Phantasy Star Horizon
ESKK: Well here we go another new Chapter so please enjoy.
(Start Central City Aelio Region Halpha)
Construction was still going on as all the housing units have yet to be completed with time being focused on a landing pad. Morgan was seen using a data pad as she went over the data and blueprints for this project. From her view they were on schedule for completion as they already had the defensive wall build as with Central Tower and a few housing units. The Shopping Place was finished and already they were bringing in local business.
They still had a lot of work to do and the landing pad was a must for the city. That way they can welcome new arrivals without having them land in the wild. It was then that she heard a commotion on the site and went wide eyed to it. "Wow, wow stop!" Morgan called out as she saw a few workers about to make a horrible mistake. "How do you expect to attach the plating when the framing structure is incomplete!?" Morgan scolded them as the workers in question looked to each other before realizing what they did.
But as the workers on duty went on to move the part back with the others they weren't paying attention and one of them got hit and knocked down by another carrying pipes. The result was a work place accident as one of them fell off the spot causing Morgan to go wide eyed. A crash was heard and in turn the CAST cringed when she heard it.
"I'm ok!" The worker who fell called out as Morgan sighed to this in annoyance.
"Labor issues old friend?" Arthur asked as he approached Morgan with concern for her.
"Among other things." Morgan said as she looked to Arthur who was approaching her. "You?" Morgan asked as she looked over to her leader.
"Reports have been coming in nothing major but we may need to keep a close eye on Aelio Town." Arthur said as seeing as Aelio Town was smaller and off to the coast it was quicker to complete construction on.
"Oh how come?" Morgan asked as she looked to Arthur.
"Reports suggested we may have a criminal element trying to set up shop in ARK's." Arthur said as he looked to his Fellow CAST. "I'm not sure if it is the Hutt's or some other group yet but I'd rather we avoid any of our people vanishing." Arthur said as they didn't have the benefit of clones as expendable soldiers. "Goods news we've already sent a few people to Amiduska, Woppa, and Lillipa to negotiate peaceful unity." Arthur said as he looked to Morgan.
"But…." Morgan trailed off knowing it could not really be that easy for them.
"The people of Lilipa have proven to be a bit hard to understand so we simply had to rely on gestures to understand them." Arthur began as he looked to Morgan. "Currently we are working to use a Protocol droid to understand them and will offer them vaporizers so they can have a moisture farm going." Arthur said as Morgan figured those fur balls could be in need of a fresh source of water. "The Dragon People are difficult to negotiate as is stubborn and head strong, so far only those of Woppa were willing to join with ARK's." Arthur said and thus Morgan nodded to this.
"Well we can't force them to join us but having them as allies will be beneficial for all of us." Morgan said as she had to ask about the last planet. "What about Harukoton?" Morgan asked to which Arthur sighed to this.
"No word yet but I've had communications keep me posted of the communications on the planet." Arthur said and thus it was the best one could hope for.
"Alright then." Morgan said before another crash was heard causing her to sigh. "I need to get back to work." Morgan said and thus went to investigate the crashing sound.
"Very well." Arthur said before taking his leave as well. As he left he could not help but worry over the suspicious activity going on. It was either a criminal element or Separatists planet side. Whatever the case may or may not be it was better to be on the lookout for what's going on. Still Arthur had to wonder just how exactly the Criminal element managed to get out here so quickly if it was the case. And if not what would he have to worry about should the Separatist try something like a blockade or something much worse. For now all he could do for the time being was wait for the threats and respond to them accordingly.
Still he hoped that negotiations with Harukoton will go swimmingly. Since that in PSO2 the Ash Maidens Power of Sealing was a huge help to ARKs against the Photoner Fleet. Still it was hopeful thinking and if they can get the people of this system to peacefully coexist then they may have a chance to survive the current Galactic Stage. Plus this could also be used to seal away the Dark Falz and make sure they never again get to see the light of day.
Just then Arthur received a communication alert to which he knew meant something was happening. "This is Arthur." Arthur greeted as he had a hand to the side of his head.
"Arthur its Xect and I have updates on our Persona problem." Xect spoke and thus Arthur knew it was important. "Let's just say its good news and bad news type of thing." Xect added and thus Arthur knew this had to be spoken of behind the safety of closed doors. After all no telling who was listening in here.
"I'm on my way over." Arthur said and thus went to meet with Xect knowing whatever it was he had found may finally put this Persona case to rest here. Still whoever Dark Falz [Persona] The Masked was perhaps they can stop his rise before it happens. But that alone was also wishful thinking here.
(Scene Break Coruscant Senate Building)
The Senate Building was the center of all Political Activity in the whole Galactic Republic. With this in mind many Senators came here and many times over ended up living on Coruscant due to the need to be there. The Fact the Clone Wars raging made it risky to travel off world also played a role in all of this. Regardless two of its newest residence Yaga and Klara were stuck there filling out paperwork and the like or in this case Data Work. It still followed the same stuff as Yaga was quickly bored out of his mind here.
Nearby was a box of what was the local equivalent to pizza when Yaga and Klara got a bit hungry. Yeah the Delivery boy was not a happy camper when he nearly got arrested for doing his job. Yaga ended up giving the guy a handsome tip for his troubles.
