Print Page - CC: Circle of Freedom

WILDSPACE TALES => Star Wars: The Crimson Covenant => Topic started by: Medivh on April 23, 2012, 09:28:57 AM

Title: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on April 23, 2012, 09:28:57 AM

Circle of Freedom

(http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs7/i/2005/197/2/f/Blood_by_KenzieMac.jpg)

Chandaar, Capital World of the New Republic

It was a world with limited native population, a huge and varied immigrant group, vast resources, slowly being tapped by galactic corporations. It was perfect to be the seat of government, representing thousands of worlds and millions of species.

The territory of the New Republic had shifted drastically over the years, as it competed with the Empire, the Trade Federation, Hapans, and a variety of other smaller entities. Its height, brief as it was, when when the Republic commanded Coruscant, the jewel of the galaxy. But the work of the corrupt and corrupted had left Coruscant in much the same state as Alderaan (possibly worse, thanks to sporadic ionic storms).

With the increasing encroachment of the Empire and the Corellians, and the stubbornness of Hapes, the Republic had come to occupy a niche area east of the Hapan Consortium, reaching the southern border of the Corporate Sector, and nearly surrounding Hutt territory, which stubbornly refused to yield to law and order.

Chandaar had been chosen as the new, new, new capital and construction had moved quickly to build a chamber to house representatives in one hall, plus quarters for those representatives in surrounding buildings. The senate building was a smaller version of the famous galactic senate of Coruscant, housing about 1/4 the number of senators, and utilizing holograms to see the speaker, rather than floating hover pods. The republic had moved away from the parliamentary system, establishing a presidency that was chosen independent of the factions that ruled in the senate, and a small presidential palace was built in an adjacent building.

Finally, the Republic Court stood in a third building, a group of 17 jurists, 1 from each of 17 districts that broke the republic up into more manageably spaces, each appointed for a life term.

The president did have a post within the senate, able to cast a vote, and wield his influence. His station stood prominently in the center of one side of the room, opposite the the station of the Senate Leader, who was responsible for maintaining order within the body of converging and conflicting interests.

This was the Galactic Republic as it stood on the day that Centerpoint Station was destroyed. For months already, there had been endless discussion and debate as to whether or not the Republic should enter the war to aid the Corellians against the Empire. But no resolution had been decided, and so nothing had been done. Instead, the Republic watched, passively but intently, to see how the war would end.

========================================
Three months later ...

A chime was rung, and a gavel struck down to call the session to order, the Senate Leader, Shale Apteen took the steps forward to speak.

"I call this session of the Republic Senate to Order. Today, we meet to discuss a rather important matter. As you know, three months ago, the war between the Corellian Confederation and the Imperial Remnants came to a close at the Battle of Centerpoint. There was no clear winner, though the command structure of both powers was destroyed.

Since that time, we have had dozens of communications from formerly imperial worlds, seeking admission into the republic, and in turn, protection against the Empire and rogues seeking to take advantage of the chaos that had ensued. Until recently, we were cautious to take on new worlds, for fear of being stretched too thin. The Empire, though weak at this moment, is still strong enough to cause trouble. In the past two weeks, we have decided to accept those worlds that are close enough to Republic borders to be defensible. And we welcome those newcomers to our senate"

There was a moment of applause as holograms of the new representatives appeared in the center, standing and bowing before returning to their seats

"But today, we have a bigger question at hand, and we have other guests who wish to speak to us. I turn over the floor to those guests"

Attention was turned to the floor at the bottom of the senate chamber, where a group of 8 individuals had appeared, walking into the very center, where there was a small panel, flipping a switch to activate the hologram so everyone could see.

"Greetings, honorable senators of the Galactic Republic. I am Artemis Soldys of Corellia. You have learned much of what we have gone through over the past years. Our battles for freedom, and the prices we've paid. Today, Corellia is returning to its place as a world of prosperity, and freedom. And today, I am here to ask, on behalf of every planet in the Corellian Sector - today we ask to join the Republic, a contingent of of planets, seeking freedom and prepared to stand and fight for it. Our worlds have agreed to disolve the Confederation, and revert back to the democracy that made us great. With your permission, we will join you and stand with you in keeping freedom alive. Thank you."

The hologram was deactivated and the contingent of Corellians stepped out of the room, the speaker again taking the mike.

"We have heard the proposal. I will now open the floor to debate"

TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on May 01, 2012, 03:16:22 PM

10 Years Later ...

Chandaar, Capital World of the New Republic
Senate Floor
A chime was rung, and a gavel struck down to call the session to order, the Senate Leader, holding the position of power now for near 11 years, Shale Apteen took the steps forward to speak.

"I call this session of the Republic Senate to Order. Our first order of business today is to address the question of Corellian membership in the Republic. As many of you know, this has been a long standing issue for us. The Corellian delegation first came before us about ten years ago, three months after the famous Battle of Centerpoint, which left both the Corellians and the Galactic Empire crippled. At that time, after spending several months in debate, the decision was tabled. The Corellians, and other planets in the Corellian Sector returned to us four years later, and the decision again came to a vote. At that time, each planet was granted provisional membership in the Republic. A voice in the Senate, but no vote. Stronger ties, but not fully bound by republic laws. At the time, it was believed this would be satisfactory to parties on all sides of the question, at least until the relationship between Corellia and the Republic was more ... stable. Six years later, the question is again before us. The Corellians are asking for full membership in the Senate, a privilege that has been granted to over three dozen worlds in that time. Representing Corellia before the Senate today, we have once again with us Ambassador Soldys, who helped reconstitute Corellia near ten years ago. The chair recognizes Ambassador Artemis Soldys.

Artemis had been 19 when he helped destroy Centerpoint, still just a child really. But ten years in government had certainly taught him much. Matured him. Aged him. He still bore a young look, but that youth was slowly starting to fade from his eyes. He was not dressed in uniform today, acting as Ambassador rather than Senior Director of Corellian Security, a position he had held with honor for years. His blue-hued hologram lit up, large and floating in the center of the chamber.

"Honorable Senators - for ten years, Corellia has asked to join you, and yet you have held us at arms length. I will speak bluntly today. The reason was mostly political maneuvering. Some of you feared it would shift the balance of the Senate against you, or that Corellia would become too dominant. It took months to come to indecision and faulty compromise. But this cannot happen again. Corellia, and its neighboring worlds must be admitted as full members of the Republic, with voting privileges in this body. We pay taxes, and we contribute to the war effort against the Hutts and against the reemerged Empire. It is Corellians who defend your northwestern borders. Our sons and daughters who risk their lives. Our ships and starfighters who stand vigilant. You know this to be true. Let us end the bickering and game playing. I have submitted a petition on behalf of all Corellian Sector worlds to be admitted as full members and request your immediate consideration thereof"

There was some murmuring at the accusation, mostly because many recognized its truth. But no one seemed ready to speak out. For a minute or so. The Speaker eyed around the large chamber before fixating on a representative from Iego, who had a light flashing indicating his desire to speak.

"The Chair recognizes the Representative from Iego"

"Thank you, Mr. Leader. On behalf of the people of Iego, we give our support to this resolution and ask that it come to an immediate vote"

The Gand representative, a few seats away spoke up

"We Second the motion to bring this to a vote

But then the Representative from Metalorn spoke.

"Mr. Leader, Honorable delegates, we of Metalorn object to this motion. There are facts to be determined, and we recommend a committee go to the Corellian Sector to test the veracity of the ambassador's statements"

Artemis shook his head

"Veracity? You've had ten years to test the veracity of my statement. It's time you"

"Ambassador Soldys, you are still young, and you would do well to learn to have others speak on your behalf. You are too brash. Be silent"

"I am here on behalf of Corellia, and I cannot be silent"

"ORDER!" Shale Apteen banged a gavel, and the room became somewhat silent. He glared at those that had spoken out of turn before finally speaking.

"The question is before this body on the status of the following systems: Corellia, Froz, Nubia, Saccoria, Talfraglio, Jumus, New Plympto, and Duro. I am using my initiative to put the matter to a vote in precisely 3 weeks time. Any questions should be resolved by then. I will leave it to the delegates from Iego and Metalorn to create a poly-partisan commission to resolve the questions of fact that will be relevant to the discussion. I trust Ambassador Soldys will be as cooperative as possible on this matter"

The gavel was banged again, and Artemis' hologram faded out. Artemis stormed out as the next matter was being discussed.

"The next matter of business - trading permits, requested by the Trade Federation. As you know, the Trade Federation has consolidated territory north of the Republic, and they have requested to open trading within our borders. The Corporate Sector Authority, however, may have a problem with that. Neither has representatives here today, so I open the floor to discussion ..."

***************************
Senate Building

Artemis was shaking his head as he stepped out of the chamber to a smirking face.

"Well, I can see that went well"

Della was ten years older, but had retained the beauty that Artemis had first seen in her. Her eyes were bright as his were angry.

"Stupid politicians"
"Careful, your talking to one"
"You aren't like that Della. You don't obviscate, and just push things off"
"Oh don't I? You should see the kinds of things we do in the Governor's office"

Artemis sighed

"There's going to be a commission"
She just shrugged

"Well then, we had best see what we can do about making them happy. But come on. It will be hours before the session is done, and we have time to spare. It's not every day we are far away from home on a remote world with almost nothing on it. Let's go have some fun"

She held out her hand and Artemis, begrudingly took it.

"Fine"

TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on June 21, 2012, 09:02:34 PM

Corellian Sector, Deep Space: Former Site of Centerpoint Station

A hundred ships hovered silently in the space, surrounding the void. Ten years later, Centerpoint Station remained off limits to anyone and everything. And with good reason. The metallic scraps that remained didn't leave a station that any being could inhabit, and the very center of where the station had been continued emitting a gravitational signature that was treacherous for any ship to draw close to. Like a black hole, but somehow more sinister.

Months after the battle, a survey team had gone back. To make sure that what happened at Coruscant did not happen at Centerpoint. This graveyard would not become a home for the unliving, nightmarish droids. No more Phages would be welcomed here.

Corellian ships had since that time kept a constant vigil, a patrol of a dozen or so ships that lazily circled the battleground, occasionaly stopping the entrepreneur that would try stealing the precious metals that remained of the wreckages here.

On the first anniversary of the battle, Artemis Soldys had arranged for a memorial service. Hundreds of Corellians - military and otherwise - came to pay their respects, close, but still at a safe enough distance. Immediately after the ceremony, cleanup had begun, and while the constant patrol remained, several teams also came to clear out what was found. Ship remnants, and bodies preserved by the vacuum of space. Thousands of shuttles were sent on the lonely journey to return imperial dead to the remnants, under the white flag. The ships had returned, empty. Whatever vengence the Empire was planning, they accepted their dead with grace, and were not ready to fight back - they had their own problems.

By the second year, the graveyard/scrapyard was clear, the ceremony more commemorative. All that remained were the bits of metal that had been the station itself, held in place by gravitational forces and little else.

Artemis kept the tradition alive - a memorial service once a year, Corellians coming to pay their respects. It was a Corellian memorial day.

And here, he stood aboard the Dreadnaught, cringing. Because though he wished he could commemorate this battle alone - he had lost too many here - he was playing baby sitter to a number of Republic politicians. Who managed to pay their respects by whispering instead of shouting their concerns.

"Ambassador Soldys, a lovely ceremony - but isn't it a bit ... well, odd, to put so much pomp and circumstance into commemorating a tyrannical rule?"

Artemis counted to ten before turning, his lips tight as he spoke.

"It's a commemoration of soldiers who fought and died for Corellia."

"Of course, of course- I meant no disrespect"

Obviously, he did, but Artemis remained quiet. The ceremony was ending, and he was about to take his 'guests' back to Corellia itself so they could 'discuss' the various concerns.

He turned to the viewport one more time, just as each ship let out a burst of fire - a stream of laser light extended off toward centerpoint's remains, fading into darkness well before reaching it. One by one, the ships disappeared, until only the patrol remained. Artemis turned to the comm, pressed it, and spoke briefly within.

"Your charge is well kept friends. Keep watchful, and may the force be with you"
"And you, director"

The comm went dead and Artemis, ignoring the politicians, ordered the ship to enter hyperspace for home.

TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on September 27, 2012, 02:08:20 PM

Corellian Orbit

"Most impressive, Ambassador Soldys. ? Your industrial strength has recooperated greatly"
"Ten years can wash away most wounds. ? We are doing what we have always been able to do."

The Republic Senator wrinkled his face at the response

"I would think you would recognize a compliment"
"I would recognize a compliment from someone who supported me. ? But you have consistently argued against Corellian admission into the Republic. ? Your reports look at our industrial strength, our ability to construct warships as a negative. ? that we will somehow, for some reason rise against the Republic."

"Quite the accusation"
"Am I wrong? Or have you changed your tune?"

The senator turned away for a moment before turning back to him.
"You are not wrong, Ambassador Soldys. ? I have deep concerns about Corellia."
"And personal interests as well no doubt - no, please, let's not argue THAT point. ? Here is the question. ? Is there anything you could see on this fact-finding trip of yours that would actually change your opinion on the matter?"

"A Corellia with no weapons, no ships of war would be-"
"unwanted by the Republic. ? The Republic needs our ships"
"Not so! ? The Empire remains week, and the yards at Mon Calimari are more than sufficient to hold our border"
"The border is not secure with mon calimari ships alone. ? You know Corellian vessels are on those lines already"
"But not needed"
"Yes needed! ? Have you not heard the reports? The Imperial fleet is expanding again. ? They could launch a full out campaign any day now"
"And Corellian ships can seek to carve out its own empire, yet again. ? All you need is republic funding and a republic vote, and your influence would be unmatched!"
"Unmatched by who? ? You have a coalition strong enough to vote down anything Corellia tries to move for that you don't like"

The senator shook his head

"You aren't going to get me to play that came. ? Not here. ? If you believe what you say, than you are too naive for the Republic Senate. ? Things are not so black and white."

"I know this - Corellia only makes the Republic stronger"

"And I know this, Ambassador. ? Corellia will never, never, never join the Republic so long as I have any say in the matter!"
"Even if it's in the best interest of the Republic?"
"Even if Corellia was the last hope of the Republic, I would stand against you!"
"I am truly sorry to hear that, Senator"

Artemis took a step back from the Republic Senator, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a recorder.

"I had hoped we could do this fairly. ? Without subterfuge. ? But you don't respect honor"

The Senator stared at Artemis with mixed horror and fury, almost looking like he was about to lunge at him. ? As if to dissuade him, a half dozen corellian security officers stepped into the room, just as Artemis turned and began walking away.

Finally, the senator regained his senses, shouting back at him

"You don't want me as an enemy, Artemis"
Artemis stopped, turned to face the Senator and shook his head.

"You will let the vote on Corellia happen. ? And if you, or any of your allies stand against us, say a single word against us, I'll play this recording in front of everyone. ? I know who my enemies are, Senator. ? They are the ones with guns pointed at my head. ? The ones with durasteel flying in front of me. ? You are not my enemy, senator. ? Your just the one who makes it harder to fight them."

He turned and walked away, the Senator staring after him for several minutes before walking back the other way.

Artemis frowned down at the recorder as he headed to his office, plugging it into the terminal and making several duplicate copies. ? One could not be too careful.

he sighed, staring down at it. ? he knew he had to do it but it didn't make him hate himself any less for stooping so low.

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on October 15, 2012, 07:08:51 PM

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on December 11, 2012, 12:01:08 PM

Chandaar, Capital World of the New Republic
Senate Floor

A chime was rung, and a gavel struck down to call the session to order, and Shale Apteen, Senate Leader speaks.

"I call this session of the Republic Senate to Order. Our main matter of business today is to address reports we have been receiving from outlying worlds of the Republic. As many of you have already heard from the representatives of Mimbaan and Ruuria - two worlds on opposite sides of Republic territory - piracy has been on the increase. They have asked that I report for them, and the situation appears to be growing dire. We have received similar reports from a dozen other worlds. Neutral ships, attacking and receding, often before reinforcements could arrive, even from the opposite side of the planet. These hit-and-run tactics are common among larger pirate groups, though we have not been able to identify this one, as of yet. In their assaults, they have also manage to take captive a dozen medium, small, and PDF class ships. In some later attacks, we have already seen a few of these vessels turned against us. Needless to say, these assaults need to be stopped.

Therefore, with your approval, I am forming a committee of senators to appropriate the necessary resources to establish an anti-piracy fleet, specifically focusing on quick reaction times, tracking down the enemy, and catching them before they grow too unwieldy. I call the vote

The senate passed the vote unanimously. It was mostly courtesy anyhow. The Senate Leader could form a committee at his leisure. But by going through the senate, it would be able to bypass certain objections to diverting spending and other resources, which would make the process run much smoother.

The session proceeded on with some other local issues as Shale Apteen made his way off the floor, around the Senate corridor, and to the Office of the Corellian Senator.

"I am here to see Senator Soldys"

The office was smaller than most, a reflection of Corellia's senator being among the most junior in the Senate now. Still, it was ample enough for a staff, and Apteen was admitted in promptly to their waiting area. There, however, he encountered a roadblock.

Mod Reece, Chief of Staff for the Corellian Delegation appeared with a polite smile on his face.

"Mr. Speaker, I apologize, but Senator Soldys is on Corellia dealing with some local matters. Would you like to speak with our stand-in-representative, Endar Cale?"

The speaker shook his head. He had hoped Soldys would head the committee, thus tapping into the Corellian military machine. Cale was capable, but young, and wouldn't be able to muscle the committee in the same way. It was curious that Soldys was gone. In fact, he had barely been seen in the Senate since Corellia had been admitted into the Republic as a full member. Apteen remembered Artemis being quite angry about the vote that followed, about utilizing Centerpoint for scientific research. Was that the 'local issue' that he was dealing with?

"That won't be necessary. Would you please notify the Senator that I wish to speak to him immediately on the anti-piracy measures that we will be taking."

"I will see to it that he gets the message today. Is there anything else I can do for you, Mr. Speaker?"

"No thank you. That will be all"

**************************
An hour or so later, Apteen was sitting in a meeting of several committee leaders of the Senate. Some, though they had voted for the committee, were a bit upset that it hadn't fallen to their jurisdiction. Others just wanted their voices to be heard.

"Senators, the committee that I am putting together will of course keep each of yours in the loop - but I want it to be a focused effort, and you all have much on your plate already. I will, however, accept any ideas you might have about addressing the problem"

"Mr. Speaker, if I may be so bold," Everyone in the room turned their attention to Senator Ted Post, of Iego. The man, a tall but aging senator, still had a strong voice.

"The Trade Federation, many years ago, developed a technology that might be of assistance to us. They took the abilities of interdictor cruisers and essentially took everything out of them - engines, weapons, hyperdrive, crew - and created a barebones platform with a gravity well cone. They called them 'gravity well nets' and during the height of their resurgence, they literally encircled their entire spacial territory with them as a way of warding off unwanted visitors. The shrunk down design makes them manageably cheap, even in larger numbers. If we could utilize that technology, we might be able to regain the advantage against these hit-and-run attacks"

The room grew silent, for just a moment (remarkable enough for a group of politicians). Then, of course, it broke out in shouting and cursing, and opinions being thrown back and forth.

Apteen sighed, then banged his gavel, finally regaining the room's attention.

"It is an interesting idea senator, but as I'm sure you, and everyone in this room are aware, there are many possible hurdles to that. Among them, that we have not yet approved Federation commerce within Republic borders. It might be hard to negotiate with them if we reject them. Furthermore, we don't know if they still possess the technology you speak of - they lost much in their down sizing."

"Perhaps, assuming they still have the technology, their trade contracts might be an incentive for them to deal with us."

Apteen sat back in his chair, contemplating for several seconds. He had no problem with commerce from the Trade Federation - most of the issues were from those invested in Corporate Sector dealings. If only THAT negotiation would proceed faster, this wouldn't be an issue.

"I will broach the issues with the ambassador when I see her next. It is worth consideration. In the meantime, I will be putting together the special committee on anti-piracy within the next few days, and hopefully, we will have a strategy to deal with this issue very, very soon. Meeting adjourned"

TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on December 17, 2012, 06:51:30 PM

Chandaar, Capital World of the New Republic
Ambaril: Hotel Mermeia

Ambassador Tacofer had a look of distress as she stepped into the room to meet Senate Leader Shale Apteen. Her voice though was even and calm

"Speaker Apteen ... this is an unexpected visit"

"I apologize for the intrusion. I hope I was not interrupting anything too important?"

No, just a plan to save my nephew and Rutherford Gellar's three children from an unknown but terrifying evil bent on bringing to life the horrors of the past

"I was in the midst of ... negotiating"
"With the Corporate Sector representative?"
"Mr. Gellar had to step out a short while ago"

Apteen nodded his head solemnly

"Yes - quite the tragedy. I saw him briefly being escorted by the jedi. I was surprised they would be helping him, but when it comes to our children, I suppose any ally will do"

"His children?" Mara had been so close in conversation with the jedi, she didn't realize the news had spread. And so quickly. Apparently, word of Riley's disappearance had not managed to reach the media attention - for better or ill

"Had you not heard? All three of Gellar's children were taken. I'm surprised you didn't know" Apteen looked at Mara with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Afterall, there was at least one story going around that the Trade Federation might be responsible for the abduction.

Mara shook her head
"Rutherford Gellar keeps business and family as separate from each as possible" There was truth to that. He obviously cared about his family, but that didn't prevent him from sacrificing them in the past.

"Well, be that as it may ... it is actually not why I am here. I have a different matter to discuss with you"

Mara had been so focused on the matter at hand, she had almost forgotten the fact that she was here as a negotiator and politician. Almost. But right now, while she and Rutherford and the jedi were waiting to see if they could find the children, she had best at least play the role that most politicians here expected her in. She waved an arm at the nearest chair

"Please, Mr. Speaker, have a seat"

Apteen nodded sitting down with a sigh.

"I am sure you are aware of the recent piracy attacks against the Republic"
"I am"
"The attacks are very fast - jump in, strike everything quickly, and disappear before stronger forces can be mustered. Sometimes just destruction, sometimes taking a target with them"

"An effective strategy"

"Indeed. It's hard to defend against a foe that is so fast when they have so many targets. Our fleets cannot be everywhere at once, and by the time they get paged, the pirates are gone. That is where I was hoping the Trade Federation could come in. Many years ago, when the Trade Federation held not just a string of outposts and trade routes, but entire sectors, they developed miniature platforms with gravity wells that could be placed strategically to prevent any unwanted invasion of the Federation territory."

Mara had not existed when those gravity well platforms were in use, at the height of Federation power, but she knew her history, especially federation history, well enough.

"Gravity well nets. Called nets because they could 'catch' any unwanted invaders."

"Precisely. Federation borders were the most secure in the galaxy. Pirates couldn't get into the sector. The Ssi-Ruuvi were held at bay, because there was no way to get past these nets unobserved. They would catch those unaware, and slow down those who did come through"

"They were based on Hapan pulse mass mines - it's easier to create a small gravity well that can pull enemies out of space than it is to attach a massive ship, even if that created a stronger gravity well."

"I want them"

Mara blinked, sitting back in her chair, as the Speaker continued.

"I want to secure the Republic's borders with gravity well nets. We have too many enemies from too many sides, able to hit and run with impunity. With these nets, we can secure our borders, slow down attackers, and effectively respond"

"Mr. Speaker ... the Trade Federation hasn't used that technology in many years. I'm not even sure any nets still exist"

"I doubt the Trade Federation would have lost the ability to create that technology"

"We've given up a lot to be able to survive"

"Your being coy, Ambassador"

"And you are being foolish, Mr. Speaker. The Republic Senate will never agree to use the nets. They would be a symbol of the Federation literally surrounding the Republic, isolating Republic space. It would restrict freedom of travel for Republic citizens. Not to mention, it would be saying the Republic needs Federation assistance, when the Federation isn't even allowed to trade with you yet!"

The Speaker nodded his head, a glint in his eyes as he leaned forward in his chair.

"What if I told you that I could guarantee Federation trading rights in the Republic. You won't even need to deal with the Corporate Sector, strings free. I'll take care of getting the votes. Can you provide the technology?"

Mara was a bit taken aback by the politicking of the Speaker. He would have to use a lot of political capital to make this happen. And even then, it might not work.

"Is the threat so serious that you would work this deal?"

"my concern is for the pirates, yes. But I have a feeling in the near future, the Empire is going to think about striking. I don't want them to see we can't handle a few pirates. ANd I want them to realize we deal with the Trade Federation"

"You know that the Trade Federation negotiates with the Empire, right? We are technically neutral in your epic, never ending war"

"I am aware. But we are in a better position to make this worth your while. Can you make it happen?"

Mara sighed

"I will need to speak with the Administrator. But I'll see what I can do"
"Thank you"

TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on December 27, 2012, 12:23:53 PM

The Wheel, Trade Federation HQ

Officer Iam Patynt stepped through the carpeted corridor of the station, noting the various artifacts in cases along the sides. Relics of times past. A classic B-1 Battle Droid stood frozen, beside a B-2 and a droideka, each behind transparasteel. Further down, a classic IG-100 magnaguard, classic gray metal armor and ragged cloak. It was no Phage, but its blank dormant stare was intimidating enough. A few other relics also lined the halls - advanced federation medical and home care droids, and photographs of some of the Federation's greatest accomplishments. An image of the Viceroy Medivh as he inaugurated the trading floor, the stock market facility that had enabled the Federation to weather the losses of the last decade-plus.

Patynt looked at them all with mild interest. The past really didn't matter much to him. It was the future that he was here for.

At the entrance to the administrator's office, stood not droids, but two human guards. The Federation had effectively destroyed (or hidden - depending on the rumors) their battle droids after Phage. They gave him cold looks but allowed him to pass.

Inside, the room was tastefully decorated. The room was dominated by a large desk, behind which, a transparent wall that looked out upon the various trading lanes leading to the Wheel.

Amir Faram sat behind the desk, older and wiser, and more skeptical. Though the Trade Federation was neutral, and did already deal Empire, Faram made no secret of his disdain for some of the brutal tactics the Empire used. War was one thing. But rumor had it that Emperor Schrag had massacred dissenters. A rumor that Patynt knew to be true.

Still, negoitations were important, and Officer Iam Patynt smiled as he stepped forward, offering a handshake.

"Administrator - an honor to meet you. I must say this is my first visit to the Wheel, and I am truly impressed"

It was true. Patynt had spent his time waiting by touring the facility, and it was remarkable how much business happened here, how well oiled a machine the Federation was after all these years.

Faram nodded, shaking the man's hand.

"Thank you, Officer Patynt. Please, have a seat, and tell me what I can do for you"

Patynt took a seat in a wooden chair, with decorative cushions on the seat and back. Comfortable - but not TOO comfortable. He made sure to note the message sent by that.

"The Empire is looking to increase its business with the Trade Federation. We believe you have some technologies that might prove useful to us"

"We of course are always open to increased trade, but is there anything in particular you are looking for?"

"Well, we believe that there might be technologies that you are not in the habit of producing anymore. Ships, platforms, droids .."

Faram interrupted "We don't make droids anymore"

Patynt nodded. droids, despite their display outside, were a sensitive issue for the Trade Federation.

"Of course, I apologize"

"And we won't help others make them"

Patynt was silent for a moment before nodding.

"But ships and platforms. A variety of designs that have gone out of production. If I may?"

He pulled out a datapad and began running through a list.

"The revenge-class corvette, the ping-class cruiser, the g-class platform"

Again Faram interrupted

"The g-class platform? You mean the gravity-well net platform?"

"Yes"

Patynt noticed a strange expression on Faram's face, but continued.

"The Empire wishes to strengthen our borders, and we feel these technologies would greatly enhance our abilities"
"And to expand those borders, I imagine?"
"I make no comment on the future plans of the Empire"

Faram rose from his seat now, turning away from Patynt to stare out the window. It was a good minute before he turned back to him.

"Does the Empire not have its own gravity well technology?"

"Not in the same efficient manner of the g-class. My understanding is the platforms are small and effective - and have a self-destruct capability, making them virtually impossible to capture."
"True"
"The empire wants that - and will make it worth your while to produce such technologies. We also want to increase orders of existing goods, weapons, shuttles, etc."

Faram nodded his head, looking away from Patynt again.

"I can arrange for the increase of current orders. Allow me to look into the matter of bringing back some of our older models. See what it might take to produce, a cost-benefit analysis"

"of course, administrator. But if I may be so blunt, please remember to include in that analysis the benefit of working WITH the Empire, rather than in hindrance of it"

"The Federation is neutral. The Empire is aware we are negotiating with the Republic"

"Yes - a matter which displeases the Emperor. There may be a time when you will not be able to deal with both sides"

"Are you threatening me, Officer?"

Patynt rose from his seat, shaking his head.

"Of course not, Administrator. Just stating the facts. You are a smart man, and I trust that you will do what is best for the Federation. I look forward to your reply soon"

Patynt stepped out of the room, curious as to Faram's reaction. Was there something about the technology that bothered him? Or was it possible that he wasn't the first to make the offer?

Patynt made his way out of the suite, down to one of the many cantinas in the Wheel, meeting a contact of his there.

"I need you to find out what is going on with the Republic negotiations. What is the Republic asking from the Trade Federation, and what are they getting in return"

"The republic is negotiating on Chandaar, not here"
"The administrator must approve any decisions. See what you can find out"

**************************
As the Imperial left the chamber, the Administrator frowned. Both the Republic and the Empire were asking to deal with Federation relics, at the same time. Mara had spoken with him earlier about the prospects of a deal that would help expand their trade area. The Empire was now asking for the same things. Faram sat down at his desk, pondering. If the Trade Federation played this right, they could end up many times richer, in a very strong bargaining position.

On the other hand, a wrong move could spell the end of the still fledgling organization.

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on January 23, 2013, 02:32:24 PM

Chandaar, Capital World of the New Republic
Ambaril: Hotel Mermeia

"Ambassador? I thought you had went away with the jedi"

"I had to delay the journey to complete an important negotiation. Or rather, a series of negotiations, that will make the Trade Federation a predominant force here in the Republic."

"Negotiation? but I thought the Corporate representative-"

"Is not here. He left to go find his children, or so he claims. Our negotiations stalled, and the Republic made us a better offer anyhow. One that will not tie us to the Corporate Sector, and will ingratiate us with a vast majority of senators. I have spent the last several days meeting with senators, making sure they would side with us. Now, it is time for action. With Shale Apteen's support, the vote will be completed by the end of the day today. We just have to make sure that we deliver"

*************************
Ambaril: Senate Chamber
The senators watched as the ambassador from the Trade Federation made her way to the amplifier, clearing her throat before speaking.

"Honorable Speaker and representatives of the Republic. Many of you are aware that the Trade Federation has been negotiating for several months now with the Corporate Sector Authority in hopes of arranging a grand bargain, allowing our factions to benefit each other and in turn, the Republic. I had been hopeful that a deal could be reached. That we could work together with them. But alas, I was deceived.

The Corporate Sector had no desire to work with us. Rutherford Gellar was under orders from the Corporate Board to undermine the Trade Federation's position while biding time. And when that failed to work, he left, on the pretense of saving his 'so called missing' children. Many speculated it was the Direx board that arranged for the supposed kidnapping, but investigators - Corporate investigators, I might add - have now cleared the entire board. That is because there was no crime committed. No kidnapping at all. It was all just part of an elaborate plan for Rutherford to be able to stall negotiations further. In fact, the supposedly missing children have already been found, hardly the worse for the wear. And their kidnappers?"

The ambassador trailed off as she keyed in the console, a large video appearing in the center of the chamber. A corporate hover limo, driving through a field, and without stopping, into a moving cruiser.

"kidnapped in a hover limo - I hope that when I'm kidnapped, I should have such comfort"

There was some laughter echoing through the chamber, but most were curious. Reports had come out that the kidnapper had hijacked the limo belonging to the Gellar household. Now, as the story was laid beside the ambassador's claim, it sounded a bit odd.

"This is official photage from various media sources in the Corporate Sector. Not only was the limo one that belonged to the Corporate Sector, so was the cruiser."

Mara pressed a few more keys and the video zoomed in on a blurry patch on the side of the ship's hull

"Take away the distortion put into the video, and we find the culprit"

The blurry spot was cleared, revealing none other than the Corporate Sector logo. Collective gasps filled the chamber, mingled with a few cries - some of outrage, some accusing the Federation of lying. But the ambassador continued.

"I found it hard to believe myself, at first. I really thought my negotiations were succeeding. All for naught. The Corporate Sector's lies nearly cost the Federation not only in this matter, but in a variety of other contracts. They were prepared to sabotage us, preventing us from giving the Republic our work and products - products the Republic has requested.

Thankfully, your speaker is a brave man. And he approached me directly, making a request directly for what we can offer the Republic."

The video photage disappeared, and in its place, a hologram of an old platform, large solar panels around a double-sided cone.

"Federation G-Class Platforms, known more commonly as gravity well nets. These Federation devices are small and impervious to sabotage. They will allow the Republic to block attacks from raiders, and strike back, defending its borders. With enough of these, the Republic will have an almost impervious border, and your people and your economy will be safer. I have spoke with Speaker Apteen, and with the Administrator of the Trade Federation. With your permission, on behalf of the Trade Federation, I give you a gift, a token of good will and appreciation - a dozen of these gravity well nets, to be produced and shipped within the next few weeks."

There was applause, but the ambassador raised her hand.

"I would like to do more, to give you more, to trade with you more. And so I come before you again with the request to allow the Trade Federation access to trade within Republic borders under a general permit. With such an agreement, we can produce not only more of the gravity well nets, but dozens of other products, for use in homes and in your fight for freedom and security."

"Move for a vote on the question"

It was a shout from a Federation supporter, one that the ambassador had expected, but it was followed by a chorus of seconds. With the help of the Speaker's own whipping votes, and days of negotiation, a once almost impossible vote came to a quick victory. There was clapping, and the ambassador bowed her head humbly.

"Thank you - it will be an honor to work with you, to strengthen your borders, to grow together. I do however have one more request, though I understand if it cannot be honored"

She paused before raising her head again, looking to the senators.

"My efforts, and the efforts of my organization were nearly sabotaged and destroyed by the work of the Corporate Sector. I know many of you are friends of theirs. You have a close working relationship. But their plotting and scheming and lying ... I am afraid it will hurt not only the Trade Federation, but the Republic as well. It would therefore, be my suggestion that a message be sent - that the Corporate Sector's trading privileges be temporarily revoked, or limited, until the matter of their treachery can be resolved. I know this would benefit the Trade Federation, and so you can take my words with that in mind. But I ask you to be mindful of their lies. I know you don't want their misleading words guiding your policies.

And while you may be concerned with the loss of their business, you should know the Trade Federation is prepared to offer, at significantly reduced prices, the products formerly only available from the Corporate Sector. As a case in point, Fed-Pharm, a subsidiary of the Trade Federation, is prepared to produce all of the same products the Republic formerly would purchase from ChemiX, and to sell it to the Republic at half the price the Corporate Sector offered it for.

Please consider this as you deliberate, and thank you for your faith in the Trade Federation"

The ambassador stepped away from the floor and out of the chamber as the new debate - the fate of the Corporate Sector - began with heated words. She smiled as she walked away from the building, waving briefly at the flashing cameras before stepping into her own vehicle, lifting a comm unit.

"It's done"

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on January 30, 2013, 01:32:09 PM

(Color will be added later on)

The Wheel, Trade Federation HQ

The Administrator, Amir Faram was going through messages left for him. And there were many. From Republic Senators, to Federation shareholders, to random investors. Everyone had an opinion, and every opinion was strong.

Faram had been a bit surprised when Mara had contacted him, indicating her belief they should take the Republic's deal, and even more surprised when she told him she planned on wrapping it into an accusation against the Corporate Sector. Faram weas under the impression that Ambassador Tacofer was working with Rutherford Gellar of the CSA and that they would come up with a plan that was mutually beneficial. Apparently, Amir Faram was wrong.

But despite his surprise, he agreed with Mara. In the ten years she had served the Federation, she had always been a shrewd businesswoman and politician, her instincts had benefited the Trade Federation immeasureably. Faram personally went through the sealed archives to pull up the prints for the technologies involved in the deal and ordered several Federation construction facilities - some long dormant - to begin manufacturing. Within a small circumference around the Wheel, PDF ships were increased to protect scaffold set ups used in the construction of the platforms.

Faram had watched Mara's speech as it was replayed over the holonet, listening to the commentary on how it would or would not affect the two corporate entities. But he already knew. Because that was part of his job, and because the stock market was located on the Wheel.

Within hours of the Senate vote, Federation stock has skyrocketed, as had the subsidiary pharmaceutical company, Fed-Pharm - a previously fledgling company that wasn't really competitive.

In contrast, Corporate stockholders were selling rapidly, fearing a senate vote restricting Corporate activity would weaken their assets further. ChemiX, the only company specifically named in Mara's appeal, and tied to Rutherford Gellar, was hemorrhaging shareholders, its stock reduced by half. Faram heard through the holonet the board of ChemiX was thinking of ousting Gellar from the corporation and using some of its substantial financial reserves to make a major rebranding campaign. Even if the vote ended in CSAâ€™s favor, the appeal of cheaper drugs from the Federation brand would have a significant negative effect on ChemiX and CSAâ€™s bottom line.

All of this looked good, for Faram and for the Federation. Plus, since the photage of the kidnapping had been provided by the public media, unaffiliated, it was unlikely any accusations of doctoring would come back to haunt the Federation later on.

There was, however, the small fact that this act seemed just a little TOO vindictive for Mara Tacofer, who was usually so calm and collected. Faram, therefore, would wait and see what developed â€“ and if Mara could continue to be the trusted asset she had been.

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Speaker Apteen nodded grimly as Janessa Kain made her way into his office for the second time in just a few short (or long days). Apteen had listened to Kain, postponing the Senateâ€™s vote on whether to suspend the Corporate Sectorâ€™s license until after an investigation into the allegations made by the Federation ambassador.

He had begun the investigation, looking into a host of different factors, including recent purchases of cruisers matching the one used in the kidnapping, and what he found was startling.

â€œPlease come inâ€
Kain stepped in, dressed as well as she had the other day. But she was less talkative today, sensing the tone as Apteen closed the door behind her.

â€œI took your advice â€“ stopping the senate vote until we learned more.â€
â€œIâ€™m glad you did. Did you find something?â€
â€œYes. Iâ€™m afraid so. You mentioned that with Rutherford Gellar was with Republic Counselor Circe Prescott, in the search for his childrenâ€

Kain nodded, a confused look on her face.

Apteen stepped forward, handing her a datapad.

â€œCirce Prescott has a long history with the Gellar familyâ€

Kain glanced up

â€œTrue, but that doesnâ€™t make her untrustworthy. If anything, it goes to vouch for Rutherford Gellarâ€

Apteen shook his head

â€œIn your hands is the receipt for purchase of a bulk cruiser, matching exactly the one used in the kidnapping. It was purchased a week before the Gellar children were takenâ€

Janessa Kain glanced down, looking over the file. It was a few seconds before realization hit her, and she gasped.

â€œAs you can see, the purchase was made by Republic Counselor Circe Prescott. The Espos didnâ€™t find anything because they were only searching the Direx Board. But Counselor Prescott is not on that board. In fact, we would never have found this out if you hadnâ€™t mentioned that she was with Gellar now. I decided to track down purchases made by him and those associated with him in the weeks before the kidnapping.

It means one of two things â€“ either Circe Prescott is working with Rutherford Gellar, and everything Ambassador Tacofer said is true. Or, Circe Prescott is working to destroy Gellar, both in the Republic and the Corporate Sector. Either way, I have arranged for Ms. Prescottâ€™s credentials to be revoked immediately, and she will be detained as soon as she is locatedâ€

TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on January 31, 2013, 05:34:26 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

A distraught Janessa Kain paces the halls of the Senate building, trying to come to a logical reason behind the evidence presented to her. She may have further harmed relations between the Republic and CSA just by a simple admission, one she did not think would lead to such a startling revelation. There has got to be an explanation for this. Why would Counselor Prescott do something like this? To what end? Her response to Speaker Apteen had been swift and firm.

â€œThis is highly suspicious, given the Counselorâ€™s sterling reputation within the Republic. For or against Gellar, these actions are out of character for someone of her stature and I do not believe she would do this. Frankly, I am surprised you would be so quick to accept it as fact. Coupled with the allegations leveled against the Sector by the Federation, the entire scenario rings false and reeks of conspiracy. I trust you will investigate these matters fully before any action is taken.â€

She had left feeling nearly unhinged. The situation was spiraling out of control. There was only one thing to do. Janessa grips her com and steps into a private alcove. The channel rings and ring and rings before kicking to voicemail. She inhales sharply, trying to keep her voice steady.

â€œGarron, its Janessa. We need to speak immediately. The Federation Ambassador has gone before the Senate to undermine the Corporate Sector and accused them of using the kidnapping as means to stall negotiations. Even more disturbing is that the Senate Speaker now has evidence that makes it appear as though the cruiser used to abduct the children off of Dâ€™ian was purchased by your sister.â€

She pauses, grinding her teeth.

â€œI tried to minimize the fallout but Ambassador Tacofer has used Federation technology capable of defending Republic borders to leverage other products out from under the Sector and the Senate is buying every word. Gellar needs to make a move now to clear his name of conspiracy but the Counselor will be arrested on sight once in Republic territory. I will continue to do all I can to prevent any further consequence but it appears whatever impasse Gellar and Tacofer had reached is now over.â€

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on March 19, 2013, 04:47:39 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Speaker Shale Apteen was tired, there was no doubt of that. ? Somehow, a controversial, political fight between two special interests had spiraled out of control.
Lies.
Deceit.
Kidnapping.
Extortion.
Murder.
How did it come to that? ? Were people really willing to kill just for money? ? For a contract?
The answer, unfortunately, was yes, as history had proven time and time again.

He sat at his desk, staring at the files in front of him. ? A stack, growing every day. ? A large one on Circe Prescott, a slightly smaller one on Janessa Kain, and a series of much thinner files on Rutherford Gellar, Garron Prescott, Kaytt Corinthos, and even one on Mara Tacofer. ? After the Trade Federationâ€™s pronouncement before the Senate, she had taken a back seat as the scandal unfolded, though reportedly still meeting with senators behind the scenes to further strengthen her support in the senate. ? Apteen had not seen her since that day.

He couldnâ€™t say he regretted the deal that was made. ? Afterward, he had spoken with Federation Administrator Amir Faram, and the construction of the new â€“or rather, old â€“ technology was already under way. ? It was important, an essential step in fighting the still ongoing piracy raids that, though they had taken a back seat politically to the scandal, were still costing a heavy toll on the Republic.

Now, another twist â€“ or maybe, it wasnâ€™t. ? He had received an official communication from the Administrator, indicating Mara Tacofer was being recalled to the Wheel, and a more permanent ambassador would be arriving to take her place. ? Apteen wondered whether it was because of the scandal. ? Either way, he had called to schedule a meeting with Tacofer before her departure. ? The call had been brief, polite, but curt. ? Apparently, the ambassador was not pleased with her recall.

There was a chime at the door.

â€œCome inâ€

The ambassador stepped into the room, smiling as the Speaker rose to greet her.

â€œI appreciate your invitation, Speaker Apteenâ€

â€œIâ€™m glad you could come before your departure â€“ I was hoping I could get some information from youâ€

The ambassador smirked.
â€œAh, so not a social call. ? Oh well. ? I was hoping â€¦ unfortunately though, I cannot stay long. ? My transport is scheduled to leave fairly soon. ? I just wanted to give you a gift, and thank you for all your helpâ€

â€œohâ€ Apteen shook his head. ? He had hoped they could have a conversation that might shed some light on her dealings with Rutherford Gellar, and the sudden change for the worse. ? He glanced down as the ambassador lifted a small box to show him.

â€œWell, thank you, ambassadorâ€
â€œPlease, call me Mara. Iâ€™m not the ambassador anymoreâ€

Apteen had always been a man of formality, and changing, even under these circumstances, felt odd to him.

â€œWell, thank you â€¦ Miss Tacoferâ€

He took the box, gently lifting the lid.

Inside, a spherical object, similar to a training remote, but with many more holes, only much smaller.

â€œItâ€™s an old three-dimensional holographic map of the galaxy. ? When you activate it, it floats in the air, and makes the entire room into a miniature version of the galaxy. ? Very old design, a good century or so before the Clone Wars. ? They ended up becoming a lot smaller, but I thought it might make a nice paper-weight.â€

The Speaker lifted the sphere from its box, inspecting it briefly before placing it back inside

â€œWell, again, thank you, Miss Tacofer. ? Itâ€™s a lovely gift. ? I enjoyed working with you, and appreciate what youâ€™ve done for the Republic.â€

â€œAnd I appreciate what you have done, Mr. Speaker.â€

They shook hands, and Ambassador Tacofer left the room, Apteen staring after her for several seconds. ? The whole exchange had been so brief, and nothing as he had planned. ? There was even a moment where the Speaker thought that the ambassador was flirting with him. ? And then the gift? It all seemed very unlike the Mara Tacofer he had met before, negotiator, persuasive, but always professional.

He turned his attention down to the box, opening it again and taking out the sphere. ? Turning it a few ways, he found the small button to activate it, pressing it.

Just as the ambassador had said, images sprang from the sphere which lifted from his hand, moving to the center of the room for optimal placement, planets, stars, and everything in between swirling slowly with the movement of the galaxy.

It was beautiful â€“ not the most sophisticated, but it had a quality that came with being older, and less refined. ? Apteen found himself staring at the stars, contemplating, for several minutes before moving to the projector, grasping around it with his hand.

At his touch, the projector became limp, the lights fading.

It was a nice gift. ? Apteen moved back to his desk, placing the object on the corner of his desk, going back to the massive file in front of him, more puzzled than ever.

There was continuingly more evidence linking the murder to Janessa Kain, who was being held pending her first court appearance, a few days hence. ? And yet something was telling the Speaker that it was not all true, that the pieces were fitting too nicely together.

Lifting his comm unit, he hailed his secretary.

â€œWould you please have Counselor Kaytt Corinthos make a visit to my office as soon as possible? ? And please inform her this meeting is to be kept as low-profile as possibleâ€

â€œYes, Mr. Speakerâ€

TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on March 28, 2013, 05:47:16 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Senate Hall

Kaytt Corinthos walks briskly up the grand steps into the expansive open air foyer. The building has such a regality to it that always fills her with a sense of purpose. The vibe of progress seems to be ever-present but she has precious little time. She uses her credentials to fly through security but, at the request of discretion, refrains from mentioning the summons from the Speaker. She proceeds through the series of corridors until she comes to the reception ante room outside the restricted areas. The receptionist smiles as she approaches.

â€œMy name is Kaytt Corinthos. They are expecting me.â€

The receptionistâ€™s fingers dance across the keypad then glances back up, confirming this. She is taken through the set of double blast doors and shown to the office of the Speaker. Kaytt nods as the helpful aide scampers off and steps inside.

Shale Apteen rises from behind his desk, greeting her warmly.

â€œSpeaker Apteen,â€ Kaytt says, crossing the room to shake his hand. â€œItâ€™s a pleasure to meet you in person. I was told you wished to see me.â€

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on March 28, 2013, 07:04:02 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Senate Hall

?Speaker Apteen,? Kaytt says, crossing the room to shake his hand. ?It?s a pleasure to meet you in person. I was told you wished to see me.?

The Speaker nodded his head, motioning for her to sit down, returning to his own seat and staring at her thoughtfully for a moment, then nodding his head. Yes, this was the right course of action. But he needed assurances from her.

?Counselor Corinthos, you know as well as anyone how the game is played. You know that here ? on this planet, in this city, in this building, and across the republic and all the other governments out there, law and politics go hand in hand. A politician can be ruined by a scandal, or even a rumor of a scandal. And so can a lawyer?s. I am glad you are here so promptly counselor, but I need to be as clear as possible, because if word gets out that I met with you, that I told you what I intend to tell you, or that I do what I intend to do for you, it would make me ineffective. So before I begin, I want to make sure you understand ? if word gets out about this meeting, or its result, I will guarantee that you and your career are finished, and that you are permanently disbarred from practicing law. Do you understand??

Kyatt was taken aback by the warning, both because of its sincerity and its forcefulness. The Speaker had a reputation of being a man of upstanding character ? a rarity in the political field ? and being able to negotiate between the often extreme sides of most debates. And here he was essentially threatening her in order to protect the institution of his administration. And she wasn?t even sure what it was he was going to say. Still, her past experience with him, both before and during his tenure as Speaker of the Senate, instilled in her sufficient trust to nod her head.

?I understand?

She realized in making that agreement, that she had resigned herself from possibly having a tool at her own disposal ? a meeting with the Speaker that might somehow create the political atmosphere to help her client overcome her legal troubles. But it was his meeting, and his terms.

The Speaker, for his part, seemed relieved, letting out a breathe before speaking again.

?You obviously are up to date on the allegations against both Circe Prescott and Janessa Kain?

She nods

?The latest is that Circe Prescott has turned herself in ? not exactly the act of a guilty person, nor may I add-?

The Speaker held up his hand

?Please, Counselor. I understand the argument. I?ve heard it from you and I?ve heard it from Janessa Kain. It goes Ms. Prescott has been an outstanding counselor, always loyal to the Republic, always a friend of the Gellars, etcetera, etcetera, and someone of that consistent good nature would never act counter to that. You and I both know that?s not true though, that countless times, we see someone held up on a pedestal who has fallen to the lowest. Anakin Skywalker was a noble jedi and became a murderer of the jedi. Palpatine was considered a brilliant, even humble leader ? until he showed his true colors, after hiding them for not months or years but decades. That argument falls on deaf ears, because it?s been disproven before.?

?Are you comparing Ms. Prescott to Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine??

?I?m pointing out why repeating your old arguments won?t work?

?So you think Prescott and my client are guilty??

?No, Counselor, I don?t?

That was not the answer Kyatt had expected, and it is enough to shut the lawyer up, at least for a moment.
Shale Apteen takes advantage of that.

?I think there is something amiss here, something more than what we are seeing, and I think that Circe Prescott and through her Janessa Kain, have been caught in it. I don?t know if they were targeted initially or if they proved to be convenient scapegoats, but I do not believe they are guilty?

Kyatt does pipe in
?because the evidence is too conveniently placed?

?Because if they were hiding the information for this long, they would have been better at it. Prescott is brilliant, and Kain ? well, she?s not stupid. It was no easy task finding the accounts, or a host of other pieces of evidence. It wasn?t convenient at all. But if a plan was being put into place, Prescott would have changed something about the account?s behavior, a month ago, a few months ago, whatever it was, that would have made it far more impossible to discover the transactions that were occurring.?

?So what do you think happened??

?I don?t know ? and that is where I need you. I want you to find out what?s going on?

Kyatt frowned

?You don?t trust your own agents, so you want me to do your dirty work??

?I do trust them ? I was responsible for hiring or promoting most of the upper-ranked. Including, I might add, Inspector Erbon. I know that they are capable, thorough, and unbiased.?

?So what?s the problem??

?I want someone who is biased. Someone who will stop at nothing to prove her client innocent. Including bending some rules, and taking a few chances. My detectives are too straight ? they won?t mess with shades of gray. They would rather guarantee a shut-tight case. You, however, have other motivation?

?Suddenly I see your opinion of me is not as high as I had hoped?

?It is high, counselor. A defense attorney is responsible for doing everything for her client, not for finding the truth. I just hope in this case, one leads to the other.?

?What makes you think I?ll find anything? I haven?t yet, and I don?t have the resources to look too far beyond the investigation materials itself?

?I will provide you with the funding you need. I have a discretionary fund that will be available to you?

The attorney is silenced once again, leaning back in the chair, staring at the Speaker incredulously

?You would be risking an awful lot?

?Hence my warning at the start of this conversation?

?but why? Why go to such efforts? What does Circe Prescott and Janessa Kain mean to you? Unless ??

Kyatt tilted her head, looking at the speaker as she silently finished the sentence with an accusing stare.

The speaker held up a hand, shaking his head.

?I think you might be too sunk in this world, Counselor. I have never had any interest in, or interaction with either Ms. Prescott or Ms. Kain that was anything but professional. My motivation is about protecting the Senate and other Republic institutions. This scandal is big enough to destroy a great deal, and it must be contained. I have the means, but as your reaction a moment ago clearly demonstrates, any step I take would be met with cynicism. You, however, would just be doing your job?

?You are aware that Circe Prescott is not my client?

?If you accept my offer, than she is now?

?Conflict of interest, Mr. Speaker. A defense attorney cannot represent two co-defendants, lest they turn on each other. Not to mention I might not be allowed to share any information with you that I discover?

?I know the legal rules, Counselor. I myself am a member in good standing of the bar. I?m asking you to ignore those rules?

?You are asking a lot of me, Mr. Speaker.?

?I am aware of that, Counselor Corinthos?

?Do I have time to think about the offer??
?No, I?m afraid not. I have pressure on me to have both Ms. Prescott and Ms. Kain arraigned and set for trial, and the investigation is already sufficient to convict both of them. You must decide now, and you must move quickly.?

The speaker glanced away, at a clock on the wall

?I have to step out for a moment. I should be back within five minutes. Please have a decision by then?

Without letting her respond, the Speaker rose abruptly and made his way out of the room, leaving her there to decide whick was more important to her ? her oath of legal ethics or her oath to protect her clients at all cost.

TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on April 03, 2013, 09:28:05 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Senate Hall

Kaytt Corinthos is left somewhat speechless.

The conversation she just shared with Speaker Apteen was not exactly what she had expected. Now she understands his urgency and need for discretion. He is asking a considerable amount of her, knowing full well that these requests clash heavily with the oath she has taken to uphold Republic law. These principles are the foundation of their democracy yet she shares his suspicions.

The evidence discovered by the RSB was sloppy. Blatant accruals above pay-grade in an account, signatures on purchase orders and genetic evidence left on a murder victim? Even a half-way competent criminal would have covered their tracks better. Itâ€™s too clean. Too obvious. Throwing a bit of money behind the investigation would certainly help pave the way to a not guilty verdict because, at the moment, sheâ€™s barely got a leg to stand on. The RSB has both women dead to rights. Janessaâ€™s conspiracy argument has no weight without proof. All she has is Gellarâ€™s word (not recorded) that relations between the CSA and TF were copasetic prior to the kidnapping. She considers something Iver Aguilar said to her the other day when he called, something about Janessaâ€™s insistence that the Federationâ€™s permits were granted not only by the Ambassadorâ€™s accusations but by back door dealings involving the Speaker himself.

Shale Apteen reappears, sighing deeply. Clearly he has quite a bit on his plate.

â€œHave you made your decision?â€

Kaytt stands, narrowing her dark eyes.

â€œI will investigate because it serves both our interests but there is something I must ask as part of our arrangement. My client has made overtures about a possible Federation role in all this and has suggested there was more to granting their permits than just allegations against Rutherford Gellar and the Corporate Sector.â€

He allows the pause to fill the space and so she continues.

â€œIt is public record that the past relationship between Gellar and the Federation wasâ€¦complicated. Revenge on either side would not be entirely out of the question nor would one party undercutting the other to secure a victory for their faction. Did the Federation have leverage the Corporate Sector did not?â€

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on April 04, 2013, 09:18:31 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

â€œThank you, Speaker Apteen. Weâ€™ll be in touch.â€

Kaytt shakes his hand then departs quickly, remembering the timeline issued to her by Director Drakos. It is in serious danger of lapsing. By the time she weaves her way out of the Senate Hall and makes it back to the RSB Central Precinct, she is late.
Nearly out of breath, Kaytt ignores the calls of alarm from the secretary as she burst into the Directorâ€™s office. He glances up from his desk, waving off the frantic secretary and motions for Kaytt to come in.

â€œYou are late. Your client and Miss Prescott are in arraignment now.â€

â€œWhat?â€ Kaytt gasps. â€œYou couldnâ€™t wait five more minutes? I was stuck in traffic. You know how downtown can be at this time of day!â€

â€œBrutal, Iâ€™m sure but I just couldnâ€™t wait. Not about a case this big. The press is foaming at the mouth trying to gather information from us. Our lips are sealed.â€

â€œYeah I heard you all play it pretty close to the chest. Noble, if not highly irritating.â€

Director Drakos seems amused by her outburst.

â€œI wouldnâ€™t be betraying my duty to inform you that it took less than five minutes for Prescott and Kain to turn on each other. The guards had to pull them off each other.â€

â€œHow do you know that?â€

He points to the monitor on his desk.

â€œYou canâ€™t record them without counsel present.â€

â€œCalm yourself, Corinthos,â€ Drakos says, somewhat menacingly. â€œItâ€™s video, not audio. You think we would let them off on a technicality? All the cells are monitored to prevent anyone from trying to take the easy way out. We prefer the conviction.â€

â€œSo do I when it applies to the guilty.â€

â€œSpeaking of the guilty, discover anything while you were out?â€

Kaytt sighs, considering which direction to point him in.

â€œPerhaps but it will require more investigation on my part. I had wondered though about the previous tensions between the Corporate Sector and Trade Federation somehow influencing the decision to issue the permits but that turned out to not be the case. Not entirely anyway.â€

â€œWhat do you mean?â€

â€œThe Republic has commissioned gravity well nets used by the Federation as means to stop the pirate raids along our borders.â€

â€œGravity well nets? I thought those hadnâ€™t been used in years.â€

â€œThey havenâ€™t but I imagine they are going into production right about now.â€

Drakos shifts his weight in the chair and leans onto the desk.

â€œThe investigation into the pirate raids were inconclusive. No markings. No tactical pattern. It was pure shock-and-awe.â€

She shrugs, â€œSome random thugs pushing the buttons of the largest military power in the galaxy? No red flags there.â€

â€œOkay,â€ he says, nodding. â€œIâ€™ll bite.â€

Her mind is already spinning the tale.

â€œThe Empire has been surprisingly docile as of late, no military expansion efforts or campaigns to speak of. This riles everyone up as they expect a strike any moment. Except it doesnâ€™t come. Instead, we have seemingly random and surprisingly effective attacks by an unknown faction. True, we border some unincorporated space and resistance on some level is anticipated. But these attacks worry the Senate deeply as they are faced with a potentially fierce clash between the Corporate Sector who has been a primary source of weaponry and supplies since our reemergence onto the galactic stage and the Trade Federation struggling to overcome its horrific past and break back into our vital markets.â€

He smirks, â€œGo on.â€

â€œThe random nature of these attacks makes them difficult to defend and nearly impossible to predictâ€¦.except perhaps with the use of a technology one of the factions already present in the capital has access to. The Speaker and some Senatorâ€™s are led to come to this conclusion seemingly on their own and seek out the Federation Ambassador to strike a deal that would include the granting of Republic permits in exchange for their assistance. Distract the competition with some clever conspiracy that may or may not have originated from within their own ranks and, while they are scrambling, decimate them publicly before the Senate so that the only reasonable course of action left is to side with the Federation. Gellar is out of the way and the Corporate Sector made out to be heartless fools with Prescott and Kain as the gorgeous and unexpected scapegoats the media clamors over without ever suspecting anyone else but those offered up before them.â€

Drakos applauds.

â€œThat is quite an imagination you have, counselor. It lives up to your reputation for stunning closing arguments. Except weâ€™re not in a courtroom and you have no evidence to support that.â€

â€œNot yet,â€ she says. â€œCare to prove me wrong?â€

*

After Kaytt leaves the precinct, heading for the Ambaril Penitentiary, she pulls the com from her purse scrolls through the channels. Like every good politician needs a lawyer on retainer, every good lawyer needs a slicer to help with those incriminating details everyone is so fond of trying to hide. Estes has been her go-to for some of the toughest cases. The best part is, she trusted him.

The line connects and she can hear breathing but he doesnâ€™t speak.

â€œItâ€™s Corinthos. Go secure.â€

There are a series of beeps before his raspy laugh fills her ear.

â€œI knew youâ€™d be calling sooner or later.â€

â€œReally?â€

â€œYouâ€™re repping an insanely attractive murder suspect who the Rebs are trying to connect to an equally attractive Republic Counselor accused of kidnapping, bribery and conspiracy. Something tells me you need deets.â€

â€œOh, Estes. I need a miracle.â€

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on April 18, 2013, 08:36:58 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Kaytt Corinthos consults with Janessa first in the penitentiary. She pointedly asks Janessa how she feels about taking Circe on as a client as well and if there is anything linking them that she should be aware of. Janessa doesn?t care, she just wants out of this hell hole. Without any kind of consideration from the courts, she and Circe are targets for the unwashed masses and it has become a daily struggle for survival. She doesn?t want to die in here.

Kaytt has no intention of letting that happen but she must first break up the charges against them, namely the conspiracy angle. She has to make it known that Janessa and Circe are not working together to undermine the Federation or the Corporate Sector for their own personal benefit. Janessa thinks that?s insane. Her career hinges on ensuring the CSA is fairly represented in the Republic and she is deeply insulted the Direx Board would even think she would stoop to such a level after all this time. Kaytt explains that the Republic lawyers will try and spin the story to make it seem like Circe was bankrolling Janessa through the considerable deposits from Korb Security and that turning on Circe is exactly what they are hoping will happen to solidify their cases against both of them. Janessa swears her interactions with Circe Prescott prior to the Gellar?s arrival was limited to public functions with multiple witnesses. They were only more recently in closer contact through Garron but even then, it has hardly been a bonding experience. Kaytt accepts this and tells her they will speak soon before asking to meet with Circe.

Counselor Prescott is brought into the holding cell and placed in a chair. She looks pale and shaken. Once the guards are gone, Kaytt begins by informing her she will also take the case to defend her and asks that she tell her exactly what has happened. Circe is reluctant but with assurances that any conversation would fall under client privilege, she confesses the events that led them here ? Janessa?s sexual tryst with Garron is something she already knows. The rest is a series of shocking revelations. There is Mara Tacofer the Valerie Gellar clone, one of many, who has sabotaged relations between the Federation and Corporate Sector but is also responsible for kidnapping the Gellar-Masterton children. It is unclear how many there actually are but they have confirmation on three including the Ambassador. The attack on the children in the Republic capital was executed by vicious monsters, a type of garish humanoid none were familiar with, that were seen again on Korriban where the children were being held. With the help of the Jedi, they were able to rescue two of the three children. Dahlia was left behind. The Jedi Master in their company was killed. Lastly, she tells her of Rutheford Gellar?s emotional breakdown, the Jedi?s diagnosis and his subsequent injury during the rescue. As far as Circe knows, the group is still at the Wheel with the real Mara Tacofer. That is, if they are to believe her story.

Interesting but there are snags.

The clone angle would be difficult to prove. No doubt the Ambassador had a hand in influencing the Federation Administrator to issue the recall notice. The clone would have to disappear from Republic territory where it could not do further damage. It is a wise move, considering the unpredictability of others with her face but the lack of a suspect would still make it look like Circe orchestrated the kidnapping. The Valerie Gellar thing is simply beyond her comprehension and not something she is even capable of inquiring about right now. Not with everything else at stake. There is no evidence of a relationship between Garron Prescott and Janess Kain, only speculation by the RSB. The creatures that attacked and held the children are extremely disturbing and may prove useful if they could figure out who or what they are. Dahlia being left behind is tragic but it doesn?t help her clients. The Jedi?s explanation on Rutherford?s breakdown, however, just might.

Kaytt presses Circe for any details about the recovered accounts and the backer, Korb Security. She vehemently denies ever associating with or accepting money from them. Circe has no knowledge of the security firm or why her signature would be all over contracts and one purchase order for a transport carrier. Kaytt is struck by something Janessa told her, how she remembered nothing of the night Inspector Erbon was killed. In fact, she said she didn?t remember anything after leaving the restaurant. Her legal mind whirls ? why can?t Circe or Janessa recall their actions or whereabouts to alibi themselves against these charges? This goes beyond the selective memories of the self-involved. The holes in their memories are oddly specific.

She insists Circe keep these details to herself until Kaytt can work out a plan to get them out of there. At the very least, she is going to request a transfer to another ward and cite their immediate safety. What good would preparing for a trial be if neither defendant makes it there alive? Surely the judge would see reason as she is far more persuasive than the court appointed yahoo?s at the arraignment.

After leaving the prison, she checks with her slicer, Estes. He found out why there was no receipt for Janessa Kain at Republicab. The records had been altered along with the photage from cam?s that would have shown her entering the transport she claims to have taken. There are consecutive glitches across multiple cams in Ambaril that night which would indicate someone purposefully tampered with them. He also relays, rather gravely, that the last cam the glitch occurs on is three blocks from where Inspector Erbon was found. This sends a cold shiver down Kaytt?s back but she urges him to dig further. She needs something conclusive.

What she also needs is the Jedi to corroborate Circe?s claim. They are, however, notoriously difficult to contact. The entire concept of Force influence intrigues her despite not knowing much about it. She was more of the notion that intelligence and common sense is how one survives but say it were possible, there is no precedent. She supposes the Jedi did have their uses back in the day. They were the protectors of the galaxy or so she had read. The Jedi are not as publicly visible these days but she had heard rumors that certain Republic officials did consult with them on occasion. She could spend weeks trying to infiltrate their little club. That wouldn?t work. What she needs is someone a lot more accessible than that, someone a little closer to home - The grief stricken mother and psychologist who would happen to know Rutherford Gellar better than anyone.

Who she needs is Celeste Masterton.

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on April 23, 2013, 05:04:59 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Senate Hall

Shale Apteen felt weary. Despite his best efforts to focus on the urgent matters of defending the Republic border, increasing military strength, improving overall welfare and prosperity - it seemed that the high profile nature of the murder, fraud and conspiracy charges facing Janessa Kain and Circe Prescott was all anyone could speak about.

Of course, that didn't mean all of the other "little" things didn't still get circulated, and petitioned, and argued back and forth. He stood now in the meeting of the anti-piracy council, one of his more successful endeavors.

"It seems the Trade Federation nets provided are proving effective. Already, we are seeing a nearly 70% drop in piracy activity in the protected sectors. The additional ships provided by the Corellians are supplementing the nets, and we have begun establishing checkpoints for any who wish to enter Republic space. We have even seen a drop in smuggling within Republic systems."

The report was positive, something Apteen appreciated.

"What percentage of Republic space is now guarded by the gravity well nets?"

A holographic image appeared floating in the center of the table, with green dots and lines indicating the nets and the areas protected.

"Approximately 50% of our border is successfully sealed off. The central-western portion doesn't have any nets, but the Hapan Star Cluster is effective in keeping out smugglers from that direction. Our south-western border is made up of the Corellian Sector. And the Corellians have been adamant about not having the nets activated around their sector. They believe they can handle pirates themselves"

"Didn't they just fight so hard to be brought into the Republic? And now they seem to want to be excluded? Those Corellians just want everything their own way"

There were murmurs of agreement from a few committee members, while the Correllian sitting in the meeting remained silent. Still, there were some who stood up for him.

"The Corellians have increased our fleets by a tremendous amount, and are contributing - as always - to protecting the Republic. What do we care if they don't want the protection available to the main Republic sectors?"

"Perhaps" Shale Apteen interjected, trying to calm the senators before the discussion got out of control "the Corellians have concerns about the nets. Is that true, Mr. Cale?"

Endar Cale was technically an assistant to Senator Artemis Soldys, but over the past few months, Soldys had been absent, apparently in the Corellian Sector on local business. Speculation surrounded his departure, but most now dealt directly with Endar Cale, the Corellian representative and substitute senator.

Cale raised his eyes to the Speaker, before turning to face the table.

"Corellia is concerned that the gravity well nets serve just as much to keep people IN as it does to keep the bad guys OUT. Corellia treasures its freedom, and would like to ensure it keeps it"

The statement sounded so sincere, and yet to many in the room, the idea that the nets that were protecting them could hurt them in the end was laughable. And so they laughed at Cale's expense. He turned his gaze back to the Speaker who frowned, before hushing the room and moving on to the next on his list of questions.

'We appreciate the concerns of Corellia - but moving on, we do have a ways to go. How is production and shipment from the Trade Federation proceeding?"

The conversation proceeded with little incident, and at the end, the Speaker thanked the committee for their hard work and efforts, many filing out of the room, leaving the Speaker alone with the Corellian representative.

"Is Corellia really concerned?"

"The Republic stands strong because of its OPEN borders, the ability for people to ENTER to share in our freedoms, and LEAVE if they don't like the path we are taking. If the entire Republic is locked in, suddenly participation in the Republic seems coerced"

"Do you really think it will come to that?"

"No one thought that the Republic would go to war or transform into an Empire, but it did. Corellians have long memories, Mr. Speaker. I understand the value of these gravity wells, but my concern for what would happen if they fell into wrong hands, or perhaps more frightening, if the stewards of the Republic are not as ... ideal ... as we would hope"

Representative Cale rose from his seat, offering a short, almost sad smile, before stepping out, leaving the Speaker to ponder those thoughts.

Corellia

"Senator Soldys - Republic Science Inspector Guaco is on the phone."

Soldys glanced up from the computer console he was working feverishly at.

"And?"

"he says that radiation levels around the station are low enough to allow a boarding party"

Artemis Soldys cursed under his breathe. He has spent the last two months trying to create as many roadblocks as possible to preventing access to the Centerpoint remains. Part of it was out of reverence for the fallen - but a bigger part was out of fear of what would happen if the technology from the station were ever utilized again. Few knew what Artemis knew about it's full power, and the threat it would cause. So he had set up huge red-tape obstacles, keeping Republic scientists away.

Now though, it seemed as if the last hurdle had been pushed aside. The place, despite its spectacular implosion, didn't have radiation, and eager but foolish Republic scientists were already visiting Corellia, waiting to get a first-hand glimpse of the station, and see what they could harvest from it.

"Get me in touch with the Corellian governors - we have to think of some way of stopping them"

"I'll do that sir. I should point out that your presence continues to be missed at Chandaar"

"I feel so loved. Is the sector being fairly represented?"

"Well, yes sir-"

"Then I'm afraid my presence will be missed for a bit longer."

"Very good sir"

TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on April 25, 2013, 10:02:01 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

After a grueling day of battling it out with a rather stubborn judge, Kaytt Corinthos had managed to secure the transfer of Janessa Kain and Circe Prescott to a more isolated block of the prison. The judge had argued, much like he did during their arraignment, that no celebrity treatment would be given. Kaytt retorted that it is a matter of safety, not celebrity and cited multiple reports of attempts by other inmates to injure one of both her clients. If they were to be fit to stand trial, they needed to be separated. No special treatment, just another location. It seems prison is not fond of public figures, even if they had nothing to do with sending others here. The Republic prosecutor, also in chambers, was more interested in convictions than suspect placement preceding the trial so there were no objections. The judge signed off on the transfer and Janessa and Circe were pulled out of general rotation. Kaytt only hopes that will be enough to keep their mouths shut until she could find something she could use.

Although the Republic wants a speedy trial, their court dockets are overloaded with cases. Courts take even longer to decide things than the Senate. This widely known fact is in Kaytt?s favor. With Speaker Apteen?s credits to blow and a bit of time before trial begins, she plans a quick trip back home. There are people she must have a chat with. She needs a ride but is hesitant about travel companions. The RSB may be tailing her as Inspector Erbon had his suspicions about her too, suspicions Director Drakos no doubt shares. No, she needs something more personal.

With Estes still working on recovering the altered street cam photage, Kaytt returns home and wearily sinks into a steaming bath. She considers all aspects of the case. A good defense lawyer should focus solely on creating reasonable doubt. Circe has a sterling reputation within the Republic which alone should sway at least a few members of the jury. Janessa is professionally respected and somewhat feared but her reputation is questionable at best. Rumors of her sexual conquests have been discussed amongst some of the HoloNet?s more colorful commentators. The jury would have little sympathy for a opportunistic, social climbing whore which is exactly the kind of picture of prosecution will paint. Marring Circe would be more difficult but corruption and greed are always things the public likes to punish their leaders for. The Republic has a history of scandal, especially the larger it grows. If they phrase it just right, Circe will be framed as a once-noble diplomat gone bad. They have seen it many times before, a story as old as time. Power and wealth can corrupt even the most righteous.
Kaytt would have to counter with something pretty damn convincing.

*

The following morning, she responds to a visitation request from Circe Prescott.

?I take it your accommodations have improved.?

Circe seems considerably less traumatized, ?They have, thank you.?

?Is that why you wanted to see me??

?No,? Circe says. ?This case?could be dangerous for you. It would make you part of the supporting cast, as they liked to call it. People involved who sometimes became collateral.?

?Are you trying to scare me, counselor? It?s a bit late for that.?

?More of a warning to tread carefully. You concerned yourself with our safety. I?m concerned for yours and not just because of who the Gellar-Masterton?s are. The Jedi spoke of Sith involvement, something that would pose greater galactic risk.?

?The Sith? Are you sure??

Circe nods.

?There was a woman who attacked us while we were escaping from the caves on Korriban. She fought the Jedi Master. They believe it was she who killed him.?

Kaytt?s face darkens, ?Who is she??

?We don?t know. Not someone the Jedi recognized. She?s still out there, Kaytt. If this has anything to do with us, with the kidnapping of the children, then I am afraid something terrible may happen. If Dahlia was left with her then??

She trails off, glancing into the distance.

Kaytt snaps her fingers, startling Circe.

?Then what??

Circe?s eyes narrow, her voice suddenly very steady.

?Fallen into the wrong hands, that girl will destroy everything.?

Kaytt can almost feel a shadow cast over her soul. She does not like the ominous tone in which this is said but it holds a feeling of truth she simply cannot explain.

?I am going to see Celeste Masterton.?

?Why??

?Your brother works for her husband and they are both currently missing in action while you languish in a prison. She may know something. Her daughter was a Jedi and she herself is Force sensitive, from what I gather. It runs in that family.?

?It runs in many families,? Circe says evenly.

?So I gather. If the Jedi suspect the Force had some influence over Rutherford?s emotional state then Celeste can fill me in on how that?s even possible.?

?You can ask them.?

?The Jedi aren?t exactly taking callers.?

?No, at the Wheel.?

Kaytt laughs.

?That would not look favorable in the eyes of the court.?

?And jetting back into the Corporate Sector will? Janessa told me Inspector Erbon tried to link you to both of us in their speculation of motive. Your connection to the CSA is something the prosecution can use. People could be confused as to where your loyalties lie.?

?They lie with truth,? Kaytt says sharply.

?Then you will have to be forthcoming about it.?

?I?ve already filed my travel schedule. They know I?ll be talking to a wide variety of people, including members of the Direx Board and Espos agents. We need find those who can vouch for your character and convince the jury neither of you are capable of this. They may also be able to provide the alibi neither of you seem to be able to remember.?

?Have you arranged a transport??

?I?m working on it.?

?I have something you can use.?

?Something that has no possible relevance in the case against you??

?You can decide for yourself.?

*

Three hundred kilometers outside the limits of Ambaril, there is a small, private spaceport and storage facility. It is mainly used by Senator?s and other Republic officials to store their holiday and special occasion transports. After gaining the key card hidden carefully in Circe Prescott?s apartment, Kaytt follows the counselor?s directions far and away from the capital city.

Kaytt had alerted Estes to her endeavor and she hopes his clever ass is monitoring her activity via security cam now. She approaches the specified hangar and swipes the card. The light blinks from red to green before hissing open. Lights on sensors power up and she steps inside. Behold, what lies before her is exactly as Circe described it - A silver and pink plated, heavily modified J-Type 327 Naboo royal cruiser initially given to Princess Karen Winton on her sixteenth birthday. It was then used, a few years later, as part of Melanie Masterton and Castin Donn?s escape from Hesperidium shortly after the destruction of Coruscant. Several years after that, it was recovered from Arbra by Circe Prescott a month after Centerpoint Station imploded. It was kept here, in pristine condition, as some kind of memorial to what was lost.

She approaches slowly and disables the ships security with the codes she was given. Kaytt wanders up the ramp and into the cruiser. It is impressive, to say the least. The craftsmanship alone is exquisite and instantly recognizable as classic Marc Overus, the bar standard in interior design over a decade ago. Modern designers emulate his clean lines, restrained use of accent colors and penchant for understated luxury. She may be a partner at the leading Republic firm but she is also a woman of good taste.

Kaytt makes her way through the main cabin and into the cockpit. There are four chairs, each with a different letter in cursive woven seamlessly into the expensive fabric. From left to right ? G, W, M, P.

Gellar. Winton. Masterton. Patten.

How thoughtful.

She wonders what stories the walls of this ship could tell. The private drama to compliment their very public struggle. Circe had told her it just one of things she held on to; things she intended to give back to Celeste Masterton one day when she had finally let go of all that guilt. After meeting with her when the Gellar?s first came to Chandaar, Circe felt she was ready but never got the chance.

That is why she instructed Kaytt to enter her apartment, find the key to the ship and bring the box to Celeste.

The ship is registered with full diplomatic license and so she fires up the engines and programs the route to her destination. Once all systems have come online, Kaytt opens the hangar doors and guides the ship out and up into the sky. It would be only moments until she was in deep orbit right before the stars streak into hyperspace.

Something about the last words Circe spoke to her resonate.

?You think you want to know how deep it goes. Where all the lines trace back to. Brace yourself, Counselor Corinthos. You might not like what you find.?

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on May 03, 2013, 07:42:03 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Jedi Chamber

It was a grim meeting, but it would get grimmer still.

Korriban, and the rescue had been both a success and a failure.

Three of the four children were collected, the fourth, left behind. But she was not just the fourth. She was also the oldest. And the strongest in the Force. And the one the jedi most feared.

Dahlia Winton.

There was a possibility, or so the council had understood, that Dahlia was not to be rescued - that perhaps her suffering a fate, even at the hands of those on Korriban, was better than allowing her to grow into an adult, one with the winton blood in her veins. The same power that Karen and Alexia had carried. Such destruction could be wrought. She was dangerous.

It hadn't been spoken with the others - the Gellars, the ambassador. The mere suggestion that Dahlia wasn't worth saving had been met by stiff resistance from Mara Tacofer. To her, the children were the children, and that meant all FOUR children.

The debate had ended. The opportunity to be rid of Dahlia Winton, no longer on the table.

Only that was precisely what happened. And now the jedi had bigger concerns. That perhaps Dahlia was better off saved than in the hands of those that held her captive.

For those in the Korriban caves were not just primitives or force-less beings that had chosen the spot as a hideaway. There were sith. And in the hands of a sith, Dahlia Winton, if not utterly destroyed, or miraculously saved, would become a powerful, dangerous weapon. The legacy of the Winton family scared many, and the last surviving Winton daughter, most of all.

As to the identity of those in the cave, there were the monsters, creatures of an unknown race. But one had been recognized, and perhaps it was her connection to the jedi - or her contrast from one particular jedi - that made her both a fascination and a dreadful fear for the Council.

For now, though, they had to decide what to do next, and the jedi, for all their insight - and foresight - had very few answers.

Hyperspace

As Nevylinn looked away from the sleeping children - Gemma, so calm, and Dane, resentful, even for a ten year old - she looked out the window at the streaks of light, taking them to a new location, secure, safe. But Nevylinn felt far from it. She had not said anything to the other jedi, not until just before they parted ways and had certainly not said anything to Mara Tacofer or the Gellars. But she knew the woman who had caused this, knew the one who had struck down Jedi Master Adin Corrin. It was a woman who had once looked like her, and now, despite being the same age, had an appearance drastically different.

Her sister, Adubell. She had not seen her twin in years. Not since Adubell had run out to live a life of carefree indulgence. She never guessed that her own flesh and blood would become the enemy. Her greatest fear for her sister was finding her wasted away, a drug addict, an indigent, spent or dead on the streets of some world. That was the direction she had been heading. But Adubell was something different now. Nevylinn hadn't seen the fight that ended Master Corrin's life, but she had seen her sister with the blade. Adubell was a sith.

Nevylinn felt guilty for leaving the fight, leaving to let Master Corrin die at the hands of her sister, guilty for sharing blood with a murderer. She wanted justice for her mentor and teacher, but even in her mind, the word seemed stale. justice was such a high-handed word. What Nevylinn wanted to do was confront her sister.

She couldn't imagine killing her - her closest childhood companion, the only family she knew - but she wanted to, HAD to find out what happened.

And pray that if justice called for her sister's death, she would have the strength to do what was required of her. For herself, for the jedi, for the galaxy.

TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on May 09, 2013, 09:48:14 PM

Hyperspace

A subtle heat flushes the skin and Gemma Masterton?s ocean blue eyes flutter open to a world filled with tendrils of crimson and orange. Notes from a piano begin softly as she finds herself atop a narrow pedestal. There are three others, two on either side with Dane on the left and Riley on the right. The last rises before them with Dahlia looming in the shadows, backlit by the ever burning flames. She reaches out with a flash of emerald in her eyes and brings her fingers together in a fist. The shockwave seems to shatter the air itself, rippling past them to weaken the pillars upon which they stand. Helpless, Gemma cries out as she watches the pillar crumble beneath Dane. He begins to fall as the pillar beneath Riley caves as well. They fall away from her, painfully slow as they tumble into the flames below. Raising her eyes, she witnesses Dahlia grow and transform into a monster with many heads that hiss and snarl and shriek. A giant claw swipes the pillar out from under Gemma as the pedestal buckles forward, screaming as she pitches over the edge and into the flames.

*

Gemma bolts upright, panting, terrified. She flees reflexively to check on her brother and finds Dane in the cabin across the hall, backed against the wall, slowly shaking his head.

In the front of the shuttle, at the controls, the Jedi Nevylinn grips the seat tightly as dread fills every fiber of her being.

*

Across the galaxy, those sensitive to the Force simultaneously feel a fear so real they can almost taste it.

On this day, a destiny has been accepted.

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on May 25, 2013, 06:41:44 PM

Naboo

There were many options Nevylinn had considered in taking the Gellar-Masterton children but Naboo seemed the most sensible and the most tranquil. By now, the children would be far too recognizable in Theed which is why the remote Lake Country was chosen as the perfect hiding place until things settled down. Having obtained the pass codes from a dazed Rutherford Gellar, Nevylinn lands the shuttle on the pad behind the Masterton Estate.

(http://appleimacwallpapers.com/_ph/7/1/209267625.jpg)

The expansive villa lay at the edge of a lake and was only accessible through the dense forests that sprawled for kilometers. Since it is a seasonal residence, it is not a place people would be monitoring closely. The Naboo are notoriously reclusive and the children have been through a trauma and need time to heal.

Dane is in a foul mood and scowls as he takes in the lush surroundings. He doesn?t understand why they can?t go home or even have remained on The Wheel with their father. Even at his age, he understands that the reason they were taken probably had more to do with their parents than with them. His anger over the situation is amplified by the fact that Dahlia is still a prisoner. For all they know, she could be dead by now. What burns him up is how everyone kept it from them like they didn?t have a right to know.

Gemma, on the other hand, is filled with joy and wonder. The entire place is breathtaking and she is enchanted. She clasps her hands together, blue eyes wide as she floats toward the villa.

?This is where we are staying? It?s so beautiful!?

?It belongs to your family,? Nevylinn tells them. ?More specifically, your mother. This is the Masterton Estate.?

Gemma and Dane both stop, turning around.

?How come we?ve never been here??

Nevylinn shrugs.

?Perhaps they felt it safer to keep you in the Corporate Sector.?

?A lot of good that did,? Dane grumbles. ?We?re not really safe anywhere apparently.?

?You will be safe with me.?

Dane scoffs, walking ahead of them.

?I doubt that.?

Gemma falls into step beside Nevylinn and takes her hand.

?Don?t worry; he?ll be okay once he cools down.?

?And what about you? How are you doing??

?I?m alright but I miss my parents?and Riley.?

?That is understandable,? Nevylinn says, smiling for the first time in what seems like weeks. There is something about Gemma Masterton that puts her completely at ease. These compassionate and mindful qualities are rare for someone her age. With a bit of training, Gemma would be able to do a great amount of good for a lot of people.

They walk down onto the back patio where Nevylinn punches the codes into the small access panel. The door unlocks and slides open. For a moment, she had wondered if they would even work given Rutherford?s condition at the time. She doubts he even remembers telling them. Inside, they wander through the massive open-air residence. The d?cor is classic to the region, rustic yet inviting, with large framed pictures hung throughout. She gets the children settled into rooms and heads down the hall when a particular picture stops her cold.

A young Melanie Masterton gazes out, head turned over her left shoulder, long blond curls spilling down her back. Nevylinn swallows hard, unable to look away or deny the uncanny similarities between her and Gemma. She remembers the first time she met Melanie when Master Corrin brought her to Yavin IV shortly after Coruscant was destroyed. Melanie had been greatly distraught as she had just escaped Hesperidium with the help of her morally ambiguous friends. After the Imperial authorities discovered her boyfriend at the time, Castin Donn was part of the Separatist faction believed to be responsible for undermining operations she was captured and jailed. Nevylinn was told Castin appealed to Karen Winton for help, a fact she recalls having trouble believing given the colorfully selfish history of the wayward royal. Yet the remaining three banded together and sprung Melanie before aiding in their escape. While Castin chose to fight the Imperial machine in his own way, a heartbroken Melanie arrived at the Massassi Temple with the Persephonea Prophecy to begin training. They had grown close in their time together as Nevylinn helped Melanie let go of her the friends she had struggled to protect. Melanie secretly confessed her fears she would not be able to save Valerie and Kimber from Karen or Karen from herself.

As fate would have it, none would be saved.

Nevylinn finally looks away from the painting, moving out into a courtyard overlooking the lake. It is there she meditates on the next course of action, calling on the Force to provide calm for Dane, an understanding for Gemma and strength for herself.

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on May 27, 2013, 12:56:21 PM

Naboo

Surface: Lake Country: Masterton Villa

The following morning, Gemma wakes early. She bathes and slips into a simple white summery dress and sandals before wandering through the quiet residence. There is an ever present breeze that brings with it the scent of the flowers blooming on the grounds. She finds Dane in the kitchen, clad in shorts and a basic t-shirt, eating breakfast. He grumbles something as she passes.

"You don't have to be so hostile."

"You don't have to be so trusting."

Gemma tilts her head, "Trusting of who?"

"The Jedi."

"Be kind," she says. "She saved our lives."

"Did she? And what about Dahlia? You think she would agree?"

Gemma sighs, having had the same thoughts about their still captive sister. It's not like she had forgotten that Dahlia was still on Korriban but it was difficult for her to process. The motives of adults are not always something they can understand but she believes they have their reasons.

"They will rescue her too. I bet daddy is planning it right now."

"What if it's too late?"

"Don't think like that."

Dane smirks.

"Like what? A realist?"

"A pessimist. Not everything has to end badly."

"Oh," Dane says, zeroing in for the kill. "Tell that to Melanie."

Gemma's eyes widen slowly, mouth falling open. He is just being cruel, angry about the situation and lashing out. Their mother often spoke of being mindful of projecting feelings onto other people. She tries not to be upset but feels the tears welling up inside her.

Nevylinn appears in the doorway, having overheard their exchange.

"Alright, that's enough although I must say I am impressed with your vocabulary."

"Well," Gemma says, biting her lower lip. "We go to a really good school."

"I can tell. Learning does not have to stop at the classroom door. There are things I can teach you, if you will allow it."

Dane gets up and places his bowl roughly in the sink.

"Just because we had to come here with you doesn't mean you are the boss of us."

Nevylinn has to remind herself that despite their educational advantages, they are still children. Children that had been drugged, violently taken from their homes and held prisoner for nearly a month. There is bound to be emotional backlash and she would provide the space, time and training necessary to regain some sense of security.

"I am charged with your protection and know a thing or two that might keep you safe on your own. What you choose to accept is entirely up to you. No one is forcing you to do anything."

"And that's what this is really about...the Force. Being special and having powers. Not everyone cares about that stuff."

"Dane," Gemma says sharply. "You are being rude."

"I'm being honest since no one else seems to be. You girls do whatever you want but leave me alone!"

He storms out of the kitchen, leaving them stunned silent. His anger and resentment run deep. Gemma crumbles into Nevylinn's arms, crying softly. She takes her into the living room until the feelings pass. Finally, Gemma lifts her head and breathes in and out slowly under Nevylinn's guidance. In these moments she begins to learn how to calm the sometimes overwhelming tide of emotion. Once the apprehension subsides, Gemma stands and moves to the walls to look at the pictures but stops on one of the family. She points to the handsome man.

"Is that...?"

"Your mother's first husband, Henrick. He was a brilliant doctor from Bakura who met your mother when they studied at university together."

"How do you know that?"

Nevylinn smiles, "I trained with your sister, Melanie, remember?"

"What was she like?"

"Well, she was very talented and beautiful....but sad."

"Why was she sad?"

"She had a great deal of responsibility placed upon her, things she could not tell anyone. Not even her closest friends."

Gemma folds her hands together.

"The Four."

"That's right. You know of them?"

She nods, "After we got back from Chandaar, Dane and I did a little research on our families. The news channels had made such a fuss about it, about us, and we wanted to know why."

"I imagine you had questions. Did you ask either of your parents?"

"We never got the chance."

"Anything I can help with?"

Gemma considers this before raising her eyes to meet Nevylinn's.

"Is Dahlia really a Winton?"

Nevylinn pauses, never looking away.

"She is."

"So...we are the new Four? Dahlia, Riley, Dane and I?"

"Why would you think that?"

"We were told."

"By whom?"

"Them."

"All of them?"

"No," she says. "Just Melanie. Dane told me Valerie appeared to him and Kimber to Riley. We don't know about Dahlia because they kept us apart when we were in the dark place. Melanie told me that we have something the others did not. We have the knowledge of the past, what came before, and that would help us. I think our parents tried to keep who we are a secret so people would not try to hurt us. But how long can you keep something like that a secret? You can never not be who you are. That's what my mother always says. Someone was going to find out....and I guess they did."

Nevylinn takes Gemma's hands in her own.

"You are wise beyond your years, Gemma Masterton. And if you will let me, I can teach you to not be afraid."

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on May 28, 2013, 10:37:15 PM

Naboo

Surface: Lake Country: Masterton Villa

In the following week, Nevylinn works with Gemma on the basic tenants of the Force. Some, she had already been exposed to from Celeste who explained how the Force permeated all living things. Nevylinn assists in first teaching her the peace meditation can bring and being more aware of ones surroundings. In this place, immersed in the natural beauty of Naboo, a powerful calm washes over them. Nevylinn utilizes the afternoon hours to begin training with Gemma in the forests behind the Villa. She is young and agile, adapting quickly and absorbing the Jedi's every word.

Dane refuses to have anything to do with training or teaching, barely speaking to either of them. Instead, he swims daily in the lake and holes up in his room playing video games on his portable consol.

At the end of a tiring but rewarding day, Gemma showers and spends some time reflecting in her room when the emergency com-link she had nearly forgotten about in her luggage begins to bleep loudly. She digs it out but pauses before answering it. They had not contacted anyone since coming here and it might be a trap. Still, the feelings she had been learning to listen to tells her to answer it.

"Hello?" she says meekly.

"Gemma?"

"Riley! I am so glad to hear your voice. Are you okay?"

"Not at all," he says, breathless. "Aunt Mara won't let me do anything. It took me this long to find a way to reach you."

"I am so glad you did. Is my father alright?"

"He's still out cold but I guess he's doing fine. That's what mister Prescott says."

"Are you still at The Wheel?"

"Yes. I hate it here. Aunt Mara and Mister Prescott want me to stay quiet and out of the way. I'm going crazy. How are you and Dane doing?"

"The Jedi is very nice," Gemma says. "She's teaching me things. Dane is just being a jerk. He doesn't like it here."

"Where are you?"

She glances over her shoulder, lowering her voice.

"Naboo. At my mother's villa."

"Sounds cozy."

"It's lovely. I wish you could see it. Are you going to be okay?"

"I have to get out of here," Riley says.

"And go where? Riley, the creatures that took us are still out there."

"I can't stay here, Gemma. I have to go."

"Wait, Riley!"

The com goes dead and Gemma finds herself staring at it. She sighs, placing it back in her things. She is worried about Riley, about her father, about Dane, about Dahlia. She worries because she cares for them but the Jedi Nevylinn spoke of not letting these worries interfere with what must be done. In order to move forward, she would have to learn the ways of the Jedi so that she could protect her family, friends and herself. This gives her a sense of purpose, a new song in her heart to sing as she dresses in the morning.

With Dahlia's fate still unclear, Gemma hopes Riley does not place himself in greater danger.

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on June 04, 2013, 04:55:56 PM

Naboo

Surface: Lake Country: Masterton Villa

As the days pass, Gemma learns more from the Jedi Nevylinn. After a hearty breakfast they head out into the hills behind the villa to train. There are struggles on the part of the young Masterton as her feelings are conflicted. Nevylinn serves as the guide to verbalize those feelings and sort through them. Her conflict stems from concern but worry can lead to fear and fear to hatred. These are the ways of the dark side of the Force. Gemma has heard stories and does not want that for herself. She breaks down one afternoon and confesses that she had spoken to Riley on the emergency com-link, apologizing if she compromised their safety. Nevylinn senses her bond with the young boy is strong, despite their age and brevity of their time together.

"Tell me about Riley."

Gemma, through tear-streaked eyes, glances up.

"I've dreamed about him for as long as I can remember. He was always there with me. In my mind. I never knew his name until I saw him on Chandaar. But I knew he was important, that we were meant to find each other."

"What did you two do in these dreams?"

"Most of the time we were running away. We had to escape."

"From what?"

"The monster's we saw in the dark place. I dreamed about them too, coming for us. They called Riley the forth and first came for us in Ambaril when we were in the arcade. It tried to take me."

"It tried to take you in the middle of a crowded arcade?"

"It didn't look like that," Gemma says. "It looked like a Federation security officer. He said my mother was sick and that she asked for me. So I went with him. It wasn't until we were away from the others did it change into the monster."

"Changed?"

"Uh huh. It was terribly frightening. I was so scared. But the others knew something was wrong and confronted it in a corridor. Dahlia told us to leave and we did."

"And what happened?"

Gemma's breath is labored as she remembers the night Dahlia revealed the events of that afternoon.

"Dahlia destroyed it."

"By herself? How?"

"She doesn't remember but there was nothing left. The Federation officers found her unconscious. They said she must have fainted and we did not correct them. We didn't see the monsters again until you and daddy and the Jedi came for us in the dark place. They were everywhere. The whole time. We didn't know. We couldn't see anything in our cell. Only the mean woman spoke to us and brought us food. The woman who looked like Riley's aunt, like Valerie Gellar."

Nevylinn is surprised she has made this connection and treads carefully.

"You recognize her similarities to Valerie?"

She nods, "There is a large painting of her in daddy's study. We've seen that face our whole lives, learned about how much of a hero she was, how she gave up her life to save Corellia. And she's our half-niece...or something. She appeared to Dane in his dreams and told him the enemy would share her face. Melanie said the same thing to me, that the one who would come for us would have the face of a fallen friend. I tried to warn everybody but it was too late."

"So, you knew this was coming? From your dreams?"

"Yes."

Nevylinn considers this. Gemma had not only identified Riley as a key individual but foresaw her own kidnapping by a clone of Valerie Gellar. These visions may not have made sense at the time but they certainly do now. It is possible that Gemma is a Seer, someone who is predisposed to receive visions through the Force. From what Nevylinn knows, Queen Monica Greyson-Winton had also been the recipient of visions one of which led her husband to uncover the Persephonea Prophecy. Master Corrin said there were others, smaller, more abstract visions that provided Alexander Winton with information about specific pieces of the prophecy - namely, the five who were slated to die. All but two were already scheduled to enroll at North Coruscant High. Winton had recruited Reef Stratford from Mandalore on an athletic scholarship and bribed him into becoming a spy. An appeal was made to the now disgraced and deceased financial analyst, Ty Saunders, who then transferred his daughter D'Arcy into the elite prep school. The Queen knew much more than she thought she did which begs the question, what does Gemma know?

"Have you had any other dreams since the dark place?"

She hesitates, almost as if she can feel the flames against her skin.

"Just one. There was fire and we were on pedestals and Dahlia became a beast."

It's the phrasing not the imagery that sends a chill down Nevylinn's back.

"Beast. What did it look like?"

"It had...four heads and horns."

"Anything else?"

Gemma hugs herself tightly, "There was something written on their foreheads."

"What was it?"

Her blue eyes are wide as she whispers.

"Our names."

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on June 06, 2013, 09:02:29 PM

Naboo

Surface: Lake Country: Masterton Villa

Nevylinn is in deep thought as she wanders through the massive residence. There is a lot to consider. She was sent here to shield and protect them from forces that may wish them harm with a secondary goal to provide guidance and training for the emotionally compromised children. This is not without complications. Gemma's confession regarding the call from Riley was concerning at first, that is, until she inspected the device. It was issued by the Corporate Sector, most likely given to her and Dane by their father before they initially came to Chandaar. It is discreet in style and outfitted with a scrambler. If Gemma had revealed anything of significance, Riley is the only one who heard it. This only serves to calm one set of concerns about the Gellar-Masterton children.

Gemma's last dream bore strong similarities to the prophecy Melanie had in her possession when she first arrived on Yavin IV. The Jedi had been most concerned with translating it in it's entirety so they could plan ahead of the timeline to prevent it's fulfillment. However, it turns out they were not working with all the correct information. There were versions of the prophecy and no one knew then what version Alexander Winton had allowed to fall into Melanie's and, by extension, the Jedi's hands. It's translation read like scripture and was heavy on the symbolic context of The Four's role in galactic affairs. The Master and Beast were two powerful representations of key figures. Emperor Dementat was named early on but the Beast's identity was more cryptic. It does indicate the firstborn which the Jedi interpreted as Alexia Winton. There are descriptions of having four heads and horns upon which crowns were worn and on the foreheads of the Beast were the names of blasphemy. It was a curious phrase given what blasphemy means juxtaposed against the title of The Royal Four of The Force. The duality of terms struck the Jedi deeply. Alexia was to be known as the First Abomination followed by Karen as the second later in the prophecy. Gemma seeing Dahlia become this creature does not bode well in terms of foreshadowing. For all they know, the cycle could be starting all over again. If the Jedi are correct, Dahlia is the last Winton, heir to their considerable fortune, title, property and legacy. Not an easy thing to live up to for a teenager. It also casts doubt on a redemption for the Winton name if Dahlia is to follow in the Sith-laced footsteps of her elder siblings.

In the prophecy, each figure had a human touchstone. A counterpart to the darkness and the light, someone who may or may not be sensitive to the Force but does not wield it like the others. It is believed that Valerie Gellar was the touchstone to Karen Winton as Kimber Patten was to Melanie Masterton. If the same pattern is being applied to the present, Riley Patten would serve as Gemma's touchstone. And Dane would serve as Dahlia's.

This is the gravest of concerns as Dane may not even be aware of his role. The Federation Ambassador invoked the name of the prophecy when she came before the Council, spurring discussion that a new era was upon them. The future is difficult to see but hedging bets by mindfully taking measures against the variables could work in their favor. If each of The Four had appeared to their present-day counterparts, vital information may have been imparted. Gemma had gone over her interactions with Melanie's spirit and the warnings contained within - the villain with a familiar face and a mistrust of Dahlia's intentions. Melanie had revealed she always knew and feared the day when she and Karen would become enemies. It took years but the day finally came aboard the Centerpoint Station. No one knows what actually happened inside it as the stories released by the Corellian reporter end with their delegation moving to the station for protection. The irony and the agony of this saga is not lost on her. Nevylinn needs to know what Valerie told Dane but attempts to reach out to the boy have been met with open hostility. He is angry, resentful and rightfully so. Life for him at the moment would seem unfair to a spoiled eleven year old but he is allowing these emotions to control his behavior. She believes she can help him if he would only let her.

Nevylinn finds herself outside his room.

She would try again.

