Ask Gentrified Generis

[Illouen Aarstal]

Atravis City, Generis.​

Jedi Knight Illouen Aarstal knew a thing or two about Jedi robes. The traditional garments worn by most of his brethren were not just items of clothing. They were a symbol of the Order they were a part of, of the Light that they served. Contrary to popular belief, the robes were highly practical, perfect shrouds for what their wearer wished to conceal. They eliminated any stresses about daily fashion, made the choice easy, as it were. They were surprisingly warm in colder climates, and even more so in warmer ones.

Illouen was intimately familiar with this last aspect of his robes. Growing up on the jungle planet of Ajan Kloss, he’d grown accustomed to the sensation of the rough-spun cloth clinging to his skin. Uncomfortable, perhaps, but the humidity didn’t allow it any other way. It had been the first of many necessary discomforts learned on his path to becoming a Jedi.

Nevertheless, Illouen felt a wave of appreciation when the doors to the government building in Atrivis City slid open and the cool kiss of climate-controlled air beckoned him in. Greedily, he marched inside, more than happy to leave the muggy afternoon heat of Generis' capital behind. As the doors slid shut behind him, he lowered the hood of his indigo robes to better allow the circulating air to reach his ears. Instant relief. Ahhhh. No one spoke about the chafing and the heat one’s ears suffered from wearing those robes.

The Jedi Knight composed himself. This was business, not pleasure. He put his face back in its usual stoic folds and scanned the room. Like you would expect of a government building, there was a busy flitting-about of sentients – mostly Humans - traversing the lobby, speaking in hushed tones, carrying datapads and datalogs, everyone moving with the expediency of those who do not wish to be seen as slacking off. Those passing by Illouen gave him a quick glance, but otherwise his appearance in the lobby drew very little attention. It was good the same.

He went over to the service desk, manned by a CZ-series secretary droid. To think that units like this one were still kicking about in the Galaxy. Sturdy builds, that's for sure.

The secretary droid looked up from a screen.

“Good afternoon,” its metallic voice rang out. The vocabulator at its ‘jaw’ hissed with static. “How may I help?”

“Afternoon,” Illouen replied. “Jedi Knight Illouen Aarstal, here to see-“

“Ah, yes,” the CZ-series unit interrupted, its digits flitting across a keyboard. “Your appointment with the magistrate has sadly been delayed… our deepest apologies. The latest regional disputes keep her on a tight schedule that, sadly, never holds true. If only there were 84 hours in a day, as she likes to say.” The secretary droid produced a sound that Illouen supposed was meant as a sigh. “You understand, of course, Master Jedi.”

“Of course,” Illouen said. Though he doubted the droid’s sincerity. Oldest trick in the book, keeping your guests waiting. “I shall come back later.”

The droid looked up again. “I’m sure it won’t be long, Master Jedi. If you wish, I can show you to the waiting room? Your colleague arrived some time ago.“

Another Jedi? Illouen thought. He hadn’t been made aware of another member of his Order joining the efforts on Generis. Whatever was happening on this world was getting worse, however. The assistance of another Jedi would be greatly appreciated.

Illouen made a sweeping gesture with his hand. “Lead the way.”

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would be standing by a window glancing at the humid muggy jungle around them. Big jets of rocks scattering high and spaced out around the city as it was a beautiful day out but enough to drown you in your own sweat if your species even did at all. His arms would be folded beneath the similar brown robes as many others before and with him have worn as his white tunic underneath was a bit damp from his sweat prior to entering the building. The cooled climate certainly eased the body as his light blue eyes continued to look out. Around him were many others sitting around in chairs and talking privately as they waited to see representatives and other delegates as a door behind him began to hiss open. Through the force it never took a genius to figure out another force user was close as he turned to see a fellow Jedi approach alongside the droid that Lukas first spoke to a little while ago.

His eyes would catch the Jedi's own as a smile quipped lightly across the Jedi's lips. His neatly trimmed moustache forming upwards on the smile as his trimmed stubble had a small bead of sweater lingering on his throat. The Droid would walk over in a slower pace before extending its arm out on an angle for the Jedi to go over. Lukas would pipe up as his folded arms relaxed to their sides. "I've been here longer than Banthas live my friend." he turned his head to look at those around him before turning back to the Jedi. "I am Jedi Aurelius, I was told you would be showing up here but I never did quite catch the name, my apologies." his sincere look would extend his hand out to the fellow Jedi. The door would hiss open again as other delegates began to come in and out moving about as a intercom chimed over head regarding closures for certain offices or for individuals to get answer calls waiting to be picked up in their office.

