Chapter 46
Powder Kegs
Terri looked up from the progress report on the Hawke's repairs when her comlink chirped. Seeing the caller id she directed the feed to the holoviewer , before turning her attention back to the report. Mission was set to complain about it where she and Juhani were watching an emotidrama with Bastila till she saw the caller id.
"About time you called, finally of Lothal then?" Terri remarked not looking up
"Oh she is off Lothal and currently on Arkaxia." Daria answered
Terri's head jerked up and an expression of alarm flashed onto her face
"Daria is everything allright? Why do you have Melissa's comlink" She asked
"She is currently in a time out to rethink her actions and as such she has no need of her comlink." Daria answered
The view moved to see Melissa standing in the corner of the radio room facing the wall, dressed in her sleeping clothes and absently rubbing her behind. Mission bit down on her knuckles to stop giggling at the image, having been in that position not too long ago herself . The camera moved back onto Daria.
"Could you please explain what is going on there? Why does it appear as if she is in some pain" Bastila asked in concern
"She chose a spanking and eight hours in a time out above being send to her bunk for two weeks." Daria explained
"Why did she get a spanking?" Terri demanded hotly.
"I am sending you the files and will call back in a couple of hours. I need to get back to sorting out the diplomatic mess she triggered." Daria replied, sighing
Carth was looking out over Naboo from the VIP lounge of the Halcoyn Naboo, the enforced wait while the ship was being repaired started to grate on him. Seeing movement from the corner of his eye, he turned to see the female contingent moving in determined expressions on their faces, though Mission's was almost giddy. Carth wanted to groan, that expression was only seen when she managed to prank someone. Juhani detached from the formation to retrieve Zaalbar and Canderous from the buffet section. Terri detoured to the bar and came to where he was seated with a waiter following her, holding a tray with several bottles and glasses. Terri sat down with a deep sigh
"I am going to guess that something major has occurred." Carth remarked as the other settled around in chairs
"Nothing much, just a report back from Melissa." Mission stated grinning
"How bad is it?" Carth asked
"Not too bad. Infiltrated a Sith planet successfully, found a Jedi temple, got mentally tortured in it, got out. Blood adopted her friend and her girlfriend, married the two. Then attacked a slaver fleet, made a solo breech on the slave fleet command ship and executed the commander of said slaver fleet." Terri said lightly
Carth coughed harshly as he choked on his drink
"What?" He demanded through his coughs
"It gets better, the commander of the slaver fleet was the ambassador to the Senate for the Zygerans." Bastila concluded
"You are joking, right?" Carth demanded
"We got her helmet camera feed, gun camera feed from the Milk Runner, some ship called the Yarns End and Karana's fighter."
Terri pointed her datapad at the holoviewer and started playing the files she had received. Unnoticed by the group a man in the booth to the side of them was frantically typing on his datapad as he overheard the conversation. His name was Jarod Salasa, head of program development for Coruscant Entertainment limited. The man had been sent on a mandatory vacation by the studio in an effort to stimulate his creativity, after the last four big productions flopped. His attention had been drawn by the diverse group gathering and had been about to leave to give them their privacy till he overheard the first statement. Ideas started running through his mind, patriotic productions were in vogue now, covert actions on Sith planets, a story all by itself. Subtly he pointed a second datapad at the holoviewer to record the files being played.
He nearly squeeled in delight as he saw the girl pulling a fighter down into the water, then minutes later jumping fearlessly onto a moving ship. Opening a sub file on his datapad he started fleshing out a story. A child born of a doomed relationship between two enemies in a time of war, both having been shot down and forced to rely on each other to survive. The Jedi knight breaking his vows with a Mandalorian woman. Hiding the child with his former master who had retired and both dying in battle shortly after. This was pure credits, his career was saved!
When the final scene was played Carth eschewed the use of a glass and grabbed the bottle for a deep chug. Releasing a deep cough afterward he looked at the others to see their reaction.
"This is going to cause some serious waves." He remarked
"Understatement of the millennium. It just depends on how the sensate will react." Terri replied
"It all depends on how and when this story breaks." Bastila stated
"You have the most experience with high politics, what fallout are we looking at?" Carth asked
Bastila took a sip from her drink, before answering
"There has been allegations against Zygera of slave raiding before, but no substantial evidence. The evidence here is explosive. The ambassador's statement that she is untouchable due to her positioning in the senate will inflame more tension against the senate. The anti slavery groups will have a field day with this. Public and commercial pressure on the Senate will be immense. We will see massive protests and maybe riots on Coruscant. The senate will be forced to act against Zygera, but since she was a member of the senate they will be looking to shift the blame somehow. With Mandalorian craft involved they will try to shift the narrative if not outright twist it. This is the best case scenario if the leak comes from the Senate press office." She said
"And if the civilian press breaks it first?" Canderous asked
"Imagine a gundark pit the size of the city of Threed and someone starts dropping nerfs in at random. That would be a mild reaction." Bastila sketched her image"
They all shuddered slightly at that graphic picture before Bastila continued her dissection of the problem
"And with Arkaxis being a protected trade planet the fall out will be immense once Galacticorp react to the attack on their property. The banking and industrial and commercial guilds will withdraw from any planet supporting Zygera once this breaks, it could cause a major economic slump."
