The Palace in the Swamp

[Fen Vel]

The Palace was quite out of the way of the rest of the planet Dagu which itself was just as out of the way of the rest of the galaxy. It was quiet, under the radar which was why it was perfect for people looking to disappear or looking to do a deal under the table. If you wanted to however, chances were that you would do so through Boss Tansi, who considered himself a self styled king. In the last twenty years he had managed to bribe, kill and steal his way enough that the planet was considered, his turf, at least in the underworld. Compared to many of the heavy hitters though, he was just small time, the Hutts barely paying him any attention at all.

Tansi was able to keep a formidable reputation to those that saw him in person. A Herglic he was far taller than most races, far broader as well with sleek black skin peppered with small scars from his youth. He was strong enough to crush a human’s skull with one hand while throwing a speeder across a room with the other, which was in part how he had gotten to where he is now. Edging towards old age he spends most of his time in a opulent palace by the sea. Only accessible by ship or a walk through fetid swamps he feels secure from his enemies. The palace looked towering from the outside, however much of that was because of Tansi’s own height, making in truth only five stories tall. It was in a Naboo style, sandstone with domes and spires at the edges. A low cut lawn between an outer wall and the palace itself was meant to make it impossible to sneak into.

His pride however was the huge pool with a crystal dome that filled the entire top floor, filled with exoctic plants, the most delightful fish and where he could while away lazy afternoons. Besides this his hobby was collecting, anything that he saw as increasing his perceived power. Be it ancient objects, books he would rarely read or life forms that he considered rare or unique. His true passion was however making money, he was shrewd when it came to deals and for the last half a decade had done incredibly well. It is well known that a lie should never be uttered in his court, or the sentence could easily be death.

Today was one of those days, smugglers, runaways, pirates, those that wanted him to turn a blind eye to them or to sponsor them would come, showering him with praise in the hope of his benevolence. Oh how he liked to see them grovel, the smart however would bring him gifts, things that he could display. There were a collection of shuttles parked on the front bay today, a few pack creatures tied up by the front gate for those too poor even for a junked ship.

The audience chamber was huge four of his huge stories high with the glass bottom of his pool filling the ceiling, putting everything into a silvery dappled light that shimmered as the water shifted. Art from distant history sat in shielded cases cut into the marble walls, a long murmuring song played in the background softly. Cutting above the whispers of the courtiers who for the most part looked the part of rough bandits. His own guards, Aqualish, Quarren and even a few Gunguns stood about, both with blasters and spears and noticeably no droids.

Tansi himself sat in a throne that would seem impossibly huge for any normal creature. Wearing a cinched purple robe and a tartan jacket with enough material to build sail he held his bulbous head on a tree-trunk of an arm while he listened to some so and so talking about such and such. A robust human woman was pouring him a huge drink to his right and to his left sat a small Zeltron girl in a somewhat decorative black robe. She was paying far more attention to the man that talked, not moving except when to take a note or two.

 

[Ral]

Today, Jedi Councilor Kai Sera was playing a different role. Today, he would be playing the part of a Sith Master and with his entourage of Jedi Padawans disguised as Sith Bodyguards. Over the past few weeks the Jedi had received several tips, and after doing some investigating, had discovered that a local crime lord had gained a lot of influence in their backyard, one who specialized in ancient artifacts, and who might have had dealings with the Sith. Being as Dagu was out of the way and outside Hutt Space, the Jedi Council had thought this a good chance to send some of its Padawans out on a mission to garner experience dealing with the underbelly of the Galaxy without directly upsetting the Cartel.

Taking a look around his small Corellian transport, the Jedi Master took note of the two Togruta Padawans, Saana Tai and Rayla Natu, and the other human Adun Umari. Kai hadn't really worked with Rayla or Adun in any significant way, so his awareness of their competency or capabilities was limited, though he had hope they wouldn't disappoint him today. Saana, on the other hand, was Kai's apprentice and had proven herself on several occasions, quite recently when she helped him defeat a Terentatek. With the aid of the Force, and some skill, the four would prove up to finding out what they wanted to know from this Herglic who went by the name Tansi.