Lukas would sigh a little as they waited and introductions were made. " This planet is beautiful, the crime rates here have been ramping up so much and everyone is in fear of the Siths hand stretching itself to here." he would shake his head slightly as he almost seemed in thought before continuing. "I'm sure you had the same instructions as myself but I really don't know if the magistrate will know much. We might have to pry the locals to see if we can get anything solid but lets see how this meeting goes." he would shrug softly. Lukas always had a concern if the senators, politicians and delegates would ever really know the struggle their citizens are living with. The best the Jedi could do is try to ease the burden of crime and keep order in the galaxy. One mission at a time.

@Casmer

 

[Illouen Aarstal]

The room that the secretary unit led Illouen to was with a doubt a waiting room. The Jedi Knight had hoped for some privacy when he was to greet his fellow Jedi - as a matter of fact the old Illouen would have expected it. But things were no longer what they had been before the Sith leeched the stability from the Galaxy and replaced it with chaos. It had been a hard lesson, learning to expect little and take nothing for granted. But Illouen was nothing if not studious.

His ‘colleague’, as the secretary unit had called him, turned out to be another Human. Illouen had felt his presence in the Force when they neared the room, of course, but he preferred not to assume – another important lesson in a Galaxy with as many different sentient footprints as there were stars and planets and dust in space.

“Pleasure,” Illouen said, smiling and shaking the man’s hand. “Illouen Aarstal.” He gave the secretary unit a quick “thank you” and waved it off. It was already on its way back out the door when Illouen made for the comfort of a seat near the window where the other Jedi, Aurelius, had been poised when he entered. “They told you more than me, then,” he followed up on Aurelius’ comment. “I thought I would be doing this alone, although I’m grateful that I won’t be. These sorts of tasks can be quite a handful.”

He nodded slowly to the things the other Jedi said about the issues Generis faced. “I think you may be right,” he said, and leaned in, continuing in a lowered voice: “And this thing about growing pro-Sith sentiment worries me. Generis was a proud Rebel world during the Galactic Civil War. We’re right to go prying, should the magistrate prove a dead end. But I suggest we go easy on him, let him spill the reason he’s been in contact with the Order before we inquire further.”

A quick look around gave Illouen the impression that they would be waiting a while. He sat back in the chair and sighed deeply, moving his shoulders gingerly. He’d been spending more time in the cockpit of his X-Wing of late than he liked to. He looked at Aurelius. The man looked perhaps a bit more put together than Illouen, but he thought he detected some of the same weariness that he felt.

“Have you been on the path for long?” he asked.
@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would take a seat with his arms still folded as he listened to his Jedi companion. His icy blue eyes would give him his attention as he let the force keep security around as they sat there. A slight sigh escaping from his lips as Jedi Aarstal told him he knew merely nothing compared to what Jedi Aurelius was told and even then it was nothing but bits and pieces. It seemed like this was a more common thing but alas all good leads are something you have to pry and work for. Listening to him as he nodded in agreement to his statement of working this alone. "I can say for certain I am thankful to have another Jedi here. You never know what is going to be waiting for us." he said with a slight chuckle as he tried to find humor. Not a bit of fear. As he spoke of some sort of good cop/bad cop plan on how to work the Magistrate, Lukas would nod solemnly in agreement to him as he thought for a moment.

His eyes fixated on the floor in thought as he finally spoke up. His finger would be resting on his chin in almost a ponder as he spoke. His tone was rather low and hush for only the pair to hear. "Something of that degree of change must cater on something beneficial, I'm thinking either the help is requested in something in return or for better good of the planet. Either way I imagine we will know shortly. I find the less talking you do and more silence you present the more they talk to fill the void." A slight smirk would escape his lips as he quietly sat there with Jedi Aarstal. He would hear his question echo a bit and resonate in his head like a sound in a cave as he thought for a moment. "I'm afraid I was a late bloomer. I was discovered at 14. I was on a mining ship before Master Tavius found me. Though for the time I have spent with the Jedi, they made me make up for it. What about yourself?"


After a moment of time the doors would hiss open and the same robot would approach. The same droid that spoke to them earlier as it finally called out. "Jedi's Aarstal and Aurelius, please come this way. Magistrate is ready to see you." Aurelius stood up quietly and extended his hand out towards the robot for Jedi Aarstal to lead the way. Lukas was not much of a bravado kind of man and was rather well kept and quiet. He respected all the Jedi he served along as he knew what they bare witnessed and dealt with on a daily basis. Regardless of status or cree, they all sought to make the galaxy better. Lukas would follow alongside Jedi Aarstal as they made their way to the office.

