No Bars on Tython

[Jessica Cloud]

The Ithorian Conclave
Eda Mountains, Tython

To start. And, let me be very clear here. There are no bars on Tython.

Okay. Yes. This is the usual beginning to a very long and very boring political discussion about the many 'undesirable' things on a whole planet run by the Jedi church. So the term, undesirable, generally refers to anything the stern orthodoxy conceive as being distasteful to their religion's image. Things. Such as: modern fashions, fast cars, automatic weapons, and, (of course,) cheerfully emboldened social drinking. So. Yeah. Good luck getting an alcohol license from the local clergyman administration of Tython. No. It's not going to happen. And do you know why? Because there are no bars on Tython.

Now. Did the Ithorain Conclave just so happen to have something very, very similar to a bar sitting deep inside it's shady unbelly of mossy ferns and perfectly manicured garden foilage? Yes. Yes it did. Located high up in the eastern Eda mountains and dug deep into it's white stone'y tunnels, this bastion of rufugees and clerical gardeners had the welcome habit of enforcing the good rules; and ignoring the dumb ones pertaining to beverage consumption. A gleeful side effect of being allowed to police their own territory. Even if they, technically, conformed to the same government everybody else on Tython did too. And... Just maybe? If somebody like Ringo Bel'Amon just so happened to set up a good old fashioned Ithorian beer-serving bar inside the old dwarven tunnels of the Conclave's proper? Well then.

More power to em'.

.....

"Oh! ...Erm. No thank you. I don't drink on duty. Some other time perhaps."

Jessica Cloud raised her hands in protest as the short Ithorian male protested. His garbled speech was confusing to all who had never before heard the gutteral hymn of the Ithorian language. Thankfully, Jedi Knight Cloud knew exactly how to reply,

"I said no. And no means no. Now... Here. You don't want to offer me free drinks. You want to go home and rethink your life."

She said with a tell-all wave of her thin magical wrist. Suggesting to the alien mind that her sudden idea of a quick withdrawl from Jedi company was the only proper decision left to choose. So the drunk creature departed from his stool and offered the empty seating to another.

Jess sat down and offered the next chair to her newest Jedi companion,

"Well. This should be interesting? You don't suppose that Ringo will actually be trying to sell us anything legal this time, do you?"

The brunette's eyebrows wavered. As if to say: An honest smuggler on Tython. Ha. I doubt it.

This is the unusual beginning to a very long and very interesting adventure about one of the many 'undesirable' things on a whole planet run by Jedi. Undesirable generally referring to anything the deviant Jessica Cloud perceives as being distasteful to their religion's image. Things. Such as: a lack of modern fashion sense, an overabundance of slow timid vehicles, a drought of giant energy weapons, and, (of course,) no beer. So. Yeah. Good luck getting a straight answer from the local bartender and scoundrel, Ringo Bel'amon. And do you know why?

Because there are no bartenders on Tython. *wink*

.....

@Babster

 

[Babster]

It's been several long years since Nula has worked with a partner.

The last time she worked in tandem with another Jedi was when her Padawan was still alive. That stray thought is enough to cause a wince to almost break past her working facade, but like many of her peers out there, she's mastered the majority of her facial expressions.

After all, the loss of life shouldn't be grieved, she understands this, as those lost are now one with the Force, but theory and practicality are two vastly different things and Nula still struggles with that occasionally.

Either way, it's also been quite some time since she was given an active mission; beyond the typical 'help those in need' and as such, the elder Jedi almost feels like the odd man out right now. Thankfully though, like well worn shoes, Nula finds herself slipping into that familiar routine easily enough - with very little awkwardness from herself.

When Jess offers that hand wave and the little mental nudge towards the rather drunk Ithorian, Nula simply offers a faint nod of appreciation. The less eavesdroppers the better.

Settling neatly upon the second empty stool, Nula's eyes automatically survey the area about the two women. While not looking for anything specific, she's allowing both her mundane and not so mundane senses to take the pulse of the people within this particular establishment.

"I do hope so. I rarely find myself in need of any sort of deathstick, or spice, nor items that weren't legally obtained for re-sale. I have always wondered what makes smugglers think we won't be able to sense when they're hiding something from us." Comes her wry response, that dryness holding a note of humor within its depths.

