First Reply Murder On Bespin

[Asher Hodesh]

When Ash awoke and his datapad was flashing with light, he walked over without his shirt, his chistled chest of muscle in its blocks of six bricks of varying size was a testament to his routine of exercise and training. He had been hoping for more assignments, and at last once had come. When he placed his finger on the touch screen he saw what made him grimace, the details related that the murder had happened on his home world, on Bespin, in the City of the Clouds. His mind began to flood with all these memories, particularly of his Father, who he was not keen to see, and who would no doubt find that he had not been elevated to Padawan, a sign that his choice had been wreckless.

The Young Jedi would decline being called to go back to Cloud City, however, his assignments were at the moment.. few and far between. Arguing with Master Tallos had resulted in reprimands, particularly that he was being kept Temple side, in hopes that he would reform. For his Detective work was one of few areas in his training he felt his impeteousness was appreciated, him catching things that others had not. Putting on his tunic, and clipping his saber to his belt, the Intiate made his way to the great hangar, where a two seater Jedi Starfighter sat, and standing outside it was purple Nautolan Jedi Knight stood with braided tentacles and glowing yellow eyes. His nickname for him was Squidy, though he never called him that to his face. What mattered is he was one of the knights willing to take him along on missions, and they had been on enough assignments that Ash's attitude was no longer something he got lectured for.

"Your late.." said the Nautalon with smug face and arms crossed. Asher made a smirk and said, "Sorry Master, my comb was not cooperating this morning.. got caught in my Padawan braid." The Knight chuckled, "I told you that hair is a fuss.. too bad you do not have tentacles like me. Never needs brushing."
Ash made a face that gave away how much he enjoyed these mindless talks,
"Yeah.. then I could perhaps attract the Twi'lek like you did."
The Knight came up and clapped Ash on the shoulder with his lavander hand,
"You have quite the mouth son.. it is too bad you are not a Padawan, you would give your Master a lot of lip I am sure."
Ash felt at once two opposite feelings, one of mirth over the play of words, and the other pain, that he was still no one's apprentice.
"I take it you were briefed. Going home it seems.."
Ash nodded, his face shifting to a sterness and harsh demeanor as he climbed into the back seat of the Twin Fighter.
"You shall have to show me around the cantina when we get there.. I have not been to Cloud City," said the Knight.
Ash chuckled,
"Its not much to see.. drunken Ughnaughts is not a pretty sight.. believe me."
The Nuatolan began to chuckle as he engaged the windshield and it closed over their heads and the fighter's engines roared to life, the boosters of blue fire at the back immolating and it took off, heading into the skyline of the City, ships and shuttles all about, navigating them a breeze with coordinates punched in as they came to the threshold of space.
"Maybe this is your trial.. to face the past.." said the Knight.
Ash gave a nod and said into his headset,
"Maybe.. maybe."

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene​

Location: Bespin - Murder Scene
Objective: Investigate
Tags: Asher Hodesh

Katarine Ryiah stood silently in the glowing haze of Bespin's cloud city, her deep green eyes scanning the murder scene with methodical precision. Her slender frame moved gracefully through the crime scene, the soft hum of distant machinery and the low buzz of conversation from the local authorities filling the air. Her brown hair, streaked with white from all the years of being frozen in carbonite, swayed gently as she crouched beside the body, her fingers hovering over the evidence without touching it. Despite her calm and composed demeanor, she could sense the unease emanating from the local officials, their reluctance to welcome a Jedi's involvement in their investigation all too clear. Though she was currently on sabbatical from the New Jedi Order, Katarine had not abandoned her sense of duty. Her primary task was that of a Jedi Investigator so murder investigations were quit common for her. In fact this is what she did best.

She wasn't currently dressed like a Jedi, which may have added to the unease the local law enforcement was feeling. She knelt down next to the body, which was covered with a fine white cloth and nodded to the crime scene technician. They lifted the sheet so Katarine could see what was underneath. The details were not pretty.

"Hey Spook!" A rough heavyset detective wearing a fedora called out. She sighed, but had no doubt who the gruff officer was talking to. She nodded her thanks to the crime scene technician and stood up, walking over to the officer who had called.

