If I Were Wrong, I'd Know It

[Elayne Saedaris]

The last part of Mirien's words, about herself .... shocked the redhead. She didn't expect anyone at all like that, to keep tabs on her. Elayne hardly felt important enough to be of note, to be watched in such a manner. And now, it felt like a little too much knowledge was known about her. Elayne had been nervously wringing her hands while Mirien and Kaida spoke. They were taking a while though, so Elayne stepped out of the room to make a quick comcall.

And while Eyrecae might be unaware of the current family trouble among the redheaded Saedaris family, she was about to learn. "Eyrecae? It's Elayne." The worry that Elayne felt carried so easily over the com. And it was far from normal for the redhead to be this stressed, this concerned. "I need you're help. Something has happened. I'm not sure what. But someone took Elanil. Kaida, myself and Mirien Valdier, were going to meet at the starport, and head to Fondor, to try and find her. We could really use your help to bring my sister home. Do you think you could please, help us?"

[member="Eyrecae Alzari"] | [member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Mirien Valdier]

A thin smirk formed upon Mirien's lips, "That, it would be." Her mind already wandering to how it would feel to do that. A fitting punishment.

Valdier inclined her head slightly, a sign of respect for Kaida. "Of course. I'll meet you at there shortly." It wouldn't take long after all. Not when Mirien tended to keep a ready bag for these moments. It packed with everything she needed. Her eyes shifted down to the datapad where the footage was being transferred. With it nearly complete, she knew they could head off now, and somewhere before she actually made it on board the ship, the file transfer would be complete. "I'll bring an additional team of six with me. Not failures like the seven on Fondor. But the best I have." Mirien said coldly. "See you Miss Taldir, at the hangar in ten." She said as she finally cut the link.

Of course there was one more call for Mirien to make. The five were already waiting, but there was one final person she planned to call. Taking her comlink one last time, she dialed [member="Sumiko Tanaka"]. Patiently she waited for the woman to appear before her in the holographic field. "Miss Tanaka." Mirien finally spoke, "It seems I have a job for you. If you are interested." She said with the faintest traces of a smile upon her likes. After all she actually liked Sumiko. And while quite a few of her former Inquisitors had displeased Miri in one way or another, Sumiko had not. And well, Mirien still very much liked her, though she had a funny way of showing it.

"An Eldorai Scientist by the name of Elanil Saedaris seems to have been taken by a well funded and organized group. Not too sure who, or how large an organization we are dealing with..... Nonetheless, I do need help in bringing her home in one piece. Doctor Saedaris was last seen on Fondor, so perhaps you could meet us in route?" Mirien asked politely, though with a slight frostiness in her tone. After all far too many people had displeased and failed her this day. As Mirien spoke, she had already crossed her office and pulled her ready bag from the closet. Giving it a quick once over, just to be sure all she needed was inside. The brunette then headed for door and instantly set a path for the Angelii hangar. Five others joined her along the way, a totally of six in all arrived at the Angelii hangar, and simply waited patiently for the arrival of Kaida Taldir and Elayne Saedaris.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Mirien Valdier"]


As it turned out, Mirien caught Sumiko at a good time because she had just walked out of an auction on Nar Shaddaa. As always, the planet was a haven of criminals and general low-life and thus, as expected, things had been quite rough there. There was a bit of a brawl going on, so she had deemed it prudent to sneak out. The sound of gunfire echoed across the street, but she kept walking.


Her prize happened to be a Talisman of Concentration. A shiny little toy. One of the auctioneers, a Krevaaki Dark Jedi, had offered the holocron of Darth Angral, but Sumiko was quite certain it was a fake. Same applied for pirates claiming they'd recovered the Darkstaff. Outside darkness had fallen upon the planet and there was a cold chill in the air, when she received the message. Naturally she made sure that she was not being followed and vanished into an alley before activating the comm.