But of course Yaga was not one for this sort of work despite being the Heart of the Council of Six. "Guah why did we agree to this!?" Yaga cried out raising his hands showing he wanted out of this.
"You know why we did it and I'm kicking myself for not second guessing." Klara said as she wanted to get this work done with.
"Well it won't go away if we keep glaring at it so we should get back to it." Yaga said sighing as he really wanted to finish up and go home to his nice apartment on Coruscant. "It's like my pop always says don't put off important stuff just because you're bored and annoyed with it." Yaga said as Klara rolled her eyes to this knowing how much Yaga quotes his father and his weird country advice. Klara swore Yaga's dad could pass off as a western Uncle Iroh from Avatar the Last Airbender. See back before they had all gotten Isekai the country bumpkin like Yaga would never in his wildest dreams live in a penthouse of all things. After all as his pop always says a man doesn't need more then what he has, anything else is just greedy wants. Yaga had a lot of respect for his father and thus lived his life by his example… minus the drinking when he parties.
"Well we do need to help Padme get this bill out to the Senate, Light knows she needs some time off." Klara said as she hoped she wouldn't get wrinkles from what she was doing.
"Yeah well if you can bring me a cold one that make things go faster." Yaga said only to yelp when Klara froze his head.
"Cold enough for you there, Yaga?" Klara asked and thus Yaga fell over and the ice shattered on the ground.
"Real funny, Klara." Yaga responded as he got off the ground glaring at Klara for that little stunt she did.
Just then the door opened and from it Bail walked in getting the duo of ARKs attention. "Oh hey Bail what can I do for you?" Yaga asked as Bail looked to Yaga.
"It's about the bill we need to get passed I was hoping you can come with me to speak with Padme about it." Bail said and thus Klara got up.
"I'll go Senator Yaga here still needs to work on it." Klara said as she looked to Bail.
"It's a lot of stuff to go over I'm sorry." Yaga apologized as Bail figured that was the case. "I'll meet you guys there when I'm done." Yaga said as he got back to work.
"Very well." Bail said and thus he and Klara took their leave of him. Once he was gone Yaga got back to work and hoped to finish it soon so he can speak with the others and not be stuck here like caged monkey.
(Meanwhile over with Yuvel's party)
Yuvel and his group arrived at the door leading to Senator Taa's office. The four ARK's Operatives were invited to speak with the fat Twi'Lek with Reggie reminded to keep his big fat mouth shut. Seeing as they were assigned to the 501st Clone Battalion which was currently on shore leave the ARK's Operative with the battalion were also given shore leave.
Zurna had wanted to take a nice trip to the hot springs but the main problem with that was that ARK's had yet to find those. And more so with a war going on they couldn't afford that level of relaxation at the time. Regardless the group were asked to meet with him as vary ARK's Operatives and Jedi declined it for one reason or another.
Ahsoka had to stay with the 501 and help the ARK's Operative acclimate themselves to the crew. Right now as the group arrived Laura pressed the doors ding to alert anyone inside of their presence. On the other side of the door there was a quick shuffling heard on the other end before a voice answered them "One moment please" the remark was made
"So how much Mesta you guys wanna bet the guy is currently banging a chick or stuffing his face." Reggie asked and thus Zurna sighed and faced palmed herself over her friend's cheek.
"Reggie for the sake of avoiding a diplomatic incident… shut your mouth." Zurna said as she honestly was tempted to cut up the CAST for his cheek with her Katana. The group stood out the door hearing a commotion on the other side before the doors opened with the illustrious and enormous Orn Free Ta, Senator for the Twi'leks of Ryloth.
"Ah, the ARK's Operatives who slew the Dark Falz and became heroes of Ryloth." Senator Ta greeted as his belly was shaking as he spoke saying it very loud so that some people in the hallways heard him.
Ta was so big he had to take a step back from the door so they could enter. It also took every ounce of willpower for Reggie not to make a fat joke in this situation. "Please come in." He said offering the group entrance into his office.
"Greetings Senator Ta, we were told that you wanted to speak with us?" Laura said as she made introductions while adjusting her glasses.
"Come, come sit down." Ta said offering the four a seat while walking over to his desk, which had many plates on it with various treats and vegetables. "Care for anything to eat?" He offered walking over to another table this one covered in desserts and treats that he scooped up into his hand walking over to his desk, some of them didn't even look like food more like slugs or rocks painted strange colors.
The Four ARK's Operatives shook their heads looking at him stuffing them into his face "I wanted to personally thank the ARK's Operatives who have done so much for my people." Ta told them as he looked to the four.
Yuvel stood up straight to the praise with the intent to humbly turn it down. "Thank you Senator but-" Yuvel began but alas was cut off by the Senator they were meeting.
"You are most welcome all the other Jedi and ARK's Operatives said no, Not Windu, Not Arthur, not Kenobi or even Skywalker." Ta said as he listed off the names he had hope to speak with.