"You called?"

"I thought you said you was with the Jedi? I just got word two are on their way."

"I am. I'll speak to them when they get here."

"I don't need more people wandering around my crime scene!"

"I just want to help."

He glared at her but walked past her, muttering about Force users. She'd gotten this type of welcome many times before when working with locals so it was nothing new, but it was still unpleasant. Whoever the New Jedi Order was sending might not want her consulting on the case at all. Though Katarine did have a wealth of investigation knowledge she was currently not on active duty so she'd have to see how this played out when the other Jedi arrived.

 

[Asher Hodesh]

TAG: Katarine Ryiah

The Duo Cockpit Starfight came out of hyperspace and paused before the great agate orange world. Then it made its way to the City orbiting in the air, Asher looking at his home as they approached had a grim face. He had hoped he would never return, never see the circles of gas containers which his Father prized more than gold. The Starfighter began to descend on the city as two orange twin oval wings escorted them to the landing pad. As the fighter set down, and the glass cockpit window raised, The Nuatalon Knight got out first, Asher hesitating, when he said,
"Ash! Come on!"
The Jedi Intiate leapt out of the back and landing on his boots of leather brown, his long brown cape flowing in the wind as he saw what the perpetual sunset of the planet, it bathed in an orange that he remembered from his window as a kid. As the Two Jedi made there way across a metal bridge, white orb lights all along the way, an officer approached and said,
"There is already a Jedi at the crime scene.."
The Knight raised his purple fleshen brow,
"Interesting.. I had no word another was on the case."
The Officer replied,
"That is why we gave you landing clearance.. something is not right about this Jedi."
Asher approaching from behind, The Officer squinting,
"Ash? Is that you? My stars! You look so different! Look at you! A Jedi!"
Asher came to the side of Knight and said,
"Hey Collin, can you take us to the crime scene now? The longer we wait.. the more it will be disturbed."
The Officer nodded, as he lead them to a lift, and then got inside, taking them to the lower levels, where the maintenance areas were, including the Carbonnite Chamber. They came to the room with stairs made of orange lined lights, with great ringed hoses of gray, and consoles of black. The Officer began to brief them, as they saw a white sheet, and a Lady standing there in civilian not Jedi clothing, her eyes of emerald green. Asher looking at the body, but then turned his gaze at console nearby, walking over as the Knight approached her,
"Greeting sister, I am Uwin Narr, the Jedi Council has sent us from Coruscant to investigate. What are your findings?"

Ash looked at base of the console and saw a gash, it was fine and went into the floor, he took out a datapad and took a snapshot of it. He then came to join Knight Narr, and the Jedi in plain mantels. He bent down to examine the body, and saw as he lifted the white cloth that the throat was caved in, though no marks red around the front or nape to indicate someone had used hands. Curious. Rising back up he put that intel in his pad, as he then gave the other Jedi a face to face look, and spoke to the Officer,
"The Coroner's examination?"
Collin replied,
"The Coroner says that his throat was broken.. but what is curious is there is no sign of struggle.. I mean to say, no marks around the neck."
Ash nodded,
"And no wound to indicate something punctured through to break it.." looking at Knight Narr and the Other Jedi Investigator he had not been formerly introduced to yet said,
"This looks like a use of the Force.. which means.."
The implication was obvious, someone was using the Force in lethal ways, which meant that most likely someone aligned with the dark side was in the city. Though was it a Sith or something else? Or was it made to look like a Force User had done it? Harder to tell with what they currently held as evidence.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

I said, Don't mind, but what do you mean, I am the one​

Tags: Asher Hodesh

The other Jedi soon arrived on the scene. Katarine saw them both walking onto the scene, noting there seemed to be some familiarity between them. Perhaps a master and apprentice?

"Greeting sister, I am Uwin Narr, the Jedi Council has sent us from Coruscant to investigate. What are your findings?"

“It’s nice to meet you. My name is Katarine Ryiah. I was in the area when I saw the holo report and decided to come see if the local team needed any help. I am glad The Council officially sent a team.”