Kai's information about the target was limited, and so he chose to use what limited information he had to create a convincing enough reason for them to gain audience with the small-time crime lord. The four would approach as Sith, with Kai posing as a Master-level Sith interested in ancient Force artifacts and learning their secrets. The limited information they had received from the locals were whispers of the grim fates of those who tried to swindle the alien boss, and others of ships coming with the most exquisite and rare gifts. Such stories caused Kai to frown and dismiss them as mere superstition and rumor spread by the boss to exaggerate his reputation and create fear and awe for him. Though, Kai supposed, that he could always see about bringing some sort of gift to appease the Herglic with, despite him not being keen on spending the money on something that was effectively a bribe.

Pulling at the lapel of his black bantha hide tunic to adjust it, Kai ended up remarking to the rest of his companions, "Well, I hope you're all ready for a little bit of excitement and adventure. I take it you all remember the plan? Let me be the face, you three look like intimidating cronies to sell this charade." Turning back forward, he set his course. Gripping the controls of the temporarily renamed Tar'ja's Revenge, Kai piloted the light freighter down to the surface of the world aiming right for where the palace was located.

Kai definitely wasn't going to park away and take a shuttle or walk over. If they were going to pretend to be a Sith, then they needed to be as pretentious and ostentatious as a Sith would be, as assuming a someone who was narcissistic and stuck-up as a Sith. Signalling whomever was in charge of landing, if such a person existed, that a Sith delegation had arrived to see Tansi about some of his rare finds, and had brought something valuable along with them. Kai then landed his transport and turned to the other three Jedi. "Game faces on, everyone. Two of you need to go get the hovercart with our 'offering' to Tansi. I hope everyone is ready..."

With that, Kai stood up and made his way to the boarding ramp and waited for the rest of the Jedi to arrive. His long thick woolen robes were his typical color dyed a sable black to match the black leather vest he was wearing. His lightsaber was nowhere to be seen, though it was on his body, just concealed to make it less apparent. With a smile on his face, Kai led the entourage out once everyone had arrive and was ready to go out into whatever part of the estate they had been forced to land in.

@Boertjie @Algarus @CJ Solo

 

[CJ Solo]

This was by far the most unique mission she had been on, with or without Master Kai. In fact, it was the first mission that she has been put on that involved being under cover. In this instance, they were a group of Sith come to have an audiance with a crime lord that may or may not have access to artifacts that the Jedi would find worth getting their hands on. She had just finished changing when Master Kai called out for them to gather and prepare to depart.

Saana emerged into the main area dressed considerably different than she typically was. The Togruta padawan had shed her practical civillian clothing for what looked to be loose flowing robes of black and deep blood red. Her movements revealed, however, that her outfit was not simply robes. The flowling sleeves were split from wrist up to shoulder and were laced up from elbow to shoulder. The skirts flowed down far enough to brush the floor and conceal her bare feet when she stood still, but when she chose to move in the right way, they were slit up both sides from floor up to high on the thigh. Despite the flowing fabric of her clothing, it still managed to hug the important curves. When Master Kai instructed that the hovercart be retrieved, Saana seemed to ignore that instruction as she moved to his side, snaking her arm through his. Silently, letting the other two padawans deal with that. One corner of her mouth lifted in a half smirk at Kai. "Master..."

 

[Fen Vel]

The benefit of having such very large doors means that it was impossible for someone to enter unnoticed, much with the long marble hall. The mechanism rumbled to life to announce another visitor came to see him. There was no herald or anything that over blown, Tansi was of the mind set that if you were important then he would know you. If you were not then, it was unlikely you mattered enough to bother with. While he took note he did not look to the figures that had darkened his doorway, he was far more interested in the exotic wine that was now in his hand, rolling across his palate. Strong and so very full a flavour, a very good choice that he had made. His huge tongue licked his lips as he finally started to pay attention.

The room had taken far more notice and the whispers had grown, the cloaked figures and the form they cut were rumored if not known to be those not to be messed with. Without second thought several of the less desperate or less concerned with saving face seemed to melt away into the alcoves or head for the exit outright. On those that remained discomfort was clearly written across their faces as they looked away from the Sith. The man that had been talking came to a stop, turning to see what the noise was. With this the girl who had seemed motionless spoke, her hands in her lap, "This is your lucky day, your next payment will be twice as much," Snapping back he seemed sure to protest but she interrupted, "Or shall we hold up our guests for you?" He hesitated, bowed and then almost at a run made for the edge of the hall as the Sith closed the distance.