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on June 13, 2013, 02:30:10 PM

Naboo

Surface: Lake Country: Masterton Villa

Dane Gellar had been less than forthcoming. All he admitted was what she already knew. Behind her, through the shadows, Valerie watched him closely as she pressed a finger to her pursed lips and he demanded Nevylinn leave his room. Clearly, Dane had no interest in pursuing any potential he might have in the Force. And that was not surprising. If she was correct, Dane Gellar was not one of the "gifted" in this new reality they found themselves in. He is a Touchstone. All Dane could do is repeat the words only he could hear as Valerie leered and said.

"Secrets always make friends."

Out in the hills behind the villa, Gemma glances upward as she leaps from the ground to a thick branch high in a tree. Nevylinn smiles at the progress. Gemma Masterton is attentive and bright, listening and following the Jedi's careful instructions. The best part is that, unlike most Jedi Hopeful's, Gemma did not rush ahead or attempt to extend herself too far. She executes the task and awaits Nevylinn's cues. She shows a patience uncommon in her age-group and while she may be a bit old to begin the training, Gemma Masterton would need to know a thing of two because of who she is. As long as she lives, she will be a target. They all will. From the Corporate Sector who could exploit them for profit, from the Republic who may fear them, from the Empire who may want to use them, or from Dahlia as the Jedi anticipate.

Nevylinn sends her off on the training course they mapped out to test her agility and hone her reflexes.

Gemma sprints off, front-flipping off an overturned trunk before dashing left deeper into the foliage. She loves the feeling of being connected to her surroundings. This mornings meditation left her craving the assignments the Jedi tasked her with completing. Gemma has learned to quiet her mind and focus. There are times when her worry will creep into the peripheral but she pushes it aside. She vaults over an outcropping of rocks, limber and athletic from a childhood spent in dance classes. Her mind wanders to a frigid room where she and Alka twirl around one another in pointe shoes. In this moment, her foot snags a root and she falls, tumbling through the soft moss. Her cheeks and arms are scraped up and she winces, trying desperately not to cry when she hears a voice.

"You can care about them but you cannot let them control you."

A milky blue image of a woman in flowing white robes appears between two shrubs.

"Melanie..."

"Hello, sister. I am pleased to see you making the most of your situation. This is a magical place."

"It's beautiful," Gemma says, standing. "Wait, how can I see you? I'm not dreaming am I?"

"No, you are wide awake. We are bound to one another through the Force."

"What did you mean before? Who's them?"

"Your friends," Melanie replies as she moves closer. "It is possible to love and care for others without allowing the corresponding emotions to distract you. I made that mistake more than once. It was Nevylinn who helped me let go of things which cannot be controlled. Being one of The Four can be the most dangerous of games and you must be careful of whom you allow to occupy your mind. Life is full of colorful disruptions and the powerful allure of status and wealth only serve to keep you off balance and unaware of the larger threats that surround you."

"What threats?"

"To your safety and that of the others. You will find you mean a great deal of different things to a great many people. They say the past is doomed to be repeated if it is forgotten but you have the knowledge we did not. You have the human resources that link you to events whose significance will be seen only now. In the present. A circle within a circle. You have seen this for yourself."

The pieces return to Gemma slowly.

The future, under the cover of night, the teenage versions of her and Riley enter burned down rubble, descending a set of stone steps into a tomb, four names written in sequence, over and over in a large circle within which a new set of names were inscribed.

"I remember."

"That place," Melanie says. "Is not far from here."

"On Naboo."

She nods.

"Somehow...I've always known it was here."

"Be wary, young Gemma. It is filled with the dark side of the Force. It is there you will first confront real evil."

Even though she is frightened, the curiosity is stronger still.

"How do I get there?"

Melanie stares into the distance.

"Nevylinn will show you the way."

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on June 20, 2013, 02:38:26 PM

((color coming soon))

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Janessa Kain sits alone in her cell, spending the day doing what she had been doing for most days since her arrest - waiting to find out what was going to happen, trying to hear what she could of her case.

Her day of nothing was interrupted by the soft buzz of the door, and she stood as in stepped the prosecutor - or rather, one of the prosecutors - along with two security guards.

"Ms. Kain"

"Counselor - I'm pretty sure you aren't allowed to speak to me without my attorney present"
"That is true Ms. Kain, but unfortunately, I have been unable to reach your attorney. Furthermore, I think your attorney has a conflict of interest in this case"
"We've already discussed that with her, it's a non issue"
"Not anymore. That's what I'm here for. I'm here to make you a plea offer."

Janessa was about to speak, but the prosecutor raised a hand.

"Don't speak - your attorney isn't here. But I want you to hear what the offer is from me rather than from her. The government is prepared to significantly reduce the charges against you. You can plea to involuntary manslaughter, and we'll drop the other charges - and we won't be asking for much jail time. With credit for time served, you might even walk free on the day you plea"

It was a good offer - too good in fact, and Janessa knew it.

"What's the catch?"

"For you to accept this offer, you have to cooperate in the case against Circe Prescott. You must help us collect information, tell us what you know, and most importantly, testify against Circe Prescott. You do that, your problems will go away"
"I can't do that!, I-"

The prosecutor cut her off yet again.

"Just think about it. And I suggest you get a new attorney. Anyone worth their salt will tell you to take this offer. Besides, I am filing a motion to have Miss Corinthos disqualified from participating in this case. Think about the offer. We know where to find you"

Janessa was speechless as the prosecutor and officers left , the door clicking closed, leaving her again to her loneliness.

At about the same time, Kyatt Corinthos received both documents, via holo-link: the plea offer for Janessa Kain, and the Motion to have her disqualified from the trial, with a hearing scheduled in just a few days on the motion.

Apparently, while she was away, the government was busy, busy, busy.

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on June 20, 2013, 08:50:13 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface

As soon as she lands the cruiser, Kaytt Corinthos takes a speeder back into Ambaril and storms straight for the Senate Hall. The documents she received were more than just a little surprising. A plea deal for a murder? If they had Janessa as dead to rights as the RSB claims, there is no way they would offer her such a light sentence. And the public wouldn't stand for it. The death of a decorated Inspector at the alleged hands of a Corporate Sector liaison is not something the community would take lightly, nor does she suspect it to be something Director Laird Drakos would tolerate. His kind of brass would want justice in full. He had made such a big show about the genetic evidence in the prosecutions favor.

The only cause Kaytt can think of for such an about-face is that they believe Circe Prescott is the bigger fish here. They generally ask petty thugs to roll over on their superiors and essentially climb the criminal chain to the boss. What do they think Circe knows? From their conversations, it isn't much.

To ask for her dismissal is what really burns her up. Everything she has done falls under her proposed defense and discovery. Once she'd managed to break up the charges between Janessa and Circe, she had made the rounds within Chandaar regarding the Counselor. The trip to the Corporate Sector was to (mostly) find out whether or not the Direx Board and Espos had any suspicion or knowledge of Janessa's alleged crimes. What she found on both counts was nothing short of stellar recommendations and accolades at least in terms of reputation. Granted, her theories led her elsewhere but it's not something she has gone on record to state. The photage provided by Estes proves Janessa's guilt but would cast significant doubt on a jury if she suggested the figure who approached her manipulated her into committing the murder. The behaviors alone are drastically different and she could have expert psychologists in her corner to dissect it. Kaytt isn't even sure there is precedent for a not guilty plea by reason of mental defect on grounds of Force involvement.

It's new and frightening territory.

There is also the giant hole in Circe's defense. They have signatures and account transfers but no vid showing the same mysterious figure. She has Estes retracing the Counselor's steps for the past decade which, she imagines, is no small task. She had him begin with her departure from Corellia just before the Centerpoint battle and work forward in time. If these transfers had been ongoing, surely there was a point at which a first step was made. She just needs Estes to find it.

It's clear the prosecution had been quite busy during her trip and perhaps Speaker Apteen could shed some light on the current situation. She finds her way into the Senate Hall as discreetly as possible and approaches the restricted area reception desk. The secretary glances up and smiles politely. She identifies herself and asks if the Speaker is available. Kaytt is told he is not. She leaves her name and asks that he call her at his earliest convenience on her com.

Kaytt then heads home to shower and change into something with a bit more professional impact.

Then she waits.

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on June 22, 2013, 06:16:33 PM

Naboo

Surface: Lake Country

Nevylinn and Gemma trek through the wooded hills behind the villa and down into a grassy valley. Gemma hums softly at first but the melodic tune soon grows into a beautiful song that is carried through the winds. The birds and insects seem affected by the sounds of her voice and swirl in rhythmic formations. Nevylinn is amazed by the gravity and range of the notes. It is uncommon for someone so young to have that kind of control. Garron Prescott had mentioned something aboard the shuttle back from Korriban, lost to her at the time as she grieved over Master Corrin. He had said that Gemma was born with a song in her heart and the unique ability to use her voice for comfort and peace. The melody has a strange effect on Nevylinn as well and she can feel any apprehension physically leave her body. As the song ends, her voice echoing into the distance, Nevylinn finds herself smiling.

"That was beautiful, Gemma."

"Thanks," she says, running her fingers along the tall blades of grass swaying in the breeze.

"Are you afraid?"

"A little. Melanie spoke of this place being full of the dark side."

"That's right."

She pauses then asks, "Is the dark side stronger?"

"The Sith would like to think so," Nevylinn says. "But they only use the Force in a different way."

"Which way is that?"

"For power and personal gain. Where the Jedi use the Force for defense and protection, the Sith wield it for offensive and selfish means. To give into ones deepest desires is to risk losing oneself to them completely. We must temper what we feel with rationality and fact."

"Is that what Melanie did?"

Nevylinn reflects on their first conversations within the temple. The simple way she had arranged her room compared to the lavish decorations Melanie had unpacked. Creature comforts to remind her of home. Nevylinn wasn't sure she would get along with someone so worldly, so attached to the material but once she heard the struggle behind it all it was clear that the beautiful surface of Melanie Masterton was not what it appeared to be.

"Melanie was born into a life of privilege and it was very difficult to give that up. She did so because she knew she was part of something bigger and more important than herself. To let go of what she knew helped her grow into the Jedi she became. She cared very deeply for those around her and gave her life trying to save them."

Gemma stops, turning quickly as her golden curls are caught in the air.

"But they weren't saved."

"Unfortunately not. Well, not all of them. The person deemed most important in that saga was spared although I am uncertain as to if Melanie knew this in the end."

"Riley," she says. "Riley was saved."

"He is the son of Kimber Patten."

"The forth."

"Yes."

They continue on in silence until entering another wooded thicket that slopes down a hillside. The air around them suddenly changes, become denser somehow, cool. Gemma shivers. Nevylinn glances behind them.

"Stay close. It is not far now."

The foliage is thicker and must be navigated more carefully. Nevylinn leads the way, following the dark presence that beckons from beyond the forest. Once they enter the clearing and pass two large stone columns, they spot their destination. What used to be the sprawling Greyson Villa is now blackened rubble. The walkways leading to the central structure are uneven or missing entirely. The main part of the house seems to be have blown apart from within, sections of broken stone and tile fanning out in every direction. Overturned columns lay cracked and broken beside a mangled patio set. They pass an emptied pool filled with sludge and debris. Roots and vines have clawed their way out of the forests to grip and strangle everything. Nevylinn pauses, scanning the area. She does not feel anyone here aside from the two of them but the evil emanating from the rubble is nearly oppressive. Gemma moves away from her, almost instinctively. She is drawn by the memory from her dream.

"This way."

Nevylinn trails her cautiously until Gemma stops in front of crumbling stone slab.

"It's behind here."

"What is?"

"The way inside."

She moves aside as Nevylinn closes her eyes to focus on the slab, lifting it up and away. Gemma watches in amazement. Behind the slab is a dark opening within what looks like the remnants of a fireplace hearth. A few gray steps are visible in this light but beyond that, only blackness. Nevylinn detaches and ignites her saber.

"Stay behind me."

Gemma fights back her fear and follows.

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on June 28, 2013, 08:13:41 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Senate Building

For all the press that the upcoming murder/conspiracy/fraud trial was generating - especially with the newest twist that the prosecutor had motioned for the famous attorney, Kaytt Corinthos to be disqualified - it was still something that had been going on for months now. A much newer story had broken, taking the attention of most inside (and outside) of the Republic capital.

And this story, unlike much of the gossip, was one that actually mattered.

The Empire, long believed to be struggling back to a position of power, had attacked the Trade Federation at the Federation's primary real estate, the Wheel. This was troubling on several levels. First, the Federation had recently become a major supplier of Republic goods, including military products (among them, the gravity well nets), to pharmaceutical products (part of the reason for Corporate Sector ChemiX's stock plunge).

Secondly, the Wheel, despite being under Federation jurisdiction, sat within territory that was controlled by the Republic (Junction, the other Federation holding, by contrast, sat outside the Republic border). When the Republic would activate those gravity well nets around their primary borders, the Wheel was within that perimeter. The Wheel was also just two sectors away from Chandaar itself, and while the capital was heavily protected, and an attack on any core republic world would probably be devastating for the Empire, the closeness made many uneasy. If they could strike the Wheel, couldn't they strike anywhere?

The attack provided justification for the gravity well nets, and the speedy deployment of the last of them. Those who had opposed them were silenced, save for the Corellian delegation, which maintained their vocal opposition, much to others' annoyance.

The question, of course, was considering the relationship between the Federation and the Republic, and the proximity of the attack, should the Republic become involved?

This is the matter that stood before Senate Speaker Shale Apteen, and it was the focal point of all of his attention. In the past months, he found his worries were growing, and with the attack, it was clear he was working longer hours than ever before, circles under his eyes were seen as he met with senators on all sides of the issue, as well as military leaders.

He would seek solace in his office, sitting and activating that marvelous galaxy map given to him by the Federation ambassador. He wondered where she was - was Mara Tacofer safe, or was she caught up in the attacks at the Wheel? Something about that gift was both soothing and haunting to him, though he couldn't place his finger on it. He was sitting, meditating over the floating stars in his office when his receptionist chimed in.

"Kyatt Corinthos is asking to see you"

The trial seemed so inconsequential in light of the battle at hand. Unless, of course, it had other implications. But guns always outweighed political and legal maneuvering. It was not something he wanted to deal with at the moment.

"Tell her I'm unavailable"

The comm clicks off and he returns to watch his stars, seeking solace among the hologram floating around him.

Later, he is sitting in a meeting, listening as one of the less reputable senators was speaking.

"Why help them? We already have what we wanted from them - the gravity well nets. The last shipment was delivered already. Once they are in place, we won't have to worry about these attacks, and we can be rid of the Federation"

Another senator chimed in.

"What about a moral obligation? We are their partners"

"They work for the highest bidder."

"They are being attacked because they chose us"

"I don't really care - let the Empire destroy the Trade Federation. It makes no difference to me"

"Unless it means more expensive goods. The Corporate Sector will sweep in with higher costs and monopolize the markets again"

The debate raged on, and Shale Apteen wanted none of it. Standing, he silenced the room.

"My concern, at the moment, is not whether we should go to defend the Federation. They haven't asked for assistance, and never indicated they expected it either. My concern is for the imperial fleet that is sitting a short hyperspace jump from us. What is to prevent them from attacking us next? News reports are showing the majority of the imperial fleet is involved in the attack. That is a lot of weaponry to be floating around Republic space. We need to protect our own borders - get them out. Does anyone disagree?"

No one spoke, and Apteen nodded. Agreement. For once.

"Good - I am ordering Republic Intelligence Corp (RIC) to deploy agents to the Wheel - find out what they have, and how the attack is going. I am assembling the Admirals' Council later this afternoon to discuss military options and how best to respond. While I would invite you to the meeting, I would require that it be in a passive role. That meeting is not for senate quarrelings."

he held up a hand to stymie any vocal protests.

"If we want to survive in this galaxy, we need to start getting our house in order. I am calling an emergency session of the senate in two days to address this issue, and for an up or down vote on the recommendations of RIC and the Admirals' Council. Good day, senators"

The meeting adjourned abruptly, and Shale Apteen hurried out of the room before he was accosted by senators. Returning to his office, his receptionist caught his attention.

"Speaker - Kyatt Corinthos called again"

He sighed, glancing sideways toward his door before looking to his receptionist.

"When is the motion's hearing on her disqualification for the trial scheduled for?"
"Four days, sir"

He nodded.

"Contact Ms. Corinthos and tell her to come to the senate for the vote in two days, and I will meet with her afterward. With the approval by the senate for military action, I can afford to give her some attention before the hearing"

"Yes, Speaker."

TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on June 30, 2013, 02:07:34 PM

Naboo

Surface: Lake Country: Greyson Estate

The darkness beyond the opening in the rubble is almost total, clinging to Nevylinn as she descends the stone steps. Gemma follows closely behind, adjusting her eyes to the surroundings lit through the dim haze of the saber. There are markings on the wall and Gemma reaches out to touch one that looks like two wavy lines. She whispers.

"What are these?"

"Symbols," Nevylinn says. "Glyph's."

"Someone carved them?"

Nevylinn reaches out to run her fingers over another symbol, this one upright with two slashes across the center.

"No, these were burned into the stone."

"How?"

"I don't know."

Gemma pauses, touching a particular string of symbols.

"I've...seen these before. In the dark place where we were kept."

"I suspected as much," she replies. "They are glyph's used by the ancient Sith Order most notably on Korriban. According to the Jedi Master's, the prophecy in which your counterparts fell victim too was discovered following these symbols. They say Alexia Winton sought them out in a desolate cave on Korriban where she told her father's cohorts to dig. I am not surprised to see them in use here."

"Why?"

"Because we are beneath what used to be the Winton's summer home."

A chill spikes up Gemma's back. She had dreamed of this place although, at the time, she did not know where it was or who it belonged to. Now it makes a strange sort of sense. She is here with Nevylinn when in her mind, a teenage version of herself had been here with a teenage version of Riley. Were they meant to discover this together? Nevylinn stops at the bottom of the spiral stairs, finding two mounts used to secure torches. Only one is present. Using her free hand, she pulls it loose and touches the tip of her saber against the dry kindling which ignites into flame. She deactivates the saber and clips it to her belt, moving through the archway and into a larger ante room. The torch casts an eerily light and pulls the glyph's into elongated and vaguely ominous shadows. Their eyes find it simultaneously, drawn immediately to the center of the floor.

It is just as she had seen it, as Melanie had reminded her.

Two circles, one within the other, in the center of the stone floor. Gemma kneels carefully, gasping when she gets close enough to read what has been inscribed.

"What is it?"

"Our names."

"First or last?"

"Last. Both circles have the same names."

Nevylinn moves closer and lowers the torch.

"In a different order," Nevylinn says, noting the subtle difference. "The larger circle is in sequence of Winton, Masterton, Gellar, Patten. That is the way they were most frequently referenced in the media and reports. It is also the order used in the prophecy. They are grouped Winton/Masterton, Gellar/Patten. The smaller circle has a variation of Winton, Gellar, Patten, Masterton."

Gemma frowns but follows the logic.

"Paired as Winton/Gellar and Patten/Masterton."

"Yes."

"But, if we represent the interior circle that would mean Dahlia and Dane and Riley and I."

"True but both circles say essentially the same thing. In the prophecy, it foretells of two with the gift and two called to serve as touchstones. Past and present, Winton and Masterton are Force sensitive while Gellar and Patten are not."

"Dane has some, our mother told us."

"He might have elevated midi-chlorian levels but not like you and Dahlia. You are the ones with the gifts."

"And Riley is my touchstone?"

"If we're basing our conclusions off the prophecy alone, yes but it was fulfilled over a decade ago at Centerpoint Station."

"How did it end?"

Nevylinn gazes at her.

"With their death's, unfortunately. The prophecy stated that of The Four, only one could survive."

"I thought none of them survived."

"They didn't and therein lies the loophole. It seems as though even something ancient and foreseen by the Sith was not without a sense of cruel drama. Kimber Patten's son, known to you as Riley Tacofer, did survive and in doing so brought to an end of the Empire's quest for galactic domination under Dementat and Darth Kyja's rule."

"Will the same thing happen to us?"

It's a pointed question and certainly one that deserves to be asked. Children are much more clever than they are given credit for by adults. In this instance, it is not a question Nevylinn has a definitive answer to.

"We're cannot be sure but the prophecy does not speak of you, Dane or Dahlia. It only references Riley as a figure, not by name. So I wouldn't worry just yet."

Gemma nods, turning to a much larger but partially collapsed archway. It appears that whatever caused this destruction did most of its damage above ground, leaving swaths of open space for them to explore. It would have taken a crew weeks to discover this place unless someone knew it was here. Nevylinn takes the lead, curious since she knows Gemma had seen this long before she ever came to Naboo. She wonders what other surprises could be down here waiting to be found and hopes it is something that would assist the Jedi in their preparations if and when the prophecy continues beyond what they know. That is a sobering thought in and of itself. No one said there wasn't a second act. Most commercial productions have no less than three which is part of why the Jedi are so very nervous about the new Four and their potential.

This chamber was, at one time, much more vast but is now littered with debris and structurally unstable. They weave carefully between smashed slabs of symbol marked stone. There is a rumbling from above of the rubble settling further. Gemma moves away from the Jedi, excited by the exploratory nature of their trip but shaken by implications she cannot fully grasp. She does not know why they are here or even what they are searching for. She just feels she needed to come. In his lapse in focus, she catches her boot on something and stumbles, falling against an overturned crate. A strong stench of decay causes her to gag as she regains her balance and backs away. The crate is just outside the sphere of light from Nevylinn's torch but she moves closer, squinting to get a better look. The lid lies on the floor near her feet and looks meticulously carved. She bends down to inspect it when Nevylinn moves closer, the light from the torch exposing the crate entirely. Except its not a crate. It is something she had only seen pictures of in history class from societies who had believed in afterlives and appeasing their multiple deities. Gemma gasps as she moves away, bumping into a stunned Nevylinn who is focused on the same thing.

It is a sarcophagus and there is someone inside.

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on June 30, 2013, 07:57:13 PM

Naboo

Surface: Lake Country: Greyson Estate

"Who is that?"

The question lingers, seemingly still attached to Gemma's lips like a cartoon bubble. There is no doubt the body is human and significantly decayed. More than likely it had been down here for many years undisturbed except, of course, by whomever opened the lid. That could be chalked up to shifting rubble or damage from whatever happened here.

"I don't know but I have an idea of who it might be."

Gemma seems disturbed, shaking her head.

"You do? How?"

"Process of elimination. The parents of The Four were punished for their involvement. Blair Gellar was the first, having committed suicide by leaping off the top of the Gellar Tower in the Corporate Sector. The children were just infants at the time and the plot had yet to be fully exposed. The others, we suspect, were all targeted in different ways to silence their objections to the increasingly perilous threats against their children. Although we knew it was part of the larger plan, the bodies of Alexander Winton and Queen Monica Greyson-Winton were recovered from a speeder wreckage on Bakura. Major Kyri Patten was slain by the menace droid Phage on Corellia. His wife, Lilandra, had been institutionalized for some time before she was silenced, most likely by one of Winton's agents. The Masterton's were the key."

Gemma is now focused intently on the Jedi's words.

"Your mother, Celeste, was present in this house with her first husband when they discovered the Queen was in labor. It was a secret she had kept from everyone when she had been exiled here for defying Alexander. Henrick Masterton was a brilliant doctor who helped deliver the baby, a girl the Queen named Dahlia."

"Dahlia's...a princess?"

"Yes."

"What happened to them?"

Nevylinn swallows hard as she recounts the tale told by Master Corrin.

"My Master, the one we lost on Korriban, was also present and knew that Alexander Winton would come for them. If he were to discover he had another offspring, he would use that child the same way he had used all the others. Henrick had developed a serum, the one you know as the Force vaccine. He injected Celeste and the infant and they fled with the Jedi Master to the Corporate Sector for protection and sanctuary granted by your father, Rutherford Gellar. We believe Alexander found the Queen and Henrick and murdered them both. The Queen's body was identified in the speeder crash on Naboo, something Alexander used to cover his own tracks. Celeste escaped and lives but no one knows what happened to Henrick Masterton. If this is where he was last seen then it is a fair bet to say he never left."

Gemma turns, staring at the skeletal remains, flesh dried and cracked, falling away in pieces. Everything turned to dust. She kneels beside the lid, reaching out to find several grooves along the inside. She gets a flash in her mind, a struggle, screaming, panic, darkness, and she pulls away, panting for breath. Nevylinn moves beside her.

"What is it? What happened?"

"He wasn't dead when they put him in there," Gemma says, near tears. "They buried him alive."

"The price for his betrayal."

Gemma whips her head around, "How could you say? That was Melanie's father!"

Nevylinn knows it will sound harsh. Truth often does. But it is a fundamental piece of her training.

"The individuals are inconsequential to the lesson here, Gemma. This is the darkness you were supposed to see. The Winton legacy, their thirst for power and revenge. The lengths they would go to keep it. No one, no matter how close, is safe from their treachery. You must remember that, Gemma. Do not be fooled as Melanie was. Not everyone can be saved."

Gemma blinks away the tears.

"Why didn't anyone tell me? Tell us? We knew something was wrong as soon as we got back from Chandaar but no one said anything."

"Celeste Masterton and Rutherford Gellar tried to give you the lives they were not able to give to the others. They raised you, Dane and Dahlia is a safe environment, surrounded by an unconditional love. They prayed, as the Jedi did, that the past would remain in the past but there are forces in these worlds that recognize how special the four of you are. Some see it for good and others for evil. We need you to be ready for either. Let us pray for Henrick and set his soul free."

Nevylinn kneels in front of Gemma as they join hands, bowing their heads forward. As they pray, Gemma's body begins to glow a stark white that grows in intensity and expands outwards through the chambers, up the stairs, out through the opening and up over the rubble. It is a symbol of purity, a healing white light, triggered by her essence and connection to the Force that cleanses the darkness away from this place, restoring its balance within the natural surroundings.

They leave the Greyson Estate behind with a feeling of peace residing over it all. The evil that had lingered here has been vanquished. Gemma walks ahead of Nevylinn in silence, contemplating all she had learned. The Jedi knows it is a lot to process but has every faith her young pupil will overcome the challenges she faces. She needs to be strong for the coming storm, especially if she and her brother are the new players in someone else's game. Once they reach the Masterton Villa, Gemma heads inside but Nevylinn is drawn to the landing platform which used to contain their shuttle.

Now it sits empty.

An indescribable feeling of dread washes over her and she walks calmly into the villa.

"Gemma," she says carefully. "Where is your brother?"

She is in the kitchen, filling two glasses of water. It's thoughtful but irrelevant at the moment.

"I don't know. Probably in his room, why?"

"Are you certain?"

"I haven't checked yet."

"You are twins. You share a connection. Remember what you learned about our individual signatures through the Force, unique to each of us? With practice you can learn to identify the being through their signature. Do you feel him now? In this house? On these grounds?"

Gemma pauses, stepping back away from the counter.

"No."

"The shuttle is gone."

"He wouldn't....he wouldn't just leave us!"

"He is angry, Gemma. Anger clouds rational judgement."

Gemma storms off into the house, screaming her brother's name while Nevylinn pulls the com-link from her belt. The Jedi Counsel must know about this. Once the secure connection is established, she is patched through. They ask for a report. She moves into the other room where she can have more privacy.

"The Masterton girl's training is progressing. She is adaptable and wise, open to the Jedi teachings. She has come far in a short amount of time which is impressive given she is much older than most when she began. Her mother taught them the basic tenants of the Force when they were younger so our methods were not entirely unfamiliar to her and she has been able to follow instruction to the letter. Given the extensive visions that have plagued her over the course of her life, I am inclined to believe she is a potential Seer. Many of the things she has seen, both actual and symbolic, have come to pass."

"And the boy?"

"The Gellar boy wants nothing to do with us or the Force. He has been resistant and hostile throughout and it is my regret to inform you that he is currently missing."

"Missing?"

"It appears he fled in our shuttle while we were completing an exercise. I am formulating a plan to track him-"

"You will not."

"I'm sorry?"

"You will not track the Gellar boy. We will see to it he is found but your priority is the training of the Masterton girl. You know how important she is and it is her mastery of the Force that may play a vital role in things to come."

Nevylinn is thrown but compliant.

"I understand."

She stands in the center of her room for several minutes, pondering. She had been given a specific set of instructions yet feels responsible for Dane's safety as well as Gemma's. He had rebuffed every attempt at connection and inclusion but that does not lessen the sting of his abandonment. She may not be able to go after him but she knows someone else who might. The com rings and rings but does not connect, switching to a general voice mail with automated instructions.

"Garron, it's Nevylinn. Dane has escaped with our shuttle and I thought you would know where he might be headed. I will forward the identification and serial information for the transport. I am very sorry and hope he can be found."

Nevylinn clicks off and sets the com down before leaving the room to find Gemma.

-TBC

Title: Re: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on July 04, 2013, 01:48:26 PM

"And I'll fall on my knees.
Tell me how's the way to be.
Tell me how's the way to go.
Tell me all that I should know.

Angels will follow me now
Everywhere I go.
Angels will call on me
And take me to my home."

-Lissie

*

Naboo

Surface: Lake Country: Masterton Villa

Nevylinn has worked tirelessly training Gemma (concurrent to Adubell training Dahlia) with the days melting into weeks which steadily crosses a month. They sparred using bows on the patio, having long since moved the furniture out of the way. At first, Nev had to keep Gemma's mind in the present and off of Dane. She knows the fact that her brother fled upsets her greatly since they had seldom been apart their entire lives. Nevylinn turns the heartache into a lesson through which the young Masterton can draw strength and learn to stand on her own. Her siblings, her parents may not always be there to save the day. There will come a time when she must save herself.

And others, she thinks to herself with a cold shiver.

Gemma is not fond of fighting but Nevylinn insists that while combat is not the primary form of resolution, there may come a time when diplomacy fails and defense becomes necessary. With mastery of the bow and lesser weapons behind her, Nevylinn begins to teach her the delicacy and danger of the lightsaber. Each is unique to the user having built it at the end of her own training on Yavin IV. She explains how the weapon is made and the care with which it must be used. With Gemma's creative nature, Nevylinn has her draw up her own designs if materials were no object. What she is presented with makes her smile. It is so very reflective of the Masterton name; sleek with an understated elegance. The hilt is slender and slightly curved at the base colored in silver with a deep blue jewel fastened to the activation switch. The blade is a pale shade of blue. She stores it away for future reference and continues with the training.

On a rainy Sunday afternoon, the Jedi Council contacts Nevylinn regarding the Imperial attack at The Wheel. There has been no word from Ambassador Tacofer, Garron Prescott or Rutherford Gellar and their statuses, at present, remain unknown. There was grave concern about Dane Gellar since initial efforts to track him had failed. They believe he had been taking the vaccine which, as Nevylinn recalls, was packed along with their things before leaving The Wheel. This made him impossible to trace through the Force and Nevylinn was stunned by the cunning actions of an eleven year old boy. Calculation is one of the defining Gellar traits as they had studied in their analysis of the prophecy but the Jedi assured her they know where he went and that he is quite safe before inquiring about Gemma's progress. Nevylinn is pleased to report all that has transpired and asks about the next move in the wake of the Wheel attack.

This is met with a cryptic silence followed by instruction to stay the course and prepare the Masterton girl.

"May I ask for what?"

"For anything."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on July 05, 2013, 09:18:34 AM

((I am thinking of opening up a new thread to cover Corellia/Dane/Riley. Right now, we've got a lot going on in all of our threads. I'm thinking something like this (for now):
Circle of Freedom = Republic/Chandaar/jedi/Gemma/Nevylinn
Refuge = Garron/Mara/Trade Federation (remnants)
Imperial March = Empire (Rutherford, temporarily)
Crimson Covenant = Dahlia/Adubell
*Birthright* = Corellia/Riley/Dane
Other CSA activity could be under 'Birthright' or 'Crimson Covenant,' depending on what makes the most sense
Let me know what you think))

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Senate Building

The Admirals' Council had recommended a major uptick in in military production and drills. If the Empire was ready for war, the Republic had to be as well. Already the anti-piracy forces established months ago had strengthened some of the weaker points of the Republic military, but now, they were asking for a more comprehensive, and much more drastic increase.

It was clear to them that was was coming.

It also meant that more and broad reaching changes had to be made. First of all, military recruitment had to increase to man the new fleets, and if that failed, mandatory enlistment might be necessary (Shale Apteen prayed that would never be the case). New training, and of course, production lines, especially from Corellia, were necessary.

And finally, they recommended a formal declaration of war, granting the military authority to engage imperials preemptively.

Apteen accepted most of their ideas, having come up with a similar plan of action while meditating in his office, staring into the holographic galaxy he so often turned to for comfort these days.

The one issue that seemed the most contentious among the admirals was the role of the jedi. A generation ago, they had been the generals and leaders of the military in the Clone Wars. But their role today was different, because their size and configuration was different (fewer of them, more secretive) and because there was a remarkable level of distrust about the jedi. It had been decided they would be consulted, but would play a minor, if any role in the upcoming war.

It would be a war without the mystic force controlling everything. if that were possible.

Now though, the harder sell. Shale Apteen called the session of the senate to order.

"You know why we are here. It is for the sole purpose of setting a course of action in response to recent imperial attacks against our trading partner, the Trade Federation - and perhaps more importantly, within Republic borders. You have all seen the report of recommendations from the Admirals' Council. I am now presenting to you some of the photage that we've received from the battle at the Wheel"

Lights went dim, and in splendid holographic display, the battle of the Wheel (or a snipit of it) was shown. The photage paused, and a laserbeam circled around the imperial fleet.

"Our intelligence reports that the attacking force of the Empire is stronger than we thought they were currently capable of, and it is fair to assume they have a significant fleet that wasn't utilized in this attack. They are a threat to us, and the Council has asked that we not wait until they obliterate our defenses before responding. I am asking each of you to vote yes on the Admirals' Council's proposal, and declare war against the Galactic Empire."

There was noise, and shouts in favor and against. The vote was not the overwhelming support he had hoped, but in the senate, a declaration of war required 55% of the vote, a number it barely reached. The opposition varied from anti-war senators, to those who had various other motivations. But Apteen didn't care. He got what he needed, and he didn't have to play a months long game of politicking to get it done.

A flurry of activity came next, even before he got off the senate floor. A series of admirals from the council approached, and he spoke to them about implementing the declaration of war and initiating the ramp up. More intelligence were being ordered to the Wheel to keep tabs on the imperial fleet.

Reports of activity also came to him, even as he was just reaching the turbolift - something about the Wheel disappearing midbattle?

A message from Corellia indicating one of the missing Gellar children, Dane, had just apparently landed there. he took note of the message, wondering if he would mention it to Kyatt Corinthos when they met in just a few minutes. He wondered if she had actually shown up to watch the debate and vote, even though it wasn't one of her concerns as an attorney.

Aides were moving back and forth, like a swarm of bees as he made his way to the executive suite, finally reaching his office. It was a good hour after he left the floor that the last of the aides and senators and others who wished to see him left him alone.

Then a beep. Shale let out a sigh, suppressing a laugh of frustration at the never ending chaos.

"Yes?"

"Speaker, I have Kyatt Corinthos here to see you"

"Very well. Send her in"

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on July 15, 2013, 02:37:06 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Senate Building

Kyatt Corinthos entered the room looking worse for the wear - rumor had it she had been traveling in the Corporate Sector in hopes of collecting evidence for the defense of her clients. But of course, that task was not what put her in such a bad mood, or why she stormed into the office now.

"I cannot believe that prosecutors are doing this"

Speaker Shale Apteen had just arranged for the Republic to declare war on Empire, and his mind had been focused on that for much of the past few weeks. With Corinthos present in his office again, he knew he had to focus on this more personal, local issue.

Once fully inside, with the door closed, she turned to the Speaker.

"You have to do something about this"

"I can't"

"You can't?"

"Miss Corinthos, you are a highly competent legal mind - one of the best in the galaxy today. Do I really need to tell you that prosecutors have authority utterly independent of the legislative body? Or that my meddling could be seen as a personal ethics violation?"

Kyatt visibly deflated. She wasn't stupid - she knew that the Speaker couldn't interfere with the investigation, or the prosecution.

"How could they do this?"

"It's not entirely unexpected. There has been a conflicts of interest issue present since you took on both Miss Prescott and Miss Kain as clients"

"The conflict was resolved by both clients"

"it has resurfaced now, and the reasoning is not totally absurd. You cannot tell one client to take the plea offer, because it hurts your other client. You also cannot tell a client not to take a plea offer, which hurts her, just to protect your other client. The conflict exists."

"Unless both are innocent"
"Rules of professional ethics don't consider that possibility"
"It should"

"What do you want, Miss Corinthos?"

"I want to be able to represent my clients - both of them - effectively, completely"

"Miss Corinthos, if you make that argument to the judge, the judge won't care. You need something else to protect both of your clients"

"She doesn't want to take the plea offer! What does it matter?"

Now Speaker Apteen had grown annoyed, and it showed in his voice.

"It matters because they could say you didn't advise Miss Kain effectively, looking out for Miss Prescott. With a proper lawyer, one with only one client in a case, the opportunity - and of course, the consequences of either option - are better laid out. Miss Corinthos, you cannot defend them both on your own"

"So what would you suggest I do?"

"The only thing you can do - find them new attorneys. Separate attorneys"

Corinthos looked at Apteen with shock.

"You want me to quit the case? I've flown halfway across the galaxy to protect these two, and now you want me to call it quits?"

"No, Miss Corinthos - I want you to stay on the case. I want you to lead the defense of the case. For both defendants. But, they each need their own, independent attorney, whose job it will be to make sure you are defending each to the best of your abilities"

"Attorneys to protect my own clients from me ..."
"Or at least to show the court that each has their own individual counsel to rely on. That should be enough for the judge to let you stay on the case. And you must. I have found something you will want to see."

Kyatt was still in shock about the whole arrangement, but was listening and watching as the Speaker pressed a button, activating a small screen nearby.

"As part of the investigation into Counselor Prescott, we pulled her records from her entire period of service in the Counselor's Corp. About ten years ago - just before some of the alleged conduct involving her began - she took an extended leave of absence"

"How does that help"

"Rumor has it that she was feeling some type of post-traumatic stress, after being on the Centerpoint Station shortly before it was destroyed. Also, a type of survivor's guilt. She took the leave of absence, and came back seemingly good as new"

"Only not"

"Well, it's hard to say. As a general rule, we keep tabs on our counselors who are on extended leave - in case we need to reach them for whatever reason. Counselor Prescott went to visit Hesperidium, a neutral world near Coruscant."

"I know of it"

"Apparently, she went to visit the Masterton-Winton residence, an isolated luxury tower. I've managed to get a copy of the security video photage"

The Speaker pressed the play button, and the screen showed the entranceway of the tower. Speed of the video was increased, until a person appeared, and then the Speaker slowed it down, and they watched a red-eyed Circe Prescott make her way inside.

"She was inside for just a short while, when someone else appeared"

He fast-forwarded again, until someone else approached. It was clearly a woman, cloaked in black, her hand moving upward - and then the camera went black. The speaker rewound the video to the last few seconds, and there she was, a woman, her hand outstretched but several feet from the camera, her face mostly hidden from view.

"Do you know who that is?"

Kyatt leaned forward toward the monitor, looking over the features of the woman.

"She never touched the camera"

"It does not appear so"

"How did she shut the camera off?"

"I don't know"

Kyatt's mind was whirling. Could this woman be a force user? Could it be the same person who had made contact with Janessa just before the murder?

"Mr. Speaker - I think this might be the most helpful piece of information I've gotten so far"

"How?"

She turned to face him

"I have a theory - it's hard to prove, but this might help. I think the crimes may have been committed while under the influence of the Force"

Speaker Apteen now had the shocked look on his face.

"How ... how is that possible?"

"I don't understand it all myself. But if my theory is correct, I need more information. I need you to arrange for me to meet with the Jedi Council"

Speaker Apteen looked worried about something, glancing back at the video before turning and nodding at Kyatt.

"I'll do what I can"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on July 28, 2013, 12:47:17 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Kaytt's mind is reeling from her conversation with the Speaker. Not only is the situation growing beyond containment but the photage of the mysterious figure approaching Circe on Hesperidium served to solidify her theory that both she and Janessa were being used for something far more sinister. She first swings by the prison to personally inform each client of the upcoming game changes. They are, at first, alarmed but once she explains their chances of being freed increase exponentially with their very own defense counsel, they understand and agree. She then heads to her firm at the center of Ambaril.

The offices of Solem, Lancing, Wray and Corinthos are some of those most impressive in the Republic capital. She is the youngest of the four partners but earned her place among them. She has had numerous high profile wins and generates a significant amount of income for the firm. Together, they are consistently ranked at the top of the annual best-of and financial lists. Pulling another partner on the case would be unwise and each has their own pool of groomed legal associates specialized in their own brand of court brawling. She has two in mind who would serve them well and calls them into her office.

Avery Olomos and Brennen Shaw sit in front of Kaytt's desk as she outlines the case and the needs of the clients. Both are young but experienced, having been part of several of her own cases in the past. They are sharp and eager which makes her think this could work. Once they have agreed, they put together a statement which is then released to the courts and the prosecution regarding the change in counsel with Kaytt Corinthos overseeing their actions. This takes the wind right out of their sails and stands to serve Circe and Janessa well. She leaves Avery and Brennen to pour through the details of the case while she pulls herself together and prepares to meet with the Jedi about her theories.

Kaytt hopes they can shed some light on a dire situation.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on July 28, 2013, 06:45:21 PM

"Cuz it feels like I've been here before.
You're not my savior but I still don't go.
Feels like something that I've done before.
I could fake it but I still want more."

-Massive Attack

*

Naboo

Surface: Lake Country: Masterton Villa

The long days are spent in tireless training. Exercise after exercise, testing strength, agility, and stamina. They spar in the afternoons followed by evening meditations that clear the mind and heal the body. Gemma has grown fond of the routines, despite faltering with the fighting scenario's at first. She is not naturally inclined to battle but Nevylinn insists she be ready for anything.

"Diplomacy, while preferred, does not always prevail upon an enemy."

Hand-to-hand combat is followed by light weaponry and builds to using Nevylinn's lightsaber. It is a raw and extremely dangerous weapon if in the hands of an untrained individual. The Jedi prepares her pupil for the honor of wielding such a grand weapon and when the time comes, Gemma grasps it firmly and carefully. She is able to flourish without Dane's negative interference and responds to Nevylinn's commands without hesitation. The Force grows stronger with each passing day and soon Gemma has control over her own powers but the saber as well. Nevylinn watches with pride as she flawlessly dispatches the targets outlined in the training exercise.

Constructing ones own lightsaber is one of the most fulfilling experiences in a Jedi's training and Nevylinn tasks Gemma with beginning this project with the resources they have available to them. A few hours each day are spent on this with Nevylinn teaching her how each carefully constructed piece works together. These lessons are often followed by stories of her past as she was trained with Melanie under Master Corrin. Gemma would listen raptly and often ask questions that only led to more questions. Nevylinn would never reveal more than she felt the girl was ready to handle. Some of things she simply did not know, details of Melanie's life that went beyond what she was told or read later on. The curiosity seemed somewhat hesitant, as if she was gauging her own level of awareness. Gemma is disappointed to learn there is much about her own life and those in it she remains largely unaware of.

"If I don't know, I will never learn from the past."

"In time," Nevylinn says. "All will be revealed to you."

*

Colorful lights give way to music, something electronic yet not abrasive, drawing her closer. Gemma finds herself at the fringes of a party. Well-dressed people a few years older than she mingle and dance beneath a white tent. Soft white lights are strung across the room, reflected in a giant mirror ball that spins slowly over the moving bodies. It is not a place that is familiar to her. She recognizes none of the people present until her eyes reach the front of the room where, at an elevated table, sits Melanie, Karen, Kimber and Valerie.

Gemma gasps.

Melanie and Kimber step down and head out of the room. Gemma follows, trailing at a distance as they deal with the waiting paparazzi and cross back into an exquisitely decorated corridor. Then she is suddenly somewhere else. Gemma glances around, startled to realize she's standing outside a massive master bathroom. Melanie and Kimber enter from the right, flipping on the light to rummage through the cabinets. Not finding what they are looking for, Melanie turns around and sighs.

"I need...something. My head is killing me."

Kimber holds up a finger, "Wait here."

Once she is gone, Gemma thinks about speaking up but never gets the chance when another, older woman enters the room. She is dressed in a style she recognizes and it takes her several seconds to realize there is a picture of this woman on her mother's desk in the Gellar Estate. She was royalty, a Queen long ago on Naboo who was also Celeste Masterton's best friend.

As greatly unsettled as she is, Gemma can do nothing but watch.

Melanie bows, "Your Highness."

"There is no time so you must listen to me carefully. The life we live is just a series of lies told across more people than I care to count. Somewhere, deep down, you know this too. The things you see in your mind I have also seen. I have felt that fear but you cannot let it control you the way it controls us. You will be the one they turn to in the darkest of hours. You alone can save them. But you must first let them go."

The woman withdraws a glowing cube and presents it to Melanie.

"This Holocron contains information pertinent to your survival. You must take it to the Jedi and follow their instruction. The others must never know or you risk everyone. Heed the prophecy and stay alive."

"Prophecy?"

"Search your feelings, Melanie. You feel there is more beyond this facade but you cannot see it. Not yet. The prophecy will show you the way."

And then she is gone. As quickly as she appeared. Gemma turns, spotting Kimber pressed against the wall clutching a pill bottle. She reenters the bathroom slowly, staring at the glowing object in Melanie's hands.

"What...is that? Some kind of cube?"

"Not a cube, a Holocron but you will never repeat that."

Kimber shrugs, "I forget already."

Melanie drops the Holocron into her purse, takes the bottle from Kimber and together they leave the room. The lights above her wink out and she is thrown into darkness.

*

Gemma bolts upright in bed, panting, clawing at the sheets. Nevylinn appears in the doorway and rushes toward her, kneeling onto the bed beside her.

"Gemma, are you alright? I heard you calling out."

"I had a dream...."

"Another vision?"

"No," Gemma says, voice suddenly very low. "Not a vision."

"A nightmare? Was it the monsters again?"

"Not the monsters, not a nightmare."

"What did you see?"

Her blue eyes are wide.

"I think it was....a memory."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on August 07, 2013, 08:10:08 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Kaytt Corinthos is nearly done getting ready when her personal com bleeps from the nightstand. It is the Speakers office requesting her presence in the Senate Hall. She confirms and turns toward the mirror. With the case in the hands of two very capable associates at her firm, she had finally been able to get a few hours of sleep. Now she appears more rested and confident than she had when she first returned to the capital. She is clad in a fitted gray blazer, pressed slacks and simple black heels. Her dark hair is lightly tousled and falls just off her shoulders. She opts for a more natural approach in terms of makeup, considering the Jedi's lack of value in such things. So she aims for strictly professional for this particular meeting.

The ride over is somewhat melancholy as she is left with her own vivid thoughts. There is no doubt about a connection between the figure with Janessa and the woman with Circe, despite the considerable variance in the time frame. The Force is very much at play here and she needs the Jedi to confirm it.

Speaker Apteen walks with her down a sloping causeway with vaulted ceilings and no windows where he shows his ID to the Republic guards. The Senate building was far behind them now as they crossed into the Jedi Chambers via an underground tunnel.

"I must admit, I am surprised they agreed to see you."

"And why is that?"

"Lawyers are not often granted meeting with the council."

She smiles wanly, "First time for everything."

"Perhaps but when they explained the situation and your connection, it became more clear."

"What connection?"

Speaker Apteen stops near a set of blast doors and swipes his card.

"You will see."

Through the doors, a man slightly older than Kaytt is there to greet them. He wears traditional Jedi robes in brown and beige. He is tall with broad shoulders and an angular, defined jawline that is covered in a short beard. He nods first to the Speaker before fixing his gaze on her.

"Counselor Corinthos," the Jedi says. "Thank you for coming."

"I appreciate you taking the time to see me."

Speaker Apteen steps back, "I'll leave you to it then. There is quite a bit to focus on presently."

"Of course. Thank you, Speaker."

Kaytt watches him go and the doors close behind him before turning to the Jedi. She stares at his face. There is something about his features that are familiar to her but she cannot place from where. He appears to be following her train of thought.

"Do I appear so much different to you now?"

"We...know each other?"

"Not directly," he says with a bit of a smile. "But we once traveled in similar circles. My name is Donovan Atrii."

Kaytt gasps then cannot help but laugh. She stops herself and clears her throat.

"I'm sorry, it's just...Donovan Atrii, a Jedi. It threw me."

The Atrii family was one of the most prominent families in the Corporate Sector, second only to their relatives the Viiperi's who originally discovered and helped colonize then industrialize the Sector. They dealt mostly in mineral refinement and and land development but had expanded into a variety of commodities over the years. The Atrii Estate in Concordia is one of the oldest and most grand but had become something of local legend in how it was haunted. Donovan graduated two years before Kaytt and had a younger sister, Demaris Atrii, who is in a year younger than her own sister, Trichelle. Kaytt remembers hearing about his decision to abandon his acceptance into university on Mondder and the family business. There were rumors he traveled the galaxy experiencing new cultures and customs in an effort to find his true self. She assumes he found it in the Jedi Order.

"Personal advertisement and fame are not things we seek. I was curious when I heard the council bring up your name and request for a meeting. It was not something they were considering granting had I not spoken up."

"Then I suppose I owe you for that. It's important."

"Walk with me."

They travel the ornately designed corridors with artificial lighting illuminating a historic record of the Jedi past. She finds her eyes wandering over the scenes, wondering if any of them made it out alive. She always thought the Jedi ways would be a lonely life and, judging by the fact that she's heard nothing about Donovan in years nor has he appeared in any headlines or Sector gossip, she's right about that.

"You represent Counselor Prescott and Miss Kain, is that correct? We have been watching the developments with great concern."

"Up until about six hours ago, yes. The prosecution was threatening to have me thrown off the case and I now see their concerns over conflict of interest so I assigned two of my best associates to over see their separate defenses. The entire situation has struck me as highly improbable from the start and I believe I may have evidence that could prove that but I need your help."

Jedi Atrii turns to her, "What kind of evidence?"

"Photage of each client being approached by a mysterious figure. Prescott was intercepted by a woman almost ten years ago on Hesperidium. Kain was approached shortly before Inspector Erbon was murdered."

"Do you mean-"

"This is not about guilt," she says sharply. "It's about intent. I don't believe either woman had motive to commit the crimes they are being accused of. There is something beneath the surface here that I think may have a far greater scope than anyone realizes. Something that involves the Force, the past and survivors of unspeakable horrors."

"What kind of scope?"

Kaytt locks eyes with the Jedi.

"One that may involve The Four."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on August 11, 2013, 10:19:29 PM

Naboo

Surface: Lake Country: Masterton Estate

Gemma meditates quietly on the open air patio as rain falls in streaming waves beyond. She has grown immensely strong in such a short time but with each level she masters, more questions reveal themselves. The last vision she had was determined to be a memory of Melanie's but how this is possible remains unknown. From what Melanie disclosed to both Nevylinn and the late Master Corrin, she was approached with the prophecy on the eve of her sixteenth birthday by Queen Monica Greyson. The holocron had been entrusted to Melanie and was given to the Jedi. Nevylinn had seen the object with her own eyes. To hear Gemma describe it in vivid detail is unnerving and perplexing. She knows the weight of knowledge upon Melanie drove her to the brink of addiction and depression. It is not something she relays to Gemma.

In the privacy of her room, Nevylinn contacts the Jedi council on Chandaar, reporting the completion of Gemma's training save for the construction of her own saber. She has grown skillful using her teacher's weapon and is excited to complete her own.

"The young Masterton will be returned to her family by the start of the school term."

"That leaves us but a few weeks."

"Her reintegration is imperative and discretion regarding her whereabouts even more so."

Nevylinn consider this.

"A simple cover story can be fabricated while the vaccine conceals her abilities."

"It is not enough. There may come a time when she will not have access to the medication. She must learn to conceal it on her own. Her recently acquired skills are only part of the role she will play in the Corporate Sector and beyond. As she grows, she will be allowed access to people and places we are not."

"How can you be certain?"

"Her gifts extend beyond the Force. You have heard them for yourself. These will garner attention which will grant access. In time, she will serve as the liaison to the Council. You will be her guide throughout, aiding her in deciphering the visions which may help us uncover the greater threat."

The specific phrasing makes her skin tingle but she does not press it.

"What of Dane Gellar?"

"Young Gellar has been located. He fled for Corellia and is safely in the custody of Senator Soldys. He will also be returned to the Corporate Sector shortly. We hear he is curious about his family, the past connections the Gellar's have there. It serves to keep him occupied and out of trouble. We do not believe he is in danger on Corellia as they have the resources and defenses to adequately protect him."

"That is comforting," she says softly. "We have learned about the Imperial attack on The Wheel."

"A very troubling matter indeed, one Speaker Apteen is currently deliberating upon a course of action. If the Empire intends to strike at the Republic we will be ready. Even more troubling is the trial against the CSA liaison, Janessa Kain and Republic Counselor Circe Prescott. We were approached with disturbing photage."

"What kind of photage?"

This question is glazed over with another inquiry.

"When you aided in rescuing the Gellar-Masterton children, your report indicated the assailant who murdered Master Corrin was Sith. Is this correct?"

Her heart is suddenly racing as she relives coming face to face with her own sister, a fact she had omitted from that report out of some sick familial bond. She could not bring herself to believe Adubell had fallen so far.

"Yes."

"This assailant was female?"

"Yes."

"We are sending you a still from the photage provided by Counselor Corinthos. It is the clearest we could retrieve. We are interested in your theories into the possible identity of the second figure. The first has been identified as Circe Prescott."

"I will do my best."

Nevylinn clicks off and takes a deep breath. She does not allow her mind to spiral as she sits in front of the consol and keys up the system and accesses their secure network. The message is waiting for her. She hesitates momentarily but curiosity overwhelms every other sense. In boldface type:

Hesperidium. Bolerathon Tower. 7ABY.

She clicks on the attachment and an image fills the screen. There is a large corridor, sparsely decorated but expensively designed. Frozen in place is a barely twenty-two year old Circe Prescott with a blank expression on her face. Behind her, coming out of a door marked with a cursive M is another woman. Dark hair, tight black jumpsuit and a saber clipped to a thick black belt. The face is unmistakable and her reaction is the same as it had been in the darkness of the caves on Korriban.

Staring back at her through the screen is her sister, Adubell.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on August 20, 2013, 03:25:24 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Photage of the imperial fleet massed where the Wheel had once been hovered in the center of the senate chamber. Already authorization had been given for force, but the senate could be fickle, and Speaker Apteen wanted to make sure they continued to be aware of the threat.

Some of the initial photage had been from news outlets that had watched the Federation getting slaughtered, later photage had been provided thanks to recon units sent out. Apteen had, however, learned just before the current senate session that the recon team had failed to send their last transmission, and it was feared they had been discovered.

After the report, some of the objectors quieted down (not necessarily because they had given up on stopping the war, but because watching the imperial machine doing its work was not the right time to try the argument). A variety of measures were passed, providing additional funds and logistical support.

Apteen had been very successful thus far, but thus far hadn't involved an actual battle. That was the next step.

With the meeting over, he didn't return to his office, though he wanted the comfort of his floating hologram of the galaxy. Instead, he made his way to the senate landing platform, where a shuttle and two admirals were waiting for him.

"Is everything ready?"

"As ready as it is going to be, Mr. Speaker. We are prepared to depart for engagement on your say so."

"I trust all ships have checked out? I don't want some explosion or-"

"Mr. Speaker, we are ready. Ships are cleared for battle"

The speaker was silent nodding his head.

"I will expect a full report once you've engaged. I know that it won't end quickly, but I want to make sure this war that has started will lean in our favor"

"We will do our best sir"

With a salute, the admirals departed aboard the shuttle, and Shale Apteen watched the vessel rise into orbit.

***************************
Orbit
Less than an hour later, Admiral Nugent stood on the bridge of the Corellian Dreadnaught "Liberty", looking out the viewport at the dozens of ships waiting there. The Chandaar fleet was just one of four that were involved in this initial salvo, Republic fleets to converge in hopes of keeping the imperials off guard.

"Proceed with the countdown"

The ships of the fleet, from large to small realigned, preparing to enter hyperspace as a clock began to tick downward in the 'Liberty's' bridge.

When it hit zero, the admiral motioned, his lieutenant sending the signal, and in a blaze of light and glory, the Republic fleet disappeared into hyperspace to face off against the imperial threat.
***************************
Surface: Ambaril

The jedi have seen the photage Corinthos provided, and have returned now to discuss their findings with her

"You know of the prophesy?"

Kyatt is almost insulted by the question.
"of course."

The jedi shook his head

"No - I mean the entire prophesy. You know who the four were. You know of their families, of the intrigue. You know that Alexander Winton, and his successors seek to dominate, and those associated with 'the four' are either the instruments to be used and abused, or the enemy to be destroyed. But our concern is that all that has occurred is more than just vengance. Alexander Winton never truly believed in the prophesy, he just wanted it to meet his needs. The enemy now though has a far grander and more dangerous scheme. The four are not just tools. They are the epitome of the prophesy itself. The sith are lurking, trying to use this opportunity to make themselves stronger"

"Then we cannot let them do that! I need your help! I need you to help me save two innocent people who were being controlled by the sith!"

"We cannot"

"But it's true!"

"We believe it is - this photage does prove that. But we cannot testify on your behalf."

"Why ca-"

"And furthermore, we must beseech you not to use this photage in your defense"

Kyatt had been interrupted, but now she is speechless, staring at the faces of the jedi, calmly staring back at her.

"I have to. I have a duty, a professional and ethical and moral responsibility to present this documentation to defend my clients. Why can't I have your help?"

"Because, Miss Corinthos, if your clients are found to have been coerced by the power of the force, it will hurt us significantly. The jedi will be seen like the sith - the evil ones, who creep into individuals' minds and control their actions. We will be shunned, feared, and harassed"

Kyatt can hardly believe what she is hearing.

"So I am supposed to let two innocent people be locked up forever, so that the jedi will be seen favorably"

"So that we can work to defend the galaxy. It is imperative! If we are to stop the sith, we need to be able to-"

"No. I won't have it. I am going to defend my clients. If you won't help me, then damn you all, but I am going to defend my clients with every fiber of my being."

Kyatt, enraged, storms out of the council chamber, making her way back to the surface. Without the jedi, she has no idea how she can use the photage to prove some sort of sith mind-control. The photage, in fact, is fairly damning without the evidence of the true cause of her clients' actions.

Damn the jedi.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on August 25, 2013, 04:46:14 PM

Naboo

Surface: Lake Country: Masterton Villa

Gemma stands staring out over the calm waters beyond the villa patio. She has finished packing and awaits the Jedi's instructions. The time together on Naboo has been life changing for the young girl. She arrived a frightened child and prepares to leave, for all intensive purposes, a Jedi. She has learned the lessons, trained and meditated, and found great comfort in her powerful connection to the Force. The intensive purpose part lies in her inability to completely utilize her visions to the greater advantage. Some are easier to interpret than others. And she does not yet understand why she is being sent memories from her fallen sister. Nevylinn suspects they are pieces of a larger puzzle, perspective through which to frame the present circumstances. Gemma just finds it unsettling.

Nevylinn appears on the patio, "Our transport should be here shortly."

"Great."

"You are nervous about returning."

"A little," Gemma admits. "I'll be fine. It's just..."

"Your mind drifts toward your brother, Riley, and Dahlia."

She nods.

"Not everyone has the same path, Gemma. Remember that misplaced concern can distract you from being present in the moment. Concern leads to fear."

"And fear to the dark side. I won't forget."

"Good."

"We're all ready then?"

"There is just one more thing," Nevylinn says, crossing the patio. "While your father's vaccine is handy, it may not always be available to protect you from others. Remember everyone has a unique signature through the Force, one that can identify you as a Jedi and a Masterton. You must learn to conceal these traits about yourself from those around you."

"Conceal them? Why would I need to hide?"

"The greater threat has not yet been identified and the Jedi do not wish to make you a larger target than you already are. The cover story of your return is only the beginning. You must make no mention of the Jedi's involvement or your training."

Gemma blinks those wide, blue eyes.

"You...want me to lie?"

"We are asking that you omit portions of your rescue."

"Omission is lying."

Nevylinn heart aches. The girl is bright and pure. She does not like asking this of her but she has her orders. The Jedi were very clear in their instructions. There must be no attention drawn to them and their activities.

"Some lies are meant to spare harm from coming to you or others. It is not ideal, certainly, but you will find that life is seldom skewed in favor or fairness or good. We must fight for those things. But right now I need you to appear as a normal girl with a beautiful voice who has been returned to her family after a terrifying ordeal."

Gemma looks into herself, finding that light that shines brightly within. Focusing intensely, she can dampen the glow, surrounding it in a telekinetic shroud. She brings her gaze up to meet Nevylinn who nods.

"Very good. Now, we will practice your tale to perfection on the journey."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on August 27, 2013, 08:23:28 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril: Halls of Justice, Court of General Jurisdiction in the Republic

"Calling now case number 20013-CF2-7083, Republic versus Janessa Kain, and case number 20013-CF2-7084, Republic versus Circe Prescott"

Today, the first day of 'trial' was going to be mostly procedural - addressing outstanding motions, and picking the jury.

It was the jury pool that were filling the benches of the audience. The judge, in order to accommodate the vast needs had installed a series of cameras so the press could watch the trial from two large auditoriums across the street, while the jury would remain undisturbed until selection. The judge had also asked for a significantly larger pool of jurors to select from, due to the publicity of the case - it would be hard enough finding one untainted jurors, and they needed at least fifteen (12 jurors, 3 alternates). That's not even counting the preemptive strikes available to the prosecution and the defense.

The prosecution table had three attorneys, all neatly pressed, and the defense table had Kyatt Corinthos, with her two 'substitute' attorneys at her sides. The judge was sitting on the bench, and two clerks were shuffling paperwork back and forth between the groups.

The jurors were the most important thing at the moment, and the two hundred individuals who had been pulled into the courtroom were busy themselves, filling out preliminary questionaires. Attorneys on both sides had argued about the language of the voir dire procedure, the process of what to ask jurors for purposes of determining bias, and to make the selection.

Needless to say, anyone who was or worked for a republic counselor, or had been a liason with the corporate sector were excluded, as were anyone who knew of the defendants personally. But not all questions were so black and white, or undisputed.
Kyatt had asked for a question added DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE POWERS OF THE JEDI AND THE FORCE? but had refused to explain her reasoning. At the prosecutor's objection, the judge deemed the question irrelevant and excluded it. It wasn't a major loss, but it was one in a series that would make her job that much harder. What if she got skeptics on the jury who didn't believe the jedi could do what she was going to claim?

Other questions involved how much exposure the jurors had gotten to the story already - had they read any of news? What did they think of it? Did they have any opinions? How did they feel about the death penalty, an option open in this case?

Other questions addressed the political atmosphere of the Republic senate (where the accusations had originated) and the Corporate Sector, and opinions about corporate warfare, the Trade Federation, and a host of other factors.

Finally, there was the generic question IS THERE ANY REASON YOU CAN'T SERVE AS A JUROR? The trial was expected to last a week or two, at the smallest, and the answers to that question could vary between jobs, or personal feelings, or inability to sit still for long periods of time. The jury, once selected, would be sequestered for the length of the trial, adding to the burden on their civic duty.

The full list of questions that each juror was filling out now was over one hundred long, and the answers would have to be sifted through before moving on to the next phase of voir dire, questioning individual jurors, which would also take hours.

Notably absent from this vast process were the two defendants. All parties had agreed they needn't be brought out during jury selection, and Kyatt was grateful for their absence - jurors could learn to hate a face just by being stuck in the same room with it too long. No doubt the selected jurors would hate her, and the prosecutor, and the judge, by the time the trial was over.

But as long as it wasn't her clients, she was ok with that.

****************************
Hours - yes, hours - later, Kyatt Corinthos was leaning against a podium, asking juror number 83 to elaborate on one of her answers. They had managed to get 7 of the jurors they needed thus far, and each one was a strategic move. First, if one side didn't want them, they had to try to get them disqualified by the judge. Otherwise, they had to choose whether to use one of their limited number of strikes on THIS juror, or whether to save it for the potentially worse juror down the road. This particular juror had answered that she had been following the story in the news, but hadn't stated any opinions. Kyatt wanted to make sure she hadn't developed any of her own. Or, more specifically, Kyatt wanted her to admit to her opinions, so the judge would exclude her, otherwise, Kyatt would be forced to use one of her strikes, of which she currently only had three left.

"You say you've been following this story?"
"Yes"
"Why?"
"I found it interesting"

Kyatt was already annoyed by the juror.

"What was so interesting about it?"
"Well, it seems like such a waste - I mean, Prescott had a bright future ahead of her, and years of service behind her. This ruined her"

Kyatt was now debating. This juror had opinions - it didn't make sense - and that was the type of juror Kyatt would have the easiest time convincing that none of this made sense without the whole force manipulation.

But before Kyatt could continue, the judge spoke from behind the bench.

"I've determined this juror is tainted. Thank you for your time. you are released"

The juror, a bit confused by the sudden dismissal stepped off the stand and made her way out of the courtroom.

Kyatt sighed as the clerk called the next juror, number 84.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on August 30, 2013, 02:44:53 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril: Halls of Justice, Court of General Jurisdiction in the Republic

Coming Soon...

Opening Statements ...

(I'll try posting on Monday or Tuesday the start of the trial. Get set for the case of the millenia, or at least the year)

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on September 04, 2013, 11:03:49 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril: Halls of Justice, Court of General Jurisdiction in the Republic

The prosecutor stood before the jury, eyes glancing over their faces, one at a time, as he spoke.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury. Today, you have been brought here to defend our laws, and our way of life, from two individuals who have conspired to unravel and corrupt society for their own nefarious purposes. We don't know how deep or dark the conspiracy goes, or how many have been hurt by their acts. But we do know some things for sure.

We know that Janessa Kain and Circe Prescott conspired together. Together, they conspired to commit fraud, embezzle funds from corporate and government entities, obstruct justice, kidnap, and finally, and worst of all, they conspired to commit murder of an investigator who had discovered what they were doing, and was preparing to prosecute them.

Over the course of the trial, you will see indisputable evidence of each of these crimes, and we are confident that at the close, it will be clear to you that these despicable people are guilty of every one of them. Thank you."

The prosecutor took a seat, and the judge turned toward the defense table. Three defense attorneys, and the two defendants sat there quietly, tense but patient.

"Opening for the defense?"

Kyatt Corinthos let out a sigh before standing.

"Thank you your honor"

She made her way around the table, walking across the well of the courtroom until she stood in front of the jury box, filled with its 12 jurors and 3 alternates.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury. The prosecution will no doubt present evidence of crimes committed. They will even show evidence that these crimes were committed by the hands of my clients. But though their hands might have blood on them, these crimes were not their fault. Indeed, the defense will prove to you that Janessa Kain and Circe Prescott had no control of their actions - and didn't even know they were happening - when these crimes were committed.

You will hear testimony from friends, family, and colleauges of both. You will hear about their stellar reputations within the Corporate Sector, and the Republic. How they have been loyal, unflinchingly loyal through years and years of service. They love the Republic, what it stands for, and its leadership. They are law abiding to their very cores. So why? Why would they commit such awful crimes?

Because they were controlled by others. You will also hear testimony about the barely believable powers of the Force. Now I know what you are thinking. The Force is a myth, the powers of the jedi, of the sith, used to scare or intimidate. I used to be a skeptic myself. But I've seen what these powers can do. The Force can have a strong influence on those who are vulnerable, susceptible to them. And you will hear how at times that Janessa and Circe were most susceptible, they were taken advantage of.

My clients are not criminals. They are themselves victims of a power and an enemy that is barely understood. But real. Very real.

I ask you - suspend your disbelief. The Force, and its influence are both real. And the damage the Force can cause in the wrong hands is equally real. My clients were victims to that dark power. They cannot be found liable for their actions, and so I beg that you see the truth, and find them not guilty.

Thank you"

Kyatt took two steps backward, before turning and heading back to her table.

There was a brief silence before the judge again spoke.

"Prosecutor, present your first witness"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on September 11, 2013, 02:58:02 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril: Halls of Justice, Court of General Jurisdiction in the Republic

Kyatt had almost hoped the prosecution would be short and sweet - one or two witnesses, presenting every piece of evidence, and then moving on.

that was not the case. The prosecution had prepared a list of over 50 witnesses, each testifying to different aspects of the crimes committed.

Showing the jury document after document with Circe Prescott's passcodes and signatures, funneling money across the galaxy in illicit schemes.

And Kyatt was limited in the questions she could ask.

"Did you observe her do this transaction?"
"Did you see anyone who may have influenced Ms. Prescott's actions?"
"Were you aware of Ms. Prescott or Ms Kain's mental state?"

The judge was not sympathetic to her attempts to make this a mental interference case, and granted many prosecution objections. It was frustrating, watching her clients be indicted, over and over and over, before the jury.

The prosecution also presented video - video showing Circe Prescott going into the buildings and ships at the places and times the transactions took place. Video of her interacting with Janessa Kain, video of them celebrating in what the prosecution argued was beyond either of their means (Kyatt was able to get a successful objection to that, pointing out the argument had no basis, and should be saved for closing arguments - it didn't matter, the jury already heard it, and probably agreed with it).

Now, though, the prosecution's list of witnesses was dwindling, and Kyatt was beginning to focus on her own defense arguments. Just as soon as this witness was called.

"Your honor, the government calls Hacker Estes to the stand"

Kyatt blinked briefly, still staring at her notes, uncertain of what she had just heard. Face slack from surprise, she finally glanced up to watch the hacker proceeding from the back of the courtroom toward the stand. She was still in shock when he was sworn in, and placed his name on the record.

"Now sir, what do you do for a living?"

The man cocked his head slightly, turned toward the jury and spoke.

"I'm a professional slicer"

"You say 'professional slicer' - are you licensed to slice?"

"No sir"

"Your work is illegal"

"I would say my work is unregistered. I don't believe it to be illegal"

The prosecutor smiled, glancing at the jury in the way that indicated it was a joke. They hadn't gotten to the serious stuff yet.

"Mr. Estes, you are testifying today as part of a deal right?"

"Yes sir"

"You've agreed to testify in this matter as to your investigation, and the government has dropped some of those 'unlicensed slicing' charges that were charged against you?"

"That's right sir"

The prosecutor's smile disappeared. That was the irrelevant part - here comes the serious part. It was a cue for the jury. That he was testifying for his benefit? Didn't matter. What mattered was what he testified about NOW.

"Your going to tell the truth today, right?"

"Yes sir"

"And no deal would prevent you from testifying to the truth"

"No sir - I'm here to be an honest man and tell the truth"

"Good. What was your involvement in this case?"

"I was asked to review photage"

"For whom?"

"For defense counsel"

Kyatt jumped to her feet.

"Objection - your honor, the witness's testimony falls under work product and is privileged information!"

The prosecutor, with a look Kyatt deemed as smug turned to the judge.

"Your honor, work product privilege only protects legal information obtained. The witness's services in this case were illegal, and so unprotected"

"Your honor, may we approach?" Kyatt had just been called out as using illegal means in front of the jury, and she was not about to allow that without a fight.

The attorneys - 2 prosecutors, and 3 defense - approached the bench.

"Your honor, government counsel is trying to paint me as a dishonest attorney for the jury. It unfairly taints the jury and biases my clients"
"Your honor, I was merely responding to defense counsel's objection. Besides, it was her own conduct - "

The judge lifted a hand, stopping the prosecutor.

"As to the taint of the jury, I don't believe a lawyer calling another lawyer anything automatically taints, and this was in response to the objection - I won't start dealing with jury taint for something like this, which I deem harmless. As to the testimony, I agree with the prosecutor, the evidence collected is NOT privileged. I will say that the government will not proceed to make statements about defense counsel like the one that was made. If I hear it again, I may well grant the mistrial Miss Corinthos is requesting. Let's proceed."

Kyatt lost the two objections, and the conciliation that she wouldn't be 'painted' as unscrupulous again did little to help her mood.

Over the course of the next three hours - yes, his testimony did take that long - Estes was declared (against Kyatt's objection) an expert on slicing and video tampering and recovery. Video photage from the night Inspector Erbon was killed was shown to the jury, both in its tampered form, and then in its recovered form. Estes walked the jury and the courtroom through the steps he took to make the recovery, getting the correct video display.

During the testimony, the video in the background showed Janessa Kain, in all her glory, from party to murder. Every act, including the exchange with the unknown individual. Including the gruesome murder. And because it was part of testimony about how the video had been doctored, the prosecution got to play it several times.

"The prosecution has no further questions for this witness, your honor"

There was a silence after the prosecutor sat down, the murder so horrific, no one could speak for a good minute before Kyatt rose from her seat, walked toward Estes, and with a glare, spoke.

"You sold me out, Estes"

"Objection your honor" The prosecutor jumped out of his seat

Kyatt kept her gaze on him, as she answered.

"Your honor, it goes to credibility."

The judge paused before nodding his head.

"I will allow it"

Kyatt pursed her lips for a moment as Estes shrunk back a bit from her stare. When he didn't answer, she spoke again.

"We've worked together in the past. I thought I could trust you. I was wrong"

Estes finally got his voice back.

"There wasn't anything I could have done, Kyatt"

"Miss Corinthos, Estes."

"I couldn't do anything. I had to testify"

"to protect yourself"

He nodded

"to prevent yourself from being charged with illegal slicing"

He nodded again

"yes or no"

"Yes"

"For testifying today, you got a deal, all your troubles gone away"

"No more prosecutions against me, that's correct"

"Now, this court labeled you as an expert on slicing"

"Yes"

"and video tampering"

"yes, and restoration"

"So you can tamper a video if you wanted to"

"Objection"

"sustained"

Kyatt still glared at Estes, but nodded acknowledgment of the ruling.

"You made the repair of this video yourself"

"Yes"

"Using your own skills"

"Yes"

"Restoring a video is not an exact science is it?"

"No"

"It doesn't always come out the same as it started"

"There are always possible variances"

"That's true here as well?"

"Yes"

"I had you track down the video in this case"

"Yes"

"Had you find out what was wrong with the video"

"Yes"

"Do you recognize everyone in the video?"

"I just recognize the woman looks like Ms. Kain"

"Are you sure?"

"No, ma'am"

"And the other woman, do you know who she is?"

"No, ma'am"

"It could be anyone"

"Could be"

"This video could be showing a lot of different things, couldn't it"

"I suppose"

"Because nothing is 100% with video restoration"

"True"

"And you knew who my clients were when you restored this video"

"Yes ma'am"

"you knew that having them in the video -"
"Objection!"
"Sustained, watch it counsel"

Kyatt stopped took a breathe and finally stepped back.

"Estes, when did the prosecutors charge you with these crimes?"
"About a week ago"
"And you made a deal since then?"
"They made the deal"
"in return for your testimony?"
"Yes, ma'am"
"So your testimony is really about getting these charges - these brand new charges - dropped"

Estes paused, eyes flickering over to the prosecution table before back to Kyatt, then to the jury.

"Look, I'm a slicer. It's what I'm good at. And I got caught doing it. But I still know what I'm doing. This video - this is my hard work. What it shows is real. I'm proud of it. I'm proud I was able to restore the video. Someone with a lot of cash tried to make sure it stayed hidden, and I was able to fix it. I'm sure of it, and I'm sure its correct."

he turned to face Kyatt. "I'm sorry, Kyatt. I had to. Anything else would be a lie."

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on October 02, 2013, 06:43:56 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril: Halls of Justice, Court of General Jurisdiction in the Republic

"Motion for Judgment of Acquittal"
"Denied"

It was the clearest statement of all that showed Kyatt the burden she had. A denial of a motion for judgment of acquittal meant that the prosecution met its burden of proof, at least as far as the judge was concerned, and it was up to the defense case to explain why two people who looked guilty weren't.

And so she tried.

First, she called up a line of experts in psychology, each of whom testified at great length about how the two defendants had no memory or knowledge of the actions that they had done.

"It's something we sometimes see with those who have multiple personalities. One personality doesn't remember what the other does"

"How is this case different?"
"The other personality never surfaces - there's just a blank spot"

With that as her baseline, Kyatt then called each of her clients to the stand. Circe Prescott testified about the difficulty she suffered after Centerpoint, and her departure from the Counselors Corps. Kyatt showed the video photage from the Winton/Masterton estate, the small amount of photage of the individual approaching the gate.

"Do you know that woman?"

Circe had stared at the image for a long time, shaking her head.

"I've never seen her"

A similar dialogue occurred with Janessa Kain discussing the night she had committed murder. The now already revealed photage of her interacting with the shadowy figure.

"Do you remember her?"
"No - I have no idea who that is?"
"Do you remember killing the detective?"
At that, Kain broke down. It was one thing to be accused, another to have seen herself commit a crime she had no memory of.

"No. NO!! I don't! I see that video, and ... I don't believe it's me. I know it looks like me, but, I just don't believe it's me!"

Cross examination of both individuals was brutal, going into their characters, their pasts. But both had mostly sterling reputations, at least professionally, until just a few months ago, and Kyatt hoped that the jury would find them credible.

Now for the real tricky part - Kyatt had to link what she had brought to the Force. She had called two historians who specialized in the jedi and the sith, and managed to certify them as experts. A day's worth of testimony discussing what the Force was, and how it was utilized by certain special individuals, and their opinion that both Circe and Janessa had been controlled by the Force.

it was good stuff. If the jury believed it. Finally, Kyatt wanted one last witness.

"The defense calls jedi Donavan Atrii to the stand"

There was a a hush as everyone looked to the back door, waiting for the witness, but no one entered.

"Is your witness here, Miss Corinthos?"
"He was subpoenaed, your honor. He is required to be"
"Do you have any other witnesses?"
"Your honor, I have subpoenaed a half dozen jedi."
"Are any of them here?"

Each one's name was called, and the halls of the courthouse were checked. None were present.

"Your honor, I believe the jedi have refused to head my subpoena. I ask the court to compel the government"
The judge interrupted her

"Miss Corinthos, what does the government have to do with this?"

"The jedi are a part of the Republic government. They are bound to provide all exculpatory evidence for the defense, including witnesses that have been requested"

"Miss Corinthos, how are the jedi government? They are independent"
"They have an entrance inside the Senate building, and receive funding from the government for their activities"
"That's not sufficient. The jedi are independent. This is not the Old Republic. They aren't emissaries of the Speaker. Unless you have other witnesses, I will give you a half hour to try to find your witnesses, otherwise, we move to closing arguments."

The gavel was banged. Kyatt had a half hour. It didn't matter. The jedi already told her. They wouldn't come. It was up to her now, up to her to tell the jury her story, and pray that they believed it.

**********************************************************
Needless to say, the time went by too quickly.

"Well Miss Corinthos?"
"No sign of the witnesses your honor."
"Very well. Shall we proceed with closing arguments? Defense Counsel, than the Prosecutor"

Kyatt rose from her seat, moving in front of the jury, looking at her with those skeptical eyes (or so she imagined). And so she began.

"Imagine for a moment that your life is not your own. That you are a slave to the whims of another. It is not pleasant. it's worse if you don't know who the other is. Worse still if you don't even realize you are a slave. Slaves must obey orders.
What happened here is just as, if not more insidious. Two righteous individuals were enslaved, but not by chains, nor whips, nor weapons. Their minds were taken from them. And against their wills, against their very natures, they were made to do things they wouldn't do if they were conscious.

You heard testimony from multiple experts saying these two individuals didn't know what they did. How could they? It wasn't them doing it - it was someone using them as tools, as slaves.

We don't know who that dark person was, but she was in both their lives, and she did this to them. Janessa Kain and Circe Prescott are not the criminals here. they are the victims.

Yo heard testimony about what the force can do - about how it can have a strong, dominating, controlling effect on those who are vulnerable. And Circe Prescott was vulnerable, and Janessa Kain was vulnerable. They are the victims.

The jedi didn't want to be here today - they refused to be here, even though required by law. Why do you think that is? Because they didn't want to tell you the truth - that the Force has that power, and those who have that power can use it. They can use it on any one of us. They can make any one of us into a thief, into a killer. And we wouldn't even know it.

It frightens me, the prospect that someone could do that. it frightens me more to know I could be punished if I was turned into that kind of slave. punished for actions against my will.

Don't send Circe and Janessa to jail. They are victims. They have suffered. It wasn't them who committed these crimes - it was the Force user who manipulated them. They are not guilty."

Kyatt took a seat and the prosecutor rose.

Again he smiled at the jury.

He lifted his hands up in the air, waving them at the jury.

"Abra-Cadabra! You are now under my spell. Just like that! Magic!"

There was some snickering in the jury, and Kyatt's hopes fell. The prosecutor continued.

"It is quite a fantastic story you just heard from Miss Corinthos. She doesn't deny that her clients committed these acts - in fact, she admitted they did. Instead, she said they were under the control of the Force and Force users. She denigrated the jedi for no reason. Can you imagine, if this were true, no one could be guilty of a crime - clearly, anyone who does anything wrong is influenced by the Force. No one is guilty.

But you know that that isn't true. Some people, even those with a great reputation, can make mistakes, can break bad. Can pretend to be one thing and truly be another. And I submit to you that Circe Prescott and Janessa Kain, with years in the public eye, are among the best at that. But there is no hocus-pocus here. They did these crimes, and they are guilty. And you should find them guilty. Thank you"

The prosecutor sat. The judge began to give the jury instructions. What to do, how to view evidence, how to weigh credibility and witness testimony.

The jury was escorted to a back, locked room where they would deliberate.

Kyatt, Circe, and Janessa just sat waiting.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on October 11, 2013, 10:38:32 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril: Halls of Justice, Court of General Jurisdiction in the Republic

A jury with a verdict ready in a matter of minutes often meant that they had made their decision before entering the room. When a jury took a long time to come to a decision, it meant they were a more deliberative body, reviewing the evidence from trial, and debating with one another how to proceed.

For better or worse, this jury was the latter. The tension of waiting was unbearable as the first hour passed, and then the tedium of waiting set in. Janessa and Circe were sent back to the cellblock to await their fate, leaving Kyatt to worry on her own. With her comm unit ready to let her know if the jury was done, she stepped out of the courtroom and out of the Republic Halls of Justice, making her way to the nearest bar. No matter the verdict, she definitely needed a drink.

It was as she was walking that she felt the presence behind her, and then the voice.

"You shouldn't have done that"

Kyatt could feel her blood start to boil as she turned to face him. There stood, in his simple brown/beige jedi robes, Donavan Atrii.

"I shouldn't have done what?"
"You tried to subpoena the jedi"
"they were witnesses in my defense"
"Your closing argument attacked the jedi - not just the sith, but the JEDI"

Kyatt's eyes narrowed

"Oh, I attacked you, did I? I'm the bad one? Let's look at the evidence, shall we? There are two people standing trial for conspiracy, fraud and murder. The jedi know they are innocent, and have the information that would allow for their immediate acquittal. And refused to show up so the jedi save face. Yo want to see bad? You want to see evil? Evil is letting others suffer so you look good"

"It's more complicated than that"

"NO, Donivan. It's not more complicated than that. When you let innocent's suffer to save yourself, you aren't the good guys anymore"

"We are saving the galaxy"

"No, you're not. You had a PR problem, and this was a way of throwing it under the rug. If the jedi want to do good, they should do good. But I'm not throwing my clients - my clients, who I am sworn to protect and zealously defend - under a bus for you. As far as I'm concerned, the jedi are as bad, if not worse, for the republic, than your evil twins, the sith."

At that moment, Kyatt's comm buzzed, and while still glaring at Donivan, she lifted it.

"Corinthos here"

Her face paled slightly, and she nodded her head.

"I'll be right there"

She lowered the comm and began walking back the way she came, passing Donivan as she did.

"They've reached a verdict"

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

The courtroom had been packed on the first court date, and the first days of trial, but as with all things, attendance dwindled as the case dragged on. Now though, with the jury verdict ready to be announced, the room was packed, tighter than ever before, and Kyatt even had trouble getting through the mass of reporters to the front where her seat was.

Janessa and Circe were brought back out of the cell-block, each looking stricken from fear. Kyatt went up to each, squeezing their hands. before they each took their seats.

"all rise"

Everyone who had been sitting rose as the judge took the bench, the bailiff handing him a folded note.
Baited breathe as he opened it read the note, nodding, and closed it.

"Bring out the jury"

The bailiff disappeared through a doorway and a minute later, held it open as the jurors stepped out, moving to their seats.

"Has the jury reached a verdict?"

The foreman of the jury nodded.

"We have your honor"

"Very well. With regard to the charge of conspiracy to commit-"

"WAIT!"

The judge looked up from his document toward the voice from the back of the courtroom.

"I will ask that the audience remain quiet while the verdict is read"

"But I can prove they are innocent."

There was murmuring going through the room and the judge leaned forward, trying to see through the crowd to see who was speaking.

"Who is that? Who are you speaking"

The crowd, as cramped as it was seemed to part as the teenager with the red hair moved forward. She had a black eye, and a slew of bruises, and was limping, but there was something many seemed to find familiar about her.

"You? You're the one who was speaking?"

She nodded

"Yes your honor. I have evidence - proof of the innocence of these two women"

"And who are you"

The girl's face was solemn, but her voice was clear.

"I was adopted by the Gellar-Masterton family of the Corporate Sector. My birth name is Dahlia Winton"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on October 16, 2013, 03:00:02 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril: Halls of Justice, Court of General Jurisdiction in the Republic

Flash Flash Flash Flash

For a moment, all that could be heard was the sound of cameras clicking. Everyone from the prosecutor to the judge to Kyatt Corinthos, to her two clients to the jury - everyone was stunned. No one was quite sure what to do, and so the cameras kept flashing.

Finally, the judge, staring at the girl shouted.

"Bailiff, excuse the jury. Counselors - approach the bench"

Kyatt and the prosecutor approached as the jury was again escorted out of the room, the judge putting on the husher - adding to the sound of the cameras - so no one could overhear the conversation.

The judge first turned to Kyatt.

"Miss Corinthos - what is this?"
"I have no idea your honor."
"This isn't some last minute stunt to get your clients acquitted?"
"No your honor. I had no idea - I still have no idea what she wants to say"

The prosecutor jumped in

"Your honor, this jury has already made up their minds. They have a verdict. I don't think it matters what this girl has to say. The defense rested"

Kyatt turned to the prosecutor with an annoyed grimace on her face.

"I thought you defend justice"

Turning back to the judge

"Your honor - if she has proof that my clients are innocent, it would be an injustice not to allow that testimony on a technicality. If they are innocent, they shouldn't be going to jail. Justice would dictate innocent people be set free. If she can prove their innocence, especially before the verdict has been read, there is no good reason to prevent it."

The judge leaned back in his chair, looking from Kyatt to the prosecutor then back again.

"I am curious as to what she has to say. Here is what I will do. I'll hold the verdict in reserve. If I find the girl's testimony to be relevant and exculpatory, the jury will be allowed to incorporate that and reevaluate their verdict. If not, I won't waste any more time, and I'll read the verdict I already have entered. Clear?"

Kyatt nodded her head, and she and the prosecutor returned to their respective tables as the judge turned off the husher.

"Miss Winton, if you would please approach and take the witness stand. I will ask that the press and audience do their best to keep quiet. Bailiff, call back in the jury."

Dahlia Winton approached the stand, slowly, deliberately, moving to the seat and raising her right hand, the bailiff speaks

"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"

Dahlia nodded
"I do"

"Please be seated"

Kyatt and her colleagues looked over at Dahlia, Kyatt tapping on the table for a minute before speaking.

"Please state your name for the record"
"Dahlia Winton"
"Your last name is Winton?"
"My birth name is Winton. My father was Alexander Winton, Director if Imperial Intelligence under Emperor Dementat."
"Do you have an alias?"

Dahlia had a glint in her eye, but her smile was simple.
"I grew up as Dahlia Gellar-Masterton, the name of my adopted parents, Rutherford Gellar and Celeste Masterton"
"You've taken on the name Winton recently?"
"it's part of the reason I was kidnapped"

The cameras had stopped clicking. Even the photographers were hushed in an effort to hear the story.

"Dahlia - do you know who kidnapped you?"

She nodded her head

"It was a dark jedi"

"You mean a sith?"

Again Dahlia nodded "She kidnapped me, my brother, and my sister"

"She?"

"She called herself 'Adubell' "

"And why did she kidnap you?"

"She said it was for revenge - revenge against my parents - my adopted parents. She wanted to ruin their lives."

"Objection, your honor" the prosecutor rose from his seat, "this is hearsay testimony"

Kyatt again glared at the prosecutor before turning to the judge. "your honor, a little leeway - I haven't had time to prep this witness"

"A LITTLE leeway, Miss Corinthos"

"Thank you"

Kyatt turned back to Dahlia

"She told you all of this?"
"Yes. She had a plan to kidnap me and my siblings. And then to place the blame on someone else"
"Did she tell you who?"

Again Dahlia nodded.

"She told me it was to be someone close to the Gellar family, someone who she also sought vengence on. It was Circe Prescott"

Kyatt appreciated the barely audible gasp from the audience, but kept her demeanor strict. She was as amazed by the testimony as everyone else.

"How did she plan to blame Circe Prescott?"

"Objection - your honor, this testimony is hearsay - we don't even know if this other person exists."

The judge frowned and turned to Dahlia.

"Miss Winton, where is this woman - this dark jedi now?"

"She's dead"

"How did she die?"

"She was hurting me ... she was beating me, and attacking me with lightning from her fingertips."

Dahlia's face went solemn, her eyes watering slightly.

"She lifted me up in the air, as if I weighed nothing, and threw me against walls. She tried choking me. She kept hurting me, and hurting me. Over and over and over"

Dahlia was shaking now, the tears coming down.

"And then she was taking me somewhere - on a ship. And even on the ship, she would hurt me. But she was so close. Her weapon - I saw it, and when she came down to hit me, I ignited it. And it went straight through her. She died because I killed her."

Dahlia was crying now as she shuffled under her clothes.

"I killed her with her own weapon"

And out she pulled the cylinder, Adubell's lightsaber, one end of it caked in dry blood. Dahlia tossed the weapon down on the table in front of her, then covered her face to hide her tears.

**********************************
Hours later ...

The court had recessed, to allow Dahlia to collect herself, and more importantly, for court officers to verify the claim. Dahlia told them where the ship had been landed, and there inside they found the sith woman's body, killed by a lightsaber.

In the interim, Kyatt had had a chance to speak to Dahlia about her testimony, and now was prepared with what she needed.

"Dahlia, how was the sith going to blame Circe Prescott for the kidnapping?"

"She made Circe do all the steps. She told me that Circe Prescott had been 'under her influence' for nearly ten years, and she could make Circe do anything she wanted without Circe even knowing"

"When did Circe fall under the sith's influence?"
"Adubell told me it was soon after the Battle of Centerpoint Station. Circe had been grief-stricken and was visiting the home of Melanie Masterton - and my sister, Karen Winton. That's where Adubell found her, and used her powers on her for the first time. After that, she would visit Circe every time she needed that kind of clearance to get something. Circe never knew about any of it."

"And what about Janessa Kain?"

"Adubell told me she wanted to make sure no one solved the kidnapping too soon. So when the detective was zeroing in on the culprit, Adubell went to Kain when she was vulnerable - and forced her to commit murder. Kain knew nothing about it"

"Now Dahlia, how do we know that Circe and Janessa weren't just working with the sith? How do we know she used her abilities to control them?"

"Adubell told me as much - but I also saw it."
"When? Where?"

"When I was kidnapped. Me and my siblings were in a cave, deep in a dark cave. But Rutherford Gellar, Circe Prescott, and others came to rescue us. They saved my siblings - but when my father was coming to me, I saw the change in him. Saw his face go from brave to frightened. He had been possessed. Possessed by the Force. And he ran - the last time I saw my father was him running away, leaving me"

"Do you blame him, Dahlia?"

"I did - I did at first. But then I realized what happened. She didn't just do it to them. She did it to me. It was part of the torture. I wouldn't remember what happened and wake up with blisters on my arms. Then she would show me a video of me taking hot coals in my hands, blank stare ahead. She did awful things to me. Made me do awful things to myself. I can't blame my father. He wasn't himself.

That's why I had to come here - after ... after I killed her, I came to Chandaar. I had to stop the trial, I had to let the court know that it wasn't their fault"

Kyatt nodded her head.

"Thank you Dahlia. I have no further questions"

*****************************
The jury had disappeared for all of ten minutes before coming back out.

"How do you find?"

"On all counts, we find the defendants not guilty"

The judge nodded his head, turning to Circe and Janessa.

"You are free to go"

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

Ten minutes later, Dahlia stood outside the building, surrounded by cameras, Circe Prescott, now free, standing protectively nearby.

"I think it's dangerous - the power of the Force. The kind of control they can wield on anyone. They can read thoughts, control actions. Anyone is vulnerable. From a teenager, to heads of state. I'm afraid. Afraid I'll be taken again. Afraid I'll be used, beaten, or worse, again."

"Dahlia, you say you fear the sith-"

"Not just the sith. I think anyone who has that kind of power over the force - I worry about how it might be used."

"Even the jedi?"

"I'm not going to stand here talking about the jedi right now. All I know is I want to get far away from them. I want to go home"

"Dahlia-"

But Dahlia was done, and Circe helped part the crowd, along with a handful of republic security, escorting Dahlia to a medical facility to check her injuries before prepping for the trip back to the Corporate Sector.

*****************************
A short distance away, Kyatt was packing up her notes when she was approached, again

"You shouldn't have done that"

Kyatt turned to face the jedi again

"you've said that before"
"what you did - what Dahlia did. It will have consequences far beyond what you see"
"the teenager told the truth about the jedi, and you cowered away. At the moment, I'll be more sympathetic to her."
"It will come back to haunt you. Haunt all of us. Don't say I didn't warn you"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on November 03, 2013, 01:20:01 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The Jedi Nevylinn returns from delivering Gemma Masterton to the Corporate Sector. She had done as she was asked. The Masterton girl is trained and in full control of her abilities. She had grown close to Gemma in their time together and had seen the capacity for good the girl held. There is a deep compassion in her heart. Her potential as a Jedi exceeds, in her humble opinion those which Melanie held. There are latent powers in Gemma that she never saw in Melanie. The healing white light and its ability to cleanse a place or person of the dark side is by far the most impressive. Gemma had essentially exorcized the demons lingering in the ruins of the Greyson Estate on Naboo.

Nevylinn's concerns lay not with faith in Gemma but in the photage of her sister Adubell and the council's request that Gemma conceal any involvement with the Jedi and her newfound abilities. She had obeyed because there must be a sound motive. The Jedi do not act without such yet there is lingering guilt she had not come forward with the identity of the Sith after she encountered Adubell on Korriban let alone after she had been shown the photage. Adubell is the only family she had and there is hesitation to betray her despite their very different lives.

She gains clearance to land and descends through the Senate Hall into the Jedi Chambers below. She is greeted by Jedi Atrii who walks with her.

"I am glad to see you have returned safely."

"Thank you, Donovan. What news is there from the council?"

He turns, "You haven't heard?"

"No," she says. "I chose to meditate throughout most of my journey. You seem tense, my friend. Tell me what troubles you."

"The Winton girl has returned."

"Returned?"

"She escaped her captor and fled to Chandaar where she narrowly averted sentencing in the Prescott-Kain trial. Both have been found not guilty."

Nevylinn sighs, avoiding the major question of Dahlia's escape.

"That is good news."

"Not entirely," Donovan says. "Kaytt Corinthos attempted to subpoena our testimony in her defense of the counselor and liaison."

"Who's testimony?"

"The Jedi. She made waves with her accusations that her clients had committed the acts they were accused of under the influence of the Force and she wanted the Jedi to validate that theory."

"Did you?"

"No but our decision to abstain led to a far greater concern."

Nevylinn frowns, "What happened?"

"Both Counselor Corinthos and Dahlia Winton spoke out against Force users. Not just the Sith. Everyone who shares a connection is now suspect. These statements have ignited a public fear we believe may have dangerous repercussions for us."

"Understandably so," she says, shaking her head. "And where is Dahlia Winton now?"

"The Winton girl was personally escorted back to the Corporate Sector by Counselor Prescott and Janessa Kain. I'm sure you can imagine the headlines and publicity this is generating. The public sentiment is turning."

They reach the inner chambers where Nevylinn decides to inquire.

"What of Dahlia's captor?"

Donovan motions ahead of him as the doors open.

"I'll show you."

Inside, Jedi Atrii moves to a key pad and unlocks a compartment in the wall. He withdraws a small holo-projector which he hands to Nevylinn.

"During her testimony, the Winton girl recounted her torture and escape. She saw an opportunity and took it, slaying the woman with her own lightsaber."

"This was confirmed?"

"Yes," Donovan says. "They found the weapon and body in the shuttle just as the girl described. You can see for yourself."

Nevylinn taps on the projector as a series of images appear. First is the shuttle, the interior and then the weapon and body. She scrolls through what looks like RSB crime scene stills until she gets to the shots of the body. The position is noted, bent over and curled up. Then there is the photage of the face.

Nevylinn gasps.

Lying dead on the floor of a shuttle is her sister, Adubell.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on November 04, 2013, 01:46:57 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Senate Building

Senator Ingrat stood on the platform, his image magnified by the holo-projectors for all the chamber to see.

"It is clear from the events of this past year that the Force is a dangerous, dangerous thing. Certainly, it can be a tool used for good. But there is no doubt the risks of abuse of that power far outweigh the benefits. How do we know when someone has the ability? How do we know that a meeting with a high-ranked official doesn't lead to tampering with that official's mind? We don't.

Therefore, I today am bringing forth a bill to this senate, The Force-User Registration Act. This bill will carry the following three provisions:
First, any and all individuals who are able to use the Force must register with a government database.
Second, individuals who enter any government building or any military complex must consent to a check to see if they are a Force user, or provide documentation of their current status.
Finally any individual who is registered as a Force user or who refuses to be screened for Force sensitivity may be refused admission to any government, military, or other building if there is a concern of abuse."

He paused, glancing around the room. There was murmuring, and confirming his suspicions, the loudest outrage seemed to be coming from the Corellian delegation. He prevented the smile that he was feeling as he continued.

"To address some of the concerns that have been discussed - the jedi, who have, despite being a non-government entity, taken residence in the sub-basement of this chamber. They will be subject to these rules as well. The jedi already have a roster of their members, and therefore, we assume all of them will be registered as Force users. The jedi will be able to enter their offices as they always have. But now the public will know what they know - who they are, and what they are capable of. It will keep us safe, and keep them safe."

Murmuring was growing, protests were shouted, but Shale Apteen, Speaker of the Senate rose to quiet them down.

"The rules of the senate guarantee the Senator the right to propose this bill, and set it for debate. I understand sufficient members have already signed on that it will guarantee a floor vote. I move for this bill to move to debate, and encourage a vibrant discussion. Debate will be capped at three days, after which, it will be up for a vote. I will oversee the debate myself"

His voice was all business, and apparently, despite some aids confusion, he had aided in the bill making it to the floor.
With an iron will, the speaker wielded his authority, with an efficiency that he did not often display, and though he let both sides speak, it was clear he favored the bill being passed, quite to the surprise of some of his closest allies.

It was after the day's session had closed that the representative from Corellia approached him.

"Mr. Speaker, I was a bit surprised by the way that the Force bill came forward"

Shale Apteen turned on him.

"Why, Mr. Representative? it's a valid point. Force users have the ability to sabotage us at the highest levels of government. I for one would like to avoid that."
"But a registry ... it seems excessive."

