Coruscant: Walk Softly

[Darron Wraith]

"So you're trying to say that titles and a few subtle differences are all that separate us from the Sith?" Darron had heard the argument plenty of times before, it was hard explaining the Force and all her wonderful yet beautiful nuances to those who couldn't reach out and feel it. Too often many just knew that the Jedi worked for the Republic and that the Sith didn't, the other differences weren't to be seen. Obviously this man had seen both forces in action because he was unfortunately skirting close to a few truths in his words. "Our differences are far from that, I wish not to conquer anything. I am a servant of the citizens of the Republic and to any innocent life form in this galaxy. Here you are threatening a man who could end your life in mere moments but my code and my morals won't allow it. It's why I am bargaining with you, or shall I say pleading to the side of you that is just and right."

He noted Rosa's silence and Mr. Stargo's as he quickly pulled the forearm length glove off his right hand and he also undid the greave over the glove as well. He set both down on the table before rolling the sleeve of his robe up to expose the durateel and gold plated prosthetic that was his right hand and forearm. It's metallic surface ran to his elbow where it attached, a mark of his dedication and service to the Order and Republic. "You see this? I got this because of my dedication to all life. I would never conquer another man, my job is to protect all those who are innocent and do good. Don't ever compare me to the Sith, they would kill any amount of life to accomplish their goals." Darron paused for a moment to let his words hang in the air before continuing. "I would gladly die for one innocent soul to live Mr. Stargo, don't question my integrity. I will always put the needs of the many above myself."

The Jedi Master put the glove and the greave back on before settling in his chair, the same blank look on his face as he observed the man before him. "You want an information exchange then? Ask and we will see what can be arranged, I will not become a mercenary for anyone, nor will anyone in my order. So name your terms and we will see if an agreement can be reached." Darron let some hope into his voice, he wanted a peaceful outcome to this. This was a man of intelligence and hopefully a solution that could help both parties could be met.

 

[Zev Stargo]

Stargo listened to everything the Jedi said, his words meaning little to the man who had heard such arguments before in his life. Once the Jedi had finished his speech, Zev stuck a finger out at him, smoke bellowing from his mouth "Then maybe, Mr Wraith, you are as blind to your own intentions as the rest of the Republic, and the rest of the Galaxy, are." Zev took the cigar from his mouth and put his hand on the table, letting the puff of smoke he had trapped behind his lips nip at his tongue with savory tastes of sweet Tabac. His words hung over the table like a Rancor on a tether, Zev just watching his Jedi contact with unfeeling eyes as he words absorbed into him like a sponge "Some day, Mr. Wraith, and that day may never arise, I will come to you looking for information. I expect that you will get it to me promptly, for now I need one thing from you."

 

[Darron Wraith]

"You're going to come to me looking for information? I hope you can understand I am a man of morals, and I will not compromise who I am or what I stand for at your whim. We can negotiate a deal that works for both parties, and my apprentice can be my witness." Darron motioned to Rosa, she was after all a former diplomat herself. "She can make sure the terms are agreeable and that no laws are being broken, and I will not do anything against my morals sir. You can bend me, break me, or destroy me in the public eye or to the Jedi. I don't care, but I will not change the very man I have worked hard to become over you trying to play hard ball with me."

Darron put his glass down and stared at his hands for a moment, considering what he had said and all of his options presently. While he did care about his position in the Order, and his standing in the public eye, he couldn't compromise himself. My father instilled in me the values of integrity, and my mother made me promise to never change who I am at my core for others. I have to live by that, or what can I become? The thought led to many questions, and the Jedi Master pondered the meaning of it all for a few brief moments as he watched Zev smoke his cigar. Leaning forward, Darron tried one more time to talk some sense into the man before him.

"Listen, ask what you need information wise, and we shall see. As long as you aren't compromising security I will consider it, is that fair?"

 

[Zev Stargo]

Zev nodded, glad that the Jedi had finally realized who had the power in this situation. In truth, he felt a slight sadness for the Jedi master who sat before him, his apprentice quietly at his side. The man seemed to truly believe that what he was doing was right, yet he allowed himself to become a slave of the Jedi just like the rest of the Republic seemed to. Zev could see it in his eyes, this man had the drive to be truly free, he may even long for the ability to be so because what the Jedi do is anything but freedom. This man could be something much greater if he only realized the faults of his so called order...perhaps this Darron Wraith would be of better use later...maybe Zev could even talk sense into him.

Blowing smoke rings into the air, Zev prepared his response "I need you to locate someone, a member of my competition." Zev looked the Jedi dead in the eyes "I have attempted to find her, but it has proven a difficult task for my agents. She is a mercenary working for Omega Pyre, she goes by Tegaea Alcori and it is vital that she not be aware that I am looking for her."

