Senator Organa's office was only a few doors down from the open balcony.
Entering the large room, Lindoro was immediately astonished at all the
artwork. Numerous pictures and miniature statues were aligned on and by the
walls. Several pictures depicted sceneries from the planet Alderaan.
"May I help you?" A young woman asked as she looked up from her desk. Besides the desk there were several chairs and a couch that occupied the room.
The woman had long blonde hair that was arranged in multiple braids. Her hazel eyes reflected the smile upon her face.
"I am Jedi Knight Lindoro D'Lockens. The Jedi Council sent me to deliver a package to Senator Organa, is he here?" Lindoro inquired as he nodded politely to her.
"Yes, hold on a moment and I'll let him know that you are here." She punched a few buttons and a deep elegant voice came over the console.
"Yes, Senia?"
"Senator, Jedi Knight D'Lockens is here. He says he has a package from the Jedi Council." She informed the Senator. Still smiling up at Lindoro.
"Yes, very good. I'm glad he's arrived. I have been expecting him. Send him in please."
Lindoro heard the audible click as the man ended the connection.
The young woman motioned the Jedi to proceed through the door that was off to her right. Lindoro nodded his thanks and approached the closed door which promptly opened at his presence. Senator Organa's office revealed much the same type of artwork that was displayed in his aide's office. There were several comfortable chairs as well as a sleep couch that was against the far back wall near a large window that allowed a good view of Coruscant's ever-flowing traffic and other buildings. Upon the few shelves on the walls beside the pictures, had numerous holo pics depicting obvious members of the Senator's family.
Senator Organa got up from his desk and approached the tall Knight offering his hand. Lindoro bowed respectively prior to grasping the man's hand.
"Knight D'Lockens, good to meet you." The Alderaanian Senator's grip was strong. The man's attire consisted of several shades of blue. It was stunning against his darkly tanned skin. His dark hair was cut short and his mustache and goatee was trimmed close as well. His brown eyes sparkled with warmth that reflected his smile.
"Senator Organa." He then offered the man the package that the Councilor had given him. "The Council said you would send a reply later."
The Senator took the package gently. A worried look came and went so quickly that Lindoro had to pause to actually notice it.
"Yes, I believe I did tell Master Windu that. I thank you for bringing this. If I wasn't so pressed for time I'd offer you a drink. Perhaps another time?" The Senator smiled as he apologized. He seemed actually put out that he couldn't talk with the Jedi.
Lindoro bowed in farewell. "Possibly, if I happen to be in these neck of the woods." Lindoro chuckled with the Senator.
"Yeah, well I must admit some of the other Senators can be wild and rowdy bunch at times. And it does seem like a jungle out there once in a while." Organa smiled as he nodded at Lindoro. "It was nice meeting you, and thanks again for delivering this to me."
He bid the Senator good day and left.
Smiling and nodding at the woman he passed her desk. She smiled in return bidding him good bye.
Taking the turbolift down, he decided to visit the Senatorial Park for the next hour or so. 'I can then make it back in time to the Temple for lunch with Menaria.' As he bowed at several passing senators, he made his way out of the building and onto a walkway that led to the park.
A good 50 feet back the man that followed Lindoro to the Senate building blended in with the other people who were coming and going along the pathway as well always keeping the tall Knight in view.
The park offered a respite from the buildings and smog of the planet. There was a pool at the center of the park that was filled with numerous aquatic species. It was one of the few spots that Lindoro visited outside the Temple. A variety of trees filled the park as well ranging in different sizes. Though it only covered several city blocks, it was a relaxation and release to many who wish to escape the normality of work.
Lindoro strolled along the small path that was paved through the park. Breathing in the variety of scents that flowed in the wind, he sighed with content. He found one of the many benches that were scattered through out the park and took a seat on an empty one. Closing his eyes, he went into a relaxing state and slowly began to meditate ignoring all around him except the Living Force.