"That is not adding that the Zygeran's basically handed the Sith the best propaganda to use on wavering planets. You can almost hear the sales pitch, we will protect you from the slavers being protected by the Senate. And their record of actions against slavers would back them up." Terri stated
"While conveniently forgetting to mention that the slaves rescued usually wounds up working for them." Carth replied
Terri sighed
"The truth is, contrary to what the rank and file is told, they volunteer for the most part. The forced conscription stories are just that. Revenge is a powerful motivator and the Senate ignoring the rim planets unless they are rich is creating a fertile recruiting field for the Sith." She said
"How much time do we have?" Juhani asked
"A week at best." Bastila stated
Mission huffed and crossed her arms.
"I for one am proud that Mellisa fought them. She did the right thing." She stated
"I fully agree." Zaalbar growled
"We are not saying she should have rather hidden, not of us would have. But we have to face the facts this is going to get ugly and it could complicate our mission if we have to start dodging Zygeran assassins as well." Terri replied
Unknown to them, the occupant of a third booth closed her recording application and made her way to the barman. The barman moved closer and the woman slid a thousand credit chip to him.
"I want the data from that holoviewer. You can also give me a shot of Organa orchards select" She softly said
Unknown to the guests is that the hotel had a program dedicated to record and download all activity on their holoviewers and holocoms. Mostly as a way to protect the hotel against bad publicity. If something patently illegal is being done, a discreet message will be send to the Naboo police for further management. The police get the credit and the hotel does not get mentioned in court. That information had cost the reporter three thousand credits and a night of really bad sex from a disgruntled employee of the hotel.
Hermione Stark sipped her drink appreciatively while she waited as the barman was furtively talking to a friend in the security office. Minutes later the barman slipped a datapad to her. She slipped another high denomination chip to the barman.
"Buy yourself and your friend a bottle of the good stuff." She said before slipping from the room
Minutes later the man she was supposed to meet arrived. Of course as the forerunner for the position of ambassador to the Sensate he was fashionably late, pressures of the campaign of course, not because of the underage mistress waiting in the room three floors below. He looked around the lounge in vain for the reporter.
Hermoine Stark walked straight into the boardroom where the chief editor was in a meeting with the board. The receptionist at the door trying to block her access in vain.
"Miss Stark, you had better have a good explanation for this." The chief editor snapped
"I just came from the Halcoyn following up on some leads and an interview with ambassadorial candidate Sartan Chian." She stated
"And you could not wait for me to return to my office to report on the interview why?" The editor asked
"The interview did not happen, I do have footage of him and an underage minor entering his rooms and from the tonsillectomy he was performing without a doctor's licence it was not for a youth outreach program. I can also confirm that Jedi Knight Bastila Shan is shacked up with another female Jedi knight in the ambassador suite. However these are footnote pieces to what I have." Hermoine said
"What do you have?" A board member asked
"Footage of the death of the Zygeran ambassador to the Senate while partaking in a slave raid." Hermoine stated smirking
There was a long moment of complete silence before bedlam erupted.
Melissa was seated in the mess of the Serpent strike having breakfast when the two elder females and the three yuki matriarchs entered the room. At a signal from Marina the room started clearing. Melissa sighed and pushed her plate away, appetite lost, anticipating another round of lectures on being reckless.
The feeling intensified as she was encircled by the group. She leaned back
"Did we not cover all this yesterday? I already took my punishment" She stated tiredly
Marina took her hand
"This is not about what we talked about yesterday. We received word from Terri. They are currently locked down in the ambassadorial suite on Naboo. There has been a leak to the press. The news on the slave raid broke there and is spreading rapidly through the core. For the foreseeable future none of us are going anywhere."
"How?" Melissa asked
"We do not know. The Council of Clans are already on their way here when we reported in yesterday." Daria replied
"That is also what has been bugging me. How come you arrived when you did?" Melissa asked
Marina tightened her grip on her hand.
"We wanted to surprise you for your birthday when you let us know you are coming here." Marina gently explained
"And walked straight into another one of my messes." Melissa sighed
"How is this incident, your mess?" Daria asked
Kali took her other hand
"Little wildcat, they would have raided here even if you were not here. And you were not the only one to take up arms against them, we all did. We all chose to fight instead of hide and I am proud that we did."
