Lira's eyes snapped open as the familiar feeling of frustration washed over her. She sighed and swung her legs over the edge of the narrow ship's cabin bed. Putting on her Jedi robes felt heavier today, the familiar cloth weighing her down with memories of yesterday's stilted weaved through the crowd at the spaceport auction, speaking with potential attendees to drum up interest in the Jedi cause. Many seemed friendly and curious during their brief conversations, yet no one was willing to make a firm commitment. Lira could tell that Master Sotth had faced difficulties yesterday. His warm smiles and patient words could not hide his own struggle to connect with the Gogron, the greedy Twi'lek who saw nothing beyond profit.

Lira stepped out into the corridor, determination building inside her. Maybe today would be different. She spotted Master Sotth heading out, his expression one of cautious optimism. "Good Morning Lira" he said smiling "i'll try again with Gogron,. Fewer people in morning may mean more time to ask about the temple."

Lira greeted her Master with a smile. "Good morning masterI'll spend the day walking the city streets, speaking with any auction attendees I encounter,"

Master Kirk nodded. "Just be watchful. May the Force be with you."

"And with you," Lira replied. She grabbed some supplies and headed into the dusty streets,

Master Sotth walked purposefully up to the imposing building that housed Gogron's offices. He had meditated on their previous discussion and had a new approach in mind. He entered the lobby and approached the secretary sitting behind the front desk.

"Good morning, I'm Master Kirk Sotth. I have been here yesterday, can i speak with gogron?"

The secretary glanced at her datapad. "I'm sorry, but Director Gogron is in a meeting and does not have availability on his schedule today."

Master Sotth insisted. "It is important that I speak with him again regarding the temple." The secretary gave him an apologetic look. "I understand, but Master Gogron's schedule is quite full. He does not have any more time for unscheduled appointments."

Master Sotth took a calming breath. Losing his patience would not help the situation. He tried again in a more diplomatic tone. "I see. But this matter directly concerns the history and people of Aridax. Surely director Gogron would want to allocate a few minutes to discuss it further."

The secretary shook her head. "I'm sorry, sir, but director Gogron is not available. You'll have to make another appointment for a different day."

Master Sotth saw the secretary would not be persuaded. He bowed his head politely. "Very well, thank you for your time." The secretary gave a nod and returned to her work.

Master Sotth left the office, he pondered his next steps. Since Gogron seemed unwilling to discuss the temple further, Master Sotth realized he must gather information from other sources. He decided to travel to the mining settlements surrounding the city, the miners who had worked the caverns for generations would surely know of location leading to the subterranean temple. Master Sotth reasoned.

Lira walked slowly through the dusty, impoverished streets of Aridax, taking in the sights around her. Garbage and debris lined the walkways and alleyways. The buildings were old and run down, in desperate need of repair. As she passed an alleyway, Lira noticed a group of Daxian children huddled together amidst the garbage. They looked thin and hungry, eyes pleading as they saw her walk by. Lira's heart ached at the sight of their poverty. She knelt down and opened her backpack, taking out some meal bars and fruit for the children. They descended on the provisions ravenously, tearing into them with desperate hunger. Lira gave them a sad smile."There's more in our ship. I'll bring you some more tomorrow." The children thanked her before running off amidst the garbage and grime, fighting over the meager scraps of food Lira watched them go, feeling both compassion and sorrow at their poverty.

Lira continued walking, noticing the run-down mining complex up ahead. Dozens of workers streamed in and out, their clothes and faces coated in dust. Lira wondered how much of Aridax's wealth made it into the hands of those who did the hard labor of mining in such conditions.

As she walked further into the poorer districts of Aridax. The conditions became noticeably worse - more run-down buildings, piles of trash in the street, and many more begging for credits. Lira's heart went out to them. She started giving her credits to those who asked, trying to help as many as she could. Word quickly spread and a crowd began to form around her, pleading hands reaching out for any amount of credits. Lira gave all that she had, not wanting to turn anyone away. The crowd soon dispersed, moving on to the next potential donor

. All except for one Daxien male who stayed behind. He approached Lira cautiously. "Thank you for your kindness. Many here have so little."

Lira nodded. "I wish I could do more to help."