The man trailing him kept his distance and took a seat on a bench a little ways a way down from Lindoro. He brought out a datapad and began inputting information on it. Once done, he patiently waited the tall Knight to finish.
Palpatine sighed as the meeting finally came to a close. 'Now to see to my new plan.' He smiled warmly as he nodded to his fellow senators while leaving the conference room. Making it back to his office, he instructed his aide to not disturb him for several hours. His office had very little effects in it, just a few pictures from Naboo and a couple of chairs besides his desk. Several of his shelves had numerous books which covered an assortment of subjects. Closing his door he immediately headed over to his console accessing the past issues that had been problematic to the Republic that he had ties with.
There were a few files he knew that required certain access codes. He provided the correct ones and several screens popped up. Scrolling through the different files he found the one Republic Operative that he was looking for. "Code name Drake Collins. 'Vengeance' Drake Collins. How ironic..." Palpatine mumbled under his breath. Looking through the data, what started as a twitch of the lips slowly became an evil grin as he read up on the Knight's undercover persona and deeds performed over the last six years. An idea formed in his mind as several other names were mentioned in the file. "This might work after all. I can't wait to see it played out. Yes...this will work out just great." He nodded to himself as he put in a signal for his apprentice on his personal and uncensored com signal. While waiting for the answering signal, he got up from his chair and opened a secret compartment. Pulling out the dark robes and donning it, he fingered the cloth affectionately and grinned evilly once more.
"Yes, my Master?" A soft low masculine voice came across the console. A hologram appeared revealing in the bluish light a man concealed within a dark robe. Part of the man's chin was showing and consisted of dark tattoos that looked like they might cover his whole entire face but were hidden beneath the cowl of his robe. The man bowed with respect.
"Lord Maul, I have a something for you to do. I need you to track down an individual and have him do a job for me. I am sending you the name and the planet I need him to be at as well as the orders for him to accomplish. One month from now is when I need him to be in place." Palpatine pressed several buttons and the information was sent out.
"As you wish, Master." The hologram bowed as the signal was received. Palpatine ended the transmission and then took his robes off. Placing them back in the secret compartment, he chuckled. 'Now the cards have been laid out. Soon the players will be at the table. And soon the game will begin.'
Several hours passed quietly as Lindoro meditated. He quickly came out of this state as he realized that the time had come for him to leave if he was going to make it back to the Temple in time to have lunch with his Padawan. Getting up from the bench he looked around one last time before leaving the park. A sigh of sadness escaped him as he regretted leaving the small recreational area. 'I'll return if not tomorrow definitely the next day.' Lindoro vowed as he exited the park and headed back to his speeder.
The other man saw the Knight leave and within minutes he was following Lindoro behind a few speeders.
Turning in the speeder took no time as Lindoro bid Stani good day and rushed back inside the Temple.
Taking the turbolift down to the cafeteria he looked once more at his chrono. 'I cut it awful short.' He sighed in relief when he noticed his Padawan in the serving line. Getting his own plate he came up behind her.
Sensing his presence through the Force, she turned and smiled at the approaching Master.
"Your morning go well, Master?" Menaria asked as her green eyes shined.
"Yes Padawan, actually it did. And you? How were your classes?" Lindoro chuckled at Menaria's rolling of her eyes.
"I'd say, but can't while we are in line." Lowering her voice and leaning toward him; "Don't want to upset anybody." She whispered to him as she discreetly nodded her head toward those in front of her. The third person in front of her was Master Linia. The older woman was currently talking with an initiate who was in front of her. They all were waiting in line selecting a variety of foods off the long serving line.
Lindoro understood as he nodded. "I see. Then I suggest we get our food and then talk."
Kork had been talking with a different Padawan that was in front of him. He was standing in front of Menaria at the moment. He turned to ask her something when he spotted her Master.
"Knight D'Lockens." He bowed respectively to the tall Knight.
Lindoro nodded back. "Initiate Kork. And how was your morning?"