The light red skinned girl stood, while her master remained seated, bowed while he just looked, bemused. Offering a placating smile she spoke loud enough for the room to hear but seemed to lack any force behind it, her words made several of the listeners even less at ease, being she spoke in the Sith tongue, "Welcome Sith, you are in the audience of the mighty and fearsome Tansi, you may approach." With a wave of her hand she deferred to her master and took her seat once again. She was unsettled by them but seemed less so than everyone else. There was no reason for them to harm her, in fact she might have been fearless except. Sentients felt the same, aura to her for the most part, these Sith however she felt them far more than she normally felt anyone and it made her quite uncomfortable. If audible it might be a loud buzzing in ones ear, not painful but certainly distracting. As Fen always did though, she applied her mind to the task at hand, to listen to their words and see through them.

Tansi had one of his many scars from a lightsaber, right now it itched a little. His eyes however, they were on the prize behind the newcomers. Sith they might be, dangerous sure but he was in his own home and he had little to feat from such little creatures. Yawning he looked at what they at brought him, was there any worth to it? He was hardly an expert for all his collecting, he had people for that.

 

[Ral]

The Jedi Master almost rolled his eyes at the remark Saana made to him when she came up to him, weaving her arm through his. Patting her hand gently, Kai couldn't help but laugh at Saana's improvisation a little, and so he let out a good half chortle as he looked away, but tried to hide it as a cough. Glancing back at Saana he gave her a wink as they proceeded forward, with an air of confidence and determination that would hopefully detect as Sith to any onlookers. A couple of servants came up from the palace to help move the hovercart with its quite ostentatious gift placed on it.

As they made their way into the grand residence of the herglic crime lord, Kai couldn't but help but notice how many of the guests almost recoiled into the shadows as they approached. That was good, Kai thought to himself with a tone of amusement. With their final steps up to the reception area before the herglic Tansi and his entourage. Humming dismissively to himself as Kai passed the previous supplicant. Waving to Saana to release his arm and take a step behind him as was her proper place as a trainee and a servant, Kai took another step forward. Nearby, an almost pink-skinned young woman, probably closer to a teenager spoke in words Kai didn't recognize. Stretching out with the Force he got a mild idea of what she was saying. The language sounded like the tongue of the Sith, a language Kai had read about and heard snippets of during his countless hours of research and study in front of his holocrons, but never actually learned. Grunting, Kai waved a hand through the air, "Such formalities are not necessary with me, I am fine speaking Galactic Basic," Kai bowed and glared at Saana to make sure she would do so as well. "Lord Tansi, I am Master Kai, this is my student Saana and I have come here to your grand estate because I hear you have a collection of Force-related artifacts which might interest a... collector of such fine items."

Kai paused waiting for there to be some response as he reached out through the Force to feel his surroundings. He had noticed a great many things as he strode up to the front, the location of the guards, the positioning of the sycophants, supplicants, and guests, the exits, and of course, he glass ceiling up above. Of course, it was hard to miss the shifting patterns it cast all over the floor, but Kai knew better than to gawk and stand amazed at such a thing, and for someone with such an aristocratic and priveleged upbringing like Kai would hardly think twice about the decadence of the whole thing. Thinking to himself, Kai wondered what Zabic would have said if she were with them there now.

 

[CJ Solo]

Before they departed, Saana could not help but flash Master Kai a quick, bemused, smile. It faded, though, as they needed to put on their game face. As the moved into the place of the crime lord, she kept her gaze forward, however, she could sense the reactions of those around them; uncertainty, fear, apprehension. At one point, Kai waved her off almost dismissively. Playing to the subserviant role, she released Master Kai's arm and with a gliding step moved to stand just behind him. Though her gaze lifted enough to observe the red skinned girl that spoke to them in a language she was not familiar with, she made no attempt to make eye contact with Kai or the crime lord.

Their gift to the crime lord was on the hovercart that remained behind her, but ready for the moment of presentation. Saana's hands remained clasped together in front of her as she stood in silence to let Kai play his part. This did not mean she was idle, however, as she reached out into the Force with her senses, remaining alert.