Turning her gaze back to Jess now, Jedi Knight Sygti says, , "But, to be fair, I have encountered traders that have their own moral code and to some extent honor. That doesn't mean they won't try to swindle you, but they potentially won't stab you in the back either." She shrugs slightly, her gaze going back to the flow of people, "Do you see our 'friend' yet?"

 

[Jessica Cloud]

"Ya know." Jess turned towards the outer door, "I think I do."

Standing in the blazing light of the afternoon doorway was Ringo Bel'amon. A handsome dashing man of moderate hieght and a flowing white mane of curly hair. A bold and impressive figure well into his fifth decade of life. He stood there in the doorway just smiling. A silhouette between the sun and new shining business. A pirate among pirates and the smug'est smuggler amongst thieves. More legend than man.

"Hello ladies!"

He boomed in a deep grand voice. Spreading his arms out wide as if to receive the afternoon sky itself. Stepping forward to give Knight Cloud a great big hug.

"Good morning Ringo." Jess smiled and embraced him like a friend.

"Afternoon. Afternoon. Welcome Jessica. And hello there! I don't think we've met?"

He plied himself away from Cloud's childlike giddy and gave a new and handsome handshake towards Nula.

"Ringo Bel'amon. Adventurer extraordinaire." He winked a wink and brushed back his feathery hair, "At your service."

.....

@Babster

 

[Babster]

At Jessica's words, Nula will automatically turn her attention from the room to the doorway. At the sight of the silhouette the Jedi can't help but narrow her eyes as she tries to get a better view of the would-be Smuggler. While she can't quite discern his features, that seems to be a moot point, as the man finally moves from the doorway and into the 'Bar'.

His exuberant greeting not only garners their particular table's attention, but also other eyes as well. Some eyes look amused at his greeting, while others look quite calculating - but, no one trespasses against the man's path. Clearly, his reputation precedes himself.

For Nula, the sight of the man is somewhat surprising. She wasn't prepared for such a spritely gentleman, nor one who seemed to be in such good humor. His energy is enough that an unbidden smile blossoms across her features, allowing the corner of her eyes to crinkle ever so slightly with that expression of hers. When Ringo gives Jess a hug, Nula can't help the curious gaze that flicks between the two; obviously there's more to their story than just smuggler and client, or so it seems to Nula.

Finally, when the King of Pirates turns his attention to her and offers that hand of his, Nula will reach out and shake it. Her grasp is cool and confident, with just enough strength behind it so as not to be anywhere near limpid. "A pleasure to meet you, Master Bel'amon. I'm Nula Sygti." And while the title of Master might be a touch over the top for this Pirate, it's still given, as Nula gestures towards their table. "Would you care to join us? And would you care for drinks?"

@Jessica Cloud

 

[Jessica Cloud]

"I would. And I think I shall! Ha."

The dapper smuggler enjoyed Nula's handshake before releasing himself and strutting behind the bar. Half owner's pride, half showman's touch. Knelling down and grabbing the troupe a few glasses and a bottle of Skittles Whiskey. Shaking the bottle and smiling,

"Jess?"

"Oh. No thank you. I'm going dry today. Crystal from the tap is fine."

"Water it is then for the lady. ...And Sygti? Whiskey to start or are you more of a beer girl? Sorry. Jedi. Heh."

He served and poured to their order's specifications. A barman's touch with a veteran's smile.

"Ha. On to business then!"

Ringo leaned against the wooden bar opposite his patrons. Swishing his glass with ease and nodding to Knight Sygti,

"I hear you're looking for a new supplier of parts and cargo crates for your happy move to Ilum from here? Well... Just so happens. We at the Conclave here happen to have just what your looking for. Fuel connections too. Fair prices and quick service. Prompt, prompt, prompt. Like my ol' mama used to say."

He winked and took a swig. Slapping down the glass hard to the counter.

"So. How's that sound for the both of you, eh? You in the mood to swindle me for prices now or what?"

Jessica shrugged and gave a wave to Nula. Curious and aloof. Cloud was feeling to musical to reply right away. She wanted to see which Sygti had arrived today to business. The teacher, the healer, or the warrior's spirit. Musing at the very thought as the wild brunette played with her glass.

"I don't know? Are we partner?"