@Casmer

 

[Illouen Aarstal]

"A mining ship,” Illouen said, chewing on the words. He wondered what it would have been like, growing up somewhere other than in a temple of the Jedi Order. Sometimes, he envied those who had had that experience, but more so out of a theoretical curiosity than anything else. The Order was all he had ever known – at least for as long as he could remember. He seldom spared his birthparents a thought, although when he did he hoped they had had, and continued to have, a good life. “Well, I’m happy your master helped you find your calling,” he said, offering the other Jedi a smile. “You seem fit for the robes.”

“I was brought up inside the Order,” was Illouen’s answer to the other Jedi’s question. He didn’t elaborate further. There was no need, really. All Jedi, early or late bloomer, experienced much of the same after they were inducted into the Order. He did, however, add: “I spent most of my time as an Initiate on Ajan Kloss, before the attack happened. I was on the move with my master in the ensuing years.”

Afterwards, he wanted to ask if Aurelius’ parents were still alive and well; if they still lived on the mining ship, leading normal lives far removed from the horrors of this past decade. But he surmised that there would be time for that later.

Soon after, the secretary unit from earlier came back into the room and informed them that the magistrate was ready to receive them. Illouen accepted Jedi Aurelius’ invitation to take the lead and followed the droid. It led the pair down a sleek hallway, up a level by way of a turbolift, down another hallway – all of which looked similarly anonymous, the way government buildings tended to. They stopped in front of a large door. The droid pressed the intercom on the door panel. It buzzed a couple of times.

“Yes?”

“The Jedi are here to see you, Ma’am.”

“Great. Send them in.”

**********************

Vasa Maruu, Magistrate of Atrivis City, had followed all the advice she had been given. The meeting had been scheduled in in the afternoon, signaling that meeting the Jedi was not first on her agenda. The green-skinned Twi’lek had kept them waiting, a small but not insignificant show of strength in her business. And now, with the two Jedi sitting opposite from her in chairs purposefully set to stand unevenly on the floor, she expressed indifference. It wasn’t hard. Firstly, because of her many years of working as an actor for the premier holo-theatre group in the capital. And secondly, because it had been a long day of meetings, and despite the importance of the meeting with the Jedi, she was too exhausted to care in the way that, perhaps, she should.

“Gentlemen,” she said, offering the best smile she could muster. “I trust my secretary made your wait comfortable?” While she said that, she pressed a button on her intercom and said: “Please bring in the refreshments.” She looked up at the Jedi, her lekku jostling slightly. “It’s just caf and an assortment of native fruits. I hope you’re peckish. I know I am.”

The smaller of the two Jedi - Jedi Aarstal, she believed his name was – nodded and accepted politely on their behalf.

Not long after, a servitor droid entered, carrying a tray of fruit, a jug of steaming caf, and some cups. It poured the Jedi each a cup of caf, then proceeded to pour Vasa Maruu one. She accepted it gratefully and immediately sipped the brew. Letting out a sigh of contentment, she leaned back in her comfortable high-backed chair and folded her hands in her lap.

“I appreciate your coming here, Masters Jedi. Even if it is a lot later than I would have hoped. Although, with the state of things being as it is in the Galaxy, it’s not entirely unexpected of the Jedi Order. I trust your superiors filled you in on the issue at hand?”

She knew that they hadn’t been filled in, of course. Mainly because she hadn’t provided much for the Order to go on, except that it was urgent. She and her advisors had relied on the growing pro-Empire sentiment in certain factions on Generis to be enough impetus for the Jedi Order to want to assert themselves. Generis wasn’t too far from Jedi-aligned space, after all. Nor was it far from Empire-held space.

The smaller Jedi was the first to chime up. “They did, although we’re unfamiliar with the specifics, Magistrate,” he said. Vasa thought she sensed a bit of strain in his tone. “We are, however, here to lend Generis our hand, in whatever capacity is needed, on behalf of the Jedi Order.”

Vasa gave little response. Sipping her caf, she looked at the other Jedi to see if he had something to add before she answered.

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius listened intently to the other Jedi His eyes would focus on him as he spoke as smiled a bit at hearing the remark of how his master found him. "Master Tavius was a great man. I miss him so." Laughing a bit on the comment on the robes with a slight chuckle. "You as well my friend." he would nod in confirmation as he as it seemed like majority he was raised since a youngling to the order. Many were and few black sheep such as Aurelius were even allowed in but some how he had made it. Still it fascinated him and was glad but not envious of those who got to train since youth. It was a honor to Lukas but he was over all glad he had made his part and got through his trials to become a knight. His attention was caught off guard as he mentioned the tragedy on Ajan Kloss. It was something Lukas was informed of in his teachings as he nodded quietly in respect before adding to it. "Well you are here now and made the most of it. A strong Jedi." he would politely smile as he heard the doors open right after.

