed suit.

“However, I must insist that this be a “closed” meeting,” Admiral Ackbar asserted as he looked back at the sentries and gestured them outside.

In a quick-step they wheeled around with a salute, and exited speedily.

“I’m afraid that the topics which will be brought up are of a sensitive nature and so we must insist that only members of the High Council remain for this meeting,” Mon Mothma insisted in a surprising, firm monotone, glancing at the group that now gathered around the large table made of local granite, urging them swiftness.

The attendants and others who were not members, suddenly morose, began to depart at once. Biggs, a member of the Council in only an advisory capacity also stood up, despondent that he wouldn’t be privy to this material of a “sensitive nature,” especially since he had been part of the mission that had acquired it.

However, Biggs only took two steps away from the table when Admiral Ackbar, seeing the others who were now taking their leave mainly out of earshot, gestured to Biggs:

“Captain Darklighter, you may remain.”

Biggs grinned widely.

“Thank you for your trust,” he replied brightly as he happily took his seat next to Matrix.

Admiral Ackbar, taking his seat, nodded dispassionately.

The rest of the Council who had yet to take their seats now did so as well as the door swooshed shut behind them. The lights dimmed just slightly as everyone looked to General Darkeyes to call the meeting to order. There was a slight buzzing from the overhead lights and the atmosphere control which kept the room at a cool yet not too frigid temperature. Despite this, some members were sweating and others apprehensively wrung their hands and tapped their fingers, the tension and anticipation of this important meeting causing a few nerves to be tested and just plain old curiosity piquing the interest of others. Certainly, previously unknown things would be revealed and important changes were afoot in the galaxy and from this meeting surely would come the Alliance’s response.

TAG: General Torian, Matrix, Master Shuri, everyone @ the meeting.

 

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Jerjerrod-Lennox  26222 posts
Registered: Mar '05
51364_WH338: James Bond
Date Posted: 5/19 8:46am Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith
OOC: My apologies for lack of posting, but i'm aferaid I am having severe technical issues with my computer which are unfortunatly are not being resolved. Scyther post will be delayed until techincal issues have been resolved or I can get enough time to get a post done and posted.

Many apologies for the inconvenience.

 

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""Great men never hurry, great men cause others to hurry" Moff Jerjerrod
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Sith-I-5  5705 posts
Registered: Aug '02
13776_Mace Windu<br>South Park
Date Posted: 5/19 11:38am Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith
OOC: Thanks for the alert, J_L. I will just go ahead and move the Huntress people beyond the tag I did. Though the comlink will still be on the side.

 

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Crowning Moment of Awesome – THE MASTER. Summoning six billion robotic
beach balls Of Doom to decimate the Earth, blowing a good-bye kiss to the
Doctor, all the while dancing to "Voodoo Child". EPIC. EVIL. WIN.
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pashatemur  3259 posts
Registered: Jun '04
40714_Anakin
Date Posted: 5/19 12:10pm Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith
IC: Emi-to Shuri
LOCATION: ARR base conference hall, Yavin IV


“Very good,” said Master Shuri, acknowledging Matrix’ confirmation concerning the timing of her arrival.

Captain Biggs kindly gave his greeting and confident welcome though he seemed to have picked up on the nuanced emotion unspoken between the General and herself. With warm smile to Torian, whose frame seemed weighted but nontheless capable, she averted her gaze. There was little point in prolonging the drama and Torian seemed to appreciate her assertion, standing taller as the arrival of the other high command was piped over the public address system.

The doors opened seconds later and the hall flooded with eager personnel, ready to finally end the waiting and engage in some semblance of action. That was how it was for military operations. Structure, hierarchy, procedure, and continuance task and challenge, this was what kept military organizations from cannibalizing themselves in frustrated drive, from constant conflict and coup! That energy now so apparent and desirable could easily run amuck if pent up long without exercize.

Emi turned at the entrance of the authoritative Admiral Ackbar, the serene Mon Mothma and the restless Dodonna. Something quite significant had taken place in her absence, she could feel it.

Standing as she did in the main aisle, Emi-to gave way to the three leaders of the de facto Republic on their way to side of their comrade, General Darkeyes. Emi bowed in greeting, turning to take her seat on the front row facing the Council. As leader of the Jedi on Yavin IV, she was included, though her position within this Council was as yet, vague and uncodified. It was both a gesture of honor and principled inclusion. Thus, she sat without comment and listened, watching as all but the high commanders exited upon Ackbar’s directive.

Master del Jinn would have to wait outside it seemed.

Folding her hands in her sleeves and resting them in her lap, Shuri listened attentively, curious as to what this data record, Mon Mothma had obtained might hold.

TAG: Matrix, Torian, Biggs, Ackbar, Mon Mothma, Dodonna, etc.

 

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http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/17959370/p1 The Flower of Bast: personal journals of LDV
~| Acroama, LD, SDO|~
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Sith-I-5  5705 posts
Registered: Aug '02
13776_Mace Windu<br>South Park
Date Posted: 5/19 12:54pm Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith
IC: Padawan Irisa, Detective Wyms short-range, Firespray-class patrol craft.
Location: Pantolomin

Fastern Island

She could feel the pressure building, like a tightening of the chest.

There was interest in her, from dozens of other sentients in the area, watching her, monitoring her; this she could feel through the Force.

And they were not fans; she could feel that!

* * * *

Underwater

One great metal limb, segmented, planted itself onto the ocean floor in a watery explosion of tan-coloured silt, and pushed, propelling the All Terrain Tactical Enforcer onwards, of which it was only the central leg on the left flank.

The six-legged war machine, packed to the gills with sea- and stormtroopers, put down another leg, and continued slowly but steadily on, metre by metre, eating up the distance between Fastern Island, and the mainland.

