Warframe Beyond the Origin
ESKK: Chapter 4 let's get things popping.
(Start Origin System Lua)
"This is concerning." the Lotus said as she looked to Zed after he finished his report. Not only was the other system in the midst of its own war but he had found evidence of a Sentient there. What was even more concerning was the fact it had augmentations or perhaps patch job repairs it had on it. Akin had taken the Medicine and Droid Schematics to Cetus and Fortuna to use as they needed it and had taken the others with him. The Ostrons were most happy with the delivery of medicine and Zed was happy for that.
"Lotus if there was one Sentient there may be more as well." Zed said knowing full well that the Sentient would not just randomly show up like that without a reason. "And I fear this Republic and later these Separatists will come to Origin either for the Tenno or to conquer." Zed said as he knew there was to many variables to consider.
"I know but sending more Tenno over especially after we just managed to defeat Narmer is asking for too much." Lotus said as she knew the Tenno were spread thing repairing the damage caused by Narmer. While there were still a few holdouts from Ballas' reign of tyranny they still had other matters to worry about.
"Well, we can't simply sit around and twiddle our thumbs, Lotus." Zed said as he knew that they needed a method to deal with this.
"I know, and since you and your team have the most experience with the other side..." Lotus trailed off and thus Zed knew where this was going. "It would be best for you to deal with such problems while we try to repair." She added and thus Zed knew what this meant.
"Ok but how, we can't simply just fly over without some aid." Zed said and thus Lotus looked to Zed as she had a few ideas on what to do.
Due to the distance the Lotus would be unable to provide tactical assistance to her Tenno. Now while she knew they can take care of themselves this is uncharted territory for them, and she did NOT want to leave them without some sort of aid. She then thought it over as she needed to think on it. "We will need a Relay Station." Lotus said to which Zed gave the Lotus her attention.
"A Relay Station? But if we build one wont that cause the local populace to be concerned for a possible invasion?" Zed asked as he looked to the Lotus.
"From what I understand there are certain sectors that neither Republic nor Separatist have control of correct?" The Lotus said and thus Zed got the idea.
"Still how are we supposed to get the tools and resources to build a Relay Station?" Zed asked as he knew that whatever the Lotus was planning had to be huge.
"I do not know." The Lotus admitted as she knew without access to the needed resources constructing a Relay Station would be near impossible. The Origin System was small compared to the Republic and while communications were easy here it was because they had multiple Relays for a smaller system. But they had to go back if not to ensure the Separatists don't make a grab for the already fragile Origin System, then at the very least to ensure there are no other Sentient hiding among the raging Clone Wars.
"We'll think of something." Zed said as he knew that few friends that they made in the Republic will surely be of aid to them. But then again this wasn't the Origin System and thus had an entirely different set of rules then what they were used to.
"I know you will you always seem to have that sort of luck." Lotus said as she looked to Zed knowing that he will no doubt think of something. After all Zed was the one who rallied and united the other Tenno and at time had the courage needed to make the hardest choices. With a bow to the Lotus Zed turned and took his leave knowing they had a mission to return to.
(Scene Break Coruscant)
It has been a month and a half since the Tenno were last seen in Republic Space. News of their exploit on the Separatist Ship had spread like wildfire and after that there had only been varying sighting of them across the Galactic Stage. Nothing concrete or tangible just words
of mouth from people who saw the aftermath.
In the seedy underbelly of Coruscant the Drifter was seen walking about doing some light recon. If Zed had come in as he was no doubt it would send a lot of bad signals to people. Or in the case of the unsavory sort, a new product and Zed was in no mood to cause a scene. Hence why he opted to use the Drifter for this instead as said newly minted Tenno was on a mission. "So, arms dealer what do we know about him?" Drifter asked as he kept radio silence as much as he could.
"Long story short he's been getting his hands on Republic Weapons and selling them to the Separatists." The voice of Akin began to explain. "He's our main lead on the Sentient Republic hybrid." Akin was heard from the communicator in Drifter's ear.
"He speaks English or basic as they call it here?" Drifter asked and thus Akin was silent for that one. "Right, I'll find out when I get there." Drifter said as he continued to walk. As Drifter walked, he saw a few Twi'lek Prostitutes smoking Spice Sticks as they scanned the streets for possible customers.
Drifter of course was not the sort to give in to such temptations so easily nor was Zed. Though Drifter may be more distracted by them mainly due to how long he was isolated in the Zariman back in his timeline as its sole survivor. Ignoring it he made his way to where the target was said to be knowing he was his only lead on the weapon the Republic had.
(Later)
Drifter entered what looked to be a hangout of sorts as he looked around for the target. Strange he was supposed to be here so why was he not. Was the intel inaccurate, this will require further research. Heading to where the Arms Dealer hung out Drifter sat down and looked for the closest guy he could. "Hey, I was told of a mutual friend who can get me... well some high-end weapons." Drifter began as the alien looked to the alien in question. "The sort that regular civilians would not often find in a regular shop." Drifter added and thus the criminal got the message.
"You actually just missed him Jedi came in yesterday and put cuffs on him." The alien said as Drifter cursed while placing what looked to be Orokin Gold on the table. It was old currency the Orokin used that Drifter kept from exploring old Orokin sights.
