Writer's notes: UPDATED 16 SEP 07 - I just decided to pull the whole story so I can work on it at my leisure. I'm using this segment to work on more character development. Between Sunry and Elassa...who is working whom? Things work behind the scenes that could have a profound effect on the quest.
Hopefully, I wrote Carth's 'moment' believeably. Post Traumatic Stress has a way of catching up with you.
Thanks again to all. We are gearing up for some lightsaber combat in later chapters.
Tinker Tailor Jedi Spy – Part II
Manaan – Ahto City – Late EveningTwilight loomed over the city, bringing bright stars out overhead. The air had turned cool with a pleasant breeze the wafted down the streets and alleyways of Ahto. Soon, street lamps blazed to life, illuminating the broad thoroughfares for Selkath and offworlder alike as they went about their business.
The elite Republic sentries opened the doors to the Republic Embassy and stood at attention with Force Pikes held rigid as Carth exited, followed by the rest of the group. The guards' polished armor glistened in the light of the streetlamps, giving them a deadly, professional look. These experienced men and women were usually drawn from the ranks of the Republic Marines and were sworn to defend the Embassy with their lives if need be.
Captain Kyle Durren and Sergeant Hari Ekala gave the sentries a respectful nod as they passed; they were all brethren in a tight corps of fierce warriors.
Inhaling the crisp, night air, Carth led his group back off to the Visitors District under clear, starlit skies. They walked along for some time, making small talk until the sound of men arguing could be heard. Aerin tried to rush up to see what was happening, but Carth held her back and warned, "Manaan Law is very harsh when it comes to any violence. Jedi or not, watch yourself."
The Jedi nodded and went forward cautiously this time, where she saw Republic soldiers quarreling with the Sith. Back and forth they hurled insults, growing more and more agitated with every jibe.
Then, one Republic Non Commissioned Officer noticed Carth. "Ten-hut, Captain on deck," he called, bringing the Republic troops to attention.
The Sith group burst into laughter. "Saved by your daddy? How cute," one said mockingly.
Carth raised an eyebrow at the Sith. "As you were, men," he said to the Republic forces and then turned to their antagonists. "Why don't you Sith move along?" Carth added as more of a statement; it was obvious that he was fighting to contain himself. His jawline was taut and his teeth gritted. Being this close to the murderers of his wife was not something he could bear for long.
A Sith major smirked at him. "And why should we do that, Republic dogs? We have you on the run. From Telos to-"
Before the man could finish, Carth growled and cocked his fist back. As the closed fist shot forward, Aerin caught his hand mid way to the Sith's face.
The major stepped back, shocked. He looked into Carth's eyes and saw that the Republic Captain did not care a lick about Manaan Law at the moment. Without another word, the Sith group slunk away.
Aerin sighed with relief and turned the tables on the captain. "Manaan Law is very harsh when it comes to violence."
"Yeah, yeah," uttered Carth while rolling his eyes at the irony. A bitter smile crossed his lips.
Kyle Durren, Sergeant Ekala, and Niki Helos stood behind him with determined expressions, their eyes clear and focused. "Sir, we got your back." The other Republic troops nodded their approval enthusiastically.
Only Commander Ergot had not moved nor spoken.
The Ocean Spray Hotel – NightAt the festive salmon and jade hotel, the team checked in and got their keys. Comfortable couches, upholstered in bright colors, filled the hotel lobby along with massive, flower-filled vases of blue porcelain. A courtyard lay just beyond the lobby, built around a spectacular fountain of granite with dramatic, humanoid sculptures.
"I'll bet the per diem here is killer," mused the gravelly-voiced Sergeant Ekala, looking at the check in receipt. The bald, non-commissioned officer had a fierce look about him and could easily be mistaken for a Sith Lord. He had fought in a dozen campaigns and had distilled his priorities down to pay and grub; he was truly a professional soldier.
Kyle Durren nodded in agreement and the group trudged out toward the courtyard. Bastila stood there, gazing at the Manaan moon, while holding a white carnation in her delicate hands. She looked to be at one with the flower and inhaled its fragrance, savoring the moment.
