New Sheriff in Town
Iesha tried to wait patiently. Her Master was enduring a last minute briefing with the Council. She was waiting outside the ship to greet the members of the team. This was an incredible opportunity. Not only was she being trained by one of the greatest masters, but she now had the chance to see up close and work with other Jedi Knights. Master Granger made her research all of them. Some of them were among the best.
"Greetings padawan," Numa interrupted Iesha's daydreaming.
Based on her research, it made perfect since that Numa would be the only one to show up on time. She was one of the more skilled and experienced of the team, but seemed to be the one that both Iesha and Master Granger had the most concerns about working with. "Greetings, Master Numa…."
"I'm not a Master…yet," Numa corrected.
Iesha eyed her new acquaintance carefully, "But all Jedi refer to each other as Master, correct?"
"An unfortunate habit that we have developed over recent centuries, but in the old days, the title was only allowed to those who earned it," Numa scanned her surroundings. "I am the first to arrive?"
"Yes, Mas….. ummm…."
"Numa will do," she smiled. "I will go find a good place on the ship."
A few minutes later, Hector was approaching the docking bay. A voice from behind got his attention, "You don't get points for getting there before the rest of us."
Hector turned to see a familiar face, "Hannibal! They pulled you in for this?"
"Yep, they wanted the best I suppose," Hannibal grinned in response. Noticing Hector's stifled laugh, he added, "Don't act like you haven't been thinking the same thing." They both laughed at that. Before Hector could offer a response, Hannibal noticed Iesha standing in front of the ship. "And who do you think that is?"
"Granger's padawan, I guess," Hector mused.
"Maybe I can teach here a few things during our down time," Hannibal's grin got even bigger.
Hector snickered and shook his head, "Do you still use mind tricks to get girls?"
"Only when it's appropriate for the mission," Hannibal corrected.
"When would that ever be appropriate?"
"Oh you would be surprised," As they reached Iesha, Hannibal offered the initial greeting. Taking her hand in his he bowed and kissed the back of it. "Greetings, Master."
A little uneasy, but also slightly flattered, Iesha slowly eased her hand out of his, "I'm only a padawan, Master."
"Well then, padawan, I look forward to showing you some….. techniques that I have perfected," Hannibal grinned while Hector pretended to examine the ship.
Iesha was no longer flattered. "I'm assigned to Master Granger. And attachment is forbidden to the Jedi," she answered coldly.
"Oh, I don't get attached," Hannibal smirked.
Hector decided he should intercede before Iesha pulled her lightsaber and severed something that Hannibal would not want enhanced with cybernetics, "I'm Hector by the way," he extended his hand, "Pay no attention to Master Hannibal. He likes boys anyway."
Hannibal gave Hector the coldest look he could give without Force choking him, "You wish, don't you?"
"Jedi," was the only word Myriam offered as she approached the informal debate. Hannibal's jaw dropped as he turned to greet her.
"Master Myriam," Iesha nodded in greeting becoming slightly insecure at the sight of her beauty and in her commanding presence.
"Has Master Granger arrived yet?"
"He's having one last briefing with the Council before our departure," Iesha dropped her eyes slightly in response.
"Very well," Myriam nodded and slowly made her way up the ramp.
Hector and Hannibal both turned as their eyes followed her up the ramp. "So that's Myriam," Hector whispered.
Hannibal still barely able to move his mouth, managed, "Do you know her?"
"Only by reputation," Hector explained. "She was trained by Master Yoda himself."
"Technically we were all trained by Yoda," Hannibal reminded his teammates.
"Yeah, but only Youngling training. She was his padawan."
Hannibal and Iesha were even further in awe. "A Jedi should not be easily impressed with names and reputations," Master Granger's voice broke in from behind them.
"Greetings, Master," Iesha bowed slightly. Granger wasn't as impressive a sight to Hannibal and Hector as Myriam, but they both had heard of him. He was an enigma to many Jedi, powerful, reliable, dependable, and a great teacher, but viewed as somewhat of a rebel in the eyes of many.
Granger greeted both of his new team members. "It will be an honor to work with both of you.
"And ours to work with you Master," Hannibal responded. Both of the younger knights had not really known what to expect from Granger, but he carried an inviting air that put them both at ease.