The Alien picked it up and inspect it as he took a bite out of the Orokin gold. The unknown being too a bite of the gold before shrugging a bit as he took it and left. Drifter then walked out without any trouble as he radioed Akin, "Hey, we got a bust. Turns out the guy we were looking for had already arrested him by the Jedi it seems."
"Damn it, there goes our best lead," Akin said as Drifter keep going on his way as he asked, "So what now?"
"I don't know, maybe I can ask Big bro about him and see if we can set up a… private meeting with him," Akin said as Drifter said to him, "Okay you do that then."
"What are you going to be doing?" Akin ask the guy as Drifter look around and saw an open dinner area on the street as he said, "Well sense this is supposed to be one of my free days, I'm going to walk around to get a feel for things and get something to eat."
"Alright, just remember don't do anything stupid, that is also Zed's body and no telling what could happen to him if you get hurt or shot," Akin said as Drifter roll his eyes as he said, "Like I'm that crazy to do that."
"Just saying," akin said before Drifter hang up on him and went to the dinner as he took a seat next to a weird looking alien that had a slug like face, being long and thin as it was, which he seriously need to figure out the names of these guys when he can, as the alien guy with a robotic eye of sort that running the dinner came up to him and ask, "Can I help you?"
Drifter put down Orokin money and said, "I don't really know or care but something descent to eat, and a drink that's not alcohol."
The guy took the money as he was intrigue by the money as he took it and said, "Coming right up."
Drifter waited a bit as he looked to the slug face guy next to as he looks at him with Drifter saying, "This place any good?"
The slug face alien nodded to him as soon enough the owner guy came up to the guy with a warm bowl of some sort of soup with a spoon and a glass with some sort of blue milk liquid. Drifter then took a spoon full of the unknown soup and tried it as he gave it a taste before nodded and said, "Pretty good."
"Thanks, it's one of the specials," the guy said as Drifter keep eating a bit before going to the blue milk stuff as he took a few gulps before letting off with a "Ah" as he said, "Refreshing."
Soon enough as the drifter eat, two jedi were coming up to the same place one being a grandpa sort of guy with familiar Togruta walking with him, being Ahsoka as they came up to the place as Ahsoka notice the Drifter as she calls out, "Zed?"
"Hm?" drifter went as he turn his head and said, "Oh hey, it's you again, nice seeing you again… Ah soak right?"
"Close, its Ahsoka, and you're the other guy with Zed," Ahsoka said as she saw drifter more closely as he said to her, "Just call me drifter, it's easier that way, so who's the old guy with ya?"
"Tera Sinube, nice to meet a young man as such yourself," the old alien guy said as he and Ahsoka join him at the dinner as they took a seat as Ahsoka ask, "So what and why are you doing here?"
"Oh, just checking up on some info the others were looking for, with it being one of the free days to walk around I was asked to check things out. But Zed being who he is does show a great impression to some people here," Drifter said as Ahsoka nodded as she soon asked, "So where does…Zed go when you're out?"
"Oh, he's here still, just can't be here the same time as me, it's a complicated… quantum mechanics thing to explain that you may not understand either," Drifter said as Ahsoka didn't know what quantum mechanics is so she left it be as Drifter eye her a bit as he said to himself, "Can't believe he's into that."
"Hm?" Ahsoka said as she sort of heard Drifter said something as he said to her, "Nothing, just thinking to myself."
Soon enough that alien guy with the one eye came up with a bowl of soup for the other guy as he placed it down. Then the slug face alien took it and started to drink it before the eye one guy turn to Ahsoka as he asked her in a bit of a rude tone, "Can I help you?"
"We're… looking to but a lightsaber," Ahsoka said which catch Drifter by surprise he didn't think Jedi would buy lightsaber. But then again, he doesn't know everything that goes on in this whole new system Regent, so he went on eating minding his own business but keep an ear out as he listened in on them.
"Any idea where we can buy one?" Ahsoka added as Drifter kept his ears to them and his eyes too his food.
"Come with me." The squid faced guy said as Drifter looked and then just shrugged a bit before returning to his food.
(With Ahsoka)
Ahsoka and Master Sinube arrived to, the side alley to find a Twi'lek Male leaning against a Speeder. "So, you want to buy a lightsaber?" The Squid faced being said as he looked to the Togruta. "How much are you willing to pay?" He asked as unaware to him the Drifter was leaning closer to the edge of the stand to listen in.
"If you, have it you'll give it to me." Ahsoka ordered but the old Jedi Master cut in knowing exactly how to deal with the Criminal sort without resorting to violence.
"What my little friend is saying is, how much?" The Jedi Master said as he looked to the criminal.
"Twenty thousand." The alien said and thus Ahsoka was wide eyed by this.
"Twenty Thousand?!" She gasped as that was way too expensive especially since it was her Lightsaber to begin with.
"It's a rare weapon, a Jedi Weapon." He said and thus Drifter began to grow intrigued by this.
"Do you have the item with you?" Sinube asked as he took charge on this.
"No, but I can get it." He said and thus Ahsoka knew she had him.
"From him?" Ahsoka asked showing a hologram of the pickpocket who took her lightsaber.
"Hey, who are these guys?!" The Alien said as Drifter reached for his Pistol Amp.
"Ah, the are Jedi!" The Twi'lek said as he glared at the duo.
"And if we are?" Sinube asked as he looked to the two.
"I don't want to get mixed up with Jedi." The being said as he looked to the group. "We were just doing our old friend Bannamu a favor." He defended and thus Drifter began to wonder what was happening.