The team approached her and she vacantly acknowledged their presence. When she saw Kyle, her face twitched ever so slightly.
Carth then pulled out the papers and box he had received at the Embassy from Captain Holdar. He pointed to Kyle, getting his attention. "This is as good a time as any. Captain Kyle Durren, by order of the Chief of Staff of the Republic Navy, I hereby promote you to major, with all the benefits and responsibilities therein."
Carth pinned the rank pips on the new major's collar and shook his hand firmly. Kyle seemed stunned, his eyes widening. "Thank you, sir." He then looked at Bastila and a mischievous smile brightened his face. "As long as I can order Padawan Shan around, it's all worth it."
Bastila recoiled, scrunching up her face and narrowing her eyes. All evidence of her placid interlude had vanished. "Wha- Why you're the most arrogant, self-centered man I've ever met! Pah," she said with a hiss and left abruptly, letting her boots stomp on the tiled floor.
"What's gotten into her?" asked Carth, his eyes widening.
Aerin watched Bastila depart. The furrowed her brow with concern. "She has been very agitated lately."
Carth shrugged, but Major Durren's face was aghast.
"What'd I say?" the marine asked, utterly perplexed.
In the Hotel
After the impromptu ceremony, the group separated and departed for their rooms. On the tenth floor, Carth and Aerin stepped off of the elevator and walked down the hall over plush, teal carpet. Dim, warm lighting lent an inviting ambiance to the hallway. As they reached their rooms, Carth paused for a moment, looking as if he was about to speak.
Aerin coughed, looking from side to side. They were about to go down a road that both had foreseen, but none had anticipated. She crinkled her nose, thinking for a moment. This is a bad idea. I should just say 'good night.' Yes, that's what I'll do. It's for the best.
"Uhh, these rooms have a wetbar. Care for a drink?"
Carth inhaled deeply, biting his lip. He too could see the oncoming train, but was helpless to get off of the tracks. He resolved to decline and steeled himself to let her down.
"Sure, I could use one. It's been a long day."
Both now realized that their mouths were working independently of their brains. He held the door open as she entered and she walked over to the bar. Lights came on and Aerin activated the holovid while opening the balcony door. A cool breeze rushed in, ruffling the curtains and bringing the soft sound of crashing waves into the room. "Taresian Ale?" Aerin asked, bringing out a vintage bottle of the heady beverage.
Carth wrinkled his nose and shook his head. "No, I'd prefer a Bespin Liquor," he said, taking a seat and watching a news broadcast. He'd been burned out on Taresian Ale lately.
The Padawan poured the drink in a tall, sherry glass and walked over. "I didn't know you were so sophisticated, sailor boy."
He took a long sip, letting the viscous liquor glide down his throat, warming him. Something had been bothering him and he knew it best to keep the conversation light and…on other people. "Bastila was acting very strangely, don't you think? I spoke to Canderous and he told me she exploded on him earlier on the bus."
Aerin blushed slightly, feeling somewhat uncomfortable with the topic. It would require her to talk about some private matters. "This is one of those mystic Jedi things that I learned; it's called the cleansing ritual where unwanted emotions and passions are 'cleansed' away. Bastila and I performed it on Kashyyyk and since then, she's been very volatile and I've been more focused. It seems we have had an opposite effect on each other."
"Hah, that sounds rather…ummm, nevermind."
Aerin looked Onasi in the eye, her expression becoming very serious, her eyes focused and direct. "Carth, I'm very torn. I know we must complete this mission. I know we must prevail or the entire galaxy is at risk. Bastila keeps telling me that I have some important role in all of this and I have no idea what she's talking about. Carth, I don't want it…I want to have a family. I want to have a home. Dammit, I joined the Republic Navy so that I could protect those rights and earn them for myself. Now, I'm some damn robotic Jedi, who is supposed to suppress all of my feelings," she said forcefully, putting her hand over her heart. "I don't know if I can do that. My feelings are just too strong. For such a long time, I felt such an emptiness…a void, but something…something is changing."