"I could have captured that zygeran instead of killing her." Melissa protested
"You saved her life after she tried to attack you, then she attacked again. You had no choice but to end it." Daria firmly stated
"You are not alone in this, trust your families to help and protect you." Bast said
Melissa nodded at that swallowing slightly
Marina cleared her throat
"On another matter with both the Council of Clans and the Choir coming here, we have to plan the formal wedding of Bonita and Sukura." She stated
"Is this really the best time for it though?" Melissa asked
"They suggested the idea, they think it will be good publicity for all of us. And as loath as I am to bring politics into matters of the heart, they are right." Marina answered
"None of us are happy with the politics involved, but there was always going to be some politics involved even for a lower level formal wedding." Sheba said, shrugging
"At least here, we can control everything." Daria continued
Melissa thought about it for a moment
"You are expecting a lot more than just the Council and the Choir aren't you?" She stated
"The press will be swarming to get here. Galacticorp is already sending delegates. We think the Jedi council will also send someone and the Senate will definitely send a group on a "fact finding mission", the local indigents have already send their elders for a discussion with us, the Yuki and Galacticorp." Daria replied
"So we will be up to our eyeballs in politicians, press and spies." Melissa said in disgust
"Unfortunately, yes." Marina replied
"We have to ask that you keep your armour on at all times when you are off ship and make sure you are always armed." Daria said
"Fearing bounty hunters and assassins popping up." Melissa remarked
"Merely being cautious. And this is not just for you, there will be some very high profile people here. Think of it as extra security." Daria suggested
Melissa nodded at that
"Why are the others under lockdown?" She asked
"Seems that Terri and Bastila's courtship became public knowledge as well, needless to say it is causing quite a stir. As if it is any of another's business." Marina stated in disgust
"Apparently they have reporters encircling the hotel. That is one of the reasons for the public marriage. Sukura and Bonita hope to draw attention from them." Sheba explained
Three days later found Melissa seated in the Arkaxis court building, the only building currently big enough and intact enough to host the different delegations, power being supplied by a generator as the power plant had been one of the first places to be hit. Galacticorp had sent several board members, the Choir was in full attendance as well as the Council of clans. The planet was represented by the town council and the council of elders for the settlers.
Seated next to Jack she leaned over as a member from Galacticorp was droning on
"How are the kids doing?" She asked softly
"As good as they can, they are a bit jumpy at present and they have demanded that we keep your craft fully loaded and fuelled. It really hit them hard several hours later." Jack replied
Doreen leaned over.
"We never got to thank you in the aftermath, if it was not for your machine they would have been the first to be grabbed, the bastards had scouted the entire town first and the first ship headed for our house. As it was they were nearly caught if not for Ruby firing the canon into the capture craft."
"How did she manage that?" Melissa asked
"She and Nora studied Mandalorian purely to understand how the canon software worked." Doreen replied
"No sacrifice is too high for big explosions and guns." Jack smiled fondly
"Who drove it?" Melissa asked.
"Yang, Nora navigated through the periscope and Jaune and Ren were the gunners, Pyrrha acted as Ruby's spotter and Weiss and Blake were on ammo detail." Jack answered
He was silent for a moment
"It will be a pity if we have to move again. I really started to like this planet." He said
"Why would you move?" Melissa asked
"Unless a lot of credits can be found Galacticorp is likely to pull out and the town is not large enough yet to survive on its own. A lot of people are jittery of another attack as well." Jack explained
The meeting went into a recess and Melissa drifted over to where Marina and Daria was talking with Count Fett. The shifted to let her into their circle.
"It simply comes down to this, we cannot execute the hutuun as they deserve or the Republic will be all over us." Fett stated in disgust
"The Yuki can also not take them for the same reason, nor can Galacticorp." Marina stated
"And if the republic take the zygerans they will walk in hours if not minutes and not get the punishment they deserve." Daria added
Melissa thought for a moment and an idea came to her
"The punishment should fit the crime." She muttered
"Sorry, what is that?" Marina asked
Melissa looked at the three clan leaders
"Can we gather all the clan leaders in the jury room, I have an idea to run past them."