"And no wound to indicate something punctured through to break it.."

“Your padawan has a good eye. I’ve asked to see if there is any security footage of the area but I am not sure how lucky we will get. If this was a Force user tricking security recorders would be fairly easy.”

She knelt down by the body again and pointed to the forearms. “I don’t see any defensive wounds either, but we can have a better look once the body is processed and moved to the medical examiners lab.”

 

[Asher Hodesh]

Knight Narr gave a slight nod as She introduced herself,
"I am grateful, the more heads we put together, the better we can resolve this and catch the perpetrator."
Ash had to bury his feelings about the remark about being Narr's Padawan, he could tell her that he was not Master Narr's Apprentice, however, with what was transpiring, he felt that it was best not to get into those details. What mattered was following the trail while it was hot.
"She is right about the cameras.. whoever did this would have dealt with those.. but there is another thing.. if they had wanted to kill this person and leave no trail, why not have them fall into the carbonite chamber and activate it? Or simply take them to one of the vents and caste them down it. Then it could be construed as an accident. No, whoever did this wanted to leave behind signs they were here.. to draw us out.."

Uwin Narr clapped his hands,
"Bravo Young One! Bravo! This is Asher, and what he lacks in manners as you can see if made up for in his detective metal."
Turning back to her he said,
"I think he is right that we should be cautious not to be alone.. the Attacker if Young Asher is right may have not intended this as his primary victim, and instead has us as its chief targets. Lets go to the Medical Examiner and see what they can glean from scans."

Asher approaching Katarine Ryiah said,
"Forgive me.. I get lost in the work and forget custom.. you should know that this is my home and I know it well."
Revealing that he was from Cloud City accomplished two things, it made it known he was indispensable for getting help and knowing who did what and where, and knowing the city well. The second reason for revealing this information was because they would be meeting many familiar faces who would adress him on such a casual basis and reminiscing, and then she would know why. The third reason he kept to himself.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Who will dance on the floor in the round?​

Tags: Asher Hodesh

Katarine agreed with the sentiments being put forth. She also worried the attacks might be bait to target Jedi. The easiest way to draw a Jedi out was cause trouble like this. She hoped that was not the case but they would need to be careful.

"Forgive me.. I get lost in the work and forget custom.. you should know that this is my home and I know it well."

She smiled at him and nodded. “It’s okay. I don’t stand on custom as much as some masters do. I am glad you are here Asher. Your knowledge of the area will be valuable to us.”

 

[Asher Hodesh]

Asher gave a nod to her words. So she was a Master.. that was unexpected, and she was interested in investigating as he was. The Young Jedi began to mull over in his mind that this may be a Trial as Knight Narr had said before, a chance to prove he could be a Padawan.

They came to the Examiner, the body was levitated on a floating crash cart and placed in a tube that began to run scans. The Coroner who had done preliminary examinations was now searching with this technology with more clues. When came upon something very strange in esophagus.
"What is the clouds?!"

Something metal and in shape of pyramid. Asher looking at the screen saw it and said,
"Can you extract it?"
The Examiner nodded, as he took a claw that hung above and began to pry open the mouth, and smaller tube went down the throat of the corpse and the magnetic tip drew the pyramid and it was pulled out. The obsidian metal had red runic symbols on it and there was lines about it that indicated parts could be moved around to arrange them into some sort pattern, perhaps opening it or spelling a message.
Asher looking at Katarine Ryiah and Narr said,
"A clue.. so the murderer did expect us.."

Asher was not very familiar with the runic symbols, but there was no mistake in the shape, and the feeling as he came close to it. This was meant to mimic a holocron, one of the dark side variety and whoever had planted it there in the throat of their victim anticipated that Jedi would come to investigate, which made his earlier concern more weighty. They were playing games with the detectives, and when a perpetrator did thus, it followed there would be more victims...