The party all shot each other a glance with mixed emotions, was this an actual honor, or had then been given a meeting that nobody else wanted. 'Did we just get sacked with an unwanted meeting?' The Four ARK's Operatives thought realizing that this may in fact be the case for them. Unaware to them things were about to start popping for them.
(Meanwhile outside the Building)
Outside the Senate Building a Coruscant Public speeder was seen shuttling a group of people with dastardly intent. There only four sentient beings among them while the other four were droids, two BX Guards droids covered in blue paint with red suns painted on their torsos, in front of them were two IG-88 assassin droids sitting beside a Duros with blue skin wearing a duster and wide brimmed hat, his forearms had gauntlets with a wide variety of weaponry, his gray chaps fed into rocket boots with two blaster pistols around his waist. Across from him sat a Weequay man with a red bandanna and sash, a white shirt and blue trousers into boots. His right arm was also mechanical, up front was a light purpled Patrolian with one cybernetic eyes. Wearing a green short sleeved shirt and backpack over his shoulders, when they started to near the Senate Tower the senate guards outside the entrance saw them coming from the landing pad.
"Attention, attention, this is a restricted area no landing is permitted without permission. Violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law." The hanger speakers echoed out as the Senate guards came rushing toward the landing pad the group were heading for.
When they landed the Duros got out of his speeder and walked toward them raising his head. Clearly this being was no ordinary man though. "Put up your hands." The Guard Captain said pointing at them, he was distinguishable from high plume on his blue helmet and white paints.
"I've got business with the Senate." The Duros said as he had a tooth pick in his mouth. "How about you y'all step aside?" He said showing his face, he wore a brace around his neck with tubes for oxygen. The being had a set of blood red eyes of a merciless bounty hunter by the name of, Cad Bane.
"On your knees, raise your hands, slowly" the captain barked his men taking aim having them out numbered three to one.
"Son, I wouldn't be so hasty if I were you." Bane warned as he knew he would win this fight.
The Captain didn't seem to listen or had a malfunctioning helmet because he kept pushing. "Cuff him." He ordered his men who moved in.
But miles away perched on a skyscraper overlooking the Senate Building was just as infamous bounty hunter Aurra Sing with a sniper rifle. She wore a red suit without sleeves showing her white skin and head. Brown boots and vest with blasters at her hips. A long high ponytail followed down her back before she squeezed the trigger to fire on the first Guards who got to close. They were knocked off their feet by the blast and the Senate Guards' were completely taken by surprise when the bounty hunters drew their blasters in the confusion and opened fire. Bane moved forward straight at the Captain as the senate Guards ran for cover.
"Where's that coming from?!" The Captain said trying to rally his men.
Nearby one of the guards saw a flash and knew what it was almost instantly. "I see the shooter up in the tower." One Guard said while he pointed his arm up to the building Sing was on. When she saw him pointing it made her his next target.
But he was shot, followed by the bounty hunters droids taking out the rest with deadly precision. Bane grabbed the Captain suddenly and snapped his neck like it was a twig. With the platform there's the leader turned to his droids, both BX Guards Units "You get these uniforms on and get this platform clear." Bane ordered as they did not have the time to waste here.
Up in the HQ for the Guards, they saw alarms had been tripped and shots fired. "Base to platform, what was all that, report?" One of the Guards asked as they needed answers as to what was going on.
"Protesters against the war, we've taken care of them." Bane's BX droids said using an audio box that sounded like a real person taking away the dead Guards helmet.
Seeing they were in the clear, Bane looked at his crew. "Finish getting those uniforms on and clear this platform now." He urged knowing they needed to be fast about this. "Everybody else, follow me." Bane ordered the other hunters who walked toward the east side of the Senate Tower.
(Meanwhile on the Tower Nearby)
Persona was seen standing atop a spite as he glared down upon the Senate Building. As he stood there the wind blew against his coat as he glared upon it. He looked nearby and saw a speeder carrying a familiar group of bounty hunters to which he pulled out his Dark Rifle. "It would be so easy right now." Persona said as she pointed his rifle only to disengage it. Know what was to come Persona jumped down and vanished via a red portal again.
Persona had a job to do and his target played a major role in it. He had to deal with any obstacles but he knew that this day Anakin would die and the lineage of Skywalker dies with the Jedi. He had to do it end the bloodline tainted by darkness from its origin point. No matter what for the greater good Anakin must die so Palpatine can be eliminated before the Empire rises up.
Persona was already working under the radar removing any key individuals and the like whom would play a role in the Empires ascension. He had also been taking extra care to sabotage certain areas of the Republic that would be used to aid the Galactic Empire. The appearance of ARK's had greatly complicated things but fortunately Persona was anything but adaptable in such peculiar situations.
Still the reason Persona was here was because he knew the Bounty Hunter's plan and since the Falspawn had proven to be unable to end Anakin Persona opted to do so personally. After all if you want something done right then you must do it yourself. Persona knew Dorme and Padme would be easy enough to deceive and if his hunch was right and cards played right so would Anakin. Thus Persona vanished through a portal to get to the Senate Building and do what needs to be done to stop the Galactic Empires Tyranny.