Melissa found herself standing before the gathered clan leaders for the second time. Nervously she removed her helmet and tucked it under her arm before moving into position where all could clearly see and hear them. Count Fett motioned for her to begin
"So what is this idea you have?" He asked
Melissa cleared her throat
" The problem we are facing is that we have no way of punishing the aureti hutuun with no repercussion from the republic. There are some elements in the senate that will use it against us, yet the Resol'Nare demands that we act." Melissa started
"We already know this." Baron Djarin stated dismissively
"I think I know how to punish them as they deserve without repercussions for us." Melissa continued
"How?" Countess Brevkin asked
"We hand them over to a group the Republic will not act against, a group they are already in conflict with." Melissa stated
"Go on." Fett said
"The zygerans have been encroaching on Hutt trade routes and merchandise. I suggest we contact Sakara and offer her the zygerans. I believe she will happily take them to make an example off." Melissa said.
"And the hired thugs?" Brevkin asked
"If she does not want them for her spice mines we can always collect the bounties on them. Their ships we sign over to Galacticorp as means to recover their costs through salvage. The cruiser that is drifting in orbit goes to Yukira." Melissa answered
"And how do you propose we move all of the prisoners without them trying to escape?" Djarin asked
"There is a perfectly good carbonite freezing plant not far from here, all it needs is a power source." Melissa answered
Fett leaned back and started to chuckle
"A punishment fitting the crime indeed and a perfect way to piss of the politicians when they arrive." He said chuckling
"All in favour for the suggestion?" Brevkin asked
Zess Kai Ell paused as he stepped from the Consular class ship, what he was feeling was perplexing. He expected to feel agitation, anger, resentment. The expected resentment was there but a lot less than he was counting on, what really bothered him was the gleeful expectation in the air. His padawan shifted to her place on his left.
"Reach out and tell me what you feel." He commanded
The Corellian girl closed her eyes for a moment as she concentrated before opening them
"It is hard to explain master." She said apologetically
" Explain as best you can." Zess Kai Ell encouraged her
"The closest I can come is when some mischief was being planned when I was in the crèche in the temple. I also sense some resentment from all the people here, but not towards us, towards the beings with us." She replied
"That is what I am sensing too. Most intriguing." He stated
The feeling intensified as the Senate representatives stepped out. Their sneering expressions not doing much to ease the tension. The air was filled with the whine of engines as an abnormally large pleasure cruiser threw its shadow over the consular craft. A convoy of vehicles moved out to meet the second craft.
"Where is our transport?" A senatorial aid demanded
The woman placed her hand on his padawan
"You, go find out."
Zess Kai Ell firmly took the offending limb and gave it a slight twist
"If you are so concerned about the transport I suggest you find out yourself." He said
The woman tried to break from his grip and failed, she staggered back as he let go
"I believe our transport is on the way, master." His padawan stated, blithely
He picked up the undertone of amusement in her voice and looked to where she was looking. An archaic wagon being drawn by two tauntauns was slowly making its way to them. The driver very clearly an Agamarian if one could judge by the clothes. He hid his own mirth as he heard the mutterings behind him from the party with them
"I believe we shall walk to the town, get some exercise after our long
flight." He said to his padawan
"Of course, master." She replied
The two passed the wagon as they walked to the town. The driver stopped to ask if they wanted transport to the town first.
"Should you not get the representatives first?" Zess Kai Ell asked
"They can wait or they can walk." The man replied, spitting over the side
"Then we shall take your offer. It is not everyday you get the opportunity to ride in vehicle like this." Zess Kai Ell answered with a smile
The two Jedi jumped up and the driver turned the wagon around and drove back to the town.
Approaching the town courthouse a familiar figure was leaning against a blaster shot riddled wall wall. Reaching out with the force Zess Kai Ell felt the hidden watchers covering their approach. His padawan shifted to stand on a knee, hand slowly edging to her lightsaber. He clasped her shoulder
"There is no danger here to us." He simply stated
She relaxed her hand from the hilt of her blade and shifted to a more relaxed posture. They both felt the amusement of the hidden watchers at that move. Surreptiously she looked around to spot the watchers
"How many have you spotted?" Zess Kai Ell asked, stroking his beard
"Four, but I sense another six at least." She replied
"Tell me where they are." Kai Ell invited
"Two inside what could have been a bakery, one in the alley to our left, the fourth has shifted to be behind us." She answered
"Remember to always look up as well, there is one on the water tower and another on top of the courthouse building roof. Curiously there is one very close to us. Care to guess where?" Kai Ell lectured
"Sorry master, I can sense her but it is like she is underneath us, but that should not be possible." She replied minor puzzlement in her voice
Zess Kai Ell tapped the floor of the wagon with his boot.