 

[Darth Vandin]

Vandin had officially lost Ashin. The Corvette had flown off world and was heading to Location X. But now he had the officials to deal with. He ran back up the stairs to the restaurant, hoping to see something that would allow him to get off world. He was surprised to see the Jedi still there, speaking with an old man, and a young woman sitting near him. He stopped, watching the encounter with interest.

 

[Darron Wraith]

"Tegaea Alcori, you do realize that Omega Pyre has a wonderful relationship with the Republic and the Jedi correct?" Darron had read over those briefs personally upon getting reinstated in the Order a few months back. It had been quite the exhausting process to get re-acclimated to the adjusted galactic climate and seeing how power had shifted over the past two decades. Had he been less of a student, or been slightly disinterested he never would have caught up on all the happenings of the last twenty years. He had spent many a sleepless night going over all of them, and he knew of several treaties in place with Omega Pyre. They worked closely with the Republic and to give up Tegeae's location would be a devastating blow to said alliance. "If I give you her location..which I have. What would you do with it? If you give me your word to not attack or cause her harm I will give her, lie to me and I will come for you like any criminal in the Republic."

The Jedi Master was agreeable to a deal so long as the man could make a promise and keep it. Another ripple in the Force, and Darron couldn't help but feel that Sith apprentice had come to restaurant again. The Jedi looked to his padawan, and kept a stern tone so as not to break appearances in front of Zev. "If he comes up here, I will handle him are we understood Rosa?" Turning to Zev he spoke once more,"you are under my protection as well understand?"

 

[Zev Stargo]

Zev nodded "I appreciate your drive to protect me Master Jedi. As for Miss Alcori, I do not intend to bring harm to her. I simply wish to meet her and discuss business, but seeing as Omega Pyre has harsh feelings towards me and my associates, it is near impossible for me to locate her." Zev paused, his emerald eyes scanning the room until they came across the Sith would had been chucked from the window earlier. It was surprising he had not run yet, the boy had guts Zev had to give him that much. As long as the boy stayed where he was, Zev had little interest in him "For this information, what I heard here today will be but a distant memory." Zev looked back to Darren with coldness, but his tone was unchanged "But it will be one I will not soon forget."

 

[Darth Vandin]

OOC: Why do you guys keep calling me boy? I'm like 40 something

 

[Darron Wraith]

OOC: act like it then

 

[Darth Vandin]

OOC: Smooth burn. Excuse me while I get some Aloe Vera. But I still wasn't the one who started choking someone randomly.

IC: Vandin heard the Master speak to his apprentice. He backed away. The Jedi Master was likely not one to retreat like Ashin had. He could manage against someone running from him, but he figured it would be the opposite with the Jedi, especially with the Temple right there. No, he wanted to speak to the Old Man, and he would bide his time if necessary. He sensed an ocean of secrets in the man's head. If anyone could get him off world, it was him. Plus, a man with resources like that would be a useful partner, and he was willing to pay a substantial price.

 

[Darron Wraith]

OOC: wasn't intended to be anything, just saying I didn't know based off how you were playing him.

 

[Darth Vandin]

OOC: wasn't intended to be anything, just saying I didn't know based off how you were playing him.

OOC: Says in my bio

 

[Rosa Gunn]

Rosa was bemused by the entire situation, but she moved to sit next to Darron nonetheless, though she did not drink, she merely studied Mr. Stargo trying to work out if she knew him and trying desperately to understand why Darron was negotiating with him in the first place. Silence was the best way to determine this so she sat and listened a small smile creeping onto her face at how well he had pushed Darron into giving him control of the discussion. She felt the Sith coming up the stairs and barely heard Darron telling her who would handle it.

His cold and detached tone made her look at him with the same coolness he was treating her with, she knew why he was doing it but she didn't like it and that much was clear in her force signature. He saw you with her didn't he? that's why you two are having this...discussion. Idiot. she couldn't help that thought, it was such a stupid thing to do, to speak with Ashin in the open in a location filled with security camera's and bad business men. She reached out with her empathy and it settled over the sith, his fear and hatred were the most powerful emotions put there was something else there, a pressing need.

"Then go and handle it." she said coolly, finally helping herself to a drink. "I'll keep Mr. Stargo company so you can finish your little arrangement when your done. You don't want anyone else hearing this after all." This was a side of Rosa, that Darron had not yet seen, that was because it didn't come out very often unless you made the mistake of upsetting her, and his attitude towards her had done just that. Regardless of his reasons she did not appreciate it. It could have at least come with a telepathic warning.

 

[Darth Vandin]

"Please, don't mind me," said Vandin. "I have my own business to attend to."

