Private A Queen's Favor

[Valery Noble]

Kavan

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

Sus?

Valery perked her brow at him. Must have been something he heard the kids say or something. She shrugged it off for now and focused on the people they were talking to. They kept looking around, and once Kahlil asked his question, the husband gently nudged them away from the street and to the sidewalk, where a few trees stood to obscure them a little better. Valery just shot Kahlil a worried look, but didn't say anything.

She didn't want to scare these people even more.

"Most people here don't support them. But you have to watch the few who do," he said with a nervous smile. Then, with a gesture of his head, he seemed to direct the Nobles to a public transportation hub.

"They always appear there. We know at least one entrance to the underground must be there."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil nodded once, letting his eyes follow his nod but not outright looking towards it. It was good they were so forthcoming, but he didn't want them to get in trouble for pointing the way forward for the two Jedi. "Thank you." Was the last bit he said before he turned to head in that direction, with Valery of course. They needed to handle this quick, before the terrorists realized what was going on.

Before they took revenge on those who'd helped the Jedi.

"You ready?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Kavan

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"I'm ready," Valery said while she still held his hand. Not just because it was nice, but they looked a lot less suspicious walking around like this. If the terrorists hadn't seem them yet, it'd make it so much easier to reach the tunnels unseen. And once they were inside, she knew they'd be able to clean them up quite easily.

But still... as they walked towards the transport hub, the tension only seemed to rise.

"Love, I don't like this at all," she said softly, as things around them seemed to move. People were watching them, surrounding them, and one look over her shoulder told her everything she needed to know. She could see the husband and wife in the distance, talking to someone and pointing in the Jedi's direction.

They were walking into a trap.

"It would be wise for you both to surrender your weapons," a sudden voice spoke out, before the man appeared in the doorway. There were a lot more everywhere, and now that their intent was clear, they no longer felt like ordinary civilians. These were terrorists.

"I'm sure you two fight well, but we have you surrounded by more than you realize. A wise Jedi knows when to fight and when not to fight, right?"

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I can feel it."

They both could sense the trap. But he wasn't worried. No one was that helpful, not if there was a threat of death. And the terrorists had already made it very clear they were willing to kill. He glanced to Valery to give her a brief smile before looking towards the leader that had appeared. And raised his hands. "You're right. We surrender."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Kavan

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

<You know, for a second I was actually worried you'd still just fight them.>

A quick tease before she raised her hands as well and looked around. She didn't really like having to surrender, but she was certain they'd find a way to escape, and by surrendering, they'd essentially infiltrate at the same time. It'd just require a little patience and perseverance.

With their surrender, most the Hapans — all of which were men fighting against the matriarchy— were willing to come out with their weapons aimed at the Jedi as well. Yet, there was no fear that they'd shoot. Even they realized that gunning down two Jedi would bring far more trouble than they could handle. No, they were better used for hostage negotiations.

For each Noble, two of the terrorists approached from behind and pulled their arms down to put cuffs on them. Not the suppressing kind that nullified the Force, but it was better than nothing. Valery, though, felt an uncomfortable shiver because of it. Not long ago, she had been captured, and some trauma of her time enslaved lingered as well.

"Tell me, Jedi. Are there more of you?" He gave a signal, and both Nobles were struck in the gut by the stock of a blaster, just to force them to bend over, so they could be forced down to their knees.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

<Still on the table.>

Kahlil didn't make any sudden movements, even as his hands were bound. Nor even when Valery seemed to have a flash of real discomfort. He remembered it just as well as she did. But he also knew they weren't in danger. Not yet, at least. He kept a calm expression, though the moment the others came in to try and bash him in the stomach he raised a brow. The Force swelled, forming a barrier just between him, Valery, and the strikes.

"Not yet. There's no need for violence. We're already your prisoners. Why don't we talk? We'll keep the cuffs on if it makes you feel safer."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Kavan

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

<Babe...>

She knew that they would have to eventually fight their way out, but this would be an intense clash if they chose to raise their weapons. Because as untrained as they were, there were a lot of them and they had the Jedi surrounded. Not to mention the town around them - any stray or deflected blaster bolt would be a potential hazard to innocent civilians out there.

Or even the traiterous ones, like the couple. But perhaps they had only done what they did out of fear for these extremists.

The leader of the group seemed surprised when the hits targeting their stomachs seemed to hit some kind of invisible shield. It made him realize that, despite their surrender, these were two Jedi not to underestimate. With another signal, blasters were aimed at the Nobles again, and some of them kept more distance too. "We aren't the ones who need to feel safe," he snapped back before nodding to his men, who began to push the Jedi along.