"It went well sir. Thanks for asking." He smiled as his canines flashed a little at the wide grin. "The seasonal festivities are next week and we're trying to figure out a theme for this year's event." Kork said as his ears flicked forward and off to the side every now and then, reflecting his excitement.
"Ahhh, the festivities at the end of the year. I remember those days." Lindoro chuckled as his eyes twinkled. "Those days can be fun if one doesn't get into too much mischief."
"And I wonder who was the most mischievous back in those days? Hmmm?" Delak's voice came from behind a Togorian Padawan.
"Delak! As if I was the only one!" Lindoro exclaimed putting a hand on his chest in mock surprise as he saw his aquatic friend look around the large Padawan smiling widely.
The boy stepped closer to the line as he took several meat selections and heaped them on his plate. He noticed the Master and Knight talking around him and he smiled. Though he looked menacing with his fangs showing, the aura of calm and friendliness flowed around him. Looking at the aquatic Master, he motioned for Delak to step in front of him. "Please Master Delak, I don't mind. I have what I need anyway." The boy's voice was rough.
Delak smiled and nodded his appreciation. "Thank you Padawan." He then stepped closer to his friend and eyed him sternly. "Don't get all innocent on me Lindoro D'Lockens!" He pointed a webbed finger at the tall Knight. "You have many tales you should tell your Padawan."
Menaria watched the exchange as she took several sandwiches and placed them on her plate. 'Master was a joker? Now this could definitely get interesting!' She smiled widely as she glanced at her friend. Kork chuckled at the look.
After getting their food and drinks they then joined Nania and Seriu at their regular table. The two initiates got up and bowed to Delak and Lindoro and greeted them.
They all took their seats and began eating. "Maybe you can tell us of your Padawan days, Master?" Menaria asked hopefully as she finished off one of her sandwiches.
Lindoro's head shot up quickly. Glaring at Delak he then looked over at his Padawan. "One of these days maybe." He said clearing his throat. He then directed his full attention to the pasta filled plate in front of him.
Menaria smirked as she glanced over at Delak. The Mon Calamari shrugged his shoulders apologetically.
The rest of the meal's talks consisted of the upcoming festivities. Menaria chatted happily with her three friends as Delak and Lindoro listened in.
"May I help you?" A young woman asked as she looked up from her desk. Besides the desk there were several chairs and a couch that occupied the room.
The woman had long blonde hair that was arranged in multiple braids. Her hazel eyes reflected the smile upon her face.
"I am Jedi Knight Lindoro D'Lockens. The Jedi Council sent me to deliver a package to Senator Organa, is he here?" Lindoro inquired as he nodded politely to her.
"Yes, hold on a moment and I'll let him know that you are here." She punched a few buttons and a deep elegant voice came over the console.
"Yes, Senia?"
"Senator, Jedi Knight D'Lockens is here. He says he has a package from the Jedi Council." She informed the Senator. Still smiling up at Lindoro.
"Yes, very good. I'm glad he's arrived. I have been expecting him. Send him in please."
Lindoro heard the audible click as the man ended the connection.
The young woman motioned the Jedi to proceed through the door that was off to her right. Lindoro nodded his thanks and approached the closed door which promptly opened at his presence. Senator Organa's office revealed much the same type of artwork that was displayed in his aide's office. There were several comfortable chairs as well as a sleep couch that was against the far back wall near a large window that allowed a good view of Coruscant's ever-flowing traffic and other buildings. Upon the few shelves on the walls beside the pictures, had numerous holo pics depicting obvious members of the Senator's family.
Senator Organa got up from his desk and approached the tall Knight offering his hand. Lindoro bowed respectively prior to grasping the man's hand.
"Knight D'Lockens, good to meet you." The Alderaanian Senator's grip was strong. The man's attire consisted of several shades of blue. It was stunning against his darkly tanned skin. His dark hair was cut short and his mustache and goatee was trimmed close as well. His brown eyes sparkled with warmth that reflected his smile.
"Senator Organa." He then offered the man the package that the Councilor had given him. "The Council said you would send a reply later."