"Well, I think it's time you forget about him and do me a favor." Ahsoka began as she glared at the two yet remained calm. "That's my lightsaber he stole."
"Oh, well, uh, that makes a difference." The being said and thus Drifter waited for things to go down if it will. "Uh, what do you want me to do?" The fish man asked trying to get out of this situation.
"I want you to tell me where he is." Ahsoka said making her demand clear.
"I hope you remember this and someday do me a favor." The Twi'lek said as he looked to the group. "He's not that far away. He's at the Spider Arms hostel." The Twi'lek said as they now got the information needed.
With a nod Ahsoka and Sinube began to take their leave of the area only for Ahsoka to yelp when Drifter grabbed her hand. "You're going to need some help." Drifter said as he finished his food.
"Ah listening in, were you?" Sinube asked as he looked to the Tenno.
"Among other things." Drifter said as he stood up to looked to Ahsoka. "So let me see if I understand everything you lost your lightsaber and tracked it to that fish guy, right?" Drifter asked as he looked to Ahsoka.
"Exactly." Ahsoka confirmed with an upset look on her face and thus Drifter figured this could happen.
"Huh..." Drifter began before sighing a bit. "Ok so which way is this Spider Arms Hostel?" Drifter asked as he looked to the duo.
"Wait you're going to help?" Ahsoka asked surprised by this.
"Yeah, for two reasons, first reason this may be a lead for this case I was working that some Jedi wrecked before I got here." Drifter said not knowing which Jedi did it. "Second reason... I don't have much else to do at the moment." Drifter said as Ahsoka figured this was more of a laidback form of Zed. Or at least a version not afraid to be a smart ass and also lacks social interactions if what she knows about him is correct.
"Well then welcome aboard my friend." Sinube said and thus they began to head out with Drifter.
"Yeah, glad to be of service." Drifter said as he stayed in the back of the group. "Ordis... get a Warframe ready sending the load out over now." Drifter said quietly to his communicator. It may not be needed but he rather be ready for anything if his battles with Narmer had taught him anything about preparations.
(Later at the Spider Arms Hostel)
The trio arrived at their destination as Drifter kept his eyes peeled for trouble. From what he saw Coruscant's seedy underbelly was not for the faint of heart since the for him the lower you go on the planet's levels are similar to a Caste system of sorts. The higher you go with the levels the better one's life is in comparison to those in the lower levels. Thankfully his roaming of the lower levels would not draw attention as the Drifter was the older version of Zed from another timeline via a Void Paradox of sorts. It was also the reason he was doing most of the investigation First to avoid drawing unneeded attention and second to avoid causing a scene coming in with his Warframe at the ready.
So, making his way to the entrance with the two Jedi Drifter saw the Rodian before him at the front desk holding something in his hand. "May I help you?" He asked when he noticed the two before him.
But before Drifter could work his magic the older Jedi cut him off. "We know where we are going." Sinube said using the Jedi mind trick and giving the Rodian's eyes a glazed look to them.
"You know where you are going." The Rodian repeated as the trio walked past him.
"Ok neat trick." Drifter said as he saw how that worked though it did give him some bad memories particularly those involving the Narmer Veils.
"WE must be careful not to warn him," Sinube said as Ahsoka said to him, "But master we don't know where we're going."
"I don't see the big deal for getting back a lightsaber, it just a tool to use right?" Drifter said as any weapon he ever used is just something he just use in fighting, and pistol or melee weapon he found he just use, just a tool for the situation as Ahsoka said to him in an upset tone, "A lightsaber isn't just a tool, as I was taught a lightsaber is my life, and was told this over and over again and don't lose it. If I can't get it back, I just don't know what I would do."
"Oh… sorry," Drifter said as he didn't think of other people and their belief, but then again he been on that ship for a long time, he never taught the value of things, and just surviving was the most important thing, and he did that, finding food, killing creatures that wanted to kill him, finding a safe place to lay low and sleep, all for the sake of living before Zed found him, he lost sight of such things after that void jump happen.
"A lightsaber may be a part of a jedi's life but its won't be the end of their life if they lose it, and it also true a lightsaber is also a tool to use. But that same tool becomes a part of oneself, but in life one must see what's ahead. If you blindly rush through you may never see where you are truly going," Sinube with Drifter get a better idea of what the old jedi is meaning with Ahsoka just take it as another teaching that didn't seem that important as they keep walking through the Spider Arms Hostel, Ahsoka said, "Ugh, he could be in any one of these rooms."
"You need to be more Quiet, young one," the old Jedi said to her as Ahsoka was being a little loud as she said to him, "Okay, okay."
"Not quiet with your mouth, quiet with your mind," Sinube said to her as Drifter look to him as he wondered what the old man is getting at, as Sinube went on saying, "You're so anxious to find this pickpocket that your worry is equal to his."
"You mean if I relax, I can sense Bannamu's anxiety?" Ahsoka asked as the old jedi said, "Yes. If you relax you would realize he's in this room."
Pointed to a door as Ahsoka and Drifter join up with him, Drifter smile as he said, "Well what are we waiting for then?"
Ahsoka soon enough came up to the door and force push her way in as the door came out of its frame with Ahsoka and Drifter rush in to catch this fish guy as they soon found him on a computer as Ahsoka said, "Well, well. Bannamu, I assume?