Emotions welled up in Carth's breast at her words, but he fought them down as a good officer should. Maybe she was having an effect on him. But there was neither time nor room in his heart for this…or so he told himself. The captain inhaled deeply again, searching for inner strength and he tightened his gut.
Aerin could see the tension in his face and thought it was disinterest. She looked away and sighed. "Nevermind. I just feel lost."
Carth stood and fidgeted.
He knew he shouldn't do it. He knew no good could come of it. It was time to say good night and return to his room. In his mind, he told himself that he should do just that.
He walked over and stood behind her. His mouth opened to say 'good night,' but he began to massage her shoulders and she cooed in satisfaction. After a time, Aerin turned and grasped Carth's hands gently and pulled him down to her.
Face to face, they locked in eye contact and unseen energy sizzled between them. Feeling this, Carth's jaw opened slightly…it was too much. His feelings were too raw. Abruptly, he looked away, but Aerin touched his face and he choked.
"Aerin…I…you," he tried to say and she wrapped her arms around him. Carth tried to protest, but he was gripped by wracking sobs that erupted from the depth of his being. Aerin gently brushed the tears away as the heroic captain wept. Many months of agony and suppressed despair boiled over past his gruff or flippant exterior; there could be no more deflections…no more false bravado. He had stood and faced countless foes without fear or regret, but now, all of that meant nothing as his demons overpowered his ability to contain them.
"Dammit," he said, coughing and wiping his nose. "Dammit, you're the quest leader. I can't lose my composure in front of you - it undermines your confidence in my abilities."
"Shut up, Onasi…just shut up," Aerin whispered as her mouth covered his.
In the Darkness of the Night
They lay in each other's arms on the couch beneath the bright Manaan moon. A quiet breeze fluttered the curtains along the edges of the open glass doors as a ceiling fan chopped the air. Static buzzed on the holovid in rhythm with the crashing waves. Atop the warm sheets, Carth vacantly stroked Aerin's dark tresses. "I liked your hair longer," he mused.
"It's better for combat," she replied sleepily with a stifled yawn.
After all this time of complete control and emotional deflection, Carth opened up like a door that had been shut for too long. He found that he was wide awake and strangely in the mood to talk. "You…you're so much like Morgana, strong, independent…. I don't know what got into me after Jordo showed up. It was like I could no longer control my demons. Knowing that Dustil is still alive…it all came to the surface."
"Carth, we will find Dustil. Whatever it takes, wherever we have to go, we will find him."
Her assurances were like gold to him. He sighed and nodded. "Thank you. I need to do that." The captain pursed his lips and thought for a moment. Here, in the arms of another women, he suddenly felt bad…dirty. Against his will he gazed down at her lithe form, creamy skin bathed in the moonlight. He closed his eyes for a moment. "I feel like I've betrayed her…Morgana."
Aerin rolled over and looked into his eyes, which were dark against his face. She tried to read his heart, but he was still in his closed off place. "It sounds like she loved you very much," she said, trying to be helpful.
He nodded again, this time silently.
Elsewhere in the Hotel
In another room, on another floor, another couple lay contentedly beneath the bright moon. The Ocean Spray was well known for both romance and intrigue.
"Sunry…how lucky I am. Do you have to go home to your wife? Can you not stay this one night?" said a young, dark-haired woman in a husky voice.
The stocky man moved gingerly as if injured. "Oh, Elassa, this is only for a while longer. I promise." He held her bare form in his arms, savoring the aroma of jojoba in her dark tresses, feeling the warmth of her naked skin with his fingers.
A smile graced her full, red lips. "Sunry, I've never asked you for much-"
"I will, Elassa, I will. It's just that Elora is so volatile; I can't leave her yet. You must be patient," he said pleadingly, pushing his palm downward as if to make her less demanding.
Elassa shook her head, suddenly switching to her business mode. "It's not that, Sunry," she said in a more professional tone. "As you know, I'm a news reporter and it would really help me out if your could get me the visitor's list at the Republic Embassy. I know you consult for them." After all, she still had a job to do.
Sunry wriggled uncomfortably. She was poking into places she best not poke. But still, it was difficult to deny her. "Uhhhh, I don't know. It's rather sensitive. There's an important delegation in the city."