(Scene Break at Padme's Office)
Padme sat at her desk as she was typing away on her data console. As she typed she was focused on ensuring the Privacy Bill did not pass and luckily she had Yaga and Klara to help her with that. In fact she was surprised with how good with money Klara was and wondering if she should try for the Republic Financial offices if she continues her Senatorial Career here. Still while she worked she did have one distraction that was both cherished and welcomed yet had some bad timing.
Anakin was laying back on one of the sofas in her office with his arms behind his back. The Jedi General was relaxing a bit despite the fact he was not supposed to be here. From recent events the War had taken a turn for the better ever since ARK's had come into the picture. Many ground they lost had quickly been regained thanks to ARK's and after the huge win against Elder it allowed for some downtime for them. Still right now their win streak had come to an end and thus it had entered a quiet stalemate between the two sides which allowed Anakin some time off here.
Besides not only did she currently have the Privacy bill to worry about but she was also asked to be part of the diplomatic group to aid ARK's. From what she heard the system ARK's had colonized was also home to sentient life and ARK's wished for these life forms to play a role in their government. So far Lillipa was well handled as was Woppa which left Amduskia and Horukotan as the only ones that currently needed some convincing. Regardless her work was important and needed to be done sooner rather than later. She loved Anakin honest she did but right now was not a good time for this.
"Hey, I'm supposed to be on a Meditative Retreat." Anakin said as he relaxed on the seat in Padme's office. "We should go away together." Anakin added before he began to get up. "I know a place far away from here where no one would recognize us." Anakin said as he stood up and walked over to Padme's desk. "Yeah, it'll be like we're actually husband and wife instead of Jedi and Senator." Anakin offered no doubt wanting to spend time with Padme knowing full well with the war he could die at any moment.
I-I I can't Anni." Padme said not taking her eyes off her screen knowing the work she was doing played a vital role to the Republic and hopefully a peaceful resolution to the Clone Wars. Furthermore she also agreed to help ARK's form peaceful relations with the people who call Harukotan their home so she needed to be ready to negotiate with them as well.
"What do you mean you can't?" Anakin asked he clearly didn't like that. "Oh, it's only two weeks we'll be back before anyone even notices we're gone." Anakin defended as he tried to convince Padme to come along with him.
"I have to get this bill before the Senate it's important." Padme said as she gestured to the work she was doing. "And after that I need to prepare for negotiations to help ARK's make peaceful relations with the sentient people who live in the system with them." Padme said as she hated to say it but she currently had a full schedule as is.
"Uh-huh." Anakin said as he approached Padme on this subject. "More important than the way you feel about me?" Anakin asked as he looked to Padme with a smile on his face no doubt tempting her to take some time off for a two week retreat with her beloved husband.
Padme sighed to this in a bit of frustration as she knew what Anakin was trying to do here. "Not more important, but important." Padme said as she then went back to her work. "The work I do." She began but paused to regain herself as Anakin began to walk around his wife a bit. "The work we both do is in service to the Republic, to protect those who be otherwise powerless to protect themselves." Padme said as she went back to her work.
"Of course, but those are ideals." Anakin said as he looked to Padme as she worked. Isn't our love more important to you?" Anakin asked no doubt trying to entice Padme to take a break.
"But I-." Padme began but was of course cut off by her beloved husband, Anakin.
"No. No, but." Anakin cut her off before he continued to speak to his wife. "To me, there's nothing more important than the way I feel about you." Anakin said as the closes he can name was ensuring the ARK's Overseer didn't meet the same fate as his mother simply because how much the Shmni's looked similar to each other. "Nothing." Anakin added as he made sure to keep his thoughts on the being who looked like his mother to himself when he was around his wife on such subjects.
Padme admitted the offer was enticing and she may have go with it if the current war didn't play a role in her thought process. "Anakin don't be so-." Padme began until Anakin again cut her off from her speech.
"Oh, you don't believe me." Anakin said unknowingly putting his foot in his mouth here.
"I didn't say I." Padme tried to defend but was again cut off by Anakin.
"I'll prove it." Anakin cut her off as he smirked a bit. "Just watch." He said and thus began to pull out his Lightsaber. "When I finished constructing my lightsaber, Obi-Wan said to me, "Anakin, this weapon is your life." Anakin said as he held his Lightsaber to Padme. "This weapon is my life." Anakin said as he passed the Lightsaber over to his wife.
"No, Anakin. I can't." Padme said knowing full well what the weapon entailed for them. "A Jedi Lightsaber is-." Padme began but Anakin cut her off by putting the lightsaber in Padme's hand much to her surprise. "Wow, it's heavier than I thought." Padme said as she held the lightsaber in her hand surprised by the weight of the weapon.
"If all you want to do is make fun of me, I think you should just go." Padme said as the tone she used suggested she disapproved of this.
"That's not what I want not at all." Anakin said while looking lovingly into his beloved wife's eyes. Padme returned to look and in turn the two shared a passionate kiss with each other, wishing it was just him and her and nobody else in the galaxy at that one moment.
(Over with the Bounty Hunters)
Down below in the lower section of the Senate Tower, Bane and his crew arrived at the door into the communications room. There they saw that a single Senate Guard was there standing guard at the door. The Guard then found laser pointers on his body and in turn had his weapon drawn. "Stop." The Guard ordered pointing his blaster at them but these hardened criminals shot first killing him.