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

She said I am the one​

Tags: Asher Hodesh

Her deep green eyes scanned the body as the medical examiner worked. By this point Katarine was used to seeing the dead, but she remembered in her rookie days a dead body had been a difficult thing to maintain eye contact on. Her own eyes traveled to the young man she thought was a padawan. He seemed at ease, meaning this was not his first murder investigation. She wondered if she was looking at a Jedi Investigator in the making.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the retrieval of a triangular object. It had red symbols etched around it. Katarine narrowed her eyes at them. They looked similar to dark Jedi runes, as she was well versed in. Etched lightly into her neck, and only visible in some light, she had dark Jedi runes mimicking a collar around her throat. This was a parting gift from the cult that had kidnapped her shortly after her birth. She knew the symbols well but these in the pyramid were not exactly the same.

“They mimic a lot of Dark Jedi texts, but they are off. As if the maker has knowledge of these texts but never actually read one.”

 

[Asher Hodesh]

That was a confirmation of Asher's suspicions, that this was indeed a dark sider who had committed the murder.
"That confirms our initial deductions, a throat broken without injury to the outer skin, and now an object with dark side runes that you have identified Master Katarine Ryiah ."

Knight Narr looking at this was impressed with both of their detective minds, the purple Nutolan gave a smirk and wondered if perhaps at last Asher might have found one who would taken him under their wing and help him finish his training. Though these thoughts were then rivaled by what he expressed to them,
"Such flagrant displays means that this is certainly not a Sith Lord.. they tend to be more calculated or have greater ambitions than to lead a couple of Jedi here for this.. could be Dark Empire, they tend to get involved in these kind of morose displays.. though your knowledge Master that it is Dark Jedi in origin could point to a lone rogue. What concerns me most is that this is an obvious showing of their hand, which means the real intent is clouded as the dark side is want to do.. we could be being mislead on purpose.."

Asher gave a nod,
"I concur with Sir Narr, the Murderer is baiting us.. they have left clues to lead us to certain conclusions. While I do believe the dark side is involved, I am not sure what their end game is. If its to kill all three of us, what for? We are not renowned like The Nobles, so as to give them the delight in striking down a big fish. However, they know we are detectives, and have placed evidence for us.. which means they know us well.. what do you think Master? Am I perhaps overthinking this?"

There was something out of place about all this, and Asher could not put his finger on it. Since they arrived he felt that eyes were upon them, and yet he was not certain it was the Murderer. This case which seem so cut and dry by their findings made it clearer to him it was not, that this perhaps was a much deeper matter than it seemed.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Who will dance on the floor in the round​

Tags: Asher Hodesh

“I think overthinking will serve us better than under thinking.”

She was lost in thought as she responded, and then realized that what she said was such a Jedi Master thing to say. The wisdom of a cryptic man in a robe leading someone to conclusions but saying very little must be a skill that came when you got mastered.

“Sorry, what I mean is I do not think you are putting too much thought into this. I think we are looking at one of two avenues. The first is this was done without intent of us being involved. I do not believe this is likely because of what was found in the victims throat. Still, we should learn everything we can about the victim to see if he knew his attacker and this was a more traditional crime. The second avenue however I find more likely and more concerning.”

Her deep green eyes focused on Asher. She did not want to worry or upset him but he seemed capable and she wanted to run her theory by the pair.

“You said you grew up here Asher? To me that seems like a motive. The murderer would have no way of knowing which Jedi would be sent to investigate. This could be an attack on any Jedi for whatever reason or it could be a way to lure you back here….”

 

[Asher Hodesh]

Asher was relieved that she thought he was not getting lost on thinking trails. The Young Jedi in the cases he had been involved in had come to suspect that except for crimes of passion, which usually involved a confession at some point, the trail was always winding, especially if the perpetrator was involved in the dark arts.