Tag: no-one




IC: AIL-1745, Commander Theta, the Riggsim residence, Fastern Island.
Location: Pantolomin

Standing aside so that his superior could approach the doorway, the stormtrooper watched the naked hermit glug at the open drinks can.

What can I say, its a cold day bucket head. Always thought there was something fruity about a man with a bucket on his head, now if your finished giving me the eye tell me what the hell your doing here?

Piss-Head said nothing, as the commander had shaken the abo’s hand, and they had exchanged their first words.

Okay I'm listening, what kinda job do you have in mind?

Surveillance. There is a stolen patrol ship on the other side of this island, but we do not just want the thief, but her friends too. We want you to keep an eye on the ship and it’s pilot without being detected, and to alert me if anything strange happens, or especially when her pals turn up. Do you have a daily rate, Mister Riggsim?

The officer did not mention the terrorist incident at the Senate for which her acquaintances were wanted, not wanting the private detective distracted by the reward.

He also said nothing about jedi, not wanting to scare him off.

Tag: Riggsim

 

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Crowning Moment of Awesome – THE MASTER. Summoning six billion robotic
beach balls Of Doom to decimate the Earth, blowing a good-bye kiss to the
Doctor, all the while dancing to "Voodoo Child". EPIC. EVIL. WIN.
007 Family - DVC's twin bro'.
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pashatemur  3259 posts
Registered: Jun '04
40714_Anakin
Date Posted: 5/19 2:17pm Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith - Date Edited: 5/19 2:45pm (1 edits total) Edited By: pashatemur
OOC: This is yet another installment of a joint post between MOO and myself. Again, thank you MOO.



PREVIOUSLY...



"R-2...you wouldn't happen to know Anakin's code would you?" Sabe said sweetly to the little unit as it trundled closer.

I'm a certified sniper, she thought, but I can't break his code! Ahhhh, what a day this has been, she thought in consternation as she worked over a few other codes and pounded the desk in frustration as yet the 11th attempt left her locked out. "Anakin!"

Hesitating and clicking for half a moment, Artoo watched as Sabe bit pensively at her thumb, staring at the computer.

Sabe stretched. I'm going to need clothing, she realize as the alluring but form fitting orange suit began to feel mildly over-warm. She looked down at the desk. The screen of the monitor was pale. Can’t see what I’m doing The light from the window reflected upon the computer screen. Turning in the chair she realized how exposed the office and those in it were to anyone with a pair of macros. Rising, she peeked out of the corner of one large curving panel.

Dusk.

She touched the button that closed the protective panels over the window.

In the darkened room she crossed to the cabinet, took out another water and broke the seal.


She laughed to herself. Well, Sabe, what a position you are in! You who fought for a Republic - there would never be a new Republic if the Moffs took over.

I am care-taking this Empire in the hopes a Republic will be formed she thought to herself trying to reconfirm her commitment.

There's a better chance with Anakin on forming a Republic than with the likes of the scum who only want power for themselves; who are callous and abusive to other beings in this galaxy.

She sat once more in the huge chair behind the desk and looked down at the astro-mech as she chewed the inside of her mouth.

"I've never been more alone.." she muttered. If only...if only Hannes was here. Powers only knew where he was. An agent was with him, but...what could Hannes do? He'd be the first one to admit that he'd be a fish out of water and “Dawn” was not powerful enough to help her. The Alliance? Sabe shook her head. The government was teetering dangerously.

The most she could do was to keep the ‘rancors’, meaning the warlord Moffs and many political players who would feel the perceived empty seat of power Palpatine had left behind him, at bay.


Where is Ms. Soobie, thought Sabe looking at the chrono. Surely it’s been more than 5 minutes by now! Knowing that there were so many who might act in coup, how did Anakin stand it? The quiet made her anxious. It was like being cut off from dangers outside, blind! She touched a button on an inter-office com she’d seen Anakin use to summon the aide.

When Anakin was well, she would have to persuade him to form a New Republic and arrest those who had committed crimes with Palpatine's blessings.

"Hahahhah..." what a joke this was! The Powers definitely had a sense of humor! She still could not believe Palpatine was dead! He caused the fall of the Republic, he caused her sister's death and here she was Padme's sister never trained in politics holding onto the reins of a government she had sworn to overthrow! Too funny!

Exhaling heavily, she looked down again at the R-2 unit. “R-2, Master Anakin wishes you to access his computer so that I may do as he commands,” said Sabe with authority, her voice sounding in tone and modulation exactly as Padme’s.

Artoo whirred and beeped hesitantly again, but this time he drew up to the desk and plugged himself in to a port to begin unlocking Lord Vader’s computer.

Sabe sat back in amazement and confusion trying to ascertain why the effort had worked.

The quiet of the room was deafening! Sabe sat back up and scooted forward once more, the computer making a set of rapid clicks as the screen came alive and the single function query oddly blinking in such a work-a-day fashion, a simple font and in aurabesh: “Welcome, Lord Vader, do you wish to continue?”....



IC: Sabe and Artoo
LOCATION: Lord Vader's personal office, Imperial Senate, Imperial Center





Finally exhaling with a grin, Sabe typed ‘yes’ and said under her breath as she sat forward and glanced instinctively and anxiously around the room, “Hell yes, I wish to continue."

The computer presented another screen and another query blinked, "…Activate vocal interface…?"

"Hmmm..." Sabe exercised her fingers and looking to the keyboard typed 'negative'. The computer would no doubt reject her voice, as security protocols would run a check.

Long time since I've moved my fingers over a keyboard, she mused.

The computer could be heard to click softly for a few seconds before it indicated, “...All systems have synchronized...." and a set of charts began quickly to tabulate something or other and ending abruptly, it gave the time of day and indicating there were files wanting review; messages, meetings, and logs to be updated.

The words, "...Press enter to access library..." blinked in alert.