Apteen's eyes narrowed.
"if the delegation from Corellia finds a bill excessive, perhaps they should have their senator present to make that argument. In Mr. Soldys' absence, the issues of running the Republic have continued, and this is one of them. Tell the senator when he deigns to return to Chandaar, I'll discuss the new law with him. Until then, I have an Empire to defeat and a government to run. Please don't waste any more of my time"

Apteen turned and walked away before the representative could say anything else, but it did definitely leave concern. A few minutes later, he was in the Corellian delegation suite, contacting Coronet.

"I need to speak with the Senator. There has been ... a development"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on December 08, 2013, 03:03:39 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The CSA shuttle carrying Janessa Kain and the security team lands without incident in the main space port in downtown. It had been an uneventful journey on the surface but gave Janessa time to reflect on all that had happened. Before Kaytt had gotten them moved from general rotation, they had suffered abuse at the hands of the other inmates. There were many people who resented their positions despite not having any real connection to how or why the others were incarcerated. That didn't stop them from taking it out on them. Janessa is not a fighter and had nearly been raped twice by the female inmates in the shower. People always made jokes about it because they had no idea that's how things work on the inside. She is no longer laughing. Her bravado is merely a defense mechanism to stave off the guilt and fear that threatened to swallow her whole.

Circe was right. She had murdered Inspector Erbon. The photage shown at the trial was graphic and other worldly. She had watched herself behave in a way she never thought possible. The calculated and brutal way in which she slew the RSB Inspector was not something she could have done on her own but the jury wasn't going to see it that way. Not at first. She thought she was going to be found guilty. Hell, she knows the jury already condemned them both. If Dahlia had not shown up to save the day, she is certain she and Circe would have been put to death. To know that she had been violated by the dark Jedi makes her skin crawl. Before all this, the Force was just something people referenced from the past. She knew the Jedi were still around somewhere but it had been quite some time since they or anyone using the Force had been at the forefront of public attention. After the Battle of Centerpoint and all the coverage that went with it, the Force users simply faded into the background. It's not like they were forgotten entirely but the public chose to focus on more tangible aspects of the worlds. The Republic came into its own and expanded rapidly, gathering world after world that had once been occupied by the Empire.

Janessa was barely twenty-one at the time of the Centerpoint Battle and had spent the ensuing years building her career as the liaison to the Corporate Sector. She loved her work and had sacrificed the traditional benchmarks of marriage and family for that work. She preferred the scandalous nature of sex and her many trysts with politicians, executives and even Garron Prescott served to satiate a need beyond what a woman is supposed to want. She was like a man except far more attractive.

The judge and jury had acquitted her and the Direx Board bestowed their forgiveness and rallied support but she wonders what her reputation would be like back in the Republic. She had, after all, killed a man. Would her contacts view her as the victim of a horrific scheme or as a murderess? It would factor heavily into her business relationships. Trust is an important part of these deals. Many who had once been aligned with her found themselves questioning that loyalty during the trial. The Direx Board's confidence is a start but would it be enough?

Janessa steps off the shuttle flanked by the security team. There is a transport waiting to take her back to her apartment. The team is stationed outside the building as well as her door. She is finally alone and she lets out a huge sigh. She takes a nap then showers and changes into a tight embellished blouse, pencil skirt and thick black heels. Staring at herself in the mirror, she hardly recognizes this person. She looks just as she always has – dark, narrow eyes, flawless skin and full lips – but she feels different. She slips on her glasses and a jacket then grabs her appointment datapad and heads out the door.

The team moves as she moves, close but not too close. They are tall, hulking men in suits that could blend in an out of the city bustle. In the transport, she requests to be taken to the offices of Solem, Lancing, Wray and Corinthos. The ride over is quiet and gives her time to think about the things Rutherford and Kylie said. Were they still in danger? Would they all be punished for their association with the Gellar-Masterton's? It seemed trite after all this time. The sins of The Four or their families were part of the past now. Why would anyone still care? Clearly, someone does as they had gone to great lengths to put the screws to Rutherford and his family.

The Severyn Corporate Tower lies just on the north side of Inverness Park with spectacular views into the grounds below. Janessa is cleared by the building security and takes the lifts up to the firm's floor. The office is bustling with legal aides and associates scrambling. She waves at Avery and catches site of Brennan escorting two frazzled looking citizens into a conference room. She stops by the reception desk and asks for Kaytt. The receptionist verifies while putting several calls on hold and waves her away.

Kaytt is finishing up on a com-call when she enters. Tapping off, she smiles.

"I didn't know you were back in town. When did you get in?"

"A few hours ago," Janessa says. "This place is a madhouse. I take it business is good?"

Kaytt shakes her head.

"You have no idea. Ever since the trial ended and the Senate announced the Force user registration, this office has been flooded with calls. Apparently, everyone who committed a crime now asserts they were under the influence of the Force and cannot be held responsible for their actions. It's insane. Since I'm the one who scored the victory on that front, narrowly I might add, I'm the one everyone wants to represent them."

"Flattering but highly improbable, right? I mean, not everyone who did something bad was coerced."

"Exactly," Kaytt says. "But that's not how the narrative is playing out. The public is terrified and now believes their minds can be hijacked by the Jedi or anyone with Force ability and made to do these unspeakable things. It's become the scapegoat for any violent crime. RSB is overwhelmed and we cannot handle the sheer volume of cases being tossed our way. Speaker Apteen is not helping matters by inciting this kind of public panic."

"That seems a bit aggressive. I thought he was far more rational than that."

"So did I."

Janessa's face falls.

"I just wanted to thank you."

"You don't have to."

"Yes, I do. You fought for us and almost lost even though you knew there was something more going on."

"If you want to thank anyone, thank Dahlia Winton."

"We already did," Janessa says. "Profusely."

"How is she holding up?"

"Better than I would be given all she's been through. Counselor Prescott is still in the Sector with the Gellar-Masterton family."

Kaytt nods, "I heard she was on personal leave."

"Do you blame her?"

"No but I'm surprised you are back so quickly. I take it the Direx Board was eating their words by the time you arrived."

"They were quite complimentary, yes. I was given their full confidence to resume my duties representing them."

"I am glad to hear it. Are you okay?"

"I will be."

"What is it?"

They had been friends a long time and there was no sense in keeping anything from her. Janessa holds her gaze.

"Do you think we are still a threat to whoever did this?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I heard you told Vex Sienna that anyone with connections to the Gellar-Masterton's or The Four may be targets."

"It was a possibility I was exploring."

"Well, according to Garron Prescott, that now includes you."

Kaytt ignores the bleeping of her desk com.

"How so?"

"I went to dinner with Garron, Circe and a woman named Kylie Miranda."

Kaytt makes a face, "Yes, I remember her. She wasn't exactly hospitable to me during my visit."

"She's protective of the family."

"And I was protecting my clients."

"I'm not calling your intentions into question here, Kaytt. I just want to know if your theory still stands. Kylie mentioned that you implied these events may have a shared, deeper connection to the family…to The Four."

Kaytt shifts her weight and moves around her desk.

"I think the individuals targeted were not random and they do share a common thread. Circe Prescott was part of the Jedi Masterton's team who barely escaped an Imperial assault on Arbra then fled to Corellia. She was the sole survivor of that team when she was sent by the Jedi herself to appeal to the Republic for help."

"Help which they did not provide."

"True but survivors guilt made her vulnerable to influence as the photage showed when she was approached by the dark Jedi on Hesperidium. You work with the Corporate Sector and have a business relationship with Rutherford Gellar. That proximity and your intoxicated state made you an obvious target when the Inspector got too close to the truth. Given Dahlia's testimony, it is clear that the dark Jedi wanted the Gellar-Masterton's to suffer and it did not matter who got hurt in the process. Celeste Masterton, Garron Prescott, Kylie Miranda and even Vex Sienna were also possible targets given their associations both past and present."

"And now you, with Dahlia's help, freed Circe and I from charges that were supposed to put us both out of commission permanently."

"Making me a target as well."

"Yes," Janessa says. "I say this out of concern for you. You've done so much to help and I would hate for that to put you in any danger. Before I left the Sector, Rutherford Gellar provided me with an Espos security detail as a precaution. He suggested you request one from the Republic as well."

Kaytt smiles slyly.

"I'm touched but on what grounds? I would have to site a reason for the request and I can't go on a hunch."

"Dahlia's testimony is reason enough. They wanted to hurt her parents, make them suffer and they would use people close to them to do it. Circe and I were already victims. You would just be taking preventative measures to ensure it doesn't happen again. Garron said he doesn't believe this is over and we don't know if the dark Jedi was acting alone."

Kaytt swallows hard. It is a question she had asked herself many times after the trial concluded but she had been so caught up in the aftermath that she had yet to fully come to any conclusions that made sense. The Republic was focused on the registration of Force users with the public in the throes of paranoia and accusation. Dahlia never mentioned any others involved. It was just the dark Jedi who orchestrated their kidnapping and held them prisoner. That may be what they saw because that is what they were all meant to believe.

"You are right. I'm sorry for doubting you. I'll request one from the RSB if they can spare the manpower right now."

"Thank you. I'll let you get back to it. I've got clients to sway."

"That's right. With the Federation out of the game, the market is wide open."

"I'm counting on it."

"Good luck," Kaytt says.

"You too."

Janessa leaves the tower with the security team in place around her. She would head to the Senate building and make her presence known. They would need a show of confidence and assurances that it was business as usual.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on December 09, 2013, 01:11:18 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Senate Building

The trial was sensational enough, but no one could have imagined the momentum it generated toward the Force-User Registration Act. All across Chandaar, and in the nearer Republic worlds, talk of the act and its implications filled discussions in public forums, town halls, speeches, scholarly discussions. And while there were those opposed to it, it seemed as if a clear and vocal majority favored it.

At the same time, a companion bill was also making its way through the Senate, garnering almost as much press and attention: The Force User Criminal Behavior Act. It made it a Class-1 felony to use the Force in the commission of a crime, or to manipulate another to commit a crime. It made it a Class-2 felony to use the Force to manipulate any individual against their will, or to use the Force if not registered as a Force user (subject to the passage of the Force User Registration Act). Finally, it added a provision that though Force manipulation could be an affirmative defense in a criminal trial, the defense had the entire burden of proving an individual was manipulated by the Force to commit the crime for which they were charged. This last provision was to prevent what was happening all across the Republic - the claim that individuals were innocent because they were manipulated to commit the crime by Force users.

In this atmosphere, growingly hostile to the jedi, and suspicious of many, Senator Artemis Soldys returned to Chandaar, immediately arranging to meet with Speaker shale Apteen.

The change hit him almost the minute he stepped into the Speaker's office. The Speaker's handshake was stiff, his eyes cold, his lips pursed in a serious expression. Previously, the two had been colleagues and friends. Now it seemed no more.

"Glad to see you back at your post, Senator Soldys. What is it you want?"
"I want to talk to you about the Registration bill"

The speaker shook his head
"Of course you do."

Artemis continued.

"Your setting up a system of suspicion, paranoia. it will breed hate"
"It will breed caution, not to mention openness."
"It will hurt the jedi who have been -"

This time, the Speaker cut him off
"Who have been residing in our basement and providing nothing in return. They are secretive, and follow their own agenda with their own motives. When was the last time the jedi stood up for the Republic?"

Artemis sighed.
"They defended us at Corellia"

Apteen let out a huffed laugh. "One jedi protected her friend from their ex-friend who was also a force user, at a time and place where the Republic was not involved. Your best example is ten years stale, and still has holes in it"
"No Mr. Speaker - with all due respect, that fight is a symbol of what the jedi protect us from. The sith. Were it not for the Jedi, the sith would be ruling the galaxy with an iron-clad fist. We need them for protection from THAT threat"

"This law will protect us from that threat, and the jedi, who do nothing except care for their own, will be obsolete. let them hide in their basement. They'll continue to do nothing and say nothing for the Republic. If they want to prove themselves, neither of these laws will prevent that. We'll know who they are, and what they can do, and they can try defending us like that. Was there anything else, Senator?"

Artemis was speechless, almost out of surprise at the hostile town the Speaker had toward the jedi - what had happened in the months he was gone.

But Apteen wasn't waiting for an answer, already moving toward the door.

"Then you had best head to the floor for your vote. It will be your first in months, so I hope you remember what to do"
"I had responsibilities on Corellia"
"Your job is to represent Corellia here. You weren't doing your job. Corellia has enough capable hands that they don't need you. Go vote, senator, or run back to your world, but either way, get out of my office"

**************************
Soldys spent the next hour trying to speak with as many senators as he could, trying to garner enough support to halt the vote, just a little bit, just for a short while, to buy himself some time. The Speaker was right - he had been away too long, and his sudden return didn't carry with it the political capital sticking around would have had. The vote on both the registration bill and the crime bill passed.

Implementation of the registration system was complex, and the registration requirement would not be completely imposed for another year. Artemis had failed to stop the bill from passing, but he would spend the next year fighting with all his strength to make sure it was never implemented. He was heading back to his office, head hung in defeat when someone approached from behind him.

"We could have used you a bit earlier, senator"

Artemis stopped and turned to face Donavan Atrii.

"It seems everyone has that opinion. The speaker, you. There were issues at Corellia that-"

Donavan held up his hand. "I was not blaming you. You need to do what is best for Corellia. But your voice is one of the strongest in the Senate, and we needed strong voices to stop these laws. Something dangerous is coming. We cannot place it for sure, but we know it's there, slowly but surely, and one day, we won't be here to stop it."

"there is still time, Master Donavan. A year before the law is implemented"
"It will be hard to fight a popular law saying we need to keep less secrets. But our concern is that this is just the first step in a larger plot against the jedi and the Republic."

"Ingrat might be a selfish, egotistical politician, but he isn't trying to undermine the Republic. It's his source of power"
"Ingrat might have proposed the bill - but we don't think he thought of it himself. It's too calculated, even for him"
"Then who? Who drafted this bill, knowing what it would do?"

Donavan frowned.
"We don't know - but we don't have that much time to figure it out"
"I'll help you any way I can."

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on December 19, 2013, 02:15:22 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril: Senate Building

The Jedi High Council stood in the ante-chamber of Speaker Apteen's office. In the past, meetings like this had been friendly, although serious in nature. But at the moment, they all felt betrayed by Apteen's support of the new laws, and his recent behavior toward the jedi. No one was quite sure what to expect.

A secretary ushered them in, offering little hint of the meeting ahead.

As they entered, they found the Speaker sitting at his desk, perusing a series of datapads. They waited in silence for a minute - a rather uncomfortable minute - before he looked up.

"Thank you for coming"

The Council leader, Jedi Master Ven Agnant, took a step forward.

"We are always honored to be called before the speaker. I imagine this is to discuss the recently passed laws in the senate?"

Apteen offered a smirk and shook his head.

"Incorrect, Master Agnant. I called you here because of the war with the Empire"

There was some fluster among the jedi, Apteen's cool eyes scanning the council before returning to Agnant.

"I was under the assumption that protecting the Republic was more important to the jedi than politics in the capital ... unless I was mistaken?"

Agnant's face hardened, though his words remained polite.

"Protecting the people of the Republic is the jedi's primary concern, however the Council-"

Apteen cut him off.

"I am sure the jedi has many opinions about a great many things, Master Agnant. But like with everyone else, there is a process. Be they citizens or servants of the Republic, there are responsibilities and processes that need to be followed. If you want to address a law that lawfully passed, there is a process to be followed. And I called you here to fulfill your responsibilities to the Republic."

Apteen took the silence as assent, and lifted a small clicker and pressed the button, illuminating a small 2-dimensional galaxy map, showing the Republic's territories as well as bordering imperial worlds.

"The Empire was thrown back from the Wheel, where our scouts report they had been trying to set up a forward base of operations inside the gravity well nets, to increase their flexibility with attacks. We managed to dislodge them from there - and now have a regular patrol in the Besh Gorgon system to ensure the void there isn't filled by enemies - and the Empire has proceeded to a more conventional war plan. The nets successfully have reduced the number of targets for them, but they are hitting a series of border worlds on our northern border. Bandomeer in particular is under heavy pressure, due to its proximity to the Braxant run, a major corridor to imperial territory. A large Republic force was sent there to hold back the Empire, but more strikes are occurring all along the Hydian Way. The Empire has managed to besiege the Hydian Way, preventing the speedy delivery of supplies to our forces, and hurting commerce. I've heard reports that even the Corporate Sector is feeling some of the sting of the seiged trade routes."

"And how will you be dealing with it?"

"I will be sending the jedi to lead a series of military teams to attack each of the imperial choke points. With the Hydian Way clear, I intend on taking the battle on the offensive, pushing the Empire out of the north and suring up our defenses"

"Why the jedi?"

"Because, Master Agnant, that is your job. In the days of the Old Republic, the Jedi were the leaders of the military. The Jedi's organizational skills and ability to unite as a strong force made the efforts more effective. I know the Empire has sith fighting for them. We all know it. And the recent debacle certainly puts to rest any belief the sith are gone. We need jedi to combat those forces."

Agnant nodded. "the jedi, of course, can and will serve, but we feel as though our hands were tied by this new legislation. We are to be trusted to lead the military, but not to walk on the streets of Chandaar?"

Apteen's face showed clear annoyance, even contempt as he spoke

"I would have thought you would see this as an opportunity to do your duty to the Republic - and show the Republic that the jedi can be trusted. If you show the people the good you can do, the law might very well change. I will be submitting assignments for the jedi within a few days time, and expect all jedi to be deployed within two weeks. Any questions?"

The jedi glanced at each other, in silence, and Apteen nodded.

"Excellent. You are dismissed."

The jedi seemed surprised at the sudden dismissal, or perhaps, noted how unsurprised they were, based on the Speaker's flippant attitude. They turned and began filing out, just as the Speaker said.

"Oh, and I expect the jedi to be fully registered under the new law before you all depart."

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on December 24, 2013, 09:39:12 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril: Jedi Chamber

The jedi had reassembled in their basement home beneath the senate building, hushed by the weight of change that had come over them. It had occurred to them that in a room full of jedi that the Speaker was unperturbed by the possibility that they might do what so many seemed afraid of them doing - manipulating his mind.

Maybe he didn't fear them. Maybe this was about something else for him.

But for all of them, the reality was clear - the Speaker was effectively taking the jedi out of the scene during the months when the new laws would be in the most precarious state. They couldn't fight against the law if they weren't there. it also put them - most of them anyways - in harms way, and in a place where they could be blamed if the war went badly.
The room carried not only the jedi masters, but many of the lower ranked jedi as well.

The conversation was started by a younger jedi. "Master Agnant, are we expected to obey these orders?"

The oldest of the jedi took his seat, silent for several minutes, and in doing so, hushing the other jedi from their murmuring. Finally, he spoke.

"We must obey these orders. For all of our concerns of the current reality, the Speaker did speak the truth - if we are to protect the Republic and its people, we must do so. Maybe we have been keeping a low profile for too long, preparing to fight an existential threat, without responding to the actual threats. The galaxy used to see us as guardians of peace and justice, now they see us as a secret society. We not only will obey these orders, but we will use it to portray ourselves in a new light."

The other jedi in the room whispered for a minute before one again spoke up

"And what about the registration?"

It was a trickier issue. Marking jedi as targets in a way others would not be. And yet, Master Agnant just nodded his head.

"We have nothing to hide. All jedi are known to be jedi. The law won't change that"
"But it will put all of our names in a book somewhere"

"The book already exists, Master Yin-Go. We will obey the law, as citizens of the Republic, as guardians of the laws that are passed. This is how we fight without fighting."

Agnant had a commanding presence, even among his colleagues and they deferred to his voice, consenting with nods or small whispers. Finally, he nodded his head.

"Very well, as to these assignments. Each master will take two younger jedi to support their assignments at the following locations:
Master Yin-Go, you will be assigned to the fleet at Ruuria.
Master Waring, you will be assigned to the fleet at Telos.
Master Bolden, you will be assigned to the fleet at Toprawa.
Master Chinyani, you will be assigned to the fleet at Taris.
I will lead a contingent of six jedi to bolster us at Bandomeer and assist with pushing back the Empire.
Master Manoth, you will be assigned to the fleet at Junction, and will also be responsible for tasks at the Besh Gorgon system.
I will also be assigning a jedi to liason with the Corporate Sector, and I believe Jedi Nevylinn is most suited to that task.

As to matters here, I am leaving Master Donavan in charge of the academy, and for responding to the current political situation. He has indicated we may have a stalwart ally from Corellia. They will be working together on how to incorporate the Corellian western and northwestern fleets with the rest of the Republic's north fleets, and will also develop a strategy for combating the new registration laws.

Your orders are given - everyone is to do as required. fill out the registration information, and take a jedi transport device to your assigned location, within one week of today. Dismissed."

The jedi bowed and began filing out, when Master Agnant spoke out.

"Nevylinn - come here"

Nevylinn turned, waiting for the rest to leave until she was alone with Agnant.

"Yes, Master?"

"In the Corporate Sector, you will be required to liason with the Direx Board. They are not unfriendly with the Empire, and in fact, the Empire, I understand has partial ownership of some of their corporate entities. But the Sector doesn't like some of the trade barriers the Empire has established."

"I understand Master"

"You must be careful - you should consider it like any other enemy territory. There will be those there who would like nothing better than to stab you behind the back."

Nevylinn nodded solemnly, again responding.

"Yet that is not why you assigned me there."

"No, Nevylinn. I want you to also keep an eye on the young Gellar-Mastertons. They have gone through quite an ordeal, to be sure. But each of them no doubt took something different out of it. You trained Gemma as a jedi. Dane, I've heard, has hardened his shell. And none of us are certain about young Dahlia."

Nevylinn thought back to face of her dead sister in the shuttle.

"She escaped the sith"
"The council has worried that perhaps she was meant to escape. We just don't know why. Keep an eye on her. On all of them. I trust you with this assignment"

"I will not let you down, Master Agnant"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on February 13, 2014, 10:22:37 PM

"who is gonna break the ice
no room for shallow alibis
who will be the first to bite
or do we keep on playing nice
until the next time…"

-Silversun Pickups "Cannibal"

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The clash between civil rights activists and the ruling government body has been intense yet done little to repeal the Force User Registration Act. Counselor Circe Prescott was introduced to a handful of Senator's, including Senator Artemis Soldys of Corellia, opposed to the law. They had been given floor time within the Senate chamber but despite their most convincing arguments, Speaker Apteen remained unconvinced. With other Senator's backing his play, it seems the law was in place to stay at least for now.

The citizens of Chandaar and other Republic worlds have been deeply divided on the issue. On one hand, it speaks to the safety and greater public good. On the other, it treads along a fine line between government control and the personal right to privacy. Protests had cropped up throughout the capital. Some had remained peaceful and others, not as much. The Republic Security Bureau have since increased their forces around the Senate building and surrounding downtown area. Director Drakos and his agents do their best to keep the peace.

Counselor Prescott and Senator Soldys meet privately with Speaker Apteen but getting the meeting had been a challenge in and of itself. Artemis was cautious yet skeptical of Apteen's insistence this was the best course of action for the Republic as a whole. Apteen himself seemed surprised Circe, a victim of Force manipulation for many years, would be so quick to protest. She argues that one user does not poison the entire population and should not create a new generation of Force sensitives afraid to come forward with their identities. Artemis also brings up a solid point – fear of registration may dissuade some from seeking out the Jedi and their peaceful teachings and turn directly to the dark side as a form of retribution. Circe concurs, citing the law could be construed as persecution. Speaker Apteen, with a cold and unwavering stare, cares not for such things and sends them both away.

*

Elsewhere in Ambaril, Janessa Kain now grapples with a market flooded with internal vendors. The CEC acquisition of Federation holdings caused quite the ripple of surprise. She had been broadsided by the sudden unforeseen turn and the call from Iver Aguilar made things very clear with just how displeased everyone is.

Janessa has to course correct quickly, given the Corporate Sector's quest for market dominance. She evaluates the most prominent CSA vendors operating within the Republic and attempts to calculate how each would be affected. Some look fairly grim, given the proximity and political standing Corellia has. Others would not be threatened. Considering Corellia and the Federation's history with droids, it is unlikely Cybot Galactica's shares would change dramatically. This also rings true of ChemiX as a central supplier of medication. Ships and weapons, however, would have to alter marketing strategy in order to remain even remotely competitive. It is not a conversation she is looking forward to having but compiles the report and copies Aguilar.

She returns home to shower and change just in time to meet Kaytt Corinthos and Kinsa Cavanaugh for dinner. Kinsa is a socialite from an extremely wealthy family who founded and operates Cavanaugh Hotels Galactic, a string of luxury properties on many key worlds. The Hotel Ovallus is their signature property in downtown Ambaril. The trial had significantly raised Kaytt's profile and thrust her into the public spotlight, especially in connection to the mysterious appearance of the lost Winton royal. Her firm has done very well for themselves, increasing business almost three hundred percent since the trial ended. Janessa was the subject of much debate in the press and on the Holo commentary channels. She was viewed as a vicious killer who got off scot free or a seductive victim of a much larger conspiracy. This reputation seems to wield considerable clout and instill fear with the Republic vendors. It certainly makes them easier to handle.

They dine at the newly opened restaurant The Populist which lies adjacent to Inverness Park West. People stare as they are seated at a prominent table. There are perks of being local celebrities even for infamous antics or coerced brutality. They discuss the hot button topics over cocktails. It all feels so strangely familiar to the night Janessa murdered Inspector Erbon and she pauses, martini glass in hand, and wonders if others may be thinking the same thing. The details of the events leading up to the slaying were recounted in court, not that Kinsa had been much help. She was an unreliable witness at best. Janessa suddenly feels very exposed as the weight of her actions back up on her. She excuses herself and weaves through the restaurant to the ladies room.

In front of the mirror, she takes several deep breathes and tries to collect herself. Get it together, Janessa. You are tougher than this. She had navigated sexual trysts with some of the Republic's most powerful politicians and captains of industry. Surely a pesky murder she fully committed while her mind was hijacked by some kid-stealing Sith sociopath wouldn't slow her stride. Yet it has. Perhaps Circe was right. Her cavalier attitude toward the events is detached and devoid of emotional involvement. She hasn't really dealt with it at all and the cracks are beginning to show. Janessa ignores the whispers of the women who stare at her as they pass.

How does one cope with something so heinous?

She swallows hard, straightens up and walks back into the restaurant.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on February 28, 2014, 12:53:13 PM

Bandomeer: War Front, Southern End of Braxant Run
Orbit

With the jedi now leading the Republic forces against the imperial assaults - mostly from the north, the war had become a heavy back and forth. The Republic currently held every world along the Hydian Way's northern corridor, but they continued to struggle to hold it. Imperial attacks came often, and strong. The Republic had been forced to retreat from Bandomeer and Junction, and in retaking those holdings from the Empire, had suffered significant casualties facing imperial fortified positions.

Even after retaking Bandomeer, the easiest point of entry and exit with imperial territory, the planet was hard to hold. Residents did not provide support for either entity, which hurt the Republic's democratic ways far more than the imperials brutal control. With limited support from the ground, the fleet was forced to have it's reinforcements, supplies, and troops ferried from other worlds.

Master Agnant, to help relieve some of the supply issues, had ordered constructed in orbit a dozen supply platforms, and to strengthen the republic hold on the world, two golan platforms and four starfighter platforms. That was in addition to sector fleet that was stationed there, with dozens of mon calimari cruisers and corellian dreadnaughts, plus support craft.

As expected, Bandomeer was serving both as the first line of defense against the Empire, while simultaneously being a launching point to take the war on the offensive.

The Empire, rather than engaging fleet-on-fleet with the Republic, and potentially incurring severe losses of their own, had been attacking outlying ships, sending in mini-fleets to engage with smaller portions of the Republic fleet, dishing out as much damage as possible, and then slipping away before reinforcements could get close enough to join in. Battles occurred on a near daily basis, never in the same place twice, and the Republic fleet, while not suffering any significant casualties of its own, was having morale plummet.

This of course, led to infighting and second guessing, especially between the mon calimari cruiser groups, led primarily by the mon calimari themselves, or captains from the northern parts of the Republic, and the corellian cruiser groups, mostly commanded by corellians and southern Republicans.

The Empire had just completed a raid, destroying corellian corvette, and causing minor hull damage on a corellian dreadnaught, and Master Agnant was refereeing an argument between two captains.

"If Captain Nerys had responded faster, I wouldn't have lost my ship"

The wide-eyed calimari made a snorting noise.

"Captain Fletcher's gun firing patterns made it impossible for us to move in any faster. he didn't even send out the proper request for reinforcements, he ..."

Interruption. Yelling, shouting. Agnant sighed then bellowed out in as commanding a voice as he could.

"Gentlemen, STOP! This is unacceptable! I am tired of us fighting each other. We lost a ship today - we lost PEOPLE today, and the attrition we suffer every day of this war makes it all the more important that we work together, not against each other. If you cannot work together, I will be having my jedi take command of your ships, and your fleets. Do I make myself clear?"

Both captains begrudingly agreed.

"Good - now we took back Bandomeer nearly a month ago, and yet we are still on the defensive. This is our problem. The Empire knows we are here, knows we cannot leave, and by continuing to make these raids, prevents us from going on the offensive with any coherence. We need to break free of those expectations, and we need to strike the Empire soon.

Our scouts are reporting the imperial fleet is currently stationed at Garqi, in the middle of the Braxant run, and we have found smaller ship groups, matching those raiding us, at Dathomir and Ithor, on either side of the run.

I am ordering the Junction fleet to take control of Dathomir and set up a permanent outpost there and at Vinsoth. The Taris fleet is moving on Ithor, and we will be sending our fleet to Garqui. Timing is crucial. Once the defensive platforms are done being constructed here, we will be able to move forward, but we cannot let the Empire keep hitting us as they have. I need you two to reorganize your fleets - integrated if necessary - to better be able to respond to imperial raids and to be ready to depart from Bandomeer at a moment's notice. the imperial raids not only hit us, they guarantee the empire knows our positioning every day.

Let's surprise them."

"Yes sir"

"Yes sir"

The two captains saluted and departed, leaving the jedi master to his thoughts.

He hated war, and this one seemed destined to go on forever. The Empire was not taking its usual full strength approaches, but Master Agnant wasn't sure whether that meant Emperor Schrag was becoming more tactful in his attacks, of if for some reason, the Empire didn't want to be advancing in this war.

And if that was the case, why?

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on March 21, 2014, 02:15:08 PM

Bandomeer: War Front, Southern End of Braxant Run
Orbit

It was a welcomed level of cooperation. In the last few weeks, the republic fleet at Bandomeer had been, as ordered, more responsive to imperial raids. Attrition and casualties were down, and the number of raids had diminished as well.

All but one of the defensive platforms were now operational.

Even better, the Republic fleets had managed to take and hold Dathomir and Ithor, relieving pressure further. Scouts reported imperial ships had fallen back to Phaeda and Agamar, with the largest showing of force still based at Garqui. The relieved pressure and defenses at Bandomeer allowed Jedi Master Agnant to prepare for an assault onto an imperial centralized world, which, if successful, could cripple the imperial offensive.

Scouts had already been reporting regularly the whereabouts of Garqui's ships, as well as those now at Phaeda and Agamar.

it was time to put the attack plan into action.

Sitting at the table was Master Agnant, and a dozen higher-level captains stationed with him. Disagreement between northern and southern Republic captains had abated, but there was still distrust, and disagreement as to how to proceed forward. Agnant himself had heard both sides of the argument. On the one hand, a straight forward, direct attack with massive forces, surprise in nature, could work. On the other, a more subtle, drawn out, seige-like campaign seemed more reliable. The Republic, after all, had a stronger force.

It was after listening to both sides that Agnant decided the course of action was a mix of the two.

"We know the imperials have been using surprise raids against us, and it has been effective in the past. I believe it's time we try utilizing some of those same tactics to distract them. If we deploy a sizable enough force to attack other targets, the imperials may be drawn to reinforce them"

"What other target? Garqui is clearly the next line of attack"

"What if instead of hitting Garqui as our main target, we make that the distraction? Devote enough of a force there to make it look serious, but hit something else instead. A bigger target."

The room quieted down as the map projection appeared, zooming in

"You want to hit Bastion?"

Agnant glanced over the map.

"Bastion is , as you all know, the capital world of the northern portion of the Empire. Taking Bastion would mean the war ends in the north, and efforts could shift to hitting the empire in the west"

"But Bastion is one of the most secure planets in the galaxy. Plus, getting that deep into imperial territory would be impossible. One interdictor cruiser, and the entire assault is blown."

"The Empire would not expect the attack. And that's been the problem with us in the past. We've been predictable. If we hit Bastion from a different direction, not taking the Braxant Run, but hitting from a deep space location, we could bypass most of the imperial territory"

"But Bastion itself has superior defenses, and probably interdiction set up in its deep space?"
"True - that's why this attack has to be planned, step by step, with no room for error. I've already sent scouts ahead, to over a dozen imperial worlds, including Bastion and the surrounding worlds.

The plan of attack would be in several stages.

One - begin the assault on Garqui, with enough of a fleet to show a true threat. the Imperials will be forced to respond, and if all goes right, it will appear to be our main front.
Two - we have the mass of our fleet waiting in deep space, near Bastion itself
Three - a smaller surgical strike is made, taking out any interdiction between the main fleet and Bastion
Four - we move in, hit the world hard. Disable or destroy anything we can, most importantly ship building and communication equipment. Keeping the world is unlikely, but the success of the raid would set back the Empire potentially years or decades. By the time reinforcements come to Bastion, it will be too late.

This plan requires the utmost level of confidentiality. The plan fails of the imperials learn about it, and I trust your discretion. Your datapads include your particular assignments. We meet again in 48 hours to review. Dismissed"

Agnant was already going over the maps again as the captains filed out.

***********

Captain Fletcher was back on his own ship, reviewing his orders, when he was struck by a sudden urge. Moving to his bed, he pulled from beneath his pillow a small cylindrical comm unit, activating it.

"Lord Erinbol, there have been developments you should be aware of"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on June 11, 2014, 01:26:54 PM

Braxant Run: Grid L-3, Deep Space: Staging Area

The plan had been proceeding well. With defenses strengthened, the republic had begun a sizeable assault on the imperial world of Garqui, enough to force the Empire to respond with the threat. that assault, already a few days old, was extending out, and resulting in more and more imperial ships being present. The battle was looking to be drawn out.
Which of course, was exactly the plan.

The rest of the Republic assault fleet was stationed in the Deep Space of Grid L-3, north of Dantooine, east of Bastion. It was an empty, empty space, with little but star dust there.

Here, the fleet ran regular systems checks, making sure everything was totally functionally, preparing for the battle ahead.

Meanwhile, republic scout ships were providing consistent flows of information of Bastion, Bastion's deep space, and the surrounding systems. As the attack at Garqui progressed, reports showed that the imperials were pulling defenses from Bastion to sure up Garqui.

The fleet also had its own counter-intelligence, making sure no imperial vessels appeared to reveal their location. Not that the empire had any reason to look for them here.

Jedi Master Agnant watched anxiously as the final report came in - an interdiction cruiser in Bastion's Deep Space had been there for about two months now, and had to be destroyed. A handful of ships were moving away from the fleet, and a few minutes later, flashed into hyperspace.

Agnant nodded his head, glancing at the comm sequence.

"Proceed with the countdown. The next phase of the attack will begin in 30 minutes"

Bastion Deep Space

The Republic vessels exited hyperspace just outside of the known location of the imperial interdictor cruiser, protected by a swarm of TIE fighters. The ships moved into the field, opening heavy fire on the interdictor, while sending out their own X-Wings and A-Wings to counter the imperial defenses. B-Wings and Y-Wings were deployed as well, sneaking past the combat space patrol and letting loose hundreds of torpedoes and concussion missiles.

Their target - the interdictor's communications array, and its gravity well cones.

The interdictor and its defense fought back, but they were heavily out-gunned. Captain Fletcher, in charge of the assault, glancing at his own clock, called the comm.

"We are at 28 minutes. We need that gravity well down in the next two minutes"
"Yes sir"

As the seconds ticked by, the fighting seemed to grow more intense, but in a flashy ball of fire, the gravity cones burst, sending debris every which way, and just in time.

"Contact the main fleet - tell them they are clear for Bastion"

As the message was sent out, Captain Fletcher pulled from his pocket a comm unit, tapping it several times before again returning it to his pocket. He blinked his eyes, shook his head, as it was confirmed the fleet received his communication.

"Alright, finish off the interdictor, and then we can join the fleet"

But at that moment, the sensor officer yelled out.

"Sir - we are picking up gravity distortions - from all over deep space. small gravity wells forming a perimeter around this area"

Fletcher ran over to the sensor officer, looking at the data.

"It looks like - they have federation gravity-well nets. And they have just been activated"
"No - that's ... contact the fleet! Warn them!"

The officer tapped a few buttons.

"I cannot sir. Something is wrong with the comm. We cannot reach the fleet"

Fletcher took a breath, then moved to the local comm unit.

"All hands - the battle is not over. It has just begun. We need to do everything we can to help the fleet. They don't know what's coming"

"Sir - imperial ships have just exited hyperspace"
"How many?"
"dozens sir - more coming"

Fletcher grasped his chair, watching the viewport as star destroyers and their support craft appeared.

"We're done for"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on June 15, 2014, 12:19:23 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Selene Silvestri doesn't know how close she is.

She had broken into the journalism scene just out of university and was scooped up by the largest Holo network in the Republic. Her personality and inquisitive nature made her easily likeable but she had the look that somehow made the public connect with her on another level entirely. She had become the most recognizable face in journalism and her nightly round-up broadcast was watched by millions. She had won acclaim for her coverage of the Prescott-Kain trial and was in the courtroom when a battered young girl revealed herself to be a Winton. Interviews with Kaytt Corinthos following the trial were raw and powerful as she spoke from the heart about truth prevailing over a system who wished to condemn her clients despite reasonable doubt. The recent shift in public focus had pushed Selene out into the field as opposed to simply reporting from behind a desk.

Speaker Apteen's introduction of the Force User Registration Act had deeply divided the citizens with strong opinions on both sides. Protests for and against the law had cropped up in and around the capital in the months that followed the landmark decision by the Senate. She reviews photage in the editing room of a protest last week that turned violent. She was interviewing Counselor Circe Prescott, an outspoken critic of the law and a civil rights advocate when the RSB began gassing the crowds. Protestors fought back and the demonstration descended into chaos in the middle of downtown Ambaril. Selene's crew had captured it all as she and the Counselor only managed to escape with the help of Corellian Senator Artemis Soldys. The story quickly evolved from violation of a Force sensitive's civil rights to the increasing militant nature in which the RSB has been conducting themselves. Inspector Laird Drakos could not be reached for comment.

Selene withdraws the data card and slips in another. It is photage from after the Prescott-Kain trial and the Counselor was escorting Dahlia Winton down the steps for the courthouse. She skips forward then pauses as Dahlia glances over her shoulder and seems to stare right at the cam. The gaze is unnerving yet full of mystery and allure. She is no stranger to the appeal.

Selene had grown up on Chandaar and, like most girls her age, had taken their fashion cues from The Four throughout their teenager years. The Republic wasn't what it is today and the Imperial marketing campaign graced the billboards of their city as it had in cities across the galaxy. Stories tall images of Karen and Valerie leered and pouted out over the population, driving boys wild and girls into fits of jealousy. Everyone wanted to wear Raga'Ana but few could afford it. She clamored to find out more about them and stumbled on the musing of Corellian reporter Kent Carlson as she began attending university for broadcast journalism. His death and the release of his story by Counselor Prescott the following year only served to fuel her interest. Carlson's reputation during the Confederation year's aside, he was a brilliant writer and managed to dispel quite a few mysteries about the origins of The Four. Reporters and commentators had ripped these apart over the years and without Carlson or the others around to dispute them, it had largely been viewed as an embellished piece of fan fiction that spawned both a documentary and the Cineplex shattering movie.

The reformation of the New Republic in the ensuing decade or so pushed those spectacular stories into the background until Rutherford Gellar appeared before the Senate on the ten year anniversary of the Centerpoint Battle and brought those names back into the collective public consciousness. From the ashes of the past came a very much alive Celeste Masterton with her twins and the stunning redhead who turned out to be the last Winton royal. She glances up at the image frozen on the screen. Dahlia stares out with those emerald eyes, the same eyes that once gazed down from a skyscraper when Selene was just a girl.

As Carlson knew there was a story there, she knows there is a story here.

She flips off the screen, gathers the data cards and heads back to her office. There is a package lying on her desk. She adjusts her glasses and picks it up, finding it unmarked. Not a single thing to indicate its origin or destination. She holds it for a moment of consideration but her curiosity is greater than her concern. And so she opens it and withdraws three sheets.

The first contains three pictures with numbers above each.

Number one above the image of Dahlia Winton. Number two above Gemma Masterton. Three above Dane Gellar.

Selene's brow furrows in confusion as she moves to the next.

The number four is above a picture of a boy she doesn't immediately recognize but the name below it sends shivers down her spine.

Riley Patten.

The third sheet contains the results of a blood test.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on June 17, 2014, 08:55:14 PM

Bastion Deep Space

Jedi Master Agnant stood at the monitor's status as the fleet entered hyperspace for the jump to Bastion. Just another minute or so before they would reach the target.

But then, the proximity alarm started going off, and the ship lurched.

"What's happened?"
"Sir, we are being pulled out of hyperspace"

Agnant's body stiffened. "Where?"

"navigational controls indicate we are in Deep Space of the Bastion system. Scanners are receiving interference, but we are getting visual reads of the surrounding area."

"Have all ships report in - what happened?"

"Sir, visual reads are showing a large imperial fleet closing in on us. They are opening fire"

"Raise shields, deploy fighter screens, and counter attack."

That was about all the time there was before space became a heated battlefield. It was several minutes into the fighting that the exact circumstances of the situation were finally clear.

The advance fleet, led by Captain Fletcher, had been destroyed, apparently just after they sent the go ahead signal. A series of small artificial gravity wells had been created around the deep space zone, which pulled the republic main fleet out of hyperspace, into the hands of the waiting imperials.

The fleets had been similar in size and strength, but the empire had the element of surprise, and utilized that to get a strong first round of fire. republic cruisers were showing more damage than their imperial counterparts.

"Sir, we've run several battle algorithms. Even if we win the battle, our fleet will be severely weakened. We won't be able to hit Bastion, and if the Empire had reinforcements, it could force us back significantly."

"We have to end this battle as soon as possible. Order fighter squadrons to target and destroy the sources of those gravity well projections"

"Yes sir"

Agnant stared out the viewscreen, hoping it would happen in enough time.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on June 24, 2014, 03:22:09 PM

Bastion Deep Space

Each moment of the battle weighed heavily on Jedi Master Agnant, not only because he could feel the deaths of his troops through the force. It had been his plan to attack Bastion, and thus this was his failure. Where had he gone wrong? Where had the Empire gotten their information from?

There would be time enough for that later - hopefully. Reports were constantly coming in of the attrition being suffered. And unlike Imperials, the Republic cared when their troops died.

"Any word on those gravity wells"

"We are receiving the first reports now, sir. The source of the gravity wells are consistent with Trade Federation gravity well nets"

Master Agnant thought back several months to the imperial attack and surprising withdrawal from the Besh Gorgon system. Had they left because they got what they came for?

"I thought they couldn't be hacked into"

It was true - the Federation's gravity wel nets were designed to avoid being captured. But perhaps the Empire had gotten them before that fail-safe was in place.

"Destroy them. All of them."

It was costly - having ships targeting defenseless platforms instead of fighting the Empire, and the Empire took further advantage of that.

What was worse, after the first several platforms were destroyed, new gravity well projections appeared, interspersed throughout the area.

"Sir, they've activated more of the nets"

"Order the fleet to move as far out as possible. Every capital ship is to enter hyperspace as soon as possible. All fighters are to cover us."

"We are retreating?"

The ship shook as if in response.

"Shields are gone sir. We are taking damage to the hull"

Agnant nodded.

"Yes - pull out. everyone, everything. Have our ship take the rear, and fire everything we've got. Exhaust the projectile supply. If we don't survive, it won't matter havng them left over anyhow"

The Republic fleet, in more or less disarray moved further away from the planet, toward the edge of the quadrant, where it was clear of gravity wells, Agnant's vessel reporting more and more damage as it took the brunt of the imperial attack.

"Ship integrity is suffering sir"

"Thank you, lieutenant - order personnel away from the outer hull, and divert controls directly to the bridge. Once that's done, have continuous fire"

More shaking, more bursts of flames. Up ahead, one by one, republic ships, battered and bruised disappeared, as the dogfight between fighters continued to rage on.

Finally,

"Sir, we've cleared the gravity well"
"order all remaining fighters to enter hyperspace - once the order is given, enter as well"
"Yes sir"

With a heavy heart, Master Agnant sat down, watching as they slipped into the sanctuary of hyperspace.

"Now what, sir? Is that the end of the assault?"

Agnant shook his head.

"No - I'm afraid that was just the beginning."

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on July 08, 2014, 01:39:57 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

News of the disastrous battle in Bastion Deep Space did not take long to reach the capital, and spread among politicians, news/gossip organizations, and the public. The dislike of force users, the jedi most notable among them, had already been growing steadily. But with the jedi responsible for leading the debacle, overt hatred sprang up. Protests began outside of the Senate Building, calling for the expulsion of jedi from not just Chandaar, but all of the Republic.

Senator Artemis Soldys had called for an immediate meeting with Circe Prescott, his ally in fighting the Force User Registration Act, and they were meeting in his office within the senate building.

Circe was looking out the window, down some thirty stories, at the crowd below.

"This is bad"
Artemis was still seated at his desk.

"It's only going to get worse. That entire battle plan was arranged by Jedi Master Agnant. His own jedi were dispersed in the fleet. It was an overly bold risk to take, and there are multiple reports in the logs that captains - some who have survived, and some who haven't - protested the action, deeming it fool hearty and reckless. Captain Fletcher in particular filed several reports with the senate in opposition to the maneuver."

Circe turned away from the window.

"Where did you get the reports?"
"They were declassified for republic personnel. About an hour ago."

Circe's eyes narrowed.
"By whom?"
"Speaker Apteen. He indicated that in light of what happened, the senators should be made aware of the previously classified concerns about the jedi master in command"

"So basically, he's asking for someone to come out against the jedi. He used to be more reasonable than this."
"We cannot count on the speaker that used to be. Right now he is too popular to try to vote out, and too dangerous to outright go against"
"You are"

"I'm not - I'm fighting legislation by other senators, but I'm afraid of what it would mean for Corellia if we questioned the Speaker's motives. We need to round up allies, and fast."

Circe turned back to the window.

"How much time do you think we have?"

"With the public the way it is - and it's going to get worse, not better - there will be legislation out within the week."

"So we're already out of time for a law that doesn't even exist yet"

"Now you understand why I hate politics"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on July 21, 2014, 02:26:14 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

The Naboo royal cruiser flares out of hyperspace above the bustling capital. Garron has keyed up the codes and transmits them when asked by Republic central command. The executives as VMG have taken care of all the clearances needed. One does not want to mentally tax the models too terribly much, he supposes. Dahlia is much cleverer but he is too preoccupied at the moment to wonder about her schemes.

The headlines would draw unnecessary attention to everyone, including back in the Corporate Sector. Lady Masterton would keep Gemma close but Dane, who is on Etti IV for the summer, will certainly be sought after by the press. Lord Gellar would have his swarms of security keep them at bay. Here it is just him to shield Dahlia from the storm despite her assurances that VMG would provide ample security of their own. He cannot even imagine what the press is going to say about this. They will have a field day, for sure. A new Four can mean many things to many people. Some will see credit signs everywhere while others will take it as an omen and want to stop it as quickly as possible. Either way, it leaves Garron feeling unsettled.

He follows the coordinates provided by Escara Wu but catches sight of a hoard of people waiting near the designated landing pad. It is too late to abort and so he sets the ship down. He thought this was supposed to be a secure location then thinks perhaps Ms. Wu tipped off the press herself. Anger swells but he clips his blaster to the thick black belt and stomps toward the ramp.

Dahlia passes casually, completely done up in a short Chiffon dress in a darker, rustic green with embellishments. Her crimson hair is down and tousled with touches of darker lipstick and smoky hues around her eyes.

Garron stares at her, arms out in disbelief.

"You knew this was going to happen?"

She makes a face.

"It's called publicity, Gar. It's how you build a brand. Just because I'm young doesn't mean I don't grasp these very basic marketing concepts. Maker Almighty, lighten up."

He groans and slams his fist against the controls. The ramp lowers and people begin shouting her name. Dahlia squares her shoulders and places one strappy heel in front of the other while slipping on a pair of shades. She walks right down into it all.

Flashes explode from every direction as she smiles, turns and pouts.

Garron hangs back, watching from the top of the ramp with a mixed sense of amusement and disgust. He knows this is in her blood, the vapid, attention-seeking self-absorption. He just never expected it to come quite as naturally as it seems to. She had been a bit of a handful growing up but it was only in the last year or so that her Winton heritage really reared its head. As Dahlia basks in the glow, Garron sighs and hates to admit that she was born for this sort of thing. Would she use this fame for good or evil?

Garron has serious doubts about any altruistic intentions the princess may have.

That's when he tunes in to the questions being hurled her way. People ask about the Patten boy, if she knew, what this means, how being called The New Four is going to affect her and her family. He bounds down the ramp and steps in front of her.

"Alright, that's enough."

He forgets his face is not unfamiliar to them either considering his sister, Circe, was part of the biggest murder trials of the decade. A trial Dahlia had essentially saved her from. His name is murmured through the crowd followed by questions on his new role and presence on the capital.

"We have no comment."

This is said sternly and with a sincere authority that surprises even him. He takes her arm and makes a path through the crowd. She moves as directed, past the throng of hungry press with a stoic Georgie following behind. They disappear into the first building, finding the sudden, stark silence startling.

"What a rush, right?"

"That was ridiculous," Garron quips, halting her. "You knew about the Patten boy."

"I can read, thank you. It's not like I spent the entire trip primping in my chambers. I wanted to see what was happening in the capital before we arrived. From the looks of things, it's not great. It's better to be prepared so I wouldn't be caught off guard. Surprise is not an expression that looks good on camera."

"This is serious, Dahlia. His existence could mean a shift in public opinion, even yours."

She smirks, "Not if I shift it elsewhere first."

His eyes widen but before he can speak, they are interrupted by a gorgeous blonde in a shimmering slip dress she is far too young to be wearing.

"Are...you the princess?"

Dahlia turns, a smooth yet practiced gesture.

"Why, yes. I am.

She curtsies flawlessly and smiles, "Hi! I'm Quinn."

"It's lovely to meet you, Quinn. I'm Dahlia and this is Garron and Georgie. Muscle, you know. One can never be too careful."

"I saw," Quinn says, nervously glancing behind them. "Scary. Ms. Wu is very particular on proximity. It's strictly look but don't touch."

"I should hope so," Garron mutters.

Dahlia throws him a look.

Quinn beams, extending a hand which Dahlia takes.

"I'll show you around."

The girls walk briskly down the hall with Georgie hovering a comfortable distance behind. Garron reluctantly follows, carefully considering her angle. Dahlia is well educated and sly but the whole production of their arrival reeks of professional orchestration. He wonders just how trustworthy Escara Wu and the executives of VMG really are and if they have Dahlia's best interests in mind. Or it could be Dahlia used this all to her advantage. Make an unforgettable entrance at exactly a time where her name and that of the other three would be on the lips of everyone. It's so calculating it's almost brilliant. Leverage a revelation about someone else as it directly relates to her. Chances are Dahlia is the first one of The New Four anyone had a chance to interact with after the story broke.

There is no way they would be able to get to Gemma, Dane or Riley. They would be immediately shielded from this kind of circus. But not Dahlia. She was already on her way to Chandaar, a scheduled visit, most likely leaked by someone within VMG, to test the waters of the fashion world. This ensured she would make a splash, garnering exactly the type of publicity company's would kill for. He remembers how calm she seemed on the cruiser after they landed, all made up and ready to shine. She knew it was going to be a madhouse. She knew this was her way into this world.

So Garron really has to wonder….who's playing who?

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on July 24, 2014, 10:16:16 PM

"Explosions on TV
And all the girls with heads
Inside a dream."

-Lorde

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Serinus

Serinus, otherwise known as the Garment District, lies seven kilometers northwest from the center of Ambaril. This is where the studio's, warehouses and corporate headquarters for the Republic labels all reside. Imported fabrics from other planets all pass through to be bought and sold by the next up-and-coming designer. The major houses parade models into the studios for fittings and shoots before the runway shows twice a year. Fashion is a quiet yet extremely lucrative industry in the capital that has considerable influence over many systems throughout the Republic and beyond.

The Menagerie is a brilliant, shimmering tower in the core of Serinus that houses the talent VMG represents along with their corporate offices just above the main lobby. Several stories up, on a secure floor stationed with silent yet heavily armed guards, is where Quinn Cavanaugh shows Dahlia Winton their sleeping quarters. VMG does not skimp on the perks for their clients, especially the most profitable ones. Quinn is two years older than Dahlia but has already made a name for herself. It helps that she comes from a high profile hotelier family which made her fore into modeling that much more interesting. People already followed the Cavanaugh brand and Quinn has appeared in many of their promotional materials and advertisements. She is the face of their loyalty and rewards program and has done work for several of the most prominent designers.

Unfortunately, Quinn's mother is dead, her father is always off on another world closing a development deal, and her sister, Kinsa, is too busy with her own career as a socialite and media fixture. Dahlia's arrival could not have come at a better time. She cannot stand the tedious banter of the other models that are so dense they sometimes need to be reminded to breathe. Dahlia is intriguing and mysterious, a true royal and survivor of some pretty horrific stuff.

"Do you like it?"

Dahlia moves around the huge space, twirling.

"No, love. I love it. This is all for us?"

"Yes," Quinn says. "They want us to be happy."

Garron frowns.

"Who's "they"?""

She turns, shrugging.

"Management?"

"Is….that a question?"

"Oh, leave her alone, Garron. We don't want to overwhelm her. This mood-killer is Garron Prescott, an associate of my father's."

"Prescott….I think your sister knows my sister."

He narrows his eyes, "I doubt it."

Dahlia shakes her head and motions to the agent.

"And this is Georgie. No last name. Just Georige. We find it much scarier that way."

"I agree," Quinn says. "He's terrifying."

"Isn't he though? It's adorable."

Georgie sets her luggage down near a bureau and returns to his post at the door. Garron sighs, crossing his arms.

"I think I should have a word with this manager of yours. What's her name?"

Quinn nods, flipping white-blond hair off her shoulder.

"Escara Wu. I can call her for you."

"Please do."

She moves to a consol on the wall and speaks in a hushed tone Garron finds irritating before turning back to them.

"She's in her office downstairs. Level three."

"Stay put," he instructs as he heads past Georgie to the lifts.

Dahlia throws out her arms, "Where am I going to go?"

"Nowhere, that's where."

*

The lift doors open to a sparsely lit corridor with deep purple walls and charcoal gray trim. There are mirrors of varying shapes and sizes lining the walls which he glances in as he passes. He assumes this is an ego thing since their clients are most likely just as shallow as Dahlia pretends to be. He follows the hall until he comes to a corner office with the initials E.W. in bold letters on the door which hisses open before he can even knock.

Escara Wu is petite and gorgeous, rising from the chair behind her massive desk with a sensual authority. She smiles tightly as she looks him over.

"Well, well, Garron Prescott. Your photage doesn't do you justice."

"I would be flattered but you saw me on D'ian."

"Briefly," she says dismissively. "I was there for a specific purpose."

"To recruit Dahlia. I was there."

"This upsets you?"

"The madhouse upstairs, when we landed, that upsets me. We were given assurances this was a highly secure location not one where random reporters wander in and out whenever they damn well please. Surely you know what's she's been through."

She rounds the desk but leans against the front with her arms placed firmly on either side of her body.

"The princess was abducted from her own residence, a residence you are responsible for keeping secure, so I must ask – where were you when this all went down? The white knight routine didn't save her then. What makes you think it will save her now? Dahlia freed herself from the clutches of that sociopath - not her father, not his agents, not you."

Escara's smile becomes a scowl with an uncomfortable ease.

"The media was only allowed access to the landing pad after being thoroughly vetted and submitting to a rather invasive search. They showed true dedication to their work to jump through those kinds of hoops just for a chance to speak with Dahlia. It serves as a testament to her capacity as both a model and a powerful brand. You see, mister Prescott, the world is divided into two groups. The cool kids and, well, everyone else. People try to tell you this is just a phase, something everyone is subjected to in school but in reality the social hierarchy exists well into adulthood where the beautiful and special are rewarded while the others are left to envy and aspire. Inspiring envy in others means you are winning and that's who we represent here. The winners. So try not to worry that finely chiseled head of yours. We'll take good care of her while she's our guest."

Garron scoffs, "That's quite a philosophy you have there."

"I like to think so."

"There's a hole in your theory though."

She arches a brow, "Oh?"

"While she may be beautiful and special, Dahlia is also a Winton. The stories you read, the images you've seen, none of it compares to the spectacular horror of those who barely escaped endured while caught in their web. Karen was a model too and the blood-sucking marketing executive trying to pull those strings wound up exploding all over Galactic City before the destruction of Coruscant finished off what was left on the brand. So, if you think you can control a Winton, you've got another thing coming."

Escara holds his gaze.

"I'll take my chances."

Garron smirks.

"Don't say I didn't warn you. Goodnight, Miss Wu."

He leaves her office briskly, hoping his words broke through the vicious exterior she presents. She may talk a good game and may even believe it but if he were her, he would be wondering what the chances that history will repeat itself. He shutters while fumbling for his com-link to try Mara again. Nothing. He has not been able to reach her at all for a while now. Has she forgotten the connection they had, the time spent together, the kiss they shared? He considers calling the CorSec Director just to make sure she is okay but feels that may be pushing it. Mara is a highly capable woman who can take care of herself but would it kill her to reach out, especially in the wake of these revelations about Riley's true identity? It is something she confessed has haunted her Riley's whole life as the promise she made to Kimber hangs in the balance with the public knowledge that he made it off the station alive. There are so many questions, too many angles to cover. He wishes he could help with some of that burden but perhaps she doesn't want that. Maybe she doesn't feel for him at all. Was it all in his head? It's not like he has a shortage of available women. He just wants Mara.

The com bleeps in his hands.

Speaking of women…

"Janessa," he says lowly. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Saw you on the news. Looking good. I didn't know you played bodyguard to dangerous teenagers. That must be a new addition to your list of duties."

"It was a personal favor to Lady Masterton."

"With good reason," Janessa says. "I saw Dahlia on the report as well and I have to say…"

"She plays the part well."

"Un-believe. She was dazzling."

"And her new pals at VMG stand to make a fortune from it. You should have heard this executive. Talk about delusional. She doesn't know what she's getting into."

"She will soon enough."

"I suppose you had a reason to call."

"I need reasons now? However, there was a point I was getting to. Your sister is in some serious shit but I'm running late. Meet me tonight?"

"Janessa," he warns.

"At a party, Garron. Relax, I never sleep with the same man twice. Well, seldom. Leave the girl wonder in the clutches of those executives and come blow off some steam. It sounds like you could use it. Besides, we can talk there."

"What kind of party?"

"An industry function, lots of corporate representatives networking and congratulating each other on their successes. You have CSA interests so you won't be out of place."

He groans, "Where?"

"Five Points, a bar called Spectre. Why, where are you?"

"Serinus."

"Fancy," she says. "Be there at eight."

She clicks off before he can object. Garron heads back upstairs to find Dahlia and Quinn in robes getting ready for massages.

"Seriously?"

"What are you, like, the fun police? It's part of the package. We get pampered whenever we want."

"It's nice to know they are instilling realistic expectations in their clients. I need to go out for a while."

"Is that what you are wearing?"

"No, I was planning on….not the point! Think you can stay out of trouble for a few hours?"

Quinn looks confused, "Probably?"

"We'll be asleep before you get back. Right, Georgie?"

Georgie makes what they think is a nod but could have been a neck spasm.

"Go, have fun."

He reluctantly heads back to his modest accommodations to shower and change before heading out into Ambaril. The speeder-cab leaves Serinus and heads through downtown. He wonders what Circe is up to now. Before she left the Sector, she claimed she was heading back to fight the injustice of the F.U.R.A.. He had heard reports about riots and protests that clashed with the RSB as the issue has divided the population. He only hopes Circe hasn't done anything that may jeopardize her freedom after she had won it back after the trial.

Garron stares out into the city, the giant swirling capital of complexity and confusion, hoping they had not made a mistake in coming here.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on August 04, 2014, 01:57:27 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Spectre Club

Five Points is an area of Ambaril where five Burroughs literally intersect into a hive of music, arts and culture. The Spectre Club is one of the oldest in the city and has hosted some of the galaxies most famous musicians. While it is significantly smaller that most venue's, the intimacy and atmosphere make it perfect for a bunch of industry big-wigs to come and celebrate. Garron moves to the entrance and gives his name to one of the hulking masses guarding the door. He scans over a list and is granted access. Thankfully, Janessa had the foresight to add him as her guest.

Inside the club is very low lit in a crimson glow. Red booths surround groupings of smaller round tables that face the stage. The bar lies off to the side with a thin layer of smoke hanging in the air. A band plays some jazz that compliments the setting nicely but not so loud that the men and women present cannot make connections which will further their agenda's and bottom lines.

He finds Janessa Kain leaning against the bar wearing a tight deep purple dress and black heels. Admittedly, she is exceptionally attractive but she is also a notorious opportunist with whom he shared one evening of passion with almost a year ago. She brings out the baser instincts in certain people but Garron is not here for her games.

"I would buy you a drink but you seem to already have one."

She shrugs, "You can always buy me another."

He signals to the bartender and orders a bottle of ale for himself.

"This is cozy. Why aren't you the center of attention?"

Janessa narrows her dark eyes at him.

"Haven't you heard? I'm a murderer and despite the circumstances surrounding it, no one will let me forget it. They wheel and deal but treat me like I'm some kind of monster. It does make things less intimidating when they fear they will meet the same fate as Inspector Erbon should they refuse me so I suppose there's that."

"That's unfortunate," Garrons says, taking a swig from the bottle. "I thought the Republic was more forgiving."

"They used to be."

"What happened?"

"Corinthos got two high profile women off for murder and fraud with the help of the newly revealed Winton royal after she stabbed her way out of captivity then the Jedi sharply fell out of favor. Things have been….tense around here ever since. Suspicion abounds and trust is in short supply. Don't you watch the Holo?"

"I didn't know it was that bad."

"Yeah, well, you live in the idyllic D'ian where the largest concern is choosing between dinner parties. This is the real world, Garron."

"Project much? I'm not the enemy here, Janessa."

"I know," she says, sighing. "I'm sorry. I've been under a lot of pressure, especially after the Federation merged with the CEC. It put a major kink in the CSA's plans to dominate the Republic markets. Corellia has been surprisingly reasonable in pricing in some crucial areas. Needless to say, the Direx Board is displeased. I am working my ass off trying to score them contracts but this proves difficult when the Sector seldom waivers in their price points. People want well-built merchandise but they want it cheap and easy."

"And the Sector is expensive and difficult."

"Evolution is essential; otherwise certain companies won't survive in this climate. Others have adapted quite well and continue to thrive here in the Republic. It's just the nature of the game not that it makes my life any easier."

"Sounds harsh," he laughs, signaling for another round. "I'm sure you can handle it."

"We'll see."

"They have more alarming matters to deal with. Didn't the Republic just get their ass handed to them by the Empire?"

"Bastion? Yeah. It's bad. Lost a lot of good men and women. Everything is being pinned on the Jedi."

"Well, they were leading the assault, no?"

She leans closer to him.

"I guess that depends on who you ask."

"You suggest otherwise?"

"The Speaker has taken a hard line against the Jedi in recent months and the Registration Act has caused quite the divide in the public. There have been more riots and protests in the capital within the last six months than in as many years. No one can explain why he has become so stringent in his policies. Some say it's personal and that the Jedi are being unfairly targeted for discrimination."

"Are they?"

"Difficult to say. Most of what I hear are only rumors but the consensus seems to lean in that direction. Your sister has taken on a personal quest for the human rights of all Force Users, much to Apteen's displeasure. She has also aligned herself with the Corellian Senator, Artemis Soldys, who clearly shares her interest in these rights."

Garron sets down the bottle.

"This is a bad thing? Corellian's generally champion the individual rights of their people."

"True but Corellia is an interesting case. Their struggle to gain admittance into the Republic was well documented. Once they achieved it, Soldys caused some waves of his own in regards to the Republic inquest into the ruins of Centerpoint. He was reluctant to allow teams to explore the site which caused much speculation in the Senate. His strict sense of justice and flair for cutting through the political bullshit clashes with many of the most popular Senator's. They don't like his directness nor does he care for their pandering to lobbyists and special interests. He came to Circe's aide shortly after the trial and they both went before the Speaker to question the Registration Act's affect on the public. This meeting was not well-received and both have been active and vocal in their opposition to the law."

"Circe has always been drawn to personal causes."

"Exactly," Janessa says. "Even after her ordeal with Dahlia's captor over all those years, she still maintains a sense of freedom and fairness. This is made more complicated with her highly publicized association with the Jedi Melanie Masterton during the Rebellion. It would seem only natural for her to be defensive of any sanctions against them but it also makes her suspect in the eyes of the Speaker. People listen to her and rally's she has spearheaded have drawn thousands of people. The last of which was broken up by the RSB and Circe had to be evacuated by Senator Soldys when the clash turned violent."

"I thought the Republic allowed peaceful protests."

"They do but the RSB have become more….militant in recent months. Some say they have crossed the line and moved on these protests under orders from the Speaker. My spies tell me Apteen considers her a threat and if she is able to generate enough support, they may be able to repeal the law. Having Senator Soldys at her side jeopardizes relations with a very valuable Corellia. In a time when war with the Empire is imminent, this is not something he will let stand."

Garron is appalled, "To go after her would turn her cause into a crusade."

"I've tried to warn her but she thinks I'm playing into their agenda. Granted, I do have my own goals but they do not involve public policy. Besides we spent time together and I've come to appreciate her sense of nobility even if I do not share it. Circe's in danger, Garron. Real danger. The Speaker wants her silenced so he can paint the Jedi and Force Sensitive's as threats to the Republic way of life. From the sound of things, he wants them gone and anyone else with even remote ability tagged and monitored."

"A segregated society will only breed more dissent and anarchy."

"If the Republic falls into chaos, we will be an easy target. I'm speaking from a purely selfish point of view when I say that I am not equipped for a hostile takeover from the Empire or anyone else. I like my pretty things and the last thing I want is for everything to be torn apart by some paranoid ideal."

"Alright," Garron says. "Point taken. I'll talk to her."

Janessa nods.

"See that you do before it's too late."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on August 11, 2014, 12:59:56 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Senate Building

"I call this hearing of the war committee to order, to address the matter of the recent assault by our forces on the imperial world of Bastion. Present at this hearing, for purposes of questioning, are Ven Agnant, High Master of the Jedi Council, and several other jedi masters of the Jedi Council. At the present time, this meeting is being recorded, but it is confidential until further notice."

The gavel was pounded and the room grew a bit silenter. In the center of the main podium, Speaker Apteen glanced down at the jedi with an unreadable expression, various senators on either side of him. And one seat notably absent. Master Agnant glanced up at the chair for the Corellian delegate, at the end of the row.

"Master Agnant, you were the battle commander of the Republic fleet and made the decision to send the fleet against Bastion, is that correct?"

Agnant nodded his head.

"That is correct"
"And what was the basis of that decision?"

"The Empire was fighting a war of attrition - attacking slowly, and pulling out before we could counter. It was impacting resources, and morale. We-"

Speaker Apteen lifted a hand to cut him off.

"Were we not winning the war?"
"We had turned back imperial attacks and had made progress, but the war was turning into a stalemate, not a victory."
"I have seen reports indicating otherwise"
"I have seen those reports."
"And have you seen the reports by your subordinates on their views of the attack on Bastion"

"Some of them - some I only learned about when you made them public"

The speaker's lips pursed into a thin smile, but his eyes glared.
"Are you aware many officers considered attacking Bastion to be either foolish, or suicidal?"
"The views of my captains were discussed, at length, both from my initial proposal on the attack, throughout the planning stages"
"I've heard otherwise"
"Well them, Mr. Speaker, perhaps you should be testifying rather than myself"

A moment of silence, again, that glare.

"Master Agnant, perhaps you do not understand the implications of what you did. Your actions cost the Republic significant costs in terms of resources and thousands of lives."
"I disagree"
"Still? Were you not present when the attack happened? Reports indicate that you went into deep space and were surrounded by imperials and had to fight to get out."
"That is partially but not wholly accurate. In fact, we sent scouts ahead to make sure the path was clear - and they gave the clear signal. We were then pulled out of hyperspace into deep space."
"It was a trap"
"yes"
"and you fell into the trap"
"yes"
"So how was it not your actions?"
"Because, Mr. Speaker, it was the actions of whoever revealed our plan to the Imperials. Someone among the captains must have fed the Empire our plans"
"Were the jedi among these captains you accuse? Or are only the non-Force sensitive among us candidates for treason?"

"I trust my jedi"
"I used to trust the jedi. Now, I'm not certain. Do you have anything else to indicate who might have revealed your masterful plan to the Empire?"
"Not yet. But I have begun an investigation"

"Good. But I am going to halt your investigation. And at this time, I am going to appoint a member of this committee to oversee its own review of what happened. Senator
Ingrat."

Ingrat failed to hide a smile as he stood, being recognized.

"I will accept this responsibility with humility, and get to the bottom of this matter."

The Speaker nodded.

"Good. In the meantime - I am revoking all privileges and charters of the jedi. You are no longer allowed entrance to the senate or any other government building, and your underground facility is to be vacated within 48 hours time. Those jedi who were on the mission to Bastion are also prohibited from leaving the city, and are to wear tracking devices, pending further investigation."

Agnant rose from his seat "Mr. Speaker, what has become of rational responses? This is uncalled for, it is unjust, it is"

"Master Agnant, I trust you wil be cooperative with Senator Ingrat's investigation. Security will be escorting you and your colleagues from the building."

Republic troops were closing in, Agnant staring at the speaker hard as they firmly began pulling him away from his seat toward the door.

When the jedi were gone, the speaker spoke again.

"In light of what we've seen here today, I'm afraid I have no choice but to allow Senator Ingrat's motion regarding the jedi to reach the full senate for consideration."

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on August 11, 2014, 05:29:45 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Garron arrives to Circe's building around midnight. He did not intend to stay that long at the party but Janessa was just full of opinions. Her sources seem to think the Jedi are being set up and his sister is making them more sympathetic in the eyes of the public. He taps the buzzer several times until she answers. Circe invites him up and embraces him in the doorway of her apartment.

"I heard you were in town," she says. "With Dahlia no less. How is she?"

"Obnoxious but otherwise fine. We're posted over in Serinus while VMG sorts out the designers she'll be dangling in front of the masses come fall."

Circe moves into the kitchen to get him a drink. Her apartment is simple but spacious. She was never one for frills in terms of design but did have an eye for sleek and functional furniture. The apartment is spotless save for the clutter on the dining room table. There are data cards and notes strewn across the glass surface. She reappears with a glass of liquor on the rocks, just the way he likes it.

"I take it you don't approve?"

He takes a sip and sighs.

"I just wish she had been a bit more original. It's like Karen: The Sequel! Now with even more attitude."

"She's been through a lot, Garron. Give her a little credit."

"I'm not trying to minimize her ordeal but she bounced back pretty quickly."

"Kids are resilient. What about Dane and Gemma? How are they coping?"

He shrugs, glancing around.

"Dane has been a real pain in the ass and Gemma is full of surprises. Did you happen to catch the report on the Patten boy?"

"I did. Poor thing. I do hope all this attention doesn't damage him. They are using the term, The New Four. I'm not sure I like the sound of that."

"Who does? Has this place been checked for bugs?"

She makes a face, "Bugs? This is uptown. What kind of building do you think I live in?"

"Listening devices, Circe."

"You imply someone cares enough to bother?"

He turns, finishing off his glass.

"I hear you've been busy lately what with all the protests and rallies. How do you find the time?"

She narrows her eyes, "Who told you that?"

"Janessa."

"Oh, dear. That woman is a piece of work. Tell me you haven't been spending time with her."

"Actually," Garron says, somewhat salaciously. "I just came from a party in Five Points she invited me to."

"You and her? No. Please, Maker, no."

He laughs.

"It was a corporate function but it's nice to know I have your blessing. So, tell me, why have you been stirring the proverbial pot?"

"Because what they are doing is wrong. The Republic went from a peaceful albeit sluggish democratic system to some kind of suspicious police state. The RSB are out of control. They march the streets looking for ways to clash with the populous. Routine stops turn into agent involved shootings and protests get gassed with no provocation. Last week they broke up a rally and sent eighty-three people to the hospital. Inspector Drakos wants to introduce new enforcement regulations to the Senate and there are rumors he has already begun a list of suspected Force-Sensitive's. Even talking about the Jedi or the Force can land you on the list. This restricts travel and has the local agents watching your every move. You must have passed at least four of them on the way in. They already know you are here."

"Which begs the question – are they listening in?"

"It's checked regularly," Circe says. "It's fine."

"Is it? Something tells me it's more serious than that."

"I understand certain people are upset but this has got to stop. Anyone brave enough to come out as a Force Sensitive has been met with hostility and fear. The Speaker has made the public believe those with any kind of connection to the Force will use it against them, that they are not to be trusted. People have lost their jobs over this, their livelihoods, even their homes. There are no laws in place protecting discrimination against Force-Sensitivity. You can be fired, evicted and refused service."

"No way," Garron says. "The Republic is more progressive than that."

"They were but this has spiraled out of hand. Most of what people say isn't even based in any real truth or science. It's steamrolling into a much larger and fundamental civil rights issue. I can't let this stand. I won't."

Admittedly, he is thrown. Janessa's words made everything seem dark and terrible but he mostly thought she was tipsy and melodramatic. Now his sister is confirming these facts in greater detail.

What the hell is going on in the Republic?

There is a knock at the door. Garron draws his blaster.

Circe gasps, waving it away as she moves toward the door. He stops her.

"What is your problem?"

"You're in danger."

"Don't be ridiculous."

"The Speaker believes you are a liability to his cause and after what you just told me I'm inclined to believe it."

"Then I doubt he would send the RSB after me to knock politely. Since when are you so irrational?"

"Since the Republic has apparently gone to hell in a handbasket."

She rolls her eyes up and approaches the door, looking through the peephole. She inhales sharply, steps back and opens the door. A young man in a brown robes steps inside quickly. He has a tan satchel strung over his shoulder. Circe closes the door behind him.

"Master Atrii," she says. "Is everything alright?"

"Do not worry. I was not seen."

"Wait a minute," Garron says, leveling the blaster. "Who is this bozo?"

She glares at him.

"This is Jedi Master Donovan Atrii. Master Atrii, this is my overprotective brother, Garron Prescott. He's from the Corporate Sector so he's uptight but not in an oppressive Republic way."

"Atrii? I thought you were traveling the galaxy."

"My parents prefer that story."

He glances to Circe.

"Can he be trusted?"

She nods, "Yes. Tell me, what troubles you?"

"Something has happened. Master Agnant returned to the council chambers with orders to vacate."

"On whose authority?"

"Speaker Apteen. There was a special session called in regards to the loss at Bastion. We believe our plans may have been leaked but unfortunately have not been allowed to investigate further. The Jedi present in the battle must be monitored at all times and the rest evicted effective immediately. I did not know where else to go."

She brings him over to the couch to sit and fetches some water.

"I'm glad you came. You can stay here until we sort this out."

"It is too dangerous, Counselor."

"That's what I was just saying," Garron grumbles.

Circe ignores him.

"I'm not afraid of them. And If I'm not mistaken, the Speaker is the one who rallied the Jedi and sent them against the Empire in the first place."

Donovan nods, "To combat the threat to our borders."

"Convenient, especially if the outcome was rigged. You said the Jedi will not be allowed to investigate?"

"No, the investigation will be led by Senator Ingrat."

"To findings that will validate the Speakers concerns, no doubt. I will consult Senator Soldys about this matter and see if we cannot introduce some impartiality into the investigation. Come now, it's time for you to rest. I won't hear another word about it."

"You are most gracious, Counselor. Thank you."

She shows him to the guest bedroom and returns moments later. Garron follows her back into the kitchen, keeping his voice lowered.

"Have you lost your senses completely? Keeping him here is dangerous."

"I've merely invited a friend to stay with me until he is back up on his feet."

"Spinning it doesn't dull the implications. Don't be naïve, Circe. This will only anger them further. Do you want this militant RSB to come beating down your door?"

"If they do, it will only prove our point. The public will see that and they will not let it continue."

He holds her gaze.

"Inciting this kind of fight within the Republic will weaken it which I'm betting is exactly what the Empire wants. You are playing right into their hands."

"I'm fighting for equality, Garron but if you think this has deeper ties then bring me something I can use."

He leaves the apartment before one-thirty in the morning, passing two undercover agents sitting in an unmarked speeder. He pretends not to notice as he calls for a taxi. They would not suspect much considering he was already scheduled to be in Chandaar as Dahlia Winton's escort. A visit with his sister is not immediately alarming. At least it shouldn't be. The Jedi's presence in her apartment disturbs him and he wonders how far back their association goes. They seemed fairly familiar with one another. If Circe is consorting with members of the Jedi Council, she is in a lot deeper than he realized.

Garron returns to Serinus and The Menagerie where he finds Georgie silently guarding the room where Dahlia and Quinn sleep peacefully inside. It had been a long night and there is much to consider. His mind is racing now. Does it go deeper?

Doesn't it always?

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on August 14, 2014, 10:53:15 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Senate Building

Artemis Soldys was fuming as he stepped into the room where Speaker Apteen and others from the war committee were speaking.

"What is the meaning of this?"

Apteen turned from one of the senators to face to face Artemis.

"The meaning of what, Senator?"

"I was excluded from the hearing on the Bastion assault"

"You were never excluded, senator. You just didn't show up"

"Perhaps that is because I was never informed about the meeting"

"Senator, i took every measure necessary to inform all of the committee members about the hearing. If you were off, galavanting on some mission of civil rights, that cannot be blamed on me. We've had this conversation before, you and I, about your priorities. If you want to be Corellia's representative, you need to be there to represent it."

Artemis was steaming. He knew full well that at the time of the meeting, he was actually involved in senate business, and that the speaker never informed him or his office about the meeting. If only he could prove it.

The Speaker meanwhile offered a thin-lipped smile.

"Is there anything else, senator?"

Artemis stood silent for just a minute, contemplating the next move.

"As a matter of fact, I would like to address the matter before the committee now"
"That time has passed, Senator"
"With due respect, that's incorrect. Senate Rule 50-2201 indicates any senator may address issues their assigned committees dealt with while they were absent"
"And subsection (c) of that rule says the committee chair may overrule that request if deemed redundant or wasteful of time. And I do"
"You aren't the chair of the committee. The speaker may sit and oversee meetings, but is not the chair of any senate committee"

Apteen's face turned sour
"You think you'll win playing parliamentarian with me?"
"It's not about winning. It's about justice, and completing the process the way the Republic was meant to handle them."

Apteen stared at Artemis before turning to senator Ingrat.

"Senator Ingrat, I name you head of the Senate War Committee. How do you feel about Senator Soldys's request?"

Ingrat just nodded his head, almost in mock solemnty.

"I deem it to be redundant, unnecessary, and a waste of time, and deny the request"

Apteen smiled as he turned back to Artemis.

"Well, there you go"

Artemis shook his head.
"Why are you doing this? What are you trying to accomplish?" He then turned to look at the other senators in the room.

"And you - all of you. My colleagues. My co-senators. Don't you care about justice and fairness too? How can you let this happen?"

Many of the senators in the room looked uncomfortable, glancing down, at each other - anywhere but at Artemis. He knew he had many political enemies in the senate - people who did not like Corellia being a part of the Republic, or the way he handled things - but there were allies, and friends, and those who didn't have those agendas. Where were they now?

"Corellians really do get dramatic, don't they" The speaker rolled his eyes, and there were a few nervous laughs"

"I won't let you keep doing what your doing, Mr. Speaker."
"I'm trying to preserve the Republic. Are you saying that is not a noble enough goal for the hero of Corellia?"

Artemis stormed out of the room to the sounds of more laughter.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on August 14, 2014, 11:21:44 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Serinus

Flash!

That sparkling emerald gaze and highly glossed lips that purse and pout on command are all caught in a wide range of angles and lighting. Dahlia first models the darker neutrals of Nalaa Grey then daring junior formal wear from D'jour before finally showcasing the latest in schoolgirl vamp by Viu-Viu. Her crimson hair and fair, fresh face are done and redone depending on the image they want to portray. Escara Wu paces behind the scenes and juggles taking what seem like several hundred com-calls with pointing and snapping at photographers or models. On the other side of the studio, Quinn is finishing up a shoot for the bohemian chic line by Nurha'chi. She turns sharply, blond hair flowing around her face as the pale blue eyes that have become her trademark shimmer beneath the lights.

Garron Prescott lounges in a director's chair and wonders what the hell he is doing here. Despite his reservations about her choices, he doesn't delay the shoot and eyes Escara suspiciously each time she passes in front of him. His mind is elsewhere, obviously. Circe always had a strict sense of justice growing up but she had been more reserved about it. Even when she joined the diplomacy corps with what is now the Republic, she had taken a more passive approach to her work. Now she is leading rallies around what could be the civil rights issue of this generation and drawing the ire and possible retaliation of anti-Force groups and politicians alike. He fears she may be imprisoned again or worse, slain in one of the clashes between the public and the RSB. Circe is a grown woman who can make her own choices but she's still his sister and there is a dark feeling nagging at his gut that tells him she is headed for serious trouble.

Dahlia appears beside him, holding a bottle of water with a name he couldn't even begin to pronounce.

"Having fun?"

"No."

"You could at least pretend."

"Thankfully, that's your job. Not mine."

She smirks, a signature of the Winton family.

"And what is your job here exactly?"

He considers this and phrases in a way she will understand.

"I'm like…a glorified babysitter who makes sure you stay out of trouble and that no one tries to take you out because of who you are. Does that clarify things for you?"

"Mostly," she says, tucking a thick strand of hair behind her ear. "Are you planning on lightening up anytime soon or can we expect this charming mood you've adopted to continue throughout the rest of the trip?"

"I'm pretty sure you know the answer to that."

"Fine, be like that. What's wrong with you anyway? Georgie said you got in early this morning."

"Georgie told you that?"

She shrugs, "I asked questions, he grunted. It was, like, a thing."

"If you must know, I had a function to attend then visited my sister."

"Oh, how is the Counselor? She was so thoughtful to bring me back to D'ian after all that, you know, stuff."

"She's fine."

"Really? They mentioned her on the news last night."

"The news doesn't always tell the whole story."

Dahlia attempts to pry.

"If she's in trouble, you can tell me."

"Don't worry about it," Garron says, completely shutting her down. "Just focus on this campaign they have you strutting around for. Let me worry about Circe."

Quinn strides up to them and smiles.

"They are finished with me for today."

"Me too," Dahlia says.

"We can do lunch! The food here is amazing. It's like this whole macrobiotic culinary revolution or whatever."

"Sounds great. Can we go or do we need an escort to the salad bar?"

Garron rolls his eyes up.

"Take Georgie with you. I have to step out for a few."

"Where are you going?"

"Out. Stay in The Menagerie until I return. I don't want you roaming around the city."

"But I want to go shopping!"

She's whining and he is struck with a query as to why anyone would want to become a parent if this is the reward.

"Tough," he says.

"Can't Georgie just go with us?"

"Georgie doesn't have the credit cards."

Quinn is suddenly activated, "We get an expense account."

"A per diem on clothes? Of course you do. There is time for all that. Take a few and get to know this place, mingle and do whatever it is girls your age do."

Shop, Garron. We shop. That's what girls our age do."

"Quinn, help me out here."

"Um, what?"

He sighs.

"Go eat lunch, chill out from your exhausting hour of work and I'll be back when I can."

Garron gives Georgie the orders as he is headed out. Georgie glances across the room at Dahlia who nods. She knew Garron would be pulled in many directions when they arrived and she wants him distracted. The release of the Patten story and ongoing situation with Circe would be more than enough to keep him occupied. The news is teaming with headlines about her quest to repeal the Force User Registration Act, an idea she foisted onto Speaker Apteen after he had spent months under the influence of the dark side of the Force. She just plays her part so she would be able to come and go as she pleases in the future. This is more of an establishing trip, one that would put her on the map in the modeling and fashion world but also grant her access into the city on her many returns.

Emperor Schrag would be watching and she is here to prove she could infiltrate the Republic in ways the Empire could never dream of.

Perks of popularity.

Quinn takes her hand and they wander toward the lifts.

Garron is on his com as he exits through the front lobby.

"Solem, Lancing, Wray and Corinthos, where may I direct your call?"

"Kaytt Corinthos, please."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on August 21, 2014, 03:16:07 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril: Senate Building

Speaker Apteen was looking out the window from his office, high, high abovethe street below. The area around the senate building was a no-fly zone for security reasons, giving him an unobstructed view of the crowd massing below.

Another protest.

"I have to admit, Mr. Speaker, I am surprised by your recent turn of heart"

Apteen turned to face Senator Ingrat, who continued speaking.

"You used to have a soft spot for the jedi, and the Corellians. Now you are spearheading efforts that will affect them both negatively"

"I'm not spearheading anything - I am just letting your legislation through"

"Still - and don't think me ungrateful - I wonder why the change?"

Apteen turned away, again glancing down. The question was one he knew the answer to, but couldn't quite place into words. So he settled for the next best thing.

"The jedi were treated on an exalted status. And I realize they don't deserve that. Allowing through this legislation will make it clear they are not a higher class citizen than the rest of us. The Corellians are fine, but their opposition to my attempts to strengthen the republic have grown wearisome. I'm tired of dealing with Soldys and all of his whining. I know you two have been at odds - giving you that position of strength will irk him, and maybe teach him to hold his tongue a bit more"

He turned back to the senator.

"But as far as I'm concerned - as you are concerned, as the rest of the senate is concerned - I am acting in an unbiased, neutral manner to protect the Republic at all costs."

Ingrat smiled.

"Fine by me"

Apteen nodded his head. "Good. have you finished drafting the legislation?"

"almost. It has to be tailored to gain more support from those still on the fence. Too many people still support the jedi. The protests are indicative of that"

"I've heard news that might make things easier. There is a rumor going through some holo-channels. Circe Prescott under the influence of another Force user. We have footage of her harboring at least one of the evicted jedi. I don't know how it was leaked, but it serves well enough. if her credibility is tarnished, she won't be able to maintain the following she has"

"excellent."

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on August 25, 2014, 06:37:07 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The offices of Solem, Mack, Wray and Corinthos are about as posh as he expected them to be. It seems high powered attorney's have a fondness for solid, dark furniture and an affinity for office foliage. Garron is directed down a long corridor after he was granted an appointment, surprising even to him. He finds the corner office befitting a senior partner and enters. Kaytt rises from her chair and extends a hand.

"Garron Prescott," she says warmly. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

He takes it and nods.

"The pleasure is mine. I appreciate you seeing me on such short notice."

"I saw you were in town. Actually, everyone did. Dahlia Winton's return to the Republic has caused quite a stir. People are skeptical yet strangely curious. I suppose that sort of thing runs in their family. I've already had flowers sent over to her at The Menagerie. It's the least I could do considering she saved my case."

"I'm sure she'll appreciate the gesture even though more attention is the last thing she needs."

Kaytt motions to a chair which he gladly accepts.

"I take it you are a skeptic as well? Although, as the confidante of Rutherford Gellar, I hardly suspect her identity came as any real shock to you."

"The jury is still out, if you'll excuse the pun. Dahlia is, well, complicated."

"Not surprising given her lineage. You have nearly a full house in the Corporate Sector; Winton, Gellar, and Masterton all under one roof. And now these explosive claims about the Patten boy. Something tells me this isn't news to you either."

He shrugs, evading the bulk of the subject and those it entails.

"A lovely piece by Selene Silvestri but the Corellian's have confirmed it."

"The New Four," Kaytt whispers ominously. "At least that's what they say."

"They?"

"The Holo-fanatics herald this as some kind of omen. A second coming of sorts to polish off what their counterparts started."

"Is that your professional opinion?"

"It's circumstantial at best but I suppose we’ll see. Whatever the case, the timing could not have been more perfect. Whoever is pulling their PR should be congratulated. I don't think I've seen the networks so lively in years."

This strikes a chord with Garron as she does have a very serious point. Timing is everything and it has all unfolded so seamlessly, as if perfectly on cue. The pause in the conversation grows, prompting Kaytt to interject.

"So, what can I do for you?"

"I need to retain your services."

"I'm expensive."

"So am I. The credits can be in your account by close of business."

She folds her arms, "Sounds serious."

"Have we crossed into client confidentiality?"

"Yes."

"Circe may be in considerable danger. Based on what I've heard and what she's told me, my sister is not making many friends within the Republic Senate. I applaud her sense of justice but she on a razor's edge here. I fear there may be backlash."

Kaytt frowns, "You haven't seen the news this morning, have you?"

"No, I came straight here after I called. Why?"

"It seems a new theory is being introduced, one that involves Circe still under the influence of a Force User, this time the Jedi Council. The networks are claiming a tip was received that indicated this influence was the sole cause of her crusade."

Garron scoffs.

"That's ridiculous! She returned to the Republic to fight these laws of her own free will. Ask Janessa, she was there. The Jedi were nowhere near the Sector when she came to this conclusion."

"Perhaps not then," Kaytt says. "But her passion has only intensified as she's been in the capital."

"As a result of the increased lawlessness of the Senate and the restrictions of this so-called Registration Act."

"There is more; photage of a Jedi entering her apartment early this morning…right after you got into a cab and left."

Garron's eyes widen.

"I was recorded?"

"By two agents of the RSB."

"Those bastards."

"I must ask - did you know?"

"About the Jedi? Yes. He came knocking after I was already there, claiming they got kicked out. Of course, Circe offered up her place to stay."

"Why would she do that?"

"I suppose they are friends," Garron says. "This Jedi, Donovan, is actually from the Corporate Sector. You know him."

"Donovan Atrii?"

"Yeah."

She shakes her head, "Figures."

"Problems?"

"He was less than helpful when I requested the Jedi come to Circe and Janessa's defense. They wanted to remain in the shadows, out of the spotlight."

"I see that's working out for them."

Kaytt smiles slyly, redirecting.

"The networks used your exit to segue into the mysterious figure slipping in to Circe's apartment under the cover of darkness. The narrative is shifting out of her favor as we speak. They say she is a Jedi pawn to spread propaganda and poison the Republic."

"Mother of the Maker," Garron mutters. "She's not their pawn!"

"To be fair, Counselor Prescott was unaware she was being used by the dark Jedi who held the children captive. This lasted for years. Even Janessa was manipulated into doing unspeakable acts, things that will linger with her reputation forever."

"You think Circe is being controlled?"

"I am only arguing both sides. You would be surprised what the public is willing to believe these days. They are mistrustful, even fearful, of the Jedi now. They no longer hold the sacred place within the Republic infrastructure they once did. Now, as your counsel, I will defend her to the best of my ability but even you must see how this will severely damage her credibility. Those who rallied with her will now doubt if her intentions were true and the fabric of her movement will begin to unravel."

"That is exactly what Speaker Apteen wants."

"You think he is targeting her specifically?"

"Yes," he nearly shouts. "Her and that Corellian Senator, Artemis Soldys. Apteen can't directly attack her without compromising his impartiality but he can influence what the public thinks the same way he did with the Jedi."

"To what end?"

"She stands in his way of ridding the Republic of the Jedi entirely. Clearly this is where this is heading. Their reputation has been tarnished; they were blamed for the recent losses against the Empire and now evicted from their sanctuary. Circe's message makes them sympathetic and the public relates to a group of people being marginalized by big government. If she is discredited then the whole of the general public will turn on them."

Kaytt taps the com on her desk and makes a request.

Within minutes, a young man and woman enter the office.

Kaytt stands and motions to them, "Garron Prescott, this is Avery Olomos and Brennen Shaw, two of our best and brightest associates. As part of your retainer, I can have them assist in looking into these claims regarding your sister. If there is any truth to it, they will find it."

"I appreciate that, thank you."

Kaytt shakes his hand once more.

"We'll be in touch."

"Yes, please let me know what you find."

As he begins to leave, she calls after him.

"Just remember," Kaytt says, "You are on the RSB radar now. Director Drakos is not a man you want to cross. If Circe is a target, so are you."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on September 07, 2014, 01:06:31 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Serinus: The Menagerie

Dahlia lounges around watching the Holo as Quinn sways languorously across the expansive suite. So much drama unfolds on the screen that creating more seems like a waste but, really, it’s not. The more complicated the better. The Republic needs to be choking to death on its own inability to function that a collapse is the only logical next step. Being evil is so much cooler than being nice. She imagines what it must have been like for Karen getting through that much of her life being so stupid. Not like Alexia was any better, having gone off the rails nearly from birth. Dahlia likes to think she is the perfect balance between them with just the right mixture of vanity and venom.

A commercial for a sugary sports drink fades into a breaking report out of Corellia in which the former Ambassador of the Trade Federation and current Vice Present of the CEC, Mara Tacofer, is pronounced dead by the CorSec Director.

Truth be told, she didn’t see that one coming.

Sniped down by the Corellians? Harsh. That’s going to throw another wrench in Garron’s gears as Dahlia knows they spent time together when he was sent to retrieve Dane. She senses feelings but his knack for evading topics altogether makes it difficult to read clearly. She smiles knowing Garron is going to be spread so thin he won’t even have time to realize her motives or actions. Dahlia still needs to pay Speak Apteen a visit. After all, he’s been so unwittingly instrumental to their plans.

A voice she recognizes smoothes over the scene.

“Everyone thinks that I have it all but its so empty living behind these castle walls. These castle walls.”

Dahlia jumps up, “Turn it up!”

Quinn is confused, turning on impossibly high heels and short shorts.

“What?”

“The media player,” she says. “Turn it up!”

Quinn taps the volume up as Gemma’s voice rings through clear as day.

“If I should tumble, if I should fall, would anyone hear me screaming behind these castle walls? These castle walls? These castle walls.”

Dahlia squeals, clapping her hands together.

“What is it?” Quinn asks.

“That’s Gemma! That’s my sister!”

“No way!”

“Yes way!! She recorded a single with Sur-Maaj.”

Quinn is moving to the smooth lyrics in the verse, “Solid.”

The bridge is where Gemma adds her piece.

“Nobody knows I’m all alone, living in this castle made of stone. They say that money is freedom but I feel trapped inside it all. And while I sit so high up on a throne I wonder why I feel so low. On top of the world it’s beautiful but there’s no place to fall.” *

These words impress upon Dahlia as something deeper than just a hook to a hit song. Gemma may be young but she is hardly stupid. She managed to not only get herself trained as Jedi but then lied about it to everyone she knows. The altruistic and incredibly talented blonde is keeping secrets. On one hand, Dahlia is extremely proud. Such a feat of deception takes a stomach she was unaware Gemma possessed but in all fairness she does have help. The people of D’ian love to talk almost as much as they love lording their wealth over the have-not’s. She knows the mousy Nevylinn has been lurking about keeping Gemma from coming unglued under the guise of maintaining Republic interests in the Sector. She knows Kylie knows too. And if Kylie knows, Garron knows which is why they will both be kept in a state of panic and dread. Their confusion will keep things interesting.

Speak of the devil.

Garron strides in trying not to look anguished. Where ever he went, she can tell it didn't go well.

“If you are going to keep wandering off, I’m going to start feeling neglected.”

“You had Quinn to keep you company.”

“True but aren’t you supposed to, like, protect me or something?”

“Georgie is plenty capable.”

Georgie leans against the far wall and grunts what they believe is an affirmative.

“I guess,” Dahlia sighs, wandering through the room. “But with all things crazy things happening….”

“Oh, you’ll be fine.”

“…those riots, your sister and those terrible rumors, that CEC Vice President dying.”

Garron jerks, “What Vice President?”

Dahlia moves to strike.

“Mara something. You know, Riley’s aunt. Yeah, well apparently she got shot at by some rogue border patrol in the Corellian Sector and eventually crashed on Tynna. They looked for her but I guess she’s on the bottom of some ocean. Bummer, right?”

The devastation is almost palpable. Dahlia has to steady herself against the emotional shockwave emanating off of Garron. For his part, he seems to take it in stride but she knows better.

“Yeah. Bummer. Excuse me, please.”

He leaves the room while Dahlia makes eye contact with Georgie and smiles.

Quinn stands beside her, looking concerned.

“Is he alright?”

“Maybe…but probably not.”

*

Garron bursts into a stairwell and finds himself on an exterior terrace. He shouts obscenities into the air before clamping his hands on the guard rail until his knuckles turn white. His world is spiraling and for the first time in a long time, he has no immediate means to make it stop. Kaytt could only shield Circe from aspects of the law but not in the court of public opinion. The RSB is possibly watching his every move. Janessa is branded a murderer and clients fear an act she did not commit of her own free will. And now, Mara is gone. Gone before they ever really had a chance to test out the feelings they shared. Gone before they could ever really be together.

“It’s somewhat comforting to know there is a man who can express emotion.”

He turns sharply to find Escara Wu examining him.

“How did you know I was up here?”

She gestures around, “We have eyes everywhere.”

“Of course you do. You live in a voyeuristic little bubble.”

“It’s a cozy and extremely lucrative bubble,” Escara says.

“How much does a soul go for these days?”

“More credits than you can afford.”

Garron laughs hollowly, too tired to conceal his agitation, grief or disgust. He feels lost and detached. This trip had gone from a personal favor for Lady Masterton to reframing his entire life. He shakes his head while drawing in long, deep breaths.

“You never stop performing, do you? The mask you wear is sewn into your skin.”

She joins him at the railing, staring out into an orange sunset that illuminates her dark and vacant eyes.

“And you can’t even see the scars. We aren’t that different, Garron Prescott.”

“Oh, this should be rich. Enlighten me.”

“We serve our masters loyally even if it means compromising pieces of ourselves. Whatever qualms we may have with the means can be justified and rationalized. The lies we tell ourselves in order to press onward become the reality we live. It shapes our lives even if in the past we told ourselves we would never let it. Truth is inconvenient when it comes to protecting the world we have built for ourselves.”

Escara turns to face him.

“Don’t tell me you wouldn’t risk it all to save Dahlia from this Winton curse you believe has followed her from the past to the present. You would lay down your life to protect her. I would do the same to make her a star.”

“The joke is on you, Miss Wu. She already is.”

“We know that but it’s my job to ensure the entire galaxy does and never forgets it. Being a famous name takes absolutely no skill at all. She could coast on the legacy her sisters or parents left her. Building and cultivating a unique brand takes diligence and cleverness. The trick is to always having them wanting more. Dahlia Winton is a rare breed. She has what it takes to bring the worlds to their knees.”

Garron’s eyes meet her stoic stare.

“That’s exactly what you should be afraid of.”

-TBC

*Copyright T.I. & Christina Aguilera

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on September 08, 2014, 01:14:35 PM

"I'm smiling while lying to you.
If you only knew."

-Mono

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Pale beams of moonlight illuminate a carpeted hallway leading to a set of ornate double doors. At the other end, a boy appears. He is blonde but with a shaved head, wearing a tank top and boxer shorts. There are dark circles under his eyes as he walks listlessly down the hall toward the double doors.

