Star Wars: The RPG ~ Episode VII: Dawn of the New Republic IC Thread (II)

[Rain Dog]

“Two thousand.”

“Ten thousand—do I hear three? Three thousand? Anyone, three thousand?”

“Four thousand.”

“Four thousand! Do I hear five? five thousand? five thousand?”

“Seven thousand.”

“Seven thousand! Do I hear eight? Eight? Elight thousand? Seven thousand going once! Seven thousand going twice! Sold to the fine Hutt in the center row for seven thousand credits!”

I smile as I’m met with a light round of applause. A pair of auction staffers carried the Mon Cal sculpture off-stage. This is the fourth piece I’ve purchased, much to the chagrin of some of the other guests.

I’ve been trying my best to keep myself preoccupy myself with the art auction. But it’s quite difficult, knowing everything is going to hell a few blocks away. The failed hit on Black Sun underboss Wayland Bostero was weighing heavy on my mind. How did they know we were coming? Did Yuvo squeal somehow? It couldn’t be possible—I’ve had men spying on him, they should have alerted me if he contacted any other underbosses.

Perhaps Bostero saw that several of his fellow underbosses were falling and beefed up security. We were following a spice trafficking route. Bostero could have caught wind of this and realized he was next in line…yes, that seemed to make the most sense. We were following an easily detectable pattern. Very clumsy of me.

“Our next piece comes from artist Cyn Ito. Hailing from Sakiya, this experimental holovid maker’s works are famous for their political messages and critique on Sakiyan society…."

“Sir,” my accountant whispered to me, “The speeders have arrived at the district. They are currently searching the area for Vorssk and the others.”

I nodded and waved him away.

“…Tonight, Ito has brought us a piece made especially for this event. Ito?”

The charcoal-black skinned alien approached the stage to another light round of applause. He took a bow and activated the holovid: a miniature legion of Imperial stormtroopers marching, giant human eyes over looking them, flashes of color in several spectrums punctuated with brief clips of birds fluttering in the sky.

“This holovid means to demonstrate the Empire’s failure to successfully suppress art and liberty. The flashes of color in many spectrums represents the diverse species and cultures that united to undermine and overthrow the Empire’s…”

Pretentious and unimaginative. However, the other guests seem enthralled by it so I suppose I’ll bid on it anyway.

“Sir?”

My accountant, once again.

“One of the speeders had been destroyed by Black Sun mercenaries. Everyone aboard was killed.”

I bring my hand up to my faced as I close my eyes and rub my eyelids. I take a deep breath and remove my hand from my face and, doing my best to keep calm, turn to nod in acknowledgement at my accountant.

"Seven thousand!"

I had already missed on some of the bidding. It didn’t matter, seven thousand was too high a price to pay for such a work of “art.” The bidding went on and on and some tasteless fool ended up securing the holovid for twelve thousand credits.

“Our next piece is a painting by Joi Seino of Zeltros. Renowned for her erotic artworks, Sano has explored sensuality in several mediums, including…”

“Sir?”

I cringe at hearing his voice again, expecting no good news to follow.

“Vorssk, Roma, and three other soldiers have been recovered.”

I sigh in relief.

“One thousand!”

“Do I hear two? Two thousand?”

“Five thousand.”

“I hear five, do I hear six? Six thousand? Anyone, six thousand?”

“Sir?”

Damn.

“Another speeder has been destroyed. Three soldiers have been recovered by another unit.”

“Eight thousand!”

“Nine thousand!”

“Nine thousand! Do I hear ten? Ten thousand? Ten thousand?”

“Sir, another speeder unit has been destroyed. All remaining units are retreating to the penthouse.”

“Nine thousand going once!”

“Sir, Roma has been reported dead.”

“Nine thousand going twice!”

“Sir?”

“Aaaand…”

“Sir?”

“Sold, once again to the fine Hutt in the center row!”

“We need to go. Now.”