 

[Elara Hulis]

Without much warning, bombs dropped on the streets. Elara was quick to take cover, yet she was utterly shocked about what happened - not sure about why things were exploding today. Plus, she was confused even more because if Vandin had ordered the bombing as she heard then he would have been in danger as well - perhaps even killed on his own order. Coruscant security would have most likely begun attacking the Corvette that attacked the restaurant, if it was not for its hasty retreat from the system.

However, it seemed that due to the hurry that the Corvette's crew might have been, there was not a thorough bombing. She emerged from under a downed police speeder. Her clothes were tattered and a trail of blood trickled down the side of her face. Her headband seemed unscathed, though. In the distance, she spotted Vandin running toward the restaurant. She assumed the Sith had some unfinished business there.

After panning her head around the scene, she could not find the other dark side user, nor could she sense any recent deaths. Assuming that more Jedi would arrive to her location due to her call for help, Elara decided the best course of action for her would have been to follow Vandin and attempt to stop him before he caused any more trouble.

Despite trying to run as fast as she could, Darth Vandin had already got enough of a head start to reach the restaurant and ride the elevator up. Eventually, Elara managed to reach the lift that would take her to the damaged rooftop. Due to the Corvette strike, emergency personnel, mostly paramedics and firefighters, crowded the cramp lift along with her. She only managed to get on by claiming to be a Jedi in pursuit of the person that caused this.

Yet, the ride seemed to take an unbearably long amount of time. Elara wondered if Vandin would have caused more trouble before she reached the top of the building.

 

[Darth Vandin]

Vandin sensed the Miralukan Jedi from earlier approaching. This was not a good sign. He did not want to start a fight, because if one broke out, the Jedi Master would likely lose his temper and assault him, and then he would have no way off the planet. And he did not want to be stuck at the capital of the Galactic Republic, and the home of the Jedi.

 

[Darron Wraith]

"Take it then, and know we will see each other soon." His voice got very quiet as he slid the datadisk across the table in one smooth fluid motion. The Jedi Master took one last swig of the ale before him and set the drink down. Through the Force he could feel Rosa's unease and her displeasure, I'm going to regret this. He knew she was angry with him and her words clearly indicated that her temperament towards him was clearly leaning in the wrong direction at the current moment. "I would say I"ll contact you, but I assume it's much easier to find the tall, well built, armor wearing Jedi Master than it would be for me to look you up?" Darron rose to his full height, and he pulled his robes close over him before he indicated with his body language that he would be leaving.

"Until we meet again Mr. Stargo....Ms. Razhar accompany me now."

It wasn't a question, but really a demand. He needed to get her out of here, and not explain things tonight, but one day down the road when he felt she would understand his motives a little better. With a flick of his mind he sent a message to the Sith in the building. Be quick with your dealings with Mr. Stargo, or Ashin or the Order will come for you soon. Consider this your final warning and a courtesy for you to maybe consider a different path one day dark one. His eyes bore into Zev's one more time before nodding his farewell as he put his hand in Rosa's and left her with plenty of questions as he pulled her out of the bar. "I won't be answering any of what you say today, but one day soon I will. I know you are angry, and we will resolve this another time."

 

[Ashin Varanin]

With some aplomb and not a little regret, Ashin cloaked her presence and vanished into the city. There was little more to be done here.

 

[Elara Hulis]

A cheerful ding signaled Elara's rise to the top of the building. She was the first to exit the elevator as the emergency personnel that traveled up with her agreed that, since there was supposedly a dangerous person in the restaurant that she, as a Jedi, should be the one to go ahead and stop him. None of them had realized that the lightsaber strapped to her belt was utterly useless in cutting anything.

It did not take Elara long after entering the restaurant to find the small crowd inside. The first ones she saw, and the closest to her, were Darron and Rosa. Elara did not know either of them. Yet, Elara's Padawan braid, which hung over her headband, would have given the two Jedi in front of her enough of a clue of her rank. She could also see Darth Vandin behind the couple and Zev Stargo just further back, though she did not know Zev.

For a second, Elara wondered how she would deal with the situation as she was not certain why so many people were still in the restaurant. Yet, she caught a glimpse of lightsaber hilts on both Rosa and Darron through her Force vision, plus the general look of the two was extremely similar to how she saw other Jedi. She immediately raised her hand an pointed at Darth Vandin, unaware of what recently transpired.

"I need help!" Elara said, almost at a yell, "He's a Sith! We need to stop him before he causes any more destruction!"

 

[Darth Vandin]

Vandin chuckled at the Jedi Padawan who cried for help against him. He broke into a laugh as the crowd in the restaurant screamed in terror, running this way and that to escape the big, bad, Sith. Slowly and relaxed, he sat down next to Mr. Stargo, as the Jedi Master had so kindly informed him his name.
"I understand you're a man who can get things done around here. I also understand that you need something.
"I need something too."