Master Katarine Ryiah demonstrated why she was on this case, by explaining they needed to follow more than one path in this case, to rule out if it was a traditional murder and someone was obfuscation it with things that would make a Jedi think it was deeper and darker, or if the more likely the culprit was a Dark Jedi or Acolyte of Darkness who was watching, and plotting. Then she introduced a notion that sadly had not crossed his mind, what if he was the target? This was his home, he had fled in rebellion and cut ties with his family. Perhaps someone in dealings with his Father had learned he had become a Jedi and sought to bring him here and use him in intrigues. The people that Asher's Pater made dealings with were often shadowy figures, so a Dark Jedi might not be out of the question. Realizing who would know who the victim was, since in his effects was the insigina of Tiberius, the corporation of Gas mining on Cloud City, Asher said as he swallowed deeply,
"We will have to see my father.. he knows almost everyone and.. we could use his help in our investigation to smooth things over if we have to start interrogating witnesses."

The Young Jedi was not thrilled at the prospect of a Family Reunion. He had hoped he would never set eyes on the City again, and yet here he was, in middle of an investigation in the very heart of his home. He had to put aside his familia feelings for the good of the case, for the good of Jedi. For if he was indeed the target, he was putting in danger a Jedi Master and a Knight, and if anything were to happen to his superiors in the Order on account of his Father's shady trade or himself, he would not be able to forgive himself.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

She told me her name was Billie Jean as she caused a scene​

Tags: Asher Hodesh

They all seemed to be in agreement about the possibilities and Katarine was glad to see that Asher was willing to confront his past. She knew that family dynamics could be difficult to deal with. This would likely not be fun for the young man.

“Lead the way Asher.” She held his eyes for a moment and hopefully projected faith that he would be able to confront his past.

 

[Asher Hodesh]

Taking a deep breath, The Young Intiate lead them out of the Examiner's Qaurters and out into the halls of the City, great windows and skylos showed the great orange world that caste its light on them, some twin seat copper orange ships with bright cyan flames coming from their thusters soared over them, and people were all about in their fine dress, and chatting, as commerce continued. Asher knew every corner well, having hidden behind them in games with other kids. Now he was leading a Master and Knight to the cradle of his Father's Power, to Tiberius Inc. As they came outside, the loud hum of Bespin Cars and the wind, there was great building before them that was a dome, and aorund it many pillars that had dome shapes, as they walked up white steps screens activated that showed a man with gray and black hais,
"Welcome to Tiberius Corp. We here have manufactured the most efficient ways to harvest Tibanna to power the things that all of us depend on."
Looking at this hologram of his Pater, Asher sighed as he came into the great hall where all manner of Tiberius workers and businessmen moved about in suites, and gear. He came to a lift and motioned to Katarine Ryiah and Knight Narr, and as they were taken up to the upper level, the elevator paused and a screen came online with a woman with pink tentacles fair hair and yellow eyes, and pale skin.
"Welcome to Tiberius Corp. Do you have an appointment?"

The Young Jedi moving closer to the screen replied,
"No."
She giving a very fake smile said,
"I am sorry, Mr. Hodesh is a very busy man.. if you want to see him, you will need to make an appointment."
Asher piped,
"We are on Jedi business, about the murder."
The Secretary paused,
"Oh! My apologies! I have instructions to let you clear! Forgive me! So good to see a Jedi."
The lift continued one more floor and the door opened where nervous Secretary said,
"Please pardon the wait.. I forgot Mr. Hodesh said to prioritize any communication about the 'incident' and to send them to his Office. Please this way."
She did not recognize him, they had grown up together, and she had no idea it was Asher. That was a sign he had changed a great deal since leaving, and in his training at The Temple. They came to the office, and there the doors of chrome slide open, and sitting at that mahogney desk was a man in his fifties, his brown heavy with wrinkles, his eyes darkened by time, and his chin black and gray with hair in the shape of a well groomed beard. He was looking at a datapad, when the Jedi Trio came in and he said before looking up,
"I am sorry about the wait.. I should have met you are the scene.. business it seems cannot run in my absence.."
Before The Father looked up, Asher said,
"Hello, Father."
The Man at once stopped swiping his screen, and looking up saw a Youth with hair finely groomed and short, dressed in robes, and standing with a commanding presence he had never seen before.
"Ash.."
The Head of Tiberius Corp stood up laying his datapad down as he stepped around the smooth and shiney desk that had recently been polished.
The Father came to the Son placing his hands on his shoulders said,
"Let me get a good look at you! My boy!"
The then began to bug Ash, who's chin went over his shoulder and his eyes began to dart about as if completely confused by this gesture of affection. Releasing the Son from this warm embrace he said ,
"A Jedi! By the stars! So you did it! You actually chased your dream and became what you use to go on about all those years as a kid! I am impressed! And who are these two? Is one of them your Master?"
He gave a slight bow to them,
Knight Narr smiled with his purple lips and said,
"It is a pleasure to meet you. Ash is a great credit to our Order, having solved many cases, some of which I have witnessed myself. And this is Master Ryiah, who has come to help us solve this tragedy."