"Who are you, huh? What do you want?" Bannamu said to Ahsoka as she came up to the fish guy and said, "My lightsaber, you slimy thief. I want it back, now!
"Hey, hey, hey, hey. I no have it, I swear, I got rid of it. Yeah. I almost kill myself with that thing, ah," the fish guy said as Ahsoka said to him, "What did you do with it?"
"No, no, no. I don't recall," the guy said as Drifter smile a bit as Ahsoka said, "you little-
"Ahsoka!" Sinube call out before she could do anything, as Drifter grab her by her shoulder and said, "How about you leave it to me. I know a way or two to make someone talk."
(Little later)
"Please don't kill me. I have much to live for!" the fish guy said as he found himself hanging outside of window with Drifter holding the guy by his leg as he said, "Hey you chose the hard way, I chose the easy way, so unless you run your mouth of tell us where miss Jedi's Lightsaber is at, you going to be hanging out here for quite a bit, and I feel my arm is getting real tired and I feel I may just lose my grip at any moment."
"Okay, okay! I will tell you! Just don't drop me!" the fish guy said as Ahsoka was surprised by Drifter action as she said, "Isn't that a bit excessive?"
Drifter brought the guy back in as he kept hold of the fish guy and said, "You jedi have your ways and I have mine. Besides, if he doesn't talk, he'll just find himself back hanging outside again."
"Wait please, I'll tell you!" the guy said as Drifter throw him over on the bed as he said, "Then start talk, where is this lightsaber now?"
"I sell it to Movers! Yes, uh Nack Movers," the guy said as Ahsoka said, "Nack Moverse?!"
"He's a very dangerous one, well known in the underworld" Sinube as it seemed he knows well enough of who this guy is as Drifter ask, "Is he some sort of real gangster or something?"
"Yes, exactly! Yeah. I sell it to him, Yeah, yeah! You should be afraid," the fish guy said as Drifter looks at him as he said, "More afraid than of me?"
Bannamu gulped a bit to that as Drifter kneel down to him as he soon said to the fish guy, "I'll take your silent as an answer, so here how this will go. You tell us where he might be at or find yourself hanging over a massive flesh-eating plant ready to start feeding."
"Ah yes. You can find him with his girlfriend. She has a place on the upper-east side of our happy land. I bet he's there now. Oh, he's always there!" the fish guy said as Drifter slam his boot next to the fish alien guy's head to make him stop talking and said, "He better be there, or else I'll come back here, and finish what I started, understand? Nod if you do."
The fish guy nodded a lot as Drifter lift his boot off the wall and walk out with Ahsoka by his side and said, "Well, let find this Movers guy then, shall we?"
"I guess," Ahsoka said as the old Jedi said, "Well, at least you know where your lightsaber is."
"Yeah, it's in the hands of a killer, this is exactly what I was afraid of," Ahsoka said now very worry of what could happen if her lightsaber isn't found yet, as Drifter said, "Unless this killer been in a real battle, I doubt he'll be much of a challenge."
(Later)
Day once more made way for night as Drifter, Ahsoka, and Sinube were walking the halls of another building. "Master, Drifter we've got to hurry." Ahsoka said as she was in a rush.
"Patience, young one." Sinube said as he hobbled on over. "You worry that if people die at the hands of your lightsaber that you will be as guilty for their death as the one that strikes the blow." Sinube said as Drifter heard this.
"Well, it is a valid concern take it from a guy whose been through the war against Narmer it's not the tool that kills but the person who uses it." Drifter said as he then stopped at one door in particular while Ahsoka was in thought. "That's not a good sign." Drifter said before he drew his Amp Pistol looking at the broken lock.
"Oh no." Ahsoka gasped and in turn she proceeded to open the door and thus Drifter went in and had his weapon pointed about. That was of course until he looked at the corpse on the ground and saw what it was.
"Well, this happened." Drifter said as he looked to the body in question.
As the pair looked the body over Ahsoka checked for a pulse and found none. "This is Nack Movers and... he's dead." Ahsoka said as she saw the only lead to her Lightsaber was gone.
"Yeah, but how." Drifter said as he looked the body over and saw something amiss with it.
Just then the group heard movement and on instinct Drifter drew his piece and aimed to the source. "Wait don't shoot!" A voice cried out and in turn they saw a female appear with her hands up. "You're not with the men who killed Nack are you?" She asked as Drifter lowered his piece.
"No, we're not you don't have to be afraid." Drifter said as he holstered the Amp yet felt something was off about this scene. "Now who are you?" Drifter asked as he was calm about this.
"Ione Marcy." Ione introduced herself as she looked to the group and took a seat to calm herself. "I came home and found him here like this." Ione said as Drifter saw the first strike against Ione. Earlier she said there were men here suggesting she was here when they arrived so how could she have found Nack here like this.
"Ione, did you call for her?" Ahsoka asked as she looked to Ione. "Why were you hiding." Ahsoka asked as she felt something was amiss as well.
"I was afraid." Ione said and thus the group looked to each other before gathering together.
Once they were huddled, they began to speak quietly to each other. "She seems terrified." Sinube said as Drifter glared a bit.
"She's lying through her teeth she already contradicted her story." Drifter said surprising the two he caught on. "Trust me it's not the first time that people try to trick me." Drifter said which got the Jedi's attention on him. "Narmer groupies tried something similar a while back to put a veil on me." Drifter explained while looking to the two Jedi with him.
