Open Coruscant A new start

[Elara Salis]

Elara blinks at the Jedi's words for a few seconds. She found them both confusing and enlightening. He also seemed to speak with a lot more wisdom that his age would suggest. She couldn't figure that out. Must be part of the Jedi training. Regardless, she knew he was right and nods in agreement.

"Yes absolutely. That is why I joined. I wanted to do something meaningful with my life. I could have simply stayed at home and helped mum with the shop but I think eventually I would have felt useless. I hate feeling useless"

She quickly orders a glass of water and the bartender rushes to get it, then gets back to the bar, that was filling up with people still. Elara begins drinking her water, eyeing up the bar. She notices something not quite right. She scans the room, trying to be as subtle as possible. She sees a man, that at first glance seemed to be just a regular of this bar, relatively well dressed and well mannered, with short, dark and slightly curly hair, and dark eyes. However, as he was making his way to the bar, bumps a couple of people, Elara couldn't see his hands or what he was doing but she had an idea. She's seen that kind of thing before. The man reaches the bar, with a satisfied expression on his face and orders a drink, keeping one hand below the bar and the other arm leaning on to it. None seems none the wiser, but Elara had a feeling he just stole something.

She turns her attention to the jedi, with a smile, and appearing to be relaxing, but lowering her voice so that only Delnor would hear.

"What you know, things might have gotten slightly more exciting...Anything you can sense? "

She gives the tiniest shake of her head in the direction that man is sitting. The probable thief is now sipping a drink with a blue tinge in it, as he scans the room around him. The bar is now full enough that he would look inconspicuous had Elara not spotted him earlier. As soon as his head turns towards the direction Elara and the jedi are sitting, Elara gulps down ther est of her water and turns back to the Jedi like nothing happened, forcing a slight chuckle.

 

[Delnor Riek]

Delnor ordered a fruit juice when Ellie asked for a water. The sweet nectar of the different fruits all mixing. Though Coruscant was a city world with only limited agriculture it had great food. Since it imported fruits from so many worlds this fruit cocktail had taste only a Coruscant fruit cocktail could have.

Delnor picked up on the keen senses of the sector ranger and spotted the pick pocket and he made his first hit. He smiled and as Ellie asked him what he sensed and truthfully the man was not filled with hate or darkness. Through the force he was just a man.

"Nothing, though nothing is something. Not all criminals are evil in fact most are just people who where born on the wrong world or had ad luck. I feel the courts don't understand that. Though should you let a man go around stealing. I would say that this is not the job of a Jedi it is a job of a Sector ranger but how will you deal with this man. Sending him to jail will mean he wont steal but the people will now pay for his lock up in taxes and a thief will only get a few months at most. There is all so a fear you go in a pick pocket and come out a gang member. So my advice is to only act once you have all the information."

 

[Elara Salis]

Elara considered the Jedi's words once again. She looks over, and the man is quietly having his drink. She shrugs her shoulders and turns back to Delnor.

"Yea, I guess you're right, and I doubt these people will miss a few credits. Doubt I could do much anyway, I'm sure they have some security in this place, I mean it's pretty high class. Still, will keep an eye in case he does something else. "

Elara scans the room quietly, her arms are folded over the bar. It seems she was learning quite a few things today, without even doing much. She was enjoying this conversation. Most definitely beat being at the bar by herself.

"You know, you're pretty wise, yet you look so young. I almost envy you. If it wasn't for my charms and ability of talking my way out of things, I am pretty confident I'd be in trouble by now."

She chuckles, and as that fades, her lips twist into her usual playful smirk.

"So, do you have family? How come you are on your own? Before you answer, I'll start, otherwise it wouldn't be fair asking for free information. Let's see.." She hesitates for a second, but really the bar was loud enough to cover most of the conversation from anyone else that might be hearing. And the Jedi was most definitely one that could be trusted, her gut said. So why not make a friend? A wise friend could always be handy. If he wasn't a Jedi she might have thought him being so young would be strange, but he almost seemed like an old soul in a young body.