I had my accountants make the necessary transactions with the auction staffers and ordered for the pieces I bought to be delivered to my home the next day. We then made a retreat to the landing pad where a luxury airtaxi awaited. I hastily slithered inside with my entourage close behind.

“Where to, sir?” the Aqualish driver said.

“Take Superior Skyway to Crescent Luxury Apartments, top level.”

He nodded and the taxi began lifting itself up into the air and plunged itself into the perpetually heavy Coruscanti sky traffic. My tail thumped impatiently against the speeder’s floor as I tried my best to hide my anxiety. My accounts could easily detect something was wrong. They would stare out the tinted windows, occasionally glancing back at me, and then quickly back out the window, afraid to make eye contact. Afraid I would notice and take my anger out on them. A fear they gained while working for Father, no doubt.

Roma was dead. That phrase kept repeating in my head, over and over. Roma was one of my top soldiers. He answered only to me and Vorssk. He was an invaluable asset to my operations. Cunning, stealthy, expert fighter, fiercely loyal, and perhaps…perhaps I would go as far as to call him a friend.

And he was gone now. Him and a few dozen others. I can’t say I knew them as well as I did Roma but they’re losses were just as much of a hindrance. And it was all my fault. I was distracted. Thoughtless. Arrogant. Too concerned about rubbing elbows with the rich and famous to strategize. It was humiliating. This kind of hubris is what got Father killed.

I was so lost in thought that I did not notice we had arrived at the penthouse. The taxi slowly touched down on the complex’s landing pad.

“That’ll be sixteen credits even,” the driver says.

An accountant cracks open a pocket book and hands the driver his credits.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” the driver said as he reached over the seat to collect his pay. Funny…his jacket seems to be a bit oversized. The sleeves completely covered his…hands.

No.

BLAM!

The sleeve pulled back to reveal a small, concealable blaster pistol. The bolt went straight through the accountant’s throat. The others hopelessly clawed at the locked door’s handles.

BLAM!

The Aqualish fired another bolt, hitting another accountant in the chest. I slammed my entire body against the door, forcing it open.

“HELP! VORSSK! HELP!”

I slid out of the vehicle and onto the landing pad.

BLAM!

My body jerks forward and I hit the ground face-first. There’s an odd, freezing-cold spot on my back. I’ve been hit. No pain. Not yet. Too scared.

Everything seems to be moving slower. Much slower. I reach forward with my arms and try to crawl, pulling myself towards the landing pad door. I try to scream again. Nothing comes out. I crawl for what seems like an eternity and look back at the driver. The Aqualish lines up his shot. He shouts something. I can’t hear it. Too scared. He pulls the trigger.

Everything goes black.

 

[Carnage27]

"Han, watch out!" Leia cries out as one of the young women motions with her hand and Han's blaster springs from his grasp and into her outstretched hand.

"Pathetic." She says as she discards the blaster and advances with her sword drawn.

SNAP-HISS

With the familiar sound my lightsaber springs to life and I leap in front of Han and Leia, separating them from the Force-powered assassins. What I don't expect is the second lightsaber igniting and finding Kam stading directly next to me.

I smile at out opponents, "Now, now ladies. I think it'd be best for all of us if you just came along quietly."

"Yes," Kam agrees, "you will not win this fight."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

SNAP-HISS

With the familiar sound my lightsaber springs to life and I leap in front of Han and Leia, separating them from the Force-powered assassins. What I don't expect is the second lightsaber igniting and finding Kam stading directly next to me.

I smile at out opponents, "Now, now ladies. I think it'd be best for all of us if you just came along quietly."

"Yes," Kam agrees, "you will not win this fight."

"We shall see." The woman who seems to be leading the attack says as she levels her sword at the Jedi and begins advancing on them.

 

[Carnage27]

They're quick, I'll give them that. And well trained. The swordswomen come at us with twirling, dancing blades, but our defenses hold. Kam nods at me and I press the advantage, swinging and slashing with my lightsaber as he had instructed me to. She falls back, obviously overmatched by my skills.