As the droid made its way to the Magistrates room and buzzed them in, Jedi Aurelius remained quiet with his arms folded over themselves under his brown robes as he stepped through the doors after they were allowed in. His icy blue eyes would scan the room intently as his focused shifted back to the front. Letting her Magistrate talk and offer them a some sort of apologetic but ended question on not waiting to long, Lukas would simply nod and smile politely that it was no trouble at all as he listened quietly to the offer of refreshments. As the server droid entered and handed them refreshments and setting the tray of fruits on the table. Lukas would politely decline the droids offer as he let them both converse with him speaking on his behalf. Lukas listened carefully to her magistrate as he stood there before hearing the fellow Jedi tell her they basically had little knowledge of what is going on but to come give aid. Something was being withheld from them and Lukas could almost feel it. He remained quiet as he let them converse and kept his thoughts to himself.

It was only when he heard the last statement of the Jedi being there to help in whatever capacity was needed as Lukas spoke up in his calm tone. "We will do whatever is needed to keep the planet and citizens safe." He added to it as he stared at her magistrate. Lukas may have been a bigger and muscular Jedi but he was a man of few few words who tended to keep quiet to let others talk. However he would speak in clarity on the matter and try not to double over what Jedi Aarstal is saying as Jedi Aurelius felt the same on the matter of it all. Lukas still had the weird itch in his head about something being hidden from them as he would wait until they were alone to bring it up to his Jedi companion.

@Casmer

 

[Illouen Aarstal]

Something about the magistrate’s attitude troubled Illouen. Although she hid it well, it was clear that she was on guard. And there was an element of mockery in what she said, hidden behind a politician’s eloquence. In truth, Illouen wasn’t surprised to be met with such an attitude. All over the Galaxy, the support for the Order had soured. The Order’s banishment from all Republic-controlled space still stung like an ulcer in the minds of most of his brethren.

Illouen nodded concurringly to the other Jedi’s words. It was true. Past any ambitions of that they may have held for bringing Generis into the arms of the Order, they were here purely as an answer to a call for support. It was the duty of the Jedi to help those in need – a principle that had been muddied by the many years of increasing conflict. Perhaps it was time to relearn this principle again.

A sly smile grew on the magistrate’s face. “The planet and its citizens are already safe and sound in the hands of the defence force of Generis, Master Jedi” she said to Aurelius. “But I like the fervour. And I’m certain we can put it to use in the right area, where it is needed.”

Politicians… Illouen took the first sip of his caf. Still warm, but not quite as scalding as the brew he had seen the magistrate drink. “Alright, then.” Have it your way. “How can we help?”

For a moment, the magistrate’s gaze moved pensively between the two Jedi. Then, she pushed her chair out and stood, walking to the windows overlooking the city. “Our world is far removed from the Republic, and any of the other governing bodies for that matter. We’ve had to make do on our own. Past heroics apparently mean nothing. They’ve got short memories in the Republic.”

She motioned to the city outside. “Out there – the progress that we’ve made? It’s ours. We made that happen. Sprouted cities from the jungle. Tamed the sallap trees. It’s the strong will of the Generisians that turned our home into something more than a place the rich Coreworlders only came to for sport hunting.”

The magistrate stared them with a steely gaze. “We were left alone for a while. Until your war encroached upon our sector. Until now, we have saboteurs in our midst. Interrupting our logging operations. Cutting supply chains in two. Imperial saboteurs, mind you. Sith saboteurs. Here because Generis is now of interest. Here because of your war.”

The magistrate breathed deeply, and once again her calm, collected demeanor returned. She walked back over to the desk and sat gracefully in the chair. “So you see, your particular expertise has suddenly become a hot commodity here. One that the prime minister has asked me to pay you for. And although I fail to see why one should pay troublemakers for their own trouble, I am obligated to carry out his wishes.”

She sipped from her caf. “So, what does your venerable Order wish in return for dealing with this subversive force?”