Alexia Winton leans against the wall, looking first at her nails then glancing up at the boy, her eyes wide pools of blackness.

That is when the boy reaches the doors. He touches the wall controls and enters to approach the bed where his parents sleep. It is his father who wakes first, sitting up and turning on the bedside lamp.

"Billy?"

It is then he notices the blaster clutched tightly in his son's hands.

"William, what are you doing? Where did you get that?"

His mother stirs, "Honey, what is it?"

"It's Billy."

She sits up, eyes adjusting to the light. She gasps at the sight.

"Put that down this instant!"

Billy sways in place, his face slack and devoid of emotion. He raises the blaster.

"Billy, please! I know what happened to D'Arcy was terrible but we can help you….please, let us get you some help."

Alexia's lips move but the sound comes out of Billy's mouth as he presses the tip of the blaster against his right temple.

"This is only the beginning."

The shot is deafening and the screams of an anguished mother rise to an intolerable level.

Alexia turns and walks down the hall with a satisfied smile as the screams follow.

*

Dahlia's eyes flutter open.

Moments later, Escara Wu retrieves her from the suite. Dahlia collects herself and pulls a cloak around her shoulders, lifting up the hood. Together they move past a dreaming Quinn and out into the corridor. Garron was emotionally drained and had taken an early leave. He fell into a deep slumber where visions of Mara's face beneath the thrashing waters of Tynna haunt him.

Once they are clear of The Menagerie and safely on their way, Escara turns to Dahlia where her face shifts and melts to reveal the horribly scarred visage of the Voss-Ra disciple Tvo'rask, otherwise known as "Georgie."

"Vaat wra'ahh, bris cava." (The plan proceeds, dark child)

"Basic, baby," Dahlia says. "This is the Republic. One has to make these adjustments. And for the love of the Maker, appear as something more pleasant to my eyes. I know it's your custom or whatever but yikes."

Tvo'rask becomes the hulking security agent Georgie.

"Much better. To your point, the plan is proceeding but it needs a little nudge. That Circe Prescott is too helpful for her own good. Someone that idealistic needs to be taken down a few notches or, like, taken out altogether. Accidents happen. People get mad, do crazy things. The Jedi is on the way out but the eviction is just the first step. They need to be exiled entirely, thrust out of the Republic so they can no longer protect them."

"You are the Abomination, the royal absolution, the true daughter of darkness."

"I know! You guys only sing one song. The big picture is much more involved, G. Get it together. Schrag needs vulnerability from within while he weakens their borders. For that to happen, we need the Speaker to further this purge."

They arrive at the Senate Hall just after midnight. Apteen always works late and she knew he would be here. She can feel him inside. Dahlia turns to Georgie who has now taken the form of Senator Ingrat at her suggestion. The Speaker's little lackey will surely be granted access without question. "Ingrat" walks steadily into the great hall with Dahlia trailing behind, completely covered by the cloak. Drawing on the immense power of the Force, she conceals herself from sight to anyone who might be up and about at this hour. They approach the secured entrance for the executive offices. The night security glances up, seeing only the Senator.

"The Speaker sent for me."

The security agent scans over a list on the screen. Dahlia's eyes disappear into pools of blackness as she clouds their minds. Ingrat's name appears on the list or at least they believe it does.

"Of course, Senator. Have a good night."

Codes are punched in and access granted. "Ingrat" and Dahlia breeze through the blast doors and head toward Apteen's office. She instructs Georgie to wait outside, turning from Senator Ingrat to an RSB security agent. She sweeps inside, allowing the door to close behind her.

Speaker Shale Apteen is hunched over his desk and the arrival startles him. She pulls back the hood and smiles.

"Princess Winton," he says, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

The orb given to him by one of the clones glows on the edge of his desk and permeates the room with dark energy. She presses him mentally, seizing upon his openness to suggestion.

"You asked me to come, remember? You knew I had returned to the capital and wanted to see how I was doing. It was a sweet gesture and I was honored to oblige."

"Yes…yes, that's right. I asked for you. How are you doing?"

Her eyes flare, holding his complete attention.

"I am recovering nicely from my incredible ordeal at the hands of that twisted dark Jedi, thank you for asking. Yet I remain concerned for the safety of the people of the Republic. The Jedi remain among us."

"I have ordered them to leave their sanctuary below."

"But does that go far enough to protect your people? They continue to control and manipulate to cover their devious actions. The Registration Act is a great start but now you have Force users among you lying about who they are and what they can do. It's outrageous and inexcusable. To make matters worse, you have people like this Counselor Prescott fighting against you. She openly defies your laws under the direct control of the Jedi. She may have been a victim once but now she has allowed herself to be a willing participant who is complicit to their schemes. Circe is dangerous and must be stopped or you risk losing valuable ground with your constituents."

Apteen nods slowly as this settles over him.

Dahlia smiles deviously.

"Her brother is here as well. While he may have arrived under the pretense of my escort, I believe he is helping the Counselor. Perhaps that is something the RSB should investigate further."

"Yes," Apteen says. "They should investigate. They should also look into Janessa Kain. My sources tell me he conspires with her."

"No. Janessa is not involved. She will be left alone."

"Left alone."

In truth, Dahlia is quite fond of Janessa Kain. She is beautiful, brash and drives people crazy with her unapologetic nature. She butchered a Republic Agent with her bare hands and still managed to look gorgeous throughout the trial. She is an inspiration. Even if she is involved somehow, Dahlia does not want her harmed. She will be useful down the road when shit hits the proverbial fan.

"Circe and Garron, however, are up to no good."

"I will look into it immediately."

"And the Jedi?"

"They will be dealt with."

"I am so relieved to hear it," Dahlia says. "These are dark times for the Republic. Only you can save them, Speaker Apteen. Only you can save the Republic."

"Only me."

She stands, pulling the hood over her head.

"I was never here. You never saw me."

Outside, the Republic Agent becomes Senator Ingrat again as they leave the Senate Hall. On the ride back to Serinus, Dahlia reflects on her visit. She has another days worth of shooting left before she must return to D'ian for Fall Semester at Valor Prep at the end of the week. Garron will inevitably be waylaid and Georgie will have to take her back. His predicament will alarm Celeste and Rutherford just enough to keep any suspicion off of her. Garron is like family to them and they will rush to his defense. With any luck, Speaker Apteen will go full throttle on the Jedi and take action against the pesky Counselor which will play out publicly for Emperor Schrag to enjoy.

She throws her head back and laughs as the wind whips through her crimson hair. Fictional headlines stream across her mind.

Teenage model takes down Republic while maintaining honor roll at school, galaxy applauds ability to multi-task!

And they say youth is wasted on the young.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on September 10, 2014, 08:44:01 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Serinus

Republic Fashion Week is one of the most buzzed about events of the season. Large white tents are erected throughout Serinus that each house one of the featured designers and their runway shows. D'jour, Nalaa Grey, Viu-Viu, Nurha'chi, Yenvy Frost, Dada, Scovaii, and Umbrere are all main attractions. Naturally, the offices of VMG are up in arm's helping to coordinate this massive mess of melodrama. Lining up models may seem like an easy task but each one carries their own haute couture bag full of insecurities and demands. There are mini-meltdowns and wardrobe malfunctions that need to be addressed and Escara Wu is on a roll.

After talking a male model named Prestige off a ledge because he was unhinged about the sheen on his six pack abs, Escara tends to a wilting flower named Vixx who hasn't eaten in four days and is on the verge of losing consciousness before she can be sent down the runway in two different outfits.

"I said eat this," Escara coos, waving a piece of bread in front of her face. "Eat this or we get the clamps. You don't want to ruin your make-up, do you?"

Vixx smells the bread, heaves then slumps over in the chair.

"Fuck. Where is her handler? For the love of the Maker, find me one that isn't on the cusp of organ failure!"

She is now screaming into her com-link.

"What do you mean we don't have a replacement? Do you want to be the one to tell Valencia Scovaii she is down a model in her signature fall collection? I sure as shit don't. That woman will claw out your eyes and use them as a garnish for her martini. No, don't think! Just make it happen."

Escara is fuming, tapping off the device when the perfect solution presents itself.

"Dahlia!"

Dahlia Winton is roaming through the staging area after completing a shoot with famed photagapher, Maani L. With Quinn a featured model in the Nurha'chi line, Dahlia utilized her backstage access to scope out the scene. All the models she had idolized growing up are here. She hears her name and smiles as Escara waves her over.

"You are just who I wanted to see right this minute. I need a huge favor and it's not open for discussion."

"That's not really a fav…"

Escara inhales, dark eyes narrowing.

"More like a friendly demand. Semantics. We need a model for the Scovaii line since we had an…opening."

Dahlia glances at Vixx limp in the chair.

"An opening? Is she okay?"

"Oh, she's fine. In fact, she's so fabulous it's killing her. Literally! Look, we don't have time for the coy routine. I personally heard Valencia praise your look on the Viu-Viu shoot so I know she will be thrilled to have you. Will you do it?"

"Runway? Of course!"

The next thing she knows, Dahlia is thrown into a chair where a team of stylists descend on her. Her crimson hair is flat-ironed then braided across the top of her head with a few hanging, curled tendrils. The make-up is more natural which gives her a glow. She is zipped into a short black and gold embellished shift dress with a pair of shiny black peep-toe strappy heels. She is then hauled over to a line of other models, most several years her senior, and placed into position. Escara tell her exactly what to do.

"Use that inner angst," she says seriously. "I want them to gasp when they realize who you are. And they will. Do not smile; do not give them the satisfaction. Use that reaction and let it give you power."

It's like the Force except with, like, fashion.

"I can do that."

The lights surrounding the white glowing stage dim and the ambient house rises as the first model sashays down the runway. It seems so much longer from this vantage point. Model after model they go until it is Dahlia's turn. She adjusts her posture, takes a deep breath and steps out. She is halfway down the runway when the vibe in the room entirely changes. There is confusion, realization, surprise, awe. She does not let this faze her as she nears the end, pausing to glare out over the darkened audience before strutting back down the runway.

The second outfit is a green empire-waist dress with a black sash. They undo the braids and tousle her hair, dabbing on some darker eye shadow while adding higher gloss to the lips. She returns to the line and repeats the process. It all goes so quickly. Before she knows it, the entire line is displayed on the runway to thunderous applause.

Backstage, models congratulate her on a great show while every stylist tells her how great she looks. It is not a bad gig.

Escara materializes out of the crowd.

"You were amazing, a vision. I could not be more proud of you right now. Want to know the best part?"

"What's that?"

"You get to keep both outfits with many thanks from Valencia Scovaii."

"Really?" Dahlia beams.

"Yes, really. This is a huge step for you, Dahlia. Your name will be on the tip of everyone's tongue. Follow that up with the digital ads scheduled to run at the end of the month and you are well on your way to conquering this world."

"That's all I've ever wanted."

"Good," Escara says. "Now, the after party."

Everyone returns to The Menagerie where the bottom lobby has been transformed into a lavish lounge. Quinn finds Dahlia and throws her arms around her.

"This is so much fun!"

"I know! What a rush."

They are handed flutes of something bubbly but Garron intercepts, taking them out of their hands.

"I think not."

Quinn frowns, crossing her arms.

Dahlia gasps.

"I see you've come out of your slump to rain on our parade."

He smirks, "It's what I do."

"So, are you done sulking or is this the new expression you are wearing? You know those lines will set if you constantly scowl."

The truth is, he is still reeling from the reports of Mara's death. He watched the Holo coverage more times than he should have and he cannot get the images out of his head of her crashing, wondering if he was in her thoughts, if she died alone...

"I'll take my chances. Don't think you this party's a little…mature for the two of you?"

"Compared to what? A house party in D'ian?

"I grew up at parties like this," Quinn says, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "At least here they pay attention to me."

Garron blinks.

"That's the saddest thing I've ever heard."

"Sadder than your dating history?"

"You need to worry less about the facets of my life and more about the upcoming semester at Valor Prep. Sophomore year is starting soon."

"Don't remind me," Dahlia grumbles.

Quinn sighs.

"I don't know what grade I'm in. My father just sends a governess to teach me things then I go on vacation or come here."

"Now why can't I do that?"

"Because your parents love you and care about your well-being. No offense, Quinn."

"What?"

"Never mind."

There is a commotion near the entrance as the sea of people spread apart to reveal an array of uniforms. The RSB surround them with weapons drawn. Quinn clings to Dahlia as Garron steps in front of them protectively. Georgie is at their side in an instant, hovering behind the girls.

"What is the meaning of this?"

One of the agents steps forward, "Garron Prescott, the Director would like to speak with you."

"He could have called. My accommodations aren't exactly classified."

"He wants to speak with you now. At the precinct."

"Am I being arrested?"

"You are being strongly urged to accompany us for a conversation with the Director."

"Garron?

"It's okay, Dahlia."

And then he reacts exactly how she hoped he would - noble and predictable.

"Georgie, take her back to the Sector. Tell Lord Gellar and Lady Masterton I'll return as soon as I can."

Garron squares his shoulders and falls into step with the RSB agents as they file out of the lobby. The crowd watches in a mixture of curiosity and shock. One thing is for sure, the drama of it all blends perfectly with the scene. Escara Wu's judgmental gaze follows but deep down, this entire thing has made him all the more attractive. Dahlia and Quinn hold hands and stare as Garron slides into an armored transport that speeds off out of Serinus, toward the center of Ambaril.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on September 11, 2014, 10:45:09 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

Shale Apteen lay in his bed, eyes closed, arguably asleep, but certainly not peacefully. breath was labored, sweat poured down his body, head turning side to side in pained moans. He awoke with a start, sitting up and staring at the darkness, trying to catch his breath, to get his bearings. He felt consumed with fear.

It didn't used to be this way. Everything was clear, he knew right from wrong. And then it all changed. Suddenly. No, no that suddenly. The pressing fear had seeped in, slowly but surely. Fear. Anxiety. Suspicion. His thoughts had went from clear to cloudy, and now everything seemed dark and foreboding. What was the cause of this shift in him? Why couldn't he escape the darkness?

He heard a voice in the back of his thoughts, as if answering the question. the jedi ... circe prescott .. garron prescott ... yes, that was it. They were the cause of his fear. Fear for himself, for the Republic. Apteen took a deep breath. He knew what he had to do.

***********************
It was early morning, the sun peaking its head out, casting fading shadows between the highrise buildings of Ambaril. Apteen was sitting at his desk in his office, when he hears the chime at the door.

"Come in"

Circe Prescott enters. But not alone. No, it wouldn't be safe to be alone with HER not after what SHE did. She was escorted by two heavily armed guards. Circe did not appear amused.

"Mr. Speaker, I've been summoned?" Her tone was almost sarcastic. Apteen was not amused.

"Yes Ms. Prescott. As I'm sure you know, there have been multiple allegations against you recently"
"I've read the papers, Mr. Speaker. I know the rumors"
"Not just rumors. Some have been substantiated"
"Such as?"
"Conspiring with the jedi"

"It is not a crime to be friends with the jedi"
"Not yet ... it is however criminal to interfere with the functions of government."
"Nothing I've done -"[/color]

"I'm not done Ms. Prescott. You have harbored jedi in your home, and have let illegal protests outside this building"

"I have been fighting to protect the rights of individuals, rights that are protected under the Republic's charter"

"You have been disobeying the will of the people"
"You mean I've been disobeying you"

"I am just a servant of the people. I am doing what is necessary to protect the Republic. You, however, are doing the exact opposite"
"I disagree"

"Your disagreement is noted, for the record. But your actions - whether willful, intentional, accidental, or outside of your control entirely, are no longer tolerable. Based on the founded accusations against you, I am relieving you of your position within the Republic Counselor Corp."

There was silence as Circe's eyes grew wide. Was she going to attack him? Was she going to act out, as her co-conspirators planned? Apteen glanced at the guards nearby. They were close enough. They could stop her.

"You are firing me?"

"Firing you, for cause. Effective immediately. Your credentials have been revoked, and you are not to take any belongings with you. You can appeal the firing to the board of inquiry, but they've already told me they affirm my decision.

Furthermore, you are hereby banned from the government sector of Ambaril province, pending further investigation by RSB for your actions. Further negative action on your part will be perceived as disobedience, and you will be charged accordingly. You will now be escorted out of the building. Goodbye, Circe."

She was too stunned to say anything further, and the officers led her out quickly.

Apteen watched the door for several minutes, his hand absent mindedly reaching out to the gift that the Federation ambassador had given him. he felt a moment of calm. Circe Prescott would be neutralized, and by the end of the day, her brother, now being investigated by RSB, would have his traveling privileges revoked. Neither would cause him any more trouble on Chandaar.

Now, to finish dealing with the jedi ...

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on September 14, 2014, 01:57:37 PM

"All the strange things
They come and go
As early warnings."

-Peter Gabriel

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Serinus: The Menagerie

Georgie skillfully packs the princess' belongings into trunks as Dahlia dabs another layer of gloss on her lips. Quinn leans against the far wall.

"I really wish you didn't have to go."

"Me too," Dahlia says. "But I have school. My parents are insistent on a solid education and a wide variety of extracurricular activities."

"I'll be so bored. You are the most interesting person I've met."

"I know but I'll be back soon enough. Until then, we'll talk all the time. You have my com, call me when you feel lonely."

Quinn nods, crossing her arms.

"Do you think your friend will be okay?"

"Who, Garron? He's a big boy. And he's not my friend. He's like, my dad's employee or something. I'm sure credits will be thrown around and he'll be home before we know it."

"What if he's not?"

"Like if he's in serious trouble? Well, his sister is causing some major drama so it is entirely likely he'll be detained or worse. Those RSB agents are so self-righteous, always looking out for the greater good."

"You don't seem worried."

"I'm not. Not really. Why?"

"He's kind of cute," Quinn says, shrugging.

"Ew he's, like, thirty!"

They both giggle and hug when Georgie grunts that they are ready to go. Escara has already cleared her to leave and said they would be in touch. Dahlia kisses each one of Quinn's cheeks and wanders through the corridor back to the landing pad on which her pink and silver royal cruiser sits. Georgie powers the transport up and within minutes they are streaking through the pale Republic sky.

Quinn watches her go, completely unaware of the web she's just wandered into.

*

Surface: Downtown Ambaril

The RSB agents do not leave her side as they approach the apartment door. Circe has kept a brave face throughout even though inside she is dying. She turns to the agent on her left.

"Surely you realize how ludicrous this is?"

He does not even flinch.

"Gather your things. Your residence lies within the government sector therefore you are not permitted to stay."

"I am to be evicted as well?"

"Such is your punishment for instigating an uprising."

Circe arches a brow.

"So I'm a Separatist now? I wasn't aware that defending basic civil rights constituted a break from the ruling establishment, especially one that I helped make what it is today."

"The Speaker will not allow your threats to the Republic."

"In the land of the blind," she mutters, tapping in the door code. "Apteen is king."

He grabs her roughly by the arm, throwing her against the wall. She cries out but his hand is against her throat. The second agent has his blaster drawn and trained on her face.

"Hold your tongue."

"You would murder me for exercising my own rights of free speech? If that is so then the Republic is already doomed."

He raises a fist to silence her when the second agent is hurled against the wall. The first is stunned, unsure what to make of the situation when Donovan Atrii appears in the open doorway with a saber ignited.

"Let her go."

The agent tightens his grip on Circe's throat.

The saber hums loudly as it is raised.

"I said let her go."

The agent releases her, taking a step back.

"You will regret this, Jedi."

"Not nearly as much as you will once you realize the darkness in your motives."

Donovan's eyes are wide and intense as the agent is thrown back against the wall, knocking him out. He falls beside the other. Circe coughs, fighting back tears. These actions will cost him and he knows it but he could not allow them to hurt someone who had given so much of herself to help them. His code does not permit an offensive attack but neither agent is seriously injured in his defense of the Counselor.

She turns and their eyes connect.

"We don't have much time."

"Where can we go?"

Donovan deactivates the saber.

"I know a place."

*

Surface: Epernay Lounge

Kaytt Corinthos is enjoying after work drinks with Kinsa Cavenaugh. The day had been particularly grueling but she had won both cases so it was somewhat of a celebration. Kinsa is regaling her with tales of her latest conquest, a smoldering actor with the brain span of a thermos, when her com vibrates in her purse.

It's a text message from her sister, Trichelle.

Garron Prescott taken from a RFW after party by the RSB.

Her fingers furiously slam into the keys, wondering how she knows this information.

Dahlia called. She's on her way back to the CSA.

Kaytt tosses the device back in her purse and looks to Kinsa.

"I've got to go."

*

Surface: Ambaril: Central Precinct

Garron is taken to an interrogation room and left to sit for nearly forty-five minutes before the door opens again and a tall, brooding man enters. He is a few years older than Garron but immediately recognizable.

"Good evening, Mister Prescott. I am Director Laird Drakos of the Republic Security Bureau."

"I know who you are."

"Then we can dispense with the pleasantries."

"There were pleasantries?" Garron laughs. "Your agents stormed a fashion week after party to demand a conversation with you. A little dramatic, don't you think?"

"Not particularly, given the circumstances."

"And what circumstances are those?"

Laird glares down at him.

"Involvement with the Jedi threat."

"The Jedi are a threat now? Wow, you guys are so far out on a limb I doubt you can even see the tree anymore."

"You would be wise to choose your words carefully."

"And if I don't? Will you gas me like you did those protesters? Drag me into the street and beat me like petty thugs? Or will you just shift the narrative like you are doing with my sister, placing suspicion and blame on someone who is trying to help?"

"Says the potential co-conspirator."

Garron rises from the chair.

"What the fuck does that mean?"

Laird's lips are pulled into a sneer when the door opens again and Kaytt Corinthos breezes in, waving an arm in the air.

"Say nothing else," she demands, eyes narrowing at the Director.

"Counselor," he says without even trying to conceal his distain. "How nice to see you again."

"I'll bet. My client isn't being charged with anything which means we're walking out that door right now."

"Your client? Now there's a surprise. I wasn't aware you had made each other's acquaintance."

"Yes you were. You've been watching my every move since I arrived."

"Admittedly, we had our suspicions and how true they turned out to be. A rendezvous with Janessa Kain…"

"She's the Sector liaison."

"…then a late-night meeting with your sister and her Jedi companion."

"It's called a friend, Drakos. You should look into it."

"Garron, shut up," Kaytt snaps, pointing at the Director. "We're through here."

"Not just yet."

"Something you'd like to add?"

Laird withdraws a set of files from his pocket and tosses them on the table.

Garron and Kaytt stare it is blankly, waiting for an explanation.

"These are the documents detailing your clients Republic travel privileges being revoked, effective immediately."

Garron's mouth falls open as he looks to Kaytt who is equally stunned.

"So, how do I put this?" Laird says, leaning on the table with both arms. "Get your shit and get out."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on September 22, 2014, 02:02:29 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

"You've revoked his travel privileges?" Kaytt says in a low and menacing tone. "On what grounds?"

Director Drakos does little to hide his sneer.

"Conspiracy with the anti-Republic movement spearheaded by your sister, Circe Prescott."

"Anti-Republic?" Garron gasps, genuinely appalled. "What kind of game are you running here?"

Kaytt raises a hand to silence him, glaring at Drakos.

"The Republic is supposed to value and protect the rights of their citizens. Miss Prescott's right to free speech and peaceful protest does not violate the law. If anything, your agents have escalated the situation into violent confrontations."

"Careful, Counselor. That is a serious charge."

"No more serious than your allegations that Circe Prescott is anti-Republic. She has done nothing wrong and neither has my client. I can get his travel privileges reinstated by any judge who can see you are grasping at straws."

"By all means," Laird says, motioning toward the door. "You are welcome to try. But should you find yourselves out of luck, don't say I didn't warn you. Good day."

Garron is on the verge of strangling someone on the way out of the precinct. Kaytt clutches his arm as she leads him back to the transport idling out front. Her com bleeps as they are walking down the steps.

"Lord Gellar," she says, glancing at Garron. "Yes, yes, I am with him now. The Republic has gone straight to hell and revoked his travel privileges because they believe Circe conspires with the Jedi. No, the Jedi have done nothing to warrant such a backlash save for miscalculations in a clash against the Empire. They are being made out to be the villains here and no one can give me a good reason why. Yes, I'm already on it but if it cannot be undone I will send him back with Janessa as she is scheduled to meet with the Direx Board next week. Something tells me this irrationality has spread further than I can contain alone. We'll be in touch. It's my pleasure. Goodbye, Lord Gellar."

She clicks off and sighs.

"Are you alright?"

Garron fumes from his seat.

"That man has lost his mind."

"Admittedly, Director Drakos is far more aggressive than the last time we spoke. Lord Gellar wishes for your safe return but understands you must aide your sister in any way you can, especially since she is being unfairly targeted."

They arrive at the offices of Solem, Lancing, Wray and Corinthos and head inside. Avery and Brennen fall into step beside them and the group convenes in Kaytt's office.

"Find me a judge that will throw out this mess," she says, handing the file to Brennen.

"There may be a problem."

"That's not a word I'm fond of, Shaw. What is it?"

He glances quickly at Garron then back to Kaytt.

"An APB has been issued for Circe Prescott."

"What?" Garron shouts. "Why?"

Avery interjects calmly.

"The best we can tell, she was summoned to the Senate Hall and relieved of her official duties. She was also barred from entering the government district of Ambaril."

"But she lives in the government district."

"We know," Avery says. "Which is why she was escorted back to her residence with two RSB agents."

"What happened?"

Brennen continues, "Allegedly an altercation took place. Both agents were found at her residence unconscious claiming they were attacked by the Jedi staying with Miss Prescott."

"Donovan Atrii," Kaytt says softly.

"Son of a bitch. Do we know how it went down?"

Avery shakes her head, "Not at this time."

"That building has surveillance throughout. Where is the photage?"

"We already checked," Brennen says. "It was confiscated by the RSB as evidence."

Garron paces the office, "The Jedi don't just attack people. That violates their code."

"How do you know?"

"The Jedi Master who facilitated Celeste Masterton's escape to the Corporate Sector gave us the rundown. They are peaceful by nature and very meticulous in any conflict should one arise. Atrii would not have attacked the RSB unless it was in self-defense."

"Or in Circe's defense."

"They have become more violent," Avery says. "Especially against those who has come to the aide of the Jedi in the wake of the Registration Act. None have been more vocal than your sister."

"And Artemis Soldys."

"The Corellian Senator?" Brennen says.

Garron nods.

"He has also challenged the Speaker's policies and been supportive of Circe's cause. His input could shed light on some of these questions."

"I'll put in a call to his office," Kaytt says, keying on the desk consol.

Brennen turns toward the door, "I'll work on getting your travel privileges reinstated."

Avery nods.

"I'm going to dig a bit deeper in the Speaker's past. He was much more moderate and practical until recently. There has got to be a reason for this sudden and dramatic change."

She follows Brennen out the door.

Garron continues to pace.

"We need to figure this out. More importantly, we need to find Circe. If we can get our hands on some proof the Speaker and his cronies are suppressing evidence or discriminating against Jedi supporters we might have a leg to stand on."

"If Drakos has his way, you won't be around long enough to investigate."

"Then we must move quickly and utilize our greatest resource."

"Which would be?"

"The media," Garron says. "They have been controlling the narrative up to this point. If we find something, anything, we need to get it out there. And I know just the person who won't be afraid of the backlash."

Kaytt frowns, on hold with Soldys' office.

"Who?"

"Selene Silvestri."

*

Surface: Ambaril Outskirts

Donovan Atrii leads Circe Prescott away from the center of the city. They avoid main streets and heavily patrolled areas. He is discreetly covered from sight in the brown Jedi robes which are easily mistaken for those of a vagrant or transient panhandler. Circe, however, is clad in a royal blue blouse, black pencil skirt and black heels. She stands out in these back ally's and lesser known routes. He tries to move quickly, weaving through the sparsely populated back streets.

"Donovan, where are we going?"

"Somewhere safe."

She clutches her purse in one hand and his hand in the other. She was able to unload the contents of her safe before they fled her apartment. She has money, travel documents and identification papers which could prove more problematic than not if they cross the wrong person. Circe is caught somewhere between terrified and outraged. The entire situation is extremely prejudice and violates every oath she took when swearing her allegiance to the Republic and all it stood for.

Clearly, it stands for these things no longer.

A little over a decade ago, she left her posh life in the Corporate Sector to help members of the Rebellion fight against the tyranny of the Empire. So much of her adolescence involved the casual greed of the CSA and she wanted more. She wanted to help. She empathized with the smaller start-up's who got swallowed by the corporate giants on Etti IV. It was kill or be killed. Circe knew there had to be a better way. Her life changed the day she met Seneca Cirque, the man who recruited her to the cause. She followed him and his agents as they aided the Jedi in trying to survive the conquests of then-Emperor Dementat. She was introduced to Melanie Masterton on Arbra. Jedi Masterton was assigned a small task force including her, Seneca Cirque and Trace Denton and later, Rydan Stratford, Kimber Patten and Kent Carlson.

Circe owes her life to the Jedi. Had Melanie not sent her away, she would have perished with the others aboard the Centerpoint Station. Defending them publicly came naturally to her even though they declined to do so for her during the trial. Donovan had explained their position and she understood. Unfortunately, that need for privacy has worked against them. The Speaker's turn and the RSB's increased militarization has made it worse. Now she is on the run again and there is a moment of déjà vu.

She tugs on his arm and he stops, turning to face her.

"I won't run from this," Circe says. "I can't."

"If you don't, they will imprison you or worse."

"So let them. They have imprisoned me before."

Donovan pulls back his hood.

"This is not the same thing. They believe we are traitors to the Republic and are using you to solidify this sentiment in the public's mind."

"All the more reason to fight back. I won't let them do this to us."

"Your nobility is deeply appreciated by the Jedi, Counselor. You cannot fathom the gratitude for your kindness and bravery…"

"What good are those if it oppresses others? Surely you want to clear your names."

Donovan treads carefully between what his heart wants and his mind knows.

"Not if it risks losing you."

Blaster fire cuts through the ally and sends them reeling for cover. His saber is out and ignited as Circe presses her back to the wall.

"How did they find us?"

"We'll table that discussion for after we escape. Do you have a weapon?"

She opens her purse and withdraws a small blaster.

"A rebel never leaves home without one."

There are shouts from down the ally, agents assembling into position and fanning out into the surrounding streets. They need to move now. The buildings would be searched so they stood little chance of hiding. He could not lead the RSB to the Jedi safe house so they would have to abandon their current route.

"We have to go underground. The tunnels."

She scans the ally for a covering and spots one across the intersection.

"There!"

He raises the saber, "Get ready."

She nods.

Donovan steps out and a hail of blaster fire comes at them. He deflects easily, watching them hiss off the saber as he crosses to the other side. Circe follows, laying down a volley of cover fire until she is clear. He joins her at the covering which he lifts with the Force. She quickly climbs down the latter and he follows, pulling the covering down tightly behind them. Donovan brings his hand together into a fist and watches as the screws bend and warp, preventing the covering from being opened from the outside.

He leaps down and lands beside her, extending a hand.

Circe takes it and together they flee into the darkness.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on September 28, 2014, 06:21:31 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Ambaril: Sub-surface

They walk for what seems like miles. Circe's heels echo in the low tunnels that run beneath the bustling streets of Ambaril and she continues despite the pain radiating up her legs. Donovan leads the way but can sense her discomfort.

"Do you want to take a break?"

"No," she says. "We must keep moving."

"Perhaps more appropriate attire would have been beneficial."

She smiles at his simple naiveté.

"Fleeing the RSB wasn't exactly how I saw the afternoon unfolding. And this isn't inappropriate given what I do. As a Jedi, I don't expect you to grasp the fine line women must walk in an arena dominated by men. Our intellect isn't enough to play the games they play. We must be presentable at all times, finding balance between appearing feminine enough to appease engrained expectations without being overtly sexual where as to not be taken seriously. It wasn't like this when we were hiding from the Empire, before the establishment on Chandaar. Appearance meant very little when weighed against survival. Times have changed and with it, certain adjustments must be made. Such is the way of the civilized world."

"Do you find it unfair to be judged so superficially?"

"Of course. I want to be judged by what I do not what I wear or how I look. Unfortunately, despite our efforts to alter this perception that is not the way things work."

Donovan slows his pace.

"The Jedi find little use in societal expectations. We draw from a deeper well."

"One that is seldom understood," Circe counters. "Which is why you find yourselves in your current predicament. Secrecy has not served you well although I am by no means judging your decisions to stray from the political fodder. We all do what we think is best but the Speaker is using what little the public knows of your activities and purpose to paint a rather sinister picture."

"With you as our poster child."

"An It-Girl for all the wrong reasons. In some circles, that would be considered a huge coup but fame and glory were never why I left the Sector to join the fight. I was being smothered by the perpetual quest for profit and pressure that comes right along with it. You know what I mean. You left the Sector too."

"My parents wanted me to be someone I simply could not be so instead of going through the motions, I walked away from it all."

"Given where you are now, was it worth it?"

Donovan stops and turns around.

"Was it for you?"

They hold each other's gaze, a pause expanding in the darkness surrounding them.

"Yes."

"For me as well. The Jedi saved me from myself and allowed those I care for to remain discreetly out of harms way. I have no doubt we will find a way out of this together. Present company included."

Circe crosses her arms.

"You were unwilling defend me during my trial so why defend me now? Surely you must consider I may be harming your cause more than helping it."

"We don't believe that…"

"We?"

"I don't believe it," he says. "You have given our struggle a voice and people have listened. If it had fallen on deaf ears, the Speaker would not be so quick to discredit you. Hindsight being what it is, I'm not entirely convinced we made the right choice in not publicly defending you. Had we been more vocal and placed things in a certain perspective, the public may not have turned so easily."

"If the Jedi were intent only to observe and intuit, how could they not have seen this coming?"

"We always shared a respectful symbiosis with the New Republic under Shale Apteen's Senate. He understood our purpose and valued our opinions. The change in him was sudden, unforeseen. We are not clairvoyants, Counselor."

"Actually," she says with flushed cheeks. "It's just Circe now. I was relieved of those duties."

"You serve the Republic's best interests."

"They do not see it that way but I'll be damned if I let them subvert the fundamental principles on which it stands. The people need to be warned. They deserve to have a voice and make an informed decision. This democracy is doomed if we are stripped of that choice. Apteen is taking us in the wrong direction. Ridding the Republic of the Jedi sets the stage for something terrible. Can't you feel it?"

"I do."

Circe's eyes are wide in the glow of the saber.

"Then we must warn them. There is a rally at seven near Inverness Park South. I will take the stage and tell them the truth."

"That is much too dangerous," Donovan protests. "If they know where you are they will apprehend you or worse."

"More dangerous than allowing this course of action to continue? We're on the precipice here. This transcends the political motives that make this government go 'round, leaving us vulnerable as the infighting dismantles us from within. The Republic has become swollen and unfocused which is exactly what caused its collapse the last time. No one saw the enemy growing right on the doorstep. It's not just about you or me. It's about the public and the ideals we swore to protect and uphold. So, yes, it's dangerous but standing up for what's right often is. This is the right thing to do and you know it."

She moves past him, determined.

"Circe..."

"You have operated in the shadows for too long. Get off the bench, Jedi. The time is now."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on October 05, 2014, 04:40:42 PM

Chandaar

Surface: Ambaril: Inverness Park South

The organizers of the Civil Rights movement gather in a massive amphitheater that backs against two major boulevards off the park. Traffic is rerouted as a crowd gathers. Unrest swells in the city over issues ranging from the Registration Act to the border war with the Empire.

The people are divided and outrage spreads like wildfire.

Senator Artemis Soldys watches this from one of the several densely foliated hills in the park, careful to keep a discreet distance. He is deeply troubled by the reports involving the missing Circe Prescott and her Jedi companion. The coverage is heavily skewed in favor of the Speaker's viewpoints with rare exceptions that question these actions. People are quick to believe the Jedi had instigated the attack on the RSB agents despite the agency withholding the security photage from Counselor Prescott's building. They had been more than willing to produce it when it suited their needs in the case of Circe's connection to the Jedi and Garron Prescott's alleged involvement. Artemis finds it highly suspicious that now, when they could prove their case publicly, they instead chose to withhold while citing the active investigation. Director Laird Drakos remains eerily mum on the subject while his agents roam the streets in search of the duo. Nothing about the situation seems right and he observes the protest hoping to catch a glimpse of his friend.

Donovan ensures Circe reaches the protest unharmed although he struggles over her insinuations the Jedi had done nothing to fight the attack on their order. The Jedi are non-confrontational which she says is the problem. She may have a point but High Master Ven Agnant may take issue with her call to action. Still, her tenacity and sense of purpose drives him to follow her despite the danger surrounding them. Over a thousand people gather in the park. The organizers are glad she is okay and thrilled she wishes to speak. When they announce her, the crowd goes wild. She has become somewhat of a polarizing figure, a symbol of both sides of the same argument.

She takes the stage with Donovan a silent sentry beside her.

"People of the Republic," Circe begins, leveling her gaze at the crowd. "I come before you with a dire warning that the government you knew no longer functions in the best interest of the constituents it purports to serve. Hours ago, I was brought before Speaker Apteen and relieved of my position simply for opposing his own. I was then banished from the government district of Ambaril where my residence resides and taken back under armed guard to be evicted. When I spoke out against these actions, I was attacked and threatened but the RSB would have you believe this was instigated by the Jedi. That is just one of their many lies. The Jedi in question came to my rescue and had he not intervened, I cannot say with any certainty that I would be standing before you now. We fled for our lives and when the RSB caught up with us, they did not ask for our version of events or our peaceful surrender. They opened fire on us without as much as a warning and we were forced to defend ourselves. These actions are in direct violation of the Republic criminal justice system used to protect those accused against abuse of investigatory and prosecution powers."

She pauses, allowing this to settle over the stunned audience.

Artemis is floored by this revelation. Rumors of RSB aggression have been swiftly stomped out with little to no visual proof. So there was a reason they kept the photage from the Holo. It would have shown them in a negative light and hurt their cause. How many others had they confiscated or suppressed?

Circe continues.

"I believe we are heading down a very dark path and if we do not work together to stop these blatant violations of our rights as citizens of the Republic, we become no better than the Empire we fought so strongly to free ourselves from. We deserve better than to be silenced and marginalized by paranoia and fear. They would have you believe I am being manipulated by the Jedi as I was once manipulated by the Sith. They are exploiting a past tragedy to further a present agenda. It is an outright travesty. My loyalty eclipses faction or political affiliation. It lies with the people I swore to serve. You are being misled. Do not let them lie to you under the pretense of protection. This method of fear is merely a tool to control what you think. Use your own judgment. Believe what you know is right. The Jedi is not the enemy of the Republic nor am I. Stop this madness before we pass a point of no return…"

A flat, circular device is hurled from the crowd and attaches to the bottom of the podium. Donovan feels the shift in the crowd and watches their reactions as they reel and clamor away.

He has microseconds to respond.

"BOMB!"

He lunges at Circe, arms around her waist as the podium and platform behind it ignites into first a bright white flash then a curling fireball that sends a shockwave radiating outward. The platform explodes into flaming fragments of metal and wood which engulf everyone on it. The first several rows of protesters are flash-burned and dismembered with charred limbs sailing out into the screaming crowds. People disperse in all directions but are flanked by a surging RSB in riot gear. They clash, citizen against law enforcement and the first shots begin to ring out. Tear gas is launched and soon there is gasping and flailing as the haze of destruction escalates rapidly.

Artemis backs away, horrified by what he is witnessing. His aides grab at him and pull him away. They are lost in the sea of fleeing bodies and reach the transport. As they speed away, Artemis turns, watching the column of smoke rise into the sky above where the podium and stage used to be. The glowing flames reflect in his eyes and he knows that in silencing Circe's voice, the Republic had only served to open the eyes and mouths of scores more.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on October 31, 2014, 11:52:11 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

A small but heavily armed RSB squad led by Director Laird Drakos storms the offices of Solem, Lancing, Wray and Corinthos. They bypass the reception desk and horrified onlookers and barge into Kaytt's office where she and Garron Prescott are talking. She rises from her desk, furious at the intrusion.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"We are here on the authority of the Speaker. Mister Prescott is to be immediately evacuated from the Republic."

She shakes her head.

"My associate is looking to have that order thrown out as it has little merit. My client is in no way involved in this insipid vendetta you have against his sister."

"If you are speaking of the former Counselor Prescott then you are behind in your facts."

Kaytt and Garron exchange glances.

"What are you talking about?"

"The separatists held a rally this evening at South Inverness Park which was disrupted when an explosive device was detonated on the stage. It seems not everyone shares her views on the matter."

Garron's eyes go wide, "Circe was there?"

"Oh, she was there. On stage. Spewing her lies against the Republic with her Jedi handler right beside her."

Kaytt's mouth falls open, "Maker Almighty."

"Where is she, Drakos?"

"The explosion engulfed the podium, stage and surrounding area. Given her proximity to the blast…"

"You son of a bitch!" Garron snarls. "You did this!"

"Careful, Mister Prescott. That is a serious accusation."

"The Speaker wanted her out of the way. I didn't know he wanted her dead."

Drakos narrows his gaze.

"The Speaker wished no harm to Miss Prescott. However, we cannot say the same for those who opposed her ideals."

"Liar!"

Garron throws a punch with the full force of his weight behind it.

It connects with the side of Drakos' head sending him careening to the left. The other agents swarm, batons out and swinging. Garron is beaten as Kaytt is thrown against the wall and held. She screams for them to stop and when they finally do, Garron is groaning on the floor. Drakos wipes blood from his lip and nods to his agents.

"Take him to the transport."

The agents haul Garron up and out, half dragging, half-carrying him through the building. Laird Drakos turns to Kaytt who is glaring hatefully back at him.

"You can't intimidate me."

"I wouldn’t dream of it, Counselor but choose wisely your next move. The Republic will not be threatened by motions or inquisitive associates. Order must be maintained."

"At what expense?" she counters. "Your methods jeopardize everything the Republic stands for."

"Not if you obey."

Drakos turns and leaves and the remainder of the agents follow. Kaytt stumbles to her desk, trying to keep it together. She knows she has witnessed too much for them not to be watching her going forward. She tries Avery and Brennan's com's but neither answers. The cold grip of fear sends shivers down her body.

Kaytt grabs the recording device from the center of her desk, one that had been active throughout the entire ordeal. She had asked Garron to start from the beginning and go on record. Drakos and his men burst in during his statement. She clicks off and slips the device in her purse. Garron was right.

The public needs to know.

*

A Republic transport idles on a well-lit platform near the Senate Hall. It is surrounded by RSB agents and Janessa Kain stands beside the open ramp. She generally visits the Corporate Sector once a quarter to report in person to the Direx Board and field any inquiries. The RSB had once again shown up at her doorstep,. this time demanding she pack and leave tonight. The one stipulation is that she would have a passenger. Reluctantly, she obliged and waits on the platform.

Soon a smaller skiff appears and agents drag someone toward the transport.

The person is dropped in front of the ramp and only then does Janessa see his face clearly.

"Garron?"

She rushes forward and kneels beside him.

A shadow falls over them. She raises her eyes up to find Director Drakos.

"What did you do to him?"

"Far less than could have been done for assaulting a law enforcement agent. You will take him with you to the Corporate Sector. Although you are free to return as scheduled, Mister Prescott is not. His travel privileges within Republic space have been revoked."

"Revoked?" Janessa says, standing. "I don't understand."

The agents drag Garron up the ramp and into the transport.

"And I am not obligated to explain it to you."

"Does this have something to do with the Counselor?"

"Circe Prescott is dead," Drakos says evenly. "You have your directive, Miss Kain. Now go."

She flinches, backing away from him. So many questions fill the space surrounding them but Janessa, for all her fiery passion, knows when to fold. Her protests and anger would get her nowhere. She nods, turning on heels to walk up the ramp and assume the controls. She eases the transport off the platform, up and away from the capital skyline. The coordinates are set and she clears Republic central command. Janessa takes a breath and pulls back on the controls. The ship flares into hyperspace for the Corporate Sector.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on November 02, 2014, 01:25:16 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Republic Security Bureau Director Laird Drakos walks through the rubble in South Inverness Park. Agents from his department and others work with the medical office and rescue teams to sort through the chaos. Half the park has been cordoned off by the RSB and divided into sections where items are collected and tagged. The bodies, whole or in part, are taken into a massive white tent that has been erected to keep the prying eyes of the media away.

Drakos holds up a recorder and plays back one of the vids submitted by an attendee. His office had fielded many but this was the clearest, the most viable. Despite the distance from the stage, the recorder is steady as Circe Prescott speaks. The Jedi Atrii shouts and lunges as a brilliant flash turns the screen white. As it comes back into focus, flames and ash fill the scene as people scramble and flee. He lowers the device and stares out to where the stage once was. It is now a smoldering and blackened mess. Fragments of the framework are scattered outward in a short but distinct radius. Foldable chairs have been fused into some of the larger chunks of the stage, some with the participants still in it. He counts twelve people on the stage at the time of the explosion, including Prescott and Atrii. Just before detonation, Atrii saw something which caused him to lunge for Prescott. Drakos had spent the entirety of the morning scouring photage that could get him a better angle on the device itself. Anyone that close would have died in the initial blast. Of the witnesses they interviewed, no one saw anything that would lead them to a potential suspect. Several heard Atrii yell the word "bomb" as his voice was picked up on the microphone attached to the podium. He replays the photage over and over as he walks into the tent.

He signals to one of his agents nearby.

"How many from the twelve on stage are accounted for?"

"Eight, sir."

"Any hits on their DNA?"

The agent turns over a tablet with a list of names. Donovan Atrii and Circe Prescott are not among them.

"There are four more."

"We are still searching, sir. It is possible they were incinerated."

"No," Drakos says. "There would be something left. Keep looking."

"Yes, sir."

His com-link bleeps from his belt.

It is the Speaker asking for an update on the investigation. The horrific nature of the incident has the city frightened, especially since no one has stepped forward to claim responsibility. In his experience, the sender of such a message would be using it to further their cause by now. Militant groups and separatist factions have all used variations of the same tactic in similar yet less gruesome and grandiose circumstances.

He replays the photage once more as he exits the tent and scans the area again. The crucial details elude him but he assures Speaker Apteen that they are working diligently to piece together a comprehensive narrative before releasing anything to the public.

Apteen is confident in his capabilities but wants those bodies found.

*

In the Five Points neighborhood, Kaytt Corinthos crosses her arms against the fitted gray trench coat and veers away from the throng of locals into a side ally. She is reasonably sure she has not been followed, having taken the most indirect and elusive way she could think of to arrive here. Kaytt stops at an old blast door on a wheeled hinge and pushes it open. She slips inside and closes it quickly behind her. The warehouse is empty but clean. It had been recently purchased as part of the district redevelopment surely to become another specialty gallery or niche market dive bar.

She gasps reflexively as someone steps out from behind an expose column.

"For a lawyer, I thought you'd have a knack for this. All the sneaking around."

She smirks.

"For a reporter, I thought you'd have a bit more pronunciation in your arrival. You do love a grand entrance."

Selene Silvestri is stunning even outside the studio. She adjusts her signature glasses and sighs.

"Perhaps but this isn't exactly the venue for such things now is it?"

"I suppose not."

"I agreed to meet you because of who you are Counselor Corinthos. You are rather infamous around here after getting a murderer the prosecution had dead-to-rights off without as much as a slap on her slender wrist."

"The tortured teen royalty in the third act went a long way in that regard."

Selene shrugs.

"Still, an impressive feat. One that solidified your status as a senior partner at your firm and bolstered your image and social status. I can appreciate that which brings me to my point. You sounded like you had a whopper of a scoop and I'm just dying to hear it."

"I need your help," Kaytt says. "The RSB has gone off the rails."

"Tell me something I don't know. The reports of their brutality span the whole of the Republic but no one has the proof to back up the claims. Everything is conjecture, Counselor. I can't go to air with that just like you can't go to trial. I need something concrete."

Kaytt withdraws the recording device.

Selene's eyes widen, "Tell me that's what I think it is."

"It's a start."

"I'm listening."

"I came to you because you push boundaries. You are not afraid to ask the tough questions of the Republic's elite. And the Republic is in danger, Miss Silvestri. More so now than ever. Shortly after the trial and with the passage of the Force User Registration Act, my former client Circe Prescott began working with the civil liberties leaders within the city to combat what they saw as a heinous violation of citizen rights. Communities turned against each other as those who are different became suspect under the new laws. Paranoia and fear have taken hold of this city. The Senator's who opposed the law and sided with Counselor Prescott were marginalized in the Senate and maligned in the press. Present company excluded, of course. You never bought into the hype."

Selene nods, "There is always another side to a story."

"I'm telling you the other side of this one. These civil rights crusaders were slandered as anti-Republic in their rhetoric as the Jedi were made out to be secretive, mind-controlling monsters. The RSB quelled protests with unprecedented violence and used intimidation and threats to suppress any backlash. Even Speaker Apteen, once so sympathetic to the Jedi and a champion of civil rights, turned so sharply. People credit this change with the actions committed at the hands of Janessa Kain and Circe Prescott but it goes deeper than that. Counselor Prescott was able to see through an atrocity committed by an individual but Apteen wanted to blame them all. That is where Garron Prescott enters the story, escorting the aforementioned royal."

"Dahlia Winton," Selena says. "Now there's a fascinating subject."

"She's a Winton so I understand the allure but her superficial exploits pale in comparison to what Garron found himself wrapped up in. The RSB had him under surveillance since he arrived, without merit I might add. He met with Janessa Kain who, from what I can tell, alluded to the fact that the Republic losses against the Empire were in some way a staging ground to further destabilize the Jedi's reputation."

"Are you telling me the Speaker authorized loss of life as part of a smear campaign?"

"Conjecture, Miss Silvestri but Janessa Kain is a powerful woman with many connections. Something had her spooked. Garron then scheduled a meeting with me where he put me on retainer."

"For what?"

Kaytt pauses. This is normally the line in which client privilege would halt the conversation but Garron had given his consent to include Selene.

"It bears mentioning that Garron wanted to bring this to you. I am facilitating the wishes of my client. He was concerned Circe was in danger. She and the Corellian Senator, Artemis Soldys, had publicly denounced the new laws and he feared Apteen was targeting her personally."

"How so?"

"The anonymous call to the Republic News Network tip line stating that Circe Prescott was still under the influence of the Force. He believed that since Apteen could not go after her directly without compromising his position, he would serve to undermine her motives and damage her reputation. Before he could investigate further, he was pulled from a fashion week party in Serinus and taken to see Director Drakos. It was there he was told he was suspected of involvement with the "Jedi threat" and his Republic travel privileges had been revoked for conspiracy with the anti-Republic movement. The following day, Circe Prescott was called before the Speaker and fired, for cause."

"There were reports she attacked the RSB detail."

"Yet the photage was confiscated from her building and has not been released."

"You think it would implicate them?"

"The RSB is far too proud to sit on damning evidence against the Jedi. If it would prove their point it would have hit the Holo almost immediately. Their statement following the incident made Circe and the Jedi Atrii out to be fugitives. And no judge would simply revoke someone's travel privileges without at least a hearing. That kind of clout comes all the way from the top."

"The Speaker."

Kaytt nods.

"I dispatched two of my associates to dig into things but before anything surfaced, Director Drakos stormed into my office demanding Garron Prescott be evacuated immediately. He used the confusion to drop the news about the explosion in Inverness Park South, one he claimed took the lives of Circe Prescott and Donovan Atrii. As you can imagine, Garron was livid and struck the Director but he was beaten and dragged from my office. The terrifying clarity of the situation comes into focus in the exchange between Drakos and I."

She clicks on the recorder.

"You can't intimidate me."

"I wouldn’t dream of it, Counselor but choose wisely your next move. The Republic will not be threatened by motions or inquisitive associates. Order must be maintained."

"At what expense?" Your methods jeopardize everything the Republic stands for."

"Not if you obey."

Kaytt clicks off and meets Selene's gaze.

"Obey?"

"Something is very wrong here," she says, handing over the device. "This isn't enough to blow the lid off the story entirely but it gives you a direction."

"My interest is most definitively piqued."

"There are connections here we aren't seeing. I will help in any way I can."

"You must be careful," Selene replies as she slips the device into her purse. "If this goes as deep as you think it does then they will find ways to pressure you. Keep your confidantes few and close."

"Of course."

"Where is Garron Prescott now?"

"I imagine on his way back to the Corporate Sector. Drakos does tell his agents to bring him to the transport."

"So, both Prescott's out of the way. One dead and the other shipped back to the CSA. That certainly is convenient for them to control the media narrative. To the best of my knowledge, the entire RSB is mum on the explosion. Very few details are known which either means they have nothing or they need more time to put together a story. This gives us room to explore other angles. Have you heard from your associates?"

She shakes her head, "Not yet."

"Find them, see what, if anything, they have discovered. We'll be in touch."

"Then you believe me?" Kaytt calls after her. "You believe there is something deeper going on here?"

Selene winks, "Let's find out."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on November 10, 2014, 01:24:24 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Brennen Shaw waits for Judge Carris to exit his chambers before approaching. He had been a large influence in his own career which is why he sought him out first and foremost.

"Judge Carris."

The elder judge turns and smiles.

"Shaw, so good to see you."

"Likewise, your honor. May I have a moment?"

"Walk with me," Carris says, making his way down the hall.

Brennen hands over the datapad containing the order.

"A client of ours has been unfairly ordered to leave the Republic and his travel privileges revoked."

"Without a hearing?"

"Yes," Brennen says. "The RSB has overstepped their bounds."

Carris stops and reads through the documents. He frowns then sighs, handing the datacard back to Brennen.

"There is nothing I can do."

"What do you mean?"

"It is an Executive Order from the Speaker, bypassing the traditional method of a hearing. The lower courts cannot overturn such a ruling."

"They can if the Speaker has no legal grounds for the order."

"The charges of anti-Republic conspiracy hold a lot of weight around here, especially with the fact that Garron Prescott is a biological relation to Circe Prescott. Her activities and vocal opposition to this body of leadership has caused a great deal of controversy. Combine that with the sentiment about the Jedi and the recent Registration Act, you have the makings of a separatist movement with Prescott at the helm. If Garron was deemed a public danger, the Speaker has the authority to revoke his privileges with the RSB's full backing. I'm sorry, Shaw. My hands are tied."

Brennen shakes his head.

"I didn't think the Speaker had that kind of sweeping authority."

"The powers of the Speaker over the bodies of government expand in times of war. In this case, the recent clashes against the Imperial threat."

"Apteen used that as a qualifier. He gave the order."

"With good reason," Carris says. "The Empire does pose a threat as we saw in the unfortunate outcome. No one is going to dispute that. Circe Prescott's actions in conjunction with the Jedi border on treason. Had she not been killed in the explosion, she most certainly would have been arrested. The RSB was able to link Garron Prescott with his sister and the Jedi, making him part of the same threat. Therefore, the order for his evacuation would hold. I'm sorry I could not be not be more help."

Brennen nods, "I appreciate you taking the time."

Carris excuses himself. Brennen is more than displeased. He has no personal investment in Garron Prescott but the entire scenario played out a little too conveniently to be coincidence. The Force User Registration Act, Republic losses at Bastion, Circe Prescott's protest, the Jedi's expulsion, Garron Prescott's timely arrival onto to the scene…

The timeline is suspicious.

Circe had been more than just unfairly judged. In court, certain evidence can be inadmissible if deemed unfairly prejudicial. The same cannot be said for the court of public opinion. Her past victimization was used to crucify her motives in the present. As citing evidence goes, it's pretty convincing unless that it was part of a larger plan all along.

Could the two be linked?

*

In the central public library, Avery Olomos finds a public computer terminal and begins to search. She had visited the Senate Chambers looking for Senator's who sided with Artemis Soldys but found none in their offices. Avery left messages with a handful of them including Soldys himself to contact her at their earliest convenience. She decided on another, more obvious route to start. A list of Speaker Shale Apteen's speeches appear on the screen. She sorts by date and starts with one a year ago. He is calm, collected and empathetic in his delivery and it reminds her of why they used to adore him. He humanized the system, giving the democratic process an air of dignity.

She continues with a speech six months ago. This one is almost identical to the last but with a slightly harder edge. It could be the subject matter but Avery is looking for a progression and it does not take long to find it. She plays one from three months ago. Apteen is far more aggressive. A month ago, he is downright ruthless. Gone is the tone of justice or sympathy. His eyes dart around the room and he fidgets with something on the podium. Even his face has changed. He appears gaunter with dark circles beneath his eyes and a scowl where a neutral expression used to lie. The transformation is stark and shocking.

But how did he get here?

Just before the passage of the F.U.R.A., he seemed to take on a more skeptical tone. This tone grew more ominous as the months passed. His policies seem to mirror this darker tone with the RSB regulating policy with an almost military precision. Something must have changed over the past year that would cause him to change course entirely. Avery makes notes of the dates to discuss with the Senator's. She exits and powers down the console, walking briskly across the library out into the low winter sun.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on December 29, 2014, 04:31:05 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Civil unrest has reached critical mass.

The holding cells in the city precincts are overrun with citizens in blank white masks claiming to speak for the public. They say they are the voice of the people, those that are oppressed by the tyranny of the Republic's unjust laws. Director Laird Drakos is nearing the end of his rapidly fraying rope. Those he interrogates all say the same thing. The RSB has crossed a line. But It is a line they had drawn and forced them to cross. Actions have consequences. There are rules to the act of protest. This group, calling themselves The Concealed, has violated them. In the past, they maintained small yet well-attended protests against taxes, income inequality and bigotry. Now their efforts have only escalated the crisis. Comprised of activists, slicers and an ever-growing section of the general public, The Concealed has taken on the broad cause of social justice.

Their recent actions have come to contradict their initial outcry against violence. They often bait the RSB, drawing them into physical confrontations while someone films and edits the photage to appear as though the show of force was unprovoked. They use handmade devices that have injured many agents and others civilians who happened to be nearby. They have sliced their way into secure databases, releasing sensitive information on ongoing investigations and wiping clean the records of those they feel have been targeted under the Registration Act. The RSB has labeled them a Separatist group. The Concealed in turn labeled the RSB a terrorist organization. Barbs are openly traded in the street and plays out marvelously on the Holo as commentators on both sides of the issue snarl and hiss at who is to blame.

The murder of Circe Prescott and Jedi Donovan Atrii served as the fan to their flames. It is an explosion that engulfed the Republic capital and transformed it into a far more dangerous place. Any routine stop is a potential ambush. The RSB Agents who risk their lives to keep the peace are now targeted, allowing the more unsavory elements they would normally be pursuing room to flourish and prosper.

Speaker Shale Apteen has all but disbanded his personal cabinet, convinced each one conspired against him. He keeps only a handful of trusted Senator's and the Director as confidantes. Apteen believes this unrest is a direct Jedi retaliation and rants to Drakos about the poisonous nature of their existence. The Director has been summoned to his offices at all hours of the night where he finds the Speaker fuming silently as a map of the galaxy swirled through the darkness. Each time he left, Drakos would feel less remorse, more anger at the situation. The dark energy of the present one of the Mara clones had gifted the Speaker was also influencing the RSB Director. The Senator's who routinely visited the office are also affected by this darkness. The seeds of betrayal and personal paranoia grow within each, leading them down a path that has steered the Republic to its current state.

Making matters worse, Drakos' forensics team had failed to find the remains of Prescott or Atrii. The two others who were unaccounted for were not found either. Given the wide vicinity the remaining eight on the stage were scattered, it is unlike they will. Drakos has no choice but to pull the team and send in the clean-up crew. City-works had restored Inverness Park South into something more resembling what it was before the explosion. That site was then turned into a memorial and frequent location for shows of support for The Concealed.

The investigation had turned cold weeks ago with leads withering as the protesters ramped up their outrage. No one had claimed responsibility and The Concealed has gone so far as to say they believe the Speaker's office was in some way responsible for the blast. They went on to imply the explosion was means to an end, a way of further restrict their lives and strip them of individual rights. Trying to counter that on live Holo with Selene Silvestri had gone over about as well as one would expect. Callers and commentators came out in full force to support or renounce the RSB under his leadership. The usual suspects showed up to recite their tired old diatribes of how the system is meant to stifle the working class, keeping them securely under the thumb of the wealthy and well-connected. Some even claimed the RSB was in the pocket of a few powerhouse lobbyists that are loyal to the Speaker and this is all retribution for the public standing up to it.

Speaker Apteen is forced to clamp down on a spiraling situation and ordered a city-wide curfew as the RSB patrolled the streets enforcing it. The Concealed had found ways around that was well and blatantly appeared in several public places around Ambaril inviting confrontation.

Counselor Kaytt Corinthos stares down into the courtyard many stories below her corner office. A group of masked individuals march across the plaza chanting and shouting as the RSB storms toward them in full riot gear. Something is thrown and the two sides clash. Screams echo against the buildings as a tear slides down her cheek.

This is the New Republic.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on January 19, 2015, 09:08:51 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Senator Artemis Soldys walks back to his apartment just before curfew. The RSB agents escorting him leave him at the foyer but remain to patrol the area. Since the curfew has gone into effect, the violence within the city has decreased but it has done little to quell the public unrest. Several Senator's have become targets although Soldys is not among them. Still, the RSB has assigned protective details to make sure it stays that way. He is not concerned for his own safety, as he had been on the side of the people all along but his alarm is more for the Republic as a whole. They had accomplished little in the past few months and he fears their inaction will allow the Separatist movement to gain traction. More Senator's have defected from Speaker Apteen in an attempt to stabilize their society. It had not gone over well with Apteen who continues to grow more suspicious and aggressive.

The Concealed have managed to turn public opinion against those who mean to protect them and the RSB's reputation hangs by a thread. He calls for peace, a way forward in this escalating mess but it falls on deaf ears. He wonders if they will be able to overcome this schism.

Inside his apartment, he moves through the darkened hall and reaches for the light. Nothing happens. He taps the switch again but the lights do not come on. Groaning, he walks across the living room to the lamp on the nightstand. It switches on and reveals a figure standing in the corner. He gasps, taking a step back.

"Do not be afraid, Senator."

"Easier said than done," Artemis replies. "You are trespassing."

"It could not be helped, I'm afraid. This was the only way to speak with you without drawing unwanted attention."

"Forgive me if that sounds like a threat."

"I assure you it is not."

"Who are you?"

"A friend," the figure says. "One who needs your help."

"Show yourself."

The figure steps out of the shadows and into the light.

Artemis' eyes widen, "Jedi Atrii…"

"This must be a shock to see me alive but it pales to the frightening direction our Republic is heading."

"I don't understand….how? The explosion….you…were killed. I saw it."

"That is exactly what the RSB was led to believe. The Director is corrupted as is Speaker Apteen."

"Corrupted?"

"The dark energy of the Sith has both in their grip. They and several others who surround the Speaker are being misled."

"Are you saying they are being controlled by the Force?"

"Not as directly as before," Donovan says. "This is different. The darkness plays with the mind, pulling otherwise rational people into fear and paranoia. You have seen it for yourself. There are no grounds for the Speaker's actions yet he behaves with an almost fanatical conviction. These are not conclusions he came to on his own. He must be stopped."

"We've tried, time and time again in the Senate. Our voices will not be heard."

"You need to think more robustly. It goes beyond the Speaker with a goal to undermine everything we stand for. The Jedi has been scattered and few remain on Chandaar. Our presence will only incite more violence. The RSB believes we started this and a large section of the population agrees. We can no longer operate in the public eye."

"You never did."

"We had the faith of the government and public behind us then and now we see how our secrecy hindered our ability to defend ourselves against these allegations. But we cannot change the past. We must focus on the future, one that is in serious danger of collapse. The explosion was just a catalyst."

"For what?"

"Something much more sinister."

"How can you be sure?"

That is when another figure steps out from behind him.

"Because we saw who planted the bomb."

Artemis can barely believe it, a mixture of emotions flooding him.

"Circe…"

They embrace tightly.

"I'm sorry, dear friend. We had to stay hidden. The Speaker wants us dead and we need him to believe we are. We survived the blast because of Donovan's quick thinking."

"And a kinetic Force shield."

"But if you know who did this, you could clear your names."

"The RSB is already too far gone," Circe says. "The agents are just following orders but with Director Drakos compromised it gives us little leverage. We would be detained immediately and tried as Separatists. The Speaker will show no mercy."

"Who was it?"

Donovan holds up a device with a hologram spinning slowly above it. Artemis is confused.

"She looks…familiar."

"Her name is Quinn Cavanaugh."

"Sister of…"

"The socialite Kinsa Cavanaugh. Daughter of the Cavanaugh hospitality magnate."

"I don't understand. You are saying this girl blew up the rally?"

Donovan and Circe exchange glances then nod.

"She emerged out of the crowd, tossed the device and ran. We know she wasn't harmed because she is safely at The Menagerie in Serinus. We verified."

"Why haven't you tipped anyone off?"

"For one," Donovan says. "We don't know who we can trust except for you."

"You didn't see her, Artemis. She didn't do this on her own."

"What do you mean?"

"I saw the same look on Janessa's face when they played the photage during our trial. The blank stare, the mindless, stilted movement. The same look I had when they showed the photage of me wandering the corridor of the Bolerathon Tower on Hesperidium. She wasn't in control. Quinn may have been the vessel but she wasn't the culprit."

"Then who? Who would make her do this?"

Circe crosses her arms.

"We don't know."

"But we do have our suspicions."

"Which are?"

"Shortly before the rally, Quinn was involved in Republic Fashion Week…with Dahlia Winton."

Artemis frowns, "You don't think…"

"We can't say with any certainty she is involved. Dahlia left Chandaar with her security detail after my brother was detained at the party in Serinus. Quinn remained at the Menagerie and the rally took place that afternoon. We don't know how but within those few hours, someone got to her."

"Have you checked with The Menagerie? That place is locked down pretty tight. Surely they have security photage."

"Unfortunately, that would mean going through Escara Wu. She is notoriously protective of her models. Short of a subpoena, we can't get that vid. And even if we did it would implicate Quinn. We don't want another innocent victim being dragged through that. What we need is someone with connections who might be able to get at it without going through the proper channels."

"Even if I could find a credible slicer that could somehow tie the girl's activities to the RSB Director or Speaker Apteen, we are bordering dangerously close to treason."

Donovan sighs, "As opposed to a Republic implosion?"

"We need to make this right," Circe says. "But Donovan and I are not safe here. If they find out we're alive, we won't be for long."

Artemis nods, pacing the living room.

"I agree. I believe Counselor Corinthos was working on building a case against the RSB. She might be the place to start. But you two need to get out of Chandaar. Tonight."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on February 22, 2015, 03:06:30 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

Shale Apteen sat at his desk, absent mindedly touching the gift from the Federation ambassador. He couldn't understand the protests, or the Concealed and why there was such a backlash against the policies he was putting forward. He was just protecting the people, the people that chose him, from the threat. Force users,and those consorting with them.

Was it possible that so many had fallen under their sway? Or maybe the people were just misled.

A voice in the back of his mind was telling him that he had to change tactics - he had to speak directly to the people. Explain why everything he was doing was necessary to protect them.

There was another voice too - telling him that the gift had to be kept safe. Safe and hidden, so no one could find it. Apteen's eyes lifted, glancing left and right - was someone trying to steal it? Take it from him? No, he was alone in his office. But it wasn't safe, and he needed to keep it safe. He needed to hide it. Rising from his seat, and taking the gift in his arms, oh so carefully, he returned it to its box, without deactivating it as he usually did. He picked up the box and he moved around to the side of desk. There, he pushed aside the throw that extended out from beneath his desk, out several feet in each direction. The wood paneling of the floor left no mark of distinction, but Apteen counted quietly to himself, running one hand along the wood lines, the other holding the box. At a particular count, he turned his finger inward, digging a nail into the crevice and prying upward. A single board came loose, revealing a small safe underneath, opened with a combination and a key. He pulled the key from his pocket and plugged it into the lock, then turned the dial on the combination lock. once this way, once that way, and back again. With a click, the safe opened, revealing a handful of small but valuable objects - either of actual or sentimental value. Gingerly, Shale Apteen placed the box into the safe, closed, it locked it, and hit the safe with the board again.

He smiled - no one would find it there. The key he placed back in his pocket as the throw rug was again straightened to its place.

Now, time for the press conference. For the galaxy to see he was not a villain or a tyrant.

To make them know who the real enemy was.

TBC.

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on February 23, 2015, 11:02:03 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The offices of Solem, Lancing, Wray and Corinthos are quiet. Everyone had gone for the day. Kaytt Corinthos remains in her office, skimming over a brief that would help in their case against the RSB. The Speaker's office maintains their use of force is justified and that the violent protests put the agent's lives in danger. Director Drakos directs blame at The Concealed and their attempts to scatter and undermine their goal of public safety.

Kaytt is not convinced.

Several of the plaintiff's were not actively involved in the protests and had been in the wrong place at the wrong time. According to their statements, there had been no attempt to discern between bystander and protester and all had been either beaten or gassed. Two were hospitalized, one with a radial fracture resulting in the loss of movement to the left side of his face. The other was a woman who is partially blind due to proximity to a highly concentrated tear gas canister which the RSB stated had "malfunctioned." Both victims were said to have been breaking curfew and should not have been in public in the first place. For those who work evening or graveyard shifts, the curfew is impossible to follow. Not only has it put a strain on the working class citizen struggling to support themselves or a family, it has also introduced a pervasive level of fear against the agency founded to protect them. Mistrust is rampant from all sides with each pointing fingers at the other. The Concealed has done a remarkable job of feeding the fire while claiming their actions give voice to those who have been marginalized and exploited by government overreach and bureau corruption.

She had even received a visit from Senator Soldys who threw his name in the hat to help her stop the violence. Kaytt is typically wary of politicians and their myriad of motives but Artemis' stellar public record and association with the slain Counselor Prescott lend him a credibility denied to most Senator's. She found his position genuine and accepted his offer to assist.

Kaytt is so wrapped up in thought she doesn't realize there is someone standing in the doorway to her office.

"Hello? Central command to Counselor Corinthos?"

"Sorry, long day."

Kinsa Cavanaugh laughs, "Tell me about it."

"Really? What did you do, get your nails done?"

"Not just that," Kinsa says. "I also filmed an ad for the new D'jour perfume."

"My, what a complex and interesting life you lead."

"Don't hate. We have reservations."

"Right," Kaytt says, powering down her consol and grabbing her purse. She closes her office door and falls into step beside Kinsa.

"I just got off the com with Janessa. Apparently, she's staying in the Sector for a while. Not that I blame her. After that whole mess with the RSB I would need a vacation too."

"She's not on holiday," Kaytt reminds her. "She works with the CSA, remember?"

"I know that but she was staying at the Gellar Estate on D'ian. Sounds pretty posh to me. You know she is hooking up with Garron Prescott, right?"

"Get out! She is not."

"Straight from the mouth of the babe. We're talking full on, broken ribs, clothes ripped, floor of the shuttle sex."

"I'm impressed."

"Me too," Kinsa says. "That man is brutally hot."

Kaytt rolls her eyes up.

"That's not what I meant. The Director's agents beat him senseless in my office."

Kinsa gasps, holding onto her arm.

"I forgot you are traumatized. I really need to be more sensitive about these kinds of things."

"Let's just stick to dinner and gossip."

Despite the wide disparity of value systems, Kinsa has always been a good friend to Kaytt. Throughout all the trials, relationships and corporate climbing, she has been there for her. Kaytt finds her flip naiveté refreshing. Their laughter trails off when something crashes elsewhere in the office. They both stop walking.

"I thought you said everyone was gone."

Kaytt moves away from her, "I did say that."

"Please don't tell me you are going to investigate the strange noise. This never works out in the Holoplex."

"That's only for teens and twentysomethings. As thirtysomething, we have a much lower mortality rate."

"I am not comforted by that."

Kaytt walks down the corridor that bisects the main office, peering around the corner. There is an overturned chair sticking out of one of the paralegals cubicles. She shakes her head, turning back.

"It was only a chair that fell."

"Chair's don't just, like, fall. They are designed to stay upright. That's their job."

She sighs and walks back around the corner with Kinsa reluctantly following. She reaches the chair and lifts it up, sliding it against the desk inside the cubicle. They share a laugh, continuing on down the hall and around the next corner.

"Maybe we have a ghost at the firm."

"Or an intruder."

"Don't be ridiculous…"

Her office door is open.

Kaytt stops cold and Kinsa bumps into her.

"What's wrong?"

"I closed that."

"Now who's being ridiculous?"

A figure steps out of her office; tall, broad shoulders and wearing a blank, white mask. They stare at each other for what seems like several minutes of disbelief when the figure begins charging down the corridor toward them. Kaytt grabs Kinsa's arm and they flee the opposite direction. They cut back across the office into the lift bank. Kinsa taps the button repeatedly.

"Come on, come on."

The figure rounds the corner and spots them, advancing steadily.

Kaytt gasps, pulling her back and into the stairwell. They descend as quickly as they can, hindered by Kinsa's ridiculously high heels and restrictive skirt. They are about three flights down when the figure enters the stairwell with them. Kaytt pulls the door open on the next floor and enters, striding toward the transparasteel doors of a jeweler's office while Kinsa calls for the lift. The doors are predictably locked and Kaytt whirls around.

"Shit."

"Isn't that one of those hacktivists? I thought they were on your side."

"They are. At least, they are supposed to be."

"Then why are they creeping around your office? Maybe we should just go ask him."

"Are you insane? Does that look like the kind of person who is keen on mediation?"

"Now that you mention it, no."

A ding derails the conversation as one of the lift doors hiss open at the same time as the stairwell door. Kaytt shoves Kinsa inside and lunges after her, slapping at the lobby button on the control panel. The figure advances toward them and says with a thick and distorted voice.

"It's what you don't know that matters most."

The lift doors close in front of him.

Kaytt and Kinsa exchange glances as the lift descends to the lobby floor. They exit quickly and enter Kinsa's waiting hoverlimo. As she primps in a compact mirror, Kaytt stares through the window at the passing scenery. The encounter was more than just a little jarring. Were they trying to scare her? She doesn't understand the motive. They fight for the same cause but differ in methods. She is bound by the law but The Concealed does not trust the system to bring about justice. She shutters, contemplating the meaning of the phrase.

What doesn't she know?

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on February 24, 2015, 10:15:28 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

The crowd was massive.

Apteen had announced a public press conference, to take place on the steps outside of the senate building, where he would address the recent changes made in the Republic Security Bureau's policies, the protests, and the Force User Registration Act. Many had heard that Apteen had been heavily involved in the changes, but most of the public never got to see the speaker or hear from him directly.

That made this press conference that much bigger of a circus.

Dozens of photographers and journalists had formed a semi-circle at the edge of the rope line that had been set up. Behind them, throngs of civilians crowded, pressed in. Chants of protests and counter-protests filled the air as supporters and detractors of the speaker's policies made their presence known. Above the sea of people, placards waved back and forth in tune with the various shouting.

Security forces had been dispatched as well - RSB agents were stationed at all corners of the stairway, and on nearby buildings, not to mention scattered in among the crowd as well.

At the scheduled time, Shale Apteen stepped out of the senate building, flanked by some of his most ardent senate supporters. He paused briefly, looking over the crowd, the hum of protest, the flash of lights. THose who had not seen the speaker in a long time noted he looked, worn down - older than his age, and seemingly burdened by an unseen force.

His face was solemn as he approached the podium and began to speak.

"Citizens of the Republic. There is no doubt that this is a trying time for our people. In the last few months, the Republic has suffered a major military defeat at the hands of the Empire. And within our very borders, we have seen a far more existential threat.

As many of you know, months ago, the Senate passed the Force User Registration Act. For some, this became a symbol of inequality, discrimination, and a shift toward a fear-based government. Let me say today - the FURA is nothing of the sort. It is a law passed to protect the people. All of the people. We have learned that the Force can allow individuals to control the minds and actions of others. It can lead to dangerous results. Even murder. The only way we can stop this, work to prevent that behavior, is to know who might have those capabilities, and to allow the public to know and be able to respond accordingly.

Force users are not second-class citizens. They may function in our society the same as others, as long as they comply with the registration requirements. The acts taken by my office and the senate regarding the jedi were, as well, in furtherance of protecting the Republic. And let me assure everyone - no one who has committed no crime will be prosecuted. You have nothing to fear as long as you abide by our laws. I am confident that soon, we will - "

But at that moment the speaker was halted, no new words came out of his mouth. A loud 'bang' had been heard, coming from somewhere in the crowd.

Shale Apteen's eyes went wide, his mouth open in a surprised 'O' shape.

And from his tunic, red was beginning to spurt out.

It all happened in an instant that seemed to last forever. As if in slow motion, Apteen had one hand grab the podium, another lifting protectively over his chest, then collapsing to the ground.

Three RSB agents surrounded Apteen, while swarms of soldiers now moved in, attempting to regain order from the chaos as protesters and journalists were looking for cover. A squad was wading through the crowd, toward the source of the shot.

There was the weapon, right next to a previously unseen manhole cover, leading into the Republic's sewers. A manhunt already started.

Shale Apteen's blood spilled on the steps of the senate building, where he was pronounced dead minutes later.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on March 01, 2015, 05:09:44 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

There is a sharp focus on Selene Silvestri's face as she narrows her dark eyes into the cam.

"The Assassination of Speaker Apteen today has divided the public even further with an emotionally rousing albeit controversial speech. As calls for his killer to be brought to justice echo in the streets, there are others who believe his discriminatory policies regarding Force Sensitive citizens may have pushed some to the brink. Will Apteen's legacy of exclusionary government continue after his death or will the cries for change usher in a new era of the Republic?"

*

Counselor Kaytt Corinthos taps off the projector in her office. She had watched the replay enough. The sudden brutality of it all stirs a sadness in her. She may be a lawyer but she is not heartless. Not entirely. She prefers due process to vigilantism despite the tailspin the murder has sent the RSB into. Director Drakos and his agents are greeted with a fresh wave of outrage. Naturally, they try to contain the situation but recent events have made it all the more sensational. The unsolved murder of a high profile Counselor and her Jedi companion followed closely by the assassination of the Speaker is just another blaster shot in the beleaguered RSB's reputation. They appear incompetent and disorganized, facts not overlooked by The Concealed who have begun to capitalize on the ensuing horror. If the RSB cannot protect Prescott, Atrii or Apteen, what kind of safety can the average citizen expect?

Avery Olomos delivers a brief to her office, lingering by the door.

"Yes?"

She turns, "Is this justice?"

Kaytt consider it before shaking her head.

"No. At least with Apteen alive we could have appealed to his sense of reason and hopefully changed his mind. Killing him only emboldens those who supported him and his policies. Whoever takes his place will have a significant choice to make. My fear is that the interim figurehead will respond by clamping down even harder on the public in an attempt to quell the uprising."

"You believe it will backfire."

"I believe it threatens the very essence of what the Republic stands for. We do not oppress our people so that we can control them. That is not our way."

"What if it is now?"

"Then we are in greater danger than we realize."

Avery nods, leaving the office. Kaytt sighs and reaches for her com.

"Soldys."

"Senator, this is Counselor Corinthos."

She hears shouting, commotion in the background.

"This may not be the best time…"

"I understand you are extremely busy given all that has transpired but you came to me with an offer to help. While I cannot go after Apteen, I can proceed against the RSB and Director Drakos. What you can do is help the Senate make the right decision. You have an opportunity to undo what has been done."

"Garnering the supportive majority may prove difficult."

"But not impossible," Kaytt says. "Please, Senator. The Republic needs you now."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on March 19, 2015, 02:28:45 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

As if things weren't bad enough. Murder in broad daylight, assassinations. And not just against one side of the ongoing debate regarding the freedoms the republic supposedly held so dear. Prescott and Apteen had been opposite sides of the coin. Was one a retaliatory strike because of the other? Were they both part of some sinister plot, to strengthen support, and if so, for which side? Conspiracy theories abounded, and there was little evidence of anything.

RSB agents had scoured the sewers, but the trail, if there was one, had washed away with the running water. No one found the attacker. A review of footage of the press conference was found, one even of the crowd. But even with video enhancement, nothing was conclusory. The gunman had been wearing a mask. Not the white mask of the Concealed, but a gray one. No distinguishing feature could be seen. The footage saw him wade through the crowd, lift the weapon, fire once, and seemingly fall downward into a hole. The crowd around him, upon the blaster being fired, had all ducked, too frantic to notice or stop him. When they had been questioned, all pled innocence.

How do you have a manhunt for someone you won't recognize?

As blame went back and forth, RSB Director Drakos did the only thing he thought reasonable - he imposed a curfew. The government district was strictly off limits to non-law enforcement personnel from sundown to sunrise. Members of the senate were permitted to travel only if they had proper credentials, and only upon being escorted by security officers.

Martial law - according to Drakos, it would be imposed until he was given other orders by the senate, something which wouldn't happen until a new speaker was chosen.

Lovely.

In the senate itself, things didn't seem much calmer. The debate had started for who would be speaker, a leadership role chosen by those in the senate. Names had been floated around, including two senators made most visible recent, Senator Ingrat and Senator Soldys. Soldys, for his part, had not made any statement as to whether he would run. Whenever he was given the floor, he spoke of exactly two things - first, a path to ending the internal strife in the republic, and second, pushing to make sure the military did not suffer from the internal strife. It seemed crazy to him that people had to be reminded, the Republic was at war, the Empire, though they hadn't made a significant push, was harassing the republic border, disrupting trade, running raids against a dozen worlds. Ever since the disaster at Bastion, the Republic offensive had been curbed, and now the fleet, itself with reduced man power and low morale, was having difficulty doing anything but keep the Empire in a holding pattern.

Artemis also noticed, in his analysis, that the Empire was not pushing forward the way they could. That meant they either were being overly cautious, or were purposely not attacking. After all, why fight, when the enemy can do the infighting for you? This, of course, he didn't say out loud.

After a particularly brutal session where he managed to get authorization for an additional six mon-calimari cruisers to be built, he was heading back to his office, when a half-dozen senators approached him.

"Senator, may we speak with you please?"

Artemis stopped and looked at them. All friendly faces. He knew what that meant.

"I can't be speaker"

"Artemis, you can"

"No, I can't. I'm here to help Corellia. Most of the senate still sees me as an outsider and would never vote for me. And even if they did, every decision I made would be called into question"

"We need someone strong like you"

"THere has to be someone else"

"Artemis, if you don't run, Ingrat is likely to win"

That did give him pause. Ingrat had been difficult even as a senator. As speaker?

"It cannot be me. I can help with the campaigning, but it cannot be me. Find someone else"

"When we do, you'll back him?"

"If he can heal the senate, I'll back anyone you want"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on March 24, 2015, 01:53:12 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

Gil Leeds was in his senate office chamber when he received the call.

"Senator Leeds speaking"

"Senator, I have a proposition for you. How would you like to be speaker of the senate chamber?"

The caller insisted on remaining anonymous, but a trace found it came from Contruum, his home world. An odd supporter? Maybe, but the things the person was saying were making sense. At the end of the call, he had one key question.

"I'm a nobody - how am I going to get support when there are so many high profile individuals running for the position?"
"That's easy senator - because you are going to get the support of those high profile individuals. In the next day, you will meet with several members of the Corellian Sector delegation, as well as Korda, Vena, Donovia and Phindar. The midrim and expanded regions are your base support. Once you say yes, Artemis Soldys will back you, because you are the best alternative. Then Senator Ingrat will as well, because he will either side with you, or lose entirely. You will be declared speaker in short order, because you will be seen as the unifier. Think about it, senator. You can shape the Republic. Contruum will never be in a better position."

The caller hung up and Senator Leeds leaned back in his chair, thinking over what he had been told.

"Senator, I have another call for you - this one from the senator from Korda"

Leeds glanced up.

"patch it through"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on April 01, 2015, 12:29:20 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

Artemis Soldys remained in his delegate box as colleagues from the Corellian Sector and nearby regions of the galaxy took to the senate floor to declare their nominations. Nominations for a young senator named Gil Leeds of Contruum. It was no secret he was going to support Senator Leeds, but he also knew if that support were less vocal, there would be less objection from the opposing side of the aisle.

There was polite clapping through the chamber as the necessary quorum announced Leeds, and as Leeds accepted with a humble nod. Senator Ingrat could be seen hovering nearby, whispering with some of his closer allies. Soldys was watching him cautiously. Ingrat had all but declared his acceptance of his own nomination, with huge amounts of support. Now he moved toward the center of the floor, glancing around the chamber as it quieted.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of the Senate. I have an announcement to make. You all know that I have garnered the necessary support to be nominated. Indeed, those senators behind me were significantly more than necessary for the nomination. However, I have heard the call of the senate - I have heard the call for unity. So I stand before you today to say I will not be accepting the nomination. Instead, "

At this, he put his hand on Leed's shoulder, acting as though they were old friends.

"Instead, I too am nominating Senator Leeds of COntruum, and encourage all of my supporters to support him. Senator Leeds as the new speaker will unite the senate, and make the Republic strong. Thank you."

There was a mix of polite claps from some, groans and eye rolls from others, and enthusiastic claps from Ingrat's most ardent followers. Unlike Artemis, he had made a move to become Leed's ally and right hand, hoping to maintain the prestige he obtained under Speaker Apteen. Artemis had rolled his eyes as well. But he was grateful, even hopeful. With Ingrat not opposing, Leed's had almost a guarantee of winning the election. Artemis stood and stepped out of Corellia's box, back into the hallway, returning to his own office.

"Senator"

Artemis nearly jumped as the man came up behind him.

"Master Agnant - I thought you were not allowed in the building" Artemis glanced around the office, as if to be sure no one else was there to see him.

"Not withstanding the recent policy changes, the jedi do have ways of traveling unseen. This was urgent"

"Urgent enough to risk getting arrested"

"Yes. There has been a great disturbance in the Force"

Artemis let out a sigh, moving to the chair behind his desk and sitting down. "That seems to be a recurring theme"

"I have lost contact with a half dozen jedi, including two jedi masters. THey have not reported, and I no longer feel their presence. They were located on border worlds with the Empire, along the trade routes, where they had been stationed prior to Bastion."

The implication of jedi disappearing, especially after the attack on Donovan Atrii, were unsettling to say the least. The jedi had been targeted as criminals, but until recently, it was a matter of civil rights. Now, it looks like things were taking a turn for the worst. With the jedi scattered and lacking in the support of the Republic, they were vulnerable to attacks. But even then, jedi were known to be able to take care of themselves. It would take a very strong entity to eliminate jedi, especially without it being public knowledge.

"I'm going to try every way I can to repeal the FURA, but even with the new speaker, I'm not certain I'll be able to accomplish that any time soon."

"I understand - but we might need an additional favor. Right now, the jedi are spread out. Purposely, to avoid drawing attention. I need to find a safe place for them to convene, so we can ascertain the threat. The real threat. I am asking if we can send the jedi - almost all of the jedi - to Corellia. I know they will be with friends there, and it is the only way to regroup outside of the Republic's spotlight."

Artemis was aware of the dangers of granting such a request. If they were discovered, Corellia would be seen in direct violation of Republic law, which could lead to sanctions or worse.

"I need to speak with the Corellian governor before I can say yes. Where can I reach you?"

"I will get in touch with you in a week. If you don't hear from me by then ..." Master Agnant trailed of, shaking his head.

"If you don't hear from me by then, see that you reach out to whichever jedi you can"

"I will"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on April 12, 2015, 10:34:17 PM

"No, no don't let her smile fool
Don't let her eyes confuse.
Red lips always lie.
'Cause red lips
Has a filthy price.
That's a murder
In her paradise."

-GTA

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Serinus

The royal cruiser touches down on the platfor atop The Menagerie. Dahlia heads for the ramp controls but Janessa hesitates. She turns, flashing a smile.

"Relax, there isn't any press."

"Are you sure?" Janessa says. "The last time you were bombarded."

"I made a request. For you. No press. I know you want to slip back into things slowly, given all that's happened. I get that. You should take your time. Chill out. Get settled."

"You did that…for me? Why?"

"I like you, Janessa. Smart, beautiful, ruthless, fashionable and, dare I say, cool. Don't let life's little tragedies get in the way of kicking ass. The Corporate Sector may be a man's world at times but you deserve to rule over it."

Janessa is touched yet somewhat alarmed. The Winton royal speaks and moves with a purpose unknown to her and so she treads carefully.

"Thank you."

Dahlia nods and heads down the ramp. Janessa follows and finds not a throng of screaming press but a lone, striking woman in a tight, black dress printed with white flowers. The woman kisses Dahlia on each cheek before training her gaze on Janessa.

"Miss Kain, it's a pleasure," she says, extending a hand. "I am Escara Wu."

"Likewise."

"Please, follow me. We have arranged for a discreet transport back to your residence. By the way, love the outfit."

Dahlia winks, "See."

Janessa turns and stares out over the cityscape, feeling surprisingly out of place. The Republic she left was militant and brutal. It had always been teaming with scandal, as any political center does, but Apteen's rule turned Ambaril cold. It was a place of paranoia and fear. Could the Senate steer them clear of becoming the worst versions of them or is implosion inevitable? She gathers her resolve, takes a breath, turns on her heels and follows them into The Menagerie.

*

With the lovely liaison safely on her way home, Dahlia returns to her suite. Georgie enters behind her with the trunks and arranges them in neat stacks. He strums the top of the trunk containing the black box. She rolls her eyes, dismisses him and pads around the suite. She pours herself a glass of sparkling water and taps on some music. There are things to consider when executing her itinerary. The shoots would drag on as they always do with models that can barely function without being praised constantly and sent flowers. She would put in the time, hit her marks and be fabulous. She needs to garner a reputation to be easy to work with in order to gain a larger scope of access. Photographers will clamor for the pretty face who does exactly what she's told and isn't a total bitch about it. She runs through the role in her mind, plotting out alterations to her normal personality that would keep things flowing smoothly.

Someone squeals behind her.

Quinn bounds across the room and practically strangles her in a hug.

"You have no idea how good it is to see you!"

"You…too. How are you?"

"So bored," Quinn says. "That whole curfew thing practically turned everyone into a recluse. How are we supposed to build a brand if we can't be seen?"

"Seriously. That's, like, our primary function."

"I'm so glad we're on the same page with that. So, tell me everything. What's new in the Sector?"

She shrugs, falling back onto her bed.

"Pretty standard fare, I'm afraid. You know, school, parties, whatever."

"Boys?"

"Not exactly a desirable pool. Sure, there are cute guys everywhere but they are either extremely dull or have their head's so far up their asses it's hardly worth the effort. Besides, it's not like I even have a say in the matter. All the parents match up their kids for the best and most profitable union. Take my friend, Trichelle. She is with this total hunk Kier but his dad is a former pro-athlete who sells speeders. You think her mother is going to let that last past a few well-placed yearbook pictures?"

Quinn makes a face, "That's, like, terrifying."

"Isn't it?" Dahlia says, glancing at herself in the mirror. "Do you know who you are wearing tomorrow?"

"D'jour, I think."

"Nice, I'll be in Nalaa Grey."

"That's your favorite."

"Exactly."

"Hey," Quinn says, picking up an embossed envelope from the desk. "Someone left you a card."

Dahlia opens it and scans the message written inside.

"Well?"

"A warm welcome back from the designer."

"That's so sweet!"

"Right? It's getting late, we should wind down. Early morning tomorrow."

Quinn heads toward the bathroom but stops at the door, flipping her platinum blonde hair over her shoulder.

"I'm so glad you're here."

The door closes.

Dahlia glances down at the card, smile fading. She moves to one of the black shelves staggered up the wall and lights a candle. As the flame rises, she dips the tip of the card until it catches fire. She watches it burn down to her fingers before letting it drop in the empty waste basket. The card becomes ash and smolders out. That wasn't the message written inside. It was a singular sentence that put things in a much greater perspective.

Subject: Quinn Cavanaugh

Dahlia's eyes wander to the bathroom door.

"Me too."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on April 22, 2015, 12:58:39 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

Artemis had been extremely busy over the past few days, thanks in part to the renewed war effort against the Empire. Speaker Leeds had, with resounding support from the senate, authorized expenditures, ship building, and recruitment efforts to replace all Republic casualties that had occurred since the Empire had renewed the war, now nearly two years ago - including all the losses from the disastrous assault on Bastion. The war machine was in full function, with about a third of the ship contracts going to Corellia, about a third to Mon Calimari, and the rest dispersed among smaller ship builders in the galaxy. Corellian Engineering Corp, especially with its strong subsidiary, the remnant assets of the Trade Federation, was set to turn a respectable (but not obscene) profit. And being inside the Republic, they had advantages that their rivals in the Corporate Sector did not have. Access. Cheaper goods. Stronger ethics.

Diplomacy was required as well, and Artemis, despite his continued efforts to reverse the FURA, made efforts to avoid the topic while dealing with his senate colleagues, especially those whose views were anachronistic to his own.

Then he had the other task - relaying messages from the beseiged jedi to Corellia and back. Such backdoor deals were not foreign to Artemis, but he preferred to confront out in the open. He believed he stood for justice in representing Corellia, and had difficulty harmonizing that with efforts to thwart the law of the government he had fought so hard to become a part of.

Still, he had managed to make the connections - Corellia had agreed to take on the jedi, starting with those on Chandaar, and then proceeding to take them in from other worlds where they were dispersed. Artemis was waiting to hear from Master Agnant with a compilation of those who would be coming, and aliases they would be going by. This evacuation of sorts was to be kept secret.

But Master Agnant was late - not just by an hour or two, although that in itself was not the jedi's usual behavior. It had been two days with no word, and Artemis had begun sending out staffers to see if they could track him down. He had left no address, making the search that much more difficult.

Artemis was sitting in his own apartment, just outside the government sector of the city, when he received a knock on the door.

HEading to the entrance, he found standing there two jedi, neither of whom could be much older than their upper teens, if at that.

"Senator Soldys - something terrible has happened. Master Agnant. We believe he is dead"

Artemis glanced outside the door, ushering the two young jedi inside and closing the door behind him, before turning to face them.

"Dead? Are you sure?"

They shook their heads.

"Not sure - but it matches a pattern. The residence he was staying at - there was an explosion there, about three days ago"

Artemis remembered hearing reports - something about a gas leak in the sewer in some outskirts of town.

"He might have hidden somewhere else"

"Other jedi who are missing - from other worlds - the locations they were staying at. Also destroyed. No trace. Someone's not just killing the jedi, they are destroying the evidence of how it was done. No bodies, no nothing."

Artemis wasn't sure if the two jedi in front of him were frazzled because of their youth, or if what they were saying was actually true. But if it was true that the jedi-killer was on Chandaar, then that meant they and dozens of others, mostly the youngest of the jedi, who hadn't been sent on assignment, were in danger.

"Do you know where the rest of the jedi on Chandaar are?"

They shook their heads.

"We know some - but not all. We have no way of finding out if they are ok, or if something is happening to them."

"Very well. Here's what I want you to do. gather as many of them as you can find in the next day, and bring them to me. I will book passage for them off of Chandaar. If you come into contact with whatever the threat is ... don't engage. send a comm signal to me immediately. And get out of there. Whoever this danger is, it's strong enough to destroy seasoned jedi."

They nodded, looking more scared than when they had entered, but understanding their tasks. When they left, Artemis thought for several minutes. He moved to his comm unit and sent a quick message to Corellia - telling them about the possible death of Master Agnant, but making no mention at all about his plans to evacuate the jedi from Chandaar. He had a feeling that the attack here was a result of something leaking out, and the less that was sent over the comm, the better.

Then he sent another message, to an individual that by most counts, was a rival. Janessa Kain.

"Ms. Kain, this is Senator Artemis Soldys. Of Corellia. I think we should meet to discuss ... a mutual aquaintance."

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on April 22, 2015, 08:49:59 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Janessa Kain sits in her office, scrolling through memos and correspondence that had piled up in her absence. They were all similar in tone, especially from the companies in the Sector who had lost significant market shares to the CEC after the Republic shifted production. The urgency and desperation leaks through the screen. People are starting to panic as they know, in the CSA, a loss of ground gives someone else ample opportunity to seize a way in. She sighs, wondering what she would do with Iver Aguilar's words ringing in her head. She had to find a way to undermine Corellia and show that the Corporate Sector was better. Price and proximity aside, the Sector was less trustworthy in their policies. The Republic views them as greedy opportunists which is true but flouted their own morals as their motive.

Until recently, they had done that in spades. The FURA and the subsequent devolution of the high ground put them more in line with one another. The policies of the former Speaker had steered them into a large swath of gray area. How upstanding can you claim to be if you segregate and terrorize your own people?

She clicks off and leans back into her chair. That is enough for today. She would resume the chase tomorrow. Janessa has dinner plans with Kinsa but is unsure if Kaytt would join them. The Counselor had her hands full putting the screws to the RSB and their vindictive and seemingly bigoted actions. Good for her. Janessa's own experiences with the RSB are far from pleasant but she was on trial for murder. A murder she did commit. That was less about her and more about her crime. She was guilty and even though she cannot remember executing the act, the blood of Agent Erbon is still on her hands.

She heads home to shower and change, reflecting on her last conversation with Director Drakos after he dropped a battered Garron Prescott at her feet and ordered her to take him back to the Sector. He was a formidable man, arrogant and ruthless. Yet his grip on the city is waning as Speaker Leeds focuses on more pressing, external matters.

Janessa fastens in glittering earrings, dabs on lipstick and steps back to admire herself. Smoldering yet intellectual, she exudes a predatory vibe. It used to keep people at a safe distance. Now her reputation takes care of that by itself. She brushes a piece of lint from the smoky black dress and grabs her purse then the com inside bleeps. She answers it as she fumbles with the door.

"Kinsa, I'm coming, seriously, ten minutes."

"Ms. Kain, this is Senator Artemis Soldys of Corellia."

She stiffens, "My apologies, Senator. You were not who I was expecting."

"I think we should meet to discuss…a mutual acquaintance."

The vagueness of this statement chills her. Technically, Soldys is an adversary when it comes to the Corporate Sector. He had weaseled his way in and those efforts were rewarded with contracts the Sector believes should belong to them. A meeting may give her a chance to uncover something she could use, figure out his play. Since they matriculate in the Senate Hall, they know many of the same people. Her interest is definitely piqued.

"When?"

"Half an hour. My office."

"I'll be there."

She texts her apologies to Kinsa as she heads downstairs to the waiting execuspeeder. The ride over is uneventful and she exits into the bustle of downtown. She crosses onto the steps and moves through the cavernous foyer of the Senate Hall, using her badge to gain admittance through security. The lift opens on the Senator's floor. Her heels echo on the polished floors in a deserted corridor. She knocks and waits but the door opens more quickly than she anticipated. His eyes wander over her, briefly. She smiles.

"I was on my way elsewhere when you called."

"Thank you for meeting me," he says, stepping aside. "Please come in. I hope I didn't drag you away from anything too important."

"Dinner plans, it's nothing."

He motions to a chair in front of his desk which she descends into with a calculated ease. He returns to his desk and folds his hands together.

"You were rather…cryptic. Who would you like to discuss?"

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on April 23, 2015, 04:32:12 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

During that half hour, Artemis Soldys was rethinking the intelligence of reaching out to Janessa Kain. In truth, the person he would have ideally spoken to was Circe Prescott, who had found herself in a similar situation, with similar contacts. But Circe was gone - killed by an as yet unfound killer. Kyatt Corinthos was also a possibility, but she had her own mud to wander through.

And at the moment, what Artemis needed was not an ally. Janessa was anything but that, to be sure. What he needed was a contact in the Corporate Sector who could reach out to the vulnerable jedi sitting on Gellar property. He was pacing back and forth in his office when he hears the door chime, and moves promptly to open it. True, no one is in the office this late at night - and besides, Janessa Kain did have to pass some security to reach here, but earlier events had Artemis acting overly cautious.