Gesturing to two finely cushioned and adorned deep orange chairs, the Father said,
"Please take a seat."
Asher let Master Ryiah and Knight Narr take the seats as he stood standing, arms crossed and at the left of Narr who now was seated.
"I must confess this incident has begun to effect our bottom line.. the man killed was a good worker, and now insurance premiums have gone up."
Asher chimed,
"Always about the bottom line eh Father?"
He then turned to the cieling to floro window that overlooked a refinery of the Gas that was so precious, floating with its many containers of oval shape and rounded dome tops. Mr. Hodesh looking over at his Son and then back at the two Senior Jedi said,
"What happened was a terrible accident.. and I have compensated the family finanically and have doubled security in all areas."

Ash piped in, "This was no accident.. it was a murder."
The Father turning said,
"I have not heard this.. the Coroner assured me there was no sign of struggle, and no outward wounds."
Knight Narr spoke up,
"Yes, that is true but.."
Ash piped up,
"His neck was snapped from the inside.."
Turning with eyes almost ablaze in blue, Ash looking at his Father said,
"You are going to need to shut down operations till we finished our investigation and bring the perpratrator to justice."
Mr. Hodesh's face became as stone,
"I am not going to do that.. Son. Tiberius Corperation provides the fuel, the power of hyperdrives, weapons, and coolant for many applicantions. We have contracts all over the galaxy! That includes your Jedi fleets fighting the Monsters in Black Hoods on the front! I will not shut down operations and jeoprodize the many for one supposed murder!"

Ash was about say something very curt, when Knight Narr raised his hand and effective stopped his speech. It was a technique, not a choke, but it effectrively neutralized ones speech temporarily.
"Intiate Asher is just taking procautions. We understand the value Tiberius is to the Jedi Cause at the frontlines, and would never interrupt supply."
Mr, Hodesh sighed with relief,
"I am glad to see the Order is full of some with sense.. my Son it seems still have a rashness yet to be reformed by our teachings.." His eyes glaring at Ash, who glared back.
"Tell you what.. why don't the three of you come to dinner. I will gladly answer some questions here and I very much want to know what the Master Jedi thinks about this case.. though I feel this office has a tendency to bring out the businessman in me.. I would rather speak more casually at our home. Ash knows the way, don't you boy?"
The Young Jedi looking at him, unable to speak, gave a nod.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Then every head turned with eyes that dreamed of bein' the one​

Tags: Asher Hodesh

Katarine followed the pair into the office and though she nodded as she was introduced she remained silent while the men spoke. She could feel the tension between father and son and could not help but note the father’s hug seemed foreign. Was he truly happy to see his son or was this an act for their benefit? It was difficult to tell. Family dynamics were complicated in most cases and they made diplomacy difficult. She noted that Asher was rather more brash than he ought to be in this situation, but that was expected given his status in the Order and the fact they were dealing with family. She also noticed Narr called Asher an initiate, indicating Katarine had been wrong about their relationship.

The invitation to dinner was extended and Katarine finally spoke up.

“Thank you Mr. Hodesh. We have a few matters to attend to and then we would be delighted to join you in your home.”

She stood up and bowed to Mr. Hodesh and then nodded for the other two Jedi to follow her. When they were back in the hallway she turned to Asher. She didn’t want to overstep her role but knowing that Narr was not his master made it easier to impart her own wisdom.

"Asher you must not let your feelings rise to the surface so easily. Stay calm. Knight Narr is right in not stopping operations. It will be easier to find the killer if we do not disrupt everyone's schedule. We can see who stands out more clearly."

