The Night before Ascension

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

"And the banquet will take place in this hall." The head of security stated, as he guided the rag-tag bunch of mercenaries through Eiattu's royal palace. It was important that they knew their way around the palace, considering that the ceremony would take place tomorrow.

The upcoming ceremony was one of the biggest happenings on Eiattu of the past decade. The beloved king had passed away about a week ago, and now it was up to his son to succeed to the throne. The prince had insisted on the crowning ceremony being a public event, but the royal guard didn't have the numbers to secure such a large ceremony. Therefore, they had hired trustworthy mercenaries to reinforce the royal guard. An opportunity which Sakadi, as the watchman she aspired to be, could not allow to slip through her fingers.

The Knightess scanned the large reception hall as she followed right behind their guide. It reminded her of the opera houses back on Thustra and Coruscant. Or was this room even bigger? She couldn't tell. What she did know though, was that the head of the royal guard wasn't exactly happy with the presence of the mercenaries. Not just because of his frequent grumbling, but his expression spoke volumes. She understood though, she wouldn't have enjoyed showing mercenaries around either.

"That concludes your little tour. Now get to your positions. You'll be patrolling in duo's, your partner and patrol routes can be found on your holopads. Now get going."

Sakadi took a quick gander at her holopad. Her patrol partner was a man named Husha, he apparently was a mute, just like her. But there was more; the man was deaf as well. This was about to turn into an interesting evening, the Sephi thought.


@41PH4_

 

[Husha]

At the conclusion of the director's little tour, Husha noticed everyone else grabbing their data pads. This of course instructed him to do so as well. There was one small piece of information on it. The data pad contained an image, description, and name for every other hunter on call this evening. One woman had a word in italics next to her name. "Partner" it said. Husha looked up from his tablet to see an average sized, purple skinned woman looking back at him. Her face matched her picture. She must be Sakadi.

She looked incredibly delicate, and not like someone who was going to defend a potential attack. Husha knew by now though never to assume anything about anyone in the galaxy. Husha had not taken the time to read the biography of the woman. There was little chance that the two would ever meet again after this event anyway. He needed not to know anything about her, only that he could trust her. Husha headed over to the woman. He was already going through the potential meeting in his head. Everyone always approached him the same. It was like they had never met someone who can't hear them or speak back to them before. Husha was just going to do the usual. He stuck out his right hand to shake the hand of the lavender woman and watched her mouth to try to read her response.

@Powerfullhorus

 

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

Sakadi tilted her slightly as the Mandalorian approached her. She could tell that he wasn't really interested, which didn't surprise her. As a fellow mute, she understood how isolated he felt. That, and he was deaf too. If someone had the right to act uninterested, it was him.

Instead of accepting his handshake, Sakadi made rapidly moved her hands, engaging him with sign language instead. She didn't know whether he understood her or not, but she could try anyway. The Sephi's message carried a simple "Hello, glad to be working together", which was sufficient if you asked her. This man, named Husha, didn't seem like much of a talker anyway. Sakadi took another quick glance at her holopad, taking note of where they were supposed to go, before she engaged the man with sign language again.

"Our patrol route stretches from the east part of the garden to one of the back entrances. I suggest we get going, like our guide said" she conveyed, with a visible amusement in her expression. It wasn't that often she got an opportunity to use her sign language.

 

[Husha]

Husha smirked as the lady before him signed to him. It definitely was not everyday where he was able to actually communicate with someone effectively. He raised his eyebrows and glanced at what she was reading on here holopad. "That's quite the distance to cover." Husha signed. "Not to mention the most likely area for a potential attack." The girl was visibly happy. Husha took it that it also was not everyday that she met someone with the same condition as her.

The two walked to their destination. It was silent for Husha at least. He did not know if his partner was also deaf like him, or just unable to speak. The gardens were massive. Each section was delicately divided up between species of flora from different planetary systems. "The people here must sure be rich." Husha signed to Sakadi. Hopefully some of their riches can fall to my after the deed is done. Husha thought to himself. He was still unsure if he was even going to do the deed. He didn't want to, but beggars couldn't be choosers and there were no morals in his current line of work.

"We have some time to wait." Husha waved. "I don't suppose you want to tell me a bit more about yourself? I like to be able to trust my partners." Husha put his hands down and looked over the balcony toward the vastness of the view before him. This was surely a royal sight to behold. It was only a matter of time before the hour would be upon them all.