Elassa brightened, her electrifying smile returning. She knew some tidbits about the newcomers through her Selkath contact, but Sunry was an insider. "Sunry, you know I wouldn't compromise you, don't you? I just need some pointers to get my scoop. You do want to help me, don't you?" she asked as she hiked her thigh up to his chest and began rubbing his bare skin.
Sunry bit his lip for a moment and then sighed. "Very well, Elassa. Just remember, you didn't get it from me." There was very little that he could refuse her and the rest of his will was rapidly vanishing. However, there was still a bit of bite left in the old dog and there was a glint in his eyes. He changed tactics and began to poke back. "I'll have something useful for you next time. Now why don't you tell me of your visit to the Sith Embassy - I know you interview people there."
She would have to give quid pro quo or arouse suspicions. "I've heard Malak's Fleet is back to full strength and he desires revenge on those, who defeated him at Thyferra," she said, offering only minor bits of intelligence. "Ahem," she added to change the subject, "I have to freshen up." With that, Elassa extricated herself from Sunry's arms and stepped into the refresher.
When the door closed, Sunry leapt out of bed like a boy on his birthday and quickly looked into her bag. He pulled out a card. "A Sith pass card?" He silently photographed and scanned it before sliding it back into her purse. The door opened and he slid the camera down his shorts.
Elassa walked back in and gave him a quizzical look. "Why did you get up, Sunry?"
"Oh, I needed a drink…and besides, I must get home. Elora will fret." He quickly dressed and groomed his hair. He hated to leave, torn as he was between lust and duty.
Sunry departed with a kiss to Elassa. He hobbled down the hall to the elevator and pressed the button. In a fanny pack, he checked his slug-throwing pistol. Better than a blaster for this kind of work; no energy signature. I just hope I'll never need it; I'm too old and crippled for that sort of thing anymore. I'm this close to flipping Elassa to our side. She has access into the Sith Embassy. I'll be a hero all over again…if I can just control myself with her.
Sunry Baynum had once been a highly decorated hero of the Republic. But the physical price he paid was high and he lapsed into obscurity for many years and it gnawed at him.
Sunry took the elevator down to the third floor and then took the stairs the rest of the way down as a means of detecting any surveillance. He hobbled past a maintenance droid and exited into the lobby. The graying hero looked about and then viewed a monitor that would detect any tracking devices within the area. Seeing that he was clean, he put both hands into his pockets, a signal for his ride.
A specific taxi speeder whipped up to him and Sunry slid into the backseat. As the speeder took off into traffic, the driver nodded to Sunry in the mirror. "Where to, sir?"
"I need to go home."
The driver nodded again and took a turnoff into a narrow tunnel. He flipped a switch that activated a plasma matrix just under the exterior skin of the speeder. As the plasma realigned its molecular structure, Sunry quickly changed his clothing in the back seat. When the speeder emerged on the far side of the tunnel, it looked entirely different; now, it was a corporate limousine with a distinguished CEO in the back, wearing a suit.
The limo pulled up to a corporate office and Sunry stepped out nonchalantly. He powered a device at his belt and walked into the building…with long, powerful strides. He went to an office and sat at the holoterminal, where the holographic image of Koloss Merten appeared.
"Good evening, SMILEY. We are secure. What do you have?" asked Merten, using Sunry's code name.
Sunry gestured broadly with his hands. "I have made great progress. My contact will be able to give me access to the Sith Embassy. I am sending you a scan and photograph of a Sith pass card that I discovered tonight."
Merten looked down as the data flowed to him. "Very good. SMILEY, just as a warning, the Ambassador thinks you are…getting too close to your contact."
"Don't worry, I have it under control. She has good access, but she thinks I'm just the food service contractor for the Embassy. I am this close to recruiting her to our side," he said, pinching his fingers close together.
"All right, just keep me in the loop."
Merten logged off and then Sunry pondered for a moment. He accessed the Republic Embassy secured network and logged into the visitor database. This is minor, but I have to give Elassa something as a token. If I can help her career while getting myself good intell, what's the harm?