They were brought into the station, which was completely empty of civilians - it wasn't being used for its intended purpose anymore. It had been taken over by the terrorists. From there, they were led to a heavily reinforced hatch into the tunnels. As expected, they weren't meant for Kahlil's height, and while Valery made no comment about that, she did have an annoying smirk on her face for it.

"You two will make it much easier for us to negotiate for our demands. But you are of no use to us dead, so please, don't give us reason to harm you." He paused and especially seemed to focus his anger on Valery. "Because we will do what we must."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Mm."

He glanced towards the ones behind him, still with a calm smile. And the faint shimmer of blue around him and Valery for just a brief moment. They weren't a danger to the pair of Jedi. That much was certain. Though as the man's gaze narrowed in anger on Valery once they were further in, Kahlil very clearly frowned.

"What are your demands, exactly."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Kavan

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"You came here to destroy us, but you don't even understand our cause?" he asked, but before he was able to continue, Valery spoke up against him, "No cause is worth killing innocent people over." She narrowed her gaze at him, and the Hapan stared right back at her, clearly annoyed but with a deep breath, he calmed himself down and even forced a smile before he stepped closer to Valery.

His men had taken their lightsabers, so he felt much safer than he should.

"All we want is to be equals," he began as he got right up into Valery's space. "All we want is for this monarchy to end, so our people can live freely." His hand moved up towards Valery's cheek, as he continued, "But women like you- ahh!" he stopped and let out a yelp of pain when Valery suddenly bit down into his fingers. His attempt to brush against her cheek in a condescending way hadn't been appreciated and, well, this was all she could do.

A flash of anger followed, and he raised his other hand to strike across her face with the back of his hand. Though before it could hit, he stopped himself and just glared at her. Maybe the dangerous husband helped keep him from doing something stupid, too.

"We're going to use you to make our demands known, and to get some of our people out of prison. Maybe even an audience with the queen. You're both worth more than enough for that, don't you think?"

 

[Kahlil Noble]

He raised a hand to smack at Valery, and that was enough for Kahlil. The Force shifted around him, suddenly increasing the weight on all of them. All the men here who decided that woman were their enemy. He wasn't playing this game any longer. He wasn't going to kill them, but he also wasn't going to let them continue to threaten the pair of Jedi. The Force swelled around both their wrists, shattering open the handcuffs.

"Yeah we're worth quite a bit, I imagine. Now don't make any sudden moves. Don't want you to give me a reason to harm you."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Kavan

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

Valery would have taken the hit with pride, if she needed to — she wasn't going to let some stranger touch her cheek to try and put himself above her. But there was no world wherein her husband would allow someone to touch, let alone hit her like that. So as quick as he had raised his hand against her, he was flattened against the ground. None of the men around her were killed by the impact, but they'd definitely be bruised.

Those who resisted, soon learned how futile it was when Kahlil kept them down.

"Thanks, honey," Valery said with a smile. She'd kiss him if they weren't still in a tunnel full of terrorists, but sadly, it meant she had to stay focused.

"You're not going to get out of here alive," the man said, still squashed to the ground.

Placing her hand against the wall, Valery followed the echoes pulsing through the walls and sighed, "Love, these tunnels run deep and I sense a lot more of them out there. I think we should get ready for a fight." Crouching down, she picked up their lightsabers and tossed Kahlil's hilt over to him.

"First the tunnels, then clear town?"

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Stronger people than you have said that before."

Kahlil glanced down towards the man for a brief moment before taking up his lightsaber. Ignited the green blade. Silent, of course, before he looked to those he'd pinned down. A couple quick slashes with the Entropite blade would ensure they didn't get back up to harass them or join the others in an attack against the pair of Jedi. He paused before the leader, frowning further. "Words can win more than violence ever will."

He'd join the others in their slumber.

"Indeed. We'll call the Queen when we're finished rounding them up. The less loss of life, the better."

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Kavan

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"Maybe I should get one of those Entropite crystals someday," Valery said after watching her husband neutralize the entire group without having to cause any harm. Her lightsabers weren't able to do that, so knocking them unconscious would have been a far riskier endeavor for her — a blow to the head wasn't safe, after all. But for now, she could lean on him for these types of things, and focus on the rest of these tunnels.

"Agreed. I think it's good if we draw attention to ourselves as well. Maybe get some of those terrorists out of town and in here with us?" It'd make their mission a lot more dangerous, but it'd keep the people safe. The two Nobles could handle a little dangerous anyway.

