Chapter 79
Ahto City Drudgery
Terri dropped into chair at the table Melissa had been holding at a café overlooking the Republic embassy, she groaned and dropped her hand in her hands
"It went that well?" Melissa remarked
"It went absolutely wonderfull. Not only had Jolee made us out to be Sith sympathisers, the stupid bastard got himself arrested for interfering in a murder investigation by the Selkath." Bastila replied sarcastically
"Till we resolve this murder case Jolee is restricted to the embassy and we will get no help whatsoever." Terri added
Melissa motioned to a droid waiter to come over. Placing an order for a large early lunch for the three of them she turned her attention back to the two seated at the table
"So what is Jolee's interest in the murder?" She asked
"Apparently he was told by the main suspects wife that the man had been arrested. The embassy got involved as he is a republic citizen and apparently a war hero of some sort. The woman killed was attached to the Sith Embassy." Terri explained
"And the Republic wants him to skate on the charge." Melissa concluded
"Got it in one. Jolee was busted trying to intimidate a witness." Terri added
"So where do we start?" Melissa asked
"At the Ahto City court of Justice, we have to declare ourselves as independent investigators and since Jolee screwed up we can not play the Jedi is neutral card." Bastila said
"So I am guessing as an "enemy" to the Jedi you want me to take the lead." Melissa said
"That would be our best bet." Terri said
Terri looked around her
"Where are the others?" She asked
"Canderous ran into a clanless getting ready to leave, apparently the republic is hiring mercenaries by the dozen. The pay was good, but so far not one of the mercenaries had been seen again, and the clanless decided discretion is the better part of valour. He, HK and Mission are investigating, they are visiting the bars and the swoop bike track to see if they can find clues, though Mission said she will not step into the brothels. Carth and Zaalbar had to take Juhani back to the ship." Melissa said
"Why?" Bastila asked
It was Melissa's turn to sigh deeply and she flexed her hands in anger.
"We were approached by a sleemo who offered us credits for Juhani. The bastard admitted to dealing in Cathar slaves. Juhani recognised him as the bastard that bought her mother on Taris before Meetra Sutrik busted the the "indentured servant" auction." She reported
"Okay, I can see taking her back to the ship before Juhani killed him, what are we doing about the sleemo?" Terri said, wincing
"I have T3 tailing the bastard. Once we know where he is docked well that is up to Juhani, assuming the sleemo does not try and get clever." Melissa said
"We will deal with that first. Jolee's buddy will have to cool his heels for a bit longer." Terri decided
"That was my thought process as well. Though with how long I had been holding this table it is only fair that we order something first." Melissa nodded her head
Melissa moved the caf carafe and pointed to it
"I am guessing that one is the republic watcher." She said
Using the reflective surface she pointed out a Rodian holding a table but not ordering anything. She then shifted the carafe to point out a man and woman sitting at a table holding hands, though their attention was more on them than their date.
"And that would be the Sith." Terri nodded
Their attention was drawn to a group of silver uniforms confronting a group in orange uniforms. Several of the café patrons hastily dropped credits on the tables and left.
"What is the laws on self defence in this place?" Terri asked , taking a bite of food
"Non lethal response only if you are attacked. Apparently they do not count the docks as part of the city, so anything goes. Though the rules change when a Selkath is involved." Bastila quickly looked the law up on her datapad
"Looking for an excuse?" Melissa asked
"If it comes to that." Terri shrugged
The expected fight kicked off with the Republic soldiers in the minority. A sith soldier crashed over the barrier separating the promenade from the café and onto their table. His flailing hand struck Bastila against the chest
She grabbed the caf carafe and bashed him with it.
The sith soldiers realising their was a third side now and tried to split their forces. The three got up from their table, leaving a broken nose and concussed Sith soldier draped over their table. Melissa slipped her helmet back on. A sith soldier jumped onto the barier to get to them. Melissa grabbed him by his tunic and pulled him closer administering a Keldabe kiss. The man dropped to the ground his bell well and truly rung by the beskar helmet.
Melissa dropped low as Terri launched a kick from behind her, taking another boarder by surprise. The kick dislocating the soldiers jaw and taking several teeth out. Bastila was using the carafe to great effect beating another two back.