He downloaded the information and stored it to a disk. He glanced over some of the details and something caught his attention.
"Captain Carth Onasi…the famous pilot? What's he doing here? Lieutenant Aerin Dakar? She's also a Jedi! Hmmm, interesting. I'll pass this to Elassa tomorrow. This should get me some great intelligence in return."
The Ocean Spray Hotel
In the hotel, Bastila slept uneasily to the crashing of ocean waves. Under the light of the moon, she tossed and turned, trying without success to get comfortable. She grunted, the frustration of her insomnia growing. Inhale…exhale…. Let your mind be at rest. Focus your breathing. Let the Force wash over you and feel the pulse of the universe.
Slowly, her awareness of Aerin through the bond became stronger, more intense and perspiration beaded upon her face. She licked her lips and ran a hand sensuously through her auburn hair while her heartbeat quickened.
Then, her awareness was piqued by a totally alien sensation that flooded her being. She clenched her fists as a vivid image of Carth's straining face invaded her mind. Spasms wracked her body and pushed her head back into her pillow, her breathing coming in heavy gulps.
Bastila's eyes shot open. "No! This cannot be. Passion will be the ruin of us all."
Then, a sudden drowsiness filled her and she slipped into the sleep that she had so desperately sought. The sound of crashing water seeped into her dreams and she floated, deep in an endless ocean. On a sandy surface, a clamshell of alien metals opened, giving forth light. It was a Star Map.
The Jedi's face then became serene. She exhaled deeply, contentment written upon her features.
Morning on Manaan
In the brilliant morning, Manaan's sun rose, illuminating the great city. Gulls sang in the air as waves pounded the city walls making deep crumping noises. In the seaside café of the hotel, Aerin and Mission sat beneath a blue and white umbrella as Sasha played with T-3 at their feet. The little droid beeped as the girl covered her eyes giggling with glee. Aerin laughed along with them and her face had a rosy glow.
Bastila approached and sat on a recliner. She looked at Aerin, but couldn't make eye contact. "Padawan Dakar, I-"
"Yes, I dreamt of it too. The Star Map is underwater," Aerin finished.
Bastila nodded, thankful that the topic of passion was avoided. "We will need to mount an expedition…without drawing attention from the Sith."
At that, Canderous, HK-47, and Ensign Helos strode up and the droid took a position behind Aerin, scanning for threats. The mercenary took an apple off of a plate and bit a chunk out of it. "Aerin, we're going to take a look around the city. I'm sure we can learn a thing or two about the happenings here. Would you like to join me?"
It seemed like a good idea. She nodded. "I could use a good walk. Let's bring Jolee Bindo; I'd like to check him out. Also, we need to bring Juhani…and keep an eye on her."
The Mandalorian raised an eyebrow, trying to ascertain her intent. He then tapped his commlink and summoned the two Jedi. Soon, old Bindo sauntered in with the Cathar. He sat at the table and poured himself a cup of hot caffa. "Well, you finally decided to include the old guy?" he quipped to no one in particular as he took a sip.
"My, aren't we grouchy this morning," answered Aerin, giving him a sideways glance.
"I'm old, I'm entitled to be grouchy," he retorted. "Okay, what are we doing?"
Bastila lowered her voice and spoke, "We're looking for the Star Map here on Manaan. We believe it is located underwater."
Aerin frowned, wishing Bastila had not spoken in front of Juhani, but it was too late. She stood and motioned toward the walkway. "Bastila, I trust you can handle things here at the hotel? Good…Canderous, shall we go?"
The four strode away down the garden path, leaving the others to their meal. At a stop, they took a speeder bus to the city center and Aerin watched the sights go by. A structure got her attention. "Hey, they have a swoop track here," she said, pointing at the arena for Manaan's races.
"Your race on Tatooine was spectacular," voiced Juhani, but Aerin did not respond.
As the bus raced on, Aerin leaned over to Jolee. A question had been burning in her head for a while. "I'm curious, what made you leave the Order?"
He gave her a funny look, curling one side of his lip up. "I never said I left the Order," he said in his ever cryptic and often infuriating manner.