Up ahead, they could already hear trouble stirring, and with each step they'd take deeper into the tunnels, they could feel it getting closer. With blasters at the ready to gun down the intruders, a whole group of terrorists moved through the tunnels. But not just from up ahead.

A small group was coming up from behind as well to chase the Jedi into a larger chamber within the system of tunnels.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I believe all Jedi should."

He glanced to Valery with a brow raised. It did surprise him she didn't have one, especially with how often he used his own. But not something to talk about now. There were still more coming. He glanced behind them, leaving her to look ahead. And smirked, just a little.

"Want to see who can take care of their group faster?"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Kavan

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

"Yeah well, these things didn't exist back when I started..." she grumbled a little, but she wasn't disagreeing with him. The crystal was extremely useful, so even though it'd require her to modify her lightsabers again, she felt like it was worth doing. Maybe the search for the crystal could be a fun little journey for the two of them.

Or maybe bringing Aris and Vera along would make those two happy.

Valery's gaze snapped back to her husband the moment he challenged her, and quite a grin spread on her lips, "I'll get the ones behind us, you can go up ahead. You'll need the head start." She winked, then sprinted back with Force-augmented speed, not just because time was important, but because she wanted to beat him at this game.

With her lightsaber drawn and the blade ignited, she charged right into the group of terrorists, who clearly hadn't expected the head-on assault. They opened fire, and Kahlil would hear the shots echo through the tunnels, but it didn't take long before they were silenced.

Meanwhile, Kahlil would be up against a wider, more open chamber full of terrorists. They didn't have proper cover, so tables and chairs had been thrown on their sides, and they were waiting behind. As soon as he appeared, they'd be ready to gun him down.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil just chuckled before turning down his own path. He really didn't need the head start. The moment he stepped into the room and the blasterfire kicked off, it was over. He raised a hand, and gravity shaped to his will. Bolts were sent wayward before those who shot fell flat under his pressure. He stepped forward to each, letting his blade passively wash over them to send them into their slumber.

It was over in an instant, truly.

<Finished. How'r you?>"

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Kavan

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

<Took you long enough,> she bragged, even though one of her targets was still flying through the air from her telekinetic blast. She also chose to ignore that he had more terrorists to deal with than she did, but he had more room to move around! So, as far as she was concerned, this round was totally hers.

Valery then felt a strange shiver, one that signaled danger but it wasn't directly targeting her. Turning back to the man who had just hit the floor, she noticed something - had had primed a thermal detonator.

A massive blast sent dust, debris and shrapnel along with a fireball through the tunnel. Valery was quick to raise her hands and project a barrier, but the shockwave knocked her onto her back. She groaned, luckily unharmed, and then looked up at the ceiling to find out why the danger wasn't focused on her. Huge cracks were rapidly expanding, and while her narrow tunnel was fairly strong and capable of holding up all the weight above it, Kahlil's chamber was not.

<Babe, get out of there!> She yelled, as everything around Kahlil began to collapse.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

<I'm fine.>

It was the people he'd knocked out who weren't. So no, he didn't leave, instead raising his hands to catch the collapse as he closed his eyes to focus on the Force. Let himself focus, relax in it's embrace. For the time being, this is what he'd be doing. Keeping the ceiling from caving in. He didn't want these people to die, after all.

<Get the Queen to arrive so we can get these people out.>

Valery Noble

 

[Valery Noble]

Kavan

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Blasters | Lightsaber
Tag: Kahlil Noble

<You're meters underground, holding up a collapsing ceiling in a makeshift tunnel. Totally fine.> She grumbled a little and looked around her own part of the tunnels to assess the situation. It had collapsed in a few places, but physical obstructions couldn't easily hold back the Jedi Shadow. But there was still one serious problem.

Reaching the world above them.

<We are too deep down, I can't get out a signal. I could try to phase my way up, but that means leaving you alone here. What if these people start waking up?> She frowned at the thought and coughed when dust finally reached her too. Staying here too long wasn't an option.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

<Then they better hope they listen to reason or they'll get buried.>

Kahlil shrugged, both literally and in how he spoke. He wasn't worried. If they tried to kill him while he was trying to keep them alive, he wasn't going to sacrifice himself. Once Valery got out, he could easily get to her side. He was likely the one in the least amount of danger, all things considered.

<I'll be fine. Just get help. I don't want them to die if we can actually help them.>

Valery Noble