"Stop fighting. Step back." Melissa said urgently
A squad of Selkath peacekeepers had arrived and started firing their sonic weapons into the struggling mass. A peacekeeper swung his weapon towards the trio and dropped the barrel slightly when they did not resist
"You will go before the adjudicators." The selkath warbled out
"Gladly, can we pay for our meal first before we go?" Melissa asked
They went to the service station and paid. The twi'lek owner slipped them a disc
"Security footage. Thank you for stopping them from tearing my place apart. The Selkath refuse to pay for damages and the embassies just give you the run around." He said in Twi'leki
"Our Pleasure." Terri replied in the same
They stepped from the café, gunbelts suspended from a finger they extended to the peacekeepers.
"We are coming peacefully." Melissa said
Two Selkath stepped forward and took the gunbelts. Another two fell in behind them
"We go now."
The court of Justice was a small distance away from the republic embassy. They were led into a room where several peacekeepers stood between lines of benches. The benches were nearly full and it was fairly split between silver and orange uniforms. Another line of peacekeepers stood in front of a line of seven Selkath sitting on chairs behind an elevated desk, all at the same level. A Sith and Republic officer stood behind podiums facing the bench. One of the seven lifted a webbed hand to motion for silence
"I see three here that is not dressed like the usual protagonists that we have to face daily. We will adjudicate their case first." He informed the officers
The two looked like they wanted to object but stepped back and took seats. The trio stepped behind one of the podiums. The one who had spoken turned to the four peacekeepers.
"Charges?" He demanded
"Disturbing the peace. They got involved in a fight between the Sith and the republic."
The two officers immediately showed more interest in this case, Another Selkath spoke
"On which side did they fight?" She demanded
"Their own." The peacekeeper replied
"Did they resist arrest?" She continued
"No they stopped as soon as we arrived and disarmed without being told to. They also paid for their food to the owner of the food place before leaving." The peacekeeper reported
The Selkath turned to the trio.
"What say yoou in your defence?" She elongated the you as Selkath tended to do
Melissa stepped closer to the podium and removed her helmet before nodding politely to the bench
"Forgive my ignorance, how are we to address the bench members?" She asked
"You will address us as Adjudicators." A third spoke up
"Thank you, Adjudicator, may we present evidence in our defence?" She continued
"You may?"
Melissa handed the disc to a peacekeeper
"This is the security footage given freely to us by the owner of the café, can we play it?"
The peacekeeper placed the disc into a player and a hologram popped up
"As the honourable Adjudicators can see we were having lunch when the two groups assembled close to where we were seated. You will notice that at the onset of hostilities we did not intervene."
Melissa turned to the peacekeeper
"Stop the recording and close in on the table please?" She requested
The recording stopped when the soldier crashed onto their table
"And there we have the reason for retaliating. We retaliated in self defence when one of us was sexually assaulted by the Sith soldier. Proceed playing please."
The recording continued
"As the recording shows we only fought to keep them away from us." Melissa continued
"This is preposterous!" The Sith officer was on his feet
The officer stormed up to the podium
"That woman was touched accidently, it was not a forethought attack." He objected
"What say yoou?" The second Adjudicator asked Melissa
"The Sith have a reputation for forcing themselves on unwilling females, how were we to know the difference between an accident and a deliberate attack in a brawl?" She said
The Adjudicator nodded her head
"The Sith reputation is known so I believe the fear is valid." She stated
"They only fought once attacked." The fourth spoke up
"They did not get involved more than defending themselves." The seventh spoke
"They respected the laws and stopped well before being told to." The first spoke
"We have a consensus?" The sixth looked around the bench
The seventh merely nodded looking bored. The first spoke.
"Agreed the panel is. We find you innocent on disturbing the peace and you are free to go."