"Well then," the team leader clasped his hands, "We have a long flight ahead of us. Let's board."
"Ummmmm….. Master," Iesha hesitated. "Master Finly has yet to arrive."
"Oh, Finly's part of this crew too?" Hector asked. "I've worked with him a couple of times. Good guy, but a little…..odd."
"How so?" Granger inquired.
"Well, let's just say he's one of the few Jedi I know that enjoy his rotations in the archives," Hector explained. "Can answer almost any obscure question you can think of though. Although, he's kind of obsessed with the Sith…."
Master Granger was visibly agitated at the mention of the Sith and Iesha became noticeably uncomfortable at her master's reaction, "Just what we need. I need to go prep the ship. Make sure Finly promptly finds his way on board whenever he decides to show." Granger stomped up the ramp.
Entering the ship, Granger saw Numa and Myriam sitting across from each other in awkward silence. At least it was awkward for Numa. She appeared ready to make conversation, but Myriam cleaned her lightsaber as though no one else were around. "Fellow Jedi," Granger greeted the ladies as they arose to greet their new team leader. He bowed slightly to Myriam. He and Numa leaned in close and kissed each other on both cheeks. "It has been too long, Numa."
"It has Master. I'm looking forward to working with you again."
Granger turned again to Myriam who had already reclaimed her seat and returned to her cleaning. "And Master Myriam, it is an honor to meet you and have you as part of our team."
"Likewise Master," her words were sincere, but she only looked up for a second, then refocused on her lightsaber.
"I'll be in the cockpit if anyone needs me," Granger dismissed himself and continued forward.
After a few more minutes of semi-awkward silence, the rest of the team ascended the ramp and took seats. Iesha stopped at a com panel before taking hers "Master, Jedi Finly has arrived and we have boarded."
"Very well," Granger's voice answered. "We'll be off shortly."
After a few minutes the ship was off and shooting through hyperspace. The team members uncomfortably glanced around the passenger's hold and at each other. Occasionally, someone would begin to say something, but quickly change their minds when they realized all attention was focused on them. Finally, Hannibal had all he could take. "So padawan, tell us what we need to know about your master."
Everyone, even Myriam leaned in to hear her response. "What do you mean," was all Iesha could manage in response.
"I mean," Hannibal started, "what's he like? We've all heard about him. How he doesn't always follow the Jedi code, kinda has his own way of doing things."
"He's brilliant," Iesha responded. "And he follows nothing but the Jedi code. He just doesn't always agree with the council."
"Which is really the only reason he's not already on it," Numa added.
"Is it true what they say about his former master?" Finly inquired.
Iesha became visibly uncomfortable, but tried to downplay it, "What do you mean?"
Finly glanced around at his teammates, "Oh c'mon, they say Master Wagalog was killed by the Sith."
Everyone leaned in a little closer at the mention of the ancient Jedi enemy. After a few seconds, Hannibal remembered some basic history and objected, "Wait, the Sith? That would make him like 1000 years old or something."
"Not at all," Finly explained. "There have always been rumors that the Sith survived. Master Wagalog believed in a particular theory known as the Rule of Two….."
"No one knows who or why Master Wagalog was killed. And Master Granger does not share his Master's view of the Sith. And if I were you, I wouldn't bring them up around him too often," Iesha interrupted.
The silence resumed for a moment before Hector remembered something, "Hey Fin, have you ever heard of a baddie named…"
Granger reentered the room from the cockpit, "Greetings again everyone," He eyed Finly carefully, "Master Finly so glad you could join us." Finly grinned awkwardly in response.
"Our mission," the Jedi Master began, "is to restore law and order to the Syllian system. Syllian is the last outpost in official Republic space just before the Outer Rim. Somehow, the organized crime of the Outer Rim has spilled into Syllian. Our job is two-fold. Restore order to Syllian and fight corruption within its government. We may also work our way out into the Outer Rim and tackle some of the organizations at their roots." Granger paused and let his words sink into each team member. "Our goal is to have the law and order of the Republic spilling into the Outer Rim by the time we leave, instead of the crime and corruption spilling into Republic territory."
"The best defense is a good offense," Hector thought aloud.