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would remain quiet as the vibe of the Magistrate was very sarcastic and almost insulting in the issue of the Jedi's fight being brought upon the doorstep of Generis. Lukas would respectfully let her continue to whiplash the two Jedi for everything as he was use to this kind of treatment but the force and the order taught him to be rather polite and respectful in the ass chewing they received from time to time. As Lukas unfolded his arms politely and the Magistrate finished, he would comment softly. "Your Magistrate, the Sith is coming one way or another. If they decide to come full force I am sure you're aware that Generis will be in a lot more trouble." he plead softly as his icy blue eyes stared into hers as his face was polite but stern. Listening to the issues being brought up about Saboteurs causing issues with supply lines Lukas would focus on that and let his Jedi companion try to appease her in what the Order would expect out of this helping hand.

Lukas would wait until his partner answered the last question on what was expected as Lukas would add to the investigation part on the saboteur's. "Wanting any form of hostility is the last thing the Jedi Order would want for this planet. Do you mind telling us or point us to the one who has been dealing with this first hand? A shift leader for the supply chain? Is there a certain line they focus on or time?" Lukas would probe her a little for details as even though it was their job to figure it out, all they needed was some sort of lead as the Jedi finally gave in to the food and beverages offered. The coffee was cold by now but that mattered none to him. It appeared they would be more than likely be working through the night on this investigation. Letting the force bring the cup to his hand he would shoot it down in one shot and politely bring it back over to the table.

The Jedi would begin to think to himself on ways they can go about this as he let the other two converse for a moment. A supply line being constantly being sabotaged or messed with. They had to of had a inner person or someone who was giving them information on the supply lines. Lukas was sure they'd try to change routes or times to try to keep it unpredictable Or would they keep the same? Lukas had way to many questions at this time and not enough answers as his mind continued to work like clockwork on trying to water it down to basics. There was a reason Master Tavius thought highly of him other than the fact he was physically good at combat.

@Casmer

 

[Illouen Aarstal]

Illouen wasn’t wholly surprised by the magistrate’s tone. Public relations was a sore spot for the Jedi Order as of late, and even more so since its expulsion from the Republic. Animosity was to be expected. However, given that he and his colleague were here because Generis had requested it, it did feel out of place. He reminded himself that politics is politics and, quite often, politics is unreliable.

Illouen inclined his head in agreement with his colleague. Perhaps it sounded hyperbolic to the magistrate, but in reality it was nothing but the blunt truth. Try as they may at acting the role of benevolent rulers, the true nature of the Sith always came out. Problem was, once it did, it was usually far too late to do anything about it.

The Jedi Knight cleared his throat. “I understand your hesitancy, Magistrate. You are in the unenviable position of being a public servant elected to act in the best interest of your people and your city. I can see that is not a role you take lightly. It is commendable, really.

“And so, I’ll be as honest with you as you have been with us. What the Order wants is not much in the grand scheme of things, although it may seem like it to you and your world. By allying itself to the Jedi Order, Generis would receive the support and protection of any world that decides to align itself to the Light instead of the Dark. We would not willingly abandon you to the clutches of the Empire. In return, the Order would ask that Generis supports the resistance against Imperial expansion by helping to patrol the sector, providing some military materiel and personnel in what is, essentially, a bid to protect itself from the inevitable approach of the Sith.”

Illouen paused for a brief moment to sip from his caf. “The Order might ask for permission to occupy one of the old, abandoned Rebel bases as a base of operations. I don’t think the Order would want to remain there once the war is over; a base is not a temple, after all. And so, it would be handed over to Generis.”

Illouen eyed the magistrate. The Twi’lek didn’t betray much emotion for the eye to see. The Jedi Knight reached inward and prodded slightly with the Force. Perhaps a bit of confliction, but nothing clearly discernible. He decided not to prod further.

Another sip of the caf. “This is excellent, by the way,” he noted. “Generisian origin, perhaps?”

*********​

Magistrate Vasa Maruu couldn’t help but feel flattered. She saw the fact that the Jedi engaged so fully with her in these diplomatic negotiations as a testament to the flawlessness with which she portrayed the role of the politician. Of course, she was a proud Generisian, too, and what mattered to Generis mattered to her. But the tongue-twisting, hard-hitting bluntness of the Magistrate of Atravis City? That was a skin she had learned to wear through hours of grueling city council meetings and party conventions. And her labors had borne fruit.

The Twi’lek offered a smile. “You’re quite right, Master Jedi. From the foothills of the Altoskh Mountains, near the equator.”

She sipped her caf slowly, using the opportunity to collect herself. “I do not doubt the Jedi Order’s intentions,” she said, perhaps a little untruthfully. “But as history shows us, the practicalities of war can corrupt even the best of intentions.” She pursed her lips, contemplation displaying on her face. “Even if I were inclined to accept your invitation – which I am not saying that I am, mind you – you of course understand that it is a consideration that I alone cannot make. However, if the Order were to give Generis a show of faith, then I should bring your proposition to the Prime Minister.”