You could never be sure who might be listening in. As it turned out, the call came from her old mentor and, depending on your perspective, owner. The relationship between could perhaps not be described as friendship. At least not in the fluffy and happy sense...but there was a certain bond. More to the point, Sumiko did like her. However, she was not the sort to waste time with small talk. "I see. Interesting. I'm on Nar Shaddaa, but I've wrapped up my business here and can depart. We can discuss remuneration when we meet." She was quite deliberately being laconic due to her surroundings.

 

[Eyrecae Alzari]

[member="Elayne Saedaris"] [member="Kaida Taldir"]

The first thought which inevitably came to mind was booty call when she heard the voice. After all Elayne and Eyrecae had a shared appreciation for…booty…that is treasure. Eyrecae mentally preened herself, two in a day was good.

Then she heard the rest. That was only a slight downer. The most important factor here was that Elayne had a sister. She wondered why she’d never heard of and/or seen this sister before at the Lady’s Haven! Perhaps a perk of rescuing the girl might be that she would be very generous and grateful.

“You got it, ‘Layney,” Eyrecae said happily. She knew Elayne hated that name, that was why she used it!

Kaida, Mirien, Elayne, Eyrecae, that was a whole lot of kickass.

She looked down at her ‘outfit’, frowned. Even she didn’t do rescues in a cocktail dress. “I’ll get my gear and meet you soon. It’s hammering time….”

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Mirien Valdier"]


The connection to Mirien was cut and Kaida turned to Elayne. "Get ready. We're leaving right now." That done she returned to her bedroom since she needed to get dressed properly! Walking over to [member="Coryth Elaris"], she bent down and gave the little redhead a kiss.


"Talked with Valdier. She, Elayne and I'll be going to Fondor to investigate this mess," she spoke. Normally someone would point out that neither Firemane nor the Eldorai had any legal jurisdiction on Fondor and that they should cooperate with the local law enforcement agencies. Probably also request permission to investigate in the first place. However, Kaida was not even sure who was in charge there. Supposedly it was the Pyre, which seemed bizarre to her. Besides, she had little confidence in their competence. Quickly removing her robes, she got dressed. "I'll be in touch, dear. Wish me luck."

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth had the sense as Kaida came in, that she'd be heading off. She managed a sad little smile, "You sure I can't come along? I'm sure I could be of use to you all." She asked hopefully. Keeping the sheet wrapped around her, she rolled on her side to watch as her Mistress got ready to leave.

The redhead sighed heavily, hating to see Kaida go. "Good luck, my darling. Do try and come back in one piece. That's an order." She said in her most commanding tone.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Coryth Elaris"]


Kaida paused, trying to uncharacteristically think of a tactful way to tell her girlfriend no. Trying to be tactful was something she...almost never did. "Yes, but I don't want you to get hurt. Besides, while I like showing you off, your special snowflakeyness would make everyone else too jealous." There, she actually tried to make a joke. Coryth should feel very proud of herself.


Having dressed herself and stuffed a couple weapons into a duffel bag, she returned to the bed. She raised an eyebrow when Coryth got bossy. "Yes, ma'am. I'll come back in one piece. By the way, if you look in the top drawer, you'll find a voucher for The Lady's Haven. Surprise me with something nice." Her hand brushed over Coryth's firemane and she planted a kiss on her lips, then departed from the room, with the duffel bag flung over her shoulder.

 

[Elanil Saedaris]

Elanil blinked slowly, still quite drugged. When Callisto's hands met hers the Eldorai was quick to grasp tightly to her, not wanting to let go. "Safe ..." She gave a slight nod. That seemed a relative term to her right then, because she did not feel safe. She felt violated, frightened, and confused as anyone in her situation would.

"I don't think.... I could move much anyway. Hurts, badly. Too drugged." A sigh of relief did follow as the restraints were removed and Elanil brought both her hands to her chest, clutching them together almost defensively. That was the only movement she made, not daring to move when she had no idea what had been done to her. Clearly she was in no state to attempt to move. "Can ... can we leave this place now? I want out. I want to go home. I want my sister." She whispered quietly. Simple desires, and things that felt so much safer to her than where she was.