They then looked back to Ione who was still crying her eyes out. "I'll search the other rooms." Ahsoka said as Drifter looked to her with a nod.
"Be careful Ah Soak." Drifter said as Ahsoka glared at the Drifter for that one.
"It's Ahsoka." She went off as Drifter smirked a bit.
"I know but I just needed to make sure your paying attention." Drifter said and thus Ahsoka rolled her eyes and went to work. Once Ahsoka took her leave Drifter went over to Ione as he had several questions. "Look you've been through an ordeal Ione let's get you something to drink to calm your nerves." Drifter said as he had ways of making her talk without letting her know he was on to her.
(Meanwhile with Ahsoka)
Ahsoka entered one of the rooms as she noted it was a bedroom, possibly the master bedroom. The Togruta continued to search the area for any signs of the men or at the very least her Lightsaber. Of course, that was when she noticed the wardrobe and knew it would be large enough for someone to hide in. Walking over to it Ahsoka silently yet carefully used the Force to open the door expecting a surprise attack.
Instead, all she found was an empty Wardrobe which confused Ahsoka since she sensed something was not right here. Ahsoka was of course left unaware to the fact someone was behind her ready to attack. She then went wide eyed as she sensed it and turned around in time to get a punch to the face.
As Ahsoka fell to the ground she looked and saw a Bounty Hunter standing over her. "Time to die." The woman said as she then to Ahsoka's shock drew a Lightsaber, Ahsoka's Lightsaber. "How does this work?" The woman asked as she tried to ignite the blade.
"My Lightsaber!" Ahsoka called out and thus the Bounty Hunter went wide eyed in shock.
"You're a Jedi?!" She asked and in turn knew it was time to cut and run. Running over to the window the woman proceeded to kick it shattering the glass before jumping out.
Ahsoka ran over to the window and thus saw the woman sliding down the roof. "What happened?!" Drifter asked as he came into the room clearly running when he heard the glass shatter.
"You were right. I found the intruder and she, has my lightsaber." Ahsoka said as Drifter knew what came next. "Tell Master Sinube that the intruder is a Terellian Jango Jumper." Ahsoka said informing Drifter on what to do. "I'm going after her!" Ahsoka called out but before Drifter could try to stop her Ahsoka was already out the window.
"Wait!" He called out but was a moment too late. Drifter saw Ahsoka slide down the roof as she then jumped across once she got to the bottom. Once that was done, she gave chase to the Terellian just as Sinube walked up to Drifter. "So, the intruder is a woman and a Terellian Jango Jumper, and Ahsoka went after her." Drifter said as he looked to the elderly Jedi Master.
"I see." Sinube said and thus his mind began to turn gears.
(Ahsoka)
The Terellian Jango Jumper was leaping over to the next building. The escapee looked back to see Ahsoka was right on her tail. She started running faster when Ahsoka landed and keep going to the next building down below.
The jumper girl wasn't slowing down at all when she came to the obstacles that were in her way as she leaped, flip and jump off of them. Ahsoka was using all of her Jedi training to keep up the best she can.
After that they came to two walls that were close to each other for which the jumper girl jumped between the two walls to reach the upper area, with Ahsoka doing the same the best she can, being a bit slow and shorten a jump to a ledge that she barely managed to grab onto as she lifts herself up and keep going.
The Tereliian thief soon reach the top, as she stops for a moment to figure out how to turn on the lightsaber, after turning it around and push a red button on it which activated it as the green blade came forth as which she said, "Ah Ha! That's it."
She used it to cut a dish on the roof, which it started to fall down, with Ahsoka seeing this, she quickly leaps back to avoid it, landed on a lower area as the dish missed her, which gave Ahsoka a good motivation to catch up to the bounty hunter girl.
The Tereliian Thief keep on running with Ahsoka close behind her determine to catch her.
(Back at the apartment)
Drifter and Sinube came back to the area to living room where Ione was at as Drifter was checking out the body, to figure out what had happened, as he saw no lightsaber or blaster marking, to show if he was cut or blasted.
While Drifter was checking out the body, Sinube came over to Ione as he said to her, "I'm sure my little friend will catch up to your intruder. You have nothing to worry about."
As Sinube had put a hand on Ione shoulder, unknowing to her that the old Jedi had put a tracker on her as she give a fake smile before getting up while she said, "Right, of course."
With Ione went over to the mini bar in the living room, Drifter keep looking over the mover and sees there wasn't even a brush on him, and he was looking like a big guy too, no doubt he could handle himself in a fight, but he saw something next to the guy, a spilled bottle of sort as he pick it up and give it a smell, he not one to drink an alcohol but didn't mean he would give it a quick sniff before getting a small sample with his finger and smear it on his finger which he saw some strange particles on his fingers, something that didn't dissolve or mix In the drink well.
He place the bottle down quickly as he look over to the Jedi and did a motion where it seem like he was drinking before turning his head sideways with his tongue out to signal the old jedi that Movers died by poison, as Sinube give a nod a he understood before turning back to Ione as her hand was shaking while she was getting a drink as the old jedi said, "Your friend Nack wasn't a very good fighter, was he? OR maybe he was poison."
That got Ione attention as she turned to the Jedi while she said, "What?"
"Well, obviously he's come to an unfortunate end," Sinube said while Drifter added in his two cent as he said, "Yeah he was a big guy, probably stronger than a normal person would be, I would say it take a least 8 guys, to bring him down without the use of blasters or... a lightsaber."