"I left home cause I wanted to see the galaxy, have adventures, help people. But another reason. I want to search for my father, he went missing a few years back.." She lowers her voice, her tone slightly more melancholic.

"Back home they told me nothing, that he was on a diplomatic mission, he's a diplomat, and that they didn't know. I call that crap, I am sure he is somewhere. " She shrugs her shoulders and smiles sadly at the Jedi, waiting to her what he would say.

 

[Delnor Riek]

Delnor sipped is juice as he stopped focus on the petty thief. He was not here to catch pick pockets, but he did notice Ellie all so thought it was not her place to do some thing. Though in her case it was her Job. He was about talk about his family life before Ellie spoke of hers. Maybe she did drink a bit to much.


"I see, it still a very nobble course you have taken. instead of running out in to the wilds of space or get angry you became a sector ranger. Maybe you join sector rangers to prevent others feeling your loose."

"As for me I have a family and spent my younger years at home. The Jedi of old used to take kids from families as babies. But they stopped doing that after the Empire fell."

Delnor took another sip from his juice and smiled "Now about your missing farther. Do you you want a Jedi to tag along with your search?"

 

[Elara Salis]

Elara couldn't help but chuckle, amused at being called noble.
"Well, I don't know if I would define myself noble, but I definitely could do worse that joining the Rangers. And you're right.." She becomes a bit more serious "I wouldn't want other families to go through what I went through or worse"

She was glad to hear that Jedi stopped taking babies from families..that sounded awful!! To her, that sounded remarkably similar to kidnapping, though she was hoping she just didn't know the full story... Her train of thought was interrupted by the Jedi offering help with her missing father. She wasn't used to people being so openly friendly. Well she wasn't used to people being completely hostile either, but there was always a fine line she was careful not to cross.

"That's a kind offer, Del! I really would hate to put you in danger but...I most likely will need the backup" Elara cups her face with her right hand, her body still leaning on the bar.

"I may have a lead, though not much. More of a hunch? I think my father may have crossed path with some gangs...I am not sure but, that's what I am thinking..."

She gives a sad sigh. She doesn't want to give too much details given the location, you never know who could be listening. She also doesn't want to even begin thinking the worse. She hasn't given up hope so far, and wasn't going to do so now before even starting her search properly.

 

[Delnor Riek]

Delnor scoffed as Elli brought up the idea of danger. He was a Jedi and danger was not some thing to run away from more so if it was to help some one. Downing his fruit juice and giving his lips a lick he looked around the now filling bar area and spoke as soft as he could "Don't worry about the danger I am following a path of danger. It is all so good you have a few leads. you can tell me about them in privet. This is not really the place for that kind of talk. So we can either go on with the drinking though I am at my limit or go some where else. maybe shopping?"

 

[Elara Salis]

Elara nodded at the Jedi's suggestion of a more private discussion. It was always more prudent not to discuss such matters in the open, even she knew that. And then he suggested shopping. He said the magic word. Elara beamed happily, and temporarily forgot all the serious business they were just talking about.

"What a brilliant idea!" She says, excitement pouring out of her from every pore. There were a few raised eyebrows around her, but they quickly turned back to their own discussions. She giggled before settling down a little.

"W ell, I don't think you realise how dangerous it is to go shopping with me..I'd be too tempted to buy you a whole new outfit.." She chuckled then waved her hand in dismissal in case he was going to try to protest

"I'm joking...Partly." She smirked mischievously "But getting myself a droid and some armor is definitely priority."

She gets up and makes sure she paid what she is owed. She gestures the Jedi to follow her and starts walking out of the bar, strutting confidently, swaying her hips a little as she does always. A few head turns, but she pays no heed and walks out.

 

[Delnor Riek]

Delnor flipped a round coin and smiled. The Jedi may of been about living a simple life with out excesses but Delnor was from upper class and he to could shop with the best of them. "You don't think I can match your shopping skills?"

Pulling out some credits along with a small tip Delnor places them in the waiters hand. Following Ellie out the bar he stays close to her till they in the streets of Coruscant again "So where to first then, the droid shop? I think there is one a level bellow us."