"The Sith embassy is to pay a thousand credits to each of you as recompense." The second Adjudicator spoke
"You are dismissed" The seventh spoke
Melissa nodded to the bench
"We thank you for your time. However we have another matter before the bench. At the behest of the republic we have been charged to act as Investigators in the matter of the republic officer Sunry and present ourselves before the bench." Melissa said
"What is your interest in the matter?" The fifth Adjudicator asked
"We have no involvement beside being in essence blackmailed to render the service to the republic before we can receive help from them in return." Melissa replied
"They are hardly neutral. We already have the Jedi trying to interfere in the matter as it is." The Sith officer objected
"And the republic takes offence at being accused of blackmail." The republic officer added
"As the bench can see both sides are against the idea and we leave the matter to your wise judgement." Melissa stated
The adjudicators looked among themselves and a shield went up, they could see them discussing something but could not hear what was said. The shield dropped
"You are Mandalorian." The second Adjudicator demanded
"At est Mando Ade." Melissa confirmed
"What is your relationship to the republic and Sith?" The third asked
"Mine or my peoples." Melissa asked for clarification
"Your people first." The first demanded
"My people is neutral in the current conflict. As for myself I see myself as hostile to both sides." Melissa replied
" So not truly neutral but do not have any reason to favour one party against the other." The sixth spoke
"In essence yes. I will follow the case where the evidence leads." Melissa stated firmly
"At the cost to your business with the republic you alluded to. Please." The Sith officer scoffed
The seven Selkath raised the shield again and minutes later dropped it
"We do not have full consensus on the appointment, but the majority will allow it. Be warned that you will be under intense scrutiny in this matter." The first warned
The Selkath pointed to a desk
"The bailiff will provide you with the case details. Once you are ready we will proceed to trial."
The sith officer received a message and looked at it
"With the benches indulgence we request an observer be assigned to watch over them. The observer will ensure that they follow their remit but will not interfere" He said
"Granted." The third Adjudicator hurriedly said
"And who is this observer?" The republic officer demanded
"Major Pearson. The Embassy head of security. Holding that position he is very familiar with criminal investigations."
The door to the room opened and a very familiar man walked in. His uniform was immaculate. He shot the trio a sharklike grin
"Misses Plant and Knight Shan. It will be a pleasure working with you."
Carth was running diagnostics in the cockpit when his comlink went of. Seeing the caller id he answered
"I was wondering when you would check in." He said
"Is it just you there?" Melissa asked
"No veryone except you three and Bindo are back, how far are you?" Carth replied
"Not coming in, we have a situation. Can you put me on audio in the lounge so I only have to do this once?" Melissa said sighing
Carth toggled the intercom.
"Everyone please go to the lounge."
He finished his task and walked to the lounge. Linking his comlink to the holotable he spoke moments later
"We are all here, go ahead." He said
"Right so here goes. Jolee did something stupid and we have to fix his mess, that is the situation in short."
"We are going to need more than that." Carth stated
"A sith was allegedly killed by a republic war hero. Somehow Bindo knew the man and got involved. Bindo was busted trying to interfere with a witness and thanks to him blackening our names at the embassy their price for help is interfering in the matter." Melissa explained
"The republic wants their man free I take it." Canderous remarked
"That was the original idea but there is another complication, we got a sith observer making sure we do not tilt the case in our favour. Even better most of us know him." Melissa reported
"Who is the observer?" Carth asked
"A certain major Pearson, I am sure you remember him from Taris. And that is why we are going nowhere the ship for time being." Melissa concluded
"Do you need help?" Mission asked
"If T3 is done with his mission I think we can use him." Melissa said
"He is, send us your location and I will dispatch him now." Carth said
"Thanks, we will try and be quick. How is everyone else?" Melissa asked
"The only thing we found is that the republic hires mercenaries as soon as they step into the embassy they disappear, as an aside an information broker mentioned that the republic recently was reinforced but considering the numbers you see on the streets it looks like the Sith outnumber them by a large count." Canderous reported
"As for our slaver problem, T3 sliced the camera feed to his dock, he has not moved from his ship, but there has been a large number of beings entering the dock, we are keeping an eye on it and a turret on the door to the Hawke." Carth reported
"Juhani. How are you feeling?" Melissa asked, concern plain in her voice
"I am angry but I can wait to deal with this matter." Juhani said tightly
Pearson was studying his erstwhile targets as they sat down in private room in a conference centre, Curiously they quickly got a space despite the area being fully booked for a medical conference, another curiosity was beings thronging about an empty stand. He made mental note to follow up with the observer he had posted to cover the event.
The girl unsealed her helmet and took it off, clearly finished with the call to the rest of her group. He had seen the notices of the ship arriving and as per instructions had immediately send it to the fleet and an address that he found belonged to Malak himself. It was a curiosity that one ship warranted the attention of the high lord himself and a freighter at that, not forgetting the significant bounties that was paced on the ship and its crew. The highest being for Shan and the woman known as Cazor. He noted that none of them wore Jedi robes despite carrying lightsabers openly, then there is the matter of the girl wearing Mandalorian armour. Perhaps it was time to reach out to some friends in the primary fleet and hear the latest rumours. Though that might be difficult as the primary fleet had gone silent, messages were acknowledged but no returns were being sent.