"Sounds fun," Myriam added.
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Being on the edge of the Outer Rim, Syllian took most ships several days to reach. The Jedi transport was no exception. During their travel, the team members read briefs and reports. Hector and Hannibal, having gone through youngling training together, caught up on the passing years. Occasionally, the old friends would include Finly in their joking, but he was content to read copies of archives that he brought. Numa, being the only one who had previously worked with Master Granger would sometimes join him and the pilots in the cockpit, but mostly spent her time reading reports and meditating. Iesha tried to meditate on her own, but her brain was scattered at the thought of this mission. Had it not been for her guided time with Ganger she probably would have spent most of the trip listening to the guys joke around and tell stories. Myriam kept to herself. When she was not cleaning her lightsaber, she was meditating. This did not go unnoticed particularly by Granger who carefully observed the team as a whole and each member individually.
When the ship finally reached its destination, Granger, Numa, and Iesha promptly reported to the Prime Minister while the others found their quarters. "Master Jedi," Prime Minister Delfo rose to meet Granger. "It is truly an honor to have someone of your reputation among us." She turned to Numa, "And you as well, Jedi Numa." The Prime Minister greeted the more experienced Jedi formally and nodded to the padawan.
"Don't honor us yet, madam Prime Minister," Granger interjected. "Tell us how we can serve you and your system."
The Jedi had already read most of the Prime Minister's brief in their reports, but they endured as she passionately spoke of Syllian's grand past and its present turmoil. After nearly an hour, Delfo seemed to die down. Granger spoke up, "Master Oo'looku charged me with a two-fold assignment, weeding out corruption from within and taking on the organized crime in the system and surrounding areas.'
Delfo sighed, "You should talk to the Republic Magistrate." She glanced at her doorway to be sure it was empty. "He is corruption in our system. Actually, he has already requested to meet with you and your team."
"Then I would meet with him immediately," Granger rose followed closely by Numa and Iesha.
Before he reached the door, Delfo called out to him, "Master Jedi." Granger turned just in time to catch the communicator that she tossed through the air. "Communicate directly and only with me and Master Oo'looku on this matter… please."
"Of course," Granger bowed and departed to join the rest of the team.
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The entire team converged on the Magistrate's office. An assistant came out of the office to meet the Jedi. "Master Granger, Magistrate Lopez requests that you wait here for a min….."
The assistant was brushed aside by the Jedi Master. "This is pressing Republic business and the Magistrate requested that we report immediately." Hector and Hannibal glanced at each other with a stunned grin. Myriam, half-way expecting some excitement worked her way to the front of the group, right next to Granger as the office door slid open.
The Magistrate sat behind his desk surrounded by five men, most of who did not look like they belonged in a Republic Magistrate's office. There was an ancient spear mounted behind the Magistrate's desk. The Magistrate and his party and the Jedi sized each other up in silence until the Magistrate rose and greeted the new arrivals. "Master Granger, I'm glad you could make it, but I'm afraid you caught me at a bad time."
"Your message sounded urgent," Granger replied. "And I don't take near chaos in a Republic system lightly."
"Neither do I Master Jedi," Lopez answered. He waved his hand to dismiss his company. "Just wait in the office for a moment."
On the way out, Jessie one of the five locked eyes with Myriam. He nodded nervously. She grinned and coldly whispered, "See you soon." He gulped in response and quickened his pace.
The Magistrate took down the spear behind him. He rubbed his hand down it slowly then turned to face the Jedi, spinning the spear in his hands. "Do you appreciate History, Master Jedi?"
"Of course," Granger answered.
"Then you will appreciate this," he pointed the tip of the spear at Granger. Iesha placed her hand on her lightsaber, but the Magistrate continued. "This spear comes from the time of Xim the Despot. It may have even belonged to one of his personal guards. The guards rarely found the need to use their spears. They came to symbolize Xim's power. Just the sight of this spear would be enough to intimidate anyone who would think of crossing him." The Magistrate withdrew the spear. He returned it to the wall and walked from behind his desk and bowed to give the Jedi a proper greeting. "Syllian was on the brink of chaos barely a year ago. The Prime Minister requested help from the Republic and I was sent to restore order. The low-lifes in and around the system needed a reminder of the Republic's power. I was that reminder and order has been restored. Imagine my surprise to learn that a team of Jedi has been dispatched to do what I have already accomplished."