"I... guess." Ione said as she sounded a bit nervous.
"Earlier you said a group of men killed your friend and you found him like this when you got here." Drifter said as he took a seat on the sofa almost relaxing on it. "Yet the assailant this guy's Padawan met was apparently female." Drifter said as he saw that was two inconsistencies against Ione as he wondered if she knew he was on to her.
"There was a group of them I didn't get a good look." Ione said as Drifter waved it off a bit.
"Hey understandable you were scared so you hid." Drifter said as he seemed oddly relaxed.
"Well, I took the liberty of contacting the authorities to come here and help you with your unfortunate friend." Sinube said as he looked to the woman.
"Oh, you're very kind." Ione said as Drifter saw her grow more nervous.
"Thanks." Drifter said as he sat with his feet plopped on the table. "Take a seat you look like you need it." Drifter said as he gestured to a nearby seat. "I mean you were upset before but ever since our intruder left you've been even more so." Drifter said as he was about to nail this woman for what she actually was.
"I'm upset this whole ordeal I just endured; it's upsetting." Ione said as she seemed unaware Drifter and Sinube were on to her.
"I mean sure when it initially happened and after words, but a few bits of your story don't add up." Drifter said as he looked to Ione who heard this. "I mean call me nuts but... if they broke in while you were here with Nack how can, you have found him like this and yet still have seen the men without them coming for you." Drifter said as Ione was wide eyed as she pressed a button on her wrist band to call her speeder. "Tell me I'm wrong I dare you, but you weren't afraid because you were in danger." Drifter said as he pointed an accusing finger at Ione.
"You were afraid that we'd find your friend hiding in the other room." Sinube added in as he glared at Ione. "You're in league with the Bounty Hunter!" He accused and just in time as the Constable Droids came in ready to do their job. "Arrest her!" Sinube called out just as Ione began to run to the window.
"No, you don't!" Drifter called out and chased after her using the Void Pull to jump out after Ione. Ione meanwhile got on her speeder and thus was about to drive off at least until the Drifter grabbed onto the back booster and held on driving off.
(On the road)
Drifter was holding on tight as he moved over to the front as Ione saw her. "Hey miss me!?" Drifter called out and reached for the controls and thus the two began to fight over the wheel.
"Let go you'll get us to crash!" Ione called out as she tried to get Drifter to let go.
"Then pull over and I might!" Drifter countered as they nearly hit another speeder in the struggle. The two foes continued to fight over the wheel until Ione had an idea a reckless one at that. Taking the risk, Ione took a sharp right turn which caused Drifter to hang for dear life with a yelp. Ione wasn't done as she then took a sharp left turn causing Drifter to lose his grip and start free falling with a yell of panic.
Ione smirked as she saw Drifter fall to his would-be doom. "Cassie, the Jedi know I'm involved. I had to run." Ione reported as she drove away not sticking around to see Drifter go splat.
"Just get over to J Street and pick me up." Cassie ordered from her end and in turn Ione drove off to J Street.
(Meanwhile with Drifter)
Drifter was falling to what might be his death as he tried to think of something. He may be a Tenno, but he was not willing to see just how far his powers reached in comparison to Zed on the others. "Ordis!" Drifter called out to his communicator. "Ordis where are you!?" Drifter called out and thus Ordis responded.
"Landing Craft locked on and preparing to deploy Warframe, Operator." Ordis said and in turn coming out from cloak was the Landing Craft and in turn Drifter saw the deployment port flip to reveal Loki Prime. Seeing he only had one shot at this Drifter performed Transference and thus found the free fall coming to an end.
"Cutting it close their buddy!" Drifter called out as he then detached Loki from the Landing Craft. From there he summoned his Archwing Odanata Prime before glaring to where Ione flew off to.
"Operator why were you -SUICIDAL- free falling?" Ordis asked as he was concerned for Drifter.
"Long story I'll explain later!" Drifter called out and thus flew off chasing after Ione to retrieve Ahsoka's Lightsaber and bring these two girls to justice.
(Meanwhile with Ahsoka)
Ahsoka had been chasing Cassie for some time now as it was clear neither could keep it up forever. Furthermore, a chase like this through Coruscant's buildings and roofs was just asking for a slip to their deaths. Using Ahsoka's Lightsaber Cassie had sliced hover billboards to remove the improvised bridge between herself and Ahsoka bit said bridge was a short lived one. So now Cassie was climbing up a pipe after her call from Ione came to an end.
Ahsoka try to keep steady, but Cassie kept on jumping on the pipe to build up her momentum to jump higher as Ione came in fast on the speeder, Cassie soon took another jump stronger than her other ones were causing her to reach the coming speeder and causing Ahsoka to lose her balance. As she fell down The Togruta Jedi Padawan was able grab hold of the pipe, and hand on the best she can.
Coming up from behind Drifter was catching up to the two ladies who were getting away, but then his eyes locked onto Ahsoka as he saw her hanging onto the pipe she is on, seeing she may not last long as the pipe was still shaking a lot, he groaned a bit as he said, "Damn Zed and his mind set. Hang on Ahsoka!"
He flew in at her as he grabbed her from the pipe and turn around to get her to a safe area as he couldn't fly after the two thieves with someone in his arms, as he put Ahsoka down onto the area Ahsoka was at before as Drifter ask her, "You alright?"