He paused briefly when he saw her, dressed up the way she was.

"I was on my way elsewhere when you called."

He simply nods. Janessa Kain had a reputation of social activity - plus, she was in town on business for the CSA. No doubt she had a busy schedule while she was here.

"Thank you for meeting me," he says, stepping aside. "Please come in. I hope I didn't drag you away from anything too important."

"Dinner plans, it's nothing."

Artemis motions to the chair in front of his desk and returns to his own desk, folding his hands together.

"You were rather…cryptic. Who would you like to discuss?"

He leans back in his chair, wondering how best to approach the topic. Kain had her own agenda, and her own views on the jedi - and Artemis guessed, unlike Circe, they were not entirely favorably. He decided to start slow.

"You know that I was working with Circe Prescott to try to overturn the Force User Registration Act. She believed, as I do, that it was unfairly discriminatory against the jedi."

"We're here to talk about Circe?" Janessa's voice is a mix of curiosity, surprise, and annoyance.

"No. No, but it's important. The FURA, and subsequent actions by the Republic put the jedi in a very vulnerable position. Spread out. No allies, no protection"

"I thought the jedi could fend for themselves"

"So did I. But I've received word from them - from the jedi. They are disappearing. Being killed off, one by one. Several jedi, stationed at trade routes leading from the Core to the Corporate Sector have disappeared, their residences obliterated in suspicious explosions. Several days ago, the head of the jedi order was killed, in an act that was, again, meant to look like an explosion, just a few clicks from here. They are being murdered, massacred. And I believe that the same people who were behind what happened to you - the same people who pulled off the FURA - are the same people who are using it now to destroy the jedi."

Artemis knew the jedi had not been particularly helpful when Janessa was on trial for murder. He hoped her compassion - whatever compassion there may be in that calculating representative from the Sector - would lead her to help.

"I am trying to warn them - warn the others, before it is too late. You know that Rutherford Gellar has a jedi staying in his residence. Her name is Nevylinn. I believe, with most of the jedi council murdered, she is now among the higher ranking members of the jedi. But her isolation in the Corporate Sector. I fear that whatever it is that is going after the jedi, will go after her as well.

I need you to warn her. Warn the jedi Nevylinn what has happened here. I have no way of getting in touch with her, no connection, but she needs to be warned. Before it is too late"

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on April 24, 2015, 10:38:06 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Office Senator Soldys

Janessa came here with an ulterior motive. She planned on learning something that would help in prying contracts away from Corellia. A Jedi sympathizer certainly would make for an interesting talking point but it's not like he hadn't made his position known publicly. Artemis always opposed the FURA. He and Circe had been its staunchest critics. And Circe had been killed because of it. She can see the pain in his eyes, knowing that he lost her too. An ally, a friend.

As he explains that the Jedi were being systematically killed, it stirs up a mixture of emotions. The Jedi had been less than helpful to her in the past. They had not come to Circe's defense which makes his plea all the more interesting. As much as that stung, he links the Jedi's murders to the heinous violations that happened to her and to Circe. Before the trial, before she murdered an RSB agent, Janessa would have shrugged this all off as paranoia and some kind of political play. But something tells her it is more than that. She had let her guard down only once in front of Celeste Masterton who seemed to know how much she suffered because of what she had done. Guilty or not, she had taken a life and that fundamentally changed her more than she cared to admit.

Nevylinn is the Jedi who assisted in rescuing Dane and Gemma. She was then assigned to the Corporate Sector to protect them. If someone is hunting down the Jedi then she is in considerable danger. That danger would travel to the Corporate Sector for Nevylinn, placing the children and Garron is danger too. Having been welcomed into the Gellar home and given her business relationship with Rutherford Gellar, she could not willingly allow harm to befall them. She shutters, blinking away tears that burn in her eyes and responds in a way that surprises even her.

"Whoever did this to me, to Circe, to the Jedi, must be stopped."

She holds Artemis' stare.

"I will help you but there must be no public connection between us. It will give others leverage neither can afford. You have work to do here, to continue the fight Circe was taken from. I have my duties, my responsibilities to the Sector…but Nevylinn watches over those children. And they have suffered enough. Garron Prescott will know where to find her. He can warn her of what is coming."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on April 28, 2015, 03:04:34 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril: Office Senator Soldys

"I will help you but there must be no public connection between us. It will give others leverage neither can afford. You have work to do here, to continue the fight Circe was taken from. I have my duties, my responsibilities to the Sector…but Nevylinn watches over those children. And they have suffered enough. Garron Prescott will know where to find her. He can warn her of what is coming."

Artemis nodded, "you contact Mr. Prescott. I assume you contacting him won't look suspicious, based on your affiliations with the Gellar family. As for us - It will be as if we never met."

Artemis knew that it could decimate Janessa's career if it was found she was helping a corporate rival in anything - and while Corellia was less ruthless, that didn't mean there wouldn't be a strain if he was found to be helping anyone in the CSA.

THis was the best way, or at least he hoped. The best way to protect the jedi who hadn't already been hurt or killed.

"If I learn any more about the danger, I will convey the message to you, in as quiet a way as possible."

It had been a brief meeting, but that's all Artemis had wanted. In fact, anything too long would, he felt, have only been more dangerous. Artemis stood again, moving to the door.

"And Miss Kain ... thank you."

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on May 04, 2015, 02:12:00 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Janessa Kain nods to Artemis as she leaves his office, transforming her face into a stern mask while exiting the building. Brevity worked in their favor and she was already concocting a story behind their exchange should the need arise. Soldys may be a rival to the Sector but she is the liaison and, as such, expected to negotiate more favorable terms for those she represents. Splitting Republic contracts if the demand was overwhelming is a legitimate if not preposterous proposal. The Senator had declined, of course, and she was on her way.

No harm in inquiring.

She lets a faux-outraged Kinsa know they are back on for dinner and heads down the steps to the idling execuspeeder. Once inside, she instructs the driver to take her to Nocturne, a swanky new restaurant and club that was converted from a former bordello. Kinsa's status as a socialite gained her immediate reservations and, with Kaytt consumed with a fairly significant trial, she demanded Janessa be her date. Arriving places sans boyfriend is the social stand du jour. It is considered cool to surround yourself with friends rather than be arm candy to some moron hunk you couldn't care less about. It allows press to focus more on the individual and less on questions about a relationship status. Janessa thinks this is a brilliant marketing tactic and glances down at her com.

There is a sudden suspicion in the air. Artemis' message had been ominous. A slew of Jedi murders are not something to take lightly. The leader of the Jedi Order struck down makes everything seem somehow more fragile, expendable. She decides against calling Garron in the transport and reconsiders not asking the Senator the grave question that had crossed her mind – how wide does the scope of danger extend?

While on D'ian, Garron had told her, dreamy on painkillers for his injuries, that they were all targets. Anyone in proximity to The Four was fair game and quite often collateral damage. He mumbled something about a legacy before drifting off. Someone had used her as a pawn before, possibly the same someone who is taking down known warriors. She could be under surveillance. Worse, she imagines how long she may have been prior to being made to murder Agent Erbon. They could know everything about her. Admittedly, it is a sobering thought - someone with enough collective knowledge to be able to move people around like the board of a game.

Arriving at Nocturne is apparently a flashy affair tonight and she joins Kinsa as they link arms and strut toward door. She leans into her and says.

"I take it you handled your work thing?"

"Consider it a thing of the past."

The interior is aubergine with ornate black trim. Lighting is tasteful and unassuming, making everyone look soft and appealing. Kinsa smiles at onlookers and admirers as they are shown to a table. If they hadn't been friends for years, Janessa might wonder if her rep as a murderess added a darker element to Kinsa's public persona. Clearly it didn't faze her too much given their high-profile excursions. Champagne is placed in front of them and they order a variety of shared plates to try. As usual, Kinsa has two too many and becomes boisterous and full of adventure. Janessa watched her second and third glasses of champage go flat a half-hour ago. Plates are cleared and Kinsa escapes the table and secures another glass of champagne. Janessa joins her at the bar as she chats up a few people she knows. She nurses a glass of wine and casually watches the crowd. The young and hip really do love to preen, everyone mobbing for attention and Holo time. She remains coolly detached and lets Kinsa do her thing. This is not a life she wants and prefers the brass of her title and abilities to the hollow status decided by a finicky public.

Kinsa finally returns and requests her presence in the ladies room. Perfect. Janessa locks them inside once it is discovered to be empty. Kinsa is drunk and occupies a stall while Janessa places a call. Kinsa is talking to herself through the door and thankfully, Garron answers.

"Miss me already?"

"Stop pretending I wasn't the best you ever had and listen to me."

"Sounds serious," Garron says in a lower tone.

"It is actually."

"Who are you talking to?"

She places a hand over the speaker, "None of your business."

"I bet I know….you like him…"

She groans, moving across the bathroom to plush, grey couch in front of a black framed mirror leaning against the wall.

"I heard that."

"Don't get cute," Janessa quips before sighing. "Your little friend of the Force may be in trouble."

"The Jedi Nevylinn?"

"That's the one."

"I don't understand."

She keeps her voice at a reasonable level as Kinsa hums along to the song being pumped in from inlayed ceiling speakers.

"Someone is killing the Jedi, the crime scenes blown to bits to cover it up. Even the Master on Chandaar was slain. This may or may not be linked to what happened to your sister and me. Are you following the sinister path I'm on right now?"

She can feel him wince through the connection at the mention of her name.

"How do you know this?"

"A reputable source."

"I think we may have different definitions for that word."

She scoffs.

"Not in this case. There's more; a pattern."

"What kind of pattern?"

"Moving outward from the Core."

"Heading where?"

"Where do you think?"

There is a drawn out pause as his mind reaches the same conclusion.

"Nevylinn. The Sector."

"Warn her, Garron. Something isn't right here. There is a lot in the recent timeline that feels like building. And if others are taking notice, it might be a good time to act."

"Understood," he says. "I'll find her now. Thank you, you did a good thing."

"I try."

"No, you don't. And that's the point."

She clicks off as Kinsa finishes washing her hands and lazily rounds the corner.

"Tell me you hit that in the Sector?"

Janessa stands, dropping the com back into her purse. She primps her hair in the mirror and struts back to Kinsa, raising a hand for a high-five.

"Every chance I got."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on May 08, 2015, 02:53:26 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

Already, the Republic was regaining its position in the war. After the Bastion assault, The Republic was hard-pressed to hold its positions along the Hydian Way, the established defenses suffering losses from imperial raids, all waiting for a more direct imperial attack. Bandomeer was getting hit the worst, and it was believed it would have fallen in short order. The reinforcements changed that. Even before the Republic had acquisitioned the new ships, they were already being built. Corellia, anticipating the need had produced hundreds of Corvettes and larger cruisers - including the federation acquired technology, Revenge Class Corvettes, small ships with respectable fire power that could do wonders to augment any fleet - as well as much larger vessels originally designed for the now defunct Confederation.

The ships upon request had been sent to Chandaar, worlds with training academies, and other internal worlds far from the front lines. The vessels were filled with more seasoned personnel who had been relegated to planetary defense, and the senior classes from the training academies and then shipped off to various locations on the front, while green soldiers and those with only minimal academy training were put into those less-targeted defenses. Massive training efforts were made, so even those positions would be able to combat a fight, should imperials breach into Republic territory, and the academies themselves had literally millions of fresh faces.

That quick ramp-up put dozens of new ships on the front-line. Even with fairly inexperienced crews, well-trained captains and commanders allowed their numbers to be effective, and the imperial threat was pushed back, away from Bandomeer, Ruuria, Telos, Toprawa, Junction, and Taris. The orders were simple - recover and refortify the Republic border with the Empire, and then stay put. The fleets were still too green, and the attack on Bastion still too fresh in everyone's memory that no aggressive campaign was arranged. Not yet anyways.

The war committee was discussing attack plans on Dathomir, the imperial holding closest to the border, and possibly Ithor - but that was about it. Still, morale was growing as the REpublic saw it had not yet been defeated.

Leeds had not yet appointed a chair to the war committee (to Senator Ingrat's chagrine), and Artemis, as the Corellian representative, and a war hero ended up providing much of the direction and leadership. But he was busy in other ways.

Two days had passed since Artemis learned of Master Agnant's death and his meeting with Janessa Kain. Nearly a dozen jedi, ages 15 to 27 had been located and hidden aboard transports headed toward Corellia. Another dozen were now booked under pseudonyms onto another freighter heading off-world. Artemis had overseen, making sure they made it aboard their ships safely, watching as the youngest of them disappeared into the crowd of people leaving for the core. He didn't speak to any of them - and had told them not to approach him in the port. He was there claiming to oversee the delivery of Corellian supplies to Republic capital, various arms and weaponry that were going to be redeployed to ships heading to the front in the next few days.

As the transport doors closed, he heard its engines whine as the power activated and he turned, moving toward one of the arriving shuttles bringing in the supplies. It was only about a minute later that he heard a loud boom, and he could feel searing heat of an explosion. Ducking instinctively, he turned to watch the remnants of the transport fall from the sky, pieces of molten metal and fire having gone every which way, multiple other shuttle craft also damaged or destroyed as a result.

A dozen young jedi murdered, along with a transport full of civilians.

ALready alarms were sounding, as space-port emergency personnel and security were rushing to the scene. His own bodyguards were grabbing at him, urging him to leave, lest he be the target, but as he turned, he saw something - or thought he saw something. A figure, off to one side, near the shadows of two smaller ships close together, cloaked in black. A female with what looked like gray skin - and a smile on her face. Artemis watched, suspicious, the being turning to face him, and then turning abruptly, disappearing into the shadows.

"Follow that woman! Go, now!"

His own security looked at each other, but orders were orders, and they disappeared after the woman. It was perhaps a half hour later when they returned, exhausted.

"We lost her, sir. It's almost like she vanished out of thin air"

Port security meanwhile approached Artemis and had questioned him, and Artemis had relayed his suspicions of the figure to the authorities.

"Not much of a description to go with, senator - a humanoid woman with gray skin? We'll see if we find anything."

Artemis, for his part, doubted anything would be found. Not unless the culprit wanted to be found.

He closed his eyes and mourned for those who had been killed - those targeted. And those who got on the wrong transport at the wrong time.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on May 10, 2015, 02:26:38 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Nocturne

Janessa leaves the restroom with Kinsa in tow, weaving through the line that had formed while they were inside. Back out in the bar, Janessa plots a quick escape. The place had become overwhelmingly crowded and Kinsa needed to be evacuated before she caused a scene. She places a call to the driver to let him know they were ready to leave when the last person she expects to see tonight steps out of the crowd.

"Dahlia?"

"Hi, Janessa!"

"What…are you doing here?"

"I imagine the same thing you are – dinner. It's the meal that comes after lunch. I didn't know you would be here."

"Well," Janessa says. "I kind of got roped into it."

Kinsa wobbles over, smiling, eyes half closed.

"You are Dahlia Winton."

"That's me," Dahlia says, flipping her hair.

"I'm Kinsa. 'Nessa told me you knew each other. That's so wild!"

"Hello, Kinsa. I'm actually here with your sister."

"Quinn? Oh, that little bitch. Quinn! Quinn!"

Janessa grabs her arm to silence her. People around them are staring.

Dahlia cocks her head, "What's wrong with her?"

"Champagne goes right to your head. Remember that since models tend to be plied with it."

"Right, well, at least I enjoyed the evening and didn't gab away with my boyfriend when this is supposed to be a girls night."

"Boyfriend? I didn't know you had a…"

"I don't."

"She does," Kinsa slurs, giggling."It's that Prescott hunk."

"Garron?"

Dahlia makes a face.

"No, Dahlia, he's not…Kinsa, shut up."

Kinsa waves her arms around, "Yapping away about crime scenes and Jedi and Masters and shit. Soooo deep."

Dahlia bristles.

"Jedi Masters?"

Janessa smiles tightly, pulling Kinsa's arm.

"Clearly, she's incapacitated. We really must be going. It was lovely to see you, Dahlia. Say goodbye to Quinn for us."

"Yes," Dahlia says, watching Janessa pull Kinsa toward the door. "Have a good night."

Curious, she returns to the table to find Quinn scanning through a bejeweled datapad. She sits and takes a sip of fruit infused water as the din of the crowd reaches a nearly intolerable level. She leans toward her, unclasping her purse beneath the table.

"Quinn?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you know any Jedi?"

Quinn looks lost, "A what?"

"Aw, sweetie," Dahlia says, jamming the syringe forcefully into her thigh. "Stay blind."

Quinn gasps and cries out but it is drown in the roar. Her eyes meet Dahlia's stoic, emerald stare with disbelief but she swoons and drops over in the booth. Dahlia slips the syringe back in her purse and leans back, surveying the crowd. Everyone clamors for attention, each speaking louder than the next in order to be heard, that it all transpired without so much as a cursory glance.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on May 11, 2015, 04:44:27 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Serinus

Quinn Cavanaugh's eyes flutter open, the blur coming into the focus of her room in The Menagerie. She feels strange, sluggish, and disoriented. She tries to piece together the events leading up to the present but a colorful fog prevents it. Groaning, she turns over and pulls herself upright. Her thigh is killing her and she's extremely thirsty.

"You're awake."

She turns, startled. Dahlia sinks onto the side of the bed with a glass of water, her face awash with concern. She gulps down the water and gasps.

"What…happened?"

"You don't remember? You passed out. You barely ate a thing all day and Nocturne was so hot and loud that you had, like, sensory overload or something. It was crazy."

She rubs her leg, "I'm so sore."

"That's because you slammed into the side of the table on the way out. Don't worry; I tried to make our exit as discreet as possible. It was not easy, let me tell you, but thankfully Escara was there for the save. She's super pissed about the anorexic bit. We're supposed to be thin not dead."

"I am thin."

"Yes, sweetie. You certainly are."

Dahlia reinforces this version of events as she pushes the reconstruction into Quinn's mind. The colorful fog begins to take shape; getting ready, being seated, laughing over gossip, a tray of half-eaten appetizers, feeling dizzy, tired, and Dahlia face leaning over her as she called her name.

"Wow," Quinn says, feeling better as she finishes the glass. "I need to get it together."

"Seriously," Dahlia says. "I was, like, so worried."

"I'm fine."

"Nice try but you're going to have to do better than that."

She leans down and offers a plate of fruit, nuts and cheeses. Quinn makes a noise. Dahlia holds a piece up to her mouth.

"Maybe later?"

"Don't make me ask Georgie to hold you down. Work with me here."

Quinn takes a bite then another. And another. Soon she has finished the plate and Dahlia helps her back down.

"Rest for a while. I'll be back to check on you later."

As Quinn drifts off, Dahlia returns to her suite. In truth she doesn't know what Ibellum will do. She imagines she is not supposed to care. The lack of a press release for this plan has her mildly miffed but there is something else occupying her thoughts.

Just what were Janessa Kain and Garron Prescott discussing?

Kinsa's clues, disjointed as they may have been, have piqued her interest. Her distaste for Garron's meddling aside, she really hopes Janessa doesn't cross into liability territory. Liabilities go boom. Kind of like Circe and her Jedi friend. Anyway, who has the time? Dahlia had to be back in D'ian in a few days to finish out the semester. She would be allowed more flexibility during the summer break.

For now, she would play her part as the good friend.

The following morning, Quinn is feeling much more like herself. They have breakfast together before Dahlia says her goodbyes. Georgie already has her trunks packed into the cruiser. She makes Quinn promise to take care of herself and boards her transport in the late afternoon. She glances back at the Menagerie with a sly smile.

Til next time.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on July 21, 2015, 04:06:14 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

The most recent victory Republic victory at Garqi had significantly boosted the morale of soldiers and senators alike. It had been a costly battle - losing several large cruisers to take down a vulnerable bust still effective target, an imperial star destroyer. But the imperial costs were so much more. Had the Republic waited, they would have faced increased defensive position - when they arrived at Gari, multiple defensive platforms were under construction. Now that construction was being turned to Republic uses, Garqi becoming a forward command for assaults into much deeper imperial territory. The Republic was now within striking distance of nearly all the imperial north, including Bastion. An assault on that world was still far off. The debacle at Bastion was still only recent past, and the Republic would not be so daring again. But just the positioning meant the war was being won.

Then reports came in from Bastion itself. Apparently, Emperor Schrag had executed most of his senior military command in his fury for their failures.

The war counsel was meeting today in a senate committee room, with attitudes far different from where they were a year ago.

Speaker Leeds was sitting silently next to Artemis Soldys as a military liaison was discussing updates.

"The efforts we've taken over the past few months, putting new ships into commission, and reassigning military personnel to the from, with newer recruits training in defensive positions proved to be very successful. We were able to mobilize a very strong fleet, which contributed to our success at Garqi. We have secured the Hydian Way as well, and it has been weeks since an imperial raid on any of our worlds there or further in to republic territory.

Ithor and Dathomir have been secured as well, with no imperial raids since they've fallen under Republic control. Since we took Garqi, they've also stopped sending scouts there. We have seen some ship movement, larger numbers at Agamar, Phadea, Generis, and Ord Canfre. Those numbers, even combined, do not amount to a fleet large enough to hit us in most locations, and appear to be in response to our own scouts appearing there. imperial scouts have visited Garqi since the victory. Mostly basic scans, attempts to measure the force we have there. We haven't been involved in any skirmishes there, but we've made sure to leave an impressive showing, if for no other reason than to discourage a counter-attack.

I encourage authorization for Garqi to be developed further. Finish the defensive platforms the imperials started there, build multiple starfighter platforms, and add to the fleet there, replacing the losses from the attack.
Second, I want to strategically place gravity well nets. The main border is still protected, but I'd like a line of them to prevent the imperial fleet from hitting our supply line without us knowing. I am recommending nets be placed along either side of the Braxant Way, and in Garqi's deep space"

One of the committee members spoke up.

"Won't those nets affect us as well?"

"We can deactivate them if we need a quick response - but they will prevent any surprise attacks while we contemplate our next moves"

"Which is what?"
"We need to plan a direct assault on Bastion. Take the world and clear the Empire from the north. We take Bastion, and we won't need to worry about our northern border anymore"
"What would it take to take Bastion? The last attempt set the war effort back nearly a year"

"Indeed. We need patience. We also need more intelligence. Nothwithstanding the battle at Garqi, the Empire still has a formidable naval force - we need to know where it is, how it travels, and make sure we can face against it. The more worlds we take, the less sources of income the Empire has, so even small victories will help in our overall goal. We have also run out of our more experienced soldiers and will need to start putting newbies into ships headed to the front. Mixing them in will give them a chance to get some skills without jeopardizing the efforts."

"Senator Soldys, how is production going?"

"We are working efficiently and effectively. We have new dreadnaughts to replace those destroyed almost ready to be manned and sent to the front. Smaller craft as well to limit piracy in vulnerable southern worlds. We are building ships faster than they can be manned."

"Excellent. I put to a vote the authorization of the plan expressed by Commander Joholsky"

Before a vote could be called though, an aid came rushing in to the room.

"Speaker Leeds ... I have a message"

The speaker seemed irritated at the aide, frowning down from his seat

"This is a meeting of a war counsel. You interrupted because of a message from whom?"

"It's ... well, it's from the Empire sir. They are asking for a ceasefire. They are asking for peace"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on July 30, 2015, 01:24:17 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

News of the imperial message did not stay contained for long. Word that the Empire was asking for a ceasefire in the war spread quickly from the war committee to the rest of the senate, and then to the media. Speculations abounded. Was the Empire collapsing? Was Emperor Schrag dying? What would it be like to have PEACE? Could the Empire be trusted?

The talking heads could not stop analyzing and reanalyzing the war and the peace.

Meanwhile, in the senate, the decision whether to accept an imperial envoy was being heatedly debated.

Senator Soldys was skeptical of being able to trust the imperials, but thought it would be wise to at least hear them out; Senator Ingrat, seeing the Empire as new territory to expand influence and trade, was whole heartedly in favor of negotiating peace; Senator Brim La of Mon Calimari was admantly opposed to even meeting with the Empire.

The three of them, and their allies, made speech after speech after speech trying to push their point of view.

Now, they were standing in Speaker Leed's office, and the tension was palpable.

"Mr. Speaker, inviting the Empire to visit the Republic - it's too risky. We don;t want them seeing weaknesses in our defenses, that we've committed as much as we have to the front line, but that are backup is weak. We've been at war with the Empire for more than two generations, winning, losing, whatnot. Never before have they sued for peace, and I don't trust them now"

Artemis nodded his head, "I do agree with Senator Brim La's skepticism. We certainly don't want a star destroyer sitting in orbit. On the other hand, there must be a way, a place that we can meet. Hear what exactly they want. Find out if it's worth pursuing. A way that doesn't commit us to anything, but might give us an understanding of where they are coming from."

"For once, I agree with Senator Soldys. We need to meet with the Empire. Before they change their mind. The war machine is profitable for some, but war will grow tiresome. There are far better uses of our resources"

Soldys hated agreeing with Senator Ingrat. Especially because Ingrat was generally a proponent of military expansion and research. His motivation here was no doubt utterly selfish, self-serving. And suspicious. Peace might be good for Ingrat's world, but not for several years. What was he going to get out of it in the short run?

Leeds for himself leaned back in his chair and nodded his head.

"I agree we need to meet with the Empire. We need to know more about what they want before we can determine what to give. We will arrange to meet them in Garqi's deep space. They will be permitted only a shuttle - not capital ships, no support craft. Unless the Emperor goes himself, I will send an envoy and a diplomatic team. They, and their security detail, will be present. The empire can send a diplomatic team as well, who will be limited in weaponry. We will then receive the report from the diplomatic team, and make a determination is worth pursuing.

In the meantime, we will maintain our production, recruitment, and strengthening projects, in case this so-called peace effort falls south. I will receive reports from Garqi every day leading up to and including the talks. I want you - all three of you - to tone down talks one way or another until we know what's going on. If we are lucky, we might just have a path that works for us.

just please, don't push too hard and don't hold your breath"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on August 19, 2015, 02:42:19 PM

GARQI

Senators and Ingrat had gone to Garqi to oversee that security measures were appropriately in place. WHen the Empire sent their diplomats here, they would find the world, not too long ago in their possession, heavily fortified, with massive construction efforts on orbital platforms and an entire fleet devoted to its defense. Everything to say that the Republic was ready for a fight if it came back at them.

A Golan III platform, massive and significantly oversized for a planet of Garqi's stature, was nearing completion. One deck had been modified slightly to serve as quarters for the diplomats and their staff, from both the Empire and the Republic. Constant security checks in and around the level to make sure nothing could be sabotaged, and imperials would not have access to communications or any other systems on board.

Soldys and Ingrat were also both part of the greeting party, thanks in part to their roles on the War Committee. Along with them were several members from the ministry of state and the republic counselor's office. Artemis was familiar with them through his work with Circe Prescott, and they had developed a working rapport developing terms to negotiate with the Empire. Notably absent from the talks was Senator Brim La, who continued to be outspoken in his opposition to any imperial deal.

Everything was made as pristine and impressive as possible, anticipation of the meeting. The first time the parties were meeting without guns blazing.

The republic representatives were sitting in the conference room, hashing out final details of protocol, when the chime signaled the arrival of the imperial envoy. With quiet anticipation, the senators, counselors, et al moved out of the room, making their way to the hangar where the imperial shuttle would be cleared to land.

*******

As the imperial shuttle exited hyperspace, a squad of X-Wing fighters quickly moved in formation around it. Pursuant to agreed terms, no other imperial ships appeared, and recon x-wings were fluttering in the distance of space, looking out for any hidden imperial vessels, scanning or otherwise. The shuttle itself was scanned repeatedly as it moved toward the station.

The Lambda-class imperial shuttle followed the appointed route, was given clearance to land, and made its way smoothly to the platform inside the docking bay, The wings folding up over its head. Four x-wings landed beside the shuttle, the remainder of the squad breaking formation and moving in to patrol outside the station. Internal security measures, were hidden away, but could be activated at a moment's notice.

No one trusted the empire here. Not yet.

With a hiss, the ramp of the shuttle began to come down. Two dozen republic security guards stood ready, waiting for any sign of ambush, or deceit.

In perfect marching formation, two lines of imperial storm troopers - elite honor guards, with white and gold stripes on their uniform - marched out of the ship, lining up on either side of the ramp. A quick glance showed that their holsters were empty, and none were holding the customary blaster rifles.

Then came down several uniformed dignitaries - various stars and stripes and bars in the gray-brown imperial military getup. They lined up next to the stormtroopers.

Then came down one more individual. A man notably younger than the others in uniform - but his rank indicated he was higher positioned. Unlike the rest of the imperials, he had a smile on his face, and rather than coming to attention in line, he took several steps forward, reaching out a hand.

"My name is Barrett Trevaithan, Special Advisor to the Emperor and Envoy for the Galactic Empire."

Secretary Brad Neis of the Speaker's cabinet was the head of the delegation, shaking Trevaithan's hand. Trevaithan, with a casual grace, turned and introduced the various officials in uniform behind him, then turned back to Secretary Neis.

"I look forward to our conversations here. I have been hoping for peace for a long time"

"The empire instigated the war. We could have had peace long ago"

Trevaithan nodded. "It's hard for the Empire to let of the image of the republic as anything but rebels. I wish we had learned sooner. But Emperor Schrag agrees that the best interests of the Empire would involve peace. It's time for us to repair. To mend. I hope these talks will be the start of that"

"I hope so too"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on November 05, 2015, 03:01:41 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

Word of the pending deal with the Empire reached Chandaar long before the republic envoys had returned. By the time they arrived, everyone had an opinion - a strong opinion. For some, it was a clear win. Ending the war, and expanding the choice of democracy to planets in the north. To others, the Empire could not be trusted, and any deal shy of them dismantling every war ship was the road to disaster.

The views played out both in and out of the senate building, news commentators, no longer having any fresh material on protests of the FURA, were abuzz, talking about the pros and cons of the deal.

Senators Soldys, Ingrat, and Brim La, along with Secretary Brad Neis were standing before the Speaker Gil Leeds in his office. Senator Brim La was still fuming about the direction of the deal, still believing the imperials untrustworthy. He had already made his own opinions clear to his fellow senators and the press, a fact that annoyed the others in the room.

"Mr. Speaker, I still oppose this deal. We were - are - on the verge of victory, where we can set the terms as we see fit. How can we leave the Empire with Bastion? And these inspections - routine inspections can routinely be avoided. If anything, we need the ability to surprise inspections. Otherwise - "
Speaker Leeds raised a hand to halt the Mon Calimari

"I've read your reports - all of them, including your dissent to this agreement, Senator. I am fully aware of the risks. I have also prepared a series of proposed steps to counter the risks. You are, of course, free to oppose this deal in the senate. Such is your right as a member. But I urge you to remember the value of peace. Mon Calimari suffered greatly under the Empire, it is true, but it can flourish better under peace than constant war. All the Republic can. Please consider this deal carefully before opposing it"

"I will, Mr. Speaker. So long as you, and the rest of the senate consider it carefully before voting in favor"

"That is a fair agreement. Now, turning our attention to the next step.
"The Emperor wishes to visit"

Speaker Leeds nodded.

"I think he needs to come here, to be certain. If we cannot have the leader of another sovereignty enter our space, peace with them is a pointless endeavor. Nonetheless, we must take every precaution. I don't want an honor guard fleet of star destroyers in orbit. They will be permitted one capital ship - of their choice - auxiliary craft, for purposes of honor guard, and an honor guard fighter escort. Anything else will be considered an act of aggression.

I have also diverted certain portions of the fleet to Chandaar to be present during the Emperor's stay. I don't want him knowing how many ships and platforms we keep as our standing force. On all republic worlds, we are sending recon X-wings for extra patrols, to ensure no attempts to use his visit as a diversion. I am also increasing deployment of the gravity well nets, to ensure nothing gets in or out of our space without proper inspections.

Turning to the visit itself, the Emperor may be a target for assassination - I won't have that on my watch. I will allow the Emperor twenty-four troops of his choice for his own personal guard, and will provide an additional escort of 50 Republic Special Force Troops. He will be given quarters in N'Diya building, which is suitable for a foreign leader, and will also serve as the imperial embassy if and when the deal goes through. I have arranged for additional RSB patrols around the building. Once the Emperor is here, he will have an opportunity to speak before the senate, with myself, and others in the diplomatic corp. I'd also like to provide some forms of entertainment while he is here."

"There is a fashion show scheduled during his visit - several major labels are expected to attend"
"We can leave that option open, but I'm not sure of the Emperor's interest in clothing. He's a military man"
"Attractive women in flattering clothing ... I imagine most men would have an interest ... nonetheless ..."

The meeting went on for another half hour or so as logistics were planned, and the roles everyone would play. When it was over, the speaker called for Artemis Soldys to stay behind.

"What did you think of their negotiator? This Barrett Trevaithan?"

"He is young. Very young. And there are no reports of him in any role prior to this. To be honest, I don't know anything about him."
"Your report on him was ... interesting. See what you can find out. It may be helpful"
"Of course, Mr. Speaker"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on November 20, 2015, 12:38:29 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

The final preparations were being completed for the imperial arrival. Security had been notably stepped up, and the protests - they had flared up again, against the peace deal - were (peacefully) relocated several blocks away from the Senate building. The whole planet was gearing up for the visit, looking for new business or fighting against the arrival of the enemy.

And the upcoming visit left Artemis Soldys busier than usual. He had his 'usual' matters to tend to: representing Corellia specifically and the sector in general; doing what he could to protect any scattered jedi, helping young and old find their way to the haven on the Patten ranch (since the last large group had been ferried away, he had found 1 middle-aged jedi knight two padawans, and about a dozen 'force sensitive' individuals, whose parents wanted them free of the restrictions applicable to Force users. He was also continuing the fight against the Force User Registration Act, and the continued presence of republic scientists at the Centerpoint site.

But then he had the newest task that the Speaker had given him. Barrett Trevaithan. Even with the assistance of Republic intelligence, Artemis had obtained little information on the young Barrett Trevaithan. There were uncomfirmed reports that he had been a student at the imperial Tarkin academy on Byss, but nothing of schooling since at least two years ago, when Trevaithan was roughly 15 years old. The RIA had uncovered no transcripts or records of degrees. To be fair, they were treading lighter - signs that the Republic was conducting espionage would, if discovered, end the peace negotations. But Trevaithan's file was still thoroughly empty. The real question was how could a teenager have become such a high profile negotiator for the Empire? With no records of formal training or military experience?

A few speculated that Trevaithan was a bastard son of the Emperor, or some relation to him. But nothing hard and fast. And unknowns always left concern in the senator's thoughts. The Emperor was a known - tactical genius who had moved up through the ranks until he led the imperial fleet just before Dementat's demise at the Battle of Centerpoint. His service record had been readily available to anyone - imperial or not - long before he was anyone of note. Barrett Trevaithan was still a mystery.

Hopefully, one that could be solved before it was too late.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on December 16, 2015, 06:48:34 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

Surface, sky, and space were all abuzz with fanfare and security unmatched. Nearly fifty percent of Chandaar's orbit had been restricted, with massive republic cruisers, small frigates, auxiliary craft, and fighers patrolling. Constantly. In the sky over Ambaril, similar security, broken up only by confetti and streamers, flowing from droids going back and forth. And on the ground, an entire division of republic troops as honor guard. Shoes to helmet, shined and gleamed in the early morning sun. Hundreds of senators and diplomats were on bleachers near the welcoming site.

Teams of anti-terrorism units had constant monitoring of every meter. No stone left unturned.

The message finally came from orbital control.

"Sir, Imperial Star Destroyer Vigilance has exited hyperspace. They are requesting permission for the Emperor to land"

Speaker Leeds nodded his head to the controller, who sent the signal to orbit control.

Artemis Soldys stood next to him, glancing up at the sky. Weather was being monitored as well - any sign of precipitation, and the greeting would be moved indoors. That didn't look like it was going to be a problem. The temperature was bearable, and the sun was shining. It wasn't long before the visitors could be seen - a single speck, the shuttle, and multiple smaller specks around it, the honor guard. And still more specs, the republic escort. Slowly growing in the sky above. THere were cheers when they were first visible in the crowd, which renewed as the shuttle began to descend vertically over the landing space, the fighters sweeping upward and away.

The hissing of air as the lambda shuttle's wings began to fold upward, legs extending to grasp the floor, and the hiss of the ramp as it opened. Twenty imperial honor-guard troops descended, faces hidden behind white masks, but designations distinct from standard storm troopers by the small lapel on their right shoulders. Immediately following them, Barrett Trevaithan descended his own uniform almost bare of medals, but carrying a distinct and unique emblem above the pocket. He was followed by four red-robed imperial guards. Standing between them, Emperor Schrag, in full class-A uniform descended. His hair was cut in a short crop, eyes fierce, cold, and discerning. Behind the emperor, two more honor guard, and a gray-faced, black robed individual Artemis didn't recognize.

The Speaker turned to Artemis one last time as he began to walk the path toward greeting the Emperor.

"This could be an historic day, Senator Soldys. When peace will finally be returned to the galaxy"

Artemis nodded, following the Emperor. Hopefully, that would be true. Hopefully, this day wouldn't be historic for another reason.
A day that would mark the beginning of the end.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on December 24, 2015, 12:00:50 PM

"I'm goin' off the rails on a crazy train."
-Ozzy

Chandaar

The Winton royal cruiser flares out of hyperspace.

They are almost immediately routed into a singular and massive traffic lane. Half the orbit is virtually devoid of vessels. Dahlia dabs on lipstick and clears her arrival with Republic central command. Georgie is at the controls, taking them in.

An Imperial Star Destroyer looms in the distance, stately and ominous.

Dahlia closes the compact and marvels at it through the viewport. The whole thing is just…sexy. The slick design had always appealed to her in way most other craft did not. Republic capital ships and dreadnaughts were so bulky and weird. Even the cruisers in the Sector lacked imagination. She read that Karen's command ship, The Corporeal Quandary, was super custom and ultra luxe. Dahlia loves the royal cruiser but inheriting a posh Star Destroyer would have been so cool. Unfortunately, the Quandary was literally flown right into the Centerpoint Station. Whose brill idea was that?

They land at The Menagerie and she adjusts the mini-sweater over the strapless dress then slips on a pair of sunglasses. Dahlia descends the ramp slowly as the small crowd of reporter's snaps photage. She poses and gives some good face-time before slinking off into the bowels of the Menagerie. The press isn't as rabid as they typically are no doubt due to the Imperial presence on Chandaar. It is historic, after all. This is supposed to be an innocuous visit anyway. Just another stroll down Fabulous Lane.

Georgie delivers the trunks to her suite then disappears into the corridor as Quinn sweeps in from the bathroom with Gemma's single blaring in the background and a severe look on her face.

"What's wrong?"

Quinn groans, "Everything."

"I feel like I need context here," Dahlia replies flippantly while crossing the room. "Could you be more, like, specific?"

"Escara Wu personally invited the Imperial delegation to the show! Everyone is freaking the hell out."

"Why? The Empire is here to broker a truce not go clubbing. Besides, I heard this Emperor is super mean. And not even cute like the last one. I bet he's no fun at all."

Quinn is shaking her head as she languorously retrieves a cigarette from atop the armoire and lights it.

"They intend on showing them around Chandaar, something about signs of good faith and-slash-or "keeping it real." Kinsa told me there is serious buzz about the show. It's a giant mess and everyone is just so stressed out."

"So, I leave you for a few weeks, er, months and you're smoking now? You need to mellow. I'm here and we can rock the runway, hit a few parties and, like, hang and stuff."

"Totally but aren't you the least bit concerned by this?"

Only that it's probably not a coincidence the Empire is here exactly when Adubell told her she needs to be. Dahlia had not been given any kind of direction and she hates flying blind. All she needs to do is nail the show and keep an eye out for anything useful. How hard is it to spot destiny anyway?

"Nope," Dahlia says. "Now put that out so we can eat."

Quinn stamps the butt out in an impossibly expensive dish.

"Oh, I'm not eating today."

She finds herself dancing in place to the song.

"Too bad, I'm starving and we've got things to do. This is big here?"

"Um, yeah," Quinn says like it should be obvious. "Everyone loves Gem. What's she like?"

"Not like this – all fun and carefree – but she plays it well. A little too well. All she really does is study and read and obsess over this stupid boy."

And is a secret Jedi who is most likely just as suspicious of Dahlia.

"What boy?"

"Riley."

"Is he somebody?"

"Duh, Riley Patten. Big deal on Corellia or something."

"Riiiight," Quinn says. "I saw it on the Holo. He's loaded."

"Really? How loaded?"

"Billionaire. His mom was, like, a financial genius or something."

Dahlia laughs, "I'm pretty sure that's not true."

"Whatever but if you could get Gem to come here, everyone would lose their shit. In a good way."

"I could," Dahlia says. "But she's on her way to Corellia now."

Quinn turns and stares at herself in the vertical mirror.

"That would be so amazing! Gem is, like, the best."

The fact that Gemma's celebrity eclipses hers is almost too much to deal with. True, the pop star angle has more exposure but she is Princess Dahlia-fucking-Winton. That used to mean something. Karen and her friends were more famous than most of the actual celebrities of their time. Something must be done about this.

"Let's go. Our fittings are in an hour."

Quinn grabs a blue lollypop and dances her way out of the suite. Dahlia follows at a distance, wondering just what kind of trouble Quinn has gotten into as an unwitting agent of the Empire. She nods at Georgie and follows her down the hall with the thrill of adventure in the air.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on February 23, 2016, 02:02:04 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

The debate in the senate had been heated. Originally intended to last a day, parties on both sides gave impassioned speeches that ran almost a whole week. For. Against. For. Against. For. Against. Each speech was met with cheers from one side or another, and the question, of course was:
Can we make peace with the Empire?

Which really was based on the more important question - can we TRUST the Empire.

But finally words had been worn out, and Speaker Leeds had managed to thwart any attempts at fillibusters by opposition groups. It was late in the evening, about a week after Dahlia Winton left Chandaar, that it finally came to a vote.

Senator Artemis Soldys, who had been working almost nonstop, was looking forward to the rest. Whichever way the vote went, he anticipated making a trip to Corellia when it was done, see Della, meet with the jedi, get away from the politicking for a while, so he could return refreshed to deal with the Force User Registration Act, still in place, a simmering problem that had gotten buried and forgotten by many of those who passed the law. But Artemis had taken note. those with force sensitivity had been turned away from restaurants, nightclubs, theaters, gaming facilities, and of course, government offices. People who didn't even know their potential abilities were denied jobs, housing, food. It was the worst kind of discrimination, and Artemis knew he had to fight it or it would become a permanent emplacement in the Republic.

But that fight was for another day. He sat, exhausted, in Corellia's booth, staring out at the senate as votes were cast and broadcast.

In favor
Against
In favor
In favor
Against.

A hologram hovered in the middle of the chamber, tallying the votes as they were cast, Artemis watching it as the numbers ticked up. When all was said and done, about 50% voted in favor of the peace deal, with 45% opposed and 5% undecided. It was close, but not too close. and it was a win. Artemis nodded his head, standing and making his way out of the senate chamber, heading back to his office.

Several senators met him on his way, offering congratulations, to which he offered with polite words before dismissing them and moving on.

Finally, he reached his office, quiet, with most of the staff already gone. He reached for the comm unit, trying to reach Della.

It was several rings before someone picked up, someone that wasn't Della.

"Hello, this is Senator Artemis Soldys for Della Avers. Is she there?"
"Senator - Della hasn't reported to work for several days. I heard she was in some type of accident involving a head injury"
Artemis' began to panic. He hadn't spoken to Della in about a week - longer than usual - but with everything happening here, he just hadn't had time. Now he was hearing news for the first time. He tried to keep his voice steady.

"Injury? where ?"
"I don't have the detalis, senator. I think it was the Patten ranch."
"Thank you."

Artemis hung up and dialed another number, a number he hoped would reach someone with answers.

"Corellian Security, Director Veritaas speaking"
"Director, it's Artemis. What happened to Della?"

There was a pause, and then

"Della's fine, Senator. She's fine. In fact, her injuries are the least of our problems"

And then Artemis heard what he'd been missing while on business.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on May 11, 2016, 04:37:19 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

Senator Soldys was constantly worried about what was going on light years away. For the past several months, he had been carefully monitoring the situation on Corellia, making sure the jedi had found a new home in the old carrier, arranging for necessary retro-fitting. All, while maintaining appearances on Chandaar. He couldn't go home, not now, when the peace with the Empire was so new, and he was so crucial to making sure it ran smoothly, making sure the Empire kept their end of the agreement. Furthermore, he had to make sure everything was done quietly, as the republic still had their paranoid fears of the jedi, and even their absence didn't seem to abate that feeling. Artemis had suspicions about the continued negative attention, but there was no proof of anything foul. Just good old fashion fear of what is not understood.

He was regularly in contact with Della, now that she had recuperated from the attack, and together they made sure the jedi facilities were up to par and remained under the radar.

Of course, a senator's job is never done. With the official ratification of the Imperial-Republic Treaty (formally referred to as the "Garqi Accords"), nearly a dozen worlds were voting whether to join the republic or the Empire. the results of that were promising as well - it seemed like every one of the worlds given a choice was voting to join the republic. Dathomir, Ithor, Katarr, Vinsoth, Er'kit, Phaeda, and Agamar had already joined, and were in the process of sending newly elected delegates to Chandaar as delegates (voting delegates, pursuant to the agreement). Generis, Ord Canfre, Ord Biniir, Mygeeto, Morishim, and of course, Garqi were in the process of holding votes which would be resolved in the next day or so. Strengthening the republic with former imperial worlds.

The Empire had also begun reducing the size of their northern fleet, and republic inspectors had confirmed the drawdown.

It was going too smoothly, but what could Artemis say? The agreement was being followed so everyone should worry? It would seem paranoid, especially since the agreement was strongly a result of Artemis' negotiations.

There was also a new concern that was taking up Artemis' time. The piracy at the southern border of the Empire, far from the imperial worlds, had increased again. The gravity well nets were helping keep them at bay, preventing raids on more interior republic worlds, but already, the pirates were beginning to target those gravity well platforms, an item that was effectively irreplaceable, since they had been given to the republic when the Trade Federation was still extant.

Artemis was making his way to the war council to address the increasing piracy threat. As he was entering the room, he came upon Barrett Trevaithan.

Ambassador Trevaithan ... what brings you here?

I was asked to attend the council meeting. Senator Ingrat and the Speaker said the Empire might be able to helpful.

Trevaithan moved inside, leaving Artemis behind him, a sick feeling in his gut. The Empire invited into a war council meeting? New peace and end of hostilities was one thing - but discussion of republic capabilities within earshot of the Empire? That seemed to be taking on a lot of risk. He followed into the room, which was called to order.

"As you know, the Republic has suffered dozens of new raids on its southern border."

A hologram of the quadrant appeared in the center of the room.

"The raids move very quickly - jumping in, attacking small ships, sometimes taking cargo, sometimes kidnapping, leaving very little wreckage. They've also destroyed three gravity-well net platforms. The quick nature of the attacks is typical of pirate maneuvers, but they appear to be better coordinated - and better informed. Our planetary patrols have been increased in the southern region, but the attacks seem to be able to move in and out before a counter-attack is made.

We do have some small amounts of footage from the raids at Lannik, Mimban, and Denon. They show small and medium ships, heavily modified with arms, as well as a handful of carriers with tractor beams, that appear designs solely for taking away otherwise disabled spoils. Denon, as you know, is a key world heading into the untamed south. That it has been attacked was surprising - that the attack was successful is deeply concerning. Lannik and Mimban both are smaller worlds, and losses there are less significant strategically. But if Denon loses control of its orbit or deep space, that opens up the entire Corellian Sector to attack. It further positions raiders easy access to Kashyyk and other mid-western regions of the Republic."

The speaker went quiet as an intelligence officer approached and the map shifted.

"We believe that these attacks are coordinated, as we stated. For years now, the southern galaxy has been in utter chaos. Two-dozen years ago, areas west of the Hydian Way and east of the Corellian Run were listed as in anarchy, with no regional powers. A dozen years ago, after the battle at centerpoint, the grips of key powers was weakened, as even that small area between the two trade routes also became disconnected from the northern galaxy. For a long time, the Republic has tried making inroads, slowly but steadily, but still, until recently, we hadn't seen any real organization south of Denon.

That appears to have changed, with the Eriadu Pact. just south of Sullust, Eriadu had been an economic powerhouse, and has adapted to times by beginning a very secure world. Apparently, in the last two years, they have taken control of the surrounding worlds, and have been attempting to increase territorial holdings. by force if necessary. We believe they may have, albeit tenuously, control of most of the southern galaxy, and are seeking now to probe into worlds on their upper borders. Their raiders and thieves - to maintain control, they need a target, and it appears to be us."

"Are they that well funded that they truly pose a threat? Can't we just send in a fleet and wipe them away?"

"Negative - the speed of their attacks make them hard to pinpoint. Eriadu itself is so far into the lower territory that we could face significant losses in ambush or getting trapped."

"Maybe significant forces are exactly what you need"

Everyone turned as Barrett Trevaithan spoke.

"I know it's the quote-imperial way. But sometimes, a show of strength is important. it would help get the raiders off your border, defeat a potentially growing enemy. Show them whose really in power"

One of the others in the room scoffed.
"You are encouraging the republic to send a massive fleet away from our worlds when the ink is barely dry on the Garqi Accords? That seems a bit much to take, ambassador"

He shook his head, "no, of course not. I'm saying build a new fleet to do it. Corellia has more than enough resources to produce a fleet that can satisfy your needs, without compromising any current defensive postures. And if, for some reason, Corellia cannot do it - the Empire would be willing to step in. With the war over, we have hundreds of ships of all sizes that are no longer needed. This would be a great way to utilize them, and further strengthen our new peace."

Artemis took the chance to speak up now.

"I think we need a multi-tiered approach. I will speak to Corellian Engineering about production of a new attack fleet. I encourage Mon Calimari to do the same. Meanwhile, we can divert some internal world patrol ships to external locations where they will be more useful, and hopefully deter some of these raids."

The speaker nodded his head.

"Very well. We will reconvene in a few days to ascertain progress on these matters. Adjourned."

As individuals poured out of the room, Artemis approached the Speaker.

"Is it wise inviting the imperial ambassador to a war committee meeting?"
"I thought you were in favor of the peace"
"That doesn't mean I'm ready to trust him. there's information I don't think he should have"
"Leave that consideration to me, Senator. I will make sure he doesn't hear anything he shouldn't"

The speaker hurried away, and Artemis felt more than a little brushed-off. He hurried back to his office to make a call, the acting head of CEC picking up the line.

"Director, the Republic is considering a massive ship-building order, to address new military needs in the south"
The director frowned.
"I'm sorry senator - our investors. ... they have just ordered a devotion of almost all of our resources to another project"
"Another project? What possible project would require the monopolization of so many resources?"
"I don't know. It's all very hush-hush. Even I'm not told. The orders haven't come in yet, but we are instructed to not take on any new projects, no matter what. I'm sorry senator, I'm going to have to say no"

With a click, the line went dead, and Artemis got the brush-off for the second time in an hour.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on July 06, 2016, 10:07:33 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital
Surface: Ambaril

Senator Soldys had been suffering the wrath of republic politics for the last two months. It had been his idea to encourage Corellia's increase of production in ships to deal with the demand for greater security on the southern border, and counteract the raids that were increasing in frequency and cost. But CEC had soundly rejected his appeals, and when he reported as much to the war council, they were none too pleased. They especially did not appreciate that Artemis could not provide a reason for the refusal. That they were working on "another project" just didn't cut it. Accusations of being separatists were hurled at him, lack of patriotism. Profit mongering. It was quite unpleasant. he had confided in his senate allies that he didn't understand CEC's move, and they were, at least, sympathetic to his position, but pointed out that it didn't make Corellia look good.

It also didn't help who was covering the slack. Mon Calimari was enthusiastic about building new ships, and though the council had been reluctant, they had finally turned to Trevaithan, who had magnanimously agreed to provide a dozen Victory Star Destroyers to the southern border, to bolster the fleets. And offering to provide more as needed. All for the sake of peace. It left Artemis with a twist in his stomach.

This matter had also stolen some of his political clout, and any time he discussed the Force User Registration Act, he was now being shouted down. Supporting force users was apparently as unpatriotic as not providing ships.

He was sitting in his senate office when he observed the holonet send the report.

This just in - we have reports of a massive attack in downtown Ambaril. The alleged attacker has killed over a dozen civilians and six security officers, and is still on the loose. Our cameras are on scene now.
Artemis sat up as he stared at the screen. There, in the tan and brown robes of a jedi, was a woman, brown hair, blue eyes. And she was clearly a jedi. Surrounded by security forces now, she could be seen pushing out with her hand, and an unseen wave would jettison security personnel with riot gear back dozens of meters. When they fired at her in return, she pulled out a lightsaber - a blue saber, deflecting shot after shot. Even the shots that seemed to hit her apparently left her unphased. At one point she glanced up, sensing the camera. Her hand reached out, and the camera drew closer to her, close enough to identify her face.

It was Nevylinn.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on August 15, 2016, 03:12:26 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The backlash from the Jedi attacks is swift and striking.

With the assailant still at large, the RSB are out in force and overseen by the zealous Director, Laird Drakos. He has the full faith of the government and public behind him in bringing this criminal to justice. In the meantime, Speaker Leeds convenes the Senate to shore up any loopholes the Registration Act may have. The passage of these amendments is incredibly timely and their effects are sweeping.

All Force sensitive's must register and submit for testing of their midi-chlorian levels to assess their risk. They are then placed into categories meant to determined their threat level – yellow for passive, orange for elevated and red for immanent. Framed by the terror and loss of life, the public backs this with a resounding affirmative.

Kaytt Corinthos is horrified by what she sees as a massive civil rights violation and takes up the defense of the Force Sensitive's who cannot help being born with natural attunement to the Force. She defends several individuals from varying species and spearheads a campaign to end the Registration Act as it will only incite more violence. As she has learned from the past, the more marginalized a section of the population is, the more likely they are to retaliate against their oppressors. Kaytt aims to break the cycle and enlists her junior associates, Avery Olomos and Brennan Shaw to help appeal to the Senate in this matter.

However, her bold acts do not go unnoticed and the public targets her. She is accused of being a Jedi lover and collaborator. There are calls for her to be disbarred and even more subversive claims that she herself is a Force Sensitive working to further their agenda. She declined testing since she believes such a practice to go against everything she believes in. This stand does not work in her favor. The fervor and unrest has grown into a full blown epidemic of distrust and fear. Everywhere you turn there are signs calling for the public's help in outing a Force Sensitive. They are labeled the Jedi Menace and still, the bodies pile up from these attacks.

Frustrated and heartbroken, Kaytt feels the tension swelling toward a breaking point. The public is not exactly known for their rational behavior given the mob-mentality nature of the protests and riots. She leaves her office for the day determined not to give up and is met by a gang of thugs outside the firm.

"There she is, the Jedi lover!"
"Stupid bitch! You just can't leave well enough alone, can you?"
"She deserves whatever she gets."
"Let's make an example out of her. Show them all what happens to those who support those criminals!"

They charge at her.

Kaytt runs.

She has taken to carrying a blaster in her purse but she left it upstairs in her office. Too late now. She veers into an ally, hampered by her pencil skirt and heels until she comes crashing into a fence. Whirling around, they advance toward her. She slips her purse off her shoulder and clutches the strap tightly. She may be outnumbered but she'll be damned if she's going down without a fight.

Suddenly, the gang stops. Bottles whiz by and shatter at their feet. There are loud pops and flashes. Kaytt squeezes her eyes closed. She hears them shout and curse then flee the opposite direction. When she finally opens her eyes, she is alone in the ally – or so she thinks.

A figure emerges from the shadows; tall and wearing a black combat jumpsuit and the blank mask of The Concealed.

She tenses.

The voice is distorted but distinctly male.

"I'm not going to hurt you, counselor Corinthos. In fact, I'm here to help."

"You have," she says. "I thank you for that but I really should be on my way."

"You could do that or you can hear me out."

"If this is a lecture on how I am fighting a lost cause, you can save it. I know what I am fighting for and these people deserve a voice."

"I could not agree more."

Kaytt sizes him up, giving a wide berth between them.

"You do?"

"Absolutely," he says. "The Senate has gone entirely too far this time. Getting in bed with the Empire, despite the assurances and tactical advantages, will prove too high a price for the Republic in time. But it is the attack on their own citizens that begins our transformation into a new Empire."

"The Concealed objects? I thought you mainly dealt in scandal."

"We object. We are for sovereignty and personal freedoms. The revised enactment of the Registration Act is so deeply a civil rights violation that it is difficult to even put it into words. We fight against these violations just as you do."

"Except I fight them within the law."

"How has that worked out for you so far?"

Kaytt sighs, narrowing her gaze.

"Fair point. What do you want?"

"I have information that might be useful."

"Such as?"

He pauses, as if weighing the value in sharing but in the end she has been deemed and acceptable risk for them to take.

"There are sources that indicate the Speaker's office has contracted a Force Sensitive to hunt down those that have not registered. Do you remember the stories of the Imperial Inquisitors? This would not be too far off that mark."

She gasps, shaking her head.

"They wouldn't. One of their own betraying them in that way? It's outrageous."

"Is it? The Empire's presence here has clouded the Senate's judgment in more ways than one. They see a way to secure our borders and increase security but at what cost? We've seen this before throughout history; the slow corruption of a noble intention. Extolling the ideal of peace only amplifies the need for control. This is only the beginning. The beginning of the end."

"We have to stop it."

"We can," he says. "If we work together. My associates and I can operate in areas unfamiliar to you and, in turn, you can provide the public face for the results of our investigation. You have a dedicated following both within segments of the Republic population and inside the highest ranks of The Concealed. You also have the respect and trust of one of the most ruthless and popular Holo reporters."

"Selene."

He nods.

"Think of things we could accomplish if The Concealed provides the information, you challenge the legality of their actions and Miss Silvestri takes it galaxy-wide. Exposing them would break our slide into an Imperial regime and restore the true nature of the Republic."

This bolsters her confidence but she is still skeptical. The Concealed's motives have varied widely in the past. However, they have proved themselves to be an effective tool in righting the wrongs of injustice. She is intrigued and knows she could use the help. So she agrees.

"We'll be in touch."

He steps back into the shadows but she calls after him.

"I don't even know your name."

And he whispers, "You can call me Antaro."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on October 31, 2016, 12:24:40 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Counselor Kaytt Corinthos used to care what people thought of her.

As a young woman entering the legal field on the politically charged Chandaar, her reputation became everything. She was tenacious yet extremely ethical. Even when those lines began to blur, Kaytt still maintained a level of integrity throughout. Now she is a pariah and even her friends have distanced themselves from her. Janessa has been in the Corporate Sector most of the summer and Kinsa is more concerned with her brand. Her only support is from the oppressed. However, the oppressed clients she represents have powerful connections in The Concealed. Their vast network of slicers and informants funnel information through her contact who in turn shares anything relevant with her.

The mysterious Antaro gave her leads in which she followed up on behalf of her firm. The other partners may disagree with her cause but the publicity is priceless. She reaches out to individuals and families who have been unfairly targeted by the Force User Registration Act. Their stories go beyond the RSB's so-called Force Sensitive Squad. These stories terrified her and called into question much larger issues than the legality of the F.U.R.A. It gave credence to the things Antaro told her and so she enlists some cunning assistance.

Selene Silvestri traverses her way through the construction site listed in the coordinates she received. It is empty on the weekend and eerily silent. The things she does for a story.

"Selene."

She whirls around as Kaytt steps out from behind a duracrete column.

"Maker Almighty," she sighs. "You always find the creepiest places to meet."

"Sorry but I have to be careful."

"I heard, you okay?"

"Holding up but better than my rep."

"You are walking on my side of the line now. Fighting for the truth seldom has supporters."

"Everyone seems to love you."

"They fear me," Selene says. "There is a difference."

"So I am starting to see."

"You got something for me?"

Kaytt nods, "The Republic is in deeper with the Empire than they let on."

"That's old news, Counselor but the safety they represent appeals to an already frantic public."

"That fear was placed there intentionally and their nefarious methods are beginning to show themselves in more ways than one."

Selene smiles, "Dramatic. I'm intrigued. Go on."

"The Registration Act now has mandatory testing and there is a penalty for refusing to submit. The RSB had been handling these cases but more recently another figure has emerged as part of what I believe is a secret, unsanctioned witch hunt."

"What figure?"

Kaytt withdraws a datacard from her purse.

"I have audio statements and witness accounts stating someone came for those who refused. These people are spread throughout Chandaar with no connections other than Force Sensitivity. The situations may differ but the descriptions of the assailant are all the same. Most of the audio is from friends or family members of those who were taken but the lone individual who claims to have escaped an attack is now missing. I spoke with him less than twenty-four hours ago."

Selene crosses her arms, "And this isn't RSB?"

"The descriptions, limited as they may be, center on a hood, a saber and the glint of a mask – all tenants of the Imperial Inquisitor."

"Operating under the Republic's nose?"

"Or on their orders."

"You don't have proof of that."

"Not yet."

"So, they are either complicit or fools. What about the attacks by the Jedi?"

"Too aggressive and conveniently timed," Kaytt says. "They don't protest with murder."

"Fair enough but all seem to be attributed to the actions of one individual, this Master Nevylinn. One of their own could have gone rogue as is evidenced in their history."

"I'm telling you," Kaytt says sharply. "This seems staged as a way to further divide and distract the public. The Registration Act is legalized discrimination that is now being taken to a frightening level through law enforcement and vigilantism. There is a darker motive here; I know you've questioned it."

Selene adjusts her glasses.

"Questions need some basis in reality, Counselor. This isn't a courtroom. You can't turn the Republic into conspiracy by creating reasonable doubt. You need proof."

"You don't believe me."

"I never said that. I'll listen to the audio, poke around, see what's there but I'm going to need far more conclusive evidence to pin something like an Inquisitor on the Republic."

"All I ask is that you look."

Selene begins to move away but stops and turns around.

"You said this figure was targeting those who refused testing."

"That's right."

"You refused testing."

Kaytt swallows, following her train of thought.

"I did."

"Then what makes you think it won't come after you?"

"I have and that's why I need you to dig. This goes beyond keeping the peace. The shift in tone, the choice in alliances, the rigorous enforcement of the Registration Act, the attacks – we are being led toward a dark place and all anyone can do around here is cheer."

"Alright," Selene says. "I'll dig."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on December 04, 2016, 06:20:04 PM

"The fog and the smog of news media that logs
False narratives of Gods that came up against the odds."

-Tribe

Chandaar: Republic Capital

The landing party is small but significant - the Governor of Ambaril with his aides, reps from the label, a security detail and, unfortunately, the Director of the RSB, Laird Drakos. Gemma steps off the ramp in a baby blue dress and strappy heels, a white flower crown nestled atop her golden curls. Even without really trying she is radiant, stunning.

"Thank you all for such a warm welcome," Gemma says with a smile. "I am so honored to be here."

"As we are honored to have you," the Governor says.

Garron's eyes flicker to the right.

"I wasn't aware our arrival commanded the presence of the Republic Security Director."

"Please try and refrain from flattering yourself," Laird interjects. "I'm here strictly in an official capacity. There is some concern."

"Concern?"

"With her status."

This was to be expected but Garron does not remember being beaten at Laird's behest fondly and takes to tactful provocation.

"I'm afraid I don't understand."

"Don't be coy, Mister Prescott. You know as well as I do that Force sensitivity in the Masterton family is well-documented. Our laws require all those with Force sensitivity to register."

"Does it?"

"That's what they tell us," the label rep mumbles, looking nervous.

"That won't be necessary."

Kaytt Corinthos strides onto the scene, stopping beside Garron who smirks at Laird. He'd called for backup long before they arrived. Corinthos would love nothing more than to stick it to the tyrant Director Drakos.

"Lady Masterton is a citizen of the Corporate Sector and not subject to the conditions of the Registraton Act within the Republic. The provisions outlined only extend to our citizens, not those with clearance and citizenship on non-Republic worlds."

"Perhaps you should read up."

Laird seethes at Garron.

"And she is our guest!" the Governor proclaims, trying to smooth over the aggressive tones. "Surely, we have nothing to fear from her."

Laird Drakos does not believe that. He's seen the damage the Jedi can do. Hell, the blood that is on her sisters hands is splattered throughout the galaxy. His men have been hunting a murderous Jedi across Ambaril with little luck. Many of their agents had been slaughtered along with countless civilians. Now there is talk of an uprising, whispers from the contacts of the underworlds that a resistance among Force sensitives is brewing. They cry oppression when they represent such a clear and present danger to them all. There are humanoids and other species roaming their streets with powers capable of mass destruction and loss of life. He backed the Speaker's motion to make testing mandatory. Now he sees it didn't go far enough. Still, he will not drop the issue without vindication.

"Then she admits to her condition?"

Gemma frowns but remains silent.

Since when was this reclassified? Garron feels the rage boil within him.

"She doesn't have to answer that," Kaytt quips evenly. "In fact, she doesn't have to answer any of your questions."

He eyes Garron then Gemma, "So, she is your council?"

Garron glares, "On retainer."

"If we're done with the inquisition, Director I'm sure our guest would love to get settled in."

"I would, thank you," Gemma says, taking the Governor's hands in her own. She turns the experience into something light, positive. "Ambaril is such a wonderful city, Governor. So many cultures and walks of life. Diversity really is a beautiful thing. Tell me all about the events in the city this summer."

As they walk off together toward the skiff with the entourage, Laird steps in front of Garron. Kaytt does not move from his side.

"Director," she warns.

"She's a threat," he says. "You know it and I know it. While you may have had your traveling privileges reinstated, your presence does not inspire trust."

"You are entitled to think as you wish. It's still a free Republic, isn't it?"

The two men stare each other down before Laird steps aside.

"Enjoy Ambaril."

Garron wants to bash his face in for the way he was treated and for the way he is treating Gemma now. He makes it seem as though the Force is a sickness, not a natural attunement to all forms of life. Realizing the escalating machismo will solve nothing, Garron heads toward the skiff with the counselor.

Kaytt glances at him, keeping her voice low.

"There is more you should know. She's not safe here."

Garron does not allow his expression to change, maintaining an appearance that they are exchanging light banter.

"A specific danger?"

"A new player," she says. "Hunting down suspected Force users. I can't get into it now but Drakos is right about one thing - the Masterton name carries suspicion surrounding the Force and that makes her a target. I'll help any way I can."

"You never stop fighting the good fight."

"Never. It's bad, Garron. Worse than you know. The Empire has only complicated things."

They near the skiff.

As he embraces her, Kaytt's lips brush his ear.

"Whatever they show you, it's a lie."

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on December 12, 2016, 02:50:27 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Gemma is prepped and ready in her dressing room, vocal warm up's completed.

She takes in a few deep breaths to center herself. The Force really does help with the jitters. She feels confident and powerful, ready to share her music with her fans in the Republic. The support they've shown her helps in healing.

One of the production assistants knocks on the door.

"Someone requesting to see you, Gem."

"Anyone I know?"

She bites her lower lip, "Barrett Trevaithan."

"The Imperial Ambassador?"

She nods.

"Random but okay. Send him in."

Once she disappears, Gemma mulls this over. She knows Barrett is linked to Dahlia but his presence here is somewhat of a mystery considering he's known mostly as a hard-nosed tactician helping to build Republic defenses and secure their borders. Garron would flip out but he's busy with the details of security.

A few moments later, Barrett appears in the doorway.

"Good evening, Baroness."

She laughs, "The formative title only applies in The Sector."

He shrugs, allowing the door to close behind him. She's taken by how handsome he is, magnetic in some way. Her senses are positively tingling but she can't get a read on why.

"I see you scored a backstage pass," Gemma says, glancing down at the lanyard around his neck. "I never took you as a fan of my music."

"Admittedly, I was curious and apparently it is important to appear hip with my age group. There are metrics or something."

"There always are."

"I heard about your parents…I'm sorry. For you loss."

"Thank you, I appreciate that. How is Dahlia? We haven't really spoken…"

"She's okay," Barrett says. "Coping. She'll be here soon."

She can tell socializing isn't his defining quality but Dahlia's influences are evident. He's polite and sincere but there is hardness there, no doubt from his dealings with politicians and military brass.

"Yes, attending at University of Ambaril. How exciting. You still haven't told me why you are here. Forgive my candor but wanting to appear connected with your generation doesn't necessarily preclude a personal meeting with me."

"A chance to meet Dahlia's sister was too good an opportunity to pass up. She doesn't speak much of her home life."

"Up until recently there wasn't much to discuss. We lived fairly traditional but happy lives."

"And now?"

"Now things are different," Gemma sighs. "We all have to make our way forward."

"There are many ways to do that. Your prestige and notoriety could lend an air of sophistication to our cause."

"And what cause is that?"

"Peace between Empire and Republic."

"My understanding is the truce has long since been signed."

"It is still new, fragile and there remains a stigma around our intent."

"I can't imagine why."

Barrett smirks, "Don't be so quick to judge. We are not the same as what we once were. You could see for yourself, perhaps even go on record."

Her mouth falls open.

"You want me to work for the Empire?"

"It's not so outlandish," he says evenly. "Your sister did."

She feels her face flush.

"Melanie worked for the Imperial fashion house Raga'Ana, not for them directly or in an official capacity. There is a vast difference."

"Her image and those of her friends provided a humanizing element."

"In contrast to the inhumane things they did. If you remember, you didn't exactly step in to save any of them. In fact, three of the four perished in a battle…with the Empire."

"Fair enough but we've learned from those mistakes, change leadership and tact. We've evolved."

"Prove it," she says. "Show them transparency and equality."

"Such things come at a price."

They hold each other's stare for far too long when the production assistant raps on the door again.

"Two minutes!"

Gemma shakes it off.

"I've got to go. It was lovely to meet you. Give my regards to Dahlia since you will no doubt see her before I do."

"Ever the charming host. My pleasure was mine. Break a leg, as they say."

She groans.

Barrett follows her out into the hall but remains behind as she heads toward the stairs.

Gemma takes the stage, lights flashing and music cued. Visuals accompany the performance on a giant screen behind her, morphing into something new to compliment each song. She rocks the first half of her set but when she begins a cover of a Republic classic, the noise in the audience changes. At first she thinks they are not feeling the song as it could be taken as a liberal anthem of sorts. Then the crowd goes silent. She can only make out a face here or there over the lights but the expressions she manages to catch turn from surprise to horror. Some cheers break out but they are soon drowned out by a rising wave of booing. Gemma trails off and whirls around.

Projected above her is photage of their battle with the monsters and clones at the Patten Ranch. The frame is focused on her as she deflects blaster bolts and cuts down the creatures with her saber. Who filmed this?! Her mind is racing as tears well up in her eyes but they still hold enough focus for her to see the cam zooming in on her face. The expression of determination is backlit by the sabers glow.

The boos merge into shouting and screaming.

"She's one of them!"
"She's a Jedi!"
"A killer!"
"A menace!"
"A liar!"

Gemma gasps as fans in the first row breach the gates and rush the stage. Security leaps in but is overwhelmed. Anger and rage bombard her in waves and she flees from the stage in tears. Garron is on her quickly, pulling her down the corridor as other security gather into place. The production assistant appears, visibly shaken. She stops them.

"The exit is blocked; we have a full blown protest gathering outside."

Garron's spin is swift.

"A protest? That's ridiculous. She was sabotaged."

"Uh…of course…I'll need to speak with my superiors at Galaxiss-"

"Then get on it!"

The production assistant yanks out her com and turns away.

Garron has his own device out, fumbling with one hand as he pulls a weeping Gemma along.

"Kaytt."

"I saw it," she says in a clipped tone. "It's everywhere."

"We need an out."

"I have a friend at the concert. South platform."

"Who?"

"Kinsa Cavanaugh."

"She's a socialite, Kaytt. Too high profile."

"You are not in a position suitable to be particular. Go now. Kinsa will get you out."

He clicks off and nods to one of the security officers.

"South platform."

They change direction but a commotion down the corridor diverts their attention. Shouting can be heard and the officers respond, leaving Garron and Gemma alone. He grunts but presses on. They hit the doors and burst into the open air onto a bridge leading across to a landing platform. The platform is empty. Gemma is mumbling to herself between sobs. He puts an arm around her shoulders and guides her across. The warm wind whips across the open space as they wait. He is about to call Kaytt again when a small skiff swoops in but doesn't land. It idles beside the platform and does not look as fancy as he thought it would. Maybe Kinsa is traveling incognito these days. Garron and Gemma cross the platform when it begins to dawn on him there is no way a socialite would have arrived in a skiff this dilapidated.

A figure stands and turns, robed and wearing the blank mask of The Concealed.

Garron stops, drawing his blaster and stepping in front of Gemma.

The figure raises its hands up.

"I'm a friend of Counselor Corinthos."

"Why send you?"

"She didn't," the figure says. "But I'm offering assistance none the less."

"That is awfully charitable for a stranger."

"Call me Antaro."

Garron's com bleeps. Without breaking aim, he answers it.

"Kinsa can't get to you in the mess; we'll have to find another way."

"Counselor," he says, glaring at the figure. "You know someone named Antaro?"

There is a brief but noticeable pause.

"Yes."

"Do you trust him?"

"Why?"

"He's our out."

"Go," she says. "He's a friend. I'm sure he'll explain."

He clicks off and lowers the blaster.

"Looks like we're riding with you."

He nods and extends a hand to help Gemma into the skiff. Garron glances around then jumps in as Antaro takes them down and away from the theater.

On the rooftop above the platform, Barrett watches the skiff descend.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on December 26, 2016, 07:26:30 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Location Unknown

Antaro guides the skiff down into the depths of Ambaril and leaves the glittering lights behind them.

Garron doesn't know where they are going but trusts that Counselor Corinthos would not steer them into danger. Still, he keeps one hand tightly around his blaster. One can never be too careful. Gemma has stopped crying and wipes the running mascara from under her eyes. She feels numb and foolish, knowing Nevylinn's warnings about her celebrity cover were true.

For all her intelligence and education, she lacks the ruthless cunning seemingly required to take on the Sith. They played her own game against her and now her reputation is effectively ruined. The pop star painted a liar. It may not have resonated as deeply had the performance been elsewhere. In the Republic, the fervor surrounding Force ability and public safety served as the perfect platform to turn everything against her.

Her com bleeps. It's Riley but she's can't bring herself to answer it. She's too embarrassed.

The skiff glides into a crumbling hangar. Antaro leaps out and strides across the uneven duracrete flooring. Garron helps Gemma down and they follow. The sound of her heels echo in the large space but there is very little other noise save for a strange, low hum that permeates the background.

Antaro pulls open a utility door.

"This way."

They wander through an access tunnel before stopping at a service closet. Inside, Antaro releases a power switch which detaches the massive panel in front of them. It swings open to reveal a rusted metal staircase.

Garron waits, "After you."

Antaro descends the steps as Garron follows with a still-stunned Gemma. On the landing below, the crumbling tunnel opens up into another old hangar. The hum is gone but would cover all noise from below. From the heaps of parts and scrap it looks like the hangar may have been used for maintenance once upon a time.

Two figures are standing near the center, also in cloaks and the mask of The Concealed.

The eerie scenario is not lost on Garron who feels this is all playing out like a cheap slasher at the Holoplex. He keeps a safe distance between them as they approach. What chaps his hide more than anything is the fact that Director Laird Drakos will have gloating rights and may do something far worse in the name of the Registration Act. He wonders if Gemma realizes the potential fallout from this spectacular foil.

Finally, one of the figures speaks.

"Gemma Masterton," says the first. "We are honored."

The second nods, "However, we wish our meeting were under better circumstances."

Tensing, he stays protectively in front of her then remembers she is more skilled and powerful than he. It is instinct, cultivated over years of watching her grow into a capable young woman. Swallowing hard, she steps out from behind Garron. She gathers herself as best she can, drawing strength from the Force to maintain composure. She knows she must look ridiculous to them; blown out blonde hair, short glitzy silver dress, sparkling heels, and deeply shadowed eyes.

"We are grateful for your assistance. You need not fear us."

"An understandable yet incorrect assumption." says the first.

"We don't."

"Not even after…what you saw?"

"What we saw was your true self, not the façade. It was a noble ploy if not somewhat naïve. We have to ask – why?"

Gemma is not in the mood to be anything other than straight up.

"I hoped my celebrity would grant me access, that I would be able to use it in order to find a way to the truth."

"I suppose that depends on which truth you seek."

"There are so many, especially now that we live in such….complicated times."

Antaro turns to them, "Counselor Corinthos acts on the information we provide. She has helped many but the Republic isn't making it easy. The threat she represents to their position is very real and has garnered quite a bit of support in some circles. Unfortunately, the Senate has made it difficult to push back under Speaker Leeds and his zero-tolerance policies when comes to Republic security."

"Kaytt is a champion that way," Garron says. "You think they would kill her?"

The first shakes his head.

"There is an even greater risk of turning her into a martyr. They would never want that."

"Director Drakos would be beside himself."

Garron's features crease with distain.

"Let him lose it. He could stand to come down a notch or two."

Antaro crosses his arms, "I understand your issues with the Director are more personal but this transcends any one individual. As I'm sure you've seen and heard, things are taking an alarming shape."

"Heard yes, not really seen. Our landing party only showed us the remarkable achievements and progress made throughout Ambaril. We saw nothing of the accusations thrown around on the Holo."

Gemma frowns, "All for show, I imagine."

"Pulling back the surface would reveal the great divide and nothing is less appealing than discord when they are trying to sell unity and peace. We need to be protected."

"From what?"

"The galaxy at large when the real threat is already well underway; the fall of the Republic."

"Who are you?"

The first tears off his mask; it is a young man several years older than she but younger than Garron. He is unexpectedly handsome, maybe a little too much for subterfuge, with an intense forehead and piercing eyes.

"My name is Taarek Cirque. My father served your sister, the Jedi Melanie Masterton, in the battle of Centerpoint."

This takes both Gemma and Garron aback. Seneca Cirque's reputation and service is widely known and respected. He was one of several agents who entered that station with the remaining three for the last time.

The others do not reveal themselves.

"Our apologies, Lady Masterton," Antaro says.

"There are some secrets best kept."

She understands, glancing to Taarek who motions away.

"I want to show you something."

They weave through the heaps of scrap and cross a bridge to an adjacent building. There are barracks housing over a hundred people; adults, children, families separated from each other all because of their Force Sensitivity.

"They were discovered and either ran or was sent by their families to protect them – to keep them off the registry and safe from the masked hunter."

She gasps as they wander past the small rooms. She can feel their pain; the loneliness and fear.

"This is what we fight for," Taarek tells Gemma.

She is moved and horrified, unable to find words.

Garron focuses on other details.

"What hunter?"

"No one knows but the hunter is one of them."

He had heard stories as a child but such practices hadn't been used since the days of Palpatine. This must be what Kaytt was talking about; the new player. They used to go by a specific and terrifying name.

"An Inquisitor."

"Unclear but the evidence is compelling, feeble as it may be," says the second.

"What do you mean?"

"No real proof, only the fractured tales people tell. Those that would know for sure have been taken or slain."

"The Empire wouldn't risk it, not with the truce."

"Oh, I don't know," Antaro says. "Whip up enough fear and you would be surprised the things you could do. This started long before Leeds. The Jedi was made a target through careful exploitation of their secrecy and purpose. Oust them from the shadows, sensationalize their mystique, and suddenly the public has a new threat in their midst's."

Taarek nods.

"Crack down on the uncertainty and outcry with tactfully discriminatory legislation then create a bit of misdirection to legitimize your actions all while the Republic heads of state shake hands with the Imperial Emperor. The populous is too busy turning on each other to understand this is will probably benefit them least in the end. Those that cried loudest for the Registration Act will suffer the most under it tyranny and overreach. We've seen it before; the savior enslaves."

Her pulse is racing, the first blossoms of outrage morphing into compassion.

"If we can get them off world, I know a place they can go."

Garron pulls Gemma aside, keeping his voice low.

"Corellia already takes great risk in harboring the Jedi. Smuggling Force sensitives off the Republic capital could bring even more attention and scrutiny. If they are discovered, Corellia could suffer significant consequences from the Republic. It could jeopardize their membership."

"If they knew what was really happening, would they still want it? We must confer with Senator Soldys."

"It could jeopardize our lives."

Gemma's mind spins toward the events of the past, flickering with images of the dark place, the battle, the concert, the disappearing flesh that gave way to the face of the monster beneath. She looks up at him.

"It already has."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on December 27, 2016, 10:26:18 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Ambarill
Footage of footage, playing on a near endless loop.

The news media, recognizing the story of the year (or at least the week), didn't for a moment stop to consider the consequences of making it their headline story. Gemma Masterton. singer. star. JEDI IN DISGUISE. The footage that had played behind her during the concert was forwarded to every station in the Republic, the Empire, and the Corporate Sector. Political commentators asked what the repercussions were, what laws Gemma or her escort might have broken.

Then the footage showed the rioting at the concert hall, concert security fighting against a growing mob inside and out.

"We have just received word that there is new footage of Gemma Masterton leaving the concert hall where the riot began"

A single clip, caught from a distance, of Gemma and Garron running across a bridge to a landing platform, a ship appearing, a masked face. That becomes the important clip.

"Gemma Masterton, the famous singer from the Corporate Sector, and newly discovered to have the same jedi skills as her deceased sister, Melanie, left the concert hall with the assistance of one of the Concealed, the underground terrorist organization. We turn now to a live press conference from Director Lair Drakos of Republic Security."

Drakos standing at a podium, surrounded by reporters, trying to hide the self-satisfied smirk on his face.

"This confirms our suspicions that Gemma Masterton is not only a jedi, but working with the terrorist organization known as the Concealed. Ms. Masterton came to Chandaar under the guise of being an artist, and used a technicality to evade being tested for Force sensitivity. But now that we have proof of her underhanded dealings, she will not be given free reign here. We have put out several teams looking for her, and are offering a reward for anyone who can locate Ms. Masterton, her bodyguard, Garron Prescott, or can provide any information related to her connections with the jedi or the Concealed."

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on January 07, 2017, 07:59:44 PM

"And if we're goin down in flames
The smoke gonna spell my name."
-Louis the Child

Chandaar: Republic Capital

"I don't think you fully grasp the severity here," Garron tells her. "It's too much to ask, especially after all they've done."

"I'm not talking about Corellia, Garron. I'm talking about D'ian."

"The Corporate Sector is no place for the Jedi."

Gemma scowls.

"Why because it's not fiscally prudent? D'ian is the perfect setting. With the no-press policy there won't be any prying eyes."

"You want to load up the bedrooms of the Gellar Estate? People will talk."

"No," she says. "But the Viiperi Lake House would work perfectly. Summer is almost over and all the holiday travelers will return to Mondder leaving us a secluded retreat. It's not permanent but they will be much safer there than here."

"I hate to interrupt," Taarek says, approaching them. "We have a much larger immediate problem."

"What?"

He holds up a small projector which displays the Holo cycle of the concert photage and ensuing madness. The focal point is later photage showing their escape. They zoom on the mask of The Concealed, pulling away to show Gemma's frightened face as she stepped into the skiff. Mercifully, she doesn't look terrible.

"They are using the word "terrorist."

Gemma gasps.

Garron makes a face, "That's quite a leap. Even for them."

"I'll give you one guess on who first associated the word with us then her."

"Drakos."

"Your Director pal is intent on blowing this as far out of proportion as possible. They are calling a manhunt on both of you."

"What about Kaytt?"

"The Counselor can file an injunction but the courts have been about as favorable as the Senate. It will take time you do not have."

"This has escalated," Antaro says, turning to them. "We need to get you both out of here."

"We can't simply waltz back into the spaceport. They will have the Masterton shuttle under guard and pick us up the second we appear on their cams."

"Not if we utilize our vast network of resources."

"What do you suggest?"

"There is a rally planned this evening which should be well attended. Most will be in masks as a sign of solidarity. The RSB doesn't like it but we haven't reached a point of suppressing this kind of free speech…yet. In disguise, we can get you through the city as the march will pass the east end of the spaceport."

Antaro nods, "Once inside, our slicers can handle the departure logs and clear your shuttle."

"What about the agents the Director no doubt dispatched?"

"We have fighters too – some of them ex-and-current RSB who have turned against the Republics new direction. But first, you must release a statement."

"How?" Garron bellows. "They will trace the signal and be on us before the broadcast concludes."

Taarek laughs, "Ye of little faith. They won't know where to look. We can bounce the signal all over the planet."

"Now," the second says. "Gemma will address the public."

"And say what?"

"Tell them who you really are, why you felt it best to hide and call for reform and action."

"Well, out of the offers I've received today, this does seem more appropriate."

"What other offer?"

"The one from Ambassador Trevaithan."

This immediately seizes everyone up.

"I was not aware of this," Garron says sharply. "Gemma, when did this happen?"

"Before the show. He came to my dressing room."

"How?"

"He had a VIP pass, I cleared it. I was curious."

"What did he say?"

All eyes are on her.

"Trevaithan offered his condolences on my parents, something I have yet to full process let alone allow myself to wonder the why and how. We talked about Dahlia before he segued into how my endorsement would bring an air of sophistication to their cause. There is concern around the Imperial stigma of course and he felt I could neutralize that. He cited my sister which is completely ridiculous. I told him as much and turned him down. He stressed that they have changed so I told him to prove it, to show the Republic transparency and equality. He said it would come at a price."

"I'll bet."

"That sneaky little shit."

"Then what happened?"

"I had to take the stage, so he left."

Antaro and Taarek exchange glances.

"You could use that," Antaro says. "In your broadcast, you could tell them that the Empire approached you in secret to solicit positive influence in their agenda."

"It's hearsay," Garron says. "Her word against theirs and at the moment she is less than a credible source. No offense."

Gemma frowns, glances away.

"Then speak from the heart. You know this isn't right."

She nods, "Alright."

"Quickly," Antaro says. "We've got a schedule to keep."

Gemma gives Taarek the coordinates of the lake house and clearance codes to get him to the surface.

"Thank you. You don't know what this means."

"Freedom is a worthy cause. No one should be oppressed. We will see you on D'ian."

He replaces his mask and moves away with the second while Antaro escorts Gemma and Garron back to the hangar. Gemma fishes out a compact from her purse and checks her appearances, smoothing away any signs of her looking and sounding like a lunatic. She needs the public to believe her although she is smart enough to know most here would not. But it may sway those on the fence and she would need the support if things were ever going to change. Garron ponders if she's ready to be the poster child for anyone attuned to the Force but then he smiles. Celeste always encouraged them to be passionate and opinionated, to never let anyone tell them their differences made them less than. It's in her nature, in her blood. She has fought for them and she will fight on.

Antaro places her against a dingy wall without any identifiable markings and withdraws a recorder.

"Whenever you are ready."

Garron watches her relax, shoulders back with a strong, even and sincere tone. He realizes he is watching her become the person she is supposed to be.

"I am Gemma Masterton and I speak to you now with humble regret. I lied to you all and for that I am sorry. This incident has made me realize there is no denying this. Denying myself. I love what I do; my friends, my family, my fans - but the Force is a part of who I am. It helped shape me into the person I am today. And there is no shame in that. Sensitivity to the Force does not make one a terrorist or a threat. Like all abilities, some choose to use it with the intent to deceive or destroy. Despite what you have been shown, this is not the way of the Jedi. Nor is it my way. We have been hunted, attacked and framed in ways which has turned the public against us as a diversion while your rights are stripped away."

She stares directly ahead, blue eyes shimmering with purpose.

"I beseech you now to look into yourself, to ask if the methods through which we have been targeted are just. How long until another part of your society is deemed a risk – a species, a race, a gender, a belief? When will you see the Registration Act sets a dangerous precedent and opens the door for the powers-that-be to license you to live? I am not a threat to you and neither are they. Our voices will live on so long as they are heard."

She holds her head high.

"Be heard."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on January 09, 2017, 05:04:57 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Antaro gives them robes and masks before leading them away from the hangar.

They traverse a series of bridges and access tunnels, moving upward until they reach the surface streets. Gemma remains quiet, reflecting on what she said. By now the public would be reacting for better or worse. Garron was moved by her words but questions The Concealed motives just as he does the Jedi's. Both have altruistic and peaceful purposes but he is wary of them using Gemma to achieve it. He doesn't want her to be a pawn in anyone else's game. She is drawn to what she feels is right but he worries she doesn't see the shades of gray.

Working so closely beside Rutherford Gellar, Garron grasps the intricacies of moral ambiguity, something that appears to be inherent in Dane and Dahlia but not Gemma. She is more of a traditionalist and wants everyone to work together to achieve something great. It is a wonderful notion but impractical is so many ways. He doesn't want her to be disappointed when it doesn't work out so cleanly. Not everything is straightforward, as she is now seeing first hand. You have to get your hands dirty in order to get things done, even at the cost of your own reputation. Garron had gotten over it a long time ago as the peers he left behind labeled him a sell-out to work so closely with one of the corporate titans. He viewed the opportunity as incredibly rare to learn from someone he respected and admired. It had served him well in many areas and he now draws from this knowledge to keep them safe.

Bringing a host of Force sensitives to D'ian would be risky but less so than Corellia. The Corporate Sector plays by its own rules and so long as it didn't adversely affect leverage and profitability, they probably wouldn't care. With all the decks stacked against them it would be wise to maintain secrecy.

They can hear chanting as they draw closer.

Gemma straightens the mask and pulls the hood down low. She takes Garron's arm as Antaro leads them out to merge with the crowds. They all wear the same garb, a symbol of their solidarity and message. They are everyone and no one who speak for those who have been marginalized. It is also a lofty goal and one Garron wonders the personal benefit of attempting to upend the political system. They may be separatists but he hasn't seen it hedge into terrorist activity. At this point, even forceful resistance to Drakos and the RSB seems justified after all they have pulled.

They wade past the patrolling agents itching for someone to step out of line. The crowd shouts for repeal of the Imperial truce and the abolishment of the Registration Act. They call for freedom from oppression and a stop to RSB violence. They hear murmurs in the crowd, pieces of conversation between friends and allies. Some are so angry while others have hope. Her name is mentioned more than once.

"Gem is right," someone says. "Our voices must be heard."
"Do you really trust her?"
"More than them."
"She lied," says another.
"With good reason."
"They lie too."
"She's a celebrity, what does she know?"
"Enough to want to speak out."
"Only after she was caught."
There are more murmurs but the voice of truth cuts through.
"She's a Masterton. This should surprise exactly no one. The RSB is playing it up because that's what they do. She could do a lot of good given her platform so if we can help her help us, we should."

Gemma smiles beneath the mask.

Someone hurls a bottle at the RSB. It was only a matter of time before a line was crossed. There are shouts between parties, batons out and ready. It only takes one to turn peace into chaos but Antaro knows where this will lead and searches for a way out. The spaceport looms in the distance. The shouting escalates into shoving and the RSB attack. Protestors scatter. Gemma holds tightly to Garron as they follow Antaro through the melee.

They make it to the spaceport, trading the masks for simple hoods and tunics Antaro pulls from his bag. They ditch the evidence and head inside. She keeps her head low and blends with the hoards of travelers milling about. No one pays them any mind.

"Does that kind of things happen often?" Garron mutters.

"A riot?"

"Yes, I didn't think you were the types."

"More often than we'd like but most have been instigated by the RSB themselves."

"How so?"

Antaro laughs, "Hired muscle posing as one of us throws the first punch which is how we are made to seem like violent offenders as opposed to influencers of change."

"Clever but you don't operate entirely above board."

"That's a given," he says. "But we stray toward the necessary evils."

Garron keeps his voice low.

"You think that's what happening with the Jedi?"

"It has been speculated but if so, it is a highly financed ruse."

They enter the deck where the shuttle is docked but Garron stops them. There are no guards surrounding the Masterton shuttle.

"That doesn't seem right."

Antaro check his datapad, "The unit was called to assist in the disturbance outside. This time the riot worked in our favor."

"Nothing like using their own actions against them. What about clearance?"

He taps around, "Our associates have swapped the Masterton shuttle registry with the platform beside it. Your credentials have been changed to those of a citizen visiting family elsewhere in Republic territory. You should be good to go."

Gemma turns to him, "We cannot thank you enough."

"It is we who are grateful," he says. "Til we meet again."

They make their way across the platform to the shuttle. Garron activates the ramp controls, keeping a steady but casual pace. He engages the engines to ready them for departure. Within a few minutes they would be airborne and leave this place behind them for now. Gemma would be no good to anyone in custody.

Garron starts up the ramp with Gemma close behind but further in, waiting inside the shuttle is a terrifying figure.

(https://scontent.fapa1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15965854_10210256920274397_4271460229773427886_n.jpg?oh=a77d06d2b92afc56da88d484d513eb30&oe=5912D457)
The Inquisitor.

Garron raises his blaster but it is slashed in half by the green saber extending from his armor. He slides across the space to grab his tunic, hood slipping off his head. Gemma leaps forward but is thrown back with one flick of his wrist. She struggles, pinned against the wall by the Force.

The Inquisitor deactivates the saber, opting instead to use his gloved hands to make a point. Garron pushes back, landing a punch to the side of his mask and breaking three fingers. This doesn't stop him but the wrath is swift and brutal. The Inquisitor pummels him with blows that are inhumanly fast and expertly placed. Soon Garron is on the floor bleeding and broken. His head is wrenched back, a gravelly voice emanating from beneath the mask.

"Did you really think she would be safe with you?"

He spits blood at him and the Inquisitor hurls him back. Garron hits the far wall and crumpled to the ground. He does not get up. Gemma is horrified, focusing her energy to break free. She drops to the metal floor, hands balled into fists. The Inquisitor turns around and towers over her.

Gemma calls the saber from her open purse to her hand, igniting the weapon to bring it around in front of her.

"Foolish girl."

One hand disappears and the jagged green saber appears.

"You will never know true power unless you let go of all those ideals."

"So the Empire really is behind this," she says.

"I carry out their will."

"Not if I stop you."

"You won't be able to save them.", he says, voice dropping to a near whisper. "You won't even be able to save yourself."

And he attacks.

The force of his blows is massive but she anticipated such and deflects with a careful precision. The space is barely wide enough and their sabers scorch the walls and ceiling, casting sparks around them. He advances and she has run out of room, backed into a literal corner. She deflects but he bears down hard and as she attempts to move his blade away he steps back, swings his weapon and brings it straight across the air to catch her exposed shoulder. Gemma screams and brings her blade down to connect with his boot armor. He buckles slightly but the adjustment is quick, the tip of his saber slashing across her cheek. He then sweeps down to swipe off the top of her saber, destroying it entirely. It fizzles and she drops it to the ground as she lifts her eyes to the terrifying menace standing before her. The Inquisitor reaches out to grab her by the throat. He brings her very close to his mask, so close she can almost feel the burning glow underneath.

"You, like the Jedi, will soon be no more."

Gemma draws in all the strength that she has, breaking his grip and Force pushing him violently down the ramp to the platform below. She lunges at the controls and the ramp seals them inside. Weakened, she staggers into the front to initiate the launch. The shuttle rises and veers sharply away from the platform as she sets the course and collapses back into one of the seats. Sobbing, she holds her shoulder and winces; unsure if Garron is even alive.

The shuttle eases up and away from Ambaril, heading into orbit. No alarms sound. The tactics of The Concealed had worked. They were safely away but safety is the further thing from what she feels. Once they make the jump to hyperspace, Gemma slumps back against the seat and passes out.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on February 06, 2017, 12:48:28 PM

"Can you see me right now
I'm comin' closer
Think I figured you out
Not like the others
You don't blend with the crowd
I've blown your cover
Now I'm takin' you down
Takin' you down."

-Runaground

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The Winton Naboo royal cruiser touches down on the platform near the university grounds. The other student shuttles look downright pedestrian in comparison. Dahlia pauses by the full length mirror in the corridor, assessing the situation. She wears a pleated black skirt, white button-up, chunky black heels, and a fresh-faced approach with minimal make-up. Her crimson hair is tousled and falls over her shoulders which she thinks makes her look easy-going. She is totally nailing the demure undergrad look so she grabs her designer messenger bag and heads down the ramp.

To her surprise, there is a landing party and not one comprised of the typical media. It is a small contingent of RSB agents fronted by an imposing man with a face that screams douche-central. He approaches and speaks first.

"Princess Dahlia, welcome to Chandaar."

"Uh, thanks but I've been here before."

"Yes but times have changed. My name is Laird Drakos, Director of the Republic Security Bureau."

She extends a hand, "It's nice to meet you."

He does not, watching her hand fall back to her side. Dahlia plays it cool, flipping her hair.

"So, like, what's the story?"

His expression is a mask of disdain and arrogance. The rage is pouring off him in waves, so much so that she must steady herself against the barrage.

"The story is that having a Winton roam our streets does not bring me comfort while your sister, a known Force User with suspected terrorist ties, and her protector are currently being sought for questioning. Their whereabouts are unknown."

"Wow, that's…something."

"It is, isn't it? You wouldn't happen to have had contact with either Gemma Masterton or Garron Prescott? We would very much like to speak with them."

She shrugs, "Not since school ended. I've been on Hesperidium for the summer."

"So we've all seen. The point is-"

"Okay, I'm going to stop you right there," Dahlia says, raising a hand. "I understand you're the law in these parts. Cool. I respect that. However, I was accepted into the business program at U of A because of my stellar academic record as well as the fact that I have a contract with Vectra based out of Ambaril. I came here to learn and further my career. If this is going to be a problem for you then you can take it up with my lawyer."

"Let me guess; Kaytt Corinthos?"

"Our fam has a retainer."

"How wonderful for you," Drakos sneers. "Changes in our laws now require all off-world visitors to submit to testing under the Force User Registration Act."

Thankfully, she keeps up on the news. They had implemented the expansion but the courts put a stay on the motion, temporarily suspending it's enforcement as legal action was taken against it's merit after an outcry from several liberal Republic worlds.

"No it doesn't. Not yet anyway."

She tilts her head and smiles.

"If and when it does, I'll be more than happy to swing by the student health center. Until then, maybe you should focus less on my life and more on your job. Good day, Director Drakos."

She hefts the messenger bag and strides past him. He does not follow but she can feel his glare boring into her as she walks away. The fact that neither Masterton nor Prescott have been located reflects poorly on him. Pressure is mounting for him to produce answers in order quell unrest. Drakos must watch her carefully as he knows the Winton's are just as if not more dangerous as the Masterton's.

*

In a private suite in Tevv Hall, Dahlia takes to unpacking. Her belongings have been transported from her cruiser and she meticulously decorates the room to reflect her tastes. She already registered for courses and secured a student ID. She made a small show of it as others looked on. Look at her, just a normal girl seeking higher education. As she had taken many advances courses and placement tests at Valor Prep, she is exempt from a majority of undergraduate prerequisites. With a full course load she could graduate in two and a half years instead of the average four and a half to five. She admires her reflection in the round sunburst mirror she struggled to hang without using the Force. See, intelligence and education really does pay.

Her suite is one of four in this hall that has its own bathroom. It's a luxury usually reserved for seniors but getting her on-campus required concessions. Her presence would raise the university's profile but she must exercise caution.

On D'ian, everyone was wealthy. There was a bond between them that kept the rest of the worlds out. It certainly helped that the media was prohibited so their exploits were largely unreported. On Chandaar, this is not the case. She must coexist with different classes and fake it convincingly enough where as to appear well-adjusted beneath the spotlight of their scrutiny. Her career and status would keep her elevated in some respects but campus life requires a careful balance. How does one remain likable yet unapproachable? Fear is a powerful motivator and reputation alone would keep some at bay. But in these heightened times, everyone would be watching. She can't rule the university with a durasteel fist. She has to win them over with the tact of a politician.