The Senator took the package gently. A worried look came and went so quickly that Lindoro had to pause to actually notice it.
"Yes, I believe I did tell Master Windu that. I thank you for bringing this. If I wasn't so pressed for time I'd offer you a drink. Perhaps another time?" The Senator smiled as he apologized. He seemed actually put out that he couldn't talk with the Jedi.
Lindoro bowed in farewell. "Possibly, if I happen to be in these neck of the woods." Lindoro chuckled with the Senator.
"Yeah, well I must admit some of the other Senators can be wild and rowdy bunch at times. And it does seem like a jungle out there once in a while." Organa smiled as he nodded at Lindoro. "It was nice meeting you, and thanks again for delivering this to me."
He bid the Senator good day and left.
Smiling and nodding at the woman he passed her desk. She smiled in return bidding him good bye.
Taking the turbolift down, he decided to visit the Senatorial Park for the next hour or so. 'I can then make it back in time to the Temple for lunch with Menaria.' As he bowed at several passing senators, he made his way out of the building and onto a walkway that led to the park.
A good 50 feet back the man that followed Lindoro to the Senate building blended in with the other people who were coming and going along the pathway as well always keeping the tall Knight in view.
The park offered a respite from the buildings and smog of the planet. There was a pool at the center of the park that was filled with numerous aquatic species. It was one of the few spots that Lindoro visited outside the Temple. A variety of trees filled the park as well ranging in different sizes. Though it only covered several city blocks, it was a relaxation and release to many who wish to escape the normality of work.
Lindoro strolled along the small path that was paved through the park. Breathing in the variety of scents that flowed in the wind, he sighed with content. He found one of the many benches that were scattered through out the park and took a seat on an empty one. Closing his eyes, he went into a relaxing state and slowly began to meditate ignoring all around him except the Living Force.
The man trailing him kept his distance and took a seat on a bench a little ways a way down from Lindoro. He brought out a datapad and began inputting information on it. Once done, he patiently waited the tall Knight to finish.
Palpatine sighed as the meeting finally came to a close. 'Now to see to my new plan.' He smiled warmly as he nodded to his fellow senators while leaving the conference room. Making it back to his office, he instructed his aide to not disturb him for several hours. His office had very little effects in it, just a few pictures from Naboo and a couple of chairs besides his desk. Several of his shelves had numerous books which covered an assortment of subjects. Closing his door he immediately headed over to his console accessing the past issues that had been problematic to the Republic that he had ties with.
There were a few files he knew that required certain access codes. He provided the correct ones and several screens popped up. Scrolling through the different files he found the one Republic Operative that he was looking for. "Code name Drake Collins. 'Vengeance' Drake Collins. How ironic..." Palpatine mumbled under his breath. Looking through the data, what started as a twitch of the lips slowly became an evil grin as he read up on the Knight's undercover persona and deeds performed over the last six years. An idea formed in his mind as several other names were mentioned in the file. "This might work after all. I can't wait to see it played out. Yes...this will work out just great." He nodded to himself as he put in a signal for his apprentice on his personal and uncensored com signal. While waiting for the answering signal, he got up from his chair and opened a secret compartment. Pulling out the dark robes and donning it, he fingered the cloth affectionately and grinned evilly once more.
"Yes, my Master?" A soft low masculine voice came across the console. A hologram appeared revealing in the bluish light a man concealed within a dark robe. Part of the man's chin was showing and consisted of dark tattoos that looked like they might cover his whole entire face but were hidden beneath the cowl of his robe. The man bowed with respect.
"Lord Maul, I have a something for you to do. I need you to track down an individual and have him do a job for me. I am sending you the name and the planet I need him to be at as well as the orders for him to accomplish. One month from now is when I need him to be in place." Palpatine pressed several buttons and the information was sent out.
"As you wish, Master." The hologram bowed as the signal was received. Palpatine ended the transmission and then took his robes off. Placing them back in the secret compartment, he chuckled. 'Now the cards have been laid out. Soon the players will be at the table. And soon the game will begin.'