They in turn all burst into the room and began shooting down the droids who were working all there. Once the room was cleared Bane came up with his next order for the crew. "You know what to do." Bane said letting the shortest member of the crew waddle in rubbing his rings.
"I'll figure it out." The Patrolian said getting a bit annoyed with Bane's lack of faith in him.
Bane didn't care for the whimsical response, "You better not fail me, you bubble brain." He growled as the threat was clear there.
"Don't worry, I'll have the power out in no time." The hunter said waving off the mad dog from his blaster pistol.
"The rest of you come with me." Bane said to which they got moving for their main objective in the heart of the Republic.
(Meanwhile back with Yuvel's party)
Elsewhere in the tower, the four ARK's Operatives were still with Senator Ta speaking loudly "As I was saying to the Senator from Plutonian, my dear while the policies may be good the man is an Anarchist HAHAHAHAH." Ta laughed aloud at his own joke spitting out food onto the table. Laura forced a smile and a fake a laugh at his joke while Yuvel was stunned in amazement at how much a man could eat and laugh at the same time while keeping his mouth and jowls completely open. Reggie was looking ready to shoot out every smart ass comment and fat joke he had available to use but found himself forced to hold back. What was worse was Zurna looking ready to throw up a bit was half tempted to let Reggie do his thing incident be damned.
Just then below the table Laura pulled up her screen and began to type a quick message to send to one of the others here. Once that was done she sent it causing Yuvel's Mag to blip up and fly over before showing the message to Yuvel.
"Oh would you look at that we need to take this." Yuvel lied as he was ready to make a run for it. He in turn grabbed the others and pulled them to the corner so they can have a private meeting there.
"We have to get out of here, if I have to hear one more joke I'm going to cut off my ears." Laura said as she wanted out fast but Reggie was still stuck on his face of curious disgust "Reggie?" Laura asked a bit worried for the CAST.
"He just kept eating and eating where does it all go?" Reggie said glancing back but was pulled back by Zurna.
"Focus we need an escape plan." Zurna scolded as she looked to Reggie knowing they needed to get out of here fast.
"I'll do fucking anything to get out of this." Reggie added as he also wanted to get out.
(Meanwhile back at Padme's office)
Padme and Anakin were still kissing each other when they heard the voice of Threepio outside the Naboo Senators office. "But Senators Organa, Klara, and Yaga it just wouldn't be-." Threepio was heard and thus the married couple began to panic.
"Quick, hide!" Padme ordered and thus Padme went fixing up her office fast while Anakin hid under the desk.
"The situation cannot be delayed." Bail was heard as the bell for the door rung. "Now stand aside." Bail said and thus Padme hid the lightsaber in her sleeve just as the door opened. "I apologize for my abruptness." Bail said as he entered the office with Klara and Yaga accompanying him.
"Oh, Senator Organa, how good to see you." Padme said as Yaga looked around and noticed something off about the room as did Klara but with Padme. "What is it?" Padme asked as the group with Threepio approached Padme.
"Senator Philo has called a meeting in the lobby before we vote on the Enhanced Privacy Invasion Bill." Bail said as Yaga noticed something off with her desk.
"Right. Privacy Invasion Bill." Padme said as the way she said it had a double meaning for her.
"We must hurry if we are to stop the vote." Bail said as the three Senators took their leave with the others.
"Yeah let our private lives stay private." Yaga said as he followed after the group at the far back.
When Bail said Padme wasn't moving Klara sensed there was someone else in the room as did Yaga through the Photonic Field. "Coming Senator Amidala?" Bail asked and thus Padme focused on the task at hand.
"Of course." Padme said and thus took their leave for a second.
"Yeah… I'll catch up… um nature calls." Yaga said and thus it was clear he had to run to the restroom.
"Very well be fast." Baiul said and thus took his leave of Yaga as Klara went with the droid and two Senators. As Yaga remained behind a bit he made sure Padme and Bail were out of hearing range and thus decided to pull as fast one here.
"Later Anakin." Yaga said as if he was talking to an old friend before taking his leave. Once the door closed Anakin rose his head from behind the desk with wide eyed of pure shock.
Once alone in the room he sat on Padme's chair trying to make sense of what he just heard. "Did that guy just…" Anakin asked and thus began to grow worried that Yaga was going to spill on this. He used the Force to locate any spying tools and detected none so either Yaga was a lot keener then he portrayed himself as or… he just got lucky and both of those concepts scared him.
(Meanwhile with the other Senators)
Klara and Padme were in the back of the group as they walked and thus Klara decided to try something. "Hey Padme." Klara said as she walked next to Padme.
"Yes Klara what is it?" Padme asked and thus Klara decided to voice it.
"Just between you and me you and General Skywalker weren't up to anything naughty in there were you?" Klara asked and thus Padme went wide eyed in shock.
"I-I don't know what you mean?" Padme whispered and thus Klara sighed.