Unfortunately, it's all a ruse. I attempt a wide sweep with my saber at a point which I think I have her cornered, which she easily dodges and rolls underneath. In retaliation, she lashes out with the Force and sends me flying into a wall, slamming my shoulder fairly hard.

And she doesn't waste anytime in coming at me again. I have to bring my lightsaber up in front of my face to block a diving slash from my foe. Summoning all my strength in the Force I propel her off of me, though she lands on her feet. I smile a rotate my shoulder, making sure I've still got all my movement, "You're good."

She twirls her blade and comes at me again.

Which is the exact time that Mission tosses a durasteel crate at her head. The impact sends her sprawling to the floor, and Mission smiles, "But not good enough."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

They're quick, I'll give them that. And well trained. The swordswomen come at us with twirling, dancing blades, but our defenses hold. Kam nods at me and I press the advantage, swinging and slashing with my lightsaber as he had instructed me to. She falls back, obviously overmatched by my skills.

Unfortunately, it's all a ruse. I attempt a wide sweep with my saber at a point which I think I have her cornered, which she easily dodges and rolls underneath. In retaliation, she lashes out with the Force and sends me flying into a wall, slamming my shoulder fairly hard.

And she doesn't waste anytime in coming at me again. I have to bring my lightsaber up in front of my face to block a diving slash from my foe. Summoning all my strength in the Force I propel her off of me, though she lands on her feet. I smile a rotate my shoulder, making sure I've still got all my movement, "You're good."

She twirls her blade and comes at me again.

Which is the exact time that Mission tosses a durasteel crate at her head. The impact sends her sprawling to the floor, and Mission smiles, "But not good enough."

Chestia is stunned when a durasteel crate smashes into her head, sending her to the ground. Dazed, she looks up at the young Jedi and his smirking Twi'lek companion. Just as she is about to get back to her feet, the older Jedi, a man who she can feel has been tainted by the dark side stands before her, his lightsaber trained at her throat.

She looks over to her sister, and yells.

"Jael, run!"

Before the words had left Chestia's lips, Jael begins a mad dash across the landing pad. The orange skinned Twi'lek makes a move to cut her off, but Jael easily dodges her and runs up the side of the landing pad, and jumps off into the skylane. She lands on a speeder, the startled Sullustan driver cried out as he accelerated his airspeeder.

Jael reaches out with the Force, using it to calm the frightened driver. The trick works, and the Sullustan continues his trek, with the Nightsister safely atop his craft.

 

[Byrd Man]

Before the words had left Chestia's lips, Jael begins a mad dash across the landing pad. The orange Twi'lek makes a move to cut her off, but Jael easily dodges her and runs up the side of the landing pad, and jumps off into the skylane. She lands on a speeder, the startled Sullustan driver cried out as he accelerated his airspeeder.

Jael reaches out with the Force, using it to calm the frightened driver. The trick works, and the Sullustan continues his trek, with the Nightsister safely atop his craft.

I make sure Leia is alright before I pick my blaster up off the ground and keep it clinched in my fist as I walk to where the young Jedi have one of the attackers prisoner. "Who the hell was that?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

I make sure Leia is alright before I pick my blaster up off the ground and keep it clinched in my fist as I walk to where the young Jedi have one of the attackers prisoner. "Who the hell was that?"

Chestia looks over to Solo and smiles.

"My sister. One of many...and I am sure you will meet her again, along with the rest of my sisters. We will not rest until we have achieved our goal." She says as she turns her head to leer at Leia, who is now standing at Han's side.

 

[Carnage27]

"I'll go after her!" Mission says as she starts after the other would-be assassin, but I place my hand on her shoulder.

"You'll never catch her at this point."

I can feel Mission's frustration with me for stopping her. Giving up isn't in her vocabulary, and that's something she'll need to learn if she wants to be a Jedi. Just a few months ago I would have been right along side her running after the speeder, and neither of us would have caught our target.