 

[Elara Salis]

Elara chuckles heartily at the idea of a shopping competition. So strange to think it was coming from a Jedi. Given the similar comfortable upbringing, it could be good! But first Elara really did need to focus on her equipment.

"That' right, i think getting a droid would be first on the list. Let us go, my new friend! But let me haggle. I'm good at that. Well. I suppose if you're good at shopping maybe you've gotten used to that too, but I have extra charm!"

She winks playfully as she leads them down the street, which was buzzing with activity. People shopping, people laughing, people arguing. Ah, the joys of a busy city. Elara can't help but beam as they walk down, this was so comforting to her, and she takes a few minutes to soak it all in. After a short time they find an entrance to the lower level. From what Elara knows of the city, the lower the level the worst it gets, but the one below them wasn't so bad and it was where all the good mechanical and tech stuff was found.

"Bit crap that the lower levels don't get looked as much..The lowest levels are creepy I hear. I wonder how the poorer people down there live.." Probably not well, she thought. Maybe she could start making a difference once she was better equipped.

After a few minutes they finally find a shop worth looking into. The outside was full of different kind of droids with price tags and specifications on them.

"Let's check this out. You mentioned you have a droid yourself? Any recommendations?"

 

[Delnor Riek]

Delnor followed Ellie as she led them along the streets. They had become busy with foot traffic as air speeders flew above them. "Agreed, I never haggled all that much. Kind of just spent my dads money so never bothered." The level bellow was busy with sounds coming from shops. Either mechanics working in workshops or people battering for goods.

Delnor looked down, seeming peering through to the lower levels. "They say that some people on the lowest level are born and then die never once seeing the sky. We not even far down, we still in the levels that the wealthy would go to."

The shop seemed like it would suit them well. "While I have a older model R2 unit. They can become very independent but can problem solve solutions. How ever they can be unruly. I think you should ask what type of droid you want?"

 

[Elara Salis]

"Haggling can be useful in some situations. There are a lot of people out there giving stupid prices and trying to take advantage of the poorer."

Elara replied with a "hmm..." at being asked what kind of droid she wanted , trying not to focus on the conversation about lower levels. It wouldn't help right this instance to dampen the mood. She once again quite impressed by the young man's common sense and knowledge though. The former being not so common, especially for his age. Or hers, as a matter of fact.

As they walk around the shop, all kinds of droids are displayed, the shop is rather larger than it would appear on the outside. It runs quite deep once inside. Elara walks slowly to the astromech droid section, checking a few out. There are a few R models, including a couple of R2s. She stops for a few minutes to read their specs, then moves on.

"Well yes..I need it to trust it on my ship, so I don't want him to improvise too much I guess"

As Elara explains, she stops in front of a BG-series droid.

"You know, I like these. They are cute....Which isn't the point, just a bonus..." She giggles softly "But they can go around faster, which is good if I need to go somewhere off ship. "

Elara comes closer, reading the specs on a nearby post.

"Oh nice, i can install a few functions if I need it. That's good. Can develop distinct personality if left without a memory wipe for long..Well that's ok, since the default is helpful and friendly. Or I just have to wipe it often..Looks like it has all I need..Hmm might have found myself a droid!"

Her tone was rather happy. She loves it when she finds what she needs quickly. Which generally happens..But then she usually realises she needs something else.. and some other things..and others..Well, shopping was generally a day long affair for Elara. She gives an amused smirk to the Jedi.

"I hope you're not bored yet..I promise I will make it quick. ish....." Elara says, as she looks around for the owner of the place

 

[Delnor Riek]

Delonor stood and looked the tiny droid over. They where cute and indeed friendly and helpful. "They are faster all so being smaller they can get in to more areas than a larger droid"


The BG did seem like a rather basic droid at first glance but it was a easy to upgrade with new parts. Allows you to make your BG perfect for your needs. "Not do to many memory wipes. Droids often get better at there tasks with out memory wipes. All so it looks like it is perfect for just about any one since is so modular. You could even set it up to help you in your sector ranger job"


Delonr had a calm look on his face. If he was bored from shopping he did not show it. "Worry not, I don't mind the shopping. It lets me see more of the city. Are you going to get any thing else for your droid, they got a bunch of attachments her?"