"Ooohhhhh, I'm a youngling at a sweet store!" Amidala murmured to herself in delight. Reaching into the pouch at her side and retrieving a mini storage unit which she promptly plugged into another port next to the R-2 unit, she took a breath.

“Alright....enter it is," she said, tapping the appropriate key and continuing to herself, "What about the plans of that new flyer of his?" For the first time, she smiled in anticipation, eager to see what secrets were within.

Artoo cooed and beeped in what sounded like an interrogative, his barrel-shaped chassis giving off a quick little rattle.

Sabe looked down to the astro-mech carefully and bit her lip. "Yes, R-2, it is important!" Sabe said in imitation of Padme's voice.

Then back to the screen she glanced. "Let's look at the new messages first...something may need attention."

Sabe knew dusk was waning and night was quickly coming on and wondered if the lights had been activated in and about the Senate.

...and definitely more than 5 minutes have gone by, she thought, as she continued to learn the computer’s navigation, … but quite understandable - to compile a list of those who would be loyal to Lord Vader may take some time…I hope.

Sabe glanced at the door as her foot tapped, waiting for the first of the messages to appear.

A series of messages began to appear quickly, to scroll up in a dizzying number over the screen. Sabe blinked as her eyes tried to adjust to the flicker of light, pinching the bridge of her nose, just catching an anomaly, something that stood out. She could have sworn she saw something toward the end. Scrolling back through, she found what had caught her eye – one message with a red Imperial seal flashing on and off in irritating brilliance.

Artoo had stilled and the room once more was silent.
Sabe’s fingers hovered over the keyboard before she decided. “Alright, let’s see what you are!” Amidala tapped the seal. “Last orders from Palpatine?”

Suddenly the screen began to cascade. A shuffled series of letters were replacing every single space and letter.

The message began to open over the screen.




...Greetings Ms. Delba...



Just as quickly as the words appeared, they scrambled into incoherent clusters of seeming random letters!

At first laughing heartily and then nervously, Sabe watched the letters dance about. “Ahhhh, Anakin, you caught me…”



What seemed a loud hissing sound, erupted from the other side of the room...


TO BE CONTINUED...

 

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http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/17959370/p1 The Flower of Bast: personal journals of LDV
~| Acroama, LD, SDO|~
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Ominous  2883 posts
Registered: Jul '04
49706_H315: 300
Date Posted: 5/19 2:44pm Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith
IC: General Torian
Location: The Great Temple, Yavin IV


Slipping out of his friend’s bear hug, Torian turned to his wife who had quietly entered the conference room. Their eyes both locked on each other and shared a quiet moment. Letting go for professional’s sake, he nodded, “Master Jedi.”

Although the beings in this room knew very well that the General was married to a Jedi, there was a certain professionalism that had to be maintained in the Alliance. Inside these walls it was all business, but inside his quarters it was all pleasure!

MonMothma, Admiral Ackbar and General Dodonna were the last to enter as everyone took their seats. Water was poured into glasses by the yeomen and then they were dismissed. Torian looked around at the faces in the room. Most wore a mask of seriousness, some impatience. Admiral Ackbar, well, nobody could tell really from his expression. Captain Biggs sat in his seat, excited to be privy to the most sensitive material. Everyone turned their attention to the old man to begin. He looked at them for a second before he realized they were waiting.

Standing up he walked around the table. “As all of you have read in the datapads, there is an unconfirmed report that the “Great, All-Powerful” Emperor of the New Order is dead and that his apprentice Darth Vader is in charge.” He did not use the man’s real name; after all, his enemy took his leg from underneath him literally.

“From what I have read and learned in the intelligence briefings, the highest ranking officers including the Grand Moffs are none too pleased that Vader is the supreme commander.” He stopped, crossed his arms and put his chin down into his chest. For what he was about to say would certainly raise even more concerns and questions. “It is my belief that the Moffs will attempt a coup on Vader and kill him.” He continued around the table, stopping behind his wife. “This complicates things possibly for some here but not everyone.”

“Complicates?” General Yueh questioned Torian. “How so?”

“At ease General, I will get to that in a moment.” He continued to walk around the room. “The war with the Confederacy has dented but not greatly weakened the Imperial war machine. It is my opinion that we do not attack them head on and try to end this once and for all.”

General Yueh shifted in his seat uncomfortably. He wanted to stand and protest this course of action but held his tongue and continued to listen the General’s strategy.

“Let the Imperials fight amongst themselves, weakening their military further. In the meantime we can attack unsuspecting facilities and steal equipment and supplies, dwindling their supplies and their capabilities to commit more to our efforts. For we are still no match for them head to head, but covertly and intelligently we can a great deal of damage. Let them beat the crap out of each other while we watch on the sidelines.”

He looked around the room before continuing. “Before I brief you on the strategy that Commander Matrix has worked up for us in his spare time, I would like to hear from you all.” He stopped and looked around the room. “What are your thoughts? Unlike Master Jedi Shuri, I can’t read your minds.”

General Yueh sat up tall in his chair, “What is so complicated General? We should smash them with everything we have!” He slammed his fist into his open palm.

Torian put his hand up to calm the hawkish General. “I believe our Jedi liaison can answer your question but first I must tell you that what you are told here today must never leave this room…understood?” He glared at General Yueh.

The man moved back into his seat, slightly deflated, “Yes General.”

TAG: Everyone in the room

 

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Those who live by the lightsaber get shot by those who don't.
the real purpose of language is no longer to convey meaning - it is to obscure meaning
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pashatemur  3259 posts
Registered: Jun '04
40714_Anakin
Date Posted: 5/19 6:20pm Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith - Date Edited: 5/19 6:38pm (1 edits total) Edited By: pashatemur
IC: Emi-to Shuri
LOCATION: ARR base conference hall, Yavin IV



Emi followed Torian with her eyes for a few moments before looking ahead serenely as she listened.