The Daxien spoke cautiously "Are you here to help us?" Lira met the daxien's hopeful gaze, regret shining in her eyes. "I want to help free your people from Gogron's cruelty," she said earnestly. "But I am only a Padawan. My Master has not given me permission to act against the Gogron."

The Daxien's face fell in disappointment. "So the Jedi will not intervene though you see the injustice?"

Lira looked down, stricken. "The senate does not mandate we involve ourselves in non republic planet affairs... But as individuals, we wish to help where we can."

The man shook his head sadly. "So you will observe, but not act to free those being exploited"

Lira felt ashamed, realizing the truth in his words. Though she wanted to help, her status kept her from taking any meaningful action. The Daxien had hoped for liberation, yet saw only an apprentice bound by rules that prioritized neutrality over goodness.

Lira met the Daxien's pleading gaze, filled with remorse."You are right. As a Padawan, I cannot help your people as you hope." She paused, searching for the right words. "Real change must come from within. Until Aridax forms its own democratic government that joins the Republic, outside intervention can only achieve so much."

The Daxien considered this reluctantly. Lira continued. "Ultimate freedom requires self governance, embraced by Daxians themselves."

He nodded slowly, seeing the truth in Lira's words. Though disappointed aid was not imminent, he took heart knowing the Jedi supported Daxian's struggle for autonomy and democracy.

Lira met the Daxien's gaze. "My Master and I have come to learn about the ancient temple, in hopes of ensuring its mysteries do not harbor danger." She spoke carefully. "We seek only to understand if the temple pose any risk that could harm your people."

The Daxien hesitated, searching Lira's eyes. She met his gaze openly, holding nothing back.

After while the Daxien spoke slowly. "You seem honest and mean well. I will share what I know of the temple's location." His tone became cautious. "But you must swear to never reveal that I told you. Gogron has forbidden speaking of the temple under threat of punishment."

Lira nodded solemnly. sensing the Daxien's fear "You have my word as a Jedi - I will not share how I gained this knowledge"

Daxien still seemed uneasy but finally relented. "The temple entrance...it is down tunnel eagthy six at the end of Corridor . Just follow the main ore vein "

" Thank you for trusting me." Lira nodded solemnly. With that jah'raat bowed his head in gratitude before disappearing back into the crowd.

Master Sotth returned to the ship deep in thought. Gogron's obstinate refusal to grant any further meetings made his suspicions grow. The Twi'lek was clearly hiding something regarding the temple. He informed the Council of the situation Gogron's claim of ownership and refusal of access unless one won the auction. After contemplating the report, the Council decided the best course of action was to attend the auction legally. Council vowed that the Republic would send a diplomat to take part in the bidding on behalf of the Jedi Order and the Galactic Senate. Once access was gained, an investigation could be conducted and any artifacts retrieved. Interfering with the auction itself may cause further problems, the Council wisely decided.

Master Sotth bowed in acknowledgment, seeing the wisdom in the Council's diplomatic approach. Though Gogron's greed seemed extreme, confronting him directly may only harden his stance. As the jah'raat disappeared into the crowd,

Lira realized the true significance of what this daxien had risked by revealing the temple's location to her. She understood that If Gogron discovered he had spoken of the temple, the consequences could be dire and yet he had no way of knowing whether Lira could truly be trusted, but he had chosen to risk punishment by placing his faith in her. Lira felt humbled that this stranger would trust her so openly. Lira walked quickly through the dusty streets towards the spaceport. As she approached the landing bay where their ship waited, she saw Master Sotth sitting on a crate outside. She hurried over.

"Master, I have learned much." She recounted her conversations with daxien and being told the location of the temple entrance.

Master Sotth listened carefully. When she had finished, he explained the Council's decision to send a diplomat to the auction in a bid to gain legal access. They went inside the ship to discuss their next steps. Master Sotth looked weary and soon retired to his quarters to meditate. Though tired from the day's events, Lira's mind was racing. She needed some fresh air to think. Quietly she stepped outside and looked at the stary sky and started having uneasy feeling, it was propably about her conversation with daxien and the injustice she had witnessed today. The Council's approach may succeed in investigating the temple, but it would do nothing to help people suffering under Gogron. As she gazed at the distant stars, an idea began to form in Lira's mind. A small act of defiance that might help expose Gogron, at least in some small way. But it would require going against the Council's wishes.