 

[Elara Salis]

Elara agreed with Delnor on the advantages of the droid.. She sort of already made up her mind anyway, she was quick like that in these things. Not always a good thing, but in this case she feels it's the right droid for her.

"Yea, I agree, it will definitely come in handy in many ways."

The owner of the shop shows up, a jovial looking, middle aged man with seemingly a sunny disposition. There is a brief exchange, in which Elara, turns on her feminine charms, and manages to convince him to give her a very small discount if she promised to come shopping there often.

She finishes paying for it, and activates her new droid, which comes to life with a few beeps. It focuses its lens on her, as if recognizing her as the new owner, and beeps happily. Elara flashes it a happy smile back

"Well hello, my new friend, I think you and I are going to have fun. Me and my Jedi friend will do some shopping then I will take you out to my ship and set you up , ok? "

BG beeps enthusiastically and does a little circle then stands close to Elara, ready to follow her.

"Ok, well that's out the way, I will probably get attachments as I need them, at the moment I am content with the standard. Still need armour though, if I am going to get into fire fights that's probably a priority Shall we go?"

Elara waves and thanks the shop keeper, who waves them both goodbye, and Elara exists the shop, her brand new astromech droid in tow, and she assumes Delnor. She exists the shop and looks around. There are plenty of shops around there, clothes, jewellery, souvenirs, trinkets.

"Hmm don't see any armour shops here. Might have to walk further down the street. Unless you know of a place?"

 

[Delnor Riek]

Delnor watched as the little guy came to life. His small head shifting as he does his circle before coming to heel next to her new owner. "He sure is a eager little droid. A good fit for a sector ranger. As for upgrades I recommend you get him set up to be harder to e compromised by splicers. I am sure the sector rangers can set you up there."

Back on the streets Delnor looked around and shook his head. "I have no idea where to really get armor here but if it not on this level we would have to go one lower. Hopefully though we should be able to get a guide on this level that can help us out."

 

[Elara Salis]

"Hmm you're right on both counts. I shall ask around, we need to find an entrance to the lower level. Glad I have a jedi with me, I have no idea what to expect on the lower level, though we still should be relatively safe."

Elara gives the Jedi a quick smile before looking around the street. The hustling and bustling of the city was still around, though already there were less nobles, and more merchants and probably middle class working people. There was also security here and there, with security officers patrolling the streets in pairs.

"Let's ask those gentlemen where we can enter the lower level" She points to a pair of officers walking in their direction,on the same side of the street they were on. They were both human, both male, one appeared slightly older than the other one. Both were well armed and carrying comm links. Elara quickly put her rucksack behind her. It was technically legal to own and carry a blaster, but probably not really encouraged at this level.

As Elara approaches a pair of those officers, dressed in the security uniform of Coruscant, they stop their chatting. The seemingly older man greets Elara "Greetings, can we help?"

Elara flashes a charming smile and puts on her most polite tone. The younger officer blushes slightly and scratches his head quickly then returns to attention .

"Yes please..would you be able to indicate an entrance to the lower level? I am in need of an armour shop?"

The older officer nods, then gives them directions.

"But be careful" He says "The lower levels are dangerous, security isn't as tight down there. Though there is a good armour shop not so far from the entrance, I would suggest you leave quickly once your business is concluded."

Elara nods, thanks them profusely, gives both officer a winks and walks away. The younger officer is still blushing as she walks off. Elara smirks

"I tend to have that effect on a lot of men...but " Her expression hardens a little bit "Sounds like security might be stretched a bit thin down there. Should probably be on alert and be quick about it like the officers suggested...."

 

[Delnor Riek]

Delnor nodded has Ellie pointed out the two cor sec guards. Following behind her he kept the jacket closed over his blaster. It was not out of fear of the law. Has a Jedi they would not care if he had a blaster rifle over his shoulder. Still it was better to go unnoticed.