"I hope you are not too uncomfortable down there." He said
"Comfort is irrelevant to getting the job done." The voice came through the planks of the floor board
He looked on as the residents of the town was bust fixing the damages sustained in the attack, a curious number of holes in the road indicative of explosives. The worker stopping their work to watch as they went by. Reaching the courthouse the wagon came to a stop and he lightly jumped off and approached the figure by the wall. His padawan close behind him. Without a word the coachman turned his wagon around to move to the republic vessel
"Knight Wren, a pleasure as always." He stated smiling
"A pleasure as well Master Kai Ell. But I think you are mistaken about the knight status." She replied removing her helmet and clipping it to her gunbelt
"Master Vandar was most adamant that you passed your trails. Though he was slightly confused as to the temple that it took place in." Zess Kai Ell responded, probing lightly
"I bet that caused a few ruffled ego's." Melissa stated
"Let us just say it was an interesting session and say no more. I do not believe you have met my padawan as yet?" Zess Kai Ell shifted the topic
Melissa extended her hand to the padawan
"Melissa Aliit Wren Aliit Ordo. And apparently a grey Jedi Knight."
"Elrica Tabira." The padawan responded taking the hand
Melissa twisted her hand and brought the padawan's hand up before kissing the knuckles
"A beautifull name for a beautifull woman. Do I detect a Correlian accent?" She asked
The padawan blushed to her roots and looked to her master for guidance
"Please do not try to corrupt my padawan." Zess Kai Ell stated with a sigh
"How is telling the truth corrupting?" Melissa responded
"Most curious how do you know the accent is Correllian? As far as I know you have never been there." Zess tried to change the subject
Melissa gave a sly grin
"I might have been there for a few days, nothing official of course." She stated
It took a moment for the Master to connect the dots. The raid on the CEC, rogue force users, rogue female force users. He sighed in irritation
"Vandar will be pleased his prediction was right." He stated
"If I may ask, right about what?" Melissa asked
"That there was more to the raid on Corellia two that meets the eye, it also answers a few questions about the Lothal mission for me." Zess replied
"Somebody raided Corellia two. Oh my." Melissa gasped, unconvincingly
Elrica looked at the curious girl in front of her in a new light. Until being taken on by Zess Kai Ell as his padawan learner, she had been training in the Green Jedi Temple on Corellia. The raid had been a hot topic of discussion in the dormitories. Adding the mystique of being knighted at an early age, being part of a section of Jedi she never heard off, the bright silver armour also played a part, not mentioning the aura of power she exuded.
Zess Kai Ell threw Melissa an unimpressed look as he picked up on the shift in atmosphere. Melissa gave him an unrepentant grin before turning back to Elrica
"There is a formal banquet tonight for the VIP visitor, perhaps we can compare notes on the differences between the Green Jedi and the regular variety." She suggested
Elrica hesitated to reply shooting a look at her master, who merely sighed and nodded
"If my duties allow it." She said with a slight stammer.
Zess Kai Ell looked around the mostly empty area.
"Should there not be a delegation to meet the Senate delegation?" He asked
"The delegates have left to meet the VIP as she lands, they will of course return in due course and give the necessary attention to the Senate delegation, in proportion to their relevance." Melissa answered
Kai Ell barely hid a wince as he realised what sort of welcome the senate delegation was about to receive.
"I sense another two Force users, are they with you?" Melissa asked
"Master Lonna Vash and her padawan, they had decided to wait with the delegation while we asses the situation first." Zess Kai Ell replied
Melissa pulled out her datapad and typed a message on it.
"I have reserved four bunks on the Serpent strike for all of you." She stated
"And for the Senate delegation?" Erica asked
"Arkaxis has a by the hour resort, their beds have been booked there, though they will be responsible for their own costs beyond bed and breakfast, no other services will be free of charge." Melissa replied
Zess Kai Ell could not hide the wince this time as the level of implied insult hit. The sound of the returning wagon forced their conversation to its end. Melissa gave a sharp whistle before placing her helmet back on and another Agamarian stepped from the court building.
"Master Kai Ell, meet Nodd the public relations officer assigned to the senate delegation. You have met his brother Bubba, the driver of their official transportation. You and the other Jedi are of course free to contact me with any questions."
Melissa retook her position leaning against the wall as the wagon came to a stop. Bubba spat over the side again and told the travellers to get off. Lonna Vash and her padawan dropped from the ride easily and joined the other three. The senate delegates were milling around unsure how to get off.
"You are going to need the plank to get them off." Melissa said to Nodd
Taking a look Nodd, nodded and added his stream of spit to Bubba's.
"Yep, good thing we made it sturdy and wide."
The plank was barely in place when the tauntauns showed why you should always be upwind with them as they added to the mess in the street. The resulting smell had the delegation of the wagon of short order.