Yes, she truly wore the politician’s skin as naturally as she wore her own.

“It is as we said earlier,” the Jedi, Aarstal, said. “Whether or not Generis accept the cooperation of the Jedi Order will have no effect on my colleague’s and my intention to help out. We shall do what is necessary to assist you in keeping the people of Generis safe while we’re here.”

The other Jedi, Aurelius, chimed in, asking Vasa for any clues or contacts she may have regarding the aforementioned issue. She took a long moment to deliberate. “Very well,” she finally said. “There is a foreman. Tindall, I think his name is. He was the first to report the sabotage. I can have my secretary find his whereabouts for you.”

With that, she pushed a button on the intercom and rose from her seat. “And now the magistrate’s busy schedule continues, I’m afraid. Thank you, gentlemen, for your time and your willingness to help. I shall consider your words carefully, and should you indeed stick around to assist Generis in this most essential matter, then I will present the Prime Minister with the Order’s proposition.”

The door to her office slid open, and her secretary entered. “Ah, CZ-4G0, finally. Would you please take these two Jedi to the databank access and retrieve information on the foreman from the logging incidents?” She motioned for the Jedi to follow the secretary unit, and once the Jedi had left, she slumped back into her seat, her back just a little more bent, but her pride just a little stronger than before.

Yes, this truly was her role of a lifetime.

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would listen quietly still as he waited for a response. It seemed the duo in front of him where getting along well as Lukas remained the more quieter of the Jedi pair as he smiled politely to the Magistrate. Waiting for them to finish up their conversations as it seemed Jedi Aarstal was winning her over with his diplomacy as Lukas couldn't help but smirk to himself as it was a sight to behold. The Jedi was impressive as Lukas nodded to the Magistrate who began to tell them of a foreman who had reported the sabotaging. Finally a lead. Lukas continued to listen quietly as the name Tindall rang across his mind for a moment. Standing politely once the other Jedi did, Lukas would wait for the formalities to end as he bowed slightly. "It was an honor." Lukas said respectfully as he then turned with the droid and waited for hos companion to accompany him as the droid would begin to exit the office.

Lukas would head down the long hallway as he watched the droid take the lead. His arms would still remain folded in his robes as he passed other diplomats and workers moving around like a well tuned machine. Calls being made, voices speaking about and the certain vibe of the place seemed like a beautiful but controlled chaos as Lukas's blue eyes would scan around him before stopping to see the droid halt in front of a big door. Punching the key code in the side scanner as a hiss was open revealing a rather large room full of computers and data drives as Lukas stepped in behind it while the droid made its way over to one of the computers. The flashing small lights and beeping would be heard as the room was kept cool from the non stop working hard ware as Lukas would turn.

"Hopefully we will be pushed on the right track. You're a natural at diplomacy." Lukas said quietly as the droid would take its time fetching the information. Waiting patiently as after some time the droid would come back and have a small data pad with it as Lukas gracefully received it as he looked at it momentarily but handed it off to his partner to let him have a look as well. It seemed Tindall would be working tonight down at the logging camp just outside town for a shipment to come in tonight. Lukas would remain quiet and wait to see what his partner had to say.

@Casmer

 

[Illouen Aarstal]

While the secretary unit went to retrieve the relevant information, Illouen turned to Lukas Aurelius. “Your words are too kind,” Illouen he answered the fellow Jedi. “I’m just a messenger. Believing in our message is what makes it believable to others, and I think even this magistrate could sense that. It was not wrong to say that between the Empire and the Jedi Order, the latter is the more tolerable choice – even to those who wish to stay neutral.”

The Jedi Knight shrugged his shoulders slightly. “The sad truth is that only those who have the resources to fully defend themselves can be truly neutral. Everyone else has to pick a side, sooner or later.”

The droid returned and handed Lukas a datapad. The other Jedi looked at it for a moment, then handed it to Illouen. He nodded politely and had a look. There was information about where the foreman would be later in the evening. Illouen looked up at Lukas, trying to convey with his eyes that he had seen the information available to them in the datapad. Then, the hint of a mischievous smirk would display on his face.

“This isn’t what Magistrate Maruu promised us,” Illouen burst out, turning to face the secretary unit. “How does she expect us to solve her predicament without free access to the files relevant to the incidents?”