Ignoring her anger for now, I turn to Kam and the assassin as Han, Chewie, and Leia approach, "Who are you and who sent you?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"I'll go after her!" Mission says as she starts after the other would-be assassin, but I place my hand on her shoulder.

"You'll never catch her at this point."

I can feel Mission's frustration with me for stopping her. Giving up isn't in her vocabulary, and that's something she'll need to learn if she wants to be a Jedi. Just a few months ago I would have been right along side her running after the speeder, and neither of us would have caught our target.

Ignoring her anger for now, I turn to Kam and the assassin as Han, Chewie, and Leia approach, "Who are you and who sent you?"

"I am called Sister Chestia. But that is all I will tell you Jedi."

 

[Carnage27]

"I am called Sister Chestia. But that is all I will tell you Jedi."

I try to keep my calm at the "Sister's" reluctance to answer my questions. Instead of responding to her, I turn to Han and Leia, "So what do we do with her?"

 

[Byrd Man]

"I got an idea."

I turn to the woman and nod.

"Right now, the Jedi are the least of your problems."

Chewie lets out a feral roar and I smirk. "You ever heard of a Wookie Life Debt? It's powerful stuff, and Wookies believe in it something fierce. You just attacked someone my friend has sworn a life debt to. I don't think he's gonna let that slide. You ever seen a Wookie tear off someone's arms? Would you like to?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"I got an idea."

I turn to the woman and nod.

"Right now, the Jedi are the least of your problems."

Chewie lets out a feral roar and I smirk. "You ever heard of a Wookie Life Debt? It's powerful stuff, and Wookies believe in it something fierce. You just attacked someone my friend has sworn a life debt to. I don't think he's gonna let that slide. You ever seen a Wookie tear off someone's arms? Would you like to?"

Chestia looks in wide eyed horror as the angry Wookie steps toward her.

"I was sent by Mother Gethzerion. She had made a deal with the man who imprisioned us that would set the Nightsisters free...We are to kill Leia Organa. Once our mission is accomplished the man called Zsinj will allow us to leave our prision."

 

[Carnage27]

Chestia looks in wide eyed horror as the angry Wookie steps toward her.

"I was sent by Mother Gethzerion. She had made a deal with the man who imprisioned us that would set the Nightsisters free...We are to kill Leia Organa. Once our mission is accomplished the man called Zsinj will allow us to leave our prision."

Zsinj

The man who attacked Corellia. The man who tore apart my homeworld. And the man who is now trying to kill Leia.

I look down a Chestia, "Zsinj isn't to be trusted. At all. He'll use your people and keep then in chains."

Turning back to Han and Leia, "I think once we've taken care of Thrackan, it's time to find out where this Zsinj is."

 

[Byrd Man]

Zsinj

The man who attacked Corellia. The man who tore apart my homeworld. And the man who is now trying to kill Leia.

I look down a Chestia, "Zsinj isn't to be trusted. At all. He'll use your people and keep then in chains."

Turning back to Han and Leia, "I think once we've taken care of Thrackan, it's time to find out where this Zsinj is."

"I agree, and would even go so far to say Zsinj is our top priority. Thrackan is dangerous, but not like Zsignj. He attacks my homeworld, that's strike one. Coming for Leia and my unborn children, that's strikes two and three."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

"I agree, and would even go so far to say Zsinj is our top priority. Thrackan is dangerous, but not like Zsignj. He attacks my homeworld, that's strike one. Coming for Leia and my unborn children, that's strikes two and three."

"I agree. Thracken is a problem that we will handle. Zsinj is a whole other animal. He controls a significant Imperial power, and might be more than we can handle if he goes unchecked."

I look down at the woman who had just tried to kill me, and give her my best diplomatic smile.

"Now, why don't you tell us where Zsinj is?"

"I can't." She says. Upon hearing this, Chewie lets out a frightening growl, and the woman continues. "If I tell you, he will destroy my clan. I can't betray them like that."