@Powerfullhorus

 

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

Sakadi strolled to the gardens, taking an occasional glance to her left or right, determining what possible hiding spots they could miss. Meanwhile, she tried her best to pay attention to her partner's hand signals. She didn't want to read his mind, although she occasionally caught herself trying to do so.

Sakadi nodded when Husha commented on the wealth of this family. He certainly was right about that. True, they were the monarchs of this entire planet, but even for such a status it felt excessive. She wondered how long it would take for the inhabitants of the planet to realize this and revolt against their leaders.

Not too long afterwards, the armored man asked her about her past. He sure was talkative for someone so isolated from society. The Knightess suspected that he hadn't read the summary of her "past" displayed on the holopad. Of course, all of what she had written was pure bantha poo. Like, what was she going to say? Hi, I am a former celebrity turned Jedi Knight? No, that wouldn't do. Luckily, she was a convincing actress. A smile played about her lips as she had her answer ready.

"Oh? A pretty lady talks to you and you're immediately asking her about her life? How bold of you.." she gestured. It wasn't like her to beat around the bush and make snarky comments. But she had to keep up her guise, the fake persona she planned on using for the duration of the crowning ceremony.

"There's not much to tell. I ran away, had to make a living for myself, started some brawls and now I'm here. It's not my first job, but I'm not that experienced either." she waved. "Just gotta trust these two boys" Sakadi tapped on the holsters of her two blaster pistols, attached to her utility belt. Of course, she had brought her lightsaber, which she had neatly strapped to her lower back, but that was just a last resort. She wasn't going to need it, or so she hoped.

 

[Husha]

When Sakadi answered back, Husha immediately responded.

"Who said you were pretty?" he responded. He kept his serious face on after that comment. If she wanted to snark back at him, he could return it too.

Obviously she would give a vague answer. The mando expected no less. He would have actually been concerned if she had started to babel on about her past life. It definitely was a weakness to reveal too much about yourself to someone you had just met. Though he could not be sure if he could trust her, Husha knew that she was not weak.

Husha stood over the balcony and watched over the expanse before him. The estate was located on the edge of the city. On one side of the main road that led into the court yard, a large forest expanded as far as the eye could see. It seemed verdantly green compared to the hustle of the man-made building around it. On the other side there was the ocean, far below a great cliff. The gardens overlooked this cliff. Husha watched as water between each support beam down toward the sea below. The place was far and away the most beautiful place Husha had ever seen. Hopefully these people know what they are about to lose. He thought.

He shook his head as he looked back toward his new partner. Moving his gaze back toward the water he though again. Could he really do this to these people? The mandalorians were more than just hired killers. Though, did he really have a choice? If he didn't make this pay check, what would he eat? Husha turned around and noticed Sakadi was looking at him, a little too intensely. Strange. he thought again.

"What do we do next?" He signed.

@Powerfullhorus

 

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

Sakadi slightly tilted her head when Husha returned her comment. "Who didn't?" she waved arrogantly. In truth, she didn't care at all about her own looks, or what mercenaries thought of her appearance. But the persona she had chosen to play for the next two days did.

She glanced at her ally, tempted to read his thoughts again. She could tell that something bothered him, but he didn't seem like the type who wanted to talk about it. Eventually the man turned and asked her what they should do from here. The Sephi shrugged, as she brushed a lock of hair out of her face. "We are supposed to go on patrol, so I suggest we'll go do just that." Sakadi waved. "But first, it's your turn to tell me about your past. Can't have this be a one-sided conversation"


@41PH4_

 

[Husha]

What was he just thinking to himself about revealing your past to a stranger? Oh yeah, it was weak.

"I realize we have to trust each other lady, but my past happens to be none of your business. No hard feelings, but lets just head out to our patrol." Husha signed.

Truth was, Husha's past was nothing too special. Sure he had been a part of many operations and battle groups, but it was all typical mandalorian stuff. He was not your typical mando though. Ever since he left Mandalore, he had been reduced to almost a beggar. He wasn't homeless of course, but he wasn't living the life he wanted either. He had a sense of distinction, he gave himself that, but the type of things he had done in the past year were enough to turn your nose on. He was no more than a normal bounty hunter now, but he did not want Sakadi knowing that. He knew that both of them weren't telling the truth to each other, but he was fine with that. Husha knew what it took to protect yourself.