"I saw you two in the medical room when I began to come to from the anesthetics after the Blue Shadow Virus fiasco." Klara whispered and thus Padme did remember that incident. "I won't tell anyone if that's what you're worried about… I just don't have many friends I can rely on is all." Klara said and thus began to pick up her paste keeping her head down. "And I like to think we're friends after the time you helped me and Yaga get adjusted and you saw me at my weakest is all." Klara added as she then caught up to Bail as Padme knew exactly what Klara meant at the last part.
Padme could still remember how Klara was in tears over the concept of dying. The girl was terrified over that and Padme had done her best to ease her worries then. But it still weighed on her mind and despite this she may need to speak to Anakin about this sudden breach. Something had to have happened and if it did how many people actually knew the truth if not suspect it. She had to be careful from here on out but she hoped Klara had come to her because she saw them in the medical ward recovering from the Blue Shadow Virus incident back on Naboo.
(Back with Bane)
Meanwhile back in the lower levels Bane was on the move following a patrol of guards, along with Aurra Sing his droid and the Weequay pirate.
"Quietly, guard change happens now." He said as he watched them go into one of the Senate Guards barracks and got his crew to follow him.
Walking by the barrack doors Bane proceeded to toss a thermal detonator in the door behind the guards before it closed. When the doors shut one of the guards noticed the ball by its thud on the floor and loud beeping. Just then the doors blew open and sent smoke and fire everywhere. "Here we go, now let's go talk to some Senators." Bane said and thus he and his crew took their leave.
But out of the now destroyed guard area one of the Guards crawled out of the room looking up at a passing Aurra Sing. "Help me." He begged but Sing just pulled out her gun and pulled the trigger putting him out of his misery before he could even respond to it.
(Back over with Yuvel's party)
In Ta's own office the Four ARK's operatives were still at the mercy of the Senators terrible jokes and agonizing stories. "But the ballet was magnificent, Chancellor Palpatine and often invites me to enjoy the opera with him you know, they have the most delectable wine in the Galaxy." He continued to recount as Yuvel clearly wanted out here as did his party members.
Laura had a forced grin on her face as did the others who had a face to do it. "Kill me now." Laura whispered through gritted teeth to the others.
"If we have to suffer so do you." Zurna retorted through gritted teeth that made up her forced smiled here.
'I'd do literally fucking anything to get out of this meeting.' Yuvel mentally complained as he wanted out of here.
(Meanwhile over with Padme's group)
Down in the east wing, Padme had gathered with a small crowd of Senators. "We cannot allow the Chancellor to move this Enhanced Privacy Invasion Bill forward." Senator Organa finished speaking to the crowd no doubt the meeting had gone on for a while.
"Damn straight." Yaga said as he crossed his arms among the group.
"We are all in agreement then." Senator Philo said, to the rest of the opposition including Bail Organa Senator of Alderaan, Padmé Amidala Senator of Naboo, Onaconda Far Senator of Rodia, Riyo Chuchi, Senator of Pantora, and Yaga Senator of ARK's. With them on this were also Senators Kin Robb, Jakker-Sun, Dantum Roohd, and Zinn Paulness.
They were all gathered around and in agreement ready to challenge this bill when suddenly a blaster shot sounded singalong the alarms. From one of the doors Bane walked out holding his smoking blaster "Morning, Senators." Bane greeted as he came in with the droid. "You should all consider yourselves to be in my power." Bane continued while the rest of his crew made their way inside the room. "As long as everybody behaves this will be quick and painless." He went on as now his crew was inside the building. "Do nothing and it will all be over soon." Bane said as he entered the room showing he was in control right now.
Yaga and Klara silently nodded to each other ready to draw their weapons and fight back when an opportunity presented itself. But it seems one of the foolish Senators decided to counter this. "I don't know who you think you are, but I for one have no intention of listening to this kind of insolence." Senator Philo snapped at the Bounty Hunter unafraid of the thug with a blaster pointed right at him.
"Um hey buddy I don't think he's bluffing." Yaga said knowing full well how this will go and hoping to prevent this.
Bane smiled seeing at least one of his prisoners had courage and another one was smart. The old man had a fool's courage and it no doubt came with age and experience. In fact Bane admired the backbone so much that when the Senator strode past him leaving to call his bluff the Bounty Hunter shot him in the back making some of the senators scream in shock.
"All right then, if you all gather at the center of this lovely atrium my co-workers and I will relieve you of any communication devices." Bane said, everyone did as he said with Organa and Amidala in the middle of the crowd whispering to one another.
"Yeah how about no." Yaga said and thus he and Klara busted out their weapons with Yaga's gauntlets already ablaze and Klara's scepter glowing with Photonic power.
"I wouldn't be too hasty now." Bane said and thus the two ARK's councilman looked and saw that Bane had the other Senators at gun point via his crew. "You can try to fight and risk the lives of these people." He said and thus he was ensuring that the two ARK's Operatives would not try and orchestrate a counterattack against him or his crew.
Yaga growled and thus called off his gauntlets which vanished into Photonic particles torts the storage space it was kept in. "Pop always said to pick my battles wisely." Yaga said as he held his hands up.