“As all of you have read in the datapads, there is an unconfirmed report that the “Great, All-Powerful” Emperor of the New Order is dead …

Her meditative trance and sleep had not afforded her the time to be privy to this news, nor had the Jedi yet, been disseminated the information and lacking a connection to their once vast intelligence network, they were presently cut off from the Galaxy as a collective body.

Emi lifted her gaze as she considered the many possibilities upon hearing of Sidious’ passing. So that was what she had felt… but there was more. There had to be much more, and how could the Sith be gone just so after the calamity his machinations had brought?
Torian’s voice spoke to her left as he continued walking the circumference of assembly, “… his apprentice Darth Vader is in charge.”

The young face was clear her mind's eye as if he stood before the Master Jedi now as Torian gave a gritted sort of tense emphasis to the name, the last expression, imprinted in memory…

[i]Even as she saw with her own eyes his deadly path, her heart like so many who fell to that sword did not want to accept what had become of all that promise, the arrogance a means to brush off a deep and entrenched wound, the humor dry to mirror his Master’s, the drive un-Jedi-like to his own painful awareness, but a generosity of spirit that out shone any sun, gentleness and sincerity to disarm incredulity. She’d run because she was outmatched then. To die would have been a waste.

“Do you stand with me? DO YOU STAND WITH ME?”

It broke the heart. It burned a fiery rage and she knew the word he cried, his face twisted in a broken insanity awash in the blood of innocence. She did not hear his voice, only knowing the word and so she did, she did as he bade her and ran!

How? How? …


And so she’d met the dark with a wall, striking at Eme, closing the doors after the house had been ransacked! Shutting out the possibility that there had been a plea unnoticed, unrecognized, the failing was not where it had been placed.

Emi-to mentally roused herself from the memory, but not from the awareness breaking within. No, Sidious would not fall easily! What she’d felt was … expansive… a dense echo from …

“… intelligence briefings, the highest ranking officers including the Grand Moffs are none too pleased that Vader is the supreme commander…It is my belief that the Moffs will attempt a coup on Vader and kill him.” He continued around the table, stopping behind his wife. “This complicates things possibly for some here but not everyone.”

Emi blinked. Anything she might have wished to say, was overwhelmed by an emotional outburst from the other side of the circle.

“Complicates?” General Yueh questioned Torian. “How so?”

Torian settled the disgruntled General with an immediate outline of a basic strategy. Emi noted the General’s reluctant acquiescence.

General Yueh sat up tall in his chair, “What is so complicated General? We should smash them with everything we have!” He slammed his fist into his open palm.

Torian put his hand up to calm the hawkish General. “I believe our Jedi liaison can answer your question but first I must tell you that what you are told here today must never leave this room…understood?” He glared at General Yueh.

The man moved back into his seat, slightly deflated, “Yes General.”


Emi-to looked up and around the room, her brow furrowed in thought. She looked to Torian. What she’d have to say would not substantially move the thinking of a man like Yueh.

“Ahem… I shall offer what insight I have,” said Emi humbly.

“The … Emperor is reported ... dead,” she began. “I must state, though I feel this report is premature, I have reason to believe it may be so, though the fact defies reason in part…” She collected her focus. “And the nature of his demise? Is this known?” Emi looked about, open to whomever might answer.

TAG: Matrix, Torian, Biggs, Ackbar, Mon Mothma, Dodonna, General Yueh, etc.

 

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http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/17959370/p1 The Flower of Bast: personal journals of LDV
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Sith-I-5  5705 posts
Registered: Aug '02
13776_Mace Windu<br>South Park
Date Posted: 5/20 6:16am Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith
IC: Yavscout, City of Theed.
Location: Naboo


Down in the private basement that he had rented and outfitted for his most private activities, the shopkeeper bit back his annoyance that the Secret Galactic Intelligence Service had contacted him right there, while he was in the middle of listening to the received recordings from the customised jewellery that he had sold to those two Imperials who had brought the queen back to Naboo.

He had three HoloComm images before him, throwing light blue into his face and across the bare brickwork of the vault.

There was Lim herself, with the familiar background of the agency’s Forward Control Ship that had ferried him to Naboo that first time, forty plus years ago.
Then there was a twi’lek’s face, filling the image, and looking like he was lying with his cheek on the deck – Yav’ wondered what the heck he had been up to when Lim had called.
And finally, two faces, right-side up this time, a rodian and a bearded human.

The elf recognised neither.

“What do you mean by calling me like this? I am retired, you know!” He raged at length, after squelching the playback of the Imperial voices.

Hey, you called us! You rattled our cage!” The uniformed Lim countered hotly, understandably. “What did you think would happen?

“I thought you needed to know that there was a jed-, uh, a Code J in trouble out this way.” He referred to Queen Sabe Amidala’s apparent outing of a jedi over an open comm-line to the Imperial forces blockading, no, sorry; protecting the planet.

He didn’t know what the woman was thinking; he would have voted for Appalaina if she had run again. But still, Sabe Delba was queen, and he would be loyal to her.

And the galaxy thanks you.” Lim assured him. “But we need you to do more. We need you to find out the state of the pursuit. Consider yourself re-activated, Agent Yavscout.

Re-activated!” He sputtered, face starting to redden from it’s natural light olive. “I was never one of your agents; and if you were the real Lim, you would know that!”

Hey, show some respect!” Demanded one of the other contacts; the rodian, it looked like.

Yavscout ignored him, and in any case, Lim had put up a palm to placate her supporter. “And another thing. If we have all these ties into Double-I, why the hell don’t we know what they did with her?”

Actually, that is rather a good point.” The holo’ of the twi’lek mused aloud.