.....

@Babster

 

[Babster]

Again that smile lights Nula's features at the rather dapper manners of the smuggler. While she knows there's a shrewd mind behind his politeness and showmanship, she still can't help but be amused by his antics.

When he asks for her order, she'll tilt her head towards Jess, as she adds, "I fear I shall disappoint you with my choice. Water as well, if you please."

And once her glass of water is positioned in front of her, Nula will casually warp her hand around the tumbler, even as she continues to watch the man behind the bar. It's only when Jess offers that wave of her hand and then those words of hers, that the elder Jedi woman will take her cue.

"While I would not categorize the prices we wish as swindling - " Begins Nula, with a faint smile crossing her lips, "- We would be most appreciative of any percentage you could potentially cut off of your typical rate for the cargo." With her words, it would seem the Healer-Diplomat has arrived for these negotiations. "Of course, we do not wish to cause you to lose money on this venture either ... but, I am certain we can find a middle-ground where both our parties leave quite pleased."

While she doesn't wear the typical cloak that many other of the Jedi wear, she does have pockets within her pants and pouches upon her belt. From one of the deeper pouches, the dark-haired woman will bring forth a small data-pad. Pressing her finger to the screen will cause the 'pad to activate with a soft green glow. Placing the object upon the bar-top, Nula will slide the thin tech-reader over to Ringo. The price upon the data-pad while fair, is perhaps a little too low for the happy-gentleman.

"How does this amount sound?" And even if he doesn't take it, she has other bargaining chips up her sleeves in that event. A look will be flicked towards Jess, perhaps to see what the other woman thoughts are on this matter.

@Jessica Cloud

 

[Jessica Cloud]

"Mmm. Well... Let's see."

Ringo reached into his pocket and pulled out a pair of round spectacles. He took up the pad and gave it a good round look too. Glancing only once up at Sygti. Poker face and professional. He didn't even let the Force know how he was feeling. Just... Looking at it. As if unconcerned with the prices at all.

Jessica smiled to Nula. Not bad. Her partner knew how to talk. That was good. Most kids that Jess brought in here didn't know the language from their lightsaber. Didn't know how to talk to people. Didn't know how to act. Didn't know how to flow. But Nula Sygti here? ...Yeah.

She got this.

"Well?" Ringo sighed, "I got to hand it to ya Jess. You bringing a new girl in here? Man. I thought for sure I'd hate her."

He smiled and removed his glasses. Shaking the pad with a deviant grin,

"But ya know what sister? You got class. ...And I like class. So here's what I'm going to do."

Ringo paused and Jess slipped her palm under her chin. Her eyes sparkling with excitement as if to say, Oh? Do tell Ringo. Do tell. So he did,

"I'm going to bring you two out onto the platform and you can see my stock personally. Because I think we've got ourselves a fine, fine deal. Hehe."

Jess turned her playful head to Nula and winked. More than proud of how her partner had been handling herself. Mimicing Ringo's tone, she smiled,

"Not bad sister. Not bad at all."

Ringo let the girls talk as he called his kid assistant over from the lunch booth. Then the tiny human teenager shrugged and disappeared back into the Conclave's many wide corridors. He had a presentation to prepare.

"Okay!" Ringo slapped the bar, "My boy is getting the back door open for us. So!? ...You girls ready to see what your buying? Ha!"

Jess dismounted her chair and brushed herself off.

"Ya know Mister Bel'amon? I think we'd be more than happy to accompany you out into your oh-so-secret pirate's lair. Mm. Shall we?"

"Ha!" The smuggler laughed, "...Yes! Let's!"

Yep. And just like that? I think the Jedi Knights of Tython had just made themselves a new partner.

.....

@Babster

 

[Babster]

While Ringo's expression is inscrutable, Nula's own look is quite placid.

The Force may not show her what way the Proper Pirate is leaning, but this particular Jedi has faith and trust of the Force.

It's only when Ringo's features break into that impish grin of his that Nula will likewise smile again. In fact, his praise earns a deeper bow from the Jedi. A tilt of her head and shoulders downward instead of just that head tilt of hers.

"I thank you for the kind words." She says, even as she straightens from her gesture of respect.

At the mention of going to see the stock in person, Nula's expression eases from that carefully forced neutrality.