"Yeah, but they got away," Ahsoka said as Drifter look back to see if he can spot the speeder. But alas the duo couldn't spot the speeder that got away from them. No doubt it was do to the fact that it was too far out and blended in with the other speeders around as he said, "Maybe, but at least your alive."
(Scene Break Later that Morning)
Drifter was outside the Loki Prime Warframe as he sat down with Ahsoka and said, "Come on, even if you lost your saber, it's not the end of the universe."
The sun was just rising as the two were waiting for Sinube or some good Samaritan to take them from the ledge. "But it's my lightsaber, if someone die by it… I don't know if I can even call myself a Jedi still," Ahsoka said as Drifter sighed to this as it was getting a bit annoying for him to try and cheer someone up as he soon said, "Look, even if someone blaster was stolen by someone else and use it to kill someone else on purpose, it's not the person who got their blaster taken fault, but the person using it is. If they use that weapon to hurt someone, then no doubt it will be up to you or someone else to stop them and bring to justice before they can hurt anyone else, you may not have let your lightsaber be taken on purpose, but you are taking reasonability for it and that says something about you, if the Jedi don't see it that way, then you're better off without them."
"Ah… thanks," Ahsoka said as she didn't know what to think about what Drifter said to her about that as Drifter give a smile and said, "No problem. You may have lost this round, but the fight still goes on."
"What do you mean by that?" Ahsoka asked with Drifter said to her, "Something Zed may have heard or said, I can't remember what but with Zed he doesn't give up when he lost lotus to Ballas, he never gave up, and he never stop searching for her, even going as far to ask for help in some way or form."
Meaning to himself as he did help out to save The lotus, beautiful woman she was when he saw her, maybe even more so if she wasn't mind control by that prick ballas and didn't try to kill him and Zed as Drifter look to Ahsoka and said, "In the Zed saved the Lotus even when his life was on the edge of death when he fought he never gave up, and In a way your just like him."
Ahsoka gave another questionable look as Drifter went on saying, "What I am saying is that, when things get tough, you never gave up on trying to get your lightsaber back, and you're not going to give up still, are you?"
Ahsoka thought about Drifter's words for a moment as she thought… he was right, she wasn't going to give up yet, if she kept going, no doubt about it she will catch those two thieves and get back what was taken from her as she said, "No I won't give up at all."
"There you go," Drifter said as he saw Ahsoka smile a bit as he looked over to the side as he heard something coming their way as he sees the old Jedi on a bike speeder as he came up to them and said, "I see you've learned patience, young one."
"Hey where you get this sweet ride gramps?" Drifter question the old Jedi as he said to them as Ahsoka got on as he said, "I asked one of the police droids to lend me some transportation. They were kind enough to oblige."
"Not bad," Drifter said as Sinube said, "Now let be off, we got some thieves to catch."
"And how are we going to find them? I didn't really tag that speeder, and if I had they would most likely have ditched it already" Drifter ask as Sinube, "Never underestimate someone like me young one."
He showed something in his hand as Drifter saw and smile before he Transference into his Warframe he said, "Nice job gramps."
Soon enough both groups took off down the way as they took off with Drifter flying ahead, btu soon realize that the old jedi was driving… slow as he said, "Ahh, why are old people so slow at driving?"
He turned back around to join them as he said, "You know, you can go a little faster if you twist that handle a bit you know?"
"I know how to drive thank you," Sinube said to him as Ahsoka spoken up next as she said, "You're driving too slow. We need to go faster."
"Patience! We'll cut them off at the train station!" the old jedi said to her as Ahsoka question, "How do you know they're headed there?"
"Did I mention I planted a tracking device on Ione, the girl that ran away?" Sinube said as he pulled out the tracker to Ahsoka as she said to him, "No."
(Later)
The trio soon arrived at the train station as Drifter soon said, "When you said train station, I was expecting something more... underground-ish and tracks."
"There are some of those still, but in the lower levels," The old Jedi said as he and Ahsoka got off the speeder bike as they soon walk through the crowd as they follower the tracking device signal with Drifter and Ahsoka keeping their eyes out for them.
Drifter looked around as he figured his Warframe might be a dead giveaway plus the Police Droids were out looking for the pair and thus their targets would no doubt be keeping a low profile. "If I were a pair of criminal ladies, where would I hide?" Drifter asked looking around through Loki to find their, target.
Paying close attention to the tracker with only the Stradavar Prime and Bo Prime as his only means of defense he knew to be careful in this. "We're close." Sinube said and in turn they focused on the flashing of the tracking device.
It kept flashing faster the closer they got to the other end of it and with it Ahsoka's Lightsaber. That was until the flashing stopping showing that the Signal was lost much to Ahsoka's despair. But instead of giving up Ahsoka began to walk ahead with Drifter right behind her as they continued to look for the criminal duo.
Just then the Tenno/Jedi pair looked ahead and saw a familiar pair of Bounty Hunters. "Hello." Drifter said and thus Ahsoka saw it too.
"Stop them!" Ahsoka yelled out and in turn the Police Droids zoomed in on the criminals as people got out of the way.
Ione was quickly apprehended as the Droids approached them. "Halt. Halt. You're under arrest." The Droids said only for Cassie to ignite the stolen Lightsaber and cut the two droids down leaving Ione with the two that grabbed her.