@Powerfullhorus

 

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

Sakadi frowned. "What, you want to know where I'm from, but you are unwilling to reveal your past yourself? That's quite rude. Rude enough to start watching your back if I were you.." The Sephi stated. 'No hard feelings', the mandalorian mute had signed. Well, there were some hard feelings now, which was not something she bothered to hide. With a bitter expression did the Knightess take the lead, descending the stairs that lead into the large garden. Their path lead them directly through it and its many attractions, such as the large hedge labyrinth and the with gold decorated pavilion.

The Knightess was in no mood to talk, as she slentered through the garden. The hovering lanterns, likely hovering through repulsor lifts, dimly lit the garden around them. In the far distance, on their right, Sakadi noticed another group of two mercenaries on patrol. It didn't surprise her; every inch of the garden had to be secured, no matter how many people it took. Droids weren't reliable enough for this mission, given that any talented hacker could hijack them. Mercenaries could be bought of course, but that would be a lot harder given the rewards promised for completing this simple guard patrol.

Eventually, the duo reached the entrance of the hedge maze. The large hedges prevented any visitor, even the larger ones such as wookies, from looking over it. They weren't instructed to enter the maze, but it was still an impressive sight. She could tell that the corridors in the maze weren't illuminated, as the darkness kept the secrets of the maze hidden. It truly was tempting to enter, almost begging her to do so. In a sense, it reminded her of the Dark side.

Her confrontations with the opposite side of the Force had gotten worse as of late. She fought Sith, multiple, witnessed massacres and had felt raw emotions she wasn't even aware of existed. The Dark side was powerful, but above all, corupting. Even now she could feel the lingering presence gnawing at her beacon-like signature.

As she prepared to continue, a cold wind started to blow. But that was not what caught the attention of the Knightess. No, the wind carried faint whispers. Sakadi's ears shot up and twitched, as she tried to locate where the voices were from. She stuck out her hand to her ally in a stop signature, indicating that she heard something.

With her left hand on her blaster pistol's handle, Sakadi approached the source of the whispers. It was the dark entrance of the hedge maze, which loomed over her like a hungry beast. Whatever was out there, it was hiding in the maze, unaware that it had been discovered.

 

[Husha]

Husha tried to get Sakadi's attention. "Umm... lady?" He signed. "What are you staring at? Is this not just some weird maze? I've seen worse."

Husha was obviously confused. His partner had become suddenly transfixed by this labyrinth before them. It seemed normal enough to him. He began to walk toward the maze. He placed his hands on the leaves and they... felt like leaves. He turned around again and looked toward Sakadi. Her purple skin seemed lighter than usual. Almost the way someone's complexion gets when they see a ghost. It was enough to make Husha a little scared. When someone holds themself with such confidence, and suddenly pulls their pistol out on something, you know there is something wrong. Sakadi began to head toward the maze herself. She walked slowly with serious eyes.

Husha did his best to say behind Sakadi. He was surely dealing with something here that he had no idea what it was. He knew better than to run in with his guns blazing. He stood and waited for Sakadi's next move.

@Powerfullhorus

 

[Sakadi Marathi Sinvala]

The darkness enveloped them, as Sakadi moved beyond the entrance of the maze, following the wind that carried the whispers in her direction. From the corner of her eye, she noticed her companion trying to talk with her. Of course... the man could not hear what was going on... she thought, as she quickly turned and lowered her pistol again.

With quick signs, did she explain that something was off. Someone was whispering in there, and no patrol were meant to go through the maze. With that now being clear, the Knightess moved again. Her ears twitched again, the whispers got closer. They were still to far away for her to hear what exactly the beings were saying, but they were getting closer.

Luckily, the Knightess had a few tricks upon her sleeve. She closed her eyes, summoning the Light through her connection with the Force. She did not have to make any gestures to amplify her senses and since Husha was standing behind her, she doubted he'd notice her drawing upon the strength of her greatest ally.

Now amplified by the Force, Sakadi heard it. Two, no... Three voices. Two men, one woman.

"I'm telling you, the patrols will be thin spread tomorrow. We have to get past two of my men or so and we're in."

"...And what about the mercenaries?"

"You honestly think they'll do anything about it? I bribed half of them, and the other half has patrol routes outside of firing range."

"Fine. So when we strike, where will you move them to?"

"They have a safehouse just outside of the city. But we'll take care of that."

We? the Knightess thought. What in the Force's name had they stumbled upon? Bribed the mercenaries, a safehouse, thin spread patrols? She didn't want to consider the possibility, but was this... a coup? How the kriff was she going to prevent this from happening?