She reached her delicate hand up to his shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze. Even though he was younger he was taller than she was.

“Please ask the secretary for the workers file. We will need his identification. Then we will join your father. Be patient and do not let your feelings for your family cloud your judgment.”

She waited to see how this advice would go over. She did not want to interfere with the dynamic between the two but it seemed Asher might be in need of a master or at least guidance at the very least.

 

[Asher Hodesh]

Master Katarine Ryiah accepted the invitation to Asher's inner chagrin. He knew they had to speak with his Father to glean some information, however, the prospect of going to his home, returning to where he spent his earlier years was insufferable. He did his best to mask this frustration mainly because Narr had stolen his voice, a technique that was humbling.

Mr. Hodesh responded before they left the room,
"Excellent I shall tell Lucinda you are coming."
That was curious, Asher's Mother did not go by that name. Who was she? This train of thought plagued him when following Master Ryiah out into the hall he recieved some instruction. Knight Narr released the gag order in the Force, and Ash gasped, coughing. He listened as she explained that everything carrying on as it had been was in the best interest of the investigation.
"Of course.. you are right Master. A cessation of operations would perhaps give our perp an ample chance to remain hidden in the chaos. I should have thought of that.. forgive me.. I was.. I have no exuse for my behavior."
He gave a bow, Narr paid attention to this, Ash had a long way to go, mainly because he was not even a Padawan, but here was a Master, A Investigator even, and if he listened to her advice, he might just come out of this as an apprentice.

Asher felt the squeeze of her hand on his shoulder, it was reassuring that she did not intend to scold him as some had done before. She had a gentle means of correction hat made her words as sweet as honeycomb.

Per her orders he gave a nod and said,
"I will get the file, and yes Master.. I shall endeavor to not let these feelings cloud me. I apologize once more."
His address of "Yes Master" felt very natural, because maybe this was his only chance to ever experience this, to feel what it was like to be an Apprentice. If that was all he got in this short life, it was enough. Though he hoped for more, he had to, he had stepped up his game as it were in terms of using his investigative talents since he met her, but he did not want to presume, too many times before he had the hope of a Master and he had.. spoiled it.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Who will dance on the floor in the round​

Tags: Asher Hodesh

Katarine was not angry at all at the young Jedi and she was pleased to see he accepted her guidance easily. They were all still learning and would continue to learn as long as they lived. Katarine often found that students taught teachers just as much as teachers taught them.

She waited until Asher had left to get the file and then turned to Knight Narr.

“I assumed Asher was your padawan but that’s not the case is it?” She titled her head to the side and watched the Jedi, clearly wanting to know more about the young initiate.

 

[Asher Hodesh]

Asher made his way to the desk to retrieve the file, The Secratary telling him it would take a moment. His heart and mind were occupied with this reunion with his Father. He had not yet told The Jedi Master, nor Sir Narr that his Father's dealings we not all clean and respectable. He was not protecting his Father, he simply would allow the dark deeds of Tiberius Corp to be revealed in time. After all, this investigation no doubt would probably expose some of them.

Knight Narr turned to Master Katarine Ryiah and gave a reply,
"Aye, poor lad has been a Intiate for far longer than he should have. As you can see he possesses great promise, and there is no doubt he has detective skills. The issue as you witnessed is his impulsiveness, he tends to be rash in his speech. He would make a poor diplomat." Narr chuckled,
"But an Investigator General, he would be excellent for. This line of duty requires getting to the point and even a tad gruffness, and I have tried to lobby for him before the Jedi Council to get a position. Alas because he is not a Padawan and not trained under a Master its a non-starter, they feel he needs guidance. I agree, if only someone who appreciated his skills, saw past his faults and in turn helped him reform those faults enough to prove to The Council he is worthy was his Master, then I believe Asher would go far."
He was dropping some subtle hints to her, he saw Asher respond to her teaching with more fervor than he had seen in any other prospective tutor. Though he was not going to manipulate things, The Force would do as it wills and match who did for the better of The Order.