Cassie ran off and in turn Drifter and Ahsoka went after her as Drifter looked to Ione for a brief second. "Next time you want to kill me you better make sure I go splat first." Drifter said as he glared at Ione before running off leaving a shocked Ione behind.
Meanwhile Cassie was running through the crowd swinging the Lightsaber wildly to keep people away from her. Seeing an open door, she ran to it with the express intent of escaping on the train. But it seems her luck was starting to run out as the door sealed shut leaving her cornered with Ahsoka and the returned Drifter on the other side. Of course, Cassie refused to be taken in and thus jumped onto the trains roof and in response Drifter and Ahsoka followed after her.
(On the Train)
Gunfire went off as Drifter fired off the Stradavar Prime at Cassie who ducked and avoided the attack. Firing off the weapon in short bursts Ahsoka used the chance to move in and go after Cassie. Growling to this Cassie saw she was dealing with a slug slinger and knew the Lightsaber she had would no doubt be useless in stopping it without killing her. Thus, acting fast, she went down to the side and saw a window waiting for her. Smashing into it she surprised the people inside and made her way inside the train. Drifter and Ahsoka went after her and entered the train as well.
Once they were, inside they ran through the train carts intent on stopping Cassie from escaping. At least that was the plan until much to their shared shock Cassie took two Twi'lek's a mother and her child hostage. The pair was forced to stop but Ahsoka did not show fear in the face of this scene. "You're Trapped surrender now and turn the lightsaber over to me." Ahsoka said as she glared at Cassie intent on stopping her.
"Don't tell me what to do!" Cassie yelled as she glared at the pair. "I got a lightsaber and I'm as powerful as a Jedi." Cassie said as Drifter noticed something which was the fact the train was slowing down.
"I got an idea." Drifter leaned to Ahsoka and thus went on to speak to Cassie.
"Ok then you win." Drifter said as he looked to Cassie surprising her.
"Wait what?" Cassie asked as even Ahsoka was shocked.
"You win you have a hostage we can't afford to see them come to harm's way so again you win." Drifter said as he cycled through Loki Prime's abilities and found the one, he was looking for. "So let me offer you a deal. Take me instead and we'll walk away from here." Drifter said as he looked to Cassie. "I'm not a Jedi so I can't due a Jedi Mind trick and my armor is probably worth a fortune." Drifter said as he gestured to the Loki Prime Warframe. "It's a good deal very profitable as this one asshole I know would say." Drifter said as he looked to the Bounty Hunter.
"No deal the minute I let them go you'll be on me before I can react." Cassie said and thus Drifter smirked to Cassie under Loki Prime.
"Whose said you can say no." Drifter said and then to her shock her hostages were gone and in their place was Drifter. Before Cassie could react, she was slammed against the door forcing her to let go of Drifter. Ahsoka now had the hostages and was ensuring they were ok as Drifter spun Bo Prime and slammed it against Cassie forcing her back. As she stood at the door, she saw the train was about to stop and in turn allow her freedom.
Glaring at Drifter Cassie waited for her chance to act and thus smirked when the door opened. But then to her shock Sinube was there waiting for her and thus he drew his own Lightsaber from his cane which he used to block an attack from Cassie. With a few quick moves Sinube disarmed Cassie and thus the Lightsaber flew to Ahsoka's waiting hand. Drifter then acted and slammed Cassie against the wall before pointing the staff at her neck.
"Stay down." Drifter said as he glared at his foe. Just then Police Droids came in and proceeded to arrest Cassie and rejoin her with Ione. "Well old timer I got to say." Drifter said as he pulled back and sheathed his weapon. "You sure move fast for a guy who moves slow." Drifter said as Sinube smiled to this.
"The value of moving slowly is that one can always clearly see the way ahead." Sinube said and thus began to exit the train after deactivating his Lightsaber.
"Well, that was an adventure." Drifter said as he began to walk off. "Don't worry about paying me by the way this one was on me." Drifter said while waving them off heading back to the Landing Craft.
(Scene Break Orbiter)
After a trip from his Orbiter Drifter was heading into the Transference Pod and thus sat down in it since it was always the easiest way to switch out between them. Of course, that was after he got a paper and a pen and wrote something that he stuck on the inside of the Pod. Once it closed on him, he closed his eyes and focused on Zed. The two focused on the symbol of a handshake to be their method of their switch and soon a glow covered the pods interior.
Not long after the pod opened once more as Zed began to walk out taking the note Drifter left for him. "Operator you have returned." Ordis said as he saw Zed was back.
"Yeah." Zed said and thus saw the note and read it over.
"Zed, I met your crush I approve -Drifter." Zed read aloud and thus glared at the note.
"What did the Drifter say Operator?" Ordis asked with curiosity over the message.
"Nothing important." Zed said as he then crushed the paper and began to walk off. "Now Ordis has any new missions come up?" Zed asked as he looked to the Ships Cephalon.
"Several I have organized them based on your team's skill sets and urgencies of said missions." Ordis said and thus Zed began to read the list and smiled a bit.
"Contact the others tell them I'm back." Zed said and thus Ordis nodded to this and went to carry out the order. "Well back to work." Zed said and thus began to scroll through possible missions for them to take. It would seem that a Tenno's job was never done no matter what Galaxy they were in.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well here you go Chapter 4. I hope you all enjoyed it and will continue to show support for it. So until next time I ask you leave a review before leaving and as I always say here ja-ne.