"I would hope that we could support your efforts, Magistrate," Granger bowed in reply. "The Council has….. other sources….. that indicate that there are continuing problems particularly with supply lines being robbed and so forth."
Lopez nodded thoughtfully, "Of course we are not without crime as any system. I felt it was necessary to quell the violence and then turn my attention to nonviolent crimes. In fact," the Magistrate eyed Myriam, "the men who were just here are some of my contacts within those very organizations."
"Then we should speak with them," Granger suggested.
Lopez held his cool, but noticeably swallowed hard, "You must understand secrecy is the utmost importance. I must insist that they report only to me. Of course, I will pass along any useful information that they provide."
"Of course," Granger replied. "Is there anyone that you would suggest we investigate first?"
The Magistrate returned to his seat. He leaned back contemplatively into his seat, "There is a rumored mobster named Zeakwon. He may have connections with the Hutts. I've feared that they would make a move on this system for some time….."
"Very well, we shall start with him," Granger bowed and dismissed his team. In the outer office, the Jedi passed the men from the Magistrate's meeting. Jessie locked eyes again with Myriam again. She grinned as he gulped once more and quickly walked to the Magistrate's office.
"Who is that guy?" Finly asked Myriam when they were a safe distance away.
"I recently….. took care….. of his former boss," she turned to Granger, "not the type who should be meeting with a Republic Magistrate."
"I figured," was all that Granger offered.
"So we're going to check out this Zeakwon?" Hector inquired.
"We're going to go….. make an impression. Iesha?"
"Yes, Master?"
Granger tossed to his padawan the communicator from the Prime Minister. "Return to our quarters. Contact Delfo and inquire about this Zeakwon. Then contact me about what she says."
For a few seconds, Iesha was disappointed that she would not be going with the group. She looked at the communicator and remembered the Prime Minister's instructions that only Granger should communicate directly with her. Iesha realized this was her master's way of showing Delfo and the team just how much he trusted and relied on his padawan. "Yes, Master."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Zeakwon met with his lieutenants in the office of a trading company along the ports. The Jedi took positions to observe the entrance. When Zeakwon and all of his men appeared to be in the building, Granger gave the order for the others to move to the entrance. As they approached the security check point a frazzled guard rushed out to meet them. "Do you have an appointment?" the guard asked nervously.
Ganger waved his hand in front of the guard, "Zeakwon is expecting us."
"Zeakwon is expecting you," the guard repeated.
Iesha contacted her Master as they approached the elevator, "Master, the Prime Minister says that Zeakwon is not even on anyone's radar. Her intelligence suggests that he's a small time player. Nowhere near the league of the Hutts or the Magistrate's people."
"I figured that. Thank you padawan. Standby for further instructions." Granger turned to his team once they were on the elevator. "I'm sure there's nothing nice about this Zeakwon, but it appears the Magistrate is trying to use us to take out a potential competitor." Granger paused and scratched his chin.
"I'm sure he's scum enough," Myriam added, drawing her lightsaber.
"I don't mind taking out the garbage," Hector nodded, pulling his as well, followed by Hannibal and Numa.
Granger shook his head, "Put those things away. We are here to make an impression." He looked at each member of the team. "Does anyone have a glove?"
Finly held out a pair of pilot's gloves.
"It will do," Granger commented, taking only one. He slid the glove on to his hand and turned just as the elevator came to a stop. "Just stay behind me," he added as the doors slid open.
About seven lieutenants stood in a semicircle in front of their boss. Startled at the sight of the six Jedi, the men turned, pulled their blasters and opened fire.
Granger extended the gloved hand, the shot from each blaster seemed drawn into it, but merely disappeared in a puff of smoke on contact. When the men paused from their shooting in shock, Granger made a beckoning motion with his fingers. Each blaster flew from the hands of the lieutenants and slid across the floor to the feet of the Jedi Master
Zeakwon hissed, "I see our beloved Magistrate sends the Jedi to do his dirty work now."
Granger smiled, "We do not work for the Magistrate, but you now work for me."
Next: Part 2