The droid was silent for a moment before it replied: “I’m sorry, Master Jedi. I was under the impression that the information Magistrate Maruu ordered me to retrieve was all that she was inclined to provide you with.”

Illouen shook his head theatrically. “I believe her exact words were for you to ‘retrieve information on the foreman.’ His whereabouts is by no means enough for us to properly deal with this delicate matter.”

The secretary unit stared silently at Illouen. If a CZ-series unit could have a dumbfounded expression on its face, this would be it.

Illouen sighed and said, half to himself: “I think this unit might be faulty.” Then, he added directly to the droid: “You might benefit from reporting to the technicians for a routine maintenance, you know?”

Then, Illouen gestured to Lukas Aurelius. “Jedi Aurelius, would you please explain? And speak clearly, otherwise I fear this units processing core might spontaneously combust.”

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would listen quietly his arms folded under his brown robes as he listened to his Jedi Companion quietly for moment taking the data pad. Suddenly Jedi Aarstal began to relay the pain and anguish in the information the droid have gave them. It caught Lukas off guard as he looked bewildered for a moment before he composed himself and continued to look normal and with a hint of sadness. Lukas would almost speak up himself and say "Aarstal what are you doing?" but instead he remained quiet and looked over at the droid who looked it like was about to blow its circuits in confusion from it all. The dramatic head shake would signal to Lukas it was a ruse as he tried not to smirk and resisted as best as he could as he looked down at the data pad and shook his head also.

"Yes..." Lukas began to whip something up as he went along. It wasn't his best work on the spot but it would suffice enough to a droid as he continued. "I've seen this before with these droid types." he shook his head softly as he seemed like a disappointed dad speaking to their youngling. "Without these routine checks information can be missed by the computer chip only processing bits and pieces of requested information." He literally never had a sweet clue what in the shit he was saying as he looked at the data pad again and continued shaking his head. "Definitely was told to retrieve information on the foreman...We need more than this. How about you go the maintenance bay and we'll have a handle on this." Lukas would pat the droid on the back in almost a gentle push for motivation as he turned to the Jedi with his hands on his hips.

"I don't know Jedi Aarstal, the droids these days.." he would trail off as he waited to hear the sounds of the droid walking off before looking over his shoulder slyly to see if it worked.

@Casmer

 

[Illouen Aarstal]

The droid hesitated, its photoreceptors veering between the two Jedi. "I... There's no need fo... Surely, it can't be... What I mean to say is, Masters Jedi, surely it couldn't be something degenerative, could it?"

Illouen caught Lukas' gaze and had to stifle a grin. He shrugged, adressing the other Jedi instead of the droid: "I think you're right. Seems like it could use a quick maintenance."

The droid's head seemed to be whirring slightly. "Very well," it said, walking over to one of the access ports. It linked with the databank and returned moments later. "I have given you preliminary access to the relevant files. However, you are not allowed to withdraw any of the files from the databank itself. Once I have ensured that my processing core is indeed in order, I shall help you download the relevant files with permission from the Magistrate. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Waiting for the swooshing sound of the doors sliding shut behind the secretary unit, Illouen let a low whistle escape from his lips. "Might've thrown us a bit of a curveball there, but I reckon it's worth a shot. Worst case scenario we just go about our business with the information we already have when the droid returns. But for now, let's see what doors the droid opened for us, shall we?" He motioned for Lukas Aurelius to walk to the databank access port, allowing his colleague to take helm for the research. Then, he moved closer to the door leading out of the room. "I'll keep an ear out while you search. I have a feeling the Magistrate wasn't quite honest with us, so see if maybe there's a report somewhere in the folder. I suspect it would be under some level of encryption. Do you have any slicing experience? "

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius would watch the droid begin to move off as he perked an eyebrow. It actually worked and Lukas was quite impressed they made it this far. Lukas would step in as his partner explained the plan. "Slicing experience? I got zilch unless you do." he said flatly as his blue eyes scanned around the inside again. Making his way over and began to try to ruffle through files as almost every single one needed an access code. A sigh would escape his lips as he continued to try to guess the code only to have access denied appear multiple times as Lukas would turn his attention over to Jedi Aarstal. "I'm afraid it's a no go for me, care to give it a try?" if his comrade accepted it he would switch places and keep on the look out. If not Lukas would move back and speak to his companion with his arms folded. "Well we can stake out that logging camp and see if he is working there?".