Dahlia had spent the past several years trying to get others to see past her last name. When they hear Winton all the see are giant neon signs that read – danger! Yet she's done nothing publicly to confirm that. With a terrifying acute attunement to the Force and a highly capable combat skill set; Dahlia is a fabulous paradox.

There is a knock on the door.

She prances across the living space to the controls. Her first visitor. Could it be her RA for an introduction? A gaggle of popular co-eds coming to welcome her to the hall? Nope, it's much, much worse.

Quentin Swire leans against the frame with his arms crossed and a smug expression on his face.

"Miss me?"

"Words simply cannot express how much I didn't."

He moves inside and allows the door to close behind him. Quentin takes it in, nothing the colorful décor and well-placed accents. Only she could turn a dorm room into a lavish den of self-absorption.

"Sweet room, think the RSB bugged it?"

"Already checked," she quips, smirking. "Thanks for the concern."

"No need for the hostility, baby. We share a terrible secret."

"Ew, shut up. You drugged me and shit happened. I'm not going to point out how fortunate you are to have made it out alive yourself. Besides, nothing happened between us so let's stop pretending we had a moment or whatever."

"Bitch is riled," Quentin says. "You might want to dial it down a bit if you hope to make any friends."

"Yeah well, you try getting both greeted and interrogated by the RSB Director and see how chipper you are."

"Sounds fun. What did he say?"

"Oh, you know - we don't trust you, where's your suddenly badass sister? The usual."

"Heavy," Quentin sighs. "And where is your sister?"

"I don't know! What is it with you guys? Don't tell me the Empire is interested in her as well."

"She's a wild card so, maybe. Don't be hurt. You're still our primary."

"I'm touched."

"You should be considering the risk. That's why they sent me here. I'll be just down the hall if you need me."

Dahlia seethes, "You can't be serious. I don't need a babysitter."

"No but you do need a reality check when it comes to your social life. We don't want a summer encore every time one of your college pals pisses you off. I'm here to make sure you stay the course and out of trouble."

"You? You are supposed to keep me out of trouble? Unbelievable."

There is another knock at the door. Quentin answers it.

Quinn Cavanaugh is standing in the hall, looking confused.

"Hey, hot stuff. Where'd you go?"

"I got lost."

He pulls her inside where they begin to make out fiercely. Dahlia has both hands up, glancing between them.

"Really?

"Oh," Quentin says, breaking. "You two know each other, right?"

"Hi, Dahlia!"

"Hi, Quinn."

Quentin and Quinn?

Even thinking it makes her want to hurl. He's been here for a month and already he's shagging her only friend? Wonderful. Quinn throws her arms around his shoulders as they continue to suck face.

"I hate to break up…whatever this is...but if you'll excuse me. I've got dinner plans with Barrett."

Quentin and Quinn wander back toward the door.

"Yes, we know. We'll see you at eight."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on March 13, 2017, 03:41:41 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Janessa Kain exits the shuttle and stares out into the city with a sense of dread. She has never feared returning home, even after the murder trial, but this is different. The long flight had given her plenty of time to think. She had investigated Vex Sienna at Garron's request and now she fears she may know too much. Her escape was not intended. She knows she was not meant to live. Where she found answers, there were also many more questions.

Janessa forgoes the security detail and makes a hasty departure from the spaceport. The RSB doesn't trust her, not after what happened with Inspector Erbon. Who does she trust when the Republic she so firmly believed in is crumbling down around her?

She feels very exposed, vulnerable to forces beyond her control.

Janessa goes straight to Kaytt Corinthos. It's late but she's home, roused from a deep sleep. She steps aside to let Janessa in.

"I didn't know where else to go."

"What do you mean?" Kaytt says, still somewhat groggy. "What's wrong?"

"Something happened in The Sector. Vex…attacked me."

This wakes her up instantly.

"He did what? Janessa, what did he do?"

She recounts the events after Kylie Miranda's disappearance and Garron's suspicion of Vex's involvement. She was tasked with uncovering what he knew and although she found out very little at first, there were other questions about his role as Imperial liaison. She tells Kaytt about her meeting with Dane, Gemma's status, and Garron's abduction. Finally, she shakily recalls her last encounter with Vex.

"He became something else…something I've never seen before. The behavior change, the aggression; none of it tracks with our previous interactions. It's like someone flipped a switch and he turned on me. He admitted to Kylie's murder and implied there had been others."

"Who?"

"I don't know…I barely escaped," she says, bordering on tears.

Kaytt embraces her as she gets it out. Janessa hadn't wept the entire trip but now the magnitude of the experience causes her to break down. After the worst has passed, Kaytt leans back.

"I'm going to say something upsetting but hear me out. Both Rutherford Gellar and Celeste Masterton died within days of each other and under mysterious circumstances. If Vex Sienna was capable of killing Kylie Miranda, isn't it possible he may have also killed Rutherford and Celeste?"

Janessa nods weakly, "I don't want to believe it but after what I saw, I don't know what he's capable of."

Kaytt's legal mind follows a burgeoning theory.

"You told me the Empire has stake in Gellar's company, ChemiX. Do you know what products they sold to them?"

"Client information is confidential."

"To the public, yes but not necessarily to the executives. If we could get our hands on that list, we may be able to find out what they are up to. Knowing the Empire, they would want more than your typical array of pharmaceuticals. Otherwise they wouldn't have invested. There must be something they want or believe that ChemiX can provide."

"Something they used on Vex?"

"Possibly," Kaytt says. "If his behavior changed as significantly as you say, there may be a reason for it. There have been rumors of Imperial mind-control experiments for as long as I can remember."

Her mind spins back to the conversation with Vex.

"Tenley Price."

"Who?"

"His girlfriend in high school, back on Coruscant. You saw the documentary Bound by Blood. Tenley disappeared at a party and wasn't seen for years. When she resurfaced, she was some kind of assassin who was killed by a Jedi."

"Melanie Masterton. Gemma's older sister."

"Yes, and according to the documentary Tenley's behaviors were completely uncharacteristic. Masterton knew her before and said she was sweet and unassuming. This change had implications of torture and brainwashing, all unsubstantiated of course. Vex bristled at the mention of her and the shift was palpable."

"Perhaps they perfected their technique. What's worse is that Dane and Gemma are still in The Sector with him."

"I do not think he will harm them. They are too important."

"The Empire has designs on them?"

"Dane, yes. That is pretty obvious with his position in ChemiX. Gemma was a mystery until now. Her powers could make her a valuable liability."

"Drakos wants her extradited."

"I thought he might. Predictable little shit."

"It won't happen," Kaytt says. "I made sure of it. The motion was denied. The photage was damning but she didn't utilize her powers here. Unfortunately, the revelation was enough to have her added to the Force Registry with a classification as extremely dangerous. Gemma will be apprehended and taken for questioning should she return to the Republic."

"What about Garron? As far as we know, he's still on Chandaar. He's being detained illegally."

"That's a powerful accusation to make. I would need something more than Gemma's word in order to prompt a formal investigation. There is only one place to find it and you are not going to like it."

"Where?"

"The Concealed."

"Maker Almighty," Janessa gasps. "Kaytt, that's insane. The RSB is all over them."

"We can't trust the RSB to be impartial, not with the influence of Imperial interests. I think the reason Force Sensitive's are being vilified and targeted is because they may sense and object to everything that is happening here. The buildup of security surrounding our borders may ease tension publicly but the reliance on Imperial forces puts us in a very precarious position."

"You think they would use their leverage to convert the Republic back into an Empire?"

"Democracy has been dying a slow death around here. With the increase in militarization, I'm not sure anyone will be able to tell the difference soon."

"We've got to get Garron back but I know it will take some reinforcements from the political sphere. That's why I came. The Sector needs reassurances as well. I'm hoping to do both but I don't think I can go to my flat. I'm not sure it's safe. Vex has allies here and by now they know I escaped and where I went."

"Stay here," Kaytt says. "We can figure out logistics in the morning."

Janessa nods and curls up on the couch. She drifts to sleep quickly, exhausted and confused. Kaytt drapes a blanket over her then moves to the windows. Even at this hour, the city bustles - dark towers and the steady wind of traffic lanes weaving through them. She turns to look down at Janessa, wondering if she may have stumbled onto something far more dangerous than anyone realizes.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on March 20, 2017, 04:33:50 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Dahlia Winton makes it all look so easy.

With midterms behind her, academic life is shaping up to be more worthwhile than she thought. She's always had a knack for learning even when it seems she skews only toward the superficial. Campus life works much the same as it did in high school only with a larger pool from which to manipulate and control. Dahlia is social and opinionated but keeps her classmates at a careful distance. She's been a bit wary of establishing a meaningful connection after Muriel. Sure, Quinn is easy. She's too dumb to really grasp the intricacies of a relationship and that suits Dahlia just fine. Quentin keeps Quinn occupied enough when he's not lurking around like a complete creep.

Barrett is another story entirely. Sparks flew when they saw each other again. Despite his stunted socializing skills, there is something about him she cannot deny. Their reunion was not everything she hoped it would be with the Q's swarming around them. Still, they make time for each other between their hectic schedules. She moves at a slower pace but she can feel Barrett's desire grow. She hasn't exactly been honest with him about what happened on Hesperidium over the summer. There really isn't a good time to bring up the fact that she murdered her best friend and covered it up. Only Quentin knows the truth and that pisses her off. Strangely, Barrett seems to enjoy his company so his presence is tolerated with more of a concentrated effort on her part. The quad-some has garnered quite the reputation as the new It-kids of the Republic. Photage of them is splashed all over the city. Barrett's position combined with Dahlia and Quinn's modeling acumen gives the nervous populous a welcome distraction. Quentin is just along for the ride but there is no doubt their status has raised his own, a fact Dahlia doesn't let him forget.

After her studies, Dahlia spends evenings in her campus suite practicing. She hones her skills most times on a traditional fighting dummy, usually with Adubell's face in mind. This gives her the drive to push harder. On occasion she will spar with Quentin as his mastery of hand-to-hand keeps her sharp. She spends the hour before bed meditating each night, drawing in the dark energies that now permeate the city.

Dahlia needs the calm now that she knows Gemma is back in the Corporate Sector.

People ask if she knew and honestly she didn't. She had no idea where Gemma was after disappearing with The Concealed. Her abilities and duplicity has been widely discussed and not always favorably. Unfortunately, Gemma's rebel rally cry for transparency and authenticity has made her somewhat of a folk hero among the separatists and other unwashed masses. It really is too bad the blonde avenger has been effectively banned from the Republic. They would apprehend her on the spot if she shows her face here again. It takes care of a once-potentially significant problem and allows her the freedom to operate. However, there has been no mention of Garron streaming from The Sector. Dahlia thought for sure he would be all up in arms about their civil liberties being trampled. Dane hasn't even returned her calls, like he can't even bother to pick up the com and confirm a few things. The last time she spoke to Trichelle, she heard Dane, Gemma and their crew were ruling Valor Prep. Trichelle seemed proud they taught them so well as if she had anything to do with their legacy. She also told her that not everyone in D'ian is entirely comfortable with Gemma's presence. Apparently, she has a polarizing appeal that excites some and worries others. The swirls of gossip should keep her busy.

Dahlia resumes practice, slamming her elbows and fists into the dummy with deadly accuracy. She tries to remember the things Quentin told her about the blackout in the Bolerathon Tower – the scary serenity, frightening displays of power – but she can't. Everything after Muriel's death is a blur. She knows the history with her family and the Force. One sister held back, and the other was consumed.

Dahlia doesn't want either.

There is a rap on the door. Sighing, she steps away from the dummy and crosses the room. Shocker, it's Quentin.

"You really need a life."

"Not now," he says, briskly walking past her.

She groans, "Sure, come on it. Dick."

"We've got a problem."

"We?"

He glances her over, "You look hot all sweaty."

"Three seconds or you lose your favorite toy," she says, pointing to his crotch.

"The problem, right. I don't have details but it's got the higher ups riled."

"The suspense is literally killing me."

Quentin smirks, "Don't be so smug. It's about a person on Chandaar. You know her."

"Oh, this should be good. Who?"

"Janessa Kain."

Dahlia is confused, "What about her?"

"She's supposed to be dead."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on April 10, 2017, 01:00:52 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Counselor Kaytt Corinthos awakens to find Janessa is already gone. There is a note saying that she needed to report to her office but would return. Janessa doesn't want to drag her into this but Kaytt fears her movements would be tracked so she grabs her com.

*

In the spaceport, Janessa Kain pulls a hood lower over her face as she moves through the crowds. Everything feels different somehow, like her entire life has been turned upside down. She would gather her things before heading over to the office. Despite everything that happened, she has a job to do. She would convince the Republic that Gemma Masterton is not a threat and maintain crucial trade agreements. Then she would find out what happened to Garron. As she nears the shuttle, her com bleeps. Janessa fishes it out of her purse.

"Kaytt?"

The din of the port muffles her voice.

"Janessa, where are you?"

She feels like she has to shout.

"The spaceport. I left in such a rush last night that I forgot all the work I brought with me."

"Listen," Kaytt says. "It's not safe."

"Not what? I can barely hear you over this ruckus…I'm almost to my transport, hang on…"

That's when the shuttle explodes.

Janessa is thrown clear of the blast, tumbling across the ramp until she slams into the railing. Her com skids over the edge, twirling into the abyss below. A high pitched hum consumes everything along with the thick plumes of smoke billowing up into the surrounding structure. There are swirls of light and color before she blacks out.

*

The first thing she hears is a steady beep.

Groaning, Janessa opens her eyes to find herself in a hospital room. There is a figure standing by the window but when it turns, it is the last person she expects.

"I must say," Director Drakos says. "You've looked better."

"What are you doing here?" she croaks.

"A prominent figure such as yourself was nearly killed. I thought you'd be relieved we were investigating."

"You don't care what happens to me."

"Oh, but I do. Especially if you have information brought back from the Corporate Sector."

Her head is fuzzy and her mouth is dry.

"What…are you talking about?"

He towers over the bed, "Why would anyone want to blow you up?"

"Isn't that your job to figure it out?"

"It would help tremendously if you cut the usual political bullshit and leveled with me. Most people are targeted because of things they have done or what they know. In your case, I'm guessing it's the latter. You deal in information. I suspect you know something you aren't supposed to otherwise someone wouldn't have gone to all the trouble."

"I thought you were a bureaucrat not a detective."

"We have detectives; one of our finest was Agent Pike Erbon. You remember him, don't you? You were acquainted right before you stabbed him to death."

She glances away.

"I wasn't-"

"In control? Yes, we know. You were under a dark influence as is the case with most of the weak-minded."

"I was acquitted."

Drakos sneers, "Another fine win for the judicial system."

"What does this have to do with anything happening now?"

"Glad you asked," he snaps. "We know Gemma Masterton is back in The Sector. Since you seem to be ever-drawn to the happenings of the Force Users, it wouldn't surprise me if this attempt on your life was made to cover something up. Perhaps even the whereabouts of Garron Prescott."

"That's ridiculous!"

"Is it? The Jedi have been cutting down our citizens and security forces in droves yet you still defend them? When will you learn they are nothing but trouble? Are you really willing to risk your life keeping their secrets? You almost died today, Miss Kain. Think about that."

Janessa glares icily at him.

"I'm in awe at your short-sightedness. The Jedi aren't the problem."

"I disagree."

"And that is why you will always fail."

He moves toward her and bellows.

"Tell me where Prescott is!"

"Director!" Kaytt Corinthos cries from the doorway. "That's quite enough. Unless my client is being charged with something then I suggest you leave her in peace."

Drakos rears back, face contorted in rage but he glances down at Janessa one last time before striding briskly past Kaytt out of the room. Once he is gone, Janessa places her hands over her face.

"I'm so stupid…I'm sorry…"

"Don't be," Kaytt says, moving to the bedside. "This place is your home and you don't recognize what it's become."

"But I do – I know who did this. The Empire won't stop until I'm dead."

"You're in the rancor pit now which is why you need powerful allies working for you on two fronts – both in light and shadow."

"I should have just told him," Janessa says. "I should have filed formal charges so it would be on record."

"The RSB is in the pocket of the Speaker and Leeds is too close to the Empire for that to go anywhere good. You need it to go public, yes, but in a way that will spin out of their control."

"How?"

"Not now. You can't stay here. We can't trust the RSB detail to protect you. I've made arrangements and requested a meeting."

"With whom?"

"Someone who can help."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on April 17, 2017, 03:21:24 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Five Points

The warehouse is dank and deserted; a perfect place to meet discreetly.

After Janessa was released into Kaytt's care, she took her back to the apartment to clean up. Aside from a few cuts and bruises, Janessa was thankfully otherwise uninjured. She feels like shit but manages to pull it together. Her fabulous little world, one she carefully cultivated through sex and manipulation, was coming apart at the seams. This is the second attempt on her life in the span of a week – an indicator that those behind it are serious about silencing her.

Kaytt guides them into Five Points in the most obscure way possible, certain to lose anyone who has any designs on following them. She knows the RSB would not drop this and they need guidance. Selene Silvestri's attempts at sourcing dirt on the Empire came up empty. They had covered their tracks well. She had listened to the recordings given to her by Antaro. They were compelling but inconclusive. There are no witnesses or evidence to support the theory of an Inquisitor. At least, none still alive which is why Kaytt turns to a different ally.

Inside the warehouse, Janessa warily follows Kaytt out into shadowed room pierced with beams of light from above. They stop in a large circle of light.

Senator Artemis Soldys steps out of the shadows.

"Ladies."

"Thank you for meeting with us," Kaytt says. "I know you've got your hands full in the Senate."

"Every day feels like we are losing more of our democracy for the sake of security. The more we rely on the Empire's fleets, the greater their influence grows within our government. Unfortunately, the public is blinded by a manufactured enemy that was once a sacred part of the Republic while the ever-tenacious Barrett Trevaithan makes inroads with Senators and military brass alike."

"It's quite the racket they have going."

"While the people let freedom slip through their fingers. It's good to know there are others fighting the good fight. But you, Miss Kain, come as a surprise. After our last conversation, you struck me as more of an opportunist."

"I was but...something happened."

"So the Counselor tells me," Artemis says. "I am glad you survived both attempts but it begs the question; what do you know that makes you such a target?"

Kaytt and Janessa exchange glances.

Janessa nods.

Kaytt turns her gaze to the Senator.

"Vex Sienna has been compromised. We believe he is being controlled in some way which led to his attack on Janessa. He admitted to murdering the Gellar-Masterton's aide and implied there were others. I believe he may have also orchestrated Celeste Masterton and Rutherford Gellar's deaths as means to leave the children vulnerable. He had both motive and opportunity and only went after Janessa when she began to scratch the surface of his façade."

He takes this in.

"Did you know he may have been culpable in these actions?"

"Garron Prescott suspected as much."

"And you were sent to find out? That is a risky gamble given the result and your current situation."

"We found the answers we were looking for."

"But opened a proverbial Pandora's Box of further questions...like, if Prescott is being kept prisoner here and Sienna's true purpose in The Sector?"

"Thus why we need your help," Kaytt explains. "Janessa is in a unique position with information that could potentially sway things."

Artemis muses on this and sighs.

"Perhaps. The Empire knows Gemma Masterton is a threat, one large enough to compromise their work with The Republic. Her namesake is synonymous with virtue despite the deception of her abilities. She is also too high profile a target. They are perfectly content with her being ostracized on the Holo and banished from Republic territories. The Republic's vendetta against Force Users has done their dirty work for them if they can keep her far away from the machinations happening on Chandaar."

"What about me me?"

"You represent the lynchpin in what could sever all ties to the Corporate Sector and keep Masterton and her meddling away from The Republic forever."

Janessa looks horrified, "They wouldn't."

"Oh, yes. They would. They are going to pin it all on you – the temptress, the co-conspirator, the murderer. Tactfully linked to Masterton and Prescott, who are now linked to The Concealed, you will be the perfect Separatist scapegoat. The Senate will charge that you used your position as liaison to harbor suspects and facilitate treason. And the Empire will back them up on this."

"Bullshit," Janessa seethes lowly.

"Your reputation is highly effective yet morally questionable at best. You've been under the influence of a Force User before, made to do an unspeakable act. They will use this against you to damage the credibility of anything you bring before them. Sienna may be compromised but they must know you make an unreliable witness."

"Then why try to kill her?" Kaytt quips coldly. "Their plans must not be as airtight as they think if they consider her a liability."

"Loose ends can still make trouble. The press has been focused on two things: border security and the Force User threat. If you try to change that narrative it may spur more sympathy for The Concealed. They went from a shady slicer group to the voice and vigilante of the marginalized and aware. Masterton's freedom cry unsettled many people on many worlds. They know she is right. The Republic is in danger but fear is preventing the ruling majority from seeing it."

"Then what do you suggest I do? I'm not just going to wait around to be taken out!"

"You need to get the target off you back and quickly. Report to the Senate like it is business as usual. They will be thrown when you do not take a predictable route but you will have to think carefully about responding to the shuttle blast. Use what you already have as your own leverage."

"You just said no one would believe me. It's not enough."

"It is if you curry favor with someone you know the Empire wants kept close: Dane Gellar."

"Dane asked me to clear Gemma's name."

"Not possible right now if you want to survive this."

"I understand this won't endear him to you but you've persuaded far more formidable opponents in the past."

"Make him see the only way to clear Gemma is to work another angle."

"An alliance with the Empire?"

"No," Artemis says. "With Dahlia Winton."

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on May 22, 2017, 11:32:51 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Janessa Kain appears before the Republic Senate.

She does so alone, poised and reassured. The heart-to-heart with Senator Soldys terrified her but she left emboldened to beat the system. She is not entirely a changed woman and still capable of manipulation when it suits her. Janessa hopes her message to Dane was well-received, buying them time to figure out their next move. So long as Gemma stays away there shouldn't be an issue although she knows that is less than what Dane wanted. The Senate calls on her and she eases the controls for the platform to take her out toward the center. The din dies down but there are still whispers about her. She knows very well her reputation amongst them and while she is good what she does, there is apprehension and mistrust. After all, she is a killer regardless of the circumstances. Speaker Leeds gazes out at her and releases a series of questions related to the Sector as well as the Force threat from their citizen Gemma Masterton.

Janessa is ready and handles them expertly.

She dispels any rumors regarding Force involvement in Sector business with the Republic. Talk turns more personal to her recent brush with death. Kaytt got a copy of the official report prior to the hearing and it appears Director Drakos covered up the bombing no doubt in some vain hope Janessa would give up Prescott. She doesn't call the bluff but instead confirms it – the shuttle explosion was a result of a mechanical failure. Nothing more. She concludes with a hope that all parties can move forward without prejudice and thanks the Senate for their time.

If they were hoping for something more, Leeds in particular, he doesn't show it. He nods and excuses her. She suspects they would have crucified her, as Soldys suggested, if she had made waves. Although it kills her to inadvertently protect that monster Sienna, she knows there is much more at stake here.

They must find Garron Prescott and she going to use Dahlia Winton to do it.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on July 05, 2017, 05:55:09 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The semester flew by and Dahlia was now well-acquainted with university life and it’s many complexities. She had become a fixture around campus but always careful not to get too close to anyone in particular. She mostly hangs with Quentin and Quinn but often times alone. She talks to her friends back in The Sector who are all busy doing their own things. She avoids the topic of Muriel altogether despite that she is referenced frequently. Dahlia plays it off like Muriel and Tobias wanted to live freely outside the confines of their sheltered little world. She has come to terms with what she did and the secrets she and Quentin keep. Overall, her life has taken on a routine quality but not without the occasional flair. She attends openings, appears at clubs, and fulfils her contractual obligations to VMG for fashion shows and the seasonal shoots.

Now that she is on break, she spends more time with Barrett. They had grown closer over the past several months. Being exposed to her world and that of the swirling life on Chandaar, he came out of his shell a bit. His grasp on idle banter has improved considerably and he is even mostly able to keep up with her cultural references. They are hot and heavy but she has yet to cross that line. It’s not that she’s waiting exactly but there is plenty of time for that sort of thing.

While she waits for Barrett in the massive Senate building, Janessa Kain appears down the corridor. She calls her name and the liaison turns, a broad smile spreading across her face. What the princess doesn’t know is that the encounter had been staged, having lifted the Imperial ambassadors schedule from a previous sexual conquest. Janessa knows exactly what she is doing.

“I didn’t know you would be here today,” Janessa says. “How are you?”

“Very well, thank you. And you?”

“Could be better but there is always a balance in maintaining civil relationships between larger factions.”

Dahlia frowns, “Things not going well with the Sector?”

“It’s steady but I’ve found myself in…a rather peculiar situation.”

For her part, Dahlia already knows. Quentin had disclosed that Janessa discovered their Imperial plant in the Corporate Sector. Two attempts had been made on her life, much to Dahlia’s dismay. She admires Janessa for being such a brazen individual, sexually unafraid and powerful in a field dominated by bullish men. Another hit had been scheduled prior to her Senate hearing but Dahlia requested a delay pending further investigation. Mercifully, Janessa did not so much as mention her findings and concluded the hearing without interference. Dahlia sited this as proof she could be trusted but Quentin’s superiors were not so certain. They needed assurances.

“Oh? Anything I can help with?”

Janessa draws her toward the windows, glancing out into the cityscape beyond.

“I like you, Dahlia. Your resilience to everything you have suffered is to be commended. Not many could withstand what you have and parlay that kind of tragedy into success. It’s clever and that is something I need now.”

“I think you are already pretty clever."

“Not nearly enough, it seems. I have information I would like certain parties to understand is confidential."

"I'm not sure how I can help with that."

"Your boyfriend, Barrett Trevaithan, may be in a position to use this information. You are in a position to help him understand that."

Dahlia smiles, considering it.

It is a risky move to bring this to her. Janessa has no way of knowing exactly how much Dahlia knows or has a hand in Imperial business. But Janessa is careful to keep from sounding desperate despite the circumstance. She knows things that the Empire wants kept under wraps. Killing her would be the easiest route for them, stage it to look like an accident, and use their resources within the RSB to make it all vanish beneath the headlines. Dahlia doesn't want that to happen, especially if Janessa could be a further resource for them with her vast connections to the Republic. Her title as liaison to the Corporate Sector could be valuable and the fact that she did not level charges against anyone in her hearing does lend credence to this request. She would see what she could do. For now, she would play innocent.

"I don't know what that means but sure, I'll tell him for you."

"That would lovely, Dahlia. Thank you."

"Of course," she says, glancing at her more seriously. "Are you sure you are alright?"

"Admittedly, no. There is something else."

"Like what?"

Janessa sighs, "I can't find Garron. No one knows where he is."

"What do you mean?"

"He never made it back to The Sector."

Dahlia tries to conceal her alarm, "That's impossible. He returned with Gemma."

"No," Janessa says. "He didn't. Dane confirmed it on a call with ChemiX. I'm beginning to worry."

"Yeah…that's very unlike him. Garron is kind of a stickler for the rules."

"Hence the concern."

Janessa is leading her in a very specific direction. The Winton's are cunning but also curious. She is hoping Dahlia will run with this. She does not have to hope for long.

"I can ask around, see if anyone has heard anything."

"I know your brother and sister would appreciate it. Thank you again, Dahlia. We'll be in touch?"

"Yes," Dahlia says distantly, turning toward the windows as Janessa moves back down the corridor. A dark and unexpected feeling unspools itself inside her stomach. She would broach it with Barrett later but there is always Quentin. Maybe he knows something. This is so out of character for Garron to disappear on them. He hovered over Dane and Gemma like a hawk, more so now than ever. He couldn't have simply wandered off and left them to their own devices although that could prove interesting in its own right.

If Garron isn't in The Sector, where is he?

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on September 10, 2017, 08:13:57 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

It was a welcome break from the tediousness of university.

Dahlia spends most of her time with Barrett when she’s not working at The Menagerie or partying with Quinn. Curious after her conversation with Janessa, she had broached the subject with Barrett over dinner one night. He seemed perplexed by her insinuations so she moved on to other topics.

The last available option is not something she wants to do but knows she must.

Dahlia weaves through the dorm corridor, passing drunken co-eds stumbling around and groping each other, before arriving at his door. She knocks and waits but the sense of dread is confirmed almost immediately. Quentin answers wearing only sweatpants, postured in such a way to blatantly reveal the outline of his package. She averts her eyes.

“We need to talk.”

He raises his eyebrows as she moves past him, “What if I’m not in the mood to talk?”

“Then I telekinetically snap your spine so everything below the waist is reduced purely to the ornamental.”

“Fair enough,” he says, tapping the door closed. “Let me guess, this isn’t a social call?”

“Is it ever with you? I need you in a strictly official capacity so suck it up and pay attention. Can you do that for me?”

Quentin sneers, “Don’t treat me like I’m one of your minions. I don’t answer to you.”

“Not yet,” she muses with a devious smile, crossing the room to pluck a bottle of whiskey off the desk. “In due time, darling.”

“What do you want?”

She feels it best to get right to the point. Directness is the only language he speaks.

“Garron Prescott never made it back to the Corporate Sector.”

“I thought he was escorting your recently disgraced sister?”

“He was but only she returned.”

He shrugs, “Bummer big time, babe. Why should I care?”

“Because I think the Empire has him.”

“Has him…where?”

“Here, on Chandaar. The RSB would be all over it in the Holo if they apprehended him. It would be a big win in that Director’s little crusade and in light of their recent failures to protect the citizens of Ambaril from the threat of the Jedi menace. It has to be an Imperial job.”

“Wait a fucking microsecond,” Quentin says. “The CSA holds him in the highest regards so maybe they are hiding him to shield him from any Republic extradition orders.”

“Why hide him and not Gemma?”

“She’s in school and with a profile that high after getting publicly smeared all over the galaxy, there is no way they could stash her without people salivating after it. You know how the Holo is when it comes to the holy “Four.” Your names are like glitterstim to them.”

Dahlia glances at herself in a rounded mirror on the wall, flipping her hair.

“Someone has to be.”

“The depths of your delusion know no bounds.”

“And the perils of your density could build a compelling psychological study. It wasn’t them. It had to be the Empire. Think, Quentin. What do you know?”

He takes the bottle from her and pours them both glasses.

“What makes you think they tell me shit like that.”

“Because we both know you are keeping tabs on me for them. They would supply you with anything that could be used as a measure of control over this situation…not that is matters much.”

He takes a swig from one glass and hands her the other. She waves it beneath her nose like she used to watch her fath-Rutherford Gellar do. He would swirl it around in the glass, bring it to his nose and inhale before finally tasting it. It always looked so satisfying, like all the questions would melt away as the liquid burned down your throat. She wishes it were that simple.

“There wasn't any mention by name or even if it was a person,” he says after a while, breaking her moment. “Only that a potential asset had been obtained.”

“What kind of asset?”

“Classified, sweetie, and well above my pay grade.”

Dahlia leans precariously against the desk, “Can you find out?”

“You mean, like go to my superiors and say that the princess wants to know if you’ve captured her upstart and Force User collaborator former bodyguard? Sure, Dahlia. Cuz that’s how we work.”

Her eyes roll so far back into her head only the whites remain.

“Surely you can manage to be more tactful than that.”

“How did you know Prescott never returned? I’m betting your sister didn’t reach out for a sob sesh on the com.”

“No, but I called Dane. He’s more reliable-ish.”

“And the Winton believed a Gellar? Everything really is cyclical.”

“You don’t even know what that means,” she snaps. “Besides, Janessa Kain confirmed it. I was caught off guard by her inquiry because apparently, no one tells me anything.”

“They tell me what I need to know but speaking of hot, slutty liaisons, I wouldn’t mind tapping that if you could, you know, arrange something.”

In all honesty, Janessa Kain was still targeted for assassination despite several failed attempts. The woman has spunk, they would give her that. Now, the jury is out on the next steps. She spared them bad publicity but she still could comprise one of their agents. The Empire doesn't like anyone running around with their secrets in their heads, even ones as beautiful as Janessa’s. Dahlia’s recommendation had been considered. Janessa works directly with the Direx Board and there is a large fortune and plenty of opportunity in that mine. Prevailing theory is that they leverage Janessa although there are some misgivings about her cooperation. She hasn’t come out and said anything explicitly negative about the Empire although her associations, like that pesky Corinthos lawyer, indicate she leans left of the truce.

“I am not your pimp, Quentin. We’re allies, remember? Or do you want another demonstration?”

His mind returns to the party back on D’ian, his body crushed against the wall by her sheer will. It flickers to the Bolerathon Tower on Hesperidium as he witnessed her teaming with a dark power he had only read about in legend.

“No.”

“Good,” she says, lightly slapping the side of his face. “Now be a good boy and dig.”

Dahlia finishes the drink, slams the glass back on the desk and leaves.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on January 29, 2018, 08:05:32 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Princess Dahlia Winton seems to float in the arms of Barrett Trevaithan. She convinced him, quite cunningly, to attend a formal charity ball held annually at the performing arts complex. There is always some cause to rally behind and this year focuses squarely on the arts in education. He had been reluctant given his aversion to such events but in the end, she won. Besides, he needed a break from all the politically laced tactical banter. The Republic, while thawing, was still rather tenuous in their trust of the Imperial truce despite their borders being more fortified for it. There had been no attacks, no undercutting or scheming the politicians shrieked about when the truce was first introduced. In fact, their alliance has proved most beneficial from a military standpoint.

That is not to say there aren’t glaring social issues not least of which involves the subject of Force Users and the slew of assassinations seemingly by the Jedi. The attacks have ebbed in recent weeks although the public outcry has not. There are still a fair number of Senators who believe this amounts to nothing more than a witch-hunt and rumors fly through the Holonet feeds with insinuations that the Empire has a hand in the bloodshed. Without proof, it weakens their arguments as time passes and they are faced with the sobering possibility that the Jedi really have turned on them.

Barrett holds her close, dressed in tails with hair slicked back. Dahlia is radiant in a tight black gown with a plunging neckline. Her crimson hair is piled high and twisted into a top bun of braids upon which a glittering tiara rests.

“You look good in a crown.”

She leans close to his ear, “I’ll look better in a bigger one.”

“My, what aspirations you have,” he says with a sly grin.

“You have no idea.”

“I think I have a pretty good idea by now.”

“It’s nice that you think so.”

Barrett arches a brow, “Someone once told me secrets don’t make friends.”

“Perhaps not,” she says. “But they are good for so many other things.”

He kisses her softly and as they break, another presence catches the periphery.

“Oh, Dahlia it is you!”

She turns to find LeVanya Monroe standing before her in a purple gown and shimmering beige shawl. It is not surprising she is here, given the charity event and her role as a Holo actress. Dahlia should have expected it but seeing her here, in the flesh, unnerves her. She stifles the expression of surprise and smiles.

“LeVanya! How lovely to see you. Have you met Barrett Trevaithan?”

“I haven’t yet had the pleasure,” she says sweetly. “How do you do?”

He takes her hand, much like they practiced, and kisses it.

“The pleasure is all mine.”

“Such a charmer,” LeVanya teases, glancing at Dahlia. “It's lucky I ran into you - I was wondering, have you heard from Muriel?”

The name causes her blood to freeze and everything behind them swirls into a blur of slow and colorful shapes. Her training prepared her for this and so she shrugs and shakes her head.

“I’m sorry, no. I haven’t heard from Muriel for quite some time.”

“Oh, I’m so worried. It’s been ages and I thought by now she would have at least told me she was okay.”

Flash of Muriel lying face down on the polished floors of the Bolerathon Tower with a humming saber jutting out of her back.

“You know Muriel,” Dahlia says evenly. “Such a free spirit. I imagine she’s galivanting all over the galaxy these days.”

LeVanya frowns, “I suppose so. It’s just that…no one has seen or heard from her in months. Not even anyone on D’ian.”

“I’m sure she’ll reach out eventually.”

Flash of Dahlia towering over her body, dirty blonde hair covering half her face, eyes wide, mouth frozen open in a scream.

“You really think so?”

And she lies through her perfectly white teeth.

“I absolutely do.”

“Well, it was so good to see you and wonderful to meet you Barrett.”

Dahlia watches her disappear into the twirling bodies with a sense of sickening dread. The cover story may have been airtight but while Muriel was flighty and made no qualms about voicing her disdain for the Corporate Sector, she was also quite social. No one hearing anything from her on any of her channels would raise some alarms. She swallows hard.

“You okay?”

“I’m…suddenly not feeling well. Do you mind if we leave?”

Barrett laughs, “I thought you’d never ask.”

*

Back in her dorm suite, Dahlia transforms back into a student. She wears a posh yet simple ensemble and wipes the makeup from around her eyes. In the mirror, she doesn’t even recognize herself – after everything she’s been through; the capture, the torture, the training – she thought she’d killed off those lingering feelings of doubt. Yet here they are, cropping up in the most unexpected places.

“Not so easy, is it? Being a killer takes more than you think it does.”

Karen’s voice.

She waves it off, praying another sibling heart-to-heart with her sister’s Force ghost isn’t waiting for her in the living area. It isn’t. The room is silent and empty. Much like she feels right now. Dahlia fights back tears and steps out into the hall, finding her way down to the last place she expects to ever go.

Quentin Swire is typically shirtless but covers himself after he moves aside to let her in.

“Look, Winton. I checked, I swear. No one knows where you pal Garron is or, at least no one will tell me anything. I don’t know shit so before you get all hostile and Force rage-y I need you to-“

“Shut up, Q.”

He falls silent, staring at her for a moment.

“Dare I ask what’s wrong?”

“LeVanya Monroe was at the charity ball.”

“The actress?”

“Muriel’s mother.”

He nods like he gets it. Like he gets anything. Ever.

“Ah, is someone feeling the pangs of regret? You did murder her daughter, after all. Nothing you can do about that now.”

“I know,” she says, easing down onto a questionable-looking couch. “I just didn’t think….you know….”

Quentin glares, “What?”

She bolts for the door.

“Ugh, nevermind. This was a total mistake. I should never have come here.”

He grabs her arm, stopping her in mid-stride.

“Then why did you?”

“I don’t know, I thought for some delusional reason you might be able to understand.”

“Understand what? That you feel bad? I do, Dahlia. I really do. But working an agenda means having to do some pretty unscrupulous things.”

Dahlia sneers, “Look at you with your expanded vocabulary. It’s almost as if you didn’t go to a public school.”

“You can hate on me all you want but ask yourself this – why haven’t you told Barrett?”

Dahlia pulls her arm free, sighs, and looks away.

“I don’t know…”

“You do know.”

She finally meets his dark gaze, “Maybe I feel more comfortable with you knowing this side of me.”

“He’s going to find out eventually.”

“Eventually being the operative word.”

“I don’t get it,” Quentin says. “What’s the hold-up?”

“I guess I want him thinking of me in a certain way, okay? Can you, like, comprehend that?”

“Like what? Petty? Shallow? Gorgeous? He knows all of those things.”

“Dangerous,” she whispers. “Isn’t that what you told me?”

“Indeed. You are a force to be reckoned with.”

“One the Empire is more than willing to exploit to their full advantage.”

“Can you blame them?” Quentin says. “You are a valuable asset.”

“That’s all I am to them? An asset? How typical.”

“To them maybe but not to me.”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“Please don’t even pretend to remotely care about me.”

“And if I did?”

“I wouldn’t believe you. You always have a line.”

He shrugs, “For most, that’s true. Not for you though.”

“Are we being honest with each other now? There’s a concept I wasn’t sure you were even familiar with.”

“If you would stop insulting me long enough to do so. We shared something, Dahlia. I’ve never seen anything like it before. Never felt…something like it before. But I made you hate me because that’s what I do. I make everyone hate me so that no one cares if I come or go. It keeps things simple because of the mission. My psychology professor says it’s a defense mechanism but whatever. It’s easier for me to hate you back than admit what I really feel.”

Dahlia’s eyes tighten around the corners, heart pounding in her chest.

“Don’t you dare, player. That may work on idiots like Quinn but not this girl.”

“Then why are you still here?”

They are standing closer than she realized before but she doesn’t move away. He closes the miniscule distance between them and grips the side of her face, leaning down to kiss her. She kisses him back because the current coursing through her is indescribable. They stagger back until hitting the door. He kisses her hungrily, moving away from her lips to her neck.

“You want someone who wants you and all the darkness that comes with it.”

She grabs his hair from the back, wrenching his head so he is staring down into her face. Her eyes are large pools of blackness and he can see, for a brief moment, his own terrified expression reflected back at him.

“You don’t know true darkness, Q.”

She Force-pushes him roughly across the room with just enough impact against the far wall to render him unconscious. Quentin groans and slides to the floor, slumping over onto his side. Dahlia wipes her mouth and leaves him lying there because she is not prepared to consider that Quentin may very well be right.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on August 03, 2018, 05:21:00 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Princess Dahlia is pissed. Despite her amorous feelings for Barrett, she cannot squash her attraction to Quentin. The kiss, unwarranted as it may have been, riled something in her. She has wondered if what he said is true. Would Barrett feel the same way he does toward her if he knew the kind of darkness lurking within her? Just beneath the surface. Quentin has seen it and while he is in awe of the sheer magnitude of her power, it does not change the way he sees her. And that is really what she wants; to be seen, to be accepted for who she is. Thankfully Q has stayed out of her way lately. Probably best for now.

Almost everything about Dahlia Winton is a lie, a well-constructed persona she’s carefully curated to make the public believe certain things about her. The best part about it is: it worked. The trepidation and fear that consumed Karen’s public identity are washed away by the benevolence that Dahlia presents them as an alternative version of what a Winton is. The truth though, is that Dahlia is just as powerful and dangerous as both her sisters but where they valued that fear and the leverage it provided them, Dahlia sees greater value in proving them all wrong. She can be smart and beautiful and wealthy and fabulous without all the hoopla that followed Karen and Alexia around like a curse.

The curse of the prophecy.

Dahlia isn’t trapped in some kind of spectacularly extravagant hourglass with the sands of time running out. She’s afforded the space and freedom to really flourish as an individual and a part of her doesn’t want to give that up. However, Dahlia is not stupid. She knows in order to get what she wants, and she wants everything, she’s going to have to step up as a real force to be reckoned with. Granted, she could give in to those baser instincts, lose all control, and take the throne by force. She’s not quite that impulsive either. There needs to be a measure of her madness and it will start with finding answers.

Over dinner with Barrett, some posh new spot in the center of Ambaril’s happening arts district, Dahlia moves in for the kill.

“I want to see the Emperor.”

Barrett stops cutting the exquisitely prepared cut on his plate and meets her gaze.

“Am I going to regret asking why?”

“Probably,” she says evenly. “But you can ask anyway.”

“Okay, why?”

“I think he knows where Garron is.”

“This again,” Barrett sighs. “What makes you think Emperor Schrag knows anything about your former family protector?”

“No one else seems to. The process of elimination.”

He leans back in the chair, “Oh, this ought to be good. Lay it on me.”

“Garron accompanies Gemma to Chandaar but only she returns to D’ian. The RSB doesn’t have him and no one’s heard from him since.”

“What makes you think the RSB isn’t lying about it?”

“Please,” she scoffs. “Director Drakos would be shouting from the rooftops if he could nail Garron for something. He’s not exactly what you’d call subtle.”

“So, you think just because the RSB doesn’t have him, the Empire does?”

“There are rumors swirling that there is something or someone hunting down the remaining Jedi.”

“And you believe it’s Imperial-related?”

“They have both motive and opportunity. Why not get rid of the remaining Jedi? They’ve done it before, in the past, to make way for the rise of the Galactic Empire.”

Barrett regards her curiously, “That’s quite the theory you have.”

“Yeah, well, the Empire isn’t exactly inventive when it comes to their schemes. What’s old is new again, so to speak.”

“That’s not what’s happening here. The Empire and the Republic are bound to a truce and are working together for galactic security.”

“It always starts out that way – safety. Threaten people’s way of life, have a hand in it even, and then swoop in with a seemingly unexpected twist: we’ll help! Right. Like we haven’t heard that one before.”

“Why would we want Garron Prescott?”

“There is a major Imperial investment in ChemiX and, with our parents gone, Garron is the last of the obstacles in the way to eliminating Gemma and controlling Dane.”

“Wouldn’t that benefit you as well?”

“It might,” she snaps. “But I don’t like being kept in the dark. I’m not some delicate flower that can’t hang. I’ve been through some shit.”

Barrett reaches across the table to touch her arm, “No one said you haven’t. You’ve come out on the other side a stronger person. I don’t want you to think we have ever doubted you or your abilities.”

“It feels that way sometimes,” she admits.

“If you want me to ask Schrag, I will.”

“No,” she says. “I want an audience with him.”

“Charging in there with accusations is not going to yield the results you think you want.”

Dahlia leans across the table and keeps her voice low.

“If he has someone running around hacking up Jedi, wouldn’t you want to know? I mean, it would play a factor into how we operate here on the ground. It would also mean he’s keeping things from you too, his most trusted advisor.”

Barrett makes a face.

“See? Not cool to be kept in the dark.”

“No, I suppose not.”

“I want answers, Barrett, and I want them now.”

He slips the com from the pocket of his suit jacket, “I’ll arrange it.”

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on December 28, 2018, 05:12:41 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Ambaril: Surface

Dark days in the Republic, framed by the question: What happened to Janessa Kain?

Her investigation into the disappearance of Garron Prescott, on behalf of Dane Gellar, led to another, deeper mystery. There are no traces of either without any explanation as to why. The RSB seem unwilling to investigate, dragging their feet while claiming lack of evidence. Prescott is not a Republic citizen; therefore, their hands are tied. However, Kain is but the perceived problematic nature of her CSA dealings and the acquittal on the murder charge do not provide the necessary incentive for them to act swiftly. The case seems straightforward enough with reasonable suspicion of foul play.

Janessa was supposed to meet Kinsa Kavanaugh for dinner but never showed. This was not like her and so Kinsa continuously called her com until it was suddenly shut off. Alarmed, she stopped by her apartment but found nothing. Kinsa then reached out to Kaytt Corinthos with her concerns when, after two days, Janessa had not been seen or heard from. Her office confirmed that she had not reported in and several meetings had been missed along with a scheduled trip back to the Corporate Sector. Kaytt feared that Sienna and the Empire had returned to finish the job despite the fact that Janessa had protected them before the Senate.

Still, she remained a loose end, like Garron, and had been seemingly tied off. Kaytt contacted the offices of ExO Aguilar but discovered the Direx Board had become embroiled in a treason scandal involving a Chiss-operated corporation and voting member. It is also through Janessa’s contacts that Kaytt discovered that the Imperial liaison, Vex Sienna, had been dismissed and sent back to Byss. She reached out to Senator Soldys with her findings, postulating that Janessa’s investigation made her a target yet again and the timing of Sienna’s dismissal was suspect.

While he agreed, they were both tangled in an endless web of bureaucracy. Neither have made significant progress with the Republic’s stance on Force users. Speaker Leeds and a majority of the Senate seem unmoved and have adopted a Republic-first mentality that hinges primarily on their continued security and expansion. The Empire only served to reinforce this agenda and the rash of violent clashes between a rogue Force user and the RSB strengthen their position.

Counselor Corinthos represents many families separated by the Force User Registration Act and those unlawfully detained simply for being different. She is summarily overruled even with several Senator’s, including Artemis Soldys, aiding in her defense. The F.U.R.A. has given way to an even darker avenue, expanding the powers of the Speaker to unilaterally implement what is essentially martial law. The RSB sweep the streets, turning peaceful protests into riot zones. Curfews are issued with little justification and many others disappear or fail to appear before the courts. Republic resident visa applications are now pending a result of a midi-chlorian count and individual risk assessment. Anyone found to be “outside the parameters” was denied. The parameters seem to be a continually evolving criteria which move ever closer to the ethnocentric tyranny of the Galactic Empire. Various alien races become suspect in favor of the majority humanoid ruling class. She argues that this goes against everything the Republic stands for but Speaker Leeds has sown seeds of fear deep within the Senate and public.

They now feel as if anyone who isn’t like them is somehow taking something from them but exactly what is left muddled in political double-speak. First, it was the Jedi infringing on their security which became non-humanoids taking jobs and attempting to influence a rebellious undercurrent within their society. Even her contacts in The Concealed cannot help. Some have been captured, labeled terrorists, and imprisoned while others managed to flee. Selene Silvestri and other reporters who have spoken out against these actions are painted as anti-Republic, smeared across the Holo by crackpots on the payroll of Speaker Leeds. There is no denying that they are safer than they have ever been, but at what price? Kaytt has never seen things this bad before nor did she believe it would even rise to this level of intolerance again.

The long and terrifying shadows of the Empire are cast over everyone, swallowing those who resist into their darkness.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on October 30, 2019, 10:05:50 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Counselor Kaytt Corinthos stares out into the bustling cityscape with a sense of despair.

Trichelle is dead and their parents have responded with nothing but apathy. She has never felt rage like that before but soon it gave way to the monumental pain beneath. There is almost guilt over what she said to Dane Gellar on Hesperidum. Almost. She realizes they have suffered and Trichelle served as yet another casualty in their saga. Their suffering always causes others to suffer as well – at least until it comes to a tragic but merciful end. The blood on their hands can never be rinsed away.

Her personal life isn’t the only thing in the shitter. Her cases have dwindled as individuals either fail to appear before the courts or are overcome with too much fear to file. The grainy orange glow below is not a reflection of the Republic she once knew. A Republic worth fighting for. All their ideals as they dodged a near-miss of an Imperial victory and rise after the Battle of Centerpoint have crumbled in the wake of the truce. What began as a startling and welcome bid for galactic peace now has many systems close to open rebellion. The ethnocentric paranoia has reached a fever pitch under the frenzied glare of Speaker Gil Leeds.

That was the real kicker, returning from Hesperidium with her sister’s ashes to find that nothing has changed. Opposition in the Senate has been overruled at every turn. Can’t argue with numbers though. Crime has plummeted though it is allegedly the result of RSB cover-ups or back ally deals with those willing to do their dirty work. The bureau has taken a more militaristic bent which many have come to believe is the influence of Emperor Schrag through his chiseled mouthpiece Barrett Trevaithan. This tactic has put many worlds in a tough spot with only a few, Corellia being one of them, speaking out against it. Many humanoid and non-humanoid sentients find their actions discriminatory which was all predicated on the rejection of Force-sensitive’s. That’s where it started – the expulsion of the Jedi. She and others continue to fight but they are labeled Separatists, a title that is just one more stain on her reputation and career. Kaytt believes the F.U.R.A. fed power to the underlying bigotry many held secretly in their hearts all along. The legislation gave their hatred a voice and any outcry became a target.

Things are going nowhere fast.

She moves away from the window and eases down slowly onto the couch, finishing off the last of a bottle of wine. Trichelle's purple and gold urn lies next to a blaster on the table. Despite her historic win in the Prescott and Kain case, Kaytt has failed so many people since then. A tear slides down her cheek as she picks the blaster up and presses the end of the barrel against her right temple.

The com bleeps.

She sighs, finger is still curled around the trigger.

Kaytt sets down the blaster and answers it. It’s Kinsa demanding she meet her for dinner. She eyes the blaster again but knows standing her friend up with a tawdry suicide would be poor form, especially in the circles Kinsa Cavanaugh runs in. She loathes everything right now but opting out would let them win. If there is even anything to win anymore.

Distraught, she reluctantly agrees.

Across the city, the glitterati is out in full force. A little martial law wasn’t going to keep the elite down. They are the ones that stood to benefit the most from these turn of events. She’s a traitor to her own cause by even being here but the petty irony pales to her frustration and grief. Circadian is the hottest new restaurant and the host droid swiftly guides her to the booth Kinsa is pretending to be low key at.

“You made it!”

“Barely,” Kaytt says, tossing her purse to the side. “You are looking well.”

“I am. The movie wraps in a week and I don’t want to brag but I think it’s the best work I’ve done.”

The loss of Circe and Janessa took their toll in different ways for the former quartet of gal-pals. While Kaytt threw herself into her increasingly depressing work, Kinsa leveraged her socialite status to become something of an indie holofilm darling. The most surprising part is that she’s insanely good as if emoting as a character was easier than doing it in real life. Everyone has their coping mechanisms.

“Where’d you go?”

Kaytt shakes her head and forces a smile, “I’m here. Just…thinking. That’s wonderful to hear, Kin. I’m happy for you.”

“You can talk to me, you know. About Trichelle.”

“I know but I’d rather talk about anything else.”

“Like what?”

“Name it.”

“Mmm,” Kinsa hums, brushing a strand of warm caramel-colored hair from her eyes. “I have a surprise for you.”

“Oh, yeah? What’s that?”

It is then she catches sight of Janessa Kain striding up to the booth, “Hey, bitches. Sorry, I’m late. It’s a mess out there.”

She falls in next to Kinsa and flashes a smile at Kaytt. This was not the direction she saw the evening heading. Kinsa doesn’t know how deep Janessa’s involvement with the Empire, Republic, and Corporate Sector go. She had been attacked and nearly killed by Vex Sienna who was, in turn, discharged suspiciously. The bomb on her shuttle almost finished the job but before they could get to the bottom of things, she vanished before the summer. This makes no sense. Janessa is acting as if no time had passed at all and it doesn’t seem to bother Kinsa one bit.

“Wait a minute,” Kaytt snaps, cutting them both off. “Where the hell have you been?”

Janessa sighs wearily as the server droid delivers the glasses of champagne Kinsa ordered earlier for the surprise.

“I needed some space. What’s the big deal?”

“Space? We thought you were dead, Janessa. After everything that happened the least you could have done is given us a heads up. I’m not sure if you noticed on your self-imposed sojourn but this place has gone straight to hell and all you have to say is that you needed space? It’s bullshit.”

“Easy counsel,” Kinsa says, frowning. “I thought it would cheer you up.”

Janessa sets her glass back down on the table, “I know you are grieving right now and I’m sorry.”

“Are you? Or did you blaze your way back here just to prove a point like you always do?”

“Kaytt!”

“My apologies,” she mutters, sliding out of the booth. “You just threw me. I didn’t expect to see you and I’m clearly dealing with a lot right now.”

Kinsa looks distressed, “You’re leaving?”

“No, I just need a little space.”

Janessa’s face tightens at the comment but right now, Kaytt doesn’t care. She walks away from the table feeling flushed and confused. In the restroom, she unrolls a drying cloth and wets it with cool water to place against the back of her neck. Janessa Kain may be many things but she’s never been cruel to them. Lovers, sure, but not their little group which had grown tighter after the bombing that killed Circe. Taking off when there are enemies that want you dead may look like a smart play from the outside but Kaytt doesn’t buy it. She exhales slowly until the wave of anxiety finally crests. Making her way back to the table, she studies Janessa’s movements as she is lost in a moment with Kinsa. Everything looks just as it did but maybe a little too much. Maybe she's grown too cynical or maybe it's something else.

Where did she go and, more importantly, why did she return?

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on February 05, 2020, 09:38:03 PM

“And he’ll brace for battle in the night
He’ll fight because he knows he cannot hide.”
-Alec Benjamin

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: Serinus, The Menagerie

Quinn pouts and stares blankly out at the crowd veiled in darkness as she confidently struts down the runway. She passes through beams of red and white lights, triggering faint flashes in the background the face of their fallen princess and fellow model – Dahlia Winton. The show has been dedicated to her. Dahlia was supposed to be one of the headliners but, well, boom. Rumor has it, Escara Wu had a breakdown yet managed to bravely pull it together for the sake of the holy labels – Viu Viu, D’jour, Nurha’chi, and, of course, Nalaa Grey – who had dedicated all these pieces to Dahlia.

Yeah, it’s a bit much.

Quentin, slouched in the front row wearing black, rectangular sunglasses and a tailored Nurha'chi suit, wills himself to care. They had been through some shit then the Empire just turned them around and dumped them back on Chandaar like nothing happened. He finds the landing a bit unsteady, not like anyone would be able to tell. This surly, brooding exterior was part of his image and he plays the part well – casual student, hot boyfriend, tortured soul. It was all in the mission…until it wasn’t.

His eyes refocus as the lights come back up. Kinsa Cavanaugh sits on the other side of the runway, beaming with pride at her sister’s performance in the show. Beside her, Kaytt Corinthos glares at him with arms crossed, no doubt realizing that both he and Quinn had been with Trichelle before she died. Yikes. He averts her gaze, drifting further to the right to…Janessa Kain? Well, well, well. Quentin had been tasked with finding her and here she is. Casual, hanging out. She was actually supposed to die quite a while ago so this reappearance thickens the already convoluted plot. Dahlia was convinced the Empire had both her and Garron Prescott. They may actually have, not that he would know. The Empire provides little aside from the occasional relevant details but something tells him they were all supposed to be collateral damage in the attack on the Bolerathon Tower. It makes his survival and presence here suspect but not without one sobering realization.

Dahlia really wasn’t there to keep him in line – it's Quinn.

She’s the sleeper contingency in all of this and he went right along with it. The exact specifications of the nanotech coursing through her or how she is activated and controlled were never clarified. Was it adaptive or did they have someone on the switch ready to send her into full beast mode? Quentin had been distracted by his feelings for Dahlia and the implications of her power play with the Emperor that he unwittingly put himself in a situation that would be difficult if not impossible to get out of.

Now that Dahlia is gone, there is no way the Empire would let him leave Quinn. There is the obvious question of return on their investment – for both of them. Checks and balances. Their place in all of this hangs like a massive, imposing threat. Quinn has a multitude of practical purposes. He has it on good authority she was the one who planted the bomb that killed a Jedi and a contrarian Republic Counselor. His purpose, however, just became much less clear and lends to the theory he was not supposed to make it off the resort moon. Quentin considered amending the report to include Muriel Monroe and Tobias Harkan as victims of the incident but that piece of leverage over Dahlia was simply too good to give up. Now it doesn’t matter. He hasn’t heard anything from Barrett either which is not exactly comforting.

Models converge and there is some movement toward obligation. They are suddenly at an afterparty in Zorion, a lounge near The Menagerie. Gorgeous creates from all walks of life loiter and sigh. Quinn is hanging on his arm, sipping on what may or may not be her forth glass of sparkling wine. He knows the drill. The models get wasted, some get lucky, and then they return to their gilded cages.

Kinsa appears in the crowd and she has brought along the dour Kaytt and mysterious Janessa. Wonderful. He steels himself against the inevitable as they make their way over. Kinsa hugs Quinn tightly and they gush about one of the pieces but Quentin is staring at Kaytt who is staring right back at him. She looks like she wants to have words and he can't blame her. He’s looking for his own someone to blame, may as well be hers. Janessa interrupts, barely a passing glance over him as she kisses Kinsa and Kaytt goodbye. Business, she says.

He watches her slide back through the crowd, another web woven outside his purview. Kinsa turns to him, leaning forward.

“Hey, Q. Having fun?”

“Always. Heard the new holofilm is incredible. Can’t wait to see it.”

“Well, you could have if you came to the premiere.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. We were in the middle of almost dying.”

She gasps, “Oh, I’m so sorry. That was rude of me. I didn't mean to-"

“It was so awful,” Quinn says, tilting her head slightly to the left. “I think.”

Kaytt seizes the opening.

“You think? My sister and a little over four-thousand other beings lost their lives in that tower. I’d say that qualifies as awful.”

“It does,” Quentin says evenly. “We’re obviously still shaken up.”

“You both seem to have recovered quickly enough.”

Quinn looks confused.

“Kaytt,” Kinsa warns. “That’s not fair."

“No, what would be fair is to tell me what really happened so I could have some sort of confirmation and closure.”

“Exactly what Dane Gellar and the ISB report says happened.”

“Convenient. Do you think I did not do my research? The Empire’s history with the Gellar’s is pretty inconsistent. They would not lift a finger to save Valerie all those years ago and here you are sticking your neck out for Dane. Why? Oh, that’s right. They are shareholders in Gellar’s company, ChemiX. The report says the Chiss are responsible and even I will admit there is compelling evidence speaking to motive – a motive that still implicates Dane Gellar. Now, you are going to stand here and tell me that is exactly what happened?”

Quinn’s fingers tighten around his arm.

Quentin nods, “From a different vantage point but yes. I am sorry about your sister. I don’t know what else you expect me to say.”

Kaytt moves closer, bringing her dark-stained lips to his ear.

“Either you are extremely stupid or full of shit. My credits are on the former.”

She turns and pushes her way through the crowd, leaving Kinsa looking horrified.

“I’m sorry, she’s just…”

“Uptight?”

“Upset, Quinn. Congrats on the show, darling. See ya, Q.”

He smirks and watches her chase after Kaytt. The counselor's comment lingers, crystalizing in his own growing suspicion. Later, he returns to the dorms to wander the halls drunk and lost in his own thoughts. There are few students out and staggering about at this hour and he finds himself drawn back to Dahlia’s door. He had packed up her things and sent them to D’ian. It was the least he could do after Dane and Alka performed above expectations. Barrett went com-silent and those Corporate Sector kids really sold it. Agent Pallus told him that much then he was ordered to legitimize it through their act. Mourning Dahlia wasn’t something he had to fake but it is altogether unfamiliar. The beauty of coming up through the Carida Academy was that he didn’t have to care about anything or anyone. It was easier with the stiff Imperial upper lip. Putting away pieces of her life here was more difficult than he anticipated. He hated her but had grown to love her more.

She chose and it wasn’t him. What choice will he make now?

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on April 22, 2020, 04:42:50 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Counselor Kaytt Corinthos mulls over the possibilities. Over and over again. She works this like she would work any case, pouring through the evidence, and pulling together a plausible narrative. Beyond a reasonable doubt. Except that is all she has; doubt. Everything is circumstantial despite every fiber in her body telling her the Empire has played this to their terrifying advantage. The ideals that made the Republic great, at least conceptually, have been replaced by the very things they vowed to protect them from. Her alternating defaults – grief and rage – offer little respite from the cresting waves of despair she feels curling over everything she thought she knew.

She stares out over the darkening cityscape with disgust when the holoprojector pad lights draw her eyes away. Kaytt moves to the console table, reviewing the incoming message alert along with its sender. Although it the last person she expected, her mood is just dark enough to entertain it. She taps on the display and a small hologram of Dane Gellar appears in the center of the pad. He is dressed formally, handsome in a roguish way, with a grim expression on his face.

“Counselor Corinthos, thank you for taking my call.”

“The sheer audacity compels my interest, Lord Gellar although I simply cannot imagine what you could have to say to me after our last encounter. Not more excuses, I hope.”

He gives the stiff upper lip, something Gellar’s are famous for.

“Is this secure?”

“As secure as it is going to get.”

“You will find credits have been wired to your account that will more than cover your retainer.”

“Why?”

“To establish privilege.”

She is curious about his motives and incensed by his delusion into assuming she would represent him after everything that has happened. Still, she is a professional and would at the very least hear him out.

"I am listening."

“I have just returned from a party thrown at the Imperial Embassy on Mondder. Janessa Kain was also in attendance, on the arm of the new Imperial Ambassador no less, and she was behaving…strangely.”

“What does that have to do with me?”

“Hence, the privilege part. You and Janessa are friends. Janessa and I had an informal arrangement that I am opting to divulge. Garron Prescott also returned without explanation on D’ian around the same time Janessa reappeared in the Republic capital. Garron claims not to know where he has been but Janessa seemed to imply they were together when I inquired at the party. After she expressed concern for his whereabouts, I asked her to investigate which I am sure you already know.”

“I may have been privy to that information but my understanding was that the search proved unproductive.”

“The last time she and I spoke, something happened.”

“What?”

“I don’t know. The com cut out but shortly after speculation about her disappearance began circulating the Holo. We both knew she was looking for Garron and she never contacted either of us, even as they were allegedly together.”

Kaytt sighs, “That could have been a move to protect them both.”

“Or she found exactly what she was looking for.”

She weighs the implications crafted around his words. There is a lot of subtexts, many avenues to pick apart, and explore. Kaytt is not sure how much she wants to share with the boy who piloted the shuttle that killed her sister. Instead, she probes further.

“You said Janessa was behaving strangely. Has Garron?”

Dane glances down and nods.

“How?”

He tells her about the memory loss, the lack of familiarity with their home, and the triggering event that led to him discovering the devices. Kaytt recalls what Janessa told her about Vex Sienna, how he changed, seemingly activated by something beyond his control. She makes a decision, not out of trust but mutual benefit. He may know more than he realizes.

“Did he try to hurt you?”

“Yes.”

“Janessa was once attacked in much the same way.”

“By whom?”

“Vex Sienna.”

“No word on him either,” Dane mutters with a twinge of bitterness. “Figures.”

“You do not seem surprised.”

“That is because I am not. He murdered my parents.”

Kaytt’s mouth falls open, “How…do you know that?”

“Dahlia told me. She had Barrett Trevaithan investigate and it turns out he was obsessed with us. The Four. He lived through it so I guess that much tracks. I did not want to believe he wanted something more from us but Garron always knew it was true. We were assured his exile was punishment for those crimes."

“You have a theory?”

“Garron and Janessa are being controlled. Programmed or something. The word that activated Garron was not in a language I recognize. Maybe Janessa has a trigger as well. I may have been a kid but I do remember that trial. Janessa has been controlled before.”

“Very true and confirmation of this potential reoccurrence could have devastating consequences in the Republic. I am going to tell you something but I need to know something from you first.”

He squares his shoulders as if preparing for the inevitable, "Right."

“I need to know if something more happened on Hesperidium.”

“Your suspicions are correct, there is more to the story but what happened to Trichelle happened exactly as I said it did. The tower was attacked and I tried to get her out but it exploded and…we crashed. We did everything we could. I swear it, Kaytt.”

“I want the whole story."

“One day you will get it but right now those details risk the lives of others I cannot afford to lose."

“That is not good enough.”

“It is going to have to be. Neither Garron nor Janessa were on some kind of holiday. Whatever happened to them makes them both liabilities. I have Garron contained in the Gellar Estate but Janessa is running around conducting business.”

“On whose directives?”

“Who do you think?”

“The Empire. Of course. They have tried to take her out on several occasions – Sienna, a shuttle bomb – perhaps they thought a better way to control her was to seek out old tricks. Garron would have been a bonus given his proximity and access. They backed you up, you know. Trevaithan's flunky, Quentin Swire. He backed your version of events which leads me to believe they have exposure in the truth coming out."

“Do not trust him, any of them. Where were they taken and why? That is what I want to know. That is what we need to find out.”

“We?”

“I need your help and you are licensed to practice in both the Republic and Corporate Sector. I am bound to need legal maneuvering and you have experience in this particular area. But if you think I am wildly off base then we can forget this conversation even happened.”

Despite her anger, she knows he is on to something. Her mind has been spinning down that same abyss. As much as she will never get over Trichelle’s loss, as much as she wants to pin everything on Dane Gellar to cope with that loss, Kaytt is sure the Empire is behind it all. The Speaker, the Senate, the F.U.R.A., the truce, everything about their way of life has been distorted through clandestine Imperial schemes. Now, their friends may be unwitting operatives in the long game. There is certainly enough anecdotal evidence to support the theory, a theory she is desperate to explore further.

“No,” she says softly. “Count me in.”

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on June 03, 2020, 04:25:51 PM

“It's the world that we leave
Here for what we want but do we know what we need.”

-Haelos

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The rooftop wrap party is in full swing.

Celebrities, media personalities, and their respective hangers-on vie for attention in all the most obvious ways. Kinsa Cavanaugh worked hard to earn the respect and accolades of this new holofilm which is why Kaytt Corinthos decided to accept the invitation, at least on the surface. The counselor hangs back, leaning against a duracrete wall nursing a bottle of ale. A few years ago, this would have been her scene but everything soured when the Republic’s morals took a nosedive.

The increased presence of RSB skiffs and transports are almost commonplace now among the winding traffic lanes through the city. She watches them with contempt, a symbol of their perversion under the rule of Speaker Gil Leeds. Those in attendance have their privilege to protect them from the protests, often violent, that continues on the streets far below them. What they fail to realize is that those protests are fighting for the freedoms they are enjoying at the moment. The fear of the Jedi became fear of general Force power became a fear of anyone with Force sensitivity. They are punished for crimes they may never even commit which, of course, only turns them into the very thing they fear.

Kaytt glances down at her chronometer, tosses away the ale, and slips away. She heads to the restroom but finds the inevitable line instead. Sighing, she enters the stairwell and descends to the floor below which is primarily filled with offices that have been long empty for the day. Kinsa will think she got bored and left which is not untrue but not necessarily the whole truth either. At the end of the corridor, she turns on frighteningly high heels and enters the office on the left. Kaytt locks the door behind her and maintains a steady pace to a corner conference room where Senator Artemis Soldys is waiting.

He turns from the windows.

“That is quite the getup for cloak-and-dagger."

She shrugs, “The party was a perfect cover. I appreciate you taking the time even with the risk that it brings.”

“A risk worth taking if it is as urgent to the Republic as you claim.”

“It is,” she says. “I believe Janessa Kain has been…compromised.”

A flicker of skepticism creases Artemis’ features, “I thought she was your friend.”

“This goes deeper than friendship. You are aware of her past and the crime she committed under the influence of a Force user.”

“A crime you spared her punishment from if I recall.”

“She was not in control then and I do not believe she is in control now. The last time the three of us met, she was preparing to cover for what she believed were Imperial attempts on her life. She disappeared shortly after her testimony before the Senate.”

He nods, “Yes, I was present in the session. I hear she has returned from a sabbatical and the reports of her disappearance were greatly exaggerated.”

“So we have been led to believe.”

“I am intrigued, counselor. Please continue.”

“Her reappearance coincided with another, that of Garron Prescott in the Corporate Sector. While her vague account has been suspiciously corroborated, Prescott has no memory of where he was. Janessa behaves as though it was all planned and implied to Dane Gellar that he was with her throughout.”

“I take it you do not believe that,” Artemis says. “And I am interested to know how Dane Gellar fits into all this."

“Gellar retained my services in the event he runs into trouble finding out what happened to them. I am here to warn you that the Republic liaison can no longer be trusted. She runs in your circles, has influence and power over decisions that impact a great many things."

“That is a loaded allegation, one I hope you can support.”

“The evidence, as it stands now, is strictly behavioral but make a compelling argument I think will inspire you to reconsider what you think you know. I have seen a change in Janessa as Dane has in Garron, only to a much larger degree.”

“What do you mean?”

She tells him about the trigger word that caused Garron to violently attack Dane and the devices found around the Gellar Estate. This behavior mirrors those Janessa described in the former Imperial liaison, Vex Sienna before his exile. Janessa knew about him and likely shared this information with Garron who, at the time, was investigating the disappearance of the Gellar-Masterton aide, Kylie Miranda. Sienna was later confirmed to be her killer. There is no doubt in her mind that Garron would have killed Dane if he had not fought him off.

“Of course, I am grateful the young baron was unharmed but there are inconsistencies here. The behavioral patterns are similar but I do not remember her saying she heard a trigger word that activated this shift in Sienna. Perhaps these incidents are not as related as you think they are.”

“There is more,” Kaytt says, swallowing hard. “Dane confirmed that Sienna killed both Rutherford Gellar and Celeste Masterton. Apparently, Sienna was obsessed with them.”

Stunned by this dark turn, Artemis shakes his head.

“That is truly horrifying but how did Gellar obtain this information?”

“Princess Dahlia had the Imperial ambassador, Barrett Trevaithan, investigate on their behalf. Once confirmed he was responsible for the murders, Sienna was apparently recalled to Byss and replaced by Burke Pallus which happens to be the person escorting Janessa when Dane engaged her on Etti IV. Seeing a pattern emerge?”

He sighs, trying to piece together the unfolding narrative.

“Two individuals privy to potential Imperial secrets both disappear and reappear exhibiting suspicious behaviors, one of which is confirmed to be violent, and all circumstantially linked back to both Imperial ambassadors.”

“It does imply they are concealing something larger than an ambassador that went rogue. There was a motive behind those murders and likely the same behind the disappearances.”

“You think they are being controlled by a Force user?”

“I think they are intentionally well-positioned, more so than Sienna was. As for how, the trigger word would suggest some kind of conditioning but even the mere implication would serve to fuel the Republic’s anti-Force agenda. What position has Ambassador Trevaithan taken in the Senate?”

He considers this, “Now that you mention it, Trevaithan has not been back to Chandaar since the incident at Hesperidium. He has, however, attended sessions virtually. Surprisingly, he actually expressed concern for such a singular focus. He asserted that if the Republic could find a way to peacefully coexist with the Empire than why not the Jedi, or any Force-sensitive.”

“That’s a strange tactic.”

“Actually, I found it refreshing. The Empire has been the least of my concerns as of late.”

“Classic misdirect,” Kaytt quips snidely. “With pieces being strategically moved into place. Janessa and Garron both have proximity and access that Sienna did not. With Princess Dahlia and Gemma Masterton dead, Riley Patten and Dane Gellar are all that remains of The Four. Patten may be in the wind but Dane is accessible. If someone were trying to take them all out, he is the most visible target.”

“What are you saying? That the Empire is deliberately targeting and eliminating The Four? Why? To what end?”

Kaytt crosses her arms.

“They stopped them before. Only one way to make sure it does not happen again. Eliminate The Four, position themselves as the voice of reason, take advantage of the Republic caught up in its own ideals, and then make a move. After all, if not for the Battle of Centerpoint, this would be the Empire, not the Republic."

“That is a big leap, counselor."

“Is it? The logic is tactically sound. It would also not be the first time. But we are still missing something. A catalyst to ignite calls for change that would shift the terms of the truce in their favor.”

Artemis’ face falls.

“What? What is it?”

“Do you remember hearing about the medical director that was abducted from CorSec a couple of years ago?”

She nods, “I thought it had become a cold case. No leads, no body…no…way. She mysteriously returned as well?"

“I had not thought much about it what with everything going on here but, yes, the doctor also turned up with seemingly no memory that she had even been gone."

There is only one question that would tie everything together.

And Kaytt asks it.

“When?”

It does not take them long. Given the information they have, Janessa, Garron, and Tivoli all reappeared within the same timeframe.

"Correlation does not necessarily equal causation but it is suspect. What do you think?"

Artemis’s mind is on something else entirely. His efforts and their suffering had built something stable, sustainable, and exceptionally positive despite the current state of the capital. Together, they rose to become greater than the parts of their past. Everything they have worked so hard to achieve is now threatened by the shadows of doubt.

“Corellia may be the catalyst. Our relationship with the Republic has always been tenuous but the stark, ideological divide on Force users has escalated it to adversarial. Leeds used to be such a reasonable man. Now he is bitter, paranoid, and driven by something darker…”

“Right,” Kaytt says. “Then we have our work cut out for us. There are compromised Republic, Corellian, and Corporate Sector assets and if Garron became violent then it is entirely possible that Janessa and Tivoli may be as well. We do not know what their directives are or what they are capable of."

“I can work the Speaker and his supporters through the Senate but it is too dangerous for Dane to go after Janessa on his own, especially if he has Garron to contend with.”

“I can assist in that regard but you do realize what the implications are?”

Senator Soldys turns to glance through the windows at a cityscape pulsing with tension, anger, and division.

“The Empire may be sabotaging the truce from the inside.”

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on June 18, 2020, 04:32:10 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Artemis sighed at his desk, reviewing the legislation in front of him. More restrictions on force-sensitive users. The registration act that he had been fighting since its passage some years ago had been reinforced with additional regulations and rules. Force-sensitive individuals needed to register, were forbidden from government-controlled zones, needed to wear monitoring devices, could be denied service at any public establishment, could be barred from public or private transport, could be searched without warrant, could not congregate in groups ... the list of basic freedoms somehow seemed to be washed away when it came to these force users.

The rules were most strictly adhered to on Chandaar itself, but other worlds close to the republic capital had begun implementing and enforcing them as well. Only the corellian sector was still resisting entirely, and he had heard from Corellia itself that more people were entering the sector seeking refugee status.

A new piece of legislation was insisting anyone who had any level of force sensitivity would be required to wear an armband, and apparently, there were calls for them to be rounded up to be tested - supposedly, to see if midi-chlorians could actually be removed from an individual.

Soldys could hardly believe how dark things had become, and perhaps even more shocking, how few seemed to find it problematic or anything more than a nuisance.

His thoughts were interrupted by a chime at the door, and Artemis looked up.
"Enter"

The door slid open and in stepped Speaker Gil Leeds, flanked by a half dozen senate security personnel.

Artemis stood from his seat, warily glancing at the officers.

"Mr. Speaker - what can I do for you?"

"I've come to inform you that there is legislation being proposed to the senate, seeking to impose sanctions on the Corellia Sector"

"Sanctions! On what grounds!"

"Failure to comply with the Force User Registration Act. I have it on good authority that none of the rules are being imposed on any world in the sector. Do you deny those allegations?"

Artemis shook his head, angrily
"No sir - Corellians believe strongly in the basic freedoms of all people, and -"

Leeds put up a hand
"I'm familiar with your views, senator. But let me be straight with you. You are on the wrong side of history on this. Force users have brought nothing but death and devastation on the galaxy. They are responsible for countless deaths, even here in the New Republic. I may be able to stop the sanctions. But you are on notice. Either Corellia comes into compliance, or its role in the republic will be in jeopardy. As will your privileges to speak before the senate. I hope I am making myself clear"

"I have a right as a senator to speak and to disagree"
"but you do not have the right to disobey the law. We are watching you, senator. Your position has protected you until now; it will not continue to do so. You have been warned"

The speaker turned and departed, his guards following closely, leaving Artemis Soldys, Senator from Corellia, fuming at his desk.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on July 23, 2020, 02:38:35 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Director Laird Drakos replays the message again.

As furious as he is, there is vindication in the knowledge that he had been right about Corellia and Veritaas’ loyalties all along. They had been Jedi sympathizers opposed to the F.U.R.A. but he did not expect one of their own to turn on them. Drakos was able to trace the source of the message and found that it came from Doctor Tivoli Cross, the CorSec medical director. Perhaps she had discovered something she was not supposed to and did the right thing. She is to be commended, that is if Veritaas and his allies have not discovered and neutralized her. She could be a powerful witness in their case against them. They had been warned and now there is even more damning evidence of Corellia trying to undermine the authority of the Republic. Copying the file to his datapad, Drakos knows just where he is going with this.

Speaker Gil Leeds is not in the best of states but agrees to see him. Dark circles ring his intense brown eyes. There is something about this office and Drakos always feels angrier when he visits but that is likely a byproduct of the Speaker's demeanor. What else could it be?

Leeds barely looks up when he enters.

“What is it, Drakos?”

“I received something I think may be of interest to you.”

“Then I suggest you disclose it quickly as I am very busy.”

He nods, withdrawing his datapad and playing the message. The expression on Leeds’ face is difficult to read but his body visibly tightens with a slender vein along his temple flaring up. He speaks in a low, constrained tone.

“Where did this come from?”

“The CorSec medical director.”

He inhales sharply, rising from behind the desk.

“I wonder what Senator Soldys has to say about this.”

Drakos flashes a sinister smile.

“I was just thinking the same thing.”

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on August 26, 2020, 03:27:33 PM

“It’s a perfect world
I’m the perfect girl.
You’re the nightmare
And I’m the dream.”

-Sevdaliza

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Quinn Cavanaugh strides into a bustling office building during the morning rush. She wears a short-sleeved navy shift dress, oversized sunglasses, and white ankle boots. She swings by a juice bar in the lobby and browses a few shops until her Carteris chronometer reads nine. The cams would be looping now. Tossing the drink in the trash, she moves with purpose to a set of public lockers to retrieve a large, black bag and a pair of matching white gloves before heading to the lifts.

The ride is uneventful with the usual corporate types not-so-subtly glancing her over. Her face is expressionless behind those sunglasses. She is finally alone when the lift stops at an empty floor primed for construction that is slated to begin at the end of the week, at least according to documents filed with the Ambaril city planning commission. Quinn slings the bag over her shoulder and struts through the empty corridors, veering into a small office. She drops the bag and kneels, pulling it open to reveal her tools for the operation: plasma cutter and a deconstructed DLT-19 heavy blaster rifle.

She gets to work assembling the blaster components then retrieves the plasma cutter, eyeing the window overlooking an adjacent office building for the right positioning before carefully creating an opening. Sliding the sunglasses up on her head, she hefts the rifle and slips it through the hole. It takes her mere seconds to find the targets through the scope and, with a steady finger curling around the trigger, Quinn opens fire.

*

With Janessa on the way back from conducting business in the Corporate Sector, Counselor Kaytt Corinthos resumes duties defending those impacted by the ruthless F.U.R.A. She threw herself back into some semblance of a routine, propelling herself forward in hopes of unraveling the mystery before it is too late. It helps that she has Senator Soldys on her side. The added details he provided only further fuels speculation that these individuals have been specifically placed for a purpose far darker than they seem. She needs to get a better read on Janessa before crafting a plan to plausibly take her out of play, for her sake and everyone else’s.

She tries to clear her mind as she arrives at the offices of Solem, Lancing, Wray, and Corinthos for the quarterly briefing. As a partner, she is obligated to attend although her contemporaries have begun to question her commitment to the cause. She cannot really blame them. Kaytt has been slipping for a while. Still, despite diminishing returns, she knows they must fight on. It is surprising that the other partners had been so willing to offer pro bono services to some of the most vulnerable among them; individuals with elevated midi-chlorian levels marginalized by an increasingly authoritarian system. The firm had lost more than a few high-profile clients who sided with Speaker Leeds on this issue. She is proud of the work they have done even though the Republic seemed to take an almost gleeful approach to thwart them with policy at every turn.

Grabbing a cup of caf on her way to the executive conference room, she nods at a few associates scurrying in. Avery Olomos is already inside, flashing a reassuring smile. Brennen Shaw enters behind her and takes a seat at the large conference table. The remaining senior partners, meeting Kaytt’s eye, call the meeting to order. Per the agenda, they begin with earnings as Linden Wray pulls up the holographic figures at the center of the table. He barely manages to finish the qualifying opening statements when the conference room erupts in blaster fire.

The large windows behind them shatter with the concussive spray.

Shaw is cut up through the back, projector and table in front of him destroyed, and a riddled Wray thrown back against the wall. The stunned silence lasts but a microsecond when the assault continues in full force. Kaytt pushes back from the table and throws herself on the ground. Blaster fire rips through the room, systematically taking down each member of the firm. Avery is screaming, staring at Brennen’s face frozen in surprise and crumpled onto a table that cannot take much more damage. Dust and debris hang in the air but does not provide nearly enough cover to conceal them entirely. Keeping low, Kaytt grabs Avery’s arm and hauls her toward the door. As if anticipating this, the fire is redirected, taking down the last two remaining associates scrambling along the far wall before coming after them.

They are completely exposed in the conference room and so they make a break for it.

Three more shots ring out; two slicing through Avery’s hip and upper back and the third through Kaytt’s left shoulder. The force propels her into the corridor, crashing against the wall and hitting the ground next to Avery’s outstretched hand. She is not moving and steam rises from the blast wounds on her back. Kaytt's entire upper body is burning, vision swirling with colored waves as she clings to consciousness. Wincing, she manages to turn over and use her right arm to bring herself up into a crawling position. She makes it about a third of the way toward the reception area when Kaytt collapses into the blackness of pain.

*

Quinn withdraws the weapon from the opening, disassembling it quickly and dropping it into the bag. She slides her sunglasses down and heads out. Tapping the call button for the lift, she slips off the gloves and tosses them into the bag as well. She zips it up and dumps everything in the adjacent trash chute as the lift doors hiss open and she steps inside.

Hundreds of floors below, Quentin Swire catches the bag by its strap before it falls into the building compactor. He hauls it to his speeder and hops in, checking the datapad screen until Quinn is exactly in the same position in the lobby before resuming the cam feeds. The operation, ordered from Byss, was the first he had heard in a while. Quentin was sure they would have Quinn eliminate him but, as days turned into weeks, he began to wonder what the plan for him actually was. He was too distraught to make a run for it so he stayed and accepted whatever fate awaited him.

This operation was another attempt to undermine the Republic from within. The firm has had strong and vocal opposition to the F.U.R.A. which drew criticism and backlash from both the public and political sectors. An attack on them would trigger the RSB to cover and Leeds to likely cry foul play but the reputational damage would be done. Many more would begin to see the lengths the Republic was willing to go to in order to eliminate the perceived threat from Force users. It is the ruthlessness that they are banking on to ease them ever closer to a galactic civil war, one that the Empire is well-positioned to save them from.

Quentin pulls the speeder around the building as she descends the steps and slides in beside him. For a moment she stares ahead before looking around, confused. She does not have a clue. Never does, apparently. It is a terrifying blessing and curse but the switch makes her an extremely valuable Imperial asset. Quinn tugs on a strand of platinum blonde hair, frowning.

“Where are we going?”

“Breakfast, remember?”

“Oh….right. Cool.”

Quentin slips on his own sunglasses and speeds off as the wail of sirens grows ever closer.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on August 27, 2020, 02:55:27 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Artemis was trying his best to keep some semblance of control on everything that was spinning out. Della was regularly sending him updates on the investigation on Corellia regarding the attack on the Director and the skiff explosion. Here on Chandaar, he was fighting to keep sanctions on the Corellia from being brought to the senate floor, let alone passed.

It was not easy. It should have been, but it wasn't, the idea that his sector could be punished for protecting individual rights would have been a ridiculous notion only a few years ago. He remember fighting for Corellia to join the Republic; now he could barely remember why.

Artemis could feel it getting to him. He felt aged by this endeavor. All his efforts, his sacrifices at war, his sacrificed personal life. He pressed his palms down on his desk, letting it take some of his weight, closing his eyes and taking a breath.

The door opened. No knock, no chime, it just opened, and in walked Director Laird Drakos himself, a smug look on his face as two other officers stepped into the room.

"Senator Soldys - I'm going to need you to come with us for questioning"
"On what basis?"
"you'll find out soon enough"

Drakos nodded to the security who began to make their way across the room.
"My rights say that I cannot be detained without probable cause. Either you are arresting me, or I'm staying put"

Drakos shrugged "your rights are not what they once were. You are coming with us, whether it's willingly ... or not"

Artemis watched as the two officers drew closer, their hands close to their holstered weapons. He slid his hand across his desk to the side, fingering a small switch near the underside edge.

"Director Laird Drakos, of the Republic Security Bureau, I am Senator Artemis Soldys of Corellia, and I reject that you have any basis to detain me. I invoke Republic Rule 2-47736: No citizen or senator may be detained without probable cause or without being informed of the charges. The penalty for such violation of basic habeus laws includes fines in the millions, and a guaranteed termination from the law enforcement agency. The rules also require that any detained individual, upon request, must be granted counsel, of their choice."

Drakos shook his head
"Your rules aren't going to protect you this time, Soldys. But fine, I'll play along. Senator Artemis Soldys. You want a formal arrest? You've got it. You are hereby under arrest. You are being charged with the following offenses:
one, failure to comply with the Force User Registration Act
two, active attempts to subvert the laws of the Republic
three, falsification of official government documents
four, fraudulent statements, made across multiple sectors
five, conspiracy to harbor fugitives
six, conspiracy to commit arson
seven, conspiracy to commit murder"

Drakos waived his arm, and the officers reached Soldys, each grabbing an arm firmly and tugging them behind him. Soldys' muscles clenched but he did not resist - instead, just glaring at Drakos who was smirking again.

"Oh, and eight - treason against the Republic. By the authority vested in the Republic Security Bureau, and as indicated in the Constitution of the New Republic, Amendment Sixty-Two, You are hereby stripped of your authority to speak or vote in the Senate, are hereby stripped of any diplomatic immunity, and will be held, without bond, until your trial."

Artemis' hands were cuffed behind him, and the officers led him out.

"How's that for your probable cause"

****

Artemis was taken to a small cell at the RSB headquarters, where he sat for several hours before finally a clerk came up to him.

"You wanted to call an attorney?"
Artemis nodded. He could have shouted or fought, but right now, he needed an ally on the outside, and he had to think clearly. Plus, the clerk really wasn't to blame for all the hell that was occurring.
"I need to get in touch with Kyatt Corinthos, of the firm Solem, Lancing, Wray, and Corinthos"
The clerk tilted his head, an odd expression on his face.
"Um ... I don't think I can do that, sir"
"What? why not. Ms. Corinthos is my attorney!" Maybe Artemis would get angry at the clerk afterall.

"Um. That firm - the one you just mentioned - they've been on the news all afternoon. Someone shot up the firm. All the lawyers in one room. I think they said everyone, or almost everyone was ... well .. dead"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on September 13, 2020, 04:40:53 PM

“Could tell you that I’ll find another way
This can’t be the price you pay
Tell you that I wanna stay.”

-Bob Moses

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

She wakes with a start.

Confusion sets in quickly. Her mouth is dry, tongue thick, and heavy. She does not know where she is but images of the attack flash across her mind, vividly replaying themselves over and over again. She knows she was wounded but that is where everything gets hazy. There is no pain, strangely enough, but she is too distraught to wonder why. With blurry vision, she catches a glimpse of something moving in the space near her. As it begins to clear, Kinsa comes into view.

“Oh Kaytt,” she says, gripping her hand. “I was so worried.

“Where…am I?”

“Ambaril General. They had to rush you into surgery but the doctors think you will make a full recovery. That is about as much as they would tell me.”

“The others?”

Kinsa glances down, face falling, and Kaytt nods slowly as a tear slides down her cheek.

“How did you even know I was here?”

“I am your ‘in case of emergency,’ remember? You changed it after…”

“Right,” Kaytt whispers bitterly. “After Trichelle died.”

“The things they are saying. Everything is a mess."

“What are they saying?”

Kinsa shifts onto the bed next to her, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear.

“Well, the attack caused quite a stir on the Holo and in the Senate. The leading theory is that this was an attempt to silence your firm for the work you do but the conspiracy theorists most loyal to the Speaker claim it was the work of Force users trying to undermine him. I have never seen it like this before - everyone driven solely by politically tinged feelings that are not remotely supported by facts or logic. It is sheer madness. Neither side is willing to back down despite contrary evidence and frankly, it scares me. I am scared for you. For all of us.”

“Listen, you need to do something for me.”

“Anything.”

“I need you to find Selene Silvestri.”

“The disgraced Holo reporter? I thought she went into hiding.”

“You have connections, Kinsa. Use them. Selene broke this story before it took a darker turn then she was silenced and driven into exile because she saw the truth.”

“Of course, I will see what I can do.”

“Great, we will need her help….”

The door hisses open to reveal Director Laird Drakos who steps inside like a predator that has cornered its prey. Kaytt’s words trail off as her mouth tightens into a grimace of disgust. Once the door closes behind him, he approaches the bed, glancing over the screens monitoring her vitals and the bag of fluids with a slow drip of narcotics to numb the pain of her ruined shoulder. He sighs as if inconvenienced, shifting his gaze to Kinsa.

“I would like to speak to Counselor Corinthos in private.”

“I am not going anywhere.”

“Do not make me remove you, miss Cavanaugh. It will not be pleasant.”

“I am well aware of the RSB’s methods but I will be damned if I let you question my friend while she is sedated and recovering from surgery. Whatever you have to say, it can wait. She needs to rest.”

He smirks, “Compelling performance, as always but you should really stick to celebrity and leave the rest to the professionals.”

“My status does not preclude me from having informed opinions, Director. I am staying as her witness so you do not misrepresent anything that happens here.”

Kaytt is proud. She had taught her well. She is also grateful as Drakos is volatile and she does not know what he would do in an attempt to take advantage of the situation. Despite the danger, Kinsa must remain.

“Very well,” he concedes reluctantly, returning his attention to Kaytt. “I need to ask you a few questions.”

“Out with it already. Your forced bravado is not intimidating anyone.”

“What do you remember about the attack on your firm?”

She swallows, “We were there for the quarterly meeting when the entire board room was shot up.”

“Do you know where the attack came from?”

“I assume from one of the other surrounding towers. I did not see a shuttle or skiff outside the windows but I imagine that tracks with what you already know.”

“Did you happen to see anything else? Something that may lead us to a suspect?”

“I was a little busy trying to stay alive.”

“And you did live,” Drakos says in a tone she does not care for. “In fact, you were the sole survivor of the attack.”

“What are you implying, Director?”

“I am considering the coincidence. One of the most vocal opponents of the F.U.R.A. miraculously survives an attack that kills every other member of a firm representing potentially dangerous criminals that mean to undermine the law and order of this Republic. Some might say one of these criminals was not able to beat the system with your help and retaliated.”

“Conveniently proving their inherent danger? I think not, Director Drakos. I propose it is more probable that someone in law enforcement found us too great an obstacle for both narrative and policy and attempted to tactically eliminate the threat.”

“That is an outrageous allegation, Counselor!”

“Struck a nerve, did I? Perhaps you are not as certain in your theory as you would like to be so if I were you, I would do your goddamn job and investigate. Otherwise, unless you have something official, leave me in peace.”

He seems calmer than he would normally be in these circumstances, squaring his shoulders as a smile spreads across his face.

“You are awfully smug for someone with a client in lockup.”

Kaytt glares, “What are you talking about?”

“You must not have heard. I took Senator Soldys into custody earlier today.”

“On what charges?”

“Conspiracy and treason, among others. It is a shame you are incapacitated. With the amount of evidence against him, he will need someone in his corner.”

He steps closer, leaning over her face.

“And know this, Counselor Corinthos – if I find so much as a trace linking your activities to his I will be back here to arrest you regardless of your condition. You can heal just as well in custody. Do you understand me?”

“That is enough,” Kinsa gasps. “Get out!"

Drakos steps back toward the door but pauses briefly.

“As a person of interest in this case, we ask that you not leave the city. I have a feeling we will be seeing each other sooner rather than later. Enjoy your day, ladies."

Once he is gone, Kaytt breaks down. Kinsa is at her side, trying to console her even though she is way out of her depth. The sheltered bubble that she and other Republic elite have enjoyed to keep them out of the fray has burst and the reality laid bare is nothing like she imagined. The world has become a dark place and for the first time, she is not sure what her place in it is. After a while, the drugs take over and Kaytt eases back into the bed.

“What am I going to do?”

“Janessa arrives later this evening,” Kinsa says hopefully. “She will help us sort this out.”

With a sinking feeling that threatens to drown her, she knows that is likely not true. Kain compromised and the Senator arrested as she lies recovering from what increasingly feels like a hit. The intrepid reporter had found more than she bargained for and it cost Silvestri but Kaytt hopes to help break that story open even wider, exposing the Speaker and complicit RSB. Her mind wanders to Dane Gellar and their deal. He would be too high a risk for the RSB to eliminate in the Corporate Sector given the lucrative commerce between his company and the Republic. Still, she knows his suspicions are more than founded. The Senator’s arrest proves they are close to discovering the Republic’s true motives. She and Soldys have been fighting for so long across different fronts, trying to make a difference for those who believed in the dream that was the Republic. Now they face their own perils, ones she is not certain she can get them out of this time. Moves have been made and a terrifying certainty becomes clear.

There is always a price for the truth and she and Soldys are about to pay it.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on October 01, 2020, 01:41:21 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

It had been days since Artemis was arrested, held in a prison somewhere in an RSB facility. Thankfully, due to his high profile, he couldn't be whisked away to a black-site, and though his cell was bare of any comforts, it was not torturous

At least not yet, he thought to himself. He had spent much of his time trying to learn about the attack on Kyatt's firm. Thankfully, the clerk's desk was positioned relatively near his cell. If he stood by the bars and craned his neck, he could see their television screen, which was almost always on. The clerk himself didn't seem to take much interest in the vast conspiracy of his employers. He got paid to make sure Artemis was fed, clean, and alive.

It was the television that told him that Kyatt Corinthos was alive in the hospital. No reporters had been allowed in to see her, thanks to the hospital's rules, and the reporters filled in the gaps of their story with guessing and conspiracy theories - who attacked her firm, why, what did they plan next.

There was apparently no effort on the part of the government to protect her from future attacks, something that did not surprise Artemis in the least.

He also got to hear the news on his arrest, often narrated with the most unflattering picture the media could find of him, next to the charges. Always, they referenced how he championed force users, including clips of speeches he had made on and off the senate floor, often taken out of context. There was no word on when he would be facing trial, but Artemis guessed it was not going to happen soon. They were probably still gathering so called evidence. Plus, realistically, they just wanted him out of the way, for whatever it was they were planning next.

Finally though, the monotony of his days in jail were broken, about a week into his stay. Two men, clad in blue-gray uniforms appeared at the far side of the lockup, approaching the clerk.

"We are here to speak with the senator."

Artemis immediately recognized the two men, members of CorSec and part of his personal security detail here on Chandaar. Jason Kalaf and Shawn Kumasar

The clerk, bored as ever, glanced up at them.
"I'm not authorized to allow any visitors"
"I'm his attorney. I have a right to speak with my client"

Artemis knew well enough that Shawn was no attorney. The closest legal training he had was a CorSec Academy course on criminal justice and legal rights. Probably not enough to fool anyone under normal circumstances, but the clerk did not know or care enough at the moment to put up a fight.

"You can have five minutes"
"Thank you"

The two officers approached Artemis, who grasped their hands between the bars.
"I'm ok. What have you heard?"
"Nothing yet sir. Only that you were arrested. What do you want us to do?"
Artemis nodded, glancing at the clock quickly.

"We don't have much time. First, I want you to station around-the-clock security at Ambaril General. Outside, and at Kyatt Corinthos' patient room. I don't want anyone to get a second chance at her life. Make sure she knows you are there, but make it clear to her that no matter how adamant she may be that she doesn't want or need the security, we are providing it anyways. If she has a problem with that, she can take it up with me when she gets out."
"understood. I'll make the arrangements"

Artemis looked away again.

"We also need to prepare. I've put plans in place, in case of an eventuality like this. I hoped it would never be necessary ... but we need to activate the protocols for a final and complete evacuation of Chandaar."

"Sir, I'm not sure this is the right time for that. Any evacuation of force users right now will look -"

Artemis interrupted him
"No. Not an evacuation of force users. An evacuation of Corellians"

"Sir?"

"Something terrible is happening. And it's going to happen soon. We need to get every Corellian off of Chandaar and back into the sector. As soon as possible."

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on October 27, 2020, 10:23:59 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

It was like a subtle murmur, whispered in crowds throughout Ambaril and the rest of Chandaar.
Time to get out. Before it was too late.

CorSec maintained records of Corellian visas, indicating which of the sector's residents had come to Chandaar and how long they intended to stay. It was no small number. The Corellian Sector had bustling trade throughout the Republic, and as the capital, Chandaar was the hub of much of that activity.

Even with all of the ongoing tension, business was business was business. Not to mention there were exchange students attending university, artists traveling the galaxy, family, friends, tourists ... certainly no shortage of Corellians mixed in with the rest of the Republic's residents on Chandaar. Senatory Soldys had warned of urgency and immediacy, but evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people is something that would take time.
Even more so if it was meant to not draw any attention.
In plainsclothes, CorSec traveled throughout the capital, dropping off small datapads to Corellian residents, with a single simple message:
"Corellia has determined that it is dangerous for all its citizens to be on Chandaar and recommends all citizens make plans to leave immediately. If you have any difficulties making arrangements, please reach out to the Corellian consulate for assistance."

The messages were received with a mix of reactions, from panic, to incredulity, to somber acceptance.
To think, Corellia had fought so hard to be part of the Republic. And now ... now no one was quite sure what was happening. The messages were also deleted once read by their intended recipient. The last thing CorSec wanted was to tip of RSB of the evacuation attempts.

Meanwhile, the presence of CorSec at Ambaril General was less subtle. A full squad of uniformed officers were dispersed around the entrances to the building, another four officers stationed outside of Kyatt Corinthos' room.