[member="Callisto Scarlett"]

 

[Elayne Saedaris]

Elayne cringed at the name. "Just have to use that nickname, don't you ...." She muttered. Elayne did hate that name. It was reminiscent of things like Petey. And other cutesy names. And this writer so can't help but tease a certain someone from time to time, only out of caring and friendship. "See you at the starport." She said with a sigh of relief for any bit of extra help they could manage.

She gave a glance to Kaida and only nodded. Words didn't need to be exchanged as she headed back to grab everything she needed and then some. After all it paid to be prepared. With a sigh, she slung her pack over her shoulder and headed back to catch up with Kaida before heading to the starport. Now feeling a little more awake, and less anxious with actually doing something instead of sitting and wondering what those feelings she got from Elanil meant, and what was happening to her, made things mildly better. This time she didn't burst into Kaida's room, and for a change was being patient since things were finally moving and quickly.

[member="Kaida Taldir"] | [member="Eyrecae Alzari"]

 

[Coryth Elaris]

Coryth nodded, her eyes dropping to the floor for a moment. She did have a habit of getting injured. Though a bright smile appeared at the joke. "I suppose that's true. So, I'll just stay home and think of all the things I'll do to you when you return."

She lifted an eyebrow. "Really now?" She asked. "Oh, I'll find something alright." She said with a wink before the kiss, and watched as Kaida left the room. Her eyes admiring the woman in all her glory. Letting a few emotions drift to Kaida. A little goodbye present if you will.

[member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Elanil Saedaris"]


"It's ok, dear. I can carry you," Callisto spoke in a soothing tone and then gently picked Elanil up, craddling her, as if she were something valuable and precious. This was actually not totally an act, for it was true that the redheaded space elf was very special. This was why Archangel would never let her go. One way or another, an Elanil would belong to the machine cult.


And so, carrying Elanil with no apparent difficulty, she stepped out of the room. Outside there was plenty of carnage. As a matter of fact, all the corpses were either from outdated droids bought at the scrap heap or convicts, but it was doubtful the doctor would notice this in her distraught state.


However, as they walked through the corridor Elanil would come across an old friend...Nalia Alderana. The blonde woman looked a lot less immaculate than before, for her face showed signs of beating and her suit was a mess. "Elanil, dear, thank goodness you're alright. The scum grabbed me when we left the cafe, I'm sorry," she sounded so earnest and remorseful...

 

[Mirien Valdier]

"Excellent." Mirien said coolly, "I'll ensure you are well rewarded for your efforts, have no doubt." This was turning into a fine crew who were more than capable of handling any threat. Which given how little she knew of what happened, Mirien know this team was exactly what she needed. Though Kaida had been an unexpected addition. That she hadn't quite expected at all, but it did make a great deal of sense to her. "I'm sending you the coordinates of where to meet us on Fondor. And we'll work from there." She said before cutting the link.

Now Mirien rose emotionless and headed over to a bookshelf in her office, and pulled a key book. The bookshelf slid out of the way and Mirien stepped inside to a neatly organized armory. Pulling a duffel from the shelf by the door, she set it on the counter in the center of the room and quickly packed a variety of items and accessories. A girl always needed accessories after all. Even if they were just lovely additions to weapons, they were still just as shiny as a pair of heels to Mirien. And they were just part of the job. Opening a drawer she was quick to pull some clothing from it before throwing it in the top of the bag.

With that done, she zipped the bag and slung it over her shoulder. Within minutes she was waiting at the starport for the others, albeit a bit impatiently. Every few moments glancing to a chrono on her her wrist. Minutes were ticking and she knew too well the first twenty-four hours after a person went missing were gold, easier to find things. After that, things got murky quickly and more challenging.