 

[Fen Vel]

It was somewhat hard for Tansi to look directly forwards at something as small as a human, instead he kept his head angled, looking through his right eye. These Sith showed him the right deference, that just meant that they wanted something from him. It was true that he had a great collection, he might take some enjoyment from showing it to them and taunting them with it. However he was not blind to the risks, Sith took what they wanted when they could. They would betray him if they felt he was of no use, or he could betray them first. Having it known that he killed two Sith, that was a powerful status to have. First though, this gift. Clearing his throat, a rumbling roar that most sentient could feel deep in their guts. When the voice finally came it was just as loud, "And you wish to look at them," His grin was almost two foot wide, "And see which you want to separate from me?" He seemed to enjoy the idea of the challenge. Folding his arms across his chest he kept his head angled, "What have you brought me?"

Tansi seemed to be in his element while Fen, was doing her best to hide her displeasure. She could feel something different than normal, beyond normally just feeling the truth or lies. Like something was peeling at her. It was making it almost impossible for her to see though the words that were being used. For a moment she had thought they were lying about something but it was so vague she had no idea what it could be. The Togruta, the human, it was both like they were not really there and yet, far more there than normal. While her master spoke she was meant to listen for their reply, yet she was really worrying that she wouldn't be able to tell. A first for her in a long time, failure was not an option though. She had to try harder.

 

[Ral]

Keeping his head in a low bow, Kai merely smiled, "An artifact from the world of Naboo, your magnificence! It's over a thousand years old, dating back to the time of the ancient Clone Wars!" Kai motioned the cart forward with a wave of his hand. The statue was of some stylized beast (Kai had no idea what, though) sitting down and over two meters tall, gilded with pure gold, and encrusted with precious gems. "The gems were mined with great care from the mountains of Naboo herself, and the eyes are gems which encase energized plasma giving them a shifting lifelike appearance! It is worth several million credits I am told, and it was very difficult to acquire."

The last part was as true as the rest, though Kai hadn't spent several million credits on it himself, still it didn't mean he wouldn't play it up. Looking to the pink-skinned humanoid standing nearby Tansi, Kai was vaguely reminded of his friend Kess whom was a Zeltron Kai had a bit of a crush on when he was a teenager, and had helped him to learn how to use the Force to resist the pheromones they exhibited. Something seemed special about her, though Kai wasn't entirely sure what that something was. The girl was... displeased? Uncomfortable? Perhaps there was something he was missing, but on his own Kai couldn't tell what. Not without penetrating her mind telepathically and ripping the reason out by force, something he didn't want to do for starters. Still, sensing something odd about her, Kai kept an eye on her just in case, gently probing her mind with the Force to get a better read on her. "Your lordship may think on it, of course, we have time to wait, don't we Saana?" Kai turned to look at his apprentice. "I'm sure my companion and I would love to enjoy your hospitality if you need more time to think."

 

[CJ Solo]

Saana remained silent, standing as she was to one side of Master Kai and just behind him. It was a quiet stance acknowledged his superiority over her in their ploy. Her golden colored eyes were never down cast, however, but they did not stray to make eye contact with Master Kai or the large crime boss. Instead as Master Kai spoke, her gaze was fixed on the pink skinned girl that had spoken to them just before in the strange language. Her intuitions were telling her something was different about her, but there was nothing noticeably unusual with her eyes. While the togruta's attention was fixated on her, she cautiously reached out into the Force to see what those senses had to say about her.

A minute or so later, Saana heard Master Kai's voice address her. Her attention turned away for the time being from the pink skinned girl to dip her head in a bow. "Yes, Master. We would be gracious guests." When she spoke, her words were softly accented. From the darker parts of the room, there were soft whispers from those who had not quite fled the room from their presence; undoubtedly commenting on what was taking place.

 

[Fen Vel]

Fen bristled like an Alderaan Shrew at the feeling thrown at her, it felt an intrusion. It made it impossible for her to feel the truth or much of anything with someone brushing against her mind, what could you do to defend youself from it? If they were Sith, were they using their Sithy evil magic to attack her? They would only do that if they were really lying about their intentions, she was somewhat sure of it now. Only, what could she do right now? Raising her hand to her mouth she broke her startled, stoic routine to lightly cough, once, twice. Normally she would try to be more subtle to let her Master know, she was starting to panic though, uncertain what would happen next.