"Dammit." Klara cursed and held her hands up after calling off her own Photonic weapon as well. The two rejoined the hostages knowing they needed to find another way to get out of this without causing a scene or harm to their fellow Senators on sight here.
"Now those communication devices if you'd please." Bane said and thus the ARK's Operatives and Senators all began to relinquish their devices to the Bounty Hunters who had them at gun point at the moment.
Among them Padmé squeezed Anakin's lightsaber in her hand, the only weapon among them besides the ARK's stored weapons. "I see five of them here in the room if we-" Padme began but Bail had other safer ideas here.
"What are you going to do? It's not like we carry weapons." Bail said making her tuck the lightsaber away again.
"Well do you have any better ideas Senator Organa?" Klara asked as she glared at Bail on this one.
"I do we wait for an opening to move." Yaga said as his voice went to calm and precise showing he knew how to act in the appropriate situation present. And Yaga was right all they can do was cooperate with the Bounty Hunters until an opportunity to strike was presented to the group here.
(Back over with Yuvel's group)
When the alarms went off Yuvel had jumped up to his feet with the rest of his allies. Currently the alarms were going off which signaled a laser being fired. Zurna of course walked over to the door and began to press the button on it to open it. But the door would not open and thus it became clear what was going on here.
"We're locked in." Zurna said as she looked to the group that was gathered here.
In response Ta started to try and make contact on his desks holotable. "Come in, come in this is Senator Ta what is happening?" He asked but alas he was only given static in response, before he looked at the ARK's Operatives who were gathered.
"Something must have happened." Yuvel said as he then looked to his friends.
"Is there some way you can open the door?" Ta asked as Reggie looked ready to make a comment but was stopped by Zurna with and to the metal chaste of the CAST.
Yuvel then summoned his sword and thus slashed through the door with ease. Thank goodness Photonic blades can cut just as good as a lightsaber. Once everyone was out though it was quickly noticed something was wrong here.
"Where did everyone go?" Reggie asked as the CAST saw everyone was gone.
"It must be because the power is out, the building is either evacuated or they are locked in their offices like we were." Ta said cowering behind them while his fat fingers clutching his lekku.
"Great…" Yuvel said and thus looked to their MAG's. "We can't hack into the security feeds with our MAG's due to incompatibility." Yuvel said as he sighed to this. "And we left our Auxiliaries back with the rest of our equipment." He added and knew they needed a plan to get out of this.
It was then the Deuman of the group had an idea on how to proceed. "Senator, do you have any suggestions you should know this building pretty well?" Zurna asked as she looked to the fat Senator.
Ta looked shocked to be put on the spot like that. "Me, well I- I." The fat twi'lek started speaking before he began to hyperventilate from the fear running through his veins.
"Senator, focus, we'll keep you safe we just need to know what's happened to the power?" Laura said trying to get him to calm down. "Deep breath sir, we're here." Laura said as thankfully Ta listened to her taking a few breaths before he looked around the hallway.
"There is an access panel near the stairs, it runs on a separate power source then the main one, this way young ones." Ta said walking ahead of them, but Reggie got in front of him as he was larger.
"Maybe best we go first?" The CAST asked knowing he was a VIP as a Republic Senator here.
Ta remembered that the four of them were trained in combat as ARK's Operatives and had the advantage of Photonic based powers and weapons. "Yes of course ever the strategist ARK's Ops are." Ta said and thus Yuvel let the boot licking slide for now.
It didn't take them long to get to the panel in question. When they did Zurna opened it up with a few key strokes on the console which opened it. Once that was done the group gathered and began to go through the security feeds for anything of importance here. Eventually they did and that was the current hostage crisis going on below. "I see five, could be more in the building?" Laura said and thus Zurna began to go through the other feeds.
"Nothing." Zurna said as she finished doing so.
"Terrorists, by the Moons of Ryloth we must make sure the Chancellor hasn't been taken." Ta said and thus had a new suggestion. "Quick check to see if we can contact anyone outside." Ta snapped before he began looking up at the stairs.
The four ARK's Operatives had surprised looks on their faces to see Ta had jumped to that objective so quickly. In turn Yuvel began using the local Republic channels but all he got was silence. "Its dead, we can't send anything in or out." Yuvel said but Reggie had another idea on how to proceed with this.
"What about the ARK's channels?" Reggie asked as it seems the ARK's Operatives had similar ideas on this.
"ARK's Ops can you read me?" Yuvel asked as his Mag then bounced up sending the signal a bit.
"We read you, what is it?" Came a Tech Operative from ARK's.
"We have a hostage situation at the Senate Building, Senators and two members of the Council of Six are being held hostage and we require aid." Yuvel said and thus the respond came instantly.
"We have ARK's Operatives ready to deploy on the ground, we're also sending an emergency alert to Republic Forces as well." The ARK's tech on the other end said. "Yuvel you and your team need to try and keep the hostages alive and keep us posted with any new information." The techie said and thus Yuvel nodded to this.
"Roger." Yuvel said and thus hung up.
"Good our channels still work." Zurna said and thus they had to get to work now.
"Quickly ARK's Operative to the Chancellor's office, I only fear that we must face one difficult task without any power to the building." Ta said sullenly his voice dripping with dread and regret as if he was about to fight a terrible battle.