[member="Kaida Taldir"] | [member="Eyrecae Alzari"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Mirien Valdier"], [member="Eyrecae Alzari"] (or whichever face [member="Valiens Nantaris"] is using)


Deal had been made, call ended. As a matter of fact, Sumiko did actually look forward to working with her old boss. Perhaps it was not friendship, but there was an attachment there. At least on Sumiko's end. However, it went without saying that her path back to her ship could not unimpeded. For her conversation had not been as unobserved as she would have liked. In retrospect she should have perhaps been a bit more careful, for this was Nar Shaddaa. A premonition in the Force and good instincts provided the warning she needed in the nick of time. Just before blaster bolts began rain down upon her, the Atrisian's lightsabre had leapt into her blade and sprung to life in a blaze of crimson.


The thugs were smart enough to seek cover behind some trash cans when her blade batted bolts aside or reflected them back towards them, but this would not dave them. One thug was unlucky enough to experience how it felt to have your own bolt reflected back into your knee, then a surge of telekinetic energy rammed their own improvised cover into them. Wanting to end things quickly, Sumiko stretched out with her mind as she unleashed power, spreading fear and terror through the minds of the thugs.


After all, they were common low-life who preyed on the weak. Soon some of them were taking flight through sheer fear, others were rendered almost catatonic, frozen with fear. This was when she struck as she appeared in their midst and began methodically cutting them down. However, one of the gangsters had either been particularly strong-willed or she had not sensed him, for she suddenly felt a very painful and loud ringing in her ears when he fired a sonic blaster upon her.


Ouch. Area-of-effect sonic blasts were the poor man's ysalamiri and arguably more effective if you knew how to use them right. The high-intensity sonic blast knocked her down, and blood seeped out of her eardrums as the loud ringing momentarily stunned her and left her dazed. Instincts kicked in and a surge of the Force took ahold of the gun to blow it up in an outburst of fury. A satisfying cry of pain was heard when the thug's own gun exploded.


Approaching him as he lay on the ground, craddling his bleeding and burnt hand, she put him out of his misery by slashing his throat. Problem dealt with, she proceeded to where her freighter was parked. It was nothing special, just your typical freighter for a quick getaway that you found everywhere on the space lanes of the rim. Perhaps after this job she could move on to something better. After all, she had acquired several stygium crystals on Aeten.

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Coryth Elaris"], [member="Eyrecae Alzari"]


"Yes, really," Kaida insisted. Another kiss, then she turned away and departed from the room. However, Coryth sent her a parting gift in form of some nice emotions, which brought...out all sorts of fuzzy feelings inside Kaida. Warm, soft feelings she did not know how to deal with or even properly interpret. Best analogy she would make was like having a warm blanket...


No, this was so not her...but it felt nice. Get a grip, she told herself and straightened. After all, it would not do to have her minion Elayne see her as anything less than totally authoritative. Seeing the redhead outside, she gave her a nod. "Let's go," she said laconically and then proceeded out, with her duffel bag slung over her shoulder. Within a few minutes she was at the hangar where she was supposed to meet Mirien. It was a special one reserved for the Angelii, but the guards recognised her and let them through without difficulty.

 

[Eyrecae Alzari]

[member="Kaida Taldir"] [member="Elayne Saedaris"]

“Of course I do!” Eyrecae replied smugly. “I’ll see you soon, Saddy!” she added. Another nickname to irritate Elayne.

Eyrecae strolled off, whistling to herself as her white hair flowed behind her. Finally she reached her apartment. A few moments later a very different figure emerged. Gone was the high-heels and sheer dress, in its place was a hammer-wielding nightmare in silvery plate armour.

People stopped to watch her as she passed. It was true that she could have possibly taken a crate to the spaceport, but Eyrecae was a stirrer by inclination.

“Fear not, good people, I go to smite your enemies!” she said though the helmet’s vocaliser.

When she entered the appointed docking bay she hefted her hammer over her shoulder.

“Right, I’m here, let’s get this party started!”

 

[Elanil Saedaris]

Elanil whimpered painfully as she was shifted and carefully picked up by Callisto. Though she was quick to wrap her arms around the woman's neck, despite the lack of strength in them in that particular moment. Her mind wasn't exactly in a coherent state, and mostly she kept her face buried against the redhead's shoulder, not really caring to look at the scene around them or what exactly had happened.