Asher standing there was told by the Secretary. "Here you go!"
He took the file and began to walk past, when someone black bangs, a very terrible burn at his left eye adn scar and milky eye bumped into him in all black leather. He did not say anything, but gave a big smile, rather mischievously as he then made his way to the Secretary desk. The Jedi Intiate paused a moment before he then began to walk back to where Master Ryiah and Knight Narr was.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

People always told me, "Be careful of what you do​

Tags: Asher Hodesh

Katarine listened as Narr explained about Asher's predicament. Perhaps the reason she'd been compelled to come to Bespin had more to do with Asher than it did with this case. The Force certainly worked in mysterious ways. She let her deep green eyes travel down the hallway, following after Asher as he went to go talk to the secretary.

"Maybe I can help him." She mused to Narr but said no more as Asher returned to them. Katarine looked past the pair of Jedi to the person with black bangs and narrowed her eyes slightly. Something felt off.

"Asher do you know that man?" She pointed to the large man who had bumped into Asher as the young initiate returned to them.

 

[Asher Hodesh]

Knight Narr gave a smile as Katarine Ryiah spoke of being able to help Asher. To this he whispered as the Intiate was making his way back to them, "You would be an answer to his prayers."

Asher came with file, and when Master Ryiah asked him if he knew the one he had bumped into, he looking back and then back into her deep green eyes,
"No.. though I feel something of great unease with him."
He took the file and handed to The Master and said ,
"Here is the file. Master, I need to come clean. My Father's Trade is not.. as sanitized as he went on about. He has dealings with people.. one of many reasons I lelt my home."

The Young Jedi was trying to be as forthright as possible. It was hard, he did not want to betray his Father, at the same time he had an obligation to the Jedi Order, they were his family now and he had to do everything in his power to ensure this mission was a success, that the murder was brought to justice.
"My Father has had dealings with Imperials. He claims he cannot for the sake of business only trade with The Galatic Alliance."
The Intiate took a deep breath, this was so hard to say, it felt like he was turning in a parent, and yet at the same time he knew that this information had to be passed to the Senior Investigator, and widen the potential pool of suspects. Ash lowered his head and said,
"I am ashamed.. I should have come forward sooner."

Knight Narr placed his purple hand on the Young Jedi and said,
"To choose between duty and family is not an easy choice my Young Friend.. I will not fault you if the Master does not."
Asher looked at Narr with his downcast eyes, he had always encouraged him, and they had been on more than handful of cases together because Narr saw past the fault in his stars, and saw the radiant of a brilliant light, mean to caste on crime and expose evil.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Don't go around breakin' young girls' hearts" (hee-hee)​

Tags: Asher Hodesh

Katarine took the file Asher handed her, but her eyes were still dwelling on the black haired man. Asher said he felt something too, though of course it was difficult to pin point what might be causing that feeling. For all they knew the man was over there breaking up with the secretary and that’s what was causing the emotions.

Asher’s confession brought Kat out of her revive and instead she focused on the young man. She knew it was very difficult to choose between family and duty. Her own history had a similar choice. She did not fault Asher for wanting to protect his father.

“It’s okay Asher. Thank you for telling me. I know that was difficult.”

She bent down slightly, so that she could get him to look at her since his eyes were downcast. It wasn’t too difficult considering she was shorter. She smiled at him, trying to reassure the young man.

“Worry not. We are not here to judge your father. We are here to stop a murderer. Let us hope your father has no hand in this. We will do what we must of course, but for now your father’s business dealings are merely something to keep in mind and they are certainly no reflection upon you or your commitment to the Jedi. “

Katarine certainly wasn’t going to arrest the man for doing business with the New Imperial Order. That was well above her pay grade and besides if that was a thing that needed to happen the Jedi would certainly never ask a family member to do it. As long as his father had no hand in this murder Kat intended to leave the man alone.

“Take us to your family home. Knight Narr can inform us who our victim is as we travel.”

She handed the file to Narr and smiled. She did not want to take over and be in charge, but was more trying to make Narr feel she appreciated his skills too.