Yavscout ignored him too. He had noticeably calmed, thinking what Lim had asked off him.
He looked off to his right blankly, as coincidentally, the female synthdroid looked off to hers. “You pulled field pay during the Naboo mission, according to my records.” She relayed, clearly not believing his idea that he was not an operative.

“I was a Combat Medtech,” he revealed absently, flapping a hand at the screen. “A lot of our guys were going down that day. I arrived on the very ship that you are on now, Mission Supervisor.”

Medtech? Well, we-

“Look, shut up. I’m thinking.” The former medtech leaned over and killed the link, casting his mind to the problem of finding where this Truthsayer personage was now, and how he was faring.

Tag: no-one

 

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Doctor, all the while dancing to "Voodoo Child". EPIC. EVIL. WIN.
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LadyZaraMarta  6567 posts
Registered: Aug '04
49436_H44: Wonder Woman
Date Posted: 5/20 10:00am Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith
OOC: Queen Apailana is deceased. I think its against Naboo law to vote for a dead person.

 

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Ominous  2883 posts
Registered: Jul '04
49706_H315: 300
Date Posted: 5/20 11:01am Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith
LadyZaraMarta posted:
OOC: Queen Apailana is deceased. I think its against Naboo law to vote for a dead person.

Yeah but it is not uncommon to register a dead person to vote! ACORN comes to mind.

 

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pashatemur  3259 posts
Registered: Jun '04
40714_Anakin
Date Posted: 5/20 11:57am Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith
OOC: A joint post with MOO.

IC: Ruling Councilman Sarcev Quest; Ms. Soobie, Senatorial aide to Lord Vader; Sabe Amidala, Queen of Naboo; Artoo
LOCATION: Lord Vader's Senate offices and landing pad, Imperial Senate, Imperial Center



“I’d love to assist you, my dear Sister, but I think just right now, something’s afoot out there, Sarcev said looking through the transparasteel doors that cut the conference room off form the noise in the staff pool.

“Your call might have to wait a while….” He was saying in answer to the Bene Gesserit’s request.

Before him stood the diminutive blond, Ms. Soobie. He chucked to himself at her appearance. She seemed so incongruous with Vader’s … what was the word… his… “ambient presence” perhaps. The blue suited Soobie seemed distracted. Quest smiled the more and stuck his hands in his trouser pockets and hid his grin.

***

“One of the engineers just called to say that the Ledaren has gotten through to the safe rooms…” said an eager aide pulling Ms. Soobie at her arm as she moved to alert the Councilor and the Bene Gesserit of Lord Vader’s “invitation.” The doors to the conference room opened before she could ask the aide any further questions.

Sarcev looked up as the doors open to admit the now familiar form of Miss Soobie. "Well, "Little Blue"! We were wondering, the Sister and I what business everyone's been up to. So quiet of late. I miss the hubbub! I should be getting on, if his... Majesty intends being longer. A pity, though, I really did wish to speak with him on some matters of import. Do you think you might prevail upon Lord Vader to take a breather and fit me in to the schedule? Hum?"

“Ms. Soobie, he says they’ve found the Grand Vizier and the Speaker…” interrupted another aide from across the vast central office. “They’re on their way up!”

“Excuse me, Councilman,” said Soobie crossing quickly away to take the call.

“Indeed,” he murmured watching curiously and then glancing down to the close doors of Vader’s office.

“Um…. ahem… I’ll … be back,” Quest half-muttered to Alia who stood by the window looking out at the lights of Coruscant’s night skyline.

***


"Why... why, it's the charming fancy!" Sarcev stood in the doorway ready to meet with anger and pleasantly surprised, if somewhat disappointed his objective was not present for he expected Lord Vader and not this divine creature whose every curving line was so piquantly kissed by the sleek orange and white body suit.

Sarcev Quest’s smooth and shorn pate wrinkled as he looked about the room for sign of the "Emperor" Vader. "Forgive me... Your Majesty... Amidala, had I but known you'd be behind the door, I would have prepared with more ... appropriate formality... but of course, you seem quite informal and at home here."

His rich and sonorous voice, accented thickly, told of his confidence. Councilman Quest was apprised of his wiles and their affect on the opposite sex.

Sabe palmed the recording device and looked briefly to R2. She hoped the little droid remembered her orders regarding personages entering the office. The queen stood and took one step away from the chair, a hand grasping the blaster, her little finger releasing the safety but keeping the weapon at her side.

Why had Soobie not warn her of this former Jedi’s approach? Too late now – he was in. Taking another step to stand beside the desk, Amidala coolly appraised Sarcev Quest. According to the dossier collected by the NSS

Quest considered himself quite the ladies’ man. If Quest thought to impress her with his charm – it didn’t work. He was about as attractive to Amidala as a Veermok, a fierce primate native to her homeworld.

Keeping her voice neutral, void of any emotion, Amidala addressed Quest. “Has anyone told you Councilor Quest it is impolite to enter a private office without first having your presence announced? What can I do for you?”

To say Sabe did not trust Quest or any of Palpatine’s councilors was an understatement. They were criminals of the highest degree, who should be arrested and charged with crimes against the galaxy.

Prickly, Sarcev mused, shrugging his shoulders, a wry smirk on his smooth features. "Oh, I do beg your pardon, my sincere apologies, Your Majesty. I assure you, I meant no slight." said Sarcev vaguely amused.


Quest was a Force adept she knew. According to what she had read, he was never apprenticed to a Jedi Master, but instead shipped off to the Agricultural Unit. He could still be dangerous to her - a non Force user. Amidala repeated her question, "What do you want that you barge into Lord Vader's office without first asking permission?"

Sarcev looked genuinely hurt by her comment. “Barge?!” He clicked his tongue. The Councilman exhaled and shook his head. "If I'm not mistaken... one would think you viewed me, the enemy. Now why should that be?"