After Ellie had gotten the needed Info Delnor nodded his head. "I see, that will be a useful skill to have for when doing your job as a Sector ranger. Being able to get people to calm down and open up is some thing I need to use the force to do. But you are able to do so far easier than a Jedi."


Walking towards a elevator that would take them down Delnor felt the Lightsaber in is inner jacket. He did not want to have to use it but if need be he would protected him self and any one else. "Dont worry, we still in the upper levels. I heard that Coruscant has thousands of levels, or at least over a thousand. In fact I have not heard of any one who has even been to the lowest level. I wonder what it would be like that far down."

 

[Elara Salis]

"Well that is true. I learned diplomacy and ..well persuasion from my father. He was a diplomatic, at least until he disappeared. "

Elara skipped over the details quickly, but it was true, dealing with nobles and high society most of her life gave her the people skill she possesses, and watching her father negotiations was also a bonus. They reach the elevator and go down a floor without issues. Once the elevator door opens, they find themselves in a market type area, and the difference to the top floor was already quite obvious.

"Ye I don't think I'd want to live at the bottom, but I doubt the people there have a choice, poor dears."

Although not completely run down, the place was definitely...more used and less pristine. However, it was also busier. People just going about their business, casual but clean clothes, nothing fancy but nothing broken either. With a good look around, Elara finds what she needs. A shop that has different armour types on display, with a sign saying "Get protected!"

"Look , that's what I need.!" Let's get inside, and she starts walking towards it.

"I will likely just get a standard blast vest for the moment, and if I have need of something more complicated I will get it later. I am not sure what I am expecting to be honest, I would still rather just be a pilot"

 

[Delnor Riek]

The level lower actually suited Delnor more than the top level. Other than the lights be artificial it seemed real. A stark difference to the clean but all most fake upper level "You correct they would not want to live there and many would struggle to leave. Often they would only find hope in a gang. Rember that next time you get in to a fight. That gang member, Pirate, Smuggler or who ever may not have chosen his life."


The shop seemed while named. It was a very legal shop and though aimed at more middle class market the gear offered was good. In fact probably better than some of the more high cost garb that was only for show. Delnor opened his Robe and showed the simple armor he had under. "You will find that simple armored clothing is often better than full assault armor. If the enemy things you not protected he will make foolish attacks. If you wear heavy amour then the person you fighting will fighting far more carefully. So I suggest some thing that wont stand out. A blast vest is not a bad idea"

 

[Elara Salis]

Elara nods to the Jedi's words. It is true. In general, Elara abhored violence exactly for the reason Delnor mentioned. A lot of people didn't have a choice in their background and grew up only with violence. She knows she's lucky she isn't one of them. The Jedi then points to his armour.

"Yes I agree. Simple is good for a lot of things. Let's see what they have here"

As they enter the shop, they could see several maniquens on either side with full armour suits of different kinds, some more decorative than functional.

"As much as I'd love my armor to look cool, I think I'll stick to functional to make sure I live through things..Like you said, it's better not to stand out too much. I do enough of that on my free time" Elara chuckles softly.

All these rich people in the upper levels probably had their own family stem or something if they had armour. Although they more than likely just had their own bodyguards...with their own family stem. Elara was still grinning at that thought when she stops in front of a row that has several standard outfits, including a simple blast vest.

"Oh this is perfect. I don't really want to have much on my legs either, I'm more the type that if I have to run, I'll run. "

She gives a head signal to the owner of the shop, a relatively young, blonde man that comes over to deal with the transaction. She quickly pays for her vest, and then asks the Jedi.

"Ok, so now what Del? We can do whatever you like, unless you have business to attend?"

 

[Delnor Riek]

The choice in armor was not bad. It was light armor but light armor was far more practical for every day use. It was a strange sort of person that walked every day end to tow in there heavy armor. But Delnor guessed it was there way. "Good choice. It may seem light but it covers your vital bits and that the important thing"


Delnor did not really know what to do next. He had done every thing he had wanted to do here some time ago all ready so Delnor had nothing he needed to to. "Since we have free time why don't we go some where quite to talk about the issue with your farther?"