Tansi looked over at the statue, for a lump of stone it was impressive, the eyes glowing. That was the point of course, he could place it here, in the hall and people would be impressed by the eyes. He would have someone have a look at it at some point, let him know if it was real, however right now, there was a matter to deal with. Even though they were Sith, he could now allow himself to appear intimidated. Not that he was, not in his home. Taking a moment, downing his drink and shifting his feet he seemed to think hard for a moment before his voice boomed again, "Tomorrow, I will show you. Girl, find them a room," He waved dismissively towards all of them and stood up. His steps seemed ponderous as he started towards one of the exits, the crowd that remained starting to disperse. Surely if they were to try something, it would be while they felt they were unwatched, if they made it through the night, he might be able to trust them at least a little.

Feeling more than a little put upon Fen also stood up, folding her pad against her chest. Silently she looked at the two, waiting for them to allow her to guide them. It did not feel safe to her, though she was not alone. Four of the guards closed in, to escort their visitors.

 

[Ral]

"Excellent, I will look forward to tomorrow then, and will enjoy your gracious hospitality," Kai smiled as he took another low bow to show his gratitude and respect for the crime lord. The Jedi master got the feeling that the herglic was fairly satisfied with the offering they had brought. Of course, they'd have to wait until tomorrow, they'd have to survive until tomorrow. Outside of the fear of reprisal, there was nothing stopping Tansi from attacking them and attempting to kill them while they slept that night. Naturally, that would be a decision that would quickly lead to the crime lord's death, but sometimes those in the illegal circles didn't think such things through, thinking of only the fame and reputation it would gain them.

Once Tansi had made towards one of the exits, Kai withdrew his thoughts just as the crowd began to disperse to wherever the sycophants and supplicants went when visiting hours were over. Though, the master still felt one very familiar presence. It was the pink-skinned girl with the facial tattoos and exotic purple hair! She must have been the girl Tansi had referred to. Of course she was, Kai thought to himself in silence for a few moments while he stood there, his charcoal-grey eyes taking her in, almost like he was looking past her into her mind, or her soul. It would no doubt be an unsettling gaze for the young teenage girl. Still, he felt like there was something odd about her, something he couldn't quite place off the top of his head. Once he had given her another looking over, Kai motioned for Saana to follow him, still aware, but not concerned of the four guards left with them; they were inconsequential. They'd slow him down about as much as a fly on the windshield of an airspeeder.

Stepping across the floor, Kai's steps echoed off the now mostly-empty halls as he walked up to the girl. "I take it you will be our chaperon? I'm not sure I've had quite a pretty, or young, girl lead me around such a powerful man's abode." Kai gave a curt, but polite bow to the girl. Taking a bit of a guess he continued, "You must be very good at your job, or very trusted, for his exaltedness to allow you to show us around his estate to our rooms. I didn't get your name, I am Master Kai, and you are?"

 

[CJ Solo]

Saana simply smiled a little as Fen had lifted her hand to cover her mouth, and feigning a couple of coughs. Whatever it was intended for, the moment seemed to pass as Tansi appeared to be pleased enough to consider their offer through the night. With that, he summarily dismissed them, ordering the girl to escort them to a room. With that, Saana had stepped up to Kai's side once more to take his arm.

It all seemed harmless enough, however, she had a nervous feeling that things were not going to be so simple, or so safe. Tansi might be expecting them to do something, but she expected that he might try something instead. Why trade for a treasure, after all, that you could simply take and dispatch the barers of said gift. Saana eyed each of the guards that moved in close on them as Master Kai spoke to Fen.

 

[Fen Vel]

Fen was already unsettled. She was more than unsettled and now his focus seemed to be entirely settled on her, through her, the way she looked at people when she picked them apart. It was easy to match that with the feeling of pressure in her head, first by the woman, then by him, she could tell them apart now, given the time. Like a weight on her mind that seemed to take everything she had to hold them at bay, it felt like an invasion. That they were pulling at what made her, her. Doing her best she hid her face as she returned his bow.

She was intimidated, she was afraid and that, was normal enough. Taking a step back with a bow she did not answer the Sith's question at first, not until she took the first step. Her tone was flat controlled and seemed detached, "I am a girl." Her protection, oh she had that didn't she. They wanted something from her Master, they would not risk losing that over something petty. Her Master had never called her by her name, nor did any of the actual staff, slave names were names slaves kept. It was the only part of her past she could hold onto that wasn't tattooed onto her face. To further that as she walked she added somewhat glibly, "Maybe you have not known enough powerful men?" It was not a heartfelt compliment, she doubted such a thing existed for her. So Master Kai did not know men that owned pretty young girls, let alone girls far prettier than her? That reflected more on him than anyone, powerful men could have anything they wanted. That they did not offer that unto him, or that he did not know, meant he was not powerful. In part she was meant to be rude, not too rude. Enough to anger, a Sith should be easy to anger and she already had suspicions. Would a Sith shower her with compliments in the hopes of gaining something? Surely he would not destroy his chance at what he wanted given how much expense he had gone to.