Aerin tried to put two and two together, but it was coming up to five. "Well, you told me you were not a Jedi, yet you use a lightsaber…. I don't get it."
His brown eyes twinkled and he looked at her like a grandfather looks at a three-year-old with too many questions. "Not all Force sensitives are Jedi, young lady. Stop taking such a narrow view of the Galaxy."
"So, you were never a Jedi?"
She was obviously not getting it. Jolee sighed heavily. "Jedi, Jedi, Jedi…is that all you ever think of? Yes, yes, I was a Jedi, but I did not leave the Order…it left me."
Aerin made a face full of confusion, her brows furrowed and her jaw slack. "What's that suppose to mean?"
"Oh, you youngins…always 'why this' and 'what that'…bah, enough questions for now," he said, his patience with her inane questions now at an end. Then, something caught his attention. "Hey look! It's Starstrucks Caffa…I haven't had a Scrapuccino in twenty years," he called, pointing to a caffa shop and deflecting the conversation off into space.
Aerin rolled her eyes. He's just like Carth.
At the city center, they stepped off of the bus as it hovered above the ground. Jolee led the way to Starstrucks where the symbol of a smiling sun with a mug greeting them. As Jolee stood in line, Canderous glanced about, observing the numerous customers. A Rodian with an iced Frappe talked politics with a Twi'lek sipping a hot toddy. Beyond them, a well-dressed man talked with three burly humans with crew cut hair.
Jolee got his long-awaited Scrapuccino and headed for a table while Aerin ordered a Mint Sizzle. The paper cup full of dark liquid was handed to her and she glanced inside, noticing it was a bit too cool. "Uh, this sizzle lacks a bit of sizzle," she complained and HK stuck his finger in the brew, bringing it to a boil. "Query: Is that enough fizzle for your sizzle?"
Aerin chuckled. "Thanks, HK. Let's go sit," she said and took a chair next to Jolee and Juhani as HK took a position behind her. She looked around to see that Niki had already struck up a conversation with a Selkath at another table and at the bar across the room, Canderous stood, looking around.
He's up to something. I'd better go check it out, she thought as she stood and left the others to their drinks.Jolee frowned at the sudden departure. "Oh, the old man not interesting enou-" he began, but Aerin was gone.
At a nearby table, Canderous watched tough-looking men come and go out the back of the shop. Almost all of them wore long coats and dark glasses. "Mercenaries," he whispered as Aerin approached. He glanced down at her and nodded. "You see that guy in the thousand-credit suit? He's hiring mercenaries. I'd know that routine anywhere. It looks like he just hired that Iridorian…let's go talk to him. Be careful, Iridorians are usually quite…volatile."
The two sauntered over to the berserk-looking man with wild, blond hair, streaked with red and silver. He stood, looking tense enough to be a cat on acid and his mustache was braided in a forked pattered and bizarre tattoos adorned his arms.
Aerin raised her hand. "Sir. Could I-"
"Ahhhh, whatdoyouwantyouslimywenchgetouttamysight!" he screamed in one long, incoherent word and brushed passed them aggressively and into the waiting arms of HK.
The droid picked the mercenary up and stuffed him in the trash receptacle, head first. "Statement: Good riddance to bad rubbish."
A rare smile crossed Canderous' lips and he shook his head as the upside down Iridorian's legs kicked back and forth, amid muffled yelling from the trash can. "Iridorians…no discipline…only their madness and bloodlust drives them. They've been known to hack at fallen droids for hours. Hrmph, idiots…."
Aerin shrugged as she dropped a napkin on the backside of the helpless Iridorian. "Well, that was useless. However, we should find out more later."
As they returned to the table, Niki looked at Aerin. "I made a friend just now. A Selkath named Nurbassa told me that he's seen dozens of mercenaries recently on Manaan and most of them are being hired by the Republic."
Canderous nodded. "It would stand to reason that there is a war going on and the Republic is losing."
Niki waved her hand. "Yes, however, Nurbassa is very observant and very concerned with affairs on Manaan…. He says the mercenaries never leave Manaan and are never seen again."