Barely off from the wagon, the pushy aide approached Melissa
"Take us to the leaders of this… village." She demanded
"At esta jurkadir ti, ge'hutuun." Melissa replied
"Do you know who I am and who I represent?" She demanded
" Nyac, est nyac ori'buyce kih'kovid" Melissa lazily replied, leaning further back against the wall
The groups protocol droid had finally caught up with the group, on hearing the last statements it let out an electronic screech of indignation
"How Rude." It exclaimed
"What did this peasant say?" The aide demanded
" Ibtuur jatne tuur ash'adkyrámur, ori'jagyc." Meliss snapped in reply
Zess Kai Ell stepped forward.
"Before this devolves any further I believe introductions are in order." He stated
Pointing to Melissa
"May I present Melissa Aliit Wren, granddaughter to Countess Wren of the Mandalorian council of Clans."
The aide stepped back in shock and tried to merge with the mob, a very corpulent man started hissing in her ears. Melissa pointed to Nodd
"This gentleman will show you to your accommodations. Nodd if you will take over. He will notify you when the delegation return from greeting the VIP guest that has arrived just now."
"Why were we not greeted by the delegates involved?" A senator demanded
"If you had arrived at the time you were supposed to, they would have met you. Since you arrived four hours late, well the results speak for itself." Melissa replied
"This is an insult." The senator snapped
"So is arriving late, then again no one is forcing you to be here, leave if you want." Melissa responded drily
Nodd stepped forward.
"If you will follow me." He stated
"One last thing. Any disturbances will be investigated by the planetary marshal and prosecuted as needed. Keep to the local laws." Melissa said
"We have diplomatic immunity." The senator pompously stated
"That has yet to be ratified. You have been warned" Melissa replied
Nodd led the group of to facility known as the No Tell Hotel, disgruntled whispers heavy in the air as they followed their guide. Melissa pushed of from the wall she was leaning against and turned to the Jedi group
"If you will follow me I will show you to your accommodations."
She led the way and Zess Kai Ell fell into place beside her
"If I have a question, where would the accomadation be if for example Masters Vrook and Atris had been sent in stead?" He idly asked
"Room two oh four in the No Tell Hotel next to the BDSM room, I should mention the wall are reported to be very thin." Melissa replied blandly
"A good thing we are on good terms then." Zess remarked with a smirk
"I am afraid that it was the only single room still available, I do not believe it would be that bad, they do change the linen once a week I am told." Melissa innocently replied
Wearing her helmet she had no reason to hide her smirk as she felt the momentary disgust being broadcast by the group following her. Leading the way past the sentry by the boarding ramp she took the group to the officer section of the cruiser. She stopped and pointed to a door where two sentries waited
"These are your quarters for the duration. The ladies by the door are your assigned guides while on this ship. I do not believe I have to state that movement without them on the ship is not allowed, for security reasons." Melissa informed the four
"Are they permanently assigned to us?" Elrica asked
"They will be on rotation with others, and they will only accompany you while on the ship. Anywhere else feel free to go where you like" Melissa responded
We understand." Lonna Vash replied
"Thank you, please com me if there is any concerns or questions. I will let you settle in, dinner is in three hours." Melissa said
Melissa paused after a few steps
"I should have said dinner would be formal dress required, but then again Jedi do not have formal dress." She said
"No we don't." Zess Kai Ell replied, smiling.
Kai Ell ked the way into the room. Two sets of bunk beds lined one wall, a small cubicle with an open door revealed itself to be a refresher station. Vash's padawan pulled a device from a shoulder pouch he was wearing and started waving it around. Kai Ell frowned as he recognised the device
"Padawan Kree, stop insulting our hosts." He stated sharply
The Mon Calamari lowered the device, a sudden flash of anger crossing his face before taking on a stoic impression.