It was not far to the guest rooms, two corridors away from the entrance hall. Two floors below the library and her room, the floor below her master. At each turn there was a decorative blast door set into the stonework. Inlaid high in the walls seemed to be several decorative pieces of metal work, green in colour, high near the ceiling, every few meters. They seemed hinged, only a few inches across, their function was not clear. They seemed to be in every room and corridor though. It was down the first of these corridors that Fen started to lead the pair, assuming they would follow. The cameras were obvious, they were meant to be. Sticking out of the stonework like black boils, clashing with the rest of the decor. Doing her best to keep her feelings under the surface Fen kept on walking at a slow, deliberate pace listening to the sounds of the footsteps on the marble behind her.

 

[Ral]

The Jedi master watched the slave girl as she simply stated that she was a girl. Humming loudly, he let his mental intrusion dig in deep, something Fen would no doubt notice. And it wasn't to pry information, but to show, perhaps in a very Sith-like manner that Kai didn't appreciate the girl's lips despite the fact he often enjoyed cheekiness. In this instance however, being a Sith meant having a less than jovial sense of humor. Whoever this slave is, she was smart, or perhaps just defensive and paranoid. Kai figured she probably had to be a little of both options, smart and paranoid. It is the only way slaves can really survive in this sort of advantage Kai figured.

Kai could sense that perhaps this slave was keeping something from him, perhaps her name or something else, perhaps she was just thinking. Even being a master level telepathy didn't mean he could know thoughts, especially if they were well guarded. Sometimes he still got impressions, single thoughts, flashes of images, but nothing definitive or conclusive. Her response drew a smile from Kai no doubt Saana would make a snide remark. "You'd be surprised the sort of strong men I know. It just so happens slavery is outlawed in the Empire. Which is why we're having this conversation, were this planet in Sith space I wouldn't need to play this game of waiting. These corridors would be swarming with stormtroopers and Sith. So, to explain my remark, while I know many powerful men, and women, none of them have slaves. And they certainly don't trust their servants the way your master seems to trust you. Perhaps there is a reason for that. And I'm curious to know what it is." Kai probed again telepathically, not trying to be subtle. Trying to be slightly painful in fact so she would know what he was trying to do.

As they walked through the marble corridors, the sounds of their footsteps echoing off of the walls. The master took note of everything, including where the guards were in case they had to act. The cameras would be easy as Kai had some minor ability to fry electronics with the Force, he could also cast such life-like illusions that he would make those observing the cameras more than a little confused. "So, tell me slave girl, how long have you been here? Do you like your master? Does he treat you well? Are you taken care of? All of that? Also what are the sleeping quarters like here? Are they as grand as the rest of the estate? Will we be given access to... entertainers?" Kai could guess the answers, but how she answered. That would give him some more insight. To Saana he messaged, "Keep your eyes open, we may have to move fast."

 

[CJ Solo]

"Oh, I like this one, Master." Saana could sense Master Kai's use of the Force, but she could not tell just how far he was pushing his power on the girl. She gave Master Kai's arm a squeeze before she let it go to slide forward to come up next to the slave girl. "May I keep her?" For now, she would play the role set to her until Kai gave his signal.

Saana had moved up to Fen, taking the girl's arm, after Master Kai's mental message to her. If things were going to go sideways at any moment and a quick action or reaction was needed then the closer she was to Fen the better. The Togruta leaned in closer to Fen. "My Master is a strong man, a powerful man. Can you not feel him?" She smiled a little at the girl. "I can tell you much about him."