Jess' grin is returned by one of Nula's now, as she says, "Thank you." While more could be said the dark-haired woman falls silent for a few minutes as she likewise slides off of her seat.

"Jedi Cloud is correct. It would be most welcome to see the supplies you've retrieved for us- in this pirate lair you have." That last part is said with a note of humor, even as the two follow after the Master Pitate. It's only after a half a dozen steps that Nula will suddenly ask, "Master Bel'amon, perhaps you could do me a person favor ... If I could give you a list of seedlings I require could you perhaps obtain them for me."

To Jess, Nula will add in case the other womanism curious, "I would like to start a garden of healing herbs on Ilum - for those times we don't need to call upon the Force to heal us."

@Jessica Cloud

 

[Jessica Cloud]

They walked and talked. Ringo in the lead with a grand flair to his hands,

"Seeds? Ha. Well don't ask me about that. Moba however? The Ithorian Matriarch. Sure. She'd love to talk your ear off about stuff like that. I mean. Ithorians right? Ha. Yeah. There is nothing more they love to talk about than gardening. ...Here. Her office is just down that pipeline near the waterfall. If it's a mass quantity of seeds you need? She'll hook you up. Always does."

Jess nodded and seemed appeased enough about that answer. They had after all passed about a dozen strange Ithorian plants on their way around the Conclave. It figured they'd be the ones to talk too.

Cloud didn't answer Nula as she expressed an interest in Jedi healing. It was all well and good, sure. But healing and like didn't interest the brunette one bit. So instead, she just acknowledged her partner's comment with a smile of her eyes and returned her thoughts, and their quick pace, to the present.

"Okay!" Ringo beamed as they walked through a large blast door, "Welcome to my home. Mi casa, su casa."

Boom. It was your typical hanger bay with a few fine furnishing and touch of Corellian class. There were still the Starfighters, the jet speeders, and the local class of swoop clippers. They workbenches and unsorted spare parts. The big lighting and the ever present smell of oil, grease, and burning electronics. A rebel base if Jessica Cloud ever did see one. Though, much smaller and perhaps more personal too.

"Mind your step. The droids never clean up anything right around here. Feh! ...Terry! How's that wing replacement coming!"

Ringo shouted over the din and the echo. There really was something near to a home in here after all. She noted old couches among the benches, posters of pop stars hung on lockers, and dramatic red banners placed like children's tents all about the place. A humanoid repair droid was even wasting time by lounging in a rocking chair nearer the open hanger bay doors. Just idling away the rest of it's electronic day up, up, up; high in the cool mountain breeze.

"Coming along fine Mister Amon. She'll be ready for Thursday. No sweat."

"Good lad! Keep it up. ...Ha. He's a good kid. Blind as a bat. But good. ...Ah! And here we go. Your supplies. As requested."

Ringo pushed them through the last of the messy aisles and out towards the open doors. There was quick flash from the glare of the sun to get used to too. Exiting out from the dwarven architecture of the Ithorian mountain conclave. It took a moment for Jess' eyes to adjust to the grey mountain expanse.

"Well. There ya go." Ringo smiled.

It was an old cliff side expanse chiseled away long ago to create a plateau in the mountainside. Perhaps once a series of more modern-type landing pads too. A smooth and barren flat just below the hidden hanger bay doors. Perfect for hosting helicopters or even a hundred dozen crates of building supplies. The later being quite the spectacle too. For that was exactly the site that greeted the Jedi's eyes as theirs boots touched down upon the hard stone expanse. Rows upon rows of Corellian type transport crates. Some big, some small. Stacked up as high as the cliffs would let them.

Ringo brushed his chin with pride,

"We were planning on using all this junk when the Conclave relocated elsewhere. But since all the All Mothers have decided to stay while the Jedi take their leave? Heck. Haven't had much use for the left over supplies and containers really. These, tunnels. Well... They're about as full as their gonna get really. So honestly I'm kinda glad to be ride of it. Meh."

Jess nodded to the somewhat lackluster site of storing your excess junk out in the rain. Or, should I say? Snow.

"These are refugee containers. From back when the Exodus first came to Tython."

"A'yep. Still good too."

"And these? ...These look like your stuff Ringo?"