"Excuse me Master, my apologies. If I may ask, how is doing a security sweep insulting to our hosts?" He asked, insincerity oozing in his voice
"We are under visitor rights on this vessel. Doing a sweep indicates that you have no respect for your host." Vash stated
"Did you read the files you were supplied with?" Kai Ell demanded
"Of course I did Master." Kree replied
"Then you should know better as it was very clearly stated that once visitor rights had been granted the guests privacy and safety is guaranteed." Kai Ell snapped
Vash and Kai Ell made themselves comfortable before motioning for the padawans to take a seat. Kai Ell distractedly rubbed his moustache before turning to Vash
"What are your impressions so far?" He asked
"There is a lot of raw emotions in the town, I do not believe the republic delegation will have a lot of success in their mission, assuming they keep to it and not pursue their own agendas." Vash replied
Elrica shifted in her chair and the two masters gave her their attention
"Something has been puzzling me. It feels like there is too little emotion in the force." She said
"Explain your statement." Vash invited her
"I can sense the people on the ship and the town, they are angry but also expectant of something. What I do not sense is the emotions of the captives, surely we should feel more resentment, hate and anger coming from them, but all I feel is a void in the direction of the industrial complex." Elrica answered
"The Cats and the Mando's probably killed them all." Kree snorted
"Kree, that was uncalled for." Vash snapped
"I am starting to feel like your padawan is going to be a liability." Zess told Vash
"I agree" Vash replied
Vash turned a stern eye onto the padawans
"You are here representing the Jedi order. As such your manners will be above approach, as Jedi you should have no pre conceptions of the beings assembled here." She said
"Two of the groups here are from a warrior culture and they will not hesitate to challenge you should you insult them." Kai Ell added
"And make no mistake if a challenge is made you will stand alone. The Order can not afford to create more enemies in order to save you." Vash continued
"If you get into a fight you will most likely have to face knight Wren and neither of you are good enough to face her." Zess concluded
Elrica nodded in affirmation that she received the message, Kree looked sceptical. Vash gave him a stern glare before turning back to Kai Ell
"I wonder who is the VIP guest knight Wren referred to." She said
"Whoever it is, must be a big part in whatever plan that got hatched here." Kai Ell replied
Two hours later the alert chime came from the door and Elrica went to open the door on receiving a nod from her Master. Knight Wren stood there dressed in a black bodysuit under her gleaming armour, gunbelt slung across her hips. Elrica stood aside and motioned for her to enter.
"Welcome Knight Wren." She said
"Melissa, no need to stand on ceremony." Melissa corrected her gently.
"Are you here to collect us for the banquet?" Vash asked
"There has been a change, the VIP has decided that the trip here was tiring and will sit out the event. The gathering will still go on as more of a community event. If you are still interested in going we are leaving in twenty minutes." Melissa replied
"Will the Senate delegates be there as well?" Kree asked
"No. They were informed that their scheduled meeting with the assembled delegates is tomorrow strictly at eight. They thus have the night to prepare themselves." Melissa answered
Vash And Kai Ell shared a glance.
"Padawan Kree will be staying here as contact point for the senate delegation with us. We will join you." Vash stated
"We can leave whenever you are ready then." Melissa replied
"If you will give us a moment?" Vash asked
Melissa nodded and left the room. As the door closed behind her Vash turned to her padawan.
"You will stay here and contemplate the code in meditation, you are not to leave this room for any reason save a life threatening emergency." She firmly stated
"Yes, Master." Kree replied, an undertone of sullenness present
Melissa was standing patiently outside as they exited the room. She turned to Elrica and presented her hand
"If you would be so kind as to be my companion for the evening?" Melissa asked
"Keep in mind the rule about attachment." Vash cautioned
"Not really relevant to the green Jedi as they do not enforce that rule, nor do the grey. More importantly if I have a companion for the evening it would be crass to approach me with marriage offers." Melissa replied
"Does the Mandalorians still practise that?" Kai Ell Asked
"As do the Yuki." Melissa answered
Having delivered the Masters to the main table, Melissa led the way to a table at the rear. Elrica noted with surprise that it was the table reserved for the younglings.
"My grandmothers are still slightly upset with me." Melissa chuckled
"How so?" Elrica asked
"Despite being a legal adult, they still reserve the right to treat me as a child if they are displeased with my actions. They believe I acted recklessly in the recent incursion." Melissa replied
"Yet you find being treated like this humorous?" Elrica asked
"The youngling table is often more relaxing. No politics there and we get to see the latest romance drama there. The youngest males of the Kryze and Fett clans are vying for the hand of the youngest of my clan. All three are seven, so prepare for some really cheesy flirting and one upmanship. Watching Ellia shooting them down is hilarious." Melissa answered
Sitting down at the head of the table she caught Yang trying to convince Jaune to sneak to the drinks table to steal a bottle of wine.
"Not happening tonight." Melissa shot her down
"But Weiss has had wine before." Yang protested
"I do not need Vanessa and Doreen gunning for me as well, so no." Melissa firmly stated
"What punishment did you get?" Nora asked
"A time out among other things and getting to ride herd on you lot." Melissa answered
After introducing the various younglings to Elrica, she called a waiter over and ordered a round of the special drink for the table. Elrica looked at the tall glass in front of her as most of the youngling attacked their glasses with happiness and the rest taking to it with gusto after taking a sip.
"What is this?" She asked
"Milk shakes. Non alcoholic, it is a mixture of ice cream, milk and a flavourant, in this case chocolate." Melissa replied.
Chatter flowed easily around the table as they discussed several subjects and argued as to why pink armour was not suitable with the girls excluding Melissa holding it to be a suitable colour. Elrica found herself relaxing in the atmosphere. Music started up after the main meal was served, the platters on the table having to be refreshed several times. Melissa turned to the two young men at the tables
"Pyrrha And Nora, sorry I am going to steal your dates for the first dance. Jaune, Ren would you care to accompany me And Elrica to the dance floor?"