The girl looked towards Cazor
"I asked for T3 to join us, he should be here as soon as possible." She reported
Terri cleared her throat and activated the table terminal and slaved her datapad to it. Several files appeared in front of them
"This is the facts. Three nights ago Sunry Crawzer entered the executive level of the Manaan Excelsiour. He was seen leaving a room, building security noticed that the rooms tachyon detector had been tampered with. They send a technical and security team to go and investigate. On receiving no reaction to hailing the room an override pass was used to gain access and the body of one Ilari Hari was found, a citizen of the Sith empire. Cause of death was established as a blaster wound mid posterior thorax. The team exited and secured the room pending arrival of Selkath peacekeepers. Sunry Crawzer was detained pending questioning at his registered domicile, a recently cleaned blaster pistol was confiscated."
Terri opened a bottle of water and took several deep swallows and manipulated the controls and the image of a man dominated the display
"The republic embassy has forwarded Crawzers file. Crawzer never advanced beyond petty officer, received a crippling injury during the last stages of the Mandalorian wars and was honourably discharged with full pension. A citation for receiving the Republic star during his last engagement. Married to one Elora Crawzer, no listed dependants"
She looked at the other three.
"That is the bare bones we have. Remarks?"
"What was the position of Hari at the Sith embassy?" Melissa asked Pearson
"She was assigned to the cultural affairs office as a secretary." Pearson replied
"Then my first question is who paid for the room at the hotel, being executive level the rooms will not be cheap. Two why is Crawzer here? A republic pension is not generous enough to pay for accommodation in Ahto City." Melissa stated
"Then what is the timeframe of him entering the room, the time of the detector being disabled and him leaving the room and what time was determined as time of death?" Bastila asked
"What was Crawzers fleet speciality?" Melissa asked
" Electrician." Terri looked it up
"So he would know how to disable the sensor, but why the sensor and not the camera system?" Melissa said musingly
"So where would you like to start?" Terri asked
"I think peacekeeper headquarters and review the evidence they have and see if Crawzer wants to talk, assuming he has not been told to keep quiet. Also we need the names of all potential witnesses, especially the one Bindo tried to influence." Bastila said firmly
Pearson took notes but found nothing objectionable so far.
"Your approach is logical, have you been trained in investigation techniques? He asked probingly
"It is a part of consular training." Bastila replied of handedly
"I was under the impression that would be more the purview of the sentinel class." Pearson stated
"There is some overlap between the two, a consular must be able to shift between points of view and evidence to be able to mediate a conflict after all." Bastila said with a shrug
Pearson turned to the other two.
"And what class are you two?" He asked
"Not a Jedi." Melissa replied
"Gaurdian." Terri said
Pearson looked at Melissa's lightsaber
"Then why are you carrying a lightsaber if you are not a Jedi? I do not think the Jedi would like you carrying their signature weapon." He said probingly
"Being a Jedi and having a lightsaber is not as inclusive as everyone thinks. It is not as if the Jedi holds a patent over lightsaber production, anyone can build one and use one with enough practise." Melissa replied
Terri turned to Pearson
"Our turn. When did you get of Taris? Did Malak evacuate the more usefull officers?" She asked
Pearson gave a wry smile at her
"No, I was removed from Taris before your assault on the base. I have to give you credit for daring it. Even though you escaped only with the help of two children and a wookie backing you up. Yes, we know it was you, your droid and slicer missed the tertiary security you showed no force skills, yet you are now openly claiming a class. Deep cover Shadow perhaps?"
"That would be telling, major." Terri smiled enigmatically
They were shown to the peacekeeper mortuary. Curiously the coroner was not a Selkath but a Pantonian woman. On them entering the room she was seated in she dropped the remains of her lunch and started typing on the terminal in her office
Through the window the could see a droid moving to a conservator drawer and remove a gurney. She stood up from her chair and led the way to the examination room. As the gurney slotted into a receptacle a repulsor unit started up elevating the body above the gurney. The Pantonian pointed to a box of surgical gloves
"If you need to examine the body it will be in my presence and following all protocols" She said sternly
"Sorry, what is your name?" Terri asked
"Doctor MaIver." The pantonian replied shortly
"Can you share your findings with us. Doctor?" Bastila asked
"Human Female aged twenty. Cause of death close range blaster bolt to the posterior chest."