"I think you are not so ignorant as to figure that out without much difficulty. What do you want, I'm quite busy." Sabe's finger moved up and down the trigger of the blaster. If he made the slightest aggressive move towards her she would blow his knee joints.

Quest was an arrogrant bastard, Amidala thought.

"I see, well, I came to speak with Lord... His...Majesty. Is he... is he not...eh… here?”

"You have eyes."

Why did Soobie allow Quest entrance? Could she trust the woman?, thought Sabe.

“Huh!” laughed Sarcev, looking Amidala up and down. “I do indeed! Where is he?” Quest noted the Naboo's discomfort with his presence with satisfaction.

Sabe looked down upon him with distain, no small trick considering he was taller than she. "His Majesty was called away on an emergency and placed me in charge." Amidala's other hand momentarily touched Anakin's saber at her side. " And the rest is a 'need to know basis’ and you are currently not on the 'need to know' list."

Sabe's eyes looked beyond Quest to the door. Damn the aide and the guards! Where are they - on refreshment break?

"Oh! Well, I should be … on that list, you know. You see, I came to offer my counsel," said Sarcev, his head tilted toward Sabe. "And I must insist. You… must tell me.”

"Oh, really? I don't think so - you can try your mind thingie on me all you want, Quest. It won't work - farm boy." For the first time, Amidala was happy she had a few of Anakin's medichloreans coursing through her. It was enough to resist Quest's command.
Sabe's eyes narrowed, she wanted him to know she understood his history - how he had 'washed out' of the Jedi referring to Quest's assignment at the age of 13 to the Agricultural Corps.

"So, this is how it shall be? I don't like your attitude, Majesty. It's adversarial to say the least. Before I take deep offense, tell me, do you speak for Vader in all... this hyperbole of yours? He's swimming with sharks, Amidala. I think you really should reconsider. Truly, these are difficult times. I had hoped to throw my lot in with his. So tell me, do you really ... feel it necessary to be so... unfriendly?"

Seeing Amidala unmoved he ventured further, "Look, this isn't spy vs spy, sweetheart. This isn't a battlefield. It's a vast organization with many wheels. This is what I came to discuss, but I see you feel ... threatened... exposed... un... guarded... out of your... element. With His Majesty away... leaving you to hold the reins." Sarcev stepped closer, the door closing behind him. "You've nothing to fear from me, Amidala. The guard didn't think so. You see, I can come and go freely..."

He turned to regard the wall of monitors. Amidala glanced down at the blaster.

***

“Where’s Councilor Quest,” asked Soobie as she returned to the conference room, determined to keep Quest and the Bene Gesserit separate from the Grand Vizier. She didn’t know exactly why, just a hunch!

She didn’t expect an answer from the aloof Sister, and as anticipated, Soobie’s query was met was silence an a momentary glance toward the right. “Oh….bother,” murmured Soobie turning immediately and running toward Vader’s office.

***

"It must have been some emergency for Vader to leave you ... so ... short handed. Mind if I ask the nature of the ... emergency?" asked Quest, not needing to harden his peripheral glance further to feel how the little doxie Queen’s trigger finger itched.

The doors opened with a hiss.

"Councilman Quest, there you are,” exclaimed Soobie breathlessly, “I have a shuttle waiting for you," said Soobie looking quickly and anxiously from Amidala to Quest.

“A shuttle?” he asked, surprised.

“Yes, His Majesty the Emperor requested you attend him at his Ursean Embassy,” said Soobie, looking apologetically to Amidala.

"Tis a good thing, for you, Quest that Ms. Soobie has a shuttle for you, I was about to separate you from your knee cap and you were going to have to crawl out of here- which you can still do if you don't go now."

Amidala leveled her blaster at him. "I will convey to his Majesty your most kind offer of your wisdom. And as for your evaluation that I am out of my…element… it is you who might be ‘jumping the shark’.

His Majesty having the utmost confidence in my abilities placed me in charge – not you-and I will do whatever is necessary. You may go.”

“You know…” said Sarcev walking up to Sabe, “Your charm reveals, Lord Vader to be a man of quite complex palate, for he must be incomparably fond of you to suffer your peculiar … charms. I’ll convey my own words myself and save you the trouble, lovely little Queen. Until we meet again, I bid you a very…” he took the lady’s free hand and bent low over it only to find it gone, “regretful farewell! Perhaps, some other time, we may continue our little meet and greet!” He stood slowly and regarded Amidala’s cold stare with raised brow, chewing the inside of his mouth in a smirk before turning on his heal and gesturing the doubting Soobie before him.

Back end of a Nerf... Amidala did not care for the oily smoothness of Quest. She had met enough of that type of male about the galaxy- those who believed they were Power's gift to women. He would be a mere annoyance if he was only such - however being a Force Adapt made him dangerous. So Anakin had requested Quest's presence - she wondered if Quest was under 'house arrest' for the Ursean Embassy, she reasoned it would be the best place for him at the moment. He would not be at liberty to wander about the Senate, stirring up trouble. Clever of Anakin.

"After escorting Mr. Quest to his shuttle, Ms Soobie, I require your presence in this office."

“Yes, Your Highness,” said Soobie with a curt bow, before turning and preceding Quest from the room.

Sabe remained as she was, watching carefully as Quest departed, only glancing at R2 as the door closed, wondering if the little droid had followed her orders and distractedly brushing her hand against the taunt fabric of her body suit with a shiver of distaste.

***


“Little Blue, it seems you’ve saved me from the throes of a horrible misunderstanding,” said Quest laughing to himself as they walked back to the Conference room to retrieve the now impatient Bene Gesserit and before Soobie could retort, Sarcev continued, “So what’s this emergency on which Lord Vader was so urgently called away?”