 

[Fen Vel]

Before it had been pressure, now, it was like he was hammering at the inside of her head with his fists. It was instinctive that she resist, it was fear of what he might be that drove her further. He pulled at thoughts, random flashes that she tried hard to repress, distant memories, emotions, words. Her needle like defenses for a moment brushed aside as she fought without knowing how. His words rung how, her focus entirely on the intrusion. Taking the breath out of her, sweat on her smooth skin, she wanted to lash out at him, stop him. Cry out, scream. Even in this state she knew, it would not help. Instead she bit her lip, clenched her fists so hard her fingers threatened to snap, slumped against the wall hard with a grunt. It passed, yet she was not instantly recovered. Then he came again with words, probing at her as she struggled to regain her composure at her feet. Before she could do so though, the woman with him took her arm, as if to taunt her. They were of a height, though nothing else seemed similar between them. Those words, they felt like poision. Despite her orders Fen wanted to get away from them as fast as possible, with good reason. Her lip was bleeding where she had bitten through it, her hands raw with nail marks, her left eye streaming tears, her head pounding from the inside out. Every natural, animalistic part of her screamed run, run away.

She didn't know, her control even right now reasserted itself. First to Ms Saana as she slipped her arm free, "Thank you, but another time." Her voice was much weaker than before, still plain and boring with even less force. Clumsily she took a step backwards, then another, holding a stinging finger to her bleeding lip. Now she looked to the man that had assaulted her, he certainly did act like a Sith then. Angry she looked at his eyes, "Your room, sir." Indicating to the door they had now arrived in front of, slipping back into the Sith tongue she added, "I am afraid I am needed else where, my," Stressing the word, "Master. Will send for you when he is ready." What he had brought up, flashes of her work in the library, the bath house, her room, her father. Or rather there man she assumed was her father, in a distant hazy memory. What he did, unforgivable. She felt, she did not pry, nor cause pain. He broke in, forced himself upon her mind, picked at her, he meant to harm her. To prove that he was powerful, that left her with more scorn than before. He was really so insecure in his power, that he needed to inflict it on people? Even her master, a criminal, knew there were better ways. He had never struck out at her, threatened in a rage but never carried it out. No like this, creature.

They had been slow to act before, uncertain with what was happening. One of the guards moved to her side, looking carefully at her, the others assuming threat from the Sith, one opening the door. Inside was a luxury apartment, not too grand but still a display of wealth, cut of the same stone with no windows, just one door in and out. If she could, Fen would will them inside, her head, she was in a deal of pain. Still she did her best to keep a distance from them, only remaining to make sure her order of showing them to their room was completed. As for his questions, no reason to answer them, as for entertainment, she was certain the two would manage somehow.

 

[Ral]

Seeing the girl's obvious discomfort at his mental intrusions Kai dialed it back a little. It had made the girl uncomfortable, which was good, but Kai also regretted it. Such a thing normally wasn't in his nature to do, but when one acts as a Sith, one doesn't go about being nice. A Sith often loves to flaunt their power over others, and so, Kai had to do the same thing here, much to his own chagrin. When the girl weakly excused herself, Kai's dark eyes narrowed at her. He broke off his mental probing of her, he didn't need to cause her any more discomfort than he already had, but that didn't mean he couldn't end the charade early just because he felt bad. "I see, you do not wish to spend time with us. I will have to keep this in mind..." His voice smooth and calm as he murmured in reply. The girl's added comment in ancient Sith caused his eyes to roll, he wanted to tell her to stop using the tongue, but he knew better, so he simply scowled at her like he disapproved of some lowly slave using the language of the Sith. "He better, I will look forward to our next meeting then, I'm sure we will have much to discuss..."

Turning to face the guards that were still with them, Kai focused his own Force power on them next. "I'm sure you will all be glad to know that my servant and I," Kai grabbed Saana by the waist and pulled her close to him, "Will not require anything in particular. I'm sure you have other things you wish to do. Like gamble, perhaps? Here, the first round of betting is on me!" Kai pulled a small purse out of one of his pouches, and opening the leather bag, pulled out four five hundred credit chips, handing a chip to each guard. "Go gamble, forget about what is happening hear, enjoy a drink or three, you men have earned it." The Jedi master was using the Force to subtly suggest to these guards what to do, hoping they would take up the offer and leave immediately, but done in such a subtle way that any bystander would think this all normal.