Terri pulled on a pair of gloves and approached the body. She pulled the shroud away and stepped back to study it
"No obvious signs of struggle, no broken nails or bruising. Any foreign DNA residue found on the body?" She asked
"On the body, no. In the body yes. The deceased was sexually active hours before her death." The doctor replied
"Does the DNA match that of the accused?" Melissa asked
"No it does not. It is human DNA and that is all we know at this point."
Terri opened the eyelids and looked into the green eyes and closed them again before turning the body over and looking at the wound.
"Charring is extensive, close range shot, wound would suggest a smaller blaster type." She commented
She stepped back from the body and with wave of her hand the shroud resettled over the body.
"Time of death?" She asked
"Twenty two hundred to Twenty two hundred and three." The doctor replied
"Thank you for your time doctor, where can we find the investigating officer and the evidence?" She asked
"Floor above. Speak to the attendants at the main desk." The doctor said gruffly.
She spun around and made her way back to her office
"Charming personality." Bastila commented
"About average for those in her profession." Pearson stated with a shrug
They were shown to a room andseveral lockboxes were produced as well as another box of surgical gloves. They were now being observed by the investigating officer and several cameras
Melissa removed a blaster from an evidence bag after opening the recording application on her datapad. She took a closer look as she manipulated the weapon
"Mehr Sonn type three, recently cleaned. No carbon scoring on muzzle."
Picking up the tibana cartridge and power cells she depressed the charge indicators on both
"Tibana cartridge and power cell show signs of drain." She reported
Melissa replaced the weapon in the evidence bag and secured it properly. She lifted the next item out.
"One keycard bearing the logo of the Manaan Excelsiour found in possession of detainee. Card matching to room in which deceased found."
She replaced it and produced a set of clothes and an enclosed flimsy
"Clothing, human male. Spectograph analysis showing tibana residue. Concludes items lockbox one."
Bastila opened the second box
"One dress. Human female, colour red. Charring present on posterior of dress. Item damaged during removal by coroner. Damage observed and recorded during procedure by investigating staff. One bag sealed, contents listed as various cosmetics. Concludes lockbox two."
Melissa opened lockbox three
"Lockbox three. Sundry items found on scene. One lightsaber."
She took it from the evidence bag and looked to the investigating officer
"Permission to engage weapon blade?" She asked
The officer nodded and the blade opened and a red blade appeared. Melissa frowned as she looked at the blade
"How many times has this weapon been tested?" She asked
"Once on being locked into evidence." The officer replied
Melissa switched it off and opened the hilt and closed it shortly thereafter before replacing it in the evidence bag. Next up was an award medal. She hefted it in her hand before passing it to Terri
"One Medal. Listing identifies it as a Republic star." She said replacing it and closing the case
The fourth case contained data discs and they reviewed them
"The witnesses are still confined to the hotel?" Terri asked
"Yes and under guard following the attempt at witness tampering." The officer replied
Terri led the way out of the precinct and pulled out her datapad
"Next stop?" Pearson asked
"Crawzers residence, we need to speak with the wife and see the building security footage and from there to the hotel for a walkthrough on the scene and a chat with the witnesses." Terri replied
It was early morning as the Adjudicators took their seats. From the look of the dockest in front of them it would be another day of disturbing the peace dockets ahead of them. The usual two officers having already taken their seats. The door to the room opened and the three investigators and their observer entered. They felt a moment of hope of breaking the tedium but most likely the investigators were here to ask for a continuation. The two females without armour looked refreshed, the male observer looked tired and as for the armoured girl who knew.
The three females approached the bailiffs and handed over their weapon belts. An Unnecesary gesture but one that spoke of respect. The black maned one spoke for the group
"With the benches indulgence we are ready to proceed to trial in the matter of Manaan versus Sunry Crawzer." She said
The seven showed their surprise
"Are you certain investigator. Once the trial begins there will be no postponements or adjournments." Adjudicator one spoke
"We are aware of the procedure and we are willing to proceed regardless." The brown maned one spoke
The adjudicators raised their shield and conversed for a while. The shield dropped.
"The case will be heard once the accused and the witnesses as well as the evidence arrive at the court. Till then the bench is declaring a recess."