They originally wanted an officer in the room as well, but Kyatt had been adamant that was not going to happen. Being outside her door was the compromise. Thankfully, she was healing well and expected to be discharged from the hospital soon. She of course, was worried, as she had not yet heard back from Kinsa in her attempts to find Selene Silvestri. Kyatt supposed she was glad to have the protection. Or perhaps more importantly, witnesses in case Director Drakos showed up again. As of yet, he had not, but his threat lingered.

Right now, she was more restless than anything, eager to be released and feel less hopeless. Until then though, the best she could do was keep up with the news, depressing as it was.

And hope that the sky hadn't fallen before she got out of this hospital.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on October 28, 2020, 09:34:26 PM

“There is no point in fighting
We’ve already crossed the line now
So inviting
I’ve already made up my mind.”

Eli & Fur

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Counselor Kaytt Corinthos floats in and out.

The bacta treatments are hell but necessary after the doctors reconstructed her shoulder. Facing down the RSB Director was not well-advised for her recovery and really took it out of her. Drakos deserved it and much more but she was not in any condition to cross-examine his claims from a hospital bed. CorSec agents appeared not long after informing her of their surveillance and protection, something she is far too weary to protest. Senator Soldys sent them and she appreciates the gesture given that she has little faith the RSB will properly investigate the attack or go out of their way to protect her. She did draw the line at their presence in her room for the sake of privacy but knowing they are right outside brings some measure of comfort. They quietly disclose the Senator’s activated protocols, a plan she fully supports in the current climate. Before she can raise the requisite concerns, they assured her they were taking the utmost precautions.

While a litany of theories bombards her, despite the chemical fog, she knows she must focus on getting well enough to represent the Senator in his trial. As far as she knows, no date has been set which strikes her as odd when she considers the alternative – Soldys out of the Senate takes away their most vocal opponent of the F.U.R.A. With his defense sidelined, Kaytt can only imagine the kind of legislation they plan to ram through while he is locked up. The grief over the loss of so many at her firm is oppressive, flattening her against the crisp white sheets. She would avenge them as she would avenge Trichelle. She has not felt this focused in a while.

Her thoughts drift to Dane Gellar and their arrangement. She wants the whole story from him about what really happened on Hesperidium but the prospect grows dimmer by the day. There is no way she can flesh out Janessa’s predicament or work out the Imperial angle in all this while confined to recovery and Soldys in custody. Instead, she sent Kinsa back out there to find the wayward Republic reporter while placing her in Janessa’s path. She debated whether or not to share her concerns over their friend’s mental state and motives but recognized that while Kinsa is stronger than she thinks she is, she has only recently become aware of just how nefarious the Republic has become. If she knew they suspect her of being controlled again, it might impact how she interacts with her and that could be dangerous. Then again, so might being around her in general. Kaytt would like to believe Janessa would not harm Kinsa but they do not yet know why she was sent back or what specific directives she may be operating on. That is perhaps what scares her the most.

Drifting back toward a fitful slumber, she hopes Kinsa conjures up a miracle.

*

After she initially visited Kaytt in the hospital, Kinsa went to meet Janessa after she returned from the Corporate Sector. She was hoping to find a trusted confidante and friend with whom she could share this alarming news but instead found Janessa oddly callous, even for her. It was as if the news of the attack did not surprise her at all. She chalked it up to the trip but it bothered her more than she cared for.

After Circe’s death and Janessa’s trial, they all just sort of carried on. She never quite realized how dangerous the things her friends did and continue to do actually are. After escaping the Battle of Centerpoint and building a respectable career, Circe was killed for protesting the expulsion of the Jedi from the Republic capital. Janessa was manipulated into murder with several attempts made on her life yet she dutifully - if not scandalously - represents their business interests. Despite personal tragedy, Kaytt relentlessly fights for justice and she nearly lost her life for it. What had she done? Kinsa leveraged her looks and family wealth into becoming a premiere Republic socialite-turned-serious actress. It was fun and rewarding but not exactly the same kind of crusades her contemporaries seem to be waging in their own ways. She had been insulated amongst the elite and the guilt of feeling useless while the Republic falls apart around her weighs heavily on her shoulders. Thankfully, she got a clue and a chance to prove herself through Kaytt’s request.

Kinsa reaches out to the most connected people she knows, spending days on the com chasing down leads until finally landing a contact who knows a guy. They always know a guy. The guy in question would not speak over the com but agrees to meet at the grand pavilion in the center of Ambaril. She slips on a pair of giant sunglasses with a high collared jacket and heads out. This is a part she knows how to play. Shivering in the morning chill, Kinsa weaves through the rows of trees and down into the center of the pavilion. She sits on the bench as instructed and watches the morning bustle of the crowds heading to work for the day. Although all appears normal on the surface, she cannot help but confront the suspicious stolen glances between citizens against the backdrop of a seemingly ever-present RSB patrol siren. The nervous energy is palpable and she is so engrossed in thought that she does not realize someone has taken a seat at the other end of the bench.

“Enjoying your morning?”

She turns, startled, “Oh, yes. It is going to be a beautiful day.”

“That depends on how you look at it but, judging by the expression on your face, I would venture to guess things are not as beautiful as you once thought they were.”

“An understatement, to be sure. I may have taken the scenic route but alas, here I am. Thank you for meeting with me.”

He wears a heavy coat with a scarf wrapped around the bottom half of his face and dark glasses that resemble welding goggles. It is what she was told to look for in order to distinguish the contact from others. Strangely, he does not seem out of place. There are no introductions, no casual chit-chat and she finds the lack of pretense refreshing.

“I am not here because of who you are but because of who you know. You have friends that the movement considers allies.”

“The movement…”

“You know the one.”

“The Concealed,” she whispers. “I thought the RSB had driven you off-world.”

“They cannot silence the truth and that is why we are here, is it not? You seek Selene.”

“Yes, one of those friends, your ally, needs her help.”

“What makes you so sure she can?”

Kinsa pulls the coat tighter, “My friend fights for the truth regardless of the personal and professional cost and has suffered greatly for it. She believes Selene recognizes the danger and has requested her assistance to ensure this story gets out before either the RSB can cover it up or whoever tried to take her out tries again. She believes in the truth.”

“And what do you believe?”

“I believe I have sat on the sidelines long enough.”

“Very well,” he says. “Glad to have you in the game.”

He tells her about a party tomorrow night in Five Points, hosted at an underground club she has only heard about through more adventurous acquaintances. It is located in a warehouse near The Menagerie, an area with a rather sketchy reputation and alleged criminal elements. The perfect setting for a modern clandestine meeting. He sets a silver reflective card on the bench.

“This will get you in. Take it and leave anything they can track you with behind. Selene will find you there.”

She slides it discreetly into her jacket pocket as he stands and walks away, staying seated until he disappears into the crowds. With her heart pounding, Kinsa crosses the pavilion and joins the other anxious individuals walking the streets of Ambaril.

*

The following night, Kinsa wanders around her flat as she decides on an outfit for the party. Normally, she would have a team of professionals style her for an event but this outing was strictly off-the-books. The silver card lies on her bed, an unassuming yet ominous piece of the evening puzzle. Although she has pulled back in the last few years to focus on her acting career, Kinsa was a circuit staple and so she figures her presence would not raise too many eyebrows. If anything, it would be a return to form, a callback to her party girl past.

She goes full techno-glam in a short one-shoulder metallic dress with an asymmetric silhouette and waist sash. Partnering the outfit with a pair of black, ankle-strap heels and a smudged, smokey eye, Kinsa dabs on a contrasting neutral lip shade and tousles her shoulder-length sandy blonde hair. Showtime, she thinks as she pulls on a shiny black jacket that is more for show than warmth. She drops the silver card into a black clutch along with a compact blade and heads out, leaving her com behind.

The hovertaxi slows near the destination, the driver glancing warily at her in the mirror.

“You sure, miss? This is not the best neighborhood.”

“Yes,” she says sweetly, flashing a disarming smile. “Right here is fine. Thanks.”

Stepping out in the night, her breath visible, Kinsa follows the instructions to the club through the warehouse. It is amazing what soundproofing can do as she hears nothing but the clack of her heels until she is standing in front of a giant steel door. Here there is the faintest hint of a baseline. Maybe she just has highly attuned party hearing. As if sensing her presence, a slat opens to reveal a glazed set of human eyes.

“Please hold your invitation up to the light.”

Kinsa withdraws the silver card and extends it into a blue beam that appears above her. Under the light, the seemingly blank card reveals the raised outline of the mask associated with The Concealed. Wonderful. Now she is the criminal element in the area. The slat closes and the door unlocks, swinging open in front of her. The baseline is only slightly louder inside but once she descends a level and enters the club, the music truly becomes part of the ambiance. Blue and red lights swirl lazily over a decent-sized crowd but it is still relatively early for the scene kids. Swaying her hips to the beat, Kinsa slides out of the jacket and has a look around. It is a mixed group of age and species but it slowly dawns on her that if a card containing a hidden hologram symbol from the most persecuted protest movement in the Republic granted her access, she was probably among others who held separatist views. The risk, like ad-libbing an emotional scene, puts a charge in her step.

After scouting the best location, she dances toward a small table near an exit door and the furthest from the entry stairwell as possible. She has a clear view of the whole bottom floor, both bar and dancefloor providing a welcome distraction while she waits. Smoke curls through the club, catching beams of light that reflect across the revelers. She smiles and has a twinge of nostalgia for her younger years as a Republic It-Girl fresh out of university and out on the town.

“I hear you have been looking for me.”

Selene Silvestri is perched across the table, having materialized while she was lost in thought. She still wears the thick, dark glasses and that pinched expression of disdain millions of Holo fans once loved. That is until she was branded a separatist sympathizer by the Speaker and his loyalists. After that, her sponsors dried up and the network booted her but she remains a voice of reason in a world full of screaming liars. At least that is what Kaytt said. Kinsa gasps but recovers quickly, “Well, it was not an easy task.”

“If it was, I would be locked up by now. Much like the Corellian Senator.”

“We heard it from Drakos himself when he ambushed Kaytt in the hospital. It is just awful.”

“No doubt he visited the Counselor to rub it in her face. I assume that is what this is about.”

Kinsa nods, “Kaytt asked me to find you. I think she thinks her attack, the Senator’s arrest, and well, a lot of other shady things are all connected.”

“And what do you think?”

“That she is a damn good lawyer who is probably right. You know, I have been asked my opinion more in the last few days than in the last few years of my life.”

She knocks back a drink she never saw her order, “Feels good, right?”

“It does,” she laughs, settling in but Selene’s pursed lips become almost a sly smile. “What? What is it?”

“You just surprise me, that is all.”

“How so?”

“Look at you,” Selene says. “You got all dressed up to march into a den of separatists, potentially risking your reputation and career to lobby my investigative assistance for a friend in need. Bold. I like it.”

“As someone who seems to have recovered from fame, how does it feel?”

“Lousy but incredibly freeing. I am beholden to no one, just the truth. What motivated you to get involved?”

“My friends...they have all done some incredible things. I wanted to do more. Be more.”

“That is admirable, Kinsa. Many never try to become something other than what they are. Know more than they know. That is how we wound up in this mess with the F.U.R.A. Everyone was so willing to let themselves be deceived it was almost too easy to put legislation behind it. You know, one of the last big stories I broke was the disappearance of your friend, the Republic liaison.”

“Janessa.”

“I see she is back now…from a sabbatical?”

“So she says.”

“You do not believe her.”

“Kaytt does not believe her and I am more inclined to believe Kaytt than Janessa at the moment.”

“If she was not on sabbatical then where does Kaytt think she was?”

“I do not know but it changed her somehow.”

“In what ways?”

“She is distant yet determined. Even though she has never been the emotionally expressive type, I have never seen her so nonchalant when it comes to the horrible things that have been happening. She was shaken by something that happened to her in the Corporate Sector, almost vulnerable about it, but then nothing when she came back."

“How does Kaytt think this is all connected?”

“Kaytt has been even less forthcoming since her sister died. It was kind of a mess there for a hot minute but she pulled it together. I did get a glance at a few of her scribbled theories, some more colorful than others. The impression I got is that she believes the Empire is somehow involved in this.”

Selene’s face is suddenly very serious, “She is not wrong.”

“How do you know that?”

“The Empire has the most to gain from a Republic fall and their current course of action, as well as the political backlash and upheaval, would certainly work in their favor. I am going to show you something that recently came into my possession. Roll with me on this.”

She withdraws a small datapad, taps the screen, and turns it toward Kinsa. It is a still frame of a landing platform where a masked figure with glowing green eyes holds the limp body of a man as a shuttle ascends into the sky.

“What…is that?”

“We believe it is an Inquisitor.”

“A what?”

“A mysterious dark-side agent of the Empire with the specific purpose of hunting down Jedi.”

“Why would you think that?”

“Because that shuttle blasting away from the platform is registered to Gemma Masterton.”

Kinsa blinks, sitting back sharply, “A confirmed…”

“Jedi, yes. We all saw the photage, heard her speech afterward. It was both impressive and inspiring but not exactly shocking, given her familial history. Hence, the conclusion.”

“And the man?”

“Facial recognition scans indicate it is Garron Prescott.”

A knot begins to form in Kinsa’s stomach, “Janessa told us she was with Garron Prescott during her absence.”

“The timestamp also reflects this took place before Janessa Kain was reported missing. They both returned, to the Corporate Sector and Republic respectively, within days of one another.”

“What are you saying?”

“That they may have been together but not where we have been led to believe. It also underscores the larger point. This still was pulled from a security vid hidden in the garbage files of an old Republic system. The slicers were lucky to have retrieved it before it was erased but they did not know what to look for until I came along with my bullshit. This is a story I have been investigating for years with few breakthroughs, especially after I was let go from the network. It was not until after I was introduced to The Concealed and their network that I actually made some real progress. The slicers sifted through their breach hauls which led me to this. I considered reaching out to the Counselor but our last conversation happened so long ago I wondered if she was even still interested in pursuing it. Then the attack on the firm happened and you started poking around so I figured we were on the same path.”

“You spoke before?”

“We did and she gave me the recordings that implicated Director Drakos when he threatened her and Circe Prescott. Little good that did. If anything, it only emboldened the RSB. After Shale Apteen’s murder, Drakos took his vendetta with me to Gil Leeds and the rest, as they say, is history. That is why I cannot release this myself. Too much of the public has been compromised by the Speaker’s lies. No one will believe me but Kaytt Corinthos? The public knows she gives zero fucks about anything other than justice.”

Kinsa is completely spun by implications she can barely comprehend. She really has been kept out of the loop.

“What does this even mean?”

“It means,” Selene says, leaning into the table. “That either someone in the Republic did not want to public to know an Imperial Inquisitor was lurking around Chandaar or the Empire found a way to intercept the vid and conceal it entirely.”

“Would that not, like, destroy the truce?”

“Yes, it would, showing that while the Empire has taken a surprisingly contrary position to the Republic’s stance on those with Force ability, they have Sith mercenaries carrying out missions in the capital and beyond. The Republic may be using the law to identify and track Force-sensitive individuals but the Empire is acting on that data in what is essentially collaborative genocide. Willing or not, it furthers their legislative goals and any reasonably justifiable defensive action on the part of the Jedi or others only serves to deepen their resolve. The Empire has turned the Republic into a galactic villain all while eliminating any threats that may have the foresight to see them doing it.”

“I feel sick.”

“You should. I may not be able to report the news anymore but I can sure as hell find the goods that will blow this charade apart. Unfortunately, the fallout will not be without blood. There is always a price for freedom in truth.”

A canister falls from the metal walkway above, landing silently on the duracrete floor in front of the bar. The flash-bang stuns them, the music abruptly cutting out, and then the screaming starts. Kinsa leaps up from the chair, completely horrified. People are running, cutting paths through the smoke as the shadows of the authorities loom over them.

“Go!” Selene shouts, pulling a small disk from the datapad and handing it to her. “Tell Corinthos she was not wrong and there is more where this came from.”

RSB agents rush the dancefloor, heading toward the bar. Selene has disappeared. Kinsa tosses the disk in her purse with the card and blade then turns and throws herself toward the exit door.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on November 04, 2020, 02:48:12 PM

“I’m in the deep
(Keep) trying not to sink
(Need) one more chance to breathe
Please can anybody hear me
Crying out for help?
Or maybe I’m just talking to myself
Praying I might wake up someone else.”

-Theobuntu & ENROSA

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Five Points

Panic (and terror) at the disco.

With club patrons fleeing and shouting behind her, Kinsa crashes into the stairwell just in time to see the looming shadows of RSB agents storming this level. She shifts direction, sprinting down a narrow corridor toward the stairs at the other end of the warehouse. Most people would not be able to run in heels but not Kinsa. Her years as a party girl on the move make this a unique skill that serves her well. She hears one agent call out as he gives chase, closing the distance between them with frightening speed. There is an open gate at the end of the corridor, one she grabs on the way through and slams behind her. It locks as she hits the duracrete wall but drops her purse. The agent slams into the gate, demanding she stops right there. Not going to happen, officer. She moves forward and reaches for the clutch when he grabs her arm through the slender opening between the gate. Screaming, she kicks at it which pinches his arm enough to release her.

Kinsa grabs the clutch and dashes up the stairs.

Most of the doors along the way are predictably locked, forcing her higher until all that remains is access to the roof. She pulls the handle which comes apart in her hands and she lets out an exasperated whimper. This cannot be happening. Several stories below, the agents enter the stairwell and begin their climb toward her. Completely freaking out, she digs out the blade from her clutch and flips it open. Kinsa jams it into the hole where the handle used to be and turns, catching enough of the mechanism within to open it. The agent rounds the stairs below and so she hurls the handle at him and pushes out onto the roof. The heavy door slams behind her as a frigid wind whips at her exposed flesh. Her heart is pumping so furiously that fear threatens to overwhelm her entirely.

Do not stop, she tells herself. It is a mantra of encouragement that feels forced and hollow.

Kinsa pulls on the shiny jacket and quickly traverses the peeling layers and rusting ductwork with the agents banging on the door behind her. She skims the edge, looking for a way off but the warehouse is not close enough to the next building to make a jump. That would be insane anyway. Who does she think she is, an action star? Roles with dangerous physical activity usually involve coordination training and stunt work. This is real life with real danger and she needs an exit plan fast. Two large rungs loop over into anchors at the far end of the build, signifying a safety escape ladder. She runs to it but finds a rusted casing along the top to prevent access. Far below, bodies scatter as they flee the scene and she is determined to join them in the exodus. Still holding the blade, she stuffs the clutch purse into an inside pocket of the jacket and uses the weapon to pry open the casing. It comes free with less force than she expects but wastes no time sliding up onto the ledge, and swinging her legs over. Once her heels are firmly in the ladder’s rungs, she begins her descent, dipping below the ledge as she hears the agents bust through the door. She moves quickly but safely knowing that a fall would end this daring escape on a gruesome note. Kinsa dangles from the last rung before letting go and landing solidly in the ally. She then runs out into the night.

Five Points may not be a safe area but it borders Serinus with The Menagerie looming with its ethereal beauty in the distance. She formulates a plan as she darts between buildings, trying to stay out of sight. RSB sirens wail with patrol skiffs moving in a perimeter around the warehouse no doubt looking for separatist revelers to capture and interrogate. Kinsa does not think she would hold up well in custody and plots an escape. She could head to The Menagerie where Quinn would likely help her and not ask too many questions. From there, she could procure a ride back into central Ambaril to the hospital where Kaytt would be thrilled with her evidence of Imperial meddling. It is more than that, she acknowledges dimly. This was proof of Sith activity despite the F.U.R.A. and it could bring down a crowning achievement of galactic peace. Then again, it could also be proof of conspiracy which would spell even greater doom for the once-great Republic.

What the hell had she gotten herself into?

A patrol skiff roars over the building in front of her, causing Kinsa to stop and step back into the shadows. She pulls the coat tightly around her although it does little good to keep out the cold. There is no way she would be able to outrun the RSB on foot and she considers plausible excuses she could use to justify her presence here. The Menagerie is still too far away for a sisterly visit to work, especially since she put herself on the RSB shitlist standing up to Drakos. If she was found, she would be screwed and this whole exercise in enlightenment and political resistance would be for nothing. That is when a dilapidated hovertaxi sputters by but slows down just past the ally. She pokes her head out like a damn cartoon before making a break for it. She jumps in and is surprised to find the driver slide up his goggles and smile.

“You.”

“Yes, me.”

“Well, let’s bloody go then!”

He pulls away from the warehouses and joins a lane of traffic heading back into the city center. She slumps down in the seat, completely spent but grateful for the rescue. Given her conversation with Selene, however, she is also suspicious.

“How did you find me?”

“Chance,” he says. “I was hoping my ruse would be able to save a few from capture. You are my fourth pickup.”

“Thank the Maker."

“Did you find what you were looking for?”

She shivers, running a hand through her hair, “I am just the facilitator but there were definitely some revelations. Goodness, I must look terrible after all that.”

“Not sure that is possible but let us find the silver lining. You escaped a raid. Not everyone will be so fortunate."

“Do you think they followed me there? Was this my fault?”

“You left your com as I instructed, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Then it is only a marginal possibility given your associations but I would not waste time on blame or guilt. Anywhere we gather they eventually find. There are so few of us left but the fact that they continue to pursue us means we clearly represent a threat to their power. Where can I drop you?”

“Ambaril General.”

The stranger guides the hovertaxi through downtown but stops just short of the hospital.

“Best to keep a careful distance.”

“Agreed,” she says, stepping back out into the frosty evening air. “Thank you, really.”

“Kinsa, you cannot unknow what you now know. What you do with that is up to you.”

She nods and watches as he speeds away, hopeful others would also be spared an unenviable fate. It is only a temporary reprieve because that agent saw her. Dressed up or down, she is not a typical civilian and recognizable to most. The RSB could be after her. She heads toward the hospital, spotting Janessa emerging from the entrance. She waves at the CorSec agents posted nearby and begins to walk in her direction. For a moment, she is frozen, unsure about what to do. Selene’s words reverberate in her head, the image of the Inquisitor holding the limp body of Garron Prescott still fresh, the man Janessa claimed to be with on this mysterious sabbatical. What is she even thinking? This is her friend. Sure, she has been acting a little strange but these are unprecedented times and-

“Kinsa?”

She defaults to charming, “Oh, hi!”

“What are you doing here at this hour?”

“I was…going to see Kaytt. I imagine you were doing the same.”

“I planned to but she is sleeping. Those CorSec agents were fairly adamant about not disturbing her.”

“No, I, like, have to see her though,” she says, eyes drifting toward the CorSec agents. Should she call out? What would she even say? Help, I think my friend is full of shit? Janessa has always been secretive and they were spared the more salacious details of her exploits. Right now, though, she does not look amused but her expression grows more concerned as she nears. Kinsa is shivering with a scraped up knees and disheveled hair.

“Are you okay?”

“Of course, but I will just be a moment. I promised I would check up on her."

“Kinsa, they booted me. They are not going to let you see her right now. Come on, let me take you home.”

“No. Can’t.”

“What? Why not?”

“Uh, may have been at a party I should not have been. You know how it goes.”

“Old habits die hard.”

“Something like that.”

“My place it is then,” she says, linking arms and practically dragging her away. “Besides, you look like you could use a drink.”

Although that is literally the best idea she has ever heard, Kinsa throws one last look back at the hospital before being whisked off to Janessa’s flat. Alright, game plan. She sorts through the details of the evening, attempting to establish a baseline of truth without revealing the motives behind it. By the time they reach the flat, the events of the evening leave her close to tears. She falls onto the sofa and shudders as the adrenaline high crests into exhaustion. With her back turned, Janessa fixes them cocktails at the wet bar.

“Tell me about this party.”

“What is there to say? Underground club, good vibe, decent music, an untimely RSB raid. Your typical night on the town."

Janessa turns around, handing her a glass.

“A raid? With everything going on, why would they even bother?"

“Beats me,” Kinsa says, taking it with trembling hands. “It was unreal.”

“You are all banged up and dusty. What did you do, crawl through a sewer tunnel to escape?”

“Practically.”

The liquor feels good on her throat, a pleasant warming sensation spreading across her chest. It beats back the numbness of the cold against her skin. She finishes off the glass greedily in an attempt to counter the lingering sense of dread. It had been a narrow escape but she is not out of the woods yet. The sensation becomes something else. Her limbs feel heavy and so she sets the glass on the table in front of her before slumping back against the sofa.

“I am just so…tired. I guess I did not realize it until now.”

“Of course you are,” Janessa says evenly as she rounds the table. “You had a long night.”

She smiles lazily, words becoming thick on her tongue, “I guess I cannot hang like I used to.”

“It happens to the best of us.”

“Please do not let them get me,” she whispers softly, drifting off.

Janessa watches her lose consciousness with a curious stoicism. Earlier this evening, after returning home from the office, an ancient phrase was waiting for her in a message that sent her to the hospital looking for Kinsa. It was compulsory, like being along for the ride in her own body. She grabs her purse and fishes out the tiny black case containing a syringe filled with an amber liquid. A tool she had been sent back with. Flashes of a dimly lit room replace the posh living room where she lay shaking and traumatized by the lightning attacks that never seemed to end. A place where her screams became almost a comical part of the soundtrack. The grey woman knelt beside her, leaning close to her face to reinforce one of her objectives. Something repeated gently after a vicious attack.

Unite the Cavanaugh sisters as secret allies of the Sith.

Janessa snaps back into this reality and plunges the needle deep in Kinsa’s arm, watching the liquid disappear without so much as a pause.

“They will be the least of your worries.”

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on November 05, 2020, 07:42:45 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

At Ambaril General, the CorSec officers that were part of Kyatt's security detail had a fairly strict routine, which included reporting to their charge who was either there to see her, or who had attempted to see her.

"Miss Corinthos, while you were resting, there were a few individuals who wished to make contact with you"

Kyatt appreciated the security, but not the formality as the officer read off of his list.
"Your nurse came to check on you. We did monitor her activity while she was present, and everything seemed in order. A news reporter requested an interview with you. We declined on your behalf.
A Miss Janessa Kain also requested to see you, but we insisted she return when you were awake.
We also saw a Miss Kinsa Kavanaugh approaching the hospital - she waved at our officers by the main entrance - but she left at the same time Miss Kain was leaving,and they appeared to depart together."
Kyatt sat up in bed so fast, she almost fainted. This.was.not.good.

=================================
Officer Shawn Kumasar had returned to visit the senator, despite the risks involved, with an urgent message.

"Senator, we've begun putting the plan into place. We've already started getting people off-world. A few at a time. And none too soon either. We've received word from the senate. They've passed new rules of enforcement regarding the F.U.R.A."

Artemis had seen reports on the screen about the new rules, nodding his head solemnly

"Enhanced interrogation ... yes, I know"
"I expected Director Drakos is going to be moving you soon, sir. To a less public location."

Officer Kumusar glanced over at the guard/clerk who was not paying attention at all, then reached in and grabbed Artemis' arm. Before he could protest, Kumusar pulled from his pocket an injector gun, pressed it against Artemis' skin, and fired.

Artemis felt like his entire arm was on fire, but Kumusar was already putting the gun away.
"I've just inserted a tracker in your arm sir. It will hopefully allow us to find you if they take you away. We also have an officer stationed on the roof across from the building, so we hopefully will know if anything happens"

Artemis pulled back his hand, nursing his arm. "next time, warn me."
"Sorry sir. I was worried about timing"
Artemis shook his head
"Any word when they plan on moving me?"
"nothing definitive sir. But it is going to be soon. Very soon"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on November 10, 2020, 07:27:19 PM

“Tell me what is real
Stop chasing bad habits
Tell me what is real
Follow the white rabbit.”

-Nadine Lustre

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Kinsa Cavanaugh wakes with a start.

Where…is she? Oh, right. Janessa’s flat. The memories of what led her to this moment creep back into the fog surrounding a heavy head. She is extremely sore from the extreme cardio in her great club escape. What did she expect as a thirtysomething? She is not as young as she used to be. Kinsa rubs her arm and sits up, finding herself nestled beneath a blanket on the couch. Her ruined heels lay next to the table with the shiny jacket neatly folded over a sitting chair. Oh shit, the jacket. The flat is quiet and she realizes she does not even know what time it is. There is light seeping through the sheer fabric behind deep purple and haphazardly drawn drapes.

Sliding her legs onto the floor, she attempts to stand. It is more difficult than she anticipates with her calves and thighs tight in protest. Kinsa settles for crawling and pulls the jacket off the chair, digging inside to find her clutch. Blade, card, and disk – all there. She relaxes and tries to shake off the grogginess weighing her down. Did she fall asleep or pass out? Hard to tell after all that. She does not remember drinking heavily, just the glass she gulped down when she got here. The combination of alcohol and exhaustion must have knocked her right out.

She pulls herself up and moves around, loosening up the muscles in her legs until they regain some feeling. There is a note on the counter from Janessa – off to work, relax, get some rest and they would meet up later. Kinsa knows she has to get this datacard to the hospital but a cursory glance in the mirror tells her that would have to wait until she is more presentable. Her smudged look and torn dress would elicit too much suspicion. She showers and changes into one of Janessa’s many pantsuits, something that would cover her scraped knees and inevitable bruises starting to form from the rooftop hijinks. She pulls her hair into a simple, twisted high bun and dabs on a soft pink balm before gathering her things. They all have access to each other’s places, a necessity for flat-sitting and random crashing among friends. This kind of morning was not uncommon as they came up through the Republic in their own ways. Now it holds a more ominous undertone that she cannot seem to shrug off.

The stranger’s words return to her – she can never unknow what she now knows. Boy, if that is not the understatement of the moment. One cannot un-ring a bell. Kinsa purposefully left her com-link at home so she scribbles out a simple thank you note and heads to the hospital. It is marginally warmer today as the deep fall ebbs into winter but she is grateful she chose a layered look in contrast to the strictly ornamental getup from last night. At Ambaril General, the CorSec agents greet and clear her, announcing her arrival to a relieved-looking Kaytt Corinthos.

She nods to the agents and they leave them alone in the room, “Are you alright? I was worried.”

“Fine, fine, I crashed at Janessa’s. Last night got, uh, a bit complicated.”

“That explains the white pantsuit. What happened?”

Kinsa rounds the bed, “You tell me. Something is clearly going on there but I cannot place it. Judging by your reaction, I am guessing it is not good.”

“We will get to that. How did you fare otherwise?”

“I found Selene, as you asked.”

“Kinsa, that is wonderful! What did she have to say?”

“Our chat was enlightening but it was soon crushed by our friends at the RSB. Tear gas and everything. I barely made it out and despite what sounds like a miraculous getaway, I may be in some trouble. An agent saw me and my fingerprints are likely on a door handle I threw at him on my way onto the rooftop. It was a whole thing. I may be sore as hell but I am alive and here to deliver some unfortunate and disturbing news.”

Kaytt smirks, “Trouble I can help you with. As for the disturbing news, it cannot be as bad as I have been imagining for the past few years.”

“Potentially worse, actually. Selene has taken up with The Concealed which apparently has slicers breaching Republic databases on the reg scouting for damning intel.”

“I take it they found some.”

Kinsa lays out everything she and Selene discussed in the club. The Inquisitor. Garron Prescott. Gemma Masterton’s shuttle. The possibility of Republic conspiracy or violation of the truce or both. It seems to activate and confirm something for the counselor, her expression barely concealing the rage. Before Kaytt can ask the inevitable question of proof, she withdraws the datacard from the clutch purse and hands it over.

“This cost me a designer dress and possibly my rep so I hope it is worth it.”

“Hand me my datapad.”

Kinsa grabs the device from the nearby stand and hands it to her. Kaytt quickly slips the disk inside and opens it, waiting for something to happen. Except nothing happens.

The datacard is blank.

Her face sinks in a way that Kinsa follows instantly.

“Fuck, are you serious?! I could have been caught and interrogated last night. I pulled muscles I never even knew I had. No, no, the photage was there. I saw it myself. I swear it, Kaytt. The Inquisitor had this kind of burnt orange and black armor and glowing green eyes beneath a terrifying mask. It was insane. Selene is on the same wavelength. The Empire is involved and this proved it. It was there on the disk!”

“I believe you,” Kaytt says in as calm a tone as she can manage. “But it is not there now.”

“How could this have happened?”

They find each other’s gaze and the name appears without either having to utter it.

Janessa.

“Tell me exactly what happened last night.”

“First tell me what her deal is because I thought she was just being extra bitchy but she seems much more calculating. I thought she only reserved that approach for work and sex but never with us. It is totally freaking me out.”

“We think she is being controlled,” Kaytt mutters bluntly.

“Again? That girl needs a therapist like yesterday. Wait, who is we?”

“I was contacted about Janessa’s behavior at a business function and learned that she had been sent to find Garron Prescott after he disappeared.”

“Then she disappeared.”

“Exactly. Theoretically, if this Inquisitor took Prescott, it is possible she was taken too.”

It would also explain why no one in her office seemed to know about her sudden departure and the sabbatical angle materialized only after her presence was publicly confirmed. Even with privacy laws, her office could still disclose she took a temporary leave from the position given the business deals at stake. Deals with the Corporate Sector where a recently appointed Imperial ambassador replaced the bastard that tried to kill her. The shuttle bombing reprise failed and even though she refrained in her testimony before the Senate, she must have been getting too close to the Imperial involvement at play. So, they took her off the board, reprogrammed her, and put her back where they need her to be. The same way they appear to have done with Prescott.

“Well, according to Selene, they both resurfaced within days of each other. This could make things here even worse.”

“I imagine that was the purpose, a blatant slap in the face to the opposition who are fighting for Force User rights. Classic misdirection. This is not the Jedi trying to strike back at the Republic for being shunned, it is the Empire fueling a bigoted movement through deliberate action. Janessa has been compromised before so another turn under the thrall of the Force would not be shocking to many. If anything, it would validate the critics who called for her resignation after she was acquitted. The trial set legislation in motion as well as the moral and ethical resistance to it, creating a cleverly constructed crisis in the wake of the truce.”

Kinsa shakes her head, “These are people’s lives they are messing with.”

“It does not matter when power is involved. The Empire saw no other option against a unified Republic. The truce was a bait the Republic could not resist, a best-case scenario after so many years of conflict. Pragmatically, I understand it but the switch was only revealed after Apteen was gone and Leeds took up the cause with reckless zeal. Now it is spiraling out of control with people like Selene vilified and systems like Corellia being scapegoated. Sides will be chosen and violence will follow because destabilization is exactly what the Empire needs to emerge victoriously.”

“That is awful but where does Janessa fit into all this?”

“Good question which is why I need to know about last night.”

Kinsa gives her the run-down from the club to the hospital to Janessa’s flat. The details that stand out are the lateness of Janessa’s visit coinciding with Kinsa’s arrival and the fact that Kinsa was asleep so quickly after the drink. It is not out of the realm of possibility that she was exhausted after the ordeal at the club but it is the wording that sticks.

“I felt…strange. Heavy. I could not keep my eyes open. Honestly, I do not even remember falling asleep.”

“That is because she probably drugged you.”

Kinsa gasps, “Way harsh. Why would she do that?”

“She may not have been in control. Someone must have known you made contact with alleged separatists and needed to ascertain what, if anything, you discovered. Did you see her make the drink?”

She struggles to recall but flashes to her turning around before inquiring about the party. She had been so shaken by everything that she did not register Janessa’s behavior as odd, almost stiff, and singularly focused on Kinsa’s evening.

“No.”

“Then it would stand to reason that with you unconscious, she could search anything you had on you. You did say your heels were off and the jacket hung on the chair. Under normal circumstances, this would not seem out of the ordinary but given the context, Janessa may have found the disk and erased it even if she did not know why.”

“Why not just take it then?”

“Too suspicious. Right now, she has plausible deniability. We cannot exactly confront her about something she can easily claim to know nothing about. She may not even know she did it. A confrontation would also tip our hand. If she drugged you, I am grateful that is all she did. When the CorSec agents told me the two of you left together, I was fearful something worse would happen.”

“Do you think she would hurt me?”

Kaytt sighs, “She murdered someone under the influence of the Force, Kinsa. Agent Erbon had no reason to believe she was a threat to him but he stood in the way so he was eliminated. I do not want the same to happen to you. We must be careful.”

“Oh yeah, right. If I try to avoid her, she will know something is wrong.”

“You are an actor, Kinsa. Use that talent along with your busy schedule to circumvent any chances she may have to get you alone again. Stick to public places, crowds, exactly the kinds of venues you frequent. It is not foolproof but active mitigation will protect you.”

“I do have a few scripts to consider and meetings with producers so that should not be a problem. What are you going to do?”

“Defend Senator Soldys against these insane charges and try to get my hands on some actual proof. I am feeling stronger every day but I must work quickly as there are rumors the Imperial Ambassador is on his way back to the capital. That little shit probably does not want to miss this abortion of democracy.”

Kinsa withdraws the silver card from her clutch and shows it to Kaytt.

“This was my way in. Under certain light, there is a hologram of The Concealed mask. If I can score another meeting, I am sure I can get you what you need.”

“I am wary of involving you further but I am not exactly going anywhere without an entourage. How can you even be sure there is more to get?”

She smiles, feeling more confident in her new purpose, “Selene told me there is.”

“Alright but for goodness sake be careful and call me immediately if the RSB shows up with questions.”

Kinsa kisses her softly on the cheek and flitters out the door. Kaytt should be thrilled for the assistance but the confirmation of Imperial interference does more to convince her they are working toward an untenable situation with the Republic. The final pieces are moving into place and the next steps could be swift and brutal. The setup was there all along. Kinsa is right. They are messing with people’s lives. Destroying them in some cases.

If the Republic falls, it is going to get ugly.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on December 07, 2020, 02:07:22 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The jail cell seemed to grow smaller each day as Artemis paced back and forth, nothing to do but listen to the news of the Republic teetering on the edge of ...

Artemis couldn't even finish that sentence, because he wasn't exactly sure what it was. The Republic was turning to a dark place, but the source of that darkness, how they were influencing so many, and what the Republic would eventually turn into - all of that was clouded in mystery. All he knew was that more and more people were not safe. Corellians. force users. anyone who stood against the supposedly free New Republic.

His thoughts were interrupted by the clang of the station door, as Director Laird Drakos entered, making his way past the silent clerk toward Artemis' cell, flanked by a dozen heavily armed agents.

"Senator Soldys, you are coming with me"
"For trial?"
"Not yet. We've determined that this cell is not adequately secure, and will be moving you to a more appropriate facility"
Artemis shook his head
"Isn't this beneath you? Don't you care about the Republic? Don't you care at all about what it is turning into?"
Drakos smirked
"Tough words from a traitor like you. My job is to keep this Republic safe and secure from the likes of you. Now come on"

As the cell door opened, Artemis thought for a moment about fighting his way out, but really, what was the point? He was unarmed, and they would overpower him before he took two steps forward.

He was quickly cuffed and escorted past the again, silent clerk, this time down the hall to the station's back door.
"I suppose you don't want the press seeing you taking me away?"
"Oh, the press isn't a problem. The courts have instituted a gag order prohibiting all press related to your detention"
"Is that another freedom you protect?"
Drakos paused, turning, lifting an arm, ready to swat Artemis' in the face.
But then he stopped himself, content with a grin.
"You'll find that upsetting me is not in your best interest. I'll have time to show you just how I deal with traitors soon enough"

He turned and continued leading the way out to the back lot, where several enclosed transports were waiting. It was night time, the parking lot illuminated by the harsh glow of overhead lamps, casting circles of light that were punctuated by the surrounding darkness.
Artemis glanced up overhead, hoping to see some stars, but the sky was overcast, and there was too much light pollution anyway on Chandaar- the only way to see the stars was from space.

Artemis was placed in the back of a one of the larger transports, his cuffs secured to the side wall with a bracket clamp, leaving his arms uncomfortably above his head.

He glanced over at the back doors, briefly catching a last glimpse of the outside before they slammed shut, leaving him with a single RSB agent sitting across from him. The agent's face was hidden behind a heavy helmet, his firearm casually gripped and loosely pointed in Artemis' direction.

"Better get cozy."

It was a few moments later that Artemis felt the vibration as the vehicle started moving.

The trip was uneventful, almost smooth, as Artemis tried to guess where they were taking him - and more importantly, how far away. Leaving the city would be a risk, even for RSB, but if they succeeded, it would be hard for him to be found.

Suddenly, there was a loud boom from outside the vehicle, causing the whole cab to shake. The agent across from Artemis tensed his grip over his weapon, knocking on the small slab between the holding cell and the driver's section of the transport.

"What's going on"
"We've been ambushed! We're under attack"

=================================
EARLIER ...

The CorSec agent glanced down at the convoy of vehicles that approached the station, watching as none other than the Director, Laird Drakos exited and made his way inside, flanked by a dozen armed troops.

Carefully, he ducked down, whispering into his comm.
"This is Raines. We've got movement at the station"
"Kumusar here. Report"
"Drakos just arrived, a good half dozen vehicles, including two large transports. He just entered with a dozen bogies."
"This could be it. Keep your eyes peeled and let me know if you see the senator"

Agent Raines poked his head up, lifting a scope so he could see more clearly. He didn't have to wait long.
"Raines here sir. Confirmed. Senator has been placed in transport. Fourth vehicle in convoy. Vehicles appear ready to move out."
=================================
Kumusar listened to the report, glancing up at the screen in front of him.

"Is the tracker working?"

"Yes sir. We are picking up movement. They are taking the senator west, out of Ambaril"

"If they get him to their destination, it will be too hard to extract him. We're going to need to grab him mid-transit. Prepare the evac team and move to intercept."

"Aye sir"
=================================
The convoy was driving at a brisk pace into the night, wary of prying eyes - media or otherwise - that might not like their treatment of the senator.

As they reached the more remote highway, a brief twinkling of lights could be seen on either side of the convoy, off in the distance.

Before the convoy could respond, a VCX-100 light freighter was diving out of the cloud cover, firing a series of lasers at the front vessel in the convoy. Despite the armor on the vehicle, it was not equipped for the aerial assault, and soon exploded into flames.

The convoy didn't slow - in fact, the remaining vehicles sped up as they navigated around the first vehicle's wreckage. Two of the transports sides opened, revealing side laser cannons that began firing at the attacking vehicle. The freighter ducked low, flying behind the convoy now and firing at the last vehicle, quickly knocking it out of commission. The convoy was picking up speed now, heading toward the tree line, where the road disappeared into the forest - and where the freighter would not be able to fly.

The twinkling lights from the shadows appeared again, and a dozen speeders began to close in, moving to intercept, each armed with a single laser turret, manned by figures obscured by the shadows.

The VCX-100 rose higher again, zooming ahead of the last vehicle in the convoy, then down again, almost landing on the vehicle in front of it.

============================
Artemis could hear the firefight outside, but the last thud was the hardest of all. Artemis would have been thrown from his seat, but for the cuffs holding him in place. As it was, his back swung out and then slammed back into the wall of the transport.

That wasn't a laser-blast - something hit them.

The driver immediately shouted back at the RSB guard.

"They've landed on top of us"

"oh no they don't"

The agent was barely looking at Artemis now, pointing his weapon up toward the ceiling of the transport. Artemis was trying to figure out what he could be doing, but at the moment, he was stuck against the wall.

The agent began firing upward, almost with abandon, poking holes through the ceiling, apparently in hopes of damaging the freighter above them.
============================
"magnetic clamps engaged"

The freighter locked onto the transport with a vice grip, not withstanding the firing coming from below. The transport was too heavy for the small freighter to lift, but it was able to turn the transport, causing the vehicle to swerve off road, and away from the protection of the rest of the convoy, now engaged in a full blown firefight with the approaching speeders. A hatch opened in the back of the freighter and two ropes extended out. Two figures carefully maneuvered out, making their way to the rear of the vehicle.

============================
Artemis felt as the transport jerked off the road, the RSB agent losing his balance and landing near the senator. This was his shot. With a quick swing of his legs, Artemis kicked high into the agent's face, sending him swooning backward, the gun falling from his hands. Artemis stretched his legs as far as he could, tapping the firearm and dragging it closer to him.

Meanwhile the driver was trying, desperately, to regain steering of his vehicle, back toward the armored escort, who was just now beginning to realize their cargo was not with them. Suddenly, he braked - hard, forcing the wheels to stop going along with the pull of the freighter.

The freighter kept moving though, and with the roof of the transport weakened by the agent's firefight, a circle of metal ripped off as it did. Artemis glanced up as shards of metal ripped away from each other, glancing at the rear of the freighter - and then saw the two ropes, hanging loosely from the back.
=============================
The two agents felt the freighter brake from the transport, releasing their grip on the ropes and letting themselves land (hard) on the back corner of the transport. The driver, seeing he was free of the freighter, quickly moved his foot from the brake to the throttle, redirecting his vehicle toward the road. Glancing in his mirrors, he saw the two shadows hanging to his vehicle, and he rattled the wheel, hoping to shake them off.

============================
Three of the convoy transport vessels were now moving to intercept the one holding Artemis, dozens of soldiers and guns firing at the forces that were both behind and in front of them.

The freighter had released the loose metal and was now zooming around for a second pass, firing back at the oncoming escort. It had taken a few hits, and its shields were flickering, but there was no attempt to retreat.
============================
The two soldiers clung to the transport as the driver tried shaking them off, but they slowly began making progress, clawing their way up on the roof and then climbing in through the now convenient hole in the roof.

One moved quickly to the still open slot between the rear and the driver, firing a stun shot at the driver.

"Senator Soldys, we are here to evacuate you"

Artemis had managed to get the firearm between his legs, and had been bringing it up in hopes of using it to free his arms. He smiled at the Corellian soldiers, even as the vehicle began to move unsteadily.

"Don't suppose you could help with ..."

One of the two soldiers quickly climbed back up, and dove into the driver's seat, taking control of the wheel. Once the vehicle was moving more smoothly, the second soldier moved and dismantled the clasp holding Artemis in place.

"How many do you have"
"Enough, sir. But we aren't staying in this transport long"

The freighter had realigned now and was flying directly overhead, the two loose ropes still hanging from its rear hatch.
One soldier quickly attached a harness to Artemis' waist, grabbing one of the loose ropes and attaching it through the loop.

"Good luck sir"
"Wait - what happened to Director Drakos?"
'Sorry sir. Not part of our mission"

The soldier stepped back, lifting his comm
"Package is secure"

The VCX-100 began rising, Artemis dangling through the air after it. The freighter was still rising as Artemis glanced down, watching as the transport he had been on exploded below.

Slowly, the rope began to pull upward, and a few moments later, a hand clasped Artemis, pulling him through the hatch.

"Kumusar"
"Good to see you alive, senator"
"I owe you my life. What about Drakos?"
"They were too well armed sir -we'd have liked taking Drakos, but our force was better suited for distraction then defeat. They disbursed as soon as you were safely away. We don't believe Drakos was among the casualties."

"Then it won't be long before we are hunted."

"We assume RSB will put out a BOLO on this vessel sir. That's why we've arranged alternate transport for you"

Kumusar led Artemis to the cockpit, where he could see that a small starfighter was beginning to hover over the vehicle.
"The VCX is designed to accommodate an auxiliary starfighter. It can hold two - you and one other sir. Once we are in orbit, you'll leave in the fither, and we'll take this vessel elsewhere, hopefully keep RSB off the scent until you can get to Corellia."

============================

Orbit around Chandaar was busy as ever, and their freighter was hardly easy to ID amid the traffic. Artemis was moving through the starfighter's cockpit when he took one last look down.

"i think you need a promotion Kumusar"

"Thank you sir. But let's save that for when the job is done. We need to protect Corellia. I'll see you there when the evac is finished"

The hatch between the starfighter and freighter closed, and soon, Artemis was launching into hyperspace.

Officer Kumusar watched for a moment before signaling to the agent beside him.

"Send the coded message. the senator is going to need support at the net line."
"Aye sir"

As if the disappearance of the last voice of reason from the senate was not foreboding enough, it was only moments later that the space in front of them was filled with a new ship.

An imperial star destroyer.

"Looks like the Empire's diplomat is back"

============================
SURFACT: AMBARIL GENERAL HOSPITAL

With a knock on her door, a CorSec Agent entered Kyatt Corinthos' hospital room.

"Counselor. We've evacuated Senator Soldys. We are prepared to evacuate you as well. But we must go now."

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on December 31, 2020, 04:39:33 PM

“Old blood runnin’ thick in her veins like a muddy water
Closed eyes as you utter her name, she’s somebody’s daughter
The north wind comin, blowin’ a gale, so you better stay back
Old world comin’ tumblin’ down, you said we’d never see that.”

-Hot Since 82

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The CSA delegation from Palace Arms has just arrived.

Janessa Kain waits with her small receiving team as they step off the transport to join them at the entrance to Tromperie, one of the most exclusive restaurants in Chandaar. The delegation came straight from the spaceport, luggage whisked off to their rooms at the Hotel Mermeia. The change in company ownership meant a change in leadership. In the Corporate Sector, these kinds of shifts happened with a casual frequency which meant that she, as the Republic liaison, had to reestablish a formal business relationship. This was, by far, the best part of her job – the schmoozing. She is quite fond of forging new connections which, at times, evolved from lucrative networking contact to a worthy linguistic adversary to thrilling sexual conquest. The charge came from never knowing exactly where it would go.

As far as she is concerned, work and play were never mutually exclusive.

This delegation seems fairly typical at first appraisal with representative corporate suits from various functional areas of the company present and accounted for. The difference here is that these players were curated by the cunning young Baron, Dane Gellar. He claims they had an arrangement but she remembers no such thing. There are many holes where memories used to be, now filled with dark compulsions she cannot articulate. It feels as though parts of her have been overwritten, tasks she must complete lingering like a word on the tip of one’s tongue with the syllables only cobbled together at the very last moment. She is a passenger on a strange adventure and, while the feeling is hauntingly familiar, the meaning escapes her. However, she is a professional with a morally dubious past so she attempts to take it all in stride.

Janessa’s layered robes are a deep purple and embroidered with woven gold patterns, black hair expertly piled into three perfect twists at the top, crown, and base of her head. Her umber eyes, heavily shadowed, flicker over a particular addition to the delegation – a boy, late-teens, possibly early twenties with a jaw that could cut glass and shoulders her sculpted legs would look marvelous resting atop of. The head of the delegation introduces him as Kier Kincaid which rings a bell. He is handsome, slick, and completely out of his depth. An entirely delicious combination. Kier notices her immediately and smiles broadly. No need to play coy. She is just as beautiful as Dane said she was, working the mysterious and aloof angle effortlessly. Outside the obligatory selling points, Dane charged him with discovering what she really wants from them and why – by any means necessary.

Kier hopes that will be as much fun as it sounds.

*

Midtown

At Ambaril General, Kaytt is just settling in on what she hopes will be the perfect closing remarks to sway the jury and free the Senator when there is a knock on the door. Agent Inchaite steps inside quickly, speaking in a low, urgent tone.

“Counselor. We have evacuated Senator Soldys. We are prepared to evacuate you as well. But we must go now.”

Well, there goes her brilliant trial defense and systematic takedown of the RSB not to mention the larger Republic justice system that has failed them so spectacularly. She was so looking forward to smearing Drakos and his minions all over the courtroom but justice would come another day. And it would come. The Republic would pay for what it has done. Now is the time to be practical and prompt. Evacuation in such haste means they probably attempted to dispose of Soldys discreetly which is horrifying in and of itself but hardly surprising given the lengths they have gone to thus far. She wonders how much evidence Drakos actually has if this was his default course of action. Perhaps he did not want to face her down in what was sure to have been a brutal spectacle, a test case to set precedent against the Republic’s abhorrent political overreach.

As she quickly dresses, shoulder still aching from the surgery, she glances at Agent Inchaite.

“I need to stop by my flat first.”

“Counselor, I do not believe we have much time.”

“It will only take a moment,” she says, tapping out an urgent message for Kinsa to meet her. He nods and she joins him in the corridor where they briskly depart the hospital together.

*

Downtown

Kinsa Cavanaugh has been losing time.

She remembers leaving the hospital and contacting the stranger, trying to go on with her life as if everything was normal. As Kaytt instructed. She took the meetings with producers but the stranger had not responded so she began to worry. When the RSB arrived at her door, days later as she suspected they would, she thought that was it. They were going to torch her pretty little life before she even got a chance to really live it. The next thing she knew, she was having dinner with a few fellow actors and socialites, seemingly coming to in the middle of the meal. They were unphased by her confusion, due in part to a lack of sobriety, which she recovered from quickly. She put on that flawless face and carried on. Only later did she realize that several hours had passed between the interaction with the RSB and the dinner.

What happened?

She was not in custody nor a person of interest, at least from what she could tell. That is…good? Maybe she charmed her way out of the warehouse party incident. After all, she was not the only one fleeing that scene and had no previous record with the RSB. Possible? Sure. Certain? Not exactly. What was she supposed to do – traipse into a precinct and ask? Overcome with dread, Kinsa tries to piece together the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of things. It is not like she was fucked up at the time. No underlying medical condition she was aware of. Those hours are simply gone. What she said or did during that time is completely lost to her.

The following day, the stranger finally makes contact through a mutual friend. He would deliver instructions to meet within the week. She is relieved, grateful he is not dead or worse. She would be able to meet with Selene and explain what they believed happened. These thoughts almost distract her from the alert – a message from Kaytt. She is staring down at the console in her living room one minute and the next standing in front of Kaytt’s door. Startled, she realizes she has changed outfits as well as location. She now wears a slender black jumpsuit, gloves, an asymmetrical coat with a high neckline, and a black purse slung over her shoulder. Kinsa has absolutely no idea how she ended up here. Less than an hour has passed but that provides little comfort.

She knows something is wrong. Something is very, very wrong but she needs to be there for her friend. She raps on the door and Kaytt ushers her inside where a CorSec agent waits with two packed bags. She glances from the bags to Kaytt with her face creasing softly in concern.

“What is going on?”

“I have to leave Chandaar.”

“Why? Did something happen?”

“Yes.”

“Kaytt, you are scaring me,” she says in a tone much calmer than she feels. “Is this about the Senator?”

“It is about the Republic as a whole. The path to justice is unclear and so I must go to regroup and strategize the next move. I cannot do so safely if I remain. You have risked a lot in the past few weeks and so I did not want to leave without presenting you with a choice - come with me where you will be protected or disavow me publicly so you can free yourself from the association.”

“That’s not…”

“Counselor,” Agent Inchaite warns sharply, signifying their rapidly diminishing timeline.

Considering what little she was told about the extraction operation; they would not have long before the RSB came looking for her at the hospital then here. Without the Senator in custody, she would be their next target. One more thing to leverage on their path to complete tyranny.

“There is no time, Kinsa. Stay or go?”

She takes a breath and locks eyes with her friend, “I do not want you to go but I understand why you must. The Republic is broken and The Concealed is losing the war against their oppressors. I must stay here and keep fighting in secret. Now that I know what I know, I will use my position for good. I am sorry that I existed in such ignorance for so long. If we do not stop what is happening, all the risks we have taken will be for nothing. This is bigger than us. I see that now.”

Kaytt is pleased. It is a selfless choice, finally, but one that puts her in greater danger than she may realize. Still, it is a choice that she made on her own, despite any prior avoidance of the realities of their circumstances. She is correct that it transcends both of them. They are merely tools through which the truth will be set free.

“Be well, my dear friend. May we meet again.”

Kinsa embraces her tightly before heading for the door. It would probably be best for everyone if she was not discovered here. Even though it will pain her, it would be easier to distance herself from everything if she was elsewhere claiming ignorance. Being who the public needs her to be; a vapid celebrity whose publically displayed privilege they could escape through. It is not beyond the RSB to try and make her an accessory, painting her as an accomplice in Kaytt’s escape. She would be ready for that. Kaytt watches her go with a heavy heart but then she stops suddenly in the small foyer.

She does not turn around, body rigid and eerily motionless.

“Kinsa? Kinsa, what is wrong?”

In a highly dexterous move, she reaches into her purse to withdraw a blaster and turns sharply to fire on Agent Inchaite. They are tactically mortal shots. He is down before he can even reach for his own weapon, leaving Kaytt stunned and exposed. Kinsa’s face is a stoic mask of determination, an expression she heard described to her in great detail. It is the same look Janessa claimed Vex Sienna had when he attacked her, transforming from someone she thought she knew into a vicious killer. Now, Kinsa appears compromised too. A well-played hand if she ever saw one. Although she is desperate to know who has done this and how they could have possibly moved all these pieces so delicately into place, she does not ask. Why bother? She knows how this will end, the irony of her journey from trauma to suicide attempt back to the civil rights warrior of their time not lost on her.

“This really is bigger than us. Bigger than anyone thought.”

Without so much as a trace of emotion, Kinsa trains the blaster on Kaytt.

“You have no idea.”

The headshot kills her instantly and she drops like a rag doll beside the fallen agent. Kinsa places the blaster back in her purse, stashes the two bags in Kaytt’s closet, and, returning to the living room, steps over the bodies to plant a small cam on the credenza angled against the far wall. Outside the flat, the door at the end of the hall crashes open followed by the synchronized thud of approaching footsteps heralding the arrival of the RSB. She slips out onto the small patio and pulls the slider closed behind her. Gripping the circular railing with one hand, Kinsa leaps up and over into space beyond. She lands in a speeder waiting just below. Quinn Cavanaugh, wearing an equally placid expression, is at the controls. She does not even acknowledge her sister and angles the speeder down and away from the residence tower, rejoining a busy traffic lane winding through the city.

Led by an enraged Director Laird Drakos for his failure in the Senator’s escape, the RSB unit storms the Counselor’s flat with what is known as an announcement-waived warrant. The Director would punish the Counselor for the Senator’s misdeeds, bursting into the residence with a smattering of blaster fire. Their motion activates the cam, blaster bolts blindingly bright, as Drakos emerges through the smoke to loom over both Kaytt and Agent Inchaite’s dead bodies.

Everything perfectly in the frame.

*

Serinus

With a clueless Quinn safely ensconced back at The Menagerie, Kinsa uses a public terminal to slice her way into Kaytt’s building cams and dumps any evidence of her presence. She keeps that of the RSB’s forced entry, splicing it together with the photage from inside the flat before blasting it out onto a channel frequently monitored by The Concealed. One of the larger networks would pick it up quickly with reporters from all corners of the galaxy gearing up for a pontification showdown rife with biased conjecture and wild speculation. As far as The Concealed is concerned, Director Drakos would now be separatist enemy number one and even those on the fence about his rumored ruthless tactics will struggle to justify these actions. There is also the timing to consider as her death follows so closely on the heels of the Solem, Lancing, Wray, and Corinthos firm massacre. RSB optics are not what one would call optimal.

The condemnation and spin will surely be swift and colorful.

*

Downtown

Cut to Kinsa on her own sofa, legs pulled up beneath her with Quinn draped in a throw blanket and mindlessly chewing on a strand of platinum blonde hair. A sitcom rerun about a corporate yet comically grumpy Trandoshan plays on the Holo. She sees the darkened skyline beyond the window, eyes darting to the chronometer on the wall. Another two hours have gone.

Nothing about this is right.

“How…did you get here?”

Her sister lazily angles her head in Kinsa’s direction, “Um, you, like, called me over to watch a movie but I am still waiting for you to pick one. I could be making out with Quentin right now.”

“Where were you before, when I, uh, called you?”

“My room. In the Menagerie,” Quinn says, visibly annoyed. “Why?”

“No, no this…this cannot be…this….”

The sitcom is interrupted by a news report. A breaking story. Kinsa claws at the fabric, unable to look away, as photage of what appears to be RSB Director Laird Drakos murdering Counselor Kaytt Corinthos and a CorSec agent plays. It is intentionally graphic and jarring with the network sparring no visual. A commentator makes the obvious link to the attack on her firm, posing it as a menacing question aimed at anyone tuning in. There is a flush of panic as she rises from the sofa struggling to breathe. She remembers being with Kaytt…then she was here. How and when did this happen? Kaytt was supposed to be leaving, headed somewhere she would be safe. Where was she when all of this happened? How could she have left her to die there? Quinn lets out a lugubrious sigh.

“Super bummer. Drinks?”

Emotionally out of control with hot tears streaming down her cheeks, Kinsa sinks to her knees and screams.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on February 10, 2021, 07:54:10 PM

“Ghosts circle my room
Specter that looms from you, unsleeping
Your voice, echo the noise
Sing me a siren song, mislead me.”

-Kaskade & The Moth & The Flame

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Quentin Swire is in hell.

Bereft over Dahlia’s death, traumatized by the events on Hesperidium the previous summer, and remanded to the Republic capital, the secret Imperial agent is in class one day and covering up gruesome murders the next. Assassinations and strategic strikes abound; all in the name of further weakening the Republic from within. And it is working. A little too well if the extreme partisanship across multiple fronts is any indication. Diplomacy has long since given way to divisiveness with rational facts falling beside feeling and fiery convictions. The way Quentin figures, if he is going to be the Empire’s resident flunky, he may as well get an education out of it. He should take comfort in the fact that he has Quinn by his side but she could turn on him at any moment. There is a tense and erotic thrill to the dark technology coursing through her body, always ready and waiting to act when the situation requires it. He considers the potential details, often imagining the how and when of it all. She could end his life without so much as smudging that carefully applied eyeliner. Any movement she makes could be the beginning of his end and there is nothing Quentin can do about it.

Now they have Kinsa too.

The Cavanaugh sisters are officially Imperial assets and he is tasked with concealing their various misdeeds on their behalf. One of the most recent was overseeing a cleaning team to dispose of an RSB agents’ body while Kinsa showered obliviously before heading out to dinner. They were going to drag her in and use her as leverage against that lightning rod of a Counselor. She is too valuable to be sidelined and so she was activated to handle the issue. Quentin was called in to cover it all up from the body to the flat to the security cams. As far as anyone else knows, that RSB agent never even made it to Kinsa’s building and she came and went without incident. They did not send another agent to follow up and they likely will not be considering how everything played out afterward. If he is being completely honest with himself, there is a macabre curiosity to see how far down the hole this actually goes. No real worries about being in too deep, there is no soul left to save. He did not inquire as to how they managed to brazenly secure Kinsa and it does not really matter. From what he has seen, the Empire is in full control of this narrative.

Since the Corinthos story broke, the signature Republic security organization is under extreme pressure from all sides. The vid was damning enough with Director Drakos charging into a private citizen’s residence without announcing himself while blasting away recklessly. No wonder people wound up dead and those victims happened to be a CorSec agent and the Counselor in question – both Corellia and her recently-slain firm at the center of the FURA fight. But he knows that is not the whole story. He had plans with Quinn when she was activated and so he followed her, watching at a distance as she eased a speeder up the side of Kaytt Corinthos’ building. A few moments later, Kinsa leaped off the balcony and they raced off together only for Quinn to casually call him later as if nothing had happened. Once he saw the story on the Holo, he knew they had set the RSB up to take that fall. It will be interesting to see how it shakes out. Further inciting public violence would continue to escalate the frayed tension but the Empire always there, carefully moving pieces into place.

After an extended absence, Barrett is back, doing Maker knows what in the Senate. Hustling those deals while Quentin plays student and tries to manage the blonde destroyer and her equally destructive sister. They all have parts to play. Barrett walks a fine line by maintaining the need for the strong security the truce provides while casting doubt on the dubious actions Republic leadership has taken to accomplish it. He has not reached out but that is to be expected. There are more reasons than his cover identity in the Republic capital that would keep Barrett at a distance. He broke the bro code even though he feels Barrett never deserved Dahlia. She was far too good for him, had too much potential to be limited by such a dunce. He would never have embraced her darkness the way he could have if only given a real chance.

Now neither of them would have her and they both have to live with that.

*

The confusion and grief are palpable, stinging and strangling every sense.

Losing time, lapses in her memory; clearly, the stress was getting to her. Kinsa does not know what to do or how to rationalize the situation. She would normally turn to Janessa for guidance but, if she is working under some dark power, then she is entirely alone here. The thought is sobering and a situation she has never found herself in before. Ever. Being alone. Her fellow industry pals and celebrity hangers-on cannot help her now. Even Quinn was annoyingly flip. She expected more from her own sister, despite her nonchalance toward the more uncomfortable aspects of life. Modeling seems to have dulled her empathy although she has never really been all that great at relating. All Kinsa knows is that she is spiraling and she needs something or someone to ground her.

She frantically seeks out the stranger who finally agrees to meet. He is sympathetic but skeptical of the situation, considering her a potential liability with her proximity to the victim and identification by the RSB at the warehouse. She tells him they discovered their friend was compromised, possibly by a Force user, who intercepted and erased the evidence they needed to reveal the potential complicity of the RSB. Kaytt believed her more susceptible given her history which means The Concealed was right. Someone is pushing all the right buttons. The RSB may have eliminated the firm then the Counselor as means to silence their largest procedural critics. The Corellian Senator’s apprehension only adds to the theory. Without anyone to publicly and legally challenging them, the Senate is clear to proceed as they so choose. While she is crushed by Kaytt’s murder, she just needs to know how she can help. This is a cause worth fighting for.

Kinsa asks to see Selene again but he is reluctant. He knows she is angry and suffering. The stranger does not wish her further harm.

“Please,” she says tearfully. “I have no one else to turn to.”

After a while, he nods.

“Okay. Let me see what I can do.”

*

Through the doors of a dark, no-name bar, Laird Drakos stumbles out into a filthy, deserted ally.

He is wasted but trying to keep a low profile, knowing that censure and shaming are coming. What follows is likely the end of the road to his storied career in law enforcement. He handed Speaker Leeds the confirmation they were looking for – admission of Corellian conspiracy with the Jedi in violation of the FURA – but they would disavow him. Canceled by his very own even though their suspicions were true. They had always been true. Soldys was fucked and that bitch lawyer would not have a legal leg to stand on. Corellia, the traitor. They and the individuals they protect are a threat to everything they stand for. He is outraged over the blatant hypocrisy, wasting all that time trying to get into the Republic only to turn around and squander the greatest opportunity. They are a part of something incredible, a galaxy as peaceful and secure as it has ever been. Corellian’s have always been stubborn but their message and actions now border on sedition as other systems join their objections in the Senate chambers and on the Holo. They would pay. The whole lot of them. But first, Drakos must be the public sacrifice for their cause, a martyr for those fighting against Force users. It is a mantle he is proud to carry.

Something stirs ahead, drawing his attention. There is a girl, human in a tight black dress and too-high heels, probably freezing in this weather and clinging to the wall for dear life. He smiles luridly, making his way over. May as well get his dick wet one last time before the inevitable shitstorm he and the RSB will face hits. He approaches from behind, taking in the strands of long blonde hair, nearly white, as they slip over her shoulder.

“Hey there, little lady. Looks like you could use a hand.”

A small giggle rises into the air as she sags against the dingy duracrete defaced with colorful graffiti, only turning when he is standing over her. Her face comes into focus with a flicker of recognition.

“Wait,” he slurs, smile widening. “Aren’t you that-”

*

Later, a pair of scuzzy lowlifes stumble out into that same ally looking for trouble.

And they sure find it a few feet away. Something or someone seemingly in a bad way. They move closer, slowly but sloppily, and peer through the uneven lighting until they realize it is a person. A human male, by the looks of it, on his knees in a pool of something dark. One of them slips in it, awkwardly pitching forward onto the ground. He rolls over and groans when the other one sees how intensely red that liquid is against his comrade’s clothing and skin. That is when he spots the wound, the man’s neck slashed clean open. He is clearly dead, face covered by the blank, white mask of The Concealed, and they are freaking the fuck out.

On the wall behind and above him, written crudely in his own blood, the words; We Will Not Be Silenced

-TBD

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on March 05, 2021, 10:52:58 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

To say Chandaar was in chaos would be an understatement. There was a feeling of unraveling, and every day, things were getting worse.

After the footage of RSB murdering attorney Kyatt Corinthos, protests broke out throughout the capital and other major cities. Some were organized by members of The Concealed, but others were ordinary citizens, who suddenly had awoken to the dangers of the Republic Security Bureau and the power they had.

RSB themselves couldn't manage to make a coherent response, making a lame statement that the video footage "did not accurately depict the events" No one bought it. Certainly not those who already saw RSB as an instrument of government oppression, but even some who had supported the Force User Registration Act and critical of Corellia's opposition. Senators from across the spectrum were calling to investigate Corinthos' murder.

There was a brief attempt by the Bureau to declare that Corinthos has been a seditionist, working with Corellians to free the "traitor" Artemis Soldys - but of course, declaring the person they allegedly killed was a criminal didn't help their image. Rumors were rampant that Laird Drakos was either going to resign or be fired. It was a matter of when the announcement would be made, how high profile it should be. Speaker Leeds made a semi-coherent statement, arguing that above all, the Republic needed to maintain order in the face of the events. No, he didn't take questions. Probably because he didn't have any answers.

Then everything changed again: Laird Drakos was found dead, gruesomely, and with a message drawn in blood. Now it was the Concealed who had gone too far. And their own statement denying any involvement in his death was just as unbelievable as RSB's claim they hadn't killed Kyatt Corinthos.

The investigation into RSB had morphed into an investigation into RSB's director's murder; Leeds wanted to use this to go after the Concealed, but support for him was faltering. Even on the senate floor, chaos had seeped in. As Leeds was attempting to call the session to order, the back and forth chattering refused to cease. It took a long, long time before he had everyone's attention.

Leeds, of course, constantly had his own demons and nightmares, ones that never seemed to escape him. His eyes flickered to where the Corellian delegation usually sat. Now, it was empty and dark, as it had been since Soldys was stripped of his speaking privileges.

"Senators - we are here today to address the distressing events of the past few weeks, and to make a path forward, for the good of the Republic. This started with Senator Soldys' "

Before Leeds could say another word, he was interrupted by shouts of protest against Soldys' charges. Then more shouts calling Artemis a traitor.

"Senators! Senators, please!"

It was no use. Nothing was working. There were riots in the street: pro-corellia, pro-RSB, pro-concealed, pro-force users, pro-FURA. Or more accurately, groups that were anti every conceivable category. anti-corellia, anti-republic. Down with everyone.

The senate couldn't function. He needed to gain support for or against something. Leeds was at a loss. Until recently, he had been able to sway public opinion and most senators to his cause. Finally, he took a drastic measure, one he would later realize was a mistake.

He cut off the microphones.

The senate was a massive chamber, and shouts echoing everywhere made it impossible to speak. But now, everyone eles's voices were echoes. His was the only one that was loud and clear. And now that he had the only pulpit, he had to do the only thing he could think of. Show he was in charge.

"As I was saying - the events of the past few weeks began long ago with the seditious acts of Senator Artemis Soldys and the worlds he represented - the Corellian Sector. His guilt was confirmed by his escape, too scared to face the evidence at trial. RSB was investigating that escape when they learned that Kyatt Corinthos was a co-conspirator. That Corinthos was killed before she could be questioned is regrettable, but not the fault of the RSB. Rather, all evidence shows that the Concealed were behind her death and that of Director Laird Drakos, in an effort to bolster their opinion. Let me make it clear: The Republic will not tolerate terrorism, and it will not tolerate treason. We will investigate these matters until the truth is revealed and the appropriate people are brought to justice."

Leeds was hoping for a round of applause, or some sign of support. What he got though was an incredulous silence.

When the mikes were turned back on, that's when things got worse.

"If this is the way the Republic responds to an internal scandal, then perhaps its time for new leadership"
"Or perhaps the Republic has gotten too bloated with self importance. We demand an independent investigation into RSB"
"And into the Speaker's office!"

It wasn't everyone. There was no vast majority - but it was enough that Leeds realized he had overplayed his hand.

And in the coming days, more and more senators were calling for an independent investigation - one not handled by RSB or the speaker's office itself. Leeds may have still had supporters in the senate, but they were associating with his handling right now.

What was worse, every time he returned to his office, he felt assured he was doing the right thing. Ordering more troops and officers out to crack down on protests. It was like a voice in his head telling him to keep going.
And over the coming days, what once had been a position of power, felt more and more like a lonely precipice.

There was nowhere to turn.

Leeds was brooding in his office when his dark thoughts were interrupted by a chime at his office door.

"Come in"

In stepped Barrett Trevaithan, ambassador from the Galactic Empire. He bore a confident smile on his face as he approached the speaker's desk.

"Mr. Speaker. I believe I can help you out of your predicament."

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on March 22, 2021, 11:58:58 AM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

"Mr. Speaker. I believe I can help you out of your predicament."

Leeds scoffed at the Imperial Ambassador.

"Your an imperial"

"I am an outsider - right now, your capital is at war with itself. If you or RSB runs an investigation, no one will trust the results. But I have no dog in this fight. I don't care if RSB is implicated or not; I don't care if Senator Soldys is causing you trouble, or not. And your citizens know it."

"That's ridiculous! What am I supposed to say? That the imperials can run an investigation better than the Republic Security Bureau? That we can't police ourselves?"

Barrett shook his head
"Of course not. Say it exactly like it is - You want the truth, the complete, unadulterated, unbiased truth. And you have an alliance with someone who will give you that. It's true, not everyone will like us getting involved - hatred of the Empire runs deep, considering the history - but enough will accept it that it will calm things down. You will be able to get back to the business of governing."

Leeds frowned at the imperial ambassador, turning and pacing slightly as he glanced out the window at the bustle of the streets down below. There was a protest going on right now, and even from this high up, he could hear the hum of chanting.

He hated relying on the Empire; but that feeling of despair was heavy on him. He felt he had no choice.

"What resources would you need?"
"I can provide the men for investigation. I will need access to RSB's databases, and all related security footage"
"And what of Soldys? We can't just let him remain on the loose"

Barrett nodded his head.

"I believe we can have the apprehension of the senator separated from our investigation. Do you know where he went?"
"Our border agents believe they observed him heading toward the Corellian Sector"
"A reasonable assumption. He has his strongest support in his home territory, and you won't get anything out of him while he's there."
"Corellia has been a thorn in our side since they joined the Republic"

Trevaithan smiled to himself, taking a step forward and placing a hand down on the Speaker's desk.

"Maybe it's time to make them stand behind their membership. They have to follow the rules too. Send a delegation to Corellia, making a formal request that they hand over Soldys - for questioning. Don't use RSB - send a Republic diplomat with diplomatic security to make the request.

Then make sure the entire exchange is video-taped."

Leeds glanced back at the imperial ambassador.
"That kind of tension -"
"Will show the senate exactly Corellia's intentions. Either they follow the rules, or they don't but they don't get to be an exception to the rule. What is Corellia going to do, deny the Republic entry onto the surface? What would that say!"

Leeds nodded his head, and Barrett pressed his point.
"You need to be ready for resistance though. If Corellia does deny your request, they will back up their move by securing facilities in the Corellian Sector, to avoid Republic intrusion. That would include -"

"Centerpoint"

Trevaithan nodded "Republic scientists have been there for the past few years, but it would not surprise me if Corellia tries kicking them out. I recommend you send additional security forces to ensure your scientists are able to continue their work, undisturbed"

Leeds shook his head
"The Republic fleet doesn't have any spare ships, especially if we start losing those under Corellian control"
"The Empire can help with that"
"If necessary"

"Of course. If necessary"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on March 31, 2021, 09:58:55 PM

“Look in my eyes
See what lies behind the mirror you
Look in my eyes
See a light that shines a different hue
In a modern life that don’t suit, my stripes.”

-Marsh

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

It is ultra-suck all around.

Kinsa is trapped in the brewing conflict, unsure about what is happening to her, and devastated over the loss of Kaytt. The escalating unrest, spilling out into the streets night after night, has shut down the production of her latest project. She would normally shrug it off and hit the party scene but she just does not have it in her. Not anymore. Janessa has been conspicuously aloof and the last time she saw her, she was cavorting around with some young blonde guy. Where does she even find these hunky himbos? Then there is her frustratingly stoic sister. Quinn seems unphased by all the horror and provides little in the way of solace. Kinsa feels lost, empty. There is no one left, nowhere to go. No one except for the stranger, Selene, and The Concealed.

She knows it is dangerous, that association with them could cost her everything, but not even the fame and respect she has earned can lessen the call to action. She has to do something, anything, to find out what is happening to her and why. Maybe she can even do some good along the way. The stranger reaches out through a series of contacts just as he promised he would - Selene would see her.

They meet on the fringes of the city, between uneven levels of what used to be high-efficiency residences, stacked pieces of what came before that Republic gentrification had not yet touched. Club, crumbling ruins; she feels like the deteriorating choice in locales fairly accurately summarizes her current state. If Selene sees the unintentional symbolism, she keeps it to herself.

They walk in silence for a few moments until Selene turns.

“I am sorry,” she says. “About Kaytt.”

Yeah, Selene is sorry. Everyone is sorry. She clamps down on the urge to lash out, swallowing the increasingly consuming confusion and grief. She does not know who she is anymore – figuratively and literally. She delivers the lines and acts out the part but does not know who stages the scenes or where the memories go. What has she done in those moments of vacant space? She has, like, a not-good feeling about it. Her voice is thin, almost brittle, as she finally responds.

“Thank you. Now all my friends are either dead or mind-controlled bitches which, I have to say, is not where I saw this going. You were right about Janessa. Kaytt believed as you did and I walked right into her trap. She drugged me and took the evidence you gave us. Deleted it, actually. She left it there to what, give us hope? I don't know. I feel like a fool. Now the RSB will never be held to account for covering up that Inquisitor thing lurking in our streets.”

Selene reveals a sly smile, admiring her willingness to help their cause even with nothing tangible in it for her. Trauma can be a powerful motivator, as she damn well knows, and she speculates on how the socialite celebrity could best use that grief to heal…and help them overturn a corrupt regime.

“Maybe not. The RSB has done quite a bit of work for us. That photage was graphic but damning.”

Kinsa flinches, recalling the raid and blatant disregard for the loss of life. The retribution had apparently been swift.

“And what of the reports about Director Drakos? Slain in their mask as a warning? I would say that is pretty graphic too.”

“The Concealed deals in justice, not murder. They believe in transparency, that information belongs to the people, not just those in power. We have been gaslit for years and now we are being framed to cause further division. It is a clever plan intent on destabilization and that bastard, Speaker Leeds, has lost all control of the system he was entrusted to judiciously oversee. Trust has been obliterated and only chaos remains. We are in a dangerous position, Kinsa. Remember, our society, our way of life is at stake here.”

“What can I do?”

Selene does not mince words, “You said we were right about Janessa. Kaytt knew she had been compromised again. This can be used to our advantage.”

“Uh, how?”

“We need to know where she really was, what her plans are. If we can follow that trail back to Prescott and the Inquisitor then we may have something we can legitimately use against the Republic. They will hemorrhage support from systems if they discover the Empire is providing fuel for the Force user bonfire they started with the introduction of the F.U.R.A.. You said it yourself. It would destroy the truce. So let it. We can restart and rebuild the society we actually deserve.”

Kinsa huffs a laugh, waving a hand through the air.

“Everyone says that before it all goes to shit in the end anyway. So, let me get this straight – you want me to spy on someone you and The Concealed believe to be a dangerous and unpredictable threat operating under the dark influence of a Force user that may or may not be furthering a discriminatory political agenda?”

“Well, yes. You make it sound surprising but, given your access, it makes sense.”

“That is like, the exact opposite of what Kaytt advised.”

“Kaytt is dead, Kinsa. How many others will follow if they are not stopped?”

It lands hard and she is half-tempted to tell her about the blackouts, spill everything for the sake of needing to tell someone. But she doesn’t. She stares into the distance, the striking Ambaril skyline in the distance. The ploy is shameless, obvious, even to someone as dense as Kinsa can be but she is beyond caring at this point. She studies Selene closely, eyes wandering along the hardened expression filled with a passion she wished she felt. About anything. She is still in shock, that much is clear. So many emotions pull at her that she feels all of them. And none of them. First Circe, now Kaytt. If Janessa is a part of this, willing or not, she could make a difference here. Avenge her friends and save the day. How silly it all sounds, even in her head. Then it strikes her, a now-familiar wave of dread. If Janessa is being controlled through the Force, she may be blacked out as well. Losing time. Coming to in strange places. Cutting into the middle of a scene without context or cues. Carrying out orders without realizing it. How can she really be sure she is not being controlled as well? The answer is a simple one. Hilarious, even. She can’t.

Only one way to find out.

“Fuck it,” Kinsa says, turning back to glare at Ambaril’s glow. “I’m in.”

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on July 29, 2021, 06:41:35 PM

“Every time that you fuck with me I wanna let you go
But I can’t ‘cause I don’t really know how to let you know.”

-Two Feet

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Kinsa Cavanaugh does exactly as instructed.

Playing on the very real loss of Kaytt Corinthos, she gravitates closer to Janessa Kain, seemingly clinging to the one friend she has left. It is not a stretch, really, given the confusion and desperation swirling around their current situation. She needs a grounding force and tries to find that in their shared history. Janessa, for her part, allows this albeit with the cool distance she has come to be known for. Kinsa watches closely for any signs that her friend is not in control but finds nothing more than an even greater detachment and casual cruelty than she once possessed. Janessa performs her duties with an almost automated ease, commanding the rapt attention of clients and officials alike.

The CSA delegation is wrapping up their visit and Kinsa can sense things are not going well. It is not a state Janessa is used to operating in and she grows privately agitated despite the affections of the blonde kid under her thrall. She has always had that effect on people, which makes her uniquely suited for her role but it is now tinged with suspicion and clouded by doubt. Kinsa thought she knew what drove Janessa to behave the way she does but now there is a more sinister layer to her methodology. She is a puzzle to solve, a mystery to unravel, while not unraveling herself. There is something off about her, something Kinsa cannot quite place, but how can she trust her own judgment when she does not know if she can even trust herself?

“Kier is sweet but he is playing out of his depth,” Janessa laments over a drink at a local watering hole for Republic power-players.

Kier? So, the blonde kid has a name. And a basic one at that. They are tucked into a corner booth, high-backed and plush, conspiring over the floating candle flickering in the center of the circular table. Both are exquisitely styled and instantly recognizable with consistent glances from the patrons. It could just be her imagination but now everything bends toward the conspiratorial and it is wigging her out. Is she a Republic celebrity secretly working for The Concealed while an active agent for an even more secret unknown entity? As an actor, she prides herself on having layers but this is just insane. Or the role of a lifetime. It's all about perspective.

Kinsa draws a thumb down the stem of her wine glass, “Oh, how so?”

“He is trying to be withholding with Palace Arms wares when he is so generous with his own if you know what I mean.”

“I have a picture in my head that is pretty clear.”

“It’s preposterous! They are essentially asking that I influence policy to secure their business. As if I alone can quell public unrest.”

“Can’t you? You are frighteningly convincing when you want to be.”

She sighs, pushing strands of black hair over her shoulder.

“If only. The RSB really fucked us on this. Their shady dealings and hostilities toward protestors is, optically speaking, not ideal. The Kaytt situation does not help either.”

“Situation?” Kinsa says tersely, downing the rest of the glass. “Our friend was murdered by the Director of our government's security bureau and it was broadcast all over the Holo.”

“With a Palace Arms manufactured weapon, no less! You can see the dilemma.”

She draws on all the skills she has as an actor not to scream. Janessa is not thinking like a friend. This is a problem that requires a solution even at the expense of her personal life. Kinsa conjures a supportive smile.

“Right. What are the alternatives?”

“They pull the account which could leave us scrambling at a time when we may need heightened defenses,” Janessa says grimly. “Palace Arms is not the only supplier who has taken a turn toward this corporate social responsibility bullshit and I, for one, am over it. This is business but they are making it political. More so than it needs to be, in my opinion. The Republic could be exposed without the means to outfit our agents when the Imperial truce and future is predicated on security. This fracture runs much farther than across my own client base. The Republic could be in real trouble if they do not get their shit together.”

She shakes her head and sighs, shifting to a softer tone.

“I’m sorry, we are supposed to be leaning on each other right now. I should not bore you with the details of my work but this is how I cope. It helps, you know, to stay busy.”

“I get it. I would typically do the same except our shooting locations are continually compromised by protests. I think we are, like, part of the problem or something.”

“Still, I should try to be more present. I am certain you do not need to hear about yet another conquest although, Maker have mercy, the boy can smash.”

Kinsa laughs, finding her way in, “Good to know he has skills but what about Garron Prescott?”

A faint ripple passes through Janessa, causing a small pull on her upper lip. Otherwise, she does not skip a beat. The small signal is enough to alarm her but she wants to see where this goes. Janessa’s demeanor grows colder.

“What about him?”

“Well, he joined you on your sabbatical, didn’t he? Prolonged male company is not usually your jam so surely it means something. People like Kier or whatever his name is come and go but maybe…Garron is something more?”

“Garron Prescott is a friend whose company I happen to enjoy. We had a marvelous time but let’s not read into it. Besides, settling down is so…pedestrian.”

“I did not mean to upset you.”

“I'm not upset, I'm annoyed. You know me better than that.”

Does she though? Kinsa eases her expression into one of curious warmth, aided by the flush of the wine hitting her all at once. She intentionally kept her glass out of Janessa’s reach and never left it unattended, given what happened the last time. If she is going to get answers for herself and The Concealed, she would need to prod more tactfully.

“Of course, I do. But if your friends can’t tease you about it once and a while, who can? I am just grateful for the company. It’s scary out there right now.”

Janessa places a hand over Kinsa’s, applying a bit of pressure.

“I would buckle up if I were you. It’s about to get much, much scarier.”

“What do you mean?” Kinsa gasps, voice-catching. “What are you going to do?”

The candle glow casts a shadow across her thin smile, “Exactly what needs to be done.”

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on October 14, 2021, 03:06:36 PM

In the Distant Future ...
There was the usual hum and noise as the students filed into class, taking their seats, waiting for the professor to step inside. A few minutes later, he walked in and the students quieted. The professor was a tall man, about 6'1", with a thin build, but a powerful stride. Though near 60 years old, he still carried a commanding presence and voice that had been keeping students engaged for most of his career.
"Well class, how many of you were able to finish the reading for today?"
A fair number of hands shot up, and the professor scanned the room. The literature required for today's reading was not just long, it was complex, but also interesting. Only one student voiced a complaint.
"Professor, it was six different books! That's far more than any normal reading assignment"
The professor smiled. That was just the kind of complaint he was hoping for, the kind that would help jump start today's discussion.
"Yes, it's true. I assigned you all six books. But you say different. Are they different from each other? Would anyone like to counter that?"
A few hands shot up, and the professor called on another student.
"The books were written into six volumes, it's true. But they aren't really different."
"Explain"
"Well, they are all part of the same story"

"precisely! The six volumes of The Crimson Covenant are all part of the same story. But what else can you tell me about them? Why did I make you read all six at once?"

Another hand, another student

"Because the books aren't written linearly. They aren't meant to be read one after the other -in fact if you tried reading one book and then the next, the story would be out of order, you'd be missing whole plot points that you might not see again until you read the whole thing. The stories are meant to be read in tandem, going back and forth between each of the six volumes"

"Good. And why do you suppose they were written into six volumes, instead of one? Why not just write the story straight out?"

"Because each book represents a different point of view. Each book has it's own protagonist, takes place in it's own location"

The professor interjected.
"But does it? Let's take a closer look at the six books and see if that's correct"

The professor pressed a button and the projector came to life, showing a table on the wall behind him.

"So, we have six volumes:
The Crimson Covenant,
Correllian Birthright,
Corporate Greed,
Imperial March,
Circle of Freedom,
and Refuge.

You say each has a protagonist and a place that is central to it. What are they?"

"Well, Corellian Birthright is about Riley Patten, and Corellia
Corporate Greed is about Dane Gellar, and the Corporate Sector
Circle of Freedom is about Gemma Masterton, and Chandaar, the capital of the Republic
Refuge is about Mara. She starts on the Wheel, but she's really the nomad of the story"
"Is she the only nomad? we'll come back to that. Finish your list. Who are the other protagonists?"
"Well, Dahlia Winton is the other main one. Her story is Imperial March"
"Is it really? So whose story is the Crimson Covenant Book?"
"I believe that would be Adubell, the one trying to bring about the covenant in the first place"

Another student decided to shout out rather than wait to be called on.
"But Adubell isn't a protagonist. She's the antagonist. To everyone! Why would she get her own book!"

Another chirped in
"I thought the Imperial March book was about Barrett Trevaithan, and that Crimson Covenant was Dahlia's book"

"Or maybe" the professor spoke up, regaining command of his class "maybe the books are not about people or places, but about themes, ideas. You've all read the history behind these books. There was a story long before this story that brought our characters to where they are. I think you are all right, and also, all wrong. At the beginning of each of the six books, there are clearly defined distinctions between each story. Circle of Freedom might be the clearest example of that - the Republic, a democracy that had been battered and destroyed and reborn, seeking freedom. But as time past, the title of the book became almost ironic, didn't it? The senate, the republic, became a place where freedoms were curtailed.

And the characters, who each started in their own perfectly designated spaces, their own separate volumes could not stay separated forever. As their lives became intertwined, their roles changed, the way they interacted changed. That's why we find Gemma on Corellia, Dahlia, the darling of both the republic and the empire, Mara, the nomad. Mara spends the most time in her own story, Refuge, a fitting place considering she was seeking to protect those she cared about. But even she bleeds into the other stories and other books as her connections to them grow.

That is why the six books are both separate and intertwined. They symbolize how even the apparent distinctions and boundaries can meld into each other. The same is true of locations. If a location changed its allegiance, who controlled it, it would be fitting for it to be change which book it was written in. An example of that is Centerpoint Station, or the remains of Centerpoint, at least.

You'll recall after the corellian senator, Artemis Soldys fled the republic, a fugitive, Barrett Trevaithan and Republic Speaker Leeds met to discuss what to do. And how important it was to secure what they deemed to be republic assets ..."

Present Day ...
CORELLIAN SECTOR: Centerpoint Station

The research on the hulking mass of scrap metal that was Centerpoint was exhausting, and mostly fruitless. In the past - before Corellia had been admitted into the Republic - the area had been essentially a memorial, a reminder of those that had died to protect Corellia from, well, everyone.

But when the the sector joined the Republic, the Republic took control of this hulking artifact, and under the supervision of several ambitious senators, they were seeking to exploit it, despite the hallowed reverence Corellia had for the area.

It was also dangerous. The station had functioned using powerful gravitational forces that no one quite understood, and after it's destruction, those gravitational forces were out of whack. The epicenter of the station had collapsed in on itself, and researchers who wanted to get close had to wear special protective gear, often trekking on through semi-demolished cooridors open to the vacuum of space, and if they hit a pocket of inverse gravity, they might find themselves thrust outward into the nothingness - or into a jagged piece of scrap metal.

The researchers had put in place a whole array of tethers, connecting to the more stable parts of the station, and to the handful of ships that had been built to withstand the gravitational forces, their transports and command stations. The republic had invested heavily to find the secret to Centerpoint's power, and still, in the years since, no one had found it. The Corellians, for their part, had (begrudingly) moved aside, allowing the researchers to work, keeping their vigil at a distance as the burial ground for their friends was desecrated. Outside of Centerpoint, a fair distance away, a circle of small corellian vessels made a perimeter, just as it had for years ...

But today that changed.

Quite out of the blue, a dozen medium-republic cruisers appeared out of hyperspace, taking up strategic positions to block the most direct route to the station, the path that had the least gravimetric anomalies.

The Corellian commander on scene radioed in.

"Republic vessels - what is the meaning of this intrusion?"
"We have reports that the fugitive, Artemis Soldys, has reentered the Corellian Sector, and we are here to ensure the Centerpoint Weapon is secure"
The corellian commander was exasperated
"Senator Soldys has always considered Centerpoint to be a sacred place, a burial ground. He's not here"
"The fugitive cannot be trusted, and this weapon must be secured. We trust you will be fully cooperative"
The republic ships were twice the size of the corellian ones. It wasn't a question. It was a command.

The corellian commander slowly nodded, ordering his ships to pull back further.
"We will stay out of your way, Commander."

The Corellian commander cut comms and lowered his head. Outside, republic starfighters were forming a slow patrol around the station, as several auxiliary transports began making their way toward the hulking wreckage.

"Notify the Governor's office. We have a problem"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on November 13, 2021, 10:49:59 PM

“In the shape of things to come
Too much poison come undone
‘Cause there’s nothing else to do
Every me and every you
Every me and every you
Every me.”

-Placebo

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Kinsa weaves her way along slippery slopes.

She discreetly feeds Selene and The Concealed the pieces of Janessa’s schedule of events she can procure so that they could independently verify her claims. This was not an easy task but there is always a swell of pride when she can pull it off. Passing messages to The Stranger, receiving mysterious replies from The Reporter. A series of teases and reveals. She is actually good at this game and hoped her suspicions would be swiftly confirmed yet every move feels irritatingly innocuous. Even the fling with Kier, something between consenting adults with no reporting relationship or formal ties, is par for Janessa’s course. Surely, she is not the only one who sees it. Perhaps the behavioral ticks get lost in the public performance, faintly visible only to those who know her best.

Selene did manage to dig up something in that there is a whole lot of nothing in terms of the sabbatical.

There are records of her “staying” on Zeltros, a “stop” on Dourmaa, and a few other resort destinations but no photage of anything from during that time. Anywhere. While she is not the kind of celebrity Kinsa is, Janessa Kain was tried and acquitted in one of the most visible and compelling murder cases of the last decade. Her picture was everywhere for a time – the one who claimed possession by the Force. It was not a subtle point and the divisiveness of that decision echoes in almost everything that has happened in the Republic since. Kaytt was damn good but that only served to deepen the mystique – the one who got away with it. Circe paid the karmic price, in the public’s eye, by meeting a grisly fate in the very beginning of the anti-Republic movement. Janessa skated by nearly untouched with her career intact and reputation even more riveting. Despite all of that and the extremely eventful intervening years, there was not so much as a sighting on a gossip channel throughout her alleged time away.

Janessa has never been what one would call low-profile, regardless of who she was with. It is difficult to imagine she would miss out on perfectly good public relations to spare the feelings of Garron Prescott let alone anyone else. She knows what Selene showed her, the proposed Inquisitor that is not supposed to exist making off with Prescott as Gemma Masterton’s shuttle blasted out of the Ambaril spaceport. That alone calls into question the timeline of events. Their disappearances only overlapped when she went looking for him. It is a shame the photage of this event was destroyed before Kaytt could use it. She could always call Dane Gellar, see what Garron is up to and if anything is off with him. But that would be weird. Dane may have spent time with Quinn one summer but that is not enough of a connection to leverage for information out of the blue.

Instead, she attends a costume party. Something thrown annually by a big-shot Holo-producer. A cavalcade of veritable talent beneath dim colored lighting breeds nothing but bad behavior. Behind an angelic mask, hair piled high into perfect ringlets with tiny wings affixed to a cream-colored slip dress, chunky heels, and embroidered thigh-highs, Kinsa grooves her way through her contemporaries. The devil appears suddenly, a symbolism not lost on her. They dance slowly, closely, masks brushing one another as the devil leans toward her ear.

“Did you learn anything interesting?” Selene asks.

Kinsa grinds against her to the beat, “She said things were about to get much scarier but predictably did not go into much detail. I’m pretty sure she is going to do something seriously bad.”

“We do not disagree, given that she was likely sent back with specific directives. She has gone to great lengths to keep the story focused solely on Republic affairs.”

“It is impacting business. The CSA delegation is mad or something. They want to bail on their contracts because the RSB commits violence against its citizens using their weapons.”

“Since when does the CSA care about such things? They are not interested in morals when profits are involved.”

Kinsa pulls her close as they spin around between two beams of red light.

“It feels like a test. Like they want to see what she will do.”

“And you believe she will do something extreme?”

“That is what it sounded like to me. You need to watch her carefully. I do not want anyone else to get hurt.”

Selene runs a gloved finger down the front of Kinsa’s mask, “You have done well. We will make arrangements and be in touch.”

Then she is gone.

Typical.

She does not miss a beat, swaying back into the crowd in desperate needs of a drink-

*

-then she is standing in her bathroom, toothbrush in one hand, wearing a pair of oversized pajamas with dancing Ewoks on them. Her favorite pair. It is late morning from the looks of it. When did she get home? She does not even remember leaving the party. That is when she hears the sirens. She spits into the sink, sets the toothbrush down, and wanders to her patio doors. Though she has to squint in the morning light, Kinsa can make out the pillar of dark smoke coming from the government sector of Ambaril. The sirens grow louder as they converge on the location, a cacophony of sound that reminds her of wails of panic. She is gripping the railing so hard her knuckles have turned white.

Kinsa backs into the flat in horror, not wanting to turn on the local Holo but unable to stop herself. The breaking headline does not alleviate the dread spreading across her chest. She does not know what she was expecting…but it was not this.

Reports of an explosion at the President’s offices, potentially multiple causalities.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on December 01, 2021, 09:16:30 PM

“I serve my head up on a plate
It’s only comfort, calling late
‘Cause there’s nothing else to do
Every me and every you.”

-Placebo

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Then

Janessa Kain savors it.

Something about that moment when a will caves in is just so delicious. It is almost like an addiction, much to the chagrin of many of the Republic elites who frown upon her exploits like they do not all have their own proclivities. Some far darker and much worse than bedding a man or two. She is just not a fan of hiding hers. This one, at least. After all, everyone has their secrets. They are a currency all their own. She would not be shamed by her peers or the public and would trade on whatever she damn well pleased.

Sliding out of bed, she pads toward the windows as a morning glow frames the intricate cityscape in slices of pinks between the outline of interwoven towers. Someone stirs behind her, letting out a long but satisfying groan. Janessa, sliding a hand slowly down her body, throws a look over her shoulder at a nude Kier rousing from slumber. He smiles when he catches sight of her and rises up on one elbow.

“Where are you going?”

“We have a meeting.”

“With who?”

“Whom. I thought you went to the most prestigious school in the CSA.”

He drops his head back and laughs, “So mean but I like that about you. There is a flaw in your scheduling logic, Ambassador. We are leaving this afternoon, remember? Not sure we have time for detours, not when we could be doing, you know, other things.”

“This will not take long and our meeting is with President Inganarre so I suggest you dress appropriately.”

Kier gulps, bolting upright, “The President? That’s…uh…kind of heavy. W-w-why would we do that?”

She pushes her dark hair back and sighs.

“You and the delegation made some valid points. I want you to know you have been heard and arranged for a more formal discussion around our business partnership and what that means in the context of an evolving political environment. I want you to feel confident in your decision and this should provide the clarity you seek. Besides, don’t you want to see how it all ends?”

He tilts his head, “How…what ends?”

Janessa smiles but it is devoid of any warmth as she heads toward the refresher. She runs a finger across his lips and pushes him roughly onto his back, pausing in the doorway.

“Everything.”

*

Now

Surface: Republic Presidential Offices

Emergency lights dance off the tendrils of smoke curling upward toward the towers above.

A pair of RSB agents arrive on the scene shortly after the first-responders. They have their hands full and so they hang back until being cleared to proceed. Search droids whiz by, scanning for signs of life. Ollo, the first agent, grimly assesses the scene. Bloody hell. The devastation looks total but there are still so many questions, none of them likely to have positive answers. He pulls a passing responder aside for an update. It is still officially search-and-rescue but anyone they have come across so far, whole or in part, is already dead. Body count rising by the minute. The center of the building is cratered, causing widespread infrastructure damage that appears to have brought the remainder of the building down with it. The second agent, Vrent, already has a holographic schematic up in her palm and points to the most plausible source.

Inganarre’s office.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on December 30, 2021, 07:05:55 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The news hits the Holo hard.