 

[wiegeabo]

I chuckle before taking a quick sip of my tea.

"I wish I could say it hasn't."

I suddenly thought of the business he and Councilor Organa had to attend to...and the slight shock I sensed coming from him. Should I ask what he had been dealing with this whole time? No...surely it was a private matter that didn't need discussion.

But...what could have elicit such a reaction from a Jedi Master?

"Mister Skywalker, might I ask who you and Councilor Organa met with? I mean, if it's a confidential matter, I completely understand. There's no need to discuss it. I was merely curious because I sensed what seemd like shock coming from you, but it could have been a misunderstanding on my part."

I smile. "It's alright. It's something that might affect us. It was man that Leia once knew. He...was..." My shoulders slump and brows furrow as this overwhelming feeling of dread crawls over me. An angry...darkness...

I leap out of the chair. "Come on!" I shout at Boolon as I run towards the lifts. I force the doors open with a wave of my hands, and activate the controls with a flick of the wrist, bypassing any other calls that keep us from reaching the ground floor.

 

[Rain Dog]

I smile. "It's alright. It's something that might affect us. It was man that Leia once knew. He...was..." My shoulders slump and brows furrow as this overwhelming feeling of dread crawls over me. An angry...darkness...

I leap out of the chair. "Come on!" I shout at Boolon as I run towards the lifts. I force the doors open with a wave of my hands, and activate the controls with a flick of the wrist, bypassing any other calls that keep us from reaching the ground floor.

Without thinking, I spring to my feet and follow Mister Skywalker. I'm not sure what's causing all the commotion but I can certainly sense it. I stick close behind the Jedi Master as we approach the lifts. I sense danger...much danger...could the others be in trouble?

 

[wiegeabo]

Without thinking, I spring to my feet and follow Mister Skywalker. I'm not sure what's causing all the commotion but I can certainly sense it. I stick close behind the Jedi Master as we approach the lifts. I sense danger...much danger...could the others be in trouble?

Every time the lift starts to slow down to stop for someone, I force the lift to bypass them. The feeling of danger grows, and is suddenly mixed with a sense of urgency and panic.

I grab my lightsaber when I feel that we're almost where we need to be. The second the doors open, I rush outside-

SNAP-HISS

-and am confronted by the sight of Han, Leia, and the others surrounding a woman I don't recognize. Someone who's seething with a connection to the dark side. I close down my saber.

"So...what'd we miss?"

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Every time the lift starts to slow down to stop for someone, I force the lift to bypass them. The feeling of danger grows, and is suddenly mixed with a sense of urgency and panic.

I grab my lightsaber when I feel that we're almost where we need to be. The second the doors open, I rush outside-

SNAP-HISS

-and am confronted by the sight of Han, Leia, and the others surrounding a woman I don't recognize. Someone who's seething with a connection to the dark side. I close down my saber.

"So...what'd we miss?"

As Luke steps out of the lift, I take my eyes from the woman who had just tried to kill me, to meet my brother's concerned gaze.

"The usual. Someone tried to assassinate me, and her partner got away."

 

[Rain Dog]

As Luke steps out of the lift, I take my eyes from the woman who had just tried to kill me, to meet my brother's concerned gaze.

"The usual. Someone tried to assassinate me, and her partner got away."

"Oh, dear...is everyone alright? And do we know who is responsible?"

 

[Carnage27]

"Zsinj," I hiss, probably with too much anger. I calm myself before continuing. "He's the one that attacked Corellia as well. He may be the one leading the Empire."

"I don't think so," I shake my head. "The intel Dad and I got on my last mission with the Republic said that an alien was the current leader. Zsinj could be working for him."

"Or that could have been false intel purposely leaked," I shrug.

"Anything's possible with the Empire."

 

[wiegeabo]

The reports from the Imperial intelligence network make me grin. Apparently, there are rumors spreading far and wide that a new Jedi has appeared on Jomark. And not just a Jedi, but some people believe he might even be some sort of Jedi master.