"Hostage crisis isn't exactly what I signed up for." Reggie said as he feared the worst was yet to come.
"From what I see they're keeping to the lower levels so that's where we need to go." Yuvel said as he looked to his friends.
"Senator Ta can you make it to the Chancellors office on your own?" Laura asked as she looked to the Senator of Ryloth before them.
"Yes but I will have to face my old enemy once again… stairs." Ta said as he gestured to the stairs in question with a hand over his heart knowing the exercise he was about to go through right now.
"Well… good luck with that sir." Reggie said as he slipped a smart ass comment that he was holding back in and luckily it went by unnoticed to the Twi'Lek.
(Later in the Chancellors Office)
Palpatine was currently looking outside the window of his office. Due to how large the Senate Building it a complete lockdown had been proven to be counter-productive at times. So certain areas around the incident location were locked down to prevent the threat from escaping. Over kill yes but better than having the entire building locked down for such things. It was why the Chancellor was unaware of such things going on at the moment.
Just then the door opened and revealing Senator Ta. "Chancellor Palpatine, it's terrible." Ta said panting hard as he made his way into the office.
Turning to the Twi'lek Senator from Ryloth Palpatine saw something had him troubled to make him run here. "What is it, Senator Orn Free Taa?" Palpatine asked as he looked to the fat Senator.
"I think you should see this." Ta said turning on the hologram generator at the center of the Chancellor's office.
In turn the image of Cad Bane appeared on the hologram projector getting the Chancellors attention. "Sorry to bother you, Chancellor, but I've taken control of the east wing of your Senate building, and the occupants are now my hostages." Bane said as he looked to Palpatine and Ta. "If you care about them, I'd advise you to free Ziro the Hutt from the detention center." Bane said down to him and Senator Ta laying down his demands for the Senators safe return.
"You should know that the Republic does not take kindly to such threats." Palpatine began as he stood his ground against the Bounty Hunter before him. "If you have attempted such a fool-hardy action as to kidnap a Senator, I assure you it will be met with appropriate force." The Chancellor said even being an old man he stood tall against the bounty hunter glaring at the foe via the Hologram projection here.
Bane seemed to enjoy this and thus that when all of the power suddenly went out except the hologram of Bane. The lights above them turned red as the doors closed shut in the entire Senate Building itself. "I'm in control, I make the rules now" Bane said before he cut the transmission leaving the two there alone.
In response Palpatine ran over to the door and attempted but to open it to no avail. "Ord Free Ta, help me with this door" The Chancellor said while trying to pry the door open but couldn't.
"It's no use, sir." Ta began as he stood next to Palpatine before looking over to him. "Someone's gotten into the central control panel." He said before looking back to the sealed door. "They've triggered the security system." Senator Ta said which only got worse. "The Senate buildings have sealed themselves." He added and but alas Palpatine refused to surrender.
In turn the Chancellor rushed back to his holocommunicator trying to contact the outside world. "This is Chancellor Palpatine, there is an emergency at the Senate Building. Jedi Council, come in." He tried to contact for aid but alas got no answer from it. "Is anyone there?" He tried again but still all he got was silence.
"That's no use either, sir they've cut off all communication with the outside." Ta said fearful of the increasing danger they were in.
"This is most troubling." Palpatine said but Ta did have good news for them.
"But sir we do have help, just earlier I was meeting with four members of ARK's whom revealed to utilize their own communications channel one of which allowed them to contact for aid when this crisis had begun." Ta said and thus that was good news for Palpatine… in more ways than one right now.
"Good that means we have a way to contact the outside." Palpatine said as he knew one problem with this. "But how do we contact the ones whom are inside." He asked and thus Ta was at a loss there.
(Meanwhile over with Yuvel's party)
Yuvel and his party were making their way through the halls hiding behind any wall or cover they can find. As they did this Yuvel had his gunblade out in gun mode while Zurna had her bow at the ready. "Hey guys ever seen the greatest Holiday movie on the planet?" Yuvel asked as he did so quietly.
"Yeah… Die Hard." Reggie said and thus Yuvel smirked to this.
"This kind of reminds you of Die Hard doesn't it?" Yuvel asked and thus the group saw what Yuvel was thinking of doing during this crisis.
"Ok so we can't use our channels to talk to the Chancellor, Senator Ta, or the outside… but we can use theirs." Zurna said as she looked passed a wall for any patrols out here.
"So let's find us a Bounty Hunter to rob of his current belongings." Laura said and thus they started moving to find a criminal. But right now they knew if they didn't hurry a lot of people were going to die. Thus for the ARK's Operatives Hostage situations were going to be a tricky mission for them to handle. One can only hope that they managed to survive this hostage crisis with all the hostages safe, alive, and well.
(TBC)
ESKK: Hey folks here we are a new chapter over and done with. I do hope you enjoyed it and sorry for cutting it here. The chapter was getting too long for me and I wanted to get this chapter publish sooner rather than later. Anyway thankfully the chapter after this will carry the rest and with it the long awaited reveal of Persona's identity. So until then leave a review before leaving and as I always say here ja-ne.