Keeping an eye on the girl as she walked away, Kai walked inside the room with Saana still around his arm. Closing the door behind him he looked to his apprentice. "So, what do you think then, Saana? I'm sure you must have felt what I felt, yes?" He released her, wondering what sort of cameras might be hidden in this room. He would be surprised if there weren't, and he wasn't particularly in the mood to go searching. Telepathically he messaged her, "We may be under surveillance still, we should keep up the act until we can find out how we're being watched." Walking away from her towards the bathroom to examine it he looked around. "This is quite a nice place, I'm sure that we will have an interesting time examining this Tansi's artifacts. Don't you think?" He chuckled to himself for a second as he deviously added, "You gonna join me in here, or what?"

 

[CJ Solo]

Saana gave enough resistance to Fen's pulling away to portray her role, even attempting to pull her closer. It was with the arrival of the guards that she backed off, only to find Master Kai putting an arm around her waist. Her gaze shifted to him briefly when he pulled her in close to him and she smiled a little. However, her gaze remained on Fen for the most part. The togruta knew what it was that Master Kai had to be sensing and she was glad that she did not have to intrude on her mind like that. Fen seemed to be more than a little uncomfortable by the experience and she had to keep her instinctive reaction to go help her in check; it is not what a sith would do.

Saana relaxed a little, but not entirely, when they entered the room and the door closed. She noted that there was only the one way in or out and the lack of windows. It was a guest room that could quickly become a glorified prison cell. She also suspected that they were being observed electronically. "Yes, Master, I sensed it. Perhaps our host would be so generous to allow us more time with her." Saana nodded silently in response to his telepathic message.

"If this palace of his is any indication, the artifacts he has must be fabulous." Saana smiled a little at him, but it faded as she regarded him. What he had done with Fen had been the first time she had seen him do anything like that. Part of her wanted to ask him about it, but it would be out of place to do so now. Instead, with his last question she bowed her head and moved to join him. "Of course, Master."

 

[Fen Vel]

The guards seemed to pause before going on their merry way down the corridor in silence. Leaving the door unguarded and the nearest guards two corridors away in either direction. The cameras caught it all and there was an old Quarren sat behind the monitors in the control room. He was missing his left arm but seemed quiet happy looking down from on high, watching as the Sith acted exactly like Sith.

Tansi reclined in his bath house as he was want to do for several hours a day, servants and slaves about him but no guards inside.

Fen, slunk first to the medical bay by the barracks. The droid treating her lip with a dermal patch, a cream for the headache she still suffered before heading up to the library. Her steps were slow at first. Her master would want her to deal with those Sith again, when he wanted them. That might happen, or they might try something stupid and he would kill them, a part of her wanted to see that. That man suffering from the same pain he caused her, at the very least though soon they would leave and never come back.

Once inside the library Fen settled back into reading the reports that were being sent to her master. An elderly human man was looking closely at the statue that had been brought up. He had a hand scanner and was brushing boney fingers along its surface, trying to assure its authenticity. He did not look up at Fen, nor did she bother him. Instead she took a seat and started to read, trying to shake the events of the day from her mind. Trying to lose the pain that ached at the back of her mind, even with painkillers it would not leave her entirely.

OOC:If you guys want to carry on between you until either Guards, Fen or anyone else needs to get involved, go right ahead.

 

[Ral]

Inside the bathroom, Kai motioned for Saana to look for spying equipment, cameras and microphones. They did a fairly thorough search, taking their time to make sure they didn't miss a spot, Kai would use the Force on any cameras found, but only the cameras. They needed a place where they could retreat to and not by watched by anyone who might otherwise discover their little facade. Once they were done with that, Kai led Saana back out into the main area of the rather luxurious guest room. There he practiced with his Padawan, mostly in using the Force and in basic lightsaber combat, whatever they could do with the limited space provided, along with basic hand-to-hand drills. Kai made sure only to do exercises that did not appear to be particularly Jedi-esque so an observer wouldn't be alerted to the farce.

After that, Kai had a brief discussion on the nature of the Force, followed by a long stretch of meditation. It would calm them down, focus their minds, and allow them to get back in touch with the Force around them. Together, Kai has Saana reach out in the Force and sense what was going on around them. The guards in the nearby corridors, the servants walking by, the hum of electricity and the running of water. Once that had a good idea of the area around them in the demi-palace, Kai led Saana to the bathroom where he started the shower, and sat down on the toilet. "Ladies first," Kai remarked telepathically as he sat there and waited for Saana to undress and step into the shower. "We can talk in here while the water is running... just remember to not give anything away about us." Clearing his throat he started, "So, my dear, what do you think of our host so far?"