Not much anyone could do about that given the location and implications. Agent Ollo sifts through the initial reports trying to make sense of the information in front of him. It is far grimmer than he anticipated and he has seen a lot in his twenty-seven years serving in the RSB. Things had taken a turn in recent years yet still managed a sharper dive after Director Drakos’ murder. The acting Director, staunchly loyal to Speaker Leeds, wanted definitive answers and thought they found them in the somewhat conveniently placed calling card of The Concealed. Drakos abused his power and his death was retaliation for that. Ollo was not convinced considering his dealings with the separatist and alleged terrorist group never once hedged close to such atrocities. The acting Director was having none of it and sent the RSB into every corner of Chandaar looking to wipe them off the face of the planet. They were out for blood. He already knows what the acting Director will say, that this is yet another attempt of The Concealed to destabilize them. Retribution for the Speaker’s ‘Republic First’ legislative agenda. But Inganarre was sympathetic to their plight which makes taking him out rather counterproductive, especially if they ever hoped to stop the rising nationalism movement under Leeds.

Ollo rubs calloused hands over his tired eyes.

Here is what they know: After an exhaustive search, no survivors were discovered. All twelve individuals who reported to the office that morning, including President Inganarre himself, are presumed dead. Forensics is in the process of that gory confirmation now. The source of the destruction was an explosive device detonated from within the President’s office that had enough force to blow the place sky high but cause minimal damage to the surrounding structures. The team is analyzing residue to uncover the specifics but anecdotally, it appears this was orchestrated and executed specifically to eliminate the President and his closest aides and cabinet. While perpetrators and motives varied, he has seen enough to know the simplest answer is often correct. Everything about this feels like a hit and the acting Director is practically foaming at the mouth to blame someone. He wants to solve this case too but not at the expense of putting the first person that comes to mind in the public and RSB crosshairs. They need to take this step-by-step, despite the mountain of pressure behind them.

Agent Vrent joins him in the makeshift command center outside the bombing site. The government sector of Ambaril is under lockdown and they have cordoned off several block radii so they could work unobstructed. Vrent looks just as weary as he does but keeps her composure as she slips a datacard into the holoprojector in front of him.

“You found something?”

She nods, “In the logs they used to confirm employees in the building. No one can go in or out without the event being entered. Everything from the logs to the cam feeds is recorded and stored elsewhere as part of their disaster recovery strategy. I asked that they pull the visitor and delivery logs as well so we could cross-reference them.”

“They had a guest?”

“A group, actually. I confirmed it with President Inganarre’s personal schedule, also backed up to the offsite servers. Janessa Kain, ambassador of the Corporate Sector, brought a small delegation to meet with Inganarre this morning.”

“She brought the CSA delegation to meet with him personally? Why?”

Vrent pulls up the small list of attendees; Kain, Lissen, Porto, Nysellia, Kincaid.

“The meeting was tagged as business relations with notes from his assistant that indicated the representative from Palace Arms expressed concerns over the RSB’s use of their products potentially harming the brand. Kain appears to have scheduled the meeting as means to facilitate a dialog that would secure their business moving forward.”

“Palace Arms. That name sounds familiar.”

“It should,” Vrent continues. “It was previously owned and operated by a Chiss named Baltazar Nash who was, according to reports and publications out of the CSA, ousted and sanctioned by the Direx Board for organizing an attack on the Imperial resort moon of Hesperidium that resulted in the deaths of several thousand people, two of which were children of Direx Board members.”

Ollo groans, “Ruthless but fairly standard practice for them, is it not?”

“At face value, yes, but I took a closer look and found something…interesting. Among the other victims of the attack on Hesperidium were Princess Dahlia Winton and Baroness Gemma Masterton, the latter having been exposed as a Jedi and her clearance to any Republic world permanently revoked by Speaker Leeds himself.”

“I remember and, as unfortunate as it is for both of them to meet such a fate, what does it have to do with the CSA meeting with Inganarre?”

“Palace Arms was acquired shortly after the incident by Gellar Industries which is led by CEO Irulan Reeves as well as the majority shareholder and brother of the victims, Dane Gellar.”

Ollo’s briefly entertains the theory, “You believe he sent the delegation here to threaten the Republic with their business dealings? Out of what, revenge?”

“Unclear at this point but it may be worth exploring further.”

“It may but the Republic did not kill his sisters so it would be a stretch to say Gellar went from jamming up our weapon supply chain to taking down a prominent government figure. It also does not explain how a bomb wound up in Inganarre’s office. The delegation would have been scanned prior to entry and that area is blast shielded. It is one of the only places that still stands.”

“They were cleared but there is something else. The reason why I asked that they pull all logs to put together a timeline of events. A delivery addressed to Inganarre, that arrived twenty-four minutes before the start of that meeting.”

Ollo rises from his chair, “From where?”

“Anasaii Antiquities.”

“It went through the main security as well?”

“No,” she says evenly. “Deliveries go through the service entrance for scanning and processing.”

He grabs his coat and heads toward his patrol speeder, “Nice work, Vrent. I’m going to track down that order and I need you to pull those cam feeds. I want to know how the package and the delegation converged in that office.”

“They are working on it, sir.”

“Then make them work faster.”

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on January 17, 2022, 03:38:37 PM

“Sit back,
Matter of fact,
Teasing, toying, turning, chatting
Charming, hissing, playing the crowd.”

-OK Go

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Barrett Trevaithan stares down over the government sector of the capital city.

The fires have been put out but the swirling glow of the emergency lights reflecting off the now deserted streets provide an ominous reminder. As the Imperial ambassador, his digs were not modest by any means, and thus provided the perfect vantage point to view a plot twist they did not entirely orchestrate. The current setup of violence and blame up to this point came to be thanks to the accomplishments of a submissive Quentin, frighteningly hollow Quinn, and newly acquired Kinsa. It worked exactly as designed and no one believes anything anyone in power says or does.

The long con Schrag began so long ago now bears the fruit of their patient persistence.

After all, it is not the first time. The Republic grew stagnant and vulnerable, allowing Palpatine to seize upon and transform it. However, this time the spiral and collapse had happened without the Jedi parading around pretending to be peacekeepers. That variable was removed relatively early on whereas to drop the illusion this was anything other than what it is – the inevitable conclusion any Republic comes to.

Although not officially confirmed, the Republic at large fears the fate of the President. He was one of the most prominent to challenge Leeds, opening up paths for doubt in their assertions about The Concealed, the RSB, and Force users despite the ongoing narrative about them. It gave people like Counselor Corinthos the opportunity to use the courts to successfully chip away at their laws. Legislation constantly tied up in litigation is difficult to implement or enforce and serves to create the exact kind of confusion and chaos that is ripe for exploitation. Their reactions and displays of authority only further divided the Senate where those that want to uphold the core principles of their democracy run up against cries of preserving security even at the cost of their own liberties. Everyone who speaks out against it is labeled a Separatist or, more recently, a terrorist and traitor. Barrett has to admit the theatrics are a bit fun to watch only for the fact that this cycle has happened to them before and they still cannot get out of their own way. Leeds is surrounded by sycophants bent on maintaining their own power or those desperate to strip it from him. The years of exposure to the Sith artifact Dahlia covertly yet casually placed in his office has him consumed by suspicion and despair, and now he is starting to reap what he sowed with that instability.

Barrett replayed that last speech over and over again. The lost faith in Leeds is palpable. Cutting off all the mics was an especially tyrannical touch and those against him predictably came with torches. Calls for investigations into literally everything he has touched. It is a mess and he was only too happy to step in with an assist, framed as a neutral party lending a hand. Leeds had done exactly as he suggested with attention now diverted between politics playing out on Chandaar and the potential to escalate or resolve a conflict with an unpredictable Republic member system.

Still, the attack on the President so directly was not something he expected. It works to their advantage, certainly, but it was not something he or the “Emperor” authorized. Was this the work of the illusive Voss-Ra or do they have another interloper/ally? It really does depend on the perspective. Insinuations run rampant on the more conservative Holo channels where pundits theorize and posit on even the smallest shreds of information. His interest is further piqued when there is an unsubstantiated claim about President Inganarre’s schedule and the attendees of a meeting that coincides with the timing of the incident. It adds another layer to the already complex situation unfolding so many floors below him.

Since the government sector of Ambaril is locked down, he orders dinner to his room and contemplates the best way to structure the Imperial investigations and practical applications the corresponding access may have. People will freak out that the Empire is the one ascertaining the truth behind the allegations against Leeds but he is used to such skepticism. Citizens can often be incited to act against their own self-interest with two things; the right outfit and the right messaging. Another tidbit of wisdom from Dahlia’s influence. He misses her, much more than he expected to.

They had spent so much time together on Byss, training and aligning on their shared destiny, now that they have snatched it back from the clutches of those that would leverage it for themselves. Well, almost. There are still some in the mix with murky motives but they are both at an advantage, a position their predecessors likely never actually held. He would fear for her safety, leaving her all alone on Byss with a surprise new relative, but if she possesses even a fraction of the power Schrag was terrified of and went to great lengths to control, Dahlia will be able to hold her own. What he cannot abide is her being sidelined for so long. Barrett needs her by his side as they win the hearts and minds of an extremely wary galaxy. Barrett may have the skills but she shines in ways he simply cannot. She effortlessly paints herself as a compelling character everyone envies but ultimately roots for. A stunning feat they will need in order to pull this off. He muses on a mental plan for Quentin and company.

They have served the Empire well and it is something he is grateful for. In his mind, Quentin has something to make up for and very nearly has. But it is time to put their embedded assets on something that would generate the right kind of press in these dark times and partisan divisions. The public loves survival stories and one that comes with the potential to further separate the Republic and their loyal systems is simply too good to pass up.

The resurrection of Princess Dahlia Winton.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on March 19, 2022, 10:45:05 PM

“A cut without blood, left me free
Like yesterday’s stales, fresh from the bakery
And all of the time, it was on my mind
…perhaps
Things could be better
Than you could imagine.”

-The Cribbs

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

It is pure chaos out there but Agent Ollo keeps his focus tight.

The court of public opinion continues to divide with a deafening silence out of the Speakers office. Agent Vrent’s theory is entertaining, he would give her that, but there is little in the way of evidence at this point that the case has anything to do with them. He would dismiss it outright if it was not for a more personal connection for him, one of his earliest assignments back on Coruscant before he was with the Republic. Ollo was then just a young cadet coming out of the Imperial Academy and assigned to the murders of Caprial Bronson and Carli Cole, both popular NCH students with ties to those same four names. The brutality and insanity surrounding those cases drove him to briefly leave law enforcement, and the Imperial capital entirely. If he had not, Ollo would have died along with the billions of others when the Dark Queen of Hapes destroyed it in what feels like a lifetime ago. He found the Republic and his passion for the law again. For a long time, it fulfilled him completely, even at the expense of his personal life, but the recent turn of events has shaken him deeply.

The discord, riots, and what appears to be brutal murder of a high-profile Republic official give him the same vibes, as the younger agents on the force are so fond of saying. Vrent just gave those vibes a context he hoped never to consider again. He eases up on the speeder and stops in front of Anasaii Antiquities.

It has a typical setup; a showy gallery attached to a nondescript warehouse. From the looks of things, their client-base are elite collectors but Ollo never had time, or credits, to spend on such luxuries. The gallery manager approaches swiftly, looking frazzled, and more than a little concerned by his disheveled appearance. He had just come from the scene of a bombing but he had not stopped to consider what that may mean for presentation. With one flash of his badge, it seems to clarify something about him for her.

“And how can we help you today, Agent Ollo?”

To avoid any lip about client confidentiality, he keys up the warrant in a small holoprojector in his palm that he requested before he left the site. It was approved and signed by the time he arrived, indicating the gravity of the case. The authorization provides him access to anything related to that order and the gallery manager complies with an exasperated hiss. She waits while he reviews the data but nothing appears out of the ordinary. President Inganarre is a client with a purchase history, some of which have been delivered to his offices as she so diligently points out. This order in particular involved a rustic and ancient-looking box with a lid containing symbols Ollo does not recognize and finds hideous. To each their own, he thinks, as the gallery manager clears her throat.

“If you do not mind, I really must be getting back.”

“You seem inordinately annoyed for such a minor request.”

“You would be correct but I apologize for the rudeness. We cannot locate one of our drivers and nobody can reach him so it has left us scrambling this afternoon. We pride ourselves on our timeliness here at Anasaii.”

A tingle winds slowly up Ollo’s back, “I have no doubt. Was this driver the same one who delivered Inganarre’s item?”

This question stirs something in her and she steps to the console to pull up the record, face falling when she finds it.

“It was, yes. The last on his route this morning but he never returned to the warehouse.”

“I am going to need his information. Now.”

*

Surface: Five Points

Agent Vrent meets Ollo at the residence tower, looking rather worn in comparison to those that surround it. The warehouse district is having something of a revival and has transformed into the next destination to gentrify and redevelop. It has a way to go, certainly, but one day it would be as trendy as Serinus. The Holo is having a field day with those present in the building but the schedules of elected officials are a matter of public record so they could not block that release. It would take the teams some time to sort through the fallout with those slick political machines already working on the right kind of spin. It leaves a bit of time to follow some much-needed leads.

She did manage to get that photage but it was not nearly as compelling as she hoped it would be. Janessa Kain arrives with the Corporate Sector delegation shortly before their meeting, passes through security without issue, and is shown to the President’s office. The whole thing is seamless on that end. Conversely, she tracks the package as it arrives and is handed off to an aide that places it in Inganarre’s office a few moments before the President and the delegation all convene for their meeting. Less than five minutes later, the explosion takes out everything. All relatively straightforward and reinforces that the package is the likely source except for one thing: assistance from the inside.

“They never scanned the package.”

Ollo frowns as she winds back the photage, “What do you mean? They put it through the scanner right there.”

“The tech never turns it on,” she says, pointing to the small screen to the left of the security agent as it slides beneath the scanner on the conveyor belt. “So, it only appears that way.”

“Clever. Do any of those security agents leave their post?”

“That is the strangest thing – there are no other deviations of their duties. Whether only the tech or the whole detail was involved, they remain stationed and subsequently died in the blast.”

Ollo grimaces, glancing over to the residence tower, “That may indicate a motive rooted in a cause worth dying for which makes this significantly more dangerous.”

“You sound like you know a thing or two about it.”

“Unfortunately,” he says, unclasping his blaster holster. “I do.”

*

They step out of the rickety lift onto the suspect's floor where the corridors are about as lit as one would expect from something bordering on a slum. Berg Eniss’s person-of-interest status was upgraded when he failed to return after the delivery so here they are. Ollo leads the way, approaching the door slowly. He stands on one side and activates the door chime. Vrent, a hand on blaster, leans on the other.

The waiting is the worst part.

Ollo pounds on the door next but it does nothing to summon mister Eniss. He touches the door controls and it hisses open without much fuss. An unlocked door on a suspect’s residence is seldom a good sign. Vrent draws her blaster and calls around the corner.

“Mister Ennis, this is the Republic Security Bureau. We have a warrant to search your residence.”

Silence.

Ollo sighs, “Canto Bight odds on us finding this guy alive?”

“Do not be such a pessimist. Now I’m extremely curious.”

She lives for this stuff and he remembers when it gave him the same charge. However, the potential assassination of the Republic President has him more than curious. He nods, taking a breath before rounding the corner into the residence. Vrent follows, keeping a close watch on their tail. The place is musty with beams of light from the small, south-facing windows illuminating dust in the air. Aside from the general clutter, there is nothing that would suggest the place had been turned over or that he left in a hurry. They find Berg Eniss in the living room, slumped in a stained recliner chair, clutching a bottle of ale.

Dead or unconscious? Always a fun game in their line of work. Could go either way.

“Check him.”

She does, shaking her head, “Goner.”

“Told you.”

“Damn. Surely, he had stories to tell.”

No pulse, but he is cool, not cold, meaning he expired only a short time ago. The bottle, she notes, is still half full.

“We’ll need toxicology for that.”

“Poison?”

“Possibly, but it would take care of the loose ends. The security detail and the delivery driver, if involved the way they appear to be, are all dead. Closed-loop on a dirty deed.”

Ollo huffs, “No one is ever as careful as they think they are. There will be other threads.”

“But where to begin?”

“The usual,” he says. “Known associates of the victims, chemical components of the explosives, possible enemies of the President. These are bound to lead somewhere. This was clearly a calculated effort, no small feat to pull off given the target.”

Her com bleeps, leaving Ollo to sort through the contents of the residence. Not much in the way of personal possessions but nothing that jumps out as immediately suspicious. Eniss appears to be a standard working-class fellow, not unlike himself actually, but his involvement in this leads him to believe there had to be something much greater in play. He would not have been killed if he was not in some way complicit. How much he knew and when is less important than the why. Vrent clicks off and turns back to him.

“We have audio.”

“From where?”

“President’s office. He apparently recorded all interactions to combat any alleged impropriety.”

“With consent?”

“Republic laws are one-party consent but we will soon hear for ourselves. They are sending it over now.”

Vrent holds out the device when the file arrives. The conversation cuts in after introductions or small talk and sounds like they follow a request. Nearly four minutes have passed between the timestamp on the photage of when they physically entered the office to when the recording begins. Inganarre is known for his ability to disarm and delight through his stories so this tracks. Janessa Kain’s voice can be heard next; clear, sharp, intense.

“Of course, mister President. There is nothing to hide in what we have to say here today. The Corporate Sector has voiced grave concerns, concerns I wish to address directly to ensure a continued and prosperous partnership between us. We may seem very different at this moment but we are more alike than you think. We will go to unfathomable lengths to get what we want and what we want is for there to be a very clear understanding of who is in control here. Trust me when we tell you, it is not you.”

“Goodness, Ambassador Kain,” Inganarre says in an amiable yet elevated tone. “If you are not careful, ambition will be the death of you.”

After a tense pause, Janessa speaks with a chilling certainty.

“There is no death, there is the Force.”

The statement hangs there for the briefest of moments followed by an earsplitting crash, and the recording cuts out.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on May 05, 2022, 11:00:24 PM

“Patterns of them in my life
Each and every day I abide.”

-Pleasure Prince

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

RSB patrol speeders streak across an ever-darkening sky.

Ollo and Vrent return to the scene of the bombing, still awash in lights and activity. The initial stages of the operation are complete and the movements now are calculated and precise. Droids comb through debris while specialized agents reason out the series of events. They are bound by their duty but Ollo knows what will happen when they present their findings. The individual who delivered the package is dead, agents within the President’s office are seemingly on the take, and now a damning audio file that links the attack to the Republic’s favorite target. The wording, he muses, is so specific. Too specific. Everything inside him is telling him this is far too convenient yet does not stop Vrent from updating their status report. Covering this up would only further tarnish the agency’s reputation and continue to erode trust.

They do what they must, what they feel is right.

Not everyone wants to abuse their power the ways that Drakos did.

Although he had seen much in his storied career, Ollo is not a man of much faith. Perhaps he is only smarting over the fact that this will provide exactly the kind of ammunition Speaker Leeds will need to take this even further than it has already gone. A sobering realization. They spend the next hour pulling everything they have on Janessa Kain. The throughline on her involvement in this is nothing short of astounding. The files read like a daytime-Holodrama, something that is almost always a red flag. Real-life is often not as compelling with motives straying closer to the petty and common. Despite that, Vrent seems impressed.

“Respect. She lived her truth.”

“An uphill battle after that trial. Let’s talk this through. Kain was acquitted on charges of murdering fellow RSB agent Erbon by a lawyer, Corinthos, recently gunned down in an RSB raid and tied to a public figure, Prescott, taken out by – wait for it - a bomb with extremist undertones. I can feel the opposition to her verdict all those years ago gearing up for a big “we told you so.” This is too neat.”

“Not according to the forensic evidence, by the looks of it. We need to know where she was leading up to this.”

Ollo grunts, “She was controlled by a Force user then and it looks an awful lot like she is now. This target, however, was much, much bigger than Erbon.”

“Big leap between police and President,” she says, glancing down at the datapad beside her. “Toxicology is back. Concentrations of manax root poison in the ale, lethal levels in Eniss’ system.”

“A common tool of assassins yet not specialized enough to point it back to anywhere or anyone. We are missing something.”

She slides through several images of Kain but stops on one in particular – four women together at what looks like a premiere. He perks up watching her face as she works through the reasons why it struck her before. This is the kind of stuff, the small breakthroughs, and breadcrumbs that led them toward the truth, that made the personal sacrifices worth it.

“The lawyer, public figure, and, now, ambassador. All dead. All except one.”

*

Moving languorously through the lobby of her building, Kinsa sighs wearily and tries to keep it together. She is terrified yet trying desperately not to be. A real test of her acting chops that was mostly working. What she needs is to see Selene, but the Stranger is not taking her calls. Probably best, all things considered, but she is coming very close to spiraling.

“Miss Cavanaugh?”

She stirs, turning, but does not remove her sunglasses or respond. There is no way security would have let just anyone in the building, ruling out a deranged fan or trashy reporter.

“I am agent Ollo, this is agent Vrent. We are with the RSB.”

“How lovely,” Kinsa says and continues toward the lift. “Is there something I can help you with?”

“May we speak to you in private? Perhaps in your flat?”

Not without a warrant, bitch. Kaytt taught her better than that. She slows to a stop and steps into a small alcove.

“Here is fine.”

“Very well. I'm sorry, were you coming from somewhere?"

She opts for a casual half-truth, “Pretty sure my friend is dead. I needed some air.”

“Janessa Kain, correct? I know this is an incredibly difficult time but that is actually what we came to speak to you about.”

“About Janessa?”

“Yes,” Ollo says. “When was the last time you saw her?”

“A few nights ago. We had drinks.”

“Where?”

“The Legis Lounge. You know, that spot all the politicians like to hang? Stiff drinks but kind of a downer. Everyone always gives you the side-eye.”

“Did she mention anything? Anything about her schedule?”

Her words have not left her mind since that night: Exactly what needs to be done.

Kinsa pushes her hair over her shoulder and shrugs, “She never really spoke about work. I do not really understand it anyway though so that is not surprising.”

“And where were you last night, if you don't mind us asking?”

Grinding up on a member of The Concealed then, well, who knows?

“Hovee Wenstyn’s costume party. You know, producer Wenstyn. It was wild.”

Vrent’s tight smirk fits the tone, “I’ll bet.”

Ollo clears his throat, “With Ambassador Kain?”

“No, some other friends in the industry. It’s a whole thing. Does it matter?”

“It could. We are trying to put together where she was leading up to her meeting with President Inganarre.”

“Why?”

“Any details, regardless of how small or seemingly insignificant, could help us determine what happened. We are following up with everyone who knew those that attended the meeting. You were the most intriguing on the list.”

“Uh, what does that even mean?”

“This is not the first time something terrible has happened to someone close to you, is it miss Cavanaugh?”

Kinsa gasps, “What?”

“Do you not see a pattern?"

“If you are trying to exploit my personal trauma and pain, agent Ollo, I will not allow it.”

“You could be in danger too. If you help us, we could-”

“No,” she says warningly. “You do not get a pass for being insensitive because you are agents of the law. If I am not mistaken, it was at the hands of some of those very same agents that one of those closest to me lost their life. So, forgive me if I am not in the mood to discuss it.”

“Miss Cavanaugh, please, we are trying to-”

“Goodnight, agents.”

Kinsa calls the lift. It arrives within seconds, mercifully, and she steps inside. She does not turn around until they close behind her then slumps against the wall. Clamping a hand over her mouth, she stifles a scream. She does not know where she was the whole night. Only part of it. That would only arouse more suspicion and she does not have answers for them. She is also not about to give anything up on Janessa, regardless of her purported involvement. Too many holes in that story too. She knows they are probably scouring the city cams running facial recognition hoping something will pop.

The thing is, she cannot be certain it won’t.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on June 04, 2022, 12:43:11 AM

“Let them cut the ties that swept in defeat
One day I’ll be calm and I’ll learn to concede
Catching my horizons
A ringing bell to mark my repeating visions
You were none the wiser
A hint of panic can do wonders for distance.”

-Yumi Zouma

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

By morning, it is everywhere.

The last words of Janessa Kain blasted across the Holo which crystallizes around a salient talking point Speaker Leeds wastes no time in leveraging. The Jedi have infringed upon their values from within – again. They twist this into vindication for their ruthless path, literally and legislatively. They have been right all along with Kain being used as a Jedi weapon now as she was then. Detractors in the Senate decry the convenience while supporters push for retribution for any who would support them: starting with Corellia. An investigation is already underway, leading to even greater outrage at the timing and lack of transparency.

From his room, high above the fray, Barrett Trevaithan smiles.

Agent Ollo finds a different sentiment when he joins Agent Vrent at the bombing site.

“How could they do this to us?” she sputters, pacing the length of the command tent. “Our investigation is not even complete! The ethical implications are staggering let alone what this means for any kind of…justice. For anyone. As if the public does not already mistrust the RSB enough.”

“It does make you wonder.”

“You are not surprised?”

“Unfortunately not,” he says, careful to keep his tone low. “I am sorry that you are.”

“Then why did you not stop me from calling it in? I would not have provided a summary of our findings up to this point if I knew they were going to release that information to the public. They call it a leak but that is bullshit, right? It has to be. We have to gather and assess all evidence before a determination can be made.”

“Protocols do not serve them now.”

“Yeah, well, your cynicism used to be fun. This is…insane. How is anyone supposed to draw a reasonable conclusion if they do not have the whole story? We do not even have it yet and you did not answer my question. Why? Why not stop me if you knew this would happen?”

Ollo crosses his arms, “They would have questioned it if you deviated. Drakos’ murder fueled suspicion from within and now they are looking for any sign that one of our own led his to demise.”

“They cannot possibly think an RSB agent did that to him.”

“They grasp at straws and the staging was suspect. The Concealed would not be so obvious or sloppy, but an angry subordinate just might. Drakos had many enemies both inside and outside the RSB. You followed the procedure like you were taught. Like I was taught. But upholding the law has become much more difficult when those laws are in direct conflict with the Republic’s mission.”

This raises Vrent’s brows. Their partnership up to this point had been a mentorship she did not think she wanted or needed. An ornery yet effective veteran and an ambitious, young agent. It worked well for them but he always kept a distance that she believed was a part of that seasoned exterior. Vrent is not blind to what has been happening – she simply hoped their efforts could correct the Republic’s course, one case at a time. Restoring glory to the agency through law and order. How obtuse that all seems now. If he was disappointed by her hope, he never held it against her. She sighs deeply, forcing herself into a calmer state.

“I cannot tell if you are talking like a separatist or just being pragmatic.”

Ollo smirks, “I am not going to tell you what to think. Now you know. Not everyone is fighting the good fight.”

“But we are.”

“Yes, we are.”

She moves around the table and places her hand firmly on the surface to keep herself steady.

“I had a feeling about this case and you only reinforced it. Kain drops a phrase connected to the Jedi in front of someone who is known to record their interactions and blows this all up only for anyone tied to the chain of events to be neatly disposed of? We had a lead but you pushed too hard with Cavanaugh.”

“Clearly we do not have time for subtleties.”

“Kinsa was caught off guard until your comment about her personal life put her on the defensive. Her presence at the Legis Lounge and the Wenstyn party are easily verified. We pulled cams from one and there is no shortage of photage on the entertainment sections of the capital Holo.”

“You found something?”

“Two things, actually, but after what happened this morning you can understand my reluctance to share.”

“We are partners, Vrent, and you know it was not me who leaked Kain’s audio to the media.”

“I know,” she says, keying up the small projector in the center of the table. She scans through a few cursory shots from the Legis Lounge, Janessa and Kinsa at the door, looking surprisingly somber for happy hour. The next is party shots with elaborate costumes, most of which are poorly lit, and patrons who don a variety of masks. Vrent finds the one she is looking for. It is shot of Wenstyn himself, the sleazeball, mugging for the cam but over his left shoulder, in the glint of the party lights, is Kinsa Cavanaugh, dolled up to look like an angel. She is not alone. There is another person close her to, another female by the looks of it, with a contrasting costume leaning close to her ear. “Anything stand out to you?”

“Dancing with the devil? A little on-the-nose, if you ask me.”

“Aside from that. Their posture, the way this person has a hand on Cavanaugh. It is intimate. Could be a friend, could be more. Someone a distraught Cavanaugh may have confided in. She is running low on confidantes with Prescott, Corinthos, and now Kain dead. In situations like this, everyone needs someone to vent to. We have seen it over and over again with suspects and their associates. Identify the devil and we may know more.”

“What if it was one of these friends she was with?”

Vrent finds another of Kinsa with a group of fellow actors that show up with her throughout the night.

“See a devil among them?”

“No. Nicely done and worth exploring – what else?”

Vrent chews on her lower lip before getting to work.

“I was up late last night pulling cam feeds from around the city, seeing if there was a hit for either Cavanaugh or Kain.”

“And?”

“There is something on both. Nothing that would immediately contradict what Cavanaugh told us about the last time she saw Kain…but if you look closer, there is a link.”

She pulls up two images, side-by-side, of each woman walking downtown. Cavanaugh is still in costume, her neck adorned in a chunky necklace with a flat, round pendant at the center that hangs just below her collar bone. Vrent then shifts over to Janessa, time-stamped nearly twenty minutes later…wearing the same necklace. Kinsa is visibly not wearing it when they cut back to her entering her building.

Ollo’s heart begins beating faster, “Did you trace their movements between those times?”

“Of course. They are close, within a few blocks, but no cam catches them cross paths.”

His voice is hoarse even speaking the words, “Show me Kain the morning of the meeting.”

Vrent is already there, freezing the photage as she and the delegation pass through security.

Janessa is wearing the necklace.

“Holy shit.”

The link casts Cavanaugh's evasiveness in a new light and reframes how they look at the events leading up to the bombing. Something does not add up. There was no way they could have perfectly coordinated the delivery and detonation with the meeting, despite being on the President’s schedule. Any number of variables could have delayed them even if the package was placed in his office once it cleared that sham of a security check. It means the bomb may not have been timed.

It may have been triggered.

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on September 16, 2022, 04:41:14 PM

“Do it once, just to answer the question
Know how it feels to be like them
But when the poison has left the system
You’ll have your reasons to try again.”

-The Sadies

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril: UCA

The historic university library is labyrinthine in its design.

Not only does that make it easy to get lost (as many freshmen do each term) but there are more than a few places to steal away and study/snog without anyone being able to find you. Quentin Swire knows one such place and comes here often when he is not in class or on assignment. A spot he feels completely disconnected from everything and everyone. Today it is to cram for a test that he is only somewhat confident he can pass. He quite enjoys the thrill of learning in contrast to his life as an operative. If the Empire is paying for this prestigious education as part of his cover, he may as well take advantage of it. An hour or so in and he is feeling pretty good about the subject. He may not ace it but the odds of passing have risen considerably. Quentin sighs, stretching languorously back in the antiquated and altogether uncomfortable chair as a blur of motion catches his eye. It is a figure wearing a hoody pulled low that falls into the chair across from him.

“Hey! Beat it, buddy. This is my study spot.”

The figure raises its head, revealing a smirking Barrett Trevaithan, “We are not buddies, Q.”

Quentin conceals the rising alarm with a cock of his head, “Resorted to stalking, have we? How on-brand of you.”

“We always know where you are, Agent Swire. Glad to see those tuition credits are not going to waste.”

“What do you want?”

“No time for pleasantries?”

“Maintaining this charade takes work,” Quentin says evenly, waving a hand over the materials spread in front of him. “To pose as a student I actually have to be a student.”

Barrett keeps the hood low but widens his smile, “And a surly one at that so I will keep it brief. We need the scope of the Inganarre investigation restricted to only approved angles and suspects. They are starting to spiral and the conclusion must be the one we have scripted.”

“And you had to tell me in person? What happened, get lonely?”

“More to keep you on your toes. You grow too comfortable in your life as a college coed. Can it be done or not?”

“Take it easy, it is being handled. We have placed “evidence” that the RSB agents assigned to the case will be led to find. The fabricated but convincing trove will push the Republic over the brink they have been teetering on for years. It makes the connections you requested.”

In truth, Swire is a good agent but his rage over the play he made for Dahlia has never quite subsided to a comfortable level. He knows he needs to get over it and has implied as much but the sting of betrayal lingers. Barrett enjoys keeping him under his thumb, despite the rowdy friendship they once shared. Withholding information from him brings Barrett considerable joy. Quentin does not know anything that has transpired on Byss – Dahlia’s survival, Schrag’s death, or the Inquisitor’s identity. He knows what they want him to know but it raises an ironic parallel about the situation they find themselves in with the Voss-Ra. They could be operating just as blindly within the context of the prophecy. He despises the potential subterfuge about as much as he does any waning support for the Republic but, like all things, he must exercise patience to claim victory.

“Excellent, we want to avoid any institutional editorializing. Maker knows we have enough of that from the fringes of the Holo. I trust you will take care of those agents once this information makes its way public.”

Quentin nods, “No loose ends.”

“Much appreciated,” Barrett says, rising from behind the table. “I will see you around.”

“Wait-”

“Now you want to chat?”

There is only a slight trepidation to go there but it does not stop him, “Did we…?”

“Do this? No. But that is beside the point. We will leverage it to serve our goals.”

“Then who did?”

“We are…making inquiries.”

“Is that not a little, uh, problematic? Even if it helps us that is a big swing.”

“We are on top of it.”

“Are you? Your answer does not seem all that definitive.”

“Do you have a theory or just looking to push my buttons?” he counters, responding to the challenge by squaring his shoulders.

“Kain could not have done this alone,” he posits smugly.

“Astute as always but there are many moving parts for something of that scale which is not surprising.”

“True which means there had to be help on the ground, something local and well connected. That rules out the CSA delegation from Gellar Industries considering, you know, they were visitors and all died.”

“Unless their sacrifice was part of the plan.”

“We have met Dane Gellar. He did not strike me as the type to throw away life so carelessly. The cost of human capital is still a cost.”

“A sunk one now,” Barrett says lowly, recalling Dahlia’s concerns. “Inganarre had plenty of enemies but few that would want to aid the Empire so willingly or freely. Where were your charges during all this? Have their presences been accounted for?”

Quentin keeps a stiff upper lip, “I wondered that too but surely you realize that I do not control their actions, B. I only serve as handler and point person for the mission specs I receive. I do not keep their schedules or monitor their comings or goings. Well, Quinn’s comings perhaps. You would know better than I would what shots are being called and where they are being sent…unless you don’t.”

The jaw beneath the hood tightens but Barrett remains silent.

He capitalizes on the moment as it is something he had long wondered about. The nature and motives behind the project driving Kinsa and Quinn as Imperial assets are more than just a little mysterious. He watched his girlfriend and her sister become many others, each complete persona operating with tactical efficiency and lethality to execute their objectives. The silence speaks volumes and confirms what he suspected. Barrett is not the one in control here and he knows it.

“Personal proximity combined with access and ability make involvement likely but they are only activated through programmed directives and threat responses. Sleepers with plausible deniability. You have seen firsthand what they are capable of but neither of us knows how far they can or did go.”

“Point being?” Barrett snaps, incensed at the insinuation.

“That if you are not the one pulling their strings then maybe it is time you ask yourself who is and what they really want.”

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on January 25, 2023, 09:42:35 PM

“And when your dreams are on a train to trainwreck town
Then I ask you now, “What’s a girl to do?”

-Bat for Lashes

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Kinsa Cavanaugh is not typically a woman someone keeps waiting.

However, her lawyer is late. She had to rely on agency resources since there is no Kaytt. Gone are both a fantastic friendship and the resplendent representation that came with it. Until relatively recently, she never really needed it but she sure as shit needs it now. Kinsa sighs, pacing in what she fancies a smart outfit; tactful neutrals, nothing too fancy, a downplayed aesthetic for a cosmopolitan woman. There is a reason for this mania. The RSB ominously/officially summoned her and she thought it best not to go in alone, especially when there are pieces she cannot put together for them.

Or herself.

Counselor Kezlan Roan, a tall and snappily dressed Bothan-hybrid, finally appears through the doors of the obscenely lit RSB headquarters lobby. His polished hooves are pronounced and amplified through the space, drawing in the attention he seems to embrace. The it-boy of entertainment lawyers, or so they claimed when she asked about legal options. Best in the biz, etc., etc. Definitely someone she wants in her corner. Roan, on the other hand, glances her over and sighs. This one is high maintenance all the way but she is officially his client so he dives right in.

“Miss Cavanaugh. What is it then? Drunk and-or disorderly? Reckless endangerment? Groped by a high-ranking Republic official?”

“What? No. Well, yes, like once or whatever but that is not what this is about.”

“Color me vaguely intrigued and please continue.”

“Soooo, that is kinda the thing. I am not…really sure what they want. I mean, I have an idea of the subject. Janessa Kain, of course. My friend and well, former Republic liaison to the Corporate Sector. Former in general, actually. Okay, yeah, it is the same one who people are saying blew up the President and stuff but I swear I knew nothing about that!”

“Oh, this is going to be real fun.”

“Ugh,” she huffs, crossing her arms. “You sound like a public defender!”

“Hardly. The agency has me on retainer for a reason. Now: breathe, take it from the top, and we will sort this out.”

In a quiet corner, she frantically runs him through a, uh, strategically edited version of the past few months: murder, mayhem, and now an alleged terrorist bombing they somehow think Janessa clued her in on over their last round of drinks. There may have been an insinuation, one she provided to The Concealed because she thought she could stop it. Turns out she was likely a bit late and now it has all gone to bloody hell. She reaches for tears that are never too far away these days.

“What a bunch of assholes. Two of my friends just died and the RSB will not even let me grieve.”

“Right,” Roan says, running a finger through the stubbled cleft in his chin, “That is…a lot.”

“Obviously. I want them to leave me alone! Is that so much to ask?”

“No, but we need to get to the root of what they think you know. The quicker we can dispel any theories they have, the quicker we can get them off your back. You do not have to say anything you are not comfortable with so let me lead there if they start trying to paint you into one of their little corners. The RSB has a reputation for that. Anything else you want to tell me before we go in?”

Kinsa flicks away a tear and flips her hair, “Not really, no.”

“That does not sound entirely promising but let us see how it goes.”

They check in with reception and are escorted to a private room in which they wait for nearly half an hour. She surveys the surroundings and frowns.

“Who decorated this place? It’s so drab.”

“Style is not really a strong suit with the bureau. Neither is integrity these days if we are being candid.”

“Quite the quip, Counselor. You are not nearly as dour as I was expecting.”

“Call me Kez.”

Kinsa raises a shoulder and flashes a smile, feeling herself tilt toward flirty even though the thought of Selene’s body against her still races through her mind. Her friends are all super dead so why is she suddenly getting hot and bothered? The horror acts as some sort of morbid aphrodisiac which is not an unpleasant distraction. But the reality is; Janessa drugged her, presumably destroying evidence that the Empire is playing it fast and loose with the tenants of the truce, there are giant blank spots in her memory, Kaytt is gone, and now the President is dead with Janessa primed as the seemingly perfect perpetrator. A lot? This is more than a lot. This is literally insane.

The door hisses open and the pair of agents stroll in.

“Thank you for coming so promptly,” Ollo growls with a twinge of forced pleasantry.

Kinsa scoffs, “Well, we have been here for a while. Waiting. For you.”

“Our apologies,” Vrent interjects evenly, attempting to dispel the tension with a tight smile. “Something to drink?”

She knows better than that and keeps her hands to herself, “No, thank you.”

Roan throws her a look and she eases down into the chair through the sheer force of his gaze. He turns to the agents across from them.

“My client would appreciate some transparency around the nature of your inquiry.”

“Of course. Miss Cavanaugh, we spoke briefly the other day about the last time you saw Janessa Kain.”

“Yes, and I told you. Surely you confirmed this.”

Vrent’s expression tightens further, “We are not certain that was the whole story. The cams at Legis Lounge did confirm that interaction but you failed to mention you encountered one another after that. The evening of the Wenstyn party.”

Translation; the night before the bombing.

“Except we didn’t,” Kinsa counters quickly, trying to keep the edge out of her tone.

*

Janessa Kain wanders home after a long day to meet up with an anxious Kier at her flat. The boy has talents, that is for sure, but the role does not fit him. He is trying way too hard but she can appreciate the effort. In all the best ways. As she passes an ally, she hears a whisper. Faint but firm. A phrase that feels ancient yet familiar. She stiffens, slows her step, and veers sharply into the haze beyond. An obstructed figure moves beyond, lying in wait.

Kinsa emerges from between two tendrils of steam, an angelic outfit beneath an expressionless face.

*

Ollo and Vrent exchange worrisome glances then turn their attention back to her.

“Think carefully, miss Cavanaugh. Did you see Janessa Kain the night of the Wenstyn party?”

Roan leans forward, “Are you accusing my client of something?”

“It is simply a question we need to be answered.”

“She answered it. Unless you have something that would indicate otherwise, I suggest we move on.”

Ollo keys up the small holoprojector where a series of stills from the Wenstyn party float between them. Kinsa marvels at the perfection of her costume, noting how cute she looks.

“This is you on the night in question. Correct?”

“Yes.”

Another still of her on the streets of Ambaril alone.

“And this?”

“Yes.”

The last is of her entering the lobby of her building, a tipsy half-smile as she approaches the lift.

“This?”

“Still yes.”

“Do you notice the difference between the last two stills?” Vrent asks carefully, toggling between them.

Roan spots it immediately but Kinsa lags, confused by where they are going with this. The agents focus on her neckline which she thinks is kind of sketchy until she notices what is and is not in each shot. Still, she says nothing.

“Perhaps you can compare to this.”

Vrent brings up a still of Janessa Kain nearly half an hour later, elsewhere in the city, wearing what appears to be the same necklace. A necklace she is no longer wearing in the still from her lobby. The next still is of Janessa Kain the following morning beyond the security checkpoint in the official offices with Inganarre smiling as he greets their group. She is also wearing the necklace.

Her lips part as realization sets in but she keeps the gasp from escaping and looks to Roan for help.

As the hologram fades and the lights come back up, he takes a moment before he begins.

“Friends with complimentary stylistic choices is hardly noteworthy. We understand how that may appear but I would ask how you know it is, in fact, the same necklace and not one that looks similar?”

“More than similar. Identical.”

“Not something you can prove conclusively with security photage and you know that. Fashion is, after all, inspired by trends. Chunky necklaces are in right now. Even a casual glance at the adverts right outside this building will tell you that. For the sake of argument, and my personal curiosity, what is it you believe happened here?”

Ollo does not flinch, “Miss Cavanaugh left it somewhere the Ambassador could easily retrieve.”

Implying premeditation of some kind. Acting in concert together like a bunch of fashionable hooligans. Kinsa has a terrible, sinking feeling. The black spot in her memory that immediately followed the party widens to become an event horizon and significant liability. Oh, no. What did she do?

“We are not here to speculate, agent Ollo. What does this even have to do with Janessa Kain or the bombing?”

“We think the bomb may have been triggered.”

The accusation lands exactly as expected. Kinsa blinks rapidly but Roan is having none of it.

“Are you contending that my client gave her friend an accessory with a trigger in it that she then used to assassinate the President of the Republic?”

*

Kinsa’s fingers slide to the back of her necklace, undoing the clasp with one of her nails, “This will be perfect for your meeting.”

“You think?”

“Of course. Nothing like the right statement piece.”

*

“That is…a theory, yes.”

“For one,” Roan says pointedly, “Public speculation aside, I do not recall seeing any formal charges leveled at the late Ambassador Kain. And that really is all it is at this point – speculation. Second, you have not produced anything that would tie my client to a crime. There is no photage of the alleged exchange or evidence of alleged motive. You do not even know if there was a trigger. That bomb could have detonated any number of ways. What we have here is circumstantial at best and unfounded conspiracy at worst. You are trying to find someone to punish for these heinous crimes, we understand that, but you cannot further victimize my client to satisfy your lack of progress in this case.”

Vrent objects, “No one is trying to victimize any-”

He rises quickly and Kinsa, taking this cue, does the same.

“But that is exactly what this line of questioning is doing. You have nothing to charge or hold my client with and I will not allow you to further subject her to undue scrutiny. I say undue because, as your own office has suggested, this has alleged ties to the Jedi which make my client a long way off the mark.”

“Quit grandstanding, counselor. This is not a courtroom. May I remind you that Janessa Kain was influenced by a Force user and made to murder a colleague of ours?”

“She was also acquitted of those charges, if I may remind you.”

“Who is to say both Kain and Cavanaugh are not under the same dark influence?”

Ollo’s tone sends a chill up Roan’s spine, “That feels like a reach, even for the RSB.”

“Does it? I do not think so.”

“I do. Produce something you can hold my client with or we walk.”

Vrent has a feeling as well and wants to pursue the person dressed as a devil at the party but knows the lawyer will rip that to shreds. It could be nothing, sure, but Vrent considers the profile of someone like Kinsa Cavanaugh. Beautiful and famous with access to a vast network of powerful people. Would it make sense to use someone with that level of fame as a mechanism through which to trade information or supplies? They have seen trafficking of all kinds in their line of work. This would be an interesting twist. One no one would expect. The pretty often get a pass but Counselor Roan is right. It does sound like a conspiracy. It is also just crazy enough to be true. Nothing about this adds up and if Kain was under the influence of a force user all this time it is not a stretch to posit others in strategically placed roles may be as well. Playing the long game. As far as plans go, it is better than most they have busted.

Ollo goes a different route.

“There is another way to dispel any concerns. Simply show us the necklace.”

“Hmm?”

“The necklace. If you produce it then we will not pursue this further. We must rule it out, given the severity of the situation. We are certain Counsel can see reason in that.”

Roan leans close to her, “If you want them off your back, I suggest you do it.”

“Of course,” Kinsa says with a pinched grin. “I can bring it by in the next few days.”

“We would feel more comfortable resolving this matter now.”

Roan nods, “We would be amenable to that, right miss Cavanaugh? Best to clear this right up.”

“Absolutely.”

She does not have it, of course, and this would all come crashing down within the hour. Her fabulous little life wrecked because she thought she could do something for the greater good. Kaytt was absolutely right but there was no way she was going to leave her here alone. A fatal mistake for both of them, it seems. The girls. Circe, Kaytt, Janessa. Gone, gone, gone. Kinsa is now the one in this alone so she has to pull it together and think. The smile stays on as she gathers her things and follows Roan through the door. The ride back to her residence tower is frustratingly short. Her resolve holds even though she is not sure what fib she would conjure up when she could inevitably not produce the item.

The doordroid calls after her as they pass and informs them that her sister just arrived.

Wonderful, now there is an even larger audience to witness her downfall.

Outside the flat, Quinn dramatically whirls around and clicks off her commlink, “Holy shit, Kinsa, where have you been? You have not responded to any of my messages.”

“Kinda busy, Quinn. Can this wait?”

The agents come to a stop beside Kinsa and Counselor Roan when a hush falls over the group. It is one thing to see her image in an ad or on the Holo but Quinn Cavanaugh is something to behold in reality. Almost too perfect to be real which is not the worst problem someone in her industry could have. A beauty that is as disarming as it is unsettling. Quinn’s head tilts ever-so-slightly to the left as she twirls a long strand of frosted, silvery hair around her pinky finger.

“What?"

Unsurprisingly, her outfit is also stunning as if she walked straight from runway to doorstep; pointed heels, white pantsuit with severe shoulder accents, and deep-V above which rests her sister's saving grace.

“My necklace.”

Quinn touches it absently, “Oh, this? You let me borrow it for the launch party, duh. It was a whole thing but now we have drinks with some very cool people that kept asking for you. Producers, maybe? Who can ever tell these days anyway? What you are wearing is fine, I guess, but maybe throw on a colorful accent piece just for, you know, fun or something. Nothing too serious.”

“Wait,” she says, finally noticing everyone else. “Who are they?”

The agents look deflated, caught between frustration and relief. Vrent still believes her theory has merit but they would not be able to prove it here. If Cavanaugh is not Kain’s accomplice or the link to a larger network they would need to pivot back to the original trail; following the credits. Anasaii Antiquities is likely just the beginning but first, they need to excuse themselves from this mild embarrassment. Ollo attempts a grumbled apology with Vrent nodding politely.

“We were just leaving.”

As the agents depart, Kezlan Roan lingers for a moment. He has watched this scene play out before. Tropes, like stereotypes, exist for a reason. It would be too ironic if the RSB were on to something yet Kinsa is looking a little too relieved.

“Thanks, Kez.”

“My pleasure,” he says, bidding them goodnight although his curiosity and suspicion have been aroused. “Miss Cavanaugh. Miss Cavanaugh.”

Quinn is confused, “Uh, what was that all about?”

“Long story,” she says and follows her inside.

*

“What kind of statement?” Janessa asks flatly, pulling her dark hair aside as Kinsa fastens it at the top of her spine.

They face each other without the warmth of recognition. They may as well be strangers. Blank stares while speaking in even tones barely above a whisper. Kinsa brushes a finger along Janessa’s cheek, leaning close.

“That the third act has officially begun.”

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on March 21, 2023, 09:37:19 AM

CORELLIAN SECTOR: Centerpoint Station

How long had it been? How many months of republic scientists exploiting the graveyard memorial of Centerpoint, trying to discover its underlying secrets, to no avail? It had been the very first act of the Republic when Corellia joined, now some years ago.

And still nothing.
It was hazardous work too, combing through the wreckage, where gravity existed in warped ways, pushing and pulling. the scientists, as a rule, had to do their work, combing through the wreckage, in specially designed suits, able to combat the strange gravitational forces, tethered to a track that had been built along the cooridors.

Even when the Republic came in to 'secure' the facility, it was the researchers and scientists who remained on the station doing the work; only a handful of Republic guards ever boarded the research platform that was built on the outskirts of the wreckage, and fewer still on the station itself. There was much in the way of superstition. The belief that it was not mere science that made these ruined halls dangerous. Ghosts, spirits. Some malevalent force at work, angry at the efforts made by those scientists.

And the danger had, seemingly, increased recently. Gravitational readings from the station had shown a spike in energy forces, though it's source was still unidentified. More mishaps had occurred on the station, with seemingly stable cooridors collapsing suddenly, several researchers lost.

It was with extra caution that a team of scientists, 6 in total, were making their way down one of the remaining broad cooridors, heading from a secure lab near the remnants of the docking bay into the station's interior sphere. Each was in a fully pressurized suit, reinforced, and tethered to the wall. Their movements were slow. The station's power had long been disabled, but a string of lights had been set up overhead, giving them sufficient vision to move ahead. each also had their own flashlight and camera, mounted on their work helmets.

"Alright team, this is command. That most recent gravitation spike came from the central sphere region. We are going to see if we can get closer for some better readings. Let's move nice and slow. Don't want to wake the ghosts"

The voice came over their radios, and a few of them chuckled - uneasily. The idea of ghosts, as ridiculous as it sounded, seemed to have just a little too much hint of truth. Afterall, rumor had it some of the galaxy's most powerful had died on this station.

They made their way deeper, heavy boots thudding on the metal surface, the only sound echoing in the abandoned hall. The overhead lights flickered briefly, then went out.

"Alright team, looks like we have a power problem. Switch on your personals."

The team activated their on-helmet flashlights, the spotlights only a fraction of what the overhead lights had provided, giving the hallway a far more eerie look.

The commander was watching the cameras over the radio, when he blinked, leaning forward.

"Team, hold up a second. Are you seeing ..."

The camera had caught sight of something, just beyond the reach of the flashlights, what looked like a figure, blocking the path ahead. Of course, that was impossible. There was no one else in this part of the station. At least, no one alive.

the researchers turned their gaze forward, trying to cast their light ahead. It was hard to see, but they still saw the same thing - a cloaked, dark figure, blocking the path.

"Hello?"
It was the researcher most up front, and without any idea how better to proceed, he figured a greeting was as good as anything.

The commander meanwhile, glanced away, turning to a team member beside him.
"Can you notify security? it looks like there is someone else aboard the station"

He looked back at the cameras, watching what his team on the station saw.

The figure's arm went up, facing toward the researchers.

"Naughty naughty - you shouldn't be here."

It was a feminine voice, cold and cruel. Her hands reached out, fingers clenched - and suddenly the cameras went out.

The commander rose from his seat, suddenly panicking about what should have been a routine day.
"team? Pull back - I've got security moving to your position, but don't advance any further. Pull back to the lab"

His response was static, and then that same voice.

"silly mortal. the thing you are looking for - it belongs to me."

==========================

Several hours later, a security team reached the cooridor, armed and on the lookout.
The bodies of all six researchers lay on the ground, their suits slashed through the center with some type of heated blade. There was no sign of the perpetrator, but the team was looking around, one officer grabbing a cylindrical object from the floor near one of the bodies.

"I think I've found something"

Carefully holding the cylinder vertically, he pressed an activation button near the center, a beam of green light jutting out of the metal cylinder.

"Sir - I think they were killed by ... a lightsaber"

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on April 19, 2023, 10:06:40 AM

CORELLIAN SECTOR: Centerpoint Station

Sentiment was not usually a part of Adubell's personality. She was cold, inhuman, ambitious, and utterly selfish. That inner person was reflected by her outer shell, the perfected version of herself, a tinted gray skin, impervious to weapons.

But as she stalked through the abandoned, ruin halls of this ancient station, her hand rose to trail along the durasteel wall, and her thoughts drifted back to when she would frequent this place.

She had already studied, already trained in the dark side, already knew of the Voss-Ra and their work with Alexander Winton. But it was Winton himself that had really set the course of her life. He was no fool and no tool, and her attraction to him had been as surprising to her as it was sudden. She had been sent by the Voss-Ra to spy and even manipulate him, but she found that he was ready for her trickery. And in that, he had earned her respect. Even when it was apparent that Winton was using the Voss-Ra as much as they were using him, she remained by his side, and eventually to his bed.

He was the only paramour that Adubell had ever considered an actual partner. The only one strong enough to be worthy of her; the only one who commanded the respect he deserved. The rest of the galaxy was a pale comparison to what Winton had represented. Not just power, but the intelligence to use it.

Adubell had been mortal then, she recalled as the hallway curved down, noting the shift in the gravitational pull. Ordered by Alexander to depart Centerpoint to preserve intelligence. When she had departed in the heat of that last battle, even when she saw the station implode, she was certain she would see his reincarnated version in a few days or months, summoning her back to him. When he hadn't, she visited the old factories, the places where his body would be rebuilt, only to find each and every one destroyed.

It was then she realized he would never return, that Alexander Winton had failed. He had so many redundancies, and yet each had been found, each had a connection to him that made them traceable.
But she would carry on his legacy. And do it in a way that no one could predict. She had rebuilt sanctuaries, scattered in remote, unknown parts of the galaxy, in places no one knew. No records of where she had built these facilities. It would take an eternity to find them all, even if someone knew where or how to look.

Alexander Winton had failed, but she, Adubell, would not. She would carry on the legacy. The immortality of the GURI Project; The strength of the Persephonea Prophesy and the Force; The power of the etheralis, combined. She was the culmination of the eons. She would rule the galaxy for eternity, spreading her darkness until all obeyed her rule.

Adubell reached the crumpled remains of a double-blast door, her sentimental walk down memory lane now done, she channeled the anger within her and pushed out with a scream. The last of the door burst outward, the hallway depressurizing as it opened into the large sphere that made up the massive center of the station.
Sphere, of course, was a loose term - the structure had turned in on itself, and the sphere was now more a mass of metal, loosely forming an arch around her. On one side, the star destroyer that had rammed into the station still stood, a ruined wreck, open space visible beyond it.

A human would die in such an environment - even one with a pressurized suit would succumb, unable to withstand the unexplainable gravitational forces.

But Adubell was not human. She was immortal. She floated out into the center of the open space, landing her feet on the bow of the star destroyer as she stared out at the mass.

It was here. She could feel it now, the power of the station, unexplained for so many centuries. It was not the normal force, easily detectable by most force users. It was something both more powerful and more hidden. Hidden to all. except her.

The etheralis.

She had a part in her possession, and with it, she could sense a sister piece close at hand. It was the etheralis that gave Centerpoint the power to literally move, create, and destroy worlds.

And soon she would have that piece as well.

From her belt, she withdrew her lightsaber - she had discarded one where she left the republic scientists.

Igniting it, it's red blade reflected off of the discarded metal. Adubell twisted the weapon upside down, the red blade facing downward between her feet. She held it up, looking at the bottom of the hilt, where she had attached a shiny round, crystaline object. She deactivated the blade, and moved one gray hand over the piece, feeling its power thrumbing through her, her other hand reaching out.

Adubell closed her eyes, letting her anger mingle with the power of that primordial stone.

"Come to me ..."

Soon she would have them all.
She was the daughter of darkness; and soon she would be the queen.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on June 13, 2023, 01:02:48 PM

CORELLIAN SECTOR: Centerpoint Station

Adubell had lingered there until she held them both in her hands - the one piece, connected to her lightsaber, the second, a similarly shaped sphere had pierced through the wreckage, the mass of wires and metal. Even as it moved from where its power had been harnessed since time before time, it's most obvious power still lingered, its gravitational pull causing loose durasteel to bend toward it as it sailed across the open space.

She felt that pull - that literal, gravitational pull, as it approached her hand, could feel herself falling toward it. But she carried the other piece, and holding it out in front of her, the Centerpoint piece was suddenly neutralized. It no longer was pulling things in. it's power, so long channeled toward that one ability, was seeking out a new use. Adubell grasped it in her free hand, feeling the surge of the Force through her, not unlike the way the Force had used her as a conduit for its power, reforming the new Coruscant in the ashes of the former world. it had not occurred to her how the sith temple had been so strong, so concentrated in the force, and a smile crossed her grayish lips as the next piece of the puzzle came together in her mind. She knew ...

The Force swirled around Adubell as she looked again at the vast desolate chamber. She already knew the implications of what she had done - could sense the Republic soldiers and politicians stirring against Corellia and the Jedi. The etheralis gave her a sight of what was transpiring, and with time and training, she would be able to foresee far into the future. A goddess of the galaxy. For now though, she was content to let the petty mortals slowly destroy themselves as she collected the rest of her prize. She made her way back to the doorway, purposefully moving in the direction of her ship.

But just before leaving, she took one look back, one final glance at that central chamber where so much power had been concealed and wielded for so long.

"Goodbye, Alexander"

She reached out, with the Centerpoint piece of the Etheralis, it's shimmering light clouding with a blackness within, then shooting outward toward the chamber. The station shook as Adubell ensured the last evidence of what had been would never be found.

===========================

In orbit, even as the last of the Republic ships slipped away into hyperspace, the Corellian ships had their attention turned to the Centerpoint Station.

"We need to investigate - find out what happened to those republic scientists that they say were killed"
Several shuttles were already launching when the alarms began to sound.

"Sir! the gravitational field around the station - it's fluctuating!"
"What? How is that possible?"
"I don't know sir. But the normal distortions - they seem to be fading away, and new spikes in gravity are appearing at the center."
"Pull all ships back! All shuttles, return to the hangars. All capital ships, move out of range of the station!"

The orders came quickly, the shuttles heading toward the base making wide turns back toward their capital homes

The station itself began to tremor, visibly shaking in front of a background of stars.

"Sir, the station's structural integrity is failing - it's collapsing in on itself"

Even as the officer was reporting, the remnants of the station did just that - literally folding in on itself, the sound of screeching metal pounding and compacting on itself, over and over again.

And then, just as quickly as it began, it was over - where the wreckage had been, already a reduction of the original station's glory, was a mere fraction of the size, loose pieces of durasteel, so long held together by the gravity well, began floating out into deep space. There was still a wreckage, to be sure, but there were no longer any remnant hallways, passages, or chambers. In short, there was no longer a place to even investigate what had happened.

The Corellians stared long at the wreckage, and the lost hope of vindicating themselves against an ever more vengeful republic. None even noticed as the small Siennar-fleet ship disappeared into the darkness of hyperspace.

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on June 28, 2023, 01:16:34 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The atmosphere in the senate is palpably tense. The agenda for the day had but one matter - to address the allegation that Corellia had violated the Force User Registration Act, not to mention several other offenses.

Holograms showing video footage were floating at several points in the chamber, giving all senators - at least, all of those present - a good view.

It started out much like a horror film, footage from the research team onboard Centerpoint, encountering the cloaked figure, her condescending evil tone before the screen went black.

The voice heard, once again over audio

"Naughty naughty - you shouldn't be here."
"silly mortal. the thing you are looking for - it belongs to me."

A break in the footage as Senator Braac made his way to the center podium to offer his own commentary.

"An analysis of the audio by RSB's Voice Recognition Specialists was able to match the voice to the fugitive jedi known as Nevylinn"
An image of Nevylinn, taken some five years earlier, filled the holo-screens.
"The analysis found that but for some distortions, there was over a 90% match between the audio and the jedi's voice. Sadly, our research team on the station did not survive their encounter with the jedi."

The next set of videos now filled the screen, the security team that was sent in afterward. Finding the bodies of all six researchers, slashed through, one officer grabbing a cylindrical object from the floor near one of the bodies.

"I think I've found something"

Carefully holding the cylinder vertically, he pressed an activation button near the center, a beam of green light jutting out of the metal cylinder.

"Sir - I think they were killed by ... a lightsaber".

Senator Braac continued, doing his best to remain stoic while he suppressed the glee he felt.
"Indeed, our forensic team concluded that all six were killed by lightsaber wounds. And the murder weapon itself was indeed verified to be a jedi lightsaber."
No one mentioned that it made no sense for the killer to leave their weapon on scene - or that Nevylinn was known to carry a blue rather than green blade. Such small inconsistencies had not entered the report.
"Every member of the senate has been sent a copy of the full forensic report from this incident, so they can review it for themselves. And judge accordingly.

I will admit, even given my suspicions about Corellia, when I heard about the attack, I was shocked. But it became clear, very quickly, that this was not merely the jedi hiding at the center of the galaxy's most deadly weapon. No. The Corellians, at every level of their government and military were aiding the jedi. And when we sought to secure that station, to investigate further. Well, finally the ruse of Corellian compliance with Republic law fell away"

New audio and video splayed across the holo projector screens.

“You are in violation of Republic law! Stand down immediately!”
A swarm of clearly Corellian vessels seems to be growing around the three MC cruisers, as the corellian audio reply is played, conveniently staticky and leaving out key context.

“military action ... against ... you ... will therefore leave the system immediately ...”

The angle of the camera makes the Corellian fleet look more imposing, more aggressive. How much editing was done was hard to say. But it was a masterful presentation.

As the holo-projector deactivated, Senator Braac added in the last comments of his report.
"After we were forced to flee from Republic space. We received reports of even more disturbing news. The Corellians, desperate to hide any evidence against them, have finally destroyed what was left of Centerpoint Station. The only evidence that exists is what we've shown you today, because Corellia has done their very best to prevent this body from knowing the truth.

That Corellia has violated the Force User Registration Act, serving as a refuge for the dangerous cult that is the jedi.
That Corellia is harboring their own senator Artemis Soldys, who stands accused of multiple egregious crimes, including treason against the Republic.
And Corellia is prepared to undermine the Republic by continuing to develop a strong military force. Capable of threatening other member worlds of the Republic.

My colleagues - we cannot allow Corellia to go unchallenged or unpunished. We cannot let them act with impunity. We cannot let them kill innocent scientists, or defenders of this Republic, just so they can retain their hold on power.

I therefore move to open debate on Senate Bill 02368. The bill has three key aspects:
First, stripping all worlds in the Corellian Sector of their voting privileges until such time as they are deemed in compliance with Republic law
Second, authorizing strict financial sanctions against the Corellian Sector, it's leadership, and any company that does business with the Corellian Sector
Third ..."
Senator Braac paused for a moment, the smile finally crossing his face.
"Given their civil authority's unwillingness to comply with the most basic of Republic laws, Third would be imposing a regional governor with direct control over the Corellian Sector, with the full authority of the Republic senate, and backed by Republic Security Forces.
And Fourth, a requirement for all Corellian naval and military forces to be decomissioned, and their ships confiscated by the Republic Navy"

There was no cheering when he finished speaking, but equally, there wasn't much in the way of opposition. Since Senator Soldys had left the senate, law after law after law had slowly chipped away at any form of dissent. While outside, protests were ongoing, and the Republic felt like it was teetering, here, in the senate itself, everything seemed orderly enough.

The vote to open debate passed by an overwhelming majority. Discussion was already underway for closing in on Corellia.

The final vote would happen in a matter of days.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on August 11, 2023, 11:33:42 PM

“Once you arrive, there’s only so far to fall
Ask how you got here, it gets hard to recall
Head for the door, it pulls you back in once more
Baby, once becomes once in a while.”

-Metric

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Serinus

The Menagerie is bustling.

So many parties to get to, so many places to be seen. It is packed to the rafters with literally the hottest people on the planet. Quinn Cavanaugh pushes back her icy blonde hair and pouts into a massive – and spotless - oval mirror as Quentin lounges nearby on a rather oddly shaped chaise. The Menagerie is filled with furniture more fit for a museum. All aesthetic, minimal comfort. Fitting, really. His glance slides her way again. She is beautiful. The most beautiful in all the lands or so the media is fond of saying. He has witnessed the power himself, the way in which others gravitate toward her, the envious and lascivious looks that find their way to her wherever she is.

She may appear unbothered by it all but she is dangerous in more ways than one.

Quinn is an asset of the Empire, one that can assume any role they need through the nanotech coursing through her veins. She has been so many different types of people that it is a wonder she even knows who she really is at all. If she even does. Sometimes it is difficult to tell. There is a void behind those sky-blue eyes, one that terrifies him only slightly less than the pulse of his attraction. He is the luckiest guy in the Republic with Quinn on his arm. His schoolmates jealously tease him about it endlessly. Not that he minds. To those that know him, he is just a horny student jock who managed to secure the affections of a gorgeous Republic model although Quentin is no slouch himself. That much he knows but it pales in comparison to Quinn’s radiance. He even gets off on the disguises she wears throughout her various assignments. It may alter perception in order to infiltrate but the physical expression of her is nearly divine in nature. However, in her personal life, she operates with an excruciating sluggishness that drives him insane.

“Almost ready?”

“Almost,” she murmurs, scrunching her face up. “My brows look weird. Don’t they look weird?”

“They look amazing, babe. I’m starving.”

She ignores him, still smoldering even in her casual selfishness, and sighs.

“I cannot believe the RSB thought Kinsa helped Janessa blow up the President. What a total riot!”

“Such a riot.”

With one heavy caveat.

Kinsa never let her borrow that necklace for the launch party. Quentin only told her she did. Acceptance of this statement was not even remotely challenged, regarded coolly even, as though it was obvious and inconsequential. The piece was sent to him with instructions to make sure Quinn made it as visible as possible. The launch party was conveniently high profile enough to make work so he proposed the accessory. A part of her almost seemed touched that he cared enough to suggest it and applauded his spectacular taste.

Kinsa Cavanaugh, a more recent Imperial acquisition, had a mission of her own. A mission that was unknown to him at the time yet she played her part in something far more devastating. He suspected they had help on the ground, that much he posited to Barrett, but not how he would play into it. This time, he was to provide the cover. The trick worked and cleared Kinsa of the RSB investigation into Janessa Kain’s alleged role in President Inganarre’s gruesome demise, redirecting the agents back to the path they need them to follow. The damage is already done – Janessa branded an instrument of the Jedi as she had been before. An easy target, they said. Knew it all along. She was already a murderer, despite the legal maneuverings of the now-slain Counselor Corinthos. Shot in cold blood by her own mind-controlled bff. It could be tragic but the poetry of it all is so much sweeter than that. Even now, Quentin does not have the whole picture, they make sure of that, but his efforts to destabilize the Republic from within while managing to pass uni exams is something he is proud of. It takes the sting out of losing Dahlia, however brief and fleeting. They spared him his almost-indiscretion and he takes great pride in sticking it to the RSB.

They are so good at chasing their own tails, especially now that Quinn took out Drakos to frame The Concealed. They are pulled in so many directions as they drown in the perils of the civil unrest they created. They are only scooching things along, a foregone conclusion to the tyrannous overtones of a Speaker consumed by paranoia and greed. The explosion, ensuing investigation, and now Corellia’s alleged traitorous acts are more messes they simply do not have the resources to focus on, which leaves the two intrepid agents the vessels through which the depths of the Republic’s treachery will be revealed. The tension is electric even in the gentle, evening breeze.

Chandaar’s vibes are definitely off.

They just need to drive the point home for the rest of the galaxy. He hopes to be rewarded for the efforts even though he knows it is far more likely that they will turn Quinn on him. A last fuck you from that grieving prick Barrett Trevaithan. There is a lot he does not know but takes some dark comfort in the fact that Barrett doesn't either. He gave Quinn the necklace to cover Kinsa but who loaded it up with a trigger and gave it to Kinsa to deliver to Janessa? If that is, in fact, how it happened. Has to be, otherwise what would be the point of covering it up? There are far too many unknowns and it is making Barrett nervous, not that he would ever admit it. Quentin's eyes focus on Quinn, a grounding force if she was not also a terrifying weapon. He wonders if she knows, somewhere, deep down, that she would one day wake up over his lifeless body. More time gone, another mark on the kill list. He gets hard thinking about how hot she would look when she overtook him. He smiles.

Quinn turns, batting her wide, infinitely vacant eyes, “What do you think?”

Her brows look exactly the same, meticulously manicured yet somehow still effortless.

“Perfect.”

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on September 01, 2023, 11:52:53 PM

“So what pray tell
Will save you now
Here comes that cold sunrise.”

-Low

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Agent Ollo is angry.

The connection was clear and the case solidifying before them until it all blew up in their faces. They pushed hard because the assumption was that Kinsa Cavanaugh would not be able to produce the necklace in question. There was no way she could if it was the trigger Janessa Kain used to assassinate President Inganarre. That was good work on Agent Vrent’s part, a testament to her dedication and observational skills. It is what makes her a good RSB agent. One of the only good ones left, it seems. Now they are right back where they started. Even though he does not believe it, Counselor Roan would have torn them apart since there was no way to prove they were one and the same. The necklace could not be simultaneously ash amongst a crime scene and fastened around the neck of a Republic model.

Vrent pulled the photage of the launch party and there it is, gleaming in stills of Quinn Cavanaugh draped across something or posing with someone. The vapid nature of that world irritates him. He sighs, running hands over his increasingly lined face. Etches of a life upholding the law. With their lead destroyed and their theory in tatters, they take a look at where they would most likely be able to expand and explore.

The credits.

The antiquities dealer was a start and it began with a ridiculously expensive old box. The evidence points to it being the mechanism of delivery and he still maintains that a timer would have been too unpredictable. Inganarre could be chatty and may have been ages before he returned although the explosion would have likely killed him anyway. The only way to be sure is to have him at ground zero and that suggests a trigger. The credits used to purchase the item are directly connected to Inganarre which is not surprising or unexpected. Everything about the procurement itself is legitimate, even innocuous, but those are the details worth exploring. The ones that would be overlooked as ordinary as he had hastily dismissed them to be when he initially reviewed the purchase order.

A bit of perspective and time allow them to revisit the transaction from a different angle.

“What if someone arranged for it to be available?” Vrent posits on a particularly gloomy evening in the central station. Late, early, no one can tell at this hour. She is spent from the long nights but appears otherwise undeterred by the setback.

“The box?”

“Yes. The President had a particular penchant for these types of items as we came to find out. He was a collector. This was known to those within his circle although perhaps not widely. Enough to leverage, if needed.”

Ollo follows her train of thought, “So, someone with this knowledge made it both available and known to Inganarre to bolster his chances of going after it?”

“Would a serious collector pass up such an opportunity? It’s on the Holo, those insane auctions, trinkets from various eras and worlds going for hundreds of thousands of credits. You told me Anasaii Antiquities is a rather exclusive gallery with a roster of patrons comprised of the Republic elite. Someone at the gallery may have even given him a heads-up before it was officially announced.”

“Did you check-”

“Already done,” she says with a satisfied smile. “The gallery manager is feeling major guilt in what could have been an unwitting part in all this. Not that I confirmed anything but, given what the two of you discussed, she made her own assumptions. I simply used that to get beneath the surface.”

“Well done. She told him it was available?”

“She did. They had formed a rapport over the years, crossing paths at auctions and exchanging banter when he came to visit the gallery. She said she kept an eye out for items from the early-to-mid High Republic era and gave him the tip when it hit their inventory. Inganarre offered to purchase it outright and she arranged the transaction.”

Ollo frowns, “And the seller agreed? Just like that? Would they not have fetched a better price if they put it up for bid at auction?”

“Not necessarily as that would depend on interest, like anything else. Things are only as expensive as the demand allows but it is a little strange they would accept a first offer when you say it like that.”

“I suppose they could have been looking to offload it, if it was, in fact, niche enough. People have curious habits…and tastes. Something else though, the box had an inscription on it, something I did not recognize. It wasn’t basic.”

“Highly probable. The box was from somewhere in the Galactic Frontier. Inganarre was apparently fascinated by the adventure and exploration of the time. Something he and the gallery manager bonded over. I asked her to send over the specs. It should contain some images.”

She enters her credentials and taps on the console to scan through her messages then keys it up.

“Here it is. You were right, it is not a traditionally stunning piece but I guess it could be more sentimental.”

“I believe the word I used was hideous.”

“To each their own. Alright, let’s see, origins in the Rseik Sector. Valo system. Synopsis indicates it was built and gifted to the Republic when they designated the Bonbraks a protected species.”

“And the inscription?”

“Bonbreez, the Bonbraks native language.”

“What does it say?”

Vrents eyes widen slightly but they meet his with a knowing intensity.

“Translated to basic: Justice.”

Ollo folds his arms behind his head and leans back from the desk, asking her to work them backward through what they know.

The Republic President is dead along with everyone else in the compound.
Republic ambassador to the CSA schedules a meeting with him to settle a branding (see: profit) issue and speaks to a core Jedi tenant before a bomb detonates.
Aide delivers the box to the President’s office, twenty-four minutes before the start of that meeting.
A security agent bypasses scanning and allows the box into the compound.
Delivery driver makes the drop to the President’s compound but never returns to the gallery then winds up murdered.
An item that matches certain criteria appears in the Anasaii Antiquities inventory, The President is notified, and he then buys the antique box before it hits auction.
The box contains a message: Justice.

Justice. The Jedi phrase. Justice for the Jedi. It looks exactly like they used Kain to strike back at the Republic but the glaring intentionality is suspect since the necklace had a similarly breezy path to resolution then didn’t. The simplest answer to that question could be a misdirection of its own albeit one that would have taken considerable care and planning. Someone with intimate knowledge of the situation, players, and the patience to wait for the perfect alignment. The logistics, setup, and execution are staggering despite being a bit on the nose.

“Bullshit. I don’t buy it.”

They spend nearly two weeks down this hole, tapping their slicers and trading in long-forgotten favors. It is a messy business, trying to get to the truth but both are willing to go that distance. They are rewarded with the identity of the seller; Sonagraas, a holding company used to obtain the box. The shareholders in that company split off into several directions so they follow each one. A company here, a consortium there, they work their way down from largest to smallest in terms of ownership stake. The trail of credits seldom disappoints but this one leads them to a smattering of the galaxy’s most questionable operations. Each one deserves attention and they vet through them for patterns or people connected to their investigation.

One hit piques their interest.

Among the list of shareholders a small firm, Orestes, divested from Palace Arms five years ago that specializes in tactical explosives. Palace Arms. The once-Chiss owned CSA weapons manufacturer tied to the Bolerathon Tower bombing that killed Princess Dahlia Winton and the Baroness Gemma Masterton which was later acquired by their brother, Baron Dane Gellar. His namesake company, anyway. He drifts back to Vrent’s revenge theory but that still does not track for him. The Republic didn’t kill his sisters, the Chiss did, at least according to reports and testimony from Gellar himself. He would know where the blame lies. Gellar would not risk that large a client to multiple business ventures simply to exact retribution. He doubts the CEO, Reeves, would even let him consider it.

Ollo stews, returning to the crux of his argument: the Republic did not kill his sisters. He considers something, swiveling to face her on yet another late night.

“There have been several incidents blamed on the Jedi, most in direct conflict with their teaching and practices. The patchwork of evidence does not paint a whole picture. We need to look at the bombings allegedly involving them.”

“You think there is a common thread?”

“Worth a look.”

Terrorist activity is not typically found in the legacy of the Jedi. There are always exceptions, it seems, the whole light and dark thing. A lot of push-and-pull, turning, and falling. Bombings traditionally fall in highly organized syndicate or grassroots rebellion territory. The Jedi have been linked to a revived separatist fear, terminology, and propaganda but the past several years would be the first focused terrorist campaign of their order, at least from what he can tell. A prolonged and targeted attack on a Republic that turned on them again. With all their purported foresight, he would think they could see it coming.

Ollo returns to the first of these alleged attacks, the Inverness Park bombing that killed Circe Prescott. The case files are restricted as part of the still-ongoing investigation into Director Drakos’s murder so they have to go through some backchannels to gain access. It is worth it to find the detailed specs of the device used which he compares to the reports from the Inganarre bombing. Well, well, he thinks. It is a smaller version of the same type. Both types were ones made by Orestes. While the investigation into the Bolerathon Tower bombing was supposed to be a joint effort, considering Republic citizens also lost their lives, those details lie with Imperial Security. It is not a stretch to imagine they would also be a match or, at least, the same manufacturer. Procuring explosives of that nature within military channels would rouse too much suspicion. A more obscure approach would work best.

If the firm was divested from Palace Arms while under the ownership of Balthazar Nash, who did he divest it to? It was clearly not a core business unit yet one with the most potential for off-the-books destruction if not monitored as closely. The owner, which takes almost another week of work to locate, is a hedge fund. While not common - hedge funds traditionally used holding companies to purchase equity in a private company - they probe further to ascertain the firm that manages the fund which leads them to a subsidiary of Chandaar Prime Bank.

Another round of favors is finally able to produce their privileged client list and, at the top, is a name they did not expect.

Gil Leeds, Republic Speaker.

The Republic did not kill his sisters.

Unless they did.

The sweeping intersectionality with Sonagraas begins to unfold. Sonagraas sold the box but it is owned, in part, by Orestes which was divested from Palace Arms to the Chandaar Prime subsidiary hedge fund. Masterton is a confirmed Force user associated with the Jedi, an association that led to her expulsion from the Republic. Prescott and Corinthos fought against his policies with public opinion and precedent. Would Leeds go that far? So many others lost their lives, collateral damage of FURA enforcement. How many Force users have died “resisting arrest” or “challenging” the RSB’s authority? The systematic extermination of Force users along with anyone else who aligned themselves with them, even under the cover of the FURA, would still constitute genocide.

Genocide. The word curdles in the air.

The alarm bells going off in his head are unbearable even though Vrent is quick to point out that does not directly tie him to anything. There are a lot of variables to consider, and inconsistencies that need to be sorted out. Kain, Cavanaugh, and Gellar most of all. Yet their findings don’t distance Leeds from it either. Ollo talks it through with Vrent. It is not just that he is a client of the subsidiary that manages the fund but a primary investor in the fund itself. That would give him at least some control over what it invested in and when and potentially cast him as a facilitator. The overlap is too glaring to ignore and Ollo has seen enough to know that too many coincidences are seldom a coincidence at all. Inganarre was a known political rival to Leeds, one of many in various positions of power who challenged the FURA and its merits. Prescott, Masterton, Corinthos, Soldys - all eliminated or sidelined. One by one they fell, clearing a path to something darker than either of them could imagine.

Vrent gets there first.

“Inganarre would be the only one left in his way,” she breathes.

“That is the implication.”

She is quick to call in support, a force of habit despite their current predicament, but he grabs her arm as it hovers over the com.

“We first need to determine the scope which will then dictate our actions.”

“Ollo, we can’t sit on this! If the Speaker has conspired in any of these things, he has not only broken the truce but betrayed his people and office.”

His tone is stern, a warning, as he had done when the Kain news was leaked.

“Trust the wrong people and this dies with us. There would be no justice…for the Republic, the RSB, even the Jedi. We have to tread carefully, Vrent. All I am asking for is a little time. We need to be sure. Do you understand?”

She withdraws her hand, placing it on the desk, and nods.

“I understand.”

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on September 13, 2023, 02:08:06 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The vote was originally expected to be tumultuous. Loud protests, echoing those outside the senate building, inside by the strong voices of senators not believing the allegations, asking for more information, demanding impartiality.

But Speaker Gil Leeds would have nothing of it. The few senators that did speak up had been heard, briefly, before being silenced. Statements against the bill - like statements against FURA - were deemed a violation of protocol, and senator after senator was officially silenced. Many were later detained. Many more had done much of what Corellia had done.

They fled.

Dozens upon dozen of senate seats were empty, creating an eerie silence in a chamber normally filled with echoes and shouting.

Senator Braac was standing at the central platform, acting as speaker for the day. It was his bill after all. And of late, Speaker Gil Leeds had been acting more and more in absentia, claiming illness. Rumors had begun circulating, even among those senators that supported him, that the speaker seemed paranoid. Afraid to leave his chambers, relying on aides and messengers to do his bidding. Braac had played the scenario to his advantage, using their shared dislike of the Corellians, to put himself in a leadership position.

"Now bringing to the floor Senate Bill 02368. Debate on this bill is officially closed, and we"

"Point of order. I am invoking Senate Rule 550(a)(2)." There was some surprise that anyone was speaking up. Heads turned toward the senator from Mon Calimari.

"I'm sorry, senator. Can you please refresh us on rule 550?" Braac had a smile stapled to his face, but his eyes were glowering, as the fish-like senator, with his bulbous eyes pressed a button to amplify his voice.

"We have heard the allegations from Senator Braac, we have seen the evidence he presented. But we claim to be a government of laws; of order. If we are to pass these type of sanctions against a world - against an entire sector - we must do it according to the rules. Rule 550(a)(2) states 'when criminal allegations are made against a member world, that world is entitled to present a defense to this body'"

Braac shook his head
"I appreciate your devotion the rules of order, Senator. But look around - there is no one here from the Corellian Sector."
"And whose fault is that, Senator Braac?"

There were murmers starting to run through the chamber
"It is their own. Senator Soldys was arrested and escaped. If he was still on Chandaar, he would have been brought - from RSB's custody - and allowed to speak. But he and the rest of the Corellian representation all fled. Like the guilty cowards they are. They have not even sent an envoy, or message to us. They remain silent in this chamber"

"Actually, Senator Braac - you are mistaken"

The Mon Calimari stepped forward, inserting a disc into his control console. A few moments later, a blue hologram appeared floating in the center of the chamber. Artemis Soldys looking back at the chamber

"Greetings Senators - My colleagues in this experiment we call democracy. For years now, there has been an ongoing tension between those that wish to protect freedoms, and those that wish to curtail it. There has, and will always be debate on the merits of any given policy, but key in that is the underlying good faith in our fellows with whom we debate. We believe that freedom includes allowing for disagreement and dissent. And freedom cannot prevail when fear and greed are the basis for policy. You have all known me as a champion of freedom; as one who opposed laws that targeted individuals for their innate abilities; as one who opposed laws that targeted those who dissent. For that, and for that alone, I have been branded a criminal and a traitor.
That I am a criminal for opposing laws that should not exist - I concede my opposition. But I am no traitor. I have spent my life fighting for freedom, for Corellia, and for the Republic. I have fought to keep our democracy strong. I am no traitor. I am a patriot. And I say this despite Speaker Leeds unfounded claims against me.
It is time we end this cycle of paranoia. It is time we return to the ideals that make our republic strong. it is time th-"

The hologram shut off abruptly, two senate guards were escorting the Mon Calimari senator out of the chamber, handcuffed.

"I deem our obligations under Rule 550(a)(2) fulfilled. I'm calling the vote"

There were still murmers going on through the chamber, and Senator Braac banged down on the gavel.

"Senators! Do not let the oratory of that traitor fool you! Corellia is too dangerous to be allowed to go unchecked. They have weapons and ships that could destroy the Republic if we let them develop any further. Let us resolve this issue now, get that sector under control. And then we can have a more thoughtful discussion on whatever concerns you have"

The murmurs died down - slightly - but the vote was called, and when the talley came in, Bill 02368 passed.

The Republic would be sending a military fleet to Corellia, and establish a regional governor there.
For the sake of law and order.

TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Medivh on October 04, 2023, 01:10:37 PM

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Almost immediately after the vote passed, the criticism of it seemed to bulk up. The last ditch effort from the Mon Calimari senator had given people hesitation, but in all honesty, it was his detention afterward that really stirred people up.

After all, in a fight against Corellia, with their ships and shipyards, the only way for the Republic to compete would be with Mon Calimari's support, and their own ship building infrastructure. Alienating them would make the upcoming efforts that much harder, and possibly force the Republic to rely on the Empire for a fleet. Something that many still saw as problematic, even given the truce.

Speaker Gil Leeds took the vote as an opportunity to take a victory lap, scheduling a press-conference. As the flashes of photography highlighted his appearance, the press noted the sunken eyes, and disheveled hair, and strange tremor in his hands.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Today is a historic day in the Republic! Today, we are truly starting the processing of enforcing our laws, and our borders. Today, we are showing that no one is above the law. That everyone, even senators, and even powerful worlds, must obey the Republic. With the passage of -"

"Mr. Speaker! What about the claims that your office is behind the assassination of the president"

Leeds looked flustered as he was interrupted, looking into the audience.

"The many rumors surrounding that investigation are false, promulgated by the traitorous Corelli-"
"but what about the footage, linking RSB to the death of several prominent Republic critics?"

"Again, that footage is believed to be doctored, and-"

"But Mr. Speaker, there are reports that RSB was mistreating Senator Soldys when he was detained, unlawfully, and then the director was killed as part of a cover-up"

Leeds took in a deep breath, squeezing his hands into and out of a fist

"These conspiracy theories are false. All of them are false! Senator Soldys is a traitor, and his efforts to place blame on others will not be tolerated!"

"But Mr. Speaker - wasn't the senator unlawfully targeted to begin with? Didn't Corellia have a right to voice its dissent? Isn't that how democracy works?"

"I'll tell you how democracy works!" Leeds was now shouting, his face turning red, gripping the lecturn with both hands as he stared out into the audience.

"We pass laws in the senate, and people obey. If you don't obey, you are punished. Corellia is full of traitors! They are harboring jedi, who are enemies of the state. There is no room for dissent when our republic is on the line! I will not be taking any more of these ridiculous questions! We will enforce the law! We will not allow dissent to destroy our republic!"

The shouts from the reporters had suddenly stopped, leaving a strange, eerie silence in the midst of the Speaker's outburst. He was looking out at the crowd from side to side, when he suddenly realized himself, shrinking back behind the lecturn.

"That will be all. Good day"

And just as quickly as he arrived, he hurried out of the public's view.

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on February 25, 2024, 07:04:58 PM

“When the curtains call the time
Will we both go home alive?
It wasn't hard to realize
Love's the death of peace of mind."

-Bad Omens

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

The press conference only serves to deepen their resolve.

Leeds is poised to risk the entire Republic to achieve his fanatical metric of security. He does not present like a man with nothing to hide. If anything, it seems to be consuming him alive. The unhinged performance with a rather alarming definition of their democracy makes it very clear they are no longer living in one. And so, with Vrent agreeing to hold off on reporting their findings, the agents continue to dig. From these efforts emerges confirmation. The trail of credits, changing hands, weaving their way through this and that account, indicate it is more than a theory.

Ollo identifies payments moving between the hedge fund overseen by the Chandaar Prime subsidiary to Orestes on multiple occasions across the past five years. Vrent cross-references the dates to those of the bombings. Even without details from the Bolerathon Tower investigation, all three happen within a month of each incident. That aligns with the timeframe Sonagrass procured the box and it hit the Anasaii Antiquities inventory – a convergence.

The signatory authorizing these specific transfers? Gil Leeds.

So. The one person who would stand most to gain from such destruction filtered credits to an organization that produced the devices used in at least two of the bombings. Lives lost. The Jedi reviled and practically exterminated. Deep social unrest. Their head of state murdered. Teetering on the precipice of conflict with Corellia. Everything that has happened since Leeds transformed the Republic into a tyrannical hellscape barely clinging to the last vestiges of its power. A corrupted system that has failed the galaxy once again.

Vrent gasps and pulls the datacard, clutching it tightly as her eyes dart to Ollo’s.

“Yeah,” he mutters ominously. "We might not want to have that in anything official yet."

Neither is entirely surprised. Disappointed, perhaps, but more so for younger agent Vrent who still believed in the mission behind their agency. She is crushed by the implications but maintains a sense of duty.

“This is bigger than us. It is too important not to share.”

“I agree but it needs to find its way into the hands of someone we trust. RSB leadership is out; even after the death of Drakos there is no guarantee they are not compromised. They know we are chasing the credits so it will not be difficult to tell them we hit another dead end.”

“Right. Buy some time. The Concealed?”

Ollo frowns, “Turning this place into a vigilante state will only lead to greater harm. It needs to be less controversial.”

“That rules out the Empire,” Vrent chuffs.

“They would have an advantage in all this and therefore should never be trusted.”

“Copy that. What about Mon Cal? They could be the ones to talk Leeds down, not escalate the situation. If we are talking about noncontroversial options.”

“Could work but might be viewed as overtly partisan. I hear they are a grounding force in the Senate. A pragmatic balance. The Republic’s list of political enemies is diverse yet they have a reputation for integrity. Others may finally listen.”

Vrent tosses the datacard to Ollo, “One can hope. You hold onto that. Keep it safe until we can arrange a meeting with the Mon Cal delegation. The Senator is a good place to start.

“You alright?”

“No,” she says. “I was hoping he was…better than that. That we were better than that.”

“Damn shame. On all accounts. Let’s call it a night. I’ll reach out to some folks, and see what I can do.”

She offers a weary smile on the way out, “You’re one of the good ones, Ollo.”

“I’m glad someone thinks so.”

*

An hour later Vrent’s comlink bleeps from the nightstand.

She had only just drifted off to sleep and groans at the noise. It’s Ollo on the line, speaking quickly in his low, gravel tones. His contacts came through and arranged for a discreet meeting with someone from within the Mon Cal delegation - but they must meet tonight. He sends details and cuts out. Her frustration gives way to suspicion. Ollo has been in law enforcement a long time and he's got a long list of associates. She knows to trust his judgment and this feels rushed. It could mean Mon Cal is also looking for a way to stop Leeds from bringing the Republic down around them. For reference, Vrent does a spot check of the coordinates against the city map: Five Points. That close to the border of Serinus is a mixed bag, ripe for redevelopment, which means it's transitionary, naturally less dense. Still, this cannot be their burden to carry alone. They would need allies for this to be made public.

Sighing, she grabs her belt, boots, and blaster and heads for the door.

*

Real change comes with risks, some more calculated than others.

Ollo clicks off and pulls on his jacket when he spots the man in the corner of his apartment. A novice move, not checking a room – even his own – when there is this much on the line. His hand is at his weapon in an instant but the man calmly issues a command.

“Don’t.”

“What do you want?” Ollo barks, assessing the situation; the distance between him and the hallway, the blaster trained on him, knowing he’d never make it to the door. “Tell me your business here.”

The man shifts in the light and Ollo squints, “You look…familiar.”

“I guess I just have one of those faces,” Quentin Swire says as he steps out of the shadows. “But don’t worry, Agent Ollo, you will never see it again.”

-TBC

Title: Re: CC: Circle of Freedom
Post by: Syren on March 17, 2024, 05:43:37 PM

“Now that the truth is just a rule that you can bend
You crack the whip, shape-shift and trick the past again.”

-Metric

Chandaar: Republic Capital

Surface: Ambaril

Cadranel Hills

The party is certainly hip but in the most generic way.

Kinsa is only present because Quinn dragged her to it which predictably begins with a slew of photo ops when they arrive. To be fair, they look spectacular. Those stylists Escara Wu sent over really do know their shit. What was this event even for again? Oh, right, the city has been thrown into chaos yet a moderately successful, mostly unproblematic actor/singer on a real streak still found time to launch a new line of liquor. Because of course, she thinks, sipping a drink plucked from atop a seemingly lethargic service droid. Admittedly, the cocktail is pretty tasty which is…annoying.

Since her brush with the law, she’s kept as low a profile as someone like her can. She met with some producers and expressed interest in a few choice complex roles. Murmurs were exchanged, a handshake or two, people telling other people they would be in touch. She’s been smart with her career which has paid off but not without a price. Little do they know she is playing the most challenging role yet – her own life! She hasn’t lost any time since but is still no closer to understanding how Janessa wound up being the central figure in a capital murder investigation. Worse still, Selene hasn’t tried to make contact which could mean she is either not as useful to them as they thought or she is being brushed off. Either way, Kinsa is convinced Selene is mad at her.

Kezlan Roan is here, fresh off a dismissal for a rather bankable Holoplex star after allegations of bad behavior on set led to threats of litigation. He spots them and heads over, once he is done mugging for the cams, of course. Kinsa introduces him to Quinn even though they’ve met briefly before, but Quinn acts as though she has never seen this individual before in her life. It is truly a talent to be that aloof and, even better, too pretty to be mad at for long.

Mercifully, Quinn excuses herself to a gorgeous group of hammered models and leaves Roan to entertain her.

“Worn any suspicious jewelry lately?”

“Hilarious.”

“Too soon? Forgive a counselor's poor attempt at humor.”

“It wasn’t so bad even though I am not sure whether that insults your Bothan side or your human side more.”

“Not sure you’re ready to see my Bothan side, Miss Cavanaugh.”

She laughs, “Oh, cheeky! That’s the first time I’ve genuinely smiled all night so thank you.”

“Of course. What’s the matter, are you not feeling the pretentious vibes?”

“It’s complicated.”

“With you, I have no doubt, but why attend? You don’t seem like the kind of woman who does anything you don’t want to do.”

“I wish,” Kinsa mutters, taking another sip. “But I could ask you the same question. Why are you even here? A booze launch doesn’t seem like your thing.”

He shrugs, “Need to establish a presence and relationships with the potential client base even though that makes it sound sleazy. You know how these things go; gotta be seen, blah, blah, blah. However, I am not that guy.”

“Says all guys.”

Roan arches a thick, furry blonde brow, “Not a fan of hybrids?”

“Not a fan of men in general, really. Species has nothing to do with it.”

“Fair enough. Friends, then?”

“Can you deal with it?”

“I’m an excellent wingman.”

She chortles lightly, touching her nearly empty glass against his, “Well, then, let’s rustle us up another round.”

*

Lower Downtown

Agent Ollo knows it’s over but that doesn’t stop him from trying.

He kicks the cluttered ottoman beside him, startling his assassin enough for him to lunge for the hall. Quentin corrects quickly, firing a shot through Ollo’s knee. The blast is nearly silent, indicating modifications that belie a professional job. Someone hired and sent. That is telling in and of itself yet someone not only knew what they found but that they were looking for it in the first place. Given the timeline, he would venture to guess someone was waiting for it.

The older agent growls, stumbling forward as he pulls his weapon free of its holster. He manages to twist around on the way down but Quentin lands a kick at his wrist that snaps it cleanly and the blaster spirals away from him. He lands hard on his back with a hateful grimace.

Quentin looms over him, “The Empire thanks you for your service.”

Now he knows where he recognizes him from. He and Vrent had spent hours sifting through an inordinate amount of photage investigating the Cavanaugh lead. The boy had been in several stills and linked to Kinsa’s sister, Quinn. Had they all been operating on Imperial orders?

Ollo’s face softens as he realizes, far too late, that they want this outcome and would use the RSB to facilitate it. His death would further bury a man they hoped could be stopped before he destroyed everything they stood for and worked to build. His procedural brain continues whirling even now over a futile course correction that would likely never come. Not in his lifetime.

The truce is a lie. It had always been a lie.

As skeptical as he was over the whole thing, the obviousness of the deception stings worse in those last fleeting seconds.

“Fuck your Empire,” he spits out.

Two shots to the head and Ollo is still.

Quentin holsters his weapon and searches the agent until he finds what he is looking for. The datacard. He slips it into the inner pocket of his jacket and rises from Ollo’s blackened, ruined face. He confirms he has the package and then sets about ransacking the small flat, collecting anything deemed valuable but half-assing it enough to set exactly the stage they want. The next RSB scandal to mutilate any last shreds of their authority and reputation.

A shame to waste such talent, Quentin thinks darkly.

Good law enforcement is hard to find.

*

Five Points/Serinus border

Agent Vrent arrives sooner than she expected.

The lateness of the hour aided in her ability to navigate to her destination without much interference. That is, in this case, a partially constructed residence tower among rows of abandoned warehouses waiting to be snapped up on the cheap. According to records, investors opposed to the ruthless application of the FURA pulled out and left the fate of the project in question. It is not an uncommon situation, as stories on the Holo continue to illustrate. It is not good business when potential tenants occupying a place in the capital city could be detained or worse at any moment. Ambaril is not what one would call a desirable place to live these days.

She sighs but a glow halfway up the building catches her attention. Unclipping her holster, she enters cautiously, passing the empty lift shaft to the open stairwell. Vrent is grateful she is in shape as she finally emerges on the thirtieth floor where she counted she saw the light. Only now, it is moving.

“Ollo?”

Only the wind whipping through the floor answers along with what almost sounds like the clicking of heels. It floats in the air and then disappears. Across the unfinished floor, in the distance, the glimmering radiance of The Menagerie. She shudders, keenly aware of how exposed she is up here. Something doesn’t feel quite right yet she is driven to expose the corruption within the Republic and so she pulls her blaster and follows the light. It seems to be several rooms ahead, obscured by the varying degrees of completed construction. After nearly a full circle, the light stops. Vrent steps into what would be the floor lobby to find a glowlamp sitting in front of the darkened lift shaft.

Retrieving it, she strains to hear anything.

The clicking sound returns – this time louder, distinct, closer - so she whirls around to see a stoic Quinn Cavanaugh casually appear in the lobby and close the distance between them with an uncomfortable speed. The strange incongruence of her materialization here, at this exact place, is why she does not raise her weapon.

It is her final mistake.

As Vrent opens her mouth to speak, Quinn lifts a toned leg from beneath the slit of her gown and kicks a heel into the center of her chest. The agent hits the back of the cool duracrete shaft hard, catching one last glimpse of the model's blank, beautiful face before she plummets silently into the blackness below.

At the bottom of the stairs, holding the glowlamp in front of her, Quinn pulls up the hem of her dress and steps between widening rivers of blood streaming from the open shaft and out into the night.

*

Cadranel Hills

It is way too late, or super early, but no one really cares at this point at any party.

Kezlan Roan has been remarkably good company for the evening. They dance among minor celebrities and make wagers on who they think will make it. He repels some of the more unsavory industry characters which allows her the space to breathe. In return, she helps him entertain relationship prospects, ranking them by career compatibility and potential to wind up needing legal counsel. He is impressed by the thoroughness of the assessment and makes a mental note to initiate a conversation with the top three. They are considering calling it a night when Quinn emerges from behind a table of leering promotion assistants.

“Quinn! Where have you been?”

“I don’t know,” she says distantly, glancing around at the waning scene. “This place is tired. We should totally bail.”

Roan is making eyes at the number two pick but Kinsa frowns sharply and lowers her voice.

“You don’t know?”

“It’s always such a blur, babes! Now, let's cruise."

Roan walks them to their transport, a Vectra-branded hoverlimo to ensure safe delivery. Quinn’s contract comes with so many perks.

“Thank you for a lovely evening, Kez.”

Roan smiles as she slides in beside her sister, “Anytime, Miss Cavanaugh.”

They ride in silence for a while, Kinsa tipsy and spun from the evening while Quinn crosses her legs and pouts out the window. Despite everything, she is glad she came. She needed a bit of fun tonight. Beams of light wash over them in rectangular bars which draws Kinsa’s eyes to something that causes her to tense suddenly. She has to look again to be sure but a thick knot of dread twists in her stomach. There is something on Quinn’s shoe.

A dash of wet crimson on a silver heel.

-TBC

Star Wars Sim Forum: Roleplay, Simming and Fan Fiction

WILDSPACE TALES => Star Wars: The Crimson Covenant => Topic started by: Medivh on April 23, 2012, 09:28:57 AM