Soobie slimmed her eyes and then reminded herself to smile. Councilor Quest was a smarmy "looker," and she wasn't taken in a bit. Still she wondered if his comments weren't too “knowing.”

"Sister, Councilor," she said with a slight bow and ignoring Sarcev’s question, "Lord Vader wishes you to await him as guests in the Ursean Embassy." She had wondered as the Councilor asked, how she would avoid his little inadvertent trap and finally decided to simply skirt the question and give Lord Vader's directive and she smiled a bit more, happy with the way it sounded, compelling Quest to smile as well, though not so the Bene Gesserit.

"Now?" asked Quest standing expectantly and stepping forward.

"Yes, your shuttle awaits," said Soobie, excited by the prospect of having the two guests out of the office.

Sarcev looked to Alia, but the woman was an enigma and seemed for the past 45 minutes to have been lost in a half-trance - a prospect for the erstwhile Argracorps, she'd never have made Padawan, he sniffed to himself. Still, she did seem to have Lord Vader's ear, and she was definitely soft on the eyes.

Sarcev returned his gaze to Soobie, "Well, lead on, fair damsel," he cooed.

The aide smiled. Yuck! thought Soobie beneath hard drawn lips.

Fortunately, Soobie had called the Blue Guard and the Ursean Black Guard to arrange an escort and to set in motion the directives Queen Amidala had given her. Thus, waiting for the Councilor and Sister Alia, were "the Bruise" as some had come to call the often coordinated contingent. Passing through the open floor of the central office, long and full of staff still even at the afternoon was rosing toward dusk, a purple line at the far horizon, Soobie watched Quest glancing back toward the closed doors of Lord Vader's office and decided to stay with the escort till she saw the two guests off to the Ursean shuttle.

Quest dropped the pretense of "charming" the ladies as his mind turned to his more pertinent interests and in silence boarded without much further ado. Soobie made the usual niceties and watched the sleek pale grey Ursean transport take off in its agile and gentle flight south of the Senate which now was lighting up as it had not been for nearly 7 years and she turned around to gaze up at the gold gleaming dome in no small wonder and then hurried back to the office.


TAG and CONTINUING: Ledaren/Vos, Han Solo, Sate Pestage, Mas Amedda, Captain Paulus, Sister Alia, those still around the Senate and plaza, surrounding buildings.

 

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http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/17959370/p1 The Flower of Bast: personal journals of LDV
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Sith-I-5  5705 posts
Registered: Aug '02
13776_Mace Windu<br>South Park
Date Posted: 5/20 2:55pm Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith
LadyZaraMarta posted:
OOC: Queen Apailana is deceased. I think its against Naboo law to vote for a dead person.


IC: Yavscout

His mind still on the former queen, the shopkeeper logged onto the planetary info-net, to access the "Where Are They Now?" database.

He hadn't heard of Apailana in a while, not on the Senate circuit, as Padme had done following her terms. Not even doing bottom of the barrel I Am An Ex-Queen, Get Me Out of Here reality holos.

He typed 'Queen Apallaina' into the search box.

[Do you mean Queen Apailana?]

YES

Aha. he thought, on reading the screen. Dead. Trampled to death, no less. Well that explains a lot.

Yav' logged off, and sat back in the darkness, thinking how the heck he was going to meet Lim's request.

Tag: no-one

 

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Crowning Moment of Awesome – THE MASTER. Summoning six billion robotic
beach balls Of Doom to decimate the Earth, blowing a good-bye kiss to the
Doctor, all the while dancing to "Voodoo Child". EPIC. EVIL. WIN.
007 Family - DVC's twin bro'.
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SithStarSlayer  8667 posts
Registered: Oct '03
40005_Quinlan Vos
Date Posted: 5/20 3:08pm Subject: The Galaxy at War Part III: Schism of the Sith - Date Edited: 5/20 3:27pm (1 edits total) Edited By: SithStarSlayer
OOC: This a joint endeavor with Mahlaydee Pasha, without her input this post would have been rubbish.

IC: KIG Ledaren: Sheyf Quinlan Vos, Mas Amedda, Sate Pestage
Location: Underbelly of the Senate, Coruscant


Quinlan feigned being caught up by the voices coming from the safe-house; but in reality, he had a keen eye on young Solo and the ‘Blue Guard’ as they exchanged pleasantries. The Kiffu chuckled to himself as Han’s facial expressions and body language went from one spectrum to another and then back again. Confident in the boy’s diplomatic skills, he decided to let the Corellian handle the situation with the Guards and he turned his attention back to the hole in the wall where the Senators were now slowly stepping out of. First it was the big Chagrian and then the rest followed his lead. ‘Cowards’, he thought to himself. He didn’t have to wait long before their true colors began to shine.

“Who is in ch…. Where is the Emperor?...” Amedda decided to ask outright. … Might as well get a handle on the situation immediately, he decided somberly.

Soon some of the braver refugees had stepped through after Amedda with Pestage behind them as the Senate President queried the dark Kiffu.

"...A Jedi!?!" exclaimed some in hushed and frightened tones.

“…and who are you?” casually demanded Pestage coming up behind Amedda and looking curiously to the boy standing with the Kiffu

Quinlan raised an eyebrow at the declaration, but he waited to reply until the last of their pompous motley crew exited the safe-room. The Kiffu thumbed the ignition switch and his blade retracted from life with the ‘all-too-familiar’ sound.

He motioned for Han to come stand behind him and waited for him to do so.

Amedda’s shield crackled and blinked away as he too switched the mechanism off at his hip. There was no immediate threat; that much was clear, the others he felt were not so convinced, but his more relaxed stance brought some calm behind him.

Sensing their collective apprehension, Quin returned his weapon to its rightful place on his belt, and then he spoke: "I am the Emperor's Emissary and Sheftain of Kiffex... I serve his majesty as 'Ledaren' of the KIG special ops. My name is Quinlan of the Clan Vos...”