Only did she manage to lift her head when she heard her name. "Nalia." She whispered, sounding a bit concerned as she rubbed at her eyes. Trying anything really to clear away some of the sleepiness from the medications. "I ... It's okay. Are you .. okay?" Tiredly she laid her head against Callisto's shoulder once more. "I just ... Can we leave now?" Staying here a second longer, didn't seem the most wise of ideas. "I don't want to be here, a moment more." It was still taking the poor space elf time to come to her senses and think logically beyond the most basic of her needs.

[member="Moira Skaldi"]

 

[Elayne Saedaris]

"Of course I do." Elayne grumbled in a sing-song voice, more than slightly irritated. Wiping the annoyance from her face. She gave a quick nod to Kaida and they both headed off together.

Soon enough the small group, plus six of Mirien's best were all in the hangar. Elayne still wasn't the most trusting when it came to Mirien. There was just something about the human that she didn't quite like. But it hardly seemed worth it to question anyone who could possibly help get her sister back.

The redhead spared a glance to Eyrecae, trying not to appear too outwardly worried about what was going on with her twin. Had she even mentioned Elanil to her? Nah, the redhead highly doubted. Elanil under normal circumstances was never a fun subject to discuss. The woman was dull, irritating, and absolutely a queen to her ninety percent of the time. Though the queen part, Elayne had always assumed was solely because the woman had never gotten laid. At the end of the day, Elanil was still her twin, her sister, and there was no way she'd leave her to a fate like this.

[member="Kaida Taldir"] | [member="Eyrecae Alzari"]

(posting Mirien in the morning when I wake)

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Mirien Valdier"]


Meanwhile, Sumiko's freighter had left the Smuggler's Moon behind it and was now traversing through the shimmering blue tunnel that was hyperspace. Its ultimate destination was Fondor. It would be several hours before it reached the industrial planet, though it would probably do so before Mirien and her Eldorai companions since Tygara was on the other side of the Galaxy.


However, Sumiko did not have any intelligence on who might've abducted Elanil, so her opportunities for research were rather limited. As the Atrisian was not the sort to frequent science conferences or read scientific journals unless it involved a job, there was not much she knew. If it had been something related to archaeology or arcana it would've been a different story. So since she needed something to pass the time, she busied herself with meditating to centre herself in the Force, working out and reading an archaeological journal.

 

[Mirien Valdier]

Mirien glanced up from a datapad in her hands as Kaida, Elayne, and Eyrecae entered the hangar. Her eyes briefly shifted between them, and back to the datapad. "Ladies." She said quickly, "What data I do have, we can easily review on the way to Fondor. We need to get moving before the trail runs cold." The clock was ticking already. Leads would start to fade. Witnesses would memories start to slip on the exact details.

However, these three weren't her people. She wasn't running the entire show. Just part of it. And looking back to Elayne, Mirien couldn't help but feel it a little odd to be staring at Elanil's identical twin. Though, to Elayne's credit she was slightly more muscular than her sister, but that really was the only difference. "Is there anything else you require before we head out?" She asked, passing over a copy of the datapad she'd been skimming through to Kaida.

[member="Eyrecae Alzari"] | [member="Sumiko Tanaka"] | [member="Kaida Taldir"]

 

[Kaida Taldir]

[member="Mirien Valdier"], [member="Eyrecae Alzari"]


Well, the crew had been assembled. Kaida briefly glanced over to Eyrecae. Truth be told, she did not like the woman much, considering her an arrogant, simple-minded sledgehammer. Of course, on the flip side Kaida was an arrogant, cold, prickly queen, so it evened things out!

But the hammer-obsessed elf should be good in a fight. She accepted the copy of the datapad from Valdier. She'd study it during the trip on the ship. "No, let's go," she said unemotionally. And so they presumably boarded the ship and were on their merry way to Fondor.