"Well. It's a small hanger bay I call home. With winter coming on I couldn't just leave all the ships outside, ya know?"

"Right. So you threw all your luggage out here. Great. ...Wonderful."

"Hey now. I'm practically giving this old kark away. Let's not critique a good thing, ya know. See. ...You need boxes and struts? Welp. I've got boxes and struts. Simple as that. It's a no-brainer."

Jess folded her arms and looked to Nula.

"What do you think sister? Should I com back to base and tell them we've good here, or what?"

For the first time since they've met, Ringo actually looked nervous now. It was obvious he was trying to offload his excess baggage, (and that of the Ithorian refugees,) onto the Order for a trade-wind price. Heck. Some of these cargo crates could have been five years old or more.

Still. This was technically exactly what the Order had asked for. And it could be sold, shipped, and delivered back to base on-time and ready for their departure date. Making it the most convenient option too. If ugly.

Ringo's eyes darted back and forth. Wondering if Nula Sygti was going to give them the green light or not? Oh dear.

.....

@Babster

 

[Babster]

"I shall seek out Matriarch Moba. Thank you, Master Bel'amon." Comes Nula's grateful words and with a return smile to Jess' expression, the elder Jedi continues to move quickly with her comrades.

As soon as the trio is through the hangar doors, Nula will automatically look about. Her brown-eyed gaze will flick to the various starfighters sitting within the bay and while it causes an eyebrow to raise upward slightly, nothing is said, the rest of it is taken in silently as well. The droid, the voice of the young man repairing or rather replacing something and the various earmarks of 'home'.

Again a faint smile flits across Nula's features at the story this particular picture paints of the Pirate and how he treats his underlings.

The mention of watching ones step is heard and the Jedi will make certain to step over anything that comes her wait. She doesn't seem surprised when some of the items found on the floor gives her the impression that a starfighter (or two) may have been gutted for spare parts.

Once outside, Nula will raise her hand upward to shade her unaccustomed eyes from the rays of the bright sun.

It's only when she sees the piles (neatly stacked) of crates (junk?) that the Jedi will pause in her steps. While she's not openly gaping at all of the excess of gear, the Force might reveal she is definitely astonished at the sight before her. It's almost like a jigsaw puzzle, one piece out of place and it'd all come tumbling down. Or, perhaps it's best to describe it as a keystone. Remove the one crate, the keystone, and the puzzle would be loss.

For now, the banter between the younger Jedi and the Fashionable Pirate is ignored, as Nula finally moves, making her way to one of the impromptu stone landing pads and the crates it holds. A critical eye will be given to the shipping crates nearest her and her gaze will only move away from the crates when Jess asks for her thoughts. A faint frown flutters across her lips now, as Nula considers her answer.

Turning away from Jess and Ringo, the dark-haired woman will touch her fingertips to one of the larger crates. She'll stand there for a second or two, before she moves onto the next crate ...

Possibly this might increase Ringo's anxiety, as the Jedi randomly touches the crates and stands there silent for seconds to a minute.

Within the Force, Jess might be able to tell that Nula is stretching out her own senses and focusing upon the crates. She's almost querying the Force and the crates, to see if their contents are as good as the Pirate would like them to believe. While there is definite age to many of the crates, Nula doesn't necessarily sense anything wrong with them, and as such, her hand will drop from the container she was currently touching.

Turning around, the two will see a focused expression upon her face; which might make Nula look stern, but after a second or two that expression fades and turns much more friendly.

"Yes. I believe we are good here, Knight Cloud." While her words are somewhat formal, a smile twitches the corner of her lips upward, as she looks to Ringo now to see his reaction. "Cast offs or not, we require all that is here." And while it may seem those words of hers are intended sarcastically, truly they're not, as her tone holds neither bite, or wit, just honesty.

Looking back at Jess now, Nula finishes with, "Let us make sure to acquire a ship with a large enough cargo hold to carrying all of this for us."

@Jessica Cloud

 

[Jessica Cloud]

A smirk of long experience comes to Jessica's face as Sygti flourishes her reply. It is well played and well timed. Once again leaving Cloud with the welcome flush of motherly pride in her companion's ability to express herself. Nah. To be a real Jedi Knight.

She slaps her hands together,

"Okay then. I'll get on the wire and let em' know. Great."