"Vos," murmured Amedda in surprised recognition, but he did not speak further of it.

Well, that answered the question partially. So there was still an Emperor and the Sheyftain did not strike Amedda as the company Sidious liked to employ. He hadn’t the … air. It was quite probable Vader was in control and with the Blue Guard in attendance, there was a legitimacy still attached to the former Executor’s ascension.

Quinlan shot a glance at the Chagrian and slightly tilted his head forward in such a manner as to convey that he knew what the former tadpole-turned Senatorial Aide, was thinking. “...and, I can assure you that I am no Jedi. But don't take my word for it, when I deliver you to Lord Vader you can ask him yourself."

Pestage held himself with some enlargement as he all but pushed, in as much as one could push the Senate President anywhere. "Well, now, Quinlan Vos, Ledaren and Not Jedi, to whom do you refer and with what authority?” queried Pestage with a wry smile, his warm and drawling Coruscanti, liquid as he glanced down to the young boy again. "Is this your back up?" The Vizier gestured at Han and his makeshift blade.

When Pestage inquired about Han, the yellow tatted-one decided to flex his own political-muscle. Quinlan loved a good challenge and for all of his smarts, the Grand Vizier failed to understand one simple thing. There are those born with power, and the rest must learn to acquire it. For all his accomplishments, Pestage would never understand what it meant to possess and wield the Force. The fastidious Grand Vizier believed that with Palpatine dead, that his bravado and secrets gave him a special leverage; but unlike Palpatine, Lord Vader cared little for political charades.

Vos pondered a lifetime of ideology in a moment, and chose his course of action in less than a second.

“My ‘backup’ is a ‘Captain’ in his own right, his presence here is not your concern. Your lack of gratitude is noted Pestage… Soon enough you will see whose authority directs my hand. Unless of course you wish to press me any further and I’ll happily oblige your curiosity here…”

Pestage regard the Sheyftain through a slimming focus. "I've no need to press you in the matter or play your feeble game, Kiffu. I’ve no use for the sort of pride for which you think me such a fool. So now there is you, with your vaunted … authority and me with my experience. Can we be at such an impasse already? You've not answered the practical question. Are you to convey all of us to His Majesty?" Pestage smiled ingratiatingly. "That would be a bit cumbersome, don’t you think?" The Vizier turned to his partial audience behind him, hands outstretched at his sides and brows raised to guffaws and titters in the crowd behind him.

“Very wise of you to not agitate me…” There wasn’t a hint of emotion behind his voice, but his tone spoke volumes and Quinlan smirked as the group guffawed once more at the not so subtle attempt at dun moch. “Nor am I inclined to respond to a question to which you already know the answer. I am to deliver you and the Speaker of the House to the Emperor’s Office, what happens from there… that is for the Emperor to decide. The rest of your group here is to be escorted by Captain Paulus. So shall we, or do you have any more rhetorical questions?”

“By all means, Your Grace,” Sate drawled as Amedda discretely rolled his eyes, “do lead on. The air down here has grown quite dank,” said Pestage playing his able jester. “Mustn’t keep his Majesty waiting!”

Amedda had to modify his step to avoid plowing ahead, but he kept a descent pace with the silent Kiffu. He stole a glance down to his side. How strange is the world of "fact," he could not help but think as he watched the tatted Emissary. He had been a Jedi and now most heartily eschewed the name. Certainly, Vos’ head would bear a price as the law stood, a definite disincentive to any claim in the affirmative, but no, the sentiment felt to Mas, personal.

For his part, Pestage enjoyed himself. He was too valuable to a repository of organizational memory for Vader to dispense with him and Pestage was confident Vader did not underestimate Pestage’s assets. The boy’s emissary would have to restrain his impulse and that delighted Pestage’s sense of irony.

Quinlan gritted his teethe with each step. Deep down, he wanted nothing more than to gut Pestage where he had stood. But duty called and even though the Grand Vizier’s secrets would not die with him, with the Re still recovering… Vos knew better than to terminate his existence.

The Chagrian's day had initiated with the drab intent he should again drag himself through another useless session in the Senate, pretending he could at least stand the ignominy of guiding what essentially had become a “bean feast” of the once vaunted Senate he had long ago striven to access, striven to persuade for the benefit of Champala, long ago, when he still believed such a process could work! This though, this sudden turn over, the rise of Vader, had made him angry, irritated, incredulous and indignant, why now did he feel the vague glimmer of life inside his chest? He scoffed quietly to himself as the scarlet Senate walls passed him by in all their wreckage and splendid sameness.

They climbed the last of the stairs and split in two, one group followed the Captain and Blue Guard, while the other four turned to the north and headed towards the Emperor’s office. As they passed the turbo lifts Quinlan stepped aside until Han came close enough to hear him. He could sense that something was amiss with his ward, and he knew in his heart that Han longed for something that he couldn't name. So Quinlan decided to let the boy choose. Ignoring Amedda and Pestage, the former Jedi placed a gloved hand upon Han’s shoulder as he knelt down to converse with the teenager.

“I need you to do something for me, young one. Take this codex and return to the Stellarus. In my quarters there are two lockers, plug it in and retrieve the box in the top locker. And whatever you do, don’t open the lower compartment. Inside that box you will find a crystal… I want you to hang onto it for me. When the time comes, I will ask you for it. Until then, you’ll have to figure some things out on your own. Now, go…” And with that, Vos stood up and followed after the two he was escorting.

He left Han standing there, but he didn’t look back.


TAG: Vader, Mas, Sate, Han and any others I’ve missed
EDIT:
Contents of the lower locker have already been discussed via PM. HanSolo29, you are free to do with them as you see fit. Enjoy...

 

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