Lukas would continue make his way outside as the heat hit him heavily. His blue eyes scanning around as he motioned to his partner. "I think there is a local water hole..a cantina not to far from here? Could see if we get any leads." The Jedi would quietly begin to head that way as the fauna and flora were all around them. The heat very hot as they made their way over to the busier part of the city. Lukas slowly catching the name of the cantina. "Trishes Treetops." Lukas would step in and immediately get hit by AC as it was almost relieving in the sweltering heat from the outdoors. His eyes would scan around until he found a corner both and moved his way to it.

"Well, what do we know..Let's gather everything and talk it out.".

@Casmer

 

[Illouen Aarstal]

Illouen offered Lukas a grin and a shrug of his shoulders. "Probably as little as you, my friend. Might be worth a shot, though." He tried to recall any useful information from the times he had worked alongside a slicer. Nothing except one fact came to mind: that a computer spike was often necessary to break data encryptions, and he didn't have one.

Illouen cursed under his breath as repeated error tones emitted from the access point operated by Lukas. "Any luck?" he said over his shoulder, peeking out into the hallway. It was still clear. Judging by the sounds made by the access point and Lukas both, it was a hard negative. "No guarantees when improvising," he muttered, mostly to himself.

He nodded when Lukas asked if he wanted to give it a go. The two of them switched places, and Illouen gave guessing the password a shot. He tried different buzzwords, letter and number combinations but to no avail. After some time, he had to resign himself to the fact that his little stunt wouldn't work.

"No need to stake out the camp," Illouen said. "The information the droid loaded onto my datapad has his home address already. Unless you think we could gain some additional information by staking out the camp for a bit. But we can decide that later."

Illouen followed his colleague out into the jungle heat. It was suffocating, even after just a few minutes outside. He was grateful when Lukas suggested they go to a cantina nearby to talk over the case and get refreshments. When they arrived, Lukas picked out a corner booth for them. Illouen sat and waved a waiter over. "A sparkling water for me, and whatever my friend here wants."

As the waiter disappeared to get both of their orders, Illouen answered Lukas: "Not much more than what the magistrate told us, I'm afraid. I have a strong feeling she was hiding something, though I find that's almost always the case when talking to politicians. We might have to just wait and see what the foreman has to say. But so far, it seems we're dealing with a group of Imperial infiltrators or at least local Imperial sympathizers. Whatever we do, we have to tread lightly. We're likely no more than one misstep away from getting kicked off the planet."

Illouen leaned back and sighed. "What do you think we should do?"

@Exhilian

 

[Lukas Aurelius]

Lukas Aurelius take a seat in the booth with his companion as he sat back and let the cool conditioned air hit the pair as the sweat ran down his back softly under his robes. As they relaxed Lukas would glance over to his Jedi companion as he softly shook his head after listening to him. "We can go to his home address but the moment he sees two robed Jedi coming his way he will either run or worse. We can't take that chance with little information that we have." he would sigh a little as the blue eyed Jedi would glance up to the server. "Just a water please. Thank you." as the server went off to get it. He would let his hand raise up and relax on his chin as he thought for a little bit. His blue eyes scanning the air as if he was reading something invisible for a moment as he seemed some what lost in thought. "I suggest we visit him tonight, the dead of night. Make an appearance. I wouldn't show our face or make note of us being Jedi. Simply be two robed kin who come to talk to him.".

"The Jedi will be the last thing he'd think of that would come to him in the middle of the night. At the pace and rate we are going and this approach, we are more likely to be in an endless web of lies or running in circles.". The Jedi would look at him finally as he waited to see what Jedi Aarstal had to say. "The camp i'm sure could have vital information about our little foreman friend. Maybe it can lead us to more knowledge of his movements if we act like an inspecting party with the Generis work safety committee." Lukas would smile a little at the name. As he finished the suggestion the server would come back and hand them their drinks as Jedi Aurelius nodded softly to them. "Thank you." he repeated as he took the glass and had a little mouthful of the cool liquid before setting it back down. "We are probably the only thing that can disrupt this virus before it grows to have more support here. We need to be concrete in our actions.".

Lukas would turn his head to look around the cantina. Species of all kinds lay talking, arguing or sticking to themselves as it was hard to tell who was who but none the less the blue eye Jedi would remain on high alert. Regardless of what the Jedi would follow up with, Lukas would fold his arms softly under his robes. "I will do what you think is easier or best. I am not sound in my opinions to where I won't budge. I trust your judgement." he laughed a little to lighten the mood as he shifted his head towards the opposite side of the cantina. "Though there are two Trandoshan's giving us a pretty hard look." Lukas would continue to remain relaxed and laugh a bit as he looked only at Jedi Aarstal. "I only imagine who hired them to keep an eye out on folks like us.".

@Casmer