The girls in question flushed pink at that. Both the Kryze and Fett heirs doubled their attention to Ellia causing her to grab Ruby as her dance partner. The two boys approached Yang and Weiss as consolation prizes. Rising from the table, Melissa explained for Elrica
"Mandalorian custom dictates that the first dances are for the younger members, mostly so that they feel included in all the gatherings."
The night passed in eating and entertainment. Melissa having to confiscate a bottle of Tihaar Yang had managed to sneak from the drinks table. Sharing the bottle with Elrica had her walking arm in arm to the craft with a very tipsy padawan back to the ship and ducking into her cabin.
Walking into the mess room had her cousins cat calling to her to the amusement of all gathered in the room.
"Lock up your girlfriends the great seductress is here." Karana called out
"Brazenly doing the walk of shame, no less." Xena stated, mock disappointed
"Nothing happened." Melissa stated
"Nothing happened, are we to believe you took your date into your room and nothing happened." Lillith mockingly said
"She passed out once we got into my room and threw up three hours later. So yes, nothing happened." Melissa replied
"Oh our pour cousin, all those nefarious plans to get laid and clam jammed because her mark is a lightweight." Karana stated consolingly.
"Girls, leave Melissa alone." Daria stated behind them
"Thank you , Buir." Melissa replied
"Instead of mocking her, you should be commiserating with her for failing to score with such an easy mark." Daria continued
Melissa hung her head as the various cousins started snickering
The senate contingent was two hours late to the courtroom where the meeting was to be held. When they eventually arrived they were shown to cheap plastic chairs set along the wall. Their aides were forced to stand as only enough chairs were supplied for the senators. The senior senator, Aldred Organa from Alderan stood up
"We thank you for the opportunity to address this gathering and resolve the issue at hand. We hope to solve this dispute as respectfully and expeditiously as possible for all parties involved." He began
"Respectfully? Yet you show up hours late twice now, I believe you should look up the word in a thesaurus." Gar Artara from the Choir stated
"While you are looking that word up, I suggest you also look up the word dispute, because calling a slave raid a dispute is also seriously incorrect." Bena Solara from Galaticor stated, her voice ice
"As for solving the "dispute", that has already been done." Jare Saxon said
Organa blanched at the response to his statement. The senator from Rodia jumped up
"We demand the release of all the beings you illegally captured." Sule Ara demanded
"Since when is defending yourself illegal?" Doreen asked, speaking for the town council
The senator ignored her and waved a datapad in the air
"I have a list of names of those illegally detained and demand to see them before they are released." Sule Ara screeched.
"So you are the hired hand of Zygera. How stereotypical" Marina drawled.
"You want to see them? We can do that now." Baron Fett grinned savagely
The room emptied as the group led the way to the industrial complex, the large pleasure cruiser was docked next to it, a large tent had been set up next to it, various beings scattered around the craft in guard position. Droids were delivering large squares to the waiting craft. The Senate delegation was led to the tent. Fett turned to the senators.
"May I present Sakara the imperious. She has taken possession of all those convicted on this planet for attempted slave raiding. And she has agreed to take in all those attempting to do so again."
Gar Artara gave a feral grin to Sule Ara
"As for wanting to see the criminals, they are right here. Let us start with those in command"
Two dancing girls pulled back a curtain. The senate delegation gasped and stepped back in shock. Fifteen carbonite frozen Zygerans were propped up behind the curtains, the centre piece the body of the former senator, she was positioned on her knees her severed head held out in her outstretched hands.
"They will be the centre pieces of my new art collection. Does it not look very dramatic." Sakara chuckled, after pulling on her pipe.
Jace Artura, speaking for Arkaxia five's indigent population looked to the Senate delegation before spitting at their feet
"Go back to your Senate, we will no longer tolerate your presence. Your republic has failed us for the last time."
"Let us not be hasty. The republic can still help you." Aldred Organa tried to placate
"No, we have signed mutual defence and trade agreements with the Choir of Yukira and the Mandalorian council of Clans. Galacticorp contract has been extended and modified to allow limited mining and manufacturing." Jace Artura stated
"In these agreements permission has been given for the establishment of fighter training academies and jungle warfare schools for both Yukira armed forces and Mandalorian students from their academies." Gar Artara stated
"To put it in terms even the slowest among you will understand. Don't kriff with this planet again. If you survive you will be sold to the spice mines on Nal Hutta." Djarin spoke slowly
"You have an hour to get of this planet or you will be joining your friends in the carbonite." Jace Artura concluded