Ringo let's the relief roll of his shoulders with all the subtly of a landslide.

"Oh thank goodness. Yes! Yes yes yes! Haha. Lady Sygti. ...You are an angel. Mughh! Mughh!"

Jess folds her arms and blades her eyes at the pirates rejoicing. Quickly reminding him of the weight and stature of his Jedi audience members. Priorities well placed, magic to the mold, and a matter and a mind on the money. Ahem. Right. Thusly, Ringo quickly recovers with a touch of his throat.

"Well. Yes. Ahem... Um. Yes then. I'll sign the paperwork and we'll have ourselves a deal. You get the goods and my boys will see them there quick and easy. No problems. Completely professional. I assure you. You've made the right decision. My Lady Jedi friends."

His legendary smile slowly returns as he feels the wash of confidence rolling back through him. A deals a deal. No matter the creepy magical powers or mind-reading women that accompany it. He counted this quick interaction another infamous Ringo Travis Saint Claire Bel'amon the Second, a victory.

"Come then. Let us away! To the bar for refreshments and new friends. My secretary boy will met us there for signatures and finale. Tally ho."

As the old man hurries up the stairs, Jess takes a quiet moment to congratulate her partner.

"Thanks for your help Knight Sygti. Really. ...Ringo might be a slippery one but he's never been a snake. At least... Not around me anyway. Still? I always appreciate another pair of eyes for gigs like this. Even a Jedi's senses need a little reinforcement sometimes. Hehe. ...Thanks for being just what the mission needed."

"Uh hello! ...Lady Mages! Let's get back inside with the frosty beer please. I'm freezing out here."

Jess ignored Ringo and gave Nula another cheerful nod of appreciation. After all,

She had earned it.

.....

@Babster

 

[Babster]

While not actively focusing her senses upon either Ringo or Jess right now, Nula's still running 'hot' as it were, with keeping her senses open to the force. As such, that flash of motherly pride that Jess feels is senses by Nula and it's enough to cause a grin to briefly quirk her lips upward.

Then, Nula is nodding to what her fellow Knight has to say. "Yes, please. I am sure that will relieve one burden from the minds of our fellow brethren."

Shifting her attention to Ringo now, Nula can't help but grin again as his shoulders all but slump from his relief. It's only when he calls her an angel, that the Jedi will raise a hand upward to wave that monicker aside. "Hardly that." She murmurs, even as she catches the look Jess sends towards Ringo. While another grin threatens her expression again, Nula dutifully forces it down, not wanting to embarrass the pirate any further for his lack of decorum.

As Ringo scurries back towards the steps and the hangar, Nula will dutifully follow, an eyebrow slanting upward at his tally ho. Shaking her head with a faint chuckle, the dark-haired Jedi will draw closer to Jess and pause when the other woman speaks. Jess' thanks earn another half-smile from Nula, even as she says, "You're welcome. Truly though, I appreciate you allowing me to accompany you. It's been too long since I've been partnered with a fellow Knight." Her voice will dip slightly in volume, "I was worried I'd be a touch rusty and overstep when I didn't need to." And while there's a thread of humor with those words, there's also truth. She's far too used to taking the reigns on any mission, simply because it was only her out in the Outer Rims for so long.

"Thank you for letting me dust off the cob-webs. You are a superb partner. Perhaps later we could spar? It's been ages since I've sparred with a fellow Jedi." She ends with, even as her gaze flicks towards Ringo, when he calls out to them. Lady Mages. That's enough to earn another shake of her Nula's head ...


... Turning back to her partner in crime, Nula asks Jess, "Shall we join our friend? I have the sense he'd be very disappointed if we did not have at least one drink with him."

"And then, before we leave, I shall visit with the Matriarch for some seedlings."

@Jessica Cloud

 

[Jessica Cloud]

As the cold air of the outside world diminished back into the underground retreat, a brunette partner nods in a like mind.

"Ya know. I think I would. ...And yes. Let's follow. Hehe. What a fine way, to end the day. Cheers."

...

The sound of our heroes boots disappear back into the Conclave as a rusty old repair droid continues it's blissful afternoon nap. In a pirate's somber ol' rocking chair. Out by the door.

Mission complete.

.....

@Babster