It's only a matter of time now...

"And the Draukyze attack force?" I ask, scrolling down to the pertinent information.

"Gathered at the staging area and awaiting the launch time."

"Very good. And Ackbar's response so far?"

"Our spies report that the Republic has been forced to provide escort squadrons with virtually every shipment. And they are still suffering a serious shortage in freighters."

"Not surprising. We've forced them to spread their supply lines far thinner than they ever anticipated. There's a reason these tactics worked so well for the Rebels."

"Indeed, Admirial. Everything is proceeding according to plan."

I lean back in my chair. "That is the problem, Captain. Nothing ever goes exactly to plan."

"But what haven't we accounted for, Admiral?"

"That's the question, Captain. The problem isn't that I don't have an answer...it's that I have too many. But...I do have some ideas..."

"Any you care to share, sir?"

I think for a moment. "Not at this time. I want to be left alone now, Captain. If you would over see the raid on Draukyze from the bridge?"

"Of course, sir." Pellaeon gives me a respective nod and leaves my chamber.

"Completely alone," I say out loud. There's no sound in the room until the door slides open and Rukh departs.

I start typing into the console on my chair and bring the lights down. The holgraphic imagers spark to life, and the art of the world of Fondor fill the room around me.

I lean back and cross my fingers under my chin as I begin my analysis.

"What are you planning, Zsinj...?"

I bend closer to the pair of intricate vases. I study each in turn. While obviously not direct copies of one another, each vase attempts to fulfill the same role. In ornate decoration, and abstract styling, they strive to depict the rise of the Old Republic from the darkness that consumed the galaxy beforehand.

And just like every other piece of art I've examined, the example from Fondor is the inferior.

That's not to say the work from that world is not exquisite. All of the art I've examined have been remarkable pieces of art. And yet, they never quite surpass the beauty that is produced from other worlds.

It seems to be a common theme with Fondor. No matter what they do, they never seem to be the best at anything. Even their shipyards, spoken of throughout the galaxy, are surpassed by those of Kuat and Corellia.

If one were to carry the this idea further, it could also be said of the leaders the world produces. Great minds...but never quite the best.

Smiling to myself, I banish the holograms away and step onto the bridge with unwavering confidence. Captain Pellaeon busily works with a couple of lower ranked personnel. No doubt busy coordinating the upcoming attack on Draukyze.

"Captain."

Pellaeon quickly straightens. "Sir. The task force will soon be ready-"

I dismiss the report with a wave of my hand. "I'm sure it is. But that is not what I want to discuss." I start walking down the catwalk towards an area where we can speak in private. Pellaeon quickly gives orders to the men, than follows behind me.

"Admiral?"

"As soon as the task force is dispatched, have the Chimera and two support destroyers set course for Dathomir."

"...Admiral?"

"I wish to meet with Grand Moff Zsinj. Personally, this time. I believe it's time to put our differences aside."

Pellaeon just continues to stand still, completely perplexed. "I'm...not sure I understand, sir."

"There has been a mission I have been considering, and I think Zsinj's forces can be of use."

"...I see." Clearly Pellaeon did not, but he was smart enough not to question my orders in front of the crew.

"Let me know when we're under way." I turn and depart the bridge, leaving Pellaeon standing there in utter confusion.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

As the Lady Luck makes it's way through the skies above Worlport, Joren reaches out in the Force in an attempt to find any trace of the familiar presence of Kelsa, however, with the millions of beings in the continent below, it is impossible for him to pinpoint her presence, though for an instant he does believe that he can feel her. Though, he isn't sure if he can actually feel her, or if it is more wishful thinking on his part.

After what seems like an eternity, the Lady Luck finally touches down in the spaceport, not too far from their destination. Several minutes later Joren, Deena, and Dono disembark the Lady Luck, leaving the old man Savien to watch the ship while they go to find the bounty hunter Drexlan, and hopefully Kelsa as well.