Several hours passed quietly as Lindoro meditated. He quickly came out of this state as he realized that the time had come for him to leave if he was going to make it back to the Temple in time to have lunch with his Padawan. Getting up from the bench he looked around one last time before leaving the park. A sigh of sadness escaped him as he regretted leaving the small recreational area. 'I'll return if not tomorrow definitely the next day.' Lindoro vowed as he exited the park and headed back to his speeder.
The other man saw the Knight leave and within minutes he was following Lindoro behind a few speeders.
Turning in the speeder took no time as Lindoro bid Stani good day and rushed back inside the Temple.
Taking the turbolift down to the cafeteria he looked once more at his chrono. 'I cut it awful short.' He sighed in relief when he noticed his Padawan in the serving line. Getting his own plate he came up behind her.
Sensing his presence through the Force, she turned and smiled at the approaching Master.
"Your morning go well, Master?" Menaria asked as her green eyes shined.
"Yes Padawan, actually it did. And you? How were your classes?" Lindoro chuckled at Menaria's rolling of her eyes.
"I'd say, but can't while we are in line." Lowering her voice and leaning toward him; "Don't want to upset anybody." She whispered to him as she discreetly nodded her head toward those in front of her. The third person in front of her was Master Linia. The older woman was currently talking with an initiate who was in front of her. They all were waiting in line selecting a variety of foods off the long serving line.
Lindoro understood as he nodded. "I see. Then I suggest we get our food and then talk."
Kork had been talking with a different Padawan that was in front of him. He was standing in front of Menaria at the moment. He turned to ask her something when he spotted her Master.
"Knight D'Lockens." He bowed respectively to the tall Knight.
Lindoro nodded back. "Initiate Kork. And how was your morning?"
"It went well sir. Thanks for asking." He smiled as his canines flashed a little at the wide grin. "The seasonal festivities are next week and we're trying to figure out a theme for this year's event." Kork said as his ears flicked forward and off to the side every now and then, reflecting his excitement.
"Ahhh, the festivities at the end of the year. I remember those days." Lindoro chuckled as his eyes twinkled. "Those days can be fun if one doesn't get into too much mischief."
"And I wonder who was the most mischievous back in those days? Hmmm?" Delak's voice came from behind a Togorian Padawan.
"Delak! As if I was the only one!" Lindoro exclaimed putting a hand on his chest in mock surprise as he saw his aquatic friend look around the large Padawan smiling widely.
The boy stepped closer to the line as he took several meat selections and heaped them on his plate. He noticed the Master and Knight talking around him and he smiled. Though he looked menacing with his fangs showing, the aura of calm and friendliness flowed around him. Looking at the aquatic Master, he motioned for Delak to step in front of him. "Please Master Delak, I don't mind. I have what I need anyway." The boy's voice was rough.
Delak smiled and nodded his appreciation. "Thank you Padawan." He then stepped closer to his friend and eyed him sternly. "Don't get all innocent on me Lindoro D'Lockens!" He pointed a webbed finger at the tall Knight. "You have many tales you should tell your Padawan."
Menaria watched the exchange as she took several sandwiches and placed them on her plate. 'Master was a joker? Now this could definitely get interesting!' She smiled widely as she glanced at her friend. Kork chuckled at the look.
After getting their food and drinks they then joined Nania and Seriu at their regular table. The two initiates got up and bowed to Delak and Lindoro and greeted them.
They all took their seats and began eating. "Maybe you can tell us of your Padawan days, Master?" Menaria asked hopefully as she finished off one of her sandwiches.
Lindoro's head shot up quickly. Glaring at Delak he then looked over at his Padawan. "One of these days maybe." He said clearing his throat. He then directed his full attention to the pasta filled plate in front of him.
Menaria smirked as she glanced over at Delak. The Mon Calamari shrugged his shoulders apologetically.
The rest of the meal's talks consisted of the upcoming festivities. Menaria chatted happily with her three friends as Delak and Lindoro listened in.