"So, where exactly are we going?" Deena asks as they head out into the spaceport.

"The Lady Fate Casino."

"Well...this should be fun."

 

[NiteMare Shape]

Zsinj jumps from his bed with a start as the Iron Fist's proximity alarms come blaring to life.

"Fierfek!" Zsinj cries out as he stumbles in the darkness of his quarters, tripping and falling on his face, then scrambling to his feet.

He activates the glow rods in his chambers, and quickly grabs an overcoat, then makes his way down the long hall cursing in no fewer than sever different languages.

To the bridge crew of the Iron Fist, the sight of their Admiral, Grand Moff Zsinj striding toward the bridge cursing wildly in his night clothes would be scandalous, and may cause rumors of not only his ability to lead the renant into question, but also the state of his mental health.

However, this is not a normal situation, and hardly a crew member bats an eye as Zsinj comes to a stop next to Captain Tylon, who is standing next to a communications officer.

"What in the name of the stars is going on?!" Zsinj demands.

Captain Tylon turns to look at Zsinj, his face ashen and in stark contrast to the bright red coloration in Zsinj's face.

"Sir, a Star Destroyer and several support ships came out of hyperspace nearly on top of us, which--" He is cut off by Zsinj's angry roar.

"Who would dare-?" This time it is Zsinj who is cut off.

"Sir, the ship's transponder code identifies it as the Imperial Star Destroyer Chimaera."

Zsinj just looks at Captain Tylon for a moment as if weighing whether or not to throttle the Captain for speaking out of turn, then stops and looks to the floor, then again meets the gaze of the captain.

"Thrawn." He says as he turns back down the hall and returns to his chambers, this act of hostility will be met, and the Admiral will be damned if he does so in his pajamas.

 

[NiteMare Shape]

As the Lady Luck makes it's way through the skies above Worlport, Joren reaches out in the Force in an attempt to find any trace of the familiar presence of Kelsa, however, with the millions of beings in the continent below, it is impossible for him to pinpoint her presence, though for an instant he does believe that he can feel her. Though, he isn't sure if he can actually feel her, or if it is more wishful thinking on his part.

After what seems like an eternity, the Lady Luck finally touches down in the spaceport, not too far from their destination. Several minutes later Joren, Deena, and Dono disembark the Lady Luck, leaving the old man Savien to watch the ship while they go to find the bounty hunter Drexlan, and hopefully Kelsa as well.

"So, where exactly are we going?" Deena asks as they head out into the spaceport.

"The Lady Fate Casino."

"Well...this should be fun."

As Joren, Deena, and Dono enter the Lady Fate Casino, they are all taken aback by the vast beauty of the building. All throughout the casino, tables are set up with various games of chance from all corners of the galaxy. Sculptures and other decorations adorn the floor, as well as a massive waterfall in the center of the atrium.

In the far corner is a sports betting area, where a group of beings of various species gather around holo screens to watch the Galactic Cup of Limmie. The sounds of cheers, mixed with groans fill the area as one of the teams in the current contest scores.

As they make their way through the casino, Joren suddenly gets a sense of something....a familiar presence somewhere in the casino.

"This way." He says, pointing to a doorway at the back of the casino, possibly leading to a VIP area or some other area that normal partons don't get to visit.

The door is guarded by a Rodian and a Weequay, both looking eager for trouble...any sort of trouble.

Joren and the others make their way to the door, and are predictably stopped by the pair of guards.

"No Entry." The Rodian hisses.

"It's alright. We're expected." Joren says, as he touches the Rodian's mind with the Force, reinforcing his words with the strong suggestion that the guards will be severely punished if they do not let the trio pass.

The Rodian turns to his partner, "It's alright. They're expected." And steps aside, opening the door and allowing them to pass.

As the doors close behind Joren, Dono, and Deena, none of them feel the pair of watchful eyes, observing their every move from the shadows.